Stopping in at a bar wasn’t typical for Chelsea, but it had been a rough week, and going home to an empty house filled her with dread. But the one she’d chosen randomly turned out to be one that featured an impressive dance floor and an even more impressive live band. Having both male and female singers allowed them to cover a wide range of popular dance music as well as the occasional ballad. The idea of climbing onto a bar stool made her weary, so she selected a table near the dance floor, ordered a glass of Moscato and some mozzarella sticks, and sat back in her chair and observed the crowd.

She was exhausted from putting in over seventy hours, staying late every night at her office. But it was the price one paid for success. She worked hard to earn her technology degree and her MBA. And harder still to climb the corporate ladder and to branch out on her own. She had to invest the time to stay up-to-date with cutting-edge technologies.

Sometimes I think you love that job more than you love me, Chels.

She heard Liam’s voice in her head. Had he been right? She didn’t think so, but it didn’t matter now; it was too late to prove him wrong or change his mind. He was gone, and that was that.

Now that she was alone, it didn’t matter how many hours she put in at work. There was no one to answer to at home. No one to give a damn whether she was late or not. Nothing to bring her joy once she got there. Just the foreboding sense that she’d missed her chance at happiness.

The bar was loud, but the cacophony provided a welcome distraction from the deafening sound of silence both at home and at work. As the CEO of her own firm, she was denied the opportunity to socialize with those who worked for her, and work was all she did these days. So, being around people, even if she made no attempt at conversation, offered a break from the ache of loneliness.

We never do anything fun anymore, Chelsea. You’re either working late or too tired from work to do anything but come home and veg.

That part Liam had been right about. It shamed her to realize that it had taken losing him to force herself to come to an establishment like this. But here she was, so she would do her best to enjoy her drink and nibble on her favorite appetizer while she watched the couples bump and grind on the dance floor. As she did, she chided herself inwardly for not realizing until now that all work and no play make Chelsea a dull girl. But she couldn’t fix the past; she could only try to do things differently if she wanted a brighter future.

Envy crept into her heart as she watched a couple pressed against each other, barely moving, while the band slowed things down. Had she and Liam ever danced that close? Maybe at their wedding. But besides that, she couldn’t recall a time when they’d gone out dancing just for fun.

The dance floor cleared when the musicians took a break. Chelsea did some people-watching while she nibbled on her cheese sticks and sipped her second glass of wine. She’d finished the first one way too quickly; she’d have to nurse this one as she had no intention of having a third since driving under the influence was not something she was keen on. She half-listened to the chattering coming from nearby tables. It seemed everyone was having a good time except her.

After nearly twenty minutes, the band resumed playing, and the bar patrons crowded back onto the dance floor. Chelsea, feeling like it was time to go, was about to call the waiter over to the table to get her check when she felt someone staring at her. Looking up, her eyes locked with a man who made her stomach flutter. She blushed, mortified at how blatantly obvious her desire was for someone she didn’t even know. She hoped the handsome stranger didn’t notice, but he most certainly did; he walked over to her table and smiled.

“Hi,” he said in a voice that made her panties go instantly wet.

What the fuck was wrong with her?

“Hello,” she answered casually.

“Care to dance?” he asked politely, though sensuality dripped from each word. Or perhaps her suddenly awakened libido imagined that.

“No, thank you,” she answered. Because I’m a coward, she added silently in her mind.

“Just one dance,” he countered. “Please?”

As if mesmerized by his presence, Chelsea found herself agreeing. “Just one dance,” she repeated. Standing up, she allowed him to take her hand and lead her to the dance floor as the band began to play a slow song. Her insides trembled as she allowed this man whom she’d never met to hold her close as they glided across the floor.

They didn’t speak at first; they simply held onto each other and let their bodies do the talking. Her pulse raced as her heart thumped in rhythm with his, the heat emanating between them creating a magical spark. Feelings of need and desire that had been long buried rose to the surface.

Her face was flushed as she glanced at him. His eyes held her gaze, revealing his yearning. For a moment, Chelsea thought he might kiss her. But as the song came to a close, he asked, “One more?”

She nodded. Admittedly, she was reluctant to let go just yet. Though she was instantly sorry when she heard the opening chords of Sam Smith’s “Dancing with a Stranger.” The lyrics felt personal, and her heart squeezed at the thought of being in another man’s arms. Still, Liam wasn’t here, and she was tired of the emptiness she felt. Was it so wrong to enjoy the touch of this tall, dark stranger? Didn’t she deserve a second chance?

Realizing that her mind was jumping ahead of itself, she ordered herself to cool her jets. One or two dances didn’t mean they’d end up together. And yet, there was something about him that made her mind’s eye race to see the possibilities. Or was she just so desperate not to be alone anymore?

Suddenly, she realized he held her a little closer and a little tighter. Instead of being panicky, she found herself relaxing in his arms. That this stranger should make her feel safe was confusing, but who was she to question what the universe had in mind for her?

As the song continued, he spoke again. “Ironic, isn’t it? A song about dancing with a stranger, when here we are doing exactly that.”

“Yes,” she said in a hoarse whisper. “It’s a little overwhelming.”

“Don’t think about anything past this moment,” he offered. “Just enjoy being in each other’s arms for a little while longer; it feels so good to hold you. Your perfume is intoxicating, by the way. But you’ve no need to fear me. I’ll do nothing more than hold you on this dance floor for as long as you’ll let me.”

Chelsea found herself praying that the band would keep things mellow and was delighted when they did. She was unready, and unwilling, for whatever this was to end. Her body felt alive for the first time in ages, and she relished the sensation. His breath was hot on her neck, and his hands traveled down to the small of her back. Yet, he remained a gentleman. It surprised her to realize that she didn’t want him to hold back. But aside from embarrassing herself by making the first move, she didn’t know how to encourage him to go further. It was painfully evident that she had no game whatsoever.

A horrible thought crossed her mind. Maybe he wasn’t that into her. Perhaps he’d asked her to dance because he was lonely too, and now he realized he didn’t really want her.

Then she felt it—his burgeoning hard-on pressed low against her belly told her all she needed to know. Now she just needed to decide whether to make a move or wait for him to do so.

Sadly, before either option could happen, the song ended, and the band upped the tempo. She turned to leave the dance floor, but when he hesitated to let go of her, she stood still.

“May I join you at your table?” the stranger asked politely.

Chelsea hesitated. Then he smiled, and she felt her world shift. “Yes,” she answered softly, nodding in case he couldn’t hear her over the music.

He motioned for the waiter and ordered a glass of sparkling water. “Anything for you, Miss?” the server asked.

“Yes, I’ll have the same, thank you.”

“I don’t imbibe for health reasons, but you don’t have to abstain from drinking on my account,” he said, frowning.

“I’ve already had two glasses of wine. I need to be able to drive home,” she explained.

And I need to keep a clear head, so I don’t end up falling into bed with a perfect stranger, she thought silently.

“I’m Will,” he said as if reading her mind.

“I’m Chelsea.”

“I’ve never been here before tonight,” Will admitted. “I’m not sure what made me stop in. But I’m happy I did.” His eyes, a deep chocolate, seemed to bore holes in her soul. It was both unnerving and titillating.

“Same here. I didn’t even know this bar existed until I found myself pulling into the parking lot. It’s been a grueling week at work, and I guess I needed a change of scenery besides the four walls of my office and the empty living room at home,” Chelsea shared.

When their sparkling waters were delivered, Will raised his in a toast. “Here’s to not being alone.”

Chelsea raised her glass and smiled. “For a little while, anyway.”

Neither seemed to be very good at small talk, so Chelsea was relieved when the band played a slow song again.

“Dance with me,” she said, surprised by her own boldness.

“It’d be my pleasure.”

They spent the next hour taking advantage of all the ballads and bluesy, slow songs. While their tongues struggled to find the right words, their bodies spoke the same language of desire. At one point, Chelsea lay her head on Will’s chest. The beating of his heart made her feel both reassured and aroused. Her overactive imagination wondered what it might sound like if she were lying in bed with him.

When did I become so sexually needy?

As the song ended, he took her chin in his hand and leaned in close. “May I kiss you?” he asked, his mouth mere inches from hers.

No. If I let you kiss me, this becomes real.

“Yes,” she said, with lust coursing through her veins.

The kiss was exquisite; his lips brushed hers gently at first. When she didn’t pull away, the kiss became more fervent; his tongue danced passionately with hers. Chelsea felt as though she were floating.

He broke off the embrace and chuckled softly at her whimper of protest. “I think if we stand here much longer, we’ll be kicked out of the joint,” he mused.

Chelsea’s face flushed with embarrassment. “Oh, God, I forgot we were still standing here on the dance floor.”

“Wanna go back to my place?” he asked.

“No. But you can follow me to my place,” she replied quickly before she lost her nerve.

He smiled. “Let me just take care of the bill.”

As they walked to their cars, Chelsea said, “I’ll make sure not to lose you on the way to my house.”

“I’ll be sure to follow closely.”

He parked in the driveway next to her car. She found it oddly reassuring that he hadn’t blocked her in by parking behind her. Or was she trying to justify inviting him over when all she knew about him was his name and that he was a good dancer and kisser?

He followed her onto the porch and waited patiently as she rummaged through her purse for her keys. Once inside, she expected that he’d be all over her. When he wasn’t, she frowned. The mixed vibe was confusing.

“Chelsea, I shouldn’t have come here. I should go.”

“Oh, God, let me guess, you’re married,” she replied, disappointment clouding her eyes.

“No! No, I would never have danced with you like that if I weren’t free to pursue you. But I think…”

“Don’t think,” she said, cutting him off. “Just feel. Just for tonight, maybe we both deserve to get out of our heads and let go. Unless you don’t want me the way I want you right now.”

“I want you more.”

“Then don’t leave.”

“As long as you’re sure you want me to stay. I’m not a man who typically meets a woman in a bar, follows her home, and takes advantage of her.”

“I invited you here, I allowed you to come into my home. You aren’t taking advantage of me; I want this.”

He moved to her, took her face in his hands, and kissed her softly. She felt her insides melt as every fiber of her being longed for him to touch her. Holding out her hand, she beckoned him to follow her upstairs to the bedroom. He wasn’t foolish enough to pass up the invitation.

Once there, she began to undress for him, and he followed suit. Standing naked before each other, his desire for her was evident, and it made Chelsea wet with need.

“It’s okay not to rush,” he said, taking in the sight of her delicious curves in all the right places.

She stepped closer to Will and gently touched his chest. There was a surgical scar that made her frown involuntarily.

“I’m sorry if you find my chest unpleasant to look at,” he said, pulling away.

“I don’t find it unpleasant. Our scars make us who we are.” She lifted her hair away from her face and tilted her neck toward the light to reveal her scars. “Mine are from a car accident. How did you get yours?”

“I had a heart transplant about a year ago, but I’m healthy enough to enjoy you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“I’m not worried about that. It’s just been a while since I’ve been with a man.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a woman, so we are coming at this on even ground.”

Chelsea smiled weakly. “I’m sorry if our attempts at conversation seem awkward.”

Will motioned for Chelsea to sit on the bed. “Lie back and I’ll show you that even though I’m not a smooth talker, I do have pretty decent oral skills.”

She shivered in anticipation as he planted soft, wet kisses up and down her thighs before reaching the treasured prize he sought.

Chelsea discovered quickly that Will’s oral skills were more than pretty decent. His tongue alternated teasing the pink folds of her labia and darting into the pool of her sweet nectar. Everything about his moves was unhurried, and it was driving her mad with need. When he finally flicked her hard little nub, her body shook as though thousands of electrical impulses were firing all at once.

“Oh, God, yes!” she cried.

He looked up at her and grinned. “More?”

“Yes, please! More!”

He repeated the teasing, licking, and nibbling with more fervor the second time around, producing the same results as her back arched and her climax ripped through her body.

“Oh, fuck! Yes! Yes! Yes!” she screamed, panting and writhing.

He didn’t bother to ask this time. He let her catch her breath for a moment before he resumed devouring her pussy. After the third orgasm, she was begging for mercy.

“Please, Will. Let me return the favor.”

Will’s brows furrowed. “You don’t have to give me anything in return. My goal was to please you.”

“And you did,” she acknowledged, “but I want to bring you pleasure as well.”

“Most women I’ve known aren’t into giving head. So, don’t feel like it’s something you have to do.”

“Well, this woman enjoys it very much, so I don’t feel like it’s something I have to do; I want to suck your cock. Lie next to me, Will. Let me touch your body.”

He grinned. “If you insist.”

As soon as he was prone on the bed, Chelsa grabbed the ponytail holder she wore around her wrist and put her long, red hair back in a messy bun. She cupped his balls and gave them a gentle squeeze before licking the drop of precum from the tip of his cock. Feeling pleased with herself when he moaned, she began licking slow, sensual trails from the base of his shaft to the tip.

Will’s hips rocked as Chelsea continued the erotic torment. “Oh, my God, Chelsea, you’re driving me wild!”

Clamping down a bit tighter on his sac, she eased Will’s dick between her lips, inch by inch. His moans were louder now, and he began to thrust into her mouth, reveling in the way her tongue swirled around as he poked at the back of her throat. And when he pushed a bit deeper, she made a purring noise that reassured him she was enjoying this as much as he was. Never had he experienced such incredible oral sex! She encouraged him to lose himself in the act, and it was one of the most erotic encounters he’d ever had.

“Holy fuck, Chelsea! If you don’t stop, I’m gonna shoot my load down your throat!” he cried.

“Mmm,” she murmured, her mouth too busy to answer with words.

“Wait, you want me to cum in your mouth?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Will didn’t need to be told twice. His hips rocked, his pelvis lifted, and his sac tightened. “Oh, fuck, yesss!” he growled as his balls let go and shot a stream of thick semen. “Oh, God, you’re so fucking good!”

Chelsea swallowed every drop and flashed back in her mind to a time when she’d done the same with Liam before her world got too chaotic. Perhaps if she hadn’t let life get in the way, they’d still be together. She shut down those thoughts instantly and focused on the gorgeous man whose cock she had just sucked to completion. He thanked her several more times before pulling her up into his arms, kissing the top of her head.

She curled into him, laying her head on his chest, and sighed. His heartbeat was soothingly familiar as it slowed gradually. She hoped and prayed this wasn’t a one-night stand, but if it were, she’d be grateful for it forever.

“That was amazing. Thank you so much, Will. I don’t know why I feel so comfortable being with you like this after having just met you hours ago, but I do. I have zero regrets. I hope you feel the same way.”

“I absolutely do. And I’m the one who should be thanking you. That was the best blow job I’ve ever had. But just so you know, I’ll need a bit more time before I’m hard enough to do more,” he said sheepishly.

“I’m good if you are,” she said truthfully. “I try not to fall into bed with a man I just met. So, it’s probably best if we leave it at oral sex, at least for tonight. I don’t want you to think I’m a slut.”

He chuckled. “You’re not a slut. You’re more delightful than I ever imagined.”

Chelsea frowned, her body tensing up, “What do you mean than you ever imagined? We just met hours ago.”

His body stiffened as well, but he said nothing.

“Will, have you been stalking me?”

“No. No, of course not. I just meant that I watched you for a while at the bar before I got the courage up to ask you to dance.”

Chelsea relaxed as she pondered his reply. “Oh, that makes sense.” But the frown lines stayed on her forehead.

He pulled away and sat up. “I should go. If I stay much longer, I won’t want to leave, and I don’t want you to think I’m a slut,” he teased, hoping to lighten up the mood.

“I don’t think you’re a slut. But I think it’s best if you go as well.”

Hiding his disappointment, as he had hoped she’d argue and insist he stay, he inhaled sharply before asking, “Can I see you again? Take you on a proper date?”

No. I’m far too busy to get caught up in something that might turn into a relationship.

“Yes, I’d like that. I won’t lie, I’m really busy with work, so I don’t have a ton of free time. But I’d like to spend some of that rare free time to go on a proper date with you.”

The smile returned to his face as he got up and put his clothes back on.

She found her purse and fumbled through it till she found her wallet. She took out a business card, handed it to Will, and said, “I hope you’ll call me.”

Will took the card and smiled. “I most certainly will call. I’m busy with work as well, but I can’t imagine not seeing you again.”

Moments later, as Will drove away, Chelsea realized he hadn’t given her his number. So, the ball was in his corner.

As she got ready for bed, she chided herself for being too eager. But damn, it had felt good to be intimate after such a long celibate streak. And the way he’d moaned while cumming down her throat made her feel positive that he’d call.

As Will drove home, a war was waging in his head. His original plan for a one-and-done night with the hot redhead flew out the window the moment she touched his scars and wasn’t repulsed. Should he tell her he’d been following her and that meeting her at the bar wasn’t by chance? Or would that spoil what could be the beginning of a marvelous relationship? One thing was sure, he’d need to decide before he called her. And he fully intended to call her. How could he not?