IOnlyHaveEyesForYou

Sophie&Jake~TheSullivans#4

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SophieSullivan,alibrarianinSanFrancisco,wasfiveyearsoldwhenshefellheadoverheelsinlove

withJakeMcCann.Twentyyearslater,she’sconvincedthenotoriousbadboystillseesherasthe

“nice”Sullivantwin.Thatis,whenhebotherstolookatheratall.Butwhentheybothgetcaughtup

inthemagicofthefirstSullivanwedding,sheknowsit’slongpasttimetodowhateverittakestomake

himseeherforwhoshetrulyis...thewomanwhowilllovehimforever.

Jakehasalwaysbeenamagnetforwomen,especiallysincehisIrishpubsmadehimextremelywealthy.

Buttheonlywomanhereallywantsistheonehecanneverhave.NotonlyisSophiehisbestfriend’s

off-limitsyoungersister...hecan’trisklettinghergetcloseenoughtodiscoverhisdeeplyhidden

secret.

Only,whenSophieappearsonhisdoorstepasJake’severyfantasycometolife—smart,beautiful,and

shockinglysexy—hedoesn’thaveaprayeroftakinghiseyes,orhishands,offher.Andhecan’tstop

cravingmoreofhersweetsmilesandsinfulkisses.BecauseeventhoughJakeknowslovingSophie

isn’ttherightthingtodo...howcanhepossiblyresist?

ChapterOne

SophieSullivansurveyedthefinalweddingpreparationswithsatisfaction.Inlessthantwohours,

herbrotherChaseandhisfiancee,Chloe,wouldbesaying“Ido”beneathrose-coveredarcheswiththree
hundredguestslookingon.TheNapaValleyvineyardownedbyheroldestbrother,Marcus,wasnotonly
the perfect backdrop for the wedding, but was also where Chase and Chloe had first met and fallen in
love.

Thebrideandtheotherbridesmaidswerealreadyintheguesthousehavingtheirmakeupandhair

done.Sophieshouldhavebeentherehalfanhourago,butshe’dwantedtomakesureeverythingoutside
wasperfectfirst.Shewasalibrarian,notaweddingplanner,butshe’dleaptatthechancetohelpplan
Chase’swedding,andithadbeensomuchfun.Well,apartfromallthosemeetingswith—

“Hey,Nice,lookinggood.”
EverymuscleinSophie’sbodytensedatthelowdrawlfrombehindher.
JakeMcCann.
HerbrotherZach’sclosestfriend...andtheobjectoftwentyyearsofherunrequitedlove.

Ofcourse,notonceinthosetwentyyearshadsheeverbeenanythingmoretohimthanZach’slittlesister.

“MynameisSophie,notNice,”shesaid,withoutturningtofacehim.
She felt him move closer, his innate heat searing her even from several feet away. She’d always

beenoverlyattunedtohim,instantlyalerttohispresenceinaroom.Asalittlegirl,she’dmadeexcusesto
hangoutwithherolderbrothersjusttobenearJake,keepingextraquietsonoonewouldremembershe
wastherewhiletheyplayedpoolinthebasementandmadeoff-colorjokes.

The urge to turn and drink him in, to lose herself in the spark of wicked in his chocolate-brown

eyes,wassostrongshealmostgavein.Instead,shekepthergazetrainedovertheweddinglayoutandthe
rollinghillsofgrapevinesandmustardflowersasifshedidn’tcareonewayoranotherifhestayedto
talktoher.

“Hardtobelievethedayhasfinallycome.”Hepaused,andshecouldhearthehumormixedwitha

faintdisdaininhisvoiceashesaid,“ASullivanisactuallytakingtheplunge.”

Sophiewasknownastheclear-headed,soft-spokenoneinthefamily,theonewhoalwaysthought

thingsthroughbeforetakingaction.She’dneverbeenpronetoviolentoutbursts...ortogivingintocrazy
innerurgings.ThatwashertwinsisterLori’sterritory,whichwaswhyLori’snicknamewasNaughtyand
Sophie’swasNice.ButSophierarelyfeltlevel-headedanymorearoundJake.Howcouldshewhenher
heartalwaysbeattoofastatthethoughtofwhatitwouldfeelliketobeinhisarms...orbecausehewas
making her mad with some macho comment? Usually both at the same time. Just as he was doing right
now.

Herfingerscurledintofistsasshelostthebattlewithself-controlandwhirledaroundtofacehim.

Unfortunately for her traitorous hormones, Jake was more gorgeous than ever in his tuxedo. His crisp
whitedressshirtopenedupjustenoughattheneckforhertoseethedarkhaircurlingupattheveeofhis
chest. His tattoos were covered up, but just knowing they were hidden behind a thin layer of fabric
alwayssentakickofforbiddendesirerushingthroughher.

“Chase and Chloe are in love,” she told him in a sharp voice made even sharper by her

disappointmentwithherselffornotbeingeventheslightestbitimpervioustoJake’sgoodlooks.“Their
weddingisgoingtobebeautifulandperfectandincrediblyromantic.”

It was even more beautiful and perfect and romantic that Chloe was pregnant and absolutely

glowing.Sophiecouldn’twaittobabysit,toendlesslyspoilhernieceornephew.

“It’sgoingtobeonehellofaparty,atleast.”

What was wrong with him? Sophie wondered for what had to be the thousandth time in twenty

years.Howcouldhelookatalifetimeofloveandonlyseeaparty?

Thenagain,giventhefactthatheblewthroughwomenatashockinglyfastrate,itwasn’thardto

guessthathewasoneofthoseimbecileswhodidn’tbelieveinlove.Arich,good-lookingguylikeJake
McCannwouldjustbeinitforthesex.

Sophie was neither a virgin nor a prude, despite what people might otherwise assume about

librarians.Onthecontrary,ifpeopleknewjusthowwell-readshewasonthesubjectofsex,theywould
likely be shocked. Especially Jake. Wouldn’t it be something to shock someone who thought he was so
utterlyunshockable?

ButsheknewbetterthantoletherfantasiesrunawaywithherwhereJakewasconcerned,evenif

herbodyhadstupidlyfalleninlustwithhimfromthefirststirringofteenagehormones.Evennow,she
couldn’t help but breathe in his scent, a faint hint of hops and something she’d never been able to
categorizebeyondnightanddarkness.

Shemovedtostraightenanalreadyperfectlystraightchair.“Icheckedoverthebarsetupearlierand

itlookslikeeverythingisinplace.”Shegrudginglyhadtoadmit,“You’vedoneagoodjobwithit.”

Shecouldfeelhisdarkeyesonherashesaid,“YousureIcan’thireyoutorunmypubs?Wecould

usesomeonelikeyoutowhipthebusinessintoshape.”

Aburstofpleasureathiscomplimentshotthroughher,warmingherallover.Thatwastheproblem

withJake.Evenwhenshewasirritatedwithhim,eventhoughhe’dneverreturnherfeelingsforhimina
billion,kazillionyears,shecouldn’thelpbutbecharmedbyhim.

Still,knowingshe’dneverforgiveherselfifshemeltedintoagooeypuddleoflustinthemiddleof

Marcus’svineyard,shesimplytoldhim,“I’dmissmybookstoomuch,thanks.”Allherlife,Sophie’dhad
stacksofbooksineveryroom,besideherbed,andinthekitchen.Shelovedthewayhernewe-readerfit
inherpurse.

Knowingthatprolongingtheircloseproximityinthisuber-romanticsettingwouldonlymesswith

herhead,shesaid,“I’dbettergetovertotheguesthouse.”Butjustasshewasturningtogo,asuddengust
ofwindwhippedherhatoffherhead.

Jakereachedoutandcaughtitbeforesheevenhadtimetoreact.“Gotit.”
Hemovedinfrontofherandslidalockofhairthathadcaughtonhermouthbackunderthehatas

hesettleditintoplace.Hercheektingledfromthegentlebrushofskinonskinandshenervouslylicked
herlips.

Hishandsstilledonthebrimofherhat,hisdarkeyesturningalmostjetblackashisgazeheldon

hermouth.Neitherofthemmovedforseveralmoments,butthen,suddenly,hewassteppingbackfromher,
theslightlycoolwine-countryairpushinginwherehisheathadbeenjustsecondsbefore.

Hisfrownwasdeep,heavy,ashetorehisgazeawayfromhermouthandquicklyscannedheroutfit.

“You’renotwearingthattothewedding,areyou?”

Stillworkingtocatchherbreathfromtheshockofhistouch,ittookfarlongerthanitshouldhave

forhertoregisterwhathe’dsaid.Shecouldn’tmissthemockingtone,however.

Months ago, when Jake had volunteered to run the bar at Chase and Chloe’s wedding, she’d

impulsively decided to teach him a lesson about his arrogance, along with the way he insisted on
continuing to look at her as little more than a child, rather than a full-grown woman. She’d planned to
makehimwanther,tosomehowfigureoutawaytomakehimdesperatewithlonging...beforeshescorned
him,leavinghimhighanddryforthefirsttimeinhislife.

Only,hadshemadegoodonthosebigplanstoattractandthenrejectJakeinthepastfourmonths?
Ha!
“Ofcoursethisisn’twhatI’mwearingforthewedding,”shefinallyreplied,herwordsahardsnap

ofbreathandteeth.“I’moneofChloe’smaidsofhonor,withLori.”

The perfect planes of his face shifted again from frown to scowl, before settling back into

indifference.“You’dbettergogetprettythen,shouldn’tyou,princess?”

Jake’sharshwordslandedwithahardthudbetweenthem.Shedidn’tknowifhe’dintendedtohurt

herwithhiswords,withtheimplicationthatitwouldtakesometime,alongwithagoodamountofeffort,
toprettyherup...butwhetherornotthathadbeenhisintent,thatwasexactlywhathe’djustdone.

Afewminutesagoshe’dfeltproudofwhatshe’daccomplishedwithChaseandChloe’swedding.

Now, that pride was all but erased by the way Jake looked at her and found her so wanting, so utterly
devoidoffemaleallure.Becauseeventhoughsheknewbetterthantocare,eventhoughsheknewbetter
thantogivehimthepowertohurther,ahandfulofhiscarelesswordsdidmoredamagethanhertwin’s
hair-pullingeverhad.

Had she imagined that hunger, the longing, in his eyes? Or had she simply wanted to feel those

sparks so badly that she’d manufactured a split-second connection that would never actually be there
betweenthem?

Oh,howshehatedthewayhe’djusttalkedtoher—likeshewasstillalittlegirlratherthanafully

grown,successful,adultwoman.Princess.He’dcalledherprincess.

SomehowthatwasworsethanNice.Atleastherfamilynicknamehadbeenbornoflove.
In one fell swoop, all the resolve she’d had such a hard time holding on to where Jake was

concernedgatheredupinsideher,settlinginjustoverherbreastbone.Whatshewouldn’tgivetoshock
him,toshowhimthathedidn’tknowadarnthingaboutwhoshereallywas,thatthe“nice”girlhe’dseen
growupwasmorethanwomanenoughtorunhimincircles.

Growingupinafamilyofextraordinarysiblings,Sophiehadknownbetterthantotrytocompete

withthem.She’dneverglideacrossadancefloorlikeLori,orleadateamtoanationalchampionship
likeRyan.Shedidn’tsavepeople’slivesonadailybasislikeGabe.She’dneverbepassionateenough
aboutphotographyorcarsorvineyardstoturnthemintosuccessfulcareersandbusinesses.

But as she stood with Jake in the middle of Marcus’s vineyard barely an hour before Chase and

Chloe’s wedding, Sophie couldn’t have been happier that she’d read thousands of novels. Enough, she
hoped,topulltogetheraquickplotthatwouldgiveJakeatasteofhisownmedicine...andatlonglast,a
runforhismoney.

“You’reright,”shesaidsoftly,“Ishouldleavesoontogetpretty.”Thewordstastedlikegritonher

tongue and she could have sworn he almost winced as she repeated them back to him. “But there’s
somethingI’vebeenmeaningtoaskyoufirst.”

“What’sthat?”heaskedinaneasyvoice.Oneshethoughtsoundedalittletooeasy.
“Well,”shesaidslowly,“Ijustfoundoutthatanex-boyfriendisoneofChloe’slast-minuteguests.”
It was true, she’d dated the guy—Alex—for a few months last year. Neither of them had been

particularlyseriousabouttheother,however.Shehadn’tevensleptwithhim.

Still,thatdidn’tstopherfromspinningthetruthabitforJake’sbenefit.“He’ssomeoneI’dreally

liketomakejealous.”Sheslowlyloweredhereyelashesasifshestillwasn’toverthepainofbeingleft
socallously.

Although she’d only been in the chorus of a handful of elementary-school stage productions, she

triedtochannelthewaysheimaginedSmithwouldplaythissceneonscreen.Withpathos.Andafainthint
ofshameatthewayshe’dnevermanagedtobegoodenoughforherexnomatterwhatshedid.Shewaited
abeatbeforeliftinghergazetoJake’sagain.

“Wouldyouhelpme?”
Hestareddownather,clearlyunabletobelievewhatshewasproposing.“Holdupasecond,Nice.

Youwantmetohelpyoumakesomeloserex-boyfriendjealous?”

She gritted her teeth at his use of her nickname—and the fact that he immediately assumed any

boyfriendofhershadtobealoser—butforcedherselftoletitgo.Fornow.

“Youdidn’tbringanyonetothewedding,right?”Afewweeksagohe’dtoldherhewascomingstag

sothathecouldkeepwatchoverhisstaffatthebar.Sophiefigureditwasalsoagoodwaytomakesure
hehadhispickofhotsingleguestsforanafter-partyinhisbed.Sheforcefullytampeddownthesurgeof
jealousyatthatvisionasshesaid,“Please,Jake,willyouhelpme?”

Buthewasalreadyshakinghishead.“Noonewilleverbelieveit.Andyourbrotherswillkillmeif

theythinkI’mlookingatyouthatway.”

Damnhisbadreputationandhercrystalclearone.
Anddamnherbrothersforbeingsoprotective.
Jakewasright.Theywouldtearhimtoshredsiftheyeverthoughthe’dsomuchashadanimpure

thoughtaboutherorLori.Butsherefusedtogiveupnow,notwithhisdisdainful,“You’dbettergoget
prettythen,shouldn’tyou,princess?”stillrunningthroughherhead.

“Are you kidding?” she said with a laugh. “Of course none of them would believe it. You?” She

laughed harder. “And me?” She shook her head as if the whole idea were utterly preposterous...even
thoughshe’dwrittentheirlovestoryathousandtimesinherdreams.“We’veallseenthekindofgirlsyou
gofor.Iwouldbesurprisedifhalfofthemcanevenspelltheirownnames.”

Whenhescowled,shebelatedlyrealizedshemighthavegonetoofar.
Oops.
“Don’tworry,”shereassuredhim,“we’llmakesurenoneofmyfamilyorfriendsseesus.Justmy

ex.”

“Doesthisguyhaveaname?”
The way Jake looked right then, like he was going to tear her ex apart with his bare hands, she

didn’tthinkitwouldbefairtogivehimAlex’sname.

Thinkingfast,shesaid,“Idon’tlikesayingitaloud.”
“Didhehurtyou?”
Shewasgladshehadn’thadtoomuchtoeatforbreakfast,otherwiseitwouldhavethreatenedto

comebackupasshemovedherhandoverherheartandsaid,“Onlyhere,”inanoverlytheatricalway.

Sophiewascertainanyoneelsewouldhaveseenthroughherterribleactingjob,butJakewasso

boundanddeterminednottonoticeanythingaboutheritlookedlikeshewasactuallygoingtogetaway
withthis.

Knowingitwasmake-or-breaktime,sheplayedherfinalcard.“Please,Jake.You’retheonlyoneI

canasktohelpmegetalittlerevengeonabigjerk.”Sheleanedinclosetohisearandsaidinahushed
voice,“Itwillbeourlittlesecret.”

God, he smelled good, so good she wanted to rub her lips over the faint stubble on his cheek.

Instead,sheforcedherselftoshiftherweightawayfromhim.

Finally he said, “Fine. If you’re that desperate, I’ll do it. Although I still don’t think this plan of

yourshasmuchofachanceofworking.”

“Oh,”shesaidsoftly,theworddesperategratingalongwithprincessand Nice, “it will work all

right.I’llmakeabsolutelysureofit.”

***

Whatthehellhadjusthappened?
JakeMcCannknewhowhewassupposedtofeelaboutSophieSullivan.Hewassupposedtolove

herthewayaguylovedhislittlesister,towatchoverher,tomakesureshewassafeandhappy.Hewas
supposedtobeblindtothewaySophiehadfilledoutovertheyears.

Heshouldn’thavebeenappreciatinghercurvesbeneathherclothesasshe’dstoodinthemiddleof

thevineyardandsurveyedtheweddingpreparations.Andwhenhewasputtingherhatbackonherhead

andhereyeshadgonealldreamy,hesureashellshouldn’thavefeltthecrazyurgetodragheragainsthim
andkissthatsoftmouth.

Buthecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffherasshewalkedaway,couldn’tstopthinkingabouthowsofther

cheekfeltagainstthepadofhisthumbandthewayherhairslidlikesilkthroughhisfingers.

Damnit.
How long had he worked to deny the way he felt about Sophie? How many years had he told

himselfitwasnothinghecouldn’tworkoutofhissystemwithotherwomen?Womenwhoweregoodfor
a few hours in the sack, but who didn’t have an ounce of Sophie’s natural elegance. Her brains. Her
gentleness.

How was he going to make it through an entire wedding with Sophie when his self-control had

slippedalittlemoreeachtimehesawheroverthepastmonths?Sittingclosetoherassheranthroughthe
weddingplanswithhim,breathinginhersweetscent,wonderingifshewouldtastejustassweetagainst
histongue,hadbeenslowlydrivinghimcrazy.Daybydayshe’dcreptintohisthoughts,hisdreams,more
andmore.

StandinginthemiddleofMarcus’svineyardwithSophienearenoughtopullherintohisarms,he’d

been caught between two impossible choices. Reach out and finally claim her the way he’d fantasized
abouttakingherforfartoolong...orpushherawayforherowngood.

His chest clenched with regret as he remembered Sophie’s wounded expression after he’d made

thosecracksaboutherclothesandneedingtobemadeprettyforthewedding.Shewasthelastpersonin
the world he wanted to hurt, which was exactly why he’d made sure to keep his distance as much as
possibleovertheyears.

Jakehatedtothinkthatsomeguyshe’ddatedhaddoneanumberonher,andactuallyhadthenerve

toshowupatherbrother’swedding.Shedeservedtobewithsomeonewhowouldgivehereverything.A
houseinthesuburbsandawhitepicketfence.Ahandfulofcutekidswithbigbrainsliketheirmother.

He knocked his knuckles hard into his sternum to physically shove away the tightening at those

imagesofSophiebeingpicture-bookhappywithsomeotherguy.Jakewasn’tsureaboutherplantomake
her ex jealous, but he was already planning to get the guy alone and teach him a lesson about what
happenedwhensomebodymessedwithaSullivan.

Just then, Chase stepped out onto Marcus’s terrace and called Jake’s name, jolting him out of his

thoughts.

Chase’sbrotherswereallgroomsmenwithMarcusofficiatingthewedding.Jakewastheonlynon-

SullivantobegiventhehonorofstandingupwithChase,eventhoughhehadplentyofcousinswhocould
havebeenchosen.

The ninth Sullivan. It was always how they’d made him feel, like he was one of them. All those

yearshe’dhungoutattheirhouse,Jakehadpretendedhewashome.Andthetruthwas,MarySullivan’s
house had been the only real home he’d known until he bought his own place with the profits from his
Irishpubs.

JakewashappyforChase.Sure,hewassurprisedbythewayhisfriendhadfallensoquickly,and

byhowhappyhewasaboutthewholehusband/fatherthingbeingdroppedintohislap,butjustbecause
Jakewouldn'teverlethimselfgetcaughtupinthatballandchain,hewouldalwayssupportaSullivan.

BeingagroomsmanatChase’sweddingandrunningthebarwasallpartofgivingbacktothefamily

thathadhelpedraisehimwhenhisownfamilyhadn’tgivenadamn.

“How’reyoufeelingonthebigday?”
Chasegrinned.“Good.”Hisgrinwidened.“Reallygood.”
JakehadseenChaseandChloetogetherenoughtoknowthiswasoneseriouslyhappydude.Chase

didn’tseemtohaveoneregretaboutgivinguphavinghispickofhotmodels.

“HaveyouseenChloe?”Chaseasked.“Doyouknowifsheneedsanything?”

AssoonasChloehadannouncedherpregnancy,Chasehadbecomeacarboncopyofeveryother

overprotectivedad-to-be.ItwasexactlythekindofcrazybehaviorJakewouldneverunderstand.Which
waswhyhemadedamncertainnoneofhissexualpartnerscouldgetknockedup.

“IwasjusttalkingwithSophie,”hetoldChase.“Soundedlikeeverythingisundercontrolwiththe

girls.”

“Good.” Chase nodded, then grinned at him. “Come inside. Smith is telling us about an orgy he

walkedinonacoupleofweeksago.I’mguessingit’sawarm-upforhisspeechafterthewedding.”

“Soyou’rereallynotgoingtomissgivingitallup,huh?”
Chasedidn’thesitatebeforeshakinghishead.“Chloeisworthathousandorgies.”
JakecouldheartheSullivanslaughingashewalkedinside.Helovedthatfamilyasiftheywerehis

own,wouldtakeabulletforanyofthem.Especiallythedark-hairedbeautyhecouldn’tmanagetoshake
outofhishead.

Orhisheart.

ChapterTwo

“We were just about to send out a search party for you.” Kalen, the makeup artist Chase usually

workedwithonhisphotoshoots,grabbedSophiethesecondshesteppedintotheguesthouse.“Everyone
elseisputtingontheirdressesalready.Fortunately,allyouneedissomelightmascaraandlipstick.”

Normally, Sophie would have agreed to keep her face close to bare. She’d never been all that

comfortable in makeup. Lori had been the one who’d always liked to play with their mother’s eye
shadowsandpowders.Sophiehadbeenmoreinterestedinfindingthebookstotellhersisterhowtoputit
on,ratherthanplayingmannequin.

“Actually,”shesaid,“Iwashopingyoucouldworkalittleofyourmagiconme.”
Thewomanraisedaneyebrow.“Magic?”
Sophienodded.“There’sthisguy...”
KalengaveSophieaslowgrin.“Well,inthatcase,I’dbehappytoworkalittleofmymagicon

you.Hewon’tknowwhathithim.”Shecalledouttothehairstylistfriendshe’dbroughtwithher.“Jackie,
canyoucomehereforasec?”

Afewminutesofhushedconferencinglater—inwhichSophiemadeitclearthatshedidn’twantto

lookoverlymadeuportrashy,justawholelotsexierthanshenormallydid—thethreewomenhadaplan.

Sophiesatbackinherseatandtriedtoignoreherrapidlybeatingheartastheytransformedherfrom

Nicetosomethingentirelydifferent.

***

Thirtyminuteslater,afterKalenandJackiehadhelpedSophiechangeintoherbridesmaid’sdress

withoutmessingupherhairormakeup,LoriwalkedintotheroomandstaredatSophieinshock.

“Whattheheckhaveyoudonewithmysister?”
The two of them hadn’t been getting along so well for the past year. Sophie hated to see the way

Lori was letting that jerk she’d been dating in secret walk all over her. Everyone saw her twin as so
fierce,sofearless,butSophieknewLoriwassimplybetterathidingheremotionsthantherestofthem.

EverytimeSophiehadtriedtobringupthesituation,hersisterhadblockedheroutofherlifemore

and more. Lori was a master of sharp, sarcastic barbs, as Sophie knew all too well, and she’d been
lashedoutatonetoomanytimesinrecentmonths.Butbeneatheverythingthathadcomebetweenthemin
thepastyear,shelovedhersister.Howcouldshenot,whenthey’dalwaysbeentwohalvesofawhole?

TodaywasoneofthosedayswhenSophieneededhertwin,theotherhalfthatshouldautomatically

understandeverythingonaDNAlevel,toreassureher.

In the heat of the moment, as she’d made the decision to shake things up, it had seemed so

empowering to let Kalen and Jackie make her up, but for someone like her, who’d always been happy
disappearingintothebackground,thishair,thismakeupwasabigdeparture.

Whatifpeoplelaughedather?
WhatifJakelaughed?
She’ddie.Ohyes,rightthenandthereinthemiddleofChaseandChloe’sspecialday,infrontof

threehundredpeople,she’dwitherupanddropdead.

Lorimovedcloser,didafullcircleofSophieinherdeeppinksatinstraplessdress.She’dbeenthe

lastonetomeetChloeatthebridalstoretopickouthermaidofhonordress.Althoughitwasdefinitely
more conservative that Lori’s, Sophie had forgotten how well the satin hugged her curves, closer than
anythingelsesheowned,that’sforsure.Itwasclassicmovie-starstyle,alaMarilynMonroe’s“Happy

Birthday,Mr.President”dress,withalongslituponeleg.

Finally,Lorisaid,“Youlookamazing,Soph.”
Sophiebreathedaheavysighofrelief.“ThankGod.”
“But,”Loriaddedwithaslightfrown,“youdon’texactlylooklikeyou.”Herfrowndeepened.“Did

Kalenconvinceyoutotrysomethingnew?”

“Themakeupwasmyidea.Sowasthehair.”
Lorifrownedagain.“Idon’tgetit.You’veneverwantedtotryanythingnewbefore.”
Sophieforcedashrug,asifitdidn’tmattertoheratallifhersistergotitornot.Eventhoughitdid

matter.Somuch.“Ijustwantedtoseewhatitwouldbeliketolookdifferentforoneday.”

“Hmm.” Lori scanned her again, head to toe, and Sophie knew the exact moment the truth hit her

sister.“Oh,no.You’renotactuallygoingtotrytogetJ—”

SophieleapttowardhersistertocoverLori’smouthwithherhandbeforeJake’snameleftit.She

wishedshecouldtellLorihertransformationhadnothingtodowithhim,butshecouldn’tlietohertwin.

“IknowwhatI’mdoing.”
Lori shook her head, yanking Sophie’s hand from her mouth. “You don’t have a clue what you’re

doing.IloveJ—”

“Lori!”
“—himlikeabrother,butthatdoesn’tmeanIdon’tseehisfaults,Soph.Especiallywherewomen

areconcerned.”Loripinnedherwithahardgaze.“Don’tdothis.”

She’dneverthoughttoadmitthistoanyone,notevenhersister,butnowshefoundherselfsaying,

“You don’t know what it’s like to be invisible.” She instinctively lifted her chin and pushed back her
shoulders.“I’msickofit.”

Shewantedhertwintounderstand,butinsteadofencouragingher,Lorisaid,“Youlovetotellme

whenandwhereI’mscrewingup.”Sophietriedtointerject,buthersisterputherhandsonhershoulders
and made her turn around to face the full-length mirror. “This time you’re the one who needs to listen.
Don’tdothis,Soph.”Lorisqueezedhershoulderstight.“Don’t.Do.This.”

Sophiestaredattheincrediblysexywomanstaringbackatherinthemirror.She’dneverhavebeen

abletopullthistogetherwithoutprofessionalassistance.

Itwasnowornever.
“Ihaveto.”
Lorilookedasserious—andworried—asshecouldeverrememberseeingher.“Theboysaregoing

tobebesidethemselvesseeingyoulookinglikethat.Imean,they’reusedtomeplayingupthegoods,but
you...Nope.Theyaren’tgoingtolikeit.Notonebit.”

“Toobad.”
FinallyLorialmostsmiled,butthensheasked,“What’sgoingtohappenifyourplanbackfires?”
Sophie’sheartstutteredinherchestatthethoughtofjusthowmanythingscouldgowrongwithher

brilliant plan to teach Jake a lesson for ignoring her all these years. Still, she thought she sounded
confidentandsecureassheassuredhersister,“Itwon’t.”

And even though she could still feel the heated imprint of Jake’s fingers against her cheek where

he’dtouchedher,shetoldherselfitwasthetruth.Becauseiftherewasonethingeveryoneknewabout
SophieSullivan,itwasthatshenever,everlied.Nottoanyoneelse.

Andcertainlynottoherself.
Ellen, Marcus’s winery manager, who had helped Sophie with plenty of the wedding details,

poppedherheadintotheroom.“It’stimetogivethebrideherbigsend-off.Youtwoaregorgeous.”She
spentafewextrasecondslookingatSophie,afainthintofsurpriseonherface,beforesaying,“Beyond
gorgeous,actually.Areyouready?”

Sophie’sheartjumpedinherchestatthethoughtofmakinghergrandentrance.Ofcourseshewasn’t

ready...butshewasasreadyasshe’deverbe.

ShejoinedLori,Marcus’spop-stargirlfriendNicola,Gabe’sgirlfriendMegan,andtheothertwo

bridesmaids,whowereoldfriendsofChloe’s,ontheporch.Asco-maids-of-honor,SophieandLorihad
had a fierce match of rock-paper-scissors over which of them would walk out first with Marcus, the
oldestSullivan.

Sophie was certain that Lori had cheated. Her twin always did. But now she was glad that she

wouldn’tbethefirsttoentertheproceedings.ItwasevenbetterthatSmithwasherpartnerforthewalk
down the aisle. Everyone would be oohing and ahhing over the movie star in their midst. At least long
enough,shehoped,forhertosettlealittlebetterintoherbrandnewsex-goddesspersona.

***

JustasLorihadpredicted,theirbrothersstoppedandblinkedatherinsurpriseastheywalkedonto

theporch.Surprise,unfortunately,quicklyturnedintoscowls.

“Sophie?”
Heroldestbrother’sfacelookedlikethunderandshehadtoforceherselftoholdhergroundinfront

ofMarcus,ratherthantakeastepbackinretreat—andgorunningbackinsidetowipethemakeupoffher
faceandbrushherglossy,blown-outhairbackintothestyletheywereallusedto.

“Whattheh—”
NicolaputherhandonMarcus’sforearmjustintime.“Hey,gorgeous,”sheteased,“Ihearyouown

thisjoint.”

ThankGodMarcuswaspowerlesstoresisthisstunninggirlfriend,especiallywhenshewasgoing

uponhertoestowhispersomethingintohisearthathadhimdraggingherofftoaprivatecornerofthe
porchandkissingher.

SophiemadeamentalnotetodosomethingreallyniceforNicolainthefutureaspaybackforthat

quick save. Maybe a new e-book reader with a hundred fantastic books preloaded on it for those long
hoursontour?

ToobadGabewasonlyabeatbehindwithhis,“Whyareyouwearingallthatmakeup,Soph?”
Megan, who had become one of Sophie’s closest friends after the two of them had reconnected a

handfulofmonthsago,shotSophieasympatheticlookbeforemovingintoGabe’slineofvision.

“Summerneedshelpwithherbasketofflowerpetals.She’saskingforyou,Gabe.”
Sophie’sfirefighterbrotherhadfallenhardforherfriendandherdaughteraftersavingbothofthem

from a deadly apartment fire. He didn’t stand a chance of holding focus on whatever Sophie was up to
whenMegan’sseven-year-olddaughterneededhim.

ToobadRyan,Zach,andSmithdidn’thavegirlfriendsontheporchtodistractthem.
RyanlookedbetweenherandLori.“Youguysaren’tgoingtodothattwin-switchthingagain,are

you?”

Zachjustlookedplainconfused.“Whateverisgoingonhere,Idon’twanttoknowaboutit.”But

thenheadded,“SweartoGod,Nice,ifanyoneevenlooksatyoucrosswiseI’mgoingtopoundhishead
intothedirtuntilhe’sfertilizerforMarcus’svines.”

“Whataboutifsomeonelooksatme?”Loriasked,obviouslytryingtopulltheirbrothers’attention

awayfromhertwinbyactingaffronted.

“Youcanhandleyourself,”heretorted.
“SocanI,”Sophiesaid.
“Likehellyoucan,”Smithsaid.
Hersecondoldestbrother,whojusthappenedtobeoneofthebiggestmoviestarsintheworld,had

beenwatchinghersilentlyuntilthen.AlthoughtheywereaboutasdifferentastwoSullivanscouldbe—

he’d always thrived in the limelight and she wanted to steer as far from it as she could—she’d always
beenespeciallyclosetoSmith.

Hetookherhand.“Let’sgopracticeourwalkdowntheaisle.”
She’dbeensosteamrolledbyherbrothers,shefinallyrealizedwhowasmissing.“Where’sJake?”
“Hehadalast-secondemergencywiththedrinks,”herepliedandthen,whentheywerearoundon

theothersideoftheporch,hesaid,“Youlookbeautiful,Soph.”

“Thankyou.”
“What’sgoingon?”
Sheswallowedhard.“Iwantedtolookprettyforthewedding.”
“Youwerealreadypretty.Before—”Hegesturedtothehair,themakeup,thedress.
Herheartsqueezedatthewayherbrotherlookedather,asthoughshewerealittlegirlheneededto

keep saving. Didn’t he see? This was exactly why she needed to do this. So that everyone would stop
thinkingofherassweetlittleNice.

Littledidherealize—littledidanyofherbrothersrealize—thattheywereonlyfeedingherresolve

more.

A part of her desperately wanted to confide in Smith, to try and take some comfort from her big

brother’sstrongarms.Butsheknewbetter.Ifshetoldhimwhatshewasdoing,he’dlikelylockherinthe
guesthouseuntiltheweddingwasover.

“I’mwalkingdowntheaisleonamoviestar’sarm,”sheforcedherselftosay.“Whoknowswhere

thispicturewillendup?”

Unfortunately,Smithdidn’tevencomeclosetobelievingher.“Sincewhendidyoucareaboutany

ofthat?”

Sincenever,butthatwasbesidethepoint.
Sheleanedforwardandwrappedherarmsaroundhim.“I’msogladyou’rehere.I’vemissedyou.”
Shefelthiskissonthetopofherhead.Shehadn’thadafatherpasttheageoftwo,butshe’dnever

feltthatemptiness.Notwithsomuchloveallaroundher,notwithSmithandMarcusandChasetohug
her,notwithZachandRyantoteaseher,notwithGabeandLoritoplayandarguewith.

“Imissedyou,too,Nice.”Hepulledback,lookedatheragain.Shewonderedwhyitdidn’trankle

whenSmithusedhernickname,butshewantedtodeckJakeforsayingit.“Ijustdidn’texpecttocome
fromAustraliaandseeyou’vechanged.”

“I’mstillme,”sheinsistedinasoftvoice.
Only, the truth was, she was barely an hour into her “transformation” and things were already

different.She’dneverhadconversationslikethiswithherbrothers,forone.Andwhileshewasn’tatall
certainshe’devertrythisparticularlookagain,despiteherworriesovermakingabigfooloutofherself
in the slinky dress and towering heels, there was a part of her that liked the change. Heck, hadn’t the
waitressatherfavoriteThairestaurantevensaidtoherthelasttimeshewasthere,“Orderingthesame
oldthing?”

Sophiesuddenlyrealizedshe’dgottenstuckinarut.Anice,comfortablerut.
FootstepscomingtowardthemhadthempullingapartandSmithsmoothingherhairbackintoplace.

“Youreallydolookgreat,Soph.Different,butstunning.”

Thistimeonlyprideshonefromhiseyes.AndwhenthetwoofthemobeyedEllen’sinstructionsto

follow Marcus and Lori down the steps of the porch, out through the vines to the rose-strewn aisle,
Sophiedidn’thavetofakeherradiantsmile.

Watchout,world,shethought,SophieSullivanisabouttocutloose.
And,hopefully,JakeMcCannwouldn’tknowwhathithim.

ChapterThree

Jake stepped out from behind the bar just as the wedding march started up and a cute blonde kid

skipped down the aisle, tossing flower petals into the air. Charmed, the crowd laughed and admired
Gabe’sgirlfriend’sdaughter.MarcusandLoricamenext,theoldestSullivanandoneoftheyoungest.Lori
tookherplaceasoneoftheMaidsofHonorandMarcusmovedtothecenterinpreparationforofficiating
theceremony.

Yetagain,Jakecouldhardlybelievethisdayhadcome.Therewereafewthingshe’dalwaysbeen

abletocountoninlife.

Beeralwaystastedbetterfromthetap.
Hisfatherhadneverbeenanythingbutaworthlessdrunk.
AndtheSullivanboysweren’tgoingtobeheadingtothealtaranytimesoon.
Ellencaughtsightofhimandwavedhimovertohisplacebythebridesmaidhe’dbeescorting.He

hadn’tmetheryet,buthehopedChloehadgoodtasteinfriends.Atthispoint,theonlywayhehadeven
theslightestchanceofworkingSophieoutofhissystemafteralongdaytogetheratthewedding,wasto
makesureheendeditinbedwithagorgeouswomanwhowasherpolaropposite.

Hewasalmosttothebridesmaidwhenhisheart—andhisfeet—stoppedcold.
WhatthehellhadSophiedonetoherself?
Jake blinked to try to fix his vision as Sophie and Smith rounded a row of vines and continued

walking down the aisle. When he was still seeing things a few seconds later—crazy, insane things—he
ranahandoverhiseyes.

ButnothingchangedthefactthatSophiewaslookinglikewalkingsexinasilkypinkdressandhigh

heels. She sure wasn’t wearing that sweater and skirt he’d been so rough on anymore. But the dress
wasn’ttheonlythingdifferentabouther.Whathadshedonetoherhair?Andwhydidhereyeslookso
big,hermouthsored?

Hisbodyreactedtotheshockinglysensualpictureofherbeforehecouldstopit,alloftheblood

thatwassupposedtofeedabrainthatknewnottoeverlookatSophieSullivanlikethat—especiallyin
frontofallsixofherbrothers—shootingsouth.

Ellen’shandathiselbowjoltedhim.“It’salmostyourturntoheaduptheaisle,Jake.”
Heheardwhatshesaid,knewheneededtojointherestofthegroup,butevenasheheldouthis

armforChloe’sfriend—hedidn’tcatchhernameanddidn’tbothertoaskherforitagain—hecouldn’t
takehiseyesoffSophie.

Theviewfromthebackdidn’thelphiscurrentproblem,damnit.SophieSullivanhadaperfectass

andrightthenshewasshowcasingittothreehundredpeopleinthatdressthatslippedandslidoverher
curvessotightlyheknewshecouldn’tpossiblybewearinganythingunderit.

Anurgetodragherawayfromthewedding,awayfromallthosehungrymaleeyesdrinkingherin,

to make her change back into her normal clothes—clothes that covered her up the way she should be
covered!—camesofast,Jakewashardpressedtoignoreit.Hecouldn’tstandknowingdozensofguysin
theaudienceweredroolingrightnow,eventheoneswhoweremarriedandhadnobusinessthinkingthose
kindsofthoughtsaboutlittleSophie.

Although...she didn’t exactly look young and innocent, didn’t seem quite so untouchable anymore,

didshe?

Ellen said his name again and he took it as his cue to start walking. Gabe and Megan, who were

walkinguptheaisleinfrontofhim,impededhisviewofSophieforafewsecondsandhehadtocrane
hisnecktokeephiseyeonherasshetookherplacebesideLoribeneaththerosecoveredarches.

Amomentlater,Sophielookedupandcaughthimstaringather.Jaketriedtolookaway.
Andfailed.
Thewomanonhisarmhadtotughimtokeephisfeetmovingintherightdirection.Thelastthing

Jake saw before taking his place beside Gabe in the lineup was Sophie’s soft mouth turned up into a
sensual,utterlyfemininesmile.

***

Sophiehadalwayslovedweddingsand,despitehernerves,shecouldn’thelpbutgetcaughtupin

theromance.Ofcourse,SullivanWinerywasquitepossiblythemostgloriousweddingvenueshe’dever
seen. The budding leaves on the vines, the mustard flowers blooming in every free patch of dirt, the
rollinghills,thebrightblueskyabove,themassesofflowersinpotsanddisplaysattheendofeveryrow
ofseats—theywereallbreathtakingadditionstothelovebetweenChaseandChloe.

Marcus was doing such a beautiful job officiating Chase’s wedding. Sophie could tell he was as

choked up as the rest of them, but his voice was steady and solid as he asked Chase and Chloe if they
wouldlove,honor,andcomforteachother.

SophiehadtoreachforLori’shandandholdittightasshewaitedforthatperfectmomentwhenher

brotherdeclaredhislovetohisbride.ItfeltasiftheentireworldstoodstillasChaseturnedtoChloeand
smiledather.Sophie’schestsqueezedtightattheundyingloveradiatingoutfromherbrothertohisbride.

What, Sophie wondered, would it feel like to have a man look at her like that? Like she was

absolutelyeverythingtohim?

Chase said, “I will love you forever, Chloe,” and a soft sigh left Sophie’s lips as a tear slipped

down her cheek. A few moments later, as Chloe made the same vow to Chase, more tears fell down
Sophie’s cheeks, one after the other. And as Marcus pronounced them husband and wife, everyone
cheered,butnonelouderthanquietSophieSullivan.

***

Jake had never cared for weddings. As far as he was concerned, they took up too much of a

perfectlygoodweekendandwereawasteofhard-earnedmoney.Especiallygiventhatatleasthalfofthe
unionsendedindivorce.

Forsomereason,though,thisweddingwasdifferent.He’dspentenoughtimewithChaseandChloe

to think they actually had a shot at making this thing work. With that kid in her belly, he sure hoped it
would.

Not, of course, that he was paying much attention to the actual wedding taking place...because he

couldn’ttakehiseyesoffthegroom’ssister.

When Sophie walked up the aisle, he’d been struck stupid at how sexy she was in that dress. He

almosthadn’trecognizedherasthesweetgirlalwayshangingaroundhisheelswhentheywerekids.But,
then,ashe’dwatchedherduringtheceremony,she’dtransformedagain.

Stillridiculouslysexy,butsweetagain,hereyesbigasshelistenedtothevows,leaningintoward

thebrideandgroomasifshewantedtobecomeapartoftheirhappiness.Andinthatmomentwhenshe’d
reachedouttograbLori’shand,he’dhadasplitsecondofwishingithadbeenhimshewasgrabbingfor.

Andthathecouldbetheonetoholdher.
Jake felt like someone had reached a fist into his chest and grabbed hold of his heart, squeezing

untilitwasnothingmorethanamessypileofbloodandveins.He’dneverbeabletoerasethememoryof
thehope,thelonging,inSophie’seyesasshewatchedChaseandChloepledgetheirlovetoeachother.

Before he knew it, Sophie was taking Smith’s arm and walking down the aisle, her perfect little

backsideswayingintimetotheclassicalmusicplaying.

“EarthtoJake,”Gabesaid,elbowinghimjustbeforeheheadedtowardMegantowalkherbackup

theaisletothecrowdsthatwerealreadysurroundingChaseandChloe.“It’sover.Timetogo.”

ChapterFour

TherewasonlyonesurecureforJake'ssuddenboutofinsanity.He’dtendthebar...andthenhe’d

findhimselfawillingsinglewomanwhodidn’thaveanythingtodowiththeSullivanfamily.Andhewas
goingtosteercompletelyclearofSophiefortherestofthewedding.Alittledistancefromallthosesoft
curvesandthoseplumpredlipswouldhelphimgethisheadbackonstraight.

“I’vegotthis,”hetoldSammy,oneofhisbestbartendersattheoriginalMcCann’sinthecity.“You

cancirculatewiththetrays.”

Fortunately,theweddingguestswerethirsty,clearlyneedingsomevinoorhopstowashthetasteof

thesyrupyvowsfromtheirtongues.PouringdrinksforstrangerswasasnaturaltoJakeasbreathing,and
heimmediatelygotintoarhythminthemiddleofthevineyardasthemealwasservedandpeoplekepta
runninglinebehindthebarbetweencourses.Hecouldn’trememberatimehehadn’tbeendryingclean
glasses,rearrangingbottles.Asakid,whenhisdadhadbeentheonerunningthetaps,Jakehadbeenin
thebackloadingandunloadingthedishwasherforafewextrabuckswhilethecooksatwhateverpubthey
wereatslungtogetherplatesoffishandchipsandcolcannon.

Whenthefemaleguestsflirtedwithhimatthebar,heflirtedback.Sowhatifnoneofthemwere

even half as pretty as Sophie? The Sullivans might be pairing up one after the other like they’d been
infectedbythesamevirus,butJakehadhadhisshots.

Lovewasn’tgoingtotakehimdown.
Heknewbetterthantothinkthatlovemeantadamnthingwhenthegoinggotroughanditwaseasier

tosplit.Nowife,nokids,plentyofprettywomen,butnorings,waswhatJake’sfutureheld.He’dplay
withallthekidstheSullivanclanwasboundtopumpout,wouldenjoybeingUncleJake,buthewouldn’t
makethemistakeofthinkinghe’deverbeagoodhusbandorfather.

McCannsdidn’tcomewiththosegenes.
“Youhaven’thadanythingtoeatyet.”
Theslightlyhuskyfemalevoicereachedinandgrabbedhimasplitsecondbeforehelookedstraight

intoSophie’seyes.Hersoftsensualityinthatpinkdress,thesweetsmellofherperfume,wereaone-two
punchstraighttoagutthathadn’tyetrecoveredfromwatchingthosetearsslipdownhercheeks,orthe
radiantsmilethathadfollowed.

Withoutwaitingforaninvitation,sheputafullplateonthebacktableforhimandmovedaround

thebartostandnexttohim.“Scootover.I’llhelpoutwhileyoueat.”Shebumpedherhipintohis,causing
himtobecomerock-hardinaninstant,hisbodynotgivingadamnthatshewasOFFLIMITS.

How could her brothers have let her out looking like this? What were they thinking? Didn’t they

careevenalittlebitabouttheirsister’swelfare?

Whilehewasstandingtherelosinghismind,Sophietookdrinkordersanddeftlypouredglassesof

wineandmixeddrinksfortheweddingguests.Shewasalibrarian,notabartender.Sheshouldn’tbeso
goodatservingdrinks.Andnolibrarianshouldeverbethishot,either,Jakethoughtasheclampedhis
jawsotighthistemplestartedthrobbing.He’dletherhelpforfiveminutes,andthenhe’dsendherback
to her table to celebrate with the rest of her family and make sure she stayed there for the rest of the
reception.

Evenifhehadtotiehertoherseat.
AbeerbottlenearlyslippedfromhisgripasJakewashitwithacrystal-clearvisionofSophietied

tohisbed,nakedandbeggingforhimtotouch,totaste,to—

“Ihearyou’realibrarian.Readanygoodbookslately?”
Jakesurfacedfromhistriple-Xdaydreamjustintimetonoticeamaleguestleaningonthebarand

lookingdownthetopofSophie’sdress.

Shedidn’tseemtonoticeanyofthatasshesmiledbackattheguy.Shewastooinnocenttorealize

whenaguylikethiswasaimingforonething,andonethingonly:togetintoherpanties.

PantiesJakewasalmostcertainshewasn’tevenwearing.
“Mmm,” she said in that seductive voice, still slightly hoarse from her tears, causing Jake to be

slammedwithanothercrazyvisionofherlyingnakedbeneathhim,cryingouthisnameagainandagain
untilhervoicegaveoutaltogether.“I’malwaysreadinggreatbooks.Whatdoyouliketoread?”

Theguyshrugged,notseemingtocarethattherewasahugebackupofthirstypeoplebottlenecking

behindhim.“I’madoct—”

“Whatareyoudrinking?”Jakebrokein.
Theguyshothimalookthatsaid,Can’tyouseeI’mabouttoscorehere?
“Corona,”hesaidtoJakebeforeturningbacktoSophie’sphenomenalbreasts.“AsIwassaying,

I’m a doctor, so I don’t have too much time to read. But when I do, I usually read thrillers. Medical
thrillers,tobemorespecific.”

Jakecouldn’tbelieveitwhenSophieleanedoverthebarandsaid,“Oooh,howexciting.Medical

thrillersalwaysleavemebreathless.”

Didn’tshegetthatthisloserwaswaybeneathher?Sheshouldbethrowingadrinkinhisface,not

givinghimabetterviewofherperfectbodyassheleaneddowntogrababottleofbeer.Dr.Dickwad
lookedlikehe’dhitahomerun,wascountingtheminutesuntilhecouldstripthatdressfromhertanned
skinandfindoutifshetastedasgoodasshesmelled.

Likehell.Jakewouldkillhimfirst.
Jakesnatchedthebottlefromherhand.“Here’syourbeer.Timetoleteveryoneelsegetadrink.”
He could feel Sophie frowning at him as he pinned the guy with his hardest look. If she couldn’t

pickgoodfrombad,hewasgoingtohavetosaveher.Whethershewantedhimtoornotwasirrelevant.

AlthoughtheguyflinchedatJake’ssilentpromiseofviolence,itdidn’tstophimfromsaying,“Be

suretosaveadanceforme,gorgeous,”beforehewalkedaway.

Jakeheldontohiscontrolbyaverythinthread.Nothingwouldfeelbetterthantojumpoverthebar

andtackletheguytoteachhimwhathappenedwhenheflirtedwiththewronggirl.Agirlwhowastoo
sweet,toopretty,toodamnperfectforhimtoevereventhinkoftouchingonehaironherhead.

“You’renotdancingwithhim,”hegrowled.“Nottonight.Notever.”
“I’mabiggirl,Jake.I’lldancewithwhomeverIwant.”
Servingthecustomeralwaystookpriority.Butnotthistime.Turninghisbackonthecrowdstillin

line,heslidbetweenSophieandthebar,thenputhishandsonhershouldersandgrippedherhard.

“No.Youwon’t.He’snotgoodenoughforyou.”
“It’s so sweet of you to be concerned, Jake,” she said in a soft voice. “But I can take care of

myself.”

“Your brothers would kill me if anything happened to you.” Hell, they’d kill him if they ever

suspectedthewayhewasthinkingabouther.

“Actually,”shesaidasshelookedoverhisshoulder,“Ithinkmybrother’sguestsmightkillbothof

usifwedon’tkeepservingthemdrinks.”

Very reluctantly, Jake shifted back into position. But even though he didn’t spill a drop and his

fingersdidn’tsliponanymorebottles,hisattentionwaswhollyfocusedonSophie.Whichwaswhyhe
sawhershootaglanceatthea-holewhohadbeenflirtingwithherjustbeforesaying,“Ithinkhelooks
perfectlyharmless.Infact...”

Jaketossedanemptybottleintothebinbeneaththebarwithaloudcrash.“Infactwhat?”
“Sinceyoudon’twanttohelpmeoutwithmyplantomakemyexjealous,maybeIshouldusethat

guyinstead.”

“Sammy,”hecalledoutacrossthereceptionarea,motioningforhisemployeetotakeoverthebar

again.Hedidn’twaitforSamtomakeittothebarbeforewrappinghishandaroundSophie’swristand
pullingheroutfrombehindthebar.Hedidn’tstopwalkinguntiltheywerehiddenbehindalargestorage
shed,justontheedgeofthereceptionarea.

“No.”
Shelookeddownathishandwhereitwasstillclampedaroundherwrist.“Therearethousandsof

otherwordsintheEnglishlanguage,youknow.”

Heignoredhersarcasmandtoldherflatout,“Youarenotgettingwithinahundredfeetofthatguy

again.”

Angerflaredinhereyes.Eyesthathadbeenfullofhappytears,fullofpurejoy,justashortwhile

ago.“Youcan’ttellmewhattodo.”

“LikehellIcan’t.”
Sheyankedherarmfromhisandstartedtowalkaway,buthecouldn’tlethergo.Notwhenshewas

boundtodosomethingstupid,likekissasmarmydoctor.Andmaybeevenofferhimherbody,thosesweet
curvesslippingandslidingbeneathhimasshegaveherselftohim.

FuriousatthepictureofanyonetouchingSophielikethat,insteadofjustgrabbingherwristorher

shoulders,thistimeJakewrappedhisarmsallthewayaroundherandpulledherintohim.Heheldher
tight,herchestpushingintohisforearms,herheightmatchinghissothatherhipsfitperfectlybetweenhis
openlegs,hersofthipspressingintohisgroin.

“Letgoofme.”
“No.”
Hisnewfavoritewordwasmuffledbyherhair,sosoft,sosilkyagainsthischinandlips.Andthe

truth was, he couldn’t have let go of her for the world. Not just because he didn’t want that other guy
touchingher...butbecausehe’dneverwantedtoholdanyonemorethanhedidSophie.

Howlonghadhedreamedofholdingher?Toomanyyearstokeepcount.Andyet,he’dneverhada

clue just how incredibly good she would feel in his arms, her dangerous curves pressed into him, her
chestrisingandfallingagainsthisarms.

“I’mnotgoingtoletyougountilyoupromisemeyou’llstayawayfromhim.”
Nowitwasherturntosay,“No.”
Heshiftedhishandenoughtoslipafingerbeneathherchinandturnherfacesothathecouldlook

intohereyes.“Promiseme,Sophie.It’sforyourowngood.”

Sophieyankedherfaceawayfromhishand,thenherwholebody,andwhensheturnedtofacehim

head-on, her eyes were flashing. “I can’t believe you just said that! Especially since you of all people
havenoideawhatsoeverwhat’sgoodforme.”

“Wannabet?”
His mouth was on hers before he could put the brakes on his desire. He was too angry, too

frustratedwithhimselfforwantingherthismuch—andherinfuriatingstubbornness—tobegentle.

Lipsweren’tenough.Heneededtongues.Neededtoslideonehandintoherhairtotiltherheadat

justtherightangletotakewhatshe’dbeenabouttooffersomeotherworthlessguy.Neededtogripthe
lusciouscurveofherhipswithhisotherhandtodragherincloser.

Somewhereinthebackofhisbrain,heknewhewasmovingtoofastforhertopossiblyenjoythe

kiss,letalonekeepupwithhim.Buteventhoughsheshouldhavebeenfightinghim,herarmsweretwined
aroundhisneckandshewasmoaningsoftlyagainsthismouthashertonguepressedouttoslideagainst
his.

SweetLord,Sophiewaseverythinghe’deverwantedinawoman.Herscent,hertaste,thefeelof

her.Hecouldn’tstophishandfromcreepingupfromherhipstoherwaist,tothebottomofherribcage
andthen—holyhell,shefeltgood—thecurveofonebreastinhispalm.

Shegaspedintohismouth,shiveringwithpleasureashisthumbcrestedthearousedtip,andJake

knewhewasbarelyabreathawayfromloweringhertothegrassandpullingherdressupherlonglegs,
untilhecouldtouchandlickand—

Whatthehellwashedoing?
KnowingSophiedidn’tstandachanceoffightingoffaguylikehimifheputherinhissights,hisgut

churnedwithself-hatredasheabruptlyreleasedher,soquicklythatshestumbledbackinherheels.Even
thoughheknewbetterthantoevertouchheragain,hecouldn’tletherfall.Assoonasheknewshewas
steadyonherfeet,heforcedhimselftoletgo,theneedtopullherbackintohisarmssostrongitfeltlike
itwasclawingathisinsides.

Sophie’s mouth was swollen from his rough kiss, her cheeks were flaming, and her eyes were

shiningwithwhatheassumedwerebuddingtears.Heexpectedhertoslaphim,orattheveryleast,toturn
andruntoherbrotherstotellthemwhathadjusthappened.

Sothattheycouldkillhim.
Whichwasexactlywhathedeservedfordaringtokissthosetoo-sweetlips.
Butshedidn’trun.Andshewasn’tcrying.Instead,shestoodinfrontofhimlookingmorebeautiful

thansheeverhadbefore.Onepartvulnerable,theotherpartstunned.

“Noonehaseverkissedmelikethat,”shesaidinabreathlessvoice,“likeyoucouldn’tgetenough,

likeyoucouldn’tstopyourselfandIwasdrivingyoucrazy.AlltheseyearsandIneverknewitwouldbe
likethat.”

Jesus,itwashotwhenshereplayedtheirkissbyturningitintowords.Buthischesttwistedatthe

wayshewasacting—likehehadn’tbeenmaulingher,likehehadn’tbeensecondsawayfromrippingher
dressoffandtakingsomethingfromhersheshouldnever,evergiveaguylikehim.Shewasenoughofa
romantictohavemadehimouttobesomethingotherthanthebastardhereallywasalltheseyears.

Jakeknewthetruth.Hecamefromalonglineofbastards.
“Sophie,” he said in low, remorseful voice. “I never should have kissed you. Especially not like

that.”

He’dbeenacrazedmanwithoutanyself-controlatall.Afewmoresecondsandshewouldhave

beenbeneathhimonthegrass,herdresshikeduparoundherhipsandpulleddownbeneathherbreasts.If
he’d done that to her, if he’d marked her with his out-of-control lust, he wouldn’t have waited for her
brotherstokillhim.

Hewouldhavedonethejobonhimself,withpleasure.
“Wewerebothpartofwhathappened.”Hervoicewassoft,butsurprisinglyfirm.Hereyeswere

clear and steady on his as she surprised the hell out of him, yet again, by actually saying the words, “I
havewantedyoutokissmeforalongtime.Averylongtime.”

Asshetookanotheroneofthosedeepbreathsthatnearlypoppedheroutofherdress,Jakeknew

thiswastheuniversepayinghimbackforeverybadthinghe’deverdone.Hefeltlikehiscollarwastoo
tight,eventhoughitwasunbuttonedandhewasn’twearinghistieanylonger.

Shemovedcloser.Tooclose.Buthecouldn’tmakehimselfbackawayfromher.Notwhenevery

lastcellinhisbodywantedtoerasethedistanceandgobacktothatplacewhereshewasfinallyinhis
arms.

“My brothers were losing it before the wedding when they saw me.” Jake couldn’t help but be

impressedbyhercourageasshegesturedtoherdress,herhair,herface.“Theykeptaskingmewhatwas
goingonandItoldthemitwasnothing.ItoldthemallIwantedwastohavefunwiththehairdresserand
makeupartist.ButIwaslyingtothem.Andtomyself.”Shelookedhimstraightintheeye.“Ididitfor
you, Jake. To see if I could finally get you to notice that I was alive. To see that I’m not a little girl
anymorewithasillycrush.ThatI’mawoman.”

Jakedidn’thaveanyexperiencewiththiskindofhonesty,withawomenopeningupherhearttohim

likethisandlayingitathisfeet.Hecouldrunabusinessworthmillions.Hecouldpilota70-footyacht
throughroughwatersafterthreesleeplessnights.Buthecouldn’tkeepupwiththebeautifulgirlstanding
infrontofhim.

Heknewhislimits,knewthatdespitethesuccesshe’dhadwithhisIrishpubs,hewasstilljusta

dumbkidofabartender.Sophiedeservedbetter,belongedwithaguywhohadasmanycollegedegrees
as she did. One day, Jake knew, he’d be here at her wedding, watching her walk down the aisle, even
thoughthevisionofSophieinanotherman’sarms—inanotherman’sbed—hadhimseeingred.

Hadn’theknownbetterthantolethergettooclose?
“Thedress,themakeup,theylookgreat,Nice.”Hepurposefullyusedhernickname,wantingherto

rememberwhohewastoher.“Buttheydon’tchangethefactthatyou’regoingtohaveplentyofcrushes
onguysbeforeyoufindtheonewho’srightforyou.”

Somethingflaredinhereyes,alookhe’dseenflashesofoverthepastfewmonths.“Doyoureally

thinkso?”Sheranhertongueoverherfullbottomlipandhisbloodpressurespikedanothertenpoints.He
couldhaveswornshewaspurposefullyscrewingwithhimwhensheleanedalittlecloserandsaid,“Do
youreallythinkI’mgoingtofeelthatwayagainwithsomeotherguy?”

Didn’tsherealizetherewasnothingshecouldhavesaidthatwouldhavegottentohimmore?He

couldn’thaveher,butdamnit,therewasn’tanothermanalivewhowasgoodenoughforher,either.The
thoughtofanyoneelsekissingherthewayhehad—thethoughtofheractivelygoingouttheretolookfor
thatkindoftreatment—madehimwanttolockherupinatower.

There was no way she could still be a virgin at twenty-five. But Jake still felt like he’d taken

somethingfromherwiththatroughkiss.Thathe’ddirtiedupherinnocencebyshovinghistongueinher
mouthandputtinghishandsonher.

“Youdeservebetter.”
SophiecockedherheadtothesideandfrownedathimjustasLorihurriedaroundthecornerofthe

shed.

“There you are, Soph! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Lori skidded to a stop when she

realized her twin wasn’t alone. “Jake? What are you doing with—” Sophie’s sister didn’t finish her
questionasshefrowned,lookingbetweenthetwoofthem.

TheSullivanboyswereboundtotearhimapartwiththeirbarehandsforthis.
ButLori?Herpunishmentwasgoingtobeevenworsetomakehimpayforkissinghertwin.
“Thespeechesareabouttostart.Everyoneiswonderingwhereyouare,Soph,especiallyEllen.”

ShepinnedJakewithalooksosharpitcouldhaveslicedrightthroughhim.“Andyou,too.”

“Okay,”Sophiesaidinanoverlybrightvoice.“Thanksforlettingusknow.We’llbethereinjusta

minute.”

But instead of leaving them alone, Lori stepped in front of Sophie. “You can’t go back in there

lookinglikethis.”SheranherhandsthroughSophie’shair,fixingthemessJakehadmadeofitwhenhe
waspawingher.Shebrushedoffasmudgeoflipstickatthecornerofhersister’smouth,andshiftedthe
dressaninchtotheright.“That’sbetter.And,seriously,youshouldgetbacktherebeforeEllenhasaheart
attackthinkingsomeunrulyloserofaguestwasstupidenoughtopullyouoffintothevines.”

Sophiewassilentforamoment.“You’reright.Idon’twantanythingtofallthroughthecrackstoday.

Itwouldn’tbefairtoChaseandChloe.”

“We’llbethereinasec,”Lorisaid.“IneedtotalktoJakeaboutsomething.”
“Hekissedme,”Sophietoldhersister,herexpressionstubbornasshefacedher.“Nowyoudon’t

havetotalkaboutit.Let’sgo.”Shegrabbedhersister’shandandmadesuretheywalkedtogetherpastthe
shed.

Yet again, Jake was impressed with Sophie. Lori had a will strong enough to push most people

around.He’dalwaysassumedSophiewasthebetatohersister’salpha.

Had he gotten it wrong all these years? Had he made the mistake of underestimating Sophie just

becauseshedidn’tfeeltheneedtobethecenterofattentionliketherestofthem?

“Oh no!” Sophie exclaimed. “That little boy is about to knock over the chocolate Eiffel Tower.”

Shequicklymovingtowardthelongfoodtableandthehungryboy,leavingJakealonewithSergeantLori.

Hewasadeadman.
“What the hell was going on back there?” She narrowed her eyes and snarled, “What were you

doingtomysister?”

Jake wished he knew. One moment he’d been trying to protect Sophie from some worthless

weddingguestwhoonlywantedherinhisbed...thenextshe’dbeeninhisarmsandhe’dbeenkissingher
asifhislifedependedonit.

Loritookastepcloserandhehadtofighttheurgetotakeastepbackinretreat.“Ifyouhurther,I

willhuntyoudownandtakegreatpleasureinhurtingyou,too.Badly.”Shesmiledathim,aturningupof
the lips that promised a great deal of future pain should he ever screw up again where Sophie was
concerned. “And you’d better believe that I’ll keep you alive just so that I can send my brothers in to
finishyouoff.”Sheclearedherfaceofmurderbeforesaying,“Nowwalkmebacktomytableandmakeit
lookbelievablethatyouandIwereoffgettingintoourusualtrouble.”

Sheslidherhandintothecrookofhisarmandpinchedhimhard,justincaseheneededareminder

thattanglingwithSophiewaswheretherealtroublewas.

Biggertroublethananyascrewuplikehimhadeverbeeninbefore.

ChapterFive

After righting the fondue tower in the nick of time, and pointing the little boy toward a bowl of

Hershey’sKisses,Sophiewenttowashherhandsandtotakeafewextramomentstocomposeherself.
Sheputherhandonherbellyasbutterfliesflewatthememoryofhowdeliciouslysensualshe’dfeltin
Jake’sarms.Hewasevenyummier,evenmoredangerous,evenmorepotent,thanshe’ddreamedhe’dbe.

IfonlyLorihadn’tcomesearchingforthem,thenmaybeSophiecouldhavegottenpastJake’sall-

too-clearremorse.“Youdeservebetter,” was what he’d said to her just after the sweetness of his kiss
hadshotstraightpastherheart,allthewaytohersoul.Attheveryleast,shewishedshe’dhadtimeto
convincehimthathisguiltandremorsewerebothmisplaced.

She’dwantedthatkissjustasmuchashehad.Andtheyweretwofull-grownadultswhocouldkiss

whomevertheywanted.

In any case, for the next few hours, she needed to push Jake’s kiss to the back of her mind and

concentrateherattentionwhereitshouldbe:onmakingsureChaseandChloe’sweddingwasabsolutely
perfect.Later,she’drelivethosemomentswhenallherdreamscametrue,whenshe’dbeeninJake’sarms
anditfeltlikethesunwasnevergoingtostopshining,anditseemedutterlyimpossiblethathemightnot
actuallywantherbeyondthatkiss.

Shelettheguests’laughterwarmherbeforesheheadedtothebigroundtableshewassharingwith

her siblings and their significant others. Noting that her mother, who was sitting with her close friends,
hadaworriedlookonherface,Sophiemadesuretostopbyherseat.

“Itwasabeautifulwedding,wasn’tit,Mom?”
“It was,” her mother agreed. But Mary’s eyes were too perceptive by half. “You’ve done enough

work,Sophie.Havesomefun.”

“Iam,”shetoldhermother.Andshewas.
KissingJakeMcCannwasthemostfunshe’deverhadinherlife.
LoriandJakewalkedbyjustthen,arminarm,Lorilaughingatsomethinghe’dsaid,thenpunching

himintheshoulder,hardenoughthatSophiewasfairlycertainhewashidingawinceofpainbehindhis
smile.

“TellJakeheneedstogetoutfrombehindthatbar,too.Iwanthimtocelebratewiththerestofus.”
HermotherhadneveraskedheraboutherfeelingsforJake.ButSophiehadneverbeenabletohide

whatwasinherheartfromhermother.Especiallynotnow,whenshewasfeelingmorethansheeverhad
forthemanwhohadstolenherheartwhenshe’dbeenalittlegirl,andhadtakenmoreofiteveryyearthat
passed.

“Iknowhowmuchyoulovetodance,andhe’stheperfectheighttobeyourpartner,”MarySullivan

suggestedbeforekissingherdaughter’scheek.

Sophiefelthereyesgrowwet.Ofcoursehermotherhadn’tcommentedonhermakeup,herhair,or

thedress.She’dsimplyseenbeneatheverythingontheoutsidestraighttowhatwasgoingoninside.

“Iloveyou,Mom.”
“Iloveyoutoo,sweetheart.”MarySullivankissedheragain.“Now,besuretotellyourbrothersto

keepthosespeechesclean.”

BuddingtearsgavewaytolaughterasSophiesaid,“WoulditbebadifItoldZachandRyanthey’re

neededontheothersideoftown,instead?”

Hermotherlaughedwithheratthethoughtthatherbrotherswouldeventhinkaboutstayinginline

whengiventhechancetosaysomethingshockingaboutChaseinfrontofsuchalargecrowd.

SophiequicklystoppedbyChaseandChloe’sseats.“Iseverythinggoingokaysofar?”

Chloe hugged her tight. “It’s the most beautiful wedding in the world. I can hardly believe it’s

mine.”

“Thanks,sis,”Chasesaid,“You’reoneheckofaweddingplanner.”
Sophiedidn’tbothertohideherwidegrin.SheadoredChloeandwasbeyondthrilledforChase.

“Ifit’sokaywithbothofyou,I’dliketogetrollingonthespeeches.”

Whentheyagreed,Sophiewalkeduptothetablewhereherbrothersandsisterwerewaitingforher

to set them loose. Before anyone could ask her where she’d been for the past half hour, she gave the
microphonetoMarcus.“You’refirst,andthenpassthemicrophonetothenextoldest.Jakewillgoafter
theboys,thenLoriandIwillgolast.”

SmithwasfrowningashelookedbetweenherandJake.She’dknownherfamilywasgoingtobe

watching her very carefully when she walked back into the reception area, and that even the slightest
indicationthatsomethinghadhappenedtoherwouldsendallsixofherbrothersonarampage.Especially
givenhernewlookforthewedding,sheknewtheywerealreadysuspiciousthatsomethingwasgoingon.
ShetookherseatandflashedabrightsmileatSmith,thankfulwhenMarcusstoodupandalleyesturned
tohim.

“This is a big day for the Sullivans.” The guests immediately stopped talking and focused their

attention on Marcus. “I’m sure there are some who thought the day would never come when one of us
would say ‘I do’.” As the crowd laughed at his on-point observation, Sophie worked like crazy not to
stareatJake,whowasseatednexttoLoriatthefarendofthelargetable.“Nowthatithas,Iknowthere
isn’tasingleoneofuswhoissurprised.”

MarcusturnedfromthecrowdtofaceChaseandChloe.“Chloe,ifIhadtried,Icouldn’thavefound

a partner more perfect for my brother.” The bride's eyes were already filling with tears as her new
husbandthreadedhisfingersthroughhers.“Chase,I’mashappyforyouasI’veeverbeen.Andsodamn
proud.OurfatherwasoneofthebestmenI’veeverknownandyou’vealwaysremindedmesomuchof
him.Hewouldbeasproudofyou,Chase,andhewouldloveyou,Chloe,asmuchastherestofusdo.”

Marcus’sstrongvoicebrokeslightlyonthelastwordandhelookeduptowardtheskyandpaused

likethatforafewlongmoments.Sophiecouldhearsnifflesfromallthroughoutthereceptionarea.Outof
thecornerofhereye,shecouldseehermotherbeginningtocry,butSophieknewifsheactuallylookedat
Mary,she’ddissolveintoawetpuddle,too.Smithgrippedherhandhardandshesqueezedbackwithall
herstrength,thetwoofthemholdingontoeachotherasMarcuscontinued.

“OneotherthingI’mabsolutelysureof—”HepausedagaintosmileatChaseandChloe,andturned

tobrieflylookateachofhisbrothersandsisters,beforefocusingonhismother.“—isthathe’sherewith
allofustoday.”

MarcuswasholdinghishandoverhisheartbynowandSophieknewwhy.Thatwasexactlywhere

she held her father to her. He’d passed away when she was only two, but she’d heard so many stories
abouthimovertheyears,andhadeachofhispicturesmemorized,thatshefeltshecouldrememberhim
justaswellasanyofheroldersiblings.

“Wecan’twaittomeetthefirstofthenextgenerationofSullivans.”
The applause came, then, as everyone got to their feet to toast not only Chase and Chloe, but the

baby growing inside of the beautiful bride. Chase’s hand rested possessively over her gently rounded
stomach as he kissed Chloe, and Sophie leaned into Smith’s shoulder as she whispered, “They’re so
beautifultogether,aren’tthey?”

Smith kissed her forehead, then took the mic from Marcus. As he stood up, everyone let out a

collective gasp. It wasn’t just that he was a movie star. Smith had always had a huge presence, had
alwaysbeenmesmerizing,especiallywhenhewasdeckedoutinablacktuxwithtails.Sophiewassure
every woman at the wedding—taken or not—was dreaming about what it would be like to have Smith
Sullivangiveherasecondglance.

“MybrothersandsistersliketotellmeIliveinaworldofmake-believe,”hesaidinthevoicethat

a billion people around the globe could have recognized with their eyes closed. “I don’t know what
they’retalkingabout.Mylifeisperfectlynormal.”

LaughterrolledthroughthecrowdasRyanandGabeshooktheirheadsastheatricallyaspossible.
“Onethingwecanallagreeon,”hecontinuedwhenthelaughtersubsided,“isthatthere’snothing

imaginaryaboutthelovebetweenChaseandChloe.”

Ohmy.Sophieknewherbigbrotherscouldbebigsofties.Buthadanyofthemeverletanyonebut

the family see it before? Especially Smith, who had to guard himself from the pressures of fame and
strangerswhothoughttheyknewtherealmanwhentheydefinitelydidn’t.

Andyet,inthismoment,forthebrotherheloved,Smithwaspureemotion.Ifhewaswillingtorisk

baringhissoulforafewmomentslikethis,Sophieknewshedidn’thaveaprayerofbeinganythingbuta
bigoldsplashypuddlebythetimethemicrophonelandedinherhand.

“Toyourforever.”
EveryoneraisedtheirglassesasSmithtoastedthebrideandgroom,Chasenoddingathisbrother

withabiggrininacknowledgementofthebeautifulwishhe’djustmadeforthem.

RyanwasnextashetookthemicrophonefromSmithandstoodup.Anyofthewomenwhohadn’t

justlosttheirheartstoSmithwouldhavebeenhardpressednottogiveituptotheprobaseballplayer.
Sophiecouldn’tthinkofthelasttimeshe’dseenRyanorZachinatux.Bothofthemhadcomplainedwhen
she’d informed them that’s what they were going to wear as groomsmen. Knowing her brothers and the
way they charmed absolutely any woman they came into contact with, Sophie made sure to let the tux
rental company know she’d be extremely upset if they caved and gave her brothers alternatives to the
tuxes.

Andshe’dbeenrighttoholdfirm.Allofherbrotherslookedabsolutelyfantastic,apictureperfect

postcard of male perfection. Sophie shot a glance at Lori, silently acknowledging that the two of them
didn’tlookhalfbad,either.Theirmother,Mary,waspureeleganceinherfloor-lengthlaceandsilkdress
inasoftcoralthatperfectlysetoffhercoloring.

“Guyslikemetendtolookatlifeasagame.”SophiecouldseehowmuchthecrowdlovedRyan’s

easymanner.He’dalwaysbeenthemostrelaxedandeasygoingofthemall.Onthebaseballfieldhetook
noprisoners,buteventhen,hemadeitalllooksoeasy.Soeffortless.Itwasthesamenow,ashesurveyed
the guests with a lazy appreciation. “Helps if early on you realize that some games are gonna go better
thanothers.”Heshrugged.“Ayearago,ifyou’daskedmeformythoughtsonthegameoflove,Iwould
havetoldyoutoasksomeothersap.”

SurprisedlaughterburstfromthecrowdandSophiehadtoshakeherheadandrollhereyesatRyan,

before catching her mother’s gaze and grinning. They’d predicted just this, hadn’t they? It was nice to
knowthereweresomethingsyoucouldcounton,shethoughtwithagrinthatshedidn’tbotherrepressing.

“ButI’vewatchedmybrotherandhisbrideprettycloselysincetheyfirstfoundeachother,andeven

foraguylikeme,there’snodenyingthatiflifeisagame,I’mbettingontheirchancesattakinghomethe
pennant.”HeliftedhisglasstoChaseandChloe.“Tobothofyou.”

Sophie couldn’t believe Ryan had actually made her tear up. He was supposed to be the comic

relief.Fortunately,sheactuallyfoundherselfthinking,Zachwasupnext.

Zach grinned as he took center stage, knowing darn well that none of the women in the reception

couldevenrememberSmithorRyan’snamesanymore.HowmanytimeshadoneofSophie’sgirlfriends
toldherthey’dneverseenanyoneasgorgeousasZach?Shewascertainplentyofflattireshadbeenfaked
onhisbehalf,ifonlyforthechancetogetclosetohimforafewminutes.

Herbrothershouldhavebeenutterlyinsufferableandarrogant.And,attimes,Sophiehadtoadmit

Zach was pretty darn close to being the dictionary definition of both those words. Still, despite his
endlessteasing,shecouldn’thelpbutlovehim.

“Letthisbealessontoallofyouwhoaren’tkeepingupwithyourautomaintenance,”Zachsaidto

thegroup.“Flattiresandtotaledcarscanleadstraighttosomethingtrulyshocking.”Hepausedforeffect,
thenloweredhisvoiceandsaid,“Marriage.”

Theguestsalllaughed,buteventhoughSophiewasonthevergeoflaughing,too,shemadeherself

shootherbrotherahardlook.Hegrinnedunrepentantlyatherbeforeturningtothebrideandgroom.

“Butseriously,thisisagreatdayandIcouldn’thavepickedabettergirlformybrother.ToChloe,

forbeingbraveenoughtotaketheplungewithaSullivan.”Heraisedhisglassandeveryonefollowed.

GabepretendedtotackleZachashepulledthemicrophonefromhishand,butheinstantlysobered

asheturnedtoChaseandChloe.“AllmylifeI’velookeduptoyou,Chase.Butnevermorethantoday,
whenyouhadthecouragetomakevowsofforeverwithChloe.”

TrustGabetogetrighttotheheartofit.Herfirefighterbrotherhadalwayslivedalifeofriskand

bravery.Justafewmonthsagohe’dfinallyfoundhisowntrueloveinMeganandherdaughter,Summer,
twoheartsandsoulsthatwerejustasbraveasherbrother’s.

“Justasyou’vealwaysbeenthereforme,IwantyoubothtoknowthatI’mhereforyou.Anything

youneed,anytime,don’thesitatetoask.BecauseI’llmoveheavenandearthtomakesurethatit’syours.”

ChloeblewGabeakissaseveryoneapplauded.Sophiefeltbadforthemenintheaudiencewhose

wiveswerenowlookingatthemwithnew—higher—expectationsafterhearingfromthefirefighter.

SophiehadbeentryingtoprepareherselfforthemomentwhenJaketookthemicrophonetomake

histoast.Shetoldherselfnottostareathimfortoolong,butnottolookawaytoomanytimes,either.She
needed to behave like everyone else in the audience...rather than like someone who was hopelessly,
irrevocably,inlovewiththemanstandingbeforethem.

“IwastenyearsoldwhenImetChaseSullivan.IwasinhisbackyardandIdidn’twanttobethere

anymorethanIthoughtanyoneelsewantedmearound.”

Sophieforgotallaboutactingnormal.WhatwasJakedoing?Sure,everyoneelsewaspullingout

thestops,butthatwaswhatbrothersdidforeachother.Jakehadalwaysheldhiscardsmuchclosertohis
chest than the rest of them, even Zach. Sophie fell even more in love with Jake as she watched him
unexpectedlyopenupinfrontofhundredsofstrangers.

“Istillrememberwatchingthefootballcomesailingfromoutofnowherestraighttowardmypuny

littlehead.”

Onelookatthelargemanstandingbeforethemanditwasabsolutelycleartoeveryonethatnothing

aboutJakehadeverbeenpuny.Sophieshiveredassherememberedhowbig,howstrong,hismuscular
bodyhadfeltpressedintoherswhilehe’dbeenholdingher.

“Somehow I managed to catch it a before it nailed me right between the eyes.” Grins turned to

laughterasJaketurnedtoChase.“Youraimhasalwaysbeendeadon,buddy.Afterwitnessingfirsthand
thewayyou—andtherestofthismotleycrew—tookinascaredkidmorethantwentyyearsago,Chloe,
you’llbepleasedtoknowthatyou’vechosentospendtherestofyourlifewithoneofthebestmenI’ve
everhadthehonorofknowing.There’sasayinginIrelandthatseemsprettyappropriatefortoday:

Ifyoumustlie,lieinthearmsoftheoneyoulove.
Ifyoumuststeal,stealawayfrombadcompany.
Andifyoumustdrink,drinkinthemomentsthattakeyourbreathaway.”

Sophiecouldn’tpullhergazefromJake’schiseledfaceasheraisedtheglassofspeciallybrewed

McCannbeerthat,shewassurprisedtosuddenlyrealize,hadjustbeendeliveredtoalltheguests’place
settingsduringtheothertoasts.Thathe’dplannedsuchabeautifultoastforherbrotherandhisnewwife
simplystunnedherwithitspoignancy,asdidhisfinalwordsonliftedglass:“Tooneofthosemoments.”

Lorigavethecrowdasaucygrinasshestoodup.Puttingherhandonherhipasifsheweremad

aboutsomething,shesaid,“I’llhaveallofyouknowthatIalwaysfiguredI’dbethefirstSullivantoget
married.”Shepoutedintothelaughter,somehowmanagingtolookbeautifulevenasshepushedouther
lowerlip.“Andifanyonehadtoldmethatmybigbrotherwasgoingtoupandstealmythunder,Iwould
haveremindedhimthatlittlesistersknowhowtoexactourrevenge.”ShewinkedinChase’sdirection.

Sophie had to admit that her twin knew how to work a crowd. It was why she was such a great

choreographer.Loriunderstoodwhatpeoplewanted,andshewastalentedenoughtogiveittothem.After
the deep emotions from her brothers and Jake, Lori’s seductive playfulness was just what the doctor
ordered.

“Good thing my love for you, Chase, is only surpassed by my thrill at calling Chloe sister.” She

raisedherglasstothebride.“Welcometothefamily,sis.We’rethrilledyou’reofficiallyoneofusnow.”

Sophie’sheartstartedpoundinganout-of-controlbeatasLorisashayedacrossthereceptionareato

give her the microphone. She wasn’t comfortable speaking in front of people, had always been able to
relyonacrowdofcharismaticSullivanstodisappearbehind.

Hertwinpulledhertoherfeetandshovedthemicather,leavingSophienochoicebuttograbit

beforeitfelltothefloor.Sophieknewshemustlooklikeadeercaughtintheheadlights,withallofthose
peoplestaringather,waitingforhertosaysomethingbeautifulandmovinglikeeveryoneofthosewho
hadspokenbeforeher.

Ohno.
Shedidn’tknowwheretolook,wantedtodisappearintothefloor.Butthen,justasshethoughtshe

wasgoingtosuffocatefrombeingunabletotakeafullbreath,shelookedupandfoundJake’seyesonher.

Youcandothis,heseemedtobesayingtoher.Andtherewassuchbeliefinhisunwaveringgaze

thatSophiehadnochoicebuttobelieve,too,ifonlyforlongenoughtomakeherspeechandsitdown.

“Hi.”Shewasn’tusedtohearinghervoiceechoingoutofspeakerslikethatandittookheraback,

untilshelockedontoJake’sdarkgazeagain.

You’renotreallyafraidofthisbunch,areyou?
She suddenly remembered him looking down at her from a tree fort the boys had built, so many

yearsago.Shecouldn’thavebeenmorethansixorsevenandherlegshadbeentremblingthesameway
theywerenow,butshe’dseenthatchallengeinJake’seyesandshe’drisentoit,climbingupthattreeso
fastshehadn’tbeenabletoletfeargrabholdofherandtosshertotheground.Hehadn’tcongratulated
herformakingitintothefort,hadprobablymadesomecrackaboutbanninggirlsinthefuture...butshe’d
knownhewasproudofher.

Shewantedhimtobeproudofhernow.
“Iloveweddings,”shefinallysaid.“Bigones.Smallones.Ifit’saboutlove,andforever,you’ve

got me. Right here.” She put her hand over her chest, then looked at her siblings. “Growing up in this
family,itwasn’talwayseasybeinganincurableromantic.”Herbrothersandtwingrinnedalongwiththe
rest of the guests. “But if I’d ever been even close to being cured,” she paused and faced Chase and
Chloe,“thetwoofyoumademebelieveinlovealloveragain.”Sheraisedherglasstothecouple.“I’d
liketomakeatoasttomybelovedbigbrother,Chase,andmybrandnewsister,Chloe,forwritingoneof
themostbeautifullovestoriesI’veeverknown.”

Everyonegottotheirfeetagainandshedidn’tbothertostophertearsfromcomingasshebeamed

atherbrotherandhisbride.

Andthen,finally,itwastimetogivethemicrophonetohermother.MarySullivankissedheronthe

cheekandwhispered,“Absolutelyperfect,honey,”beforeshetookthemicandfacedthehappycouple.

“Ican’tcountthenumberoftimespeoplehaveremarkedonhowharditmusthavebeenraiseeight

children, but I’ve always thought I was the luckiest person in the world.” She reached up to her head.
“EvenifIhadtostartcoloringmyhairinmythirtiestocoverupthegraysthatseemedtocomeinbythe
second.” The laughter was mixed with sniffles already and Sophie was utterly enraptured by the love

flowingaroundandaroundtheroom,wrappingthemalluptogetherinasoftcocoon.

“Although today I’m officially welcoming Chloe into my family, she’s been in my heart since the

veryfirsttimeChasespokeofherandIheardthelovehefeltforherevenacrossthetelephonelines.I
loveyouboth.”

JustasSophiehadplanned,themusicstartedatthetailendofhermother’stoast.Smithpulledher

up out of her seat and into his arms. Her big brother was a fantastic dancer and she’d always loved
dancing with him, since the time she’d been a little girl, standing barefoot on top of his shoes as he
twirledheraroundthelivingroom.

She’dcriedmoretodaythanshehadinyears,buttheyhadallbeengoodtears.Tearsofjoy,ofpure

love.Nowshewaslaughing,feelingsolight,sofullofthatlove,asherbrotherdippedherandthendrew
heroutforanextendedtwirlthatleftherbreathless.

EspeciallywhenshelandedstraightinJake’sstrongarms.

ChapterSix

JakehadneverseenanyonemorebeautifulthanSophieSullivan.Ifhe’dbeencharmedbythepurity

of her emotions during the wedding ceremony, her reaction to her siblings’ speeches had to be the
sweetestthinghe’deverwitnessed.

ButitwasherlaughterasshedancedwithSmiththattookhimovertheedge,straighttoaplacehe

knewdamnwellnottogo.

Sophiewassimplyirresistible.Notjustbecauseofhercurvesandhergorgeousface,butbecause

of the very thing that should have had him heading as fast as he could in the opposite direction: She
couldn’tevenbegintoknowhowtohideheremotions.

Nootherwomanhadeverfeltthisrightinhisarmsandwhenthesongslowedandsheputherhead

on his shoulder, he had to pull her closer, had to breathe in her soft scent, a hint of champagne and
flowers.

Jake could feel Smith’s gaze on him, hard and threatening, but in that moment Jake simply didn’t

careifhewasgoingtopayforhistransgressionswithSophie.Shewastoowarm.Toosoft.

Andtoodamnsweetforhimtofigureouthowtoletgoofher,yet.
“Oh,Jake,”shewhisperedinhisearastheymovedtothemusic,“thisissoperfect.”
Hewassoattunedtothesoftpressofherbreastsagainsthischest,tothefeelofherbreathoverhis

earlobe, he didn't hear the warning bell in his head until several beats had passed. He knew what he
neededtodo.Heneededtopullaway,neededtomakeitclearthatperfectwasnevergoingtobeinthe
cardsforthetwoofthem.

But, Lord, all he wanted was to steal a few more short moments with the first—and only—girl

who’deverlookedathimwithloveinhereyes.Hewasamazedtorealizethatherfeelingshadn’tgone
awaywiththeyears.Instead,they’dgrownsobigthathe’dfeltitinherkiss,inthewaysheheldontohim
likehereallywasahero,insteadoftypecastforthevillain.

Heknewbetter,though,andeventhoughhisguttwistedatwhathewasabouttodo,hemadehimself

say,“Youthrewagreatparty.Goteveryonewrappedupinthefantasyofhappyeverafter.”Heputhis
handsonherwaistandtriednottothinkabouthowgood,howright,shefeltagainsthim.“Butthat’sallit
is.Justafantasy.”

Shestiffened in hisarms. Only shedidn’t bite as quicklyas he wishedshe would. “Jake, please,

youdon’thavetodothis.Iknowyou’reconcernedabouthowmyfamilywouldtakeourrelationship,but
—”

“Wedon’thavearelationship,princess.Andwe’renotgoingto.”
Sheblinkedathislowwords,herbodygoingevenstifferagainsthis.Still,shedidn’twalkoutof

hisarms.“Iknowwhyyou’retryingtopushmeaway,butyou’rewrong.Icouldhaveneverfallenforyou
ifyouweren’tworthit.”

Toolate,herealizedwhathe’ddone.He’dletSophietellherselfonelieafteranotherabouthim

overtheyears.Heshouldhavemadesuresheknewthetruthalongtimeago.

“I’vedonethingsthatwouldmakeyouphysicallyill,”hetoldher.Notjustalltheback-alleyfights

he’dbeeninasateenager,butthefactthathe’dhadtoholdaknifeupagainsthisfatherduringadrunk
beatingthatcouldn’thaveendedanyotherway.Andthentherewasthesecrethe’dkeptfromeveryonebut
herbrotherZach,whowouldtakeitwithhimtohisgrave.Hecouldnevermakethemistakeofallowing
hercloseenoughtouncoverit.

“Jake,youdon’thavetobeafraidtoshareyourpastwithme.Ilo—”
“Never.”Hehadtocutheroffbeforeshesaidthefatalword.“That’snevergoingtohappen.”

HewrappedhishandaroundherwristanddraggedherbacktoSmith,whohadn’ttakenhiseyesoff

thetwoofthemsincethey’dstarteddancingtogether.

“Whatabouthowyouweregoingtohelpmemakemyexjealous?”
“Webothknowthereisnoex.”
He waited for her to insist there was, almost wishing she would keep up the charade. But that

wasn’tthegirlhe’dknownnearlyallhislife.

“You’re right,” she said softly. “I did date someone here, but he isn't at all important to me. I’m

sorryIliedtoyou.Ididn’tknowanyotherwaytotryandgetyourattention.”

Whycouldn’tshebecoldandcalculatinglikeotherwomen?Whatwashesupposedtodowiththat

honesty?Otherthancrushitflat...alongwiththesparkhehatedtoseeextinguishedinhereyes.

Smith’sfacewascarvedingranitebythetimeJakeandSophiemadeitoffthedancefloor.“Sorry

tointerruptyourdance,Smith.I’vegottomanthebartherestofthenight.She’sallyours.”

JaketurnedonhisheelandforcedhimselftowalkawayfromSophie,straightthroughthethrongof

dancers,notcaringwhoheknockedintoashemadehiswayovertothebar.Butherscentwasstillon
him,andhecouldn’tshakethephantomfeelofhercurvespressingintohimasthey’ddanced.

He didn’t need to look back to know that Sophie was staring after him with those big, beautiful

eyes.Eventually,she’drealizehe’ddonetherightthing—foronce—bywalkingawayfromher.Oneday
soon,she’dfindsomeperfectguyandthey’dallbestandingaroundtoastingtruelovewhileshebeamed
backattheminawhiteweddingdress.

SmithhadlookedlikehewantedtokillJake.
Jakewishedhewouldgiveithisbestshot...andputhimoutofhismisery,already.

***

Hours later, Sophie was exhausted and exhilarated all at the same time. The wedding had been

absoluteperfectionandChaseandChloewerespendingthenightattheguesthousebeforeheadingtothe
coastofThailandinthemorning.Thecateringcrewhadcleanednearlyeverythingupandshe,Jake,and
Smithweretheonlyonesleftonsite.

Sheknewwhatherbrotherwasdoing.Hewasbabysittingher,makingsureshedidn’tdosomething

stupidwithJake,andupsetwhatSmiththoughtthebalanceofrelationshipsshouldbeintheirfamily.Ifher
brothershadtheirway,shewouldstillbeanuntouchedvirgin.

Jake shoved the final keg into the back of his black van. “That’s it for me. Unless you guys need

anythingelse?”

Shewasn’tfooledbythewayhereferredtoherasoneofthe“guys”andshedidn’tthinkSmithwas,

either.TheonlyonewiththewoolpulledoverhiseyesrightnowwasJake,andthatwasonlybecausehe
wassodesperateto“dotherightthing.”

Nowondereveryonealwayssaidmenwerestupid.Hewouldn’tknowthe“rightthing”ifithithim

betweentheeyes...whichshehadbeenmorethanalittletemptedtodowithoneofherheelswhenshe’d
seenhimflirtingwithattractivefemaleweddingguests.

“SophieandIhaveitcovered,Jake.”
“Okay,then.”Henoddedintheirdirection.“Goodnight.”
He left without hugs or handshakes for either of them and Smith immediately started in with, “I

knowyoudon’twanttohearwhatIhavetosay.”

“Thendon’tsayit.”
“Heisn’ttherightmanforyou.”
“Howcanyousaythataboutoneofyourbestfriends?”
“That’sexactlywhyIcansayit.”Smithreachedforherhandandwhenhemadeherlookathim,

with the moon shining down on the only two people left in the vineyard, she didn’t see the movie star
everyone else saw. Instead, Sophie saw a father figure who had cared for her—and loved her—every
momentofherlife.“Lethimgo,Soph.”

“Iknowhe’sbeenwithalotofwomen,but—”
“Morethanyoucouldeveraddup,butwhatI’mtalkingaboutgoeswaydeeperthanthat.”Heran

hisfreehandthroughhishair.“Hecan’tloveyouback.”

Smith’s words resounded with a forceful premonition of doom, of pain, of loss. She was almost

frightenedbytheexpressiononherbrother’sface.

His phone rang just then, an urgent beeping that had him cursing and pulling it from his pocket.

“Damnit,it’smydirectorinAustralia.”

Smith was executive producing his new big-budget movie, and she knew it had been nearly

impossibleforhimtocarveoutthesehoursforthewedding.Andyet,notonceallnighthadhepickedup
hisphone.

Heturnedhisbackonherashetoldthedirector,“Ican’ttalkrightnow,James.I’minthemiddleof

somethingimportantandI’llhavetocallyouback.Youknewwhatshewaslikewhenyouhiredher.We
allwarnedyou.I’mleavingfortheairportatfirstlight.I’lldealwithitassoonasIcan.”

ButbythetimeSmithdisconnectedthecall,Sophiewasgone.

ChapterSeven

“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”
SophiewasstandingonthefrontstepofJake’sNapaValleyrentalhouse,asifhe’dconjuredherout

ofthinair.

“Icametoseeyou,Jake.Totalk.Tofigurethingsout.”Hergazedroppedtohismouthbeforeshe

whispered,“Andtokisssomemore.”

JakehadthoughtaboutSophieeverysecondsincetheirkissinthevines.Workingbehindthebarall

night,ithadbeentorturewatchingherdancewithanendlessstreamofmen.Evenknowingmanyofthem
wereoldfamilyfriendsdidn’tstopthebilefromchurninginhisgutandhishandsfromturningintofists.
Hewasanoldfamilyfriendandlookatwhathewantedtodotoher:ripherclothesoffandtakeheragain
andagain.

Workingtoignorethewayhisbodywasrespondingtohernearness,hesteppedoutontothefront

stepandclosedthedoorbehindhim.

“There’snothingtotalkabout.Nothingtofigureout.Andwe’renotgoingtokissagain.Ever.”
She should have run at his harsh tone. Instead, she moved closer. Close enough to mess with

whateverbraincellswerestillfunctioninginthebloodlesszoneofhisbrain.

“Jake,ifyou’lljustletmecomein—”
“Icouldhavebeeninbedwithsomeoneelse.”
Shecouldn’thideherflinchathisharshwords,atthereminderthathehadspecificallynotchosen

totakehertohisbedtonight.Butinsteadofbackingoff,hewatchedasshepushedhershouldersbackand
herchinup.

“Butyouaren’t...areyou?”
“No.”Damnit,heshouldhavebeen.Thatwouldhaveshowedbothofthemthatallheneededwasa

warm,willingbody,insteadofwantingSophiewithanurgencythatwasnearlydrivinghiminsane.“But
thatdoesn’tmeanIwaswaitingforyou.”

The corners of her mouth moved up at the words waiting for you. “Stop trying to deny what

happenedbetweenus,Jake.You’renotgoingtoconvincemethatourconnectionisn’treal.”

Shewasright—thesparksbetweenthemhadpracticallysetthevineyardonfire.Convincingherhe

didn’twantherwasn’tgoingtowork.He’dhavetomakeherrunadifferentway.

He’dkillanyonewhoharmedevenonehaironSophie’shead.Already,heknewitwasgoingtobe

averylongtimebeforeheforgavehimselfforthatkiss...andforwhathewasabouttodotohernow.

Justbecausepushingherawaywasanecessaryevil,didn’tmeanitwasn’tevil,damnit.
He purposely raked his gaze down her body, lingering on her breasts and hips far longer than he

needed to. “You’re too innocent for me, princess. Why don’t you leave before something happens that
you’llregret?”

Itwaspartlythatinnocencethatdrewhimtoher,ofcourse,butshedidn’tneedtoknowthat.Not

whenhewasonamissiontogethertoleavebeforehiscontrolshattered.

Butinsteadofrisingtohistaunts,shesimplysmiledathim.“Oneoftheperksofbeingalibrarianis

endlessaccesstobooks.”Shelickedatherlowerlip,slowly,deliberately.“Allkindsofbooks.”

Suddenly,Jakecouldn’tgetpasttheimageofSophieporingovertheKamaSutra, memorizing all

thosevariationsonlovemakingwithherbigbrain.Itwaswrong.Sodamnwrong.

Andyet,hisbodyseemedtothinkitwasimpossiblyright.
“Readingaboutsexdoesn’tmeanadamnthing,princess.”Heforcedthesneer,hatinghimselfmore

witheverywordoutofhismouth.“It’swhatyou’vedone,”hedroppedhisgazetoherincrediblebreasts

again,“andwhatyou’rewillingtodothatcounts.”

“I’lldoanything.”
Oh,hellno.Thatwasn’twhatshewassupposedtosay.
Jake had never been backed into a darker corner. Not even with his drunk father had he felt so

helpless,sooutofcontrol.Heneededtopickthereinsbackup,ratherthanletthebeautystandingbefore
himkeeptakinghimforaridetheyshouldn’tbeoninthefirstplace.

“Anything,huh?”Shenodded,butherfacewasflushingagain,aflushthatmoveddownherneckto

thesoftswellofherbreastsrisingupabovethetopofherdress.

“I already told you,” she reminded him in a soft, but firm, voice, “you’re not going to scare me

away,notmatterhowhardyoutry.Youcan’tscaremebecauseIalreadyknowtherealyou.”

Therealhim?He’dshowhertherealhim,allright.
“How many times have you been blindfolded? And I’m not talking about Pin the Tail on the

Donkey.”

“Iknowyou’renot,”sheshotback.
“Howmany,princess?”
Shelookedhimstraightintheeye.“Areyousureyouwanttoknow?”
Damnit,hehadn’tseenthatcoming.KnowinghecouldbarelyhandlethethoughtofSophieinbed

with another man, before she could actually give him her answer, he tried again with something she
couldn’tpossiblyhavedone.

“Whataboutsexinapublicplace?”
Sweet,niceSophieSullivansmiledathim.“Definepublic.”
Jakesuckedinahardbreath,feelinglikehe’djustbeenpunched—repeatedly—inthegut.Still,he

hadtotryonemoretime,onelast-ditchefforttomakeSophieseewhatamistakeshewasmakingwith
him.

“Okay,”hesaidaseasilyashecouldbetweenclenchedteeth,“soyou’veplayedaroundalittlebit.

ButyouandIbothknowwhataguylikemeneedsisn’tsomethingagirllikeyouwantstogive.”

“Wannabet?”
Thelastthingheexpectedwasforhertothrowthesamewordsbackathimthathe’dsaidbeforehe

grabbedherandkissedher.Heshouldn’twanttodoitagain,shouldn’tbeaheartbeatawayfromshoving
herupagainstthefrontdoorandrippingoffthatsilkydresssothathecouldmakegoodonshowingherhe
meanteverywordhe’djustsaid.

“I’mnotasoft,gentleloverliketheguysyou’vebeenwithbefore.Youmakethemistakeoftaking

onestepinsidethishouse,”hewarnedherinahardvoice,“there’snogoingback.”

As if in slow motion, Jake watched as Sophie reached for the doorknob, turned it, and took that

fatedstepintothehouse.Hewasparalyzed,couldn’tdoanythingbutstareatherasshemovedfurtherinto
thehouse,herhipsswayingwitheverystepshetook.Whenshereachedthelivingroom,whilestillinfull
lineofsightfromthefrontstep,shepausedforamomentbeforeturningaroundtofacehim.

Herfaceheldhope,desire—andsomethingthatlookedtoomuchlikelove—asshereachedforthe

zipperonthesideofherdressandbegantopullitdown.

No.
God,no.
Heneededtoputastoptothisrightnow.Butinsteadofbarkingoutanordertostopactingcrazy,

insteadofturningawayasifhedidn’tcareonewayoranotherifsheundressedinfrontofhim,hewas
struckstupidyetagain.Itwasasifshe’dcastaspelloverhim,onehecouldn’tbreakifitmeanthemissed
onesinglesecondofhershockinglygorgeousunveiling.

He’dguessedearliershewasn’twearinganythingunderthedress,buthehadn’teverexpectedto

confirm it in person. In seconds, the dress would fall and he wouldn’t have a prayer of doing the right

thing.

“Sophie,”hesaid,hernamearaggedpleafromhislips.
Apleatostop...andapleatolethimfinallyseeallofher.
A plea to leave...and a plea for her to promise she’d never, ever give up on him, no matter what

happened.

Thezippercameallthewaydownandsheheldthedressinplacewithsteadyhands.Hereyeswere

huge,buthedidn’tseefear,didn’tseenervesinthem.

Onlyanticipation.
Andadesirestrongenoughtomatchthelusteatinghimupfromtheinside.
A moment later, she let her dress drop to the wood planked floor, and stood before him wearing

nothingbutapairofpinkheels.

“I’myours,Jake.”

ChapterEight

“Holyhell,you’rebeautiful.”
Jake’s words took the chill away from her naked skin just moments before the front door was

slammingshutandshewasinhisarms.Hismouthcoveredhers,taking,claiming,brandingherwithakiss
thatbleweveryotherkissaway.Hishandscuppedherhipsandasthekissspiraledmoreandmoreoutof
controlhedraggedhernakedbodyintohis.Hetrappedherlegsbetweenhisspreadthighs,thethickbulge
behindhiszipperthrobbingandpulsingagainstherbelly.

Shewantedtotouchhimeverywhere,wantedproofthatthismomentwasrealandnotjustadream

shewasgoingtowakeupfrom,frustratedandalone.Hewasholdinghersotightlyagainsthimthather
forearmswerepressedupagainsthisrock-hardchest,butshecouldsplayherhandsagainsthim,could
rubthepadsofherfingersoverhischestthroughthefinecottonofhisdressshirt.

Butitwasn’tenoughforher.Sophiewasdesperateformoreofhim,formoreofthiskissandthe

chancetoslideherhandsupoverhisshoulders,uphisneck,tocuptheplanesofhisbeautifulface.When
hebegantorainkissesoverhercheeks,herchin,andthenintothehollowofherneck,shethreadedher
fingersintohishair,thenarchedherheadbackandpressedherbreastsharderintohischestashepressed
kissestoherskin.

Andthen—ohGod,howlonghadshewaitedforthismoment?—shefelthismouthmovelower,

andlowerstill,untilhistonguecurledoverthetipofonebreast.

She’dneverfeltanythinglikethis,hadneverknownwhatitwastostepinsideaboltoflightning

andbecomelightandflames.Theexplosionsstarteddeepinherbelly,downlowwhereeverythingwas
throbbingwitharousal,waitingforJake’ssavagepossession.

Shegaspedhisnameandheansweredherbymovingoneofhishandsfromherhiptocupandtease

theotherbreast,justasheslidhisotherhandoverhersex.Shedroppedhergazedowntohisdarkhead,
onlytofindthathewaslookingupather,too,andinthatinstantthattheirgazesconnected,Sophielost
holdofthethinthreadthathadbeenholdinghertogether.

Hereyesflutteredclosedasshecameapartagainsthim,herhipsinstinctivelyrockingintohishand

as she rode the shockingly unexpected climax. His sensual touch, the warmth of his fingers in her most
intimateplaceevenashemovedhismouthtoherotherbreast,hisstubblescratchingagainstherchestin
themostdeliciouslyroughway,sentherspiralingoffevenhigher,fromapreludeofpleasuretoanencore
thatcameoutofnowhereandseemedtojustgoonandon.

Her legs would have buckled if not for Jake slipping one arm beneath her knees and the other

aroundherribcageasheliftedheroffthefloor.Hedidn’tgiveheranytimetothinkashismouthcame
downoverhersagain,histonguethrustingagainsthers.Andashecarriedherthroughthelivingroomand
downthehall,shefeltsoincrediblysexy,nakedwithonlyherheelsoninhisstrongarms.

Sheheardhimkickopenadoorandthenextthingsheknewhewasloweringherontoasoftvelvet

bedcovering.Hismouthstilloverhers,sherealizedhewasn’tkissingheranymore,thathewastakingher
wristsinoneofhislargehandsandliftingherarmsaboveherhead,holdingthemfirmlyinplace.Holding
herrightwherehewantedher.

She’dbeenbluffingoutonthefrontsteps,ofcourse.Shehadn’teverbeenblindfolded,hadn’thad

publicsex.Notbecauseshewasafraidtodothosethings,butbecauseshe’dneverhadtherightmantodo
themwith.

Untiltonight.
UntilJake.
Shetriedtowrapherlegsaroundhim,wantedhimtotakeher,tomakeherhis,buthewouldn’tlet

herlead,insteadusinghisbodytostillhersbeneathhis.

Held deliciously captive beneath his strong muscles, she watched his beautiful mouth say the

words,“Letmeloveyou.”Hismouthmovedtoherearlobeashelickedattheskinbehinditbeforebiting
intothesensitiveflesh.“Ijustwanttoloveyou.”

Love.
Hewantedtoloveher.
Hermusclesmeltedlikebutterbeneaththesweetstrokeofhisfreehanddownthesideofherbody,

frombreasttowaistandhipstothighandsheopenedupforhimagain,forthesweetslideofhishand
overhersex.

Heraisedhisheadtolookdownatherashecuppedher,hisheatmeldingwithhersuntilshedidn’t

know where she ended and he began. Sophie had to arch her hips up into his hand, searching all over
againforthatpleasurehe’dgiventohermereminutesago.

“That’sit,”heurgedherassherockedagainsthishandasshetriedsodesperatelytotakeherself

backoverthatincrediblyhighpeak.Herinnermusclesclenchedandpulledathisfingersashethrustthem
intoher,sometimesfast,sometimesexcruciatinglyslow.

“Please,Jake,”shebeggedhim,thepleafallingfromherlipsunbidden.
“Anything,”hevowed.“Anythingforyou.”
Andthenhismouthwasbackonherbreastsoh-too-brieflybeforehewasmovinglower,kissingand

biting at the skin stretched taut over her stomach. Somewhere in her head she knew what was going to
happen, that he was going to put his mouth between her legs and taste her. Of course she’d fantasized
about what it would be like to be with Jake so intimately, but she’d never actually believed it would
happen.

Hishandsmovedtoherinnerthighs,gentlypushingthemapart.“Showmehowbeautifulyouare.

Letmetasteyoursweetness.”

Noonehadevertalkedtoherlikethisduringsex,likehewasastarvingmanandshewasafeast

laidoutbeforehim.

“Beautiful.” He breathed out against her aroused flesh and a shiver took her over. “So damned

beautiful.”Andthenhewasloweringhisheaddown,thendownfurtherstill,untilhewascoveringher,
breakingherapartoneslowswipeofhistongueatatime.

She should have been prepared for her climax this time, should have known it would send her

reeling,shouldhavebeenabletotakeitinandholdontothefeelingsofextremepleasuretominelaterin
her memories. But she didn’t have a prayer as his stubble rubbed against her folds, over her slick and
dampcurls.Hesuckedherarousedfleshbetweenhislipsandashetuggedattheincrediblysensitiveball
ofnerves,herlimbsshookandherheartpoundedsoharditnearlyjumpedthroughherribsandskin,as
shecameforhim.Hercryofpleasuresoundedthroughthebedroom,thetallceilingsandfloor-to-ceiling
glasswindowsechoingitback.

Whenthecurrentsofpleasurefinallysubsided,neverleavinghercompletely,Sophieknewadeeper

exhaustion—andsatisfaction—thanshe’deverhadinherlife.Hereyeswereheavy,soheavythatevenas
the mattress shifted beneath Jake’s weight, she couldn’t quite manage to open them to see what he was
doing.

Soon,shefeltthebedmoveagainandknewhewasbackwithher.Shereachedforhim,hereyes

stillclosed.Butwhenhegrabbedherhandsinhisandloweredhismouthtotheminsteadoflettingher
touchhim,shehadtopushhereyelidsopen.

Themostbeautifulsightintheworldawaitedher.
Jake was a bronzed, perfectly formed god, kneeling between her thighs, his head bowed down to

herhandsasifinprayer.Atattooedtailofananimalsheguessedwasadragontravelledacrosshisrib
cagefromhisback.She’dseenthebandaroundhisarmswhenhe’dwornshortsleeves,butshe’dnever

hadthechancetoappreciatetheartistrythatshiftedandpulsedwiththetighteningofhismuscles.

She couldn’t focus on his tattoos for very long tonight, though. Not when he was also shockingly

erect,hisshaftalreadycoveredwithathinlayeroflatex.Forseveralmoments,shecouldn’ttearhereyes
fromit,couldhardlybelieveanythingthatbigcouldeverfitinsideher.

But when he raised his gaze to hers, she was rocked by what she saw in his dark eyes. Not just

desire,butsomethingfierce.

Possessive.
“I shouldn’t do this.” Each word from his lips was raw. Broken. His face was ravaged with

conflictingemotions.“ButIcan’twalkawaythistime.Ihavetotakeyou,Sophie.”

“Yes,”sheurgedhim,“takeme.Now.”
Hewasshakinghishead,butevenashedid,hewaslettinggoofherhandsandmovingtocupher

hips to pull her closer. When he was nearly against her and she was holding her breath waiting for the
preciousmomentwhentheyfinallybecameone,hestoppedandgrippedherhipssohardsheknewshe’d
havebruisesinthemorning.

And then he thrust into her, so hard and deep that his name burst from her lips on a cry of the

deepest pleasure she’d ever known. Being claimed by the only man she’d ever truly wanted, was a
thousandtimesbetterthanshe’deverdreameditwouldbe.

Shereachedupandputherarmsaroundhisnecktopullhisfacedowntohers.Theirmouthscame

togetherinadesperatekissasshemethimthrustforthrust.

“I love you,” Sophie whispered against his lips, causing Jake to still above her so suddenly, so

sharply,thesuddenshiftofhisbodyactuallykickedherovertheedgeshe’dbeenteeteringonagainsince
thefirstmomentshelookedupandsawhimpoisedtotakeher.

“I love you so much, Jake.” She wasn’t afraid to tell him anymore. Not now that he’d shown her

how he felt about her with his body, worshipped her with it. “Always,” she vowed even as waves of
pleasurewashedthrougheverycellinherbody.

“Forever.”
Asifherwordsoflovehadbrokenthedamthatheldhimimmobile,Jakemovedbackintoaction,

pushingintohersofiercelythatthetopofherheadhitthecushionedheadboardbehindherasheexploded
insideofherattheexactmomenthernamelefthislips.

***

OfallthethingsJakewouldneverforgivehimselffor,takingSophieinsuchasavagewaywould

never be topped. And yet, even as his self-hatred grew inside of him like a festering virus, she was so
soft, so sweet in his arms as she slept that he couldn’t stop himself from breathing in her scent, from
soakingupherwarmth.

Jakewasnostrangertohotsex.He’dbeenenjoyingwomenofallshapesandsizessincehewasa

teenager. But sex with Sophie had been so much bigger than anything he’d ever experienced, so much
morethanjustsex.

He’dlovedhernearlyallhislife.Lovedhersomuch,infact,thathetightenedhisholdonhereven

ashefacedwhathadtohappennext.Henevershouldhaveletthesightofherbeautifulnakedbodysend
himallthewayovertheedgethewayithad.Butwhenshe’dunzippedherdressandletitfalltothefloor,
when he’d finally been given everything he’d wanted for so many years, he’d been unable to fight the
beastinsideofhimthatwantedSophie.

NeededSophie.
CravedSophie.
Themoonlightstreaminginthroughthewindowswasbrightenoughforhimtoseeherfaceasshe

shiftedwithhim,hersoftmouthcurvingupintoasatisfied,contentedsmileeveninhersleep.

Whatwouldhegivetobeworthyofawomanlikeher?
Jake carefully moved his arms from around her and slipped from the bed. She made a sound of

protest,asmallfrownappearingbetweenhereyebrows,andhethoughtforamomentshemightwakeup
andcatchhimsneakingout.

Openyoureyes,princess,hesilentlyurgedher.
If she called him back to bed, he wouldn’t hesitate to go back to her, to take her again, to repeat

whathecouldn’tdenywerethebestmomentsofhislife.Notjustwatchinghercomemorebeautifullythan
anyotherwomanonearth,buttheraremomentsofpeacehe’dfeltwhenhewasholdingherinhisarms.

Instead,shesettleddeeperintothepillows,wrappingherarmsaroundoneandpullingitclose.His

chestwassotighthecouldbarelybreatheashequietlypulledonhisclothesandpackedhisbag.

Itwastimetoleave.He’dbebackinthecityinninetyminutes.Less,probably,becausehe’dlikely

betheonlycarontheroadatthreeinthemorning.

ButallJakecoulddowasstandinthemiddleofthebedroomandstareatSophie.Heknewhow

softherskinwasnow,knewexactlywhathercurvesfeltlikeinhishands,couldstillhearthesweetlittle
gaspsandmoansshemadeasshecameforhim.

Just as he hadn’t been able to stop himself from jumping her when she was naked and offering

herselftohiminthelivingroom,hecouldn’tstophimselfnowfrommovingtotheedgeofthebedand
kneelingdown.Withinfinitegentleness,heranhishandoverherhair,thendowntoherface.Shenuzzled
hercheekintohispalmevenasshesleptandhehadtoclosehiseyesonasharppanginthecenterofhis
chest.

Onedayshe’dhaveahusbandandkids.She’dbelongtosomeoneelse,tosomeonewhowouldlove

herandtakecareofherthewayshedeserved.

Butforafewstolenhours,she’dbeenhis.

***

Sophiewokeupaloneinthebigbedatfirstlight,stillabletofeeltheimprintofJake’shands,his

mouth,onherskin.Shelistenedforthesoundoftheshowerrunning,buttherentalhousewassuspiciously
quiet.Maybe,shetriedtotellherselfasshesatup,he’dgoneoutfordonuts.Becausehecouldn’thave
just left like that, could he? Last night had meant something, she was sure of it. Otherwise she never
wouldhavedeclaredherlovefor—

Herthoughtsstuttered,thenstoppedentirely,whensherealizedhisclothes,hisshoes,hisbagwere

allgone.

He’dlefther.
Sophiepushedthesheetsbackandstepped,naked,ontothehardwoodfloor.ThesplendorofNapa

Valleyrolledbeforeherasshestaredoutthelargebedroomwindow,butshedidn’tseethebeauty.

Allshesawintheglasswasawomanwhoshouldhaveknownbetterthantolovetheonemanwho

wasn’tcapableoflovingherback.

He’dtriedtopushheraway,triedtoconvincehertogo,butshe’dbeensosuretherewassomething

morebeneathhiskiss.Somethingbiggerthanjustdesire,adeeperemotionalconnectionthanshe’dever
hadwithanotherman.ThekindoflovethatexistedbetweenChaseandChloe.MarcusandNicola.Gabe
andMegan.

She’dbeenwrong.

ChapterNine

Twoandahalfmonthslater...

“GabeandIareengaged!”
The women in Lori’s living room exclaimed in surprise as they jumped up to hug Megan. Sophie

smiledandgushedalongwitheveryoneelseasherfriendgleefullyshowedthegroupofwomenhernew
diamondengagementringfromGabe.Buteventhroughallthelaughter,thejoy,Sophieremainednumb.
Coldalloverastheconversationwentonaroundherinabuzz.

Ofcourseshewashappyforhergoodfriendandherbrother.Sophiewasabsolutelythrilledthat

they were about to embark on a new life together as a family, along with Megan’s seven-year-old
daughter,Summer.

ButrightnowSophiewasn’tabletofeelmuchofanythingatall.
Lori jumped up off the couch in her living room and came back from the kitchen with a bottle of

champagne.“Timetocelebrate!”Sheheldasmallerbottleofsparklingapplejuiceinherotherhandfor
Chloe,whowaslookingmoregorgeousthaneverwithherbabybump.

Lorifilledaglassforeveryoneastheyallsatdown.Thefiveofthem—Lori,Megan,Nicola,Chloe

and Sophie—had begun to have these girls’ nights a few weeks before Chloe’s wedding. Sophie loved
spending time with a group of women this amazing. On paper, they didn’t necessarily make the most
sense: a choreographer, a CPA, a pop star, a quilter, and a librarian. And yet, they were totally in tune
withoneanother.

“ToMeganandGabe!”
Sophiereachedforherglassandwasjustraisingittoherlipswhenshestoppedandquicklyputit

down.Thesweet,bubblyliquidsplashedoutagainsttherimandontothecoffeetable.

“Whendidheaskyou?”Nicolaasked.“Weneedallthedeets,right,girls?”
Meganblushed.“Actually,heaskedmeatChloe’swedding.”
Everyone blinked with surprise. “But that was, let’s see, how long ago was it?” Lori paused to

calculate.

“Twoandahalfmonths,”Sophiesaid,thenumberburnedlikeaholeintoherbrain.
“Thatlong?”LoriturnedonMegan.“Whydidn’tyoutellusthatnight?”
“Wedidn’tplanonkeepingitasecretforsolong,Iswear.”MeganlookedatChloe.“Gabetookme

outintothevinesanddroppedtooneknee.Hetoldmehe’dbeencarryingtheringaroundforweeks,that
hewantedeverythingtobeperfectwhenheaskedme.”Megancouldn’tcontainherglow.“Hehadalready
asked Summer if he could be my husband. And her daddy.” She sniffled and giggled at the same time.
“The two of them are already keeping secrets from me. I’m in such big trouble from here on out,” she
said,butitwascleartoallofthemhowhappyMeganwas,notonlytohavefinallyfoundtheloveofher
life,butalsotohaveatruepartnerandfathertohelpraiseherdaughter.

“Thatisridiculouslyromantic,”Lorisaid,“butyoustillshouldhavetoldus.Right,Soph?”
Sophienodded,hopinghersmilelookednatural.“Right.”
“Itwasyourday,”MegansaidtoChloe.“AndthenIguesswewereenjoyingkeepingittoourselves

foralittlewhile.”

“Noproblem,”Chloesaid,“justaslongasyoutellusthesecondyougetpregnant.”
Sophiechokedonthebreathshe’dbeentaking.Hereyesimmediatelystartedwateringasshefought

tobreathenormally.

“Sorry,thechampagnemusthavegonedownthewrongpipe,”shesaidbeforejumpingupfromthe

couchandheadingforLori’sguestbathroom.

Tenweeks,twodays,andfifteenhours;that’showlongithadbeensincethosehoursinJake’sarms

when he’d given her more pleasure than she’d ever dreamed was possible...then disappeared in the
middleofthenight.

Italsohappenedtobeexactlyenoughtimetofigureoutthatherperiodwasn’tmissingbecauseit

hadalwayscomeatrandomintervalsorbecauseshewasstressedoutoverwork.

No,therewasamuchmorescientific—andshocking—reasonwhyshewassolate.
Shewaspregnant.
Standing in front of the oval mirror over the sink, Sophie stared at herself and tried to see if she

looked different yet. But the hollows beneath her eyes, the increased prominence of her cheekbones—
neitherofthosethingshadanythingtodowiththebabygrowinginsideher.

No,thoseweretheresultofnothingmorecomplicatedthanself-pity.
How, she’d asked herself a thousand times in the eight hours that had passed since she’d taken a

half-dozenpregnancytests—onefromeverymanufactureronthemarket—hadithappened?

She already knew the answer to that, of course. Jake had used a condom, she remembered that

clearly.Butevidentlytherewasareasonforthosedisclaimersoncondompackages.

DespitetheshockofseeingthatbluelineoverandoverandthewordPREGNANTonthatonetest

that clearly believed a word rather than a double blue line was a better way of presenting the life-
changingnews,itwasn’tlostonSophiejusthowironicitallwas.

ShewasNice!
Theonlytimeshe’deverletherselfdosomethingcrazy,theonlytimeshe’deverthrowncautionto

thewindstotakewhatshesodesperatelywanted,sheendeduptotallypayingforit.

Howmanylieshadshetoldherself,allbecauseshe’dwantedthatnightwithhimsobadly?Thelist

was ridiculously long, but yet again she made herself go through each bullet point, knowing it was the
perfectwaytoremindherselfofthetruth.

Lie:IfshelovedJakeenough,he’deventuallyloveherback.
Truth:Shecouldspendeverysecondoftherestofherlifeshoweringhimwithlove,andhe’dnever

loveher.Oh,he’dlikeher,allright,justashelikedtherestoftheSullivans.Butlovewasn’tsomething
JakeMcCannwasevergoingtosignupfor.He’deventoldherthatstraighttoherface.

Lie:Theonlyreasonhefeltfunnyaboutfallingforherwasbecausehewassuchclosefriendswith

herbrothers.

Truth:Couldshehavebeenanymoredelusional?Hehadn’tfallenforher.He’dsimplytakenwhat

anyguywouldhavetakenaftershethrewitathim:hernaked,willingbody.

Lie:Hedidn’tthinkhewasgoodenoughforher,butoncesheconvincedhimthathewas,they’d

havetheirhappy-ever-after.

Truth:Jakewasoneofthemostconfidentmenshe’devermet.Ifanythingwasridiculous,itwas

thatshe’dthoughthecouldeverbehappywithaboring,nicelibrarian.Itwasn’tthathedidn’tthinkhe
wasgoodenoughforher.Hejustdidn’twanther.Period.

Lie:Theirmind-blowingkisses,theshockinglygreatsex,hadtomeanhelovedher,too.
Truth:Sexwasn’tmagic.Orgasmsdidn’tconnecttoemotions.Andshewasapatheticfoolforever

thinkinganythingelse.

Lie:ShecouldhaveoneincrediblenightinJake’sarmsandthengobacktohernormallifewithout

anythingelsechangingoutsideofthosewickedlyperfecthours.

Truth:Everythinghadchanged.

Andstill,despitetheundeniablelistoftruthsshe’djustlaidoutforherself,Sophiecouldn’tstop

rememberingthewayhe’dlookedatherthatnight.Hadsheimaginedthefiercepossession?Theemotion
hehadn’tbeenabletohide?She’dthoughthewastouchingmorethanjustherbody.She’dthoughthewas
reachingallthewayintohersoul.

Stopit,Sophie!
SheneededtoacceptthetruththatJakeMcCannprobablylookedateverywomanhe’deverslept

withlikethat,andthattheirhourstogetherhadnothingwhatsoevertodowithtouchingsouls.Justbody
parts.

Shestillcouldn’tbelieveshe’dactuallytoldhimshelovedhim.Always.
Forever.
God, she wanted to curl up into a ball on the bathroom floor and never come out again. Stupid

SophieSullivanwithstarsinhereyesblindinghertoreality.Andnowlookwhathadhappened.

Shewaspregnant.
WithJake’sbaby.
Aknocksoundedonthedoor.“Youokayinthere?”
ItwasLori.Sophiequicklysplashedsomewateronherfaceandflushedthetoilettomakeitseem

likeshe’dactuallyusedthebathroom.

Sheopenedthedoorandfakedasmile.“Isn’titexcitingaboutGabeandMegan?”
“Ofcourseitis.”ButLoriwasn’tsmilingback.“Ineedtotalktoyouaftereveryoneleaves,sostick

around,okay?”

Sophie immediately worried that something was wrong with her twin. Had she been too

preoccupied with her own shocking news that she hadn’t paid close enough attention to whether Lori
neededhersupport?

***

ThedoorhadbarelyclosedbehindtheotherwomenwhenLoriturnedonSophie.“Spillit,sis.”
ThewineglassSophiehadbeenwashinginthekitchensinkslippedfromherfingersandshattered

onthewhiteporcelain.Inthepast,Sophiehadalwaysbeenthevoiceofreason,theshoulderforhertwin
tocryon.

Thistime,everythingwasturnedaround.
Shebracedherselfontherimofthesink.Shewasn’tgoingtocry.
Not.Going.To.Cry.
But when Lori moved behind her and wrapped her arms around her shoulders, tears started

streamingdownSophie’scheeksasfastandthickasthewaterstillpouringfromthefaucet.

Everythingshe’dbeentryingtoholdin,todealwithbyherself,burstapartinsideofher.Shefelt

likeshewasbreakingapartfromtheinsideout,asthoughshewereabouttoshatterintoasmanypiecesas
theglassinthebottomofthesink.

HersobswrackedherbodysohardthatifLorihadn’tbeenholdingherup,shecouldn’thavestayed

upright.Somehow,Loriturnedoffthewaterandgotthembothovertothecouch,whereSophieheldonto
hertwinfordearlife.Theirendlessfightsoverthepastyearrecededtonothing.

Allthatmatteredwasknowingshewasn’tcompletelyalone.
WhenSophiehadfinallystoppedcrying,herbodyfeelingcompletelywrungout,Lorisaid,“Hold

onasec,”andcamebackafewsecondslaterwitharolloftoiletpaper.“Sorry,thisisthebestI’vegot.”

ItwasmorethangoodenoughforSophietoblowhernoseonandwipeherfacedry.
“Wow.”Lorilookedather.“You’rereallyamess.”
Hertwinpointingoutthehorriblyobviousshouldn’thavemadeSophielaugh,butshecouldn’thold

backachokedgiggle.“Youthink?”

Lorireachedforherhand.“It’sjustthatyou’veneverbeenlikethis.You’refreakingmeout.”
“You’re not the only one.” Although the truth was that freaking out was a pathetic, ridiculous

understatementofwhatshewasfeeling.

“WhatdidJakedotoyou?”
Of course Lori would immediately figure out what—who—was at the heart of her sorrow. Only

Sophie couldn’t exactly say, Oh, you know, not much besides making the sweetest, most sinful love
imaginable to me and then leaving me in the middle of the night, knocked up...and completely lost
withouthim.

Sheopenedhermouthtogivehersisterananswer,butnothingcameout.
“Youwerewithhim,weren’tyou?Thatnight,afterthewedding.”
Sophienodded.Shecouldatleastdothat.
“Howwasit?No,wait.”Loriheldupherhand.“ForgetIasked.Itwouldbetoomuchlikehearing

aboutoneofourbrothers’sexlives.”

Only,Jakewasn’ttheirbrother.Justbecausehe’dpracticallygrownupintheirhousedidn’tchange

thefactthathewasn’tactuallyoneofthem.

“I’mjustgoingtoassumeitwasawesome,”Lorisaid.
Sophieknewwhatwasexpectedofherhere,soshemanagedanothernod.
“Superawesome?”
Sophie sighed, finally responding verbally with, “Yes.” But those thrilling details of their few

stolenhourstogether,whilestillimportant,hadfadedintothebackgroundassoonasshe’dfoundout—

“I’mpregnant.”
There.She’dsaidit.And,oh,ifLoricouldseeherownfacerightnow.
“Holdon.”LorilookedasshockedasSophiehadeverseenherintwenty-fiveyears.“Ithoughtyou

justsaidyouwerep—”Sheshookherhead.“Ican’tevensaytheword,Soph.”

“Ihaven’tgottenmyperiodsincebeforethewedding.”
“Haveyoubeenseeinghiminsecretallthistime?”
Sophie snorted. “Are you kidding me? We did it once—” One spectacular time. “—and then he

snuck away in the middle of the night.” Leaving her alone in that big bed in that big house in the Napa
Valleyhillswithnothingtoholdbutapillow.

“I’mgoingtokillhim.”Lorileaptoffthecouchandgrabbedhercellphoneoffthekitchencounter.

“I’m going to rip his heart out through his throat. Better yet, I’m going to make sure he can never get
anyoneelsepregnanteveragain.”

SophiegrabbedhersisteramillisecondbeforeLoriwasabletofindJake’snumberonherphone’s

contactlist.“Stop!Youcan’tcallhim!Hedoesn’tknowyet.”

Lori’sfingerstilledoverherphone.“Youhaven’ttoldhim?”
“No.Wehaven’tevenspokensincethatnight.Ionlytooktheteststhismorning.”Sophieforcefully

pried the phone out of her sister’s hand. “I love you for having my back. But I’ve got to deal with this
myself.”

Shedidn’tfeelgreatbyanymeans,butafterthelongcry—andconfessingthenewstohersister—

shefeltbetter.Stronger.

LikeshemightactuallybeabletofaceJakewithoutcrumbling.
“Ican’tbelievethis,”Lorisaid.“Hereyou’vebeenallovermeforayeartobreakthisthingoff

withyou-know-whobecausehe’s‘badforme’andonenightisallittakesforyoutogetinbigtrouble.”

It could have sounded like gloating in another context, but Sophie knew it wasn’t. It was simply

Loristatingthecrazyironyoftheirsituation.

“Ineverthoughtsomethinglikethiswouldhappentome,”Sophiesaid.
Andstillavoiceinthebackofherheadwassaying,Evenifyouknewhowthiswasgoingtoend

up, you would have done it anyway. You would have given up everything, anything at all, for the
chancetobewithhim.

“Itcouldwork,youknow,”Lorisaid,halfheartedly.“Maybehe’llstepuptotheplate.Maybethe

twoofyoucanactuallymakethiswork.”ShelookeddownatSophie’sstomach.“Well,thethreeofyou,I
guess.”

Sophieknewbetterthanthat.“Idon’twanthimtobewithmeonlyoutofduty.”Shetookadeep

breath,lettingoxygenfillherlungsandhelprebuildherstrength.“Iwantlove.”

ShecouldseeinLori’seyesconfirmationofwhatallhersiblingshadknown:Jakedidn’tbelievein

love.Sophiecouldtrytherestofherlifetoconvincehim,butitwouldjustbeawaste.

“Oh,Soph.”Shescowled.“I’mstillgoingtokillhim.Justassoonasyougivehimthenews.”
ItwouldhavebeensomucheasierifSophiecouldblameJakeforeverything.Butevennow,she

hadtobefair.“Itwasn’tallhisfault.Itrickedhimintosleepingwithme.Imadeitimpossibleforhimto
walkaway.”

“Areyoukiddingme?”Loriletgoofherhandsandstompedonthewoodenfloorinherfury.“How

couldyoupossiblyhavetrappedaguylikeJakeintosleepingwithyou?Didyoucementhisfeettothe
groundandhopuponhimwhilehebeggedyoutostop?”

Sophiewasbeyondgladforthewayhersisteralwaysmadeherlaugh.Evenintheworstoftimes.

“Yousaidyoudidn’twantdetails,”sheremindedhertwin.

“Right.Okay.Nodetails.Butyoudon’thavethekindofexperiencehedoeswiththeoppositesex.

Seducingyouwouldhavebeenliketakingcandyfromababy.”

Thewordbabybroughtthembothbacktothemostimportantissueathand.
“You’regoingtohaveababy,Soph.”Lori’seyeswerewidewithwonder.
Sophieputherhandsoverherstomach,eventhoughsheknewtherehadtobesomethingbarelythe

sizeofapeainsideher.Thatwaswhenitfinallyhither.

Ababy.
Eventhoughshewasterrified,shesuddenlycouldn’thelpbutbethrilled.Shewasgoingtohavea

littleboyorgirlwithJake’seyes,achildthatwouldrunherragged,ifJake’senergywasanythingtogo
by.

“I’mgoingtoloveitsomuch.”
Loriactuallylookedlikeshewasgoingtocry.“Allofuswill.”
Oh God. Her family. Her mother. Her brothers. She didn’t want to think about how badly they’d

loseitoverthis.

“Don’tyoudaretellasoul.”
“But—”
“Noone,Lori.SweartoGod,you’dbetterletmedealwiththis—withJake—thewayIneedto.”
Lorifrowned.“Okay,”shesaid,veryreluctantly.“Butdon’tforget,you’vegotatleastsevenpeople

backingyouuponthis.Sixwithreallybigfists.”

Sophiesmiledather.“Thanks,Lori.”
“Hey,”hersistersaidwithasmirk,“I’mjustgladit’syouandnotme.”
Now,therewastheevilLorisheknewandloved.“Youalmostcriedthereforasecond,”Sophie

said.

“Didnot.”
“Didtoo.”

ThefamiliarpatteroftheirbickeringhelpedcenterSophiealittlemore.Enoughthatbythetimeshe

headedbackoutside,shedecidedshewasstrongenoughtogoanddowhatneededtobedone.

ItwastimetotellJakehewasgoingtobeafather.

ChapterTen

ThenumbersonthespreadsheetscoveringthedeskinJake’shomeofficeblurredbeforehiseyes.

Asdifficultaswordswereforhimtoprocess,numbershadalwaysbeeneasy.

He shoved away from his desk, knowing any work he tried to do now he’d have to re-do in the

morning.Theonlyreasonhe’dstayedhometonightwastopowerthroughsomework.Ifhewasn’tgoing
tobeabletogetanyofitdone,hemightaswellbeatoneofthepubsworkingthetaps.

HegrabbedhiscellphoneoffthekitchencounterandsawamissedcallfromZachSullivan.Forten

weeks he’d gone out of his way to avoid the Sullivans. He couldn’t face Zach or Marcus or Chase or
Gabe, not knowing what he’d done to their sister. It was the lowest he’d ever stooped, so low he still
couldn’tbelievewhathe’ddone.Hekepthopinghe’dwakeupanditwouldallbeacrazydream...butany
timehemanagedtosleep,allhecouldseewasSophieandthelookinhereyeswhenshe’dtoldhimshe
lovedhim.

Forever.
Heknewbetter,knewshecouldn’tactuallylovehim.ShelovedafantasyversionofJakeMcCann

that she’d probably been writing in one of her childhood journals since she was a little girl in pink
dressesandpigtails.

She’dneverforgivehimforwhathe’ddoneandJakeknewhedidn’tdeserveherforgiveness,just

asheknewitwasforthebestthatshesteerclearofhimfromnowon.Becausenowthatheknewthetaste
ofher,thefeelofher...

He needed to get to the pub, where the noise and activity would distract him from thinking about

her.Heshovedhisphoneinhispocket,grabbedhiscarkeys,andyankedopenthefrontdoor.

SophieSullivanstoodonhisfrontsteps.“Oh,hi.Iwasjustabouttoknock.”
“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”
It was exactly what he’d asked her when she’d showed up at his rental house in Napa. He knew

comingathersoaggressivelywasn’tdoingadamnthingtomakeupforthewayhe’dtreatedher,butit
wasthebesthecoulddogiventhatevenlookingatSophiehadhisbraincellsscrambling.

Shelookeduncertainanduncomfortable.Alongwithtired—atleastastiredashefelt.
“CouldIcomeinside?”
“Don’tyourememberwhathappenedthelasttime?”Heallbutgrowledthewordsather,buteven

thoughshepaledandhereyeswidened,shedidn’tmakeamovetoleave.

“Yes,”shesaidsoftly.“That’sexactlywhatI’mheretotalktoyouabout.”
Jakedidn’ttrusthimselfaroundher.Justashe’dexpected—ifhesawheragain,onelookwouldbe

allittookforhimtobegrippedwithafierceurgetodragheroffandchainhertohisbed.

God,hewassick,thinkingevennowaboutallthewayshecouldcorrupther.
Nice.
He had to remember she was nice...rather than the innately sensual woman who had writhed and

cried out beneath him, desperate for pleasure when it turned out that beneath her sweet, innocent, nice
facadewasanaughtywomanwho—

“Idon’thavetimeforthistonight.”Thelastthinghewantedtodowashurther,butifshestayed,if

shelethimtouchheragain,he’donlyenduphurtinghermore.“I’vegottogetbacktothepub.”

“Toobad,”shesaid,“becauseyouandIneedtotalk.Now.”
Sheshovedpasthim,afierceSophieSullivanhehadn’tknownexisteduntilnow.
Asheshutthedoorandturnedtofaceher,Jakewaswhollyfocusedontampingdownhisreaction

tohowbeautifulshewas,howgoodshesmelled,howmuchhewantedtopullheragainsthim.Hewasso

focusedonhangingontohisalmostnonexistentcontrol,thathenearlymissedhernextwords.

“I’mpregnant.”
Theearthactuallystoppedspinning,nearlypitchinghimofftheedge.Hisbraintriedtoholdonto

whatshe’djustsaid,buthecouldn’twraphisheadaroundit.Couldn’tbelievehe’dheardwhathethought
he’djustheard.

Hestaredatherstomach,hersweaterandskirttightenoughatthewaistforhimtoseethatitwas

stillflat.

“Iprobablywon’tstartshowingforanothermonth.”
Panicgrippedhimatthethoughtofbeingafather.He’dneverplannedonhavingkids.Hadmade

damnsuresomethinglikethiswouldneverhappen.

“You’resureit’smine?”
She looked like he'd hauled off and nailed her with a fist to her jaw, rather than asking her a

question.“Theweddingwastwoandahalfmonthsago.”Sheworkedvisiblytocalmdown.“Youarethe
onlymanI’vesleptwithin—”Shepaused.“—alongtime.Itcouldn'thavebeenanyoneelse.”

Panicandshockstillclawedathisguts,butitcouldn’toverridethepurelyprimitivemaleinstinctto

claimherandhiskidthatinstant.

ReliefsweptthroughJakeatknowingshewashis.
Onlyhis.
Shetookadeep,shakybreath.“Icameheretotellyouwhat...whathappened.Youdeservetoknow,

nottoalwayswonderifmylittlegirlorboyisyours.”

Herwords,andtheimagetheyconjuredup,nearlybroughthimtohisknees.
Alittlegirl.Orboy.
Hisdaughterorson.
“When?”heaskedinavoicethatwasstilltooharsh.
“IthinkI’msomewherebetweentwelvetofourteenweeks,so…fall.”
Jakehadnevermarkedtimebyanythingotherthanbusinesstripsandvacations...andbeatingswhen

he was a kid. “Have you seen a doctor yet?” Again, the words were rough as he couldn't manage to
tempertheprimitiveinstincttoclaimherandthebabyashis.Now.

Forever.
Shelookedsurprisedbyhisquestion.“Ihaveanappointmentfortomorrow.”
“Good,”hesaid,needingtogetclosertoher,herglowpullinghiminthewayitalwayshad.Only

hecouldn’trememberhowtofightitanymore.“I’mcomingwithyou.”

“Wait.”Sheshookherhead,tookastepbackfromhim,wideningthegaphe’djustbeenclosing.“I

didn’tjustcomeheretotellyouI’mpregnant.IalsocametotellyouthatIdon’twantanythingfromyou.
Andthatnooneneedstoknowyou’rethefather.”

“Likehell.”
She looked shocked by his reaction. But despite her shock, she didn’t budge an inch, even as he

continuedtoclosethedistancebetweenthem.

“Whyareyousayingthat?”sheasked.“Ithoughtyou’dbehappytohearthatIdon’twantanything

fromyou.Thatwayyoucankeepyourfreelifestyle.”
Thewordfreetwistedonherlipsuntilitsoundedlikeacurse.

“I’m not going to let you walk away, Sophie. And I’m not going to let you tell your family, your

friends,thatsomerandomguydidthistoyou.”Hepointedhisindexfingerathischest.“Itwasme.”

Sixty seconds ago, he’d been trying to get her to admit it wasn’t. But now the truth came out: He

wasdesperatetoclaimthiskidashis.

Andher,too,amockingvoiceinhisheadtoldhim.Finallyyoucanhaveeverythingyou’veever

wanted.Eventhoughyoudon’tdeserveanyofit.

“Iknowyou’veprobablyforgottenwhathappenedthatnight,butIhaven’t.”Sophie’sfrustrationhad

morphedintofull-onanger.Itwasanothersidetoherthathe’dneverknownexisted.“Youweregoneas
soon as you could sneak away, probably wishing for an escape hatch long before you actually left. We
both know you have absolutely zero interest whatsoever in being with me. The fact that I’m pregnant
doesn’tchangeanyofthat.Forsolong,Iwantedyoutonoticeme.Toseeme.Andyoudid,foronenight.
ButthenIrealizedthateventhoughIgotwhatIthoughtIwanted,itdidn’tmeananything.”Sheshookher
head.“Itwasgreatsex,butIwantmorethanlust.Iwantundyinglove.IwantthatlookthatChasegave
Chloewhenhepromisedtobehersforever.”

Hehatedthewayshewaslookingathim,withnoneoftheheroworship,noneoftheundisguised

admirationsheusedtohaveforhim.

Jakehadneverfeltlikeahero.Butinoneperson’seyes,atleast,hehadn’tbeencompletescum.
Untilnow.
Hurtspilledfromeverywordshe’dsaid.Buthecouldn’tdealwiththatnow,notwhentherewere

moreimportantthingstosettle.He’dneverhadamotherandwouldprobablyhavebeenfarbetteroffifhe
hadn’thadafather,either.Kidsweren’tsupposedtohaveeverbeeninthecardsforhim,butsincehewas
juststartingtorealizethathewasn’tincontrolofnearlyasmuchashelikedtothinkhewas,onething
wasforsure.

Hewasn’tgoingtolethiskidmissoutonhavingamotherandafather.
“Nowthatyou’rehavingmykid,we’regettingmarried.”
Hermouthfellopen.“Didn’tyouhearanythingIjustsaid?”
Yes,he’dheardher.Everybrave,courageouswordintendedtopushhimoutofherlife.
“WecanbeinVegasinacoupleofhours,justgetitdone.”
“I’mnotgoingtomarryyou,Jake,”shesaid,andthenwithaconfusedshakeofherhead,“Ofallthe

peopleintheworld,Iwouldn’thaveexpectedthisfromyou.”

Howcouldshenotunderstandthathisupbringingwasexactlywhybeingapartofhischild’slife

wouldbesoimportanttohim?Justbecauseshewaspregnantwithakidhehadn’tplannedoneverhaving
didn’tchangethefactthathewasn’tgoingtoletthatchildgrowupwithoutknowinghisfather.

“You’repregnantwithmykid.”Hereachedforher,puttinghishandsonhershouldersbeforeshe

couldgetanyfartherfromhim.Thiswashischancetofinallyclaimeverythinghe’deverwanted.Notjust
Sophie,butafamily.“Mykid,Sophie.Youcan’tkeepitfromme.”

“No,”shesaid,tensebeneathhisgrip,“Iwouldn’tdothattoyou.”
“It’sexactlywhatyou’rethreatening.”
She shook her head, but she didn’t try to pull out of his arms. “I’m not. I swear I’m not. I’m just

tryingtoletyouoffthehook.”

“Fuckbeingletoffthehook.”
She flinched at his foul language and Jake nearly cursed again as the thought of losing Sophie

alreadytorehisgutstoshreds.Butlosinghischildtoo?

Notachance.
Jake’sdesperationtokeepthembothtookprecedenceovereverythingelse.
“Oneweek.”
“What?”
“Iwantoneweektoconvinceyoutomarryme.”
“You seriously think you can convince me to marry you in seven days? You must be the most

arrogant, self-absorbed—” She stopped mid-insult, clearly trying to regain control. She took a deep
breath.“Look,ifyouwanttobeapartofyourchild’slife,I’mnotgoingtokeephimorherfromyou.But
youandIbothknowwedon’thavetogetmarriedtobeinvolvedparents.Idon’tunderstandwhyyou’re
actinglikethis...orhowyoucouldpossiblythinkI'mgoingtoagreetoyourdemands.”

BecausejustahandfulofhourswithyouinmyarmsmadeitsoIcanhardlyrememberwhatmy

lifewaslikebeforeyou.Ionlyknowitwasn’tanygood.

Growingup,Jake’sneighborhoodhadbeenroughenoughthathe’dquicklylearnedtodowhatever

hehadtodotomakesurehewalkedawayinonepiece.Right,wrong,noneofthatmatteredwhenyour
lifewasontheline.

Thistime,threeliveswereontheline—his,Sophie’s,andtheirchild’s—andhe’dfightasdirtyas

hehadtoforthem.

“You’retheonewhocametomyhouseinNapaandtookyourclothesoff.”Helethisreminderof

whoseducedwhomsinkinbeforesaying,“Youowemeatleastsevendays.”

Sophiestaredathimforalongmoment,longenoughthatheknewhehadherrightwherehewanted

her.Finally.

“IfIsayyes,attheendoftheweekyou’llagreetodothismyway?”
No. He’d never be able to do that, could never in a million years not claim his baby or the

motherofhischild.Butitwouldn’thelphiscauseifsheknewthatgoingin.

Knowingheneededtheweektoworkhismagic,henodded,justonemorelietoaddontopofthe

pile.Buthewasn’tdoneplayingdirtyyet,notwhenheknewusingtheirsexualconnectionwashisbest
chancetogethertochangehermind.Evenifheburnedinhellforit.

“Thebedispartofthedeal,Sophie.It’snon-negotiable.”
“Obviously,”shereplied,shockingthehelloutofhim,yetagain.“We’llhaveabunchofsexfora

weekandthenyou’llleaveagainandI’lldealwiththerestofmylife.”Sheshruggedasifshecouldn’t
havecaredlessaboutiteitherway.

Jakebelatedlyrealizedhismisstep.Attheendoftheweek,Sophiewasgoingtouseallthegreat

sex they were bound to have to prove that’s all there was between them. He’d never had to prove the
oppositetoawoman,hadneverwantedto.

Itwasoneheckofasituation.Especiallyconsidering,heknewnow,thatitdidn’tmatterhowhard

he tried not to touch her. He was barely going to make it another seven minutes, let alone seven days,
withoutmakinglovetoheragain.

“Sowe’reagreed?”
“Fine.”Theonewordfromhermouthheldaworldofirritation.“I’llgiveyousevendays,butyou

can’ttellanyoneinmyfamilyaboutus.Aboutthebaby.”

Itmadesensethatnoneofthemknew.Becauseiftheydid,herbrotherswouldalreadyhavehunted

himdown.Andkilledhim.

“Doesanyoneknowapartfromthetwoofus?”
“OnlyLori.Shewantedtodoterriblethingstoyouwhenshefoundout.Stilldoes,actually.”
Itwoulddefinitelybeeasierforhimtowinheroverinsevendaysifherfamilywasn’tconstantly

interferingintheirbusiness,especiallyifherbrothersputhiminafullbodycast.ButSophie’skeeping
somethingsobig,soimportantfromthefamilythatmeanteverythingtoher,didn’tsitrightwithJake.

“Youlookdifferent.”Glowing.“Yourmotherwilltakeonelookatyouandknow.”
Her face went white again. “Oh God, you’re right. I won’t see her.” He could see her trying to

convinceherselfthatwhatshewasdoingwasokay.“It’sjustaweek.”

Thesevendaysshe’dpromisedhimstartedtickinglikeatimebomb,laughingathimashetriedto

figureoutawaytoturnitoffbeforeitdetonated.They’dtalkaboutherfamilylater.Rightnowhehadthe
motherofhischildtowinover.

“Haveyoueaten?”
“Thismorning.”
It was late, way past when she should have eaten dinner. “You’ve got to think about more than

yourselfnow.”

“Areyouaccusingmeofdoingsomethingtoharm—”
Hecutheroff.“No.Ijustwanttomakesureyoueat.Sitdown,”hesaid,pointingtooneofhisbar

stools.“I’llmakeyoudinner.”

“Ithoughtyouwereneededatthepub,”shesaid,throwinghisearlierwordsbackinhisface.She

turnedandheadedforthefrontdoor.

Jakedidn’tthinkbeforereachingoutandpullingheragainsthim.Heknewbeingheldbyhimwas

theverylastthingshewanted,butshebelongedinhisarms.

“Sevendaysstartsnow.”

ChapterEleven

SomethingswerewaytooweirdforSophietogetherheadaround.Likethefactthatafterallthese

yearsofwishingandhopinganddreaming,shewasfinallysittinginJake’skitchen.

Wherehewascookingherdinner.
Whileshewaspregnant.
Withhisbaby.
Nodoubtaboutit,shehadbeensuckedintotheTwilightZone.
The city lights from his third-floor loft, in what used to be the industrial part of the city, were

spectacular.Butshecouldn’ttakehereyesoffJake.

Hehadasurprisinglyfullfridgeforabachelorandhecertainlylookedlikeheknewwhathewas

doingwiththecarrots,potatoesandonions.ShewasstillangrywithhimforhisNeanderthalishdemands,
but she needed to eat. And she was perfectly fine with letting someone else feed her on a day that had
beenmoretryingthananyothershecouldremember.

Of course, just because big, dangerous Jake McCann looked impossibly cute cooking her dinner,

Sophie knew not to read too much into what he was doing, or to confuse his concern for the baby’s
welfarewithconcernforher.

Nowthatheknewhewasgoingtobeafather,shecouldtellallhewantedwasahealthykid.She

hadnodoubthewouldn’tblinktwiceattakingdrasticmeasurestomeethisgoals,liketyingherupand
force-feedingherhealthymeals.

Ifonlythetying-her-uppartdidn’tstillsoundsogood...
“Areyoutoohot?Toocold?”
“I’mfine,”shesaidinaclippedvoice.
“Haveyoubeen—”
The most self-assured man she’d ever known suddenly looked like he didn’t know what to say.

Darnit,Sophietoldherself,itwasn’ttheleastbitadorable.

“Haveyoubeensick?”
“No.MostlyI’vejustbeentired.”ButIthoughtthatwasbecauseeverytimeItriedtofallasleep

Iendedupthinkingaboutyouinstead.“That’swhyIdidn’trealizeIwaspregnantuntiltoday.”

“Good,” he said in a gruff voice as he refilled her half-empty glass of water and slid a plate of

warmsodabreadwithbuttermeltingonittowardherbeforemovingbehindthestove.“I’mgladyou’ve
feltokay.”

Itwashardtorememberhedidn’treallycareaboutheratall,whenhewasbeingsosweet.Howon

earthwasshegoingtokeepherguardupforsevendays?

Andhowtheheckhadheevengottenhertoagreetoaweekinthefirstplace?
Sophiestillwasn’tsure,althoughshedidn’tthinkshe’deverforgettheexpressiononhisfacewhen

she’dtoldhimshedidn’twantanythingfromhimandwoulddealwiththebabyallbyherselfwithoutever
naminghimasthefather.

Jakehadlookedmomentarilylost.Thenangry.Thendetermined.
Maybesheshouldhavecomemorepreparedforhisreaction,butshehadn’texpectedhimtowanta

baby. Especially not hers. And, frankly, she still didn’t understand why he did want it. Jake was the
ultimatebachelor.Hisnight-drivenlifedidn’tlenditselftofamilydynamics.

Tomorrow,afteragoodeighthoursofsleep,she’dmakeherselffacehimdownagainanddemand

ananswer.Tonight,however,shewasn’tevensurehowshewasgoingtostayawakethroughthismeal.

“Ican’tbelieveyouknowhowtocook.”Thesimplestatementcameoutwithsuchabite,morethan

sheevenknewshehadinher.Sophiecouldn’tunderstandhowshecouldloveandhatehimatthesame
time...justthatshedid.

Hegaveherahalf-smile,notquitethesmirkshewassousedto.Therewassomethinginthissmile

thatwasdifferent,almostasifhewasalittleembarrassedtobecaughtoutatsomethingthatdidn’tscream
womanizingmale.

“Ihadtolearnwhenthecookwassickandnooneelsewasaroundtodoit.”
“Ineverthoughtabouthowharditmusthavebeentohaveyourownrestaurant,”shesaid,assuming

hewastalkingaboutbuyingandoperatingthefirstMcCann’sIrishPub.

“Yeah,”hesaid,“itwascrazyknowingthatrunningMcCann’swasentirelyuptome.Winorlose,I

wastheguytoblame,butthat’snotwhereIlearnedtocook.Iwasten.Mydadwasworkingthetaps.I
wouldhangoutintheback,washdishesforquarters.Thecookwastoodrunktofryuptheorders.He
passed out in the back and the customers were giving my father trouble. He told me to cook.” Jake
transferredthevegetablestoaplate,thenslicedtheporkroasthe’dheatedupontheplatebesideit.“SoI
cooked.”

HowlonghadshewantedtoknowsomethinglikethisaboutJake’slife?Howlonghadshedreamed

ofbeingcloseenoughtohimtoactuallyhearstoriesofhischildhood?Nowthatthemomenthadfinally
come,shewassomadathim.Toomad—andtootired—toreallyappreciateit.

Heslidtheplateinfrontofheranditsmelledwonderful.“StandardIrishfare.”Therewasahintof

defensivenessinhistone.“It’swhatIdobest.”

That,sheknew,waswherehewaswrong.Thefoodlookedamazing,butshealreadyknewwhathe

didbest.Andwhileitinvolvedplentyofheat,thekitchenwasn’tthepreferredlocation...andtherewerea
heckofalotlessclothesinvolved.

“Thebedisnon-negotiable.”
Overandoverhisearlierwordsplayedinherhead,thrummingthroughherbody,makingeverycell

comecompletelyalive,alertwithwanting,despitehowexhaustedshewas.She’dalreadyacceptedthat
seven days in close proximity with Jake would make it impossible to guard her hormones. Especially
whenshenowknewexactlyhowgoodhecouldmakeherfeel.

Onlythistime,shewassmartenoughtoknowsheneededtoguardherheart.Nomatterwhat.
Fortunately,thegrowlingofherstomachstoleherattentionbackfromhowclosehisbedhadtobe.

Shereachedfortheknifeandfork.“Thanksfordinner.”

Itwasn’tthemostgratefulshe’deversounded,butitwasthebestshecoulddofornow.Jakewould

justhavetodealwithit.Butwhenshetookabite,shecouldn’tstopthemoanofappreciationcomingfrom
herlips.

“Youlikeit?”
Hewassmilingatherandwhenshelookedupathim,whenshesawthosedarkeyesonherlike

that, looking so pleased with pleasing her, she lost hold of every thought...lost hold of anything but the
sudden,desperateneedtofeelhismouthonhersagain,takingher,possessingherthewayhehadduring
theironebeautifulnighttogether.

It didn’t help when his smile changed, shifting to an intense look of desire that she was sure

mirroredhersexactly.

Somehow she managed to pull herself together enough to say, “It’s great.” She took another bite,

hoping that if she kept her mouth stuffed full, she could keep her lips focused on something other than
feelingJake’spressingagainstthem.

“Good.There’smoreifyouneedit.”
Shefrowned.“Wait,aren’tyouhavingsome?”
Heshookhishead.“Iateearlier.”
“Oh.”Hereallyhaddoneallofthisforher.Nomanhadevercookedforherbefore.

Thenagain,nomanhadeverknockedherup,either.Shesupposedrustlingupamealwastheleast

hecoulddo.

Sophiewashungryenoughnottocarethathewasjustsittingtherewatchinghereat.She’dnever

beenoneofthosegirlswhopickedatherfood.Herhipsandbreastswereevidenceofthat,despitethe
lapssheswameveryday.Loriwasquiteabitleaner,givenherintensedanceandchoreographyschedule.

But after several minutes, as her stomach went from empty to full, she realized she was going to

losethebattlewithkeepinghereyesopen.Sheputdownherknifeandforkandyawned,bigandlong.

“You’retired.”
Jake,she’dnoticedmorethanonce,didn’twastewords.Butbeforeshecoulddomuchmorethan

nod,hisarmsweregoingaroundherandhewasliftingheroffthestool.

Her brain—and body—immediately flashed back to Napa, when he’d picked her up, naked and

desperateforhim.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Shecouldn’thidethepanicthatunderlayeachword.
Hedidn’tbreakstride.“Takingyoutobed.”
Herbreathlodgedinherchest.Evenwantinghimasbadasshestilldid,shecouldn’thavesexwith

himtonight.Notwhenshewassotiredandfeltsoweak,likeeverywallsheshouldhaveuptoprotect
herselfwaslyingdowntakinganap.

Whatwouldhappenifsheloweredthedefensesshe’dtriedtoputup?Whatremainingpartofher

heart—orworse,hersoul—wouldsheenduphandingovertohimonasilverplatter?

“Jake,dinnerwasgreat,butIneedtogohomenow.”
“No.”Hisbedroomwasbigandmasculine,justlikehim.“Sevendays,Sophie.Youpromisedme

theweek.”Hemovedtotakeoffhershoesandshewassostunnedbyhowgentlehewasbeingwithher
thatshelethim.

“IknowIdid,”shesaidwhenshefoundhervoice.“ButIthoughtthey’dbelikedates,thatwe’d

meetupafterworkforafewhours.”

“Iwantyouhere.Withme.”
It was everything she’d ever wanted him to say, and yet the words coming from her lips were,

“WhatifIdon’twanttobehere?”

He looked up at her from where he was kneeling by her now bare feet, his eyes an unfathomable

near-black.“ThenI’llstaywithyou.”

Sheswallowedhard,suddenlyrealizinghisintent—andjustwhatshe’dsignedherselfupfor.
Notjustsevendays,butsevennights.
OhGod.
Hegotupandwenttothebathroom,butwasbackinseconds.“There’sanewtoothbrushbesidethe

sink.I’llbebacksoon.”

Sophieknewshecouldputhershoesbackonandleave,thatshedidn’thavetogointohisbathroom

andbrushherteethbeforeslippingintohisbed.ButshealsoknewJakewellenoughtoknowthatifshe
didthat,he’djustfollowher.

He wouldn’t care about pounding on her apartment door loud enough to wake the whole

neighborhoodbeforeshelethimin.Notwhenhewassoincrediblypossessive,clearlywantingtotake
overherlifebydoingthingslikeforcinghertoeatdinner.Itdidn’tmatterthatshe’dbeenhungryenough
toeatahorse.Shedidn’twantanyonetellingherwhattodo.

Especiallynothim.
Butthecraziestthingofallwasthat,insteadofonlybeingmadabouthisdomineeringbehavior,she

was aroused by it at the same time. So much so that she couldn’t stop her old favorite daydream from
playinginherhead,theonewhereJake’shardmuscleswerepinninghertothebedandhewaslooking
downathertellingherexactlywhathewasgoingtodotoher.Andshewasdyingforit.

Sheshovedherselfoffthebedandwentintothebathroom.“Stupid,stupid,stupid.”Sherantedat

herselftheentirewayacrossthecarpettothetiledfloor.

Her stupidity had already gotten her into this mess. She didn’t need to compound it further by

actually falling for his seven-day “let me convince you I can be there for you and the baby” game.
Especially since any guy who kept extra toothbrushes on hand clearly needed them for a parade of
women.

Furious at herself, she brushed her teeth hard enough to take off the top layer of enamel, then

washedherface.Hehadn’tofferedheranypajamasandshedefinitelywasn’tgoingtogetintohisbed
naked.

Wouldn’thejustlovethat?
Atleast,shethoughtwithasmallmeasureofcomfort,hedidn’tkeepwomen’spajamasinhishouse

togowiththetoothbrushes.She’dnevergonethroughsomeoneelse’sthingsbefore—Loriwasthesnoop
intheirfamily—butSophiedidn’tfeelatallbadaboutopeninghisclosettolookforaT-shirt.Shehated
sleepinginherbra,butsheneededsomethingtocoverherinlieuofthewhitecottonshehadon.

She found a black shirt and as she quickly pulled off her skirt, sweater, and bra, she tried not to

appreciatethefactthattheshirtsmelledlikeJake.Aclean,masculinesmellthatwentstraighttoherhead.

Hearingfootsteps,sheallbutthrewherselfontohisbedandbeneaththethickcovers,onlytofind

hismattressdeliciouslycomfortable.Clearly,fromwhatshe’dseenofhishousesofar,heboughtthebest
forhimself.Shecouldonlyimaginehowmuchabedlikethismusthavecost.

Oh,butitwaswortheverysinglepenny.
Shehadn’tthoughtshe’dbeabletosleepawinkinhisbed.Butitwassocomfortable...andshewas

sotired.

Beforesheknewit,Sophie’sbrainturnedoffandshewasdownforthecount.

***

Jake stood in the doorway, so struck by the picture of Sophie asleep in his bed that he couldn’t

actually make his feet move forward. Yet again, he couldn’t do anything but stare at her, watch as her
chestroseandfellslowly,herhairspreadoutacrosshispillow,herexpressionsoserene.

His chest clenched tighter as he finally moved into the room. Her scent was already everywhere,

wrappingaroundhim,windingthroughhim,drawinghimcloser.

Sixtysecondslaterhe’dstrippedhisclothesoff.Allofthem.
Hewantedher.Badly.Hehadn’tjustwantedhersincethemomenthe’dfoundherstandingoutside

hisfrontdoor,hadn’tjustneededherfortwoandahalfmonths,eversincethey’dmadeloveintherental
houseinNapa.No,thetruthwashe’dwantedhersomuchlongerthanthat.

Hepulledbackthecovers,slidinnexttoher,andwrappedhisarmaroundherwaisttopullherinto

him, her soft curves fitting perfectly against him, her hips a soft, warm cradle for the erection that
wouldn’tgoaway.Jakeslidonehandintoherlonghair,breathinginhersweetscent.

It shouldn’t feel right to have Sophie Sullivan in his bed. But nothing had ever felt quite so right

before.

“Good night, princess.” He whispered the words against the top of her head, pressing a soft kiss

there. Sleep claimed Jake long before he thought it would, with the one woman he’d never thought he
couldhavesafeandwarminhisarms.

ChapterTwelve

Sophie felt so safe, so warm, as she floated in that in-between space between sleep and coming

completely awake. She knew exactly where she was, knew precisely why she felt so good. Jake was
holdingher,hisarmscurledprotectivelyaroundhershoulders,withoneofhishandssplayedflatoverher
stomachbeneaththeT-shirtasifheweretryingtoprotectmorethanjusther.

Andhewascompletelynaked.
Shecouldfeeltherigidfleshofhiserectionagainstthesmallofherback,thehairsonhisthighs

against the smooth skin of her legs, and as desire swiftly stole through her, she couldn’t stop her half-
asleepbodyfromwantingtogetevencloser.

She’dassumednightwouldbeherenemy,thosedarkhoursduringthesevendaysshe’dpromised.

Butnowsheknewitdidn’tmatterwhetheritwasdayornight,lightordark.

Shewasherownworstenemy.
Jake wouldn’t have to ask her for a darn thing. Just to be near him like this, if only to know the

sweetnessofhistouchforafewseconds,she’dgiveupeverything.

Obviously hearing her secret admission, Nice Sophie came completely awake inside of her and

started yelling at her to protect herself from being hurt any worse than she already was. Nice tried to
remindherofthepainshe’dfeltfortwolongmonths,triedtoholdoutthosetruthsshe’dmadeherselfface
thedaybefore.

ButNaughtySophie,thepartofherthathadclearlybeenhelddownforwaytoolong,wantedtogo

backtothatplacewhereJakehadbeentouchingher,teasingher,takinghertoheavenandback.She’dbe
carefulthistime.Shewouldn’tbefoolishenoughtoblurtoutherloveforhim—oreventoadmitthatshe
feltit—nomatterhowgoodhemadeherfeel.

Ofcourse,whenJakesoftlyblewthehairawayfromherneckandpressedhislipstothesensitive

skinthere,itwasinevitablethatNaughty would win the battle over Nice.Rather than trying to fight it,
knowingitwaspointlesstoeventrytopretendshedidn’twanttobehisloverforthenextsevendays,
Sophiedidwhatcamenaturallyandarchedhernecktogivehismouthbetteraccess.

Hislowgroanofpleasurerumbledfromhischesttohersashepulledherhipsevenmoretightly

againsthis,hishandneverleavingherstomach.Histongueslidoverherexposedneckandsheshiveredat
thedelicioussensationofbeingtasted.Savored.Andwhenheblewoverherdampskin,shefeltthetips
ofher breasts becomesharp points ofneed. Her breasts weremore sensitive now,probably due to her
pregnancy.And,oh,howshewantedhishandtomovethosefewinches,upfromherwaist.

Butthenhismouthwasbackonherneck,nippingatherskin,causingatrailofthrillbumpsinits

wake before latching onto her earlobe, and the breath Sophie hadn’t realized she’d been holding
whooshedfromherchestashisteethboredownonthesoftflesh.

More ready for sex that she’d ever been in her life, she instinctively pressed her hips into his

erection,tryingtowidenherlegsforhim,sothathecouldtakeher.Buthisthighbetweenhersheldher
captive.

“Jake,”shepleaded,barelyawakeandalreadybegging.
“Shhh,”hesoothed,andshemighthavepressedhercaseforquickandfastifnotforthefactthathe

finallystartedmovinghishand.

Sophiewentcompletelystill,notwantingtodoanythingthatwouldmakehimstopthesinfullyslow

pressofhisfingertipsoverherbellybuttonandthenherlowestribs.Butevenasshetriedtoholdstill,
shecouldfeelherselftrembling.

HowlonghadshedreamedofJaketouchingherlikethis?Likeshewasthemostpreciousthingin

hisworld?Likehe’dneverletanythinghurther?Likehe’dslayallherdragonsjustforonemoremoment
withher?

As his fingers skimmed over her skin, it didn’t matter that Nice Sophie was screaming at her to

knowbetter,towakeupandfacereality.NaughtySophiepromisedthatrealitycouldwait,anditwould
have to, because there was no way she could leave Jake’s arms now, not when he was so close to
touchingher—

Hishandstilledjustbelowtheswellofherbreastsandshenearlygroanedwithdisappointment.
“Soon,”hepromisedher,andthewickedintentinhisvoice—alongwiththeshockingtendernessof

hispromise,hadhertoescurlingagainstthetopsofhisfeet.

Herbreathcamefastasherainedmorekissesandsoftlittlebitesdownfromherear,overherneck,

then across her raised shoulder. She could have sworn his erection was actually throbbing against her
backbythatpoint,thathewasteasinghimselfjustasmuchasher,buthisowncleardesireforherdidn’t
makehimmoveanyfaster.Ifhekissedhiswayupanddownherbodylikethishewoulddrivehernearly
insane...everypressofhislipsonherskintakingherclosertothepeak,butneverallthewaythere.

Atlonglast,hisfingersrecommencedtheireroticjourney,lightlybrushingoverthecurveofboth

breastsuntilhishandwasinpositiontotouchbothatonce.Thetautpeaksachedfromtheslightesttouch
ofhispalmandshearchedintohistouchtotrytogethimtotakemorefromher.

Everything.Jakecouldhaveeverythingfromherinthismoment.Itdidn’tmatterwhatitwas,she

wouldgiveittohim,justaslongashemadegoodonhispromiseofpleasure.

“Sosoft.”Hecuppedonebreastinhishands,sogentlyshegaspedatthesensationofhisslightly

roughskinagainsther.Andthenhewaspressinghismouthintothecurvewherehershouldermetherneck
andhergaspturnedbackintomorebeggingshecouldn’tcontrol.

“Please,Jake.”
From the way she couldn’t stop her hips from rocking into his, he had to know what she wanted.

Justtobetakenlikethis,whilehewasholdingherandshewasinthesweetestheavenanyonehadever
known.

Butwhenherbeggingdidn’tgetheranyclosertohergoal,SophierealizedJakewouldalwaysbe

incontrolwhentheyweretogetherlikethis.Thethoughtshockedher,butnotasmuchastherealization
thatshelovedit.

Andoh,tobehisprincess,ifonlyforalittlewhileinhisarmslikethis...evenherNiceinnervoice

hadnochoicebuttogoquiet.Amomentlater,eventhenewlyunmuzzledNaughtyvoicewassilencedas
Jake’stongueslidagainstherskinagain,movingslowlydownherspinejustasheshiftedhishandtofill
hispalmwithherotherbreastandslowlypressedhisthumbandforefingeroveronetautpeak.

Herinsidesfeltlikemoltenlavaandeventhoughhehadn’ttouchedanythingbutherneckandback

and overly sensitive breasts, Sophie felt herself going over the edge, hurtling toward an unexpected
climaxthatclaimedherbreath,herthoughts,justasJakehadclaimedallofthem.

“Oh,oh,oh!”
Asthegaspinglittlenoisesleftherthroat,Jake’sthighmusclesbunchedandpressedbetweenher

legs and she rode him like a woman possessed. There was no room for embarrassment here. Nor was
therespacefortheangerandhurtshe’dfeltearlier.

Allthatremainedinthein-betweenearlymorningofhisbedwasexquisitepleasure.Pleasurethat

ransodeep,shewaspowerlesstodoanythingbutletittakeovereverycell,insideandout.

Heslidhishanddownfromherbreasts,thankfullymovingfasteronthewaydownthanhehadon

hisearliertripupfromherbelly.“Ineedtotouchyou.”

Theunexpectedclimaxonlyratchetingupherneed,thistimewhenshemovedtospreadherlegs,he

let her. And then his hand was moving over her pelvic bone, softly sliding over her damp curls, not
stoppinglikehehadbeforewhenshe’dbeendyingforhimtocaressherbreasts.Shecouldfeelaslight

tremor shake his arm as he came closer to her core, almost as if the self-control he’d had earlier—his
obviousintenttotortureherwithslow,withgentle—wasslipping.

“Sophie.”
Hernamefellfromhislipsashecoveredherwithhiswholehand.Hisrawheatshockedher,shook

her, enough that her head fell back into the curve of his shoulder. Jake’s big, strong body cradled her,
cuppinghersex,literallyholdingherinthegripofanticipationforwhatwouldcomenext.

“Sosoft,”hesaidagain.“Sowetforme.”
And then, before she could figure out how to take her next breath, his fingers were inside of her,

fillingher,strokinghercoresoperfectlythatthepressurewaydowndeepinherbellygrewagain.Her
sexthrobbedagainsthistalentedfingersandherbreastsachedformoreofhistouches.

Finally,Jakeletherbackfallflatagainstthemattress,andforthefirsttimesincethenightbefore,

she got to look at his impossibly beautiful face, those eyes so full of heat, so dark and dangerous. She
couldn’tlookaway,couldfeeldesperatewordsofloveabouttospillfromherlips,eventhoughsheknew
better,eventhoughshe’dvowednottoletithappenagain.

“Jake,I—”
His mouth covered hers before she could say anything more, and his passionate kiss drove her

thoughts away. She loved feeling him over her like this, like she wasn’t the only one who couldn’t get
closeenough,andshekissedhimbackwithalloftheloveinherfoolishheart,givingherselfuptoallthe
emotionsshe’dswornnevertoletherselffeelforhimagain.

Too soon, he took his mouth away from hers, but she instantly forgave him when he lowered his

headtoherbreast,lavingfirstoneandthentheother.Whilethehandbetweenherlegscontinuedtostroke
hernerveendingsinthemostdeliciousway,hisfreehandslidoverherotherbreast.

Itwastoomuch.Thewayherlipsstilltingledfromhiskisses,andnowhismouth,hishandsonher,

coveringher,caressingher,tormentingher.

“This feels so good, even better than before,” she moaned as she arched up off the bed into his

handsandmouthandtautmuscles,needingtopressevenclosertothemanwhowaslovingherasnoone
everhadbefore.Wavesofpleasurerolledoverher,goingonandonlikethesea,draggingheroutwith
themuntilshewasdoingnomorethanbobbinginandoutofthemtryingdesperatelytocatchherbreath.

ButJakewouldn’tletherfillherlungsashismouthcamebackoverhers.Histongueswirledwith

hers,hishandsmovingtogripherhips.Hisskinfeltevenrougheragainsthersoftness,andshereveledin
theslightscratchofhislargehands,thecallousedfingertipsthatsodeftlyplayedoverher,insideofher.

Heshiftedsothathisentireweightwasoverherandsheinstinctivelyopenedherlegswidertogive

himroomtosettlebetweenthem.HepulledtheblackT-shirtupoverherheadandthrewittothefloor.
Theheadofhisshaftslippedandslidoverhersexandshearchedintohimagain,butheheldherhipsstill
inhisbighands,holdinghimselfjustasrigidlyaboveherasheliftedhismouthfromhers.

“You’reabsolutelysureyou’repregnant?”
Shedidn’tknowwhyhewasaskingherthatquestion.“Yes.I’msure.”
“I’msafe,Sophie.IjusthadabloodtestandIswearI’msafe.”
Somehow,throughthelust-filledhazethatcloudedherbrain,sherealizedwhathewassaying.He

didn’twanttouseacondom.Shedidn’twantanythingbetweenthemeither,wantedJakeandJakealoneto
fillher.

Thethoughtmadehersowildwithneed,shecouldbarelygetoutthewords,“Iam,too.”
“ThankGod,”hesaid,andthewordsreallydidsoundlikeaprayerofthanksfallingfromhislips.
Sheheldherbreathwaitingforhimtoslamintoherthewayhehadtheirfirstnighttogether.Instead,

hegentlyslidhishandsoutfrombeneathherhips.Nottofondleherbreasts.Nottoteaseherskintheway
hehadjustalittlewhileago.Buttoreachforherface,toholdherjawsogentlywiththosebighandsthat
werecapableofsuchstrength.

Hedidn’tkissher,juststaredatherwiththosedarkeyes,andshewasheldcompletelyinhisthrall.

“You’remine.”

Thistimetherewerenosage,protectiveinnervoicestostopherfromagreeing.Howcouldtherebe

whentheywereallontheedgeofanticipation?

“I’myours.”
ThewordMinesoundedintheroomagainasheslowlyenteredher,hiseyesstilllockedwithhers.

Sophiehadneverknownsuchintensity,inoroutofbed,asJake’spresencewrappeditselfaroundherjust
ashisarmshad,cradlingher,holdinghersteadywhensheotherwisewouldhavebrokenapart.

She had to tell him, needed him to know. “I’ve never felt like this before.” Pleasure so sweet

couldn’tpossiblyexist.Andyet,shenowknewitdid.“Ineverknew.”

Itwaswhatshe’dsaidtohimaftertheirfirstkiss,andnowshewassayingitagainashemadelove

toherinhisbigbedasthesunrosehigherintheskyandwashedoverthem.

“Allthosebooks,andyouneverknew.”
Hereyeswidenedassherealizedhewasteasingher,thecornersofhisbeautifulmouthcurvingup

for a split second before he bent down to press one soft kiss against her forehead, and then each
cheekbone,beforemovinglowertothecurveofherneck,hercollarbone,theupperswellofherbreasts.

IftheirlovemakingaftertheweddinginNapahadbeenafiercestaccatoofdesireandunquenchable

need,thewayJakenowlingeredovereveryinchofherskinwaslikeabeautifulsonata,playingslowly
asthesoundtracktotheircoupling.

She knew sex was simply part of their one-week agreement, had thought she could hold part of

herself back from him while still finding pleasure in his touch. Only, now she had to face just how
impossiblethatgoalreallywas.

Afterlovinghiminsecretforsolong,tohavehimtouchherlikethis,toknowhisintentionwasto

convincehertolethimbeapartofherandherbaby’slife...itwastoomuchforSophietoresist.

Andintheend,itwashistenderattention,alongwithhisunexpectedsmile,thathadhercryingout

intheultimatepleasure,hismouthcapturingthesoundsashemovedwithher,takingherhigherandhigher
witheverystrokeofhisbodyintohers.

Together,theymoved,sweat-dampenedskinslippingandsliding,mouthstakingandgivinginequal

measureasherinnermusclesgrippedhimsotightlythathehadtofallwithher,justasfar,justashard,
justaslong.Asshefelthimexplodeinsideofher,sheleapttoanevenhigherpeakshehadn’tknownto
reach for, one where it felt as if the explosions would continue forever, ripples of pleasure that had no
end.

She’d thought she needed fast and rough, had believed her urgency to be taken by him warranted

nothingelse.Butshe’dbeenwrong.

Becauseaftereverythingthathadhappened,she’dneededtobeloved.
And,oh,howJakehadlovedher.

ChapterThirteen

JakelayoverSophie,pressingherintothebed,herslimarmswrappedtightlyaroundhisneck,her

gorgeouslegswrappedaroundhiswaist.Hecouldstaylikethiswithherforever,neverwantedtoletgo
—

Ohno!Hescrambledoffher,practicallyjumpingoutofthebed.
“Jake?What’swrong?”
“Ican’tbelieveIforgot.”Hegrabbedpillowsandshovedthemunderherkneeswhileshestaredat

himlikehe’dlosthismind.

Shetriedtositup,triedtoreachforhimagain.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Heputhishandsonhershouldersandgentlylaidherbackagainstthebed.“Iwascrushingyou.I

couldhavehurtyou,couldhavehurtthebaby.”

He’d noticed this morning that her stomach had a slight swell to it. Not big enough that anyone

would notice the change if they didn’t know she was pregnant. But he knew, and that knowledge had
alreadychangedhim.He’dneverfeltlikethis,soprotectiveandpleased...andproud.

Sophie’slaughterbrokethroughhisthoughts.“Ican’tbelieveyouthinkthatalittlesexisgoingto

hurtanything.”

Hecouldn’tbelieveshewaslaughingathim.Orthatshe’dtakenwhathadjusthappenedbetween

them and reduced it to practically nothing. What had happened to the quiet, mild-mannered girl he’d
knownforsolong?

“Iwouldn’texactlycallwhatwejustdid‘alittle’sex.”
Again,hermouthcurvedupwithlaughter,butwhenshesawthathewasserious,shesaid,“Ifeel

fine,Jake.”

She clearly didn’t understand. It was his kid in there. He’d planned to put her on her hands and

knees, to take her from behind so she couldn’t look at him with those big, hopeful eyes, and so he
wouldn’tcrushherwithhisweight.

But he hadn’t been able to do that. Because he had to look at her. Had to see that beautiful

expressionofpurejoycomeoverherfacewhenhecameintoherwithnothingbetweenthemthistime.

He shouldn’t have wanted to hear her say she loved him again...but he had. More than he’d ever

wantedanythinginhislife.Evenworse,lookingatherlyingbeneathhim,soopen,sogiving,sosweet,
hadmadecrazythingsrattlearoundinsidehishead.Andhischest.He’dmadehimselfcoverhermouth
withhisbeforeeitherofthemcouldsaysomethingthey’dregretlater.

And in the end he’d lost all control, taking her without any thought at all to the life she carried

inside.

“I’mprettysuresexisperfectlyfineduringpregnancy,”shetoldhiminareassuringtone.
“I’mgoingtoaskthedoctor.”
Herfrowncameback.“Ohno.Noway.Wearenotdoingthis.”Shethrewbackthesheetsandgot

out of the bed, giving him a mind-blowing view of her naked curves as she bent over to pick up her
clothes.

Nowitwashisturntosay,“Whatareyoudoing?”
He was pretty sure she didn’t remember she was completely naked as she faced him, clearly

irritated.“Iamnotmadeofporcelain.Igetthatyou’reallfreakedout,thatyouwanttocontroleverything
aroundyou,butIabsolutelywillnotletyoucontrolme!”

“Waitaminute.”Headvancedonher.“I’mnottryingtocontrolyou.”
Sheloweredhervoiceintoabadimitationofhis.“Sevendays,Sophie.Ofcourseyou’removing

inwithme.Andsexisnon-negotiableaslongasyoukeepthosepillowsunderyourkneesandworry
abouteverysinglethingyoudoalldayandnightfromnowontokeepmypreciousbabysafe.”

He wasn’t going to laugh. But it didn’t help that she was not only the sexiest naked woman he’d

everseen,butalsothecutest.Sophiehadalwaysseemedsoserene,borderlinesubmissive.Buteversince
thewedding,she’dbeenfullofsparksandfire.

Anditarousedthehelloutofhim.
Unfortunately,shesawhisbarelyrepressedlaughter.“Youshouldknow,anyprogressyoujustmade

withmeonyourweeklongmarriagequesthasjustbeeneradicatedbythatstupidsmirkonyourface.”

She moved to whirl away from him and into the bathroom, but he reached out to snake an arm

aroundherwaistandpullheragainsthim,theclothesandshoesshe’dbeenholdingfallingtothefloor.
Herbreathwascomingfastasshelookedupathim.

“Imadesomeprogress,huh?”
Shemadeafuriouslittlesound,thenlaidbothofherpalmsflatagainsthischestandshoved,hard

enoughthatheactuallyfellbackonthebed.

“Theorgasmsmighthavewonyouafewpoints,”shetoldhiminavoicethatcouldhavecutthrough

steel,“butthewayyou’reactingnowjustputyoubackintonegativeterritory.Wayback.”

Withthat,shereachedintohiscloset,grabbedalong,blueandredstripeddressshirt,gatheredup

yesterday’s clothes and shoes, and stomped into the bathroom, slamming the door hard enough that his
windowsrattled.

Jakeknewheshouldbeworriedaboutpissingheroff,butthetruthwashelikedseeingthissideof

her. Not just because she was gorgeous with flushed skin and flaming eyes when she cut him down to
size...butbecausehe’dneverexpectedhertobefullofsuchfire.

Yetagain,littleSophieSullivanwassurprisinghim.In—andout—ofbed.
Butthesurprisesweren’toveryet,becausewhenheheardtheshowerturnoffandshecameoutof

the bathroom a few minutes later, she was wearing his shirt like a dress, belted around the middle,
stoppingatherknees,herlegsbareinherheels.Herhairwaswetaroundhershouldersandshelookedas
sexyasitwaspossibleforawomantobe.

“Youlookbeautiful.”
Onadisbelievingsnort,shesaid,“Ilooklikeaposterfromtheeighties.Butit’sbetterthanputting

ondirtyclothes.”Shewrinkledhernose.“Ihatethat.”

“Waitaminute,”hesaidasheapproachedher,“areyousayingyoudon’thaveanythingonundermy

shirt?”

Hereyesgotbigandshestartedbackingawayfromhim.“Weshouldgosoon.Theappointmentisin

forty-fiveminutesandwestillneedtostopbymyapartmentsoIcanputonnormalclothes.”

“Forty-fiveminutes?”Hepretendedtothinkaboutitforamoment.“Thatshouldbeenoughtimefor

whatIhaveinmind.”

A look of pure lust shot across her face. But a moment later, she had on her best librarian

expression,theonethattoldhimhewasbeingtooloudandunrulyandwasonthevergeofbeingkicked
outofthebuildingifhedidn’tshapeuprightaway.

“Goshowerandgetdressed,Jake.”Hecouldtellhowmuchshewantedtolookdownathisboxers

toseeifhewasaroused...whichhewas.Hugely.Butshedeterminedlykepthergazeonhisface.“I’llbe
waitingforyouinthekitchen.”

Itwouldhavebeensoeasytograbheragain,topushherupagainstthewallandbeinsideofherin

fivesecondsflat.Andboy,wasJaketemptedtodojustthat,tofillhishandswithhersoftcurves,totaste
thatsweetskin,toslidebareintoherslickheatagain.

Buthe’dbeenseriouswhenhe’dtoldherheneededtoaskthedoctorifsexwasokay.Sohelether

run.

Fornow.

***

SophiepacedJake’skitchen,tryingtoworkoffheragitation...andever-presentarousal.Whenhe’d

been advancing on her, a beautiful naked lion about to pounce, those dark eyes full of enough sensual
intenttotakeherbreathcompletelyaway,ithadbeenallshecoulddotowalkawayfromhim.

Especiallywhenwhatshereallywantedwastothrowherarmsandlegsaroundhimforyetanother

triptoparadise.

Intheclearlightofday,sheforcedherselftogobackoverherlistofallthereasonsJakewasbad

forher.He’dneverloveherthewayshelovedhim.Andaftertheironenighttogether,whenhe’dtouched
herlikeshemattered—thendisappeared—sheknewbetterthantoevergiveweighttothathopeagain.If
shehadn’tgottenpregnantandcometotellhimthenews,sheknewwithabsolutecertaintythathenever
would have come after her. Rather, he would have avoided her completely, just the way he’d avoided
numerousSullivanfamilyeventsinthepasttwoandahalfmonthsthatsheknewhewouldotherwisehave
attended.

Only,theirlovemakingthismorninghadseemeddifferentfromtheirfirstnighttogether.Shehadn’t

had as many orgasms, but it had still been better. Because Jake really seemed to want her, not just that
fantasybridesmaidshe’dhadthemakeupartistandhairstylistputtogetherforhim.

Thismorning,she’dfeltlikehewastouchingherbecausehecouldn’tbearnotto.
Ofcourse, he’d goneand ruined thattheory right away whenhe jumped offher and shoved those

pillows under her knees. Jake was the last person on earth she would have thought would go nuts over
pregnant women, but it only confirmed the main fact she needed to remember at all times: he clearly
wantedherforthebaby,notforherself.Andifsomegreatsexwasthrowninalongthewaytohavingthat
kid,whowashetosayno?

She opened the fridge to see if there was anything in there that could settle her slightly nauseous

stomach,butthesmelloflastnight’sleftovershadherslammingitshutafewsecondslater,muttering,“I
couldprobablybeanypregnantwomanandhe’dbelosingitoverme.Thebigjerkprobablyhassome
kindofweirdpregnant-womanfetish.”

“What’sthataboutfetishes?”
She spun around, hand over her heart. “I didn’t know you were here.” Not wanting to have to

explain herself, she picked up her bag and headed for the door. That was when she suddenly realized
somethingstrange.Therewerenobooksanywhere.Notonthecoffeetableorthecounter,andespecially
not sitting around in piles on the floor like at her place, tripping her every time she went out to get a
midnightsnack.

Butwhenheputhishandonherlowerback,herquestionsabouthislackofreadingmaterialfledas

shefocusedherthoughtsonignoringhowgoodhistouchfelt…andhownicehismannerswere.

It’sbecauseofthebaby,sheremindedherself.
Theydroveinsilencetoherapartment.Hedrovethewayhemadelove,hisbighandscontrolling

thewheelofhisexpensivecargently,butfirmly.Herbodyheatedupandshesquirmedinthepassenger
seat,pressingherthighstogethertotryandstoptheache.

“I’monlyhuman,Sophie.”Hiseyesflickedtoherface,thenherbreastsandlegs,nakedbeneathhis

shirt.“KeeplookingatmelikethatandI’mgoingtopulloversowecantakecareoftheproblem.”

“There’snoproblem,”sheassuredhim,buthervoicewasraggedenoughthatsheknewitwasclear

shewaslying.

How could she reconcile the Nice Sophie she’d been her whole life with the wanton woman in

Jake’scarwhowantedtospreadherlegswideforhimandlethimdowhateverhewantedtoherinthe

middleofdowntownSanFranciscotraffic?

ThankGodtheypulledupinfrontofherapartmentthirtysecondslater.“I’llbebackinacoupleof

minutes.Youcanwaitinthecar.”

She shoved the door open and nearly fell out onto the sidewalk in her hurry to get away from

temptation. She could only imagine how small her apartment would feel if Jake were in there with
her...and how hard it would be to keep her clothes on around him so that they actually had a chance of
makingittoherdoctor’sappointmentontime.

***

Jakeknewheshouldbefeelingguiltyaboutthedirtythoughtsrunningincirclesinhishead,about

the fact that he’d been ten seconds from making good on his threat to pull over and put his hands and
mouthalloverSophie.

But,damnifshewasn’tthehottestthinghe’devercomeacross...andsotransparentthatshecouldn’t

possiblykeepherlustfulthoughtsfrompassingoverherfaceoneaftertheotherasshesatnexttohimin
thesmallinteriorofhissportscar.

Twoandahalfmonthsago,she’dgivenherselftohimwithoutasecondthought.Now,eventhough

sheclearlywantedhimasmuchashewantedher,hecouldseeherintentwastowithholdeverypartof
herselfthatshecould.Yes,she’dagreedtobeinhisbed,buteventhoughthatshouldhavebeenmorethan
enoughforhim,itwasn’t.Notanymore.Notafterhavinghadallofheroncebefore.

What,hewondered,wouldittakeforSophietoopenuptohimagain?Totrusthimthewayshe’d

trustedhiminNapa?

AheavyweightsettledinJake’sgutashesilentlyacknowledgedhervalidreasonsfornottrusting

him.Shewouldneverbelievehimifhetoldherhewasn’tthekindofguywhosleptwithagirlandthen
leftherhangingformonths.He’dalwaysbeenclearwithhisloversaboutexpectations,aboutthefactthat
theycouldn’thaveany.Andhe’dneverslunkawayinthemiddleofthenightlikeacoward.

UntilSophie.
Andhehadnoideahowtomakeituptoher.
No question, the sexual connection he and Sophie shared was as good as it got. Their desire for

eachotherwasn’tgoinganywhere,nomatterhowhardshetriedtoslamthebrakesonit.

Butthatwasn’tenough.He’dalwayslikedSophie,butnowthathewasseeingthedifferentsidesto

her—thesmartandthesexy,thecomplicatedemotionsandthesimplepleasuresshetookfrombeautyand
food,thesparkthatsprangfromtheserene—herealizedhewantedhertolikehim,too.

And that, he already knew, was going to be the biggest hurdle of all, considering he’d be hard-

pressedtocomeupwithreasonswhysheshould.

Sophiecamebacktothecarwearingasoft,long-sleevedsweaterdressingraythatdidmorefor

hercurvesthanhefiguredsheknew.She’dputonalittlemakeupandbrushedherhairuntilitshone.She
buckledherseatbeltandsatwithherhandsprimlyclaspedonherlapbeforetellinghimtheaddressofher
doctor’sofficeinatightvoice.

Hecouldn’thelpbutsmileatthewayshewastryingsohardtoreininallthatpassionshe’dbeen

losingthebattletojustminutesbefore.Hislovely,foolishgirl.Didn’tsherealizesheshouldjustgivein
already?

“We’reabouttobelate,”shesnappedwhenhedidn’tstartthecar.Butwhenshefinallyturnedto

him,whatevershe’dbeenabouttosayfellaway,confusiontakingitsplace.“Whyareyoulookingatme
likethat?Whatareyousmilingabout?”

She was so easy to rile up. He could already see he’d never get tired of putting sparks into her

prettyeyes.

“Whateveryouhaveupyoursleeve,”shemuttered,“you’dbetterjustforgetit.”
The truth was, he didn’t have anything much up his sleeve for the time being. He wanted to get

throughthisdoctor’sappointmentfirstbeforehemovedontohisnextstepinconvincinghertomarryhim.
But Sophie didn’t need to know that. Especially not when he found he liked having her on her toes,
anticipatingwhathewasgoingtodonext.

Whethershe’deveradmititornot,shelikedit,too.
“Don’t you wish you knew?” he said in as sensual tone as he could muster around his grin, then

spedoffintotrafficbeforeshecouldsayanotherword.

ChapterFourteen

Sophiecheckedinwiththereceptionist,thensatononeofthepaddedleatherseatsinthewaiting

room and picked up a magazine. She was determined to ignore Jake. Of course, that was nearly
impossible,withalltheotherwomenintheroomstaringathiminwonder.

Thesewomenwereallpregnant,forGod’ssake!Whatweretheydoinglookingatastrangerlike

that?

It wasn’t that she was possessive about him, she told herself, just that they were behaving

inappropriately.Theirhusbandswouldn’tbepleasediftheyknewthewaytheirwiveswerepractically
bowingdownprostratebeforeJake’smalebeauty.

“So,”heaskedoneofthewomen,“how’syourpregnancygoing?”
Ofcourse,hecouldn’tjustleaveitalone,couldhe?Thewomanbeamedathimasthoughhewere

theSecondComing.

“Reallygreat.”Thewomanleanedincloseasifsheweretellinghimasecret.“I’mhavingaboy.”
Jakeleanedcloserandgrinnedatthewoman.“That’sgreat.”
“I’mhavingagirl!”anotherwomanfromacrosstheroompipedin.
Jake smiled at her, too. “Congratulations.” He nodded at the women. “There really is nothing

prettierthanapregnantwoman.”

Sophiehadneverseenpeoplelookashappyasthesewomendidafterhemadehisproclamation.

Whatwaswrongwiththem?

Andwhydidshefeelsopatheticallyjealous?
“Iknewit,”shemutteredintohermagazineandthewomanclosesttoherraisedaneyebrow.
“Whatdoyouknow?”heasked,puttinghishandonherknee.
Whydidhehavetobesowarm?Andwhydidshehavetolovebeingtouchedbyhimsomuch?Way

toomuch.

Shepurposefullyuncrossedandrecrossedherlegssothathe’dhavetoslidehishandaway.Iknew

you were one of those pregnancy fetish creeps was what she was thinking, but she simply said,
“Nothing.”

Heleanedincloseandshecouldfeelhisbreathonherearlobe.“I’llfindawaytoconvinceyouto

tellmelater,youknow.”Histongueflickedoutagainstherearlobebeforehepulledawayandshebarely
swallowedalust-filledmoanbeforeitescapedherlips.

Angry with herself for having absolutely zero control over her hormones around him, she hissed,

“You’reapervert,that’swhat!”

Hislaughterathercrazystatementrumbledthroughthewaitingroom.“Ican’twaittohearwhy.”
“Youknowwhy.”
He looked at her in confusion for a second and she had to nod her head in the other women’s

directionsbeforeawarenessdawned.Hislaughterwasloudenoughthistimetoringoutthroughtheroom.
“So that’s what your muttering about fetishes was this morning. You think I’m into—” He broke off,
laughingagain.

Shepurposelyliftedhermagazineclosersothatshecouldpretendtobeengrossedinthearticleshe

hadn’tevenglancedatyet.

Amomentlater,whenhe’dfinallystoppedlaughing,heleanedbackoverandwhispered,“Mightbe

easiertoreadthisway.”

Hisbig,strongbodywastooclosetohersinthesmallwaitingroomforherbraintofigureoutwhat

hewastalkingaboutuntilheturnedthemagazinearoundinherhands.

OhmyGod.Howembarrassing.Shedidn’tnormallycarewhatabunchofstrangersthoughtofher,

butthenagain,she’dalwaysblendedintothebackground,sonoonehadeverreallynoticedher.

BeingwithJake,shewasslowlyrealizing,wastheoppositeofbeinginvisible.Hehadtoomuch

presence,wasfartoocharismaticandcharming—nottomentiongorgeous—forhertostayhiddenwhen
shewaswithhim.

Itshouldhavebeeneasiertogetlostbehindhim.Buthewouldn’tallowthat,sherealized,asheput

his hand back on her thigh and held it there, no matter what she did to try to shake him off. For all his
arrogance,hedidn’tseeminterestedinhoggingthelimelight.Instead,shegotthestrangesensethathewas
proudtobesittingtherewithher.

Evenwhenshewasdoingdumbthingslikepretendingtoreadamagazineupsidedown.
“Whenareyoudue?”
Sophiecouldn’tbelievethewomaninthecorneraskedJakethequestioninsteadofher,likethey

hadsomespecialbondjustbecausehe’dsmiledatherandsaidshewaspretty.

Ofcourse,itstungevenmorethatSophiehadn’tneededmuchmoreofareasonthanhissmiletofall

inlovewithhimsomanyyearsago.

“Inthefall.”
No one could miss the possessive note in his voice, or his clear joy at the prospect of having a

baby.Sophiefeltherheartsoftendespiteherself.

Darn it, why couldn’t he be more of a jerk all the time? Why did he have to keep having these

momentswhenheseemedliketheperfectguy?Itwouldmakeitsomucheasiertohatehimifhewould
justbehavelikeaself-absorbedimbecile,ratherthanasweetlyconcerned,uber-sexyfather-to-be.

Thenagain,atleastithelpedherrememberthattheonlythinghewasreallyinterestedinwasthe

baby.Nother.Afterall,he’dwalkedoutonherwithoutasecondglance,butassoonashe’dheardabout
achild,he’dbecomethemostpossessivepersonontheplanet.

“Oh,that’swonderful!”thewomanexclaimed.“Congratulations.”
JakesqueezedSophie’sthighjustaboveherkneeandthrillbumpsimmediatelyranupanddownher

legsattheintimatetouch.

“Thanks,”hereplied.“We’rereallyexcitedaboutit.”
Amazingly,itwastrue.Despitethefactthatshe’dgottenpregnantbyaccidentandthestatusoftheir

relationship was completely up in the air, amazingly, both of them really were excited about having a
child.Evenifthewholeco-parentingthingwasgoingtobestickyfromdifferenthouseholds—especially
iftherewasoneofhisplaythingsoverwhenshewenttopickupherkidathishouse.

At some point after she had the baby, they’d have to have a talk about what was and wasn’t

appropriate for children to see. Yes, she’d be sure to let him know she expected him to keep all future
datesandsexualpartnersawayfromtheirchild,simplysohedidn’tconfusetheirsonordaughter.Ifitput
adamperonhissexlife,he’djusthavetodealwiththat,wouldn’the?

Anursepoppedherheadoutofthedoorthatledbacktotheexaminationrooms.“SophieSullivan?”
SophiestoodupandJakemovedwithher,hishandonherlowerback.Thenurselookedbetween

them,aquestioninhereyes.

Howmanytimes,shewondered,wouldsheseethosesamesilentquestions?Thisisthemanyou’re

with?Howdidyoupossiblypullthatoff?AndhowcanIgetonejustlikehim?

At least, she thought with a small measure of gratitude, rather than barging in and taking over

absolutelyeverything,Jakewaswaitingpatientlyforhertoexplainwhyhewasthere.

Only, Sophie wasn’t sure she could explain any of it at all, not without using words like in love

withhimforeverandnevergoingtolovemeback...and,ofcourse,crazyaccident.

Whichwaswhyallshesaidwas,“He’llbecominginwithme.”
Withoutmissingabeat,heheldouthishand.“JakeMcCann.”

Thenurse’seyesgotbigassheshookhishand.“Ithoughtyoulookedfamiliar.You’reonthosegreat

adsforMcCann’sIrishPubs.Areyoutheowner?”

Henodded,butamazingly,didn’tprolongtheconversationabouthimself.MostoftheguysSophie

had dated loved nothing better than to talk about themselves. Jake couldn’t possibly be the exception,
couldhe?

Thenurseusheredthemintotheroomandlookeddownatherchart.“Let’ssee,you’reheretosee

thedoctoraboutapossiblepregnancy?”WhenSophienodded,thenurseasked,“Whenwasthedateof
yourlastperiod?”

Feeling more than a little embarrassed about discussing this kind of stuff in front of Jake, she

quicklycalculatedthedateandtoldthenurse.

“Let’sgetyourweight.”
Great,justwhateverywomanwanted,forthemanshewassleepingwithtoseethenumberonthe

scale.Sheworkedtokeepherchinupassheslippedoffhershoesandgotonthescale.

“Lookslikeyou’veputonabouttenpoundsalready.”
Consideringherstomachwasstillfairlyflat,Sophiewasprettysurethoseextrapoundswereallin

herbreastsandhipssofar.

Obviously seeing her disgruntled expression, the nurse said, “Eight to twelve pounds is really

normalforthisstageofthefirsttrimester.Especiallywiththefirstpregnancy,whenyou’renotusedtothe
changesinyourbody.”ShehandedSophieaplasticcup.“We’llneedyoutogiveusaurinesampleand
thengoaheadandputthisgownonsoyou’rereadyforthedoctor.”

Throughitall,Jakesatinthebluechairinthecorner,lookingperfectlycomfortablewithbeingina

gynecologist’soffice.Hisdarkeyesweretrackinghereverymove,butshecouldn’treadhisexpression.
Frankly,shedidn’twanttoknowwhathewasthinking.Becauseeventhoughshewasnervousaboutbeing
herewithhim,shesuddenlyrealizedshewasevenmorenervousaboutthepregnancy.

Now that she’d started to get her head around being pregnant, she really wanted this baby. She

prayedthatthedoctorwouldsayeverythingwasallrightafterherexamination.Ahealthybabywasall
shewantednow.

You want Jake, too, she had to admit as she finished filling the cup and set it on the bathroom

counterforthelabtechniciantotake.Itwaswhyshe’dagreedtogivehimsevendays.

Butshewantedsomuchmorethanjusthisbody.Shewantedhisheart...andforhimtoopenupa

windowtohissoul.

Sophiesighed,knowingitwaslongpasttimetogiveupthosedreamsandfocusonsomethingreal.

Likethechildinsideher.AndthefactthatsheandJakeweregoingtohavetofigureoutawaytobump
alongtogetherasparentsduringthenextfiftyyears.

Sixtysecondslater,shehadherclothesneatlyfoldedupandtheclothhospitalgownon.Sheheldit

tightlyclosedinthebackassheexitedthebathroom,whichwasridiculous,sinceJakehadalreadyseen
hernakedmorethanonce.

ThedoctorwasalreadyintheroomchattingeasilywithJakeandSophie’sheartskippedabeatas

shewatchedhimsoeasilycharmthewomanwhohadbeenhergynecologistsinceshewasateenager.

“Sophie!”Marniemovedtofoldherintoawarmhug.“Well,isn’tthisawonderfulsurprise?”
Sophieplasteredasmileonherface.“Yes.Reallywonderful.”
Her doctor patted the padded table. “Scoot on up here and we’ll do a quick exam to make sure

everything is progressing well.” She referenced Sophie’s chart. “The HCG levels in your urine sample
concurwithtwelveweeks.”

Relievedthatthetestsshe’dtakenathomehadn’tbeenwrongaboutthepregnancy,Sophieslidonto

thetableandputherfeetinthestirrups,tryingnottothinkabouthowstrangeallofthismustlooktoJake.

“Jake,whydon’tyoucomestandoverhere.Itwillbeeasierforyoutoseetheultrasoundmonitor.”

He moved to her side and put his hand on her shoulder. He smiled down at her and Sophie was

amazedtofindherselfmorecomfortedbyhispresencethanembarrassed.She’dbeenplanningtocome
herealone.Butshewas—suddenly—incrediblygladshehadn’thadto.

Marnie reached for something big and thick and light blue. It already had a condom over it, and

acuteembarrassmentsweptoverSophieatthethoughtofJakewatchingherdoctorslidethatintoher.

“Thisshouldn’thurt,”herdoctorsaid,“althoughitmaybealittlecoldatfirst.”
ThelubricatedultrasoundwandslidineasilyandshecouldhaveswornJake’seyesweretwinkling

atherpredicament.Thedoctortypedinapasswordontheultrasoundmachineandthemonitorswitched
toapicturethatlookedlikeanightskywithfaintcloudsandstars.

“Now,let’sseewherethelittleguy—orgirl—ishiding.”
Sophie’sheartbeatratchetedup,butbeforeshecouldreachforJake’shand,hewasslidinghisover

hers.Theyheldontoeachothertightly,neitherofthembreathinguntilMarniesmiled.

“Ah, there it is.” The doctor pointed to a faintly throbbing white light on the screen. “That’s the

heartbeat.”

Sophie’seyesfilledwithtears.Therewasanewheartbeatinginsideofher,onethatsheandJake

hadmadetogether.

“Wow.”Jake’shushedvoiceechoedherfeelingsexactly.“Amazing.”
Marniesmiledathim,thenSophie.“Always.Thesizeofthefetuslooksperfectfortwelveweeks,

too.”

Sophieassumedthey’dbedonenow,butinsteadofpullingthewandfromherbody,herdoctorsaid,

“Twinsusuallyskipageneration,butI’lltakeaquicklooktomakesurethereisn’tanyoneelseinhere.”

“Twins?”Jakerepeated.
“Anyoneelse?”Sophiecouldhearhowstrangledhervoicewas.
“Whileit’snotlikely,it’scertainlynotimpossiblethatyou’vegot—”Thedoctorgaveahappylittle

shout.“Righthere.There’sanotherheartbeat.”

JakesqueezedSophie’shandsohard,shealmostyelped.Butitwashardtoregisterthepainwhen

she was busy being totally shocked by what the doctor had just said. Marnie moved the wand around
insidehersomemore.“Yes,lookslikethereareonlytwo.”

Onlytwo?
Oh God, when she’d been making those proclamations to Jake and her sister about doing it all

herself,she’dbeenassumingshewasonlyinforonebaby.Nottwo!

SophieshotapanickedglanceupatJake.Histannedskinwasaspaleasshe’deverseenit,even

whiterthanithadbeenrightaftershe’dgivenhimthenewsthatshewaspregnant.

Marnieslidthewandout,thenhandedherthepicturethatshe’dprinted.“Foryourscrapbook.Have

youbeentakingprenatalvitamins?”

Sophie shook her head as she sat up, feeling lightheaded. She was so glad to have Jake standing

strongbehindher.“Iwasn’tplanningtogetpregnant.”

Marnie’sexpressiondidn’tbetrayanysurpriseorcondemnation.“Okay,then.Here’saprescription

fortheonesIlikebestformypatients.”ShehandedSophieabagfrominsideoneofthecupboards.“Here
areafewotherthingsyoumightfindhelpful.AlthoughIhavetowarnyou,pleasedon’tfreakoutwhen
youreadtheWhatToExpectWhenYou’reExpectingbook.I’mgivingittoyoutouseasaresource,not
tofeedanyfearsyoumighthaveaboutpregnancy.”ShesmiledatSophie.“You’reahealthyyoungwoman
andifwelookatyourmother’shistory,wecanbeprettysureyou’regoingtohavenoproblemsatall.”

Sophie worked to find her breath as her doctor asked, “Now, do you two have any questions for

me?”

God,yes.Sophiehadzillionsofquestionssheneededanswersto.Mostofwhichstartedwith,How

couldthishavehappenedtomewhenotherpeoplehaveone-nightstandsallthetime?Butfornow,she

justshookherheadandsaid,“I’llprobablyhavesomeonceIreadthroughthese.”

Bookshadalwaysmadeherfeelbetter.She’dalwaysthoughtthatknowledgecouldcurepractically

anyill.Thistime,however,shewasn’tatallsurebookscouldworkthatkindofmagic.

“Whataboutyou,Jake?”
“Doessheneedtobeextracareful?Youknow,shouldshebecarefulnottoover-exert?”
Marnieshookherhead.“Sophieshouldbeabletoliveprettymuchassheisnow.Goodfood,lots

ofrest,andexercise.”

“Whataboutsex?”
HisquestionshookSophiefromherpanickedstate.Nowshewasmortified,instead.
“I’mgladyouaskedthat,Jake,”Marniesaid.“It’ssomethingthatprettymucheverynewlypregnant

couplewondersabout.Ipromiseyou,intercourseisn’tgoingtohurtathing.Infact,alotofpatientssay
it’s even better during pregnancy.” She smiled at both of them. “Feel free to email the office with any
questions.AndI’llseeyouagaininfourweeks.”

Thedoorclosedbehindthedoctor,leavingJakeandSophiealone.
She didn’t have the first clue about where to go from here. She’d thought she was past the point

where the rug could be pulled out from under her. But hearing that she was pregnant with twins was a
wholenewlevelofrug-yanking.

She knew she should get off the table and put her clothes back on, but she wasn’t sure her legs

wouldholdherup.

“Canyoubelieveit?”Herquestionwasmoreofawhisperthananything,asifshewasafraidtosay

thewordaloud.Butshehadto.“Twins.”

Jakehadn’tmovedfrombehindherandshewantedtoleanintohimandneverletgo.ThankGodhe

washere.Ifshe’dhadtodothisbyherselfshe’d—

“Thatdecidesit.We’redefinitelygettingmarriednow.”
“What?”Sophiejumpedoffthetable,notcaringthatherclothgownwasgapingopencompletelyin

theback.“No!”

Jake’sfacewascompletelyshutdown.“Yes.”
“Butyoupromisedmesevendays.”
“You’rehavingtwins,Sophie.Youcan’tdothisalone.Notwithtwo.”
Sheshookherhead.“That’sbesidethepoint.”
Helookedfrustrated.Andjustasshell-shockedasshefelt.“Thenwhatisthepoint?It’sjustseven

goddamneddays.Webothalreadyknowyou’regoingtomarryme.”

How could she say, The point is that if you drag me to Vegas today and make me say “I do”

becauseI’mcarryingyourchildren,thenyouneverevenhavetotrytofallinlovewithme.

Butdidn’tshealreadyknowbetter?Whywasshestillhopingfortheimpossible?
Shecouldtastedefeat,thathorriblebitternessonhertonguethatshe’dbecomesofamiliarwithin

thetwoandahalfmonthsafterJakehadmadelovetoherinNapa.

“If you don’t know why those seven days matter,” she said in a shaky voice, “then you’re the

world’sbiggestidiot.”

ShewasabouttograbherclothesandheadtothebathroomwhenshesawJake’sexpression.He

lookedutterlyfurious.Buttherewasmorethanangerthere,sherealizedasshelookedcloser.Helooked
ashamed,too.

Andwounded.Horriblywoundedbyherinsult.
Sherewoundthroughallthenamesshe’dcalledhiminthepastday.Noneofthemhadmadehim

reactlikethewordidiot.Ifanything,he’dlaughedtherestofthemaway.

“Jake,I—”
Jake’svoicecutthroughherlikeaknife.“I’llwaitforyououtside.”

Hewasgonebeforeshecouldcallhimback,beforeshecouldapologizeforcallinghimanidiot.
The bathroom mirror mocked her as she caught a glance at her wild eyes, her flushed skin, the

reflection always there to highlight just how badly she was screwing everything up. She of all people
knewhowpowerfulwordswere.Itmadehersicktothinkshe’djusthurtJakewithone.

Allshewantedwastoloveandbeloved...andshe’dneverbeenfurtherfromit.

***

Jakedidn’tsayanotherwordtoheruntilhepulledupinfrontofthelibraryandshefumbledatthe

buckletothrowherselfoutofhiscar.

“Sitstill,princess.”Eachwordwasabulletaimedstraightather.“You’regoingtoletmegetthe

goddamneddoorforyouthistimeandeverytimeafter.”

Forallthetimesshe’dpushedhimbeforenow,somethingtoldhernottokeeppushing.Notrightat

thismoment.

Shecringedatwhatshe’dcalledhim.Idiot.Itwasawordshe’dneverspokentoanyoneelse,not

eveninherangriestmoments.Hehadtoknowshehadn’tmeantit,thatshe’dspatitoutintheheatofthe
moment,didn’the?

Afewsecondslater,heyankedopenthepassengerdoorandleanedintounbuckleherseatbelt.It

tookeveryounceofself-controlshepossessedtoholdherselfrigidashismusclesbrushedoverherskin,
ashisscentfilledhersenses.Heheldouthishandtohelpheroutofthecarandshehadnochoicebutto
takeit.

“Jake,”shesaidsoftly,“I’msorryforwhatIcalledyouearlier.Iwasangry.Ididn’tmeanit.”
He didn’t acknowledge her apology. “Eight o’clock tonight. Be waiting for me with your bags

packed.”

Beforeshe could tellhim where toshove his commands, hewas pulling herinto him and kissing

her, so hard but with such finesse that even as she tried to fight him, her body told her just to give in
already.

Itwaswhatshe’dalwayswanted,afterall.
Jake.
But that wasn’t good enough, just fulfilling her body’s needs. Not if her heart was left out in the

cold.

Heletgoofherandwasbackinhiscarandspeedingawayfromthelibrarybeforeshecouldbegin

toprocesswhathadhappenedonthesteps.

“Whowasthat?”
Sophie still had her hand over her mouth, which was tingling and warm from Jake’s furious

onslaught, as she turned to her co-worker with surprise. She’d forgotten she and Jake had been out in
public.

Healwaysmadeherforgeteverythingbuthim.
Janicedidn’twaitforhertoreplybeforesaying,“Ididn’tthinktherewereanymenouttherebetter-

lookingthanyourbrothers.”Sheshookherheadindisbelief.“Isthatyourboyfriend?”

No, Sophie thought with an edge of silent hysteria, he’s just the father of the baby I'm going to

havesoon.

OhGod.Notbaby.
Babies.
Diggingdeep,SophiefakedasmileforthebiggestgossipintheSanFranciscolibrarysystem.“I’ve

knownhimforever.He’saclosefriendofthefamily.”

Janicelookedatherlikeshewasnuts.“Friends?That’sallyouare?”Shefrowned.“Noneofmy

friendshaveeverkissedmelikethat.”

Sophieshrugged,asifakisslikethatfromamalefriendwasperfectlynormal,thenlookedather

watch.“I’dbettergetinside.”

Well,shethoughtasshewalkeduptothelargefrontdoors,perhapstherewasanupsidetoJanice

having seen Jake. At least that way, when she started showing maybe she wouldn’t have to explain as
much.Herco-workerwouldspreadthewordforher.

ChapterFifteen

JakescreechedtoastopinhisparkingspacebehindMcCann’s.
Sophiewasright.Hewasanidiot.
Whatiftheirkidscouldbarelyreadbecauseofhim?
Acoldsweatbrokeoutacrosshisskin,thinkingofhiskidsgoingthroughwhathe’dbeenthrough.

School had been hell. He could still remember sitting with the other kids in first, second, third grade,
watchingthemlearntoreadallaroundhim.Butnomatterhowhardhe’dtried,hecouldn’tgettheletters
tomakesense.

Itwasonemorewayhewasworsethaneveryoneelse.Hewasn'tjustthepoorkidwhoseclothes

stanklikehisfather’sboozeandcigarettes.

Hewasstupid,too.
Sure, numbers always added up easily for him, but words were a part of everything, especially

makingitallthewaythroughschool.He’dcutmoreclassesthanhe’dattendedandhefiguredthey’donly
lethimgraduatebecausetheteachersdidn’twanttoseehisuglymuganotheryear.

Howmanytimeshadhetoldhimselfitdidn’tmatterinthoseteenageyears?Thathedidn’tneedto

knowhowtoreadinordertobeabartender?

Butowningapubwasawholedifferentballgamefrommerelyworkinginone.Andthatwaswhen

he’dhadtofacethetruth:Ifhedidn’tlearntoread,therewouldn’tbeachanceinhellthathecouldkeep
thebusinessafloat.

Man, he’d been an asshole with those first tutors he’d hired in secret, enough of a belligerent

twenty-one-year-old dickwad that they’d quit one after the other. Finally, he’d found one who seemed
moreamusedbyhisanticsthananything.Mrs.Springshadbeeninhersixtiesandwastoughonhimina
waynoonehadeverbeenbefore,almostasifshecaredaboutwhetherornothelearnedtoread.

Hestillrememberedthedaythingsfinallystartedtoclick.He’dplantedakissstraightonHelen’s

lips,butshehadn’tbeenangrywithhim.She’dhuggedhiminstead...thentoldhimtheroadwasstillgoing
tobelonganddifficult,buthopefullyworthit.

She’dbeenrightaboutthefirstpart,anyway.He’dcontinuedtosweatitoutwithher,andthenother

tutorsaftershe’dretired.Thebiggerhisbusinessgrew,themorecontracts,themorecorrespondencehe
neededtodealwith.Peopleoftencommentedonthewayhedidnearlyallofhisbusinessonthephoneor
inperson,ratherthanusingemail.Theycalledithis“personaltouch.”Hedidn’tcarewhattheycalledit,
just as long as no one ever guessed why he rarely used his computer for anything but spreadsheets and
financials.

So,yeah,hecouldread.Butitwasstilldifficulttogetthroughabookandhecouldn’tseehimself

everdoingitforfun.

WhereasSophielivedandbreathedbooks.
Please,God,hefoundhimselfprayingsilently,letourkidsgetSophie’sbrain,notmine.
Oneofhiswaitressessawhimsittinginhiscargrippingthesteeringwheelfordearlife,andgave

himastartledlittlewavebeforeturningawayquicklyassheclearlyrealizedherbosswaslosingit.

Notlittlebylittle,butinbig,hugechunks.
Hearingthathewasgoingtobethefatheroftwinsbyfallhadthrownhimforthebiggestloopofhis

life.Bigenoughthathehadn’tbeenabletothinkofanythingbutchainingSophietohim,doingwhatever
heneededtodotomakesureshedidn’tleavehim,toensurethatsheandhischildrenwouldbehealthy.

Jake started to get out of the car when his eye caught the corner of the thick book the pregnancy

doctor had given them. He needed to read it, needed to know everything that could go wrong with

Sophie’spregnancysothathecouldmakesurenothingbadeverhappenedtoher.

Ofcourse,whenheflippedthroughit,hundredsoftinylittlewordslaughedupathim.Justtryto

readmenow,eachofthosewordschallengedhim.Bestofluck,loser.

IfSophieeverfoundoutthathecouldbarelyread—
Heshovedthebookoffhislapontothefloormat.Hedidn’thavetimetoreaditrightnow,anyway.

His executive assistant had already called him repeatedly with reminders for the half-dozen conference
callshehadscheduledfortoday.Theywereimportantmeetingshewouldnormallyhavegivenhisentire
attention to, budding emergencies at his newer sites that should have had him on the next plane out of
SFO...ratherthanjusttryingtogetthroughthemsothathecouldgetbacktoSophie.

***

8:00p.m.

IfJakethoughtshewasgoingtopackupherthingsandbewaitingforhimlikeagoodlittlegirl,he

wasverymuchmistaken.Assoonashegottoherapartment,shewasgoingtogivehimapieceofher
mind.

Justbecausetheywerehavingtwinsdidn’tmeanhecouldtreatherlikeshewashispossession.
Sophiepacedinherlivingroomandstareddaggersatthedoor.

9:00p.m.

Seriously?Hecouldn’tevengethereontimetocartherawaylikeabarbariantohishouse?That

was how little she meant to him? Did anything hurt more than being forgotten? All her life she’d been
invisible.NotjusttoJake,buttoeveryoneelse.Howcouldabookwormlikeherevenbegintocompete
withherlarger-than-lifesiblings?She’dneverbeamoviestar,wouldneverthrowthewinningpitchin
theWorldSeries,wouldneverbethesparkling,stunningSullivantwin.

Oncehefinallydeignedtoshowupatherdoor,shesworethatnothingwasgoingtostopherfrom

givinghimapieceofhermindaboutwhathecoulddowithhissixremainingdays.

Okay,somaybeshewascareeningfromoneextremetotheotherlikeamadwoman,buthecouldat

leastgivehertherespectofshowinguplessthananhourlatetoruinherlife.

10:00p.m.

Sophie’s righteous anger grew bigger, stronger with every passing minute until her cuckoo clock

chimed10:00p.m.Thatwaswhenitfinallyhither—somethinghadtobewrong.Jakehadbeentoointent
on controlling her life this morning to give up just a few hours later. Especially since he wasn’t a man
whoevergaveup.

What if he’d been hurt? What if he needed her help and she’d been wasting precious time in her

apartmentthinkinghorriblethingsabouthim?

No one would know to call her if something happened to Jake. No one would know he was

importanttoher,thatshewaspregnantwithhischildren.

She didn’t own a car since it was easy enough to rent one from the car share company when she

neededone.ButtheywerealloutofvehiclesforthenightandsinceSophiedidn’tknowthebusschedule
very well in the evening, it took her far longer than she wanted to get to his house. When all the lights
wereoffandhedidn'tanswerthedoor,shecalledthepub.ThebartendertoldherJakewasthere,butwas
inthemiddleofdealingwithanemergencyandcouldn’tgettothephone.

Twenty-five minutes and two bus changes later, she practically ran inside McCann's, pushing

throughacrowdofcollegekidsandnotcaringthattheyclearlythoughtshe’dlosthermind.

“WhereisJake?”Shenearlygrabbedthebartender’sshirttogethisattention.
Thescruffymangaveherthesamelookthecollegekidshad.Likesheshouldbeonherlivingroom

clockwiththerestofthecuckoobirds.

“He’sintheback.”
ThelastthingsheexpectedwastoseeJakeinhisofficehandingatissuetoayoungwomanwith

pinkandbluehair.ThegirlblewhernoseloudlyjustasSophiesawthatthereweretwootherpeoplein
theroom.ThecouplewasolderthanJake.Oldenough,sherealized,tobethegirl’sparents.

Sheskiddedtoastop,butnotfastenoughforJakenottoseeher.
“Sophie!” He said something to the couple, then got up and headed for her. He brushed his

fingertips against her skin as he slid a lock of hair back from her face. “It’s late. You know what the
doctorsaidaboutrest.Youshouldbesleeping.”

“Icouldn’tsleep.Iwasworriedwhenyoudidn’tshowup.”Shegavehimalittlehalf-smile.“AndI

wasmadatyouforstandingmeup,”sheadmitted.Thistimeshewastheonereachingforhisface.How
manytimeshadshewantedtotouchhimlikethisovertheyears?Warmthfloodedherassherealizedshe
coulddoitnow.“NowthatIknowyouweren’t,tellmewhatIcandotohelpwhileyou—”Shelooked
overhisshoulderatthegroupgatheredinhisoffice.“—dealwiththings.”

“AllIwantisforyoutogetsomerest.”Shewasabouttotellhimshewasn’ttired,thathisdayhad

tobeahundredtimesmoredifficultthanhers,whenhefrownedather.“Howdidyougethere?”

“Thebus.”Shedidn’tthinkitwouldbewisetomentionthefewdarkblocksbetweenthefinalbus

stopandhispub.

Heswore.“Youshouldhavestayedhome.”
Didn’thesee?“Ineededtomakesureyouwereokay.”
Jake still looked upset about her late-night jaunt through San Francisco’s public transportation

system,butratherthancontinuetorailather,hethreadedhisfingersintoherhairandtuggedhercloserso
thatherheadwastuckedinbeneathhischin.“God,you’resweet.”Hepressedakisstoherforehead.

Justthen,thebartenderburstthroughthedoor.“Customersareabouttoriotouthereiftheydon’tget

someservicesoon.Bettyisalreadywaypastwhatshecanhandle.”

SophieploppedherhandoverJake’smouthbeforehecouldreply.“I’vegotthis.”Shedidn’twait

for Jake to agree before she grabbed a black apron from a peg on the wall and wrapped it around her
waist.“Doyouhaveapadandpencil?”sheaskedthebartender.

He gladly shoved one into her hands and thirty seconds later, she was in the middle of a steep

learningcurveonhowtobeagoodwaitressinanIrishpubascustomersallbutgrowledtheirordersat
heranddemandedendlessrefills.

Sophiehadneverbeenapartofsomethingsonoisy,sofullofconstantmotion.No,sherealizedas

sheloadedatraywithfrothybeers,thatwasn’ttrue.Growinguptheyoungestofeighthadbeenjustas
noisy,justasfullofmotion.

Nowondershefoundherselflovingeverysinglesecondofit.

***

BythetimeJakegotachancetopullSophiefromthepubfloor,itwasnearly2:00a.m.andthey

wereonthevergeofshuttingdownforthenight.Hisbartenderhadpoppedhisheadinaatonepointto
say, “You should hire that girl full time,” but Jake had still been focused on trying to get his young
employee to agree to see a counselor. A full-on treatment program would be better, but he had enough
experiencewithalcoholicstoknowthatpushingthemintherightdirectionusuallymadethemdotheexact

opposite.

He’dalwaysbeencarefultomonitorhisemployeesforsubstanceabuseandtomakesureallofhis

managersdidthesame,butSamanthahadhiditwell.Wellenoughthatithadtakenherparentscomingin
andbegginghimtofireherforhimtoseewhathadbeenrightbeneathhisnose.

He blamed himself, knew if he hadn’t been so obsessed with Sophie these past months he might

haveseenthechangesinSamantha’sbehavior.

Thesubjectofhisobsessionwaswipingdowntableswitharag.She’dpulledherlonghairback

intoaponytailandwispsofhaircurledaroundherflushedface.Herbeautytookhisbreathawayjustasit
alwayshad,makingitimpossibleforhimtodoanythingbutstareather...untilshewenttoliftoneofthe
chairsontothetable.

“Youshouldn’tbeliftingthings.”Hetookthechairfromherandputitup.“I’llgettherest.Golie

downinmyoffice.”

Heknewheshouldbethankingherforgettinghimoutofaroughspot,thatheshouldhavealready

apologized for acting like a jerk that morning when he dropped her off at the library. Instead, he was
barkingordersather.

Butinsteadofrailingbackhim,shesimplysaid,“Iseverythingallright?”
God, she really was sweet. And far more forgiving than he deserved. No one had ever worried

abouthimbefore.Shewasgoingtobetheperfectmother...andwife.

Lordknew,shedidn’tdeservealifestuckwithanidiotlikehim.
Buttherewasnowayhewouldevergiveherup.Becausehewasexactlytheselfishbastardshe’d

accusedhimofbeing.

Hecontinuedputtingchairsontothetables.“Notrightnow.Buthopefully,itwillbe.”
“Youremployeesallspeakreallyhighlyofyou.”
“Owning a pub,” he said, running a hand through his hair, “you’ve got to be really careful about

things.”

“Youmeanalltheeasyaccesstoalcohol?”
“Peoplecangethookedonit.Fartooeasily.”
“IrealizedtheotherdaythatI’veneverseenyoudrunkbefore.”Hereyeslookedtoodeepasshe

said,“That’sonpurpose,isn’tit?”

Henoddedandsheputherhandonhisarm.“I’msureyou’vedoneeverythingyoucantohelpthe

youngwomaninyouroffice.Therestisuptoher.”

He hadn’t thought anything would help him feel better about tonight...but he hadn’t counted on

Sophie. The question was, he thought as she yawned, whether or not he could ever figure out how to
becomethekindofmanshecouldcounton,too.

“It’s way past your bedtime.” He reached out a hand to her and finally said what he should have

longbeforenow.“Thankyou,Sophie.”

Sheputherhandinhis.“You’rewelcome.”Shesmiledasshethreadedherfingersthroughhis.“I

hadfun.”

Hecouldn’tgetahandleonwhathewasfeelingastheywalkedouttohiscarinsilence.Andasshe

fellasleepalmosttheinstanthepressedonthegaspedal,shiftingintheseatsothatherhandwasonhis
lap,JakewasthankfulforsomuchmorethanSophiefillinginforthenightathispub.
What,hewonderedsilently,hadheeverdonerighttodeserveeventhisoneweekwithher?

***

JakecarriedSophieinsidehishouse,lovingthewayshenestledinclosertohim.Hesworeallhe

wasgoingtodowastuckherinandmakehimselfwalkaway,eventhoughshewassosoft,sowarm.

But after he stripped her clothes and shoes off and laid her on his bed, before he could pull the

coversupoverherbeautifulnakedcurves,shereachedupandputherarmsaroundhisneck.

“Stay.”She’dbarelymadeherrequestwhenhertongueflickedouttolickhisearlobe,justashe’d

teased her when they were in the doctor’s waiting room. Their morning together felt like it had been a
thousandyearsago.

God,he’dneverwantedanythingmorethantostaywithher,buthecouldn’tforgetwhatthedoctor

hadsaidaboutgettingenoughfoodandrest.He’dalreadykeptherupwaytoolate,madeherspendtoo
muchtimeonherfeet,probablywithoutnearlyenoughfoodfortheenergyshe’dexpendedwaitingtables
athispub.

“Youneedrest.”
Shefinallyopenedhereyesandtherewasjustenoughlightcomingintotheroomfromthemoonlight

toseethedesire,thelonginginthem.

“Ineedyoumore.”
Jakedidtheonlythinghecould.Hegaveintotheurgetokissher.
Shemoanedintohismouthastheirtonguesfoundeachother.Hewantedtobegentle,wantedtogo

slow,butwithhercurvesalreadynakedbeneathhim,Jakedidn’thaveaprayerofdoinganythingother
thanfillinghishandswithhersensitivebreasts,andthenhismouthwiththem,oneaftertheotherasshe
archedintohim.

Herbreastsweresoperfecttheyalreadykilledhim.Hecouldn’timaginehowhe’dhaveaprayerof

keepinghishandsandmouthoffthemasherpregnancyprogressedandtheygrewevenbigger.

Maybeshewasright,hethoughtashekissedhiswaydownpastherbreaststoherstomach.Maybe

hedidhaveapregnancyfetish.

ButonlyforSophie.
Hebreathedinthesweetscentofherarousalashekneeledonthefloortosettlehimselfbetween

herlegsandsheinstinctivelyopenedherthighsforhim.Loweringhisheadtoheralreadydampcurls,he
slid his tongue over her, then curled it into her. Her hands grasped his and as their fingers threaded
together,shecriedoutandbuckedherhipsintohim.

Onedayhevowedtoworshipherlikeshedeservedtobeworshipped.Longandslow,stokingthe

flamesofherdesireuntilshewasbeggingforrelease.Buttheself-controlJakeMcCannwassofamous
forhadcompletelydisappearedthefirsttimehe’dpulledSophieagainsthimandkissedhersoftmouth.
Tonightwasnodifferentandtheonlychoicehehadwastounziphisjeanswithonehandbeforepulling
herhipstotheedgeofthebedanddrivingintoherlikeamanpossessed.

Therewerenowordsbetweenthemtonight,noroomforanythingbutheavybreathsandgroansof

pleasure.Hefilledhishandswithherbreastsagainbeforemovingthemtoherstomach.

Hestilledattherealizationofthelivesshecarriedinside,andhereyesflutteredopen.Shecovered

hishandswithhersandthenlookedupathimwithasmilesofulloflove,hischestclenchedsotighthe
actuallythoughthisheartmightshatterashelookeddownatthebeautybeneathhim,wrappedsotightly
allaroundhim.

Whatever control he might have been able to find to take her slower, to put her pleasure first,

slippedfromhisgrasp.Hehadtoslidehishandstoherhips,takingherswithhim,hadtogripherhard
beforethrustinginasfarasshecouldtakehim.Herinnermusclestighteneddownaroundhisshaftandas
the now familiar rush of her inner muscles rippling in climax took hold, Jake threw his head back and
camewitharoar.

Minuteslater,whenhe’dstrippedofftherestofhisclothesandwrappedhimselfaroundherwith

Sophie already asleep against his chest, Jake had to softly say the words that had been burning a hole
insidehisheartforsomanyyears.

“Iloveyou.”

ChapterSixteen

Sophiewokeup,allaloneinthemiddleofJake’sbigbed.Assheyawnedandstretched,something

played in the back of her mind, a dream she’d had of Jake saying something important to her. She’d
strainedtotrytomakeherrecollectionclearer,butshe’dbeentootiredlastnight—andtoosatedfromhis
incrediblypassionatelovemaking—torememberthedetailsofafleetingdream.

Inanycase,thepreviouseveninghadbeenlovely.She’dhadfunplayingwaitressforafewhours,

butwhenshe’daskedhimtostayinthebedwithherandhe’dlovedhersobeautifully...well,itmadeher
skintinglealloverjustthinkingofhismouthonher,hishandsstrokingherskin,andhis—

She blushed and pushed the thick duvet off. Her clothes hadn’t made it here yet, so after a quick

showerandalittletimewiththetoothbrushJakestillhadoutforher,sheputonanotheroneofhisdress
shirts.

Shewalkeddownthehallandintothelivingroom,surprisedtoseeJakesittingatthediningtable

withspreadsheetsspreadoutallacrossit.

“Goodmorning.”Shefeltshy,allofasudden,eventhoughshewasveryhappytoseehim.Justlike

always.

Hepushedoutofhischair.“Sleepwell?”
“Ialwayssleepwellwithyou.”Sheblushedagainatwhatshe’djustadmitted.
Fortunately,allhesaidwas,“Good.I’mglad.Imadeyouafewthingsforbreakfast.”Hebrusheda

kissonherforeheadbeforemovingpasthertothekitchen.

The first time he’d cooked for her, she hadn’t wanted to admit how sweet he was. Now she

wonderedwhyshehadevertriedtodenyit.Especiallywhennomanhadeverwantedtotakecareofher
likehedid.Eventhewayhekissedherontheforeheadwassweet.Almostasifhewasn’tjustwithher
forherbody—orforthechildrengrowinginsideofit—butbecauseheactuallycaredabouther.

SheknewsheneededtobesmartandremembertokeepherguardupagainstJakeforthenextfew

days,untilshe’dfulfilledhersideoftheagreementandtheybothwenttheirseparateways.Butitgrew
moreandmoredifficulttodothatbythesecond.

Last night in his bed had been incredible. Passionate. Intense. Amazing. Especially when he’d

stoppedandputhishandoverherstomachandlookedintohereyeswithwonder.

That should have proved what she knew was true, right? That he only wanted her here with him

because of their children? But it had seemed just the opposite—that at least part of the reason he was
happywithherbeingpregnantwasbecauseofher.

Andthentherewasthewayhe’dseemedsogladtoseeherwhenshe’dshownupathispublast

night. Or what about how he’d held her close after they had sex, even though he’d already had his
pleasureandcouldhavejustaseasilyrolledoverandleftherlyingtherealone?

Hebrokeintoherjumbledthoughts,saying,“It’lljusttakemeaminutetoheateverythingup.”
Seeingtheveritablefeasthe’dputtogetherforher,sheshookherhead.“Ican’teatallthis.”There

wereenougheggsandpancakesandfruitandsausageandtoasttofeedherentirefamily.

“You couldn’t have eaten enough last night. I wanted to make sure you didn’t go hungry this

morning.”

“You were there when I got on the scale at the doctor’s office yesterday,” she joked. “I’m not

exactlywastingaway.”

Hedidn’tsmile.“You’reperfect,Sophie.”
Shesankdownonachairathiskitchen’sbreakfastbar.Perfect.Hadhejustsaidthat?Andmoreto

the point, did he actually mean it? Did he actually think that dull, nice Sophie Sullivan was perfect?

Beyondthefactthatshecouldhavehischildren?

Sheswallowedhard,thenlookedoverhershouldertowardthediningtable.“Whatareyouworking

on?”

Heslidtheplatesoffoodintotheoven’swarmingdrawer.“Wejustputinanewtrackingsystemfor

allofthepubs.Thereareahandfulofbugsgivingustrouble.”

She was ashamed that it had taken her until last night to realize how hard he worked to build his

business.Jakehadalwaysmadeeverythinglooksoeasy.

Whatelsedidn’tsheknowabouthim?
“Howdidyougetstartedwiththepubs?”Shecouldn’trememberatimewhenhedidn’townthem.
Helookedsurprisedbyherquestion.“IguessyouwereprettyyoungwhenIboughtandopenedthe

firstMcCann’s,huh?I’vealwaysworkedinpubs,wherevermydadwas.Allthosetipsaddedupoverthe
yearsandwhenIgotthechancetobailtheownerofoneofthemoutofaloangonebad,Itookit.”

“Howoldwereyou?”
“Twenty-one.”
“Wow,that’sreallyyoungtoownyourownrestaurant.”
“Iguessso,”hesaid,“butbythenI’dbeenworkinginpubsforever.”
“You’regoodatmakingitseemsoeasy,but—”Shenoddedatthespreadsheets.“—I’mstartingto

seejusthowmuchworkitallis.”

“It’sjustfoodanddrink.Anyonecoulddoit.Evenaguylikeme.”
She frowned, not liking the way he was talking about himself, like his incredible achievements

weren’tworthwhile.“Jake,you’vegottoseehowamaz—”

“Food’sup.”Hesliditacrossthebreakfastbar.
Shemadeafaceathishabitofcuttingheroffeverytimeitseemedliketheywereonthevergeof

somethingimportant.“It’ssoirritatingthewayyoualwaysdothat.”

Heplatedsomefoodforhimself,thencameandsatnexttoher,sayingnothing.
“Don’tyouevenknowwhatyoualwaysdothat’ssoirritating?”shedemanded.
“Nope.”
Shealmostlaughedaloud.“You’resuchaguy.”
“Thanks.”
“It wasn’t a compliment.” She jammed some toast into her mouth and crunched it, lest she say

somethingelseshe’dendupregrettinglater.

Jake looked at her with barely veiled amusement. “You have some strawberry right here.” He

reachedoutandslidhisthumbacrosshercheek,straighttohermouth,atwhichpointSophieshockedboth
ofthembysuckingthestickypadofhisthumbbetweenherlipsandlickingoffthejam.

Hiseyesdarkened.“IcameoutheretoworksothatIwouldn’tattackyouagain.”
Herbreathcamefasterasshesaid,“WhatmakesyouthinkIdon’twanttobeattacked?”
Hepulledhishandfromherandclosedhiseyeslikeamanonthevergeoflosingit.“Sophie.”
Hesaidhernameasawarning,butsheknewhewantedherasmuchasshewantedhim,couldseeit

not just in the arousal that was starting to tent his pants, but in the taut lines of his face as he tried to
controlhimself.

Not wanting to think, not wanting to face any of her worries for a little while longer, she quickly

strippedoffhisshirtandletitfalltothefloor.Shecouldn’tbelievehownaturalitwastonotonlygetup
andstraddlehiships,buttodoitwhilecompletelynaked.

“Whataboutyou?”Sheleanedforwardandpressedherlipstothesideofhisneck,lickingapath

uptohisearlobebeforewhispering,“Doyoumindbeingattacked?”

“God,no.”
Justasfastasshe’dstrippedandmovedoverhim,heshovedhispantsdownandwasinsideofher.

Shelostherbreathatthefeelingofbeingconnectedwithhimlikethis,sofullshefeltasifshe’dburst
fromthepleasurecoursingthroughherveins.

She’dneverhavebelievedherselfcapableofsomethinglikehavingsexonabarstoolinthemiddle

ofbreakfast,butbeingintimatewithJakewassonatural.Shewrappedherarmsandlegsaroundhimand
rodethewavesofpleasurethatcrashedthroughherasheheldherhipsinhisbighandsandthrustupinto
herinperfectrhythmtoherowndownwardthrusts.

She wanted to be with him like this for hours, to memorize the beauty of his rippling muscles

beneath her, but when he moved one hand into her hair and crushed her mouth against his, she had no
choicebuttofollowhimovertheedge...spiralingoffintoaworldfullofbrighter,morebrilliantcolors
thanshe’deverseenbefore.

***

Sophieblewhismind.Notjusteverytimetheycametogether,butinotherways,too.Liketheway

shesnuggledevenclosertohim,giggled,andsaid,“Thatwasfun.”

“Fun?”Hedidhisbestimpersonationofawoundedlover.“That’sallIamtoyou?”
Shegiggledagainandwithhisshaftstillinsideher,thevibrationsfeltgood.Damngood.
“Oh!” Her eyes grew big as she felt him throb inside her again. “I always thought guys needed a

littlerecoverytime.”

Hewasperpetuallyhardaroundherandknewitwouldbeaheckofalongtimebeforehe’dneedto

recoverfromlovingherbeforewantingtotakeheragain.Buthehadtothinkofmorethanjusthimselfand
hisneedsnow.

“Youhaven’teatenyourbreakfastyet.”
When he saw that she was going to try to argue and convince him to take her again, he very

reluctantlyliftedheroffhislap.

“Icanseethere’sonlywaytomakesureyoueat.”Insteadofputtingheronherseat,heyankedhis

pants back up, then turned her around so that she was sitting naked on his lap. He slid her plate over,
forkingupabiteofpancake.“Openup,princess.”

Sheshothimasurprisedlookoverhershoulder,butwhenheslidhisarmstighteraroundherwaist,

andgrowled,“Eat,”shelethimfeedherthepancake.

Afterafewmorebites,shesaid,“I’venevereatenbreakfastnakedbefore.”Sheshothimanaughty

littlegrin.“Ilikeit.”

Herealizedhehadn’tcalledherNiceindays,hadn’teventhoughtofhernickname.Itstillfitherin

someways,butinothers...

“Metoo.”
Sheallbutpurredinhislapandheknewifhedidn’tdosomethingsoontotaketheirmindsoffof

sex,he’dhaveheruponthekitchencounterinunderthirty,herlegswrappedaroundhishipsagainashe
droveintoher.

Sure,herdoctorhadsaidthatsexwasfine.Buttherewasnowaythewomancouldhavehadany

ideajusthowmuchsexhewastalkingabout.

“Tellmewhenyoudecidedtobecomealibrarian.”Sheseemedstartledbyhispersonalquestion,

hermusclesstiffeningonhislapasherubbedhishanddownherarm.“Irememberyoualwayshadyour
noseinabook.”

“I’vealwayslovedbooks,”shesaidsoftly.“Ilovebeingaroundthem.Ilovegettinglostinastory,

aworld.IlovethatIcanbecomeanyone,thatIcanliveanyfantasy.”

Thewordfantasyshouldhavefilledtheroomwithsexualtensionagain,butJakehadjustrealized

whatanidiothewas,justlikeshe’dsaidthedaybefore.Heshouldhaveaskedheranythingelse—about

herfamily,orhobbies,orfavoritefood.Notbooks.

Whenshewasinhisarmshetemporarilyforgotthedifferencesbetweenthem.Thatshe’dgoneto

Stanfordandhe’dbarelyekedoutahighschooldiplomafromsweet-talkinghisfemaleteachersintonot
flunkinghim.

Ofcoursehewantedtoknowmoreabouther.Hecouldn’tspendthismuchtimewithherandnot

wantthat.Buthearingaboutherloveofbooksonlyservedtoremindhimoftheunbridgeablegapbetween
them.

“Ican’tbelieveI’veneveraskedyouwhatyourfavoritebookis.”Shegrinnedathim.“I’veasked

prettymucheveryoneI’veevermet.”

Jakemovedheroffhislap.“Youprobablyneedtogetreadyforworksoon,don’tyou?”
Shefrownedathisabruptpersonalitychange.“Inaboutanhour.”
Actinglikehedidn’trealizehewasbeingadick,hepurposelyturnedhisbackonherandheaded

overtothepileofworkhe’dbeensweatingoverbeforeshewokeup.“Letmeknowwhenyouneedmeto
driveyouin.”

Theloudscrapeofthebarstool’slegsacrossthewoodfloorcameabeatbeforeSophiesaid,“Is

thatreallyallthisistoyou?It’sokaytohavegreatsexallthetime,butwheneverItrytotalktoyouabout
anythingatall,evensomethingasridiculouslyeasyasyourfavoritebook,yougettowalkawaywithout
answering? How can you even think of marrying me if we’re going to be strangers everywhere but in
bed?”Hurtvibratedfromhereveryword.

Allhewantedwastomakeherhappy…buthedidn’thavethefirstcluehowtodothat.
“Irefusetohavealifelikethat.What’sthepointofgoingthroughthemotionsforafewmoredays

whenitisn’tgoingtochangeanything?”

Shefledtothebedroom.Beforeshecouldslamthedooronhim,heshovedhisshoulderinsideand

grabbed her hand. She’d been the one who just said she couldn’t stand the way he shut her out, but
couldn’tsheseethatifsheranfromhim,ifsheclosedoffherhearttohim,he’dbetheonewho'dendup
utterlydestroyed?

“Callthelibrary.Tellthemyou’retakingthedayoff.”
Shelookedathimlikehewascertifiablyinsane.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Whyonearthwould

Idothat?”

Shetriedtopushoutofhisarmsandhedidn’twanttolethergo,butheknewitwouldbeworseif

hedidn’t.Damnit,hedidn’tmeantokeepbossingheraround.Hewassupposedtobeusingtheseseven
daystowooher,notgiveherevenmorereasonstostaythehellawayfromhim.Butdesperationtokeep
hernearclawedathim,madeithardforhimtoclearhismindsothathecoulddotherightthingforonce.

“Iwanttospendthedaywithyou.”
Emotionflashedinhereyesandheprayeditwastherenewalofhope,ofthewayshe’doncefelt

abouthim.Butallshesaidagainwas,“Why?”

“Togivemethechancetoprovetoyouthatwe’vegotmoreincommonthansex.”
“Jake,Idon’tthink—”
Hegrittedhisteethandmadehimselfsay,“AgreetocomeandIwon’ttouchyouagaintoday.”Even

though it was going to kill him not to. His chest clenched as he watched her consider his desperate
request,andheknewhehadn’tyetsaidtheonethingheneededtosay.“Please.”

ChapterSeventeen

HowhadJakeknownoneofherfavoritethingstodowasridethecablecars?
Sophiecouldn’thelpbutsmileaswindrushedthroughherhair.Achildwalkinghandinhandwith

hermotherdownthesidewalkwaved,andSophiewavedback.

The fact that he wanted to spend the entire day with her was surprising enough. But she hadn’t

expected him to head to Ghirardelli Square to buy two tickets for the most touristy thing in all of San
Francisco...ortoholdherhandtheentiretime.

She was still wary of letting herself trust him again after the way he’d pushed her away that

morning,butshecouldn’tstandseeinghimstilllookingsotenseashestoodbesideher.Eversinceshe’d
threatenedtoendtheirsevendaysearly,thatmuscleinhisjawhadbeenjumping.

Shetuggedonhishandsothathe’dlookather.“It’sbeenwaytoolongsinceI’vetreatedmyselfto

acablecarride.”Shesmiledathim.“Thankyou.”

Shewasgladtoseesomeofthetensionfadeinhisshoulders.“WheneverIseeoneIalwaysthink

ofyou.”

Surprise stole her breath at the same time that the cable car bumped over the road, tossing her

straightintoJake’sarms.God,shelovedbeingthere,alwaysfeltsosafewhenhewasholdingontoher.

Shelookedupintohisbeautifulface.“HowdidyouknowIlikedcablecars?”
“You’vealwaysbeenimportanttome,Sophie.”
Hissimplestatementsentsparksofjoyshootingthroughhersystem.Oh,itwouldbesoeasytogive

intothem,butpainfulexperiencewhereJakewasconcernedhadhermovingfromthecircleofhisarms
andsaying,“SometimesIforgetyoupracticallygrewupwithme,mybrothers,andLori.”

Ratherthanlettinghergo,Jaketuggedhercloseagain.“Ispentalotoftimeatyourhouse.Butdon’t

trytotellyourselfIdidn’tpayextraattentiontoyouwhenIdid.”

Hehad?
Hecursedfromoutoftheblueandreleasedhisholdonhersothatcoldairrushedbetweenthem,

instantlychillingher.“Ipromisednottotouchyou.”

Sophiehatedthatpromise.AftersomanyyearsofnotbeingabletotouchJake,thenfinallybeing

allowedtogiveintothosepowerfulurgestobephysicallyaffectionatewithhim,itnearlykilledhernot
tomovebackintohisarmsandkisshimthewayshehadoverthepasttwenty-fourhours.

Butsheknewwhyhe’dmadeherthatpromise.Itwastooeasytogetlostinthesensualsparksthat

always lit between them, so much easier than making sure they built a true connection, a real bond that
wouldwithstandthetestoftwins...andapossiblelifetogetherashusbandandwife.

Still,whenhetriedtoletgoofherhand,sherefusedtolethim.Shewouldn’tgivethatup,too.Not

whenitfeltsoright.Notwhenholdinghishandwasalmostbetterthanhavingsexwithhim.

Herbodyallbutlaughedatthatthought,andshesilentlyacknowledgedthattherewasverylittlein

lifethatwasbetterthanhavingsexwithJakeMcCann.

Justthen,theconductorannouncedtheywereheadingintoChinatownandherstomachimmediately

answeredthenewswithaloudgrumblethatcarriedevenoverthesoundofthecablecarrattlingdownits
tracks.

ShegrinnedatJake.“IthinkourkidslikeChinesefood.”

***

Ourkids.

ThetwolittlewordsreverberatedthroughJake’schest,holdingsteadyinthecenterwherehisheart

wasbeatingtoofast.

He should have made sure she ate more for breakfast. But instead of putting her needs first, he’d

beentoobusyroughlytakingheronthekitchenstool,thenpushingherawayassoonastheyweredone.

Whenthecablecarstoppedatthenextlight,hejumpeddownandreachedforher.Itdidn’tcountas

touching her if he had to make sure she got to the ground safely...even if he held on to her waist a few
secondslongerthanheneededto.

HewassurprisedwhenSophietookhishandandstartedleadingtheway.“Iknowaplacethathas

thebestchasuibao.”

“Chasu-what?”
Helovedthesoundofherlaughter.“You’llsee.”Sheshothimahappyglanceoverhershoulder.“I

promiseyouwon’tbedisappointed.”

ThankGodshewasbacktohernormalself,smilingandhappy.Everytimehedidorsaidsomething

toextinguishthatjoyinhereyes,hehatedhimselfmoreandmore.Itwasoneofthereasonshe’dstayed
awayfromheraslongashehad...becausehe’dknownhewouldhurther.

Hehadn’t spent muchtime in thispart of Chinatown, wherethe tourists were.The parts he knew

werethebackalleyswherethegangscametogether.Hehadn’trolledwiththatcrowdsincehighschool,
buthestillrecognizedtheroutethroughthenarrowalleys.SowhenSophieheadedoffthemainstreetand
startedtoturndownoneofthem,hehadtostopher.

“Thereareplentyofplacestoeatonthisstreet.”
“NoneasgoodastheoneI’mtakingyouto,”shereplied,clearlynotunderstandinghisconcern.
Jakeknewhe’dspenttoomuchoftheirtimetogetherdictatingwhatshecouldandcouldn’tdo.And

she clearly wanted to take him to one particular place. So he let her lead them down alleys and back
roads, keeping especially close to her, even though he couldn’t understand how perfect little Sophie
Sullivanknewherwayaroundthispartoftheneighborhood.

Finally,shestoppedinfrontofabrightreddoorandsmiledathim.“We’rehere.”
Shepushedthroughthedoorandhesawthatitwasabakery,moreindustrialthanmeanttoserve

customers.

Averythin,clearlyexhaustedmiddle-agedmanlookedupwithahugesmile.“MissSophie!”
SheletgoofJake’shandtogivethemanahug.“Mr.Chu,Ihopeyoudon’tmindusdroppingbylike

this.JakeandIwereintheneighborhoodandIcouldn’tfocusonanythingbuteatingoneofyoursteamed
porkbuns.”

Jakeknewexactlywhythemanlookedsopleased.Sophiehadalwayshadthateffectonpeople.
She looked over his shoulder at the kitchen behind him. “I hope we’re not too late. I know how

earlyyousellout.”

Butthemanwasalreadyclearingoffthesmallwhiteplastictableinthecorner,holdingouttheseat

forSophieasifshereallywereaprincess.Jakeshooktheman’shandandasheintroducedhimself,he
knewwhattheguywasthinkingashestudiedhimwithnarrowedeyes.

“YouownthoseIrishpubs.”
Henodded,saying,“Ido,”whilemakingsureMr.Chuheardwhathewasreallysaying:IknowI’m

notgoodenoughforher,butsinceIcan’tlethergo,I’mgoingtodomydamnedesttotakecareofher.

Mr.Chustudiedhimbeforenoddingonceanddisappearingintotheback.
“Whatwasthatallabout?”Sophieasked.
Jakeshruggedasheputastackofmagazinesonthefloorandsatontheotherchair.“Howdoyou

knowthisplace?”

Beforeshecouldanswer,Mr.Chuwasbackwithtea.“HowisStanley’sfreshmanyeargoing?”she

askedhim.

“Good.Althoughhesaysnoneofthegirlsthereareasprettyashistutor.”
She laughed out loud at that. “Let him know I miss him, too.” She was still smiling as he moved

backintothekitchen.“Stanleyalwayswastheworld’sbiggestflirt.”

Jakeknewitwascrazytobejealousofaneighteen-year-old,butjustbecauseitwascrazydidn’t

meanhedidn’tfeelit.Especiallywhenhethoughtaboutthefactthatshemusthavespentplentyoftime
alonewiththekidifshe’dbeentutoringhim.

“Youhaveafull-timejob.Whendoyouhavetimetotutorkids?”
Sheblewthesteamoffhercupoftea.“Freetimeisoverrated.I’dmuchratherbedoingsomethingI

enjoywithpeople.”

Nowheknewwhyhe’dlikedhistutor,Mrs.Springs,somuch.Itwasn’tjustbecauseshe’dbeenthe

only one he hadn’t been able to scare away. It was because she’d reminded him of Sophie. Gentle, but
withaspineofsteelbeneaththatsoftexterior.

“Besides,”shesaid,“it'sreallyallaboutmysecretmission.”Sheproppedherelbowsonthetable

andputherfaceinherhands.“IwanteveryonetolovebooksasmuchasIdo.”

Shewassobeautiful,sopure,hischestclenchedtightashelookedatheracrossthesmalltable,

knowinghowbadlyhewasgoingtodisappointher.

Hemightnotbeilliterateanymore,butbookswouldneverbefun.
Andhewouldneverlovethem.
Mr.Chubroughtoveraplateofsteamingporkbuns,thenleftthemaloneagain.Sophiebrokeoffa

pieceandhelditouttoJake.“Here,youshouldhavethefirsttaste.”

ThankingGodthathe’dneverneededbookstoknowhowtogiveawomanpleasure,hewrapped

hishandaroundherwristtoholdherhandsteadyasheputhislipsaroundthefood.Helethisteethgraze
herskinashedidsoandwasrewardedbythedesirethatlithereyes.

“Good,isn’tit?”sheaskedinaslightlyhuskyvoice.
“Givemeanothertaste,princess.”
Shehadtoknowwhathewasdoing,thathewasplayingoutsidetherulebookbytouchingherwhen

he’d promised not to. But a moment later, she was back with another piece of the pork bun. Again, he
madeherpartoftheirsnack.

“Yes,” he told her after he finally made himself let go of her hand, “it’s very good.” He slid the

plateawayfromherandbrokeoffapiece.“Yourturnnow.”

Sheflushed,butdidn’thesitatetoopenhermouth.Atfirsthethoughtshewasonlygoingtotakethe

food,butattheverylastsecondhertonguecameouttocurloverhisfingertip.

Hebarelybitbackagroan.Whythehellhadhemadethatstupidpromisenottotouchher?

***

Sophie felt happier than she had in a very, very long time. Just being with Jake, slowly walking

handinhandthroughdowntownSanFrancisco,wasbetterthananyofthefancyeveningsoutshe’dhad
withthemenshe’ddatedbeforehim.

Not,shesupposed,thattheyweretechnicallydating.No,they’dskippedrightpastthatpart,hadn’t

they?Fromonekisstotwins-on-the-waysoquicklyitmadeherheadspin.

She was glad he’d insisted on this day together, on wanting to prove to her that they were

compatibleoutsideofthebedroom.Sheflushedassherealizedthey’dhadsexinfarmoreplacesthanthe
bedroom.

Still,shecouldn’tshakethesensethatthetenuousconnectionsheandJakehadbeenforgingwith

one another had broken slightly when they’d been at the bakery in Chinatown. Something kept coming
betweenthemandshewishedsheknewwhatitwas,wishedthathewouldopenupandtellher.

Butshe’dknownJakelongenoughtounderstandwhatwouldhappenifshepushedtoohardtoofast.

He’dshutdowncompletely...anditwouldbreakherhearttolosehimjustwhenitlookedliketheymight
haveachanceofmakingthingswork.

Her newly overactive bladder had her stopping in front of a Starbucks. “Nature’s calling. I’ll be

right back,” she told him, leaving him standing out on the sidewalk while she went to go wait in the
surprisinglylonglineinside.

Jakewasholdingafairlylargeplasticbagwhenshecamebackout.Theonlystoreanywherenear

the coffee shop was one that sold cheap little tourist trinkets. Just the kind she absolutely adored, as a
matteroffact.

ButwhatcouldJakepossiblyhavebought?
Beforeshecouldask,hegrabbedherhandandsaid,“Ifwerun,wecanprobablycatchthatcable

carbeforeitheadsbackdownthehill.”

Hand in hand, they dodged people and dogs and garbage cans. Laughter and pure, unfettered joy

bubbledupinsideheratasideofJakeshehadn’tknownexisteduntilnow.

ThecablecarsloweddownjustlongenoughforJaketoliftherupbeforegettingonbehindher.The

conductorseemedhappyenoughwhenJakeflashedtheirticketsathimandshefiguredhemustrecognize
theMcCann’sownerlikeeveryoneelsehadsofar.

“Whereareyoutakingme?”
Insteadofanswering,hepulledheragainsthim,herbacktohisfront,breakinghispromiseagain,

thankGod.Sheslidherhandsalonghisforearmsandleanedherheadagainsthisshoulderasthesightsof
SanFranciscopassedbythemoneafteranother.Sheclosedhereyesandwishedtheycouldstaylikethis
forever.

“Here’sourstop.”
Sophiefeltgroggyasshefelthisbreathwarmagainstherear,andrealizedshemusthavedozedoff

intoalightsleeponthecablecar,probablyfromthecombinationofthemovement,herpregnancy...and
finallybeingrightwhereshe’dalwayswantedtobe.

SafeandwarminJake’sarms.
Thewindhadpickedup,buttheafternoonsunwasstillshiningbrightly.He’dtakenhertoalarge

stripofgrassatChrissyFieldonthebay.TotheirrightwasAlcatraz,totheirlefttheGoldenGateBridge.
Inthemiddleofaworkdaythereweren’tmanypeopleout,justafewpeopleflyingkites.

“Doyouremembercomingoutherewhenwewerekids?”
Ofcourseshedid.“LoriandIhadnewkites,butminerippedwhenshesteppedonitbeforeIcould

evenuseit.”Shepaused.“Youtoldmekiteswereforbabies,butyoumadeLorisharewithme.”

“Ihateditwhenyoucried.”Hestrokedahanddownhercheek.“Istilldo.”Hepulledsomething

longandcolorfuloutofthebigbag.“IwishIcouldhavegiventhistoyoufifteenyearsago.”

“Oh,Jake.”Shecouldhardlybelieveit.He’dfoundakiteintheshapeofarainbow,sosimilarto

theoneshe’dhadasachild.“Ican’tbelieveyougotthisforme.”

“I’mgladyoulikeit.”
“Idon’tjustlikeit.Iloveit.”Andyou,shethought.Iloveyousomuch.
Hehelpedhertearopenthepackageandsoonthewindtookthekitewayuphighinthesky.Shehad

toruntokeepupwithit,andwhenshefinallycaughtholdofitenoughtolookbackatJake,hewasstaring
atherwiththatsamewondershe’dseenonhisfacewhenthey’dbeenmakingloveandhishandshadbeen
onherbelly.

This time she knew it couldn’t have anything to do with the fact that she was pregnant with his

children.Butjustbecausehe’dstoppedhidinghisattractiontoher,andthefactthatheenjoyedspending
timewithher...didthatnecessarilymeanhewouldeverfallinlovewithherthewayshe’dalwaysbeenin
lovewithhim?

ChapterEighteen

JakesawSophieshiverasthesundisappearedbehindAlcatraz.Heknewheshouldtakeherhome,

buthewasn’treadyfortheirdaytogethertoendyet.He’dthoughthewasdoingthisforher,butthetruth
was,hecouldn’trememberabetterdaythanthisone.

Her stomach growled again and she laughed. “I swear, it doesn’t normally sound like there’s a

crowdinthere.”

“Ishouldhavefedyou—andthem—”Helookeddownatherstomach.“—beforenow.Goodnews,

IknowofaprettygoodplaceinoneoftheconvertedFortMasonbuildingsjustaroundthecorner.”

He loved the way she automatically reached for his hand for their walk across the grass into the

parkinglotwheretheoldmilitarybasehadbeenturnedintogalleries,shops,andrestaurants.

Butwhentheygotclosetotherestaurant,sheabruptlystoppedwalking.“Youcan’tbeserious.We

can’tgointothefanciestrestaurantinthecitywearingthis.AndI’msweatyfromrunningaroundonthe
grass.”

“Ilikeyousweaty,”hesaidinalowvoice,butdespitetheansweringdesirethatflaredinhereyes

athisreminderofhowgooditwastogetsweatytogether,hecouldseeshedidn’treallyfeelbetterabout
wherehewastakingher.“Youalwayslookbeautiful,Sophie.Andweneedtoeat.”Heputhishandon
herlowerbackandledherthroughtheelegantentrance.

Themaîtred’recognizedhimimmediately.“Mr.McCann,welcome.Pleasefollowme.”
Sophiewasclearlystartledbythegreeting—andthefactthattheywereimmediatelyseatedatone

ofthebesttables.Heunderstoodherconfusion.Aguylikehimshouldn’tbeallowedwithinahundredfeet
ofaplacelikethis.Heshouldbeinbackwashingdishes,notbeingledtooneofthebesttablesinthe
place, with the most beautiful girl in the world on his arm. He didn’t usually come to places like this,
despitethefactthatheknewmostofthechefsinthecity.Hejustneverfeltcomfortableinthem,neverfelt
likeheactuallybelongedthere.

“Enjoyyourmeal.I’llletChefknowyou’rehere.”
Sophieloweredhervoicetoawhisper.“Didyouhaveareservation?”
Shewassocutewhenhereyeswentallbiglikethat.Socutethatheactuallywhisperedback,“No.”
Justthen,hisbuddyChriswalkeduptotheirtable,smilingwidely.Jakecouldseehowmuchhis

friend appreciated Sophie’s looks. She was by far the most beautiful woman in the room. The fact that
she’d put absolutely no effort into it—and that she was utterly unaware of her effect on people—only
increasedherbeauty.

“I’msogladyou’rediningwithustonight,Miss—”
Sophieblinkedupatthecelebratedchefassheliftedherhandtohis.“SophieSullivan.”
ShelickedherlipsandasJakewatchedChris’seyesdroptohersinfullysensualmouth,herealized

hismistakeincomingheretonight.

Hewasgoingtohavetokillhisfriendforlookingathiswomanlikethat.
“I’mveryhappytomeetyou,Ms.Sullivan.”
“Please,callmeSophie.”
“Ms.Sullivanworksjustfine,”Jakeinterjected.
Sophielookedmortified.“Jake!”
Surprise flickered in Chris’s eyes as he looked between them. You’ve got it right. She’s mine.

Forever.Soyou’dbetterbackoff—andquick.

“Itwouldbemypleasuretosuggestthetastingmenutonight.”
Sophiesmiledthatshy,radiantsmile,andJakehadasuddenflashofwhattherestofhislifewas

goingtobelike,watchingmenfallatSophie’sfeet.Itwasgoingtobehell.

Whatiftheirtwinsweregirls?Howwashegoingtoprotectthemall?
ChrishadmorewomenathisbeckandcallthanevenJakecouldkeeptrackof.Somethingaboutthe

combinationofgourmetfood,abigego,andafewmusclesseemedtomakewomensalivate.Butitwas
clearthatifJakesteppedaside,Sophiewouldshootstraighttothetopofthelist,alltheothersinstantly
forgotten.Shewasn’tjustbeautiful.Shewasclassy.Smart.Andwaythehelltoogoodforhim.

“Thetastingmenusoundsfine,”Jaketoldhisfriend.“Nowgetlost.”
Notmissingabeat,ChristoldSophie,“Itwouldalsobemypleasuretosuggestthatwhenyouget

tiredofthisguy—”

Jakecuthimoffwithahard,“Later,Chris.”
Thistime,thankfully,Sophiewasn’tmortified.Instead,asChrisbowedtoherbeforeheadingback

intothekitchen,shestartedlaughing,oneofthesweetestsoundsJakehadeverheard.Makingherlaugh
wouldbecomehistoppriority.

“Ican’tbelievehowrudeyouwere,”shesaid,butshewasstillgrinning.“Itakeityouknoweach

other.”

Hebutteredapieceoffreshlybakedbreadandhandedittoher.“Itaughthimeverythingheknows

aboutwashingdishes.”

She bit into the bread, still chuckling, and he enjoyed watching her eat. He’d never taken care of

anyone before, had never wanted that kind of responsibility. Now, keeping Sophie safe and healthy
consumedhisthoughts.

“Ialsotaughthimaboutwomen.Hecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffyou.”
Sophieblushedandlookedatherplate.“Hewasjustbeingpolite.”
“Don’t you know the effect you have on men, princess? All your perfection, your elegance...you

makeusdesperatetoknowwhatyou’dlooklikesprawlednakedbeneathusinourbed,yoursilkyhair
tangledinourhands,yourclassymouthbeggingusto—”

Shekickedhimunderthetable,hissing,“Youcan’tsaythatkindofstuffhere.”
“Jesus,”hesaidasheleanedforwardtorubhisshin.“Thathurt.”
“Mybrotherstaughtmehowtodealwithguyswhowouldn’ttakenoforananswer.”
A bloody vision of one of her brothers walking into this restaurant tonight and instantly knowing

whathe’ddonetotheirbabysisterwasabruptlyhaltedwhenSophieexclaimed,“Ohno,Ijustrealized.I
shouldhavetoldChristhatIcan’teatanysoftcheeseorrawfish.”

Damnit,ifhe’dreadthatbookthedoctorhadgiventhem,he’dknowthat.Butjustthinkingabout

tryingtoreadallthosetinywordsonasubjecthewasalreadyfreakingoutaboutmadehisheadswim.

“I’llgotellhim.”Hegotupandpressedakisstohertemple.“Butifanyoftheseguystrytohiton

you,tellthem—”

“—I’mtaken.”
Shewassobeautifulasshelookedupanddeclaredthatshewashis,thatJakedidn’tcarethatthey

wereinthemiddleofthemostexclusiverestaurantinSanFrancisco.Hehadtokissher.

Hermouthwassoftandwarmbeneathhisandhewonderedhowhecouldbesostupid.Insteadof

takingherout,hecouldhavehadheralltohimself.

Herskinwasbeautifullyflushedasheliftedhismouthfromhersandheadedforthekitchens.
“Sophiecan’teatsoftcheeseandrawfish.”
Chrislookedupfromplatingadish.“She’spregnant?”
Surprisedthathisfriendgotthatfromhislastsentence,Jakenodded.
“Congratulations.She’sgorgeous.”
Jakehadn’ttoldanyoneyet,butsuddenlyhehadtosay,“We’rehavingtwins.”
Chriswhistledlongandlow.“Gottaletyouknow,youkeepshockingthehelloutofme.Especially

sinceI’veneverseenyouwithaclassybabelikethatbefore.”Hecleanedtheedgeoftheplatewithhis
apron.“Sincethisisyours,I’llheadbackoutwithyou.”

Jakegrabbedtheplatefromhisfriend.“I’vegotit.”
“Fine.Butdon’tscrewupthepresentation.I’vegotareputationtopreserve,youknow.”
“Yeah, for being an ass,” he shot back, even though he knew it wasn’t his friend’s fault that Jake

didn’tfitintoaplacelikethis.

Itwashisownfault.Heshouldhaveknownbetterthantobringherhere.Allitdidwasshowher

exactlyhowpoorlyhefitintoherworld.

***

Sophie supposed she should have been mortified that Jake had kissed her like that in front of

everyone,butevenifshehadbeen,shecouldn’thavemissedtheenviousglancesfromtheotherdiners.
Especially the women, who clearly all wished they had a hunk who couldn’t keep his hands off them.
Even the fact that she was wearing a totally inappropriate cotton skirt and sweater hardly bothered her
anymore.

Shelookeduptoseehimcomingbackwithaplateoffood,andherheartswelledwithlove.They’d

hadsuchaperfectdaytogethersofar.

Butwhenhesatdownheseemedabitcrankierthanhehadafewminutesearlier.Shewasgetting

used to his often gruff manner, the way he liked to be in control all the time. Something had obviously
happenedwhenhe’dbeenbackinthekitchenwithhisfriend.

Ignoringthefood,shesaid,“What’swrong,Jake?”
Hedidn’tanswer,justheldouttheplateandsaid,“Youneedtoeat.”
Theeasiestthingwouldbetogetangryathimagainforpushingheraway.Butshewastiredofthat

pattern.Itwastimeforachange.

“Today has been great,” she said softly, “but it’s got to be about more than cable cars and flying

kites.”

Sophie waited for him to say something, but his face remained carved in granite. She sighed. It

seemedlikethey’dcomesofartoday,buthadtheyreally?

Butthen,hefinallysaid,“Everyoneiswonderingwhatthehellaguylikemeisdoinginaplacelike

thiswithagirllikeyou.Ishouldbewashingyourdishes,notsharingthem.”

She’dneverseenhisvulnerabilitysoclearlybefore.Hadneveractuallybelievedthathehadany

vulnerablespotsatall.She’dthoughtsheknewhimsowell,afteralltheseyearsofhavingacrushonhim.

Butmaybeshehadn’treallyknownhimatall,hadn’tknownthathe’dbeamanwhowouldclaiman

unplannedchildwithsuchenthusiasm...orappreciateasimplegirllikeherwhodidn’tshineandshimmer
liketherestofhersiblings.

“I’vespentsomuchofmylifefeelinglikeIdidn’tfitin.MybrothersandLoriweresomuchbigger,

somuchbrighterthanIcouldeverbe.Butnow,”shepaused,methisdarkgaze,“Ifeelbetter.”

Hecouldn’thavelookedmoresurprised.“Youdo?”
Shenodded.“It’snicetoknowthatyoufeellikejustasmuchofamisfitasIdo.”
“Misfitisonewordforit,”hesaid,buttherewasadarknesstohiswordshecouldn’tdisguise.
Itwastheinshe’dbeenlookingforandshecouldn’tlettheopportunitypass.Notwhenshefeltso

closetohim...andwantedtobesomuchcloserstill.

“Iknowwepracticallygrewuptogether,butIdon’treallyknowmuchaboutyourchildhood.”
“Trustme,it’snotinteresting.”Heshovedtheappetizerather.“Seriously,Sophie,youneedtoeat.”
“You know everything about my childhood. It’s not fair that I hardly know anything about yours.”

Sherealizedsheneededtoplayhertrumpcard.“I’lleatifyou’lltalk.”

“WhenwasIeverstupidenoughtothinkyouwereapushover?”Henoddedtothefood.“Fine.Start

eatingandI’lltalk.”

Sheworkedtohidehersmileasshebitintotheredandyellowbeetsalad,knowingJakewouldbe

shockedtorealizejusthowcutehewaswhenhewasbeingtoughandirritatedwithher.

“MymomleftwhenIwasababy,foundsomeguywhocouldgivehermorethanacheapapartment

andalifetimeofwaitressing.Shedidn’twantanythingtodowithus.Thenexttimesheshowedup,Iwas
six.Sheneededmoney.Turnedouthermealticketwasaloser,afterall.”

Sophiecouldn’thidehershock.“Whathappened?”
“My dad kicked her back out. I was at school when it happened. Never even saw her. She was

betteroffawayfromhim.Hewasadrunk.DiedwhenIwaseighteenfromliverdamage.”

He was rattling off the facts like they were from someone else’s life, like they didn’t matter, like

theydidn’thurthim.Butsheknewtheydid,thattheyhadtohavewoundedhim.Deeply.

Howcoulditnothurttohavebeenraisedwithsuchneglect?Sophiehadtriedsomanytimesinthe

pasttwoandahalfmonthstoguardherheartagainsthim.Itwassmarter.Safer.

Buthowcouldshebeonguardagainstaboywho’dhadaterriblechildhood,buthadturnedintoa

wonderfulmandespiteitall?

Somehowshemanagedtoholdinheremotions,knowinghe’dmistakesadnessoverhowawfulhis

childhoodhadbeenforpity.Morefoodcamejustthen,andafterthewaiterwalkedaway,shereachedfor
herforkasthougheverythingwereperfectlyfine,whileforcingasmallsmileontoherlips.

“AndhereIthoughtlosingmykitemadeforaroughchildhood.”
She nearly cheered when her comment surprised a laugh out of Jake and he began to eat as well.

“Havingallthosebrothersgivingyouanythingyouwantedmusthavebeenprettytough,too.”

“Doyouhaveanyideawhatit’sliketobeguardedbysixolderbrothers?”Shemadeaface.“All

theboysatschoolweretooscaredofthemtocomenearme.Ididn’thavemyfirstkissuntilIwentaway
tocollege,ifyoucanbelieveit.”

“If anything ever happened to you, they would never have forgiven themselves for not protecting

youbetter.”

“I hate being treated like I’m breakable. I’m sick of everyone thinking all I am is some nice girl

whocan’ttakecareofherself.”Shewasonarollnowandcouldn’tseemtostopherself.“I’msomuch
morethanthat,butnooneeverwantstoseeit.”

“Iseeit,Sophie.”
Surprisehadherforkclatteringtotheplate.“Youdo?”
“Of course I do. How could I not see how strong you are? How resilient. The way you adjust to

changingcircumstancesthatwouldgiveanyoneelsewhiplash.You’resomuchtougherthananyonewould
everguess.”Hismouthcurvedintoasmilethatstolewhatwasleftofherbreathaway.“And,ontopofall
ofthat,youjusthappentobethesexiestwomanI’veeverknown.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Youalmosthadmegoingupuntilthatlastpart.”
“Ialmostruinedyourbrother’swedding,youknow.”
Shecouldn’tfollowhistrainofthought,howthey’djumpedfromwhetherornotshewassexyto

Chase’swedding.“Ruinedit?How?”

“Iwantedtokilleverymanwholookedatyouinthatpinkdress.Andtherewasn’taguytherewho

didn’tlook,princess.Allthatbloodinthemiddleoftheirparty...”Heshookhishead.“Itwouldn’thave
beenpretty.”

“Butyounevernoticedme,notuntiltheweddingwhenIworethatdressandhadthemakeupartist

makemeup.”

Hiseyesweredark,hisfaceasseriousasshe’deverseenit.“Trustme,Inoticedyoubeforethat.

Waybeforethat.”

***

“Areyouupforonemoredestination?”Sophieaskedalittlewhilelater,whentheywereleaving

therestaurant.

Attractionhadbuzzedbetweenthemastheyatetherestoftheirmeal,andallhecouldthinkofwas

takinghertobed.Comemidnight,whenthedaywasofficiallyoverandhe’dmadegoodonhispromise,
hecouldfinallytouchheragain.Andoh,thewayshewasgoingtotouchher...

Butwhenshegavehimoneofthosebeautifulsmilesthathadalwaysmadehisheartbeatfasterand

said,“There’ssomethingIwanttoshowyou.It’snotfarfromhere,”howcouldhenotagreetowhatever
shewanted?

Handinhand,heletherleadthemdownthewaterfronttowardalargegraybuilding.Shereached

intoherbagandpulledoutakeycard,holdingitinfrontoftheelectroniclock.Itclickedopenandshe
pulledonthedoor.

“You’reshowingmeaswimmingpool?”
She grinned again, saying, “Among other things,” as she pulled him toward the next set of doors,

whichledtothelockerroomsandthen,finally,thepool.

Shekickedoffhershoesanddroppedhishandtoreachforthehemofhersweater.
“Sophie?Whatareyoudoing?”Itwasastupidquestion.Heknewexactlywhatshewasdoing.He

justcouldn’tbelieveit.

“Gettingundressed.”
Hallelujah!
Shepulledhersweateroffoverherhead,thenquicklytookoffthetopshe’dbeenwearingbeneath

it.Herskirtcameoffnext,untilshewasstandinginfrontofJakeinonlyherbraandpanties.

“Doyouneedhelptakingoffyourclothes?”
Didn’tsheknowhecouldhardlyputtogetheracoherentthoughtwhenshewasstandinginfrontof

himlookingthatgood?

“We’renotsupposedtobehereafterhours,arewe?”
ShecheerfullyshookherheadasshereachedforhisT-shirtandstartedtopullitup.“Nope.”
Shedeftlypulledhisshirtoff,butwhensheputherhandsatthetopofhisjeans,hehadtoknow,

“Have you done this before? With anyone else?” If she had, he’d hunt the guy down and beat him to a
pulp.Sophiewashis,damnit.She’dalwaysbeenhis,evenifhe’dneverlethimselfgetcloseenoughto
claimheruntilshe’dshownupathisdoorstepinNapaandseducedhim.

Justasshewasseducinghimnow.
“I’vealwayswantedto,”shesaidassheworkedhiszipperdownandshovedhispantsoff.“But

you’remyfirst.”

Andyourlast,hethoughtashetoreofftherestofhisclothes,shoes,andsocks.
He’dpromisedherafulldaywithnosexandhe’dmadeitthisfar.Skinny-dippingwasgoingtokill

him,buthell,evenifhecouldn’ttouchher,hecouldstilllook.

“It’snotskinny-dippingifyou’veclotheson,princess.Turnaround.”Whenshedidasheasked,he

brushed aside her long hair to unclasp her bra, then pushed it from her shoulders so that it fell to the
ground.Movingtooneknee,hehookedhisthumbsintothesidesofherpantiesnext,slidingthemallthe
waydownherlegs.

“Sophie,”hesaidinarawvoice,hismouthbarelyaninchfromherlusciousrearend,“you’dbetter

jumpinbeforeIbreakmypromise.”

“Notwithoutyou.”Asshepulledhimuptostandbesideher,hereyesfixatedonhiserection.“I’m

gladyoulikemyskinny-dippingideasomuch.”

Jesus,itwasgoingtobreakhim,gettinginthewaterwithanakedSophieandnottouchingher.Not

kissingher.Notmakinglovetoher.

Buthe’ddoit,damnit,becausehe’dgivenherhisword...andbecauseheneededhertoknowhow

muchhecaredabouther.Notjustasasexywoman,butalsoasthepersonhewantedtospendtherestof
hislifewith.

On three, they jumped in together and Sophie’s laughter was the best sound in the world as she

splashedupfrombeneaththewater.Thenextthingheknew,shehadwrappedherarmsandlegsaround
himandhewasholdingherupinthewater.

Ohman,wasshesoft.Andwet.
Hewantedtorunhishandsovereveryinchofherskin.
Thewayhiserectionwasthrobbingagainstherbelly,itwouldn’ttakemorethantheslightestshift

ofherinhisarmstobeinsideallthatheat.Ifthiswasherwayoftestinghim,hewoulddigdeeptoprove
toherthathewasuptothechallenge.

Evenifitkilledhim.
“It’sbeenaperfectdaysofar,”shewhisperedintohisearjustashertonguelickedoutagainsthis

earlobe,“exceptforonething.”

Hecouldbarelygetoutthewords,“Whatwouldmakeitperfect?”whenhewantedhersobadhe

wasabouttoloseitwithnothingbutthefeelofhernakedcurvesbobbingslightlyinthewateragainsthim.

“This.”
Sophiebitdownonhisearlobejustassheimpaledherselfonhim.
“Now,”shesaidonagasp,“it’sperfect.”
Finally, he was able to give in to the shocking pleasure of kissing the sweetest mouth he’d ever

tasted.Lipssosoft,sowarm,astheypartedandaroused,takingandgivinginequalmeasure.Hecould
feelherstrength,herlithemusclesasshewrappedherselftighteraroundhimandusedthestrengthinher
thighstoridehiminthewater.

He’dthoughtshewastoofragile,tooeasilybreakableforhim,forhisneeds,forhispast.Butshe

meteverythrustinequalmeasure,meteverystrokeofhishandacrosshergorgeousskinwithherhands
onhim.

For so long he’d wanted her, and every time they came together he only wanted her more. He’d

nevergetenoughofherpassion,thewaysheallbutvibratedwithdesireinhisarmsassheopenedherself
uptohim.

He’dtoldhimselfhedidn’tneedanyone,andespeciallynother.Buthe’dbeenwrong.Aliarofepic

proportions.

Becausetherewasnobodyheneededmore.Noonewhowouldeverfillhisheart—andsoul—the

waythisbeautifulwomaninhisarmsalwayshad.

She lowered her head to his shoulder, her lips and tongue and teeth moving against his skin. He

couldfeelhowfast,howfranticherheartwasbeatingagainsthis.Hehadtogripherhipstighter,hadto
hold her closer as he drove deeper inside her warmth, coming closer and closer to heaven with every
strokeofhardfleshagainstsoft.

She gasped out his name and as their combined sounds of ecstasy rebounded off the swimming

pool’swalls,unbelievablepleasureblurredwithpureloveandbecameoneandthesame.

ChapterNineteen

SophiewokeupsprawledacrossJakeinhisbed.Herheadwasrestingrightoverhisbreastbone,

hisheartastrong,steadybeatinherear.Shevaguelyrememberedcurlingupagainsthimaftertheycame
backfromthepoolandfallingasleep,butatsomepointinthemiddleofthenight,shemusthavewanted
togetcloser,andjustclimbedontopofhim.

Not,shefigured,thathemindedbeinghernewmattressmuch,iftheenormouserectionpressinginto

herstomachwasanyindication.Thatmadetwoofthemwhodidn’tmindit,shethought,asallthathard
malemusclebeneathherquicklybroughtherfromsleepytoarousedinamatterofseconds.

Foralltheyearsshe’ddreamedofbeinginbedwithJake,thosevisionshadalwaysbeenofJake

touchingher,Jakekissingher,Jakemakinglovetoher.Yesterdayatthepoolhadbeenthefirsttimeshe’d
evertakentheleadwithsex.

She’dlovedit.Butevenmorethanthat,she’dlovedthewayhe’dbeguntosharepiecesofhimself

withherthepreviousnight.Theirphysicalconnectionwasundeniable.Couldtheiremotionalconnection
becomejustasstrong,too?

WasthereachancethatJakewouldkeeplettingherin,bitbybit,untilheactuallysharedhiswhole

heart—andsoul—withher?

She ran her fingertips over the strong muscles of his shoulder, tracing the veins and sinews just

belowthesurfaceofhisskin.Sophiefeatheredherfingersfromcollarbonetobicep,wantingtomemorize
Jakefromfeelalone,alreadyputtingtogetheramentalmapofhismasculineperfection.Shewasalsoglad
forthechance,atlonglast,toreallystudythetattoosonhistannedskin.What,shewondered,dideach
oneofthemmean?Jakewasn’tamanwhodidanythingwithoutareason,andshecouldn’timaginethe
tattooshadbeenpainless.Regardlessofhowtoughheacted,hewasfleshandbloodlikeanyoneelse.

BeingabletotouchJakeatherleisurelikethiswassuchagift.Butitwasn’tnearlyenoughtowhet

hersuddenlyravenousappetiteformore.Shedidn’tjustwanttoknowthecontoursofhisbodywithher
hands,shewantedtofeelthemallagainstherlips,wantedtoknowthetasteofhimonhertongue.

Sheshiftedherheadsothatshecouldpressherlipstohisbreastbone.Hisbodywassosolid,so

strong. He smelled so good and he tasted even better, still faintly covered in the chlorine from the
swimmingpool.Sheshiftedagain,justenoughtoliftherheadfromhischestsothatshecouldlickhim,
barely managing to hold back a moan of pleasure as she laved his slightly salty skin. No wonder men
wereso fixated onwomen’s breasts. Already,she was an addict,could spend hourswith her mouth on
him,hertongue,herteethallvyingforsuperiority.

Slowlyshiftingherweight,shemovedherlegstoeithersideofhishipsandletherweightfallto

her knees on the mattress so that she could kneel above him and feast her eyes. That was when she
realizedhisdarkeyesweren’tclosed.

“You’reawake?”
His mouth curved into a sexy smile. “Do you actually think there’s a guy alive who could sleep

throughthat?”Hishandscurvedoverherbackside,gentlysqueezingthesoftfleshthere.“I’vebeenawake
sinceyoumademeyourbodypillowacoupleofhoursago.”Hechasedhiswordswiththeslowdragof
hishandsfromherhipstoherwaist.

“Poorbaby.Ishouldmakethosesleeplesshoursuptoyou,shouldn’tI?”
Hiseyeslitwithsurprise—andheat—athersoftwords,justabeatbeforehisfingertipsskimmed

thebottomofherribcageandhishandscurvedoverherbreasts.Shewantedtokeepfocusingonhim,on
theheadyadventureofexploringhisbody,butwhenhetouchedherlikethatshecouldn’tkeepherspine
fromarchingherdeeperintohishands.Hisshaftwashugelyerectbetweenherthighsandherbodymoved

intopositionoveritasthoughtheywereconnectedbymagnets,sothatshecouldglideoverhim,backand
forth,untilherbreathwascomingfast.

“God,Ilovetowatchyoucome.Doitnowforme,princess.Ridemeallthewaythere,justlike

this.”

EverytimeshewaswithJake,shedisappeareddeeperanddeeperintothesensualspellhewove

aroundher.She’dneverthoughtshecouldbethiswoman,onewhobroughtherselftoclimaxwhileher
lover urged her forward, had never imagined she would break into the swim center to skinny-dip with
him.

Thenagain,she’dneverfeltthissafebefore,hadneverhadamanlookatherasthoughshewasthe

onlypersonintheworldwhomattered.

Theintenseappreciationinhisdarkeyessentherhurtlingovertheedge.Asshegroundherpelvis

intohis,ashisfingersplayedoverthetautpeaksofherincrediblysensitivebreasts,Sophiewasn’tnice
anymore.Shewasn’tnaughtyeither.

Shewassimplyawomanwhofinallyunderstoodhowdeeppleasurecouldrunwhenshewaswith

therightman...especiallywhenlovewasbringingthemtogetherasmuchashormonesandattraction.

Theirmouthsmetinatangleofdesire,tonguesslippingandsliding,teethcatchingonlipsaswaves

ofecstasycrashedintoher,throughher,overher.Herorgasmseemedtogoonandonforever,spiraling
higher and higher before leaving her muscles loose and limp. Even then, despite the way his shaft was
throbbingbetweenherlegs,hesimplystrokedherhair,herback,assheworkedtocatchherbreath.

“Mmmm.”Shecouldn’tgetherbrainaroundanythingclearerthanthatlittlehumofpleasure.Still,

any minute now, she was sure he’d roll them over on the bed, push her legs open, and take her in a
deliciouslydominantway.And,oh,howshe’denjoyeverysecondofit.

Butevenaftershecouldbreathenormallyagain,evenwhensherealizedhismuscleshadtensedup

somuchthathewasnearlyaliving,breathingrockbeneathher,hedidn’tmove.

Sheliftedherheadfromthecrookofhisneckandbrushedthedampstrandsofhairfromherfaceso

that she could see him properly. “Aren’t you—?” She paused, blushing despite the fact that they were
alreadynakedandshe’djustclimaxedincowgirlpositionoverhim.“Don’tyou—?”

Hismouthcapturedhers.“Yes.”Hekissedheragain,thethrustofhistonguetheperfectwindowto

hisdesire.“God,yes.”

Suddenly,Sophiewasstruckwithanideathatsheneverwouldhavedaredtoseethroughbefore.

ButbeingwithJakemadeherfeelbrave.Movingoffhim,sheslidoffthebedandwenttoherbagtopull
outacoupleofhairclips.Withinseconds,shehadherlonghairpulledoffherfaceintoatightbun.She
rootedaroundforthenonprescriptionglassesshekeptwithhertoweartoimportantmeetings—whenshe
neededtomakesureherbrainsweretheonlythingpeoplenoticed.

Ah,theretheywere.Thebig,thickrimswereperfect.
She turned around to face Jake and had to laugh aloud at the look on his face. Lust mixed with

horror.

“SweetLord,you’reeverytwistedlibrarianfantasyI’veeverhadcometolife.”Hisvoicesounded

strangledashelookeddownathernakedbody,thenbackuptothebunandglasses.“Idon’tknowifthis
isagoodidea.I’mprettymuchontheedgealready,here,Sophie.”

“NotSophie.”Shesqueezedhishugeerectionbeforelettingherselfstrokeup,thendown,theskin

thathadbeenstretchedsmooth.“Ms.Sullivan.”

“Isthatyourlibrarianvoice?”Whenshenodded,hegroaned.“Thisisofficiallymynewfavorite

game.”Sheglaredathimandheadded,“Ms.Sullivan.Ma’am.”

“Game?”Shecrawledbackontothebed,straddlinghimagainandleaningdowntolickuptheside

ofhisneck.“Doyouthinkthisisagame?”Shesankherteethintohisearlobebeforemovingtotheother
sideandgivingitthesametreatment.“Orthis?”Shepressedherhandsflatoverhischest,coveringhis

pectoral muscles. “What about this?” She lowered her head to his chest to lick and nip at him and he
reachedforher.

Butinsteadoflettinghimpullherupoverhisbody,asurgeoffemininepowercameoverSophie.

She’dreducedbig,bad,lady-killingJakeMcCanntoapuddleofdesire.Thatwashowmuchhewanted
her...and,oh,wasn’titjustlovelytofinallybewanted?

Beforehecouldstopher,shemoveddownhisincrediblebodytoexperiencesomethingshenever

hadbefore,butsuddenlycouldn’tlivewithoutforanothersecond.Secondslater,warm,thickmaleflesh
greetedhertongue.Shehummedherpleasureathowgoodhetastedasshecircledthebroadheadofhis
erectionbeforeopeninguphermouthandtakingitinside.

Jake’sfingersthreadedintoherbunsotightlythatSophiewasheldcaptiveoverhim,butshedidn’t

carethatshewasnolongerincharge,didn’tevencareaboutplayingthe“sexylibrarian”roleanymore.
ShethrewofftheglassesandgaveintotheshockingthrillofgivingJakepleasureashethrustupintoher
mouth.He’dwantedhertocomeabovehimearlierandnowallshewantedwasforhimtodothesame
forher,justlikethis.

“Ineedyouhere.”Hiswordsbarelypiercedthethickfogofherlust.“Rightherewithme.”
Aheartbeatlaterhewaspullingherdownoverhim,causinghertoloseherbreathcompletelyashe

filledherallthewayup.Ifithadbeenjustherbodyhewasfilling,thenmaybeshewouldhavebeenable
tohandleit,butthewayhewaslookingather,likeshewashiseverydream,everysinglefantasycometo
life,hadtearsspringingtohereyesevenasherbodybegantoexplodearoundhis.

“Now,”heurgedashegrewimpossiblybiginsideherandherinnermusclesinstinctivelyclenched

aroundhim.“Comewithme.”

Sophiethrewherheadbackandheldontohimlikeshewasgoingforrodeoqueenandhewasthe

prizedbullthatwasgoingtoclinchherthetitle.Jake’sroarofpleasureseteverynerveinherbodyto
tinglingasshecalledouthisname.

Whenshecouldfinallyrouseherbraintoworkingagain,sherealizedthatsomewhereintherehe

musthaverolledthemovertocradleherinhisarms.

For several minutes, they remained connected, two sweaty, panting people wrapped around each

other.Sophiefeltshecouldstaylikethisforever.Noneedforfoodorclothesorwords.JustJake’sarms
aroundher,hisheartbeatingagainsthers.

***

Jake had spent his entire life on guard against pain, failure, disappointment. Being with Sophie

madehimwanttostopbracinghimselffortheinevitablefall,madehimwanttogiveintoahopehe’d
swornasakidnevertolethimselffeelagain.

“CanIaskyousomething?”Shewasslowlytracingtheinkedarmbandaroundhisbicepwiththetip

ofonefinger.

Hetensedbeforehecouldwillhimselfnottogivehisdiscomfortaway,andshepressedakissto

hischest.“Don’tworry,it’snothingbad.Atleast,Idon’tthinkitis.”

She lifted her face to look up at him and his breath caught at how beautiful she was. He kept

thinkingthat,afterallthesehourstheywerespendingtogether,he’dgetusedtoitsoon.

Consideringhe’dneverbeenabletogetusedtoitasshe’dgrownfromgirltowomaninthepast

twentyyears,hesupposedheshouldjustmanupandacceptthatheneverwould.

Shewasthatbeautifultohim.
“What is it?” he said, the realization of just how powerfully the woman in his arms rocked his

worldmakingthewordscomeoutharderthanheintended

“Iwasjustwonderingaboutyourtattoos.”SheslidthetipofonefingerovertheCelticdragontail

thatranfromhisbacktohislowerribcage.“They’rebeautiful.I’msuretheymusthavehurt,soyoumust
havereallywantedthem.”

Being drilled with a needle for hours hadn’t hurt nearly as much as his father’s punches had. At

leastthetattooshadmadehimfeelstronger.Tougher.AsthoughtheCelticwarriorsofthepastwereinthe
wingswaitingtohelphimwhenheneededitmost.

“Tellmewhattheymean.”Athiscontinuedsilence,sheliftedhereyestohisagain.“Please.”
Did she know that he could never refuse her anything if she looked at him like that and asked so

sweetly?Didshehaveanyideajusthowtightlyshehadhimwrappedaroundherlittlefinger,thatevenas
abitterten-year-oldboyhe’dbeenheldcaptivatebyher?

“ThatoneisaCelticdragon.”
“We’realwayssobusywith—”Sheblushed.“I’veneverreallyhadachancetoseethewholething

upclose.”Sheslidherfingertipsoverthetattoo,herbreathwarmonhisskin.“It’samazing.Whatdoesit
symbolize?”

He’dneversharedthesymbolism,orhisreasons,withanyoneelse.Hadneverevenbeentempted

beforenow.BeforeSophie.

“Onewhoconquersthedragon.”
“Whataboutthisbandaroundyourarm?Whatdoesthatstandfor?”
“Thestrengthofawarrior.”
“Andtheleprechaunonyourforearm?Whydoeshehavehisfistsraised?”
He would have shut her down if he thought he could get away with it. But he knew with utter

certaintythatshewouldn’tleaveitaloneuntilshehadallheranswers.Andifhedidn’tgivethemtoher,
she’djustlookthemupinoneofherbooks.AnyonewhothoughtSophieSullivanwasapushoverwasthe
realidiot.

“Leprechaunsarefighters.”
“Funny,Ialwaysthoughttheyweremorelikerascalshidingapotofgold.”Shemovedherhandup

hischest,tohisrightshoulder.“Thisonelookslikeashield.”

“Itis.”
Shecockedherheadtotheside,andasked,“Nofour-leafcloversanywhere?”
“I’veneverbelievedinluck.”Oranyoftheotherthingsthatthefourleavesrepresented,likehope,

orfaith.Orlove.

Sure,he’dlovedSophienearlyhiswholelife.Howcouldhenot?Buthe’dneverbelievedanyone

couldlovehimback...neverthoughttherewasachancethatluck,hope,andfaithwouldshowuponhis
doorstepinNapaandbargeintohislife.

Sheplacedherhandflatoverhisheartandlookedupathim.“Strength.Symbolsofbattle.Warriors.

Shields.”

He could hear the sadness she’d been trying to hide from him in the restaurant when he’d finally

toldherabouthismotherandfather.Shemovedontoherhandsandkneesandcrawledoverhim.

“Canwepretendyouhaveonemoretattoo,righthere?”Shepressedakissoverhisheart.
Hecouldn’tanswer,couldn’tspeak,couldn’tdoanythingbutpullherupoverhimsothathecould

kissher.

“Thankyouforansweringmyquestions,”sheaddedinahuskyvoicewhenhefinallylethergo.“IfI

wasn’talmostlateforworkalready,I’dthankyouproperly.”Shepressedonemorekisstohislips,then
wenttotakeashower.

Jake remembered what Chase had said on his wedding day—that Chloe was worth a thousand

orgies.Jakehadn’tbelievedit,butnowheknewthetruth:OneofSophie’ssmiles,hergentlekiss—along
with the love she’d once declared to him—meant a million times more to him than anything else ever
would.

ChapterTwenty

JakeandSophiestoodonthelibrarystepshalfanhourlater.Shehadkeptherhairupinthathot

littlebunandashekissedhergoodbye,hetangledhisfingersinittopullitloose.

“Knowingyou’reintheretodaylookinglikethatwouldmesswithmyheadreally,reallybad.”Her

librarianrole-playthatmorninghadbeenoneofthehottestthingshe’deverexperienced.“Youdon’thave
yourglasseswithyou,doyou?”

Helovedthesoundofherlaughter,socarefree,sopretty.Butthen,hersmileturnedtouncertainty.

“Jake, would you come inside with me today?” When he didn’t immediately reply, she said, “I loved
spendingtimewithyouatthepub.It’snicetobeabletopictureyouatyourdeskgoingoverspreadsheets
or bossing around your employees like a tyrant.” She looked up at him with impossibly big, beautiful
eyes.“Ithoughtmaybeyou’dliketoknowaboutwhereIspendmydays.”

Jake knew it was long past time to stop being such a wimp. Libraries weren’t his thing, but he

couldn’tavoidthemforever.

“Well,”hesaidslowly,“ifyou’llagreetoputyourhairbackupandhaveyourwaywithmeina

darkcorner...”

Sophiesmackedhisarmandexclaimed,“Jake!”butthegrinshecouldn’tquitecontainalongwith

thesensuouswaysheranherhanddownhisarmbeforethreadingherfingersthroughhisastheyheaded
upthestepstothefrontdoortoldhimthetruthabouthowmuchshelikedhisteasing.

Heheldthedoorforher,butshestoppedandsuckedinabreath,squeezinghishandtight.
“Sophie?What’swrong?”
Sheshookherhead,takingacoupleofbreathsbeforesaying.“Nothing.Justtookthestairsalittle

quick,Ithink.”Shetuggedhimintothebuilding,hercolorback,thankGod.“Isn’titincredible?”

Jake had to admit the building was impressive. The domed ceiling in the main room had to be at

least three stories tall. At some point someone had painted murals on it and even a nonreader like him
couldeasilyguessthattheymustbescenesfromclassicliterature.

“Sophie,hi!”
Awomanheassumedwasaco-workerpracticallyranuptogreetthem.Sophie’shandstiffenedin

hisforasplitsecondandhepulledherclosertohim.

Thewoman’seyesdartedbetweenthem.“Isthisyour...friend?”
TheurgetoclaimpublicpossessionofSophiewasnearlyimpossibletoholdatbay.Buttheirweek

wasn’t up yet. And this would be a good chance for him to see where she was in making her decision
aboutlettinghimstayinherlife.Thewayshe’dmadelovetohimthismorninghadgivenhimapieceof
theanswer.

It wasn’t until Sophie squeezed his hand and turned to him with a radiant smile, that he realized

he’dbeenholdinghisbreath.“ThisisJake.”Sheneverlookedawayfromhimforevenasecondasshe
said,“Myboyfriend.”

There was no point in trying to stop himself from kissing her. After keeping the kiss way shorter

thanhewantedtooutofrespectforherjob,heheldouthishandtoherco-worker.“Greattomeetyou.”

“Wow,it’sreallynicetomeetyou,too.Ican’tbelieveSophiehasbeenkeepingyouasecretallthis

time.Aren’tyoutheowneroftheMcCann’sPubs?”

He was sure Sophie didn’t realize she’d put her free hand over her stomach just then. Two more

secretswould—soon—berevealed,whethershewantedanyonetoknowornot.

Sensingthatshewasn’tentirelycomfortablewiththiswoman,hesaid,“Yup,that’sme.Comeinfor

a beer on the house sometime,” before turning to Sophie and saying, “Why don’t you show me around

beforeIhavetogetgoingtomymeeting?”

Thewoman’seyesremainedonthemashesteeredherintheoppositedirection.“Thanksforgetting

usawayfromher,”Sophiewhispered.

He’dfeltthesamewaywhenshewasbailinghimoutofthemessathispubearlierintheweek.

Wasthishowitwouldfeeltoparenttwokidstogether?

Helikedbeingateamwithher.
Hell,helikeddoinganythingatallwithSophie.
At her desk, she locked her bag into the bottom drawer, then offered, “You take the chair for a

minute.There’ssomethingIwantyoutosee.”Standingbehindhim,herhandsonhisshoulders,shesaid,
“Isn’titthebestviewinthewholeworld?Thereisn’tanythingyoucouldn’tlearn,nothingyoucouldn’t
beinhere.”

Hewaslookingatthousandsofbooks,atpeoplereadingandlearning.He’dbeentothetopofthe

Eiffel Tower and looked out over the grid of Parisian streets, had explored the pyramids of Egypt, had
been blown away by the blue-green water that seemingly stretched on forever from the beaches of
Thailand.Hehadn’tthoughtanyviewcouldtopthose.

ButthatmorninginSophie’sbed,he’dknownjusthowwronghewaswhenshe’dsmiledathim.
Hewouldneverlovebeinginalibrary,givenhisproblemswithreading...butthatdidn’tmeanhe

didn’tcomprehend,orappreciate,justhowimportantthisworldwastoSophie.

“I’vegottogetstorytimegoinginafewminutes,”shetoldhim,pointingovertoagroupofyoung

childrenandtheirmotherswhoweregatheringonacolorfulrug.“I’dloveitifyou’dstayalittlewhile
longer.”

Jakeknewhewasalreadytakinguptoomuchofhertime,ontopofthewayhe’dmonopolizedher

thepastfewdays.Plus,hisphonehadbeencontinuallyjumpinginhispocketforthepasthalfhourwith
callsfromhisassistant,whoworkedoutoftheMcCann’sheadquartersdowntown,aboutallthemeetings
he’d been flat-out ignoring. He wanted to chuck his phone across the room and watch it shatter, but he
couldonlyignorethedemandsofhisbusinessforsolong.Especiallynowthathehadmorethanhimself
tothinkof.

Still,hecouldn’tleavejustyet.NotwhenthechancetositandstareatSophiealittlelongerwas

toogoodtopassup.

“Sure.I’dlovetoseeyouinaction.”
Hewasrewardedwithanotheroneofherradiantsmiles.“Maybeyoucouldevenreadtothekids?”
Panichithimatherinnocentsuggestion.Itwasn’tthathecouldn’tmakeitthroughakids’book.Of

course he could. But reading it aloud in front of people? What if he got stuck on a word? What if he
stumbledoverasentence?WhatifhewassodistractedbySophie’snearnessthattheletterstookcontrol
ofhisbrainthewaytheyalwaysusedtoinsteadofthewayhe’dforcefullytrainedthemtobehave?

No.
Noway.
Heshookhishead,tryingtoactlikeitwasnobigdealthathedidn’twanttohelpheroutwithstory

time.“Theycametohearyou.”

Shefrownedathisrefusal.“Okay.Butifyouchangeyourmind,justletmeknow.”
Henodded,eventhoughtheoddsofthatwereaboutasgoodasbeingabletothrowsnowballsin

hell.

Sheintroducedhimtoahandfulofpeopleastheymadetheirwayacrossthelargeroom.Heheard

theprideinhervoiceeverytimesheintroducedhimasherboyfriend.Guiltslashedthroughhim,stronger
now than ever before. He should have gone with her to tell her family everything as soon as she’d
informedhimthatshewaspregnant.

Buthe’dbeentoomuchofacoward.Again.He’dbeentooafraidthatthey’dseejusthowunworthy

hewasofherandtrytokeephimfromherbeforehehadanychanceatalltoconvincehertomarryhim.

Sophiedrewhimovertoanopenseatandleanedovertowhisper,“Stoplookingsohot.Themoms

aregoingtobetoobusystaringatyoutohearawordofthestories.”

Heknewjusthowthatwent,consideringhecouldhardlymakesenseofwhatshe’djustsaidtohim

with her soft hair brushing over him, her sweet scent washing over him, and her curves pressed lightly
intohim.

“I’mgladyou’rehere.”Shepressedasoftkisstohislipsbeforeturningtogreetthechildrenlike

oldfriendsshe’dbeendyingtoseeagain.

Jake watched little boys and girls happily surround her, even the babies crawling from their

mother’slapstogetclosertoher,andhisheartturnedallthewayover.

Everyone in his life was so predictable, but not this beautiful woman who was reading so

animatedly from a book about an elephant and a pig who were playing with a ball. As the children
laughed with her when the elephant lost the ball, he realized Sophie Sullivan was the only person who
hadeverkepthimonhistoes.

Hecouldn’timagineanymorewhatlifewouldbelikewithouther.Withoutherspark.Withouther

laughter.

Asagirl,she’dbeensweetandhe’dbeencharmeddespitehimself.Asawoman,shewassensual

andbright,sexyandsweet,athousandcontradictionswrappedupintooneirresistiblepackage.

He’daskedherforachance,forsevendaystoprovethathehadwhatittooktotakecareofherand

theirchildren.She’dgivenhimthattemporarygiftandnowheneededtogiveoneback:thesupportofher
familyatatimewhensheneededitthemost.

Jake took one last, long look at the beautiful woman who had gone from role-playing “naughty

fantasylibrarian”to“sillypiggy”inthespanofoneshortmorningandknewtherewouldneverbeabetter
reasonforthehellhewasabouttowillinglywalkinto.

***

SophielookedupfromthebookshehadjustfinishedtoseeJakeblowherakissbeforewalking

away.Thewomenatstorytimepracticallysighedinunison.

She couldn’t stop the smile from growing on her face as she admired his broad back, his narrow

hips, the way the tips of his dark hair curled just the slightest bit over his collar. Things had changed
betweentheminthepasttwenty-fourhours.

He’daskedforaweek,butitlookedlikehewasgoingtobeatitbyamile.
Nodoubthe’denjoyrubbingthatin,shethoughtwithanothergrin.
Shesaidgoodbyetothelittlegirlsandboysandtheirparents,thenwentbacktoherdeskjustasa

ten-year-oldboywalkedup.“IneedtowriteabookreportaboutAbrahamLincoln,buttheonlybookI
canfindonhimisthisone.”Heheldupathick,dustytomethatshedoubtedshe’dwanttoreadherself.

SomethingabouttheboyremindedherofJake.Notbecauseofanyphysicalsimilarities,butmore

his manner, the way he held himself. She’d met Jake at this age and he’d been larger than life to a
worshipfulfive-year-old.

“I don’t read all that fast, or that good,” the boy told her, his cheeks flushing slightly at the

admission.

Again,shecouldn’thelpbutberemindedofJake.Andtheslightlypanickedlookinhiseyeswhen

she’daskedhimtohelpreadtothechildren.

“Doyouknowifthereareanyotheronesthataresmaller?Witheasierwords?”
Shesmiledathim.“Theresureare.Followme.”
Butasshehelpedthelittleboyfindthebooksheneeded,shecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutJakeand

thefactthathehadn’tbeeninthelibraryuntiltoday,andshehadn'tfoundastashofbooksanywhereinhis
houseyet.Shedidn’texpecteveryonetobeasaddictedtobooksasshewas,butinherexperience,unless
someonehadmajorreadingdisabilities,theyusuallycouldfindsomethingtheyenjoyedreading.

Justthen,awaveofnauseahitherandshelostthetrainofherthoughts.Hermusclesweresuddenly

achy and, for the first time since she’d gotten pregnant, she needed to sit down. She grabbed for the
nearest step-stool and sank down onto it as she took a few deep breaths. Who knew morning sickness
couldhitsofarintothefirsttrimester?

Thenagain,shethoughtwithasmallsmile,nothingaboutthispregnancy,orthemansheloved,was

allthatconventional,wasit?

Andshewouldn’thaveit—orJake—anyotherway.

***

The sun was setting by the time Jake got through the endless meetings he’d been blowing off all

week.HefoundZachSullivanintheprivategarageoffthemainSullivanAutobuilding,underadinged-
upoldFordtruckfromthetwentieshewasobviouslyrebuildingfromscratch.

Zachspentenoughtimeonthegroundtorecognizemostpeoplebytheirshoes.“Beoutinasec,”he

saidtoJake.

How long had he known Zach? For more than twenty years they’d backed each other up during

fights,madesuretheotherguymadeithomeinonepieceifhegottanked,cursedandcheeredonsports
teams.Butonethingthey’dneverdonetogetherwastositdownandsharefeelings.

A week ago—hell, two and a half months ago—Jake should have come clean about Sophie. He

wasn’twillingtobealyingcowardforanotherfiveseconds.

“SophieandIaretogether.”
Zachslidoutfrombeneaththecarsofast,hewaspracticallyablur.“Whatdidyoujustsay?”
ThemenaceinZach’squestionwasallthemoreimpressiveforhowsteadyhisvoicewas.Almost

asifhewereaskingforaglassofwater.

“Yoursisterispregnant.We’rehavingtwins.”
His friend’s hands were on his throat a millisecond later. “I’m going to kill you. And no one is

goingtogiveadamn.”

Jake figured Zach was right about one thing at least: no one should give a damn if he died. But

Sophiewouldcare.Hiskidswouldcare.

Thinking of them made him strong enough to fight off Zach as his friend came at him ultimate-

fightingstyle.Nothingwasofflimits.Notnutsorteethorhairorfeetstraightinthegut.Jakehadexpected
this, would have been pissed at his friend for doing any less to defend his sister. Those expectations
didn’t make it hurt any less, unfortunately. And even in strict self-protection mode, he still had to get a
coupleofgoodslamsinonZachjusttotrytoremainupright.

BothofthemwerebleedinginseparatecornersofthegaragewhenZachspat,“I’veknockedalotof

guystothegroundformessingwithmysistersbefore,butIneverthoughtyou’dbeoneofthem.Noone
willeverbegoodenoughformysisters.HowcouldyouhavelaidonefingeronSophie?”

“Ishouldn’thave.”Buthehad.Overandover.Andherefusedtoeventhinkofgivingherupnow.

Hewouldn’tdothatforanyone,noteventhepeoplewhohadhelpedraisehim,whohadgivenhimahome
andafamilytogotowhenhewouldn’thavehadanythingelsewithoutthem.

“I’mmarryingher.”
“Look,”Zachsnarled,hisnostrilsflaring,“Nicehadacrushonyou.Youtookadvantageofit.Now

she’spregnant.Don’tmakethingsworsebymar—”

“Sophieismorethanonegoddamnedword!”

Jake’svoicewasloudenoughtocarryoutofthegarage,buthedidn’tcarewhoheardhim.Itwas

timehersiblingsstartedseeingtherealSophieSullivanthewayhedid.AsmorethanNice.

“Yes, your sister is nice. And sweet. And kind. But she’s also cool and risky and willing to put

herselfonthelinewhenanyoneelsewouldberunningforcover.She’smorewomanthanIfranklyknow
howtohandle,butI’mgoingtoworklikehelltotrytokeepupwithherandourkids.”

Ifithadbeenanyoneelse,Jakewouldhavewalkedaway.ButZachkneweverycrappythinghe’d

ever done, and was the only one who knew he hadn’t been able to read until he was ten...because his
friendwastheonewhohadtaughthimhowtowrestlelettersintowords.

“I love her.” The three words he never thought he’d have to admit to anyone sounded like they’d

beenrakedovergravel.“I’vealwayslovedher.”

JaketriedtopreparehimselffromZach’sleapacrosstheroomtokillhim.Instead,Sophie'sbrother

slumpedbackagainstthewallandsaid,“Iknow.”

Jake’sjawwouldhavehitthefloorifhehadn’tbeenholdingittotrytokeepthebonestogether.
Zachhelduptwofingersinfrontofhisownfaceandworkedtofocusonthem,droppingthemwith

anirritatedscowl.“You’vebeeninlovewithhersincewewerekids.”Zachyankedhimselftohisfeet.
“Smithisgoingtolosehismindoverthis.Theyallare.”

JakeknewfullwellthiswasonlythefirstofmanybeatingstocomeatthehandsoftheSullivans.

Heusedatoolcarttopullhimselfup.“She’sworthit.”

“Of course my sister’s worth it.” Zach scowled. “I just can’t believe I’ve got to write another

speech.Nearlykilledmewritingthelastone.”

“YouwroteChase’sweddingtoastaheadoftime?ItwastheworstoneI’veeverheard.”
“Getreadytohearanevenworseone.”
That wasn’t the least bit funny. He wouldn’t let Zach do anything to upset Sophie. “I’m going to

write your speech for you and you’re going to say it word for word. And,” Jake warned his friend, “I
promisedSophieIwouldlethertellyourfamilyaboutthepregnancywhenshewasready,sodon’tscrew
upherbigannouncementbysayinganythingtoanyonebeforeshedoes.”

ZachlookeddownatJake’scurledfistsandshookhishead.“Mybrothershavebeenlosingtheir

minds,onebyone,overwomen.Butseeingyoulikethis...overmysister.”Zachopenedametaldrawer
anduncoveredhishiddenliquorcabinet.HepouredhimselfalargeshotofScotchanddownedit.“Love,”
hesneered.

ZachwaspouringhimselfanothershotasJakeheadedbacktohiscartogotellSophiethatheloved

her.

Healwayshad.
Andhealwayswould.

ChapterTwenty-one

Sophiewaswalkingdownthehallwaytoherapartment,flippingthroughthemailshehadn’tpicked

upallweek,whensheheardalowvoicesay,“Sophie.”

“You surprised me,” she squeaked as she almost dropped the stack of mail. “Oh my God, Jake!”

Thebillsandadvertisementsfellfromherhand.

He looked like he’d been mugged and beaten in an alley, covered with bruises and drying blood

fromhisforeheadtohischin.

“Itlooksworsethanitis.”Hetouchedhisjaw.“Probablyshouldhavegonehometocleanupfirst.”

Evenwiththebruises,thecuts,allacrosshisface,hewasimpossiblybeautifulasheasked,“Anychance
yourememberhowtobandageupaguyafterafight?”

She knew she should unlock her door and take him inside, but she needed to hold him right that

second.Sheopenedherarmsandhewalkedintothem,pullinghertightagainsthim.

“It’ssogoodtoseeyou,”hesaidintoherhair.“Sogoodtoholdyou.”
Shedidn’tknowhowlongtheystoodlikethatinherhallway.Allsheknewwasthatshedidn’twant

toeverletgoofhim.Everythinghadseemedsoperfectthismorning,likemaybetherewasachancethat
theyweregoingtogettheirhappily-ever-after.

NotmovingherheadfromwhereitlayoverJake’sheart,sheasked,“Whodidthistoyou?”
Jakefinallypulledoutofherarms.“Let’sgoinside.”
Shefrowned.Thatwasn’tananswer.
Herhandswereshakingslightlyassheslidherkeyintothelock,butsheworkedhardatremaining

calmasshemovedintothekitchen,foundacleanhandtowel,andturnedonastreamoflukewarmwater
towetit.God,shehatedknowingJakewashurt.Hewassomuchbiggerthanshewas,butshewantedto
protecthim,wantedtomakesurehedidn’tknowanymorepaininhislifethanhealreadyhad.

Hisvoicecamefrombehindher.“IwenttoseeZachtonight.”
Shespunfromthesink,forgettingshehadthewettowelinherhandandflingingwateronherwalls.

“Why?” But she knew why. “You told him about us, about my pregnancy, didn’t you?” When he didn’t
deny it, pain moved through her as she said, “How could you? You promised me you’d wait. You
promised you’d let me figure things out first.” She loved him—would always love him—but she was
angrywithhimtoo.“Whyaskforaweekifyouweren’tactuallygoingtogiveittome?”

“Youkeepwantingtoholdontothisweekthing,butafteryesterday,afterthismorning,youknowas

wellIdothatthingsaredifferentbetweenusnow.”

“Different? Different? How different could things be if you’re still acting like you run the world

andtherestofusshouldjustblindlyfollowyoureverylastcommand?”

“I’mnotgoingtokeephidingthetruthfromyourfamily.”
“Thetruth?And what truth is that, exactly? That you have zero respect for my wishes? That you

justupandtakewhateveryouwant,wheneveryouwantit?Thatitissoimportanttoyoutolockmeinto
marryingyouthatyouhadtogobehindmybacktotellmybrotheryoumadethemistakeofsleepingwith
meandgettingmepregnant?”

“Youwanttohearthegoddamnedtruth?”
Jakehadneverraisedhisvoicetoherlikethisbefore,butthenagain,neitherhadshe.“OfcourseI

do,butyouwouldn’tknowthetruthifitslammedintoyoulikeoneofmybrother’sfists!”

Theabruptsilencethatfollowedwasunlikeanythingshe’deverexperiencedbefore.
“I’minlovewithyou,Sophie.”
Sophie had waited for this moment her whole life...but even in her wildest dreams, she hadn’t

thoughtitwouldbelikethis,whiletheywerescreamingateachotherandshewasfuriouswithhim.

“I’vebeeninlovewithyousincewewerekids,sincethefirsttimeaprettylittlefive-year-oldgirl

lookedupatmeandaskedmeifIwantedtoplaydolls.”

“Yousaidno.”Thewords,thememories,camebeforeshecouldclampdownonthem.“Yousaid

you wouldn’t play dolls with me if someone was holding a gun to your head. You scared me.” And
thrilledherinequalmeasure.Eventhen,she’dknownheshouldn’tbetalkingaboutgunstoafive-year-
old girl, but Jake didn’t play by anyone else’s rules. Whereas, Sophie had rarely played outside those
rules...untilChase’swedding,whenshe’dchuckedtherulesinfordesire.

Andlove.
“IonlysaidthatstufftoyoubecauseIhatedthewayIfeltwhenyoulookedatme.ThewayIstill

feel every time I’m with you. Hell, Sophie, I feel it every time I even think about you, like I’ve finally
foundsomething,someone,whomatters.Only,I’veneverhadthefirstcluehowtoholdontoyou.Orhow
tobeworthyofyou.”

Howlonghadshewantedtobelieveshematteredtohim?Tobelieveinimpossiblelovebecoming

possible?

Jake’s arms came around her as he sat on a kitchen chair and pulled her onto his lap. “I know I

screwedthisup.Bigtime.”Hebrushedatrailofmoisturefromherface.“I’manidiot,remember?”

“No,”shehadtosay,“you’renot.You’reanythingbutthat,Jake.”
But it was as if she’d never spoken. “Let me make it up to you.” He stroked her hair, pulled her

closer.“Pleasedon’tbemadatme.Don’tpushmeaway.EvenifIdeserveit.”

Lovingandhatingsomeoneatthesametimewascrazy.Sophieknewthat.Butshe’dneverbeenable

tostopthewayshefeltaboutJake.

Allatonce,theweekfullofhighsandlows,ofexcitementandfear,ofjoyandanger,camecrashing

downonher.Shedidn’twanttothinkabouttheramificationsofwhathe’djustdonebytalkingtoZach,
couldn’tevenbegintoprocesswhatitwouldmeantoreallyandtrulyhaveJake’slove.

Allshewantedwastofeel.
“Ineedyou.”Herthroatwasthickwithemotion.“Makelovetome.”
Maybe, she thought as she frantically fumbled with his belt buckle, it would be easier to believe

him if they were skin to skin, connected by flesh and heat and pleasure. Maybe then she’d be able to
actuallyholdontohiswordsofloveinsteadoffeelingliketheyweresimplyskiddingpasther,flyingout
ofreachbeforeshecouldcatchthem.

“Sophie,youknowIwantyou.Ialwayswantyou.”Butinsteadofhelpingherstriphisclothesoff,

heputhishandsoverhers.“Butwedon’thavetodoth—”

“Please.”
She didn’t want to hit the Pause button, couldn’t stand it if he tried to be rational rather than just

takingher.Sheyankedhiszipperdownandpulledhisshirtfromhispantsabeatbeforehefinallygave
herwhatshewantedandunzippedherskirttopushitdownherhips.Sheshovedhisjeansdowntohis
thighs,thenkickedoffhershoes.Hisfingertipsgrazedthebareskinofherstomach,pullinghersweater
overherheadrightbeforesheyankedopenthebuttonsonhislong-sleevedshirt.Aheartbeatlatershewas
straddlinghishipsandsinkingdownontohim,hereyesclosingasshetookhiminside.

Yes, this was exactly what she needed right now. Pleasure to replace her confusion. Ecstasy to

replacethefear.

And yet, she remembered too late that sex with Jake had never been simple, had never just been

about pleasure. They’d always been such a perfect fit, their bodies utterly in tune with each other even
duringthatfirststolennightinNapa.

Butthistimeitwasn’tjustattractionthatjoinedthem,itwasn’tjustthesparkofarousalthatmade

everythingfeelsogood.Itwasthepossibilitythatthemagicbetweenthemwasmorethanskindeep,more

thanjusthormonesandunavoidablepassion.

“Sophie.” Jake groaned her name and she was caught in his dark gaze as he stilled her frantic

movementsoverhimwithstronghandsonherhips.“You’resobeautiful.”Hemovedahandtocupher
breasts,tiltinguptorunhistongueovereachpeak.“Iloveyou.So,somuch.”Afloodofpuredesperation
pulled them closer together, wrapping around them as Jake buried his face against her chest and they
shudderedagainsteachother.

***

WhenJakeledherintotheshowerafewminuteslater,shegotachancetoseethefullextentofthe

damagehe’dincurredfromhisfightwithherbrother.Inadditiontothehorriblebruisesallacrosshisjaw
andoveroneeye,theribsonhisrightsidewereturningblackandblue.

“Ican’tbelieveZachdidthistoyou.”Shegentlycleanedthecutswithasoftwashclothandsoap,

hatingthewayJakewincedatthesting.

“You’rehissister.Hefeelslikehe’sletyoudownbynotprotectingyoufromaguylikeme.”
Anger welled up inside her again, not just at Zach for what he’d done to Jake, but at her entire

family.“Whydon’tanyofthemrealizeIcantakecareofmyself?”

“Don’tfaultthemforlovingyou.”
Butshewasshakingherhead.“Isitreallyloveifthereisn’ttrustthere,too?”
Jakewentcompletelystill.“Sophie,I—”
Hecuthimselfoff,andwhenshelookedupathimshesawhiseyesflashingwithemotionhe’dtried

tohidesomanytimesbefore.

But then his hands were on her hips and he was turning her away from him before saying, “I’ve

alwayswantedtowashyourhair.”

Sheknewwhathewasdoing,avoidingyetanotherconversationtheyneededtohave.Abouttrusting

eachothernottodothingslikegotoherbrotherbehindherback.Buthisfingersmassagingherscalpfelt
sogoodthatshesimplydidn’thavethestrengthtomakehimstop.

“Closeyoureyes.”
Shewasalreadyastepaheadofhim,hereyeshavingclosedthemomenthe’dstartedwashingher.

Sudsandwaterrandownhershoulders,overherbody,ashecleanedeveryinchofherskin,histouchso
gentle,sosweet.Especiallyoverherstomach.

“You’vegrownbiggeralready.”
She couldn’t miss the reverence in his voice. Maybe another time she could have made another

pregnancyfetishjoke,butnotnow,notwhenhisjoywassopure.Sohonest.

“Ican’twaittowatchyougrowevenrounder,evensofter.”
Herstomachgrowledloudlyandheturnedoffthewater,wrappingherinatowel.“Soundslikeit’s

timetofeedyouagain.”

“Ihavesomeeggsandcheeseinthefridge.”Shefeltlikehervoicewascomingfromamileaway,

likeshewasstandingontheoutsideofherbathroomlookinginatthetwoofthem.

Jakeloweredhisfacetohersandkissedhersosoftlyitwasmoreofabreaththanakiss.“I’llget

workingondinnerwhileyougetdressed.”

Afterhepulledhisjeansbackonandleftthebathroom,shestaredatherselfinthefoggymirror.The

blurred,partialimagefacingherwasaperfectmanifestationofhowshewasfeeling.

She’djustgottenexactlywhatshe’dalwayswanted.JakeMcCannhadtoldher—repeatedly—that

helovedher.Sheshouldbeecstatic.Sheshouldbeleapingaroundherapartmentinbliss.

Whatwaswrongwithher?
Shefeltlikeablockofcementhadtakenupresidenceinthepitofherbelly,rightbetweenthetwo

fetuses she’d seen on the ultrasound screen just a few days before. She hadn’t felt quite right all day,
actually,hadchalkedituptomorningsickness.

Jakelookedupwithasmileasshejoinedhim.“Perfecttiming.”
Shetookaseatbesidehimatherkitchenisland,wherehe’dslidthefullplate.Shepickedupher

fork,spearedsomeoftheeggs,andblewonthesteamrisingeventhoughthethoughtoffoodmadeherfeel
likepuking.

“Sophie?Areyouallright?”
Jakehadmovedbesideher,waslookingatherwithdeepconcernetchedacrosshisface.
Shetriedtosmiletoreassurehim,butallshecouldsaywas,“I’mjusttired.Really,reallytired.”
“Damnit,IknewIshouldn’thavedraggedyoualloverthecityyesterday.”
Shedidn’tresistashepickedherupandcarriedherintothebedroom.Herlimbsfeltterriblystiff

andheavy,exhaustiontakingheroverhead-to-toeatalmosttheexactmomentherheadhitthepillow.

***

JakesatinachairinthecornerofSophie’sdarkbedroomandwatchedhersleep,eachbreathshe

tookpullingandtuggingathischestasifhewerebreathingwithher.

Hehadswornhe’dneverlethimselffeelthisway,thathe’dneverlethimselfcareaboutsomeone

thismuch,thathe’dneveraskforhelpagain.Hecouldstillrememberthedayhe’dcomehometoaskhis
fatherforhelp.Hewasinfourthgradeanditwasgettingnearlyimpossibletofakehiswaythroughclass
everyday.

“Ican’tread.”
Hisfatherhadlookedathimwithdisgust.“It’syourmother’sfault.Thestupidbitchcouldn’teven

givemeakidwithbrains.”

Jakehadturnedandrunfromtheirapartmentbeforehecouldshamehimselfevenmorewithtears.It

waseasier,afterthat,toskipoutofclassonreadingdays.Untilthedayhe’dbeenputonaprojectwith
ZachSullivan.ThecockylittlejerkhadeverythingandJakehadhatedhimonsight.HehatedZacheven
morewhenheflat-outtoldJaketheyweren’tgoingtoskipthebookreporttheyweresupposedtobedoing
together.

Jakerememberedhowcoolhe’dtrytoplayit.“Booksareforlosers.”
Zachhadseenrightthroughhim.Maybetherehadbeenotherpeoplewhohadguessed,butnoneof

themhaddaredcallJakeonit.Notflat-outlikeZachhad.“Youcan’tread,canyou?”

Jakethrewthefirstpunch,butZachwasbarelyabeatbehindhim.Thetwoboyshaddoneapretty

goodjobofsmashingeachotherupbeforetheteacherhadpulledthemapart.Zach’smothercametothe
officetotakeherexpelledsonhome.Butthey'dheardthesecretarysaythatnoonewascomingforJake,
andbeforehecouldfigureouthowtogetoutofit,MarySullivanhadbothoftheminthebackseatofher
stationwagon.Afewminuteslatertheyweresittinginfrontofahugeplateofcookieswithtallglassesof
milk.Thebooktheyweresupposedtodotheirreporton,TheLion,TheWitchandtheWardrobe,saton
thetablebetweenthem,alongwithathickbluedictionarythathadclearlyseenplentyofuse.

“Letmeknowifyouneedanyhelp,boys.”
Shehadn’tyelledatthem,hadn’tsmackedZachorcalledhimstupid.Shedidn’tsmelllikebooze,

either.Jakecouldn’tbelieveanyonelikeherexisted,couldn’tstophimselffromfantasizingaboutwhathis
lifecouldhavebeenlikeifhe’dhadamotherlikethat.

After Mrs. Sullivan left the room, he’d been coiled into a tight ball of nerves and bravado,

expectingZachtosmirkandrubinhisstupidity,butalltheguydidwasshoveachocolatechipcookie
intohismouthandopenthebooktostartreadingitoutloud,spittingchunksalloverthepages.

Zachneverbroughtuphisreadingproblemagain,butsomehowtheyalwaysendedupworkingon

readingprojectstogetherafterthat.

He’dmetmostofthecrewthatafternoonintheirbackyard,withthefootballtothebackofhishead.

Lorisweptintothemiddleofthegroupatsomepoint,demandingtheattentionofherbigbrothers,wanting
toknowwhothenewboywas.

Hecouldn’timaginehavingsixsiblings.Howgreatitwouldbetohavesomeonetoplaywithall

thetime.Andthen,fromthecornerofhiseye,hesawonemore.SheshouldhavelookedjustlikeLori,but
hecouldnevergetthemconfused.Notevenwhentheywerefiveyearsold.

Shewassittinginthecorneroftheyardbeneathalargeoaktree,withabigbookopenonherlap.

Butshewasn’tlookingatthebook.

Shewaslookingathim.
He’dneverseenanyonesostill.Socalm.Orsopretty.SophieSullivanhadlookedlikeaprincess

fromoneofthosemovieshesnuckintothetheaterstoseesometimes.

Sophieshiftedonthebedjustthen,asifshewerereachingforsomething.Forhim.Shefrownedin

hersleepbeforeputtingherarmaroundapillowandhuggingitclosetoher.

Trust.
Iftherewasanyonehewantedtotrust,itwasSophie.Butafteralifetimeofhidingthetruthfrom

everyone,keepingsecretswaswhathedidbest.

Nevershare.
Nevertrust.
Nevergiveanyoneanotherchancetosayyou’renothingbutawhoreandadrunk’sstupidkid.
But this time, Jake knew, everything was different...because he couldn’t stop himself from loving

Sophie.Andhe’dneverwantedanythingmorethanforhertolovehimback.

Whichmeanthewouldhavetotellhersoon,havetowarnherthattheirchildrenmightnotbeable

todotheonethingthatcamesoeasilytoher.

Movingrestlesslyinthechair,hiseyescaughtonthebooksittingonherdressernearby.What To

ExpectWhenYou’reExpecting.

Readingittonightwouldbetorture,butthatfactwasn’tgoingtochange.Therewouldalwaysbetoo

manywords,andhe’dalwayshavetoworklikehelltotrytogetthemtomakesenseinhishead.

Butifanythingwasworththepainandsufferingofmakinghiswaythroughanentirebook,itwas

Sophie...andthechildrenthey’dhaveinthefall.

Pickingupthebook,Jakeusedeverytricktokeephisbrainfocusedfromoneword,onesentence,

oneparagraphtothenext.Astheminutesturnedintohoursandheturnedthepagesoneaftertheother—
and the endless warnings and risks of pregnancy rained down upon him—Jake actually found himself
wishinghewasthatten-year-oldkidagain,whocouldn’treadatall.

ChapterTwenty-two

Sophiehadsleptthenightthrough,butshedidn’tfeelrested.Hereyesfeltgritty,hermouthdry.She

knewthereason.Jakehadn’tsleptwithher,hadn’twrappedhisbig,warmbodyaroundhersandheldher
close.Eveninhersleep,shewouldhaveknownifhe’dbeenthere.

Buthehadnevercometojoinherinthebed.
Where,shewondered,hadhegone?Backtohishousetorethinkthelovehe’dofferedherthenight

before?

Shewassolostinherdarkmusingsthatshealmostdidn’tnoticeJakesittinginthecornerofher

bedroom.Shesatupinbedsoquicklythateverythingspunforafewmoments.“You’restillhere?”Her
throatsoundedasrawasitfelt.

“I’vebeenhereallnight.”
Hewaswearinghisjeansfromthenightbeforeandhishairwasstandinguponendasifhe’dbeen

pullingatit.Helookedtense,horriblyso.

Despitethefactthatshefeltlikeshewascomingdownwiththeflu,shepushedasidethecoversand

was about to get on her feet to head across the room to him when he said, “Have you had coffee since
you’vebeenpregnant?”

Shefrownedatthestrangequestion.“Yes.”
Hismouthtightened.“Haveyoubeenaroundcats?”
Why was he treating her like this? Like she was a defendant on the witness stand. One who had

doneeverythingwrong.

“Yes.”
“Whataboutheatingblanketsorhottubs?Haveyouusedeitherofthose?”
Obviously,hisrandomquestionsmustberelated.Buttowhat?
“Whyareyouaskingmethesethings?”Everythingwashurtingnow,worsethanithadbefore.She

leanedbackintotheheadboard,pullingapillowupoverherlaptoholdonto.

He lifted something off his lap. It was the What To Expect When You’re Expecting book. “I just

spenttheentirenightreadingthis.”

Ohno.Thedoctorhadwarnedthemaboutthebook,butSophiehadn’tthoughtmuchofit.Nowshe

sawsheshouldhaveknownJakewoulddothis,thathewassoprotectiveofher—andthetwinsshewas
carrying—thathe’dletallofthebook'swarningsspiralcompletelyoutofproportion.

Butbeforeshecouldsayanythingtocalmhim,hewasupoutofthechair,holdingthebookopen.

“You’regettinganewdoctor.Ican’tbelieveshetoldussexisfine.Righthereitsaystwinsneedtonsof
extracarewhenyou’repregnant.”

“Jake,”shesaidinwhatshehopedwasapatientbutnotcondescendingvoice,“mymotherhadeight

kids.Everything’sbeengoinggreatsofarwithmypregnancy.That’sallworst-casescenariostuff.Iknow
whattobecarefulabout.”

“Thenwhataboutthis?Deeppenetrationcancausebleeding. If you knew that already then why

thehellhaveyouletmekeeptakingyoulikeananimal?Icouldn’thavebeeninanydeeperlastnight.Or
inthepool.”

Shetriednottolosehertemperagain.“Showmewhereitsaysthat.”Heonlywantedwhatwasbest

forher,shetriedtoremindherself,buthelookedbigger,tougherthaneverashegotupoffthechairand
heldthebookopeninfrontofher.

Butwhenshereadthepassagehewasreferringto,shewastootiredtokeepherirritationwithhim

atbay.“Occasionally.Itsaysdeeppenetrationcanoccasionallycausebleedingandnottoworryaboutit

unlessithappens!Can’tyouevenread?Ordoyoujustmakeupwordstosuityourbossypurposes?”

A wave of nausea mixed in with her frustration, but even as she worked to ride out this horrible

newonsetofmorningsickness,shecouldfeeltheairinherbedroomcoolbyagooddozendegrees.

Inalltheyearsshe’dknownJake,she’dneverseenhimlooklikethis—socold,sodistant.
“Funny, here I was working out a way to tell you,” he said in a hard voice, “but you’ve already

figureditout.”

Shecouldhardlybreathewithhimlookingatherlikethat.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Icanbarelyread!”hegrowled.“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout.”
Herbrainracedasshetriedtomakesenseofwhathewassaying.JakeMcCannhadalwayshadher

heart,fromthefirstmomentshe’dseenhimplayingfootballinthebackyardwithherbrothers.He’dbeen
largerthanlife,evenwiththatdarkshadowfollowinghim,callingtohertoclearitawaywithsunshine.
With love. But until this week when he’d insisted they spend time together, she hadn’t known just how
hard his childhood had been, or the details of how he’d built his amazingly successful business from
scratch.

Andshedefinitelyhadn’tknownhehadaproblemwithreading.He’dnevermentionedit,hadnever

evenhintedatit.Evenifthethoughthadoccurredtoher,shewouldhaveinstantlydismisseditbecauseof
allhe’daccomplished.

Shakingherheadinconfusion,shesaid,“Butyoujustreadthatentirepregnancybook.”
“Ten years with tutors is the only thing that got me through that goddamned book. I’ll never love

books,Sophie.Never.”Hisexpressiongrewevengrimmer.“Youwereright,backinthedoctor’soffice,
whenyoucalledmeanidiot.”

“OhmyGod,Jake.No.Ididn’tmeanthat,youknowIdidn’t.”
Morethaneverbefore,sheneededtobeabletothinkclearlytoconvincehimthatshelovedhim.

Especiallynowthatsheknewshe’dsaidtheabsolutelyworstthingshecouldhavesaidtoJake.

“Iwasscaredandstunnedthatdayinthedoctor’sofficewhenIsaidthathorriblething,”shetried

toexplain,“butIcouldneverthinkthatyouwere-”

“Sureyoucould.Becauseit’strue.”Helookedmorefierce—andbleak—thanshe’deverseenhim.

“Don’tyouseewhyIworkedsohardtohideitfromyou?”

PainshotthroughSophieatthefactthathehadn’ttrustedherwithsomethingthatmatteredsomuch,

thathe’dgoneoutofhiswaytomakesureshedidn’tknowsomethingsoimportantabouthim.Shehadto
putherarmsaroundherselftotrytokeepherselffromcryingoutatit.

Andyet,despiteherpain,wasn’tittruethatshe’dbeentoowrappedupinheraccidentalpregnancy,

inhopesanddreamsandherfearsthatJakewouldneverloveherbackthewayshelovedhim,touncover
Jake’slong-heldsecret?

Nowshewasfinallyabletoputitalltogether.Thefactthathedidn’thaveanybooksinhishouse,

no magazines or newspapers either. All those months they’d met to work out various details about the
wedding,he’dneverwrittenanythingdown.Healwaysjuststoredtheinformationinhishead,eventhings
sheknewshe’dforgetifshedidn’ttakenotes.Thattimethey’dbeentalkingabouthispubsoverbreakfast,
when the conversation had turned to her love of books and she’d asked him about his favorite book,
hadn’theimmediatelypulledawayfromher?Nottomentionthestrangewayhe’dreactedwhensheasked
himifwantedtoreadoneofthebooksatstorytime,theflashofterrorinhiseyeslingeringlongenough
thatshe’dalmostaskedhimifsomethingwaswrong.

“Iloveyou,”shewhispered.“Youshouldhavetoldme.Youshouldhavetrustedme.”
Shethoughtshesawhimwinceatthewordtrust,butthenhisfeaturesblurredbeforeher.
“Youkeeptellingmeyou’velovedmeallthistime,butyou’velovedagoddamnedfantasy.Notthe

manIreallyam.Takealookatme,princess.Takeagoodlonglook.”

SophietriedtofocusonJake’sface,wishedshecouldgetthewordsouttotellhimitwasn’ttrue

and that she did see him for exactly who he was, the good and the bad. And she loved all of him.
Unconditionally.

“Idoknowwhoyoureallyare,”shesaid,barelyabletopitchhervoiceaboveawhisper.
“Really?Youknowme?”Hesnarledeachwordather.“Didyouknowmyfatherwasadrunkand

thethinghelikedbestwhenhewasdrunkwastobeatmeblackandblue?Didyouknowthatonedayit
wassobadIgrabbedaknifeandmadehimbleed?Didyouknowthatwhenhefinallydrankhimselfto
deathIdidn’tcare,didn’tshedevenonegoddamnedtearforhim?”

Shetriedtoopenhermouthtotellhimthereasonshedidn’tknowanyofthosethingswasbecause,

forallhiscourage,forallhisincrediblestrength,hehadn’ttakentheriskofsharinghislifewithherand
trustinghertolovehimanyway…butshecouldn’tgetherbraintosendouttherightmessagestoherlips.

“We both know you can’t love a man like me. I was never going to be a father for a reason. I

shouldn’t be one, shouldn’t pass these screwed-up genetics on to a couple of innocent kids. But you
couldn’tleavemealone,couldyou?Youcouldn’tjustletmeloveyoufromadistanceforeverandkeep
yousafefromme.”

Forever? Had he just said he’d loved her from a distance all this time and that he’d love her

forever?

“IshouldhavenevertriedtoconvinceyouIwasworthmarrying.OrthatIcouldhackbeingafather

totwokids.Webothknowyou’reallbetteroffwithoutme.”

Wantingsobadlytogivehimcomfort,towrapherarmsaroundhimandconvincehimtostay,she

forcedherselfupoffthebedasshesaid,“Pleasedon’tgo.Iloveyou.”

Butinsteadofherwordsoflovemakingeverythingbetter,hisexpressiononlydarkenedfurther.
“No,”hesaidinahorriblydarkvoicethatsentshuddersthroughher,“youdon’tloveme.Youonly

loveafantasythatdoesn’texist.Afantasythatwillneverexist.”

Heturnedawayfromhertowalkoutoftheroom—toleave—and,somehowshefoundthestrength

toreachforhim.Butjustbeforeshecouldmakecontactwithhisretreatingback,thegroundswayed,and
painshatteredhermidsection.

Everythingwentblack.

ChapterTwenty-three

Jakepacedthehospitalwaitingroom.
Please,God.PleasetakecareofSophie.PleasegiveherbacktomesothatIcanspendtherest

ofmylifemakingeverythinguptoher.

He’dgivenuponprayersasayoungboywhentheyhadn’tstoppedhimfrombeinghit,orfilledhis

stomachwhentherewasnothingtoeat.Ithadbeenuptohimtosavehimself.Toworkforthemoneyfor
food.Tospendasmuchtimeashecouldinsafeplaces,liketheSullivans’house.Tobuildamultimillion-
dollarbusinessfromscratch.

Butallhishard,bullheadedwork,hisstubborndrivetosucceed,couldn’thelpSophienow.
He should have noticed how pale she was when she woke up, that she hadn’t been moving quite

right,buthe’dbeentoobusyyellingather.Toobusypretendinghekneweverything,justlikehealways
had.

A frantic call to 9-1-1 had brought the paramedics to her apartment within minutes, but it hadn’t

beennearlysoonenough.Bileroseinhisthroatatthememoryofthebloodbetweenherthighs.

He’dheldtightlytoherhandinthebackoftheambulancewhilegivingtheparamedicseverybitof

informationhecouldaboutherpregnancy,aboutherschedulethepastweek,anythingthatcouldhaveled
up to this horrible event. He hadn’t spared himself, had confessed everything, the too-frequent sex and
evenyellingatherjustmomentsbeforeshecollapsed.

Hehopedapartofherknewhewastherewithher.Thathe’dneverleavehersideaslongasshe

wantedhimthere.Andthathewassorryforeverysinglethinghe’deverdonetohurther.

She should have looked small, fragile, on the gurney, but even with dried tear tracks across her

cheeks,andsuchpalewhiteskin,sheheldhimspellbound.NothingcouldevertakeawaySophie’sserene
strength.Herbeautywasmorethanskindeep,wasmorethanthewayhereyesandnoseandmouthwere
shaped,wasmorethanthecurvesandcontoursofherbody.

Herbeautywasinherbravery.Herintelligence.Hernonjudgmentalcuriosityaboutlife.
And,mostofall,thesizeofherheart.
He nearly lost it when the nurses wouldn’t bend the rules. He wasn’t her husband and not only

wouldtheynotlethimgobacktoher,theyalsowouldn’ttellhimadamnthingabouthowshewasdoing.
Butheknewheneededtoletthem,letthedoctorshelpSophie.

Itwastheonlyreasonhecouldhavepossiblylethergo.
Assoonasshewaswheeledintotheback,Jaketookhiscellphoneoutofhispocketwithshaking

handsandcalledZachtolethimknowSophiehadfainted,thatshemighthavemiscarried.Itwasn’tlong
beforeZachpushedthroughthedoors,hismotherandLoriastepbehindhim.

“Is she okay?” Jake had never seen Zach look this off-balance before, every last ounce of cocky

gone.

“Idon’tknow.I’mnotfam—”Hisvoicebrokeonthewordhemighthaveusedifonlyhe’dbeen

abletoprovetoSophiethathecouldbeagoodhusbandandfather,ratherthanscrewingeverythingup.
“Theywon’ttellmeanything.”

ZachandMaryimmediatelywenttospeakwiththereceptionist,butLoriremainedwithhim.
Sophie’s twin reached out to grab his hand and before she could say a word, he was confessing

everything about the morning’s argument, the way pain had crossed her twin’s face before she’d fallen
intohisarms.Andthen,thehorriblebleeding...

Lorisqueezedhishand,tightenoughthathehadtolookather.“Mysister’stough,Jake.Somuch

tougherthananyoneknows.”

Whywasn’tLoritearinghimapart?
“Gofindoutwhat’sgoingon,”hetoldherinagruffvoice,knowinghedidn’tdeservetobepouring

outhisgutsalloverher.

ButLorididn’tletgoofhim.Justlikehertwin,shewasoneoftheonlypeoplewhodidn’tjumpat

hisunilateralorders.

“Sophie always believed in you. No matter what you did, what you said, none of it made any

difference.Mysisterwasn’tevergoingtochangehermindaboutlovingyou.”

“Shewaswrong.I’mnotgoodforher.”He’dwantedsobadlytoprovetoherthathecouldbe.No

onehadeverfailedsobadly.“Thisprovesit.”

“You’reherearen’tyou?”
“I was yelling at her,” he told her again as something warm moved down his cheek. At first he

didn’t know what it was, because he hadn’t cried since he was a kid. Not since that last beating when
he’dgrabbedtheknife.“Shewouldn’thavefaintedifIhadn’t—”

“Seriously?Youthinkshe’sinherebecauseyouwereyellingather?Iyellatherallthetime.”
“Shedeservesaguywhocangiveheraperfectlife.Noyelling.Nobossingheraround.Nocrazy

hoursatwork.Noscrewypast.”

“Don’t use this not-being-good-enough-for-her crap as an excuse to leave her hanging this time.”

LoriSullivanwasfierce.“Ifyou’regoingtostepuptotheplate,stepallthewayup,Jake.”

With that, she strode away to find out what her mother and brother were learning from the

receptionist,leavingJaketoreel.

“It’sreallysad,isn’tit?”Acoupleofyounghospitalresidentswerewalkingpasthimtothecoffee

machineagainstthewall.JakewascertainoneofthemwasthenursewhohadtakenSophieintotheback.
“Man,thisjobisabummerwhenpeoplelosetheirbabieslikethat.”

“Iknow.Ineverknowwhattosay.”
Theyoungwomanshookherhead.“Idon’tthinktherewasanythingwecouldhavesaidtomakethis

betterforher.Notwhenitallhappenedsosuddenly,andespeciallynowthatshecanneverhavekids.”

***

Sophie felt a warm caress on her cheek and would have smiled if she could. Jake was here.

Everythingwouldbebetternow.

“Iloveyousomuch.AndI’msosorry.Sodamnsorry.”
She finally managed to open her heavy eyelids and saw that Jake's cheeks were wet, droplets

clingingtohiseyelashes.Hissorrow,thefearinhiseyes,heldherspeechless.Alongwiththewayhewas
lookingather.

Withpurelove.
“I wanted those kids, you know how bad I wanted them. But you’re everything. Everything. It

doesn’tmatterifwecanneverhavekids.AllIneedisyou.Ifyou’llhaveme.Ifyou’lltrustmeandletme
trustyoufromhereonout.”

Finally,hertonguecameunstuck.“Jake?”
Shetriedtosituptoputherarmsaroundhim,butthesharpbiteofpainhadhergaspinginstead.

Jake’s arms came around her, holding her so gently, as if she were broken. The pain medication they’d
givenhermadeherfeelheavy,fuzzy.Butsheneededtotellhim.

“Iheardthenursestalkingoutside.”Everywordhespokewaswrackedwithdeeppain.Andloss.

Butstillhestrokedherhairasifhewereafraidshe’dbreakapartanysecond.“Ishouldhavebeenhere
withyouwhentheytoldyouaboutthemiscarriage.”

No,Godno,hecouldn’tthinkthat—

Hertonguefeltthickasshesaid,“Itwasn’tamiscarriage.Theyweren’ttalkingaboutme.”
The hand that was stroking her hair stilled. “Sophie?” He pulled back to stare into her eyes. She

watchedreliefwarwithdisbeliefonhisface,asifhedidn’twanttogiveintohopeagain,onlytocome
crashingbackdownharder.

“Buttheblood,Isawtheblood.”
Shepusheddownthesheetandtookhishandsinhers,placingthemoverherstomach.Hereyelids

feltliketheyhadleadweightshangingfromthem,butshehadtoexplain.“Ihadafibroidinmyuterus.”
Shehopedshewasmakingsense.“Areallyfastgrowingone.That’swhyMarniedidn’tcatchitearlier
whenshewasconcentratingonfindingheartbeats.They’regoingtotakemeinforsurgerytogetitout.”

Helookeddownattheirhands,linkedoverher.“Soyou’re—they’re—”
“Yes.”
“Excuseme,sir,youcan’tbeinhere.IneedtofinishpreppingMs.Sullivanforsurgeryrightaway.”
SheknewthatfiercelookJakegavethenurseoh-so-well,andlovedthatJakewaswillingtofight

any battles he needed to for her. For their children. He was going to be the most wonderful father. The
mostlovinghusband.

As he argued with the nurse, telling her she could take it up with Sophie’s mother in the waiting

roomiftheyneededproofthathebelongedwithher,thatsheneededhim,sheheldontohishands...and
knewthateverythingwasgoingtobeokay,afterall.

ChapterTwenty-four

In the twenty-four hours after Sophie came out of surgery, the entire Sullivan clan invaded the

hospital. She’d never been so suffocated by their concern as they hovered over her...or felt so loved.
ThroughitallJakestayedbesideher,hishandholdinghers,hisstrengthbolsteringhersastheyfieldedher
brothers’reactionstoseeingtheirbabysisterwithamantheyhadthoughtwouldneverbeabletolove.

How,shewonderedforthethousandthtime,couldtheynothaveknownJakelovedwithhisentire

heart,witheverylastpieceofhissoul?

DesperatelywishingshehadamomentalonewithJaketofinallytellhimeverythingthatwasinher

heart, as soon as the door finally closed behind Gabe, Megan, and Summer, she said, “Jake, there’s so
muchweneedtotal—”

Smithpushedthroughthedoorbeforeshecouldfinishhersentence.Sheknewhehadwalkedoffhis

set in Australia the moment her mother called. His arms immediately came around her and he held her
longerthananyone.

SomanytimesSmithhadbeenlikeafathertoher,andafterworkingtostaystrongwiththerestof

hersiblings,shecouldn’tkeepthesobsfromcomingwhenherfavoritebrother’sarmswerearoundher.
She’d spent so many years hoping and dreaming of a life with Jake. It was still hard to believe that
everythingshe’deverwantedwasfinallyhers.

Herbrotherheldheruntilhertearsstopped.“We’llalltakecareofyouandthebabies.Youdon’t

havetomarryhim,Sophie.”

SmithspokeasifJakewasn’tintheroom,asifshewasn’tstillholdinghishand.Shebrushedher

tearsawaybeforereachingforSmith’shandwithherfreeone,wantinghimtounderstandhowshetruly
felt.

“IloveJake.”
Smith finally acknowledged his onetime friend with a scowl that would have had anyone else

scurryingfromtheroomtofindahidingplace.“Youwerejustcryinglikeyourheartwasbreakinginhalf.
Youdon’thavetopretendwithme,Soph.”

ShecouldfeelJakevibratingwiththeneedtoleaptoherdefense,withtheinstinctiveurgetoclaim

her.Butshealsonowknewthathelovedherenoughtoletherdealwithitonherownwhilehebacked
herupeverystepoftheway.

“I’m not pretending. I’m happy, so incredibly happy that my brother has come all this way to see

me.Andtogivemehisblessing.”Shesqueezedherbrother’shand.“Behappyforme,Smith.”Shelooked
atJake,thenbackatherbrother.“Behappyforbothofus.”

HestaredlongandhardatJake,neithermanbackingdown.Finally,Smithturnedbacktoher.“If

thisiswhatyoureallywant,I’lltrytobehappyforyou.”

Jake’svoicecameasawarningtoherbrother.“She’smine,Smith.Andnoonehurtswhat'smine.”
Knowingthemanshelovedhadtriedhisbesttoletherfightthisfightherself,andthatshewouldn’t

change one single thing about him even if she could, she told her brother, “Jake is right. I am his. I’ve
alwaysbeenhis.AndIalwayswillbe.IwantJake.”Sheglanceddownatherstomach.“Iwantthebabies
we’remakingtogether.”Knowingitwastimetofinallysaywhatshe’dheldbackfromherfamilyforfar
toolong,shesaid,“AndIwantyou,Iwanteveryoneinourfamily,toacceptthatI’mmorethanjustyour
nicelittlesisterwhocan’ttakecareofherself.”

ThesilencebetweenthemstretchedoutforalongwhilebeforeSmithsaid,“Ialwaysthoughtyour

nicknamewasallwrong.”

Thelaughterbubbledoutofher.“Justaslongasnoonecomesupwithanyformykids.”

Smithtookadeepbreath.“Twins,huh?”Helookedamazedandsoproudherheartturnedoverwith

love.“You’regoingtobeoneheckofaparent,Soph.”

Asheleanedforwardtokisshercheek,shewhispered,“Ihadalotofgreatteachers.Especially

you.”

Andthen,fromoutoftheblue,SmithheldouthishandtoJake.“Welcometothefamily.”
MarySullivanwalkedinjustasJakesaid,“Thanks,Smith.Youdon’tknowhowmuchthatmeansto

me.”

Smilingateveryonedespitethefactthatshewasclearlychokedup,Sophie’smothersaid,“I’mso

gladyoutwofinallyfiguredoutthatyou’remeanttobetogether.”

Sophiegaspedinsurprise.“Waitaminute,youmeanyouknewallalongthatJakeandIwouldend

up…inlove?”

“Fromdayone,honey.JustlikeJakedid,didn’tyou?”
Shecouldseehowmuchhermother’sapprovalmeanttoJakeashesqueezedherhandtight.“Itwas

allIeverhopedfor,Mrs.Sullivan.”

Marysmiledatthemanwhohadcapturedherbeloveddaughter’sheart.“Actually,Jake,I’dmuch

ratheryoucalledmeMom.”

***

Atlonglast,Sophie’smotherandbrotherleft,withapromisetobebackfirstthinginthemorning

with all of her favorite treats. The door hadn’t quite closed behind her brother, but she couldn’t wait
anothersecondtoturntoJakeandsay,“Didyoumeanwhatyousaid?Thatyou’dbeenlovingmefroma
distanceallthistime?”

“Ionlyhaveeyesforyou,Sophie.ButIneverthoughtIdeservedyou.”
“Can’tyouseehowmagnificentyouare?”shesaidsoftly.“BecauseI’vealwaysseenit.I'mjustso

sorryIdidn'tseemore,thatIwasn'tthereforyouwhenyouneededmemost.”

“Youcouldn'thaveseenit,princess.NotwhenI'vespenttwentyyearshoningmyabilitytohidemy

problemswithreadingfromeveryone.Especiallyyou.”

Shewatchedashisfearssurfacedinhiseyes,andwhileshedidn'teverwanthimtobeafraid,it

meantsomuchthathewasnolongerhidinghistrueemotionsfromher.

“What if I’m a horrible father just like mine was? What if all the hard work in the world won’t

changethat?AndwhatifourkidshavethesameproblemsIdo?”

“Iknowyou’renervousaboutbecomingafather,butI’mscared,too.Iwasn’tplanningtobecomea

motheryet—ortohavetwoatonce.Allwecandoismakeavowtoeachothertostickthroughthegood
timesandthebadandfigureeverythingouttogether.”Shestaredintohisbeautifuldarkeyes,knowingit
waslongpasttimetosay,“Askmeagain,Jake.”

“Sophie?”
“Askme.”
Hedroppedtoonekneeatthesideofherbed.“SophieSullivan,Iloveyou.I’vealwayslovedyou.

Ialwayswillloveyou.Forever.”

Shedidn'teventrytokeephertearsfromfalling.“Iloveyou,JakeMcCann.Always.”Shefeltthe

wonder,themagic,thebeautyofknowingtruelovehadbeenwaitingforthemallalong.“Forever.”

Hismouthcapturedhersinakisssosweetherheartsoared.
Hereachedintohispocketandtookoutasmallblueboxshecouldn’tbelievehe’dbeencarrying

withhimallthistime,justincaseshewasreadytoagreetohisproposal.

“Marryme,princess.”
Hisproposalwasstillmoreofademandthanaquestion,butSophiewouldn’thaveJakeanyother

way.Shelovedeverybossy,sweet,dominant,comforting,overlyprotective,lovingpartofJake’ssoul.
Sophie had never felt like an outsider in her own family, but until Jake, she’d never truly felt like she
belonged,either.

Hislovehadmadeherwhole.
Heopenedtheboxtoshowhertheringandshelostwhatwasleftofherbreath.“Oh,Jake.”The

centerstonewasabright,beautifulyellowgemsurroundedbyaringofdiamonds.

Lookingupintohiseyes,shesmiledevenastearssliddownherface.Shecouldneverchangehis

past. But with her support—and her boundless love—she hoped that one day he would finally put it
behindhim,whereitbelonged.

Shehadtokisshim,hadtoholdhim,givinghimheranswer—theYESshe’dbeenlongingtosayall

herlifetooneman,andonemanonly—fromwithinthewarmthofhisarms.

***

Twomonthslater...

Sophiesmiled,happilysingingalongwithoneofNicola’ssongsontheradioasshedrovefromthe

library to Jake’s house. Even though she’d always been perfectly happy with public transportation,
especiallyinthecity,whereshecouldeasilygetwhereversheneededtogo,he’dinsistedonbuyinghera
car. Life with Jake was sweeter than she could ever have imagined, but given that he was still the
dominantmanshe’dfalleninlovewithsolongago,she’dquicklylearnedhowtopickherbattles.Acar
wasn’tworthfightingover.

She’drecoveredwellfromthesurgerytotakeouttheuterinefibroid,buteventhoughJakehadbeen

loving and just plain wonderful during the past two months, she’d missed the wild part of him. They’d
madelove,ofcourse,andithadbeenwonderful,butshecouldtellhewasholdingbackoutoffearthathe
mighthurtherorthebabiesinsomeway.

Shetiltedtherearviewmirrordowntotakeonelastlookatherselfbeforeshegotoutofthecar.

Duringherlunchbreakshe’dbeeninspiredtogooutandbuyasoftpink,long-sleeveddress.Sure,she
knewshewouldn’tfitintoitinafewweeks,butshelovedthewaythesoftfabricslippedandslidagainst
herskin.ItremindedherofthewayJaketouchedher,sogently,sosweetly...sowickedly.

She’dseducedJakeMcCannbefore,andshewasbeyondexcitedaboutseducingherfianceagain.

Especiallyafterhe’dshowedherhisnewtattoolastnight,aCelticknotthatsymbolizedthenever-ending
pathoflife,faith…andlove.He’dhadtheartistthreadhernamethroughthedesign,wornrightoverhis
heart.

Takingadeepbreath,sherangthedoorbellinsteadofusingherkey.
Jake opened the door a few seconds later, a dumbfounded yet lustful expression on his face.

“Sophie?”

She’dneverforgetthatnightinNapawhenshe’dstoodonadifferentdoorstepandbeggedtocome

inside.“Iknowyouthinkyouneedtobecarefulwithme,butthedoctorsaidI’mfullyhealednow.”Her
voicegrewhusky.“Ineedyou,Jake.Badly.”

Hepulledherinsideandshewasimmediatelyenvelopedinhisdeliciousheat,butdespitethefact

thatheclearlywantedherjustasmuchasshewantedhim,shecouldtellfromthehardsetofhismouth—
andthefactthathewaskeepingabitofdistancebetweentheirbodies—thathewasgoingtobeahard
sell.

Well,she’djustpickedherbattle.Andtherewasnowayhewasgoingtowinthisone,thankyou

verymuch.

“Stoptryingtodenyit,Jake,”shesaidinahuskyvoice.“YouneedthisjustasmuchasIdo.”

Hedidn’targuewithher,justsimplysaid,“I’llmakeyoucome,princess,overandover,asmany

times as you need.” He looked like he was about to burst with the need to do just that. “But I can’t be
roughwithyou.Notifitmeanshurtingyouagain.”

“I know what you’re trying to do,” she told him in a soft voice. “You’re trying to make all the

decisions for both of us again. But it’s not going to work.” Heat jumped into his eyes, along with the
emotionhenolongertriedtohidefromher.“Iwantyouexactlythewayyouare.Rougharoundtheedges.
Commanding.Exciting.”Shelickedherlips.“AndI’mwillingtodoanythingtoproveittoyou.”

Sheworkedtocontrolthelaughterthatthreatenedtospilloutathowadorablehewasashetriedto

fighttheinevitable.

“You’lldoanythingtoproveittome?”Hisexpressionhadfinallychangedbacktothewickedlover

she’dbeguntomisslately.

“Anything,”sherepeatedasshereachedforthebuttonsonthefrontofherdressandbegantoundo

them.Jake’seyesheldhope,desire,andsomuchloveinthemthatittookherbreathawayasshepulled
openthefrontofherdress.

Shelovedthewayhernamefellasaraggedpleafromhislips,lovedthewayhiseyesateupthe

fullness of her much-larger-than-usual breasts, the swell of her stomach. She pushed the dress from her
shouldersandletitfalltothefloor.

“I’myours,Jake.”

***

SophiewaseverythingtoJake.Despiteallthewayshe’dbeenlongingtotakeherinthepasttwo

months, he’d known going slow, easy and gentle, was what she needed as she healed from her surgery.
Theyhadforevertomaketheirwaythrougheverythingelsehewantedtodowithher.

Tonight,however,hecouldseesheneeded—andwasfinallyreadyfor—more.
ThankGod.
Theairwasalreadyheavywithdesire,andthepromiseofincrediblepleasure.Helovedtheway

herbodyfeltagainsthisashepulledherintohisarms.Thesoftnessofherskin,thegorgeousswellofher
breastsagainsthischest,herroundedstomachpressingagainsthiships.Shewashisperfectfitinevery
way,theonlywomanhecouldhaveeverdaredtobecompletelyhonestandopenwith.

Andtheonlyoneheeverwantedinhisbedagain.
Hescoopedherupintohisarmsandshewoundherarmsaroundhisneck,laughingashecarried

herintothebedroom.“You’regoingtohavetostartliftingweightssoonifyouwanttokeepdoingthis.”

Hepressedakisstoherstomachashelaidherdownonthebed,almostknockingoverthepileof

colorful children’s books on the side table. He and Sophie had a standing date at the bookstore once a
weektoselectbooksfortheirchildren.Hecouldhardlybelieveit,butheactuallyenjoyedreadingwhen
Sophiewasinhisarms,andhecouldn’twaitfortheirchildrentobetheretoo.Thefactthathislittlegirl
andhislittleboyweregrowinginsideofSophiestillblewhismind.

Jakerippedhisclothesoffinrecordtime,thenmovedintoheroutstretchedarms.Sheofferedhim

hermouthandshetastedsosweethehadtotakeandtakeandtake,eventhoughhe’dbeenplanningtodo
nothingbutgive.Hecuppedherbreastwithonehand,herhipswiththeother.God,howhelovedfilling
hishandswithher,couldspendhoursrunninghisfingertipsovereveryinchofherskin.Evenbetterwas
thewayshebeggedforhimtodomorethantouch.

His thumb caressed her breast and when she begged, “Jake, please,” against his lips, he was too

closetotheedgehimselftomakeherpleadanymorethanthat.

Everytimetheymadelove,Jakegavesilentthanksforthewaysheopenednotjustherbody,buther

hearttohim.Later,he’dusehishands,hismouth,toslowlybringhertotheedge—thenover—againand

again.Hefinallybelievedinforever.

Butheneededhernow.
Cuppingherfaceinhishands,hecrushedhermouthbeneathhisastheirbodiesbecameone.Their

limbswerewrappedtightlyaroundeachotherastheymovedwitheachotherintheperfectrhythmthey’d
alwayshad,untilhewasswallowinghergaspofpleasureinawildkissashefellwithherovertheedge.

JakewascertainnothingcouldbemoreamazingthanlyingwithSophieafterthey’dmadelove,with

hernestledintothecrookofhisshoulder,herhandlaidoverhisheart,hisonherstomach.Butthen,hefelt
it,arippleofmovementunderhispalm.

“Didyoujustfeelthat?Didtheyjustkickforthefirsttime?”
Sophie’ssmilewasradiant,andsofullofloveitstunnedhimeverytime.
“Yes,”shesaidassheliftedherfacetohisandkissedhim,“theydid.”

Epilogue

ZachSullivanyankedathistie.Damn,hehatedwearingties,buthefiguredhecouldsuckitupfor

anafternoon,consideringitwasn’teverydayoneofhislittlesistersgotmarried.

ThepastyearhadchurnedoutaseeminglyendlesssupplyofSullivanweddingsandbabies.First

Chase had gotten married and had a kid on the way in a matter of weeks, then Sophie pulled the same
thingfromoutoftheblue.EvenGabeandMeganwerenowengaged.OnlyMarcusandNicolawerestill
slightlysane,butZachwouldn’tbesurprisedifNicolashowedupsportingahugediamondringoneof
thesedays.

He’dexpectedSophietowantabigwedding,asplashySullivancelebrationwhereeveryrelative

andfriendontheplanetwouldbeinvited.Instead,heretheywereinhismother’sbackyard,likesomany
otherSundays.TheonlyrealdifferencefromtheirusualSundaybrunchwashissister’slongwhitedress
andJake’smonkeysuit.

When, Zach wondered, had Sophie grown up? And how long would it take him to see her as

anythingotherthanthebabysisterthatheneededtoprotectwithhislife?

Five months pregnant, she was prettier than ever, especially in her wedding dress. He could see

howhappyshewas,butZachstillhadahardtimethinkingofJakewithSophie.Eventhoughthebrideand
groomlookedlikethemostmismatchedcoupleontheplanet—thebigguywiththetattoosandtheclassy
brunette—ZachwasstartingtorealizethatSophiegaveasgoodasJakedisheditout.Better,usually.

“Wannamakeabetonwho’sthelastonestanding?”Loriaskedasshehandedhimabeer.“Youor

me?”

Zach dug his twin sisters equally, but he’d always understood Lori better. She thrived on speed.

Excitement.Breakingtherules.Justlikehedid.

“Youlookingtogiveawayyourmoney,Naughty?”
ShestaredathimovertherimofherglassasshetookasipofMarcus’sfinestbubbly.“Haven’tyou

learnedyet,it’salwaysthecockyguyswhothinkthey’resosafethatfallthefarthest?”

Zachrarelybackeddownfromachallenge.Especiallynotonethatwasthiseasytowin.Knowing

therewasn’tachancethathewasgoingtofallinlovewithsomeoneagainsthiswill,ZachSullivanheld
uphisbottleofbeertoclinkitagainsthissister’schampagneflute.

“Gameon.”

~THEEND~

Don’tmissthefirstthreebooksinBellaAndre’sSullivanfamilyseries~outnow!

THELOOKOFLOVE

(Chase&Chloe,TheSullivans#1)

FROMTHISMOMENTON

(Marcus&Nicola,TheSullivans#2)

CAN'THELPFALLINGINLOVE

(Gabe&Megan,TheSullivans#3)

WatchforBook#5comingSummer2012!

IFYOUWEREMINE

(ZachSullivan’sstory)

***

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Each posted review of any Bella Andre book is eligible for entry, including reviews at sites such as
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ionlyhaveeyesforyoukindle@bellaandre.com

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***

PleaseenjoythefollowingexcerptsfromBellaAndre’sbooks...

CAN’THELPFALLINGINLOVE

Gabe&Megan–TheSullivans#3

Gabe Sullivan risks his life every day as a firefighter in San Francisco. But after learning a

brutallessonaboutprofessionalboundaries,heknowsbetterthantoriskhishearttohisfirevictims
ever again. Especially the brave mother and daughter he saved from a deadly apartment fire...and
can'tstopthinkingabout.

Megan Harris knows she owes the heroic firefighter everything for running into a burning

building to save her and her seven-year-old daughter. Everything except her heart. Because after
losinghernavypilothusbandfiveyearsago,shehasvowedtoneversufferthroughloving-andlosing
-amanwithadangerousjobagain.

Only, when Gabe and Megan meet again and uncontrollable flames of desire ignite between

them,howcanhepossiblyignorehercourage,determination,andbeauty?Andhowcanshedenynot
onlyhisstrongbondwithherdaughter…butthewayhissweetlysensualkissesarechallengingherto
riskeverythingshe’sbeenguardingforsolong?

Ifone-orboth-ofthemaren’tcareful,theyjustmightendupfallinginlove.

EnjoythefollowingexcerptforCAN’THELPFALLINGINLOVE...

GabeSullivan’scaptainsteppedintotheroom.
“How’reyoufeeling,Gabe?”

“Good,Captain.”
HemovedtositupstraighteronthebedandToddshookhishead.“You’refinejustlikethat.Iknow

yourskullmusthurtlikehell.”Henoddedbacktothedoorway.“AreyoureadytoseeMs.Harrisandher
daughter,Summer?”

No,hethought,he’dbebetteroffneverseeingthoseeyesagain.
He’d thought about Megan and her daughter one too many times for comfort. Not just because he

wasreviewingtherescue,tryingtolookforwhathecouldhavedonedifferently,tohavegottenthemout
fasterandmoresafely—butbecausehehadn’tbeenabletoforgetherstrength,howhardshe’dfoughtto
stay conscious, and what a fighter she’d been every single second of the harrowing journey from her
burningapartment.

Still,heunderstoodthatfirevictimsoftenfeltcompelledtosaythankyoutothemenwhohadsaved

them.Especiallyinacaselikethis,wherethey’djustbarelyhelddeathatbay.

“Sure.”Hebegantonod,butasharpshootingpainstoppedhimhalfwayintothemovement.
Catchinghisgrimace,Toddsaid,“I’llaskMeganandherdaughtertocomebacklater.”
Hernamefither,Gabehadfoundhimselfthinkingonetoomanytimes.Meganwasprettyandstrong

all at the same time. It would be better to think of her as Ms. Harris. Although, he had to wonder, was
thereahusband?Andifso,wherehadhebeenduringthefireandwhywasn’theherewiththemnow?

“No,”hesaid,“it’llbebetterifIseethemnow.”
She’dsaythankyou,he’dtellherhewashappytoseeherandherdaughterdoingsowell,andthat

wouldbethat.Nomorebeinghauntedbyhereyes,bythesurprisingstrengthshe’dshownhimasshe’d
crawledonthefloorofherapartmentanddownthestairs.

Acoupleofminuteslater,Toddwalkedbackinwiththemotheranddaughter.Ignoringthepainin

hishead,Gabesatuphigherandforcedasmileonhisface.

Andthen,hiseyeslockedwithMegan’sandhissmilefrozeinplace.
MyGod,hefoundhimselfthinkingbeforehecouldshovethethoughtaway,she’sbeautiful.
Thelasttimehe’dseenherfaceithadbeenthroughathickhazeofdarksmokeandtheknowledge

thatonewrongmovemeanttheirliveswereover.Hereyeswerejustasbigandpretty,herlimbslooked
asleanandstrongastheyhadwhenhe’dbeenhelpingtomoveheralongthefloor,butnowhecouldsee
the softness in her, the sweet curves of her breasts and hips in her T-shirt and jeans. He couldn’t stop
staringatthestartlinggreenofhereyes,thesilkydarkhairfallingacrosshershoulders,andthewayher
prettyyoungdaughterwasacarboncopyofher,theonlydifferencetheirhaircolor,onedark,onelight.

Sheseemedjustasstunnedasheandforalongmoment,thetwoofthemjuststaredateachotherin

silenceuntilherdaughterranovertohimandthrewherarmsaroundhim.

“ThankyouforsavingmeandMommy.”
Thelittlegirl’sarmswerejustasstrongashermother’s.“You’rewelcome,Summer.Howoldare

you?”

“IturnsevenonSaturday.”
Shebeamedathimandrightthenandtherehelostalittlepieceofhishearttotheprettylittlegirl

withthetwomissingfrontteeth.

“Happybirthday.”He’dhavetoremembertohavethestationsendheragift.
Movementcaughthisattentionfromthecornerofhiseye.Meganwasmovingclosertohimand,yet

again,oncehelookedupather,hecouldn’tseemtopullhisgazeaway.Withoutrealizingwhathewas
doing,hescannedherlefthandforaweddingbandandfounditbare.

“Mr.Sullivan,Ican’tevenbegintotellyouhowmuchwhatyoudidmeanstome.”
HealmosttoldhertocallhimGabe,butheknewhisnamewouldsoundwaytoogoodcomingfrom

herfulllips.Alreadyhisbrainwaswantingtospinoffintoafantasyofwhatitwouldsoundliketohear
her say his name in distinctly different circumstances, with one less child and fire captain in the

room...andahellofalotlessclothes.

As it was, he couldn’t take his eyes off her gorgeous mouth, which was wobbling slightly. She

clampedherlipstightlytogetherasshequicklybrushedherfingertipsoverhereyes.

“I’m sorry,” she said with a small laugh that held no actual laughter in it. “I promised myself I

wouldn’tcry.”

“Shekeepsdoingthat,”Summertoldhiminastagewhisperashermotherworkedtowinthebattle

withhertears.

Hewhisperedback,“It’sperfectlynormal.”
“We needed to come say thank you.” Megan’s eyes moved over his bandages before she added,

“Andtomakesureyouwereokay.”

Hisvoicewasmuchgrufferthanusual.“I’mokay.”
“I’msoglad.”
“Howarebothofyou?Youinhaledalotofsmoke.”
Shegavehimasmallsmilethatdidcrazythingstohisguts.“We’rebothfine.”Sheputherhandto

herthroat.“ThedoctorsaidI’llonlysoundlikeafrogforafewmoredays.”

“You’vegottohearherribbit,”Summertoldhim.“Shesoundsexactlylikethefrogwehaveinmy

classatschool.Doitforhim,Mommy.”

ThistimeMegan’ssoftlaughwasclosertoarealone.“I’msurehedoesn’twanttohearmeribbit,

Summer.”

The power of her smile, the way her eyes lit up and a sweet dimple appeared in her left cheek,

rocked all the way through him. He could get drunk on her smiles—was already feeling like he’d been
knockedoffcenterbyjustone.

IfMeganweresomeonehe’dmetatacoffeeshoporbar,ifshewereoneofhissiblings’friends—if

shewereanyonebutsomeonehe’drescuedfromafire—hewouldhavenotonlybeenworkingonwaysto
gethertostaylonger,butalsotocharmherphonenumberandadateoutofher.

Buttheonlyreasonshewaslookingathimwithherheartinhereyeswasbecausehe’dsavedher

andherdaughter’slives.Heknewbetterthantolethimselffallforherandherprettylittlegirl.

Hedidn’thavetoforcehisexpressiontohardenatthememoriesofwhatanidiothe’dbeeninthe

pastwhenhe’dignoredprofessionalboundariesand—stupidly—gotinvolvedwithafirevictim.

“Ofcoursehewantstohearit,”thelittlegirlsaid,andthen,whenheremainedsilent,turnedtohim

andsaid,“Don’tyou?”

In the end, Gabe couldn’t let the kid down. “Sure,” he finally said in a tone that implied just the

opposite.“Whynot?”

ButMeganreadhimloudandclear,pullingherdaughterawayfromhimandintoherarms.
“Wedidn’tmeantobotheryou,”shesaidinaslightlydefensivevoice.
Hedidn’ttellthemtheyhadn’tbeenabother.Itwasbetterforthemtothinktheyhad.Thatwaythey

wouldn’tcomeback.Thatwayhewouldn’tseeeitherofthemagain.

At his curt nod, she said, “I appreciate you letting us come to see you today,” then took her

daughter’shandtopullheroutthedoor.

“Dowehavetogoalready?”thelittlegirlprotested.“Ibethehassomereallycoolstoriesaboutall

thescarythingshe’sdone.”

Inaninstant,hesawinSummerthesamedesireforexcitementandadrenaline,toliveeverysingle

ounceoflife,thathe’dalwayshadinhimself.

Megan turned back to him, wary now. “I’m sure Mr. Sullivan needs to get some rest, baby.” She

forcedherlipsintoafalsesmilethatmadehischestfeellikeahundred-poundweighthadjustlandedon
it.“Saygoodbyenow,honey.”

Summer frowned, with a mini-press of the lips that perfectly mirrored her mother’s. And then

insteadofsayingthegoodbyehermotherhadinsistedon,shesaid,“Doyouthinkmaybewecouldcome
bythefirestationsometime?Youknow,soyoucouldshowusaround?”

Megandidn’tgivehimachancetosayaword,saying,“Summer,”inaclearwarningthathadher

daughtersighinginresignation.

“Goodbye,Mr.Sullivan.”
Hewantedtosmileatthesweetlittlegirl,wantedtoletherknowthatthewayhewasactingdidn’t

have anything to do with her, and everything to do with knowing better than to let himself fall into
somethingthatwouldonlyenduphurtingallofthemintheend.

Instead,allhecouldsaywas,“Goodbye,Summer.”

Buy

CAN'THELPFALLINGINLOVE

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***

THELOOKOFLOVE

Chase&Chloe–TheSullivans#1

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can

attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s
convincedeventhegorgeousguywhorescuesherinthemiddleoftherainstormmustbetoogoodto
betrue.Orishe?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his

pickofbeautifulwomen,andwheneverhe’shomeinSanFrancisco,oneofhissevensiblingsisusually
upforcausingalittlefuntrouble.Chasethinkshislifeisgreatjustasitis—untilthenighthefinds
ChloeandhertotaledcaronthesideoftheroadinNapaValley.NotonlyhasChasenevermetanyone
so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes Chloe has much bigger problems than her
damagedcar.Soon,Chaseiswillingtomovemountainstolove—andprotect—her,butwillChloelet
him?

Chloe vows never to make the mistake of trusting a man again. Only, with every loving look

Chasegivesher—andeverysinfullysweetcaress—astheattractionbetweenthemsparksandsizzles,
she can’t help but wonder if she’s met the only exception. And although Chase didn’t realize his life
wasgoingtochangeforeverinaninstant,amazingly,heisn’ttheleastbitinterestedinfightingthat
change.Instead,he’sgearingupforadifferentfightaltogether…forChloe’sheart.

EnjoythefollowingexcerptforTHELOOKOFLOVE...

Chase almost missed the flickering light off on the right side of the two-lane country road. In the

pastthirtyminutes,hehadn’tpassedasinglecar,becauseonanightlikethis,mostsaneCalifornians—
whodidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutdrivingsafelyininclementweather—stayedhome.

Knowingbetterthantoslamonthebrakes—hewouldn’tbeabletohelpwhomeverwasstrandedon

the side of the road if he ended up stuck in the muddy ditch right next to them—Chase slowed down
enoughtoseethattherewasdefinitelyavehiclestuckintheditch.

Heturnedhisbrightsontoseebetterinthepouringrainandrealizedtherewasapersonwalking

along the edge of the road about a hundred yards up ahead. Obviously hearing his car approach, she

turnedtofacehimandhecouldseeherlongwethairwhippingaroundhershouldersinhisheadlights.

Wonderingwhy she wasn’tjust sitting inher car, dry andwarm, calling TripleA and waiting for

them to come save her, he pulled over to the edge of his lane and got out to try and help her. She was
shiveringasshewatchedhimapproach.

“Areyouhurt?”
Shecoveredhercheekwithonehand,butshookherhead.“No."
Hehadtomoveclosertohearheroverthesoundofthewaterhittingthepavementinwhatwere

rapidlybecominghailstones.Eventhoughhe’dturnedhisheadlightsoff,ashiseyesquicklyadjustedto
thedarkness,hewasabletogetabetterlookatherface.

SomethinginsideofChase’schestclenchedtight.
Despitethelong,darkhairplasteredtoherheadandchest,regardlessofthefactthatlookinglikea

drownedratwasn’ttoofaroffthedescriptivemark,herbeautystunnedhim.

Inaninstant,hisphotographer’seyecatalogedherfeatures.Hermouthwasalittletoobig,hereyes

alittletoowide-setonherface.Shewasn’tevenclosetomodelthin,butgiventhewayherT-shirtand
jeansstucktoherskin,hecouldseethatsheworeherlushcurveswell.Inthedarkhecouldn’tjudgethe
exactcolorofherhair,butitlookedlikesilk,perfectlysmoothandstraightwhereitlayoverherbreasts.

It wasn’t until Chase heard her say, “My car is definitely hurt, though,” that he realized he had

completelylostthethreadofwhathe’dcomeoutheretodo.

Knowinghe’dbeendrinkingherinlikehewasdyingofthirst,heworkedtorecoverhisbalance.

Hecouldalreadyseehe’dbeenrightabouthercar.Itdidn’ttakeamechaniclikehisbrother,Zach,who
owned an auto shop—more like forty, but Chase had stopped counting years ago—to see that her shitty
hatchback was borderline totaled. Even if the front bumper wasn’t half smashed to pieces by the white
farmfenceshe’dslidinto,herbaldtiresweren’tgoingtogetanytractiononthemud.Nottonight,anyway.

Ifhercarhadbeeninalessprecarioussituation,heprobablywouldhavesenthertohangoutinher

carwhilehetookcareofgettingitunstuck.Butoneofherbacktireswashangingprecariouslyoverthe
edgeoftheditch.

Hejerkedhisthumboverhisshoulder.“Getinmycar.Wecanwaitthereforatowtruck.”Hewas

vaguelyawareofhiswordscomingoutlikeanorder,butthehailwasstartingtosting,damnit.Bothof
themneededtogetoutoftherainbeforetheyfroze.

Butthewomandidn’tmove.Instead,shegavehimalookthatsaidhewasacompleteandutternut-

job.

“I’mnotgettingintoyourcar.”
Realizingjusthowfrighteningitmustbeforalonewomantoendupstuckandaloneinthemiddle

ofadarkroad,Chasetookastepbackfromher.Hehadtospeakloudlyenoughforhertohearhimover
thehail.

“I’mnotgoingtoattackyou.IswearIwon’tdoanythingtohurtyou.”
SheallbutflinchedatthewordattackandChase’sradarstartedbuzzing.He’dneverbeenamagnet

for troubled women, wasn’t the kind of guy who thrived on fixing wounded birds. But living with two
sistersforsomanyyearsmeanthecouldalwaystellwhensomethingwasup.

Andsomethingwasdefinitelyupwiththiswoman,beyondthefactthathercarwashalf-stuckina

muddyditch.

Wantingtomakeherfeelsafe,heheldhishandsup.“Iswearonmyfather’sgrave,I’mnotgoingto

hurt you. It’s okay to get into my car.” When she didn’t immediately say no again, he pressed his
advantagewith,“Ijustwanttohelpyou.”Andhedid.Morethanitmadesensetowanttohelpastranger.
“Please,”hesaid.“Letmehelpyou.”

Shestaredathimforalongmoment,hailhammeringbetweenthem,aroundthem,ontothem.Chase

foundhimselfholdinghisbreath,waitingforherdecision.Itshouldn’tmattertohimwhatshedecided.

But,forsomestrangereason,itdid.

Buy

TheLookofLove

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***

FROMTHISMOMENTON

Marcus&Nicola~TheSullivans#2

Forthirty-sixyears,MarcusSullivanhasbeentheresponsibleolderbrother,steppingintotake

care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly
ordered future he's planned for himself turns out to be nothing but a lie, Marcus needs one reckless
nighttoshakefreefromitall.

NicolaHardingisknownthroughouttheworldbyonlyonename-Nico-forhercatchy,sensual

popsongs.Only,whatnooneknowsaboutthetwenty-fiveyearoldsingeristhathersex-kittenimage
istotallyfalse.Afteraterriblebetrayalbyamanwholovedfamefarmorethanheeverlovedher,she
vows not to let anyone else get close enough to find out who she really is...or hurt her again.
Especiallynotthegorgeousstrangershemeetsatanightclub,eventhoughthehunger-andthesinful
promises-inhisdarkeyesmakeherwanttospillallhersecrets.

OnenightisallNicolaandMarcusagreetosharewitheachother.Butnothinggoesastheyplan

wheninsteadofsimplytanglinglimbs,theyfindadeeperconnectionthaneitherofthemcouldhave
anticipated.Andeventhoughtheybothtrytofightit,growingemotions-andsizzlingattraction-keep
drawingthemclosertogether.

Close enough for them to wonder if stealing one more secret moment together can ever be

enough?

EnjoythefollowingexcerptforFROMTHISMOMENTON...

MarcusSullivanwasknownforhispatience.Afterhelpingtoraisehissevensiblings,he’dlearned

towaitouttantrums,fistfights,eventears.

Buttonight,hewasalloutofpatience.
He’dcometotheclubtonighttofindawoman,topropositionher,toclaimherforoneno-holds-

barrednight,buthe’dbeenwatchingthedancersforlongenoughtoknowthathewasn’tgoingtotakea
singleoneofthemtobed.Noneofthewomenwho’dwalkedinthroughthethickredcurtaininthepast
thirtyminuteshadbeencontenders,either.

Until,suddenly,thecurtainparted…andshewalkedin.
Marcusfeltlikeafisthadslammedstraightintohisgut.
Thewomanwasyoung,mid-twentiesprobably,andsobeautifulitalmosthurttolookather.Her

blackleatherdressleftnothingtohisimagination,fittingherlikeasecondskinwithwidecut-outsthatran
downthesideofherinsanecurves.

Shewastheone.
Asshestoodinthedoorwayandslowlyscannedthecrowd,everyeyeintheroomwasonher.She

wasmagnetic,hadthatspecialsomethingthatmadeitimpossibletopullyoureyesawayfromher.

And then her eyes met his, illuminated by a beam of light in the dark room, and although Marcus

hadn’tdrunknearlyenoughatChase’sengagementpartytobeunsteadyonhisfeet,onelookatthoseclear
blueeyeshadhimfightingforbalance.

Whatwaswrongwithhim?
He needed to remember, at all times, what tonight was about. Pleasure. Not emotion. Not a

relationship.Itwasokayforcertainpartsofhisbodybelowthewaisttoreactlikeamatchhadbeenlit
from nothing more than looking at the woman. Everything else was off-limits. He wasn’t looking for a
womantorespect.

Andhedefinitelywasn’tgoingtofallinlove.
Thedangerouscurvesbegantoshiftbeneaththethinlayerofleatherasshemovedstraighttoward

him,neveroncebreakingstride,eveninimpossiblyhighheels.Marcuscouldn’tmissthechallengeinher
gaze,alookthataskedifhewasmanenoughtohandleher.

He’dalwayslikedhiswomentallandslim,notbarelycominguptohischestlikethisone.Avoice

inhisheadtoldhimshewaswaytooyoungforhim,youngenoughthatifthiswereanyothernight,he’d
walkawayfromhernow.

Buthewasn’tplanningonwalkingawayfromwhateverthiswomanoffered.Notuntilfirstlight.
Anddefinitelynotuntilhe’dhadhisfillofthosecurves.

Buy

FROMTHISMOMENTON

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***

GAMEFORLOVE

Inarelationshipbuiltonlies...theonlytruthistheirfeelingsforeachother.
Tofulfillhisgrandmother'sdyingwish,linebackerColeTaylormustfind–andmarry–agood

girl. First grade teacher Anna Davis fits the bill perfectly. Their deal is simple: If she'll be his
temporarywife,he'llgivehermorepleasurethansheeverimaginedwaspossible.

Only,loveistheultimategame-changer.

EnjoythefollowingexcerptforGAMEFORLOVE...

Hiseyes,stilldarkwithdesire,werefixedonherandshefeltasifhesawallthewayintohersoul.

Itwastoomuch,toosoon.Annatriedtowalkinsidethehotelroom,buthegrabbedherbeforeshecould
takemorethanastep,andpulledheragainsthim.

“Youdon’tneedtorunfromme,Anna.”
Herbreathwasrisingandfallingtoofast.“Idon’twanttorun,butIdon’tknowhowtodoanything

else.”

His mouth found hers and she tried to lose herself in his kiss the way she’d been lost in all the

others, but panic was riding her too hard now to be able to let go. His hands moved down her back,
rubbing,massagingfromshouldertohips,butinsteadofrelaxing,sheonlytensedupmore.Heliftedhis
headandsheimmediatelysaid,“I’msorry.Idon’tknowwhat’swrongwithme.”

“Noapologies."
Gratefulthathewasn’tpressuringherintoanything—eventhoughshewasnowhislawfullywedded

wife—shesaid,“Iwant—”

OhGod,shewassuchanoviceatallofthisthatshedidn’tevenknowhowtogetthewordsout.
“Youwanttosleepwithme."
Thankfulthatheclearlydidn’thavethesameproblem,shenodded.
“Butsomethingisholdingyouback?"
Again,shenodded.
“Howmanylovershaveyouhad,Anna?”
Sheflushedathisquestion.“Two,”shesaidinavoicethatwasbarelymorethanawhisper.“But

beingwiththemwasn’tlikebeingwithyou.”

Thewordswereoutbeforesherealizedtheywerecomingandherflushflamedevenbrighter.
“You’re special to me, too,” he said softly against her lips and this time when he kissed her, she

wasabletosinkintoitalittlemore.“Iwanttogiveyoupleasure,Anna,morepleasurethanyou’veever
known.Willyouletmedothatforyou?”

Hisheatedwordsshotthroughherveinslikeadrug.“Iwantto,Cole.”Andshedid.God,howshe

did.“ButwhatifIfreakoutagain?”

“Willyoutrustmetomakesurethatdoesn’thappen?”
She had no reason to trust him, not when she didn’t know any more about him than his name and

profession. And yet, there was something in his eyes, in the way he’d touched her so far tonight, in the
wayhe’dkissedher,thathadherfeelingcherished.

Adored.
No one had ever made her feel that way before. Not just the sexual part, which was way off any

chartshe’deverhad,butthesafetypart.

Colemadeherfeelprotected.
“Whatwe’vehadsofartonightisonlythebeginning.There’ssomuchmore,sweetAnna.Letme

showyouhowgoodIcanmakeyoufeel.”

Shecouldn’tholdbackashiverathiswords.Hisarmswerestillaroundher,lightenoughthatshe

couldwalkawayatanymoment,butshedidn’twanttogo.Hiserectionthrobbedhardandthickagainst
herbellyeventhroughhispants,andshewantedwhathepromised.

Badly.
Butnowsheknewforsurethatshecouldn’tdoitonherown.Notwithouthimhelpingher.Guiding

her.Leadingher.

Notwithouttrustinghim.
She’dthoughtaquickieweddingwouldbethecraziestthingshe’deverdone,butnowsheknewshe

waswrong.SleepingwithCole,trustinghimenoughtogiveherbodyovertohim,lettinghimlearnwhat
gaveherpleasure—learningitforherself—wasfarcrazier.

“I’lltrustyou,Cole."
Thereliefthatflashedacrosshisfeatureswasquicklyreplacedwithadarker,deeperdesirethan

she’dseenyetandthenhewaspickingherupandkissingherashecarriedherbackinside.

Intohisbedroom.

Buy

GAMEFORLOVE

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COMPLETEBOOKLIST

ThefollowingBellaAndretitlesarealsoavailableinelectronicformatfromAmazon.

TheSullivanfamilyseries

TheLookofLove
FromThisMomentOn
Can’tHelpFallingInLove

IOnlyHaveEyesForYou
IfYouWereMine(comingSummer2012!)

BadBoysofFootballseries

GameForLove
GameForSeduction
GameForAnything

TakeMeseries

LoveMe
TakeMe

Stand-aloneNovels

CandyStore
Ecstasy
RedHotReunion
TemptMe,TasteMe,TouchMe

HotshotFirefighterseries

WildHeat
HotAsSin
NeverTooHot

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

BellaAndrehasalwaysbeenawriter.Songscamefirst,andthennon-fictionbooks,butassoonasshe
started writing her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Known for "sensual,
empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publisher's Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and
thestrong women they'lllove forever, manyof her 20+ titleshave appeared onTop 20 bestseller lists,
including THE LOOK OF LOVE (The Sullivans #1), FROM THIS MOMENT ON (The Sullivans #2),
CAN’THELPFALLINGINLOVE(TheSullivans#3),GAMEFORLOVE(BadBoysofFootball#3),
CANDYSTORE,andLOVEME.

Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine Red Hot Reads twice (GAME FOR ANYTHING and
WILDHEAT)andhavebeentranslatedintoGerman,Thai,Japanese,Italian,Spanish,French,Portuguese
andUkrainian.NEVERTOOHOTwontheAwardofExcellencein2011.TheWashingtonPosthascalled
her“OneofthetopdigitalwritersinAmerica”andshehasbeenfeaturedonNPR,Forbes.comandinThe
WallStreetJournal.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, knitting, or laughing.
Marriedwithtwochildren,BellasplitshertimebetweentheNorthernCaliforniawinecountryanda100
yearoldlogcabinintheAdirondacks.

Foracompletelistingofbooks,aswellasexcerptsandcontests,andtoconnectwithBella:

VisitBella’swebsiteat:

http://www.BellaAndre.com

FollowBellaontwitterat:

http://www.twitter.com/bellaandre

JoinBellaonfacebookat:

http://www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans

SignupforBella’snewsletterat:

http://eepurl.com/eXj22

Document Outline

I Only Have Eyes For You
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Epilogue
COMPLETE BOOKLIST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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