Just a Kiss

Home : Stories by Catw00man : RCR 2008 AU : Path of Thorns - Just a Kiss

Summary: What if things went the other way?

AUTHOR: Catw00man
EMAIL: catw00man@cryptoffic.com
RATING: NC-17
SERIES: Path of Thorns
CHARACTERS: Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kevin Harvick, Clint POV
PROMPT: Taming the Muse #76 (#51 for me) - Mount Everest
COMPLETED: January 4, 2008
WORDS: 5,791
DISCLAIMER: I own NOTHING and am affiliated with NO ONE mentioned here. Not the drivers, not the teams, no one. This is all fiction and fun. In other words...NOT REAL, NOT REAL, NOT REAL. ;-)
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is done in response to Zippit’s absolutely beautiful A Night Under the Mistletoe. In this universe Junior ended up going to RCR instead of HMS. When I read her amazing fic the one thing I had to wonder was what would happen if things when the other way. Here’s my “what if.”
AUTHOR'S NOTE2: Ok, so, this was written about 2 weeks ago before the “news” about Clint and Athena. I thought about it and when this is set, it still works. So, I’m gonna keep this as is and move on from there. No disrespect intended as this is all complete fiction.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

RCR Christmas Party - Welcome, North Carolina - December 22nd, 2007

“What do you mean first one to get Junior under the mistletoe keeps him?  Clint, what aren’t you telling me?”

Tighten my grip on the steering wheel and cast a glance over at my girlfriend Athena, who’s looking less than pleased with me.  I should have told her this before.  Shoot, I shouldn’t have made the bet at all.  But Kevin has this way of getting you to do things you never would otherwise.

“Relax, Babe.  It’s Harvick’s idea.  You know how he is.”  Slide my hands over the wheel nervously.  How do I let myself get into these situations?  I swear Harvick is gonna be the death of me.  Take a deep breath before continuing, “It’s his idea of a welcome to RCR kinda thing.  Whoever gets him under the mistletoe first--”

“Are you going to kiss him?” she asks me bluntly and turns wide eyes on me that I can’t bring myself to meet directly.  Focus on the road and not the insane mix of feelings rolling through me.  I know Kev made this bet because he never dreamed I’d accept.  He just wanted an excuse to go mess with Earnhardt without DeLana getting all bent out of shape over it.  I’m still not even sure why I took him up on it. 

“Well?  Are you?” she prompts me again and I shift uncomfortably in my seat.  I swear, one of these days I’m going to make sure Harvick is the one on the raw end of a deal.

“That’s the bet, Athena.  A kiss.  Just a kiss.”  Pry my hand from the wheel and reach over to take one of hers that is fiddling with the purse in her lap.  Squeeze her hand softly as I pull into the shop parking lot and into a space.  Reach across the wheel to shut off the car with my left hand and then finally turn to face her.

It was no mistake I tried to just dump this on her in the car, and I should have known she wouldn’t let me get away with it.  I guess sometimes I really can be a dick.  I just don’t like to deal with this stuff.  Slowly raise my gaze to hers and I can see the fear and doubt in her eyes and I know where it comes from.

We both love Kev and DeLana but to be honest, sometimes being their friends is a little tough.  Those two…definitely have a different definition of a committed relationship.  It can be more than intimidating when they get going and I know Athena has felt it.  But I’m not Kevin and I don’t really want to be.

Lean across the car and gently touch my lips to Athena’s, softly moving them over hers until she slowly parts them.  Lean closer, lacing my fingers with hers and tenderly sweep my tongue through her mouth, shivering lightly when she caresses mine in turn.  I love her and I need her to know it as much as I need to remember where I belong. 

Lose myself to the touch and taste of her another long moment before pulling back to meet her eyes which are now beaming with love.  See her free hand at the corner of my eye and smile when she starts to adjust my spiky hair.  “Kiss him like that and Harvick won’t have a prayer.”

Blink in surprise at her words and sit up sharply, nailing my left elbow on the steering wheel.  Surely she doesn’t mean that.  Hiss and reach to rub at my stinging arm when I feel her hand at my cheek.  “Don’t hurt yourself Clint, I was only teasing.”  Feel her lips soft against mine and smile at her tender touch.  “You go play your insane games with Harvick, just make sure you’re back in my arms tonight.”

I couldn’t have found a better woman.

~*~*~*~

I’m anxious the instant we walk through the door.  Tighten my arm around Athena’s waist as we head into the shop and I scan the crowd for unfamiliar blue eyes and red hair, but thankfully all I see are the familiar faces I’ve come to know over the last few years.  He’s not here yet, or if he is I don’t see him, so I still have a little more time to try and figure out what the heck I’m really doing.

Lead Athena over to a table where they’re serving wine from RC’s vineyards and take a glass.  Wine isn’t usually my drink of choice but right now I’ll try anything to quell this nervous energy inside.  Take a sip of the wine and then look over to Athena when she squeezes my arm and directs my gaze across the room to the Harvicks that have spotted us.

The mischievous glint in Kevin’s eyes is unmistakable as they cross the shop towards us and I know the competition is about to begin.  Turn to grab a handful of nuts from the table beside us to distract myself but stop when Athena leans closer.  “Just remember who loves you, Bowyer,” she tells me softly but before I can respond DeLana is at her side complimenting her on her new purse.

Give the beauty whose been by my side almost daily since I left Kansas a lingering look as she begins chatting with the female Harvick who is every bit as bad as her husband.  Reach again for the assorted snacks set out on the table when she turns her wicked gaze toward me and Kev.  “Good luck you two.” 

Her smooth voice and sparkling blue eyes leave no doubt as to what she’s talking about any more than the meaningful look she shoots to Kevin before leading Athena off to mingle with some of the other women in attendance.  She’s part of this too, no doubt.  Glance to Athena’s retreating figure and I have to ask myself again why I’m doing this.

“What’s the goddess’ opinion on the whole thing?” Turn my head at Kevin’s words to find him smirking at me, green eyes glittering with anticipation. 

And what do I tell him?  That she’s not exactly comfortable with me kissing anyone else, much less our new teammate?  That’s not what Kev wants to hear.  Ponder his words for another moment and then opt with the truth…or a variation anyway.

“She told me not to hurt myself.”  Take a long drink of my wine and then munch on some of the nuts I picked up when I realize he’s still looking at me expectantly.  Crap, what would DeLana stay in a situation like this?  That’s when it hits me.  “She also said if I do manage to win that she better be invited.”

Smile at his laughter and relax a little.  It is just a game after all.  Just like it always is with him.  I couldn’t even count the number of stupid bets and pranks we’ve pulled on others as well as each other.  This is just one more story we’ll have to tell later.

“We’re some lucky bastards,” he tells me with a grin and squeezes my shoulder.  Cast a glance his direction and there’s no mistaking the look in his eyes.  I’ve seen it too many times from both him and DeLana and I know what it means.  He finds me attractive and with just a word he and his wife would be more than welcome to initiate me and Athena into their “swingers” lifestyle.

But I can’t, and he’s never pushed, just left the door slightly cracked in case I ever change my mind.  I just wonder if he knows that it’s not so much about the “gay” thing or sharing Athena, though I know I’m not ready for either of those things.  It’s because of what I’m afraid I’d lose. 

He’s my best friend and has been more of a mentor to me than anyone.  He and D have treated me like family ever since I came from Kansas and I’d never jeopardize that, no matter how much fun it might be.  I really am lucky to have a friend like him.

“Hell yeah.  Like I could forget.”  Smile more as he looks around the room and it hits me that maybe all that sex appeal that seems to ooze from him tonight wasn’t really directed at me.  It’s been awhile since I’ve seen him so wound up and to be honest, it looks good on him.  “You spot him yet?”

“Not yet.”  He shakes his head as he turns to look towards the entrance of the shop, and there’s no mistaking the look of annoyance on his face.  He’s ready to play and Earnhardt’s habitual tardiness is just feeding the flame.

“Think he’ll show up with a date?” I ask causing him to frown.  He really is fun to tease when he’s this anxious.  So what if I can’t help but poke the rattler with a stick?

“Nope, D talked to Tony Jr.  If he shows up with someone, it’ll be someone not even his family knows about.” 

Nod to him and then take a sip of wine as I glance around the rapidly crowding room.  I have to admit, I’m a little surprised at Kev even proposing this bet.  When we first heard Junior was becoming our teammate he seemed less than pleased, not that I blame him.  He’s been top dog here since his first win at Atlanta all those years ago.  Earnhardt coming in can only mess that up.  But since he came up with this idea of “winning” Junior he’s seemed to come to peace with it.

Look towards the door again and elbow Kevin in the ribs as I see the entertainment for the evening trying to inconspicuously slip in, like the son of Dale Earnhardt could ever go unnoticed.  Nod his direction and don’t miss how heads turn and conversations quiet at his arrival.  It’s obvious he feels the weight of the room because he ducks his head almost as if he’s trying to dodge the attention.  Poor guy, I really don’t know how he deals with it.

Cast a glance to Kevin and I can see he hasn’t missed a thing.  “We really gotta break him of that shyness.”  Smile and nod.  Leave it to Kevin to turn even Junior’s weaknesses into some kind of an adversary to be conquered like his own personal Everest. 

Take a long drink, finishing off my wine when he holds out his hand to me.  “Good luck,” he tells me with that competitive glint in his eyes.  He winks and then shoots me that mocking smirk of his.  “You’ll need it.”

And that’s when the tables turn.

He really thinks he’s got this won already.  That fact alone is enough to spur me into action because if he does win I know I’ll never hear the end of it.  I’m just as competitive as he is and if it means I have to find a way to suck face with Junior then that’s exactly what I’m going to do.  Harvick isn’t winning this round.

Chuckle and level him with a challenging look of my own.  “We’ll see about that, Harvick.”  Grin a little more as I shoot a brief glance at our prey.  “I’ll see you under the mistletoe.”  Give Kev’s hand an extra squeeze and then turn into the crowd, trying to keep an eye on both Harvick and Earnhardt, knowing he’s doing the same with me.

Move across the floor and finally end up leaning against the shop wall with Burton, still keeping an eye on Junior as he strikes up a conversation with RC.  Watch them talk like the old friends they are and it doesn’t surprise me that he became our teammate.  I’m just glad we have an owner that cares enough about all of us to get our opinion on the matter.  He didn’t have to do that and I think that’s why even though Kev wasn’t thrilled he didn’t really put up any opposition.

“So, what’s the bet tonight, Bowyer?”

Head snaps around at Jeff’s words and duck it slightly at the knowing look he shoots me.  Still I try to play coy.  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“C’mon Clint.  I know you and I know Harvick.  It’s a party.  There has to be a bet and if I were a gambling man…”  Watch as he looks across the room to where my gaze was directed only moments ago.  “…I’d be betting that it has to do with our new teammate.”  Wince as he levels his eyes on me again.  “So, what’re the stakes?  What are you doing to Earnhardt?”

Shove my hand in my pockets and stare down at my feet for a moment.  How is it that Jeff always seems to know exactly what’s going on without anyone filling him in?  He’s been around Kevin too long.  He’s starting to think like him.  But aren’t I guilty of the same thing?  Take a breath and then finally raise my head to look across the room as I answer him.  “First one to get Junior under the mistletoe wins.”

Jump at his sudden laughter and curse the slight blush I feel burning my cheeks.  Damn him.  It’s not like I came up with the damn bet.  This is all Harvick’s fault.

“That’s…just priceless.”  Look over as he wipes at the corner of his eye and continues to chuckle.  “I should have known Harvick would come up with something like that.”  He pauses and looks me over.  “I’m just surprised you’re going along with it.”

Shrug and finally spot Athena coming closer with Jeff’s wife Kim.  “You know how it is.  Can’t let that smug bastard win them all.”

“Absolutely.”  He claps me on the back and I give him a grin.  One look and I know he’s rooting for me to take Kev down a peg, just like I know he’s done the same for Kev against me in the past.  That’s the way the three of us are.  No one gets to be top dog for long.

“You’re still behaving yourself, I see.”  Smile as Athena glides into my arms and kiss her softly on the cheek.  Tug her against me and inhale the scent of peaches as her long blonde hair brushes against her shoulders.

“So far,” I tell her softly as Kevin catches my eye from across the shop.  He arches an eyebrow at me and I glance around when I realize what he must be asking.  Spot RC over by the wine table but Junior is nowhere to be seen so I shake my head slightly.  I’ve lost track of him too.

Hear Jeff chuckle beside me and realize I must not be the only one who caught this silent exchange.  Look to Burton and he tilts his head in the direction of the buffet table and that’s when I catch sight of Junior again, making himself a plate to eat.  Give him a slight nod and then place a soft kiss to Athena’s hair.  “I’m going to grab something to drink.  Catch up with you later?”

She pauses a moment before giving me a nod and slipping out of my arms.  I hesitate for a moment but then she squeezes my hand.  “I think I’ll go catch up with Kevin and D.”  There’s no mistaking the look in her eyes.  She’s going to try and help win this for me. 

“I love you,” I tell her softly as I squeeze her hand back.

“I know.”

Smile back at her, give Jeff a thumbs up, and then make my way across the room to grab a glass of champagne.  Junior has already finished making his plate and looks to be heading towards the front offices, presumably for some privacy.  Well, I hope he doesn’t mind a little company because I know there’s mistletoe in some of the doorways.  Down my glass of champagne, set it on a nearby table and then wipe my hands on my pants as I follow after him, keeping a little distance between us.

This is insane.  This is crazy.  Junior’s not going to want to kiss me.  But then I think of Kevin’s smug face and all the taunting he’ll give me if he gets to him first and it strengthens my resolve.  Like it or not Earnhardt’s getting a kiss from me tonight.  Turn down a dark hallway and walk past the few front office cubicles.  Where the heck did he go?

“Are you following me, Bowyer?”

His voice is right at my ear and, crap, where did he come from?  Try to whip around but he holds me in place with strong hands on my hips and that causes me to suck in a sharp breath.  I’m not used to anyone controlling me and just that one gesture causes my heart rate to increase.  “I just thought…you might want some company.  You know, welcome you to the team and all.”

“Bullshit.”  Jump at his words and I know I must look guilty as sin.  I’ve never been able to tell a lie to save my life and if that’s what he was trying to find out he has to know the truth now.  “What’s the game, Bowyer?  Unlike Harvick I don’t enjoy having pranks pulled on me.”

“That’s…it’s not a prank,” I tell him in a rush and try to jerk away but his grip only grows tighter.  Shit, just what I need.  A pissed off Earnhardt.  Thanks a hell of a lot Harvick!  Cover his hands and try to pry them off of me as I turn to look at him over my shoulder.  “Not really.  It was just…a bet.”

Wince at his scowl and I’m not sure if I made things better or worse.  He looks down a moment then his eyes are boring into me.  “What exactly was the bet?”

“It was nothin’…really.”  Duck my head and shift on my feet.  Why, oh why did I let Kev talk me into this?  I should be out in the shop with Athena.  Who really needs more than a beauty like her anyway? Scuff the tip of my shoe on the floor when he finally loosens his grip on my hips.  “We were just…I was…trying to be the first to get you under the mistletoe.”

Tense and close my eyes, ready for the punch…that never comes.  Blink my eyes open in the dimly lit hall and finally lift my head to look at him.  The look on his face is priceless.  I swear he looks like someone just told him they quit making Budweiser, eyes wide, lips slightly parted.

He blinks once, twice and then his face finally starts to animate again.  Slow smile curls his lips and he moves closer, causing me to take a hesitant step back.  His eyes seem to darken before me and I have no clue what’s happening.  Is he gonna hit me now?

“Tell me Cliiiint,” he drawls my name as he continues to move forward and send me backwards at the same time.  One step, two, now three and I’m wondering if I should just get out of here.  But the look in his eyes tells me I’m not going anywhere without a fight.  “What are you gonna do, now that you’ve got me here?”  Frown in confusion until he flicks his eyes upward and I tilt my head back to see what he’s talking about.

Mistletoe.

Right above us.

He fucking planned it.  Cast my gaze upward once more before leveling on him again and tell him in as even a tone as I can muster, “Now I’m supposed to kiss you.”

Watch as a crooked smile steals across his lips and I swear I can hear my pulse pounding in my ears at the look he’s giving me.  Try to take a step back as he moves closer but I’ve somehow run out of room.  My back presses against the corner of a cubicle as my entire body tenses for what I don’t even know.

“What happens if I kiss you?”

I don’t even have a chance to process his words because in the next instant his firm lips are pressed up against mine.  Holy crap, is this for real?  Feel his lips move against mine and I know it must be like kissing the wall.  But if he’s gonna kiss me, he’s gonna get better than that.  I’m not gonna let him go running to Kevin, telling him what a lousy kisser I am.  Heck no.  I’m gonna do this right.

Part my lips and reach up to slide my hand around the base of his neck, squeezing it lightly as I deepen the kiss.  Feel him jump slightly and grin as I know I’ve taken him by surprise.  That’s right Earnhardt, there’s more to this Kansas boy than meets the eye. 

Lean into him and tilt my head, just like I would Athena, but this is nothing like kissing her at all.  Her lips are soft and pliable while his are hard and commanding.  It’s obvious he knows exactly what he wants and I yield to him, letting him take the lead but give him back everything he gives, my tongue sliding over his as it sweeps through my mouth.  My heart is pounding in my ears again but in this moment I don’t care.  I swear he’s practically fucking me with his mouth…and I’m not ready for it to stop.

Tighten my grip on his neck and then curl my other hand in his shirt as if I’m afraid he’s going to disappear any second.  And maybe I am.  It is just one kiss after all.  Lean into him and finally take the lead as I slide my tongue past his lips and shiver at the soft moan that reaches my ears.  He’s moaning for me.  Who’s the top dog now Harvick?

Continue to kiss him back until I feel a little light headed and only then do I pull back, panting hard.  Look at him with dazed eyes and I can’t believe, never imagined, kissing him would be anything like that.  I thought it would be a joke, not…this, whatever this is.

“How about I give you something that will really push you over the top?”  Blink in confusion at his words and look to see him staring at me with a dark smile across his face.  What else could he possibly--

He grabs my arm and suddenly I’m being drug across the hall and pushed into the public men’s room.  Ok, hold on.  This is moving a little too fast.  It was just supposed to be a kiss.  “Jun--”

But my words are cut off by his lips pressing hard against mine as he backs me against the wall.  Bring my hands up to push him away until he suddenly grinds his hips against mine and, oh shit, I can feel him.  Panic mixed with desire shoots through me and I can’t even think to act, not when I feel his thumbs teasing over my nipples through the soft cotton of my dress shirt.  Soft pinches with his fingers and now it’s my moans echoing in my ears.

Shit, shit what am I doing?  Feel him grind against me again and this time shiver hard as the thin fabric of our slacks does nothing to prevent our hard cocks from rubbing against each other.  Shit, what is he doing to me?  I’m not supposed to react this way.  It was just supposed to be a kiss.

Gasp as his hand slides lower and I can’t stop myself from bucking into his touch.  Oh hell, he’s touching me, rubbing me through my dress pants and, fuck, please don’t stop.  Tilt my head back when he breaks the kiss and sucks lightly at my neck.  Shit Earnhardt, don’t you dare leave a mark.  Athena would never forgive me….

Hot, wet tongue, tracing the skin below my left ear.  Oh hell, what he’s doing to me.  Hands at my belt buckle and I bring mine down to stop him…until he cups me in his hand again.  Squeeze, rub, stroke, shit I can’t make him stop.  Don’t even want to. 

“Relax Bowyer.  I’ll take care of everything.”  Sweet southern drawl, low at my ear, and it sends shivers down my spine.  How can I argue with that?  Soft sounds of a zipper and ohmygod, he’s got me in his hand! 

Throw my head back against the wall and hiss softly as his hand slides over my bare skin, stroking me with strong, lightly calloused hands.  Feel my pants slide down and in this moment I just don’t care, not when his hand is moving over me like that.  It’s so, commanding, dominating and I can’t help but give into his touch.  Open my eyes I didn’t even realize I’d close and…where is he?

Searing, wet envelops me and it takes a long moment to realize it’s his mouth wrapping around me.  “Holy shit, Junior.”  Is this what he meant about giving me something more?  I envisioned a lot of things tonight but Earnhardt crouched down in front of me with my dick in his mouth was most definitely not one of them.  Moan deeply and lean heavily against the wall behind me, struggling to stay on my feet.  Relax into his sweet touch when he’s suddenly pulling me forward and causing me to stumble.

Feet tangle in the pants around my ankles, but strong hands keep me from falling.  God, I swear, everything is spinning so fast.  Can’t think, can’t hardly catch my breath with the desire swirling through me until my hands contact the marble counter.  What is he?  Oh hell.  Attempt to push back but his arms wrap around me, holding me in place.

“Calm down, Clint.  I ain’t gonna hurt ya.”  Tongue swipes along the shell of my ear causing me to shiver.  How did this all get so far?  Why am I letting him drape me over the counter like he frickin’ owns me?  Hands on my ass as he slides my boxers down and I can’t help but tense until he reaches around to start stroking me again.  Moan soft and rock into his touch as I feel his breath against my neck again.  “There ya go.  Just relax.”  Vaguely notice him reach over to the soap dispenser on the wall and at first I don’t understand why, until I start to feel slick fingers probing at my ass.

“Junior, shit, what are you--” Jerk straight off the counter when I feel one long, slender finger slide inside me and my breath catches in my throat.  He’s not, I mean, he wouldn’t…oh shit he is.  Feel his finger curl deep inside me and I try to force myself to relax because it’s obvious he’s not taking no for an answer.  Curl my hands on the counter when I feel him stretch me with another finger and I grit my teeth against the invasion…until he does something different….

“Oh, Jesus fucking Christ!  What the hell, oh my god don’t stoooooop.”  Moan low as he’s touched something deep inside I never dreamed of.  Hear his low chuckle behind me and gasp when I feel his fingers pull away.  Whine, unable to form words and jump when he suddenly smacks my ass.

“Don’t worry, Bowyer.  I’m not one to leave a man wantin’”  Hands on my hips and I suck on my lower lip when I catch his reflection in the mirror behind me.  Oh God, this is really real.  I can feel him, right at my ass, see the look of unabashed desire on his face and in his smoldering eyes.  This is happening oh shit, this is happening.

Slow, constant stretch and I can feel him sliding inside.  Drop my forehead to the counter and shiver at the mix of pain and deep seeded need in the pit of my stomach.  My body is on fire more than I can remember for a long time and I can’t seem to catch my breath.  Strong arm around me, pulling me off the counter and I feel his lips against my ear again.

“How’s that, Clint?  You like the feel of my dick deep inside you?  That better than some pitiful little kiss?”  Whimper as he rocks his hips forward and all I can do is nod as he kisses my neck and takes my aching cock into his hand again.  Move with him as he strokes, hand wrapped tightly around me as he thrusts forward and back with an even rhythm.  Shake and tremble until finally it’s all getting to be too much.

“More.  Fuck me, give me more, June.  Please.”  And that seems to be all the incentive he needs.

Hands strike the counter to keep my face from slamming into it as he pushes me forward sharply.  Try to get my bearings, looking up when he finally slams into me hard for the first time and, dear Jesus, there’s that feeling again.  Moan deeply, unable to stop myself and before I know it I’m using the counter to push back into his every thrust.  Rock into his hand, moving over me so easily, and it’s all spiraling so damn fast.  More, more, I need more.

“That’s it Bowyer.  Give it up.  Give it up you pretty bitch.”  Groan at his words and the sharp slap to my ass that has me pressing my face to the counter, trying to muffle my cries.  Jerk uncontrollably as he has me coming over the marble and I’m only distantly aware of his own cries as he continues to pound my ass.  Finally feel him slump over me and shiver as the cool of the bathroom finally seeps past the blissful heat of his touch.  Close my eyes, resting my cheek against the smooth stone until he pulls away all too soon.

Whimper softly at the feel of him sliding out of me and try to catch his reflection in the mirror but he seems to be doing everything to keep from meeting my eyes.  Holy hell, what have I done?  Reach for a few paper towels to clean up and then quickly get dressed as he seems to be doing the same.  Wash my hands and bite my lower lip, I really shouldn’t be hurt that he just walked away.  Hell, how did things get so out of control?  I swear Harvick, one of these days I’m so gonna make you pay. 

Dry my hands and toss the paper towel in the trash before checking myself in the mirror to make sure I’m all put together.  Straighten my clothes and look myself over.  I’m a little wrinkled but, I sure as hell don’t look like I’ve just been fucked over the counter.  Stand a little straighter and run my hands over my pants.  Did this…really happen?  With him gone it’s almost easier to just pretend it was all in my head.  Turn for the door and head back into the hall when I’m suddenly grabbed and pushed against the wall.

Lips crush against mine and steal my breath away leaving no room for doubt over what just happened.  Kiss him back just as hard and I know I’ve gotten in deep now because…I want more.  God help me, I want more.  Pant lightly when he breaks the kiss and I’m lost to sky blue eyes that seem to see right through me.

“Thanks for the kiss, Bowyer.”  He swats at my ass and then pulls away with a wink.  “Merry Christmas,” he tells me and then turns away, whistling to himself as he’s found his discarded glass of champagne from somewhere and makes his way back to the party as I just stand and watch.  And now I can’t help but wonder if this will ever happen again.

Shake my head and reach up to run my hand along the shell of my ear, still feeling the damp heat of his tongue.  I don’t need this.  Hell, I need to get back to Athena.  There’s no telling how long we’ve been back here.  Force my feet to move and make my way back to the party in time to see Kevin shooting daggers at me as he drags D from the party.  Look around to see Junior shooting the breeze with Tony Jr. and I swear he looks like nothing’s happened at all.  Has the world gone insane?

Feel a soft hand in mine and look to see Athena curling up against my side.  Side my arm around her and kiss her cheek.  Please, please don’t know what I’ve been doing.  Please don’t be able to tell.

“So, did you find him?  Kevin seems to think you did.  Did you get what you wanted?”

How can she be asking me that?  Doesn’t she know?  I mean, we were back there--freeze when my eyes catch the shop clock on the far wall--less than thirty minutes?  That’s not possible.  I mean, he and I, and we…shake my head and then turn to meet Athena’s eyes.  “Yeah, I mean, I think so.  Harvick lost this round.”

Soft laughter that mocks my cheating heart.  “Good.  It’s about time he lost for once.”  Gentle poke to my ribs, “I don’t need to be worried do I?”

Panic inwardly at her words until I see the teasing glint in her eyes.  She really has no idea.  And neither do I.  I still don’t think I’ve completely wrapped my head around what’s happened so I just give her a soft kiss and shake my head.  “Of course not, Baby.”  Glance around the party and then squeeze her hand.  “Have you gotten enough of this place?  I think I’m ready to get home.”

She nods to me and then starts toward the exit, sliding her arms through mine.  “Yeah, DeLana and Kevin already took off.”  Die a little at the adoring look she shoots me.  “Honestly I’d like to spend the rest of the night with you.”

Pull her closer against me and nod back to her.  “Sounds good to me.  I’ve had enough of this place for this year.”  And I have.  Earnhardt has spun my world upside down and I don’t even know what to think of it.  I need to get back to Kansas.  Need to get back to where I belong for a little while.  Then I can just put this behind me and start all new next year…as soon as I get the image of reflected bright blue eyes out of my head.

Merry frickin’ Christmas to me.

These authors spend lots of time to write these stories. If you took the time to read this PLEASE take the time to give them some feedback. Happy writers write more ;-)

Catw00man - catw00man@cryptoffic.com