Free Wildest Dreams (Dreamers Series Book 1) by Mercedes Raye Lee Page B

going to be there all night anyway, right?
    He walked her to his Corvette and opened her door, putting his hand on her lower back as she moved around to get in, and the heat she felt was like having a fire stoked inside her.
    As he walked around the car to the driver’s side, she thought about the flood of emotions she felt when he was near and how they made her head swim. His smell was intoxicating by itself, but the feel of his body when he touched her or even when he was just close to her intensified it.
    “So where are we going?” He looked over at her and gave her his billion-dollar smile. Ember thought he almost looked excited, which shocked her.
    “She’s at a new karaoke bar downtown.” Ember pulled out her phone, unlocked it and handed it to him. “The directions are in her text.”
    He looked at it and handed it back. “I don’t think that’s her,” he said.
    Ember glanced at the screen and saw that the last text was from Reece. She sighed. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. She read it, and tears started to form in her eyes.
     
    I got the transfer back to Oklahoma.
    We can make this work, Ember.
    Take all the time you need and I
    will be here. I want another chance,
    I need another chance. I
    need you. I’m looking for a
    place this weekend. We will talk soon.
     
    “Find Jenna’s text please,” he said quietly. She pulled it up and handed him the phone again. He started the car, and they pulled out of the parking garage. He didn’t look excited anymore, though, and he was quiet, making Ember hope the ride wasn’t that long.
    When they pulled into the parking for the bar, Blake ran his hand through his hair and looked over at her. She knew he could tell she had been fighting tears because her eyes were still wet.
    “Hey, let’s have some fun. What do ya say?” He winked at her. Ember had not expected him to stay and looked at him with wide eyes.
    “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea, Blake. Are you sure you want to come in?” She couldn’t imagine what a billionaire would find fun about a karaoke bar, especially with a group of women from his company, but then again she hadn’t explained that part to him. Thinking that might make him change his mind, she wasn’t sure she wanted to tell him. It was comforting to know she wouldn’t be alone with him, though.
    Shrugging, he said, “That would be the best way for me to know when you're ready to go. Otherwise, I'd be waiting for a call all night. Not to mention, being forced to think about all the lingering eyes on you so eventually I'd end up back here anyway. Besides, Ridge would kill me if I let his little sister go into a bar looking like that without an escort.” Even his smirk took her breath away. Afraid that if she said anything else, he would change his mind, she nodded and opened the door, but before she stepped out, he stopped her.
    “Wait.” He got out of the car and walked around to her side. He held out his hand to help her out. She looked at him curiously. “I would like to make sure you remain modest in that dress.” She blushed.
    As they walked to the door, he placed his arm around her waist. Ember was so confused. He had pushed her away days ago, but now he acts like he wants to be close to her. She had to remind herself that he was a player, and he didn’t like kids, and neither of those would work for her. Why did he have to be so complicated? Time to put up the walls and reinforce them she told herself.
    As they got closer to the entrance, she stopped to open her purse and look for her cash.
    “What are you doing?” he asked curiously.
    She looked up at him like he was the one who was acting odd. “I’m looking for my money. We have to pay to get in.”
    “To a karaoke bar? I thought that was free.”
    She shrugged, “I think they usually are, but Jenna said it just recently opened and they are hosting a competition, so it does cost tonight.”
    He grinned at her and took her arm to get her moving again