THEWAYYOULOOKTONIGHT

~TheSullivans~

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As a very successful private investigator who has caught most of the cheaters in Seattle with

theirpantsdown,RafeSullivanbelievestrue,lastingloveonlyhappensonceinabluemoon.Needing
togetawayfromthecitytoclearhishead,hefindsthelakehousewherehespentthebestsummersof
his life is now a wreck...but the sweet girl next door is all grown up and prettier than anything he’s
everseen.

While Brooke Jansen is happy making and selling chocolate truffles in her small Pacific

Northwest lake town, she secretly longs to experience something wild. So when her favorite "Wild
Sullivan"movesinagainnextdooraftermorethanadecadeaway,andsparksflybetweenthem,she
can’tstopwonderingifbeingbadisreallyasgoodasitalwaysseemed...andjusthowlongitwillbe
beforeshecanfindout.

But when their summer fling quickly spirals into deeper emotions than either of them were

expecting,cantheysurvivetheheatbetweenthem?OrwillRafemakethebiggestmistakeofhislife
andenduplosingthebestthingthat’severhappenedtohim?

AnotefromBella:

I have been writing about the Sullivan family for two years and loving every single second of

creatingemotionallovestoriesaboutthesesexyheroesandstrongheroines!Thankyouforbeingthemost
amazing readers in the world! Your emails, tweets, Facebook, and Goodreads messages have made me
laugh,tearup,andappreciatewritingromancemorethanever.

In fact, you are the reason I'm writing more stories about the Sullivans! After the first eight San

Francisco Sullivans found their happily-ever-afters, so many readers requested more Sullivans that I'm
thrilledtointroduceyoutotheSeattlebranchofthefamily.Overthecourseofthenextfivebooks,Ican’t
waittointroduceyoutoRafe,Mia,Ian,Adam,andDylan,andtheirparents,MaxandClaudiaSullivan.
Ofcourse,alongthewaywe’llpeekbackinonthelivesofthefirsteightSullivansandtheirmotherin
SanFrancisco.

IshouldalsonotethatifthisisyourfirsttimereadingabouttheSullivans,youcaneasilyreadeach

bookasastandalone—andIhopeyoureallyenjoyit!

Thankyou,again,foryourincrediblesupportandencouragement.Isincerelyhopeyoulovegetting

toknowmysuper-sexyP.I.RafeSullivan...andthewomanhe’sabouttorealizehecan’tlivewithout.

Happyreading,
BellaAndre

ChapterOne

Somedays,RafeSullivanhatedhisjob.
The elegantly dressed woman seated in front of him had tears streaming down her face, and her

once-flawlessmakeupwasrunninginblackstreamsdownhercheeks.Heslidtheboxoftissuescloserto
her,butshewastoobusysobbingandclutchingthephotosthatRafehadgivenhertonotice.

In each of the dozen pictures, his client’s CEO husband was with a different woman. Brunettes,

blondes,andredheadswereallrepresented.Theonlythingthemanseemedtodiscriminatebywascup
size,aseachofthewomenwasverywellendowed,includingtheyoungwifeonwhomhewascheating.

"Thatbastard!"shespatbetweensobs."Hesworehewouldnevercheat.HesaidIwaseverything

tohim.Duringourweddingvows,hestoodupinfrontofmyfamilyandtoldmeIwasthetrueloveofhis
life."Sheliftedhergazefromthepictures,hereyesoverfullwithpain."Whycouldn’thebefaithful?Isit
becauseI’mnotasprettyasthesewomen?"

Seven years ago, when Rafe had decided to leave the police force and open up his own

investigation firm, he’d been full of high ideals. Justice. Truth. That was what he’d been after. He now
had half a dozen people working for him, and was widely considered to run the best P.I. firm in
WashingtonState.

Howthehellhaditcometothis?Heusedtogointoeverycasewithanopenmind.Afterall,how

highcouldthestatisticsbeinfavorofinfidelity?Fiftypercentwashigh,he’dfigured.Sixtypercentwould
havebeennuts.

Hehadn’timaginedaworldinwhichonehundredpercentofthepeopleheinvestigatedwereupto

nogood.

Somewherealongtheway,Rafe’sreputationfordiscoveringwhetherornothigh-profilemenand

women were cheating—and they always were, for every client he’d taken on—had eclipsed his other
cases, but he couldn’t justify turning down the pricey jobs when he had a staff depending on him for
salariesandbenefits.

Still, though he’d been doing this for nearly a decade, Rafe had never figured out how to numb

himself to the moment when he handed his client the pictures he and his staff had taken of infidelity in
action.Hecouldn’thelpbutfeelthathewasatleastpartlyresponsiblefortheirtears.

Butmostofall,hehatedthewaythewomentooquicklymovedfromangertoblamingthemselves.
"Thisisnotyourfault,"hesaidinagentlevoice.
He would have told his client that she was easily as beautiful as the women her husband had

cheated with, might even have reached out to touch her hand in comfort, but hard-won experience had
taughthimhecouldn’tevendothat.

Comfortandmuch-neededcomplimentscouldbetooeasilymistakenforsomethingmore.He’donly

beenstupidenoughtogodownthatroadonce,butithadbeenlessonenough.He’dknownbetterthanto
startanythingupwithoneofhisex-clients,butshe’dbeenpersistentandpretty...andhe’dbeentiredand
justplainstupid.Boyhadthatbeenamajorscrew-up.

Now, though he wished he could do more to help his client, all he could do was hand her the

tissues.

Shefinallypluckedonefromtheboxtowipeawayhertearsandrunningmascara."Itrustedhim."

Hervoicewaslittlemorethanawhispernow."HowwillIeverbeabletotrustanyoneagain?"

Rafeknewshewaswaitingforhimtoassureherthatnoteveryonewasbad,thattherewerestill

somegoodonesoutthere.ButaftersevenyearsofcatchingeverycheaterinthePacificNorthwestwith
theirpantsdown,allhecoulddowasremindher,"Youhavegoodinstincts.That’swhyyoucametome,
isn’tit?"

Shenodded,hereyesfinallydrying,thankGod.
"Justkeeptrustingyourinstincts."
Sheseemedtothinkabouthisadviceforamomentbeforetakingadeepbreathandwipingtherest

ofhertearsaway."Yes,you’reright,that’sexactlywhatIneedtodo.Trustmyselfinsteadofanyoneelse.
And right now my instincts are telling me to take my scum of a husband for absolutely everything he’s
worth."Renewedlifeglitteredinhereyesasthoughtsofrevengetookhold.

His client had gone from anguish to self-blame to revenge, all in the span of five minutes. It was

onlytena.m.Hehadsevenmorehoursofthistolookforwardto.

She stood up and smoothed out her silk dress, spattered lightly with teardrops. "I can’t thank you

enoughforyourhelp,Mr.Sullivan."

He wished she hadn’t had anything to thank him for as he shook her hand. "Good luck with

everything."

"Mysoon-to-beex-husbandistheonewho’sgoingtobeneedingluckonhisside,"sheassuredhim,

beforeadding,"AndI’llbesuretorecommendyoutomygirlfriends."Cynicismnowovershadowedher
youthfulbeauty."I’msuremostofthemwillbeneedingyourservices,too."Shewashalfwaytohisdoor
whensheturnedbacktohim."Doyouknowwhathurtsmostofall?Evenmorethanknowingthathewas
sleepingwithotherwomen?Evenmorethanbeingliedto?"

Fortunately,Rafeknewitwasarhetoricalquestion,sohesimplywaitedforhertocontinue.
"He obviously didn’t think I’d have the smarts or the nerve to find out what he was doing. If he

wantedsobadlytoendourmarriage,ifheknewhedidn’tlovemeanymore,heshouldhavebeenbrave
enough to just man up and tell me to my face." Her eyes narrowed. "But he didn’t even have enough
respectformetodothat."

As soon as she left his office, Rafe sank back on his leather couch and ran a hand over his face.

Thatwashowhissister,Mia,foundhim.

"I swear," she said, "the best-looking babes in the world come out of your office, and they’ve

always got the most gorgeous and expensive shoes on, too. Another rich guy screwing around on his
trophy,huh?"

Rafedidn’tbothertoopenhiseyes.OrtoacknowledgethequestionMiaalreadyknewtheanswer

to.Instead,hesaid,"Ifyou’reheretoaskifyoucantakemyDucatiforaride,theanswerisandalways
willbeno."Lordonlyknewwhathisimpulsivesisterwoulddotohismotorcycleifheletherhavethe
keys, even for fifteen minutes. Besides, if she hurt herself by driving too fast or too wildly, his parents
wouldkillhim.

"Well, you certainly need some cheering up today, don’t you?" He could hear her grinning even

withoutlookingather."Luckyforyou,that’swhyI’mhere."

Finally,heopenedoneeye."Whateveryou’vegotupyoursleevetoday,I’mnotupforit.Tryme

againinsixmonths."

"Trustme,thisisgoingtomakeeverythingbetter.Ipromise."
Mia reached into her big red leather bag, something he guessed cost nearly as much as his

motorcycle,andpulledoutapieceofpaper.Thoughhehadn’tindicatedthathewasinthemarketfora
summerhouse,she’dbeentellinghimaboutvariouslakepropertiesforthepastfewmonths,emailinghim
picturesandhandinghimflyerswhentheywereoverattheirparents’houseforameal.Still,theconstant
barrageoflakehouselistingshadgottenhimthinking,whichheknewwasentirelyMia’sintent.

Acoupleofmonthsawayfromcrying,jiltedtrophywivesandcheatingcaptainsofindustry?
Soundedlikeheaven.
Hissiblingsalllovedtheirwork.Miawassogoodatsellingrealestatethatshe’dopenedherown

brokeragewellbeforeshe’dhitherthirties.HisbrotherAdamhadneverseenahistorichousehedidn’t
wanttorehab.Ian,theoldestSeattleSullivan,mademillionswhileheslept.AndtheirbrotherDylanhad
beensailingsincebeforehecouldwalk,soitmadeperfectsensethathewasbuildingsomeofthebest
boatsoutonthewater.

OnlyRafewasstuckwithasuccessfulbusinessthatwasdrainingthelifeoutofhim,onedayata

time.

"Idon’tneedanotherhouse,"Rafemuttered.
Heclosedhiseyesagain,settleddeeperintohiscouch,andkickedhisfeetuponthecoffeetable.

Insteadofmakinganirritatednoise,orpushinghisfeetoffthetable,Mialetsilencefallbetweenthem.
Frankly,thesilenceworriedhimmorethananything,giventhathissisterwasnotknownforherdeeply
meditativestates.Rather,shewastheperfectcombinationoftheTasmanianDevilandawhirlingdervish.
He was working to muster up the energy to put a stop to whatever she was planning, when something
sharphithimbetweentheeyes.

"Ow! What the hell, Mia?" There was a paper airplane on his lap, its nose bent from the impact

withhisforehead.

"Justlookatitalready.Iknowhowbusyyouareconsolingweepingwomenallday,andIwouldn’t

bother you unless it was really important." She pointed at the paper airplane. "Trust me, this is
important."

Knowing it was best to humor her so that he could get on with his shitty day, Rafe unfolded the

airplane.Therewasn’tmuchprintedonthelistingpageapartfromtheslightlyfuzzypictureatthetop,but
itwasenoughforhimtounderstandexactlywhyhissisterhaddroppedeverythingtobringthistohim.

"It’snotAprilFool’s,isit?"
He honestly couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Their parents had bought a lake cabin in the

Cascade Mountains when he was a little kid, and they’d spent every summer there until Rafe was
fourteen.Thatwaswhentheirfatherhadlosthisjob,andeverythinghadchangedfortheirfamily.Ithad
sucked when they lost the lake house, but it had been far worse to watch their father lose his self-
confidenceandturngraynearlyovernight.Worsestill,they’dallstillbeengrievingovertheunexpected
loss of their father’s brother, Uncle Jack. It had been a difficult time for the West Coast Sullivans, and
evennow,Rafedidn’tliketothinkbacktothoseyears.

"AssoonasIsawthislisting,Irescheduledmyappointmentstoraceoverheretoshowittoyou."
Rafeglanceddownattheflyeragain.Itdidn’tlooklikeasinglethinghadchanged,andhewasglad

toseeit.Man,he’dlovedthatplace—hadlookedforwardtosummerallyearlongbecauseofit.Hiking,
swimming,boating,fishing,waterskiing...andgirls.Somanyprettygirlsinbikinisithadmadeateenage
boy’sheadswim.

"You’vegottomakeanoffer,"Miainsisted."Today."
Hecouldpracticallysmellthecampfires,couldfeelthecoolwatercoverhimashejumpedoffthe

endofthedock.Buthe’dalreadybeenthroughthiswithhimselfahundredtimes.Hehademployeeswho
counted on him. He had half the Seattle elite banging on his door, demanding that he investigate their
spouses. He wasn’t a kid anymore with no responsibilities. He couldn’t just pick up and leave his
businessbehind.

Rafeforcedhimselftoputthepaperdownonthetableinfrontofhim."Mynextclientwillbehere

infifteenminutes."

"HaveBentakeherforyou."
"Benhashisownappointments."
"He’s good with your screwed-over wives. Better than you, actually, because he’s less cynical

aboutitall."

Rafe was six foot three, with broad shoulders and big hands. People rarely called him on his

bullshit.Butthoughhislittlesisterwasafootshorterandweighedatleastsixtypoundsless,shewasn’t
theleastbitafraidofgoingtoe-to-toewithhim.

"Wecanallseewhatthisjobisdoingtoyou,"shetoldhimnow."Seriously,youshouldhaveseen

thewayyoulookedwhenIwalkedin.Heck,thewayyoulookrightnow,justthinkingaboutmeetingwith
anotherclient."

His sister was a know-it-all. The problem was, sometimes she actually did know what she was

talking about. Still, he had to say, "You think it’s that easy? That I can just buy the cabin, turn over my
clientstoBen,andheadoutforthesummer?"

"Whycan’tyou?Imean,youaretheboss."
"You’rethebossoveratSullivanRealty,butyou’renotexactlybuyingthelakehouseandleaving

youremployeestopickupyourslack."

"True,"sheagreedalittletooreadily,"butthere’sonebigdifferencebetweenyouandme.Ilikemy

job. Besides, when’s the last time you took a real vacation?" Before he could reply, she said, "Fact is,
therearealwaysgoingtobepeoplecheating,sothereisalwaysgoingtobemoreworkcomingyourway.
You’retheonlyonewhocanpressthePausebutton,Rafe.Especiallyafterwhathappenedtoyouwith—"

Hisglarecutheroffbeforeshecouldtalkaboutthesamedamnthingthateveryonehadbeentalking

aboutforthepastcoupleofmonths—theknifewoundtothesideofhisribs.Hewasoverit.Whycouldn’t
they be? The guy had barely hooked the tip into Rafe’s skin before Rafe had thrown him across the
parkinggarage.

Andyet,itgratedmorethanhelikedtoadmitthathislittlesisterwasrightabouthistakingsome

timeoff.Notbecausehewasafraidofbeingjumpedagaininadarkparkinglot,butbecauseaguyneeded
torechargehisbatterieseveryonceinawhile.Sexwasusuallygoodforthat,butlatelyeventhefewhot
hoursinthesackhe'dmanagedwithwomenwhoweren'tlookingforloveanymorethanhewashadfallen
prettydamnedshortofthemark.

Mia was also right about his employees; he’d made it a point to hire the best, and he could trust

themtokeepthingsrunningforalittlewhile.

Justthethoughtofwakinguptothesoundofwaterlappingontheshoreinsteadoftrafficoutsidehis

window,andgettingoutinhisfishingboatratherthanhandingtissuestosobbingwomen,hadhimalmost
feelingtenyearsyounger.

"Okay,you’vesoldmeonavacation,"hetoldhisalreadygloatingsister,"butIcanrentaplace."
Shepickeduptheflyerfromthecoffeetable."Rememberhowweusedtohavecannonballcontests

offthedockandtheJansensnextdoorwouldvoteforthewinner?"Hehadtolaughatthememory,the
soundrustyafterbeingoutofuseforsolong.Hehadn’tseenlittleBrookeJansenorhergrandparentsin
morethanfifteenyears,buthehadn’tforgottenthem.Rafelookeddownatthepictureofthelakehouse."I
lovedthisplace.Wealldid."

Mia’sgazewasnolongerchallengingorgloating.Heandhissiblingsoftenfoughtandteased,butat

thecoreofitall,theylovedeachother...andtheyalwayslookedoutforeachother,too.

"Youloveditmorethananyone,Rafe.You’vegotthemoney.It’stimetofinallyusesomeofitand

clearyourheadoutonthelake."

Rafefiguredhecouldhavekeptarguingwithher,butwhatwasthepoint?Hewantedthecabin,and

not just for himself. For his whole family—especially his parents, who should never have lost it in the
firstplace.Thistime,hewouldmakesuretheywouldneverloseitagain.

Hepickedupthelistingandlookedmorecloselyatthepicture.Atfirstglance,ithadn’tlookedtoo

differentfromthewayherememberedit,butnowhenoticedthepeelingpaint,theovergrownshrubs,the
overlywornandslightlycrookedfrontsteps.

"Afteralltheseyears,it’llprobablyneedsomework."
"I’msureitdoes,butyou’renearlyashandyasAdam.Andyouknowhe’llbethrilledtoweighin

onhowtobestfixanyproblemsyoumightfind.ThelistingagentandIhavebeenplayingphonetagall
morning,soI’llfindoutmorespecificssoon,buttheflyersaysit’sfurnished,sohopefullyyouwon’thave
todealwithbuyingmuchfurniture."

If it were any other house, he would have had Mia show him more pictures and give him the

inspector’sreport,butheknewthisplaceinsideandout.Sure,hedidn’tknowanythingaboutthepeople
whohadlivedinitforthepasteighteenyears,buthowmuchcouldtherebetofix?

"Youwin.I’llmakeanoffer."
Mia’sgrinlitupheralreadyprettyface."Iknewit!"
Helookedathiswatch."I’vegottotakeanothercoupleofclientsthismorning,butIcanprobably

comeintoyourofficelaterthisafternoontosigneverything."

"Noneed."Shereachedintoherbagagainandpulledoutalargefolder."Signhere,here,here,and

here.Ialreadycalledwithyourinitialoffer.OnceIsendthisin,weshouldbegoodtogo."

Clearly,heneededavacation,becauseheshouldhaveseenthiscoming.MiaSullivanalwaysgot

whatshewanted.

Especiallywhenshewastryingtohelpsomeonesheloved.
"Onedayyou’regoingtofindaguyyoucan’twraparoundyourfinger,"hetoldherashetookthe

pen she handed him and signed next to all the yellow flags. She was smiling when she took the papers
back,buthergrinsuddenlylookedalittleforced.

Heputahandonherarm."Everythingokay,sis?"
"Everything’sgreat."Hewasn’tsurehebelievedher,butshewasalreadywalkingoutthedoorand

saying,"Youshouldbetheproudownerofthelakehousebytonight."

He’d seen the dollar figure listed on the offer and hadn’t blinked an eye, but now he had to ask,

"Justhowgoodismyoffer?"

Thetwinklewasbackinhereyesasshesaid,"GoodenoughtohoponyourDucatitomorrowand

betheretolightafireonthebeachandliebacktolookupatthestarsbynightfall."

"Thanks,Mia."Shehadbeen,andalwayswouldbe,amajorpainintherear.Buthewouldn’ttrade

hislittlesisterforanyoneelse.

Shedidn’tturnbackagain,simplywavedathimoverhershoulder.Notingthateverylastoneofhis

maleemployeeswasdroolingoverherinsteadofworking,hisvoicewasharderthanitwouldotherwise
havebeenashetoldthem,"Mandatorycompanymeetingatlunch."

Withthat,hewalkedbackintohisofficetoprepareforhisnextmeeting...and,withasummeratthe

lake in his sights, to get started on writing up a list of revised duties for his staff at Sullivan
Investigations.

ChapterTwo

Somedays,BrookeJansenlovedherjob.
Everyday,actually,sinceshe’dmovedfromBostontoliveatthelakefulltimeandstartherown

chocolate truffle business. She even loved it on days like today, when she couldn’t quite get her latest
trufflerecipetotasteright.

She’dspentthepasteighthoursworkingonanewsummer-themedboxoftruffles,oneshehoped

wouldpleasepeopleasmuchasthewinter-themedboxshe’ddebutedatChristmas.Nowitwastimeto
work out some of the kinks in her back with a swim. Plus, she tended to have some of her biggest
epiphanies while underwater. She had been swimming like a fish from the day her grandfather had
plucked her out of her father’s arms and plopped her into the lake despite his son’s protests that she
wasn’treadyyet.

Brooketookhersaucepansandglassbowlsovertothesink.Asshequicklywashedthemout,she

marveled at the view of the lake and the Douglas firs in the mountains beyond the water. Even though
she’dbeenlivingonLakeWenatcheeforthepastthreeyears,shestillcouldhardlybelievehowbeautiful
itwas.

She’dspenteverysummerasayoungchildtravelingfromBostontoWashingtonStatetovisither

grandparents, Frank and Judy. She’d loved every second outside on the sandy beach, swimming in the
coollakewater,roastingmarshmallowsbythecampfire...andspendingtimewiththetwowarmest,most
lovingpeopleshe’deverknown.

Inallthosesummers,herparentshadonlycometovisitthelakehouseahandfuloftimes,andeach

visithadbeenawkward,borderlineuncomfortable.Mostlybecauseherparentsandgrandparentshadn’t
seeneyetoeyeonmuchofanything...especiallyher.Hermotherandfatherweren’togresbyanystretchof
theimagination,buttheyhadalwaysbeensofocusedontheircareersthattheyoftenseemedtoforgetthey
had a child who wanted to have fun. And when they had focused on her, she’d often sensed their
disappointment that she was neither cuttingly sharp like her lawyer mother, nor brilliant like her
economistfather.

They’dwantedalittlebabyEinstein.Instead,they’dgottenStrawberryShortcake.
Ontopofthat,ithadbeensodifficultforhermothertoget—andstay—pregnantwithherthatfrom

themomentBrookewasborn,herparentshadtreatedherlikeaterriblyfragileglasssculpture.Allher
life,they’dbeenafraidofhergettinghurt,eventhoughBrookehadbeenthemostcareful,conscientious
childandteenageraroundformiles.Well,apartfromthatonenightwhenshe’dsnuckoutofthehouselike
everysixteen-year-oldontheplanetandmadeamistakethey'dneverletherforget...

Brookewastwenty-threeyearsoldwhenhergrandparentsdied,theircarskiddingoutonapatchof

iceonaremotemountainpass.Thoughthreeyearshadpassed,theholeinherheartwasasbigasever.
Theyhadwilledtheirsummercabintoher,obviouslyknowingherparentshadnointerestwhatsoeverin
it,alongwiththefullcontentsoftheirbankaccount.

She’d been so devastated by their sudden deaths that, after the funeral, her parents had tried to

convinceherthatitwouldmakemoresensetogobackhometoBostonandthenreturnlatertogothrough
theirthingswhenshewasstronger.Butonceshe’dgottentothegateattheairport,insteadofgettingonthe
airplane,she’dkissedherstunnedparentsgood-byebeforeturningrightbackaround.

Everythinginhergrandparents’lakefronthomewasjustasthey’dleftit.Howcouldtheybegone?

She’dstumbledintothehouseandbarelymadeittohergrandmother’sfavoriterockingchairintheliving

roombeforeherlegsgaveout.

Hergrandmother’srecipebookhadbeenonthecoffeetable,andshe’dpickeditupwithshaking

hands.Hergrandfatherhadmadethewoodencoverengravedwithaheartsurroundingtheirinitialsinhis
woodshop,agiftofloveforthewifehe’dadoredfromthefirstmomenthe’dseteyesonher.Ageandone
falltoomanyontothefloorfromthekitchencounterhadmadealargecrackdownthroughthecenterof
the wooden heart. When Brooke opened the cover, on top of the first recipe she’d found a picture of
herselfandhergrandmotherstandingtogetheratthekitchencounter,bothofthemwearingfloweryaprons
andhugesmiles.Theirhandswerecoveredinchocolate,andshavingsdustedthecounterallaroundthem.

Brooke had been her happiest each summer making truffles with her grandmother, who was

passionateinherhobbytoshareherlovewithfriendsandfamilythroughchocolate.Asshe’dstaredatthe
picture,Brookerealizedwhyshehadn’tbeenabletogetontheplanewithherparentstogobacktoher
humanresourcesjobinBoston:Lifewastooshort,andfartooprecious,towaste.Brookefinallyknew
exactlywhatshewassupposedtodowithherlife:stayhereatthelake,inhergrandparents’house,and
makechocolate.

Her first year had been a rather daunting crash course not only in the art of artisan chocolate

making,butalsoinhowtostartandrunherownbusiness,especiallyinthewakeofherparents’horrorat
her chucking in a lucrative career to do something so risky with "so little upside," as they’d put it.
Fortunately,she’dbeenabletosignupseveralsmallstoresintownbeforethecushionhergrandparents
hadlefthercameanywherenearclosetorunningout.

Movingtothelakeand starting her own company doing what she and her grandmother loved had

beenlikefollowingafaintrayoflight,butshe’dalwaysknownitwouldgrowbiggereveryday.That’s
what her grandparents had taught her—to believe in herself and others, no matter what. The whole
communityhadhelpedhersucceed,whichonlyprovedthatbelieftobetrue.

Aftercleaningupthekitchen,Brookewalkedbackintoherbedroom,strippedoffherjeansandT-

shirt,andslippedonherbikini.Itwasadaringpurchasethathadsatunworninherdresseruntilthehouse
next door became vacant and she could be certain that no one would see her wearing it. She was just
heading out to the front porch when her phone rang. When she looked at the caller ID and saw her
mother’snumber,herguttightenedforasplitsecondbeforeshepickeditup.

"Hi,Mom,thanksforcallingmeback."
"Darling,"hermothersaid,"it’salwayssonicetohearyourvoice.Ijustwishyoudidn’tlivesofar

away.YourfatherandIworryaboutyou.Iseverythingallright?"

When,Brookewondered,wouldherparentsstopworryingabouther?Especiallysinceshe’donly

everdoneonewild,stupidthinginherentirelife…andthathadbeenadecadeago.

"Everything’sfine.It’sgreat,actually."Shehadsomefairlybignewstogivethemandhopedthey’d

respondwelltoit."DidIevermentiontoyouthatDad’scolleague,CordDelacorte,cameouttothelake
tovisitmeashortwhileback?"

"Oh,Brooke,"hermothersaidinanextremelyconcernedvoice,"pleasetellmeyouaren’tdating

him.He’sabrilliantbusinessman,butfromtherumorsweheardduringhisvisitingprofessorshipafew
yearsago,he’sexactlythekindofmanyoushouldbestayingawayfrom."

I’mnotsixteenanymore,shewantedtoshout.
Instead,shetoldhermother,"Don’tworry,CordandIaren’tdating.Infact,he’shappilymarried."
Besides,didn’thermotherrealizethatmenlikehimneverlookedBrooke’sway?Shewastoocute.

Too sweet. A good girl through and through, especially after her one attempt at being bad had gone so
horriblywrong.

Quickly,sheexplainedthatCordhadbeengivenaboxofherchocolatesasaChristmasgift.He’d

enjoyedthemsomuchthathe’ddriventhetwoandahalfhoursfromSeattletoLakeWenatcheetomake
her a business proposition about expanding the reach of her chocolates beyond her local area, starting
with a small boutique storefront in Seattle that he’d oversee. If that went well—and he seemed very
confidentthatitwould—hewantedtolooktowardfurtherexpansionintootherlargecitiesandevenmail-
order.Justthismorningshe’dsignedthepartnershippapers.

"Whydidn’tyoutellusaboutthisbeforenow?"hermotherasked."Iwouldhavelikedtolookover

yourpartnershipagreementbeforeyousignedanything."

Brooke’sgut tightened justa little more."Don’t worry, I founda great lawyerhere, and we went

overtheagreementcarefullyseveraltimes."

Her mother was silent for a long moment. "Well, at least Cord isn’t a stranger, and I know your

father thinks very highly of his business acumen." Brooke heard someone speak to her mother in the
background,likelyoneofherhalf-dozenlegalaides."I’msorry,honey,butI’vegottogonow.I’llgive
yourfatherthenews.I’msurehe’llwanttodiscussitwithyouaswell."

Brookesighedasshehungupthephone,morethankfulthaneverthatshehadalaketojumpintoto

clearherhead.Shelovedherparents,buttheycouldbeatadoverbearing,evenfromacrossthecountry.
Onedaysoon,shehopedthey’dfinallyrealizeshewasallgrownup,herbigmistakewaswellbehindher
now, and that she was more than capable of making good decisions on her own. It was why she hadn’t
involved them in her new partnership plans. Not because they wouldn’t have had great advice, but
becausesheneededtoprovethatshecoulddothis—anddoitwell—onherown.

Finallymovingouttohercoveredfrontporch,shebreathedinthesweet-smellingair,scentedbyfir

trees.Shedidn’tbothertowrapatowelaroundherbikini-cladbodyassheheadeddowntothedockin
front of her house. She’d always been on the curvier side—a sharp contrast to her slim and willowy
mother—and as she’d hit her mid-twenties, though her weight hadn’t gone up more than a half-dozen
pounds,hercurveshadbecomemuchmorepronounced.

Brookewalkedacrosstheshortstretchofgrassandwasnearlyatthesandyshorewhenshehearda

truckcomeupthedrivewaynextdoor.Fromwhereshewasstanding,shecouldseeamangetoutandput
asoldsignupinfrontofthehouse.

Waitaminute—hadn’tthehouseonlygoneupforsaleadayortwoago?Sure,itwasonaperfect

stretch of sandy beach, but it still seemed like the sale had happened at warp speed. More than that,
though,evenafteralltheseyearsshesimplycouldn’timagineanyonebuttheSullivanslivingthere.

TheWildSullivanswaswhatherparentshadchristenedthem,utterlyappalledbythebehaviorof

thefamilynextdoor.Oh,howBrookehadsecretlylongedtobeaswild,andasfree,astheywere.She
hadalso,ifshewasbeingcompletelyhonestwithherself,hadmorethanacoupleofmomentsoflonging
forparentsaswarmasMr.andMrs.Sullivan.Hergrandparentswerefullofhugsandsmilesforher,but
her parents were more inclined to praise a good grade than applaud a perfect cannonball off the dock.
Heck, they probably didn’t even know what a cannonball was, whereas Max and Claudia Sullivan had
beenouttheregoinghead-to-headwiththeirownkidsinthecompetition.Itstillmadeherlaughtothinkof
thatdaywhensheandhergrandparentshadbeenropedintobeingthejudges.

Andshestillrememberedwho’dwonthecontest:RafeSullivan.
Brook had had the world’s biggest crush on him. Even at eight years old, she’d been able to

recognizepuremalebeautyinthefourteen-year-old.Histhreebrotherswerealsogoodlooking,aswas
their sister and her friend, Mia, but Rafe had been special. He’d laughed louder and had been more
willingtotakeariskthanhissiblings.

RafeSullivanhadbeenthemostcarefree—themostwonderfullywild—personshe’deverknown.
Thetruck’stirespeelingoutofthegraveldrivewaypulledherfromhermusings.Shehadn’tseen

theSullivansinmorethanfifteenyears.Onesummerthey’dbeenthere,thenextthey’dbeengoneanda
boringoldercouplehadtakentheirplace.Nomorecannonballsoffthedock,nomorebonfireswithher
friends next door, no more hikes into the mountains around the lake where they pretended to be
adventuring professors like Indiana Jones. The past few years, the house had been used as a vacation
rental. Most of the temporary tenants had been perfectly fine, but none stayed long enough for her to
becomefriendswith,andthefinaltenantshadbeenhorrible.Loud,obnoxious,andmoreintentonpartying
than enjoying the lake. She’d been glad to see the For Sale sign go up. Hopefully, she’d end up with
anotherfamilynextdoorthattrulyappreciatedallthelakehadtooffer.

Itwaslateenoughthatthesunwasabouttoset,andifshedidn’tgetintothelakesoon,itwouldbe

toocoldforhertostayinverylong.IntypicalPacificNorthwestfashion,therewasaslightlycoolbreeze
intheairdespitethefactthatithadbeenasunnyday.

Shelovedbeinginthewatersomuchthatshegrinnedevenasthecoldshockhadhermovingintoa

fastbreaststrokeintendedtogetherheartpumpingandherbodytemperatureup.Withinseconds,shewas
lost to everything but the glorious sensation of swimming through the clean, clear water. A fish swam
beneathher,andshefeltlikeshewasinheaven.

She’d swum past half a dozen docks when she suddenly realized what the problem was with her

latestrecipe.She’dbeenplanningtocallhernewchocolatecollectionSummer’sPleasures,butgivena
littledistancefromherkitchen,shefinallysawthatshe’dbeentooliteral.

Wasn’tpartofthejoyofsummerthememoryofhowcoldwinterhadbeen?Justtheslightesthintof

thatcoolness—apinchofmint,maybe?—wouldbetheidealwaytohighlightthelavendershe’dchosen
astheperfecttasteofsummer.

Swimmingevenfasternow,sheturnedbacktowardherhouse.Shecouldn’twaittotryouthernew

ideatoseeifitworked.Whenshereachedherdock,shegrabbedholdofthewoodenladderontheside
andquicklyclimbedout.Slickingherlonghairbackoutofhereyes,shehurriedtogetbacktoherkitchen
andwasnearlytothefrontporchwhensheheardanotherloudenginepullupbehindthecabinnextdoor.

A lone man had just ridden up on his motorcycle, the ends of his dark hair whipping out from

beneathhishelmet.

Nowthat,thoughtBrookewithimmediatefemaleappreciation,iswhatwildandfreelookslike.
Herparentshadtaughtheritwasn’tpolitetostare,butshecouldn’trememberwhythatadmonition

matteredasshewatchedthemanpulloffhishelmetandrunalargehandthroughhishair.Shecouldn’tsee
hisfaceyet,butshedidn’tneedtoseehisfeaturestoknowjusthowgoodlookinghewas.Hisshoulders
wereincrediblybroad,andevenfromadistanceshecouldseehowbig—andhowcapable—hishands
werewherehegrippedthehandlebars.

She was so busy reeling from a blast of pure lust for the stranger as he stepped away from his

motorcyclethatittookheramomentlongerthanitshouldhavetorealizethathewasn’tastrangerafter
all.

ChapterThree

"Rafe?"Hisnamecameoutaslittlemorethanastunnedwhisper."Isthatreallyyou?"
Her question was loud enough that he finally turned to face her. Only, instead of responding, he

didn’tsayaword,didn’tevenmove.

Allhedidwasstare,butitwasokaybecauseshewasbusystaringrightback.
People often said memories made things sweeter than they actually were. But Brooke now knew

thatwasn’ttrueatall.NotonlyhadshenotembellishedhowgoodlookingRafeSullivanwasoverthe
yearsthatthey’dbeenapart,but,ifanything,herrecollectionshadsorelyunderplayedjusthowgorgeous
hetrulywas.

Hishairwasdarkandjustalittletoolong,hisskinwastanned,hisjawwasdarkwithstubble,and

hewassobigandtallthatsheknewshe’dhavetostandonhertippy-toesandwrapherarmsaroundhis
necktokisshim.

Thethoughtofdoingsomethinglikethathadherbodyinstantlygoingwarmalloverdespitethecool

breezeonherwetskin.She’dbeenlittlemorethanachildthefirsttimesherememberedsettingeyeson
Rafe,buteventhen,he’dstoodoutfromtherestofhissiblingsasmorefun.Moredaring.Andinfinitely
morebeautiful.

When he still didn’t say anything, she took a step in his direction. "It’s me, Rafe. Brooke Jansen.

Remember?"

Finally,theintensityofhisdarkgazeshiftedintooneofrecognition."LittleBrooke,"hesaidina

lowvoicethatrippledoverher,"howcouldIforgetyou?"

Shehadspentfartoomanyyearssquashingherwildimpulses.Butfollowingawildimpulsewasn’t

what sent her straight into the arms of her favorite Sullivan without a second thought. It was pure
happinessatfinallyseeinghimagain.

Hecaughtheragainsthischestasshehuggedhimtight.Hesmelledsogoodandthebarepatchof

skinabovehisT-shirtwassowarmdespitethecooleveningairthatshecouldn'tresistburyingherface
againsthim.Assheheldontight,shefeltsaferthanshehadinyears.She’dlosttoomanyofherfavorite
peoplefromchildhood,andwasinfinitelygratefultobegiventhepreciousgiftofoneofthembackinher
life.

Shemighthaveheldontohimlikethatforeverifithadn’tbeenforhersuddenrealizationofjust

howgoodhishard,heatedmusclesfeltagainsthercold,wet,nearlybareskin.

Thelittlegirlinsideherhadthrownherselfintohisarms...butitwasthewomanshe’dbecomewho

wantedtomoveevencloser.

Whenshewaseightyearsold,thecrushshe’dhadonRafewassweet.Innocent.Butwhatshewas

feelingnowwasdecidedlynotsweet.

Norwasitanywhereclosetoinnocent.
Wild.Thethought—no,itwasmoredesireandpureneedthanitwasacognizantthought—cameat

herinaninstant:IwanttobewildwithRafeSullivan.

Buttheyhadn’tseeneachotherinmorethanfifteenyears—morethanenoughtimeforhimtohavea

wifeandfamily,orattheveryleast,agirlfriendheadored.WhenBrookemadeherselfstepbackfrom
him,shebelatedlyrememberedshewasstillwearingonlyherbathingsuit.Averywetbikinishehadn’t
thoughtanyonewouldseeherin.Onethathadjustsoakedthefrontofhisjacketandpants.

Shewouldhavetriedtocoverherselfupwithherhandsifshe’dthoughtitwoulddoanygood,but

eventhoughshecouldhardlygetherbraintofunctionproperlyagainstandingthisclosetoRafeSullivan,
sheknewtherewasnopoint.

Thebikiniwastoosmall,andhercurvesweretoobig.
Flustered,allshecouldthinktosaywas,"Igotyouallwet."
Rafedidn’tlookdownathisclothes,nordidhisgazetravelbelowherchin."How’sthewater?"
Shelovedthefactthateventhoughtheyhadn’tseeneachotherinyears,heaskedherthequestionas

thoughitwasjustanothergreatdayonthelake.

"Amazing."Suddenly,itoccurredtoherthatthesoldsignhadbeenputupjustbeforeRafearrived.

Hopelitwithinher."Pleasetellmeyoujustboughtyouroldhouseback."

"Mia’sarealestatebrokerinSeattle.Shesawitcomeuponherlistings."HestaredatBrookewith

darkeyesthatwarmedherevenastheaircontinuedtocool."Ididn’texpecttoseeyoustillhereafterall
theseyears."

"Imovedtothelakefulltimeafewyearsago."
"Tolivewithyourgrandparents?"
Justthatquickly,hersmilefell."No."Shewrappedherarmsaroundherself."Theypassedawaya

fewyearsago."Hervoiceshookasshetoldhim,"Acaraccident."

"Brooke,I’msosorry.JudyandFrankweretwotrulygreatpeople."
His arms came back around her, and she could have soaked up his heat, his strength, forever.

Instead,shemadeherselfshiftawayagaintostandonherowntwofeet."Iwasjustthinkinghowitdidn’t
seemrightthatthereweren’tanySullivansnextdoor,andthenjustlikemagic,youappeared.Youmustbe
dyingtogetinsideyourplace.Ihaven’tbeeninitsinceitbecameavacationrental.Whenthefor sale
signwentup,Isneakedoverandpeekedinthewindowstoseeifitstilllookedthesame,buttheywere
allcoveredsoIcouldn’tseemuch."

Heraisedaneyebrow,andfromwhatshecouldreadinhisdarkeyes,heseemedamusedbywhat

she’djustadmitted."Sneakingaround?Peekinginwindows?Thatdoesn’tsoundlikethesweetlittlegirlI
knew."

She shot him what she hoped was a saucy grin, even though she’d never been anything close to

saucyatanypointinherlife."I’mnotalittlegirlanymore."

"No," he said in that low voice that made her hot and cold all over at the same time, "you’re

definitelynot."

Despitethefactthathewasn’toglingher,theintensityofhisgazehadhershiveringandthebreath

catching in her lungs. She’d dated several nice men since college—safe, steady men her parents had
whollyapprovedof—butnoneofthemhadevermadeherfeellikethis.Especiallywithnothingmorethan
afewsimplewords.

Wild.
The word echoed again in her head as Rafe said, "Come inside with me, and we can check the

placeout,seehowitlooks."

Shebrieflyconsideredheadingbackovertoherhousetoputsomethingonoverherbathingsuit,but

sinceshe’dalreadybeentalkingwithhiminnothingbutherbikiniforthislong,itwouldbesillytostart
acting all self-conscious and proper now. Especially when he wasn’t exactly jumping her, or anything.
Besides, wasn’t this what the lake had always been about? Running around in bathing suits all day and
only throwing on a well-worn pair of jeans and a faded sweatshirt when it grew too cold at night to
ignorethechill.

"I’dloveto,"shesaid,andthentheywerewalkingsidebysidetowardhisfrontdoor.
Running his hand down the door, he said, "Needs a new paint job," more to himself than to her.

"Miasaidthekeyshouldbehiddenunderarockbytheentrance."

Brookescannedtheporchwithhimbutdidn’tseeanythingthatlookedlikeitwashidingakey.She

wasabouttostepofftheporchtocheckthegrassinfrontofthehouseforakeythatmighthaveblownoff
theporchduringawindstorm,whenRafepulledsomethingshinyoutofhispocketandwiggleditinthe
oldlock.

Amomentlaterthedoorwasopen.
Shestaredathiminsurprise."Didyoujustpickthatlock?"
"Trickofthetrade."
Beforeshecouldaskhimwhattradeexactlythatwas,andifitstartedwiththandendedwithiefby

anychance,theybothgottheirfirstglimpseattheinsideofhislakehome.

BrookegaspedindismayasRafesteppedoverwhatlookedtobethebonesofadeadanimal.He

clickedthelightswitchup,butnolightswenton.Probablybecausethey’dbeeneithershatteredorripped
outoftheirsockets.

"Whatthehellhappenedinhere?"
Brookecouldn’tblamehimforhisharshreaction.Theoldfurniturewasstainedandtornapart.The

rugshadholeschewedthroughthem,andshewasprettysuretherewereacoupleofanimalnestsinthe
corner.

"Maybe it just needs a good cleaning," she said, trying to see the bright side of things like she

normallydid.Butevenshecouldhearhowhollowherwordswere."Icanhelpyouwithit."Theywalked
throughthelivingroomandheadedintothekitchen."I’msureitwouldn’ttakeuslongatallto—"

Her words fell away as she saw that not only were all the appliances in the kitchen gone, but

severalofthecabinetshadalsobeenrippedcleanoutofthewall.Whenhadallthishappened?Duringthe
finalrenter’spartiesthathadgoneonlateintothenighttheprevioussummer?

Insilence,theymovedfromroomtoroom.Thebedroomswere,thankfully,empty,althoughonedid

haveabrokenwindow.Bothbathroomswerenearlytoodisgustingtoenter.

"Whocouldhavedonethistosuchagreathouse?"Rafesaid,frustrationandmorethanalittleanger

underlyingeveryword.

Shewantedtopullhimoutofthehouseandintoherarms,wishedshecouldthinkofsomethingto

saythatwouldmakeitallbetter."Staywithme,Rafe,whileyoufixthisplaceup."

Whenhisdarkgazelandedonheragain,andheld,shemomentarilyforgotallabouthismessed-up

house. The way he was looking at her, his gaze finally dropping from her face to her breasts, and then
lowerstill,madehermindgoblank,herhandsturnnumb...andherbodywarmupallover.

Itwasn’tuntilhesaid,"Youdon’tneedmeinthewayforhoweverlongittakestofixupthisdump,"

thatherbrainclickedbackintogear.Hewasn’tjustasuperhotguyshecouldn’tstopdroolingover.He
washerfriend.

Andshewoulddoanythingforafriend.
"I’m right next door, and I’ve got two empty bedrooms. It doesn’t make sense for you to go

anywhereelse—ortocontemplatestayinghere,"sheaddedwithashiverofdistasteatthemerethoughtof
bunkingdownonthefilthyfloororononeoftherattycouches.

Thoughwhatshe’dofferedmadeperfectsense,hestillseemedtobewarringwithhimself.Finally,

henodded."Ireallyappreciatethis,Brooke.Theonlypictureonthelistingwasofthefrontofthehouse,
butMiaandIdidn’tthinkthatmatteredbecausewealreadyknewitsowell."Heranahandthroughhis
hair,leavingitevenmoresexilyruffledthanithadbeenbefore.

"Ihonestlythinkmostoftherenterswereokay,exceptforthefinalones,"shetoldhim."ButInever

imaginedthey’ddonethisduringtheirparties."Realizingshewasn’thelpinganybygoingonandonabout

it,shesaid,"HowaboutImakeusbothareallygreatdinner?Rememberhowmygrandmotherusedtosay
therewasnothinghomemadepastaorchocolatecouldn’tfix?"Eventhoughsheknewbetter,helookedso
upsetaboutthestateofhishousethatshecouldn’tstopherselffromadding,"Maybeitwillalllookbetter
inthemorning."

"Dinner sounds great," he said as he finally moved his gaze from her to scan the interior of the

houseagain,"butI’mnotholdingoutmuchhopefortherestofit."

Morethanever,shewantedtoputherarmsaroundhim.Insomeways—hisgoodlooks,thewild

wayhe’dblownbackintotownonhismotorcycle—hewasjustthesameaswhentheywerekids.Butin
otherways—theintensewayhelookedather,alongwiththefaintlinesaroundhismouththatshehada
feelinghadn’tcomefromsmiling—hewasdifferent.

Sheheldoutherhand."Let’sgetoutofhere."
Helookeddownatherhandforalongmomentbeforetakingit.Hisfingerswerewarmandstrong

as they wrapped around hers. And that was when she put a name to one of the big changes in Rafe:
dangerous.

Asaboy,he’dbeenwild.
Now,hewasbothwildanddangerous.
Thecombinationthrilledeveryinchofherastheywalkedoutsidehandinhand,thoughshecould

feelthetensionradiatingfromhim.Heclosedhisfrontdoor,andeventhoughhedidn’thavethekeyto
lockit,itdidn’tmatter.Therewasnothinginsidethatanyonewouldwanttosteal.

When they reached her porch, she let go of his hand to grab a towel and wrap it around herself,

tuckingtheendinunderonearm.Assoonasshewascoveredup,Rafeseemedtorelaxalittlebit.She
openedherowndoorandsteppedasidetolethimin.

"It’sgoodtoseethatyourplacelooksjustlikeitusedto."
"IthoughtIwasgoingtoneedtoupdatethings,butonceImovedin,Irealizeditwasjustperfectthe

way it was." With anyone else, she might have felt bad that her lake house had come through the years
scar-freewhenhisclearlyhadn’t,butsheknewRafewouldn’twishhismisfortuneonanyoneelse.

Movingquicklyintothekitchen,shereachedintothefridgeandpulledoutabeer."Anychancethis

willhelptodrownyourlake-housesorrows?"

"Thatdepends.Howmanybottleshaveyougotinthere?"
Shelaughedandadmitted,"Probablynotenough."
When she handed it to him and their fingertips brushed against each other, she was no longer

surprised when another rush of warmth moved through her. As a young girl, she’d always had a strong
reaction to Rafe. Now that she was a woman, it made perfect sense that her reaction was just as
strong...andthatitfeltnothinglikeachildhoodcrushanymore.

"I should probably throw some clothes on." And yet, instead of heading into her bedroom to get

changed out of her suit, now that they were standing in the full light of her kitchen, she couldn’t stop
staringatthemostbeautifulmanintheworld.Onewho,she’dnoted,didn’thaveaweddingringon.

Shewasstandingcloseenoughtoreachoutandputherhandsoneithersideofhisjaw,whichwas

liberallydustedwithdarkstubble.Closeenoughtoleanintokisshim,too.Shewasshockedbyacrystal-
clear vision of Rafe yanking her bikini off and dropping it onto her kitchen floor while she lay naked
acrosshercounterandhediddeliciouslydangerousthingstoeveryinchofherbody.

Brooke teetered there, right on the edge between giving him a kiss and running. But in the end,

thoughshecouldallbuttastehimonherlips,alifetimeofchoosingsafeoverwildhadhertakingastep
backinsteadofforward.

ChapterFour

JesusChrist,whenhadBrooketurnedintoMarilynMonroe?
Twenty years ago she’d been a cute kid. But now? Hell, now she was every single one of his

dirtiestfantasiescometolife.

Rafe pushed away from the kitchen island and moved to the window. It was a thousand times

smarter to focus on the stunning scenery—and the fact that the lake house he’d just spent a boatload of
moneyonwasatotalfreakin’mess—ratherthanthestunningwomancurrentlyinherbedroomdownthe
hall stripping off the little triangles of fabric barely covering her lush breasts and hips. Yet even as he
tookinthepinksandorangesofthesettingsunintheskyoverthelake,asunsetevenmorebeautifulthan
he’d remembered from his childhood, all it did was make him think about Brooke again...and how she
wasalsoathousandtimesmorebeautifulthanhe’deverthoughtshe’dbecome.

He’d done some pretty stupid things in his life. Sleeping with that ex-client, for instance. But it

would be a thousand times stupider to sleep with the girl next door. Especially one as sweet and as
innocentashesuspectedBrookehadtobe,evenasanadult.

Andparticularlywhenhenowneededtostaywithherbecausehisownhousewouldbecompletely

uninhabitableforatleastaweek.

She’dbeenaprettylittlegirl,butsixyearshadbeenabigagedifferencewhenhewasfourteenand

shewaseight.She’dbeendiggingwithplasticshovelsinthesandwithMiawhilehe’dbeenoutcausing
troublewithhisbrothers.

Whatadifferenceeighteenyearsmade.Onehellofadifference,givingherasetofcurvesthathad

madehimpracticallyswallowhistonguewhenhe’dlookedatherandrealizedwhoshewas.Hecould
stillseethecutegirlshe’dbeeninthepuresweetnessofhersmileandherbig,guilelessgreeneyes.For
alltheirsurfacebeauty,thewomenhewasusedtodealingwithlookedolderthantheiryears.Whereas
Brooke,whoheseriouslydoubtedhadevenahundredthofthefinancialadvantagesofhisclients,looked
happyandlighthearted.

Whichwasexactlywhyhecouldn’tscrewaroundwithher.Ofcoursethey’dbefriendslikethey’d

always been, but he wouldn’t make the mistake of letting himself touch her again...even if she had the
softestskinhecouldeverrememberfeelingbeneathhisfingertips.

Factwas,stayingthisclosetotemptationwasabadidea.Areally,reallybadone.Buthecouldn’t

figure out a way to explain the potential perils of their situation without making her think he was the
world’sbiggestd-bag.Whichwasexactlywhathe’dsoundlikeifhesaid,I’mafraidI’mgoingtolose
controlandconvinceyoutododirtythingswithmethatyou’llhatemeforinthemorning.

He could only imagine the way her pretty expression would fill with disgust as she wondered

exactlywhatthosedirtythingswere...

Hewassofocusedontryingtoforcehislust-filledvisionsawaythathedidn’thearhercomeback

intotheroomuntilshesaid,"YoumustbestarvedafterridingherefromSeattle."She’dchangedoutofher
super-sexybikiniintodarkleggingsandahip-lengthlong-sleevedshirtthatshouldhavemadeiteasierto
forgethowgorgeousshewas,butonlymadeaguywondermoreaboutthesoftskinjustbeneaththefabric.

Foryearshe’dwatchedwomencalculatetheirworthforthehighestbidderandthenwonderwhyit

all didn’t work out with the CEO they’d snared via that calculation. It was second nature for him to
assumethatBrookeknewexactlywhatshewasdoingtohim.

Butnothingaboutthewayshe’dbehavedsincethatfirstmomentspokeofcalculation.Shehadn’t

fakedthepleasureinhereyesatseeinghimagain,norhadshethrownherselfintohisarmstotrytoturn
himon...evenifthat’sexactlywhathadhappened.Andclearly,shehadn’twornthelittlestringbikinifor
hisbenefit,either,sinceshecouldn’thaveknownhe’dshowupatthelaketonight.

As she walked into the kitchen and took out a battered recipe book that he vaguely remembered

belongingtohergrandmother,heoffered,"WhatcanIhelpwith?"

Shewavedhimovertothebarstoolontheothersideofherkitchenisland."Finishingyourbeer."
Rafecouldn’trememberthelasttimehe’dbeensocomfortableandsoonedgewithawomanatthe

sametime.Ofcourse,theedgewasonlytherebecausehewasapigwhocouldn’tturnoffhislibidofor
threesecondsaroundanoldfriend.

Hetookaseatatthekitchencounterandfinallynoticedthebigstainless-steelbowlsdryingbythe

sink."Whatarethosefor?"

"Chocolate." She smiled at him, a beautiful smile that did nearly as many strange things to his

insidesashercurvesdid."Imaketrufflesforaliving."

"You and your grandmother were always making chocolate," he remembered, hating the way the

lightinhereyesdulledwhenhebroughtuphergrandparents.

"Itwasherfavoritehobby.Mine,too,"shesaidwithasmallsmileassheclearlyworkedtopush

away her grief. She ran her fingertips over the homemade wood cover on the old recipe book. "My
grandfather made this for my grandmother by hand and even etched in their initials in this heart on the
front.I’vebeenmeaningtotakeitsomewheretoseeifIcangetthiscrackfixed,butIhaven’twantedto
actuallyletitoutofmysightforlongenoughtoletanyonetouchit."Sheopenedthebookandshowedhim
atrufflerecipeinhergrandmother’shandwriting."Aftermygrandparentspassedaway,Idecidedtomove
hereandturnherdreamintoarealityforbothofus.EverydayasI’mmakingmytruffles,Ithinkaboutthe
dailyritualwehadofeatingoneperfectpieceofhomemadechocolate."Hereyesgrewevensofter."That
initial taste of it on my tongue. That slow melt that felt like it was awakening my entire body. The
decadent,sumptuoustastethatlingered."

JusthearingBrooketalkabouteatingchocolatewasthemostsensualexperienceofhislife.Andas

she turned to pull eggs out of the fridge and flour from a nearby cupboard to make the pasta she’d
promised him a short while earlier, Rafe had to work like crazy to get his body and brain to obey his
ordertobackthehelloffofwantingher.

"What—"Hehadtoclearthelustfromhisthroat."Whatwereyoudoingbeforeandwhere?"
"HumanresourcesinBoston."
He thought about that for a second and decided that, while human resources should have fit with

Brooke’snaturallycheerfulpersonality,hecouldn’tseeherinanofficebuildingwearingatailoredsuit.
Herlaughterwouldhavebeenstifledbyfourwallsandforcedair.

"YoucanonlyimaginehowthrilledmyparentswerewhenIdecidedtochuckinmyclimbupthe

corporateladderfortruffles.Evidentlytheydidn’tsendmetoanexpensivecollegetomakecandyfora
living,"shesaidwithalaughbeforeleaningforwardasifshehadasecrettoshare."Theydon’tevenlike
chocolate.Canyoubelieveit?"

Allhehadtodowasleaninacoupleofinches,andhecouldhavekissedher.Justpressedhislips

toherstoseeifshetastedasgoodasshelooked.

"That’s crazy," he said, but he wasn’t talking about her parents not eating carbs. No, he was

remindinghimselfthatkissingtheincrediblysweetgirlnextdoorwasnuts.

"Youlikeit,don’tyou?"Hervoicenowheldahuskytonethatreverberatedrighttohisgroin.
Idiotthathewas,hecouldn’tmakehimselflookawayfromherbiggreeneyes."Likewhat?"
Asherfulllipspartedagain,henearlylostholdofhiscontrolwhenshesaid,"Chocolate."

Knowinghe’dgiveawayhislustifhespokeagain,henoddedinstead.
Unfortunately,whenshesmiledathim,itdidjustwhatthehuskinessinhervoicehad."Good.Then

maybeyoucanbemytastetesterthissummerforthenewrecipesI’mworkingon."

Rafe could easily picture Brooke holding out a chocolate-covered fingertip for him to taste. Of

course,inhisvisionshealsohappenedtobecompletelynaked.Hismouthwatered,hisgroinhardened
further,andhehadtopickuphisbeeranddownitinonelonggulpbeforehecouldanswerher.

"Idon’tknowanythingaboutchocolate."
"Actually, it’s better if you don’t. There’s nothing worse than an overeducated palate trying to

dissecteverything.Idon’tcareaboutprestigeorawards.AllIcareaboutisbringingpeoplepleasure."

Justthewordpleasurefromhergorgeousmouthhadhimasturnedonashecouldeverremember

being.Againitstruckhimthatanyotherwomanwouldhavebeendoingthistoarousehimonpurpose.But
Brookewassimplybeginningtorollherpastadoughthroughthepastamachine,lookingbrightandpretty
inhergrandparents’kitchen.

What the hell was wrong with him, thinking there had been anything she’d said or done so far

tonightthatwasmeanttoturnhimon?Allthistimehe’dthoughthewasbetterthanthoserichassholeshe
investigated who thought with their dicks and screwed anything they could get their hands on. But he
couldn’tevenbefriendswithaprettygirlwithoutmentallystrippinghernaked.

"Infact,"shesaid,"thebestwaytodoatastetestisblindfolded."Givinghimaplayfulglance,she

reachedinto a kitchendrawer and heldup a clean kitchentowel. "This wouldprobably work if you’re
gametotryafewofmynewchocolaterecipeslatertonight."

Rafe immediately shook his head. "I’m happy to try out your new recipes, but I won’t wear a

blindfold."

"Oh,"shesaidasshecarefullyputthetowelbackintothedrawer."Okay."
Howcouldheexplaintoherthathedidn’ttrustanyoneenoughanymoretowillinglyletthemtake

awayoneofhissenses?Figuringitwasbesttochangethesubjectatthispoint,hesaid,"LastIknew,you
were an eight-year-old who swam like a fish." Somehow he needed to remember to look at her as that
littlegirl,ratherthanthegorgeouswomanshe’dbecome.

"Andyouwereafourteen-year-oldboywhogotintomoretroublethananyoneelse."Hewasglad

toseehersmilecomebacksoquickly."I’llbetyoustilldo."

Her question should have been light, but the idea of getting into trouble with her had his body

heatingbackupinalltheplaceshe’dbeentryingtoforcetocooldown.

Focus. That’s what being this close to Brooke was going to be about. Holding focus on anything

excepthowprettyshewas,howsoftherskinlooked,howsweethermouthwouldtaste,howsurprisingly
sensualitwaswatchinghermanipulatethepastawithherbarehands...

Whatthehellhadtheybeentalkingabout?Ohyeah,whatthey’dbeenuptoduringthepasteighteen

years. Rather than answering her question about trouble, while ignoring the slight burn from the scar
acrosshisribsthatprovedhehadn’tyetlearnedhowtowalkawayfromit,heasked,"Wheredoyousell
yourchocolates?Doyouhaveastoreintown?"

Sheshookherhead."Isupplyboxestolocalgroceryandgiftstores.But,"sheaddedwithasmile

thatheldobviousprideandexcitement,"Ijusttookonanewpartnerwhowillbeopeningaretailstorein
Seattle."

Rafeknewbetterthantostickhisnoseintosomeoneelse’spersonallifeorbusinessaffairsunless

they’dhiredhimtodojustthat—noonewantedadvicetheyhadn’taskedfor—butBrookewasafriend.
Andhecouldn’tstandthethoughtofherbeingtakenadvantageof.

"Congratulations.Whatkindofthingsisyourpartnertakingcareof?"

"All the financial stuff," she said, as if it were no big deal that she’d turned her money over to

someoneelse’scare."Distributionchannels.Packaging.Runningtheretailstore."

"Youtrustherthatmuch?"
"Him,"sheclarified,beforeadding,"Andyes,hewasacolleagueofmyfather’satHarvard,and

hasagreatreputationinthefoodretailworld.Whywouldn’tItrusthim?"

Rafe could think of a hundred possible reasons, but before he could start laying them out one by

one,shebegantoslidethespaghettistrandsintoapotofwatershe’dputontoboilandasked,"Nowthat
you’veheardmylongandwindingstory,tellmeallaboutyours."

"Irunaprivateinvestigationagency."
"Ishouldhaveguessedthat,"shesaidwithawidesmile."Talkabouttheperfectjobforyou."
"Whatmakesyouthinkit’sperfectforme?"
Shegavehimastrangelook,asthoughshecouldn’tbelievehewasaskingherthat."Wheneverwe

playedhide-and-seek,youalwayswon,becauseyouwereabletoputtogethercluesnooneelsecould."

"That’sjustakidsgame,Brooke.Andyouwerealwaysgigglingandgivingyourselfaway."
Herlaughter—allgrownupnowandlayeredwithsensualityhecouldn’tmanagetomiss—washed

overhim."Youhaven’tforgottenyournickname,haveyou?"

"No,butIwashopingyouhad."
"Notachance,Tracker."
Hegroaned."RemindmetostrangleMiathenexttimeIseeherforevercomingupwiththat."
"I’msurenooneoutsideofyourfamilyandmineknewit,"sheassuredhim,"althoughnoonehas

everforgottenthewayyoufoundthatscaredlittleboyinthemountains."

Hisparentshadjusttoldthemtheywerelosingthelakehouse.Rafehadescapedtothemountainsto

trytorunoffthepainfulthoughtoflosingtheoneplacethattrulyfeltlikehometohim.He’dfoundthe
localsearchandrescuecrewtryingtolocateamissingboywhosefamilywasonvacationatthelake.As
farastheyknew,thekidhadbeenchasingafterhisdogwhenhelefttheirrentalhouse.Thedogcameback
home,buttheboydidn’t.Thecrewhadbeenafraidthattheskinnyfive-year-oldwouldn’tmakeitthrough
thenightinhisT-shirtandshorts.Youngenoughtorun,andtokeeprunningafterasmanydeadendsashe
neededto,Rafehadusedhistrackingskillstolocatethelittleboy.Forty-fiveminuteslater,he’dfoundthe
kidshiveringwithdriedteartracksonhischeeks.

"BeingaP.I.inSeattleseemslikethegrown-upversionofwhatyoualwaysusedtodo."
Rafe had spent his life watching people ignore every clue around them. But Brooke, it seemed,

didn’tmissasingleone.Whichalsomeantitwasunlikelythatshe’dmissedhisclearattractiontoher.

"Although I do have one question for you." He braced himself for her to say all the usual things

peopledid,suchasaskinghimforexcitingstoriesthathehadn’tfeltliketellingforalongtime."Canyou
teachmetopickalock,too?"

Feelinglikeitwouldbecorruptinghertoteachhersomethinglikethat,hesaid,"Youdon’tneedto

knowhowtodothat,Brooke."

Strangely, she looked a little disappointed by his answer, but instead of pushing him on it, she

asked,"Howlongdoyouthinkyou’llbeabletobeawayfromyouroffice?"

"Afewweeks.I’vegotahalf-dozengreatemployeeswhowillberunningtheplaceformewhile

I’mhere."

Shegavehimanexpectantlook,asifshewaswaitingforhimtotellhermoreabouthisP.I.career,

butRafedidn’tfeelliketalkingaboutit.Hehadn’ttoldanyoneabouthisdiscontentwithhiscareer.Not
hisemployees.Nothisfriends.Notevenhisfamily.He’dsimplycontinueddoinghisjob,eventhoughhe
couldnolongerrememberwhyhe’deverwantedtodoitinthefirstplace.

Fortunately,insteadofaskinghimquestionshedidn’twanttoansweraboutwhyhehadn’tgushed

abouthisjob,shesaid,"Iwassosurprisedwhenyourfamilysoldthehouse.Imissedyouallsomuch."

Itsuddenlyhithimthatshemustnotknowwhathadhappened."Thatwinterafterourfinalsummer

here, my father lost his job. He couldn’t find another job that paid anywhere close to what he’d been
making."

Hedidn’ttellherthebankhadactuallytakenthehouse...andthatthestressofbarelybeingableto

keepthemafloatonsavingsandthenloansfromfriendshadturnedhisfathercompletelygray.

"I’msorrytohearthat.Ihopeitwasn’ttoolonguntilthingsturnedaroundforyourfamily."
"EventuallyDadgotanotherjob."Atlowerpayforabosshedidn’tseeeyetoeyewith."AndIan

started working while he was in college, which helped." His oldest brother had walked away from the
chancetoplayprofootballtohelpouttheirfamily,butIanhaddoneitwithoutawordofcomplaint.

Brookedidn’tseemsurprisedtohearit."Ianwassomucholder,buthealwaysmadesurethatthe

biggerkidsonthebeachweren’tmessingwithmeandMia."

That was his oldest brother to a T. He took care of the people he loved—no matter the cost to

himself.

"Whatishedoingnow?"
"Ian has pretty much singlehandedly taken over the business world with his venture capital fund.

He’sbrilliantatpickingwhichbusinessestogetbehind.”

“IsheinSeattle,too?”
“No,he’slivinginLondonrightnow."
"IsowishIhadn’tfallenoutoftouchwithallofyou.Whatabouteveryoneelse?"
"MomandDadretiredawaysback."Again,becauseIanhadprettymuchforcedthemto.Notthat

theymindedworkinginthegardenandgoingoutsailingwiththeclubononeofDylan’sboats.

"Aretheystillblissfullyinlove?"
Fromthewaysheaskedthequestion,RafecouldguessthatBrookewasabeliever.Notonlythat

lovewaspossible...butthatitcouldalsolastalifetime.Whatwouldshethinkifhetoldherstoriesfrom
hisjobaboutmenandwomenwhopromisedeachotherforever,andthensplitatthefirstsignoftrouble?

Still,forallofhiscynicism,Rafehadtoadmit,"Theyare."
Shelookedextremelypleasedtohearit."Icanstillrememberthewaytheywouldwalkdownthe

beachholdinghandsandkisswhentheythoughtnoonewaslooking.Andhowtheywouldsneakofftobe
alonewhileyouguyswerebusyroastingmarshmallowsoverthecampfire.Itwassoromantic."

"Whatwasromantictoyouwasgrosstotheirownkids,"heinformedher,buthedidn’tdisguisethe

affectioninhisvoicewhenhespokeabouthisparents.

She laughed at that, but said, "I never saw my parents kiss. The only time they ever seemed truly

passionatearoundeachotherwaswhentheyweredebatinglegalcasesorsupply-and-demandcurves.I
don’tthinkIwouldhavemindedseeingalittleromancenowandagain.Speakingofromance,"shesaid,
before pausing for a moment in which her cheeks flushed slightly, "what about you and your siblings?"
Hersmileseemedalittletoobrightassheasked,"Areanyofyoumarried?Kids?"

"Well,Ianwasmarriedforashortwhile,butrightnowwe’reallwildandfree."
"Wild?"Shealmostseemedtochokeontheword.
"MiahashalfthemeninSeattlewrappedaroundherlittlefinger,andshedoesn’tgiveadamnabout

anyofthem."

Brookefrowned."Butisshehappy?"
"Ithinkso."Althoughthatflashofemotioninhereyeswhenshe’dcometoseehiminhisofficethe

daybeforehadmadehimwonderifthatweretrue."She’sthego-topersoninSeattleforswankyestates."

"I’dlovetoseeheragain."
"AssoonasItellheryou’rehere,I’msureshe’lldropeverythingtocomevisit."
Which,hefigured,wouldbeareallygoodthing.Becauseifhissisterwashere,thentherewasno

wayhecouldaccidentallyslipupwithBrookebystrippingherclothesoffandusingthemtotiehertoher
bedposts.

"WhataboutAdam?No,wait,"shesaid,"letmeguess.Isheanarchitect?"
Rafewasamazedbyhowperceptiveshewas,especiallyconsideringshe’donlybeenachildthe

lasttimeshe’dseenhisfamily."Close.Herehabshistorichomes."

She nodded as if it made perfect sense. "He was always building things when we were kids. I’d

find him working with Grandpa fixing a broken pipe or putting on a new section of siding or trying to
makeacanoebyhand."

"Goodthinghe’sbetteratfixinguphousesthanheisatbuildingboats.Thatthingmuststillbeatthe

bottomofthelake."

"Wasn’thegoingsteadywiththatgirlfromacrossthelake?"
HadBrookehadacrushonAdamwhentheywereyounger?Andifshehad,whydiditmatter?It

wasn’tlikeRafewasgoingtolayclaimtoher,regardlessofhowmuchthecavemaninsideofhimwanted
todojustthat.

"Hewas,butthatendedwhenweleftthelake."
"Allofyouaresogoodlooking,Ijustdon’tgetwh—"Sheseemedtorealizewhatshewassayinga

beattoolate,hercheeksflushingwithembarrassment."IjustmeanthatIwouldthinkwomenarebeating
down your doors, so..." Her flush deepened. "Ugh. I should stop talking already. I’m just making it
worse."

Damn,shewascute.Andsexy.Whoknewthatwouldbesuchanirresistiblecombination?
Andthetruthwasthathewasjustassurprisedabouther.He’dhavethoughtshe’dbemarriedby

nowtosomeperfectlyniceguy,withonekidholdingontoherlegandanother,smalleroneinherarms.

Strangehoweasyitwastoseeherwiththosekids,andtoknowwhatagreatmothershe’dbe.The

guy,ontheotherhand,hecouldn’tquitepicture.Notwhenheknewthereweren’tmanyguysouttherewho
wouldbegoodenoughforBrooke.

"YouremembermyeightcousinsinSanFrancisco?"
Shegrinned."Boy,wasthatacrazyweekwhentheyallcametovisit.Ialwaysthoughtitwouldbe

amazingtohaveallthoseotherkidstoplaywith—fiveinyoursandeightintheirs."

Rafe sometimes forgot that everyone didn’t have a big family like he did. Brooke only had her

parentsandgrandparents.

Knowingitwouldpleaseher,hesaid,"Everylastoneofthemispairedoffnow."
He’d never personally been with a woman he could fully trust, but he’d managed to suspend

disbeliefforhischarmedcousinsinSanFrancisco.Alongwithhisparents,theyweretheexception.But
atthesametime,hecouldn’tunderstandhowthey’dalldecidedtotakesuchamassiverisk.Becauseif
therewasanythinghe’dlearnedduringthepastsevenyears,itwasthatevenifonepersonwantedtobe
steadfast,oddsweretheotherpersonwouldn’tbe.Hesureashellhopedhiscousinscouldkeepproving
himwrong.

"Alleight?That’swonderful."Justashe’dexpected,shelookedextremelypleasedbythethoughtof

somanyhappycouplesinonefamily."WhataboutDylan?"Shescruncheduphernose."AlthoughI’mstill
not sure I’ve forgiven him for making me go sailing with him that day when the winds were at twenty
knots,andhetoldeveryoneIbarfedoverthesideoftheboat."

"Ifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,he’sstilltakingwomenoutonboatsuntiltheybarf,whichprobably

explainswhyhe’sstillsingle."Shewaslaughingashetoldher,"Onlydifferencenowisthathe’sbuilding
thesailboats."

Brookewasstillgrinningasshedrainedthewaterfromthepotandaddedbutter,cheese,andadash

ofpeppertothepasta."Andonthatfantasticallyappetizingnote,dinnerisfinallyserved."

WhenRafetookabiteofherpasta,henearlygroanedwithpleasure."Thisisdamngood,Brooke."
Shelookedlikehe’djusttoldhershe’dwonthelottery."Thankyou."
Theyateincompanionablesilencewhileenjoyingthesoundofthefrogsandthecricketsoutside.

Finally, she pushed away her half-full plate and yawned. "Sorry, I had to get up early this morning to
finishboxingsomeorderstodeliverbeforethestoresopenedtoday."

"Whattimedidyouwakeup?"
"Fivea.m."
"I’vekeptyouuptoolate.Youneedtogotobed."Hestoodandtooktheirplatesintothekitchen.

"I’lltakecareofcleaningup."

"YourodeallthewayherefromSeattleonyourmotorcycle."Shemovednexttohimtoturnonthe

waterandstartthedishes."Youmustbetired,too."

Hisfirstmistakewasputtinghishandsonherwaisttopullherawayfromthesink.
Hissecondwasnotlettinggo.
Andhisthirdwasalmostloweringhismouthtohers.
Somehow,hemanagedtotakeastepback."Thankyoufordinner.Itwasgreat."Heforcedhimself

to look away from her gorgeous face and those curves that wouldn’t quit. "And thanks for giving me a
placetostay.NowI’mgoingtowashyourdishes,andyou’regoingtobed."

Alone,damnit.
"Youhaven’thadoneofmytrufflesyet.Don’tyouwantonefordessert?"
Hungryforsomethingheknewwouldbeahellofalotsweeterthanchocolate,hesaid,"I’dlove

one."

"IwonderwhichflavorIshouldgiveyou?"Shelickedherlipsasshestaredathim,andhecouldn’t

keephisgazefromdroppingtoherfulllowerlipandthenthebeautifulbowatthecenterofherupper.
"Howhotdoyoulikeyourspices?"

"Hot."
Herbeautifullipscurvedup."Ihadafeelingyou’dsaythat."Shetookapieceofchocolatewitha

redswirlacrossthetopfromaclearplasticcontaineronthecounter."Tryabiteofthisone."

Shedidn’thandhimthechocolate,butliftedittohismouthinstead.Heleaneddownandbitintoit.

Spiceandsteaminstantlyhithistongue,followedbythesmooth,richflavorofdarkchocolate.

"Youlikeit,don’tyou?"
Withhismouthfull,hecouldonlynod.
"Havetherest."
Hervoicewashusky,andthoughthetrufflewasamazing,hewantedtobiteintoherinsteadthenext

time.Whenshemovedjustalittlebitclosertofeedhimtheotherhalfofthechocolate,thesweetscentof
her hair and skin had him swaying toward her just enough that his tongue slicked over the pad of her
forefinger.

Her pupils dilated, and he could have sworn he heard a small gasp fall from her lips at the tiny

contact.

Somehow, he convinced his feet to take a step back from her again. "Your truffles are delicious,

Brooke."

"Thankyou."

Theystaredateachotherforseveralheatedmoments."I’vekeptyouuptoolate.Gotobed."Before

Idomorethanlickyourfingertip.

"Takeeitheroftheguestbedroomsandletmeknowifyouneedanything."Shepausedandlooked

upathimwithherbiggreeneyes."Anythingatall."

Hisheadswamwiththoughtsofallthethingsheneededfromher.Backingherupagainstthewall.

Pinning her against him with his thighs between hers. Pulling the long-sleeved shirt over her head.
Loweringhismouthtothesoftswellofherbreasts.Drinkinginthesweetsoundofhergaspsandsighsas
helavedherskinwithhistongue.Liftingherintohisarms,beforeloweringherontothebed.Usingher
shirttotieherarmsaboveherheadtoherbedframe.Andthenlovingthehelloutofherwithhishands
andmouthuntilshewasbeggingformore.Forallofhim.

"I’m not going to need anything." The words came out harder than they should have, but that was

onlybecausehewasmeresecondsfromlosingcontrolentirelyandactingoutthescenehisbrainhadjust
scripted.

"Okay."Hermouthstartedtomoveupintoasmile,butfellbeforeitgotallthewaythere."Good

night,Rafe."

Foramoment,hethought—prayed—shemightturnandwalkoutoftheroomwithoutgivinghima

huggoodnight.Butthenshewasmovingcloserandwrappingherarmsaroundhim.Ofcoursehehadto
puthisaroundher,too.

Oncehewasthere,hecouldn’tdoadamnthingbutbreatheherin...andrelisheverysingleinchof

herbodyagainsthis.

"Goodnight,Brooke."
When she finally moved out of his arms and walked down the hall to her bedroom, he finished

cleaning up the kitchen. The dishes didn’t take him long, but before he headed back to the small guest
room, he made a quick sweep of the house. First, he checked that all the windows were latched—of
course,mostofthemweren’t—andthenthelocksonthefrontdoor.

Whentheywerekids,thelakewasasafeplace,butafterworkingasacopandthenaP.I.,Rafeno

longer trusted in that safety, not even in a sleepy little town like this. He couldn’t stand the thought of
anything happening to Brooke as a lone woman on a mostly deserted stretch of road off the lake. First
thingtomorrowhe’dpickupsomebetterlocksatthehardwarestore.

Hisrideouttothelakehadbeenagoodone,butthatmanyhoursonhismotorcyclecouldbefairly

exhausting. Still, he knew if he got into bed now he’d only end up lying there fixating on the beautiful
womandownthehall,sohestarteddoingpush-upsuntilhewasdrippingwithsweat.Sit-upswerenext,a
hundred and then a hundred more, until his abs were burning as badly as his arms. By the time he’d
finishedhisimpromptuworkout,thentakenamuch-neededshowerandclimbedintobed,heshouldhave
beenburntoutenoughtofallasleep.

But every time he closed his eyes, he saw Brooke standing, dripping wet in her bikini, her

expressionatonceinnocentandyetinnatelysensual.He’dtakenthesmallguestroomfarthestawayfrom
her. The double bed barely left room for a dresser and one side table, but frankly, he hadn’t trusted
himselftosleeponlyonewallawayfromher.Notifitmeanthecouldheareverytimesherolledoverin
herbed.Notifitmeanthe’dbeunabletostopwonderingifshehadchangedintopajamas...orifsheslept
inthenudelikehedid.

Reelingwithfull-onneedthathehadn’tevencomeclosetosquashing,Rafeclosedhiseyesagain

andwilledhimselftosleep.

He’dneedeveryounceoffocustomorrowtokeephishandsoffBrooke.

ChapterFive

Thenextmorning,Rafewoketothesoundoftheshowerrunning.Eventhoughitwasfairlycoolin

the house, he was sweating. He couldn’t have imagined having this kind of reaction to Brooke, but that
didn’tchangethefactthathewas.

Pissedathimself,heyankedonhisjeansandpulledhiscellfromthepocket.Hissisterpickedup

onthefirstring."How’sthelake?"

"Thelakeisgreat.It’sthehousethat’stheproblem."
Hewaitedforhertoexclaimwithsurprise,ortoaskhimexactlywhattheproblemwas.ButallMia

saidwas,"WhenIfinallygotholdofthesellingagentlastnight,shementioneditneededalittleTLC."

"TLC?" He might have laughed at that ridiculous understatement if his system hadn’t been so

twisted up with impossible desire for the beautiful, entirely off-limits woman in the shower down the
hall. "You should have seen the look on Brooke’s face when we walked in there, crunching over dead
raccoonbones."

Of course, Mia didn’t comment on the animal bones, not when her ears had perked up for a

completelydifferentreason."Waitaminute—Brooke’sstillnextdoor?"

"Shemovedinafewyearsagoafterhergrandparentspassedawayandwilledtheplacetoher."As

Mia made a sound of distress at the thought of Judy and Frank being gone, he added, "Brooke makes
trufflesforaliving."

"Chocolatetruffles?"Hecouldpracticallyseehissisterdroolingoverthephone."Soundslikethe

twoofyoucaughtuplastnight,"shesaidinadeceptivelyeasyvoice.Oneheknewbetterthantotakeat
facevalue.

"SheofferedtoletmestaywithheruntilIfixupmyplaceenoughtomoveintoit.Ifigureitwill

takeatleastaweekifIworkaroundtheclockonit."

"Wow,that’sgreatthatyou’restayingwithher,"hissistersaidinavoiceheavywithsuggestion.
Suggestionhewasgoingtoignore,justashewasignoringhisownbrain’ssuggestionsforallthe

super-sexythingsheandBrookecoulddotogether.KnowingMia,she’duseherannoyinglittle-sisterESP
to pick up on his inappropriate thoughts for their next-door neighbor over the phone, and he’d never—
ever—heartheendofit.

He’dcalledhissistertomutteraboutthestateofthehouseshe’dboughtwithhismoney,nottotalk

aboutBrooke.Butsomehoweverythingkeptcomingbackaroundtohisbeautifulnewroommatenomatter
what he did. Turning his focus back to the house, he’d finally begun to walk Mia through its state of
disrepairwhenhissister’sphonebeepedwithanotherincomingcall.

"I’vegottotakethiscall,Rafe,butdon’tworry,I’mnotgoingtoleaveyouhanging.It’sreallygood

toknowBrooke’stakingcareofyou.SayhitoherformeandtellherIcan’twaittoseeher."

The shower turned off at the same time his sister hung up on him. Rafe had a feeling Mia’s

upcomingtriptothelakewasgoingtohavefarmoretodowithspyingonherbrotherandheroldfriend
thanitwouldwithhelpinghimfixupthewreckofahouse.

KnowingbetterthantoallowhisbrainanytimetofocusonthefantasyofBrookegettingoutofthe

showeranddryingoffherwet,nakedskinwithatowel,hequicklypulledonaT-shirtandwentintothe
kitchentomakebreakfastforthemboth.

Therewereseveralloavesofdoughrising—whenhadshemadethose?—andallhecouldthinkwas

that it smelled exactly the way a home should. His mother had always made her own bread, and the

familiarsmellreacheddownintohim,pastallthecrapthathe’ddealtwiththesepastfewyears,intothe
childlikeandinnocentpartofhimhe’dthoughtwascompletelylost.

How,hewondered,couldnothingmorethanasmelldothat?
Heshookhisheadagainstthecrazythoughts.BythetimeBrookewalkedintothekitchenlooking

freshandgorgeousinatanktopandshorts,hehaddishedupscrambledeggsandbaconandtoastonthe
kitchenislandforbothofthem.

"Youmadebreakfast."Shelookedaspleasedasifhe’dboughtheradiamondbracelet.
"Icouldn’ttellifyouatewhenyougotuptomakethese—"Hegesturedtothebreadrisingonthe

kitchensills."—butitdidn’tlooklikeyouhad."

"God,no,whocouldpossiblyeatthatearly?"
Shesatononeofthestoolsandimmediatelydugintoherbreakfastwithagustoherarelysawinthe

womenhedated.NotthatheandBrookeweregoingtodate,noworever,ofcourse.

Aftercrunchingthroughapieceofbacon,shesaid,"Ifyouevergettiredofinvestigatingbadguys,

youshouldopenabreakfastplace.Promisemethatonceyou’rebackinyourownhouse,you’llstillcome
overandmakebreakfastformesometimes."

Rafedidn’tputmuchstockinpromisesanymore,notwhenhewatchedpeoplebreakthemallday

long.ButhehadafeelingBrookedid,andthatonceshemadeone,shewouldneverbreakit.Nomatter
what.

"Icandefinitelydothat,"hetoldher,andwhenshesmiledathim,itoccurredtohimthatshelooked

alittletired.Hadshehadtroublesleeping,too?And,ifso,wereherreasonsanythinglikehis?

ThankGoditwassuretobealong,exhaustingdaygettingstartedoncleaninguphisplace.Best-

casescenariowasthathe’dworksohard,andsofarintotheevening,thatallhe’dhavetheenergytodo
wasfallintobed...andsleepwithoutdreamingofBrooke.

"Iwasthinking,"shesaidaftershe’deatenhalfthefoodonherplate,"thatwhileyou’rehaulingout

furniture,whydon’tIgetgoingoncleaning?Ihaveafeelingthatjustgettingridofthelayersofdustand
grimeonthefloorsandcountersandwallswillmakeabigdifference."

"You’re already giving me a place to stay. I can’t let you drop everything to clean my disgusting

house,too."

"And I can’t let you deal with that place alone. Besides, I’ve already made the rest of my big

deliveriesfortheweek,soIcaneasilyaffordtotakeadayortwooff."

She was still cute, not to mention sexy as hell, but also clearly stubborn enough that he knew he

wasn’tgoingtowinthisone.Unfortunately,afulldayofbeingnearherwasn’tgoingtohelphimputthe
brakesonhisattractiontoher.

Atthesametime,knowingshewouldbetherewithhimmadethetaskseemlessdaunting.
"Thanks,"hefinallysaid."ButfirstIneedtoheadouttothehardwarestoretopickupnewlocksfor

yourdoors."

Shelookedatherfrontdoorandthenbacktohimwithaconfusedfrown."What’swrongwithmy

locks?"

"Everything."
"Ialmostneverlockthedoorsanyway.Noonedoesaroundhere.Youknowthat."
"Maybethiswasasafeplacewhenwewerekids,butIdon’twantyoutakinganyrisksnow."
Rafe was the one who could see through people, who with nothing more than a look could read

secretsandlies.ButasBrookestaredathim,hefeltlikeshewastheonelookingtoodeeplyintohim.

"Thisisstillasafetown,Rafe.Justlikewhenwewerekids."
"Justletmeputthelocksonyourdoors,Brooke."

Shethoughtaboutitforamomentbeforefinallyagreeing,"Okay."Unfortunately,anyreliefhefelt

wascounteredbyherhonestadmission,"ButI’llprobablyforgettousethem,soIdon’tknowhowmuch
goodthey’lldoifsomecrazypersonshowsupintowntobreakinandattackme."

Rafecouldbarelybankhisfuryatthethoughtofanythingeverhappeningtothetoo-trustingwoman

sittingacrossfromhim."Don’teverjokeaboutsomethinglikethat.Itisn’tfunny."

***

Coming out into her kitchen and finding Rafe making breakfast had felt like a dream come true,

especially when he made the best scrambled eggs she’d ever had. With his big hands and rugged
handsomeness,shecouldonlyimaginethewaywomenmustthrowthemselvesathim...andhowmanyhe
musthavecaughtovertheyearstotaketohisbed.

It felt so natural to have him in her house—two friends who had been lucky enough to reconnect

aftersomanyyearsapart—thatBrookehadfoundherselfquestioningeverythingshe’dfeltlastnight.Was
Rafe truly darker and more intense now? Had she invented the frustration she’d seen on his face when
he’dtoldher,eversobriefly,abouthisjobasaprivateinvestigator?Andhadsheimaginedthehardtone
ofhisvoicewhenhe’dtoldherflatoutthathewouldn’tletherblindfoldhimforatastetest,obviously
becausehedidn’ttrusther?

Or was it simply that she’d been so surprised to see him—and had been so bowled over by his

goodlooks—thatherbrainhadspunoffinridiculousdirections?Particularlytheonesthathadkeptherup
partofthenight,dreamingofwhatitwouldbeliketohavehishands,hismouth,onher.

But just when she’d almost convinced herself that he was still the same carefree soul he’d once

been,he’dbroughtupthelocksandhisconcernthatshewasputtingherselfindangerbynotdead-bolting
herselfinside.Evenasshe’dtriedtotellherselfitwasjustsomeguything,sheknewitwasn’t.

Herparentshadtaughthertoobeytherulesandnottoaskquestionsthatmightoffendsomeoneor

shakethingsup.ButRafewasherfriend,andshecaredtoomuchabouthimtoworryaboutputtingherself
outonalimb.

"Whathappened,Rafe?Whyareyousoconcernedabouthowsecuremyhouseiswhenyouknowas

wellasIdothatvirtuallynoonelockstheirdoorsoreventheircarshereatthelake?"

"Peopledobadthingseverywhere,Brooke.Evenhere."Withthosepartingwords,hewasoutthe

doorandheadingofftothehardwarestoreonhismotorcycle.

***

Hecamebackthirtyminuteslaterwithwhathadtobethebiggestlockthelocalhardwarestorehad

in stock—an ugly silver deadbolt that looked scary all on its own—and a brand-new loaded tool box.
Duringhisabsence,Brookehadbeentryingtofocusherattentiononasecondroundofthenewsummer-
with-a-hint-of-wintertrufflerecipeshe’dbeensohappilyworkingonthedaybefore.Butnow,herrecipe
cameadistantsecondtothebeautifulenigmakneelinginfrontofherdoor,screwingintheuglybolt.

"I’msurprisedtheyevenselllockslikethathere,"shemurmuredasshepickedupthethickplastic

packagingandputitinherrecyclingbin.

He hadn’t said a word to her since he’d come back, had simply walked in through her unlocked

doorandgottentowork.Nowheinformedher,"Iorderedsomenewlatchesforyourwindows.They’ll
beinlaterthisweek."

Brooke’snaturalinclinationhadalwaysbeentoletpeopledowhattheythoughtwasbestforher.

ButsheendedupsurprisingthembothbypullingthescrewdriveroutofRafe’shandinmidair.

Shetookastepawayfromhimsothathecouldn’tgrabitback."Why,Rafe?Tellmewhyyou’re

beinglikethisandthenmaybe,justmaybe,I’llletyoufinishputtingthishorrible,uglylockonmydoor."

Hemovedsoslowly,socarefullytowardher,thatshehadnodoubtthathewasgoodathisjobasa

P.I.,andthatthepeopleheinvestigatedneverevenknewhewastherewatchingthem.

"Ialreadytoldyouwhy,"hesaidinalowvoicethatrumbledupherspineandmadeherfeelhotall

over.

"No,"shecountered,"youhaven’t.ThelasttimeIsawyou,youwereafourteen-year-oldboywho

laughedallthetime.Youwerewildandhappy."

"We’vebothgrownup,Brooke."
Even though he all but growled the words at her, instead of taking another step back as he likely

intended her to do, she moved closer. Close enough to put her free hand on his face so that she could
lightly stroke the stubble on his square jaw as she whispered, "Yes, we definitely have." Close enough
thatshecouldhavegoneuponhertippy-toesandpressedhermouthtohisinthekissshe’dbeendreaming
ofsincethemomentshe’dseenhim.

But even though she thought she read a similar desire in his eyes, before she could act on it, he

movedawayfromher...andfinallystartedtellingherwhatshewantedtoknow.

"Istartedonthepoliceforceaftercollege,onthetrafficbeatalongwiththeotherrookies.Theylet

meshadowacoupleofdetectives,anditturnedoutIhadaknackfortrackingcrooks.AfterIsolveda
high-profiletechfraudcase,Istruckoutonmyownandstartedtheagency."

"Techfraudwouldn’thaveyouworriedaboutthelockonmydoor,though,wouldit?"
"PrettyearlyonItookonaclientwhowasconvincedherhusbandwascheatingonher,eventhough

shecouldn’tproveit.HewasaverywealthyCEOofaFortune500companyandshesaidnooneelse
wouldtakeonhercasebecausetheywereafraidofhim.Shealsotoldmethattheonlywaysheandher
kidswouldbeabletosurvivefinanciallyafteradivorcewouldbeifshecouldprovehe’dcheatedonher.
Something about her reminded me of Mia. And I hated to think of my little sister stuck in a crappy
relationshipwitharichcreepwhoheldallthecards."

"Hehadbeencheatingonher,hadn’the?"
Rafelookeddisgustedasheconfirmed,"Withanywomanhecouldgethishandson."
"That’sgreatthatyouhelpedhergetoutofthebadrelationship."
"Allofherfriendsfeltthesameway.Inthepastsevenyears,I’vecaughtnearlyeverywealthyman

ontheWestCoastwithhispantsdowninthewrongplaceatthewrongtime."

BeingaP.I.hadsoundedsoexcitingwhenhe’dfirsttoldheraboutit,butnowshecouldseejust

what a difficult job it would be, if only because you’d have to constantly make it a point to remind
yourselfthatnoteveryonewasbad.

"That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? To get away from the dark side of human nature for a while."

Whenhedidn’trespond,shemovedclosertohimagainandreachedforhishand.Despitethefactthathe
stiffenedathertouch,shetoldhim,"I’mreallygladMiafoundyouthehouse."

Shethoughtabouteverythinghe’dsaid,everythinghemusthaveseeninthepastsevenyears,and

wantednothingmorethantoeraseitallforhim.

"Iknowit’sgoingtoneedalotofwork,butIthinkit’sevenmoreimportantthatyouhavefunhere."

Shesmiledupathim,determinedtoseehimsmilebackonedaysoon."Whobettertohavefunwiththan
anoldfriend?"

***

What the hell was Rafe supposed to say when Brooke looked up at him with those big, innocent

eyesandsuchsweetdeterminationtotrytomakehimfeelbetterabouteverything?Itwashisowntwisted
brainthatkeptspinningoutintoX-ratedterritory,nothers.By"fun"shemeantswimmingandhikingand
roastingmarshmallowsoverabonfire...notlickingeachotheralloverandrollingaroundtogetheronher
beduntilthey’dbothforgottenwhatarottenworlditcouldbe.

Yesterday he’d been stunned by what a beauty she’d become. Today, he was surprised all over

againbythewayshe’dgrabbedthescrewdriveroutofhishandanddemandedanswerstoherquestions.

Shewasstillthecute,sweetgirlhe’dknownadecadeandahalfago,butshewasalsoaheckofa

lottougherthanhe’dgivenhercreditfor.

Shewasstillholdinghishand,andhewantedtotugherclosertofindoutifshetastedassweetas

she looked. Instead, he said, "Fun sounds good, Brooke. But I’ve got to know you’re safe." He looked
pointedlyatthescrewdriver.

"Thank you for answering my question," she said as she handed the tool over without any

reluctance, as good as her word despite the fact that he knew she didn’t like the look of the deadbolt.
"HowaboutIheadovertoyourhouseandgetstartedwithcleaningwhileyoufinishupheresothatwe
cangettothefunstuffquicker?"

Fun. He couldn’t think of the last time he’d focused on having fun. Hot sex with a stranger. The

thrill of driving one of his cousin Zach’s race cars. The pleasure of tasting one of his other cousin
Marcus’snewvintagesfromhisNapaValleyvineyard.

Butfun?
Rafewasn’tevensurewhatthatwasanymore...
"Sure,"hesaidashekneltbackdowninfrontofthedoorlock,"thatsoundsgood."
Andthetruthwas,justknowinghe’dgettospendthedaywithBrooke,evenifthey’dlikelyendup

spendingallofitcleaningandclearingouthishousenextdoor,soundedbetterthanitshouldhave.

Almostlikefun.

ChapterSix

They were a good team, Brooke thought several hours later, as she looked around Rafe’s now

spotlesskitchenwithsatisfaction.Hestillneededtobuynewappliances,fixtheflooring,andputupnew
cabinetsandcountertops,butatleastyoudidn’tneedafacemasktoentertheroomnow.

Immediately after he’d finished putting on her new lock, he’d joined her to dig into the mess the

rentershadmade.She’dmoppedandsweptandscrubbedeverythinginherpath,whileRafeclearedthe
wayforher,takingoutoldchairsandbrokentablesandlinensthathadholesburnedintothem.

She’dlefthishouseonlylongenoughtomakethemaplateofsandwichesandhadliterallyhadto

holdthembeneathhisnosetogethimtostopworkinglongenoughtoeat.Beforeshewasevenhalfway
through her own sandwich, he’d finished both of his and was digging into one of the dusty, beat-up
cardboardboxeshe’dbroughtdownfromtheattic.

"Ididn’tthinkmyfamilyhadleftanythingbehindwhenwemovedout,"hetoldher,"butlookwhatI

justfound."

Itwasaframewithafadedpictureinit."Oh,Rafe,thisisgreat!"
Hiswholefamilywasinthepicture,andallofthemweresmiling,clearlyhappytobeatthelake

for another summer. Of course, she immediately zoomed in on Rafe. There was that easy smile she
remembered,thecarefreewayheheldhistall,lankyframe…comparedtothewayhisbig,strongmuscles
fairlyvibratedwithtensionnow.

"Andthereyouare,justlikeyoualwayswere."
ThewarmthinhisvoicehadBrooketurninghergazetohisfaceinsteadofbacktothepicture."I’m

inthepicture,too?"Shequicklylookeddownagainandrealizedwhatshe’dmissedthefirsttime.Allthe
Sullivanswerethere,butsowasshe,tuckedinbetweenRafeandMia,smallerthaneveryoneelse,but
beamingupatthecamerabecauseshe’dbeenwithherfavoritepeople.

"Idon’tremembersneakingintoyourfamilyphoto."
"Youdidn’tsneakintothephoto,Brooke,youbelongedthere."
Itwasthenicestthinghecouldhavesaidtoher,evennicerthanhisearliercomplimentabouther

truffles.Allshe’dwantedherwholelife,itseemed,wastobelong.Hergrandparents—andtheSullivans
nextdoor—hadmadeiteasyforherinallthewaysherownparentshadn’tknownhowto.

Feelinglikehewasholdingherheartinhishand,shesaid,"HowaboutItakethisnextdoorand

cleanuptheframe?"

"Thatwouldbegreat."Amomentlater,hewasheadingupintotheatticagain.
Shelookeddownatthephotoandrealizedhergrandfathermusthavetakenthepicture.Didheknow

backthenwhatabigcrushshehadonRafe?Orthatitwouldonlygrowbigger,strongerovertheyears?

Asshewalkedoutsideandacrossthegrasstoherhouse,thereflectionofthesunofftheglassinthe

framemomentarilyblindedhersothatshehadtolookawayfromitandoutatthebluewaterandgreen
mountains.Forthethousandthtimesinceshe’dmovedbacktothelake,shewasstunnedbythebeautyall
around her. She hoped she never took it for granted, that she took the time to appreciate it more every
singleday.

Itwasn’trightthatRafehadbeenatthelakenearlytwenty-fourhours,andhehadn’tyetbeeninthe

water.Butifshesuggestedaswimrightnow,sheknewhe’dnevergoforit.Hewastotallyfocusedonthe
jobathand,betweencarryingoutheavyfurniturebyhimselfandcrawlingunderthehousetoseehowfar
thedamageextended.Clearly,hewasplanningonworkinguntilhedropped.

From the moment she’d seen him get off his motorcycle, he’d been too serious, too intense. Now

thathe’dtalkedtoherabouthisjob,sheknewmoreofthereasonsforthat,butthatdidn’tchangethefact
that instead of fishing or hiking or relaxing on the beach, he was killing himself to try to clean up his
disasterofahouse.Shewantedtoseehimsmilemore,laughmore,likeheusedtowhentheywerekids.

Alittleworkwasfineanddandy;Brookeknewtheworthoffocusanddeterminationfirsthandasa

small-business owner. But as she worked to wipe the frame clean, then propped it up on the kitchen
counter, she figured there was nothing to lose in trying to convince him to see the wisdom of her
suggestionthattheyhavesomefuntogetherwhilehewashere.

Knowing she’d have to be a little sneaky about it, she went back outside to the patch of grass

betweentheirpropertiesandcalled,"Rafe,there’ssomethingyou’vegottoseeoutside."

Sheexpectedtoseehisheadpokeoutfromtheopen—andstilldirty—atticwindow.Instead,she

heardfootstepsontheroofandrealizedhewasstanding,ratherprecariously,shethought,ontopofhis
house.

"What’swrong?"
See,thatwasjustit.Heimmediatelyassumedtheworstaboutthings.Wasitalldowntohisjob?Or

hadsomethingelsehappenedthathadgivenhimthisdarkerviewoflife?

"It’soutontheendofthedock.Comequick,butbecarefulgettingdownfromthere."
Seeing the concern on his face, she felt a little bad for messing with him, but it was for his own

good.Besides,he’dknowsoonenoughthateverythingwasfine.Shewalkedouttotheendofhisdockand
waited for him. He swung down off the roof, his long legs quickly eating up the grass and the sand
betweenthem.

"What’stheproblem?"
Shecouldn’tfindthewordstoanswerhimforalongmoment.NotwhensweathadmadehisthinT-

shirtsticktohischest.She’dseenpicturesofmenwithperfectabs,buthadneverbeenthisclosetoone.
Soclosethatshecouldreachoutandtouchhim...

"Brooke?" He all but waved his hands in front of her eyes to pull her attention back to his face.

"YousaidIneededtocomedownheretoseesomething.What’sgoingon?"

"This."
Beforehecouldfigureoutherintent,sheshovedhimintothelake,clothes,shoes,andall.Theutter

surpriseonhisfacehadhergiggling,rightbeforeshejumpedin,too.

Rafewasshakingthehairoutofhiseyeslikeawetdogbythetimeshesurfaced.Eighteenyears

ago, she would have been certain he would have thought what she’d just done was funny. But now?
Honestly, she was a little nervous that he’d be angry with her, especially when she couldn’t read his
expressionatall.

"Whenyouwereeight,"hebeganinadeepvoicethathadhershiveringmorethanthetemperature

ofthewater,"Iwouldhaveletyougetawaywiththat."Hepaused,andshewasholdingherbreathuntil
shefinallysawthewayhewastryingtokeepthecornersofhismouthfromtwitchingupintoasmile."But
you’renotalittlegirlanymore.WhichmeansIdon’thavetoplayfair."

Asecondlaterhewasreachingouttotrytodunkher,butshewasfastenoughtoswimoutofreach

beforehecould.Bothofthemwerelaughingnowashecontinuedtochaseher,andshemanagedtimeand
timeagaintoeludehim.Thewaterfeltdeliciouslycoolassheduckedbeneaththesurfaceandshimmied
playfullyaroundRafe’slegs.

Shehadn’thadthismuchfuninaverylongtime.
Oh, how she loved hearing him laugh, especially when the rumble of his joy danced across the

surfaceofthewater,thefirstreallaughtershe’dheardfromhimsincelastnight.Andintheend,thatwas

whatsankher,thatshewaspayingmoreattentiontothepleasureoffinallymakinghimhappyforafew
minutes,ratherthanworkingtomakesureshestayedoutofhisclutches.

Withonestrongarm,hecaughtheraroundthewaist,andwhenshelostherfootingonthebottomof

thelakebecausethey’dgoneoutdeeperthanshe’dintended,sheinstinctivelywrappedherarmsandlegs
aroundhimtokeepfromgoingunder.

Inthespacebetweenheartbeats,playfulfunshiftedtoheateddesire.
Theirwetbodiesweresoclosethatshecouldfeelhisheartpoundingagainsthers.Hisfingerswere

flexingonherhipswherehewasgrippinghertightlytohim.Shewasbreathinghardfromtheirgameof
underwater chase, and her breasts were pushing against his hard chest. Her nipples beaded more from
their close proximity than from the temperature of the water, and she could feel every hard line of his
tendonsflexing,everycordofhismuscles...alongwiththethickridgeofhiserectionasitroseupbetween
them.

Ashudderranthroughheratthesweetrealizationthathewantedherasmuchasshewantedhim,

anditwaspureinstincttorockherhipsintohis.Asthenaturalmovementofthewaterinthelightbreeze
broughtthemevencloser,hisnamewasagaspofpleasureonherlipsatthesametimeagroanemerged
fromhis.

Hercheekwaspressedagainsthis,andshecouldheartheharshrushofhisbreathinherearevenas

hesaid,"Brooke."

Hernameonhislipswasfullofenoughrawpassionandheattokeepherwarmallwinterlong.She

rubbedhercheekagainsthis,andasherbreathcameoutwarmoverhisearlobe,thistimehewastheone
shuddering.

Everythingsuddenlymadesense,thatthecrushshe’dhadasalittlegirlwouldonlymatureoverthe

years,eventhoughthey’dspentthoseyearsapart.

She’d always cared about him as a friend. Now she wanted him, too, the way a woman wants a

man.

Butbeforeshecouldpressherlipstohisskin,hewasunwrappingherarmsfromaroundhisneck

andsayinginastiffvoice,"Ishouldn’thavegrabbedyoulikethat.Forgiveme."

She couldn’t understand what had happened, how he’d been hard and hot against her one second

andinthenexthewasleavinghertotreadwaterallbyherselfashewalkedoutofthelakeandontothe
shore.

Forherentirelife,Brookehadlivedbyrulesofdosanddonots that were supposed to keep her

safe,especiallyafterheronestupidmistakeinhighschool.Butshewastiredofworryingaboutgetting
hurt by making the wrong choice. Especially when every cell in her body told her Rafe was finally the
rightone.

"Rafe,stop!"
Brookewadedthroughthewatertotheshoreasfastasshecould,notknowingifhe’dactuallystop,

orhowlonghe’dwaitforher.Justbecauseshe’ddecidedwhat—andwho—shewanted,didn’tmeanthat
shehadthefirstcluehowtogoaboutgettingit.Itwasonethingtomullallofthisoverinherhead,butit
wasanotherentirelytodosomethingaboutit.

Somethingwild.

ChapterSeven

Rafeknewheshouldn’tstop,andthathedefinitelyshouldn’tturnaroundanddrinkinthevisionof

Brooke standing on the beach, soaking wet from the lake. But she was his friend, so he couldn’t just
disappearonherandpretendwhathadalmosthappenedhadn’t.

Damnit,itwasjusthisluckthatshewasevenmoregorgeousinherwettanktopandcut-offjeans

than any woman had a right to be. The way she’d looked in her bikini the night before had blown him
away,butwiththethinfabricclingingtoherbreastsandoutliningthelaceandsilkofherbrabeneath,it
was taking every last ounce of his willpower not to pull her back into his arms to finish what they’d
started.

"Whydidyoujustpullaway?"
Insteadofansweringherquestion,hehitherwithoneofhisown."Whydoyoukeepaskingsomany

questions?"

Hethoughthesawherflinch,butinsteadofturningtailandrunning,shesaid,"BecauseIhaven’t

askedanyforsolong.Toolong.I’vedonewhatIthoughtIwassupposedtodo.Ihaven’ttalkedoutof
turn. Or asked for anything I didn’t already know that I could have. I’ve been the good girl. The sweet
girl. The cute girl." She tried to sneer the word cute, but even that was gorgeous on her. He was so
fixatedonherfull,soft-lookinglipsthatherealizedtoolatethatshe’dmovedevencloser,allgorgeous,
drippingcurvesandirresistiblewoman."Idon’twanttobeafraidtoaskforwhatIwantanymore."She
tookanotherstepcloserbeforeadding,"EspeciallynotwhenInowknowyouwantit,too."

Brookehadjustsinglehandedlyturnedwhatwouldhavebeenashittydayintoagoodonenotonly

byofferinghimaplacetostayandpitchinginoncleanup,butbydragginghimawayfromthework,too,
toplayinthelake.

Andhowwashethinkingofrepayingher?
Withorgasms.
Itdidn’tmatterthatshewasallbutbeggingforthoseorgasms.Hewasstillactinglikejustasmuch

ofapigastheguyshe’dinvestigated.Nowondernoneofthemcouldkeepitintheirpants.Allitmust
havetakenwasawomanlikeBrookelookingatthemwithbig,hungryeyesandtheyweregoners.

Every second since he’d seen her again the night before had confused the hell out of him. He’d

alwaysknownthedifferencebetweenrightandwrong,evenasakid.Itwaswhyhe’dbecomeacopin
thefirstplace—tokeepwrongfromwinningoverright.

Forcefullyremindinghimselfthattanglingupwithinnocent,sweetBrookeinanykindofsexualway

waswrong,hesaid,"You’regreat,Brooke,butwe’refriends."

"Friendswhowanteachother,"shecountered,hergazeholdinghissteadily."Ihadahugecrushon

youwhenwewerekids,andseeingyouagainhasmademerealizeitisn’tacrushanymore."

Wow, that was a whole hell of a lot more blunt than he’d thought Brooke would be. Then again,

hadn’t he already learned that her soft exterior was just the packaging for determination and focus?
Somehow, he needed to grab hold of the reins of this conversation—and make sure nothing more
happenedthanoneshockinglyhothuginthewater.

"I’m staying with you. And even after I move out, I’ll be right next door. It would be way too

complicatedifwepushedpastfriends."

Insteadofacceptinghisperfectlogicthatmessingaroundwitheachotherwouldonlyleadtoeven

messiercomplications,shesmiledathim,thesurprisinghintofwickednessinhereyesremindinghimin

the most potent of ways what every inch of her against him had felt like. The curves of her hips in his
hands, her legs wrapped around his waist...and how mind-blowingly good it had been to hold her like
that.

"Look," she said in a reasonable tone, "I get what you’re saying—that if one of us wants out, it

couldbeawkwardbeinginsuchcloseproximity.ButIthinktryingtofighttheobviousattractionbetween
us would be even weirder and would only end up causing more tension between us. We’re not kids
anymore.We’rebothadultswhoknowhowtomanageexpectationsandhurtfeelings.We’rebothsingle.
And…" She paused deliberately. "We both want each other. And just in case you’re worried that I’m
lookingforahusbandandkidsrightnow,I’mnot.IfeellikeI’vebeensettledforeveralready.NowallI
wantistohavesomefun.Andbewild.Withyou."

Caughtbetweenwhathewanted—sweetLord,he’dneverwantedanyoneasmuchashewantedher

—andwhatheknewwastherightthingtodo,Rafemadehimselfsay,"Ifit’sfunyou’relookingfor,ifyou
reallywanttobewild,wecanfindotherways.Ifyou’veneverbeenonamotorcycle,I’lltakeyououton
mine."Itwouldbehelltohaveherbreastsandthighspressedagainsthimduringtheride,buthe’dfinda
waytodealwithit.

Hercheekswerealreadyflushedfromtheirimpromptuswim,butnowthathe’dofferedtotakeher

outonhisbikeinlieuofsleepingwithher,theysuddenlyflushedanevendeeperrose."Wow.Arideon
yourbike.Ipropositionyou,andthat’swhatyou’reofferingmeinstead?"Sheswallowedhard,looking
embarrassed suddenly by how open she’d been with him. "When we were in the water, and last night,
even this morning, I thought you wanted me. But if you don’t, then maybe we can both just pretend this
wholeconversationneverhappened."

Jesus, he couldn’t stand for her to think he didn’t want her, that she wasn’t the most desirable

woman he’d ever seen in his life. "Of course I want you, Brooke. Who the hell in their right mind
wouldn’t?I’vebeenfightingwithmyselfeverysinglesecondsinceIsawyouinyourbikinilastnightnot
toreachoutandtouchyouandmakeyoumine."

Sheblinkedupathim,herclearpleasureathiswordsminglingnowwithconfusion."Thenifyou

wantmesobad—andyouknowIwantyoujustasmuch—whyareyoufightingsohardnottotakeme?"

Damnit,he’dwantedtostickwiththenext-door-neighborexcuse.Withtheit’s-less-complicated-if-

we-just-stay-friends line. She wasn’t holding his screwdriver hostage anymore, but when someone was
braveenoughtocallyouonyourbullshit,youhadtohavetheballstogiveherastraightanswer.

"Lastnight,youcalledmewild.You’reright.Iam."
Heletthatsinkinforamoment,letherrealizehewasn’tjusttalkingaboutridingmotorcyclesand

jumping off rope swings into the lake. He was talking about sex. Raw, make-her-blush-down-to-her-
brightly-painted-toessex.

"I’vealreadytoldyou,wildisexactlywhatIwant."
Tryingtomakeherunderstand,hesaid,"Ipromiseyouwouldn’tlikethethingsIwanttodotoyou."
When a new flash of interest flared even hotter in her eyes, he suddenly realized he’d just said

exactlythewrongthing.Beforehecouldtakeitback,sheasked,"Youmeankinkythings?"

Evenhearingthewordkinkyfallfromhersweetlipshadhimonthevergeoflosingit.
The purely honest answer would have been yes. But he’d already been stupid enough to say the

wrong thing once. More than once, probably, since everything with Brooke was getting more and more
mixedupinhisheadbythesecond.Hecouldn’tlivewithhimselfifhedirtiedherup.Shedeservedthe
whitepicketfenceandtheperfectguywhoworkedanormaljobandcamehomewithnothingheavieron
hismindthanwhetherhiscousinRyan’sbaseballteam,theSanFranciscoHawks,wasgoingtowinthe
WorldSeriesagain.

Thetruthhedidn’twanttoadmittohimself,ortoher,wasthattherewasnothingmorehewanted

thantobekinkywithBrooke.God,eventhinkingaboutwhatitwouldbeliketowatchthepureandraw
reaction in her eyes as he pushed her to the very edge of pleasure, and then beyond—past where she
thoughtshecouldgo—madehimharderthanhe’deverbeeninhislife.

Butthefactthatshewashisfriend—andthatshewasbelovedbyhisparentsandsiblings,aswell

—madeitwaytoorisky.

Ifitallwentwrong,noneofthemwouldeverforgivehim.AndRafewouldneverforgivehimself.

Not when he knew from the start that he didn’t have a damn thing to give her...and would only end up
hurtingherintheend.

"SoIguessthatmeansyoudon’tthinkIcanhandlebeingblindfoldedortieduporcallingyousir."
"I don’t want you to call me sir!" He hoped she didn’t notice that he hadn’t said anything about

blindfoldingortyingherup.Thetruthwasthatrightthissecond,thosetwothingswereattheverytopof
hisone-handedfantasieslist.

"Good,"shesaid,"becauseeventhoughitmightbekindofhotinthemoment,I’mthinkingitwould

alsobealittleweird."

"It’snotgoingtobehotorweird,becauseyouandIarenotgoingtobeanythingmorethanfriends!"
Theroarofhisvoiceechoedbackathimoffthesurfaceofthelake.Jesus,heneededtogetagrip,

neededtosomehowfigureouthowtoturnthisboatinthedirectionitshouldhavebeensailingallalong,
ratherthanstandingtherereelingatthethingsBrookewassayingtohim.

Butbeforehecould,shewasasking,"WhatmakesyouthinkyouknowwhattheotherguysI’vebeen

withhavebeenlike?Howdoyouknownoneofthemhavebeenkinky?"

Clearly,shewasn’tgoingtolethimoffthehookwithoutanhonestanswer...somethinghecouldn’t

helpbutrespectafterdealingwithcheatersandliarsforthepastsevenyears."Iknowbecauseyoucan
hardlysaythewordwithoutblushing."

"And you can’t say the word kinky at all," she pointed out in that too-calm voice. "So obviously

whatwecanorcan’tsaydoesn’tmeanmuchofanything,doesit?"

"Brooke,"hetriedagain,"Ithinkwe’vegottenofftrackhere.YouknowIcareaboutyou."
"Icareaboutyou,too."
"Icouldn’tlivewithmyselfifIhurtyouinanyway."
Heexpectedhertofinallyunderstandandagreethattheyshouldn’tgodownthisroad.Instead,for

thefirsttimesincethey’dbegunthiscrazydiscussion,shelookedhurtbywhathe’dsaid.

"DoIreallyseemthatweak?Thatsoft?Thatnaïve?Soinnocent,sopathetic,thatyoureallythink

youcanhurtmethateasily?"

"I’veneverthoughtyouwereweak,"heargued."Andyoucouldneverbepathetic."
"Buttherestofitstands,doesn’tit?"
Damnit,overthepastfifteenminutestheunchartedwatershe’dbeentryingtosteeroutofhadonly

gottendeeper."Idon’tknowalotofpeoplewhoaresoft,Brooke.Orwhohavemanagedtoholdontoany
kindofinnocenceatall.Idon’twanttobethepersonwhochangesyou."

"It’shardtobelievethatinalltheyearsI’veknownyou,Ineverrealizedjusthowarrogantyouare.

Doyoureallythinkyoucouldhavesomuchpoweroverme?Orthatyoucouldbesolelyresponsiblefor
changingwhoIam?"

Herchestwasrisingandfallingas,forthefirsttime,shewasn’tsmiling.Instead,shewasglaringat

him while he worked like hell not to notice the way her wet tank top was stretching tight across her
incrediblebreasts.

"Idon’t—"

Shecuthimoff."You’vebeenluckyenoughtobewildyourwholelife.Well,it’smy turn now. I

thoughtitwouldbeamazingtobewildwithyou,butifyou’renotinterested—orjusttooplainscared—
thenI’llhavetofindsomeotherguytobewildwith."

She was moving past him now, clearly furious. Rafe knew he should let her go, let her cool off.

Hell,bothofthemneededtocooloff.ButthethoughtofBrookesearchingfor—andfinding—someother
guytobe"wild"withhadhimseeingred.

Hegrabbedherarmandspunheraroundtofacehim.Thesandwasunevenwhereshewasstepping,

andhetuggedherhardenoughthatshefellintohim,herchestpressingintohis,herchinstillliftedfor
battleassheglaredupathim.

"You’renotfindinganotherguytobewildwith."
"Andjusthowdoyouplantostopme?Especiallysinceyou’vealreadytoldmeyou’renotgoingto

tiemetoyourbed."

Amancouldonlybepushedsofar...andthatfinaltauntpushedRafeathousandmilespasthislimit.
His mouth came down on hers, hard and demanding. She met him just as fiercely, her tongue

tanglingwithhis,herlipssuckingwhilehebitathers,thenbitingwhenhewastheonesuckinginhersoft,
sweetflesh.Oneofherhandswascaughtbetweentheirchestswherehewasholdingherwrist,whilethe
othertangledinhishairasifshewastryingtopullhismouthevencloser.

She tasted faintly of chocolate, but mostly of pure, sensual woman. He’d been trying to convince

himselfthatshewasstilljustthelittlegirlnextdoor,butitwasawomanheheldinhisarms.Onewith
dangerouslyseductivecurvesandhollowsthathismouthwasperilouslyclosetoexploringafterhe’dhad
hisfillofherlips.

"Youtastesogood,"shewhisperedwhenhefinallymanagedtodraghimselfawayfromhermouth.
He couldn’t lie to her, couldn’t pretend he didn’t want her more than he’d ever wanted another

woman in his life. Especially when they were so close that he knew she could feel every inch of his
desireagainstherstomach.

"Sodoyou,Brooke.Sodamnedsweet."
She lifted her head and the softly sensual look in her eyes nearly undid him the rest of the way.

"Thenforgetallofyourexcuses,allofyourreasons,andcometobed.Tastemoreofme.Allofme."

He couldn’t help but reach out to trace the contours of her beautiful face with his fingertips. She

trembledagainsthimashegentlytouchedherincrediblysoftskin.Hehadalwaysbeendominantinbed,
butthereinshadslippedfromhishandsthesecondhesawherstandingtheredrippingwetinherbikini.

Ifthissummerfling—oneheclearlydidn’thaveachanceinhellofresisting—wasgoingtohave

anychanceofworking,he’dneedtoworkonhiscontrol.

"I’ve known you too long and I respect you too much to treat you like some girl I picked up at a

bar."

Whendisappointmentcloudedherbeautifulfeatures,hehatedseeingitsomuchthathedidtheonly

thinghecouldthinkoftomakeitgoaway.Theirsecondkisswasevensweeterthanthefirst,asthistime
herememberedtosavorhermore,toslowhimselfdownandstartlearningthecurvesandcrevassesof
hergorgeousmouth.

Pure pleasure whipped through him as he ran his tongue over her full lower lip, then drew it in

betweenhisteeth.Thelittlesoundsshewasmakingashistongueslidoverhers,thesmalltremorsjust
beneath her skin as she pressed her wet body closer to his, had him struggling to contain the wild
sensationsjoltinghissystem.

Itwasgoingtokillhimnottojusttakehertobedrightnow,buteveniftheywerejustgoingtobe

friendswhohadsex—wildsex,Godhelphim—hewouldn’tbeabletolivewithhimselfifhedidn’tat

leasttreatherwellwhiletheyweresleepingtogether.

"We’rebothgoingtothinkthingsthroughtonight,andthentomorrownight,ifyoustilldecideyou

wantthis—"

"I’mstillgoingtowantyou,Rafe.JustlikeIwantyourightnow."
He didn’t know how the hell he kept from kissing her again, but one more little kiss would be a

directgatewaytotakingherrightthereinthesand.Heneededtomakesurethatshehadthetimetothink
thingsallthewaythrough.

"Twenty-four hours." But even as he insisted on the waiting period, he couldn’t bring himself to

actuallystoptouchingher.Slidinghishanddownherarmtothreadhisfingersthroughhers,hesaid,"And
asathank-youforlettingmestayatyourhouse,helpingtocleanupmine,andforfinallygettingmeback
intothelake,howaboutItakeyouforarideintotownfordinner?"

Allshewouldhaveneededtodorightthentopushhimovertheedgeofreasonwasleanintokiss

himagain.Onemorekiss,andhewouldhavebeendoneforintwenty-foursecondsratherthantwenty-
fourhours.

Hewasmoredisappointedthanhewantedtoadmittohimselfwhenshesimplynodded.
"Okay, I’ll accept your invitation to dinner, but I’ve got to take a shower first." She gave him the

mostbeautifullywickedsmilehe’deverseen."Areallylongshower."

On that shockingly seductive note, she slid her fingers from his and began a slow walk up to her

house.

He knew exactly what she was doing, that she was purposely taunting him with visions of her

touching herself in the shower while he waited to take her to dinner. He had no doubt whatsoever that
sweetlittleBrookeJansenwasgoingtokeeppushinghimclosertotheedgeduringeveryoneofthenext
twenty-fourhours,andthatshe’dcontinuetolaughandsmilethrougheachandeveryoneofthem.

Andhotdamnifitdidn’tmakehimwantherevenmore,knowingthatthegoodgirlnextdoornot

onlyhadsuchawell-hiddennaughtystreak...butalsothatitseemednothingcoulddimthenaturallybright
lightinsideher.

ChapterEight

Brookedriedandbraidedherhairbeforechoosingapairofskinnyjeansandablueandwhitelong-

sleeved striped top to wear for their motorcycle ride and night on the town. After she’d made her
suggestivecommenttoRafeabouttheshower,herlegshadjustaboutgivenoutonthewaybackintothe
house.She’dneverbeensoboldbefore,buttherushthathadmovedthroughherathisreactionwaseasily
worththebutterfliesinherstomach.

He’dlookedstunned...andalsolikehewantedtothrowheroverhisshoulderanddragherbackto

thenearestbedroomtododirtythingstoher.

Shehadhopedafewminutesbyherselfwouldhelpcalmherenoughtomakeitthroughdinnerwith

him.Instead,thewarmwaterrushingoverheroverlysensitizedskinhadonlyheightenedherneed.One
kisswasallithadtakentoarouseherbeyondreason.Shewasnostrangertoself-pleasure,butsomething
toldherthatinsteadoftakingtheedgeoff,touchingherselfwouldonlymakehercravehistouchmore.

Anticipationandheightenedpleasure,shealsosuspected,werequitecloselylinked.Andwhenshe

and Rafe finally came together—if the two kisses they’d shared so far had been anything to go by—it
wouldbeexplosive.

She should have guessed that just kissing Rafe would be better than any other sexual experience

she’dhad.He’dtastedsodelicious—alittlesaltyfromthehardphysicalworkhe’dbeendoingallday,
andfreshandwetfromthelakeatthesametime.

Shewasheadingintothelivingroomwhenherphonerang.ShecouldseeRafewaitingforheron

the front porch—hopefully wallowing in all the things she might have been doing in the shower for the
pastthirtyminutes—andwouldhavejustletitringuntilshesawhernewbusinesspartner’snumberon
thesmallscreen.

"Hi,Cord.I’mjustwalkingoutthedoorfordinner."
She listened with one eye on Rafe as Cord quickly told her that he’d found the perfect Seattle

storefrontandhademailedherseveralpicturesofthespace."That’sgreat.Ipromisetologonandlookat
thephotosbeforeIgotobedtonight.I’llgiveyouacallbackinthemorning."Hetoldherthey’dneedto
makeadepositassoonaspossible,beforeoneofthehalf-dozennewcupcakemakersinSeattledecided
tosnapupthespace."I’lltransferthemoneyintoyouraccounttomorrow.Thatway,we’rereadytojump
whenweneedto."Shefeltbadaboutcuttingthecallshort,butforonenight,chocolatecouldwait.After
disconnecting,sheputacouplesmallboxesofchocolatesintoherbag.

DespitethefactthatRafewasstaringoutatatrulysereneandpeacefullakeview,helookedtense.
"Goodshower?"
Brookedidn’tbothertostifleherdelightedlaughterathisrathergrowlyquestion."Amazing."She

grabbedacoatandwasalreadyheadingdownthestepsandouttowardhisbikewhenshetookadeep
breath,thenboldlyadded,"Butitwouldhavebeenevenbetterwithyou."

Shedidn’tturnbackagaintoseehowhersexycommentaffectedhim,butshewasprettysureshe

heard him stumble on the gravel. If he wanted to mess around with her by forcing a twenty-four-hour
waiting period on them, then she was more than happy to mess with him right back, she thought with a
widegrin.

Especiallywhenthegoodgirlinsideherhadjustlearnedhowtrulysatisfyingitwastobebad.
Backonthebeach,hisdesireforherhadbeenobviousenoughthatshedoubteditwouldhavetaken

muchmorethanstrippingoffherwetclothesforhimtoforgetaboutthestupidwaitingperiodandjusttake

her.Butdespitehowbadlyshe’dwantedthat,shealsounderstoodthatwhileseducingRafewasboundto
beamazing,bothofthemasequalpartnersinseductionwouldbesomuchbetter.

Shewouldn’teverregretbeingwithhimorsecond-guessit.
Shedidn’twanthimtoregretorsecond-guess,either.
His motorcycle was a sleek black Ducati. She barely knew anything about motorcycles, but even

she’dheardofthisbrand.Brookerananappreciativehandoverthesmooth,shinyfinish.

Rafereachedintothesaddlebagandpulledouttwohelmets,onebigandonealittlesmaller.She

hadn’tthoughtaboutwhetherornothe’dhaveasecondhelmetwithhim,buteventhoughshewasgladhe
did—shewantedtobewild,buttherewasabigdifferencebetweenwildandstupid—shecouldn’thelp
butwonderwhy.

"Yougetalittlelinerighthere—"Hereachedouttostrokethetipofonefingerbetweenhereyes.

"—whenyou’vegotaquestionyouwanttoaskme."

That one little touch was all it took for her breath to go. "I’m just surprised you have a second

helmet."Oneclearlysizedforawoman.

"Mia’sgotathingformybike.WhenIrealizedIwasn’tgoingtowinthebattletokeepheroffofit,

Iboughtherthehelmetsoshe’llalwaysbesafewhenItakeherforaride."

Rafewasgreatforsomanyreasons,butrightatthetopofthelistwashowmuchhecaredabouthis

family.Amomentlater,hereachedouttopushalockofhairthathadfallenoutofherbraidbehindher
ear,thenslidthehelmetontoherheadanddidupthechinstrapforher.

Atlast,thegrinshe’dbeendyingtoseecameashelookedather."Damn,you’recute."
Forsomanyyears,she’dhatedthatword.Cute.ButwhenRafesaidit,itdidn’tsoundbadatall.
"WhatdoIneedtoknow?"
"Lean with me into the corners. Follow the line of my body. And promise me that whatever

happens,youwon’tletgoofme."

"Ipromise."
His eyes darkened for a split second before he put on his own helmet and climbed onto the

motorcycle. She swung her right leg over the leather seat and when it turned out to be wider and taller
than it looked, she instinctively reached for Rafe and put her arms tightly around his chest. They fit
togethersothatherlegscradledthefirmmusclesofhishipsandthighsandherbreastspressedtightlyinto
hisback.Shelovedfeelingthehardandsteadybeatofhisheartbeneathherfingertips.

"Ready?"
"Neverbeenreadier,"sheconfirmed,hopingheknewshewasn’tjusttalkingaboutthebikeride.

***

TherideintotownwasmuchtooshortasRafepulledoverinfrontoftheItalianrestaurantlessthan

tenminuteslater.Brookepulledoffherhelmetandshookoutherhair,feelinglikeanewwoman.

"That was amazing! No wonder Mia’s in love with your motorcycle. That was easily better than

sex."

"Ifthat’sthecase,itsoundstomelikeyou’vebeenhavingsexwiththewrongmen."
Sheshiveredattheheat—andtheconfidence—inhistonethattoldherinnouncertaintermsthatsex

withhimwouldbemilesbetterthananyrideonamotorcyclewouldeverbe.

"Maybe," she agreed in a voice made breathless both by the ride and by the way his words had

affectedher,"butIthinkIwantamotorcycleanyway."

She could tell by his expression that he didn’t like the thought one bit. "You can ride with me

wheneveryouwant."

Sheraisedaneyebrow."Youdon’tthinkIcanhandleone?"
"Atthispoint,Idon’tthinkthere’sanythingyoucan’thandle,Brooke...butI’dratheryourodewith

me."

Shewouldgoabsolutelyanywherehewantedtoonhismotorcycle.Anywhere,anytime.
"Ilovedridingwithmyarmswrappedaroundyou,too."Ashiseyesdarkenedevenfurther,shehad

toask,"Doyoustillthinkwaitingtwenty-fourhoursisagoodidea?"

Clearlyrealizinghe’djusttrappedhimself,hesighedandsaid,"You’replanningtotorturemefor

everylastoneofthem,aren’tyou?"

Shelaughed."Ihaveafeelingyou’lldoaperfectlyfinejobofthatyourself.Especially,"hernewly

wickedstreakhadheradding,"whenyoufindoutaboutmypajamas."

"Yourpajamas?"Thetwowordscamestrangledoutofhisbeautifulmouth.
"Mmm,"shesaidwithanodassheheadedforthefrontdooroftherestaurantandtriednottobetray

howamazedshewaswithherselfforthethingsshewasmanagingtosaytohim."Idon’twearany."

***

Brookeandthegray-hairedhostesshuggedhello,andthenafterBrookegaveheracoupleofboxes

ofchocolateasagift,shesaid,"Elise,thisisRafeSullivan.Hisfamilyusedtoownthehousenextdoor,
andhe’sjustboughtitagain.Rafe,youremembertheLombardis?They’veownedthisrestaurantsincewe
werekids."

"Sullivan?"Recognitionregisteredinthewoman’seyesastheynarrowed."Waitaminute,weren’t

youandyourbrotherstheoneswhoeggedourfrontwindowonJulyFourthwaybackwhen?"

Hegrimaced."Guiltyascharged.Iknowmyapologyiscomingyearstoolate,butI’dbemorethan

happytowashdishesforyoutonighttomakeupforit."

Thankfully, she only laughed, although she was looking between him and Brooke with a clear

questioninhereyes.Andawarning,ifhewasn’ttoofaroffthemark,thatheshouldbecarefulnottodo
onedamnthingtohurtthesweetwomanstandingbesidehim.

"Youalreadymadeupforitbyfindingthatlittleboyinthewoods,"Mrs.Lombardisaid,andthen,

"Areyoubackforgood,too?"

"Forasummervacation."
"Well,thiswelcome-backdinner’sonthehouseforbothofyou,"shesaidassheshowedthemtoa

tableinthecorner.Aratherromantictablefortwo,Rafethought.

Then again, sitting close enough to Brooke that their knees touched was nothing compared to the

ride into town with her soft curves wrapped around him. By the time he halfway recovered from that,
they’dbegettingbackonhisbikeandheadinghome.

He’d assumed that, after their super hot kiss on the beach, things would be weird. Awkward.

Strained.Butapartfromthewayshekeptteasinghim,Brookewasherusualcheerful,sweetself.Atno
pointhadshetriedtouseemotionalblackmailonhimtogetherway,likemostoftheotherwomenhe’d
met.

Wasitreallypossiblethatthetwoofthemcouldhaveasexysummerfling?Twofriendswhoknew

thescoreandwantednothingmorethantogiveandreceivepleasurewhenthelightswereout?

That’s what this twenty-four-hour moratorium was supposed to be about: a time-out to let those

initialragingimpulsessettlesothatbothofthemcouldrationallythinkthingsthrough.

Rafefiguredmostofthemistakeshe’dmadewithwomeninthepastmighthavebeenavertedwitha

little cooling-off period. Only, something told him there wasn’t going to be anything cool about his
eveningwithBrooke...andthattherewasadistinctpossibilityhisplancouldbackfire.Insteadoftakinga
clearheaded step back in twenty-four hours, he was afraid he’d be shredding Brooke’s clothes as he
rippedthemoffher.

Hell,he’dalreadybeenabouttodothatonthebeach.Especiallywhenshe’dinformedhimthatshe

wasdeterminedtobe"wild"thissummer,withorwithouthim.Whatifhedidtherightthingbywalking
awayfromherandthensheturnedaroundandpickedupsomecreeptotryouthernewfoundurges?

ShewastootrustinganditmadeRafesicktohisstomachtothinkofallthethingsheknewfora

fact,aftersevenyearsasaP.I.andfiveasacop,couldhappentoher.

Damnit,anhourinandhewasalreadyrationalizinghowsleepingwithherhimselfwastheonly

waytoprotectherandkeephersafe.

Right.Wrong.Afteralltheseyears,Rafethoughtheknewexactlywherethelinesweredrawn.But

Brookehadhimsecond-guessingeverything.Everythingexceptthesureknowledgethatshe’dfreakoutif
heactuallytriedanythingremotelykinkywithher.

Still,vanillasexhadneversoundedsogoodbefore...

ChapterNine

As soon as they’d ordered and Mrs. Lombardi had brought them two glasses of red wine, Rafe

liftedhisglassinatoast."Tooldfriends."

Brookeadded,"Andgreatnext-doorneighbors,"astheyclinkedtheirglassestogether.
Speaking of keeping her safe, as soon as they ordered, he had to ask about the phone call he’d

overheard."SoundslikethingsareprogressingwithyourbusinessinSeattle."

Shenoddedhappily."SorryabouttakingthecallfromCordrightbeforeweleft.He’dactuallybeen

tryingtogetaholdofmealldaytoletmeknowabouttheperfectspacehefoundinthecityforourstore."

"How’dthetwoofyoumeet?"
"Hewasacolleagueofmyfather’satHarvardBusinessSchool,visitingfromSeattleafewyears

back.Butitwasmorecoincidencethananythingthatsomeonegavehimaboxofmytruffles.HesaidI
convertedhimtoappreciatingjusthowgoodchocolatecouldbe.Hecameouttothelakewithabusiness
planalreadywrittenup."

AslightlysurlyteenagegirlwhomEliseintroducedashergranddaughterHollybroughtthemtheir

salads. She kept looking wistfully out at the beach across from the restaurant’s front window, where a
bunch of teenagers were hanging out. Rafe remembered all too well what it had felt like to be sixteen
yearsoldwithhormonestakingholdofhisbraincellsandabodythatwasfarmorematurethantherestof
him.

After the girl had let loose a sigh and headed back to the kitchen, Rafe asked, "What about his

personallife?"

Brookepausedwithherforkhalfwaytohermouthandgavehimalookthatsaidsheknewexactly

whathewasupto."Ithoughtyouwerehereatthelaketotakesometimeofffrominvestigatingpeople."

There was no point in denying that was exactly what he was doing. "I am, but I overheard you

talking about transferring money to him." After what she’d said to him on the beach about everyone
mistakenlythinkingshewastoonaïve,toosofttotakecareofherself,heknewbetterthantoimplythat
now."AnyoneIcaredaboutI’dbeaskingthesamekindsofquestions."

Thankfully,insteadofgettingupsetwithhimthistime,shesmiled."Hasanyoneevertoldyouhow

cuteyouarewhenyou’rebeingoverprotective?"

"I’mprettysurethat’snotthewordMiauses."
Brooke laughed. "I was teasing about this being an investigation. You can ask me anything, Rafe.

Anythingatall."

Thewayshesaidanythinghadhismouthgoingdry,andhehadtoreachforhisglassofwineand

takeabiggulp.

Theproblemwasthathewantedtoknowtoomuchabouther.Herfirstkiss.Herfirstboyfriend.Her

first broken heart, if only so that he could track the guy down and kill him. Same went for her first
lover...andall who hadcome after. He’dnever wanted to bea woman’s firstbefore, had never thought
messing around with virgins sounded particularly fun, but Brooke kept making him think—and feel—
thingsnooneelsehad.

Shewasagoodgirl.Wholesome.Nurturing.Sweet.Sheshouldbepredictableandsafe,butevery

timehewasnearher,hefeltlikehewasteeteringontheedgeofsomethingdangerous.

At the same time that being with Brooke was refreshing because she didn’t play games and said

exactlywhatshemeant,itwasalsoterrifying.He’dneverbeenwithagoodgirl,hadalwaysstuckwith

women who knew the score. But even though Brooke had told him she just wanted a fling, he couldn’t
believeshemeantitathercore.

"Ifwe’regoingtowaitanother—"Sheliftedherwristtolookdownatherwatch."—twenty-three

hours,thendon’tyouthinkweshouldusethemtotalk?"Shelickedherlipsinanunconsciouslyseductive
way before adding, "Because once the twenty-four hours are up, I’m guessing our mouths are probably
going to be busy with other things. Although," she added into his stunned silence, "I suppose we could
alwaysfillthosehourstalkingaboutallthethingswe’regoingtodotoeachother..."

"Brooke."Hernamewasawarningonhislips.Ifshewasn’tcareful,shewasgoingtofindoutjust

howwildhereallywas,righthereinthemiddleofthesmallItalianrestaurantonMainStreet.

Ofcourseshewasn’ttheleastbitafraidofhim.Infact,bythewayhereyesweredancing,heknew

justhowmuchfunshewashavingplayingwithhim.Hell,hecouldonlyimaginewhatshe’dhithimwith
next.Probablyaskhimtodrawheradiagramofthekinkiestpositionhe’deverbeenin.

"Howcanyoulooksodamnedinnocentandthensaythingslikethat?"
"Ineverhavewithanyoneelse,"shesaidwithperfecthonesty,"butwithyouitfeelssonaturalthatI

can’tseemtohelpmyself."

Hecouldbarelystophimselffromdraggingheracrossthetableandfeastingonherinsteadofhis

meal.Fortunately,Hollybroughttheirfoodoverrightthen,nearlydroppingtheirplatesontotheirlapsas
shepaidmoreattentiontowhatwasgoingonoutsideonthebeachthanhercustomers.Brookethankedher
sweetlyanywayandthen,forafewminutes,theyenjoyedsomeofthebestspaghettiwithmeatballshe’d
hadinalongtime.

Mrs.Lombardicameovertotheirtabletocheckonthem."Whatdoyouthinkofmygrandmother’s

famousrecipe?"sheaskedhim."Stillasgoodaswhenyouwerekids?"

Rafenodded."It’sfantastic."
Brookeputahandoverherheartandagreed,"BestI’veeverhad."
Shehadalittletomatosauceonthecornerofhergorgeousmouth,andwithoutthinking,hereached

acrossthetablewithhisnapkintowipeitoff.

Theirhostesstookintheireverymove,ofcourse,alongwiththefactthatbothoftheirringfingers

were bare. Her husband—the chef—came out briefly to say hello to Brooke and to shake Rafe’s hand.
Whenhewentbackintothekitchen,hiswife’seyeswerefullofloveasshewatchedhimgo.

"JimandImetwhenwewerechildrenhereonthelake.Itwillbefiftyyearsthisfall."
"Howromantic,"Brookeexclaimed."Congratulations!"
Thebelloverthedoorrangasanothercouplewalkedin,andastheolderwomanlefttoseatthem,

Brookesighed,hereyessoftandfullofromance."Imaginebeingsoinloveforfiftyyearsthatyoustill
lookateachotherthewaytheyjustdid."

Rafegesturedtothecoupleintheothercorneroftherestaurantwhohadbeeneitherglaringateach

other or arguing the entire time he and Brooke had been seated. "Seems easier to imagine couples like
that.I’mprettysurethey’renotgoingtomakeitanotherfiftyminutes."

Brookefrownedathim."Howcanyoubethatcynicalwhenyourparentsarethedefinitionoftrue

love?"

"AsfarasIcantell,"hetoldher,becausehedidn’twanthertohavethewrongideaaboutwherehe

stoodonromanceandforevers,"myparentsaretheexception,nottherule."

"Iknowyou’veseenalotofbadmarriagesbecauseofyourwork,butfromwhatyoutoldme,Ihave

towonderifmaybetheywerepeoplewhonevershouldhavebeentogetherinthefirstplace."

"Evenifthat’strue,"heargued,"itsuredoesn’tseemtomakeithurtanyless.Myofficemanager

hastobuymoreboxesoftissuesforourclientsthananallergistwould."Heshookhisheadasflashesof

dozensofcryingwomenranthroughhishead."Ifthat’showhardpeoplecrywhenbadmarriagesbreak
up,thenIsureashellneverwanttoseewhattruelovegonewronglookslike."

"Butifit’sreallytruelove,thenhowcanitgowrong?"
He couldn’t believe how optimistic she was, so much so that she actually thought there were

differentkindsoflove...andthatifyouhitonjusttherightone,you’dhavewontheforeverlottery.

"Plentyofways,Brooke.SomanythatIcouldspendthenexttwenty-threehourslistingthemallfor

you."

"I’dmuchratheryoutoldmeyourdefinitionoftruelove."
Ofallthethingshethoughtthey’dtalkabouttonight,truelovewouldhavenevermadethelistina

million years. "I’m a guy," he reminded her. With his thumb, he gestured out the front window at his
Ducati."Irideamotorcycle.I’venevertriedtodefinethat,apartfromknowingitonlyhappensonceina
bluemoon."

"IwonderwhichIcangetyoutosayfirst,"shemused."Kinkyortruelove."
Shesurprisedanotherlaughoutofhim.
"Actually, I’d much rather hear you laugh like that again." And then she caught him off guard one

moretimebyasking,"Trynow.Justforfun.Pretendtrueloveisrealandoutthereforanyofustofind."

Foramomenthewassolostinherbiggreeneyesthathecouldn’trememberwhatshewantedhim

totry.

Oh,right.Definetruelove.
His brain went blank until he thought about his parents. "Holding hands." She was silent as he

thoughtmoreaboutit."Laughingtogether."Whatelse?"Beingaunifiedfront,especiallywhentimesget
tough."Themorehethoughtaboutthewayshisparentshadweatheredtheirstormstogether,theeasierit
becametoaddtothelist."Andcelebratingtogetherwhenthingsgetbetter."

"Areyousureyou’veneverthoughtabouttruelovebefore?"sheaskedinasoftvoice.
Heshrugged."I’veneverhadanyoneaskmetotrybefore."Andiftheyhad,hewouldhavelaughed

in their face. He was the one who asked the difficult questions, never the one who answered them. But
whenhe’dtriedtomakeajokeaboutitwithBrooke,shehadn’tletitgo.Despitehowsweetshelooked,
shewouldmakeonehellofaninvestigator."Yourturnnow,sinceI’mguessingyou’vegivenitquiteabit
ofthoughtovertheyears."

"Whatgirldoesn’tthinkaboutit?"sheasked,clearlyteasinghimaboutthefactthathestillhadn’t

saidthetwowordsaloud,referringtotrueloveasthatanditinstead.Shetoyedwiththestemofherwine
glassforafewmoments."Truelovewouldbepassionthatburnedsohotyouwerealmostafraidofthe
powertheotherpersonhadoveryou,thewaytheycouldturnyouinsideoutwithalook,atouch,akiss.It
wouldbewantingtofallasleepeverynightandwakeupeverymorningfortherestofyourlifeinthatone
person’sarms.Justlikeyousaid,itwouldbeholdinghandsandlaughingandbuildingafamilytogether.
And,mostofall,itwouldmeanbeingabletotalktoeachotheraboutabsolutelyanything,knowingthatno
matterhowharditwastosaythedifficultthings,you’dbothstillloveeachother...andthatyou’dfinda
waytoworkitouttogether.Nomatterwhat."

Mrs. Lombardi’s granddaughter removed their plates and replaced them with a huge piece of

tiramisu,andRafewasgladforthedistraction.Hedidn’tthinkhe’deverseenanythingmorebeautifulin
hislifethanBrooketalkingaboutwhattruelovemeanttoher.Whichwascrazy,consideringhecouldn’t
imaginehavingthisconversationwithanyoneelse—especiallyanyofthewomenhe’dbeenoutwithover
the years. Not when he was certain none of them had believed in the steadfast nature of love any more
thanhedid.

"I’vejustrealizedtrueloveisaboutonemorething,"Brooketoldhim.

"What’sthat?"
Sheslidherforkintothetiramisuandgrinnedathim."Thiscake."
Hedidn’tknowadamnthingaboutlove,butthesinfullypleasuredlookonherfaceasshetooka

biteofthedecadentcakehadhismouthwatering.

Notfordessert.ForBrooke.
A few minutes later they were leaving a huge cash tip on the table and sneaking out before Mrs.

Lombardicouldmakethemtakeitback.BeforeBrookeputonherhelmet,shepointedupatthesky.

"Look."
Therewaswonderinhervoice,anditwaspureinstincttoslidehishandintohersashelookedup.
"Injustafewdays,itwillbeabluemoon."
They both looked at each other then, and in her eyes he saw a sudden, unexpected flash of what

forevermightlooklike.

Lookingasstunnedashefelt,shetookastepbackasherhelmetfellfromherfingerstotheground.

Forcinghimselftodraghisgazefromhers,hepickeditup,andwhenheslidthatlockofhairbackbehind
herearbeforeslippingonthehelmet,shetrembled.

Thistimeshegotonbehindhimlikeapro,andeventhoughitwouldhavebeenahellofalotwiser

to take her straight home and say good night, after the way she’d reacted to their short ride to the
restaurant,hedecidedtogiveheratreatbygoingthelongwayhome.

Thesunhadset,andthewindowsofthestoresalongthetinyMainStreetwerelitup,aswerethe

cottagesallalongthewaterandinthewoods.Itwouldhavebeenagreatridealone,butitwasathousand
timesbettersharingitwithBrooke.

Ridinghismotorcyclehadalwaysbeenarush.Athrill.Arelease.Notforeplay.Anddefinitelynot

romantic.

Butitwasallthosethingstonight.
WhentheyfinallypulledinbehindBrooke’scottageandshetookoffherhelmet,shewasvibrating

withenergy."IthoughtIwasreadythistimeforhowawesomethatridewouldbe.Ifthatgetsbetterand
bettereverytime,Imayexplodefromthesheerthrillofitsoon.Thankyou."Shethrewherarmsaround
him,justasshehadthenightbeforewhenthey’dbeensosurprisedtoseeeachotheragain."Ridingon
yourmotorcycle,dinner,andthecompanywereallspectacular."

"Theywere,"heagreedashelethimselfholdherforafewseconds.Shewaswarmandsoftandhe

couldn’teverrememberenjoyingthefeelofawomanmore.Afterhavingherpressedupsoclosetohim
forthepastthirtyminutes,herlegsandarmsandhandsholdinghimastightlyasshewouldiftheywerein
bed together, all he could think about was sex...and wanting her to explode from the pleasure he could
giveher.

She yawned against his shoulder, and he made himself shift back. "You worked hard all day, not

onlyonyourchocolatesbutalsoonscrubbingdownmyhouse.Ishouldletyougettobednow."

"I’dratherstayupwithyou."
Heshookhishead."Webothknowwhatwillhappenifyoudo."
Thatlittlelinecamebackbetweenhereyebrows,andhehadtopressakisstoit.
Hefeltthewarmpuffofbreathfallfromherlipsathistouchjustbeforesheasked,"Tellmeagain

whyyouthinkit’ssoimportantthatwewait?"

Heknewitwasn’tagoodidea,buthecouldn’tstophimselffrompullinghercloser."BecauseIcare

aboutyou.AndIwanttomakesureyouhavetimetothinkaboutthis.Iwouldneverforgivemyselfifwe
slepttogetherintheheatofthemomentandyouwokeupthenextmorninganddecideditwasamistake."

She looked up at him, her mouth just inches from his. "Are you sure I’m the one you’re worried

about?"

No, he wasn’t sure about a damned thing anymore. Only that he needed to kiss her more than he

neededtotakehisnextbreath.

Hermouthmethishalfway,herlipssoftandcoolfromtheirride.Shetastedlikeredwineandcake

andasweetnessthatwasentirelyherown.Hecouldn’tgetenoughofher,couldn’trememberonesingle
reasonwhytheyweren’talreadyinherbedroom,strippeddownandhavingeachother.

Shekissedwiththesameinnatesensualitywithwhichshedideverythingelse,frommakingtruffles

tosplashingwithhiminthewatertoteasinghimoverdinner.Hethreadedhisfingersintohersofthairand
tiltedherheadbacksothathecouldhavefullaccesstoeverycornerofhermouth.Hewasstarvedfor
her,desperateformoreevenashewastakingeverythinghecould...allthewhilesensingthathe’dnever
beabletogetenoughofher.

Hewantedsobadlytodotherightthing,buthewasquicklycomingtorealizethatwhereBrooke

wasconcerned,hewasn’tevenclosetobeingastrongenoughmantofollowthroughonit.

"Brooke—"
Shepressedherfingertipstohismouth."TheonlyreasonI’mnotinvitingyouintomybedtonightis

becauseIdon’twantyoutothinkbeingwithmeisamistake,either.Goodnight,Rafe."Shewentontoher
tippy-toestopressonemoresoft,sweetkissagainsthislips."Sweetdreams."

As he watched her walk inside her house, the same question kept repeating in his head over and

over: What the hell had he been thinking to insist on making them wait twenty-four hours to have each
other?

Butheknewtheanswertothatalready.Brookehadsaidshecouldbecasualaboutsex,butheknew

better.Itwasn’twhoshewas.

Andyet,didheevenhaveaprayerofresistingher,evenwithallthewarningbellsgoingoff?
Knowinghewouldn’tbegettinganymoresleeptonightinthehousewithherthanhehadthenight

before,hegrabbedacoupleofthickblanketsfromoneofthechairsontheporchandheadeddowntothe
beach.Lyingbackwithonearmunderhisheadandtheblanketsthrownoverhim,hestaredupatthestars
and worked to focus on the beauty of the clear night, the sound of the light breeze rustling through the
leaves, the frogs calling back and forth to each other…but his head was spinning, reeling still with the
tasteofBrookeandhisdesperateneedformoreofher.

Onlytwentyhourstogo...

ChapterTen

Thenextmorning,Brookewasn’tsurprisedtowakeupandfindRafe’sbedroomdooropenandthe

room empty. He wasn’t the kind of man who could ever be idle, especially not when he was trying to
distract himself. Hopefully, she thought with a grin, he wouldn’t be too exhausted at the end of their
twenty-four-hour wait. Because once he was finally in her bed, she wasn’t planning on letting him do
muchsleepingatall...

Shehadn’tthoughtshe’dbeabletosleepawinkwithalltheanticipationshootingthroughherveins,

especiallynotafteragoodnightkissthathadcompletelyrockedherworld,butshe’dendedupgettinga
fantasticnight’ssleep.Probablybecauseshewasn’tatallnervousaboutbeingwithRafe.

Shewaslookingforwardtomakinglovewithhimasthebestdarntreatshe’deverhave,betterthan

therichest,mostdecadenttrufflecouldeverbe.Yes,therewasachancethathecouldchangehismindand
decidenottorisktheirfriendshipbythrowinghotsexintothemix,butgiventhewayhe’dkissedherthe
nightbefore—ashiverfollowedbyaboltofheatwentthroughherjustfromthinkingabouthiskiss—she
figuredtheoddswereprettydarnlowthatthatwouldhappen.

She’d intended to help him with his house again today, but she’d meant what she said about not

wanting to rush him into being with her, either. Something told her that the two of them together in the
samehouse,evenwithbroomsandhammersintheirhands,wouldhavebothofthemquicklyforgettingall
aboutgivingeachothermoretimetothinkthingsthrough.Andthetruthwas,shedidhaveagreatdealof
work to do, especially since Rafe had gotten her insides so spun up last night that she’d completely
forgottentocheckoutthepicturesoftheboutiquespaceinSeattlethatCordhademailedher.

***

Ten hours later, she’d not only approved the Seattle storefront and transferred the funds to her

partner, she had also finally gotten her Summer’s Pleasures recipe exactly right. Rafe might have
distractedherfromherworkthenightbefore,buttodayshe’dfeltsoenergized,soincrediblyalive,that
everythingshetouchedhadbeenright.

Makingchocolatehadalwaysbeensuchawonderfullysensual,all-senses-involvedprocessforher,

but never more than it was now. With every saucepan of heavy cream she heated up, she thought of the
way his body heated hers as he pulled her close. With every stroke of her whisk through the creamy
chocolate ganache, she thought of the way Rafe had stroked across her skin with his big, slightly rough
hands.Andwhensheletanewlymadetrufflemeltonhertongue,shethoughtofhowdelicioushismouth
hadbeenoverhers...andhowshecouldn’twaittotastetherestofhim,too.

Still,evenasshe’dworkedhappilyinherkitchenonhernewbatchoftruffles,alldaylongshe’d

beenlookingatherwatch.

Onlyonehourleft,thankGod.
Rafe hadn’t come back to her house, but she’d seen him out the kitchen window, working even

harderthanhehadthepreviousday,alookofintensefocusonhisface.Hehadn’tlookedherwayonce,
whichleftherfreetostareallshewantedwheneverhecameoutside.

Hermouthwateredevennowjustthinkingabouthowbeautifulhewas,thewayhismusclesrippled

andtensedashemoved.She’dhadacoupleofnicemenasloversovertheyears,butalthoughshehada
perfectly fine time in bed with them, her world had never spun off its axis, either. Some people, she’d

assumed,weremeanttogivetheirpassionstootherthings.Herparentshadthelawandeconomictheory.
Shehadchocolate,andshe’dtriedtobesatisfiedwiththat,eventhoughshe’dalwayshadasenseofitnot
beingenough.

Withnothingmorethanahandfulofkisses,Rafehadstirredupherdeeperpassionsinawayshe

hadn’tbelievedcouldbepossible.AndBrookenowknewshe’dneverbesatisfiedwithanythingless.

Whentheclocktickeddowntothefinalforty-fiveminutes,andshefinallyleftthekitchentogoback

intoherbedroomtostripoffherclothes,BrookeshiveredatthethoughtofRafemeltingonhertonguethe
way one of her chocolates did. It wasn’t hard to guess that she probably wasn’t like the women Rafe
normallysleptwith.Notonlybecausehe’dusedthewordinnocenttodescribeher,butalsobecausetall,
dark,handsomemenlikehimwerealwayswiththesleek,exoticallybeautifulfemaleequivalent.

Shedidn’tneedtostepinfrontofherfull-lengthmirrortoknowthatshewasanythingbutsleekand

exotic. Deliberately reminding herself that Rafe had already seen her in a bikini and had clearly liked
what he saw, she went to take a shower. She’d never been a high-maintenance woman, but tonight she
shavedandsmoothedlotiononnearlyeveryinchofskininheadyanticipationofhistouch.

Wrappingatowelaroundherself,sheblow-driedherhair,thenopenedherclosetdoorandstaredat

herclothes.

What does one wear to be kinky? Especially given that her wardrobe was entirely lacking in

leatherandchains.

Well,shedefinitelydidn’twanttolooklikeshewastryingtoohard.Goodthingthatwouldbehard

to do, with a wardrobe that consisted almost entirely of sundresses, shorts, jeans, and tank tops. In the
end,whileshechoseasimplewhitecottondresswithspaghettistrapsandafittedbodice,itwaswhatshe
chosetowearunderit—ornotwearunderit,tobemorespecific—thathadherfeelingtrulysexy.Maybe
evenborderlinekinky.

She couldn’t wait to see how Rafe reacted when he realized that she’d left both her bra and her

pantiesinherdresserdrawer.

Becausenomatterwhathe’dsaidaboutbeingmorethanshecouldhandle,sheknewshewassafe

withhim.Onlyatruefriendcouldgivehersuchagreatgift:thechancetoplaywithfire,knowingallthe
whilethathe’dneverletheractuallygetburned.

Shewasreachingforhermakeupbagwhenshelookedintoherbathroommirrorandrealizedthat

hercheekswereflushedandhereyeswerealreadybrightenoughwithoutanyblushormascara.Evenher
mouthwaspink,asifjustthinkingaboutRafe’skisseshadbeenenoughtogiveherajust-kissedlook.

Fiveminutesleft.
Herhearthadbeenbeatingalittlebitfasteralldaylong.Now,itpoundedlikecrazy.
Allnight,allday,herbrainhadkeptreplayinghiswords:"Lastnight,youcalledmewild.You’re

right. I am wild." Brooke took one last look at herself, but barely saw her reflection in her rising
excitement.

Howhadshepossiblylastedtwenty-fourhours?
Sheopenedherbedroomdoorandwalkedbarefootintothelivingroom.Thewaythesoftcottonof

herdressslippedandslidoverhernakedcurvesonlyincreasedherbreathlessness,especiallywhenshe
realizedRafewasalreadythere.

He turned from the window, his hair still damp from a recent shower. He smelled clean and

masculineandutterlydeliciousandlookedbeyondgorgeousinhisjeansandT-shirt.Evenhisbarefeet
weretannedandbeautiful.

Foralongmoment,theystoodandstaredateachotheracrosstheroom,justastheyhadtwonights

earlierwhenhe’darrivedonhismotorcycleandshe’djustcomefromswimminginthelake.

Finally, Rafe broke the heady silence. "The way you look tonight. In that dress. Jesus, Brooke,

you’rebeautiful."Heseemedtolosethebreathforanymorewordsatthatpoint,andthentheywereboth
movingtowardeachother.

She didn’t know who reached whom first, just that her hands were suddenly in his and he was

tuggingherclose.Everysinglemovement,everytouch,feltsoright.Soperfect.

Someanttobe.
"It’sbeentwenty-fourhours."Heslidbothhandsupherarmsandshouldersandneckuntilhewas

strokinghercheekswiththepadsofhisthumbs."Howdoyoufeel?"

"Iache."Herconfessionwasbarelymorethanawhisper.
Hisdarkeyesflashedwithsomuchheatthatthebreathshewasbarelyabletotakecaughtinher

throat.

"Youache,"herepeatedinarawvoice."Where?"
"Everywhere."
On a groan, he was lowering his mouth to hers, and she could almost taste him when he stilled

barelyaninchfromherlips."Lastchance,Brooke."

God,shecouldhardlythinkstraightwhenshewantedtokisshimthisbadly,butsheknewitwas

importantthatshemakesenseofwhathe’djustsaid."Forwhat?"

"Tochangeyourmind."Amusclejumpedinhisjaw."Tellmetoletgoofyou,andIwon’ttouch

youagain."

Justthethoughtofhisnottouchinghermadeherguttwistpainfully."Don’tyoudareletmego."
Sheclenchedherhandsinthefabricofhisshirttopullhimcloser,andtheirmouthsmetinahot,

borderlinefrantickiss.Shewasdesperatetomakeupfortheonethousand,fourhundredandfortyminutes
they’dlost,badlyneededtofillinallthekissesthey’dmissedouton.

Asifhecouldsensesheneededsoothing,heslidhishandsintoherhairandliftedhismouthjustfar

enough away from hers so that their lips were barely touching. She could feel his warm breath on her
dampmouth,andsheshiveredevenashekissedheragain,moregentlythistime,justthebarestpressof
hislipsagainsthers.

Hiskisswasatoncesweet...andcommanding.Withoutaword,withjustthebarestoftouches,he

wasslowingthembothdown,lettingthemsavoreachotherratherthansimplydevouringwithoutthought
orappreciation.

And,oh,howhesavored.
No one had ever kissed her like this, taking the time to taste every last inch of her mouth, from

cornertocorner,fromtheupperbowofhertopliptothelushcenterofherbottomlip.Herhandsopened
andclosedonhisshirtaswavesofpleasuremovedthroughher.Andthenhistonguewasmovingback
insidehermouthtofindhers,causinganothersweetshockofblisstoshootallthewaydowntohertoes.
Withoutabraon,herfullbreastswerepeakinghardagainstthebodiceofherdress,andsheinstinctively
movedherhandsfromhischesttowrapthemaroundhisnecksothatshecouldpressherselfintohim.

Thatwaswhenheliftedhisheadtostaredownatherwithsuchheatandmoredesirethanshe’d

everseenonaman’sface."You’reamazing."

"I’veneverfeltlikethisbefore."WithanyonebutRafe,shemighthavebeenshyaboutexpressing

herdesire,mighthavebeenunabletoputwordstohereroticfeelings.Butsheknewshewassafewith
him...evenasthelustthatspikedinsideherwasthemostdangerouslybeautifulthingshe’deverknown.
"I’veneverneededanything,anyone—"Histeethbitintoherlobe,andshegaspedwithpleasure."—as
muchasIneedyou."

Amomentlaterhismouthcaughthersagain.Shelostherselfinhiskiss,inhisdelicioustaste,inthe

shockinglysensuousfeelofhistonguestrokingoverhers.

"Tonight,"hemurmuredheatedlyagainstherlips,"isn’tnearlylongenoughforallthethingsIwant

todotoyou."

"You can have as long as you need," she told him, her arousal ratcheting up even higher at the

thought,thequestion,ofwhatallofthosethingsmightbe.Asheloweredhismouthtothecurveofher
shoulder,shecouldn’twaittofindout.

Histeethnippedintoherskinattheexactmomentheslidoneslimstrapdown.Oh,howsheloved

the slick of his tongue over the small bite, and then the incredible sensation of his full mouth sucking
againstapartofherbodyshewouldhaveswornwasn’ttheleastbitsensitiveorsensual.Amomentlater,
hewasgivingherothershoulderthesametreatment,strippingherevenashetastedherfleshwithasmall
bitefollowedbythewarmlashofhistongueandthenasplitsecondofsuctionagainstherskinthathad
hertremblinginhisarms.

When he lifted his head, his eyes were blazing with the same heat and need she knew must be

reflectedinherown.

"Ineedtoseeyou,"hesaid,hislowvoiceraspingoverherskinasifhe’dtouchedherinstead.
"Yes,"shewhispered."Please."
With the utmost gentleness, he moved his hands to her bodice and slowly slid the material down

overtheupperswellofherbreasts,justtothepointwherehernippleswereabouttoshow.Hestopped
thenandlookedupintoherface.

"You’renotwearingabra."
"Onlythedress,"sheconfirmedforhim.
Hiseyeswidened."Onlythedress?"
Shenoddedandboldlyreachedforhishands,placingthemoverherhipssothathecouldfeelthe

truth of her words for himself. His eyes closed and his nostrils flared as he cupped her bottom, then
slowlyranhishandsoverher.

"Sodamnedbeautiful,Brooke."
She’dneverheardanyonespeaktoher,abouther,withsuchawe.Butbeforeshecouldtellhimshe

thoughthewasbeautiful,too,hewasslidinghisfingersthroughhersandtugginghertowardthebedroom.

"I’ve already waited twenty-four of the longest hours of my life for you. I can’t wait another

second."

Theyhadjustwalkedinsidethebedroomwhenaloudknockcameatherfrontdoor.Bothofthem

stilledandlookedtowardthefrontporch,thenbackateachother.

Hishandtightenedonhers."Wereyouexpectingsomeone?"
"No.Maybeifweignorethemthey’llgoaway."
But,ofcourse,theknockingcamelouderthesecondtime.Raferanhisfreehandthroughhishairin

clearfrustration.Amomentlater,hewaspullingBrooke’sdressallthewaybackupandslidingthestraps
intoplaceonhershoulders.Heloweredhismouthtohersforonelast,hardkissthatwouldhavespiraled
offintomorewereitnotforthecontinuedpoundingoutfront.

"Goansweryourdoorbeforetheybreakitdown."
Rafewentwithherintothelivingroom,andwhenshesawwhowasstandingonherporchthrough

thepicturewindows,uttershockmadehertemporarilymuteassheopenedthefrontdoor.

"Oh my gosh." Mia Sullivan pulled a completely surprised Brooke into a warm hug on the front

porch."Lookatyou!You’reabsolutelygorgeous,Brooke."

Adam Sullivan’s arms came around her next, the second Sullivan brother to hold her in the past

fifteen minutes. When he let her go, his eyes were warm as they moved over her face, and he agreed,

"Absolutelygorgeous."

The next thing she knew, Rafe was standing on the porch with the three of them, glowering at his

siblings.

ChapterEleven

Rafe couldn’t believe his luck. He’d waited twenty-four goddamned hours to have Brooke naked

beneathhim...andthatwaswhenhisbrotherandsistershowedupunannounced?

Ithadtobesomekindofsickjoke,karmacomingbackaroundtokickhimintheassforeverybad

thinghe’deverdone.

Or,hethoughtwithatightclenchingofhisgut,wasitasignthatheshouldkeephishandsoffofher?
Normallyhewouldhavebeenhappytoseehissisterandbrother,buttonightallhewanted,rightor

wrong,wasforthemtoturnaroundandgohometoSeattlesothathecouldhaveBrookealltohimself.

"Whatareyoudoinghere?"
"Surprise!" Mia said as she lifted a bottle of sparkling wine. "We came to toast your new house

withcousinMarcus’sfinestbubblyfromNapaandtoseewhatwecandotohelpyoufixituptomorrow
beforeweheadbacktoSeattle.MomandDadwouldhavecome,butthey’reoffsailingwithDylanfora
coupleofdays.Andforallweknow,IanmayneverreturnfromLondon."

Rafe should have been grateful for his siblings’ help. Instead, all he could say was, "So you’re

stayingthenight?"

"Rafe,it’slate.Ofcoursethey’restaying."Brookegesturedforeveryonetofollowherinsidewitha

widesmileforhisbrotherandsister.Whereshe’dbeensolooseinhisarmsjustmomentsbefore,now
hermovementsseemedalittlestiff."I’msogladyou’rebothhere.It’sbeenwaytoolong."

MiaandAdamweren’tstupid—notevenclose—andtheyhadtoknowsomethingwasup.Itwasn’t

hard to put the signs together: his crankiness at their unexpected arrival combined with her just-kissed
mouth,flushedskin,andthefactthatshewaswearingthesexiestlittlewhitedressontheplanet.

Withnothingunderneathit.
Godhelphim.
Rafe’shandsfistedasherememberedthewayAdamhadhuggedBrooke.Everywherehisbrother

was big and hard, she’d looked small and soft, and all Rafe could think about was ripping his brother
awayfromherandtossinghimheadfirstintothelake.Adamwasagoodguy,buthewasnosaintwhere
women were concerned. And Rafe could tell just how much Adam was appreciating Brooke’s exposed
curvesandcreamyskin.

Whatguywithapulsewouldn’t?
"WedecideditwouldbefuntosurpriseRafe."Mia’seyestwinkledasshelookedbetweenthetwo

ofthem."And,boy,arewegladwedid."

"Areyouhungry?"Brookeasked.
"Weatedinnerontheroad,"Miareplied,"butI’dlovetotakethebubblyoutsideanddrinkitwhile

eatings’moresaroundthecampfire."Sheliftedanotherbagthatheldgrahamcrackers,marshmallows,and
chocolate.

"That’sagreatidea,"Brookesaid,stillnotlookingatRafe.
Wassheembarrassedtohavebeennearlycaughtnakedwithhimbyhissiblings?Orwasitsimply

thatshewasasfrustratedashewasaboutnotbeingabletofinishwhatthey’dwaitedsodamnedlongto
start?

"SinceI’msurebothofyouaredyingtogetalookatyouroldhouse,"Brookesaid,"howaboutI

meetyoualloutthereafterIchangeintosomethingwarmer?"

Yes, that was a good idea. Maybe if he went next door, where he couldn’t see Brooke, couldn’t

smellherfreshlysoapedskinmixedwithahintofarousal,hecouldgethisshittogetherenoughtomakeit
throughthenight.

Lessthansixtysecondslater,thethreeSullivanswereinsidetheiroldhouse,standingundertheone

flickeringlightbulbhangingfromtheceilingthatilluminatedwhatwouldbethelivingroomonceheput
theplacebacktogether.

"I’m glad to see things haven’t changed much," Adam said. "I know there are some cosmetic

problems,butitstillfeelslikehome,doesn’tit?"

ThoughRafewasstillenormouslyirritatedathisplanswithBrookehavingcometoacrashinghalt,

Adam’sclearexcitementwasinfectious."Can’twaittogettoworkonit,canyou?"

"I had plans even when we were kids," his house-rehabbing brother confirmed. "As soon as Mia

toldmeyougottheplace,Ipulledthembackout."Adampattedhispocket."I’llshowthemtoyouonce
we’vesettledinatthebonfire."

ThrowinghimselfintoworkingwithAdamonplanstofixtheplaceupwaslikelytheonlywayRafe

wasgoingtomakeitthroughanothernightapartfromBrookewithoutlosingit.Only,healreadyknewno
amountofgoingoverrenovationplanswasgoingtopushherwhisperedconfessionaboutachingforhim
outofhishead.

Workinghardtopullhisfocusbacktothehouse,Rafesaid,"You’rerightthatthebonesoftheplace

are good, but whoever’s owned it for the past fifteen years obviously wasn’t too concerned about
maintenance.Iwasthinking—"

Miacuthimoffwiththeloudclapofherhandsoverherears."Please,stop.I’vejusthadtospend

thelasttwoandahalfhoursinthecarlisteningtoAdam’splanstorenovatethishouse.Canweplease
talk about something other than support beams and load-bearing walls for a little while? Like, maybe,
howtotallyfreakingbeautifulitishere?"

Athissister’surging,theyturnedtolookoutthefrontpicturewindowatthemoonjustrisingover

thelake."Stilloneofthegreatestplacesintheworld,"Adamagreed,buthewasclearlychompingatthe
bittotakealookoverthehouse.Hegrabbedtheflashlightlyingonthefloorbythedoorandsaid,"I’llbe
backinacoupleofminutes."

Assoonashewalkedaway,MiaturnedhergazefromthelakeandpinnedRafewithit."Areyou

andBrookesleepingtogether?"

No,damnit,butonlybecauseyoushowedupatexactlythewrongtime.
"It’snoneofyourbusinesswhatthetwoofusareoraren’tdoing."
Hergazedidn’twaver."Youneedthishouse,Rafe.Thelake.Sometimetogetawayfromallthe

garbageyoudealwithatwork."Mia’sexpressionwasfarmoreseriousthanusual."IloveBrooke,and
I’mthrilledshe’sbackinourlives,butdoyoureallythinkit’sagoodideatogetinvolvedwithherwhen
shelivesnextdoor?"

Damn it, he hated to hear his sister echo his own concerns...especially when he’d nearly

rationalizedthemawayintheheatofunquenchabledesire."Everything’sgoingtobefine,Mia."

Aflickerofsurprisecrossedhereyes."You’renotgoingtolistentoreason,areyou?Although,"she

addedbeforehecouldrespond,"ifyoudon’tstartdatingher,givenhowbigAdam’seyesgotwhenshe
openedthedoor,I’msurehe’dhappilystepuptotheplate."

"She’snotgoingtodateAdam,"Rafetoldherinahardvoice."Andwe’renotdating,either."
Mia’s eyebrows went up. "Then what are the two of you doing? Because it sure didn’t look like

you’dbeenplayingafriendlygameofcanastawhensheopenedthedoor."

"Ialreadytoldyou,it’snoneofyourbusiness."
"You’remybrother.She’smyfriend,oneIhaven’tseeninfartoolong."Miasigheddramatically.

"Whenyou’redonescrewingaround,I’mgoingtoenduphavingtochoosesides...andofcourseI’mgoing
tohavetochooseyoujustbecausewe’rerelated."

"Therearen’tgoingtobesides."
"Howcanyouknowthatforsure?"
"Brooke’sanadult.SoamI.Evenifwehavesomefuntogetherthissummer,noone’sgoingtoget

hurt."

"Ohcrap,"hissistersaidonagroan."Youhaven’tmadesomekindofcrazyagreementwitheach

othertohaveano-stringssummerfling,haveyou?"

"Mia."Hesaidhernameasawarningtodropit,butofcoursehislittlesisterjustignoredhim.
"LetmeseeifIcanthinkofatimeno-stringshaseverworkedoutforanyone."Sarcasmdripped

fromeverywordasshemadeashowofmullingitover."Nope,can’tcomeupwithasingleone."

"Brooke’saheckofalottougherthanyou’regivinghercreditfor."
"I’msuresheis,"shesaid."Buthasitoccurredtoyouthatmaybeit’snotherI’mworriedabout?"
Nothinghissistercouldhavesaidwouldhavesurprisedhimmore.Heandhissiblingsmighthave

spentmostoftheirlivesribbingeachother,butattheendofthedaytherewasnoonetheycaredabout
morethanfamily.Clearly,Mianeededsomereassurancethathewasn’tattheendofhisrope.

"YouwererightthatIneededabreakfromthejobforawhile,butnowthatI’mbackhereatthe

lake,youcanstopworrying.IwouldneverdoanythingtohurtBrooke.AndyouandIbothknowshe’stoo
sweettoeverhurtme."

Miathrewherarmsaroundhimandhuggedhimtight,afeistylittlecubwho’dgrownintoawoman

wholovedwiththeferocityofalioness.

"IjustkeepthinkingaboutthatpsychowhocameafteryouinSeattle.YouknowhowterrifiedMom

andDadwereaboutit,butyouhavetoknowtheyweren’ttheonlyones.Weallwere."

"Iloveyou,too,sis."Hehuggedherbackhardenoughtolifthersmallframeoffthefloorbefore

settingherbackonherowntwofeet."Comeon,let’sgofindAdamandgetthatbonfireandthes’mores
started."

***

AsRafeandMiagotabonfiregoinginthefirepitonthebeach,Adamfinallyemergedfrombeneath

thehouse,brushingcobwebsfromhisshouldersandhair.WhenBrookewalkeddowntothebeachtojoin
themwithfourchampagneglassesinherhands,Rafenoticedthatshehadchangedintojeansandalong-
sleevedT-shirt.Still,evenwithdenimoninsteadofthesexy-as-hellwhitedress,shecouldn’tmaskher
naturalsensuality.Instead,thehintsofbareskinandlushcurveshidingbehindthefabricalmostmadeher
alluremorepotent.

HerewasyetanotherreasonitwascrazytothinkaboutbeingwithBrookebeyondasummerfling.

Howcouldhelivehislifewantingtokillanyguywholookedather—evenhisownbrother?Especially
whenaguycouldn’thelpbutlook,despitethefactthatshewasn’tpurposelyflauntinganything.

Withaflourish,MiapoppedthecorkontheSullivanWinerybottle,fizzyliquidbubblingoverthe

lipontothesand.Eachofthemgrabbedanemptyglass,andafterMiafilledthem,theyraisedthemina
toast.

"ToRafe’snewlakehouse."
"ToMiaforfindingthelistingbeforeanyoneelsecould,"Brookeadded.
"And to Brooke’s amazing chocolate truffles," Rafe said, barely able to take his eyes off her

incrediblebeautyinthefirelightlongenoughtoturntohissisterandtouchglasses.

Theyalltoastedanddrank,thenfoundspotsinthesandtostretchout.
"Ilovethat you make chocolate truffles for a living," Mia told her old friend. "Your grandmother

andgrandfatherwouldbesoproud."

Brooke’seyesimmediatelydampenedasshegavehissisteraslightlywobblysmile."Thankyoufor

sayingthat."

"We’reallsosorrythatthey’renotherewithustonight."
MiasqueezedBrooke’shand,andafteramomentofsilenceinwhichtheyallrememberedMr.and

Mrs.Jansen,RafebadlywantedtopullBrookeontohislapandholdheruntilhergriefwascompletely
gone.

"Rafe told me all about how brilliantly both of you are doing," Brooke said to his siblings.

"Monopolyalwayswasyourfavoritegame,wasn’tit,Mia?"

Yetagain,RafewasamazedbyeverythingBrookehadnoticedwhentheywerekids.Clearly,Mia

was,too.

"Yes,itwas."MiagrinnedatBrooke."Andmakingchocolateswithyourgrandmotherwasyours."
"RememberwhenDylanconvincedmetomakeabatchoutofmudandyouateoneonadare?"
Miaputherhandoverherstomach."Don’tremindme."
"Younevercouldresistadare,"Adamsaidwithagrinofhisown.
Justasshealwayshad,Brookefitperfectlyintohisfamily.Shewasfuntobewith.Thesexwas

clearly going to be mind-blowing...that is, if his siblings ever left and let them get on with it. She was
practicallyalreadyaSullivan.Lordknewhisparentswouldbebesidethemselveswithgleeifhedecided
tohavemorethanasummerflingandbroughtherhomeashisgirlfriend.

Itwasperfect.Soperfectthatheknewbetterthantolethimselftrustit.
Notwhenhe’dseen"perfect"blowntosmithereensatleastathousandtimes.
Andyet,evenknowingthat—andwithMia’svoiceinhisheadtellinghimhowsummerflingsnever

workedout—Rafestillcouldn’tfindtheself-controltogiveBrookeup.

BrooketurnedherfocustoAdamnext."Doyouworkonspecifickindsofhouses?"
"Any house that catches my eye. The era or architect is less important to me than the feel of the

place.Takeyourgrandparents’house,forinstance.Itdoesn’tadheretoanyoneparticularsensibility,but
your grandfather not only had a great eye, he knew what he liked and didn’t give a damn if it wasn’t
strictlyCraftsman."

Though Brooke’s expression softened, Rafe still thought she seemed a little on edge. "I always

lovedthishouse.NomatterwhereelseIwasliving,itwasmytruehome.I’vekeptupwithitasbestI
couldoverthepastthreeyears,butI’msureI’mforgettinglotsofthingsmygrandfatheralwaysdid."

"Tomorrowmorning,howaboutItakealooktoseehowthingsareholdingup?Yourgrandfather

wasalwayssogoodaboutlettingmetagalongandhelphimwhenhecouldhavedonethejobtwiceas
fastwithoutmethere.It’stheleastIcando."

"Wow,that’dbegreat,Adam.Thankyou."
ItwasirrationaltobeirritatedwithhisbrotherforofferingtohelpoutwithBrooke’splace.Hell,

Rafeshouldalreadyhaveofferedthathimself.Buthewasahellofalongwayfromrationaltonight.

"Honestly,"Miasaid,"Istillcan’tbelieveyoumaketrufflesforaliving!"
Rafeletherknow,"You’llbeevenmoreimpressedonceyoutasteone."
"HowaboutIbringoutafewtogowiththes’mores?"Brookeoffered,alreadystandingup.
"Yes,please,"MiasaidwithawidegrinasAdamnoddedhisapprovalofthatideaaswell.
Miawasabouttogetuptojoinherfriendinside,whenBrookewavedherbackdownontothesand.

"You’veonlygotonenighthere.Youshouldspendasmuchofitoutsidebythelakeasyoucan.I’llmake

surethebedroomsandbathroomhaveeverythingreadyforyouwhileI’minthere,sodon’tworryifI’ma
fewminutes."

Rafe watched Brooke practically bolt away from the three of them and frowned. She’d been her

usualfriendlyselfwithhissiblings,butatthesametime,hecouldn’thelpbutfeelthatsomethingwasn’t
quiteright.

Standingup,hetoldthem,"I’lltakethecouchsothatyoucanhavetheroomI’vebeenbunkingin,

Adam.YouguyshangbythefirewhileIgograbmystuffandremakethebedforyousoBrookedoesn’t
havetodothat,too."

HeneededtofindBrookeandmakesureeverythingwasstillokay.

ChapterTwelve

BrooketrulywasthrilledtoseeMiaandAdamagain.Still,alittlevoiceinherheadthatshewasn’t

proudofkeptasking,Didtheirreunionhavetobetonight?

Normallyshewouldhavelovednothingbetterthantositoutbyalakesidebonfirecatchingupwith

old friends while making s’mores with a glass of bubbly in hand. But she could still feel Rafe’s kisses
tingling on her lips, the heat of his hard muscles searing her skin through her clothes...and the heated
promiseinhiseyesofmorepleasurethanshe’deverknownbefore.

Keepingbusywastheonlywayshewasgoingtomakeitthroughtheeveningandthefollowingday.

Shesteppedintothewalk-inclosetthatheldtheextrasheets.Shehadjustpulledafoldedstackoffthe
shelfwhensheheardfootsteps,andwasjustabouttopokeherheadoutoftheclosettoseeifsomeone
neededsomething,whenRafewalkedinandclosedthedoorbehindhim.

Her heart immediately started pounding like crazy, so loudly that it took her a few seconds to

registertheclickofthelockonthedoor.

"Rafe?Iseverythingokay?"
"That’swhatIcameinsidetoaskyou."Hetookthesheetsoutofherarmsandputthembackonthe

shelf."Ikeepthinkingaboutwhatyousaidtomebeforemybrotherandsistershowedup."

Herbreathcaughtinherthroatasshelookedupathim.Somehowshemanagedtogetoutthewords,

"Whichpart?"

Hetookherhandsanddrewheragainsthim."Youtoldmeyouached."Heburiedhisfaceinher

hair,andsheletherselfslideherarmsaroundhimagain,exactlywhereshewishedshe’dbeenforthepast
hour."Ican’tstandthethoughtofyoufeelingthatwayallnightlong."

His mouth came down over hers before she could think a straight thought, and then all she could

thinkofwashistaste,thefeelofhismusclesbeneathherfingertips,thewayhiskissmeltedherinsides
untilshewasclingingtohimjusttostayupright.

"Letmetaketheacheaway,Brooke."
Everythinginsideofherwasspinningsofastthatshecouldn’tthinkcoherently.Shewantedwhathe

wasofferinghersobadlythatshecouldbarelyforceherselftoremindhim,"Butyourbrotherandsister
areoutside."

Hebrushedalockofhairawayfromherface,hisfingertipsburningatrailoffireacrosshercheek.

"IknowIcan’tmakelovetoyouwhilethey’rehere,butthereareotherthingsIcando,thingsthatwill
makeyoufeelahellofalotbetter.Theyknowwe’regettingtheguestroomssetupforthem.Wehavea
littletimebeforetheyexpectustocomebackoutside."

"Iwantto, sobadly,but Idon’tknow ifIcan—" Therest ofherwords fellawayas shefelther

cheeksflushevenmorethantheyalreadyhad.

"Tellme,sweetheart,"Rafeurged.
Sheswallowedhardasshewhispered,"Idon’tknowifIcanbequietenoughforthemnottohear."
Rafe’seyesdilatedevenfurtherasheslidthepadofhisthumboverherlowerlip."I’llmakesure

noonehears."

Her body flooded with a rush of liquid heat at his promise, one she didn’t know how he could

possiblykeep.Ofcourse,whenhecuppedherfaceinhishandsandlookedatherwithaquestioninhis
eyes,shecouldn’tdoanythingbutnod.

He reached for the hem of her long-sleeved T-shirt, and as he quickly pulled it up and over her

head,hetoldher,"Thenexttimewedothis,IpromiseI’llgososlowthatyou’llbebeggingme."

Didn’theknowshewasalreadyabouttostartbegging,justfromthewayhe’dstoppedtogazeat

herinherbra?

"EverytimeIseeyou,IthinkI’mgoingtobepreparedforhowbeautifulyouare."Heslippedher

brastrapsoffhershoulders."ButIneveram.Notevenclose."

Herbreathwasalreadycominginsharppantsofneedwhenhereachedaroundtoundotheclaspat

her spine. Just like that, her breasts were bare before him, her nipples peaking beneath the heat of his
hungrygaze.

"Brooke."
Hernamehadbarelylefthislipsbeforehewascuppingherbreastsinhislargehandsandbending

downtotakeonesensitivepeakintohismouth.Sheclutchedathishead,herhandsthreadingintohisdark
hairashelickedhernipple,thenclosedhisteethlightlyoverit.Hisrighthandplayedwithherleftbreast,
stroking,caressing,teasing.Andthenhishandwastakingoverwherehismouthhadbeen,andhismouth
wasmovingtocoverherotherbreast.

"God,you’resweet,"hemurmuredasheliftedhishead."Ineedtotastemoreofyou.Now.Ineed

younow."

Justhismouthandhandsonherbreastshadbeenthemostsensualexperienceofherlife.Butwith

Rafe’shandsmovingtothesnapandzipperofherjeansbeforehedroppedtohiskneesinfrontofher,as
hehadherstepoutofthem,shethoughtshejustmightcombustfromnothingmorethantheheatofhisdark
gazeonher.

His thumbs slipped into the sides of her panties, and even though he’d apologized for needing to

movefasttonight,theslowdragoflaceagainstherskinnearlydrovehermad.Shedidn’trealizeshewas
holdingherbreathuntilthetinypatchoffabrichitthefloor.Onawhooshofairfromherlungs,shestarted
breathing again, but when Rafe leaned forward and she felt his warm breath between her thighs, she
couldn’tgetinenoughoxygen.

Herlegsweretremblinglikecrazy,buthewasholdingherperfectlysteadywithonehandaround

herwaist,theothercaressingthesideofherhip.

Hisdarkeyesflickeduptoherface."Brooke?"
She’dneverdonethiswithanyotherman—stoodnakedbeforehimwhilehekneltatherfeetand

askedifhecouldputhismouthonher.ButwithRafe,therewasnofear,noembarrassment,noworries.
Onlyneed...andawhispered,"Please."

But when Rafe leaned forward and slicked his tongue over her, she realized the ache she’d had

earlierwasnothingcomparedtothewayhewasmakingherfeelnowwiththeslowlashofhistongue,the
sweetpressofhisfingersinsideher.Itwasasifheknewherbodybetterthanshedidherself—exactly
wheretostroke,preciselyhowtocaress.Nothingexistedbutthetwooftheminthismomentofperfect
pleasure,andoh,howshewishedshecouldstayinthismomentjustalittlewhilelongertotrulysavor
every delicious burst of sensation. But the way he was touching her—kissing her—felt too good...and
she’dbeenwaitingtoolongforhimtohavethatkindofcontrol.

Justasherinnermusclesstartedtoclencharoundhim,shewhispered"Rafe,"in an urgent voice.

Continuingthehardthrustofhisfingersinsideofherwhilehisthumbstrokedoverherclitoris,hequickly
stoodupsothathecouldcoverhermouthwithhisandswallowhercriesofpleasure.

Brookebuckedagainsthishandasherclimaxtookovereverylastcell.Andthoughherbodyfinally

settled against his after the incredible orgasm, he kept kissing her as if he couldn’t get enough. He
continuedtostrokegentlyoverhersensitivefleshwhenhefinallyliftedhismouthfromhers.

"Better?"

Shecouldn’tyetfindhervoicetotellhimhowgoodhe’dmadeherfeel,butshecouldreachforhim

tocurveherfingersoverthethickerectionthrobbingbehindhisjeans.

"A little better," she whispered as he pushed his hips hard into her hand, and she reached for his

zipper.Thelastthingsheexpectedhimtodonextwasslidehishandfrombetweenherlegsandtakea
stepawayfromher.

"Youdon’tknowhowbadlyIwantyoutokeepdoingthat,butthere’snowayyou’llbeabletokeep

mequiet."

Brookedidn’tcareanymoreaboutkeepingquiet.Allshewantedtodowastouchhimthewayhe’d

touchedher,tastehimthewayhe’dtastedher.Shewashalfwaytoherkneeswhentheyheardthefront
doorcreakopen.

"It’snotfair,"sheprotestedwhenhepulledhertoherfeet.
"Sinceitwasmystupidideatowaittwenty-fourhours,Ideservethepunishmentofwaitingforyou

totouchme,too."

Beforeshecouldtellhimthatwasutternonsense—andthatsheneededhispleasurejustasmuchas

hedid—hewashandingherherclothes.Hegaveheronelast,hardkissbeforehegrabbedthestackof
cleansheets.

Andleftherachingforhimmorethanever.

ChapterThirteen

Raferippedoutanotherstripofthenastyoldlinoleumwithbothhands.Upsincefivethatmorning,

he’dalreadyclearedtheoldflooringoutofmostofthehouse.Heshouldhavefeltsatisfactionatfinally
makingsomeseriousheadway,buthisgutchurnedwheneverhethoughtaboutwhathe’ddonetoBrooke
thenightbefore.

He’dlockedherinacloset,strippedoffherclothesinrecordtime,andhadfeastedonher...allwith

hissiblingsbarelyahundredfeetaway.NotonlyhadheknownshewasnervousabouthavingMiaand
Adamsocloseby,buttheirfirsttimetogethershouldhavebeenspecial.Shewasthekindofwomanwho
deservedrosesandcandlelight,wooingandsoftwords.He’dvowedtokeepcontrolofhisbaserurges
withher,buthehadn’tbeenabletoholdtothatforevenfivefreakingseconds.

One taste of her mouth, one stroke of his hands over her naked skin, and he’d lost any hope of

control.

Andyet,RafehadfeltaconnectionwithBrookethathe’dneverfeltwithanyoneelse.Eveninthe

crampedroom,knowingtheyhadtostayquietandwithnomorethanahandfulofminutestogether,every
kissshe’dgivenhimhadrockedmorethanjusthisbody.Everytasteofherhadonlymadehimhungrier
formore,forthechancetolayherdownonabedandtakeallthetimeintheworldtolearnherbeauty,
herscent,hersweetness,fromheadtotoe.

AdamwalkedinsidejustasRafefinishedpullingoutthelastoftheoldflooring."Boy,amIgladI

wentforaswimthismorning.Neverdidlikepullinguplinoleum.Youshouldhavecomeoutswimming
withtherestofus.Itfeltreallygoodtojumpintothelake."

Rafehadn’ttrustedhimselfaroundBrookeinherbikini,sohe’dlockedhimselfinthehousewith

dirtylinoleuminstead.Nowhetookthecupofcoffeehisbrotherhandedhimanddrankitdowninone
big,hotgulp.

"CanIuseyourtrucktogopickupsomenewflooringandkitchencabinets?"
"Sure.I’llgowithyou."
ThebrotherswerehalfwaytothehardwarestorewhenAdamfinallyaddressedthewhiteelephant

inthetruck."Youwereinside‘helping’Brookeforquiteawhilelastnight."

Rafehadn’tbeensurprisedwhenhissisterhadcalledhimonthesituationlastnight.Buthisbrother

wasn’t exactly big on talking about feelings. Of course, Rafe knew Adam wasn’t talking about feelings
now,either.Sexwasallhisbrothercaredabout.Normally,Rafewouldhaveagreedwholeheartedly.

ButBrookewasdifferent.
"Whateveryou’regoingtosaynext,"RafetoldAdaminawarningtone,"I’dbecarefulaboutit."
His brother’s eyebrows went up. "In that case, I guess getting the details on just how hot she is

withouther—"

Rafedidn’tcarethatAdamwasbehindthewheelorthathe’ddriveninfromSeattletohelpwith

fixingupthehouse.HewasnevergoingtoletanyonegetawaywithtalkingaboutBrookelikeshewas
justsometramphewasscrewingaroundwithforalittlewhile.

RafeclampedhishandaroundAdam’sthroat."Isaidtobecareful."
Hisbrotherliftedonehandfromthewheelasifitwereawhiteflag,andRafeslowlyslidhisown

awayfromhisbrother’swindpipe.

"Jesus,youknowIlikeher."Adamrubbedhisthroatandcoughed,wincingasheswallowed."She

wasacutekidandnowshe’s—"HecuthimselfoffbeforeRafecouldcomeathimagainforsayingthe

wrongthing."Definitelynotakidanymore."Adampausedbeforeasking,"Yousuremessingaroundwith
thegirlnextdoorisagoodidea?"

Rafewasanythingbutsure.Whichwaswhyheansweredhisbrother’squestionwithaquestionof

hisown:"Ifyouwereinmyposition,couldyouwalkawayfromher?"

Adam pulled into the parking lot of the local hardware store. "There’s no point in bothering to

answerthat.She’sonlyeverwantedyou."Withthat,heheadedintocheckthroughthestore’sselectionof
flooringasifhisbrotherhadn’tjustbeenstranglinghimoveraprettygirlfiveminutesearlier.

***

BrookeandMiawerebothbentoverpaintcansinthelivingroom,openinguptheperfectshadeof

bluethatMiahadbroughtwithher.RafeandAdamwereatthehardwarestore,anditwasthefirsttime
they’dbeenalone,justthegirls,sinceMiahadarrivedthenightbefore.

"Remember that time we got into the paint in my parents’ basement and drew pictures on the

walls?"

Brookelaughedassheshookherheadatthememoryofwhatnaughtylittlegirlsthey’doncebeen."I

stillcan’tbelieveClaudiaandMaxweresoniceaboutit.Insteadofyellingatusandmakinguscleanit
all up, your parents even added to our drawing and then asked my grandparents if they wanted to paint
withus,too."

Brookestirredthepaintwithalongwoodenstick,thencarefullypoureditintoacleanplastictray.

The two of them had been good enough friends that Brooke was more than a little surprised that Mia
hadn’tbroughtupRafeyet.Miahadneverbeenthekindofpersontoholdthingsin,somethingBrookehad
alwaysenviedabouther.Envied,andwastryingtoemulatemoreandmore.

Whichwaswhyshedecidedtobreaktheicebysaying,"Whenwewerefriendsaskids,wewere

neverquiteoldenoughtotalkmuchaboutboys."

OutofthecornerofhereyeshecouldseeMia’sbrushstillwhereshewaspaintingthetrimalong

theceiling."Wedidn’tneedtotalkaboutitformetoknowthatyouhadacrushonRafe."

Brookefeltaflushcreepintohercheeks.Butshehadtodomorethanbebraveenoughtobringup

RafewithMia,shehadtofollowthroughwiththerestofthediscussion...whereveritled.

Sheputdownherrollerandadmitted,"Mycrushneverwentaway."
Mialaidherbrushdown,too,andclimbedhalfwaydowntheladder."Heobviouslyseemstofeel

thesameway."

Fromthelookonherfriend’sface,Brookeprompted,"But?"
Mia sighed. "I love my brother, even though I want to punch him sometimes. You’ve probably

noticedhe’schangedsincewewerekids."

Brookenodded."Hetoldmealittleabouttheworkhedoesasaninvestigator.Ican’timaginehow

awfulitmustbetocatchthatmanypeoplecheatingontheirmarriages."

"Wow,"Miasaid,"Ican’tbelieveheeventoldyouthat.Henevertalksaboutwork.Notevenwith

us."Herworriedexpressionfellaway,tobereplacedbyawidesmile."Thenagain,you’renotlikeany
oftheotherwomenhe’sbeenwith."

"Wehaven’texactly—"Brookecutherselfoffassherealizedtheyactuallyhad,atleastonherend,

lastnightinthelinencloset.Sheletoutastrangledlaugh."Isthisconversationasawkwardforyouasitis
forme?"

Mia laughed and said, "The really awkward thing would be if you started giving me the dirty

details."

"No,"Brookepromised,"IswearI’mnotgoingtodothat.Ever."
"Not that you’ve asked for my blessing," Mia said, "but I want you to know that you have it.

Althoughthereisonecondition.Well,two,actually."

Knowing how close Rafe and his sister were, Brooke felt her heart thudding in her chest as she

asked,"Whatarethey?"

"One,"Miasaidassheheldupherindexfinger,"don’teverlietoRafeorcheatonhim.Ican’tthink

ofanythingthatwouldbreakmybrotherasfastasthatwould."

"Iwouldneverdothosethings,"Brookeimmediatelyprotested.
"I know that, but I wouldn’t be doing my sisterly duty if I didn’t say it. So don’t be mad at me,

okay?"

"OfcourseI’mnotmadatyou,"Brookereassuredheroldfriend.
"Good,becausethesecondconditionhastodowithyourforgivingnature."
Brookeraisedaneyebrow."Howso?"
"Youknowhowguysarekindofcluelessandtheysometimesscrewstuffupwithoutmeaningto?

Especiallywhentheygetscaredaboutthingsmovingtoofastorbeingtoogood?"

"You’retheonewithfourolderbrothers,soI’mnotgoingtodoubtthatyou’reright."
"Ifhescrewsup—"
BrookecutMiaoff."Honestly,there’shardlyanythingtoscrewupyet."
Mia waved that off. "There will be. And if I know my brother at all, he’s not going to just let

himselffallmerrilyintohappilyeverafter."

"Happilyeverafter?"
Brookecouldn’tbreathequiterightanymore.SheandRafeweregoingtohaveasummerfling.They

weregoingtogetalittlewildtogether.Noonewasaimingforaproposalandaring.

Orwasshe?
IfMiacouldseethatshewasfreakingout,herfrienddidn’tshowitasshesaid,"He’smybrother

soIhavetolovehim,nomatterwhathedoes.Butyougettomakeachoiceaboutlovinghim."

Lovinghim?Ofallthewaysshe’dthoughtthisconversationwithRafe’ssistermightgo,shehadn’t

takenitanywherenearthisfar.

"Mia,seriously,we’rejust—"
"Iknow,it’sjustasummerfling.Butifiteverbecomesmore,andRafestartstoscrewthingsup,all

I’maskingisthatyoutrytorememberthatmenareidiots...andthatI’veneverseenhimlookatanyonethe
wayhelooksatyou."

"He—"Brookeswallowedhard."Helooksatmeacertainway?"
Miasmiledandleanedinasifshehadasecrettoshare."Helooksatyoulikeyou’regoingtobea

heckofalotmorethanjustasummerfling."

BrookewasgladthatsheandMiaweretalking,butshesimplywasn’tsurewhattosaytohappily-

ever-aftersandmore-than-summer-flings.Tellingherselfitwasn’tfairiftheyonlytalkedabouther,she
asked,"Whataboutyou?Anythingoranyoneonthehorizon?"

Miashrugged."They’realljustsummerflingsforme."
Brookecockedherhead."There’sneverbeenanyonespecial?"
"Ithoughtsoonce,butIwaswrong."
Thepaininherfriend’svoicestunnedBrooke.Butbeforeshecouldoffercomfort,RafeandAdam

pulled into the driveway behind the house. As if she’d gotten a lucky reprieve, Mia went to see the
flooringthey’dpickedoutatthehardwarestore.Clearly,Miawasmorecomfortabletalkingaboutother
people’slovelivesthanshewasaboutherown.

"Everythinggoingokay?"Rafeaskedashemovedbesideherafewminuteslater.
She’d just picked up her paint roller again and was having a heck of a time trying to act like

everythingwasnormal.Especiallywhenshewasstillreelingfromtheconversationshe’djusthadwith
hissister.

"Idon’twantyoutowearyourselfoutonmybehalf."
He was standing close enough to her that she could feel his heat radiating through to her skin.

"Everything’sgreat."

Hervoicecameoutalittleonthesqueakyside,butthankfully,hedidn’tseemtonoticethehigher

pitch.

"I’mgladtohearit,althoughyoudohavealittlepaintrighthere."
Hereyesflutteredclosedashisfingertiplightlybrushedhercheek.Shecouldn’tfindherbreathfor

alongmoment,notwheneveryword,everykiss,everycaressfromthenightbeforecamebacktoherina
sweetrush.

Whenshefinallyfeltrecoveredenoughtolookathim,shenearlydroppedtherolleratthedarkheat

inhiseyes.

I’veneverseenhimlookatanyonethewayhelooksatyou.
Shesawwilddesireanddangerouslustinhisface...butwastherereallysomethingelsethere,too?

Somethingthathadmoretodowithemotionthanheat?

ItwasonethingtosleepwithRafe,tobewild.Buttoactuallyhaveamanlikehimtocallhers,not

justforonesummer,butforever?

Brookeknewthetruthinherheartinaninstant:She’dneverwantedanythingsomuch.
Despiteherparentstryingsohardtoprotectherforherentirelife,she’dtakenafewrisks.Moving

out to the lake full time, for one. Starting her chocolate business. Forming a partnership with Cord to
expand.Nowsherealizedallofthoserisksweresimplytrialsfortherealthing.

Forriskingherheart.
SheknewsheshouldberememberingwhatRafehadsaidtoheronthebeach:"Icouldn’tlivewith

myselfifIhurtyouinanyway."He’dsaiditasifhewerecertainthathewouldenduphurtingherifthey
crossedthelineoffriendshiptosomethingmore.

Andyet,whenhedidn’tmovehisfingerfromherfaceafterhe’dremovedthepaint,butcradledher

jawinhishandandbegantotiltherheadintothepositionshenowknewhelikedbestfordeepkisses,all
thoughtsfledbutone.

Iwantthisman.
ForaslongasIcanhavehim.
Chocolatetrufflesdidn’tlastforever,either,butoh,howshesavoredthatoneperfecttaste.She’d

dothesamewithRafe,wouldappreciateeverypreciousmomentwithhim,bothinandoutofhisarms.

His mouth was almost on hers when Adam’s voice carried to them from the back door. "Hey,

Brooke,youinhere?"

AmusclewasjumpinginRafe’sjawwhenhedroppedhishandsandtookastepawayfromher.By

the time Adam got to the living room, Rafe was already heading out to the truck to start carrying
everythinginside.

"Ididn’twanttoforgettoask—isthereawaytoorderyourchocolatesonline?"
"Notyet,butmypartnersaysthenewwebsitewillbeupsoon.Fornow,youcanjusttellmewhat

you’dlikenoworcallmefromSeattleanytime.But,hopefully,you’llbecomingforvisitsoftenenoughto
pickthemupfrommepersonally.Rafeobviouslyloveshavingyouhere."

Shelovedthewaythethreeofthemtookcareofeachother.Onedaysheprayedshe’dhaveafamily

ofherownlikethis,onewherethekidsfoughtandscrappedandteased,butlovedevenmore.Shesmiled
up at Adam. He was gorgeous, just like his brother, but he’d never made her heart race the way Rafe
alwayshad.

"IabsolutelylovehavingtheWildSullivansbacknextdoor,too."
Insteadofgrinningather,Adamsimplystaredatherforamoment,longenoughthatsheasked,"Do

Istillhavepaintonmycheek?"

"No, you’re perfect just the way you are." She felt her eyes widen at his words, but they were

nothingcomparedtohissaying,"Mybrother’sonehellofaluckyguy."

Beforeshecouldevenbegintofigureouthowtoreact,Adamwasheadingoutoftheroomtohelp

carryinthenewflooring.

***

Thesunhadbeguntofallintheskybythetimethey’dputdownthenewwoodflooringinmorethan

half of the small lake house. On top of that, Brooke and Mia had finished painting the living room and
kitchen.Rafewasamazedbyhowmuchgroundhadbeencoveredinthepastthreedays,especiallywith
thehelpofhissiblings.He’dbeoutofBrooke’shouseaheckofalotsoonerthanhe’dthought.

Women had always complained that he liked his own space too much, but he hadn’t even come

closetogettinghisfillofBrooke.Maybeafterthey’dhadsexafewtimes...

No,therewasnopointinlyingtohimselfwhenheknewsleepingwithherwasonlygoingtomake

himwantmoreofher,notless.

Brookewasbackatherhouseworkingtofinishupacoupleoflast-minuteorderswhenAdamtold

Mia,"We’dbetterhittheroad."Rafe’sbrotherlookedaroundthelakehousewithclearsatisfaction."The
placeisstartingtocometogether."

"Oncethefurnitureisin,”Miasaid,"itwilllookevenbetter."WhenRafegroanedatthethoughtof

havingtofurnishanentirehousefromthegroundup,hissistergrinnedathim."Ialreadyorderedmostof
thefurnitureyou’llneed.Theysaidthey’lldeliverbytheendoftheweek,soyoushouldprobablymake
suretherestoftheflooringisinbythen.Itoldthemmybigbrotherdeservedtheverybest."

Itwasoneheckofasurprise.Areallygoodone,giventhatshehadsavedhimthepainoffurniture

shopping.Thenagain,hehadafeelinghewasgoingtobeawholeheckofalotlessgladwhenhesaw
howmuchofhismoneyshe’dspent.

Ontopofhelpinghimlaythenewflooring,Adamhadmadenotesforthehandfulofrenovationshe

wasplanningonimplementinginhissparetimethroughoutthesummerwhenhecouldgetbackuptothe
lake. Considering his brother was already overloaded by clients who wanted his magical touch on the
historichomesthey’dpurchased,Rafeknewhowbigadealthiswas.

Despitehowgrouchyhe’dbeenabouttheirabruptappearancethenightbefore,itmeantahellofa

lottohimtohavehisbrotherandsisterhere,allofthemworkingtoputtheiroldlakehousebacktorights.
He might have been the one who’d paid for the place, but as far as he was concerned, it was as much
theirsasitwashis.

"Thanks, guys." He didn’t say for what, but he knew he didn’t have to. Not when his family had

alwaysunderstoodallthethingshedidn’tknowhowtosay.

TheyfoundBrookeinherkitchen,puttingthelidsonacoupleoflargegoldtruffleboxes."We’re

heretosaygood-byefornow,"Miatoldher,"andtothankyouforputtingupwithallofusonabsolutely
nonoticewhatsoever."

"I know we’re not family," Brooke said in a soft voice filled with emotion, "but I’ve always felt

likewewere.AndIlovethatyoucamewithoutcallingfirst,justthewayfamilyshould."

Brooke hugged both Mia and Adam, gave each of them a box of chocolates, and then they were

grabbingtheirovernightbagsandheadingofftoAdam’struck,leavingRafeandBrookealoneonceagain,
standingalmostexactlywheretheyhadbeentwenty-fourhoursago.

***

"Ourbrotherhasitbadforthegirlnextdoor,"Adamsaidtohissisterastheyleftthelakebehindin

therearviewmirror.

"Ofcoursehedoes,"Miareplied."Whowouldn’t?Isawthewayyoureyesnearlypoppedoutof

yourheadwhensheopenedthedoorlastnight,andthenagainwhenwewentswimmingthismorning."

"She’sgorgeous,"Adamadmitted,"buthe’sdatedplentyofprettygirlsbefore."
"She’salsointelligent.Sweet.And,mostimportant,sheknewhimbeforeeverythinggotwarpedby

hisjobandallofthosescumbagshefindscheating."

"True,thoughI’msurewhatevershedidwithhiminsidewhilethetwoofuswereoutatthebonfire

lastnightdoesn’thurt,either."

Miamadeaface."Seriously,canwenottalkaboutRafe’ssexlifewithourfriend?"
"Okay,"Adamreadilyagreed.
Tooreadily,Miathought.Shesmackedhimonthearm.Hard.
"Ow!"Heliftedhislefthandoffthewheeltorubhistricep."Whatwasthatfor?"
"Justbecauseyou’renottalkingaboutthetwoofthemhavingsex,doesn’tmeanIdon’tknowyou’re

stillthinkingaboutit.Probablyinplay-by-playdetail."

Hepretendedtobeplayingabassguitarashesangaparodyofabadpornsoundtrack.Shecovered

upherlaughterwithasoundofdisgust.

"Seriously,stopit.She’syourbrother’salmost-girlfriend.Andifhedoesn’tmanagetototallyscrew

itup,shecouldbemorethanthatsomeday."

"Doubtthatwillstopme,"hetoldher,thenpretendedtoplaythebassguitarsomemore.
Men.Theywereallpigs.Especiallyherbrothers.
Still, she hoped against hope that Rafe wouldn’t screw things up with one of the most amazing

womenshe’deverknown,andthatBrookecouldbetheonetofinallybreakthroughthethickwallRafe
hadputaroundhimself.EverytimeMiatriedtotalkwithhimabouttheknifeattack,heimmediatelyshut
her down. Something told her that if anyone could break down that wall and heal the inner wounds he
wouldn’tadmitto,itwasBrooke.

Unfortunately, considering that her brother hadn’t even stepped up to the meaningful-relationship

plateenoughtoadmittoMiathatheandBrookewereanitem,sheknewbetterthantoholdouttoomuch
hope.

Sighing,sheflippedontheradioandwasplanningtozoneoutfortherestofthedrivewhenanew

songcameonthathadherentirebodystiffening.

Adamstartettappingoutthebeatonthesteeringwheel."Thisissuchagreatso—"
Sheflippedtheradiooffjustasthesongwasabouttohitthechorus.
"Why’dyouturnitoff?"
"Ihaveamigraine.Themusicwashurtingmyhead."
Shealmostnevergotheadaches,butAdamdidn’tknowthat,sothankfullyhedidn’taskwhyshe’d

hadsuchastrongreactiontothesong.

Mia’dhadfiveyearstogetoverit.Togetoverhim.Sheshouldbeabletolistentohissongs,atthe

veryleast,withoutherstomachtwisting...withoutthememoriesshe’dneverbeenabletoforgetassaulting
her.

ChapterFourteen

Rafe’sbrotherandsisterwerefinallygone,whichmeantheandBrookewerefinallyfreetoripoff

eachother’sclothesandpickupwherethey’dleftoffthenightbefore.Buthecouldn’tstopfeelingthat
he’dalreadypushedhertoofar,toofast,bytakingherthewayhehadinthelinencloset.Itdidn’thelpthat
they hadn’t had any time alone during the day to talk so that he could gauge how she was feeling...or
whethershehadchangedhermind.

Forty-eight hours ago, he’d been certain that they should curb their attraction to preserve their

friendship.Eventhoughallthey’dhadsofarwasfifteenstolenminutesofpassion,heknewitwasn’teven
closetobeingthatsimpleanymore.

Friends.Lovers.Next-doorneighbors.
Family.
Brookewasalreadyallofthosethingstohim.
The soft lapping of the water on the lakeshore suddenly seemed too loud as the silence drew out

between them in her kitchen. Rafe was never nervous. Not when he was doing dangerous undercover
work,andcertainlynotwhenhewaswithawoman.

Butbeingaloneinthekitchenwithabeautifulgirlwithbiggreeneyeshadhisheartthumpinghard

andfastinhischest.

If he was a gentleman, if he had any honor at all, he’d let her say whatever it was that had her

worrying her lower lip between her teeth, and then give her space if that was what she wanted. But
nothingcouldhavestoppedhimfromreachingforher.Hesimplyhadtoholdher,hadtofeelhersoftskin
heatupbeneathhisfingertips,hadtofeelhershudderathistouch.

Only, for the first time, she didn’t lean into him, didn’t press her cheek to his or slide her arms

aroundhisneck.Hecouldfeelherheartbeatingjustashardashiswas.

"Yoursister—"
"Likestopokehernoseinwhereitdoesn’tbelong."
Brooke looked far too serious. He wanted her to smile again, wanted so badly to see her cheeks

flushwithpleasurebeforeherlidsflutteredshutthewaytheyalwaysdidwhenhekissedher.

"She loves you," Brooke said as she gazed up at him. Her gaze was full of desire, but there was

worrythere,too."I’velongedtobewildforsolongthatwhenIsawyouagain,Ilostsightofanything
else. I lost sight of the fact that friends should always look out for each other. I’ve only been thinking
aboutmyself,aboutwhatIwant.Youtriedadozendifferentwaysoutonthebeachtokeepyourdistance,
to explain why we shouldn’t do this, but I wouldn’t listen. I didn’t want to listen to what you wanted,
becauseIwassobusythinkingaboutmyself."

"HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyouthatI’mdyingtobewithyou,Brooke?Howmanydifferent

waysdoIhavetoshowyou?"Hiswordswerehard-edgedwithfrustration,hishandsflexingontheupper
curvesofherhipsashepulledhercloser."Hell,IwantedyousodamnedbadlastnightthatIlockedyou
inaclosetandtookexactlywhatIwanted.Itoldyouitwasforyou,thatIwastheretosootheyourache,
butitwasforme,Brooke.Me.BecauseIcouldn’twaitonemoregoddamnedsecondtofeelyou,totaste
you."

"Icouldn’twait,either,"shetoldhim,butevenasshetriedtoabsolvehimofhisguilt,heknewhe

hadplentytomakeuptoher.

"Ourfirsttimetogethershouldn’thavebeenthatfast,thatrushed.Letmemakeituptoyou."

Herbreathwascomingfasternow,herbreastspressingsensuouslyagainsthischestasshegazedup

athim.Hewassurprisedwhenhermouthcurvedintoasmallsmileamomentlater.

"We’rebothbeingsilly,aren’twe,arguingoverwhichoneofushasbeenmoreselfish?Maybe,"

shesaidwithaslowsmilethattransformedherfaceintoabeautythattookhisbreathaway,"wecould
argue,instead,overwhocangivetheotherpersonmorepleasuretonight?"

Theweightthathadbeenpressingonhischestalldayfinallybegantoliftashesmileddownather.
"We’renotgoingtoargueaboutanythingatall,"hesaidasheslidhishandsdownherhipstocup

her soft curves. "Because tonight is going to be all about you. All about your pleasure. All about your
needs."

Hecouldfeelherheartbeatspeedupagainsthischestasshesaidhuskily,"Ilikethatidea.Alot.

Only,lastnightIneverdidgetto—"

Hecoveredhermouthwithhisbeforeshecouldremindhimofwhatshe’dbeenabouttodointhe

linencloset.Theproblemwas,thatvisionofherstartingtodroptoherkneesinfrontofhimhadburned
intohisretinas,andhe’dbeenhardasarockthinkingaboutitnearlyeveryminutesincelastnight.

Hemovedhishandsfromherhipsandupoverhergorgeoushourglassfiguresothathecouldslide

hisfingersintoherhairandtiltherheadatexactlytherightangletoplunderhermouthwithhistongue.
Andthenneitherofthemwaswaryanymoreastheirhotkisspushedawayanyconcernstheyhadabout
hurtingeachother.

Pleasure.
Thatwaswhatthey’dfocusontonight—theonlythingthatmattered.

***

Yesterday, there’d been plenty of time to get nervous, to plan and anticipate. But the past twenty-

fourhourshadbeensofullofunexpectedguestsandemotionsthatBrookewasalmostsurprisedtofinally
findherselfinRafe’sarms.

But,oh,ashekissedherandshemeltedintohisarmsthewayshedideverytimehislipstouched

hers,sheknewtherehadneverbeenanyreasonfornervesorworries.Nothinghadeverbeenasnatural
asthepassionbetweenthem—twofriendswhohadbeendestinedtobecomesomuchmore.

Anditwastheirpast—allthelittleconnectionsthathadbeenforgedoversummerbarbecuesand

sand-castlecontestsbetweenayounggirlandabeautifullywildteenageboy—thatmadeitsoeasyforher
todiveheadfirstintowhatevertheirfutureheld.

He took her hand and tugged her down the hall. "I’ve needed you in bed, naked beneath me, for

forty-eighthours.Ican’twaitanothersecondforyou,Brooke."

Noonehadevertalkedtoherthiswaybefore,withsuchfrankdesire,drawingpictureswithwords

thathadhershudderingwithpleasureasmuchasanycaress.Secondslater,Rafehadclosedherbedroom
door behind them and locked it. Already she knew that the sound of a lock clicking into place would
foreverbeasensualcue,apromiseRafewouldmaketoherofthepleasurehewasgoingtogiveherwith
hishands,hislips,his—

Brooke’sthoughtswerestolenawayashismouthcloseddownoverhers.God,justtokisshimlike

this—histongueslickingagainsthers,histeethgentlynippingatherlowerlip—wasmorepleasurethan
she’deverthoughttoexperience.

Everytimeuntilnow,theirkisseshadbeencutshort,eitherbyRafe’sconsciencekickingin,orby

hissiblings’arrival.Tonightshewouldfinallyhaveenoughtimetotrulylearnnotonlythetaste,thefeel
of him, but also all the ways the two of them could take their individual pleasures and multiply them

together.

She flicked her tongue against the corner where his lips met, and the way his strong pectoral

musclesjumpedbeneathherhandstoldherjusthowmuchheenjoyedit.Takingaslow,wetslideoverhis
lowerlip,shefoundtheothercornerandlickedoutagainstit.Delightstrummedthroughhersystematthe
wayherespondedtonothingmorethanthedamppressofhertongue.Shewantedtotastemoreofhim,so
muchmore,butshewasn’tanywherenearclosetodonewithhislipsyet.

Hecouldeasilyhaveledtheirkiss,andshecouldfeelhisinnatedominanceeveninthewayhelet

herexplorehim.Slidingherhandsupfromhishardchesttobrushoverthestronglinesofhisneckand
jaw,whiletheprickleofhisdarkfiveo’clockshadowagainstherfingertipssentsharpburstsofpleasure
downthrougheveryinchofher,sheslippedhertonguebetweenhislipsonasoftmoan.

Soon,theheatoftheirkisstookoveranddrewawayanycontroleitherofthemhadbeenholding.

Brooke couldn’t get close enough, not even with her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her breasts
andstomachandhipspressedagainstthefrontofhishardbody.

Rafetorehismouthfromhers."Timetogetyounaked."
Shewantedhimnaked,too,butshecouldn’tfindtheoxygentoputthewordstogethertotellhim,

notwhenhewasalreadyteasingthepatchofbareskinbeneaththehemofhertanktopwithhisfingertips
as he slowly pulled up the blue cotton. He’d stripped her clothes from her before, in the locked linen
closet,buttonightitallfeltbrandnew,asiflastnighthadonlybeenadressrehearsalfortherealthing.

He surprised her by leaning down to press a kiss to each new inch of skin that he bared. It was

glorioustobeappreciatedsomuch…buthowwasshepossiblygoingtomakeitthroughtomorninginone
piece?

"Rafe,"shewhispered,andwouldhavebeggedhimtogofasterifhehadn’trespondedbysmiling

againstherstomach.

"I made a promise to you last night that the next time we did this, I’d go so slow that you’d be

beggingme,"hemurmuredagainstherskin,hiswarmbreathsendingasmanyshiversthroughherashis
wordsdid.Heliftedhisdarkgazetohers."Ineverbreakmypromises."

Amomentlaterheslidcottonupoversilksothathecouldpresshotkissestotheundersidesofher

breaststhroughherbra.Hisshoulderswerestrongandcordedwithtauttendonsasshegrippedhim.Soon
hewasgoingtobemovingupanothercoupleofinchesandhismouthwouldfind—

Oh,God.
The whispered prayer left her lips as Rafe’s lips closed over her nipple, the silk instantly wet

beneaththesweetstrokeofhistongueoverhertightlyarousedflesh.Herheartbeatracedfastandhardas
hekissedhiswayacrosssilkandthenthebareskinbetweenherbreastsandthenmoresilktofindher
othernipplewithhislipsandtongue.

"Sosweet,eventhroughsilk."Hepressedakisstothecenterofherthroatrightbeforeheshifted

backenoughtodrawhertanktopallthewayoverherhead.

Brookehadlingeriethatwasfarmorerevealingthanthisbrainlightbluesilk.ButthewayRafe

waslookingatherasshestoodinfrontofhiminhersimplebraandshortsmadeherfeelasthoughshe
waswearingthesexiestundergarmentsevermade.Andwhenhereachedouttorunthetipsoftwofingers
across the upper curves of her breasts where her flesh rose up from the silk, she wasn’t the only one
shakingwithneed.

Badlywantingtotouchhimthewayhewastouchingher,shereachedforhisshirt.Hishandscaught

hersbeforeshecouldliftthecottonupmorethananinch.

"You’renotnakedyet."Hiseyesran,heated,hungry,overherpartiallyexposedbreastsandwaist.

"Notevenclose."

"It’s not fair," she pouted. "You already got to taste me last night." Instead of letting her yank his

shirtaway,heslidhisfingersthroughhersandliftedthemtohismouthtopressasoftkissagainsteachof
herknuckles."Whenyoudothat,youmakemeforget."

"Forgetwhat?"Hiseyeswerestilldarkwithdesire,butasheteasedher,theyalsodancedwitha

hintofthelightshe’dbeenwantingsobadlytoseeinhimagain.

Somehowshemanagedtoremember."Thatitshouldbemyturnnow."
Heleaneddowntocoverthesideofherneckwithhismouth."Tellmehowyoumaketruffles."
Withthebloodrushingthickandhotinherears,shecouldbarelymakesenseofhiswords,could

onlyrepeat,"Truffles?"

"Howlongdoesittaketogetthemright?Towhipthechocolateintojusttherightconsistency?"
Shemighthavebeenabletofollowhisquestionsmoreeasilywereitnotforthefactthathe’djust

foundanothersensitivespotontheothersideofherneck.

"Can you rush the perfect sweetness, Brooke? Can you rush the perfect smoothness?" Each word

fell hot and damp against a different patch of skin on her neck, the underside of her chin, and then her
mouthashelickedheronce,thentwiceasifhehadn’tgottennearlyenoughofatastethefirsttimearound.
"Canyourushtheperfecttasteofpleasureonyourtongue?"

"No."Shegaveupheranswerundersweetduress,thekindonlyRafecouldemploy.
"Youhavetobepatientwithyourtruffles,don’tyou?"
Again,wickedpersuasionwastheonlythingthatcouldhavedrawnthe"Yes"fromherlipsthatwas

sealingherfate.

"YouandIaren’tgoingtorushanything,either,"hetoldherasheslowlyteasedhisfingertipsdown

overherwaisttothewaistbandofhershorts."Oneslow,sweetorgasmatatimeishowwe’regoingto
dothistonight.Allnightlong."

ThankGodheatleasthadenoughmercytoquicklyunziphershortsandletthemfalltothefloor.

Before they kissed, she’d already been aroused, and every kiss had ratcheted up her need higher and
higher.Now,Rafe’seyescaught—andheld—onhermatchingsilkpanties,nolongeralightbluebetween
herthighs.

"Igotyouallwet."
Itwasjustwhatshe’dsaidtohimthatfirstnightwhenshe’dhuggedhiminherwetbikini.Butnow,

thewordsmeantsomethingelseentirely.Somethingdeliciouslydirtythatonlymadeherwetter,especially
whenheputonearmaroundherwaisttoholdhersteadywhilehereachedoutwiththeotherhandtocup
herthroughdampsilk.

Hiseyesclosedasheslowlymovedhisfingersoverher.Amuscleinhistemplejumped.Whenhis

eyelids slid open again, the look he gave her was so full of desire he stole away what was left of her
breath.

"HowthehellamIsupposedtosurvivethis?"heaskedher."Tosurviveyou?"
"Icouldhelpmakeyoufeelbetter,"shewhisperedagainsthisneck,lovingthebrushofhisstubble

againstherlips.Shewantedtorubeveryinchofherbodyagainsthim,andonedayshevowedtotakethe
leadandhavehimjustthewayhewashavinghernow.

"Sostubborn."Hedidn’tsoundatallupsetaboutit,morepleasedbywhathewaslearningabout

her."Soimpatient."

Asiftoprovehimright,sherockedherpelvisintohishand.Justalittleharder,justalittlelonger,

andshe’dbe—

Butjustasshewasarchingintotheswellofpleasure,hetookhishandaway.Sheopenedhermouth

toprotest,andhecovereditwithhislips.Hismouthwashotandhardonhersastheirtonguestangled

again. She couldn’t even come close to getting enough of him as every kiss made her desperate for
another,andthenanother.Ahalf-dozenkisseslater,sherealizedherbrawasloosearoundherribcage.

Shekissedhimagaininaheatedthank-youforstrippinganotherpieceofclothingaway,andthen

gavealittleshimmythathadthesilkfallingfromherbreaststothefloortojoinhershortsandtanktop.

"Better?"heasked,sixlittlelettersthatliquefiedherinsides.
"Alittle,but—"
"Youwantmore?"
"Yes."God,yes.
Hesoftlycuppedherbreastsinhislargehands."Isthiswhatyouwant?"
"Yes,and—"
Bothofhisthumbsstrokedoverhernipples,andherbreathcameoutinahardrushattheexquisite

sensationsthatrippledthroughher.

"Good?"
Somewhereinthebackofherhead,sheknewhewasusinghissexylittlequestionsinjustthesame

wayhewasusinghishands,toteaseherevenmore,totakeherevenclosertotheedgewithoutlettingher
fallallthewayover.

"It’ssogood,but—"
"It’snotenough,isit?"Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupassheshookherheadtolethimknowit

wasn’tnearlyenough."Poorbaby,youmustbeachingsobadbynow."

No one had ever had this kind of power over her, to fill her with such need that her fists were

clenchingagainsthischestasshetriedtocontroltheurgetobeg.Itwaswhathewanted,butshealready
knewbetter,knewthathe’djusteatupherdesperatepleas...andthenlikelymakeherwaitevenlonger.

"Tellme,"heurged,thesparkdancingevenbrighterinhiseyesnowashereveledinhersensual

torture."Areyouaching,Brooke?"

Sheswallowedhardandtriedtocorralenoughbraincellstohithimbackwith,"Areyou?"
"Likeneverbefore,"heconfirmed,thenloweredhismouthtoherbreasts,cuppingthemtogetherso

thathecouldlavebothnippleswithhistongue."Doesthathelp?"

"No."God,no.
Hewassobeautifulwhenhesmiledatherthatshealmostforgavehimforwhathewasdoingtoher,

formakingherneedthismuch.

"What if I did this, instead?" At long last, he slid his thumbs into the sides of her panties. But

insteadofslidingthemdown,heusedhisleveragetopullhercloserandscattertherestofherbraincells
withakiss.

Despiteherfrustrationatbeingmadetowaitpatientlyforherpleasure,howcouldshedoanything

butunclenchherfistsandmoveherhandstocuphisfaceandkisshimbackjustaspassionately?

Asifitwereherrewardforgoodbehavior,hebegantoinchthefinalpieceofsilkdownwhilethey

kissed.Whenherpantiesweredownjustbelowherhips,andwithoutbreakingtheirkiss,hemovedhis
handsfromthebluesilktocupherbarebottom.

Brooke’s legs automatically opened as he dragged her even closer. It was pure instinct to rub

herself over the thick bulge behind the zipper of his jeans and, thank God, he didn’t stop her this time.
She’dneverdoneanythingthiswildbefore,hadnevertriedtogetherselfoffagainstherloverwithher
pantiesaroundherthighs.Rafe’shandsonherhipsurgedhertomovehigher,faster,againsthimandher
lowerbellyflutteredasshecamecloserandclosertoanexplosiveclimax.

Atthelastsecond,Rafesteppedback."Takeyourpantiesofftherestofthewayandclimbuponthe

bed."

Hiscommandwasroughandasraggedasherheartbeat.Shewasnearlycompletelynakednow.He

wasstillfullyclothed.Shevowedtoonedayreversethatpattern.

Butwithpleasurethisclose,shesimplyslidthebluesilkdowntoherankles,thensteppedoutof

her underwear to move with shaky legs over to her bed. He hadn’t said how he wanted her, and she
instinctivelywaitedwithahandonthecolorfulquilt,lookingoverhershoulderinsilentquestion.

"Jesus,Brooke.Thewayyou’relookingatme..."
Heranahandthroughhishairasifshe’djustpushedhimtoofar—eventhoughshe’ddonenothing

morethanstandnakedbeforehim.Clearly,hewasdoingeverythinghecouldtokeepholdofwhatwas
leftofhiscontrol.

Itservesyouright,shethoughtasherowndesperateneedracedthroughhersystem.
"Iknowyoudidn’twantmetoblindfoldyou,butmaybe,"shesuggestedinassteadyavoiceasshe

couldmanage,"youshouldblindfoldme."

Muscleswerejumpinginbothhisjawandtemplesnowashegrowled,"We’renotgoingtousea

damned blindfold." But she could see how much he liked the idea of it, and how hard he was trying to
convincehimselfthathedidn’t."Onyourback.That’showIwantyou.WithyoureyeswideopensoIcan
seeyourreactiontoeverysinglethingIdotoyou."

Athrillshotthroughherathiscommand.Yes,itwassexy,butunderlyingthesheereroticismofhis

words was the warmth that had always been between them, long before they’d decided to go to bed
together.And,ofcourse,hewouldneverhaveaskedhertodoanythinghedidn’tknowforsurethatshe
wanted,too.

Shewouldhavemovedfasterifshecouldhave,butitseemedRafehadsomuchpoweroverher

thatevenhermusclesobeyedhisearliercommandforpatience.Thevelvetpatchessewnintothequiltfelt
impossiblysensuousastheybrushedoverherbareskin,asdidthetipsofherhairastheymovedoverher
back and breasts. A heron called out for her lover from across the lake, and just as the male bird
answeredwithadeepercall,RafemovedontothebedwithBrooke.

Hisgazerovedfromherfacetoherbreaststotheslickskinbetweenherlegs.Thatwaswherethey

stayedandwherehishandswent,too,movingtoherthighssothatshewascompletelyopentohim.

Atlast,therewasnomoreteasing,nomoreneedforpatience,asheloweredhisdarkheadbetween

herlegsandgaveherthenaughtiestkissshe’deverexperienced.Onacry,shearchedupintohismouth.
Needing something to ground herself with when it felt like her body was shattering from the center
outward,onecellatatime,Brookeclawedatthepillows,finallygrippingtheironheadboardfordear
life.

ThesoundofironcreakinghadRafelookingupfrombetweenherlegs.Shewouldn’thavebelieved

hiseyescouldgetanydarker,couldgrowanyfullerwithdesire,ifshehadn’tseenitrightthenforherself.

Becausewhenhesawherholdingontotheheadboard,itwasasifsomethingsnappedinsideofhim.

And inside her, too, as the dangerous heat on his face tossed her straight to the top of the peak she’d
nearedsomanytimesalready...andthenallthewayover.

Herhipsmovedallontheirownnow,chasingecstasy.Heloweredhisheadagain,andhistongue

andlipswerejoinedbyhisfingers,workingtogethertodrawherclimaxout.Whenhefinallylethergo
limpfrompleasure,sheknewshewastheluckiestwomanontheplanetasRafeslowlykissedhiswayup
herbody.

Andnowitwasherturntomakehimfeeljustasgood...

ChapterFifteen

RafewasamazedtorealizethatBrooke’ssensualitywasjustasfreshandinnocentlyseductiveas

therestofher.Inthesamewaythathe’dthoughthecouldeatjustoneofherchocolateslastnightatthe
bonfire and then had devoured nearly the whole box, still hungry for more, Rafe now realized that one
moreperfectclimaxbeneathhistonguewasn’tanywherecloseenoughtofillingthedeepwellofneedhe
hadforBrooke.

He’dneverwantedlikethis.
Everymomentwithherwasasensualrevelation.Hot.Effortless.
Perfect.
Pullingherintohisarms,hekissedhermouth."Youtastegoodeverywhere."
Hefelthersmilerightinthecenterofhischestasshesaid,"Sodoyou—atleast,whereyou’velet

metaste."

Thebrightsparkoffireinhereyestoldhimhewasn’tgoingtobeabletoholdheroffanylonger,so

whenshereachedforthehemofhisT-shirt,hehelpedhergetitoffoverhishead.

Hereyeswerewidewithcleardelightassheranherhandsslowlyoverhisshoulders."You’reso

big," she said in an awed voice that resonated straight to his groin, just like every other damned thing
she’dsaidanddonetonight."Andsohard."

Her hands were small, but he already knew how well she used them, and as her nails scraped

lightlyoverhisnipples,hesuckedinabreathatthepleasureofbeingwithher.Pleasuresobigheactually
forgotforasplitsecondthat—

"Rafe?" Her fingers stilled over his ribs, near a heart that was beating too hard, too fast for the

beautifulwomanbeneathhim."Whathappenedtoyou?"

Before he could respond, she was shifting so that she could see the long, jagged scar across ten

inchesofhisskin.Noone’stouchhadeverbeenasgentle.

"Whohurtyou?"
"Noonethatmatters."
Butshewouldn’tacceptthat,andwhenshesaidagain,"Who?"heknewhehadtotellherthefull

truth,atruthalmostnooneelseknew,includinghisparents.

"Anex-husbandofoneofmyclients."
Shegaspedinhorror,hereyeswideandfuriousonhisbehalf."Hecameafteryou?"
Knowingitwouldonlybeworseifhewaiteduntilafterthey’dmadelovetotellher,headmitted,

"After I caught him cheating on my client and when their divorce was final, I ran into her again." He
wasn’tproudofwhathe’ddone,andtherewasahugechancethat,oncesheknew,Brookemightgetoutof
thebedasquicklyasshe’dclimbedintoit."Weendedupinbedtogether."Theflashofshockinhereyes
cameandwentsofast,healmostthoughthe’dimaginedit."Iwasonlythatstupidonce."Hehadn’tbeen
thinkingstraightthenighthe’dbrokenoneofhiscardinalrules—nevergetinvolvedwithaclient—but
hadsimplybeenhopingaquickhitofphysicalpleasurecoulderasethechurninginhisgutoverwhathis
lifehadturnedinto."Ofcourse,sheimmediatelythrewitinherex’sface—thatshe’dsleptwiththeman
whohadcaughthimcheatingonher."

Rafe braced himself as he waited for Brooke to respond to his admission. She’d always been an

open book to him before now, but suddenly he couldn’t tell what she was thinking...or if she was so
disgustedwithhimthatshewasabreathfromorderinghimfromherbed.

"Howdarethey?"Heblinkedinsurpriseasshesaid,"Hemighthavebeentheonetousetheknife

onyou,butshepracticallyhandedittohim."

Rafe’sbreathstartedupagainonarushofrelief...andtheknowledgethathe’dneverdoneasingle

damnthingthatwasgoodenoughtodeserveBrooke’ssweetnessorherfierceprotectionofhim.

"Ibroughtitonmyself."
"No,youdidn’t!"
He’dneverheardBrookeraisehervoicebefore,andhewassuddenlyremindedofthewayhissoft-

spokenmothercouldemergeasasnarlingtigerwheneverherkidswerethreatenedinanyway.Brooke
wouldbejustasgoodwithherownchildren,kidshecouldsoeasilyseeherplayingwithonthebeach—
jumping off the dock hand in hand with them, tucking them into bed at night with a bedtime story about
princesandprincesses.

Heswallowedhardasherealizedwherehisbrainhadgone—andhoweasyithadbeentogothere.
"Youmadeamistakebybeingwithher,buttheybothtookouttheirfurywitheachotheronyou."

Brookeslidherarmsaroundhim,warmandstrong."Andthatcouldneverbeyourfault."

The gash had hurt like hell that first week before dulling to a steady throb these past couple of

months.Butnow,forthefirsttimesincethenighthe’dwalkedintotheER,bleedingthroughhisshirt,he
couldhardlyfeelit.Instead,hissenseswereentirelycapturedbythesteadybeatofherheartagainsthis
chest,thefragrantscentofherhair,andtheslickheatofherarousalagainsthisthigh.

Shepressedkissesdownoverhisshoulderandchest,untilshereachedthetopedgeofhisscar.Her

lipsfeatheredoverit."Idon’teverwantanyonetohurtyouagain,"shetoldhimasshesoftlykissedthe
lengthoftheskinandmusclethathadbeenstitchedbacktogetherintheemergencyroom.

Somethingswelledbeneathhisbreastbone,anemotionthatwasbiggerthanthisnight,biggereven

thanthewayBrookewashealinghimonekissatatime.

Shereachedforthezipperofhisjeans,andheletherpullthedenimdown,butwhenhiserection

jumped beneath the light stroke of her fingers over cotton, he knew better than to let her pull off his
boxers,too.Allitwouldtakewastheslightesttouchofherfingertipsoverhim,andhe’dloseit.

Afewsecondsafterremovinghisboxershimself,hekickedoffhislastpieceofclothingandbothof

themwerefinallynaked.Hekissedherandreveledintheamazingfeelingofherbareskinslidingagainst
hisforthefirsttime.

His.
Shewashis.
Thethoughtwasechoingoverandoverinhisheadwhenshetoldhim,"I’mreadynow."
Slowly caressing her gorgeous curves, moving his hand over her breasts, waist, hips, and inner

thighs,hefinallyslickedhisfingersthroughherwetness.Shearchedintohistouch,andhebitdownon
herearlobe.

"Baby,you’remorethanready."
He stroked her again, moving his fingers inside of her in just the right way to make her grip his

shouldersmoretightlyasherinnermusclesclenchedhardoverhim.Hermouthwassweetagainsthisas
hekissedherwiththeferocitythathewouldn’tlethimselfuseinthethrustofhishandupagainsther.

"Soon,"hepromisedher,knowingwhatshereallywanted...hisbodymovingintoher,hardagainst

soft."Butonlyafteryoucomeagainformeatleastonemoretime."

Hematchedtherhythmofhistongueagainstherswiththeplungeofhisfingersintoherincredibly

welcomingbody.He’dalwayslovedwomenandsex,butnothinghe’deverexperiencedbeforecompared
tobeingwithBrooke.Nowomanhe’deverbeenwithhadbeensopureinhersensuality,sowillingto
giveherselfovertohistouch,tothepressofhislipsonher,tothestrokeofhisfingertipsacrossevery

sensitivepatchofskin,bothinsideandout.

She was still trembling, still pulsing over his hand as she said, "That feels so good, Rafe." She

cuppedhisfaceinherhandsandpulledhismouthbackdowntohers,kissinghiminhersweetlyseductive
way.

Hecouldhavewatched,listenedto,felthercomeallnightlong.Butbothofthemhadbeenmore

thanpatientforthepasttwodays.Shiftingawayfromherjustenoughtoreachthecondomshe’dpulled
outofhisjeans,hewasabouttoriponeofthepackagesopenwhenBrookesaid,"NowthatIdidwhat
youtoldmeto,"shesaidwiththatsexysparkinhereyes,"Ican’twaittobekinkywithyou."

Forgetting all about the condom in his hand, Rafe almost exploded right then and there. God, she

hadnoideahowclosehewastotakingherhipsinhishandsandthrustingintohertolosehimselfinher
softness, in her beauty, in the look in her eyes that told him he could do absolutely anything he wanted
withher.

No.Damnit,heneededtostayincontrol.Somehow,someway,heneededtorememberthatBrooke

wasdifferent.Special.

Andfarmorepreciousthananywomanhe’deverbeenwith.
"Itoldyou,"hesomehowmanagedtogritout,"I’mnotgoingtodothatkindofstufftoyou."
Herfulllowerlippoutedslightlyathim,andhehadtonipatit,evenasshesaid,"ButIwantyou

to."SweetLord,sheneededtostopsayingthosethings,butthensheadded,"Youtoldmelastnightyou’d
makemebeg."

"No,Brooke,"hepleadedwithher,"don’tbegme."
Everythingstilledbetweentheminthatmomentasshelookedupathim,hereyesfullofdesire,but

alsoclear...anddecided.

"Be wild with me." She stroked her hands down his chest, her nails lightly scoring his chest.

"Please."

Rafehadneverbeenparticularlygentleinbed,buthewantedtobegentlewithBrooke.Tender,too,

becauseofhowspecialshewastohim.

Ofcourse,theironywasthatjustwhenhewastryingtobegentleandtender,shewasaskingfor

wild.Forkinky.

Stillintentondoingwhateverheneededtodotoresistherpleas,thoughhewantedthatwildness

justasbadlyasshedid,whenshereachedforhisshaft,theonlywayhecouldkeepthegamefrombeing
overrightthenandtherewastograbherwristsandpullthemasfarawayfromhiserectionashecould.

Itwasinthatexactmomentthathegrippedherarmstightlyaboveherhead—athroatymoanleaving

herlipsasifhewerealreadyinsideofher—thatRaferealizedthepowerBrookehadoverhim.

He’dvowednottolethimselfgocrazy,hadswornthathewouldn’tlethimselfforgettobegentle.

HecouldneverforgivehimselfforstealingBrooke’swide-eyedinnocence,forsullyinganypartofher
sweetness.

Butthewayshewasbeggingwasmorethanenoughtodriveaguycrazy...andtohavehimlosing

whatwasleftofhispatience.

Needinghernow,Rafeusedhiskneesandthighstopushherlegsopenwide,andthenwiderstill.

Shewrithedsensuouslybeneathhim,hereyescloudywithdesire,herprettymouthplumpfromthekisses
withwhichhe’dravagedthem,herskinflushedwitharousal,herbreastssofullandsoftandsweetthathe
hadtoclosehismouthoveronepeakagain.

He pulled back from her breast with a scrape of his teeth over her sensitive flesh that had her

begging again. Her words shouldn’t have made any sense—Need. Please. Take. Want—but he had no
troubledecipheringthematallbecausetheywerethesameonesplayingonrepeatinhishead.

He’dplannedontakingherslowly.He’dwarnedhimselftobegentlewithher.Butasherheat,her

scent,thesweettasteofhermouthpushedhimtotheedge,withherwristsstilltightlyrestrainedabove
herheadinoneofhishands,Rafeusedtheothertoshoveonthecondom.Hepushedintoherinonehard
stroke,sodeepthatshegaspedaloud.

OhGod,I’vehurther.
He tried to still himself inside of her, but before he could manage anything even close to it, or

apologizeforbeingtoorough,shewasmovingbeneathhim,hersoftcurvesandmusclesworkinghardto
takehimevendeeper.Herneckwasarchedback,hereyelidsfluttering,herstrongfingersopening,then
clenchingabovewherehewasholdingherwrists.Asheenofsweatgleamedonherskin,andhecould
haveswornshewasglowing.

Justasherinnermusclesbegantopulsearoundhim,herlipscurvedupintoasmile.Onesofullof

bliss,sopureandheartfelt,hecouldhardlybelievehewasluckyenoughtobetheonetoseeit...andtobe
themanwhohadmadeherthathappy.

Watching her giving herself up entirely to pleasure and perfect joy beneath him, Rafe couldn’t do

anythingbutgivehimselfuptotheunbelievablepleasure,too.

Nolongerholdinganythingback,hethrustintoherhard,andthenharderstill.Sweatdrippedfrom

hisbodytohers,onedroprunningdownbetweenherbreastsaswetskinrubbedagainstwetskin.

"Now,Brooke."Hereyesflewopen,sodilatedwitharousalthattheblackofherpupilshadpushed

outnearlyallofthegreen."Now."

Asifshe’dsimplybeenwaitingforhiscommand,beforeeitherofthemcouldtaketheirnextbreath,

shewasexplodingbeneathhim,aroundhim,holdingnothingbackatallasherclimaxrockedthemboth.

ChapterSixteen

"Thatwasbetterthanchocolate!"
Rafeliftedhisheadfromthecrookofherneck."Howmuchbetter?"
Uh-oh,shehadn’trealizedshe’dsaidthewordsaloud.Buthowcouldshebeembarrassedwithhim

after how close they’d been? How close they still were, actually, with his wonderfully large body
pressinghersintothemattress.

"Waybetter,"shereplied."Especiallythatlastpart."
Helookedsurprisedwhenhesawthathewasstillholdingherarmsoverherhead,almostasifhe

hadn’trealizedhe’ddoneitatall.Coolairrushedoverherwristsashequicklylethergo."DidIhurt
you?"

Shefrownedathisquestion."Ofcourseyoudidn’t."Butwhenshelookedatherwrists,shecould

clearlyseetheimprintsofhisfingersacrossherskin.

"Damnit,Idid."
Sheshookherhead."No,it’sjustthatI’msopale.Myskinalwaysmarksalittlewhensomething’s

pressedupagainstit,butitdisappearsreallyfast."

Whenhegotuptothrowawaythecondom,sheknewhewasgoingtoblamehimselfforsomething

hehadn’tdone,butshewouldn’tlethimdoit.Nottohimself.Andnottoher,either.

Shereachedoutforhim."Comebacktobed,Rafe."
Standinginthemoonlightshiningthroughherbedroomwindow,shewatchedhimfightwithhimself

forafewseconds,thatmusclejumpinginhisjawagain.Finally,hemovedbacktowardherandtookher
hand.

Shedrewhimbackontothebedandmadehimlieonhisbacksothatshecouldsettleintothecrook

ofhisshoulder."Iloveeverysinglethingwedidtogether.When you were holding onto my wrists like
that,"shewhispered,"IfeltfreerthanIeverhavebefore."Sheliftedhergazetomeethisassheadded,
"AndIcan’twaittodoevenmorenexttime."

Shewatchedanewflashofheatjumpinhiseyesbeforehetampeditdown."Havingyourwristsin

myhandsisaskinkyaswe’regoingtoget,Brooke."

Shecouldhavearguedwithhim,couldhavetoldhimhewasn’tgoingtowinthisone.Instead,she

simplysmiledandsaid,"Youfinallysaidkinky."

Thesmilewasstillonherlipsassheranherfingertipslightlyoverhisscarinthedark,thenlayher

palmflatoverhisbeatingheartandclosedhereyes.

***

Rafecouldn’tbelievehe’dfallenasleepinBrooke’sbed.Morninglightstreamedinoverhim,and

heworkedtogethissluggishmindtoclickintogear.WhenBrookehadwrappedherarmsaroundhimand
snuggledclose,hisentirebodyhaddesperatelycravedhersoftness,herwarmth...andthesensethatshe
washealingthebrokenpartsofhimonekissatatime.

Still,hewasamazedthatnotonlyhadsexwithBrookebeensupercrazyhot,butthatshewasjust

thesameafterwardasshe’dbeenbefore.Fullofsmilesandthesweetnessthathadalwaysbeensuchabig
partofher,ratherthantryingtogethimtotalkaboutfeelings.

He could hear the shower running, and knew he should leave her to finish washing up alone,

especially after the way he’d taken her last night—hard enough that she might be sore. But Rafe was
quickly learning that he didn’t have any control where Brooke was concerned. Especially when the
thoughtofhernakedandwetandsoapyintheshowerhadhimashardashe’deverbeen,asifhehadn’t
justlosthimselfinsideherlessthaneighthoursago.

Thebathroomdoorwasunlocked,buthewouldn’thavethoughttwiceaboutpickingthelocktoget

to her. The room was steamy, the glass door of the shower fogged up, so that all he could see was a
gorgeousoutlineofskinandcurvesandlong,wethair.

"Rafe?"
He answered by opening the shower door and stepping under the water with her, dropping the

protectionhe’dbroughtwithhimonthetiledbenchtooneside.

Her happy smile was immediate, as were her hands coming around his shoulders when she drew

him close to her for a kiss to start the morning. Every time they kissed, he was shocked to realize he
wantedhermore.

Lastnightshouldhavebeguntotaketheedgeoff.Instead,theoppositewastrue.
"Ididn’twanttowakeyouwhenyouweresleepingsosoundly,"shesaidagainsthislips,"butI’m

reallygladyou’reupnow."

"Youcanwakemeanytimeforthis."
Thirtysecondswasaslongasitwouldhavetakenforhimtohaveherpressedupagainstthetiles,

herlegswrappedaroundhiswaist.Butthatwouldhavemeantmissingoutonthechancetorunthebarof
soapovereveryinchofherskin.

Her eyes went wide and her breath came faster as he moved around her body so that he was

standing behind her. The water had plastered her long hair to her neck and back, and Rafe thoroughly
enjoyedliftingthesoakedstrandsupandoveroneshoulder.Beneaththesprayoftheshower,theendsof
herdirty-blondhairhaddarkenedtothecolorofherflushednipples.

Arousedbythesweetcurveofherneck,hedroppedhismouthtoherdelicateskin.Sheshiveredas

hepressedhislipsagainsther,andthenhistongue.

Herhandsreachedoutasifsheneededtoholdontosomethingandendeduppressedflatagainstthe

coollake-bluetiles."Stayjustlikethat,"heencouragedher,lovingthewayshesuckedinashakybreath
athiswords.

Slowly, he began to run the bar of soap across her shoulders, her upper back, then down to the

perfectindentationofherwaist,justabovethesweetflareofhergorgeouships.Herbodywasamiracle,
soft where a woman should be soft, full where a woman should be full, and strong in a way he hadn’t
knownmanywomentobestrong.

Not to mention her innate sensuality, powerful enough to nearly break a man who had never let

himselfcomeanywhereclosetobeingbrokenbyawomanbefore.

Her skin was smooth and perfect beneath his fingertips, and he was mesmerized by the way the

bubblesslidacrosshercurves.Temporarilyputtingdownthesoap,hecuppedhishandstogatherwater
andpouritoverher.

When her soft moan reverberated off the tiled walls and floor, he did it again, only this time he

spilledthewateroverthefrontofhershoulders,sothatittrickledhotandluckybetweenherbreasts.She
begantomoveawayfromthewallwiththeclearintentionofwrappingherselfaroundhim,buthelaidhis
handsflatoverhersonthetilestostillher.

"Notyet,sweetheart.I’mnotevenclosetogettingyouclean."
Enjoyinghersoftsoundoffrustrationjustasmuchashehadhermoanofpleasure,hepickedupthe

soapagainandmovedtopresshiserectionagainstherhips,hischesttoherback.Ofcourse,sheknew

exactlyhowtogetherrevengeonhimformakingherbepatient.Shewiggledhersweet,roundassinto
him,makinghimthrobsohardagainstherthathenearlylostit.

"Areyousureyouwanttoplaywithmelikethat?"Hislowwordsheldaclear,yetsensual,warning

thatsheshouldbecarefulhowfarshepushedamanlikehim.

"God,yes."
Itwaswhatshe’dsaidtohimlastnightwhenhewasteasingher,andasshewiggledherselfagainst

himagain,Rafeloweredhischeektothetopofherwethairandbreathedinherfresh,cleanscent,letting
itfillhimup.

Amomentlater,hewasslidingbothhandsaroundtomakesoapycirclesaroundherbellybutton.

Only,howcouldhekeepteasingherlikethiswhenitwasjustasmuchtortureforhimnottotouchtherest
ofher?

Giving himself over to pleasure was so much easier. And better, too, as he began to soap up the

heavyundersidesofherbreasts.

"Please,"shebegged,eventhoughhe’dalreadydroppedthesoapsothathecouldpinchhererect

nipplesbetweeneachthumbandforefinger.

"Shhh,"hesoothedagainstherearlobebeforehenippedatit.
A hard shudder worked through her as he slid one hand back down to her belly, and then down

lower still, until the damp curls between her legs were tickling his fingertips. They moved together in
perfectsync,herlegsopeningwiderjustashishandfoundherfleshslickandsodamnedhotthathedidn’t
haveaprayerofholdingbackonemoresecond.

He quickly spun her around and pressed her against the tiles with the weight of his body as he

ripped open the condom, only stepping back enough from her luscious curves to shove the latex down
overhimself.Andthenhewasliftingherupsothatshewaswrappingherarmsandlegsaroundhim,and
hewasthrustingintoherinonehardstrokethatstolethebreathfromboththeirlungs.

Shewassmallbutstrongasshepulledhimcloser.Everytimetheyweretogether,hevowedtobe

more careful with her the next time. But need had him spiraling out of control again, and apart from
protectinghersoftcurvesandthebackofherheadwithhishandsagainstthetile,hecouldn’tdoadamned
thingtostophimselffrompoundingintoher,orfromkissingherhardenoughtobruiseherlips.

Yetagain,shesurprisedhimnotonlybytakingeverythinghegaveher,butalsobyencouraginghim

togofurther.Becauseinsteadofcryingoutattheroughwayhewastakingherwithabsolutelynofinesse
orgentlenessatall,hersoftlaughterricochetedthroughtheshower.Evenasherinnermusclestightened
downaroundhimandsheusedherstrongthighandarmmusclestoworkherselfoverhim,thebeautifully
wildwomaninhisarmswasnotonlysmiling...shewasactuallylaughingoutloudwithclearjoy.

Everytimeshelaughed,Rafefeltitinthecenterofhischest.Butnevermorethannow,whenwhat

shouldhavebeenfast,furiouslovemakinghadturnedintosomethingelseentirely.Somethingthateased
thetighteninginhischestevenmorethanlovingherhadlastnight.

BeforeBrooke,sexhadonlybeenaboutmomentarypleasure.
WithBrooke,hefinallyrealizedhowmuchjoytherecouldbeinit,too.
"Ilovethesoundofyourlaughter,"hetoldher,andhewassmiling,too,ashecoveredhermouth

withhis.Hewasamazedthatevenaslaughterturnedbacktomoansandgasps,thejoythatshe’dwrapped
allaroundhimneverletgo,notforonesecond.

Whenherbodyexplodedinclimax,Rafedidn’thaveaprayerofholdingbackhisownrelease.And

whywouldhe,whennothinghadeverfeltbetterthanjumpingofftheedgewithher?

Theyclungtoeachotherforseveralminutesafterwardastheybothworkedtocatchtheirbreath,

andwhenhefinallyputherbackdownonherfeet,shewasgrinningupathim.

"That was awesome!" She sounded just the way she had when they’d ridden his motorcycle into

town,utterlyexhilaratedandthrilledbyherdiscoveryofwhatarushspeedcouldbe.

Rafeagreedwholeheartedly—makinglovetoherintheshowerhadeasilybeenthemostawesome

momentofhislife—butatthesametime,hecouldn’tpushawayanotherchorusofself-condemnationover
thewayhekeptlosingcontrolwithher.

"Whatareyoudoingtome?"
Shereachedforhisjawwithonehandandstrokedit.Hiswetstubbleraspedunderherfingertips.

"Well,rightnow,I’mgoingtoshaveyou."Shewentonhertippy-toestomovehermouthclosertohis.
"Wecanfigureouttherestlater."

Hedidn’tknowhowshedidit—howshetooksomethingthatcouldhavebeensocomplicatedand

madeitsimple.Easy.

Right.
Shehadhimsitonthetiledseatatthebackoftheshowerandfilledherpalmwithshavingcream.

Allittookwasthesoftbrushofherfingersoverhisneckandjawforhimtogrowhardagain.Damnit,he
couldn’tlethimselftakeheragain.

Misinterpreting his grimace as concern, she said, "I promise I’ll be gentle," and then she was

picking up the razor and moving her legs on either side of his so that her gorgeous chest was right at
tonguelevel.Didsheknowhowmuchshewastorturinghimasshetiltedhisheadbacksothatshecould
runtherazoroverhisneck?

He’ddonealotofwildthingsinhislife,buthe’dneverthoughtoneofthewildestwouldbehaving

the most beautiful girl in the world straddling him in the shower while she shaved him, her lower lip
betweenherteethindeepconcentration.

Theonlythingthatstoppedhimfromgrabbingherandtuggingherallthewayontohislap—andthe

erectionthatwouldn’tquitwhenevershewasnear—wasknowinghowbadshe’dfeelifherhandslipped
andshecuthim.Hewasmorethanwillingtoshedalittlebloodtohaveheragain,butheforcedhimself
tokeephishandsrestinglightlyontheoutsidesofherthighsasshedeftlymovedtherazoruptohisjaw.

When she was done, she quickly rinsed him clean with water from the shower spout. She leaned

downandrubbedhercheekagainsthis."Mmm,sosmooth."

Nolongerneedingtoworryabouttherazor,hestoodup,shutoffthewater,andtookherwithhim

fromthebathroomintothebedroom,bothofthemdrippingastheyhitthebedandfellonittogether.He’d
never trusted any woman to do something as intimate as shave him, but with Brooke it had felt like the
waythingsweresupposedtobe.Justasitdidwhenherolledthemoversothatshewasstraddlinghimon
thebedandhecouldnuzzleherbreastswithhisfreshlyshavenface.

"Mmm,"hemurmuredagainsthersweet-smellingskin,"sosmooth."
Shewaslaughingatthewayhe’dusedherownwordsonherashegrabbedanothercondomfrom

besidethebed,thenpulledherdownoverhim.Hecouldfeelherjoyinthethrobofherinnermuscles
againsthimwitheachburstoflaughterfromherlungs.Hewasn’tateenageranymore,andafterhavingher
twiceinlessthantwelvehours,heshouldhavebeenabletolastthistime.

But the way Brooke looked riding him—beyond gorgeous with her head thrown back, wet hair

streamingdownherback,losttoecstasywithherhandsgrippinghisforearms—crushedanycontrolhe
shouldhavehad.Hecouldfeeleverycatchofherbreath,everygaspofpleasurewhenhethrustintoher
andhitjusttherightspot.

Hewantedtowatchhercome,butheneededtotastehermore.Sittingup,heslidhishandsintoher

wet hair and kissed her. He’d never experienced need this fierce, this consuming. All that existed was
Brooke,thesmoothslickofhertongueagainsthis,thegripofherhandsacrosshisshouldersasherclimax

hitherhardenoughthatallshecoulddowaspresshercheekagainsthisandholdontight.

***

Rafe forced himself to unwrap his arms from around Brooke so that she could get dressed. But

instead of putting on jeans, she took a pretty dress from her closet, along with even prettier lingerie to
wearbeneathit.

Athisunspokenquestion,shetoldhim,"IspokewithCordbeforeIgotintheshower.Heneedsme

tocomeintothecitytodaytodoawalk-throughonthenewstorefrontandsignsomepapers."

Rafe’s gut tightened at nothing more than the sound of another man’s name on her lips. He didn’t

muchcarefortheideaofherbeingawayfromhimforsomanyhours,either.Alltheseyearshe’dbeen
waryofwomenwhoclungtootight,whowantedtobetogethereveryfreesecond,yetherehewasfeeling
exactlythatwaywithBrooke.

"I’msureMiawouldlovetohaveyoustaywithherwhileyou’reintown.Or,"hetoldherinstead

ofbegginghertostaythewayhewantedto,"youcouldusemyplace."

Shesmiledattheoffer,butshookherhead."I’mnotplanningtostayinSeattletonight."
ThoughhewassilentlyrejoicingatthethoughtofhavingBrookebackinhisarmsbynightfall,he

said,"Idon’twantyoutobesotiredafteryourmeetingsthatyouhavetroubledrivingbacktothelake."

Herchinlifted,butshegavehimoneofhersweetsmiles."I’llbefine,Rafe."Hergazeheatedupas

sheadded,"AndIdon’twanttospendthenightinthecity,notwhenI’dmuchratherbehereinbedwith
youtonight."

"HowaboutIcomewithyou?"He’dliketomeetthisCordguy,andseewhathisguttoldhimabout

themanwho’dmanagedtosignhimselfupasBrooke’sbusinesspartnersoeasily.

"No,"shesaidwithashakeofherhead,"you’rejusthittingyourstrideonfixingupyourhouse.And

thisisyourvacation."

Shewasright,butshemeantahellofalotmoretohimthansomehouseeverwould.Hewasabout

toinsist,whenshecuthimoffatthepasswith,"Honestly,I’llbetotallyfineonmyown."

Knowingitwashergentlewayoftellinghimtobackoff,andtryingtorespectherwishesdespite

hisconcernsforher,hepulledonhisjeansfromthedaybeforeandwentouttothekitchentomakeher
breakfast before she hit the road. Lord knew, they’d expended more than enough energy since the night
before.Butinsteadofsittingdownwithhim,shesimplytoldhimshewasalreadylate,thankedhimforthe
bagelhe’dtoastedandbutteredforher,threwseveralboxesofherchocolatesintoabigcanvasbag,then
kissedhimoncebeforeflyingoutthedoorlookingstunninginherwrapdressandheels.

Rafestoodinthemiddleofherkitchenfeelingasifhe’djustbeenhitbyahurricane.
He’dhadplentyofgoodsexinthepastfifteenyears,butnothinganywhereclosetoashotaswhat

heandBrookehadshared.Sure,hewasjustacluelessguy,ashissisterhadpointedoutatleastahundred
timestohimovertheyears,buthehadn’tmissedthefactthateveninthemidstoftheheatbetweenhim
andBrooke,there’dbeensomethingmore.

Only,insteadofanglingformoreofacommitmentorwantingtodefinewhetherthey’dshiftedinto

officiallybeingboyfriend/girlfriendnow,she’dhoppedintohercarandheadedtothecityalone.

Hell,hethoughtasheranhishandsroughlythroughhishair,he’dpracticallybeggedtotagalong.

Butsheveryclearlyhadn’twantedhimtocomewithher.

He chewed the situation over. Was it because she didn’t want him to meet her business partner?

Rafehaddevelopedanirrationalhatredjustfortheguy’sname.Whatkindoflegitimatebusinessmanwas
namedCord?Afterpullingouthisphoneanddoingasearchontheguy,Rafedidn’tmuchcarefortheway

helooked,either.Whythehelldidherpartnerhavetobesogoodlooking?

HethoughtaboutBrookehookingupwiththeman,buthecouldn’tgetaclearvisionofit,forone

reallygoodreason:Shewouldneverinamillionyearsleavehisbedtogotoanyoneelse’s.Rafewasa
cynicalbastard,buthewasn’tblind.Brookehadsurprisedhimoverandoverduringthepastfewdays,
butshewasn’t,andwouldneverbe,acheater.

But while he wasn’t worried about her hooking up with her partner behind his back, he was still

worried. Particularly with regard to the money she was continuing to hand over. She was too smart to
walk naïvely into a business partnership with a stranger, and while he assumed she’d done her due
diligenceontheguy,thetruthwasthatRafeandhisemployeescouldfindoutthingsaboutCordthatshe
nevercould.Particularlyifhernewpartnerhadanythinghewastryingtohide.

It was one thing for Brooke to risk her hard-earned money on her own talent—which she had in

spades.Itwasanotherentirelyforhertoriskitonsomeoneelse.

Angry with himself for not making this phone call earlier—he’d been so wrapped up in wanting

Brooke,andthenwhenhe’dfailedtokeepahandleonthatneed,he’dbeenevenmorecaughtupintaking
hereverywhichwayhecould—Rafe’svoicewasgruffasBenpickedupattheoffice.

"Hey,boss,Ihopeyou’recallingmefromafishingboattobragaboutyourlatestcatch."
Normallyhewouldhaveshottheshitwithhisemployee,whowasalsoalongtimefriend.Buttoday

Brookewasallthatmattered."IneedyoutocheckintoaguycalledCordDelacorte."

Benimmediatelyswitchedintobusinessmode."Anythingyou’relookingforinparticular?"
"Iwanttoknoweverythingabouttheguy."
Benknewpreciselywhateverythingmeant in their business: where Cord went and who he went

therewith,everythinghebought,everyonehecalled,andwherehismoneywascomingfromandgoingto
asfarbackastheycouldtracehisactivities.

"I’llmakethismytoppriorityandwillbothcallandemailyouimmediatelywithanythingthatlooks

suspicious."

WithBrookeinSeattle,Rafehadnothingtodistracthimfromputtingintherestofhisnewflooring,

along with the kitchen cabinets that the hardware store would be delivering today. But instead of being
gladtohavesomanyuninterruptedhourstosethislakehousetorights,hewasalreadycountingdownthe
minutesandhours.

Notforsexthistime,butsimplyforthechancetoseeBrooke’ssmilingface...andtoholdherinhis

arms.

ChapterSeventeen

Brooke stood on the muggy main street in Kirkland at dusk and waved good-bye to Cord and his

wife. Just as Rafe had predicted, she was exhausted. The hours she’d already put in driving to Seattle,
combined with actually signing the papers with the lawyer and Realtor for the storefront, would have
beentiringenough.ButdoingallofthataftermakinglovewithRafeforhalfthenightandthentwicethis
morninghadleftherwithrubberylimbsandamindthatkeptdriftingbacktohim.Ontopofthat,aftera
quickwrap-updrinkwithCordandhiswifeinwhichshe’dlearnedmoreabouttheirfertilityproblems,
shedearlywishedshecouldhelptheminsomeway.Theywereclearlydeeplyinlovewitheachother
anddesperatelywantedachild,butalltheloveandwantingintheworldhadn’tyetmadeadifference.

Love,she’dalwaysthought,couldmakemagichappen.Butcouldit?
Yetagain,herthoughtsswungaroundtoRafe,justastheyhadeveryotherminuteorsoduringher

long day. From the first moment she’d seen him get off his motorcycle and look at her with his darkly
intense eyes, she’d wanted him. Needed him, woman to man. From the way he touched her, kissed her,
madelovetoher,sheknewhewantedandneededherinjustthesameway.Butitwaseverythinghe’d
told her about his job, and the scar he wore across his ribs, that made her believe he needed her for
somethingmorethanjustthequenchingofdesire.Formore,even,thanfriendship.

Forlove?
A young boy whizzing by on a skateboard had her jumping out of the way with a hand over her

racingheart.Ofcourse,ithadalreadybeenracingfromthethoughtoffallinginlovewithRafe...

Reminding herself that nothing was certain about their relationship going forward, that they

purposelyhadn’tmadeanypromisestoeachotherbeyondmakingsuretheydidn’thurttheirfriendship,
Brooke refocused her attention on the present. She had one more very important errand at an address
she’d looked up on her phone earlier that day. In fact, she was hoping to bring a present home to Rafe
tonight.

BrookewasimpressedwiththefrontwindowofIndulgence.WhilesheandMiahadbeenpainting

Rafe’slivingroom,Miahadtoldherallabouttheincrediblenewstorejustdownthestreetfromwhere
Brooke’s new store would be. Indulgence was owned by one of Mia’s closest girlfriends, a woman
namedColbie,whobelievedeverywomanshouldnotonlyindulgeherself,butthemaninherlifeaswell.
AndwhenMiahadmentionedthatthestorecarriedafewthingsinherMembersOnlyroomthatwereso
naughtyevenshehadn’tboughtthemforherself,Brookehadmadeamentalnotetopayavisittothestore
onhernexttriptoSeattle.

DowntownKirkland,withitsabundanceofchildren’stoyshopsandhousewaresstoresandcafes,

wasn’t the kind of place a girl went to find super-sexy lingerie, or so Brooke had always thought. She
walkedin,andabeautifulwomanimmediatelygreetedherwithawarmsmile.

"Hello,howareyoudoingtonight?"
Brookeimmediatelyfeltateasewiththewomanbehindtheregister."I’mdoinggreat,thanks.Are

youColbie?"

"Iam.Andyou’reoneofMia’sfriends,aren’tyou?"WhenBrookenodded,Colbielaughed."Idon’t

even know why I pay for advertising when she’s better at spreading the word than any newspaper or
magazinecouldeverbe."

"Miaravedaboutyourstore."Shelookedaroundatthebeautifulmerchandiseontastefuldisplay."I

canseethatshewasright.I’mBrooke."

Colbie’s grin grew even wider. "You’re her childhood friend from the lake the Sullivans used to

visit!Ican’ttellyouhowthrilledsheistohavefoundyouagainafteralltheseyears."

"I’mthrilled,too."Brookesuddenlyrealizedthatbycominghereandsayingwhoshewas,Colbie

mightverywellknowpreciselywhichmanshewasshoppingfor.

"Can I help you find something specific, or would you like me to leave you alone so you can

browseinpeace?"

"Actually—"Brookefeltherfaceflushandcoveredhercheekswithherhandstotrytohideit.
"DoyouwanttoseewhatI’vegotinmyMembersOnlyroom?"Colbieguessed.
"Ido."
The other woman grinned at her. "I knew I liked you, right from the moment you walked inside.

Followme."

Astheyheadedpastagauzycurtain,Brookefeltherfaceheatingupagain,butshewashere,wasn’t

she?Sheneededtobebraveenoughtofollowthroughwithherpurchase.

She’dseenpicturesofsomeofthemerchandiseinthevelvet-lineddisplaycases,buteventhough

the very sexy products Colbie carried were actually quite elegant, Brooke just couldn’t see herself
wearingorusinganyofthem.ShewantedRafetounderstandthatherboundarieswerefurtheroutthanhe
obviouslythoughttheywere,butshealsoneededtostaytruetoherself.

Besides,hehadn’tneededanythingbuthishandsoverherwristslastnight...
"Letmeknowifyouhaveanyquestions,"Colbieoffered.
Brooke’seyeshadcaughtononepossibility."Tellmemoreaboutthese."
Colbiegrinnedassheranthelengthofcolorfulsilkbetweenherfingertips."Myfiancélovesthese.

So many possibilities..." A low man’s voice asked for her from the other side of the curtain, and she
literallyglowedwithhappinessathearingit."Noahisalittleearlytopickmeupfordinner,butI’lltell
himtorelaxforawhile."

ButBrookehadalreadymadeuphermind."I’lltakethesilks."Shepointedatthelingerieonthe

mannequin."That,too,ifyou’vegotitinmysize."

BrookewentoutintothemainroomandmetColbie’ssinfullygorgeousfiancé,NoahBryant.The

wayhelookedatColbie,asthoughshewerebrighterthanthesun,themoon,andthestarscombined,had
Brookebarelycontaininghersighathowsweettheywere.

WasthereanychancethatRafewouldeverlookatherthatway?
Ormaybe,justmaybe,ifMiawastobebelieved,wasthereachancethathealreadydid?

***

Rafe had just finished laying the final floorboard when his phone rang. He hoped it was Brooke

lettinghimknowshewasonherwayhome.

Butitwasn’t.Instead,hiscousinSophie’snamelitupthescreen.
Alwaysgladtohearfromoneofhismanycousins,hepickedup."Hey,Soph,howareyou,Jake,

andthekidsdoing?"Hecouldhearababygirl’slaughterinthebackground,andthenherhusbandJake’s
boominglaughamomentlater.

"Amazing,"sheanswered."Andloud.Really,reallyloud,ifyouhadn’tnoticed."
Sophie’snicknamewasNice.Ontopofthat,shewasalibrarian,soshewasusedtoworkingina

quietspaceallday.HeimaginedmarriagetotheownerofachainofIrishpubs,andthenhavingtwins,
had taken some getting used to. Clearly, though, she was happy with the huge changes to her life,
especiallysinceSophieandJakehadbeeninlovewitheachothersincetheywerekids.

Itwasn’t,hesuddenlyrealized,toodifferentfromhissituationwithBrooke.SophieandJakehad

knowneachothersinceshewasfiveorsix;RafehadknownBrookeevenlongerthanthat.Andthenone
day Sophie and Jake had gone from being family friends to much, much more, just as Rafe and Brooke
had. The only difference was that where Jake McCann had changed from not wanting a serious
relationshiptohappilymarryingandhavingafamilywithSophie,RafeandBrookeweresimplyhavinga
goodtimewitheachother.

Itwasonlyasummerfling,justforfun,wasn’tit?
Belatedly,herealizedSophiewastalking.
"—callwithMiatheotherday,andshetoldmeyouboughtyourfamily’slakehouseback.I’mso

happyforyou,andactuallythat’spartlywhyI’mcalling.We’replanningontakingavacationlaterthis
summer,andonceyoursistertoldmeaboutthelake,itsoundedliketheperfectretreatfromoureveryday
nuttiness.Plus,IcouldseeyouandstopbySeattletoseetherestofyourfamily,too.Doyouknowifthere
areanycottagesorvacationrentalsavailable?"

"Stayhere,atmyplace."
"Areyousure?Thefourofuscanbealottolivewith,evenforjustafewdays."
"Youcanhavetheplacetoyourself."
"Wecouldn’tkickyououtofyourownsummerhouse."
"It’sokay,"hereassuredher,"I’msureIcanstaynextdoor."
"So,"hiscousinsaid,drawingoutthetwoletters,"thenitsoundslikeMia’sright.YouandBrooke

areofficially—"

"Nothing’sofficial,"hequicklyclarified,"butBrooke’sagoodfriend,andI’msureshe’llhaveno

problemwithmecrashingatherplace,especiallyifshegetstoseeyouandyourfamily."

Butevenashesaidit,thewordsdidn’tsoundquiterightinhishead,didn’tfeelquiterightfalling

off his tongue. Because he wasn’t "crashing" with Brooke anymore, and even though it was true that
nothingwasofficial,thatdidn’tmakewhatthey’dsharedsofarfeelanylesspowerful,anylesspotent.

HeheardashriekinthebackgroundandthenthephonedroppedasSophiesaid,"Oh,Smith,honey,

it’sokay."Whenshepickedthephonebackup,hecouldhearherlittleboycrying."Sorryaboutthat,Rafe.
LikeIsaid,neveradullmoment.Oh,andbeforeIgo,Jakewantsyoutoknowhe’sgotsomeawesome
newbeerhe’sbeenbrewingthathe’llbringforyou."

"Give everyone a hug and a kiss for me, Soph. And as soon as you figure out the dates for your

vacation,considermyplaceyours."

Rafewouldn’thavethoughthecouldenvyaguywho’doncehadhispickofanywomanhewanted

for now having to deal with a wife and two babies...but right then it seemed to Rafe that Jake McCann
wastheluckiestbastardintheworld.

***

Justunderthreehourslater,Brookestumbledinherfrontdoor.She’dheardthedrillgoingatRafe’s

housewhenshe’dgottenoutofhercar,andeventhoughshewasdyingtoseehim,shewasalsodesperate
foranothershowertowashawaytheslightachesfromherlongdrive.

Italwaysfeltsogoodtocomebacktothelake,evenafteronlyadayaway.Only,todayshewas

thankfulforfarmorethanthebeautifullakewiththewaningmoonbeginningtoriseoverit.

She’dhadalotoftimetothinkinthecar.Itwas,infact,themainreasonshe’dwantedtomakethe

tripalone.OfcourseshewouldhavelovedtospendthehourswithRafe,butherheadhadbeenspinning
sofastafterthey’dmadeloveyetagainonthebedthatmorning,stillwetfromtheshower.

Toofast.
How,shewondered,couldeverythingchangesofast?
Or,she’daskedherselfoverandoveragainasthemilesrolledbeneaththetires,hadanythingreally

changedatall?

Yes,theywerenolongerplatonicfriends,havingtransitionedprettydarnedcompletelyintofriends-

with-benefits.Butbeyondthat,hadtherebeensomethingmorethanjustheatinhiseyeswhenhe’dgazed
downatherashewasmakinglovetoher?

Were the emotions she’d thought she could hear in his voice when he whispered her name really

there? Or was she simply imagining what she so desperately wanted to see and hear...and feel…from
him?

For tonight, she’d decided it would have to be enough to push at his sensual boundaries. She’d

focusonfightingonebattleatatime.

First,foreverylastounceofpleasuretheycouldgiveeachother.
Andthen,ifshewasevenluckier,forhisheart.
UnliketheshowersheandRafehadtakentogetherthatmorningthatshe’dneverwantedtoend,now

shequicklyshampooedandsoapedupbeforerinsingoffandgettingoutoftheshower.Normally,slipping
back into her jeans and a T-shirt after wearing a tailored dress and heels all day in the city felt like
cominghome.Butshewasn’tplanningonputtingherjeansbackontonight.

Before she left Colbie’s store, she’d bought not only the gorgeous lengths of silk, but also the

prettiest—andsexiest—lingerieshe’deverseen.She’dboughtitwiththoughtsofhowRafewouldreact
whenhesawherinit,butasshepulledtheexquisitelaceandsilkoutoftheshoppingbag,sherealizedit
wouldthrillherjustasmuchtowearit.She’dnevergiventoomuchthoughttoherundergarmentsbefore,
butafterspendingalittletimeinIndulgence,shehadtowonderifthiscouldbeyetanotherwayofletting
outherwildside,withsensualsecretsthatonlysheandherloverwouldknowwerewaitingtherebeneath
herclothes.

She was wearing her secret beneath a simple blue cotton summer dress and had laid her other

purchaseoutoverthepillowswhensheheardRafewalkinthefrontdoortenminuteslater.Butasshe
walkedoutintothelivingroom,andhemetherhalfwaytotugherintohisarms,sheimmediatelyforgot
aboutsecretsandherdayinSeattle.

Allshecouldthinkaboutwashowgooditfelttobebackinhisarms.

ChapterEighteen

God,he’dmissedhertoday.
WhenRafehadheardBrookedriveup,he’dwantedtodrophistools,pullheroutofthedriver’s

seat,andkisshersenseless,buthe’dforcedhimselftogiveherafewminutestodecompressfirst.

Fourdaysagoshehadn’tbeeninhislife.
Fourdaysagohecouldhavemadeitthroughatwelve-hourstretchwithoutlongingforher.
Fourdaysagohehadn’thadtheslightestcluejusthowmuchhislifewasgoingtobecompletely

rockedbyabeautifulgirlwithinnocenteyesandsoftcurvesthatwentonforever.

Brooke’shairwasstilljusttheslightestbitdampfromtheshowershe’dtaken.Hecouldhavestood

withherandbreathedinhersweet,freshscentforhours.

"Howwereyourmeetings?"
"Good."Sheliftedherfacefromhischest."Imissedyoutoday."
Hisheartsqueezed.Thewomenhe’dbeenwithbeforeBrookehadeitherplayedhardtoget,orhad

pressured him for more than he’d had any intention of giving. But he knew she was simply telling him
whatshefelt,withnoulteriormotives.

Heloweredhismouthtohersandtoldherwithhiskissjusthowmuchhe’dmissedher,too.And

yet,thoughallhecouldthinkaboutwastakinghertobedforarepeatoftheirearlierlovemaking,hemade
himselfpullback."Youmustbeexhaustedfromyourtrip."

"Iwas,"sheadmitted,"butnowthatyou’rehere,I’mnotanymore."
SweetLord,allhewantedwastodragherintothebedroom,tearherclothesoff,andtakeherfast

andhard.Instead,heasked,"Areyouhungry?"

Herlipscurvedupintoasmallsmile."Yes."
Damnit,somehowhewasgoingtohavetomakeitthroughamealwithoutlosingwhatwasleftof

hismind.

Butthenshewaspressingherbodyagainsthisandsaying,"Hungryforyou."
Howcouldhedoanythingbutlovehermouththewayhewantedtolovetherestofher?Whenhe

finallyletherupforair,andbothofthemwerepanting,shelickedherlips,alreadydampfromhistongue.

"There’ssomethingIwanttoshowyou."
Rafewarnedhimselfitcouldbeanything.Picturesofhernewstorefront.Anewstyleofboxshe’d

foundtopackagechocolates.Even,possibly,thecontractsshe’dsignedtoday.Butthewayshe’dsaidthe
wordsThere’ssomethingIwanttoshowyouhadRafeonlyabletothinkaboutsexythings.

Dirtythings.
When she slid her hands into his and took him back into the bedroom, he immediately noticed

severalstripsofcoloredsilkdrapedacrossthepillows.Tothenakedeyetheylookedlikescarves.But
Rafeknewexactlywhattheywerefor.

Theyweresensualbindingsmeantforawoman’snakedskin,andhewentalittlecrazyjustthinking

aboutusingthemwithBrooke.

"Wheredidyougetthose?"
Asshepickedupthesilks,sweetnessshimmeredinhereyesalongsideabuddingwickednessthat

keptsurprisinghim,overandover.

"InareallyfunstoreinSeattle."
The vision of Brooke browsing through sex toys had Rafe nearly bursting the zipper of his jeans.

Butthiswasjustthekindofthinghe’dswornhewouldn’tdotoher.She’dbeenagoodgirlbeforehim,
andhedoubtedshewouldeverhavewalkedintothestorebeforethey’dstartedsleepingtogether.

Forcinghimselftoshoveasidethetoo-clearvisionofusingthescarvestobindhertotheironhead-

and footboards, her beautiful body naked and open to him, he said, "I already told you we don’t need
props."

Thoughhisvoicewasrough,whenhepulledherbackintohisarmsamomentlater,makingsilkfall

fromherfingersasherhandsslidoverhisshoulders,hislipsweregentleoverhers.Shesighedintohis
mouth,makingoneofherlittlesoundsofpleasurethathadbeenplayingonrepeatinsidehisheadallday
long.

Hegatheredthefabricofherdressinhishandsandpulleditup.Butwhenhegottoherhips,hehad

to smooth his hands over her hips and thighs. Lace and silk and soft, smooth skin met his palms and
fingertips.Shepleasedhim,everypartofher,somuchthathecouldn’twaitanylongertostripherdress
allthewayoff.Only,onceherdresswasonthefloor,Rafehadtotrylikehelltopickhisjawupoffit,
too.

Strips of see-through white lace and silk crisscrossed her body, leaving her at once covered and

naked...andsodamnedbeautifulthathewasstunnedsenseless.

"Ialsoboughtthistoday,"shetoldhiminahuskyvoice."Doyoulikeit?"
But he couldn’t speak just yet, couldn’t do anything but reach for her again to run his fingertips

downoverthefabricthatstartedathershoulders,thencurvedoverherincrediblebreasts.Hernipples
beadedbeneathhishands,andshepressedherselfintohispalms.Yetagain,shewaspuresensualitycome
tolifeashefollowedthestripsdownacrossherstomachtowheretheymetoverhergorgeousbottom.

Againandagainhe’dvowedtocurbhisnaturalimpulseswithher,butnowhewonderedhowthe

hellhe’deverhaveaprayerofdoingthat.

Anyself-controlhehadleftwasonitslastlegsashisfingersslowlycontinuedtheirtripoversilk

and lace. And when he finally cupped his hand between her legs, he learned that the shockingly sexy
lingeriedidn’tcovereverythingafterall.

Damp, hot skin met his fingers instead of lace and silk. Whispering his name against his mouth,

Brookerolledherhipssothathisfingersstrokedover,thenintotheheartofher.Justthatfast,shewas
comingforhim,andthejoyhefeltwhenherclimaxtorethroughherwasunlikeanythinghe’deverfelt
before.

OnlywithBrooke.

***

Ohmy.
Brooke’snewsexylingeriehadinspiredquitearesponsefromRafe...onethathadhertinglingfrom

headtotoe.Buttherewereotherthingsshewanted,too.Thingsthatinvolvednotonlythenaughtylingerie
shewaswearing,butalsothesilkbindingsshe’dboughtinSeattle.ThingsthatRafe,quiteobviously,had
nointentionofgivingtoher.

Maybeitwasbetterthatway.Sincehehadsuchabigthingaboutnotwantingto"stripawayher

innocence,"she’dtakeanyroomforpotentialguiltoutofhishandsbystrippingitawayherself.

Perhapsitwasknowingjusthowpowerfullyhe’dbeenmovedbyhersexylingeriethatmadeitfeel

perfectly natural to drop to her knees in front of him. She couldn’t help but smile at the way he was
frowningdownather.

"Brooke—"

"Shhh,"shesaidtohim,justashe’ddonewithherwhentheywereintheshowerandshe’dbeen

begginghimnottoteaseher.Shedidn’tneedtofeelhimbeneaththezipperofhisjeanstoknowhowhard
hewas,butwhensheundidhisflyandslowlyslidhisjeansdown,thoughshe’dalreadybeenwithhim
morethanonce,shewassurprisedalloveragainatjusthowbighewas.Hermouthalreadywatering,she
didn’tjustpulldownthedenim,butmadesuretobringhisboxersdown,too.

"Oh,Rafe."Shedidn’ttrytohideherdelightatjusthowbeautifulhewas.
One of her hands rose automatically to wrap around him, and he throbbed hard once, then twice

againstherpalmandfingers."Cometothebedwithme,Brooke."

Butshedidn’twanttodothat—notunlesshewaswillingtoplaywithherthewaysheguessedhe’d

playedwithhisotherlovers.Insomeways,sheknewshehadmoreofhimthananyofhispreviouslovers
had—theirfriendship,theirpast,theirfamilyconnections.Butinotherssheknewshehadless.

Shewouldn’tsettleforthat,darnit,whatevergoodreasonshethoughthehadforthewayhewas

behaving,forbelievingshecouldn’thandlehisdarkerdesires…orherown.Shewouldn’tgosofarasto
askhimforforevertonight,butshewasgoingtoaskforthis.

Whensheletgoofhim,sheknewheassumeditwasbecauseshewasgoingtodowhathe’djust

said and move to the bed. Instead, she picked up the silks she’d dropped to the floor when he’d been
kissingherearlier.Stillonherkneesbeforehim,sheheldthemupandgavehimonemorechance.

"IfIgetonthebed,willyouputtheseonme?"
NoonehadeverlookedmoreconflictedthanRafedidinthatmoment,andshealmostfeltbadfor

him. Almost, but not quite. Because if he could only let go of his silly insistence on treating her
"carefully"—alongwithhisconstantworriesthathewasgoingtohurtherinsomeway—shewascertain
thatbothofthemwoulduncoversomethingnew.Andspectacularlypleasurable.

Finally,withthemuscleinhisjawjumping,hesaid,"Iwon’tputthoseonyou."
"Notevenasablindfold?"
Frustration lit his dark eyes, the same frustration he was making her feel with his stubborn belief

thatshewastoosweet,tooinnocentforthesekindsofsexygames.

"No."
"Okay,"shesaidsoftly,"Ijustthoughtofabetteruseforthem,anyway."
Sitting back on her heels, she lifted her hands to her hair. The thick strands were completely dry

now,butstillheavyasshegatheredthemup.

"Look,"sheaddedinahuskyvoice,"Icanputthemonallbymyself."
She could see that he now realized she’d gotten off—and was about to get them both off—on a

technicality.Butitwasn’tgoodenoughforhimtosimplywatchherwindthesilksaroundherhair.She
alsoneededhimtoknowpreciselywhyshewasdoingit.

"This way," she said softly as she tied the first knot in the soft fabric, "you’ll have a really good

view."

"View?"Theonewordfromhisbeautifulmouthwasstrangled.Borderlinedesperate.
"Yes,"Brookereplied,certainthathewantedthisjustasmuchasshedid.Inanycase,he’dlefther

nochoicebuttotakemattersintoherownhands—andmouth,too.Arushofheathitheratthethoughtof
whatshewasfinallyabouttodo."Yourviewofmedoingthis."

Amomentlaterhewasonhertongue,andshewasmoaningfromthepleasureoffinallytastinghis

hard, hard flesh. He tasted so good that she found herself growing greedier with every inch of him she
tookinsidehermouth.And,oh,howsheloveditwhenhewrappedhishandinthesilkbindingaroundher
hairtoholdherjustwherehewantedherashegrewbigger,hotter,witheveryslickofhertongueover
him.

Somehow,throughthebloodrushinginherears,sheheardhimgrowlinghernamebeforehegave

himselfupcompletelytohermouth,herhands.Shedrankinhispleasureasifitwereherown,andher
lipswouldhavecurvedupinafullsmileiftheyweren’talreadywonderfullyoccupied.

Ashortwhilelater,whenhetuggedathersilk-boundponytailandsherosetoherfeet,theendsof

thesilkwerestickingtothedampskinbetweenthem.

"Promisemeyou’llneverweartheseinyourhairagainunlesswe’reinthebedroom."
She made a show of considering his question. "Do you really think anyone else will know they

aren’tjustprettysilkscarves?"

"I don’t give a damn what anyone else knows. I’d know, damn it. I’d know what you did to me

whileyouwerewearingtheminyourhair.I’dknowthewayyouactuallysmiledasIdidthattoyou."

Ofcourse,thatmadehersmileevenwider."CanIhelpitifyoumakemehappy?"
Thatlightshewasstartingtoseemoreandmoresparkedinthebackofhiseyesasheslidthesilks

fromherhair.

"Promiseme,orthesegointothenextbonfire."
"IpromiseI’llonlywearthemforyou."
A split second later she was on the bed beneath him, and he was swearing he’d buy her more

lingerieashegrabbedthelaceandsilkshewaswearingandtoreitoff.Shewasthrilledbyhisrough,
desperatepossession,soontherewerenomorequestionsfromeitherofthem,noroomforanythingbut
sighsofpleasureandgaspsofecstasyastheywrappedthemselvesaroundeachother.

But the most perfect moment of all came after they’d both toppled over the edge together, and he

whisperedthesweetestwordsshe’deverheard:"Youmakemehappy,too."

***

Brooke was asleep within moments. Rafe loved the way she wrapped herself around him, her

breathingevenandsoftnowasshesleptagainsthischest.

Everytimetheymadelove,shegrewbolder,moreconfidentinherongoingquesttobewild.Ashe

gentlystrokedhersofthairandbreathedherin,heknewhowfrustratedshewasthathekeptrefusingtodo
thingsliketieheruporblindfoldherwiththesilksshe’dbroughthome.

Didn’t she realize that just the thought of having her arms bound to the bed frame and her eyes

covered was cause for insanity? He was afraid it would be a slippery slope, especially when he was
already so much rougher with her in bed than he’d ever intended to be. There were plenty of gentle
moments between them, too, but the fact was, he’d lost it every single time. Holding down her wrists,
shovingherupagainsttheshowertiles,thentakingheragainonthebedinsideoffifteenminutes.

He’d never forget the way she looked when she was down on her knees in that incredibly sexy

outfit,herhairtiedbacksothathecouldseeeverybeautifulexpressiononherfaceasshe’dgazedupat
himwiththeunabashedjoyshebroughttoeverything,includingtakinghimintohermouth...

Damnit,hethoughtasheburiedhisfaceinhersweet-smellinghair,heneededtostopreplayingthe

sexysceneinhisheadorhe’dendupbeingthemostselfishbastardintheworldbywakingheruptotake
heragainwhensheneededsleeptorecoverfromhertiringday.

Whensheshiftedagainsthim,hewrappedhisarmstighteraroundher,bringinghersoftcurveseven

closer.Therewasnopointtryingtodenythatwhattheyweredoinghadturnedintosomuchmorethanjust
sex.

Rafe’schestclenchedtightashefeltherbreatheslowandsteadyagainsthischest.Thecloserthe

twoofthemgot,themoreheworriedaboutkeepinghersafe,notjustwithadeadboltonherfrontdoor,

butfrompeoplewhowouldwanttotakeadvantageofhertrusting,innatelypositivenature.

Brookewassoeasytobewiththatinmomentslikethis,hecouldalmostseehimselfspendingthe

rest of his life with her. But could a cynical bastard like him ever truly make her happy outside of the
bedroom?Andwhatwouldhedoiftheanswerwasno?Couldhedotherightthingandgiveuptheone
personwhodidtheimpossible?

BecausewhenBrookewasinhisarms,shemadethedarkness—andalltheliarsandthecheaters—

disappear.

ChapterNineteen

Holycrap,thoughtRafeashelookedinthedeliverytruck,hissisterhadboughtalotoffurniture.

And yet, once the crew finished unloading it all and putting it where Mia had told them to on the chart
she’dmadeup,Rafehadtoadmititwasexactlytherightamount.

Brookewasnextdoortakingcareoftheworkshe’dputasidetohelphimwithhishouse.Itdidn’t

help that she’d lost another full day in Seattle yesterday. He would have offered to help her make the
chocolates for this week’s upcoming delivery, but he figured he’d only end up getting in the way.
Especiallyconsideringhecouldn’tbeinthesameroomwithherwithoutrippingherclothesoffandtaking
her.

Asitwas,he’dbeenhard-pressedtoleaveherbedthatmorning.Therehadn’tbeenoneotherthing

he’dwantedmorethantostaytherebeneaththesheets,herwarmcurvespressedagainsthimashetasted
andkissedandcaressedeverybeautifulinchofher.Butsincehe’dknownhowmuchworkshehadtodo,
he’dforcedhimselftoleavesothatshecouldgettoit.

Therewasstillworktobedoneonhishouse,butashewanderedthrougheachofthefullyfurnished

rooms,hecouldn’tdenythatitwaseasilymove-inready.Thatfirstnight,whenhe’dseenhowtrashedhis
family’soldlakehousewas,he’dbeenfurious.He’dcometothelaketorelax,notrenovateahouse.But
now, instead of being glad his house was perfectly habitable, down to the matching towels Mia had
orderedforthebathroomsandthebookshelvesinthelivingroomthatheldnewhardcovercopiesofhis
favoriteauthors,ahardknotfistedinhisgut.

Untiltoday,ithadmadeperfectsensetostaywithBrooke.Butwithanewbed,acleanbathroom,

andadecked-outkitchen,hecouldmoveintohisownplacenow.

He should have been thrilled with the arrangement they’d made. Just sex. Wild sex, no less. It

shouldhavefilledhisindependentmaleheartwithgleethatshe’dclearlytoldhimshewasn’tlookingto
settledown,thatshewasn’tlookingathimasherpathtoanengagementringandaweddingdress.

Damnit,hewasn’tthrilledwithanyofit.
Anditdidn’tmakealickofsensethathewasn’t.
Brooke had offered—hell, was offering it to him as often as he wanted, any way he wanted it—

every guy’s dream come true. A hot summer fling with no strings, with no expectations of anything but
pleasure.Butafteronlyahandfulofdayswithherinhisarms,itwasn’tenough.

Ithadonlytakenonenightfortheheatfromtheirflingtoquicklyspiralintoemotionsdeeperthan

he’dbeenexpecting.

Thenagain,itwasn’ttrulyafewdaysorjustonenight,wasit?He’dknownBrookeahellofalot

longerthananyofthewomenhe’dbeenwithbefore.Asakid,spendingeverysummernextdoortoherfor
nearlytenyears,atbonfiresandwaterskiingandhikinginthemountainstogether,he’dlovedherthesame
wayhelovedhisfamily.Becausethat’swhatshe’dbeenandstillwas.Family.

Butnow? He’d be a liar if hedidn’t admit that the love he felt forher was a whole hell of a lot

bigger.Stronger.Andcompletelydifferentfromthelovehehadforhisfamilyorhisotherfriends.

Hiscellphonerang,andthoughhewasn’tinthemoodtotalktoanyonewithhisheadandgutthis

twistedup,whenhesawthatitwasBen,hepickedup."You’vefoundsomething?"

"Stillputtingthingstogether,"Bensaid."I’vegotaquestionforyou."
Though Rafe wanted to push him, he knew Ben was adamant about triple-verifying everything

beforehewouldmakeanaccusation.ItwasoneofthereasonsRafehadbeenabletotrusthiscolleagueto

keepthebusinessrunningwhilehewashereatthelake.

"Shoot."
"OnenamekeepscomingupinassociationwithDelacorteinthepastsixmonths.Iwantedtocheck

inwithyouaboutit,though,beforeIgoanyfurther.DoyouknowaBrookeJansen?"

"She’smyg—"
Damnit,shewasn’tactuallyhisgirlfriend,wasshe?Thatwasn’tintheirsummer-flingagreement.
RemindinghimselfthatallBenneededtodohisjobwerethefacts,Rafetoldhim,"We’renext-door

neighborsatthelake.I’vebeenclosetohersincewewerekids."

"Right,"Bensaid,clearlyalreadyknowingallofthat."That’swhyIwantedtocallbeforeIwent

any further. Normally, since she’s Delacorte’s business partner, I’d do some digging into her details as
well."

Rafe had been so wrapped up in Brooke—and his concern about the possibility that she had

partnered with someone who couldn’t be trusted—that he hadn’t thought things all the way through. Of
courseshewouldcomeupinthecourseoftheinvestigation.IfRafehadn’thadapersonalrelationship
withher,Benwouldhavesimplydonehisjobwithoutaskingquestions.Instead,Rafenowhadtomakea
judgmentcallabouthowtoproceed.

Athisprolongedsilence,Benfinallyasked,"Doyouwantmetoinvestigateher,too?"
ThewordnowasonthetipofRafe’stongue.Brookewasanopenbookwholookedattherestof

theworldwithtrustshiningfromherprettyeyes.Peoplewithskeletonsintheirclosetsdidn’tsmelllike
sunshineorlaughsooftenandsoeasily.

But how many times before had he been proved wrong? Especially during those early years of

doinginvestigationswhenhedidn’twanttofaceuptowhattherealworldactuallylookedlike,whatit
wasreallymadeof.

He had to ask himself if the real reason he was reluctant to have Ben look more closely into

Brooke’shistoryandthedetailsofherlifewasbecausehewasafraidofwhathisemployeewouldfind.
BecauseifRafereallybelievedBrookewouldcomeoutoftheinvestigationcleanandpureandhonest,
then why would he stop Ben from completing the full investigation into her business partner, one that
wouldhaveinvolvedherinanycase?

And, if he really was thinking along the lines of a deeper, stronger love for her—something that

sounded a hell of a lot like forever—shouldn’t he be completely sure about everything she’d done
betweentheagesofeightandtwenty-six?

"Goahead."
"Witheverything?"Benasked,double-checkingeventhis.
Rafeignoredthetighteninginhisgutasheconfirmed,"Yes,everything,"beforetheydisconnected.
HavingBendothisbackgroundcheckonBrookewastheonlywaytobeonehundredpercentsure.
AndRafehadneverneededtobethissureaboutanyonebefore.

***

Brooke was knuckle deep in chocolate ganache when her phone rang. She’d been waiting all

afternoonforCordtoletherknowhowmanyboxesoftrufflesheneededforthepress.Assumingitwas
him,shehitthespeakerbuttononherphonewithhercleanestfingerandsaidhello.

"Hello, honey," her mother said in her crisp lawyer’s voice. "Your father and I were hoping this

wouldbeagoodtimetofinallydiscussyournewbusinessventure."

Truffles in all stages were strewn across her kitchen counter. Brooke would likely have to work

mostofthenighttopulloffherdeliveriesfortheweek.Butshewouldn’thavegivenupthetimeshe’d
spentwithRafeforanything.Afewmissedhoursofsleepweremorethanworththeincrediblepleasure
ofbeingwithhim.

The sun burned hotter, the sky shone brighter, even the chocolate melting on her fingertips tasted

richernowthatRafehadopenedhereyestothesensualityineverythingaroundher.

Knowing that if she had time for Rafe, she should also have time for her parents, she said,

"Absolutely.Howareyouboth?"asshecontinuedhand-rollingtruffles.

Asalways,shewasamazedbythedetailsofthegroundbreakinglegalcasehermotherhadwonand

her father’s game-changing research on the economic effects of cell phones on developing countries.
"Bothofyouareamazing,"shetoldthem,meaningeveryword.Shewasincrediblyproudofherparents
andtheirachievements.

"Afteryourmothertoldmeaboutyournewpartnershipwithmyoldcolleague,"herfathersaid,"I

gaveCordacallashortwhileago."

Shebarelystifledhergroan.Shecouldonlyimaginetheconversationthetwoofthemhadhad,her

fatheractinglikeshewasstillsixyearsoldandcouldn’tbetrustedtocrossthestreetbyherself."Ihope
thetwoofyouhadaniceconversation."

Thankfully,herfatherconfirmed,"Indeedwedid.Heassuredmethathehashiseyecloselyonthe

ballandwillmakesureyournewstoreinSeattleisasuccess."

Whileithadbeenexactlytherightthingtotellherfather,Brookecouldn’tdenyitgratedthathewas

so quick to give Cord both the credit and the responsibility for the success of her business expansion.
Theystillactedasifshe’dbeenplayingatherbusinessthesepastyears,ratherthanslowlygrowingher
happycustomerbasemonthbymonth.

Trying to change the subject to something lighter, she said, "I hope you’ll be able to come to our

grandopeningnextmonth.Especiallysincewe’rehavinganabsolutelybeautifulsummerhere.Youboth
shouldtrytocomeoutforavisit."

"Perhaps we could rearrange our schedules, although we wouldn’t want to get in your way," her

fathersaid."Isthehousenextdoorstillavacationrental?"

"Notanymore,"shesaid,unabletokeepthesmileoffherface."TheSullivansboughtitbackjust

thisweek."

"TheSullivanshavemovednextdooragain?"
Inthemiddleofcarefullypoppingthelightlychilledtrufflesfromherrefrigeratoroutofthemolds

andontothecounter,Brookedidn’tcatchtheedgetohermother’squestion."Well,Rafeistheonewho
boughtthehouse,butsincehissisterandoneofhisbrothershavealreadycomeuptovisitthisweek,I’m
surethewholefamilywillbeusingitquiteabit.They’reallstillveryclose."

"Hemustbemarriedbynow,surely?"
She frowned at the tone of her mother’s question. "Rafe is only in his early thirties. He’s not

married.ButhedoesownaverysuccessfulprivateinvestigationagencyinSeattle."

"Yousoundlikeyouknowanawfullotabouthimafteralltheseyears,Brooke."
Thoughtheycouldn’tseeheroverthephone,sheliftedherchinindefiance."We’vespentquitea

bitoftimetogethersinceheboughtthehouse.Infact,"sheadded,indirectoppositiontothevoicesinher
headtellinghernotto,"he’sbeenstayingwithmeforthepastweek."

She could only imagine the coronaries they’d have if she added, in my bed. Her parents likely

thought—orhoped,anyway—thatshewasstillavirgin.

"Don’t you have the common sense to know it isn’t safe to let a man you barely know spend the

nightinyourhome?Haven’tyoulearnedanythingatallsinceyousnuckoutofthehouseatsixteen,drank

toomuch,andgotintothatcarwithaboywho’dalsobeendrinking?"

"Imadeonemistaketenyearsago.One!ButyoukeepbringingitupasifI’verepeateditoverand

over every day since then." Hurt radiated from every word she spoke. "Why can’t you trust me, and
believethatIknowwhatI’mdoing,justonce?"

"Whycan’tyoubesmartenoughtosaynowhenoneofthosewildSullivanstellsyouhewantsto

spendthenightinyourhome?"

"Becausehe’smyfriend."Butsheknewitwouldbedishonesttoleaveitatthat.Herchinliftedyet

anotherinchasshetoldthem,"Andmore."RafeSullivanwasthemanshewasfallinghead-over-heelsin
lovewith.Shedidn’twanttoholditinanymore."Somuchmore."

"Oh no," her mother said in obvious horror. "This was always what we were so worried would

happen. We begged your grandparents to put some distance between you and that family and were so
thankful when they had to sell the house. But now, after all these years, exactly what we feared has
happened."

Brooke’shandsfistedinchocolateasshestaredatherphone."Howcouldyou?"Herquestionwas

littlelouderthanahissofpain."Theywerelikefamily,andyouwantedtotakethemawayfromme?You
wereactuallygladwhentheylosttheirhouse?"

Butitwasasifshehadn’tspokenasherfathersaid,"Evenasteenagers,thoseSullivanboyswere

dangerous.Wealwaysknewoneofthemwouldtakeadvantageoftheeasypickingsnextdoor."

Easypickings?
MyGod,wasthatwhatherparentsreallythoughtshewas?Justsomenaïvegirlwhocouldn’tthink

for herself? Who didn’t have the strength of will—or enough common sense—to turn away a man she
didn’twant?Whomshedidn’tcareforwitheverybeatofherheart,andeverylastpartofhersoul?

Butshealreadyknewtheanswertothat,didn’tshe?
Itwaswhatherparentshadalwaysthought—thatshewastoofragile,tooinnocent,toofoolishto

knowhowtokeepherselfsafefromharm.Only,nowthey’dpushedhertoofar.

Itwasonethingforthemtothinkshewasn’tcapableofmakinggooddecisions.ButtosaythatRafe

hadpulledthewooloverhereyeslikehewasadirtyoldmanonthecornerinatrenchcoatdrawingher
inwithpromisesofcandy?

Thatwaswhatfinallymadehersee—andspeak—brightred.
"I’mtheonewhopropositionedhim."Shebarreledondespiteherparents’shockedgasps."Hewas

trying to keep his distance, but I wouldn’t let him. And being with him was the best decision I’ve ever
made.RafeSullivanisthemostwonderfulmanI’veeverknown.Betterthananyofthemenyouthought
weresogreat,sosafe.Noneofthemcaredaboutmethewayhedoes."

Maybe he hadn’t actually said he loved her, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t see how much he

caredaboutherineverylookhegaveher,andfeelitineverykiss,everytimehewasmovinginsideof
herandmakinghersoultakeflight.

SheheardRafe’sbootsonherfrontporchandpurposelysaidtheonethingsheknewwouldsend

herparentsintoevenmoreofatizzy."Speakofthedevil,"shesaidwithparticularemphasisontheword
devil,"he’sjustcomingupthestairsnow.I’vegottogo."

"Brooke—"
She didn’t just hang up on them, she actually pulled the entire phone from the wall, leaving

chocolatehandprintsoneverythingshetouched.

"ThankGodyou’rehere,"shesaidtoRafewhenhesteppedinside.
Hewasinstantlyworried."Whathappened?"
Sheshookherhead,reachingforhim."Nothingyoucan’tfix."Ashecaughtherupinhisarms,she

askedhim,"HowdidyouknowIneededyourightthissecond?"

"Because I need you, too. So damned bad that it nearly killed me to leave you alone so that you

couldgetyourworkdone."

"Idon’twanttobeleftalone."Notwhenhewaseverythingsheneeded.
"Tellmewhatyoudowant,sweetheart."
"You."Shepressedhermouthtothepulsepointatthesideofhisneck."Justyou."

ChapterTwenty

Rafeliftedherupontothekitchencountersothatshecouldwrapherarmsandlegsaroundhimas

hekissedher."Youtastesosweet."

"It’sthechocolate."
"No,it’sallyou."
Her eyes filled up and her breath hitched in her lungs. Just as she’d told her parents, Rafe was

different.Special.Andhe’dalwaysnoticedmorethanotherpeople.

Todistracthimfromthequestionsshecouldseeinhiseyes—questionsshedidn’twanttoanswer

until she’d drawn strength from the beauty of their connection—she dipped her finger into the bowl of
coolingganache."Tastethis."

Sheknewshehadn’tfooledhim,buthewaskindenoughtolethersidetrackhimasheloweredhis

mouthtoherfingerandlickeditoff.

"Doyoulikeit?"
"Ido,"hesaidbeforehedippedhisownfingerintothebowl.Insteadoffeedingittoher,hismouth

curvedintothewickedsmileshesolovedtosee."ButI’mguessingitwilltasteevenbetterlikethis."

He slowly slid his chocolate-covered finger across the upper curve of one breast above the

necklineofhersundress.Theanticipationoffeelinghistongueinthesameplaceheldherbreathcaptive
inherlungs.Ofcourse,hemadeherwaitbytracinganotherstripeofchocolateovertheotherside.

Finally, he lowered his head and slicked his tongue, warm and wet, over her skin. His shoulder

muscleswerehardbeneathherhandsassheheldontohimfordearlife.Itwaseitherthatorgoslidingoff
thecounterinapuddleofliquidheat.

"Iwaswrong,"hesaidafterhe’dlickedupallofthechocolate.
Thefeelofhistongueonherbareskin,especiallyinthemiddleofthedayinherkitchenwhileshe

hadherlegswrappedaroundhim,hadturnedherbraintomush.Somehow,shegothersynapsestofire
enoughtoask,"Youwere?"eventhoughshehonestlycouldn’trememberwhathecouldbewrongabout.

"Youtastesogoodthateventhebestchocolateintheworldcan’tcompare."
She’d been with men for months who hadn’t made her feel as special as Rafe had in less than a

week.She’dalwaysbeenalittlebitinlovewithhimasagirl,hadwatchedhimbewildandfreewith
starsinhereyes.Butnowsheknewjusthowmuchmoretherewastohim.Hewasamanwhowoulddo
anythingfor his family.He was theP.I. who helped strangerswith their problemsby tracking down the
answerstheyneeded.Andhewasherloverwhowhisperedthesweetestwordsshe’deverheard.

Howcouldshedoanythingbutfallalltheway?
Brookecuppedhisfaceinherhandsandkissedhimwithalltheloveinherheart.Buteventhough

hiskisseswerepuremagic,rightnowsheneededmore.Sheneededallofhim,neededtofeelhimmove
insideofherandfillupallthespacesthatthephonecallwithherparentshadleftempty.

ShegrabbedathisT-shirtsohardthatitrippedassheyankeditupoverhishead.Herhandswere

attheflyofhisjeansaheartbeatlater,andthankGod,hedidn’ttrytostallherthistime,wasn’tplanning
toteasehertodayuntilshewasbegging.

Hekickedoffhisjeansandboxers,andthenhewasliftingherhipsoffthecounterenoughthatshe

couldpulloffherowndress.Shewasunhookingherbrawhenhereachedforthelacebetweenherlegs
andtoreitfromherbody.

Thethrillofbeingwanted,ofbeingdesiredthismuch,shookthroughher.Completelynakednow,

shethrewherarmsandlegsaroundhimashefistedhishandsinherhair.Rafetiltedherheadsothathe
could plunder her mouth in a sizzling kiss that told her exactly how he wanted her, hot and writhing
beneathhim,skindampasshecameagainandagainathiscommand.

Thenextthingsheknew,hewaspushingherbottomtowardthecenterofthekitchencounter,andhe

wasclimbingupontoitwithher.Thegranitewasblessedlycoolbeneathheroverheatedskin,butRafe’s
handsmovingovereveryinchofherweremorethanenoughtowarmheragain.

Bothofthemhadslidintothechocolatebythenandwerecoveringeachother’sskinwithitasthey

strokedandtouched,lickedandnibbled.Whatathrillitwastohavehertwofavoritethingsintheworld
atthesametime:Rafeandchocolate.

She was just thinking how much easier it would be to never taste or make truffles again than it

wouldbetoloseRafewhenhesentallthoughtsoflossfromherheadbymovingfullybetweenherthighs
anddrivingintoherinoneperfectthrust.

"OhGod,Rafe."
Her words sounded as if they had come from a great distance rather than from her own lips. She

wasfaintlyawareofoneofhislargehandscradlingherheadwhiletheothercuppedherhip,protecting
her from the granite, but she would have gladly gotten a few bruises. She didn’t care about being safe,
didn’tcareaboutanythingbutloving—andbeingloved—bythemostbeautifulmanintheworld.When
theyweretogetherlikethis,nothingelsemattered,onlythejoythattookheroverfromheadtotoe,inside
andout.

She couldn’t stop saying his name as he took her higher, and then higher still, and she finally

realizedhewassayinghername,too,astheirmouthsfoundeachotheragaininaheatedkiss.Evencaught
up in desperation, they moved in perfect sync, from fast to slow and then back again. And when the
wickedbeautyoftheirlovemakingfinallyoverwhelmedher,shearchedbacktotakehimevendeeperas
heheldhertighterthanheeverhadbefore.Brookehadneverfeltmorewholethanshedidasshecame
apartbeneathhim,hisownreleasejustmomentsbehindhers.

Itwasn’tuntilhepulledawayfromherthatsherealizedhemusthavetakenoutacondombefore

he’d dropped his jeans on the kitchen floor. She’d never been careless in bed with a man before, had
nevertrulylostcontrolbeforeRafe,hadnevertrustedanyoneasmuchasshetrustedhim.

Yetagain,he’dtakencareofthemboth,justasshe’dalwaysknownhewould.
Heliftedherfromthecounterandcarriedherintothebathroom,holdinghertightlyinhisarmsas

heclimbedintothetubandletthewaterpourintowashthechocolatefrombothofthem.

She leaned her head back against his shoulder and closed her eyes. "You’re right. We don’t need

any props to be wild." She turned her face to his with a smile on her lips, but he wasn’t smiling back.
"You’renotfeelingguiltyfordebauchingmeagain,areyou?"

Clearly, he was surprised she’d figured him out so well. "I could have hurt you up on that hard

granite."

"Youcouldneverhurtme."
She felt him stiffen behind her. Come to think of it, hadn’t he looked a little twisted up about

somethingwhenhewalkedintothekitchen?Butshe’dbeensowrappedupinherownemotionsthatshe
hadn’tstoppedtoaskifhewasokay.

"Rafe?" She immediately twisted around in the tub so that she was straddling his hips, her hands

linkedaroundhisneck."We’renotjustlovers,we’refriends,too.Youcansayanythingtome.Youknow
that,don’tyou?"

"I’veneverbeenfriendswithaloverbefore."
Shecaressedhischeek."Meeither,butIthinkwe’redoingprettygoodsofar."

Sogoodthatsheknewshecouldn’texpecthimtobehonestwithheraboutwhatwasonhismindif

shewasn’thonestwithhim,too.Shecouldhaveavoidedhisearlierquestionagain,thesamewayshehad
justminutesbefore.Especiallywhenhewasalreadyhardagain.Justtheslightestshiftofherhipsandshe
couldhavebothofthemforgettingforalittlewhilelonger.

Butforthemtotrulybemorethanlovers,evenmorethanfriends,meanttalkingnotonlyaboutthe

cutethings,thesexythings...butaboutthedifficultthings,too.

"Youaskedwhathappenedwhenyouwalkedintothekitchen."Shesighed."Myparentscalled."
He slid a chocolate-covered strand of hair away from her forehead. "What did they say to upset

you?"

"TheystillthinkI’malittlegirlwhoneedstheirguidance,theirprotection,theirwisdom.I’mnot

sayingIdon’tsometimesorthattheirlearnedwisdomisn’tvaluable,but—"Shesighed,thewaterinthe
tubshiftingbeneaththeslightmovementofherbodyoverhis."AlltheseyearsI’vebeensosurethatone
day they’ll open their eyes and see me. The real me, the woman I’ve become, not just a teenager who
madeabigmistakewhenshewassixteen.IcanunderstandthattheywereterrifiedwhenIendedupina
carcrash,but—"

"Waitaminute,whathappenedwhenyouweresixteen?"
"I couldn’t stand feeling like a prisoner in my bedroom another second, so when my friend

suggestedwesneakouttogotoapartyacoupleofstreetsover,insteadofsayingnolikealways,Isaid
yes.ButIhadsolittleexperiencewithregularteenstuffthatwhensomeonegavemeaglassofpunch,I
drankallofit.Andthenanother,untilthenextthingIknew,everythingwasalittlefuzzy."

"There was Everclear in that punch, wasn’t there? A hundred and ninety-proof alcohol with no

taste,nosmell."

She nodded. "I think so. But I probably would have been okay and made it back to my bedroom

withoutmyparentseverfindingoutifIhadn’tgottenintoacarwithaboyIhadacrushon."Shewinced.
"He’dbeendrinkingthepunch,too,thusthecrashintoatreeinsomeone’sfrontyard.Theairbagscaught
meandIwasfine,but—"Sheshookherhead,feelingfoolishaboutitevenalltheseyearslater."Pretty
stupid,huh?"

"Yes,itwasstupid,"heagreed,andherheartstartedtosinkjustasheadded,"buteveryteenageris

stupid.Stupidiswhatteenagersdo."

"Whycan’tmyparentsseethat?Whycan’ttheyseemeforwhoIamnow?ForwhoI’vebecome?"
"IwishIcouldpromiseyouthatthey’dcomearound,"Rafesaidsoftly,"butsinceIcan’t,allIcan

do is tell you what I see every time I look at you." His eyes were full of much more than desire as he
caressed her cheek. "I see incredible beauty." He brushed the back of one hand down the curve of her
bodyfrombreasttohip."Iseesensualitythatshocksthehelloutofmeeverysingletimewemakelove."
Hekeptmovinghishanddownintothewateruntilhe’dpickeduponeofherhands."Iseethetalentto
make the best damned truffles in the world." He laid both of their hands between her breasts. "I see a
heartthat’sbigenoughtotakeinmyfamilyshowingupunannouncedonyourdoorstep."Heliftedherhand
tohismouthandpressedakisstoit."Butmostofall,Iseeawomanwhoissodamnedsmartthatshe’s
donesomethingfewpeoplewilleverevenrealizetheyneedtofightfor:You’vebuiltyourlifeexactlythe
wayyouwantit,doingwhatyoulove,intheplaceyouwanttobe.Youdon’tneedtoproveonedamned
thingtoanyone,Brooke.Youalreadyhave."

Withjustahandfulofthemostbeautifulsentencesshe’deverheard,he’dansweredeveryquestion

shehadleftaboutfallinginlovewithhernext-doorneighborandfriend,andhaderasedeverylastdoubt.

AllBrookehadeverwantedwasforsomeonetoactuallyseeher—andtoloveher—forwhoshe

reallywas.Finally,she’dfoundhim.Thefirstboyshe’deverlovedwouldalsobethelast.

"Remember how I said that if you ever gave up being a P.I., you should consider short-order

cooking?"

Hecockedhisheadatherstrangeresponsetohisincrediblysweetwords."You’vegotahankering

foreggsallofasudden?"

"No, but I want you to know I’ve changed my mind. Plenty of people can make great scrambled

eggs,butsofewcanbeapoet."

"I’mnopoet,Brooke."
"Tome,"shesaidasshelaidherheadagainsthisshoulder,"youare."

ChapterTwenty-one

Rafe wanted to do anything he could to strip away the lingering pain in Brooke’s eyes from her

phonecallwithherparents.Butsincemorelovemakingwouldonlyputhermorebehindonhertruffle-
makingschedule,heofferedhistwohandsinwhateverwayshecouldusethemtofinishgettingtherestof
herordersmade.Shetookhimuponitwithabig,happysmilethathadhimwastingafewmoreminutes
ofhertightdeadlineinhisarmsdespitehisbestintentionstokeephishandsoffheruntilherworkwas
done.

Earlierintheday,he’dbeenworriedaboutbeinginherway,butasshequicklyshowedhimwhat

sheneededhimtodo,herealizedheshouldhavegivenherenoughcredittoknowexactlyhowtoputhim
toworkinsuchawaythathe’dbeahelpratherthanahindrance.

Hehatedthethoughtofanyoneharmingherinanyway.Whenhe’dwalkedinaftershe’dgottenoff

thephonewithherparentsandshe’dtoldhimshe’dneededhim,he’dbeendesperatetohealthehurtin
hereyesbyreplacingitwithpleasure.Theirlovemakingonthekitchencounterhadbeenwildandhot,but
morethanthat,ithadbeenfullofthesweetnessthatwasatBrooke’score.

Everythingshedidheldthatsamebeautifulcontradiction.Thecombinationofheatandcoolnessin

her chocolates. The simple sundresses over naughty lace and silk...or nothing at all. Wicked and oh so
good.AmanwouldbeafoolnottolookdeeperthanthesurfacewithBrooke.

Didthatmeanhe’dalsohavetobeanevenbiggerfoolaboutthebackgroundcheckhe’dordered?
Andyet,eventhoughRafehadmeanteverywordhe’dsaidtoherinthebathtub,thoughhe’dseen

withhisowneyesherbeauty,herbrains,andhowbigherheartwas,whataboutallthoseyearshehadn’t
beenwithher?Couldtherebesomethingheneededtoknowthatwasbiggerthansneakingoutatsixteen
andgettingdrunk,somethingshewouldneveradmiteventohim?Somethingthatwouldtearthemapart
downtheroad?

"Rafe?"Hedidn’trealizehe’dgivenvoicetohisfrustrationatthebattleraginginsideofhimuntil

shesaidhisname."You’vealreadydonesomuchtohelp.I’llcometobedafterI’vemademydeliveries."

He moved from the boxes he was putting together to wrap his arms around her from behind. He

restedhischinonthetopofherheadandlovedthewaysheimmediatelyrelaxedbackintohisarmsand
chest."I’mnotgoinganywhere."

Sheturnedherfacetohis,andhecaughtherlipsinasoftkiss.Beforeshecouldspinaroundinhis

arms and convince him to ruin their hard work by lifting her up onto the counter to take her again in
another rush of unquenchable desire, he moved his hands to her shoulders and began to give her a
massage.

"OhGod.Pleasedon’tstopdoingthat."
Hegrinnedashedughisfingersjustalittleharderintohermuscles."I’mgladitfeelsgood."
"So,sogood."Hereyeshadclosedandherheadfellforwardassheletherselfenjoyeverysecond

oftheimpromptumassage."Ashort-ordercook,apoet,andnowamasseur.You’resogoodateverything
youdo."

Hepressedakisstoherhead."Youmustinspiregreatnessinme."
Sherubbedherhipsagainsthisgroin."IwonderwhatelseIcaninspire?"
"As soon as we get the rest of these chocolates made and out the door, we can find out," he

promised her, before reluctantly lifting his hands and stepping away from her gorgeous, extremely
inspiringcurvestogetbacktoworkonfillingtruffleboxes.

Theskywasdark,themoononlyaslivernow.Astheyworked,itsreflectiononthesurfaceofthe

wateroutsidemovedacrossthelakeuntilitwasreplacedbytherisingsun.

"Nodoubtaboutit,"shesaidastheyputtogetherthelasthandfulofboxes,"I’mofficiallytooold

forall-nighters.Thankyouforhelping.Icouldn’thaveevencomeclosetopullingthisoffwithoutyou."

"Youwouldn’thavebeenthisfarbehindwithoutme,either."
"We’rehavinganotheroneofoursillyargumentsagain,"shesaidwithalittlesmile."Comeonand

let’sgetthesedeliveredsothatwecangetbacktobeinginspired,instead."

Peopleweregoingtowonder—andassume—whentheysawhimwithBrookethismorning.Itwas

asmall,tight-knittown.Hehadn’tbeenapartofitforthepasteighteenyears,buthehadn’tforgottenhow
itworked.Wordhadlikelyspreadlikewildfirethathe’dboughtthelakehousehisfamilyusedtoown,
andhedoubtedhisdinnerormotorcycleridewithBrookehadgoneunnoticed,either.

The locals would wonder how on earth he’d gotten to be the luckiest bastard on the planet. But

morethanthat,they’dwanttoknowifhewasevenclosetogoodenoughforoneoftheirown.

TheyweretheexacttwothingsRafekeptwonderinghimself.

***

Four hours later, Brooke was asleep in the passenger seat as he drove her car back up the long

gravel driveway between the Douglas firs that led to both their houses. They’d driven to the main
shoppingareasofthethreetownsclosesttothelakeanddeliveredchocolatestoeverygiftstore,grocery,
sweetshop,andicecreamstand.He’dbeenmomentarilysurprisedwhenBrookestoppedinatthepolice
and fire stations with free boxes of chocolate. It was a brilliant marketing idea, and he’d seen the
incrediblegoodwilleveryoneintownhadforher,butthatwasn’twhyshedidit.Shesimplywantedto
showherappreciationforthedifficultandimportantworkthecopsandfirefightersdid.

He’drunintoguysatthestationshehadn’tseeninyears,andwhilethey’dclearlybeengladtosee

him again, he’d also felt the weight of their silent warning: Screw around with Brooke and you’re
screwing around with all of us. On top of that, more than one of them had clearly been upset that he’d
stolentheprettiestgirlintownoutfromundertheirnoses.Knowingjusthowmanyguyswouldhavebeen
morethanwillingtobe"wild"withherhadRafefeelingevenmorepossessiveandprotectiveofher.

Hissisterhadbeenright:Summerflingsneverworkedoutthewaytheyweresupposedto.Maybe,

he found himself thinking as he unbuckled Brooke’s seatbelt, then lifted her out of the car, that was
becausesometimestheyworkedoutevenbetter.

Shenuzzledherfaceintohisneckashecarriedherinside.Layingherdownonherbed,heintended

togentlystripherclothesoffwithoutwakingherup,butshewouldn’tletgoofhim.

"It’stimetobeinspired."
Her whispered words in his ear had him growing even harder than he’d already been just from

holding her in his arms. She inspired not only deep desire, but also emotions he would have been on
guardagainstwithanyonebuther.

Brooke had slipped in beneath his defenses, not just with sweet kisses and incredibly hot

lovemaking, but with her constant smiles and laughter that jumped like a cannonball into the dark spots
insideofhimandsplashedthemwithlight.

"I’malwaysinspiredwhenI’mwithyou."
Hereyesflutteredup,arousalquicklyedgingoutthesleepiness."Showme."
Hermouthwassodamnedsoft,hertonguesosweet,thatallhecouldmanagetoshowherwasthe

factthathecouldn’tresisther.

Everytimethey’dmadelovehadbeenspecial.Perfect.Wild.Thiswastheirfirsttimeforsleepy

andslow,herbodylikemeltingbutterbeneathhis.

Howmanyotherwayswouldtherebetoloveher?
Itwasaquestionheknewhe’denjoytryingtoanswereverydayfortherestofhislife.
Herskinsmelledlikechocolate,andhebreathedherinalloverasheslowlystrippedherclothes

away and ran kisses from her temple down to the brightly painted tips of her toes. She stretched like a
contented, sleepy kitten beneath his increasingly heated caresses, purring like one, too, every time he
foundaparticularlysensitivespotwithhistongue.

Hecouldhavespenttherestofthedaytastingbehindherknee,nippingatherhipbone,rubbinghis

cheekagainsttheundersidesofherbreasts,butthereweresomanyotherspotsheneededtotaste,too.

Thesoftskinonherneckwhenshearchedbeneathhim.
The small of her back when he rolled her onto her stomach so that he could fully appreciate the

gorgeouscurveofherhipswhilemassagingawaytheachesthatcamewithdoingsuchhardworkatthe
kitchencounterallnightlong.

Theshadowofcurlsbetweenherthighsthattemptedamanbeyondreason.
Shewaspliantenoughinherdrowsypassionthathecouldeasilyturnherinhisarmsandopenher

thighswithhisashetookcareofprotection.Andthenshewasreachingforhimagain,andhermouthwas
connectingwithhisattheexactmomentheslidintoher.Shewassowetandhotandreadyforhimthathe
nearlylostitrightthenandthere.

Cheektocheekastheymovedtogether,hecouldtellbythewayherinnermusclesclenchedaround

himthatshewasascloseashewas.SexforRafehadalwaysbeenamarathon,atesttoseehowfarhe
could push his partner and himself. But with Brooke there were no goals, no rules, no awards he was
tryingtowin.Justpleasure.

Andpurejoy.
Hecouldfeelhermouthcurveupagainsthischeekassheapproachedherclimax.Onlythistime,as

heincreasedhisthruststohelptakeherallthewayovertheedge,shegavehimmorethanhersmile,more
thanthesweetsoundofherlaughter.

"Iloveyou."
Hermouthwassoclosetohisearasshegavehimherheartthathealmostfeltasthoughthewords

hadalwaysbeenthereinsidehishead,flippingeveryoffswitchtoon,turningeveryredlightgreen.

RafeknewBrookehadn’tsaidthethreelittlewordstotrytogethimtosaythemback,ortopush

himintomakingadecisionhewasn’tyetreadyfor.She’dsimplygivenhimwhatwasinsideherheart,
justasshe’dgivenhimherbody.

And in that instant, Rafe knew it didn’t matter what Ben’s background check said. Brooke could

haveathousandskeletonsinherclosetandhe’dstillloveher.

"Iloveyou,too."
Hesworetimestoppedashereyesopened.Shelookedupathiminstunnedsurprise."Youdo?"
Alltheseyearshe’dbeensocertainloveonlyhappenedonceinabluemoon,butsomehowthey’d

gottenone,hadn’tthey?

"Ido,sodamnedmuch.You’reallIcanthinkof,allthatI’mgoingtowantforever."
Her eyes filled with tears even as a wide smile split her face. Just as she laughed through every

orgasm, she did the same now while teardrops rolled down her cheeks. After he kissed each of them
away,shewhisperedonewordagainsthismouth.

"Forever."

ChapterTwenty-two

A ringing cell phone woke them up. Rafe pulled Brooke closer, intent on ignoring anything that

wasn’twarmandsoftandsmellinglikechocolateinhisarms,butthedamnedthingkeptbuzzingagainand
again.

Shefinallymurmuredagainsthisshoulder,"Soundslikeit’sprettyimportant."
Bythefifthtimeitrang,he’dbeguntothinkthesamething.Worriedthatsomethinghadhappenedto

his siblings or his parents, he kissed Brooke on the forehead, then eased out of her bed. Through the
window,hecouldseethatthesunwashighinthesky,andherbedsideclocksaiditwaspastnoon.They
hadn’tsleptmorethanahandfulofhoursafterworkingallnightlong,buteveryhourinbedwithBrooke
wasworthatleasttwowithouther.

Shelovedhim.
The memory of the way she’d said those three incredible words to him just hours ago—and how

he’d,amazingly,saidthemrightback—hadhimwantingtotosshisphoneoutintothelakesothatthetwo
ofthemcouldbeleftaloneintheircozylittleworldtogether.

HegrabbedhisjeansfromthechairinthecornerofBrooke’sbedroom,andhiscellfellontothe

carpet.Ben’snamestaringupathimfromthescreenfrozeRafeinplace.Iftherehadn’tbeenanythingof
notetoreport,hiscolleaguewouldhavesentanemailorleftavoicemail.

Clearly,fivecallsinarowmeantBenneededtoreachRafeimmediately.
"Rafe?"Brookewassittingupinbednow,thecoversbuncheduparoundherwaist,herhairtangled

fromtheirlovemaking."Isityourfamily?Iseverythingokay?"

"It’stheoffice.I’lltakethecalloutinthelivingroomsothatyoucangetbacktosleep."Beforehe

left,hegaveheronemorelingeringkiss,onethatstunnedhimalloveragainwithitssweetness.

Her eyes were hazy with more than sleepiness by the time he made himself move away from the

bed.Heyankedonhisjeansandclosedthebedroomdoorbehindhim.

HisguttwistedtightashedialedBenback.Wasthishowhisclientsfeltwhentheysawhisname

come up on their phones, calling with the bad news they’d been praying he wouldn’t give them? He’d
alwaystriedtobesensitiveaboutit,butnowhewonderedifhe’deverbeenanywhereclosetosensitive
enough.

WhenBenpickedup,Rafesaid,"Iwanttoknowwhatyou’vegotonDelacorte,but—"Helowered

his voice and moved farther from the bedroom. "—I already know everything I need to know about
Brooke.Youcanshredwhateveryou’vegotonher."

Heknewnowthattherewasn’tadamnthingshecouldhavedonetomakehimstoplovingher.He’d

beencrazytotellBentodoabackgroundonherinthefirstplace,almostasifhe’dbeenlookingfora
waytosabotagehisownhappiness.

"I’vealreadyemailedyouthedocumentIputtogether,soifyoudon’twanttoreadthebackground

onBrooke,youshouldskippageten,"Bentoldhim."I’lltakecareofdestroyingthehardcopieshere."

"Good.Nowtellmewhatyoufoundonherpartner."
Benquicklyoutlinedthedetailsofwhathe’dlearnedaboutCordDelacorte.Rafecursed.Itwasn’t

good.HebadlywantedtogetonhisDucati,blastintoSeattle,andteartheguy’sheartoutwithhisbare
hands. Later, Rafe promised himself, he’d do exactly that. But first he’d need to give Brooke the bad
news,andconsoleheroverit.

Afterthankinghiscolleaguefordoingexcellentwork,therewasonemorethingRafeneededtotake

careof."Iwantyoutobecomeafullpartnerinthefirm,Ben.Howdoesthatsoundtoyou?"

"Good.Reallygood."
"Idohaveonecondition,though,andit’sanimportantone."Itwasfunnyhowclearitallwasnow.

"Idon’twantusinvestigatinganymorecheaters.Iknowit’sahugepartofourbusinessandwedohelp
peoplewhoneedit,butIthinkit’stimeweletourcompetitorsinonthosecases."

"You’ve got my complete agreement on that," Ben said, and then, "Getting away for a while has

beengood,hasn’tit?"

Gettingawayhaddefinitelybeengood,butfallinginlovewithBrookehadbeenwhatmadehimsee

thingsinanewlight.Lighthehadn’tbeenabletoseeinaverylongtime.

"Everything’sgoingwellhere.Norushcomingback,boss."
"Partner,"heremindedBenwithagrinashehungup.
Unfortunately,hissmilefellawayassoonashedownloadedtheinformationBenhademailedonto

hiscellphone.RafehadjustfinishedreadingthroughthefirstninepageswhenBrookeemergedfromthe
bedroom.

Shewasgorgeousinasilkybluerobethatbarelyskimmedherthighs."Youshouldstillbeinbed

sleeping,"hetoldher.

Ofcourse,helovedthewayshewalkedstraightintohisarmsandliftedhermouthtohisforakiss.

It would be so easy to celebrate what they’d found with each other and forget for a little while longer
what Ben had told him about her business partner. But Rafe didn’t want any darkness in her life at all,
whichmeantheneededhertoknowwhatwasgoingon.Assoonashereassuredherthateverythingwas
going to be okay, he would head out to rectify the situation with her soon-to-be ex-partner. And he
wouldn’tfeeltheleastbitbadaboutusinghisfistsforatleastpartofthe"rectifying."

"Assoonasyoulefttheroom,Cordcalled,"shetoldhim,andherealizedshehadherownphonein

her hand. "Looks like I’ll need to head back into Seattle today for what is evidently a really important
last-minutemeetingwiththeneighborhoodretailassociation.Iseverythingokayatyouroffice?Dothey
needyoubackinthecitytoday,too?"

Itwashardtokeephisfuryincheckashesatonthecouchwithhercradledonhislap,andstroked

her cheek with the back of one hand. "Actually, your partner is the reason my colleague Ben called."
Knowingitwasbestjusttospititout,hesaid,"I’msorrytohavetotellyouthis,butCordisstealingfrom
you."

She blinked at Rafe with that look of shock on her face that made him hate days like this in the

officesomuch.God,hehatedgivingbadnewstopeople.EspeciallytoawomanlikeBrooke,whosaw
thegoodineveryoneandeverything.

Heprayedthisoneincidentwouldn’tstealawayheroptimism.
Hersofthairfloatedaroundhershouldersandbreastsassheshookherheadinconfusion."Idon’t

understandwhatmakesyouthinkCordisstealingfromme."

Just hearing her partner’s name made Rafe’s hands curl into fists. He wanted to take out his fury

witheverycheating,scheming,stealingassholeintheworldontheguy’stoo-prettyface.

"As soon as we started spending time together and you told me about your new business

partnership, even knowing you must have done your own background checks on the guy, I did one, too.
Thatway,iftherewereanyredflags,youcouldgetoutbeforeyouwerepulledintoodeep.Unfortunately,
myteamfoundonehellofaredflag."

Shockmingledwithdeepdisappointmentinherbeautifuleyes."YouinvestigatedCord?"
Rafesuddenlyfeltlikehewasfumbling.InsteadofbeingangrywithDelacorte,sheseemedupset

withhim.

"He withdrew money from the trust account your grandparents set up for you—the one you’ve

barelytouchedsincetheypassedaway—andusedittopayforanextremelyexpensivefertilitytreatment.
I’mabsolutely sure theirdoctor will immediatelyrefund the money assoon as weinform them of what
happened."

"Idon’twantthefertilityclinictorefundmymoney."Bythetimeshe’dfinishedhersentence,she

was off his lap and standing in the middle of the living room staring at him as if she’d never seen him
before.

Rafe stood, too. "I know he took you in, convinced you he’s someone he’s not. But he stole from

you,andyou’regoingtogeteverypennybackfromhimandthensome."

"No,"shesaidwithafirmshakeofherhead,"he’snottheonewhoconvincedmehe’ssomeonehe

isn’t."Herwordshadahorriblyominoustone."Atthispoint,I’mnotevensureyoudeservetohearthe
truth,butifIdon’ttellyou,I’mguessingyou’lljustkeeppokingaroundineveryone’sbackgroundwithout
permissionuntilyoucanfindawaytoprovethatyou’reright."

"I’vejusttoldyouthetruth,Brooke."
"No,"shesaidinahardervoicethanheeverthoughthe’dhearfromher,"you’vejustgivenmeyour

sneaky,twisted,cynicalversionofwhathappened."Sheturnedherfaceawayasifshecouldn’tstandto
lookathim."AfterourmeetingsinSeattlewerethroughthisweek,IaskedCordandhiswifetohavea
quickdrinkwithme.Despiteeverythinggoingwellwithourbusiness,Icouldtellhowdownhewas,and
itwasn’thardtoguesswhy.TheirfertilitydoctorhadjusttoldthemtheyhadonemoreroundofIVFleft
beforeitwastimetogiveuptryingtohaveababy,butithadtobedonerightawayortheclockwould
have run down too far for his wife, who is several years older than he is. They’ve already run through
theiravailablecash,andtherestistiedupinourbusiness.ItoldthemIwantedtohelp,buttheywouldn’t
takemymoney.Butbecausewe’refriends—realfriendswhotalkaboutourfeelingsanddreams—Iknow
howbadlytheywanttohaveababyandhowhardit’sbeenonthemtofailtoconceive.Igavehisdoctor
my trust account information for direct billing. That way, the money was already spent, and he and his
wife,whoisalsonowafriendofmine,hadtotakeit."

Fuck.Hecouldn’tbelievehowbadlyhe’dgottenthingswrong.Andyet,shehadtounderstandwhy

he’ddoneit,didn’tshe?

"Ican’ttellyouhowgladIamtohearthathewasn’tstealingfromyou,but…"
Therestofhissentencefellawayashelookedintohereyesandfinallyrealizedwhatheartbreak—

andbetrayal—lookedlike.

"Can’tyouseethatbycheckinguponmybusinesspartnerlikethis,especiallyafterI’dalreadytold

you that I’d done my research, you’ve treated me exactly like my parents always have—as if I’m not
capable of making savvy business decisions? How could you, Rafe? Especially when you just told me
lastnightthatyouseetherealme."

"Idoseeyou,"hesworetoher."Butyoudon’tknowwhatelseI’veseen.Notjustmencheatingon

their wives. Not just wives cheating on their husbands. But people planning horrible things. Extortion.
Blackmail.Kidnappings.Andworse.Youhavenoideawhatpeoplearecapableof,butIknowexactly
whatcouldhavebeeninthatreportBenemailedme.Can’tyouunderstand,Brooke?Ineededtobesure.
Completelysure."

***

Brookefelteverythingthatwasn’talreadybreakinginsideofherstarttoshatterathiswords.
"Ineededtobesure."

"What else did you need to be sure about?" she asked in a soft voice. "Just my business

decisions...orme,too?"

Hereachedforher."Brooke—"
Shetookonestepawayfromhim,andthenanother."Igetthatyoudon’ttrustpeople.Ievenmostly

understandyourreasons.That’swhyIsaidyoucouldaskmeanything.Anything.Butinsteadofaskingme
whatyouwantedtoknowaboutmypast—"Sheworkedtostaystrongenough,steadyenough,butshehad
toask."Didyoudoabackgroundcheckonme?"

Unfortunately,shecouldreadtheansweronhisfaceevenbeforehesaid,"IswearIhaven’treadit

andI’mnotgoingto."

Suddenly,shecouldhardlybreathe.Butitwasn’tthewonderfulkindofbreathlessnessthattookher

overwhenhewaskissingher.No,thiswasahorrible,terriblepainthatresonateddeepinherchest.

"ItwasonethingforyoutoinvestigateCord,andIcanalmostforgiveyouforthinkingthatbeing

overprotectivemeansyou’retakingcareofme.Buthowcouldyoupossiblyjustifyrunningabackground
checkonme?Don’tyouknowmeatallafterthepastweek?Orhowaboutafterwepracticallygrewup
together?"He’djusttoldherhelovedherforthefirsttimehoursago.Buthowcouldheloveherifhe’d
donethis?"Youtoldmeyouwouldneverforgiveyourselfifweslepttogetherintheheatofthemoment
and I woke up the next morning and decided it was a mistake. But I knew that would never happen.
Becauseyoucouldneverbeamistake."Thepainbeneathherbreastboneintensifiedasshesaid,"Ican’t
believeIwaswrong."

"You’re not wrong, Brooke. I’m not a mistake. We’re not a mistake." He started to reach for her

again,butwhensheflinched,hedroppedhishand."I’msureaboutlovingyou.Absolutely,onehundred
percentsure.IthinkIalwayswas,rightfromthestart,butwitheverythingmovingsofastitwaseasierto
tellmyselfthatIdidn’tknowwheremyheadwasthantoadmitthatIhadfalleninlovewithyouthisfast.
Thishard.Thisdeep."Hisbreathcamefast,asifhe’dbeenrunningarace."IknowIscrewedupbigtime
withthisreport—"

"Iwanttoseeit."Itwouldbesoeasytoletherselflistenonlytohiswordsoflove,ofhowdeeply

he claimed to feel it. She forced herself to focus on what he’d done, instead. "I want to see what you
foundoutaboutmeinyourbackgroundcheck."

"Brooke—"
"Showittome,Rafe."
Hiseyeswerewaryashereluctantlyhandedherhisphone."Bentoldmeit’sonpagetensothatI

couldskipit."

Asshescrolledthroughthereportandquicklyreadthroughthelistofallofheroldaddresses,her

previousjobs,informationaboutherparentsandtheirjobs,onestupidtearfellontothescreen,andshe
dasheditawaywiththebackofherhand.

"YoumissedthecandybarIslippedintomybagatthecornerstorewhenIwasfivebecausemy

parentswouldn’tbuyitforme."

"Brooke—"
She scowled at the man who had made her cry out with pleasure mere minutes before...and who

now was just making her cry. "And there’s the math test where I copied an answer from the girl sitting
next to me when I was ten because I ran out of time and panicked about not bringing home an A. You
shouldmakesureyouhaveyourstaffaddthattothereportsforthenextguywhodecideshehastodoa
backgroundcheckbeforehecandecidewhetherhe’ssureenoughtolethimselfloveme."

"Iwasanidiotfornottrustingyou,"hesaidinavoicemaderawwithemotion,andsomethingthat

soundedlikefear."Iwasafoolforthinkingyoumighthaveskeletonsinyourclosetlikeeveryoneelse."

"ButIdohavethem,Rafe.I’mnotperfect.Nobodyis.Andifyou’daskedmeaboutmypastinstead

ofrunningthisstupidreport,Iwouldhavetoldyouthatmyparentstoldmeoverandovermywholelifeto
becareful,towatchout,tomakesureIdidn’tgethurt.Iwouldhavetoldyouthatmygrandparentstaught
metobelieveinmyself,andinothers,nomatterwhat,butthatnomatterhowhardItryIhadn’tbeenable
tocompletelyshakeawaythefearmyparentsinstilledinme.Notuntilyou.IwouldhavetoldyouthatI
knew I would be safe being wild with you because you would never let anything happen to me." She
didn’t bother to wipe her tears away this time, not when she knew more would just fall. "And I would
have told you that finding out you’d bought the house next door felt like my birthday and Christmas all
wrappedupintoone,becauseyouhadn’tjustcomebacktothelake.You’dcomebacktome.Isawthat
youweredarker,morecynical,butIthoughtIcouldhelperaseyourpainwithfunandlaughter.Andlove.
Butnow—"Herbreathshook,alongwithherlimbs."NowIdon’tknowwhattothink."

***

"Youdidhelp."Didn’tshesee?"YoushowedmeIcouldlovewhenIdidn’tthinkitwaspossible."

Rafewantedtoreachforhersobadlythathisfingerswereactuallycrampingfromholdingthemincheck.
Butshehadn’tofferedhimanothertouch,andhesureashellhadn’tearnedityet."Icanchange.IswearI
can,foryou."Feelingasifhewasgraspingatstraws,hetoldher,"IjusttoldBenthatwe’renotgoingto
takeinfidelitycasesanymore.Idon’twanttoseeanymorerelationshipsfallapart,andIdon’twantanyof
myemployeestohavetodealwithseeingit,either."

"I’mgladtohearthat,"Brookesaidsoftly,butshewastoopaleandlookedterriblyfragile."ButI

don’tknowifthatchangesthefactthatIalwaystrust,evenwhenIshouldn’t.Andyoualwaysdoubt,even
whenyoushouldn’t.Iwantedtobelievewecouldmakethiswork,thatwecouldloveeachotherthrough
theroughpatches,but—"

"Wecan.Wewill.Letmestartbylovingyouright,Brooke.LetmeprovetoyouIcanfixeverything

Ibroke.Letmestartreplacingdoubtwithtrust."

"Maybemyparentsareright,"shesaidsoftly."MaybeIdon’tknowhowtomakegooddecisions.

BecauseeventhoughIknowIshouldbekickingyououtafterwhatyou’vedone,Ijustcan’t."

Shecouldhavetoldhimtogetthehelloutofherhouse,thenrammedthedeadbolthometokeephim

out. But even though he’d hurt her, badly, he could still see the love in her beautiful eyes. She’d never
beenabletohidethatfromhim.

"ThankGod,"hesaid,reliefsweepingthroughhimashereachedforher.
For one perfect heartbeat she let him hold her...but then she slid out of his arms and moved far

enoughawaythathecouldn’treachoutandtouchheragain.

"Thatdayonthebeachwhenwefirstkissed,yousaidweneededtwenty-fourhourstomakesure

wethoughtthingsthrough.WhileI’minSeattleforthenexttwenty-fourhours,webothneedtodosome
morethinking.Atleast,"sheaddedwithanexhaustedsigh,"Ido."

"You’renotcominghometonight?"
Hereyesflashedwithsurpriseatthewayhe’dcalledthishome.Thoughhe’dlivedinSeattlehis

wholeadultlife,he’dneverfeltasthoughhewastrulyhomeuntilhe’dsharedonewithher.

"Ican’tthinkstraightwhenI’mwithyou,Rafe."Thebreathshetookshookthroughher."Ineedtobe

sure.Completelysure."

God,hehatedhearinghisownwordscomingbackathim.Hatedevenmoreknowingwhatafool

he’dbeentoeverthinktheminthefirstplace.Desperationclawedathimtogetherback...andtomakeher
stay.

He knew if he kissed her the way he had that first afternoon out on the beach when both of them

weredrippingwet,hecouldkeepherfromleaving,couldgethertochangehermindabouttakingtwenty-
fourhourstothinkaboutwhethertheycouldmakethingswork.

ButRafehadalreadymadetoomanymistakeswithBrooke.Usingtheirattractioninanattemptto

temporarilybindhertohimwouldonlydestroywhateverwasleftoftheloveshestillhadforhim.

Sowhenshesaid,"Ineedtogetreadytoleavenow,"thenturnedtowalkbackintoherbedroom

andclosedthedoorbehindherwithasoftclick,eventhoughitnearlydestroyedhim,helethergo.

Twenty-fourhours.
Hehadtwenty-fourhourstofigureouthowtoprovetoherthathecouldchange...andthathecould

loveherthewayshedeservedtobeloved.

***

BrookestoodinherbedroomandstaredatherunmadebedwhereRafehadmadesuchsweetlove

toherhoursago...andwhereshe’dtoldhimshelovedhim.Shehadn’thadasingledoubt.Hadn’thada
singlefear.She’dsimplygivenhimherheartwiththeperfectcertaintythathe’dneverharmit.

Asachild,BrookehadlookedatRafeSullivanwithstarsinhereyes.Eighteenyearslater,when

he’dtouchedherasawoman,thosestarshadtransformedintosomethingsobright,sobeautiful,thatshe’d
beenblindtoanythingelse.Allshe’dwantedforhimwastoseehimsmilemoreeasily,moreoften.And
forherself,alittletasteofbeingwildandsafeandwarminhisstrongarms.

She’d loved him so much that she’d believed she had enough faith in the world for both of them,

enoughtohelprenewhisfaithinpeople,toshowhimthatlovecouldchangeeverything.

Butcouldit?

ChapterTwenty-three

It had been barely fifteen minutes since Brooke had driven away, and Rafe missed her so badly

already that he’d almost fired up his motorcycle a dozen times to race after her. But she’d given him
twenty-fourhourswhenhe’daskedforit.Heowedherthesamenow,owedheronemorechancetothink
thingsthrough.

HehadleftSeattleforthesummertogetawayfromtheassholesforalittlewhilesothathecould

clearhishead…onlytofindoutthathewastherealasshole.Andnow,ifhecouldn’tconvincehertotake
himback,he’dhavetocometothelakeeverysummer,waveatherfromhisporchnextdoor,andwatch
herfallinlovewithsomeotherguywhowassmartenoughtoknowagoodthingwhenhehelditinhis
arms.ItwouldkillRafetoseeBrookegrowpregnantwithanotherman’schildren,andtohavesomeone
elseteachthemtoswimandtellthemscarystoriesaroundthebonfireatnight,allthewhileknowingthat
thatguyshouldhavebeenhim.

Buthe’dbeensostuckonfocusingoneverythingbadintheworldthathehadn’tlethimselfseethat

theverybestthinghadbeeninhisarmsthewholetime.Hewassupposedtobeagreatinvestigator,but
he’dignoredeveryloving,honestcueBrookehadgivenhim.

Although Rafe now had a newly renovated and furnished home, a home that had once been filled

withtheloveandlaughterofhisfamily,hefinallyunderstoodwherehisrealhomewas.WithBrooke.

A week ago, next door hadn’t seemed like far enough away in case things went wrong with their

fling.Butnowitwastoofaraway.Hecouldn’tstayhere,couldn’timaginespendingevenonenightinhis
newbedwithouthercurledupagainsthim.

God,hewassuchanidiot.He’dbeensoworriedabouthurtingBrooke,aboutstrippingawayher

innocencewithkinkysex.Butnothingthey’ddoneinthebedroomhadtakenawaythesweetlightinher
eyes.No,sendingBenouttodigintoherpasthadbeenwhathadfinallytorntheveilaway.

HerparentshadneverletthemselvesseetherealBrooke,andhe’dtoldherhehad.Buthe’dbeen

so scared about what he’d seen whenever he looked into her eyes that he’d tried to look through the
cynicalinvestigator’seyesinsteadofthoseofamanwhohadfalleninlovefastandhard.He’dcomeup
withtheperfectwaytotestthatforever...andtomakesuresheknewexactlyhowfarhewasfrombeinga
manshecouldcountontosharehersunny,sweetlife.

Andallthewhilehe’dbelievedthatitwasbettertothrowsomethingawaythantohaveitstolen

fromhimlater.

Rafe hadn’t cheated on Brooke, but it was just as bad that he hadn’t talked to her, or had enough

respectforherstrengthtotellherhowscaredhewasaboutlovingher,andaboutwhetherhecouldbethe
mansheneededhimtobe.He’dbeensoproudofhimselffornevercheatingonawoman,whenallthe
whileitturnedoutthathewasworsethananyofthescumhe’dcaughtcheatingovertheyears.

Howwashegoingtofixthings?
These were the most important twenty-four hours of his life, and he felt lost. Completely, utterly

lost.He’dfinallyputastoptotheinvestigationsthathaddarkenedhisheart,butwasittoolittle,toolate?

OtherpeoplecametoRafeSullivanforhelp.Hedidn’tgotothem.But,suddenly,herealizedhe’d

beenafoolformorethanonereason,withmorethanjustBrooke.Hisfamilyhadalwaysbeentherefor
him,buthe’dshutthemout.Notjustafterhe’dbeenslashedwiththeknife,butlongbeforethat,whenhis
job—andlife—hadbecomesomethinghedidn’tmuchlikeanymore.

Hepulledthephoneoutofhispocketanddialed."Mia,Ineedyourhelp."

"Rafe?Whathappened?"Ofcourse,beforehecouldanswer,hissisterhadalreadyguessedithad

somethingtodowithBrooke."Whatdidyoudo?"

"Iscrewedeverythingup,justlikeyoupredicted."
"How?"
"IranabackgroundcheckonBrooke’sbusinesspartnerwithoutcheckingwithherfirst."
Shemadeaconsideringsound."Well,thatshowsamajorlackofrespect,buthonestly,eventhough

I’msureshe’smadaboutit,Idon’tthinkit’sanythingyoucan’tcomebackfromifyougrovelenough."

"That’snotall,Mia."Heswallowedhardatthefullextentofhisstupidity."Ididabackgroundon

Brooke,too."

"Oh,shit,Rafe."Shewassilentforalongmoment."You’remybrother,andIloveyou,butyousure

aren’tmakingiteasyonasistertohelp.BecauseifamanIwassleepingwithdidthattome—"

"Wearen’tjustsleepingtogether.Iloveher.AndIonlyhavetwenty-fourhourstofigureoutaway

togetherback."

Hedidn’tknowwhatheexpectedMiatosaytohimuponhearingthathe’dfalleninlovewithher

childhoodfriend.Heonlyknewitwasn’t,"Youwouldneverhavedonesomethinglikethatifyoudidn’t
love her." Of course Mia followed it up with something he did expect. "I swear, men are so stupid
sometimesIcan’tbelievethere’sanyofyouleft."Sheletoutalong,deepsigh."Ifyouhadjustforgotten
her birthday or something like that, I could give you an easy fix. You know, a dozen roses or standing
outside her window while you recite the poetry you wrote about how beautiful she is. But after what
you’vedone,I’mgoingtoneedsometimetothinkofamuchbetterwayforyoutounlockherheartagain
sothatshecantrustyou."

"Unlockingherheart,"hesaidslowlyasthefirstanswercametohiminarush."Thanksforbeing

thereforme,sis."

"Waitaminute,Ihaven’teventoldyouwhattodoyet."
"Justwishmeluck."Assoonasshedid,Rafeshovedthephoneinhispocketandheadedstraight

forhismotorcycle.

Maybe,thecynicalvoiceinsidehimcautionedasherodetowardthehardwarestore,hisplansto

unlock Brooke’s heart wouldn’t be enough to win her back. And maybe a day, a week, a year ago, that
wouldhavestoppedhimfromeventrying.

But not today. Not when he was finally willing to believe that there was a chance to reclaim the

lovehe’dmistakenlytossedaway.

He’d grovel. He’d beg. He’d plead. He’d strip off every last layer of pride to try to win back

Brooke’s love. He’d make sure to undo each of his mistakes, one by one, during the next twenty-four
hours.

Andthenifthatfailed,he’dstartalloveragainatthebeginning.

***

Brookefeltasthoughshe’dbeensleepwalkingthroughhermeetingsinSeattle.Cordhadexpressed

concernabouthowpaleshewaswhenshefirstarrived,butsheknewifsheletdownherguardforeven
onesecond,shewouldn’tbeabletogetitbackup.Thelastthingshewantedwastomeeteveryoneinthe
localretailassociationwitheyesredfromcrying,andcheekswetwithtears,soshemadesuretoholdit
togetheralldaylong.

Whenshe’dcomealonetoSeattlejusttwodaysearlierithadbeenlesstothinkthroughthingswith

RafethantodropintoIndulgencetopurchaseafewsexysurprisesforhim.Butthistime,alltherewas

aheadofherforthenexttwenty-fourhourswereswirlingthoughtsandquestions.

TheonlythingsheknewforsurewashowmuchshelovedRafe.
Ifonlysheknewwhetherornotthatlovecouldbeenough...
AfterturningdownCord’soffertotakeherforadrink,sheheadedonfootthroughthecity.Thesky

washeavywiththethreatofrain,andshefoundherselfhopingitwouldstarttopour,thatmaybetherain
couldwashawayherdoubts.Doubtsshe’dneverallowedherselftofeelbeforetoday.

Asshewalkeddownthesidewalk,everymanshesawwithdarkhairandbroadshouldershadher

hopingitwasRafeandthathe’dignoredherrequestfortwenty-fourhoursapart.

Brookesighedatherwildlycareeningemotions.Whenhe’dtoldherhewantedtomakeupforwhat

he’ddone,everycellinherbodyhadwantedtoleanbackintohimandstayrightthereinthecircleofhis
arms.Ithadbeenthehardestthingshe’deverdonetoforceherselftobesmart…andtoleavetoputsome
thinkingspacebetweenthem.

She was resilient. She was strong. But if things stayed the way they were, how long would it be

untilherloveforhimfinallyshatteredonetoomanytimes?Andyet,hadn’thealreadymadeastepinthe
rightdirectionbychangingthefocusofhisinvestigationsawayfrombrokenmarriages?

BrookethoughtshemustbehallucinatingwhenshelookedupjustthenandsawthenameSullivan

onthelargesignrightabovewhereshewasstanding.MyGod,shewasamess,notonlyseeingRafein
everystrangeronthestreet,butseeinghisnameoneverysign,too.

Rightthen,asifoncue,theskyfinallyopenedup.Brookewipedahandoverhereyestotrytoclear

therainfromhervision,andhadjustrealizedthesignsaidSullivanRealty,whensheheardhername.

"Brooke?"Miawasclearlysurprisedtoseeher."Whatareyoudoinghereintheraininfrontofmy

office?"

Before Brooke could reply, Mia took her hand and pulled her inside the building. The next thing

Brookeknew,shewassittingonaplushleathercouchinalargecornerofficewithahotcupofcoffeein
her hands. And as she turned to look at her friend, who was sitting beside her on the couch looking
extremelyworried,itwasasiftherainhadwashedawayherinnerfilters.

"IthoughtIcouldhealRafe,"Brookeblurtedout,eachwordetchedwiththepainshehadworked

sohardtoholdatbayalldaylong."IthoughtIcouldlovehimenoughtomakethedarknessgoaway.But
whatifIcan’t?"

Shecouldn’ttellifthewetnessonhercheekswasfromhertearsortherainoutside,butitdidn’t

matterasherfriendtooktheuntouchedcoffeefromherhands,putitdownontheglasstableinfrontof
them,andfoldedherintoherarms.

Miawas a smallwoman, but herarms were warm andstrong. Just likeher brother’s had always

been.

Afewminuteslater,Miahandedheraboxoftissues,andonceshe’ddriedherface,shehandedher

thecoffee.Itwashotandblack,andafterthelongcry,Brookefinallyfeltalittlebitsteadierasshesipped
it.

"Rafecalledmethismorning,"Miasaidsoftly.
Brookenearlydroppedthemug,andputitbackdownonthetablesoshedidn’tspilliteverywhere.

"Isheokay?"

Miawasclearlysurprisedbyherquestion."Ifhe’ddonetomewhathedidtoyou,thatdefinitely

wouldn’tbemyfirstconcern."Shecockedherhead."Youreallydolovemybrother,don’tyou?"

Brooke’s brain felt clogged from her recent cry, and from missing Rafe so badly during the past

eighthours."YouknowIdo.Ialwayshave."

"ThankGod,"Miasaid,"becausehecalledtoaskmetohelphimfigureouthowtowinyouback."

BrookecouldfeeltheiceinsideherchestbegintomeltasMiatoldher,"Andeventhoughheseemedto
figureouttheanswerforhimselfbeforeIcouldcomeupwithsomething,itwasstillareallybigdealthat
heactuallycalled.BecauseIhonestlycan’tthinkofthelasttimeheaskedmeforhelp.Anyofus.Rafe
thoughtitwashisjobtohelpusandeveryoneelse,ratherthaniteverbeingtheotherwayaround."

"It’swhyhe’saP.I.,"Brookemurmured."Sothathecanhelppeopleoutofthedarkness."
"We’vealltriedtoreachouttohimovertheyears,andeventhoughIwasabletoconvincehimto

takesometimeofftogotothelakethissummer,noneofuscameclosetohelpinghimduringthepastfew
years the way you did in less than a week, Brooke. We all love Rafe, but your love is what made the
difference,notours."

Mia, Brooke suddenly realized, was a secret romantic. One who had clearly been hurt, but who

still,inherinnerheartofhearts,believedinlove.

Truelove.
ThesamelovethatBrookehadfeltforRafefromthestart.
Thesameloveshefeltforhimrightnow.
Yes,ithurtthatRafehadn’ttrustedherenoughtotreatherlikethefriendshewassupposedtobe.

Hurtlikehell,actually,goingdeeperthananypainshe’deverknown.Buthadn’tsheknownthatRafehad
hisowndeepscars,biggeronesontheinsidethaneventheoneslashedacrosshisribsbyanangryex-
husband?

Afterwhathe’dseenasaninvestigator,itmadesensethathe’dbeenafraidtobelievetruelovewas

real,orthatitcouldlast.

Of course he’d try to prove himself right...and she’d almost let him do just that by walking away

fromhimafterhe’dmadehismistake.

BrookegaveMiaaquickhugbeforehoppingupoffthecouch."Thankyou.Foreverything.I’vegot

togo.Heneedsme."

***

BrookeshotoutofthedoorandwasheadingbackuptherainysidewalkbeforeMiacouldevensay

good-bye.Forthesecondtimeinoneday,Miahadn’tgottenachancetotelleitherherbrotherorBrooke
whattodoafterthey’dcometoherforsupport.

Clearly,Miathoughtwithasmileasshesatdownbehindhercomputerforanotherlatenightinthe

office,RafeandBrookeweremeanttobetogether.

ChapterTwenty-four

Threehourslater...

"Brooke?" Rafe rubbed his hand over his eyes as if he was afraid she was a figment of his

imaginationinsteadofstandingrightinfrontofhim."Ithasn’tbeentwenty-fourhoursyet."

MyGod,hewasbeautiful.Strong.Loving.Andalittlebitbroken,justlikeeverybodyelse.
Herheartracing,Brooketoldhim,"Icouldn’tstayawayfromyouanotherminute."
Shewasn’tjustinhisarmsamomentlater...shewasfinallyhome.Theymightstillhavealongroad

to go with each other, but from here on out, they’d travel that road together. And she’d never make the
mistake of walking away from him again, regardless of the mistakes they’d inevitably make with each
otheralongtheway.

"Iloveyou."Hewhisperedthewordsagainandagainintoherhair."Iloveyousomuch."
She was lifting her face from his chest to tell him she loved him, too, when she realized her

grandmother’srecipebookwaslyingonthetableinhergrandfather’sworkshop.She’dbeensoworried
whenshe’dreturnedat10p.m.andRafehadn’tbeenineitherhousethatwhenshe’dseenthelightthrough
thetrees,shehadn’twalkedalongthepathtotheworkshop,she’drunasfastasherlegscouldcarryher.

Herhandswereshakingasshereachedforhergrandmother’srecipebook."It’sfixed."Shelooked

upatthebeautifulmanshe’dlovedherwholelife."Youfixedthebrokenheart."

Brookerantremblingfingersoverthewoodencover,whichlookedasperfectasithadthefirsttime

she’dseenitasalittlegirl.Therewasnocrackanymore,noteventheslightestsignthatthehearthadever
been split in two. She pressed her palm over the heart, and when she closed her eyes, she swore she
couldfeelhergrandfatherandgrandmotherwiththeminthatmoment.

Oh,howhappytheywouldhavebeentoseeherandRafetogether,andtoknowthattherewouldbe

many,manymoresummersoflovebetweentheSullivansandtheJansens.

"I love you." Rafe caught Brooke as she threw herself into his arms. "You promised you would

provetomethatyoucouldchange,andyoucouldn’thaveprovedittomeanybetterthanthis."

"Actually,"hesaidashedrewbackslightly,"there’smore."
She had to reach out to caress his jaw with her fingertips. "I don’t need anything more than this.

Thanyou."

"Youdeservemore,Brooke.Youdeserveeverything."Hepickedupthecookbookcoverwithone

hand,andtookherswiththeother.

Walking through the woods through the fog that was hovering over the lake felt like being in a

dream. One day, she wanted to make love to Rafe right here, in the dark surrounded by the scent of
Douglasfir,whiletherestoftheworldslept.

Hetookherinsideherhouse,andwhenheclosedthefrontdooranddeliberatelysteppedoutofthe

way, she finally saw what she’d missed in her earlier panic at not finding him in the house. The ugly
deadboltwasgone.Hehadn’tputtherustedoldlockbackon,butwhilethenewlockwasn’ttiny,atleast
itlookedlikeitfitthedoor.

"Iknowhowdifficultitmusthavebeenforyoutoremovethedeadbolt."Shewentuponhertippy-

toestopressasoftkisstohislips."Thankyou."

"Maybeinafewweeks,I’llbeabletoswitchthisoneoutagainforanevensmallerone."
Shelaughedoutloudathishonesty.Itwasonlynaturalthatthechangeshewasmakingwouldhave

tocomeinstages."Icanlivewiththisone."

Heputdownthewoodenrecipebookcover,thenpulledtheshinylockpickoutofhispocket."Let’s

seehowlongittakesyoutopickit."

Shecouldn’tstopsmilingashegesturedforhertocomebackoutsidewithhim.Shekneltnextto

him as he showed her the tricks of the P.I. trade. She was amazed he remembered she’d asked to learn
howtopickalockontheirfirstnighttogether.

Whenhe’dsaidnobackthen,itwasclearthathehadn’twantedto"corrupt"her.Sodidthismean

evenmorecorruptionwasonthemenu?

Shereally,reallyhopeditdid...
"Yourturnnow,"hesaidashehandedherthepick.
ItwasdifficulttoconcentratewithRafe’sthighpressedagainsthersandhismouthjustinchesaway,

butsheforcedherbraintofocusonthetask.Herlowerlipbetweenherteeth,sheconcentratedoneachof
thestepshe’djustrunherthrough.

Lessthanthirtysecondslater,shewasamazedwhenthelockslidopen."Look!Ipickedthelockon

myfirsttry."

Rafe looked between her and the open lock, clearly stunned. "That’s the fastest I’ve ever seen a

beginnergetalockopen.IfIhadknownhowbadmygoodgirlcouldbe..."

Shethrilledatthedesirebeneathhiswords,butbeforeshecouldtacklehimandshowhimexactly

howgoodbeingbadwithhercouldbe,hewastugginghertoherfeetandintothekitchen.

"There’smore?"Itwaslikefollowingascavengerhuntwherelovewastheultimateprize.
Heshotheragrinoverhisshoulder,butshecouldseethathewasalittlenervousaboutwhatever

hewasgoingtoshowhernext.Rafebroughthertoastopattheedgeofthekitchencounter.Twodays
earlier,they’dmadeloverightinthatspot,inthechocolate,andherskinwasflushingwithremembered
heatwhensherealizedtherewasablindfoldsittingonthecounter.

"I’mreadytodothattastetestforyounow,"Rafetoldher.
Ifshedidn’talreadylovehim,ifshehadn’talreadyforgivenhimforhismistake,shewouldhave

beenagonerashepickeduptheblindfoldandhandedittoher.Especiallywhenshecouldseehowhard
itwasforhimtolethertakeawayoneofhissenseslikethis.

Withtremblinghands,sheliftedtheblindfoldupoverhishead.Shekissedhimasshesliditinfront

ofhiseyes.Fortunately,abatchofhernewSummer’sPleasuresrecipewaswithinreach,soshedidn’t
have to move away from him to take one out and put it to his lips. The scrape of his teeth and tongue
againstherfingertipsashetookabitehadherpressingclosertohim.

"Delicious."
Shecouldn’tresistlickingthechocolateoffhislipsassheputtherestofthetruffledownandtook

theblindfoldoff."Soareyou."

There was such sweetness to everything he’d done to prove his love to her. Brooke had thought

she’dneedendlessapologiesandgrovelingafterthewayhe’dscrewedup.Nowsheknewthattheonly
thingsheneededwasRafeSullivanexactlyashewas—funanddangerous,lightanddark,sweetandsexy,
supportiveandoverprotective,too.

"Ineversawmyparentsargue,"shetoldhim."Ineversawthemhurteachotherinanyway.AndI

neversawpassion,either.Theyalwayswantedeverythingtobesoperfect,socleanandsafe,thatIthink
they were willing to give up true love to make sure they had it. But even if it means I am lacking in
commonsense,ifbeingwithoutyouiswhatbeingsensibleandmakingthe‘right’decisionsmeans,then
I’mhappytokeepmakingthewrongones.BecauseI’mnotwillingtoevergiveupontruelove."

"DoyourememberwhenyouaskedmewhatIthoughttruelovewas?"

"Youlookedsoshell-shocked,evenbythequestionaboutit,"sheteased.
"That’sbecauseIsuddenlyrealizedIwaslookingrightatit.Rightatyou."Nowshewastheshell-

shockedoneashetoldher,"IthoughtIhadsomanysmartreasonswhyweneededtostayawayfromeach
other,butallofthemboileddowntothesamething:Iwasafraidtotrustanyone.Butthenthereyouwere
on the beach after our first almost-kiss, staring me right in the eye, asking me why I was running. You
scaredmemorethananythingeverhadinmylife.IalreadyknewIwantedtofallasleepwithyouevery
nightandwakeupeverymorningwithyouinmyarms,butIdidn’tunderstandhowitcouldbepossibleto
makeamistakeandstillfindawaytoworkthingsouttogether."

"Ifyouaskme,Ithinkwemadeitthroughourtoughtimesevenbetterthanwewerebefore."
Brighthopelithiseyes,andoh,howshelovedtoseeitreplacethedarknessashemadeabsolutely

sure."Havewe?"

"Wehave."Shetookhishandandbegantodrawhimbacktowardthebedroom."AndnowIthink

it’stimeforustocelebrate."

Beingwild,sherealizednow,wasn’tjustaboutsex.ItwasaboutwantingRafetobeherpartnerin

adventuresofallkinds—especiallythebiggestoneofall:alovethatwouldlastforever.

Ofcourse,shethoughtwithasmileashescoopedherupintohisarmsandkissedherbreathless,

shewasmorethanhappytotakethewildsex,too.

***

Rafecouldhavekissedherallnightlong,andneverwantedtolethergo,buttherewasonemore

veryimportantthingheneededtogivetoher,somethingshehadaskedforagainandagain.Relishingthe
sweet,softslideofherbodyagainsthisasheslowlyputherdownonherfeetinthebedroom,hemoved
hishandstoframeherbeautifulface.

"Whatdoyousaywegetalittlekinky?"
Hereyesopenedwidewithsurprise,andthensuchhappinessthatheknewhe’dbeenafooltohold

outonherforsolong.

"YouknowhowbadlyIwantthat,"shetoldhim,"butonlyifyouwantit,too."
Didheeverwantit,butfirstheneededhertounderstandwhyhe’dheldbackbefore.Lookinginto

her eyes gave him the strength to admit, "I was afraid to trust myself with you. I was afraid I wouldn’t
knowwhentostop,notjustduringsex,butafter.IwasafraidI’dgivetoomuchofmyhearttoyouandend
uplikeoneofmyclients,withitbrokeninmyhandsafteryouweredonewithme."

Hereyesweresoftwithemotion,andsomuchloveitflooredhim."Andnow?"
"NowIunderstandthatwhenpassionburnsthishot,it’sokaytobescaredofthepoweryouhave

overme,thewayyouturnmeinsideoutwithalook,atouch,akiss."Everywordshe’dsaidtohimthat
nightattheItalianrestaurantwhenshe’dspokenoftruelovewasforeveretchedonhisheart."AndnowI
knowthatIcantalktoyouaboutabsolutelyanything,andthatyou’llstillloveme.Nomatterwhat."

"Always,"shepromisedasshekissedhim."Forever."Hereyeswerebrightwithanticipationwhen

shedrewback.

Rafegaveheronelastkissbeforemovingtositonthesoftchairinthecorner."Takeyourclothes

off,sweetheart.Letmeseeyou.Allofyou."

Hisbreathhitchedinhischestasshereachedforthebeltonherdress.Rafe’sheartwasbeatingso

hard,hisbloodroaringsoloudlyinhisears,thathebarelyheardtheleatherfallingtotherug.Shemoved
herlonghairoveroneshouldersothatshecouldpulldownthezipperalongherspine.Thebluefabric
slidoffhershouldersandhipstopuddleontheflooratherfeet,andwhenherbraandpantiesquickly

followed,hethankedGodthatshewasn’ttorturinghimwithaslowstripteasetonight.

"Howdoyouwantme?"
"Justthewayyouare."Heransweringsmilewasthebrightesthe’dseenyet.
Raferoseupfromthechairandtookthebindingsilksoutofthedresserwithouttakinghiseyesoff

herincrediblebeauty.Bythetimehecametostandinfrontofher,Brooke’schestwasrisingandfalling
rapidly.Heliftedonewristandgentlytiedoneofthesilkstoit,pressingakisstotheinsideofherpalm
andthenallthewayuptheinsideofherarm.Whencolorfulsilkstreamedfrombothwrists,andshewas
trembling from the path of his kisses across her sensitive skin, he knelt in front of her. Instead of
immediatelytyingthesilkstoherankles,hekissedthesoftskinacrossherstomach,herhips,herthighs,
moving lower and lower until his mouth was warring with the silks in his hands for the chance to be
againstherskin.

"Please,"shebegged."More."
Hewasgoingtospendtherestofhislifegivinghereverythingshewanted,startingtonight.Lifting

herintohisarms,hecarriedhertothebedandlaidherdowninthecenter.

"Armsandlegsspread,sweetheart."
He’dneverdreamedthatawomancouldbethisinnocent—andnaughty—allatthesametime.His

handsshookashetiedfirstherwristsandthenheranklestothebed,andwhenhewasdoneandshewas
completelyopentohim,heknewitwasmorethanherbodyshewasbaring,moreeventhanherheart.

Brookehadlethimallthewayintohersoul.
Andhewastheluckiestmanwhohadeverlived.
Secondslater,hehadhisclothesoffandwaskneelingbetweenherthighsasstarlightspilledinthe

bedroomwindow,illuminatingeverybeautifulcurve,everysinfulstretchofskin.Hermouthwaswarm
andgivingbeneathhisashekissedher,andthoughhislipsandhandsrepeatedlywanderedoverallofher
mostsensitivespots,hekeptcomingbacktoherlips...andtothekissesthathadbroughthimbacktolife.

Knowing she trusted him enough to completely let go like this—and that he trusted her enough to

completelyletgo,too—wasthemostbeautifulthinghe’deverexperienced.

"Ineedyou,sweetheart."
He quickly untied the silks and as Brooke wrapped her arms and legs around him, with Rafe

holdingontoherjustastightly,hefinallysawthatthetruelovethathe’doncethoughtwasasrareasthe
bluemoonhadbeenthereallalong.

***

Though Rafe wasn’t even close to having his fill of Brooke, for a few precious moments it was

enoughtoholdherinhisarmsandknowthathe’dmadeherhappytonight.Trulyhappy.

Hegazeddowninwonderatthebeautifulwomanbeneathhimonthebed."Onceuponatimeyou

saidIcouldaskyouanything."

"Anything,"sheconfirmedasshewrappedherselftighteraroundhim,hercheekpressedagainsthis.
He’dplannedeverythingelsethatnight,butpureinstinct—andlove—waswhatdrovehimtoask,

"Willyoumarryme,Brooke?"

"Now,that,"shesaidassheliftedherbiggreeneyestomeethis,"soundstrulywild."Andthenshe

pressedherlipstohisandwhispered,"Yes."

Epilogue

Laterthatsummer...

"Mom,Dad,"RafesaidwithBrookebesidehimholdinghishand,"there’ssomethingIwantyouto

have."

Miamadesuretotakeapictureofthesurprise—andutterjoy—onherparents’facesattheexact

moment they realized Rafe had deeded them the lake house. It was theirs again, only this time no bank
couldevertakeitawayfromthem.

"Rafe?You’regivingusthedeedforthelakehouse?"Hermother,Claudia,hadtearsofjoyinher

eyesasshepulledhersonintoawarmhug."Oh,honey,you’resimplyamazing."

Herfather,Max,wrappedhisarmsaroundhiswifeandhisson."Thankyou,"hesaid,hislowvoice

thickwithemotion.

Miasniffledalittle,butsherefusedtocryduringthebestdayshecouldrememberhavinginyears.

Alongwithherparents,allofherbrothersexceptIanwerebackatthelakefortheweekend.Sofarthey’d
beenswimmingandwaterskiingandhiking,andshe’dlaughedmorewithherfamilyandhernewsister-
to-bethanshehadinaverylongtime.Thesunhadset,thebonfirewasroaring,andtheywereaboutto
bustoutthes’mores,whenRafehaddecideditwasfinallytimetogivehisparentstheiranniversarygift.

She’dthoughthewoulddoitearlier,butRafehadseemedalittledistractedeversinceBrookehad

tiedherhairbackwithsomereallyprettysilkscarvesaftertheirswim.Lordknewtheheatfromtheway
theylookedateachotherwouldhavebeenenoughtoroastthemarshmallowsevenbeforethey’dlitthe
bonfire.They’ddisappearedintothehousewithsomelameexcusethatnooneboughtforasecondand
hadn’treturnedtothegrouponthebeachforquiteawhile.

Firsthereightcousinshadallfoundlove,andnowherbrother.Shehadnodoubtwhatsoeverthat

RafeandBrookehadwhatittooktomakelovelast,justlikeherparents.

Who,shewondered,wasgoingtobenext?Adam?Dylan?Ian?Ormaybeoneofhermanycousins

ontheEastCoast?

Justthen,Dylanpickeduptheguitarhe’dbroughtwithhimandstartedplayingoneofherparents’

favoritesongs,TheWayYouLookTonight.Justastheyhadwhenshewasakid,herparentsstartedslow
dancinginthesand,thewaterfromtheshorelappingovertheirbarefeet.Soon,RafeandBrookejoined
them,somuchinlovethatitwasalmosthardforMiatowatchthemwithoutlongingforsomethingthat
beautifulforherself.

When the song ended, Dylan quickly switched gears from the old standard to a new rock song.

Damnit,shethoughtasthes’moreshewaseatingturnedtocementinherstomach,didhehavetoplay
thatsong?Evenalltheseyearslater,Miacouldn’tbelieveshe’dbeenstupidenoughtofallforarockstar
whomherfamilyandfriendsneverevenknewshe’dbeenwith...

Herfathersatbesideheronthelogandputhisarmaroundher."Pennyforyourthoughts,Pumpkin."
Miaknewsheshouldtellherfathershewastoooldforthenicknamehe’dgivenherasalittlegirl.

Maybenextyear.

"I’m just so happy for Rafe and Brooke, and that her relationship with her parents seems to be a

littlebitbetternow,too."TheJansenshadspentpartofthedayatthelakewitheveryonebeforeheading
intoSeattletomeetwithsomecolleaguesthatevening.Thingsweren’tperfectbetweenBrookeandher
parents,butMiacouldseehowmuchitmeanttoherfriendthattheyweretrying.Justasmuchasitclearly

meant to them that Rafe would obviously give his life for the daughter they’d always protected so
carefully.

"YourmotherandIarehappyforthem,too."Shecouldfeelherfather’swarmbrowneyesonher.

"I’vegotanotherpennyonmeifthere’ssomethingyouneedtotalktomeabout."

Mia forced herself to take another bite of her dessert. "Everything’s great," she said a little too

brightly."Mybusinesshasneverbeenbetter,I’mwithmyfavoritepeopleintheworldtonight,andI’ve
got a date tomorrow with a hot firefighter I met in town. What more could I want, apart from another
s’more?"

Butbeforeshecouldreachforthebagofmarshmallows,herfatherkissedherontheforehead."I

loveyou,Mia."

Theonlywaytokeepfromcryingonhisshoulderwastolaugh,whichwaswhyinsteadofroasting

her next marshmallow, she tossed it at Adam’s head. Seconds later, the campfire erupted into a full-on
foodfightwherenoonewassafefromflyingchocolateorpuffedsugar.

Miahadherfamily,herfriends,hercareer.Onedaysoon,shewasgoingtofinallymeetaguywho

wouldmakeherforgetallabouthim...andthenshe’dhaveeverything.

~THEEND~

FornewsonupcomingSullivanstories,

clickheretosignupforBellaAndre’sNewsletter.

ThefirsteightbooksinBella'sNewYorkTimes&USATodaybestsellingSullivanseriesarenow

available:

THELOOKOFLOVE

(Chase&Chloe,TheSullivans#1)

FROMTHISMOMENTON

(Marcus&Nicola,TheSullivans#2)

CAN'THELPFALLINGINLOVE

(Gabe&Megan,TheSullivans#3)

IONLYHAVEEYESFORYOU

(Sophie&Jake,TheSullivans#4)

IFYOUWEREMINE

(Zach&Heather,TheSullivans#5)

LETMEBETHEONE

(Ryan&Vicki,TheSullivans#6)

COMEALITTLEBITCLOSER

(Smith&Valentina,TheSullivans#7)

ALWAYSONMYMIND

(Lori&Grayson,TheSullivans#8)

***

PleaseenjoythefollowingexcerptfromthefirstbookinBellaAndre’sNewYorkTimesandUSAToday

bestsellingSullivanseries...

THELOOKOFLOVE

Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can

attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s
convincedeventhegorgeousguywhorescuesherinthemiddleoftherainstormmustbetoogoodto
betrue.Orishe?

As a successful photographer who frequently travels around the world, Chase Sullivan has his

pickofbeautifulwomen,andwheneverhe’shomeinSanFrancisco,oneofhissevensiblingsisusually
upforcausingalittlefuntrouble.Chasethinkshislifeisgreatjustasitis—untilthenighthefinds
ChloeandhertotaledcaronthesideoftheroadinNapaValley.NotonlyhasChasenevermetanyone
so lovely, both inside and out, but he quickly realizes Chloe has much bigger problems than her
damagedcar.Soon,Chaseiswillingtomovemountainstolove—andprotect—her,butwillChloelet
him?

EnjoythefollowingexcerptfromTHELOOKOFLOVE...

Chase almost missed the flickering light off on the right side of the two-lane country road. In the

pastthirtyminutes,hehadn’tpassedasinglecar,becauseonanightlikethis,mostsaneCalifornians—
whodidn’tknowthefirstthingaboutdrivingsafelyininclementweather—stayedhome.

Knowingbetterthantoslamonthebrakes—hewouldn’tbeabletohelpwhomeverwasstrandedon

the side of the road if he ended up stuck in the muddy ditch right next to them—Chase slowed down
enoughtoseethattherewasdefinitelyavehiclestuckintheditch.

Heturnedhisbrightsontoseebetterinthepouringrainandrealizedtherewasapersonwalking

along the edge of the road about a hundred yards up ahead. Obviously hearing his car approach, she
turnedtofacehimandhecouldseeherlongwethairwhippingaroundhershouldersinhisheadlights.

Wonderingwhy she wasn’tjust sitting inher car, dry andwarm, calling TripleA and waiting for

them to come save her, he pulled over to the edge of his lane and got out to try and help her. She was
shiveringasshewatchedhimapproach.

"Areyouhurt?"
Shecoveredhercheekwithonehand,butshookherhead."No."
Hehadtomoveclosertohearheroverthesoundofthewaterhittingthepavementinwhatwere

rapidlybecominghailstones.Eventhoughhe’dturnedhisheadlightsoff,ashiseyesquicklyadjustedto
thedarkness,hewasabletogetabetterlookatherface.

SomethinginsideofChase’schestclenchedtight.
Despitethelong,darkhairplasteredtoherheadandchest,regardlessofthefactthatlookinglikea

drownedratwasn’ttoofaroffthedescriptivemark,herbeautystunnedhim.

Inaninstant,hisphotographer’seyecatalogedherfeatures.Hermouthwasalittletoobig,hereyes

alittletoowide-setonherface.Shewasn’tevenclosetomodelthin,butgiventhewayherT-shirtand

jeansstucktoherskin,hecouldseethatsheworeherlushcurveswell.Inthedarkhecouldn’tjudgethe
exactcolorofherhair,butitlookedlikesilk,perfectlysmoothandstraightwhereitlayoverherbreasts.

It wasn’t until Chase heard her say, "My car is definitely hurt, though," that he realized he had

completelylostthethreadofwhathe’dcomeoutheretodo.

Knowinghe’dbeendrinkingherinlikehewasdyingofthirst,heworkedtorecoverhisbalance.

Hecouldalreadyseehe’dbeenrightabouthercar.Itdidn’ttakeamechaniclikehisbrother,Zach,who
owned an auto shop—more like forty, but Chase had stopped counting years ago—to see that her shitty
hatchback was borderline totaled. Even if the front bumper wasn’t half smashed to pieces by the white
farmfenceshe’dslidinto,herbaldtiresweren’tgoingtogetanytractiononthemud.Nottonight,anyway.

Ifhercarhadbeeninalessprecarioussituation,heprobablywouldhavesenthertohangoutinher

carwhilehetookcareofgettingitunstuck.Butoneofherbacktireswashangingprecariouslyoverthe
edgeoftheditch.

Hejerkedhisthumboverhisshoulder."Getinmycar.Wecanwaitthereforatowtruck."Hewas

vaguelyawareofhiswordscomingoutlikeanorder,butthehailwasstartingtosting,damnit.Bothof
themneededtogetoutoftherainbeforetheyfroze.

Butthewomandidn’tmove.Instead,shegavehimalookthatsaidhewasacompleteandutternut-

job.

"I’mnotgettingintoyourcar."
Realizingjusthowfrighteningitmustbeforalonewomantoendupstuckandaloneinthemiddle

ofadarkroad,Chasetookastepbackfromher.Hehadtospeakloudlyenoughforhertohearhimover
thehail.

"I’mnotgoingtoattackyou.IswearIwon’tdoanythingtohurtyou."
SheallbutflinchedatthewordattackandChase’sradarstartedbuzzing.He’dneverbeenamagnet

for troubled women, wasn’t the kind of guy who thrived on fixing wounded birds. But living with two
sistersforsomanyyearsmeanthecouldalwaystellwhensomethingwasup.

Andsomethingwasdefinitelyupwiththiswoman,beyondthefactthathercarwashalf-stuckina

muddyditch.

Wantingtomakeherfeelsafe,heheldhishandsup."Iswearonmyfather’sgrave,I’mnotgoingto

hurtyou.It’sokaytogetintomycar."Whenshedidn’timmediatelysaynoagain,hepressedhisadvantage
with,"Ijustwanttohelpyou."Andhedid.Morethanitmadesensetowanttohelpastranger."Please,"
hesaid."Letmehelpyou."

Shestaredathimforalongmoment,hailhammeringbetweenthem,aroundthem,ontothem.Chase

foundhimselfholdinghisbreath,waitingforherdecision.Itshouldn’tmattertohimwhatshedecided.

But,forsomestrangereason,itdid.

Buy

THELOOKOFLOVE

***

AveryspecialSullivanholidaystoryiscomingSeptember24,2013inhardcoverandebook!

KISSINGUNDERTHEMISTLETOE

ForMarySullivanChristmasis,andalwayshasbeen,aboutfamily.Andthisyearisnodifferent.As

sheawaitsthearrivalofhereightchildrenandtheirpartnersatthecottageinLakeTahoe,shehangs

theornamentsthattheymadeforherovertheyears.Eachdecorationbringswithitatideof

memories,allofwhichsheholdsdeartoherheart.

Butwhenshecomesacrosstheoldestornament,theoneherbelovedhusband,Jack,gaveherontheir

veryfirstChristmastogether,Maryisimmediatelysweptbacktothefirstdaysoftheirwhirlwind

romance,tothelovethatwouldbethefoundationonwhichtheybuiltthefamilysheissoproudtocall

herown.

JointheSullivansthisChristmasforastorythatexploresthewonderoftheholidays,themeaningof

familyandalovethattranscendstime.

Pre-orderKISSINGUNDERTHEMISTLETOEinhardcoverfromAmazon

ebookpre-orderlinkcomingsoon!

ClickheretosignupforBella'sNewslettertofindoutaboutfuturebooksassoonasthey're

released!

COMPLETEBOOKLIST

The following Bella Andre titles are also available in electronic format from Amazon. Please scroll
downforAmazonUK,AmazonCanada,andpaperbacklinks.

TheSullivanFamilyseries

TheLookofLove
FromThisMomentOn
Can’tHelpFallingInLove
IOnlyHaveEyesForYou
IfYouWereMine
LetMeBeTheOne
ComeALittleBitCloser
AlwaysOnMyMind

TheWayYouLookTonight

BadBoysofFootballseries

TakeMeseries

Stand-aloneNovels

CandyStore

Ecstasy

RedHotReunion

TemptMe,TasteMe,TouchMe

HotshotFirefighterseries

WildHeat

HotAsSin

NeverTooHot

ForAmazonUKpleaseusethefollowinglinks:

TheSullivanseries

TheLookofLove

FromThisMomentOn

Can’tHelpFallingInLove

LookTonight

BadBoysofFootballseries

TakeMeseries

Stand-alone

TemptMe,TasteMe,TouchMe

HotshotFirefighterseries

WildHeat

HotAsSin

NeverTooHot

ForAmazonCanadapleaseusethefollowinglinks:

TheSullivanseries

TheLookofLove

FromThisMomentOn

Can’tHelpFallingInLove

LookTonight

BadBoysofFootballseries

TakeMeseries

Stand-alone

TemptMe,TasteMe,TouchMe

HotshotFirefighterseries

WildHeat

HotAsSin

NeverTooHot

ForpaperbacktitlesatAmazonusethefollowinglinks:

TheLookofLove

FromThisMomentOn

Can'tHelpFallingInLove

IOnlyHaveEyesForYou

YouWereMine

KissingUnderTheMistletoe(Mary&JackSullivan’sstory)

BadBoysofFootballseries

TakeMeseries

Stand-alone

TemptMe,TasteMe,TouchMe

HotshotFirefighterseries

WildHeat

HotAsSin

NeverTooHot

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

Havingsoldmorethan1.5millionbooks,NewYorkTimesandUSATodaybestsellingauthorBella

Andre’snovelshaveappearedonTop5listsaroundtheworld.Knownfor“sensual,empoweredstories
enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine ”Red
HotReads”twice,havebeentranslatedintoninelanguages,andherSullivanbooksarealreadyTop20
bestsellersinBrazil.WinneroftheAwardofExcellence,TheWashingtonPosthascalledher“Oneofthe
topdigitalwritersinAmerica”andshehasbeenfeaturedbyNPR,USAToday,Forbes,TheWallStreet
Journal,andmostrecentlyinTIMEMagazine.Shehasgivenkeynotespeechesatpublishingconferences
from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo
Americaonherself-publishingsuccess.HarlequinMIRAwillbereleasingherbestsellingSullivanseries
inprintthroughout2013and2014intheUS,UK,Canada,AustraliaandNewZealand.

If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or

laughing.Marriedwithtwochildren,BellasplitshertimebetweentheNorthernCaliforniawinecountry
anda100yearoldlogcabinintheAdirondacks.

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

THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT
A note from Bella:
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-one
Chapter Twenty-two
Chapter Twenty-three
Chapter Twenty-four
Epilogue
COMPLETE BOOKLIST
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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