She’s the one he wants, he just doesn’t know it yet.
Arran Mayes-Confirmed bachelor. Loves a good bottle of wine, hearty conversation and men. Determined to open his own pizzeria, he’s not looking for love or a woman.
Then he sees her. Can a tomcat playboy settle down in the arms of a good woman?
Mindy Dawson-She’s not interested in relationships or dating after having been through the wringer more times than she can count. Attending college is for a BA…not an “MRS” degree.
Until she sees him. Is she woman enough to tame Arran’s ways? Or will their love affair burn out before it gets started?
“Then why hit on me?” She sat next to him, placing her backpack between them. “I’m a girl and you’re not into…females. Was it to try uncharted territory?”
“You’re beautiful.”
“Come on.” She rolled her eyes. “I know smoke when I feel it.”
“I’ve never been with a woman, yes. Never been turned on by a female. I’d never yearned to touch a girl’s soft skin or feel her kiss on my lips.” He braced his forearms on his knees. “And then I met you. Now, I want it all.”
She turned away, blocking her expression from his view.
“I want you, Mindy.”
“You’re one of a kind—you know that, right?”
He moved her backpack and closed the distance. “I’d like to think you’d care about me no matter how lame or goofy or sexy I happened to be.”
“Dork.”
Arran wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tugged her back against his chest. “I am what I am.” He rubbed his cheek on the silk of her hair. “Can we try for a date?”
“I shouldn’t.”
“I know.”
Mindy didn’t say anything for a pregnant moment. At least she remained in his arms. She took one of his hands in hers, examining it. “Okay.”
“Okay what?”
She tipped her head and a wicked smile graced her mouth. “Pick me up tonight at eight.”
His perfect match is in the last place he expects—across the courtyard.
Graig Case wants to teach history and coach baseball. Plain and simple. But nothing in his life has been simple. He’s also got a secret. He loves to watch the sexy woman across the courtyard dance. He’d love for his fantasy girl to be his best friend, but fantasy and reality don’t always mix.
Tessa Martin has given up on love. She’s played second fiddle most of her life. Guys like hanging out with her. Being one of the guys doesn’t keep her warm at night. Still, she indulges in her one treat—dancing for Graig. No emotions involved means no one gets hurt.
Except when they end up working in the same school in the same hallway…then all bets are off.
Reader Advisory: This book contains anal sex and the use of toys.
Publisher’s Note: This book has previously been released elsewhere. It has been revised and re-edited for re-release with Totally Bound Publishing.
“Will you be at the staff meeting tomorrow?” Graig asked.
“Yeah, I’m the de facto department chair for music and art. I can’t exactly miss it.” She leaned against her sister’s car. “You’ll be there? Nice.” She mentally patted herself on the back. She’d just flirted with him, too.
“I will and I’ll find you.” His eyes flashed.
Find her? Was he serious?
“You’re one of the few members of the staff that I like to sit with at those things. You make them less boring and uncomfortable.”
“Thanks.” She bit back her shock. “You do, too.” Right. She wanted to spend time with him at a meeting. How about at a coffee shop or the park? Oh God. If she said those things, he’d walk away.
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Save me a spot at the meeting.” He winked. “See you.”
Warmth spread through her limbs. “Yeah, see you.” In the grand scheme of sounding silly, she’d hit the top, but too bad. He’d noticed her. Spending time together at a meeting wasn’t her idea of great, but she’d take it.
Graig waved, then strode to his car and stopped. “You know, I’m glad you gave me the tip on that apartment. I love mine.” He grinned. “I can see you from my balcony. We should get together some time and hang out. Oh, and when you turn on the lights in your place, I can’t help but notice.”
“I’ll turn on a few less lights.”
“I don’t know. I like the view.” He waved, then sank behind the wheel of his vehicle.
She appreciated having her sister’s SUV for support. If not, she’d have fallen over. He’d mentioned getting together and had noticed her. On top of that, he liked the view? Holy shit.
Two men collide at a coffee shop…sparks fly along with the java.
Dr. Adrien Ellet loves his dental practice in Cedarwood. He prides himself on being one-half of the most inclusive office in town. Where he’s an expert in the dental field, he’s not so hot as a father. He knows his relationship with his four-year-old son, Kyle, isn’t great and his nanny, Kelsi, is moving on. What’s a guy to do when he needs a little guidance and could use a hot man in his life?
He goes to the coffee shop.
Nathan Gordon loves children and his career as a manny. But he’s lonely. Being a manny means spending his time with children, not going to clubs or partying. Good thing he’s happy to be a homebody. When he runs into the coffee shop for a quick latte, he meets the man of his dreams—who also happens to be the head of the family he wants to manny for. What’s a guy to do when he’s hired to care for the children, yet he’s attracted to the father, the dentist from the coffee shop?
Can these two make it to forever or will the passion between them fizzle before they get started?
“But you can’t ignore everyone because there might be issues. You deserve better.”
He bit back a growl. Not only was she making sense, she wasn’t going along with his plans. Sure, she didn’t know the plans per se, but that didn’t matter. She was leaving when he wanted her to hang around and be there for Kyle until Adrien sorted out his life. Besides that, Adrien hated change. She’d thrown him a curveball and he didn’t know how to deal. Give him an oral issue, an infected molar or lost crown and he could find a solution. In his life? No chance. He wanted the status quo back.
“Hey, you need to give yourself more credit and try harder with Kyle. Things will work out,” she said. “Why don’t you go to that support group? I’m sure they could give you tips for forging a relationship with Kyle.”
“How do you know?” He’d seen the fliers for the support group but had doubted its effectiveness.
“Because I can’t help you forever. You need to be a dad. Stop being scared, like I said. This could be what you need to get you going in the right direction.” Kelsi patted his shoulder. “The group is there to listen and a new man could be the partner you deserve.”
“You going is not what I need,” he blurted. “I can’t do this on my own.” No support group, parenting tip or change would help.
“You have to force yourself to try with Kyle and to not be like your mother. She isn’t his parent—you are.”
He hated when Kelsi was right. “I’ll still need a nanny. I can’t stay home with Kyle and still keep regular hours here at the office.”
She hugged him. “I know it’s scary. Getting married is exciting and scary as hell to me. I’ll be living with Mike. What if we’re not as compatible as I want? I don’t want to be divorced ever.” She shook her head. “You can handle Kyle for the weekend. You’ll take him to preschool on Monday and if you have to reschedule a few appointments, the world won’t end. Just explain to your patients there are a few quirks you have to fix with your life and they’ll understand.”
“Kelsi.” She made things seem so easy.
“I’m not turning down Mike or a trip to Vegas.”
He had to stop being selfish. He could handle being a dad, even if he was afraid. “I’m sorry. Have a great time and enjoy the vacation. You deserve to have your dreams come true. Congratulations and I’m thrilled that you’re happy. Thanks for working with me and Kyle. You helped us a lot and you’ll be hard to replace.”
“Thank you.” She clapped him on the shoulder again. “Take a breath. You can do this.”
Nic Kristol wants one thing for Christmas — a second chance. Being dead makes second chances hard, but the moment he sees Jon, he’s determined to meet the handsome man.
Jon Ruhle thought he’d given up on romance, but along came Nic. He’s drawn to the mysterious man and would love to spend the holidays together. There’s just one problem — Nic’s a spirit. Will he and Nic find their forever together or apart?
He headed downstairs and the spring returned to his step. Giddiness filled his mind. He was about to ask someone out for the first time in months. Holy shit. Could he do this?
He stepped into the bitter December air and gasped. He tugged his collar and scarf tighter around his throat. Christmas carols played on the loudspeakers along the street. Twinkle lights shimmered from the light poles, illuminating his path. Tinsel Christmas trees rustled on the trash bins, and a dusting of snow added a festive feel to his four-block journey.
Jon loved living in the center of Danielsville. He could walk to the stores, restaurants and even the theater. The library was only five blocks away. The police presence in town ensured anyone downtown would be safe. Why move away from such a wonderful situation?
He ducked into the bistro to find it mostly empty. He’d expected a large crowd, it being a Friday night and not long before Christmas. Where were the throngs of shoppers needing to wet their whistle after strolling downtown? He looked for Nic. Was his favorite server there?
“Hi, you.” Nic sashayed up to him. “I hoped you’d come in tonight. Is it chilly out?”
“Freezing.” Jon swept his gaze over Nic. The burgundy long-sleeve shirt clung to his frame and showcased the strength in his upper body. The long apron covered his lower half. Pity. He loved looking at Nic’s body. He swallowed the whimper in his throat. He’d been cold until now, but the chill evaporated. Heat enveloped him and not because of the fireplace or his coat. “Which section is yours?” he managed. “I want to be in your section.”
“Over here.” Nic grinned. He seemed to shimmer from the inside. Was he wearing glitter? Nic paused and touched Jon’s biceps. “Are you sure you want my section?”
“Of course.” He wished he could lean into Nic. He loved the heat radiating from him. “Lead the way.”
“I’m off once I close out your tab.” Nic gestured to a booth. “But I’m thrilled you came here for me. I’m getting the feeling you like me.”
“I do,” Jon blurted. Fuck. He hadn’t meant to be so blunt. Chalk it up to being bitten by the Christmas spirit.
Miles Hornish has seen it all—men, women, ménages…but none of them make the grade. No, this self-made real estate magnate wants one person to share his wealth, his bed and his platinum handcuffs. No one seems to fit the bill—except his limo driver, Fynn. But Miles has issues in his past. Will Fynn be enough to help Miles overcome his past?
Fynn Gold likes his job chauffeuring Miles. What’s not to love? Witnessing encounters in the back of the limo and being the one person Miles can trust…it’s a dream job. Except Fynn wants more with Miles than endless miles on the road. He wants to be the only person in those shiny handcuffs. Can Fynn convince Miles he’s ready to be more than just a driver?
Sometimes it takes the right pairing to make love work out right.
Reader Advisory: This book includes the use of sex toys, anal sex, BDSM play and a flogger or two.
“I think I’d like to ride up front this time.” Miles slid forward and emerged from the back seat. “You ride up there all alone. Might as well keep you company for a change.” He opened the passenger door and plopped down on the seat.
Stunned, Fynn shut the back seat door and scurried around the back of the vehicle. Something wasn’t right. Miles never sat up front. Hell, Miles never said much more than directions to where he wanted to go and to ask about the weather.
Fynn opened the driver’s side door and sat down behind the wheel. “Where would you like to go, Sir?”
“Home, Gold. I’d like to go home.”
Miles clicked the seatbelt into place and noticed the item on the front seat. Ah, so that’s what Fynn does when he’s waiting. Miles touched the worn edge of the leather cover. Here I thought he watched me.
“I’m sorry, Sir.” Fynn grabbed the iPad and opened the glove box. “I shouldn’t have had that out.”
“Why?” Miles turned in his seat to watch Fynn move. The younger man’s hands trembled. The aura of control slipped, revealing the truer Fynn.
“I’m protecting you when you’re out, not reading the latest by Cash Norman.” Fynn put the car into gear and edged out into the flow of traffic.
Miles focused on Fynn. He wasn’t about to let anyone see into his secret fear. No fucking way. Being in the front seat of the car sent shudders through his body. Instead of closing his eyes, he studied Fynn’s profile. If he closed his eyes, he’d see the accident again. Damn it, he’d relived the crash so many times in his brain, he wanted the whole thing to fizzle away.
Fynn sped around a corner and pitched Miles sideways in his seat. The move squashed him tight against Fynn’s shoulder. “Oh my God. I’m sorry.” Fynn gripped the steering wheel. “The traffic’s bad for this time of night. A ballgame must be letting out.” He came to a stop at the traffic light. “I’ll go a little slower.”
“It’s fine, Gold.” What a freaking great way to come on to a guy! Miles bit down hard on the tip of his tongue. So many other things popped up in his brain. I enjoyed leaning on you. Nice, but the sentiment sounded goofy. How about you take another corner that fast so I can stay tucked against you? Oh brother. Mind if I practically sit in your lap because riding in the front seat reminds me of the car crash that killed my first lover? He’d rather eat live bait.
Miles could almost hear his former lover laughing. God, Hornish. You’re a confident real estate mogul and a Dominant. Stop being a fucking pansy. Make a move or shut the fuck up.
Except he hadn’t said much at all.
“Gold, do you mind if I call you Fynn?” Miles balled his fists to keep the trembling at bay. From the ride or because he’d ventured into a new area of his relationship with Fynn? He wasn’t sure.
“Uh, that’s fine, Sir.” Fynn kept his gaze forward and his grip tight on the wheel. “You can call me whatever you’d like.” He maneuvered the car off the freeway and headed down the city streets to Miles’ mansion. The other mansions and estates twinkled in the bright moonlight. Splashes of color from the landscape lighting offset the pale hues from the moon.
Miles’ thoughts turned from the scenery to Fynn. Had Fynn watched him masturbate? Miles snorted. He sure as hell hoped Fynn had seen the show. The girls did nothing for him. Even Galen, his one-time fling, hadn’t set his pulse racing. No, only the sexy man behind the polished shades seemed to give him wood.
Within moments, Fynn drove down the tree-lined lane leading to Miles’ house. He stopped the car beside the main steps. “Home, Sir.”
“Thanks, Fynn.” Miles placed his hand on Fynn’s. “Come inside with me.”
Jon Kagan likes his life. He’s carefree unless he’s in the recording studio with his trumpet. Then he’s serious as hell. He plays the field like he does the notes on each track, but the single life isn’t fun any longer. He wants a lover and partner. But how can he find the man of his dreams when the only people he spends time with are the same musicians night after night? He’s convinced he won’t–until he meets Benny. Then all bets are off.
Benny Walters burns the midnight oil, too, but not in the music business. He’d rather work on houses than play tunes. Putting in a good sweat over a flooring job or painting a room makes him happy–almost as much as watching the hot guy who jogs across the neighborhood in the middle of the day. When he finally talks to Jon, sparks fly. He’d love to get to know Jon better, but confidence isn’t his strong point. Will he be able to get beyond his past and find the future he deserves?
Love happens in the strangest places, especially when it hits all the right notes.
“Are you painting the outside of the house? You mentioned something about gray.” Jon didn’t want to end the conversation. He’d grown fond of Benny, even after a few minutes of chatting.
“Oh, no. My friend is having new siding put on, but I’m not doing it. No, I posed the question in front of your friend there, because you looked like you’d rather eat scorpions than talk to him.”
He laughed again and rocked on his feet. He liked the way Benny talked. “I’m glad you did.” And even gladder he got the chance to meet Benny.
“I should get back to the shingles. It’s hot and not all that sexy, but it pays the bills.”
“I’m sure it does.” Jon glanced over at the house, then met Benny’s gaze. “If I’m ever in the mood to redo my house, can I call you?” Christ, his hands shook. He hadn’t been this nervous in ages. Because of Benny?
“Sure. I don’t have business cards or anything, but I’m licensed and bonded.”
“I didn’t doubt it.” He slid his phone from the holder around his forearm. “Give me your number and I’ll add you.”
“555-6620.”
“Ask for Benny?” Jon smiled. He could’ve sworn the afternoon heat increased a few degrees each time he looked into Benny’s eyes.
“It’s my personal number. No assistants or anything. I’m not that big.” He blushed. “So you’ll have to talk to me.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.” He inputted the info, then tucked the phone back into the holder. “I’ll let you shingle. It was nice to meet you. Feel free to rescue me again.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Benny grinned and hefted a pack of shingles onto his shoulder. He climbed the ladder up to the porch roof and flexed as he put the shingles down.
Jon whimpered. Benny could really haul. “Do you run?”
Benny stepped to the edge of the roof and rested his hands on his hips. “What?”
“Do you run? Exercise?”
“I lift weights. Why?”
“I thought maybe you’d like to go for a run with me sometime.” Holy fuck, he’d just kind of asked Benny out. Hell yeah.
“You always run in the afternoon. I’m a morning guy.”
“Oh.” Jon paused. Benny was supposed to agree to join him. That’s what the other guys did… Well, shit. Jon twiddled with his headphones. “Wait, how’d you know about my run times?”
“You go past here nearly every day and have since the first of June. You’re hard to miss.”
“Is that a good thing?” Or bad? He hoped for the former.
“I’m just observant.”
And noncommittal with his answers. Damn it. “Okay, well, I’ll see you around. Maybe tomorrow when I run past here.”
“Same time, same channel,” Benny said. He waved and returned to the shingles.
What an odd guy, but handsome as hell and intriguing, too.
Jon headed home, but his thoughts never left Benny. The man knew the right moment to step in, which was kind of nice, and not Jon’s regular type. He liked pretty boys. Musicians or vocalists. He snorted and stopped in his driveway. He had no idea if Benny was even gay, much less if he was interested. The answer to his run question had been vague. Probably because Benny wasn’t homosexual.
He strode up the drive to the front porch and into his house, and kicked off his running shoes. He downed a bottle of water in what seemed like a single gulp. Trust him to find the one guy who wasn’t interested, and find him attractive.
He had to be out of his mind, but he wanted to go back. Wanted to talk to Benny and get to know him better.
He did have Benny’s number. What could he break in order to get the handsome home remodeler to come over?
The vampire and wolf shifter will protect Ava with their lives—because they belong together as deemed by the Sources. Will their blossoming love wither before they get a chance to stoke the flames, or will it be strong enough to overcome their problems?
~~~~
The world can crumble around us, but we’ve always got each other. Always.
Ava Grant learned the hard way not to trust anyone. Trust equaled opening up to another person and allowing herself to be hurt. She’s done with pain—until she’s summoned by the Sources. Her world is thrown into upheaval. Two men can help her, if she’s willing to let them in. Will she able to open her heart to a vampire and a wolf shifter?
Joachim Stokes and Padraig O’Malley are the best of friends. The attraction between them is palpable, but there’s something missing. When they are tasked with protecting Ava, they realize they’d found what they’ve been missing—her. A bond forms between the three, but some bonds are meant to be broken. With the war heating up, her past won’t stay hidden forever.
Will their blossoming love wither before they get a chance to stoke the flames, or will it be strong enough to overcome their problems?
“You can face me.” Padraig stayed in the doorway. “I’ll bite because I’m a vampire, but only if you allow it.” He chuckled at his horrible excuse for a joke. “Sorry.”
“Ha-ha.” Joachim stomped to his bed and then flopped face-first onto the mattress.
Padraig admired his friend’s position. He could ogle Chim’s ass all he wanted, but the pose made conversation difficult.
“We need to talk.” Padraig leaned against the bedpost of his bed. “Now.”
“Right.” Joachim rolled onto his back. “So you can tell me I’m an idiot. Well, get it out now. I can take it.”
“What are you talking about? You’re not an idiot.” Padraig sat beside Joachim. “But I could understand you better if you could at least look at me.”
“Better?” Joachim sat up and faced Padraig.
“Much, stubborn wolf.” Padraig stared. Joachim embodied the strength of the wolf, but in human form. He exuded power and sometimes patience. But looking at him, Padraig noticed the gauntness under Joachim’s eyes. “You haven’t been eating.”
“Not regularly. Nothing to hunt.” Joachim shrugged. “I’m managing.”
“Uh-huh.” Padraig glanced over at Joachim’s clenched hands. “How old are you?”
“Twenty-seven,” Joachim snapped. He leaped off the bed and then strode to the window. “I’m twenty-seven.”
Spoken like a man trying to convince himself. “Huh. I would’ve guessed you no more than twenty-three.” Padraig eased up behind Joachim without touching him. They’d fit together well—if they ever got their shit figured out. “I’m twenty-nine—well I was before I became a vampire. It dawned on me that we’d never discussed our ages before.”
“We spent most of our time hiding and being quiet. There wasn’t time to chat.”
“True.” Padraig rubbed Joachim’s shoulders. When the shifter didn’t pull away, Padraig continued touching him. “Are you done pouting?”
Joachim gasped, and then his shoulders sagged. “Yeah. I’d say what I was doing wasn’t pouting, but you’d know I wasn’t telling the truth.”
“I’m not sure why you think I’d call you an idiot. I don’t think you are. You’re a tad immature, but since I don’t know how you were raised, I can’t pass judgment.”
“Fine. I’m twenty-three.”
“I assumed as much.” Padraig suppressed his pleasure in guessing correctly.
“How?” Joachim turned around, finally facing Padraig. “No one ever questioned me.”
“You’re sulky, pouty, and not as weary of the world as some people.” Padraig curled his fingers under Joachim’s chin. The man also had a youthful glow and a light in his eyes Padraig couldn’t deny. Oh and Joachim’s smile…Padraig bit back a light moan. His smile melted Paddy’s heart.
“Oh.” Joachim didn’t pull away.
“It’s not a bad thing, being you.” Goddess, he sounded like his father. Padraig grunted. Wouldn’t dear old Dad love to know his gay son had a thing for a straight guy? Padraig swiped his thumb across Joachim’s bottom lip. “Now, about the other thing. I’m bisexual. I tend to swing more toward guys, but some women catch my fancy. Is Ava pretty? Yes. Would I take a tumble in the sheets with her if she asked? You bet. Am I trying to get her into my bed? No.”
“I knew it.” Joachim inched away from Padraig, putting space between them. “You’re not obvious, but I knew you were hot for her.”
Contains BDSM, Anal Sex, Toys, Spanking, Public Exhibition and M/F Sex
Mary Allen’s never been a guy magnet. Most men are put off by her confidence in the workplace. Not Sebastian. He kindles a passion she thought was long dead. After one scene, she’s ready to jump back into the lifestyle. But can a workplace romance really work?
Sebastian Paul came back to the Underground after time away to figure out what he wanted from his life. He can’t escape the desire or the need for the scene, but he hasn’t found his perfect sub—until he spots Mary. He never expected to see her at the club. She works with him, and although she oozes confidence, he notes her desire to submit. He wants Mary as his girl. No question. But will she want him in return?
When passion ignites, love will find a way.
Be Warned: BDSM, anal sex, sex toys, spanking, public exhibition
He patted her ass. Damn. He hadn’t expected to find Mary when he’d come to the Underground club. She hadn’t been a member during his first run at the club. If she had, he’d have remembered her and probably already owned her. He’d dreamed about her luscious body and longed for her kiss.
But they worked together. He considered her a friend and hadn’t asked her stance on dating coworkers. Maybe he should’ve.
He shifted on the bench to watch her. He had a thing for tall women. He liked curves, but something about Mary spoke to him. “I have one request.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “Yes, Sir?”
The words sounded sweet coming from her lips. “Leave your shoes on.”
“Yes, Sir.” She smiled, then stood in front of the bed.
“Tell me what you like when you’re getting yourself off.” He folded his hands over his crotch to hide his burgeoning erection. She turned him on in so many ways. He longed to taste her.
“Sir.” Her brown eyes flashed. “I will.”
She’d said she liked to be on display. Was she turned on by performing? He’d tuck that fact away for later.
“I like to be touched.” She hooked her thumbs in the thin elastic of her thong and shoved the narrow fabric down her legs. The garment landed at her feet. “I prefer being blindfolded, but when I touch myself, I don’t want any barriers.”
What’s a girl to do when she’s not ready to leave the single life but the right man has come along with a collar?
Ryder Lucas didn’t come to Exposed, looking for a sub. He joined his best friend’s club to demonstrate fetishes and enjoy the single life. Then he sees Cat and uses her for a scene. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a sub and a woman. He won’t rest until the blonde bombshell is his.
Catharina ‘Cat’ McLean doesn’t want a permanent Master. She’s happy taking part in the occasional scene but won’t be collared. She’d rather be in control of her life. When Ryder asks her to be a part of a scene with him, she sees no reason to refuse. He’s tall, dark, handsome and she can’t resist him. He knows how to play with her fetishes—wax, ice and bondage—but is she willing to submit to him on a full-time basis?
Who knew finding a heart’s desire would be this all-consuming?
Reader Advisory: This book contains scenes of ice play, wax play, pain play.
“Sir?” She rested her hands on her hips but held onto the card. “Question.”
Ryder froze, then turned around. His eyes widened. “You’re topless.”
“You told me to disrobe.” She tipped her head. “May I pull my hair back?”
“Of course.” He nodded. “I want you to be comfortable.”
“Good.” She turned her attention to removing the rest of her clothes. Another thought occurred to her. “What about shoes? Do you want me in heels? Boots?”
“Bare is fine.” He held out his hand. “Do you have the elastic—or clips—for your hair?”
“Oh!” She offered up the black band.
He stood behind her and gathered her hair at the crown of her head. “Tell me if this hurts.”
“I get off on the pain,” she said. A laugh bubbled in her throat. At least he’d made her feel comfortable. “You’re fine.”
“Good.”
She bit back a moan. She loved having her hair played with. When a man ran his fingers through the long strands and massaged her scalp, the motions sent her into another orbit. She swayed then righted herself. “Thank you, Sir.”
“You’re welcome.” He stood before her again. His gaze slid up and down her body. “What’s the card?”
“That’s how I get into the office. I usually keep it in my bra, but since I don’t have one on…” She hesitated. “Would you keep it for me? On your person? It’s very important. I don’t like to have it out of my sight.”
“Of course.” He tucked the card into his front pocket. “Won’t leave here until you ask for it.”
“Thank you.” Relief washed over her. She clasped her hands behind her and widened her stance a bit. Did she measure up? Chilly air caressed her body. Electricity zapped her from within.
“You’re pierced.” He tapped her nipple. “What other surprises do you have?”
She’s always known who she wanted. Now she’s needs to find the strength to make him see they’re more than a mistake.
Molly Neff creates promotional art for companies with confidence and her working partner is sex on legs. Austin Dean is sexy, smart and everything she’s wanted in a man since the moment they met. They’ve slept together a couple of times, but things haven’t worked out between them. When another woman enters the picture, can Molly convince Austin they belong together or will the relationship end up scrapped for a better idea?
As much as he likes working with Molly, Austin wants more out of life than creating advertising campaigns for others. He wants to be the star. Molly has always been his good luck charm—with her brains and charm, she helps him make his dream come true. But his starring role comes with complications. He’s always sort of known he loved Molly, but another woman wants his attention. Will he choose Molly and a simple life with her or the bright lights of fame?
“I don’t know,” Austin called. “I think we need a couple of selfie ones.”
She froze. Selfie ones. Yeah, a personal shot would be good. She handed her phone to him without looking back at him. “Go for it.”
“Thank you.”
She didn’t bother to watch. She’d seen him photograph himself plenty of times. He always managed to take the best shots and never had his hair out of place or his eyes funny. When she tried to take selfies, she looked ridiculous.
“I did a couple.” Austin eased up beside her and draped his arm around her shoulders. “Smile.”
When she glanced up, he snapped a photo.
“Why did you do that?” she asked and reached for the phone.
“Because you’re adorable.” He kissed her temple and took another picture. “And I love to irritate you.” He kept her phone and strolled away from her. “Aura is going to love what you’re doing. They’re lucky we’re doing this.”
“Correction. They asked specifically for you. I got to do this because they had to take me.” She tucked the notebook back in her bag and slid the memory card from her camera. “Want me to take off? You’ve probably got a girlfriend dying to spend the night with you.”
Austin groaned and took the memory card from her hands. He led her across the room to the bed and tugged her down beside him. “You make me sound like I can’t keep my dick in my pants.”
She shrugged, not wanting to argue with him. Austin liked to date and loved to tell her about his dates. “You like all the girls you’re with, then you sleep with them and the relationship falls apart. I don’t know if the shine is gone or your attention span is that small, but you can’t commit.”
“You sound like Serena.”
“I’ve been witness to almost all of your relationships since college.” She stood, but he tugged her back onto the bed. “Austin, stop playing with my head, okay?”
“No.” He grabbed the remote and switched on the television. “How can I stop playing with your head? I invited you to stay the night with me in a hotel room. I never said we had to fuck or that I expected something from you. The idea of the photos was your idea—a great one at that—but I’m just going along. Relax and let me give you a great night.”
She scrubbed both hands over her face again and sighed. Being alone with him wasn’t an awful idea. She’d fallen hard for Austin so many times. At least this time she had photos for later. When he moved on and found the woman of his dreams, she’d have a reminder of the man who owned her heart.
“Well?” He met her gaze and grinned. “What do you think?”
Megan Slayer and Wendi Zwaduk 