FromThisMomentOn

Marcus&Nicola–TheSullivansBook2

bella@bellaandre.com

http://www.BellaAndre.com

http://www.twitter.com/bellaandre

http://www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans

SignupforBella’snewsletter

Forthirty-sixyears,MarcusSullivanhasbeentheresponsibleolderbrother,steppingintotake

careofhissevensiblingsaftertheirfatherdiedwhentheywerechildren.Butwhentheperfectly
orderedfuturehe’splannedforhimselfturnsouttobenothingbutalie,Marcusneedsonereckless
nighttoshakefreefromitall.

NicolaHardingisknownthroughouttheworldbyonlyonename—Nico—forhercatchy,sensual

popsongs.Only,whatnooneknowsaboutthetwenty-five-year-oldsingeristhathersex-kittenimage
istotallyfalse.Afteraterriblebetrayalbyamanwholovedfamefarmorethanheeverlovedher,she
vowsnottoletanyoneelsegetcloseenoughtofindoutwhoshereallyis...orhurtheragain.
Especiallynotthegorgeousstrangershemeetsatanightclub,eventhoughthehunger—andthesinful
promises—inhisdarkeyesmakeherwanttospillallhersecrets.

OnenightisallNicolaandMarcusagreetosharewitheachother.Butnothinggoesastheyplan

when,insteadofsimplytanglinglimbs,theyfindadeeperconnectionthaneitherofthemcouldhave
anticipated.Andeventhoughtheybothtrytofightit,growingemotions—andsizzlingattraction—keep
drawingthemclosertogether.

Closeenoughforthemtowonderifstealingonemoresecretmomenttogethercaneverbeenough?

ChapterOne

MarcusSullivanwasamanonamission.
Twentyminutesagohe’dlefthisbrother’sengagementpartyandheadedstraightforthebellyofSan

Francisco’sseedyMissiondistrict.Dancemusicpoundedoutintothestreet,loudenoughthatthecrowds
waitinginlinewerealreadydancing.

Leatherandpiercings,tattoosandfluorescenthairweren’tpartofMarcus’susualcrowd.Butthemen

andwomeninlinewithearringsthroughtheirnosesandeyebrowslookedhappy,atleast.

Marcuswasplanningonbeingahellofalothappierinacoupleofhours.
Hewalkedpastthelonglineanddespitethefactthathewaswearingasuitandtie,thebouncertook

onelookathimandopenedupthelatchontheropetolethimin.Marcuswasalargeman,andalthough
hedidn’toftenusehissizetointimidatepeople,hewasn’taversetousingwhatevertoolshehadathis
disposalwhenheneededthem.

Thebeatthrobbedthroughhimashesteppedthroughtheblackdoorwayintothecrowdedclub,butthe

loudmusic,theshakinglights,didn’tcomeclosetoobliteratinghisthoughts.

Thatwasn’twhyhewashere.Hewasn’theretoforgetwhathe’dseen.
No,hedidn’twanttoforget,wouldn’tlethimselfmakethatmistakeagain.
Marcuswasheretomakeupfortwowastedyears.Twenty-fourmonthsago,he’dmetJillinthecity

onahotAugustnightatacharityeventherfirmwashosting.Assoonashe’dseteyesonhercoolblonde
beauty,heknewhe’dfoundthemissingpuzzlepieceinhisotherwisewell-orderedlife.InJill,he’dseen
hisfuture:marriage,kids,Estatedinnersathiswinerywiththeperfectwifebyhisside.

Only,ashe’dlearnedthatafternoon,ithadn’tbeenperfectatall...

MarcuscouldhearmoaningevenasheturnedhiskeyinthelocktoJill’sapartment.Itcouldhave

beenamovieturneduptooloudforthedirtyparts,butMarcusknewbetter—hadknownbetterfor
months,ifhewasbeinghonestwithhimself.

Hepushedopenthedoorandmovedthroughhisgirlfriend’sapartment,themoaninggrowing

louderwitheverystephetook.

“Oooh,that’sit!Rightthere!Justlikethat!”
Jillhadalwaysbeenascreamerinbed,buthe’dneverrealizedjusthowfalseitsoundeduntilnow,

whenhewasgettingatasteofhershowfromthecheapseats.

Hishandstightenedintofistsasheturnedthroughherkitchenandheadeddownthehalltoher

masterbedroom.

He’dlongagoaskedhertomoveuptoNapatoliveathiswinerywithhim,butshe’dalwayshada

reasontoputitoff.Thelatestwasthathercurrentapartmentwasararefindbarelyablockawayfrom
herfinancialplanningcompanywithitsfrequent4:40a.m.wake-upcalls.Shetoldhimhecouldstay
overwheneverhewanted.

Marcushadneverfeltathomeinherapartment,everythingacoldshadeofwhite,mirroredand

glasssurfacesthatsmudgedattheslightesttouch.Buthe’dwantedafuturewithherandhe’dassumed
makinggoodonthatfuturemeantbending,compromising.

HowmanyweekendshadhecometothecitytoseeJillwhenitsuitedher?Howmanytimeshadhe

changedhisentirescheduleonlessthanamoment’snoticetobethereforherwhensheneededhim?

Toomanytimes.
Butnever,notonce,hadheeverwalkedinonalivepornshow,starringhisgirlfriend.
Shewasridingtheguylikehewasabuckingbroncoandshewasthestarrodeorider.
Hesawthenakedskinandlimbs—hell,hecouldn’tmissthemfromthebedroomdoor—butitwas

asifhewerewatchingthemfromaclinicaldistance.Likeatriple-Xcablechannelthathad

accidentallyflippedoninahotelwhenhewasn’tinthemood.

“Whatthe—?”TheguyunderhisgirlfriendlookedatMarcuswithalarm.Clearly,hehadn’tbeen

expectinganyonetowalkin.

ThatwaswhenJillshiftedslightlytolookoverhershoulderathim.Hereyeswidenedinwhatwas

supposedtobesurprise.Butheknewherwellenoughtoseethroughit.Atleasthe’dthoughthe’d
knownher.

Howmuchoftheirrelationshiphadbeenalie?
Jillmovedtopullasheetoverherandherlover.Marcuswatchedthemslideapart,watchedthe

guyreachoverthesideofthebedtopullonhisjeans.“I’llgetoutofhere,”theguysaid,butJillheld
hishandandmadehimstayonthebed.

“No,Rocco,youdon’tneedtoleave.”
Rocco?Hisclassicallybeautifulgirlfriend,thewomanhe’dbeenplanningtomarryandstarta

familywith,thewomenhe’dplannedtosharethehelmofSullivanVineyardswith,wasdoingaguy
namedRoccowithanasty-lookinggoateeandpiercings?Ithadtobesomesortofsickjoke.

TheguylookedbetweenJillandMarcus,goingalittlewhiteashisgazelingeredonMarcus’sfists

andthewayhisshoulderstookupthebulkofthedoorway.

Jilldroppedthesheetandslidonasilkrobethathadbeendrapedoverachairinthecornerofher

room.ShemovedtowardMarcus.“Weshouldgotalkinthelivingroom.”

Somehowsheslippedpastwithouttouchinghim,butMarcuscouldsmellsexonher.Hecouldsmell

someotherguyonher.

Hewantedtopoundhisfistintotheguy’sface.ButJillhadengineeredthis.Starttofinish.
He’ddealwithher,instead.
MarcusmovedbackthroughthehallwaytothelivingroomwhereJillwaswaitingforhim.
Shedidn’tlookguilty.And,forthefirsttime,hedidn’tthinkshelookedbeautiful,either.Yes,she

wasstillclassicallypretty,tallandslim...buttherewasanuglinessstampedacrossherfacethathe’d
neverlethimselfseebefore.

“I’minlovewithRocco.”
Asapologieswent,itsucked.
Inhissilence,shecontinuedwithadefensive,“YouandIbothknowourrelationshipwasn’tgoing

anywhere.”

Finally,hisresponsecame.“Yousaidyouneededtime.Igaveyoutime,enoughtimetocheaton

me.WithRocco.”

Jill’seyeswidenedatthebarelyrepressedfuryinhisvoice.He’dneverspokentoherlikethat

before,hadneverbeenthekindofmanwhoraisedhisvoicetomakeapoint,whooptedtobeabullyto
gethisway.He’dgottenwherehewasbyworkinghardandbeingsmartandreasonable,withsome
Sullivancharmthrowninwhenheneededit.

“Look,”shesaidwithanirritatedsighasifhewastoblameforthemesstheywerein,“thisthing

betweenus,itwasgoodforawhile,butifwe’dreallybeeninlovewewouldbemarriedbynow.”

Heraisedaneyebrowandcalledheronit.“YouknowIwantedtogetmarried.”
Sheshookherhead.“Ifyoureallywantedtomarryme,youwouldhavesweptmeoffmyfeetandI

wouldn’thavebeenabletoresist.Butyouwerealwayssobusywithyourbrothersandsisters,always
helpingyourmotherwithsomething.”Finallybeinghonest,shesaid,“Itriedtoloveyou,Marcus.I
reallydid.ButIwantsomethingmore.Somethingbigger.Somethingexciting.Iwantsomeonewhoputs
mefirst.”Hereyeslitasshesaid,“IwantwhatIhavewithRocco.Nottositbyyoursideandwear
pearlsatyourwineryevents.Andnottoalwaysbelastplaceinyourlife.”

Marcusstaredatthewomanhe’dassumedwouldbehiswife,themothertohischildren.Thepearl

necklacehe’dgivenherwasstillonherneck.Itwastheonlythingshe’dhadonwhileshe’dbeen

screwinganotherman.

HewantedtoripthepearlsoffJill’sneckandwatchthemscatteralloverthefloor.
Instead,hesaid,“I’llsendmyassistantformythingsnextweek.She’llcontactyoutoarrangea

convenienttime.”

“See?”Jillcameathimnow,herfingerpointedathischest,herrobegapingopenacrossher

chest.

He’doncelovedherbreasts,thoughttheywerejustasclassicallybeautifulastherestofher.Now,

theydidnothingforhim.Lessthannothing.

“ThisiswhyIcan’tbewithyou.Whereareyouremotions?Whereisyourpassion?Iswearyou

caremoreaboutyourdamngrapesthanyoudoforme.AndIsureashellknowyoucaremoreabout
yourbrothersandsistersthanme.Thisisyourchance,Marcus!Don’tyousee,ifyouleavenow,ifyou
can’ttellmethatyou’llatleasttrytoputmefirst,you’lllosemeforever?”

Thatwaswhenherealizedthatdespitehisanger,despitehisfuryathercheating,hedidn’twantto

fightforJill.

IthadtakenMarcustwoyearstorealizethathedidn’tactuallyloveher.
He’dsimplylovedtheideaofher.
“Goodbye,Jill.”

Thesongswitchedfromahard-drivingbeattoaslowermelodyandrhythmasMarcusresurfaced

fromhisdarkmemories.HehadplannedtopickupJillforChaseandChloe’sengagementpartyearlier
thatevening,buthe’dgonealone.Whatanidiothe’dbeen,waitingtwoyearsforJilltomakeuphermind.
Waitingforhertobe“ready”tocommitallthewaytohimandthelifeheenvisionedforthem.

Marcusknewloveexisted.He’dseenitbetweenhismotherandfather.HesawitineverylookChase

gaveChloe,ineverytouchbetweenhisbrotherandhisnewfiancée.

Still,thatdidn’tmeanMarcuswasuptotryingforitagainanytimesoon.Agoodlongbreakfrom

emotionwaswhatheneeded.Fromhisplans.Onedayhestillhopedhe’dfindawomanwhowouldmake
himagoodwife,agoodpartner,agoodmothertothechildrenhewanted.

Butnotrightnow—orfortheforeseeablefuture.
Tonight,hewasonlyinitforpleasure.Foralongnightofmindless,emotionlesssexwithsomeone

whodidn’twanttoknowhishopes,hisdreams.Awomanwhodidn’twanttoknowabouthisfamilyany
morethanhewantedtoknowabouthers.

Hell,ifneitherofthemevenlearnedeachother’snames,thatwouldbeperfectlyfinewithhim.
Couplesgroundagainsteachotherinthedarkspacewheresweatandalcoholandsexwereall

comingtogether.Marcusmoveddeeperintothedarknesstostandonariseoverlookingthedancefloor
andscannedthecrowdwithaclinicaleye.

***

NicolaHardingstoodinthewindowofherpenthousesuitelookingdownonSanFrancisco’sUnion

Squareandwatchedthepeoplewalkingbelow.

Shewasyoungandsingle.Sheshouldbeouttherewiththem.Sixmonthsago,shewouldhavebeen

eatingdinneratsomeglitzyrestaurant,surroundedbypeoplewhowereflatteringherandtryingtomake
herlaugh,tryingtomakeherlikethem.Butshe’dlearnedthehardwaythatitwasn’thertheywere
interestedin.

NicolaHarding,wholikedMonopolyandbuildingsandcastles,wasaninconsequentialnobody.They

allwantedapieceofNico.Theywantedtosaythey’dhungoutwithapopstar.Theywantedtotake
picturesofherontheircellphonestotexttotheirfriends.

Shesteppedawayfromthewindowandturnedbacktothehugesuite.
Itwastoobigforoneperson,butherrecordlabelthoughtputtingherupinaplacelikethisfora

videoshootandconcertwastreatingherright.Noonewouldeverknowhowaloneshefelt,onesmall
personinanoversizedsuitethatcouldhavehousedherentirefamilywithroomtospare.

Andthetruthwas,ifshewereastrangerreadingherpress,shecertainlywouldnevercomeupwith

thewordalonetodescribeherself.Partygirlwouldbecloser.Because,somehow,everysingleevent
foundherphotographedwithanotherfamousman.She’dwakeupinthemorningandturnonhercomputer
tolearnthatshewassystematicallyscrewingherwaythroughnotonlytheTop40charts,butthrough
Hollywood,too.

HerrecordlabelandPRpeopleandmanagementteamhadtoldher“anypressisgoodpress”enough

timesthatshe’dstoppedprotestingherinnocencetothem.Besides,sheknewtheydidn’tbelieveher,not
afterseeingthepicturesthathadleakedovertheholidayslastyear—horriblepicturesthatstillseemedto
turnupwhenevershethoughttheywerefinallyburied.

Afterworkingnearlytwenty-fourhoursadayforyearstotrytogetpeopletolistentohermusic,

she’dbeenoverjoyedtoseeherworkpayoffwithherfirstnumberonehitlastsummer.Although
everyonehadwarnedherthatthebusinesswouldchewherupandspitheroutifshewasn’tcareful,she’d
believeditwasdifferentforher,thatshewassmartenoughtosurroundherselfwithgoodpeople.

Untilthedayshetrustedthewrongone.
Kennyhadbeensocharming,sosweetatfirst,thatshe’dfallenforhimhook,line,andsinker.But

he’dusedemotionslikebarterandshe’dsoonrealizedtheonlywaytokeephimhappy—andtobesure
hestilllovedher—wastogiveintosomeofthethingshewantedhertotry.

Stupidgirl.
Athousandtimessincethen—no,morelikeamillion—she’daskedherselfhowshecouldhavebeen

sonaive.Naiveenoughthatwhenhe’dsoldhisstoryofwildnightswiththepopstar,completewith
picturesthathe’dbeensecretlytakingofheronhiscellphone,she’dactuallybeenshocked.

Well,she’dlearnedherlesson.Bigtime.
Shewouldneveragaintrustthateasily,especiallygood-looking,persuasivemen.
Nicolacaughtaglanceofherselfinsweatpantsandatanktopinthefull-lengthmirrorontheliving

roomwall.Somepartygirlshewas.Afteragruelingdayofrehearsingdancemovesforthevideothey
wouldbeshootingonFriday,herbigplansincludedwatchingaLaverne&Shirleymarathononcable
underthecovers.

Thedoorbellrangandsherealizedshe’dforgottenabouttheicecreamshe’dorderedfromroom

service.Onanightlikethis,shesimplydidn’thavetheenergytocarethatthehotelstaffmemberwould
seeherwithoutanymakeuponandimmediatelygetonTwitterandtelltheworldaboutit.

Noquestionaboutit,chocolateicecreamwasherlasthopetonight.
Sheopenedthedoor.“Hi.”
Theguylookedather,thenactuallylookedoverhershoulderfortherealNico.Finally,helooked

backather,hisfeaturestwistingtowardrecognitionashestared.“I’vegotyourroomservice,Nico.”

Shesteppedasidesothathecouldwheelinthebigtray,eventhoughshecouldeasilyhavejustpicked

upthecontainerontop.

“It’sjustthebrandyouaskedfor.Aquartofit.”
“Thanks.”Shetookthepenhehandedhertosigntheroomtabandfelt,likelaserbeams,theguy’s

eyesonherbuttinthesnugsweatpants.She’dbeenfeelingthoseeyesfromoneguyoranotherforthepast
tenyears,eversinceshe’dwokenuponemorningwithbreastsandhips.

Shedidn’tevenmindtheleering.Whatshemindedweretheassumptionsthatcamewithit,thatjust

becauseshehadtheT&Athatguysdrooledover,itmeantshewasgoingtohopintobedwiththem
indiscriminately.

Shewasn’taslut,nomatterwhattheworldthought.
Shewenttohandhimbackthepen,buthewastoobusyoglingherchesttonotice.
Nicolaalwaysmadeitapointtobenicetothestaffanywhereshewasstaying.Itwasn’tthatlongago

thatshe’dbeenwaitingtablesandcleaninghotelroomswhileshewaitedtobe“discovered.”

Tonight,shewasalloutofnice.
“Here.”Shejammedthepenintotheguy’spalm,thenwenttothedoorandhelditopenforhim.
Hemovedslowlytowarditandshewascountingthesecondsuntilhewasgonewhenhesaid,“You

allalonetonight?”

Seriously?Shehadtodealwiththisgarbagejusttogetsomeicecream?
“I’vegotplansalready,thanks.”Henodded,butshedidn’tlikewhatshesawinhiseyes.“My

boyfriendwillbeupinaminute,”shelied.

“Well,ifyou’relookingforcompanylater...”
Hewasacrossthethresholdbythenandshedidn’thesitatetoslamthedoorinhisface.Afterbolting

it,shemuttered,“Jerk.”

Theicecreamcontainerwasstartingtosweatonthebigsilvercart,butshewasn’tinthemoodforit

anymore.

Itwasn’tfair.Thewholeworldthoughtshewasatotaltrampwhenthetruthwasthatshe’dhadsex

withagrandtotaloftwoguys.Bradfromtwelfthgradeinthebackseatofhisdad’scar.AndthenKenny,
becauseshe’dthoughttheylovedeachother.

Evenworse,neitherofherpreviouslovershadbeenallthatgreat.Brad,shecouldforgive,becauseit

hadbeenthefirsttimeforbothofthemandtheirlocationhadbeenterrible.ButKenny,she’dfinally
realized,simplyhadn’tcaredaboutmakingherfeelgood.He’dbeenallabouthimselftheentiretimeand
she’donlyfedintoitbyconstantlytryingtopleasehimsothathe’dlovehermore.

Atleastifshe’deverhadanythingapproachingrealpleasure,maybeshewouldn’tbesobitterabout

herreputation.Maybethenshecouldjustownit.Maybethenshewouldactuallyfeellikethesexywoman
sheportrayedonheralbumcoversandmusicvideos.Maybethenshewouldn’thavemadeher
choreographer,Lori,staysolongwithhertonight,longpastwhensheshouldhaveletthewomanleave
forherbrother’sengagementparty.

Allofasudden,acrazyimpulsehithersquareinhersolarplexus:sinceshewasnevergoingtoshake

offherreputation,whatifshewentouttoearnitinstead?

Nicolahadalwaysbeenimpulsive,fromthetimeshewasalittlegirl.Herreportcardssaidthesame

thing,yearafteryear:“Nicolaisabrightgirl,butsheoftenactswithoutthinking.”

Okay,shethoughtasshetossedvariousarticlesofclothingontothebedandtriedtofigureoutjustthe

rightlookforwhatshewantedtoaccomplishtonight,soshe’dlearnedherlessonabouttrustingjerks.
And,ofcourse,onedayshewantedlove.Reallove.Truelove.

Butshewastiredoflivinglikeanun,sickoftryingtoconstantlyconvinceeveryonethatshewasn’ta

wildpartygirl,whentheyallthoughtshewasanyway.

Forjustonenightshewantedtoknowwhatallthefusswasabout.Shewantedtofindamantoshare

herpassionswith,arealmanwhowasexperiencedenoughtotakehertoaplaceshe’dneverbeenbefore.

Herheartbeathardasshestrippedoffhersweatpantsandtanktopandslippedintoashort,strapless

leatherdress.OnewrongmoveinanydirectionandtheT&Ashewassofamousforwouldbepopping
outfortheentireworldtosee.

But,suddenly,Nicoladidn’tcareanymore.Anythingwasbetterthanthisbone-deeploneliness.
Soshe’denduponthecoverofanothertabloidmagazine.Bigwhoop.Itwasn’tlikeithadn’t

happenedbefore.Andshe’dsurvived.

Mostly,anyway.

ChapterTwo

Marcuswasknownforhispatience.Afterhelpingtoraisehissevensiblings,he’dlearnedtowaitout

tantrums,fistfights,eventears.

Tonight,hewasalloutofpatience.
He’dbeenwatchingthedancersforlongenoughtoknowthathewasn’tgoingtotakeasingleoneof

themtobed.Noneofthewomenwho’dwalkedinthroughthethickredcurtaininthepastthirtyminutes
hadbeencontenders,either.

Until,suddenly,thecurtainparted…andshewalkedin.
Marcusfeltlikeafisthadslammedstraightintohisgut.
Thewomanwasyoung,mid-twentiesprobably,andsodamnbeautifulitalmosthurttolookather.

Herblackleatherdressleftnothingtohisimagination,fittingherlikeasecondskinwithwidecut-outs
thatrandownthesideofherinsanecurves.

Shewastheone.
Asshestoodinthedoorwayandslowlyscannedthecrowd,everyeyeintheroomwasonher.She

wasmagnetic,hadthatspecialsomethingthatmadeitimpossibletopullyoureyesawayfromher.

Andthenhereyesmethis,illuminatedbyabeamoflightinthedarkroom,andalthoughMarcus

hadn’tdrunknearlyenoughatChase’sengagementpartytobeunsteadyonhisfeet,onelookatthoseclear
blueeyeshadhimfightingforbalance.

Whatwaswrongwithhim?
Heneededtoremember,atalltimes,whattonightwasabout.Sex.Pleasure.Notemotion.Nota

relationship.Itwasokayforcertainpartsofhisbodybelowthewaisttoreactlikeamatchhadbeenlit
fromnothingmorethanlookingatthewoman.Everythingelsewasoff-limits.Hewasn’tlookingfora
womantorespect.

Andhedefinitelywasn’tgoingtofallinlove.
Marcuslethisgazemovebackdownthewoman’sbarely-thereleatherdress.Itdidn’tlooklike

respectwasgoingtobemuchofanissue.

Thedangerouscurvesbegantoshiftbeneaththethinlayerofleatherandherealizedshewasmoving.

Straighttowardhim,neveroncebreakingstride,eveninimpossiblyhighheels.

Marcusliftedhiseyesfromhermade-for-sexbodyandcouldn’tmissthechallengeinhergaze,alook

thataskedifhewasmanenoughtohandleher.

He’dcomeheretonighttofindawoman,topropositionher,toclaimherforoneno-holds-barred

night.Lookedlikehewastheonewhowasabouttobepropositioned,instead.

He’dalwayslikedhiswomentallandslim,notbarelycominguptohischestlikethisone.Avoicein

hisheadtoldhimshewaswaytooyoungforhim,youngenoughthatifthiswereanyothernight,he’d
walkawayfromhernow.Hell,ifthingshadgoneashe’dplannedforthepasttwoyears,hewouldn’t
evenbehere.

Buthewas.
Hewasn’tplanningonwalkingawayfromwhateverthiswomanoffered.Notuntilfirstlight.
Anddefinitelynotuntilhe’dhadhisfillofthosecurves.

***

MyGod,hewasbeautiful.
Talkaboutbigandstrong—ifthisguy’sbroadshouldersandgorgeousfaceweren’tenough,hestood

outfromtherestofthescummycrowdinhispressedshirtandslacks,clearlynotgivingadamnthathe
wasdifferentfromthemall.

Hewastheone.
Thehassleofgettinginsidewithallofthepeopleclamoringtotakepicturesandhavehersign

autographsforthemhadalmostbeenenoughtomakeherhopbackintothetaxiandgohideoutinherhotel
again.Whathadshebeenthinking,comingouttoaclubtofindaman?Especiallywhensheknewdarn
wellthatpicturesofherandtheguywouldsurfaceontheInternetwithinhours.

Butshehadn’tknownwhereelsetolook,hadn’tbeenabletothinkofanywhereelsetogo.Andshe

justdidn’tcareaboutthepriceoffametonight,abouttheinevitableramificationsofwhatshewasdoing.
Notwhenalong,lonelynightwasallthatwaitedforherinherhotelsuiteifsheturnedtailandran.

Beyondthankfulthatshehadn’tchickenedoutatthelastsecond,Nicolawaspracticallylickingher

lipsassheapproachedhim.

Itwaspureinstincttotryandmakeherselflookmoreattractivetohim.She’dpushedoutherbreasts,

swayedherhipsthatextralittlebit.Yes,sheoftensilentlybemoanedhavingtousehersexualitytoget
thingsoutofpeople,butwhenitworkedthiswell,whatwasagirltodo?

Andshereallywantedtonighttoworkout.Especiallynowthatshe’dfinallyseenthemanshe

absolutelyhadtohave.

Shewaitedforhimtosayhername,forthatflickerofrecognitiontoriseinhiseyes.Butwhenneither

happenedafterseverallongseconds,itfinallyoccurredtoherthathemightnotknowwhoshewas.

Or,shethoughtwiththecynicismthathadtakenrootdeepwithinher,maybehewasjustfakingit

becausehethoughtitwouldpiqueherinterestinhimifheseemedaloof.

“Hi,I’mNicola.”
Herrealnamepoppedoutbeforesherealizedit.Shehadn’tgonebyanythingbutNicoforsolong

withanyonebutherparentsthatthenamefeltstrangeonhertongue.

Kindofgood,too,though.
Shewaitedforhimtocorrecther,tobesurprisedthatshehadn’tintroducedherselfasNico.Instead,

hesimplyrepeatedhername.

“Nicola."
Hislow,roughvoicehadhershivering,thrillbumpsactuallyrisingonherarmsdespitetheswampy

heatoftheclubfromallthemovingbodies.

Shestudiedhimforlongenoughtoconfirmthattherewasn’tashredofawarenessinhisdarkbrown

eyes.Nothingatallthatresembledthewaytheguyatthehotelhadlookedather,likehewasdyingtosay
he’ddoneabigstar.

Hadsheactuallyrunintotheonepersononearthwhohadnoideawhoshewas?
Itfelttooluckytobetrue.
Ofcourse,herluckwouldonlyholdoutsolonginapublicplace.Fromthemomentshe’dwalkedin,

everyone’seyeshadbeenonher—andnowthetwoofthem.Normally,shewouldn’tcare.Shewasused
tostaring.

Butshesuddenlywantedmorethanjustanightofhotsexwithagorgeousguy.
ShewantedtoexperienceitasNicola.NotNico.Whichmeantsheneededtogetthemoutofthereas

soonaspossible,beforeanyonecameupandaskedforanautographorapicturewithher.

“I’mnotinthemoodtodancetonight,”shebegan,beforerealizing,“Idon’tknowyourname."
Shelikedthewayhereachedoutandbrushedalockofhairoutofhereyes,likeditevenmorewhen

hesaid,“MynameisMarcus.AndI’mnotinthemoodtodance,either.”

Shesupposedtherewerelotsofthingstheycouldbothsaytoeachother.Thingslike,Shouldweget

outofhere?orWhydon’twegobacktomyhotel?But,amazingly,Nicolarealizedthosewords,those
questionsandanswers,weren’tnecessary.

Everythingthey’dneededtosaytoeachotherhadalreadybeensaid.
Inonelook.

Inonetouch.
Herskinburnedwherehe’dtouchedher,hisfingertipsrougherthanshe’dthoughttheywouldbe,

givenhisclothes.She’dfeltcallusesandstrengthinthatonebrushacrossherskin.Thethoughtofbeing
touchedlikethat—withthosehands—onevenmoresensitivepartsofherbodyhadheatbloominginside
ofherinplacesthatneverusuallygotthathot.

Followingtheinstinctthathadbroughtherthisfar,Nicolaturnedwithoutanotherwordandbeganto

movebacktothedoorthroughwhichshe’djustentered.Amomentlater,Marcus’slarge,warmhandwas
onthesmallofherbackashefollowedher.Sheoftentraveledtoeventswithherbodyguard,amanwho
wasevenbiggerthanMarcus.Butshe’dneverfeltsosafe,soprotected.

Andneverthistingly,headtotoe.
Thesizzlingwarmthfromthespotonherlowerbackwherehewasholdinghishandagainsther

quicklyspreaddownherhipsandacrosstoherstomachandbreasts.

Themusicwasstillplaying,louderthanbefore,perhaps,butallshecouldhearwasthebeatingofher

ownheart.AllsheknewwasthatshewantedthisnightwithMarcusmorethanshe’dwantedanythingina
verylongtime.

Inthebackofhermindsheknewthatwhatshewasdoingwasstupid,notjustbecauseofthepictures

thatwouldsurfaceofherwitha“mysteryman,”butbecausesheshouldn’tbeleavingaclubwithaman
sheknewnothingwhatsoeverabout.Forallsheknew,hewasasadisticmurdererouttrollingforhisnext
decapitationvictim.Butthewayhewastouchingher,socarefullyandyetwithsuchassurance—along
withthewayhe’dgentlystrokedherface—madeherwanttotrustherinitialinstinctsabouthim.

Fortunately,justasagroupofpeoplestartedpointingatherandtalkingexcitedly,ataxipulledup.

Marcusopenedthedoorforherandsheletherhairfallinfrontofherfacetohideherprofilefromthe
driver,justincasehetookonelookatherandblewhercoverasaregularperson.

Hergutchurnedassheslidinside,thentighteneddownhardashersoon-to-be-loverjoinedheronthe

rippedleatherseatandsherealizedjusthowbighereallywas.Comparedtomostoftheanorexicsingers
andactressessheknew,Nicolahadneverfelttinybefore.ButsittingnexttoMarcusmadeherfeel
shockinglysmallandfeminine.

Hewassobig,hadsomuchpresence,shesworetherewasn’tenoughoxygenleftinthecarforher

andthedrivertopullfrom.

“Whereto?”thedriverasked,givingthemablanklookintherearviewmirror.
Thestranger’svoicebrokethespellthathadpulledhertowardMarcusfromthatfirstglance.
OhGod,whatshewasdoing?
Yes,shewantedhim.Desperately.
Yes,shewaslonely.Terribly.
Butneitherofthosethingswereenoughreasontoactlikeanidiotortoputherselfinadangerous

position.Afterall,lookwhathadhappenedwhenshe’dtrustedherinstinctswithKenny.Whathe’ddone
hadn’tonlyhurther,ithadendeduphurtingherfamily,too.Shecouldstillhardlybelievehermotherhad
lostherpositionontheschoolboard,thatthecommunityhaddaredtoaccuseherofnotbeingagoodrole
modelfortheotherparentsbecauseshe’dobviouslymadehugemistakesinteachingherowndaughter
rightfromwrong.

Nicolaputherhandonthedoorhandle,readyingherselftoescapeouttheotherside.“I’msorry.I

can’tdothis.Idon’tknowyou."

Hedidn’ttrytostopher,didn’tputahandonhertokeepherfromopeningthedoor.Instead,hepulled

hiscellphoneoutofhispocketandhandedittoher.

“Callanyoneinhere."
Unabletobelievewhathewasoffering,sheleftthedoorajaraninch.“Seriously?”
“Callthemallifyouhaveto.Askthemaboutme.Askthemanything.”

Surelyhewaskiddingaround.Whodidsomethinglikethis?Justhandedovertheircellphoneand

saidtocallanynumberonittodoabackgroundcheckonhim?

“Youreallywantmetosurprisedialsomeoneinyouraddressbookandsay,‘Heythere,I’msomegirl

yourfriendMarcusisleavingaclubwith.Couldyoutellmeallabouthim,please?’”

“Iwantyoutofeelsafewithmetonight,Nicola."
God,everytimehesaidhername,shegottheshivers.Whatwoulditbeliketobelyingbeneathhim,

nakedandfilledwithhimwhilehesaidit?

Oh,howshewantedtofindout.
Thetaxidriverclearedhisthroatandlookedpointedlyattheminhisrearviewmirror,butMarcus

clearlyhadnointentionofbeingrushed.

Beforeshecouldreconsider,shetookthephoneanddialedthemostrecentlycalledperson,someone

namedMary.Itwasprobablyhiswife,Nicolathoughtcynicallyasthenumberrangahandfuloftimes.

Afterseveralrings,awomanpickedup.“Marcus,Iwishyouhadn’tleftthepartywithoutsaying

goodbye.”

SurprisedatavoicethatclearlybelongedtoanolderwomanratherthanaloverwaitingforMarcus

tocomeoveranddoherlatertonight,Nicolafinallysaid,“Um...hi.Thisisn’tMarcus.He—”

Shefeltlikeanidiotsittinginthebackofacabtryingtofindtherightwordstosaytoacomplete

stranger.AllwhileMarcuswatchedherwiththosedarkeyes.

“HejustgavemehisphoneandsaidIcouldcallyou.”
Therewasabriefmomentofsilencebeforethewomanshe’djustdialedsaid,“Ismysonallright?”
Hismother?Thatwasthelastpersonhe’dcalledbeforecomingtotheclub?
Nicolawasstunnedsilentforamoment,beforerealizingsheneededtoreassurehismother.“Yes,he’s

fine.Perfectlyfine.”

Marcuswasleaningbackagainsttheseat,hisarmsfoldedacrosshischestashewatchedherfumble

throughthisunexpectedconversation.

Alltheseyears,she’dnevermetanyoneelsewhospokewiththeirparentsasmuchasshedid.

Especiallynotaman,probablybecausetheythoughtitmadethemseemlessmasculine.

Nicolafoundherselfreactinginexactlytheoppositeway.Amanwholovedhismotherwonalotof

pointsinherbook,andinsteadofseeingMarcusaslesssexy,orassomekindofmama’sboy,aglimmer
ofrespectbegantoformforthebeautifulstrangersittingbesideher.

“Good,”hismothersaidwithobviousrelief.“I’mgladhe’sfine.”
Nicolaknewsheshouldsimplyapologizeforbotheringthewomananddisconnect.Instead,shefound

herselfsaying,“Mary,canIaskyouaquestionaboutyourson?”

Shecouldhaveswornsheheardasmileacrossthelinefromthisridiculouslypatientwomanwho,for

allNicolaknew,gotcallslikethiseveryFridaynightfromthegirlsMarcuspickeduptofoolaround
with.

“Yes,youmay,althoughI’dverymuchliketoknowwhoI’mspeakingwith.”
“Oh.Sorry.MynameisNicola.”Forthesecondtimeinonenight,shewasgettingtobethegirlshe

usedtobe,ratherthanthepopstarshe’dbeenplayingforthepastseveralyears.

“Nicolaisalovelyname.”
“Thankyou.”Nicolatriedtoregainherbearings,butitwasreallydifficulttodowithMarcuslooking

downatherwithhiseyesneveronceleavingherface.

“WhatwouldyouliketoknowaboutMarcus,Nicola?”
OhGod,sheshouldn’tbeaskinghismotheraquestionlikethis,butifshehungupnowshe’donlybe

leftwithdoubts.Doubtsshedidn’twanttohaveifsheandMarcusweregoingtobealonetogetherand
nakedinahotelroominalittlewhile.

Shelookedupintohiseyesandheldhisdarkgazeasshesaid,“WillIbesafewithhim?”

“Oh,”hismothersaid,“well,that’scertainlyanunexpectedquestion.”
Nicolacouldfeelherhandtremblingslightlyassheheldthephoneupagainstherear.“Whyisthata

strangequestion?”

“Marcusismyoldestson,”hismothergentlyexplained.“Hehelpedmetakecareofhisbrothersand

sisterswhenmyhusbandpassedawaymanyyearsago.Iloveallofmychildren,butwithoutadoubt,heis
oneofthemosttrustworthymenI’veeverknown.”

Nicola’sheartshouldn’thaveswelledathismother’swords.Sheshouldn’thavecaredthattheman

sittingnexttoherwasagoodson,agoodolderbrother.Allthatshouldhavematteredwasthatshewas
physicallysafewithhimandthathewouldn’tdarehurthernowthatshe’dspokenwithhismotherand
alertedhertowhatwasabouttogodown.

Andyet,shecouldn’tmanagetopullhergazeawayfromhis—orstopherselffromfeelinganyof

thosethings—asshesaid,“Thankyoufortellingmethat.”

“Itwasmypleasure,Nicola.”
“I’msorryIbotheredyousolate,”shesaidsuddenly,hatingthatshe’dworriedhismotherwithher

out-of-the-bluecall.

“It’snoproblematall,althoughIwouldlovetospeakwithMarcusforamoment.”
“I’llgivehimthephonerightnow,Mary.Andthankyou.”Nicolaheldthephoneout,hardlyableto

believeshewassaying,“Yourmotherwantstospeakwithyou.”

Thisnightwasn’tgoingatallthewayshe’dthoughtitwould.Well,themeetingaridiculously

gorgeousguyinaclubpartwasrightontrack,butcallinghismomtobereassuredthatshewasn’tgoing
toendthenightinabodybag...thatjustdidn’thappeninherworld.Inanyone’sworld,actually.

Theconversationwithhismothermadeherfeelalmostasifshe’dmethimatsomefamilygathering,

ratherthanataseedyclubdowntown.

Shewatchedhimlistentowhateverhismotherwassaying.Aslightfrownmovedacrosshisface

beforehesaid,“Yes,tonight.Beforetheparty,”andthen,“Don’tworry,Iwill.Goodnight.”

Heslippedthephonebackintohispocket.“Doyoufeelbetternow?”
“Yourmomseemsreallynice,”shesaid,ratherthananswerthequestionthatsuddenlyseemeda

thousandtimesmoreloadedthanithadtenminutesago,especiallyaftertheawkwardphonecallshe’d
justmadetohismother.Sheshiftedontheseat.Toolate,sherealizedhershortleatherdresshadridden
upnearlyhighenoughtoflashMarcusabighugechunkofbarethigh.

“She’sgreat,”hetoldher,evenashiseyesmovedtotheskinhecouldn’tpossiblymiss,thenbackup

toherface.

Hisjawwastight,hisexpressionfullofdesire...andsomethingelseshecouldn’tquitedecipher.It

was,shefinallydecided,almostasifhewaswarringwithhimselfoverwantingher.

Justasshewaswarringwithherselfoverwantinghim.
Thetaxidriverinterruptedthem.“Areyougoingornot?”
Marcuslookedather.“Nicola?”
Ifhe’dsaidhernamedifferently,ifthere’dbeenanypressure,anydemandsbehindit,shemightstill

havesaidnoandgottentheheckoutofthere.

Buthisquestionwasgentleenoughtohavehersuddenlymakinguphermind.“Idofeelbetter.Much

better.I’mreadytogowithyounow.”

Hereachedacrossherlaptocloseherdoor,thentoldthedriver,“TheFairmont.”
Hermusclesinstantlytensedagain.Hereshe’djustconvincedherselfhewasn’tsomecreepystar-

stalker.Hadshebeenwrong?DidheknowshewasstayingattheFairmont?

Obviouslysensinghersuddendiscomfort,heturnedtoherandsaidinalowvoice,“Idon’tlivein

SanFrancisco.TheFairmontisthebesthotelintown.”

Shenodded.“Itis.”

Hegaveherastrangelookandsherealizedshe’dalmostgivenherselfaway.Marcusclearlyhadno

ideawhoshewas,didn’tknowthatnoonehadcalledherNicolainhalfadecadeatleast.Iftheywentto
herhotel,he’dfindoutthetruthassoonastheypulledupinfrontofthebuilding.

Tryingtothinkquicklywasdifficultwhensittingthisclosetohimsenthersynapsesflyingoffina

billiondifferentdirections,butshefinallymanagedtosay,“Isthereanywherewecouldgothatisn’ta
hotel?”

“Yourplaceisofflimits?”
Again,shenodded,hopinghewasn’tgoingtoaskherforanexplanation.Shedidn’twanttooutright

lietohim,didn’twanttohavetomakeupsomeexcuseaboutroommates.Shedidn’twanttotellhimshe
wasn’tfromSanFrancisco,either.

Itwasaheckofapositiontobein,shesuddenlyrealized.Hereshewasonthevergeoftakingoffall

herclotheswithsometotalstranger,butshedidn’twanthimtoactuallylearnanythingaboutherapart
fromhowshelikedtobekissed.Sure,he’dfindoutsoonenough.Assoonashewentbacktohishome—
whereveritwas—hewasboundtoseeherfaceonsomemagazinesomewhere,probablynexttohisfrom
whateverpictureshadbeentakenofthemattheclub.

Butforonenightshedidn’twanttohavetoliveuptobeingNico.
Instead,shewantedthechancetoseewhatNicolaliked,whatNicolawanted,whatNicoladesired.

Thenagain,shesupposedshealreadyknewatleastoneanswertoeachofthosequestions.

Sheliked,wanted,anddesiredMarcus.
Andnowthatshewasthisclosetothepromiseofrealpleasurewithhim,shecouldn’tstandthe

thoughtoflosingthatchance.

Assoonassheconfirmedherplacewasn’tanoption,hepulledhisphonebackoutandtexted

somethingtosomeone.Whenitbeepedinresponseafewsecondslater,hegavethedriverastreet
address.Itdidn’ttakeabrainsurgeontofigureoutthathehadafriendintheareawithaplacetheycould
use.

Shesmiledathim.“Thankyou.”She’dalwaysbeenatactilepersonandwithoutthinking,sheputher

handonhisarmtoemphasizeherwords.Hishard—andbig—bicepstwitchedbeneathherfingertipsand
shejumped.Butbeforeshecouldpullaway,hecoveredherhandwithhis.

OhGod,whatwasshedoing?Whatmadeherthinkshecouldactuallydothis?Whatmadeherthink

shecouldgohomewithatotalstranger?

Maybeifshe’dhadmoreexperiencewithmenshecouldhaverolledwithitbetter.Butshecouldn’t

evenhandletouchinghisarm,forGod’ssake!Howwasshepossiblygoingtodealwithseeinghim
naked?

Ortouchinghiminother,muchmoreintimateplaces?
NicolabelatedlyrealizedMarcuswaslightlystrokingherhandwithhisfingers,asifshewasawild

animalthatneededtobecalmedbeforeitbolted.Afteronlyahandshake,andnowthisgentlecaressing,
shewasn’tsurehecouldevertouchherinawaythatdidn’tsendhercellsintoJell-Ooverdrive.Andyet,
atthesametime,hisgentlecaresseswereincrediblysoothing.

Eachstrokeofhisfingersoverhersseemedtosay,Iunderstandthatyou’renervousandthat’sokay.

I’mgoingtotakegoodcareofyoutonight.JustasIdidn’trushyoutomakeadecisiontoleavewith
meinthecab,I’mnotgoingtorushyouintoanythingyou’renotreadyforinbed,either.

Slowlyrelaxingagain,sheletherselfscootalittleclosertohim,closeenoughthatitwaspureinstinct

toleanherheadagainsthisbroadshoulder.Thistime,shefelthimtensebeneathhertouch.Butbeforeshe
couldfreakoutaboutdoingthewrongthing,hewaswrappinghisarmaroundhershouldersandpulling
herintighter.

Herbodywantedtobeclosetohissobadlythatwithoutanyconsciousthoughtorplanning,shefound

herselfturningsothathercheekwaslaidagainsthischest,thesteadybeatofhisheartsoundingagainst

herear.Nicolafoundherselfsmilingagainsthischestattheintimacyinherentinthewayhe’dpulledher
closeronagroanofobviousneed.

Intimate.Whydidshekeepthinkingthatword?
Hewasastranger.Thiswasgoingtobeanightfulloffun,hotsex.Nothingmore.
Apartofherwantedtoaskhimabouthismother,tofindouthowmanysiblingshehad,butsheknew

better,knewshehadtotampdownthatdesire.Tonightwasaboutaphysicalhookup.Notanemotional
one.Hopefully,ifthingswentreallywell,she’dfinallyexperiencethehotsexshe’dneverhadbefore.
Besides,ifshesathereandquizzedhimonhisfamily,allthesizzlewasboundtogooutoftheirinitial
connection.

AsthedriverslowlywoundthroughcitytraffictowardtheaddressMarcushadgiven,Nicolasilently

counseledherselftoremembertokeepherboundariesinplaceduringthenextfewhours.Nomatterhow
goodsexwithMarcusendedupbeing—andshecouldalreadytelljustfromthewayheheldherinhis
armsinthebackofthecabthatithadthepotentialtobegreat—shecouldn’tmakethemistakeof
connectingpleasurewithlove.

Shedidn’tknowMarcus.Hedidn’tknowher.Aslongastheymadesuretokeepthingstotallyonthe

surfaceandallaboutpleasure,onenightshouldn’taffecttheirfutures.

Only,thetruthshedidn’twanttoadmitwasthatshealreadyfeltaffected,simplybyhowgood,how

warm,howsafe,shefeltinthecircleofhisarms.

What,shefoundherselfwondering,woulditbeliketohaveamaninmylifewhowouldbethereto

holdmelikethiseverynight?

ChapterThree

Nicolaslippedintosleep,herbreathinggoingslowandeven,herpreviouslytensemusclesloosening

againsthis.

Sweet.
God,shewassosweet,fromthesurpriseinherbigblueeyeswhensherealizedshe’dcalledhis

mother,tothefreshscentofstrawberriesinherhair,tohersoftcurvesinhisarms.

Andnow,she’d—veryunexpectedly—fallenasleepinacompletestranger’sarms.
WhateverhismotherhadsaidtoNicolamusthavereallyrelaxedher,tothepointthatshewouldlet

downherguardthismuch.Andthetruthwasthathecouldtakeheranywhererightnow,couldhaveher
boundupandgaggedbeforeshecouldwakeupenoughtofighthim.

Thethoughtofthathappeningtoher—thethoughtofwhatkindofguyshecouldhavegonehomewith

—hadhisheartpoundinghardinhischestandhishandmovingtostrokeherhairagain.Moretosoothe
himselfthanher,thistime.

Shemadeasoftsoundinhersleep,burrowinginclosertohimlikeakitteninsearchofwarmth.
Hecouldn’thelpbutbestruckbythefactthatnothingabouthisdayhadgoneasplanned,including

this.Theyshouldhavebeencheckingintoahotelbynow,gettingreadytostripoffeachother’sclothes.
Instead,theywerepullingupinfrontofhisbrotherSmith’shouseinSanFranciscoandhewasputtinghis
fingertohislipsashepaidthetaxidriver,tolethimknownottowakeSleepingBeauty.

Asgentlyashecould,heliftedNicolaintohisarmsandoutofthevehicle.Hereyelidsflutteredas

shetriedtocomeawake.Lookingdownather,hefinallynoticedthedarksmudgesbeneathherlong
eyelashes.Theclubhadbeentoodarkforhimtoseetheevidenceofherexhaustion,butnowhecouldn’t
denythatasmuchasapartofhimwantedtowakeheruptomakegoodontheimpliedpromiseofhotsex
thatthey’dmadetoeachotherintheclub,hecouldseehowdesperatelysheneededthissleep.

“Shhh.”Hecouldn’tresistpressinghislipstoherforeheadandkissingherlightly.“You’resafewith

me.”

Hereyelidsopenedthen,herprettyeyesfuzzywithsleepasshesoftlysaid,“Iknow."
Herfulllipsthathe’dbeenachingtokisssincethemomentshe’dwalkeduptohiminthecluband

introducedherselfmovedupintoalittlesmilebeforehereyesclosedagain.

Almosttothefrontdoor,Marcushadtostopandregainhisbearingstokeepfromstumblingwithher

inhisarms.NotbecauseNicolawastheleastbitheavy.Forallhergorgeouscurves,shewasatinything.

Itwasthetrustinhereyesthathadhiskneesweakening.
Jesus,thethingshe’dbeenplanningtodowithhertonight…
Guiltknockedstraightintohisgutashispreviousvisionsofstrippingheroutofherdresscameat

him.Hell,hewasstillhavingthosevisions—visionsthatwerefarmoreexplicitnowthathewasactually
holdingherandbreathinginherscent.

Astrangerwasn’tsupposedtoaffecthimlikethis.
Astrangerwasn’tsupposedtofallasleepinhisarms.
Astrangerwasn’tsupposedtotrusthimwithanythingmorethanherbody,herpleasure.
Sincetheageoffourteen,afterhisfatherhaddied,Marcushadbeentheoneeveryonecouldcounton.

He’dknownhismothercouldn’tdoitonherownand,overnight,he’dassumedtheroleofthemanofthe
houseforhissevenyoungersiblings.Sure,he’dhadhisfairshareofwomenuntilhe’dmetJill.He’d
thoughtJilllikedhisfamilyandthatsheunderstoodhowmuchtheystillneededhim.Instead,she’dbeen
threatenedbyhisconnectiontothem.

Howhadhenotseenthatbefore?
Inanycase,tonightwassupposedtobehisnighttocutloose.Toshakeoffthosetrappingsof

responsibility.

Lookwherehe’dendedup,instead,withtheresponsibilityofprotectingayoungbeautyforanight

fromhisowndangerousdesires.

Hestareddownatthewomaninhisarms.Awake,hercharisma,herstrengthofwillandpurpose,had

beenbreathtaking.Asleep,hecouldonlyseesweetvulnerability.Regardlessofhisoriginalintentions,
herswasavulnerabilityhenowhadnointentionoftakingadvantageof.

Finallyclimbingthelaststepstothefrontdoor,Marcusunlockeditandsteppedinside.Hismovie-

starbrotherhadawholehostofhousesaroundtheworld,notsomuchbecausehewantedtoshow
everyonehowrichandimportanthewas,butbecausehelikedtofeelathomewhenhewasfilminghis
movies.Consideringhe’dshotseveralinLosAngeles,NewYork,andSanFranciscoduringthepastfew
years,itmadesenseforhimtobuyaplaceineachcity.

MarcushadnevercalledinafavorlikethisfromSmith.Notbecausehisbrotherwouldcare.The

truthwas,Smithwouldloveforone—ormore—ofhissiblingstostayinhismansionhighonthehill,but
allofthemhadenoughpridetowanttoearntheirownway.Evenifitmeanthislittlesister,Sophie,was
livinginatinyapartmentinanot-so-greatpartoftownonherlibrarian’ssalary.Marcuscouldn’tkeepup
withthenumberoftimesSmithhadtriedtogettheirsistertomoveintohisplace.Butshe’dbeenfirmin
sayingno.

Afterthetexthe’dsentSmithafewminutesago—Ineedtouseyourplacetonight—Marcusknew

he’dbehearingfromhisbrothertogetthedirtonwhy.

Andwho.
Steppingpastthefoyer,Marcuslookedoveratthestairwayleadinguptothebedrooms,butsomehow

itdidn’tfeelrighttotakeNicolaupthere.Abedwouldbetoointimateandhedidn’twanthertowakeup
inthemiddleofthenightandassumethatsomethinghadhappenedbetweenthem.

Fortunately,Smith’scoucheswereasplushandcomfortableastheycame.Movingintotheliving

room,MarcuslaidNicoladownonthelongcouchandslippedoffherhighheelsandthelittlepurseshe
hadwrappedaroundherwrist.

Eveninhersleep,sheseemedreluctanttoletgoofhimandhefoundhimselfkneelingwithhersothat

shecouldliedownandstillhaveherarmsaroundhisshoulders.Shesighedwithpleasureasshe
immediatelycurledupintoaballonherside,herfacetowardhis,herfulllipsturningupslightlyatthe
corners.

Whatwoulditbeliketokissthatmouth?
Marcushadtoworkreally,reallyhardtoshovethethoughtaway.
Thoseplans,thosefantasies,hadtobeerased.Hewasnowontapforaquieteveningwatchingovera

beautifulgirlwhosescentandsoftcurveshewouldn’tbeabletoforgetforaverylongtime.

Hecoveredherwithablanketthatwasthrownoverthecouch,thenlookedaroundforapillow,but

therewerenone.Hecouldgoupstairstogetoneoffabed,butconsideringthewayherhandhadsought
outhis,hehadafeelingshemightwakeupifhemovedcompletelyaway.

Hemovedsothathewassittingonthecouchbyherheadandshiftedhersothathislegsbecameher

pillow.Sheseemedunsettledagainforamoment,herfreehandpressingagainsthislegassheclearly
wonderedwhyherpillowwassohard.

Withoutthinking,hecapturedthathandwithhisfreeone.Sheimmediatelysettledintohim,curling

intoaneventighterballonthecouchbeneaththethickblanket,remindinghimagainofthewildkittens
thatheoftenfoundsleepinginpatchesofsunathiswinery.

Hewantedhersobadlythatitwasdifficulttorelaxatfirst.Everybreathshetookstokedhislibido

higherasherheadshiftedonhislap.Hewasgladshewassosoundlyasleep,otherwiseshe’drealizethat
histhighmusclesweren’ttheonlyhardthingshewaslyingon.

Callingonhissteelwillthathadrarely,ifever,lethimdown,heforcedhimselftomovehisgaze

awayfromhertothehugelivingroomwindowsthatoverlookedthelightsofSanFranciscoandthebay.

Marcushadbeeninotheractors’housesovertheyearsandhewasalwaysstruckbyhowmany

pictures—andevenpaintings—theyhadofthemselves.Almostasiftheywereafraidtoeverletanyone,
includingthemselves,lookawayfromthefacethathadmadethemfamous,justincaseitwasforgotten.
Smithwastheexactopposite.Notonlyweretherenophotosofhim,therewerenopersonalphotos
anywhereinthehouse.

NoneoftheSullivansspentmuchtimeinfrontofthemirror.Notevenhissisters,exceptLoriwhen

shewasworking.Herjobasachoreographermeantsheneededtokeepacarefuleyeonherlines,her
movements,herexpressionsasshedanced.AndeventhoughMarcus’smotherhadbeenamodelwhenshe
wasyounger,hecouldn’trememberhereverwastingmuchtimewithmakeuporhair.Raisingeightkids
wouldmakeitprettydamnhardforanyonetofindthetimetoprimpandbevain.

Inanycase,Marcuswasn’tparticularlyinterestedinanychangesSmithhadmadetohispart-time

home.Notwhenitalreadyfeltlikehe’dtakentoomuchtimeawayfromNicola.

Hischesttightenedagainashelookeddownatherprettyprofile.Recognitiontriedtojoginhismind.

He’dbeensostruckbyhisattractiontoherrightfromthatfirstglancethathehadn’tbeenabletothinkof
anythingelse.

Butnow,ashegotthechancetosimplystareather,hefoundhimselfwonderingifhe’dseenher

somewherebefore.

No,hedecidedamomentlater.Itwasimpossible.
Nicolawasn’tawomanhecouldeverhaveforgotten.
Hestareddownatherforalongwhile,memorizingthecurveofhercheekbones,thesweepofher

eyelashes,thewayhereyebrowsarchedandpeaked,herslightlypointedchinthatfithersoperfectly,the
sweetcurveofoneear.

Thesofthairsatherhairlinewereseveralshadeslighterthanhercurrenthaircolorandhewondered

whyshefeltshehadtochangeanythingaboutherselfwhenshewasalreadyperfect.Oneday,hefound
himselfthinking,he’dliketoseewhatshelookedlikewithhernaturalhaircolor.

Whatwashethinking?Hewasn’tgoingtoseeheragainaftertonight.
Histhoughtscycledbacktohisex-girlfriend,tohowfurioushe’dbeentofindJillwithRocco.Then

again,ifhewasbeinghonestwithhimself,he’dbeenangryandfrustratedforlongerthanthat.Forweeks,
months,asJillmademoreandmoreexcusesforwhyshewasn’treadytogetengaged,asshecancelled
oneweekendtogetherafteranother,asshecommittedtoseeinghisfamilyatvariouseventsandthen
backedoutatthelastminute.

He’dassumedhe’dbefuriousatJillallnightlong.ButsincemeetingNicola,hehadn’tthoughtabout

Jillonceuntilnow.And,amazingly,withNicolasleepingonhislapandherhandsinhis,Marcus’sanger
wasonaslowsimmerratherthanarollingboil.

Sexwassupposedtobehismedicinetonight,notsoft,sweetNicola.
Andyet,insteadofbeingevenmorefrustratedbytheturnhiseveningofmindlesssexhadtaken,a

smilewasonhisfaceasheleanedbackagainstthecouch,closedhiseyes,andfellasleep.

ChapterFour

Nicolawassowarm.Shefeltsosafe.Saferthanshe’dfeltinyears,whenshe’dstilllivedinher

parents’houseratherthaninhotelsthroughouttheworld.

Butshecouldtellwithoutopeninghereyesthatshewasn’tinherchildhoodbed.Forone,herbed

didn’tsmelllikeleather.Herpillowwasn’tmadeofhardmuscle.Andtherehadn’teverbeenanyonewho
hadheldherhandssogentlyinherbed.

Sheswallowedhardassherealizedwhatmusthavehappened.She’dpropositionedagorgeousman

atanightclublastnight…andthenshe’dpromptlyfallenasleeponhim.

OhGod,howstupidhadshebeen?Hadsheactuallythoughtshewastakingcontrolofherlifeby

goingtothatclubtopickupastranger?

Inthecoldlightofdaythatshehadn’twantedtothinkaboutlastnight,shefacedfacts:Afterleaving

Marcusthismorning,shewasgoingtohavetodealwiththefalloutfrombeinghookedupwithastrange
maninthepress.

Theironythatshehadn’tactuallydoneadarnthingwithhim—notevenkisshim—wouldn’tmatterto

anyone.

Andyet,assheliftedherlashesjustenoughtolookdownatherself,shesawthathe’dlaidherdown

onasoftleathercouchandcoveredherwithathickblanket.Shewiggledhertoes.Asurprisedsmile
movedontoherlipsassherealizedthatwhilehe’dleftherdresson,he’dobviouslythoughttoslipoffher
heelssothatshe’dsleepmorecomfortably.

Shecouldn’trememberthelasttimeastrangerhadtakensuchgoodcareofher.
Sure,peoplewerealwaystryingtodoherfavors,butninety-ninepercentofthetimeitwasbecause

theywantedsomething.

Marcushadn’ttakenasinglethingfromher.Instead,he’dgivenherthebestnight’ssleepshe’dhadin

ages.

Ithadbeensixmonths,atleast,sinceshe’dsleptreallywell.Itdidn’tmatterhowsoftthesheetswere,

howexpensivethemattress,thebedalwaysfelttoobig,andshecouldn’tseemtostoptheracinginher
head.She’dwrittenatonofsongswhensheshouldhavebeensleeping.Shesupposedhermusicwas
gettingbetterthanever,butatthesametimeshecouldfeelherselfedgingcloserandclosertoburnout.

Howshe’dlongedtohaveaclearhead.Andhowamazingitwasthatherchancetorechargehad

comeinsomestranger’shousewhilelyingonaman’slap.Amanwhomsheknewnothingaboutbeyond
hisfirstname,thefactthathismotherwasnice,andthathewasagoodolderbrother.

Thatwaswhenshefelthisthighmusclesshiftbeneathhercheekandrealizedheknewshewasawake.

Allatonceshefeltthewayhertonguewasstickingtotheroofofhermouth.Nodoubt,inadditionto
havingterriblemorningbreath,shealsohadtonsofmascarastucktoherface.

Nicolabadlyneededtogotothebathroomtocleanupbeforeshelethimseeherindaylight...and

beforeshefacedhimandapologizedfornotbeingthesexdemonshe’dprettymuchpromisedshewould
bethenightbefore.

Pushingthesoftblanketoff,shequicklysatupandfoundherfootingontheplushrug.Shedidn’tsaya

wordtohimasshehurriedoffinthedirectionofwhatshedesperatelyhopedwasthebathroom.

Itwouldbereallyembarrassingifsheendedupinacloset.Soembarrassing,infact,thatshe’d

alreadydecidedthatifsheguessedwrong,she’djustlockherselfintoitanddieofmortificationin
private.

Fortunately,luckwasonhersideasshepeekedinanopendoorbetweenthelivingroomandtheopen

kitchenandfoundalargebathroom.

OhGod,shethoughtasshecaughtaglimpseofherselfinthemirror,shelookedlikeawitch.Notone

ofthoseprettyones,either,thatcouldputalovespellonanymanshelookedat.Nope,shewasdefinitely

morelikeoneofthoseeviloneswhofedprettyprincessesshinyredapples.

Hermakeupmusthavemeltedagainsttheheatofhislegsandherhairwasstickingupalloverthe

place.Ifonlyshe’dthoughttobringhersmallbagintothebathroomwithher,thenshecouldhaveatleast
fixedherlipstick.Asitwas,allshecoulddowaswasheverythingoffherfacewiththebarofreallynice
smellingsoap.

Nicolahadn’tgrownupwearingmakeup,butonceshe’ddecidedtopursuemusic,ithadbecomea

given.Shestillwasn’tcrazyabouthowitfeltonherskin—whichwassensitiveenoughthatshenowhad
everythingcustomblendedsoshedidn’tgetarash—butsheknewitmadeherlookolder,moremature
andsexy.Withouthermakeup,shecouldpassforeighteen.Ifherpopmusiccareereverhadbeenabust,
shefiguredshecouldhavegoneundercoverinhighschools.

Turningonthetap,sheclosedhereyesandcleanedoffherface.Oncethatwasdone,shesquattedto

seeiftherewouldbeamiracleofatoothbrushandtoothpasteunderthesink.Yetagain,herprayerswere
answered,andafewminuteslaterhersmile,alongwithherskin,wassparklingclean.Allthatremained
washerhair,whichshefingercombedwithalittlewater.

Shelookedatherselfinthemirrorandgrimacedatthewayherfresh-facedlookclashedwithher

leatherdress.Whatshewouldn’tgivetobeabletochangeintojeansandaT-shirtrightnow.

And,oh,whatshereallywouldn’tgivetobeabletosneakoutofthebathroom—andthehouse—

withouthavingtofaceMarcusagain.

Herheartwasbeatingwaytoofastbythetimeshesteppedoutofthebathroom.Shetiptoedoutinto

thehalluntilshecouldseethecouchifshecranedherneck.Butitwasempty.

Tensecondslater,shefoundhiminthekitchen.Hisbackwastoherandfromtheloudsoundscoming

fromtheroom,shequicklyguessedthathewasgrindingcoffeebeans.

Shedidn’twanttosneakuponhim,buttherereallywasnowaytoannounceherpresenceapartfrom

yellinglouderthanthegrinder,whichshewasn’tgoingtodo.Movingslowlytowardhim,farmore
cautiouslythanshehadthenightbeforeintheclub,shewaitedontheothersideofthekitchenislandfor
himtoturnandnoticeher.

How,shewondered,washemanagingtolookasgoodthismorningashehadlastnight?Fromthe

back,hisclothesbarelylookedworn,andhisdarkhaircertainlywasn’tstickingupallovertheplacelike
hershadbeen.

Hefinishedgrindingthebeansandturnedtoher,lookingasifhe’dknownallalongthatshewasthere.

Helookedevenmoregorgeousthismorningwithadarklayerofstubbleacrosshisjaw.

“Seemedlikecoffeewouldbeagoodidea.”
Shenodded,tryingtosmile,butshewassonervousherlipsfeltallwobbly.“Thanks,”shefinallygot

out.“Coffeewouldbegreat.”

Hiseyesheldhersforalongmoment,almostasifhewereassessinghowshewasfeeling.“Iturned

theheatupabit,butIthoughtyoumightbecoldforawhile.”Heliftedasweatshirtfromthecounter.“I
knowit’stoobig,but—”

Shegrabbeditbeforehecouldfinishhissentence.Itwasasifhe’dheardhersilentprayertocoverup

herskimpydress.Afewsecondslater,shelookeddownatherselfintheridiculouslybigsweatshirt.The
bottomofitwentpastherkneecapsandtherenopointineventryingtorollupthesleeves,theywereso
long.

“I’llfindyousomethingelse.”
Pushingtheexcessfabricupherarms,sheshookherheadandfinallyfoundhersmile.“No.It’s

perfect.Thankyou.”

Shecouldn’treadhisexpressionashestaredbackather,butfinallyhenodded.“You’rewelcome.”
Ashemovedbacktotheexpensivecoffeemakerinthecornerofthegranitecountertop,shecouldn’t

stopthinkinghowsweetitwasofhimtobemoreconcernedaboutherbeingcold,ratherthantakingthe

opportunitytostareatherchestintheridiculousleatherdress.

Knowingsheneededtogetherbraintofocusonsomethingotherthanhowgorgeousandsweet

Marcuswas,sheturnedawayfromhimandmadeaslowperusalofthehousewhereshe’dspentthenight.

Itwasnice.Really,reallynice.Although,shequicklynoted,therewasnothingallthatpersonalabout

iteither,almostasifitwerejustanextendedversionofoneofherfancyhotelrooms.

Marcusmusthavenoticedhertakingitallin,becausehesaid,“Mybrotherownsthehouse.”
Shecouldfeelaflushmoveoverherskinathiswarm,somewhatroughvoice.Itwasavoiceatodds

withhispolishedclothesandthefactthathewasclearlyasuccessfulbusinessman.Shelikedthatdeep,
rawedgeverymuch.Toomuch,giventhewayherbodywasrespondingtoafewsimplewords.

Thedarkshadowonhisjawshouldhaveseemedoutofplace,too,but,somehow,itdidn’t.She

rememberedthecallusesonhisfingertips,musingthatcallusesandbusinesssuitswereadichotomyshe
couldn’tmakesenseof.But,oh,howshesuddenlywantedto.Fartoomuchthanwaswiseforamanwho
wassupposedtostartandendasaperfectstranger.

“It’sverynice,”shereplied.
Andthenithither.Whatifhisbrotherwasabouttowalkinontheircozylittlecoffeescene?Odds

wereprettydarnlowthathewouldn’trecognizehereither.

Forthethousandthtimesinceshewokeup,shewonderedwhatshecouldpossiblyhavebeenthinking,

goinghomewithMarcusfromtheclublastnight.Ithadseemedokaywhenitwasjustthetwoofthem,
whenshecouldconvinceherselfthatfinallyfindingpleasurewasmoreimportantthananythingelse,but
somehowknowinghisbrotherwasgoingtocomedownthestairsanyminuteandfindherthereinher
totallyinappropriateleatherdressandbarefeetmadeherfeellikeshe’dmadetheworld’sbiggest
mistakeleavingherhotelroominthefirstplace.

Shestartedbackingawayfromthecounter.“Ishouldleavebeforehe—”
“Don’tworry,Nicola.”Marcus’ssayinghernameinthatsinfullyseductivevoiceofhishadher

stilling,therestofhersentencefallingaway.“He’soutoftownforwork.It’sjustyouandme.”

Hearingthatshouldhavemadeherfeelbetter.Butitdidn’t.Becauseshehonestlywasn’tsurethat

beingalonewithMarcuswassuchagoodidea.Notwhenshefeltsooff-kilteraroundhim,notwhenher
tonguewastiedupinknotsalongwithherstomachwhentheyhadn’tsomuchaskissedlastnight.

Justthinkifthey’dactuallyhadthewildandcrazysexshe’dbeenplanningon.She’dbedyingright

now.

Dying.
Clearly,one-nightstandsweren’therthing.And,suddenly,itseemedimperativethatheknowthat

abouther.

“I’veneverdonesomethinglikethisbefore.”Shemadeherselflookupfromtheshinyblackgranite

she’dbeengrippingfordearlife.Unclampingherfingersfromtheedge,shesawthedampimprintofher
handonthesurface,atelltalesignofjusthownervousshewasfeeling.

“It’sbeenawhileforme,too."
UnexpectedjealousyhitheratthevisionofMarcusstandinginthiskitchenwithanotherwomanthat

he’dpickedupforaone-nightstand.Shehadnoclaimonhim,norighttothattighteningofherchest.

Butshefeltitanyway.
Especiallysinceshecouldplaceamillion-dollarbetonthefactthatshewastheonlywomanwho

hadeverdozedoff...beforethey’devenhadtheirfirstkiss.

“Ididn’tmeantofallasleeponyoulastnight.”
Hislipsfinallymovedupintoasmallsmile.He’dbeensoseriousuntilnowthatshewasbeyond

surprisedtoseethecornersofhismouthtwitchinanupwarddirection.Thosebutterfliesthathad
gatheredinherbellyatherfirstsightofhimintheclub,sobigandstrong-looking,startedflyinginevery
directionathissmile.

Shestillwantedtokisshim,ofcourse,butsuddenly,shewantedtoseehimsmile,too.Wantedtosee

hischocolate-browneyeslookatherwithlaughterandknowthatshewasresponsibleforit.

“Youwereclearlyexhausted.”Hewasn’tsmilinganymore,buthisgazewaswarm.Giving.He

handedheracupofcoffee.“Ididn’tmindbeingyourpillowforthenight.”

Thatsamesweetfeelingthathadcomeoverherwhenshe’dlearnedwhatagoodsonandbrotherhe

wasstolethroughheragain.Nicolawassureanyotherguywouldhavebeenangrywithherrightnow,
wouldhavebeenexpectinghertodroptoherknees,unziphispants,andmakeupforwhatshehadn’t
givenhimlastnight.ButMarcusseemedmoreconcernedabouthowshewasfeelingthanhewaswith
beinglefthighanddry.

Ifhe’dbeencomingatheraggressivelydemandingado-over,shewouldhavekickedhimstraightto

thecurbandbeenoutoftheresofasthisheadwouldspin.Instead,shewastryingtofindherfootingin
thisstrangenewworldwhereshe’dfinallymetsomeonewhodidn’tseemtowantanythingfromheratall.

Notherfame,whichheclearlydidn’tknowabout,andnotevenherbody,whichshe’doutright

offeredtohimlessthanadozenhoursago...verbally,atleast.

“Youwereareallygreatpillow.”
Thistime,thesmilehegaveherhadhersmilingback.Shewasn’tabigbelieverinthingsshecouldn’t

see,taste,hearortouch,butinthatmomentshecouldhaveswornaninvisibleribbonreachedoutbetween
themandwrappeditselfaroundthemboth.

Nolongerquiteasreadytorun,shesatononeofthebarstools.“Please,sitwithme."
Lastnightshehadn’twantedtoknowanythingabouthimbeyondwhetherornothecouldmakeher

screamwithpleasure.Butsincetheyhadn’tevengottennearfirstbaseduetoherstrangelynarcoleptic
behavior,shedecidedtogiveintoherurgetofindoutmoreaboutthemysterymanwho’dheldherhand
whileshesleptsoundlyforthefirsttimeinages.

Marcushesitatedforseveralseconds,andjustwhenshethoughthewasgoingtorefuseherinvitation,

hepickeduphiscupandwalkedtowardher.

“So,Itakeityoudon’tliveinSanFrancisco,either?”
Heshookhishead.“NapaValley.”
“I’vedriventhroughitacoupleoftimesandtheareaisreallybeautiful.”Sheleftoffthefactthat

she’dbeentheretoplayacoupleofprivategigsforsomehigh-profileNaparesidents.Shesippedather
coffeeagain.“ButI’mnotmuchofawinedrinker.”Sheshrugged.“Ineverknowwhattoorderwith
what."

Ifshewerebeingstraightaboutwhoshewasandwhatshedid,shewouldhavetoldhimthatevena

lightbuzzmadeithardforhertokeepholdofhercontrol.Andwithsomanypeoplesurroundingherall
thetimeaskingherquestions,comingatherwithcontractsandoffers,shehadtoworkdoubletimeto
remainfullypresentandlucid.Whichwaswhysherarelydrankanythingatall.OnlywithKennyhadshe
madethatmistake.Andhowshe’dpaidforit.

“Areyouinthewinebusiness?"
Henodded,thensaid,“Youdon’tlivehere,either,doyou?”
Shehadn’tmissedthefactthatwhilehe’dansweredherquestion,he’dquicklychangedthesubject

afterward.

Itwasareminderthatthiswasjustsmalltalkbetweentwostrangerswhowerenevergoingtosee

eachotheragain.Sheshouldn’tbeupsetthathedidn’twanttotellherwhereheworked.Hewasprobably
afraidshe’dhunthimdownandbecomeabignuisance.Nodoubtplentyofgirlshadtriedtolatchonto
himovertheyears.

Besides,shewasn’texactlygung-hoaboutsharingabunchofdetailsaboutherlifewithhim,wasshe?
Nearlyasvagueashe’dbeen,shesaid,“I’mfromateeny,tinylittletowninupstateNewYork,but

I’vealwayslovedthewestcoast.”

There.Thatwasperfectlyimpersonal.Theywerebothbehavingliketworationaladultswhohad

almostmadethemistakeofhavingaone-nightstand,buthadsomehowslippedoutofthenightunscathed.

Sheshouldbehappy.
Butshewasn’t.
Becauseforafewwonderfulminutesthepreviousnight,she’dreveledinirrational,unfettereddesire

andanticipation.

Rationalsuckedbycomparison.
Sheswiveledonherstooltofacehimmoredirectly.“I’mstillreallyembarrassedaboutcallingyour

motherlikethat.”

Thelastthingsheexpectedwasforhislaughtertorumblethroughtheroom.
Itwassuchabeautifulsound—richanddeep,ifabitrusty—thatshehadasuddenvisionofcapturing

itliketheseawitchhadAriel’svoiceintheLittleMermaidmovie,inalittlelocketshecouldwear
aroundherneckandtakeouttoreplaywheneversheneededapick-me-up.

“Trustme,”hetoldher,“I’msuresheenjoyedtalkingwithyou.Agreatdeal.”
“Whatareyougoingtotellher?”Shequicklyclarified,“Aboutme,Imean,andthequestionIasked

heraboutyou.”

“Ifyouweresafewithme?"
Herbreathleftherinawhooshanditwasallshecoulddojusttonodasthesensualtensionbetween

themjumpedupanotch.

Butinsteadofdroppingit,shesaid,“Iwassafewithyou,”barelyaboveawhisper.Almostbeforeshe

realizedit,shewasreachingouttotouchhishand,onlyinchesaway.

Shewishedshe’dbeenawakeforlongenoughtoreallyappreciatehisholdingherhand.Instead,

she’dsleptthroughsomeofthemostwonderfulmomentsofherlife—Marcus’shandsholdinghers,his
warmthcradlingher.

Now,asthesunlightstreamedinthroughthelargekitchenwindowsofhisbrother’shouse,shepulled

herhandbackbarelyaninchbeforeshewouldhavemadecontact.

“Whatdoyouwantmetotellher?”
Sheliftedhereyesfromhislargehands,handsshestillcouldn’tstopwishingwereholdingher,

caressingher,anddespitethewarmsuncomingin,ashiverwentthroughherasshelookedupathim.

“Maybe,”shesaidslowly,“youcouldtellheryoumadeanewfriendlastnight.”
“Anewfriend.”
Asherwordscamebackatherinhisdeliciouslylowvoice,shethought,Iwishitwereactuallytrue.

Iwishweactuallywerefriends.Andmore.Somuchmore.

Shelickedherlipsandhiseyesfollowedthepathofhertongue.Whenhisgazemethersagain,the

heatfromthenightbeforewasbackinspades.

Sheknewhehadtoseeitinhergaze,too.Apartofherthoughtsheshouldtrytohideit,butnothing

hadchangedbetweenlastnightandthismorning.

Shewasstillsenselesslyattractedtohim.
Suddenly,shewonderedwhyshewassointentonpushinghimaway.Marcuswasgorgeous,thebest-

lookingmanshe’dmetinforever.Okay,solastnighthadn’tworkedout,butshewasintownforseveral
more.

OhGod,shewasterribleatthis,didn’thavethefirstcluehowtopropositionMarcusforthesecond

timeintwenty-fourhours.Lastnight,she’dbeenabletoplayofftheloudmusic,thedarklighting,her
leatherdressandheels.Butsittinghereinakitchendrinkingcoffeeinanoversizedsweatshirt...shehad
noneofthosesexytrappingstohelpherfindherway.

Thethingwas,shealreadyknewshe’dregretitlikecrazyifshewalkedawayfromMarcuswithout

eventrying.

Onenight.Shedeservedonenightwithaguylikethis,didn’tshe?Justbecauseshe’dblownlastnight

byfallingasleep,didn’tmeansheshouldgiveup.Ifthathadbeenhowshe’dapproachedthemusic
business,sheneverwouldhavegonebeyondplayingopenmicsatcoffeeshops.

Ofcourse,she’dhavetotellhimwhoshewasifheagreedtoanothernightwithher.Heck,sheknew

sheneededtotellhimanyway.Howunfairwoulditbetohimifhewalkedoutofhereandgotacallfrom
oneofhisfriendsorfamilyaskinghimwhyhe’dbeenholdingoutonthemaboutbeingNico’snewest
flame?

Notlookingforwardtothatpartoftheconversationonebit,shedecidedtoleadwith,“I’mgoingto

beinthecityforafewmorenights.”Shepickeduphercupagainandgulpedtherestofthecoffee.

Hisexpressionwasunreadable.Shedidn’thavethefirstcluewhathewasgoingtosaytoher

proposition.Butsheknewsheneededtomakeitanyway,orforeverbrandherselfacoward.

Herthroatfelttightanddryasshesaid,“I’vegottogetgoinginafewminutes,butIwaswonderingif

maybeyou’dliketotryandgettogethertonight?"

Shesworeshesawheatflareinhiseyes,theheatneitherofthemhadbeenabletobank.Ohplease,

please,pleaselethimsayyes!Becausenowthatshe’dputherselfoutthere,nowthatshe’dadmitted
whatshewanted—him!—shecouldn’tstandthethoughtofnotgettingit.

“Howoldareyou,Nicola?”
“Twenty-five.”Shetriednottosayitdefensively.
“I’mthirty-six.”Hepushedoffhisstoolandpickedupbothcoffeecupsasheheadedforthesink.“I

shouldn’thavebeeninthatclublastnight.”Hisshouldersweretenseasheexplained,“Iwasangryabout
somethingandIthoughtIcouldgetoveritbygoingtoaclubandtakingsomeonehomeforsex.”

Itwasthefirsttimeeitherofthemhadusedtheword.
Sex.
Onesyllable,threelittleletters,sizzledbetweenthem.And,oh,itmadeherwanthimmorethanever,

eventhoughhewastryingtousethewordtobackawayfromher,tryingtosetupreasonswhythey
couldn’thavetheirnight.

Herparentshadalwayssaidwhatastubbornchildshe’dbeen,andnothinghadchangedforherasan

adult.Ifanything,herexperiencesinthemusicbusiness,dealingwithalmostconstantrejectionandhaving
tobouncebackfromit,hadonlymadehermorestubborn.

“Ihadmyreasons,too,”shetoldhim.Only,thosereasonshadchanged.Lastnighthadbeenallabout

gettingsomethingeveryonealreadythoughtshehad.

Thismorningshedidn’tcareaboutanyoneelse,didn’tgiveafigforwhatabunchofstrangersthought

abouther.NowherreasonswereallaboutwantingMarcusentirelyforherself.

“EvenifIweren’ttoooldforyou—”
Nicolacuthimoff.“We’rebothadults.”
Helookedather,headtotoe,andsheknewhewastakinginthetoo-bigsweatshirtthatwentpasther

knees.Despitethefactthatsheknewshelookedreally,reallyyoungwithnomakeupon,sheliftedher
chinandsaid,“YouthoughtIlookedplentyoldenoughlastnight.”

Hisjawtightened.“Lastnightwasamistake.Andifyouhadn’tfallenasleepitwouldhavebeena

trulyhugemistake.”

Wow.Thathurt.
Shehadtoturnawayfromhimonthestoolandscootoffsothathewouldn’tseejusthowbadhis

wordshadmadeherfeel.She’dthoughtshewasaproatlettingrejectionjustbouncerightoffher.Turned
outshehadalongwaytogo,ifonlyafewwordsfromMarcuscouldmakeherfeellikecrumblinginside.

“Nicola.”
Shedidn’tturnaroundtofacehimwhenhesaidhername,didn’tstopheadingforthecouchwhereshe

hopedhershoesandpursewere.Shestrippedoffthesweatshirtwhileshewalked,wantingnothingmore

thantojustleave,togettheheckoutofthehouseanddrownherselfinwork,theworkshe’dbeen
drowninginforthepastsixmonths.

ShewasjustbendingdowntopickuphershoeswhenMarcusbeathertothem.
“It’snotyourfault.Nothingthatdidordidn’thappenisyourfault.”
Sheheldoutherhandandwilleditnottoshake.“CanIhavemyshoes,please?”
Forafewseconds,shewasn’tsurehewasgoingtogivethemtoher,butthen,hefinallyhandedthem

over.

Shemadesuretheirfingertipsdidn’ttouchasshetookthemfromhim,thensatdownontheedgeofthe

coffeetabletoslipthemon.Somehowshewasgoingtokeepittogetherlongenoughtosweepoutofthe
houselikeawomanwhocouldn’tcarelessifonemanfoundherattractiveornot.Therewereplentyof
otherswhowantedher.Oneday,whenshewasfeelingstupidandrecklessagain,shewouldfindoneof
them.

“You’rebeautiful,Nicola.”
She’dbeencertainnothinghecouldhavesaidwouldhavestoppedherfromstompingoutofthere.
Nothingbutthat.
“Whenyouweresleepinglastnight,Icouldn’tstopthinkinghowbeautifulyouare.Icanhardly

believeyoucamehomewithmelastnight.”Heranhishandoverhisface.“Ishouldn’tbetellingyouthat,
butit’ssodamntrue,Ican’tletyouthinkotherwise.LastnightItoldmyselfIcouldsleepwithastranger
andnotworryaboutyourfeelings.”Hiseyescaughthersandheldthemfast.“Idon’tknowalotabout
you,butyoudon’tfeellikeastrangeranymore,Nicola.”

Aflickerofhopelitinherchest.“Neitherdoyou,”shesaidsoftly.
Thistime,whensheinstinctivelyreachedoutforhishand,sheletherselfmakeitallthewaythere.

Sheslippedherfingersthroughhisandthatcontentmentshe’dfeltwhenshe’dwokenuponhislap,with
herhandsinhis,filledheragain.

“You’reright,wedon’tknoweachotherverywellyet,butIalreadyknowyoumakemefeelgood.

AndIalsoknowyouweretheperfectgentlemanlastnight.”Shepulledherselfuptostandinfrontofhim,
herbreastscloseenoughtohischesttoalmosttouch.“Ifwegavethenightonemoretry,thenmaybethis
timewecouldseewhatit’slikewhenyou’renottheperfectgentlemananymore?”

Desireflaredevenhotterinhiseyesthanithadbeforeandshecouldfeeltheevidenceofitagainst

herlowerbodywhensheshiftedevenclosertohim.

“Ijustgotoutofarelationship.I’mnotlookingforanotherone.”
Ah.Sothatwaswhathadhimgoingtotheclublastnighttopickupsomehotthing.
“I’mnotlookingforarelationshipeither,”shetoldhimfirmly.“IswearI’mnot.”Sheputhishandon

herhips.“Justonenighttofeelwhatit’sliketobetouchedbyyou.”Shewentuponhertippy-toesinher
heelstogainanextrainchandbeabreathawayfromhismouth.“Justonenighttoknowwhatit’sliketo
bekissedbyyou.”

Shecouldalmosttastehiskiss,knewhowmuchhewantedtoleanintoherandtakewhatshewas

offering.Hereyeswereclosingandshewaspuckeringupwhensuddenlycoldairrushedacrossherashe
quicklyletgoofherandsteppedaway.

“Itwouldbebetterforbothofusifwedidn’tgothere.”
Angerandembarrassmentcaughtherintheirgrip.“Youdon’tknowenoughaboutmetoknowwhat

wouldbebetterforme!”

And,frankly,shewastoopissedoffnowtowanttotellhimaboutwhoshereallywas.He’djusthave

tofindoutthehardway,byturningonhiscomputeroropeningamagazineandseeingthepicturesinfull
Technicolor.

“You’reright.”Amusclejumpedinhisjaw.“AllIknowisthatyou’rebeautiful,andthatyou’retoo

young,toosweet,formetoeventhinkaboutdoinganyofthatwithyou.ImadeamistakelastnightandI

won’tcompounditnow.”

Young.
Sweet.
Mistake.
Shewasgoingtothrowup.
Hereshe’dthoughtshewasgoingtoregretnotgettingupthenervetoaskhimtobewithherforthe

night.Whatanidiotshe’dbeen,howsureshemusthavebeenthathe’djumpatthechancetobewithher
again.

BecausewhenwasthelasttimeanyonehadturnedNicodown?
Well,shewasn’tafamouspopstarrightnow.Shewassimplyawomanwhowantedaman.
Amansheevidentlycouldn’thave.Becauseallshewastohimwasaway-too-young,far-too-sweet

mistake.

Turningfromhim,shepulledhercellphoneoutofherbagandcalledforacab,givingthedriverthe

addresssherememberedMarcussayingthenightbefore.Afterhangingup,shewassorelytemptedto
stormoutofthehouselikethelittlegirlhethoughtshewas.Lordknew,itwouldbesomuchharderto
holdherheadhighlikeamaturewomanandtakeherlumps.

Butthatwaswhatshewasgoingtodo,damnit.
Turningbacktohimwithafakesmile,shepolitelysaid,“Thankyoufornottakingadvantageofme

lastnight.”

Thatmusclejumpedinhischiseledjawagain.“Youdon’thaveanythingtothankmefor.”
Sheshruggedandthedevilshedidn’tcareaboutrestrainingmadehersay,“SureIdo.Icouldhave

wokenupinsomeguy’sbedthismorningravishedandexhausted.InsteadI’mstilljustaspureasthe
drivensnowandwellrested.”Sheliftedthecornersofhermouthupevenhigherintothesmileshedidn’t
evenbegintofeel.“Thankstoyou.Theperfectgentleman.”Sheheldoutherhand.“Goodbye,Marcus.”

Helookeddownatheroutstretchedhandbeforefinallymovingtowardhertograspitinhisown.
Uh-oh.Sheshouldhavethoughtthathand-shakingthingthroughbetter,shouldhaverememberedthat

everytimetheytouchedherbodywentupinflames.

Becausehehadanuncannyknackofreducingherinsidestoapileofashes.
“Holyhell,”hesaidinalow,rawvoice.“Ishouldn’twantyouthismuch.”
She’dbarelybeguntowrapherheadaroundhiswords,whenhewaspullingherintohimand

crushinghermouthbeneathhis.

Thekiss—theirfirstkiss—wasbeyondanythingshe’deverexperienced.Everyounceofhisdesire,

everyounceofhisfrustratedneed,everythinghewasdenyinghimselfbylettinghergo,pouredfromhis
mouthtohers.

Hedidn’ttastehergently,didn’tlearnthecurvesandcontoursofhermouth.Instead,hetookwhathe

wanted...andgavehersomethingshe’dneverreallyknownshewantedbefore.

Nicolalikedtobeincontrolofeverything,especiallyinthewakeofKenny’sbetrayal.Forthefirst

timeinaverylongtime,shegaveupthatcontroltoamanwhoknewexactlywhattodowithit.

Histongueownedhers,histeethcapturedherlowerlip,andsheheardherselfgaspingandmoaningas

ifthroughalong,narrowtunnel.

Andthen,justasquicklyashiskisshadtakenherover,itwastakenaway.
“Damnit.Ididn’tmeantodothat.”Hisexpressionwasfrustrated.“Youneedtogo,Nicola.Now.”
Sheblinkedathim,tryingtoclearhervision,abouttotellhimtheirfirstkisscouldn’tpossiblybethe

endwhenitwasthemostgloriousbeginningshe’deverknown.Butthenshegotagoodlookathisface,
sawthewayhiseyeswerecompletelyshuttered,totallyclosed.

Andsheknewtherewasnopoint.
Hewasdonewithher.

Andsheneededtobedonewithhim,too.
Fortunately,thatwaswhenthetaxidriverknockedonthefrontdoor.SheandMarcushadn’t

exchangedlastnamesorphonenumbers.Shehadnoideahowtoreachhimapartfromcampingoutonhis
brother’sfrontstep.

Thiswasit.
Thisreallywasgoodbye.
Shedidn’tletherselfgiveintotheurgetotakeonelastlookatMarcus.Shesimplyturnedandwalked

away.

ChapterFive

Marcuscouldn’tstopthinkingaboutNicola.
Fromthefirstmomenthe’dseenherattheclub,he’dthoughtshewasgorgeous.Sexyashellinthat

leatherdress,herbarelegstonedandsleekinherheels.

Butwhenhe’dturnedaroundinthekitchenandseenherwithnomakeupon,hercheekspinkwith

whatheguessedwasembarrassmentathavingtospeakwithhiminthelightofday,hisheartmayhave
actuallystoppedbeatingforafewmoments.

Whatabeautyshewas.Andsoyoung-looking.Despitethefactthatshe’dtoldhimshewastwenty-

five,guiltroiledinhisstomachatwhathe’dalmostdonewithherthepreviousnight.

“Marcus,howdoesthatsound?”
Helookedupatthemenwhowerewaitingforhisdecisionaboutthenewcorkstheywere

consideringforhislatestvintage.Outofthecornerofhiseyehesawhisassistant,Ellen,frowningathim,
obviouslyconfusedbyhisunusuallackoffocus.

“Thematerialsthey’reusingsoundquiteclosetowhatwe’vebeenlookingfor,”shetoldhim.She

liftedupheriPadsothathecouldseeherspreadsheet.“Ofcourse,weshouldreviewtheirdocumentsand
mynotesfurtherbeforewesignanycontracts.”

Ellenhadstartedworkingforhiminthetastingroomandhe’dquicklyrealizedthat,whileshehadan

excellenttouchwiththecustomerswhocamebytotryhiswines,shewastoobrightandquicktobe
wastedthere.Yetagain,shewasprovingherworthtohim.

“Yes,”Marcusagreed,“thespecificationslookgood.We’llreviewthemfurtherandgetbacktoyou.”
Hisphonebuzzedandhelookeddownatit,hopingforamomentthatitwasNicolaeventhoughhe

knewthatwasimpossible.Hehadn’tgivenherhisnumber.Andhedidn’thavehers.

He’ddonethatonpurpose,knowingeventhefaintesttrailwouldfindhimheadingstraighttowardher.
Especiallyafterthatkiss.
Jesus.Thatkiss.
She’dtastedsogood.Afainttasteofcoffee,ahintoftoothpaste,butnoneofthatcoulddisguiseher

ownsweetessence.

What,he’dbeenwonderingeverysinglesecondsincethen,wouldherskintastelike?Notjustonher

face,hershoulders,herbreasts,butbetweenherlegs,while—

HissisterLori’sfacepoppeduponhisphoneandherealizedhe’dbeendoingitagain:losingthe

threadofeverythingbutNicola.

“Excuseme,Ineedtotakethis,”hetoldthegroupbeforepushingawayfromthetableandwalkingout

intothehallway.

FamilyalwayscamefirstforMarcus,justasJillhadaccused.Ifoneofhisbrothersorsistersorhis

motherneededhim,hewoulddoanythinghecouldtobethereforthem.Evenbeforehisfatherhaddied,
astheoldestthere’dbeenaninstinctiveweightofresponsibilityonhisshoulders.Ofcourse,afterhis
fatherdiedthatweighthadgrowninfinitelyheavier.

“Hi,Naughty,”hesaid,usingthenicknameChasehadgivenLoriyearsago.
Hecouldalmostseeherexpression,thatfaintlyirritatedlookshehadwhenevertheycalledherthat.

Despiteherproteststhatshedidn’tlikeit,Marcusknewbetter.Loridefinitelylikedpeoplethinkingshe
hadalittleedge.EspeciallysinceshewouldhavehatedbeingcalledNicelikehertwinsister,Sophie.

“Areyoustillinthecity?”
“I’mjustabouttofinishmylastmeeting.”
“Great!”
Lori’senergywaspalpableeventhroughthephone.Dancingwastheperfectcareerforher,

consideringshehadmoreenergythattwopeoplecombined.She’dbeenaterrorasatoddlerandpre-

schooler.Areallycuteterrorwhoknewjustwhentoturnonthesmilestogetwhatshewantedorthe
waterworkstogetoutoftrouble.

“DoyouhavetimetocomebyandseemeatmyvideoshootbeforeyouheadbacktoNapa?”
“Iwouldn’tmissit.TextmeyourlocationandI’llleavenow.”
Ellenhadthingswellcoveredhere.Andconsideringhecouldn’tconcentrateworthadamntoday,the

meetingwouldbebetteroffwithouthim.

Hangingup,hewalkedbackintotheconferenceroom.“Ineedtoleaveearly,butasyoualready

know,Elleniswellversedinwhatwe’relookingforandcantakeitfromhere.”

Shebeamedathim,clearlypleasedthathehadenoughfaithinherabilitiestoleaveherinchargeof

thenegotiations.Heshookeveryone’shandandsaidasilentthankyoutoEllen.You’rewelcomewas
evidentinherreturningsmile.

Loriwasjustthepersonheneededtosee.EventhoughSmithwasamoviestar,shehadn’tgottenthe

jobworkingonthepopstar’svideothroughherconnectiontohim.She’dworkedhardtogetthisgigall
byherself,andMarcus,alongwiththerestofthem,wasincrediblyproudofher.

HeandLorihadalwayshadaspecialrelationshipandhewasgladshe’daskedhimtocomewatch

herwork.

ItwastheperfectwayforhimtoforgetallaboutNicola.

***

Nicolaliftedthewaterbottletoherlipsanddrainedit.They’dallbeenworkinghardtodayin

preparationforthefilmingthatbegantomorrow.Shootingavideowasnevercheap,butassoonasthe
camerasstartedrollingthecostswentupexponentially.Nicolaandtherestofherdancersneededtobe
readytothenthdegreebythetimethedirectorwalkedintotheroomFridaymorning.

Yesterday,she’dthoughtshewasgoodtogo.
Buttodayhadbeenadisaster.
Shecouldn’tfocus.Notafterthecallthathadcomeinfromherpublicistjustaftershe’dleftinthe

cab.NicolaalwayshadSandrainformherofanypicturesshesawcirculatingofherandwhateverstarof
theweekshewassupposedtobedatingsoshe’dbepreparedtodealwithquestions.

ThismorningSandrahadcomestraighttothepoint.“I’vejustseenpicturesofyouleavingaclubwith

someguyIdon’trecognize."

EventhoughNicolahadexpectedthis,herhearthadprettymuchstopped.Especiallybecauseshe’d

beentooupsetaboutherbatteredprideatMarcusturningherdowntoactuallygetaroundtotellinghim
whoshewasandtomentionsomeunexpectedpressmightbecominghiswayintheverynearfuture.

She’dscrewedupbigtime.Anditwasevenworsebecauseshehadn’tevengottenthepleasureshe

wantedtogoalongwithit...justthesmashedpride.

Shehadtoask,“Howbadarethey?”eventhoughshereallydidn’twanttoknow.
“Fortunately,”Sandrahadsaid,“they’reamateurpics.Bothofyourfacesaretooblurryforanyoneto

botherrunningthem,butyoumightwanttobemorecarefulinthefuture."

Nokidding.Afternarrowlydodgingthebulletlikethat,shehadvowedtobethemostcarefulperson

ontheplanetfromnowon.

Andyet,astheyranthroughthecomplicatedchoreographyagainandagain,shestillcouldn’tstop

flashingbacktohernight—andmorning—withMarcus.

ThelyricstoOneMomentweren’thelpingatall.

Allittookwasonemoment

Onelookinyoureyes

Onetasteofyourlips

Toknowthatyouweretheone

Theafternoonshe’dwrittenthesong,she’dbeenlisteningtoColePorter’sFromThisMomentOn.

Everythinghadstillbeensunshineandbutterfliesinherlifeandshe’dbeensoluckysofarthatshe’d
believedtruelovewasjustanotherbeautifulgiftwaitingaroundthecorner.She’dwrittenOneMomentas
anodetothatfutureloveandhadevenincorporatedsamplesfromtheclassicColePortertune.Herlabel
hadlovedit,callingitfreshandcatchy.IthelpedthattheyalsoownedthelicensestotheclassicCole
Portersongsandhopedsalesofthosesongswouldtakeoffaswell.

Ofcourse,onceeverythinghadbustedapartwithKenny,shehadn’twantedtorecordthesong.She’d

feltlikeafoolforeverbelievinginonemoment,inonekiss,inonetouchthatcouldchangeeverything.
Butherlabelinsisteditshouldbeherfirstsingle.Andsheknewtheywereright,thatshecouldn’tlet
Kennyandwhathe’ddoneremovethejoyshegotfromhermusic,soshe’drecordedthesong,putting
everyounceofherheartandsoulintoit.

Buteventhoughshe’dhurdledthatfirsthugebumpmonthsago,todayshefoundherselfhittinganew

one.

Shecouldn’tstopthinkingofMarcuseverytimetheygottothechorus.
Shecouldn’tstopseeinghisface,couldn’tstopfeelinghishandsholdinghers.
Andshecouldn’tstopreelingfromhiskiss.
Herdancershadbeengivenathirty-minutecoffeebreakbeforecomingbacktoputinanotherhouror

sototryandpullittogether.Sheknewhowfrustratedtheyallwerewithher.She’dneverplannedon
beingadancer,hadn’ttrainedatitliketheyhad,butshe’dalwaysenjoyedmovingherbody,andhad
pickedupahandfulofprettygoodmovesovertheyears.

Notthatanyonewouldknowitfromwatchinghertoday.
EvenLori,herfun—andextremelypositive—choreographerseemedfrustrated.
ThesoundofLori’slaughterdrewNicola’sattentionacrosstheroom.Earlierintheday,Lorihad

askedifshecouldinviteherbrothertoobserveforabit.Nicolahadbeenapublicfigureforlongenough
thatshewasn’tparticularlyconcernedaboutonemorepersonwatchingher.

ShecouldseehowmuchLoriadoredherbrotherbythewayshelitupwhileshewastalkingtohim.

NotthatLoriwaseverun-lit,ofcourse,withareadylaughandawickedglintinhereyes.

“Goodnews,”Lorisaidasshewalkedbackacrossthelargedancestudiowithasmile.“Mybig

brotherisheadingovernow.”

“Great,”Nicolasaid,tryingtosoundenthusiasticdespitehowlowshe’dbeenfeelingallday.
ButLoriwaswaytooperceptive.“Seriously,Nico,youshouldtellmeifyoudon’twanthimhere.I

canseehimlater.”

Nicolashookherheadandforcedherselftosmilewider—andmoreconvincingly.“Ireallydon’t

mindatall.”

Theotherwomanfrowned.“Iseverythingokay?”
“IknowI’vebeensuckingtoday.Sorryaboutthat.”
LorireachedoutandputherhandonNicola’sarm.“No,you’redoinggreat.Butyouseemkindof...”

Shepaused.“...well,sad,Iguess.”

Nicolaknewbetterthantotalktosomeoneshewasworkingwithaboutherpersonallife,butLori

seemeddifferentthanmostofthepeopleNicolaworkedwith.Nicer.Morehonest,somehow.

KindoflikeMarcus.
Eventhoughsheshouldkeephermouthshut,shefoundherselfsaying,“Imetaguylastnight.”
Lori’seyeswidened.“Ahotguy?”
Nicolawasgladforanotherchancetosmile.“Yes.Veryhot.”Shefeltcompelledtoexplain,“But

nothinghappened.Exceptformefallingasleepbeforeweevenkissed.”

“Oh,”Lorisaid,clearlycaughtoffguard.“How’dhetakeit?”
“Great,actually.Hemademecoffeethismorning.”Andthentoldhershewaswaytooyoungand

sweetforhim.

“Coffee?That’sall?”
Shesighed.“Actually,hekissedme.Justonce.”
“And?”
“Anditwasawesome.”
“Awesomeisgood,right?”
“Notwhenit’salsogoodbye,”Nicolatoldher.
Lorilookedconfused.“Wait,sohekissedyouandthenyouweredone?”
“Yup.Andforsomereasonthewholethingismessingwithmyhead.I’mreallysorry,Lori,I’mnot

usuallylikethis.EspeciallyoversomeguyIjustmetandwillnever,everseeagain.”

WhenLorididn’tsayanythingforseverallongseconds,Nicolabegantopanic.Whathadshebeen

thinking,sharingallofhersecretswithsomeonewhowasstill,forallintentsandpurposes,astranger?
Hadn’tshebeenburnedhardenoughtoknowbetter?

“Look,Ishouldn’thavesaidanything.”
Beforeshecouldfinishhersentence,Loriwasthrowingherarmsaroundherandsaying,“Isogetit.

Guyssuck.”Shelookedalittleguiltywhenshepulledback.“There’ssomethingIshouldhavetoldyou
beforenow.I’mrelatedtoSmithSullivan."

“Oh.Wow.”NicolahadmetSmithatafewindustryeventsinthepastcoupleofyears.Something

joggedinhermemoryandsheasked,“Ifyou’rehissister,thendon’tyouhavelikeadozensiblings?”

Lorilaughed.“Notquite.Thereareeightofus.AlthoughI’msureitfeltmoreliketwelvetomy

mother.”

Nicoladidn’tunderstandsomething.“Whydidn’tyouwantmetoknowthat?”
“I’dhateforanyonetohiremebecauseofwhoheis.”
“Iwouldneverdothat.”
“Iknowthatnow,”Loritoldher.“I’msorryIwasn’tmoreforthright.”
Afterlastnight,Nicolawasthequeenofnotbeingforthright.“Don’tworryaboutit,Lori.It’sreally

nobigdealwhoyou’rerelatedto.”

Lorigrinnedandthensaid,“Iftheguyyoumetlastnightdidn’tgethowfreakingawesomeyouare—

andhowluckyhewasthatyouevenlethimkissyou—thenhedoesn’tdeservetobewithyouanyway.”

Nicolafoundherselfblinkingbacktears.Peoplewerealwaysnicetoher.Becauseshewasastar,

becauseshehadpowerinanindustrythatthrivedonpower,becausetheywantedsomethingthatthey
thoughtshecouldgivethem.

Butpeoplewereveryrarelynicetoherjustbecause.
ThedoorbelltothestudiorangandNicolaassumedherdancerswerebackfromtheirbreak.She

stoodupandwalkedovertothebarreonthemirroredwalltostretchbeforetheybeganagain.

HerheadwasdownoverherkneecapwhensheheardLorisquealwithjoy.“Yay,you’rehere!”
NicolasmiledandwasabouttoliftherheadtotakealookatthemanLoriclearlyidolized,whenshe

heardavoicethatresonatedthrougheverycellinherbody.“Sothisiswherethemagichappens,huh?”

OhGod.
HowcouldLori’sbigbrotherbeMarcus?
Andwhoknewthatitwouldturnouttobeareally,reallybigdealwhoLoriwasrelatedto,afterall?

ChapterSix

No.
Noway.
Marcusstiffenedbeneathhissister’shugashemadeeyecontactwiththeonlyotherpersoninthe

room.

Nicola.
Whatthehellwasshedoinghere?
Hecouldtellfromthewayshewasdressedinacut-offtanktopandtightshort-shortsthatshewasa

dancer.Itwasjusthisluckthatshe’dturnedouttobeoneofLori’sdancers.

Only,whatshouldhavebeenbadluck...wasn’t.
Becausenomatterhowmanytimeshe’dtoldhimselfthatwalkingawayfromherthatmorninghad

beentherightthingtodo,hehadn’tyetbeenabletomakehimselfbelieveit.Notwhenhisbodywas
utterlyatoddswithhisbrain.

Andnotwhenhe’dwantedtotaketheironekissandturnitintoanallday—andallnight—tangleof

nakedlimbsandheat.

He’dknownhowbeautifulhershapewaslastnightinthatleatherdress,butshewasmuchcloserto

nakednow,withonlythethinnestlayersofcottonandSpandexcoveringherbeautifulcurves.

And—ohJesus—wasthatabeadofsweattrailingdownbetweenherbreasts?
LoripulledbackinhisarmsandheforcedhimselftodraghisgazeawayfromNicola.Hisbabysister

lookedupathim,studyinghimmorecarefullythanusual.

“Wereyourmeetingsokaytoday?Youlookalittletense.”
Heworkedtokeephisattentiononhissisterratherthantheshockinglybeautifulwomanbythewallof

mirrors.“Theywerefine.”

Lorifrownedathiscurtresponse.She’dalwaysbeenfascinatedwiththewineindustryandheusually

sharedthedetailsofhisbusinesswithher.Notjustbecauseshewasinterested,butbecauseshehadgood
ideas.Ifshehadn’tbeensuchagreatdancerandchoreographer,he’dhavehiredherstraightoutof
college.

“Something’swrong.”Shedidn’tsayitasaquestion.“Later.I’llmakeyoutellmelater.”Andthen

shedroppedoneofhishandsandusedtheothertopullhimtowardNicola,who’dbeenwatchingthem
warily.“Comehere.Ican’twaittointroduceyoutoNico.”

Nico?
Somethingflashedinhismind,ahintthatheshouldknowsomethinghe’dbeenmissingsincelast

night,buthewassooff-kilterfromseeingthewomanhe’dbeenreluctantlyfantasizingaboutallday,that
hecouldn’tmakeheadsortailsofit.

“Nico,thisismybrotherMarcus.”
Nicola—Nicodidn’tsoundquiterighttohim,eventhoughhissistersaiditwithsuchconfidence—

wasgrippingthewoodenbarreinfrontofthemirrorsotightlyhecouldseeherknucklesturningwhite.
Herfacewasonthewhiteside,too,andshewasn’tdoingadamnthingtoerasethehorroronherfaceat
seeinghimagain.

Guilthithimsquareacrossthechest.She’dputherselfouttherebyaskinghimforanothernightand

he’dturnedherdowncold.Apartfromthekiss,whichhadbeenanythingbutcold.

Andnow,herehewas,barginginonherdancinggigforabigpopstar.
Seeinghimhadtobetheverylastthingshewanted.
Loriwaslookingbetweenthetwoofthemwithanutterlyconfusedexpression.Knowinghe’dbetter

breaktheice—andfast—beforehissistercluedintojusthowwrongthingswere,heheldouthishand
andsaid,“It’snicetomeetyou.”

Nicolastareddownathishandforalongmoment,beforelookingbackathimwiththosebigeyesthat

hadbeenhauntinghimallday.Hermovementswerejerky,almostrobotic,asshefinallypushedaway
fromthebarreandputherhandinhis.

“Hi.”Sheclearedherthroatassheyankedherhandaway.“It’snicetomeetyou,too.”
Thesilencehungheavyandthickbetweenthembeforeheasked,“So,howlonghaveyoutwobeen

workingtogether?”

Lorishothimanotherstrangelook.“YouknowI’vebeenworkingonthisvideoshootforthepast

coupleofdays.”

Okaythen,Nicolamustbeoneofhernewdancers.Butbeforehecouldaskanyotherquestionsortry

tomakesmalltalktosetNicolamoreatease,alargegroupstartedcominginthroughthedoors.He
recognizedmostofthemasmenandwomenLorihadworkedwithinthepastandtheyraisedtheirhands
ingreeting.

“Gotanyvinoforus,Marcus?”
Hesmiled,butitdidn’tfeelrightonhisface,notwithNicolastilllookingathimlikehisappearance

wastotallyandcompletelyunwelcome.

“I’llmakesurethere’sacasewaitingforyouguysattheend,”hepromised.HeturnedbacktoLori.

“Lookslikeyou’regettingbacktoit.I’llgetoutofyourway.”

Sheputherhandonhisarm.“Iwantedyoutostayandwatch.”ShelookedatNicola.“It’sstillokayif

hehangsout,isn’tit?”

Nicolalickedherlips,lookinguncertain.Andthenshesmiled,aliftingofherlipsthatlookedabout

asgenuineasthesmilehe’djustgiventhedancers.

“Ofcourse.”Herlipsmovedintoawidersmile,almostagrimace.“Heshouldseethemagicyou’ve

created,Lori.”Finally,shelookedbackathim,theirgazeslockingtogetherandholdingforalongmoment
beforeshesaid,“Yoursisterisamazing.”

Nicolawassobeautiful—soincrediblyvulnerableasshestoodthereinfrontofhim—thathehadto

focushardjusttogetoutthewords,“Iknow.”

Theystoodlikethatforwaytoolong,staringateachotherwithoutspeaking.Atlast,Lorisaid,“Come

sitoverherewherenoonewillaccidentallykickyouintheface.”

SomeoneturnedonthemusicasheandLoriwalkedawayfromNicola.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dactthat

wayaroundher,”shehissed.

Marcusmirroredbackhissister’sfrown.HadNicolatoldhissisteraboutmeetinghim?Aboutgoing

backtoSmith’shouseandfallingasleeponhislap?

No.Loriwasn’tcapableofholdingsomethinglikethatinside.Shewouldhavecalledhimhoursago

todemandtoknowwhathewasdoingfoolingaroundwithsomeonesheworkedwith.

“Nicohastodealwithpeoplestutteringandactingweirdaroundheralldaylong,justlikeSmith

does.IaskedyoutocomebecauseIknewyou’drollwithherfameandwouldn’tmakeabigdealoutof
it.”

Partwaythroughgettingchewedoutbyhisbabysisterforthewayhe’dacted,alightbulbwentonin

Marcus’shead.

“Nicolaisthepopstaryou’reworkingfor?”
Lorilookedathimlikehe’dlefthisbrainsouttofryonthesidewalk.“HernameisNico.Andyou

knowshe’stheonewhohiredmetoworkonhervideo.Whyareyouactingsoweird?"

Marcussuddenlyrealizedwherethathintoffamiliarityhadcomefromthenightbefore.Lorimust

haveshownhimpicturesofNicolaaftershewashiredtoworkonthevideo,butallhecouldremember
wasalotofmakeupandasparklingbodysuit.

Thankfully,Lorididn’thavetimetowaitforhisanswerbecauseoneofthedancerswascallingoutto

herforguidance.Shootingonelastdisgruntledlookathim,hissistermovedbackontothedancefloor.

Nicola’sbackwastohim,buthecouldseeherfacereflectedinthemirror.Godhelphim,hecouldn’t

keepfromstaringather.Herhairwaspulledupinaponytailandhecouldtellhowhardshe’dbeen
dancingbythedamptendrilsthatwerecurlingaroundherface.

Allofthedancershadincrediblebodies,butforMarcus,thecurvyshapeofNicola’shipsandbreasts

threatenedtomakehimrockhardinthemiddleofthestudio.

Hereyesmethisbrieflyinthemirrorandshequicklyloweredherhead.LorimovedtoNicolaand

putahandonherarm,leaningintosaysomething.Nicolashookherhead,thenmovedintoposition.

Aheartbeatlater,LoriturnedthesongonandNicolawentintoaction.
Shewassobeautiful.
Marcuswasmesmerizedasshesangalongwiththesurprisinglygreatsonganddancedinthecenterof

hertroupe.Nowondershe’dbecomeastar—hedidn’thaveaprayeroftakinghiseyesoffher.

Herememberedthewayshe’dcommandedtheattentionofeveryoneinthenightclubsimplyby

walkingintotheroom.Nowheknewitwaspartlybecauseshewasfamous,butevenifshe’djustbeena
regularwoman,peoplewouldhavestoppedandstared.

AshercurvesshiftedandgrazedthethinSpandexbarelycoveringherskin,hecouldn’tstophimself

fromwonderingwhatshe’dlooklikenaked,inhisbed.

Asifshecouldreadhisthoughts,Nicolasuddenlystumbled,knockingintoamaledancer,andLori

quicklyshutoffthemusic.

Heknewheshouldleave,thathewasthrowingheroff.Buthewasn’tgoinganywhere.
MarcusSullivandidn’tbelieveinhidingfromhismistakes.Hell,hisrelationshipwithJillwasthe

onlytimehe’devertriedtoconvincehimselfthatsomethingwrongwasright.Heshouldhavetrustedhis
gut,buthe’dbeensofocusedonwhathewantedtosee,insteadofwhatwasactuallythere.

HeknewexactlywhatwasbetweenhimandNicola,sparksthatlitandsizzledsobrightandhothe

wasstillsingedfromtheironeandonlykiss.

He’dbeenafooltoturnherdown.
Hewasn’tgoingtobeanevenbiggerfoolbywalkingawayfromheragain.

ChapterSeven

PleaseleavewarredwithPleasedon’tgoinsideNicola’shead.
FrommomenttomomentshevacillatedbetweenwantingMarcusgoneandneedinghimtobesomuch

closer.Nowondershe’dbarelybeenabletoconcentrateonrehearsing,withherbrainandbodypulledin
twototallydisparatedirectionstheentiretimehewastherewatchingherwiththosedark,hungryeyesshe
knewshe’dneverbeabletogetoutofherhead.

Whentheywerefinallydoneforthenight,thedancersquicklyscattered,leavingheralonewith

Lori...andMarcus.

Nicolahadgottenoverhernervesalongtimeago.She’dhadto,ifsheeverwantedtogetanyone’s

attentionwithhermusic.ButMarcusmadeherincrediblynervousinawayshe’dneverbeennervous
before.

Shovingtherestofherthingsintoherbigdancebag,shewasjustsaying,“Thanksforworkingusall

sohardtoday,Lori.I’llseeyoutomorrow,”whenaknockcameatthedoorandaguywearingaMel’s
Dinershirtwalkedincarryingseverallargebagsfulloffood.

Loriclappedherhands.“Thesearethebestburgersandfriesintheworld,Nico.Marcus,youordered

them,didn’tyou?”SheturnedtoNicola.“Youcanstaytoeatsomething,can’tyou?”

NicolalookedatLoriinalarm.WhatwasMarcusdoing?Hadheforgottenthathe’dturnedherdown

flatthismorning?Couldn’thefeelhowawkwardthiswasforher?

“I’dloveto,butIthinkI’dbetterjustcallitanight.Besides,youtwoprobablyhavesomecatchingup

todo,sothanks,but—”

“Stayfordinner,”Marcussaid.“Please.”
Marcus’slowwordspulledatNicola,sohardthatshecouldalmostfeelherselfleaningtowardhim.

Ithadn’tbeenarequest,notquiteacommandeither.Butwhateveritwas,ithadturnedherbraintomush.
Justashisonekisshadstolenhercontrolthatmorning.

Afewmomentslatershefoundherselfsittingwiththematthesmalltablebythewindow,unwrapping

aburgershecouldn’tpossiblyeat.NotwithMarcussoclosethatherbellykeptclenching.

“Sowhatdidyouthink,Marcus?Isn’tNicoamazing?”
Nicolafeltlikeshewasblushingwithherwholebody.Duringrehearsal,she’dtriedtokeepeye

contacttoaminimum,becauseeverytimesheaccidentallylookedathimshelostherfooting.Asthey’d
goneoverandoverthesong,shehadn’tbeenabletoreadhisexpression,couldn’ttellifhewas
impressedwithher...orifhethoughthersong—anddancing—sucked.Shetoldherselfshedidn’tcareif
helikedit.Thirty-six-year-oldmenweren’tnecessarilyhercoreaudience,afterall.

“Didyouwritethatsong?”
“Idid.”
Hismouthmovedupintoasmallsmile.“You’reverytalented."
Nicolaletoutthebreathshehadn’trealizedshe’dbeenholdingjustasLori’sphonestartedbouncing

aroundonthetabletop.Whoeverwascallinghadherjumpingupandsaying,“Sorry,guys,thiswilljust
takeasec."

NicolacouldseefromthelookonMarcus’sfacethathewasn’thappywiththenameandfacehe’d

seenflashacrosshissister’sphone.Truetoherword,Loriwasbackafterbarelysayingtwowordstothe
caller,butshewasflushedandclearlyflustered.

“I’mreallysorry,butIcompletelyforgotaboutsomethingIpromisedI’dtakecareoftonight.Willyou

beallrightwithoutmeuntiltomorrow,Nico?”

Nicolacouldtellsomethingwaswrongandshedidn’twanttoaddanyextrapressuretoLori’slife.

“OfcourseIwill.Don’tworryaboutitforanothersecond.”

Lookingrelieved,Loriturnedtoherbrotherandsaid,“Marcus,couldyoumakesureNicolagetsback

toherhotelokay?”

“Ofcourse,”herepliedattheexactmomentthatNicolasaid,“I’lljustgetacab.”
ButLorididn’tseemtoheareitherofthemasshegaveNicolaaquickhuggoodbyeandapologized

againforneedingtoleavesosuddenly.Nicolapickedupherburgeranddroppeditintothetrashas
Marcusfollowedhissistertothedoor.

Nicoladidn’tmeantoeavesdropontheirconversation,buttheyweren’texactlydoingagreatjobof

keepingtheirvoicesdown,soshecouldn’thelpbutoverhear.

“Ithoughtyouweren’tseeinghimanymore.Didn’tweagreethatheisn’tgoodforyouandthatyou

candobetter?”

“I’mnotseeinghimanymore...andit’scomplicated.”
“AtleastcallmewhenyougetbackhometonightsoIknowyou’reokay.”
“I’mabiggirl,Marcus.Idon’thaveacurfewanymore.”
Hewastheperfect,protectiveolderbrother.Nicolacouldfeelherselfmeltingmorewitheveryword

outofhismouth.Becauseeventhoughsheshouldbemakingsureherguardwasallthewayup,seeing
howconcernedhewasabouthissistergottoherinaseriousway.

Whenhecamebackover,runninghishandthroughhishair,shehadtoask,“Iseverythingokay?”
Heshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.ShesaysIworrytoomuchabouther,butIcan’thelpit.”
Certainthatshewasboundtodosomethingreallystupidifshehungaroundhimanylonger,Nicola

said,“I’mnothungry,soI’lljustcatchacabbacktomyhotel.”

Butbeforeshecouldturnandleave,heaskedher,“Whydidn’tyoutellmewhoyouwere?”The

hungerinhiseyeswasstillthere,butsowasahintofangerthatshecouldn’tpossiblymiss.

Hatinghowoff-kiltershefeltaroundhim,sheknewshesoundeddefensiveasshereplied,“Ididn’tlie

toyou.MynameisNicola.”

“YoushouldhavetoldmeyouwerealsoNico.Whydidn’tyou?”
“Youwouldn’tunderstand."
“Tryme.”
Shedidn’twanttoexplainherselftohim,butshealsoknewshewasbeingstubbornand

unreasonable.Hehadapointthatithadn’tbeenfairofhertokeepherfameasecretfromhim,especially
ifthepicturestakenofthetwoofthemintheclubhadbeengoodenoughtoprint.Andforsomereasonshe
wantedhimtounderstand.

“Foronenightitseemedexcitingjusttobenormal.”Tobemyselfagain.“Ialmostnevermeet

someonewhodoesn’tknowwhoIam.”

“Nico.”
Shedidn’tlikethewayhesaidherstagename,didn’tliketheideaofMarcustreatingherlike

everyoneelsedid.

“MynameisNicola.AndIreallyneedtogonow.”
Thelastthingsheexpectedhimtosayassheturnedandheadedforthedoorwas,“Iwaswrong,

Nicola.”

Asmartwomanwouldn’thavestopped.Asmartwomanwouldhavejustkeptwalkingthroughthe

doorandcaughtacaboutsidetotakeherbacktoherbig,lonelypenthousesuite.

Sothen,Nicolathoughthelplessly,whatwasitaboutMarcusthatalwayshadherdoingthefoolish

thing,instead?

Shouldn’tsheknowbetterthantoturnbacktohimandsay,“Whatwereyouwrongabout?”
Despitethefactthathehadn’tmovedanyclosertoher,thewayhelookedather,withnoneofthe

reservefromthismorning,hadherfeelinglikehe’djustpulledherintohisarms.

“Abouttonight.”
Allofthedesires,thehopes,she’dbeentryingtoshovedownandawayimmediatelypoppeduptothe

surface.

Tryingonelasttimetosaveherself,shesaid,“Whataboutallofyourreasonsfromthismorning?

WhatabouthowyoungIam?Whataboutthecolossalmistakeyou’resogladyoudidn’tmake?”

“I’msorryforwhatIsaidthismorning,”hesaidfirst,andthen,“Iwantonenightwithyou,ifyoustill

wantonewithme.”

Hiswordswereacaressoverherskin.Hehadn’tansweredherquestion,andsheknewtheirage

differencemuststillbeanissueforhim.Butjustasshewasn’tabletowalkawayfromhim,itseemedthat
hecouldn’twalkawayfromher,either.

“YouknowIstillwantyou.”
Thewordshadbarelyleftherlipswhenhecapturedherhandanddraggedherbodytightlyupagainst

his.“ThankGod.BecauseI’vebeendyingtokissyouagainallday."

Thenextthingsheknew,hismouthwaspressinghardintohers,histonguesuddenlythereinher

mouth,tastingher.Noonehadeverkissedherlikethis,likehewantedtopossessher,bodyandsoul.She
forgottobenervous,forgotthatuntilMarcus,ithadbeensixmonthssinceshe’dkissedanyone,andeven
beforethatshe’dhardlyhadmuchexperiencewithkissing.

Shedidn’tneedtoworryaboutanyofthatwithhim,sherealizednow.Hewasentirelyand

completelyincharge.Allsheneededtodowasfollowhislead.

Ifthewayhiskisswasmakingherfeelwasanyindicationofwhathislovemakingwoulddotoher,

shewasbeingledstraighttowardecstasy.

ChapterEight

Handinhand,theyheadeddownthestairstothelargeparkinggaragebeneaththedancestudio.Apart

fromthemomentwhenshegotintohiscar,hedidn’tletgoofherhand.

Utterlylostinthefeelofhisthumbrubbingsensuouscirclesontheinsideofherpalm,itwasn’tuntil

theywerealmostatthehotelthatNicolarememberedtosay,“There’saspecialentrancearoundtheside
thatIusuallyuse.”Shereachedintoherbagforherkeycardswithherfreehandandhandedtheextraone
toMarcus.“Whydon’tyoudropmehereandI’llmeetyouatmyroom.I’minthepenthousesuite.”

Hishandstiffenedinhersandsherealized,toolate,thatshe’dprobablyjustinsultedhim.
“Itisn’tbecauseIdon’twanttobeseenwithyou,”sheexplainedsoftly,hatingwhatshehadtosayto

makehimunderstand.“Ifpeopleseeuswalkintogethertonight,ifsomeonetakesapictureofyouandme
together,theymightthinkwe’rea—”

Shepausedbeforesheusedthewordcouple.Notbecauseshecouldn’tstandthethoughtofit.But

becauseshesuddenlylongedtobeapartofacouplewithMarcussobadlythattheforceofthatwanting
stunnedher.Evenmorethanthestrengthofherdesireforhimalreadyhad.

Hervoicewasbarelyaboveawhisperasshefinishedwith,“TheymightthinkyouandIaregoingto

betogetherformorethanonenight.”

Already,sheknewonenightwouldn’tbeenough.
Whatwaswrongwithher?
SheandMarcushadbeentotallyclearwitheachotherfromtheoutset.Tonightwasaboutsex,nothing

butphysicalpleasure.

Andyet,theremindersmadenodifference.
Becauseshe’dalreadylearnedenoughabouthimviahismotherandsister—andthetimeshe’dspent

inhisarmsthenightbefore—toknowthatherheartwasaheckofalotmoreinvolvedthanwasgoingto
begoodforher.

“Youhadnoproblemwalkingoutofthatclubwithmelastnight.”
Wantinghimtounderstand,shesaid,“Youknowhowyouwereupsetaboutsomethinglastnight?

Well,sowasIandIactedwithoutthinking.Ishouldn’thavegonetotheclublikethat.AndIdefinitely
shouldn’thaveleftwithyou.”Itwasfinallytimetocomeclean.“Therewerepicturestakenofthetwoof
us.”

Sherefusedtolookawayfromhim,eventhoughhisreactiontothatwasexactlyasshe’dexpected.He

wasn’tatallhappyaboutit.

Beforehecouldaskquestions,shesaid,“Mypublicistcalledandtoldme.Iknewpeoplehadtobe

snappingpicturesontheirphones,butfortunatelythelightingwasreallybadinsidetheclubandthey’re
tooblurryforanyonetowanttorun.”Shepulledoutherphoneandshowedhimthepicturesshe’dbeen
emailedearlierthatdayasproof.“Heretheyare.”

Marcuswasdangerouslysilent,silentenoughthatsheforcedherselftosay,“Iunderstandifyoudon’t

wanttodothisanymore,ifthisisalltoocomplicatedforyou.”

Hiseyesmovedfromthepicturesonthephonebacktoherface.Hestilldidn’tlookhappyaboutthe

situation,butthehunger,thedesireforherwasstillthere.Hewoundhisfingerthroughalockofherhair
andpulledhertowardhimwithit.

“Itisn’tanymorecomplicatedthanthis.”
Hismouthwassohotandsweetandperfectthatwitheachslowslideofhistongueagainsthers,she

almostforgotmoreandmoreofherhard-woncaution.EventhoughthiswasthespecialVIPentrance,
someonecouldwalkbyandlookthroughthewindshieldtoseethemmakingoutinthecar.

Whenhefinallypulledawayandsaid,“I’llmeetyouinyourroom,”herhandwasshakingasshe

openedthedoor.Herlegswereshaky,too,andsheneededamomenttoregainherbearingsbefore

walkinginsidethehotel.

***

MarcushadneverunderstoodhowSmithputupwiththiskindofnonsense.Privateentrancesand

callsfrompublicistsaboutpicturesthathadleakedandenteringbuildingsundercoverjustwasn’tnormal.

Hepulledaroundtothefrontentranceandashegavehiskeystothevalet,hecouldn’tquitebelieve

thathewassneakingaroundtogetitonwithabeautifulpopstar.

Hedidn’tlikehownotcomingcleantoLoriaboutalreadyhavingmetNicolahadfeltlikelying.And

hedidn’tlikethewayNicolahadhandedhimherhotelroomkeyandtoldhimtomeetherinthepenthouse
suite.

Butthen,hewasn’texactlycallinghissistertocomecleanorgettingbackinhiscarandleaving,was

he?

Hellno.Hemighthavehispride,buthewasn’tcompletelystupid.
AndonlyatotalidiotwouldturndownasecondchancetobewithNicola.
Hewasjustheadingoutofthehotel’slargereceptionareawhenhesawacrowdofwhatlookedlike

collegefootballplayerssurroundingsomeone.Theywereclearlydrunkandeventhoughhewantedtoget
uptoNicolaassoonaspossible,somethingtoldhimtogocheckthingsout.

Veeringoffcourse,hewasalmostatthegroupwhenheheardhervoice.Chillsranuphisspineasshe

toldthem,“Giveagirlsomeroomtobreathe,guys.”

HereadrightthroughtheplayfuledgeinNicola’svoiceandheardtheterrorthathadcreptin.
“Allofyouneedtobackoff.Wayoff.”
Acoupleofguyslookedoverathimandmadethemistakeofdismissinghimassomeoldguyinasuit.

SeveralofthemhadtheircamerasoutandtheywereputtingtheirhandsonNicolatogethertoposefor
pictureswiththem.

“HeyNico,takeoffthatbigsweatshirt,wouldyou,soeveryonecanseehowhotyouare?”
Marcuspushedintothegroupsohardandfastacoupleofthecollegekidsknockedoverlikebowling

pins.“Getyourhandsoffher,”hegrowled.Whentheydidn’tmovefastenough,hegrabbedthembythe
shouldersandshovedthemaway.

“Whatthehellareyou,herbodyguardorsomething?”
Marcus’shandwasalreadyinafistwhenNicolagrabbedhisarm.“Yes,heis.AndI’mafraidI’m

lateforsomething.Nicetomeetallofyou!”

Shedraggedhimawayfromthegroup.“Goodtiming,”shesaidunderherbreathastheymadea

beelinefortheelevators.“Theyweregettingalittleannoying.”

Annoying?That’sallthosebuffoonsweretoher?
Forgettingthattheyweresupposedtobegoingupstairsseparately,hesaid,“Theyweren’tjust

annoying,theywereoutrightdangerous.”Hewantedtorunhishandsoverherbody,makesurenothing
hadhappenedtoher.Morethanthat,hewantedtotakehersomeplacesafeandmakeherstaythere,outof
harm’sway.

“Theyweren’tdangerous,”shesaid,dismissinghisconcerns.“Theycouldn’thavedoneanything

reallybadinthemiddleofthehotellobby.”

ButMarcuscouldthinkofadozendifferentthingstheycouldhavedonetoher,includingwaysthey

couldhavekeptherfromcryingoutforhelp.

“Howcouldyouhavegonetothatclubalonelastnight?Whatifabunchofdrunkshadcorneredyou

onthestreet?Orbythebar?”

“Honestly,thatkindofstuffdoesn’thappenallthatoften.Iusuallyremembertoputonsunglassesand

ahatsothatpeoplecan’trecognizemethateasily.Besides,”sheaddedinasuper-softvoice,“ifIhadn’t
gonetotheclub,Iwouldn’thavemetyou.”

Hewantedtomakeherpromisetobemorecarefulinthefuture,butbeforehecould,alargefamily

gotoutoftheelevatorandanearsplittingsquealsoundedassoonasthechildrensawher.

“OhmyGod,it’sNico!”

***

Theboyandhissister,whocouldn’thavebeenmorethansevenoreight,threwthemselvesatherand

shecaughtthemastheyimpulsivelyhuggedher.Atthesametime,theirmotherstruggledtogetahuge,
heavystrolleroutoftheelevator.

Marcusmovedquicklytohelpherbeforethedoorclosed,andwithherarmsstillaroundthechildren,

Nicolawatchedhimsaysomethingsoothingtotheharriedmotherthathadhermouthcurvingupintoa
smile.ThatsoftspotinNicola’schestgrewevenbiggerforthisbeautifulmanshewasabouttotake
upstairstodoverynaughtythingswith.

“Mom!WeneedyourcameratotakeapicturewithNico!”
Justthenthebabyinthestrollerstartedcrying.Consideringtheirmotheralreadylookedlikeshewas

attheendofaveryfrayedrope,itwasclearthatthelastthingsheneededwastolookforhercamera.

“I’vegottodealwithyoursister,”shetoldthem,alreadyreachingintounstrapthebabygirl.
Nicolahadalwayslovedchildrenandhersecrethopeshe’dneversharedwithanyonewastohavea

bigfamilyofherown.She’dbeenaheckofababysitterasateenager.Itwaspartlywhyshefelther
musictranslatedsowelltochildren.Shegenuinelylikedthem,ratherthanjustputtingupwiththem.

ShewasabouttoreachoutforthelittlegirlwhenMarcusbeathertothepunch.“Wouldyoulikeme

toholdher?”heofferedtothemother.

Consideringtheboyandgirlwerewhiningnowabouthowhorribleitwouldbetonothavetheir

picturetakenwithNico,afterassessingMarcusinhisprofessionalsuitandhisobvioustrustworthiness,
thewomansaid,“Okay,ifyouwouldn’tmind,itwilljustbeforasecondortwo.I’mprettysuremy
cameraisdownundereverything.”

Marcustookthetearfullittlegirl,whostoppedcryingassoonasheliftedheruptohisface.“Well,

aren’tyouaprettylittlething?”

Themotherbeamed.“Iknow,she’sgorgeous,isn’tshe?”
Henodded,neveroncetakinghiseyesfromthebaby’stoothlessgrin.“What’syourname?”heasked

thebabyasifshecouldanswer,andshehappilyrepliedwithagurglingmountainofspitbubbles.

Withoutmissingabeat,heusedherbibtowipeoffthespit...andNicolastartedfalling.
Shewasn’tsurehowlongshestoodtherestaringopenmouthedathowgoodMarcuswaswiththe

baby—hewasnowmaneuveringherasifshewasaminidiaperedairplane,evenmakingthenoisestogo
alongwithit—untilthekid’smothersaid,“Foundthecamera.”

Nicolasnappedtoattentionasiffromoutofadeepfog.Thekidswerenowstandingoneithersideof

her,smilingforthecamera.

OhGod.Shecouldn’tpossiblybefallingforhimalready.Shehardlyknewhim,didn’tknowwhathe

didforaliving,orwhathedidforfun.

But,acontrarylittlevoiceinherheadtoldher,don’tyoualreadyknoweverythingthatmatters?

Thatheloveshisfamilyandisgoodwithchildrenandhasbeenkinder—andgentler—toyouthan
anyoneelseeverhas?Nottomentionthewayyougoupinflameswhenhekissesyou....

“Saycheese!”
Nicolasmiledforthecamera,thesamesmileshe’dgiventhousandsoftimesoverduringthepastfew

years.Butwhenthewomanturnedthevieweraroundandsaid,“Lookathowcuteyouallare,”shewas
shockedtorealizeitwasn’tthesamesmileatall.

InsteadofNicothepopstarsmilingbackather,itwasNicola,awomanwho’djustbeenflattenedby

unexpectedemotion,lookingutterlybewilderedbywhathadjusthither.

Wantingdesperatelytoresetbacktonormalagain,sheturnedhercompletefocusonthekids,asking

themtheirnames,whatgradestheywerein,iftheyhadafavoritesong.Sheaskedtheirmotherifshe
couldhavetheiremailtosendspecialconcertticketsoverforhershowonSaturdaynight.

Finally,Marcusputthebabybackinherstrollerandgentlystrappedherin.Thefamilyleft,calling

goodbye.Shewavedbackatthem,gladforthemovementtohidehowunsteadyherhandswere.

Marcuspushedtheelevatorbuttonagainandfollowedherin,hishandonthesmallofherback,justas

ithadbeenthenightbeforewhenthey’dwalkedoutoftheclub.Shewasimmediatelyenvelopedbyhis
heat,alongwiththatsenseofsafetyshe’dfeltfromthefirstmomentshe’dmethimintheclub.

Shepressedthebuttonforthepenthousesuiteandwhentheelevatordoorsclosed,hesaid,“Youwere

greatwiththosekids."

“Ilovekids,”sheadmittedtohim.“They’resohonestabouttheirfeelings.”
“Honestymeansalottoyou,doesn’tit?”
ShethoughtaboutKenny,abouthowhe’dbetrayedhertrust.“Itmeanseverythingtome.”Realizing

howseriousaturntheirconversationhadtaken—andthatifshewasn’tcarefulshe’dbecryingonhis
shoulderabouthowbadithurttobeliedto,shesmiledandsaid,“I’veneverseenababytaketoanyone
sofast.”

Hedidn’tdeflecthercompliment,butsimplysaid,“I’vespentalotoftimewithbabiesoverthe

years.”

She’dwantedtoaskhimabouthisfamilylastnightinthetaxiafterspeakingwithhismother,butshe

hadn’tletherselfbecauseshe’dbeenafraidofbuildingaconnectiondeeperthansexwithhim.Well,she
wasalreadyscrewedonthatfront,wasn’tshe?Howcoulditpossiblyhurtmuchmoretodrillthescrew
inalittledeeper?

“Loriadoresyou.Itakeittherestofyourbrothersandsistersdo,too?”
“Wewatchoutforeachother.”
“Itsoundslikeit’smostlyyouwatchingoutforthem,”shepointedout.
“Doyouhaveanysiblings?”
“Twoyoungerbrothers.”
“Letmeguess,”hesaid.“Theybothdriveshinynewcarscourtesyoftheirbigsister.”
Shehadtolaughatthewayhe’dturneditaroundonherandpointedoutthatshedidjustthesame

thingwithherownfamily.“IknewIshouldn’t,butIjustcouldn’thelpmyself.”

“WhenLoriandSophieturnedsixteenIthrewthemoneheckofapartyatasafariplacenearNapa.”
“Completewithelephantsandzebras?”
“Alligatorsandpythons,too.”
“NowonderLorilovesyousomuch,”Nicolateased,butthen,beforeshecouldstopherself,she

added,“AlthoughI’mprettysureyouwouldn’tneedtospendadimeonherandshewouldloveyoujust
asmuch.”

Hissmileslowlyrecededatherverypersonalstatement,onethatincludedmultipleusesoftheword

love.

Wow.Waytoplayitcool.
Not.
Thankfully,thedooropenedtothepenthousejustthenandshewasabletohideherflamingcheeks

fromhimastheywalkedtoherhalfofthetopfloor.Shepulledherkeycardoutofherbagandopenedthe
door.

SheappreciateditwhenMarcusdidn’tmakeabigdealoutofhownicetheroomwas.Italwaysmade

heruncomfortablewhenpeopleallbutaskedwhathernetworthwas.

Thethirtyminutessincethey’dleftthedancestudioseemedlikehoursagonow.Shefeltawkwardand

unsureofherselfagain.“I’mallickyfromrehearsal.Ishouldprobablygotakeashower.”

Marcusshutthedoorbehindherandlockedit.Whenhelookedather,hiseyesheldnoneoftheir

earlierlaughterfromdiscussingtheirfamilies.

Now,therewasonlyheat...andsomuchdesireittookherbreathaway.
“Comehere,Nicola.”
Shedidn’tmoveamuscle.Shecouldn’t.“ButIshould—”
“Noshowers.Notyet.Notwithoutme."
Hepaused,lethiswordsregister,thepromiseinthem,thevisionofactuallytakingashowertogether,

ofbeingsoapedupandallwetwithhim,doingcrazythingstoherinsides.

Sheknewhemustbeabletoreadherreactiononherface,buthedidn’tsayanythingelse,hesimply

stoodrightwherehewasbythedoorandwaitedforhertocometohim.

Shecoulddothis.Ofcourseshecould.Justputonefootinfrontoftheotherandaslongasherheart

didn’texplodefrompoundingsofast,she’dbefine.

Withherlegsasshakyasthey’dbeenthatveryfirsttimeshe’dstoodupinfrontofathousandpeople,

shebegantheslowwalktowardMarcus.

ChapterNine

MarcuswasaheartbeatawayfrompickingNicolaup,throwingheronthebed,andtakingher.It

nearlykilledhimtoholdback,towatchherslowlymoveacrossthecarpetedfloortowardhim.

Shewasnervous,thesamewayshe’dbeenlastnightwhenthey’dgotteninthecab.Shehadsuch

incrediblesexappeal—thevideorehearsalconfirmedthatsheclearlyknewhowtousehersexualityto
whipheraudienceintoafrenzy—sohernervesdidn’tmakesensetoMarcus.Butsecondslater,heforgot
allaboutneedingthingstoaddup.

Whocaredaboutanythingbutgettingheroutofherclothes?
Hehadtoreachforher,hadtograbahandfulofhersweatshirtinhisfistandleandowntotakeher

sinfullyseductivemouthwithhis.Shemoanedagainsthismouthandheyankedhersweatshirtup.He
pulledbacktoliftitupandoverherhead.

NothingbutthinSpandexandcurvesawaitedhim.
“MyGod,you’rebeautiful.”
Sheblinkedupathim,herbigblueeyessofternow,morearousedthanworried.“Thankyou.”
Hadn’tsheheardathousandtimesoverbynowhowbeautifulshewas?Ifnotfromherfans,thenfrom

themenshe’dsharedherbedwith?Andyet,thewayshe’dsaid“Thankyou”hadbeensopure.Sohonest.

Asifhewerethefirstloverwhohadevertoldhershewasbreathtaking.
Againandagain,shesurprisedhim.First,whenshe’dsleptonhislapallnightlong.Andtheninthe

morning,whenshe’dwalkedintoSmith’skitchen,herprettyfacecleanofmakeup,lookingyoungand
freshandridiculouslyinnocent,despitetheleatherdressshestillwore.Andjustafewminutesagowhen
she’dbeengenuinelyinterestedinthosekidsdownstairswho’dwantedherautograph.

Theleastimportantsurpriseofall,herealizednow,wasthefactthatshewasafamouspopstar.
Hehadexpectedtowanther.Buthehadn’texpectedtolikeherthismuch.Inthewakeofbreakingup

withJill,hehadn’texpectedtofeelanythingforawomanbeyonddesire.

Growingthreadsofemotiontuggedonthetenuousholdhehadonhiscontrol,threateningtosnapit.

Marcusknewthathe’dbetterdosomething,andquick,togetthenightbackontrack.

Backonhistrack.
He’dalwaysbeendominantinthebedroom,enjoyingtakingcareofawoman’spleasureatleastas

muchashisown.Jillhadn’tlikedgivingupcontroltohim,though,andduringthetwoyearstheywere
together,theirsexlifehadbeenalmostcompletelyvanilla.

Hewasreadyforadifferentflavor.Andbasedontheheatthathadbeenbetweenthemsincethevery

firstmoment,hehadagoodfeelingthatNicolawas,too.

“Fornearlytwenty-fourhoursI’vebeenimaginingyouwithoutanyclotheson.”
Sheshiveredagainsthimashecuppedherstunningfaceinhishandsandkissedher,longandslow,

takingthetime—finally—tolearnthecornersandcrevassesofhersweetmouth.Shetrembledwhenhe
dippedhistongueintothecornerswhereherupperandlowerlipscametogether,thengavealowmoanas
henippedherlowerlipbetweenhisteethandsuckeditinside.

Withoutgivingheranywarning,hemovedhishandsfromherfacetothebottomofherthintanktop

andpulleditupoverherhead.Shestartedtocoverherbreastsandhestoppedherhandswithhis.

“No."
Hereyesweredilatedandherbreathwascomingfastasheslidhisfingersthroughhers.
“Idon’twantyoutohideyourselffromme."
Fromwherehewasholdingherhands,hecouldfeelherswiftintakeofbreath—alongwithherrapid

heartbeat.

“TakeastepbacksothatIcanlookatyou.”
Hecouldseehowuncertainshewas,butitonlymadehimmoredeterminedtopushpastit.Hecould

scentherarousal,knewhowmuchshewantedhim.Heneededtoknowhowshewouldrespondtohis
naturalsexuality,totheinnatedominancehe’dcontrolledfortoolong.

“Now,kitten.”
Hereyesflaredwithsurprise—andheat—attheendearmentevenasshetookastepback.Butas

Marcusmadehimselfletgoofherhands,Nicolablushedfuriously.

FromwhathecouldrecallofseeingflashesofheronTVandpicturesonmagazinecovers,heknew

sheoftenworenexttonothingonstage.Andyet,ifhedidn’tknowbetter,hewouldswearshe’dnever
gottennakedwithanotherman.Shewasthatshy.

“Showmehowbeautifulyouare,Nicola.”Hedidn’tunderstandwhythiswassohardforher,but

sinceitobviouslywas,heinstinctivelysoftenedhisvoice.Hewasgentle,soothing,asheurgedher,
“Showmehowmuchyouwantthis.Howmuchyouwantme.”

Thesilencethrobbedbetweenthemforalongwhileuntil—finally—shedroppedherhandsfromher

chest...andthehitoflustthatknockedintohimnearlytookhimdowntohiskneesonthecarpetedfloorof
herpenthousesuite.

Butevenashewasonthevergeoflosinghismindoverherbeautifulbody,herealizedthatshewas

shaking.

“You’renotscaredofme,areyou?”
Sheshookherhead.“No.”Butthewayshedroppedhergazefromhisandloweredherheadgavehim

anentirelydifferentanswer.

“YouandI,”hesaidashemovedclosertotipherchinupwithhisfingertipssothatshehadtolookat

him,“wewon’teverlietoeachother."

Again,itwasn’taquestion.Itwassimplyatruththathadtobe.
Whenshenoddedheragreement,heaskedagain,“Areyouafraidofwhat’shappeningbetweenus

tonight?”

“I’mnotafraidofyou.Ijust—”Shemadeamovetore-coverherbreastswithherhandsandwhenhe

tooktheminhistostopheronceagain,sheonlyshookharder.

“Tellmewhyyou’rescared,kitten.”
Butinsteadoftellinghim,shesaid,“Whydoyoukeepcallingmethat?”
Despitehowbadlyhewantedher,despitethefactthathewasworkinglikehelltoreininthecaveman

inside,hefoundhimselfsmiling.“Becausethat’showyousleptonmylap.Likeacontentedkitten.”

Hereyessoftenedandhertremblingstopped.“Iwanttorubmyselfalloveryoulikeone,”she

whisperedshyly.

Ohyes,hewantedtofeelallthosesoft,smoothcurvesslidingagainsthim.Butifshedidthathe’dbe

agoner.Andshehadn’tyettoldhimwhyshe’dbeentrembling.

“Iwantyoutodothat,too,”hetoldher,“butfirstIwantyoutotellmewhat’swrong.”
“Ihaven’t—”Shestopped,tookadeepbreathbeforeadmitting,“It’sbeenawhileforme.”
Ah,thatexplainedwhyshewassonervous.“We’lltakeitslow,”hepromisedherinahuskyvoice.

“Slowandeasy.”

“Okay,”shesaidandthetrustinhereyesnearlyundidhim.“ButwhatifIwantfastandhard,too?"
Inaninstant,thethinthreadsofhiscontrolsnappedasheliftedherintohisarms.
Abed.Hejustneededtogethertoabedandthenhecouldstop,think,planwhathewasgoingtodo

withher.

Hewasalmosttherewhensheshiftedsothatherfacewassoftlypressingintohisneck.Hecouldfeel

herwarmbreath,andthenherlipsmovingalongthecordsthatrandowntohisshoulders.Butitwasthe
softlickofhertongueagainsthisskin,followedbyanipofherteeth,thatbrokehim.

Barelytwofeetfromthebed,hebenthisheadandtookoneofherbreastsinhismouth.
Shewassosweet,andsoresponsive.Hefelthisholdonsanityloosenasshemoanedhisnameandhe

hadtoshiftherweightsothatherotherbreastwasthereforhimtosuckleon,too.

Knowinghe’dneverexperiencedanythingaseroticasthewayherbodyrespondedtohistouch,

Marcusmadehimselfmovethosefinalfeettothebed,andloweredthembothsothathewassittingonthe
edgeofthemattress.Herfingerswereinhishairnow,herneckarchedbacksothatshecouldgivehim
betteraccesstoherbreasts.Heknewifhelefthertheretosquirmandwigglearoundonhislap,hewas
goingtoexplodebeforehewasanywhereneargettinginsideher.

HeliftedhismouthfromNicola’ssoftskinjustlongenoughtorepositionhersothatshewasstanding

betweenhisspreadthighs.Herlegswereunsteadyandheheldontoherhips,movinghersmallbutcurvy
frameintojusttherightplace.

Herhandsstayedinhishair,andthedesperatelittlesoundsshewasmakingashelickedandsucked

andnippedathersensitivefleshhadhimsuddenlywantingthenighttobesomuchlongerthanjusta
handfulofhours.

ChapterTen

Nicolahadneverfeltthisoutofcontrol.Herbrain,herbody,noneofitwasconnectedtogether

anymore.BetweenMarcus’skissesandhishandsonherskin...shelostholdofeverythingthatheldher
downtoearthasinonesmoothmoveheslidhershortsandthongoffsothatshewascompletelynaked.

Ashedraggedhermouthdowntohisforanothersoul-changingkiss,herhandsautomaticallywentto

hispantstostartunbuttoningandunzippingsothatshecouldgethimnaked,too.

Oneofhisbighandscoveredbothofhers.“Notyet.Notuntilyoucomeforme."
Stillholdingherhand,shewasmorethanalittleshockedwhenheslidbothoftheirfingersbetween

herthighs.

“Tellmehowitfeels,”hesaidinalowvoice.
“Good.”Shecouldbarelybreathe.“Sogood.”
Herthighswereshakingandheheldhersteadywithhisfreehandashehadthemrubtheircombined

fingersoverherarousedflesh.

“Marcus."
Shegaspedouthisnameasjoltsofpleasurezippedthroughher.Hiseyesflaredwithlustasplit

secondbeforeheleanedforwardandcapturedoneofherbreastsinhismouthagain.Shewhimperedher
pleasureashehadthempressingharderandhardercircleswiththeirfingers.Shewasrightthere,shewas
soclose,sheheldherbreathas—

“Justmyhandnow.”
Shebarelyregisteredhiswordsbeforehewaslettingherhandgo.
“Comeforme.Iwanttoseeit.Iwanttofeelyouexplode.”
OhGod,shewantedto,andhisnaughtywordshadherclenchingonhiminamini-orgasm.Shewasso

close,buttheclosershegotthemoreherlegsshook.Shewantedtorelaxalltheway,tostopbeingsoshy,
tofullygiveintoallthewonderfulthingsMarcuswasmakingherfeel,butonethoughtkeptstoppingher.

IfsheembracedthiswildnesswithMarcus,didthatmeanshereallywasthewildslutKennyhad

paintedhertobe?

Asifhe’dfeltherhesitation,Marcusmovedhishandfrombetweenherlegs.Sheopenedhermouthto

protest,butbeforeshecould,hewasliftingherfromthefloorsothathewaslyingbackonthebedand
shewasstraddlinghimonherknees.

Hishandsstrokedherbackandsherealizedthathewasgoingtobetruetohisword.
Slowandeasy.
Andthatwaswhensherealizeditdidn’tmatterwhattheworldthoughtofher.Rightnow,inbedwith

Marcus,allthatmatteredwaswhatshewasfeeling.Allthatmatteredwastheintensepleasurethathe’d
alreadygivenher.

Bendingovertokisshim,hertonguemethiswildly,herdesperationmakingthekisssointenseitwas

onthevergeofbeingrough.

Somewhereintheirkiss,sherealizedhe’dslidhishandbackbetweenherlegs.Alow,pleasured

moanescapedherassherealizedthispositionmadeiteasierforhertorockagainsthishand.

“More,”shebegged.
“Notyet,”hetoldher,butshecouldtellfromtherawtenorofhiswordsthathewantedtogiveher

morejustasmuchasshewantedtoreceiveit.

Sheliftedherheadupsothatshecouldlookintohiseyes.“Please,Marcus.”Shefeltasobofneed

riseupinherassheworkedtodrivehimdeeper.

Shewatchedhimwarwithhimself,amusclejumpinginhischiseledjaw,andthenhefinallygaveher

whatshewanted.Andasherinnermusclestightenedonhim,hewhispered,“Kissme,”abreathbeforehe
tangledthefingersofhisotherhandinherhairandtookhermouthwithhis.

Ahundredwonderfulsensationsblurred,andashemovedhisfreehandtocupherbreasts,shefeltit

coming.Pleasureasbigasatidalwave.Sobigshedidn’tthinkshecouldhandleit.

No,sheknewshecouldn’thandleit.
Shebroketheirkissandwasputtingherhandsflatonhischesttotryandpullaway,whenhisvoice

brokethroughherpanic.“Nicola.Lookatme.I’mrightherewithyou.”

Shesomehowmanagedtofocusonhimaswaveafterwaveofpleasurestartedtobreakoverher,

throughher,insideofher.

Andwhenhewhispered,“Letgoforme,”thewayhewaswatchingher,asifhe’dneverseenanything

asbeautiful—asmesmerizingandmagical—inhisentirelife,wasthefinalkeythelockonherbody
neededtobreakallthewayapart.

***

NeverinhislifehadMarcusbeenwithawomanthismadeforpleasure,whocamewithsuchwild

abandon.

Sweetlord,heneverwantedittoend.Heneverwantedtoforgetthewayshepulledawayfromtheir

kisssothathersweat-slickenedbodycouldbuckandarchoverhisasshecontinuedtorideouther
release.Heneverwantedtoforgetthedesperatelittlesoundsshemadeasshekissedhim,gaspsthat
turnedintomoans.Heneverwantedtoforgetthebeautifulsoundsofherbeggingformoreofhistouches,
hiskisses,forhimtotakeherallthewayovertheedge.

Buthealreadyknewhewouldneverforgetthosesounds,theincrediblesightofthemostbeautifulgirl

intheworldlosingherselftopleasureinhisarms.

Finally,shestilledabovehim,hertautmusclesnowlooseandpliant,herheaddroppingtohischest.

Shewaspantingandhecouldfeelherlungsworkinghardtopullinairasshelayacrosshim.Eventhough
hewasstillfullyclothed—androckhard—helovedthewayshecurledandnuzzledagainsthim.

Still,he’dhavetoletherrecoverfromthatorgasmanothertime.Becausehewasn’tevencloseto

beingfinishedworshippingher.She’dhavetherestofherlifetorecoverfromtonight.Theybothwould.

Fromnowuntilthesuncameup,shewashis.
Givinghernowarning,heflippedherontoherbackandroseoverherstunninglybeautifulnaked

body.

Sheblinkedupathim,hergazemomentarilyfuzzy.Butthenshesmiledandsaid,“You’rewearingtoo

manyclothes."

Herhandsmovedfromaroundhisnecktothebuttonsofhisshirtassheworkedtoundothem.Thesoft

touchofherfingersskimmingacrosshischesthadhisheartpoundingevenfaster.Hertonguecameoutto
lickherupperlipassheconcentratedonundressinghimandhecouldn’tpossiblyhavestoppedhimself
frombendingdowntotasteit.

Assoonashistonguetouchedhers,sheopenedhermouthforhimandthatsimpleneedtotasteher

tonguebecameanothersoul-destroyingkiss.

Hecouldhavekissedherlikethatforever,hadthesoundoffabricrippingnotsurprisedhiminto

pullingback.She’drippedhisshirtapartandwherethebuttonshadn’tbeenabletocomeundonefast
enough,thecottonhadactuallyshredded.

Thenextthingheknew,shewasdroppinghisrippedshirtfromherclenchedfistsandrunningher

handsoverhisabs.Herhandsonhisbareskinweregood.Sodamngood.Butheshouldhaveknownit
wasgoingtogetevenbetter,becauseasplitsecondlater,sheleaneduptonipathischest.Hismuscles
twitchedbeneathherteethashertonguecameouttolavethesmallbite.

“I’veneverwantedanyonelikethis,”shewhisperedagainsthischestasshepressedonenaughtykiss

afteranotheracrosshisskinwhileherhandsmovedlower.

Hesuckedinabreathbetweenhisteethassheclosedherpalmaroundhim,firsttentatively,growing

bolderasshefelthimthickenevenfurtherinsideherwarmclasp.Grittinghisteethagainsttheintense
pleasureofhercaresses,hemadehimselfremindher,“Slowandeasy,sothatIdon’thurtyou.”

Hergazeflewtohis.“Youwouldneverhurtme.”
Hertrustinhimlandedstraightinthecenterofhischest,inaplacehe’dthoughtwasclosedoffforthe

foreseeablefuture.Itwasthesameplacethathadreactedwhenshe’dfallenasleeponhislap,whenshe’d
appearedshyandfresh-facedinthekitchen,whenshe’dbeenlaughingwiththeboyandgirlwholoved
hermusic.

Hedidn’tknowhowshewasdoingit,howshewasmanagingtogetinunderhisskin,hisbones,all

thewaydowntoaheartthatknewbetter.HeshouldhavebeenlookingatherasNicothepopstar.He
shouldhavebeenremindinghimselfthatshewasgoingtomoveonaftertonightandforgetabouthim
amidstherworldofflashbulbsandadoringfans.

Shedidn’tneedhim.Notpastthisonenight,inanycase.
Marcuswouldneverforgivehimselfifheendedthenightneedingher.
Morethanalittleangrywithhimselfforanendingthatwasstartingtoseemmoreinevitablebythe

second,heabruptlymovedawayfromthebedtostepoutofhispants.Heneededafewsecondsofnot
touchinghertogethisbraintostartfunctioningproperlyagain.

Hereyeswidened.“You’rebeautiful,Marcus.”
Heknewhehadagoodphysiqueandplentyofwomenhadlookedathimlikethisbefore,butithad

neveraffectedhimsostrongly.Maybebecausenoonehadeverlookedupathimwithsuchwonder.

Orsuchtrust.

***

Nicolacouldn’tdoanythingbutstare.
Hisbody,hismuscles—hisincrediblybeautifulface—madeamockeryofanysculptureRodinhad

evermade.

Andeventhoughshe’dknownhewasbig,withouthisclothesonhewashuge,hismusclesripplingas

ifhedidmanuallaborforaliving.

Somewhereinthere,sherealizedhe’dslidacondomonandwassaying,“JustbecauseI’veputthis

ondoesn’tmeanwehavetodoanythingthatyou’renotreadyfor.”

She’dlovedfollowinghisleadtonight,butnotifitmeanthewasgoingtoleaveoutofsomestrange

senseofhonorbecauseshe“wasn’tready”tobewithamanlikehim.Shedidn’tlikehowhewasstill
standingbesidethebed,hishandsinfistsasifhewastryinghisbestnottotouchheragain.

Nicoladidn’twaitanothersecond—couldn’triskwaitingforhimtochangehismind—beforemoving

offthebedtojumpintohisarms,herarmsaroundhisneck,herlegsaroundhiswaist.Looseningherarms
alittlebit,sheletgravityhelphersinkdownontohim.

“No,Nicola,notlikethis.Notyet.”
Buthisbodywassayingtheexactoppositeofhiswordsashishandscamearoundtocupherbottom

andhishipsstartedmovinginaslowmotionguaranteedtoeasemoreofherinsideofhim.Shegasped
andherheadfellbackasshelockedheranklestightertogetherbehindhishipstotryandpullhimin
closer,deeper.

“AmIhurtingyou?”Hisraw,roughwordsreverberatedagainstherneck,histeethscrapingagainst

herpulsepointbeforeshecouldanswer.

Shewantedtotellhimno,hewasn’thurtingher,becausesheknewthatwaswhathewantedtohear.

Butshe’dpromisedtotellhimthetruthtonight.Sheliftedherheadtolookintohiseyes.

“Alittle.Butit’sagoodpain.Iwantmoreofit.Moreofyou.”

Beforehecouldtellhertheyneededtostop,shepressedhermouthtohisandkissedhim,hertongue

wildagainsthis,thelittlebitofpainreboundingbackintoshockingpleasure.

Soon,shewaslyingonthebedbeneathhimagain,sweatdrippingdownfromhischestontohersashe

workedtokeephimselfstillaboveher.Theirmouthscameapartandshelookedupathim,marvelingyet
againathowgorgeoushewas,hismuscular,tannedchestimpossiblybeautiful,hisarmsstrong,hiships
narrow.

“Slower,”heraspedout.“Weneedtogoslower.”
Shewantedtheexactopposite.Shewasbeyondreadyforfastandcrazy.Shewantedtoknowwhatit

wouldbelikeforMarcustolosecontrolwithher...andtoknowthatshewastheonewhohaddonethatto
him.Shewantedtomakehimforgeteverything—everythingexcepthowmuchheneededher,wantedher,
hadtohaveher.

Becausethatwashowshefeltabouthim.
Andshedidn’twanttobetheonlyonewhoneeded,wanted,cravedlikethat.
“Idon’twantslow,”shetoldhim.“Ijustwantyou.Allofyou.”
Shebuckedherhipsuphardintohis,forcinghimtogivehermore,andshecouldn’tholdinhergasp

attheshockingfullnessofhisbodyenteringhers.Orthefactthatwitheveryinchhemoveddeeper,she
feltlikehewasowningnotjustherbody,butapieceofhersoulthatshe’dneverknownwasavailableto
anyone.

“There’snogoingbacknow.”
“Idon’twanttogoback,”shewhispered.Howcouldshe,whenMarcuswashereveryfantasycome

tolife?

Butthatdidn’tmeanshewasn’tscaredknowingjusthowthoroughlyhewasgoingtopossessher.A

possessionthatwouldn’tjustbephysical,despitetherulesthey’dsetupfortheironenighttogether.

Shereachedforhim,putherarmsaroundhisneck.“Ilikeyou,Marcus.Ilikeyousomuch.”
Hebenthishead,kissedhersoftlybeforesaying.“Ilikeyou,too.”
Andthenhewasrearingupoverher,herhandsslidingfromaroundhisnecktothefrontofhischestas

hebracedhisweightonhiskneesandgrippedherhipstopositionhimselfbetweenherthighs.Shegasped
ashepulledoutandthenfilledherinonesmoothstroke.

Hiseyesweredangerouslydark.“Youlikethat,too,don’tyou?”
“Mmm.”Shecouldn’tanswer,couldn’tgetherlipstoformthewordsforhowmuchshelikedit,but

herbodywasdoingafinejobofansweringhim,rockingbeneathhislong,hardthrusts.

Shecouldfeelanotherclimaxbuilding,growing,takingherovercellbycellandtheoncomingorgasm

hithersoharditknockedalloftheremainingbreathfromherlungs.

“OhGod,Marcus.Please.Ineedyouhere.”
Herfranticwords,herunplannedplea,musthavebeenmagic,becauseinaninstant,allofthecontrol

thathe’dworksohardtoholdontowasgone.

Hepoundedintoherwithnoregardforhurtingher,withoutathoughttowhethershecouldwithstand

theforceofhislovemaking.

And,oh,howshelovedit.
Howshelovedtobeinthemiddleofthehurricanewithhimashespunthembothhigherandtighter.

Soundsechoedthroughthelargebedroom,hispraiseforhowbeautifulshewas,howperfect,alongwith
hermoans,gasps,yes,evenscreamsofpleasure.Andevenwhensheexpectedthepleasuretoend—it
couldn’tgoonforeverlikethis,couldit?—Marcuscontinuedtorockwithher,hishandmovingbetween
herlegs.

“Givemeonemore,”heurgedher,andshewaswonderinghowheknewtherewasalittlebitleft

insideofherstill,whenshefeltitwashoverher,anotherwaveofpleasure,lessintensethistime,butstill
sogood,shehadtoreachforhimandpullhimdownoverhersothatshecouldkisshim.

Theirkisswaslaziernow,slowerintheaftermathofallthatpassionandintenseneed,andsheloved

thewayhistonguestrokedagainsthers.

Alittlewhilelater,heshiftedthemsothathewasonhisbackandshewaslyinghalfonthebed,half

sprawledacrosshim.Somewhereinthereshefelthimshifttoremovethecondom,butthankfullyhewas
reachingforherandpullingherbackagainsthimahandfulofsecondslater,herheadonhischest,with
therestofherbodycurledoverandaroundhisveryhardmuscles.

Nicolacouldn’trememberthelasttimeshefeltthistired...orthisgood.Andyet,ifshesleptnow,

knowingitwasalloverinthemorning,herdreamswouldbeunsettled.Upsetdespitehowamazingher
nightwithMarcushadbeen.

Andthetruthwas,hadshebeenmoreawake,morelucid,sheneverwouldhaveasked,“Howabout

twonightsinsteadofone?”

Theperfectwaytheyfittogether,thewayhepulledhercloserandstrokedhishandoverherhair,was

heranswer.Nolongerneedingtostayawake,Nicolaletherselfrelaxallthewayintosleep.

***

Holyhell.
Marcusstaredattheceiling,thebrightlightsofdowntownSanFranciscoshininginthroughthesheer

curtainsonthewindows.

He’dalwayslovedsex,butwhathadjusthappenedwithNicolatonight...itwaswaybeyondgoodsex.
Hismindwasn’tjustblown,hisbodywas,too.
Andnow,shewantedanothernight.
Ofcourse,hedid,too.Howcouldhenotwantarepeatofthemostspectacularsexofhislife,with

whathadtobethemostbeautiful,mostresponsivewomanhe’deverhadthepleasureofmakingloveto?

Butthatwasjusttheproblem.
Itshouldhavebeenmindlesssex.Itshouldhavebeennothingbutpleasure,nothingbutcheckingoff

oneorgasmafteranother.

Nicolashiftedagainsthim,hersoftcurvesarousinghimwhenheshouldhavebeenlongpastthepoint

ofnoreturn,atleastforagoodthirtyminutesorso.

Maybeifhewasn’tthirty-sixyearsold;maybeifhehadn’tjustbeendeceivedbyawomanhe’d

thoughthewasgoingtomarry;maybeifhehadn’tjustbeenpartytosomethingsoextraordinaryitmade
hisgrointhrobwithrenewedneed...maybethenhecouldhavetoldhimselftheliehewantedtobelieve.

Butheknewbetterthantoeventry.
Becausetheundeniabletruthwasthatthenighthe’djustspentwithNicolahadbeenmorethanhe’d

bargainedfor.

Helikedher.Awholehellofalotmorethanhewascomfortablewith.Somehowallthevisionsof

herwiththosekidsattheelevator,hismemoryofthewayshe’dsleptonhislapandthenhadbeenso
sweetlynervousinhisbrother’skitchen,combinedwiththesexgoddessshe’dbeenallnightinbed,made
herseemlikehisversionoftheperfectwoman.

Ifonenightcouldtakehimthisfar,thenwhereonearthwouldhebeaftertwo?

ChapterEleven

Nicolawashavingthemostmarvelousdream.Shewasinadeliciouslycozybed,cuddledintoahard,

heatedwallofmuscle.Itwaspureinstincttoarchintothelargehandatherhip,inthehopesthatmore
wascoming.

RING!BUZZ!RING!BUZZ!RING!
Theloudsoundofacellphonejumpingonatabletopwasalmostimmediatelyjoinedbytheharsh

ringingofthehotel’sphoneonthebedsidetable,barelythreefeetfromNicola’shead.

Ohno!Shejumpedupinthebed,herheartpounding.
Howcouldshehaveforgottenabouthervideoshoot?
Shewasaheartbeatawayfromthrowingthecoversoffandrunningintothebathroomtotakethe

world’squickestshowerwhensherealizedthelargehandonherthighwasn’tadream.

Asthefinalvestigesofsleepclearedandeverythingcamefloodingbacktoher,shefoundherheart

beatinghardforareasonthathadnothingtodowithbeinglateforwork.

Shereachedforthesheetandpulleditupoverhernakedbody.Sheknewitdidn’treallymakesense

forhertodothatafterlastnight.Maybeitwashowflusteredshefeltwakingupsoabruptly.Maybeitwas
thatMarcuslookedimpossiblygorgeous,hisskintannedanddarkagainstthesnowywhitesheets.

Ormaybeitwassimplythatshewasn’tusedtowakingupinbedwithamanatall.
“I’mreallylateformyvideoshoot.Ican’tbelieveIforgottosetthealarm."
She’dmadeitapointtobeearlyforeverything,especiallysincethedebaclewithKennywhenher

reputationasawildpartygirlhadblownuparoundher.

Atherblurtedwords,Marcus’shandslidfromherskinandsheimmediatelymissedthewarmthofhis

touch.Heshiftedonthebedtositupaswell,onlyhewasn’tatallconcernedabouthisnudity.

Hewasbigandhardandforamomentherbrainforgotallaboutbusiness.Allshecouldthinkwas

howgooditwouldfeeltomakelovewithhimagain.

Andsheprobablywouldhavedonejustthat,hadhenotsaid,“It’smyfault.Ikeptyouuptoolatelast

night,eventhoughIknewyouneededtoworktoday.”

God,whydidtheirmorningsalwayshavetobesoawkward?Itdidn’thelpthatherphoneswouldn’t

stopringing.

“I’msorry,”shesaid,“IneedtogetthatrealquickjusttoletthemknowI’monmyway.”
Shegrabbedthephoneclosesttoherandsaid,“Hi.Sorry.”Shehadherfaceinherhandsasshesaid,

“Ioverslept.I’llbetherereallysoon."Shehungup.“ThatwasLori.Shesoundsreallyworriedabout—”

HerwordsfellawayasshenoticedthatMarcuswasn’tinthebedanymore,thathewasstandingon

theoppositesideoftheroomandhadalreadyputonhispants.Shewastheonewhoshouldhavebeen
dressedalreadyandheadingoutthedoor,butfromthelookonhisface,hewasclearlyplanningtobeat
hertoit.Shecouldalsoclearlyseefromhisstiffbodylanguagetotheregretonhisfacethathewanted
nothingmorethantowalkawayfromher,fromtheincrediblenightthey’dspenttogether.

Ofcourse,rightthen,shehadtorememberwhatshe’daskedhimbeforefallingasleepinhisarms:

“Howabouttwonightsinsteadofone?”

Nicola’sfirstreactionwastocringe,tofeellikeapatheticidiotforhavingaskedformoretimewith

him.Shepulledthesheetoffthebedtocoverherselfasshestoodtofacethemanwhohadbroughther
morepleasurethanshe’devenknownwaspossible.

Only,insteadoflettinghimleavebeforesheembarrassedherselfanyfurther,shequicklyreminded

herselfthateverythingshe’deverwanted,she’dgonefor.

Despitehowharditwas,howpotentiallymortifying,despitethehugepotentialhittoherpride,she

knewdeepinsidethatsheandMarcushadsharedsomethingspecial.Notjustthesex,butthosesweet
momentsofconnection,too.

Shewasn’twillingjusttoletitallend.Shewasn’twillingtoletherselfbepleasuredandleftlike

this.

Whichwaswhysherefusedtoletthenervouspaceofherheartbeatkeepherfrommovingacrossthe

roomtohim.Hiseyesdarkenedasshecamecloser,themusclesinhisrigidjawjumpingasthesheet
slippedfurtherdownonherchest.

Sheknewshecoulddropthesheetandgetwhatshewanted,thathisreactiontohernakedcurveswas

almostguaranteed.Anditwastempting,sotempting,tobeconsumedbyhisflamesofdesireallover
againthatshealmostdidjustthat.

Only,somethingheldherback—thatvoiceinherheadthatsaidshewantedhisdecisiontospend

anothernightwithhertobemorethanjustthefactthathewantedherbodybeneathhisagain.

Not,ofcourse,thatshecouldseeanypossiblefuturebeyondthenextfewdayswithMarcus.Hewas

allwrongforher—abusinessmanwhowassurelyinthemarketforawifeandkidsintheverynear
future.Andshewasallwrongforhim—apopstarwhowasonaplanemoredaysthanshewasn’t.

Andyet,therewasemotiontherebetweenthem.Evenintheclubthatfirstnight,somethingspecial

hadpulsedbetweenthemamidsttheloudmusicandstrangers.Goodorbad,theartistinhersimply
couldn’thelpbutwanttouncovermoreofit,justasshedoveintotheemotionsofeverysongshe’dever
written.

Whenshewasstandingbarelyafootfromhim,shesaid,“Ilovedlastnight.”Shemadeherselfhold

hisdark,incrediblyintensegaze.“Ilovedeverythingaboutbeingwithyou.”

Nicolamovedcloserbeforehecouldrespondandreacheduptofeatherherfingertipsoverthevery

sexystubblethatcoveredhisjaw.Justthatsmalltouchhadherfeelingasifelectricitywascoursing
throughherveins.

“I’mgoingtobeintownforacouplemorenightsforthevideoshoottodayandaconcertonSaturday

night."

Shewantedtopressherselfagainsthim,wantedtoputherlipsonhis.Butsheneededtofinishwhat

she’dstartedfirst,neededtomakesurethatshegotmorethanjustacouplemorestolenkissesoutof
Marcus.

Remindingherselfthatdirecthadalwaysbeenherbestoption,whetherinbusinessorsongwriting—

andhopingthatitwouldbethesamenow,withthemostbeautifulmanshe’deverknownstandingbefore
her—shesaid,“WhileI’mhere,I’dliketospendmoretimewithyou,Marcus.Nostringsforeitherofus.
Justmoreofthis."

Shewentuponhertoesandsoftlypressedherlipstohis,knowingshe’ddoneeverythingshecould,

thatshe’dbeencompletelyhonestwithhim.

Nowallshecoulddowaswaitforhimeithertoagree...orsaygoodbye.

***

Marcus’smindwasmadeup.
ThisthinghewasdoingwithNicola—hell,itwasn’tevenaone-nightstandanymore,since

technicallythey’dspanneditoutovertwonightsalready—couldn’tgoanywhere.

Yes,physicallytheywereperfecttogether.Hewasn’tgoingtolietohimselfandsaythathe’dever

hadaspowerfulaphysicalconnectionwithanyotherwomanintwentyyears.Whathadhappenedlast
nightwithNicolawentsofarbeyondanyresponsehe’deverhadtoawomanthathewasstillreeling
fromit.

Itwasnearlyimpossibletotryandforcehisbrain—andbody—beyondthatphysicalperfection,

especiallywhenshewasstandingthereinfrontofhim,sunlightstreaminginthroughthesheercurtainsto
outlinehercurvesbeneaththesheetshehadlooselywrappedaroundhernakedbody.

Buthealreadyknewthatacouplemoredayswithherwouldbetoodangerous,toopotent...andhe

didn’twanttobreakherheart.Notwhenheknewhowsweetshewas,howinnocent.

Hedidn’tunderstandwhyshelookedathimwithsuchtrustinhereyes,andsuchhope.Maybeitwas

becausehewasanoveltytoher,becausehisclean-cutbusinesspersonawasachangefromallthefamous
peopleshesurelyhungoutwithmostofthetime.Butgiventhatthingshadn’tworkedoutwithJill,who
he’dthoughtwantedthesamethingsoutoflifehedid,therewasnodoubtinhismindthatarelationship
definitelywouldn’tworkoutwithayoungpopstarwhowouldquicklytireofhimandwanttogetbackto
hernormalglitzylife.

Asmartmanwouldgetoutbeforehegotburned.AnduntilJill,Marcushadalwayspridedhimselfon

beingsmart,onmakingtherightdecisions,eveniftheyweren’teasyones.

Nicolawatchedhimcarefullyasthoughtspingedaroundinsidehishead.He’dlearnedtoreadher

wellenoughaftertwonightsandtwomorningstogetherandhecouldseethatshewasnervousabouthis
response.Afterall,yesterdaywhenshe’daskedhimforanothernight,hehadn’tlettemptationswayhim.
Notuntilhe’dseenheragainandrealizedthatonehotnightofsexwithherwasinevitable,asinevitable
asthefactthatitcouldnevergobeyondthat.

Herphonesallstartedringingagainandheknewitwastimetosaygoodbye.
Butinsteadofthewordsheplannedonsaying,thewordsheknewheshouldbesayingtoenditwith

heronceandforall,somehowhefoundhimselfreachingouttoputahandonherlowerbacktodragher
closer.

Shereleasedalong,pent-upbreathasheslidhisotherhandthroughhersofthairtocupherskull.At

last,heloweredhismouthtoherstotakethekisshe’dwantedforhoursasshe’dsleptsopeacefully,
sweetlyspoonedintohiminherbigbed.Shewoundherarmsaroundhisneckandsighedagainsthislips
asthesoftpressureoftheirlipsquicklyragedintoanout-of-controldanceoftonguesandteethand
moans.

Yes,theendwasinevitable,MarcusthoughtashedrankinNicola’spassion,herinnatesensuality.But

everythingthatcamebeforethatendpromisedtobesoincredible,somind-blowing,thateventhoughhe
shouldn’tlethimselfjustifywhattheyweredoingasjustacouplemoredays,hecouldn’tturnawayfrom
it,couldn’twalkawayfromher.

Notyet.
Heliftedhismouthfromhers,butdidn’tletgoofher.“I’vegottoheadbacktoNapatotakecareof

somethings,but—”Hehadtostoptopressakisstoherforehead,whichhadbeguntofurrowthemoment
he’dsaidhewasleaving.“—I’llcomebacktonight.”

Hersmilewasbrighterthanthesunandjustlookingatallthathappiness—happinesshewas

responsiblefor—suddenlymadehimfeellikehecoulddoanything,takeonanychallenge,ifitmeant
makingNicolathathappy.

Still,heknewhehadtoreiterate,“Nostrings.”
Hethoughthersmilemighthavedimmedalittlebit,butwhenshesaid,“I’mdefinitelynotlookingfor

arelationship,”hedecideditmusthavebeenhisimagination.

Evenashewonderedwhyshewasn’tgameforanythingmoreserious,hegladlytoldher,“Good.I’ll

keepyourkeyandcomestraightherewhenI’mdonetakingcareofbusiness.”Hepressedonemoresoft
kisstoherlipsbeforesaying,“You’dbettergetreadytogoshootthatvideo."

Asshereluctantlylefthisarms,neitherofthemrealizedhewasstandingonthesheetuntilitslipped

allthewayoffherbody.

Obviouslysurprisedbyhersuddennudity,sheinstinctivelytriedtocoverherselfwithherhands.

Marcusknewtheydidn’thavetimetofoolaround,thathervideoshootwaslikelyhemorrhagingmoney
everyminuteshewasn’tthere,buthewantedhertounderstandsomething.

“Whilewe’retogether,Iwantyourbodytobeasmuchmineasitisyours."

Shewasalreadyblushing,butathiswords,theflushspreadfromhercheekstoherchestandoverthe

swellofherbreasts.Foralongmoment,shestoodjustasshewas,tryingtohidehernakednessfromhim.
Andthen,onadeep,bravebreath,sheslowlyloweredherhandstohersides,andsaid,“Iwantthat,too.”

Knowinghewasteeteringonthesharpedgeofcontrol,hesaid,“Gotakeyourshower.”
Foramoment,itlookedasifshewouldtrytoarguewithhim.Buteventhougheverylastcellinhis

bodywantedtograbher,throwheronthebed,andtakeher,herespectedhercareerenoughto,instead,
turnfromhertoreachforhisshirt.

Heheardherpaddingacrosstheplushcarpetingtothebathroomandforcedhimselftopushawaythe

tasteofhersweetmouthstilllingeringonhislips.

“Marcus?"
Hesteeledhimselftoholdontohiscontrolforafewmoresecondsbeforeturningtolookatherover

hisshoulder.Shewasimpossiblybeautiful,standingintheshowerstall,herhandontheknobasshe
preparedtoturniton.

“Idon’tknowifIcanwaitfortonight.”
Thewatercameonamomentlater,andhisbrainwasinstantlyreducedtospeechlessmushashe

watchedhertiltherheadbacksothatthewaterpouredoverher.

Forgetstayingincontrol.Heneededheronemoretimebeforeheleft.
Secondslaterhisclotheswereoffandhewasputtingonacondomandclimbingintotheshowerstall

withher.“Tease,”hegrowled.

Shesmiledasshewrappedherhandsaroundhisneckandliftedherselfsothatshecouldwrapher

legsaroundhiswaist.“Youloveit.”

“Ishouldn’t,”headmittedinaroughvoiceashemovedthemsothatherbackwasbracedagainstthe

tiledwallandhecouldusehishandstocupherbreasts,swallowinghergaspofpleasurewithhiskiss,
“butIdo.”

Everythingshe’ddonesincehe’dmetherintheclubhadteasedhissensestothepointwherehis

controlhadshatteredmorethanoncewithher.Somewhereinthebackofhisbrain,avoicetoldhimhe
neededtobegentlewithherafterthewayhe’dtakenherthenightbefore,buthisbodywastoofarahead
tobestoppednow.

“Nicola,Ican’twait.I’msorry.”Hecouldhearhisvoiceasiffromagreatdistance,amanpleading

forforgiveness,butnotbeingabletostophimselffromtakingwhatheneeded,evenifshecouldn’t
possiblybereadytotakehimyet.

Butthenshewassaying,“Ican’twait,either,”anditwasasiftheGoswitchhadbeenflippedon,a

brightgreenthatblindedhim,thatmadeitimpossibleforhimtodoanythinglesstakeherfully.
Completely.

Herbodywelcomedhisasifshe’dbeenmadetosurroundhim.Shewasinsuchgoodshapeandso

strongassheheldontohimthathedidn’tneedtoholdherupatall,leavinghishandsfreetocoverher
breastsashishipsdroveintohers.Hismouthdevouredhersandshedevouredhimrightbackuntilshe
droppedherheadbackagainstthetileonagaspofpleasurethatechoedagainstthewallsoftheshower.

“Ohyes,please,justlikethat,”sheurgedhim.
Needingtogetcloser,needingtobeasdeepwithinherwetheatashecould,Marcusgrippedherhips

inhishandsandtookherashardashe’dwantedtolastnight,hardenoughthathopefullyhecouldmakeit
throughanentiredaywithouthavingtoshowupathervideoshootanddragheroffintoanemptyroomto
takeher.

Shesobbedhisnameasshecameand,God,howhelovedthewaysheclimaxedwithherentirebody,

everymuscletighteningassherodeitoutbeforegoingcompletelyloose.

Hewantedtobecompletelylucidforherorgasm,didn’twanttomissonesecondofit,buthejust

didn’thavethatkindofcontrolaroundher,andhehadtotakehermouthagaininanotherbruisingkissas

hefoundhisownrelease.Justasithadthenightbefore,hisorgasmseemedtosetoffanothersetofsparks
withinherbody,strongenoughthatshewaswhimperingagainsthislips,silentlybegginghimtohelpher
getoverthesecondpeak.

Marcusslidhishandbetweenherlegs.Hereyesflewopenasherbodyinstantlyrespondedtothe

directsensualcontactofhisfingertipsonthecenterofherarousal.

Heliftedhismouthfromhers,knowingjustwhatsheneeded,rememberingsoclearlyhowbeautifully

she’drespondedthenightbefore.

“Again,”heurgedher.“Comeformeagain,Nicola.”
Justashe’dhoped,hisgentlecommandhadhereyesclosing,herbreathhitchinginherchest,andher

bodygivingitselfovertoanotherhitofpleasure.

He’dseensomuchbeautyathiswineryinNapa,ahundredsunrisesandsunsetsoverthevinesthat

wereeachmorebeautifulthatthenext.Buthewouldgiveupeverysunrise,everylastsunset,forthe
chancetowatchNicola’sskinflush,toberighttherewithherasecstasytookherover.

Hemovedbothhandsbackbeneathherhipsashermuscleswentlaxandherarmsandlegsbeganto

slipfromaroundhim.

“I’vegotyou,”hesaidagainstherearashesatonthebuilt-inseatinthecornerandcradledherinhis

arms.

“I’mreallylate.”Sheliftedherhead,then,andsmiledupathim.“You’reabadinfluenceonme.”She

reachedfortheshampoobottlebeforeshecouldseethesurpriseonhisface.

Marcushadspentalifetimetryingtosetagoodexampleforfirsthissiblings,andthenhisemployees.

Andnowapopstaractuallythoughthewasabadinfluence?Not,ofcourse,thathecouldarguewithher,
consideringhe’djustmadeherincrediblylatetoshoothervideo.Ifhissisterknewhewastheone
responsibleforit,she’dkillhim.Theleasthecoulddowasmakesurehedidn’tdelayheranyfurther.

Hereachedfortheshampooandbegantolatheruphersofthair.
“Icandothatmyself,”sheprotestedhalfheartedly.
“Letmehavethepleasureoftakingcareofyou."
Shenodded,saying“Okay,”beforesherelaxedintohishands.
Sixtyveryefficientsecondslater,herhairwascleanandconditionedandhewasjustfinishing

washingthesudsfromthebarofsoapoffherbeautifulskin.Anotherminutelaterhe’ddriedheroffwitha
plushtowel.

Withasoftkissonherfulllips,hesaid,“Goknocktheirsocksoff.”
Butshedidn’tmoveoutofhisarms.Andshesuddenlylookedreallyuncomfortable.“Thisthingwe’re

doing—Iknowthissoundsreallyhorrible,butIjustwantedtobesurethatwe’rebothgoingtobereally
carefultokeepitjustbetweenus.”

Henodded,surprisedthatshefeltsheneededtoconfirmthat.“Ofcourseit’sjustbetweenus.”
“Good.”Shesmiledupathimalittleuncertainly.“Great!”
Shegavehimonelastsmileandthenshewasmovingfasterthanhe’deverseenawomangetdressed

andoutthedoor,leavinghimaloneinherhugepenthousesuite,wonderingjusthowinhellhewasgoing
tokeepfromcompletelylosinghismindoverher.

Orifhealreadyhad.

ChapterTwelve

EventhoughNicolahadneverflakedonameetingorbeenlatetoavenueforashoworinterview,she

knewbetterthantothinkherprevioustrackrecordwouldmatterevenalittlebittoday.

Peoplebelievedwhattheywantedtobelieveabouther.Andshewasprettydarnsurethateveryone

wasautomaticallyassumingshe’dbeenpartyingtoohardlastnighttoshowupforherownvideoshoot.
So,whileshewastemptedtoburstontothesetfullofapologies,sheknewbetter.Shehadtobe
completelyincontrolofherselffromthefirstsecondshesteppedontotheset.

“Hieveryone,”shesaidinaneasyvoice.“Sorryaboutthedelay,Ihadsomeimportantbusinessto

takecareofthismorning.”

Shedidn’tbothertotakestockofeveryone’sresponse,notwhenshewasverymuchafraidshe’dend

upblushingassherememberedthedetailsofthevery“importantbusiness."

ThepassionMarcushadsharedwithhersimplyblewheraway,somuchsothatshe’devenforgotten

tobewaryabouttrustinghim.Hehadakeytoherhotelroom,whichmeantthathecouldsnoopthrough
herthingstohisheart’scontentifhewantedto.Buteventhoughshe’dvowednevertotrustamanagain,
knewtherewasthepotentialthatmaybeshewasbeingstupidandnaiveagain,shejustcouldn’tsee
Marcusriflingthroughherthings.

Inanycase,shewouldn’thavetheheadspacetoprocesswhatshewasdoingwithMarcusuntilthe

videowasinthebag,sosheforcefullypushedhimoutofherhead.Asmuchasshecould,anyway,
consideringshestillfelttheimprintofhimalloverherbody.Hisbighands,hismouthonhers,his—

“Nico,perfecttiming!”
Lori’senthusiasticgreetingyankedNicolaoutofherforbiddenthoughts.“I’mreallysorryI’mso

late,”shesaidinaquietvoicemeantonlyforherchoreographer.

Marcus’ssisterwavedawayherapology.“Everyonehadsomuchtosetup,Isweartheyjustfinished.

Assoonasyou’redonewithwardrobeandmakeup,we’llwarmup,okay?”

NicolalovedthewayLorididn’tmakeabigdealoutofthings.Somanypeopleshe’dworkedwith

overtheyearswouldhaveheldthisoverherhead,wouldhavetriedtoinsinuatethatshewasatotalflake
andthattheyexpectednothingless.

“Soundsgreat.Thanks."
Shewasturningawaytogocheckinwiththedirector,whenshefeltLori’shandonherarm.“Iknow

we’reinahurryhere,butrealquick,IwanttoapologizeforrunningoutondinnerwithyouandMarcus
lastnight.”

Nicoladidn’twanttoadmitshehadn’tgivenLorianotherthoughtaftershe’dleft.Feelingterrible

aboutthat,sheasked,“Iseverythingokay?”

Lorishrugged.“It’llallworkoutonewayoranother,Isuppose,”washercrypticresponse.“I

wouldn’thaveleftifIdidn’tknowyouwereintotallysafehandswithmybigbrother.Didhetakegood
careofyouandgetyoubacktoyourhotelallright?”

Nicolahadneverhadtoworkquitesohardtoschoolherfaceintoacompletelyblankexpression.

Herbreathgotcaughtinherthroatassheopenedhermouthtotry,andsheneededtoclearherthroata
coupleoftimesbeforeresponding.

“Yes.Hewasgreat.”
Soridiculously,stupendouslygreatthatshehadalmostbailedonhervideoshootaltogetherjustfor

thechancetospendtheentiredayinhisarms.

Thedirectorwalkedoverjustthen,fortunately,andsavedherfromblushinganymorethanshe

alreadywas.Gladforthechancetofocusonbusinessratherthantheswirlingemotionsshefeltoverwhat
hadhappenedwithMarcus,shespentthenexttwelvehoursworkingashardassheeverhadinherlife.

Everyonemighthavebegunthedaythinkingshewasaflakypopstar...butbytheend,shevowedshe

wouldoutlastthemall.

***

Twelvehourslater....

She’doutlastedthem,allright.Butatwhatprice?
Afterdraggingherselfintotheelevatoruptothepenthouse,Nicolabarelyhadthestrengthlefttolift

herhandhighenoughtoslipherkeyintothereaderbesideherdoor.

Shestoodwithherheadagainstthewallandclosedhereyes.Justanotherthirtysecondsandthenshe

couldcollapseandnotmoveforanothertwenty-fourhours.

Thelockclickedandsheshiftedherweighttothedoortopushitopen.Shebarelycaughtaflashof

Marcussittingatthediningtablebehindhislaptopbeforehewaspushingawayandcomingtowardher.

“Nicola.”Hegrabbedherjustbeforeshecollapsed.“Jesus,whatdidtheydotoyoutoday?”
“It’snotthem.It’smystupidpride,”shesaid,eventhoughsheknewitwouldn’tmakeanysense.And

then,ohGod,itfeltsogoodtobeheldbyhim,thatshelosthertrainofthoughtaltogetherasshelethim
carryherovertothecouch.

Sheclosedhereyesagainsthischestandfinallygaveintoutterandcompleteexhaustion.

***

NicolawokeupdisorientedbutnotuncomfortableinMarcus’sarms.Hewassosweetthathe’d

tuckedcushionsbeneathhertorsoandherfeetwhileshe’dsleptlikethedead.Shelovedbeingwithhim
likethis,sowarmandsafe.Noonehadevermadeherfeelthiscomfortable,likeshedidn’thaveone
singlethinglefttoprove.Shedidn’thavetobe“on”withhim,orperformtoimpress.Shecouldjustbe
herself.Nicola,ratherthantheworld-famousNico.

“Whattimeisit?”Hereyesfeltgrittyandeverymuscleinherbodyhurtfromdancingandperforming

at110percentfortwelvehoursstraight.

“Late.”
Feelingterriblethatshe’daskedforthisextranightwithhim,onlytohavehimstuckbeneathheron

yetanothercouchwhileshesnored,shesaid,“I’malwaysfallingasleeponyou.”

Helaughedsoftly.“I’mstartingtowonderifIshouldtakeitasahint?"
Relievedthathewasn’tupsetwithherforbeingabigtease,shesaid,“I’llmakeituptoyou.I

promise."

Sheleanedforwardtopresshermouthtohis,hertonguestrokingagainsthisforasplit-second,before

hepulledback.

“You’retired.Tellmeaboutyourvideo,first.”
She’dmuchratherkisshimthantalkabouthercrazyday,butwhenhebegantomassageoneofherfeet

shecouldn’tdoanythingbutgroanathowmuchithurt...andhowgooditfeltatthesametime.Hishands
onherweresogentleandyetfirm,exactlyashe’dbeenwhenhewasmakinglovetoher.

Atsomepoint,sherealizedhe’daskedheraquestionaboutsomething,butittookherlongerthanit

shouldhavetorememberwhat.

“Theshootwentwell,”shetoldhim,notsurehowmuchhereallywantedtoknow.Hewasprobably

justbeingpolite,probablythoughtshewasoneofthosestarswhojustlikedtotalkaboutherselfwhenthe
truthwasthatshe’dratherdoanythingbut.

“Loricalledrightbeforeyoureturned.Shecouldn’tstoptalkingabouthowamazingyouare.”
Nicola’sstomachclenched,hardlyabletobearthepraise.“Ididn’ttellheraboutus,Iswear.”

Whateveruswas.

“Iknowyoudidn’t.Mysisterhasbeenexcitedaboutworkingwithyoufromthestart.Shetoldme

she’sneverseenanyoneasfocusedandhardworkingasyou.I’mnotatallsurprisedtohearit.”

Nicolawasalreadyfeelingoverlywarmfromthefeelofhishandmovinguptohercalfashebeganto

workouttheknotsinthemuscle,butatthepraise,herblushturnedintoafull-bodyflush.

“Mostpeoplearesurprised.”Theslightlybittercommentleftherlipsbeforeshecouldholditback.

Athisquestioninglook,sheexplained,“Myimageisn’texactlyabrainiacworkaholic.”Sheknewshe
mustbetiredtobetalkingsoopenlytoMarcusaboutthiskindofstuff.

Hefrowned.“Yourimage?”
Eventhoughsheknewsheshoulddropthewholeconversation,shesaidinstead,“Comeon,youhave

toknowallaboutpublicimages,consideringoneofyourbrothersisabigmoviestar.”

“Howdoyouknowaboutthat?”
“Don’tworry,”shesaidinasnottiervoicethanperhapssheshouldhave.“Ididn’tgosnoopingonline

aboutyou.”Heraisedaneyebrowassheexplained,“LoritoldmeyesterdaythatSmithSullivanisyour
brother.”NicolalookedcarefullyatMarcus.“MaybeifIhadbeenlookingforthefamilyresemblanceI
wouldhavelinkedthethreeofyoutogether."

“Ifyou’dknownIwasLoriandSmith’sbrother,youwouldn’thavelefttheclubwithme.”
Itwasastatement,notaquestion.“You’reright,”sheagreed,asbluntashe.“Iwouldn’thaveleft

withyou.”Shepausedabeatbeforeadding,“Andifyou’dknownIwastheinfamousNicoyouwouldn’t
haveleftwithme,either.”

Hisdarkeyesflashedwithsomethingshecouldn’treadatheruseofthewordinfamous,butbeforehe

couldrespond,sherealized,“Hey,thatwasSmith’shousewewenttothatfirstnight,wasn’tit?"

Marcussimplynoddedandasked,“Whyareyouinfamous?"
“Youreallydon’tknow?”God,shewishedshedidn’tfindthatsohardtobelieve.Buteventhoughhe

hadn’tknownwhoshewasthatfirstnight,he’dhadplentyoftimetodohisresearchsincefindingoutshe
wasNico.

“Ihaven’tgonesnoopingonlineaboutyou,either.”
Ouch.Itwasn’tparticularlyfuntohaveherownsarcasticwordsthrownbackather.Shewincedand

said,“Sorry.Iwasoutoflinewiththatcomment.”

“Yeah,youwere,”heagreedashemovedhishandupfromhercalftoherthightobeginmassaging

thatlarge,tightmuscle,“butI’msureyouhavetodealwiththatkindofstufffrompeopleeveryday,don’t
you?”

Shefounditreallydifficulttobelievethathedidn’tknowanythingaboutherstory.Thenagain,he

wasn’texactlyhertargetaudience,sowhywouldhe?

“Ido,”sheconfirmed,“butit’sanecessaryevil,justlikemyimage.I’vealwaysfiguredthataslong

asI’mabletoplaymymusicforpeople,thetradeoffisworthit.”

“What’syourimage,Nicola?”
Shoot,shewashopingtheycouldgetoffthiswholetopic,beforesheaccidentallytoldhimmorethan

shewantedhimtoknowaboutherselfandherpast.Sure,hecouldfindoutanythinghewantedtoknow
onlineinseconds,butabigpartofher—areallynaivepart,probably—couldn’tquitepicturehimsitting
downathiscomputerandscrollingthroughpappicturesandstoriesinPeoplemagazine.

Butnowthathe’daskedheradirectquestion,andwasclearlyinterestedintheanswer,shecouldn’t

quitefindawaytodeflectit.“Myimageisprettyobvious,”shesaidwithacrookedgrinshedidn’tquite
feel.“Sexy.”Shelickedherlips,beforeforcingouttheword.“Wild.”

“Icanseesexy,”hesaid.“Butwild?”Hefrowned,lookedaroundthenearlydark,veryquietsuite.“It

didn’texactlylooklikeyouwerehavingcrazypartiesupherebeforewemet.”

Sheshrugged.“Peoplebelievewhat’seasiestforthemtobelieve.”

“Suretheydo,”heagreed,“butonlywhenthere’sareasonforthemtobelieveit.”
Shehatedtalkingaboutthis,especiallytoMarcus,butshe’dpromisedhimshe’dbehonest.“Ihaven’t

alwaysmadethebestdecisions.”

Shecouldfeelhiseyes,warmanddark,onherasshestudiedherknee.
“Everyonemakesbaddecisionsatsomepointintheirlives.”
Shelookedupathim.“Haveyou?”
Hismouthtightened.“Nottoolongago,actually.”
Shecouldn’thelpbutbesomewhatcomfortedbythat.“Unfortunately,Imademineinfrontofthe

world.Thusthewildimage.”

“Couldn’tyouchangethat,ifyoureallywantedto?Ifyouletpeopleseewhoyoureallyare?”
Nicolahadactuallyaskedherselfthatquestionmany,manytimesduringthepastyear,everytimeher

stylistbroughtherskimpierandskimpieroutfitsthatwerebarelyafewstripsoffabric.Ifsheweretalking
tohermanagerandrecordlabelandpublicist,itseemedshecouldn’t.Noneofthemwereblindtothefact
thathercareerhadabsolutelyexplodedafterKennyhadbetrayedher.She’dendeduponthecoverof
morethanonemagazine,hadsuddenlybeenhotpropertyforlate-nighttalkshows.Herpopularityhadn’t
wanedsince.Infact,she’donlygottenbigger.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaid,andthen,“Maybe.”Anothershrug.“Mycareerhasneverbeenbetter.Maybe

wildisn’tnecessarilyabadthing.”

“No,wildisn’tnecessarilyabadthing,”heagreed.“Butitisn’tyou,isit,Nicola?"
How,shewonderedalittlehelplessly,didhealreadyknowhersowell?Whentheirbodieswere

comingtogetherlastnight,thismorning,whenhe’dbeenpullingeveryounceofpleasurefromher,hadhe
alsobeenreachingintoherhearttofindthetruthshe’dbeenhidingfromeveryoneelse?

Whenshedidn’tsayanything,hecontinuedtohammerherinhisgentleway.“I’veonlyheardonesong

sofar,butitwasgreat.Seemstomeyou’retalentedenoughtoletyoursongsspeakforthemselves.”

Allofthiswashittingwaytooclosetohome.Forarelationshipthatwasjustsupposedtobeabout

sex,itsurefeltlikeMarcuswasgoingawholeheckofalotdeeper.

Simultaneouslywantingtodeflecthisattentionfromher—anddecidingitwasn’tfairforhimtobethe

oneaskingallthequestions—shesaid,“Enoughaboutme.Duringourdinnerbreaktoday,Loriwastelling
meaboutyourwinery.Howdidyougetstartedwiththat?”

Insteadofansweringherquestion,hesaid,“Mysisterlikestotalk,doesn’tshe?”
Shegrinned.“You’reherhero.”Hersmiledslippedasshesoftlysaid,“Shetoldmethatyoubasically

raisedherandhertwin,alongwithacoupleofyourbrotherswhoarejustabitolderthansheis."

Lorihadalmostbeenoffhandaboutthefactthatherfatherhaddiedwhenshewastwo,leavingher

motherwitheightkidstoraiseonherown.Nicolahadimmediatelywonderedhowmuchoftheburden
hadfallenonMarcus’sshoulders.Lookingathim,knowingafteronlytwonightshowsteady,howstrong
hewas,shefeltthatshealreadyknewtheanswer.

Marcusshiftedherweightsothathecouldbetterreachherotherfoot.Shegroanedwithpleasureas

hebegantopressintothesensitiveskin.

“Toohard?”
“No,it’sjustperfect.”
Theairsizzledafterthewordperfect,takingherrightbacktothosemomentswhenhe’dbeen

poundingintoherandshe’dbeenbeggingformore,forharder,fordeeper.Sheknewhe’dbeenafraidof
hurtingher.

But,oh,whatlittlepainthere’dbeenthatfirsttimehadbeensoworthit.
“Myfatherwasabigbackyardgardener,”hesaidashebegantoworkhiswayfromherfoottoher

calf.“Myfirstmemoriesareofdigginginthedirtbesidehimasheplantedtomatoesandstrawberries.”

HerinsideswentallgooeyatthethoughtofMarcusasatoddler,jamminghisshovelinthedirt.She

triedtotellherselfthatshewasjustreactinglikethatbecauseshelovedbabies,butsheknewitwas
Marcushimselfthathadhermelting.Ofcourse,thefactthathewasgettingcloserandclosertoherthigh,
nearertothepartofherbodythatwasthrobbinginanticipationofhistouch,wasdefinitelycontributingto
heroverallmeltability.

“I’vealwaysadmiredpeoplewhohaveagreenthumb.”Shelookedatherown.“I’mafraidmineare

theblackthumbsofdeath.Plantsrunscreamingwhentheyseemecoming.”

Shelovedhisgrinashesaid,“Idon’tthinkmythumbsareanygreenerthanyours.It’sreallyjustmath

andscience.”

Hemadeitallsoundsoeasy,likehedidn’thaveanythingtodowithit,butshedidn’tbelievehim.

“That’slikesayingsongsarejustcombinationsofnotesandwords.”Sheshookherhead.“Theyare,but
I’vealwaysthoughtwhatmakesasongreallyspecialissomeindefinablemagicthat’seitherthereorit
isn’t.I’llbetyourgrapevinesarelikethat.”Shesmiledasmallsmile.“Andthatyou’rethemagicthat
makesthemgrowsowell.”

“I’veneverthoughtofitlikethat,”hesaidslowly.“Asmagic.”
Shewaswaitingforhimtodiscountwhatshe’dsaid,togobacktohiswholequantifiablemathand

sciencething.Instead,hiseyeswereintense,filledwiththathungerthathadherbloodracing.

“Youknow,Ithinkyoumightbeontosomething.”
Inaninstant,themagicthathadexistedbetweenthemfromthatfirstmomentintheclubleaptbackto

lifeasifsomesexfaeryhadjustflownoverwithherwand.

ChapterThirteen

“Putyourarmsaboveyourhead,Nicola.”
Sheswallowedhardathislow-pitchedcommand.Aftertakingashallowbreaththatdidn’tevencome

closetofillingherlungs,sheleanedintothepillowbehindherbackandslowlydidasheasked.

Onceherhandsandarmswereoutoftheway,hereachedforthezipperoftheloosesweaterLorihad

loanedherattheendoftheirverylongday.“Doyourememberwhatweagreedonthismorning?”he
askedherasheslowlydrewthezipperdown.

“Yes,”shesaid,thesoundmoreabreaththanaword.“Iremember.”
“Good,”hesaid,andthen,“Tellme.”
OhGod,thatbreathingthingwasgettingharderbythesecond,especiallywithhishandsbrushingover

herbreastsashepulledthesweateropen.

“Whilewe’retogether—”Shetookashakybreath.Sheknewshedidn’thavetosayit,butsomething

insideherwantedto,wantedtopleasehim.“—mybodyisasmuchyoursasitismine.”

Hiseyesflaredwithapproval...andsomuchdesireittookwhatwasleftofherbreathaway.“Take

yoursweaterandtanktopoffandthenliebackwithyourhandsaboveyourheadagain.”

Apartfromthemassage,hehadn’tevenreallytouchedheryet,andshewasalreadysoakedbetween

herthighsfromnothingmorethanhissexycommands.Perhapssheshouldn’tstillbesurprisedather
reactiontohisgentledominance,tothefactthatherbodyclearlylovedit,butshewas.

“Haveyoueverbeenspanked,Nicola?”
Hereyesflewtohisashisshockingquestionyankedherfromhermusings.“Spanked?"
Herpulsebegantoflutterevenmorewildlyatthethoughtofbeinglaidoutoverhislap,baredtohim

fromthewaistdown,hisbighandcomingdownoverherskin.

“No.”Sheshookherhead.“Ofcoursenot.”
Hismouthcurvedupatthecornersatherreaction.Butinsteadofsayinganythingmoreabout

spanking,hesaid,“WhatdidIaskyoutodo?”

Shesuddenlyrealizedthatshehadn’tyettakenoffhersweaterortanktop.Shewastornforasplit

secondbetweenleavingthemonandriskingaspanking—afloodofarousalshotthroughheratthe
shockingthought—ordoingasheasked.

Fearoftheunknown—andofherownsurprisingdesires—hadhermovingquicklytodoasheasked.
Whenshewasnakedfromthewaistup,shelaybackagainstthepillowandstartedtoliftherarms.

ButeventhoughMarcuswasmorethanalittlefamiliarwithherbreastsbynow,shewasstillshyabout
baringherselftoamanlikethis.

“You’redoingbeautifully.”
Hissweetwordscombinedwiththewarmthinhiseyeshadherfinallyliftingherarmsallthewayup.
Sheexpectedhimtotouch,tofondle,totaste.Instead,hesimplylookedather,forsolongthatshe

almoststartedbegging.Finally,hesurprisedherbypickinguphersweaterandtyingitaroundherwrists.

“TrytomoveyourhandssoIcanseehowtightthatis.”
Hisvoicewashusky,richwithdesire.Shemovedherarmsandfoundthebindingtobesoftagainst

herskin,andyet,sheknewshe’dhavetoworkquitehardifshewantedtobesetfree.

Twodaysago,shewouldhaveswornshewouldneverletherselfbeputinapositionlikethis.She

shouldbepullingfree.Butshedidn’twantto,didshe?

Asifhewereprivytothesilentquestionsshewasaskingherself,Marcussaid,“Tellmewhatyou

need,Nicola.Tellmewhatyouwant.”

Heputhishandsonherwaist,histannedskindarkagainstherpalebelly.Sheshiveredathowsmall

shewascomparedtohim,attheknowledgethathecoulddoanythinghewantedtoherrightnow,thatshe
wascompletelyhelplessagainsthisstrength.Thosethoughtsshouldn’thavemadehermorearoused.But,

shockingly,theydid.

“Ifyouwon’ttellme,I’lljusthavetoguess,”hesaidbeforeleaningoverherbaretorso.Hishair

tickledtheundersideofherchinashepressedhismouthtohershoulderforjustlongenoughthatshewas
searedwithhisheatbeforehesatback.

Shewasn’tusedtovoicinghersexualneeds,buttheywerestrongenoughthatsheforgotallabout

keepingherhandsaboveherhead.Shestartedtoreachforhimbeforerememberingherhandswere
bound.

ByMarcus.
Obviouslyseeingtheflareofdesireinhereyes,hesaid,“That’sright,kitten.You’reallminetoplay

withrightnow,aren’tyou?”

Seriously,forallthatsheportrayedasexbombfortheworld,shewasafeminist.Girlpowerwasher

thing.Sheshouldbefreakingoutrightnow.

Notpracticallycomingatthethoughtofbeingallhistoplaywith.
“Thisisn’t—”Shedidn’tknowhowtotellhimwhatshewasfeeling,butsomehowsheknewitwas

importantthatshedid.“Ishouldn’tbefeelinglikethis.”

“Tellmewhatyou’refeeling."
Hislowvoicethatrumbledoverher,throughher,madeherwanttogiveupallhersecrets,allher

desiresthatshehadn’tevenknownwerethere,waitingtobeuncoveredthiswholetime.

“Thisisn’tme.Idon’tlikebeingbossedaround.”
Shesworehealmostsmiledandstrangely,insteadofbeingangeredbyit,insteadoffeelinglikehe

waslaughingather,itmadeherfeellikemaybeshewasn’tsoweirdafteralltobelikingthesethingshe
wassaying—anddoing—toher.

“AmIbossingyouaround?”
Shewasabouttosayyes,whensherealizeditwasn’tpreciselytrue.“Youtellmetodothings,”she

whispered,unabletolookathimnow,feelingmoreshythansheeverhadbefore.“Ishouldn’tdothem.”
Shecouldfeelhowhotherfacewas.“Ishouldn’tlikedoingthem.”

Hisfingersslidbeneathherchinandgentlytippedherfacebackuptohis.“Ilovewatchingyou

respondtome.IlovewatchingthemostbeautifulwomanI’veeverseentremblewithdesireinfrontof
me.Ilovehearingyoubegmetotouchyou,tokissyou,totakeyou.”

Everythinghe’djustsaid,theroughqualityofhisvoiceashesaidit,hadhershiveringwithlust.But

still,shefeltsheshouldtryonelastprotest,onelastbidforsanity.“ButI’mtheonewhousuallytells
peoplewhattodo.”

“Haveyouthoughtthatmaybethisisthebreakyou’vebeenwaitingfor?”hesaidsoftly.“Thatthisis

thechancetoletsomeonetakecareofyouforafewhours,insteadofhavingtotakecareofeverything
yourself?”

Herbrainfeltfuzzywithdesire,butevenso,whathewassayingmadesense.
“Touchmenow,Marcus.Kissme.”Shepaused,gatheringupallhercourage.“Takeme.”
Thenextthingsheknew,shewaslaidoutflatandMarcuswasoverher,hislargebodypressinghers

intothecushions.Hemadesureherboundhandsremainedoverherheadwithoneofhiswhiletheother
movedbetweenherlegsattheexactmomentthathecoveredherbreastwithhismouth.

Shearchedintohistouch,theirconversationabouthowmuchhelikedtellingherwhattodoandhow

muchshelikeddoingit—nottomentionthemassagebeforethat—morethanenoughforeplaytoprimeher
foreventheslightesttouch.

“Givememore,Nicola,”heurgedher,hiswordshotashefeatheredkissesacrossherchestsothathe

couldtakethetipofherotherbreastintohismouth.“Giveitalltome.”

Histhumbmadedeliciouscirclesofpleasureoverherandshepressedherhipsintohishandoverand

overagainasherorgasmshookthroughher.

Almostincoherentwithexhaustionfromtheextremepleasure,shewasonlyvaguelyawareofMarcus

unwrappingthesweaterfromaroundherwristsandmovingtoremovehisclothes.Throughhalf-closed
lidsshewatchedhimgotothebathroomandthenreturnwithacondomon.Herarmsweren’tbound
anymore,butshesimplydidn’thavethestrengthtomovethem.

Andthenhewaskneelinginfrontofthecouchandshiftinghersothatherbackandshoulderswere

bracedagainstthecushions,butherhipswerehangingofftheedge.Beforeshecouldtakehernextbreath,
hishandsgrippedherbottomandhesurgedintoher,takingherbody,makingherirrevocablyhis,owning
herasnothingbutmusiceverhad.

Needingtofeelhishardmusclesbeneathherfingertips,shereachedforhim.Windingherarmsaround

hisneck,shepulledherselfupsothatherbreastswererubbingagainstthedarkhairsonhischest.Her
mouthfoundhis,greedyforhiskisses—kissesshe’ddreamedofalldaylong,evenasshe’dtriedto
convinceherselfthatshewastoobusytothinkofhim.

Hekissedherbackjustashungrily,asifhecouldn’tgetenoughofher,andthenhewasgroaning

againstherlips,fillinghersocompletelyshehadtofightforbreath.Whenhebroketheirkissandthe
soundofhispleasurereverberatedintheroom,Nicolawaspitchedovertheedgeyetonemoretime.

StraightintoMarcus’swaitingarms.

ChapterFourteen

MarcuswasgettingtoousedtowakingupwithNicolacurledupinhisarms.Whenhewasmaking

lovewithherandshewascomingathimwithallherhungerandpassion,healmostforgothowsmallshe
was.Butashespoonedherbodyinthebigbed,hewasremindedalloveragain.Shewasholdingoneof
hishandsoverherbreastsandhehadtodigdeepforacontrolthathadbeenmissingpracticallysincethe
momenthe’dmether.Hewouldnottakeherbeforesheevenwokeup.

Hetightenedhisholdonher,pulledhercloserintohim,evenasheforcedhimselftofacetheinsanity

ofwhathewasdoing.

Heshouldn’thavespentmorethanonenightwithNicola.EvenonenightonSmith’scouchwhileshe

sleptonhislaphadbeentoomuch.Hedefinitelyshouldn’tbelookingforwardtoanentiredaywithher,
shouldn’tfeellikeakidinacandystoreatthechancetoseethewayherskinglowedinthesunlight,to
waitwithheldbreathforhertolaughagainandfillhissoulwithherjoyandbeauty.

Andhesureashellshouldn’tbedreadingsayinggoodbyetoherwhenshegotonhernextplaneto

anothertown,anothershow.

Hewassofocusedonsteelinghimselfagainsteverythingheshouldn’tbefeelingforherthathewas

caughtoffguardbytheslowslideofhertongueagainstoneofhisfingers,andthenanother,andanother.

Jesus,wasshereallygoingtolickherwayupeachfinger,oneatatime?
Holyhell,shewas.
ThankGodhe’dputsomecondomscloseenoughtothebedforhimtoeasilygrabone.Hatingtotake

hishandsfromherforanylongerthanheabsolutelyneededto,hebrokethewrapperopenwithhisteeth
andquicklysliditon.

Therewerenowordsbetweenthemasheputhishandsonherthighandshiftedherhipssothathe

couldslideintoherheat.Herbreathleftherinahardwhooshashepulledhertightlyagainsthischest.

Thiswaswhathe’dmissmost,herealizedasheslidhishandoverherbreastsandfeltherheart

beatingstrongandfast.Notjustherincrediblebody,notjustherpassion,notjustthewayshewas
seeminglyalwaysreadyforhimtotakeherlikethis...buthowpure,howsweetshewas.

TheunexpectedfloodofemotionsforNicolahadhimlosingholdoftheshredsofcontrolhestillheld.

Knowinghebarelyhadthirtysecondsleftbeforeheexploded,heslidhishanddownfromherbreasts.
Shegaspedashisfingersslippedandslidoverherandthenshewaspushingbackintohiminwildjerky
movementsthattoldhimitwassafetoletgo,becauseshewasalreadythere.

Together,Nicolahelpedhimgreetthedaywithmorepleasurethanhe’deverknown.Andasher

climaxdrewhisout,hecouldnolongerdenythetruth:Shenowheldapieceofhisheart.

Whetherhewantedhertoornot.

***

NicolalookedatMarcusoverthesmallroundtablebythewindowwherethey’djustdevoured

pancakesandsausagesandahugebowloffruit.Howwasit,shewondered,thateatingbreakfasttogether
couldfeelasintimateasmakinglove?

Probably,shetoldherself,itwassimplythatshehadn’tsharedaleisurelymorning-afterlikethiswith

amaninaverylongtime.Ever,really,consideringKennyhadalwaysbeentoohungovertowakeup
muchbeforenoon.

AlthoughMarcusworkedinthewineindustry,shecouldn’tpicturehimdrunk.Itwasjustonemore

thingabouthimthatmadeherfeelsafe.

Suddenlywantinghimtoknowhowmuchsheappreciatedhim,howmuchshewasenjoyingtheir

stolen,secrethourstogether,shesaid,“Iknowhowmuchyoumusthavetodoatyourwinery.”She

reachedforhishandacrossthetable,thrillbumpsmovingupherarmswhenhethreadedhisfingers
throughhers.“Thankyouforspendingthistimewithme.”

“There’snowhereelseI’dratherbe,”hesaid,andthen,“Whatdoyounormallydoonyourdaysoff?"
Shebitherlip.“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’thadmanysinceIstartedsinging.”Especiallythispastsix

monthsafterherheart—well,herpride,actually—hadbeenbroken,ithadbeeneasiertofocusallher
attentiononhermusicandhercareer.

“It’sthesamewithme.Likeyousaid,thevinesdemandalotofattention.”
Foralltheobviouswaysthattheyweredifferent,Nicolawassurprisedtorealizetheyweren’tat

oppositepolesonallfronts.

Shegrinnedathim.“Aren’twesad,twoworkaholicswhocan’tfigureoutwhattodowithabeautiful

dayoff?”

Hepulledherontohislap.“Icanthinkofagoodhalf-dozenthings."
Shegiggledashenibbledonherneck,ridiculouslytemptedtospendtheentiredayinbedwithhim.

Especiallywhenhewasbeingplayfullikethis.Sheturnedherfacetomeethisasheliftedhismouthto
hersandsankintothesweetestkissanyonehadevergivenher.

“HowaboutItakeyoutooneofmyfavoriteplaces?”
Marcushadstruckher,fromthefirst,asaveryprivateperson.Hisoffermeantevenmoretoher

becauseofthat.

“I’dlovethat.”Shehatedhavingtoremindhim,“Thethingsis,mostplacesIgogetprettycrazy.”
“Don’tworry,IthinkthespotIhaveinmindwillbeperfect.”Hebrushedhisfingeracrossherlower

lip,sendingshiversthroughher.“It’sveryremote.”

Hervoicewasbarelymorethanabreathasshesaid,“Remoteisgood.”Imagesofthosehalf-dozen

thingstheycoulddotoeachothersomewhereremotehadherbloodrunningevenhotterthanitalready
was.

Shewasabouttopressherlipsagainsthiswhenhemurmured,“IfIkissyouagain,wemightnever

leavethehotel."

“Okay.”
Asplit-secondlater,hishandswereinherhairandhewaspullinghermouthdowntohis.Starvedfor

himagain,shestraddledhiminthechairastheymadeout.

Itwasthefirsttimeshe’dbeenincontroloftheirlovemakingandjustasmuchasshe’dlovedobeying

eachofhissensualcommands,shelovedthistoo,lovedknowingthatshewasdrivinghimcrazywithher
mouth,withherhandsonhischestassheranthembeneaththelong-sleevedshirthe’dputonaftertheir
shower.Anincrediblysensualshowerthatshouldhavekepthersatedatleastuntilthesunwentdown.

Only,herneed,herdesireforMarcus,knewnorationalbounds.Fortunately,shethoughtwithasmile,

heseemedtofeelthesameway.

Shebroketheirkissandsaid,“I’llberightback.”
Slippingoffhislap,beforehecouldcatchher,shewenttogetacondom.Whenshereturned,shewas

pleasedtonotethesurprise—anddesire—lighthiseyesatthefactthatshe’dstrippedoutofherclothes.

Stillshywithhernakedness,itwasthepleasureinMarcus’seyesasshemovedtowardhimthatmade

herbold.Hereachedforherasshecamecloser,butinsteadofgettingbackonhislap,sheslowly
droppedtoherkneesbetweenhis.

“Nicola?"
Hisvoicewasraw,almosthoarse,ashesaidhernameandherhandstrembledasmuchwithdesireas

uncertaintyasshewenttounziphispants.

Hetookherhandsinhis.“Youdon’thavetodothis.”
Shemethisgazeheadon.“Iwantto.”Andshedid,wantingitsomuchitshockedher.
Prayingthathewouldn’tbedisappointedwithhertechnique—orlackthereof—withhishelp,she

managedtopullhispantsopenandhisboxersdown.Shereachedouttotouchhim,tostrokeherfingertips
downthesoftskincoveringsuchincrediblyhardheat.

“Thatfeelsgood.Sogood,Nicola."
Withoutthinking,shebentforwardandtastedhim.Onaloudgroan,hisfingerscametoherhair.She

knewhecouldhavetakencontrolofthings,couldhaveturnedthetablesonherandheldhertherewhile
hetookhispleasureinhermouth,buteventhoughshewasrealizingapartofherwouldbepleasedbythat
dominance,thistimearoundshewasgladthathewaslettinghertakethingsentirelyatherownpace.

Hisskinwascleanandsaltyallatthesametimeandsherealizedonetastewasn’tnearlyenough.But

beforeshecoulddoanythingmore,Marcusfinallytookcontrolandliftedherupfromherkneesto
straddlehimagain.

“Iwasn’tdone,”sheprotested.
Atthathepulledhermouthdowntohisandkissedherhard.Shewassolosttohiskissshewas

surprisedtorealizehe’dputonthecondomuntilhepushedintoher,sohardandfastshegaspedagainst
hislips.

Hestilledinsideher,asking“Nicola?”andsherealizedhewasstillworriedabouthurtingher.
Sherepliedfirstbyrockingherhipsclosertohis,thenbysaying,“Perfect.Absolutelyperfect.”
Andastheybothfoundthepeakandjumpedoffonemoretime,itreallywas.

***

Whentheywereabouttostepoutofherhotelroomashortwhilelater,shesteeledherselftodealwith

whatneededtobedealtwith.

“Whydon’tyougodownfirstandI’llmeetyoubythesideentrance?”Sheliftedherbaseballcapand

bigsunglassesoutofherbag.“I’llbewearingtheseandanoversizedshirt.”

Fifteenminutesagoshe’dbeenwarmandsafeinhisarms.Nowshewascoldlystrategizinghowto

getoutofthehotelwithoutbeingseentogether.Andshehatedit,hatedbeingabletoseethecontrastso
clearly.

“Idon’tlikedoingthingsthisway,Nicola.”
“Idon’teither,but—”Shesighed,shookherhead.“WhatdoyouthinkaboutSmith’slife?”
“He’sdonewellforhimself.I’mproudofhim.”
“Yes,butdoyouenvyhim?HaveyoueverwishedyoucouldbeonTVandhavewomenaskingfor

yourautograph?”

“Hell,no.”
She’dknownthatwouldbehisresponse.“Iknowyouhatehavingtohidelikethis,butyou’dhate

whatwouldhappentoyourlifeifwedidittheotherwayevenmore."

Marcusstaredatherforseveraltensemoments.“I’llmeetyoudownstairs.”
Shewatchedhimleave,thedoorclosingalittletoohardbehindhim,andshehadtoswallowpastthe

lumpinherthroat.Shehatedthathewasupset,butsheknewshehadtostandfirmwithhimaboutnot
lettinganyoneknowabouttheirrelationship.

Notbecauseshehadanymorefearthathemightbeusingherlikeherexhad.Marcusclearlyhadzero

interestinfameorbrightlights.Andshewasprettysurehedidn’tneedthemoneythatsellingtheirstory
of“sinfulnights”wouldbringin.

Unfortunately,herfearswereofanaltogetherdifferentsortnow.
Shewasverymuchafraidthatshewasgoingtomakethemistakeoffallinginlovewithhimifshe

wasn’tsupercarefulaboutkeepingabig,thickwalluparoundherheart.

Thethingwas,Nicolawouldhaveclaimedhimasherboyfriendinfrontoftheworldinaheartbeatif

shethoughttheirrelationshiphadanychanceofworkingout.Butsheknewbetterthantobelieveinthat

fantasy.SheandMarcuswerehavinggreatsex.Lotsofit.Ofcoursetheywouldconnectduringallthat
intimateskin-to-skincontact,withallthehourstheywerespendingtogether.

ButthefactwasthatonMondayshewouldgobacktoherlifeandhewouldgobacktohis.Thelast

thingsheneededwasvisualremindersoftheirtimetogetherorinterviewersaskingherwhathad
happenedtothegorgeousbusinessmanshe’dbeenseeing.

Yes,shewantedtoprotectMarcusfromthecircushislifewouldbecomeifhewerelinkedwithher.
Butsheneededtoprotectherself,too...andremembertoprepareherheartfortheirinevitablegoodbye

onMondaymorning.

ChapterFifteen

Marcushadspentalifetimebeingfair.Afterbreakingupatleastathousandfightsbetweenhis

brothersandsisters,he’dalwaysassumedhewasskilledatseeingallsidesofaproblemandanalyzingit
withoutgettingemotionallyinvolvedoneitherside.

Sothen,whatwashisproblemwhereNicolawasconcerned?Shedidn’tdeservehisanger,his

frustrationoverthesneakingaroundstuff.Itwasn’therfaultthatshewasfamous.She’dgivenhimthe
chancetowalkawayfromthecomplicationsoffamethenightbeforeandhehadn’ttakenit.

Heneededtogetoverhimself,andfast,beforeNicoladrewintoherselfanymoreanddisappeared

completelyonhimlongbeforetheyeversaidgoodbyeonMondaymorning.Hecouldfeelherclosing
herselfoffmorewitheverymiletheycoveredinhiscarastheycrossedovertheGoldenGateBridge,
headingnorthintoMarin.Andthefactwas,hehatedlosinghisconnectiontoherevenmorethanhe’d
hatedhavingtobeingoddamnedstealthmodeleavingherhotelroomtogopickherupattheVIPside
entrance.

Hereachedforherhandandthreadedhisfingersthroughhers.“I’msorry.”
Hereyeswerebig,surprised,assheturnedherbeautifulfacetohis.“Marcus?”
“Willyouforgivemeforbeingajerk?”
Hewasglad,sodamnglad,toseeherfulllipscurveupslightlyatthecorners.“There’snothingto

forgive.”

Heliftedherhandtohislips,pressedakisstothepalm.“Thereis.Iwon’tdoitagain."
Hekeptherhandonhislap,pullingherclosertohim.Theyweretoofarapartinhiscar.She

belongedonhislap,curledupagainsthischest,wherehecouldstrokeherhair,wherehecouldkeepher
safe,whereshecouldrelaxandletgoofthestressofherhigh-pressurelifeforalittlewhile.

“Thatnightintheclub,”shesaidsoftly,“youdidn’tsignupforthis.I’mtheonewhoneedsto

apologizefornotbeingupfrontwithyoufromthestart.Ishouldhaveapologizedalongtimeagofor
lettingyoubelieveIwasjustanygirl.”

“Youcouldneverbejustanygirl.Andithasnothingtodowiththefactthatyou’refamous.”Hishand

tightenedonhers.“You’reveryspecial,Nicola.Very,veryspecial."

***

Didn’therealizehecouldn’tsaythingslikethattoherifhedidn’twanthertofallheadoverheelsfor

him?Lordknewthespectacularsexwasbadenough.Nowhewastellingherhowspecialshewas...

Worriedhewasgoingtosaysomethingelseevensweeter—andknowingdamnwellthewallshewas

tryingtobuildaroundherheartdidn’thaveachanceofholdingoutagainstmuchmore—shedecidedhis
familyseemedlikesafeground.

“Speakingofspecial,”shesaid,“I’dlovetohearaboutyoursiblings.Evenwithjustthreekidsinour

familyitwasreallyloudandcrazyinthehouseIgrewupin.”

“Loudandcrazyisdeadon,”heagreed,lightingupthewayhedideverytimehetalkedabouthis

family.

Onedayhewasgoingtobethemostspectacularfather.Husband,too.Shetriedtoignorethepangsof

longinginherchestatthoseunbiddenthoughts,alongwiththeshotofjealousythathitheroverthelucky
womanwhowouldsharethosethingswithhim.Butsomehow,evenknowingshewasbeingridiculousto
feelthosethingsforamanshe’donlyknownthreedaysdidn’tmakeherfeelanydifferently.

“Lorisaidshe’satwin.Aresheandhersisterreallysimilar?”Marcuslaughedatthatforlongenough

thatshesaid,“I’mtakingthattobeano.”

Stillgrinning,hesaid,“TheirnicknamesareNaughtyandNice.”

“ItakeitLori’sNaughty?”
“AndNice,a.k.a.Sophie,isaquiet,mild-manneredlibrarian.”
“Dotheygetalong?”
“Sure,”heagreed,“exceptforwhentheydon’t.”
Shemanagedtorememberenoughofwhatshe’dreadaboutSmith’slifeovertheyearstosay,

“They’retheonlygirlsinyourfamily,aren’tthey?”

“Yup.”
“ItmusthavebeenuglywhenLoriandSophiestarteddating.”
“They’vestarteddating?”
Helookedsoseriousthatshealmostbelievedhimforasecond.Laughing,shesaid,“Howmany

potentialboyfriendshaveyouhadtobeatup?”

“Enoughthattheyshouldstillbecelibate.”
Stilllaughing,shesaid,“Tellmeaboutyourbrothers.”
Afewminuteslater,herbrainwasreelingasshetriedtoputtogetherthefactthattherewasa

firefighter,aprobaseballplayer,amoviestar,aphotographer,andawhizwithcarsallinonefamily.

“YouSullivanboysmusthavekeptyourmotherbusygrowingup.”
“Stilldo.”
“Itmusthavebeensohardforyoutohavesomuchresponsibilitythrustonyou,justakidwhohadno

choicebuttostepintohisfather’sshoestotakecareofhisbrothersandsisters.”

Shecaughthisexpressiontoolatetotakeherwordsback.He’dlookedsoopenwhenhe’dbeen

talkingtoherabouthisfamily.Hiseyesweren’tcompletelyshutteredyet,buthecouldn’thidethepainher
wordshadbroughttothesurface.

“I’msorry,”shesaidsoftly,squeezinghishandwithhers.“Thatwasthoughtlessofme.I’mjustsorry

youhadtodealwithsomuch,soyoung.”

“No,you’reright.IdidfeellikeIneededtostepintohisshoes.AndIwantedto.Iwantedtohelp.”
“Howdidyourmotherdealwithitall?”
“Shewasalwaysthereforus.”
“Shesoundsamazing,”Nicolasaid,andthenthinkinghowshewouldhavefeltinhismother’sshoesif

she’dlostthemanshelovedandhadafamilywith,said,“Shemusthaveshedalotoftearsforhim.”

“I’msureshedid,butIneversawit.”
Shesqueezedhishandtighter.“Didyou?"
Marcuswassilentforamoment.“Doyouremembertellingmehowyou’rewillingtoputupwiththe

pressuresoffameifitmeansyoucanplayyourmusicforpeople?”Whenshenodded,hesaid,“Making
suremyfamilyishappyhasbeenworthanytradeoff."

“You’retheonewho’sspecial,”shetoldhimasherheartbrokeforhim,forallthathe’dheldinside

forsolong,andallthathe’dhadtobeforsomanypeople.Sheknewitwaswhyhewasthespectacular
manhewastoday...andyetshewishedthatithadallbeeneasierforhim.“Ilovehowcloseyouareto
yourfamily.Idon’tknowmanyotherpeoplewhofeelthatway.”

“Familyisimportanttoyou,too,isn’tit?”
“Very.”She’dalreadytoldhimhowmuchshelovedchildren.Nowshefoundherselfsaying,“I’ve

alwayswantedabigfamilyofmyown.Afamilylikeyours,withlotsofbrothersandsisterswhoallfight
andloveinequalmeasure.”

“Howareyouplanningtobalanceyourcareerwithhavingbabies?”
Nicolashrugged.“I’vealwaysfiguredifIwantsomethingbadenoughI’llfigureoutawaytomakeit

work.”

“Whatelsedoyouwant?”
Shegavehimawidesmile.“This."

Sheleanedoverandkissedhimhardandfastbeforelettinghimgetbacktothebusinessofdriving

themtotheirsecretdestination.

***

Hepulledoffthefreewayontoasideroadandastheterraingrewwilder,aftersomanydaysand

monthsspentinwindowlessstudiosandconcerthalls,sheturnedontheradiountilshefoundasongshe
liked,thengaveintotheurgetorolldownherwindowandstickherheadoutofitintothesunandwind
likeahappydogasshesangalongtothecatchyBanglessongaboutwalkinglikeanEgyptian.

Marcusneverletgoofherhandtheentiretimeandasshefeltpurejoymovethroughher,sheworked

todrinkitin,tosavortheincredibletasteofit.

TheyhitabumpintheroadandMarcuspulledherbackinside,herrearhittingtheleatherseatwitha

thumpandaburstoflaughtershecouldn’tpossiblycontain.WhenMarcusstartedlaughingalongwithher,
herentiresoulwassweptupinthejoyonhisface.

AsaWhitesnakesongcameonnext,shesaid,“Iloveoldiesstationslikethis.”
“Oldiesaresongsfromthefifties,nottheeighties,”Marcusargued.
Oops,shethought,realizingtoolatethatshe’djustinadvertentlypointedoutthedifferenceintheir

ages.“You’reright,”shesaidcheerfullybeforeturningofftheradio.

Afewmomentslaterhewaspullingintotheparkinglotofareallytinylittlestore.
“I’llberightback.”
Hereturnedwithalargeinsulatedbagslungoverhisshoulder.Shewantedtoaskwhatwasinside,

buthelookedsomuchlikealittleboywithahappysecretthatshedecidedtolethimkeepit.She’dseen
himserious.Intense.Sensual,ofcourse.Andcaring.Butthisplayfulnesswasanotherwonderfullayer.

Itwasn’tlonguntilhepulledoffontoareallyrough,reallynarrowdirttrackthatrequiredallofhis

concentrationtogetthemtothebottominonepiece.

She’dguessedthattheywereheadingouttowardthecoast,butthatdidn’tlessenhersurprisewhenhe

helpedheroutofthecar,slungtheheavybagoverhisshoulder,andsaid,“Closeyoureyes.”

Threedaysagoshe’dbeenafraidofevertrustinganyoneagain.ButtrustingMarcuswasasnaturalas

breathing.Shetookadeepbreath,closedhereyes,andwassurprisedtofeelhimliftingheroffthe
ground.

Hereyesflewopenandshefoundhimsmilingdownather.
“Youdon’tneedtocarryme,”shemadeherselfsay,eventhoughthetruthwasthatshewasgladtobe

backinhisarms,tofeelhisheartbeatingsteadilyagainsther.

“Ican’thaveyoutrippingonanybranches,”hesaidagainstherear.“Closeyoureyesagain.”
Sheshiveredathisgentlecommand,evenasadevilonhershoulderasked,“WhatifIdon’twantto?”
Thelookhegaveherwassohungry,sofullofsensualintent,thatherlipsactuallytingledthoughhe

hadn’tkissedthem.“Doyoureallywanttofindout?”

HerbrainscreamedYes,evenasfearoftheeroticrepercussionshadherclosinghereyesjustashe’d

askedherto.

Hechuckledasshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandsnuggledinclosertohim.Allofhersenses

cametolifeashecarriedhersurelyandsteadilydownthenarrowpathbetweenthetallpines.Shecould
hearthebirdscallingtoeachotherfromthetreetops.Shecouldfeelthelightbreezebrushingoverher
skin,coolingherwhereMarcustouchedherandmadeherhot.

“Theairsmellssogood.”
Hekissedherforeheadinresponseandwithhereyesstillclosed,shetiltedherfaceuptohis,moved

herhandstothebackofhisheadandpulledhisfacedowntoherstokisshim.

Givingheronelastkiss,hesaid,“Ifyouaren’tcareful,you’llneverseeanythingbuttrees."

Hislowvoice,roughwithdesire,hadhermorethanalittletemptedtodojustthat.Butthenhewas

movingagainandsheletherselfbetakentotheplacehe’dchosenjustforher.Forbothofthem.

Theairaroundthemchangedfrompineneedlestosaltsprayashestoppedwalkingandslowlyputher

down,herbacktohisfront.

“Goahead.Openyoureyes.”
ShehadspentplentyoftimeonMalibubeachesthesepastyearsthatshe’dbeenworkingdowninLos

Angeles...butshewasn’tpreparedfortheincrediblesightthatawaitedher.

Theblue-greenwaterwassovibrantherbraincouldhardlybelieveitwasreal,thatithadn’tbeen

paintedjustforthem.Andthewaythesurfcrashedonthetall,craggyrocksthatroseuponeithersideof
thefine,whitesandofthebeachremindedherofthepartsofNewZealandshe’dmanagedtoseeduring
herpastshowsthere.

“Marcus,”shesaidwithwonder,“thisisbeautiful.”
Hisarmstightenedaroundherandhenuzzledher.“I’mgladyouthinkso.”
She’dbeengivenexpensivebouquets,fancydinners,evenjewels,butonlyMarcuswouldthinkto

giveherthesimplejoyofadayatthebeach.

Shehadtoturnintohisarms,hadtotellhimhowshefeltwithmorethanwords.Shekissedhimsoftly,

slowly,thensaid,“ThankyouforthebestdayI’veeverhad."

Thesunwasrightabovethemanditwasbarelynoon,butshealreadyknewnothingcouldtouchthe

joyshefeltfrombeingallalonewithMarcusinoneofthemostbeautifulsettingsintheworld.

Helookeddownather,hiseyesdarkwiththeneedsheknewhadtobereflectedinherown.“Areyou

hungryyet?”

Shewas,butnotforfood.Justforhim.Forthechancetosavoreveryoneoftheseprecioushourswith

themanwhowasstealingherheartonebeatatatime.

Sheshookherheadandkickedoffherballetflats.“Ah,”shesighedwithpleasureatthewarmsand

squishingbetweenhertoes.“Itfeelssogood."

Marcushadsatdownonanearbyrocktotakeoffhisshoesandsocksandrolluphispants,andshe

wassurprisedwhenhepulledherdownontohislapandkissedher.Justasabruptly,heputherback
downonshakylegsandgraspedherhandinhistobeginwalkingdownthelongstretchofcompletely
emptybeach.

“Youlikedoingthat,don’tyou?”
“Yes,Ilikekissingyou.”
“No,”shesaid,“liftingmeoffmyfeet.Carryingmearound.Pullingmedowntokissyouwhenever

yougettheurge.”Sheturnedtohimwithamockglare.“Ithinkitgoeshandinhandwiththetellingme
whatdostuff.”

Hedidn’tletgoofherhandasheliftedhistorunthebackofoneknuckledownhercheek.“Youlike

it,too.”

Hissurewords,theflat-outstatementthatsheenjoyedbeinghisplaythingforhimtomoveand

commandhoweverheliked,shouldhaveupsether.

Buttheybothknewthatitdidn’t.
Suddenlyfeelinglikeshewasonaboatthathadlostitsanchorandwasdriftingslowlybutsurelyout

intothemiddleoftheocean,sheblurtedtheonequestionshehadn’tbeenabletofigureouttheanswerto
inthetimethey’dbeentogether.

“Howdidagorgeous,successful,greatguylikeyougettothirty-sixwithoutawifeandkids?”

Quicklyrealizingshe’dcomeatitallwrongwhenhewentstiffbesideher,sheadded,“Imean,
consideringhowgoodyouareinbed,Iwouldexpectwomeninweddinggownstobeknockingonyour
doorallthetime.”

Thatearnedherasmallsmile.“ExactlyhowgoodamI?”

“Nowyou’rejustfishingforcompliments.”Shelaughed,thenadded,“Reallyfreakinggood.”
Thesurfcrashedbiggerandhigherthanithadbeforeandshemadeamovetorun,butMarcus

wouldn’tlethergetawayfromthecoldwaterthatcameupalmosttoherknees,baredinhershortjean
skirt.

“That’scold!”sheprotested.
“Ilikeseeingyouallwet.”
“Youhaveadirtymind,”shetoldhim,butthebreathinessinhervoicegaveawaythefactthatshedid,

too.

“You’reright,”hesaid,thatdark,hungrylookpinningherwhereshestoodinthesand,causingher

breathtocatchinherthroat.“Sohere’swhatmydirtymindwants,Nicola.Takeoffyourclothes.”

Shelookedupanddowntheemptybeach.“Areyoucrazy?”
“OnlywhenI’mwithyou.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“I’mwaiting.”
OhGod,shecouldhardlybreatheatthethoughtofstrippingdownhereforMarcus.
“Ifsomeonecomes—”shebegan,beforerealizing,“Nooneisgoingtocometothisbeach,arethey?”
“No,”heconfirmed.“It’scompletelyourstoday.”
Shehadspentenoughtimewithreallywealthypeople—worthaheckofalotmorethanapopstar

likeher—toknowkeepingahugestretchofcoastcompletelyprivatewasentirelypossible.

Shewasabouttoreachforthehemofhertanktopwhensherealizedwhathe’ddone.She’dasked

himapersonalquestionandinsteadofansweringit,he’dthrownheroffbyusingherownbody—andthe
endlessdesireshehadforhim—againsther.

Shesmoothedherhandsdownonherhips.“I’llmakeyouadeal.”
“Adeal?"
Sheliftedherchinandsaid,“Yes,”gladtocatchthehintofsmileplayingaroundtheedgesofhislips

atherdefiantresponse.

“Youhaveabeautifulbackside,Nicola.I’vebeenlookingforwardtoseeingitbentupovermy

knees.”

Shockingly,hewasn’ttheonlyone.
Tryingtopushthesenselesslyeroticvisionoutofherhead,shesaid,“Don’tkeepchangingthe

subject,”inhertoughestvoice.

Shewasrewardedwiththesweetsoundofhislaughter.“Suchafiercelittlekitten.”Hecaughther

fistsbeforeshecouldknockthemintohischest.“Goahead.Makemeadeal."

“I’lltakemyclothesoffifyou’llanswermyquestionaboutwhyyou’renotmarriedyet,orevenina

relationship.”

Thelaughterlefthiseyessoquicklyshealmostcriedoutattheloss.Andyet,eventhoughsheknew

thiswassupposedtobeno-strings,eventhoughsheknewsheshouldn’tbestrayingawayfromthesafe
zonewhereonlytheirbodieswereinvolved,sheknewitwasalreadytoolate.

Herheartwasin.Wayin.
ShewantedtoknowmoreaboutMarcus.Neededtounderstandhowhe’dcometobethemanhewas.
“Mygirlfriendcheatedonme.IcaughtherthesamedayIwenttothatclub.”
She’dknownthingshadgonebadlywithhisexfromcommentshe’dmadebefore,butcouldn’tstop

hereyesfromwidening.

“Shecheatedonyou?”
“I’veneverscrewedaroundonawoman.”
“No,”shesaidquickly,“Iknowyouwouldneverdosomethinglikethat.Ijustcan’tunderstandwhat

womaninherrightmindwouldcheatonyou.Youmustbesoangrywithher.”

“Iwas,”headmitted,“butthenIrealizedthatsheactuallydidusbothabigfavor.”
“How?”

“Weweren’trightforeachother.”
Eventhoughsheknewtheanswermightkillher,shehadtoask.“Didyouloveher?”
“IthoughtIdid.”
Ouch.Itshouldn’thavehurttothinkofMarcusbeinginlovewithsomeoneelse,butitdid.Alot.

Whichwaswhyittookherlongerthanitshouldhavetorealizehehadn’tactuallysaidhelovedhisex.

“Wait,youthoughtyoudid?Soisthatayesorno?”
Hefrowned,shookhishead.“No.IonlylovedthepersonIwantedhertobe.Butthatwasn’twhoshe

reallywas.”

“Iknowexactlyhowthatis,”shesaidbeforeshecouldcatchherself.
“Youdo?”
Sixmonthsfellawayinthespanoftwosimplewordsfromthesweetestmanshe’deverknown,and

sheknewifshetalkedaboutKennyshe’dprobablyendupcryingalloverhimandmakingacomplete
idiotofherself.

“Ido.”
Hetippedhishandbeneathherchinandmadeherfacehim.“Whoeverhewas,whateverhedidto

hurtyou,hewastheworld’sbiggestidiot.”

Thetearsshe’dbeenhopingshewouldn’tcryspilledout.“Iwasthebiggeridiotforbelievinghis

lies.”

“No,Nicola,”hesaidashegentlywipedawayhertearswiththepadsofhisthumbs.“Youcould

neverbeanythingbutbrightandbeautifulandabsolutelyperfectjustthewayyouare.”

Hismouthcoveredhersamomentlaterandthenhewasmakingherforgeteverythingbuthowgoodit

felttobeinhisarms...everythingbutthefactthatshewassoincrediblygladshe’dbeenthereatthenight
clubtohelphimoverhisbadbreakup,alittlebitatleast.

“Helpmetakemyclothesoff,”shemurmuredagainsthislips.
HiseyesglitteredashecoveredherhandswithhisandtheypulledoffherT-shirttogether.Herbra

cameoffnextandhetossedbothupontothedrysand.Herjeanskirtandpantiescameoffjustasquickly
andthenshewasstandingbeforehim,completelynaked.

Andsenselesslyaroused.

ChapterSixteen

“Doyouhaveanyideahowbeautifulyouare?”
Thebiggest,mosttrustingeyesintheworldlookedupathim.“Onlywhenyou’relookingatmelike

this.”

Marcusputhishandsonherhipsandpulledheragainsthimashismouthcoveredherswithoutany

restraintatall.Nicolakissedhimbackjustaspassionately,herhandsgraspingathisclothes.Only
breakingtheirkisslongenoughtopullhisshirtoverhishead,theywererightbackatitastheygothis
pantsandboxersoff.

Hismouthstillonhers,heliftedherintohisarmsagainandwalkedintothesurf.
AwavecrashedupontothemandNicolagaspedatthecold.“Areyoucrazy?”
“Whenyou’rewithmelikethis,”heanswered,“IthinkImustbe.”
Sheattackedhimwithherlips,plantingkissesalloverhisface,hisneck,hisshoulders.He’dnever

beenwithsomeonesounrestrained,soreadytogiveintoherjoy...andsowillingtoshareitwithhim.The
hourshe’dspentwithNicolahadbeenhappierthananyhecouldrememberbeforeher.

Yes,he’dbeentellingherthetruthwhenhesaidhedidn’tregretanyofthetradeoffshe’dhadtomake

onhisfamily’sbehalf.Buthewasgladhedidn’thavetomakeanyofthosetradeoffsnowsothathecould
putNicola—andhisfeelingsforher—firstthesepastfewdays.

“Iwantsobadlytomakelovetoyououthere,”shetoldhimasshelickedathisearlobe,“butwe

don’thaveanyprotection.”

Marcushadtoforcefullypushasidetheurgetobeinsideofherwithoutanythingbetweenthem.Ifthis

weremorethanalongweekendtogethertheycouldgettestedand—

No.Heneededtostayfocusedonhereandnow,onthefactthatNicolahadalreadygivenhimmore

pleasureinthreedaysthananymanshouldrightfullyexpecttohaveinonelifetime.She’dmadeitclearto
himthatshedidn’twantarelationship.

Justasclearashe’dmadeittoher,infact.
Thatwaswhenheshowedherwhathewasholding.“Iplannedahead.”
Sheshookherheadonasurprisedlaugh.“Howtheheckdidyougetthisoutofyourpocketand

unwrappedwithoutmynoticing?”Withoutwaitingforhisanswer,shegrabbedthecondomfromhim.
“Nevermind.JustputmedownsothatIcandothehonors.”

Notsurehe’dsurvivehavingherhotlittlehandsonhim,hewarnedher,“Don’teventhinkabout

teasingme,”asheputherbackonherfeetinthesurf.

Sheblinkedathim,allsexyinnocenceandpurewickedintent.“HowelseamIgoingtoknowif

you’reevergoingtomakegoodonallthosespankingthreats?”

“Oh,I’llmakegoodonthem,allright,”hetoldher,temptedtotakecareofherrightthenandthere,but

thenhertonguewascomingouttolickatherupperlipasshefocusedherattentiononhim.

“You’rethebeautifulone,”shemurmuredasshedroppedtoherkneesbeforehesawitcomingand

puthermouthoverhim.

Jesus,hecouldn’tbelievehewasoutintheoceanwiththemostbeautifulwomanontheplanet

pleasuringhimintheswirlingsurf.Thiswasn’thim,wasn’twhathislifewaslike,wasn’tanypartofhis
plans.

Forgethisplans,hethoughtasheslidhishandsintoherhairanddecidedtotakewhatshewasso

happilygivinghim.Allthewhile,evenasshenearlytookhimovertheedge,hewatchedhercarefullyto
makesurehewasn’thurtingher.Fortunately,hecouldtellfromthesexylittlesoundsshewasmakingthat
shelovedgivinguphersensualcontroltohim.

Waitinguntilhewasasplitsecondfromlosingit,hedraggedhimselfoutofhermouth.“Putthe

condomonme,Nicola.”

Hergazewasfuzzyassheblinkedupathim,butsheobeyedhimwithshakinghands.
Grittinghisteethagainstthesweettugofherhandsonhim,hemarveledatthewayshecompletely

gaveupherbodytohimwhentheyweremakinglove.Hewantedtobeasgoodasthetrustshegavehim,
wantedhertoknowshe’dmadetherightdecisionintrustinghim.

“Comehere.”Hewaitedforhertotakehishandsandstandupbeforehesaid,“Wrapyourselfaround

me.”Shejumpeduptowraphertonedlimbstightlyaroundhimandhecouldn’tholdbackhisconfession.
“Iloveholdingyoulikethis.”

“Youcan’tpossiblyloveitasmuchasIdo,”shesaidagainsthislipsashestartedwalkingdeeper

intothecoldwater.

“OhGod,”shegaspedasthesurfpushedoverherbottom,“that’sreallycold.”Herbigeyesflicked

uptohis.“You’regoingtohavetoworkreallyhardtokeepmewarm.”

“That’stheplan,”hesaid,andthenafterhemovedherevenclosertohim,“How’sthisworking?”
“Mmm,prettygood.But,”sheheldoutonearm,“Istillhavegoosebumps.”Hepressedfirstonekiss,

andthenhalfadozen,upherarm.“You’reonlymakingmeshivermore,”shesaidinahuskyvoiceandhe
liftedhismouthfromhersoftskin.

“Maybethis,then?”
Theireyesheldashetookherinonehardstroke.
“Oh.”Hereyelidsflutteredatthepleasureofcomingtogether.“Yes.Justlike—”Herwordsbrokeoff

onagaspofpleasureasheangledhishipstostrokeoverthemostsensitivepartsinsideher.

BeingwithNicolalikethiswasasnatural,asunstoppableasthetides.Therewasnoebbandflowto

hisdesireforher,onlyaconstantcrashingofneedandwantthatkeptdragginghimdeeperunderherspell.

Hereyesglitteredwithemotionasshelookedupathimandhecouldfeelthedangerouspullofmore

thanjustbodiescomingtogetherinthatmomentassheheldontohim,thesunilluminatingherstunning
beauty,thegoldenhueofhersmoothskin.

Forallhissensualdemands,Marcusknewdamnwellwhowasreallyincharge.Nicolahadowned

himfromthatfirstmomentintheclubwhenshe’dlookedintohiseyesandclaimedhim.

She’dhadhisbodyfromthefirst,buthe’dbeensosurehisheart—hissoul—weresafe.Thatno

womancouldpossiblytouchhim.

Sothen,whydidbeingwithherlikethistouchhimasnothingeverhadbefore?
Andwhen,hehadtohelplesslywonder,hadhotsexwithhisbeautifulpopstarturnedintomaking

love,outonabeachbeneathasunthatfeltlikeitwasshiningjustforthem?

ChapterSeventeen

Laughingtogetherastheyputontheirclothesoverwetskin,theywalkedhandinhandupthebeachto

sitonthesoftsandandplunderthecontentsofthebagMarcushadputtogetheratthesmallPointReyes
cornerstore.

NicolalovedbeingwithMarcuslikethis,sharingmealsandsittingtogether,theirlegstouchingas

theyateandkissedbetweenbites.Shewasfranklyamazedtofindthattheirpicnicwasinsomeways
evenmoreintimate—andscary—thanmakingloveintheoceanhadbeen.

Whenhe’dbeenholdingher,drivingherinsanewithhiskissesandcaresses,she’dbeensoclose,

barelyanotherkissawayfromspillingwhathadbeengrowingdeepwithinherheart.Butnow,shehada
feelingitmightnottakemorethanoneofhisbeautifulsmilestosendherallthewayovertheedge,way
pastno-stringstoturningintooneofthosegirlsshe’dteasedhimaboutearlier,wearingtheweddingdress
andknockingonhisdoor.

Somehow,despitethefactthatshewashavingthebestdayofherlife,despitehowsweethe’dbeen

whenhewastellingherthatherexhadn’tdeservedher,sheneededtoremembertokeepafirmholdon
herheartatalltimes.

“So,”sheaskedasshetoreanotherchunkofbreadoffanddippeditinthered-pepperhummus,“how

doyouknowaboutthisplace?”

“Thiswasmyfather’sfavoritebeach.”Shefollowedhisgazedownthebeachtoaprettycottage

perchedontherocks.“Hisbestfriendfromcollegeownedthathouseandthisstretchofsand.”Ashadow
passedoverhisfaceashesaid,“Joediedafewyearsago.Heleftmymotherthisplaceinhiswill,told
herhisbestmemorieshadbeenofallofusplayingonthebeachwhenwewerekids.Andthathehoped
ourgrandkidswouldplaylikethatoneday,too.”

NicolahadtomoveclosertoMarcus,hadtotakehishandsinhersandholdthemoverherheartas

thoughshecouldgivehersupforhisifitmeantshecouldtakeawayallofthepainhe’dhadtodealwith
atsuchaterriblyyoungage.

“Tellmeaboutyourfather.”
“Hewasgreat.Therewasneveradaywhenwedidn’tknowhowmuchhelovedus,howgladhewas

tohaveusall.Evenwhenabunchofuswerefightingandyellingandcallingeachothernames,hewould
sitbackandletusworkitoutuntilwereachedthepointofnoreturn.”

“Whatdidhedothen?”
Shewaspleasedtohearhimchucklesoftly.“He’dwalkintotheroomandsay‘It’sover.’”
“That’sit?”
Heshotheracrookedgrin.“Hewalkedsoftlybutcarriedabigstick.”
“Soundsalotlikeyou.”
“Iusedtothinkso.”
“Whatdoyoumean?Youdon’tthinkyou’regoingtobeagreatfather?”
“Iusedtothinkthat.I’mprettymuchoverthewholewifeandkidsthingrightnow.”
Therewasabsolutelynoreasonforhisstatementtohurther.Butthefactthatthepopstarhe’dbeen

boningcouldneverpossiblybeunderconsiderationforthatrolemadeherfeel—fortheveryfirsttime
sinceshe’dmethim—cheap.

Thesuddenpainthatslashedinpastherbreastbonemadehercarelessenoughtocallhimonwhat

he’djustsaid.“So,justbecausesomebitchyouweredatingcheatedonyou,you’regivinguponhavinga
family?”

Hiseyesflashedawarningthatshedecidedtoignore.Whatthehell,theholeshewasdiggingwas

alreadysobigshecouldprettymuchburyherselfinit.Whystopnow?Especiallyifshewasnevergoing
toseehimagaincomeMondaymorning.Shemightaswelltrytohelp...evenifMarcusreallydidn’twant

herto.

Yes,shedecided,itwasapurelyaltruisticthingshewasdoingbypointingthisouttohim.Itwasn’tat

allthathe’dhurtherandshewantedhimtopayforit.

“AllI’maskingisifit’soccurredtoyouthatmaybeyouchoseatotallyworthlesshotodatesothat

youwouldn’thavetofaceactuallymarryingherandstartingafamily?Sothatyouwouldn’thavetorisk
losingawomanyouloved,themotherofyourchildren,likeyourmotherlostyourfather?Youknow,so
youcoulduseyourexasthereasontohidefromlove?”Sheshrugged,triedtoactnonchalant.“Heck,
that’sprobablywhyyouchoseme,too.Becauseit’seasiertosleepwithatotallyinappropriatesinger
thereisabsolutelynochanceofhavingafuturewith.”

Thesilencewasthick,almostcold,aftershefinishedherpoint-by-pointanalysisofhislife.Suddenly,

sherealizedshe’dneverseenMarcuslookatherlikethisbefore.

Hewasangry.
Angrywithherforhavingtoldhimwhatshethought.
Finally,hesaid,“Whataboutyou?”Hiseyeswerenarrowed,hisjawtight.“Youcouldhaveanyone,

Nicola.Sowhydidyoudateaworthlessliarthatyouprobablyknewwouldenduphurtingyou?Isitthe
samereasonyouthinkyouneedtofillsomesexyimage?Thesamereasonyouhidebehindyourbodyand
yourprettyfaceratherthanlettingpeopleseehowsmartyouare?Andisn’tthatwhyyouchoseme,too,
becauseI’mfunforacoupleofnights,butwebothknowyou’dneverconsiderstickingitoutwitha
boringoldguyinasuitinamillionyears?"

Shehadn’texpectedhimtocomebackatherwiththat,withanyofit,andshetriedtotakeherhands

fromhis,butheheldthemfast.

“Youhavenorighttosaythosethingstome.”
“Don’tthrowstonesifyourowndamnhousecan’ttakeit,kitten.”
OhGod,shehatedhearinghimusethatendearmentnow,whenhewasangrywithher.
“Seemstomeyou’retheexpertonhiding,”hetoldherinalow,hardvoice.“Hidingfromthepress.

Hidinghowsmartandtalentedyoureallyare.Eveninthebedroom,thelastplaceintheworldyoushould
havebeentryingtohideyourselffromyourlover,Ihavetopusheveryoneofyourbuttonstogetyouto
dropyourwallsforasplit-second.”

Sheunderstoodthatshe’dupsethimwithwhatshe’dsaid,somuchthathewasactivelytryingtopush

heraway.Butthatknowledgedidnothingtodouseherpain.Ifanything,itonlymadeitworse.

Becauseshe’dstupidlytrustedhimnottohurther.
Sheyankedherhandsfromhisgripandgottoherfeetinthesand.“Fine!Youdon’twantmetohide

anymore,thenhowaboutIstoprightnow?"

Hestoodup,too,facingher.“Idareyoutotry.”
Asthegauntletcrashdownbetweenthem,sheblurted,“HowaboutIfaceuptothefactthatI’mstill

theworld’sbiggestidiotforbelievingthatwecouldactuallydothiswithnostrings.HowaboutItellyou
thatIknewbetterthantostartfallinginlovewithaguywhowouldneverwantmeforanythingmorethan
acoupleofdaysofhotsex.”Herbreathwascomingtoofastandhervisionwasblurringwithtearsasshe
yelled,“How’sthatforsmart?"

Shehadtoturnawayfromhim,couldn’tbeartolethimseehercry.Notnowthateverythingwas

ruinedandherperfectdayhadbeencrushedtosmithereens.

Andnotaftershe’dactuallygoneandconfessedherstupidfeelingstohimintheperfectwaytomake

surethathewouldnever,everreturnthem.

Not,sheknew,thathewouldhaveanyway.
“Ineedtogo,”shetoldhiminatightvoicethatshewillednottobreak.“Mycrewisgoingtobe

expectingmeatthevenueforsoundchecksoon.Ican’tbelateagainlikeIwasyesterday.”

Sheheadedtowardthepathbetweenthepinetreesthatwouldtakeherbacktohiscar.Inthesurf

whenhe’dbeenholdingherinhisarms,despitehowcoldthewaterswirlingaroundthemhadbeen,she’d
feltsowarm.

Butnow,evenwiththewarmsunbeatingdownonherback,she’dneverfeltcolder.

***

Itwasn’tjusttheshockofknowinghowdeepheremotionsforhimranthathadMarcusreeling.
Itwasthefactthatherehe’dbeengoingonaboutherneedingtotreatherselfasmorethanasex

object,whenthat’sthewayhe’dbeentreatingherallalong.Becausewhensheactuallyturnedthatbig
brainonhislife,toanalyzethedecisionshe’dmade,he’dlostitonher.

Throwingeverythingintothepicnicbag,hemovedquicklythroughthetreestofindherwaitinginhis

car.Herbackwasstraight,herhandswereonherlap,andshewasstaringstraightaheadashegotin
behindthewheel.

“I’msorry."
Hewantedtoreachforherhand,butheknewhowshe’dreact,thatthelastthingshewantedwasfor

himtotouchher.Theironywasn’tlostonhimthattheverythingshedidn’twantwasnowwhatheneeded
most—toreconnectwithhereveninthatonesmallway.

“I’msorry,too."
Marcuswassurprisedtohearhersaythosewordstohim.He’dbeenplanningtosaysomuchmore,

neededtoletherknowhowwronghe’dbeentohurtherlikethat,thathehadn’trealizedwhatasensitive
topichisfather’sdeathwas.

Butwhenhereyesmethis,flatandempty,heknewhewastoolate.
“Ishouldn’thavepressuredyoufortheseextradaystogether."
Hethoughthesawtheshimmeroftearsinhereyes,butwhenhelookedagaintheywereclear.And

stillsoflathisgutclenchedatthememoryofthepassion,thejoythathadbeentherejustminutesbefore.

“Youwererighttowanttoendthingsafterthatfirstnight.”Hermouthmovedupatthecorners,into

somethingnoonewouldevercallasmile.“Lessonlearned.One-nightstandsshouldsticktothenumber
intheirname.”

MarcushadalwaysbeenthesteadySullivan,theonewhoknewwhatdoinanysituation.However,

fromthefirstmomentwithNicola,he’dbeencompletelyoutofhisdepth.Moresonowthaneverbefore.
Buteventhoughhe’dknownallalongthattheirrelationshipwasgoingtoendintheverynearfuture,he
hatedthethoughtofitendingthisway.

“You’veneverbeenapopstartome,Nicola.You’vealwaysjustbeenyou.AwomanIwantedand

likedfromthestart.IfI’veevertreatedyoulikeyouwerenothingmorethanasexkitten,I’mtrulysorry.”

Shewassilentforaseveralverylongseconds.Finally,shesaid,“It’sniceofyoutosaythat."
Hewaitedformore,waitedforhertotellhimshethoughthewasmorethanjustsomeguyinasuit

whoknewhowtomakeherscreamwithpleasurewhenshecame,butshesimplypulledhercellphone
outofherbagandlookedatthetime.

“HowlongwillittaketogettotheWarfield?”
Suddenly,hefeltlikehewasbendingoverbackwardtotrytogethertolistentohisapologies,butshe

wasn’twillingtobendatall.

Hadn’thespenttwostraightyearsbendingoverforJill,doingwhateverhecouldtomakeherhappy?

Lookhowthathadturnedout.Ifhe’dbeentooboring,tooemotionlessforJill,thensurelyonedaysoon,
evenifheandNicolafoundawaytopatchthingsuptoday,shewouldsurelyendupboredwithhim,
too...andeventuallyhe’dhavetheextremenon-pleasureofwalkinginonherdoingsomeexcitingguywith
piercingsandagoatee,knowinghe’dbeenafoolonemoretime.

“Aboutanhour.”

“Ihopethere’snotraffic.Ifyouknowanyshortcuts,I’dappreciateyoutakingthem.”
Howhaditcometothissoquickly?FrommakingloveintheoceantosittinginhiscarwhileNicola

spoketohimlikehewasastranger?

Buthispridewouldn’tlethimbegheragainforforgiveness.He’dtried.She’dpushedhimaway.
Theyweredone.
“Don’tworry,”hetoldherinavoicethatwasjustasdistantashershadbeen,“I’llmakesureyou’re

thereontime.”

ChapterEighteen

ThankGodshe’ddoneathousandshowslikethisone,Nicolathoughtasshewentthroughthemotions

ofsoundcheckingandjokingaroundwithherband.Shemighthavebeensmiling,laughing,butshefelt
hollow.Empty.

Andreally,reallysad.
ThethingsMarcushadsaidtoherkeptrepeatingoverandoverinherhead,soloudlythatsheactually

forgotthelyricstooneofhersongsandhadtostopinthemiddle,apologizetoherbandwithajoke,
pretendshedidn’tseethewaytheylookedather,ateachother,withquestionsintheireyes.

Oneslip.Shewasonlyeveroneslipawayfrompeopleassuminglatenightsanddrugsandwild

parties.

Ofcourse,shewasn’texactlyhelpingherselfbyplayingintothewildimagewithhervideos,the

clothessheworeonstage,thefactthatsheletherselfbephotographedwithpeoplewhosewildimages
wereearned,notsimplyimagined.

ItwasasmuchasMarcushadsaidtoheroutonthebeach,whentheywereangrilythrowingwordsat

eachother.

Sheknewthatwasalargepartofwhyshe’dbeensoangry.Maybeifshecouldhavetakenonebreath,

andthenanother,shecouldhaveletherselfadmittohim—tobothofthem—thatshewastiredofthesexy-
girlimage.Thatshe’dbeenwonderingmoreandmorewhyshewasbotheringwithit.Andthatshe
wantedtolethersongsstandforthemselves.

Justthepowerofhermusic,sinkorswim,withoutthesilentpromiseofsextosellthemtotheworld.
Butshehadn’ttakenthatbreath,hadshe?
Instead,she’dbarreledheadlongintothestupidest,mostidioticconfessionofherlife.
She’dtoldhimshewasfallinginlovewithhim.
No.
She’dyelleditathim.
Ofcourse,he’dsaidnothingaboutlove.Notthereonthebeach...andnotlaterinhiscar.
Shesatinherdressingroom,whichhertourmanagerhadsetupperherusualspecifications,making

thespacecomfortableandcozyforafewhours,andstaredintothelargemirrorwiththestripoflights
shiningdownaboveit.Theywerewaytoobright,highlightingallthepartsofhersoulshedidn’twantto
havetosee.

Tohiscredit,Marcushadcomebacktothecarandimmediatelyapologized.Butshe’dbeentooafraid

tohearwhathewassorryfor,terrifiedthathewasgoingtosay,“I’msorryyou’reinlovewithme.I
nevermeantforthattohappen.”

Sheturnedawayfromthemirror,unabletolookherselfintheeyeanylonger.
Heartbreakwassupposedtobeperfectforwritingsongs.Sheshouldbepickingupherguitarand

writingamasterpiece,channelingtheJoniMitchellinsideherselfandsingingaboutblueboysandbright
reddevilsshecouldn’tlivewithout.

Butshecouldn’tdothat.Nottonight,anyway.Notwhenitwasalltooraw.Notwhenshestillfeltso

stupid,sopainfullyfoolishtohavelostherheartsoquickly,socompletely,toamanshehadknownfrom
thestartwouldneverbeagoodmatchforher.

Onenightwasalltheyevershouldhaveshared.
Butasshesatinherdressingroomfeelingsorryforherself,itwasasiftheguitar,themirror,were

bothstaringatherfromoppositesidesoftheroomandcallinghercoward.

Theywereright.
Shewasbeingacoward.
Andshe’dbeenonefortoolong.

Finally,Nicolatookthatbreathsheshouldhavetakenoutonthebeach.Andthenanotherandanother

untilshefeltstrongenoughtomaketherightdecision.

Ignoringtheskimpy,shinyoutfitsherstylisthadlaidoutforhertowearonstage,clothesdesignedto

danceinandprovoke,shemovedoffherchair,pickedupherguitar,andturnedtofaceherselfinthe
mirror.

Thewomanwhostaredbackdidn’tlooklikeapopstarinfullmakeupandshimmeringskin-tightsilk

andSpandex.Forthefirsttimeever,NicolookedlikeNicola,ayoung,pretty,twenty-somethinggirlina
jeanskirtandT-shirtwhohadwrittensomesongsshewantedtoplayforpeople.

Finally,Nicolawasabletofindasmallsmile.
Sinkorswim,tonightwasthenightshe’dtakethatfirststeptowardhernewfuture.
Andeventhoughshewouldn’thaveMarcusbyherside,atleastshe’dalwaysknowshehadhimto

thankforhelpingtogiveherapushintherightdirection.

Hedidn’tloveher,buthe’dalwaysbeenclearaboutrespectingher.
Tonight,she’drespectherself,too.
Holdingherguitartoherbodyasifitwerealover—knowingitwastheonlylovershewouldhave

foralongtimetocome—Nicolasteppedoutintothehallwayandwenttofindherbandleadertodiscuss
thechangeofplans.

***

Justhoursago,Marcushadtoldhissisterthathecouldn’tcometoNicola’sconcertwithher,thathe

hadplansforthenightthatcouldn’tbebroken.Thelastthingintheworldheneededwastositbeside
LoriwatchingNicolaonstage.

He’dplannedongoingbacktohiswineryinNapa,backtohisnormallifewheresweet,sexypop

starshadnothingtodowithhisworldunlesstheywalkedintohiswinerywithanentourageand
demandedapersonaltour.HehadjustpassedtheWelcometoNapaValleysignthatgreetedvisitorstothe
world-famousregion,whenhemadeanabruptU-turnanddrovethe100milesbacktothecityasfastas
Saturdaynighttrafficwouldlethim.

Hesimplycouldn’tstayaway.Couldn’tpossiblyresistthechancetobeinthesameroomasNicola

forafewmorehours.

Andso,notonlyhadheflat-outliedtooneofhissiblings,butdespitehisstoryaboutbeingtoobusy

toattendtheconcert,herehewasstandingoutsidetheWarfieldinSanFranciscostaringupatasignthat
said,SPECIALGUESTFORONENIGHTONLY:NICO!

Inhiscaratthebeach,hispridehadtoldhimhewasbetteroffwithouther,thatheneededtoend

thingsbeforeshecouldendthemlaterandbreakhisheart.

Forgethispride.
Becausethememoryofthewayshe’dgottenoutofhiscarinfrontofthevenuethatafternoonhad

hauntedhimeverysecondsince.

“Itwasnicemeetingyou,”waswhatshe’dsaid.
Whatthehellwashesupposedtosaytothat?Thatitwasnicetohavemether,too,liketheywere

nothingmorethanacoupleofbusinesscolleagues?

Eventhoughheshouldhavebeengentlewithher,eventhoughhisonlygoalshouldhavebeentotryto

gethertolistentohisapologies,he’dgrowledhername,instead.

Hereyeshadflickedoverhimforabriefsecond,beforeshe’dpulledouthercellphoneandalerted

hercrewthatshewasoutfront.Momentslater,shewasdisappearingthroughthedoors,whichwere
lockedbehindhertokeepnotonlyherfansfromdisturbingherbeforetheshow...butalsotheguystaring
afterherfrombehindthewheelofhiscar.

“Heyman,youwantatickettotheshow?Nicousuallyplaysmuchbiggerplacesandthisonesoldout

intwentyminutes.Notgonnagetthechancetoseeherthiscloseanytimesoon."

Thescalper’swordsrippedathisalreadytorn-apartgutasMarcusstaredattheticket.Itwaswhyhe

washere,wasn’tit?ToseeNicolaonemoretime,todrinkherin,evenfromadistance,becausehe
alreadymissedherlikehell.

He’dbeenclosetoher,soclose.Andhe’dtakenhercompletelyforgranted,hadbeenlookingtoward

Mondayasaninevitableend.

Marcusboughttheticketandwassurprisedtofindthecrowdwasmadeupofnotjustkids,but

collegestudentsandmorethanafewpeoplehisownagewhohadobviouslycomenotaschaperonesto
youngfans,butbecausetheywantedtoseeNicolaplay.

Ashesatdown,heheardacoupleofteenagersdiscussingher.
“Iheardthatguyshewasdatingtotallyscammedher.Youknow,gotherhighandthentookabunchof

picturesandsoldthem.”

“Hetotallylookedlikeacreep,didn’the?”
“Totally.Iwonderwhysheevendatedhim?IfIwasasawesomeasNico,I’dholdoutforthebest-

lookingguyintheworldwhoworshippedme.”

Theirconversationmovedontotheguystheyhadcrushesonwhodidn’tknowtheyexistedand

Marcussatbacktoprocesswhathe’djustlearned.

Outonthebeach,she’dalludedtobeinghurtandbetrayedbyaformerlover.Andshe’dalreadytold

himthatshe’dmadesomebaddecisionsthathadlandedherwithawildparty-girlimage.

MarcusknewitwouldbesoeasytopulluptheInternetbrowseronhisphoneandfindouttherestof

thestory,butherememberedhowwaryshe’dbeenoncehe’dlearnedwhoshewas,thewayshe’d
assumedhe’ddoneaGooglesearchonher.

Whateverhelearnedaboutherpast,heneededtolearnfromherdirectly.
Thatis,ifshewouldevertalktohimagain.
Andwhywouldshe,hewonderedasthelightsdimmedandthecrowdbegantocheer.Hemightnotbe

lookingherupontheInternet,buthewassittinghereinthedarklikeacreepystalker,waitingtowatch
herperformwithoutherknowledge.

Hadherexdoneanyworse?
Marcusknewheneededtogetupoutofhisseatandleave.Buthe’dneverhadanyself-controlwhere

Nicolawasconcerned...andhestilldidn’t.

Forallthathe’dtriedtokeeptheirrelationshiptojustsex,ithadn’tbeen.Notevenclose.Hermusic

wassuchabigpartofwhoshewas,andheneededtoseeit,neededtounderstandit,neededtoknowthat
partofheraswellasheknewthecontoursofherbeautifulbody.

ThestagelightswentupslowlyandeveryoneshottotheirfeetasNicolawalkedonstage.Marcus’s

breathcaughtathowsmallshelookedbeneaththebrightlights,buthowsheownedit—andeveryonein
theroom—nonetheless.

HewassurprisedtoseethatshewasstillwearingherT-shirtandskirt.Fromthepictureshe

rememberedseeingofherwhenhe’dflippedpastthemusiccablestationswithhisremote,he’dassumed
she’dbewearingoneofherskimpycostumes,theoutfitsthatwerepartandparcelofthesuper-sexy
imagehe’drippedapartonthebeachjusthoursbefore.

“Hi,everyone.”
Thetwolargescreensoneithersideofthestageshowedhimhersmile.Shelookedstrong,butalittle

nervousatthesametime.Hethoughthesawhintsofsadnessinhereyes,buttherewasexcitementthere,
too.

Whatwasshedoing?
Butthen,suddenly,heknew,evenbeforeshesaidordidanythingelse:Hisbeautifulgirlwastaking

control.

“I’msogladeveryonecouldspendtonightwithme.TheMusiciansforLiteracyFoundationisreally

importanttome.”

Avoicecalledout,“Weloveyou,Nico!”
Shelaughed.“Iloveyou,too.”
Thewordsfellsoeasilyoffhertongueandheknewshemeantit.Herfansmeanttheworldtoher.She

didn’ttaketheopportunitytoplayhermusicforsomanypeoplelightly.

“I’minthemoodtoplaymyguitarandpianotonightandtakethisacousticforawhile.Isthatokay

withyouguys?”Fivethousandvoicescheeredherandhersmilelitupthedarkroom.“Awesome."

Shereachedouttotakeaguitarfromaroadieandslippeditonoverhershoulders.Marcusthought

howrightshelookedlikethat.

He’dsuddenlysawthathe’dbeenwrongoutonthebeach.Shehadn’tbeenhidingallofherself,just

onehalfofherself.Becauseshewasboththesexkittenfromhervideosandthisbeautifulgirlwhose
voicerangoutpureandstrongasshestrummedherguitarandbrokealloftheirheartswiththesimple
magicofhersongs.

Peoplesatbackdownintheirseats.Notbecausetheyweren’tthrilledwiththemusic,butbecause

theywantedtobeabletolistenmoreclosely,tobetterheareverynoteandnuanceofherperformance.A
performancethatheldthemallspellbound.

Betweensongs,shewasutterlydisarmingasshetoldthestoriesbehindherinspirationforthelyrics

andmadeeveryonelaugh.Andthen,whenshesatdownatthepianointhespotlightandbegantoplaythe
songhe’dheardathervideorehearsal—Allittookwasonemoment,onelookinyoureyes,onetasteof
yourlips,toknowthatyouweretheone—sheheldoutherentirehearttoheraudience.

Aheartforthemtohold...ortocrush.
Andashewatched,ashelistened,ashisheart—andsoul—drankherinamidstaroomfullof

strangers,Marcusknewhimselftobetheworld’sbiggestfool.

Thewomanhe’daccusedofhidingwasbraverthananyoneelsehe’devermet.
Ahellofalotbraverthanhewas.
IfMarcushadn’talreadyfacedthefactthathewasheadoverheelsinlovewithNicola,hewould

havefallenrightthen…alongwithfivethousandotherpeopleinthesold-outconcerthallinSan
Francisco.

ChapterNineteen

Astheapplausecontinuedafterherthirdandfinalencore,Nicolaquicklymoveddownthehallwayto

herdressingroom.Sheneededafewsecondstoherselfbeforeshewentoutinthegroupareatosayhello
tothefanswhohadpaidextratothecharityfortheprivilegeofapictureandachatwithher.

Hercrewhadbeenwithherlongenoughtounderstandthisneed,andalthoughtheysmiledatherand

gaveherthethumbs-up,theyletherpasswithoutconversation.

Sheclosedthedoorbehindherandleanedagainstit,finallylettingoutthebreathshefeltlikeshe’d

beenholdingfortwohours.

She’ddoneit,hadactuallystooduponthestagetheentirenightwithjustherguitarandpianoand

voicetoleadherthrough.God,ithadbeenincredible—although,shewassurprisedtorealize,apartof
hermissedthelightsandflashanddancing.

Allornothing,that’showithadalwaysfeltlikethingsneededtobe.Hadshebeenwrongthewhole

time?And,ifso,couldshepossiblyfigureouthowtowalkthelinebetweenflashandheartwithout
losingherfanbaseandgivingupthecareershe’dworkedsohardtobuild?

“Nico.”Aknockcameatthedoor.ItwasJimmy,thebodyguardwhousuallyworkedhershows.
Shetookabreathandopenedthedoorwithasmile.“Hi.”
Hewasfrowning.“I’mreallysorrytobotheryou.”
“Issomethingwrong?”
“Ijustwantedtoletyouknowthere’saguyoutsidewhodoesn’tseemtowanttotakenoforan

answeraboutcomingbackheretomeetyou.”

Hergutclenchedasplitsecondbeforeherheartfollowedsuit.“He’sprobablyjustacollegekidwho

dranktoomuch,”shesaid,eventhoughshealreadyknewbetter.

“Nope,”Jimmyconfirmed.“He’sanolderguy.Differentfromtheusualtypetryingtogetmetothink

heknowsyou.Lookslikeabusinessman.”

OhGod,Marcuswasoutthere.Didheknowshe’dbeenlookingforhiminthecrowdtheentirenight?

Thateverymanwithbroadshouldershadstoppedhercold,butnoneofthemwereeverhim?Finally,
she’dconvincedherselfthathewasn’tthere.Butnowitturnedouthe’dseenhershowandhewantedto
comebackstagetoseeher.

Buthavingjustgiveneverylastpieceofhershatteredsoulovertothecrowd,inthisstate,sheknew

exactlywhatshe’ddothesecondshesawhim:She’dbeghimtotakeherback.Evenjustforonehour,if
he’dhaveherthatlong.Andwhenmorningcame,she’dhateherselffornotbeingabletoholdontoher
pridewherehewasconcerned.

Sheshookherhead,startedtosay,“Ican’t—”
Jimmynodded.“Don’tworry.Iwon’tlethimbackhere.Ijustwantedtomakesureyoudidn’tleave

alonetonight,justincasehedecidestowaitaroundintheshadowsoutsideforyou.I’lltakeyoubackto
yourhotel.”

Shenodded.“Okay.”Shetriedtosmileherthanks,butshecouldn’tmanageit.“Iappreciateyou

lettingmeknowaboutthesituation.”

Hissmilewasgentle.“Youweregreatouttheretonight.Blewusallaway.”
Tearsprickledtooclosetohereyelids.“Thanks.I’mgladyoulikedtheshow.”Shegesturedtoward

thedressingroom.“IjustneedafewsecondsandthenI’llcomeoutanddothemeet-and-greet.”

“I’llletthemknowyou’reonyourway.”
Sheclosedthedooragainwithasoftclick,holdingherhandoverherheart.Justthinkingabout

Marcusoutbythestagedoorhaditbeatingsofast,toofast.Hewassoclose...

No.Sheneededtostopthinkingofhim,neededtogetonwithherjob.
Shedidn’tdarelookinthemirror,didn’twanttoseeherownhauntedeyes,asshegrabbedawater

bottleandheadedouttosayhellotoherfans.Tonightwasaboutthem,abouttheirgenerositytoavery
deservingcharity.Nicolawasn’tgoingtoletastupidlybrokenheartgetinthewayofthattruth.

Thirtyminuteslater,hercheekshurtfromsmilingsohard,butshewantedtohugeachandeveryoneof

herfans,becauseforalittlewhileshe’dalmostfeltnormal,likeshehadbeforeMarcushadcomeintoher
lifeandheldhersogently.

Beforehe’dkissedher,touchedher.
Beforehe’dshownhersomethingfarmorebeautiful—and,ultimately,farmorepainful—thansheever

couldhaveimagined.

Beforelove.
“OhmyGod,youwereamazing!”LoripushedthroughthethrongsofpeoplesurroundingNicolato

throwherarmsaroundher.

ShewasgladtoseeLori,ofcourseshewas,butthelinktoMarcuswaswaytoocloseforcomfort

andNicolahadtoworkevenharderthanshealreadywastoschoolherexpressionintoasmile.

“Thanks,”shesaid,wonderingifLoriknewherbrotherwasthere.“Ihadalotoffunoutthere

tonight.”

“IwishMarcushadbeenabletocome.Youwouldhaveanewbiggestfan.”
Nicolabarelyheldontohersmile.Ifhewereanyotherguy,maybeshewouldhaveletherselfconfide

toLorihowshe’dcompletelylostherheart.Girltalkwasjustwhatsheneeded,someonetodrinktoo
manyglassesofwinewithwhiletheytrash-talkedmen.

Instead,shesaid,“I’vereallyenjoyedspendingtimewithyouthisweek.”
Marcus’ssistergrinnedather.“You’renotleavinguntilMonday,right?”AtNicola’snod,Lorisaid,

“Onceamonth,thewholeclangetstogetherforSundaylunchatmymother’shouse.Pleasecomeandhang
outwithus.YoualreadyknowMarcus,butIknowhowmucheveryoneelsewouldliketomeetyouafter
I’vespentthelastweektalkingtheirearsoffabouthowamazingyouare.”

“Wow,that’sreallynice,”Nicolasaid,notwantingtobeabitchandruintheirbuddingfriendshipby

turningdownLori’sfriendlyoffer,“butIcan’tintrudeonafamilyevent.”

MisunderstandingNicola’shesitation,Lorisaid,“WeallgetthefamethingwithSmith.Ipromise

everyonewillbetotallynormal.Besides,”shesaidwithanobviousmatchmakinggleaminhereyes,“I
can’thelpbuthopeyou’llmeetoneofmybrothersandthetwoofyouwillfallinlove.HaveItoldyou
aboutGabe?He’safirefighterandmyfriendsarealwaystellingmehowhotheis.”

EverythingwasspiralingoutofcontrolsoquicklythatNicolacouldbarelyforceoutajoke.“Who

couldpossiblyresistafirefighter?”

Lorihuggedheragain.“I’lltextyoutheaddress.Iknowyou’rebusy,soI’lllettherestofyour

adoringfanshavesometimewithyou.Seeyoutomorrow!”

Maybe,Nicolathoughtasagroupofexcitedyounggirlssquealedatmeetingher,thislunchwasfor

thebest.She’dalreadybeenbraveenoughtostartchangingherimage,hadtakenthatfirststeptonightto
stophidingbehindhersuper-sexyexterior.

ButnotlettingMarcusseeherbackstagejustnowhadn’tbeenverybrave.
TomorrowatSundaybrunchshe’dfacehimonemoretime.She’dprovetobothofthemthatshecould

handleit,thatshewasbigenough,strongenoughtostophiding,andclearupanylingeringhurtfeelings.
Thatwouldleavebothofthemfreetomoveonwiththeirlives,thefewdaysthey’dspenttogetherineach
other’sarmsnothingbutadistantmemory.

Still,Nicolaknewshewouldn’tsleepmuchthatnight.Howcouldshewhenherbrainwouldbebusy

lookingatherrelationshipwithMarcusfromeverypossibleangle,eventhoughshealreadyknewthefinal
answer?

Endingitwasthebestthingforbothofthem.Yes,theycouldhavedoneitinacleaner,nicerway,but

atleasttheyweren’tfoolingthemselvesintothinkingtheycouldactuallyhavearelationship.

Hewouldbesomuchhappierwithouther.
Andshe’deventuallylearnhowtodealwithbeingmiserablewithouthim.

ChapterTwenty

Marcushadahellofanight.AfterdrivingbackuptoNapaaftertheconcert,he’dsatontheporchand

staredoutintothedarknessuntilthesuncameup.Therehadn’tbeenanypointintryingtosleep,notwhen
visionsofNicolawerealreadyhauntinghim.

Allnightlong,he’daskedhimselfthesamequestion:Howcouldhefixthemistakeshe’dmadewith

her?Everythinghe’ddonetohurther,topushheraway,tokeepheratarm’slength,toguardhisheart,
cameathimasthemoonshiftedtoletthesuntakeitsplace.

ThatmorninginSmith’skitchen,whenshe’daskedhimforanothernightandhe’dhurtherbytelling

herno,thatithadbeenahugemistaketoleavetheclubwithheratall.

Thatnightwhenhe’dfoundoutwhoshewas,andhadbeennotonlyangrywithherforkeepingher

famousidentityfromhimandmakingthemusetheprivateentrance,buthe’dalsodecidedboththose
thingsgavehimlicensetoselfishlyforceherbodypastthepointofnoreturn.

Thewayhe’dmadeherworklikehellthenextmorningfortheextratimetogether,whenarealman

wouldhaveowneduptohisfeelingsandsavedherthepainofanotherpossiblerejection.

Thepaininhereyesoutonthebeachwhenshe’dyelledathimaboutherbeingstupidenoughtobe

fallinginlovewithhim…andhedidn’thavethegutstoadmithewasfallinginlovewithher,too.

Marcus’sentirebodywastightandtenseashemadehimselfownuptoeachandeveryoneofhis

mistakes.

Forthefirsttimeinhislife,thevinesthatstretchedoutoverthehillsheldnobeautyforhim.Notafter

he’dheldthemostbeautifulwomanintheworldinhisarms...andhadbeentoostupidtorealizeheneeded
todoanythingandeverythinginhispowertoconvincehertolethimloveherthewaysheshouldbe
loved.

ThankGodNicola’sbodyguardhadn’tlethiminlastnight,hadfirmlytoldhim,“Sorry,man,she’s

busy.You’renotgettingintoseeher.”Marcushadn’tbeenrationalandwoulddefinitelyhavemadethings
worse.

Unfortunately,afteralongnightofthinking,hestillhadn’tcomeupwithaplanthathadanychanceof

working.Heknewhecouldn’thealwhatwasbrokenbetweenthemwithflowersorjewelry.

Hedidn’thavethewilltodomorethanputoncleanjeansandaT-shirtforhismother’sSundaylunch,

eventhoughheknewsomeonewasboundtocommentonthefactthatheclearlywasn’tatthetopofhis
game.Thatwasthethingaboutfamily—theywerealwaystherewithyoutocelebratethegoodstuff…and
topointoutwhenyouwerescrewingup.IfLoriknewwhathadgonedownwithNicola,shewouldkick
hisasssohardhe’dfeeltheimprintofherfootforthenextdecade.

Heopenedhismother’sfrontdoorandwalkedinside.Smithwaswalkingthroughtheroomwitha

coupleofbeersinhishand.“Hey,youlooklikeshit.”

“Nicetoseeyou,too.”Marcusreplied.Theclosestinageofallthesiblings,thetwoofthemhad

spentplentyoftimetalkingwiththeirfistsaskids.“Didn’tknowyou’dbeintown.”

Smithhandedhimabeer.“Wehavetoreshootacoupleofcityscenesthisweek.FiguredI’dgethere

adayearlyandseeeveryone.”Heraisedaneyebrow.“Wasprettysurprisedbyyourtextearlierthis
week.So,Jill’snotinthepictureanymore,Itakeit?Otherwise,youwouldn’tbeneedingmyplace.”

“Right,she’sgone.”
Smithgrinned.“Good.”Hisgrinwidened.“Sotellmeaboutthenewgirl.Aftertwoyearswiththeice

queen,Ihopeherreplacementwasseriouslyhot.Justaslongasyouchangedthesheetswhenyouwere
done.”

TherewasnoreasonforMarcustowanttoknockacoupleofSmith’steethoutofhismovie-starface.

Hisbrothercouldn’tknowhewasinadvertentlyslammingNicola.

“Therewerenosheetstochange,”wasallhewasgoingtosayaboutit.

Beforehisbrothercameathimwithmorequestions,heheadedforthebackyard,whereingood

weatherthelargetablewasalwayssetupforbrunch.Smith’svoicecameathimagainbeforehecould
makeittotheFrenchdoors.

“We’vegotaspecialguestoutside.Lorisaidyou’vealreadymetNico.Gorgeousgirl,isn’tshe?”
Holyhell.ThebeerbottleslippedinMarcus’sgripandhehadtofumbletokeepfromdroppingit.
MarcuswastornbetweenwalkingovertothetablewhereNicolawassurroundedbyhissiblingsand

draggingherofftolockherinthenearestbedroomtodowhateverittooktomakeherlistentohim—or
turningonhisheelandgettingthehelloutofthere.

Heknewheneededtoseeheragain,knewheneededtogetdownonhiskneesbeforeherand

grovel...butcouldhedothosethingsinfrontofhisentirefamily?

Marcushadn’tmadeitanyfurtherthanthethresholdbetweenthelivingroomandthepatiowhenhis

mothermadeabeelineforhim.

Herarmswerewarmasshehuggedhimandhervoicewassoftasshesaid,“She’slovely.”
Hedidn’thavetimetoschoolhisexpressionintoanythingbutsurprise.
Hismother’ssmilewassoftandunderstanding.“I’mgladtobeabletohavemorethanafewminutes

totalkwithNicolatoday.Thatimpromptuphonecalltheothernightwasmuchtooshortformetogetto
knowher.”

Ohno.Howcouldhehaveforgottenaboutthatcalltohismotherthenightthey’dlefttheclub?
Athisdumbfoundedsilence,hismothercontinued,“I’llhavetoadmitthatIwassurprisedwhenshe

arrivedwithLoriratherthanyou.”Sheraisedaneyebrow.“AndI’mevenmoresurprisedthatnoone,not
evenyoursisterwho’sbeenworkingwithher,seemstoknowaboutyoutwo.”

Noonewasbetteratgettinginformationoutofherkidsthanhismother.Amongherspecialtieswere

questionsthatsubtlypinnedyouinplace,thenforcedyoutospillyourgutswhenyou’dsworntokeep
yoursilenceonasubjectforever.

“We’renotactuallytogetherrightnow.”Itwasn’thotoutbuthewassweating.“Iblewit.”
Hismotherwatchedhimcarefullybeforehermouthcurvedupintoasmile.“I’vehopedforthisforso

manyyears,waitedforsomeonetocomealongwhomyoucouldfinallylovemorethanyourfamily,
someonewhowouldturnyouinside-outandtossyouoffyourpath.”Hismotherlookedpositivelygleeful
inthefaceofhismisery.“SomeonejustlikeNicolaforyoutoblowitwith.”

Dumbfounded,MarcuscouldonlywatchhismotherwalkawaywithasmileonherfaceasLori

yelledout,“Marcus,you’rehere!”

Finally,hegothisfeetworkingagainandheadedtowardthegroupoutinthemiddleofthebackyard.
Ahalf-dozenvoicescameathim,butallMarcuscouldseewasthatGabewassittingwaytoocloseto

Nicola.Heknewhisyoungestbrother’stype.NicolawasexactlythekindofwomanGabeandtheother
guysatthefirestationlikedtotakehomeforthenight.

“Gabe,”hesaid,“you’reneededinthekitchen.”
Hisbrotherlookeddoubtful.Gabewasnotoriousforleavingthekitchenlookinglikeatornadohadhit

it.Fortunately,heshiftedhisseatbackandstartedtogetup,butbeforehedid,heleanedovertosay
somethinginNicola’sear.ShelaughedandMarcus’shandsstartedtocurlintofists.

Hell,he’dpracticallyraisedGabefromababy.Heshouldn’twanttokillhimnowjustbecausehe’d

madeNicolalaugh,andlookedatheralittletoolong,withalittletoomuchinterest.

Fortunately,beforeMarcuscouldleapacrosstheyardtoflattenhisyoungestbrother,Chloewalked

overtosayhellowithahug.“IfeellikeIhaven’tseenyouinforever.”

Chasewasastepbehindhisfiancée.“We’rethinkingaboutcominguptothewineryforavisit

sometimesoon,”Chasetoldhim,pullingChloeclose.

ThetwoofthemhadfalleninloveathiswineryandMarcushadbeenamazedtowatchhisbrother

fallheadoverheelsforawomanhe’djustmet.Hehadn’tbeenabletounderstandhowsomethingsobig

couldhappensofast.

Butnowheunderstoodperfectly.
“Comeanytime.Theguesthouseisalwaysyours.It’sbeentoolong.”
Hemeantwhathesaid,buthecouldhearhowstiltedhiswordswereeventohisownears.
Zachwasonhiscellphoneontheothersideoftheyard,Ryanwasatthegrillflippingburgers,and

SophieandLoriwereonoppositesidesofthetableagain.They’dbeenatoddswitheachotherfor
months.

Marcushadalwaysbeentheonetobreakupthetwins’fights,toforcethetwoofthemtositdownand

actuallytalktoeachother.IfthiswereanormalSundaybrunch,hewouldhavedraggedthemoffbytheir
ponytailsanddonejustthat.

Buthecouldn’tfocusonanythingbutNicolatoday,couldbarelyrememberhowtoputonefootin

frontoftheotherorspeakwithoutsoundinglikeacompletefool.Nowthathe’dlethimselflookather,he
couldn’tpullhisgazeaway.Shelookedsobeautiful,soright,sittinginthebackyardhe’dgrownupin.

“Hi."
Sheblinkedathim,clearlywary.“Hi,Marcus.It’snicetoseeyouagain.”
God,hehatedthewayshesoundedsodistant.Justthewayshehadwhenshe’dtoldhimshewasglad

tohavemethim,thenwalkedoutofhislife.

Notpickinguponthestrainedatmospherebetweenthematall,Loricheerfullyexplained,“Marcus

camebytovisitourrehearsalacoupleofdaysago.”ShepattedGabe’sopenseat.“Comesitdown.”

Marcusdidn’tknowhowhe’dmanagetositthatclosetoherwithouttouchingher,withoutpullingher

ontohislapwhereshebelonged.Buthecouldn’tjustkeepstandingtherewithhisentirefamilylookingat
himlikehe’dlosthismind.

Hefeltasifheweremovinginslowmotionashecamearoundthetable.Nicola’seyeswidenedashe

approachedandhecouldn’tlookawayfromher.Hesatdownandwhenhisthighbrushedagainsther,she
jumpedoutofherseat.

“I’mgoingtogoseeifyourmotherneedshelpwithanythinginthekitchen.”
LoribeamedafterherasNicolahurriedoff.“Isn’tshesweet?IthinksheandGabearereallyhittingit

off.”

Smithshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso,Lori."
Lorifrowned.“Whatdoyoumean?Theyweretotallyflirtingearlierandnowshe’susingMomasan

excusetogospendmoretimewithhiminthekitchen.”

“Marcus,yougotanytheoriesonwhysheleftinsuchahurry?”
Hetookalongswigfromhisbeer.ItwaseitherthatortackleSmithacrossthetable.Orgoinsideand

poundthehelloutofGabeforflirtingwithhiswoman.

Hell,he’dhappilytakeoneverylastoneofhisbrothersrightnowifitmeanthecouldworkthrough

someofthefrustrationcoursingthroughhimatbeingthisclosetoNicolabutnotactuallybeinginany
positiontotellherhowhefelt,howsorryhewasforruiningeverything.

Clearly,Smithhadputtwoandtwotogether.Anditdidn’tseemthathelikedtheideaofMarcus

hookingupwithNicolamuchatall.

Smithcouldgoscrewhimself.
Fortunately,Loriwasstillclueless.Hedidn’tthinkChaseandChloehadlinkedhimwithNicolayet,

buttheystilllookedworriedabouthim.

OnlySophiewassafetotalktorightnow.“How’sthenewprojectgoingatwork,Nice?”
Shemadeaface.“Don’tcallmethatinfrontofourguest.It’sembarrassing.Ihaveaname,you

know.”

“What’sthatagain?”Zachteasedashecameandsatdown,shovinghisphoneintohispocket.“Ikind

ofrememberitstartswithalettertowardtheendofthealphabet.”

ShepunchedZachinthearmbeforeansweringMarcus’squestionaboutherlatestresearchprojectat

theSanFranciscoCityLibrary.

“RemindmeagainwhyIthoughtitwouldbeagoodideatogetagranttopulltogetherabibliography

ofthegreatestlovestoriesofalltime.”Shesighed.“Ithoughtitwasgoingtobesoromantic.”

Clearlysurprised,Chloesaid,“Howcanlovestoriesnotberomantic?”
“Well,mostofthefamouslovestoriesarecompletelytragic,forone.”
“Oh,youmeanlikeRomeoandJuliet?”
Sophienodded.“Atthispoint,I’veprettymuchdecidednevertofallinlove.Notifdeathand

betrayalarewhat’swaitingattheendoftherainbow.”

MarcuswasaweektoolateforSophie’sepiphany.Especiallybecausehehadabadfeelingthatevery

secondthatpassedwithoutbeingabletoproperlytalkwithNicolapushedthemonestepclosertobeing
anotheroneofthoselovestoriesgonetragicallywrong.

Justashe’dknownshewould,Loriarguedwithhertwinmoreforthesakeofarguingthanbecause

shewantedtoberightaboutthisparticularissue.

“You’retheonewho’stragic,”Lorisaid,andthen,“Trustyoutoignoreallthereallygreatlove

stories,likePrideandPrejudice.”

Sophiescowledathersister.“AsfarasIcantell,thewaythingsendedinthatstorywasnothingbut

blindluck.”SheturnedherscowlintoasmileforChaseandChloe.“Likethetwoofyou.Istillcan’t
believeyoumetonthesideoftheroadinNapaandnowyou’regettingmarried.It’ssobeautiful.”

“Hearthat?”Chasesaidtohisfiancée,clearlybemused.“Ourrelationshipisnothingbutblindluck.”
“Iftheworstdayofmylifeturningintomybestisblindluck,I’lltakeit,”Chloesaidsoftly.
Theyallknewaboutherpreviousmarriage,howbadithadbeen,thatherexhadhitherandshe’dhad

torun.Marcusknewthat,bycomparison,hehadnothingtocomplainabout.

Still,he’dclearlybeenmessedupenoughaboutwhathadhappenedwithJilltocompletelyblowa

greatthingwithNicola.

SophiesighedwistfullyasChasekissedhisfiancée.“Whataboutyou,Marcus?Doyouhaveanything

newgoingonlately?”

***

NicolawalkedoutintothebackyardwithalargetrayofcutvegetablesanddipjustasSophieasked

Marcuswhatwasnewinhislife.ThankGodshewaswearingflats,otherwiseshesurelywouldhave
trippedoverherheelsandthefoodwouldhavescatteredallovertheneatlymowedlawn.Shesomehow
managedtokeepmovingtowardthetable.

“I’vebeenspendingtimeinthecitythepastfewdays.”
“Really?Whydidn’tyoucomebythelibrary,then?”
Rightthen,MarcusturnedhisgazefromSophietoherandwhatNicolareadinthemhadpanic

bubblingupevenhigherinsideher.OhGod,hewasn’tgoingtosayanything,washe?

Sheshookherheadathim,asasilentsignalthatsheprayedhe’dunderstand.
We’redone,remember?Done!
Hehadn’twantedtotellanyoneaboutherwhiletheyweretogether,hadbeenjustasonboardwith

hidingtheirtemporaryrelationshipfromeveryonethisweekasshewas.Therewasnoreasontoblow
everythingupnow,justbecauseitwasuncomfortablehavingtobeinthesameplaceforafewhoursafter
theirno-stringsflinghadendedbadly.

Finally,hesaid,“IhadsomeunexpectedthingstotakecareofinSanFrancisco.”
“I’llbetyoudid,”Smithmuttered,shootingalookatNicola.
Smithhadbeenperfectlynice—hadactuallybeenflirtingoutrageouslywithher—untilMarcushad

arrived.Sincethen,everytimeshelookeduphewasfrowningather.

Ohno.Hecouldn’thavefiguredoutthatshewasthewomanMarcushadbroughttohishousethat

night,couldhe?

Upuntilnow,she’dthoughttheonlyonewhoknewaboutthetwoofthemwastheirmother.Nicola

hadbeenstupendouslynervouswhenshe’dfinallymetMary.Fortunately,hismotherwasasfantasticin
personasshehadbeenonthephone.And,amazingly,shedidn’talludetoMarcusortheirobviousaffair
inanyway.Instead,shesimplysaid,“It’slovelytofinallymeetyou,Nicola,”thenwelcomedherintothe
houseasifshewerepartofthefamily.

Butnow,asNicolachewedonthefactthatSmithmighthavefigureditout,shecouldfeelherface

flamingassheputdowntheplatter.“There’smoretobringoutfromthekitchen,”shesaid,wanting
nothingmorethantoescapeagain.

Unfortunately,Lorisaid,“Noway.You’reourguest.Youneedtocomesitdown.I’llhelpMom.”
Nicola’sheartbeatwaswild—borderlinefrantic—assheeyedheremptyseatbesideMarcus,

knowingitwouldbesuperweirdifshetookadifferentchair.Theproblemwas,shewassoafraidshe’d
giveherselfawaybyaccident,soworriedshe’dlosecontrolandtouchhim…or,worseyet,giveintothe
desperateurgetokisshiminfrontofhisentirefamily.

Theywereallbeingsonicetoherrightnow,butiftheyknewthatshe’dhadaflingwiththebrother

theyalllovedandrespectedsomuch,theoldestbrotherwhohaddoneeverythingforthem,they’dnever
forgiveherfortrampingherwayintohislife.

Andthey’dneverforgiveherforhurtinghim.
“Scoot,gorgeous,”Ryansaidtoherashebroughtoverasteamingplatterofburgersandhotdogs.
Beforeshecouldgotakeherseat,Marcusgrowled,“Watchit,Ryan.”
Hisbrotherfrownedathim,clearlywithoutthefirstcluewhattheproblemwas.ButNicolainstantly

realizedMarcusdidn’tlikehisprobaseballplayerbrotherflirtingwithherorcallinghergorgeous.

Shewouldhavehadahardertimewrappingherheadaroundallofthesegood-lookingmeninone

familyifshe’dbeenabletofocusonanythingbutMarcus.Technically,herbraintoldherthatZachwas
thebest-lookingofthemall,withSmithnotfarbehind,whiletherestofthemwerestilljaw-dropping.But
toher,itdidn’tmatterhowperfecttheirfeatureswere.

Marcusoutshonethemallandshecouldhardlytearhereyesawayfromhim,eventhoughsheknewit

wasadeadgiveawaytoherfeelings.

Thankfully,theirmotherappearedjustthen,alongwithLoriandGabe.Thethreeofthemputtherest

ofthefoodonthetableandforafewmoments,everyonewasfocusedonfillingtheirplates.

EveryoneexceptMarcus...andher.
“WhatcanIgetforyou?”
Itwasthefirstthinghe’dsaidtohertodayapartfromthequick“Hi”rightwhenhe’dwalkedin.And

eventhoughhewasonlyaskingherifshepreferredhamburgersorhotdogs,herbody—andheart—
reactedasifhe’djustsaidthemostsensual,intimatewordsintheworld.

Howshewasgoingtomissthewarmthofhislow,slightlyroughvoice,asheheldher,ashestroked

herhair.

Ashemadelovetoher.
Herskinfelthot,herinsidesturningtogoobesidehim.“Ahotdog.Thankyou.”
Buthedidn’treachforthefood.Insteadhecaughtherhandbeneaththetablecloth.
Foralongmoment—waytoolongifshewantedtokeeptheirrelationshipasecretformuchlonger—

shewaslostinhiseyes,inthesweetcaressofhisthumbacrossherpalm.

Ittookeveryounceofthestrengthshehadleftafterhersleeplessnightaloneforhertomouth,“No.”

Marcusdeservedagreatlife,damnit,notthecircushe’dgetfrombeingwithher.

Shereinforcedtheshortwordbypullingherhandfromhisandreachingforsomeofthefood.She

hopednoonenoticedthatshecouldn’tstopherhandfromtrembling.

Onceeveryonehadafullplateandwasstartingtodigin,Marcus’smothersaid,“We’resogladyou

couldjoinustoday,Nicola.”Ifanyonethoughtitstrangethattheirmotherhadn’tcalledherNico,they
weretoopolitetosayanythingaboutit.“IhopeeveryonehasbeenontheirbestbehaviorwhileIwas
inside.”

“Everyonehasbeengreat.”Realizingshewasmumbling,shemadeherselfsitupstraighterandsmile

atMary.“Idon’tgettoseemyfamilyasmuchasI’dliketo.ImissSundayluncheslikethis.”

AsMaryaskedheraboutherfamilyandshehadthemlaughingwithstoriesabouttheprankssheand

hertwinbrotherswouldplayoneachotherwhentheywerekids,Nicolawasalmostabletorelax.

Theproblemwas,shewaspalpablyawareofthefactthatneitherMarcusnorSmithwerelaughing

alongwiththerestofthem.Itdidn’ttakelongforeveryonetorealizesomethingwasup.

“Marcus?”Loriasked.“You’renoteatingandyoulookkindof,well,notsogood.”Shescrunchedup

hernose.“Infact,Ican’tthinkofthelasttimeyoudidn’tshave.Areyoufeelingokay?”

“No,”Marcusreplied,“I’mnotokay.”
Sixfaces—ChloeandallthesiblingsapartfromSmith—wentslackwithshock.Clearly,thiswasthe

firsttimetheiroverlycapablebigbrotherhadeveradmittedtohavingaprobleminfrontofthem.

Nicolawasgladshehadn’thadmorethanacoupleofbitesofherhotdog,becauseitwouldhave

comebackupallovertheprettytablecloth.Hecouldn’tbeabouttodowhatitlookedlikehewasgoing
todo,washe?

Okay,yes,thetwoofthemhadafewmorethingstosaytoeachother.Butnotinfrontofhiswhole

family.

MarcushadjustturnedtofaceherandwasobviouslyabouttosaysomethingwhenSmithabruptly

stoodup.

“There’ssomethingIneedtoshowyouinthegarage,Marcus.”
“We’reinthemiddleoflunch,”Maryprotested,buttherewasn’tanyheatbehindherwords.Infact,

shesoundedstrangelypleasedwiththeturneventshadtaken.

“Sorry,thiscan’twait.”Smithstoodupandheadedforthehouse.“Marcusneedstoseeitrightnow.”
Foramoment,Nicoladidn’tthinkMarcuswasgoingtofollow.Butthen,onamutteredcurse,he

threwhisnapkindownandshovedhischairback.

Nicolaexpectedhismothertolookupsetatthewayhermealwasfallingtopieces.Instead,she

simplyraisedhereyebrowsatherothersonsandsaidinamildvoice,“Goahead.Iknowyouboysare
dyingtoseeit,too.”

Afewmomentslater,Nicolafoundherselfsittingalonewiththewomen.
“Sullivanmen.”Marysmiledather.“They’rereallysomethingelse,aren’tthey?”
TheunderstandinginMary’seyesnearlybrokeNicola,andnomatterwhatelsewentonheretoday,

sheneededMarcus’smothertoknow.“Youhaveabeautifulfamily.”

“Iknow,honey.I’msogladyou’reherewithustoday.”
And,amazingly,eventhoughthislunchhadbeenastrugglefromtheveryfirstmomentshe’dwalkedin

thedoor,Nicolarealizedshewas,too.

Becauseshehadn’tjustfalleninlovewithMarcus...she’dfallenforhisentirefamilywhileshewasat

it.

ChapterTwenty-one

“Whatthehellisgoingonwithyouguys?”GabeaskedasheandZachwalkedintothegarage,with

ChaseandRyanfollowingcloselybehind.

“Marcushasbeendoingourprettyyoungguest.”
MarcusgrabbedahandfulofSmith’sshirt.“TalklikethataboutheragainandI’llmakesureyoucan

onlydohorrorfilmsfromnowon.”

“Whoa,”Gabesaid,movingtoputhimselfbetweenhisbrothers.“Holdonasecond.”
MarcuswasonthevergeoflettingSmithgowhenhesaid,“Whatthehellareyoudoingwithsomeone

likeher?Isn’tshealittleyoungandsluttyforyou?”

Asplitsecondlater,Marcuswasthrowingthefirstpunch.Thetwoofthemeachgotacoupleofgood

slamsinbeforeZachandGabeworkedtogethertopullthemoffeachother.

“Youdon’tknowthefirstgoddamnedthingabouther.”
“Andyou’retellingmethatyoudo?Beyondhowwildsheisinbed,thatis."
“Iwarnedyou,”Marcusgrowled.
Smithhelduphishandsandtookastepback,“Look,I’mnottryingtopissyouoff.I’mjusttryingto

talksomesenseintoyou.”

“Holdup,”Zachsaid.“SomebodygivemetheCliffNotesversionofwhatthehellisgoingon.”
AlleyesturnedtoMarcusandhebitoutthewords,“NicolaandImetaftertheengagementparty.I

didn’tknowwhoshewasatfirst.”

Gabewhistledlowandlong.“TrustoldmanSullivannottorecognizeahugepopstar.So,whendid

youfigureitout?”

“WhenLoriinvitedmetothedancestudiothenextdayfortheirrehearsal.”Heranhishandoverhis

face.“IthoughtNicolawasoneofthedancers.”

“You’reanidiot.”
Zachwasright.Hewasanidiot.Whatthehellwashedoinginthegaragewithhisbrotherswhen

Nicolawasoutsideintheyardwithhismotherandsisters?He’dvowedthatthenexttimehesawher
he’dfixeverything.Instead,allhe’ddonewasmakeeverythingworse.

“I’vegottogotalktoher,”hesaid,butSmithgrabbedhisarm.Hard.
“Doyouhaveanyideawhatitwillbeliketodateher?”
“Idon’tcareaboutherfame.”
“That’seasytosaynow,”Smithsaid,“butwhataboutthefiftiethtimeyouguystrytogoout?You’ll

thinkyou’rehavingaprivateconversationaboutgrapesorsongsorwhateverthehellyoutwotalkabout
andsomeonewillsnapashotthatlookslikeyou’refighting.Thenextthingyouknow,theheadlinewillbe
thatyoucouldn’thackit,thatyouweretoodifferentfromthestart.They’lleventhrowinsomequotefrom
ananonymousfriendsayingNicolaalwaysknewyouwerewrongtogether.You’llwanttotrustherwhen
shesaysitisn’ttrue,thatshedidn’tsaythattoanyone,butyou’llstartwonderingifsheactuallydid.”

ItwasthemostSmithhadeversaidtoanyofthemaboutthetrialsoffame,butMarcusdidn’tcare

rightnowabouthowhardlifecouldbeforhishugelyfamousbrother.Allhecaredaboutwasthewoman
he’dhurtbybeingcarelesswithherheart.

“Iknowyouthinkyou’rehelping,butthisisbetweenmeandNicola,notyouguys,andnottherestof

thegoddamnedworld.”

ButSmithwouldn’tstayoutofhisface.“Listentome.Foraguylikeyouwholikeshisexpensive

wine,hispeaceandquietoutthereinthegrapevines,allthattroublethatcomeswithfamewilldriveyou
crazy.Fast.”Smithfrowned.“WhatIdon’tgetishowthehellnopicturesofyoutwohavesurfacedyet?"

“We’vebeencareful,”hesaidbetweenhisteeth.
“Youtwoareskulkingaroundincorners?See,it’salreadymessedup,man.”Smithgesturedtohis

brothers.“WeallgetthatJillturnedouttobeacoldbitchandNicoisahotrebound—adamnedgreat
rebound—butherlifeiswaytoomessyforastraight-aheadguylikeyou.”

Ryannodded.“Hatetosayit,buthe’sright,Marcus.Thepresswilldriveyouinsane.Evenplaying

baseball,they’reinmyfacewaytoooften.”

Surprisingly,Chasenodded.“Sheseemsgreat—muchsweeter,moreinnocent-lookingthanIthought

she’dbeaftersomeofthingsI’veheardabouther.”HepinnedMarcuswithhissteadygaze.“Butit
doesn’thelpthatshelookslikeshe’sbarelygraduatedhighschool.Everyoneisgoingtothinkyou’re
nothingbutadirtyoldman.”

OnlyGabebrokeintosay,“Holdupasec.AreyouinlovewithNico?”
“HernameisNicola,”Marcusshotathisyoungestbrother.
AndGabewasn’ttheonewhoneededtoknowthathewasinlovewithNicola.Noneofhisbrothers

weretheoneswhoneededtohearthosewords.

Theonepersonwhoneededtoknowexactlyhowhefeltaboutherwassittingoutinhismother’s

backyardthinkinghedidn’tloveherback.

Allbecausehe’dbeentoomuchofacowardtoownuptohisfeelings.
“Getoutofmyway,”hegrowledtohisfiveyoungerbrothers.
Noonesaidanotherword.Theyjustpartedrankstolethimthrough.
“Jesus,”ZachsworeasMarcuslefttherestofthemstandinginthegaragewiththeirmouthsopen,“I

can’tbelievethesixofuswereinheretalkinglikeabunchofgirlsaboutloveandrelationships."

“AtleastItriedtotalksenseintohim,”SmithsaidastheyfollowedMarcusoutinsinglefile.He

shrugged.“Butsincehe’sclearlyabasketcaseoverher,wemightaswellgetagoodseatfortheshow.”

***

“Nicola,Ican’tkeepdoingthis.”
Shelookedupfromtheconversationhe’dinterruptedbetweenthewomenwithextremealarmonher

prettyface.

Marcusknewshedidn’twanthimtoouttheirrelationshipinfrontofhisentirefamily,buthecouldn’t

keeppretendinghedidn’tknowher.Hecouldn’tkeepactinglikehedidn’tloveher.Andhesureashell
couldn’tstandtolistentoSmithtalkabouthersodismissively,likeshewasnothingmorethanahotpiece
ofass.

Marcuswantedeveryonetoseeherthewayhedid—asasmart,focused,brilliantartistand

businesswoman.Andatrulybeautifulperson,insideandout.

Sowhatifhedidn’tfitintoherworldandshedidn’tfitintohis?
Howcouldhegiveherup?
Shewasshakingherhead,hereyesdesperateasshesilentlybeggedhimtostoptalking.Buthe

couldn’tstopnow,knewhehadtogetitalloutbeforeanothersecondpassedwhereshedidn’tthinkhe
lovedher.

Hemovedtoher,pulledherupoutofherseat.
“No,Marcus.”Shelookedwildlyaroundathisfamily,whowerenowallassembledintheirseatsat

thetable,theirfacespresseduptotheinvisibleglass.Hell,knowingthem,theyallwishedtheyhadbowls
ofpopcorntomunchfrom.Buthedidn’tcare.NothingmatterednowbutNicola.

Andthefactthathewasgoingtoloseherifhedidn’tdosomethingquick.
“Don’t.Pleasedon’t.”
Maybeifhe’dgottenmoresleep,hewouldhavebeenabletoseehowseriousshewas,thathis

declarationwasthelastthingshewantedrightnow.Butinthatmoment,allMarcusknewwashowrightit
felttotouchher,tobeclosetoher.

“Iloveyou."
Shebackedawayfromhimandwouldhavestumbledonatreerootinthegrassifhehadn’tbeen

grippingherhandsinhis.

“Pleasedon’tdothis.Nothere.Notnow.”Herwordswerebarelyawhisper,butthebackyardwasso

deadlysilent,withnotevenabirdchirpingorabreezetosoundthroughthetrees,thateveryoneheardher
plealoudandclear.

“Ishouldhavetoldyoubefore.Iwasafooltoletyougo,toletyoubelieveIdidn’tloveyou,too.”
Nicolawastryingtopullherhandsfromhisandclearlywantednothingmorethantoescape.Buthe

couldn’tlethergo,notwithoutmakingherfacewhatwasbetweenthem.

Marcusknewtherewereamilliondifferentwayshecouldhavedonethisbetter,butrightnowthere

wasnothingleftforhimtodobutpullheragainsthimandkissher...infrontofhiswholefamily.

Herbodywasstiffagainsthis,hermouthtightandclosed.Butthen,theirconnectiontookoverdespite

thefactthatsheclearlywantedtofighthim,andthepassionneitherofthemhadeverbeenabletohold
backfromeachothercamecrashingthrough.Theykissedeachotherlikeithadbeenyearssincetheir
mouthshadtouchedinsteadoftwenty-fourhours.

Abruptly,Nicolashovedathischest,knockinghimawayfromher.Bothofherhandswereclamped

overhermouthandhereyeswerewidewithhorror.

Nicolaturnedinthegeneraldirectionofhisfamily.“I’msorryIruinedyourlunch,”shesaidina

brokenvoice,thenturnedandrantowardthehouse.

Marcushadneverputhisheartoutonthelinetoanyonelikethatbefore,onlytohaveitreturned

slicedanddicedintotinylittlepieces.HispridetoldhimtoletNicolago,thathehadn’tneededher
beforeandhedidn’tneedhernow.

Atleastthistimeheknewenoughtotellhispridetogostraighttohell.
Aheartbeatlater,MarcusSullivanwaschasingdownthepopstarwhohadstolenhisheart.

***

“Waitaminute,”LorisaidinthewakeofMarcus’sdeparture.“Whatjusthappenedhere?”
Hertwinsnorted.“Seriously,areyoustilltheonlyonewho’scompletelyclueless?Can’tyoupay

attentiontoanyone’slifebutyourownforthreeseconds?”

BeforeLoricouldturnaroundandjumpdownhertwin’sthroat,Zachsaid,“Lookedtomelike

Marcusjustcompletelyblewit.”Heshookhishead,lookinglessthanimpressed.“Man,thatwasmessy.”

“Itmightnotendupbeingquitesofunnywhenithappenstoyou,”hismothertoldhimwithapointed

archofoneeyebrow.

“Nochance,”Ryansaid.“Therestofusareperfectlycontenttoleaveloveoutofit.”
Knowingitwouldirkhissiblings,Chasesaid,“Notallofus,”thenplantedabigwetkissonChloe’s

lips.Shelaughedandkissedhimback.

“Ijustdon’tunderstand,”Lorisaid.“WhendidMarcusandJillbreakup?”
Speakingasifshewereaddressingatwo-year-old,SophietoldLori,“Iguesshefinallydumpedher

andnowhe’sinlovewithNico.”

“HesayshernameisreallyNicola,”SmithpointedoutandSophieshothimadeathglare.
“AsIwassaying,theonlyproblemisthatshedoesn’tseemtobeinlovewithhim.”
Gabe’sradiowentoffsuddenly,aloudshrillnoisethatcouldn’tbemissed,alongwithaquickburst

ofinformationaboutthesituationthattheyalllistenedinonasheturnedthevolumeup.

Hewasalreadystandingandpushingawayfromthetablebeforethefiredispatcherstoppedspeaking.

“Sorrytoeatandrun,especiallywhenwe’vejustgottentothegoodstuff.”

Marystood,too,andgavehimahugandkiss.“Afteralltheseyears,Ishouldbeusedtowatchingyou

leaveonacall.”Shereluctantlylethimoutofherarms.“Besafe,honey.”

“Don’tworry,”Gabereplied.“Nothing’sgoingtohappentoyourfavoriteson.”
“He’sright,”Smithjoked.“I’mgoingtostayhereandbejustfine.”
EveryonelaughedbutLori.AssoonasGabeleft,shesaid,“Ican’thelpfeelingresponsiblefor

everythingwithMarcusandNico.Imean,Nicola.”Herusuallybrightsmilewascompletelynonexistent.
“Imean,I’mtheonewhointroducedthemandthenleftthemtohavedinneralone.”Shebitherlip.“Or
whateverelseitwastheyendedupdoing.”

“Don’tfeelbad,Naughty.Evidentlyhemetherbeforeyouintroducedthem.”
LorilookedatChasewithhugeeyes.“Noway.HehadnoideawhoshewaswhenIintroducedthem

andshe—”Herwordsfellaway.“OhmyGod,Marcusmusthavebeentheguyshewastellingmeabout
thatdayatthestudio.Andthentheybothtriedtoactliketheydidn’tknoweachother.Nowonderhewas
soweirdthatafternoonandshekeptforgettingthestepsthatshe’dknownallmorning.”

Everyoneleanedincloser.“Whatdidshesaytoyouabouthim?”Sophieasked.
Suddenly,LoriseemedtorealizethatshewasspillingNicola’ssecrets.“Ishouldn’ttellyouguys.”
RyanandSmithgrinnedateachother,bothofthemknowinghowclosetheyweretogettingmoredirt

ontheiruntil-nowperfectolderbrother.“We’vealreadyseentheworstofit,Lori,”Ryansaid,followed
bySmithwith,“Maybewecanhelphimifweknowmore.”

Seeingrightthroughhersons,Marysaid,“Smith,Ryan,Ithinkwe’vealreadyseenandheardenough

abouttheirprivatebusiness.”

“Mom’sright,”Lorisaid.“Besides,allshesaidwasthatshemetsomeguythenightbeforeandthen

shefellasleeponhislapbeforethey’devenkissed.”

Zachlaughedoutloud.“Poorsapcouldn’tevenkeepherawake.”
Maryshushedherkids.“Enough.We’renotgoingtositheregossipingaboutyourbrotherwhenthere

aretablesthatneedclearingandplatesthatneedwashing.”

Aftereveryonehoppedtoattention,ChloesaidtoChase,“YourmotherissosweetthatsometimesI

forgetsheraisedeightchildrenonherownandknowsperfectlywellhowtohandleallofyou.”

“Shedidn’tdoitalone.Marcushelpedhermorethananyofus.”Hetwinedhisfingersthroughhers

andpulledherclosetohimbeneaththeshadeofalargeoaktree.“Hesacrificedatonforus.Hedeserves
ahappyending.”

Chloetiltedherfacetolookintohiseyes.“I’mbettinghe’llgetone.Really,reallysoon.”
“Howcanyousaythatafterwhatwentdownheretoday?”
“Women’sintuition.Nicolaisinlovewithhim.”Beforehecouldaskhowsheknew,Chloepresseda

softkisstohislips.“Awomaninlovealwaysrecognizesthesignsinanotherwomaninlove.LikeLori
said,suddenlyitallmakessense—thewaytheycouldn’ttaketheireyesoffeachotherduringlunch,the
wayhejumpedalloverGabeformakingherlaughandRyanforcallinghergorgeous.IguaranteeNicois
headoverheelsforyourbrother,whethershewantstobeornot.”

“GoodthingSullivanmenaresopersuasive,isn’tit?”
ChloewoundherarmsaroundChase’sneckashepulledhercloser.“Yes,”sheagreed.“It’savery

goodthing.”

ChapterTwenty-two

Marcuscameflyingoutofthehouse,onlytostopshortwhenhesawNicolastandingbesideLori’s

car.Nicolaknewthatifsheweresmart,she’dkeeprunningawayfromMarcus,awayfromeverythingthat
hurtsodamnbad.

Butshe’dcomeheretodaytofacehimdownonelasttime,hadn’tshe?Onlytopanicinfrontofhis

entirefamily.

“Yoursisterpickedmeupandbroughtmehere.Ican’tleavewithouther.”
“Don’tleave.”Marcusapproachedherslowly,cautiously.“Pleasedon’tleave.”
Shecouldstilltastethesweetnessofhiskissasshelickedherlips.“Ishouldn’thaverunlikethat.”

Sheswallowedhard,madeherselfsay,“NotwhenIknowweneedtotalk.”

Shesawreliefmixwithwarinessonhisfaceashecamecloser.“I’msorryifIembarrassedyouback

there.”

“It’sokay.”Anditwas,becausesheunderstoodthedesperationhe’dfelt.Howcouldshenot,when

shefeltittoo?

“No,Nicola.Youdeservebetter.Somuchbetter.”Hereachedoutahandtoher.“Givemeanother

chance.Please.”

Shewantedsobadlytotakehishand,togivehimthatchance.
Butshecouldn’t.Notwhensheknewitwouldonlyenduphurtinghim.
“Marcus.”Herthroatcaughtonhisname.“Istheresomewherewecangothat’smoreprivatethan

this?”

Henodded,hisjawtightashedroppedthehandshehadn’ttaken.Heledthemdownthesidewalktoa

shortpaththatcutbetweenhouses.Asmallchildren’splaygroundthatlookedlikeithadn’tbeenusedina
decadesatforlornlybeneaththeoldoaktrees.

“Weusedtocomehereandplaywhenwewerekids.”
HerheartachedforthechildMarcushadoncebeen...andforhowshorthischildhoodhadbeen.

Fourteenyearsoldwasfartooyoungtohavetoshouldertheresponsibilitieshehadtakenon.

“Yourfamilyisamazing,Marcus.”Shesatonacrackedbench.“I’msogladIgottomeetthemall.

Therewassomuchloveinyourmother’sbackyard."

Hedidn’tmovetositbesideher,butwenttohiskneesinthedirtbeforeher.Shelethimtakeher

hands,utterlyunabletopushhimawayonemoretime.Notwithherhands,anyway.

“Didyoumeanwhatyousaidonthebeach?Wereyoureallyfallinginlovewithme?”
Shemethiseyes,readhispaininthem,hissurprisingfearthatshemightnotactuallylovehim.She

shouldn’tadmitthatshestilldid.

Butshehadto.
“Yes,”shesaidsoftly.“Iloveyou.”
“ThankGod.”
“No,”shesaidquickly,“I’vedonealotofthinkingsincelastnight.”Sheswallowedhard,shookher

head,triedtofightbackthetearsthatwererightthere,waitingtofall.“IcanguesswhySmithwantedto
talktoyouinthegarage.Hewaswarningyouaboutme,aboutwhatitwouldbeliketodateme,forreal,
outintheopen,wasn’the?”

“WhatyouandIaredoingisnoneofSmith’sbusiness.”
“No,butI’llbeteverythinghesaidtoyouaboutthecircusofliveslikeoursistrue.”
“I’vealwayslikedthecircus.”
Shewantedtothrowherarmsaroundhim,wantedtokisshimforsayinghewouldgiveupeverything

forher.Butsheknewshe’dneverforgiveherselfforbeingsoselfish.And,ultimately,he’dneverforgive
hereither.

He’dalreadygivenupsomuchforhisfamily.Shecouldn’tlethimgiveupevenmoreforher.
“Icheatedlastnight,”sheconfessed.“Ilookedyouuponline.IreadallaboutSullivanWinery.Isaw

howmagnificentlyyou’vedonewithitandwhatanimportantroleyouplayinyourcommunity.You
deservetohaveawifewhocansupportyouinallthatyoudo,onewhocanbeanequalpartnerinitall.
Notsomeonewho’sonadifferentplaneeveryweektoanotherstate,anothercountry,anotherhemisphere.
Itdidn’ttakememorethanfiveminuteswithyourfamilytoseethatyou’renotlikeSmithorLorioreven
Ryan.You’renotabouttheparty.Youdon’tneedeveryonetowanttotakeyourpicture.Youdon’tneedto
useyourcharmandcharismatotryandimpresspeople.Whoyouareatyourcoreiswhat’simpressive,
Marcus,andyoudon’tneedabigstageoracrowdtoknowyourownworth.”

Heopenedhismouthtointerruptandsheputherhandoverhislipsbeforehecouldsaysomethingthat

wouldbreakherresolve.

“See,thethingis,Iknowmylifeiscrazyandacircusandeventhoughitsometimesdrivesmenuts

thatIcan’tgooutlikeanormalpersontogetacoffeeorgoseeamovie,Istillloveit.Idon’tjustwantto
singforalittlewhile.Iwanttobearoundtwentyyearsfromnow,stillwritingandplayingsongsthat
millionsofpeoplewanttolistento.”

“Youwill.”
“Thankyouforbelievinginmesomuch,”shetoldhim.“Despitethewordswethrewateachother

yesterdayonthebeach,you’venevertreatedmelikeadumbpopstar.You’verespectedmeandnowI
needtorespectyoujustasmuch.It’sjustanotherreasonwhyIcan’tdothistoyou,whyIcan’taskyouto
beapartofmyworld.”

“Shouldn’tthatbemydecision,kitten?”
Theendearmentnearlybrokeher,enoughthatsheadmitted,“Doyouknowthecraziestthingaboutall

ofthis?Iwantedtobetheonetohealallofyourheartache.Butinstead—”Shehadtostop,trytotakethe
breaththatwaslodgedinherthroat.“Instead,Iwastheonewhomadeitallsomuchworse.I’msosorry
forthat,Marcus.Somuchsorrierthanyou’lleverknow."

Shemadeherselfslipherhandsfromhisandstandup.“Wecan’tseeeachotheranymore.Ifyoucould

takemebacktomyhotelnow,I’dappreciateit."

Somehow,someway,shethoughtassheturnedherbackonhimtowalkaway,shewasgoingtokeep

fromsobbinguntilshewasalone.

Andthen,longafterhewasgone,somehow,someway,shewouldhavetofindawaytostop.
Marcusmovedbehindherandputhishandonthesmallofherback.Justashehadthatfirstnight.

“Everythingyousaidtomeoutonthebeachaboutchoosingwrongbecauseitwaseasierthanreally
lovingandriskingeverything,wasright.”

Surprised,sheturnedtolookhimintheeyeashecontinuedwith,“Ialwaysthoughtitwasmyfamily

whoneededme.ButI’vefinallyrealizedthatIneededthemjustasmuch.Ineededthemtoholdontowhen
everythingwassoscaryanddifficultanduncertain,whenthemanIlovedmostintheworldwassuddenly
goneoneday.ButwhenImetyou,IrealizedI’dfinallyfoundsomeoneIwaswillingtoletgoofthem
for."

“No,Marcus,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Youshouldn’teverhavetoletgoofyourfamily.Youhave

enoughloveinyourheartforallofthemandthefamilyofyourownyou’llprobablyhavesoon.”She
madeherselfchokeoutthewords.“Iknowyou’regoingtofindsomeoneperfectforyou.Perfectforyour
life.”

“Ialreadyhave.”
Thetearsshe’dvowednottoletloosebegantofall.“Please,don’tmakethisanyharderthanit

alreadyis.NotwhenyouandIbothknownomatterhowmuchwewantthistowork,thatitneverwill.”
Shelookedupathimthroughhertears.“I’llneverregretbeingwithyou.Notwhentheywerethemost
beautifulmomentsofmylife.”Shetookadeepbreaththatshookthroughher.“Ichangedmyplanetoleave

tonightinsteadoftomorrowmorning.Ishouldgobackandpackupmythings.”

Sheturnedtowalkbacktohismother’shouse,whenhisvoicestoppedherinhertracksonemore

time.

“Webothknowyoudon’twantthis.Webothknowonekiss,onetouch,isallitwouldtakeformeto

changeyourmind.”

Gonewasthemanwho’dbeenpleadingwithhertolisten,toseethingsfromhisside.Inhisplace

wasthedominantloverwhohadthrilledhersomuch,madehershiverwithdesireandshowedherthe
mostincrediblepleasures.

“You’reright,Marcus,”sheagreed,makingherselfturntofacehimagain.“I’mpowerlessagainst

yourkisses.Ican’tresistthewayyoutouchme.”Shelookedintohiseyesandadmittedeverything,
purposefullygavehimafullyloadedarsenalofammotouseagainsther.“Ican’tfightthehungerinyour
eyeswhenyoulookatmeormyreactiontoit.Butisthatwhatyouwant?Formetobenothingbuta
warm,willingbodythatcan’tresistcomingforyou?”

Dominanceturnedtoangerinaheartbeat,andthenhewasmovingfast,hishandsonhershoulders,his

mouthpunishinghersashetookeverythinghewanted,everythingshewishedshecouldgivehim,but
couldn’t.

Ashe’djustpointedout,Nicolaknewitwaspointlesstotryandfighthiskiss.Eveninfrontofhis

familyshe’dbeenlosttoherneedforhim.Evenwhenhewasfuriouswithherfortryingtoleavewhenhe
wantedhertostay,evenwhensheshouldbefuriousrightbackathimforfinallytreatingherlikethesex
kittenhesaidshedidn’tneedtobeanymore,allshecouldfeelwashisheartbeatingagainsthers…along
withherloveforhimbeatingjustasstrong,evenasheusedherweaknessforhimagainsther.

Butjustwhenshethoughthewasgoingtoripoffherclothesandtakeherrightthere,upagainstthe

oldmetalslide,hepushedherawayandheldheroutatarm’slength.

“Thisisn’toverbetweenus.Notevenclose.”
Sheletherselftakeonelastlonglookathim.“Ithastobeover.”
Andthistimewhenshemadeamovetowalkaway,helethergo.
Only,evenafterhetookhertoherhotel,evenhourslaterwhenshewassettledbeneathablanketin

FirstClassandtheplanewasflyingawayfromSanFrancisco,sheknewbetter.

MarcusSullivanwasamanwhodecidedexactlywhathewantedandthenwentoutandtookit.And

forsomecrazyreason,heseemedtowanther.

Asshefellintoanuneasysleepontheplane,evenasshetoldherselfshedidn’twanthimtofightfor

her,herdreamsofMarcus—fullofhiskissesandcaresses,hishungryeyes,andhissweetwordsoflove
—wouldn’tletherhidefromthetruth.

ChapterTwenty-three

Ithadbeenfifteendays,sixhours,andtwenty-threeminutessinceshe’dlastseen—orheard—from

Marcus.

She’dbeenwrong.Hedidn’twanther.
Nicolaknewsheshouldbegladaboutit,happythatshewasn’tgoingtohavetokeepresistinghim.

Butshewasalong,longwayfromhappy...aboutasfarasshecouldbe,actually.

Hermanagerwalkedintoheroffice,wavingafax.“BillboardjustletmeknowthatOneMoment

debutedatnumberoneonthepopcharts!And—waitforit,you’regoingtoreallyfreakoutwhenyouhear
this—yourentiretourjustsoldoutintwohours!We’regoingtoneedtoadddates.Atonofdates.You
won’tbeseeingyourhouseforagoodyearandahalfifwe’relucky!”

Thiswaseverythingshe’deverwanted.Thehugesmashhit.Thebig,internationalsold-outtour.But

evenassheandJanehuggedandhigh-fivedandJanestartedtalkingamileaminuteabouthowbrilliant
Nicolahadbeentoshootanotherlast-minutevideoforOneMoment—justherandherguitaronan
otherwiseemptystage—andinsistthattherecordlabelreleasetheacousticversion,too,Nicolaknewthat
shewouldhavebeensomuchhappierifshecouldhavesharedthissuccesswithMarcus.

Shecouldalmostpicturehimtellingherhowproudhewas,sayinghe’dknownshecoulddothis.
Andthathelovedher.
Withoutwarning,onefattearspilleddownhercheek.Fortunately,hermanagerthoughtitwashappy

cryingandafterplantingakissonbothofNicola’scheeks,shegrabbedthephonethatwasringingoffthe
hookandspunoutoftheroomtogowheelanddealthemintoaheckofalotmoremoney.

Nicolawalkedovertothewindowandpressedherhandagainsttheglass,staringoutatthebusyLos

Angelesstreetsbelow.Threeweeksagoshe’dbeenstaringoutatthestreetsofSanFrancisco.

She’dbeeninsomanytallbuildings.Hadvisitedsomanybusycities.Theworldwasheroystermore

nowthanever.Itwasn’tthatitdidn’tmeanadamnthingwithoutlove—ofcoursehersuccessmeant
something.Andyet,lovemadeeverythingsomuchricher,somuchsweeter.Yes,sexwithMarcushad
beenmind-blowing,butjustknowinghisarmswerewaitingtoholdher,thatshecouldlayhercheek
againstthesteadybeatofhisheart...well,thatwasthekindofhappinessthatlastedforever.

Unfortunately,noneofthatchangedthefactthatallthereasonsshehadtoleavehimwerestilltrue.
Still,asNicolastoodinthewindow,shesilentlycursedherselffornotlettingthingswithMarcusat

leastlingerlonger.Whycouldn’tshehaveletherselfbehappywithhimformorethanahandfulofdays?

Nicolaturnedawayfromthewindowwithasigh,knowingexactlywhyshe’dforcedherselftogeton

thatplaneandleavehimforgood.

Nomatterhowhardtheymighthavetriedtohidetheirrelationshipfromeveryonearoundthem,

eventuallytheywouldhavebeencaught.ThecircuswouldhavepulledMarcusinandturnedhisperfectly
orderedlifeinsideout.Shecouldn’thavelivedwithherselfforhurtingsomeoneshelovedlikethat,
couldn’thavestoodhearingpeoplequestionhisjudgmentforgettinginvolvedwithher.

Andyet,atotallycontrarypartofherwishedtheyhadn’tbeenquitesogoodathidingtheir

relationshipfromtheworld,becauseatleastiftherehadbeenpicturesofthetwoofthemontheInternet,
maybetheywouldhavehadtodealwitheachotherinsomesmallway...ratherthanbeingabletocuteach
othercompletelyaway.

Shelookeddownatherwatchandrealizedshe’dnowofficiallymadeitthroughfifteendays,six

hoursandthirty-fourminuteswithouthim.Atsomepoint,thedaywouldcomethatshewouldn’tbe
countingminutesandhoursanymore.

Andatsomepoint,she’dstophopingthatshe’dhearhernameonhislipsagain,anout-of-the-blue

“Nicola”thatwouldhaveherlookingupathisshockinglybeautifulface,herheartracingwith
anticipationasshewaitedforhimtoissueanotheroneofhissensualcommands.

***

Damnit,settingeverythinguphadtakenmuchlongerthanhe’danticipated.Toolong.
MarcushadneverbeenbigonwatchingTVorreadingmagazines,butforthepasttwoweekshe’d

beengluedtothem.UntilhecouldbewithNicolaagain,heneededconstantreassurancethatthewomen
helovedwasokay.He’dbeenecstaticwhenhersonghadgonestraighttonumberoneandhertourhad
soldoutimmediately.Shedeservedallofthatandmore.

Somuchmore.
Lorihadturneduponhisdoorstepacoupleofnightsagowithaplantogetthembacktogether.She’d

beenbeyondpleasedwhenheinformedherthathewasalreadyonit,andnowwhileshedrovehimtothe
airport,theywerelisteningtoNicolabeinginterviewedontheradio.

“I’llbehonestwithyou,Nico,”theradiopersonalitysaid,“whenIfirstheardOneMomentit

soundedjustlikeanyothergreatpopsongthatmakesmewanttodance.ButthenIsawyouracoustic
videoandfinallyrealizedwhatheartthereisbehindthesong.Tellusaboutthat.”

“I’vealwayslovedwhatIdo,”shereplied,herslightlyhuskyvoicewashingthroughMarcus’sveins

likethefirstperfectcoolsipofwineonahot,dryday,“butIrecentlyrealizedthatI’veonlyletpeople
seeonesideofme.”

“Whatmadeyoudecidetoshowusthatothersideofyourself,theheart-wrenchingsinger/songwriter

thatyou’vebeenhidingallthistime?”

“Afriendwasn’tafraidtogetinmyfaceaboutit.”Shelaughedandhecouldpracticallyseehersmile,

herflashingeyes,evenacrosstheradiowaves.“I’mafraidIdidn’ttaketheadviceverywellatfirst,but
eventuallyIcamearound.Andthat’swhyIwenttorecordthesongagainthatway.Ilovethefull
productiononmysongs,Ilovedancingwithmycrew,butastripped-downversionofoneofmysongs
wassomethingI’vebeenwantingtodoforaverylongtime.”

“So,Nico,what’snextonyourplatetoconquernowthatyou’vegotthenumberonesingleinthe

countryandasold-outtour?”

MarcuscouldfeelLori’seyesonhimastheywaitedforNicola’sresponse.
“Love.”
Theinterviewover,MarcusturnedofftheradiojustasLoriexclaimed,“God,Marcus,she’samazing,

isn’tshe?”

“Sheis.”
“Howcouldyounothavefalleninlovewithher?”
Heshookhishead,knowinghissisterwasspeakingthecompleteanduttertruth.“Ineverhada

chance.”

Loricoveredhishandonthegearshiftwithherown.“Ireallyhopeyourplanworksout,bigbrother.”
Sodidhe.

***

Boise,Idaho

AttheendofthefirstshowonhertourinBoise,Nicoladidherfinalencore,aversionofOne

Momentthatbeganwithjustherinthemiddleofstage,playingguitarandsingingtheacousticversion
beforekickingintooverdrivewithaflashoflightsandsmokethathadeverybandmembercomingback
onstage...andherbodybeingcoveredalmostheadtotoeinshimmeringsparklesoflight.

Hercrewhadworkedwithhertoretoolhershowpracticallyeverywakingminuteuntilopeningnight

toincorporateherdancepopwithhernewacousticsegments.Ithadbeenutterlyexhausting.And
wonderfullythrilling.

Nicolahadwelcomedthework,haddrivenherselfharderthananyoneelse,partlyforthebonusof

beingtootiredtothinkaboutMarcusmorethaneveryotherminute.Ifthereactionthecrowdhadgiven
herallnightwasanyindication,ithadpaidoff.Bigtime.

Shewasdeterminedtoenjoyherselfatthecelebrationtonightwitheveryone.Eventhoughthemost

importantpersonhadn’tbeenoutthereintheaudience,she’dstillfeltasifhewerewithher,cheeringher
on,lovingherinawaynooneelseeverhad.

Butfirst,sheneededheadovertothespecialmeet-and-greetthattookplacebackstageafterevery

showsothatshecouldgivesomethingtoliteracyfoundationsineachcountysheplayedin.Despitethe
factthatshewasexhaustedbythetimethelightswentdownonstageandupfortheaudience,thecause
wasimportantenoughtohertopushthroughhertirednessforanotherhoureachnight.

Shewalkedintothecurtained-offarea,whereKatie,hertourmanager,immediatelyledherovertothe

firstgroup.Herskinprickledandheatedupasshemovedthroughthearea,butevenasshetookaquick
glancearoundtheroomtolookfortheonlypersononearthwhohadevermadeherfeellikethat,she
knewthattherewasnowayMarcuscouldbeinIdaho.Shewassimplykeyedupfromtheshowandher
imaginationwasrunningawaywithherverytiredmind.

Fromthecornerofhereye,shecouldseeJimmy,herbodyguard,frowningandtalkingintohisheadset

inatensevoice.Notsurewhatwashappening,buttrustingJimmytotakecareofit,shethrewherselfinto
chattingwithherfans,smilingintotheircameras,signingtheirCDsandiPoddevicesandconcertT-shirts,
neverlettingherselfforgetforonesecondthatshewasbeyondluckytobeinherposition.

ShehadjusthuggedayounggirlgoodbyewhenKatiecameuptoherwithafrown.“Jimmyneedsto

talktoyou.”

Thatpricklingfeelingcamebackasherbodyguardapproached.“ThemanfromSanFranciscois

back,isn’the?”

“Yes.Thecopsareontheirwaytocomepickhimup.”
Thecops?Shealmostlaughedoutloudathowabsurdthewholethinghadbecome.“Heisn’ta

stalker,”shesaidtoJimmy.

Herbodyguardlookedseriouslyconfused.“Heisn’t?”
“No,heisn’t.”Shetookadeepbreath.“Whereishe?Canyoubringhimhere?”
Jimmyfrowned.“Ifhe’ssomeguywho’sbeenforcingyouto—”
Sheputherhandonhisarm.“Please,Ineedtoseehim.”
Notlookingatallhappyaboutit,Jimmynodded.“I’llgogethim.”
Thirtysecondslater,whenMarcuswalkedin,closelyfollowedbyJimmy,Nicolahadthecrazy

thoughtthatshe’dbeenfantasizingabouthimsomuch,she’dconjuredhimoutofthinair.

Sheneededtotryandthinkstraight,neededtogiveherselftimetotakeafewdeepbreathsand

forcefullyslowherheartbeatdown.Shetriedtoprepareherselffortheurgetoleapintohisarms,but
nothingcouldhavepreparedherforthelookinhiseyes.

Purelove.
Andsomethingelsethatlookedlike…patience.
Sheknewhestillwantedher—thatmuchwasblatantlyclear,judgingbythesparksthatwereflying

aroundinthetwofeetofopenairbetweenthem—butatthesametimeshefeltasifhewassilentlysaying,
Iwillwaitforyoutocomearound.Howeverlongittakes.

Insteadofplayingitcool,herhandsmovedoverherheartandshecompletelyforgotthatKatieand

Jimmystoodclosebytomakesureshewasokayassheallbutgaspedoutthewords,“Whatareyoudoing
here,Marcus?”

Hedidn’tanswerforseverallongmomentsashiseyesrovedoverherface.Shewasgladforthe

chancetodothesamething,todrinkinthelinesthesunhadmadearoundhiseyesandmouth,tonotethat
whilehewasstillthemostbeautifulmanshe’deverseteyeson,helookedasifhe’dlostsomeweight
sinceshe’dlastseenhim.

Finally,hesaid,“There’salabeldesignerintownthatI’vebeenthinkingaboutusing.Thiswasa

goodchanceformetomeetwiththem."

Noneofthisfeltrealandshehalf-wonderedifshewassotiredshewasdreamingit.
“Itwasagreatshow,Nicola.Reallyincredible.Ican’twaitforthenextone.”
Thenextone?
Andthen,beforeshecouldgetherbrainorlimbstostartworkingagain,hewasgone.Allthreeof

themwatchedhimturnandleave.

Abeatlater,Katieturnedtoherandsaid,“Youlookreallypale.Here,sitdown.”
Nicolawasnofadingflowerandhadneverfaintedinherlife.
Buttonight,sheknewshe’dbettertaketheseatKatiewaspushingagainstthebacksofherknees.

Eitherthatorshewasgoingtogorunningoutofthevenue,callingMarcus’snamelikeadesperate
woman.

Sheknewbyheartthereasonsarelationshipwithhimwouldneverwork.Goodreasons.Soinstead

ofrunningafterhimonshakylimbs,sheforcedherselftotakeadeepbreath—andthenanotherdozen
whenthatdidn’twork—andtickthroughthosereasonsagain.

Lordknew,ifhewascomingbacktodothisanothernight,she’dneedeveryoneofherwallsupand

inplacetostaystrong.

Still,shecouldn’tgetitalltoaddup.HerloverhadflownallthewayuptoIdahotoseehershowand

hehadn’tjustgrabbedherinfrontofeveryoneandkissedherlikehehadathismother’shouse?

Whyhadn’thekissedher?

***

SaltLakeCity,UT

NicolawalkedoffstageafterherconcertinSaltLakeCitythenextnightandknewshe’dkilledit.

She’dtakeneachsongandyankedeveryounceofpassionandgutsandfunandjoyfromit.Andithadall
beenforMarcus.She’dsungeverylovesongforhim,hadmovedherbodyacrossthestageforhiseyes
only.

Justlikethepreviousnight,asshegreetedherfansshecouldfeelhimbackstageevenwithoutseeing

wherehewas.Ittookeveryounceofconcentrationtogiveheralltoherfanswhohaddonatedso
generouslytoliteracywhensheknewshe’dsoonbetalkingtoMarcusagain,butsherefusedtogive
anythinglessthanherbesttoeveryoneintheroom.

Andthen,therehewasagainandJimmyandKatiewerelookingbetweenthetwoofthem.
“ShouldIcallSecurity,Nico?"
“No,Jimmy.I’mfine.”
Betterthanfine,withMarcusstandinginfrontofheragain.
Katieasked,“Shouldweleaveyoualoneforafewminutes?”
OhGod,no.Alonewasabadidea.
Scratchthat.Itwasaterribleidea.
Ofcourse,allNicolacoulddowasnod.Andsay,“Please.”
Marcusdidn’twaitforhertoaskabouthowhe’dspenthisdayinSaltLakeCity.Hesimplysaid,

“There’sagreatbottlingfactorynearhere.IthinkI’mgoingtousethemforournextchampagnerelease.”

She’dgivenallofthissomethoughtthenightbefore—alldaytoday,too—andmadeherselfsay,“You

can’tkeepdoingthis.”

Hereachedouttobrushhishandacrossherforehead,whereherhairwasfallingoveroneeye.“I’m

havingagoodtimedoingthis.”

Herbodyinstantlyrecognizedhersweetlydominantloverashishandlingeredonherskinina

possessivewaythathaditheatingup,toptobottomandeverywhereinbetween.Shecouldn’tresist
turningherfaceintohispalmforasplitsecond,butthen,knowingtherewereanynumberofeyesonher
—andthateachofthemwaswonderingjustwhatinhellwasgoingonbetweenherandthegood-looking
strangerintheexpensivesuit—shemadeherselfdrawbackwhenallshereallywantedtodowascurlup
againsthimassheoncehad.

Loweringhervoicetomakesurenoonecouldpossiblyhear,shesaid,“Areyouplanningon

followingmearoundtheglobe?”

Hisgrinwouldhavestolenherheartiftherehadbeenanypartofithedidn’talreadyhave.“You’re

playingsomeofmyfavoritecities.”

ItwaspuretorturetoimaginehowgloriousitwouldbetoslipunderthecoverswithMarcuslateat

nightafterhershows,inabusorplaneorhotelroom.

“Iwon’tforgivemyselfifyourwineryfallsapartwithoutyouthere.”
Heraisedaneyebrow.“Idon’tthinkmymanagementteamwouldtaketookindlytohearingwhatyou

thinkofthem.”

“That’snotwhatImean!”shetoldhim,toofrustratedwiththegamehewasplaying—andhowmuch

shewantedhimtokeepplayingit,despiteknowingbetter—tokeephervoicedown.

“Youwerebeautifuluptheretonight,andsodamngoodyoublewmeawayalloveragain.”
Theonlywayshecouldkeepherselffromblurtingouthowmuchshelovedhim,howmuchshe

missedhim,wastosay,“It’snotjustthefame,Marcus.It’snotjusthowimpossibleourschedulesare.I’m
notgoodforyou.Ifyourcommunity,yourcolleagues,knewaboutme...”

“Ididn’tcheat,”hesaid,andjustwhensherealizedhemeanthehadn’tlookedherupontheInternet,

headded,“Butyourfanstalk.Andtheyloveyou.They’reonyourside.JustlikeIam.AndIloveyou,too.
Wewereallyoungandstupidonce.We’vealldonethingswearen’tproudof.We’vealltrustedpeople
weshouldn’thavetrusted.Yes,peopleareprobablygoingtobelievesomethingtheyreadorsaw.Lotsof
people,even.ButIcanguaranteeyouthatanyonewhoactuallymeetsyouandgetstoknowyouwillfall
asmuchinlovewithyouasIam.”

Shecouldalmosttastehiskiss,wasactuallydyingforit,whenhesaid,“IpromisedyouIwasn’t

goinganywhereandI’mnot.Butthisisyourdecisionjustasmuchasit’smine.”Hetookherhandinhis
andbroughtittohislipstopressakisstoherknuckles.“Goodnight,kitten.”

***

Denver,CO

“Don’ttellme,”shesaidwhensheandMarcusweretheonlytwopeopleleftinthemeet-and-greet

thenextnight.“There’sawineryinColoradothatyou’rethinkingofacquiring.”

“Actually,anoldcollegefriendlivesnearby.Ihadagreatdayvisitingwithhimandhisfamily.”
Hegrinnedatherandshecouldn’thelpbutgrinback.Alldayshe’dbeenlookingforwardtoseeing

him.

Andallday,she’dbeenhavingaharderandhardertimeconvincingherselfthatbeingwithouthim

wastherightthing.Marcus,shehadstartedtorealize,didn’tseemtocaremuchforwhatpeoplethought
ofhim.Ifhedid,hewouldn’tbebuyingtheVIPcharitymeet-and-greetpackageeverysinglenight.

Afteronlythreenightsofhangingoutwithhercrewwhileshechattedwithherfans,itwasalready

likehewasoneofthem,likehewassupposedtobeontourwiththem.Shewasstartingtosuspectthat
waspartofhisplan...andshewasmorethanalittleamazedatthefactthathe’dmanagedtopullthiskind
ofscheduleoffinthefirstplace.

Still,howlongcouldhecontinuewithit?
“Pleasetellmeyou’reheadedbacktoNapa,Marcus.Backtoyourreallife.”
“Actually,I’montheboardofalocaleventthat’stakingplacetomorrownight,soyes,I’llneedto

headbackforthenextcoupleofnights.”

Herstomachsankdowntoherkneecaps.“Good.Iknowhowmuchitwillmeantoeveryonetohave

youthere.”

Shewassurprisedtofeelhisfingersbeneathherchin,tiltingherfacebackuptohis.“Comewithme,

Nicola.I’vegotaplanecharteredthatleavestonight.Wecouldmakeitbackbymorning,spendthedayat
mywinery,attendtheevent,andI’lleasilyhaveyoubackatyournextvenueintimeforinterviewsand
soundcheck.”

“Marcus,I—”
Hismouthwasoverhersbeforeshecouldevenfigureoutwhatshewasgoingtosay.Hiskisswas

softandsweet,butshefeltasifherentireworldhadbeenupendedbyit.

“That’snotfair,”sheprotestedinabreathlessvoice.
“I’mnotplayingfairanymore.Iloveyoutoomuchtosticktotherules.”
Andthenhishandswereinherhairandherarmswerearoundhisneckandshewaskissinghimlike

she’dbeendreamingofkissinghimforweeks.Ifithadn’tbeenforthemanypairsofeyesburningahole
throughthem,shewouldhaveneverstoppedkissinghim.

Forcingherselftopullawayfromhislips,shesaid,“HowaboutIintroduceyoutomycrew?”against

hismouth.

“Ithinkthey’vealreadygotaprettygoodideawhoIam."
Shewasamazedtofindherselflaughingwithhimastheybrokeapart.
She’dbeensocarefultomakesureshedidn’tgiveanyone—eventheroadcrewshe’dgrowntotrust

overtheyears—anypotentialammotouseagainstherthatshe’dbasicallybeenlivinglikeanunforthe
pastsixmonths.

Now,shehadtowonderifthereasonshe’dcaredsomuchwhateveryonethoughtwasbecauseitwas

easiertousethepressasanexcuse,ratherthanriskgettinghurtagain.

Butmaybe,shewasjuststartingtothink,somethingswereworththerisk.
“I’mgoingtograbmythingsoffthebus,”shesuddenlytoldKatie,whowasstandingafewfeetaway.

“TurnsoutI’vegotaplanetoNapaValleywaiting.”

HertourmanagerlookedbetweenNicolaandMarcus,thennoddedherapproval.“Justaslongasyou

haveherbackforherinterviewatnooninDallasintwodays.”

Grinning,Nicolasaid,“YouguyscanworkouttheschedulewhileIgogetmystuff.”Shewashalfway

outthedoorwhenshelookedoverhershouldertoseeKatieandMarcuswiththeirheadstogetherover
theirsmartphones.

Butasshewalkeddownthehalltowardhertourbus,sheknewthatkissingMarcusinfrontofher

crewhadbeentheeasypart.

He’dtoldherthathercircuslifedidn’tscarehim.
Nowhewasactuallyshowingherthathemeantit.
Unfortunately,thebiggerquestionremained:Whatwouldhisworldthinkofher?Wouldtheywelcome

herwithopenarmsthewayshewassurehercrewwasalreadywelcomingMarcus?

OrwouldheryouthandbadreputationhurtMarcusinjustthewayshefeared?

***

ThereweresomanythingsthatNicolaknewneededtobesaidbetweenthemassheboardedthe

privatejet,butwhenMarcuswrappedhisarmsaroundherandstrappedhisseatbeltoverthemboth,she
gaveintothewarmthofhisarms,curlingintohimthewayshealwayshad,withhisheartbeatingagainst
herear,thefeelingofbeingperfectlysafeeasingherintoadeepersleepthanshe’dhadinweeks.

***

Finally,asNicolafellasleepagainsthischest,Marcusletthebreathhe’dbeenholdinggo.
Nicolawasbackwhereshebelonged.Inhisarms.
Nowallheneededtodowasconvincehertostay.
Thistime,byanymeansnecessary...

ChapterTwenty-four

“MyGod,thisisbeautiful.”
ThesunwasrisingovertheSullivanWineryandthebirdswerejustcomingawake.Nicolalaughed

softlyasababybluejaypeekeditsheadupoutofitsnesttogreetthem.Astheystoodonhisporchand
lookedoutovertherollinggrapevines,Marcussilentlythankedhispropertyforputtingonitsfinestshow
forNicola.

They’dbothsleptontheplaneandeventhoughithadn’tbeenafullnight’srest,hefeltmorerefreshed

andalertthanhehadsinceNicolahadleftSanFranciscoalmostthreeweeksago.

“Thiswineryiswhereyoucametoheal,isn’tit?”
Noonehadeverlaiditoutsoclearlytohim...orhadhititsodirectlyonthehead.
Pullinghercloser,hetoldher,“ThefirsttimeIeversawthislandwasonahighschoolfieldtrip.It

wascrazy,butIsworeIsawamanwholookedlikemyfatherworkingthevines.AssoonasIgotmy
driver’slicense,Idroveupheretolookforhimagain.”

“Youweren’talone,wereyou?”
“Nope.”Hesmiledatthewomanheloved.“Mostofmybrothersandsisterscrammedintothecar

withme.Ididn’ttellthemaboutwhatIthoughtI’dseen,butIknewrightthenthatonedaythislandwould
bemine.AndthatI’dmakehimproud.”

Hewatchedherswallow,sawhereyesglitterathisstory.Hervoicewasraw,husky,assheasked,

“Howcanyoueventhinkofleavingthisfordaysandweeksonend?”

Heknewwhatshewasasking,thatshedidn’tunderstandwhyhewouldwanttobewithheronthe

road.

“It’sbeentwenty-twoyearssincemyfatherdiedanduntilyou,Inevertoldanyonehowharditwason

metotakehisplaceinthefamily.Ineverwantedtoadmitittomyself.Andnoonedaredpushmeup
againstthewallonit.I’msureotherssawit.Theyhadto.ButImanagedtokeepthemallaway."

Shehadturnedtohimandhedidn’tknowifsherealizedit,butshe’dtakenhishandsandwasholding

thembothoverherheart.

“Butnotyou,Nicola.Youwereshovingyourwayinfromthatfirstmomentintheclubandnomatter

howhardItriedtopushyouaway,youneverletmekeepyouout.”

“I’mannoyinglikethat,”shesaidinasoftvoice.“AlwayspushinginwhereIdon’tbelong.”
“Ilovethatyoupush,thatyoudecidewhatyouwantanddon’tletanyonegetinyourway.Nowonder

yourcareerisshootingthroughthestratosphereandtheywantyoutocomeplayshowsinTimbuktu."

Hewasgladtoseehersmileatthat,toseethedarkshadowbegintoslidefromherprettyeyes.
“Ididn’tcompletelylosemyyouth,buttherewerebigchunksofitthatjustdisappeared.”Heshook

hishead,tryingtoputwordstohisfeelingsevenashefinallyregisteredwhattheywere.“Idon’tregret
spendingsomuchtimewithmybrothersandsisterstohelpmymother.Theywereworthit."

“Soareyou,Marcus.”
Hepressedasoftkisstoherlipsandthensaid,“DoyouknowwhatmymothersaidtomethatSunday

atlunch?”

“Whatthehellareyouthinking,gettinginvolvedwithagirllikeher?”sheguessed,buthermouthwas

quirkingupononesideandheknewshewasteasing.

“Shetoldmeshe’dbeenwaitingformetofindsomeoneIcouldlovemorethanIlovedthem.”
“Itoldyoubefore,inthatoldplaygroundbehindyourmother’shouse,thatIdon’twanttogetinthe

wayofyourrelationshipwithyourfamily.”

“Notintheway.You’veshownmeit’stimetofinallycutthestrings,toletthemlivetheirlives.And

thatit’sfinallytimeformetolivemine.Allthistime,itwaseasierformetofocusonmybrothersand
sistersandhelpingmymotherandrunningthiswinerythanitwasformetofocusonmyownheart.”He

tuggedherevencloser.“Youoncetoldmepeoplebelievewhat’seasiesttobelieve.BothyouandI
believedsostronglythatwecouldn’tmakethisrelationshipwork,thatweweretoodifferent…didn’t
we?”

Shenodded.“It’ssaferthatway.”
“Iknowitis,butI’mfinallyreadytobelieveinthethingthat’shardesttobelieve,instead.”Hesmiled

downather.“Iknewwordswouldneverconvinceyouthatwecouldmakethiswork,thatI’dneedto
showyou,toproveittoyoubypushingjustashardasyoualwayspushedme.”

“Mycrewthoughtyouwerecrazy.Jimmywasgoingtocallthecopsthatfirstnight,youknow.The

second,too.”

Hegrinned.“Iknow.Butyou’reworththerisk,sweetheart.Anyrisk.Everyrisk.I’mgoingtoenjoy

joiningyouforasmanyofyourtourdatesasIpossiblycan,andIhaveaprettygoodfeelingthatyou’re
goingtoenjoythepeaceandquietofbeingherewithmeasoftenasyoupossiblycan.Ihavenodoubtthat
thisland,thebeautyhere,willfeedyoursoulthesamewayit’salwaysfedmine.”

“Howdoyoualwaysseethethingsinmethatnooneelseeverdoes?”
“ImetNicolalongbeforeIevermetNico,”heremindedher.“ForgetthestupidthingsIsaidtoyouon

thebeach.You’veneverhiddenyourselffromme.”

“Idon’tknowhow.EvenwhenItried,Icouldn’thidewhatyouweremakingmefeel.”Shepaused.

“Especiallywhenyouweretellingmewhatyouwantedmetodointhebedroom.”

Ah,itwasjustthelead-inhe’dbeenhopingfor.“Threeweeksago,Iplayedbythebook.Andyou

left.”Hepinnedherwithanunabashedlyhungrygaze.“TodayI’mnotgoingtoplayfair.AsfarasI’m
concerned,onceyougotonthatplanewithme,allruleswereoff.”

Herpupilshaddilatedandherbreathingwasalreadyspeedingup,bothbeautifulsignsthatshewas

becomingaroused...andthatshewantedthisasmuchashedid.

Knowingshe’dgreatlyenjoytheanticipation,hetoldher,“I’mplanningtousealltheweaponsinmy

arsenaltoconvinceyouthatwebelongtogether.I’mnotafraidtoplaydirtythistime.”

Shelickedherlips.“Ilikedirty.”
Hegrinnedatheranditwasasmilefullofwickedpromise.“Iknowyoudo.Mysweet,sexy,smart,

dirtygirl.”Hesweptherupinhisarmsandkickedopenthefrontdoortocarryherintohisbedroom.“I
wantyouinmybed.”

“Iwanttobethere,too.”Shecuppedhisfaceinherhandsandpulledhismouthdowntohers.
Needingtoconcentrateonkissingher,notclimbingthestairs,hestoppedhalfwayup,sittingdownon

thestairssothatshewasstraddlinghim.

Therewasnowaytheyweregoingtoactuallymakeitallthewayupstairstohisbedroom.
Notthistime,anyway.
“Liftyourarmsforme,Nicola.”
Heatflaredinhereyesatthesensualcommandhe’dgivenherthatfirstnight,andthenagainand

again.Sheslowlybroughtherhandsupandlethimslideherlong-sleevedT-shirtuphertorsoandover
herhead.

Herbrawaswickedblackandredlacewithasweetwhitebowinthemiddle.
“UntilImetyou,IalwaysthoughtIhadtobeoneortheother,thesexypopprincessorthesweetgirl

withtheguitar.Iwanttobeboth,Marcus.”

“Ifirststartedfallingforthesexgoddessintheleatherdresswiththeimpossiblyhighheels...andI

knewIwasatotalgonerwhenyoufellasleeponmylap.”Hemovedhishandstothesmallofherback,
thenaroundtocupherhips,andslidhercloser.“I’vealwayslovedbothsidesofyou.”Withoutskippinga
beat,hesaid,“Iwantyoutostandupandtaketherestofyourclothesoff.”

Hereyeswidened,butshequicklyscootedoffhislapandmovedastepdowntoslipoffherjeansand

thenherbraandpanties.

“Ithinkit’stimeforthatspankingI’vebeenpromisingyou,”hesaidasheputhishandsonher

stomach,thenslidthemuptobrushthepadsofhisthumbsoverherbreasts.“Alittlepunishmentfortaking
solongtocomearoundandseethatwecanmakethingswork.”

Hereyesglitteredwitharousalevenasshemadeasoftprotest.“WhatifIdon’tlikeit?”
Insteadofansweringherquestion,hesaid,“Turnaround,andholdontothestairrail.”
Hecouldseeherheartbeatpulsingthroughthesoftskinonherneckasshethoughtoverhisrequest.

Finally,shedidashebid,tauntinghimwithanaughtylookoverhershoulder.

Movinghishandoverherstomach,heheldhertorsoinplaceasheranhisotherhandovertheswell

ofherhips.

“Sopretty.Sosweet.”Hepressedakisstothesmallofherback.“Andallmine.”
Hishandcamedownamomentlater,aswatonherbehindthatleftafaintpinkmarkonhertanned

flesh.Shedidn’tcryout,buthefelthernipplesbeadagainsthispalmwherehestillcuppedherbreasts.
Amomentlater,hewasmarkingherothercheekwiththeflatofhispalm,andthistimehecouldn’tmiss
hermoanofpleasure,moansthatonlyincreasedinvolumeashemadecontacttwomoretimes.

Afewmomentslater,theswipeofhistongueoverherarousedfleshhadherbuckingintohismouth

whileherhandsheldontohishair.Hethrusttwofingersintoherandslickheatsurroundedthem,
throbbingandpulsingaroundhim.

“Iloveyou."
Marcusputhismouthbetweenherthighsandcoveredherwithhislips.Hecurledhisfingersinsideof

heruntilshewasgasping,arching,begging,cryingoutformore.

Helovedthewaysheheldontohimasshecameapartagainsthistongueandfingers.
Afewsecondslaterhewascarryinghertherestofthewayupthestairstolayherdowninthecenter

ofhisbigbed.Shemovedtoreachforhim,butheshookhishead.

“No.Justletmelookatyou.Ican’tbelieveIhavetheprettiestgirlintheworldinmybed.”
Sheblushed,butthistimeshedidn’ttrytohideanypartofherselffromhim.Notherbeautiful

body...orthebeautythatwasinsidealltheluscious,creamyskinandmind-blowingcurves.

Hestrippedoffhisclothesandputonacondombeforemovingoverher.Andthenherarmswere

aroundhisshouldersandherlegswerewrappedtightlytohishipsandheknewtherestofthenaughty
thingshewantedtodotoherwouldhavetowait.

Becauserightnowallhewantedtodowasmakelovetothewomanhe’dwaitedalifetimetofind.
“Loveme,Marcus,”shewhisperedastheirbodiescametogether.
And,oh,howhelovedher.
Notjustwithhisentirebody,notonlywitheverybeatofhisheart...butfromtheverydepthsofhis

soul.

***

ThemiddaysunwascominginthroughMarcus’sbedroomwindowastheysatnakedontopofhis

coverseatingthepicniclunchhe’dpulledtogetherfromthesparsecontentsofhisfridge.

Nicolahadneverfeltsoexhausted—orsohappy—andwithherstomachfulloffoodandherbodyfull

ofpleasure,sheyawnedandlaydowninoneofherfavoritepositions,herheadonhislapandoneofher
handsinhis.Sheneverwantedtostoplyingtherelookingupathisbeautifulface.

Butherlongtourhours—andthethreeroundsofincrediblyacrobaticsexthey’djusthad—hadher

yawning.

Hesmileddownather.“Yousuretireoutquickforayoungthing.Mysleepylittlekitten.”
“Funny,”shesaidonanotherhugeyawn,“Iwasjustabouttosayyouhavesurprisingstaminaforan

oldman.”ShehummedafewbarsoftheJoniMitchellhitMyOldMan,endingatthelineabout“keeping

awaymylonesomeblues."

Shelovedhearinghimlaughandhumalonginareallyoff-tunevoice.
Lookingupintohiseyes,sheknewitwastimetoadmiteverythingtohim.
“Ididn’tpushyouawayjustbecauseIwastryingtosaveyoufrommycircuslife.”Whenhishand

didn’tstillonherhairandhislegmusclesdidn’ttenseupunderher,sheknewitwassafetosay,“That
wasabigpartofit,butIwasalsoscaredoftrusting.Scaredoffalling.SohugelyscaredthatI’dbehurt
again.OnlythistimeIknewitwouldbesomuchworse,becauseIlovedyou.That’swhyIranthatday
afterlunchatyourmother’shouse,becauseIthoughtitwouldhurtlessthatway.Butrunningonlymade
everythinghurtmore.”

“Imissedyoujustasmuch,”hetoldher.“Although,Ican’thelpthinkingthatifyouhadn’trun,I

wouldn’thavegottenthechancetochaseafteryou.”

Justthatquickly—ashemadeherburnupatthewickedthoughtofbeingchasedthroughthevinesand

thencaughtinthemostdeliciousway—Marcuserasedanychanceofrecriminations,ofmakingherfeel
guiltyorselfishforwhatshe’ddone.

Andasheshiftedthemsothathisnakedbodywaspressedagainsthersandhismouthwasmoving

overhers,sheforgotallaboutfearandgaveintothemostnaturalemotionintheworld.

Pure,sweetlove.

***

SittinginthebackofalimowithMarcusthatnight,Nicolaworeafantasticdressthatmanagedtobe

classicandyetfunandflirtyatthesametime.Alldayshe’dlovedbeingwiththemansheloved,butas
thedriverpulledupinfrontoftheNapaValleymansionwheretheeventwasbeingheld,panicgripped
her.

“Thisisthebigmoment.Areyousureyou’rereadyforthis?Fornotbeingmysecretboyfriend

anymore?"

Insteadofansweringherwithwords,heputherhandsoverhisheart,thenleanedintokissher.
“Aslongasyou’rebymyside,I’mreadyforabsolutelyanything.”
Andasthedoorwasopenedforthemandflashbulbsstartedgoingoff,hiskisserasedwhatremained

ofherworries...leavingsweetsafetyandboundlesspleasureinitsplace.

Epilogue

Overthenexttwomonths,theweathercooledandtheleavesturnedcolor,fallingfromthetrees

throughoutNorthernCalifornia.MarcusrackedupthemilesonbusesandplanesasNicolaplayeddozens
ofdatesonthefirstlegofherU.S.concerttourandhecommutedbackandforthbetweenNapaValleyand
whateverpartofthecountrythewomanhelovedwasin.Forthefirsttimesincehe’dpurchasedthe
winerytenyearsearlier,heleftthebulkofthedetailsofthecrushtohisstaff.Ellenreceivedanenormous
promotionalongwiththematchingsalarytogoalongwithhernewduties.

ItwasearlyDecemberwhenNicolaandMarcuswalkedintothefirestation.Theentirefirecrewwas

there,alongwiththeirfamilies,tomeether.

Gabeshookhisbrother’shand,thenhuggedNicolaextralongandhard,knowinghowmuchitwould

botherhispossessiveolderbrother.Gabedidn’tbothertoholdbackhisgrinashesaid,“Thankssomuch
foragreeingtoplaythisconcert,Nicola.”

“It’smypleasure,”shesaidbeforeturningtohisbrother.Goinguponhertoes,shepressedakisson

Marcus’scheek.“You’rescaringthekidswiththatscowl.”

MarcusputhishandonherchinandturnedherfacetohisforarealkissthatsaidMineloudandclear

toanymanintheroomwhomighthavebeenconfusedastowhichSullivanbrothershewaswith.

Gabemadesurehisgrinstayedinplace,eventhoughsomethinginsidehischestwaspinchingtight.

Overthepastmonths,he’dgottenusedtoseeingChase,andnowMarcus,aspartofacouple.Their
motherwasbesideherselfwithjoyoverhersons’relationships.

Jackie,thegirlGabehadbeencasuallydatingoffandonforthepastfewmonths,waspractically

shakingwithexcitementatthethoughtoffinallymeetingNicola.She’dbeenanglingtobeinvitedto
Sundaylunchathismother’shousetomeetnotjustNicola,butSmith,too.Thethingwas,Gabejust
couldn’tseeheraroundhisfamily.Shewastooyoung,tooeager.Sure,Nicolawasyoungtoo,butthere
wasareasonsheandMarcusfitsowelltogether.Nicolawasfarmorematurethanothertwenty-five-
year-oldgirls.

EspeciallyJackie,Gabethoughtasshestartedtowardthem,starsinhereyes.
Gabeknewhe’dstrungheralongtoolong.Quicklydecidingthathe’dbreakitoffwithhertonight,he

wasn’tlookingforwardtohertears.Shewasacrier,whichwaspartlywhyhehadn’thadtheballsto
makeacleanbreakthesepastweeks.

“Howthehelldidyouendupwithheragain?”GabeaskedMarcusacoupleofhourslaterasthey

stoodtothesideandwatchedNicolacharmthepantsoffthetightlypackedcrowdwhohadpaidbig
buckstoseeherdoashortacousticsetinthefirestation’sparkinglot.Themoneythey’dbringintoday
withherhelpwouldgoalongwaytogettingthenewequipmentthatbudgetcutsweremakinghardto
comeby.

Ratherthantryingtotakeanycreditforit,Marcussimplysaid,“I’mtheluckiestbastardonthe

planet.”HenoddedhisheadinJackie’sdirection,wayupatthefrontofthegroup,clearlyinaweofevery
littlethingNicolasaidordid.“Whatabouther?”

Gabeshookhishead.“Justacasualthingthat’srunitscourse.”
Nicolahadjustfinishedhersetwhenthestationalarmranganddispatchrangoutoverthestation’s

loudspeakers,alertingthemtoanapartmentfire.

Gabeandtherestofthecrewimmediatelymovedtoputontheirturn-outsandheadedout,their

alarmsblaringtoclearthebusycitytraffic.

“Wow,thatwasintenseandthey’renotevenatthefireyet,”Nicolasaidafewminuteslaterwhenshe

andMarcuswerestandingtogetherinacornerofthestation.“Idon’tknowhowyourmotherdealswith
thissowell.Ifeellikeabasketcaserightnow.”

“ThisiswhatGabedoes.He’llbefine,”Marcusreassuredher.

Butfifteenminuteslater,afterthey’dsaidtheirgoodbyestothevolunteerswhohadsetuptheconcert

andwereabouttogetintoMarcus’scartoheadbackuptoNapaValley,anotherstationalarmwentoff.

“Allunitsrespondingto1280ConradStreet,beadvised,upgradingtothirdalarm.”
NicolalookedatMarcuswithhugeeyes.“That’sthefireGabewentto.Itsoundslikeit’sgotten

worse,notbetter.”

“Mybrotherisahellofafirefighter,”Marcustoldher.“He’snotthekindofguywho’deverdo

somethingdangerousorstupid.”

Only,astheystoodtogetherwhilethesirencontinuedtoblareanddispatchrepeatedthecall,bothof

themknewtherewereplentyofotherreasonswhyfirefightersgothurtinthelineofduty.

AndalltheycoulddowasholdontoeachotherandhopethatGabewouldbeallright.

~THEEND~

***

PleaseconsiderleavingareviewatBarnes&Noble.Thankyou!

***

ThenextthreebooksinBellaAndre’sSullivanfamilyseriesareoutnow!

CAN'THELPFALLINGINLOVE

(Gabe&Megan,TheSullivans#3)

IONLYHAVEEYESFORYOU

(Sophie&Jake,TheSullivans#4)

IFYOUWEREMINE

(Zach&Heather,TheSullivans#5)

Anddon’tmissthefirstbookintheSullivanseries

THELOOKOFLOVE

(Chase&Chloe,TheSullivans#1)

WatchforBook#6comingsummer2012

LETMEBETHEONE

(RyanSullivan’sstory)

***

PleaseenjoythefollowingexcerptfromBellaAndre’sbooks...

CAN’THELPFALLINGINLOVE

Gabe&Megan–TheSullivans#3

GabeSullivanriskshislifeeverydayasafirefighterinSanFrancisco.Butafterlearninga

brutallessonaboutprofessionalboundaries,heknowsbetterthantoriskhishearttohisfirevictims

everagain.Especiallythebravemotheranddaughterhesavedfromadeadlyapartmentfire...and
can'tstopthinkingabout.

MeganHarrisknowssheowestheheroicfirefightereverythingforrunningintoaburning

buildingtosaveherandherseven-year-olddaughter.Everythingexceptherheart.Becauseafter
losinghernavypilothusbandfiveyearsago,shehasvowedtoneversufferthroughloving-andlosing
-amanwithadangerousjobagain.

Only,whenGabeandMeganmeetagainanduncontrollableflamesofdesireignitebetween

them,howcanhepossiblyignorehercourage,determination,andbeauty?Andhowcanshedenynot
onlyhisstrongbondwithherdaughter…butthewayhissweetlysensualkissesarechallengingherto
riskeverythingshe’sbeenguardingforsolong?

Thiswinter,ifone-orboth-ofthemaren’tcareful,theyjustmightendupfallinginlove.

EnjoythefollowingexcerptforCAN’THELPFALLINGINLOVE...

GabeSullivan’scaptain,Todd,steppedintotheroom.
“How’reyoufeeling,Gabe?”
“Good,Captain.”
HemovedtositupstraighteronthebedandToddshookhishead.“You’refinejustlikethat.I

knowyourskullmusthurtlikehell.”Henoddedbacktothedoorway.“AreyoureadytoseeMs.Harris
andherdaughter,Summer?”

No,hethought,he’dbebetteroffneverseeingthoseeyesagain.
He’dthoughtaboutMeganandherdaughteronetoomanytimesforcomfort.Notjustbecausehe

wasreviewingtherescue,tryingtolookforwhathecouldhavedonedifferently,tohavegottenthemout
fasterandmoresafely—butbecausehehadn’tbeenabletoforgetherstrength,howhardshe’dfoughtto
stayconscious,andwhatafightershe’dbeeneverysinglesecondoftheharrowingjourneyfromher
burningapartment.

Still,heunderstoodthatfirevictimsoftenfeltcompelledtosaythankyoutothemenwhohadsaved

them.Especiallyinacaselikethis,wherethey’djustbarelyhelddeathatbay.

“Sure.”Hebegantonod,butasharpshootingpainstoppedhimhalfwayintothemovement.
Catchinghisgrimace,Toddsaid,“I’llaskMeganandherdaughtertocomebacklater.”
Hernamefither,Gabehadfoundhimselfthinkingonetoomanytimes.Meganwasprettyand

strongallatthesametime.ItwouldbebettertothinkofherasMs.Harris.Although,hehadtowonder,
wasthereahusband?Andifso,wherehadhebeenduringthefireandwhywasn’theherewiththem
now?

“No,”hesaid,“it’llbebetterifIseethemnow.”
She’dsaythankyou,he’dtellherhewashappytoseeherandherdaughterdoingsowell,andthat

wouldbethat.Nomorebeinghauntedbyhereyes,bythesurprisingstrengthshe’dshownhimasshe’d
crawledonthefloorofherapartmentanddownthestairs.

Acoupleofminuteslater,Toddwalkedbackinwiththemotheranddaughter.Ignoringthepainin

hishead,Gabesatuphigherandforcedasmileonhisface.

Andthen,hiseyeslockedwithMegan’sandhissmilefrozeinplace.
MyGod,hefoundhimselfthinkingbeforehecouldshovethethoughtaway,she’sbeautiful.
Thelasttimehe’dseenherfaceithadbeenthroughathickhazeofdarksmokeandtheknowledge

thatonewrongmovemeanttheirliveswereover.Hereyeswerejustasbigandpretty,herlimbslooked
asleanandstrongastheyhadwhenhe’dbeenhelpingtomoveheralongthefloor,butnowhecouldsee
thesoftnessinher,thesweetcurvesofherbreastsandhipsinherT-shirtandjeans.Hecouldn’tstop
staringatthestartlinggreenofhereyes,thesilkydarkhairfallingacrosshershoulders,andthewayher

prettyyoungdaughterwasacarboncopyofher,theonlydifferencetheirhaircolor,onedark,onelight.

Sheseemedjustasstunnedasheandforalongmoment,thetwoofthemjuststaredateachotherin

silenceuntilherdaughterranovertohimandthrewherarmsaroundhim.

Buy

CAN'THELPFALLINGINLOVE

foryourNook.

***

IONLYHAVEEYESFORYOU

Sophie&Jake–TheSullivans#4

SophieSullivan,alibrarianinSanFrancisco,wasfiveyearsoldwhenshefellheadoverheels

inlovewithJakeMcCann.Twentyyearslater,she’sconvincedthenotoriousbadboystillseesheras
the“nice”Sullivantwin.Thatis,whenhebotherstolookatheratall.Butwhentheybothgetcaught
upinthemagicofthefirstSullivanwedding,sheknowsit’slongpasttimetodowhateverittakesto
makehimseeherforwhoshetrulyis...thewomanwhowilllovehimforever.

Jakehasalwaysbeenamagnetforwomen,especiallysincehisIrishpubsmadehimextremely

wealthy.Buttheonlywomanhereallywantsistheonehecanneverhave.NotonlyisSophiehisbest
friend’soff-limitsyoungersister...hecan’trisklettinghergetcloseenoughtodiscoverhisdeeply
hiddensecret.

Only,whenSophieappearsonhisdoorstepasJake’severyfantasycometolife—smart,

beautiful,andshockinglysexy—hedoesn’thaveaprayeroftakinghiseyes,orhishands,offher.And
hecan’tstopcravingmoreofhersweetsmilesandsinfulkisses.BecauseeventhoughJakeknows
lovingSophieisn’ttherightthingtodo...howcanhepossiblyresist?

Buy

IONLYHAVEEYESFORYOU

foryourNook.

***

IFYOUWEREMINE

Zach&Heather–TheSullivans#5

Cantwopeoplewhohavebothswornofflovefindforeverineachother'sarms?
ThelastthingZachSullivanwantsistotakecareofhisbrother'snewpuppyfortwoweeks.

Untilhemeetsthedogtrainer,thatis.Heatherisbright,beautiful,andhecan'tstopthinkingabout
her.Unfortunately,shejustmightbetheonlywomanonearthwhowantsnothingtodowithhim.

HeatherLinseycan'tbelieveshe'sstuckworkingwithoneofthecity’stopdogs,auto-shop

tycoonZachSullivan.Especiallywhenhisfocusisclearfromthestart—notonlytolearnhowtodeal
withhistemporarypuppy...butalsotomakeHeatherhis.Havingswornoffloveatseventeenwhenshe
realizeditwasnothingmorethanapackoflies,shehasstucktohervownevertofallforacharming
man.

ButasHeather'sdeterminationtopushZachawayonlyfuelshisdeterminationtogetcloser—

andthesensualandemotionalconnectionbetweenthemgrowsmoreandmoreundeniable—willthe
biggestSullivanbadboyofalltemptherintobelievinginloveagain?

Buy

IFYOUWEREMINE

foryourNook.

***

THELOOKOFLOVE

Chase&Chloe–TheSullivans#1

ChloePetersonishavingabadnight.Areallybadnight.Thelargebruiseonhercheekcan

attesttothat.Andwhenhercarskidsoffthesideofawetcountryroadstraightintoaditch,she’s
convincedeventhegorgeousguywhorescuesherinthemiddleoftherainstormmustbetoogoodto
betrue.Orishe?

Asasuccessfulphotographerwhofrequentlytravelsaroundtheworld,ChaseSullivanhashis

pickofbeautifulwomen,andwheneverhe’shomeinSanFrancisco,oneofhissevensiblingsisusually
upforcausingalittlefuntrouble.Chasethinkshislifeisgreatjustasitis—untilthenighthefinds
ChloeandhertotaledcaronthesideoftheroadinNapaValley.NotonlyhasChasenevermetanyone
solovely,bothinsideandout,buthequicklyrealizesChloehasmuchbiggerproblemsthanher
damagedcar.Soon,Chaseiswillingtomovemountainstolove—andprotect—her,butwillChloelet
him?

Chloevowsnevertomakethemistakeoftrustingamanagain.Only,witheverylovinglook

Chasegivesher—andeverysinfullysweetcaress—astheattractionbetweenthemsparksandsizzles,
shecan’thelpbutwonderifshe’smettheonlyexception.AndalthoughChasedidn’trealizehislife
wasgoingtochangeforeverinaninstant,amazingly,heisn’ttheleastbitinterestedinfightingthat
change.Instead,he’sgearingupforadifferentfightaltogether…forChloe’sheart.

Buy

THELOOKOFLOVE

foryourNook.

***

GAMEFORLOVE

Inarelationshipbuiltonlies...theonlytruthistheirfeelingsforeachother.
Tofulfillhisgrandmother'sdyingwish,linebackerColeTaylormustfind–andmarry–agood

girl.FirstgradeteacherAnnaDavisfitsthebillperfectly.Theirdealissimple:Ifshe'llbehis
temporarywife,he'llgivehermorepleasurethansheeverimaginedwaspossible.

Only,loveistheultimategame-changer.

Buy

GAMEFORLOVE

foryourNook.

COMPLETEBOOKLIST

ThefollowingBellaAndretitlesarealsoavailableinelectronicformatfromBarnes&Noble.

TheSullivanFamilyseries

TheLookofLove
FromThisMomentOn
Can’tHelpFallingInLove
IOnlyHaveEyesForYou
IfYouWereMine

LetMeBeTheOne(comingFall2012!)

BadBoysofFootballseries

GameForLove
GameForSeduction
GameForAnything

TakeMeseries

LoveMe
TakeMe

Stand-aloneNovels

CandyStore
Ecstasy
RedHotReunion
TemptMe,TasteMe,TouchMe

HotshotFirefighterseries

WildHeat
HotAsSin
NeverTooHot

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

BellaAndrehasalwaysbeenawriter.Songscamefirst,andthennon-fictionbooks,butassoonas

shestartedwritingherfirstromancenovel,sheknewshe'dfoundherperfectcareer.Knownfor"sensual,
empoweredstoriesenvelopedinheadyromance"(Publisher'sWeekly)aboutsizzlingalphaheroesand
thestrongwomenthey'llloveforever,manyofher20+titleshaveappearedonTop20bestsellerlists,
includingTHELOOKOFLOVE(TheSullivans#1),FROMTHISMOMENTON(TheSullivans#2),
CAN’THELPFALLINGINLOVE(TheSullivans#3),GAMEFORLOVE(BadBoysofFootball#3),
CANDYSTORE,andLOVEME.

HerbookshavebeenCosmopolitanMagazineRedHotReadstwice(GAMEFORANYTHINGand

WILDHEAT)andhavebeentranslatedintoGerman,Thai,Japanese,Italian,Spanish,French,Portuguese
andUkrainian.NEVERTOOHOTwontheAwardofExcellencein2011.TheWashingtonPosthascalled
her“OneofthetopdigitalwritersinAmerica”andshehasbeenfeaturedonNPR,Forbes.comandinThe
WallStreetJournal.

Ifnotbehindhercomputer,youcanfindherreadingherfavoriteauthors,hiking,knitting,orlaughing.

Marriedwithtwochildren,BellasplitshertimebetweentheNorthernCaliforniawinecountryanda100
yearoldlogcabinintheAdirondacks.

Foracompletelistingofbooks,aswellasexcerptsandcontests,andtoconnectwithBella:

VisitBella’swebsiteat:

http://www.BellaAndre.com

FollowBellaontwitterat:

http://www.twitter.com/bellaandre

JoinBellaonfacebookat:

http://www.facebook.com/bellaandrefans

SignupforBella’snewsletterat:

http://eepurl.com/eXj22

Document Outline

Table of Contents
From This Moment On
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Epilogue
COMPLETE BOOKLIST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wyszukiwarka

Podobne podstrony:
The Sullivans 2 From This Moment On Bella Andre
Bella Andre The Sullivans 02 From This Moment On
0993 From this moment on Shania Twain & ?ckstreet Boys
Bella Andre 7 Come A Little Bit Closer (The Sullivans)
Bella Andre 5 If You Were Mine (The Sullivans)
Roger Zelazny This Moment Of The Storm
202 Jokes of Mulla Nasrudin from Osho discourses on the AKSHYA UPANISHAD
Evans Gabrielle From This Moment
Bella Andre The Sullivans 08 Always On My Mind
Bella Andre 8 Always on My Mind (The Sullivans)
The Sullivans 8 Always on My Mind Bella Andre
The Sullivans 12 Just To Be With You Bella Andre
Bella Andre The Sullivans 05 If You were Mine
Bella Andre 6 Let Me Be the One (The Sullivans)
The Sullivans 13 I Love How You Love Me Bella Andre
The Sullivans 4 I Only Have Eyes For You Bella Andre
Bella Andre 9 The Way You Look Tonight (The Sullivans)
The Sullivans 5 If You Were Mine Bella Andre
Bella Andre The Sullivans 04 I Only Have Eyes For You

więcej podobnych podstron

Bella Andre 2 From This Moment On (The Sullivans)

Document Outline