The Broken Road (12 page)

I passed by Shane’s room. What the hell, I’ll bring him along. He probably needs to let loose as well. I knocked on his door. He answered me with his phone against his ear and a little gasp escaped. I was completely awestruck. Shane still had on his dirty shop jeans but they hung low on his hips. His chest was completely bare. Absolutely hot. I struggled to remember the reason why I was at his door in the first place.

“Hang on,” he mouthed to me and then turned around and sat on his bed. I didn’t dare to move from the door frame. I waited until he had finished his conversation and hung up.

“What’s up stranger?” he asked, as he squeezed me tightly. My mind stopped functioning and my body warmed at his touch.
Good lord, get a grip.

“I haven't seen you in a while. Just checking in with my roommate,” I joked. I pulled myself out of his embrace reluctantly. Rebound or not, this was a path I shouldn’t go down again.

“Yeah, I know. Work has been hell,” Shane replied, running his hands through his short hair.

“Same here. It’s been a hellish week. I need to let loose. Jen and the rest of the crew are meeting up at Double J’s later. You and Allison should join us.”

“Um. I’ll think about it. I’ll probably come by later. There are a few things I need to do tonight. But Allison won’t be there. We aren’t together anymore, or whatever you call it,” he said. Shane didn’t look too upset about the breakup. I guess he was telling the truth when he said that they were just having fun together.

“Oh yeah? What happened?” I asked then hurriedly corrected myself. “You don't have to tell me. It’s none of my business.”

Shane shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. We just, you know, decided to go our separate ways. We’re still cool though.”

I nodded coolly. “Yeah, Alex and I split too. Apparently, he’s married. You were right, he was playing me,” I blurted out. Shane looked away and I realized he had been holding back.  “You knew.”

Shane shrugged. “I didn’t know he was married, but I knew he was with someone else.  The day I left for Trenton, I was behind him at Starbucks. He was on his phone,  saying something about being in love for the last four years and how he wished whoever was on the phone could be here now. I didn’t realize it was him he came over. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to be right.”

I was stunned. Shane knew all this time and kept this from me. I didn’t know if I should be angry or not. Would I have believed him, I wondered.
Just like you believed Shane when he told you Alex was a player?
The sensible voice in my head reasoned. Probably not. 

“Don’t sweat it. I learned my lesson to go with my gut instinct more often,” I joked weakly.

Shane lightly punched my arm.
“Did you at least kick his ass?”

“I thought about it, but didn’t. I wish I had,” I replied. I checked my watch and realized the time. “So about tonight; I’m planning on drinking, so I’ll call a cab around ten or so.  Let me know if you're going to come with me.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

I turned around and headed to my room. I quickly showered and pulled on my sexiest panties and bra. Who knows? I might decide to bring someone home. Penny’s tail thumped as I looked through my closet. I needed to look good, feel confident. I decided on a low-cut navy blue wrap shirt and my favorite dancing jeans. After drying my hair and running a flat-iron through it, I called for a cab and applied my make-up while I waited. I knew Shane had already left. He never told me he was leaving, but a quick check of his room confirmed it. I had no clue where he went off to and pushed aside a pang of disappointment. Shane didn’t need to be at the club for me to have a good time. No more relationships. No more talk of Mr. Right or sulking and whining. Only thing to do tonight is to have fun with my friends.

I got to the club a little before ten-thirty. Jen, along with the rest of my friends, had commandeered a corner booth.

“Hey everyone!” The chorus of hellos could barely be heard over the din of the music. The bass rattled my bones and the music beckoned me to the dance floor.

“Drinks are on the house, Megs.” called Josh. Since he was the club’s co-owner, our group received special perks.

I gave him a thumb up sign. Thank god I took a taxi. Free drinks were dangerous. I headed for Jason, my favorite bartender, Josh’s brother and the other co-owner of Double J’s.

“Hey girl! Haven’t seen you in forever,” he said with a big grin. He reached across the bar to give me a big hug. Jason and I have been good friends since high school. It was easy for me to be friends with him; there was never any drama between us. “What’s your poison tonight?”

“Hi J. I’ll take the usual,” I said, giving him a big smile. I felt confident. I am going to forget that Alex is a lying stupid man-whore. I’m going to enjoy flirting and being single and not let a loser like Alex ruin my fun.

“So how’s it going?“ he asked as he handed me my beer.

“It’s going good. How are you? This place is crazy! How are you handling the bar and baseball? I haven’t talked to you in a while,” I said, pushing closer to the bar so he could hear me.

“I’m constantly running. But things are going great. Josh and I are a pretty good team. And baseball is going great. Spring training is in full swing right now; I’m pitching real well,” he said, completely ignoring the guy next to me who jockeyed for Jason’s attention. Not only is Jason running the bar, he’s also in a minor league baseball team.

“That’s great!” I exclaimed.

“Hey sweet cheeks, if you're not going to order, can you move that fine behind?” said the guy next to me. Though he looked vaguely familiar, I couldn't place him. I rolled my eyes. Black hair, tanned, brown eyes, dressed in a plaid button-down shirt and jeans. I knew him from somewhere, but where?

“Yeah, sure buddy. J - I’ll see you in a bit,” I said with a grin. I took my drink back to the table and settled in next to Jen. We chatted for a few minutes, but the music called my name. I grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the dance floor.

We danced for what seemed like forever. I danced with the girls and several different guys. They were all cute, but no one had the moves to match mine. There is a saying that what a guy does on the dance floor reflects his bedroom skills. I wasn't looking for a booty call, but it had been a long time.

I started to get hot. The dance floor was becoming too crowded so I pulled my hair up into a messy knot, and yelled to Jen, “I’m getting a drink.” I walked towards the main bar, but more people came over as a ballad came on. Finally, I was able to get in front of the crowd and grabbed the other bartender Fallon’s attention.

“Hey girl!“ she said, her long black hair hanging loosely over her strapless shirt. She reached across the bar to give me an awkward kiss on the cheek. Fallon was Jen’s old college roommate, and we’ve been friends ever since. “I didn't realize you’d be here tonight,” she said, passing out drinks.

“Yeah, it’s a big group of us. We’re with Josh.”

“Ah, that’s right. Awesome. It’s nuts in here tonight. The winter freeze is over and people are getting out.”

“Seriously, sweet cheeks, why is it that you’re always chatting up the bartenders when a man is trying to get his drink,” said a vaguely familiar voice from behind me. It was the guy from before and my brain finally clicked on his name.

              I raised an eyebrow. “You’re Dominic, right?” I knew I remembered him. He ran with a bad crowd from high school. Apparently, even ten years later, he never grew up.

              “Yeah, baby. I knew you’d remember me at some point. I didn’t forget you.” he said surly. He was obviously drunk and tried to run his hand down my arm. I pulled it away.

              “Yeah. Well, nice talking to you.” I turned my back to him and waited for Fallon to get my drink.

“Don't turn away,” he said, touching my arm “You’re here, I’m here, let’s dance for a while and see how well you remember me.”

I yanked my arm back. “No thanks. And don’t touch me. I’m here with someone, not you.”

Dominic grabbed my arm roughly. His brown eyes were blazing. I could tell he was not used to hearing the word “no.” “You don’t need to act like that. Come on baby. Let’s dance.”

I could see Fallon wave to someone, but I couldn't see who. God, I didn't want to cause a scene and have security come over. I don’t need anyone to fight my battles, I can do it myself. I looked down at his sleazy hand on my arm and balled up my fists.

“Listen asshole, if you don’t get your hand off me, I’m going to break it,” I warned.

Dominic just laughed and let go. “If you’re here with someone, where is he? Huh?”

“Hey baby, did you miss me?” said a voice behind me. A pair of muscular tattooed arms wrapped around my waist. I knew that voice. Shane. I breathed a sigh of relief. I looked up at him. His beautiful eyes were hard and his jaw was clenched. His body was coiled in anger. Shane was ready to drop this clown to the floor. I played the role and stood up on my toes to kiss his jaw line. I could feel a little quiver in his body as he relaxed his stance slightly.

“Hey sweetie. Of course I did,” I said with a smug smile on my lips.

“What's up Dominic?” Shane said with a nod, his tone undeniably cold. Shane is a gentle man, but he is also a protector. He doesn’t fight unless it is necessary and when he does fight, he rarely loses.

“Shane. Sorry man, I didn't realize she was with you,” Dominic said, backing off slightly.

Shane ignored him and loudly whispered, “Let’s dance.” Taking my hand, he led me to the dance floor. I turned and saw Fallon watching us with anticipation. “Thanks” I mouthed, as Shane pulled me away. She just grinned. She knew how close Shane came to kicking Dominic’s ass.

My favorite Usher song came on, and Shane pulled me close. With my body tingling from his touch, my hopes soared. But I felt the need to give him an out, just in case. “Thanks for helping me, but I could have handled him. I think you made your point. You don’t have to dance with me if you don’t want to.”

Shane gave me a mischievous grin. “We can't let Dominic see you dancing alone can we? What, you don’t want to dance with me?”

I had to smile. “Oh shut up, you fool.”

He put his hands on my hips, and pulled me closer. Shane swayed his body in time with mine, matching me step to step. We fit perfectly together. I was captivated on how well our bodies seem to fuse together. I threw my arm around his neck as he held me. We were so close air couldn’t find a space between us. Electric sparks shot straight to my toes and I had to remember to breathe. I looked up at him; his eyes were dark and inviting. I don’t know if it was the loneliness of being single or the heat of the moment, but I put my other arm around his neck and tentatively touched my lips to his. “I can NOT believe I just did that,” I thought, immediately pulling back. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

“Sorry –,” I stammered. 

Shane’s response stole what little breath I had left. He crushed his lips hungrily to mine. Those electric sparks were nothing compared to what I felt just then. Fire broke out all over my body, the sensation shot right through my body to a place that had been idle for far too long – my heart, and some place lower. His tongue gently caressed mine, and I sighed in ecstasy. Shane broke the kiss off first; there was fire in his eyes. “Damn, Megan,” he muttered, holding me tight. Oh my god, what did I do? I can’t believe we kissed!

“Let’s get out of here while we’re still standing,” he growled, pulling me off the dance floor.

We quickly walked over to the booth. It was practically empty, save for Josh and his wife. They were so busy with each other, they didn’t notice when I pulled out my coat and purse. Shane grabbed my hand and led me outside to his Harley. He handed me his spare helmet and put on his. He lifted up the visor on my helmet, looked me in the eyes, and said, “Are you ready?” I nodded. The promise and meaning of his words shot right to my belly, which flipped at the sound of them. My heart slammed against my chest as he helped me climb on Even though we’ve been friends for so long, I never had the chance to ride with Shane. Pressing myself against his back with a powerful machine underneath me was almost my undoing. The closer we got towards home, the hotter my blood burned. I didn’t want to think anymore, I wanted to feel. And by god, I wanted to feel him.

Before I knew it, we were pulling up into the driveway. He put the brake down and helped me off.

“I’m just going to put it in the shed,” he said, not looking at me. Oh god. I made a complete ass of myself. I simply nodded and unlocked the door. Penny was fast asleep so I just left my purse and coat on the bench and headed upstairs to my room. Disappointment and sexual frustration rolled off of me.
Did the scene in the club really happen? Did I read too much into his kiss?
  Oh forget it. I couldn’t keep it hidden anymore. It’s now or never, consequences be damned. I quickly debated if I should brush my teeth, when I heard his footsteps on the stairs.

The butterflies were twisting my stomach; I needed to say something before it got awkward. I didn’t have that much to drink so I can’t blame the alcohol. Hearing him behind me, I quickly turned around with the words “I’m sorry” on the tip of my tongue. But I never got to say them. Shane put his arms around me and kissed me with such need, I nearly lost my balance.

“Shane ... I …,” I whispered, pulling back slightly. My body was telling my head to shut up.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to do this,” he whispered, his lips against mine. My body melted against his, consumed by need.
It was time to live for the moment
. His tongue danced with mine as he picked me up and wrapped my legs around him, then placed me on top of my dresser. He lifted my shirt over my head and while his lips suckled and teased the most sensitive spot on my neck, he slowly undid my bra, as if he was torturing me on purpose. My frantic hands fumbled with the buttons on his shirt and I pulled it over his broad shoulders. Shane’s lips kissed a trail down my neck and chest, finding my nipple. He gently raised my breast, massaging and kneading while his tongue pulled and fondled the very tip. My body was on fire and his touch intensified it. He picked me up again and laid me on the bed. He pulled off my jeans and my light blue satin boy shorts. The cool breeze from my ceiling fan only fanned the flames that consumed my naked body.