Chapter 3 Bar

My cheeks warmed up. Good, then. Perhaps he actually had some game.

Is that it?" I questioned myself, struggling to breathe.

"Tell me what noises you make in bed, please. And other really unsuitable topics that you shouldn't discuss with someone when you first meet them.

I could only manage, "I see."

Our knees touched the bar as Carlos leaned a little closer. Does that indicate where my focus is currently and which tasks I'll require the most assistance with?"

The magnetism buzzing between us is so strong that you could almost cut it with a knife. My insides felt like they were melting since it was just too warm in here. positively, not in the I'm going to throw my cookies way.

I took another sip of my drink and handed it back to the bar, saying, "Very much so." Time to switch to a safer subject. I said, gesturing at his suit as I tried to focus on the talk and not think about Carlos's package. "So, the martinis, the suit." Are you some sort of successful businessman?"

He made another low, sensual giggle and rubbed the back of his neck, saying, "Not exactly." "I work for the city as a civil engineer. You know, construction work and transportation. Really interesting stuff," he added in jest.

I grinned, glad he wasn't an executive from a company. I had slept with them more times than I could count. About as fascinating as a baked potato-dry and boring. No, I believe it's fantastic.

"Most women tune me out the moment I mention public transportation."

I grinned and continued, "Well, I'm not most women," looking back into his eyes.

He kept my stare for a time, then sipped his martini again and said, "I can see that."

Normally, I would be so relaxed and confident, but this dude was sexy on an entirely different level.

He leaned in closer and said, "I have to admit, I only ordered the martinis to wow you. I typically drink beer.

I made an effort to stop myself from gasping. Was he attempting to win me over? I didn't anticipate that.

What do you do then?" He asked, breaking up my train of thought.

"I publish a gossip blog."

Usually, when I say that, males become defensive because they assume it is a side job or a pastime. Carlos, though, nodded attentively as he absorbed every word I said. Additionally, there was a low fire crackling between us that was just begging to be ignited.

"That's significantly more fascinating than my job. How did you end up there?"

I sighed. I have always enjoyed writing. Although I had no intention of writing about famous people, a buddy of mine had a connection, and I seemed to be a natural at it, so I kept at it.

"That sounds like fun."

I placed my empty glass on the bar and said, "You'd be surprised."" I spend a lot of time researching stories while alone in my apartment wearing sweats. Don't get me wrong, though; I adore my work.

We had an easy time chatting, and after another hour of flirting and joking, I realized that it had been a while since I had so much fun. It was great to speak with a man who was so laid-back and who truly seemed interested in what I had to say rather than what I could do for him. His eyes were a fascinating hue somewhere between coffee and cognac. I didn't really need this close of a connection because all I wanted was a nice time, not a lifelong partner. Even so, it was pleasant.

He drank his last sip of martini. "Should we receive a second round?"

Before I could respond, I was jolted from behind, and in order to regain my balance, I put my hand on Carlos's chest. He was tough and strong below his shirt, showing that he didn't skimp on his workouts.

I bit back the urge to grab his shirt and nudge him in my direction. Instead, I took a step back and collected myself. Normally, I wouldn't be fooled by a person this easily, but there was something about him that made my pulse race like a teenager. I was done with drinking. I wished for Carlos. In addition, I was concerned that having one more drink with him would cause me to become shamefully intoxicated.

"Perhaps we could just leave this place? I sneakily remarked.

For a brief while, he appeared surprised, but he immediately recovered. "We could do that, too."

I told Carlos I'd meet him outside while feeling anxious and eager, then I went to find Nita and Bella. They had undoubtedly been watching the entire event because they were crowded in a bar corner.

As I approached, Nita exclaimed eagerly, "He looked extremely into you.

I smiled and said, "We're going to his place." Since I was currently sort of homeless, I hoped that we were. And I was pretty sure it wasn't cool to hook up on your soon-to-be ex-roommate's couch.

Bella gave my butt a little slap and said, "You go, girl."

I quickly gathered them together in a bear hug. I adore you guys.

Nita motioned for me to go outside and added, "Tell us everything tomorrow."

Carlos had a cab waiting for him outside. I thought I had never met somebody this attractive who also had manners until he opened the door for me, and I climbed inside.

As we sat in the back of the cab, anxiety was rising due to the unstated agenda that was taking place directly in front of us. I was all too aware of how near we were. I moved to sit next to him, pressing my body against his without being able to stop myself. I took a short breath when his solid chest leaned against my shoulder and wrapped an arm around me. Instantaneously, my body reacted, with my lady parts operating at full capacity.

Despite being such a gentle touch, the way he trailed his fingers down my arm and along my shoulder hinted at much more to come. My fingers caressed his oh-so-very-muscular thigh while I looked away from the rest of him. He was obviously well endowed, if the bulge in his trousers was any clue.

I swallowed because I felt dizzy from how badly I needed him. I had earlier drunk some liquid courage, and it was working perfectly. I couldn't help but wonder what he could do in the bedroom if he could make me feel this way when I was fully clothed in a cab.

Even though the trip was brief, by the time we arrived at Carlos's two-story colonial, I didn't feel like waiting any longer.

At his front door, he halted as he took out his keys. "I probably ought to caution you. I'm obligated to pay the nanny.

"The nursery?" I wasn't understanding since my mind was a little foggy from all the tequila shots. Was this some strange fetish for sex?

He said nervously, "I have a daughter. Is that all right?"

I'm not usually a big fan of kids. However, I was inebriated and had been daydreaming about Carlos being naked for the previous two hours, so I wasn't going to stress over any children he might have.

"Sure, that. I instantly responded, "That's okay with me," and he exhaled in relief.

As he paid the sitter, I had a look around inside as we entered. There were photos of him with a little girl with dark hair. I momentarily pondered her mother. But I wasn't here to learn about his life; I was there to take advantage of a custom known as birthday sex.

I tried my best to appear like I belonged here and that Carlos and I weren't going to have a super-classy, inebriated one-night stand when the babysitter peered at me while I was looking at the pictures. She ultimately left after a brief conversation in silence with Carlos.

His well-toned chest and biceps strained against the material of his shirt as he removed his suit jacket. I moved in his direction, eager to begin my birthday in style.

If this was how I rang in my thirty-first birthday, the year was going to start out very well.