SWNOVELS Here With Me: Chapter 2
As soon as I walk into the lounge, I’m tempted to walk right back out.
What the fuck am I doing?
Noah’s gorgeous and charming and at least twenty years younger than me. I shouldn’t have been staring at her, but I couldn’t help it. The moment my eyes landed on her, she consumed me.
She exuded so much energy and excitement it was impossible not to notice her. The way she cheered for her friend and got everyone excited brought me back to my bull-riding days when competing was my life and the crowds would go wild. Watching her had adrenaline roaring through my body, and I wasn’t even the one in the arena.
When she sat next to me, my heart seized at our proximity. I nearly swallowed my tongue when she spoke to me.
Why the hell would she be interested in a guy twice her age?
Once the initial shock of her coming up to me wore off, it was too late. She’d already walked away with an invitation to meet her for a drink. After my long day, I wasn’t planning to stop at the bar, but the thought of seeing her again was too intriguing not to go.
It took me two hours to talk myself into going in the first place, and now that I’ve found her, I can’t keep my eyes off her.
She smiles and laughs while chatting with customers and the other bartenders. She hands out drinks and sways to the live music. Scrubbing my sweaty palms down my jeans, I walk over and hope she’s as happy to see me as I am to see her.
As soon as her gaze finds me, her lips split into a wide grin, and she walks over with a Budweiser.
“You came.” Her face lights up as she sets down a napkin and the bottle in front of me. “But now the question is, did ya come for my number or the free beer?”
“I came to see you. The drink’s just a bonus.” After taking a seat, I take a sip. The liquid helps cool me down as her flirty inspection heats my body.
Her brows rise as she digs into her pocket and pulls out two napkins. She looks between them before settling on one and shoving the other back. “In that case, I’ll give you this.”
When I look down at it, I grin when I read her number. “How’d ya know I’d come?”
“I didn’t, but I was optimistic.” She shrugs, resting her elbows on the bar and inching closer. “I figured if ya hadn’t shown up by the end of the night, I’d give it to the next best-lookin’ guy.”
My muscles flex as I lean toward her and continue to give her my full attention. “The next best, huh? Who woulda that been?”
“See that guy over there…” She nods toward a man chatting in the corner holding a glass of dark liquor. “His name is Hunter. Thirty-two. He’s a publicist for one of the big-shot bull riders. Used to ride, too.”
Taking a drink, I size up the guy and force myself to keep breathing. He’s not that impressive. In my heydays of being a rider, I bet I could’ve run circles around him.
Noah twirls a loose piece of her golden blond hair. “Suit and tie ain’t really my type, but he seems cocky enough to at least give good oral. But if I had to guess, you’d be better at it.”
Choking on my beer at her sudden outburst, I cough until it clears down my throat. Jesus Christ. She’s trying to kill me.
“You alright? You choke a lot.” She hands me a fresh napkin, and I take it to wipe my mouth.
“You keep takin’ me by surprise.” My voice is full of gravel as I try to choke down the lump of nerves.
Her hands go to her hips as her cherry-red lips curve into a grin. “You’re not used to women hittin’ on ya? That seems unlikely.”
I love how bold and free she is. Noah’s unlike anyone I’ve met before, and the urge to claim her mouth is stronger than anything I’ve ever felt.
Blunt, beautiful, and unapologetically herself.
And way too goddamn young.
Shaking my head, I position my hand to hide my smile.
“Are you…blushin’?” she taunts, tilting her head to get a better look at my face.
Straightening my spine, I move my hand down to my aching cock. “No. I don’t blush.”
Noah’s lips curl up into an amused smirk as her own cheeks tint pink. “You, cowboy…are blushin’.”
My pulse jumps, and I grip the Budweiser like it’s my lifeline. “Between the two of us, you’re the one who looks hot and aroused.”
Her eyelashes brush her cheek before she sweeps her gaze up to meet mine. There’s a wild and chaotic flicker behind her hooded eyes as she licks her bottom lip and reveals a secret smile.
I’d like to pull that lush lip between my teeth and explore every inch of her mouth with my tongue.
“I—” She pauses, inhaling a deep breath. When her dress stretches tight against her chest, hard nipples appear as her breasts rise and fall.
“Have I rendered you speechless?” I keep my eyes on hers as I tip the bottle of my beer up and drain it. Thank God the other bartenders are taking care of the customers because I like having her full attention.
A wild, possessive staking roars up inside me to claim more than just that.
“If ya wanted to force me to be quiet, there are more fun ways to keep my mouth busy that’ll benefit both of us.” A slight lift of her shoulders tells me exactly what she’s implying.
“Jesus Christ.”
My cock heard that one.
She catches me adjusting myself and smirks. “Need another?”
I hand her my empty bottle. I shouldn’t have too many since I drank whiskey straight from the bottle to give me enough liquid courage to show up here.
“Depends. How late are ya workin’?”
“We close in less than an hour. You have plans?”
“For you? Yes.”
She inches closer. “Go on…”
“I’d like to find out if you’re a screamer or a moaner.”
When her lips form into a tight smile, I worry I’ve crossed the line. People move and talk all around us. The music’s too loud for anyone to eavesdrop, but by her silent intrigue, she’s not worried about being heard.
She hands me another bottle, and when I grab it, she doesn’t release her grip. Our fingers brush, and we’re in a silent war of who’s going to let go first.
“If you’re doin’ it right, I’m both.”
My brain flatlines.
Before I can respond, Hunter and a couple of guys walk up. He purposely picked her since another bartender nearby has no customers.
Hunter smacks the bar top, stealing her attention. “Hey, gorgeous. Think ya can hook us up with another round?”
I tightly grip the beer bottle while waiting for this asshat to get lost.
“Sure thing.” Noah whips her hair over her shoulder as she turns to open the cooler. She bends, and my eyes narrow in on her ass since her sundress barely covers it. When I glance over, I notice Hunter’s doing the same thing.
Fuck me. I’m no better than this douche.
Noah sets three bottles down and tells him the total. He holds out a twenty but doesn’t release his hold when she goes to take it.
“What’s it gonna take for me to get your number?” He flashes a cocky grin that I’m tempted to punch off his face.
“Now what would ya do with my number?” Noah holds still as she waits for him to release the money.
“A professional bull rider and the best show horse trainer in the state…” He sticks out his tongue and slowly licks his lips like a hungry hippo. “I’m sure your imagination can fill in the blanks.”
So she’s a horse trainer. Impressive.
Noah plasters on a smile even I can tell is fake as hell. “You tryin’ to get off in eight seconds?”
I snort, holding back laughter.
Hunter turns and scowls but then quickly realizes I’m twice as big as him and returns his gaze to Noah.
“Let’s make this easy,” she says to him. “You pay for your drinks, give me a hefty tip, and I won’t embarrass ya in front of your friends.”
He stares at her uncomfortably before letting go of the cash.
“Don’t forget the tip jar…” she singsongs, putting the money into the register.
Hunter frowns, digging more out of his wallet and aggressively shoving it into the canister.
As soon as they walk away, I stare at her, impressed. “That’s how you manage to get the big tips, huh?”
“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do in this economy.”
I chuckle. She’s funny as hell, and damn, those smart-ass comments are hot.
“Thank God I was here to rescue you from your second-best choice. He seemed a little eager to get into your pants,” my words tumble out.
“They all are until it’s game time, and then they’re fumblin’ on the field like a bunch of third-stringers.”
An animalistic groan releases from my throat at the desire to show her exactly what she’s missing.
“Is that why you’re switchin’ to older men? Because we can do it better?” I drain my second beer.
I swear I witness her whole body shudder. Without asking, she hands me another bottle.
“Honestly, I wouldn’t know from personal experience, but I’m all about givin’ the elderly an equal opportunity.”
I clutch my chest as if her words gave me a stroke because they might as well have. “You’re brutal, ya know that? Actin’ like I’m shufflin’ around with a walker.”
“Everythin’ shuts down at eleven. You better get a head start now so we don’t have to push ya out in a wheelchair.”
“I’m startin’ to think you gave me your number so you can get on my AARP plan.”
Wrinkles form between her brows as if she’s contemplating what that is. “I’m pretty sure my dad has that.”
I scowl, and my gaze darkens as she bursts out in laughter.
The sound of it softens my heart. I could listen to it for hours. And do whatever it takes to keep her laughing.
“So I’m curious. What was on the other napkin you pulled out?”
“I can’t tell ya that.” She shrugs with a playful smile.
I lean over the bar with my arms crossed, lowering my voice. “And why’s that?”
She inches closer as if she’s going to tell me. “Because then I’d have to kill ya.”
I arch a brow, amused. “That so?”
She shrugs helplessly. “It’s girl code. Can’t share our secrets.”
“What if I promise to tell you one of my secrets? Will ya tell me, then?”
“Hmm. That’s very temptin’.” She taps her lips that I’m itching to taste.
“I’ll make it worth it.”
“Alright, then.” Her lips tilt up in a victorious grin as she reaches for her pocket and pulls out the second folded napkin. She holds it between us.
I’m close to grabbing it before she yanks it out of my reach.
“In case I changed my mind about givin’ you my number, I wrote down my ex-boyfriend’s.”
The hand that was close to stealing it backs away. “Didn’t know women did that.”
“After a couple dozen times of tellin’ boys no, we got smart. Usually pissed off our exes, too, so it was a win-win for us.”
“Clever.”
She crinkles up the napkin and throws it away. “I’m still friends with mine, so I wouldn’t actually wanna do that to him. But it’d be a funny prank.”
Customers pull her away as the music changes to an upbeat country song, and people file onto the dance floor. If she weren’t working, I’d take her out there with me and use any excuse to touch her. My hands wouldn’t leave her body until I was forced to.
That thought shakes me to my core.
My wife and I loved going out on the weekends before our daughter passed. We’d dance and drink until closing. Tonight’s the first time in a decade I’ve even thought about dancing with another woman, and it only took two conversations.
I haven’t had a woman in my bed since I was married. I’ve gone on dates and kissed them good night, but that’s where it ended. The desire to have someone like Noah underneath me should terrify me. But it doesn’t.
We have an unexplainable spark, and I won’t waste time questioning it. I’ve spent years punishing myself for my past and how I handled things, but I don’t want to deprive myself of potential happiness.
Noah hurled herself into my life for a reason. For the first time in only God knows how long, I want to follow my heart and see where it takes me.
Checking my phone, I realize the bar closes in less than twenty minutes. It’s not as busy as it was when I first arrived, but now I’m anxious for the evening to end. I want more time with her. Preferably alone.
Ten minutes later, the band announces their final song and the last call for drinks. People flood the bar, pushing me out of my spot. Standing back, I keep my eye on Noah as I finish my third Budweiser.
Remembering I have her number on the napkin, I program it into my phone, then send her a text.
FISHER
I’ll wait for you outside, and if you stay with me at my camper tonight, I promise to have you screaming within eight seconds.
My phone vibrates just as the bar empties and people file out, me included.
NOAH
It takes more than eight seconds to impress me, cowboy.
Smirking, I type out another message.
FISHER
So what would impress you?
NOAH
You’ll have to wait and find out…if you can keep up with me.
Her words have my cock twitching as dirty thoughts swirl in my mind. I’ve never wanted someone I just met as much as I want her. I should leave her alone, but I can’t find the strength to walk away. It’s too late now. I’m all in.
FISHER
You’re playing with fire, Noah. I’m gonna make you eat those words.
NOAH
I didn’t earn the nickname AJ in high school for nothing. So if I’m gonna die from taking a risk, then it might as well be death by orgasm.
AJ? I type out a text to ask what that means, but then it hits me.
Adrenaline junkie.
That fits her.
I swallow down the lump stuck in my throat as I reread her text.
Death by orgasm. Fucking Christ.
This girl is bold.
Then she sends another text before I can respond.
NOAH
Assuming you can actually give me one. Don’t wanna make your pacemaker flatline.
Goddamn. She’s brutal.
And I can’t say I’ve ever craved anything more.
FISHER
Your pussy’s already aching for me, sweetheart. You’ll be begging me to let you come, and maybe if you’re a good girl, I’ll give you exactly what you need.
More people fill the sidewalk as they leave the bar, and the doors lock for the night. I’m not sure how long it takes for them to close, but I’d wait here all night for her.
When my phone vibrates a couple of minutes later, it’s a photo of Noah’s white panties. She’s holding them up on display, and I immediately worry about the other bartenders seeing them.
NOAH
I’m always a good girl.
FISHER
Put those away.
NOAH
You don’t like them?
She follows her message with a sad face emoji.
FISHER
You’re going to make me lose my mind if I think about another man seeing those.
NOAH
If you’re not a fan of voyeurism, I suggest meeting me behind the building where we can be alone.
People linger on the sidewalks and in the parking lots, so it’s definitely a better idea not to let them see what I’m about to do to her. She has no clue what she does to me.
FISHER
Keep those off. I’ll be there.