Amanda looked at me with great big eyes. I could tell she was falling for me. I had been carefully weaving my web all night long. From the long and mostly fake story about the bear, to the make out session in front of her ex, to the dancing – it was all just a way to lure her in. And now, I finally had her trapped.
I leaned down slowly, kissing her lips ever so gently. They were soft and sweet, exactly the way I liked them.
As the kiss continued, she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. As she parted her lips, my tongue slithered inside, wrapping with hers. I tightened my grip, leaning her down even further. My other hand reached for her thigh, her long, shapely legs exposed by the long slit in her dress. I crept my hand further along her leg, getting into dangerous territory. I waited for her to push me away, but she never did.
I definitely had her trapped.
Eventually, I let her get back up, breaking away from the kiss. She kept her eyes closed for a moment longer as if savoring the taste of my kiss. I smirked. “And then you say you’re not a good dancer…” I complimented her, loving the way her cheeks turned rosy as I did.
“That was… amazing.” She breathed. “I never danced that way with anyone before.”
“Well, you’ve obviously never been with a man like me.” I winked at her.
Her blush grew even darker. Thinking it would be unwise to push her any further, I took her hand and guided her to a table. I pulled out a chair for her. “Thanks.”
“Do you want anything from the bar?” I asked with a grin. Her ex was still sitting there, a sour expression now permanently etched on his face. “I wouldn’t mind a word with your ex.”
She shook her head at my suggestion. “You can’t.”
“Why not?”
“He’s not the nicest guy… and I don’t want you to get caught up in that.” She took a deep breath, glancing over at him. “Honestly, he’s not worth my time. I’ve cried about him enough and tonight, I’m not going to let him ruin anything.” She said firmly, her hand on my forearm, squeezing it slightly. “I’ve been having a really nice time with you…”
“I’m glad.” I gently pinned a strand of her hair behind her ear. Just before I could lean in for the kiss, I heard someone approaching us. I turned around and cursed under my breath. The woman I had been hiding from had finally found me.
She had a look of wrath on her face, her cheeks red, her eyes narrowed and her lips pressed so hard together that they were nothing but a thin line.
Fuck, this wasn’t good.
Before I could move away, she had already closed the distance between us. Her hand lifted in a blur and seconds later, she had slapped me across the face so hard that my cheeks burned.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Amanda cried out, standing in front of me like she was going to defend me.
The woman stared at Amanda for a moment before shaking her head. “Let me guess, this guy has been treating you good all night long. Saying all the right words. Doing all the right things to make you think that maybe, just maybe, your fucked-up life won’t be so bad anymore. It’s all just a lie!”
“Penelope… there’s no need to be so harsh. Things between us simply didn’t work out. There’s no need to hold a grudge.”
“Hold a grudge…” She repeated, pushing Amanda out of the way. “You got some nerve, you know that?” She pulled me by the lapels. “You’re a no good, low life cheater, that’s what you are. You use women for your sick little games before you kick them to the curb like yesterday’s garbage.” She hissed.
I had almost forgotten how fiery Penny’s temper could be.
“And now you’re trying to do the same thing to this poor girl? Have you no shame?”
“I’m doing nothing of the sort! I am offended that you would accuse me of such a thing.” I said smoothly, hoping I could defuse the situation before it got too messy. “Just because things didn’t work out between us, doesn’t mean you can march over here and call me a cheater.”
“You robbed me. Robbed me blind.” Before I could stop her, she reached into my pocket, pulling out the plunder I had stolen from Amanda’s home.
Her eyes widened when she saw the gold chain. “Luke…?” Her voice wavering. “What were you doing with this…?” She asked, picking it off the floor and looking at it as if to make sure it was hers. “Did you steal this… from my safe?”
“That’s what he does… he gets us to trust him… and then he robs us right underneath our noses.”
I pushed Penny away, knowing I had gotten myself into quite the pickle. I was about to walk away when she grabbed a glass of champagne and threw the drink in my face. “Bastard.” She walked away, her hips swaying.
I looked up at Amanda who was still standing there, the chain in her hand. “Amanda… you can’t believe her. I can explain.”
Suddenly, my face was having a second helping of champagne. I blinked the liquid away and by the time my vision cleared, she was already halfway across the room, heading for the exit.
Usually, I didn’t run after them, but for some reason, I just couldn’t let Amanda go.