I smile, clinking my glass against his. "To new beginnings," I echo, taking a sip of the bubbly liquid. It's crisp and refreshing, dancing on my tongue.
"So, Arabella," Tanner says, leaning in close so I can hear him over the music. "What brings you out tonight? Celebrating something?"
I hesitate for a moment, unsure how much to reveal to this handsome stranger. "Sort of," I finally admit. "I'm starting a new job on Monday. My friends wanted to give me a proper send-off."
His eyebrows raise, a look of intrigue crossing his face. "A new job? That's exciting."
"It is, what about you, Tanner, what brings you here tonight?”
Tanner's eyes twinkle mischievously as he leans in closer. "Would you believe me if I said I came here hoping to meet a beautiful woman?"
I can't help but laugh, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. "Smooth talker, aren't you?"
He grins, not denying it. "Only when the situation calls for it.”
My heart races. God, he truly is a smooth talker, but I like it. He’s gorgeous, in his early forties, I’d say, and he dresses impeccably. The smile he gives me is sexy as hell and makes me weak at the knees. We sit at the bar, his body pressed close to mine as we talk about everything and nothing. It’s fun and I really do like him.
“I’m not ready to say goodbye,” he says thickly. “Want to come back to mine?”
My breath hitches. Do I? Hell, bloody yes. “That would be great,” I whisper. My eyes locked on his. Tanner's smile widens, his eyes darkening with desire. He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers as he leads me towards the exit. I catch a glimpse of Juni and Cherry, both giving me thumbs up and exaggerated winks. I shake my head, laughing silently at their antics.
The cool night air hits us as we step outside, a welcome relief from the stuffy club. Tanner hails a cab, and as we slide into the backseat, he gives the driver his address. The ride is quiet, filled with anticipation and stolen glances. His hand rests on my thigh, his thumb tracing small circles that send shivers through my body.
As we arrive at Tanner's place, my heart is racing with excitement and nervous energy. He leads me into a sleek, modern apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. The view is breathtaking, but not nearly as captivating as the man standing before me.
Tanner turns to face me, his eyes dark with desire. "Can I get you anything? Another drink perhaps?"
I shake my head, stepping closer to him. "I think I've had enough to drink tonight. What I really want is you."
A slow smile spreads across his face as he closes the distance between us. His hand cups my cheek, thumb brushing softly against my skin. "I was hoping you'd say that," he murmurs before his lips capture mine in a searing kiss.
The kiss is everything I'd imagined and more. His lips are soft yet demanding, and I melt into his embrace. My heart races as his muscular arms encircle me, pulling me closer. The scent of his cologne - woodsy and masculine - fills my senses. I run my fingers through his thick hair as our kiss deepens, growing more passionate by the second.
A small moan escapes my throat, and I feel him smile against my lips. He pulls back slightly, his piercing blue eyes gazing into mine with an intensity that makes me weak in the knees.
"I've been waiting all night to do that," he murmurs, his voice husky.
"Me too," I whisper back, my cheeks flushed.
He traces my jawline with his thumb, sending shivers down my spine. His lips slam hard against mine, and I can’t help but push my body against his, my hands sliding down his chest to his shirt buttons. God, I want him.
Tanner's hands roam my body, setting my skin on fire with every touch. He breaks our kiss, trailing his lips along my neck as I fumble with the buttons of his shirt. My breath comes in short gasps as he finds a sensitive spot just below my ear.
"Bedroom?" he murmurs against my skin.
I can only nod, not trusting my voice. He scoops me up in his arms, and I wrap my legs around his waist as he carries me down the hallway. We tumble onto his bed in a tangle of limbs and half-removed clothing.
Tanner hovers over me, his eyes dark with desire. "You're so beautiful," he says, his voice thick with emotion.
I pull him down for another kiss, pouring all my wants and needs into it. He pulls back, grinning at me as I lie breathless beneath him. Tanner's touch is electric as he trails his fingers along my body. I arch into him, craving more, needing more, wanting him to fuck me.
He takes his time, worshipping my body with his lips and hands until I'm trembling with anticipation. I’ve never had a man take the time to get me revved up before. Tanner knows what the hell he’s doing, that’s for sure.
“Are you sure about this, Bella?” he rasps, his cock thick and full as he positions himself at my entrance. I love that he calls me Bella, especially with that raspy, thick tone of his.
I hook my leg around the back of his and pull him closer to me. “I want you,” I breathe.
With a low groan, Tanner slowly pushes inside me. I gasp at the delicious stretch, my fingers digging into his shoulders as he fills me completely. He stills for a moment, allowing me to adjust to his size.
