Work Text
Pink Pony Club Girl
The sun was beginning to set on the golden horizon of Napa Valley, casting a soft orange hue over the endless vineyards. Colin Bridgerton removed his cowboy hat for a moment, running a hand through his slightly damp hair. The past few weeks had been exhausting, each day starting before sunrise and ending well after the moon was high in the sky. The grape harvest and winemaking at his family’s vineyard required hard work, and as always, he gave himself to it entirely.But tonight, he wanted something different. He craved the scent of asphalt, the sound of live music, and an ice-cold beer. With this thought in mind, he walked towards his old blue pickup truck, fondly nicknamed "Betsy Lou"—a name his teenage self had once found amusing. The vehicle had its fair share of years on the road but still ran like a charm—or so he liked to think.As he turned the key, Betsy Lou rumbled to life, though not with her usual vigour. Colin frowned but ignored the hesitant sound of the engine and set off. The narrow road wound through the valley in gentle curves, lined with vineyards and grand farmhouses. He drove leisurely, the warm August breeze rushing in through the open window, the radio tuned to a country station playing George Strait. Summer was slipping away, and he wanted to enjoy it before routine swallowed him whole once again.After about forty minutes on the road, he spotted a small petrol station by the highway. Feeling that Betsy Lou might need a bit more fuel for the night, he decided to stop and fill up. He pulled up beside the pump, turned off the engine, and stepped out of the truck, stretching his arms to relieve the tension in his muscles. The air was thick with the scent of petrol and dust.While refuelling, he noticed the dashboard lights flickering oddly. When he tried to start the truck again, the engine coughed one last time before falling silent. Colin let out a long sigh and rubbed his face with his hands. "Ah, Betsy Lou, you picked a fine time to let me down, didn’t you?"He tried again, but he already knew it was useless. The battery was dying. With no other option, he pulled his phone from his pocket and called the nearest breakdown service, explaining his location.They said it would take about an hour for someone to arrive—just enough time to find a decent bar and quench his thirst.That was when he noticed the flashing neon sign on the other side of the road. "Pink Pony Club" shimmered in vibrant shades of pink and purple. The flickering lights reflected on the asphalt, and lively music spilled out through the entrance every time someone walked in or out.Colin frowned. He had never heard of this place. It looked like a curious mix between a country saloon and a drag queen show, with its rustic façade yet oddly festive illumination. It wasn’t the kind of establishment he usually visited—he preferred simple bars with a wooden counter and acoustic live music. But curiosity nudged him, and with his car out of action, he didn’t have much to lose.Adjusting his belt and tapping his cowboy boots against the ground to shake off the dust, Colin crossed the street and pushed open the bar doors. He didn’t quite know what to expect, but as he stepped inside, he realised he was in for a night unlike any other.The Pink Pony Club was unlike any bar Colin had ever been to. The atmosphere was an unusual blend of a country saloon and a spectacle of glitter and colour. What caught his attention the most were the pole dance poles positioned at the centre of spacious round tables, surrounded by chairs on one side and plush corner sofas against the walls. The small stage at the back of the venue was a show in itself, decorated with colourful lights and shimmering curtain strips that swayed gently at the slightest movement of air, creating a hypnotic festive effect.The bar wasn’t crowded, giving Colin time to take in the surroundings. An old man with a white beard sipped beer at the counter, chatting casually with the bartender. Around the room, a few drag queens wandered about, still in the middle of getting ready—some without wigs, others with only half their makeup done—while a small group rehearsed a synchronised dance routine on stage.Colin settled into a sofa seat at one of the tables, where a pole dance pole stood proudly at the centre. He leaned back, his curiosity growing.That was when he noticed a woman approaching.She was stunning. Her short, lilac dress swayed slightly as she walked, its skirt twirling subtly over her thighs. Her wavy auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the warm glow of the bar lights. Her makeup was flawless, with a shimmering touch that made her eyes appear even more vivid, and her well-defined lips bore a shade of pink that contrasted perfectly with her fair skin. On her feet, a pair of high platform heels made her appear even taller, only adding to her striking presence.Colin had to compose himself quickly when she stopped before him, gracefully balancing a tray.— "Good evening, cowboy," she said with an amused smile. "Just so you know, we’re not officially open yet. But if you’d like, I can get you a beer while the show gets started."Her voice was smooth, slightly husky, and carried a confidence that made him smile without realising it.— "I think a beer would be perfect," he replied, leaning forward slightly. "And what kind of show are we talking about? I get the feeling it’s not quite what I’m used to."She let out a low chuckle, placing one hand on her hip.— "Well, darling, tonight’s our diva night. Drag queens, pole dancers, and maybe even a friendly competition on the mechanical bull." She arched an eyebrow, tilting her head slightly. "Don’t tell me you’ve never been to a place like this before?"Colin scratched the back of his neck, a smirk escaping.— "Never. But I’ll admit, I’m curious."— "Then it’s going to be an interesting night for you," she said, winking. "By the way, my name is Penelope."— "Colin," he replied, extending his hand, feeling a slight jolt when her fingers touched his.Before he could say anything else, Penelope leaned slightly forward, resting the tray against her hip.— "If you’d like to wait at the bar, you can chat with our bartender. I need to help one of the staff test the mechanical bull before the show."— "The mechanical bull, huh?" Colin raised an eyebrow, already entertained by the idea.— "Exactly." She gave him a mischievous smile before gracefully walking away towards the back of the venue.Colin followed her every step with his eyes. He watched as she chatted animatedly with a man in a black shirt, gesturing and laughing before climbing onto the inflatable arena where the mechanical bull was positioned. He leaned slightly on the table, feeling a heat rise in his face as she settled onto the bull with a fluid movement.The bar lights reflected against her auburn hair, creating a near-golden glow as she prepared for the challenge. When the bull began to move, she swung her hips masterfully, rolling them smoothly to keep her balance. Her movements were calculated, graceful, and sensual. Colin swallowed hard, feeling a warmth spread through his chest and stomach.His night had just taken an unexpected turn.Each of her hip sways seemed to hypnotise him, the muscles in her thighs tensing as she adjusted to the increasing intensity of the bull’s movements. The lilac dress lifted slightly with each motion, revealing tantalising glimpses of her fair skin. Colin felt a mix of heat and something deeper, a sensation spreading through his chest and stomach. He ran his tongue over his dry lips, unable to look away.Penelope held on with just one hand, the other raised in the air, letting out a playful laugh when the bull gave a sudden jerk. She seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself, completely at ease in the spotlight. And Colin, in turn, felt like he had never seen anything quite so captivating in his life.He let out a low sigh, leaning back into the sofa, trying to shake off the sudden wave of heat rushing through him. But no matter how many times he blinked, his eyes always returned to her.Colin reached for the cold beer the bartender slid across the counter to him. The chilled glass met his warm skin, and he immediately pressed the side of the glass against his forearm, letting out a relieved sigh. The August heat was already intense, but Penelope’s presence seemed to raise the temperature even higher around him.As he brought the beer to his lips and felt the refreshing liquid slide down his throat, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out with one hand and unlocked the screen to read a message from the breakdown service. Instead of a tow truck, the insurance company had decided to send a mechanic to fix the problem on-site, meaning he would have to wait a bit longer.To his surprise, he didn’t mind the delay. In fact, it was the perfect excuse to stay longer at the Pink Pony Club.Colin tucked his phone away and lifted his eyes to the stage, searching for Penelope again, but she was no longer on the mechanical bull. He sighed, sinking back into the sofa, allowing himself to be immersed in the peculiar atmosphere. The bar was starting to fill up. The customers arriving were dressed in country style, but with a far more flamboyant twist than he was used to—button-up shirts covered in glitter, tight jeans decorated with rhinestones, and cowboy hats adorned with sequins filled the saloon, creating a flashy version of the aesthetic he knew so well.The stage lights flickered, and a brief silence took over the bar before an explosion of music. The beat of “Texas Hold ’Em” played, but in a remixed, far more danceable version.In the centre of the stage, a tall and striking figure appeared, dressed in a skin-tight jumpsuit with shimmering metallic fringe that swayed with every step. The drag queen, introducing herself as Miss Roxanne Starlight, stepped forward with a magnetic presence. At her command, a group of dancers began a vogue routine, each movement sharp and synchronised. Their arms moved in precise patterns, creating geometric shapes in the air, while their hips marked the pulsating rhythm of the music.Colin had never seen anything like it.His world in Napa Valley was refined and full of traditions, but nothing in his life had prepared him for this raw, electrifying energy. A shiver ran down his spine, completely mesmerised by the fluid and striking movements of the dancers.After the opening number, Miss Roxanne took the microphone and, with an exuberant smile, announced:— “My loves, I hope you’re ready because now I present the stars of the night: our Pink Pony Girls!”The crowd erupted, cheering as a group of women emerged from backstage and moved through the saloon. Unlike the drag queens on stage, these dancers had a more natural look, without extravagant makeup or over-the-top costumes, yet they were still stunning and impeccably put together.Among them, Colin recognised Penelope immediately.She walked with a provocative smile as the remix of ‘Pink Pony Club’ started playing. The lighting effects highlighted her in the crowd, and she, along with the other dancers, moved through the tables, playfully interacting with the audience. Some climbed onto the pole dances in the centre of the tables, while others danced on the floor, encouraging customers to join the fun.Colin noticed many people waving dollar bills, trying to get the dancers’ attention.A smirk played on his lips as he watched Penelope approach. He lifted two fingers to his mouth and let out a sharp whistle. When she looked at him, he gestured for her to come over, pulling out his wallet and laying down a generous stack of notes on the table, even before she had climbed up.Penelope approached with a surprised and amused expression.— “You don’t have to give me all that,” she said, leaning slightly towards him. “Share it with the other girls.”— “I only want you dancing for me,” he replied, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.She bit her lower lip for a moment, but accepted the challenge. With a swift movement, she climbed onto the table, gripping the pole with a confidence that revealed her experience. The music’s rhythm picked up, and she began to dance, moving her hips sensually, sliding along the pole with grace and skill. Colin’s eyes were locked on her, absorbing every detail of her performance.During the dance, she smiled at him and leaned slightly forward, teasing:— “Is this the closest you’ve ever been to a show like this, cowboy?”Colin laughed, the heat rising to his cheeks.— “Definitely, yes. But I think I could get used to it.”She spun around the pole one more time before leaning in towards him, bringing a hand to his face for a brief moment. He let out a low hum at her touch, tilting slightly into her palm before leaning back against the sofa, his eyes still fixed on her.With a mysterious smile, Penelope continued the routine, but he noticed a subtle blush on her cheeks, as if the intensity of his gaze was affecting her just as much as she was affecting him.Then, in an unexpected move, Colin leaned forward and, with a firm but gentle touch, grasped her ankle. He ran his hands up her calf, reaching her foot, and, without breaking eye contact, began to unlace the straps of her left heel.Penelope blinked, surprised, but didn’t protest. When he removed the first shoe, she smiled, and then he repeated the gesture with the right foot, leaving her barefoot on the table.— “I thought you could use a bit of relaxation,” he said, looking up at her.She let her fingers brush lightly against his face, a fleeting touch that sent an intense shiver through his body. He leaned back again, watching as she resumed the dance, but now there was something different in the way she looked at him. Something challenging, yet shy, as if she was trying to decipher exactly what this charming cowboy was doing to her.Penelope continued to dance with a hypnotic fluidity, spinning around the pole and moving across the table with natural sensuality. Her body moved in perfect harmony with the pulsating beat of the music, and Colin, sitting just below her, felt every cell in his body react to the sight. His eyes followed her every motion, absorbing each curve and gesture as she moved to the rhythm of the song.A heat spread through him, a mix of the vibrant atmosphere and the growing desire stirring inside his chest. He bit his lip, his breathing growing heavier as Penelope maintained eye contact, teasing him silently. Her movements were smooth yet deliberate, and when she leaned forward, allowing the coloured lights to reflect against the subtle shimmer of her makeup, Colin felt a shiver run down his spine.The urge to touch her intensified with every passing second, his hands resting restlessly on his thighs, resisting the temptation to grab her by the waist and pull her closer.Penelope noticed his reaction and smiled, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on him. She slid slowly down the pole, twirling gracefully until she was nearly at floor level, before rising again, her hips forming a perfect arc in the air.Colin felt heat flood his body, his mouth suddenly dry. He needed something to cool himself down from the feverish state she was leaving him in.Without taking his eyes off her, he subtly gestured for a waiter, who quickly approached. Penelope noticed, but couldn’t hear what he ordered. Still dancing, she observed when, towards the end of the song, a tray was set down at the edge of the table, carrying a cold beer and two bottles of water.At the last beat of the music, Colin rose smoothly from the sofa, extending his hand to her. Penelope hesitated for a second, her gaze flickering between his offered hand and his intense eyes, before accepting it. The firmness of his touch sent a wave of warmth through her skin.He sensed her momentary hesitation and, instead of pulling her down immediately, leaned in closer, his lips brushing just near her ear.— "It's quite hot," he murmured in a husky voice, sending a delicious shiver down her spine. "I don’t want you getting tired just because I asked you to dance for me."Penelope’s heartbeat stuttered at his closeness. The woody and citrus scent of Colin wrapped around her, his body heat unmistakable. He wore a white button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his strong forearms, slightly tanned by the sun of the countryside. When he lightly touched her forearm, guiding her to sit beside him on the sofa, her skin prickled involuntarily.— "You’re very considerate," she murmured, her voice laced with playful provocation.Colin smirked, picking up one of the water bottles and handing it to her.— "I just don’t want to take advantage of your generosity," he murmured, his eyes sweeping over her form up close. "Especially after the little glimpses I caught beneath your dress."Penelope’s eyes widened briefly, before she let out a low laugh, her cheeks warming slightly.— "That wasn’t my underwear," she corrected, taking a sip of water. "It was part of the bodysuit I wear under the dress."Colin arched an eyebrow, his gaze playfully trailing over her.— "Ah, so that’s what it was," he murmured, leaning a bit closer. "And here I was thinking I’d been given an exclusive preview."Penelope smiled, glancing away for a moment, as if considering whether she should keep playing along. But the way Colin looked at her made her heart race faster. There was something about him—that natural charm, mixed with the intensity of his gaze—that made her confidence waver slightly.He tilted his head slightly, observing her with keen interest.— "You have a different accent," he noted softly, moving closer once again. "I’d say you’re not from around here."Penelope held her breath for a moment, feeling his lips graze just near the lobe of her ear as he spoke. His deep voice, a low whisper, slid over her skin like a caress. His scent mingled with hers—a sweet, floral essence contrasting with his woody, slightly spicy aroma.She moistened her lips before replying:— "I’m from London. But I’ve been in the U.S. for a few years."Colin smiled, letting a finger trace gently down her arm, toying with the ends of her auburn hair.— "London, huh?" He tilted his head, as if picturing her in another setting. "I don’t think I’ve ever met a British woman who could dance like that on top of a table."Penelope laughed, feeling her cheeks flush slightly at his observation.— "I suppose you just haven’t met the right people, then," she teased, raising an eyebrow.Colin grinned, taking a sip of his beer, but his eyes never left hers.— "I think you might be right," he said. "But you know what? I quite like learning new things."Penelope’s gaze locked onto his for a moment longer than it should have. It was intense, filled with something that made her breath hitch for a fraction of a second. Colin wasn’t just flirting with her. He was studying her every reaction, absorbing every tiny detail with genuine fascination.She glanced away for a moment, but not before noticing the satisfied smile creeping onto his lips. Colin knew exactly the effect he was having on her, and he was clearly enjoying it.Penelope finished her water in silence, her eyes flickering over the saloon, trying to process the intensity of the moment they had just shared. After a few seconds, she sighed and adjusted her lilac dress before saying:— "I need to get back to work."Colin leaned forward, a suggestive smile playing at his lips.— "And if I negotiate for a few more dances?" he suggested, his voice thick with expectation.Penelope laughed, shaking her head as she picked up her tray.— "I need to serve customers while the main show is on. But if you want, you can stay for the competition—whoever lasts the longest on the mechanical bull wins."Colin arched a playful eyebrow.— "And if you were riding, I’d want to be the bull."She burst into genuine laughter, a melodious sound that echoed over the background music.— "You’re terrible," she replied, winking before walking away. "But I’ll be back later for one more dance just for you."Colin remained where he was, watching her disappear among the other patrons.One thing was certain—this night was far from over.Colin spent the rest of the time with his attention split between his phone and the show, until his mobile vibrated on the table. The mechanic’s name flashed across the screen. He answered quickly.— “Mr Bridgerton? I’m here at the petrol station with your truck, Betsy Lou. Looks like the battery is completely dead. You’re going to need a replacement. Could you come over?”— “I’m on my way,” Colin replied, letting out a sigh before finishing his beer and getting to his feet.The walk back to the petrol station felt longer than before. When he arrived, he saw Betsy Lou parked in the same spot, her bonnet raised, and a burly man in blue overalls inspecting the engine.— “So, what’s the verdict?” Colin asked, leaning against the side of the truck.The mechanic, whose name tag read ‘Hank’, looked up at him and wiped his grease-stained hands on a rag.— “Well, the battery’s completely shot. It’s probably been on its last legs for a while. I’ll need to replace it, and I’d also recommend changing the cables—they’re pretty corroded.”Colin ran a hand over his jaw, considering.— “And how long will that take?”Hank let out a short laugh.— “A few hours. But at least you won’t need a tow, and your Betsy Lou will be running good as new.”Colin sighed, accepting the situation.— “Do whatever you need to.” He patted the bonnet of the truck. “I’ll go for a walk while you work.”Hank nodded and got back to work. Colin wandered around the small petrol station, feeling the warm evening breeze, but his mind was back at the Pink Pony Club. He already knew exactly where he’d be heading as soon as the truck was ready.After a few hours and a reasonable payment, Betsy Lou was back in action. Colin drove back to the bar, noticing how the energy inside had changed. The euphoria of the earlier performances had faded, replaced by a more intimate atmosphere. The crowd had thinned out, the shows had ended, and a soft country song played over the speakers. A few couples swayed slowly on the dance floor.His eyes immediately sought out Penelope.She was leaning against the wooden bar counter, chatting animatedly with a tall, dark-skinned man. Colin felt an unexpected pang of irritation tighten in his chest. He wasn’t the jealous type, but something about the way she laughed, the way she leaned in slightly, made his jaw clench.He decided to act subtly. He sat a little distance away from them and motioned to the bartender, requesting a drink. It didn’t take long for Penelope to notice him.She smiled as she saw him and walked over, exuding an effortless sensuality. She was wearing her heels again, the ones Colin had removed earlier, and she held her tray in front of her with both hands, the gesture pushing her chest up slightly, making her curves even more prominent. Colin’s gaze drifted slowly over her, his body turning slightly in his seat, his intentions crystal clear.— “Thought you’d left, cowboy,” she teased, taking his leather hat and placing it on her own head.Colin smirked, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her closer, using the opportunity to take in the softness of her exposed skin. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver up her spine, but she tried to ignore it.— “Had to sort a few things,” he murmured, his deep voice vibrating between them. “But I’m here now.”Penelope tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with amusement.— “Shame you missed the bull-riding contest. I would have won easily if the staff were allowed to compete.”Colin’s gaze slid lazily down her body, stopping at the toned legs beneath her lilac dress. He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear, sending a trail of goosebumps down her arms.— “You could always ride it again… just so I get another view.” His thumb traced slowly along the inside of her thigh.Penelope gasped softly, her body responding instinctively to his touch. The sensitive skin tingled where his fingers had brushed, and she felt a tremor in her legs. Colin remained close, his gaze locked onto hers, his hand firm yet gentle, teasing without rushing.Penelope closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the heat spread through her core. The tension between them was palpable, electric, and she couldn’t think about anything except the circles his thumb was tracing against her skin.— “I…” Her voice faltered, and she had to swallow hard before continuing. “Yes. I can do that.”Colin grinned, satisfied, and stood from the bar stool, not even touching the whiskey he had ordered. He extended his hand, and she took it, feeling the weight of her decision rush through her body like a shockwave.As they walked together through the now-quiet saloon, the only thing on Penelope’s mind was what would happen next.Colin stepped onto the inflatable bull-riding arena, his eyes never leaving hers, as she prepared to mount the mechanical bull. The background music had softened, the chatter in the bar had quietened, and the night had taken on an almost dreamlike quality.He moved closer, his body nearly brushing against hers, and without hurry, his hand slid along her exposed thigh. The touch was light, but enough to make her breath hitch. He leaned in, whispering low and deep against her ear, his voice heavy with unspoken promises.— “Still, I’m going to want that last dance.”Penelope felt the shiver race up her spine, but she forced herself to focus on the bull. With his help, she climbed on easily, gripping the leather handles firmly. The machine started moving, slow and steady at first, allowing her to find her balance. Her eyes flicked to Colin, who remained standing nearby, watching her as though he was utterly enchanted.She decided to have fun with it.She tossed her hair back, the red strands catching the colourful lights, creating a golden halo around her face. Each movement was calculated—her hips rolling smoothly and provocatively, not just to maintain her balance, but to hold his attention entirely. She knew Colin couldn’t look away, and that only encouraged her more.With the bull’s speed slowing, she focused on him completely. Their eyes met, and she held his gaze, biting her lower lip slightly. The wicked smirk he shot her in return sent a thrill down her spine.Colin was on fire.His blood pulsed hot in his veins, and he felt every muscle in his body tense as he watched Penelope move in an almost hypnotic way. The way her hips swayed, the lightness of her shoulders, the little sighs that escaped her lips whenever the bull threatened to throw her off—it all felt like a calculated provocation. He ran his tongue over his lips, his entire body reacting to the sight before him.When the machine finally stopped, Penelope was still slightly breathless, her eyes shining with excitement. She slid off the bull and returned to Colin's side, who extended a hand to help her down. They left the arena together and made their way back to the table where he had been earlier—the one with the pole dance stage and the comfortable sofa.Penelope dropped down beside him, throwing her head back for a moment as she caught her breath. Colin watched her, completely mesmerised."You definitely deserve another dance," he murmured, leaning slightly towards her. "But I need to pay by card—I’m out of cash."She laughed, picking up the water bottle he had left there earlier and taking a sip before responding."This one’s special. You don’t have to pay for it."Colin arched an intrigued eyebrow but didn’t argue. He simply leaned back on the sofa and waited, watching as Penelope slowly stood up, her lilac dress swaying gently against her legs.Her dance didn’t precisely follow the rhythm of the music. It wasn’t a choreographed performance, but a deliberate tease. She ran her fingers along the pole, letting her hips move lazily before lowering herself slowly, her eyes locked onto his the entire time. Colin swallowed hard, his breathing growing heavier.She rose again, arching her body forward, offering him a clear view of the round, perfectly shaped curve beneath the delicate fabric of her dress. When she spun around the pole, her hands slid down her own legs, subtly lifting the fabric and revealing the leotard underneath once more.Colin felt an unbearable heat rise inside him.The sight was simply too much. His gaze fixated on the details—the way the muscles in her legs tightened with each movement, the seductive contrast of her pale skin against the soft lilac of her dress. He swallowed thickly, feeling a wave of desire surge through his body. His jeans were becoming uncomfortably tight, a clear sign of what this vision was doing to him.Penelope noticed.She kept teasing him, letting her hands roam slowly over her own body before spinning once again, lowering herself deliberately, as if testing his limits. Colin held his breath, feeling the pressure within him mount. His heart pounded against his ribs, his hands clenched against his knees as he tried to maintain control.But then she turned to him, her eyes filled with playful mischief, and lifted her dress just a little higher, revealing even more of the tight leotard that accentuated her curves.Colin nearly groaned.His entire body reacted to her, the visceral attraction tightening his chest, his abdomen, his desire becoming impossible to ignore. The evidence of his arousal was obvious, and for a moment, he felt slightly self-conscious. Letting out a small sigh, he grabbed his hat—the same one Penelope had worn on the bull—and strategically placed it over his lap, trying to conceal the bulge at the front of his trousers.Penelope noticed and bit her lip to keep from laughing, clearly pleased with herself."I think I got what I wanted," she murmured, sliding down the pole one last time before leaning in close to him.Colin lifted his gaze to her, desire mingling with something deeper, more primal."This is cheating," he murmured, his voice huskier than before.Penelope shrugged, her eyes gleaming with amusement."You wanted one last dance. I just made sure it was worth it."Colin took a deep breath, his body still tense, and simply chuckled, shaking his head as he tried to regain control of himself. But one thing was certain—this woman had completely conquered him.Penelope stepped down from the stage with feline grace, her body still warm from the sensual dance she had just given him. She stopped in front of Colin, her eyes locked onto his as if she were about to test an invisible boundary. Without breaking eye contact, she lifted one leg and slowly parted his knees, making room for herself. The atmosphere between them seemed to condense, charged with raw electricity.Slowly, she positioned herself between his legs and took the hat he had so strategically placed over his lap. A teasing smile played on her lips as she placed it back on his head. Then, without hesitation, she lowered herself onto his thigh, feeling the tension in Colin’s body as her weight pressed firmly against him.Colin was momentarily still, surprised by her boldness, but instinct soon took over. His hands slid to her waist, pulling her closer, feeling the heat of her body moulding against his. The lilac dress felt like a fragile barrier between her warm skin and the rough denim of his jeans. When her breasts brushed against his chest, he let out a low groan, an involuntary reaction that escaped before he could stop it.Penelope felt the effect she had on him and smiled, running her fingers through his hair, feeling the thick strands between her fingertips. With a careful touch, she brushed her thumbs against the nape of his neck, sending a shiver down his spine. Her gaze softened slightly, and her voice came out lower, almost a whisper."I don’t want you to be just another customer at the bar." Her fingers traced the sharp line of his jaw, running delicately over the stubble.Colin closed his eyes for a brief moment, savouring her touch before opening them again and meeting those intense green eyes so close to his."I don’t want any misunderstandings," he said, his voice deep and sincere. "I’m not confusing this with your job. I don’t think this is something you owe me… but I want to take you home tonight."Penelope’s heart pounded, not just at what he said but at the way he said it. There was no desperation, no pressure—just a genuine desire and a respect that made her smile in a way that was almost sweet. Colin wasn’t like the other men she had encountered; he saw her as more than just a dance in a bar.She tilted her head slightly, biting her lip before replying in a deliberately seductive tone:"I know you’re not that kind of man." Her voice carried an unspoken promise. "And I accept."Before he could respond, she leaned in closer, her mouth hovering over the warm skin of his neck. She inhaled his woody, citrus scent before pressing her lips there, leaving a kiss that wasn’t just a touch but a mark, a seal of intent.The first contact was soft, a light, damp touch on Colin’s sensitive skin, but soon she deepened it, sucking gently on the spot where his pulse beat strongly. He held his breath, his hand gripping her waist more firmly. Heat spread through his body like liquid fire. Every second her mouth remained there was a delicious torment.She explored his neck with lips and tongue, toying with the idea of making him completely lose control. Colin let out a long sigh, his body reacting to every touch, every movement of her lips. The muscles in his chest tightened, and he knew that if she continued, he wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer.Her tongue traced a slow path before she sucked on his skin again, leaving a slight sting. Colin groaned, his head tilting back slightly as his hands slid down her back, over the smooth curve of her waist, stopping just above her hip. His entire body tensed when her mouth pulled away, leaving behind a trail of warmth and a shiver that ran down his spine.Penelope smiled against his skin, satisfied with the effect she had caused. She pulled back slightly, her eyes alight with desire and mischief."Now you have a little souvenir from me," she murmured, tracing the mark with the tip of her finger.Colin opened his eyes, still trying to catch his breath, and smirked."You think I need a reminder?" His hand slid over her thigh, squeezing the soft skin. "Believe me, I won’t forget this night."And they both knew—the night was just beginning.