Wildcard Read Free Page A

you?”
    He shrugged, a little carefree. “Eh, no harm in them. So where we headed?” The intent of not letting her slip away dripped from his voice, his gaze locked onto her like a heat-seeking missile.
    God, his eyes are amazing. Clear, ocean blue-green, and filled with an innocence she knew had to be false. Having lived around the base most of her life, she knew all about soldiers. There was no way one who looked the way he did, like sex on a stick, was anywhere near innocent.
    She slid off the stool in the most graceful movement she’d managed for years. A hand in the middle of his broad chest stopped him in his tracks as he made to follow her. Feeling the solid muscle under her fingers, Jasmine fought the urge to let her hand wander a little.
    “ I’m off to the ladies’ room,” she told him firmly as she grabbed her purse. “Gal’s got to powder her nose…” she trailed off, trying to think of something witty to say, then just gave up. “Stay,” she ordered, wriggling her fingers in a small wave over her shoulder as she headed, somewhat unsteadily, for the toilets.
     
    Michael’s eyebrow arched upward. The mental debate to follow her had to be plastered across his features as he watched her leave. He sighed, turning back to the bar to lift another long island to his lips. It tasted a little watered down, so he tipped a little skimpier than normal.
    He’d been careful to make sure her drinks were stronger than his, a trick his squad had picked up years ago. Right now he was thankful for it. Jasmine was the type of woman to be savored, not fucked while he was smashed out of his skull and forgotten just as quick.
    “Fifty-fifty she comes back…better odds than most, I guess.” Unfortunately, his level of intoxication had a detrimental effect on his already low patience. Tapping his finger on the bar, he glanced back to the restrooms several times.
    “Fuck it.” With a sigh he pushed away from the bar, lumbered through the crowd to the restroom and posted up in the hall.
    He didn’t have long to wait. Unlike most women in his experience, she didn’t make one trip into a three-hour chatathon. In fact, he didn’t think he’d ever seen women go to the restroom in crowds of less than three. He’d certainly never seen one go alone before. Stepping through the door, she looked up, surprise on her face to see him there. Surprise which was quickly followed by a sultry smile Michael instantly wanted to see more of.
    “Heya, handsome. What a surprise. Come here often?”
    He stuffed his hands into his jeans and shrugged casually. “Once every moon or so.”
    He didn’t chase a lot. It wasn’t his style, and besides, there were always easier catches if the harder ones got away. This one, though, had that right combination to make him actually want to hunt her down. Hunt her down, capture her, and drag her off to his lair. Then screw her senseless.
    “You’re stuck with me…for the night anyway.” He shot back with a grinning wink, hiding his lust-filled thoughts.
    Looping the strap of her purse over her shoulder, she walked toward him on unsteady feet. Michael hid his smile, guessing she didn’t drink much or often. Putty in his hands . As she reached him, her heel caught on a raised tile and she stumbled a little.
    Oh yes, thank you God!
    He caught her in his arms easily, pulling her close for a moment so he could prolong the body contact. His brain short-circuited at the way her curves felt against him. He took a deep breath as her perfume slowly worked its way into his sinuses and his brain catalogued the scent.
    Using her lack of balance, he copped a quick feel, biting back a groan as her breasts fit his hands perfectly. It was enough to tease him almost past his tolerance, his cock hard and aching, demanding release from its denim confinement.
    “Hey!” She pushed against him, her cheeks bright red. Not giving her the chance to say anything else, Michael yanked her closer and claimed her lips.