She rolled her eyes and turned back to him. "I'm pretty sure I've pointed that out several times tonight." She gestured vaguely at his face. "I don't have to tell you. You know you're hot."
Chris leaned in, his warm breath grazing the back of her neck, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. Sammy held her breath. His scent—fresh soap and aftershave were intoxicating. Maybe it was alcohol, or maybe it was just him, but she felt lightheaded.
"You should—"
Before she could finish, he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin.
She inhaled sharply.
How could such a small touch send heat rushing through her body? Her ears burned, and an unfamiliar ache settled between her thighs.
She should run from this man...
She scrambled to her feet, grabbing her bag, but the moment she stood, her balance wavered. A gasp escaped her lips as she fell backward.
Chris caught her. Second save in one night.
His arm wrapped securely around her back, pulling her against him. Their faces were only inches apart, her hands gripping his shoulders as she stared into his eyes.
Damn, he's beautiful.
The scent of him flooded her senses, his closeness igniting something in her that she didn't know she could feel. A warmth, no, a throb, settled low in her belly.
What was he doing to her body? And why the hell was there a tingling between her thighs when all he had done was touch her back?
"Thank you," she whispered.
She forced herself to look away, slipping from his grasp and sinking back onto her stool. Her throat was dry. She grabbed her glass and downed the rest of her drink in one go.
The burn of alcohol hit her throat hard, making her gasp. She had forgotten how strong it was. But despite that, she liked how it made her feel...weightless, reckless.
Wasn't she in Vegas to let loose and forget all the consequences?
She signaled Simon for a refill.
He hesitated, eyeing her warily, his body language saying that she'd had enough.
Sammy glared at him. It was none of his business.
Reluctantly, Simon refilled her glass.
She turned when she felt Chris's eyes on her.
She hadn't expected his gaze to be so...heated. He was looking at her like he wanted to devour her.
Before she could react, Chris pulled her stool closer to him, closing the space between them. Their lips were almost touching. His gaze flickered from her mouth to her eyes, then back to her lips.
"I'm neither married nor dating anyone," he murmured in a husky voice. "But I don't get why people never believe me."
Sammy swallowed hard. She had no words. His eyes danced with mischief.
"I don't believe you," she finally managed.
"See what I mean?" He threw his hands up dramatically.
Both of them burst into laughter.
"But I am serious," she said, her voice teasing. "And you—" She pointed at him. "You look like a heartbreaker. The kind of man no woman in her right mind should fall for."
"Oh, really? I had no idea heartbreakers had a look." Chris grinned, feigning innocence. "Do they?"
"Oh, absolutely. And guys like you?" She trailed a slow finger down his arm, teasing. "Only a few women can handle you."
He arched a brow. "Are you flirting with me? You said people who fall for me are not in their right minds."
Sammy leaned in, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "I thought you got the memo already, mister. I am not in my right senses."
She bit her lip, then slowly ran her tongue over her bottom lip. Chris let out a low, noticeable groan.
Sammy's smile widened. Good. At least she wasn't the only one feeling this chemistry.
"You're coming on strong, lady," he murmured. "I like it."
Sam chuckled, then hesitated, watching him carefully. She licked her lips again.
"Do you..." She paused, smiling shyly. "Do you mind if I kiss you?"
Chris blinked, clearly caught off guard. "What?"
"You heard me, or should I repeat the question?"
Chris was silent.
Sam stood and pointed at him. She staggered but quickly caught herself, the effects of the drinks she had been downing all day. "I-I... asked... asked you if you mind?"
"Yes, I do. I do mind!" Chris replied quickly, gently placing a finger on her forehead to stop her from kissing him.
She smiled. Something about him made her forget her true nature. On a normal day, she would hide, never being the one to take the first step. But here she was, bold, reckless, and pushing the limits.
Well, I am Sammy and not Samantha. Samantha Jones is my father's daughter. I left her back in New York. Sammy is the dangerous vixen, and she wants this man.
Chris's face flushed.
"You are so cute." She laughed lightly, her eyelids growing heavy. She shook her head, trying to chase away the sleep. Why were there two Chrises standing in front of her? And why were they both frowning at her?
She squinted, trying to clear her vision. Still, two of him. Oh my God. Is Chris a twin?
Biting her lip, she placed her palms on his cheeks, pouting sweetly. "Aww, you guys are so cute."
"And you," Chris said, "-Are one drunk lady."
"You're wrong because I don't feel drunk in the slightest!" she giggled.
She staggered again, falling toward him this time. Chris caught her by the shoulders. Her eyes fluttered shut as she tiptoed up to his six-one height. Sam, she told herself to be patient. He would kiss her anytime now...waiting...waiting...
She opened her eyes. He was staring at her, his hooded gaze filled with questions, but he wasn't leaning in. A fraction of her intoxication vanished, replaced by a wave of embarrassment.
"Am I that ugly? That unattractive?"
"What?" Chris looked stunned.
"You don't want to kiss me." Sammy shrugged. "That must mean you don't find me attractive."
"Dammit, lady, do you want me to spell it out? Fine, you are crazy fine, and it's taking all my willpower not to kiss you." He shook his head in frustration. "I'm trying to be a gentleman here."
Sam's eyes lit up. "So, let me get this straight. I want you to kiss me, but you want to be all chivalrous and gentlemanly?"
"Exactly." Chris exhaled sharply. "I don't want you to wake up tomorrow with regrets."
"Then you shouldn't have gotten me all hot and bothered," she muttered under her breath. "I guess you know what's good for me."
"Yes, of course," he said calmly. "I'm not as drunk as you are."
He helped her back to the stool. She pulled away from his grip, and a wicked smile played on her lips. Before he could react, she grabbed him by the collar with both hands and yanked him closer.
Her lips brushed against his before she sucked lightly on his bottom lip and whispered, "Never tell me what's good for me. I'm the only one who knows that." Then she pulled back and kissed the corner of his mouth.
Chris pushed her away, gently, but firmly. Sammy stumbled back, shocked. But before she could fall, he caught her again, his grip tightening around her waist.
She looked up. His expression was dark.
"Do you know that's sexual harassment?" he asked, voice dangerously low.
"Arrest me." Sam stretched out her hands toward him with a smirk. "Why do you look so shocked?" She leaned closer, her lips hovering near his. "I'm going to kiss you again. If you don't want me to, this is your chance to pull away."
She waited.
"I'll count to three. If you don't move, I'll kiss you. One... two-"
"Three." Chris groaned and crashed his lips against hers.
His kiss was anything but gentle. It was demanding, deep, and full of suppressed hunger. Sammy didn't stand a chance. Her body tingled and lightened up with desire. His lips sent all reasonable thoughts flying out of her head. Her entire body tingled as she pressed herself against him, feeling every hard inch of his frame, especially the part that was growing against her stomach.
Sammy's hands tangled in his hair as she pulled him closer. He groaned into her mouth, tightening his grip around her waist. Just as quickly as it started, he slowed the kiss, taking control and setting the pace. His tongue pried her lips open, demanding more. She opened up. He pulled her in deeper. She followed.
A small part of her mind reminded her they were in a bar. Another part assured her they were at the far end, away from prying eyes. The bar was nearly empty.
But his tongue!
God, his tongue! It brought her back to the moment. She stopped her wandering thoughts and stayed in that moment with him. He wasn't the gentleman he was trying to be anymore. He was claiming her, pushing her, making her want things she hadn't planned on wanting.
He pulled back.
Breathless, Sammy stared at him, her face flushed. Chris was breathing just as hard, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
"What?" she whispered.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"What do I... what?" Sam blinked.
"Are we just kissing? Do you want more? Are you looking for a boyfriend? What do you want?"
"Oh." She nodded. "I don't want a boyfriend. You're hot, but I'm not interested."
"Well-" he chuckled nervously. "I'm not looking for a girlfriend either."
"Good. That's settled."
"Then what do you want?"
"A one-night stand."
Chris choked, coughing in surprise.
"Why are you acting so shocked?" Sam tilted her head, watching him. "This isn't your first time having a one-night stand--"
"-How would you know?"
"Guys like you--" she gave him a slow once-over, her gaze lingering on his lips, "--always get the girls they want. And I want you for the night. So, do you want me? Or do you want to talk all night?"
Chris chuckled, watching her carefully. But Sam still couldn't read his mind. Was he that thrown off by her? Even she was surprised by herself. She was openly seducing a stranger in public, crossing all the lines. Lines she would never dare approach.
Maybe she was out of her mind.
But that didn't stop her from asking him again, "You didn't answer my question, Chris. Do you want to have sex with me-" she leaned in, arms wrapping around his neck "-or do you think I'm too drunk to know what I want?"
She brushed her lips against his cheek, then ran the tip of her tongue along the shell of his ear. He gasped, shuddering against her. His grip on her tightened.
Sam continued, "Or do you think I'm not in my right mind?"
Chris exhaled heavily, his breath ragged. "You're not in your right mind."
She froze.
"But you know what?" he murmured.
"What?" she asked, pulse pounding.
"I think we're both mature adults in our right minds." His gaze flickered around the bar, his expression suddenly guarded. "Let's get out of here. I'm not a fan of PDA."
"Okay."
Sam smiled in relief and hid her trembling hands. Slowly, a creeping doubt settled in, but there was no turning back now.
Chris slid his fingers into hers, his gaze searching her face for any sign of hesitation. He found none.