Free More Than One Night by Nicole Leiren

beautiful wallflower, standing at the edge of the dance floor, glass of red liquid in hand, moving her hips subtly and sexily to the beat. Drawing in a calming breath, he made his way over to his jean-clad, peasant-bloused vixen. "You really should answer your phone."
    The soft waves of her hair moved ever so slightly, shielding him from a direct glare. "You should learn to be on time."
    The music blared, and the general cacophony of noise made the conversation he wanted to have with her impossible. "Can we step outside on the patio and talk?"
    This time the hair tossed violently as she made an abrupt turn. Green eyes blazed with what he surmised to be anger before the light drained completely, leaving them dull and defeated. "I have nothing left to say. I'm obviously not your type. I'm moving on. You should do the same."
    Melodie drained the contents of her glass before setting it on a nearby table. The heat of her body momentarily warmed him as she stepped past his form, making the resulting cold of her departure freeze his limbs with shards of distrust, disappointment, and disgust.
    Just let her go.
    He needed to let her go.
    He wanted to let her go.
    He couldn't let her go.
    Tossing his half-empty bottle in the trash can, he wove through the growing crowd, never losing sight of his target. He had to explain—tell her why he'd been late. Last night he helped her with a makeup test by staying up all night, the least she could do was give him a second chance. Or was he on his third chance now? The moment they were both outside the doors, he vaulted into action. "Melodie, stop!"
     
    *   *   *
     
    At the sound of her name, she hesitated for only a second. The hesitation lasted one second too long. "What do you want, Daniel?" She kept her back to him, afraid if she looked into his eyes or drank in the male power he exuded so effortlessly, she'd get lost in a sea of emotions that would fill her lungs until she could no longer breathe.
    His breath was hot on her neck and carried the faintest trace of ale. "I want to explain."
    Her heart pleaded with her to listen, but her mind issued a strict warning. His presence was unsettling. She wanted safe…needed safe. "You don't owe me an explanation. You don't owe me anything. I'm not the kind of woman you usually pursue, I get that. I had a great time last night, and I thought you did too." She turned slowly, her gaze holding his. "If I had to guess, I'm thinking you were with whoever kept calling you this morning. Another woman? Or, God, do you have a girlfriend?" She felt sick. How could she have been so stupid?
    His hand cupped her cheek as his lips christened her forehead. "Damn you, insufferable woman. I was late because I was telling the woman who kept calling that I didn't want to see her anymore." He lifted her face until her eyes focused solely on his. "After spending time with you, she pales in comparison."
    Smooth talker. How can I believe him? He barely knows me. Her head shook as she disengaged his hand. "No, I've always been the runner up. I'm sure you'll see the error of your ways before the sun rises over the great state of Texas tomorrow."
    All of the negative thoughts—about Daniel, her mother, and Evelyn retreated into darkness the moment his mouth crashed onto hers. His hands clutched at her blouse, holding her close and adding to the desperation of the kiss. He pulled her flush with his rock hard body, the contact spreading liquid fire through her veins, warming her everywhere they touched. Her knees threatened to buckle as he skillfully sent her emotions swirling, a vortex drawing her reluctantly—yet willingly—deeper and deeper into him. Immersed in a whirlwind of pleasure. Wanting to be needed. Needing to be wanted.
    Breathless, she pulled back, trying to control the heaving of her chest expanding in direct opposition to the solid wall of his upper body. Damn, this man could kiss. "Why do you have to be so good at that?"
    With a gentler kiss on the