Free Stronger With Her by JA Hensley Page B

takes several minutes but I finally begin to calm down. Once I can think clearly again, I start my car and back out of the space. As I’m leaving the parking lot I see James walking out of the club. I try to drive carefully past him, but he steps in front of my car. I have to slam on the brakes so I don’t hit him, which would probably hurt my vehicle more than it would him.
    With him standing in the headlights, I can see just how pissed off he is. The scowl on his face, the clenched fists, the stance all scream angry man. This is not what I wanted to happen. I don’t know what to do now, and he looks like he’s not going to move.
    We stare at each other, neither giving up anything. There’s no way for me to drive around him since the club is packed and all the spots are filled. He’s just standing there, alternating between having his arms crossed over his chest and then down at his sides. I’m about to put the car in reverse when he stalks over to the driver’s side of my car.
    He stands at my window with one hand on the roof of my car. I feel paralyzed, not knowing whether to drive off or roll the window down. As I’m working this out, he knocks on the window. I sigh in defeat knowing that I’m not going to escape this tonight, yet mentally chastising myself for being such a wimp.
    I roll down the window but I don’t say anything.
    “Are you trying to run away? We need to talk,” he says, bending over to peer into the car. I’m struck again by how gorgeous his eyes are and how they seem to look right through me.
    I sigh and answer, “No, you need to calm down. I don’t think there’s anything to talk about.”
    “The fuck there isn’t. You’ve got some explaining to do, and I’m not moving until I get some answers.”
    If I’ve learned anything about James Owens over the past few weeks it’s that he doesn’t give up on something he wants.
    “Fine,” I say dejectedly. “Follow me back to the employee lot.” I know there are security cameras there just in case things get out of control.
    “All right, unlock the door and I’ll ride with you,” he says as he stands up. I don’t argue, I just do what he says. He slides into my Altima, moving the seat back as far as it will go, but he still looks like he’s riding in a clown car.
    “Are you sure you want to ride with me?” I ask. “You look incredibly uncomfortable.”
    “I’m fine,” he replies sharply, making me jump in my seat. “I’m not letting you try and get away from this conversation, so I’ll endure a little discomfort to make sure this happens.”
    I turn the car around and go back to my spot. I spend the short time trying to come up with any excuse to get myself out of this fucking mess. I can’t mess this up, but I don’t think I owe him anything since one job has absolutely nothing to do with the other.
    When I put the car in park, the locks disengage, and James is out before I can turn the engine off. This is going to be great.
    I’m pulled from my thoughts when my door opens. I gather my courage and slowly exit the car. James doesn’t give me much room to move, and once I’ve cleared the door he pulls me against his large body. Next thing I know his lips are on mine and I’m being kissed senseless. Once my brain catches up to what’s happening, I push against the warm hardness that’s pressing me into the side of my vehicle. This earns me a deeper kiss, his tongue darting into my mouth. My body betrays my mind by relaxing into his hold, which is more like a bear hug since he’s so much taller than I am.
    It seems that this public display of affection goes on forever, which doesn’t bother me nearly as much as it should. I hear the whimper come from my throat when James finally breaks our connection, causing my cheeks to heat in embarrassment.
    “Sorry, I’ve wanted to do that since I first laid eyes on you,” he says gruffly, the desire coming out in his voice.
    “Um, okay,” I reply. “Did you still want