SWEETVALENTINE

ARIACOLE

ARIACOLE

Contents

Introduction

Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7

FirstEpilogue
SecondEpilogue
ValentineForHire
Chapter1
ChasingCharlie
Chapter1
Acknowledgments
AbouttheAuthor
AlsobyAriaCole

Swe e tVale ntine

BY

ARIACOLE

Copyright©2017byAriaCole

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T

F

W

I N T R O D U C T I O N

hree things sum up Valentine Marsden at this moment: she’s got a sweet tooth so deep she
opened her own bakery; she hates the holiday that is her namesake; and she just may be

charged with murder when she strangles the contractor next door banging on the walls during the
busiest time of her year. Working from sun up to sun down, Valentine finds herself bumping into the
compeltely sexy and totally cocky stranger more frequently than she’d like. So freneutntly she’s
beginnningtothinkhe’saworkingmanwithasweettooth.

ord Knox has spent twenty-five years sucluding himself from the public, retreating to his
mountain cabin deep in the woods after work everyday withitout a second thought for

comicatedthingslikewomanandlove.Butwhenthetotallysweetandsmetimesspicytreatnextdoor
fallsrightintohislap,hefindshimselfdrunkonhersmileanddesperateformore.Knoxisamanwith
awickedappeitite,andValentineistheonlythinghecansee.

arning:SweetValentineiscockybluecollaralphagoodnesswithadashofsweetcandyhearts,
lushchocalte-dippedstrawbberies,andsawdust-scentedfirstkisses.Grabachocolatemartini

becauseKnoxandValentineareabouttomeltyourinsides!

“

H

C H A P T E R O N E

Knox

ey,Knoxiebaby,whydon’tyougonextdoorandgetussomeofthemsweettreats?”Lon,oneof
thecontractors,called.Therestoftheguyscrackeduparoundhim.

Ilandedanotherstrikewiththemalletonthetwobyfourinmyhand.“Nah,I’mgood.”

“Knox,you’regonnawannacheckouttheviewnextdoor,man!”anotheroneoftheguyscalled.

Ishookmyhead,usedtothefilthymouthsoftheguysonjobsites.ItwasoneofthethingsIhatedaboutthe
job--likeworkingwithabunchoffuckinganimals.

Whichwasn’ttosayIwasn’tananimalmyself.

Ilivedtwenty-fivemilesupinthemountainsonatwo-trackroad.Iwasdefinitelyalittle—oralot—on
theanimalside,justnotwhenitcametowomen.

It’dbeenyearssinceI’devengivenasecondlooktoawoman.

Iwasforcedtolivevicariouslythroughthesepervertsanyway;thestoriestheytoldoverMondaymorning
coffee were enough to make me cringe. And the kicker was, they all had wives or girlfriends at home.
HereIwas,theeternalbachelor,andyetIwastheonewiththemostrespectforawoman?

“Heyyyyy.”Mariobargedthroughthedoorofthesmallbusinesswewererenovating.“Youdidn’ttellme
thechicknextdoorlookslikeSofiaVergara,man!She’smydreamgirl.We’regoingtorunoffandmake
babies.”Hemadeanhourglassshapewithhishands,andwhistled.

Thesemotherfuckers.

IfIdidn’tlovemyjobsomuchI’dcutandrun.

Buttheotherproblemwiththatwastherewasn’tmuchforworkinthisone-lighttown.IfIleftCaruso’s
Contracting,I’dhavetoleavetowntofindapositionthatpaidclosetowhatImadenow.

I’d been doing this job for 19 years. At this stage, I’d amassed quite a lot for myself. I’d saved my
paychecksforfiveyearsuntilIcouldaffordenoughtobuythelandupinthesteepColoradomountainsI’d

grownuparound.Payingcash,Iboughtthematerialforalogcabinandwenttowork.Builtninetypercent
ofitwithmyowntwohandsonnightsandweekends.Itwasalaboroflove.

So,longstoryshort,Iwouldn’tbeleavingthisplace.OrCaruso’s.OrthissmalltownofColoradoatall.

Longstoryshort,IwaswhereIwantedtobe,evenifitcamewithafewextraassholesIhadtoputup
with.

“I’m breakin’ for lunch.” I tossed the mallet at my feet, unhooking my tool belt and leaving it on the
ground.

“Goingtocheckoutthehotpieceofassnextdoor?”Lonasked.

“Goingtogetadrinkoffuckingwaterandmaybeasandwich.Anythingelseyouthinkyouneedtoknow,
Caruso?”IstareddownLonCaruso,theowner’sbrotherandperpetualfuckingdouchebag.

Lonshookhishead,suddenlyveryinterestedinthecanofpopinhishands.

IpushedthroughtheglassdoorofthestoreandoutintothecrispFebruarywind.Theairfeltgoodbiting
atmycheeks,justoneofthethingsIlovedaboutlivinginthemountains.Theairupheremaybealittle
thinner,butIwasconvinceditwasgoodforthesoul,itsureasfuckwasgoodformine.

Iglancedacrossthestreet,debatingrunningacrossforacoldsandwichoutofthegasstationdeli,butthe
chocolatecroissantsI’dseeninthewindowofthatbakeryonthewayinhadbeencallingmyname.

Ididn’tworrymuchaboutcalories,butitwasprobablyagoodthingthisjobwouldbefinishedinafew
weeks.IfImadeahabitofdailycroissantruns,I’dhaveagutinnotime.

Iturned,halfdreadinglayingeyesonthewomanwhoranthiscutelittlebakeryafterwhattheguyshad
saidabouther.Ihadamadsenseofguilt—mymommahadraisedmewell.Youjustdon’tsayshitlike
thataboutwomen.Womenweremeanttobeloved,dotedon,takencareof.Theyweren’tsexytoysmeant
tostarinsomeraunchyasshole’sfantasies.

PushingthroughthedoorofSweetToothBakery,wavesofintoxicatingscentswashedoverme.Vanilla,
cherry,caramel,andcountlessmorefragrancesmixedtoformapowerfulfeelingofnostalgia.Thisplace
broughtmerightbacktomychildhood.

The entire interior was an explosion of shades of pink: dark, light, sparkly, polka dots and frills pink.
Definitelyashoprunbyagirlygirl.

Speakingof…

I stepped closer to the display case, looking past the golden croissants and over the counter. Delicious
curvesandcreamyoliveskingreetedmyeyes.

Holyfuck.

Theguysweren’tkidding.

SofiaVergara,butathousandfuckingtimeshotter.

Mycocktwitchedbehindmyjeans,somethingithadn’tdoneatthesightofawomaninyears.

Hell.

Probablyever.

Shelookeddeepinthoughtasshewascountingoutwhatappearedtobeavarietyofsweetconcoctions.
She had the cutest puzzled look and she kept waving her fingers across a row of desserts appearing to
havealmostlostsomething.

Ipressedmyhipsagainstthecase,cockpressingagainstthehardglassandrelievingsomeofthethrob
that’dsettledin.Placingmyopenpalmsfirmlyonthecounter,Iclearedmythroat.“CanIhelpyoufind
somethin’?”

Shejumped,knockingherheadonthelipofthecounter.“Shit!”Shespun,onehandrubbingthecrownof
herdarkhaloofwaves,theotherflingingachocolate-dippedspatulamyway.“Ohno!”

She lunged towards the counter, attempting to catch the flying spatula just as it landed with a splat
between us. Sprays of chocolate decorated my white shirt, her hands and, sweet mother of god, her
cleavage.

Chocolatedrippedinoneslowdropatthesweetspotbetweentheroundglobesofherbeautifultits.

“I’m so sorry.” Her voice was sweet, like a song. She wiped at the counter with a warm rag, eyes
widening when she registered the mess she’d made of my shirt. She wiped at my shirt with the cloth,
apologizingonrepeat,whileallIcouldfocusonwastheneon-pinkpolishthattoppedherdaintyfingers.

Christ,howoldwasshe?

Istoppedherhand,fingersconnectingwiththewarmpulseatherwrist.

Herheartwasracing.

Ibetitmatchedmine.

Myeyesfinallyfollowedthecreamylineofherneckuptoroundpuffylipsthatlookedlikethey’dbeen
kissedallnight.Thesoft,heartshapeofhersweetfacepulledmein.Warmhazeleyescaughtmygaze.

Withoutthinking,Iranthepadofmythumbalongherhairline.

Sheblinkedatmytouch,softthroatswallowingthelumpmytouchhadlodgedthere.

“Chocolate.”Ilickedthepadofmythumb,smilingatthesweettasteonmytongue.

“Oh,”shebreathed,gazewideandhoveringatmylips.

“I’mKnox.”

Shepaused,hereyesfallingclosedbeforesheturnedaway.“WelcometoSweetToothBakery.”

Iwatchedasshegracefullywashedouttheraginthesoapywater.

Whatinthehellhadhappenedtomakethisgirlfrown?

Iwantedhersmileback,andIwanteditnow.

“Got any free samples for the hard workin’ man from next door?” I knew the line was cheesy, I just
couldn’tthinkofanythingelsetosay.AndIwantedthatsmile.

InsteadIgotanarchedeyebrow.

Thatwassomething,right?

Shetippedherhead,returningtothecounter,ploppingbothelbowsupandrestingherhandsonherchin.
“Whatareyouinthemoodfor?”

She shouldn’t have asked me that question. I was a red-blooded male, and everything about the
implicationinthosewordsdrovemeinsane.

“What’syourspeciality?”

Herlipstwitched.Icouldtellshewastryingtohidethesmile,andsomethingaboutthatmademegiddier
thanhell.“Areyouasweetortartguy?”

Itookmytimereplying,lettingmyeyeswanderthegorgeouscontoursofherface.“Ilikealittleofboth.”

Mycockjumped.Thiswasbecomingagoddamnproblem.AtthisrateI’dhavetorunintothebathroom
andruboneoutonmylunchbreakifIwasgoingtofocustherestoftheday.

“Maybethedeconstructedlemonbarthen?Ahintofvanillawhiponthetop?”Sheslidmeaplatewiththe
littleconfection,toppedwithairymoundsofwhippedcream.Sheslidaforkontotheplate,smilingupat
mewhenshe’dfinished.

“Myhandsarealldirty.”Iheldthemup.“Getabiteforme.”

Hell,fuckthelemonbar,whatItrulywantedwasabiteofher.

Hereyeswidened,butsheslidapieceontothefork,hesitatingbeforepushingitinthegeneraldirection
ofmymouth.Mylipsturnedup.“Gonnahavetodobetterthanthat,sugar.”

Waves of crimson heated her chest and neck, climbing up to the apples of those pretty little cheeks. I
wonderedifherpussyturnedthatprettyshadeofraspberrywhenshewasturnedon.Iknewinthatsecond
thattherestofmylifewouldbeatragicfailureifIneverfoundout.

“You’reprettybossyforaguygettingafreetaste.”Shelaunchedtheforkatmylips.

I took the bite, closing my lips on the cold metal and savoring the slow drag of the moment. Her eyes
widenedasshepulledtheforkoutofmymouthandwatchedmechew.

“LittlemoretartthanIimagined.”Iwinked.“ButIlikesurprises.What’syourname,sugar?”

Hereyessparkledasshereplied.“I’mValentine.”

“Valentine.”Icouldn’thelpthesmilefromturningmylips.Sweet,sexyValentine.“Greatname.”

“Myparent’shadathingfortheholiday.”Sheshrugged.“Ihateit.”

“Well,Ihappentothinkit’sthemostbeautifulnameI’veeverheard.AndI’vegotafeelingitsuitsyou.”

“Suitsme?”Sherolledhereyes.“Believeme,itdoesnotsuitme.”

“Oh,Idunnoaboutthat.”Ileanedalittlefurtheroverthecounter,barelycontrollingmyselffrompulling
hertomylipsandshowingherhowfuckingbeautifulIthoughtherandhernamewas.“Softandsweeton
theinside,maybeabitofahardshell.”Idustedmythumbacrosshertemple,tuckingawispofsilkyhair

behindherear.

Hereyeswidened,herheartbeatthumpinglikemadatthelittlepulsepointinherneck.Shesetherhands
onthecounterbetweenus,asoftsmileturningthoseperfectlips.Justasitlookedlikeshewasaboutto
saysomethingashrilltimerwentofffromsomewherebehindher.

“Crap!” She spun, shoving an oven mit on her hand and swinging open the door on an industrial-sized
oven.Shepulledatrayofheaven-scentedcroissantsfromtheovenandInearlyjizzedrightthereinmy
pants.

Agirlwholookedlikethat,withasmilesosweetshemademyold,coldheartmelt,andshemadetreats
thatincredible?

ForthefirsttimeinmylifeitfeltlikeI’dhitthelovelottery.

RightthenandthereImadeitmymissiontogettoknowsweetValentine.

“

V

C H A P T E R T W O

Valentine

!”Corygushedasshepoppedanotherredvelvetganachepastherlips.“Ithinkmymouthjusthad
anorgasm.”

“Don’teatthemall,youhooker!”Iswipedthecoolingtrayfromherhands.“Istillhavefivemorepansof
thesetomake.They’reoneofmyValentine’sweekbestsellers.”

“It’stheredbowontop.Feelsfestive.”CoryswipedafingeracrossthespatulaI’dleftonthecounter.
TheverysamespatulawithwhichI’dsplatteredKnox,thecontractorfromnextdoor,yesterday.

Speaking of the damn devil, a large piece of machinery fired up, roaring through the thin walls that
separatedmybakeryfromthenewcaféthatwasgoinginnextdoor.I’dbeentoldthatcontractorswould
onlybethereforafewweeks,butthiswasmybusiesttimeofyear.Ispentsixteenhoursadayinthisshop
preparingsugaryconcoctionsforlovebirds.Imadeenoughthisweektokeepmeinbusinesstherestofthe
year.

“They’vebeendoingthatallday?”Corycockedherheadoverthenoise.

“I’vehadasplittingheadachesinceFriday.”Idrizzledanotherredbowacrossthetopofafreshbatchof
cookies.

“Well,atleasttheeyecandyisgood.”

Ispunaround,redfrostingspittingoutofmypipingbagandontothestainlesssteelcounter.“Ohmygod!”

“Oh my god is right. Look at those broad shoulders. I bet he could hoist me in his arms and push me
againstthewall.MaybeIshouldrunnextdoorforjustaminute.”Corytuckedhershortspikyhairbehind
herears.“ShouldIputsomelipglossonfirst?”

“Cory,”Igroaned,justasthefrontdoorswungopenbehindherandKnoxwalkedin.

Idon’tknowhowtoexplainthewaytheairseemedtobepulledfrommylungsinoneswoopassoonas
heentered,butithappened.

Iliftedahandtomychest,tryingtocalmtherapidpaceofmyheartbeforeforcingasmile.“Hi,Knox.”

“Valentine.”Thewayhistonguecurledaroundmynamemademynervesbuzz.

Corytippedherhead,lookingfrommetoKnoxandbackagain.

“Workin’nextdoor.Valentinehere’sbeenfillingmewithtreatsonmylunchbreak.”

“Excuseme?”Corycockedherhip,andIfeltmyfaceflush.

Damnmystubbornblush.

“Knoxhasasweettooth.”

“Don’tweall?”hechimed,eyeslockedonlyonme.

“Isee.Well,I’mgoingtohittheroad.Youguysobviouslyhavesomeweirdsexualchemistrythinggoing
onandI’monlyintheway—”

“Cory!”IsmackedherwiththetowelI’dpickedup.

SheshruggedonhercoatthenwalkedpastKnox,slowingtoeyehimupanddownasshepassed.“Enjoy
thecandy,V!”

“Ohmygod,pardonher.We’vebeenfriendssincefourthgrade.Ican’treallyshakehernow.”

Knox’s warm laugh filled the room and set me at ease. “She says what’s on her mind. I like that.” He
movedcloser,comingaroundthecounteruntilhestoodjustafootawayfromme.“Forgottotryoneof
thosecroissantsyesterday.”

Hiswordsfloodedmybloodstreamlikewarmhoney,stickyandsweet,sodelicious.

“Ihavesomefreshones—”Iturned,readytopullonefromatraythat’dbeenwarming,whenhestopped
me.

“Shareonewithme?”

My eyes widened with his question. “I don’t really have time. It’s Valentine’s week. Everyone starts
floodinginafterlunch.Ihavetogetthesefinished.”

He took three long strides toward me and his calloused hands caught mine, stopping me in my tracks.
“Whataboutyourvalentine?”

Myeyesshotupattheboldnessinhiswords.Whodidhethinkhewascominginhere,makingmesquirm
and lose my breath, then telling me I had to slow down? “Sorry, but Sweet Tooth Bakery is a new
business.Idon’treallyhavetimefor—”

“Things that make you feel alive?” He pulled me against his chest, nose whispering up the line of my
neck.“Youfeelthis,don’tyou?”

Hiswordshungintheair,onlythebatteringofmyheartagainstmyribcageinmyears.

“Valentine?”

“Yes?”Myeyesflutteredclosed,mybodymeltingintohis.

“Thisisthepartwhereyouanswer.”

Inodded,headbuzzingasifIhadasugarhigh.AKnoxhigh.Bothequallyaddicting.

“WhatdoesitfeellikewhenItouchyou?”hebreathedatmyear.

“Likemoltenchocolaterunningthroughmyveins.”

Hischintippedup,alittlecocky,alotsexy.“Thatsoundsdelicious.”

Inodded,thinkingitwas.Thewayhemademefeelwassodelicious.I’dneverfeltthiswaybefore.

“Givemefiveminutes.”Histhumbrandownthelineofmyneck,sendingshiversskitteringovermyskin.

“Three,”Ihusked,feelingguiltateventhethoughtoftakingabreakrightnow.

“Five,Valentine,”hereplied,andmystomachturned.

“EveryonecallsmeV.”

Hislipstippedagain,brushingacrossthehollowofmyneck.“Thenthat’sexactlywhyI’llkeepcalling
youValentine.”

Good, I wanted to say. I loved the way my name sounded on his lips. I’d spent so much of my life
ashamedofmyname,embarrassedthatIwasnamedafteraholidayforlovesickfools.Theironywasn’t
lostonmethatwhileIdespisedmostthingsloveandromancerelated,I’dfoundmyselfownerofabakery
thatspecializedin…Valentine’ssweets.

Ifthemoneywasn’tsogoodthisweek,I’dclosethedoorsandgoonvacation.

Instead I would work my ass off, make three quarters of my yearly salary, then go home exhausted on
Valentine’snightandeatapintofBaskinRobbinsandbinge-watchRealHousewives. Their lives were
waymoremessedupthanmine,right?Iworkedhard,didsomethingIlovedeveryday,andcamehome
alonetoshareitwithnoonebutmysweetcat,Cupcake.

CupcakeandIspentalotofnightstogetheronthecouch.

SoIguessKnoxwasn’twrongwhenhesaidIneededabreak.

Ifinallyrelented.“Fiveminutes,thenit’sbacktothepiping.”

Heplacedasoftkissatmyneckandgrinned.“Great,gositdown.Letmeserveyou.”

Ialmostfellonthefloorathisfeet.

Ididn’tknowwhereinthehellKnoxhadcomefrom,butIwaslikinghimalittlemorewitheverypassing
moment.

“SohowlonghasSweetToothbeenopen?”heaskedawhilelateraswesatacrossfromeachotheratthe
smalltwo-toptableinthefrontwindow.

“Little over a two years. I’ve worked at a few different bakeries. No one ever wanted to try the new
thingsIwasmaking.Ihavethisthingwithdeconstructingdessertsweallknow,usingnaturalingredients
sotheytastelikewhatweremember,eveniftheydon’tlooklikeit.”

He nodded, breaking a piece of croissant off and sliding is past his full lips. Devilish lips. Distracting
lips.Iwonderedwhattheywouldfeelliketrailingacrossmybreasts.Mynippleswerepuckeringnow
justthinkingaboutit.

I’d made the mistake yesterday of wearing a low-cut top, but it was my most comfortable one that was
still appropriate for work, or so I’d thought. Until Knox had caught me bending over showcasing a full
viewofmygenerouscleavageforhiseyestoeatup…andtheyhad.

Everytimehelookedatmeitwaslikehewantedtoeatme,andwhydidthatfeelsogood?Whydidthat
makemehornywiththepromiseofthethingshemightdo?I’dneverevenbeenexposedtosexmuch—a
fewboyfriendshereandthere,butnothingserious.

Butthisman.Hewasolder,experienced.

“Whenwillthejobnextdoorbedone?”Itriedtoshifttheconversation.

“Fewweeks.Electriciansarescheduledlaterthisweek,thenit’sjustfinishings.Theloudbangingwillbe
donethisweek.”Hecrookedhisheadtothesideashespoke.

“You’vebeenprettydistractingthisweek.”Ipoppedmycornerofthecroissantinmymouth.Chocolate
saucewithjustahintofcayenne—itproducedawarmthinthebellythatwassatisfyingeverytime.My
chocolatecroissantswerelethal.

“Inallfairness,Valentine.”Knox’seyescuttomine,adeepgrintippinghismouth.“You’vebeenpretty
distractingyourself.”

Hiswordsrattledthroughmybrainlikeaslow-movinglocomotive.

I’dbeendistracting?

Myvoiceroseanoctave.“InwhatpossiblewaycouldIbedistractingtoyou?”

His smile widened. Damn those dimples. “You don’t see the way men react to you, do you?” My eyes
dropped to his hands tearing at the pastry, then tossing another piece into his mouth. “You’re fucking
mouthwatering,Valentine.Everyoneofthosebastardsnextdoorwantstobendyouoverandseewhat’s
underthefrillylittleapronyouprancearoundin.”

“Prance?!”Inearlyleaptoutofmychair,mybloodatafullboil.“Iknewcontractorswerepigs,butIwas
beginningtothinkyouweren’toneofthem,Knox.”

His eyes shut when I stood from the chair, wiping my hands on the homemade apron. The one my
grandmotherhadgivenme,theonehewastalkingabout,theoneIlovedsomuch.“Feelfreetotakeyour
businesselsewhere,Knox.”

His chuckle followed me. I sensed his eyes eating up my form as I retreated. I regretted the skirt I’d
chosentowear.IsuddenlyfeltsuffocatedbytheturtleneckI’dslidonthismorning.Ihatedthethoughtof
being ogled by men—it was revolting—but when Knox’s eyes were on me, why did it feel like utter
satisfaction?Likeappreciationandadorationanddesire,allrolledintoanintoxicatingheadrush?

“Iwon’ttakemybusinessanywhereelse,Valentine.”Hewasbehindmethen,onehandhoveringatmy
back—tobeagentleman?Tobepossessive?Iwasn’tsure,butIlikeditbothways.“Yourtalentsaretoo
sweettopassup.ButIhavetogetbacktoworkandtrytoconcentrateonmyjobinsteadofgettinghighon
thoughtsofyouandhowsweetyoumusttaste.”

Isuckedinasoftbreath,instantlyregrettingtheemptinessthatsettledinwhenhetookhishandfrommy
backandwalkedaway.

Damnhim.

Damnme.

Thechauvinisticassholesnextdoorcouldn’tbegonefrommylifesoonenough.

L

C H A P T E R T H R E E

Valentine

aterthatnight,longafterI’dlockedupthedoorstothebakery,Iwasstillworkingdiligentlyinthe
kitchen. The sweet smells of caramel flooded my nostrils as I stirred a simmering pot on the

stovetop.JustonemorebatchofsmotheredpralinesandthenmaybeIcouldthinkaboutcleaningupand
gettingoutofthereforthenight.

MaybepickingupapizzaonthewayhomeandcatchingTheLateShowbeforeclosingmyeyesforfive
hoursanddoingitalloveragaintomorrow.

Ugh.

Valentine’sweekwashell.

I added a dash of vanilla to the pot just as the opening notes of Neil Young’s ‘Harvest Moon’ echoed
through the walls from next door. I sucked in a quick breath on instinct. Every time I heard this song it
remindedmeofmyfatherandmotherdancingwhenIwasyoung.Hishandsaroundherwaist,herhead
tucked into his neck. They had a beautiful love, and this song brought me right back to that memory. I
wantedaloveliketheirs.Icravedsomeonetoshareeverythingwith,astheydid.

Ifoundmyselfswayingtothesong,lulledbythemelody,mymemoriesofthemanovertheresoftening.I’d
seen his truck outside all day, and since it’d been there when I last looked outside, I’d known he was
pullingalatenight,too.Iwasjustthankfulthatwhateverhewasdoingwasquiet.

NowIthoughtofhimoverthereallalone,probablyhungry,oratleastthirsty.Workinglatenightswasn’t
evereasy,andwhileKnoxrubbedmethewrongway,Isensedsomethinginhim.Asimilarity.Akinship.
Somethinglonely.AndwhileI’dgrownupinthissmalltown,mostofmyfriendshadleftforcollegeand
nevercameback.Anewfriendneverhurtanyone,andkindnessgoesfarinlife,sobeforethesongwas
evenoverI’dmadeupmymindtotakeKnoxapeaceoffering.Maybeevenapologizeformyrashreaction
earlier.

Justaslongashedidn’tbaitmeaboutteasinghiminapronsagain.Therewasafeministfireinmybones,
andIdidn’twanttohavetokickhimintheballs.

I added cocoa powder and sugar to a pan, stirring in milk and vanilla, a dash of my special hot cocoa
seasoning,thenpouredthesteamingliquidintotwowidemugs.

Asthemusicof‘SuchaWoman’started,Iopenedthedoorofthebusinessnextdoorandwalkedintoa
dimlylitconstructionzone.Balancingthetray,Iwalkedthroughtheroom,guidedbythemusic.Iturneda
cornerandfoundKnoxononeknee,brushingacoatofpearlywhitepaintalongthetrim.

Seeinghimdownthere,thesweetnotesofthesongechoingaroundus,thefaintscentofsawdustfillingmy
nostrils…somethingchanged.Somethinghitme.Somethingshiftedinsideme,andIknewthatKnoxwas
different.HewasunlikeanymanI’dmetbefore.

“Evening,neighbor,”Ikneeledonthefloornexttohim,settingthetrayofhotcocoabetweenus.“Peace
offering?”

Hiseyesheldmine,slowandsteady.Ithoughtmyheartmightlaunchstraightoutofmythroat.Likeaspell
pullingmeunder,hisgazehypnotizedallthesensiblepartsofme,mademybrainfoggyandmyheartache
forthingsI’dneverthoughtI’dfind.

“Thanks,Valentine.”Hefinallybrokethesilence,eyesrivetedonmineashetookthemuginhishandand
broughtittohislips.

IneverwantedtobeaninanimateobjectmorethanIdidinthatmoment.Hissmoothlipscaressingmy
skinwoulddrivemeinsane.

Hechuggedhalfthemug,thensetitbetweenus.“That’sincredible.”

“I’mgladyoulikeit.”Neilsang,‘Nooneelsecankillmelikeyoudo,nooneelsecanfillmelikeyou
do,’andaballoonofemotionswelledinsideme.“Goodsong.”

“Greatsong.”Hebrushedastrandofhairbehindmyear.“Sowhatbroughtyouoverhere,sugar?”

Mystomachflippedathiswords.MypalmsburnedwithanitchsodistractingIthoughtImightdieifI
didn’tleapintohisarmsandbeghimtokissme.Howcouldamanwhodrovemetoinsanitydrivemeso
crazywithlustatthesameexactmoment?Isuckedinabreath,summoningsomestrength.“I’msorryfor
beingabitchearlier.Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme.Idon’tusuallyhaveoutburstslikethat.”

“Outbursts?”Hechuckled.“Thatwasn’tanoutburst.Thatwascute.”Heleanedalittlecloser.“AndI’ll
tellyouasecret—Ilikeyoualittleriledup.”

My heart thundered like a thousand wild horses were trampling it. His touch, on me. His breath like a
summer’s kiss on my skin. His words crawling deep within me and twisting up my insides in the best
possibleway.

Thismanhadawayofturningmetomushwithjustacoupleofwordsandalook.

“Ithinkyou’resuchawoman,”hesangatmyearjustastheclosingnotesofthesongfaded.

Ohmygod.

Myhandswereshaking,yettometheyfeltlikeemberssingeingmyskin

“What the hell was in that hot chocolate? I feel like you’ve put a spell on me.” He grunted, one hand
slidingacrossmykneeasheretreatedfromme.

“Um.”Ipushedahandthroughmyhair.Knoxhadmesodamnflustered.“Ghostpepper.Justapinch.”

“Ghostpepper?”Hislaughechoedoffthefourwallsofmyheart.“Whatareyadoing

,tryin’tokillme?”

Myeyesflashedtohis.“IfIwastryin’tokillyou,you’dknow.”

Wesat,silencefillingthespacebetweenus.

Washemad?

DidIcare?

AndwhythehellwasIsoturnedon?

Ipressedmythighstogether,desperatetorelievetheachethat’dsettled.

His grin tipped then, and his eyes flashed as he shook his head. A low laugh carried on the dusty air
aroundusbeforethenextsongontheplayliststarted.‘NaturalBeauty.’Myfatherhadalwayshummedthe
wordstothissonginmymom’sear.IrememberthinkingitwasoneofthemostromanticthingsI’dever
seen.

Love.

Isighed,tearsprickingmyeyesatthememoryasItriedtoshakemyselfbackintothepresent.

“What’s that face, sugar?” He crossed the distance between us again, hands cupping my cheeks, eyes
inspectingtheplanesofmyfaceasifhewerewillingtheanswerfrommypores.

I clamped down on my bottom lip and shut my eyes. “This song. This whole album… It means a lot to
me.”

Knox’sarmswerearoundmywaistthen,pullingmeagainsthischesttostandwithhim.Withonehand
aroundmylowerback,hecuppedmyneckandtuckedmyheadintothespacebetweenhisshoulderand
neck.“It’sagreatfuckingalbum.”

Heswayedusbackandforth,humminghereandthereasImeltedintohisembrace.

Andrightthere,coveredinsawdust,inKnox’sarms,tothemusicofNeilYoung,Ilostmyheart.

H

C H A P T E R F O U R

Knox

avingValentineinmyarmswashell.

Totalhell,becauseIcouldn’thavemore,andfromthesecondI’dlaideyesonherI’dwantedmore.

I’dbeenbarelyholdingmyselfbacktheselastfewdays,theurgetogriphersweethipswasstrong.Iheld
back for one reason…one reason I’d been grappling with, one that left me up and sleepless at night
thinkingabouther.

“Valentine…”Icradledherfaceinmyhands,stillingasthemusicspunonaroundus.“I’veneverwanted
awomanlikeIwantyou,butI’vegottoknowsomethingrightnowbeforewegoanyfurther.”

Shelookedupatmewithwide,inquisitiveeyes.Jesus,thoseeyesdidthingstome.Mademyballsthrob
alldayandhauntedmydreamsallnight.

“Howoldareyou?”

“Twenty-four.”sheansweredswiftly.Twenty-four.Jesus.Icouldbeherfather.

“Andmyagedoesn’tbotheryou?Iwas15whenyouwereborn”Ireadiedmyheartfortheblow.

“Hmm…” She tipped her head to the side, fingers grazing my temple. “Well, I kind of like the salt and
pepperthingyouhavegoingon.Andthelittlelinesthatcrinklewhenyousmilearecute.Andthelaugh
linesatyourmouthtellmeyouliketoenjoyyourself.”Herfingertipsdriftedtothebowofmylips.“And
don’ttheysaywithagecomeswisdom?”

Thewayhereyeshammeredupatmealmostmademelosemyhead.Inearlydroppedtomykneesright
thereandbeggedhertomarryme.Iwasthatfargone.“IdobelieveI’veheardthat,yes.”

“Well,Ididn’tsayitappliedtoyou.Butmaybesomeday.”Shepattedmeonthecheek,herlipsturningup
inasarcasticsmirk.

“Valentine…”Igrowled,holdinghertightertomybodyandgrazingherearlobewithmyteeth.“Icould
beyourfather.”

“Idon’tcareaboutthat,”shewhispered,fingertipslockingbehindmyneck,lipsbrushingagainstthehot
skinofmycollarboneasshespoke.Christ,Iwantedtotakecareofher,makehermine,giveherthelife
andtheloveshedeserved.

“You give zero fucks about my age, sugar?” My hands were trailing down her back now, skimming the
curveofherasscheeksunderthatknee-lengthskirtshewore.

“Well, unless you’re going to tell me you’re a three-hundred-year-old vampire, I’m good.” She snaked
onehandaroundmywaistandpushedahandintothebackpocketofmyjeans.

AlowgrowlrolledfrommychestbeforeIdidthefirstspontaneousthingI’ddoneinyears.“Iwantyou
alltomyself.”

Our lips connected, my hands snaking into the waves of her soft hair, our bodies clinging together like
we’dbeenfuckingstarved.

Hell,Ihadbeen.

I’dbeenstarvedforher.

I’m not sure what in the hell it was, but something about sweet Valentine made me need her, made me
wanttoprotecther,loveherinallthewaysamanlovesawoman.Itwasanewfeelingtome.Neverin
allmyyearsonthisplanethadIlookedsomeoneintheeyeandjustfuckingknown.

“Kissingyoushouldbewrong,Valentine,butwhythehelldoesitfeelsoright?”

Her fingers tightened at my shoulders, her lips hovering against mine as our bodies mingled. “That felt
incredible.”

Igrinnedwhenshepressedafingertiptothesoftbowofherlips,asifshewasrelivingthemoment.Hell,
Iforsurewouldbedoingthesamelatertonight,mydickfistedinmyhand.“Iwantyou,Valentine.Iwant
youmorethanI’veeverwantedanythinginmylife.”Idroppedmyhandsfromhersoftform,puttingsome
distance between us. “But I don’t want to take anything that isn’t mine to take. I want you to be sure. I
wantyoutoknowthatwhenthishappensthatIwillbeyoursandyousureashellwillbemine”

Sheseemedtocrumblebeforeme,eyesdowncast,shouldershunchedsadly.“You’reonlytakingwhatI
offer…”

I pushed a hand through my hair, warring within myself. Take this sweet, delicate woman and dirty her
withmyroughhands,mydemandingpersonality,myanti-socialattitude.Shewassobright,shewaslikea
breathoffreshair—wouldtakingherformyownruinthat?“Valentine…you’resoyoungstill…”

Herheadshookbackandforthfiercelybeforesheadvancedonme,pushingherfistsintothefabricofmy
T-shirt.“Youdon’tknowwhatit’sliketobeme.I’veneverfitinwithpeoplemyage.Iworkedfulltime
through college, managed to pay off all my debts by the time I graduated, and still had enough money
savedforthedownpaymentonthisbuilding.Imayhavebeenborntwenty-fouryearsago,Knox,butIfeel
olderthanthat,andahellofalotwiser.”

The way she stood against me, eyes boring into mine as she spoke, cracked my heart in two. She was
right.I’dfoundmyselfwrappedupinValentinebecauseshe’dseemedsomucholder.Justthewiseway
she thought first and spoke second had drawn me to her. She observed, she was thoughtful, she was
driven,andincrediblytalented.

“Idon’tdoubtitforasecond,sugar.”Icuppedherfaceinmypalms,suddenlyfeelingveryprotectiveof
her.“Weshouldgetyouhome.”

“Iwalked.I’mjustaroundthecorner.”

“Youdon’twalkaloneanymore.FromnowonI’llpickyouupandtakeyouhome.”

Isilencedherprotestwithakiss.Slow,probing,gentle,butwithpromise.

TherewasnoholdingbackformeandValentineanymore.Thatmuchwasfordamnsure,butI’dstilltake
mytime.Movingatherpacemightbeagonizingtortureforme,butI’ddoitforher.I’ddoanythingfor
her.

“IfwedothismuchlongerI’mgoingtosayfuckthedirtyfloorandthewindowsandgetinsideyouright
here.”Thewordscameoutmorelikeagrowl.Controllingmyselfhurtlikehell.

“You’repushy.”Valentineswattedmeonthechest.

“Ilovethewayyourlipsarebruisedandredfrommykisses.”Itracedherbottomlipwiththepadofmy
thumb.“I’llhavetokissyoulikethateveryday.”

Hereyessparkledupatme,andIswearIalmostlostmyselfinthegalaxyofstarsIfoundthere.Valentine
mademespoutpoeticshit,butIcouldn’tbebotheredtocare.Aslongasshewasinmyarms,IfoundI
didn’tgivemanyfucksaboutmuchelse.

“Well,sinceyou’llbepickingmeupinthemorningIguessyou’llgettheopportunity.”Shesmiled.

“Itwasallaplan.”Itappedmyhead.“Wise,remember?”

“Sowise.”Shenodded,backingawayandtiltingherheadtooneside.“Tellme,Knox,whattimedoyou
thinkIgettothebakeryinthemorning?”

Ishrugged,followingherfootsteps,unwillingtoletanotherinchstretchbetweenus.“Six,seven?”

Shegrinnedwidely,noddingasshepushedoutofthefrontdoor.“Well,thebakeryopensatsix,sothat
reallywouldn’twork.”

Ifollowedherthroughthebakerydoors,caramel-and-vanilla-scentedairgreetingus.“Whattimeworks
foryou,sugar?”

“Four.”

“Four?”

“MaybealittleearlieronSaturday.You’dbesurprisedhowmanymenarestillbuyinglast-minutegiftson
themorningof.”

I nodded, arms crossed as I watched her glean way too much enjoyment from my predicament. “Four’s
prettyearly,Valentine.”

“Yeah, it is, but I’m a morning person, so I don’t mind. I told you, if it’s an inconvenience, I’m fine
walking.”

Inodded,pretendingtolisten,lettingherfinish.“No,Idon’thaveaproblembeinghereatfour.”Icrossed
thespace,foldingherintomyarms.“I’mjustthinkingitmightmakealittlemoresenseifIstayallnight.”

Hereyebrowsshotup,clearlyexpectingmetodeclinetheearlypickup.

LikehellIwoulddeclineanythingwithher.

“Ready to close up? I’ve suddenly found myself with an early call time tomorrow.” I crooked a grin,
lovingtheteasingwayhereyesglintedbackatmewithchallenge.

“You’reaprettydeterminedguywhenyousetyourmindtosomething,Knox.”

“Stubborndeterminationisthekeytosuccess,Valentine.”

“Thatexplainssomuchthen.”

“Enoughwiththesmartmouth.”Iloopedanarmaroundherneckandpulledhertomeinasoftkiss.“Let’s
getyouhome.”

I helped her close up the bakery, switching off lights and making sure both the doors to the bakery and
whatwouldbethecaféwerelockeduptight.

Therewasnobetterfeelingthanslidingheracrossthebenchseatofmytruck.

I’dneverhadawomaninmytruckbefore.

Notasingleone.

Iwasasolitaryguy,Ilivedasimplelife,neverhadawomanaffectmysoulquitelikethisonedid.

“It’sthathouserightthere.”Shepointedthroughthestillpartlyfrosted-upwindow.

Ifrowned,thinkingtheplacewassmallerthanIexpected.Older.

Damn, I wanted to grab a few of her things and haul her up the mountain with me tonight. She felt so
exposedhere,soopenandvulnerable.

“Howlongyoubeenhere?”

She tipped her head at me before she answered. “It was the only place in my budget when I graduated
college.”

Shelaunchedfromthetruck,notwaitingformetogetthedoorforher.Ilovedthatindependentstreakshe
had.Themoresheshowedit,themoreIwantedtopullherintomyarmsandlockhertomefortherestof
mylife.

“So,4a.m.,bigguy?”Shestoodatthesmallfrontporch,snowdancinginawhirlingdervisharoundher.

“Notgonnainvitemein?”Ipulledherinforakiss,usingthedistractiontoopenthedoorandferryus
bothin.

“Hey!”Sheswatted,butkeptkissingme.

“Hitmeallyouwant,sugar.Truthis,Ilikeyourhandsonme.”Shepoutedupatmethenshookherhead
andthrewherbagonthekitchentable.“Sureyoudon’twanttocomebacktomyplacetonight?”

Sheuntiedherapron,pulleditfromhersweethips,andtosseditoverachair.Fuck,Iwantedtounwrap
herlikemyownpersonalsweettreat.“I’mfine,Knox.Foura.m.comesearly.”

Ishookmyhead,pullingherintomyarms.“GivemeonegoodreasonIshouldn’ttieyouupwiththatcute
littleapronofyoursandhaulyouupthatmountainwithme.”

Her smile deepened, her hands pressed against my chest. “Because you don’t trust yourself with me,
remember?”

I shook my head, remembering why it was important I wait. I couldn’t push her, and spending the night
withherwouldsurelybewaytoofuckingmuch.

“MaybeIcouldjustcrashonthecouch,makesureeverythingisokayhere…”Ilookedaround,preparing
tosleepinmyjeansandshirtifthat’swhatittook.Ijustdidn’tliketheideaofleavingherinthishouse.
WhowasIkidding?Ididn’twantherinanyhousebutmine.Iwantedhersafeandwarmandcradledin
myarms.

“I’llbefine,Knox.”Shetappedmeonthecheek.

Agrowlrumbledfrommychest.

“Resortingtocavemangruntsnow?”shegiggled,pushingmetowardsthedoor.

“I’llsleepinmytruckthen.Asweet,innocentwomanlikeyoushouldn’tbeleftalonesomewherelike—”

“Like what, Knox? Somewhere like what?” She crossed her arms and tipped her head. I could hardly
keepthechucklefrombreakingpastmylips.Shewassodamncutewhenshetookastand.

“Likenothing,Valentine.Justworriedaboutyou.”

“Icantakecareofmyself,Knox.Cutthemachoshit.I’mfine.”

Ifrowned,draggingmyfeetwhenherhandsconnectedwiththebroadwallofmychest.

“Now,gohome.”

“I’dratherstayherewithyou.”

“Argh,”shegrunted,narrowinghereyes.“Idon’tneedyourprotection,Knox.”

“Seeyouinthemorning?”Igrinnedasshepushedmeoutontotheporchstoop.

“Skipthemorning.I’llwalk,”sheretorted.

“Oh, I’ll be here, Valentine. Turns out I’ve got one helluva sweet tooth.” I winked just as the door
slammedclosed.ButnotbeforeIsawthehugegrinovertakingherface.

IhadValentine.NowIjusthadtokeepher.

I

C H A P T E R F I V E

Valentine

stoodinthebathroomofthebakery,twohoursafterKnoxhadshoweduponmydoorstep,cupof
fresh-brewedcoffeeinhand,waitingtotakemetowork.We’donlychitchattedforafewminutes

beforewewereatthebakeryandIwasscuttlingthroughthefrontdoor,chasedbycoolFebruaryair,and
hewasgoneagain.

Isighed,rememberingthewayhislipshadtouchedminelastnight,hisinsistenceonstayingatmyhouse.

Deepdown,I’dlovedtheidea.

NotbecauseIneededprotection,butbecausebeingaroundhimbroughtmeasenseofsafetyandcomfort
I’dneverquitehadbefore.

Ipressedahandtomyneck,checkingoutthedifferentanglesinthemirrorandimaginingwhathesawina
girllikeme.Myhipsweretoowide,forsure.Icarriedextraweightaroundmywaistandinmychest,
curvesIoftenfeltashamedof,butunderhisgaze…Ifeltalive.

Ipulledatubeofpinkglossfrommypurse,applyingitinathinlayer,thenIheadedoutintothebakery
andopenedthedoors.Sixa.m.cameearly,andIlikedtolookasaliveaspossible.Applyinglayersof
make-upwasn’tmyjamthisearlyinthemorning,oreverreally.Butonesmallswipeoflipglosswentfar
inmakingmefeelalittlemorehuman.ThedaybeforeValentine’sDaywouldbeprettymuchthebakery’s
busiestdayoftheyear,soIhadalongdayahead,butIwasready.Iwasmorethanready.

I puckered in the mirror, wondering what it would feel like to have Knox’s lips smearing it across my
face,whenthemanofthehourpoppedhisheadinthedoor.

Ishrieked,handtomychest.“Whatareyoudoinghere?!”

“Youleftthebackdooropen.Youneedtostayontopofthat,Valentine.Anyonecouldwalkrightinhere”

“Apparently.”Irolledmyeyes.

Hishandswereonmeabreathlater,eatinguptheskinatmyneck,hislipshoveringjustatmyear.“Look
how pretty these lips are.” The pad of his thumb ghosted across the bow of my lips. “I’d hate to ruin

them.”

Knoxgrippedmythighsinhishandsandhoistedmeuponthevanity,hishandsspreadingmykneesashe
droppedonthefloor,flippingthehemlineofmydressandslidinghispalmsupmythighs.

“Knox,you’recrazy.”ThewordswhisperedoutsobreathlesslyIdidn’tevenbelievethem.

“I can smell just how crazy your cunt is for me.” He pressed his lips to the crotch of my panties and
suckedinabreath.SparksricochetedthroughmybodyasmyhandscurledintohishairandIlostmyself
tohistouch.

“Yousmellsofuckingsweet,Valentine.Ican’twaittotastethisprettypussy.”Heslippedafingerunder
theelasticofmypanties,thecaressofhisfingerslikefireagainstmycore.

A soft sigh pushed past my lips when he hooked his fingers in my panties and pulled, the stretch of the
fabricdownmythighs,theraspofhisknucklesagainstmysensitiveskinsparkingfiresashewent.

“Youmakemecrazy,”Ibreathed,theonlythingrattlingthroughmyhead.

“Butitfeelssogooddoesn’tit,sugar?”Hislipsattachedtomyclitandpulledinlong,slowstrokes.I
nearlyshatteredintoathousandpieces,crumblingunderhistonguerightthereonthebathroomcounter.In
mybakery.Sowrong.Soright.

“Oh my god, Knox,” I whispered, pulling at the threads of his hair as an orgasm built swiftly. “I’ve
never…”Icouldn’tthink.Couldhardlybreathe.Onlyfeel.“Thisismyfirst…”

“Jesus,Valentine,I’mdrivingmyselfinsanethinkingabouthowitwillfeelwhenI’mburiedinsideyou.”
Onelongfingerslippedthroughmywetfolds,pushingpasttheentranceandburyingitselfinsidemybody.
I clutched at him, desperate for the release that was building. All the sensations so new, so earth-
shattering,somind-numbinglyblissful.

“Knox,Knox,”Ichanted,histeethnippingatmyclit,thensoothingthepainawaywithhistalentedtongue.
Hesankasecondfingerinsidemybody,slidingandrockinghispalmtocreatetheperfectrhythmtosend
mespiralingtotheedge.“Knox,I’veneverhadanorgasmbefore,butIthink…I’mgoing…to…”Isucked
inlaboredpants,themusclesinmybodyseizingunderhisassault.

“Giveittome,Valentine.Iwantyourcumallovermyface.”Hislipscontinuedtheirministrationsatmy
clit,andstarsshotbehindmyeyelids.Imoanedandgaspedforbreathaseverymuscleinmybodypulsed
withwavesofpleasure.

“Oh my god,” I breathed, feeling his arms wrapping around my body, hauling me off the counter, and
crushing me into his arms. His lips covered mine in a possessive kiss, hands in my hair as his tongue
twisted against mine. My lip gloss was screwed, our kiss was a mix of his delicious scent and my
arousal,andnothingevertastedsosweet.

“Sorryaboutyourlips,sugar.”Hiseyeslookedpainedwhenhepulledaway,wipingatthecornerofmy
mouth.

“Itwasworthit.”

“Thoughtyou’dsaythat.”Hesmiled,pullinghislipstomineagain,swipinghistongueintomymouthin
dominantstrokes.

Thewayheownedmewithasingletouchmademykneesweak.Ididn’treallyknowwhothismanwasor
wherehe’dcomefrom,butIlovedeverysinglemomentofbeinginhispresence.

“You’reanarrogantbastard,Knox.”

He caught my hand with his, lacing our fingers together. “Comes with wisdom and old age, baby.” He
crookedthatdevilishlyirritatinggrinatme.

“Sothat’ssomethingIhavetolookforwardtoatmiddleage,then?”

“Middleage!”Helaughed,pullingmefromthebathroomandthenintohisarmsagain.“Youwoundme,
Valentine.”

“Ididn’tthinkyouregowassofragile,”Iteased,pressingakisstohislips.

“Myheartisfragilewhenitcomestoyou,sugar.TherestIcantake.”Hisfingertipsdustedatthebacksof
mythighs,underthehemofmyskirt.

“Mm,IwishIcouldshutdownthebakeryalldayandjusthideoutherewithyou.”

“I’llberightnextdoorifyouneedme.”Hepulledmealittlecloser,hishugeerectionbitingintomyhip.I
wonderedwhathewouldfeellikeburiedinsideme.IhopedI’dfindoutsoon.“AndyouknowIcan’tstay
awayfromyoulong.”

“Ifeellikeyourdealer.”

Helaughedagain.“Youare,baby.I’mtotallyhighonyou.”

“Hey, Knoxie baby, you workin’ today or is there a special occasion I don’t know about?” Someone’s
voiceechoeddownthehallway.

IfrozeinKnox’sarmsasoneoftheothercontractor’sfacescameintoview.

“JuststoppedtoseeifValentineneededanything,”Knoxreplied,aslightedgeinhisvoice.Icouldtellhe
didn’tlikethisguy.Well,thatmadetwoofus.He’dstoppedinafewdaysago,andeverymomentofthe
exchangehadmademeuncomfortable.

“Shelooksmightyfinetome.”Hiseyestraveledupanddownmyform.Knox’shandtwitchedbesideme.

“I’mfine,Knox.I’llhollerifIneedanything.”Isteppedaway,puttingdistancebetweenmyselfandthe
men.

“I’llseeyoulater.”Knoxnodded,eyesholdingmineforanextra-longminuteasifaskingifIwastruly
okay.Iforcedasmile,reassuredbutthefactthathewasonlyafewstepsaway.

“Later.”Inoddedsoftly.Hewinkedthen,turningmystomachtoputty,beforeturningbacktotheotherguy.

“Gotstartedonthetrimlastnight.Shouldbedrybynow.”Knoxwalkedoffdownthehallway,leavingme
aloneinthebakeryagain.

Isighed,glancingupattheclocktofindthatitwasfiveminutesaftersixandtimetoopenthefrontdoors.

AndI’dalreadyhadenoughdramaforoneday.

HavingKnoxinmylifewasatotalsurprise,Ididn’tknowwhatourfutureheldyet,butwhatIdidknow

wasthatitfeltgoodtobeinhisarms.

Ifeltmorealive,morelikeawomanthanIeverhad,andthatfeelingwasjustaboutpriceless.

I

C H A P T E R S I X

Valentine

workeduntilIwasadeadgirlwalkingthenextthirty-sixhours.Mylifeconsistedonlyofscones,
pastries, chocolate ganaches, and an assortment of other cavity-inducing treats. I loved every

second of it. I couldn’t believe how blessed I was to have a revolving door of regular customers who
wentoutoftheirwaytostopbymylittlebakery..Theykeptmylightson,theyallowedmetopaymybills,
be creative, and live my dream. Being a small-business owner wasn’t easy, but I’d found a small and
supportivecommunityoflocalswhohelpedkeepmegrounded.

Isuckedinacaramel-scentedwhiffofair,finallygettingreadytocloseforthenightandlockingthedoor.
After a quick clean-up I could head home and grab a long, hot bath. Valentine’s Day or not, I’d slept a
totalofthreehoursinthelasttwenty-four.Ineedtoclosemyeyes.

Ipulledabroomoutoftheclosetandspunjustintimetoglimpsethemanwho’dinterruptedKnoxandme
—LonCaruso,asKnoxhadinformedmewhenhe’dstoppedbyforlunch.

Ifrowned,tighteningmygriponthebroombeforepastingasmileonmyface.“Hello.Needsomethingto
bringhometothewifeforValentine’sDay?”

Hissmiledeepenedasheadvanced,handsworkingtheloopsofhisbelt.Ithinkmyfacelookedvisibly
shakenthen.Icouldn’thideit.I’dseenthatwolfishleerbefore.LonCarusowastrouble.

“WashopingyoucouldsendmehomewithasweettreatlikeyoudidFord.”Hewasclosenow,socloseI
couldsmellthewhiskeyonhisbreath.

“WhoisFord?”

Hisgrinturnedlopsided,anotherstepforward,shakinghishead.“Didn’teventellyouhisrealname.”My
stomachfell.“FordKnox,theassholewhohadhishandsonyouthismorning.Ijustwantalittlepieceof
thepie,sweetcheeks.GuaranteeIcanpleasemorethanthatoldmancan.”

Myheadpoundedthen,violentbreathsheavingmyribcage.“It’sprobablytimeyouleft.”

Mymindragedatmetolaunchthebroomathisheadandrun,screamatthetopofmylungsandprayKnox

heardme.PrayKnoxwasevenstillnextdoorandhadn’tleftalready.Hehadn’texactlysaidhewould
waitformetonight,I’donlyassumed…

Hisearlierwarningtolockthebackdoorechoedthroughmymind.IcringedwhenIrealizedI’dleftit
open after I’d taken out the garbage this afternoon. Allowing Caruso in, unbuckling his belt and
threateningmerightnowwasmyfault.

“I’m not going anywhere.” His finger trailed through a lock of my hair and sent a horrifying shudder
racingthroughmyfreezingcoldveins.“Whydon’tyougetonyourknees,sweetcheeks?”

Myfingerstwitched,mybloodboiled,wordspulsedthroughmybrainonrepeat.“Fuck.Off.”

Ithrewallofmystrengthintolaunchingtheendofthebroomintohischestandshovinghimoffbalance
andontothefloor.Feelingtriumphantashecoughedandheldhischest,lookingupatmeindisbelief,I
thoughtquickandbangedthreeloudknocksonthewall,thenscreamedatthetopofmylungsforKnox.

Itwasn’ttwosecondslaterthebackdoorofthebakerywasthrownopenandthedarkhallwayfilledwith
thebroadphysiqueofmyman,FordKnox.

“Whatthefuckisgoingon?”HiseyespinnedCarusoonthefloor.

“I’llgetyourtightassshutdown.Youthinkyoucanjustfuckaroundinapublicbusiness,whereyouserve
food?You’regonnaregretthis.I’mreportingyoutothehealthdepartment.”

“Thehealthdepartment?”KnoxpulledCarusofromthefloorandslammedhimintothewall.Thecupcake
clockIboughtintheclearancesectionatTargetshook.“I’mgoingtobeatyourpatheticloserassuntilyou
can’tseeortalkeveragain.I’llshattereverydamnboneinyouruselessbody.Youthinkhavingthatlimp
dickbetweenyourlegsmakesyouaman?You’renothingbutawasteofspace,leftovergarbage.”

Caruso’seyesbulged,Knox’sgriptighteningathisneckasheslammedakneesquarelyintohispelvis.
ThenKnoxgrabbedhimbytheheadwithhislefthandandsmashedhisothersohardintoCaruso’sfaceI
heardthesoundofbonesshattering.Crimsonredswaminmyvision,poolingonthefloorandsplattering
thewalls.“Getthefuckoutofhere,Caruso.Anddon’tfuckingcomebacktomyjobsiteagain.”

“Fuckyou,Knox.I’llgetyoufired.I’lltalktomybrotherandgetyouoffthecrew!I’mgoingtomakesure
yourassisthrowninjail!”

Knox’s grip tightened at Caruso’s throat, cutting off the air. His forearm flexed, veins bulging as the
musclesflexed.Icouldn’thelpnoticinghowmuchbiggerhewas,howmuchtallerandbroader.Theway
KnoxtoweredoverCarusowasjustplainscary.“Justtryit,Lon,andI’llfillhiminonyourlittlecoke
habit.Onlyreasonyou’restillonthisjobisbecauseyourbrotherthinksyou’reclean.”

Caruso’seyesrounded,hishandsgrippingatKnox’shandsathisthroat.“Fine.Fine.I’llfuckingleave.
Justletmego.”

Knoxdidjustthat,releasingCaruso,givinghimoneangryshoveandsendinghimflyingacrossthefloor.
“Don’tmakemecallthepolice,Caruso.”

Caruso turned and caught Knox’s eyes before he shot to his feet and sped out the back door, sending it
flyingonitshingesashewent.

“Ohmygod.”Iwouldhavecrumbledontothefloorifitweren’tforKnox’sarmscirclingme.

“Tellmeeverythinghedid.”

Ishookmyhead,fightingfrustratedtears.“I’mfine.Ishovedhiminthechestwiththebroomandsenthim
flyingontothefloor.”Ishookmyhead,alittleproudofmyselfalloveragain.

“Youdidgood,sugar.”Hishandswrappedaroundmyshoulders,pressingakisstothecrownofmyhead.
“Youwantmetogetthepolicedownhere?Reporthim?”

“No.Hedidn’treallydoanything,justsaidstuff.I’msogladyoushowedup.”

Heshookhishead,grintippingtotheside.“Lookslikeyouhadthingsprettywellundercontrol.”

Ilookedupintohiswarmeyes,slidingmyfingersunderthewaistbandofhiswornjeans.“Idid,didn’t
I?”

Henoddedandpeckedmesoftly.“You’rebadass,sugar.”

I grinned up at him, feeling a new sense of confidence fill me up. I didn’t need Knox to save me—I’d
savedmyself—buthavinghimforbackupwasprettyawesome.

“Readytogethome?”

“Soready.Ineedapillowforthenexttwodays.”

Acutechucklefellpasthislips.

“What’ssofunny?”

“You.Thinkingyou’regettingsleeponValentine’sDay.You’recute.”

“What?Idon’tcelebrate,Idon’treallysupportthewholeartificialconceptofromancefedtousby—”

“Valentine.”Hepressedafingertomylips.“Yourunabakery.Forgod’ssake,yourunaroundinfrilly
dresses and fancy little aprons all day. Don’t tell me you don’t like romance. You just haven’t been
romancedbytherightmanyet.”

“Andyou’retherightman?”Ismiledupathim,butterfliesdancingaroundinsidemyheartattheprospect
ofromancetonightwithKnox.

“I’mdefinitelytherightman,sweetValentine.”Hetookmylipsinakissthen,handscaressingmyfaceas
hesweptmeoffmyfeet,oneswipeofhistalentedtongueatatime.

“AndIshouldjustbelieveyoubecauseyou’reoldandwise?”Iteased,lipsstillhoveringagainsthis.

“Damnright.”Heclutchedmyasscheeksinhishugepalmsandpulledmeagainsthisbody.Iwrappedmy
legsaroundhishipsandcontinuedtokisshimashewalkedmethroughthebakery,stoppingtopickupmy
purseandflickoffafewlightsalongtheway.“Let’sgethome,Valentine.”

“

I

C H A P T E R S E V E N

Knox

havetosay,Ididn’texpecthometobetwenty-fivemilesupamountainroad.”Shesatnexttome
inmytruck,oneofmyhandsonherthighasweclimbeduptheroadtomycabin,freshlydusted

withsnow.

“Bakery’sclosedthenexttwodays,right?Figuredit’stheperfecttimeforustogettoknoweachother.”I
turneddownanother,narrower,road.

“Ican’tbelievetheyevenplowuphere.”Hervoicewaslacedwithworry.

“Sometimes they don’t. Depends how stressed they are, but that’s part of the fun living up here. Never
knowwhatMotherNature’sgonnathrowatyou.”

“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikefun.”Valentineshookherhead.

“Almostthere,sugar,don’tgettosimmerin’justyet.”

“Simmerin’?!I’mfine!I’mjustwonderinghowyougetthehelloutofhereifyougetmorethansixinches
ofsnow.”Herthighsshiftedastheroadgrewbumpier.

“Yougetatruck.”

“Idon’tseemyselfbuyingatruck.”

“Luckilyyouwon’tneedto.You’vegotmeasyourchauffeur.”

“Chauffeur?”shegiggled,pushingherarmintothewarmthofmycoat.“Luckyme,Igotawise,old,and
sexychauffeurthen.”

I shook my head, loving the way her laugh filled the cab of my truck, filled the chambers of my heart,
mademewanttodroptomykneesandbeghertobemineforever.

Iclutchedatthewheelasunfamiliarfeelingsofloveandforeverwashedoverme.

Neverhadawomandonethistome.IwasofficiallytiedupinknotsoverthesexysweetlittleValentine.I

didn’tknowifitwasrightorwrong,butIdidknowsomepeoplemightlookatusandwonderwhatthe
hellmadeuswork.

DidIgivetwoshitswhattheythought?Hellno,theyhadonlytoseethewayIlookedatherandthey’d
know.

I flipped the brights on high as the road narrowed and the snowflakes whirled wildly in front of the
windshield.

“Youreallyareamountainman,huh?”shequippedatmyside.

“Closetoitasyoucanget,Iguess.”Theroadcurved,andIslowedasweopenedupintotheclearing.

“Thisisyourcabin?”Hermouthpoppedopeninshock.

“Yeah, been here for more than fifteen years now.” I pulled to a slow stop, pausing to take her in,
moonlight streaming through the car windows and hitting her hair like a sweet halo. Valentine was so
beautifulitmademyheartache.

“Thisismorelodgethancabin,Knox.”

Inodded.Iguessshewasright.Ithadsixbedrooms,fourbaths,andafullyfurnishedsecondlivingspace
inthebasement.“Gotfortyacresasfarastheeyecansee.”

“I’mgladwe’renotoutinthattonight.Itlookslikeit’sgoingtogetnasty.”Sheslidacrosstheseatand
openedthedoor.

IswipedfortheduffelbagI’dforcedhertopackbeforeheadinguphereandhustleduptothefrontporch
withher.Ishovedakeyinthelock,thenusheredherinandflippedonsomelights.“Supposedtogeteight
inchesbymorning.Ithinkwe’reasgoodassnowedinthenextdayortwo.”

Hereyebrowarched,awarmsmilepullingatherlips.

“Loveseeingyouinmyhouse,sugar.”Iadvanced,scoopingherupintomyarmsandcarryingherwith
faststridesupthestairstothesecondfloor.“Youfitrightin.”

Herhandstuckedbehindmyneck,herlipshoveringagainstmineasshesuckedinsharpbreaths,grinding
hercurvybodyagainstmystrainingcock.

I was so goddamn desperate for her I thought I could pound a hole into the ground to relieve some
pressure.

“I’vebeenwaitingalongtimeforthis,Knox.”

I pushed through the door of my master bedroom, lips connected to hers before laying her down on my
bed,cagingherinmyarmsaswekissed.“I’vebeenwaitingalotlonger,sweetheart.”

I pushed up the hem of her dress, enjoying the way she shuddered and sighed with my touch, tiny
goosebumps racing across her skin. My cock pounded furiously against the zipper of my jeans, and I
poppedthebuttonandpulledthezipper,thankfulfortherelief.

“I’ve never done this before, Knox,” she whimpered against my lips, and my cock surged against her.
Dropsofpre-cumbeadedatthetip,thefleshangryandsearinghotasitpressedbetweenhersilkythighs.

“You’reavirgin,Valentine?”

Shenodded,peeringupatme,eyeswideandopen,likeshewasofferingmeherverysoul.

Callmeabastard,butI’dtakeit.

“Youaremadeforme,Valentine.FromthemomentIfirstlaideyesonyouIknewyouweredifferent.I
knewyouwerespecial.Itwasn’tmuchlongerafterthatIknewyouhadtobemine.”Myhandstrailedup
herdelicatebody,smoothcurvesandcreamyfleshhotundermyfingertips.

Ipushedthedressoverherheadanddiscardedit,eyesdevouringthegorgeouswomanbeforeme.

“Youdothingstomenoonehaseverdonebefore.Youmakemefeelthingsnowomanhasevermademe
feel.” I pushed her gorgeous tits together, licking and nipping at the exposed flesh before pulling at her
puckered little nipples beneath the fabric. “It’s been years since I’ve been with anyone, and I’m tested
regularly,Valentine.”Inippedatherlips,nestlingmycockoverherlace-coveredpussy.“ButIneedyou
bare.”

Herlipscaughtmine,herhipsgrindingagainstmypelvisasshewoundherhandsinmyhair.“Yes,Knox.
Yes,please.Iwantyou.”

My heart hammered in erratic beats as her words registered. I fisted the scrap of lace in my hands and
yankedinoneswiftmotion,discardingthelaceonthefloorbeforenudgingmycockagainstthehotflesh.

She sighed, and her nails dug in deep when my cock touched her flesh for the first time. The way she
archedandgroanedlikeaneroticsymphonyonlyfurtherfueledmypassion.Shewasbeautiful.Shewas
sinfullygorgeous,Iwantedtocorrupther,ownher,claimeveryinchandnotlethergountilshe’dhadher
fill.OruntilI’dhadmine.

“Valentine…” I whispered, catching her lips in a kiss as I rocked my cock against the wet seam of her
pussy.

“Knox,” she gasped, hands in my hair as she kissed me feverishly. One hand slid against us, sliding
againstthesteelrodofmycockandmakingitjumpandjerk.“Knox,Idon’tthinkyou’regoingtofit.”

AlowgrowlforceditswaypastmylipsbeforeIpushedthefabricorherbraasidetosuckonhernipple.
With torturous strokes I sucked and pushed my cock past her entrance, feeling her get slicker and more
turnedonwitheverymovementImade.

“You’resofuckingwet,Valentine,”Iutteredagainstthehardlittlepeak.“Haveyoubeenthinkingabout
mycockinsideyou?”

Shewhimpered,nailsdiggingintomybackasherhipsrockedagainstmine,slidingmealittledeeper,a
littlefurthereachtime.

Ipinchedanipplebetweenmythumbandfinger.“Answerme.”

“Yesssss,”shehissed,andmycockgrewimpossiblyharder.

“Thisisgonnahurt,Valentine,”Igrunted,pressinganinchdeeper,feelingthesoftbarrierthatmarkedher
virginity.

“Italreadydoes,”shemoaned,teethatmyearlobe.“ButIlikeit.”

InoneswiftmoveIpushedpastthethinwall,herbodyshaking,hermusclestensing,beforeIgroundout
deepinsideher,swivelingmyhipsandswirlingoneofhersweetnipplesinmymouthtoeasethepainof
myintrusion.“Youokay,sugar?”

“Perfect.I’mperfect,Knox.”

“Metoo,baby.Metoo.”Islippedapalmbetweenherthighsandpushedagainstherclit,readingthesoft
pantsandpleadingwhimpersasasignthatherorgasmwasnear.Slidingonepalmupherchest,Icupped
her chin in my hand and kissed her with as much passion and fire as I’d built up in the last few days.
Watching her had been torture, seeing her smile, watching her nibble on desserts, seeing the way she
flippedherhairandgiggledwhenshewasembarrassed…

Ilovedeverythingabouther.

“Valentine,”Ishiveredatthesoundofhersweetwhimpers,myfingersspeedingasherlegsbeganaslow
shake.Asoftmoanfinallyfellfromherlips,hernailsslidingdownmyback,hereyesrollingbackinher
head. With her teeth clamped down on her bottom lip, she came in long waves all over my cock,
squeezingandtighteningaroundituntilIcouldn’tholdmyselfbackanymoreandIcameinlongjetsinto
herhotbody.

Coating her sweet womb, I lost myself in everything Valentine was. As long as I had her in my life, I
wouldcountmyselfaluckyman.Asiftheearthhadshiftedonitsaxis,myworldnowrevolvedaround
her.

“Knox…”Herbreathscameoutinshallowpants.Islidoutofherbody,mycockstillhalfhardandeager
formoreofher.

HertummygrowledjustasIflippedherinmyarms.Ichuckledsoftlyandchasedalockofhairoutofher
face.“Soundslikeweneedtogetfoodinyou.”

“Mmm,Idon’twanttomove…”Shestretched,beautifultitsroundandfull,nippleshardwiththecoolair.

“Youstayhere.I’llwhipupsomethingandbringyoudinnerinbed.”

“Dinnerinbed?Whatareyou,crazy?”Sheshookherhead,pullingthesheetaroundherbody,wrapping
herselfuplikeamummy,beforescurryingoutoftheroom.

“Valentine!” I pulled my jeans up my thighs, not bothering to button them as I followed her across the
hallwayanddownthestairs.“Whatinthehell—”

“Where’syoursugar?”Shespunaround,onehandclutchingthesheet,theotheronthecupboarddoorin
mykitchen.

“Sugar?Whaddyaneedsugarfor?”Ipulledherintomyarms,placingatrailofkissesacrossthelineof
herneck.

“Makingusdinner.I’vegotarecipeforspaghettisauce,butitcallsforadashofsugarandyoudon’thave
any.”

I frowned, thinking this was as good a time to tell her as any. “I don’t really, ahh…” I pushed a hand
throughmyhair,catchinghereyesandsmilingsheepishly.“Idon’treallyeatsugar.”Hereyesgrewatmy
confession.“Much.”

“Much?”Shecrossedherarmsandcockedherhead.“Or,like,atall?”

Igrinnedwiderthen,pullinghertomeandbrushingherlipswithmine.“Atall.Forthemostpart.Until
sweetlittleValentinecamealong.”

She pushed her hands into my hair, smiling against my lips. “So let me get this straight—you’ve been
comingintomybakerythisentiretime,undertheguiseofhavingasweettooth,andyoureallydon’teven
liketoeatsugar?Ijustdon’tseehowthisisgoingtowork,then.”

“It’llworkalright.I’vegotafeelin’,andmyfeelin’sareneverwrong.”Islippedafingerinthefoldofthe
sheetandpulledgently.

“Ohyeah?”shebreathed,kissingmeagain.“Isthatanold,wisething?”

Ilaughed,smackingherontheassforthatcrack.“Likekeepin’meonmytoes,huh,sugar?”

Valentinepresseduponhertiptoesandkissedmeonthelips.“Liveforit,Ford.”

“Hey,callmethatagainandIwillspankyou.It’sKnox,baby.”

“You’reahardman,Knox.ButitjustsohappensIlikeachallenge.”

“ThenitjustsohappensI’vegotthehardestchallengeforyouyet.”Iheldherfaceinmyhands,kissing
herinslow,deliberatestrokes.

“Ohyeah?”shemurmured,alittlebreathless.IreallylovedthatItookherbreathaway.

“Mm…along,hard,challenge…”Ikissedheroncemore,soakingupeverygloriousmomentfocusedon
hergaze.“Marryme,Valentine.”

“

I

F I R S T E P I L O G U E

Valentine-TwoMonthsLater

don’tknowhowithappened,FordKnox,butyousweptmerightoffmyfeet.”

“Fate, baby. You were meant to find yourself in my arms,” Knox murmured at my ear, hand

threadedwithmineunderthetable.

“Tookfatelongenoughtofindus.”

Heshrugged,takingitinstridejustlikehedideverythinginlife.OneofthethingsIlovedabouthim.“I
wasfifteenyearsaheadofyou.Hadtowait’tilyouwerelegal.”

Mymouthshotopen.“Why,Mr.Knox,didyoujustconfessyouragetome?”

Hisgrindeepened,hiseyescuttingtome.“Possibly.Doesitchangeyourmind?DoesthefactthatI’m39
wanttosendyourunning?”

“Notachanceinhell,Knox.Youcouldn’tgetridofmeifyoutried.”

“Youmightbesingingadifferenttuneintwentyyears,”hequipped.

“Nah,Iloveasilverfox.”Idustedafingertipalongthesaltandpepperathistemple.“You’resafe.”

Helaughed,shakinghisheadandfuelingmyowngiggles.

“Who’sreadyforthefirstdance?”theDJcalledfromhisplaceattheheadoftheballroom,interrupting
ourlittlebubble.Thisentiredaywe’dspentondisplayfortheoneswelovedwhileweexchangedour
vows,butIwasreadyforalonetimewithmynewhusband.Soready.

“Ready,sugar?”Knoxpulledmefrommychairasourclosestfriendsandfamilylookedon.

“IwishIknewwhatweweredancingto,”Iwhispered,smileplasteredonmyfaceaswewovethrough
whitelinen-coveredtables.

“Imayhaveanothersurpriseupmysleeve.”Hewinkedjustaswereachedthemiddleofthedancefloor,
andhespunmeinhisarms.

“ThefirstdanceforMr.andMrs.FordKnox,I’mtold,issomethingspecialthegroomputtogether,”the
DJsaid.

OneofKnox’sarmscircledmywaistasthefirstfewstringsofsomethingslowcameoverthespeakers.

Itippedmyhead,smilingupathim.“Idon’trecognizeityet,”Ibreathedjustasawarm,honeyedmale
voicebegansinging.“Wait.”Ipeeredupathim.“Isthatyou?”

Knox’sgrinshottooneside,curlingmyinsidesandfillingmeupwithwavesofwarmthandlove.

“RecordeditlastweekinMario’shomestudio.”

My eyes widened as the song continued, the lyrics now becoming more familiar to me as he sang. The
chorus finally started. Knox’s deep voice was singing a slowed down, acoustic rendition of ‘Sweet
Caroline’byNeilDiamond,onlythisversionwasreplacedwiththewords‘SweetValentine.’

“Youwrotemeasong?”Tearswelledinmyeyes.

Hepulledmecloser,lipswhisperingatmyearasweswayed.“IthinkNeilgetsthecreditforwritingit,
butIchangedafewofthewordstomatchus.”Heplacedakissinthecrookofmyneck.“EverythingI
feelaboutyouisinthesong,Valentine.IwassolonelybeforeIhadyou,walkingaroundlikeazombie
goingtoworkalldayandcominghomeonlytodoitallagain,butthenyoucameintomylifeandIhad
somethingtogetupforinthemorning.Somereasontosmile.NothingcanhurtmewhenI’mholdingyou.
Together,we’reindestructible.”

Tearsweresurgingdownmycheeksathiswords.Thesong.Histouch.Itwasalltoomuch.

“Knox.” I trailed my fingers up to his neck, sliding my lips against this. “I have a secret up my sleeve,
too.”

“Ohyeah?”hemuttered,guidingmearoundthedancefloor.

“Rememberwhenyoumentionedhavingbabiessomeday?”

“Yes,Mrs.Knox.”Hepulledmyhandtohislipsandpressedakissthere.

“Well,somedayishere.”Iheldhiseyes,waitingforareaction.“Like,now.”

“What?” His lips parted softly, eyes growing huge. “What are you tryin’ to tell me, Valentine?” He
paused,stillingusinthemiddleofthedancefloorasthesongwenton.

“Knox…”Iranmypalmacrossthesharpangleofhisjawline.“You’vegotsuper-swimmers.”Hishand
tightenedaroundmine.“Ijustfoundoutthismorning.”Iblinked,noideahowthisnewswouldfallonhim.
Heknewdarnwellwhatunprotectedsexcaused,butwe’dneverreallygottenaroundtodiscussinghow
weshouldpreventit,orifweevenwantedto.“Knox,I’mpregnant.”

Hewascompletelysoundlessforexactlyonepointfivesecondsbeforehepulledmeintohisarms,lifting
meoffmyfeetandswingingmelikeadollhewouldneverletgoof.

“Ican’tbelievewemadeababy.”Hislipswereagainstmine,hishandsholdingmyfaceashekissedme
andmurmuredsweetnothings.

“Shouldwetellthem?”Igesturedtothedozensofpeoplesurroundingus,eyeswideandexpectant.

“Youwannadothehonors?”Hisgrinsplitwide,emotionshimmeringinhiseyes.

“Nah,youtellthem,Daddy.”Hisgrinsplitevenwideratmyendearment.

God,Ilovedthisman.

Andhelovedme.

Thelookonhisfacerightnowprovedit.

Knoxcarriedsomuchloveinsidehisgiantheart.He’donlybeenhidingitawayalltheseyears,waiting
formetocomealongandunlockit.

“SeemsMrs.Knoxhasbeenkeepingalittlesecretofherown.”Heheldmeatarm’slength,eyestrailing
down my lace and satin-covered form to my stomach. “It seems we’re going to have a little Knox
crawlingaroundthistimenextyear.”

Our friends and family shot to their feet, clapping and hooting and hollering. Knox pulled me into his
arms, taking my lips in another breathtaking kiss. “Love you so much, Valentine. Words can’t describe
howdeepourloveruns.”

“Aren’tyouasmoothtalker.”

“Onlyforyou,baby.Myheartonlybeatsforyou.”

“

C

S E C O N D E P I L O G U E

Knox

aden!”Icalledtomyson,currentlyrunningfullspeedupadirtpile,toydumptruckinhand.

“He’sfine.Kidsneedtorun.Burnoffsomeofthatsugaryourwifeisalwaysfeeding’em,”Mariooffered
at my side, blueprints for the office building my new company, Knox Building and Contracting, was
workingon.

“Thatkidishellonwheels.Ididn’tknowtheymadethemwithsomuchenergy.”

Mario laughed at my side. “You’re in trouble, man. Two boys and another one on the way. I wouldn’t
wanttobeyou.”

“Nah.”Iwavedhimoff,jugglingmyotherson,seven-month-oldJack,inonearm.

“Letthekidgo,man.Hecan’tgetintoanytroublehere.”

“IfValentinecatcheshimwithdirtinhismouthagain,she’llkillme.”Jackgarbledsomethinginhisbaby-
speak.I’mprettysureitwas,‘letmego,oldman,’butI’mjustguessing.

“Valentine’sgotherhooksintoyou!”Mariolaughedagain.

“Wouldn’thaveitanyotherway.ThatgirlhashadmyheartsincethefirstminuteIsawher.”

“Shehadallofourhearts,man.She’sasweetheart.”

Iarchedaneyebrow,thatoldjealousyoverallthingsValentineneverfaraway.

“YouknowIloveyourwife,man!Shekeepsmybellyfed!”Herubbedhisbellythen,actinglikeanidiot.
NomatterhowmuchtroubleImaygivehim,IlikedMario,andIwasgladashellhe’dfollowedmeto
KnoxBuildingandContracting.Hehadagreatsenseoffamily,sohedidn’tmindwhenthekidstagged
alongtothejobsitewithmesomeafternoonsorweekends.

I’dneverbringthemifIwasactuallybusy,butIoftendroppedbywiththemintowwhenValentinewas
workingatthebakery.She’dcutbacksomeofherhourssincetheboyshadcomealong,andIwasalways
onhertocutmore.NotbecauseIdidn’twantherworking—shelovedherjob,anditwasimportantfor

hertofollowherpassion—butIdidn’tlikethethoughtofherworkingmorethanfourhoursadaywhen
shewaspregnant.Callitalottoaskfor,butthatdamnjobkeptheronherfeettoomuch.

“Speakingofthequeenofhearts,”MarioteasedasthecrunchofValentine’scarpulledintotheparking
lot.

“Mama!”Cadenranatfullspeeddownthemountainofdirt,thetoytrucklongforgottenatthetopofthe
pile.Iknewwho’dbegoinguptheretoretrievethat—meandonlyme.ItwasadamngoodthingIloved
them,thosesweetlittlefaces.TheyhadValentine’sexpressiveeyesandherinherentwarmth.Theywere
justlikeher,andwhileIhadn’timaginedtherewouldeverberoominmyheartforanythingotherthan
Valentine,Iwasdeadwrong.

Thoselittleboysshovedandrootedtheirwayin,justliketheydideverything.

“Howyoufeelin’,Mama?”IcalledasValentinewalkedup.

Shewaswearingaskirtandoneofthoseultra-flatteringpregnancytops.Shewasonlyfourmonthsalong,
justasmallbumptoshowoff,butboy,hadhertitsgrown,hercurvesaccentuatedbythelifewe’dcreated
growinginsideher.

Callmeasap,butI’dcometofindoutthatIlovedValentinepregnant.

The way her body changed, the way her skin glowed, the way her personality softened, became more
vulnerable.

ItfeltlikeIwasseeingthetrueheartofher,andthenwhenI’dseenherbirthmyboys,I’dnearlyfucking
comeundone.

Nothingchangesamanlikeseeingawomanbreathelifeintotheworld.

Thiswomanwasamiracle.

“I’mgood.”Shesmiled,passingaboxtoMarioandthenpressingakisstomylips.“Ibroughtcupcakes.”

“Cupcakes!Mama,Iwantcupcakes!Withsprinkles!AndSupermanswirls!”

Valentinelaughed,pattingoursononthehead.“Not’tilafterdinner,littleman.”

“Thanksforthecupcakes,V.They’llhaveagoodhome,”Mariocalled,alreadysneakingabiteoutofone
ofthem.

“Iknowtheywill,Mario.Letmeknowifthecherryistoomuch,though.I’mworkingonanewrecipe.”

“Willdo!”Hewinkedatmywife.

Thebastardwinked.

Ishothimadarkglare.

Heshrugged,takinganotherbiteofthecupcakeandturningaway.

“Wantmetotaketheboysandmeetyouathome?”Valentineasked,turningherattentionbacktome.Just
whereIlikedit.

Hey,IwasaselfishbastardwhenitcametoValentine’slove.Iwon’tbotherdenyingit.

“I’llfollowyouhome.”Islidmyhandsaroundherwaist,cuppingthecheeksofherassunderthatlittle
skirtandpressingagainsther.“Missedyoulikehelltoday.”

“You say that every day.” Her hands wove into my hair, calming me instantly. The days were harder
withouther,thenightsimpossible.Icouldn’timaginedoinganythinginlifewithoutValentinebymyside
—that’snolifeI’dcaretobeliving.

“Iloveyoualittlemoreeveryday.”

Her smile tipped up, lighting a fire in my heart. I lived for her. “Let’s go home and make a baby,” I
mumbledagainstherlips.

“Wealreadydidthat,”shegiggled.“Afewtimes.”

“Let’sdoitagain.Andagain.”

“Wanttofillthecabinwithkids?”

“Hellyeah,Ido.”Isankmytongueintohermouth,cuttingoffanyreplyshemayhave.

IhadValentine,shewasclaimed,shehadmyname,raisedmybabies,kissedmylips,andmadeloveto
meoften.Ididn’tknowheavencouldexistrighthereonearthuntilValentinecameintomylife.Ididn’t
knowonepersoncouldcompletemequitelikeshedid.Ididn’tknowIneededhersodamnmuchuntilthe
thoughtoflivingwithoutherbecameunbearable.

I’dfoundmysweetValentine.

I’dfoundforever.

THEEND.

F

W

W

W

V A L E N T I N E F O R H I R E

orBrynStafford,theprospectofgoinghomeforhersister’sextravagantValentine’sDaywedding
—hopelesslysingle…again—soundslikehellonearth.She’salwaysdreadedintroducinganyone

to the hot mess that is her over-the-top, obnoxiously wealthy and well-bred family, but desperate times
callfordesperatemeasures.Soafterseeinganadforthecity’spremierescortservice,EliteFling,Bryn
findsherselfmakinganappointmenttohireoneveryhandsome,veryexpensivefakedateforthebigday.

henthewomanofBrodieMerrick’sdreamswalksintoEliteFling,hisbrother'sslightlyimmoral
butincrediblysuccessful“dating”service,Brodiehastwothoughts:a)whatthehellisagirllike

herdoinginaplacelikethis?andb)whatwouldthosesparklyredstilettosfeellikewrappedaroundhis
neck?Hebegshisbrothertogivehimthejob,eventhoughhe’sjustthecomputerguyandmostdefinitely
notanescort,butbecauseBrodieisaluckymotherf#cker,hesoonfindshimselfwithoneverysexyfake
Valentine.

hentheymeetonthedayofthewedding,Brynassumeshe’stheescortshe’shiredtobeherdate,
but Brodie has other plans, plans that involve him and her and a very long and lucky orgasmic

futuretogether.CanhewinhisfeistyfakeValentine’sheart?Orwilltheirchemistryfadefasterthanthe
syrupysweetsugarhigh?

arning:Forgetcandyheartsandfrillyflowers.Brodieisaman’sman—heseeswhathewants,he
takeswhatheneeds,andhelaysclaimtowhat’shis.He’sallalphaallthetimeanddeterminedto

give Bryn blissful orgasms, beautiful babies, and his last name. Hold onto your panties, Valentine For
Hireisasaucyrompwithasexy,alphastrangeronValentine’sDay!

I

C H A P T E R 1

B

RYN

tappedthefancyscalloped-edgeinvitationonthecounter,feelingthefamiliarpitofdreadburnin
mystomach.

Thewedding.

Would it be wrong to bail on the wedding of my only sister? My perfectly poised, irritatingly beautiful
andelegantonlysister.

Igroaned,tossingtheinviteonthecounterthenpickingupmyphone.

Ihadn’tseenmysisterinmonthsonpurpose.She’dturnedintothemotherofallbridezillas.Thankfully
she’dchosenherbestgirlfriendashermaidofhonorsoIdidn’thavetocatertohereverywhim.Because
shehadalotofthem.Thankfully,Iwouldbeallowedtowatchthespectaclefromtheaudience,mysister
standingwithherfivefavoritesororitysistersfromcollege.Yeah,shewasthatgirl.

Brittanymayhavebeenmybigsister,butshe’dbeenthepaininmyasssincethedayIwasborn.Lifewas
acompetition,andifyouweren’tcompetinginherrelentlessracetokeepupwiththeJoneses,thenyou
werealoser.

Enter me. The black sheep. The daughter who cared more for social injustice than social cotillions. I
dreadedtheideaofattendingherstuffywedding,cringedevenmoreattheprospectofgoingalone.

I picked up my phone, desperate for a distraction and scrolling through my newsfeed absentmindedly.
Cookingvideos,movietrailers,ads,ads,ads,andmoreads.

Untilonecaughtmyeye.

Amanandawomandressedupinelegantattire,goingatitinadarkstairwell.

Lifeisshort.Haveafling.

Despitemybetterjudgement--ormaybeoutofsometwistedsenseofdesperation--Iclickedonit.

TheEliteFlingwebsitewasclean,simple,andveryelegant.

Thatsurprisedme.

Theeleganceofit.

Weren’tescortservicescateringtofilthy,pervertedwealthypeoplewholikedgettingtheirrocksoffwith
strangers?Thewebsitelookedsoprofessionalandmodern,clearlyaimedatayoungerprofessional,that
itactuallyhadmerethinkingmyviewontheentireindustry.

MaybeEliteFlingcateredtopeoplelikeme.

Peoplewhoneededadatetoimpresstheirstodgy,pretentiousfamily.Tokeepthejudgementalglancesat
bayasIwalkedin—single,post-gradcareerwoman,andaloneagain.

My family much preferred things like heirs and lineage to discussions about independent woman who
weredrivenbycareersandwantedtochangetheworld.Awomanwhospentherdaysstudyinginsteadof
ordering the staff for important dinners was not worth a damn. Needless to say I stick out like a sore
thumbduringtheholidays,soinsteadofbeingseenItrytodisappearintothefurnituresothatnooneeven
noticesme.LastChristmashadbeensohorrendous,infact,thatI’dsnuckoutearlyandhadn’tbeenback.
Ineightmonths.

I’daccomplishedalotinthoseeightmonths,begananewresearchproject,workeduntilmyeyeswere
blearyonafewproposalsbasedonnewfiguresthat’dcomein.Iloveditwithmyentireheart,butthat
hadn’tleftmewithmuchelse.

Like,atall.

IhoveredovertheSpecialRequestsbuttonandfoundalocalnumberpop-up.

EliteFlingwasbasedrighthereinthecity.

Prickles of fear seared my palms as I hovered over the call button, sucking a deep breath and doing it
quicklybeforeIcouldthinkanymore.

Ihadaneliteweddingtoattend.

Icoulduseanescorttoaccompanyme.

EliteFlingfeltliketheperfectsolution.Icouldgetadateforafewhours,avoidthepityofmyparents,
secondcousinsandgreataunts,andmaybeevenfeelwanted,actuallyattractiveforawhile.

“Elite Fling, what’s your pleasure?” a saccharin sweet, incredibly young-sounding woman’s voice
chirped.

“Uh…hi.”Ifumbled.“Iguess…well,Ihaveaspecialrequest.”

“Yes,thisisthespecialrequestline,honey,”shesaid.

“Right.”Iswallowedthelumpinmythroat.“Ihaveaweddingthisweekend—”

“Not a problem at all, honey. Just let me check the schedule…” She paused, and I heard her fingers
tappingonthekeyboard.“Oh,usuallywe’rebookedoutafewweeks,butlookslikewehavesometime
tomorrownight.Canyoubeherearoundsix?”

AnxietyshuttledthroughmeasIthoughtaboutgoingtowhereverherewastomeetwithanescort.“W-

where?”

“Just off Monroe.” She paused. “In the financial district…” She stopped again, as if she was trying to
work up the courage to ask me something. “We cater to a very high-end professional clientele…” Her
voice softened a notch, like a best friend whispering conspiratorially, before she continued. “Do you
knowourhourlyrate,hon?”

Iswallowed,thethoughtofactuallypayingforadatetomysister’sweddingsuddenlynotsittingsowell
withmeafterall.

Butthethoughtofgoingtothatdamnweddingatallmademesicktomystomach.

AtleastthiswayI’dpossiblyhavesomefun,meetsomeonenew…aprofessionalcasanova.

Theideasoundedtoointriguingtopassup.

“It’s not a problem. I have savings I haven’t touched in years… This is the first time I’ll be spending
moneyonmyself….ever.”Thelastwordfellflat,mysadexistencesoundingalittlemoremiserableasI
saidthewordsoutloud.

“Honey,wealldeservealittlefuneverynowandagain.I’vegotyoudownforsix.

Inodded,clutchingthephoneinmyhandbeforerealizingshecouldn'tactuallyseeme.“Thankyou.”

“Happytohelp,dear.We’reonlytoohappytohelp.”Thephonelinewentdead.

WhatinthehellhadIgottenmyselfinto?

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C

F

S

W

C H A S I N G C H A R L I E

harlie de Rossi has spent every summer of her life tending her dad's bar. Raised to be one of the
boys,shepullsnopunchesandtakesnoshitfromanyman.She'shadtolearnthehardwaythatlife

isn'taboutwineorroses,butwhenthenewbartenderturnsouttobeahandsomeIrishimport,everything
shethoughtsheknewaboutlifeandloveischallengedinasingleheartbeat.

ar from the only life he's ever known, Liam Fitzpatrick knows he should ignore the wild,
intoxicating need that pulses through his veins whenever the boss's daughter is near, but the

moment Liam first caught sight of Charlie, he knew her sassy mouth and sexy curves were made to be
wrappedaroundhisbody.Afterjustonenightoftendingbartogether,themagnetismprovestoomuchfor
eitherofthemtobear,andinanuncharacteristicmomentofweakness,Charliebreakseveryruleshehas
andfindsherlegslockedaroundLiam'swaist,hislipscoaxingherintomouth-wateringsubmission.

caredtoloseherheartagain,thenextmorningCharlietriestoavoidthesexy,stubbornIrishmanwho
hashijackedherthoughts,butLiammakeshimselfdamnhardtoignore.Onetasteofherwon'tever

beenoughtosatisfythehungershe'sawakened,andheisdeterminedtoshowherwhatshe'sbeenmissing.
She'sholdingthekeytohisforever,andhewon'tevergiveuponchasingCharlie.

arning: If a panty-melting alpha male with an irresistible accent and an overwhelming desire to
protect the woman he's hellbent on having isn't for you, keep on clicking! Like your book

boyfriends devilishly charming with a side of dirty talk? Me too! Grab the batteries, turn off the lights,
andenjoyChasingCharlie!xo

“

L

C H A P T E R 1

Liam

iam!Justintime.I’vegotfive-foot-threeandcurvywaitingonme.”Vince,thebartenderandsonof
theowner,slappedmeonthebackasIwalkedthroughtheheavywoodendoorofdeRossi’s,an

oldbarinaworking-classneighborhoodofNorthCambridge.

“Samegirlaslastnight?”Icrookedagrin.VinceandIhadranintoeachotherafewtimesoncampusand
whenI’dmentionedIwaslookingforajob,he’dofferedupapositionathisdad’splaceinstantlyandin
theshortweekthatI’dbeenhere,I’dalreadyheardmuchaboutVince’snewromanticinterest.Fromwhat
Iunderstood,Vincewasn’treallyaone-womanman,butsincehe’dmetthislady,hewasonlyabouther.
Vincetriedtohidethathewasagoner,buteveryoneknewthatthisgirlhadwonhisheart.

“Same one, man. The girl’s wow.” He whistled and made the universal sign for an hourglass shape. I
laughedandslippedbehindthebar,noddingatafewregularcustomersattheend.

Afteralonglastyearofuniversity,I’ddecidedtotakethesummeroff,delayingmyhomecomingtogeta
jobhereinthecityI’dcometolovesomuch.CambridgeandthesurroundingBostonareatendedtobe
overrun with privileged college students throughout the year, which was why I’d looked forward to
hangingaroundonceallthestudentbodyhadclearedout.Iwantedtofeelwhatthecity’struecitizensfelt.
Iwantedtolivetheirlife,thelifeoftheaverageJoe,theworkingman.Iwastiredoflivingwithsilver
spoons,debutantes,andallthepartiesthatcamewiththem.

“You’reworkingwithCharlietonight.”Vincecalledfromthebackdoor.“Goodluck,man!”

“Have a good night!” I replied with a half-hearted wave, assessing the drinks of everyone perched on
stoolsalready.

“Hey,sorryI’mlate.”

Asweetvoicecurledaroundmyears.Wonderingwhointhehellhadfoundtheirwaybehindthebar,I
turnedtoseethefacethatmatchedthatsweetvoice.InearlydroppedthebottleofbeerI’dbeenaboutto
uncap.

“DidVincealreadysplit?”Awomanaroundmyage,withalongdarkponytail,whiteblouse,andamid-

thighdenimpencilskirt,dartedintothebackroomasshecontinuedtospeak.“ItoldhimImightbeafew
minuteslate.Can’tbelievetheassholeleftbeforeIcouldgethere.”Hervoicegrewlouderassheneared
thebaragain.“Iwould’vethoughthewould’veatleastintroducedusbeforewespendthenighttogether.”
She turned the corner, an amused gleam in her eyes. She leaned against the bar, crossing her arms and
arching one lean eyebrow. “You can talk, right? This isn’t another one of Vince’s pranks, hiring a mute
bartender or something, is it?” Her gaze floated around the room as if she was looking for a hidden
cameracrew.

Iclearedmythroat,takingastepforwardandreachingoutmyhand.“Liam.”

Shecockedaneyebrowatme,hereyesdartingupanddownmybodybeforehoveringatmymouth.

“You’reCharlie?”

Hereyesgleamed.“You’veheardaboutme?Looksliketheydidn’ttellyouIwasagirlthen?Iusually
workafewshiftsaweek,butIwasofflastweek.Ineededsomewell-earnedtimeoff.Guesstheoldman
finallybrokedownandhiredsomeoneelse.Hemustbeshockedthatnoteveryonewillworkforpeanuts.”
Hergrindeepenedbeforeshethrustoutherhandandlockeditinmine.“Nicetomeetyou,Liam.”

Ilostmybreathwiththefirethatsingedinmypalmfromhertouch.Thisgirlwassomethingelse—legs
thatranformiles,curvesinalltherightplaces,andafaceIcouldlookatfortherestofmylife.Women
rarelymademestutter,butthisgirlshewasawholeothermatter.Onelookather,andIknewitwasgame
over.

Iswallowedthelumpinmythroat,watchinghersweeteyesdancearoundmyfeaturesbeforeshepulled
away,lookingatapileofglassesinthesinkbeneaththebar.

“Damn,heleftmedishesagain?He’ssuchashithead.”Sherolledhereyes.

“SoundslikeyouknowVincewell,”Icommented,pickingupacleantowel,readytohelpher.

“Ha,toowell.IwishIdidn'tmostdays.”

She sped through the glasses without me. A pang of jealousy ran through me at the idea that Vince had
alreadyusedanddiscardedher.Ifeltbloodboilinmyveins.IsuddenlywantedtofindVinceandbeat
himtoabloodypulp.Howdarehetouchher!Hewasdead.Iwasgoingtolosemyjobforputtingthat
foolintotheground.

“You’veworkedhereawhilethen?”Iaskedlightly,tryingtonotscareherwiththeburningrageIfelt.I
wantedtoknoweverythingabouther.IwantedtoknowthewholescopeofCharlie,fromthemundaneto
theparticular.

Herdarkeyeswhippedaround,catchingmeunexpectedly.Onedarkcurlfromherponytailcaressedone
shoulderandlayacrossthefulloutlineofherbreast.Thosebreastslookedsoroundandfirmandmade
mewanttosuckhernipplesuntiltheywererosy.Iwantedtokneadthesoftfleshandmakeherscreammy
nameinecstasy.

“Feelslikeforever,”shefinallyanswered,pullingmefrommylasciviousthoughts.

Shestalkeddownthebartochatwithsomeoneseatedonabarstool.Asshewalkedbyme,mymindraced
withtheideaofhavingherarseinviewasItookherfrombehind,justskinonskin.

Shewashot.Beautifulactually.Hotwasn’ttherightwordforher.Shehadthisamazingsun-kissedskin,

A

hereyesweremesmerizingblackpoolsamancouldlosehissoulin.Herhairlookedsosoft,myfingers
itched with anticipation, desperate to feel it against my throbbing cock. And damn those legs… I found
myselfwonderingwhatitwouldfeelliketohavethoselegswrappedaroundmyheadasIpossessedthat
hotpussy.

ShewastheperfectAmericanbeauty.

Iwatchedasshebentover,herelbowsonthebarasshespoketoaregular.Icaughtaglimpseoftheback
ofherthighs,andaflashofthelowerpartofherarseasthatlittleskirtrodeup.Didn’ttheyhavelaws
hereaboutappropriateattire?Iwantedtograbsomethingandmakehercoverup.Theideathatallthese
men could see that exposed flesh made my mind scream with rage. Her flesh was for me and my eyes
alone. The idea of some arsehole daring to look at her in any sexual way made every inch of my body
tenseviolently.Icouldalmostfeelmybloodboilasmyhandformedintoafist.

Ifthatlittlefuckerdidn’tstopstaringatmygirl,Iwasgoingtoknockhisdamnheadintonextweek.My
rational brain knew that this was insane, but I didn’t care. That girl was mine. The jealousy pulsing
throughmewasanewthing;Icouldn’tunderstandwhereitwascomingfrom.Ihadneverbeenaffected
likethisbyawomanbefore,asthoughI’dbeenbewitched.AllIknewwasthatIwantednoothermanto
everlookatheragain.Iwantedherlockedawaysothesepervertscouldn’tglimpseanypartofher.

Ilickedmylips,realizingallofasuddenthatIwasthirsty.IfeltasifIwasburningupinthedesertand
onlyatasteofhersweetlipscouldsaveme.

Charlieturnedthen,hereyescatchingmegazingopenlyatherbody.Shequirkedoneeyebrowbeforeher
eyesnarrowedandsheturnedaway,busyingherselfwithmakingadrink.“Gotsomethingonyourmind?”

Sweethell,thosedevilishlipsmademycockachewithlust.Shedidn’thaveasinglereservation,andthat
fascinatedme.Thatcockysmilewasemblazonedonmymindlikeabrand.

fewhourslater,oncethenightlycrowdhadcalmeddownanditwasjustherandmeandafewother
soulsoccupyingthebar,Idecidedtoseekherout.Ilongedtofeeltheheatfromherbody,hearthe

sweetmelodyofhervoice,anddousemyselfinherradiantbeauty.Ialsowantedthesementoknowshe
wasspokenfor.ThelongerIwatchedthemwatchher,themoreirrationalIfelt.Theymademenervous
andtwitchywiththewaytheylookedather.

Itossedausedtowelintothebasketandwalkedintothebackroom.She’dbeenbackhereformorethana
fewminutes,somaybeIcouldoffertohelpherwithsomething.Myrakishmindsweptawaytoimmoral
fantasies of pulling that ponytail holder out of her hair and fisting the locks as I kissed her. Those lips
lookedasthoughtheywouldtastelikethesweetestnectar.Iopenedthewalk-incoolerandcouldn’thold
backagroanwhenIspiedherbentover,denimridingupeveryfinecurveofherarseassheliftedacase
ofbeerbottles.

“Letmehelp.”Irushedtowhereshestood,prayingtogodshewouldn'tnoticetheraginghard-oninmy
jeans.Itookthebox,beerbottlesclatteringbetweenus,andherhandsfrozebeneathmine.

Thereitwas—thatspark.Thatboltoflightningshootingstraightintomyveinslikealifeforcesending
sensationsrocketingeverywhere.MyeyeswidenedasIfocusedonthesoftOofherpartedlips.Shehad
tofeelthistoo.

“Thankyou,”shesimpered,nearbreathless.

“Anythingyouneed.”Inodded,unabletotearmyeyesfromherpeachy-pinkmouth.Wouldhernipplesbe
thesameshade?Ilickedmylips,mygazeflashingdowntotheVofhercleavage.

Mydicktwitchedwhenthecoolairofthewalk-inpuckeredheralreadyeasilyvisiblenipplesbehindthe
thincottonofhertop.

Christ,whatwouldtheytastelike?Ineededtosearherintomymemory.Drunkoffneedandstarvingfor
hertouch,Ifoughttheurgetotellherwhatshemademewanttodo.Iwantedtokisshersodeeply,she
forgotwhoseairshewasbreathing.

“Youalwaysdresslikethatatwork?”ThewordswereoutbeforeIcouldstopmyself,butIdidn’tcare.

Ihadjustspenthoursinaragebecauseshewassodamnbeautifulandeveryhot-bloodedmaleinthere
wasstaringatherasthoughshewasapieceofmeat.Thisgirlwasthefirstonetohaveevergottenunder
myskin,andthinkingofsomedicklookingatherwithlustwasjustunbearableforme.Myeyesroamed
upanddownherbody.Iwassureshecouldseethehungerlurkinginmygaze.

“I’mnotsurehowtheyraisemeninyourcountry,buthere,youshouldlookawomanintheeyewhenyou
speaktoher.”Hereyesgleamedwithsomesortofflirtychallenge.

“I apologize,” I growled, discarding the box of bottles at my feet and lunging across the small space
betweenus.

Herhandswereinmyhair,herthighhookedaroundmywaist.Nowshefeltmycock,hardandpounding
betweenusandpressedagainsttheseamofherskirt,theverygoddamnplaceit’dbeenitchingtobeall
night.

“You’reanIrishbastard,”shesaidasherteethnippedatmybottomlip.

MyhandsclawedatherarsebeforeIhoistedheronmyhipsandpressedheragainstthemetalshelves
behindher.

“Lookslikeyou’vegotathingforbastardsthen.”

I nipped at the tender flesh beneath her ear before laving my tongue up the line of her throat. A low
whimperfellfromherlipsandlandedasucker-punchtomyballs.Myhipsworkedagainstherbody,my
handsroaminghertorsoandteasingatthenecklineofhertop.

“Jesus,Iwanttotasteyou.”Itrailedmytongueacrosstheswellofonebreast.Herfingersthrustinmy
hairasatremorpulsedthroughherbody.“Iwanttoseewhatyou’rewearingunderthishotlittleskirt.”

Ifistedatthetightskirt,desperatetoshovemyhandbeneathherpantiesandcoaxthatsoft,wetpussyto
an orgasm with my fingers. And then my tongue. God, how my tongue ached to taste every inch of that
perfection.Iwasgoingmadwiththethoughtsofhowshewouldtaste.

Myhandfounditswaybeneaththeelasticofherpanties,myfingerssoakedinstantlybyhersilkyjuices.I
nearlycameinmypantsfromjustasingletouch.Islidanotherfingerthroughherhotlipsandcircledher
clitslowlywithmythumb.Breathsshudderedoutofherbody,hernippleshardeningevenfurther.Without
asecondthought,Ipulledthelownecklineofhertopdown,thecreamyroundfleshofherbreastspilling
outofthecupofherbra.Ituggedthelaceoutofmywaywithmyteeth,andfinally,mylipsattachedtothe
duskypinkbud.Idrewoutthedelicatefleshinslow,torturoussucks.

SoftmewlsfellpastherperfectpinklipsasIworkedhersoftbody.Icouldn’twaittohearhercome,my
namebitingpastherlipsasIpushedhertoamind-blowingorgasm.

“Christ,youfeelthisgoodinmyhands.Ican’twaittotastethissweetpussy.”

“Irish,” she sighed, her eyes falling closed when I pressed my thumb to the bud of her clit, applying
pressureuntilhernailscutintotheskinatmyshoulderandherheadfellbackagainstabox.

“Name’sLiam,beautiful,andIcan’twaittohearyouscreamitfromtherooftops.”Isuckedathernipple,
enjoyingthesoundsshemadebeforehermusclestensedandtrembledbeneathme.

Fuckme.

Shewasavisionwhenshecame.

“You are the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I could make a job out of watching you come.” I pressed a
probingkissagainstherlips.ShudderingpantsrackedherbodyasIheldher,lettinghercomedownfrom
herorgasmbutunwillingtolethercomedownfromthehighofme.

I wanted her obsessed and craving me just as much as I did her. “I can’t wait to fuck you so hard you
forgeteverynamebutmine.”

“Liam?”shestutteredbetweenbreaths.

Iplacedasoftkisstohertemple.Iwantedhertoknowthatshemeantsomethingtome,thatthiswasjust
thebeginning.Charliehadbecomeadrug,andIwasheraddict.Nothinginlifewouldcompletemelike
touchingherwould.“Yeah,sweetheart?”

“Weshouldgetbacktowork,”shemurmuredashereyescaughtmineforthefirsttimesinceI’dgottenher
offsosweetly.

“I love that look on your face.” I kissed her lips before gently setting her back on her feet. “I want
everyonetoknowIputitthere.”

Iwinkedthenclaspedherhand,preparedtowalkoutintothatbarandannouncetoanyonestilltherethat
shewashands-offnow.Charliewasmine.

She arched a challenging eyebrow then surprised the hell out of me when she dropped my hand and
sauntered straight out of the cooler without a glance back. I wasn’t sure what was running through her
mind,butonlyonethoughtwasonrepeatinmine:Ibetshe’dtasteevensweeterwhenshecameagainst
mytongue.

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A C K N O W L E D G M E N T S

Ihavetothankmyeversolovingandpatienthusband.YoutrulyaremyHEA,babe.<3

Thank you to Aria's Assassins for keeping my fire burning. I am forever grateful for your love and
cheerleading!

Ican'tthanktheArdentProseteamenough.YouladiesmakemylifesomucheasierandIloveyouforit!

Tomyladies...theladiesthatlovetogetlostinbooksabouttrueandlastlastinglove...THANKYOU!!!
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