Chances (Mystic Nights #1) (5 page)

Peter rubbed his stubbly jaw bringing the focus to him as he cleared his throat. “Space is tight right now. Funding for construction, won’t be . . .” Peter started.

“I’m thinking about the empty bingo hall on Rapp St.” Jonathan was lost. What had been about the casino’s newest construction projects turned into something else he hadn’t been prepared for and had no knowledge of in the least. He had no idea Aliya was thinking about opening a dance studio, let alone that she was finishing up her business degree. He needed to control the situation.

“I’d love the chance to meet with the council to discuss it. I’ve been putting a proposal together.” Aliya looked at both the council members hoping she wasn’t surprising them and being too forthcoming with her ideas.

Peter intervened before Jonathan could get in a word. “That space is kind of small for a studio. But, we would love to hear more about it.” He glanced at Myrtle on his right and she was in full agreement. “We can’t make any promises, but why don’t you head down to the tribal council and make an appointment.”

“I’ll do that. Thank you so much,” Aliya gushed. She had been planning on doing that when her degree was finished, but space on the reserve was limited. She already knew there was talk about turning the old hall into a clinic or youth center for the children. She might as well give it a try now. It could be years before another space became available.

“How perfect.” Jonathan tried to mask the sneer that he normally would have made under these circumstances. Instead he turned from the gushing Aliya giving her his back and effectively cutting her off. She was practically fawning all over the middle aged councilman. But now he knew her motives, and that helped him to put her into perspective. He knew why she didn’t have time now.

Aliya shot daggers into Jonathan’s back. His tone told her he was perturbed with her. And if her eyes weren’t deceiving her, she would swear he appeared somewhat jealous of Council member Sebastian. His tone was definitely one of anger, but his face quickly masked his feelings. A sexy smile soon took its place as he turned his attention to Myrtle.

Aliya couldn’t blame Jonathan for being angry. When she was hired she signed a contract. She hadn’t let them know in the interview process that she only planned to stay that long. For her it had always been a temporary gig. But that was her business. Yes, she planned to fulfill her obligation to the casino, but six months, maybe six more and that was it. She was nearly thirty, and could not dance here forever. He had to realize that. Dancer’s careers lasted only so long. She wanted to open her own studio. She had been saving for the last four years to do just that. She’d worked in Vegas nearly a decade, trying to escape her past, and after five years knew where she belonged. Home. Even her parents had moved back to the reservation after she’d given up her schooling in New York at nineteen because she had fallen in love.

She shook those negative thoughts away. That was another time. Another place. Something she did not like to dwell on for long. The regrets there ran deep.

“I must say, we are glad you and your family have returned to Lantern Hill, Aliya.” Peter was still gushing over her, and Jonathan’s stomach rolled.

She stepped out from behind Jonathan. “Thank you. And I’m glad to be back. I want to give back to my community. Teach the younger generation about our culture through song and dance. Give them a healthy alternative to other recreational activities on the reserve.” Jonathan wanted to tell her to save her pitch for the council meeting, but Myrtle Croatan was nodding vigorously.

“Those are great aspirations,” Jonathan purred, taking Myrtle’s elbow. Ignoring Aliya now, he continued, “Let’s move along. I still have a great deal I want to show you before I take you into the construction area.”

Myrtle nodded at Aliya once over her shoulder, her brown eyes sparkling, as Jonathan escorted them back the way they came. He couldn’t get out of there quick enough.

But it wasn’t fast enough. He could hear Peter asking his indecent proposal to Aliya behind their retreating backs. “If you ever want to talk more about your plans before the meeting, Aliya, please do not hesitate. My office is always open for you.”

Jonathan did not wait to hear anymore. He began to escort Myrtle out of the theatre. He was done with Aliya Chance.

*

Or so he
thought.

“We need more dancers. Male dancers. Bobby’s knees are shot, and Gabe spends way too much time chasing skirts, drinking, and God knows what else. Our performance of
‘The Trail of Tears’
is beginning to suffer. It really depends on men, strong male dancers.”

Jonathan sat behind his massive oak desk. Aliya was perched over it, still in costume. Her breasts were heaving below her traditional native dress. He could see the rise and fall of them, and it brought back all the memories of their one night together. Thoughts that he’d been able to push out of his mind during the day for the last two weeks, but not so successfully at night. Not when her breasts were right there in front of him. Hell, if he stood up right now, she’d know what he was thinking about instead of focusing on her words.

“Can’t you just choreograph around that?” he sighed. He was repeating himself. He knew it. He’d said that twice already.

“No, I can’t. Not without the performance suffering. Eve told me I needed your okay before posting the positions. We can use Bobby, but not in the role he’s been playing, and frankly, you need to fire Gabriel.” She crossed her arms in front of her in an angry gesture that only further enhanced her already ample endowments.

“Fine.” He gave up. He wasn’t getting anywhere with her in this conversation. And if she didn’t leave his office soon, he was going to do something pretty drastic. Like clear everything off his desk in one sweeping motion and take her right there. Yep, that was where his thoughts had wound up. He’d make a complete ass of himself. “Fine. Send Gabriel to me. And, put the ad out.”

He remained behind his desk, his cock throbbing. He hoped she’d just leave, but to his dismay she sat down instead. And of all the fucking luck, she crossed her legs causing the hem of her dress to ride even higher. “Thank-you,” she heaved, and smiled. Her look of satisfaction almost undid him. He glanced at his desk top thinking about what would get ruined if she stayed much longer.

“Was there something else?” he asked, trying to sound annoyed when it was more like sexual frustration that needed to be taken care of. And soon. Her countenance went from anger to anxiety in a fraction of a second. She looked nervous and he watched as her small even white teeth began to worry the side of her top lip. His mouth went dry. Damn this woman, and the spell she had him under. He cursed his luck. She shifted her position, and he nearly groaned and choked at the view. Her legs were beyond fantastic.

She let out a small sigh, but didn’t pause for long. “I . . . I . . . also wanted to apologize. For blurting all that out when the council members were here. I . . . wanted to reassure you, I plan to fulfill my contract. I need this job to save enough to repair and fix the studio I plan on starting.”

He gave himself a moment to calm down. Tenting his fingers under his chin he leaned forward at his desk relieving a bit of the strain he was feeling. Nodding, he started. “Okay. That is good to know.” She gave him a small smile.
She was utterly breathtaking when she smiled.
God, he wanted this woman.

“And, I also wanted you to know, I could continue part time afterwards, if you still needed me.”

Still needed her? God, did he need her.

“Aliya, go out with me.” He just blurted it out.

She sat ram rod straight in her chair. The suddenness of the change in direction of their conversation caught her completely off guard. She began to fidget in her seat and looked about nervously while she twisted her hands in her lap. He could feel the attraction, and knew she felt it, too. Her hesitation was telling. He was always good about seeng a person’s tell. He hoped she would give this a chance. Whatever it was between them wasn’t one sided. And it wasn’t finished. That much he knew.

“I don’t give many people second chances, Aliya. I know you are single. No boyfriend, you live alone. A date, a real one?” He suggested it, rather than demanding it. He wanted to make it clear it was just not about sex anymore.

Again she remained quiet. He saw a flash of pain cross her face before she tried to hide it from him, and then her almond shaped eyes were on him. It nearly took his breath away. She leaned forward. Her hair in a thick braid came forward over one of her delicate shoulders, and he wanted to tug on it, feel the weight of all that hair bound and plaited. She licked her lips before speaking. “I’m just so busy. I’ve got one class to finish. I’m writing my proposal for the council.” He sensed it was an evasion. He wasn’t ready to surrender just yet.

“I’m busy too.” He looked around his office. “Everyone’s busy. That is life.” He gestured around his office. Stacks of files and printed out spreadsheets were scattered across the room. He was still dealing with the accounting fiasco and was examining the books themselves. But he kept his focus on her. She was breathing erratically. Small pants.

“I’m just not interested.” Her eyes darted everywhere and refused to meet his. Hard or not, he got up and rounded his desk. He stood before her, and she was forced to look up or stare at his crotch. His arousal was still evident. She felt the same way every time he was near. Her pussy clenched. She’d dreamed about him every night for the past month. It was torture.

When she looked up, his eyes were in flames. She hadn’t felt so powerful an attraction in nearly a decade. Who was she kidding? This was more.

“You’re lying.” His words were a dare. And she was terrified and confused. Her body ached to be touched by him again. But her mind was still in turmoil.

“What?” she muttered in confusion still trying to stall for time so she could think clearly.

“I said you’re a liar. Your breathing is hitched. Your nipples are hard.” He risked lowering his hand to hover over one of her delectable orbs. He flicked one tip with his finger. Her sharp intake of breath made his cock harden even more. He reached for her hands and pulled her up to a standing position. She stood, and her legs were shaky. Involuntarily, she swayed towards him, touching without touching. They were a hairs breath away, but she was on fire.

Aliya had to shake her head to clear it. She couldn’t concentrate with him so close. “It’s nothing personal. I’m just not looking for a fling right now.”

“I’m okay with that.” His words confused her. Her body was pressed against his now. His hands were splayed across her back, making erotic circles and keeping her helplessly distracted.

“I’m also not looking to give private dances for the boss,” she added, still so confused by her body’s betrayal.

“Hmm, now you have given me an idea. One I won’t be able to get out of my head until I make that happen.” He knew it was the wrong thing to say, as soon as he felt her body stiffen in his arms.

“Never.” Her eyes locked into his.

“I was kidding.” Jonathan laughed. Partly to lighten the suddenly tense mood. “Why are you pushing me away so hard, Aliya, when you and I both know we want each other, want this?” He dipped his head lower so their lips were just a breath away. “I know you feel it.” He stroked her cheek with his until his mouth was right next to her ear.

She felt the heat of his words along her neck, and could not help but to shiver. When his tongue trailed along her rapid fire pulse, the gasp that escaped her was wanton and full of desire. It only encouraged him to do more. “I want you like no one before,” he confessed, grasping her face and doing what he wanted to do for over a month.

The blood roared in her ears the moment his lips crushed hers. She was responding in record time, and she felt him turning her, but was unaware of anything else until she was lifted and placed on top of his desk.

With one hand he cleared most of it, and then he was on top of her. Her body was engulfed in sensation. She wanted it. Needed it. Once more, she told herself as his hand pushed her panties aside and he found her already drenched pussy. He began to finger her, plunging one long digit inside her, and her back arched to receive it.

“God, I want you,” the words tore from her soul as she broke the kiss on a gasp of pleasure.

“Let’s not deny it any longer.” His voice was like gravel as he stood and began to unfasten his slacks. She sat back up to help him. Pure need rushed through them both.

Jonathan took out his wallet quickly before his pants slid to the floor, and hastily retrieved a condom. Aliya took the foil package from his grasp as he finished removing his pants and briefs. His cock was rock hard and she easily slipped it down his massive length. The touch of her fingers, although light, had him jumping. He needed to be deep inside her now.

As she lie back down, he grasped her hips at the same time, and plunged deeply. She was wet and ready. Her cry of pleasure when his index finger found her already exposed clit was all he needed to take her roughly. Leaning into her, he felt her feet in soft moccasins pull him closer as he began to pound and thrust into her repeatedly. It was going to be quick.