Upon a Midnight Clear

Excerpt from: Upon a Midnight Clear

“If you stare any harder, you’re likely to burn a hole through his drawers.”

Drea Michaels couldn’t turn away from the sexy specimen in question. Hell, what woman would want to look away? Carter James looked good enough to sop up with a biscuit.

She clenched her thighs together underneath the table. Her fingers played idly with the rim of her glass. The French Toddy had lost its allure the moment she caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye, and as usual, her response was immediate. “I wonder if he prefers boxers or briefs.”

“After two years of lusting after him, I’d think you’d have all the goods—like does he prefer missionary or doggie style?” Liz rolled her eyes.

“Doggie style,” Drea said. The words slipped off her tongue. She felt her cheeks grow hot and leaned her chin against the palm of her hand. She was nearly oblivious to the R & B music playing in the background, or the hook-ups taking place around her. Mockingbird, the hottest after-work bar in downtown St. Louis, was in full swing.

Energy for the upcoming Christmas holiday vibrated around the room. Carter, the club’s owner and Drea’s friend was burning her panties off without even knowing it.

She wasn’t blind. She had full breasts and a size-fourteen body. Her kinky shoulder-length black curls and toasty mahogany skin weren’t in line with Carter’s usual type of woman, but she didn’t give a damn. The fact that he was white and she black didn’t mean a thing. His powerful physique, six-pack stomach and sensual dark eyes were enough to drive a sane woman wild. His tanned complexion and bedroom smile was totally her style.

A wicked grin spread across her face. There was a first time for everything. She turned to look at Liz Stevens, her girlfriend since grade school and business partner in their hair salon, A Cut Above. “I want him.”

“You’ve been chanting that little mantra for the last two years.” Liz smiled mischievously, shaking her head. “What are you going to do to get him?”

“What do you expect me to do? Throw myself at his feet, naked and say, ‘Screw me, big daddy’?” Drea groaned, her gaze wandering back to the front door, where Carter greeted customers.

“That has potential,” her friend added dryly.

Drea rolled her eyes skyward, before refocusing on her target.

His easygoing persona and bedroom eyes turned more than her head. A couple of blondes standing close to him smiled brightly, shoving their breasts in his face. She silently seethed. She had no right getting jealous, especially since he had no idea how she felt. Oh, they played around, flirted endlessly, but she was sick of joking.

She wanted him in her bed. Now.