Playingitsafeneverfeltsorisky.

ErinWattersishersmalltown’sresidentwildchild—shedoesn’tdoboring,andafterhavingherheartannihilated,shedefinitelydoesn’t

dorelationships.Herfriendshaveotherideas,though,andwhentheythrowdownamatchmakingchallenge,impulsiveErincan’tignore

it.EvenwhentheannoyinglyhotTroyStrieberacceptsthematchmakerrole…

Asarescueparamedic,Troy’susedtowatchingoutforpeople.NevermindthebethemadewithhisbuddytoplayErin’swingman.

Butthemoretimehespendswiththesexy,charismaticwoman,themorehediscoversasideofhershedoesn’tletmanysee.Soonwhat

startedasaninnocentgameofmatchmakinghasthemboththinkingaboutthepersonrightundertheirnose.ButTroy’saplay-it-safeguy,

andhewon’tletawomanwholivesforriskeverstealhisheart.

ILD

BOUT

INGMAN

ECRET

ISHES

NOVEL

OBIN

IELMAN

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the
author ’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersons,
livingordead,iscoincidental.

Copyright©2014byRobinBielman.Allrightsreserved,includingtherighttoreproduce,distribute,
ortransmitinanyformorbyanymeans.Forinformationregardingsubsidiaryrights,pleasecontact
thePublisher.

EntangledPublishing,LLC
2614SouthTimberlineRoad
Suite109
FortCollins,CO80525
Visitourwebsiteat

www.entangledpublishing.com

Bliss is an imprint of Entangled Publishing, LLC. For more information on our titles, visit

http://www.entangledpublishing.com/category/bliss

EditedbyWendyChen&StacyAbrams
CoverdesignbyJessicaCantor

ISBN978-1-62266-500-6

ManufacturedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

FirstEditionApril2014

Toeveryonewhohasasecretwish…Ihopeyourscomestrue!

ChapterOne

“Ilostminesomewherebetweenthetenyardlineandtheendzone,”ErinWatterssaid.

“What?” sputtered her younger sister, Teague, choking on her buffalo chicken wing at a corner

tableintheCrown&Anchorpub.Erinwasn’tsureifitwasherstatementorthekick-asswingthat

madehersistergag.

“Withthequarterback,”Erinadded.HergazepoppedoverTeague’sshoulder.Saidquarterbacksat

atthebareyeingherlikehewantedarepeatperformance.Sonotgoingtohappen.He’dbeenagood

guytolosehervirginityto…untilhe’dgivenherthe“let’sjustbefriends”speechthenextday.

She’dlostalotofthingsovertheyears—herwalletfullofmoneyshe’dsavedfromasummerof

babysitting,hermountainbikewhenshereallyhadtopeeandsomeonesnaggeditwhileshedidher

businessbehindabush,andonmorethanoneoccasion,herheart.Thatnightbackinhersenioryear

ofhighschoolrankedhighonthestupidityscale.

“HowdidInotknowthis?”

Teague,Teague,Teague,Erinwantedtosay,butshedidn’t.HerbabysisterhadheldontoherV-card

untillastweek.“BecauseIdidn’twanttotaintyourinnocentears.”Andshemightalsobealittle—

okay,alot—madatherselfforfallingforthewrongguybackinhighschool.

“Andyoudonow?”

“Sure.Wecanswapallsortsofdirtysecretsnow.”NotthatErinwould,orthatshehadverymany.

She may be considered the town’s wild child, but really she went on far fewer dates than gossiped

about. Which didn’t bother her in the least. High school football players aside, she’d had her heart

annihilatedbyhercollegeboyfriendandwasn’tsurelovewasinthecardsforheragain.

Sheshuthereyesanddrankdowntherestofherbeer.Shedidn’teverwanttofeelthathurtagain.

Thatbroken.Ifsheletsomeoneinandheshatteredhertrust,she’dneverrecover.

Herheartwasnolongerupforgrabs,stabs,oranyothertorment.

“Iwouldlovethat.”Teaguegatheredherlongstrawberry-blondhairandputitoveroneshoulder.

“TellmesomethingelseIdon’tknow.”

That left a lot on the table, since Erin kept things close. Her ex’s deception had pilfered her

opennesswithjustabouteverythingandeveryone.

Teague’sblueeyesbeggedforsomethinggood,andErinsilentlycursed.Shehatedthateventwo

andahalfyearsafterbeingcheatedonanddumped,shestillkeptherguardup.Thatshefeltthisneed

toprotectherselfevenwiththepeoplewhomeantthemosttoher.

“Lastyear,youknowhowIleftforafewdaystogobungeejumpofftheNavajoBridge?”Teague

noddedatherquestion.“Afterthejump,thisreallycuteguyandItookoffinhisJeeptogoswimin

theColoradoRiver.Wefoundwhatwethoughtwasasecludedspotandsinceneitherofushadour

bathingsuits,we—”

“Yougotnaked?”

“Ileftonmyboyshorts.”Erindidn’thaveamodestboneinherbodyandshelikedherboobs.The

guyhad,too,hiseyeshavingahardtimelookinganywhereelseastheygotintothewater.

“Goon,”Teaguesaid,movingtotheedgeofherseat.

“Westartedkissing—that’sallweweregoingtodo—andafewminuteslaterthepoliceshowedup.

Theyarrestedusforindecentexposure.”

“Ohmygosh.”

“NotexactlythewordsIused,butyeah.”

“Whatwashewearing?”

Erin chuckled. “Good question. Uh…” Teague’s eyes widened. “Nothing. He’d gone commando

thatday.”Theguyhadn’tahintofmodesty,either.Andwithakillerbody,itwasnowonder.

“Wait.Whenyousayarrested,youmeantheytookyoutojail?”

Shenodded.“Theyletusgetdressedfirst.”

Teaguedidn’tseemtofindthatasamusingasErindid,hersister ’smouthstillslightlydownturned.

“WhatdidMomandDadsay?”

“Theydon’tknow.NooneknowsbutLukeandnowyou.”Sheslidherfingeraroundtherimofher

emptyglass.“AndIexpectittostaythatwaynowthatwe’resharingstuff.”

“YoucalledLuketobailyouout?”

Theirolderbrother,Luke,hadlivedinLosAngelesatthetimeandluckyforErin,hehadn’tbeen

outofthecountryonassignmentforhisjobasanextremesportsphotographer.He’dlaughedhisass

off when Erin told him what had happened, but he’d also posted her bail with a money transfer

quickerthanshecouldsaythankyou.

“He’salwaystoldusifweeverneededanythingtolethimknow,soIdid.”

Teaguesettledbackinherchairandcrossedherarms.“Yoursecretissafewithme.”

See?Youcantrustyourfamily,yourfriends.

Keepingupthisindependent,tough-girlimagedidn’tmeanshecouldn’topenupmorewiththose

close to her. Especially her sisters. It felt nice confiding in Teague, and it wouldn’t be at all bad

sharingmore.

Shethoughtbacktohowmuchfunshe’dhadwithwhatwashisname—Levi—thatdayinColorado.

He’d been an awesome guy and if hundreds of miles hadn’t separated their zip codes, she could’ve

picturedhimasboyfriendmaterial.Maybeitwastimetothinkaboutfindingaguytohangoutwith

forlongerthanherthree-daterule.Itdidn’tmeanshehadtofallinlove.Justgettoknowsomeone

beyondwhatkindofpizzaheliked.

ForaWednesdaynight,theCrown&Anchorwashopping.Severalpumpkinsdecoratedthepubin

honorofHalloweennextweek,andonegirlhadapparentlydecidedtodressincostumeearly.Erin

couldn’tdecideifshewasaFrenchmaidorpirate,buttheguysgawkingdidn’tseemtocare.

“Doyouthinkyou’lleverfallinloveagain?”Teagueasked,likeshecouldreadErin’smind.She

putherelbowsonthetableandcuppedherfaceinherhands.

Deepdownyouwishforthewhitepicketfenceandtwo-point-fivechildren.

Erinhatedthatdamnthoughtcreepinguponherallthetime.Herfamilyandfriendsknewhowher

boyfriendofthreeyears,themanshethoughtshewasgoingtomarry,hadcheatedonherformonths

beforeshe’dfoundout.Twoweeksbeforecollegegraduationshe’dfoundhiminbed—intheirbed—

withhis“othergirlfriend.”Hisslightly-rounded-with-childothergirlfriend,whoalsohappenedtobe

Erin’ssometimerivalandsororitysister.

She’dtossedhisclothesoutthethree-storywindow,lettheharpygetdressed,andtoldthemtoget

outoftheapartmentandnevercomeback.Thenshe’dcriedforsevenstraighthours.

Everydaydidgeteasier.Everydayshehatedthepowerherexstillheldoverher,but…Butwhat?

Livealonefortherestofherlifeortakeanotherchance?ErincopiedTeague’sposeandsaid,“Ithink

it’stimewemakealist.”

“Whatkindoflist?”

Erinstraightened.“Havesomethingtowritewith?”

Teaguepulledapenfromherpurse.Erinslidthenapkinoutfromunderherglass.“Alistofmust-

haveboyfriendqualities,”Erinsaid.Shetookthepenandwrote:

1.Blondhair

“That’snotaquality,”Teaguesaid.

“True,buttheysayblondshavemorefun,sowecanchalkituptothat.”

2.Senseofhumor

“Amanwhocanmakemelaughisverysexy.”Erinscannedthebarforsignsoffunny.Therewere

a bunch of guys at the bar who looked like they might know a joke or two, but her high school

boyfriendwaswiththem,sotheywereallout.CouplesandolderresidentsofCascadefilledmostof

thetablesandbooths.Andthenhereyeslandedonagroupoffiremenandparamedicsfromthelocal

station.Eachnicetolookat,butallwaytooserious.

TroyStreiberturnedhisheadandhiseyeslockedonhers.

Especiallyhim.

“How’bout,‘willbecomplimentary,’”Teaguesuggested.

ErinbrokeeyecontactwithTroy.“Ilikethat.”Whenwasthelasttimeaguyhadcomplimentedher?

Shecouldn’tremember.Sayingshehadanicerackdidn’tcount.

3.Complimentwhenit’sleastexpected

4.Bedaringandwillingtobreaksomerules

“Um,that’snotsoimportanttome.”Teaguescrunchedhernoseandshookherhead.

5.Besweet

“How’sthat?”Erinasked,tryingtosoundsincere.Yes,sweetwouldbenice,butsweetwasasure

waytowiggleintoagirl’sheartbeforeshewasready.

Teaguesighed.“That’sgood.”

Erin smiled. For all her twenty-two years, Teague had never once been anything but cute and

lovable,soitwasnowondershewantedthesameinreturn.

6.WillnotjudgemeforwatchingrealityTV

“Ohmygosh,yes,”Teaguesaid.Thetwoofthemwereslightlyaddictedanddidn’tcarethattherest

oftheirfamilythoughttheirfascinationalittleextreme.

Erin lifted the pen and looked around the pub again. Three good-looking twentysomething

professionals, their ties loosened, drinks in their hands, stood at the far end of the bar and one of

them…

“Threeo’clock,”Erinsaid,droppinghervoicetoawhisper.“Theguycan’ttakehiseyesoffyou.”

Withoutmovingherhead,Teaguetookapeekoutofthecornerofhereye.“Erin!”shesaidunder

herbreath.“That’shim.WhatdoIdo?”

“Him?Him?Winnerofthecoveted—”

“Shh!”Teagueleanedbackinherchairandtoyedwithherhair,curlingapiecearoundherfinger.

“Hesaidhemightbehere.”

“He’s cute.” Erin did the honors of watching his every move, since Teague seemed frozen. “You

shouldgotalktohim.”

“Ishould?”

“Definitely. He just hasn’t made his move yet because he’s with his friends. You need to wiggle

yourbuttoverthere,sayhi,andhe’llbeyoursforthenight.”

Teaguesatupanddidanapparentpracticerunofflutteringhereyelashes.“Youthinkso?”

“Iknowso.Nowgo.”ShenoddedinCuteGuy’sdirection.

Hersisterstoodandmorethanoneheadturnedtowatchhercrossthepubtothebar.Thesecond

shegotcloseenoughtoLoverBoy,though,hehadanarmaroundherandapossessivegrinonhis

face.

ErinreachedintoherjeanspocketforherChapStick.Sheswipeditacrossherlipsandrolledher

eyes when High School Boyfriend watched her like he might need some lip balm too—taken from

hermouth.Hmm…Hehadbeenagoodkisser.

“Heythere,”Kagansaid,sittingdownandsavingherfrommakinganothermistake.“Myshiftjust

endedandShaneisonhiswayover,”herfriendcontinued.“WantsomecompanynowthatTeagueis

otherwiseengaged?”Theybothdartedaglanceatthebar.

Yep.Teaguewasdefinitelyengaged.

“Iloveyourcompanyallthetime,”Erinsaid.KaganwastheCrown&Anchor ’sbestwaitressand

she’drecentlystartedherownjewelrybusiness,too.Shewasalsoagreatfriend.Thekindoffriend

shecouldtrust,Erinrealized.

“What’sthis?”KaganpickedupthenapkinandreadErin’sscribbles.Shebracedahandontheedge

ofthetable.“Don’ttellmethisisalistofyourfuturehusband’sattributes.”

ErinpluckedthepaperoutofKagan’shand.“It’snot—”

“OhmyGod.Itis!”Kagangrinnedwidelyenoughtocatchattentionandherfeetdidalittlehappy

dance,thetappingsoundsomehowlouderthanifthey’dbeensittinginthebleachersatWattersField

watchingahomerunduringoneofLukeandShane’ssoftballgames.

“Bite your tongue. It has nothing to do with a husband. But…” Erin let out a deep breath. “But I

guessI’mwarmingtotheideaofaboyfriend.”

Kagan’seyesdancednow,too.

“Maaaybe,”sheadded.Inthepastsixmonths,ErinhadwatchedhersisterVanessawalkdownthe

aislewiththemanofherdreams.She’dwatchedherbrotherfallmadlyinloveandelopewithSela,

the girl of his dreams and one of Erin’s closest friends. And just last month Kagan had gotten

engagedtoShane,herbrother ’sbestfriend.

Soitwasnowonderwithallthispairingoffgoingonaroundherthatshefeltsomeurgetofinda

match,too.

Toberemindedthatnotallguyswerejerkswhocheat.

“Hey, beautiful.” Shane nuzzled Kagan’s neck. She mmm’d and he straddled the chair next to her,

settlinginwithhisarmscrossedoverthehighback.“Sowhat’sgoingonhere?Wordhasityoutwo

areuptosomething.”

Erin had a feeling Kagan’s little outburst wouldn’t go unnoticed. “Nosy” was everyone’s middle

nameintheirtinyseasidetown.Shesmiled—justalittle—becausehello?Shanehadbeeninthebar

foralloftensecondsandgottenwindoftheirsomething.

Kaganraisedherbrowsandgaveatight-lippedsmile.CanItellhim?beingcommunicatedwithout

aword.

“We’rediscussinggoodqualitiesinaboyfriend,”Erinsaid,slidingthenapkinunderherthigh.

Shaneblessedherwithoneofhiskillersmiles.Sincehewaslikeabrothertoher,sheappreciatedit

forjustthat,butshewasprettysuresheheardawomanbehindhergiveaswoonysigh.Kagandid,

too.

“Let’shear’em,”hesaidwithhiscockyyetcharmingtoneofvoice.

“Hear what?” Oliver said, putting a fresh beer down in front of Shane and grabbing a seat.

“Ladies.”HiswhiteCascadeFireDepartmentT-shirthadsomesplotchesofbluedye,likehe’dmixed

hiscolorswhendoingthelaundry.

“Thanks,dude,”Shanesaid.“Caretomakeanotherbetononeofthisweekend’sgames?”

Beersweretradedlikedollarbillseveryweekafterthecollegefootballgames.Andwhenfootball

seasonendeditwashockey,basketball,baseball,whateversportseasonitwas.

Oliver ’s frosty glass, Erin noticed, was filled with good old fashioned root beer. Just like all the

otherguysfromthefiredepartmentheretonight,nodoubt.

“Absolutely,”Oliversaid.“Let’sgettheotherguysinvolvedtoo.”Hewhistledandwavedacrossthe

restaurant,andfourmorehighlyregardedboysfromStationTwenty-Ninedescendedontheirtable.

Troy pulled up a chair next to her. “Hey,” he said, his warm brown eyes fringed with long, dark

lashescapturingherattention.

“Hi.”

“Howareyou?”

“I’mfine,thankyou.”

“Youstillmad—”

“Justdropit,okay?”

“Okay.”HisgazemovedtothedancefloorandMissPirateBootywithherFrenchmaidrufflesall

amok.

Good.

Lastweekshe’dledagroupoftypeAbusinessmenhopingtoalleviatesomestressonahike.Asthe

assistantdirectorofactivitiesforCascadeOutbackAdventure,sheknewtheterrain,buthermindhad

beenelsewhere.Whatanidiotshe’dbeennottonoticethepain-in-the-assplant.Itwasn’tuntilwelts

poppeduponherarmandshegotitchythatsherealizedhermistake.

She hadn’t been prepared for the stupid rash to spread, though, and her tongue to swell and her

breathing to falter. She’d wanted to drive herself to urgent care, but a coworker insisted on calling

911.Troyarrived,gaveherashotofepinephrine,andtookherforanambulanceridetothehospital.

Againstherwishes.

Theshothadcuredher.Shedidn’tneedtheERdoctotellhershe’dbefine.

SoTroyknewshehadanabnormalallergytopoisonoakandhadlookedquitehappywithhimself

forcomingtoherrescue—andnotforthefirsttime,giventhewhole“gashinherhand,afraidtosee

her own blood” thing from several weeks ago. Which really pissed her off, since she was not a

damselindistressanddidn’twantanyonethinkingso—andputtoresttheoccasionaleyeflirtingand

nicetieswhentheyranintoeachother.

Mr.StraightArrowmighthavebeennicetolookatonce,butnotanymore.

Outofthecornerofhereye,shepeekedathim.Okay,maybeshe’dstilllook.Withhissquarejaw,

perfectnose,andcontagioussmile,therewereworsethingstospendtimeon.

Hislegbrushedhersandtinglesspreadthroughoutherthigh.

Damnelectricalshock.

“Erin?”Shanesaid.“Yourthoughts?”

Sheblinkedandfoundeveryone’seyesonher.“Sorry.What?”

“MylastgirlfrienddumpedmebecauseIhadn’treadabooksincecollege,”Oliverchimedin—or

mayberepeated.“Harsh,don’tyouthink?”

WhileErinhadzonedoutforaminute,Kaganmusthavestartedthediscussiononboyfriendsand

theirtraits.

“Thatwasheronlyreason?”Erinteased.

“Reading’s not a quality,” Kagan said. “It’s a hobby. I’ve been trying to teach these guys the

difference.”

“Basically,datingislikeclimbingavolcanoandyouneverknowwhenit’sgoingtoerupt,dumping

moltenlavaandburningyou,”Oliversaid.

“Ohhh!” rang out from the guys. They shook their heads, and laughter danced in their eyes.

“Seriously,dude?”Shanegavehisfriendaplayfulpushinthechest.“That’stheanalogyyou’regoing

with?Youwritepoetryforanyoftheseexes?”

“Shutthe—”Oliverstarted.

“Okay,boys,”Erinsaid.“Howaboutweswitchtopics?”

“Nosofast.”ShanereachedaroundKaganandpulledonastrandofErin’shairjusttoannoyher.

“Wehaven’theardfromyouyet.”

ShepointedherthumbatTroy.“Orhim.”

“I’mnotlookingforaboyfriend,”Troysaid,alittletwinkleinhiseye.

Whatwasthis?AnnoyErintime?

“WhenIfindtherightguy,you’llknowthequalitiesI’mlookingfor.”ShegrabbedShane’sbeer

andtookaswig.

“Couldbeyou’vesetyoursightstoohigh,givennoguy’slandedmorethanacoupleofdateswith

you.” Shane knew all about her college boyfriend. He’d offered to go rough him up after she’d

graduatedandmovedbackhomeheartbroken.Sheknewhewasn’tserious,butitwasawfullyniceof

himtocarethatmuch.Forthepastfewmonths,though,he’dbeentellinghertogetoverit.

“OritcouldbeallyouCascadeboysarelackingsomething.”Shesmirked.

“Ohhh!”theguyspealedagain.

“Youcouldfindamatchmaker,”Kaganoffered,hereyebrowsraised.

“You did not just say that.” Erin squirmed in her seat. Her leg brushed Troy’s. And once again a

rainbowofpinprickstickledherthigh.

“Hangon,”Oliversaid,leaningforwardwithhiselbowsonthetable.“We’vegotonerighthere.

MybuddyTroyhassetup,what?Twoorthreecoupleswhoendedupgettingmarried?”

Erin’sthroatconstricted.

One,shedidn’twantanymatchmakinggoingon.Andtwo,thelastpersonshewantedfixingherup

withsomeonewasTroy.He’dprobablyintroducehertoaby-the-book,boring,sweetguy. No thank

you.

“That’s—” she and Troy started to say simultaneously. They locked gazes for a second and then

Troylookedawayandsaid,“Goahead.”

“That’s…okay.I’mgoodonmyown.”Shestretchedherneckfromsidetosideandlookedoverher

shoulder.Great.CandaceBrewerwassittingatthenexttablewithtwogirlfriends.Thethreeofthem

wereliketheLeaningTowerofPisatryingtoeavesdrop.Candacewiggledherfingersingreeting,

nottheleastbitashamedofbeingcaughtlistening.

ErinandCandacewentwaybackandhadprettymuchbeenarchenemiesfromthedaytheymetin

firstgradeandErinmistakenlygrabbedCandace’slunchboxinsteadofherown.Afewweekslater

ErinaccidentallyspilledpaintonCandace’sStudentoftheMonthcertificate.Forgivenessdidn’tcome

easilytoCandace,andtheyjustnevergotalongafterthat.Candacewasanonlychild,spoiledbyher

parents,andalwaysthefirsttooffercriticismratherthanadvice.

Then in middle school Candace had decided to call Erin “spaghetti and meatballs” because she’d

beensuperskinnyasapreteen,butherchesthaddevelopedbeforeeveryoneelse’s.Attwelve,having

everyboystareatherboobshadbeenhumiliating.

ButitwasaroundErin’sthirteenthbirthdaythatCandace’sbreachoftrustcementedtheanimosity

betweenthem.Inanattempttoreachoutandbefriendlier,ErinletitsliptoCandacethatshehopedto

have her first kiss with Jake Carlson. Jake was in their math and English classes and Erin had the

feelinghelikedher.Shereallylikedhim.ButthenextdayatschoolCandacestartedflirtingwithJake.

Thedayafterthattheywereholdinghands.Andthedayafterthattheykissedatlunch.

Candace’scold,triumphantsmileafterwardwasdirectedrightatErin.

“Notsofast,”Oliveroffered.“TroywasstationedforafewmonthsinBeaverCreekbeforeaspot

openedhere.Youwanttomeetaguywho’snotfromCascade,Troy’syourman.”

“Yourwingman!”Kagansaid,bouncinginherseat.

“No,”ErinandTroysaidatthesametime.

SheturnedtoTroy.“No?Whynot?”Didhethinkshewasun-set-up-able?

“Yousaidyouweregoodonyourown.”

Oh.Right.“Iam.”

“Idon’tthinkhecoulddoitanyway,”Shanesaid,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.

“TroycouldsobeErin’swingmanandfindheragoodguy,”Kagansaid.

“You’reon,JellyBelly.”Shaneshookhandswithhisfiancée.

“Waitaminute,”Troysaid.

Erinnarrowedhereyesatthetwotroublemakers.“Thisisnotuptoyouguys.”

“You backing down from a challenge, Miss Independent?” Shane laced his fingers with Kagan’s

atopthetableandEringotthefeelingshe’djustbeenbamboozled.

“TherearesomanynamesIwanttocallyourightnow,”shesaidtoShaneandthenaimedhereyes

atTroy.“Thisisridiculous.Tellthem.”

Something sparked in the depths of his heavenly brown eyes and Erin got the sinking feeling he

didn’tliketobackdownfromachallengeeither.“Ireallydon’t—”

“Groceryshoppingforamonthsaysyoucan’tfindErinherdreamguy,”Oliversaid.

“Makeittwomonthsandyou’reon,”Troyfiredback.

“Done.”Oliverfist-bumpedalltheguysandKagan.

Erin took a deep breath to keep her cool. Something smelled good. Fresh and a little woodsy.

Rugged.Troy.Shejumpedtoherfeet.“I’mgladyouallfindthisamusing.”

“Whereyougoing?”Kaganasked,worryslippingintohertone.

“The little girls’ room.” She crossed the pub with slow steps so she could discreetly check on

Teague at the bar. Her sister had a big smile on her face and a cute guy’s arm slung over her

shoulders.God,howwoulditfeeltobelight-headedanddizzyforsomeoneagain?

She walked down the hallway leading to the restroom. Before she turned the corner, though, she

paused.TherewasnomistakingCandace’ssaccharinesweetvoicearoundthebend.

“…ThereisnowayErinWattersgetsaboyfriendbeforeme,”Candacesaid.“Iwon’tallowit.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”Femalevoice,butErindidn’trecognizeit.

“Findtheloveofmylifefirst.Infact,Ialreadyhavemysightsonsomeone.”

Deepdownyouwishforthewhitepicketfence…

Okay.No. No, no,no. Erin turnedand marched back intothe pub. Hellwould freeze over before

sheletCandaceBrewerfindaboyfriendbeforeshedid.

ChapterTwo

Grocery shopping. Troy hated it. Every time he and a couple of the guys went to buy food for the

station, he was hit on. The produce aisle was especially dangerous. He refused to buy zucchini

anymore. The guys had a running joke about it, which he didn’t mind. But having a two-month

reprieve?Soundedawesome.

“Hey,wheredideverybodygo?”Erinsaid,sittingacrossthetablefromhim.

“Theythoughtweshouldmakeaplananddidn’twanttointrude.”Helookedupfromthenapkinin

hishand.

Shethrewherheadbackandlaughed.“Nowtheydon’twanttointerfere?”

Troy smiled. Erin was just about the best-looking thing he’d ever laid eyes on, and when she

laughedhewantedtoputitonrepeat.Herbright-blueeyeswereprettierthanthesunrisingoverdeep-

greenbladesofgrass.Herlongnut-brownhairwithsoftwavesalwayslookedslightlymessy—and

sexy.Andherbody?Jesus.Shapely,subtlecurvesthathesuspectedfilledeveryguy’sheadwithdirty

thoughts.

Too bad she was also reckless, fearless, impulsive, and foolhardy. She embodied everything he

didn’twantinawomaneveragain.

“So,Iguesswe’regonnadothis,”Troysaid.

“Sure.Whynot?”Erinwavedherarmintheair,likenobigdeal,butshefidgetedinherseat.

“Thisyours?”Troyliftedthenapkin.“Ifounditonyourchair.”

She pursed her lips, drawing Troy’s attention to their lush form. “It is. Teague and I were just

messingaround.Ifyouthinkitwillhelp,though,byallmeans,tuckitinyourpocket.”Shesmiledand

sortofblindedhimforamoment.Hedroppedhisgazetoherlistandranahandthroughhisbrown

hair.

The first time he’d met Erin had been at her sister ’s bachelorette party several months ago right

hereinthispub.She’dbeenbyfarthehottestwomanintheroom.Buthisfriendhadlaideyesonher

first—a blessing in disguise given he’d later found out she was an adrenaline junkie who never

played it safe. His heart had taken a beating at that, his memories spiraling back to Jamie. Never

again, he’d promised himself. He’d never again get caught up with a woman who thought she was

invincible.

Notthathehadthetimeorinclinationtogetinvolvedwithsomeone.

He’denjoyedsomeinnocentflirtingwithErin.Andhehadlikedcomingtoherrescueacoupleof

times,too.Haditcrossedhismindtogobeyondthat?Sure.Butthatwasjusthisout-of-actionlibido

talking.

“ShouldItakethesetobeinorderofimportance?”heasked.

Shelaughedagain.Therich,melodioussoundcaughttheattentionofotherpeopleandhejoinedin

thesmilesspillinglikedominoes.“Yeah,findmeablondandyou’regoodtogo.”

“Iknowjusttheguy.”

“Really?”Hertonewashopefulasshemovedtotheedgeofherseat,andforthefirsttimehegota

glimpseofagirlwhomightnotbeascarefreeassheledeveryonetobelieve.

Troyscannedtherestofherlistagain.Givenherjobandloveoftheoutdoors,heactuallydidknow

justtheguy.“Yeah.He’sabikelaneengineerinPortland.”

Interestflashedinhereyes.“Okay.Setitup.”Shefellbackagainstherchair,hershouldersrelaxed.

“You should come, too, though. Not that I don’t trust your judgment, but I’ve gone on a blind date

and…”

“Youwantmetheretorescueyouifhe’snotwhatyou’relookingfor.”Hefoldedthenapkinandput

itinthebackpocketofhisjeans.

Sheopenedhermouthtospeak,butthenclampedherlipsshut.“Maybe…Yes,”shefinallysaid.

Hervoicehadsoftenedandhehadnoideawhattomakeofit.Hismomandtwinsistertoldhimall

thetimethathe’drescuedthem.ButhelookedatcominghometoCascadesevenmonthsagotohelp

his family as a no-brainer. When his brother-in-law passed away, unexpectedly leaving his sister

withoutahusbandandhisfour-year-oldniecewithoutadaddy,he’dimmediatelyaskedforatransfer.

Couldn’tgethomequickenough.

ThejobopeninginBeaverCreekcameupandhetookit,commutingfromhismom’sguesthouse

untiltheCFDdecidedtheyneededonemorerescueparamedicandaddedhimtotheirroster.

Betweenhelpinghisfamilyanddoinghisjob,hehadlittletimeforhimself.Agoodthingbecause

thatalsoleftlittletimetodwellonhisownloss.Hisowneffed-uphead.

“Hardtoturnofftheimpulsetohelppeople,”hesaid.

“Didyoualwayswanttobeaparamedic?”

“EversinceIwasnineand…”Heswallowed.Whycouldn’thetellpeopleabouthisaccidentwithout

gettingallworkedup?“I’vegottogo.”Hestartedtostand.

Erinstoppedhimwithahandtohisarm.“Wait.Andwhat?Youcan’tleavemehanginghere.”She

peeredupathimunderlongeyelashesandhereyessaidsheknew.Sheknewwhateverhewasaboutto

saywasn’teasy,butshewantedtohearit.

Likeanidiot,hesatbackdown.Musicplayedfromspeakers,conversationfilledtheair;cheersand

jeers from the dartboard area filled in the rest of the space. All the sounds made sharing his past a

littleeasier,likemaybeErinwouldn’tcatcheverything.

“I was in a motorbike accident. Broke both my legs. The paramedics who got to me first left an

impression.Oneoftheguyskeptintouch.”

“Wow.”Shelookedathimnotwithpity,butwithinterest,herprettyeyeswidening.“Didyouever

rideagain?”

“No. It was a long, hard recovery. Three surgeries. Crapload of rehab. I missed a whole year of

school.MymomaskedmenottorideagainsoIdidn’t.Shesaidshewouldn’tbeabletohandleit.My

friends all moved on without me. It sucked. But I eventually met a new group of guys and got into

otherthings.”

ErintracedherfingerinthecondensationonthetablefromShane’sglass.“Ihadnoideayouwere

adaredevilasakid.”

“Whywouldyou?”

Sheshrugged.

“Well,Ican’tbelieveagirllikeyoudoesn’thaveaboyfriend.”

“Girllikeme?”

Hebrokeeyecontactandlookedoverhershoulder.Troyhadlovedonewoman:Jamie.They’dmet

at college in Boulder and dated all four years. Moved in together after graduation while he did his

paramedic courses. They both loved outdoor adventure and they did it all. Bungee jumping,

skydiving, hiking, rock climbing. Almost a year ago now, he’d been deciding how to ask her to

marryhim.Henevergotthechance.

She’d told him as he walked out the door for work one morning that she was going to climb

Devil’sHangar.Whenhisstationgotthecallthatarockclimberhadbeenfatallystruckbyarockthat

wasdislodgedwhilescalingDevil’sHangar,hishearthadhittheground.HeknewitwasJamie.Asa

rescue-trainedparamedicandfirstonthescene,herappelleddownthesideofthemountaintogether

body.Hisheadhadspun,miserytorehimtopiecesinside,andhe’dstartedtosweat,shake,searchfor

somethingtoclingto.Suddenly,theheightscaredtheshitoutofhimandhecouldn’tmove.

Hadn’tbeenabletohandleheightssince.

Heforcedhisthoughtsawayfromthatpainfultime.“Agirlwholikestotakerisks,”hesaid.The

kindofgirlheneveragainwantedtobewith.Hisheadandheartwouldn’tbeabletotakeit.

“Yeah,well,whenitcomestomyheart,I’mmorecareful.”

Troystudiedherbeautifulface.Someguyhadreallyhurther,hedecided.

…

ErindidnotlikethewayTroywaslookingather.Hisverynicebrowneyessearchedherfacelikehe

wastryingtoreadher.Shehadnoideawhathewaslookingfor,butherentirebodyshivered.

“Igetthat,”hesaid.

“Yeah?You’vehadyourheartbroken?”

Herubbedhisclean-shavenjawline.“Atimeortwo.”

“Brokenafew?”

“Idon’tthinkso.”Hisgazejumpedoverhershoulderandhegaveasalutetosomeone.

Erintwisted.Oliverandtheotherfiremenwereheadedtowardtheexit.“Yeah,you’retoonicetodo

that.You’reprobablyfriendswithallyouroldgirlfriends.”

“Iwouldn’tsaythat.”

“Whatwouldyousay?”

“Hey,”Teaguesaid,ploppingdownatthetable.“Hi.”ShesmiledatTroy.“Idon’tthinkwe’veever

beenformallyintroduced.I’mTeague,Erin’ssister.”

“Troy.It’snicetomeetyou.”Hesmiledback,andoutofleftfieldErinfoundherselfwantingtosee

anotherone.

ShewavedheremptybeerglassatthewaitresswhileTeagueaskedTroyaquestion.Sheobviously

neededanotherdrink.Andmaybeherheadexamined,becausethisstupidwingman-matchmakerthing

meantshe’dbearoundTroymoreoftenthanshe’dlike.

Catching the waitress’s attention also caught Candace’s. She sneered at Erin. The tables really

neededtobespacedfartherapart.“Somethingonyourmind,Candace?”Erinsaid,sinceTeagueand

Troyweredeepinconversation.

“Actually,yes.Iwasgoingtosendyouanemail,buttellingyouinpersonissomuchbetter.You’ve

been outvoted. Winners of the Chocolate Games can’t enter the competition again with a different

recipe.”HerwordswerecalculatedtohurtErin,andtheydid.

She’d won the baking competition last spring and immediately afterward Candace—who ran the

contest—announcedwinnerscouldn’tenteragain.Anewrulesuddenlyimplemented,Eringuessed,to

keepherout,soshe’dfiledaprotest.Candacehatedthatshe’dcomeinfirstplace.

“Notthatyou’dhaveaprayerofwinningitagainanyway.”

The votes against her, no doubt, belonged to the other two girls at the table with Candace. “You

finishedgloating?”

Candaceliftedherchin.“Yes.”

Erintwistedbackaround.Shewouldn’tgiveCandacethesatisfactionofanargument.Andreally,it

wasn’tthatbigofadeal.She’djustteamupwithSelaagainandthey’dputSela’snameontheentry

thistime.

TeaguelaughedatsomethingTroysaidandthenturnedtoher.“So,Iwaswondering.Wouldyou

mindifIgotaridehomewithmy,uh,friend?”

Erinsqueezedhersister ’shand.“Notatall.”

“Okay.Thanks.I’lltalktoyoutomorrow.Itwasnicemeetingyou,Troy.”Shegotupandskipped

backtoLoverBoy.Yes,skipped.

Jeez. Ten seconds. That’s all it took for her sister to dump her. She caught the waitress’s eye and

gavethesignal—ahandswipeinfrontofherneck—thatshe’dchangedhermindaboutanotherdrink

andwasdoneforthenight.Milt,theCrown&Anchor ’sownerandpricklybartender,wouldaddthe

night’sconsumptiontoheropentab.Shewasprettysuresheowedhimaboutagazilliondollarsby

now, but her chocolate-chocolate chip bacon bars made up for some of it. He loved them and she

happilybakedthemforhimwheneverhemutteredhewasinneedofacookiefix.

“Since my date just got a better offer, I think I’ll head home.” She left several dollars’ tip on the

tableandthenpressedherhandstoherthighsandstood.

“I’llwalkyouout.”Troy’sarmbrushedhersashereachedherside.

And once again the simple touch sent an electrical current through her. Whatever mojo he had

goingon,shewishedhe’duseitonsomeoneelse.

Theypushedouttherestaurantdoor.Coldautumnairgreetedher;thesmellofwetleavesandrain

tickled her nose. Glancing up, she saw clouds drifting across the full moon. “Could we shoot for

Fridaynight?”

“That’sdoableforme.I’llcallmybuddyandseeifhe’savailable.”

“What’shisname?”

“BryceHood.”

“BryceHood,”sherepeated.“Ithasaniceringtoit.”

“Itdoes,”heagreedgood-naturedly.

Theystoppedathercar.Heleanedhishiponthereardriver ’s-sidedoorwhilesheletherbuttand

backrestonthedriver ’sdoor.

“Weshouldsetsomeguidelines,”shesaid.“Especiallysincehe’safriendofyours.Idon’twantto

hurthisfeelingsifthingsaren’tworking.”

“Absolutely.Butlet’sstartwithafewquestions.IshouldknowalittlemoreaboutErinWatterssoI

canfillBryceinonyourvirtues.What’syourfavoritesportsteam?”

“Ihatetalkingaboutmyself.”

“Don’t care. Fess up.” He inclined his head and her world went a little tipsy. His soul-searching

melted-chocolateeyesweremesmerizing.Sheremindedherselfnottolookinthemanymore.

“AndifIdon’t?”shesaidtotheground.

“I’llmakeyou,”heteased.

“Youcan’tmakeme.”

“Wanttobet?”Alittlemorespacedisappearedbetweenthem.

Allofasudden,shewantedtodolotsofthingswiththehotparamedicbesideher.Noneofthem

good.“Ineverloseabet.”

“Favoritesportsteam,”herepeated,histoneeven.

She crossed her arms, pressed her lips together, and lifted her chin. She’d perfected the pose

growingupwhenoneofhersiblingswaspushingforinfoshedidn’twanttoshare.

Troy’shandswereonherasplitsecondlater.Shegaspedandthengiggledandthenwentintofull-

blownlaughmode.Becausesomehowheknewshewasticklish.Hisfingershithersidesandshetried

towiggleoutofhisplayfulgrasp,buthehadherbetweenhisarmsnowandshecouldn’tescape.

“ThePatriots,”shemanagedtocallout.

Hestopped,pulledback.Smiled.Sheforcedafrowninreturn.

“Do you like to be called by a nickname?” he asked, like he hadn’t just groped her into the best

laughshe’dhadinawhile.

“IcanthinkofafewnamesI’dliketocallyourightnow.”

Hiseyebrowslifted.“Goforit.”

“HowdidyouknowIwassoticklish?”shesaidinstead.

“When I stitched up your hand last month you had a hard time keeping still. Palms are sensitive

spots,butIcouldtellitwasmore.”

Damn.Hewasright.He’dtickledherhandlikecrazybutshe’dstayedstoic.Untilhe’dsaiditwas

stillbleeding.Thenshe’dalmostpassedout.

A few people stumbled out of the Crown & Anchor, the happy sounds inside wafting to her ears

beforethedoorclosed.

“So,nickname?”

She felt her cheeks redden. She’d had one in college that she’d never told anyone at home about.

“Nope.”

“Liar.”

Sheshrugged.

“Didn’t we just establish I can get it out of you?” He angled himself closer. This more relaxed,

playfulTroywasveryunnerving.Whathadgottenintohim?Shestartedtostepaway,buthetrapped

heragainstthecar,hisarmsbracedoneithersideofherbody.“Comeon,tellme.”

“No.”

“Chicken.”Hiseyesglittered.Heknewhehadherwiththatdescriptionandshebristled.

“IfItellyou,thenIgettoaskyouanythingIwantandyouhavetoanswerit.”

“Fine.”

Justblurtitout.Shecouldn’tbelieveshewasabouttotellhim.Nervesdidaone-twostepdownher

back.Dammit.Shenevergotnervous.“ErinGoBragh.OrjustGoBragh.”

“Doesn’tthatmeanIrelandforever?Ididn’tknowyouwereIrish.”

“EveryonehasabitofIrishinthem,right?”ShelaidherbestIrishaccentonhim.

“Notbuyingit.”Hestayedput.Whywasn’thebackingoff?Sheneededsomespace.

Goosebumpsskitteredupthebackofherarms.Shepressedherhandsagainstthecoldmetalofher

car.

“Okay,fine.”Toherchagrin,shesoundedbreathy.Worriedhe’dnoticehiseffectonher,shedida

quickmentalslap.“IncollegewheneverIdranktoomuch,Ihadatendencytotakeoffmybra.I’dslip

itrightoutfromundermyshirtlikeitwastootightorsomething.Sothe‘gobragh’means‘gobra’

likelettingmybrago.Itbecameajokewithmysororitysistersandfraternityfriends.”

HiseyesdippedtoherchestandGod,shefeltitasifhe’dtouchedherthere.Theaircrackledwith

electricity.Twosecondslater,hesteppedbackandhisgazesnappedtoherface.

“Sorry,”hemuttered.

“Noworries.Agirlsays‘bra’andaguy’sattentioninstantlygoestoherchest.”

“Notokayforawingman.So,yourguidelines?”

“Forgetit.We’llplayitbyear.It’smucheasierthatway.”Shecouldn’tdecipherexactlywhathad

justhappenedbetweenthem,anditbuggedherthatshe’denjoyedhisattention.Anydirectionshegave

him now would probably be clouded by her moronic pleasure. “So, why don’t you have a

girlfriend?”sheasked.

“What?”

“Myquestionforyouis,whynogirlfriend?”She’dheardhe’dmovedbacktoCascadetohelphis

familyoutafterhisbrother-in-law’spassingandguessedbetweenthatandwork,hestayedbusy.But

jeez, she didn’t even really like him and looking his way set her on edge. Hot was a major

understatement.Andthroughthegossipmill,she’dheardthatsinceShanewasnowtaken,Troywas

thenexthighly-sought-afterbachelor.

Asfarassheknew,though,hehadn’tevenbeenoutonadatesincereturninghome.

“Don’thavethetime,”hesaid.

“Youdoknowyou’reamajortopicofconversationwiththesinglegirlsofCascade.”

Herubbedthebackofhisneck,creaseslininghisforehead.“Ididnotknowthat.”Helookedaway.

“Thatbothersyou?”

“Itdoes.”

“Icouldspreadarumorthatyou’regay.”

His attention popped back to her. “And have all the single guys of Cascade talking about me?” A

slowsmilespreadacrosshisface.

Erinwrappedherarmsaroundhermiddleandlaugheduntilsheneededtocatchabreath.“Afewof

themprobablyalreadyare.”

“Iamprettylikable.”

“Iwouldn’tknow.”

Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Aaannndthat’smycue.”Hesteppedback.“I’llletyouknowaboutFriday.

Goodnight.”

“Night,”shesaidandhurriedintohercarbeforeshedidsomethingstupid.Likesayhewaslikable.

…

Thenextday,TroywalkedintoCaptainSullivan’sofficeandtookaseatacrossthedeskfromtheman

herespectedaboveallothers.“Captain.”

“Troy,”hesaidwithaffection,fondness.

“I take it you heard from Dr. Snow.” Or as Troy liked to call her, the White Witch. The woman

didn’thaveacompassionateboneinherbody.Whysheworkedasatherapisthehadnoidea.

“Shesaysyou’vefailedtoshowuptoyourlasttwoappointments.”

“Morelikedecidedagainst.”Heclearedhisthroat.“Look,Captain,thewoman—”

“Dr.Snow,”CaptainSullivancorrected.

“Dr.SnowiscoldandarrogantandIdon’tthinkpsychotherapyisgoingtohelpmegetovermy

acrophobia.EspeciallysinceIcan’trelaxwhenI’mwithher.Hereyesareblackandpenetrating,and

shebarelyblinks—”

CaptainSullivanputuphishand.“Gotcha.Youshouldhavecometomesooner.”

ShameclimbedupthebackofTroy’sneck.Hehatedbeingafraidofheights.Hatedthefearthathad

wounditswayaroundhispsycheinatightknotaftertheaccidentwithJamie.

Hehatedthathecouldn’tjustgetoveritalready.Foralmostayearnowhe’dletwhathappenedon

that mountain stifle him. He’d missed certain search-and-rescue operations because of it. He’d let

panic attacks wake him in the middle of the night. It was time to get mentally tough and kick this

phobia out of his head. If he didn’t get his shit together soon, he’d lose his position with the fire

department.

“You’reright,”Troysaid.“IthinkIjustneededalittlebreak.”

“Well, now that you’ve had one, I’ve got a different solution for you. I need you back in rescue

shapeandI’mhopingthiswilldoit.”Hepulledasheetofpaperoutofamanilafolderandglancedat

it.“Thechiefcameacrossanoticethatheforwardedtome.There’salocalgraduatestudentfinishing

amaster ’sprograminclinicalpsychologywho’sinneedofasubject.”

“Okay.”Troyleanedforward,elbowsonhisknees.AnythingsoundedbetterthanDr.WhiteWitch.

“It’s something called exposure therapy.” Captain Sullivan rested against his chair. “I think we’ve

gotagreatopportunityhere.”

“I’lldoit.”

“Wanttoknowwhatitisfirst?”

Troystraightened.“IguessIshould.”

“Exposure therapy slowly introduces the feared situation in order to overcome the original fear.

Studies have shown that exposing a person to his fear even one time can cancel the phobia

completely.”

“SoI’llbefacingheights.”

Captainnodded.“You’llbefacingheights.”

Troy’s heart pounded. Sitting in an office talking about his problem wasn’t doing him any good,

andthiswaswhathewanted.Tobebackoutthere.

“I’mgame.”

“Ihadafeelingyouwouldbe.I’llletthechiefknowandgetbacktoyouonthestartday.”

“Thanks,Captain.”Troystood.“Iappreciatethetimeyou’vegivenmetodealwiththis,andIwon’t

disappointyou.”

“Son,youhaven’tdisappointedmeyet.”

With a nod and a smile, Troy left the office. He passed by the day room and entered the fitness

roomforafive-miledatewiththetreadmill.

Atmilefour,Olivercameintotheroom.Hehitthematforsomesit-ups.“Youhaveadateinmind

forErinyet?”hesaidmid-crunch.“Anditcan’tbeyou,sodon’teventhinkabouttakingthatshortcut

towin.”

“Noworries,”hesemi-chokedout.“Ialreadylinedupaguy.”He’dcalledBrycethismorningand

theywereonfortomorrownight.Troysmiledthroughhislaboredbreathing.AftertalkingtoBryce,

hehadafeelinghisfriendandErinwouldhititoffquickly.

“Seriously?”

“AndI’mthinkingthey’reperfectforeachother,sohavefunintheproduceaisleforthenexttwo

months.”

Oliverstraightenedhislegsandliftedhisarmsoverhisheadtostretch.“Whatareyou?TheDate

Whisperer?”

Troywipedahandacrosshissweatyforehead.“Maybe.”Hehadaprettyawesomesuccessratewith

settingpeopleup.

“Idon’tthinkErin’sgoingtobeaseasyasyouthink.”

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

“She’s got walls, man. Sure, she’s fun and spontaneous. Friendly. But she’s looking for that one

flawtoshootaguydown.”

“AllI’vegottodoisfindheraguyshewantsaseconddatewith.Thischallengehasnothingtodo

withgettinghertofallforsomeone.”Asharppainslicedthroughhissidesohedroppedhisspeedto

awalk.

Oliverjumpedtohisfeet.“Isaiddreamguy.”

“What?”

“IsaidfindErin’sdreamguy,butyouknow,I’mfeelinggeneroussolet’sjustsayaguyshewants

tokeepdating.”

Shit.Hehadsaidthat,hadn’the?“Allright,”hegrumbled.

“Soyouupforalittleboxing?”

Troypressedtheredstopbuttonandeyedthehundred-poundbaghangingfromtheceilingacross

theroom.Hittingsomethingsoundedlikeagreatidea.“Yeah,I’mupforthat.”

ChapterThree

“Onemoretime.PrettypleasewithanOreocookieandsprinklesontop.”

Troy tucked the bed covers around his niece, Amelia, and bent to give her an Eskimo kiss. “Add

gummybearsandyou’reon.”

Ameliagiggled.“Oreocookie,sprinkles,andgummybearsontop.”

“Okaythen.”HeopenedGoodnightMoonandforthethirdtimethatnight,heandAmeliareadher

favoritebedtimestory.Whenfinished,hekissedherforehead.

“Loveyou,UncleTroy.”Hersweetfour-year-oldvoice—fourandthree-quartersifyouaskedher

—filledhimwithaffectioneverytimehetuckedherintobed.

“Loveyoumore.”

ShesnuggledintoherpillowwithherwornandraggedteddybearandTroyheardherquietsounds

ofslumberbeforehe’devenflickedoffthelightswitchonthewall.

Whenhe’dmovedbackhometohelphissister,he’dneveranticipatedfallingforhisnieceashard

ashedid.He’dvisited,butAmeliahadeyesonlyforherdad.NowthatJackwasgone,she’dplaced

thatdevotiononhim,andhetookitveryseriously.

Heraffectionwaspartofthereasonhe’dturneddownthenumerousdateoffershe’dreceived.She

deservedhisfullattentionwhenhewasoffduty.Andifhedidfindsomeonehelikedenoughtospend

timewith,he’dwanttointroducehertohisfamily.Ifthingsdidn’tworkout,couldAmeliahandleit?

She was a little bundle of open energy on most days, not at all shy, with a tendency to latch onto

whoeverorwhateverwasinfrontofher.

Hewalkeddownstairsandintothekitchenwherehismomandsisterweresittingatthecenterisland

and laughing about something. The joyful sound filled his chest with warmth. He’d only started

hearingitrecently.LosingJackhadshedsuchaprofoundsadnessoverhisfamilythathe’dworried

they’dneverrecover.Buteverydayseemedalittlebetterthanthelast.

“Don’tyoulookhandsome,”Breesaid.

“Are you finally going out on a date?” his mom asked, her thin face lighting up at the prospect.

She’d been suggesting her friends’ single daughters left and right lately, telling him he spent too

muchofhistimeoffwithhisfamily,buthehadn’twantedtobeanywhereelse.

“Just dinner with Bryce and another friend.” Was Erin a friend? She sure as hell was something,

since he couldn’t get her out of his head. He kept hearing her laugh, smelling her amazing scent,

rememberingthecurveofherbodybeneathhishandswhenhe’dtickledher.

“Doesthisotherfriendhaveaname?”Breeasked.

Troybracedhishandsonthegranite-topkitchenislandacrossfromhissisterandmom.Hereally

didn’tfeelliketellingthemaboutthedareOliverhadthrowndown.Andifhementionedawoman,

they’dmostlikelyrushtomatchmakeforhim.Theonlynamethatpoppedintohishead,though,was

the truth. “Erin.” At their depleted shoulders, Troy realized his good luck at avoiding further

pestering.TheythoughtErinwasaguy.

“DidyouknowAmeliawantsapurplebikewithpinkflowersforChristmas?”heaskedbeforehe

lethisguilttalkhimintocorrectingtheirassumption.

“Idid.”Breetiltedherheadandstudiedhim.Yeah,histwinsisterknewtherewassomethingmore

goingon.“Shealsowantsafairmaidenpop-upcastlesoshecanputitinyourlivingroomandhave

sleepoverswithyou.”

“Shecandothat—”

Bree put her hand up. “I know she can do it anytime, but it’s important to me that you have your

ownspace.”

Helivedalloftwohundredfeetawayintheguesthouse,butspentmostofhistimehereinthemain

house. After Jack’s death, Bree had sold their home and moved in with Mom. They’d asked him to

taketheguesthouseandhe’dthoughtitagoodidea,too.

Troyhadnoideawhatafairmaidencastlelookedlike,buthewasbuyingoneforAmelia.

Hissisternarrowedhereyesbeforeherfeaturesrelaxedandshesaid,“I’mleavingonMondayfor

Vancouver.” Bree was the West Coast account manager for a pharmaceutical company and traveled

severaltimesamonth.

“Okay.”

“ThinkyoucouldtakeAmeliashoppingforaHalloweencostumewhileI’mgone?Shewantstobe

aprincess.”

“Sure.”

“Shewantsaman’sopinionsoshewon’tgowithme,”hismomsaid.

Troychoked.“Shesaidthat?”

Breesighed.“She’sgotafriendatschoolthisyearwithtwooldersistersandshe’shearingallsorts

of things.” His sister covered her face with her hands. Her next words—“I’m so not ready for

anythingboy-related”—cameoutkindofgarbled.

“Hey.”Troycircledthecounterandputhisarmaroundhershoulders.“You’reinluck.Astheuncle

Icanplantplentyofboysarehorribleseedssoshewantsnothingtodowiththem.”

Lifting her head, Bree said, “That would be great. Thanks. Would you mind filling in for me as

libraryvolunteeronTuesday,too?Mom’sgotanappointment.”

“Noproblem.”

“Andon—”

“I’ll read it all in the very detailed note you always leave. Don’t worry, sis, everything will get

covered.”He’dalwaysmakesureofthat.“I’vegottogo.”Hekissedhissister,thenhismom,onthe

cheek.

“Havefuntonight,”Breesaid,atwinkleinhereye.Sheknew.Somehowsheknew.Herackedhis

brain trying to think if there was a time when she might have met Erin, but came up empty. More

likely,someonehadmentionedseeinghimandErinattheCrown&Anchortheothernight.

Withawaveoverhisshoulder,heleftthroughthekitchendoor.Hesatinsidehistruckandstared

outthewindshieldbeforeputtinghiskeyintheignition.He’dofferedtopickErinupanddrivethem

totherestauranttogether.ButifshehititoffwithBryce,he’dhavenoreasontostickaround.Bryce

wouldvolunteertodriveherhome.Orthey’dgobacktohisplace.

Heshookhisheadtoriditofthoughtsofthemtogetherandgottohercondotenminuteslater.He’d

beenthereoneothertime,aftershe’dcutherhandandhe’dstoppedbytochangethebandages,since

she was worried about seeing her own blood. He smiled. She’d just moved in after saving enough

moneytomoveoutofherparents’houseandtheplacelookedlikeahurricanehadblownthroughit.

Sittingonherkitchencounterintinyshortsandatanktop,she’dgivenhimherhandandturnedher

faceaway.Cute.Sexy.Vulnerable.Thatlastonehesuspectednoonegottoseeveryoften.

As he was about to knock, the front door swung open before his fist connected. Erin jumped in

surprise.

“Youstartledme,”shesaid,thenwalkedaroundhimtotakeafewstepstowardthestreet.“Iwasjust

checkingonRover.Ihaven’tseenhiminawhile.”

“Rover?”

“Mycat.”

“YouhaveacatnamedRover?”Hetriedtolookoverhershoulderbutgotdistractedbythewayher

jeanshuggedherveryfinebackside.

Shetossedhimaquicklook.Heflickedhisattentionbacktoher.“No,Ijustmadethatup.”

“You—”Hestoppedasshegavehimateasingsmile.

“I’msurehe’sfine.”Sheturnedbackaround.“Iwasjusthopingtogethiminsidebeforeweleft.”

“Do you want to wait?” He didn’t know anything about cats. He’d grown up with a German

shepherdwhenreallyyoungandaLabafterthat.

Twisting,shebumpedrightintohischest.Hisarmsinstinctivelywentaroundherwaist.Shesmelled

unbelievable—floral,butwithasoftwoodscentthatwasnatural.Freshinasexywaythatmadehim

wanttojumpintobedandmessupthesheets.Andshefelt…Christ,shefeltsoftanddelicatepressed

againsthim.

Forasplitsecondsherelaxed,herbodymeltedintohis.Thecoolnightairwrappedtheminacloak

ofinvisibility,shuttingouttheirsurroundings.

Theybothstumbledback.

“Uh,sorryaboutthat.I’lljustruninandgrabmybag.Berightback.”Shesteppedaroundhimand

rushedinside.

Troywasn’tsorry.Notevenalittle.Heranahandthroughhishairandremindedhimselftonight

wasaboutErinandBryceandtwomonthsoffgroceryduty…

“Allset.”Sheclosedandlockedherdoor.“Youokay?”sheaskedwhenshereachedhisside.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” He opened the passenger door to his truck and watched as she climbed in. Her

whiteshirtrodeupherbackandshowedofftan,smoothskin.

OnthewaytotheWaterGrill,acasualrestauranthalfwaybetweenPortlandandCascade,hercell

rang several times. She apologized, but he shook his head to indicate no worries, and told her he

didn’t mind. First had been her pregnant sister, Vanessa. From what he could tell from Erin’s

responses,theydiscussedthedetailsofherlatestultrasound.Nexthadbeenherbrand-newsister-in-

law, Sela, with something about plans for a wedding party early next year, since she and Luke had

eloped.Butitwasthethirdcallthathadhimsittingatattention.

“Really?Thescalesaysyou’velostfivepounds,butyourpantsaregettingtighter?”Shecovered

hermouthwithherhandlikeshewastryingtostopfromlaughing.

“Oh.” She dropped her arm and bit into her bottom lip. “And you ran into Alice today at the dry

cleaner ’s?”

Quietfilledthetruckcab.

“Shetoldyouwhat?”Erinpressedthephoneintoherlap.“I’mgoingtostrangleAlice.”Liftingthe

phonebacktoherear,shelistenedbeforesaying,“Gotcha!”

Agrinspreadacrossherfacewhilethepersonontheotherendspoke.“Bringit.”

Thenafewsecondslater,“Yeah,whatever.Okay,thanks,Will.Youhaveagoodnight,too.”

“WhyareyougoingtostrangleAlice?”heaskedasheexitedthefreeway.

Erinrolledherheadacrosstheheadrestandlookedathim.“ShetoldWillaboutmyprankbeforeI

wasdonewithhim.Hiswifeputhimonthisreallystrictdiet,butI’vecaughthimseveraltimeswitha

candybarinhismouthsoIthoughtI’dplayatrickonhim.”

“Who’sWill?”

“He’smybossatCOA.Sincewe’reoutsideeverydayandgetdirtyandwhatnot,healwaysleavesa

few change of clothes at work. Well, I’ve been sneaking his pants to Alice—she’s a seamstress and

oneofmymom’sclosestfriends—soshecanbringinthewaisthalfanincheverytimeIpassthem

offtoher.”

“Thatisbrilliant.”

Hereyeswidened.Amazingbluecavernshecouldeasilydisappearin.Helookedbacktotheroad.

“Youthinkso?”sheasked.

“Whydoyousoundsosurprised?”

“Oh,Idon’tknow,maybebecausewithyourgood-boyreputationI’mshockedthatyou’dcondone

mydevilry.”

He shrugged. Since Jamie had died and then Jack shortly after, he’d been the perfect grieving

boyfriend,theperfectbrother,theperfectuncle,theperfectson.Itwasprettydamntiringbeingthat

guy,whoneverletanyonedown.

“Youreadytodothis?”hesaid,puttingthetruckinparkandturningofftheengine.

Shepeeredathimwithquietintensityhedidn’tlikeonebitbeforeturningandgrabbingthedoor

handle.“Iam.”

Normally, he would’ve hurried around the hood of the truck to help her out. But straight off her

“goodboy”remark,hewasfeelingalittleornery,andshewasn’thisdatetonight,sohedidn’t.

TheywalkedintotheWaterGrillandthegreatenergyandvibeintherestaurantgreetedhim.

“Heyman,”TroysaidtoJames,themanagerandagoodfriend.

James came out from behind the check-in desk with his arm outstretched. “Dude, it’s great to see

you.”Theyshookhands.“I’vegotatableready.Bryceisalreadyhere.Followme.”

Erinshothimanamusedlookwithhereyebrowsraised.

“Helpstohavefriendsinhighplaces,”hesaidabovethedin.

More than one head turned in Erin’s direction, and when Bryce stood upon seeing them, Troy

recognizedthelookofappreciationonhisfriend’sface.

Troyintroducedthem.BryceheldontoErin’shandafewextrasecondsbeforepullingoutthechair

nexttohim.Shesmiledandsat,hereyestrainedonhisblondfriend.

“Troy,man.Yourdescriptiondidnotdothisgorgeouswomanjustice.”

She shot Troy a glare. He took it. He’d told Bryce she was pretty, knowing the second his friend

laideyesonherhe’dthinkherthehottestwomanintheroom.Whytiphimoffsohecouldprepareto

layonthecharmmorethanusual?

“Thankyou,”shesaid,returningherattentiontoherdate.“I’mequallyimpressed.”

Atthisrate,Troywouldbeoutofhereinfiveminutes.

Heshouldhehappy.

Hewashappy.

Awaitressstoppedbyandaskedwhatthey’dliketodrink.Bryceorderedabottleofwineforthe

table.Troyaskedforwater.

“So,Troytellsmeyou’reabikelaneengineer.”

Brycenodded.“ThoselaneszigzaggingthroughPortlandaremydesign.It’sthebestgigeverandI

love getting up and going to work every morning. Next week I leave for Chicago to help a design

teamthere.I’mhopingtoheadtoParisafterthat.There’sanopportunity…”

TroyhadnoideaBrycehadtravelplans,butashisfriendcontinuedtotalk,itsoundedlikethetrips

wereshortterm.Troypushedupthesleevesofhisshirt,relaxedagainsthischair.Thiscouldwork.

Erin had her elbow on the table, her chin cupped in her hand. And by the look on her face, she

foundBryce’sworkfascinating.

Score!

…

ErintookinBryce’sattractiveface.Darkeyesthatreallystoodoutincontrasttohisblondhair.High

cheekbones,anicechin.Pleasantsmile.Whenhe’dstoodtogreether,she’dnotedhisathleticframe,

his confidence. His handshake had been strong. Not that delicate, soft kind men often gave that

creepedheroutalittlebit.

Buteversincethey’dsatdown,hehadn’tstoppedtalkingabouthimself.Hetalkedthroughsipsof

hiswine.Hetalkedthroughthesingingof“HappyBirthday”atthetablenexttothem.

Whilehehadapleasantvoice,ErinfoundherselfzoningoutandherthoughtsstrayingtoTroyand

hisarmsaroundherwaistwhenshe’dbumpedintohimoutsidehercondo.He’dfeltsogood,she’d

halfmeltedagainsthimbeforehercommonsensereturned.Shedidn’tlikehimlikethat.She’djust

beentemporarilyblindsidedbyhisgoodlooks.Anygirlwould’vehadthesamereaction.

“…aswellasmixed-modeenvironments.”

Quietsettledoverthetable.SherefocusedonBryce.He’dstoppedtalking.

Becausethewaitresshadstoppedtotellthemthedinnerspecials.Hemustbehungry.HeshotTroya

lookthatshecouldn’tdecipher.

“Ishouldprobablyletyoutwohavedinneralone,”Troysaid.Hestartedtostand.

Withoutthinking,Erinpressedherhandtohisthightokeephimrightwherehewas.“Don’tbesilly.

Youdroveallthisway,youshouldstayandeat,too.”

“Ishould?”Surpriseandindecisionwereetchedaroundhiseyes.

“Please,” she said, not lifting her hand. Bryce seemed nice enough, but there were no sparks. No

flutters.She’dgivehimachance,butwouldratherhaveTroyathersidewhenshedidit.

“Uh,well,theydoserveameanfettucineBolognese.”

“IlovefettucineBolognese.”Sheglancedupatthewaitress.“I’llhavethat,too,please.Bryce?”

Brycelookedalittleflummoxed.“TheeggplantParmesan.”

Troyleanedoversohisbreathtickledthesideofherneck.“He’savegetarian,”hewhispered.

Erinliftedhershouldertoherear.

“Andwhilemylegisquitehappytoholdyourhand,Igotthemessage.”

Shediscreetlypulledherarmbackandhopedhercheeksweren’tturningred.Troymadeherforget

herself.Hescatteredherbraincellsinamostuninvitedway.

Itwastimetofocusherattentiononherdate,Bryan.Bryce.She meant Bryce. “So, Bryce. What’s

thescariestthingyou’veeverdone?”

One corner of his mouth quirked up. “Troy told me you were adventurous. I like that. Let’s see,

over the summer I biked down Haleakala. It was fantastic. Last spring I biked the Porcupine Rim

mountain trail in Moab. The view and scenery were unbelievable. Two years ago I biked Baseline

MountaininCanada.Steepandrockyashell.Butarealrush.”

Erinwaitedforhimtoaskwhatthescariestthingwasshe’deverdone,buthedidn’t.

“Biking’smypassion.”Heswirledthewineinhisglass.“Youliketoride?I’dlovetotakeyouon

oneofmyfavoritetrailssometime.”

“Sure,”Erinsaid,butinherheadshewasthinking,Probablynot.

Thesmellofgarlicwaftedtohernoseasawaiterpassedwithatray.Shewishedtheirfoodwould

hurrysotheycouldeatandthenTroycouldtakeherhome.Shehadatonofhomeworktocatchupon

thisweekendandneededafulleighthours’sleepsoshewasn’ttiredtomorrow.Ah,theglamorous

lifeofagradstudent.

Andpartofthereasonshewasn’ttoodisappointedthatBrycestirredzerointerestfromher.

“Actually,PortlandParksandRecreationhasaskedmeto…”Brycetalkedmoreabouthimselfand

hiswork.Hedidlaughathimselfatimeortwo,andshefoundthatnice,butnotniceenough.He’d

makesomegirlreallyhappy.Itjustwasn’ther.

Duringdinner,Troysteeredtheconversationtosportsandshefoundherselfrelaxing.Plus,Troy

hadbeenright.ThefettucineBolognesewasdeliciousandwitheachbiteaburstofrichmeatyflavor

sliddownherthroat.

When they were through, she declined dessert. The check came and she insisted on paying her

share.Bothmenrefusedhermoneyandsplitthebill.

Theywalkedoutoftherestaurant.ShethankedBryce,wishedhimluckwithhisjobandhistravels,

andstrodetoTroy’struckwithoutaglanceback.

Troycaughtuptoheraminutelaterandopenedthepassengerdoor.“Thankyou,”shesaid.

“Brycesaidhe’dliketogooutwithyouagain.Justthetwoofyou.”

Erin clicked her seat belt and turned to find Troy standing a little too close to her seat. “He was

nice,butIdon’tthinkso.”

“Ineverrealizedhowmuchhelikestotalkabouthimself.Sorryaboutthat.”

Shelaughed.“Maybehesavesitfortheladies,whichiswhyhedoesn’thaveagirlfriend.”

“Couldbe.”Hestayedrootedtohisspot.

“Troy?”

Heblinked.“Youbusytomorrownight?IfeellikeIoweyouforthismistake.Wecanjustwingitat

abar?There’sacoolplaceinBeaverCreekIcantakeyouto.”

“Youwanttobemywingmantomorrownight?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.You’reon.”

…

“Weneedaword,”ErinsaidfromthepassengerseatofTroy’struckthenextnight.

“Aword?”

“Yeah,youknow,somethingtosignalifIwantoutofaconversationwithaguyoriftheguyisa

totaldouchebag.NotthatIcan’thandlethingsmyself,butsinceI’vegotyou,Imayaswelluseyou.”

Shegavehimatight-lippedsmileandbattedhereyelashes.

“Howaboutbooty?”Okay,sohecouldn’tgetridofthepictureofherbuttinherjeansforasecond

nightinarowoutofhishead.Heexitedthehighwayandmadearight,thebaracoupleofmilesdown

theroad.

Sheshiftedsohersideleanedagainsttheseat.“Thatwon’tbenoticeableoranything.”

“Oh,youmeanacovertword.”Hegrinnedandplacedhisarmalongthebackrestoftheseat,his

fingerscloseenoughtotouchhershoulderifthiswerearealdatebetweenthem.

“Let’sgoforsomethingtypical.Howaboutbeer?”

“Toocommonforabar.Howaboutearthquake?”

Erinwiggledhernose,tryingtosuppressasmile,heguessed.“Thatmightwork.Whataboutrock

climbing?Icouldsay‘Iliketogorockclimbing’andthatwouldbeyourcue.”

Hehesitated,Erin’swordchoicemakinghisthroattight.“Okay.Here’storockclimbing.”Pulling

hisarmback,heturnedintotheparkinglot.“Orrather,here’stonotrockclimbing.”

Shelookedoutthewindshield.“Here’stofindingtherightguy.”

They pushed through the large wood door of the sports bar and Troy led Erin to an empty table

nearthebackoftheroom.Peopledancedeventhoughtherewasn’tadancefloor.Voiceswereloud.

Music sultry. The bar packed. He pulled out her chair. The smell of beer and fried food filled the

placeandhelookedaroundbeforehesatacrossfromher.Definitelyafewprospectshere.

Erinputherelbowsonthetableandbentforward.ThemovegavehimagreatviewdowntheV-

neckofhershirtwherehecaughtaglimpseofwhitelace.“Thisplaceisgreat,”shesaid.

He’dbeentryingnottolookthere,dammit.

“I’mgladyoulikeit.Mostofthepeoplearetwentysomethingswithgoodjobsandonthehuntfor

morethanjustahookup.Atleastthat’swhatI’vebeentold.”

“Ithoughtyou’dbeenherebefore.”

“No.Friendshave,though.”

Awaitressstoppedandtooktheirdrinkorder.Troysearchedaroundagainandfoundafewguys

checkingErinout.Figuringthatifheleftheraloneforafewminutes,someonemightmakeamove,

hestood.“I’mgoingtogotothebarandgrabusacoupleoficewaters.”Andwhynotworkitfrom

hisendtoo?“SeeanyoneIshouldtalkto?”

Hergazemovedtothebar.Alreadyshehadsomeone’sfull-onattentionandshesmiledinreturn.

“Suredo.”

Theinstantattractionshouldn’tsurprisehim.Erinwasgorgeous.Andshehadthatsomething, that

auraoffriendlinessandalackofinhibition.Heraurasaidfunandfree,sowhathadheexpected?Not

theunwelcomejealousysimmeringinhisgut.

Henoddedhiscomprehensionandscannedtheroomforhisowndistractionashewalkedaway.

Before he had a chance to say anything to the interested man, the guy slid off his barstool, said,

“Mind?”astheyscrapedshouldersinpassing,andatTroy’s“nope”continueduntilhelandedinthe

chairnexttoErin.

Troy’sbodybumpedthesideofthebarwithoutrestraint.“CanIgettwowaters?”

He’dgiveErinaminutebeforeheheadedback.Hissisterhadoncetoldhimthatagirlknewinthe

firstthirtysecondsifaguywasworthhertime.

“Hi,Troy!”

He turned to find Candace Brewer sidling up next to him. Candace, or Candy as she liked to be

called,wasJudgeBrewer ’sgranddaughterandseemedniceenoughthefewtimeshe’drunintoher

aroundtown.

“Hey,Candy.”

“OffdutytonightIsee.Youlookgood.Idon’tseeyouoftenenoughwithoutyouruniformon.”She

wedgedherselfbetweenhimandthedudesittingonastoolnursingamixeddrink.

Wasthataline?“Yeah.Idon’tgetoutmuch.”

“Really?ThenIinsistyouletmeshowyouagoodtimetonight.”Sheplayedwiththenecklineof

herdressanddefinitelyflirtedwithhereyes,butTroywasn’ttheleastbitinterested.

“ActuallyI’mherewithsomeone.”

“Oh,gosh.I’msoembarrassed.Ididn’tknowyouhadagirlfriend.”

Heputtwodollarsonthebarforatipandgrabbedthewaterglassesplacedinfrontofhim.“She’s

notmygirlfriend.Justafriend.”

“Oh?”Candylightlytouchedhisarm.

“Uh,yeah.”Hell,nowwhat?“Wouldyouliketojoinus?”Withnoideawherethatcamefrom,he

turned. His eyes landed on Erin in conversation with the bar guy. Things seemed to be going

smoothly.

“I’dloveto.”Shewrappedherarmaroundhisandtheysteppedbacktothetable.

Erin’s eyes bugged out of her head the second she saw them. “What are you doing here?” she

directedatCandy.

AsTroysat,helookedbetweenthetwowomen.Shit.Growingupwithasister,heknewthelooka

girlworewhenshedidn’tlikesomeone.AndErinandCandydidnotlikeeachother.

“Troyinvitedme,”Candysaid,sittingandscootingherchairclosertohim.

Howwashesupposedtoknowthetwowomendidn’tgetalong?Whodidn’tlikeErin?

Erin’s eyes met his. He hoped she saw apology in them. What he saw he couldn’t name. She’d

slippedonamask,herfeaturesneutral,herfaceblank.“ThisisMichael.”

“Hi,”Michaelsaid.

“Michael, Troy and Candace.” The way she said Candace made him think there was something

moreshewantedtoaddtothemoniker.LikeCandace,themostunpleasantpersoninCascade.

“Hey,”Troysaid.

“Hiya,”Candycooed.

“Nicetomeetyou.”MichaelturnedbacktoErin.Heleanedforwardsohecouldwhispersomething

inherear.Shegiggled.Hishandlandedonherthigh.

Candy angled her head closer and said, “So, Troy, tell me about your last rescue. I think it’s so

honorablewhatyoudo.”

HeshiftedhisconsiderationtoCandy.Erincoulddowhatevershewanted.Hewasn’ttheretotell

herhowtoact.Lettingastrangershe’dmetfiveminutesagoputahandonherthighriledhimup,but

shewasagrown-upandfreetodoasshepleased.

“I’msorry,whatdidyouask?”hesaid.

“How’syourjob?”

Job.Right.“Quieternowthatthetouristandfireseasonsareover.”

“Oooh,youknow,Ilovetobake.MaybeIshouldstopbythestationandbringyouboyssomething

sweettoeatnowthatyouaren’tsobusy.”

“Sure.Thatwouldbenice.”HeglancedbackatErinandMichaelandfoundErinpeekingathimand

Candace.

Shelookedaway.

“What’s your favorite? Brownies? Cookies? Pie? My grandfather ’s got an apple orchard in his

backyard.Maybeyou’dliketocomehelpmepicksomeandthenIcanmakeyouanapplepie.”

“Itallsoundsgreat.”

“Or,Iknow.Youcouldbringyourniece,andthethreeofuscouldgopicking.Ibetshe’dloveit.”

“You’vemetAmelia?”ThescaletippedinCandace’sfavor,hisinterestpiqued.

“Ihaveandshe’sjustdarling.Yoursisterandmomaredelightful,too.”

HestudiedCandace.Attractive.Friendly.Conservative.He’dbetshe’dneverclimbedamountainor

evenknewwhataziplinewas.

“Rock.Climbing.Iliketogorockclimbing.”

Erin’swordsjerkedhisattention.Michaelhadanarmoverhershoulderandhisheadcantedclose

enoughtonibbleherear.Shedidn’tlookupsetbyhisproximity,butshepressedhischest.Heleaned

backwithouthesitation.

“Weshoulddoit,then,”Michaelsaidwithgood-natureddisposition.

Huh.Troydidn’tunderstand.WasEringivinghimtheword?Orhadherconversationledthemto

thetopic?

Erinletoutadeepbreath.“Idon’tRock.Climb.Withjustanyone,youknow.”Hereyesmethisand

heknew.Forwhateverreason,shedidn’twanttobearoundMichaelanymore.

“I’mnotjustanyone,andif—”Michaelwasinterruptedwhenthewaitressdroppedoffdrinks.Troy

quicklypulledatenoutandhandedittothegirl,readytostandandmakesomeexcuseastowhyhe

andErinneededtosuddenlyleave.

Beforehecoulddothat,though,Erinpickedupherbeerbottle.Herelbowslippedoffthetableand

thebottletipped,spillingalloverMichael.Hejerkedhischairback.

“Oh,no!I’msosorry,”shesaid.

“Notaproblem.I’lljustgocleanupandbeback.”Hestoodandtookofftowardthe

RESTROOM

sign.

“Youknow,I’mreallynotfeelingthatwell.IthinkI’dliketogohomenow,Troy.”Erin’ssoftvoice

betrayedthedevilheknewsatonhershoulder.Thatspillwasnoaccident.

Hegottohisfeet.“Allright.Yougoingtobeokay,Candy?”

She rose and put her hand on his upper arm. “You’re so nice to ask. I’ll be fine. I came with a

friend.”

“Youhaveafriend?”Erinasked.

A growl slipped between Candy’s lips, but Troy didn’t think Erin heard it. She did make a scowl

crystalclear,though,andthenherfacesoftenedthesecondshelookedbackathim.“Maybewecould

meetforadrinkanothertime?”

“Uh,sure.That’ssoundsgood.”Whatelsecouldhesay?Erinmightdislikeher,butshe’dalways

beenfriendlytohim.

“Howaboutnextweek?”

“Thinkyoucanfinishthisconversationlater?”Erinsweptinandgrabbedhishand.“Ireallyneedto

go.Bye,Candace.”Shetuggedhimaway.Damn,shehadsomestrengthinthatlittlebody.

“Bye,”hetossedoverhisshouldertoCandy.

Erindidn’tstopuntilabriskoutdoorbreezehitthem.Sheletgoofhishandandmarchedtothecar.

“Youcannotgooutwithher.”

TroykeptpacewithMissSpeedWalker.“Whynot?”

“Youjustcan’t.”

Heshookhishead.Clearly,hewasn’tgoingtogetanexplanation.“WhatdidMichaeldointhereto

makeyouwanttoleave?Theguyseemedcoolandyouseemedtobeenjoyingyourself.”

“Nothing.”

“Hehadtohavesaidsomethingtopissyouoffandmakeyouuserockclimbing.”

“Niceofyoutofinallynotice.”Shejammedthroughtheparkinglotwithoutsparinghimaglance.

“Whatdoesthatmean?”

Shestoppedatthepassengerdoortohistruck.“Canwejuststoptalking?”

Hehadnoideawhathadjusthappened.WithMichaelorCandy.Buthedidassheasked.Hedidn’t

sayaworduntiltheygottoherplaceandheshutofftheengine.

“Thanksfortonight,”shewhisperedandopenedthecardoor.

“Itwasn’tassuccessfulasI’dhoped.”

“Maybenexttime.”Shetossedhimasmall,appreciativesmileandtookofftowardherfrontdoor.

Troywatchedheruntilshe’ddisappearedinside,thinkinghecouldn’twaitfornexttime.Andhow

thatmadeitareallybadidea.

ChapterFour

“Didyoureadthelatestwomen,life&lovecolumn?”Kaganasked,throwingtwopokerchipsintothe

centerofthetabletouptheante.“Ialmostspitmycoffeeallovermycomputerthismorning.”

Erin folded. Her cards sucked tonight. Teague, Vanessa, and Sela matched Kagan’s bet. “I think it

mightbemyfavoriteoneyet,”Kagansaid.

Thecolumnwaswrittenby“Jane,”a“realsinglegirllivinginCascade.”NooneknewwhoJane

reallywasandwiththeanonymitycamesomeveryinterestingarticles.Eringotupandgrabbedthe

bag of pretzels from the kitchen counter. This was her first Monday hosting girls’ poker night and

she’dpulledoutallthefoodstops.

Not.

“She’s definitely gotten racier these past couple of months,” Erin said, sitting back down and

placing the pretzels within reach of Vanessa. At four months pregnant, Vanessa ate like every ten

minutes.

“That’s for sure,” Sela said. She wiggled her nose like she had to sneeze, which meant she had a

goodhand,beforeadding,“Lukeisatotalvagenius.”

“Eeeww!”Erin,Teague,andVanessasquealedatthesametime.“Wedonotwanttohearaboutour

brotherlikethat,”Erinsaid.

Selagrinned.“Sorry,butyouguysaremybestfriends.”

Thegirlsallturnedtheircardsover.Sela’sfullhousekickedbutt.

“Tell your nurse friends.” Erin gathered the discarded cards while Sela scooped up the winning

chips.

“Shane definitely knows his way around my lower anatomy,” Kagan said. She let out a contented

sigh.“He’sgotmysexualGPSmappedoutperfectly.”

“Jane definitely nailed the tips for lady-part appreciation,” Erin said, dealing the next hand. She

triednottothinkabouthowlongithadbeensincehersouthlandareahadbeenexplored.

Theroomgotsilentandshelookedupfromthecards.Everyone’seyesmetandtheyallcrackedup.

Attheoutburst,Rovermadeabeelineforherbedroom,histanfurabluroutofthecornerofher

eye.

“Howareyouronlineclassesgoing?”Vanessaasked,thecornersofhermouthlifting.Shehada

pairorbetterforsurewiththatlook.LuckyforErin,she’ddealtherselfthreetens.Herfirstdecent

lead-inallnight.

“Good. I can’t wait to be done, though. My boss is really excited for me to start a whole new

programatCOAwherepeoplecancomeforoutdoortherapyanddiscoverthemselvesinadifferent

way.”

VanessaputherhandonErin’s.“I’msoproudofyou.”

Erinshruggedoneshoulder.Feelingbadorsadorafraidofsomethingsuckedandshewantedto

free people’s minds of their troubles. When Scott had broken her heart at the end of college she

hadn’twantedtodoanythingforweeks.She’dmovedbacktoherparents’houseandhatedeveryone

and everything. One day a friend convinced her to go skydiving. She’d gone and something in her

snapped—she felt liberated from the rush of the wind and speed of her free fall. Afterward she’d

jumpedintoextremesportsasawaytokeephermindclear,anditworked.

Hersenseofadventurematchedherbrother ’s.Lukehadalwaystoldhershehadnofearandwas

moretomboythangirliegirl,andshe’ddiscoveredhewasright.

Sela’sandKagan’scellphoneschimedwithatextmessageatthesametime.Teaguesaid,“Yes!”as

shewonthefive-cardhandthistimeandgatheredherwinningchips.

“Quick, what’s the name of the actor who plays Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory?” Sela asked,

glancingupfromherphone.

“JimParsons,”Kagansaid,herfingerstypingawayonhercell.“ButIbeatyoutoitsoyoumayas

welljusttypesomex’sando’s.”

Vanessacrossedherarmsoverhergrowingtummy.“IguaranteeyouHaydenbeatbothyourguys.”

The guys—Hayden, Luke, and Shane—were at the Crown & Anchor for Monday Night Football.

They’d started the ritual this year now that Luke had married Sela and moved back to Cascade for

good.DuringhalftimeatriviagamewentupontheTVscreensandthewinnerwonsomecash.

“Bathroom break,” Vanessa added, standing. “Hey, do you have any more of those chicken

nuggets?BecauseifyouwantedtoheatafewupwhileI’mgone,I’dbeokaywiththat.”

Eringottoherfeet.“Anythingformynephew.”ShepattedVanessa’stinybabybump.

“Orniece.”

“It’saboy.”Erinsmiledandgotcooking.Orrathermicrowaving.

AhalfhourlaterErinranoutofpokerchipsandshesilentlycursedhersisters.They’dbeatenher

ateveryhandtonight.OnlyKaganhadhadcrappiercardsatimeortwo.

“Sooo, we’ve waited all night for the scoop on your date, and since you’re clearly not going to

volunteertheinformation,spill,”Vanessasaid,crossingherarmsoverhertummy.

“Yeah,spill.”Teagueleveledherwithayoupromisedtosharemorelook,eyessoftbutserious.

Erinhadn’tstoppedthinkingaboutFridayandSaturdaynight.

“Fridaynightwasabust.Troy’sfriendwasokay,buttherewaszerochemistry.”Sheshuffledthe

cards.“Therestauranthadawesomepasta,though.”

“Fridaynight?”Kagansaid.“Thatsoundsliketherewasanothernight,too.”

Ohyeah,theythoughtshe’dbeendoinghomeworkallweekend.“Actually,TroyandIwenttoabar

Saturdaynight.HefeltbadabouthowthingswentwithhisfriendandknewaplaceinBeaverCreekhe

thoughtwouldbeworthwhile.”

“Soheplayedyourwingman?”Kagangrinned.

“Yes.”

Selaputherelbowonthetableanddroppedherchinintoherhand.Hereyebrowshitahighnote.

“Diditwork?”

“Yesandno.”HowwasshegoingtoexplainthiswithouttellingthemaboutCandace?She’dacted

likeatotaljealouslunaticandwasn’tproudofit.ButbeatingCandacetoaboyfriendaside,Erinliked

TroyatleastenoughtosparehimfromCandace’shorribleclutches.

Findtheloveofmylifefirst.Infact,Ialreadyhavemysightsonsomeone,Candacehadsaidatthe

Crown&Anchor.WasTroythesomeoneshehaddesignson?Andwhatwasshedoingallthewayin

BeaverCreek?Wasshefollowinghim?Them?

Okay,nowErinhadreallylostit.Candacemightbeselfishandcruelandthinkshewasbetterthan

everyoneelse,butshewasn’tastalker.

“Whatdoyoumean?”Vanessaasked,puttingherhandoverErin’s.“You’reshufflingthosecardsto

death.”

Sheletgoofthedeck.“Ididmeetaguy.”Michaelhadbeenhot,funny,attentive,andathrillseeker

likeher.Shewould’vegoneoutwithhimifhe’dasked.Ifshehadn’tditchedhimwithoutaword,he

might have. But watching Candace get cozy with Troy, her stomach had roiled and she hadn’t been

abletofocusonMichaelanymore.

Becauseofhercompetitivenature,Erinhadtoldherself.BecauseofherrivalrywithCandace.

NotbecauseofsomemisplacedfeelingsforTroy.

“And?”Teaguesaid,hereyeswidewithinterest.

“He had definite potential, but I didn’t feel well.” Truth. She’d been sick to her stomach. “I asked

TroytobringmehomebeforeMichael—thatwastheguy’sname—andIhadachancetoexchange

phonenumbersoranything.”

“Youcouldgobackthisweekend,”Selasaid.“Maybehe’llbethereagain.”

Erinliftedthepokerchipboxoffthefloorandopeneditsoshecouldstartcleaningup.Kaganwas

lookingatherfunny,likeshe’dguessedtherewasmoretothestorythanshewastelling.

Therewasmore.Moreshewashavingahardtimedealingwith.Theweekendhadstirredupstuff

she’dthoughtshewasreadytoletgoof.Butshewasn’t.ShecouldtellSela,hersisters,Kagan,the

truth:thatherdamnex’sbetrayalstillheldsomepoweroverher.They’dprobably—no,theywould—

helpwiththemessinherheadoverthepossibilityofhavingherhearttrampledonagain.

Butshe’drathersuffersilently.WatchtheBravochanneluntilallhoursofthenight.Eatalltheice

creaminherfreezer.

“Maybe,” she said to Sela. She scratched the back of her head, sliding her fingers through the

strands of hair as she pulled her hand away. She kept wishing she’d wake up one morning and

miraculouslydecidetotrustsomeoneagainenoughtolovehim.

“Ifyoudo,youshouldtakeTroywithyou,”Kagansaid.“Oroneofus.We’llwatchyourback.”

“Iknow.Thanks.”

“Andwe’rehereifthere’sotherstuffyouwanttotalkabout,”Vanessasaid.

Okay,enoughwiththetendernessandconcern.Erinclenchedherjaw.

Forseverallongbeats,theonlysoundcamefromthetickingofthedecorativeironwallclock,like

shemightsharemoreifnoonesaidanything.Sheglancedatthetime.Closetotenandshehadtobe

upearlytoworkonherthesis.

“Well, thanks for coming over.” She stood and gathered the playing cards while everyone else

counted their chips. They finished up without words, which bothered her sisters, she knew, but she

appreciatedtheirdroppingit.Theyknewiftheypushed,she’dmakeherselfscarceforawhile.Take

offforarockclimbingorhikingtripwithstrangerswhoknewnothingabouther.

Tenminuteslater,Kaganwasthelastoneoutthedoor.BeforeErincouldshutit,Kaganturnedand

wrapped her in a fierce hug. “I know you’re going to find someone special,” Kagan said. “And I

know you have so much to offer someone that it would be a shame not to try again.” Then she

boundeddownthewalkway,leavingErinfullofshame,actually.Fornottrustingherbestfriendswith

thepartsofherselftheymostwantedtohelpherrediscover.

…

The next morning, Erin waited at the base of the hiking trail to Cascade Falls. The soggy ground

cushioned her pacing; the smell of earth and last night’s rain tickled her nose. Sunlight streamed

throughthetreecanopies.Shestoppedinasunnyspotandliftedherfacetothesky.

Shecouldn’tbelievehowluckyshe’dbeentogetavolunteerwithacrophobiaforherthesis.She’d

put word out to the local fire departments, police stations, and medical facilities because those

occupationsoftenincludedagreatdealofstressandsometimesfearaboutsomethingorother.Her

hope had been to find someone with a phobia, but getting a firefighter with a fear of heights had

exceededherexpectations.Whenthechiefemailedherhehadacandidateandthenthey’dcoordinated

a time and place for her to meet him, she’d bounced in her chair with excitement. She’d been so

thrilledshe’dforgottentoasktheguy’sname.

No matter. It was a weekday and the wet conditions meant they’d most likely have the trail to

themselvesandhe’dbethenextpersontocomealong.

The sound of a car churning up gravel met her ears and she pictured the small parking lot just

beyond the trees. A few moments later a car door slammed shut. She watched for a person to

approachthroughtheshadowedandbranch-ladenwalkway.

“Troy?”

“Erin?”

He had on cargo shorts and a black CFD T-shirt that stretched across his well-defined chest and

showed off his muscled biceps, his strong forearms, and his hands. God, he had nice hands. His

brownhairwasmussedandaboutaweekoverdueforacut.Shelikedit.

“You’renotmeetingagradstudentforsomeexposuretherapy,areyou?”

“You’re not the grad student I’m meeting to cure me of my fear of heights, are you?” He smiled

andaflutterofnervousnessrippledthroughher.He’dalsoobviouslynotgottenhername.

“Thisisbad,”shesaid.

Hissmileturnedupsidedown.Hestoppedinfrontofher.

“Ican’thaveyouasmysubject.I’mnotsupposedtoconductmystudiesonpeopleIknow.Itcould

cloudmyjudgment.Itmightmakeyoumoreanxious.”Shechewedonherbottomlip.“Butdammit.I

waiteduntilthelastminutetodothisandIdon’tknowifI’llfindsomeoneelseintime.”

He ran his hands down the sides of his shorts. “I’m already anxious if that makes you feel any

better.Andyeah,maybeevenmoreso,findingyoustandinghereinsteadofastranger.ButI’malsoa

littlerelievedbecausethelasttherapistIhadwasunfriendlyandaboutassympatheticasaserialkiller.

Sohowaboutwejuststartthingsofffresh?TroyStreiber,”hesaid,extendinghishand.“Nicetomeet

you.”

Shestareddownathisstrong,capablehand,afraidifshetookitshewouldn’twanttoletgo.“Troy.”

Hedroppedhisarm.“Ineedyou,Erin.You’remylasthope.”HelookedatthegroundandErin’s

heartcracked.Asmallcrack,butenoughtodrawhertohimeventhoughitwasabadidea.

Something must have happened to him on the job to trigger his phobia. She saw shame and pain

etchedinthelinesacrosshisforehead,atthecornersofhiseyes.Butmostofallshesawsadnessin

the way his body had just completely deflated. Troy stood over six feet but the man next to her

appearedsmall.

Shewantedtohelphim.

Shecouldhelphim.

“Well,whenyouputitthatway.”

Thecornersofhismouthliftedjustenoughtobedeadly.Sheneededtostartcomparinghimtoa

wombat or something similarly odd-looking to keep her mind from wandering to scenarios of his

mouthtouchingher—inspecialspots.

OhmyGod.Shedidnotjustthinkthat.Thiswasn’tabadidea.Itwasaterrible,horrible,nogood,

verybadidea.

“Thanks,” he said. “I really appreciate it. And I promise I’ll be a great subject. I’m committed to

kickingthisfearinthebutt.”

“Icandefinitelygetyoucalm,cool,andcomfortableuphighagain.”

“Ihadnoideayouwerestudyingpsychology.”

“Clinicalpsychology.Myfocusisonhowbeingoutdoorsandapartofthenaturalworldcanheal

people,bothphysicallyandemotionally.Prepareyourselftobetransformed.”

Hisgringrewwider.“Youjustmademyday.”

“Ihavethateffectonpeople.”Sheranherfingersthroughherhair.

“Thisexposuretherapymeansyou’llcoachmementally,too?”

“Yes.Itwouldbeprettyhardtohelpyouwithoutit.”

Hefoldedhisarms,drawinghereyetohisverynicechestagain.Shehadaprettygoodhunchshe

wouldn’tbedisappointedifshesawhimwithoutashirt.

“Tokeepourknowingeachotherundertheradar,callmeSubjectX,”hesaid,andthenwinked.

Andohmy,shealmostswoonedatthecuteness.

“We’lldothistoday,butIwillneedtoconfirmwithmyadviserandprobablyCaptainSullivanthat

thisarrangementisokay.”

Hemovedcloser.“Fairenough,”hesaidquietly.

Erindrewinabreath.Hisnearnessmadehertinglewildlyinplacessheshouldnotbetingling.And

shewasthinkingabouthismouthagainandwhathecoulddowithitbesidesspeaksoftlyinherear.

She spun around, disgusted with this physical attraction she couldn’t seem to keep at bay. He was

partofherstudynowandsheneededtostayprofessional.“Let’sdothis,then.”

Concentrateonputtingonefootinfrontoftheother,notthemantrudgingupthehillbehindyou,

shetoldherself.“Serialkiller,huh?”

“Yep.”

Troystayedquietonmostofthehike,butsheneverstoppedbeinghyperawareofhim.Sincehewas

ingreatshape,hisbreathingwasneverlabored,butthatdeliciousscentofhis,dammit,keptgetting

caughtinhereveryinhale.

Hefollowedtooclose.Amileawaywouldbetooclose.

“Sotellmeaboutit,”shecalledout.

“It?”heanswered.

“Whateverhappenedtomakeyouafraidofheights.”She’ddecidedthatwithherbacktohimand

the beauty of Cascade’s woodlands surrounding them, he’d be more inclined to share than if she’d

triedtalkingtohimface-to-faceatthefootoftheirclimb.Naturesoothed;itmadeapersonfeelalive.

Sheslowedherpacetogivehimplentyoftimebeforetheygottothebridge.Andforthefirsttime

inthelastforty-fiveminutes,sheheardhimtakeabreath.

“We got a call about a rock climber stuck on the side of one of the most difficult canyons in

Boulder. The spot was known for unstable terrain, and we’d had some rain for several days that

softenedtheclayandmadethelandscapealittlemorevulnerable.Nationalforestryalwayscautions

climbersafterbigchangesintemporweatherpatterns,butdedicatedclimbersdon’talwayslisten.By

thetimewegottherethewoman…”Heclearedhisthroat.“Thewomanhaddied.Fatallystruckbya

looserock.”

Shepushedabranchoutoftheway,thenanother.Thecrashofthewaterfallgrewlouder.Mistinthe

airbrushedoverherfacewithfaintstrokes.

Whenshedidn’tsayanythinginreply,hecontinued.

“Iwasfirsttorappeldownthemountaintoretrievethebody.ButbeforeIgottoherIlostmysense

ofbalance,panicked,andfroze.AllIcouldthinkaboutwasgettingbackonthegroundandcrawling

onallfours.”

Theygottotheclearingandsheturnedaround.Hereyesmethisandforamomentshestoodnumb,

caughtintheirmuddywaters.Hisadmissionhadn’tbeentheleastbitcomfortableandshewondered

what he’d left out. His hyper-reaction wasn’t a response to external fear, since he hadn’t mentioned

anythinggoingwrongwithhisgear.Thatimpliedthatsomethinginternalhadtohavetriggeredhis

survivalmechanismandhissuddenfearofheights.

Helookedawayfirst,overhershouldertothesteel-and-concretearchedbridgeanchoredintorock

cliffs.Itallowedpassage125feetabovetheriverbelow.

“IpickedthisspotbecauselegendhasitCascadeFallshassomemagicalcharmandrefreshesthe

soul.”Sheturnedtotakeinthefallsthatspilleddownanalcoveinthemountain.Thewaterfellwith

energy and beauty. Lush vegetation covered much of the alcove all the way down to the tranquil

waterway.

Troysteppedaroundher.“It’sreallysomething.Ihaven’tbeenuphereinalongtime.”

“You’vebeenonthebridgebefore?”Shemadeamentalnote.Several,actually,astheywatchedthe

beautyofMotherNature.

Hecantedhishead.Hiswarmbrowneyeshadlostmostoftheirmurkiness.“Yes.”

“Great.Soyoureadytodothis,X-Man?”

Thatgotasmallsmileoutofhim.

OnaTuesdaymorning,lateinOctober,nooneelsewasaround,whichgavethemplentyoftimeto

tacklethebridge.“Soalittlemoreaboutexposuretherapy,”shesaid.“Exposingsomeonetowhathe

fears in order to overcome anxiety often proves extremely effective. There are studies that say

exposureevenonetimecandoawaywiththephobiacompletely.”

“CaptainSullivanmentionedthat.”Troydidn’tsoundtooconvinced,though.“Soyouwantmeto

justwalkacrossthebridge?”

“Iwantyoutowalkacrossthebridge.There’sahandrailandI’llbenexttoyouthewholeway.”

Hetookafewstepsandcranedhisnecktogetalookathowfaruptheywere.“Shouldbeapieceof

cake.”

“Should be. What’s going on in that head of yours?” She brushed his side as she came to stand

besidehim.

“ThatIcandothis.”

“Iknowyoucan.Afterwhatyoutoldme,Idon’tthinkit’stheheightthatpanicsyou,butsomething

yourmindwantstoavoidwhenyou’reexposedtoheights.Youneverhadaproblembeforethatday,

right?”

“Right.”

“So what about that moment triggered your survival mechanism? What tripped you up and made

youdoubtyourabilities?”

“I…”Hestaredoffacrossthevalley.

“Youdon’thavetoanswerrightnow.Ijustwantedtoplanttheseedinyourmindthatsomesafety

mechanism kicked in that day on the side of the mountain and at the moment you’re still afraid to

unlockit.

“Normalcautionisokay.Let’sseeifwecanusethattodaytogetyouacrossthebridge.”Shetook

hishandandsqueezed.“Ithinkyoucandothis.Andifyoucan’t,we’lltrysomethingdifferentanother

day.Noworries.”

Thelate-morningraysofsunshineshimmeredaroundTroy.Birdsrustledinthetrees.Theair,crisp

andfresh,carriedthepromiseofnewbeginningsunderthepowder-bluesky.Erinwipedatthethin

layerofmistonhercheeks.Shedugherbootsintothesoftsoiltokeepherfeetplanted.Heneededto

makethefirstmove.

It took him only a second to shift and walk to the bridge. His black T-shirt clung to his wide

shouldersandback.Hiskhakishortshunglowonhiswaistandfelltohisknees.Hewastall,sinewy,

imposing.Shecouldstareathisbacksidefortherestofthedaywithouthardship.

Hepausedattheedgeofthetrailandputahandonthebridge’srailing.Therailingcamewaisthigh

andunlesssomeonewantedtojump,therewasnoreasontofearfalling.

“Ithinksomethinghappenedinyourthoughtprocesswhileyouwereonthatmountainthatledyou

totheimaginedfearofheights,”shesaid,steppingaroundhimandontothebridge.Sheturnedand

took a few backward steps, keeping eye contact. “A bad memory, an experience at work where you

wereatriskofphysicalharm.”

His honey-brown eyes stayed intensely on hers until the space between them vanished. “It wasn’t

anyofthosethings,”hesaid,hisvoicerough.

“Okay.”Herheartthumpedwithsuchastrongdesiretohelphimfigurethisoutthatshehadtotake

adeepbreath.

Afterafewmoments,shebackedawayagain,leadinghimacrossthebridgewithslow,deliberate

steps.Shenevertookhereyesoffhim.Shewantedhimtoknowshewaswithhimeverystepofthe

way.Nothingwouldharmhimwhiletheystayedconnectedlikethis.

Helookedaway.Hisattentiondartedtothewaterfall,themountainside,andthenthedropbelow.

“Erin,thegirl…Stop!Don’tbackupanymore.”

Shestartledathisorderandwheeledaround,thinkingshemightbeabouttorunintosomeone,but

no one was behind her. She whipped back around. He had such a tight grip on the railing that his

knuckleswerewhite.Hischestroseandfellinrapidsuccession.Shecouldfeelthetensionradiating

off him and it killed her. She closed the gap between them. As soon as she got close enough, he

grabbedherarmwithhisfreehand.

“I’mstuck,”hesaid.

“Howso?”

“IfeellikeI’mabouttolosemyfooting.”

“Okay,butwe’restandingonsomethingsolid.Youwon’tfall.”

“Iwasworriedaboutyou.”

“Whataboutme?”Hisgriptightenedaroundherarm.Nothingshecouldn’thandle,andshegave

him a small smile, hoping to reassure him that she stood there whole and…happy. God, despite the

stiffnessinhisbody,thetightlineofhislips,herbodyvibratedwithexcitement.Thiswaswhatshe’d

wanted.Toworkathelpingpeople,herofficethegreatoutdoors.

“I’mafraidsomethingmighthappentoyou.”

Shegentlypeeledhishandaway.Hisarmdroppedtohisside.“Likewhat?It’sjustyou,me,anda

verysturdybridgehere.”

“Hell,Idon’tknow.”Hejammedhishandthroughhishair.

Erin tiptoed backward. “How about this. Imagine me in my underwear.” She kept inching away,

hopinghe’dresumehisforwardmomentuminordertostickclose.

Heraisedoneeyebrow.“Andwhatisthatsupposedtoaccomplish?”

“Ithelpspeoplewhoareafraidtospeakinfrontofanaudience.Maybeitwillworktokeepyour

mindoffthebridge.”

Hisgazeslidupanddownherbody.Hetookastep.“What’syourfavoritecolor?”

“What’syours?”

“Blue.”Hetookanotherstep.

“Blueitis.Withlace.”

This time he looked his fill and shivers swept over her shoulders and down her back. “Have I

mentionedIhaveagreatimagination?”

“I bet you do.” She swallowed. What the heck was she doing, teasing him like this? Getting him

acrossthebridge,that’swhat.They’dmovedhalfwayacross.

“ShouldItellyouaboutit?”heasked.

“Youshould.I’llgetyoustarted.Ionlywearthongs.”Oh,justdropkickheracrossthebridge.She

shouldnotbeencouraginghimfurtherortakingpartinthiskindofbanterwithasubjectinherstudy.

But throwing her professionalism aside had been a piece of cake with his eyes undressing her. She

hatedtoadmit—wouldn’tadmit—thathisperusaldidthingstoherbodythatsheliked.Alot.

“Turnaround,”hesaid,hisvoicegravelly.

Shedidandholysnapfishdiditturnheronknowinghewascheckingoutherassinherbeigecargo

shorts.Afterafewseconds,sheturnedbackaroundtobesurehewasstillfollowing.

He’dgottencloser.

And they were thisclose to crossing the bridge now. “Guess my unorthodox therapy worked

becauseguesswhat?”Shestoppedwithherbootsbackonthesoftground.“Youdidit.”

Troystoppedjustshyofbumpingbodiesandstareddownather.Hebreathedasighofrelief,but

otherthanthatshecouldn’treadtheexpressiononhisface.“Thankyou,”hesaid.

“Noproblem.”

He looked over his shoulder, twisted, and took a couple of steps back onto the bridge before he

stopped.Hisshoulderstensed,hislegsbuckled,andhegrabbedtherailing.“Shit.”

Erinputahandonhisshoulder.“Hey,it’sokay.Isortofcheatedalittlethere.Trickedyourmind.

AndIrealizenowthatmightnothavebeenthebestidea.”Alonglineofexpletivesracingthroughher

mind,sheclenchedherteeth.Shehatedwhensheactedwithoutthinkinginherwork.Thiswasexactly

whysheshouldn’tknowhersubjectpersonally.Sheneverwouldhavebanteredwithhimlikethatif

shehadn’tknownhim.

Heshruggedawayfromhertouch,movedbacktotheforestfloor,andkeptwalking.Shelethim

have some space before she watched his backside as they wove their way down the mountain in

silence.

Next time—if there even was one after she came clean with her adviser—she’d leave stupid

undergarmentsoutofit.

…

TroyhadcanceledonErin.

Twice.

Anditmadehimgrumpy.

The first time had been Thursday night when they’d made a plan to go back to the bar in Beaver

Creek. The second time had been on Sunday when she’d wanted to take him outside again. Captain

Sullivan and her adviser had agreed to let them continue to work together on the grounds that they

limittheirpersonalinteractionsandkeeptheirrelationshipprofessionalduringhisexposuretherapy.

Easy.

Ifheignoredthemaddeningphysicaltugshehadonhim.

Hertextsbacktohimhadbeenbriefandhe’dgottenthefeelingshewasirritated.ButAmeliahad

neededhim.She’dcomedownwithcrouponThursdayandthatbarkingcoughofhershadpierced

hisheart.Allshe’dwantedwashimtostaywithher,sohehad.BySunday,she’drecovered,buthe’d

beentheonlyguestinvitedtoherteapartyandhecouldn’tturnthatdown.

“Dude,”Oliversaid,tryingtocatchhisbreathashecaughtuptoTroyanddroppedtoawalkbeside

him.“Ifyou’regoingtohaulmyassoutofbedatsixthirtyinthemorningonourdayoff,theleast

youcoulddoisslowyourpacetohumanlevel.”

TroywipedahandacrosshissweatyforeheadandpushedcancelingonErinoutofhishead.He’d

haverunfasterandfartherifnotforthebumbesidehim.“AllthatHalloweencandyisweighingyou

down.”TheytrudgeddownMainStreet,theearlyhourofferingtranquillityandtheamazingscentof

Crem’sBakery.Thesunhidjustontheothersideofthemountains,shaftsoflightontherise.

“YoutrytellingMrs.Wittnowhenshestopsbythestationtobringherleftovercandyandwantsto

watchyoueatitbecausesheneedstoknowifIthinkpeanutsoralmondsgobetterwithchocolate.I

guessshehasapeanutallergy?”

Mrs.WittwasoneofCascade’slongestresidentsandOliverwasright.Noonesaidnotothesweet

seventysomethingwoman.

Almonds. He’d had a few mini-chocolate bars himself after going trick-or-treating with Amelia.

She’drefusedtoholdhermom’shand,buthisshe’dsqueezedtheentiretimetheywalkedaroundthe

neighborhood.She’dbeenthecutestprincessbyfarandhisheartswelledeverytimeshebouncedup

to a front door, knocked, and said “trick or treat” with that tiny, adorable voice of hers. He’d been

happy to spend the night in her company rather than attend a Halloween party at one of the

firefighter ’shouses.

“Notsureifshedoes,”Troysaid.

“Wedoingthis?”OliveraskedwhentheygottothefrontofCrem’s.

Thecrumbcakecallinghisnamewouldmaketherunbacktough,butyeah,theyweredoingthis.

Hehadn’tstuckaten-dollarbillinhisshortspocketfornothing.

“DidyouthinkIdraggedmyassoutofbedjusttoseeyou?”Troyopenedtheglassdoorandarush

ofwarmthandsugaryscentshithim.

“Thereisarumorgoingaroundthatyoulikeme.”

“What?”

“Hey,don’tblamethemessenger.It’syouwhohasn’thadadatesinceyou’vemovedbacktotown,

andwedomakeacutepairinouruniforms.”Oliverwinked.

Troygrumbled.“Andwhenwasyourlastdate?”

“Lastnightactually.ErgothereasonI’mtiredthismorning.Gotaworkoutlastnight.”Hegrinned

andTroywantedtowipethatsmuglookoffhisface.

They walked up to the counter and Meredith Crem herself served them. “Hey boys.” She took in

theirappearance.“Ithoughtyouweresupposedtocarbloadthenightbeforearun,notduring.”

“Yeah,well,HappyFacenexttomeneedsalift,”Oliversaid.

Meredithsmiledandpulledabigpieceofhercinnamoncrumbcakeoutofthepastrycase.Sheput

itonaplateandhandeditover.“Thisoughttodothetrick.”

Troy’s bad mood lessened. Meredith knew his favorite. This town, this small coastal community,

hadhisback.“Thanks,Mer.”He’dnevercalledherthatbefore,butheardothersuseit.

Herfacesplitintoabrightsmile.“You’rewelcome.NowwhatcanIgetforyou,handsome?”

Oliver ’sturntogrumble.NodoubtMeredithknewhisfavoritetoo,butshewantedtogivehima

hardtime.HeorderedaDanish,Troypaid,andtheysatdownatoneofthesmallwoodtables.Troy

bitintohiscrumbcake.Damnittastedgood.

ThechimesonthefrontdoorsoundedandthesecondErinwalkedin,Troybithistongue.Shewore

aheart-stoppingsmile.Herlight-brownhairfellaroundhershouldersanddownherbackinanearly-

morning mess, as if she’d just rolled out of bed and run her fingers through it. Bright-blue eyes

sparkledwithmischief,though,hintingatamuchearlierwake-upcall.

Hisgazemovedlower.Shehadonaform-fittingblueSupermanwaffleshirt,thelogostretching

acrossherbreastsinamostdistractingmanner.Yogapantscoveredhershapelylegs.

“Wow,”Oliversaid.“I’mwishingmynamewasClarkKentthismorning.”

“We’reallsetup,”shecalledtoMeredith.

Meredithclappedherhandstogetherandbroughttheminfrontofhernose.“You’vereallyoutdone

yourselfthisyear.Thankyou.”

“I’ve got a reputation to uphold, you know. And it’s my pleasure.” She turned her head and Troy

waspulledfurtherintohermagneticpresence.“Remember,I’mcountingonyoutomakesureIdon’t

get arrested,” she tossed over her shoulder. “Hey guys.” She glided over to their table. At least it

seemedthatherfeetweren’ttouchingthefloorthismorning.

Anyillwilloverhiscancelingtheirplansseemedlonggone.

“Arrested?”Troysaid.

Shesmiledasifshe’dswallowedthecanaryandthecat.“Itwouldn’tbethefirsttime.”Shesatand

propped her arms on the table. “Although that’s not exactly true. The sheriff just gives me a little

time-outbecauseifhedidn’tdosomething,JudgeBrewerwouldbeallupinhisbusiness.”

“I’mthinkingtheshirtmeanssomethingtoday,”Troysaid.Hehadnoideawhyhethoughtthat.

“Yep.ItmeansIcanfly.”Shebrokeoffapieceofhiscrumbcakeandpoppeditinhermouth.

Troy gulped. Erin always gave off a cheerful vibe, but he’d never seen her more lighthearted or

ecstaticthanrightthisminute.Whateverriskyideashehadplannedmeantalottoher.

“Andhowareyougoingtodothat?”heasked.

She leaned forward. “Here’s the deal. It’s Meredith’s nephew’s birthday today. He’s ten. He has a

rare heart condition and for the past few years I’ve helped Mer do something special. A surprise

greetingforwhenhecomestothebakerywithhismomanddadtogetachocolatechipmuffinbefore

school.”

“Tenminutes,”Meredithannounced,aphonetuckedinthecruxofherneck.

Eringaveathumbs-up.“Sotenisabigdeal,right?AndhelovesSuperman,soIcameupwiththis

idea.Actually,I’dbeenwantingtopullthisstuntforawhileandthiswasjustthecatalystIneeded.”

Thebakerydoorchimed.Atwentysomethingguyinfatiguespokedhisheadin.“Erin?”

Shetwistedtooneside.

“Wegoodtogo?”theguysaid.

“Yep.Tenminutes.I’llberightthere.”Sheshiftedbackaround.“Anyway.”HereyeslockedonTroy.

“Youguysshouldcomeoutsideandcheckitout.Basically,we’vesetupaziplinedownMainStreet.”

A huge smile spread across her face. “We’ve got cable running between two giant spruces and I’m

goingtoridethelinewavingagiantH

APPY

IRTHDAY

OLE

signbehindme.Merediththinksit’llmake

himbeyondhappy.”

Troyscratchedthebackofhisear.“Isitsafe?”

“Oh my God.” Erin rolled her eyes. “You would ask that. Yes, it’s safe. The trolley is made of

stainless steel. There’s dual ball bearings with a built in backup. And I don’t come near the weight

limitforthecable.Oh,andI’llbestrappedintoaharness,becauseyouknow,Idon’twanttosetabad

exampleforaten-year-old.Satisfied?”

“Who did the installing?” Troy asked. He couldn’t help himself. He wasn’t only worried about

Erin’ssafety,butthesafetyofthosewatching.Ifthecablesnapped,someonecouldbehurt.

Shestood.“Idon’tneedtoexplainanythingtoyou,Mr.FuddyDuddy.You’reoffduty,andI’mout

ofhere.”Shespunonherathleticshoesandhercutebuttstrodeoutthedoor.

“Herwildstreakisinsanelyattractive,”Oliversaid.

Yeah.Itwas.Troygottohisfeet.“Let’sgo.”

“Watch?”

“Really?”Troyasked,shakinghishead.

“Hey,withthatsafetystickupyourass,oneneverknows.”

“Shutup.Ourjobistokeeppeoplesafe,youknow.”Hepushedopenthebakerydoor.

“True,butthere’ssuchathingasoverdoingit,dude.”

AsmallcrowdgatheredonthesidewalkinfrontofCrem’s.“Heyguys,”Kagansaid.Teagueanda

womanTroydidn’tknowstoodbesideher.“YouheretowatchCole’ssurprise?”

“Weare,”Oliversaid,layingitonthickwithhissweet-talkingtone.Nodoubtduetotheunknown

femalewithdarkhairandanicesmile.“Hi,I’mOliver.”Hegrinnedather.

“Oh,I’msorry.Idon’tthinkyou’vemetmybestfriend,Charlotte,”Kagansaid.“Char,thisisTroy

andOliver,twoofourfiredepartment’sfinest.”

“Nicetomeetyou,”thethreeofthemsaidatthesametime.

“CharlottejustmovedherefromNewYork.She’sgoingtotakeovermylease,sinceI’mmovingin

withShane.”

“Youboysdon’tmindifIcallyouforlittlehouseemergencies,doyou?”Charlotteteased.

OliverjumpedalloverCharlotte’squestionwithalistofmade-upemergenciesdesignedtoengage

herinfurtherdiscussion.

Lightconversationbouncedbackandforthafterthat,butTroypaidlittleattention.Hehadhiseye

onErinupinthetreeabouthalfablockdownthestreet.

Meredithbouncedoutofthebakery.“He’shere.”

Coleandhismomanddadwalkedtowardthem.MeredithwrappedColeinahugfrombehindand

everyonewatchedErinflyoverMainStreetwithabirthdaysigntrailingbehindher.Sheyelled“woo

hoo.”Troycouldn’tgetoverthegrinandsheerdelightontheboy’sfaceasthecrowdsang“Happy

Birthday.”

Erinjoggedup,stilloutfittedinherzip-linegear.ShescoopedColeintoherarmsandsaid,“Happy

tenthbirthday.How’dwedo?”

“Great,”Coleanswered.

“Muffinsonthehouse,”Meredithcalledout.

“Hey,” Troy said, catching Erin by the arm before she followed the group into the bakery. “That

wasverycool.”Maybehe’dactedalittletooconcernedwhenhedidn’thaveto.Erinknewwhatshe

wasdoingandtherewasamiddlegroundtorisk,herealized.

Amazingblueeyesedgedwithlong,darklashestwinkledinthefirstfullraysofsunlight.“Really?”

sheaskedindisbelief.

“Really.”

“Thanks.Youcominginside?”

Heputahandonhisstomach.“No,thecrumbcake’salreadygoingtositlikealeadweightonmy

runbackhome.”

“Oh.Well,I’llseeyousoon,then.”

Notsoonenough,Troythought.

ChapterFive

“Quitlookingatmelikethat,”ErinsaidtoRover.Butthecatsatinthekitchenwindowsillgivingher

thesamelookhe’dgivensincethey’dmovedawayfromherparents’house—andtheocean.Takeme

back,itsaid.

“I’msorryyoudon’tlikeithere,butyou’vegottogetusedtoit.Ihave.”Andshelovedit.Loved

havingherownspace,lovedthefreshcleanairthatsmelledabitlikecedarandlemon.Lovedsitting

onherpatioandstaringupintothenightskywherethestarsseemedtotwinklejustalittlebrighter.

Rover gave a low-pitched MRRRoooowww, which Erin had decided meant “I don’t care what you

say,Idon’tlikeithere,”followedbyadrawn-outmrrroooowwhich meant “Open the door before I

getaggressiveonyourassforbringingmewithyou.”

Ah,catspeak.Shesupposedshe’dstartreallyworryingwhenhestoppedmeowingaltogether.She

lethimoutandwentbackintothekitchen.Applesandcaramelwerecallinghernameforlunch.

Shegrabbedanappleandthetubofcaramelfromthefridge.Lookingoutthesmallwindowabove

thesink,shetookoutaknifetocuttheappleintopiecesreadyfordipping.Treeswithleavesinshades

ofredandyellowfilledherview;sunshineandblueskymadeforabeautifulNovemberday.

ThebirthdaygrinonCole’sfacewhenshe’dzip-linedbyhimtheotherdayfilledherthoughtsfor

theumpteenthtime.She’dneverseenhimhappierandaccordingtoMeredith,he’dtalkedaboutitall

day.Hewasthefirstkidshe’dbondedwith.Childrenusuallykepttheirdistancefromher.Likethey

sensedheruneasewiththem.SothisfriendshipwithColemeantalot.Somehowtheyunderstoodeach

otherandheliftedherstiffnessandlessenedherapprehension.

Given that she’d be an aunt soon, she hoped she figured out the magic recipe to closeness with

youngsterssoonerratherthanlater.

And she should probably think of something more law-abiding to celebrate Cole’s birthday next

year.SheriffFealyhadbeenfuriouswithherandforthefirsttimeever,givenherafineandcharged

herwithdisorderlyconduct.

SoworthittoseethegratitudeonCole’sface.

Plus, Cascade’s blog and local paper, the Gazette, had called her a hero. She didn’t feel like that

exactly,butshedidfeelasenseofachievement.She—

“Shit!”Theknifeslippedandslicedherfinger.Shedroppedthehandleandlookeddown.Ithurtand

asecondlater,blooddrainedfromthecut.Atamazingspeed,shemightadd.

“Oh, God.” She managed to pull a paper towel and cover the sucker before stumbling back and

sittingatthediningtable.Sheappliedpressurebutsweattrickleddownherbackandhercheeksgrew

hotandherlegswouldn’tstoptrembling.

Donotpassout.Donotpassout.

She peeked at the gash. Still bleeding. She bunched up the paper towel and pressed down. Hard.

Whenhadshegottensoaccident-prone?Sheobviouslycouldn’ttrustherselfwithhappythoughtsand

a blade at the same time. Another glance down and her head went all tingly and light. Blood had

seepedthroughthetowel.

I’mgoingtopassout.

Take a deep breath, she told herself. Very slow in through her nose and out through her mouth.

That’sit.Butwhenherfingerstartedtothrob,allthatcontrolledbreathingtookahike.Sheshookand

feltprettysureherentirebodyhadblanched.Sheprobablyneededstitches.Thedamnthingprobably

wouldn’tstopbleedinguntilthen.

Shehadtogettourgentcare,buttherewasnowayshecoulddriveherselfwhenshemightpassout.

Andshehadn’treallyhadachancetogettoknowanyofherneighborsyetsoshecouldn’taskthem.

Hercellphonesatonthetable.Shecouldcall911.Butforafrickingcut?She’dbeheadlinenewson

Cascade’s blog for sure with that, and there were much better things to do for attention, especially

aftertheawesomenessofzip-lining.Onereachedhigher,notlower.

The paper towel grew sticky under her fingertips. The room spun. She didn’t have a choice. She

pickedupherphoneandtextedtheonepersonsheknewcouldhelpher:Troy.

YOU

COME

OVER

ASAP

BLEEFING

Afewsecondslatercamehisreply.W

HAT

Throughblurredvisionshereadhermistake.Sheshouldn’thaveturnedoffthestupid,idioticauto

correct,unlesstherewassuchathingasbleefingandifsothenshetookthatback.

LEEDING

HERE

INGER

PLS

HURRY

WAY

Shelaidherheadonthetableandclosedhereyes.

Sometimelateraknocksounded.“Erin?”Troycalledfromthefrontdoorshe’dleftajarforRover.

“Amelia,haveaseatonthecouch,sweetie.”

Erin lifted her head but kept her eyes shut. “Took you long enough and it’s really tacky that you

can’tremembermyname.Wassheyourdatelastnightorsomething?Plus,I’mstayingrightwhereI

am.”

Hekneltnexttoher.Sheknewthisbecause(1)hisdelicioussmellsurroundedher,(2)hetookher

injuredhandinhiswarmone,and(3)whenhespokehiswordswererightbesideherface.“It’sbeen

tenminutes,andAmeliaismyniece.”

Erin’seyesflewopenandsheturnedherhead.Yep,therewasayounggirlsittingonhercouch.Her

legswerecrossedatheranklesandsheheldateddybeardressedinsparklypinkclothesinherlap.

HerblondhairwaspulledintoaponytailandherbigbrowneyesstaredbackatErin.

“Um.”ErinturnedbacktoTroy.Hisheadwasdownasheslowlypeeledawaythepapertowelfrom

herfinger.“SorryIbotheredyou.”

“Itwasnobother.”Troyliftedhisheadandcastthesweetestlookathisniece.“Wewerejustonour

wayhomefromBuild-A-Bear.Bridgetthereisanewadditiontothefamily.”

“Uncle Troy bought her for me,” Amelia said. “He got her two other outfits too. And a hat and

sunglassesandbackpackandreindeerearstowearatChristmastime.”

“They’recalledantlers,pumpkin.”

Herlittleshouldersliftedinashrug.

Erin’s heart sped up. She wasn’t sure if it was the throbbing in her finger or the little girl sitting

acrosstheroomwithinquisitiveeyes.

“Sowhathappened?”Troyasked.

“Iwascuttinganapple.”

“Didyoupassout?”Hekeptworkingandshesniffedhishair.Itsmelledreallygood.Likethesea

andmanandmaybeahintoflavender.

“No.Imadeittothechairfirst.”

“That’sgood.Justwantedtobesureyoudidn’tbumpyourhead,too.”

She glanced back over to Amelia. The young girl held Bridget very still in her lap and watched

them carefully. Erin had briefly met Troy’s sister and mom before, but never Amelia. And never

Amelia’sdad.SomanypeoplehadbeensaddenedwhenTroy’sbrother-in-lawpassedaway.Funerals

made Erin uncomfortable and she’d skipped the service even though her parents had gone and she

mighthaveshownsomesupport,too.Whentragedystruck,Cascadecametogetherregardlessofhow

well people knew one another. She really hated herself for not saying something to Troy before

today.

“I’m really sorry about your brother-in-law,” she whispered, and a piece of her heart broke for

Amelia.“AndI’msorryIdidn’ttellyouthatsooner.”

“Thankyou,”hewhisperedbackwithoutmeetinghereyes.“Don’tlookdown.”

“What?”sheaskedanddidjustthat.Bigmistake.Herfingerwasstillbleeding and now that Troy

hadremovedthepapertowelshehadthehorrorofseeingit.

Acoldsweatovercameherandshegotlight-headed.Theneverythingwentblack.

…

Erin came to as Troy carried her over to the couch. Amelia scrambled off, her eyes wide, her lips

trembling.“She’sokay,”hesaidtoAmelia.“She’sokay.”

“Sugarbooger”Erinmumbledashelaidherdown.“Iwasn’tgoingtodothat.”

Ameliahuggedhisleg,pullingonthedenimandlatchingontohim.Hebentdown,eyelevelwith

bothgirls.WrappingAmeliainhisarms,heheldhercloseandwhispered,“Erinisgoingtobefine,

sweetie.Shefainted,butthatisanormalthingthatsometimeshappenstopeople.”Hepulledback.“It’s

agoodthingwewereheretohelpher.”

“I’msorry,”ErinsaidandTroyturned.“Ilookeddown.”

“Yeah,Isortoffiguredthat.”

Shegazedathimwithblueeyesalittlelessbrightatthemomentandhecouldn’tstophimselffrom

staringback.Hemovedhersilkylight-brownhairoffherforehead,ranthebackofhishandacross

herbrowtocheckonhertemperature.GoodGodthiswomandidthingstohim.Thingshedidn’twant

herdoing.Whenshe’dtextedshewasbleedinghishearthadtriedtoclawrightoutofhischest.And

learningitwasonlyherfingerdidlittletohelphisanxietybecauseheworriedshe’dpassoutandhit

herheadonsomething.

“Anysentencethatstartswith‘don’t’usuallymeansIwill.”

“I’llrememberthat.”

“Myfingerreallyhurts.”

“Iimagineitdoes.”

“Isitstillbleefing?”

Hesmiledandallthetensioninhisshouldersfaded.“No,butyou’vegotaprettynastycut,andit

couldstartupagainifyou’renotcareful.”

Sheclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath,theriseofherchestdrawinghiseye.HerT-shirtsaid

KeepCalmandClimbOn.

Hisgringrewwider.Yeah,hewouldn’tminddoingthat.

What?Heseriouslyneededtostoplookingatherlikethat.

Heliftedherpalmtogetbacktothetaskathandandmakeacloserinspectionofherfingernow

thatshewascalmandinaprostrateposition.“Youdon’tneedstitchesbutI’dbehappytobandagethis

upforyou.”

Veryslowly,sheopenedhereyesandeverytimeshelookedathimitgrewhardertopullhisgaze

away.Shebrokecontactfirstwhenablondlittleheadpeekedatherfrombehindhim.

“Ihaven’tscarredher,haveI?”Erinsaid,glancingrightbackathim.

Gratefulfortheinterruption,hedroppedhisattentiontohisniece.“Idon’tthinkso.She’sapretty

toughfour-year-old.”

“Fourandthree-quarters,”Ameliacorrected.

“Right.Whichmeansyouaretheperfectagetograbmesomebandages.”

“Right.”Shenoddedandshowedoffhercutelittledimples.

“Canyoupointherintherightdirection?”hesaidtoErin.

Erinsatup,liftedherarmand…crackedup.Sheturnedherwristandglancedatherinjuredfinger.

Herpointerfinger.Unself-consciousgigglescontinuedandsoonheandAmeliahadjoinedin.

Erinwasbeautifulwhenshelaughed.

“That was funny,” she said, finally calming down. She lifted her other arm and pointed toward a

hallway.“Ifyouwalkdownthatway,thefirstdooryoucometoisabathroom.Therearebandagesin

thedrawer.”

Hehadn’tmeanttobefunny,hadn’trealizedhowperfectthatquestionwas,butshedidn’tknowthat

andfarbeitfromhimtocorrecther.

“Youknowwhattolookfor,right,Ames?”headded.

“Uh-huh.”Amelialetgoofhimandheadedtowardthehallway.

HeturnedbacktoErin.“We’veplayedparamedicatimeortwososheknowswhattodoinmost

situationsifsomeoneishurt.”

“Wow.Really?”

“Yep.”

“Doyouplaydollswithherandhaveteapartiesandstuff,too?”

“Maybe.”Hecouldn’ttellifErinwasmockinghimorreallydidn’tknowwhatlittlegirlswerelike.

Hertonehintedatembarrassment,catchinghimcompletelyoffguard.

Shetookadeepbreath.“KidsandIdon’treallygetalong.”

Guard.Off.Onceagain.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Didn’tyoujustplaySuperwomanforakid?”

“Yes,butColeisdifferent.Helikesmeforsomereason.”Shedrewherlegsupandcrossedthem.

“Couldbeyourfearlessmentality.Iimagineakidwithhealthissuescangainalotofinnerstrength

fromthat.”

Theireyeslockedandsomekindofelectricbuzzfilledtheairspacebetweenthem.Atleasttohis

ownlust-leashedmind.He’dmeantthosewords.Erinmightberecklessandimpulsive,buttherewas

alwayspurposebehindheractions.She’dneverletanyonedown.Neverholdbackwhatevershecould

give.

Theurgetokissheroverwhelmedhim.

HebrokecontactfirstthistimeandglancedoverhisshoulderinthedirectionAmeliahadgone.

“Doyouthinkshe’llfollowinyourfootsteps?”Erinsaidsoftly.

Heshrugged.“She’salotsmarterthanIwasatthatage.”

“Yeah, well, I could tell that the second I met her.” Tiny creases appeared at the corners of her

mouth.

“Youdowantmetofixyouup,don’tyou?”heteasedback.“BecauseIcould—”

Shestoppedhimfromgettingupbypullingonthesleeveofhisshirt.“Don’tyoudareleaveme.”

Settlingbackonhishaunches,hecouldn’thelpbutsmile.“DidItellyouIchargeafeeforhouse

calls?”

“Really?Andwhatmightthatfeebe?”Shenarrowedhereyes.

“Here, Uncle Troy.” Amelia dropped a whole assortment of things—bandages, ointment, cotton

balls,hydrogenperoxide—ontohislap.“Bridgethelped,too.”

HekissedAmelia’scheek.“Thanks,youtwo.Thisisgreat.IwasjustabouttotellErinourfeefor

makingahousecall.”

“Huh?”AmeliaclimbedupontothecouchnexttoErinandgotcomfortable.

Erin’s eyes widened and she leaned away as though Amelia carried contagious germs. She

straightenedherlegswhenAmeliabumpedherknee.Troybitbackachuckle.He’dneverseenErin

getuncomfortable.

“A fee is payment for doing something. Like when you go and get your hair cut and your mom

paysthepersonwhodidit.”

“ButyoutoldmeErinwasafriend,”Ameliasaid.

“So we should let her off the hook, then?” He grabbed a cotton ball and the peroxide. He should

douse himself with the stuff, clean his mind of the inappropriate ways he’d envisioned Erin paying

himback.

Christ,heneededtodosomethingaboutthesesex-starvedthoughtsofhis.

“Uh-huh.”

“You’retheboss.”

AmelialiftedherroundlittlechinandlookedatErin.“DoyouwantUncleTroytokissyourboo-

boo,too?Healwayskissesminebecausehesaystheymakethemfeelallbetter.”

HisgazecollidedwithErin’s.“Amel—”

“Of course I do,” she said, her tone light, breezy. Inconsequential. She turned to Amelia. “Right

afterhebandagesit,right?”

“Uh-huh.”Ameliasmiledandhe’dkisswhateversheaskedhimtowhenshedidthat.

He got to work, concentrating on Erin’s finger and not the slope of her neck or the curve of her

cheekorthelengthofhereyelashes.Sheflinchedacoupleoftimes,butwhenAmeliatookholdof

herfreehand,Erin’sentiredemeanorsoftened.

Seemedhisniecefoundsomethingtolikeabouther,too.Hewasn’tsurehowhefeltaboutthat.

Whenhefinished,hetookherbandagedfingerandpressedakisstherewhilehewinkedatAmelia.

“I’mhungry,”Ameliasaidthroughanothersmile.

“Okay. How about we get going and stop for something on the way home?” He put the medical

suppliesonthecoffeetableandstood.

“I’veuh,probablygotsomething,”Erinoffered,checkingoutthebulbousbandagemasterpieceon

herfinger.

He’d wrapped it way more thoroughly than necessary. “You could do push-ups and I promise no

bloodwillseepthrough.”Hegavehishandtohelpherup.

Herfingerscurledaroundhis,butshedidn’tmeethiseyes.“Thankyou.”

“Onemorething…”

Shesteppedaroundhimandheadedtowardthekitchen.“Youguyslikepeanutbutterandjelly?”

“Ido.”AmeliaslidoffthecouchandscrambledtocatchuptoErin.

ErinstoppedandwheeledaroundwhenAmeliareachedherhip.Shelookeddownathisniecelike

shehadnoideawhattodowithher,andwhyhadn’tshestayedputonthecouch?

Troy’s protective instincts went up. “Amelia, how about we go grab some chicken nuggets and

leaveErinbe?”

“I…”Erinlookedup.“Yousaidtherewasonemorething?”

“Yeah.You’vehadatetanusshotinthelastfewyears,right?”Hehadnocluewhatwasgoingon

behindthosebabybluesofhers.

“Umm…Ithink?”

“It’sashotinyourbutt,”Ameliasaid,emphasisonthebutt.

AndonceagainEringiggled,fillingthespacearoundthemwithlightnessandbreakinganytension

he might have sensed from her. She put a tentative hand on Amelia’s shoulder. “I’ve got chicken

nuggets,too.Takeyourpick.”

Ameliaglancedathimwithlittleeyebrowsraised.

Henodded.Andthenhewatched.Hewatchedthelittlegirlwhomeanttheworldtohimcomewaist

highalongsideawomanwho…didn’tplayitsafe.

Thethoughtjarredhimfromtheirpositioninthekitchennow,andhelookedaroundErin’splace

instead. A lot had changed since he’d last been inside and found it filled with moving boxes. Her

furnishingsweresimple,comfortable,inshadesofbrownsandgreens.Whatcaughthiseyethemost

were all the photographs in decorative picture frames. She didn’t have any other knick-knacks, just

photos of people. He stepped over to the mantel where snapshots from her sister ’s wedding sat on

display. Erin looked amazing in her bridesmaid dress. Her beauty and happiness reached out and

touchedhim.

Sheadoredherfamily,nodoubtaboutit.Shealsolovedthrills,shotsofherskydivingwithsome

dude,bungeejumping,andhangingonthesideofamountainwithanotherguygettingshelfortable

space,too.

Apieceofhimwantedtobetheguyinthenextpicture.

…

Erin wished she could blame her terrible bowling skills on her finger, but three days had gone by

sinceshe’dcutit.Evenmoreunhelpful,theinjurywasonherlefthand,notherright.

“Yousurewecan’tputthebumpersupforErin?”Troysaidinateasingvoice.

Erinsluggedhiminthearmassheploppedintotheplasticseatbesidehim.“Shutup.Ijusthaven’t

foundmyrhythmyet.”Andprobablywouldn’t.Bowlingwasn’therfavoritethingtodoandthepins

hatedher.Theywobbledplentyandthenrefusedtofallover.

Music filled the upscale bowling alley Kagan’s dad had rented for her and Shane’s engagement

party, and great food lined buffet tables behind them. A bar and muted lighting gave the place a

“clubby”feeling.TheatmospheregotanA-plus.

HerpartnergotanA,too.Forannoying.Howsheendeduponthesamealleyashimstillbugged

her,butshecouldn’targuewhenshe’darrivedlateanddidn’thaveanyotherchoice.Whenhewasn’t

teasingher about hergutter shots, hewas looking way toogood in hisjeans and soft, stonewashed

collaredshirt.Shehatedthatheaffectedher.Thatshewantedtorunherhandsunderneaththeshirt,up

his abdomen, over his pecs, and around his shoulders to see if the muscles there matched her

imagination.

Don’tevengetherstartedonhisbuttwhenhewentuptothelinetotakehisturn.Hisdenimshould

be illegal. She ground her teeth together. Why did a guy who drove her crazy with his play-it-safe

mentality and good-boy reputation have to be so darn hot on the outside? If she were ever dumb

enoughtoactonherattraction,anditgotout,hissqueaky-cleanimagewouldruinthecarefree,hasty

reputationshe’d spent yearsnurturing, and noway could she havethat. And noway could she trust

herself not to let her heart get involved. Because Troy was just the type to make her woozy with

affectionandattachment.

“Youdon’thaveanyrhythm,”Teaguesaid.

Erin snapped her attention to her sister. Teague and her new boyfriend and Charlotte and Oliver

roundedouttheirbowlinggroup.“Ido,too.”

Teagueshookherhead.“Sorry,sis,butyou’remissingthatgene.”

Giveherbabysistertwobeersandshespoutedbullshit.“Andyoubasethison?”

“Yes!”Charlottesquealed,andbouncedbacktotheirseats,allthepinsbehindherbeingscoopedup

bythearmthingieattheendofthelane.Dammit.

Oliver gave her a wide smile, but Charlotte turned an eye to the group next to them. Shane and

Kagan, Luke and Sela, and Bash and Lily were playing there. Bash, a good friend of Shane’s, and

Charlotte had been giving each other looks ever since they’d arrived and been introduced at the

bowlingalley.HeandLily,agoodfriendofKagan’s,hadonlymetthiseveningaswell.

“Did you see yourself in Vanessa’s wedding video?” Teague made some jerky motion with her

arms.“Youwerehilariousonthedancefloor.”

“Iwasdoingtherobot!”Andokay,maybeshewasn’tthemostgracefulthingonthedancefloor,

butnoonehadcalledheronitbefore.

Troystood.“Youdon’tneedrhythm.Justfinesse.Watchandlearn,partner.”

Oliverrolledhiseyes.“Ithinkwhatyou’vegotiscalledlucktonight,dude.”

“Yeah,keeptellingyourselfthat,”Troysaid.

AndonceagainErincouldn’ttearhergazefromhisbackside.Heseriouslyhadthebestbutt,and

she’dnotedlotsofrearendsovertheyears.Addedtohisbroadshoulders,taperedwaist,andmuscled

biceps and any girl would be drawn to his body. She needed to cut herself some slack. And find

herselfaboyfriendbeforeCandacedid.RumorhaditCandacehadbeenontwodatesthispastweek.

Troygotastrikeandbooyah’ed.Erinslappedhimwithahighfive.Teaguegotuptotakeaturnand

goddammit,knockeddownninepinswithhertwotries.

TheyfinisheduptheirgameandTeamErinandHottiePara—Troy—came in third just in time to

gatherwiththeotherguestsforatoast.

ShaneandKaganhadn’tmadeanyweddingplansyet,butherfather,abillionairebusinessmanand

retiredactorvisitingfromNewYorkforthisspecialoccasion,spokethenicestwordsaboutthepair.

Glassesofchampagnewerepassedaroundandeveryoneraisedtheirflutesincelebration.

The longing for that someone special Erin had recently given herself permission to think about

squeezedherchestjustatinybit.

Afterthat,theoldfolks—Erin’sparents,Shane’smomanddad,Kagan’sfather,andaboutadozen

otherofCascade’sfinest—mingledaroundthedesserttable.Shaneandtheotherguysstartedtalking

aboutfootballandsomefightcominguponpay-per-view.

“Erin,couldItalktoyou,Sela,andCharlotteforasecond?”Kagansaid.Shemotionedtowardthe

loungeandtheyfollowed.

Theysatonthecomfyleathersofaandafull-onsmilelitKagan’sface.“So,”Kagansaid,looking

at Erin and Sela. “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but you two quickly became

veryspecialtomeandI’dloveitifyou’dbemybridesmaids.”

Sela tackle-hugged her. Erin played it cool even though on the inside a thrill of excitement shot

throughher.

“AndChar,”Kagansaid.“I’dloveforyoutobemymaidofhonor.”

“Abouttimeyouasked.”ShewrappedKaganahug.“I’dbehonored,JellyBelly.”

“Wehavenoideawhenorwhere,butI’llkeepyouposted.”

“SowillBashbeincludedintheweddingparty?”Charlotteasked.

Kaganraisedhereyebrows.“Ithinkheis.Whydoyouask?”

“Noreason.”

TherewasabigreasonandErinrecognizedit.Shehadthesamemisfortuneofattraction.Hergaze

movedacrosstheloungetowhereTroystood.Heturnedhisheadandhiseyesfastenedonhers.

His stare felt like he’d unzipped her. Like he could see inside her head and knew all the thoughts

swirlingaroundinthereandheunderstood.Hegotit.Maybehe’dbeenhurtbysomeone,too,andhe

wanted—no, needed—to blow off some sexual steam, too. That’s all this was. At least she’d keep

tellingherselfthat.Shehadn’ttotallymisreadhissignals,hadshe?Theywerejusttwopeoplewho—

“Dude,youmadeit,”Shanesaid,clappingaguyonthebackandbringinghiminforaquickman-

hug.

AguynamedMichael.

Thehot,blond,adventurousMichaelshe’dmetwithTroyacoupleofweeksago.Shegulped.

Shane introduced Michael to his friends, his eyebrows raising in recognition when Shane got to

Troy.Erindecidedtoplaythistwistoffatecool,andpretendshehadn’tnoticedhim.Whileshekept

busyinconversationwithherfriends,theguysmovedtothebarfordrinks.

“Anyonewantanything?”Erinasked,jumpingtoherfeetaboutfifteenminuteslater.Theguyshad

spreadout.ItwasjustTroyandMichaelatthebarnow.

“No thanks,” rang out and she doubted she’d even be missed, since the discussion had turned to

plansforababyshowerforVanessa.

“Hey,Troy.”Shetookthebarstoolnexttohim,notsureifMichaelwouldbehappytoseeher.“Hi,

uh,Michael.”

“Erin,”Michaelsaid,thecornersofhisnicemouthlifting.“It’sgoodtoseeyouagain.Howareyou

feeling?”

ShedartedaglanceatTroy.

“Itoldhimthereasonwerushedoutofthebarwithoutagood-byewasbecauseyouweresick.”

“Right.I’mreallysorryaboutthat,”shesaidwithsincerity.Becauseshewas.

Troygaveaslightfrown.

“ItwasreallybadmannersonmypartandIhopeyouwon’tholditagainstme.”

“Apologyaccepted.”

“Cool.”Shecaughtthebartender ’sattention.“Beerplease?”Thebartendernodded.“Sohowdoyou

knowShane?”

“Weworktogether.I’manattorneyforBurke&Associates.Howaboutyou?”

“I’veknownhimforever.He’smybrother ’sbestfriend.”

“Wow.Smallworld.”

“Yeah,” she said, glancing out into the bowling alley when she felt someone’s stare. Captain

Sullivan—Shane’sdad—waslookingatherwitheyebrowsraised.Crap.Butshecouldn’tavoidTroy

entirelywhentheyhadthesamefriends.Andwhywashegivingherthestink-eye?Troyhadcanceled

onhertwice.Hemighthavebeencuredbynowifhehadn’tbailedonher.

“SoIknowyouliketorockclimb,butwenevergotaroundtoyoutellingmewhatyoudo.”

“I’mtheassistantactivitiesdirectoratCascadeOutbackAdventure.”

“Thatsoundsgreat.”Michaeltookasipofhisbeerandglancedatthecellphoneonthebarwhenit

chirped.

“Itis.I’malsofinishingupmymaster ’sandplanningnewprogramsatCOAthatwillhelptreatand

healmentalandphysicalillnessesthroughoutdoortherapy.”

Troynarrowedhiseyes,buthedidn’tneedtoworry.She’dnevertellanyonewhathewasdealing

with. That was his business to share. She put her hand on his thigh. Just a quick gesture to let him

knowhecouldtrusther.

Thewildtinglesshootingupherarmatthecontactwereunexpectedandshejerkedherhandback.

Grabbedthebeerinfrontofherandtookaswig.

“I’mimpressed.”Michael’sphonechirpedagain.Heturneditover.“Beautiful,adventurous,smart,

caring.Keepthatbeertoyourselfthistimeandwemayhavetogoonadate.”

“Okay.”

Blondhair.Check.

Complimentwhenit’sleastexpected.Check.

Bedaringandwillingtobreaksomerules.Check.He’dwhisperedsomeveryfunthingsinherear

thefirsttimethey’dmet.

Troyswiveledthebarstoolandmademotiontogetup.Hecastheraquickglancewitheyebrows

raised,likehewascheckingtoseeifthatwasokay.Shegaveaslightnod.

“Dude,hangon,”Michaelsaid,puttingahandonTroy’sshoulder.“Youneverfinishedtellingme

aboutMonumentRock.”

“Oh,uh,itwasawesome.”Troyangledbackaround.

“Wait,”Erinsaid.“MonumentRock,NewMexico?”

“Yeah.”Michaelnodded.“Troyhereclimbedit.”

Sheblinked.“ClimbingMonumenthasbeenillegalsince1980.”

“Theguy’salsobungeejumpedoffVeracruzBridge,”Michaelsaid.“Majorrespect,dude.”Hefist

bumpedTroy.

“What? Back up a minute.” No way did Troy leap off one of the highest bungee jumps in the

country. And he was like twenty-six, so he couldn’t have climbed Monument Rock. At least not

legally.

Michael’scellvibratedatopthebar.Hepickeditup.“I’vebeenwaitingforthiscall.Excuseme.”He

slidoffhisstoolandwalkedaway.

Erinpursedherlips.ShewaitedforTroytosaysomething.Hedidn’t.

“Well?”

Troyshrugged.“Wellwhat?”

“Whydidyoulietohim?”

“YouthinkIlied?”

“Yes,” she said, her eyes stuck on the whiskey-colored deliberation staring back at her. “I mean

maybe.”Shesighed.“You’reMr.PlayItSafe.Youwouldn’tbreakthelawtoclimbsomethingsacred.

Andit’simpossibleanywaywithyourskilllevel.”

Helaughed.

“What’ssofunny?”

“I’vegotmajorskillsandcandefinitelyholdmyown.”

Sheshiftedonthebarstoolandsquaredhershoulders.“Really?Rescuetrainingisalittledifferent

thanfreestyleanddoingsomethingjustforthethrillofit.”

“Ineversaidmycompetencecamefromthejob.Ididmyfirstclimbbackinhighschool.Jumped

outofanairplaneonmyeighteenthbirthday.”

“Soyoureallydidthosethings?”

“Ireallydidthosethings.”Hetuggedonhisshirtcollarasthoughhewasuncomfortable.

Erin’sheartraced,jackedupatthethoughtofTroyholdinghisownwithheroutonsomeremote

climb or hang gliding off a steep mountain terrace. “Then I don’t understand,” she half whispered.

Shedidn’tknowhimatall.

Hiseyessoftened.“Somethingstakemelongertosharethanothers.”

“Oh.Okay.”Shefoundherselfleaningclosertohim,seekinghiswarmth,wantinghimtoknowthat

sheappreciatedlearningmoreabouthim.

“Sufficeittosay,MissWatters,thatIknowallaboutfreestyle.”

Thewayhesaid“freestyle”hadhertoescurling.Likehewasn’tonlytalkingaboutsomeoutdoor

sport,butsomethingindoorswithbodiesnakedandslickwiththebestkindofadrenalinerush.

Shejoltedback.Shehadtostopextrapolatingnonsenseandhearingonlythesexinessinhisvoice.

“Sorryaboutthat,”Michaelsaid.Hebrushedherarmashetookthespotnexttoher.“Solisten,I

needtogo,butIwashopingIcouldgetyournumber.”

“Oh,uh…”SheglancedatTroy.Withhisfaceturnedawayshecouldn’tseehiseyesorexpression,

anditbuggedher.“Sure.”

BecauseshelikedMichael.

ButshefearedshelikedTroymore.

ChapterSix

OliverhadgivenTroycrapallweekaboutErinanditpissedhimoff.Theguykeptarguingthatthe

firsttimeErinmetMichaeldidn’tcountbecauseshehadn’tgivenhimherphonenumber.Whichwas

true.Michaelhadalsodonesomethingtopissheroffandmakeherwanttoleave.AtidbitTroydidn’t

share. But she’d done a one-eighty at the bowling alley and Troy wanted the credit and the win—

beforehesawErinagainandsharedmoreaboutapasthenolongerembraced.He’dheardtheawein

her voice when he confirmed climbing Monument and bungee jumping. She’d been impressed, and

thathadfueledhisdesiretoownupwhenheusuallykeptquiet.

HechosetoignorethepartofhimthathadlistenedtoMichaeltalkaboutarecentclimbandwanted

tobesthim.

Giventhekillerweekhe’dhadwithworkandfamilyobligations,he’dyettogetconfirmationon

Erin’sstatuswiththeguy,buthefeltprettyconfidentthey’dconnectedagain.

Because one more trip to the supermarket might do him in. Forget the produce aisle, he’d been

propositioned in the refrigerated section with reference to the sausages. He was never eating a hot

dogagain.

Tonight’s big-screen college football game at the Crown & Anchor promised to relieve some

stress.HeparkedhistruckandstrodeintothepubonShane’sheels.“Hey,dude.”

“Heyman,”Shanesaid,turningaroundandslappinghimontheback.“Heardyouguyshadquite

theweek.”

“Yeah.” His squad had been called to Portland to help first responders with a series of chemical

explosions at an environmental services facility. Due to the nature of the chemicals and number of

buildings affected, the fires had taken longer than expected to control and the area was evacuated.

Therehadbeenseveralinjuries,butnofatalities.

“Comeon.Firstround’sonme.”

“Sounds good.” Troy scanned the very busy bar as he followed Shane. The smell of fried food

wafted in the air and the football commentators’ voices on the televisions mixed with the loud

conversations.

He’dbelyingifhesaidhehadn’tbeenhopingtofindacertainblue-eyedbrunetteatthepubtonight.

Butspottinghersittingaloneatatablenearthedartboardswaslikeagiftfromthegods.

“I’llcatchupwithyouinaminute,”TroysaidtoShane.

ShanenotedwhereTroywaslooking,laughed,andflickedhischiningood-bye,headingtoward

theboothsonthefarrightsideoftherestaurant.

Erin’s head was down and it wasn’t until he got a little closer that he noticed she was reading

somethingonherphone.

“Prettygirllikeyoushouldneverbeleftaloneatatableina…”Sheliftedherchinandapairof

incrediblebright-blueeyeshithimlikehe’dfoundlong-lostburiedtreasure.He’dbeenabouttosay

“tableinabar”butherealizedErinshouldneverbeleftaloneanywhere.

“Hi,”shesaid.

“Hi.Youwaitingforsomeone?”

“Iwas.Hejustcanceledonme.”Shedroppedthephoneintoherlap.

“AnyoneIknow?”Troysat.

“Yes,actually.Michael.”

“Youguysdating?”Hispulsepickedup.

“No.He’scanceledtwiceandtobehonest,I’moverit.We’vetalkedonthephoneandhe’sputme

onholdbecausehisotherphonewasringing.He’soneofthose.”

“Those?”

“Cares more about this little device”—she lifted her cell—“than anything else.” And then she

droppeditintoherbaglikeshecouldn’tcareless.

“That’stoobad.”Notreally.

“Yeah,sorry.Iguessyouhaven’tbeatOliveryet.”Shepursedherprettypinklips.“Sowhatbrings

youherelaterthanusual?”

Hewaslate?“Hadafiretoputout.”

“Seriously?”Sheleanedcloser.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Smellingyou.”

AssheangledtowardhimhegotaglimpsedownhergrayV-necksweater.Hetookinhersmooth

skin, the black lace outlining her cleavage, the tiny freckle in the center of the hollow. He gulped.

Feelingherwarmbreathonhisneck,desirehithimwithhotsensation.Hewantedtodiphisheadand

pressfeatherlightkissesthere.Wantedtobreatheherin.Puthishandunderhershortskirtandinchhis

fingersupherthighuntilherlegsopenedwiderand—

“You’refullofshit,”shesaid,pressingaway.

Comeback.

“Youdon’tsmelltheleastbitlikesmoke.WasitsomethingwithAmelia?”

Thequestionshockedhim,giventhatshewasn’texactlycomfortablewithhisniece.Heglancedat

her hand. Looked like her finger was completely healed now. That day at her condo, they’d eaten

chicken nuggets and told knock-knock jokes and Amelia had squealed with excitement when Rover

hadscurriedbackintothehouse.ButErinhadalwayskeptherselfjustalittlebitdistant,likemaybe

shewasworriedaboutsayingordoingthewrongthing.

“Yeah,actually.ShewantedmetocolorwithhersoItookafewextraminutes.”

“That’ssweet.”

“Yousaythatlikeit’sabadthing.”Hewasn’tsureifshemeanthisactionsingeneralweresweetor

if taking time for his niece was sweet. He suspected there were probably a dozen other things Erin

wouldratherdothancolorwithafour-year-old,butshehadbroughtupAmelia,nothim.

Shesimplyshookherhead.“Youhungry?”

“Starving.”Formorethanfood.

“Great.OrdermethefishandchipswhenKagancomesby?I’llberightback.”

Erinmovedacrossthepubtowardtherestroomsandatleastfiveguystooknotice.Troydid,too.

Thehigh-heeledblackbootssheworestoppedjustabovethekneeandleftaniceexpanseofsmooth,

goldenskinbetweenthemandhershortskirt.Hergaitwasn’tpretty,butsexyinthatwaythatsaidshe

hadnoideahowhotshewas.Andtonightherchestnuthairfellinloosewavesalittlelessmessythan

usual.

She’d dressed for a date with Michael and here he was. His lucky ass having landed in the seat

beforesomeoneelse’s.

“Hi,Troy,”Kagansaid,stoppingatthetable,asmallpadofpaperinherhand.“Don’ttellmethat

guycanceledonErinagain.”

“Iguesshedid.”

“Hisloss.”

“Itdefinitelyis.”

Kagan’slipstwitchedanditlookedlikeshewastryingtoholdbackasmile.

“Imean,everyoneknowsErin’sagreatgirl,right?”Hesquirmedinhisseat.

“Right.AndyouwanttowinyourwagerwithOliver.”

“DamnstraightIdo.”Heranahandalonghisjaw.“Ineedtoputthatguyinhisplace.”

Meaningthesupermarket.Fortwogloriousmonths.

Shetiltedherheadandstudiedhim.“Soareyoustayingtoeat?CanIgetyouguyssomething?”

“Yeah,twofishandchipsplease.”

“Yougotit.Anythingto—”Sheglancedoverhershoulderatsomeguyyellingafewobscenities.

“SoIguesstherivalrybetweentheDucksandOregonStatehasbroughtouteveryone’snot-so-nice

side.”Sheturnedherheadback.“Wantanythingtodrinkbesideswater?”

HenoticedErindidn’thaveanythingextra.“Nothanks.I’mgood.”

“Yes,youare,”shemumbled.

“Pardon?”Hadshejustsaidyes,youare?

Shejustsmiledandstrodeaway,hipbumpingErinastheypassedeachother.

“What’sup?”Erinasked,sittingbackdown.“Youlookalittleflustered.”

Whatwasupwasafteronlyasecondbackinherpresence,hewantedtobumpherhipandacouple

ofotherplaces,too.

“IthinkOregonStatejustscored,”hesaid,forcinghisattentiontothegameandhopinghewasn’t

toofaroffbase.

Shesmirked,butdidn’tturntocheckouthisclaim.“IliketheDucksbettertoo,butIbetLukethey’d

lose this week.” Then she bent to take a drink of water, her lips wrapping around the straw in the

glass,herlashesreachingherbrowsasshekeptherfocusonhim.

Bloodrushedtopointssouthashewatchedhersuckonherstraw.

“So,uh—”Hiscellchirpedatextmessage.GivenhowErinfeltaboutthetinydevice,heignoredit.

Thenthoughtbetterofit.Itcouldbehissisterormom.Helookedatthescreenandclearedhisthroat.

Hereaditagain,surprisedhe’djustgottenthatkindoftext.

“Whatisit?”shesaid,curiosityinhervoice.“You’reblushing.”

Hemadeaface.“No,I’mnot.”Heglancedbackdownatthephoneinhishand.

Erinscootedherchairarounduntiltheybumpedkneesandshecouldleaninandseewhathewas

staringat.Shewrappedherhandaroundhisandreadthetextmessage.

“Noway.Youjustgotsexted!”

“Icanseethat.”

“There’snoname,justanumber.Youdon’trecognizeit?”

“No.Whoeveritis,she’ssextedthewrongperson.”

“Soshe’snotanoldgirlfriendorsomething?”

“No.”

Erintilted her head,her nose mereinches from his. Sheseemed to considerevery feature on his

facebeforeturningbacktothetext.

ABY

CAN

’

WAIT

BLINDFOLD

YOU

AND

THINGS

UNTIL

YOU

BEG

STOP

,itsaid.

Erinbouncedinherseatandwrangledthephonefromhisgrasp.“Let’ssextherback.”Herfingers

gottowork.Thatwastotallyokaywithhim,sincehewasverycuriousaboutwhatshe’dsayback.She

showedhimthemessage.

HOT

FOR

YOU

RIGHT

NOW

AIT

UNTIL

TURN

THE

TABLES

AND

GET

YOU

YOUR

KNEES

HenoddedandtriednottothinkaboutErinonherknees.Shepressedsend.

Areplycameimmediately.

BABY

PLEASE

TELL

CAN

TOUCH

MYSELF

WHILE

WAIT

FOR

YOU

Eringiggledandtextedrightback.D

AKE

YOUR

FINGERS

AND

PUT

THEM

WHERE

YOU

KNOW

BEST

Wasitgettingwarminhere?Heputafingerunderhisshirtcollarandpulleditawayfromhisneck.

Erin wiggled closer as they huddled together to wait for the next response. She smelled like some

exoticflowerandhehadprobablyhistwentiethflashofheronhisbed,hungryforhim.Cravinghis

touch.Wantinghimtodothingstoheroverandoveragain.Hegotuncomfortablebehindhiszipper.

BABY

FEELS

GOOD

BUT

NEED

YOU

ANT

SEE

WHAT

I’

DOING

“Okay,”hesaidadamantly.“Timetotellhershe’sgotthewrongnumber.”

“Partypooper,”shesaid.

Would she have seriously looked at an X-rated picture with him? Shit. His arousal took on new

proportionsandheneededtocoolthehelloffbeforehehauledhersomewhereprivate.

ORRY

SWEETIE

RONG

NUMBER

AVE

FUN

WITH

YOURSELF

.Sheputthephonedownandlookedupathim.

Veryslowlythecornersofhermouthlifted,hereyessparkled,andshefellintoalaughthatmade

herwholebodyshake.Hecouldn’thelpbutjoinher.

Anothertextarrived.Theylookedateachotherquizzically,thenglancedatthephone.

“OhmyGod!Gross!”shesaid.

Troyshuthiseyes.“Aw,man.”

“Myeyeballsarehavingconvulsions.”Shepushedthephoneaway.

Theirmysterytexterwasn’tasheatall,butahe.Andhe’ddecidedtosendapictureanywaywitha

veryunfriendlytwo-wordcaptionthatstartedwiththeletterFandendedwith“you.”

Eringiggled.“Ican’tbelievehesentapictureanyway.”

“Guyhasballs,”Troysaid.

Sheslappedahandoverhermouth,hereyeswidened,andthenshewentintofull-blownhysterics,

laughingsohardshehadtowipethetearsfromhereyes.

“Thatwasflippingfunny,”shesaidwhenshe’dcalmeddown.“Hesuredoes.”

Troy’s grin grew. And he’d remember the way it felt all the way into next week. Hearing Erin

laugh,watchingcertainpartsofherjiggle,feelinghershakeagainsthim,italloverwhelmedhimin

thebestpossibleway.Hestruggledtokeephishandstohimself.

“So,wasthatyourfirsttime?”sheasked.

“Firsttime?”

“Sexting.”

“Ineverkissandtell.”

“That means you have.” She scooted over, but still remained close enough for his hand to—

“Whichalsomeansyou’vehadagirlfriend.”

He rubbed his jaw, not ready for this conversation yet. He’d planned to tell her about Jamie

tomorrowduringtheirexposuretherapysession.“Saysthegirlwhodidn’thesitatetosextback.”

Sheshrugged.“I’veprettymuchdoneitall.”

“Really?”Hetriedtosounduninterested,butfailed.

“Yep.Handcuffscanbeespeciallyfun.”

“Yes,theycan.”Hekepteyecontact,andatherdisarmingsmilefoundhimselfsmilingrightback.

Ball’sinyourcourt.

Sheproppedherelbowsonthetableandcuppedherfaceinherhands.“Tellmeaboutit.”

The sounds in the bar disappeared, air molecules stopped circulating, and Troy’s body wanted to

showErinallaboutit.

“Idon’t—”

“Kiss and tell. I know. Tell me how you’ll use them on your next girlfriend.” Her voice a little

breathy,sheleanedforward.

Challengeaccepted.

“Okay. I’d start by laying her down on my bed and undressing her. Slowly. Carefully. So she

wiggledandstretchedandsoftpantsescapedherlips.Myhandswouldbealloverher.Mymouth,too.

Whensheworenothingbutthebluescrapoflacebetweenherlegs,I’dtakeherwristsandcuffher

handstomybedpost.”

Erinsquirmed.Eversoslightly,butenoughtofuelhisinteresttocontinue.Theywerestuckoneach

other ’sgazes,aninvisiblesnareneitherwantedtobreakfreeof.

“Thenmylipswouldstartatthespotjustbelowherear,worktheirwaydownherneck,andglide

acrosshercollarbone.I’dkissdownherbodyuntilshearchedherback,tellingmeshewantedmore.”

He fisted his hands to keep from touching Erin. Took a breath to give her time to say she’d heard

enough,butshedidn’t.Herpupilsdilated,herlipsparted.Holyhell.“I’dbesocaughtupinthescent

ofher,thesoftnessofherskin,hersexywhimpers,thatmybodywouldacheto—”

“Ahem.” An arm reached between them and dropped a plate on the table. “Am I interrupting

something?”

Erin blinked in quick succession before looking up at Kagan. “No,” she said, breathless, and

lookingsodamnbeautifulandresponsivetohiswordsthathealmostletoutagroan.Colorfilledher

cheeks,herlipswerestillparted,hergazehot.

“Uh-huh,”Kagansaid,puttingtheotherplatedownnext.

“Thanks,”hemanagedtogetout.

Kaganlookedbackandforthbetweenthem,smiled,andleft.Whatwaswithhertonight?

HeandErindidn’tsaymuchforawhileafterthat.Theintimatevibecooledquickly,asiftheyboth

realizedhowfoolishtheywerebeing.Heate.Theywatchedthegame.Somehowtheygottotalking

about movies, which led to romantic comedies, which led to her being shocked that he hadn’t seen

LoveActuallyandherinsistencethathewatchitwithhertonight.

Ahalfhourlaterhesatonhercouchwaitingforhertochangebeforetheystartedthemovie.Rover

was curled up on his lap, giving his hands something to do and his mind something to focus on

besidesErin.Howoldishe?Arecatsordogsmorepopularaspets?Isthereapointtowhiskers?How

highcanRoverjump?Threefeet?Fivefeet?Howmuchdoeshesleep?Troyyawned,thehellishweek

catchinguptohim.Docatssweat?Dotheylikepeoplefoodthewaydogsdo?

“Hey,wantsomepopcornwhilewewatch?”Erinpoppedbackintotheroombeforemovinginto

hersmallkitchen.Shehadonblackyogapantsandalight-bluesweatshirtwithafadedwhiteheartin

themiddle.Heblinkedawaythequickimageofherinoneofhissweatshirtsandnothingelse.

“Nothanks,I’mgood.”

Shegrabbedabottleofbeerandabottleofwateroutofthefridge.

“I’lltakeabeer,too,”hesaid.

“Really?”Shemadetheswitch.

“It’sbeenawhileanditsoundsgood.”

Shehandeditoverandploppeddownonthecouchbesidehim.Roverbrushedagainstherbeforehe

tookoffforsomewhereelseinthehouse.Shepickeduptheremoteforthetelevisionandfoundthe

saved movie. She glanced at him. “I might have just watched this last week.” Her smile stilled his

heart.

Andhedreamedaboutitwhenafteranotherbeerandaboutanhourintothefilmhefellasleepwith

Erinnestlednexttohim.

…

ErinlifteduptheblackfeltpenfromTroy’sveryhandsomeface.Catwhiskersdecoratedhischeeks,

thetipofhisnosehadasolidblackcircle,andtrianglesmarkedthecornersofhisforehead.

He’d swiped at her a couple of times while she gently worked, but stayed completely passed out,

twobeersandexhaustionfromalongweekofworktheculprit,sheguessed.

Shesatbackonherhaunchesandadmiredherwork.Shehadtodosomethingtobreakthesexual

tensionbetweenthemandthisoughttodothetrick.

Chewingonherbottomliptostopherselffromgiggling,shestoodandgrabbedablankettoput

overhim while heslept. She watchedhim for a minute,his slumbered breathsslow and deep. God,

evenwithinkonhisfacehewasdrop-deadhandsome.

When he’d talked dirty to her at the Crown & Anchor she’d been so aroused by his words, his

huskyvoice,hisattentionrightonher,thatshe’dalmostsaidscrewitandaskedhimtosleepwithher.

Makeitjustaboutsex.Nothingmore.She’dkeepamentaldistanceandgiveintoherbody’sdesire

forhim.Nootherguyhadevergottenherthisuptight.Thisneedy.

Maybesomeinnocentfoolingaroundwouldn’tbesobad.Shecouldkeepherguardup,keepher

emotionsincheck,andjusthavesomephysicalfun.

ButafterKaganhadinterruptedthem,he’dconcentratedonhisfood,theballgame,everythingin

the pub but her. And she’d remembered he was also her thesis subject and the very last thing she

should be doing was mixing schoolwork with pleasure like that. So the blood rushing through her

bodyandthetinglesbetweenherlegshadslowed,thenstopped.Andthey’dsoonfallenbackintothe

easybantershe’dcometoenjoymorethanshe’dadmit.

She leaned over and because he’d never know, brushed her fingers through his soft brown hair

beforeshekissedhischeekandpaddedtoherbedroom.

…

Thesmellofcoffeerousedherfromaveryrestlesssleepafewhourslater.Sheliftedup,stretched,

andfollowedthedeliciousscent.

Averyyummymanstoodinherkitchen.Troyhadhisbacktohersoshetookaminutetolether

eyesadjusttothemorninglightstreamingthroughthesmallwindowabovethesinkandadmirethe

wayhisblackT-shirtclungtohiswideshoulders.Theywerethekindofshouldersagirlwouldlove

scrapinghernailsoverasshelaybeneathhim.Thewrinkledcottonteemadeherwanttowrapher

armsaroundhim,slideherhandsunderneaththehem,andsmoothherpalmsoverhisribcageandup

tohischestwhilesheburiedherfaceagainstthesoftmaterialathisback.Hislow-slungjeanswerea

bonus.

Anunwelcomepricklingsensationmoveddownherspine.

Thetoasterovendinged.Hepulledouttwopiecesoftoast,putthemonaplatewithscrambledeggs,

andturnedaround.Herdoodlesstillcoveredhisface.

“Oh,hey.You’reup.Perfecttiming.I’vegotbreakfastready.”Heputtheplateoffoodonthetable

and sat. Across from him was another full plate. “The least I could do was make you breakfast this

morningafterpassingoutonyourcouchlastnight.Sorryaboutthat.”

Finallyhiseyessettledonhers.“Youokay?”hesaid.

Shestifledagiggle.“Uh…”Hehadn’tlookedinthemirrorthismorning.“Yeah.I’mfine.”Shegot

herfeettomoveandslidintoachairatthetable.“Youreallydidn’tneedtodothis.”

“Yeah I did. I was starving.” He winked and she swallowed another chuckle. Relaxed some too,

gratefulhisnicetywaswrappedinsomeself-servingmotive,too.

“Thankyou.”

“Sure.”Hedugintohiseggs.“IletRoverout,hopethatwasokay.Igotthefeelinghewantedsome

freshair.”

“That’sfine,”shesaid,tryingtoactnormal.Asifcuteguysmadeherbreakfastallthetimeandthis

morningwasn’tanythingspecial.

Whenreallynoonehadevermadeherfluffyscrambledeggsandbreadperfectlytoasted—nottoo

brown,butnottoountoastedeither.

Sincewhendidbreakfastmakeherfeelsoaffected?Sheneededtopointouthisnewfacialfeatures.

“It’sgettingcold,”hesaid,pointinghisforkathermeal.

Eat first, share later, she decided when her stomach growled. She dug in. “Mmm. Not bad, Mr.

Streiber.”

“I’mtheofficialeggscramblerwhenI’mondutyatthestation.”Henarrowedhiseyes.“Anddon’t

youmeanMr.Tomcat?”

Shechokeddownhereggs.

Hereyeswidenedasshetriedtofinishherswallowwithoutspewingeggsacrossthetable.When

theeggsfinallywentdown,sheputherhandonherchesttorubtheachethere.“YousawwhatIdid

andstillmademebreakfast?”

“Ilaughedmyassoff.”Hesmiled,andforthefirsttimeshenoticedtheveryfaintdimpleinhisleft

cheek.“Youkeepsurprisingme,ErinWatters.”

“You’renotmad?”Whywasn’themadather?

“Notatall.It’sdamnfunny.”Herestedhiselbowsonthetable.“Anditmakesmecurioustoknow

whatelseyoumightthrowmyway.”

Wasthatachallenge?Sheneverbackeddownfromachallenge.Butifthestupidfeelingswarming

herinsideswereanyindication,Troywasn’tthenormalchallenger.Shedrewinabreath.“Nothing

elseiscomingyourway.”

“Rightaftercollegeabuddyofminegotmarried.Hegotcompletelywastedathisbachelorparty

andpassedout.TheothergroomsmanandIshavedoneofhislegs.”

“Youdidn’t.”Shepulledhersweatshirtsleevesoverherhandsandreclinedagainstthechairback.

“Wedid.Hisfiancéewasn’ttoohappywithus,giventheywerehoneymooninginHawaii.”

“That’ssomean.”

Hearchedonebrowandshotheramischievouslook.

She dropped her gaze to his hands and watched as he buttered a piece of toast. Kind, trustworthy

hands.She’dbeenonthereceivingendofthosehandsseveraltimesnowandlikedit.Alot.“It’snot

thesamething.Youcanwashyourfaceanditwillcomerightoff.”Ithink.“Whatdidhedo?”

“He shaved the other leg and had an amazing vacation with his new wife. No harm, no foul.” He

took a bite of toast. “What are these things supposed to be?” He pointed at the triangle on his left

temple.

“Ears.”

“Huh.Okay.”

“Areyouknockingmyartisticskills?”

Shoving food into his mouth, he shook his head, but she noticed the smirk hiding behind his

chewing.“Youlookexactlylikeacat,”shesaid.

“HowaboutIdrawonyou?”

Erintuckedherhairbehindherear.“Ha!Idon’tthinkso.This?”Shemovedherfingerinacirclein

frontofherface.“Staysexactlyhowitis.”

“Whosaidanythingaboutdrawingonyourface?”

Andthelet’s-get-physicaltugcameroaringback.Andwerehercheeksturningagiveawayshade?

Shit.Shepushedupthesleevesofhersweatshirtandquicklygotuptoslideopenthekitchenwindow.

Sheleanedagainstthecounterandletthecrispoutdooraircoolherbodyandherthoughts.Since

whendideverythingaboutTroyappealtoher?

His warm body caged her in, his hands on the counter. She stiffened, but a second later when his

mouth brushed the side of her ear, she softened against him. “I didn’t mean to make you

uncomfortable.I’msorry,”hesaid,histonegentle.

“Youdidn’t.”Shetwistedandduckedunderhisarms.

Heturned.“Okay.Excusemeaminute?”Heheadeddownthehallwayandwentintothebathroom.

Shesatbackatthetable,remindingherselfhewashertestsubjectandgettingtooclosecouldhave

repercussions. Her adviser had warned her that mixing school work with personal feelings might

jeopardizeherthesis.Sheneededtogetthatthroughherthickskull.

Afresh-facedTroyreturnedacoupleofminuteslater.Well,almostclean-faced.Smudgesofblack

hereandthereremained.Oops.

“SotodayIthoughtwe’ddosomerockclimbing,”shesaid.

“O-Okay.”

“Indoorrockclimbing,”sheclarified.

Ifamancouldlookbothvulnerableandpleased,Troydid.Colorflaredinhischeeks,andhiseyes,

teasingafewminutesago,tookonatenderappearance.“I’dlikethat.”Hetookhisspotbackatthe

table.

“Itshouldbeeasy.Andfun.”

“Shouldbe.”

“Here’swhatIwantyoutodotoday.”Shewrappedherhandsaroundtheedgeofherchair.“Forget

thepast.Starttellingyourselftorelaxaboutwhathappenedonthatrescuemonthsago.Don’tletyour

thinkingbraingetoverruledbyyouremotionalbrain.”

“Easiersaidthandone.”

“Ithinkyou’reuptothechallenge.”Sheletasmallsmileslip.Shewasprettysurethatlikeher,ifhe

wasgoadedtodosomething,hedidn’tbackdown.

“I need to tell you something else about that day.” He pressed his shoulders back and rubbed the

sideofhisneck.“Beforeyoucounselmeanymore.”

“Okay.”Shepickeduphercupofcoffeeandtookasip,neverlettinghereyesleavehis.

“Iknewthevictim…Shewasmygirlfriend.”

Erinsuckedinabreath.Ofallthethingshecouldhavesaid,thatwasthelastthingshe’dexpected.

“Oh,Troy.”Withoutthought,shelacedherfingerswithhisatopthetable.Condolencesranthrough

hermind,buthiseyesheldsomuch.Somuchtrepidationandremorse,thatthelastthingshewanted

wastocomeoffsoundinglikeshepitiedhim.

“Iknewwhenwegotthecallthatitwasher,”hesaid,turninghishandoverandrubbinghisthumb

acrossherknuckles.“Ialsohadthishorriblefeelingwe’dbetoolate.”Hisgazefelltotheirhands.“I

shouldneverhaverappelleddownthemountainfirst.Iknewwhenthingswerepersonalitwasbestto

stayuninvolved.ButallIcouldthinkaboutwasaskinghertomarryme.I’dbeenplanningtodoitand

ifshewasstillaliveIwantedthosetobewordssheheard.Iwantedherknowwhatitfeltliketobe

lovedthatmuch.”

“Sheknew,”Erinwhispered,fightingthestingoftearsinthebacksofhereyes.Shehadnodoubt—

“Whatwashername?”

“Jamie.”

ShehadnodoubtJamieknewhowluckyshewas.“Heraccidentwasn’tyourfault.”

Herubbedhisfreehandacrosshisjaw.“Iknow.”

“But?”

“ButIwishIcould’vesavedher.”Alargegulpsliddownhisthroat,hisshouldersslouched.

“That’sanormalandhealthyresponse.”

“MyjobistogettopeopleintimeandIfailed.Butsheletmedown,too,anditbothersmethatI’m

madatherforitwhenshe’s…gone.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

Hepulledhishandaway,hisgazetouchingeverythingintheroombuther.“Shehadnofearand

thrivedontakingrisks.Nothingscaredorworriedher.Andshewasabitofaloner.”Hescrapedhis

fingers through his hair. “But that morning I asked her not to go off on her own and she did it

anyway.”

ItkilledErintoseethepainetchedaroundhiseyes.“I’msureshehadagoodreason.”

“Yeah.Boredom.”

Atwisty-turnyachetookupspaceinthepitofherstomach.“Youkeptupwithher,though,onmost

days?Yourdaysoff.”

Henodded.

Andshegotitnow.ShewasinsanelyattractedtoTroybecauseofhisgoodlooks,butalsobecause

deepdownhewasathrillseekerlikeshewas.He’dclimbed,jumped,andsoaredlikeshehad.Buthe

wasburyingthatpartofhimselfnow.Hedidn’twanttobethatpersonanymore.

HisneedsandwantshadchangedwhenJamiedied.Andhedeservedsomeonesweetandnurturing

andsafe.Hedeservedsomeonewhoseideaofcrazywasjumpingoffadivingboard,notathirty-foot

cliff.Hedeservedsomeonemuchdifferentfromher.

Hescrapedhischairbackandstood.“Ishouldheadhome.Shower.”

Shewalkedwithhimtothefrontdoor.“Thanksforsharingallthatwithme.Iknowitwasn’teasy.”

“Thanksforlistening.”

“Anytime.”Sheopenedthedoor.“Howaboutoneo’clockatVerticalRock?Knowwhereitis?”

“Ido.”Hehurrieddownthewalkwaytohiscar,gotin,andspedaway.Allundertwentyseconds.

Shegotit.Confessionsmadeherwanttorun,too.

Since she had a few hours to kill before they met, she decided to grab her laptop and do some

research by Googling Troy. She could wait for him to tell her more about the accident, but she’d

rathersparehimthepainofspeakingaboutitfurther.Thismorning’sdisclosurewasenough.Shesat

cross-legged on the couch and stretched her neck from side to side while her computer booted up.

Despite all the happy faces in the pictures she’d filled her condo with to keep her company, it

suddenlyfeltempty.

Thefirstthingshesearchedforwastheaccident.Severalarticlespoppedup.Asshereadthrough

them,shediscoveredTroyhadbeenalocalherobeforethatday.Andafterward?He’dvanished.Then

ithither.Hisbrother-in-lawhadpassedawayashorttimelaterandhe’dmovedbacktoCascade.

Twolossesinsuchashorttimehadtobedevastating.

She went limp against the couch. Erin understood worrying about someone you loved. Luke had

madeacareerofphotographingtheworld’stopextremeathletes.He’dalmostdiedonanassignment

back in the spring. But her brother thrived on it. It wasn’t something he could turn off. Yes, he’d

scaled back now that he was married to Sela, but loving Luke meant accepting the part of him that

neededtheadrenalinerush.

TroyhadpartneredwithJamieonalotofherclimbs.Butthatdayhehadn’t.Thatdayfatehadother

ideas.

Erincouldn’timaginestoppingallthethingsshelovedtodoeither.

Herfingersbackonthekeyboard,shepoppedovertoCascade’sblog.

OhmyfreakingGod.She’dexpecteda Sundayfunnyor aneighborhoodwatch reportfromgray-

haired Mrs. Finnegan. Not the headline, “Is Cascade’s Wild Child Corrupting the Boy Next Door?”

She’dbeenhighlightedontheblogplentyoftimesbefore—she’dmaybestreakeddownMainStreet

onetimeinsupportofPETA,andshemighthavemadeoutwiththemayor ’sgrandsonintheWatters

PublicLibrary,tonameacoupleofherfavoritementions.

Oh, and the make-out session was a total selfless act. Poor Ben had had hardly any dates in his

twenty-twoyearsandaskedErinforsomepointers,sincehisfriendskeptgivinghimcrapforbeing

inexperienced.Erinhaddecidedshowingratherthantellingwasthebestwaytohelphimout.

Butthistimetherewasaphotoandherveryownpoll.Staringbackatherwasapictureofherand

TroyattheCrown&Anchorlastnight.Theywereleaningtowardeachother,insomedeeptrance,

andsheknewsomeonehadcapturedthemomentwhenhe’dbeensharinghishandcuffscenario.The

momentwhenshe’dwantedtojumphisboneshehadhersohotandbothered.Theposttalkedabout

howcozythetwoofthemlookedandthen…thenwentontosaythatTroy’scarhadbeenparkedout

infrontofhercondoallnight.

Sofar—andreallyitcouldn’tbemorethananhourortwoagothatthishadbeenpublished—the

vote on the poll was even. She wanted to clobber whoever had posted the survey. She was not a

corrupter.Atroublemaker,maybe.ButthelastthingshewantedwastostiruptroubleforTroy.His

reputationwassafewithher.

Right?

Herphonerang.Shegroaned.Nodoubthermomoroneofhersisterswantedthelowdown.She

closedherlaptopanddraggedherfeettothebathroom.Herfamilycouldwait.Ahotshowercalledto

her.SodidthoughtsofTroytakingonewithher.

Goodthinghe’dleft.

ChapterSeven

Troytossedhiscellonthebed.HecouldseewhyErinfounditannoying.FourtextsfromOliver.All

talkingaboutsomepollonCascade’sblogandhowtheirbethingedonhimfindingaguyforErin,

not taking the schmuck way out and being that guy just to win. He didn’t know what Oliver was

talkingabout,butitmusthavesomethingtodowithlastnightattheCrown&Anchor.Thesexting

thing had led to some serious flirting and someone must have noticed. Noticed how he’d enjoyed

everysecondofit.Toomuch.

Hisadmissionsthismorninghadcuredhimofmostofhisattraction,though.Helikedbeingwith

Erin and she just might be the perfect girl. If she weren’t so reckless, fearless, independent, and

intrepid.Noonekeptherdown—justlikenoonehadkeptJamiedown.Anditoccurredtohimhe’d

neverbetheperfectguyforsomeonelikeErinbecausehewasdonetakingrisks.Hishearthadtaken

abeatingandheneverwantedtofeelthatwayagain.

“Youalmostready?”Breecalledfromhissmalllivingroomwhilehepulledashirtoverhishead.

He’dphonedthehousebeforehe’dgottenintheshowerandaskedhissisterifhecouldhaveAmelia

foracoupleofhours.Hecouldn’texplainwhybringinghisniecerockclimbingsoundedlikeagood

idea,buthe’daskedandAmeliahadsquealedindelight,sohecouldn’tchangehismindnow.

“Yep,”hesaid,walkingintotheroom.“Andremindmeagainwhyyouwanttocome?”

She waved an arm like that was ridiculous. “Moms like to be there for their kids’ first time at

things,that’sall.”

“Uh-huh.Sowatchingmepossiblybreakoutinasweathasnothingtodoit?”He’dtoldhissister

andmomabouthisnewtherapywithErin.WhenhismomaskedifthiswasthesameErinhe’dgotten

together with a couple of weeks ago and he’d said yes, she’d playfully harangued him for not

disclosingErin’sgender.

Breeputahandonhisarmashesteppedpastthecouch.“You’regoingtodogreat.AndIwantto

helpyou,too,youknow.”

“Yeah,Iknow.Comeon,let’sgogetthelittlesquirt.”

“Waitasecond.”Breestoodandsquinted.“You’vegotasmudgeonyournoseorsomething.”

Herubbedthetipandsmiled.“Orsomething,”hemutteredandheadedoutthedoor.

Rain fell on the drive to Vertical Rock and Amelia bombarded him with questions about rock

climbing. To his surprise, her interest diluted the anxiety that always plagued him when he even

thoughtaboutclimbingagain.

Telling Erin about Jamie this morning had helped too. The feel of her hand in his, the

understandinghesawinhereyes.She’dgivenhimmorecomfortthansheknew,andhe’dhurriedout

ofherplacebeforehethankedher.

Bythrowingheroverhisshoulderandtakinghertobed.

She’dlookedirresistiblefirstthinginthemorningwithherhairmussed,hercheekspink,andher

bodylanguid.Dammit,weren’tthesethoughtscontradictorytotheoneshe’dhadfiveminutesago?

“WillyoucatchmeifIfall?”Ameliaasked,breakingintohismusings.

Hisbreathcaughtandhelookedatherintherearviewmirror.“OfcourseIwill.Butyouwon’tfall.

Remember,you’llbewearingaharnessandthere’sapersontherewhowillbelayyourclimb.That

meansheorshewillbeholdingontotheropethatkeepsyoufromfallingifyouloseyourfooting

onthewall.”

Herlittleforeheadwasstillfurrowed.

“We’llstartonthesmallestwall,too.ButIbetyou’llberightnexttomeclimbingthetallestone

before we’re through.” He pulled into the parking lot and they got out of the car, only scattered

raindropsfallingnow.Ameliaignoredhermom’shandandgrabbedhis.HetossedhiskeystoBree

soshecouldholdontothem.

Erinstoodatthecheck-indeskwhentheywalkedinside,theguybehindthecounterenthralledwith

whatevershewassaying.Sheturnedherheadandherinfectioussmileonceagainmadehisheartbeat

toodamnhard.UntilshenoticedAmeliaandthecornersofherlipsfaltered.

“Hi…everyone,”shesaid,alittleunsettled.

Ameliamarchedrightovertoher,peeredup,andsaid,“Hi.Isyourfingerallbetter?”

Erinlookeddown.“Um,yesitis.Thankyouforasking.”

“HiErin.I’mBree.I’mnotsureifyourememberme,butwemet—”

“At the tree lighting ceremony last year.” A faint smile made an appearance. “I was the one who

collidedwithyouontheice-skatingrink.Andyouwerethegraciousonewhotriedtoteachmehow

toavoidfuturebodyslams.It’snicetoseeyouagain.”

Breechuckled.“Youweren’tthatbad.”

“Oh,yesIwas.”Sheslidhergazetohim.“Hey.”

“Hey,”hesaid.

“SomyfriendChasehere”—shepointedherthumbattheguybehindthecounter—“isgoingtobe

helpingusouttoday.Areyouguysjustthecheeringsquadorareyouclimbing,too?”

“I’mclimbing,”Ameliasaid.

“AndI’mjustwatchingandlendingsupport.”BreeputanarmaroundTroy.

“Okay.SoBree,there’sareleaseformyou’llneedtofilloutforAmelia.”

“Onit,”Chasesaid.

Erinsteppedawayfromthecounterandsatonanearbybench.Troyjoinedher.“Sorryaboutthe

littlesurprise.”

“It’sokay.Actually,Ithinkitmightbegoodforyoutoseesomeoneyoucareaboutclimb.It’svery

tameinhere,butforafour-year-old,it’sprobablyprettyscary.”

HowdidhenotrealizehewaslettingAmeliadosomethingalittledangerous?Alittleadventurous?

Setting the tone for future activities he wanted her to stay away from? She could hang ten on a

surfboard.Shecouldnothangglide.

Hepressedhishandtohiskneetostopitfrombouncing.Erin’shandcoveredhis.

“Don’tworry.Chaseisawesomeandhehasayoungdaughter,sohe’lltakegoodcareofAmelia

andmakeitfunforher.”

“That’swhatI’mafraidof.”

Erin canted her head and looked at him. He kept his gaze straight ahead. “You didn’t think this

through,didyou?”

Heshookhishead.

“Youcan’tshelterher,Troy.Andshe’sonlyfour.Idon’tthinkyou’recommittinghertoalifeasa

stuntgirlquiteyet.”

“When did you start?” he asked, so damn curious to know more about what made Erin tick. He

couldn’tshutoffhisinterestnomatterhowhardhetried.

“Twoandahalfyearsago.”

Thatgothimtoturnhishead.“Really?IpeggedyouforaKindergartenKnievel.”

Shelaughed.“No.Ididdostupidstuffinhighschool,butitwasn’tuntilmycollegegraduationand

adouchebagofaboyfriendthatsentmejumpingoutofaplane.”

“Soaguypissesyouoffandyougoallwildwoman.”

“Iguessyoucouldsaythat.”

“Remindmenevertopissyouoff.”Theweightofthosewordshithimsquareinthegutlikehe’d

beenpunchedbythehundred-poundbagatthestation.

“Too late for that,” she teased. “Hey!” She jumped to her feet as Chase, Amelia, and Bree

approached.Chasegotthemclimbingshoesandgaveinstructions,andtheyheadedforthebeginner

climbareaandthetwenty-five-footwall.Ameliaclimbedlikeachampandrangthebellatthetopof

theslabonhersecondtry.Pride—dammit—filledTroy.He’dneverforgetthegrinonherface.Orthe

admirationonErin’s.Erinwasimpressed,too,andshegaveAmeliaahighfive.

Theywerebonding.Overrockclimbing.Hisheartjumpedintothebackofhisthroat.

Whenfacedwiththetallerchallenges,though,Ameliashookherhead.SoChasetookherbackto

thebeginnerareawhereBreewatchedandcheeredandtwootheremployeesjoinedhimandErinto

belayandsupervisetheirclimbs.

“Howyoudoing?”Erinaskedfromafewfeetawaybeforetheystarteduptheirfirstclimbonthe

intermediatewall.

“Fine.”

“Good.Ihadafeelingthecontrolledenvironmentandpredictableclimbingsurfaceswouldmake

thiseasyforyou.”

“Seeyouatthetop,”hesaidandtookoff.

“You’renotbeatingme,”shecalledafterhim.

Thatwasalltheincentiveheneededtoraceuparidiculouslyeasyclimbingroutewithoutathought

inhisheadbutreachingthehandmadepeakfirst.

Hebelayeddown,feelinglighterthanhehadinalongtime.

“Youcheated,”Erinsaidwhenshegottothebottomafewsecondsafterhim.

“Howdoyoufigure?”

They unclipped their harnesses and in silent agreement moved to the tallest sculpted climbing

surface.

Shebrushedhisarmastheywalked.“Youdidn’tcountdownlikeafairpersonwould.”

“Youthinka‘3-2-1’isallittakestobeatme?”heteased.

“Let’sfindout.”

“You’reon.”Hepeekedatheroutofthecornerofhiseyeandchuckledatherdeterminedprofile.

“What’ssofunny?”

“Youare.”

“I’mnottheonewithinkstillonthetipofhisnose.”Sheliftedherchininvictory,andhereyes

sparkledlikeshe’dwonsomethingbig.

Heshruggedjustasshestumbled,andarmsflailing,fellfacedownontothecushionedfloor.

Troyandthetwoemployeesassistingsaid,“Youokay?”atthesametimesherolledoverandsaid,

“Wholefttheirshoesinthemiddleoftheroom?”

Thenshelookedathisnoseandcrackedup.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhermiddleandlaughed

hardenoughforotherstotakenoticeandsmile.Light-footedshewasn’t,butshedidn’tseemtomind,

andthatonlymadehermorebeautiful.

Stopnoticingherbeauty.

“Itakeityouneverdidballet,”hesaid,sittingdownbesideher.

Shepushedhiminthearm.“Idid,too.”Thecornersofhermouthliftedagain.“Andtotallysucked

atit.”

“Wecan’tbegoodateverything.”Hebumpedherkneewithhis.

“YouthinkI’mgoodatthings?”Sheplayfullykneedhimback.

Certainthingshe’dliketofindoutonhisown.Shehadherbottomlipbetweenherteethnowand

theurgetostraddleher,layherback,andkissallthegoodoutofherhithimsohardhe’ddrownifhe

didn’tgettofindoutwhatshetastedlike.

“Ithinksnailsaregoodatthings,”hesaidinstead.Youareanidiot.

“You’recomparingmetoaslug?Whatdoesthatevenmean?”

It meant she wiped out all coherent thought from his head whenever she did just about anything.

Jesus,heneededtogetoverthiswildattractionalready.Hejumpedtohisfeetandputahandoutto

helpherup.

Sherosewithouthisassistance,butthesimperonherfacetoldhimitwasjusttogetbackathimfor

theasininesnailcomment.

“Youtworeadytoclimb?”askedoneoftheguysassignedtothem.

“Yep.”Erinranherhandsdownherblackleggings.“Let’sgetourclimbon.”

Theygotinposition,TroygivingErinherpickofplacementonthetallest“gymrock”intheplace.

Shehadhimsoengagedinthecompetitionbetweenthemthatwhenshecounteddownandhelifted

offthefloor,hedidn’thaveacareintheworld.

Even when his foot slipped off one of the rubber anchoring devices, he didn’t panic. Instead he

angledforanotherrouteandgottothetopatthesametimeshedid.

“Again?”hecalledovertoher.

“Okay.”

“Heyyoutwo,”Breesaidwhentheirfeettoucheddown.“Ameliaisprettywiped.”

Troylookedoverhissister ’sshoulderandfoundhisniecelyingdownonabench.“Noproblem,”

hesaid,undoinghisharness.“Givemeaminuteandwe’llgo.”

“Wait.”Shegrabbedhislockingcarabinerbeforehe’dfinishedunhookingit.“Ihatetomakeyou

go when it looks like you’re having so much fun. I could just take your car, and Erin, maybe you

coulddriveTroyhomewhenyou’redone?”

“Sure,”shesaid.

“Great.Thankyou.Bye,littlebro.”Breekissedhischeekandspunaroundbeforehe’dblinked.Or

scowledather.Shethoughtbecauseshewasborntwominutesearlierthatshecouldsteamrollright

overhim.

Erin tilted her head and scoped him out top to bottom. He guessed the little bro comment had

somethingtodowithit.Atsixtwo,hewasn’tlittle.

“Seesomethingnoteworthy?”

She jerked her head back to a neutral position as her contemplation snapped back to his face.

“Nope.Nothingmemorable.”

Hesteppedcloser.“Really?Becauseyourexpressionsaysotherwise.”Commonsensetoldhimto

stopbaitingher,butthenhadn’thejustacceptedthefactthatwithErinhelikedtoactwithoutthinking?

“Youwish.”

“Iwishforalotofthings.”

“Yeah,probablyhavingtodowiththatlittlemonikerofyours.”

Helaughed.God,hehadn’tlaughedthismuchinonedayinalongtime.

“Notthatsomeofthebestthingsdon’tcomeinlittlepackages,”sheadded.

“Oh,Icanguaranteeyoumypackageisn’tlittle.”

Hereyesdarteddownforasplitsecond.“Ohyeah?”

Damn,heshould’veknownshe’drisetowhateverbaitheflungather.Erindidn’tbackdownfrom

anything. She wore faith and passion with breathtaking deftness and if they weren’t standing in the

middleofapublicplacehe’dbackheragainstawallsoshecouldfeelhowsheaffectedhim.

“Youaskingforademonstration?”

“Howaboutfirstonetothetopofthenextclimbgetswhatevertheywantfromtheloser?”shesaid.

“Deal.”Hedidn’tbackawayfromachallenge,either.He’dwinhisbetwithOliverandhe’dwinthis

one,too.BecausejustthenheknewexactlywhathewantedfromErin.Beforehefoundhertheperfect

guy,hewantedonething.

Akiss.Oneverylong,sweepingkisstoslakethisintenseanimalattractionandgetheroutofhis

head.

…

Erinrantohercarinthepouringrain.Troy’sbig,strongbodykeptpacebesideherandsheshivered.

Fromthewetchillintheair,shetoldherself.Notbecausehewasherstodowithhowevershewanted.

She clicked off the car alarm and they climbed inside. Settling back into her seat, she wiped the

moisture off her cheeks and pulled her hair over to one shoulder. Troy watched her, unsettling and

enjoyableatthesametime.Inthecloseconfinesofthecarinterior,hisscentmixedwiththatofthe

rain and the combination heightened her awareness of him. “I think that was a really successful

outing.Youdidn’tseematallbotheredbytheheight.”

“Itwasagreatidea.Thanks.Ididn’thaveanyproblems.ThinkitmeansI’mcured?”Hesmiledthat

ridiculouslysexysmileofhis.

“Weshouldtestitatleastonemoretimeagainoutside.”

“Probablyagoodidea.”Heranahandthroughhiswethair.

“Sowhereto?”Sheputthekeyintheignitionandstartedoutoftheparkinglot.Hetoldhertoturn

rightandthengavedirectionstohisfamilyhome,addingthathelivedintheguesthouse.Rainpelted

thewindshieldandherwiperssqueakedforafewseconds.

“It’sreallyadmirablethatyoucamebacktoCascadeafteryourbrother-in-lawdied.”

Heshruggedashoulder.“Myfamilyisimportanttome.IgotluckythatajobopenedupinBeaver

Creekandthenherewhenitdid.”

She wondered if Jamie would’ve come with him. If the accident hadn’t happened and Troy had

askedhertomarryhim,wouldshehavesaidyes?He’dlovedsomeonethatmuch.Wouldheagain?

“Youcontemplatingmytaskoverthere?”

“Huh?”

“Youbeatmetothetopofourclimb,nowlaythewhateveronme.”

“Oh.Okay.Iwantyouonmyteam.”SheturneddownWhiteSailsRoadandglancedatWattersPark

astheydroveby.Awomanbravedtherainwithalargeyellowumbrellaandwalkedherdog.

“Yourteam?”hesaid,confused.

“EverySundayafterThanksgivingmyfamilyhasaflagfootballgameandthisyearI’moneofthe

teamcaptains.WecanrecruitwhoeverwewantandIwantyou.”Sheturnedherheadandfoundhim

raisinghiseyebrows.“Forthegame.”

“Yousurethat’sallyouwantmefor?Youwerecheckingmeoutearlier.”

“OhmyGod.Iwasnot.”Shetotallywas.

“Yousure,Watters?Becauseyou’reacting—”

“What’swiththeWatters?”Sheslidonehandoffthesteeringwheelandwipedherpalmdownher

leggings.

“Ican’tcallmyteamcaptainErin.”

“Soyou’llplay?”

“I’ll play. I did lose our wager and I always pay my debts. Plus, I was the quarterback in high

school.”

“Iheardthat.”Sheglancedathimagain,andhehadonebrowarchedthistime.Sherolledhereyes.

“Everyoneintownknowsyouwerethequarterback.”He’dbeentwoyearsaheadofherinschooland

shedidn’tknowhimbackthen,butgivenhermisplacedaffectionforfootballplayers,shehadheard

abouthim.He’dbrokenafewrecordsorsomething.

“Who’stheothercaptain?”

“Luke.Andwehavetobeathim.”

“Whyisthat?”

“BecauseIhatetolose.”She’drunoffatthemouthatSundaybrunchacoupleofweeksagoand

nowshehadtofollowthrough.Shelovedhavingherbigbrotherhomeandlovedthatheteasedher,

andwouldloveitwhenshefinallybestedhimatsomething.

She’d best Candace, too. Which reminded her… “So about this wingman thing. Have any more

friendsyouwanttosetmeupwith?”

Hetookamomentbeforeanswering.“Idon’tlikelosingeither,soIdefinitelyhavesomeonefor

youtomeet.”

Hisflippantresponsefeltlikeshe’dbeenslappedinthefaceandshedidn’tlikeit.Andshehadno

ideawhyhesoundedputoffbyherquestion.Hewastheonewiththebet.Hedidn’tknowaboutthe

oneshehadwithherself.

“Cool,” she said, and then because she hated feeling like he was upset with her about something,

added,“Oh,andifyouwanttostickaroundafterthefootballgame,myparentsfeedeveryonelunch.”

Shekeptherfocusontheroadbutcouldfeelhiseyesonher.Didheguessthatwasanafterthought

andshe’doriginallyhadnoplanstoinvitehimtostaylongerthanthegame?Thatshehadn’tintended

tospendmoretimewithhimthannecessary.Because…because…Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutall

thebecauses.

Whetherhedidornotdidn’tmatter,becauseshesensedhismoodsoftening.Andeventhoughshe

triednottonotice,partsofherfelthisattentionlikeatouch.

Sheneededtohaveatalkwithherparts.

“Soundsgreat.AndI’llbringmyluckyfootball,”hesaid.

“You’vegotaluckyfootball?”Sheturneddownhisstreet.

“It’stheoneIheldwhenIraninforatouchdownwithlessthanaminutetogointhelastgameof

mysenioryear.Wewon.”

“Okay,butifitendsupintheocean,don’tblameme.”

“WhoelsewouldIblame?”hesaid,andshewasn’tsureifhewasteasing.“That’smeontheright.”

Hepointedtoalargetwo-storyhomewithaguesthousebesideit.

Erinpulledovertothecurb,shakingherheadindisbeliefthathe’dactuallyblameher.“Trustme,I

won’tbetheonetoloseyourfootball.”

“Whatpositionwillyoubeplaying?”Heunclickedhisseatbelt.

Sheundidhersandturned.Hehadalightstubblythinggoingontodayandshestaredathissquare

jawlineforamoment.“Receiver.Thinkyoucangettheballinmyhands?”

“Thequestionisn’twhetheryoucancatch,butwhetherornotyoucanholdontotheballwithout

tripping.FromwhatI’veseen,footworkcanbealittlechallengingforyou.”

“Foryourinformation…”Sheleanedforward.“I’venever—”

“I’mteasingyou.Thewayyoumoveisactuallypretty…distracting.”

“Oh.”Hadhejustgivenheranunexpectedcompliment?Andhadheleanedcloser?

“I’llhelpyouwin.”

She drifted closer because his compliment tugged at her. So much about him tugged at her and

maybeshejustneededtokisshimtosaythanks,andthenshecouldforgetthinkingaboutwhatkissing

himwouldfeellike.

The pitter-patter of raindrops shielded them from any notice inside the car. She heard herself

breathing. And then she heard him breathing and yes, he’d gravitated toward her. She knew this

becausetheadorablefaintblackmarkonhisnosewasonlyinchesfromhersnow.

Helookedatherlips.

Shelookedathis.

Andthenhekissedher.

Hard.

His mouth covered hers with such authority that if she hadn’t been sitting, she would have surely

collapsedagainsthim.

“Erin,”hewhisperedashepulledback.

“Troy.”Then,likeitwassecondnature,shekissedhimagain.Herhandsgrippedthefrontofhis

shirt.Hishandsmovedtohercheeks…likeshewassomethingspecial.

“God,Erin,”hesaid,hisvoicelow,rough.Sexy.

Shetookasteadyingbreath.Hereyesdriftedhalfshut.Andthentheirmouthscamebacktogether

again.Onlythistime,theystayed.

Henibbledandteasedandshewasinfusedwithhappiness,thesoftcaressofhislipsonhersintense

andso,sopleasurable.Sheslidherhandstohisshouldersandclimbedoverthecenterconsoleand

intohislap.Theseatjerkedashesliditbacktoallowformoreroom.Shegiggledagainsthismouth.

Hishandcuppedthesideofherneck;theothersplayedacrossherlowerback.Heradrenalinerose.

Thiskisswasbetterthananyclimborbungeejumporzipline.Betterthananyotherkiss.

Damnhim.

She should put a stop to this. She should stop and tell him this was a big mistake and she’d just

gottencaught up inthe moment andit would never happenagain. But shedidn’t. Because he kissed

likeagod.Iftherewassuchathingasagodofkissing.Sheprettymuchonlyknewonethingatthat

moment—wave after wave of sweet sensation rippled through her, and whatever he was doing with

hislips,shewantedhimtokeepdoing.

Besides,shehadwonderedaboutthisverything,hadn’tshe?Dreamedaboutit.Wishedforit.His

hand moved to her ass and brought her closer. Their clothes, wet from the rain, proved a flimsy

barrierandohmy.Shefelthim.

Amoanescapedherlipsandthat’swhenheslidhistongueinsidehermouth.Shedugherfingers

into his shoulder blades. The kiss grew in intensity; the temperature inside the car rose while they

foggedupthewindows.

Hekissedherthoroughly,slowingtheirtempobeforeignitingitagain.Hishandsseemedtotouch

hereverywhere.Whenhebrushedtheoutsideswellofherbreast,shesankintohim.Heletoutasmall

groan.

This was better than she’d imagined. She felt his kiss deep in her belly, in her chest, between her

legs.

Theyneededtocomeupforairbeforetheyrippedeachother ’sclothesoff.Shecuppedhisfacein

her hands and slowly ended the kiss. Heavy breathing filled the space between them. He ran his

knucklesgentlyacrosshercheekanddownherneck.

He was about to say something, but Erin pressed a finger to his mouth. “Shh. Please don’t say

anything.Ithinkwebothknowthiswasamistake.”

Astormofemotionsechoedthroughher.Shecouldn’tdothiswithhim.Heposedtoogreatarisk

toherheart.Sheclimbedbackintoherseat,eyesdown.

Troyliftedherchin.“I’llseeyoulater,Watters.Thanksfortheride.”Hegotoutofthecarwithouta

lookback.

Hershouldersroundedandherforeheadtouchedthesteeringwheel.She’djustroyallyscrewedup.

ChapterEight

Tiedupinoneofthosetightknotsthatwereimpossibletoundo.ThatdescribedErin’sstomachsince

hermind-blowingkisswithTroythreedaysago.Shereallywantedtoforgetiteverhappened,butall

shecouldthinkaboutwashowshe’dneverbeenkissedlikethatbefore.Totopitoff,Willhatedthe

preliminary plans she’d written up for some new programs at COA, telling her they sounded too

muchlikepsychoanalysisandcouldshelightenuponthelingo.

Afewchoicewordshadcometomindwhenhe’dshooedheroutofhisofficewitharequestfora

newproposalinthenextcoupleofweeks,butshe’dbittenhertongue.

Oh,andshehadn’theardawordfromhim.

Troy.

Thekissinggodshecouldn’tgetoutofherhead.

Notthatheowedheracallortextorvisitoranything.Shehadtoldhimtoshush.Andsaiditwasa

mistake.Whichitwas.Becauseshestillneededhishelpwithfindingsomeonetodatewhodidn’tpose

anysortofrisktoherheartuntilshewassureshecouldtrusthim.AnewrumorhaditCandacehad

metsome“amazing”guy.

Shebristledatthethought.

Barney,thechefattheCrown&Anchor,choppedvegetableslikenobody’sbusiness.Plus,hedidn’t

mindhersittingonabarstoolandtakingupspaceatthestainlesssteelcountertowatch.Healsodidn’t

talkmuch,whichwaswhyshelikedbeingthere.Miltputaplateofbakedchicken,mashedpotatoes,

and peas in front of her. Milt didn’t talk much either, but liked to feed her. Reason number two she

liked being there. Especially when the only thing she felt like eating was mint chocolate chip ice

cream.

Kaganstrolledinthroughthebackdoor,awarmglowonherface.Anyonelookingatherwould

knowshewasmadlyinlove.SheflashedasmileatBarneyandMiltandlandedherselfnexttoErina

secondlater.

“HowisitIworkhereanddon’tgettheserviceyoudo?”

“Grabafork,”Erinsaid.

“What’sup?”KagangrabbedtheforkBarneyhandedherandtookabiteofmashedpotatoes.

“Iwashungry.”

“Uh-huh.Whatelse?”

Erintookabigbiteofchicken.

“Youcan’tchewforever.Eventuallyyou’llhavetotalk.”Kaganforkedtwotinypeasandputthem

inhermouth.

“Ithoughttodaywasyourdayoff,”Erinsaidaroundthefoodinhermouth.Ifshe’dknownshe’d

becaughthere,sheprobablywould’vestuckwiththefrozengoodnessinherfreezerathome.

“I’mfillinginforLily.”Sheeyedtheboxesstackedupinthecorner.“AndIfiguredI’dcomein

earlytohelpMiltwiththisweek’sdelivery.”

“SelatoldmeyouandShanesetadate.”

“Yes.”Ahumongousgrinspreadacrossherface.“Maytwelfth.”

Erin bumped her shoulder. “I’m excited for you.” She was. Crazy how in the past seven months,

thoseclosesttoherhadfoundtheirhappilyeverafters.Evencrazierwashowmuchshemightwant

one,too.She’dthoughtbeingonherownandforgingherownpathwouldkeepherhappy,butwith

allthematchesgoingonaroundher,sherealizedshewaslonely.

Did that mean she was ready to take another leap of faith and risk her heart? No. Not yet. There

weregood,decentguysoutthereandmaybeoneofthemwouldkeepherheartsafe.Butapartofher

—abigpart—wasstillterrifiedofhavingherheartbrokenagain.

“Anynewdevelopmentsontheboyfriendfront?”Kaganasked.

Jeez, had she started wearing her heart on her sleeve or something? “No. Troy said he’s got

someoneelseformetomeet,though.”

“Huh.”

Erineyedher.“Whatdoesthatmean?”

“Nothing.”

“Thathuhdefinitelymeantsomething.”Sheputherforkdown.Shewantedicecream—orcookies.

Cookieswithicecreamsoundedevenbetter.

“JustthatIhopeitworksthistime.”Sheplayedwiththebraceletonherwrist.

Erindidtoo.“Newdesign?”sheasked.Theplainwhiteleatherbandhadjustonebeadonit,very

differentfromtheotherbraceletsshemade.

“Itis.Shanehasamatchingone.Ithoughtitwouldbefuntodesignsomecouplesbracelets.”

Herheartpinched.“It’sreallynice.Ihavetogo.”Shestoodandgrabbedherkeysoffthecounter.

She’d tucked away foolish romantic notions a long time ago, but lately that’s all she could think

about.Andshehatedit.Didn’twanttobearoundit.

“Because?”KaganputahandonErin’sarm.

“Justneedtohaveaconversationwithsomeone.Bye.”Toapologizeorjustmakethingsclear,she

wasn’tsure,butallofasuddensheneededtoseeTroy.Shepressedherlipstogetherinanattemptto

smile,butitdidn’tquitehappen.“Thanks,Milt.Thanks,Barney.”

Thelate-afternoonchillwasawelcomegreetingasshepushedopenthekitchendoorandhurriedto

hercar.Shethoughtaboutbecauseallthetime.

Becauseshecouldn’tsurviveherheartbeingbrokenagain.

Because she didn’t trust herself not to fall head over heels for the wrong guy and have that trust

broken.

ShegottoTroy’splaceafewminuteslaterandparkedonthestreetbehindhiscar.Good.Hewas

home. She marched up to his front door before she thought better of it and hightailed it home.

Becauseasmuchassheneededtosaythistohim,seeinghishandsomefacealwaysprovedtounnerve

her.

Hedidn’tanswerthedoorbellsosheknocked.Orrather,pounded.

“I’mcoming.I’mcoming,”sheheardthroughthedoor.

Itopenedwideasecondlaterandstandingbeforeherwasabodyunfairtoeveryothermaleonthe

planet.ShetookinTroy,naked,exceptforalow-slungtowelaroundhiswaist.Waterdrippedfrom

his hair onto his shoulder. A bead trickled down and over his smooth, muscled pec. The droplet

drifted left along a ridge of abdominal muscle, then right, and disappeared into his belly button. A

smattering of hair trailed down from there, disappearing under the towel. She was stuck on the

seriousbumpsandgrooves,thedefinedVathiships,untiladeepmasculineahemremindedhershe

wasgawkingrightthereinfrontofhim.

Shit.

Her eyes snapped up to his clean-shaven face, which had sexy written all over it, too. Her entire

bodygrewsoawareofhimthattheslowsmileheblessedherwithhadnodoubttodowiththeflush

shesensedonhercheeksandneck.

“Hi,”shesaid.

“Hi.”

“Doyouhaveasecond?”

“Sure.ShouldIputsomeclotheson?”

“No.Imeanyes!Yes,youshoulddothat.Oryouknowwhat?Wecoulddothisanothertime.”She

turnedandtookafewstepsdowntheflagstonewalkway.Guysdidnotflusterher.Whydidthisonein

particularmakeherforgetherself?AddonemorethingthatannoyedheraboutSubjectX.

Hishandonhershoulderstoppedher.“Don’tgo,Erin.”Click.Itsoundedlikehisfrontdoorshut.

“Shit,”hesaid.

She spun around. Troy tried to open the door, but it didn’t budge. He ran a hand through his wet

hair,theliftingofhisarmdoingverynicethingstothemusclesinhistorso.

Theireyesmet.Sunshineslantedthroughthetalltreesontheproperty,butthetemperaturecouldn’t

bemorethansixtydegrees.Hergazesweptdownhisbodytohisbarefeetandshecouldn’thelpit,

sheburstoutlaughing.

Hewatchedher.Joycrinkledthecornersofhiseyes;hislipswerepursedinamusement.“Thisis

thethirdtimeI’velockedmyselfout.”

“Inatowel?”shemanagedtoask.

“No.Thisisafirstforthat.”

“Have a spare key hidden in a fake rock somewhere?” She looked down at the ivy lining the

walkway.

“Unfortunatelyno.”

“Youshouldprobablydothat.”

“Yeah.”Hesteppedaroundherandtookthewalkwaythatheadedtowardthemainhouse.“Withany

luckmymomorsisterleftadoorunlocked.There’sasparekeyinthekitchen.”

Erin followed, tripping over a little divot in the flagstone because her attention was on his broad

shouldersandthewaythemusclecordedinhisbackashewalked.

Shestumbledafreakingsecondtimecheckingoutthewaythetowelmoldedtohisbutt.

Hetossedalookoverhisshoulder.“Youokaybackthere?”

“Fine,”shecroaked.

Thesidedoorwaslocked.Shewaitedwhilehewentaroundtothefrontofthehouse.Heshookhis

headashecamebackintoview.“Damn.”

Bitingherlipdidn’tholdbackthelaughterbubblinguptothesurfaceagain.Shetriedtostop,she

reallydid,but…“I’msorry.Butthisisprettyfunny.”

He gripped the towel and shivered. “Think I could use your cell to call a locksmith and we sit in

yourcarwiththeheatontowait?”

Goose bumps popped up on his arms. Without thought she reached out, her hand rubbing up and

downfromhiselbowtohisshoulder.“You’refreezing.”

Evenhisbrowneyes,usuallysowarmandlively,haddulled.

“Ofcoursewecandothat.Comeon.”Sheliftedherhandandspunaround.Withouthimtodistract

her,thewalkbacktohercarwentwithoutincident.

Shewilledherselfnottolookhimoverwhenhesatinherpassengerseat,thetowelinchinguphis

thighsandstretchingacrosshislap.Holynakedness,shehopedhedidn’tnoticehowshecouldhardly

breathe.Howshewantedtoclimbintohislapagainanddomuchmorethankiss.

Rememberwhyyoudroveovertoseehiminthefirstplace.Totalk.

“So,thereasonformyvisit.”

Heturnedtheheatingventonhimselfforthefulleffect.Shewasalreadysweatingandtheheathad

onlyjustclickedon.“Yeah?”

“Ithinkweshouldforgetaboutthekiss.Pretenditneverhappened.”

“Okay.”

Onelittlewordinreply.Averyvalidword,becauseshehadcalledfoulonheractions.Ofcourse

he’dreactwith“okay”afterthat.Whatelsecouldhesay?

For a girl who kept things close and ignored uncomfortable feelings, this need to spout her

thoughtstohimreallypissedheroff.Sheshould’vejuststuckwith“itwasamistake.”

“Itwasamistake,”shereiterated.Tohurthim?Makeherselffeelbetter?Shedidn’tknow.Butshe

didn’tlikeherselfverymuchatthemoment.

Hishandtookhersandhelacedtheirfingers.“Webothgotalittlecaughtup,that’sall.Andyeah,

mistakes happen. I think we can agree it won’t happen again. Chalk it up to a little adrenaline rush

fromtherockclimbing.”

Erinblinkedbackthestingofdisappointment.Unwanteddisappointment,butthereallthesame.She

shouldberelieved,yettheacheinherchestintensified.“Right,”shesaid,thed’oh unspoken, but in

hertone.

She looked down and watched his thumb rub over her knuckles. Why was he doing that?

Contradicting his words with his touch? The simple caress roused too many emotions—want, fear,

need,gratitude—sosheslippedherhandoutofhisandpickeduphercell.“Hereyougo.”

“Thanks.”Hefoundalocksmith,madethecall,andhandedthephoneback.“Hesayshe’llbehere

intwentyminutes.”

“ThisiswhenmycareerinB&Ewouldhavecomeinhandy.”Timetoputsomedistancebetween

herselfandMr.GoodyTwo-shoes.

Troyaimednarrowedeyesather.“Breakingandentering?You?”

“Whydoyousoundsosurprised?”Sheturnedandleanedbackagainstthecardoor,crossingher

armsoverherchest.

“Becauseyoumighthaveadevil-may-careattitude,butI’mprettysureyoustickwithintheconfines

ofthelaw.”

“Thebestfunishadwhenrulesarebroken,youknow.”

“Idoknow.”

Crap.Hedid.Didn’the?Hemighthavepushedhispastoutofhispresent,buthestillremembered

it.Alltherichcaramelcolorwasbackinhiseyesnowandshecouldhavestaredatthemforhours.

Shedroppedhergazetohischest.Doublecrap.Wasanypartofhimhardtolookat?Knowingall

she had to do was reach over and whip that towel off and every delicious part of him would be

exposedmadeitdamnhardtoconcentrate.

He’dsaidsomethingaboutknowing…“You’vebrokenthelawbesidesyourillegalclimbinNew

Mexico?”

“Atimeortwo.Let’stalkaboutyou,though.”

“Okay.InhighschoolIwasn’taverygoodgirl.”

“Youmentionedthat.”

“MyfriendsandIwereboredalotsowegotintosometrouble.”

“Breakingandentering.”Heshiftedandsodidthetowel,exposingalittlemoreofhisthigh.

Sheforcedherattentionoutthepassengerwindow.Thetreeswerelovely.“Yeah.I’vegotaknack

forpickinglocks.”

“Then why are we sitting here?” He turned the knob on the thermostat down. Thank heavens. She

wasaboutreadytorolldownherwindowandstartpeelingoffclothes.

“I don’t have any of my tools.” She smiled. “Besides, after Sheriff Fealy caught us for the third

time, he got my parents involved and I promised them that my life of petty crime was over. Which

wasprettyeasyconsideringtheygroundedmefromseeingMarcus.”

“Thesheriff’sson?”

“Andtheonlypersonbetterthanmeatpickinglocks.”Alsothereasonthesheriffletthemoffthe

hookthefirsttwotimes.Theydidn’tstealanythingfromtheplacestheybrokeinto.Justhungoutwith

theirfriends.

Troylaughed.“Hewasshowingoffforyou.”

“Maybe, but I wasn’t interested. And by the way, I’ve never told anyone this before so keep it to

yourself.”

Heranthepadofhisfingeracrosshislipsandturnedhiswristinalock-and-keygesture.

“Nowtellmesomethingyou’venevertoldanyoneelse.”Shejustcouldnotletthemanbe.

“I stole a car when I was seventeen. It was a dare from my football teammates. Every year the

captainwasgivenachallengeandifyoudidn’tdoit,youlostallrespect.”

“Yeah,butacar?Didyougetcaught?”

“NotonlydidIgetcaught,butIcrashedit.”

Herhandflewtohermouth.“No.”Shewould’vebeenaboutfourteenorfifteenwhenithappened

andrackedherbrainforsomememoryofit.Wait.“You’retheonewhostoleMrs.Finnegan’scar?”

“IwishIcouldsayborrowed.”

“OhmyGod.Theyneverreleasedthenameofthekidwhodiditbecausehewasunderage.Ican’t

believeitdidn’tgetleaked,though.”

“Wewereheadedtothestatechampionships.IgotaslaponthewristandmowedMrs.Finnegan’s

lawnuntilIgraduated.”

“I remember that! Well, I remember Vanessa and her friends talking about some football player.

You’dtakeyourshirtoffandputonashow.Allthegirlsthoughtyouwereadreamforhelpingout

Mrs.Finnegan.”

He grinned. Her gaze went back to his chest and a lesser woman would’ve surely drooled. She

swallowed.God,hischestwasinperfectmuscledproportion.Hemustdohundredsofpush-upsaday.

Or work out with weights. Or maybe he practiced rolling and unrolling his hose—the hose—at the

firestation.

Ohhell,hercheeksburnedagain.Itwasimpossiblenottoflirtwithhim.Shestraightenedagainst

herseatandlookedoutthewindshield.

Onlytobeconfrontedbyherworstenemygettingoutofacarwithatinfoil-coveredplateinher

handsandadisgustinglyperkysmileofherface.

“IsthatCandace?”Troyasked.

“Duckandmaybeshewon’tnoticeus.”

ButCandace’sannoy-Erinmeterregisteredatfullsoshenoticedthemallright.Andwithaflipof

herhairwalkedrightovertoTroy’ssideofthecarandtappedonthewindow.Candace’seyesbugged

outofherheadwhenshenoticedwhatTroyhadon.Orrather,whathedidn’t.

Erin wanted to claw Candace’s eyes out. She fisted her hands and wanted to shield Troy from

Candace’sperusal.Herstomachhurtlikeshe’dbeenkickedinthegut.

Herolleddownhiswindow.“HeyCandace.”

“HiyaTroy.LookslikeIcaughtyouinthemiddleof…something.”Hergazeneverlefthisbody.

“LockedmyselfoutandErinherehasbeenniceenoughtowaitforthelocksmithwithme.”

Candacedartedahurriedlookather.“Oh,helloErin.”

“Hello,Candace.”

Candace’seyeszeroedbackinonTroyasshebentdownandpracticallyhadherheadinsidethecar.

“Well, I was just at the station dropping off some pumpkin squares and since you were off today I

thoughtI’dcomebyandhand-deliveraplateforyou.”

“Thankyou.”Troytookthedish.

“Mypleasure.Ihopeyoulikethem.It’smygrandmother ’srecipeandeveryonesaysthey’retodie

for.”

Maybeshe’dchokeonone.

“I’msureIwill.”

“Well, I guess I’ll mosey on. It is chilly out here.” She straightened. “I was wondering if you

weren’tbusyFridaymorningifyou’dliketograbsomecoffee,Troy?”

“Uh,sure.”

“Great!I’llmeetyouatCrem’satsaynine?”

Henodded.Candaceturnedonherhighheelsandsashayedbacktohercar.

Erin’s heart sank. Troy was the guy Candace had set her sights on, no doubt about it. And Erin

didn’twanthimhavingcoffeewithher.Shedidn’twanthimhavingcoffeewithanyone,really.

…

FridaymorningTroywalkedintoCrem’snotsurewhattoexpectfromCandace.Fromtheoutsideshe

seemedlikesomeonehemightwanttogettoknowbetter.Sweet,familyoriented,relaxed.Hethought

she was the same age as Erin and vaguely remembered her from their younger days. “Prim and

proper”cametomind.

Yep,asafebet.

As usual the smell of cinnamon, chocolate, and vanilla hit him as he looked around the bakery.

Candacehadn’tarrivedyet,sohetooktheopportunitytolookoverthesmallgiftsondisplaytoward

thebackofthestore.Whenhe’dtoldBreewherehewasheadedthismorningshe’daskedhimtobuy

anewteapotfortheirmom.Herbirthdaywasnextweek.

Hedidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutdamnteapots.

“That’saniceone,”awomansaidfrombehindhim.

Troy turned his head and found Erin’s mom nodding toward the pot with tiny flowers on it. “Hi,

Mrs.Watters.”

“Please,callmePaula.”

“Okay.Hi,Paula.”

“Youlookedlikeyouneededsomehelp.Buyingagift?”

“For my mom.” He picked up the teapot Paula had nodded toward. “Thanks for the advice.” He

caughtaglimpseofErinstandinginlineatthepastrycounterandhisbreathcaught.Shewasbeautiful

asever,buttheslumpinherposturetoldhimsomethingwasn’tright.

“You’rewelcome.”Shenoticedwherehisattentionhadstrayed.“She’supsetthismorning,soI’m

hopingtocheerherupwithcoffeecake.”

“Whathappened?”

“ShebroughtRoverhome.”

Hefrowned.

“Home as in my house. And Rover is her cat. Erin took him with her when she moved, but he’s

hatedit.Soshebroughthimbacktolivewithmyhusbandandme.Shereallymisseshim,eventhough

shecanvisithimanytime.Excuseme,wouldyou?Iwasactuallyonmywaytotheladies’room.”

“Sure.Nicetoseeyou.”

“Youtoo.”PaulasmiledandlefthimfreetostareatErin.

He had the urge to scoop her up and carry her back to his place. Massage the tension out of her

shoulders. Whisper words of affection. Not that she needed or wanted rescuing. But he didn’t think

sheletanyonetakecareofherandmaybeshe’dlethimdothat.Asafriend.

They’d decided their kiss was a mistake—well, she had decided that. He didn’t regret it for a

second.Butshehadanideainherheadofthekindofguyshewanted,andhe’dagreedtohelpher

find him. He wanted to see her happy with someone who equaled her in all the ways she thought

important.Someonedifferentfromhim.HopefullyhisbuddyHenrywouldgetbacktohimtodayso

hecouldsetadateup.

About to step forward, he paused when Candace walked in with a woman he didn’t know. They

spokequicklyandloudlyandstoppedbehindErin.Candacedidn’tbothertolookaroundthebakery,

insteadtappingErinontheshoulder.

Erinturned.

“Yourhelpisn’tneededthisyearforthetreelightingceremony,”Candacesaid.“I’veformedanew

committeeandyou’renotonit.”

“Okay,”Erinwhispered,Troyreadingthewordonherlipsmorethanheheardit.

“Wedon’twantsomeonewithyour,uh,ego,andwhomighthavefoolhardyplansuphersleeve.”

“Youfinished?”

Candaceliftedherchinevenhigher.“Yes.”

Erin twisted back around and stepped to the counter. Candace turned her head and seeing him,

wavedherhandandplasteredabigsmileonherface.Shesaidsomethingtoherfriend,something

thatcaughtErin’sattentionbecauseErin’sbabybluesfoundhim.

Candacewalkedtowardhim,hertallframeblockinghisviewofErin.“Hi,Troy.Ididn’tseeyou

there.”

“Hey.”Hegesturedtoatableandpulledachairoutforher.Itbotheredhimthewayshe’dtalkedto

Erin,butitwasn’thisplacetosayanything.“WhatcanIgetyou?”

“Decafcoffeeandabranmuffin,please.”Shesmiledupathim.

“Yougotit.”Yep.Safe.Simple.

Colorless.

He turned and caught the front door of the bakery closing behind Erin and her mom. His eyes

connected with Erin’s through the window when she glanced over her shoulder. It lasted only a

second.

Hereachedthecounter,orderedforhimselfandCandace,andsatbackdown.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,beforelaunchingintotwentyquestionsabouteverythingfromhisfavorite

colortohisplansforNewYear ’s.He’dneverfeltmoreputonthespotandhe’dstartedtowonderif

thiswasaninterview.

Forahusband.

Achillsweptoverthebackofhisneckandthehaironhisarmsstoodatattention.

Sheputherhandononesaidarm.Hejoltedback.Unintentionally.

“Troy?”

“Sorry.”Butdamnhewashappywithhisbody’sreactiontohisassumption.“Youwereasking…?”

“Ithoughtmaybewecouldtakeadrivedownthecoastorsomething?”

“Youdon’thaveworktoday?”Herealizedhehadnoideawhatshedid.

Shewavedawayhisquestion.“Iworkfromhomeandsetmyownhours.IwriteforCascade’sblog

and do some other freelance writing, but”—she lowered her voice—“that’s sort of a secret. So I’m

freeasabird.”

Whowantedtonestwithhim.

No,thankyou.

“That’s nice of you to ask, but I have some things to do today.” He had to pick up Amelia from

preschool,forone.

Hershouldersslumped.“Ohwell,thishasbeenreallynice.”

Hesmiled.Andlethertalkforafewmoreminutesbeforeheexcusedhimself.

AnddecidedCandacewasn’tatallthekindofwomanhewanted.

ChapterNine

Henryplayedguitar,workedinfinance,skied,surfed,knewafewgoodjokes,andhadblondhair.But

mostimportantlyhe’dagreedtomeetErin.HeandTroysatinthebaratZeroes,talkingsportsand

oldtimeswhiletheywaitedforher.Troyhadagreedtoherrequesttobethere,butshe’dtextedhim

thatshewasrunninglate.

“Pleasetellmethat’sErin,”Henrysaidoverthedinintherestaurant.

Troy followed his friend’s gaze and almost swallowed his tongue. He cleared his throat. “That’s

her.”

She wore a little black dress, shoulders bare, and the black boots that went to her knees. Hair the

colorofhoneycombwaslooselypulledbacksoitfellaroundhershouldersinsoftwaves.Hismind

rushed to blue and lace and he wondered what color thong she had on underneath. Since she’d told

himonthebridgethat’sallshewore,he’dwonderedthateverytimehesawher.

“Hi,”shesaid.

HeandHenrystood.“Hi.Henry,thisisErin.Erin,Henry.”

“Verynicetomeetyou,”Henrysaid.

Erinsmiledandsat,andtheyorderedacoupleofappetizersandfellintoeasyconversation.Until

HenrybroughtupthePatriots-JetsfootballgamescheduledforSunday.HenrywasborninNewYork

andsayinghehatedNewEnglandwasputtingitmildly.

“TheJetshavefinishedsecondtothePatsinfourofthelastfiveseasons,”shesaid.

“Yeah, but the last time we faced off in the postseason we knocked you out of the playoffs. Be

preparedforarepeat.”

“I don’t think so.” Erin put her napkin beside her plate. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to use the

ladies’room.”HeandHenrywatchedherwalkaway.

“Dude,sheisawesome,”Henrysaidwhenshewasoutofearshot.“Whyaren’tyoudatingher?”

Troy kept his attention on Erin until she vanished around a corner. He’d had reasons, but at the

momenthecouldn’trememberthem.Couldn’trememberherseither.He’dlistenedtohertalktonight

andithithimthateverytimehewaswithherhehadagreattime.

Shewassmartandfunnyandspokehermind.Sheteasedandtookitwhenteasedback.Shemade

himhappy.Andhewonderedifmaybehecouldmakeherhappyback.

“I,uh—”

“Henry?”

He was saved from further answer when a woman approached and took Erin’s spot at the table.

Henry made a quick introduction and then forgot all about Troy until a few minutes later when he

leanedoverandwhispered,“Youdon’tmindifIbowoutofourdate,doyou?I’vebeenafterthisgirl

forawhile.”

“Noproblem,”Troysaid,amusedatthereferenceto“ourdate”andexcusinghimselftocheckon

Erin.

The hallway outside the restroom was empty. He looked around and then knocked on the door

labeledW

OMEN

.Sheopeneditasplitsecondlater.

“Youokay?”heasked,tryingtoignorehowgoodshesmelled.Howhehadheraloneandallhehad

todowaskickthedoorshutandmaybeshewouldn’targueifhewantedtokissheragain.Touchher.

Findoutwhatshehadonundertheblackdress.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief like maybe she could read his thoughts and Christ, his pants got

tight.Sheswallowed.“I’vebeenwaitingforyou.”

He was dreaming. This had to be a dream. His tongue stuck to the back of his throat. “Yeah?” he

managedtogetout.

“I’m ready to leave and I didn’t want to offend your friend. Or you. I know you’re trying really

hardtofindtherightguyforme,butHenry’snotit.”

Relieffloodedhim.“He’snot?”Noneedtotellhershewasn’titforHenryeithernow.

“No. He’s nice—even though he hates the Patriots—but I’m just not attracted to him. There’s no

spark.”

“Andyouwantsparks.”Thefirsttimehe’dtouchedErinhadbeenattheCrown&Anchorather

sister ’sbacheloretteparty.They’dbrushedarmsandashiverhadburnedthroughhimlikeflickersof

light.

“Andthensome,”sheadded.

“Let’sgothen.I’llwalkyoutoyourcar.”Heheldthedoorforher.

Herhipgrazedhisandshetrembled.Hereyesflewtohis.Hewonderedwhatshesaw.He’dfeltthe

electricshock,too.“Sorry,”shesaid,quickly,asifdispellingthevibrationasstaticelectricity.

Onlymaybeitwasn’t.

Theysaidaquickgood-byetoHenry,whobarelynoticed.TroyputhishandonthesmallofErin’s

backbecausehereallywantedtotouchheragain,andtheywovetheirwaythroughthecrowdtoward

theexit.

“GoBragh!Isthatyou?”aguyshoutedastheygottothefrontoftherestaurant.

Erinturned.“Dominic?Noway!”

Dominicwrappedherinhisarmsandliftedheroffthefloor.“Hey,beautiful.”

“Heyyourself.”Shehuggedhimback.

AstingofjealousyshotthroughTroy.

“I’vemissedyou,”Dominicadded,puttingherdown.

“I’vemissedyou,too.Dom,thisisTroy.Troy,thisismyfriendDom.”

“Nicetomeetyou,”Domsaid,shakinghandswithTroy.

“Damn,it’sgoodtoseeyou.”Domcouldn’tseemtokeephiseyesoffErin.Troyfistedhishands.

Hisstomachclenched.

“Ican’tbelievewehaven’tspoken,GoBragh.AndI’mreallysorryaboutwhathappenedwithScott.

Theguyblewit.Big-time.”

SheshotTroyalookoutofthecornerofhereye.“Thanks.IguessIpickedthewrongfraternity

brother,”sheteased.

“SoTroy,howdoyouknowthisbeautifulcreature?”

“We’refromthesamehometown.Itakeityoutwowenttocollegetogether?”

Domnodded.“Thisbabewasoneofthebestpartsofmycollegelife.Iowemygettingintomed

schooltoher.”

“That’snottrue.”Shepushedhiminthearm.“Everyoneknewyou’dgetinnoproblem.”

“She helped me study for the MCAT.” Dom put an arm around her shoulder. “Spent quite a few

nightsquizzingmeuntilIcouldn’tseestraight.PissedthehelloutofScott.”Hefellbackandranhis

handupanddownhisstubbledjawline.“Jesus,youdon’tthinkthat’swhyhe—”

“No,”Erinsaidadamantly.“There’snoexcuseforwhathedid.”

“WhatdidScottdo?”Troyasked.Hehadafeelingitwasn’tagoodthing.

“Theasscheatedonher.Andgotanothergirlpregnant.”

Troywantedtotakeherhandandsqueeze,buthedidn’t,unsureofhowshe’dfeelaboutthatinfront

ofDom.“Ouch.I’dsayassisn’taharshenoughdescription.”

Asmileedgedoutherfrown.“Oh,Icalledhimlotsofothernames.”

“Anddisappearedonus,”Domsaid.Hecuppedherchinandtiltedherheadsohehadherundivided

attention.“NowthatI’vefoundyou,I’mnotlettingyouvanishagain.”

Troy stepped back so Erin and Dom could catch up further. Scott was obviously the douche

boyfriend who had been the catalyst to Erin’s adventure-seeking. And Troy got it now. Because he

understoodhowtheadrenalinerushofjumpsandclimbsandextremeactivitiesmadeapersonforget

everything else. And he understood why she kept herself guarded. Why she thrived on her

independence.She’dhadherheartbrokenandprobablyhadahardtimetrustingsomeonenottodoit

again.

Heglancedatherandhisheartnearlybrokearibitbeatsohard.

Forher.

…

ThenextdayTroybentdownandpickedupthepuppyinthecardboardboxleftoutsidethestation.

He’d almost tripped over it on his way out. The tiny beagle pup licked his chin and wiggled in his

arms. Troy looked around, hoping to catch a glimpse of who had left the gift, but the street stood

empty.

Pumpkin and pecan pies from different townspeople had been hand-delivered the past couple of

daysleadinguptoThanksgiving,butthiswasafirst.

“Finallygettingsomeaction,huh?”Oliversaid,comingupbehindhim.

“Shutup.Whatshouldwedowithhim?”Troyasked.

“We?”Oliverbackedupandliftedhishandsinsurrender.“Thereisnowehere.Andthelastthing

Captain wants now that we’ve got two new trainees is a four-legged one, so you’d better figure

something out that doesn’t include heading back into the station. See ya.” Oliver waved over his

shoulderandhustleddowntheconcretewalkway.

Thedogbarked.

“Yeah,youtellhim,Fido.”

Fidobarkedagain.

Hissisterwouldn’tbehappyifhebroughthomeapuppy.AsmuchasAmeliawantedone,theywere

stilladjustingtotheirnewlife,andbringingapetintotheequationwouldonlyaddstressBreedidn’t

need.

Oneotherpersondidcometomind.Shealwayscametomind.

Heputthepuppybackintheboxandcarriedittohistruck.Afewminuteslaterheparkedoutside

Erin’s.

The sun cut through the fog this morning; dew clung to grass blades and tree branches. Smoke

billowedupfromchimneys.Troyinhaledthesmellofburningwoodanddankearthand

knockedonherdoor.

Sheansweredwearingplaidboxershorts,along-sleevethermalshirt,andfuzzyboots—ormaybe

theywereslippers—thatwentuptoherknees.Herhairwasbeautifullymessyandhereyesglistened

likepreciousstones.

“Hi,”hesaid.

“Hi,”shesaidtothepuppy.

“Canwecomein?”

“Sure.Who’syourfriend?”

Hesteppedinsideandputtheboxdownonthecoffeetable.Thepuppypracticallyjumpedintohis

arms.“Idon’tknow.Someonelefthimonthestationdoorstepthismorning.”

She locked the door and turned. Now that Fido was out of confinement, she took a good look at

him.“He’ssocute.”Sheputoutherhands.Troyobligedandhandedoverthesquirmingmutt.

Fidolickedherfacelikeshetastedbetterthananydoggietreat.“Ithinkhe’sinlove,”Troysaid,and

thesecondthewordswereoutofhismouth,somedeep-rootedemotionjabbedhiminthestomach.

“Someonejustabandonedhim?”WatchingthepuppykissErinandwatchinghergrinandgiggleas

she clutched the small thing in total abandon stirred an image of surprising her like this every

morning.Withsmallgifts.Biggifts.Giftsthattoldherhowmuchhe…

Heclearedhisthroat.“Yeah.AndsoIthoughtyoumightliketohavehim.Yourmomtoldmeabout

RovermovingbackinwithherandyourdadandthislittleguyneedsahomesoI—”

His gaze had moved unfocused somewhere across the room, so Erin startled the hell out of him

whensheputanarmaroundhisneckandkissedhischeek.Thedoglickedhischin,butthenthedog

waswrigglinginsidetheboxandErinwasbackinghimupuntilhiscalveshitthecouchandhisasshit

thecushion.

LastnightoutsideZeroes,they’dhadamoment.Oneofthosemomentswheresomething’schanged

butyou’reafraidtoactonitbecauseitcouldruineverything.

Shestraddledhislap,stareddeepintohiseyes,said,“Thankyou,”andpressedherlipstohis.

Whateverthatmomenthadbeen,itwasbackinfullforce.

Herfingersranoverhisscalp;herbodyshimmiedcloser.Hecuppedthebackofherheadwithone

hand,herbottomwiththeother.Shetastedlikepeppermintandwomanandeverysanethoughtinhis

confusedheadceasedtoexist.Nothingrattledhim,nothingworriedhim,nothingbotheredhim,when

hewaswithErin.

Fidobarked.

Shepulledback,thepuppy’syapbreakingtheirconnection.“I’mkeepinghim.”

“Awesome.” Darn dog for interrupting Erin’s gratitude. But then another few seconds and Troy

wouldn’thavebeenabletostop.

“Weneedtogotothepetstore.”Shelookedoverhershoulder.“Hemightbehungry.Andheneeds

acollar.Andaleash.Andtoys.Apuppyneedslotsoftoysorhe’llstartchewingupeverythingonthe

floor.”

Apuppyapparentlytrumpedaparamedicwhenitcametoattentionatthemoment.

Troy glanced at the floor. Socks, tennis shoes, boots, and Hello Kitty—he knew this because of

Amelia—slipperslitteredtheroom.

Herheadwhippedbackaround.“Wait.Doweknowifhe’saboyoragirl?”Sheclimbedoffhislap

andpickedFidoupsoshecouldcheckouthisunderside.“Boy.”Shesnuggledhimcloseandrubbed

hernoseinhisshortfur.“Whatshouldwenamehim?”

“We?”Troytookasecondbeforehestood.Hisownboyneededtosettledownafterthethank-you

she’djustplantedonhim.

“Yes,”shehalfwhispered,andforthefirsttimesincehe’dmether,shesoundedalmostshy.“No

onehasdoneanythingthisniceformebeforeandIwantyoutohelpmepickwhatwecallhim.”

“Okay.”

“Here.” She handed him the puppy. “Give him some love while I change and then we’ll go.” She

boundeddownthehallwaywithoutwaitingforananswer.

HeputFidoonthefloorandgotonhishandsandknees.Thepuppystayedclose,movingincircles

around his arms before venturing farther away. Troy picked up a pink sock and slithered it like a

snakeonthehardwoodfloor.Fidotriedtopawitandsoontheywereplayingagame.

Afterafewminutes,Troysatbackonhishaunches.Erinstoodinthekitchenentryway,herarms

crossedoverherchest,watchinghim.Theireyeslocked.

“Youready?”heasked.

Herlong,darklashesslowlytouchedthetopsofhercheeksinsilentagreement.HescoopedFido

upandgottohisfeet.

“Ididn’teventhinktoaskifyouhadsomewheretobethismorning.”Shegrabbedherkeysoffthe

kitchencounter.

“Nowherethatcan’twait.”He’donlyplannedonalongnapinhisquiet,emptyguesthouse.

“Howaboutsomecoffeetogo?Youlookalittletired.”

“Soundsgreat.”

She tossed the keys back down and tipped the contents of the glass pot into a silver travel mug.

“Creamandsugar,right?”

“Right,”hesaid,ridiculouslypleasedsheknewthatabouthim.

“Hereyougo.Tradeya.”SheswappedFidoforthecoffee.“Doyouminddriving?Iwastootired

lastnighttostopatthegasstationonmywayhomeandI’mrunningonfumes.”

“Sure.”Theywalkedtothefrontdoor,thepuppyinherarms.

Sheshothimacheerful,tenderglanceastheysteppeddownthewalkway.He’ddefinitelymadethe

right decision bringing her the puppy. He opened the passenger door to his truck and steadied her

while she sat so Fido wouldn’t wiggle out of her grasp. Then he helped with her seat belt, leaning

acrossherlaptolocktheclipintoplace.Herbreathhitched.“Thanks.”

“Noproblem.”

“Polly’sokaywithyou?”sheaskedasheclimbedintohisseatandputhiscoffeeinthecupholder.

“Absolutely.”Hehadn’tbeentoPolly’sPetsinforeverbutknewexactlywhereitwas.

On the drive there, Erin told him all about the first time she’d held Rover as a kitten. She’d just

movedback home fromcollege and decidedto visit the animalshelter on awhim. Her parents and

Teague were delighted when she’d brought him home, even though from day one he’d gotten into

mischief. She shared a few stories and the happy, sexy cadence of her voice did nothing short of

launch warm tremors through his veins. Home meant something to her. Family, too. And while she

heldtighttoherindependentandself-sufficientdisposition,heheardsignsofcautioncracking.

Thesmall,singlebuildingwithwhite-paintedwoodshinglesnestledinaquietspotalongthecoast

highwayhadservedCascadeformorethanfortyyears.AccordingtoErin,Pollystillwokeupwith

thesuneverydayto“talk”totheanimals.

Troyparkedinfrontofthepetstorewithoutaproblem.Hehurriedaroundthehoodofthecarto

openthepassengerdoor.

“Fido,”hesaid.

Erinmadeaface—acrossbetweendisgustandseriously?

“ItwasthefirstnametopopintomyheadwhenIfoundhimandI’vebeenthinkingiteversince.”

She shifted Fido so his little face was nose-to-nose with hers. “Are you a Fido?” she said in the

singsongy voice adults used when they talked to babies. “Are you? I’m not so sure. I think maybe

Frito,though.”ShecastaquestioninglookatTroy.

“Ilikeit.”Hescratchedthetopofthedog’shead.

“Me,too.”HereyesfastenedonhisagainandTroycouldn’thelphimself.Hecapturedhermouth

withaquickkissshedidn’tseemtomindatall.

“I’vebeenthinking.”Alittlebreathless,shebitintoherlowerlip.

“About?”

Shestartedtowardthepetstore,thepebbledwalkwaykickingupsomedust.“Ineedtogetlaid.”

Hismouthfilledwithsaliva.Hechokedonitwhenhetriedtoswallow.

“YouknowaboutScottnow,andwell,Ihaven’tbeenwithanyonesince.Notthatintimatelyanyway.

Maybethat’showIfixthismessed-upheadofminethat’skeptmefromwantinganotherboyfriend.

Letloose,havealittlefun,andmoveonfromthere.”

Wassheaskinghimtodothehonors?Becauseheconsideredhimselfuptothetask,noquestions

asked.Infact,herwordshadalreadystirredalittleupaction.

“Iwasthinkingthat—Ohcrap!”

“Whatisit?”Troyjumpedinfrontofher.

Armsoutstretched,shedangledFritoawayfromherbody.“Hejuststartedtopeeonme.”

Troysteppedback.

Toolate.Fritogotaspotonhispants.HeheardErin’sbeautifullaughterbeforeheliftedhishead

andcaughtthedelightonherface.

Asecondlaterhewaslaughingtoo.

“Iforgotpuppiesaren’tpottytrained,”shesaid,shakingFritogentlybeforeshetuckedhimback

underherarm.“Howaboutwehurryandgrabaleashsohecanstartchristeningthegrass?”

“Greatidea.”Hewantedtoaskhertocontinuewithwhatshewasthinking,butifitwasn’thimshe

wantedtoletloosewith,thenhedidn’twanttoknow.“Comeon.”

Bellschimedonthedoorannouncingtheirarrivalatthequaintstore.Pollyshouted,“Berightwith

you!”fromsomewhereneartheback.

“Ithinkthedogstuffisonthesameaisleasthecatsupplies.Followme.”Erinledhimdownthe

smallmainaisle,madealeft,andtookthesecondright.“Yep.”

GlassenclosureslinedtherearwallafewfeetawayandPollydroppedamouseintooneofthem.

“Don’teathimallinoneswallow,”shesaidwithachuckle.Wipingherhandsonherdenimoveralls,

sheturnedandsmiled.

“ErinWatters,yougetthattushoverhererightnowandshowmewhatyou’vegotinyourhands.”

“Hi,Polly.”Erindidastold.“ThisisFrito.Mynewpuppy.”

PollytookFritoandthelittleguybombardedherwrinkledchinwithkisses.“He’salovebug,this

one.”

“I think so, too.” Erin tossed Troy a quick glance over her shoulder. Her grin hit him like the

second-bestthankshe’devergotten.Thekissshe’dgivenhimstilltooktophonors.

“Andyou.”Polly’shawklikeeyesmethis.“YoumustbeTroy.Yourmommatoldmeyouwereback

intown.It’sbeenalongtimebutI’drecognizethathandsomefacenonetheless.”

“Hey,Polly.It’sgoodtoseeyou.”Hetookafewstepscloser.“IthinkthelasttimeIwasinhereI

hadtobewhat,twelve,thirteen?”

“Soundsaboutright.Afterthebatincident.”

“I’dforgottenaboutthat.”Herubbedhisjawline.“Frito’sacutedog,huh?”

“Holdon.”Erinraisedherhand,palmflat.“Iwanttohearaboutthebatincident.”

Polly handed Frito back to Erin, brushed by Troy, and started pulling dog supplies off the shelf.

“TroyhadbeenfoolingaroundwithsomefriendsnearWildwoodCaveandoneofthemdaredhimto

goin.”

“The haunted cave?” Erin asked. Her light, soft strokes on Frito’s back were making the puppy’s

eyesclose.

“Itwasnothing.Iwentin.Iwentout.”

“Andbroughtsomethingbackwithyou,”Pollysaid.“Grabmethatthere,wouldyou?”Shepointed

toabagoffoodonthetopshelf.Troypulleditdownandputitonthethinbrowncarpet.

“Wasitabat?”Erinasked,alittlebreathless.

“Sure was. It had gotten stuck inside the hood of his sweatshirt and when he’d gotten home and

tossedthesweatshirtoff,thebatgotlooseandflewaroundyourroom,right?”Sheglancedathim.

Henodded.Thethinghadscaredtheshitoutofhimandhe’drunoutofhisroomlikeawimp.He’d

gottenhisacttogetherwhenhissisteraskedwhatwasgoingon.

“Bree and I were able to trap it in a plastic bowl”—all his ingenuity—“and when our mom got

homewehadherdriveusheresowecouldgiveittoPolly.Iwasworriedithadbrokenawingor

somethingbecauseitflewsortofcrooked.”

“Aww,”Erinsaid.Fritoappearedtobecompletelypassedoutnow.

“Mostboyswould’veusedaBBorrubberbandguntokillitorsetitfreewithoutasecondthought

to its survival. But not our Troy. His protective instincts and desire to help were evident even back

then.”

“Whateverhappenedtoit?”heasked.Pollygavehimtoomuchcredit.Atthatagehemightnothave

wantedthethingtodie,buthehadn’tgivenitasecondthoughtafterthey’dleftthestore.

“Itookcareofhimforacoupleofdaysandreleasedhimbackintothecave.”

Troysmiledandslidabraidedropetoyoffthesilverbar,imaginingalittletug-of-warwithFrito.

“Youdidagoodthing.”Pollygrabbedasmallsilverwaterdish.

“AlwaystheBoyScout,”Erinsaid.

Andforthefirsttimesincehe’dknownher,hesensedshethoughtthatagoodthing.He’dliketo

cometoherrescueassoonaspossible.Becausehewantedher.Bad.Ifallshewantedwasaquickroll

inthehay,hewasherguy,giventheobviousattractionbetweenthem.

“Let’sgetthisstuffuptotheregister,”Pollysaid.

“Sure.” Troy made the couple of trips back and forth while Erin and Polly chatted at the front

counter.Pollyhadpulledalotofsupplies.HehopedErinknewwhatshewasgettinginto.

Oncehehadeverythingsettogo,PollywentthroughPuppy101withthem.SherecommendedErin

crateFrito,andexplainedhowthatworked.PollypickedupthephoneandcalledDr.Carlyle,thelocal

veterinarian.ShemadeanappointmentforErinandFritothenextmorning.Satisfiedshe’dimparted

allherknowledge,Pollyfinallytotaledthepurchases.

Troypulledouthiscreditcard.“I’vegotthis.”

“What? No.” Erin shook her head, looked down at herself, and then realized… “Crap. I left with

onlymykeys.”

He’d noticed. But it wouldn’t have mattered. “A guy doesn’t give a girl a puppy without all the

necessaryprovisions.I’mhappytodothis.”

Erinsighed.Hermouthformedthattightsmilehe’dcometorecognizeasreluctantbutappreciative

thanks.Shehatednotbeingincharge.Heinwardlysmiled.

Pollytookhiscardandranitthrough.“Youtwomakebeautifulparents,”shesaid,handingthecard

back,hereyesping-pongingbetweenhimandErin.“Nowgetthatlittleonehome.”

AreplygotstuckinTroy’sthroat.Erinrefusedtolookathimandmumbledsomethingsounding

like“thanks.”Shegrabbedoneoftheirshoppingbagsandhurriedoutofthestore.

Hefollowed,hishandsfull,anddamnifhecouldn’tgettheimageofayoungprecociousgirlwith

brownhairlikehisandbright-blueeyeslikehersoutofhishead.

ChapterTen

Narrow rays of sunshine glistened off the murky horizon as Troy walked down the deserted beach

towardErin’sparents’house.Abovehimseagullssquawkedandgraycloudsfloatedacrosspatchesof

bluesky.Thesmellofbrinemixedwithfreshairandheinhaled.Hetossedhisfootballabovehishead

andcaughtit.Hehadn’theldaballinalongtimeandtheleatherbeneathhisfingertipsbroughtback

happymemories.

Up ahead, orange cones lined the sand and Erin, dressed in black leggings and a Patriots jersey,

eyeballedtheirposition.Lukeplayfullytuggedonherhairbeforemovingaconeoveraboutafoot.

Sheswattedathimandrubbedherneck.

As if she sensed his arrival, she swung around and watched him approach. When he got close

enoughthatthesoundofthewavescrashingontoshorewouldn’tovertakehisgreetinghesaid,“Hey

there.”

“Hi.Youreadyforsomefootball?”ShesoundedliketheSundaymorningNFLannouncer,andhe

grinned.

“Absolutely.”HetorehisattentionfromErin.“Luke.”Heputoutahandandtheyshook.

“Troy.Gladyoucouldmakeit.Erintellsmeyou’regoingtokickmyass.”

“That’stheplan.”

Lukelaughed.“Yeah,well,watchyourown.”

He’dratherwatchErin’sbuthekeptthatthoughttohimself.“Game’son.”

“You bet it is.” Luke pulled on Erin’s hair again. “I’ll let you guys do some strategizing. You’re

goingtoneedallthepreptimeyoucanget.”Hesmiledathissisterandtookoff.

Despite Luke’s ribbing, he recognized adoration for Erin. Troy gave Bree crap all the time, but

he’dmoveamountainifsheneededhimto.

“You’vegotastrategyplanned,right?”Erinsaid.

Hetoyedwiththesoftstrandsofhairathershoulder,unabletokeephishandstohimself.

Shedidn’tshrugawayhisarmlikeshehadherbrother ’s.Insteadshestilledandadded,“Because

he’sbeenbraggingallmorningabouthisteamandwehavetobeatthem.”

“We’llbeatthem,Ms.Competitive.”Hedroppedhishandandpalmedthefootballbackandforth.

“Don’tpretendyou’renotjustaseagertowinasIam,mister.”Shepokedhiminthechest.

“Hey,allI’msayingissincewe’reonthesameteam,we’llbeunstoppable.”

“Yousure?We’vegotBash,butLuke’sgotShaneandHayden.”

“Notaproblem.”

“Yeah?”Hersmilejustabouthadhimtacklingher.Thisisflagfootball,dude.She snaked the ball

outofhishands.

Hestoletheballback.“HowaboutIthrowafewpasses.Seewhatyou’vegot.”Hereyeslitwitha

kittenishquality.

“Madskills.That’swhat.”

“Go long.” He lifted his chin downwind and clapped the ball. Erin turned. She took off down the

beach,zigzaggingthroughconesbeforetwistingandgoingwide,eyesontheprize.

Theballsailedthroughtheairlikehe’dthrowntouchdownpassesjustyesterday.Hechasedafterit,

wantingtobeclosewhenErincaughtit.

Itslippedrightthroughherfingers.

Okay,somaybeheshould’vestartedwithsomethingeasier.Ormaybehe’djusthandofftoher.

Shepickeduptheballandtossedittohim.“Again.”Thensheranbackdowntheir“field,”kicking

upsandasshewovearoundthecones.

Asecondcompletioneludedher.

Athird.

Afourth.

But on the fifth try, she nabbed it. She hugged the ball to her chest, turned, and ran until she’d

clearedthelasttwocones.

Hecaughtuptoherandswattedheronthebutt.“Nicecatch,Watters.”

Sheletoutabreath.“Thatfeltgood.”

“Touchdownsrankprettyhighupthere.”

A heart-stopping grin spread across her face. “That’s not what I meant.” She flicked him the ball

andswattedhisass.“Ithinkwe’vegottimeforonemore.”

Onemore?He’dlikeamillionmorewithher.Ittookhimasecondtogetinpositionandgetthe

ballintheairbeforesheracedoutofrange.Anothercatchyieldedafootballspikeintheirmakeshift

endzone.“Weownthis,”shecalledoutandliftedherpalm.

He slapped her hand and snaked his other arm around her waist. She fell against him, her hands

landingonhischest.“Justsowe’reclear,Watters.AsquarterbackIownyourass.Gotit?”

She sucked in her bottom lip and stared at his mouth before resuming eye contact. “Win me this

gameandit’syourswheneveryouwantit.”

Holyshit.Ifthatwasn’taninvitationhedidn’tknowwhatwas.

“Erin!”Benshoutedashetrudgedthroughthesand.

“Heonourteam?”Troyasked,reluctantlylettinghergo.

“Sureis.”ShewavedtoBen.“Thinkhe’lldo?”

“Absolutely.” The mayor ’s grandson had played some college ball and while smaller and leaner

thanLuke,Shane,orHayden,he’dwork.Troythrewhimthefootball.Hecaughtitwithease.

Following right behind Ben was the whole Watters clan, Kagan and Shane, Bash, and Charlotte.

Lookedlikeitwasgametime.

HellosandconversationfolloweduntilMr.Wattersblewthewhistlearoundhisneckandhandedout

theflags.Vanessa,lookingquitepregnantnow,andCharlottehungbackwithpom-poms.Mrs.Watters

—Paula—didacointosstoseewho’dgettheballfirst.Troychuckled.

Erinelbowedhim.“Wetakethisveryseriously.”Muchmorethanimportancesparkledinhereyes,

though.Thetinyflecksofdarkerbluetwinkledwithjoy.Shecalledout“tails.”Theywonthetossand

shegatheredtheirgroup.

“Hey,remembertokeepitsafeoutthere.Noonegetshurt,”Paulashouted.

“YouknowI’malwayscarefulouthere,”Erincalledback,seriousnessinhertone.

Hisheartstuttered.

Teague rounded out their five-person team in the huddle. He and Bash were quickly on the same

wavelengthanddecidedtoplayitsafeforthefirstfewplays.

They jogged into place. He did his best not to watch Erin wiggle her rear end as she faced off

againstSelaontheline.Benhikedtheball.

Troytookafewstepsback,pumpedhisarmlikehewasreadyingtothrow,andthenfoldedtheball

intoErin’sarmsasshemovedbyhim.Shanesnaggedhisflagasecondlater,BashblockedforErin,

andsheranlikehell.

OnlytospinoutofKagan’sgraspandgetcaughtbyHayden.

“Wegainedsomeyards,”Troysaidwhentheyhuddledagain.“Nicejob,Watters.”

Bashhigh-fivedher.“Let’sdothesameinreverse,”hesaid.

SeconddownwentbetterandErinalmostmadeitintotheendzonebeforehavingherflagpulled

byLuke.

“Nicemoves,”Lukesaid,pattingthetopofErin’shead.

Erinbrushedhisarmaway.“Youain’tseennothin’yet.”ShejoggedbackovertoTroy,footballin

hand,withasmileonherfacethatsomehowseemedjustforhim.Ormaybeitwasthathewantedher

smilestoonlybeforhim.

“Runitin,”Bashsuggested,butTroywantedErintogetthefirsttouchdown.

“Let’sgiveErinthehonor.”

Thistimetherewasnomistakingthesmileonlyforhim.

Heranovertheplay,Benhiked,andTroyhandedtheballoff.Erinhustledrightdownthecenter

andscored.

Cheersandhollerssoundedfromthesidelines.Hestoodbackandwatchedhisteammatestaketurns

fist-bumpingErin.Whenshe’dfinished,theireyesmetandheldandthensomehowshestoodrightin

frontofhim.

“Thankyou,”shesaidwithasoft,appreciativevoice.

“Surething.”

“Ready for some defense?” She led him toward the line of scrimmage. “I think things could get

dirty.”

“Yeah?”

Shepointedup.

Helookedatthesky.He’dbeensofocusedonErinandhelpinghergetthatfirsttouchdownthathe

hadn’tnoticedtheraincloudsloomingoverhead.

“Dirtywithyouwouldbefun.”

“Yes, it would.” She cut him a quick glance, bit the corner of her mouth, and all he could think

aboutwasgettingheralone.

TheteamslinedupandhefoundhimselfacrossfromKagan.Shesmiledlikesheknewsomething

nooneelsedid.

“What?”hesaid.

“Nothing.”

Troylookeddowntheline.LukewasoppositeErin,thetwoofthemconcentratingoneachother

withaplayfulbutfierceenergy.SelahikedtheballtoShane,andTroyquicklysidesteppedKaganso

hecouldrunovertohelpErincoverLuke,whohadeasilymadeitpasther.

Somehowheforgottowatchwherehewasgoing,though.HeandErincollided,trippedovereach

other ’sfeetandfellintothesand.Troycushionedherfallbywrappinganarmaroundherbackand

guidingherdown.Heendedupsprawledontopofher.

Shedidn’tmove,sendingimmediateregretandconcernthroughhim.Slowly,sheopenedhereyes,

piercinghimwithunearthlyblueness.Herlashesfluttered;herchestroseandfellagainsthis.

Hepushedupbutkeptherpinnedbeneathhimfromthewaistdown.Hedidn’twanttomovefarther

away.Hewantedtokissher.Insteadhesaid,“Youokay?”

“Ithinkso.”

“Sorryaboutthat.”

“Yougotinmyway,”sheteased.“Weren’tyouattheotherendofthescrimmageline?”

“TookcareofthatandthoughtI’dhelpyouout.”

Hereyebrowslifted.

“Notthatyouaren’tcapableonyourown,butIneededsomethingtodo.”

“Onmysideofthesand.”Herfacelitwithamusement.Shelickedherbottomlip,anunconscious

movethatsentasurgeoflustthroughhim.

“Justfollowingthefootball.”

“Isthatall?”Herhandsslidoverhisshouldersanddowntohislowerback.

“Youguysdoknowyou’renotalone,right?”

Teague.

He popped to his feet and helped Erin up. “Right,” he mumbled as Teague shook her head and

walkedaway.

Erinchuckled.Shewipedthesandoffherbuttandhips.

“Needanyhelpwiththat?”heasked.

She pushed him in the arm. “I think we’ve given enough of a show. Everyone’s going to think

there’smoretoourfriendshipnow.”

They walked toward the play line, everyone besides Teague having kept their distance. The new

spotonthescrimmagelinetoldhimLukehadmadeacatch,butnotlandedintheendzone.

“Isthere?”

Shegaveaplayfulshrug.“Stickaroundandwe’llsee.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” And hold her all night long if she let him. He just wanted to be near her.

Spendenoughtimewithherthatherscentstayedonhisskin.

“Stopthat.”

“Stopwhat?”

“Lookingatmethatway.”Shewaggledherfingertowardthescrimmageline.“Keepyourfocuson

thegame,wouldyou,soIcanconcentrate.Iwasonlyastepbehindmybrother.”

“Morelikefive.Andyoucallingmeadistraction,Watters?”

“Youwish.”

“Thatachallenge?BecauseI’mprettysureIcanthinkofafewwaystooccupyyou.”

Herlipspartedandshestartedtosaysomethingbutthensqueezedhermouthshut.Itdidn’tmatter.

Theflushofhercheeksgaveheraway.

…

Theywonthegame.ErincaughtalongpassfromTroytobreakthetiescorejustasherdadblewthe

whistlesignalinggameover.Troyliftedherintheairandspunheraroundandsheneverwantedher

feettotouchgroundagain.Becausewhentheydid,she’dhavetofacethefactthatsheburnedforhim

morethanshe’deverachedforanyoneelse.

Shewantedtostaythesameunemotionalwomanshe’dbeenacoupleofmonthsago,butMr.Hottie

Paramedichadscrewedthatup.

Withhiskindness.

Withhissenseofhumor.

Withhischivalry.

Withhissenseofadventure.Dormantfornow.

Andnomatterhowhardshetriedtoconvinceherselfotherwise,she’dgoneandgrownattachedto

herwingman.

Heputherdown,asmileonhisfacethatwipedouteveryothermalesmile.“Nicejob,Watters.”

Beforeshecouldevensay“thanks,”everyoneelseboundedoverandcongratulatedher.

Luke wrapped her in a bear hug. “Way to go, kiddo.” He kissed the top of her head. “You catch

prettygoodforagirl.”

Erinsqueezedhimback,histeasingwordscollidingwiththeothercomplimentsfromherfamily

andfriends.

Aloudboomsounded.“We’dbettergetinside,”herdadyelled,takinghermombytheelbowand

hurryingthembacktowardthehouse.

Asplitsecondlater,rainpoureddown.HaydenrushedovertohelpVanessa,TeagueandBenran

ahead,ShanegrabbedKagan’shand,LukecapturedSelaaroundthewaist,BashtookCharlotte’sarm.

AndTroy?Troyhungbackuntiljustthetwoofthemstoodthereinthecloudburst.Hisfadedblue

T-shirt clung to his broad chest. Raindrops spilled down his face. Awareness and regard rolled off

him so strongly that Erin shivered. The way he looked at her—like something sent from heaven—

madeeveryX-ratedpartofheranatomyvibratewithneed.

Her pulse hammered wildly and his gaze dipped to her neck as if he knew the delicate skin there

wouldbetrayherattempttohidethereactionhestirredinher.

Hecuppedherface.Shetastedtherainonherlips,hertonguedartingouttocaptureaseconddrop.

Hisshakybreathfueledheranticipation.God,ifshemadehimhalfasnervousashemadehershe’d

behappy.

Sheballedherhandsintofiststokeepfromgrabbinghisshirt.Kissme.Takeme.Don’tstopuntil…

justdon’tstop.

Hislipsmovedoverhersgentlyatfirst,butwhenshegaveinandhauledherbodyagainsthim,the

kissturnedasturbulentastheseaunderthepresentstorm.Pent-updesiresweptthroughherwithsuch

force that she knew if she didn’t push him away, she’d beg him to keep his thigh between her legs

untilthepressuretheresubsided.Hemoanedandhishandsmovedtoherlowerback,herbutt.

Entwined,theywereheadedforthepointofnoreturnwhensomesensemanagedtowormitsway

intoherlust-filledmind.Theyweren’talone!Notevenclose.Herhands,fistedinhisshirt,letgo,and

sheforcedherselftostepback.

Troydroppedhisarms.“Jesus,Erin.Ican’tseemto—”

Herfingertipsbrushedhislips.“Iknow.Comeon.”

They jogged up to the house. Sandy, soggy shoes and socks were piled on the covered patio just

outsidetheopenFrenchdoors.Wetsweatshirtshungoverthecushionedrattanchairs.

Theydumpedtheirwetthingsandwentinside.

“I’mgladyoucouldstay,”shewhispered.Shedidn’tknowifwhateverwashappeningbetweenthem

could last, but fighting the feelings he stirred was useless. If given the chance, could he accept her

recklessness?Couldshelivewithhissafety-firstmentality?

Wasshereadytotaketherisk?

Aswallowworkeditswaydownhisthroat.“ThelastthingIwanttodoisleaveyou.”

Herkneeswobbledatthatandshedroppedaquickkissonhislips.“Good.BecausetheleastIcan

doismakesureyou’rewellfedafterhelpingmewinthegame.”

He combed his fingers through his wet hair. “I seem to remember you promising me more than

that,sweetheart.”Hisotherhandsnakedaroundherandpinchedherinthebutt.

“Ow,”shelied.“Keepyourhandstoyourself,mister.”

“Can’tmakeanypromiseswhereyou’reconcerned.”

Erinblinkedbacktherawemotionthosewordskindled.Shehadnoidea,really,whatwasgoingon

inTroy’shead.Sure,hewantedherbody.Butbeyondthat?

Her heart deflated. He wanted someone safe. Someone who didn’t have the reckless, adventurous

mentalityshedid.

Whatevershethoughtmightbehappeningbetweenthemwaspurelyphysical.

Maybethatwasenoughfornow.ThepleasureshefeltwhenTroytouchedherandkissedhermeant

shewashuman.Awomanwithneeds.Hehadneeds,too.Theycouldfoolaroundwithoutallthecrap

ofloveanddevotionandcommitment.

Right?

“Hey,”hesaid.“Whatjusthappened?”

“Nothing.”Sheshruggedashoulder.“Comeon.Everyone’sprobablyloadinguptheirplates.”

Laughter spilled from the direction of the kitchen and Erin needed a minute. She sat in the

upholstered armchair next to the antique sideboard in the hallway. “You go ahead. I’ll be in in a

second.”

Hekneeleddown.“Incaseyoumisseditearlier,thelastthingIplanondoingisleavingyoualone.”

“You’retoonice.”Hewastooeverything,actually.Sheshuthereyesandsawabigredflag.She

stayedincontrol,neededtobeincontrol,butwithTroyshefeltherselfslipping.

“Notallthetime.”

Herlidsslowlyliftedandshepeeredathim.“Idon’tbelieveyou.”

“I’llproveittoyoulater.”

“How?”Shewelcomedhisdistractions.Foolishgirl.

“BytakingwhatIwant.”

“Whatdoyouwant?”sheasked,unabletohelpthebreathytrembleinhervoice.Shewrappedher

handsaroundtheedgeofthechairandwilledherselfnottoleanintohisanswer.

“Youbeggingmetodothingsnomanhasdonebefore.”Hisdeep,sexyvoicedippedtomelt-her-

panties-offlevels.Shedidn’twanttoresisthimanymore,butifshehadanyhopeofmaintainingeven

alittledistance,shehadtokeepthingslight.

“TakecareofbusinesswhileIwatch?”

Hethrewhisheadbackandlaughed.“Mybusiness,Erin,isgoingtomakeyouwritheandpantand

driveyousocrazywithpleasureyou’llwantmetostayopentoyoursuggestionsallthetime.”

“Don’tbetoosureofyourself.”

“Ifthere’sonethingIamsureof,honey,it’sthatyouwantmybusiness.”

Shelaughedthistime.“Ifyouthinkthatarrogant,conceited—”

Heshutherupwithanotherhumdingerofakissthatindeedleftherwantingtobeghimformore.

Voicesintheotherroomsounded,andhepulledaway.

Hiseyessoftened.“I’mconfusedtoo,Erin,”hesaid,toppingoffhisincrediblekissingskillswith

sweetwordsthatannihilatedthelastthreadsofkeepingherselfdetached.

Theystoodandshewrappedherpinkiearoundhisastheywalkedintothekitchen.Enoughfoodfor

the entire town filled the counter space. They filled their plates and joined everyone in the dining

room.“Itwasthefunniestthing,”Lukewassaying.Selasatbesidehimwithherhandonhisarm.“The

entirerestauranttooknotice.”

“Theresheis,”Vanessaadded.“Tenticulargirl.”

Erinrolledhereyesandswungrightbackaroundwithplanstowalkoutthefrontdoor,butShane

caughtherarm.“Hangonthere,octopuslover.”

Fine. She could take this. It’s not like she hadn’t listened to this silly story a dozen times before.

Everytimehermommadecalamari.Fritoranunderherfeet,almosttrippingher,beforedodgingfor

apieceofchickendroppedonthefloor.Shereallylovedthelittlemutt,asdideveryoneelse.

ShetooktheopenseatnexttoShane.Troymovedaroundthetabletoclaimtheotheravailablespot.

“I’msurey’alllovehearingaboutmychildhood.”

“Youalwayskeptthingsinteresting,”Lukesaid.

“WhatdidImiss?”Troyasked.

“Erincuteness,”hermomsaid,fromtheheadofthetable.

“Erinwaseleven,”Vanessasaid.“Andwewereataseafoodrestaurantforourdad’sbirthday.He’d

orderedoctopussaladforanappetizerandwasteasingErinabouttakingabite.”

“Atthetime,shehatedthethoughtofeatinganythingthatlivedintheocean,”hermominterjected.

Kagan smiled, like maybe she’d had an aversion to seafood too. And Bash and Charlotte were

trying not to look at each other, but it was so obvious they liked what they saw. Hayden absently

rubbedVanessa’stummy.Teaguegrinnedfromeartoear.

“Dad,youwereprettyrelentlessthatday,”Vanessasaid.

Dad shrugged. “She just looked so adorably mortified with her nose scrunched up that I couldn’t

resist.”

“SoDadkeepstauntingErinwithbitesofoctopusinfrontofhernose,andthenLukestartscalling

her chicken and she’d had enough. She stands up, puts her hands on her hips and shouts, ‘I am not

goingtoeatyourtesticles!’”

Everyonecrackedup.EvenErin.Howcouldshenot?SheglancedatTroyandhislaughtermade

herallwarmandgooeyinside.Hisexpressionwasripewithfriendship.Hewasn’tlaughingather,

butwithher.

“Ihadarun-inwithalligatoronce,”Troysaid.

“Dotell.”Selaputherforkdown.

“My mom took my sister and me to a Cajun restaurant when we were seven, maybe eight. She

orderedusCajunswampchickenandfries.Itookonebiteandsaid,‘Thisisnotchicken.’Mymom

saidyou’reright.It’salligatorlegs.Istoodup,said,‘Latergator,’andleft.”

“Where’dyougo?”Vanessaasked.

“Afterawhile,crocodile.”

Thetablebustedup.Erinlaughedsohardshegotastitchinherside.God,hewascuteandfunny

andeasygoing.AfterthattheconversationflowedwithoutabreakandTroyfitinsoseamlesslywith

herfamilyithurttolookathim.

Somehow things came back around to her. “Oh, Erin likes to pretend she’s badass, but she’s

cautioustoo,”Lukesaid.

“Remember when we were little and one of the safety belts was broken in Mom’s car and she

hoppedout,refusingtogoanywhereunlessallofuswerebuckledin?”Vanessasaid.

“Yeah,andshewouldn’tevendoubleupwithme,”Teaguesaid.

“Irememberthat.”Momlookeddownthetableather.

“Orlastyearwhenshesawthatcouplegetintoacarwiththeirbabyandtheydidn’thaveababy

seat.”

“Teague.”Shethrewarollathersister.

“And?”Troyasked.

“And she told them they couldn’t put their baby in a car without a safety seat and not to move

becauseshe’dberightbackwithone.Shewentandboughtoneandgaveittothem.”

All eyes turned to her. Did she have to share all her good deeds? She didn’t think so. She had a

reputationtouphold.“It’snotabigdeal.”

Complimentsthatmadeheruncomfortablefollowed,butitwasthelookinTroy’seyesthatmeant

themost.She’dswearshesawaffection,admiration,maybeevenatouchofawe,andforonce,shelet

pridewashoverherunhidden.

Fortherestoftheafternoontheyate—andate—andtalked.ShaneandSela’sparentsstoppedby;the

neighbors, too. People broke off into different areas of the house, but the delicious smell of her

mom’scookingfilledeveryroom.

TimeflewbyandbeforeErinrealizedit,shelookedoutthelivingroomwindowtofindanylast

hintsofrainydaylightgone.Thefireplaceblazedandcouplesloungedaroundonthecouches.

“A friend of mine is strumming a little guitar at a new place about halfway between here and

Portland.PromisedhimI’dstopintonight,”Bashsaid.“Anyoneliketojoinme?”

“Iwould,”Charlottesaid.

“Great.”Bashgrinned.Erinimaginedheslayedplentyofwomenwiththatlook.

ShanetoyedwithKagan’shair.“How’boutit,JellyBelly?”

KagancoziedupagainstShane’sside.“Soundsgood.”

ErinturnedherheadandfoundTroywatchingher.Hiseyestracedhermouthasshenibbledonher

bottomlip.SheheardVanessaandHaydendecline.LukeandSela,too.HerbreathcaughtwhenTroy

movedacrosstheroomtowardher.Hisbroadshouldersblockedanyglowfromthefire,butthelight

fixturehangingfromtheceilingslantedthemostbeguilingshadowacrosshisperfectface.

Hesatonthearmofthecouch.“Howaboutit?

“It?”Alldaylongshe’dthoughtaboutitanddidn’tthinkhewastalkingaboutthesamethingatthe

moment.

“Wanttogo?”

“Sure.”

She stood and raced upstairs to her old bedroom to change out of her jersey and into one of the

soft,loosesweatersshe’dleftbehind,sincetheclosetspaceinhercondowasthesizeofhercartrunk.

AndthenshewentoutwithTroy.

ChapterEleven

“HeyBird,”Erin’sboss,Will,saidafewdayslaterasshestompedintotheCOAoffice.“Youknowit

wouldbenicerifyoukickedthatdirtoffyourbootsbeforeyouenteredthebuilding.”

“Sorry.”Shespunaroundandheadedbackouttheswingingscreendoor.Itsqueakedandslammed

shutbehindher.She’dbeensolostinherthoughtsshehonestlyhadn’trealizedwhatshewasdoing.

Sheexhaled,herbreathanopaquecloudfloatingintothecrispmorningair.Shepulledhersleeves

overherhandsandwalkedbackandforthalongthedeck,clickingthesidesofherbootstogethera

fewtimes.

“Iseeinthebookyou’reheadedupMountSonnettoday,”Willsaid,comingupbehindher.

“Yeah.”Eventhoughtodaywasn’tanofficialCOAouting,shealwayswroteherwhereaboutsinthe

calendarsosomeonewouldknowwhereshewas.

“Howfarupyougoing?There’vebeenafewbearsightings,sostayalert.”

“We’restoppingatthepod.”Sheleanedagainstthedeckrailingandcranedhernecktocheckout

theblueskythroughthetreeawning.

Will stayed quiet so she looked at him. He had one brow raised and his chin tilted down. Really

now?hisexpressionsaid.

“It’snothing.”

“Oh,it’ssomething.”

Sheturnedherhead.

“SomethingwiththeinitialsT.S.I’mguessing.IwasonCascade’sblogthismorningand—”

“Zipit.”She’dreadtheblog.Apparently96percentofpollvotersnowbelievedshewascorrupting

Troy.Whatexactlythatmeant,shewasn’tsure.Butnewsof“their”puppyhadsurfacednow,too.

“Touchedanerve,huh?”Willrestedbesideher.HehadadaughterincollegeatGeorgetownand

likedtoexpoundhisfatherlywisdomonErintofillthegap.

“Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”

“I know. It’s like pulling teeth to get you to open up about anything. But feelings are feelings,

sweetie.Youcan’thidethemaway.”

Shehadto.Shehadtokeepfeelingsoutofitbecauseotherwiseshe’dhavetogiveupTroyandshe

didn’twanttodothat.Whenthey’dstartedthisboyfriendhunt,shetoldherselfherheartwouldn’tget

involved.She’dkeepitsafelytuckedaway.Andshehad.UntilTroyhadfoundawayin.Anditscared

her.

Rightatthatmoment,histruckpulledupandhegotout.Heworejeansthatfitalittlelooseanda

whitelong-sleevedCFDshirtthatfitjustrightacrosshisbroadshouldersandchest.Hisbrownhair

stillhadn’tbeencutandherfingerstingledatthethoughtofrunningthemthroughthesilkysoftness.

Hetwistedandleanedoverthefrontseat,giftingherwithaniceviewofhisbacksideandastripof

mouthwateringskinwhenhisshirtpulledawayfromhisjeans.

Erinchewedherbottomlip.

Troy yanked out a backpack and draped it over his shoulder. Shutting the door with his hip, he

adjustedhisblackRay-Bansunglassesand…

Shewobbled.

Hispearlywhitesandtheflashofdimplesealedthedealonherplansforlater.Hereallydidbreak

the mold on hotness. Add in that he made her laugh, he didn’t take himself too seriously, and her

familyadoredhim,andshewasagoner.

Fortoday.

Onlytoday.

Nottomorroworthenextday.Orthedayafterthat.

Justtoday.

Heradviserwouldshitabrickifshefoundout,butErinwasn’tthinkingclearlyanymoreandwell,

recklesswasedgingoutsmart.Storyofmylife.Shecouldn’thelpit.Thistimewasmuchworse.This

timeTroycrisscrossedherbraincells.

But,she’djustifiedallmorning,ifthingswentaccordingtoplan,she’dhavehelpedTroyovercome

hisphobiabeforehehelpedhergetnaked.Win-win.Andnoconflictofinterest.

Willchuckledandpattedherontheback.“Goodluck,Bird.”

“Bird?” Troy said, having arrived at the other side of the railing while she’d been lost in Troy-

Land.

“It’sanicknamemybossuses,”shesaid,smilingathim.

Hesmiledback.“Whatdoesthisonemean?”

“I’mnotreallysure.Somethingaboutwingsandflyingsolo.”Shebrokeeyecontactandhurried

downthedeckandsteps,comingaroundtoproperlygreethim.“Yousettogo?”

“I’mallyours.”

Three little innocent words and she wanted to do things. Very physical things. The things they

hadn’tgottentodotheothernightbecausehe’dlefttheclubearlytohelphissisterwithAmelia.The

littlegirlhadhadanightmareandwantedTroy.

Sheadmiredthatabouthim.Hisloveforhisfamily.

“Let’sdoit.”Shespunaround,liftedherpackfromwhereitsat,andputitonherback.

“I’dlikethat,”hewhisperedfrombehindher.

Shetrippedoverabranch.Dammit.Shehadtogetoverhownervoushemadeher.“Good,because

we’vegotaboutaninety-minutehikebeforewegettoourdestination.”

“And hey, I’m sorry about bailing on you the other night. I was having a great time and the last

thingIwantedwastocutitshort.ButI’mprettymuchtheonlyoneAmeliarespondstowhenshehas

thesebaddreamsandwhensheneedsme,I—”

“It’sokay.”Erintouchedhisarm.“Iunderstand.”

They started up Sonnet Trail, the path wide enough that they could walk side by side. Since the

stormmorethanaweekago,rainhadbeenscarceandthesunafriendlycompanioneachday.The

earthbelowtheirfeetgavewitheachstep,butnotenoughtoworryaboutsinkinginanymudholes.

“Whereweheaded?”Troyasked.

“You’ll see. I hope that after today you’ll be okay with heights again. We’ve set small challenges

thatyou’veconqueredwithrelativeeaseandIthinkyou’rereadyformorenow.Thiswillbeturning

itupanotch,butwe’llstillhaveasafetynet.”

“Okay.How’sFritodoing?”

“He’sgood.He’satmymomanddad’sagain.Mom’sbakingforacookieexchangeshe’sgoingto

andsheloveshiscompany.”

“Ithinkmymommightbegoingtothesameparty.SheandAmeliawerehavingagoodtimeinthe

kitchenwhenIleft.”

She shrugged. The idea of their moms being in the same place and talking made her a little

nervous,andshe’dratherchangethesubject.“Whilewe’rewalkingIwantyoutotrytofeelrelaxed

aboutthepast.Iknowit’simpossibletoforgetwhathappenedtoJamie,butifyoucanunhookthebad

memoriesfromthatday,thefearcanbecomedeconditioned.

“Breathedeeplyandlookatthatmemorylikeadistantrecollection.Yes,ithadanimpactonyou,

butyou’vechangedsincethen.Ifyoucanletgoandallowyourthinkingbraintodilutetheanxiety

youfeltthatday,thenyou’lltrainyourselftolivewithwhathappenedandmoveforward.”

Troy took a deep, audible breath. She kept her eyes on the path ahead of them, but sensed him

willingthetensioninhisshoulderstorelax,hisbodytoreachapeacefulnesshecouldlivewith.

Theywalkedinsilenceforalongtime.Themurmurofwindrustledtheleavesinthetrees;broken

branchescrunchedundertheirboots.Sunshineslantedacrossthewoodsinakaleidoscopeofgolden

color.Herawarenessofhimneverdissipated,though.

Shedaydreamedaboutlayingherheadonhischest.Aboutbeingwrappedinhisarms.Aboutletting

himallthewayin.

“Tell me about your master ’s program,” he said, breaking into her thoughts. “What you have

plannedwhenyou’redone.”

Sincethatwasamuchsafertopic,shedid.Sherambledonaboutherclassesandprofessorsandthe

plansfornewprogramsatCOA.“Wanttoknowmygraduationpresenttomyself?”

“Shoot.”

“AtriptoMaui.I’veneverbeenandIwanttojustvegonthebeachanddonothing.”

“It’sbeautifulthere.”

Shepushedabranchoutoftheway.“You’vebeen?”

“No.ButBreeandJackwentontheirhoneymoon.Breelovedit.”

ErintookTroy’shand,planningtojustgiveitaquicksqueeze.Butheheldtight,takinghermuch

smallerhandandcoveringitwithhiswarm,strongpalm.

“We’rehere,”shesaid,comingtoastandstill.

Troylookedaroundwithablankexpression.Shepointedup.Tuckedintoold-growthpines,asecret

pod-shaped tree house built on a platform forty feet above the ground sat hidden unless someone

knewwhattolookfor.

“Wow.Whatisthat?”

“It’satreetophutwithournameonit.”

Hegrinned.“Youknowifyouwantedtogetmealoneyoudidn’thavetodragmeallthewaytothe

middle of the forest to some clandestine destination. Although no one will get the scoop on our

whereaboutsouthere,willthey?”

“Youreadtheblog.”

“No,butBreedid.Andshehadagreattimeribbingmeaboutitthismorning.”

Erin covered her face with her hands. Embarrassment didn’t usually plague her, but everything

about Troy seemed to make her cheeks burn. And she really hoped Bree didn’t think she was

corruptinghimordrawingunpleasantattentiontotheirfamily.

“Hey.”Hecarefullypriedherfingersaway.Whenshedroppedherarms,hecuppedherjawandran

athumbacrosshercheek.“Ameliacan’tstoptalkingaboutyou,whichmeansmysisterthinksyou’re

prettyawesome.”Hereleasedherandtiltedhisheadback.“Nowtellmehowwegetupthere.”

Amelialikedher?

“There,uh,shouldbealadderhookedaroundthetreetrunk…here.”Ontippy-toes,shepulledon

theropeladderhiddenontheothersideofthethicktreebase,unseenfromtheseldom-traveledpath.

Itswungdownandthumpedherinthethigh.

“So I’m thinking I’ll climb up first and shout encouragement from the top. The ladder can only

holdoneofusatatime.”

“Soundsgood.”

“Howdoyoufeelaboutthis?”

“Great.Ihadnoideathiswashere.What’sinsideit?”

“You’llhavetofindthatoutforyourself.Remember,you’vegotthis.”Shesmiledandstartedup

theladder,makingsureherbootshiteachwoodenrungsecurely.She’dmadetheclimbseveraltimes

before,butwantedtomakeitlookeasyforhim.

She paused halfway up to wipe her sweaty palms down her jeans. Glancing down, she found his

interestrightonher,uh,booty.

“Yougettingtired,Watters?”hecalledout,movinghisgazetoherface.

“Nope.Youenjoyingtheview?”

“Immensely.Youcantakeyourtime.I’minnohurry.”

Sensations having nothing to do with her midair position and the slow sway of the ladder wove

throughherandsheturnedaway,tuckedherchinintoherneck.Andsmiled.Asilly,girl-enamored

smilethatshefoughttotamebutcouldn’t.Shestartedclimbingagain.

Theplatformgreetedheraminutelaterandshetriedasgracefullyaspossibletotransitiontothe

woodenbase.Shestoodupandtookitallin.Thishighup,everythingcameacrossmagnified.The

smell of pine and earth and clean air filled her lungs. Puffy white clouds looked close enough to

touch.ShelookedovertherailingmadefromantlersandwavedtoTroy.

“Yourturn.”

Hewastednotimegettingstarted,buthalfwayup,hepaused.Hisgriptightenedontheladder.She

stayed quiet, hoping he’d work out for himself whatever had triggered his apprehension. Three

seconds…four seconds…five…and then he was in motion again without any further hesitation. He

movedlikeamanaccustomedtoheights.Amanwithoutfear.

“Youdidit,”shesaidwhenhestoodbeforeher,noteventheslightestbitoutofbreath.Nosignof

anyuneaseonhishandsomeface.

“Hadtheperfectincentive.”Heslidoffhissunglassesandthesparkleinhiseyesmadeherweakin

theknees.

Shespunaroundandbeckonedhimtofollowwithawaveofherhand.“You’renotfeelinganysort

ofanxietyorneedtogetdownonallfours?”

“Nope.”

“What are you thinking about?” She stepped through the open doorway into the pod-shaped tree

house. The hut had six sides. Made from spruce and pine, space between the horizontal slats let in

plentyofsunshine.Ontwoofthewalls,largeropeningsservedaswindows.Adomedroofwasopen

atthetop.

“I’mthinkingexposuretherapyworks.And…”Hespunheraround.“HowImightbestaccomplish

thankingyou.”Heslidherbackpackoffhershouldersandletithitthedustywoodfloor.

Shetookashakystepback.“Mostpeoplejustsaythewords.”

“I’mnotmostpeople.”Hesteppedforward.

“Iknowthat.”Shescootedbackwardalongtheedgeofthetreehouselikesheneededtogivehima

tour of the tiny space. Her hand slid along the smooth walls, walls that would keep what happened

betweenthemrighthere.Becauseshehadn’tbroughthimupthishighjusttolookattheview.Butshe

had no plans for a repeat performance once they left. She wasn’t ready to give her heart away, and

withTroyshewasmorethanhalfwaythere.

“How about I start with the words?” His hot gaze did a quick inventory of their surroundings.

Solar-poweredreadinglights,thickwovenreindeerblankets.Done.

“Okay.” She fanned her shirt away from her body. God, it was getting hot as he trailed after her.

Steamy. And they hadn’t even touched yet, this little game of cat-and-mouse a last attempt at

convincingherselfthiswasabadidea.

Itwassuchagoodidea.Everytingletoldherso.

“Andthenmoveto—”He’dgottenclose.Veryclose.

So when his arms went around her waist and he hauled her against his tall, well-built frame, she

grabbedthefrontofhisshirt.

“Areyoulookingforsuggestions?”Shepeeredupathim,herheartthuddinginherchest.Looking

intothoseflecksoflight-sabergoldswirlinginhiseyesdidamind-numbingdanceoveranydoubt.

Hewantedherasmuchasshewantedhim.

“Thismightbemyfirsttreehouseinawhile,butI’mprettysureIcanfigureoutsomethingyou’ll

like.”Hecuppedherfaceinhishands.“Thankyou.”

“You’re—”

Hismouthsweptoverhersandthewelcomefledrightoutofherhead.Hekissedherhard,atight-

lipped kiss that quickly turned into a biting of lips and play of tongues. Flutters spread across her

lower back. Then his open mouth journeyed along her jaw and made slow, wonderfully tortuous

progress to her earlobe and those flutters moved between her legs. He nibbled there before pulling

backanddrivingherwildwithasoftpressofhislipsandgentleflickofhistonguetothesensitive

spotonherneckjustbelowherear.

Ittickledinthatwant-morewayandshewrithedagainsthim.Herhandstraveledtohisback,upto

hisshoulderblades.Herfingerstoyedwiththehaircurlingslightlyatthebaseofhisneck.

Shemeltedintohim,linedthemupsoherbodymadecontactwithhisinjusttherightspotstosend

shiversofdesirefromthetopofherheadtothebottomofherfeet.

Troy.

Hereturnedtohermouthanddeepenedthekiss.Settingtheworldrecordforlongestlip-lockran

throughherhead.Noonehadeverkissedherlikethis.Likeallhisshieldsweredownandhewanted

togivehereverything.

Bestthank-youkissever.

That’swhatshetoldherself.That’swhatshehadtotellherself.Neitherofthemwantedanysortof

attachment,sothiswasperfect.She’dgivehimherbodyandkeepherheadandheartoutofit.

It’stoolateforthatandyouknowit.

Warm, loving hands moved over her body, grazed the side of her breast, brought her to such

deliciousdistractionthatsheabandonedherworries.

Before she was even close to ready, he pulled away. His hands slid down her arms and he laced

their fingers together. “God, how I want to thank you more,” he said, his voice hoarse. So bone-

meltingsexy.

He released her, ran a hand through his hair, and looked out their secret hideaway toward the

treetops.Shefollowedhisgaze.Inallthetimesshe’dbeenuphere,she’dnevernoticedhowthedark

green groups of pine needles contrasted with the single jade needles of the spruce, yet evoked a

breathtakingharmony.

Withadeepbreathinthroughhernose,sheclosedhereyes.

Andsmelledtheruggedmanbeforeher.

“You’ve done much more than get me over my fear of heights,” he whispered. “You’ve helped

clearmyhead.”

Shesmiled.“I’mgoodlikethat.”

“Oritcouldbethealtitude.”Hegrinned.

Herplayfulfistmethisrock-hardbiceps.

“Inallseriousness,though,thankyou.”

“Youalreadysaidthat.NowIthoughtyouweregoingtoshowmesomethanks.”Shebitandsucked

herbottomlip.

Hiseyestrackedtohermouth.Hegroaned.“YouhavenoideahowmuchIwanttoshowyou.”

“Oh,IthinkIdo.”

“But—”

Shecoveredhismouthwithherpalm.“Weknowwhatthisis.Let’sletourbodiesdoourthinking

forusnow.”

Hetracedafingeralongthecolumnofherneck.“Ihadnoideawhatweweredoingtoday.Idon’t

have—”

“Icameprepared.”

“Youdid?”Delight,fascination,eagerness,hunger…Shesawthemallwhenhearchedabrowand

thecornersofhisyummymouthlifted.

“Uh-huh.Sospreadthatblanketoverthereanddowhatyouwantwithme.”

“Onlyifyoureciprocate.”

“IthinkIcandothat.”

Troyspreadtheblanketandthetwoofthemdidexactlywhattheywanted.

…

Sometime later, when her body had never been more happy and her heart never more full—ignore

that!—theytooktheirtimegettingdressedbecausetheyhadtotouchonemoretime.Kissonemore

spot. Giggle and whisper and sigh. Troy stepped out of the tree house and she immediately missed

him.

“Uh,Erin?”hecalledoverhisshoulderfromtherailing.

Afteraquicklookaroundtomakesuretheydidn’tleaveanyevidenceoftheiractivitiesandpatson

hercheekstocalmdowntheglowshewassureshowed,shejoinedhim.“Yes?”

He nodded down. She peered over the banister. Troy pressed a hand under her chin to close her

mouth.

A very large black bear and her cub had taken up residence right below them, napping in wide

shaftsofsunlight.

“Doyouthinktheyheardus?”sheasked.

Troycrackedup.Hewrappedhisarmsaroundhershouldersandnuzzledhisnoseinherhair.His

laughterwashedoverher.Allherarmorfolded.“God,you’reirresistible.”

“Lookslikewe’llbehereawhilelonger.”

“Lookslike.”

“GoodthingIthrewsomesnacksinmybackpack.I’mstarving.”

“Metoo.”Hemovedagainsther.Notinahungry-for-foodway,butinahungry-for-herway.

Heat and need and want immediately sluiced through her body. She lifted her head. “I don’t have

anymoreprotectionwithme.”

“ThenIguesswe’llhavetogetcreative.”Heturnedheraroundandwalkedthembackintothetree

house.

Inspirationhadneverfeltsogood.

ChapterTwelve

Ever since that night at the Crown & Anchor when Kagan mentioned a matchmaker and then a

wingmanandTroyhadjumpedatOliver ’schallenge,Erin’slifehadspiraledoutofhercontrol.And

shehatednotbeingincontrol.

Ofherfeelings.

Ofheractions.

Ofherlife.

So she’d come to the Cascade Canyon Labyrinth this morning to meander in circles and ponder

overthings.Togetherselfbackincheck.Toregainsomecontrol.

Since her tree house excursion with Troy four days ago and the weird “see you around” when

they’dparted,she’dfeltawful.Herheartalittlebeaten.

Okay,maybealotbeaten.Andshehatedit.Hatedthatshe’dmadethemistakeoflettingherheartget

involvedwhenshehadnoideawherehisheartlay.

She’d thought to circle the labyrinth alone, but Kagan and Sela had somehow invited themselves

anddecidedtheywantedtoknowwhatwasbuggingher.

Theywerebuggingher.Butshelovedthemforit.

The traditional labyrinth’s single pathway looped around to form seven concentric circles. No

shortcuts allowed. She pulled her scarf tighter around her neck and started down the smooth sand

footpathofthesecond-to-lastcircle.She’dreadthatlabyrinth-walkingwasperfectforcontemplation.

Itwasaplacetotakeherwholeself—body,mind,anxieties,relationships—andmeditate,eyesdown,

onestepinfrontoftheother,shouldersrelaxed.Shelikedtothinkthatlabyrinthswerelikeprayers

printedontheground.

Andonceshegottothecenter,allherquestionswouldbeanswered.

Ha! With only a short way left to go, she was no closer to figuring out her life than when she’d

started. But that might also have to do with the two nosy—albeit good intentioned—friends right

behindher.

“Wecan’thelpifyoudon’ttalktous,”Selasaid.

“ThishassomethingtodowithTroy,doesn’tit?”Kaganasked.

“Yes,”Erinwhispered,forcingthewordout.What’stheworstthatcouldhappenifsheshared?

“And the boyfriend challenge.” Kagan hopped into the next circle over, her steps falling in line

besideErin’s.

SelaputaglovedhandonErin’sarm.“Loveandheartbreakaretwoofthemostpowerfulfeelings

anyonecanhave.Andinthelongruntheymakeabetterperson.Pleasedon’tletwhathappenedwith

Scottkeepyoufromaguyyoucouldreallyfallfor.”

I’vealreadyfallen.

“I’mnot,”Erinlied,pickingupherpace.Shehopedlyingwhileinalabyrinthdidn’tequalsome

sortofpurgatorylateron.

“Noteveryguycheats,”Selasaid.

“Iknow.”Sheswallowedthethicknessinherthroat.“It’snotthat.Well,itisthat.Butit’smorethan

that.”See?Braincellscolliding.

Damn,thecenterofthelabyrinthwassmall.Tenstepsandshe’dgonefromoneendtotheother.

Doubledamnthatnohelpfulwordsofwisdommaterializedinthesmoothsand.

Sheploppeddowninthecenterandcrossedherlegs.ThishadsonotbeentheZenexperienceshe’d

hopedfor.SelaandKagansatwithher.

“Ihaveaconfessiontomake,”Kagansaid.

“Youdo?”Erinsaid.

Kagan’sgazedancedaroundforamomentbeforetouchingdownonErin.“Youweretheonewho

wasallovermeaboutShaneandhowyoucouldseethesparksbetweenus.Well,itwasprettyobvious

youandTroyhavethem,too.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Erinpressedherhandsonherknees,straightenedherback,andtook

abreath.

“Iwasthere,Erin.Thereintheambulancewhenhetookcareofyourhandandbandagedyouup.

ThereinCrem’swhenhecameovertotalktoyouandyoucouldn’ttearyoureyesawayfromhim.

ThereintheCrown&AnchorwhenIbroughtupmatchmakingandsuggestedhebetheonetodoit.”

“Wait,”Erinmurmured.

“Witha little helpfrom Shane, Iplayed matchmaker. I knewif you andTroy spent time together,

you’drealizehowperfectyouareforeachother.AndifI’mnotmistaken,you’vefalleninlovewith

him.”

Erinstaredatherfriendindisbelief.“IhaveyoutoblameforthismessI’min?”

“I’dliketothinkitwouldhavehappenedanyway.Ijustspeduptheprocess.”

“Troyisareallygreatguy,”Selasaid.

“Youhavetochoosethelifeyouwant.Youhavetotakeactionandrealizethatyoucreateyourown

destinybymakingchoicesandstickingtothem.”Kaganspokeinasoft,eventonethatfitthelabyrinth

experience.“Ionlygaveyourfatealittlekick-start.”

“Even if I was willing to go for it, Troy isn’t. Whatever sparks you thought you saw aren’t the

foreverkind.”

He’dmadeitprettyclearhehadnodesiretoloveagirllikeher.Notlongterm,anyway.Andthat’s

whatshewantedfromhim.Shewantedtostandbehindthewhitepicketfencewithhim.Wantedhimto

whisper in her ear he loved her and she was his forever. If she let herself get any deeper, when he

walkedaway,theheartbreakwouldruinher.

Sheneededtostickwiththematchmakingplan.Findaguytohavefunwith,hangoutwith.Like,but

notlove.Unlesshe…

Unlessheprovedtohershecouldtrusthimtoloveherbackforalways.

“Changehismind.”Selaadjustedherwhiteknithatsoitslippedfartherbackonherforehead.

“Idon’twantto,”sheblurtedout.

Sela’sandKagan’seyeswidened.

Andthereitwas,thedeepercruxofherstumblingblock.“Idon’twanttohavetoconvincehimto

loveme,”Erinwhispered.“Ineedhimtowanttoloveme.”Shedidn’twanttocompetewithCandace

oranyoneelseforhisaffections.Shedidn’twanttocontendwiththememoryofJamieandtalkhim

into moving on. Scott hadn’t loved her enough to stay faithful. He hadn’t lived and breathed her,

wantedtobewithherandnooneelse.

She’dneverputherselfinthatpositionagain.Andshesureashellwouldneverfightforsomething.

Themanwhofoughtforherwouldbethemanshe’driskitallfor.

“Oh,Erin,”Selasaid,andthenbothsheandKaganwrappedherinahug.Sheknewtheymeantwell,

butshehadtogetoutoftherebeforeshedidsomethingstupidlikecryinfrontofthem.

“I’mokay.”Shepressedbackuntiltheyreleasedtheirarms.“I’llbeokay.”

“He’llcomearound,”Selasaid.

Erinjustshookherhead.

“Howaboutwegrabafrozenhotchocolate?Mytreat,”Kagansaid.

“You’re on.” Erin stood. She’d gotten a hold of her emotions and the sweet drink from their

favoriteicecreamshoponthepiersoundedgood.

A half hour later, they parked their cars and strode down the pier. Even zipped up in a puffy,

insulated jacket, the wind blowing across the pier sent shivers through her. She lifted her collar as

highasitwouldgoandcrossedherarms.Fogpercheditselfonthedark,restlessocean.

TinysilverbellschimedwhentheyopenedthedoortoLou’sIceCreamShop.Louella—Lou—had

ownedthesmallparlorfortwenty-fiveyearsandpridedherselfonnotmissingadayofworkinall

thattime.Shealsohadn’tupdatedtheinside.Whitelacecurtainshungonthewindows,theblack-and-

whitecheckedfloorlookedmoregraynow,shelvesheldknickknacks,andthepinkvinylseatingat

thecounterandintheboothshadseenbetterdays.Erin’sfavoritedecorwastheframedembroidered

sayingsliningthewhitewalls.ThefirstthingshedideverytimesheenteredLou’swasfindandread

theoneshelovedmost:DejaMoo…thefeelingyou’veheardthisbullbefore.

“Heygirls,”Lousaidfrombehindthecountersituatedinthemiddleoftherestaurant.“Haveaseat

andI’llberightwithyou.”

Boothslinedtheperimeteroftheparlorandtheywentrighttooneneartheback.Erinsatacross

fromSelaandKaganandtookoffherjacket.Louhadathingaboutbeingcoldandthecurrentindoor

temperatureprobablyrivaledatropicalisland.Stringsoftinywhitelightshungabovethewindows.A

surfingSantateeter-totteredonprimeshelfspaceabovethewindowtothekitchen.

“Threefrozenhotchocolates?”thesixtysomethingownersaid,stoppingattheirtable.Shesmiled,

thekindofsmilethatimmediatelyputapersonatease.

“Youknowussowell,”Selasaid.“Yes,please.”

“Comingrightup.”ShemovedherattentiontoErin.“Youradorableboyfriend’shere.”Anodover

hershoulderfollowed.

“My—”Erinlookedacrosstheshop.Herheart,barelyrecoveredfromthelabyrinthescapade,beat

thelivingdaylightsoutofherchestcavity.TroysatinaboothwithAmelia,sharingwhatlookedlike

abananasplit.He’djustlickedhisspooncleanandmemoriesofeverythinghe’ddonetoherwiththat

tonguefloodedher.Shesquirmed.

Givenhowattentiveandinlovewithhisniecehewas,heprobablyhadn’tseenherenter.Butnow

that she’d focused on him, he turned his head as if sensing her gaze, and like always, their eyes

locked.

“Gosayhi,”Kagansaid.

“Hmm?”Erinmumbled,withoutleavingTroy’swarm,penetratingstare.

“You live in the same small town,” Kagan said. “You’re bound to run into him. I say be friendly.

Besides,thelittlegirlwithhimiswavingatyou.”

“Oh!”ShefocusedonthecutelittlefacepeeringaroundTroy,armwavingfrantically.Shesmiled

andwavedback.“That’shisniece,Amelia.”Thelittlegirlwholikesme.“I,uh,guess,yeah,Ishould

gosayhello.Berightback.”

Erin’s very first real crush back in seventh grade had brought her to Lou’s and she’d been so

bloodynervousshe’dalmostthrownupinherchocolatemilkshake.WalkingtowardTroynow,those

samequeasyfeelingsknottedherstomach.

“Hey,youtwo.”Sheslidintotheirboothacrossfromthem.

“Hi,Erin.Lookit.”Amelialiftedherteddybearupfrombesideher.Abright-pinkbandagecovered

thebear ’spaw.“Bridgetcutherfingerlikeyoudid.”

“Ohno.How’sshedoing?”

“She’sbetternow.UncleTroybroughtusheretocheerherup.”

“He’saprettycooluncle,huh?”

Amelianoddedanddippedherspoonforanotherscoopoficecream.

“Hi,”hesaid,abitsheepishly,andErinhadnoideawhattomakeofthat.Washeembarrassedhe

hadn’tatleasttextedherhey,thanksagainfortheotherday,meaningthewholeheightthing,notthe

sexthing.Ordidheregretwhatthey’ddone?

“Ishouldprobablygetbacktomyfriends.”Shescootedoutofthebooth.

“Youheadedhomeafteryouleavehere?”Troyasked,catchingherhand.Tinglesbarreledupher

arm.

Shemanagedasquintathim.“Iam.”

Heletgo.“Thanksforcomingoverandsayinghello.Itwasgoodtoseeyou.”

Whatthe?Shespunaroundandstompedbacktohertable.Goodtoseeher?Hadheforgottenhe’d

seen every inch of her? Intimately. Was this how things would be now? Like they were mere

acquaintances?

“Ifyouwereacartooncharactertherewouldbesteamcomingoutofyourears,”Selasaidwhen

Erinsatbackdown.

“Lou,”Erincalledout.

“Yes,sweetie?”Shepausedbeforepushingthroughtheswingingdoortothekitchen.

“Makethemdoubles.”

“Alreadydid.”

“So are you going to tell us what Troy said to have you scarfing down extra chocolate?” Kagan

asked.

“He hardly said anything.” She was being childish. What was he supposed to say in front of his

niece?Andreally,whatneededtobesaid?She’dhelpedhimgetoverhisfearofheightsandhe’dsaid

thank you for that. Then they’d given in to their mutual attraction so they could both move on. She

shouldbehappy.

Onlyshecouldn’tseemtofindherhappyplaceanymore.Troyhaddonesomethingwithit.

“Hereyougo,”Louhandedoutthefrozenhotchocolatesandthenputherhandsonherhips.Her

sharpgazelandedonErin.“Whateverpromptedthisicecreamcrisis,youryoungmancan’ttakehis

eyesoffyou.”

Erinwilledherselfnottolook.

And when she noticed Troy and Amelia leave out of her periphery vision, she still kept unaware

eventhoughinsideshe’dneverstoppedbeingconsciousofhiseverymove.

“Ireallythink…”Selastartedtosay.

“Pleasejustdropit.”Erinscoopedupabigbiteoficecream.

Theytalkedaboutworkandshoppingandthelatestwomen, life & love column. By the time Erin

gothomeitwasclosetofour.Sheopenedthechildsafetygateshe’dgottentoblockoffherkitchen

andFritowaggedhislittletaillikecrazyandkissedheruntilshecouldn’ttaketheslobberanymore.

Theytookashortwalksohecouldrelievehimself—smartdogthathewas,healmosthadthepotty

trainingdownpat—andshe’djusttakenoffhershoesandsocksandcollapsedontothecouchwhen

someoneknockedonherdoor.

“Whois—”SheopenedthedoorandTroystoodtherelookingsobeautifulandhappytoseeher

thatherlegstrembled.

“Hey,”hesaid.

“Hey.”

“CanIcomein?”

Shenodded,toooverwhelmedtosay,“Yes!”

Hebrushedbyher;sheshutandlockedthedoor.

Frito welcomed him with unbridled puppy affection. He knelt down and after a few pets and

scratchestoFrito’sentirelittlebody,gavehimarawhidebonehemusthavehadhiddeninhishand.

Fritotookitandmadeabeelinedownthehall,happytochewonhisgiftinprivate.

Troystood,turned.Eringulped.Shehadalloftwosecondstoacknowledgethehungerinhiseyes

beforehehadherpressedupagainstthewallandhislipswereonhers.

…

Erin tasted like chocolate and Troy smiled against her mouth. She played back, the corners of her

sexymouthlifting,butonlyforamoment.Becauseplayfulhadn’tbeenhisintention,andhelether

knowthatbydeepeningthekiss.

He’dmissedherthesepastfewdays,thoughtabouthernonstop.Everythinginsidehimtensedwith

needwheneverhe’dpicturedher,andseeingheratLou’shadsenthimovertheedge.

No way could he tame the fierce urgency to be with her again after she’d stomped away like he

didn’tcare.

Hecared.

Toodamnmuch.

Hisarmswentaroundherwaistandhehauledhercloser.Sheclungtohim,hernailsdigginginto

his shoulders. A tiny “mmm” escaped her mouth that nearly undid him. Her sexy sounds, her body

pressedagainsthis,thehungrymatingoftheirtongues—hewasgoingtohaveherrighthere.

Neverhadhewantedawomanthismuch.

Her hands slid down his back and underneath his shirt. She raked her fingers over his skin, her

touchsendingasurgeofarousalthroughhim.Erinmadehimfeeloutofcontrol,sohottobewith

herthatnothingelseexistedbutthetwoofthem.

Hesloweddownthekiss,reachedforthehemofhershirt.

“Hurry,”shewhispered,endingthekiss.

Shirts flew off, shoes winged right and left, pants hit the floor. Their mouths and hands traveled

everywhere at a frenzied pace. “God, you’re breathtaking,” he said on a ragged breath, pausing to

admireherinherlacywhitebraandpanties.

“Soareyou.”Shedrewafingerdownhischest,grabbedthewaistbandofhisboxerbriefs.“Now

pleasehurry.”

Heobliged,knowinghe’dcomepreparedformorethanoneroundandafterthisthey’dtaketheir

time.Allnightlongifshe’dlethim…

…

Lying in Erin’s bed a couple of hours later, she danced her fingertips across his chest and said, “I

needtotakeFritoout.Don’tmove.I’llberightback.”Shekickedthesheetstothesideandslipped

out.

Troyleanedagainsthispillow,handsbehindhishead,andwatchedherthrowonsweatpantsanda

sweatshirt.Shetossedhimaquicklookoverhershoulder,hersexysmilekillinghim.Themorehe

sawher,themorehejustlookedather,themoreheknew.

He’ddoneit.He’dfallenin—don’tthinkit,dude.Hestudiedherroominstead.Pale-yellowwalls,

anoverfilledbookcase,awhitewasheddresserwithmoreframedpicturesofherfamilysittingontop.

Inthecorner,anothershelfpieceheldwhatlookedlikeacollectionofcylindervasesfilledwithsea

glass.

Love.He’dfalleninlove.

Withthewrongkindofgirl.Withthekindofgirlwhowouldwhiphisheartintoapaniceverytime

sheleftforanoutdooradventure.Hell,everytimeshewenttowork.

Butwhydidsomethingsowrongfeelsorightthen?He’dspentthepastfourdaysthinkingonthat,

andgottennowhere.

Shedidtakeprecautions,heknewthat.HerfamilyhadcluedhimintoamorecarefulErin,agentle

sideshelikedtokeephiddenaway.Butthefactremained,shetookchances.Andhehadtothinkabout

morethanhimselfhere.Ameliahadstartedtogrowattachedtoherandifsomethinghappened…he

swallowedthebadtasteinthebackofhisthroat.IfAmelialostanyoneelseshecaredabout,itwould

devastatethemboth.

Waitasecond.Hewasgettingwayaheadofhimself.HehadnoideahowErinevenfeltabouthim.

She liked him enough, he knew that. They had amazing chemistry. Sparks. At least on his end. But

she’d told him she was guarding her heart. Just because she might be ready for a boyfriend didn’t

meanshewasreadyforlove.

Andwhenshewas?Shedeservedsomeonewhowouldjumpateverychancetopushthingstothe

limitwithher.Notsomeonewho’ddecidedtotakeapassonthosethingsnow.

Hiscellchirpedonthenightstand.Hereachedforitwithoutpayingattentionuntilheglanceddown.

Aquicklookbacktothetableandtherewashisphone.He’daccidentallypickedupErin’sinstead.A

textfromDominiclitupthescreen:L

OOKING

FORWARD

ATURDAY

NIGHT

’

EIGHT

Hischestsqueezed.Everymuscleinhisbodytensed,goingrigidenoughtocrack.She’ddecidedto

gooutwithhim.

Terrible,Troywantedtotextback,butheputthephonebackinitsspot.Hehadnoclaimonher.She

coulddowhatevershewanted.He’dgottencaughtupinher,yeah,butshit.Shewasn’tgoingtostop

climbingmountainsandjumpingoffbridges.Shewasn’tgoingtopassupcliffdivingoranyother

adventurethatcarriedrisks.

Dommightbetheguyshewaslookingfor.

Shepaddedbackintotheroom,fluffybluesocksonherfeetshemust’vepickedupoffherliving

roomfloor.Herhandswerefull.

And damn, she was beautiful with her hair tousled, her cheeks stained pink, her lips still swollen

fromhiskisses.

“Thoughtyoumightbehungry.”Shescootedontothebedanddroppedaboxofcrackersandacan

ofspraycheese.Shehandedhimsomepapers.“AndthesearemynotesandreportIgavetoCaptain

Sullivan.Ifiguredyou’dlikeacopy.”

“Thanks.”Hetookaquickglanceatthetopsheetbeforeputtingthemaside.“Hetoldmeyou’dbeen

by.Also,youshouldknowthatseveraloftheguysthinktheymayneedtobeevaluatedbyyounow.”

Sherolledontoherstomach,bentherarms,andputherfaceinherhands.Herfeetpoppedupand

herlegsswayedbackandforth.“Really?CaptainSullivantoldthestationaboutme?”

“No.Theysawyou,Erin,”hesortofgrowled.Ifaguyneededhelp,sure,Troywantedhimtogetit,

buttheideaofErinspendingtimewithsomeofhiscoworkersrankled.

“Oh.” She pulled a cracker out of the box, popped it in her mouth. Grabbed another and sprayed

cheeseonit.“Wantone?”Shehandedhimthesnack.

“Youeatthisjunk?”Hetookthecracker,liftedittoeyelevel,andtriedtodecidewhatexactlythe

“cheese”reallywas.

“It’sdelicious.”Shetookabiteofacracker,someofthedrizzledcheesefallingoffontoherfinger

likesillystring.

Hesnatchedherhandandatetheremaininghalf,lickingherfingerashedidso.Hismoveknocked

heroffbalanceandsherolledontohersidewitha“hey!”

“It’snotbad,butIthinkIknowhowtomakeitbetter.MayI?”Hetradedherthecrackershe’dmade

himforthecanofcheese.

“The only thing better would be if we had olives to put on top. I forgot to buy some.” She ate the

crackeranyway.

Troymadeaface.

Erinlaughed.“Notanolivelover?”

“No.”

“WhenIwaslittleI’dputthemonmyfingersbeforeIatethem.”Shegotafarawaylookinhereyes

asifshewasrememberingthoseoccasionswithfondness.

“Being the inexperienced cheese-and-cracker eater that I am, I’d much prefer this.” He gently

pushedherontoherback,straddledher,andproceededtospraysomecheeseontohermouth.“Don’t

move.I’llgetit.”

His lips glided over hers softly. He nibbled and licked. She put her arms around his neck and

wriggledagainsthim.Giventhathehadnoclotheson,itwasratherdistracting.Onceallthecheese

wasgoneheliftedup.

“Yes.Muchbetterthatway.ShouldIgolower?”Hewavedthecaninfrontofherface.

“Eww.No.That’sgross.It’snotlikeit’swhippedcream.”

Troyraisedhiseyebrows.“Gotany?”

Shepushedhimoffher.“No…Unfortunately.Nowletmeeat.IgetverygrumpyifIdon’teat.”

Hestucktoplaincrackersafterthat,butreallyenjoyedwatchinghereatboth.Sheseemedtoenjoy

eyeinghisbody.Andwhensheturnedthetablesonhim,straddlinghishipsandsprayingcheeseon

hischest,hedidn’targue.

Hell,shecouldputwhatevershewantedonhimifshefolloweditupwithherverytalentedtongue.

“Hmm.”Shesatup,herhandssplayedonhisribcage.“I’mnotsureIgotitall.Youmightneedto

takeashower.”

“Yeah?”

“Ithinkso.”

“Knowsomeonewhocanwashmyback?”

Herheadtitledtotheside.“Ido.Shehappenstoneedashowertoo.”Shepulledhersweatshirtover

herheadandtosseditaside.Nextshescootedoffthebed,turnedherbacktohim,andtookoffher

sweatpants,givinghimalittleshowasshewiggledherhipsintheprocess.

Troylethergettothebathroomdoorbeforehefollowed.Committingeveryslopeandcurveofher

gorgeous backside to memory took a few seconds. Tonight everything about her was getting

cataloged,becausecomemorninghehadtowalkaway.

ChapterThirteen

Troydraggedhimselftohismom’skitchentomakecoffeeandraidthefridge.Yesterdayhadbeen

oneminoremergencyafteranotherandhe’dgottenlittlesleepatthestation.Thesmelloffresh-baked

somethinghithimwhenhewalkedin,andhisstomachgrowled.Hehadn’teateneither.

Bree stood at the counter, flour on her cheek and in her hair. With muffin tins everywhere and

bananaspiledhigh,itlookedlikeabananamuffinbake-offwastakingplace.

“Heysis.”Hegrabbedamuffinandsighedwithgratitudewhenhefoundthecoffeepotfullandhot.

“Youdoallthisforme?”

“Notquite.IhavetobringmuffinsforthebakesaleatAmelia’sschooltomorrow.Howarethey?”

“Terrible,”hesaid,hismouthfull.Hesatonabarstoolatthekitchenislandwithhiscoffee.

Sheflickedadishtowelathim.

“Actually,they’renotbad,Martha.ButI’llhavetoeatatleastonemoretobesure.”

“Have two.” She leaned her elbows on the counter and eyed him a little more closely. “You look

likeyoucouldusealittleextrapick-me-upthismorning.Wanttotalkaboutit?”

Breecouldalwaystellwhenstuffweighedonhisshoulders.Andhe’dbelyingifhesaidhehadn’t

hopedshe’dbearoundtodaytobughimaboutit.

Still, he didn’t exactly enjoy talking about feelings, so he took another bite of his muffin. Bree

waitedpatiently.Justspitthedamnthingout.

“I’minlovewithErin.”

His sister ’s face morphed from placid to psyched in two seconds flat, a huge smile overtaking

everyfeaturefromhermouthtohereyestohercheeks.“That’swonderful.”

“Isit?”

Breesatonabarstoolandstudiedhim.“Yes,loveiswonderful.Sowhat’stheproblem?”

“I’m not sure I should be with her.” He stared into his coffee mug. He hadn’t talked to Erin in

severaldays,thinkingthatwasthebestthingforher.Wonderingifshe’dseenDomandhowthathad

goneifshehad.

“Why?”Breeasked,hertonevoidofcondescendenceorcriticism.She’dalwaysdonethat.Never

belittledwhathesaidorfelt.Herconcernalwaysmadeiteasierforhimtotalkaboutcraphedidn’t

wanttotalkabout.

“She’stoomuchlikeJamie.”

“She’snothinglikeJamie.”

Troy narrowed his eyes. “She’s daring, bold, and there’s nothing she won’t do. She’s a rock

climber,too,youknow.Andabungeejumperandskydiver.Younameit,she’lldoit.JustlikeJamie

was,she’snotafraidtotakerisks.”

“Andyou’reafraidshe’lldieonyou?”

Agoddamnbouldertwistedhisstomach.Hissisterneverbeataroundthebush.“Yes.”

Breestretchedherarmsacrossthegranitecountertopofthekitchenislandandtookhishands.“I

get that. I do. But here’s the thing. There are no guarantees in life. You can’t be so worried about

someonedyingthatyouforgettolive.”Shetookasteadyingbreath.“Jackdidn’ttakerisks,Troy.He

dideverythingbythebookandhedied.Hedidn’trockclimbordoanythingdangerous.Hegotsick

andhedied.”

“I’msorry,Bree.Sosorry.”Hesqueezedherhands.

“IfIhadknownhewasgoingtodie,iftherewassome,Idon’tknow,lookingglassthattoldmeI’d

losehimsosoon,wouldIhavegivenupmarryinghim?Notachance.Ilovedhim.”

They’dtalkedaboutJack,buthe’dneverthoughtaboutitinthewayhissisterhadjustlaidout.He’d

neverlookedatJamie’sandJack’sdeathsastwosidesofthesamecoin.

“Imayhavealsoactedlikeajerk.”Ignoringherafterspendinganincrediblenightinherbedwasa

douchemove.

“Allmeninloveactlikejerks.Sheprobablyfounditendearing.”

Troyrolledhiseyes.“Noonehasevermademefeelthewayshedoes,andthatonlymakesthings

worse.”

“Listentome.Erinisn’tJamie.Theyhaveextremesportsincommon,butsodothousandsofother

women. It’s part of what makes Erin who she is, yes, but her actions are hers alone. You can’t

comparewhatshe’ddoinasituationwithwhatanyoneelsewoulddo.”

“You’retellingmetogetoverit.Toletitgo.”

“Yes,becauseifyoudon’t,you’regoingtobemiserable.You’llsettleforsomeoneyoudon’tlove

passionatelyenoughandletthebestthingthat’severhappenedtoyouwalkaway.”

Herubbedathisforehead.Hissisterwasright.Erinturnedhislifeupsidedowninthebestpossible

way. She made him laugh. She was clever, strong, upbeat and imaginative. And she loved with a

powerful combination of loyalty and pureness. He’d watched her with her family, her friends, and

wantedtobeonthereceivingendofthatadoration,too.

Youhavebeen.

“Ishouldtellher.”

Bree put her elbows on the counter and toyed with her gold wedding band. “A girl never minds

hearingthatamanlovesher.”

“UncleTroy!”Ameliabarreledintothekitchenwearingherprincesspajamasandjumpedontohis

lap.

Healmostlosthisbalanceonthebarstool.“Hey,pumpkin.”

“DidMommytellyou?”

“Tellmewhat?”

“We’rehavingafeastatschoolforChristmasandHanukkah.”

“Soundslikefun,”hesaid,hisgriponhertighteningasshewiggled.

“Andwannaguesswhogetstocome?”

“Who?”

“YouandMommyandNanaandErin.”

Troy looked at his sister. “Erin?” He felt dizzy. He knew Amelia liked Erin, and deep down he

sensed Erin liked Amelia. But the incredibly warmhearted and precocious child in his lap gave 100

percent, and he worried about her being disappointed. It was one thing to risk his own heart, quite

anothertoriskhisniece’s.

Breegaveasmallsmile.“Shecan’tstoptalkingabouther,youknow.”

“Myteachersaysit’sokay.”

“HowaboutIaskherforyou,then?Shemighthavetowork.”

“Okay.”AmeliasqueezedhisnosewithherchubbyfingersandthenEskimo-kissedhim.

“Ames,”Troy’smomcalledfromanotherroom.“Timetogetdressed.”

HereleasedhisholdandAmeliascurriedoffhislap.

“Amelia?”hesaid,catchingherbeforeshedisappearedoutofthekitchen.Shestoppedandwheeled

around.“Iloveyou.”

“Loveyou,too!”Andthenshewasgone.

“She’sprettyexcitedaboutusallbeingthere,”Breesaid,pullinghisattentionawayfromAmelia’s

retreat.

Us.AtinywordthatheldmoremeaningthanhewassureErinwasreadyfor.Morethanhemight

bereadyfor.Butmostimportantly,morethanAmeliamightbereadyfor.Hisniecewashisnumber

onegirl.HowwouldshefeelifErintookthatspot?

Hestood.Hellifheknewtherightthingtodo.Buttherewasoneplaceheneededtogobeforehe

decided.“Thanks,sis.”

Shefrownedandcamearoundthekitchenisland.“Youallright?”

“Yeah.”

“I’mhereifyouneedme,youknow.You’vebeenmyrock—ourrock.AmeliaandIwould’vebeen

lostwithoutyou.You’veputusfirstforalongtime.Ithinkit’stimeyoudidsomethingforyou.And

ifthere’sanythingIcandotohelp,youknowIwillinaheartbeat.”

Hewrappedhissisterinahugandkissedthetopofherhead.“Youjustdid.Iloveyou.”Heletgo

andheadedtowardthedoor.“Catchyoulater.”

“Don’tbeafraidtogoafterwhatyouwant,”sheshoutedafterhim.“AndIloveyouback!”

FearhadbeenasonofabitchforawhilenowandBreewasright.Itwastimehestoppedlettingit

makehisdecisions.

After a shower, a shave, and dressing in nice slacks and a button-down, Troy passed through the

irongatesofCascadeMortuaryandparkedhistruck.Hehadn’tbeenbacktothecemeterysincethe

funeral,buttodayheneededtovisit.

Hereadeachheadstoneorplacardashetookhistimewalkingupthesmallhillcoveredindark-

greengrass.Bright-coloredflowersdecoratedseveralspots.Afewothermournersvisitedlovedones

inthedistance.

A cold breeze combined with gray skies sent a chill through him and he lifted the collar of his

jacket.Nothinghelpedtheacheoflosstighteninghischest,though.

Hestoppedathisbrother-in-law’smarker.

“Hey,Jack.It’sbeenawhile.”Thewindpickedupasifinanswer,andTroyknelt.

For several minutes he reflected back on times with Jack—the one-on-one basketball games, his

bachelorpartyweekendinVegas,fantasyfootballleague,thosefirstfewdayswithAmelia.Thenhe

wonderedwhatitmusthavebeenlike.Toknowtheendwasnear,tolookatthewomanandchildhe

lovedandknowhisdayswerenumbered.

“Imissyou,”hesaid.Notadaywentbythathedidn’tthinkabouthim.Hell,lookingatAmeliait

washardnottoseeJack.Shehadhiscoloring,hiseyes,hisexpressionsandmannerisms.

Theonlythingshedidn’thavewashim.

Troyshuthiseyes.He’ddowhateverhehadtotospareherfromanymorehurt.

His cell chirped and he pulled it out of his pocket. The text from Captain Sullivan quickened his

pulse.Hisbossneededhimforarescuemissionstat.

…

“She’sbeenstrandedforwelloversixhours,”CaptainSullivansaid.“Wedgedbetweentherockfor

mostofit.Alargeslabofgranitecrackedlooseandtookonepersonwithitwhenhelostcontrolof

therope.He’sinseriouscondition.Lookslikehisbodyshieldedhersbeforehewentdown,andher

helmetkeptdebrisfromstrikingherhead.”

Troycheckedhisgear,lookedatOliver.TheystoodatopSuicideRock,oneofthemostdangerous

mountainclimbsinthecountry.Rainpeltedthem.Cloudsmeaneranddarkerthanhe’dseeninawhile

sneered at them. His first time back to rescue duty and Mother Nature shouts, Let’s see what you’re

madeof.

“Thethirdclimber ’sbeenknockedunconsciousandisstrandedonaledgeaboutseventy-fivefeet

down,”Captaincontinued.

Under the best weather conditions, belay accidents were common here. The jagged rock, narrow

crevices,andmulti-pitchrouteskeptmostbeginnersaway,buteventhemostadvancedclimbersgot

intotrouble.

Despitethecoldtemperature,sweatcoatedTroy’sback.

In the distance, news vans, reporters, police cars, engines from a few different stations, and an

ambulance reminded him the climbers were famous. A couple of world champion skiers who’d

decidedtoskipthesnowcapstodayandcomehereinstead.

He and Oliver double-checked each other ’s harnesses and other equipment. They’d already

discussedthebestanchoringmethodandattachment,theraisingandloweringsystem,knotpasses.

Satisfied,Troysaid,“Let’sdothis.”

CaptainputhishandonTroy’sarm.“Yougood?”heaskedthroughsheetsofrain.

“Yes.”

Theymovedtotheedgeoftherock,heandOliverfist-bumpedandreadiedthemselvestorappel

downthemountain.

He’dbelyingifhesaidhewasn’tscared.Fearclimbedupthebackofhisspine,buthedidn’tneed

tobehisfear.Uncertaintywaspartofthegigandalwayshadbeen.ButTroyknewhowtoproceed.

Andheknewkeepinghisfocusonthetaskwouldhelpkeephismindclear.

HelphimkeepJamieinthepast.

Erinflashedthroughhismind.Herememberedeverywordshe’dsaidtohimduringtheirtherapy

sessions and recalled them now. Her sexy voice in his ear was all he needed to forget the dizzying

emptinesshesawbetweenhimandthegroundmorethanahundredfeetbelow.

Deepbreathshelped,too.AndcommunicationwithOliver.

Nothingmatteredmoretohimatthemomentthangettingthoseclimbersoutalive.

…

Erinsatonhercouch,Fritoasleepinherlap,andclickedthroughthetelevisionchannels.Allcaught

up with The Amazing Race, she was leaning toward some Cupcake Wars next. The tapping of rain

grewlouderandsheglancedatthedropletsstreakingdownthewindow.

“Tworockclimbersstuck—”

Sheliftedherfingerofftheremoteandturnedherhead.

“—inSuicideRockhavebeenidentifiedasCynPhillipsandBrodySmith.”Apictureofthecouple

poppedupinthecornerofthescreen.“CynandBrodyhavefiveworldchampionshipsindownhill

skiing between them, but today’s mountain is far different than what they’re used to. A third

unidentifiedclimberhasbeentakentoCascadeGeneralinseriouscondition.Rescuepersonnelareon

thescene,butwiththeheavyrainfall,visibilityispoorandtheirownsafetyatrisk.”

Troy.

Erinjumpedtoherfeet,Fritoalmostslippingoffthecouchbeforehefoundpurchaseontheedge

of the cushion. Oh my God. Oh my God. She jogged in place. Was Troy there? Was he one of the

rescue workers? She hadn’t talked to him since he’d left after spending the night with her. She’d

gottenthefeelingwhenhe’dkissedherandsaidgood-byethathewasconflicted.Asconfusedasshe

was about where they went from here. Suddenly, the whole matchmaking thing had felt finished,

though—becauseshe’dfoundtheperfectguyforher.OnlyTroyhadn’tseemedtorealizehewasit.

Besidestheblondhair,whichreallydidn’tmattertoher,hehadeverythingonthelistshe’dmade

withTeague.

Senseofhumor.Noonemadeherlaughthewayhedid.

Complimentwhenit’sleastexpected.He’dsaidmorenicethingstoherthananyguyeverhad.And

hesaidthemwithsincerityeachandeverytime,notjusttowinherover.

Bedaringandwillingtobreaksomerules.Check.Big-time.Herheartracedthinkingaboutit.

Be sweet. Darn Teague for having her add that because Troy was sweet. He was charming,

considerate,thoughtful.Hislikabilityquotientcouldn’tevenbemeasured.Andthewayheregarded

Ameliawasbeyondsweet.Itshouldcomewithawarninglabel:manwillmakeyourheartflutterwith

onelookathisniece.

WillnotjudgemeforwatchingrealityTV.Troymaynothavelikedhercheesespray,butwhenshe’d

flippedonthetelevisiontowatchsomelate-nightrecordingsofManvs.WildandProjectRunway,he

hadn’tsaidaword.Justkepthisarmaroundher.

She narrowed her gaze on the TV screen when the “breaking news” segment moved out of the

studioandtoSuicideRock.AreporterwastalkingtoCaptainSullivan.

Her body went brittle and tense and she couldn’t catch her breath. She had no idea what Captain

Sullivanwassayingbecausetheonlythingshecouldconcentrateon,couldthinkabout,wasTroy.She

squeezed her eyes shut and willed every positive vibe she had inside her his way. She crossed her

fingersandprayedforhissafety.

He’sskilledinrescuetechniques,shetoldherself.Hewasoverhisfearofheightsandcoulddothis.

Shesatbackdownandbithernails.Somethingshehadn’tdonesinceshewasfifteen.

Fritolickedherchin.

Atearslippeddownhercheek.Troyhadtobeokay.Hehadtobe.

Whatanidiotshe’dbeennottotellhimshelovedhim.She’dletherfearandpastheartbreaksgetin

thewayofthebestthingtoeverhappentoher.

Thenewsbreakswitchedbacktoregularprogramming.

Andshewaslost.Alone.Worriedsick.Afraid.

This is how it feels. To love someone who puts their life in danger. It didn’t matter if it was for

workorforfun.Thesensationsdidn’tknowthedifference.

Shegotitnow.Shegothowharditwouldbetolovesomeonewithyourwholeheartknowingheor

shecouldbehurt.Orworse.

Troydeservedtobesparedthispainagain.

He’d told her wanted someone safe, someone who didn’t remind him of Jamie. As much as it

painedher,heneededsomeoneboringlikeCandace.Someonewhogotherthrillsaddingwalnutsand

chocolatechipstoherbananabread,notzip-liningorbungeejumping.Erinwastoowild,toobold,

toorisky.Asafraidasshewastoloveagain,hewas,too.He’dneverfallforthewrongkindofgirl—

andshewasthewrongkind.

Moretearsfell.Shecouldn’tputherheartatrisklikethis,andshecouldn’taskTroytodothesame

for her. She had no plans to change her adrenaline-junkie lifestyle. So no matter how much she

wantedtoruntohimandbetherewhenhegothome—becausehewouldcomehome—she’dkeepher

buttrightwhereitwas.

She’dlethimgo.

…

Ithadtakentwohours,butthehikerswereoutandontheirwaytothehospitalwithseriousbutnon-

life-threatening injuries. Troy wiped a hand across his brow and gave himself a mental high five.

He’d never once doubted his physical abilities. Never doubted his mental toughness. The one time

Jamie’saccidenthadenteredhisthoughts—whenhe’dgottentothegirl—he’deasilytalkedhimself

downfromtheanxietyandremindedhimselfitwasanoldmemory.Itcouldn’thurthimnowunless

heletit.

“You are one fearless SOB,” Oliver said, wrapping a hand around Troy’s shoulder. “Welcome

back,partner.”

“It’sgoodtobeback.”

“Youreadytogetoutofhere?”

“Givemeaminute.”

OlivernoddedandmovedonsoTroycouldlookoverhisshoulderatthemountainsidethey’djust

navigated. His arms and legs ached, and the muscles in his back were fatigued. Hell, even his teeth

hurt.

He’dneverfeltmorealive.

Astiredashisbodywas,hisspiritandattitudeandreasonsforbeingsoared.

And that’s when it hit him with such clarity that his legs almost buckled—he was done playing it

safe.

Lifemarchedon,anddeepinsidehefinallyfeltthepulltoliveagainwithoutasafetynet.Without

trepidationandregret.BecauseasBreehadsaid,therewerenoguarantees.

Howhe’dforgottenthat,hehadnoidea.

He’dthoughtheknewwhathehadtobeafterlosingJamie,buthewaswrong.Hewasdoneletting

fearholdhimbackwhenheshouldbegladjusttobe.Themorehethoughtbackonthepastyear,he

realized he’d lived numbed, crippled by his own misgivings. That wasn’t living. That was slowly

dying,andthatwasn’tthekindofmanhewantedtobeforAmelia.HecouldloveherandloveErin.

HecouldteachAmeliawhatitmeanttoadoreandappreciateandadmiresomeoneunconditionally.He

couldhonorJackbyshowinghisdaughterhowtoloveandbeloved.

Inordertodothat,itwastimetoseizewhatwasrightinfrontofhim—Erin.

Hesmiledandlookeduptothesky.Rainpeltedhisface.Heshuthiseyesandtookadeepbreath.On

the other side of his fears stood Erin. She’d been there from the second he’d met her, and he was

readytocrossthelineandstandbesideher.

Hehopedhewasn’ttoolate.

ChapterFourteen

Erinshovedherfeetinherbootsandputherknitcaponherhead.She’dleftmittenssomewhereand

searched around her old room at her parents’ house—under the Glamour magazines her mom had

kept for her, under the bed, under the pile of clothes she needed to either take with her or give to

charity.

Aknocksoundedonthedoor.

“Comein,”shecalledout.

Teague appeared and Erin’s heart broke all over again. Her baby sister ’s bloodshot eyes meant

she’dprobablyhadanothercry,andhertremblinglipmeantshemightdoitagain.

Erinhatedwhenpeopleshelovedcried.

The next time she ran into the SOB who’d toyed with her sister ’s affections only to dump her in

frontofacrowdofpeopleattheCrown&Anchorwasgoingtogetanearful.Andifcircumstances

allowed,akneetothegroin.

“Idon’tthinkIcango,”Teaguesaid.ShecollapsedontoErin’sbedlikeshecouldn’tpossiblykeep

standing.

“We’re going.” Erin sat beside her and rubbed her back. “And we’re going to have fun. We’re

goingtooohandahhandeatanddrinkandbemerry.Okay?”Shehatedthathervoiceshookonthe

okay.

Shehadn’tbeenokaysinceyesterdayandherdecisiontoletTroygo.She’dneverbeensorelieved

as she was when she’d heard he’d gotten the climbers and himself to safety. He’d texted early this

morning, wanting to see her, but she’d responded she was happy he was all right, but she had

homeworkshehadtocatchupon.She’dmadeuphermindtokeepherdistanceandthat’swhatshe

plannedtodo.Itwasforthebesteventhoughithurtlikehell.

TonightthewholeWattersclanhadareservationtowatchtheParadeofLightsintheharbor—the

firsttimetheywerealltogetherfortheannualholidayfestivitysinceforever.MomandDadwouldbe

reallydisappointedifsheandTeaguebailedatthelastminutebecausetheyweren’tfeelinguptoit.

Withherfaceburiedinthecomforter,Teagueshookherhead.

“KnowwhatIthink?”Erinasked.

Teagueansweredwithanothershake“no.”

“Thatyou’restrongandbeautifulandthatprickdidn’tdeserveyou.Theperfectmanisoutthere.

Youjusthaven’tfoundhimyet.”

Erin squeezed her eyes shut. She swallowed the lump in her throat that threatened to expose her

sadness.HerheartachedsobadlyforTroy.She’dalmostcavedandgonetohimlastnightaftershe’d

heardhewasokay,butthenTeaguehadshownupatherdoorstepandtoldherthatMr.Wonderfulhad

done the unthinkable and broken up with her in front of anyone within earshot. Erin had still been

numbfromTroy’srescuemission,butthat?ThatincrediblyinsensitivemovebyTeague’sboyfriend

hadthankfullyknockedsomesenseintoher.Theshockandhumiliationonhersister ’sfacehadbeen

palpableandshe’dforgottenaboutherownmiseryandstayedwithhersister.

Aftertalkingforawhile,she’dscoopedupFritoandthey’dlefthercondotosleephere,inherold

bedroom.She’dletTeaguecryonhershoulderuntilshe’dfallenasleep.

Onlythendidsheletherowntearsfall.

“Come on,” she said, pulling Teague up with her. “Mom and Dad are waiting for us downstairs.

We’vegotsomeboatstocheeron.”

TheygottoCascade’sHarborVillagealittlewhilelater.SheandTeaguewalkedarminarmbehind

theirparentstowardtheshopsandrestaurantsontheboardwalk.Theclosertheygottothewater,the

moretheairsmelledlikefish,andErinappreciatedthatherparentshadchosenItaliantonight.

Tinywhitelightswovearoundtreetrunks,andredandwhitelightsdecoratedthelightpostssothey

resembled candy canes. Boats in the harbor were decked out with a multitude of decorations. And

Louis Armstrong’s “’Zat You, Santa Claus?” poured out from speakers along the wood-planked

walkway.

A good crowd had already assembled, sitting in folding chairs along the water ’s edge. Mrs. Witt

worepuffywhiteearmuffs.Mrs.Finnegan’snoselituplikeRudolph’s.AndMeredithCremworea

gingerbreadmansweater—asdidtherestofherfamily.Erinchuckled.MomandDadhadmadethem

alldressinmatchingjinglebellsweatersoneyearfortheirholidaycardandshehadhatedit.

Balducci’sTrattoriacameintoview.Itservedthebestlasagnaontheplanetaccordingtoherdad,

andalsosatintheprimespottowatchtheboatsfloatby.Theywalkedintothetwo-storyrestaurant

and took the stairs to the second floor. Mr. Balducci himself greeted them and led the way to the

heatedpatiowherethey’dhaveaperfectviewoftheharbor.LukeandSelaandVanessaandHayden

werealreadyseated.

ErinsatnexttoSela.“Nicesweater,”Selateased.

Okay, so she’d pulled out the light-brown-and-white checkerboard sweater with embroidered

snowflakeshermomhadhandmadeforhereonsago.Itputasmileonhermom’sface.

“Careful,orI’llhaveMomtakehersewingmachineoutofretirementandmakeyouone.”

Sela’seyessparkled.“IshouldaskhertomakeasweaterforLuke.He’ddie.”

“HaveImentionedthatyouarethebestsister-in-lawever?”SheputherarmsaroundSelainaquick

hug.“Thatisabrilliantidea.”

LukereachedaroundSela’schairandyankedonErin’shair.“Hey,squirt.”

Shebentherheadtothesideandflickedhishandaway.“Hey,bro.”

HeleanedforwardandstudiedherandSela.“Youtwoplottingsomething?”

“Nope,”Erinsaidandtookthemenuofferedbythewaiter.

“WaituntilyouseeStationTwenty-Nine’sboat,”Selasaidfrombehindhermenu.“Theygotsome

helpfromholidaylightingprofessionalsthisyear.”

Oh, crud. She’d forgotten the fire department had a boat in the festival every year. Sela’s dad,

CaptainSullivan,hadactuallystartedtheDecembertraditiontwentysomethingyearsago.

WouldTroybeontheboat?

Wouldhebeabletoseeherfromit?

Shedidn’twantanycontactwithhim.“I’msureit’sgreat,”shesaid,hopinghervoicedidn’tgive

awayhernervousness.

Sela nodded and put her menu down. “Luke and I stopped by last night to see it lit up. My dad is

veryproud.”

Erinrolledhershouldersbackandtriedtopullherthoughtstogether.“Arealltheguysontheboat?

Imeantheycan’tallbe.Somehavetostaybehindatthestation,right?”

“Right,” Sela said, eyeing her with care because she knew exactly who Erin was talking about.

That’swhathappenedwithgoodfriends.

Delicious family-style Italian dishes filled the table shortly after. Erin dropped not one but two

ravioli,spillingmarinarasauceonhersweater.Lukeaskedifshewantedabib.Shewassopullingout

thesewingmachinewhenshegotbacktoherparents’house.

Assoonasthey’dfinishedeating,Selagrabbedherhandandstood.“Okaygirls,let’sheaddown

forafront-rowseat.”

Wait.What?Erinlikedwhereshewasjustfine.

“Mymom’ssavedafewspotsfortheWatterswomen.”SelaflashedanexcitedgrinandErinfound

herselfunabletoargue.“Don’tthink,justhavefun,”shewhisperedtoErin.

Frontrowmeantattheendofthemaindock.OnejumpandErincouldlandinsideapassingboat,

sincetheydriftedbyatasnail’space.Nochanceofhergoingunnoticednow.

Unless…

“Ijustremembered—”

Selashushedherandpushedherbackdownintoherblue-and-white-stripeddirector ’schair.“Here

theycome.”

Atleastshesatinthesecondrowandcouldslouchlikenobody’sbusiness.Sheshouldhavejusttold

Selashedidn’twanttoseeTroy.

Popularlightscenariosdecoratedthefirstfewboats—Santas,Christmastrees,candycanes.Every

floating tribute to the holidays got cheers and waves from fans. Erin applauded with the crowd and

when the next boat with a giant inflatable surfing Santa and white lights in the shape of swimming

dolphinsskimmedby,herposturehadimprovedtremendously.Shecouldn’thelpjoininthefestive

spirit.

More beach-themed trimmings in all sorts of colorful lights followed with palm trees, whales in

Santahats,andsnowmeninboardshorts.

“Station Twenty-Nine is next,” Sela said, jumping to her feet and cupping her hands around her

mouthtogiveaveryloud“woohoo.”

And oh, wow. The large sailboat took Erin’s breath away. The two sails were covered with

twinklingwhiteandbluestars,andgoldlightsintheshapeofahalfmoonsmiledfromthemiddleof

the mast. The simplicity and beauty charmed like none of the other boats had, and she had the silly

urge to wish upon the stars. She glanced up into the dark sky. No moon tonight, but countless tiny

brightlightsdidwinkback.

The boat got closer. The guys on board were all in uniform and wore either a Santa or elf hat.

Exceptone—hehadonreindeerantlers.Andasmiledirectedrightather.SeeingTroyintheantlers

flung her back to their time in the tree house and her heart lurched, like it were stretching to reach

him.

“Comeon!”Selagrabbedherunderthearmandhauledherawayfromtheirchairs.

“Wherearewegoing?”

“Ontheboat.”

“What?”

“Don’twimpoutonus.”SelaletgoandjoinedTeague,theirmom,andMrs.Sullivanattheedgeof

thedock,readytoleap.Erinlookedback.Vanessarubbedherbigbellyandsmiled.

“Now!”Selasaid.

Erinwhippedbackaround.Sela,Teague,andtheirmomsleapedandlandedinsidetheboat,Captain

SullivanandOlivercatchingthem.HereyesfoundTroy.

“Don’tbeachicken,Watters,”hecalledout.“Jump!”

She bristled because he knew she wouldn’t refuse now, and went for it. Big, strong, way-too-

comfortable arms wrapped around her. A very hard chest pressed against hers. She looked up into

Troy’sfar-too-attractiveface.

“I’vegotcha,”hesaid.

Hertraitorousbodyrelaxed,likinghiswarmth,hisfeel.Liftingontiptoes,shehadnootherthought

buttokisshiminthanks.

Whoa.Slowtheheckdown.She was through with him. It was best for both of them if they stayed

awayfromeachother.

Rememberingherplaceandwhatshe’ddecided,shepushedhimaway.“Idon’tneedyoutocatch

me.”

“Erin?” He sounded at a loss and she couldn’t blame him. Her tone was clipped, unfeeling. But

she’dsticktoherguns.

“You made it,” Captain Sullivan said, stepping beside them and saving her from further

conversationwithTroy.“Youhadmeworriedthereforasecond.”

Shewavedoffhisconcernandsmiled.“Justlettingtheothergirlsgofirst.”

“Thatwassofun,”Teaguesaid,bouncingupbehindTroy.

Erinbeamedathersister.TheeveninghadreallyhelpedTeaguefeelbetter.She’dknownhersister

wouldrallyback,andhopedthecheerfulnessstuckaround.

Oliverapproachednext,lookingalittlegreenaroundtheedgesandwithahandonhisstomach.

“Hey,Oliver.Youokay?”Erinasked.

“Feelingalittleseasick.”

“Comewithme,”CaptainSullivansaid.“I’vegotjusttheremedy.”

ApplauseandwhistlessoundedfrombehindErin.Ohyeah,thiswasaparade.Sheturnedandwaved

back at the spectators. Troy and Teague joined her. Several of Cascade’s single women looked

especially enamored with their boat, or make that their “crew.” A couple of them wore firemen

helmetsandshouted,“Gotanyroomforus?”

“CanItalktoyou?”Troywhisperedinherear.

“Idon’tthinknow’sthebesttime,”shesaid,thinkingtherewouldbenogoodtime.

Helacedhisfingersaroundhermittenedones.

Shecutaquickglanceathimandgaveherselffivemoresecondstoholdhishand.

“Comeon.”Hisfirmtoneandholdonherhandleftnoroomforhertodecline.Hetuggedherto

theothersideoftheboatwherethingswerequietandnothingbuttheexpanseoftranquilseahadtheir

backs.

Underneath the holiday lights on the sails, his eyes glittered like gold when he canted his head

down.Hestudiedher,likehewantedtoreadhermind,andforabriefmomentshewishedhecould.

Longedforhimtoseethatherhearthadlethimthroughandwhatdidheplantodowithit?

Sheblinkedawaythatirrelevantthought.

“There’ssomethingIneedtosaytoyou,”hesaid.

Sheshookherhead.Itdidn’tmatterwhathehadtosay.Rationalornot,shedidn’twanttohearit.

Hiswordswouldonlyhurt.Ifhesaidhecaredaboutherandwantedtoseewherethisthingbetween

them might lead, he’d only be prolonging the inevitable breakup when he decided she was too

recklessforhim.Andifhesaidhecouldn’tkeepseeingher,shewasn’tsureshecouldhidethepain

ofherheartbeingrippedintwo.

Sharing that she loved him was completely out of the question. He’d find someone perfect,

someonesafeandcarefulandnurturing,andbehappierthanhe’deverbewithher.

“Idon’twanttohearit,”shesaid.

“YouhavenoideawhatI’mgoingtosay.”Hetookhisantlersoffandcombedhisfingersthrough

hishair.

Shetriednottorememberthewonderfulfeelingofrunningherfingersthroughtheirsoftstrands.

“Look,I—”

Hedroppedhishead.“YouwentoutwithDom.”

“What?No.Whatmadeyouthinkthat?”

Hiseyesfoundhersagain.“Lastweekendwhenwewere…whenyoutookFritooutyougotatext.I

thought it was my phone at first and picked yours up by mistake. I saw the message from Dominic

confirmingplansforadate.”

“Itwasn’tadate.Hewantedmetomeetthegirlhe’sjuststartedseeing.Theywerehavingadinner

party.Onlyshegotsickandtheycanceledit.”Shenarrowedhereyes.“Youshouldhavetoldmeyou

sawit.”

Painetchedthecornerofhiseyes.“You’reright.”

Heputhishandsonherupperarms.Eventhoughitwascoldoutside,histouchmadeherinsides

warmandtoasty.She’dneedarmortostayimmunetohim,dammit.

“Soyoudidn’tgooutwithhim.”

“WhatwoulditmatterifIhad?”Shecouldn’tgetherfeettomove.Towalkaway.

“ItwouldmatterbecauseI’minterestedinyou.”

“Interested how?” Her heart did a pit-a-pat. She’d broken her own rule and fallen completely in

lovewithhim,andmorethananythingwantedhimtofeelthesameway.

Eventhoughshestillplannedtowalkaway.Selfishasitwas,shejustwantedtoknowifhecared

aboutherthesameway.

“Inallofit.”Heplayedwiththehairspillingoutofherknitcap.

“Ithoughtyouweren’tinterestedinagirllikeme.”Sheblinkedseveraltimes.“I’mnotsafe,Troy.

Notbyalongshot.”

“Ichangedmymind.”

Changed his mind? Why was that not very reassuring? Because you’ve had your heart torn to

pieces. Who was to say he wouldn’t change his mind again and decide he wanted some Susie

Homemakerbehindhiswhitepicketfence?She’dopenedherselfuptohim,letallherguardsdown,

andshewasterrifiedofthedepthofherfeelings.

“Notgoodenough,”shesaidandturned,readytodenyhowshefeltifthat’swhatittook.

“Erin,wait.Hearmeout.Istartedthisconversationallwrong.”

Shelookedoverhershoulder.“Ican’t.”She’dalreadylettheconversationgoonfarlongerthan

she’dplanned,soeasilycaptivatedbyhiswarmthandnearnessthatshe’dforgottenherself.

“Can’torwon’t?”hesaid,histonehardtoread.

Justletmego,shesilentlypleaded.

“Both,”shewhisperedandjoinedtheotherswhenhedidn’tstopher.

ChapterFifteen

ThemusclesinTroy’sshouldersandupperbackburned,buthedidn’tletup.Justalittlefartherand

he’dclaimvictory.

Oliver ’spaddleboardwasrightonhisass.“Dude,youaresogoingdown.”

Troypaddledharderthroughthesmalloceanswells.“Keepwishing.”Thebuoybobbedtwo,maybe

three,hundredfeetinfrontofthem.He’dgettherebeforeOliverandthencollapseontheboard.

Ornot.

“You ass—” Troy fell in the water with a splash. The freezing cold water cut through him like a

sharpbladeofice.

“Oops,”Oliversaid,passinghimandgrinninglikeafive-year-old.“Sorryaboutthat.Lostcontrol

ofmypaddlethere.”

Troy grumbled as he quickly got out of the water and knelt on his board. He didn’t budge, just

watchedOlivergotheextradistance,toodamndrainedtotrytocatchup.Hisgazewanderedtothe

shore and he kept sight of a couple holding hands and throwing a ball into the waves so their dog

couldspringintothesurftoretrieveit.

AndforthemillionthtimehethoughtaboutErin.Thoughtabouttakingherinhisarmsandkissing

and touching her until she knew with certainty the insanely awesome way she made him feel. She

hadn’t believed his half-baked attempt to woo her on the boat—and rightly so. He’d been so damn

nervousandshe’dbeensodamn…distant.Somethinghadbeenbotheringherthatnight,andhehadno

ideawhatitwas.

Heplannedtofindout,though.Andheplannedtofightforher.

Shedeservedtobesweptoffherfeetandhe’dbeenrackinghisbraintryingtothinkofawaytodo

thatforthepasttwenty-fourhours.

“Dude,”Oliversaid,deftlyparkinghimselfbesideTroy.“Youokay?Youlooksick.”

“Youwon,”Troysaid.

Oliversmirked.“Yeah,Iknow.”

“Idon’tmeanjustnow.ImeanIdomymarketrunsandyoursforthenexttwomonths.”

“Oh,youmeanthat.You’redone,huh?”

“I’mgoingafterhermyself.”

“Aboutdamntime.Sincewhendoesbuyinggroceriestrumphavingahotwomaninyourbed?”

Troyrubbedbehindhisear.HeshouldhaveknownOliverwouldbehappytoseehimgoafterwhat

hewanted,betaside.“It’salittlemorecomplicatedthanthat.”

“Whatgives?I’magoodlistener,youknow.”

Troycheckedouthisfriend.“YoureadingCosmoagain?”

“Hey,aguycanlearnalotfromthatmagazine.”Anothersmirk,thisonemoreannoying.

“Yeah,likehownottotalktoyourguyfriends.Comeon,let’spaddlein.”

“Fullforce,”Oliversaid,rowingbesidehim.

“What?”Troy’sbottomhandslippedoffthepaddle.

“Goafterherfullforce.”

“I’mworkingonit,”headmitted.

“Workfaster.”

“Saystheconsummateladies’man.Somethingstaketimeandplanning.”Hehadtomakethenext

timehesawErinperfectorrisklosingherforgood.

Theyreachedshallowwaterandslidofftheirboards.“You’vegotitbad.”

“Youcouldsaythat.”

Oliverslappedhimontheback.“I’mgoingtosaygoodluck,butIdon’tthinkyouneedit.I’veseen

thewayshelooksatyou.”

“Howdoesshelookatme?”

“Likeshewantsyoutostripher.”

Hewantedtodoalotmorethanthat.“Youcantellthathow?”

“Dude, ladies’ man.” He pointed at himself. “I can read a woman in three seconds and trust me,

Erin’sgotitasbadforyouasyou’vegotitforher.”

“Thanks,bud.”Troyputhisboarddowninthesandandgrabbedhistoweltodryoff.

“I just watched this documentary on the mating habits of whiptail lizards and trust me, if those

thingscanmakeithappen,youcantoo,myfriend.”

Troylaughed.“Ihavenoideawhatawhiptaillizardisbutyouneedtogetoutofyourhousemore.”

Oliver pointed to the side of his head. “I’ve got a shitload of knowledge in here that’s going to

comeinhandyoneday.”Hepickeduphisstuff.“I’vegottogo.Seeyoulater.”

“Yeah.”TroypulledhisT-shirtoverhisheadandsatinthesandtowatchtheebbandflowofthe

tideforawhile.Palesunlighttouchedhissurroundings,cuttingintothemurky,coolmorning.

The couple with the dog strolled past him. Troy pictured him, Erin, and Frito walking down the

beach,laughing,kickingupthewater,searchingforseaglass.

Hesmiled.Erincollectedtheblueandgreenbeachgems.Shecollectedfamilypictures.Shetookin

straypuppieswithoutasecondthought.She’dmadehimbelieveinthekindoflovehethoughthe’d

lostouton.

She’d said she wasn’t safe, and he got the feeling she meant more than just her job and hobbies.

Thatshewassuggestingshewasn’tasafebetinordertopushhimaway.

Hemayhavestartedoutthinkingtheyweren’ttheperfectmatch,butthatwasbeforehe’dgottento

knowthewomanbehindthetough-girlpersona.

“Troy?”

Aman’sout-of-breathvoicebrokeintohisthoughts.Helookedup.“Luke,”hesaid,andgottohis

feet.

“I’m glad I ran into you.” Luke bent at the waist and put his hands on his thighs. The back of his

shirthadsplotchesofsweat.

Troy inwardly groaned. He knew Erin and Luke were close. Had she said something to him?

“Shoot.”

“No,ImeanbecauseIneededabreak.Ican’tgetmybreathinginagoodrhythmthismorning.”

“Oh.Yeah,Iknowthefeeling.”

Lukestraightened,rolledhisshouldersback,andlookedoutatthesea.Troyturnedandfollowed

hislineofvision.Aflockofseagullsskimmedoverthewater,theircawsalwaysawelcomesound.

Theystoodinsilenceforawhile,thenLuke,keepinghisattentionforward,said,“So,youandmy

sister.”

Troydughisheelsinthesand.Herememberedtheprotectivefeelingsthathadswirledinsidehim

whenBreeandJackgotserious.HeimaginedLukefeltthesameway.Nopointinbeatingaroundthe

bush,hesaid,“Iloveher.”

“Youtellheryet?”

“No.”

Lukeletabreathout.“She’snotmakingiteasy,huh?”

“Iwouldn’tsaythat.”Morelikeimpossible.

“Whatwouldyousay?”

Troyfrowned.“Sorry?”

“What are you going to say to her? You’ve got to have more than those three magic words.” He

glancedatTroy.“Shedoesn’tbelieveinthemanymore.Oratleastshedidn’tuntilyoucamearound.

That’sonebigplusinyourfavor.”

WithLuke’sbasicagreementthattalkingwasn’tgoingtobeenoughtogetthroughtoErin,sweat

trickleddownTroy’sback.Heneededtoshowherwithironcladcertaintythathewasthemanforher

andshewasthewomanheplannedtolovefortherestofhisdays.

An idea struck him. Oliver ’s mention of a documentary had him thinking about presenting “the

facts”toher.Buthedidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutfilmmaking.Luke,however,wasaworld-class

photographer.

“Wouldyoubeinterestedinhelpingmeoutwithsomething?”Troyasked.

“I’ddoanythingtoseemybabysisterhappy.Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”

“Aphotomentary.”

Lukeshothimaninterestedlook,eyebrowsfurrowed.“Youwantmetotakesomepictures.”

“Actionshots,actually.”

“Haveasubjectinmind?”

Troynoddedandlaunchedintohisidea.Lukewasin100percent.Theytalkedaboutlogistics.Days

andtimestheywerebothavailable.Whenfinished,Lukeshookhishand.

“Icouldn’thaveaskedforabettermanformysister,”Lukesaid.

“Thanks.”

“But just remember.” Luke put a hand on his shoulder. “If you hurt her, I hurt you. See you

tomorrow.Eightsharp.”Hetookoffrunningbackdownthebeach.

Troyswallowedthelumpofanxietyinhisthroat.Ifthisdidn’tgothewayhehoped,theonlyperson

gettinghurtwouldbehim.

…

Erin walked down the trendy Portland street lined with boutique shops and restaurants. Poinsettias

filledthelargeplantersandseveralwindowsweredecoratedwithholidaycheer.Shehoppedovera

puddleandletatinysmileslipwhenacuteguypassedbywithagrindirectedather.

Ofcourseacuteguyremindedherofhercuteguyandthecandyshopupaheadwaslookingbetter

andbetter.Troywasn’therguy.Heneverhadbeenandneverwouldbe.

Butatleasthewasokay.Atleasthewasbackonthejobinfullforceandthathadmadeherhappy.

“Oh,let’sgoinhere,”Selasaid.“Lookhowcutethatdressis.”Shenoddedatabluedresswitha

sequinedskirtinthewindowandheadedinsidethestore.

SelahadmadeithermissiontofindErinadresstowearforherandLuke’sweddingpartyinafew

weeks.SinceSelaandLukehadeloped—andthustakenawaythehonorofbeingabridesmaid—Sela

wantedtobuyhersomethingtowearandrefusedtotakenoforananswer.

“CanIhelpyou?”asalesgirlsaid.Shehadapinkstripeinherbrownhairandafriendlyattitude.

“Yes,”Selaanswered.“Mysister-in-lawneedsadress.Somethingsexyandhot.”

“She’spimpingmeout,”Erinsaid.

ThegirlsmiledandsizedErinup.“IthinkIcanhelp.Followme.”

Truetoherword,thesalesgirlpulledseveraldressesfromtheracksandledthemtothedressing

rooms.

“Youneedtomodeleachone,”Selasaid,takingaseatinthechairErinwishedherbuttwerehitting

instead.

Erinclosedthevelvetcurtainandthankfullyfoundherownlittleupholsteredottomantositon.She

leaned against the wall and took a moment to steel herself from thoughts of Troy. She’d imagined

takinghimwithhertotheparty.Dancingwithhim.Whisperingsecretsaboutherextendedfamilyin

hisear.Kissinghimuntilhewantedtosneakawaysomewhereprivatesohecouldliftherdressand

havehiswickedwaywithher.

Troyhadmadeherfeeldifferentaboutherself.She’dalwaysbeenthewildsister,therisk-taker,but

hisgentlenessandcaremadeherfeellikeshehadgreaterpotentialforreachingamazingthingsand

becomingabetterpersonforit.Hisfaithinherhadrestoredherfaithinherself.

Hemightnothavefoundherworthyofforever,buthehadfoundherworthsomething.

Shestoodandundressed.Timetogetoveritandfocusonthepositivesinherlife.Shehadonlya

few weeks of school left and then she’d have her master ’s degree and be that much closer to

somethingnewandexcitingforCOA.Willhadlikedherrevisedplans,andnextspringandsummer

thingsweregoingtorock.Sheslippedonthestraplessspearmintchiffondressandshovedasidethe

curtaintoshowSela.

Four dresses later, she had a winner. A long sleeveless red “knotted jersey” gown, the salesgirl

calledit.Erindidn’tcarewhatnameitwentby.Itfithercurveswithacrisscrossedopenback,lowV

necklineinfront,andmaterialsoftenoughthatshemightsleepinthething.

“Youlookbeautiful,”Selasaid.

“Thanks.”Weirdhowapieceofclothingcouldmakeherfeellikethatwerereallytrueandtakeall

herworriesandputthemasideforaminute.She’dfeltprettybeat-upthepastweek.

“Youokay?”Selaasked.

“Fine.Just…”Crap.Shefeltthestingoftearsanddidn’twanttodothishere.Didn’twanttodoit

anywhere. With anyone. Damn Troy. Ever since he’d come into her life she couldn’t keep her

emotionstoherselfanymore.

SelastoodandputherarmsaroundErin.“Whatever ’sgoingon,youneedtogetitoffyourchest.”

God,foragirlwhoseplaninlifesincecollegehadbeentoliveitonherownterms,capableand

independent,shesurehadmuckedthatup.Didshehonestlywanttoendupalone?

No.

“Imisshim.ImissTroysomuch.”Shesniffledandsteppedback.“IthoughtI’ddieifsomething

happenedtohimoutonthatrescue.I’veneverfeltsuchintensefeelingsbefore.”

Selaputahandonherarm.

“IlovehimandIshouldhavetoldhim.ButthenIthinkaboutwhat’sbestforhimanditisn’tmeand

I’mgladIdidn’ttellhim.I’mgladIblewhimoffontheboat.ButthenI’mmiserable.Andconfused.

AndhowamIgoingtosurvivelivinginthesametownashimwhenallIwantisforhimtowrapme

inhisarmsandholdmeforever.”

“Forever?”Selawhispered,atinysmileplayingatthecornerofhermouth.

“Yes,”sheconfessed.

Selahuggedheragain.

“Lifecanbesounfair,”Erinmurmuredintohersister-in-law’sshoulder.

“It’salsofullofsurprises.”Selareleasedher.

Erin narrowed her eyes. Sela had a tell. She wiggled her nose like she had to sneeze when

somethingwasup.“Ithinkyou’retheonewhoneedstospill.”

“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”Selarubbedhernose.

“That!”ErinpointedatSela’sface.“That’swhatI’mtalkingabout.”

Selashrugged.“Myallergiesareactingup.”

“Youdon’thaveallergies.”

“I’vealsobeenfightingacold.Lukegaveittome.He’sbeen…he’sbeenworkingonthisspecial

project and not getting enough sleep. And I’m proud of you.” She squeezed Erin’s hand. “You let

someone in again and that’s huge. I know it wasn’t easy for you. I’ll just wait for you over by the

you.”

AfunnyfeelingmadeErin’schesttightenalittle.Eyingherselfinthedressingroommirroronce

morebeforeshetookthegownoff,shedaredtodreamofTroyandthewayhemightlookatherall

doneup.

Withtheirpurchasesinhand,theywalkedtoSela’scarandheadedhome.

“Didyouseethelatestwomen,life&lovecolumn?”Selaasked,alittlesheepish.They’dlistenedto

theradioformostoftherideandwithjustafewminutesuntiltheygottoErin’s,hersister-in-lawhad

tobringupthat?

“Yes.”

“I’mnowtheofficialwingwomanforthreenursefriends.”

Erin laughed. Jane’s “Wingwoman 101” column had struck an uncomfortable chord given how

things had started with Troy, but putting a feminine spin on it was pretty clever. “Now that you’re

marriedyou’retheperfectgoing-outbuddy.”

“Exactly.”

“SoundedtomelikeJanehasn’tbeensoluckyinlovelately.”

“NotlikesomepeopleIknow.”SelaslowedandturnedontoErin’sstreet.Sheleanedforward,her

chestonthesteeringwheel,hereyesfocusedoutthewindshieldlikeshewaslookingforsomething.

“You’rebeingweird,”Erinsaid,choosingtoignorewhatSelahadjustsaid.

“What?”ShesatbackandpulleduptothecurbsofreakingslowthatErincould’vegottenoutwhile

inmotionwithoutamisstep.“No,I’mnot.”

“Nowyou’relookingatmycondoasifitmightexplodeorsomething.”

“Orsomething,”Selamumbled.

“Allrighty.I’mgoingtogo,andIsuggestyouheadstraighthomeandcallmewhenyougetthere,

okay?”

SelalurchedforwardandwrappedErininahug.Erin’sbodywentstiffatthesuddengesture.“I’m

fine.Morethanfine.I’mgreat.”Selawavedheroff.“Justhadsuchafuntimewithyoutoday.”

Erinwasn’tbuyingit,butdidn’tsayanything.“Idid,too.Thanksagainforthedress.”

“Mypleasure.Nowgo.”Selapracticallypushedheroutthecardoor.

Dressinhand,ErinsteppedbackwardupherwalktowatchSeladriveaway.Shehadbarelyblinked

whenthecardisappearedfromview.

She wheeled around, puzzled by Sela’s behavior and deciding to give her sister-in-law exactly

twentyminutestocallandsayshewashome.Home.Erinbreathedinthecleanmountainairandlet

hermindwandertowhathavingahomefilledwithahusbandandchildrenmightfeellike.

Herheartbeatmiserablyinsideherchestbeforeshetookanotherdeepbreathanddugherkeysout

ofherbag.Huh.Herkeyslidinthelockandturnedwithouttheusualclick.Sheopenedthedoor.

Andalltheairrushedoutofherlungs.Shesteppedintotheentrywayandswayed.

“Whoa,”Troysaid,hurryingforwardandslidinghisarmsaroundherwaist.“Don’tyoueventhink

aboutpassingoutonme.”

She let her bag and dress fall to the floor and put her hands on his chest. The pounding there

reverberatedupherarms.Hewasnervous.Andholygoodness,sogorgeousinacrispwhiteshirtand

black dress pants, she wanted to stare at him all day. His face, freshly shaved, lips drawn in a sexy

smileandeyessparklinglikeagalaxylaybehindthem,madetheweeksinceshe’dseenhimfeellike

aneternity.

Hetookherhandandledhertothemiddleoftheroom.Largevasesfilledwithflowersthecolorof

seaglasssatallovertheplace.Shelethergazefalloneachandeveryonebeforeshedaredtolookat

thepicturesonthewallsandproppeduponfurniture.

“Hi,”hesaid.

“Hi,”shewhisperedback.

“Howwasshopping?”

“Guh-good.Selaboughtmeadress.”

“Ican’twaittoseeit.”Hiseyesstayedfocusedonhers.Eyesthatsaidsomuchherlegswobbled.

“Howdidyou…Whatisall—”

“ThisiswhatIshould’vedonethesecondIfellinlovewithyou.”

Herheartstopped.Helovedher.Helovedher!

Shewipedatthecornerofhereye.Notbecauseshewasabouttocry.Shewasnot.

“Erin,”hesaid.“I’maddictedtoyouineveryway.AndIwantthechancetobewithyou.Youare

handsdownthemostcourageouswomanIknowandifyou’lltakeachanceonmeIwon’teverlet

youdown.I’llgiveyoueverythingyouneverhad.”

Heletgoofherhandandgesturedaroundtheroom.“Thisisme,askingarisk-takerlikeyouto

trustme.ToletmeloveyouuntilItakemylastbreath.”

Atearsliddownhercheek,herbottomlipquivered.Holywonderfulshit.Shelookedattheblack-

and-white photographs decorating the room. Troy skydiving. Troy hang gliding. Troy bungee

jumping.

“Youdidallthesethingsforme?”

“Theseweremylastsoloflights.FromnowonIwanttowingeverythingwithyouandonlyyou.”

He’ddefinitelygottenoverhisfearofheights,andpridewelledinsideheroverherroleinthat.His

rich,deepvoicetoldherhe’dalsogottenoverhisfearofbeingwithsomeonewhomightnotalways

playitsafe.He’dfoughthisfearsforher.

Decidedtofightforher.

“You were what I needed to set me free,” he said. “Life has no guarantees, but my life has no

meaningifyou’renotinit.”

She took in the other photos, another tear trickling down her face. Troy at the beach holding a

football. Troy standing on the bridge at Cascade Falls. Troy in his uniform outside the Crown &

Anchor.Andlastly,apictureLukehadtakenofthetwoofthemsittingbythefireplaceatherparents’

house.ShewaslaughingandlookingsomewhereoffcamerawhileTroyhadhiseyesonher.

Picturesthatcoveredhimandher.

He put his hands on her cheeks, his thumbs wiping away her tears with tenderness. “I love you,

Erin.”

“I…”God,shewassooverwhelmedwithemotion,shecouldbarelygetthewordsout.“Iloveyou,

too.So,somuch.Butareyousure?Reallysure?BecauseIunderstand,Troy.Iunderstandhowyou

feel. I was scared out of my mind knowing you were doing that mountain rescue. I couldn’t stop

thinkingaboutyouandifyouweresafeandhowyouhandleditand—”

“Shh.It’sokay.I’mokay.”

She swiped under her eye, cleared her throat. “Thank God.” She glanced around again. “I can’t

believeyoudidallthisforme.”

“I’mnotthroughyet.”Hegotdownononekneeandpulledatinyblackvelvetboxoutofhispants

pocket.

Erinsuckedinabreathashetookherlefthand.Shetrembled,soovercomewithloveforthisman

andsosurprisedbywhathewasabouttodo.Hedrewinadeepbreathandsmiledupather.

“You’reitforme,”hesaid.“IloveyouwitheverythingIhaveinsidemeandnoonewilleverlove

youasmuchasIdo.Marryme?”Heopenedthebox.

Happiness flooded her. She brought her fingers to her mouth and took a shaky breath. The most

beautiful diamond ring sat in the box, but that wasn’t what got her. It was the fierce fight-for-you

expressiononTroy’sfacethatmadehersogiddyshewantedtofreezethismomentintime.“Yes.Yes,

I’llmarryyou.”

He jumped up, a grin so big and beautiful on his face. She threw her arms around his neck and

kissedhim.“Iloveyou,”shesaidagain.

Their kisses deepened as he drew her tighter against his body. They fit together perfectly, their

bodiesliningupsoshefelthisdesireforher.Tinglesbuiltinthejunctureofherthighsandwhenhe

groanedsoftly,sheneededandwantedtogetthembothnaked.

Theypartedonshort,harshgasps.

Hetooktheringoutoftheboxandslippeditonherfinger.Shestretchedherarmoutandflexed

herhand.Herbreathcaughtinherthroat.“It’sbeautiful.”

“I’mlookingatthemostbeautifulthinginmyworld,”hesaid,hisintensedarkeyesheart-stopping

gorgeous.

Shereachedoutandundidthetopbuttonofhisdressshirt.“Whatdidyouhaveinmindnext?”

“I’drathershowyou.”Hescoopedherupandcarriedherdownthehall.

“I’dlikethat.”Sheundidthenextbutton.

“Good,becauseIplantoshowyoueverydayforatleastthenextsixtyyears.”Hepushedopenher

bedroomdoorwithhishipandtossedherontothebed.

She bounced and scooted back. He covered her body with his, then he reached over to her

nightstandanddangledapairofhandcuffsfromhisfingers.

Thehandcuffsshe’dgottenatVanessa’sbachelorettepartyandpulledoutofherdrawertotossin

thetrashthismorning.Onlyshe’dputthemdownandforgotten.

“Youplanningtousethose?”sheasked,warmthspreadingfromdeepinherwomb.

“ThoughtImight.”Hisdeep,roughvoicewashedoverherandshetingledwithexcitement.

“I think that’s a good idea.” She smiled up at him. Then when his mouth brushed hers, she

whispered,“Thankyou.”

Heliftedslightlyandknithisbrowstogether.

“Formakingmysecretwishoffallinginlovecometrue.”

“I’m going to make all your wishes come true.” He pressed light kisses to her jawline, her neck.

“Startingrightnow.”

Forthefirsttimeinherlife,shehadnodoubt.

CASCADEGAZETTE

XTRA

ANUARY

HappyNewYear!

Talkofsecretwishescomingtrueisspreadinglikewildfire.

Withtourismatanall-timehighthispastholidayseason,

Willspringfevercontinuetobringextrazing?

Locals,youngandold,arehappythe

“PromiseofLove”monikerhasbefallenourseasidetown.

Andwesay“pfftt”tosomethinginthewater…

It’scalledgoodold-fashionedcongenialityandhospitality.

Themorefrequentvisitstothewishingwellmight’vehelpedtoo.

Rumorhasit,thisistheyearofweddingsandbabies.

Whateverhappens…restassured,you’llhearitherefirst!

***

DidyoulovethisBliss?Checkoutmoreofourfunandflirtytitles

here

Andforexclusivesneakpeeksatourupcomingbooks,excerpts,contests,chatswithourauthorsandeditors,andmore…

Besuretolikeuson

Jointhe

Followuson

Andfollowuson

Acknowledgments

Thankyou…TwolittlewordsthatIwanttomagnifytimesamillionformyawesomeeditors,Wendy

ChenandStacyAbrams.Iamsoluckytohaveyouguysandgratefulforallyoudoforme.Fromthe

bottomofmyheart,thanksamillion!

ThankyouDebbieSuzuki,AlyciaTornetta,andJessicaCantor,foralltheBlissloveandsupport.

Thank you to fellow Bliss authors, Roxanne Snopek and Paula Altenburg for your wonderful

friendshipandforbeingsosmartandteachingmeafewthingsatthesametimeyoumakemelaugh.

SpecialthankstoSamantheBeckandHaysonManning.YouguysaretrulyagiftandI’mwishinghard

foratriptoAustraliainourfuture,Sam!ToKaren/Monica,thankssomuchforbeingagreatfriend

andhelpingtomakethisbookevenmorespecial.

Tomyhubbyandsons,thankyouforfillingeverydaywithloveandlaughs.Iamsoblessedtocall

youmine.Tomymom,thankyouforteachingmethethingsthatreallymatterandforalwaysrooting

meon.

Andlastly,hugethankstomyreaders.YourkindwordsandsupportmeantheworldtomeandI’m

so very grateful. A special shout-out to Elena and Rachel, whose generosity and warmheartedness

alwaysmakemyday.

AbouttheAuthor

RobinBielman

livesinSouthernCaliforniawithherhighschoolsweethearthusband,twosons,and

crazy-cuteminiLabradoodle,Harry.Whennotattachedtoherlaptop,shecanalmostalwaysbefound

withhernoseinabook.Shealsolovestorun,hike,anddiphertoesintheocean.Writingisadream

cometrue,andshestillpinchesherselftobesureit’sreal.SheisalsotheauthorofKissingtheMaid

ofHonor,as well as Risky Surrender, Worth the Risk, and Yours At Midnight from Entangled’s Ever

Afterline.

Visitheronline:

robinbielman.com

@RobinBielman

Facebook.com/robinbielman

Goodreads.com/robinbielman

Signupforour

Steals&Dealsnewsletter

andbethefirsttohearabout99¢releasesfromRobinBielmanandotherfantastic

Entangledauthors!

Reviewshelpotherreadersfindbooks.Weappreciateallreviews,whetherpositiveornegative.Thankyouforreading!

OtherBooksbyRobinBielman

aSecretWishesnovel

SelaSullivanisresolvedtobethebestmaidofhonorever,evenifitmeanstoleratingthebestman.ArrogantLukeWattersisnotonly

theguywhohumiliatedheratakissingboothinhighschool,buthealsohappenstobeherbestfriend’solderbrother.Lukecan’tdeny

Selainspiresapassionhe’sneverknown,butcanheprovetothemaidofhonorhe’sbecomeamanofhonor?

aSecretWishesnovel

aTakeaRisknovella

aTakeaRisknovella

Ifyoulovefriendsfallinginlove,checkouttheseEntangledreleases…

PEAKING

OVE

aPerfectKissesnovelby

OpheliaLondon

Successful matchmaker Mackenzie Simms decides to find a woman for her friend, handsome newspaper tycoon Rick Duffy. Though

they’vebeeneachother’sgo-todatesforthepastmonth,MacandRickcouldn’tbemoredifferent.Butonthedouble-dategetawayto

Rick’sfamilycabin,neitherexpectthenewfeelingsthatdevelop.CanMac‘fessuptowhat’sreallyinherheartwhenspeakinghermind

putseverythingatrisk?

TEALING

THE

ROOM

aStealingtheHeartnovelby

SonyaWeiss

There’snowayAmeliaSnyderisgoingtoletherbestbudChadmarryMeanGirl#1.ButAmelia’sat-the-altargroomnappingscheme

takesasurprisingturnwhensheendsupastheblushingbrideinstead.Chad’salwaysbeenstrictlyanti-riskanddefinitelyanti-love,and

bettingalifetimeofbestfriendshiponthechanceatforevermightbethebiggestgambleofall.

AST

HANCE

ROPOSAL

BarbDeLeo

Cy Hathaway needs a wife to win custody of his son. He returns home to discover his childhood sweetheart has become a vibrant,

beautifulwoman.Eventhoughwantingtosweepheroffherfeetwasn’tpartoftheplan...ForEllie,Cy’sreappearanceawakensaflood

ofmemories—andresentmentsforthewayhe’dabandonedheryearsago.Butshehasalifenow,acareer.Shecan’tsimplygethitched,

evenifthesightofhimstillmakesherheartrace.

UST

UCK

aShamrockFallsnovelby

KelleyVitollo

BetsyHarrishasalwaysknownJaceMacnamarawasofflimits.He’saclosefriend,plusherboss—makinghimdoublyforbidden.Jace

justfoundoutheneedsawifenow,butheneverdreamedofsettlingdownforreal.NeitherBetsynorJacewantstoruintheirfriendship

whentheirfakemarriageinevitablyends,butJacebeginstoseehis“wife”forthebeautiful,caringwomansheis.Canherisktheirpast

forafuturetogether?

AKE

IANCÉ

EAL

EVENGE

aThreeRiverRanchnovelby

RoxanneSnopek

In order for Mitchell Granger to secure a lucrative real-estate deal with an eccentric client, he told the teeny white lie that he was

engaged…andnowheneedstoproveit.Sabrinadoesn’tmindposingasMitch’sfakefiancée.She’sgotaplantoexactrevengeonher

firstlove,theboywholeftherandThreeRiverRanchbehind.ButwillbothMitch’sandSabrina’sgrandplansgetderailedbylove?

Checkout

Bliss’s

newestreleases...

ESISTING

THE

ANCHER

aThreeRiverRanchnovelby

RoxanneSnopek

CountryveterinarianCeliaGambleisintrouble.Amisunderstandingfromherpastisrearingitsuglyheadandtheonlypersonshecanturn

toisJonahClarke—herfamily’slawyerand,asitturnsout,herbrotherZach’sbestfriendandherchildhoodcrush.Shealwayswanted

Jonahtoseeherasabonafidewoman,butasawomanwho’sbeingwrongfullyblackmailedforseducingamarriedman?Notonher

life.AndJonahmustresistCeliaorlosetheonlytruefamilyhe’severknown.

IANCE

ATE

anAnyoneButYounovelby

JenniferShirk

SabrinaCassidybelievesinfate.Sowhenherfiancébreaksofftheirengagement,she’sconvincedthey’llgetbacktogethereventually.

ButfatewasnotonhersidewhenitbroughtJackBrennerintoherlife—andwork.Frustrating,gorgeous,andcocky,Jackhasanoffer

that Sabrina can’t refuse. Not if it means getting the life she’s always imagined. Sabrina’s still hung up on her ex, and Jack will never

settledown.Butfatehasotherideas…

aDonovanBrothersnovelby

SusanMeier

The last person Ellie McDermott wanted to run into after returning to her hometown is Finn Donovan, her high school nemesis and the

guy she crossed the line from enemies to lovers with one night years ago. Now ex-military, tattooed, and still sexy as hell, Finn is a

complicationElliedoesn’tneed—sheneedstoconcentrateonsavingherfamilybusiness.Actingontheirattractionisonething,butFinn

hastoturnaprofittosavehisownfamily,andnothing—notevenlove—willgetinhisway.

TheonlythingrockstarMarcusTroylovesmorethanmakingmusicishiskids.Sofindingjusttherightnannytotakeontourwiththemis

important—asisprovingtohisexhedeservesjointcustody.Fallingforhisemployeewouldn’tjustbefodderforthepaparazzi:itcould

ruineverything.Toobadtheperfectnannyturnsouttobebeautiful,vibrantRyanEvans.Whenthewholeworld’swatchingthem,willlife

inthespotlightbetoohottohandle?

ALLING

FOR

OLDIER

aPerfectKissesnovelby

OpheliaLondon

Ex-ballerinaEllieBellhastwenty-fourdaysleftuntilherself-imposedman-lessyearisup.Nomorefallingforthewrongkindofguy

—charming,sexy,bad.ThenshemeetsHunter,whosemusclesandcockysmilethreatentohaveherrelapsing.BeforeCharlie“BigGame

Hunter”Johansson’slasttourofduty,he’dgonethroughwomenlikecrazy.Butafterconnectingonareal,emotionallevelvialetters

withhisbestfriend’ssister,Charlie’sreadyforarelationship—withEllieBell.Canheconvincehertofallfortherealhimbeforeit’stoo

late?

ESISTING

THE

ERO

anAccidentallyinLovenovelby

CindiMadsen

Faith Fitzpatrick isn’t looking for a hero. Burned one too many times in the past, she’s now sworn them off completely. And when her

brother’sbestfriend,Connor,convinceshimtojointhedangerousSWATteam,Faithhasneverbeenmoreanti-hero.What’swrongwith

havingasafejob?There’snothingsafeaboutConnor.Confident,sexy,andsportingasix-packthatshouldbeillegal,he’severythingshe

doesn’t want. But the more time Connor spends with Faith, the more he’s willing to risk the wrath of her brother. If he could only

convincehertotakeariskonhim,too.

Document Outline

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Other Books by Robin Bielman
- Kissing the Maid of Honor
- Her Accidental Boyfriend
- Worth the Risk
- Risky Surrender
- Yours at Midnight
If you love friends falling in love, check out these Entangled releases…
- Speaking of Love
- Stealing the Groom
- Last Chance Proposal
- Just My Luck
- Fake Fiancé, Real Revenge
Check out Bliss’s newest releases...
- Resisting the Rancher
- Fiance by Fate
- Her Summer with the Marine
- Love Songs for the Road
- Falling for Her Soldier
- Resisting the Hero

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
13 Wild About You Rozdział 1
Robin Cook Jack Stapleton 03 Crisis
13 Wild about you
Elizabeth Bevarly Mccormick 03 Georgia Meets Her Groom
Lisa Jane Smith The Secret Circle 03 The Power
Fatty Coon 03 Fatty Discovers Mrs Turtle's Secret
Fatty Coon 03 Fatty Discovers Mrs Turtle's Secret
Robin z Sherwood s 03 (1986)
Crystal Perkins (Corrigan & Co 02) Devouring Her Secret
Brockmann, Suzanne Operation Heartbreaker 03 Secret Für einen Kuss von Frisco
Robin McKinley Folktales 03 Spindles End
Top 200 Secrets Of Success By Robin S Sharma
Fleming, Ian Bond 11 (1963) On her Majestys Secret Servi
Flemming, Ian James Bond 11 On Her Majestys Secret Service By Ian Fleming
Lorie O Clare Lunewulf 03 In Her Dreams
Bielman Robin Kissing the Maid of Honor

więcej podobnych podstron

Robin Bielman [Secret Wishes 03 Wild About her

Document Outline