A laugh burst from Darian’s chest but he quickly tried to stifle it when Angel shot him a dirty look. She quickly grabbed a song request form and began filling it out with the song Alex had chosen.

“Yes, it would be. You have no idea,” she retorted which only made the others laugh even harder. She smiled because she couldn’t help it, silently admonishing herself and working up a glare for the rest of the tables occupants. To look at Alex Avery, it was obvious to every woman present that he’d be an incredible lover. How could he not be? He was so goddamned confident. The way he moved spoke volumes. He was more than comfortable with his body. He literally oozed sex, for God’s sake! At least getting up on stage would put some distance between them, which, she inwardly admitted, she needed space to regroup.

This was like nothing she’d ever felt upon meeting someone for the first time, other than the first 20 seconds with him when they hadn’t even really met, only shared a smile and light touch. Oh, Jesus.

No doubt things would be explosive between them between the sheets. The pull between them was tangible and she was certain that if the eye contact and body language was anything to go on, Alex felt it every bit as strongly as she did. If that didn’t give it away, the fact that he was here, in this bar, his sole intention to meet her, was telling. Her heart raced at the thought. It would be a dangerous game to get involved with someone like him, and if she believed what he told her on the phone, he didn’t believe in love. The combination of ruthless sexuality, the incredible face, sense of humor, and smooth demeanor was dangerous to any woman. Even Angeline Hemming.

“Oh, I’ve got a pretty good imagination, and it’s working fucking overtime right now. You’ve just thrown down a challenge that I’m more than willing to accept if you want to play,” he said suggestively. “But know this, I play to win.”

“Alex,” Darian admonished and shook his head, but Alex wasn’t listening, he was watching Angel intently; waiting for her response, but she didn’t answer.

“Angel, what song did he pick?” Becca asked, and Angel pushed the slip of paper in her direction so that she could read it. Becca picked it up and smiled. “Holy. Shit.”

“I know, right?” Angel smiled devilishly at her friend. The men had no clue what the joke was and looked at each other, perplexed. “Should Have Known Better. The only one more apropos would have been Stupid Girls by Pink.”

Darian held out his hand for the slip of paper, and Angel scowled at him as she allowed him to see it.

“Did you put him up to this?” she wanted to know.

He shook his head and let out a low whistle. Being in radio, he was obviously familiar with the lyrics.

“Well, let’s get this shit over with, shall we?” she said, holding out her small, elegantly manicured hand, until Darian gave it back to her.

She stood up slowly and, for the first time, Alex was able to get a complete view of her body. He sucked in his breath, glancing quickly toward Darian who mouthed, I told you.

Alex’s eyes couldn’t help but follow her every move. The lime green blouse accented the black of the suit, and the short pencil skirt showed off long shapely legs while hugging the gentle swell of her hips. He couldn’t help but stare as she walked up to the stage. The skirt was short enough to give a hint of her firm thighs, yet long enough to be professional. Elegant stiletto pumps fit her style perfectly. The fitted jacked hugged her upper body, emphasizing the enticing swell of her breasts. Perfect. Everything about her called to him, and he found himself wanting to peel back those layers of clothes to discover every inch of delicious flesh underneath. More than that, she was extremely intelligent, and he loved the playful banter that they seemed to fall into so easily.

Fucking hell. She was delicious in every sense of the word. Are you fucking kidding me with this woman, D? Alex thought. To say it aloud would be disrespectful to the other woman at that table, who was, herself, extremely attractive. “So, Miss James, how long have you known Dr. Hemming?” Alex used any opportunity to learn more.

“We met at Northwestern about six years ago. She’s a good friend. My little girl adores her.”

“You have a child? How old is she?”

“She just turned two last month.”

Angel came back to the table and started to remove her jacket, revealing that the blouse underneath was a halter style that left her shoulders and a good portion of her upper back bare. If Alex wanted to look at her, then she’d damn well give him something to see and put him in as much pain as possible.

Angel was done fucking around. Two could play at this game.

It was obvious to Angel that he desired her, and damn it all, she couldn’t help herself… he was so unbelievably sexy. It was insane, but it was exciting and frightening all at the same time, but she wanted him as well.

Watching his face as she hung the jacket over her chair, Angel noticed how his eyes narrowed in desire when he looked her over. Satisfaction spread through her like liquid gold, heat racing like fire along her skin. She reached up and pulled out the two pins holding her hair up, allowing it to tumble down her back in all its glory. Alex’s mouth opened in surprise. Bingo!

Becca winked at Angel in approval of her blatant teasing. “This should be good,” she said under her breath, but Darian heard her. “She’s gonna chew him up and spit him out. I love it.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of,” he replied just as subdued, the two of them having their own conversation.

“Jesus, you don’t fight fair,” Alex said softly, his eyes sparkling. “You’re just gorgeous.”

“Aww! Stop or you’ll make me feel special,” Angel scoffed with a sexy half-smile.

She was shaking on the inside but, outwardly she was in complete control. This man affected her in ways she wasn’t comfortable with, and the compliment thrilled her more than she cared to admit. She had to remind herself that this man was a selfish prick who used women for sex without strings. She took a deep breath to center herself.

Alex sobered. “I’m serious. You are extremely beautiful, and you are well aware of that fact. You use it well.”

Like you don’t?

“All’s fair, as they say.” Angel leaned down toward Alex to make sure he could hear her over the din, and her hair fell forward over her shoulders. His hand reached out to touch the silken strands carefully. “I can count on you to follow through, right?”

“I’ll never disappoint you, Angel.”

“Mmmm… we’ll see. Buckle up, boys.”

She walked back to the stage, pulling her skirt up slightly, which allowed her to stand with her feet some distance apart, and then wrapped both hands around the microphone that she stood behind while the 16 bars of intro began to beat to life.

“Here we go,” Becca said smugly.

The song was fast, and her legs and hips rocked in time with the music. She looked straight at Alex and he couldn’t rip his eyes away even if it would have saved his life. Becca simply sat back like a satisfied cat, mouthing the words to the song as Angel sang.

A slow grin spread across Alex’s face as she owned the song, hammering home the words. If he hadn’t made the decision before, he made it then. This was going to happen if it was the last thing he did.

As she whispered the last words, their eyes locked. It took everything he had to fight the urge to pull at the front of his pants. He was so engorged it was uncomfortable, but he wouldn’t have changed it. He was captivated and completely lost in the woman commanding the attention of the entire room.

Darian’s gaze shot from the stage back toward his friend and reversed again. He recognized the look of determination on Alex’s face and resigned himself to what was inevitable now. Alex would be relentless in his pursuit. Angel was strong; but was she strong enough to withstand Alex’s guile? Darian had yet to witness a woman who could.

When the song ended, she marched back to the table and coolly retrieved her jacket. Alex stood up immediately and took it from her, holding it and then slipping it easily onto her shoulders.

“Allow me,” he murmured close to her ear, and the heat of his breath rushed over her skin and she shivered, hoping he wouldn’t notice. “You were amazing, Angel. Your voice…”

“Just write the check to Harmony House in Becca’s name and send me a copy of the receipt,” she said softly over her shoulder, their mouths only inches apart, and his hands squeezed her shoulders after the jacket was in place.

“You fascinate me. That dirty little mouth of yours is so sexy. And to find out it belongs to those amazing eyes…”

She chuckled with an aloofness she was far from feeling. “I wouldn’t get too attached,” she said softly, pulling free of his grasp before moving around the table to hug Becca goodbye, leaving Alex standing there speechless. “Love you, baby. Sorry I can’t stay longer, but I’ll make it up to you. Darian, your ass is grass. Stay out of my studio tonight if you know what’s good for your balls.”

Alex stood still as stone as Angel walked out of the bar. His eyes, like those of every other male in attendance, followed her every step.

5

Push and Pull

Becca glanced at Alex Avery. He was standing, with his straight back to her, tall and elegant. Easily six foot two, and the way he carried himself; Egads. He was the epitome of tall, dark and handsome… with a dangerous edge. Not in a bad, criminal sort of way, but his demeanor screamed that he was someone with power, money, confidence, and not to be fucked with. Becca covered her mouth with her hand to hide a smile. Except her best friend… she fucked with him and fucked with him good.