Just One More Mistletoe (Sterling Family #2.5)

Chapter Three

M ax wrapped an arm around Brandy’s shoulder and tucked her into his side, away from view of the patrons in the bar. His protectiveness warmed her, as he shielded her from prying eyes and she let him lead her to the back of the paneled pub, decorated with silver and green tinsel along the top of dark wood. There was no way he could hear her above the din so she waited until they’d reached their destination before pulling on his hand and capturing his attention. “What do you do for a living?”

“Private investigator. Why?”

“No special reason. I was just curious.”

“Ask away. I have nothing to hide.” He turned toward the bar. “Hi, Stevie,” he said to the cute female server. “Can we get a round of…”

Max turned toward Brandy and she shrugged. “Whatever you’re having is fine.”

“Two Coronas.”

Stevie nodded, then turned toward a high bar table. “Brownie,” Jake, the bartender, called to a man seated there. “Give Max his table, okay?”

“What?” Brandy asked.

Max shrugged. “I have a standing seat in the corner.” He gestured toward a high table with two barstools where an older man was clearing out.

“He doesn’t have to give up his seat for us,” Brandy said.

“He definitely does. If they don’t throw him out of here, he drinks too much. He’s too lazy to stand on his feet all night. This way he’ll go home and sleep it off.” Max caressed her face with his knuckles. “Trust me. I’ve been through this routine before.”

“You’ve kicked him out for his own good? Or kicked him out to make room for you and another woman?” She bit the inside of her cheek, hating herself for asking but needing the answer just the same.

“There are no other women.”

Brandy liked the answer, but couldn’t help wondering if he was telling her what he thought she wanted to hear. Seconds later, he dispelled her concerns by cupping her cheeks in his palms and lowering his lips for a seductive, heated kiss. One that left her gasping for air, unable to think, and the subject of intense speculation, she realized, as he lifted his head.

The stares of onlookers turned into a slow round of applause and more than one whistle of approval.

Embarrassed, she lowered herself onto the high stool with shaking knees, just as Stevie arrived with their drinks.

“You sure do know how to make an entrance. I didn’t know you were his girl,” Stevie said to Brandy.

“ His girl?” Brandy was mortified but Stevie just laughed.

“You’ve both been here and never run into each other,” Stevie said. “I supposed that’s because the bar is always packed solid. But I’ve worked here for years and he’s never brought a woman before. If you can think of another label, let me know.” Winking, Stevie placed the bottles on the table.

“See? Proof to back up my claim.” Max sounded smug and Brandy was happy.

Stevie held her tray against her black shirt. “Can I get you two something to eat? The burgers are the best.”

Max raised his eyebrows, silently asking her to choose.

“A burger sounds great,” she said.

“Two,” he said and Stevie walked off to put in their order.

Max dragged the empty stool close to hers and swung himself into it.

She nodded. “So you’ve got your own table. Do you call this place home?” Brandy liked the rustic, comfortable decor. The place emitted warmth and a down-home atmosphere that welcomed its customers.

“As a matter of fact, I do. I have an apartment upstairs… if you’d like to see it.”

“Really.” She leaned forward and rested her chin on her hand, her heart beating out a rapid crescendo in her chest. They’d just met tonight but she’d never felt so much so fast. “And if I don’t?” she asked softly.

Max leaned closer. “If you don’t, we eat dinner and I drive you to wherever you live.”

“And if I would like to see your place?”

“Then tonight you stay with me.”

His warm breath tickled her cheek and she realized she could easily fall hard for this man. All six feet of him put her at a petite disadvantage, yet for a woman who prided herself on her independence, she had to admit she liked his overpowering air and the heady way he made her feel.

Enough to consider spending the night?

“Your burgers have arrived.” Stevie interrupted the electric current of awareness running between them. She set the plates on the table. “Can I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you,” they said at the same time.

Stevie chuckled. “Well, you two be good,” she said and left them to eat.

***

Max ate and watched Brandy do the same. He wasn’t a guy prone to talking about himself but she had him explaining the types of cases he handled and describing the thrill of working in the field as opposed to behind a desk or in a courtroom the way his father had wanted. To his surprise, she didn’t turn her nose up or question his choices. If anything, she not only approved but seemed to envy his ability to walk away from the pressure and grind to do what he enjoyed.

No matter what they discussed Max found himself drawn to her. Not just because they shared a passion for take-out Mexican food and running in fresh air, but because she was unique. She was a woman who made him want to open up, a woman who interested him so much he wanted to know more about her life, and a woman who accepted the choices he made. A woman he desired not just in his bed, though that was a given, but in his life, to see where things led.

And if her footwork was any indication, she wanted the same thing. She’d obviously let her elf boots fall to the floor and she’d brushed her foot against his leg one too many times for it to be accidental. The light flush in her cheeks and her inability to look him head-on told him she didn’t find her overt moves easy. But he was grateful for her interest and he intended to keep things light and fun—to give her space to decide how far she wanted to take things, knowing he wouldn’t accept just tonight. It would be her decision to stay or go, no matter how much his body ached with growing need.

Conversation became more difficult as she intentionally massaged his calf with the arch of her foot, inching it upward beneath the table.

He leaned closer. “You’re a naughty girl, Brandy.” He captured her foot between his legs, stilling her arousing movements.

It was either stop her or let her continue her upward climb, in which case their evening would end before it ever began.

“Being naughty’s the whole point, Max.”

“You sound like a woman with a plan.” He paused, thinking of their unusual meeting. “And it started with that kiss.”

Her lips lifted in a smile. “I already told you I acted on opportunity.”

“In a way that was out of character.” Max was as certain Brandy wanted him as he was that she had a bad case of nerves.

“And you know this how?” She drummed her fingertips on the table, trying hard to maintain her nonchalant fa?ade.

Max grinned. “Gut instinct.”

***

Max understood her already, Brandy thought, as she inclined her head. Not only did he get her in a way few people did but he seemed to see inside her, too. Her aggressive act was just that, an act, but in no way did that minimize how badly she wanted this night with him.

He stopped her nervous tapping and threaded his fingers through hers. “Relax, sweetheart.”

The softly spoken endearment wrapped around her heart and her adrenaline picked up speed. “You really think that’s possible?”

He shrugged. “I know so. We’re going to get to know each other better. We’ll have fun. And nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen. So relax and come with me.”

She’d follow him anywhere, Brandy thought. And despite the fact that she’d never done anything that resembled a one-night stand before, she wanted everything to happen. She just needed to gather her nerve. He put too much cash on the table and rose. She noticed for the first time the bar had emptied out of customers while they talked.

She placed her hand in his and let him lead her into a back room she hadn’t seen earlier because of the crowd. Only the main manager remained, locked up in her office. Even Stevie had gone home.

“As I’m sure you know, Remy and Zach recently expanded the bar. Once they started showcasing bands on alternate Fridays, they needed space. Then the building next door became available for rent so they put in a game room.”

“I haven’t been in this room often.”

In the corner, beside the rack holding the pool cues, a Christmas tree took up a lot of space in the small room. The tree beckoned to her, with its worn decor, aged by time and handling, hanging from its branches. Though it wasn’t professionally decorated with pricey ornaments like the one in the office, this Christmas display showed thoughtfulness, warmth, and caring.

She reached out and lightly fingered a cut-out teddy bear hanging from a crudely bent pipe cleaner. “This is so sweet.”

Max came up behind her. His body heat and masculine scent put her nerve endings on high alert.

“The daughter of one of the bartenders, Luke, made it her first year in kindergarten,” he said.

“And this one?” With a trembling hand, she pointed to a clay angel, made with obvious talent and love.

“A customer.” Max’s warm breath fanned her ear. “Remy could tell you who gave him each one.”

Brandy nodded, impressed. “And what was your contribution?”

“What makes you so sure I made one?”

“Intuition.” The man would put his mark on everything in his life, she thought. Including herself.

“Smart woman. I supply the tree each year.”

Brandy turned to find him very close and what little composure remained nearly shattered beneath his steamy gaze.

“Ever play pool?” he asked, changing the subject.

Brandy’s shoulders lowered and she smiled, feeling on safer ground. “Too many times to count.”

“Then we don’t need lessons.” He grabbed her hand and strode the few steps to the pool table. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he lifted her onto the lacquered edge.

She licked her lips, wondering why she’d deluded herself into an illusion of safety. Around Max, she was constantly off balance, desire never far away. “No lessons,” she agreed, wondering what would come next.

“Then how about we play each other? For intriguing stakes.” His deep eyes bored into hers.

“What do you have in mind?”

“It’s called getting to know you. For every ball I miss, I admit something about myself. Something deep and personal or… something I desire.” His voice deepened to a husky drawl.

She tried to swallow but her mouth had grown dry. “And if you get the ball into the pocket?”

She watched the pulse beat in his neck, and acting on impulse, she pressed a light kiss against his skin. He let out a low growl. “If I make my shot, you remove an article of clothing. Same rules apply for you. What do you say?”

Arousal beat a heavy rhythm in her veins. Naughty or nice, Brandy thought. Did she have the nerve to participate in his game? To take their night to its ultimate conclusion?

Under ordinary circumstances, probably not. But nothing about Max or her growing feelings for him was typical—or easy. However, her pool game had never been a problem—not since she’d waitressed in college and learned from the best. “I say, why not?”

He handed her a cue, then proceeded to set up the table. “Do you want to break or should I?”

“I’ll do it.” Brandy figured it was a win-win situation. Either she revealed something about herself or he revealed a bare body part—either way she wouldn’t be the one overexposed.

***

Max stepped back, leaning on his cue as Brandy lined up her shot. The one thing he’d forgotten when suggesting this game was her skimpy outfit—and if the thought of their rules had him hot and bothered, the reality of watching her bent over the table inspired erotic images to rival his steamiest daydream.

“You do realize the lighter the stick, the farther the follow-through,” she said.

“It’s also been said a heavier stick gives you more power,” Max replied but he wasn’t concentrating.

The white fur trim of her skirt had lifted a notch, revealing thigh-high stockings and an enticing glimpse of the pale skin peeking above the elastic lace trim. The sudden rise in heat had nothing to do with the room temperature and everything to do with his sexy elf. His fingers itched to cup her soft flesh and he wanted to lose himself inside her.

The sudden crack of the stick hitting the cue ball broke his train of thought and echoed in the otherwise silent room. Still in a sweat, Max forced himself to focus on the game in time to see a flash of color and a ball ease into the corner pocket. “I’m impressed.”

She straightened and grinned, looking pleased with herself. “One lesson I learned early in life was to never agree to a game I couldn’t win.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He reached for the bottom of his shirt and yanked it over his head, grateful for her decent shot and the opportunity to cool off.

Her lashes fluttered quickly and her eyes opened wide as she stared at his bare chest.

“What’s wrong? Did you forget the rules?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Of course not.” Appearing more flustered than before, she settled in for the next round of play. But this time her hands shook and Max knew for sure his lack of clothing had rattled her. At least now they were on equal footing, he thought, taking in the seductive wiggle of her ass as she lined up her shot.

Sure enough, the next ball went shimmying toward the back wall, missing the pocket. “Sorry, sweetheart. Confession time.”

She turned toward him, eyes big and imploring, a pout on her lips.

He shook his head. “No poor-me look is going to sway me, now spill.” He paused, thinking of her alternatives. “Or you could always opt to speed the game along and remove an item of clothing.”

“My sweet sixteen was my worst birthday,” she said quickly, obviously making her choice.

He suppressed a laugh. “What happened?” He stepped closer, wishing she’d taken him up on his alternative offer.

“My dog ran away.”

“I’m not buying that.” He folded his arms across his chest, gratified when her eyes followed the movement. “But I am listening.”

Her arm brushed his and she didn’t break contact as she said, “Somehow, foster care was alerted and let me know that my father died suddenly, the day before I turned sixteen. My mother was nowhere to be found.”

Max breathed in deeply. A punch in the gut would have been more gentle, but it was his own fault. He’d suggested they reveal something deep and personal, and she had. She trusted him, showing it far more than if she’d removed her clothes.

“What happened?” he asked softly. Though she couldn’t have any fond memories of the man, losing a parent couldn’t be easy. “Heart attack?”

She nodded. “Apparently. And instead of grief, I felt nothing. He’d abandoned me, after all. But that left me feeling like an awful human being.” And with no one to talk to, he assumed, feeling for the young girl she’d been.

The strain in her face and the guilt in her eyes were obvious. “And here I thought my shooting first would leave you more exposed.” She shook her head and treated him to a brief smile. “Your turn.” She gestured to the cue.

Max swallowed hard. Had he really thought this would be light and easy?

“Okay.” Still shaken, he bent over the table and took in his options before lining up his shot, missing the pocket by too much.

He felt her light touch as she tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to find her in his personal space, within kissing distance. He reached for her shoulders and held on.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she whispered, calling him on his deliberately missed shot. An easier play had sat by the corner pocket but he’d chosen to forfeit instead.

“No, I didn’t. But I wanted to.” He’d had two choices. Open a vein and exchange information or watch her peel off the clingy green suit.

No matter how much he’d rather see her undress, he owed her and had to reveal a personal secret. She’d opened up to him tonight. Twice. If his goal was getting closer, he had to return the favor. Besides, he wanted to let her in. For the first time, he wanted to connect with a woman in more places than in bed. He’d proven himself adept at making selfish choices in life, Max thought, but not when it came to Brandy. She was too special.

Gratitude flickered in her eyes and she waited in silence for him to pay up. He wasn’t comfortable and hated like hell for having put himself in this position, but he supposed that spoke of Brandy’s effect on him. “My father resents me for not choosing law and I’ve never measured up to Stephan as Dad’s favorite son.” He tensed, having admitted his deepest vulnerability and laid it out there for her to see.

Her gaze softened. “Your father’s a fool,” she said, then wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer.

Her lips lingered over his and as his chest rasped against her fur-lined V-neck, he needed more than a simple kiss. He fumbled for her zipper, the one that would allow him to peel off the outfit and bare her for him to see. But she pulled back before he could get a decent grasp and he groaned.

“Your last miss didn’t count,” she said in a husky voice. “Now play pool.”

He wagged a finger in the air. “Like I said, naughty girl.”

“What fun is it if you don’t have to work for it?”

“Trust me, sweetheart, it’d be plenty fun. But if you insist, I’ll take another turn.” Having laid his soul bare, he knew it was time to turn up the heat. “But before I make this next shot…”

“You’re too confident about your gaming abilities,” she said, interrupting him.

“Aren’t you the one who said never play a game you can’t win? But if at any point you change your mind…”

She shook her head. “I wouldn’t have let you bring me here if I wasn’t sure.”

He let out a slow breath of air that did little to help his rapidly beating heart. “Just remember, it’s your choice.”

She looked at him in a way no one—no woman—had ever looked at him before, with just the right mixture of trust, reverence, and desire to make a man fall to his knees.

“You’re a nice guy, Max.”

He’d never been called nice before and he knew his actions tonight were as unique as she was. “You’re pretty damn special yourself.” He leaned over the table and easily made his next shot, then walked a few steps to line up the next. “But something tells me you won’t be thinking such great thoughts about me after this,” he said, sinking another ball as he spoke, then his third before shifting her way.

He focused on her and his breath caught in his throat. She’d left her shoes under the table in the other room and Max hadn’t realized how little remained—the shirt, skirt, and belt, all three items she’d discarded while he was upping the ante and making his shots.

She faced him now, his most erotic dream come to life. Her clothes lay in a pile beside her. Her blonde hair, tousled and full, caressed her shoulders. The body he’d glimpsed through the barrier of clothing and imagined in his mind had nothing on reality. A black lace bra cut in a deep V contrasted with and revealed creamy mounds of flesh, while a whisper-light-looking bikini bottom barely covered her sex.

She met his gaze and shrugged, a deep blush staining her cheeks and an embarrassed fidget to her stance. “I forgot to mention that when I lose—no matter how unlikely—I always pay up.”

He edged his finger beneath one delicate bra strap, savoring the feel of her soft flesh beneath his roughened fingertips. “If you consider this a loss, then we have nothing further to—”

“Shh.” She placed one finger over his lips. “That was a figure of speech.”

His tongue darted out and he tasted her, a combination of salty skin and female softness. She sucked in a startled breath but she didn’t remove her hand. Instead, she traced the outline of his mouth with her fingertip, leaving him incredibly aroused by her touch.

“The game’s over, Max, and I’d call it even.”

He grinned. “Win–win.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Taking that as his cue, Max did what he’d been dying to do since he’d laid eyes on her standing beside the Christmas tree—he spanned her bare waist with his hands, curling his fingers around her back and kneading his palms into her skin.

She let out a low, throaty moan. Need, want, and desire collided as her back arched and her breasts reached toward him, almost as if in supplication. Max didn’t want to deny her.

And he could no longer deny himself.