Only in My Dreams Read online

  He grinned at her as relief flooded his gaze. “Yes, save me. Please.”

  She wouldn’t tell him that her suggestion had also been selfishly motivated. If she danced too long her senses would wind up, and she wanted to stay in control tonight. She didn’t want to have to bail to pull herself together. Not when the night was going so well.

  A warm glow spread from his arm, which he’d situated at the small of her back as he guided her toward the bar. “How about we move to a table?” he asked.

  The flutters in Sara’s belly picked up speed. “Sure. Over there?” She pointed to a table in the corner. It was cozy. Dim.

  “Perfect.” The way he said the word and the way his gaze caressed her made Sara wonder if he was talking about the table. But no, guys didn’t look at her like that or flirt with her so outrageously.

  She made her way to the table and settled herself on the bench against the wall. A couple of minutes later, he came toward her, carrying her unfinished lemon drop and his beer. He handed her the drink and clinked their glasses as he slid onto the bench beside her. “To old friends.”

  She drank, peering at him over the edge of her glass. Her stomach fluttered as she watched him. This was the closest she’d been to a guy in a long time.

  He set his nearly empty pint glass on the table and turned his head toward her. “Okay, Vegas Rules.”

  She blinked at him. “What?”

  “You know, ‘What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.’ You can’t tell anyone how badly I suck at line dancing.”

  She laughed. “Deal.”

  He looked relieved, but only briefly. Then he frowned. “Uh-oh. Now you have a secret you can use against me. It’s only fair if you give me one, too.”

  “A secret?” She instantly thought of the heat pooling in her belly because of his proximity and decided sharing that would be too revealing.

  “Make it something good.”

  She arched a brow at him. “Really? Not being a very good line dancer is hardly a ‘good’ secret. I think that gets you something along the lines of my being a bit clumsy. If we’d kept dancing, you would’ve seen it.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t believe it. You’re a great dancer. You’re making that up.”

  “I am a great dancer.” She shot him a so there look. “But I’m still clumsy. It’s my—never mind.” She’d been about to say it was her sensory processing disorder, but why bring that up? Breaking free from her family meant she didn’t have to be the girl with SPD. She wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed, but she’d wanted to keep tonight light.

  “Hmmm, you’re very intriguing, Miss Archer.”

  She turned her head and saw that his gaze held an underlying glint. Curiosity. Interest. Confidence flowed into her from that look. She could do this—flirt, attract, seduce. “So far these secrets are lame. You owe me another one. And make it good.” She narrowed her eyes in what she hoped was a coquettish way.

  He chuckled. “I do? Let’s see.” He tapped his finger against his lower lip, drawing her attention to his mouth. Which in turn forced her thoughts to what it would be like to kiss him. “You should run screaming in the other direction. I’m bad news.”

  The way he lowered his voice to deliver his warning made her toes curl. “Why? You can’t drop a bomb like that and not explain it.” She finished her lemon drop.

  He eyed her empty glass. “Another round?”

  She hadn’t planned on more than one drink tonight, but she could handle one more. Besides, the evening was becoming far too interesting to bail now. “Sure. But talk.”

  He signaled for the server who came and took their order. Exhaling, he leaned back against the wall. “You seem like a nice person. I’m . . . just a fun-loving guy looking for a good time now and again.” His gaze was guarded, but seemed to smolder anyway.

  “So you pick up girls in bars a lot?”

  He smiled enigmatically, his eyes never leaving hers, as he picked up his glass. “Occasionally.”

  She ran her fingertips along the smooth stem of her glass. “Is that what you’re doing tonight?”

  “I hadn’t decided until now. But I guess it’s ultimately up to you.” The look he gave her as he set his empty glass on the table nearly ignited her into a ball of flames. No guy had ever looked at her like that. Like she was something good enough to eat. She shifted in her seat and wished she had the guts to do what Craig had recommended—Dylan had all but suggested it. So why not? Why couldn’t she have a hot one-night stand with Dylan Westcott? She knew him—enough anyway that he wasn’t some random stranger. Honestly, it was the best-case scenario. And he definitely seemed interested . . .

  The server brought their drinks. Sara took a long sip to bolster her courage. She cocked her head at him and gave him a questioning look. “Vegas Rules?”

  “Of course.” He took a pull on his fresh beer and set it back down.

  “I had a massive crush on you in high school.” She cringed, waiting to see if she’d totally blown the mutual attraction they seemed to have going.

  His lips spread in the most captivating grin. “Really? I had no idea.”

  The dormant sixteen-year-old inside her silently squealed. “You had a girlfriend. A pretty serious one too—you got married later, right?”

  He gave a short, dark laugh. “Yeah, and you can see how well that turned out.”

  Sara was sorry she’d brought it up and sought to lighten the mood again. “I’m sure it was all her fault.”

  “Absolutely.” He shook his head then leaned toward her, bending close to her ear so his breath tickled her flesh. “Not true. I told you I’m bad news.”

  A shiver, both from his words and his nearness, shot through her. Had he cheated on his ex? He’d intimated he was a player. Hesitation dampened her excitement, and that pissed her off. She was here for a good time, damn it. She slid out from behind the table. “Thanks for the disclaimer. Come on, Bad News, time to learn some line dancing.”

  He got to his feet. “Be gentle.”

  She speared him with a look she’d never dared before—it was hopefully both seductive and sassy. “I don’t think that’s what you really want.”

  His eyes narrowed, and sparks seemed to ignite between them. “You are dangerous. Perhaps you’re the one who needs a disclaimer.”

  A part of her knew it was all playful banter and might go nowhere, but she’d relish the thrill of his attention for as long as she had it.

  Chapter Two

  AFTER HUMILIATING HIMSELF for a good half hour on the dance floor, Dylan guided the petite and lovely Sara Archer back to their table. What the hell was he doing? Sara was a nice girl with several brothers. Large brothers who would probably kick his ass if he picked her up in a bar. There was a reason he conducted his extracurricular activities away from Ribbon Ridge—he preferred no-strings-attached hook-ups. Sara Archer was about as far from that as he could get. Yet here he was, flirting with her. There was no harm in flirting, was there?

  He hadn’t known who she was when he’d approached her. He’d seen a cute blonde who’d been alone, and he’d made his move. When he’d gotten up close, recognition had socked him in the gut. Though he’d recovered quickly, he’d been too entranced to make some excuse and retreat. Which had brought him to his present conundrum: flirting with someone he knew as opposed to the much safer—and much preferred—woman he didn’t know.

  He slid onto the bench seat beside Sara and took a long drink of his beer, thirsty after their dance floor exertions. She studied him over the top of her lemon drop as she sipped. Her eyes were blue with just a hint of gray, and when they did that slight narrowing-thing, she exuded a saucy, sexy air that jolted him with electricity. Like they were doing right now.

  “You did better out there,” she said.

  “You’re talking about the slow song. I think I can manage a form of hugging and swaying.”

  She laughed. “Yes, you can. But I meant all of it. You’re a good sport.”

  “Yo
u’re a great teacher.” It could’ve been a cheesy, flirty line, but he meant it. He’d had fun out there with her. While she was definitely sexy, Sara Archer was the sort of woman he could be friends with. Which made her not the sort of woman he’d pick up. Time to bring this evening to a close.

  “Thanks.” She finished her lemon drop.

  “You want another?” So much for concluding things. He needed to get a rein on himself.

  She was quiet a moment. “Two’s my limit. If I want to keep my wits about me. And since you’re bad news, I think that’s probably best.” She pulled her phone from her pocket and looked at the display. “It’s getting late. I should go.”

  He nearly exhaled with relief. “Can I walk you out to your car?” There was no harm in that, and even though he didn’t like strings, he was still a gentleman.

  Her gaze flickered with surprise. “Sure, that would be great.” She flashed him a smile that stirred his blood with anticipation. For what? He was walking her to her car and then coming back inside to really get his evening started.

  He got to his feet and held his hand out to help her up. She slipped her fingers into his, and the connection rocked straight to his gut. He dropped a twenty on the table to pay for the beer and lemon drop and put his hand at the small of her back to walk her out.

  She took a few steps then stopped. “I need to stop at the bar to settle my tab.”

  “Let me.”

  “You already bought me one drink. That’s enough.” She gave him another smile that sparked a physical response he ought to ignore.

  He watched her walk to the bar, appreciating the curve of her hip encased in jeans that looked tailored to her. He’d noted she wasn’t wearing ridiculous heels. She’d come to dance and had donned footwear accordingly. Practical and sexy. She was dangerous, all right.

  He went toward his buddies’ table to grab his coat.

  “Dylan,” Josh called.

  Dylan nodded at Josh and Noah and the two women who’d joined them.

  Josh stood up to join Dylan and turned him away from the table. And toward the bar where Sara was talking to the bartender. “You leaving?” Josh asked. “She’s hot.”

  “Just walking her out. I’ll be back.” A sense of disappointment settled over him. He suspected his shot at a great evening would diminish as soon as she left.

  Josh gestured toward Sara. “Dude. She’s smokin’. And she seems into you. What’s the problem?”

  “I sort of know her family.” Or, at least his brother knew their family. “Cameron is good friends with her brother, Hayden Archer.”

  Josh’s eyes widened briefly. “As in the brewpub Archers with the six or seven kids? Great beer. And dude, that family’s loaded.”

  Dylan was well aware of the Archers’ wealth and fame. They’d lived in Ribbon Ridge since it was a tiny prairie town, and through real estate development and smart investments, they’d become one of the richest families in the state. “Which matters . . . why?”

  Josh shook his head. “It doesn’t. But I get that she’s a little too close to home for you. Bummer.”

  Yeah, bummer.

  “Here’s a radical suggestion,” Josh said, smoothing a hand over his close-cropped head. “Why not get her number and maybe take her out on a real date?”

  Dylan narrowed his eyes at his friend. “Very funny.”

  “I’m sort of serious. It’s been three years since your divorce. Are you going to spend the rest of your life having one-night stand after one-night stand?”

  Maybe not the rest of his life, but that was a long time to plan. For now, he was fine with it. No, for now, that was all he could manage. It wasn’t like he led women on. He was always up front with what he wanted.

  Sara turned from the bar and scanned until she saw him. She smiled and headed his way.

  Dylan elbowed Josh away from him. “Keep your advice to yourself. You’re not exactly a role model.”

  Josh laughed. “True.”

  Sara reached them, and Dylan performed the requisite introductions. They said good night, and he escorted her outside.

  As soon as they hit the night air, she shivered. “Do you have a coat?” he asked, already turning to go back inside to get it.

  “I left it in my car.”

  “Here.” He took his jacket off and wrapped it around her shoulders.

  She smiled up at him. “Thanks. My car’s over there, the blue Audi.”

  As they walked to her car, she pulled her key from her pocket and hit the unlock button. He opened the door for her. “Thanks for a great time.”

  She turned to face him, standing in the crook of the open door. “I’m sorry it has to end.” Her features tightened very briefly, as if she regretted saying that. Then she lifted her chin and gave him a direct stare. “It doesn’t really have to. Vegas Rules, right?”

  Holy shit, she was going to hit on him. And why not? They’d flirted all night. Only he was going to be an asshole because he couldn’t go home with her. Not Sara Archer. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

  “It’s a great idea. Let’s take Vegas back to my condo.” Her eyes narrowed again in that sexy, provocative way. “But here’s the thing: I’m only interested in tonight.”

  Had the parking lot just disappeared beneath his feet? That was his line. The player had just been played.

  She lifted her hand to her mouth. “Oh no, I’ve offended you. I’m so bad at this.”

  No, she was actually quite good. His brain screamed at him to run back inside, but every other part of him was hot and ready. Eager.

  “You admit this is odd for a woman,” he said, still trying to make sense of it. And maybe offering her an out in case she’d spoken in haste.

  She moved her hand to her cheek. “It is, isn’t it? I’m cool with it. I’ve always been a little odd.” She winked at him, her eyes darkening to full-on winter storm, and he was completely sucked in.

  He took her hand away from her mouth and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to her palm. He wanted her to know exactly what she was getting into. “You’re not odd, and you’re not bad at this. I’m bad news, remember? Just so long as you know that.” He speared her with an intense look, again giving her a chance to run if she wanted to.

  She nodded, mesmerized.

  He slid his hand around her waist to steady her. Never breaking eye contact, he pulled her against him. He went slowly; he didn’t want there to be any regrets tomorrow. She put her hand on his shoulder, curled it up to the back of his neck, and pulled his head down. It was all the encouragement he needed. He swept his mouth over hers.

  Hot desire rushed through him as their lips met. Her fingers curled into his shirt and pulled him closer. He gripped her tighter and opened his mouth over hers. She met his tongue, and then everything exploded. Sensations—light and dark and absolutely dizzying—cascaded over him. She tasted and felt like heaven.

  Just when things were spiraling to the point that he wanted to press into her, she pulled back. She dropped the key into his hand. “You drive.”

  Hell, she really was new at this. He shook away a tinge of hesitation. He returned the key to her palm and shook his head. “That’s not how it works. I’ll follow you.”

  Her eyes widened slightly. “Oh, sorry.”

  Damn it, what was he doing?

  He circled his fingers around her wrist. “Look, Sara, maybe we should just call it a night. I don’t want you to have second thoughts about this.”

  “I’m not. I get that I’m a bit of a novice here, so if that’s a turnoff for you, fine.” She spoke flatly, sounding like a completely different person.

  He turned her and backed her against her car, settling his lower body against hers and slipped his hand along her neck, beneath the soft fall of her hair. “Let me be clear about one thing: I’m pretty sure you couldn’t turn me off if you tried. Okay, two things. If you can go into this with your eyes wide open, then let’s go. Just understand that there will be no follow-up phone calls,
no dates, no repeat performance. If you’re good with that, I’m driving that dark gray pickup over there and I’ll follow you. What’s it going to be?”

  Her amazing eyes stared up at him for a long minute. His cock had hardened against her, and he silently prayed that she hadn’t changed her mind. Her eyes slanted and she licked her lower lip. “Let’s go.”

  She pushed against him and got into her car. He had to shake himself to move. He hadn’t been this turned on in a long time. He hoped she didn’t live far.

  “I’m close—maybe ten minutes,” she said. “There’s a security gate, but if you drive in right behind me, it’ll be fine.”

  He nodded before turning toward his truck. Once he was settled in the cab, he quickly texted Josh that he was headed out.

  Josh responded with a cocky, I knew it. Noah has to pay up.

  Dylan shook his head as he started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot behind Sara’s Audi. He’d thought he would cool off on the drive, but his brain was crowded with the smooth glide of her tongue, the feel of her trim waist, and the heady scent of her perfume and whatever she used on her hair that smelled like citrus and spice.

  She pulled into her development and stopped at the security gate. He watched her punch in a code and the gate slid open. As instructed, he followed close behind her then turned right as she led him to her place.

  The last garage on the right slid open and she pulled inside. Dylan parked his truck on her driveway. He jumped out and went into the garage. She was just stepping out of her car, which drew his attention to her fabulous legs. They were ridiculously long for a woman who couldn’t be more than five-six.

  She shot him a quick glance, but said nothing before leading him around the car and up a short set of stairs to the door.

  He trailed her down a hallway, which opened up into the main entry. She turned toward him and shrugged out of his coat, then hung it on a rack of hooks set beneath a mirror. “I’m clean and I take shots.”

  He reached out and snaked his arm around her waist. He drew her forward until she knocked into his chest. “I’m also clean, and I bear condoms.”