New Year's Kiss (2 page)

She forced herself to exhale slowly. It didn’t matter. She’d have a fun evening. Zach was gorgeous and great company.

Not that you have a chance with either one of them, she reminded herself.
Mikhel is probably waiting at home for him.

Zach saw her and raised his chin in greeting. She waved back but the motion froze as Mikhel pushed himself out of one of the plush couches and stood beside Zach.

“Hi.” She didn’t bother to hide her confusion. Were they expecting her to make a choice? Now? Oh she didn’t want to do that.

“Hi.”

Mikhel just nodded his head.

Zach started speaking, answering her question before she could ask it.

“Well, here’s the deal. We couldn’t decide who would get to bring you tonight. And since you didn’t seem to have a clear preference…” He let it trail away, inspiring Taylor to answer. She shook her head and he continued. “We decided that we’d both escort you.”

Both? She could have both of them? Well, she wouldn’t actually be
having
them. Just eating dinner, maybe dancing…ooh, dancing. The thought of either of their strong masculine bodies pressed against her… Her palms started to sweat and drat, she couldn’t exactly wipe them on her dress. It would crush the silk.

“Is that all right?” Mikhel asked and she realized they were waiting for some sort of reaction from her.

“O-of course. That’s great. It will be fun.”

“Fun, right,” Mikhel muttered and she had the distinct impression that neither man was thrilled with the situation but hey, it hadn’t been her idea. And she was going to have the two sexiest escorts there.

“Let me just get rid of my coat.” She walked toward the coat check, aware that her “dates” followed her. She took off the fake fur and handed it across the counter.

“Holy God.” Mikhel’s harsh words rang through the hotel lobby, causing the coat check girl to jump. Taylor froze then slowly turned, looking at Mikhel and Zach. They both stared at her, their eyes locked on her body. Zach’s lips were open, like he couldn’t quite get enough oxygen.

But it was Mikhel’s reaction that stunned her. Heat seemed to surround him and that warmth was stretching out and enveloping her, leaving her breathless.

Goodness, she’d stopped them in their tracks. Perfect. Just the reaction she’d been looking for.

Feeling feminine and sexy, she smiled. “Like it?” she asked, doing a slow twirl, loving the feel of the material floating around her. The skirt was made up of four layers of silk, opening to the front so when she walked, the inside colors were revealed, along with a hint of leg. The top was truly sexy. The front dipped low, revealing a good amount of her full breasts and giving her a wicked cleavage. But the back was what made the dress so special. It was completely cut out from the tops of her shoulders to the curve of her ass. It felt deliciously sexy and wicked.

“It’s gorgeous,” Zach said.

“Take it off,” Mikhel commanded, so low that Taylor quickly decided she’d misheard him.

“I’m sorry?”

Mikhel shook his head and took a deep breath. “It’s great.”

“I told you it was the perfect dress.”

“I think it’s more the woman inside the dress that makes it that way,” Zach said. Taylor’s smile widened and Mikhel barely crushed a snarl. If Zach kept flirting with her, Mikhel was going to— Hell, he didn’t know what he was going to do.

They’d talked long and hard for the past four days, each trying to convince the other to relinquish his claim on Taylor, but neither had given in. No way was Mikhel backing down on this one. Not until Taylor herself made a choice.

If they’d been
in-pack
, Mikhel could have ordered Zach to stay away but since he’d never formally established a pack, Zach was right. He had as much right to pursue Taylor as Mikhel did.

Mikhel was starting to regret his decision to stay independent. If he’d established the pack, he’d have full claim to Taylor. It would be his right to strip that gown off her body and fuck her, service her in any way that pleased him. He’d make sure it pleased her as well.

She stepped closer and Mikhel caught a whiff of her subtle perfume. He glanced at Zach and knew he was smelling it too. The soft floral scent with an underlying hint of arousal. But which one of them was inspiring the low sexual buzz that sizzled through her body?

Zach held his arm out, crooking his elbow toward Taylor. Mikhel felt his temples throb. Zach was certainly the man for this kind of event. He knew how to wear a tux and looked elegant in the black suit. Mikhel knew no matter what
he
wore, he still looked like a mutt washed and dressed for a show. He didn’t fit in these clothes. He was much more suited to jeans and a sweater.

Or being naked. Naked and riding between Taylor’s soft thighs. His cock twitched inside his shorts and Mikhel grunted. It was going to be a hell of a long night. The waxing moon multiplied his wolf’s hunger as well as his strength. Taylor’s lush scent was going to keep his wolf on edge and his cock hard all night.

Taylor’s presence had had this effect on him since the moment he’d met her. But he hadn’t made a move in the last six months, denying his wolf what it wanted. Taylor had been dating Dick and Mikhel’s attempt to live in the human world dictated he not poach on another man’s prey. But now she was free and oh-so tempting.

A dangerous spark shot up his spine as Taylor smiled and curled her fingers around Zach’s arm. Mikhel felt his teeth stretching. His body was reacting, preparing to rip her out of Zach’s hands. Then she turned and looked at him, waiting. Keeping his lips closed, he urged the wolf into retreat, digging down deep for the needed control. He forced a smile and raised his arm, offering her his elbow as well. Might as well keep up the pretense of the night.

Her skirt brushed against their legs as they walked down the long open hall toward the ballroom. She hadn’t been kidding about the dress. It was perfect for her. The front had a shallow plunging neckline, not baring near enough skin for Mikhel’s taste, but the back…the back was completely gone. Two thin straps were all that held the sides together and Mikhel knew that with one good swipe of his claws, he could snap those strings and the front of the dress would fall away. And he’d have access to those perfect breasts. Damn, he glanced at her as they walked. He didn’t realize how much her work clothes hid her body. She had a pair of delightfully full breasts that she’d been hiding from him. He’d have to punish her for that. Gentle bites to her nipples would probably work, harshly kind nibbles that would remind her long afterward that her body belonged to him.

The wolf growled his approval at the direction of Mikhel’s thoughts. The animal’s power surged through him. Thankful for the long tuxedo jacket that covered his erection, he tabled his plans for getting her naked. At least for now. He had to court her first, somehow convince her to choose him over Zach.

She smiled up at Mikhel but then her lips flattened out and her brow wrinkled. “Are you limping?”

Mikhel silently cursed. He’d forgotten about his ankle.

“I hurt my ankle.” God. That sounded so wimpy, like he’d stepped off the curb wrong. Not that it had gotten caught in some hunter’s trap but that wasn’t something he could explain to Taylor. At least not yet. “I’ll be fine.”

“Well, let’s get seated and get that elevated.” She sounded so concerned that Mikhel couldn’t resist looking around her back at Zach. Zach rolled his eyes and shook his head. Whatever, Mikhel thought. He wasn’t above using any means necessary to get the female.

Chapter Two

Excitement shimmered in Taylor’s chest as they stepped inside the ballroom. Silver and purple stars glittered on the ceiling. Metallic streamers hung along the walls. It was beautiful. Magical.

“Good evening, Mikhel, Zach.” A woman approached with a welcoming smile and a low bow of her head. The name tag pinned to her chest identified her as the catering manager. “Do you know where you’re seated?”

It was a formal event with assigned tables. The actual party was a fundraiser for the local food bank so Taylor had been happy to pay the outrageous price for the tickets.

“Yes, we do,” Zach answered for all of them. He took the lead, dropping her fingers from his elbow to his hand. Mikhel released her as they wove between the tables and across the dance floor. Taylor looked around, trying to take it all in.

A body popped up from a far table and Taylor immediately recognized it—Rebecca. Her best friend and the other person responsible for gathering all their friends tonight. Rebecca bolted from her table and hurried over, her long silver gown flowing behind her.

“God, you look gorgeous,” she said as she got near. Then she looked at Zach. “You too.” Zach smiled and bowed his head in thanks. Dismissing Zach—Rebecca tended to dismiss most men—she turned back to Taylor. “I am so glad you’re here. Where are you sitting? We’re all over there.” She pointed to the back of the room.

“We’re near you,” Zach answered when Taylor shrugged.

Taylor was admiring Rebecca’s dress when Mikhel came up behind her. She immediately recognized his scent and the power of his body. His placed his hand on her hip, his thumb brushing against her bare back. The subtle caress was so warm Taylor felt the distinct urge to lean back against him to see if his whole body was that hot. God, what would it be like to be cuddled in bed with him? Or under him? He’d definitely keep her warm this winter.

“Are you going to introduce me?” Rebecca prompted and Taylor blinked, her mind a little slow to react.

“Oh sorry. Yes, this is Zach Courtland and this is Mikhel Haverstam. This is my friend Rebecca Rhodes.”

“How do you do?” Zach said with another gallant bow.

“I’m great.” Rebecca looked around. “Are you missing someone?” she asked, obviously expecting a fourth to their party.

“No.” Mikhel nodded to Zach, silently telling him to move. “Why don’t we find our table,” he suggested. “And then we’ll come visit.”

Trapped in the delicious trance created by Mikhel’s seductive touch, Taylor could only nod and follow Zach as he walked away. Mikhel stayed with her, his hand resting against her hip, guiding her to the table. The light touch seemed oddly intimate, possessive. Like he was staking his claim in front of her friends.

Trying to dismiss the strange thought from her head, she concentrated on following Zach, gasping when he stopped. Their table was in the perfect position. Right near the front, close enough to the corner that people wouldn’t be wandering by all night but still near the dance floor.

It was prime seating. And where most of the tables had ten people seated at them, making it a little cramped, their table had only eight place settings.

“How did you guys get these tickets?” she finally asked. “And this table?”

The edge of Zach’s mouth kicked up and he shrugged. “We own the hotel.”

“What?”

“Well, Mikhel owns controlling interest but I’ve got a chunk of it as well.”

“Wow.”

Zach laughed. “Yeah, that’s what we say sometimes too.”

“But you don’t work here?”

Mikhel shook his head, leaving it to Zach to explain. “Our families willed us this hotel and some land to the north but neither of us is really interested in hotel management. We like a more
hands-on
approach to business.”

Zach looked at Taylor, his eyes twinkling with a mischief. The edges of Mikhel’s lips tightened in response. Oops. Mikhel didn’t like Zach flirting with her. But was that because he wanted her for himself? Or because he wanted Zach? Taylor dismissed the questions in her mind. It was New Year’s Eve. She was going to drink, dance and enjoy her men. Hmm. Her men. That had a nice ring to it.

They claimed their seats—in the corner so they could see the whole ballroom—and were immediately inundated with Taylor’s friends, most of them female, most of them wanting to meet Zach and Mikhel. Taylor did her best to ignore the questioning looks and teasing smiles. She wasn’t about to explain it was a pity date. She was just going to enjoy the night and Zach and Mikhel’s company.

Rebecca came over and sat down at the table, joining in the conversation, directing her attention to Zach and Mikhel. But unlike Taylor’s other friends, Rebecca wasn’t there to flirt, she was there to interrogate. It warmed Taylor’s heart to see her friend’s rabid curiosity. She knew it was because Rebecca was worried. Of course Rebecca, being the woman she was, didn’t do subtle.

“So, are you both gainfully employed?” When they admitted they were, her eyes squinted into a suspicious glare. “How did you meet Taylor?”

Zach smiled and recounted the story of how she came to Mikhel’s computer shop for help and stopped by his place for coffee.

“And how do you two know each other?” And so the questions went. It was fascinating to watch. Mikhel only answered if the question was directed specifically to him and then he avoided giving details. Zach’s response was to laugh and joke though he gave only surface answers as well. He seemed more amused than irritated by her interrogation.

Taylor felt like she was getting a small view of how these two men handled the world. Zach laughed at it. Mikhel stared it down and dared it to contradict him.

“I need to go to the ladies room.” Rebecca stood up. She was precisely put together as she always was, having an innate style that just made Taylor want to scream sometimes. “Wanna come?” The stare she directed at Taylor and the firmness of her voice didn’t really allow Taylor much choice. She could refuse but then Rebecca would sit there and stare at her.

Rebecca wanted a private, female conversation.

“Sure, I need to freshen my lipstick.” She didn’t. She was wearing the all day, all night stuff. But it would give Rebecca a chance to grill her. She grabbed her sparkly purse. Mikhel and Zach both stood when she did, her chair was pulled back, giving her quick access to the aisle. “Thanks.”

Both men stared at her—intention and heat in their eyes—and Taylor felt a long slow melting of her insides. Mikhel’s body had grown tense, like he was considering grabbing her. She placed her fingertips on his arm. “I’ll be right back.”

The statement didn’t really ease him but he nodded brusquely, like he’d give her permission. This time.

She laughed to herself as she followed Rebecca out of the ballroom. Right. Mikhel getting protective and possessive about her. That was a joke. She had to remind herself that they were just friends and they were doing her a favor by coming here tonight.

Taylor stepped out of the ballroom and Rebecca grabbed her arm, pulling her to the side.

“So?” she demanded.

“So?” Taylor answered back, feeling a little snotty.

“What’s with the two hunks?”

“My dates.”

“I know. Where? When? How? I mean, they are definitely a step up from Chic but…”

“Did no one like him?”

Rebecca rolled her eyes. “He’s fine. He’s just dull as dishwater. But these guys—” She tipped her head toward the ballroom. “They look like they want to eat you alive and use the bones for soup.”

Taylor drew back and stuck out her tongue. “Eww. Nice analogy.”

“It’s the truth. Especially the dark-haired one. I would
not
want to get between him and a piece of raw meat.”

Taylor laughed. Sure she’d recognized the power in Mikhel and Zach but she’d never felt threatened by it. “Don’t worry. They’re just friends,” she said though she hated to confess. She’d enjoyed the prestige of being the woman with two hot dates. “After Chic bailed on me, they didn’t want me sitting home alone.” She squeezed Rebecca’s hand, trying to soothe her friend’s obvious concern. “I’m sure at the end of the night, I’ll get a peck on the cheek from each of them and I’ll be put in a cab and sent home. No being eaten alive.” Too bad.

Rebecca nodded but she didn’t look like she believed Taylor. “You have your cell with you?”

Taylor held up her purse. “Right here.”

“Good. Call me if anything weird happens. And call me in the morning. Or better yet, come back for brunch. Jesse and I are doing the hotel brunch thing as part of the room package.” She winked. “Then we can talk about everyone and how drunk they got.”

“I will be there.”

That seemed to comfort Rebecca a little bit.

“Come on. I have a feeling I’d better get you back to your dates before they start prowling the halls in search of you.”

“I can’t see either of them ‘prowling’ and besides, now I really do have to go to the bathroom.”

* * * * *

Taylor got back to her table just as they called for everyone to sit down for dinner.

Mikhel held out her chair and she sat down. Zach plucked her napkin off the table and draped it across her lap, his fingers brushing against her thigh. That drew a glare from Mikhel and for a moment she thought she heard an animal growl.

All three froze in position, then slowly Zach lifted his hand and the spell broke. Taylor relaxed, at least somewhat. Maybe there was some kind of jealousy, competition thing going on between Zach and Mikhel.

Dinner arrived, giving her something to think about besides the strange tension that had briefly invaded their group. The meal was delicious, as she’d expected it to be. Mikhel and Zach’s meals were different from everyone else’s. Instead of the delicately flavored chicken, they had steak, rare steak. Zach offered her a taste but she declined. He laughed when she said she didn’t like her food still mooing.

By the time dessert was cleared away and the band started playing, her head was buzzing from several glasses of good wine and the sensual energy given off by her dates. She didn’t know if they even intended to do it but damn, just being seated between them, she was flushed and tense. Her legs were squeezed tight together, trying to ease some of the sexual ache that had built.

As they talked, she glanced at both men, watching their mouths, thinking about how their lips would feel on hers, on her body, between her legs. And her lips on them.

A lull in the conversation gave her mind a chance to create a delicious fantasy. Zach licking her, long and strong between her legs. His sexual lips feasting on her pussy. And Mikhel…Mikhel would be in her mouth, thick and hard, his hands holding her head as he slowly pumped his cock between her lips. A hollow ache filled her stomach and she tried to force the dream away. What was she thinking? Admittedly her fantasies had included both men but individually. Never together. Until now her fantasies had been decidedly vanilla. But tonight a whole realm of possibilities presented themselves.

“Would you care to dance?” Zach’s question interrupted her dip into dream world and she looked up, momentarily distracted.

Dance with Zach. Her heated body warmed even more at the idea. Her nipples tingled, pressing against the slick lining of her gown and it was all she could do not to groan. Instead she swallowed deeply and nodded.

“I’d love to.” If this was the only chance she was going to have to put her body against his, she was going to take it. She stood and looked at Mikhel, feeling like she was abandoning him. “If you…”

He tapped his knee. Drat, she’d forgotten about his ankle. “No dancing for me tonight but you go with Zach. I’ll be here waiting.”

Feeling strangely like he’d just given her permission to dance, she accepted Zach’s hand and let him guide her onto the dance floor.

Zach was a great dancer, his body instinctively moving to the slow sensuous beat of the music. They talked and danced until the song ended. The beat sped up on the next number but Zach didn’t seem inclined to stay. He led her back to the table and into her chair.

“I’ll be back,” he said, nodding to Mikhel and walking away.

“Having fun?”

“Yes.” Taylor smiled up at Mikhel and felt the air around them change. He was watching her with those wicked eyes. So blue they often looked like ice but tonight they seemed to burn. She even had the fanciful notion that they flashed red. “Thank you again for arranging this.”

“Better than Dick Clark?” Mikhel curled a finger around a strand of her hair that had escaped the up-do she’d chosen. He wasn’t actually touching her but she felt the caress across her skin. She took a deep breath—pleased to see his eyes dip down to her cleavage—and tried to focus on answering him.

“Much better.” She’d meant the words to come out teasing but the strange breathlessness was making it difficult to speak without sounding seductive. And all he’d done was look at her and touch her hair. What would happen if he actually put his hand on her body?

They fell into a low, easy conversation that ended when the music changed and Zach appeared.

“Shall we dance?”

And so it went. One song with Zach on the dance floor, the next with Mikhel at the table. It didn’t take her long to pick up the pattern.