The Scheme

When the blonde stood, he slapped her ass. “I want your fine self back here when you’re done with your shift,” Stiff yelled at her as she threw him a flirty smile before turning to walk away.

His friends gawked at a group of ladies next to them. Then Stiff, the bravest of them all, strolled over and chatted up his next victim, the most attractive of the three. Tonight, he was in blue jeans and a fitted, striped button down. It looked multi-colored under the dim lights of the club.

Whatever he said to the woman was working as she placed her hand in his, most likely introducing herself. My insides heated with irritation. Last weekend, he’d been with another woman, and tonight, here he was. Again.

Screw. This.

This shithead.

There must be some sort of appeal with the unattainable. I could see Kendy always being up for a challenge. He was nowhere near settling down material. I had no clue why she thought he was.

The redhead stood and followed him to the bar, and I fisted my hands at my sides. I was about to walk outside and snap some sense into Kendy, but she strolled through the double doors.

Kendy stood tall, her head high with an air of confidence that everyone took note of. All of Stiff’s friends turned to check her out as she sashayed across the room and sat two stools away from me.

Even though tonight I was playing a part, if she were a stranger to me, I’d be checking her out as soon as she stepped into this bar.

She crossed her legs, which hitched up her skirt, revealing more of her perfect thigh. When her eyes caught mine, she threw me a flirty smile, one she was used to throwing. But then I watched her eyes skitter across the room in search of Stiff. I knew when she found him, because her smile faltered. She blinked a couple times, unable to hide her disappointment.

I got up and charged her way. I no longer gave a shit that I was supposed to wait five minutes. I needed to see that smile again. “Hey, gorgeous. Someone sitting here?” Those had been the exact words we’d practiced at the park.

It was comical, because we’d had to rehearse it multiple times until she stopped laughing. I had used every accent I knew just to hear her crack up.

Kendy’s laughter was like an epidemic. It could spread across a room, or over a crowd like wildfire. It was high-pitched, cute, and irresistible. Kind of like a child giggling. And whenever she got into her fits, she looked younger, lighter, and I let her energy wash over me.

“Hey, gorgeous,” I repeated when she didn’t respond.

Her eyes were still on Stiff.

My chest tightened at the look in her eyes. Her smile was fake, forced, but I didn’t even give her a chance to respond as I plopped down next to her. “You’re the hottest girl in here, and I’d like to buy you a drink.”

“Sure. I’ll just have a gin and tonic.” Her voice was resigned, sad even.

I got the bartender’s attention and ordered her beverage when her eyes flickered back to Stiff, watching as he sweet-talked the redhead, who was obviously taking the bait.

I placed my hand on Kendy’s forearm, trying to break her from her trance.

“Hey, so let’s cut to the chase. Do you want to go to my place, or would you rather go to yours?” I joked, winking at her.

I was rewarded with a small smile, which kept me going. “Or we can just go to the back, the bathroom maybe? You’re just so damn hot I might not be able to make it home.”

“You’re too fu

The bartender set her drink on the counter, and I threw my money on the bar and a couple dollars for the tip.

I handed her the glass and angled toward her. “Don’t let Stiff ruin your night. We’re still going to have fun.”

I wished I hadn’t mentioned his nickname, because her eyes flipped back to him. Now, he was making his way back to his group of friends with the redhead.

They were closer to us, but Stiff’s eyes didn’t make it our way, because he was preoccupied with the woman I was sure he was trying to bed.

“Hey, is your dad a terrorist?” I teased, pumping out my cheesy one-liners.

Her eyebrows pulled in. “What?” She finally gave me her attention.

“Because he made the bomb.” I tried to maintain composure and keep my voice level.

A flash of humor crossed her face, making this man desperate for another dose. “Is that a space dress?” I paused for dramatic effect. “Because your body is out of this world.”

Her laughter was contagious, which had me gri

“Stop,” she wheezed, slapping the bar. “Aren’t you the comedian?” Her laughter was a full-hearted sound, rippling through the room.

I chuckled along with her. “Are you a library book? Because I’d like to check you out.”

She pinched my arm playfully and brought her hand up to stifle her giggles. “Please, I can’t take anymore,” she cracked up, but then her body stiffened. Her hand flew to my forearm as her eyes widened. “Shit, he’s looking our way.”

When I peered over her head, the group of girls had disappeared and Stiff had indeed zoned in on Kendy.

“Stop staring,” she squealed. “Quick, lean into me; say something in my ear.”

I did as I was told, though her proximity was u

Her eyes flickered to him then back to mine.

God, she was so close I just wanted to run my tongue along the seam of her ear. She smelled like peaches, and I wanted to see if she tasted like them, too.

She blinked twice as her demeanor turned serious, and I would’ve never guessed what was going to come out of her mouth next.

“Kiss me,” she demanded frantically. “Full on. Right now.”

***

KENDY

My statement must’ve baffled him, because he got this dazed and confused look in his eye. “Kiss me, just do it.” My eyes moved slowly in Dr. Klein’s direction, just subtle enough so I knew he was still staring at me, but where he didn’t know I was staring back. “It’s part of the game.”

Brian angled in but pulled back, hesitating.

“Come on. Give it to me, your best kiss ever.”

And then he cupped the side of my face, grazing my cheek gently with his thumb. I shouldn’t have felt anything, but I felt everything. His light hold sent a tingling sensation from my cheek, down my neck, making my nipples pebble.

He licked his lips as our eyes caught. The lust in his gaze was intense and, as he leaned into me, I found myself closing my eyes and letting him capture my lips with his.

When we touched, I jolted from the electricity that coursed between us. I hadn’t expected that. At. All.

His kiss was soft and sweet, but urgent, and I melted into his hold. My God, was he a good kisser. He sucked on my bottom lip, and alternated between teasing my top and then back to the bottom. After a few seconds, he flicked his tongue for me to open, and I let him in. I felt myself become wet with desire as his tongue slicked against mine. My breathing hitched, and my heartbeat continued to beat hard in my chest, until I felt the thud in my ears.

When I’d told him to kiss me full on, I hadn’t expected his kiss to be like this—all-consuming, overwhelming my whole body.

Then, abruptly, he pulled back, leaving me bereft and cold. My eyes locked on his, and my rapid pulse drummed against my wrist as though it was playing “Little Drummer Boy” on super speed. He left me breathless, but I could tell he was, too.

“Good enough?” he said with a small smile.

I couldn’t do anything but nod. I was like an animal in heat, wanting his lips on me again.

Then I blinked, snapping back to the present, and glanced back at Dr. Klein. Well, damn. I had his full attention now. “Perfect,” I replied, but I was feeling oddly torn, as my body was still preoccupied with that kiss.