Textcopyright©2017bytheAuthor.

ThisworkwasmadepossiblebyaspeciallicensethroughtheKindleWorldspublishingprogramandhas
notnecessarilybeenreviewedbyMarinaAdair.Allcharacters,scenes,events,plotsandrelatedelements
appearingintheoriginalSt.HelenaVineyardSeriesremaintheexclusivecopyrightedand/ortrademarked
propertyofMarinaAdair,ortheiraffiliatesorlicensors.

FormoreinformationonKindleWorlds:http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds

ST.HELENAGETAWAY

ASt.HelenaVineyardKindleWorldNovella

LKCOLLINS

Contents

Introduction
AbouttheAuthor
Prologue

Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10

Acknowledgments
ForOurReaders

Introduction

DearReaders,

WelcometotheSt.HelenaVineyard’sKindleWorld,whereromanceiswaitingtobeuncorkedand
authorsfromaroundtheglobeareinvitedtosharetheirownstoriesofloveandhappilyeverafter.Setin
theheartofwinecountry,thisquainttownanditscastofquirkycharactersweretheinspirationbehindmy
StHelenaVineyardseries,andtheOriginalHallmarkChannelmovie,AUTUMNINTHEVINEYARD.I
wanttothanktheseincredibleauthorsforspendingtimeinSt.Helena,andallofyoureaderswhoare
adventurousenoughtotakethejourneywithus.
Ihopeyouenjoyyourtimehereasmuchaswehave.

Warmly,
MarinaAdair

AbouttheAuthor

LKCollinsisthenaughtyalteregoforthehusband-and-wifeduobehindmultiplebestsellingandinternationalbestsellingnovels.Thisreal-life
coupleisdownrightdirtyinthebedroom,whichbleedsthroughthepagesoftheirsteaminghotstories.WhileLKwritesthebooks,Mr.Collins,
thetattooedgodhimself,isthemastermindbehindsomuchofthepage-turningsexiness.

Ifyouarelookingforascorchingreadwithchemistrysointenseitjumpsoffthepages,thenanLKnovelisforyou.Fromstand-alonesto

series,theirstorieswillhaveyoublushingandpanting,readytorereadthemthemomentyou’vefinished.Theheroesarealpha,demanding,
filthy-talkingmenthatwilldoanythingfortheirgirl…ortogetthem.

Formoreinformation:

@authorlkcollins

lkcollinsauthor

www.amazon.com/author/lkcollins

[e-mail]

Dedication

For,Lara,ofcourse

Prologue

“HOPE!” he yells my name, his desperate words piercing my ears as I slam our front door closed. My
bloodisboilinginawayitneverhasbefore,myemotionsallovertheplace,fightingbetweenangerand
rage.EverythingIwasoncesosureof,nowallwashedawaybecauseofonedecisionhemade.

Getting into my car, I shut the door and look back at our house. There had been so much promise

behindthosewalls.No,wedon’townit,butwehadplans.Planstoonedaygetmarriedandstartafamily
there.

My knuckles are tight around the steering wheel as I remember actually why that dream just died.

Betrayalisanicewaytodescribeit.Igripharder,wantingtotakemyangeroutonsomething,pretending
asifit’llsolvemyproblemseventhoughIknowitwon’t.Thereisnotathingthatwillsolveorfixthis.

AsIdriveaway,myeyeskeepglancingtotherearviewmirror,tothehouseIjuststormedfrom,tothe

houseIwillneverstepfootinagain.HeliedtomebeautifullyandhaddoneitforsolongthatIthinkhe
believedwhathewasdoingwasokay.Idon’tthinkherealizeditwasn’tokayuntilIcaughthimandall
theliescamecrashingoutintotheopen.

God,Ihadnotbeenanythingbutapuppetinhisgameoflife.
Well,notanymore.
Anxioustogetawayfromthisplace,thiscity,thislife...fromitall,Iturnontotheonrampforthe

interstateanddon’twanttoeverlookback.

Mymom’svoiceringsinmyhead,“Pleasedon’tgo,Hope.”Ishould’velistenedtoherandneverleft

inthefirstplace.IfIhad,thisneverwouldhavehappened.

Itisoneofthelastthingssheeversaidtomebeforeshehadthemassivestrokethattookherfromthis

worldandfromme.HerwordsandpanicovermymovingawaywithamanI’dbarelyknownnowmake
so much sense. Had she known how horrible of a man Mitch was and that I’d end up heartbroken?
Probably.ShealsoprobablystayedsilentbecausesheknewIwouldn’thavelistened.

Orhadshebeggedmetostaybecauseshehadknownhertimewasshort?Ididn’tknowifthatwas

somethingapersonknewornot,butIsometimeswonderedifmymotherhadafeelingdeepinsideherand
thatwaswhyshewantedmetostaysobadly.

Regardless,nothingisgoingtobringherback,andnothingisgoingtochangewhatMitchdid.
Mycellphonerings,andwhenIglancedowntoseehisnameanddeceitfulfaceacrossthescreen,I

rollmywindowdownandimpulsivelytossthephoneout.Itbouncesagainstthepavementofthehighway.
Belatedly, I glance to my mirrors, worried about a car having to swerve to avoid flying projectiles.
Thankfully,sinceit’ssolate,therearen’tanyothercarsaround.

Pressingharderonthepedal,IwishIcouldgohome.IwishIcouldcrawlintomymother’sarms,but

I can’t. My current destination is unknown, and even with the fear of having nowhere to go, the farther
awayIgetfromPortland,thebetterIfeel.EversincemovingtheretobewithMitch,somethinginsideme
hadn’tfeltright.

God,whatI’ddotofeelrightinmyownskinagain.
Ishould’velistenednotonlytomymombutalsotothatfeelingdeepinthepitofmystomach.IfIhad,

maybethenIwouldn’tbeinthepainIamnow.

Chapter1

MYWHOLELIFEseemstobefilledwithregret.Itfollowsmeeverywhere,fromeverydumbdecisionI
madeasateenagertothelatestwithMitch.Sixmonthsago,thenightIwalkedoutonmypreviouslife,I
knewitwasalltoomuch.Andeventhoughsomuchtimehaspassed,myheartstillaches,missingwhat
wehad.Evenifitwasallafaçade,Istilllovedhim.

Now,theopenroadhasbecomemyonlyfriend.I’vetraveledallovertheUnitedStates,lookingfor

somewhereIbelong,somewherethatfeelsright.Sofar,eachstophasbeenjustastepping-stonetowhatI
hopewillbemyfinaldestination.

Nowhere that I’d gone had felt like home, so last week, home was where I had gone. I’d thought it

wouldbewhereIcouldultimatelysettledown,mendmybrokenrelationshipwithmyfather,andspend
timeintheplacemymotherloved.Boy,wasIwrong.Itwasthecompleteopposite.

Mydadhasmovedonwithawomanmymotherdespised.GenieDavenport,theownerofalocalbar

andthereasonformanyofmyparents’fights,isthewoman.She’sthepolaroppositeofmymother,and
whenIsawherintheirhome,Icouldn’thelpbutimaginehowangrymymomwouldhavebeenifshehad
beenalive.Stayingevenasecondlongerfeltlikebetrayingmymom.

Itwasmyshorteststayofall.
Onegoodthingdidcomefromthetrip,though,mymother’slaptop.Myfathersaidhehadnousefor

it,soItookit.Now,asIsitinmyhotelroominthemiddleofdesolateUtah,combingthroughhersearch
history,IthinkIhavemynextdestination.

Saved to my mother’s favorites are multiple bookmarks about a small town in California’s wine

countrycalledSt.Helena.Mymotherwasalwaysanavidwinedrinker,andwe’dplannedontakingatrip
togetherforherbirthdaylastyear.We’dsquishgrapesbetweenourtoesandrelaxwithoutaworryinthe
world,butthattripnevercame.Shepassedaway,andtherest...well,youknowtherest.

Iclickthroughthedifferentpagesandcanseewhymymotherwantedtovisitit.St.Helenaissomuch

morethanabunchoffieldsandgrapes.Itsold-worldcharmandlocalbusinesseslikeCork’dandDipped,
a Wine and Chocolate bar, is everything I pictured when I closed my eyes and thought about where my
momandIwantedtovisit.

I’vegottatryitout.
Iclosethelidonthecomputer,setitonthenightstand,andflipontomyback,lettingmyeyelidsdrift

shutandlosingadeepbreath.Forthefirsttimeinmonths,IfeelateasewithwhereI’mheadingtonext.

MORNING COMES FAR TOO QUICKLY. I’m exhausted and slept like a worn-out child. My back is

stillsorefromthemesseduppositionIfellasleepin,butnowthatIhaveadestination,I’mtooanxiousto
getontheroadtoletalittlebackpainstopme.

Hourslater,I’mdrivingovertheCaliforniastateline.I’vemadegoodtime,butIknowIhavesomuch

farthertogo.

With the sprawling open road in front of me and my mind at ease, I drive—sunglasses on and the

musichumminginmyears.

Mygaslightpopson,andItakethenextexittostopandfillup.AftermytankisfullandIhaveafresh

bagofpotatochipsandsodapoptokeepmegoing,Ihopbackinandhittheroad.

Itisn’tlonguntilthesignupaheadsays,“St.Helena—5Miles.”
I’m close, and I feel a knot of tension start to loosen in my stomach and morph into butterflies of

excitement.Butevenwithastomachfullofbutterflies,Ican’thelpwonderingwhatthefuturewillhold.
Will I ever settle down—anywhere? Or will I always be traveling like this? Will I ever date again?
ThosethoughtsalltakemebacktothenightIcaughtMitchcheatingonmewithmybestfriend...

AfterI’dfinishedthebiggestarticleofmyjournalismcareer,Ihadbeensoexcitedtogohomeand

celebrate.Fartoooften,I’dbeencrashingonthecouchinmyoffice,orsimplyslouchingbackinmy
chairtocatchafewhoursofsleep.IknewIhadbeengivingsomuchtomycareerandnotenoughto
Mitch.

Hehadtextedmeearliersayinghowbadhemissedmeand,damnit,Imissedhim,too.Finally,I

wasdonewithmyproject,whichwasareliefbecauseIwantednothingmorethantoenjoythesuccess
withthemanIloved.

With the email all typed up, my article attached and ready for press first thing in the morning, I

clickedsendandthenleft.

On the drive home, I called Mitch, but he didn’t answer. I figured he was sleeping—he is a hard

sleeper—andIhadallkindsofcreativewaystowakehim.

ButwhenIenteredourhome,thenoisescomingfromourbedroomtoldmehewasawake.Itwas

kind of like a car wreck, I didn’t want to look but couldn’t stop myself. My feet moved on their own
eventhoughmybrainwasscreamingatmenottogo.

MaybeIwashearingthings,butthathadnotbeenthecase.
Mitch was kneeling behind Larissa—my only friend in Portland, who was on her knees. He had

beenfuckingherfrombehind,andthethingshehadbeensayingtoherweredirty.Sodamnfilthythat
Icouldtellitwasn’tthefirsttimetheyweredoingthis...

Thereisaloudpop,andmysteeringwheelpullssharplytotheright,causingmetoswervebeforeI

can get it under control. I grip onto it the best that I can, looking in all of my mirrors as I pull to the
shoulder and slam on the brakes, coming to an abrupt stop. Dust settles around me as my heart slams
wildlyagainstmyribs.

Cursingquietlyundermybreath,ItrytoforcemypulsetocalmdownbeforeIgetouttocheckmycar.
Myfrontpassenger’ssidetireisshredded.
Shit!
Ican’tbelievethishappenedandsoclosetoSt.Helena.I’mmethodicalwithcheckingtheairinmy

tireswhenIgetgas,Ihavetobe,ifthishappens,Ihavenoonetocall.ButIguessIwassoexcitedtoget
here when I last stopped that it completely slipped my mind. Though, by the way the tire is actually
hanginginpieces,Idoubtedcheckingtheairwouldhavehelped.

Getting back into my car, I do a YouTube search on the cheap ass track phone I bought for how to

changeatire.

Youcandothis,Hope.
Itrytopumpmyselfup,butasIwatchthevideo,I’mnotfeelingveryconfident.
A knock on my passenger window startles me. I look over to see a guy leaning down. He smiles,

flashingadimpleonhisrightcheekthat’ssodeepIwanttoreachoutandtouchit.

SomethingtellsmetocrackthewindowandtellhimIdon’tneedhishelp,butGodknowsIdo.Then

heliftshissunglasses,revealingtheclearestblueeyesI’veeverseen,andIthinkIcouldfaint.

Goingagainstmybetterjudgment,Irollthewindowdown...allthewaydown.

Chapter2

CHASE

COLT:Doyouhaveanyopenroomsattheinntonight?

It’stheonenightIworkthedesk,andofcourse,mybrotherColttextsme,needingaroom.Lookingat

thewallofkeys,ItakeasecondtocontemplatemyanswereventhoughIdon’treallyhaveto.Allofour
reservationshavecheckedin,andthereisexactlyoneroomleft.Withanannoyedsigh,Ishoothimaquick
response.

Me:Yeah,Ihavethehoneymoonsuite.ButI’mchargingyouforit.
Hedoesn’trespondasthunderrumblesinthedistance.ThenIseeheadlightspullinginandknowthat

fuckerwasaroundthecornerwhenhesentthattext.SettingthemagazineIwasreadingdown,Igetupoff
theoldcreakychairandheadtowardthefrontdooroftheinn.

Mybrother’struckcutsintothedriveway,andthenanothersetofheadlightsbehindhisfollow,which

is surprising. I would have thought my brother would already have the girl in his truck, but what do I
know?

Stepping out onto the front porch of the St. Helena Inn, my newly acquired business, I watch my

brothergetoutandgoovertothecar.Thereisawomaninsideit,whosefeaturesIcan’tmakeout,andthe
carhasOregonplatesonit.Obviously,sheisn’tfromaroundhere.

Sheshutshercaroff,andheopensherdriverdoor.Myeyesskipbetweenthetwoofthem,tryingto

readwhatisgoingon.IknowColtlikestosleeparound,butneverdidIthinkhe’dbringawomanhere.
Whynotjusttakeherhome?

ButbeforeI cangettoo faroffin myownhead, shesteps outofher car.Mystomach tightensasif

everythinginsidemeisintunewithher.Sheisabsolutelystunningwithlong,darkbrownhairandatight
bodytodiefor.Ofcourse,shewantstobewithmybrother—allwomendo.Idon’tknowhowhedoesit.

“Hey,man,”Coltsays,lookingoverhisshoulderatmeasheclosesthewoman’sdoor.
Ileanbackagainstthefrontrailingandgivethemawave,watchingtheirbodylanguage.
Hegoestohertrunkandtakesoutherbag,butitisn’tuntilhe’sleadinghertowardmethatshelooks

inmydirection.Whenshedoes,oureyesconnect,andIcouldfalltomyknees.Idon’tknowwhatitis
abouther,butsheis—

“Chase,thisisHope.”Mybrothergesturestoherandthentome.“Hope,thisismybrotherChase.He

ownsthisplace.HopewillneedthatroomItextedyouabout.”

“Yeah,yeah,ofcourse.”Ipullmyshittogetherandrunintograbthekeys.
WhenIcomebackout,theyaretalkinginlowvoices,andhepatshershoulderbeforeturningtome.

“Canyoutakeitfromhere,bro?”

“Yeah,man.”Idon’tbelievehiswords.TheyarethelastIexpectedtohear.Butsureenough,hegives

usawave,climbsbackintohistruck,anddrivesaway.

BothHopeandIstandalittlestunneduntilhistaillightsarelonggone.Twostrangerseyeballingone

another,andI’mstillnotreallysurewhattodoasthefirstfatdropofrainhitsme.Fromonemomentto
thenext,theskiesstarttoopen,andIgrabherbag,headingintotheoffice.

Shefollowsastherainliterallyturnsintoadownpour.Iclosethefrontdoortotheinn.Thesecondit

latches,mycockawakens.It’sjustherandmeinhere,andmybodywantsher.

God,Imustbedeprived.
“Howdoyouknowmybrother?”Iask,pullingmyeyesawayfromherandturningthemtothestorm

outside.Ineedtonotonlytalktokeepmydickundercontrol,butalsotomakesurehehasn’tbeenwith
heralready.

“I really don’t. I was on my way into town and got a flat tire. He helped me put my spare on and

offeredtogetitreplacedformesincehehasafriendwhoownsamechanic’sshop.”

“Wait,yousaidyouwereonyourwayhere?”
“Well, not here, here,” she said, giving me a brilliant smile. “I was on my way to St. Helena. Why

wouldyouaskitlikethat?”

“Oh,Ididn’tmeanto.I...It’sapleasuretomeetyou.”Mywordsarerollingoutofmymouthlike

vomit,butIdon’thaveanywheretoescapeto.Therainispeltingtheroof,andinordertoshowhertoher
room,wehavetogooutside.Thehoneymoonsuiteisintheguesthousearoundback.

“Wouldyoulikeadrinkwhilewewaitfortheraintostop?”Imanagetogetoutclearly.
“Sure,”shesaysandfollowsmeintothekitchen.“Thisplaceisreallynice,haveyouowneditlong?”
“No,Iactuallyhaven’t.”Iholdupabottleofredwine,towhichshesmilesandnods,soIuncorkit

andthenpouruseachaglass.

“Myneighborowneditforyears,butunfortunately,sherecentlypassedaway.”
“Oh,I’msosorry.”Ihandheroneoftheglasses,whichshegraciouslytakesbeforeliftingittoher

plumplipsandswallowingamouthful.

“Wow,that’sdelicious,”shesays.
“Isn’t it? And don’t be sorry about my neighbor, she lived a long, long life. She was ninety-seven

whenshepassedandhadnofamilyleftherself.That’skindahowIendeduphere.Sheleftthisplaceto
me.”

“Doyoustilllivenextdoor,orhere?”
“I’mstillnextdoor,”Itellher.“Theinnhasafullstaffthatkeepsitupandrunning,Ijustoverlookit

all.So,whatisyourstory?”

“Oh,it’slongandreallyboring,youprobablydon’tevenwanttoknowit.”
“SureIdo.”It’sthehonesttoGodtruth,too.Ihavenocluewhatitisaboutthisgorgeouswoman,but

there is something about her that draws me in and makes me want to know everything there is to know
abouther.

Chapter3

HOPE

HIS HANDS ARE all over me, and his mouth is claiming mine in a way I’ve never experienced. The
coversbeneathusarerumpledanddampfromthesweatoutbodiesexude.

“Fuck,Iwantyou,”Chasemurmursintomyear.
“Mm-hmm,”Irespond,wantinghimjustasmuch.Hisdickishardagainstmyleg,andashishands

fumblewiththebuttonofmyjeans,mybreathinghitches.

Excitementfloodsme,thisisreallyhappeningwithamanIjustmet.Theagreementmybraingivesme

tokeepgoingistoomuch.Myhipsarchupward,andI’mrewardedwiththewarmthofhishandcupping
mysex.

“Areyousure?”heasks,andasmyeyesopentoseehis,I’veneverbeensureraboutanything,then

suddenly...he’sgone,andI’mleftstaringatmydarkceiling.

Myhandisinsidemypanties,andmybodyisatwistedmessatopoftheplushbedinthehoneymoon

suiteoftheSt.HelenaInn.

Takingmyhandfrommypanties,Ihangitoffthebed,frustratedanddisappointed.ThedreamIjust

hadseemedsoreal.Rollingtomyside,Iglanceattheclock.It’sjustafterthreeinthemorning.Myheart
isthuddingtooviolentlyinsidemychestformetofallbackasleep.

Gettingup,IlookoutthewindowatthehouseChasesaidwashis.Thereisonelightoninside,andI

wonderifheisawake.

IalsowonderwhyIhadthatdreamabouthiminsteadofsomeoneelse,likehisbrotherforinstance.I

mean,hisbrotherwashot,justnotoff-the-chartshotlikeChase.Thathadtobewhy.

Regardlessofwhoishotter—Chase—thereissomethingaboutbothhimandhisbrotherthatmakesme

feelsafe.ImeanhereIam,afterall.IletColtchangemytireagainstmybetterjudgmentandthenshareda
fewglassesofwinewithChase,gettingtoknowhim,beforeultimatelylayingmyheadhereinthisbed.
ForallIknow,theybothcouldbeserialkillersandareabouttobargeinhereanddothedeed.

Maybetheyare,andthatiswhat’llhappentome.ButfromthemomentIlookedeachmanintheeyes,

something inside me told me they are good, honest men. I mean, I’m not one to believe that they really
existanymore,butwhoknows...maybetheydo.

AFTER MY THREE AM wet dream, I slept in until the sun came up, then showered, and decided to
ventureintotowntograbsomenecessitiesbeforeColtcamebackwithmyfixedtire.Hesaidheshould
haveitbacktomebylunchtime,andIwanttohavesomecashtogivehimforhelpingme.

I park on Main street and open my door. The smell in the air is something I can’t quite pinpoint.

Maybethisishowallthewinecountrysmells:sweetanddivine.Itremindsmeofsomethingsofamiliar,
yetsomethingsoforeign.

As I put my feet on the pavement, it clicks. The smell reminds me of my favorite dessert that my

mother used to bake for me when I was a kid: dark chocolate and honey tart. It was so good and
incrediblydecadentthatjustlookingatthedessertwhenshemadeitmademefeelguiltyknowingIwas
goingtoeatit.Maybesheiswithmetoday.

Ilookaround,decidingthesmelliscomingfromTheSweetandSavoryBistroacrossthestreet,but

theyaren’topenyet,justlikethewineandchocolatebar.Imakeamentalnoteoftheirhoursandpromise
myselfIwillstopinbothplaces.

WalkinginsidePicker’sProduce,Meats,andMore,Igrababasketandheadleft.Theroomattheinn

hasafullkitchen,soI’mgoingtotakeadvantageofitwhileI’mhere.

Now that I am thinking of the inn, I realize that between my sudden arrival, the storm, and then the

winewedrank,Chaseneversignedmeinortookacopyofmydriver’slicenseorchargedme.Nothing.
Heprobablyhasn’tevenrealizedit,whichmeansheislosingmoney.I’msuretheroomhegavemecost
waymorethanIcouldafford.

ItossabagofchipsintomybasketanddecidethatwhenIgetback,I’llhavetotalktohimabouta

different room or another place worth staying in town. I don’t have to wait, though, because I round a
cornerandIrunsmackdabintohim.He’sfreshfromeitherashowerorajog,Ican’tdecidewhich,but
eitherway,helooksmouth-wateringlysexy,makingmymindflashtothedreamIhadabouthimlastnight.

“Hey,”hesaysinhisgrufftone,followingitupwithahugesmile.
“Ineededfood,”Iblurtoutlikeafool,whichjustmakeshimsmilewiderandchuckle.
“Didn’tItellyouthehouseisyours?”
Heseemscalmertoday,differentfromhowhewaslastnightwithhisjumbledwordsandlong,blank

stares.NowI’mtheonewho’samess.

“No,youdidn’ttellme,infact,youdidn’teventakeacopyofmyIDorchargemefortheroom.”
“Iknow.”
“Well,Ican’tjuststaythereforfree.”
“Sureyoucan.”
“No,Ican’t.”
“Fine.”Hepauses,rockingbackonhisheels.“Ifit’dmakeyoufeelbetter,whydon’tyouhelpmeout

attheinn?”

IshiftandadjustthebasketonmyarmasItrynottoflinchattheideaofscrubbingtoilets.“Whatkind

ofhelp?”Ican’tevenbelieveI’mconsideringthis.

“I need to order new linens, and the outside needs paint, and I have no clue what color.” We’re

standinginthewayofayoungcouplewhoisalsoshopping.ChaseandIstartmoving,slowlywalkingand
studyingtheaisles,whichIfindhardtoconcentrateonwithhimnexttome.“Whatdoyouthink?”heasks
me.

“I’majournalist,notahotelmogul.”
“Me, neither. I’m figuring this all out, too. But it’s just linens and paints, I could use a woman’s

perspective.”

“We’llhavetogetitdonesoon,Iwon’tbeintownforlong,Chase.”
“Whynot?”
“It’salongstory.”
“Thenhelpmewhileyou’rehere,andyourstaywillbefreeofcharge.”
“Ireallycouldn’t.”
“Please,Icouldreallyusethehelp.”Hiseyesarepleadingashewaitsformetorespondandaccept

hisproposal.Whenhelooksatmelikethat,thereisnotachanceIcanturnhimdown.So,Islowlynod,
notabletobelievemyself.Hesmirksbackatme.“Isthatayes?”

“Yes.”HemakesmerepeatthewordeventhoughwebothknowIdon’twanttoleaveandIhavea

feelingIjustagreedtomuchmorethanIevenrealize.

Chapter4

CHASE

“DO YOU WANT A RIDE BACK?” Hope asks as we leave the store. I jogged this morning, not only
needing to clear my head but also to shake the pent-up adrenaline that’s been inside me since meeting
Hope.

“Sure,ifyoudon’tmind.”
“You’relettingmestaywithyouforfree,it’stheleastIcando.”
Iwishshewerestayingwithme.
Weloadourgroceriesintothebackofhercarandmaketheshorttripbacktotheinn.
“So,wheredoyoucurrentlylive?Younevertoldme.”
“Um,I’moriginallyfromArizonabutrecentlylivedinOregon.”
“Whereisyourcurrentresidence?”Iaskwithasarcastictone,tryingtomakehersmile.
“Umm...theroadismycurrentresidence,”shesayswithacheesysmileonherface.
“Really?”
“Yeah,rememberthatlongstoryItoldyouIdidn’thavetimefor?Well,here’sthecondensedversion.

ImovedtoPortlandabouttwoyearsagowithaguyImetonline.Mymomwasdevastated,butIwasin
love. My mom passed away not long after I left, so even though my gut told me to go home and that
somethingwasoffwiththeguy,therewasnothingleftformetogohometo.MyfatherandIhavenever
gottenalong.So,ItriedtomakeitworkinOregon.Plus,Ilovedmyjobthere.Butaboutsixmonthsago,I
caughtmynowex-boyfriendsleepingwithmyonlyfriendinthewholecity.Eversince,I’vebeenonthe
road.”

Hope’sstorystunsme,somuchtragedypackedintoafewsentences.“Fuck,I’mreallysorry,Hope.”

Shepullsintothedrivewayoftheinnandcutstheengine.

“It’sokay.It’slife.”
Shereachesforherdoorhandle,butIstopher.Asresilientassheis,Iwanthertoknowthatit’sokay

tofeelpainandthatshedoesn’tneedtopretendaroundme.“Yeah,andyou’vebeendealtareallyshitty
handofcards.Again,I’msorryforthat.”

Herlipsarepartedasshestaresbackatme,andittakeseverysingleounceofself-controlIhavenot

tograbaholdofherandkissherthewayshedeservestobekissed.

“It isn’t your fault, Chase. My life has always been a mess. Bad luck seems to follow me

everywhere.”

“What do you mean?” I ask, never wanting to know more about a single person than I do about her

rightnow.

“IguesswhatI’mtryingtosayisthatI’mnotthebestdecisionmaker.”

“Areyouregrettingcominghere?”Iask,fearingshewillleavebeforeIevengettoknowher.
“No,Iactuallycamehereforareason.”
“What’s that?” I ask, and with the worst timing ever, my brother flies up the driveway and parks

behind us. He hops out of his truck and rolls her fixed tire up to her car. His presence makes me feel
protectiveofherallofasudden.It’sasifhe’sheretostealherawayfromme.

Sheopensthedoor,notbotheringtoanswermyquestion,andIfollow,gettingouttoo.Thereisacold

chillintheairtodaythatIdidn’tfeelwhenIranoutthismorning.Hoperunsherhandsupanddownher
barearms,andfuck,Iwanttoholdher,tokeepherwarm.ButbeforeIcandoanything,mybrother,the
smugfuckerthatheis,takeshiscoatoffanddrapesitoverhershoulders.

“You’reearly,”Itellhim.
“Igottaheadupnorthforameeting.”
“Whatdoyoudo?”sheasks.
“I’malawyer.”
“Really?”HereyeslightupasifhejustsaidhewasthefuckingpresidentoftheUnitedStates.My

brotherhasalwaysoutdonemeinsomanyaspectsoflife.Workisonlyoneofthem.

“Yup.”
“Whatkind?”
“Businesscontractsandshitlikethat.”
“Inatownthissmall?”sheasks,pushingastrandofhairbehindherear.
“There’s some business here, but most of my business takes place in Sacramento. Chase, can you

swapthisoutforherspare?”

“Yeah,ofcourse.”Istepforwardandgrabthetire,soitdoesn’tfallagainsthercar.
“Great,seeyoutwolater,”Coltsaysandleavesasfastashecame,forgettinghiscoat,whichisstill

hangingoverHope’sshoulders.

Ashedrivesaway,sheturnstome.“Ishealwayslikethat?”
“Likewhat?”
“Sohereandthengone.”Shelaughs,shakingherheadabit.
“Nottypically.”
ThereisabeatofsilenceasIrollthetiretothefrontofhercarandlayitinthegrassbeforesheasks,

“Whatbroughtyoubothtothislittletown?”

“Wegrewuphere.Ourparentsarevintners.”
“Ididn’tknowthat.I’dlovetoseetheirvineyard.”
“I’llshowyousometime.”
Afterwebothputourgroceriesaway,IheadoutfronttochangeHope’stire.Ontheway,Ican’thelp

butglancetowardtheinn,hopingtoseeher,butsheisnowhereinsight.

Mymindisstillonourearlierconversation,andithasmecuriousastowhyshecamehere.Thereare

onlytworeasonspeoplecometoSt.Helena:vacationorwine.Butneitherofthoseseemstobewhyshe’s
here.

AsIbegintochangeouthertire,myphonerings.It’sColt.
“What’sup?”Iansweralittledryly.NotevensuremyselfwhyI’mpissedathimwhenhehasn’tdon’t

anythingwrong.

“What’sup?What’supwithyouandHope,youhitthatyet?”
“Dude,wearen’talllikeyou.”
“So,that’sano?”
“Nope.”
“Butyoulikeher?”
“Uhhh,fuckyeah,bro.”

“Good,IcouldtellwhenImetherthatshe’dbeperfectforyou.”
“Wait,soyou’retellingmethatyouaren’tintoher?”
“No, stupid, why do you think I brought her to you? If I wanted to be with her, I’d have taken her

home.”

“Don’tsayshitlikethat.”
“What?”Hechuckles.“It’sthetruth.”
“Iknowitis,butIstilldon’twanttohearthatshit.”
“Now, don’t get all down in the dumps and sour on me, here. Make a move, I promise I’m not

interestedinheronebit.”

Well,thatwasarelief,andafterIslidethenewtireontothestudsandstarttospinthelugnutstight

withmyfingers,myshouldersrelaxabit.Ashiftofstepsbehindmehasmeglancingovermyshoulderto
findHopebehindme.

“I gotta go, man.” Her hair in a perfectly messy pile on top of her head, small pieces of it falling

aroundherfaceinawaythatmakesmyheartthumpfast.Ihangupandplacemyphoneinmybackpocket
asIstraighten.

“How’sitgoingouthere?”
“Good.I’malmostfinished.”
“Doyouneedhelp?”Sheasksme,andIthinkit’scuteshethinksshecanhelpme.Shesmileswaiting

formetoanswer.God,whydoIfeelsodamnawkwardrightnow?

“No,thankyouthough.”MyeyesdriftawayfromherasIsearchforsomethingtosayortalkaboutthat

won’tmakemesoundlikeanidiottoher.

“So. . .” The one word makesmy cock twitch. “I was going to gofor a walk, do you want to join

me?”

“Yeah.”Andwithoutevenbotheringtowashmyhands,weheaddownthedriveway.
“It’ssobeautifulhere.”
“It really is,” I respond, looking around like she is. From the rolling hills of vineyards to the town

below,St.Helenaisaone-of-a-kindplace.“Younevergottotellmewhyyoucamehere.”

She glances over at me and places her hands in the slim back pockets of her jeans. “Well, as you

know,IwasontheroadforawhileaftermyexandIbrokeup.Igottiredofneverhavingaplacetocall
home,soIfeltitwastimetoseemydadandmaybemendourbrokenrelationship.ButwhenIgotthere,it
wasapparentthatwasn’tgoingtohappen.He’smovedonwithsomeonewhommymotherhated,andthe
secondIwasthere,IknewIhadtoleave.So,Itookmymother’slaptopwithmeandstarteddriving.”

“Andthat’showyouendeduphere?”Iask.
“No,she’dalwaystalkedaboutustakingatriptogethertowinecountry,andinhersearchhistorywas

atonofstuffaboutSt.Helena.”

“Oh,sothisiswheresheplannedoncomingwithyouforthattrip?”
“Yup,Imean,Ididn’tknowatthetime,butnowitallmakessense.WhenImovedaway,Ipromised

herthatwe’dtakeatripforherbirthday.Shewould’vebeenfifty.”

Tearsfillhereyesasshelooksoutatavineyard.Mystomachturnshearingherupset.Idon’twanther

tohurtlikethis.Iwanttomakeitbetterforher.Steppingcloser,Idon’thesitateasIwrapmyarmsaround
herandpullherintoatightembrace,thewayI’vewantedtosinceImether.

Chapter5

HOPE

IHUGmyselfverytighttoChase,andaswestand,IrealizeI’mmoresecureinhisarmsthanIhaveever
beeninanyoneelse’s.Thinkingback,Idon’tthinkI’vefeltthiswithanyone,exceptformymother.Tears
begintostreamdownmyface,thepainofherlossstillseemssofreshit’sasifIgotthecallminutesago
insteadoftwoyears.

God,Imissher.
Chaseholdsmetighter,andI...Isimplyclingtohimasifhe’stheanswertomyproblemsorwill

somehowmakeeverythingbetter.ButIknowdeepdownthatisn’ttrue.ThelasttimeIturnedtoamanfor
anykindofsecurityorsupport,Ilosteverything.Realizingjusthowstupiditisformetomakethesame
mistakeagain,ItakeadeepbreathandpulloutofChase’shold.

“Ican’tdothis,”ItellChase,wipingmytearsaway.
He nods and lets me go, not arguing or forcing me, which is not the way the men I’ve been with

typicallyact.It’sasifhegetsme.Andwithoutanotherword,wecontinueourwalk.

Wecometothetopofahill,andChasestops.“Seethathouseupthere?”hesays,pointingtoahouse

inthedistance,“That’swhereIgrewup.”

“Oh,wow.It’sgorgeous.”
“Itdidn’talwayslooklikethat.”
“No?”Iquestionhim,takinginthemassivehomeandthesprawlingacresoflandthatsurroundit.
“No,wewereverypoorwhenIwasyoung.Myparentsinheritedthevineyardfromtheirparents,and

itwasn’tdoingwell.Buttheyturneditallaroundandbreathedlifebackintoit.”

“That’samazing.I’dlovetomeetthem.”
“Youcan.Cometoourfamilydinnerwithmetonight.”
“Icouldn’t.”
Helooksatme,hisalluringeyestemptingmeinsomanywaysI’mnotsureIcanresistthem.“Would

youstopthat?”

“What?”Iask,confused.
“Stopsayingyoucan’tdothingsasifyou’reaninconvenience.Youdiditatthestoretodayandare

doingitnow.Justbe.Justenjoyeachmomentandletwhateverhappens,happen.”Hiswordsmakesense,
andIdowanttojustbe.Iwanttobecomfortableforonce.

Onthewalkback,weexchangesmalltalkbutnothingtooheavy—just...being.
“Thankyouforthat,”Itellhim.
“Ofcourse,anytime.Soareyoucomingtodinner?”Inodandagree,becausethetruthis,Ilovebeing

aroundhim.“Good,we’llleaveatfive,I’mgonnagetbacktoyourtirenow.”Hestopsatmycar,andI

walkoff,headingbacktothesmallhouseIsomehowgotluckyenoughtostayinandforfree.

I’VEBEENSTARINGatmyselfinthemirrorforwhatfeelslikeanhour.WhenIleftMitch,Ididn’tbring
anythingwithme,somyclothingsituationisnotthebest.It’smorelikeahodgepodgeofwhateverI’ve
pickedupforcheapalongmytravels.

Ismoothmyhandsdownthefrontofthesoft,whitecottondressI’mwearingandblotmylips.Chase

saidwe’dleavefordinneratfive,andIdon’tknowifIshouldgotohishouseornot.

Isthisadate?Imean,I’mmeetinghisparents,surelythatcan’tbehowhe’dspendafirstdate.Feeling

uneasyaboutwhattodo,Icheckmyemail.I’vebeenwaitingforaresponsebackfromBetter Gardens
andHomesregardingwritingacolumnonSt.Helenaforthem.MyjobssinceleavingPortlandhaveall
beenfreelance,whichisallIcouldgetafterleavingmylastjobwithoutsomuchasaphonecall.ButIam
slowlyrebuildingmyreputationwiththehelpofafewloyalfriendswhounderstoodmyneedtoleave.
Clickingonmyemailicon,itopensrightwhenthereisaknockonthefrontdoor.Instantly,myheartisin
mythroat.Itracesrapidly.

Whatishedoingtome?
Gettingupwithoutevencheckingtoseeiftheemailcamethrough,Iwalktothedoor,takeonedeep

breath,andopenit.ThesecondIseeChase,thatonebreathisstrippedfrommylungs.Helookssosexyin
abutton-downwhitedressshirtandasoftpairofjeans.

“Yo-you,”Istutterandnervouslypushmyhairbehindmyearbeforecontinuing,“lookgreat.”
Heswallows,notsayinganythingtome.Hiseyesnarrow,whichmakemereallynervous.Whyisn’t

hespeaking?DoeshenotlikehowIlook?It’sthedress.Ithastobe.Iknewitwastoofrumpy.

Fuck,he’stoogoodforme.
Thenherespondswithmorethanwordsandwrapshisarmsaroundme,pullingmeflushagainsthis

body.Hisscentintoxicatesme,awakeningeverysinglenerveendinginsidemybody.Imeltintohimashe
holds me tightly, his eyes blazing into mine. Then he does it, our lips mold together, a combustion of
fireworksigniteinabrilliantburstbehindmyeyelids.Thisisthesortofthingdreamsaremadeof.

Asmallgroanescapeshim,makingmypussythrob.Heknotshisfingersfromonehandintotheback

ofmyhair,stillholdingontomewiththeotherandwekiss.Ourmouthsandtonguesareatangledmess.
Theroomaroundusseemstospin.Mybodyisracingwithadrenaline,wantingsomuchmoretohappen
thanakisshotenoughtosettheworldonfire.ButthatiswhatI’verealizedintheshorttimeI’veknown
him—hemakesmewanttodocrazythings.

Chapter6

CHASE

AREPETITIVEVIBRATIONinmypocketmakesmeslowthekisseventhoughit’sthelastthinginthe
worldIwanttodo.Withourforeheadsrestingtogether,shelooksmeintheeyes,andIfeelalive.

“Hello?”Ianswermyphone,notbreakingeyecontactorpullingaway.
“Whereareyou?”mymother’squestionmakesmepullawayandlookdownatmywatch.
“We’reabouttoleave,it’sonlyfive,Ma.”
“Yes,andwetalkedabouteatingearlythisweek,remember?”
Obviously,Ihadn’tremembered,notthatI’mgoingtotellherthat.“Yup,Iremember.”
“Great,nowhurryup.Ican’twaittomeetthisgirl.”
“Bye,Ma.”IstillhaveonearmaroundHopewhenIhangupandplacemyphonebackintomypocket.

Ican’thelpbutkissheragain.Thistime,it’sagentlepeck,whichshereturns.

AndbeforeIcansayanything,sheasks,“Dowehavetogo?”
Fuck!ShehasnoideahowbadlyIwannaskipdinnerandkeepdoingwhatwe’redoing.
“We do. But this—” I kiss her harder, smashing my lips against hers in a brief but demanding

movement—“isn’tfinished,”IsayasIpullaway.

Shedoesn’trespond,andItakeherhand,leadinghertomyhousewheremy’69Porscheisalready

waitingforuswiththetopdowninthedriveway.

IgiveRay,thefrontdeskclerk,awavegoodbyeaswepassinfrontoftheinnonthewaytomyplace.
“Whoisthat?”HopeasksasIopenthepassengerdoor.Mycockgrowsasherdressridesupwhen

shesitsdown.

Jesus,herlegsarefuckingamazing.
“That’s Ray. He runs the front desk at the inn,” I tell her and then walk around the car, shifting my

cock,whichisstillrockhard,beforegettingbehindthewheel.

“WhywereyouheretheothernightwhenIcame,then?”
“Itwashisnightoff,soIwascovering.”
I turn the key in the ignition, bringing the engine roaring to life. The sound makes her squirm in her

seat,whichmakesmewanttodoawholelotofbadthingstoher.

Pullingawayfrommyhouse,weheadtowardmyparents’house.Thewindwhipsthroughherhair,

andIhaveahardtimekeepingmyeyesontheroad.

“Yougood?”Iaskwhenwecometoastopsign.
Shenods,andIproceeduptheroad,thesettingsunturningtheskyanorange-yellowcolor.Herskin

glowsinthelight,andIcan’tstopmyselffromslidingmyarmaroundhershoulders.

“Sobesidestheinn,whatdoyoudo?”sheasks.

“I help my parents with the vineyard.” I launch into a brief explanation of what I do, and she nods

along.

“Ican’twaittoseeit.”
“You’regonnaloveit.”
Andshewill,especiallythistimeofyear.Iknowwejustmet,butthere’ssomethingaboutHopethat

makesmefeelsocomfortable.AsifI’veknownherallmylife.

Glancingover, she hasher eyes closed,her face tilted tothe warm late-daysun coming through the

windshield.

God,she’sfuckin’perfect.
Thensheopensthemandlooksatme,smiling,andI...I’mlostforwords.She’sstrippedeveryword

frommyvocabulary.

Pullingupmyparents’driveway,Ifindmybrother’scaralreadythere,andCab,ourolddog,issitting

waitingforme.He’salwaysbeenmyboy,butmydadloveshimjustasmuch,soIneveraskedtotakehim
whenImovedout.

“Youlikedogs?”IaskHope,puttingthecarinpark.
“Ilovethem.”
“Good,thatisCab.”Ipointtothechocolatelabstandinginfrontofmyparents’house.“Don’tworry,

he’stoooldtojumpanymore,buthe’lllickyoutodeath.”

Igetoutofthecarandthenhelpherout.ThesecondIgrabherhand,thatfeelingofexcitementruns

throughmyveins.Shestandsnexttomeandlooksallaround,takinginathree-hundred-and-sixty-degree
view. Cab limps over to us, and I feel torn between paying attention to him or her. But Hope makes it
easy.Shebendstopetthetopofhishead,andhelicksherarm.AsIwatchthemtogether,thefrontdoor
opensasecondbeforemybrotherwalksout.HelookstoHopeandthenplacesbothhishandsinfrontof
hischestasifhe’sholdingbigtits,mimickinghers,andIfliphimoff.Coolly,hewalksovertous,butI
knowwhat’sgoingoninhishead,andIcouldpunchhiminhisteeth.

“Helikesyou,”Coltsays,andHopestraightens.Myeyesfightingwithmyselftostayonherfaceand

notonhertitsthankstomybrother.

“Hey, Colt,” she says, and they hug, but it’s swift. Regardless, I still don’t like my brother’s grimy

handsonher.“He’ssosweet.”

Hope’swordshavemelookingdownatCabastheoldboyliesdownonthegrass.
“Webettergetinside,”Coltsays.“Dad’salreadyuncorkedthewine.”
Bravely,IwrapmyhandaroundHope’s.Shesmilesatme,andtogether,wefollowmybrotherinside.

Thehousesmellsthewayitalwaysdoes,likewineandagood,home-cookedmeal.

“What’syour—”Hopebegins,butbeforeshecanfinish,mymomanddadarestandingrightinfrontof

us.

“Mom,Dad,thisisHope.”Iletgoofherhandasabarrageofhugsandintroductionstakeover.
Coltwhispersinmyear,“Youhitthatyet?”
“Notyet.”Myresponsethistimeseemstomakehimhappy,andhedoesn’tsayanotherwordorgive

meanymoreofahardtime.

Chapter7

HOPE

SITTINGonChase’sparents’backdeckasweallwatchthesunset,IswearIcoulddothiseverydayfor
therestofmylife.Someonemovestorefillmyglassofcrispwhitewine,andIturntofindChase’sfather,
Matt,standingnexttome.Ilearnedveryearlyinthenightthatsayingnotowineinthishouseisfrowned
upon,soIdon’tprotesttherefill.Plus,thewinereallyisdelicious.

“Thankyou,”Itellhim,andhesmiles.
“You’rewelcome.HowlongwillyoubestayinginSt.Helena,Hope?”Chase’smom,Alice,asks.
“I’mnotsureyet.”
“Shedidagreetohelpmewiththeinn,soshe’sgottaatleastfinishthatbeforeshegoes,”Chasesays.
“Where’shome?”
“Uhhh,mostrecentlyPortland.”
“Most recently?” His mom furrows her brow at me, and before I can respond, Chase jumps in and

savestheday.

“Hopeisajournalist,soherworkalwayshashertraveling.Speakingofwhich,don’tyouneedtoget

backtotheinnforthatarticle?”Chaseistotallymakingthatuptogetmeoutofhere.Itislateafterall,but
thethoughtofleavingandwhatwillfollowhasmypalmssweatyinanticipation.

“Ido,thankyouforremindingme.Andthankyou,AliceandMatt,forhavingmetonight,it’sbeena

delight.”Ifinishmywine,notwantingtooffendMatteventhoughIknowIshouldn’tdrinkanymore.Then
weallgetupandexchangeourgoodbyehugsbeforeChaseandIheadout.

Onceweareoutfront,agustofwindwhipsthroughthevalley,makingmeshiver.Chase,whoseems

veryintunewithmybody,wrapshisarmaroundme.

“Thatwasnice,”ItellhimasheopensthepassengerdoorandwaitsasIsettleintotheseat.
“Itwas,theylikeyou.”
“Youthinkso?”
“Oh,Iknowso.”
Hemovestohissideandclimbsinbeforeputtingupthetopofthecarandpullingoutofthedriveway.

Heseemstooquiet.Itakeinhisprofile,hisfulllips,thelightdustingoffiveo’clockshadowoverhis
jaw,andask,“Areyouokay?”

“Yeah,I...”
Iwaitforhimtofinish,buthedoesn’t.Mybodyishummingforhiminawaythatexcitesmeand,at

thesametime,scaresthecrapoutofme.Iwonderifthatiswhathashimquiet,too.Isheunsureabout
what’llhappenwhenwegetback?Iknowit’scrazy,butIwanthim,regardlessofmypast,orhis,orus
justmeeting.I.Want.Chase.

Heseemslostforwords,andhe’sgrippingthesteeringwheelwithhislefthandjustabittootightly.

So,Ibravelytakehisrighthandandplaceitonmythigh.Myskinburnswherehetouches,andIloveit.
Helooksoveratmeandthendownathishandbeforetakinghiseyesbacktotheroad.Hisgripissofton
mykneeuntilIreachoverandthreadmyfingersintothebackofhishair.Hegroanslikehedidwhenwe
kissed,thenoiseastraightconnectiontomypussy.

“I want you,” I softly whisper into his ear and watch his Adam’s apple move, as I lay a few stray

kissesonhisneckandcheek.EachtimeIkisshim,hishandmovesfartherupmyleguntil,eventually,he’s
cupping my sex. I’m panting, annoyed that I wore underwear. The small shred of fabric is keeping him
fromtouchingmethewayIneed.

Sinking farther back into my seat, I push against his hand, and he watches me. “Are you sure?” he

asks,andInod.

Withoneswiftmove,mypantiesareoutoftheway,andhe’stouchingme.Hishandissostrongand

talentedashespreadsopenmypussy,feelingeverybitofmyskindowntherebeforetouchingmyclit.

Imoanasherubsmeupanddown,turningmeonmorewitheachstroke.“Ifwedothis,you’remine,

Hope.”

Inodinresponse,barelynoticingthatwearepullingintohisdriveway.Idon’tthinkI’veeverbeenso

happy and so pissed all at the same time. I’m happy we’re back at his place, but angry he has to stop
touchingme.

“Pushthat,”heordersme,noddingtothegaragedooropener.Ido,stillsofocusedonwhathisfingers

aredoingI’msurprisedImanagethesimpleaction.ThenIcloseit,andthesecondwearesurroundedby
silence, something inside me takes over. Bravely, I reach for his cock, his eyes are blazing with desire
andhecupsmychin,kissingmehard.Irubevenharderthroughhispants,wantingeveryinchofhimin
everywaypossible.

MymindflashestowhatbeingwithChasewillbelike,hisdickfeelsbig,andIknowit’llbeamazing

insideme.

With his free hand, he unbuttons his jeans as I watch, panting and in a lusty haze I don’t want to

control.Onceheisdone,heleansback,lettingmedowhatIwant.Allthewhile,hishandisstilltouching
me,workingmyclitsoperfectly.

Withoutwastinganothersecond,Iyankouthisveryhardshaft,lickmylips,andshiftsoIcantakehim

into my mouth. He groans again, a sound I’ve quickly grown to love, and bucks up into my mouth. His
cockissolongandthick,Inearlychoke,butIdon’tcare.

God,Ican’twaittohavehiminsideme.
Butfirst,Igettoknoweverydetailofitwithmytongue,andtogether,wepleaseeachother.I’mnow

kneelingonthepassengerseatandamtemptedtoclimbontohislap.Butwiththetopuponthecar,the
roofislow...solowIdon’tthinkI’dfitandbeabletoridehim.

Pullingbackforabriefsecond,Ikisstheheadofhisshaft,butthenhisdoorisopen,andhe’sgone.

Myheartstops,unsureofwhatisgoingon.I’mstillkneelingontheseatwhenmydoorisyankedopen,
andChase’shandsareslidingupmylegs,liftingmydress,exposingmetohim.

Oh,fuck,isthisreallyhappeninghere?
“I’mgonnafuckyouuntilyoucome,okay?”
I nod, which is all the permission he needs before he’s spreading me open, the tip of his head

demandingIlethiminsideme.Igripontotheleatherseat,waiting,neverhavingbeenasturnedonasam
Irightnow.EverycellinmepoisedandreadyforChasetofuckmeinhiscar.

Slowly,sopainfullyslow,heentershisbodyintomine.
There’sthatgroanagain.
“Oh,shit,”Ihissthroughthepleasure.Thewayhemakesmefeelisunreal.
“Yes,letmehearyou,baby.Letmeknowwhatmycockdoestothistightlittlepussyofyours.”

Only,Ican’ttalk;thewordsallburnawaybythepleasure.I’minstantlyabouttocome,soIstartto

move.Hishandsfiercelygripmyasscheeks,andwefuckina’69Porscheinhisgarage.

HisdickisdoingthingstomethatI’veneverthoughtwerepossible.Firefillsmybodyfrommyhead

tomytoes,myorgasmisteeteringontheedge.Ihaven’tcomefromamaninclosetoayearanddamnit,I
needit.MyinsidestremblesothatIgiveovertothepleasure,toChase,towhathe’sdoingtome.My
bodyisputtyinhishandsastheworld’smostamazing,andearth-shatteringorgasmrocksmetothecore.

Chapter8

CHASE

WITHHOPEINMYBED,thereisnowayIcansleep.IhaveneverfeltthewayIdoaboutawomanasI
dowithher.Sure,I’vedated,butIhaven’tfoundsomeoneasamazingassheis.Herlong,brownhairis
messyonmypillow.Herchestsoftlymovesupanddowninasteadyrhythm.Gently,Icupherfacewith
myhand,andsheturns,kissingmypalm.

Watchingherlipspuckerremindsmeofwhenshesuckedmyshaftinmycar,thenagainintheshower.

Itallmakesmewonderwhat’sgoingoninherhead.Hell,maybeshedoesthisoften.Maybeshefindsa
newguyineverycity,sleepswithhim,andthengoesonherway.Though,Idon’tthinkthat’sthecase.I’ll
be heartbroken if she does that to me, and yet, I wouldn’t change a second about what we did. Using a
condomhadnotevencomeintomymind.Ineededtofeelallofher,anditwasamazing.

“Whyareyouup?”shetiredlyasks.
“Justthinking.”
“About?”
“You.”
Shesmilesasmilethatmeltsmyfuckingheart.
“Whataboutme?”
“Well,howamazingyourpussyis,forstarters.”AndIwrapalegaroundher,pinningherbodyclose

tomine.

“Whatelse?”IknowIshouldtellher,IshouldprofesshowI’mfeeling,butit’stoosoon.Iworrythat

I’llscareheraway.HowoutrageouswoulditbeifItoldherIthoughtIwasfallinginlovewithher?

Icouldenvisionherflyingoutofmybednakedandnevertalkingtomeagain.That’sbeenmyproblem

allalongwithwomen,theyalwaysprofesstheirlovetometoosoon,anditfreaksmethefuckout.But
why,whenallalongthat’sscaredme,amIsuddenlyfeelingthatwayaboutHope,especiallysincewejust
met?

Sheblinksheavily,andIknowIshouldtrytosleep,too.Scootingdown,Iclosemyeyes,lettingthe

closenessandwarmthofhersendmeintooblivion.

Morning comes quickly, the sunlight warming my body through the windows slowly wakes me. But

when I roll over, Hope is gone. The panic is instant. I slide from the bed and yank on my jeans from
yesterday.

Herclothes,whichhadbeenhaphazardlythrownaroundmyroom,aremissing.Lookingthroughthe

window,Iseehercarisstillparkedinfrontoftheinn,whichcalmsmeabit.

“Hope?”Icalloutbutgetnoresponse.
Leavingmyplace,Iwalkaroundthebackoftheinnandcontemplateknockingonherdoorversusjust

goinginsoshecantellmewhysheleft.

Thenshecomesintoview,andIfreeze,feelinglikeanidiot.Withacupofcoffeeineachhand,she

attemptstoclosethedoor.Onceshedoes,sheturnsandspotsme.

“Morning,”shesayscasually,offeringmeashysmile.
“Youwanthelpwiththat?”Iask,closingthedistanceandtryingtoignorethewaythegravelcutsinto

mybarefeet.

“Sure,Imadethisforyou.”
“Thanks.”Itakethecoffeefromher.
“Icouldn’tfigureouthowtoworkthemachineinyourplace.”
“Oh, yeah, it is dumb. My mom got it for me. I normally get my coffee from the inn. How’d you

sleep?”IfeellikeI’mrambling.

Justslowdown,Chase.
“Good,you?”
“Verygood.”
Aswewalkbacktomyplaceandtakeseatsonthefrontporch,Ifeelsostupidforthinkingshebailed.

Then,beforeIcantakeasipofcoffee,shesaysthelastthingIwanttohear.

“IgotajobofferinNewYorkCity.”Thelookonherfacetellsmeshe’sleaving.

Chapter9

HOPE

CHASEISFASTASLEEP,andIdon’twanttowakehim,butIneedcoffee.Mymusclesaredeliciously
sorefromallthefuckingwedidlastnight.Itwasthebestfirstsex—ever.Thethoughtalonemakesmy
stomach flip. Being with him was unreal. I can still feel the leather seat of his Porsche beneath my
fingertips.

Gettingquietlyoutofbed,Isliponmywhitedressandgoinsearchofmymuch-neededcaffeinefix,

onlytobethwartedbyanoverlycomplicatedespressomachine.KnowingthereisnowayIcanmakeit
work,Igobacktohisroom,gathermyundergarments,andsliponmyshoesbeforequietlywalkingover
tomyplace.ThetripissoshortthatIdon’tevengetthesmallesthintofhavingtodoawalkofshame.
EventhoughwhatwedidwassonaughtyIshouldhavefeltexactlythat.Butthat’swhatChasedoestome
—hemakesmefeelworthy.

Goinginside,Isetmystuffdownandstartafreshpotofcoffee.Whileitbrews,Icheckmyemail.

To:HopeAllanis
From:BetterGardensandHomes

DearMs.Allanis,

Thankyouforreachingouttousregardingwritinganotherarticle.Afterreviewingyourimpressive
resumeanddiscussingthefeedbackwe’vereceivedfromyourlastfewpieceswithmycolleaguesand
humanresources,Iwouldliketoofferyouafull-timejournalistpositioninourNewYorkCityoffice.
Pleasebeadvisedthisiscontingentuponasalaryagreement,butwefeelstronglythatcanberesolved
quicklyandtoyoursatisfaction.
Welookforwardtohearingfromyou.

KindRegards,
SalRamirez,HeadofMarketing
BetterGardensandHomes

Mystomachisinmythroat.NeverinamillionyearsdidIimaginethiswouldhappen.I’veknownSal

foryearsandhaveworkedonmanyprojectswithhim,butajobofferoutoftheblueiscompletelymind-
boggling.Andtosayhereviewedmyresume.God,Isentittohimyearsago,ithastobesooutdated.But

still,mymindkeepsgoingbacktotheonesentence.

We’dliketoofferyouafull-timejournalistpositioninourNewYorkCityoffice.
Maybe that is where I’m meant to be, and all this traveling and odds-and-ends work with them has

paidoff.Itislikealong-runninginterview,orsomethinghasfinallyended.

Ayawnescapesme,andI’mremindedwhyIcamebackhereinthefirstplace:caffeine.
Ipourtwocupsofcoffee,figuringChasewouldlikeonetooandtrynottofeelsotornaboutwhatI

shoulddo.I’dbecrazytoturnthejobdown.

Forsolong,I’vebeengoingcitytocity,neverplanningtostayinanyoneforverylong.St.Helenais

thefirstplaceI’vebeentothathasmademefeelasifI’dfoundwhatI’dbeenlookingfor.Ormaybeit’s
justthatChasemakesmefeeltoomuch...everything.Now,withthisjoboffer,I’mconflicted.

Witha coffee ineach hand, Ileave and find Chasestanding shirtless andfor some reason barefoot,

watchingme.Hisbrowisfurrowedasifhe’sworried.

“Morning,”Ihollerover,andhisexpressionseemstorelax.
“Youwanthelpwiththat?”heasks,comingcloser.
“Sure,Imadethisforyou.”
“Thanks.”Hetakesthecoffeefromme,allthewhile,hissexyeyesareeatingmealive.
“Icouldn’tfigureouthowtoworkthemachineinyourplace.”
“Oh, yeah, it is dumb. My mom got it for me. I normally get my coffee from the inn. How’d you

sleep?”

“Good,you?”
“Verygood.”
Togetherwewalkbacktohisplaceandsitonthefrontporch.BeingaroundChasemakesmefeelso

good,soright.It’swhatI’vebeensearchingfor.So,thesecondwesit,Iblurtout,“Igotajobofferin
NewYorkCity.”

Thelookonhisfaceishardtoread.MaybeIshouldn’tevenhavebroughtthisup,notyetanyway.I

haven’tdecidedwhatI’mgoingtodo,andwearen’tdating.

Thatdoesn’tstopmefromcaringaboutwhathethinksandwantinghisinputandadvice.
“Whoisitwith?”heasks.
“BetterGardensandHomes,”Irespond,andthesecondthewordsleavemylips,hisheadhangslow,

hiseyesfocusinginonthecupofwarmcoffeebetweenhishands.

“Areyougonnatakeit?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Youshould,that’sahugemagazine.”
“Youdon’tevenknowwhatI’dbedoing.”
“Aplacethat’ssmartenoughtohireyouwillputyouintherightjob.”
Iwishitwerethateasy.
AsIsitbackinmychair,ItakeinthesprawlinghillsofSt.Helenathatspanoutinfrontofmeandsip

my coffee. For just a brief moment, I forget about the job offer and enjoy this time . . . here . . . with
Chase.

Chapter10

CHASE

MYHEARTISBREAKINGforawomanIjustmet,awomanwhomIencouragedtoleaveme.ButIcan
onlybemadatmyself.IfI’mnotgonnafightforher,thenIdon’tdeserveher.

MaybeI’mmeanttolivethislifealone.
“Youokay?”Hopeasksfromacrosstheroom.
“Yeah,I’mgood.”
Sinceweslepttogetheraboutaweekago,we’vebeeninseparable,whichIknowiswrong.It’llonly

fuck me up more in the end. I can’t bring myself to care, though. It’s worth it, and I’m going to take
advantageofwhatlittletimeIhavetobewithher.

“Youdonepacking?”Iask,andshenods.
I can’t believe she’s really leaving. The thought of never seeing her again makes me sick. She is

everythingI’veeverwantedinawomanandallthethingsIneverthoughttoaskfor.It’swhyIcan’tbe
selfishandkeepherherewithme.Iseethewayhereyeslightupwhenshetalksaboutthejoborwhen
she’stalkingtothemonthephone.Thisiswhatshe’smeanttodo.NewYorkiswhereshe’smeanttobe,
andIcan’tchangethat.

“I’mgoingtomissyou,”shesays,closingthedistancebetweenusandthenslidingontomylap,so

she’sstraddlingme.

Iplacemyhandsonherhips,lovinghowrightshefeelspressedagainstme.“I’mgoingtomissyou,

too.”

Ithurtstolookather.BecauseIknowthisisthelasttimeI’llseeher.Mybodyandmindarefighting

witheachother,bothscreamingtwoverydifferentthings.

Shecupsmyface,andIkissherpalmthesamewayshekissedminethefirstnightweweretogether.
“Youknowyoucantellmewhatyou’rethinking,”shesays.
IshakemyheadbecauseIcan’t.
Shetakesmebymycheeks,forcingmetolockeyeswithher.“Yes,youcan.”
“I—”Ican’tevengetthewordsout.“Youshouldgo.Youwanttohittheroadassoonaspossible.
Firmly,shepressesherlipstogether,tryingtogetagaugeonme,andIdomybesttosmile,butmy

smilealmostmakesmebreak.

Fuck,I’mapussy.
Withherhandsstillonthesidesofmyface,shesays,“Pleaseletmein,Chase.Ineedtoknowwhat

you’rethinking.”

Somethinginsidemegives.AllthereasonsIhadfornottellinghershatter,andthewordsleavemy

lipsoftheirownaccord.“I’minlovewithyou,Hope.”

She blinks, once and then twice. I’m not sure what she’s thinking, but I can’t keep this from her

anymore.Ican’tpretendthatI’mokaylettinghergowithouttellingherhowIfeel.

“Youare?”
“Yes,Imean...IhavebeensincethemomentIlaideyesonyou.”
“Whyhaven’tyoutoldme?”Shelooksangry,andIjustshakemyhead.
“I wanted to, but I didn’t want to scare you or hold you back from something you really wanted

because that wouldn’t be loving you fully.” Her hands slide from my cheeks to the front of my chest,
settlingoverthefranticthumpingofmyheart.Butwithoutanotherword,sheleansinandkissesme.Our
passioninthismomentismorepowerfulthaneventhatfirstnight.Moredesperate.Moreraw.Hertongue
caressesmine,causingmycocktogrow,andeventhoughIshouldn’t,Igivein...justonelasttime.

Movingmyhandstothehemofhershirt,Iliftit,onlybreakingthekisslongenoughforthefabricto

passbetweenus.Hertitsstrainthefabricofherwhitebra,andIreachbehindhertounclaspit.Asthe
strapsslidedownherarms,Ileaninandtakeholdofbothherboobs,squeezingtightaroundthemina
wayIknowshelikesbeforeIsuckonhernipples.

Mymouthformsaroundone,andsheknotsherfingersintothebackofmyhair,moaningsosexily.Her

hipsgrindagainstme,andasmuchasIwanttotakemycockoutandfuckher,Idon’t.

I want to cherish this time, our last time. I work between her breasts, her hands holding my head

whereshewantsit.Thenshestandsandunbuttonsherpantsbeforepushingthemandherpantiesoff.She’s
standingbeforemestarknaked,andIgesturehertomewithonefinger.

She presents her pussy to me, which I reach for. Her heat burns my insides as she gives me a coy

smirk.Mydickisrocksolid,strainingmyjeanssoawkwardlythatithurts.

She’swetforme—shealwaysis—andIseparateherpussylipssoIcanrubherclit.Herhandfinds

my cock, and I have to let it free. Once it is, she moans, gripping my shaft at the base and stroking me
perfectlybeforesuddenlyhoppingon.Mybodyblendsintohers,andIwanttotellher,no,toslowdown,
tostop.Iknowthemomentwearedonefuckingisthemomentshewillleave.

Withhernakedbodystraddlingmineandherhandsknottedinmyhair,shemoves,andIjustletherbe,

ignoringwhat’stocome.

Ifocusnotonlyonthepleasurebutalsoonher,Hope,thewomanIjustprofessedmyloveto.
Shemakesthemostdeliciousnoisesever,andasIgetlostinthismoment,Icontemplategoingwith

her.Leavingtheinn,myparents,andmybrotherallbehind.Iknowitsoundscrazy,butmaybeIshoulddo
it.‘CauseGodknowsIcan’tlivewithoutthiswoman.

Herbodytenses,hermovementsfalter,andIcantellshe’sclose.Hereyesarefixedonmineasshe

fightstomove,herorgasmstoppingher.Reachingdown,Iflickherclit,helpingheralong,anditmakes
herwild.ShescreamsthewayIlovetohearandslamssohardonme,Iblow.Myorgasmisstrong.It’s
sofuckingamazingwhatshecandotome.Energyradiatesthroughmyballs,andIgrunt,slamminginto
herpussy.Herbodyrattlesforever,andIenjoyeverysecondIgettowatchherinbliss.

Finally,sherelaxes,lookingdownatmewiththoseeyes.Thoseeyesthatarethekeytomysoul—my

existence.

“I’mcomingwithyou,”Itellher,andshesmiles—thebiggestI’veseenyet.
“No.No,youaren’t.”
“Oh,yesIam.I’mgoingtosupportyouonthis,”Ideclare,myhandsstillgrippingherbody,mybody.

Holdingherinplacewithmyshaftstillballsdeepinsideofher,Iholdhergaze.Itoldherfromthestart
thatifwedidthis,shewasmine,anddamnit,Imeantit.

“No,youaren’tbecauseI’mnotgoinganywhere.Chase,Iloveyou,too.Andascrazyasitmightseem

toturndownthejobinNewYorkCity,St.Helenaandyouaremyhomenow.Aspainfulasthejourney
has been, my entire past makes sense. All of it has led to this moment, to me being with you, and I
wouldn’tchangeasecondofit.BecauseifIdid,Iwouldn’tenduphere,withyou,andIwouldn’tbethe

luckiestgirlintheentireworld.”

I’m not sure how to top what she just said, and my mind doesn’t seem to believe her, so I murmur,

“Sayitagain.”

“I’mnotleaving.”
“Again.”
“I’mstayingherewithyou,Chase,forever.”
“Fuck,Iloveyou,baby.”Istand,mycockstillinsideherasIcarryhertothebedroom,gentlylaying

herbackonthemessysheetsfromourrestlessnight.

“I love you,” she whispers in my ear and with those words and her body beneath mine, I move,

strokingmycockinandout,inandout,growingharderthanIeverknewwaspossible.

I’mnotsurehowtodaywentfrombeingtheworstdayofmylifetothebest,butitdid,andI’mnot

goingtotrytomakesenseofit.I’mgoingtocherishmytimewithmygirlforaslongasshe’llhaveme.

Acknowledgments

Firstandforemost,IhavetothankMarinaAdairforallowingmetojoinherKindleWorldandwritesuch
an awesome story for Chase and Hope. And that wouldn’t even be possible without my number one
whore, Lara Ross Peterson. Thank you for getting LK Collins into this Kindle World. We owe you a
gazilliontimes.

Asalways,thesestoriesareonlypossiblebecauseofthevisionofmysexyhusbandandtheotherhalf

ofLK,AKAMr.Prezident.Thankyouforallyoudo,Iloveyou,baby.

Tomygrammarteam:Ashley,mywonderfuleditor,youarehandsdownamazing.LeticiaandJanice,I

loveyoubothmorethanwordscansayandamsogratefulforyourhelpandallthatyoudo.

I must give special thanks to my remarkable PA, Crystal Burnette. I love you, girl. And to all the

ladiesatTheWitandWonderAgency,thankyouforputtingupwithmyprocrastinationandstillloving
me.

Last, but absolutely not least, I must thank the readers, early reviewers, bloggers, and all the other

authorswhohelpedmealongtheway.Iloveyoualltopieces.

ForOurReaders

IF YOU LOVED the St. Helena Getaway, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Please consider leaving a
reviewon

Amazon

.MyhusbandAKA“ThePrezident”andIreadeverysinglereview.It’sthebestwayto

givebacktotheauthor.

Finally,ifyoulovedHopeandChaseandwouldliketotakearidewithColtinhisownbook,please

addtheSt.HelenaRendezvoustoyour

GoodreadsTBRlist.