Head Over Wheels (Steamy New Adult Romance) (11 page)

Laughter erupted behind us, jarring us apart. We spun at the same time to spot a wobbling Emma and Bill, arms binding them together, their free hands holding drinks. They seemed to be about to bail, and I hated the thought. Things were just heating up. I couldn't bear saying goodnight. Not after the most incredible
almost kiss
. Great timing, guys. From the hint of a scowl, Indigo's annoyance was obvious as well.

Emma looked absolutely wasted. Unwinding from Indigo's arms, I hopped to my feet. "Let's go, girlfriend. You're going home."

"Billy and I worked everything out, Jewel." Her glassy gaze shifted from me to Bill. "I'm so relieved. Did I tell you we knew each other in Texas?"

Indigo appeared at my side, draped an arm around my shoulders and chuckled. "You're hammered, Arkana. Glad you're walking home." He gave me a squeeze and lowered his head, resting his cheek beside mine. "Look at these two. What do you think we should do with them, Jewel? Call them a cab, take them out for food, throw them into cold showers?" He chuckled. "Get them a room?" His words blew into my ear.

"I'll crash at your place if you don't mind." Bill faced Em. "It's closer. Doubt I'd make it back to Texas tonight."

"You'll have to settle for my couch and an afghan, Arkana. I didn't hear the ladies invite you to a sleepover."

I looked at Indigo, who stood shaking his head. We burst out laughing.

By then it was after two in the morning. I didn't care, because we were heading into Sunday, and I could sleep all day if I wanted to. Still, I wondered if Indigo had plans.

Emma's loud yawn broke into my thoughts, and everyone laughed at how her almond eyes looked too tight for normal vision. She leaned most of her weight on Bill.

"Call it a night?" He said to Em, who nodded a yes which included another yawn.

The mass was dwindling. I could look out over the dance floor and focus on the back wall without seeing a conglomeration of bobbing heads and rolling bodies.

I'd barely danced all night, and felt cheated. A great song came on and my glance questioned Indigo.

"You're ready for another dance, aren't you ..."

"Sure." How could I resist?

He pulled me close. "I think you could really wear me out." He dropped his lips on my cheek.

I looked up at him, grinning, “Yeah, but you’ve got the medicine to cure anything.”

“And this you know because?”

“I can just tell.” I tugged on his hand. “Come on, I'll show you how it's done."

Bill looked at Emma, and she nodded. So I figured the music woke her, or maybe it happened when Bill tried some off-balance moves.

"One dance and we're outta here." My stern voice pointed at Emma, even though I was the one who wanted the night to last forever.

We closed in on the crowd, the four of us mingling with others. Bill and Emma held onto each other and simply swayed into a corner.

Indigo slung his arm loosely around my shoulders, his sexy voice whispering, "Let's see what you've got, babe ... show me some of that expression."

"Hope you can handle it, baby." I winked and started grooving as we approached the dance floor, but the minute my feet connected with linoleum, I slipped into overdrive. My thoughts cleared, my body turned fluid. Indigo looked as confident as I felt, his body working capably. But this was my place. This was where the real me could surface. I was more comfortable on a dance floor than anywhere else in the world.

We grooved solo, then Indigo came up behind me, getting down low to my level. He was in my zone, and I was loving every minute of it. With his hands on my hips, his body matched my rhythm. I felt his hips, loose and rolling. What a turn-on.

We were two pieces of the same astral puzzle: perfectly orchestrated, one body, one mind, thrust into another dimension. Although we'd grown close during the evening, with the friction our movements created, excitement stuck again. I was lost in the music, the dance, this new side of a guy called Indigo.

His palms ran down my arms, and in an easy maneuver he lifted my hands up and over my head, spun me around, then brought me back in. His arms wrapped around me, palms flat on my tummy, fingers spreading, reaching, gripping. Preoccupied by his touch, I abandoned my deliberate moves and let my body slide into cruise control. I closed my eyes and let him lead me to another place.

When I'd first set eyes on the intellectual looking all-star I'd referred to as college Joe, I had no idea he could be this way. What other surprises were in store for me? His nearness caused a storm, and my stomach, my limbs, every ounce of my being, shuddered.

A
fter a half hour of sliding torsos on the dance floor, Indigo and I gravitated to the bar to wait for Em and Bill who couldn't seem to part. I was hot, both outside and in. Our dance had been sensual, and my insight said we were both feeling the same effect.

Indigo's lips went straight to the base of my neck, kissing their way up to my ear. "You're incredible," he whispered before sliding off the barstool he had pulled close to mine. "I'll be right back. See if you can separate those two so we can get out of here." He laughed softly, but his eyes held the same intensity as when we'd shared the floor, and intimate parts of our bodies.

"I'll grab that fire hose near the door if I have to." My voice faded as he walked toward the Men's room.

"Ready to get going?" I gripped Em's shoulders, turning her to face me.

"Not really, but I guess it's time to call it a night." She looked dazed.

"And you call
me
the partier." I smoothed her messy hair into place.

Bill had released her from his embrace, but anchored an arm around her waist.

"I'll call you, honey." The possessiveness of his grip gathered the waistline of her dress. "You can call me too, you know." His lips cruised across her cheek.

"You two danced yourselves sober, I see." My smile was wide. They were adorable together, and I'd never seen Emma so happy. "Glad I don't have to piggyback you home, girlfriend." I laughed.

"I'm starving." Em let out a loud groan and rubbed her tummy.

"I could go for some food," Bill was in agreement, "the diner?"

"Sounds good to ...."

I couldn't finish, because something like a jagged rock slammed into my back, knocking my body forward, and the wind out of me. An elbow? Crap ... Whatever it was, it carved a deep pain in my vertebrae.

My head snapped around in time to catch this guy, about the size of a small tank, who wasn't looking where he was going. I pushed off Bill's shoulder, caught my balance, then spun and confronted the goon. I felt a menacing glare contort my face.

"Sorry, doll," he said in a sober voice, which left no excuse for him to behave that way. "Ayy ..." He gave me the once-over. "How about a drink, sweet thing?"

"How about taking a hike." My arm was still bent behind me, my balled up fist soothing my throbbing back.

"Aw. Why you gonna act like that?" He proceeded to throw a thick arm around my shoulder, bringing his face in for a ... kiss? What the fuck?

"Not interested." With both hands, I gave him a powerful shove, moving him not more than several inches. His slight ricochet reminded me of a bop bag clown.

I heard Bill say, "Why don't you just take off, buddy."

But the guy ignored him and zeroed in on me.

Next thing I knew, his fleshy hand reached for me and when I jerked away, his fingers brushed over both of my breasts. In the process, a large ring he wore snagged a delicate fold in my low-cut Grecian dress. I felt the cranberry fabric tear.

Before Bill had a chance to make it to my side, I swung a leg, aiming for the guy's junk, screaming, "Get the hell away from me asshole!"

Unfortunately, my platform sole landed on his thigh, and the three-inch heel on my other shoe didn't help my stability. The impact sent me flying in reverse, almost knocking me off my feet.

Had it not been for the strong arms folding around me from behind, I'd have hit the floor. Still, my short dress rode up with my movements, and there I stood showing off bare thighs and part of my Brazilian.

"All right bod ..." His drawn out sarcasm sounded as nasty as he was.

"You okay?" The rush of Indigo's breath hit the side of my neck.

When I nodded, he set me on my feet and aimed me in the direction of Emma and Bill.

"Oh my God, Jewel." Totally sobered, Emma gasped. "What a pig! Are you okay?"

As I tugged my dress down and repositioned the top, I mumbled every curse I could think of, then turned to watch in horror as Indigo took the guy on.

In seconds, Indigo was in his face. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, asshole?" Indigo sounded rabid. His flat palms came down on the guy's chest, shoving him so hard, he sailed across the floor.

Holy shit. I didn't know Indigo had that kind of temper, or strength.

After a few stumbling steps the guy appeared to recover, but his ego didn't. He lunged for Indigo, who ducked and hopped to the side, dropping into a fighting stance like he'd had boxing lessons, or his share of street altercations.

Had the guy not started mouthing off, it might have ended there.

"Walk away, Indigo." Bill tried to intervene. "He's not worth it."

Indigo ignored him, his focus on the jerk who took a wild swing.

I panicked, wondering if drinking all night would put Indigo at a disadvantage. But when he bobbed, avoiding the fist that was aimed for his jaw, I felt relieved. It seemed Indigo wasn't in attack mode, just defending himself. But the guy came at him again.

Then a couple of others, who seemed to be his friends, strode over. Bill stepped up and blocked them. His words were steady when he warned, "Let the two of them work it out."

They shrugged and backed off.

"Give it up, asshole. Apologize to the lady and we'll call it a draw." By the sound of his voice, and the bulging cords in his neck, Indigo seemed to be restraining a massive bout of anger.

Lowering his head, the guy charged, but before he could connect, Indigo caught him with a smooth upper cut. The guy's head jerked back; his lids twitched. He grabbed his chin, then shook it out.

"Do you want more, or is this over?" Indigo's jaw tightened.

The guy just wouldn't give up, and with hate in his eyes came right back, yelling, "I'm gonna fuck you up."

Indigo was in his zone, this time throwing a precision combo, fists landing powerful blows to the guy's jaw, then his nose which erupted. His head bopped like a punching bag, and he was going down. I figured Indigo lost himself, because he threw another punch that sent the creep tripping across the floor to where he landed with a thud.

What seemed like forever had to be less than a minute. Indigo's cousin and another bouncer appeared and without  a word dragged the troublemaker out the door. The cousin did call back to Indigo, telling him to get some ice from behind the bar.

Hands still fisted, Indigo was hyped. He rubbed his knuckles that had turned hot pink.

"Maybe you should ice that hand." My words were cautious as I nodded.

"No, I'm fine." His reply was cropped as he shook out his hand.

I patted his chest. "What a jerk. Thanks for sticking up for me."

A vein in his forehead still pulsed. I swept aside the same stubborn lock of hair from his brow. "Do you want to sit down, have another drink, or do you just want to leave?" I'd let him decide.

Before he could answer, out of nowhere, Vanessa appeared. As if the night hadn't already been shattered. I couldn't believe my eyes when she threw an arm over Indigo's shoulder, and with a nasalized drawl said, "Jim Jim, what in heaven's name are you up to?"

Jim Jim? What the fuck? I wondered how she'd materialized at that precise moment, and why I hadn't seen her all night. Watching her fawn all over him, I did a slow burn.

Indigo shrugged off surprise, and her hands. He ran a palm across his forehead, then finger combed his hair. "What are you doing here, Vanessa?"

"Obviously the same thing you're doing. Well ..." she shot me a distasteful glance. "Not quite. You haven't done nightlife in a while. Your mother would be disappointed if she knew you were here, of all places ... and fist fighting?"

She made everything around us seem coated with muck.

Indigo looked ready to blow. He cut his eyes to me, then back to her. "My whereabouts are not your concern."

Like someone pulled a string in her face, Vanessa cocked a brow and one cheek. I could have sworn her head even wobbled triumphantly when she announced, "I'm coming over tomorrow. Did your mother tell you?" As she spoke, she wound her long blonde hair around a finger, looking straight at me, then moved in on him, close to his ear. "Why are you slumming? It's so unlike you. Nothing's worth the trouble you find in these places."

From the tightening of his jaw, I knew she was getting under his skin. "Cut the bullshit, Vanessa. I don't need you on top of everything else."

I shot her a stare of contempt, then a questioning look as though to say, "Slumming? Then why are you here, bitch?"

Her big round eyes sank into mine. I managed to keep a straight face, but my hands curled into fists. I so wanted to deck her on the spot. I knew she was referring to me when she whispered,
slumming
, but I didn't want to make matters worse by kicking her ass. Then I angered at Indigo for not lighting into her more severely. But reason said, why would he? He'd already come to my defense once.

When Vanessa's bottom lip rolled down, Indigo softened. "Look, Vanessa. I know you think you're helping, but ... " his brows leveled, "are you with anyone? How are you getting home?" He took her arm off his shoulder and stood her in front of him.

"I'm with friends." She flicked her head in the direction of a group of people who didn't seem to be looking in any particular direction. "Don't worry about me, Jim. I'll be fine." She pressed her lips to his cheek, then looking at me, her eyes narrowed. "I'm always fine ... I want you to be fine, too."

He rolled his eyes. "I'm fine. You're fine. Everybody's fine. Let's take off. I've had enough for one night." Letting out a breath, he shook his head.

He didn't seem to realize how evil she was. I knew I'd lose him if I hit her. Not only did he care for her, but I was the reason he was here and had gotten into a fistfight in the first place.

My mind was doing a tug of war, switching gears.
So those are his plans for tomorrow ... a cozy family get-together complete with Vanessa
. Why was he here with me? When she could be a live-in at his house for all I knew ... sticking her pinched nose up his mother's butt.

Rather than throwing a punch, I decided to leave like a lady.

"Come on Emma. Time for us to roll out."

Vanessa's face lit with satisfaction. Indigo frowned.

"Let's walk the ladies home, Bill. I don't trust that SOB." Indigo's words combined irritation with weariness. The base of his neck was still flushed with anger.

It felt odd seeing him standing beside Vanessa, almost as if they were a couple. I found myself envying whatever connection they shared, because it seemed to run deep.

"We'll be fine," I said airily. "I've been through more than one self-defense class ..." I aimed my words straight for Vanessa's smirking face, "and kicked a few asses."

She lost the smirk and took a step back.

Indigo had to have known I was pissed. He came to my side and ran his hand down my arm, saying, “I’m sorry the night had to end this way. Let’s not make it worse.” But his words weren’t soothing, they were stiff, and I was getting angrier by the minute.

What the hell was he talking about? His gal pal was making it worse. Not me. "Are you insinuating this is all my fault?"

"I'm not insinuating anything. Let's get the hell out of here." He grabbed my hand and practically pulled me off the dance floor, while her words hit us from behind.

"Don't be late for dinner tomorrow," Vanessa's attempt at sounding dove-like bombed. "I'll be over early to help Elizabeth pack more stuff."

“Give it a rest, Vanessa." Indigo said loud enough for heads to turn in our direction.  "She's always in my shit," he mumbled, trying to sound humorous, but I knew he felt as uncomfortable as I did.

We left the club immediately. As Indigo towed me into the cool night air, I angled my head, calling over his shoulder, "Elizabeth?"

"My mother." His reply was as stiff as his hand in mine as he pulled me to his side.

"So they're pretty tight. Does she live with you and your mother?" I was such a smartass.

"I don't live with my mother and neither does Vanessa. She just hangs out a lot. With no family of her own, we're all she has." His voice sounded heavier than my heart, which was struggling to digest Vanessa and
Jim Jim
. What had gone on between them? What
was
between them?

We're all she has? He included
himself
in
what she had
. How much of him did she have? The mood of the night had been destroyed thanks to a creep and the bimbo. I shrugged off his hand. My heels clicked faster, widening the gap between us.

Strolling, Emma and Bill had fallen behind. I heard them chattering.

"She calls you Jim Jim?" I tossed over my shoulder.

"Yeah. Sometimes she does." Catching up, Indigo pulled me to a halt. After gauging my face, he took hold of both of my arms and backed me against the club's brick wall. "Jewelia ..." His voice was ragged. "Don't let anything she said in there get to you. She acts on impulse sometimes ... without thinking. She's got a lot on her plate."