RocHard

ABillionaireVirginRomance

ByUSATodayandWallStreetJournalBestsellingAuthor

KBWinters

Copyright©2017BookBoyfriendsPublishingLLC

PublishedBy:BookBoyfriendsPublishingLLC

Contents

RocHard

CopyrightandDisclaimer

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

MorefromKBWinters

Acknowledgements

AboutTheAuthor

CopyrightandDisclaimer

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thenames,characters,placesandincidentsareproductsof

thewriter’simaginationorhavebeenusedfictitiouslyandarenottobeconstruedasreal.

Anyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,actualevents,localesororganizationsis

entirelycoincidental.

Copyright©2017BookBoyfriendsPublishingLLC

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,storedinorintroduced

intoaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyform,orbyanymeans(electronic,

mechanical,photocopying,recording,orotherwise)withoutthepriorwrittenpermission

ofthecopyrightowner.Theauthoracknowledgesthetrademarkedstatusandtrademark

ownersofvariousproductsreferencedinthisworkoffiction,whichhavebeenused

withoutpermission.Thepublication/useofthetrademarksisnotauthorized,associated

with,orsponsoredbythetrademarkowners.

One

Abby

“No, Mama! No!” Wild blonde curls smacked against my daughter’s chubby little

faceassherejectedthepinkandyellowdressIheldup.

Ibitbackthegruntofimpatienceasmyadorablethree-year-olddaughterputherfoot

down on the day’s fashion choices. “Lily, you can’t wear a bathing suit everywhere.

Melanieistakingyoutolunchtoday,don’tyouwanttolookpretty?”

“No,”shestuckoutherbottomlipthatwasonehundredpercentherfather’smouth.

Shehadhisstubbornnesstoo.

I could have kept fighting her but whether she wore a dress or her beloved red

checkedtwo-piecebathingsuitandcutoffdenimshortsmadenodifference.SoIputthe

dress back in the closet and put on what she wanted. Better to save that fight for

somethingbigger.“Alright,pumpkin,let’sgetmoving.”

Lilysmiledupatmeandheldherarmsout.“Up,Mama.”

Carrying her saved precious time I didn’t have—especially today of all days. The

resortImanaged,theSunsetHotel,hadbeenboughtoutandrenamedAzurelResort.And

Ihadameetingschedulewiththenewownerwhomnooneknewathingaboutbecause

thepreviousowner,Maury,hadtoldusnothing.Hesimplycashedhisbigfatcheckand

tookoffforabetterparadisethanPuertoRico.

Noneofthatmatterednow,though.Allthatmatteredtomeandmystaffwasmaking

sure we all had jobs when the dust settled. Anyone who’d worked in the hospitality

industry long enough knew that new ownership often meant tons of turnover. The new

ownerwouldwantthingsdonetheirway,andwe’dallhavetocomplyorfindanotherjob

—whichontheisland,wasn’tthateasy.

ThedrivetomyauntMelanie’ssmallhousenearthebedandbreakfastsheprovided

baked goods for didn’t take long. “Thanks, Aunt Mel,” I told her and kissed them both

goodbye.I’mnotsurehowwellIcouldhavesurvivedasasinglemotherwithoutmyaunt

Melanie.Shetookmeinwhenmyparentsabandonedmeasachildandhelpedmegeton

my feet again while I coped with being pregnant just as my career was getting started.

Becauseofher,Ididn’thavetosettleforacareerIdidn’twant.Icouldpursuemydreams

andgivemylittlegirlthelifeshedeserved.

Nowitwastimetosecureourfuture.

Once I arrived at Azurel, I took a much needed second for myself. Several deep

breaths in and out to slow my racing heart and I stepped from the small blue sedan I

bought when Melanie, Lily, and I moved to Puerto Rico two years ago. My crisp white

suitelaidflatagainstmyextracurvesthathadn’tgoneawaysinceLily’sbirth,butitwas

my go to outfit when I needed a confidence boost. And I knew I would need it today.

Badly.

Ihadn’tfeltthisnervoussinceIfoundoutIwaspregnantbythemanIthoughtI’d

fallen in love with…just months after I found out he’d already picked out a wife, and it

sure as hell wasn’t me. I did exactly what Aunt Melanie had always told me, ever since

my wannabe rock star parents dropped me off with her and never looked back. I picked

myselfupandmovedthehellon.LeavingSt.Luciahadnearlybrokenmebutgoingback

toAtlantaandAuntMelaniehealedmeenoughtomoveforwardwithmylife.

Moving forward meant taking a job in Puerto Rico managing a mid-size resort

insteadoftheluxuryresortsI’dhopedfor,butitturnsoutIlovemywork,myemployees

andtheislanditself.Andnowanotherbillionaire—presumably—heldmyfutureinhisor

herhands.

Storyofmylife.

Iarrivedearlytoprepareforthemeeting,tosteelmynervesandgooverthereports

each department had prepared for the new owner. Just because they held all the cards,

didn’tmeanIhadtobendoverandtakewhatevertheytossedmyway.IcouldfightandI

would.

ThelasttimeItangoedwithabillionaireIendeduppregnantandalone.Ijusthoped

thistimeturnedoutbetterthanthatonehad.

***

Roc

Revenge. Some say it’s best served cold, but I’ve always thought it should be so

fuckinghotitsingedeverythinginitspath.Andthat’sexactlywhatIhadinmindwhenI

purchasedtheAzurelResort.Revenge.Againstthewomanwhohadpulledmein,enticed

mewithherinnocenceandthenvanishedwithoutatrace.

Untilnow.

Ofcourse,thisresortwouldalsolaunchthebudgetandfamilyfriendlyhotelsunder

theMahoneyHospitalityumbrella,butinthisinstantprofitwasn’tmymainmotivator.No,

itwasallaboutAbigailBlakely.I’dseenhernameonthelistofemployeesandtheplan

hadpracticallyformulateditself.

Morethanfouryearshadpassedsinceshedisappearedfrommylifewithoutsomuch

as a Dear John letter, a passive aggressive text or a forwarding address. I couldn’t quite

figureoutwhatmadeAbbysospecial,soappealing.SofuckingunforgettablethatIhadn’t

been able to sleep for days after she’d gone, couldn’t see silky golden blonde waves

withoutthinkingofher.Andthatjustwouldn’tdo.Itwouldnotfuckingdo.

I’venevermoonedoverwomen.Ididn’tchasethemandIsureasshitdidn’tletthem

affectmybusiness.Ididn’ttaketheinheritancemyparentsleftmeandmybrothersand

turnitintoabillion-dollarempirebygettingdistractedbyeveryskirtwithnicetitsanda

gorgeoussmile.

ButAbbyhadproventhatneithertimenordistancewouldridmythoughtsofher.

AndIfoundthattotallyfuckingunacceptable.

Which is how I found myself walking through the lobby of the Azurel Resort two

hoursbeforemyscheduledmeetingwithher.Iwantedtosurpriseher.Ineededthatshock

valueofherseeingmyface,knowingthatIwastheoneincontrolofherfuture.

WithaconfidentwalkthatsaidIbelongedhereandnottobequestioned,Ihookeda

rightjustbeforetheelevatorsandmademywaydownthelongblueandsilvertiledhallto

Abby’soffice.Theplanhadbeentogetintoherofficebeforeshedidandlieinwaitfor

her.

Before I reached her door, however, several employees stopped me, inquired about

my identity, and when they realized that I owned the place, welcomed me with warm

smiles.“Andwhoexactlyareyou?”

Aleggybrunettewithsmoothtanskinandaseductivesmilestuckoutherhand.“I’m

Cecilia,Ms.Blakely’sexecutiveassistant.”

Ah,perfect.“AndhowdoyoufinditworkingforMs.Blakely?”Abbyhadapleasant

way about her and she made even the most difficult customers feel important. But she

lackedtheproperexperiencetorunaresortofthissize.

“She’s great. Tough but fair and she’s actually letting me assist so I can learn the

business.”Ceciliashrugged.“Shesayssomeonegaveherthesamechanceanditmadeall

thedifference.”

Soshehadn’tcompletelyforgottenme.Ihatedthatitmeantsomuchtome.“Right.

I’lljustwaitforMs.Blakelyinheroffice.”

Theassistant’ssmiledimmed.“Idon’t—”

“I wasn’t asking,” I told her sternly and her lips snapped shut before she turned on

herheelsandleftmealoneinthehall.Myfingerstracedoverthelettersthatmadeupher

nameonthedoor.StillBlakelywhichmeantshehadn’tmarried.Withafortifyingbreath,

Ipushedthedooropenandfroze.

Sittingbehindalargeglassdesk,thefamiliarblondehairfallingaroundhershoulders

inseductivewavesandthatlushmouthfixedinashocked‘o’wasthewomanI’dcometo

see.Andonceagainshe’dgottenthejumponme.

“Hello,Abby.”

Two

Abby

“Roc?Whatareyoudoinghere?”Icouldn’tbelieveit.Themanwho’dhauntedmy

everydreamandthoughtsinceI’dfledSt.Luciaaheartbrokenmessnowstoodbeforeme,

looking even better and sexier—if that was possible—than he had four years ago. He

stoodlessthansixfeetaway,inky-blackhairshiningandstilljustlongenoughtogivehim

arakishair.Broadshouldersspannedthedoorway,hisflatstomach,narrowwaistandlong

legs were showcased magnificently in a lightweight grey suit. Piercing blue eyes locked

ontominelooking…angry?Whatthehellrightdidhehavetobeangry?

Hislipscurvedupatthecornersandhesaunteredinwiththatloosehippedgaitthat

haddrawnmetohimlikeamothtoaflameinthenight.ThedoorclickedshutandRoc

madeaproductionofmovingincloserandtakingaseatsojustthedeskseparatedus.“I

ownthisresortwhichmeansyouworkforme.Again.”Helookedsodamnpleasedwith

himselfIwantedtosmackhisgorgeousface.

I sucked in a breath at his words, as my new reality sank in and my hand

unconsciouslywenttothephotoonthecornerofmydeskthatshowedasmilingtriothat

includedme,Melanie,andLilyandflippeditdown.Shit.Shit.Shit.Thiswasmyabsolute

worstnightmarecometolife.Roc,here?Backinmylife?ButIcouldn’tshowhimany

emotions, and I needed to figure out why he seemed so angry. “Okay. And I assume

you’reheretoevaluatethefacilityaswellasthestaff?”

“Thatwouldbecorrect.I’llbehereattheAzurelforthenextsixtoeightweeksto

assess each employee. Everyone will be expected to prove they belong here. That they

deservetoworkatAzurel.”

InoddedbecauseIheardwhathedidn’tsay.Inlessthantwomonths,Iwouldbeout

ofajob.“Right,”Iswallowedthegiantballofsawdustthatsatinmythroatandkeptmy

features blank. No need to let Roc see he’d gotten to me. “I’m sure you’ll let me know

howIcanassistyou.”

DeepblueeyestookmeinandIwonderedwhathesaw.Thefresh-facedtwenty-one-

year-oldwho’dfallensoeasilyforhisplayboycharm,orthefrazzledsinglemotherdoing

thebestshecould.Ishouldn’tcarebutforsomereason,Idid.“Sure.IfIneedyou,I’lllet

youknow.”HestaredforsuchalongtimeIhadtofighttheurgetosquirm.

SeeinghimagainjoltedmebacktothatnightinSt.Luciamorethanfouryearsago

whenI’drealizedonlyoneofushadfalleninlove.Theotherhadagorgeousactresshe’d

plannedtomarry,makingmetheotherwoman.Yeah,thatthoughtwasmorethanenough

tohelpmefindmyspine.RocwantedmegoneandnowthatIknewheownedtheresort,I

hadnointentiononfightingit.ButI’dfightformyemployees.“Soundsgood.Anything

else?”

“No.”Hebarkedout,harsherthanwasnecessarybutIrefusedtogivehimareaction.

Notthistime.

“Great.Seeyouaround,Mr.Mahoney.”

Heshotanangryscowlmywaybeforeleaving,andIknewthatgoadinghimwasn’t

smart but it’s not as if I had anything to lose. He’d already planned my exit from this

place,sowhatmoredidIhavetolose?

AssoonasIfeltsureIwasalone,thebreathI’dbeenholdingrushedoutofme.My

handsshookasevidenceofjusthowshakenupIwasaboutthereturnofRocMahoney.

Andwhatitmightmeanformeandmostly,forLily.

***

Roc

Seeing Abby again had left me shaken and I wasn’t too stubborn to admit that. At

leastnottomyself.ShelookednothinglikethegirlIknewyearsago.Herbodyheldmore

curves,atleastfromwhatIcouldseeofthehalfofhernotcoveredbythedesk,thanthe

slenderalmostgauntlookofastarvingcollegegraduate.Butherfacecontainedthemost

significant differences and dammit if they didn’t entice me as much as the innocent

ingénue.She’dgrownintothosebigemerald-greeneyesandthatbeautifullushmouththat

hadalwaysbeenripeandreadyformykisses.

Andthankfuckshe’dgottenridofthoseuglyshapelesssuitsthatI’dhappilystripped

offherduringourbriefaffair.Yeah,she’dturnedintoarealknockout.

Bigfuckingdeal.

I refused to be swayed by a beautiful face and the sinful body I knew intimately.

She’dgetthenextsixweeksbeforeIfiredher.Ifshelastedthatlonggivenherhabitof

runningaway.

“Beenheretwodaysandalreadysulking.Didn’tIraiseyoubetterthanthat?”

Ilookedupintothesmilingblueeyesofmyuncle,Noah,themanwho’draisedmy

brothersandIafterourparentsdiedinaplanecrash.Ourfather’sbrother,Noah,hadtaken

us in even though it wreaked havoc on his bachelor lifestyle and made us all into men.

Verysuccessfulmen.“WebothknowIraisedyoumorethanyouraisedme,oldman.”

Noah barked out a laugh as he crossed to the bar inside the ocean-view suite I’d

taken.“Youalwaysweretheseriousone.”

Icouldn’targuethat.“Areyouheretohasslemeordoyouhaveareason?”

“Beautifulbikini-cladwomenarereasonenoughforme.”Alwaysreadyforaparty,

thatwasNoah.Heleanedonthewallwithhisanklescrossed,staring.Atme.“Whyare

yousulking?Isthisplacenotwhatyouthoughtitwouldbe?”

“Youcouldsaythat,”Itoldhim,onesideofmouthkickedupinawryexpression.

“Well,you’vegottheskillsandthecashtomakeitwhateveryouwant.”Hehanded

meaglasshalffullofamberwhiskeyandknockedhisglassagainstmine.“Cheers.”

He waited like he’d always done when I needed to talk, waiting me out until his

silenceforcedmetospeak.“Abbyishere.”

“Ah.Iwonderedwhyyouboughtthisplace.”

Mybrowsdippedlowathiswords.“Iboughtthisplacebecauseitistheperfectspot

forbudgetfriendlyvacations.”

Noah shivered visibly. “I hate that phrase, budget friendly. Screw budget friendly,

mayaswellcallitcheap.”

“Spokenlikeamanbornwithaplatinumspooninhisoverfedmouth.”

“Overfed? You better hope you’re this fit when you’re my age.” He patted his

midsection that only showed a slight pudge in deference to his nearly sixty years. “And

don’tlietoyouruncle.YoucouldhaveboughtdamnnearanyhotelinPuertoRicoorany

otherislandspotaroundtheworld.Youchosethisplacebecauseofher.”

Icouldn’tevendenyit,dammit.Thedecidingfactorwasmydesiretoexactrevenge

on Abby for leaving me. She’d blindsided me with her departure, and without an

explanation,ithadtakenmelongerthanitshouldhavetomovepastit.Pasther.“AndifI

did?”

Noahpointedatmewiththehandholdinghisglass.“Justbecareful.Thingshavea

wayofnotalwaysbeinghowtheyseem.”

“Yeah,whateverthatmeans.”

Three

Abby

“She really loves it here.” Melanie and I both looked wistfully at Lily chasing

butterflieswithadaisyineachhand,herlaughterbouncingaroundtheyard.

“Thisisherhome.”Ihadtakenthepastcoupleofdaystothinkaboutmynextmove.

I’dalreadyputfeelersoutforanyresortsontheislandinneedofamanager,becausethat

hadtobemytopprioritynow.“Idon’twanttotakeherfromherhome.”Iknewhowit

felttoberippedfromyourlifewithoutanynoticeandIdidn’twantthatforLily.

“I guess the rumors are true then. The girls at the B&B are all a-twitter over the

handsomenewowneroftheAzurel.”

IblewoutabreathandfacedMelanie.“It’sRoc.Rocfrickin’Mahoney,andyes,Iam

lookingforanewjob.”

“Hefiredyou?Thatsonofa—”

IlaidahandoverAuntMelanie’stocalmthehurtandangerIknewshefelt.She’d

beenmymother,myrockandmybestfriendforaslongasIcouldremember.“No.Not

yet.Ihavetwomonthsatmostbeforeithappens.IfIcangettheweddingsuitedoneto

offer as an alternative to destination weddings on other island locations, then I can

hopefully leverage that into a new job somewhere else. Sleepless nights and a restless

brainhasproducedplentyofideas”

“Soundslikeyou’vegotworkallfiguredout.Whatabouttherest?”

I knew exactly what she meant because I’d been purposely avoiding even thinking

aboutit.“TherestwillhavetowaituntilIhaveanewjob.”

“That’syourdecisiontomake,honey,justrememberthatmenaremorefragilethan

theyleton.”

“MeaningIshouldtellhimsoonerratherthanlaterjustincasehedecidestousehis

money to take her from me?” I couldn’t deny it was my biggest fear since he’d walked

intomyofficeafewdaysago,andithadonlygrowninthefaceofhisobvioushatredfor

me,whichIdidn’tunderstand.AndIhadn’ttoldheraboutthatyet.

“Maybe.Don’tunderestimatethedamageofamanscorned.”

Thatmademelaugh.TheideaofRocasthescornedlovercouldn’tbefurtherfrom

thetruth.Morethanlikelyhisegohadbeenbruised.“Rocwouldhavetocaretofeelscorn

Aunt Mel. He hates me but that’s it.” His hate would be easier to handle than anything

becauseitwouldremindmetokeepmydistance.

“Stillhandsome?”

I rolled my eyes at her eyebrow wiggle, but my lips curled up in amusement. “Yes

dammit.Evenmorethanbefore.Luckily,he’salsoagiganticass.”

I tried to remember that as I sat at my desk, resolved to do my job and remain

detachedfrommyemotionsaboutRoc.Hedidn’tdeserveit.Wasn’tworthit.Myfirsttask

oftheday?Removingallthepersonalbelongingsfrommyoffice.Thefamilyphotos,the

photosofmewithnotableguestsovertheyears,knickknacksanddiplomasallwentintoa

smallboxbesidemydesk.

I couldn’t stick my head in the gorgeous sand just outside my office and pretend

thingswouldbefine.Theywouldn’tandIneededtorememberthat.

Puttingalittleextrasteelinmyspine,Ismoothedthenewroyal-blueAzurelResorts

blazerandstraightenedmyskirt,changingintoballetflatsbeforemeetingRocforatour

ofthegrounds.Ihoppedinmygolfcart,tookseveraldeepbreathsandwenttomeethim.

Hestilltookmybreathaway.Hehadruggedgoodlooksthatmadehimtheperfect

candidateforthecoverofRuggedOutdoorsmanmagazine,especiallyondaysliketoday

whenheskippedthesuitinfavorofapairofwell-wornjeansandaplainwhiteteethat

hugged his muscles like a long-lost lover. I bit the inside of my cheek just to remind

myself that those thoughts were unwelcome. He was unwelcome. So were his muscles.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Mahoney.Wherewouldyouliketobeginthetour?”

Heturnedslowlyasthoughhehadnoplaceofimportancetobe.He’dalwaysbeen

thatwayandI’dbeendrawntohimbecauseofit.“Thebungalowsarenice,”henodded

hisheadinthedirectionoftheclusterofoneandtwobedroombungalows.

With a crisp nod, I told him everything I knew about capacity, bookings and

renovations.“Theyarealwaysatleasteightypercentfull.”Whenhesaidnothing,Igavea

fewmorefactsandwaited.

“Theyshouldalwaysbefullybooked.”

“Iagree,”Itoldhimandclaspedmyhandstogetherinfrontofme.“ButMaurydidn’t

wanttoputanymoneyintotheplace.Iwantedtohireaweddingandeventsplanneron

stafftomakeuseoftheballroomsandtheleftoverbungalows.Weddingsarebigbusiness

andwedon’tgetnearlyenoughofit.”

His gaze lingered on my mouth, but I refused to respond despite the way my heart

racedandmybellyclenched.“Womenseemtothinksoatleast.”

“Andtheirmenaremorethanwillingtomakethemhappy.Regardlesshowyoufeel

abouttheinstitutionorcommitment,wecouldgetalotofthatbusiness.”Arguingwould

be pointless so I didn’t say anything more about it, instead I drove over to the outdoor

eventareaslocatedonthesprawlingproperty.“Theseprovidesteadyincomeforallkinds

ofcelebrationsevenfromthelocals.”

“HowdidyouendupinPuertoRico?”

Smalltalk,really?“IsentoutmyresumeandthisiswhereIlanded.”

“Alone?”

I couldn’t believe he had the audacity to even ask me that. “I don’t see how that’s

relevant.”EspeciallysinceI’dbeontherosterofformeremployeessoon.

“Justmakingconversation,”heansweredbuthiseyeshelddeepcuriosityandIknew

thiswouldn’tbetheendofhisquestioning.“Isn’tthatwhatoldfriendsdo?”

I thought at one time, he and I were friends—more than friends. But now I knew

different. “I wouldn’t know. I’m not in touch with any of my old friends.” His chuckle

sounded beside me and I did my best to appear unaffected but dammit he really had a

greatlaugh.Itshouldbeillegalforamantohavehislooks,hiswealthandawonderfully

contagiouslaugh.

“You’redifferent.Harder.Butstillasbeautifulasever.”

“Yeah, well, life has a way of doing that to a girl.” Luckily, Cecilia chose that

momenttopullmeawayforakitchenemergency.

***

Roc

AfterthetourwithAbby,Igotthefeelingshewasholdingsomethingbackfromme.

I didn’t expect her to be thrilled to see me considering the way she’d left, but her

determination to keep a professional distance intrigued me. Made me wonder what the

spicylittleminxwashiding.

I had a little determination of my own to get to the bottom of it which is why I’d

givenhernochoicebuttomeetmefordinner.Herreluctantagreementandinsistenceon

meeting at the restaurant gave me another hint that she was hiding something, and I

planned to find out what before the night ended. I knew the moment she arrived well

beforeIspottedher,becausetheairchanged,becamechargedthewayitonlydidwiththe

coolblondewalkingmyway.

“Goodevening.”Shegaveapolitesmileandtookherseat,herbacksostraightand

stiffshehadtobeuncomfortable.

“Youlookbeautiful.”Ihadn’tmeanttoblurtthatout,butshereallydidlookstunning

inafloralprintdressthathuggedherbreastsandnippedinatthewaist.Herblondehair

felloversun-kissedshouldersandIknew—withoutadoubt—beforeIfiredher,I’dhave

herinmybedagain.

Hersmilecameacrosstightanduncomfortable.“Thankyou.”

We both ordered mojitos when the waitress came but Abby hardly touched hers.

“Youseemnervous,Abby,why?”

Sheshookherheadandtuckedafewstrandsofhairbehindherear.“Seriously?No,

I’mnotnervous,Ijusthavealotonmymind.”

“Caretoshare?”

Another shake told me she had no plans on sharing anything important with me

tonight. “Nothing for you to worry about. I rarely let personal matters affect my work.

Speakingof,Iassumethat’swhyyouwantedtomeetthisevening?”

So prim and proper. So formal. “Actually, I thought we could catch up, talk about

what’sbeengoingonsincewelastsawoneanother.”

Herlipspulledinclearlyindicatedthatwasthelastthingshewanted.“Iwenthome

forawhileandthenIcamehere,whereI’vebeeneversince.You?”

WithacarelessshrugItoldher,“I’vebeenhereandthere,mostlyforbusiness.You

rememberwhatmyschedulewaslike.”

HernodhadbeensobriefIcouldn’tbesureifI’dimagineditornotbutIknewshe

remembered.“Seemslikebusinessisgood,asusual.Congratulations.”

Ignoring the silly stutter of my heart at her words, I chugged down the rest of my

drink,determinedtoremainunaffectedbyher.Iwantedher,evenworsenowthanIhad

yearsago.AndIplannedtohaveher,buttonightwouldn’tbethenight.Ihadtoplaymy

cards right with this one. “Thanks. Two years ago, I opened an adventure resort in

Alaska.”

Shebeamedatmeandfuckalltohellifitdidn’tmakemefeellikethekingofthe

fuckingworld.She’dalwaysbeenabletodothatwithhersweetsmiles,makemefeelas

thoughIcouldmovemountains,leaptallbuildings,superheroshit.I’dgrownaddictedto

thatfeeling—andtoher.“That’sgreat.I’mreallyhappyforyou.”

Sheseemedtomeanthosewords,yetthroughoutdinnershehadn’twarmedtomeat

all.Icouldn’tfigureitout.“Dessert?”

“No thanks, I need to get going. Early day tomorrow.” Then, unbelievably she

plunkeddownmoneyforthecheck.

“Whatinthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”

Big emerald eyes frowned at me and then double checked the money on the table.

“I’mpayingmypartofthebillplusgratuity.Isthereaproblem?”

“Hell yes, there’s a problem.” My voice pitched low, lethally so, and my eyes bore

intoher.“You’veneverpaidforamealwithmeanddon’tthinkyoucanstartnow.”

She winced as though my words slapped her. “Yes, well, that was as your lover or

mistress, which I no longer am, so I pay my own way thanks. Have a good night.” She

turnedandstompedthroughthediningroomandoutintothewarmstarrynight.

Mistress?Ididn’tknowwherethathadcomefrombutIcouldn’tletherwalkaway

with that on her mind. I laid down more than enough to cover the bill and followed her

intothenight.HalfwayuptheblockIspottedher,andittookjustafewstepstocatchup

withher.“Abby,whatthefuck?”Igrabbedherarmandspunhertowardsme.

Sheyankedherarmfrommygraspandsteppedback.“Whatisyourproblem?”

“Youare!Whatthehelldidyoumean,mistress?Youwerenevermymistress.”

“Well, it doesn’t really matter now, that’s all in the past.” She took a step back.

“Goodnight,Roc.”

That did it. The breathless whisper on which she said my name hit me right in the

chestandtraveledloweruntilmywholebodybegantowarmandrespondtohernearness.

I took a step closer and she gazed up at me warily but in that second, I wanted nothing

morethantobewithher.“Abby,”Iwhisperedasmyhandswenttoherwaist,enjoyingthe

feelofherfullhipsbeneathmyhands.

“Roc,”shesaidonagroan,handsflyingtomychestprobablytopushmeawaybut

theysimplyrestedthere.Thentheymoved,strokedovermychestandabs.

Icouldn’tholdbackandprobablywouldn’thaveifIcould.Iwantedatasteofherso

bad,Icouldn’tstopandreconsidermyactions.Onehandslidupfromherwaisttotangle

in her sexy waves as I angled her head and slammed my mouth against hers. Tongue

slidingagainstherbottomlipandthenthetopbeforeteasingtheseamuntilhersweetlips

opened to me. I lost myself in her taste, her touch, her scent. All the things I’d tried to

forget in the last four years came roaring back in vivid color as her hands fisted in my

chest. I swallowed a moan and deepened the kiss until we both stood out on the street

underthePuertoRicanmoon,makingoutliketeenagers.Icouldn’tgetenough,butthen

slowly,shepulledback.

Herhandwenttohermouth,touchingherlipsasthoughshewantedtofeelwhathad

just happened. She took a step back. Then another. And another until I could no longer

reachouttoher.“Goodnight,”shesaidonanotherbreathywhisperandwalkedawayfrom

me.

Again.

Four

Abby

Kissing Roc like that, or rather letting him kiss me like that was a bad idea. The

worst.Butitfeltsodamngood.LikecominghomeandIhatedit.Hedidn’tdeserveme—

ormykisses.

AsImademywaybacktothecar,myfeelingswereallovertheplace.Guilt.Anger.

Love.Hate.Mostofall?Arousal.ThemanstillturnedmeonlikehedidthefirsttimeI’d

everlaideyesonhim.Asshole.WhydidithavetobeRocwhoaffectedmelikethis?Not

that I’d given many other men a chance, but I’d been on a dozen or so dates since Lily

camealongandIneveroncefeltwiththemwhatI’djustfeltduringthatkiss.

And I hated it. What’s worse, I hated myself for responding like I did. Because all

thatkissdidwasbringbackallthosememoriestothesurface.

Iwasdolledupfortheendofsummerpartyinasexysilkturquoisedressthatclung

tomybodyinalltherightplaces,andfourinchstilettossuretodriveRocwild.AllIcould

thinkaboutwasthewayhe’dlookatme,wantingme,andhe’dhavetowaituntiltheend

ofthegala.Losingmyvirginitytohimhadbeenthemostwonderfulexperienceofmylife,

and we’d spent our nights exploring each other’s bodies and pushing the boundaries of

sexualpleasure.

He’d asked me to the party as his date and I felt special. Important. All night he’d

lavished me with attention in the form of small kisses behind my ear and on my bare

shoulder, lingering touches and heated looks. I couldn’t wait to get him alone because

tonightI’dfinallytellhimI’dfalleninlovewithhim.

The party was winding down and Roc wandered the room slapping backs and

laughingwithhisguestswhileIwatchedhim,withmyheartinmyeyes.

“Excusemehaveyouseen,Roc?”

Ilookedupatastunningbrunettewithlegsatleastamilelongandagleamingwhite

smile.“He’sovertheremingling.CanIhelpyouwithsomething?”

Shesmiledwithatwinkleinherdark,sultryeyes.“Nope.I’mhisfiancée,EveandI

wanttosurprisehim.”ShewinkedandwalkedawayandIstoodtherelikeanidiotwhile

my heart shattered into a million pieces. He had a fiancée. A fucking fiancée. And

apparently,itwasn’tme.Withtearsinmyeyes,IturnedaroundasfastasIcouldandleft.

Afewdayslater,IleftSt.LuciaaltogetherandwentbackhometoAuntMelaniein

Atlanta.Almosttwomonthsafterthat,IfoundoutIwasthreemonthspregnantwithLily.

Ineverlookedback,certainthatRocwouldn’twanthislifedisruptedbyababyanda

womanhedidn’twant.I’dbeencertainhewashappilymarriedtothebeautifulwoman,

andIrestedeasilyknowingeverythinghadworkedoutasitwassupposedto.

Nowthathe’dreturned,obviouslysingle,howcouldItellhimhewasafather?

Wouldhehateme?

WouldhewantLily?

***

Roc

“AllIcantellyouistokeepdoingthegreatjobyou’vebeendoing,followtherules

—askifyou’reunsure—andyourjobsshouldbesafe.Honestly,IhavenoideawhatMr.

Mahoneyhasplanned.”

Gorgeous.That’stheonlythoughtthatranthroughmymindwatchingAbbyaddress

the concerns of the staff, who all worried about their jobs. I couldn’t blame them but I

couldn’tfocusonanythingbutAbbyandthewaythoseblondewavesblewinthebreeze.

Usingthedeckreservedforstafftoholdthemeetinghadbeensmart,sunshineandfresh

air would certainly make them calmer than a stuffy windowless break room. I knew the

meeting had started to wind down when she gathered her hair in back and tied it into a

knotatthebackofherhead.

“Whataboutyourjob,”amasculinevoiceaskedfromthecrowd.

IntrueAbbyfashion,shedidn’tsugarcoatathing.“Nooneissafe.Noone.Doyour

job and I’ll do mine. Any other questions?” With a patient sigh she answered personnel

questions,schedulingissuesandanyotherquestionstossedherway.

Iknewthemomentshespottedmebecauseshefroze,herwordsfalteredforabrief

secondbeforeshepickedupwheresheleftoff.ButIcaughtaflashofsomething—fear,

maybe—inhereyesbeforesheshutteredthem.Whatwasthatabout?

“WhatdoyouknowofMahoney?”

I had to hear this answer but my phone chose that moment to buzz in my pocket.

“Yeah?”

“It’sNoah.Meetmeupstairsinfifteenminutes.”

“Noah,I’mbusy.”

“Nottoobusyforthis,”herepliedandhungup.He’dneverhadpatienceforphone

mannersandithadonlygottenworsewithage.

I lingered in the back until the meeting finished wishing I’d heard how Abby

explainedtheirpreviousrelationshipwithherstaff.“Abby,aword,please?”

Mossy-greeneyeswentstraighttomine,clearofanyhintofemotionbeforegiving

meacrispnodofacknowledgement.“Forthoseofyouthathaven’tmetMr.Mahoney,be

sure to introduce yourselves when you have a chance. Let’s have another great day in

paradise, shall we?” She flashed the first genuine smile I’d seen when loud shouts of

‘Yeah’rangback.

IwaitedwhereIstood,acceptinghandshakesandintroductionsfromthestaff,allof

whomwerepolite—yetdistant—tothemanwhowoulddecideiftheycouldtakecareof

their families for another month. Instead of making me wait though, Abby held a cloth

beachbagandastackoffoldersandheadedmyway.

“Goodmorning.”Politeandcool,shestoodemotionlessbeforeme.

“Goodmorning,Abby,howareyou?”

“I’mfine.Andyou?”

Soweweregoingwithicycivility.Okay.“Justgreat.I’llbemakingsomeimmediate

changesandIwanttogooverthemwithyouimmediately.Meetmeinyourofficeinthirty

minutes.”

“Surething,Mr.Mahoney.”

I cringed at that. I’d been deep inside this woman, had been her first lover and she

actedasthoughIwasastranger.“Mr.Mahoney?”

Sheblinked,butthatwastheonlyindicationshe’dheardme.“WhatelseshouldIcall

you?”

Right.“I’llseeyousoon,Abby.”

Another of those crisp nods and she was gone, walking away from me like she’d

doneoncebefore.Thistime,shewouldn’tbetheonewalkingaway.I’dmakesureofit.

Butfirst,IhadtoseewhatthehellhadNoah’spantiesinabunch.

***

Icouldn’tbelieveit.IabsolutelyrefusedtofuckingbelievethebombNoahhadjust

droppedonme.InsteadofwaitingformoreinformationIreacted,chargingdownthehall

andintoAbby’sofficewhereIfrozeatthenowsterileoffice.“Goingsomewhere?”

Again,sheshowednosignsofemotionsorevensurpriseatmyintrusion.“Notyet.

Simplypreparing.”

“Forwhat?”

“Thefuture,”sheanswered.Stoically.Cryptically.

All her photos, along with pictures of her with high-profile guests were gone. The

diplomasthathungonthewallinpridehadalsovanished.Theknickknacksonherdesk

and the surrounding shelves were gone as well. She’d taken my words to heart it would

seem.Itookaseatreadytotearintoherforkeepingsuchahugesecretfrommebutshe

wasalreadywarysoIsatbacklookingahellofalotmorerelaxedthanIfelt.“Weneedto

makebetteruseoftheemptyfacilities.”

Shenodded.“Doesthatmeanyou’rereadytomoveforwardwiththeweddingsuite

andplanner?”

“If you have a proposal I am more than willing to look it over and take it under

consideration.”

Herlipspursedbutshesaidnothingotherthan,“I’llhavethatforyousoon.”

ShelistenedwithablankexpressionasIoutlinedalltheotherthingsIwanteddone,

jottingdownnotesinherever-presentlegalpadwithoutawordofprotest.Itwouldhave

beenimpressiveifitwasn’tsofuckingmaddening.“Doyouhaveanythingtoadd,Abby?

Thisisyourjob,isn’tit?”

“Iwasn’tawareyouwantedfeedback.I’lltakealookatthisandgetbacktoyou.Is

thereaparticularorderyouwanttheseaddressed?”

“Iwantitalldonerightaway.”Ifshewantedtogivemethisrobotversionofherself,

Iwouldjustkeeppushing.

She nodded, tucking her hair behind one ear. “And do you want to approve new

contractsandnewhires?”

“Everythingwillgothroughmeforthetimebeing.”Iwouldmakeitsoshecouldn’t

ignoreme.

Abbyfinallysetherpendownandfoldedherhandsonthedesk,castingahazelgaze

myway.“Haveyoubeensetupwithanofficeoraphoneline?”WhenIshookmyhead,

shemadeanothernote.“I’llhavethatdonebytheendoftheday.”

“Theofficenextdoorwillbefine.”

“Anythingelse?”

The opportunity had just presented itself and my stomach clenched. “You have a

child,”Iblurtedoutwithallthesmoothnessofateenageboy.

“Ido,”sheansweredquietly,nohintofshockatall.

Icouldn’tbelieveher!She’dleftmefornoapparentreasonandwentandhookedup

withsomeoneelse.“Itdidn’ttakeyoulongtomoveonfromme,didit?”

Finally, a reaction. A small reaction but it still felt like a victory. She sucked in a

breath before answering. “I’ve only been with one man, Roc, no matter what you may

thinkofme.”

Ididn’tbelievethatforonesecond.“Sure,Abby.”Icouldn’tgetawayfromhersoon

enough. I thought her disappearance had just been a case of stung pride but finding out

thatshehadachildhadimpactedmemorethanIthoughtitwould.Anditwasn’tuntilI

stepped inside the private elevator that her final words sank in. I’ve only been with one

man.

Shit.Thatmanwasme.Ipulledoutmyphone.“Noah,Ineedtoseethatreport.”

Five

Abby

Soheknew.Ididn’tknowhowRocfoundoutaboutLilybutnowthatheknew,Ihad

no idea what to expect. If I were a betting woman, I’d say he’d drop in soon to see for

himselfwhathedidn’tyetbelieve.HisreactionwasexactlythereasonIhadn’ttoldhim

whenIfirstlearnedIwaspregnant.Hewouldn’thavebelievedmeandifhehad,Ididn’t

wanttoriskhimtryingtostealmybabyforhisnewbride.

Regardlessofhiscurrentrelationshipstatus,IneededtofindawaytoletLilyknow

thatthefathershe’dalwaysbeensocuriousaboutwashereontheisland.Shewouldbe

over the moon, at least if Roc decided he wanted to be an active father. If not, well, I

wouldmakesuresheneverfeltdeprivedofhisabsence.

Ihatedthinkingabouthimonmydayoff,soIsteppedbackfromthestickycounter

thanks to Lily’s love of peanut butter and jelly and her desire for independence, and

literallyshookawayallthoughtsofRocMahoney.Ihadfourhourstogetthehouseand

mythoughtsinorderwhileAuntMelandLilyenjoyedthedayatakid’sfestival.Ishould

betherewiththembutthehouseneededagoodscrubandIneededtoupdatemyresume.

Today.

Roc’sreturnhadupendedmylifethesamewaymeetinghimhadyearsago.Hehada

way about him that had drawn me in, silly young girl that I was, and turned my head. I

foundhimirresistible,andwhenhe’dlavishedattentionontome,Iwaspowerlesstosay

no.“Stupididiot.”NotthatIregrettedLily,shewasthebestpartofmylife.ButIwould

havelikedahusbandoratleastalong-termrelationshipfirst.

The sound of the bell startled me and pulled me from thoughts I had no business

thinking.IfIhadn’tbeensodistractedIwouldhavelookedbeforeopeningthedoor.“Roc,

whatareyoudoinghere?”

“We need to talk,” he answered gruffly, pushing forward, but I held the doorknob

tighttopreventhimfromentering.

“Whatdoweneedtotalkabout?”Ihadn’tseenhimsincethedayheaskedaboutour

daughter.Otherthanafewcallsandemailsourinteractionshadbeenlimited,andIwas

prettysureitwasbydesign.

“YousaidIwastheonlymanyou’dbeenwith.”

“I did and you said, yeah right. We’ve discussed this.” I did my best to keep my

emotionsshutteredfromhim.Anexpertatreadingpeople,he’duseanyweaknesstohis

advantageandexploitit.

“Dammit,Abby,openthedoorsowecantalk!”

AscalmlyasIcould,despitemyracingheartIgavehimapolitesmile.“Thedooris

openasfarasI’mwillingatthemoment.Nowwhatdidyouwanttotalkabout?”

“Thebabyyou’resayingismine,isittrue?”

“DoesitmatterwhatIsay?Yourmindisclearlymadeup.”Helookedatmeandsaw

thewomanwho’dtriedtotraphim,soIknewnothingIsaidwouldmattertohim.

“I’maskingsoyesitfuckingmatters.”

“Fine,Roc,yesshe’syours.Butyoudon’tneedtoworryabouteitherofusbecause

we’renotaskingyouforanything.Anything,”Iemphasizedjusttomakesurehegotit.

“Areyousure?”

“Goodbye,Roc,”Ipushedthedoorshutbutthemovewaspointlesssincehetookhis

chanceandmovedin.

“Idon’tthinkso,Abby.Youcan’tjustsaythatshittomeandshutthedoor.Whothe

helldoyouthinkyouare?”

Ihuffedoutabitterlaugh.“Actually,Ican.ThisismyhouseandIdidn’tinviteyou

in,sogetoutanddon’tcomebackuntilyoulearnsomefuckingmanners.”

HerushedatmebutIrefusedtobackdowntoRocandstoodmyground.Hemoved

fastandgrateful,likeabiggamecatstalkinghisprey.Me.Withoutstoppinghebackedme

againstthewall,handsflatonthewallbracketingmein.“You’retellingmeyouhadmy

childfouryearsagoand—”

“Threeyears,actually,”Itossedinjusttobreakuphisrhythm.

Jawsclenchedinashowofimpatience,hisblueeyesskeweredmewithasinglelook.

“Youhadmychildthreeyearsagoandyoudidn’tbothertotellme?IfIbelieveyou.”

“Whichyoudon’t,”Iaddedhelpfully.“Soitdoesn’tfuckingmatter.”

“ItmattersandifIbelieveyou,I’vemissedoutonthreeyearsofmychild’slife.”

HesoundedsoanguishedIalmostbelievedhim.IfI’dbeentheAbbyheremembered

Iwouldhavebelievedhim,butshewasgone.Longgone.“Andifyoureallygaveadamn

youwouldhavefoundoutsodon’tcometomyhousetryingtolayaguilttriponme.”

“You’retheonewholeft,Abby.Notme.”

“Well, I had my reasons.” The fact that he still thought I should have stayed just

pissedmeoffandIshovedathischest.Hiswidemuscle-coveredchestwashotandhard

undermyhandbutIignoredhowgooditfelt.

“Care to share?” Holding my hands against his chest so I couldn’t move, Roc gave

methesmilethatusedtomeltmefromtheinsideout.Nowitjustservedasareminderof

howstupidI’dbeenoverhim.Howgone.

“No thanks. Look, Roc, you have questions and I get that but you are entirely too

angryandemotional,andIrefusetotalktoyouwhenyou’relikethis.”Myeffortstoput

distance between us were fruitless and it only made him more insistent. His forehead

touched mine, my breath mixed with his in a heated moment and I felt it. Still there

betweenus.

Dammit.

“Emotional? Of course I’m emotional, I’ve just found out about a child I knew

nothingabout.”Hisvoicecameoutrawandgritty,low.

“Thatyoudon’tbelieveisyours.Whenyoudo,thenwecantalkaboutit.”Thistime

when I pushed at him, his hands fisted in my hair and he took my mouth in a blistering

kiss that shook my body until it vibrated with need. For him. I felt weak and dumb for

leaning into that kiss, for hanging on to him like he was my only tether in a storm. But

damn he tasted good, just like I remembered. Then I remembered who the man was

bringingmethispleasure.

Theonewho’dbroughtmepain.Ipushedhimbackandthistimeheletme.

“Iwanttoseeher.”

Hisdemandwasspokensoftlybutstillademand.“Iassumeyou’llwantapaternity

test?”Becausewhatelsewouldabillionaireplayboywithtrustissueswant?

“Ofcourse.”

“Setupthetest.Twoappointmentsbacktoback.Whenyou’rehappywiththeresults

thenyoucanmeether.”

Hewasn’thappywiththatanswerbutitwasallIhadtoofferhim.“Fine.”Hepushed

me up against the wall and laid another punishing kiss on me that quickly broke my

resolve,beforesteppingback.“Butthisisn’tover,Abby.Notatall.”

I knew that because family meant everything to him and the Mahoney men. They

onlyhadeachotherandlookedoutforoneanotherfiercely.Hisbrothers,EthanandJax,

seemed laid back on the outside but they all had warrior hearts and a willingness to do

battletoprotectthefamily.Andthefamilyname.I’dnevermetthembutIknewittobe

true.

Inthecomingdaysandweeks,Iwouldfacearichandpowerfulenemywithlarger

forcesthanmyown.ButI’dbereadytofight.

AndIwouldnotgiveinsoeasilytothepassionbetweenus.

Six

Roc

IfAbbythoughtshecouldkeepmydaughterfrommeshehadanotherthinkcoming.

While I appreciated her desire to shield the child from…hell I don’t know what she

thoughtshewasprotectingherfrom,Iwasn’tabouttowaitweeksforaDNAtestwhen

shewasrighthere.

That’sexactlywhyI’dlefttheofficeearly,hopingtocatchAbbyathomewithher.

Offguard.Ididn’tplayfairanditwaspasttimeAbbyrememberedthatfact.

Pullingupinfrontoftheadorablelittleyellowbungalow,Isteppedfromthecarand

pausedtoletthesunwarmmysuddenlychilledbody.WhyshouldIbenervoustomeeta

three-year-old?I’vewinedanddined,andevenbeddedheadsofstate,royalty,CEOsand

prettymucheverypersoninbetween.Icouldhandleachild.

AtleastIhopedso.

Whenthedooropened,itwasn’tAbbyorevenalittlegirl,insteaditwasawoman

I’d seen in photographs and heard so much about. “Aunt Melanie,” I greeted her with a

smileshedidn’treturn.

“RocMahoney,”sherespondedwithnothingbutdisdaininhervoice.

“YouknowwhoIam?”ItfeltgoodtoknowAbbyhadn’tforgottenmeasthoroughly

asIthought.

Melaniecrossedherarmsoverherchestandrolledhereyes.“OfcourseIknowthe

name of the man who turned my niece into the other woman and then left her

brokenhearted and pregnant.” Shaking her head, she mumbled something that sounded

like,“That’snotsomethingI’mlikelytoforget.”

Ihadnoideahowtorespondtoherwordssincemostofthemmadenodamnsense.

“Theotherwoman?”

“Like you don’t know,” she supplied un-helpfully with another shake of her head.

“Yourfiancéeshowedupatthatlastpartyandintroducedherself.ButIguessyouwereso

happytoseethetwattoevennoticeAbbyhadleft.”Hergazelancedthroughme,slicing

me open more than anything could have. “She was in love with you, thought you loved

her,too.Butreallyshewasnothingmorethanyourdirtylittlesecret.”

Apparently,shecould say something that would hurt even more. Abby was in love

withme?“Ihaven’thadafiancéesinceIwasinmytwenties,wellbeforeImetAbby.”

“Yet you never once tried to find her or contact her using your considerable

resources.I’dsayit’sgoodyoustayedawaythen.”

“Don’t pull any punches, Aunt Mel.” I tried for a wry grin but it probably looked

morelikeagrimacethananything.

“WhenitcomestoAbby,no.”

Iknewthat.“Abbyalwaysspokesohighlyofyou.”

“Youtoo.Evenwhenshecamebackheartbrokenandsad,shehadnicethingstosay

aboutyou.”

“Yeah,”Iscoffed,“soniceshedecidedIdidn’tneedtoknowaboutmychild.”

Mel glared at me. “She didn’t want to cause any problems between you and your

wife.”

Damnthehitskeptcoming.“Ididn’tknow.”

“Didn’tcare,morelike.”

IstumbledbackatherbitterwordsbutIdeservedthem,Iknewthatnow.“Where’sis

shenow?”

“Nothere.”Andjudgingbyherstanceshewasn’tabouttotellmemore.

“Andthechild?”

“Nothereeither,”shetoldmeandsteppedback,slammingthedoorinmyface.

Inadaze,Iwalkedbacktothestreet,passingmycaraltogetherasIprocessedallthe

informationMelaniehadshotatme—obviouslybelievingIalreadyknewthem.Abbyhad

seenEvethatnight,beforeIhadherkickedoutofthepartyandbannedfrommyproperty.

Obviously,Ihadn’tkickedheroutbeforeshecoulddoanydamage.Likecostingmethe

firstthreeyearsofmydaughter’slife.LikewatchingAbbygrowroundwithmychild.

If I ever came across Eve again I would strip her of everything she held dear and

makeherregretfuckingwithmeorAbby.

ButIknewIcouldn’tplacealltheblameonEve.Ishouldhaverealizedhersudden

appearanceandAbby’sdisappearancewererelated.IshouldhavegoneafterAbbywhen

sheleft.Instead,I’dactedlikeapetulantchildwhosefavoritetoyhadbeentakenaway.

Dammit!

Before I realized how far I’d walked, I was on the beach, the sounds of waves and

laughter washing over me. People were here to have a good time, to enjoy the day with

theirlovedones.Icametoclearmyhead,butIshouldprobablywadeintotheseatowash

awaymysins.Apparently,I’dcommittedafuckloadofthemagainstAbby.

She’dprobablyneverforgiveme.

Removingmyshoesandsocks,Iletmytoessinkintothesand,sohotitwasalmost

unbearable.ButIignoreditandcontinuedtowardsthewater.

“Mama,look!”

IturnedandspottedAbbylookinglikeadreamcometrueinamodestbluebathing

suitthatshouldhaveseemedmatronlyandunattractive.Yetitdidn’t.Itlookedsexyashell

fromwhatIcouldsee.Thenmyeyesweredrawntothelittlecurlyheadedblondespritein

ablueandwhitebikiniwithlittlerufflesonthetopandbottom.

“Comehere,”shetoldthelittlegirlandheldherintheairsoherhandspressedinto

thesand.“There,nowyou’vegotyourownwalkoffame.”

ThesweetsoundofhergiggledrewmeinandbeforeIknewitIstoodbesidethem,

castingashadowoverthehandprints.

Abbygrabbedherdaughterandheldherclosebeforelookinguptoaddresswhatshe

obviouslyperceivedasathreat.“Ohyou.Whatdoyouwant?”

“Hi,mister!”

Idroppeddowntofacethelittlegirlandfoundmyselfstruckbypiercingblueeyesso

similartomyown.NoahcalledthemtheMahoneybluessinceheandmyfatherhadthem

alongwithmeandmytwobrothers.“Hey,littlegirl,what’syourname?”

ShelookedtoAbbyforreassurancebeforeturningbacktohimwithacurioussmile.

“Lily,what’syours?”

“I’m Roc,” I held out my hand and she shook it with a giggle. “Nice to meet you,

Lily.That’saprettyname.”Iwonderedwhatitwasshortfor.

“Thankyou.”Sheeyedmewithmorethanidlecuriosity,andIfeltuneaseslideover

me.

IturnedtoAbbywhoworeadarklookandflashedasmile,whichshedidn’treturn.

“DoyoumindifIsit?”

Thelooksheshotmesaidshedidmindverymuchbutbeforeshecouldsayanything,

Lilysaid,“Sit!”ShesaidabunchofotherwordsbutIdidn’tquitecatchthem.“Roc,sit,”

sheinsistedwhenmygazelingeredonAbbyalittletoolong.

I couldn’t help but smile at the exuberant little girl, so full of life and laughter,

sunshineandinnocence.“Okay,okayI’msitting.Happy?”

“Yeah!”ShehandedmeabucketandashovelwhichItooktomeanwewouldbuild

asandcastletogether.

Likearealfatheranddaughter.That’swhenIknewIdidn’tneedadamnDNAtestto

tellmethislittlegirlwasaMahoney.

Iknew.

***

Abby

“IwantyoutotellLilywhoIam.”

“Mr.Mahoney,comeoninandhaveaseat,oryouknow,lettheentirehotelknowmy

personalbusiness.”Eversincehecrashedourgirl’sdayatthebeachIknewitwasjusta

matteroftimebeforehestartedmakingdemands.

Hestoodandclosedthedoorbeforereturningtotheseatacrossfromme.“Iwanther

toknow.”

“Andwhatyouwantismostimportant,right?”IknewIwouldregretthemomenthe

reenteredmylife,butIhadhopehewouldn’ttrytotakeovereverything.Wrong.

“I’msureshe’smineandIwanthertoknowme.Andtherestofmyfamily.Toknow

thatIwanther.”

Iunderstoodthat,Ireallydid.“Thetesthasalreadybeendonesolet’sjustwaitfor

theresults.”

He frowned and leaned forward, elbows planted on my desk and his intense blue

stareboringintome.“AreyouworriedI’mnotthefather?”

“Sure, Roc, let’s go with that.” The truth was that I didn’t want him or any of the

otherMahoneyboyscomingafterme.Theywereamistrustfulbunchandsomethinglike

this would definitely bring them all out, making accusations and assuming I’m after the

Mahoneyfortune.

“Why?Helpmeunderstand,Abby.”

God,Icouldn’tstanditwhenhesaidmynamelikethat.Likeapleaforalifelinethat

mightnevercome.“Thingswillbesimpleronceyouhavedefinitiveproof.”

“I’mcertain,”heinsisted.

“Really,becauseyoujustaskedmeifIwasconcernedyou’renotherfather.Thetest

willstoptheinsults.”

Helookedconfused,darkbrowsfurrowed.“I’mnotinsultingyou.”

“Iknow.It’sjustyourgenerallynegativeviewofwomen.”

Rocsighedandrubbedahandoverhisface.“Abby,she’smydaughtertoo.”

“Andwhenyouhaveproofofthat,wecanmoveforward.”

“Dammit,Abby,whyareyoubeingsodifficult?”

Ididn’thavetimeforthis.TherewerejustafewweeksleftbeforeIwouldbeoutofa

jobandI’donlysentoutafewresumes.“Whentheresultscomeinwe’llhavedinnerat

thehouseandI’lltellLily.Deal?”

Hedidn’tlikeit,Icouldseeitinthefixedsetofhisjawandtheunhappyexpression

hewore.“Fine,”hegrumbledandleft,lettingthedoorsmackagainstthewallinhiswake.

Another encounter and I survived. Who cared that my heart still raced and that my

pantiesweredamp.

Notme.

Seven

Roc

“Sowhatdoesshewant?”Noahstrolledintomyofficewhistling,droppingdownand

relaxing.

“Getyourfeetoffmydesk,oldman.”Mymoodhadbeenblackfordays,waitingfor

the goddamn DNA test results to come in. “She doesn’t want a fucking thing from me,

Noah.”

Silvereyebrowsshotuptohishairline.“Nothing?Thenwhydoyousoundsopissy?”

Iglaredatmyunclewhowasmakingitprettydamneasyformetotakemyangerout

onhim.“Shewon’ttellLilyI’mherfatheruntiltheDNAresultsarein.”

“Soundssmart.”

“What?Youagreewithher?”

“AfterwhatEvehadplanned,she’ssmarttowait.Especiallyifthere’sachanceshe’s

notyours.”

“Thereisn’t.”AfterseeingLilyandcheckingthedatesofherbirthIhadnodoubts.“I

washerfirstandshewaspregnantwhensheleftSt.Lucia.”InoddedatNoah’sshocked

expression.“She’sworriedwe’llcomeafterher,accuseheroftryingtogetherhandson

mymoney.”

“Isn’tshe?”

“Hell,Noah,sheneverwouldhavetoldmeIhadakidifIhadn’tboughtthisfucking

place!Ihaveathree-year-olddaughter.”

“Maybe,”headdedagain,unhelpfully.

“Look.”IpulledoutmyphoneandbroughtupthephotosI’dsnappedatthebeach.

Lilywasalittlehaminfrontofthecamera.

Noah whistled. “She’s definitely got those Mahoney blues. Adorable and she has

thosesamedimplesJaxdoes.”HesaidallthethingsI’dthoughtasIspenttimewithher.

“BossylikemeandcuriouslikeEthan.”

“Yep.She’saMahoney,”Noahsaidasthoughthatsettledit.

“Nowyouseethereasonformymood.”

Noahheldupahandandspokesoftlyintothephone,slidingitbackinhispocketand

grinning.“We’llhavetheresultsbytheendoftheweek.”

“Thankyou,Noah,butthatwasn’tnecessary.”

“I’lltakethethankyouandyoucansavethe‘littlegirl’shitforyourlittlegirl.”

I gave him the finger and he walked away chuckling and shooting me the same in

reply.Noahnevermincedhiswords,probablyaproductofbeingabachelorandraising

his three rambunctious nephews. Most of the time I appreciated his words of wisdom,

whichforsomereasonalwaysendedwithhimquestioningsomeone’smanhood.

And even that made me think of Abby. Want her. Need her deeply. Ever since that

kissatherhomeIcouldthinkofnothingelsebutburyingmyselfdeepinsideherbeautiful

body,andthedayinthebluebathingsuitprovedshecouldstillturnmeon.Shehadsexy

curvesinalltherightplaces.AndIcouldn’twaittoexplorethem,tastethem.Tohearher

screammynameagain.

Igrewhardjustthinkingabouthavingheragain.Knowingnoothermanhadenjoyed

herbodythewayIhad.“Fuck,”Igroanedandshiftedinmyseat.

Ineededtoseeher.Now.

IfoundAbbyinherofficetwohourslater,shoeskickedoff,hairtumblingaroundher

shouldersandAzurelResortjackethungonthebackofherchair.“Abby,weneedtotalk,”

Itoldherandshutthedoorbehindme,lockingit.

“Idon’thavetimenow,Roc.”

“Maketime.”Armscrossed,Istoodinfrontofherdeskandstareddownather.

Sheletoutafrustratedbreath,“Ihaveworktodo,Roc.Whatdoyouwant,anyway?

Youcan’tjustburstinhereandinterruptmyday!”

Igrabbedherwrist,resistinghereffortstopullback.“Actually,IcanbecauseI’mthe

boss.”

Shegrowledandthesoundshotstraighttomycock,fillingitwithblooduntilIwas

hardandachingtoburymyselfdeepinsideher.“Thenyou’dbetterbeheretotalkabout

work.”

“Sorry,sweetheart,butI’mnot.”ShetriedtopullbackagainandIletherbutonly

because it suited my needs. “I’m here because we need to deal with this thing between

us.”

Eyeswideassaucersshesteppedback,thoughthedeskstillseparatedus.“Theonly

thingbetweenusisourdaughter.”

Our daughter. I wondered if she even realized she’d said it, even though we both

knew Lily wasn’t the only one between us. I laughed. “You really believe that?” She

nodded,puredefianceblazinginhereyes.“Ifyoudoyou’reeitherlyingtoyourselforfull

ofshit.”

“Didyoucomeinhereforaspecificreason,Roc?”

DamnrightIdid.Circlingherdeskuntilwestoodtoetotoe,Igazeddownintofiery

hazeleyes—angryhazeleyes—andsmiled.“YeahIdid.You.”

Sheputthosesmallanddelicatehandsonmychestandshoved.“Thatisnotadamn

answer!”ShepushedmeagainandItookadvantageofherposition,pullingherclosesoI

could spear my fingers through her hair with one hand and grab her ass with the other.

“Roc,”shewarned.

The way she said my name reminded me of all those years ago when I first kissed

her.IleanedinthesamewayIdidnowandshepurredmynamethesameway.Iloved

that breathy whisper thing she did. “Abby, you know.” She knew but I could see in her

eyesshewouldn’tadmitit.Wouldn’tgivemeanyedgeoradvantage.

“Iknowthisisabadidea.”

Iknewittoo.“Butnoneofthatmatters,right?”Imovedcloserandcloseruntilher

cinnamonscentedbreathfannedovermyface,bringingmorememoriestotheforefrontof

mymind,memoriesofourpast.ShesaidnothingbutIdidn’tneedherto,Icouldseeher

pulsehammeringatthebaseofherthroat.Shewantedme.AndIwantedhermorethanI

wantedmynextbreath.

“No,”shefinallywhisperedandlickedherlips.

That little move was all I needed to swoop in and taste her sweet mouth, run my

tongue along that plump bottom lip and then stealing a taste of her top before gliding

alongtheseamofhermouthuntilsheopened.Whenshefinallygasped,Islidin,tangling

ourtonguesandre-exploringthehotmoistureofhermouth.Fuck,shetastesbetterthanI

remember.ShegroanedintomymouthandIgulpeditdown,tighteningmyholdonher.

Abby’shandscurledintomyshirt,hertonguelickedatmine.Shesuckedmytongue

likeitwasmycockandIgroaned,feelinghersmileagainstme.

Fuckme,shewantedthistoo.Withthatknowledge,bothhandsskimmeddownher

body,pastthehemofherdresstosmoothbarelegsandthenmyhandsreversedthetrip,

smoothingupherlegs,caressingherhips.

“Roc,”shehissedreluctantly.

ThenitwasmyturntosmileagainstherlipsasIliftedherupandsatherontheglass

desk, stepping between her legs while my fingertips grazed the soft flesh of her inner

thigh. “Abby,” I groaned, one hand crawling up her stomach, between the swell of her

breaststolightlygripherthroatwhiletheotherhandfoundherhotcenterandslidinside

thewetsilk.“Sowetalready.”Mywordscoveredhergaspwhenonefingerslippedinto

herhotwetcunt.

“Roc,”shepleadedandIobliginglyaddedanotherfingeruntiltheywerecoatedwith

hercream.

“Abby.”Myvoicecameoutharsh,thickwithdesire.Hereyesopenedjustthen,dark

forest green and disoriented with desire. “This,” I held up the fingers that had moments

agobeeninsideherandlickedthemclean,“isn’tnearlyenoughforme.”

Shereleasedastrangledgroanandherheadfellback.Reluctantdesire.“Dirty.”

“Not yet,” I told her and hooked my ankle around her desk chair, pulling it up and

droppingdowninit.“Butverysoon.”Breathinginthescentofherarousalsentmymind

reeling,thinkingabouthowitwouldfeeltobedeepinsideheragain.“Up,”Icommanded,

grippinghersilkypantiesandpullingthemdownherlegs.LikethebastardIam,Ishoved

themintomypocketandspreadherwide,inhalingwithasmile.“Abby,lookatme.”

Shedid,asmilecurlinghermouthup.

“Keeplooking,Abby,becauseIwon’tstopuntilyoutellmeto.Gotit?”

Shenodded,herdarkgazetrainedonmyface.Mymouth.“Gotit.”

I pulled myself as close to the desk as I could get, placing both legs over my

shoulders.Icouldn’twaitanylonger,flatteningmytongueIswipedthroughherfoldsand

shecriedout,thighsclenchingaroundme.Losingmyselfinhertaste,herscent,Ilicked

andsuckedwhileshesquirmedandpulledmyhair.Calledmyname.

“Roc, please.” That needy little plea snapped a few threads on my tether and my

tonguedippedlower,fuckingherpussyasherhipsgroundagainstmymouth.

“Please what, Abby?” She had always been shy about talking during sex and dirty

talkmadeherblushabeautifulshadeofpink.“This?”Iaskedandthrustmytongueinto

heroverandoverandover,lovingthewayherwallsclenchedaroundme.

“Yeah,that.”

“Ormaybe,this?”Onefingerteasedheropeningasmylipswrappedaroundherclit,

sucking hard and letting my teeth graze that sweet little bundle of nerves. I sucked and

suckedeachtimehercriesgrewlouder,myfingerdoingnothingmorethancaressingthe

nervesatherentrance.

“Oh, Roc!” Her body went rigid, suspended in a long moment of pleasure before

convulsionswrackedherbody.

But my mouth kept moving, although at a much slower pace. Soft and gentle my

tonguemovedacrosshersensitivelips.

“Roc,please.Yes!”

Shedidn’tsaystopsoIdidn’t.

“Fuck!Roc…okay,stop.”

Igrinned.“Yousure?”

Hergazenarrowed.

Ichuckled.“Well,ifyou’resure.”Istood,freeingmyerectionandrubbingitagainst

heruntilshepurred.

“Iam.”Heelsscrapedupthebackofmythighsbeforesettlingonmyassandgiving

meanencouragingpush.“Now.”

Myhipscantedforwardandaloudgrowlofpurepleasureescapedatthefeelofher,

so tight and hot and wet around me. Squeezing me. “Fuck I missed this, Abby. Tell me

you did too.” I couldn’t deny the smile of satisfaction that she couldn’t speak, couldn’t

voicethewordsbecauseofjusthowgooditfelt.Sheletoutadisappointedwhimperwhen

Ipulledout,onlytoslambackin.Deep.Hard.

“Yes,yes,”shemoanedoverandover,likeasongjustforme.

Ineededmoreofher.Hell,Ineededallofher.Leaningforwarduntileveryinchof

ourbodiespressedtogether,IcapturedhermouthasIpoundedintohersweetwetpussy,

hard and fast to the sound of her mewling cries. The feel of her as she neared orgasm.

Pulling back so I could look at her flushed skin, arched back and kiss-swollen lips, my

handsgrippedtheinsideofherthighssoIcoulddriveintoherinperfectrhythm.

“OhGod,Roc!Please,ohyes!”

Musictomyfuckingears.Boththumbswenttothatbundleofnervesjustbelowthe

blonde strip of hair, pressing together while I chased down our pleasure. Moments later

mynamefellfromherlipsandhersfrommineasIemptiedmyselfintoherpulsatingcunt.

“Fuck,Abby,”Igroanedwithonefinaljerkofmyhips.

Shelaythereacrossherdesk,satedandbreathlesswithjustahintofasmilecurling

herlips.ButwhenAbbylookedatme,allIcouldseewasconfusionanddisappointment.

Theregretinhereyes.

Ah hell. I didn’t regret it for one second and she did. Already. Well fuck that.

“Thanks,”Ispatandseparatedourbodies,tuckingmycockbackwhereitbelongedand

strollingfromheroffice.

Eight

Abby

Thanks.Themanhadlickedandfuckedmetowithinaninchofmylifeandhe’dleft

mewithnothingbutadisgusted,“Thanks.”Well,hecouldshovethatthankssofaruphis

ass,he’dbeburpingitoutforthenexttwelvemonths.

Thatonewordhadplayedthroughmymindlikeabaddreaminthedaysfollowing

ourunfortunateencounter.Unfortunatebecauseitshouldn’thavehappened,butofcourse

Roc was a very skilled lover and therefore one hell of a way to break my four-year dry

spell.Andthatbastardthankedme.IhadtoshakeofftheconstantdisgustIfeltcoursing

throughme—atbothRocandmyself—becausethankstotheDNAresultsarrivinginthe

mailyesterday,hewouldarriveinlessthananhour.

Tomeetourdaughter.

Itwastheperfectendtoaperfectlycrappyweek.AndIhadtoputonasmileandact

likethiswasgoodnewsorelseLilywouldcatchon.Sometimesbeingtheadultsucked.

“Lily,comehere,please.”

Herlittlefeetsmackedagainstthefloorinherrushtogettomebecausemylittlegirl

didnothingslowly.“Yes,Mama?”

Iheldmyarmsoutandsummonedher.“IneedtohaveatalkwithyouandIneedyou

tolistentome.Doyouthinkyoucandothat?”

She bobbed her head up and down and then jumped up on my lap, smiling so that

everyoneofherteethwereondisplay.“Yeah.”

“RememberwhatItoldyouaboutyourfather?”She’dstartedaskingabouthimlast

yearwhensherealizedthatherfriendsallhadfathers.

“Thathewouldbehereifhecouldbuthehadanewlifewhenyoufoundoutabout

me.”Shepracticallysangthewordsshe’dheardatleastadozentimes.

“That’sright,baby.”

HerlittlefacetwistedinascowlthatmademesmilebecauseIknewwhatshe’dsay

next.“I’mnotababy,Mama.”

“Ofcoursenot.Anyway,yourfatherishereinPuertoRicoforbusinessandhewould

very much like to meet you.” Demanded was a more accurate way to describe it but it

wouldbewrongtosaythattoalittlegirl.Right?

HerbigblueeyeswentsoroundIthoughttheymightpoprightoutofherhead.“My

daddy?Here?Here!”Sheslidfrommylapandrantoherroom,andIcouldn’ttellifshe

wasupsetorhappysoIfollowedherdownthehall.

“Hey,pumpkin,areyouokay?”

Sheturnedherbacktoherclosetfilledwithclothes,thosebigsapphireeyespleading

withme.“IwanttolookprettyforDaddy.”

SomethingRocinspiredinmostfemales,apparently.Exceptme,ofcourse.Irefused

toputonanymakeupandmyhairhadairdriedintomessywaves.Ihadonmyfavorite

blue and white polka dot dress and no shoes. But that was me. For Lily I would do

whateverIcouldtomakethiseasierforher.“You’realreadypretty,honey,butwe’llfind

youtheperfectthingtowear.”

“Thefwowers,Mama.”ShepointedatthewhitedressdottedwithsunflowersandI

tookitdownforher.

“With these sandals and I’ll give you two beautiful braids, sound good?” Wearing

that beautiful excited smile of hers, she threw off her shorts and tank top and carefully

pulledonhernewoutfit.

Afterdressing,LilyclimbedintomylapsoIcouldbraidherhear.“Willmydaddy

likeme?”

“Areyoukidding,he’sgoingtoloveyou.”Ihadnodoubtinmymindaboutthat.The

resthowever,wasupintheair.

“Promise?”

“Of course, but maybe not if you shovel your dinner into your mouth like a wild

animal,”Ijokedwithherbuttrulysheatelikeateenageboy.

“He’seatingwithus?”

“Yep. So let’s get in the kitchen and you can rip up the lettuce for salad.” Lily’s

shoulders fell at the thought of so many vegetables in one dish, and I couldn’t help but

laughasIherdedherintothekitchen.

“Cake,Mama,daddieslikecake,”shegrinnedwithhopefuleyes.

“Tearthelettuceandwe’llseeaboutcake.Later.”

“Aw man,” she grumbled and climbed up on her chair and tore up the lettuce as

thoughitwouldbiteher.

Thefishandshrimpsatinmarinade,readyforthegrillandthesaladonlyneededto

bedressedwhilethestringbeansandpotatoesroastedintheoven.Fordessert,IhadAunt

MelaniemakeLily’sfavoritechocolatebrownieswithwhitechocolate.Ihadamomentto

congratulatemyselfonthemealbeforethedoorbellrangandmydaughtertorethroughthe

houseasthoughshewerebeingchased.

“Mama,he’shere!”

“Don’tyoudareopenthatdoor,littlegirl.”

Withasheepishsmile,sheletgooftheknobandsteppedback.“Butit’smydaddy,”

shepouted.

“Youdon’tknowwhoitisandthat’swhyI’mansweringthedoor.NowshouldIopen

itormakeourguestwaitforever?”

Shegiggledandpointedatthedoor.“Openit!”

OfcourseIknewthedevilontheothersideofthedoorandnomatterhowmuchI

wantedtoturnbacktothekitchenandavoidthisnight,itmeanttoomuchtomydaughter.

I opened the door with a blank expression and invited Roc inside. And I did it without

noticinghowincrediblehelookedinjeansandalightweightshortsleevedshirtthatmade

his eyes pop. Not even one spare glance at those long, strong legs and that perfectly

formedass.Nope.

“Roc!Mydaddyiscomingtonight!”

Hesquatteddownsotheywerefacetofaceandgrinned.“Iknowheis.Doyouknow

howIknow?”

“No…?”

“BecauseI’myourdaddy.”

“Youare?”HergazewentfromRoctomeforconfirmation,andIgaveheraquick

nodbeforesheflungherselfintohisarms.“Daddy!”

In that moment, I questioned my decision to keep the news of my pregnancy from

Roc. Even though I felt certain I’d made the best decision for all of us, seeing them so

fascinatedwithoneanothergavemeadeepsenseofregret.HemaybeajerktomebutI

knewhe’dbegreatwithLily.“Whydon’tyoushowyourfatheryourphotoalbums?”

Reachingforhishandsheasked,“Wannaseemyroom?”

Rocthoughtforamoment,tappinghischinasthoughdeepinthought.“Idon’tknow,

isitpink?”

Withagiggleshetoldhim,“No,it’spurpleandblue.”

“In that case, I can’t wait,” he winked and let her pull him down the hall while I

returnedtothekitchen.

AsgratefulasIfeltthatthey’dhititoffsowell,Ididn’twanttoseeit.Iwantedno

remindersthatImayhavemadeagravemistakebykeepingthemapart.Ididn’tneedany

becausemymindseemeddeterminedtodrillthatmessageintomybrain.Isetabeeranda

cupofjuiceonthetable,unsurewhenthey’dreturn,butIdidn’thavetowaitsincethey

didjustthatafewminuteslater.

“Thanks,Mama!”

“You’re welcome, honey.” I put together a light vinaigrette and tossed the salad,

listening to father and daughter get acquainted. Lily told him all about her life on the

islandandevenshowedoffthe“tattoo”she’dgottenatthefestivallastweek.

“MamasaysI’mtooyoungforarealone,”shepouted.

“She’sright,theyhurtalot.”

Basedonthesoundsofawecomingfromthelivingroom,IknewRochadshowed

her the intricately designed tattoo that covered his shoulder and bicep. I hate that I

remember that. Most days, especially lately, I wished I didn’t remember a thing of our

timetogether.Ortheheartbreakthatfollowed.

ThesoundofthedoorbellpulledmefrommythoughtsandIdidn’tneedLily’syelled

remindertomakemywaytothefrontdoor,ignoringRoc’scuriousstare.Ontheotherside

of the door I found Roc’s uncle Noah and two men who I could only assume were his

brothers.“HowcanIhelpyougentlemen?”

“Isourbrotherhere?”Thebiggestoneposedthequestionwhichsoundedmorelikea

threatgivenhissix-and-a-half-footframeandbroadlinebackershoulders.

Ijuststeppedbacksotheycouldseetheirpreciousbrotherwasunharmed.“Therehe

is.” All three men had the same blue eyes as Roc and Lily, but they all showed up now

because they had actual proof. While he met his brothers, I scooped up Lily so she

wouldn’tfeeloverwhelmed.“Youokay,pumpkin?”

“Who’sthat?”

“Youruncles,honey.”

Atherconfusedlook,Rocwalkedovertoherandheldhisarmsout.Iwantedtocry

whensheeagerlyhoppedintothem,effectivelyabandoningme.“Whatareuncas?”

Hissmilecamethroughpatientandamused.“Mybrothers.”

Lilyclapped.“Brothers!”

In less than one minute she’d had every one of the Mahoney men under her spell,

vying for her attention and elbowing one another to see who would hold her. It was

exactlywhatI’dalwayswantedforher,alargeaffectionatefamilytoshowerherwithlove

andattention.Yetatthatmoment,inmyownhome,Ifeltlikeanoutsider.Imightnotever

giveheralargerfamilybutshewouldhavetheMahoney’stogiveherthat.Andsomuch

more,IthoughtbecausetheyweresowealthyandIwasnot.Eventually,whattheycould

giveherwouldbecomemoreimportantthanwhatIcould.

Bitingbacktears,Ireturnedtothekitchensotheycouldgetacquainted.Okayandto

lickmywoundsbutmostlytogetawayfromRoc.Fromallofthem.Inneedoffreshair,I

escapedtomybackyard,seekingrefugenearthegrill.

Icouldn’twaitforthenighttobeover.

***

The early evening air felt wonderful with the warm breeze kicking my hair up and

makingtheleavesdance.AbeautifulbouquetofaromashitmefromallsidesandIclosed

my eyes, turning my face towards the moonlight. It was exactly what I needed before

goingbackintogettherestofthefood,andtofacetheMahoneymen.Wonderful.

My bare toes enjoyed the feel of the blades of grass, still warm from the sun as I

made my way across the yard and back into the kitchen. Eyeing the pitcher of tea, I

grabbedafewglassesfortheunexpectedguests.Justbecausetheyhadnomannersdidn’t

mean I didn’t. Aunt Mel raised me better than that. Glass pitcher in hand I froze at the

soundofahushedconversation.

“Whatdoesshewant?”

“Has she asked for anything yet?” I didn’t recognize them all but I knew Noah’s

voicebecauseI’dknownhiminSt.Lucia.

“Yeah, why didn’t she tell you about the kid? Should I call Jasper to get started on

custody papers?” That voice belonged to the giant and I could only assume Jasper was

somewell-paidlawyer.

Even though I expected it, hearing them tear me apart hurt. It hurt even worse that

Rochadn’tbotheredtostandupforme.Hell,hesaidnothingatallwhiletheypeppered

him with questions about where I’ve been, the certainty of his paternity, how much he

shouldofferme.Formydaughter.

Assholes.

I’d had enough. Slamming the pitcher down much harder than I should, I marched

backintothelivingroom,gratefultoseeLilyhadnotoverheardthem.“That’sit.Allof

yougetoutofmyhouserightnow.”Ijuststartedpushingthem,notcaringwholeftfirstas

longastheyallgotthehellawayfrommeimmediately.

“Abby,”RoctouchedmyshoulderbutIshruggedhimoffandyankedopenthedoor.

“Foryour information, I don’t want a damn thing from Roc or any of you. I didn’t

askforthisandIdon’twantit.Iwishnoneofyouhadevercomehere,soyoucantake

yourmoneyandyourprivilegeandshoveitrightupyourasses!”

Beyonddisgusted,Icouldn’tstopthewordsfromflyingoutofmymouth.“Notthat

any of you deserve to know a damn thing but I didn’t tell him because I assumed he’d

already married the fiancée I knew nothing about!” Then with more satisfaction than I

should have felt, I slammed the door in their faces. I ignored the bell and the insistent

knocking.

OnestepawayfromthedoorandIfelthesitant,worriedImightapologizeorworse,

letthembackin.TwostepsandIheldontomyanger.BythetimeIfoundLilycurledup

onthebedwithtearsinhereyes,IwantedtoeraseeveryMahoneyfromthefaceofthe

planet.“What’swrong,pumpkin?”

“Mama,whycometheydon’tlikeyou?”Tearsswaminthosebigblueeyesandmy

heartbrokeforher.

“Idon’tknow,baby,butwhatmattersisthattheylikeyou.”Shetriednottosmilebut

Icouldtellmywordspleasedher.“Don’tworryaboutme,Lily,that’smyjob.”

“WillDaddycomeback?”

Icurleduparoundhersmallbodyonthebedwithlittlesurfergirlsonthecomforter

andkissedherhead.“Idon’tthinkyoucouldkeephimawayifyoutried.”

“Loveyou,Mama.”

“Loveyoumore,baby.”

“Notababy,”shegrumbledandsnuggleddeeperintomyembrace.

Nine

Roc

Afterthedisastrousdinnerthatwasn’tatAbby’shouse,thewomanhadmadeherself

even scarcer than she had after our encounter in her office. Oh, and my brothers had

decidedtostickaroundPuertoRicoforawhile.Mostlytopissmeoff,I’msure.

Evennow,they’dtakenovermysuiteastheirown,interrogatingmeandinterrupting

mywork.“Incaseyouassholeshaveforgotten,IjustboughtthisplaceandIneedtoturn

itaroundwhichmeansIneedtowork.”

Both Ethan and Jax just fuckin’ ignored me, because what in the hell were little

brothersforifnotformakingmylifemiserable?“Sowhatareyougoingtodoaboutthis

Roc?Shecan’tkeepyoufromseeingyourkid.”Jaxalwaysspokewithcertainty,maybeit

washisyearsintheNFLorthebigmoneydealshenowmadeasoneofthemostpowerful

sportsagentsintheindustry.

Isighedathimandrolledmyeyes.“Thisisn’tthefootballfieldoryourcompanyJax,

you’renotinchargehere.”Isankbackintomyseatandglared,thoughitwasnicewhen

someone had your back. “Besides she’s not keeping Lily from me, I’ve seen her every

nightsinceyouassholescrasheddinner.”

Ethan frowned, squared his shoulders defensively before he spoke. “But Noah said

—”

“Fuck, Noah!” I threw up my hands because I understood that my brothers were

concernedbutdammitthey’dscrewedupmyfirstmeetingwithmykid.“Dideitheroneof

youthinkhowitfeltforLilytohavethreestrangemenshowupandstartbadmouthingher

mother?”

“No,”theybothansweredsheepishly.

“Of course not, because what the hell do either of you know about kids? Now she

wantstoknowwhyheruncas hate her mother.” And how in the hell was I supposed to

explainthattoher?EspeciallywhenAbbymadesuretobegonewhenIshowedup.

They both groaned as I expected and Jax rubbed a hand over his face. “Shit, Roc,

sorry.”

“IguessAbby’sprettypissedoffatallofusthen?”

“Iwouldn’tknow,haven’tseenher.”Iaimedfornonchalancebuttheyknewmetoo

well.

“Howisthatpossiblewhensheworksforyouandyoushareakid?”

IunderstoodNoah’sincredulitybutsheobviouslyneededspaceandfornowIhadno

problems giving it to her. “Lily and I had a picnic yesterday on the beach,” I used my

daughterasadistractionandIfeltnoguiltbecauseitworked.

“Sohowdoesthisworkifyoutwoaren’tspeaking?”Ethan’sravenbrowsdippedin

confusion.

“Fornow,AuntMelistherewhenIshowupandwhenIleave.”IhatedthatAbby

andIhadn’thadamomentalonetohashthingsoutbutIhadnoideahowIcouldmake

anyofthisbetter.

Jaxstoodandbegantopace.“Andshestillhasn’taskedforanything?”

“No,Jax.”

“Andwhataboutthewholethingaboutyoubeingmarried?”

With all the patience I could find within me, I explained everything to my brothers

aboutthepartyandEve’sappearance.“SheleftbecauseIbrokeherheart,andshedidn’t

tellmeaboutLilybecauseshedidn’twanttowreckmymarriage.”Istillcouldn’tbelieve

thatshe’dlovedmethatmuch.Itboggledthemind.

Ethanwhistledandshookhishead.“Wow,man.Shewasinlovewithyou,hadyour

baby,andwefuckeditallup.Sorry.”

Iletoutabitterlaugh.“Don’tworry,Ifuckeditupbeforeyouevenlandedthejet.”

At their confused looks, I quickly explained about making love with her days before

dinner,andthenmyappallingbehaviorafterward.

“Well,atleastshe’snotinlovewithyouanymore,”Jaxansweredsarcastically.

“Justleaveheralone,Roc.EnjoyLilybutjustletAbbybe.”

Thathadbeenmyplantoo,butnowIknewthatcouldn’thappen.Istillwantedher.

Needed her. “I can’t.” At Jax’s exasperated look and Ethan’s mutinous one, I scrambled

foranexplanationthatheldmoretruththanlie.“AbbyandIareinextricablylinkedandI

don’twanttheretobethistensionbetweenusforever.”

“Bullshit,”Ethan,thepeacemakeramongus,spatoutwithhellbrimminginhiseyes.

“Youwanther,”hesaiditmoreasarevelationthanaquestion.“No,youmorethanwant

her.”Theknowitallgrinnedknowingly.“Holyshit.”

Sometimeshavingbrotherswhoweremorelikebestfriendswasn’tallitwascracked

up to be. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” I all but whined at my baby

brother.

Ethan and Jax did the only thing they could under the circumstances, they laughed

theirassesoffwhileIsatandglaredatthem.Bastards.

***

Abby

The sea always had a calming effect on me and since I needed that calm today as

muchasmymorningespresso,Idecidedtogosurfing.Ihadn’tsurfedmuchsincecoming

to Puerto Rico because it had always reminded me too much of Roc, who’d taught me

howtohandleaboardonthewaves.Butnowwithmybodysofulloftensionandtheman

alreadyinvadingeveryfacetofmylife,Icouldn’tjustifyavoidingitanylonger.

The sun had barely risen when I donned my one-piece bathing suit and lugged my

boardintothewater,lovingthefeelofthewarmseasprayhittingmyskin.Thisstripof

beachbarelyheldanyone,includingsurferswhopreferredthemorepopularbeachafew

milesaway,andIsavoredthesilence.Thealoneness.

Ishouldbehappyrightnow.Lilyhadthefathershealwayswantedandhewantedto

bepartofherlife.Welivedinparadiseandouronlyfamilylivedlessthanamileaway.

ButmyhappinesswasfleetingbecauseIknewourtimeinparadisehadanexpirationdate.

Onceagain,I’dhavetouprootourlivesandstartover.Thistime,however,Icouldn’task

AuntMelanietogowithus.She’dmadealifeforherselfhereandIcouldhandlesingle

motherhoodonmyown.

EvenifIdidn’twantto.

“Youareawfullydeepinthoughtwhenthewavesaresorighteousthismorning.”

IfrozeatthesoundofRoc’sdeepvoice.Whatthehellwashedoingouthereanyway,

otherthanruiningmypeacefulmorning.“Whyareyouhere?”Showingupatthisbeachat

thistimeofmorningcouldn’tpossiblybecoincidence.

“SameasyouIimagine.Tosurf.”IcouldhearthesmileinhisvoicebutIrefusedto

takethebait,refusedtogiveintohim.

“Wrong. I came here to surf alone.” And once again the little bit of peace I had

managedtofindwasrippedaway.

Bythesamemanwho’drippeditawaybefore.Roc.

“Youcan’tignoremeforever,”hesaidseriouslyandIknewthatwastrue.

ButIdidn’thavetolikeit.“Maybenot,butIcantry.”Icouldn’thidethepetulancein

myvoicethatmademesoundlikeabrattykid,butthedaysoflettingRoccontinuetohurt

mewereover.

Iheardthesighbehindme,muchcloserbehindmethanhiswordshadbeen,andI

braced myself for the impact of whatever he had to say. “Dammit, Abby, I’m sorry.

Howevermany times youwant me toapologize, I will. Youhave to knowthat I had no

ideamybrotherswouldshowup—”

Ihadenough,cuttingoffhiswordswithmyown.“Idon’tcare.Idon’twanttohear

your explanations or your apologies so just save your breath.” Nothing he said would

changeanything,notthepastandcertainlynotmyownfeelings.

“So that’s it?” His words were labored from paddling closer to me but anger laced

everysyllable.“You’rejustdonewithmenow?Again?”

Stillfacingtheoncomingwaves.IcalleduponeverydeityI’deverheardofinsearch

ofpatience.Lilywouldneverforgivemefordrowningherfather.“That’sit?Whatmore

could you possibly want? You’re in Lily’s life and she adores you, plus you’ve already

doneyourbesttohumiliatemeforkeepingherfromyou.Doyouneedmetobleedtoo?”

It had taken me some time but I finally realized while I had been succumbing to the

passion that always sparked between us that day in my office, Roc was on a path of

revenge.

“I never wanted to humiliate you,” he told me, his voice strained with emotion. I

refusedtoacknowledgeit.Emotion?Hell,Ihademotion.

Ilaughedbitterly.“Iguessitwasjustahappyaccidentthen.Eitherwayyouwin.Be

happywithknowingthat.”Togetsomedistancefromhim,Ipushedfurtherout,closerto

theoncomingwavesuntilIspottedtheperfectonetocarrymeaway.

“Abby,wait!”

I didn’t listen, wouldn’t turn around because I couldn’t. I refused to be the same

lovesickgirlIwasfouryearsago,givingupeverythingforjustamomentofhisattention.

ThepullmaystillbethereandImightevenstillwanthim,butIdidnothavetoactonit.

“Abby!”

ThenIjumpedup,feetflatontheboardasIhitthewave,glidingoverthewaterwith

mycoretighttohelpnavigatetheunpredictablepathofthewave.Fromthecornerofmy

eyeIcaughtaglimpseofRocheadingmywaybutIcouldn’tfocusonthatwhileItamed

thewave.Wearingararesmile,Izippedthroughandhunchedundertheshrinkingwave

untiltherewasnothinglefttodobutsinkintothewater.

Irelishedthesensationofbeingpulledbytheundertowknowingtheshorewasclose

enough for safety. Apparently, I’d been under too long because I resurfaced at the exact

momentasurfboardheadedmywayandcrackedmeonthehead.Withonehandtomy

headIwentunderagainandswamoutafewfeet,ignoringthethrobbingacheinmyhead.

“Sonofabitch!”

“Abby,I’msorry.”

IstoodassoonasIfeltsolidgroundundermyfeet,pullingmyhandawaytocheck

thedamageIgroanedatthebloodonmyfingertips.Lookingattheapologeticblueeyesof

the culprit I groaned. “Of course you are. Why the hell did you follow so close behind

me?”

“Weneedtotalk,”heinsistedinhisfirmIamthemasterofmyuniversesoyouall

mustobeymevoice.

“SoyousaidfucksafetyprecautionsbecauseofcourseRocMahoneymustgetwhat

hewants,whenhewantsit.Right?”Insteadofwaitingforananswer,Iturnedfromhim

and made my way to my towel to stem the flow of blood down my face. “Thanks for

provingyetagainjusthowlittleImattertoyou.”

“Dammitletmehelpyou.”Hegrabbedmyarm,hisfacegoingpalewhenhecaught

sightofmyhead.“I’llgetyoutoadoctor.”

“I don’t need or want your help. Thanks,” I spat out, the same way he had, before

walkingaway.IfeltdizzybutIknewIcouldmakeithomewithoutaproblem.Withouthis

help.

“Abby,” he called after me, anguish and regret in his voice. But the problem with

falling in love with a man like Roc Mahoney was that I knew him better than he knew

himself. His regret had more to do with the fact that his plan hadn’t worked out than

anythingelse.

***

Roc

Goddammit, nothing had gone the way I planned it and things only seemed worse

afterthatincidentonthebeach.OfcourseInevermeanttoactuallyrunintoherwithmy

surfboard, only to get close enough that she wouldn’t be able to run away again. That

backfiredspectacularlybecausenotonlyhadshewalkedawayfromme,she’dendedup

withstitchesandadayoffwithapossibleconcussion.

AllofwhichIfoundoutfromherassistantbecause—bigsurprise—shewasignoring

me.Again.

I’dsentherahugebouquetofflowersknowingtheywouldn’tdomuchtopacifyher

angerbutIwanted—noIneeded—hertorememberthegoodtimeswehadinSt.Lucia.I

neededtoremindherIwasn’ttheogresheseemedtothink.SoI’dcalledupeveryflorist

withindrivingdistanceandhadthemdeliverflowersbythedozeninherfavoritecolors.I

wasn’tshockedatallwhenIfoundthemallaroundtheresort,orwhenIspottedtwolarge

bouquets in Lily’s room. I couldn’t help but smile thinking of the way my daughter had

thrownherselfintomyarm,sothankfulforthe“Prettyfwowers.”

ToobadAbbyhadn’tbeenequallyimpressed.Shestillhadn’treachedouttomeand

when I saw her at work she gave me her chilly businesswoman persona. With a long,

frustratedsigh,Iknockedonherofficedoorandpreparedmyselfforthesameblankstare

I’dgottensincewemadelove.Iknockedandwaited.

“Comein.”

HerforeheadstillheldstitchesandIwincedatthewayitmarredherbeautifulsun-

kissed skin. And in true Abby fashion she wore her hair pulled back into a stylish bun,

refusingtohidethescar.“Abby,”Ibeganbutshequicklycutmeoff.

“Ihavethreecandidatesscheduledtodayfortheweddingplannerposition.Theyare

scheduledinorderofexperienceandpreference,thefirstonewillarriveintenminutes.”

So she wanted to keep it strictly professional. I could do that, for now. “Do you

have…thanks,” I told her when she handed over the information packets before I could

askforthem.

“Noproblem.Ifiguredwecouldconducttheinterviewsintheweddingsuitetosee

whattheyplantodowiththespace.”ShestoodbeforeIcouldrespond,givingmeawide

berthasshemadeherwaytothedoor.

“Afteryou,”Itoldherandwewalkedtothesuiteinatensesilencethatonlymade

thequietseemloudashell.“How’syourhead?”

“Fine.”

“Anydizziness?”

“Nope.”

Okaysoshedidn’tfeelliketalking.Shecouldlisten.“Youknow,Abby,youwantme

to believe you had all these feelings for me back in St. Lucia but the truth is you didn’t

trustme.”

“Idon’tcarewhatyoubelieve,Roc.I’veneverhadanyswayoveryourthoughtsand

Ihavenodelusionsaboutthat.”Hertonecameacrossicyandshecouldn’tevenlookat

me.

“Butyouweretheonetorunwithoutevenlettingmeexplain.”

Shescoffed.“Becausemenalwaystelltheirmistressesthetruth?”

Ihatedthatfuckingword.“Youwerenotmymistress.”

“Whateveryouwanttocallit,Roc.Iobviouslyreadthesituationwrong.Youhadno

longtermsplanswithmesoifithadn’tbeenyourfiancéeitwouldhavebeensomething

else.”

“She wasn’t my damn fiancée! If you’d stuck around for five minutes you would

haveknownthat.”

Abbystraightenedherspineandtookacalmingbreathbeforesheglancedupatme.

“Ididusbothafavorwhetheryouwanttoadmititornot.Iwasinlovewithyouandyou

werejusthavingfun.Iwouldhavelefteventually.”

I couldn’t argue that point because I hadn’t been looking for long term or serious.

After Eve, I had no plans for a relationship or a family beyond my brothers and uncle.

“Don’ttellmewhatIwanted.”MyvoicewaslethallyquietbutAbbyseemedunfazed.

“Well, since I didn’t see or hear from you until recently, I’d say I did exactly what

youwanted.OrareyouupsetthatIleftbeforeyoucouldkickmeout?”

Thatcynicaltone,thatcynicalthoughtwasn’tAbby.Shewaskindandalittlenaïve,

but she always tried to see the best in people. And I killed it. In that moment, I hated

myself for making Abby feel unimportant, for coming back into her life and turning it

upsidedown.ButIwouldneverfeelsorryforhavingLilyinmylife,thatlittlegirlwas

perfect.ButAbbygotanotherthingright—Ihadn’tgoneafterher.Ithoughtaboutit,had

even fueled up the jet to go in search of her but in the end, I thought she— like most

women—wouldn’tbeworththeeffort.

Inhindsight,Icouldseehowwrongmythinkinghadbeen.

“Canwegetreadyfortheseinterviewsnow?”

Withadisappointedshrug,Inoddedandtooktheseatbesideher,spendingtherestof

theafternoonbattlingherangerandhersweet,enticingscentdeterminedtomakemelose

mycarefullywoncontrol.

By the end of the afternoon the Azurel Resort had a wedding planner with an

assistant,aweddingsuiteandIhadthemostpainfulhardonofmylife.

Ten

Abby

Lookingforworkinabadeconomywasalwayshardbuttryingtofindanewjobin

thehospitalityindustryduringhardtimesmightaswellbeshootingforthemoon.Atleast

thatwasmyexperienceoverthepastfewweeks.Mostplacesweren’thiringorlookingto

replace upper level managers because they could save money by piling the workload on

middle managers. That was the case throughout the island which meant my search had

nowexpandedtoincludetheworldatlarge.

Ididn’tmindmovingtoanewplace,butIknewmydaughterwouldfinditdifficult

to leave her friends, Aunt Mel, Roc and the life we had here, and that made the change

hurt all the more. Roc came by nearly every night to read to her, share dessert, and just

hang out which meant she grew more attached to him with every passing day. His

presencemadeithardformebutI’ddoanythingformylittlegirl.

EvenendurethepresenceofthemanwhomIbothhatedandloved.Becausedespite

everything that happened, I realized something after our encounter on the beach. I still

loved the insufferable jerk. Apparently, my heart didn’t care that he was a callous jerk

who’dsetouttohumiliateme,that’swhoshe’dchosenforus.WhichmeantIneededto

getcomfortablebeingalone.

Stupiddamnheart.

“Mama,listen!”

“I’mlistening.Yes,IdothinkSashawilllovethetiarayouboughtbecausealllittle

girlsloveplayingdressup.Biggirlstoo.”Thiswasherfirstrealbirthdaypartyandwe’d

spent hours looking for the perfect gift for her best friend. Now her nerves were getting

thebestofher.“Nowyoucanbothbeprincesses.”

“Okay,” she answered sounding more relieved than she had moments ago. “Mama,

whysad?”

“I’llmissyoutonight,that’sall.”

She didn’t believe me because my little girl had the intuition of a centuries-old

sorceress,oftendecipheringmymoodsbeforeIcould.Maybeitwasbecauseshegrewup

inasingle-parenthousehold,ormaybeshehadafutureasaworld-famouspsychoanalyst.

“I’llmissyoutoo,Mama.”

WearrivedatSasha’shouseandIpluckedherfromthebackseatwithawink.“Good,

thatmeansyou’llsavemecake?”

“Okay,”sheansweredonalong-sufferingsigh.

“Havefun,honey.”AfteraquickchatwithSasha’smom,Igotbackinmycarand

returnedhome.WhereIfoundtheonemanIdidn’twanttoseewaitingonmystoop.“Lily

isn’there.”

“Good,”hepushedoffthestepuntilhestoodtoweringoverme.“Becauseweneedto

talkandI’mnotleavinguntilwedo.”

Iknewthismomentwouldcomeeventually,soInodded,pushedpasthim,andtold

him,“Thenstarttalking.”

“Oh, I don’t think so, Abby. I said we need to talk. Both of us.” His words echoed

behindmebutIhadotherthingstofocuson,likethegininthefreezerandthetonicand

limeonthekitchentable.

“See, Roc, that’s the problem with this little command of yours. I have nothing to

say.”

“Wehaveadaughter.”

With my icy glass in hand, I turned to face him, and instantly wished I hadn’t. Up

closelikethisIcouldseethedayofgrowthonhisjaw,givinghimthatsexyrakishairthat

even I couldn’t resist. “I am aware of that. Is there something you need to let me know

abouther?”

Hisjawclenchedinfrustration,nostrilsflaredasthoseblueeyesdarkenedwithangry

heat.“IwanthertospendthedaywithmyfamilynextSaturday.”

“Fine.” I couldn’t keep her from him even if I wanted to, and I didn’t. She talked

abouthimallthetimeandnowhadseveralphotosoftheminherroom.

“Thisischildish,Abby.”

I let the ice cold liquid slither down my throat until the warmth settled over me,

calmedmynervesjustenoughsoIwouldn’trageathim.“Idon’tknowwhatyoumean.

You have access to Lily so what’s the problem? Are you upset that I’m not angling for

your attention?” I laughed because he looked so outraged. So handsome. “Let me settle

yourmind,Roc.Idon’twantanythingfromyou,notyourmoney,notyourring.Nothing

morethanforyoutotreatourdaughteraswellasyouhavebeen.Okay?”

He smacked the table so hard he displaced everything. “No goddammit, it isn’t

okay!”Roundingthetable,hedidn’tstopuntilhehoveredoverme,coveredme,andhis

arms locked me between his body and the counter. “I hate that it’s like this between us.

Thatyouwon’tevenlookatme.”

Ilookedathiminthatmomentjusttoprovehimwrong.Ithurttolookathimandsee

thereminderofmyfoolishness,myfirstheartache,mysillythoughtsofloveandhappily

everafter.Heneverwouldhavegivenittome,Iknowthatnow,buthedidn’twantmeto

falloutoflovewithhim.Evennow.“It’sbetterthisway.WecanbeparentstoLilywhile

wemoveforwardwithourlives.”

“Withsomeoneelse?”Hisvoicecameoutadeepgrowl,lowandintense.Raw.

“Obviously.”HeleanedincloserandIhadtoclosemyeyes,leanmyheadbackuntil

it rested against a cabinet door. He smelled amazing, like man and sea, sandalwood and

earth.HesmelledlikeseductionandIknewIcouldn’tfighthim.Iwasn’tstrongenoughto

fightagainstthis.

“Youcouldbewithsomeoneelsewhenit’slikethisbetweenus?”

I knew I shouldn’t goad him but I couldn’t help it. “What, you mean angry and

tense?”

“No dammit. I mean like this.” He took the glass from my hand and set it down,

cuppingmyfacesogentlyinhishandsIcouldhavecried.Butbeforethetearscouldform,

hewasthere,hismouthonminesohungryandintense.Nomatterhowbadofanideait

was,Iknewwe’dmakeloveagain.

Now.Myarmswentaroundhisneckandtiltedmyheadbacksohecoulddeepenthe

kiss,andohhowhedeepenedit!Makinglovetomymouthuntilwebothlostourselves.

Roc’s hands were everywhere all at once, touching and teasing me. Caressing until I

trembled.“Roc,”Ipantedandlickedhisneckinonelongslowmotion.

HegroanedandIsmiledathisresponse.“Abby,Ineedyou.”Hisbighandsgripped

mythighsandliftedmeuponthecounter,palmingtheinsideofmythighsandstepping

betweenthem.

“Yes,”IgroanedoutbecausewhothehellwasIkidding?Iwantedhim.Wantedthis

and this was all we could ever have. “Now.” I unfastened his pants and freed his hard

cock,strokingituntilhegroaned,sinkinghisteethintomyshoulder.

Rocslidmypantiestotheside,alignedourbodiesandpushedinsideme,drawinga

loud gasp of pleasure from me. He felt so good, so long and thick that he filled me up

perfectly. In a way, he’d ruined me for other men because I could never imagine

respondingthiswaywithanyoneelse.Hewentslowuntilmywetnesscompletelycoated

him,thenpickedupspeed,poundingintomelikeadyingmaninsearchofhislastmeal.

“Sogood,”heemittedalowgrowlinmyearthathadmycoreflooding.

Lifting my legs higher so he sank in deeper, I cried out and held on to his wide

muscular back as he thrust into me. Deeper and deeper he went and my body became

nothing more than nerve endings, synapses only capable of responding to the pleasure

coiling through my body. “More,” I demanded, rolling my hips against him. Pleasure

eruptedfrommewhenhesqueezedmyassandpulledmeclosertotheedgeandgivingme

exactlywhatIwanted.

Histhrustcamedeeperandharder,sendingshiversdownmyspineeverytimehehit

that spot that made me see stars. Over and over he plunged inside me, giving me every

considerable inch of him and as hard as it was to admit it to myself, I loved it. Hell, I

loved him but I pushed that out of my mind as the pleasure he gave burst from me,

shakingmybodyashecontinuedtodriveintome.“Oh,Abby.Fuck!”Hisorgasmripped

throughhisbody,vibratingmyownandtriggeringanotherwaveofrelease.

“Oh!Oh!”Thistimeourlovemakingoverpoweredme,peeledbackmydefensesso

thatmyemotionsfeltraw.Exposed.“Roc,”Iexhaledwhenhishipsfinallycametoastop.

“Ilovebeinginsideyou,Abby.”

And I love you. The words, though silently spoken, terrified me. I couldn’t risk

accidentally saying those words to him so I did the only thing I could. I ran. Well,

technicallyIpushedathischest,straightenedmyclothesandprotectedmyheartagainst

whateverIwouldseewhenIturnedbacktohim.“Ineedyoutoleave,Roc.”

“Excuseme?”

Finally,Iturnedandhopedlikehellhecouldn’tseethetearsinmyeyes.“Ineedto

thinkandIcan’tdothatwithyouhere.”

“What’stothinkabout?”HisexpressionwasthunderousbutIhatedmyselftoomuch

tocareabouthisanger.

“Forstarters,whyIkeepdoingthistomyself.”ItwassomethingI’msurerequired

intensivetherapytofigureout.“I’mnotblamingyou,thisisonme.Butplease,Ineedto

bealone.”

“That’sreallywhatyouwant?”

InoddedbutIhadtolookawaybeforemyeyesgaveawaymorethanIwantedthem

to.

“Fine.Seeyouaround,Abby.”

WhenIheardtheclickofthefrontdoorclosingbehindhim,Icollapsedonachair

andletthetearsfall.

***

Threeweeks.That’showmuchtimeIhadbeforeIwouldbeunemployedandIwas

under no illusion that I would be. For the most part, things had been moving along the

sameasalways,witheveryoneworkinghardtomakesureguestsoftheAzurelResorthad

anamazingtime.Butthisweekafewpeoplehadbeenletgo,andnotfordoingabadjob

buttomakeroomforhishand-pickedpeople.Sothecountdownclockhadbegun.

Officially.

Itookstockofmysavings,whichweren’tmuchwhenyouraisedakidonyourown,

butIknewwecouldmakeitayearbeforethingsbecamedire.TonightI’dbeginmyjob

search in earnest so I could put this resort—and Roc—in my rear view mirror. Things

between us had been tense since we made love in the kitchen, with Roc keeping his

distanceandmepretendinglikeitneverhappened.

ExceptlateatnightwhenIlieinbedaloneandrelivedeverymomentofeverysingle

timewe’dcometogether.Boththenandnow,mymindoverflowedwiththoughtsofhim.

Thewayhe’dcoaxedmydesireoutofme,thewayhe’dletmeexplorehisbodywithmy

hands and mouth, full of youthful inexperience. “Stop.” If I didn’t kick thoughts of him

frommyhead,Iwouldn’tgetanythingdone.

Andiftherewasahopeinhellofkeepingthisjob,Ineededtogetwiththebrand-

newweddingplannertogetstartedonadestinationweddingforapartyoffifty.Sure,it

wassmallpotatoescomparedtootherspots,butthiscouldbethebeginningofagreatlittle

business. A quick glance at my watch told me I had about eight minutes before Elsa

showed up for our meeting, so I headed down to the lobby on my way to the wedding

suite.

“Abby, can you come here, please?” The pretty desk clerk seemed nervous, so I

divertedmypathtothelongsandandbluemarblecounter.

“What’sup,Merci?”

“ThiswomanwouldliketospeakwithMr.MahoneybutIcan’tseemtofindhim.”

“All right, how may I help you?” The woman wore a crisp red suit with the most

amazing skinny legs I had ever seen. She donned an icy professional demeanor that

matchedhercleargreyeyesandmystomachturnedoverastwopossibilitiessankin.She

waseitherRoc’snewestlover,or…

“I’mClaraBradshaw,thenewmanageroftheAzurelResort.”

Yepthatwouldbeit.Insidemyhead,IcalledRoceverymannerofrottenbastardI

could think of but outwardly, I put on my own cloak of professionalism and gave the

woman a friendly smile. “All right, well, Mr. Mahoney didn’t let any of us know you

wouldbecomingtoday,butifyou’llfollowmeIwilltakeyoutoyournewoffice.”Icould

feel the question in Merci’s eyes but I refused to look at her, to let her see how much I

hurt.

“Myappearancemustbeasurprisetoyou,”Clarasaidquietlyaswemadeourwayto

hernewoffice.

“Yesandno.IknewmytimewascomingbutIdidn’trealizeithadalreadyarrived.”

I gave her a polite smile over my shoulder. “These are the offices for the administrative

staffandexecutiveofficesareonanotherlevel.Thisisyouroffice.”

“Yourofficeyoumean.”

“Nope.AsyoucanseeIwasprepared,”Itoldherandpushedopenthedoortoreveal

mynakedasnewformeroffice.“I’lljustgrabmyjacketandbagandleaveyoutoit.”

“WhatamIsupposedtodo?”

I shrugged. “Human resources is extension 1305 and you have a meeting with the

newweddingplannerslasheventscoordinatorinabouttwominutes.JustaskMerciforthe

suitenumber.Goodluck,Clara.”

“You’rejustleaving?”

“Yep.Mypeoplearegoodworkers,treatthemright.”

“Yougotit.”

“Onequestion.Whenwereyouhired?”

Clara looked uncomfortable but she answered honestly. “Two months ago. Mr.

Mahoney told me he needed a new manager and gave me two months to train my

replacementatmyoldresort.”

“Right.Thanks,Clara,andgoodluck.”Igaveherasmileandashortwavebecause

noneofthiswasherfaultandsheseemedlikeanicewoman.Imademywaytotheback

elevator entrance for cleaning staff and headed to see the blue-eyed devil who’d given

awaymyjob.Ifumedintheelevatoronthewaytothepenthouse,daydreamingaboutall

the ways I could kill him with this dumb fucking Azurel Resort blazer. He’d slept with

me,twice,knowinghe’dfireme.KnowingIhadachildtocarefor.Ifroze.Wasthathis

plan?LeavemewithoutajobandgoaftercustodyofLily?

Iknockedonthedoor,figuringatleastoneoftheMahoneymenwouldbearound.

But like everything in my life that day, no one answered, leaving me feeling even more

unfulfilled.Heevenstolethesatisfactionofyellingathimfromme.Typical.

Withnoonetoyellatandnojob,IdidtheonlythingIcould.Ijumpedinmycarand

headedhomebutnotbeforecallingmyoldfriendSonya.“Youwouldn’thappentohavea

leadonanyhotelsinneedofanexperiencedmanager,wouldyou?”

“I’mactuallylookingforamanagerforalargeresortinJohannesburg.Comeswitha

small house and relocation fees,” she teased and I told her to put my name in for

consideration.“Yougotit,”sheansweredwithasmileinhervoiceandapromisetoput

out more feelers and get back to me in a few days. Realizing I had free time before I

neededtogetLilyfromdaycamp,Idecidedtotakeadrivealongthecoast.Ihadn’thad

much time for leisure activities like this in the past between managing the resort and

takingcareofLilyandnowthatImightnothavemanymoredaystodoit,Ireallywanted

to.

Withthewindowsdown,andthewarmwindblowingthroughmyhair,sunbeating

downonmyskin,forafractionofasecondIfeltlikethingswouldbeokay.ThatIwould

somehowreboundfromthemessofthepastfewweeks.Haditonlybeenweeks?Itfelt

likeforeverhadpassedsinceRocreenteredmylife.

Reenteredandturneditupsidedown.

Anhourofdrivinghadn’tgivenmethereliefortherelaxationIsought,Iturnedthe

cararoundandheadedbacktopickupLily.Shecouldalwaysmakemyworldfeelright.

***

“Mama,I’mpartyingwithDaddy!”Shebouncedfromthebuildingwearingaflashy

smileandherfavoritejeanswithripsintheknees.

“Iguessthatmeansyou’rereadytobedotedonbyyourfatheranduncles.”

“Yeah!”

Thatrightthere,theyouthfulexuberanceofmydaughterwaswhatIneededtopull

me from my funk. To remind me exactly why I worked so hard and why I had to go

whereverthenextjobtookus.“Good.I’msureyou’llhaveagoodtime.”

“Mama,notgoing?”Herlittlefacetwistedintoworry,andIcouldn’tstopthesmile

fromspreadingacrossmyface.

“Nope,thisisjustyouandyourdaddy’sfamily.”

“Okay,” she sighed as we pulled into the driveway and her smile brightened once

again. “Unca Jax!” She hopped from the car and ran full speed at the former pro

footballer,whotossedherintheair,caughtherandcuddledhergigglingbody.

“Hey,squirt,youmissedme?”

Shegaveanexaggeratednodofherheadwearingherbestseriousexpression.“Idid.

Didyou?”

“Yep.That’swhyIofferedtopickyouup,IneededsomeLilytime.”

She graced him with another smile and smacked a kiss against his cheek. “You’re

funny,UncaJax!”

“That’swhattheytellme,kiddo.Abby,”hegavemeasmallnodwithconsiderably

lessenthusiasm.

“Jax.”Iunlockedthedoorandpusheditopen.“Let’sgetwashedup,honey,soyou

cangowithyouruncle.”

“Beback,”sheshoutedoverhershoulderandstompeddownthehall.

“Such a cutie,” he smiled down the hall before taking a seat. “So how are you,

Abby?”

“Just peachy.” I just needed him to be gone. Like now. The absolute last thing I

wanted to deal with today was a Mahoney now that my anger had fled, leaving pure

exhaustioninitswake.

“Rocwantedmetoletyouknowyou’reinvitedtoday.”

I’lljustbethedid.“Nothankyou.”

“Suityourself.”

Iwasn’tashamedtoadmitIabandonedJax.Ilefthimaloneinthelivingroomand

sought refuge in the kitchen, mixing up a batch of peach iced tea and looking at my

optionsfordinner.Butaftertenminutescameandwent,IknewIneededtocheckonmy

daughter.“Lily,areyouaboutready?”

“Mama, my hair,” she pouted adorably and handed me the sparkly new clips her

fatherhadgivenher.

“Letmefixitforyou,baby.”

“Okay,butI’mnotababy,Mama.”

“You’llalwaysbemybaby.Nowsitstill.”SheobeyedwhileIbrushedhercurlsand

pushedthembackwiththesparklyclips.“There.Nowyoulookbeautiful.”

“Yousuredo,”Jaxsaidfromthedoorway,winkingattheenamoredlittlegirl.

“Thanks,UncaJax!”

“Havefun,sweetie,andlistentoyouruncles.”

“I will.” Skinny arms wrapped around my neck and squeezed the life out of me.

“Later,Mama.”

“Seeyalater,pumpkin.”

“Offerstands,”Jaxtoldmeashescoopedhisnieceintohisarms.

“Enjoyyourselves,”Isaidinlieuofananswer.Ididn’tneedapityinviteandafter

whatRochaddone,Icouldn’tbesurethatI’dmakeitthroughanentireeveningwithout

doingseriousbodilyharmtohim.

WhentheroarofJax’senginedisappeared,Iturnedbacktothekitchen,addedsome

rumtomytea,preppedsomefishandvegetablesforthegrillandgotdowntothebusiness

ofsortingoutmylife.

Ourfuture.

Eleven

Roc

I had never felt so helpless as I did in the days after Abby kicked me out after we

made love. I couldn’t believe she could be so cold or callous and though I wanted to

compareherbehaviortoEve’s,IknewIdeservedit.Ifnotforthechemistrybetweenus

sheneverwouldhavefuckedmeagainafterthewayItreatedherthelasttime.Asmuch

assheseemedtohateme,Ihatedmyselfmore.

WhenJaxhadshownupatNoah’swithLilyandnotAbby,Iknewthingswerebad.It

was the first time I had our daughter without Abby’s supervision and I was certain the

invitewouldgiveherthepermissionshewantedtoshowup.Supervise.Buthesaidshe

wasn’tinterestedintheinvite.Iknewweneededtotalk.Tocleartheair,soItriedtogeta

wordwithherwhenIbroughtourdaughterhomebutAuntMelanieansweredthedoor.

“I’d like to speak to Abby,” I told her as Lily kissed me goodbye and ran into the

house.

Melanie’sbodyfilledthesmallspacebetweenthedoorsoIcouldn’tevenseeinside.

“Shedoesn’twanttotalktoyou.”

“Toobad,”I’dgrowledwithmymostintimidatingstare.

“Yeahitis.Foryou,”shespatoutandshutthedoorinmyface.

IknewI’dseeheratworkonMonday.Infact,wehadameetingscheduledfirstthing

tomorrow morning and that’s the only reason I let her get away with avoiding me. She

couldrun,butshecouldn’thide.Notfrommeandnotfromthisthingbetweenus.Itwas

powerful and special and rare. I knew that now, so I just needed to apologize and make

thingsrightsowecouldmoveforward.

Easy.

Insidemyofficethenextday,Itriedtofocusonworkforafewhours,dictatingnotes

tomyassistant,butIcouldn’tshakethefeelingthatsomethingwaswrong.Mygutinstinct

had taken me far in my life, could be seen as the source of much of my success so I

couldn’tignoreit.Istoodabruptlyandstrodetothedoor.

“Mr. Mahoney,” my assistant called after me and I froze, hoping she hadn’t finally

gottenuphernervetomakeamove.

“Idon’thavetime,Anisa.”

“Yesbut—”mycoldlookstoppedher.“Yes,Mr.Mahoney.”

I hoped I wouldn’t have to replace her but I prepared myself for that inevitability.

Dammit,shewassuchagoodassistant.BrushingthatasideItooktheelevatordown,not

slowingdowntoansweranyquestionsasImademywaytoAbby’soffice.Ipushedthe

dooropenwithmorethanahintofimpatience,readyforafight.“Abby,weneedtotalk.”

CleargreyeyesstaredupatmebutAbbydidn’thavegreyeyes.“Mr.Mahoney,”she

pusheduptoastandingpositionandroundedthedesk.“Abbyisn’therebutI’msureIcan

helpyou.”

“ClaraBradshaw,”Isaidasrealizationsankin,quicklyfollowedbyamoredesperate

sensation.“Shit.Itotallyforgotyouwerecomingthisweek.”

“Obviously,”shesaiddryly.“Abbyhadn’tbeeninformedeithersoIhavetoask,is

thisjobofferreal?”

“Yes,itis,definitely.Itmust’veslippedmymind.WhereisAbby?”

“I don’t know. She said she knew this was coming when I showed up and left me

withafewpreliminaryinstructionsbeforeleaving.”Clarawaitedexpectantlybutmymind

raced.“TheeventpersonhasrefusedtomeetwithmebecauseshehasnocluewhoIam.”

“I’lldealwiththis,Clara,IpromisebutIhavetodealwithsomethingelsefirst.Talk

toCecelia,shewasAbby’sassistantandshecangetyoucaughtup.”

“Itwouldhelptohaveaformalintroduction.”

“Soon,” I promised and backed out of the office. “Talk to Cecelia,” I told her as I

mademywaydownthehall.

“Youcalled?”Ceceliapoppedherheadoutofheroffice,rewardingmewithascowl.

“Cecelia,meetClara,thenewmanager.Helpherout.”

“Right,” the angry assistant said and shut the door to her much smaller office.

Loudly.

I couldn’t be bothered to deal with workplace drama right now. I’d fucked up big

timeandIneededtofixitbeforeAbbylefttheislandanddisappearedwithourdaughter.

IttooklessthantenminutestogettoAbby’shouse.Hell,Iprobablycouldhavefloated

thereundertheforceofmywillalone.“Abby,openup.”Ipoundedonthedoor,working

hardtokeepcalm.

The door opened forcefully but it wasn’t Abby’s angry stare that met it but Aunt

Mel’slethalone.“Whatdoyouwant?”

“IneedtotalktoAbby.”

Armscrossed,sheleanedagainstthedoorframe.“Well,she’snotheresotrycalling

nexttime.”

Obviously,Melknewwhathadhappened.“Itriedthatandshedidn’tpickup.Ineed

toexplainsomethings.”

“Thingslikehowitwasalwaysyourplantosleepwithherandfireher?Ithinkshe

figureditoutwithoutanyexplanation.”

“No,shedidn’t.Ijust…Ineedtospeakwithher.”

Mel pushed off the wall and shook her head. “She isn’t here and if she were, I

promiseshewouldn’twanttotalktoyou.”

“Nana,look!”Lilyrantothedoorwithaheartshapedsandwichinherhandandheld

ituptowardsMelanie.Shenoticedmewithawidegrin.“Daddy!”

“Hey, sweetheart,” I picked her up and enjoyed the feel of her small body in my

arms,hercoollipsagainstmyskin.Nothinghadeverfeltasgoodasthischild’sloveandI

wassoclosetolosingit.Losingher.

“Wegoingout?”Sheseemedsoexcitedattheprospectofspendingtimewithmethat

Ihadtokissheragain.

“Maybelater,kiddo.Ineedtospeakwithyourmom.”

Shefrowned.“Mama’sgonetofindusanewhome.”Lilyflungherarmsaroundmy

neckandheldontight,fightingtears.

Melanie sighed and untangled the little girl from my grasp. “Honey, your mama is

doingwhatshehastoinordertotakecareofyou,alright?”

LilynoddedandMelsetherdown,pushingherintothehouse.“Bye,Daddy.”

“Bye,baby.”Whenshewasoutofearshotandthesoundofchildren’smusicstarted

playing,IturnedtoMel.“IforgotthatIhiredsomeoneelsebutIadmitIhadplannedto

fireher.”

Mel’sheadbobbedupanddown,herdarkhairswingingwiththemotion.“Why?For

leavingacheatingbastardwhoknockedherup?”

“For leaving me.” I could admit now that Abby’s desertion had done more than

bruisemyego.Morethanstungmypride.Itfuckinghurt.

“Seemslikeshedidn’trunfarenoughconsideringwhatyou’vedonesinceyoufound

her.She’sgonetofindworksoshecantakecareofherpreciousgirl.”

“Ourpreciousgirl,”IcorrectedbutMelaniegavemeadisgustedscoffandshookher

head.

“Becauseyouwerethinkingofherwhenyoublindsidedhermotherlikethis?Save

yourliesforsomeoneelse,asshole.Goodbye.”Again,sheslammedthedoorinmyface.

Nooneevertreatedmethisway,butAuntMelwaslessimpressedwithmethananyone

I’devermet.

“Dammit!” I smacked a palm against the door and stalked away, pulling out my

phone as I went. “Noah, have your investigator meet me at the penthouse in thirty

minutes.”

***

“You fucked up, brother.” Jax leaned back against the wall, swirling the ice in his

drinkandwearingthatinsufferablesmugsmile.

“Yeah, tell me something I don’t know.” We’d been locked up in the suite for two

hoursasmybrothersandNoahtriedtohelpmefigureouthowtowinAbbyback.

“Here’s something you obviously don’t know about women, they hate it when you

sleepwiththemknowingyou’regoingtofirethem.Thatgoesdoublewhentheyhavea

kidtofeed.”Ethan’sdarkblueeyesheldnomalicejustashiswordsdidn’t,andsomehow

thatstruckmeharder.

Jaxrolledhiseyes.“It’snotlikeshehastoworkconsideringshegotknockedupbya

millionaire.”

Abitterlaughescapedmeathiswords.“Yeahright.Shehasn’taskedmeforadime.

Not for her or for Lily. At this point she wishes I’d just go away.” As bad as it is to be

wantedonlyforyourmoney,IhatedthatAbbyseemedtohavenouseforme.

Jax’sfaceworeanamusedgrimace.“Thenyeah,totallyfucked,bro.”

“Yeahthanks,”Igrinnedathim.“Stillnothelpful,Jax.”

“She’s leaving Chicago in a few hours and heading to South Africa,” Ethan added

nonchalantly.

Ifrowned.“SouthAfrica?”Shecouldn’tgothatfarwithLily,Icouldn’tbearbeinga

worldawayfrommykidwhenI’donlyjustfoundher.“Ican’tletthathappen.”

“Don’t stop her just because you want to keep your daughter close. You can live

anywhere you want. She needs to work.” Ethan’s dark gaze looked through me, making

sureIunderstoodwhathewassaying.

“Iwantthemboth.”

“Thenwhatthehellareyoudoingstillsittingherelikeadamnbumponalog,”Noah

yelledandpushedmeoffthechairwithmoreforcethanamanhisageoughttohave.“The

jetisreadytogowithenoughfueltogetyoutoJohannesburgandifyoumoveyourass

youmightgetthererightasshedoes.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. Standing and patting my pockets for my wallet.

“Passport,”Irequestedabsently,reachingoutmyhandsbecauseIwasusedtothingsjust

beingtherewhenIneededthem.

“Andyourbag,”Jaxgrumbledandputthembothinmyhand.“Princess.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Thanks, guys.” I looked around at my brothers and

uncle Noah, smiling. It was good to have family who had your back when you needed

them.“Wishmeluck.”

“You’llneedit,”Ethansaid.

“Don’tfuckitup,”Jaxoffered.

“Gogetyourgirl,”Noahofferedwithasmileandashoveoutthedoor.

Yep,theyweremyfamily.TherewhenIneededthemandreadytogivemeshitjust

tokeepmegrounded.

Twelve

Abby

Continenthoppingwasnotanactivityforthefaintofheart,atleastthathadbeenmy

experienceafterhoppingamiddayflightfromthesiteofmyfirstinterviewatamid-size

resortinChicagototheinterviewSonyasetupformeinJohannesburg.Along-assflight

filled with me researching the Cannassas Beach Resort. The hotel had more than one

hundred rooms, two dozen bungalows and it was one of the best hotels in the country.

Hell,onthewholedamncontinent.

Theflighthadlandedtwentyminutesearlierandnavigatingthroughthelargeairport

waseasierthanIthought,evenexhausted.Theinterviewwasn’tuntiltomorrowmorning

butIwantedtobewell-restedandrefreshedwhenImetwiththem.Ineededtobeatmy

best and that meant, not jet lagged, not sleep deprived and not looking like a woman

desperatelyinneedofajob.Evenifallthosethingsweretrue.

SoI’dgottenafulleighthoursofsleepandhadagoodchatwithLilybeforeIleftfor

theinterview,enjoyingthelongwalkleadingintothecavernouslobby.Theplacelooked

like the perfect respite from the heat, decorated in colors to mimic the beach, sky, and

water.Iwouldn’tmindhavingthisplaceasmyoffice.Fixingawelcomingsmileonmy

face,Iheadedtowardstheadministrativewingbutawomaninacrispwhitedresswaylaid

me.

“Excuseme,miss?”

I stopped and shot a quick glance at my watch. Eight minutes until my interview.

“Yes?”

“Thecheck-indeskisthisway,”shesaidinaccentedEnglish.

“Thanks,butI’mnothereforthat.IhaveanappointmentwithCrispinTalegaon.”

Big brown eyes widened further and she nodded before stepping aside. “Right,

ma’am.Sorryforthebother.”

“Nobother,”Ismiled.“Bettertocheckthannot,Ialwayssay.”

Hersmileflashedgenuineandgratefulthistime.“Ofcourse.Goodluck,miss.”

“Thankyou,”Iflashedalookatherbadge,“Sela.”

ShegavemeasmileandIwentonmyway,marchingtowardtheguillotine,atleast

that was how it felt. I realized as I waited alone in the conference room, that I’d never

beensodesperateforajobinmylife.NotevenwhenIfoundoutIwaspregnantdidIfeel

suchanurgentneedforemploymentandIknewwhy.

Roc.

WithoutajobtosupportmyselfandLily,Iknewthatanycourtwouldviewhimas

thebetterparentbecausehecamewithoodlesofcashandanarmyofstaffreadytodohis

bidding.Basedonthecallouswayhe’dsackedme,Ipreparedmyselftoreceivesomesort

ofcourtsummonsinthenextmonth.Ihatedhim.

Butsillyme,Ialsostilllovedhim.

Andthatmademehatemyselfmore.Somuchmore.

WhatkindofexamplecouldIpossiblysetforLily,stilllovingamanwho’dtreated

methewayRochad?IneededtogetmyshittogethersoIdidn’traiseacodependentlittle

girlwhodidn’tknowherworth.

AndI needed toput my gameface on because Crispincame in withthe rest of the

hiringcommitteeandafterjustafewpleasantriesthefiringsquadbegan.

“WhyareyouleavingAzurel?”

“It was recently purchased and the new owner wants his own people in key

managementposts.”Iwantedtotellthemallaboutmynewweddinginitiativebutthetime

wasn’tright.

“Howsooncanyoustart?”

“Immediately,” I smiled. “I confess that I waited longer than I should have to start

looking,butIhaveasmallchildwhotendstotakeupmuchofmyfreetime.”

They seemed appeased by my answer but not blown away. “And why would you

makeagoodmanagerforCannassas?”

“I notice that you don’t take advantage of the buildings on the outer edge of the

property,sameasmyformeremployer.IwouldrecommendthesamesolutionIrecently

instituted there, become known as a wedding destination spot. People love turning

wedding festivities into a short holiday and this place is gorgeous. Those buildings can

serve as rehearsal dinner venues, wedding venues, not to mention bachelor and

bacheloretteparties.Orstagpartiesasyoucallthem.”

“Withoutsideweddingplannerstryingtodoitalloverthephone?”

IsmiledbecauseIknewIhadthem.“No.Theresortwillhaveaplanneronstaffwho

cultivates relationships with vendors we cannot provide to ensure our guests are always

satisfiedwiththeturnout.”

Crispin smiled at me while the other two did their best to maintain an air of

objectivitybutIcouldtelltheywereimpressed.“Andhowdoweincreaseourbookings?”

“That’s easy. Allow the online travel sites to offer discounted rooms on a certain

block.Withahotelthissize,I’dsaymaybeadozenortworoomsshouldstayreservedfor

them.”I’dneverbeensogladthatIpassedupafewhoursofsleepinmylife.

Ikeptaprofessionalsmilewhiletheythankedmeformytimeandpromisedtoget

backtomewithinaweek.Crispinstayedbehind.“Sonyasaidyouweregoodandyou’re

better.Wehaveonemoreinterview,Tara’sdaughterfreshfromhospitalityschool,butyou

shouldexpectourcall.Soon.”

“Thankyou,Crispin.Youreallydohaveagreatresorthere.EverywhereIlookIfeel

likeI’monthebeach.”

He looked immensely pleased with the compliment and beamed a grin at me.

“Thanks.Besuretotellmywifethat,shewascertainI’doverdoneit.”

“Hopefully I’ll get the chance to,” I told him as he walked me out and bid me

farewell.IsteppedoutintotheblisteringSouthAfricansunandexhaledasIremovedmy

jacket.TheweatherwashotandhumidbutIknewwecouldhandleitifwehadto.

Andwedid.

AquickcheckofmywatchtoldmeIhadaboutsixhoursbeforemyplanetookoffso

Idecidedtowalkaround,maybepickupafewgiftstogetLilyusedtotheideaofmoving.

IfoundplentyforherandAuntMel,alongwithagiftofthanksforCeceliawhohadbeen

instrumentalinmysuccess.

I could get used to living here. It was another version of the paradise that was St.

Lucia and Puerto Rico. It sounded cynical but if you’ve seen one paradise you’ve seen

themall. Still, itwould be niceto explore with Lilyand teach herall about the country.

Maybewhenshewasolderwe’dgoonasafaritogether.

Onthewaybacktothehotel,Ispottedafamiliarfigurewithaflopoftoofamiliar

black hair. It could be anyone, at least I tried to convince myself of that fact because

otherwiseitmeantthatmymindwasconjuringtheimageofRoconitsown.Withoutmy

permission.Ididn’twanttothinkabouthimanymorethanIhadto,andwhenIreturnedto

PuertoRicowewouldhavetoofficiallysettlethingsregardingvisitationofourdaughter.

Hecouldwaituntilthen,Ididn’tneedhimintrudingonmythoughtsonemomentsooner

thanthat.

When I finally stepped inside the Cannassas, I knew I’d been hallucinating before

because he lounged in a chair directly in the center of the lobby as I walked in. Head

duckedandwalkingwithpurpose,Itriedtojustpassbyhim,butlifewasn’tonmyside

lately.

“Abby.”

“Roc.”

“Youlookgood.”Hisgazerakedovermeandyes,mybodyresponded.Butshewas

ahussysothatwastobeexpected.

“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”

“Icametotalktoyou.”

Armscrossed,Iglaredathim,ignoringthestareswedrewaroundus.“It’stoolate

fortalking,Roc.”

“Noit’snot.IneedyoutounderstandthatIforgotallaboutClaraassoonasIfound

outaboutLily.”

Unbelievable! “So you’d already planned to fire me before you even got to Azurel

andit’smyfaultthatyouforgottotellme?Sure,Roc,let’sgowiththat.”

“I’mnotsayingthat.IhonestlyforgotI’dhiredher.”

Isee.“Butyoudidn’tforgetthatyouplannedtofireme,didyou?Youdidn’tforget

tofuckme,either!Andyoustillsaidnothing.”Igrewmoreandmoredisgustedasitall

becamesoclear.“Sothat’swhatthethankswasfor,right?Thanksformakingitsoeasyto

fuckmeandfuckmeover.Wellplayed,Roc.SoonIwon’tbeyourproblem.”

Hefrowned,tiredblueeyeslookingatme,pleadingwithme.“Wehaveadaughter

together.”

Irolledmyeyesathiswords.“Ihavenoplanstokeepherfromyou.”

He stood and stepped close enough that his scent enveloped me. I nearly held my

breathtostopit,insteadIjusttookastepback.“Andwhataboutyou?”

“I’mirrelevantasfarasyou’reconcerned.”

He barked out a harsh laugh. “That’s not even fucking close to the truth, Abby.

You’reveryrelevant.”

Ididn’tbelievehiswordsandIquicklykilledthehopethatstartedtoblossominmy

chest.“NoI’mnot.IamameanstoanendandIseethatnow.”

“Youwereneverthat,Abby,Ineedyoutoknowthat.”Hishandswrappedaroundmy

armsandpulledmeclose.Iresistedandheldmybodystiffbutagainthatdamnmasculine

scentbroughttearstomyeyes.

“I don’t believe you, Roc. You had plenty of time to tell me about this, hell, I was

expectingit.ButyouknowIhaveachildandyoustilldidn’ttellme,sopleasespareme

yourprettywordsbecauseIdon’twantthem.”Ididn’tneedprettywords,notfromhim.

Justhonesty.

“Finding out you have a child tends to make everything else…unimportant.” His

half-smilemeltedmyheartalittle.

“WhenIreturntotheislandwecanfigureoutthedetailsofvisitation.”

“Idon’twantvisitation.”

Ofcoursehedidn’t.“ThenIguessI’llseeyouincourt.”

He frowned and raked a hand through his thick black hair. “Dammit Abby. I don’t

wantthat.Iwantyou.IwantLily.Iwantus.Youandme,together.”

Icouldn’tbelievemyears.Aftereverythingwe’dbeenthrough,everythingwe’dsaid

and done to one another, he wanted me? It didn’t make sense. And I couldn’t be

completelysurehe’dsaidthosewordsormytraitorousheartjustheardthem.“What?”

Hegrabbedmyhandsinhis,pressingagentlekisstoeachone.“Iunderstandyour

confusionandanger.IknowIhaven’tbeenconsistentinmyfeelingsforyou,butAbby,I

loveyou.”

“Youdo?”

He nodded, a slow sensual smile kicked up one side of his kissable mouth. “Damn

rightIdo.IwasinlovewithyouwhenyouleftSt.Lucia,it’swhyIwassodamnangry.”

Tearsformedinmyeyes,butIrefusedtobeoneofthosewomencryingallthedamn

time.“Iwasinlovewithyouandthat’swhyIleft.Ifyoulovedme,whydidn’tyoucome

lookingforme?”

Hecuppedmyfacelovingly,eyesscanningmyfaceinsearchofIdon’tknowwhat.

“IwishIcouldsayIdid,butIdidn’t.I’maselfishsonofabitchandyoubrokemyheart.

ButIwantyouwithme.IwantLilywithme—withus.Canyoudothat?”

Evenaftereverythingthathadhappened,IknewIcould—oratleasttry.Istillloved

him.Itdidn’tmatterthathe’dbrokemyheart.Orthathisbrotherswerecompleteassholes.

My heart knew what it wanted, and as much as I hated to admit it, it wanted Roc. Lily

wouldbeoverthemoontohaveherparentstogether.Inoddedandplacedahandoverhis

heart.“IknowIcanbehappywithyou,Roc,becauseIloveyou.ButIhavetowork.”I

couldn’tbetotallydependentonhim,notnow.

“Of course you do, and I’ll work from home and be a full-time daddy to our little

girl.”

“You’ddothat?”

“Hell,yes,I’ddoit.Butnotforjustanyone.OnlyforyouandLily.”

“Soyoudon’tmindmovingallthewaytoSouthAfricawithyourgirlfriend?”Igave

himaplayfulsmilethathedidn’treturn.“What’swrong?”

Roc brushed a gentle kiss against my lips and I moaned. “Nothing is wrong but I

don’twanttomoveformygirlfriend.”Hetookastepbackandpulledablackboxfrom

hispocket,openingittorevealasapphireandblackdiamondring.“Iwoulddoanything

formywifeanddaughterthough,so,AbigailJuneBlakely,whatdoyousay?Willyouput

meoutofmymiseryandmakemethehappiesthousehusbandintheworld?”

Ilaughedandthrewmyselfintohisarmswithoutwaitingforthering.“Oh,Roc,are

yousure?”

“Moresurethananythinginmylife.”

“Yes!Andyou’llbethebesthousehusbandever.Especiallyinthesexylittlecabana

boyshortsI’llmakeyouwear.”

His deep laugh rumbled through him and vibrated my whole body. “Whatever you

want,mylove.I’myours.”

“Mine.”

“Forever,”hegrinnedandlickedhislips.

“And then some.” I pressed my mouth to his, licking the seam of his lips until his

mouthopenedandIdelvedin,takingwhatheofferedandsavoringit.Hisgriptightened

aroundmeandIdeepenedthekiss,knowingitmeantmoretousbecauseitwasthefirst

kissofthebeginningoftherestofourlives.

Rocsetmedownandslidthegorgeousringontomylefthand,holdingmyhandout

andexaminingit.“Youshouldwearittonightforourcelebratorydinner.”

I gave a fake pout and stepped closer, placing my hand over his racing heart once

again.“AndIwasthinkingIwouldwearonlythisforourcelebration.”Isquealedwhenhe

liftedmeinhisarmsandmarchedtowardstheelevator.

“Ilikeyourideabetter.”

Asillygrinsplitmyface.“Wordseverywifelongstohear.”

“Don’tgetusedtoit,”hegrumbledgoodnaturedly.

“Ohno,I’vealreadybeenpromisedforever.”

Roc smiled and stepped inside the elevator with me still in his arms. He leaned

forward and said, “and then some,” before kissing me long enough and hard enough I

knewhemeantit.

****

~THEEND~

Wow! I hope you loved the story of Roc and Abby as much as I loved writing it!

Turnthepageformoreyummygoodness!

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Acknowledgements

Thank you! I love you all and thank you for making my books a success!! I

appreciateeachandeveryoneofyou.

Thanks to all of my beta readers, street teamers, ARC readers and Facebook fans.

Y’allareTHEBEST!

AndahugeveryspecialthankstomywonderfulPA,Silla.Withoutyou,I’dbea*hot

mess!I’mstillahotmess,butwithoutyourkeensenseoforganizationandskills,I’dbea

burnyfieryinfernoofhotmess!!Thankyou!

Andaveryspecialthankstomyeditor,TinaRucci(whosometimeshastoworkall

through the night! *See HOT MESS above!) Thank you for making my words make

sense.

Copyright©2017BookBoyfriendsPublishingLLC

AboutTheAuthor

KB Winters has an addiction to caffeine, tattoos and hard-bodied alpha males. The

men in her books are very sexy, protective and sometimes bossy, her ladies are…

well…bossier!

Living in sunny Southern California, the embarrassingly hopeless romantic writes

everychanceshegets!

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