I laughed, shoving his shoulder playfully. “All right, dirty boy, what’s next on the agenda?”
Helping me to my feet, he grinned. “I’ve got an idea, but I need to know if you’re ready to be a little wild.”
“How wild?” I questioned, a sassy hand on my hip.
He tossed our empty bottles and napkins in the trash.
“Crazy, insane kind of wild.” His eyes turned serious. He grabbed my hips, guiding me toward a vacant alley and gently pushing my back against a brick wall. “Can you handle getting a little crazy with me?”
I nodded, smiling up at him.
He pressed a kiss to mouth. “Are you sure, Benny girl? Because I can’t have you chickening out last minute.”
“Are you calling me out?”
“Are you too scared to take the challenge?”
I bit his bottom lip, my teeth tugging playfully. “I’ll take any challenge you throw my way.”
“Is that so?”
“You bet your tight ass it is.”
“I’ve got fifteen dollars and a striptease that says you’ll chicken out.”
“I’ll see your bet and raise you an orgasm.”
His mouth met mine again, his tongue slipping past my lips. He kissed me passionately, sliding his hands into my hair and taking control. His lips coaxed a moan from my throat, only to leave me disappointed when he pulled away, smirking like the devil.
“Game on, baby.” He grabbed my hand, leading me back onto the sidewalk. “Oh, and I want you wearing heels. Sexy fucking heels that’ll blow my mind.”
I giggled, shaking my head. “You better prepare yourself because I’m demanding Channing Tatum-like dance moves. I’m talking pelvic thrusts and lots of grinding action.”
We took the subway until Kline ushered us off at Midtown East. Ten minutes later, we were standing in front of ONE UN—a prestigious hotel in the business of catering to the rich and famous.
“Are we schmoozing with diplomats tonight?”
He chuckled. “No, but we’re definitely going to get a little wet.”
I raised a curious brow as he led us through the lobby and to a bank of elevators hidden on the eastern side of the facility.
The ride was quick, and once we reached our apparent destination, we hopped off and walked hand in hand past a reception desk. A twenty-something-year-old girl glanced up from her laptop, offering a simple, “Enjoy your workout,” and resumed typing. She didn’t question our motives, seemingly oblivious to the fact that we were basically breaking in to their facility.
I started to get a little nervous as Kline led me through a locker room. He held open a glass door, ushering me toward an indoor pool. The water was enticing, lights still on and glowing beneath the clear water.
“Uh?” I asked, glancing around.
We were the only ones there, but a white sign with big red letters instructed us why.
No one permitted in the pool area after nine o’clock.
It was half past ten.
The sign also stated, Members only pool. Police will be contacted in the event this rule is violated.
Hefty warning for an indoor pool, right? Yeah, but remember, this hotel wasn’t just any hotel. It was adjacent to the United Nations Headquarters. When I’d joked about schmoozing with diplomats, I hadn’t been kidding.
Kline took off his shoes and socks, setting them on a chair.
“Uh, what are you doing?”
“I’m getting ready to hop in the pool,” he responded, unbuckling his belt. “You’re joining me, right?”
“Pretty sure I don’t have a bathing suit.” I glanced down at my attire—jeans, a cotton tank top, a light cotton sweater, and brown leather flats.
“But I thought you said you wanted to be a little wild?” he asked, amusement in his voice.
“Yeah, but…” I paused when he unzipped his jeans and slid them down his legs.
“But…what?” He looked up, his eyes filled with a playful edge.
“We’re not even supposed to be in here,” I whispered, even though no one outside of the pool could hear me. “And you want me to what? Go for a dip in my bra and panties?”
He shrugged off his shirt. “You could always go without.”
My jaw dropped. “You want me to skinny-dip? In a pool that we’re not even supposed to be in?”
“Are you getting ready to chicken out?” Kline taunted. His gorgeous body was on full display, only boxers covering his muscular thighs.
“No,” I retorted.
He cocked a brow. “Are you sure? Because it kind of looks like you’re ready to jet.”
I narrowed my eyes.
“Get ready to strip, baby.” A grin covered his lips. “And don’t forget the heels.”
His smug confidence had me changing my tune. I wasn’t usually the type of girl to break rules, but I also wasn’t the type of girl to back down from a bet.
My stubborn side won the battle for supremacy.