Always His (Crazed Devotion #1) - C.A. Harms

Always His Copyright @ 2016 C.A. Harms All Rights Reserved This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events, and other elements portrayed herein are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons or events is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, storied in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission of the author. Interior design and formatting by: Christine Borgford, Perfectly Publishable

Table of Contents Always His Dedication Prologue 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 Chapter Twenty-Five Chapter Twenty-Six Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight Chapter Twenty-Nine Chapter Thirty Chapter Thirty-One Chapter Thirty-Two Chapter Thirty-Three Chapter Thirty-Four Epilogue Sneak Peek Acknowledgements About the Author

To my Charmed Girls, thank you all for your continued support. It means the world to me.

“I don’t want you to go.” Tears filled my eyes, and my throat felt as if it was on fire. “Don’t cry, angel. This isn’t goodbye. I’m coming back to you. I

promise,” he whispered as he pushed inside me, and tears filled my eyes. “I swear, baby, you’ll always have me. I’m forever yours.” I wrapped my hands around the back of his neck, pulled him closer, and buried my face against the side of his neck. I let go of the fear of losing him and focused solely on the way our bodies moved as one. Ryker Daniels had been my first of many things, and I felt like my heart was breaking at the thought of him leaving me. Not being able to see him or feel him was a slow form of torture.

“I love you, Nicole. I’ll always love you,” he assured me as he made love to me under the stars by Mitchell Lake. “I love you,” I whispered with a tremble in my voice. He had been my savior, my knight in shining armor for years, and now he would be thousands of miles away for basic training. After that, who knew where he would end up. I just knew it wouldn’t be here with me. It wouldn’t be where I needed him most. That was almost five years ago. My heart left with Ryker the day he boarded that bus. The day he chose to let go of what we had. He had sworn I

would have him forever, but I knew differently. I could feel it in my heart. The heart that broke when the bus pulled away from the curb. Everything in my life from that moment on felt forced. I was a small-town girl living in Arab, Alabama. Never once had I felt the desire to leave. It was my home, where I was surrounded by the people I loved most. The only thing missing was Ryker. After my momma died when I was three, it had always been just me and my daddy. My entire life was full of memories of just me and him, and Lucy’s —my dad’s bar he’d named after my

momma, Lucy Russell. I had few memories of my mother, but my daddy said I was just like her. Kind and full of life with a heart of gold. I didn’t know the man my father was prior to her death, but he too had a heart of gold. He made sure I never suffered being a girl without a mother. He gave me more than I could ever ask for. He was my best friend. Those were the reasons I would never leave Arab. I would never walk away from the man that had run himself ragged trying to build a life for us. But there was a price to pay for

remaining in Alabama. A price I wasn’t sure I would ever recover from.

“Hey, Nic, when you gonna give a guy a chance?” A deep chuckle followed Jimmy’s attempt at snagging that date

he’d been working on for months. I didn’t even take the time to turn and acknowledge him. The man pulled the same shit every Friday and Saturday night. He was at least five years older than me and had a beer gut the size of a pregnant woman’s in her last trimester. He was harmless, but he loved to fire me up. Guys like him were one of the things that came with working in a small-town bar and grill. Lucy’s was the place to be, and all the hopeless men seemed to flock to it, hoping to get lucky. “Come on, sweetheart, just a chance is all I’m asking.” I heard a few more

chuckles from the men he was sitting with. They too had heard this song and dance, time and time again. “I’ve given two chances to two different men in my life, and both times I got screwed over. Ain’t gonna happen again, Jimmy.” I continued to clean off tables as the night came closer to an end. Most people in town knew the details of my story. They knew the heartache I felt when Ryker left and never returned. They watched as I moped around town, missing him with everything inside me. They watched as I slowly began to self-destruct and fall to

pieces. I should have been smart enough to realize when Tyler Murphy started hanging around me that he had an ulterior motive. But I was young and vulnerable, and he saw right through it. He was able to catch me at my weakest, and nine months later I had a sweet little baby girl to show for that one night of drinking. Now, I wouldn’t change the fact I was a mother to a darling three-year-old angel, but I sure would change who her daddy was. Tyler has only seen his daughter a handful of times in her short life, and he

had made every one of those times all about him. He was a worthless piece of shit, and most days I thanked God he kept his distance. I didn’t want Tori to be influenced by her father. He was too drunk to see straight practically every day of the week, and I didn’t want my baby girl to have that type of disappointment in her life. “Lay off, Jimmy.” Speaking of Tyler, I closed my eyes tightly as his voice grew louder and closer. The moment his hand touched my hip, I spun around and shoved the half-empty beer bottle I’d been holding in his face.

“Touch me again and you’ll be picking glass shards out of your head for weeks.” Tyler narrowed his eyes and smirked. “Still feisty as hell.” He backed up and held his hands out in surrender. “You know how much that turns me on, babe.” “I also know we could put a dress on a pig and you’d still sport wood,” I fired back and walked off toward the bar to empty my arms. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with Tyler’s shit. “I think you need to spend less time worrying about getting laid and more time providing for

Tori. You know, your daughter.” “Come on, Nicole, don’t be like that.” He gave me his best charming smile while taking a seat on the barstool on the other side of the bar. “I’ll give you some money next week.” I couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve been hearing that same shit from you every month. When do you plan on following through? A child is not an occasional responsibility, it’s an every-damn-dayand-night obligation. When are you ever gonna grow the hell up?” I could feel my ears getting hotter with every word I spoke. “You are twenty-five years old,

and I swear to God, most twelve-yearolds have more sense than you do.” I slammed the bottles into the garbage can and fought to control my anger. “You didn’t think I was that bad the night you crawled in bed with me.” This was Tyler’s game. He was always throwing our one night of nothing special in my face. “That’s not the way I remember it at all. I remember being upset and you continued mixing drinks for me. It’s sure is funny that after about the third one, I remember nothing until I woke up the next morning and looked over to find

you. Hell, I even contemplated gnawing off my own leg for fear of waking you if I moved it from beneath your legs.” His smirk had finally fallen from his face. “All I wanted to do was wash that mistake from my memory. Forget I ever believed you actually wanted to be a friend. The only good that ever came of that night was Victoria, and I wish more than anything your sorry ass wasn’t her father. Because that little angel deserves more than what you could ever give her.” Tyler pushed up from the barstool, and it fell to the ground behind him. The

few people that were still lingering around the bar turned to watch as he leaned in, placing his hands on top of the bar. “What do you expect me to be, more like your sweet Ryker?” When Tyler said the name, his nostrils flared with irritation. “Just face it, Nicole, no one will ever be able to be who you want. Everyone that tries will just be competing with him. But you need to remember this.” His cockiness returned, and my heart was racing. The mention of Ryker always got a reaction out of me. “He left you, without looking back. Not so much the perfect man, if you ask me.”

Without thinking I lunged at Tyler and swung my fist, and it connected with his lower lip. A set of strong arms wrapped around me from behind, and I knew it was Greg, the bartender. “Get out of here, Tyler, before I turn her loose,” he said. Tyler licked the small amount of blood on his lip before backing away with a smirk. “See you later, Sweet Pea. Give Tori a kiss good night from her daddy.” I tugged at Greg’s hands, trying to get away, but he only held me tighter. “Slow down, darlin’, that man ain’t worth the

time or the energy.” He was right, I knew that, but it still didn’t tame the need to beat his ass. Tyler Murphy was and would always be a worthless drunk. He played games, and I refused to allow him to play me.

It was after three in the morning when I tiptoed through the front door of my twobedroom apartment. The place was nothing special, but it was home. I was providing for Tori and me the best I could, and that to me made our tiny place feel even homier.

I smiled as I stepped on a stuffed animal in the center of the floor and it made a giggling sound. I immediately recognized it. Tori played with that soft, pink, little hippo often. It laughed when you pushed on its stomach. I leaned over and twisted the lamp, and the small amount of light it provided highlighted the living room and kitchen. The entire front of my apartment was really just one room with a small countertop that separated the two. The living room was covered with toys, and tucked safely in the corner was a pink kitchen playset Tori adored. To some my

apartment may seem like a wreck, but seeing the items that provided my daughter with happiness only made me happy too. “Long night?” Liz, my best friend, asked through a big yawn as she walked out of the bedroom, wearing her pajamas and a fuzzy pair of slippers. She had been staying over on the nights I needed a sitter. “Tyler showed up at the bar” was all I had to say for her to understand. After Ryker left, Liz was the only friend who had stuck by me. Well, her and her younger sister, Elle. The rest had

gone off to college or had gotten married and had their own lives. I fell into a depression no one seemed to want to deal with. Without Liz, I’m not sure I would have made it through that dark time, or the pregnancy. On most days, she’d had to force me to eat, which she gladly did. “Did you get a chance to hit the prick?” she asked with a hopeful smile. She and I had spent many nights planning my revenge on Tyler for his shitty behavior. Sometimes she scared me with details of the way she wanted to torture him.

“Got one good swing before Greg pulled me off. But it was still satisfying.” I flopped down on the couch and propped my feet on the coffee table. When I looked up at Liz, she was smiling from ear to ear, and I knew she was waiting for more of an explanation. “He brought up Ryker,” I said as I looked down at my hands in my lap. If there was anyone that knew how that would affect me, it would be her. “He’s such an ass.” Liz walked around the coffee table and sat beside me. “I wish I’d been there to make sure that man never had the chance to

reproduce again.” She wrapped her arm around me and hugged me close. We sat in silence, and my mind wandered to the times Ryker and I spent together. The times he would tell me I was the girl he planned to marry. He always made me feel so safe. But those dreams and plans disappeared when he left. The calls and letters stopped, and now all I had left were the memories of our times together. And every dream and memory only led to sadness as I thought about how he never returned. And that only broke my heart all over again.

“We’re

gonna miss your ugly face

around here.” I chuckled as I continued to pack my bags. I’d been with the same men since I was stationed in Germany five years ago. We had seen some shit and even lost a few. After two tours and getting shot in the leg while deployed in Iraq, my time as a Marine was complete. I chose not to reenlist. I served my country, and now I was ready to return home. I knew that wouldn’t be without complications because I’d fucked up in more ways than one, but I wouldn’t walk away without a fight. “Yeah, well, you’ll always have that

picture of me you’ve got hidden under your pillow to remember me by.” I would miss the guys too. Especially Ben and Luke, or Buzz and Thor, as most around here knew them. They had quickly become two of the best friends a guy could ask for. They were my brothers. “You do know you got a shitstorm waiting for you when you get back to Alabama, right?” Thor said with a chuckle. The guys had listened to me go on and on about the mistakes I’d made over the years. They’d watched me pick up

the phone a million times only to change my mind. They’d also watched me punish myself daily for walking away so easily. Well, it appeared easy; it was actually the hardest thing I ever had to do. But expecting Nicole to wait for me was unfair. I knew she would never leave her father, and I respected that. It was one of the biggest reasons I had to let her go. “Yeah. I know.” And I did. Nicole had moved on, or so I’d heard. My parents now lived in Birmingham and kept in touch with a few people back home, so they gave me the news.

Hearing Tyler Murphy and Nicole had a child together had fucked with my head for a long time. But from what I also had heard, that relationship wasn’t solid, so maybe I still had a chance for redemption. “But she’s worth the battle,” I added as I pulled the picture of Nicole from the pin board above my bed. It had seen the world with me, and now I was going back to her. “I’ve felt like a part of me was missing every day since I left her.” “Pussy,” Buzz cough-spoke into his hand, and Thor chuckled. I ignored his comment because I

truly didn’t give a fuck. If going home to beg her for forgiveness made me a pussy, then I would be happy to have that title.

My flight was long and got delayed, so I was exhausted by the time I stepped off the plane at Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. I spent the entire trip listening to couples fighting and children crying. It felt good to be back on solid ground. I threw one duffle over my shoulder and held the other in my hand as I sent a

text to my father to let him know I had landed. When his response came through, I couldn’t help but smile. Dad: We’ve been here for two and a half hours. Your mother refused to wait for you to text. I was not ashamed of being a momma’s boy. As I rounded the corner, my parents came into view, and I felt like a fucking kid again. No longer was I a twentyfive-year-old Marine, but a twelve-yearold who hadn’t realized just how much he missed his parents.

Being tackle-hugged by a tiny woman weighing no more than a hundred and fifteen pounds almost knocked my six-two frame to the ground. “My boy is home,” she cried against my chest as I held her tightly. “Yeah, Momma, I’m home,” I assured her as I continued to hold her close. “It’s good to have you here, son,” my father said, squeezing my shoulder as he watched the exchange between my mother and I. It had been almost two years since I’d seen them. Living in Germany didn’t

exactly make weekly visits possible. But they came to see me after I explained I couldn’t come home. At first they couldn’t understand why I chose to stay away, but eventually they found it easy to accept. Nicole deserved a chance at a future, and I knew I’d only be holding her back if I didn’t let her go. I was young, and at the time I had no idea where my future was heading. And it took me getting out in the world and experiencing it to know I had everything I needed back home in Alabama. Now I just hoped that with time I could find my way back into

Nicole’s heart.

“Mommy.”

I remained perfectly still as Tori climbed over me and sat on my stomach. With one leg on either side of my waist, she leaned forward and placed her nose only inches from mine. I opened an eye just enough to see her cute little nose wrinkled up as she whispered again. “Mommy.” She traced my nose with a finger and tapped the tip of it over and over. It was something she started doing a few months ago, and it was too adorable to question. “I peed in my bed.” And there went the joy. I opened my eyes, and hers grew

wide. It was then I felt the dampness of her pajamas seep through my thin tank top. “And now you peed in my bed too.” “No, silly,” she said as she climbed off me, dragging her stuffed bear behind her. “Come on.” I crawled from bed in my pissstained tank and walked toward her room. She’d already begun pulling off the sheets and had them all piled in the center of her little bed—a bed I knew she would outgrow in a short time. “I helped,” she stated proudly as she pointed toward the mess of pink-and-

yellow sheets and blankets. She didn’t have accidents often, so it was hard to get upset. But a night with Liz was the explanation for this one, I was sure. Liz didn’t understand the concept of limiting drinks before bed any more than my daughter did. “Let’s gather these up, and then we both need a bath before we head over to Pawpaw’s house to do our laundry.” Tori began moving quickly around the room gathering up toys, and I smiled. She was so easily distracted. She absolutely adored my father, and I swear my daughter was his best friend. At least

she had one amazing man in her life that truly loved her. After the sheets were gathered and I’d tossed my soiled tank in the hamper too, I jumped in the shower while Tori played with her dolls on the floor right outside. It was the easiest way to keep her out of trouble while I fit in a quick wash when we were home alone. Following a shower that could go in the record books as one of the fastest ever, I filled the tub with warm water and placed her inside, where I washed her hair with her apple-scented shampoo. It was funny to see her breathe

in deep as the suds formed on her body. She’d picked it out because she said it smelled like Nana’s kitchen. Nana was what she called Liz’s mom. With my own mother being deceased and Tyler’s mom being as worthless as he was, Nana May was the grandma my little girl longed for, and May Berfield was more than happy to accept the position. “You smell yummy,” I told her as I rinsed the suds from her back. A knocking filled the apartment, and Tori and I turned to look behind me. The bathroom was at the end of the hallway

with the front door in clear view. But unfortunately there was no way of knowing who was on the other side from this distance. “Who here?” Tori asked. “I don’t know, but we should get you out and go see.” She tried standing, and I reached out and lifted her before she slipped. The rubber mat on the bottom of the tub never fully took away my fear of her falling, and I was still extremely cautious of the possibility. After toweling her off quickly, I wrapped her tight in the towel and walked toward the front door just as another knock sounded.

As I peeked through the side window, the only thing I could she was a shoulder and an arm. A tattooed and muscled arm. There was no way I was going to open the door to some strange man. When a third knock came, I jumped in surprise. Okay, my nerves were now on high alert. “Mommy,” Tori squealed as she wiggled out of my arms. “Shh,” I whispered, holding my finger to my lips. She wrinkled her tiny nose in what I assumed was her “what is wrong with you?” face. “Nicole, I know you’re in there.” A

deep, raspy voice I thought I’d never hear again filled the silence. I sagged against the wall and covered my face with my hands. No fucking way. I had to be imagining things. “I’ll camp out on your porch until you leave if I need to. You can’t stay hidden behind this door forever.” Ryker’s voice once again sent chills through my body. I let go of my face and bent down to lift Tori back up into my arms. If Ryker was anything like he once was, he sure as hell wasn’t lying. He wouldn’t leave

until he got what he came for. I just wasn’t sure what that could be. Taking in one last, deep breath, I slid the chain form the lock and twisted the second lock on the handle. My hand trembled as I turned the knob and kept my eyes averted. The first thing that came into view was a pair of black boots with laces halfway up his shins. A pair of jeans covered strong, muscular legs, leaving little to the imagination. But I knew what was beneath those jeans, only now you could tell he had gone up a few pants sizes as he was no longer that lean man I

once knew. He was still fit and toned from what I could tell, and he had definitely gained some muscle mass since he left all those years ago. His red shirt looked more like a second skin as it stretched across his broad chest and shoulders. I stopped there. I wasn’t sure I could handle much more. “Look at me.” His rugged voice made me jump in surprise. His husky tone ran over my body, leaving behind little tingles of excitement. Ryker had always had that power over me. He was hard to resist, but that was before he’d hurt me. Biting down hard on the inside

of my cheek, I set my jaw and squared my shoulders as I lifted my gaze to meet his. “After all these years, you’re still as beautiful as you always were.” I fought against every part of me that wanted to smile. I had to hold myself together. I wouldn’t let him get to me. When his eyes shifted toward Tori, I felt guilty. Even though I didn’t have a reason to feel that way—after all, Ryker had left me, not the other way around. But part of me wondered what he could be thinking when he looked at her. Did he feel betrayed even though he’d been so far away and had chosen the path he

had? Or was he regretting his choices? “She’s gorgeous, Nic.” He smiled at Tori as she looked up at him in awe. “She looks just like you.” “Thank God for that.” It was out of my mouth before I could stop it. I had spent years hating Tyler, so I took the chance at a dig since it wasn’t something Tori could pick up on. Even though her father was a worthless sack of shit and she barely knew him, I refused to disparage him in front of her. It just wasn’t fair to her. Ryker smiled at my comment, and that smile still did things to me. I looked

away before I did or said something stupid. “Can I come in?” he asked, and my stomach felt as if it had dropped to my feet. Having him inside my apartment wasn’t what I needed or wanted at this point. “What are you doing here, Ryker?” I asked as I shifted Tori on my hip. “I came back to make up for walking out on you. I never should have left. It was a mistake.” I stared back at him, wondering what the hell I’d done to deserve this mess. It felt like a damn dream, and I really just

wanted to wake up. “A mistake?” I shook my head, trying to hold it together. Tori was growing antsy, and I allowed her to slide down my body until her little feet touched the floor. She walked over to the other side of the living room and began playing with her kitchen. When I knew she was far enough away she wouldn’t hear, I turned back to Ryker and took a step toward him. “You made a lot a promises you didn’t keep. Hell, you lied to me the day you got on that bus. You know it and I know it.” I pushed his chest, but he didn’t move. Instead he covered my hand

with his. The warmth of his hand almost made me forget what I had to be angry about. “Just let me explain,” he said, and I shook my head. “No. You can’t do that. You can’t just show up after leaving me and expect me to shut up and listen. You lied to me, and then you just disappeared. You think you can just pop back into my life and everything will pick back up where it left off? Life doesn’t work that way. The time for explanations has passed. Now move your foot.” When he smirked, I narrowed my eyes. “I mean it, Ryker.

You have two seconds to get your ass off my porch, or I’ll call Bert down at the station.” “I just saw Bert. He invited me over for Melba’s famous dumplings.” Ryker knew everyone in this town just as well as I did. He also knew Bert wouldn’t arrest him. His cocky, triumphant smile only infuriated me more. “Move,” I said, not amused by his resistance. When he leaned forward and brought his face within inches of mine, my breath hitched. “Fine, I’ll go. But just so you know, I’m not leaving. I’m gonna make

this right with you. Whatever it takes, I’ll do it. I’m here for good.” “I’ve heard that line before. And this time I’m not falling for it,” I said. “It never was just a line between you and me. Everything I have ever said to you, I meant.” I closed my eyes when his lips pressed against my jaw. “Whatever you choose to believe, just know I never once stopped loving you.” I felt the distance between us the moment he stepped back and began to walk away. My body craved his touch once again, yet my heart couldn’t take it. I could feel myself falling, and my

weakness when it came to Ryker pissed me off to no end. There were so many times I had wished for his return. So many times I dreamed of how it would feel to be in his arms again. But seeing him only made all the hurt from the past come rushing back like a tidal wave. The life we could have had together flashed before me, yet he’d let it all go. And now he was back like the last five years hadn’t happened.

I

sat outside Nicole’s apartment for

close to half an hour, trying to find a way to convince her to talk to me. I know the way I’d handled things five years ago was wrong. But at the time I felt like I was doing the right thing by her. Now I knew it was the worst choice I had ever made. After driving through Arab, remembering the streets and places that held memories of Nicole and me, I found myself parked outside Lucy’s. I may have been setting myself up for more punishment, but it was worth the risk. I would take all the shit I had to if in the end I was one step closer to having

Nicole back in my life. I pulled the keys from the ignition of my old truck and crawled out. After taking a moment to calm my racing heart, I shut the door and walked toward the entrance. I knew Alan would be here. He always spent his days getting things ready for the evening rush. Entering the bar, I was amazed at how little it had changed. I was also amazed at how many people started drinking around midday. At least ten people were sitting around with a tall beer in their hands as they enjoyed highlights from last night’s sports on the

TVs. Heads turned in my direction as the door shut behind me with a loud bang. But my stare was locked with the eyes of the guy behind the bar. Allan Russell had always been a kind, loving man, but from the look on his face, I wasn’t sure he was still that same man. He narrowed his eyes and stopped polishing the glass in his hand as I walked toward him, holding his gaze. “Allan,” I said as I stepped up to the bar that separated us. I held out my hand, and he just

looked down at it before looking back up at me once more. Just when I thought coming here was a mistake, he shook my hand. “It’s good to see you, son,” he said as a smile tugged at his lips. “I wish your daughter felt the same way,” I said with a chuckle as I took a seat at the bar. I rested my elbows there and looked around the room. A few familiar faces offered a nod and a smile. “You seen Nicole?” he asked. “Yeah,” I said as I turned back to face him. “I stopped by her place. My parents sorta kept tabs on her for me, so it wasn’t hard to find it.”

“Well,” he said as he grabbed the towel and began drying glasses once more. “I’m surprised you made it out alive.” “Yeah, me too.” My tension was slowly fading now. “I know I messed up. If there had been another way, I would have taken it. But I asked her to come with, and she said she couldn’t leave.” Allan stopped drying cups and tossed the towel over his shoulder as he leaned a hip against the bar. “I knew she’d say no, but I still had to ask. And I was fooling myself thinking we could have a relationship being so

far apart. I mean, hell, what girl wants to be with a guy that’s living thousands of miles across the world?” I paused as I picked at the edge of the bar. “I couldn’t hold her back. It just didn’t feel right.” “I listened to my daughter cry herself to sleep for weeks after you left,” Allan said, and it felt like he’d kicked me in the stomach. “Then I watched her fall apart when you stopped calling. We fought, and, Ryker, you know we never fight.” I swallowed past the lump in my throat as I nodded in agreement. I had never in my life met a father and

daughter that had the kind of relationship Allan and Nicole did. They were so much alike they were like two best friends rather than a parent and child. “I tried to help her through it all, but nothing worked. So I sat back and watched her fall apart a little more each day.” He cleared his throat as he pushed off the counter and began drying glasses once more. “If I’d known she was hanging around with that loser Tyler, I would have stopped it.” Thinking of Tyler being around Nicole made my blood boil. He and I had never gotten along. I can even

remember beating his ass on more than one occasion. “When she told me she was pregnant, she didn’t have that look of happiness a woman gets when they share that news. She looked devastated. It was real rough patch, and without Liz, I’m not sure how we would have gotten through it.” The tormented look on Allan’s face only made the ache in my chest that much harder to bear. “But the moment she saw Victoria for the first time, it was like everything shifted into place. That sweet little girl brought back my Nicole.” Allan’s eyes

appeared glossy as he looked down at his hands as they continued to dry the same glass over and over. “I know it’s been hard for her, but that girl’s strength inspires me. She’s just like her momma, and Tori’s her world. Despite the shitty father she was stuck with, there is not a day goes by that my granddaughter doesn’t make our days brighter.” “She’s beautiful,” I said, and he looked up at me, nodding in agreement with a proud smile. “I’m rooting for ya, Ryker, but you have to know it isn’t gonna be an easy road. You hurt her, even though your

intentions were good.” It was my turn to nod. I couldn’t say anything more because I’d heard more than once now how rough my leaving was on Nicole. “I can’t help ya, because right or wrong, I’m in Nicole’s corner. But that doesn’t mean I’m not quietly praying for her to give you another shot. I never met a man I thought was good enough for Nic until I met you.” Like I said, Allan Russell was a good man.

“What the hell do you mean Ryker is

back in town?” Liz screeched through the phone. I held it away from my ear as she rambled on about beating his ass and a dozen other ways to torture him. Once she had calmed down long enough for me to intervene, I put the phone back to my ear. “He didn’t reenlist. At least that’s what Bert said he told him. So he’s back for good.” I tucked the phone between my shoulder and ear as I lifted the basket of clothes from the floor. “And he just showed up on your doorstep this mornin’ like nothing ever happened?” she said, a little less high-

pitched this time. “I wouldn’t say like nothing ever happened.” I paused in the hallway, remembering his face when I finally looked up at him. “He was nervous. He still does that sexy squint when he’s unsure of something.” “And?” she pressed. I looked over at Tori, who sat on the floor in my father’s living room, eating Cheerios and watching Dora the Explorer. “And nothing,” I replied. “He’s back, and my life continues to move forward the way it has for the last five years.”

“I call bullshit,” she said with a laugh. “Excuse me?” I repositioned the basket. “We’re talking about Ryker, Nic. The guy you fell in love with years ago and never have stopped loving. Regardless of all the shit, he’s still the one. You can’t pull the blinders over my eyes, sweetheart. You forget I know all your dirty little secrets.” It was pointless to argue with her; she was right. During all these years she’d been the one to hear my biggest fears and deepest regrets. She knew me

better than I knew myself, it seemed. “So what time should I be at your place tonight?” she asked, breaking me out of my haze. “Um, about tonight.” I smiled, knowing she was going to be more than happy to fulfill my request. “I actually don’t need you to watch Tori. I need you at the bar.” “And why, might I ask?” I could hear the smile in her voice. “In case I need a buffer. Something tells me Ryker may show up.” The thought of him being at the bar made my stomach tense.

“I get free drinks, right?” she asked in a hopeful voice. “Yeah, you get free drinks.” My dad was happy when I called him an hour ago to ask if he could keep Victoria tonight. He told me he was gonna feed her full of junk food and teach her how to spit. I hoped not in that order. When I mentioned Ryker he didn’t sound surprised. Which made me believe my father and I needed to have a little talk later.

It was a quarter after eight, and my

nerves were on high alert. I had been watching the door all night. Every time someone came in, I felt a pang of disappointment that it wasn’t him, followed by relief that maybe I’d be able to hold my shit together for one more night. Just before nine the crowd got a little thicker, and Greg looked like he could use some help behind the bar. Rachel was too busy shaking her tits in the face of any man who showed interest, and I knew she was hopeless. If she hadn’t been one of my momma’s best friends growing up, I would have

convinced my father to fire her by now. I was so engrossed in the drink orders that I nearly dropped a bottle of beer when my best friend drunkenly screeched, “Well, look who decided to grace us all with his presence.” I looked up to see Ryker approaching the bar, and my throat tightened. If I thought he looked good earlier, that had nothing on his appearance tonight. Jeans that seems to mold to his lower half showed off his narrow waist and thick thighs. And I was ashamed that the way his Henley showed off his chest affected me the way it did.

Suddenly the room felt warmer and a whole lot smaller. I noticed I was staring when my gaze reached his and he grinned knowingly. That and the fact the cup I’d been filling from the tap was now overflowing with beer that was pooling on the floor at my feet. “Shit,” I mumbled as I grabbed a towel and started cleaning up the mess I’d made. “Hold it together,” Elle, Liz’s sister and our part-time waitress, whispered as she walked past me, trying to remain discreet.

If only being in Ryker’s presence didn’t make my body hum the way it did, her suggestion may have been possible. As he continued to move toward the bar, I chose to busy myself once again with customers. But the moment he sat on the barstool next to Liz, my suggestion that she be my buffer came back to haunt me. What the hell was I thinking when I asked her to do that? As if there was anyone out there that could possibly keep my mind off the man my heart still belonged too. “You sure aren’t giving up easily, are you?” She bumped shoulders with

him, and he smiled at her. “Oh my, and still he has that pretty-boy smile. Only it’s backed up by all this yummy goodness.” She squeezed his bicep and faked a shiver. “And he smells damn good too,” she added, then took a deep breath and let her eyes flutter shut. Ryker’s chuckle made my stomach flip. I was going to beat the snot out of my useless best friend. “Still the same fireball of fun, I see,” he said to Liz, and she shrugged like she wasn’t surprised to be referred to that way. “But to answer your earlier question, no, I don’t give up easily.”

It took everything I had not to argue with that comment. He sure as shit didn’t find it hard to let go of me once before. I looked up just in time to meet his gaze. He winked, and I rolled my eyes, busying myself again. Why did he still affect me like he did? Avoiding him was going to be a whole lot harder than I thought. “I need another shot over here, hot stuff,” Liz hollered in my direction as she slapped the bar. “I think you need a bottle of water or a steaming pot of coffee,” I told her without looking up.

“You said if I came tonight and ran interference you would supply the booze. Now that Mr. Buff and Yummy is here, you can’t just cut me off.” I hung my head in embarrassment. I guess I’d completely forgotten about her loud mouth when alcohol was involved. I looked up and narrowed my eyes at her, trying to force her to shut up, but she just grinned as if she’d completed a goal, and I knew then what she was doing. I snagged her half-empty beer out of her hand just as she lifted it to her mouth. “Hey,” she protested. “That’s mine.”

“It was yours. That was before you set some matchmaker plan into action, which I can assure you isn’t gonna work,” I told her as I moved down the bar, dropping her beer in the garbage on the way. I busied myself waiting on customers and avoiding anyone near Ryker or looking in his direction. I could still feel his eyes on me, and on occasion he would chuckle at something Liz said. She and I were going to have a long talk about her loyalty to her best friend when she was sober tomorrow. Elle stepped up to the bar, rattling

off the drink order for one of her tables, and I began mixing the drinks and placing them on her tray. “I have to admit Liz is right.” I looked up from the drink I was preparing and arched an eyebrow in question. Elle was staring in Ryker’s direction, and I knew immediately what she was referring to. Averting my eyes once more, I chose not to respond, only it didn’t stop her from continuing. “The Marines have done him well. I mean, look at those arms. You can’t pretend he doesn’t get your blood boiling.” “That was a long time ago, Elle.

Things change,” I told her as I set the last drink on her tray and dried my hands on the towel I’d thrown over my shoulder. “Well, then you wouldn’t mind if I gave it a shot, right?” she asked and clicked her tongue on the last word. When I looked at her with a panicked expression, she laughed. “That’s what I thought.” She picked up her tray and smiled. “Darlin’, you can keep trying to pretend, but I see right through you.” I took a chance and looked back down the bar, only to find that Ryker was

still watching me. Part of me wanted to go around the bar, walk right up to him, and tell him how badly he had hurt me, yet another part of me wanted to climb over the bar and straight in to his lap. I had missed him with every fiber of my body for so long that having him this close made going to him so hard to resist. A large hand slapped down on the edge of the bar, and I jumped in surprise. It shoved a fifty dollar bill toward me, and I looked up into Tyler’s eyes. “What’s this?” “You said you needed money.” He

was drunk. I could tell from his bloodshot eyes. “No, I said you needed to start supporting your daughter. I never said I needed money.” “You need to fucking make up your mind,” he said as he pulled back the fifty. “I need to make up my mind?” I said in disbelief, and all the irritation that had been wound up in me so tight broke free. “Your sorry ass needs to be a man. I’ve raised Tori on my own since she was born. I work and do all I can to give her a home and everything she needs to be

happy. And her pitiful excuse for a father shows up every few months offering me a damn fifty for my trouble?” “You just love making this all my fault, don’t you?” Tyler said as he shook his head, acting like I was overreacting. “Is there a problem here?” Ryker’s voice caught our attention, and Tyler’s face morphed into an expression of hate. “Well, looks like the local hero’s back in town,” Tyler said as he squared his shoulders and faced Ryker. The comparison was humorous. Their builds were similar, but Ryker had at least four inches on Tyler and wore it so much

better. “This a family matter, between me and Nicole, about our daughter.” I couldn’t help the sarcastic laugh that escaped me. They, of course, both turned to look at me. “You’re joking, right? Our daughter? Don’t you mean my daughter? You were just the sperm donor. It takes a whole hell of a lot more than that to be a father.” Tyler had no idea what a sweet little girl Tori was. He had no idea what her favorite food was or her favorite color. He was worthless. I saw the anger in his eyes as he took

a step in my direction, and everything seemed to move in fast-forward.

I hadn’t intended to say a word. I had

watched Nicole ignore me for close to an hour. I watched as she moved around behind the bar in jeans that stretched tight over an ass I remember fondly. She was still the same sinful girl, only now she was a woman. A woman I had every intention of making mine again, one way or another. I just had to find the best way to break down the walls she had built up around her. The situation was tense enough, and it only got worse when Tyler entered the bar. I gripped my beer bottle tighter as he approached Nicole. It took everything

I had not to rush at that piece of shit and bust him right in his cocky mouth. He and I had never seen eye-to-eye, and his connection to my Nicole only intensified my hate for him. I did my best to remain seated, but when he raised his voice, I couldn’t keep my distance. Whether she was mine or not, no one was going to mistreat her. But everything went to shit real fast. Tyler lunged toward Nicole, and she jutted out her chin in defiance. She refused to back down. I, on the other hand, gave him no time to reach his mark.

I grabbed the back of his shirt and jerked him away from her, spun him around, and slammed his back against the wall. “Wrong fucking move,” I said as I stepped in closer. “You ever lunge at her like that again and I’ll break your fucking neck.” “You ain’t shit, Ryker,” he slurred. My blood was rushing to my head as I did my best not to wipe that smirk off his face. “Say that again and I’ll be more than happy to prove you wrong.” I held his stare, daring him to repeat his earlier comment. “Enough,” Nicole said from my side

as she placed her hand on my arm. Her touch soothed me just enough that I looked toward her, temporarily letting my guard down. And that was his in. All the coward needed was one moment of weakness, and Nicole always made me feel weakened. Her eyes grew wide as she looked toward Tyler, and I followed her line of vision just in time for his fist to connect with my jaw. I lifted my hand to my chin and wiggled my jaw, doing my best to massage the slight ache his punch caused, and chuckled. “That all you

got?” I taunted. “I always knew you were a pussy.” The rage that covered his features was comical. His face turned red, and he lunged at me, swinging his fist once more, only to miss. I guess I shouldn’t have chuckled at his lack of control, but that shit was funny as hell. He looked like a girl swinging his arms uncontrollably, stumbling around. But the humor faded fast when Nicole stepped between us to break up the fight and took a right hook to her eye. Anger shot through me as I nudged her out of the way and punched Tyler,

laying his ass out. “Damn it, baby, are you okay?” I gripped her face in my hands and tilted it up to get a good look at her eye. The corner of it had a blood spot, and the surrounding area had already turned a bright purplish-pink. “Motherfucker,” I said as I turned back to Tyler, not giving a shit that he still lay half against the wall, half slumped on the floor. I wanted to break his fucking face. “I got this,” Greg, a guy who worked behind the bar, said as he stepped in front of Tyler, blocking my view. “Go

help Nicole.” I was torn between going to her and beating the ass of the guy who’d hurt her. But she won. She’d always win. I followed Liz as she led Nicole to the back office. She had sobered up pretty quickly, it appeared. “Sit,” Liz insisted as she eased Nicole into a chair and knelt before her. “I’m fine,” Nicole tried to get up, but Liz pushed her back down. “Oh honey, you ain’t fine. In fact, you are quickly beginning to look like someone that’s having one hell of an allergic reaction. It’s like you’re trying

to grow a whole new head out of your eye socket.” I hung my head and shook it. Liz had a way with words. “I brought ice,” Elle said as she rushed into the room. She looked back over her shoulder as she passed me and winked. Damn girl hadn’t changed, either. She was just as crazy as her older sister. “I need to get back out to the bar,” Nicole said. “Nope, we got it, no worries,” Elle said as she grabbed Liz by the arm and began dragging her out of the room. Of

course Liz resisted until she saw me standing at the door. Her face lit up and she beamed. “Take care of her,” she said as they both exited. Liz had apparently just become my ally in this battle for Nicole’s love. “I’m fine, honestly. He hits like a girl,” Nicole said with a gentle laugh. Her comment made my stomach ache. “Has he ever hit you before?” I asked, kneeling in front of her and placing my hands on her knees. “No, Ryker,” she said, offering me a

smile for the first time since I returned. “He’s never hit me before. In fact, after that one night, I refused to let him touch me in any way.” I looked down at her legs, trying to wipe away the image of him touching her at all. It pissed me off that he was given that privilege. He didn’t deserve it. “You know whatever it is you’re picturing, I can guarantee you’re not even close.” Nicole sounded sad, pulling me back out of my head. “The only good that ever came from that night with Tyler was Tori. If it wasn’t for her, I would completely regret that night.”

I slid my hands up her thighs and gripped her hips as I nudged my way between her knees. I just needed to be a little closer. “I wish that had been me,” I whispered. “That I was the man that got you pregnant.” “But you weren’t,” she said in return. Silence settled over the room as I looked at her and she looked down at my body positioned between her thighs. “I’m sorry,” I said, my throat burning with the words. “I thought I was doing the right thing, because I didn’t want to

hold you back. But now I wish I hadn’t.” She lifted her head, and her eyes were filled with tears. I cupped her jaw and forced her to keep her head up as I said what I had to say. “I love you, Nicole. I never stopped. It’s always been you in my heart. I meant what I said all those years ago: I’m forever yours, baby.” Without giving her a chance to fight it, I placed my lips against hers, and for a moment everything felt like it had fallen into place. Until she pulled back from me and I was forced to let her go. I sat back on

my feet as she stood and rushed from the room, and I felt like my heart had split in two. I couldn’t help but wonder if the way I felt in that moment had been how she felt all those years ago.

“Oh no, run, it’s a monster,” Liz said

in mock terror. “Run, Tori, we need to hide.” She took Tori’s little hand and jogged down the hall as my daughter looked back over her shoulder, laughing. “Ha-ha, aren’t you a comedian.” I rolled my eyes as I closed the front door and walked toward the kitchen. It had been three days since Ryker kissed me. Three days since I’d seen him and three days of hiding out in my apartment. After my father had seen my eye, it was easy to convince him I needed a few days off. The sad part about it was my eye felt fine; it was my

heart that ached. “Are you planning on hiding in your apartment for the rest of your life?” I turned around to find Liz holding Victoria on her hip at the other side of the snack bar that separated the kitchen and living room. Tori was licking away on a sucker that was almost as big as her head. I ignored Liz and her questions and pointed toward my daughter. “Honestly?” “What?” she asked. I swear I couldn’t wait until the day she had a child. I was so going to pay

her back for all the shit she pulls, without remorse. “A sucker after she just had her bath?” “Please, stop being such a downer.” Liz rolled her eyes in a playful manner and pulled a chocolate bar out of her bag. “I could’ve given her this instead.” “Don’t you dare,” I threatened, and she smiled even bigger as she bit the edge of the package and tore it with her teeth. I knew the moment Tori’s eyes lit up that there was no stopping her. She had already noticed the candy bar. “One of these days I am gonna repay you for all this. I hope you know that.” I

turned around and wet a washcloth before I held it out in her direction. “You’re cleaning her up.” “I’d be glad to,” she said as she jiggled her hips, causing Tori to bounce. Tori giggled as she alternated between the Hershey bar and the rainbow sucker. Something told me she wouldn’t be going to bed in an hour.

I had just dropped Tori off to May Berefield, Liz and Elle’s mother’s. She had agreed to keep Tori until my dad finished up at the bar.

Today was the day Liz and I volunteered at the youth center. We did it twice a month, and it was something we both actually enjoyed. Liz was almost finished with her counseling degree and intended to take a full-time position once she graduated, but I loved feeling as if I was helping, even if it was just a little. As I was walking up the front walk, I glance over toward the side street and stopped dead in my tracks. I would know that truck anywhere. I had fond memories of nights out by Mitchell Lake with Ryker in the back of that truck. I shook off the memories quickly as I

continued on toward the youth center. I had hoped he was at the diner across the street or maybe visiting Mr. Parrish at the hardware store, but those hopes were crushed once I pulled open the front door and took a step inside. Ryker was out on the basketball court with a group of teenage boys. He appeared as if he had been there for some time because he was all sweaty and winded. He hadn’t noticed I’d entered until the loud bang of the door behind me caught everyone’s attention. He smiled and a few of the boys hollered out their hellos as I walked

farther into the building. My gaze locked on Ryker and the tattoos he hadn’t had when he left. His right shoulder was covered with some type of symbol with wording just below. I was still too far away to see the exact details. A second tattoo across the right side of his chest looked as if it was some type of verse. “Mouthwatering, isn’t he?” I jumped at the sound of Melanie’s voice. She was the director of the center and was married to the chief of police. She had to have been my father’s age, but she appeared to be years younger. Liz called her a cougar, but I honestly think she was

just a harmless flirt. I smiled and looked back at Ryker, who had returned to running up and down the court. His basketball shorts hung low on his hips, showing off his tapered waist and toned legs. We stood in silence, watching as he moved with grace, his arms flexing as he shot from the three-point line. My body was soon achy from the torture I was putting it through. He was perfection, and he knew it. And he was cocky and arrogant about it. “That’s the guy I told you about,” I said, not taking my eyes off Ryker.

“The Marine?” she asked. I nodded, and she let out a low whistle. “I know,” I said in defeat. I wasn’t stupid enough to believe denying Ryker would be easy. In fact I was sure it would be harder than anything else I’d faced, but I was determined to prove I wasn’t the same gullible, dependable girl he left years ago. I was stronger, and I had to remain that way. Because I wasn’t the only one that could get hurt here. Tori could too, and I refused to allow that to happen. “So what do you need me to do

today?” I asked, trying to distract myself. I turned to face her, placing my back to the court. She smiled, and I tilted my head and arched a brow, daring her to keep going. But my look must have told her any amount of Ryker was too much. “Liz is in the TV room. I have new furniture being delivered at three, so we have to organize and rearrange to make room in there. Plus someone donated about four boxes of DVDs and video games that need to be unpacked too.” I followed her out as she continued to list the items on our to-do list. Entering the open room that served

as the television/game room, I couldn’t help but laugh. Liz stood in the center, hunched over a stack of boxes. She had her iPod playing as her butt bounced to the beat of the music. Melanie and I began to laugh, yet she had no idea because of the earbuds jammed in her ears. I walked up behind her and began shaking my own hips against her rear. She spun around and screeched in surprise, holding her hand to her chest. “You ass.” She shoved my arm. “No,” I said, doing my best to hid my laughter. “Your ass.” I wagged my

eyebrows, and she flipped me off. “You were really getting in to it.” “Don’t blame me because you have no groove,” she retorted as she turned back to the boxes, blocking me from teasing her further. “I have plenty of moves,” I grumbled as I looked back over my shoulder at Melanie. She didn’t look as if she believe me. It wasn’t a secret that I couldn’t dance for shit. I was like Ally from that Disney show. She always looked like she was trying to swat a bug or get rid of a bee that flew up her pant leg. Poor girl had no groove and even

she danced better than I did.

I

was really beginning to love the

women in this town. It would appear they were all on my side, helping me find ways to get closer to Nicole. Hell, women I didn’t even know were telling me not to give up on her. Like that would ever happen. But today when Melanie, the woman I now knew as the director of the youth center, asked me to help move furniture, I should have realized her intentions. She led me down a hall into a large room and didn’t even give me a chance to put my shirt back on after playing ball. “There’s no need to get dressed. You’ll just get sweaty all over again,”

she insisted as her eyes raked over me from head to toe. When she paused on my chest, I knew she was reading my tattoo. Recognition flashed in her eyes, and she looked to my left as she smiled. Then I noticed Nicole standing only a few feet away, her eyes focused on the same spot on my chest. I got the tattoo right after I finished basic and never regretted it. It didn’t matter what path I was on, Nicole would always have my heart. She stepped in closer as her eyes scanned over each line, and her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard. Melanie

stepped back to give us some space. I wasn’t sure if Nicole would be pissed or touched by the words, so I remained silent, allowing them to sink in. She’ll always hold my heart in her hands. My sweet Nicole. Brave, enduring, and compassionate. My love will never fade, no matter where life leads us. Before I got the tattoo, I thought over these words again and again. I rearranged and changed them more time than I can count until they were just right. Before I had time to prepare myself,

she traced the tip of her finger over the words. My breath hitched, and fuck, my heart felt like it would beat right out of my chest. “When?” she asked, and I knew she was asking when I’d gotten it. “The week after I got stationed in Germany.” She looked up at me, and her eyes were full of tears. “Why?” Her question felt like a kick in the stomach. I know she thought my love for her was just a lie, but it was never fabricated. I have always adored her. Leaving her felt like being gutted.

“Because I love you,” I whispered. “I always have and I always will.” Her lower lip trembled, and I wanted to wrap her in my arms and pull her close so badly, but I fought the urge. “If you loved me so much, then why’d you let go so easily?” she asked as she lowered her hand from my chest and fisted it at her side. “You just stopped calling, you stopped writing, and then it was like you disappeared.” “If I had asked you to come with me, would you have come?” I asked. Standing in the center of a room surrounded by Elle and Melanie, plus

men who were here to deliver furniture wasn’t what I’d pictured when we had this conversation. Even though they had all tried to appear busy and move away from where we stood, I knew they could all hear our every word. I had hoped Nicole and I would be sharing these things in private. But apparently Nicole didn’t care that we were in front of an audience. Her emotions were finally taking her over, and I had no choice but to accept the situation I’d found myself in. “Would you have come with me?” I asked, already knowing the answer. She

shook her head as a tear trailed along her left cheek. “That’s why I had to let go,” I whispered, and she closed her eyes tightly. “But the decision was torture.” She opened her eyes. They were red and tears pooled in them. I reached out for her, needing to comfort her, but she stepped back. “I can’t do this,” she whispered as she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there with all eyes on me. And my heart ached with an unbelievable pain.

I

was perfectly happy and content

spending my day playing dolls and eating fake food off my coffee table. Tori and I had even taken a nap together, which was something I hadn’t done with her in months. But my moping around my apartment was obviously irritating my best friend. Liz had shown up at my door with Elle in tow and insisted I needed a girls’ night. The three bottles of wine they brought showed me they meant business. Tori finally gave in at nine thirty, passing out in the middle of the floor, her head resting in my lap as I combed her hair with my fingers. My mind wandered

to Ryker as I did. It hadn’t done much of anything else since he’d returned to town. “I’m not saying what Ryker did was right,” Elle began, and I lifted my head to look at her. “He should have gone about it differently, we all know that. But anybody can tell he loves you.” “Um, yeah, why else would a man brand himself with a woman’s name? Imagine explaining that to the woman you marry.” Liz’s eyes widened in horror at the thought. “It’s not a matter of if he loves me. I’m not questioning that,” I replied, my

stomach flipping as I spoke. “Then what is it?” Liz set her wine on the coffee table and leaned in, placing her elbows on top of it. I felt like the room was closing in on me as Elle and Liz looked at me, waiting for an explanation. “I’m scared,” I confessed. The words made my throat burn and my stomach ache. “What if I let him in again and he decides he can’t stay here? Then it wouldn’t only be me feeling the loss but Tori too. I looked back down at my little girl as she slept soundly, her tiny hands fisted in my shirt. “Me accepting

Ryker back into my life just opens up the possibility of Victoria being hurt.” “Yeah, but holding back from a chance at happiness could hurt her as well,” Elle said, and I knew she was right. But that didn’t take away the fear. Tori had already missed out on having a father. The idea of my little girl falling in love with Ryker only to have him leave her made a sick feeling settle deep in my stomach. “I’m gonna take her to bed,” I said and slid my arm under her tiny body. Careful not to wake her, I tucked my legs under myself and rose to my knees,

holding her securely against my chest. Elle and Liz remained quiet as I walked to Tori’s bedroom. After placing her in her bed, I lowered myself to the floor beside her and just watched her sleep. I smiled at the sight of her sweet little lips puckered out. When she was a baby, she would make these little sucking noises in the middle of the night that always made me laugh. I missed those days; she was growing up too fast. I placed a kiss against her forehead, pausing for just a moment to breathe in her baby-powder scent. “Good night,

sweet girl,” I whispered as I pushed her hair away from her face. “I love you.” I paused in her doorway once more and looked back and smiled as she curled onto her side and tucked her hand beneath her cheek. I stepped into the hallway and froze. The deep chuckle echoing down the hall made my stomach tighten. I needed to set Elle and Liz straight. They’d completely ignored me when I told them I wasn’t sure I could ever let Ryker in again. I took a few steps toward the living room and listened. “She’s gonna be pissed you two let

me in,” Ryker said, but I could tell he was wearing that cocky smile of his by the tone of his voice. “She’ll get over it,” Liz said, and I began thinking of ways I could pay her back for being such a traitor. “I’m not saying I forgive you for dropping her the way you did, but I know she still loves you. She just won’t admit it—not to you anyway.” “I didn’t drop her,” Ryker replied, this time with no humor in his voice. “I let her go because I didn’t want to hold her back. I should’ve held on, but damn, Liz, I fucked up. I don’t know how to fix

it, but I sure as hell ain’t gonna give up trying.” Silence filled the room, and I took it as my cue to enter. Three sets of eyes turned in my direction as I stood in the doorway with my arms crossed over my chest. Elle looked at Ryker, Ryker pointed toward Liz, and my best friend just grinned. She was so gonna get an earful later. “Are you three enjoying yourselves?” I asked as I snatched up the bottle of wine and my glass and sat in the chair farthest from the man who

made my heart race. “I am now,” he said in a husky whisper, and Elle covered her face with her hand as she shook with laughter. I couldn’t help the laughter that escaped me. “Wow, that was so cheesy,” I said, filling my glass to the brim. “So, Ryker, where’ve you been all this time?” Elle asked the question I didn’t have the nerve to. “Germany,” he replied as he leaned forward and picked up a bottle of beer I hadn’t noticed before. “I served two tours, one in Iraq, the other in

Afghanistan. Each one was close to a year. In between I just trained and got by.” The sadness in his voice pulled at something inside me. “I bet that’s a time you’ll never forget,” Elle said in a somber tone. “No,” Ryker said as he looked up and his gaze connected with mine. “I lost a lot during that time, and not just over there.” It didn’t take a genius to figure out he was including me in that loss. I stood, grabbing the empty bottle of wine from earlier. I suddenly needed some space. Once I entered the kitchen, I placed

my glass on the countertop and kept my back toward the living room. I felt the tears sneaking up on me, and it pissed me off that Ryker had brought back all those emotions. “Hey.” I squeezed my eyes shut tightly as I took in a calming breath. “Sorry I upset you,” Ryker said from close behind me. “That was never my intention. I just wanted you to know I regret letting you go more than anything.” He placed one arm on either side of me, caging me in as he pressed his front firmly against my back. “The only thing I’ll ever regret about becoming a Marine

is that I lost you in the process. I thought it would be easier for us to stay together, but you know yourself that things felt off when we talked.” I leaned back against him even though my mind was screaming to move away. “I wanted you to come with me, but I understood why you couldn’t. I didn’t want to put you through all the heartache, so I just let go.” “And I felt the heartache anyway. Right alongside the anger,” I whispered. “It wasn’t easy for me either, Nicole.” He pressed his lips against the back of my head and didn’t pull away. “Letting go of you was one of the hardest

things I ever did. I just want a chance to show you I’m sorry. A chance to prove I’ve never stopped loving you.” I turned in his arms and looked up at him. “I don’t know if I can let you back in. I want to, Ryker, I do, but I just don’t know if I can.” I placed my hand against the center of his chest, feeling his heart beat against my palm. “And I have Tori to think about. If you decided you couldn’t stay and broke her heart by leaving, I would never forgive myself.” “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here for good, even if you can’t forgive me. But it sure would make things a whole

lot better if you decided to let me back in.” He smiled as he dipped his head and placed a soft kiss against my lips. “I can wait, no matter how long it takes. Just being in the same room as you without you wanting to run in the opposite direction is good enough for now.” His mouth hovered over mine, as if he was debating whether he should kiss me again. I spent many nights dreaming of kissing those lips again, so I took the initiative and closed the distance between us. Ryker cupped my jaw as he willingly accepted my gentle kiss. My

body melted into his as I concentrated on the feeling of his lips against mine. “Oh shit, sorry.” I pulled back just in time to catch Liz backing out of the kitchen—with a sheepish grin on her face. I was convinced my best friend was the devil in disguise. Ryker leaned in farther and pressed his body against mine as he buried his face in my hair. His chest vibrated against me as he laughed. “That should give her something to talk about.” “Yeah,” I said with a smile. “Believe me, I’ll never hear the end of it.”

The moment Nicole kissed me, I felt

like the weight that had been pressing on my chest was lifted. I knew it would take time to heal from all the bad things that had happened between us, and I refused to allow myself to get my hopes up, but hell, it had to mean something. We made our way back to the living room, and I said my good-byes, because I could tell from the looks Elle and Liz were giving me that they were dying for details. And I knew Nicole needed time to process everything I said. Two days later, I was trying to come up with any excuse to see her. I still had a week before I started working at an

engineering company in Huntsville. Due to my degree I was able to land a pretty decent position with the help of my uncle. With the drive between Huntsville and my parents’ place being so long, I had no choice but to stay in Arab my cousin’s place during the week. Which only meant I’d be seeing Nicole during the week, and that wasn’t gonna be easy. “Where are you at?” I looked up from the TV as my father took a seat in the recliner next to me. “Sorry, just trying to work some things out in my head about my job and an apartment. Trying to decide what the

best route is.” I tapped the remote on my leg as I focused back on the screen. “Son, there’s no need to find an apartment right now. You can stay here as long as you need to.” My ole man had it all figured out. I smiled, knowing that if my mom had her way I would live here permanently. “I appreciate that, but an hour and a half drive to and from work each day doesn’t sound like much fun,” I told him. “Plus I was kinda hoping to find a place closer to Nicole.” I knew he was watching me, waiting or more, but I left it at that.

“I saw that one coming,” he said with humor. “How are things going with her?” “The last time we were together, we talked. She’s still gun-shy, but she at least gave me hope. Now I just don’t know.” The last thing I wanted to do was push her, but the not knowing was killing me. “Have you talked to her since?” he asked. I shook my head. “Well, then how in the hell is anything supposed to change?” His question had merit. “Do you want Nicole back?” he

asked. “I mean truly want to be with her and her baby? Because she’s a package deal now, son.” “More than anything,” I said without hesitation. “Then what are you doing hanging out here on my couch?” I turned to my dad, and he was staring ahead at the television, completely ignoring my questioning look. Without another moment wasted I stood from the couch and patted his shoulder as I passed. I walked through the kitchen, where I paused long enough to grab a muffin form the cooling rack.

My mother looked up from the sink and smiled. “Where you running off to?” “Thought I’d go visit Nicole,” I replied. “Well here.” She dried her hands and reached up into the cabinet to grab a Rubbermaid container, which she filled with muffins, cookies, and half a loaf of banana bread. “Take these to her and that sweet little girl of hers.” I nodded as I took the container from her. She had just given me an in. Whether or not it would work, at least I had something.

As I walked up the stairs to her apartment, a For Rent sign in the window of the apartment below it caught my attention. What would Nicole think of me living in her building? I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of the sign, which had a number to call on it, before I continued up the stairs. As I knocked, a little girl squealed with laughter on the other side. Nicole said something I couldn’t quite make out just before the door opened. She had on a pair of baggie pajama pants

and a tank top that hugged her body. Her feet were bare, and her hair was piled on top of her head. I could tell she was embarrassed by her appearance, but to me she had never looked more beautiful. “Hey,” I said as I continued to look her over from head to toe. “Hi.” She smoothed a hand through her hair. “Looking pretty hot, huh?” she said in that sarcastic tone of hers. “You look gorgeous,” I said as I held out the container. “These are from my mom.” She took it from me and lifted it enough to look through the transparent

side. “So you drove all this way to bring me—” she paused as she narrowed her eyes, “—cookies and muffins.” “And bread,” I added, and she laughed. “And bread,” she repeated as she lowered the Tupperware. “It’s not the reason I came, but I figured it could maybe help get me in the door.” When she smiled I knew the tension between us had finally begun to fade. “You’ll have to excuse the mess. Tori is having one of her wild days.” She opened the door wide enough to let

me enter. “I’ve been trying to clean, but it’s pointless.” I stepped inside and looked around the room. Dolls and fake dishes were everywhere. On the couch and floor, across the edge of the TV stand, even down the hall. But what to some would look like a mess only brought a smile to my face. In the center of the room stood Tori. Her light brown hair was piled on her head in almost an exact replica of her mother’s hairdo. She wore a pair of Disney princess pajamas that looked as if they were a size to big.

They were obviously enjoying a lounging day at home. Before I could say anything, Tori took my hand and pulled me farther in to the living room. “Sit,” she directed as she pointed toward the recliner. “Right here?” I asked, and she nodded. She then reached down to the floor, picked up a plate full of fake food, and placed it in my hands. “Eat,” she said. “Tori, Ryker doesn’t want—” “No, we’re good.” I picked up the fake cheeseburger and pretended to take a bite. “Did you make this?” Tori

nodded so fast she resembled a tin bobble head, beaming. “It’s the best burger I’ve ever had.” Tori looked over her shoulder toward her mom and showed her that gleaming smile. She was so proud. Nicole smiled at her in return. “Okay, Peanut, Mommy wants one of these special burgers,” Nicole told her as Tori sat down on the floor at my feet. And just like that I felt like I was part of their little family.

Ryker had spent the entire morning and

well into the afternoon with us, playing and laughing with Tori. It felt natural, like it should be that way all the time. Tori adored him, and I tried not to let that worry me. I did my best to remember what Liz had said: keeping her sheltered was only hurting her, and I couldn’t always protect her from the possibility of loss. I also had to learn to let go and forgive him for his desertion, because being bitter and angry would never solve anything. I took a deep breath and closed Tori’s bedroom door, making as little noise as possible. She had been so

wound up from playing helicopter with Ryker I didn’t know if she would ever lie down for her nap. When I turned around, he stood there with his shoulder leaning against the wall and his arms crossed over his chest. He looked completely comfortable and relaxed. “She finally fall asleep?” he asked as he pushed off the wall and took a few steps in my direction. “Yeah,” I whispered. Still after all this time Ryker made my heart beat faster with just one look. “Sorry I got her so worked up,” he said as he let his arms fall to his sides,

“but she loved that ride.” The look of pride on his face made me smile. Tori had been glued to Ryker from the moment he walked into our apartment. She watched him in awe, hugging on him, and even when she ate lunch, he had to sit right next to her. “She did,” I agreed. “But you do know, I’m going to be forced to play helicopter daily now. I’m just not sure I can hold her up as long as you did. And the spinning-in-circles thing . . .” I widened my eyes just thinking about the effects it would have on my stomach. “Nah, I can come back every night

after work and give her rides until she passes out.” He offered his time like nothing else sounded more important to him. “That is, if you don’t mind.” The way he was watching me made my stomach tighten. A mixture of nervous energy and lust battled inside me. “Ryker . . .” He didn’t give me time to argue. Instead he took that last step that separated us and used his body to press mine against the wall. His mouth was only inches from mine, and my heart raced with the overpowering urge to kiss him. I looked up at him to take my focus

off his lips. They were entirely too tempting. “Today was amazing,” he whispered, and I swallowed hard. “There’s no way to describe how spending the day playing with Tori and seeing your smile made me feel. I can’t think of one thing I would’ve rather been doing.” “It was a good day,” I replied, trying to control my breathing. “One of the best,” Ryker corrected. “And I’m not gonna pretend I don’t want days like this for the rest of my life.” His words made my stomach flutter with

excitement I wasn’t sure I was ready to feel. “I want to surround myself with you and Tori every day. I just want you to let me in.” “It’s gonna take a lot more than one good day to convince me that you and I deserve another shot,” I whispered as my throat burned from denying myself what I really wanted. “I just don’t—” He pressed his finger pressed against my lips. “Just tell me what you feel in here.” He placed his hand over my heart, and I shivered. “Tell me that you still love me.” I wanted to tell him that we were in

the past. I wanted to protect my heart from the possibility of him ever hurting me again, but I just couldn’t. “I’ve never stopped loving you.” He smiled, and just the sight of it made my knees weak. “Just let me in, baby. I swear I’ll never hurt you again. Let me be the man you and Tori need. Let me love you both.” My fight faded with each word he spoke. “If I trust you again . . .” I whispered, my voice vibrating with each word. “I’ll never give you the chance to regret it.” Ryker pressed his lips to

mine, and almost instantly my knees grew weak. The rapid beat of my heart made me feel light-headed, and the emotional connection I had always felt with Ryker came rushing back. Only now it felt as if it was multiplied by ten. “I love you so much I can’t think straight. You’re all I see,” he whispered against my lips. “You’re all I’ve ever seen.” He kissed me once more, and I knew I had no hope of holding back. I loved Ryker. I loved him even when I’d hated him for leaving me. He had always been and would forever be the one who held my heart. “I love you

too,” I whispered, and he smiled. “Just promise me that you won’t leave again.” “I’m not going anywhere without you and Tori,” he assured me. My knees grew weak as he trailed his tongue over my lower lip. I opened my mouth for him and sucked on the tip, and he moaned. Ryker had a talented mouth, and memories of those moments I was lucky enough to experience it came rushing back. A flood of lust ran through me, and I rose onto my tiptoes, needing to be closer to him. Ryker slipped the hand gripping my hip around my waist and cupped my ass.

He lifted my leg and hooked it over his hip, then pushed his erection against me, which had my mind flying off in a million different directions. “Tell me to stop,” Ryker said in a husky tone. “Because you know I’ve never been able to control myself around you.” “No,” I whispered as I thrust my hips forward in search of the relief I needed. “Are you sure about this?” he asked, and I nodded as I trailed kisses along his jaw. “Say the words, Nic. I need to hear ’em.”

I nipped at his jaw, and he moaned and he palmed my ass, his fingers seeking more. My thin pajama pants offered no resistance to his touch. “Tell me,” he said again. “I want you,” I replied. “I want this. Don’t stop.” He bent at the knees and hoisted me from the floor as I wrapped my legs around his waist, securing my body against his. The moment we reached my room, he laid me down on the bed and covered me with his body. “I’ve dreamed of this,” he said as he kissed along my

neck. “Feeling you beneath me, your touch. I’ve craved you every fucking day since I left, Nicole.” God, why the hell did he feel so good? Every touch set my body on fire. Every kiss made my mind race. “I want everything with you,” he whispered against my collarbone as he nipped and soothed the ache with a flick of his tongue. Ryker slipped his hand beneath my shirt and upward to cup my breast. My nipple hardened at his touch as he pulled down my bra and pinched it gently between his fingers. He rose onto his knees and leaned down to trail kisses

above my belly button and along the waistband of my pants. Instinctually I arched my back, pressing my body upward, begging for more. “Mm,” I moaned. “That feels so good.” “It’s about to feel a whole lot better,” he added as he released his hold on my breast, hooked his fingers in the sides of my pants, and began lowering them over my hips, along with my panties. I swear he growled as he placed his hands on my thighs and pushed my legs apart. His mouth descended on me before I had a chance to think about it.

The mixture of his tongue with his fingers quickly drove me toward my release as my body bucked against him. Flashes of light exploded in my vision as my body hummed from the most intense orgasm. Ryker began kissing upward over my stomach as he raised my shirt. “Still so fucking sweet,” he said before he flicked his tongue out to touch my moistened skin. He pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it to the floor. That knowing smirk pulled at his lips as he lowered his mouth to mine. I could taste myself on his lips. It

was so erotic. My head was spinning as my senses went on high alert. Every kiss and touch only enhanced the uncontrollable urge to demand he take me right then. Part of me thought it was a mistake to move this fast after everything we’d been through. But the other part of me knew how good we were together. I knew Ryker wasn’t using me because it wasn’t in his nature. Yes, he had hurt me, but I knew now that he’d thought he was protecting me by doing so. I began unbuckling his jeans as he hovered over me, looking down between

us to watch my movements. His eyes glazed over as his tongue rested against his lower lip. Pushing his jeans down past his hips, I bit down on my lower lip in anticipation of what was to come. His boxers outlined his heavy cock as I reached inside them and took him in my fisted hand. His breath picked up as I moved it over him, stroking his thickness. As moisture pooled at the tip, I grazed it with my fingertip, smearing the slickness. “You’re killing me, babe,” he said in a pained whisper. The idea of torturing him made me

feel seductive. So I continued to stroke him as my eyes met his. “You know exactly what you’re doing,” he said as he stared at me. “You were never this patient, baby. It was always me that had to slow you down.” He was right, but I loved the hungry look in his eyes. I loved knowing he wanted me so badly. “Condom,” he said, his voice deep and husky. I nodded as I released my hold on his cock, and he scurried off the bed in a humorous hurry. He pulled his wallet out of the pocket of his jeans, found what he

was looking for, and moved back to join me. As I yanked his shirt over his head, I saw the tattoo on his chest, and my own chest tightened. The knowledge that he carried my name and his love for me there for anyone to see warmed me so deeply. He paused next to the bed, and I watched in awe as he sheathed himself before crawling back onto the mattress and placing his body over mine. His mouth covered mine as his tongue dove between my lips and he moved his hips against me. His hardness sliding over my

sensitive clit made my eyes roll back and my body shiver beneath his. “This changes everything,” he said as he pulled back from our kiss and his eyes met mine. “I know it’ll take work, but I’m willing to do anything it takes to have you back in my life. I’ll spend every day showing you just how much I want you.” My eyes filled with tears as he pulled his hips back and the tip of his cock found my entrance. Within seconds he was sliding inside me, and all thoughts faded away as I relished in the pleasure he gave me.

I didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but I knew in that moment nothing else mattered.

I took deep breaths as I tried to calm

my erratic heartbeat. My forehead rested against Nicole’s as she soothingly trailed her fingertips over my shoulders and down my arms. My head was spinning and my chest felt tight, but I’d never felt more relaxed. Raising my forehead from hers, I opened my eyes and found her staring back at me. Without speaking I placed my lips to hers and tried to tell her everything I was feeling through my actions. If I thought I was in deep two days ago, that had nothing on what I was feeling now. “I love you,” I whispered before kissing her once again.

She was just about to respond when we heard “Momma?” echoing down the hall. We tensed and looked toward the door, our eyes wide. Within seconds we were scrambling around the room, gathering our clothes and doing our best to cover our bodies. With one leg in my pants, I was hoping around trying to put my other leg in when I stumbled and fell on the bed. Nicole snickered, and then we both looked toward the bedroom door, waiting for Tori to enter. Nicole was dressed fully as she gathered my Tshirt and tossed it toward me. “I’ll go entertain her. Hurry up.” That gorgeous

smile of hers made my stomach flip just like it always did when she smiled. She was so damn beautiful it was painful.

“Well, it didn’t take you long,” Ben said on the other end of the phone as I stood outside Lucy’s, leaning against my truck with a smile on my face. “Sounds like everything is working out.” This was the first time I’d gotten to talk to Ben since I left Germany. He still had eight months left in the Marines before he had to reenlist or choose a different path. Luke was younger than

Ben and I and had two years left. I missed the guys, but I definitely had no regrets for choosing to return to Alabama. “We’re working on it. We still got some things to hash out and she’s still skittish, but she has reason to be. But we’ve got time because I ain’t going nowhere.” I paused as two girls walked by smiling at me, flirting without the words. But they held no interest to me. “Nicole’s what I want, and I’m not giving up ’til I got her. And hell, Ben, you should see Tori. Her little girl is damn sweet. There’s no way in hell I

couldn’t love her as much as I do her momma.” “I’m happy for ya, Ryker. I know Luke and I gave you shit because it’s what we do, but I’m happy for you. Sometimes I think how great it would be to have a girl, a family. This life is lonely; you know that.” Ben and I were the same age, and he was usually hard to crack, but we’d talked about his ex who lived in Maine. At the time, he didn’t want another relationship because of how she had cheated on him, but now I could tell he longed to have that connection again.

“You need to come to Alabama on leave. You and Luke.” I knew it was a long shot, but it sure would be nice to see them. “Yeah, maybe we’ll do that,” Ben said with a chuckle. “You got any pretty ladies there that can help persuade us?” “As a matter a fact,” I said as I watched Liz approach, “I know one that needs a little taming.” She cocked an eyebrow at me as she stopped only a couple feet away. “Ain’t no man that can tame me, Ryker, you know that. I’m a free spirit.” She winked as she took my phone from my hand. Her

eyes glimmered with mischief while she listened to whatever Ben had intended to say to me. “Oh is that right?” she said. “I’m pretty interested in finding out how that plan of yours plays out. Name the date, darlin’, and I’ll be sure to wear something lacy and see-through.” She barked out a laugh at whatever Ben said in return, and they bantered for a few minutes before she handed my phone back to me. “I like that man. He isn’t scared of me.” She winked and walked inside, leaving me holding my phone and

wondering what in the hell just happened. Lifting it back to my ear, I could hear Ben laughing, and I knew I had just started something explosive. “She’s a handful,” I said. “She sounds like it. Makes me wanna hop on a plane to Alabama and find out if she’s being honest about the lacy-and-see-through shit.” “Oh she’s being honest. That girl is wild.” Liz was a fireball. There was never a dull moment when she was around. “I’ll set something up whenever I can get my leave. And I’ll check with

Luke too,” Ben said, sounding more excited than he had when I originally mentioned them visiting. “Sounds good, man, just let me know,” I said before ending the call. It was Friday night, and Lucy’s was starting to get busy. When I entered and found Nicole standing next to a table of three guys, I tried not to let it bother me. But what I really wanted to do was walk straight up to that table, grip her hips, and spin her around into a kiss. Without giving her a chance to argue, I wanted to claim her in front of everyone in the bar. In time, I told myself. The last thing

I wanted to do was piss her off when this was all still so new and fresh. “Feeling the need to piss on her leg?” I turned in surprise at the question. Elle stood at my side with a knowing smile on her face. She held her tray of drinks away from her body as she hipchecked me. “Who are those guys?” I asked, turning back to look toward the table once again. “Regulars,” she used as an explanation. A laugh fell from her lips when I narrowed my eyes, waiting for more. “Damn, don’t get all possessive.”

She shifted on her feet and looked back toward the table. “The guy in the white T-shirt is Jimmy. He tries his luck with Nicole on a regular basis but never gets anywhere. He’s a harmless flirt; seriously, he’s nothing to worry about. The hairy man in the flannel is Edgar, his brother. He likes to look, but the man rarely speaks more than two words at a time, his favorite two-word combination being Bud Light.” “What about the guy that can’t keep his hand off Nicole’s back?” It was taking all the restraint I had not to walk over to him and drop him on his ass for

thinking it was all right to touch her. “Keegan,” she said, as if that was enough of an explanation. “Elle, did you forget I’ve been gone for close to five years?” I asked without looking away from the sorry fuck. “‘Keegan’ doesn’t mean shit.” “You don’t remember Keegan from school?” she asked. I let my high school years roll through my mind, trying to remember everyone from those days. When I shook my head she sighed. “Keegan Murphy,” she replied, and the name set an alarm off in my mind.

“Tyler’s little brother,” I growled. Little punk turned out to be bigger than Tyler. But his size didn’t intimidate me. “Well it looks like Keegan needs a blast from the past. Both he and his brother need to understand the shit they pull ain’t fucking happening anymore.” I didn’t wait for her response; I had a point to prove. I may still be working to make things with Nicole more concrete, but letting some asshole fondle her wasn’t going to happen.

“You can’t judge me by my brother’s

screw-ups. He and I are not the same man.” Keegan was drunk, and I was trying my best to allow his words to roll right off me. But the asshole was even more persistent with a few drinks running through his veins. “Like I said, I’m not interested. I wasn’t last month, and I won’t be next week.” I moved out of his reach and sat Edgar’s beer down in front of him. He offered me a pleased smile as he lifted it and took a swig. “One night’s all I need,” Keegan added, which only made me roll my eyes. Jimmy caught the gesture and

snickered. “Let it go, Keegan, you’re only embarrassing yourself.” I turned and came face-to-face with Ryker. I jumped in surprise, and he encircled my waist with his arm. “Hey, baby,” he whispered just before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss against my lips. The gesture caught me completely off guard. Chills covered my arms and neck almost instantly. He pulled back entirely too quick, and I followed him with my lips, which made that cocky smirk appear again. The distance between us gave me time to

clear my head, and I looked back over my shoulder and found all three guys at the table watching us curiously. Before the end of the night, everyone in town would know Ryker had just staked a claim, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Yes, we had slept together, and yeah, maybe I shouldn’t have let things go that far, but it was too late to go back. But before we made things official and threw it in everybody’s face, I’d hoped we could take some time to figure things out ourselves. I really wasn’t sure what we were myself. That and I was still angry about how he left me. It would

take a whole lot more than one amazing round of sex to make that anger dissipate. “Well son of a bitch, if it ain’t Ryker Daniels.” I closed my eyes tightly at the sound of Keegan’s voice from behind me. “Tyler’s gonna love this shit.” The mention of Tyler immediately had me on the offense. “He doesn’t have a say-so when it comes to me and my life.” I faced Keegan as he stood, pulling his phone out of his back pocket. “No, but he does have a say-so on who his daughter spends time with.”

I stepped closer. “He lost that chance when he chose drinking and women over her. He doesn’t give a shit about her, and you know it.” “We’ll see” was all he said before he tipped his beer up and finished it. I watched in silence as he turned around and walked from the bar with his phone in his hand. When Ryker placed his hand on my shoulder, I tensed and spun around to face him. “What the hell were you thinking?” He arched an eyebrow, and that damn cocky smile pulled at the corner of

his lips. “I was thinking I was happy as a pig in mud when I saw you over here.” I didn’t return his smile. Instead, I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for him to stop being a smartass. “Fine,” he said. “When I saw Keegan messing with ya, it pissed me off.” “So you decided to stalk over here and add fuel to the fire?” I asked. “No, I decided I watched him flirt long enough.” Ryker had always been such a possessive man. He didn’t seem to understand the shit he’d just started.

Once Keegan found Tyler and fired him up, it would only make my life harder. I didn’t want to hide what Ryker and I were, but breaking the news to Tyler in a different manner would have maybe made things a little easier for him take. Standing there in the center of the bar, I decided arguing wouldn’t get me anywhere. And an audience wasn’t going to help matters any, either.

I had busied myself for the last two hours, avoiding Ryker’s stares and the tension building between us. I knew we

had to talk, but this wasn’t the place or time. “He looks like he lost his best friend.” I didn’t even look at Elle when she spoke. She obviously knew what had happened; I think everyone in the bar was talking about it. Arab was a small place where everyone knew everything about one another’s lives. They fed on gossip, and Ryker and I just gave them a new topic for a while. “In his defense, he held out as long as he could,” Elle added. I was busy making drinks for a couple girls, who, I might add, kept

eyeing Ryker. But each time I looked up, I only found him watching me. When I placed the drinks in front of them, I set the glasses down just a little harder than I intended, and they jumped in surprise. Had they been paying attention instead of drooling over the man that had the ability to irritate me and work me up all at the same time, they wouldn’t have been so jumpy. “That’ll be six fifty,” I said without smiling. The blonde pulled out a twenty from her bra. Yeah, it took everything I had not to roll my eyes. “Can you send

another bottle to the guy on the end?” she said as her gaze floated back toward Ryker. “Tell him it’s from us.” She giggled. Yep, actually fucking giggled. I took the twenty from her hand and added the cost of a Coors to her bill, then gave her the change. Holding back a few choice words I would have loved to sling her way, I pulled out a beer and popped the top. Ryker watched me approach the other end of the bar and just stared at the bottle when I held it out. “From the girls at the end,” I said in response to his questioning stare. “I

think they’re both willing to allow you to thank them for their gesture of kindness.” He took the beer from me as he looked past me to the girls. He offered a tilt of his head and that damn pantymelting smile of his. “I bet neither of them would mind if I kissed them in front of a group of people,” he said without looking back at me. He was trying to get under my skin, but I refused to let it work. “I don’t think there’s much they wouldn’t let you do to them in front of an audience. Maybe you should go talk to them and find out.” “Nic,” he said as I walked away

without looking back. About an hour before closing, I went to the back to get a few bottles of liquor we were running low on. As I climbed up the stepladder to grab the tequila from the top shelf, I was startled by the sound of the door shutting behind me. I whipped around so fast I almost lost my balance and grabbed on to the shelf to steady myself. Ryker grabbed my waist and held me securely. “Damn, baby, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” Taking in a deep breath, I grabbed the bottle and began to lower myself

down the ladder, with Ryker still unnecessarily holding on to me. “I’m fine,” I assured him. “Okay.” He released me and stepped back. “Do you plan on ignoring me forever? Or is this only gonna last until the place closes, and then you’re gonna unleash that Nikki fury on me?” He bit his lip to fight his smile, but failed to. “I was planning on ignoring you tonight, tomorrow, and maybe even the next day. You just had to use those girls to dig at me,” I said as I pushed past him and walked toward the door. I’d only made it a few feet when he

wrapped his arms around me from behind, halting me immediately. “You know I hate when you’re mad at me.” “You didn’t care during the five years you were gone.” I didn’t try to fight against his hold, only gripped the tequila bottle tighter. “You couldn’t be more wrong.” His mouth was only inches from my ear. A shiver threatened me, but I did my best to hide it. “The guys I toured with got sick of my bitching and whining about you. There was nothing easy about letting you go.” He turned me in his arms so he could

look me in the eyes. “If I had it to do over,” he began with a look of determination on his face, “I would have convinced you to go with me. I would have asked you to marry me, and damn it, Tori would be my daughter.” Tears filled my eyes because the idea of him being my little girl’s daddy was a dream I’d had ever since she was born. “But I messed up. I thought I was doing the right thing, and I couldn’t have been more wrong. I can’t change the past, but I can damn sure change the future.” He grazed my jaw with his

thumb. “I want you and Tori in my life, every day. I’m sorry if that bothers you, but I can’t hide my feelings for you. I won’t.” “I don’t want to—” He pressed his lips against mine in a consuming kiss, and I sagged against the door behind me as he stepped even closer. When he pulled back I was breathless. “I don’t give a shit about Tyler or Keegan, and I couldn’t care less who knows how much I love you and need you. Fuck, Nic, I don’t care if every

asshole in town thinks I’m a pussy, you own my heart, sweet girl. You always have. I was just too damn stupid to hold on to something great when I had it.” He brushed away a tear that escaped from my eye. “But I want it back.” He paused as he slouched enough to bring his six-foot-two frame more to my level. “I want you and Tori, and if I’m given that gift, I swear to you I will never let you go again.”

It had been three days since I laid my

heart on the line. Three days since I felt more vulnerable than I ever had in my life. Three days since I waited with a knot in my gut for Nicole to accept my love or choose to break me. The not knowing could fucking bring a man to his knees. For a guy that had fought to protect his country, you would have thought confessing his love for a woman would have been simple, only it was anything but easy. But when she looked up at me and said those four words, I swore the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders.

“Please don’t hurt us.” I vowed in that moment I would always protect her heart and Tori’s. Whatever it took, no matter who I had to fight along the way, they would feel loved and treasured.

After working an eight-and-a-half-hour shift, I walked to my truck, wanting nothing more than a shower and a pillow. After climbing into the cab of my truck, I opened the glove box and got out my phone, smiling at the text message that waited for me.

Nicole: Tori’s making spaghetti for you. That sweet little angel looked at me like I hung the moon, and she made my heart ache with the kind of love that could make a grown man melt. Me: Do anything?

I

need

to

bring

I started my truck while holding my phone, waiting for her response as I sat in the parking lot while dusk set in. Nicole: Not unless you want something special to drink, I

don’t have any beer. Alcohol was the last thing on my mind. My earlier intention of going to bed early quickly faded. I was now alert and ready for a night with Tori and Nicole. I hoped one day I would be able to go home to them every night. But I had to pace myself and remember she was still hesitant after what I’d put her through. We were slowly working through this, and I’d wait as long as she needed. After a drive that felt like it took hours, I pulled up in front of her

apartment building and grabbed my bag from the passenger seat. I had been staying at my uncle’s place because the drive back to my parents’ was just too long, but tonight it looked like I would be staying here. Walking up the steps, I could smell the aroma of garlic, and my mouth began to water. I had lived on fast food the last few days. My uncle was the ultimate bachelor and never cooked, so I’d grown accustomed to swinging through the drive-thru for something quick on the way to his place. Just as I was about to knock on the

door, I heard a car door slam behind me. I looked back over my shoulder to find Tyler walking toward me with a pissedoff look on his face as he glared at me. I knew that look. Tyler and I had never been friends, more like competitors. Throughout high school we were always trying to outdo one another in everything. And when I got Nicole, it was just another jab to his ego. It wasn’t even about him being in love with her too. He was angrier that I’d got something great because he didn’t like to see me happy. “Why the hell did you even come

back?” he asked as I walked back down the steps toward him. If I could avoid involving Nicole in this mess, I would. She didn’t need this, and it was exactly what she was worried about. “I think we both already know the answer to that question,” I said as I reached the bottom of the steps and came face-to-face with him. “But for the hell of it, I’ll answer you.” I looked back over my shoulder at the front door of Nicole’s apartment to be sure she hadn’t overheard us. When I turned back to Tyler, his jaw was ticking in irritation. He was actually trying to intimidate me,

but all I wanted to do was fucking laugh in his face. “I came back for my girl,” I stated. He laughed and shook his head. “Your girl?” He squared his shoulders and stepped in closer. “She stopped being your girl the minute she crawled in my bed.” He was going in for the kill, that was for sure. “The only name she screamed that night was mine. If she was your girl, then why’d she fuck me?” I fisted my hands, wanting nothing more than to beat his fucking face in.

“You have about two seconds to back the fuck up before I move you myself.” “What’s wrong, Ryker, don’t like the visual?” he taunted. “It was my kid she carried for months,” he pushed even more. “They’ll never be yours.” “You really are a piece of shit, Tyler. You always have been, and that’ll never change.” I stepped closer, and he took a step back. “Nicole has always been mine. One night and one huge mistake on her part will never change that. And being a father takes a hell of a lot more than knocking some innocent girl up. You ain’t no father.” His face darkened with

anger. “That little girl deserves a hell of a lot more than you’ve ever given her. She’s not some tool you can use to get closer to Nicole. She’s innocent in this entire mess, and you’re a heartless son of a bitch if you don’t realize that.” “Ryker?” Nicole’s asked from behind me. “What’s going on?” I didn’t turn around to face her. “Tyler was just leaving,” I said as I stared at his sorry ass. “Isn’t that right.” His nostrils flared as he looked between Nicole and myself. “You and I need to talk,” he said when his gaze locked on her.

“Whatever you gotta say to her, you can say right now.” If he thought I would allow him within a few feet of her without me there too, he was dumber than I thought. Nicole didn’t argue. She remained silent as we waited for Tyler to speak. Our united front only pissed him off more. After glaring at me for a few more moments, he turned and stormed off toward his truck. His tires squealed as he drove off.

I

watched as Ryker lay on the couch

and Tori stood at his side. She pointed to the tattoo on his arm. “What is this?” she asked. “That’s to help me remember someone I lost, a friend,” Ryker told her as he touched it. “I lost a toy once, but Mommy found it under my bed,” Tori told him, and it made me smile. “What’s that say?” she asked as she pointed to the verse on his chest. My own chest tightened as I remembered what it said. I had never realized a few words could mean so much, and seeing them tattooed on his chest had been my

breaking point. “It’s about your momma,” Ryker said. “It explains just how much I love her.” He looked up from Tori’s face to meet my gaze and winked. And as if that wasn’t enough to make me weak in the knees, what happened next nearly made me crumble to the floor. My little girl crawled onto Ryker’s chest and curled up, wrapping her arms around his neck. He held her close and buried his nose in her hair. In that moment, the last little shred of doubt lingering in my mind faded. I moved across the living room and

knelt at his side as he watched me in silence. Tori snuggled into him a little closer, and her eyes sagged as she fought off her exhaustion. Ryker removed a hand from her back and wrapped it around my waist, his fingers gently curling into my side. I laid my head on his chest next to Tori and kissed the area just over the tattoo. “I love you, Ryker,” I whispered, and he kissed my forehead. “My heart has always belonged to you.” No matter the distance between us or the mistakes we made, I had always been his. And I knew that was the way it always would

be.

“C’mere,” Ryker said as he motioned for me to join him in the center of my living room. Tori had been in bed for close to an hour after she passed out on Ryker’s chest. He’d carried her to bed, tucked her in securely, and even placed a gentle kiss to her forehead. I watched in awe through it all as I fell just a little harder. I walked toward him as he held his hand out to me, and once I was close enough, he laced our fingers together. He

raised our joined hands and kissed mine, then curled his other hand around my waist. The way he was looking at me made my heart race unbelievably fast. “I haven’t been this happy in so long,” he said as he began to sway with me in his arms. I looked up at him, and he dropped his head to bring our mouths closer. “I want more nights like tonight. With you and Tori,” he whispered, his gaze still locked on mine. “She adores you.” I smiled, thinking about how much Tori had warmed up to him without hesitation.

“I adore her too,” he confessed. “She amazing, just like her momma.” I ran my hands through his hair and laced them together behind his neck, then pulled his mouth toward mine. I began to tremble as he slipped his tongue between my lips and took over the kiss. “You can always make me lose my mind,” he said. “You consume me with just a kiss.” He slid the hand gripping my waist to my ass and pulled my body tighter against his. Heat filled my stomach as his erection pressed against it while he deepened the kiss and began backing me

up. “What are you doing?” I asked breathlessly. “Taking my girl to the couch for a little make-out session.” He smiled against my lips. “It’s been a hell of a long time since we did that.” “What are we, sixteen?” I asked as I allowed him to guide me backward. “We are definitely not sixteen anymore,” he said as he lowered me to the couch and covered my body with his. “These curves,” he moaned. “They’re much more defined than they were all those years ago.”

“After a baby, things never are the same,” I said, looking up at him as his eyes scanned over me appreciatively. “All these sweet curves drive me fucking wild,” he confessed as he ground his hardness against me. “They got me thinking all kinds of dirty thoughts.” I parted my legs and allowed him to slip between them before wrapping them around his waist. “Sometimes I think this can’t be real,” I said as he kissed along my neck. “What can’t be real?” he asked. “You, us,” I replied. “I used to think about it all the time. You coming back

and making everything better.” I swallowed hard. “And then I just finally gave up believing it was a possibility.” “Nic,” Ryker said, sounding distressed. “I had to, because wanting you was just too hard,” I confessed as my chest tightened and tears threatened to spill over. “I’m here, baby, and I promise you, I’m never leaving you again. I love you so much,” he said as he traced my lip with his thumb. “You’ll never know what it feels like to go without me again.”

There was a long silence between us as we both stared at one another. “Stay the night,” I whispered. “Are you sure that’s okay?” he asked, and I nodded and arched my neck upward to kiss him once more.

Waking

up to a gorgeous woman

straddling my waist as she guided my cock inside her warmth was the most mind-blowing sight. Fuck, I could get used to mornings like this. Nicole’s slick warmth slid over me as she bit her lower lip and rocked her hips before pulling back, only to repeat the action again and again. “Damn, you know how to make a guy love six a.m.,” I said as I gripped her hips and lifted my own to push in deeper. She gasped and threw her head back. “You like that?” I pulled back and thrust upward again before she could

answer and almost lost myself when she clamped down on my cock and her pussy pulsed. “Yeah,” I groaned. “You love that.” “Ryker,” she called out as she rotated her hips and lost herself in pleasure. I released my hold on her and let her take control as she began to fuck me. A wildness took her over and fuck if it wasn’t the sexiest damn thing. Not coming was torture, but I didn’t want this to end. “God damn, Nicole,” I growled. “You feel so fucking good,” I said as she

worked me over and over. “I’m so close,” she said as she began bucking her hips and squeezing my cock. “Oh my God,” she moaned a little too loud, but I was too lost to care. “There you go, baby,” I coaxed as she came. “Fuck, that is so sexy.” I flipped her onto her back and drove into her hard and fast, chasing toward my own release.

I woke up to Nicole sprawled out over my chest, her arm curled around my waist. She fit against me perfectly, as if

her body had been molded to mine. It’d been so long since I’d felt this content. Holding her made me want so much all at once. Fuck, I wanted nights like last night all the time. Tori and Nicole were both smiling and laughing, and laughter filled the apartment as I held Tori above my head, pretending she was a plane flying through the air. Her sweet giggles as we played were something I could live with forever. But the moment Victoria curled up on my chest and fell asleep, I felt like someone had my heart in their hands and was squeezing it tight. In that moment I

knew I had fallen in love with that sweet little angel. These two girls had me wrapped around their fingers; I was a fucking goner. I lay perfectly still listening to Nicole’s gentle snores. Completely distracted, I hadn’t noticed Tori enter until she climbed up over my legs. “Hey, Squirt,” I said, suddenly a little nervous about how she would take me being in bed with her mom. “Hi,” she replied as she sat down on my stomach and held her bear close to her chest. My being there didn’t even

seem to faze her. She leaned in and whispered, “I had an accident.” A million things ran through my mind as I began to panic. What did she mean by an accident? She looked like she was okay. But nothing prepared me for what happened next. “I peed the bed,” she confessed. Suddenly the warmth I felt on my chest became a little clearer as I realized just what was seeping through the sheet that separated us. I had no idea how to respond to this. Having a little person around was completely new to

me. Nicole’s laughter filled the room, and I felt foolish for my near panic attack. “Welcome to the life with a threeyear-old,” Nicole said as she sat up in bed. “She doesn’t do it often, but now you’ve been peed on, just wait until she pukes on you. You’ll be wishing it was pee instead.” Nicole walked around the bed wearing only a tank top and a pair of those panties that look like tiny shorts. She lifted Victoria off me and placed the girl on her side like having pee on her

hip was nothing. All I could do was chuckle. It would appear I had a lot to learn about kids. After Nicole cleaned up Tori and herself, I was finally able to shower. As I stepped out of the bathroom, I could smell fresh coffee and the delicious scent of pancakes. I followed the aroma, and when I rounded the corner to the kitchen, I stopped midstride and took in the sight before me. Tori was standing on a kitchen chair at Nicole’s side with Nicole’s arm wrapped securely around her. With her opposite hand Nicole held on to Tori’s

as it gripped the spatula they were using to flip the pancakes. Tori giggled in excitement as they lifted the last pancake from the skillet and placed it on the plate next to them on the counter. When I returned to Alabama, I knew Victoria was a part of Nicole, which in turn meant she would be part of my life as well. I had no reservations about accepting that. But never in my wildest dreams did I know I would love her so much. Nicole had always been my one true love. But now another girl held my heart too.

Nicole looked back over her shoulder and smiled at me. “You hungry?” “Yeah,” I replied as I stepped up behind them and leaned over kiss the top of Victoria’s head. I couldn’t help but notice Nicole was watching my reaction to Tori closely. I tickled her side, and she giggled. “Did you make breakfast, Princess?” I asked her as I tugged on her braid lightly. She nodded and beamed over her shoulder at me in pride. “Well, it sure does smell good,” I added before I leaned to the side and

gave Nicole a kiss as well. I took a chance and traced her lower lip with the tip of my tongue, and she opened her lips and sucked on the tip. The response sent a streak of desire through me, and I wished for just a moment that we were back in her bedroom, tucked beneath her sheets together. “Ew,” a little voice interrupted my dirty thoughts, and Nicole smiled against my lips. When I pulled back and looked at Nicole, I could tell she was feeling hungry for me too. After all those years without her, it was hard not to touch her and want to be near her every chance I

got. “Sorry about that, little lady,” I said as I looked back to Tori, who was watching us closely. “But I just love your momma.” She smiled and looked between Nicole and me a few times before settling back on me. “Do you love me too?” I stared at Tori with a knot lodged in my throat. I took the spatula from her and placed it in the sink to her left, then lifted her from her mother’s arms and held her close, making sure she was looking directly at me when I spoke.

“Yes, Victoria,” I began. “I love you too. But how could I not? I had no hope when I met you, because you, little lady, are easy to love.” Her little features lit up as she smiled wide and wrapped her arms around my neck, squeezing tight. I looked over at Nicole and found her eyes filled with unshed tears as she watched the exchange between me and Tori. Without hesitation I hooked my arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close, and we all shared a hug. These two girls had stolen my heart, and there was no way I ever wanted it

back.

I sat at the kitchen table folding socks

as Ryker and my dad talked about the game on television. Their voices carried from the living room, and every so often I heard Tori giggle and knew that between my dad and Ryker, she was more than entertained. When Ryker told Tori he loved her, my heart ached with such joy I could barely breathe. My little girl was blessed with not only my daddy who adored her but now Ryker too. She had those two men wrapped around her little finger, and that thought made all the shit from Tyler seem minor. If he couldn’t love the special little girl we created,

the two men in the next room showered her with enough love to make up for him abandoning her. My phone rang in my purse only a few feet away, and I reached out to answer it before it went to voice mail. The words unknown number flashed across the screen, so I hit Answer quickly. “Hello?” “Hey, Nic.” I cringed at the sound of Tyler’s voice. “Where’s my daughter?” “Why do you care?” I asked as I pinned the phone between my shoulder and my ear and went back to folding socks. Tyler always made these random

phone calls in order to attempt to get beneath my skin, and I knew this was just another pointless game. He played them often and since Ryker was now back in town, they’d become more frequent. “Because I wanna see her. I got something for her,” he slurred, and I rolled my eyes. It would have been a damn miracle if he was able to stay sober for one day. Hell, he was the one who got me drunk that night we were together anyway. I was too young to buy alcohol, and he willingly offered. Now I know it was a just a ploy to get me

inebriated, which led to me letting my guard down. “You’ve been drinking,” I replied with annoyance. “Just a few beers with my brother earlier,” he explained. “Tyler, it’s only two in the afternoon. What did y’all do, shots for breakfast?” I had stopped folding laundry and closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. His shit was so exhausting. “I wanna see her,” he said, straining to keep his voice as steady as possible. “And I wanna see you. I think we should work things out for our daughter.”

I didn’t mean to laugh, but honestly I felt like this had to be some kind of joke. “Work what out?” I asked. “Tyler, there is nothing to work on. We were never a couple, and we never will be. If you want to know Tori, then that’s a different story, but you and I will never be more than just two people who share a child.” “This has to do with him, don’t it?” he asked, anger lacing his tone. “Are you kidding me right now?” I hung my head in frustration. I knew his so-called attempt to be there for Tori had everything to do with Ryker and nothing to do with love for his daughter. “When

you sober up and decide you want a relationship with Tori, then call me. Other than that, just stay the hell away.” I ended the call and tossed the phone back in my purse. Almost instantly it began ringing again, and I chose to ignore it. “Everything okay?” my dad asked from behind me, making me jump in surprise. “Just Tyler and his weekly attempt.” The closeness I had with my dad made him feel as if he was my best friend. He was always there for me, through the good and the bad.

“That kid is a mess, sweetheart,” he said as he squeezed my shoulder. “Don’t I know it.” I looked back at him, rolling my eyes in irritation. Tyler was a subject we discussed often. “Things appear to be going well between you and Ryker,” he said as he took a set at my side. I couldn’t help but smile. “And there’s my confirmation,” he said with a chuckle. “It’s good to see you smiling.” “Feels good,” I confessed.

“You gonna tell me about it?” Ryker asked as we drove back to my place after dinner at my dad’s. I looked over at him with a confused expression, and he kept his eyes forward as he drove down Montgomery Lane. “Tell you about what?” I asked, and that triggered a look. “About your phone call from Tyler earlier.” He wasn’t smiling. Ryker’s face had always ticked when he was irritated or angry, and that hadn’t changed in five years. His jaw was set, his nostrils were flared, and his eyebrows were scrunched. He almost

looked like a scorned child. “It was nothing,” I said, attempting to brush it off, but it only backfired. “Nothing,” Ryker repeated as he turned into the parking lot of my apartment building. “Well it sounded like a helluva lot more than just nothing.” “He just—” Ryker placed his truck in park a little rougher than I’d expected and turned to face me. I was suddenly happy Tori had fallen asleep in the backseat on the way home. “What happened between you two,

besides the obvious?” he asked as he looked back at Victoria. “I mean, I don’t need the details about how he slept with my girl but—” His girl? “We weren’t together.” “No, but you were still mine, and that fucker knew it.” Since Ryker had returned, he’d been so sweet and kind. Now he was being possessive and protective, like the Ryker I remembered. “He always used to make comments about you when we were together. He was just waiting for the chance to get to you, and he took it,” he said as his eyes

met mine. “What I wanna know is, was it more than just that one time?” “No,” I replied, still wondering how the hell we had gone from relaxed and peaceful to on edge. “I was upset and drinking one night, and things just happened. But it was never more than that, before or after that night.” “So what was the call about?” I was half tempted to tell him to stop being an ass, but I figured in his current state that may have the opposite effect I was hoping for. “He wanted to see Tori and he said he and I should work things out. As if there was anything to work

out.” Ryker kept looking at me. “He was drinking, like he always does. There wasn’t much more than that.” He stared at me in silence, making me feel slightly uncomfortable. “What?” I asked when I’d finally had enough. “I think I’m gonna head back to Huntsville,” he replied, and my heart sank. “Gotta work in the morning, and it would be easier if I was at my uncle’s.” “Why are you being an ass over some damn phone call?” Forget trying to keep the peace. Ryker had just killed that thought. “He called. So what? He said a

bunch of shit he won’t remember when he sobers up, and you’re being a dick about it.” I grabbed my purse and climbed out, then opened the extended cab door to get Tori. “Let me help you,” he said as he started to get out. “Don’t bother, I got it,” I said, ignoring the look he was giving me. I had no idea what the hell was going on, and I just wanted to get inside and close the door on this bullshit. He stood at the side of his truck and watched as I walked up the stairs to my

apartment. “Nicole,” he hollered up, but I just kept walking. He already had the chance to talk about whatever was bothering him. But instead he pulled this caveman, she my woman bullshit.

Okay, I didn’t handle that very well

with Nicole. Actually, it backfired in my face. I sometimes forget she isn’t the same timid girl she was all those years ago. So acting like some dominant dick was probably not the best way to handle things. But nothing pissed me off more than knowing that sack of shit had his hands on her. It made me nauseous just thinking about it. And now he wanted to start coming around playing the I wanna see my little girl card. He didn’t give a shit about Tori. The fucker was just trying to get under my skin by coming after her and Nicole.

The thought of Tyler hurting either of them made me want to beat his ass. The smug bastard thought he could play these fucking head games, and there was no way I was going to sit back and allow it. So that was what I was doing now. Driving around town searching out that piece of shit. If Nic knew I was out looking for him, she would probably be even angrier than she already was. But he and I had to have a long-overdue talk. The problems between us stemmed from long ago, before Nic and even before we were on the football team. He had hated me from the first time we met, and things

only escalated from there. He wanted to be the big shot, the guy everyone loved and wanted to be like. But when he found he had me as competition, fuck, the guy couldn’t let shit go. He was always looking for ways to get beneath my skin, and I knew he was using Nicole to do just that. It was about me, not her. She was his way of getting in one last jab. I was just about to give up and go back to Nicole’s place to beg for forgiveness when I was lucky enough to see him pulling into the parking lot of Morgan’s Pool Hall as I was pulling out

of it. The front of his truck almost took off the front of my pickup. I threw my truck in reverse and circled back, then parked in front of him. Stupid fucker was so lit he almost fell out of his truck as he climbed down. An empty beer can fell out, and he kicked it, sending it under the car beside his. He was pitiful, and there was no way in hell I was going to let him get anywhere near that sweet little girl again. I didn’t give two shits that he was her father. She wouldn’t get hurt in any way by this tool. “Well,” Tyler chuckled as he braced himself against the car next to his. “If it

ain’t the man who thinks he can stroll back into town and take what’s now mine.” I chose to ignore his dig and moved on to what I’d come here to say. “You and I have some things to talk about,” I stated as I squared my shoulders and crossed my arms over my chest. “Yeah,” he replied as he also squared his shoulders and attempted to puff out his chest. “Like how you think you have rights to my daughter and Nicole. She gave up on you long ago, after you left her. But I comforted her, so no need to worry.”

He smiled, and it took all I had not to knock that grin right off his face. Normally I wouldn’t take the bait, but I was out of patience with this sack of shit. “If she gave up on me, then why am I the one in her bed at night?” His cockiness faded and turned to anger. I just needed one sign of aggression before I laid his ass out. Somewhere in his warped mind, I figured he really thought Nicole had feelings for him. It was pathetic actually. “Maybe for now,” he said as he rested back against the car. “Enjoy it

while it lasts, man, because it will end. You’ll fuck it up.” “I want you to leave her alone,” I said as I fisted my hands at my sides. “If you want to be a part of Tori’s life, then clean yourself up. She deserves more than that. She amazing, and you’re missing out on that.” He stared back at me with hate burning in his eyes. A long silence stretched out between us as I waited for him to prove me wrong. Give me a sign he cared even a bit about his daughter. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. Every girl should have her father

in her life. A relationship between a girl and her dad was so important. It gave her the image of what a man should be, how a man should cherish and protect his loved ones. I wished for just moment that Tyler would realize just how important his role was in Tori’s world. “The only reason I slept with her was because I knew when that news got back to you, it would kill you.” His words made my stomach tighten in rage. “Then she had to fucking end up pregnant. I didn’t want no damn kid. I just wanted to nail your girl. I wanted to show you that for once you didn’t

fucking win.” It was as if my body reacted before my mind could catch up. I had him pinned to the side of the car right before my fist connected with his jaw. I unleashed years of hate as I hit him again and again as his words raced through my mind. To him, Nicole was just a way of getting revenge on me. Someone pulled me off him as I watched his body sink to the ground. He sat hunched over against the car while two men pulled me away. The sounds of sirens in the distance brought me back to the present, and I

looked down at my fists. My knuckles were split and covered in blood, a mixture of my own and Tyler’s. Did I regret beating his face in? Fuck no I didn’t. The bastard deserved it, and if I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate.

“Looks like there’s someone here to free you,” Bert announced as he unlocked the iron gate that separated us. I had been sitting in a cell for the last three hours, running over everything that had taken place tonight, with not only Tyler but

Nicole too. When I arrived here, I called my father and knew he would be less than amused that I’d landed myself in jail. Even my friendship with Bert couldn’t keep me out of this mess. “Is he pissed?” I asked as I lifted my aching body off the concrete bench along the back wall. My anger from earlier had faded into a dull ache. “Well, he didn’t look enthused,” Bert said as I stepped out of the cell and he closed the door behind me. “But between you and I, I’d have loved to witness Tyler getting his ass handed to

him. Little cocky son of a bitch had it coming. He’s never done right by those two girls, and pathetic assholes like him need a reality check.” I cocked an eyebrow at Bert, and he chuckled. “But if asked, I’ll deny I ever said any of this.” Bert was a good man. He was a hard-ass when he had to be, but he had a soft side too. He was one of those guys that would never turn away someone he felt he could help. When I walked into the front of the station, my father came into view. I guess being called at two in the morning

to pick up your twenty-five-year-old son from jail would have irritated even the kindest of men. I wish I could say I was disappointed in myself, but I wasn’t. Pounding Tyler’s face in for the hell he’d caused in Nicole’s life felt damn good. “You owe me bail money,” my dad grumbled as I approached him. “And your momma is climbing the walls at the house, worried about you. You owe us both a steak dinner for this shit.” When he turned to hide his smile, all the tension faded. My dad was as hotheaded as I was, so I knew he could understand where I was coming from.

My truck had been impounded, so I’d have to wait until tomorrow to pick it up. After impound fees and the tow charge, it would cost me close to five hundred to get my truck back. A night that would add up to close to seven hundred and fifty dollars would put a dent in my wallet for sure, but still I felt no regret for my actions. I was sure that would all change once Nicole found out the details of my night, though. But for now I would bask in the glory of whipping that tool’s ass.

I woke up to the ringing of my cell and

didn’t have to look at it to know who was calling. The sweet melody I had set for Ryker days ago filled the silence of my bedroom. But after the way he’d acted toward me last night, I was in no hurry to hear what he had to say. When the ringing stopped, I curled over onto my side and closed my eyes once again. The silence didn’t last long as the same ring began again. Growing irritated with his persistence, I reached out for the phone and slid my finger over the screen, then lifted it to my ear. “What?” I answered in my I really don’t give a shit tone.

“I know you’re mad. You have every right to be. I was an ass,” Ryker said in a rush. As if he was afraid to pause for fear of me hanging up before he could finish. “Yeah, you were,” I replied. There was no need to argue. Whatever ego bullshit he was suffering from, he had taken it overboard, and I wasn’t in the mood to make things easy for him. I had spent the night wondering what I could have said or done to make last night end differently. But the truth was, I hadn’t done a damn thing wrong. “I’m sorry,” he said in more of a

whisper. “Why aren’t you at work?” I asked, looking at the clock on my nightstand. It was a little after eight. “I am,” he replied. “But I needed to call you. I couldn’t wait until tonight.” A moment of silence passed before he spoke again. “I need to tell you something before you hear it from someone else.” My stomach tensed as I waited for him to continue. My mind went a little crazy with ideas of what he would say. “I got arrested last night.” And I sat up in bed quickly. “Excuse

me?” “You heard me right,” he said with a chuckle. “I sort of got into it with Tyler at the pool hall and got thrown in jail.” “You said you were going to your uncle’s.” I crawled out of bed and stood beside it, crossing my arms over my chest, no longer feeling exhausted. “How did you end up at the pool hall, and furthermore, how did you and Tyler get into a fight?” “I, um . . .” “You had no intention of going to your uncle’s when you left here, did you? You went looking for him.” I

already knew the answer, but I waited to hear what he had to say anyway. “Yeah.” “So you lied.” I was trying not to get angry, but it was hard. “You acted like a dick and left me all night to wonder what in the hell I could have done wrong.” “Nic—” “I slept with Tyler.” My heart raced as I spoke the words. “It was a huge mistake. I was looking for comfort on one of my worst nights, and he offered it. Yes, I should have known he had only one thing on his mind when he offered his friendship, but I was in a dark

place.” My chest tightened further, but I did my best to refrain from giving in to my emotions. “The guy I was in love with and thought I would have by my side forever left me. He left without looking back, and I fell apart. But saying I regret that night would be saying I regret Tori, which I will never do. Because she gave me the hope I needed to move on.” My eyes burned as I fought to hold back the tears. “I hate that he had his hands on you. Every time I think about the two of you together, I just want to kill him,” Ryker confessed, and I closed my eyes tightly,

taking a deep, calming breath. “You need to get over it,” I said. “Because nothing about that night was memorable. It wasn’t some romantic night that led up to some undeniable love. It was two drunk people that woke up the next day and could barely remember what happened.” “I never should have let you go,” he said. “No, you shouldn’t have, but you did,” I added without hesitation. “You promised things you gave up on the moment you left, and you have to accept that. But damn it, Ryker, you are here

now. You say you want us, but then you pull the shit you did last night.” I paused because I just needed a moment before I said the rest of what needed to be said. “You need to let it go, because it’s only going to drive us apart in the end. We can’t change the past, no matter how much we wish we could. You need to decide if you can move forward with me and Tori, knowing her dad is a man you despise.” I swallowed past the large lump that had formed at the base of my throat. “I need to go.” “I love you,” Ryker whispered, and the tears I’d tried to hold back spilled

over. “But is that enough?” I asked, not really expecting an answer. Because I wasn’t just asking Ryker, I was also asking myself. “Good-bye, Ryker.” I didn’t wait for him to respond before I lowered the phone and hit the End button. I walked out into the hallway, and as I approached Tori’s room, I could hear her talking to herself. She did that when she played with her dolls. The sound of her sweet little voice was exactly what I needed to remind me that I had to keep my head above water. I couldn’t let

myself get wrapped up in the drama of jealous boyfriends and drunk one-night stands. I had her to take care of, and curling up in bed to cry out the heartache I was now feeling wasn’t an option. I leaned against the doorframe of her bedroom, watching as she pretended to feed her baby doll a fake apple. “Chew it up, Millicent,” she directed in her big-girl voice. “Num, num,” she said as she rubbed her tummy. “Apples are healthy. If you eat all your fruits you can have a cookie for desert.” Hearing her repeat the things I’d said to her more than once was the sweetest.

She was getting so big too fast, and yeah, a part of me wished Tyler cared enough to notice. Looking at her and the amazing little person she was becoming made it so hard to understand why her daddy didn’t want to be a part of that. It broke my heart that she wouldn’t have the relationship with her dad that I have with mine. I dreaded the day she came to me and asked why she hadn’t been enough. But it was never about her not being enough . . . Tyler wasn’t enough. When she noticed me standing in the doorway, she smiled and my chest tightened with the deepest love possible.

“Are you having fun, Peanut?” “Millicent wouldn’t eat her fruit. She said she wanted cookies instead,” Tori explained. Her little eyebrows wrinkled, her nose crinkled, and her cheeks bunched up tight. “I had to bribe her with one cookie just to get her to eat her apples.” A smile covered my lips as I fought off my laughter. Sometimes I swear she was a teenager trapped in a little girl’s body. “Is that so?” “Yeah.” She shrugged like it was no big deal. “So I was thinking,” she continued, and my interest in her little

thoughts was immediately piqued. “Since Milli ate all her apple, can we have two cookies?” It was her sneaky way of getting a second cookie, but I felt the need to spoil her today. “I have a better idea.” I knelt in front of her. “Let’s call Pawpaw and see if he wants to go to IHOP. You can get the chocolate chip pancakes with the whipped cream.” Her face lit up with excitement. “Can Millicent come too and get her own order?” She was a tricky little thing. “How about I share mine with Milli

and you can con Grandpa out of some of his too?” My own form of trickery seemed to satisfy her sugar fixation. She jumped up quickly and went to her closet in search of clothes while I walked back to my room. For the time being I ignored the text message from Ryker waiting for me when I woke my phone. I just wanted a little time before I had to face the possibility that Tori and I may be more than he could handle.

“Damn, what crawled up your ass and

died there?” Elle asked as she placed her tray on the end of the bar. It was a slow night, and I’ll admit I wasn’t in the best of moods, but I thought I’d done a good job at hiding it. But from the look on Elle’s face, I knew I hadn’t hidden it well at all. “With Ryker back, I find it hard to believe a girl can walk around with anything but a smile on her face.” She wagged her eyebrows suggestively. “Yeah, well, things are a little confusing right now. Sorry if I’ve been a bitch tonight.” I busied myself filling the orders from the table she was currently

waiting on. “Tyler and Ryker got in a fight last night,” I said without looking up. “He doesn’t seem to be able to let go of what happened between Tyler and I. Which means I’m not sure he can accept Tori. And no matter how much I love him, that’s just something I could never live with.” She was silent, and I knew what I’d said had probably shocked her. Tears pooled in my eyes, and I took a few deeps breaths to fight them back. “Well, then to hell with him,” Elle said matter-of-factly. “If he can’t let it go, then you don’t need him. And neither

does Tori.” “Yeah,” I whispered, the word burning my throat. Silence set in between us as I placed the last rum and Coke on her tray. “He’s the fool, Nicole, not you. And one day he’ll see that.” I bit my lower lip and nodded, hoping she was right. Because losing him a second time may be even harder than the first.

Nothing had gone right for me today.

My call with Nicole went to hell fast, and it was followed by one fuckup after another. But standing at the side of the road looking down at my flat tire was the icing on top of the fucking shit cake. I had spent an hour trying to break loose the shaft that held my spare tire in place only to come up empty-handed. The fucking thing was rusted and seized so tight there was no way I was going to break it loose by hand. Which left me with only one option—call a tow truck. Now here I stood, cursing this whole fucking day as Randall loaded my Ford

up on the bed of his truck. I wished I could go back to yesterday, before I let Tyler and his call to Nicole get under my skin. I’d handle the whole thing differently. “I can have this changed over for you in a couple hours, Ryk,” Randall said as he placed the block behind my wheel. “Thanks, man,” I said as I followed him to his truck. “Can you drop me off at Lucy’s on the way?” “Sure,” he said with a smile. “How’s Nic doing?” We had all grown up together, so

Randall knew our background. Which also meant he knew Tyler and Nicole’s background too. “She was doing great until I fucked shit up.” He cocked an eyebrow and pointed toward his truck. “Climb on up, and you can tell me all about it on the drive.” I let out a deep breath and decided why the hell not. What could it hurt? So for fifteen minutes I carried on about what had taken place with Tyler from the moment I stepped into town up until last night. Hell, I even included the conversation between Nicole and me

from this morning. “You need to get your head out of your ass, man,” Randall said as he slowed to a stop in front of Lucy’s. “That girl in there never once stopped loving you. She may have tried to convince everyone around her that she had, but I can assure you it was all an act.” Randall was always so quiet, so I was shocked he’d said this much. But he held nothing back. “A lot of guys tried their luck with her after you left. Hell, I won’t lie and say I didn’t ask her out myself.” He

chuckled when I gave him an irritated look. “But she never gave in. You know how slick Tyler was back in the day. He played the sympathetic friend, and that was what she needed. She just wanted to feel whole again.” My chest ached with the knowledge that she’d found comfort in Tyler. “He took advantage of her state. It happened, and you have to move past it. She didn’t love him. Hell, I don’t think she even truly liked him,” he assured me. “But you can’t sit here and pretend you didn’t sleep with other women over the last five years. The difference is those

women aren’t here and she doesn’t have to face them.” I understood what he was saying, but it still felt like a punch in the nuts every time I imagined them together. “If you don’t let go of that shit rolling around in your head, it may be her that walks away this time,” he added, and my stomach rolled with nerves. “Stop living in the past and look at what you have right here, right now. Because that girl loves you. She always has.” I already knew everything he was telling me was true, but having someone

remind me of it was exactly what I needed. I looked out through the windshield and focused on the blue, lit sign on the front of the bar that said Lucy’s. Behind that door was the girl I was madly in love with. The girl I gave up everything to come back here for. I was letting some smug ass and his dedication to making my life hell get in the way of my future. I had an amazing woman and an adorable little girl that made me feel whole. Why the hell was I continuing to jeopardize that happiness? “I got some groveling to do,” I said as I grabbed for the handle of the truck

door. “Thanks for the talk, man.” Randall nodded as I climbed out of his truck, then he drove away with my truck in tow.

Elle was refilling the napkin containers on the tables near the door when I entered the empty bar. She looked back over her shoulder at the sound of the door closing behind me and arched an eyebrow. “Nicole in the back?” I asked as I put my hands in my pockets and rocked back on the heels of my boots.

“Not sure I should let you talk to her. I’m not so sure you deserve to,” Elle said as she turned to face me and crossed her arms over her chest. Elle was younger than Liz and Nicole, which also made her younger than me as too. She was always the little kid that wanted to tag along with us when we went down to the lake or just hung out at one another’s houses. She was always so in-your-face, the kind of girl that never gave up. She hadn’t changed—well, she’d gotten a little scarier, maybe. “I know I screwed up, but I need to

see her.” There was no way I would allow her or anyone else to keep me from making this right with Nicole. “I’d say you did more than just simply screw up,” she said as she took a step toward me. “She gave you another chance. She trusted that you wouldn’t hurt her again. And then you made her and Tori fall for you only to let the past come back to tear you apart again.” “I know,” I assured her. Fuck, I had gone through this a million times since my phone conversation with Nicole earlier today. “If you can’t accept Tori, then you

need to just back off.” Her comment surprised me. “What the hell are you talking about?” My stomach was now in knots. “Is that what she thinks? That I can’t accept Tori?” It was as if something inside me snapped, and the hesitation I’d had entering the bar shifted to determination. I pushed past Elle, a mixture of panic and frustration swarming in my gut as I rounded the counter. When I entered the back room, I found Nicole leaning over a crate of liquor as she organized the bottles from it on the bottom shelf. “You actually think I can’t accept

Tori?” She jumped in surprise and spun around to face me, her hand pressed against her chest. “Because if you think for one second that she hasn’t buried herself so deep in my heart that I sometimes forget she isn’t mine, then you don’t truly know me.” “I don’t—” I held up my hand. “I came back here for you. I let go of a dream because the love I’ve felt for you every day I’ve been gone trumped that dream.” I pointed to her. “You are all I want. You and that little girl that stole my heart. Damn it, Nicole, I’m sorry I screwed up

all those years ago. It’s something I will always regret. But never, not even for a second, have I not accepted Tori as a part of our future. I love that little girl.” Tears welled in her eyes as her lower lip trembled. “Then what is it? What’s going on with you?” Her voice was barely a whisper, and it pained me to know I’d put those worries in her mind. “You wouldn’t talk to me last night, and then with everything . . .” She took a shuddering breath. “I hate that he touched you,” I confessed as I stepped up to her. I placed my hand on her hip and pulled

her close. “And the worst part about it is that I led you to him.” “No,” she said as she looked up at me. “Yeah,” I replied quickly. “If I hadn’t let you go, then it never would have happened. I thought I was past it. I thought I’d gone through all the levels of emotion when it came to you and him.” I slid my hand around her waist and held her against me securely. “I was hurt, heartbroken even. I was angry to the point that I thought about calling you on multiple occasions to ask you how the hell you could do that.” The tears in her

eyes spilled over, and my chest constricted with an unbelievable ache. “But in the end I knew I had no grounds to feel any of those things. Because if I hadn’t let you go, you never would have turned to him.” I leaned in just enough to place my lips to hers in a gentle kiss before resting my forehead against hers. “I’m sorry I ever let you go.” Her body shuddered against mine, and I knew in that moment she had broken and all the emotions she’d been trying to control had overtaken her. “But I promise you,” I whispered as

I pulled her in tighter, hugging her body against my chest, “I’ll never make that mistake again. And Tori is a part of that promise. Just because she’s not my blood doesn’t mean I can’t love her like my own daughter. In my eyes, baby, she became mine too the moment you agreed to give me another shot. I love you both so much, and I’m sorry I made you feel otherwise.”

Ryker hovered over me, his hands on

either side of me, bracing himself against the mattress. His eyes locked on mine as he lowered his body against me while he continued to slowly move inside me. He cupped the side of my face as his mouth covered mine in a devouring kiss. “Amazing,” he whispered as he swiveled his hips, and I whimpered. We wasted no time when we got home from the bar. In fact we hadn’t even made it completely inside my apartment before Ryker pressed his body to mine and whispered against my ear how much he wanted me. Within

moments our clothes were shredded and we left a path of them as we moved toward the bedroom. And for hours we gave to each other all we could. We left no part of one another uncherished. In what felt like seconds, he made all my doubt and worry fade and replaced them with happiness, love, and lust. It was a bit overwhelming, but I welcomed that rush. It had been so long since I’d felt peace. So long since I was able to just treasure the feeling of security. Ryker was my solitude; he had always been. And being back in his arms after he

bared his heart, doubts and all, gave me back all I’d been missing over the years. “I love you so much,” he said in a strained voice. I could tell he was holding on, trying to make the moment last as long as he could. “You’re my dream, baby.” He looked me in the eyes. “You always have been.” Pressure was building low in my stomach as he continued to rotate his hips, creating the friction I needed to reach my release. “Let go,” he coaxed. “Come for me.” My legs tensed as the heels of my feet dug into his ass. Rocking my hips to

meet Ryker’s thrusts, I tightened around him, and the orgasm took over as I called out his name. Almost instantly I felt him tremble as he drove into me one last time as he came apart, the weight of his body pressing against mine. We lay there in silence, trying to catch our breath. Chills covered my arms and legs as the ceiling fan swept air over the thin layer of sweat on my skin. It was after two in the morning, and my exhaustion from today had finally begun to hit me. My body relaxed as Ryker rolled to the side and took me with him. We both lay on our sides,

looking at one another, barely able to remain focused. “What are your plans today?” he asked. My vision blurred as I tried to stay awake. “I need to pick up Tori from Dad’s. Other than that I’m free. Why?” “Before we both pass out, I need to ask, can I use your car?” He smiled when I wrinkled my nose in confusion. Then I realized I hadn’t seen his truck in the parking lot last night when we left Lucy’s. It didn’t occur to me to ask how he’d gotten to Arab from Huntsville. “I got a flat on the way to town last

night. Randall has my truck, but he won’t be there until eight. I need to leave here to make it to work long before that,” he explained. “The keys are on the counter. I can just call my dad and have him drop off Victoria.” I closed my eyes and began to fade, but when his lips touched mine, I opened them once more. “Will he take you to pick up my truck?” I nodded. “Thank you.” “Welcome,” I whispered. It was becoming harder and harder to stay awake. I was trying, but the emotional roller coaster of the last thirty-six hours

was really hitting me. “I love you,” he whispered, and I couldn’t help but smile. I’d missed hearing him say those words to me. “This feels right, being here with you. I want this every day.” I wanted so badly to be able to carry on this conversation. To pick it apart and be able to know exactly what he meant by “this.” Was it the sleeping together naked, the hungry sex, or was it the idea of sharing so much more? But I couldn’t hold out. I couldn’t fight the need for sleep any longer.

“You showing up to get Ryker’s truck leads me to believe the guy pulled his head out of his ass like I suggested.” Randall Crowell was an Arab native like myself. He too loved this town enough to never wanna leave, so he took over his father’s towing and automotive repair shop straight out of high school. He was good guy, a little rough, but a kind soul. “We had a good talk, and I get now where he’s coming from,” I said. “We’re gonna be all right.”

“Yeah, you will,” he replied. “I never doubted it.” “Really?” His confidence was interesting. “Why?” “Because,” he said as he handed me the keys to Ryker’s truck, “nobody else around here ever had a chance with you. Ryker won you over years ago, and I think we all knew it was just a matter of time until he came back to mend the girl he’d broken.” Did this whole town think of me as a pathetic girl who lost her way or something? “You put on a brave face, darlin’,

but Ryker’s always been the guy who held your heart. You’re his forever. No way fate would be cruel enough to keep you two apart. Hell, it’s you two that give me hope that one day I may find my future too.” Randall winked as he stepped around the counter and led me to the shop. I think in all the years I’ve known Randall that was the lengthiest conversation we’d ever had.

“Where are we going?” Nicole asked

as I drove toward Huntsville. I’d already spoken with my uncle and made sure we would have the place to ourselves. He owned multiple acres of land that he always allowed the younger kids around town to come out and cut loose on, which basically described Uncle Leroy to a T. He was single, wild, and rarely passed on anything that didn’t make him feel twenty years younger. So when I asked him if Nicole and I could relive our younger years using his land, he quickly agreed. I rounded the bend and saw the gravel path to the field up ahead just as

Nicole asked me once more what was going on. “Do you remember what we used to do after it rained?” I asked, looking over at her as I slowed the truck. She looked between me and the drive I was turning into with a huge smile. “Yeah.” I looked in the rearview mirror, and Tori’s curious stare made me laugh. “I thought I could relive those days with my two most favorite girls,” I said as I slowed to a stop. I pressed a button on my dash panel, shifting my truck into four-wheel drive and turned back to look

at Tori. “What’dya say, sweetheart, you ready to play in some mud?” Tori’s face lit up as she looked out at the field of muddy, torn-up land before us. Like I said, Uncle Leroy loved to be a kid. And by the looks of it, he’d already had the first turn on this patch of land after our most recent rainstorm. Which only meant he’d made it even muddier for me. The first time I took Nicole out fourwheeling, she squealed and gripped the door handle so tight her knuckles turned white. But after that, she grew excited at the mere mention of going muddin’.

“You wanna drive, baby?” I looked over at Nicole with an arched brow, trying to hold back my laughter. “You feel like getting stuck?” she shot back with a gleam in her eye. “Damn near took me half a day to dig my truck out of the mess,” I chuckled, remembering how bad she got it stuck the first and only time she attempted to take the reins all those years ago. “But if I remember correctly, that day didn’t turn out so bad.” I was growing hard remembering us stuck in the middle of a field miles from town as we climbed up in the back of my

truck when the rain began again. The heavy downpour soaked us within seconds. Making love in the bed of my truck as one hell of a rainstorm rolled through was a memory that got me through a lot of hard days. What I wouldn’t give to repeat that night. “Going down memory lane?” Nicole asked with a knowing smile. “Yeah,” I said as I grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “But I’m ready to make some new memories.” Nicole’s nostrils flared, which I recognized as her attempt to compose

herself. “How about you, Princess?” I looked back at Tori. “You ready to see what your momma and I used to do when we were younger?” “Yes,” she chirped excitedly as she bounced around in her seat. “Hold on, Peanut,” Nicole told her as I eased farther out into the field. The ruts in the mud made the truck bounce, and Tori’s squeal made me chuckle. I took it easy at first to be sure Tori was okay with the way the cab jerked around, making her bounce. Nicole and Tori’s laughter and excitement as I spun out and

twisted the wheel was the best part. Forget the natural high of the muddin’; they were my high. “You having fun, baby girl?” I asked as I slowed to a stop at the edge of the field. Tori’s eyes were wild, and a huge smile covered her face as she nodded and bounced up and down, throwing her hands in the air. “More,” she insisted as her eyes scanned the surrounding area. Nicole laughed. “You heard her, Ryker,” she said. “More.” In that moment my entire world finally made sense. My life wasn’t the

path I’d chosen or the mistakes I made along the way. It was all about the beautiful faces of these two amazing girls. They had me so tightly wrapped around their fingers, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. Their smiles and laughter were what bound me together. I would give them anything they asked without a second thought. I was so in love with them that I knew in that moment the only thing I wanted to do was seal our future. I wanted to do something I should have done years ago. “You wanna drive, Tori?” I asked as

I twisted around to face her. If someone had asked me moments ago if she could have grown any more excited than she already was, I’d have said hell no. But I was wrong. She was already trying to figure out how to unbuckle her belt and damn near clawing her way out to get to me. “Hold on,” I said as I turned and began to unbuckle her. Pausing, I shifted my gaze to Nicole. “This okay?” She didn’t answer me with words. Instead she leaned over and softly kissed my lips, then pulled back with a smile. Tori began wiggling around once

more, trying her hardest to break free from her seat. The moment I unclasped her belt, she dove for me, and her little feet were moving a hundred miles an hour to get her to the front. I placed her in my lap and put her hands on the wheel. “You steer,” I told her, and she faced forward as I eased the truck into drive again. I took it slow, but she didn’t notice the change of pace. She was too focused on the fact she was controlling the wheel. A look of determination graced her features, and I tried not to laugh. Days like this I could relive forever.

“How have things been going?” Liz asked as she walked alongside me. We’d

met for coffee and were now doing a little window-shopping. “Things have been great.” I couldn’t control my smile as I thought about the last few weeks. “He’s been amazing.” “You look really happy,” she added as I turned to face her. “I am,” I confessed, my stomach flipping with excitement. “He’s been taking Tori and I on all these adventures, like little flashbacks of our past. I told you about the muddin’, right?” “Yeah,” she said, followed by a laugh. “Well, since then we’ve had a water

balloon fight in my daddy’s backyard, played in the rain down by Mitchell Lake, and camped out in the back of his truck under the stars.” We sat down on the bench in front of the café on the corner of Lurch and Winslow. “He’s been unbelievable with Tori, and the way she looks at him, God, Liz, it melts my heart. She adores him.” “Happy looks good on you.” She nudged my shoulder with her own. “I’m so glad he came back. You deserve this.” “What about you?” I asked. “You deserve to be happy too.” “Maybe one day, but for now I’m

having fun testing the waters.” She wagged her eyebrows, and I laughed. Elizabeth Berfield had always been a flirty girl, but she secretly wished for her own happy ending. Believe me, I’d gotten her drunk on many occasions where she rambled on about wanting to find that perfect guy. Sober, she may not admit it, but I knew all her dirty secrets. “We all still on for Saturday night?” she asked, quickly changing the subject. “Um, yeah,” I replied, choosing not to push her when she obviously didn’t want to talk about her own love life. “Ryker made reservations for six.” He

had this idea of gathering everyone together for dinner to make his friends Luke and Ben, who were arriving tomorrow afternoon, feel welcome. “I may be a few minutes late, but I’ll be there,” she assured me as she nervously picked at her nails. She had been doing it pretty much all morning. She always did it when something was on her mind. “Spill,” I said as I leaned back against the bench and lifted my coffee to take a sip. “What?” she asked. She seriously needed to realize how transparent she

was. “We can play this game all afternoon, or you can just fess up and tell me what’s on your mind.” I watched as she contemplated whether to tell me or not. Finally, her need to talk won out, and she turned to face me. “I don’t want to be the reason anything dims your happiness. I just think maybe you need to hear something before everyone in town is talking about it behind your back.” I could tell she was stalling, and I was getting nervous. “I guess if it’s something I’m not gonna like, I’d rather

hear it from you instead of a stranger. So just tell me.” My stomach was in knots. The kind that made me feel like at any moment I would hurl. “Melanie is pregnant,” she said as she watched me, waiting for a reaction. “Elle overheard her telling Rachel in line at Carson’s Grocery last night.” I didn’t have to ask who the father was. Tyler had been sleeping with Melanie on and off for the last two years. She was his go-to girl. She of course was holding out for something more, but I knew she’d probably never see it.

“Maybe he’ll be a better father than he’s been to Tori,” I said. “I think we both know the chances of that happening are pretty slim.” Silence settled over us as I thought about the fact my daughter would now have a half brother or sister that would also know what it felt like to be abandoned by Tyler. It made my alreadynauseated stomach lurch. “I just hope for her sake she puts her child first. She’s gonna need to grow some tough skin for the life she’s just signed up for.” It was the only thing I had to offer. I mean, what could I say? Did I

wish Tyler had claimed the daughter he already had before he created more offspring? Yeah, maybe a little. Did I wish he’d stay sober enough for a moment to realize his children were the ones that would suffer for his poor choices? Yeah, that would be a godsend. But I also knew Tyler enjoyed his immaturity a helluva lot more than he valued his daughter, so I wasn’t about to hold my breath.

I hadn’t seen Ryker since early that morning. He left to meet his friends at

the airport, and we planned to meet up again at Jonah’s Steakhouse that evening. He told me to let my dad drive me and Tori there because he was driving us home afterward. Something told me tonight was about more than just everyone getting a chance to meet a couple of the guys Ryker had called his brothers. Things just felt too planned out for that. “Knock-knock.” My father’s voice carried down the hall, followed by Tori’s loud squeals as she rushed off to meet him. “There’s my angel,” he said as I rounded the corner to find him holding

Tori in his arms. “This sure is a pretty dress.” “Nana May made it for me,” Tori announced proudly as she pulled at the hem of her dress. “It’s purple because that’s my favorite.” May Berfield was always making cute dresses and matching headbands for Victoria. She complained that neither of her daughters would ever settle down and give her any grandbabies, so Tori was hers to spoil. “Well, Nana May made a beautiful little girl even prettier. I didn’t think it was possible.”

When I was growing up, my dad always told me I was beautiful. He made sure to make me feel special and never hid his love. He did the same for Tori, and I knew just how those compliments made her feel. He truly is an amazing man. “We need to get going or we’re gonna be late,” my dad said as he turned around and walked toward the door. “And if we get there later than six, Ryker is liable to come looking for us.” And there was that feeling again. Something was going on.

The restaurant was about fifteen minutes from my apartment. On the way Tori entertained us with stories of Millicent and how she hated her vegetables. Her animated movements were always so fun to watch. We pulled into the parking lot at two minutes after six, and my father’s predictions were true. My cell began to ring as Ryker’s name flashed across the screen. Smiling, I turned the screen toward my dad so he could see, and a deep chuckle fell from his lips.

“I told you,” he said as he shook his head. I answered the call and lifted the phone to my ear. “Keep your pants on, Eager Eddie, we’re on our way in now.” “Well hurry the hell up, woman, I’m going through withdrawal,” Ryker said with a chuckle as he ended the call. After I climbed out of the car and rounded it to meet up with my dad and Tori, I pushed just enough to see if I could confirm my earlier suspicions. “So, ole man, you mind telling me what tonight is really about?” I bumped my hip against his, and he tried to hide

his grin. “And don’t give me the I don’t know line.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about, sweetheart. Tonight is just people getting together for a nice dinner, nothing more.” But he walked a little faster into the restaurant, and that was the clue I was looking for. “You are such a bad liar,” I hollered after him as he and Tori hurried off toward the front entrance. I took in one last, deep breath and followed, alerting myself to my surroundings in preparation for whatever was about to be thrown at me.

“So this gorgeous woman is the one I’ve spent the last four years hearing you go on and on about?” the tall guy with a

goatee said with a smile. “I must say, Ryker, you didn’t really do her justice. She’s a knockout.” “Back off, Ben,” Ryker growled, which only made Ben chuckle. “And who is this pretty lady?” he asked as he knelt in front of Tori. “I’m Victoria Lucille Russell,” my little girl, sounding much older than she was, announced proudly. He took Tori’s hands in his. “Well, Victoria Lucille Russell, I’m Benjamin Matthew Keaton, but you can call me Buzz.” He ran his hand over his buzzed haircut. “It’s what all my friends call

me.” He placed a kiss on the tops of her hands. “I’m here, I’m here.” I turned to face the entryway behind me. They had placed us in a room by ourselves because we had such a large party. My best friend hurried in, her hair flipped in every direction as if she’d just gone through a wind tunnel. “Sorry I’m late, but I got hung up and I got here as quick as I cou—” Her gaze was locked on something behind me. Confused, I turned around to find out what could have possibly made my loudmouthed best friend grow mute. Ben was staring as

well. He slowly stood from the floor where he was still kneeling before Tori, and on the way up his gaze scanned over Liz from her toes to the top of her head. An appraising smile spread over his lips as he locked his gaze with hers. “Hey, Wildcat,” he said with a smirk. “You wearing something lacy and see-through underneath that skirt?” I felt like I was interrupting some intimate moment. But I was also confused because I knew this was the first time they’d met. “Soldier, if I do recall, you told me the lace only got in the way, so I should

forgo the undergarments and save you time to get to the real prize,” Liz taunted back, and I suddenly felt a little warmer. I looked over my shoulder, and my gaze met Ryker’s. “Why do I feel like I should cover Tori’s ears?” I fanned my face, and Ryker narrowed his eyes as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled my body back against his. “That right there is mild compared to what I have planned for you later tonight,” he whispered in my ear. Chills covered my neck and shoulders. “I can’t wait,” I whispered as he kissed the base of my neck, and those

chills spread out over my arms and covered my back.

Dinner turned out to be really fun. Ben and Luke shared stories of Ryker and their tours together. They talked about the good times and left out the times they clearly still had trouble coming to terms with. They made us all laugh as they taunted and teased each other. It was really great getting a glimpse of the man Ryker was during the years he was away. But they also shared some more

serious stories too, like the time Ryker helped a woman through grieving for her only son, who was killed in combat. He stood by her during the funeral of a man he barely knew because she was his only living family and he didn’t want her to face that day alone. I was in awe of the man I continued to fall in love with more and more each day. He had such a loving spirit, and the immensity of his love and compassion was enough to bring the strongest person to their knees. I placed my hand on his thigh under the table and rubbed gently. My throat burned from the emotional impact that story had on me.

What I didn’t expect was for Ryker to stand in the middle of dessert, surrounded by his family, mine, and our friends. He pulled my chair out and turned me to face him before lowering one knee to the floor. My heart raced as the entire scene began to unfold, and my hand shook as he took it in his own and looked up at me with such love. “If I know you as well as I think I do, you already figured out that tonight was about a little more than just introducing my friends to our families.” I let out a gentle laugh, and he beamed. I nodded, assuring him that he

did in fact know me as well as he thought. “You were right,” he continued. “Tonight was about me having everyone I care about in one room when I ask you to spend the rest of your life allowing me to love you.” As if those words weren’t enough to make my heart melt, his next gesture left me with no hope of holding myself together. He reached out his hand to Tori. “Come here, Princess.” Christina, Ryker’s mother, helped Tori climb down from her chair and

walk toward Ryker. When she reached him, he curled his arm around her waist and handed her a small box. “Open it up, sweetheart.” Tori looked up at me, waiting for me to indicate it was okay to do what Ryker had said. I nodded, and she smiled as she lifted the lid off the box. I leaned in to see what it held, and when it came into view, I covered my mouth with my hand. Ryker smiled as he looked back up at me. “I’m not only asking you to marry me, I’m also asking Tori if she would be okay with it. Because it isn’t just you

that I want to spend the rest of my life with. I want her too, all of it.” He lifted the smaller ring from the box and took Tori’s hand, then slid it over her finger. The look of happiness that overtook her features broke the dam and my tears began to fall. “I promise I’ll always love you,” he told her. “I promise I will always protect you, and I’ll never allow you to feel as if there isn’t someone in your corner.” He reached for the second ring in the box. “Baby, I’m not just asking you to allow me to love you forever, but I’m asking that you allow me to love Tori as

well. I want all the good times and the bad. I want to laugh and cry with you both, I want the gift of your love too. Because I’ve lived five years without you, and I know I never want to go a day without it again.” My lower lip trembled, and I bit it to keep from falling apart. “Nicole.” Ryker’s voice vibrated as he asked the question that would change my life and Tori’s forever. “Will you marry me?” Tears slowly trailed over my cheeks and dripped from my jaw onto our joined hands. I looked over at my little

girl as she smiled brightly, staring up at Ryker like he’d hung the stars in the sky just for her. “Yes,” I whispered as I shifted my gaze back to him. “I’ll marry you.” Ryker’s eyes shined with unshed tears as he slid the gorgeous diamond ring over my knuckle to the base of my finger. When he looked back up at me, a single tear fell from his eye as he took my face in his hands. “I’m gonna give you the world, baby,” he assured me before he pressed his lips tightly against mine. The clapping around us faded as I

focused only on him, realizing how just four words could truly change a person’s life forever.

I stood in the entryway of the restaurant staring out into the rain. Ryker had gone to get his truck so I didn’t have to run out

in the rain, and my dad left long ago with Tori in tow. He insisted on giving us a night to ourselves. Ryker was definitely pleased even though I knew he would miss her too. But a night alone to celebrate our engagement sounded pretty amazing. “It’s real good to see him smile again.” I turned around to see Ryker’s friend Luke approaching to my left. “I mean he smiled before, but nothing genuine. He regretted leaving you every day. It was something that, um, that Ben and I heard often.” He paused as he looked out the front door just as Ryker’s

truck pulled up to the front of the restaurant. “His love for you gave Ben and me something to look forward to, ya know.” He shrugged as Ryker opened the front door and rushed inside. “You hitting on my fiancée, Thor?” I rolled my eyes, and Luke chuckled at his comment. “Nah,” Luke replied. “I was just telling her how big of a pussy you were for the last five years.” I watched as they tormented one another, and it was actually really great to see a piece of Ryker’s past. He had two great friends in Ben and Luke.

Speaking of Ben, I hadn’t seen him since he walked my best friend to her car over forty minutes ago. I had a strong feeling I would be hearing a not-so-Grated version of their night from Liz tomorrow. Lord help Ben, because he seriously had no idea of the monster he’d unleashed. She would leave him feeling as if a tour to Iraq was just a warm-up. “Are you heading back to the hotel?” Ryker asked as he threaded his fingers through mine. “Yeah, I’m beat, and from the looks of it, I’ll be heading back alone.” Ryker

looked to where Luke was pointing, and I too followed his gesture. Ben and Liz were standing only two feet from the front exit under the awning, tangled in what appeared to be some form of a human pretzel. This was definitely not going to be something that would end in a G-rating. The guys chuckled, but I felt a little less amused by the scene. My best friend had a habit of being emotionally unavailable when it came to men. I really just hoped they both knew what they were getting themselves into. “You two have a great night,” Luke

said, pushing open the front door as his cab pulled up. Pausing just before he exited, he looked back at us over his shoulder. “And congratulations on the engagement. I told ya to bare your heart, Ryker, and it looks like it worked for ya.” He didn’t wait for a response before he rushed out into the rain toward the waiting cab. “He seems like a really good guy,” I whispered. “What, you crushing on my friend now?” Ryker asked as he tickled my sides.

I giggled and spun around, backing up to try to gain some distance. I didn’t get far before Ryker was pulling me back flush against his body. His lips covered mine in a heated kiss before he stepped back, leaving me slightly breathless. “You ready to get out of here?” he asked, and I nodded. “I got an idea.” “Oh yeah?” I responded, hooking my finger in his waistband. “What kind of idea?” Ryker leaned down and kissed the tip of my nose. “That, my beautiful girl, is something you’ll have to patient for.

I’ll promise you’ll love it.” He backed me out the door, and I looked up and squealed as the rain began to bead on my face. He scooped me up in his arms and rushed off toward his truck.

“Do you remember that night in the rain? The night I told you no one would ever own my heart the way you did?” Ryker asked as he pulled me out of the cab of his truck. “We made love in the back of my truck in the pouring rain.” “You mean after I got your truck

stuck in the mud?” The rain was beginning to pick up once again, and my hair was sticking to my forehead. “Maybe it wasn’t really stuck,” Ryker said with a smirk. “Maybe it was just my own little way of securing a night with my girl.” “Are you admitting that you set the whole thing up?” I asked, very interested now if he was teasing. “I guess you’ll never know. But I was hoping tonight we could relive that moment.” Ryker took my hand and led me to the back of his truck, where he lowered his tailgate. Before he could lift

me, I hopped up on my own and quickly slid inside. He watched my movements with interest as I began opening my shirt one button at a time, taunting him. “What are you waiting for?” I asked. “I thought you wanted a replay.” “I’m just enjoying the show, gorgeous. Don’t let me stop you.” His heated gaze roamed over me as I continued to do just what he asked. I had never felt as sexy in my life as I did right then under his intense stare. Ryker made me feel like I was the only woman in the world. Like no matter what happened, he would always

cherish me. Once I removed my shirt, I unhooked my bra and allowed it to fall onto the space beside me. “I’m getting kind of lonely up here by myself. You think you can join me now?” I watched in awe as he hopped up on the tailgate and moved toward me. In one quick movement, he hooked my waist, pulled me onto his lap, and sat beneath me. “You are flawless,” he whispered before he placed his lips to mine. “You still make my heart race at an unbelievable speed. My head spins with so many different dreams I hope we can

reach together.” Another kiss, gentler this time. “I love you so damn much it makes my chest ache.” “I love you too,” I said as I turned to face him, straddling his waist. “And all those dreams you have will come true. As long as we have you.”

I couldn’t take my eyes off Nicole. The

way she moved against me, swiveling her hips, grinding against me. The way her wet hair lay plastered against her shoulders and across her bare breasts. The small whimpers and cries that escaped her mouth as she rode me in the pouring rain. She was mesmerizing. I slid my hands along her thighs and brought them to rest on her slim hips, feeling her movements even more as her hips shifted under my palms. “So fucking beautiful,” I told her as I lifted my gaze to meet hers. “You’re so perfect.” “We’re perfect,” she said in a

panting whisper. Her hips began to rock faster, and her breathing sped up. I could feel her tightening around my cock as she whispered my name. I wanted nothing more than to spin us around and place her beneath me, and I took over, driving into her. I felt this animalistic urge to make her feel me for days, but my options were limited. I had nothing to place beneath her to protect her from the hard surface of the truck. My lack of options suddenly left me irritated. “I’m so close,” she confessed. A

rush of excitement ran through me, and I focused on getting her to her release. I was teetering on the edge of my own release. Nicole rode me harder and faster, leaving me unable to hold back any longer. The moment she pulsated around me, I let go, spilling deep inside her as she continued to move over me, stretching out the pleasure as long as she could.

“I wanna adopt Victoria,” I said as I sat down at the table across from Tyler. It had only been a few days since I’d

proposes to Nicole. I hadn’t planned this so soon, but now was as good a time as any. Tyler watched me with an unreadable expression. “I’m trying to be fair here and be honest with you. I love her and I love Nicole.” He still didn’t answer me. “I asked Nicole to marry me, and she said yes. Which means I’m gonna be in Tori’s life every day. Like I said, I want to be honest, and I hope that maybe you’ll allow this to happen.” His silence was beginning to piss me off, but I held back from showing it. “Legally, I know I

don’t need to ask for your permission, but I was hoping by me doing so we could keep this peaceful. Let go of our past issues and put Tori and her needs first.” “You really are a piece of work, Ryker.” And now he speaks. I could tell by his tone that he was going to make this anything but easy. “You show back up in town after years of nothing to step in and play the hero. You’re just loving it too, aren’t ya?” He stood and leaned over the table, bracing himself on its top. “Let me just

assure you, Mr. Hero Man, I have no intention of allowing you to adopt my daughter. You should know, though, that I do plan on making your life a living hell. Welcome back.” My anger made it tremendously hard to remain seated. I never expected this to go smoothly, but I didn’t want Nicole to have to broach this topic with Tyler. I didn’t trust him even a little. And I didn’t want him anywhere near my girls. He hadn’t been a part of Victoria’s life since she was born, and he had made it clear he didn’t want to be. But his hatred for me made him feel as if it was okay to

punish us all. He wanted me to take the bait, but I refused. I had gone down that road once before, and this time I would keep a level head. I had to. Just as Tyler shoved open the front door of the café, Ben and Luke appeared. They hadn’t had the pleasure of meeting Tyler until now. He rammed into them as he pushed his way outside, without even the slightest bit of remorse for his rudeness. It was comical to see two men I’ve referred to as my brother’s stare daggers at the tool I wanted nothing more than to beat some sense into.

“You got some real douchebags living here, Ryk,” Luke chuckled as he took a seat at the table. They’d been in town for four days and only had a couple more before they were scheduled to return to Germany. I’d miss them. I was really enjoying having them round. “That was Tori’s father,” I replied as I motioned to the waitress that my friends had arrived. When I got here I’d ordered a coffee or each of them when I ordered my own and asked that she hold them until Luke and Ben arrived. That was when I saw Tyler sitting only a few feet away and took the opportunity to

approach him. “No wonder you pounded in his face, the guy’s an ass,” Ben added just as the pretty blonde set their cups in front of them. Ben looked her over from head to toe, and memories of the night at the restaurant flashed in my mind. “So how did things go with Elizabeth the other night?” I asked. “From the looks of it, you two appeared to hit it off.” “And from the sounds I heard, I’d have to agree,” Luke said with a chuckle. Ben had been hurt before, and I

understood his reservations about women. But I also knew he wanted to try again. He had told me that himself. So the idea of him hooking up with Liz only to turn around and leave her made my stomach twist into knots. “We just hung out,” Ben explained as he leaned back in his chair. “Having a little fun.” “Having fun?” I asked. “Hey, man, those are her words, not mine. That woman is definitely a wildcard,” he said as he stared off into the distance, unable to make eye contact. Something about his expression made me

feel as if there was so much more he wanted to say. “I tried warning ya that night you talked to her on the phone. But obviously you had to find out for yourself.” I should have known the moment they met things would only lead to this. Before they even saw each other they were already planning a wild night of sex. “Yeah, well”—Ben’s expression changed from dejected to playful in a matter of seconds.—“that night after your engagement will be one I’m sure I won’t soon forget. But even if I leave here on Wednesday and never get the

chance to see Liz again, I’ll have some hot memories.” He wagged his brows, and Luke chuckled. “What are you laughing about? Seems you’re forgetting to tell Ryker here about your fixation on a cute little brunette.” Ben was obviously looking for a new topic of conversation, so he passed the buck to Thor. “What cute brunette?” I asked. “Didn’t Nicole tell ya, man?” Luke’s stare met mine. “She and I have been hanging out, and I’m thinking you may just have some competition.” “Watch it, smartass.” Dick was

taunting me once again. “Liz had her sister pick her up at the hotel that night,” Luke explained. “She showed up, and she and I were forced to waste a little time while we waited for Ben and Liz to finish their round of monkey sex. We talked is all.” “Monkey sex,” he said with a shake of his head. “It looked like more than just some everyday talk to me.” Ben wouldn’t leave it alone. Luke was now the one who appeared glum. “Let’s be real here. We’re leaving in a couple days. I’m stuck for at least two more years in Germany, and after

that I don’t know where I’ll be stationed. Getting involved with someone just isn’t smart right now. Do I think Elle is sweet? Hell yeah. Am I attracted to her? Who wouldn’t be, because in the short time we talked I found that she was pretty fucking amazing. But that’s all it was, and that’s all it can be. You of all people, Ryker, know how hard it is to hold on to a girl who lives thousands of miles away.” He was right, but I wouldn’t lie and say I didn’t want Ben and Luke to find what I had with Nicole. They were two of the best men I knew, and their

happiness meant a lot to me.

“Momma,

watch me,” Tori said excitedly as she spun around, holding

her hands above her head. Her tulle tutu rippled as she continued to spin and dance around as we waited for her class to start. She loved ballet, and I loved watching her. And I also loved that Elle was her teacher. I had always wondered why Elle didn’t pursue a dancing career. She was amazing, but she’d found that teaching young girls the art of dance was much more gratifying. “My little ballerina,” I said in response just as Elle entered the room smiling from ear to ear. “Twirl, my little lady bug,” she said

as she joined Tori, and instantly my daughter tried to mimic Elle’s graceful movements. Other children began to enter the studio, and Elle snatched Tori up and carried her off to join them. Ryker had spent the day with Ben and Luke before he had to drive them back to the airport. He’d been quiet when he left the apartment, and I knew he was going to miss the guys. So much of his last five years was filled with memories of them, so it was like he was saying good-bye to two brothers. Who knew when they would see one another again.

I was tucked off to the side of the room and so engrossed in the class that I barely noticed anyone around me, so I jumped at the sound of Tyler’s voice. “She is a cute kid, ain’t she? I thought I’d stop in and see my two girls.” I could smell the booze on his breath, and the idea of him making a scene in the middle of the dance studio made me feel sick to my stomach. So I chose to let the “my girls” comment slide. “Thought I’d take you two out to lunch after this, talk about some things,” he added.

He wasn’t even watching Tori. Instead, he was staring at me with a look I didn’t much like. His tongue rested on his lower lip as he leaned in a little closer, and his gaze dropped to my lowcut top. Instinctively I placed my hand on my chest and eliminated the possibility of him being able to see anything. He chuckled, and his gaze shifted back to mine. “No need to hide from me, sweetheart. I’ve already seen it all.” His breath fanned out over my face, and the stale stench of beer overtook my senses. “What do you want, Tyler?”

“I already told you,” he said as he placed his outstretched hand over my shoulder. “I think it’s time I start spending a little more time around my daughter. Remind her who her daddy is. Wouldn’t want her thinking your new boyfriend is her father.” This wasn’t about Tori. It was just another attempt at making Ryker’s life hell. I did my best to not cause a scene as I remained quiet for the next twenty-five minutes. I had always enjoyed Tori’s classes and was always sad to see them come to an end. But today I couldn’t

wait for it to be over. When Elle noticed Tyler at my side, she narrowed her eyes, and I shook my head. I just wanted to get through this, and then I would lead Tyler outside and force him to leave. As the class ended I walked toward Elle as Tyler followed closely. “Can you keep her inside with you for a minute?” “Yeah,” she said as she looked over my shoulder toward Tyler. “Are you okay?” “I just need a minute,” I told her before turning around to face Tyler. “Let’s go have this little talk.”

He didn’t even seem to care Tori wasn’t with us as I stepped outside the front door and moved off to the side. “What’s this all about?” I asked as he joined me. “I know it has nothing to do with you actually wanting to get to know your daughter. So let’s just cut through the shit and be real here.” He stepped closer, bringing body within inches of mine. His tall frame towered over me as he backed me into a corner between a railing and the building. “I’m not gonna make things easy for him,” Tyler said. “In fact, I plan on

making things as hard as possible. I’m gonna push and dig until he gets so pissed he either blows up or leaves.” My heart raced. “He thinks I’m just gonna step aside and let him be the hero to my kid. But that ain’t gonna happen.” Tyler ran his finger along my arm, making my stomach turn. “Pass along that message to your piece-of-shit fiancé,” he whispered as he dipped his head, bringing his mouth closer to mine. “He’s not adopting my daughter. Remind him of that before he decides to approach me again on the matter.”

Tyler licked his lower lip just before closing the distance between us. Before he could place his lips to mine, I turned my head and he got my cheek instead. I shoved his chest. “Move,” I growled as I fought against him. He stepped back chuckling, and tears prickled my eyes. “I’ll see ya soon, babe,” he hollered as he walked off laughing in triumph. I spent at least five minutes trying to get control of my emotions before going back inside. But apparently I hadn’t waited long enough because Elle immediately noticed something was

wrong. “I texted Ryker,” she announced. “What?” I asked. “Why?” “Because I know Tyler’s trouble, and I didn’t think it was a good idea that you be alone with him around.” I knew she meant well, but right now I just wanted a few hours alone before I had to face him. Her phone began ringing, and she answered. “She’s right here,” Elle said before handing it to me. I was tempted to decline, but she grew more persistent, shaking the phone for me to take. “Hello,” I said as I turned away,

distancing myself form Tori as she danced around happily. “Baby, what’s going on?” he asked, sounding winded. “Elle said Tyler showed up at Tori’s dance class. Is he still there?” “No,” I replied. “He said he wanted to talk and that he came to see Tori, but that wasn’t the case.” I looked back over my shoulder to make sure Victoria was too busy to hear my conversation. Elle had led her to the corner of the room, and they were looking through a small box of twirl ribbons.

“Did you tell Tyler you were adopting Victoria?” I asked. “Can we talk about this when I get back tonight?” His evasive answer told me he had. “You do realize that by doing that, it just gave him more reasons to make things rough for us, right?” I suddenly felt defeated. I was so sick of all the damn drama. “I’m not gonna lie to you and say I wouldn’t approach him again, because I would. If he can’t be the father she deserves, then I’d be honored to take the role. I just thought he should know that.”

I loved him for wanting to give Tori that. It just assured me that he was the man I knew he was. But I wished he would have come to me first. Maybe together would could have come up with a better way of approaching Tyler than Ryker’s ambush.

The last few days had left me feeling

unsettled. The guys heading back to Germany and Nicole’s irritability made things a little rocky between her and me. Our conversation about my talk with Tyler turned into a shouting match. It should have been a cut-and-dry issue, but we both went overboard about it. A little distance felt necessary after that, but now I was regretting that choice. My workdays were long and my nights longer. Our nightly talks were forced. Nicole always ended up passing the phone to Tori, and I would spend the remaining time listening to her cute little stories.

But today I had reached my limit. There was no fucking way I was going to let Tyler, or anyone else for that matter, come between Tori and me. So I showed up at Lucy’s with one goal in mind. Make up for all the shitty things I said two nights ago. As I entered the bar, I looked around in search of Nicole and was surprised to find Allan standing behind the bar instead. “Hey,” I said as I sat down at the end of the counter and looked around the half-empty bar. “If you looking for Nic, she’s at

home,” he offered as he popped the top off a Coors and sat it down in front of me. “She said she wasn’t feeling well, but something tells me it’s a little more than that,” he added as he zoned in on me. His scrutinizing stare making me slightly uncomfortable. “You mind clearing things up? Because all I’m getting from her is the basic ‘I’m fine’ speech.” I picked at the label on the bottle, busying my hands in an attempt to ignore the nervous feeling in my stomach. “We had our first official argument the other night,” I confessed, avoiding eye contact.

“I think we both said a lot of things we didn’t mean. I was stressed and down about the guys leaving. Nicole had her own reasons for being frustrated, and we both reflected those frustrations onto each other instead of those who deserved them. I’ve been staying at my uncle’s, and she’s been avoiding me by using Tori as a buffer.” Allan smiled. I guess he knew what I was referring to. “After she had Tori, she tried to get Tyler to be a part of Tori’s life.” He leaned over, resting his elbows on the bar. “She didn’t want a relationship with him, but she’d hoped

he would at least love his daughter. That’s something you wouldn’t think you would have to ask someone to do for their own child, but we all know Tyler is a rare breed.” He said the last comment with a smirk. A rare breed of the lowest form of shit is the thought that came to mind. “But after a long road of disappointment, she stopped looking for any amount of help from him. She actually found if she just left him alone, stopped pushing for him to be present that her life was much more peaceful.” He tapped his finger on the countertop,

causing me to look up and meet his stare. “Knowing you’re willing to adopt Tori and be the father she’s never had just shows everyone the man you truly are.” Allan’s opinion had always been something I valued. He was a stand-up guy. “I love her like she was my own,” I told him. “Nothing would make happier than being able to give both Tori and Nicole everything they deserve. And Tori deserves a father. One that won’t use her as a bargaining chip to gain access to Nicole.” The idea of that only made my hate for Tyler grow stronger.

“I want to see both of them happy as much as you do. But unfortunately Tyler is in their lives, and taunting the bull is only going to make him strike. Going after him for child support will only give him rights to Tori. As of now he’s just a deadbeat dad who lives his own shit life out there somewhere until he wants something from my daughter.” I got what Allan was saying. I just hated that Tyler held that kind of control over them. “I think I’m gonna go check on my girls,” I said as I push the halfempty beer bottle in his direction. “I’ve been missing ’em.”

“I think that sounds like a good idea.” Allan smiled as I stood from the bar and walked toward the exit.

When Nicole answered the door, I could tell she’d been crying. I felt like I’d been kicked in the stomach as she tried to hide her face. “Hey,” she said before clearing her throat. “I was just watching a movie. Tori fell asleep about thirty minutes ago.” “Can I come in?” I asked. “I think we need to talk.”

“Um, sure,” she replied as she stepped to the side, allowing me to pass. The apartment was dark, with only a small light shining from the lamp at the end of the couch. I didn’t like feeling torn, and I didn’t like this wedge that had been lodged between me and Nicole. It literally made my chest ache. She attempted to step around me, but without hesitation I hooked her around her waist and pulled her back. My chest pressed firmly against her back as I buried my face in her hair. “I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you first. But I won’t apologize for wanting

to adopt Tori. I love her, Nicole,” I whispered, my throat burning as I continued to speak. “And I love her mommy too. I miss you both. I don’t like feeling this distance between us.” “Me neither,” she replied. “I was an ass the other night,” I admitted. Nicole turned in my arms to face me, and she looked upward, her gaze locked on mine. “I just feel like no matter what, he’ll always come between us in some way. Like no matter how happy we become, he’ll be there to take it all away.”

“We won’t let him,” I promised. “How do we stop him?” Tears formed in her eyes, and I felt like someone was squeezing my heart. “We stick together,” I replied. “No matter what he says or pulls, we remain on the same side.” I used my thumb to wipe away the tear that ran along her cheek. “I love you, baby, and I’m not going anywhere. That’s a promise. Nothing will ever keep me from you or Victoria.” Rising up onto her toes, she cupped the back of my neck and pulled it down. Our lips touched, and hers trembled

beneath mine. “Please stay,” she whispered. “Tonight?” I asked. “Not just tonight, but every night.” I pulled back so I could see her more clearly. A hopeful look covered her face, and I couldn’t help but smile. “Are you asking me to move in with you?” Damn, I truly hoped that’s what she was asking. When she nodded, I pressed my lips to hers once more, kissing her with joy. “I’ve been waiting for you to ask me that,” I confessed, feeling so much lighter than I had only moments ago. Since our engagement, we hadn’t

really made many plans regarding our wedding or living arrangements. Yes, on most nights I stayed at her place, but we hadn’t officially decided I’d move in with her right away. With Ben and Luke visiting and then all the drama with Tyler, our plans took a backseat. But it was time for us to move forward. We needed to stop trying to change the things we couldn’t change and be thankful for the gifts we’d been given. It was time for us to find our happiness and hold on to it no matter who out there attempted to tear us down.

I lay in bed next to Ryker, trying to

muffle my laughter with my hand. It had been almost three weeks since he moved in, and for the last two he lay down each night, talking to Tori through a walkietalkie from a set he’d purchased for the two of them. It was honestly the cutest thing. I could hear her giggles through the wall that separated our bedrooms as Ryker did his best impression of Anna from the movie Frozen. They played out the scene where she tried to get Elsa to come out of her room and play, which always led to them singing the song from the movie.

It warmed my heart when he spent time with her doing the little things. He didn’t need to buy her extravagant gifts or take her on trips; all it took to win her heart was him showing her just how much he loved her. And he did that every day, without hesitation or expectation of getting something in return. Each night I lay next to him and listened as the two of them share this moment together, I only fell deeper in love with Ryker. He made us both so happy. “Someday can we build a snowman?” Tori asked. “One like

Olaf?” “We don’t get much snow here, sweetheart, but one day I’ll take you and your momma to a place that does.” He looked over at me and smiled. “And the three of us will build the biggest Olaf we can.” “Promise?” her sweet little chipmunk voice asked hopefully. “I promise, Peanut,” he confirmed, using the nickname I’d used for her since she was born. “It’s time to go to sleep, sweetheart. I gotta get up early for work and you and mommy are spending the day at Nana May’s baking cookies for

the fundraiser.” Each year we helped with the fundraiser for the teen center in town. This time they were having a carnival and bake sale, and we had a long day of baking ahead of us with Elle, Liz, and May. When the three of them were trapped together in one room, there was never a dull moment. “I love you,” Ryker told her. “I love you too,” she responded, and my heart felt like it skipped a beat. “Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” she added with a little giggle. Ryker chuckled along with her

laughter that filtered in through the walkie-talkie in his hand. “I’ll see you tomorrow night, sweet girl, and if you can hide a few of those cookies and sneak them home for me, I promise I’ll share.” I poked him in the side, and he covered my hand with his, lifted it, and brought it to rest on the center of his chest. “You got it.” I couldn’t help but laugh at her response. They shared another quick good night before he placed the device on the

bedside table. When he turned back to me, he continued to roll over until his large frame hovered over mine. “She’s amazing,” he said, lowering his chest to mine carefully so as not to put his entire weight on me. “You’re amazing,” I said in response. I combed my fingers through the back of his hair and pulled him closer, arching my neck just enough to reach his lips in a teasing kiss as I wrapped one leg over his hip. A deep groan escaped him when I suggestively rotated my hips, causing friction

between us. “Do you still need to get some rest for work tomorrow?” I asked as I looked up at him. “I’ve always got time for this,” he assured me as he dipped his head and began kissing along the side of my neck. “You are the best form of distraction.” He pressed another kiss along my collarbone with a gentle flip of his tongue. “And tomorrow when I can barely function due to lack of sleep, I’ll still be smiling, remembering this moment right here.” He cupped my breast as he began lowering himself, kissing and taunting

me with his skillful mouth. Something that feels as good as Ryker’s hands should be illegal. He made me lose track of my thoughts. It had always been that way, before and now. Only now, everything was so much more intense. I was lost to the feeling of his mouth as he sucked at the sensitive skin along my jaw and neck before bringing his lips back to mine for yet another kiss. He was teasing me, and just when I was at the point of begging, he dipped his head low and his mouth covered mine. Arching my back, I gripped the sheets at

my sides as he sucked on my clit and trailed a finger along my slick folds. I tried not to moan loudly for fear of Tori hearing me, but it was torture. The moment his finger slid inside me, I bit my lower lip to stifle my groan of pleasure. “So fucking wet,” he purred before his mouth covered my pussy once more. I could already feel that familiar tightening in my stomach, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I reached my peak. And when it hit, I curled my toes and bit down harder. Oh my God, it was heaven. No, forget

heaven, it was nirvana. My hips bucked against his mouth as I rode out the mind-blowing pleasure that ripped through me. It was like an out-of-body experience as he gripped my hips to hold me in place while he continued to feast on me, dragging out the most amazing torture I had ever felt. The moment his mouth left me, I whimpered. “I need to be inside you,” Ryker said as he moved up my body to place his erection at my entrance. “I can’t promise you slow,” he whispered as he began to slide inside.

“I don’t want slow,” I confessed, and he closed his eyes tightly as if fighting off the need for release. “So fucking good,” he groaned as he seated himself deep, giving his hips one last thrust to go just a little deeper. I had no time to prepare myself as he pulled back and slammed into me once again. This time, there was no hope of holding back the cry of pleasure that escaped me. Ryker covered my mouth with his, swallowing my moans as he continued to drive into me over and over. It was so damn good, explosive. “Wrap your legs around me,” he

directed, and I immediately did as he asked, opening up for him more. “Oh yeah,” he said before he bit my lower lip. “You always feel so fucking good.” Good didn’t even begin to explain the way I was feeling right now.

I woke up to the sound of Ryker opening the closet door. “Is it time for you to leave already?” It felt as if I’d just closed my eyes and now he was up getting dressed for work. Then again, the round of slow, sensual lovemaking that

followed our fast round of sex could definitely explain my loss of time. He didn’t respond as he moved across the room and sat on the bed at my side. When he ran his fingers through my hair, the way he was looking at me made my heart race. “What?” I asked, because frankly I was growing a little nervous. “When you gonna marry me?” he asked. “Um . . .” I was a little surprised by his question. I don’t know what I was expecting him to say, but it wasn’t that. “I guess we haven’t really talked about a

date, have we?” He only shook his head as his gaze continued to scan over my face while he waited for my answer. “When do you want to get married?” I asked. “Now, later today. Tomorrow,” he said with a smile. “As soon as possible. I don’t want to wait any longer, sweetheart. I’m ready to be your husband. I’m ready to grow our family and start our lives together.” Well, my big, strong ex-Marine and man of my dreams had gone all mushy on me.

“Let’s get married next month,” he added before I could respond. “Pick a date, any date. I just want to marry you.” I nodded and swallowed past the burning sensation at the base of my throat. “Okay,” I whispered. “The first Saturday.” My answer seemed to please him as he leaned over and kissed me, smiling against my lips.

Who knew so much was involved in

planning a wedding? I mean, in my eyes you only needed four key things: loved ones, a preacher, and a bride and groom. But apparently those things were simply small items in a large pool of others. Flowers? Come on, they were just gonna die. And a church? Hell, I would have been perfectly happy with an outdoor wedding. The reception was easy at least, because we settled on Lucy’s. But everything else was a crazy mess of deadlines and stress. Once my mom knew we had set a date, her head began to spin. She, Nana May, Nicole, Elle, and Liz were on a

whirlwind ride of crazy. Those women seemed so tiny and polite, but give them two people to marry off and a date and they made that show about crazy brides look like a walk in the park on a sunny day. I sat back and watched as they swarmed our apartment, barking off demands. Judging by the look on Tori’s face and the way her little head kept twisting from right to left as she watched the scene, she too was dumbfounded. But through it all, Nicole couldn’t stop smiling, and that alone made this entire ordeal worth it. If my baby was happy, I was fucking ecstatic.

“I wish you two could make it, but believe me, I understand the military life. We go when they say.” I was a little down that I would be marrying the girl of my dreams without my two best friends being able to stand at my side. It wasn’t like they could just hop on a plane or bus and come to Alabama for the weekend. Germany was a long way to travel from for just one weekend, especially after they’d only visited a month and a half ago. “Sorry, brother,” Ben said. “But I do

have some news.” “Oh yeah?” I wasn’t sure if I should brace myself for something bad. “What news?” “I’m not reenlisting,” he replied. “I know you were debating it. When did you decide?” I asked. “I’d been thinking of getting out anyway. We’ve talked about that. Besides . . .” He paused, and I detected the humor in his voice as he continued, “I thought I’d relocate to Alabama.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “A certain brunette wouldn’t have anything to do with that, now would she?”

The idea of having one of my best friends here in town would be great. But Liz and Ben trapped in the same town permanently? Lord help us all. “I just need a change, man,” he said. “And some pretty women to look at doesn’t hurt, either. Plus, Luke got transferred.” “What?” Just like that, the excitement of Ben’s news had faded. “Where is he getting transferred to?” “Jacksonville,” Ben replied. “He leaves in three weeks. I got four months left, and then I’ll be heading that way too. You need to keep a lookout for a

place for me.” “There’s an apartment available downstairs from our place. I can get you the number,” I assured him as I headed out my front door to get the number on the sign in the window. After I rambled it off, he told me to put a good word in for him with my boss, and I assured him I would do it first thing Monday. But even as we hung up, I still couldn’t help thinking of Luke. It would be nice to have him closer, but the guy only had Ben and me as family. He’d spent his life living in one foster home after another until he was old enough to

join the Marines. When I first met him, he was a hardheaded fool who felt like he didn’t need anyone but himself. It took Ben and me months to break him down, but once we did he became one of the best friends I could ask for. I hated the knowledge that Ben was leaving too and he would be alone. Visiting him on the base was something I would definitely be doing as often as I could.

“Tonight couldn’t be more boring,” I

complained as I sat down in the booth that gave me a clear view of the entrance to Lucy’s. “I already sent Elle home. It’s just me and Greg, and he’s at the bar smashing it on Angry Birds, so that should tell you how shitty tonight has been.” “Then close down, come home,” Ryker said in a husky tone. “Victoria just crashed, and I’m getting ready to jump in the shower. I could wait for you and we could take one together.” I wouldn’t lie and say his proposition didn’t tempt me. “I still have some lingering squatters,” I said with

amusement. “I can’t just kick them out.” “Sure you can,” Ryker insisted. “Just tell them your fiancé is horny and it’s dangerous to leave him alone like that. I require immediate assistance.” “You’re insatiable,” I said with a laugh. I was just about to tease him further when the front door flew open so hard it bounced off the wall with a thud. There in the doorway stood Keegan with a look of panic on his face, and my stomach tightened instantly. “Hey, let me call you back,” I said as I began to climb out of the booth.

“Everything okay?” he asked. “Yeah,” I replied even though I honestly had no idea if that was true. “Okay, I love you,” Ryker added, but his tone told me he still believed something was wrong. “I love you,” I said in a rush before I ended the call. As I approached Keegan, I saw the blood staining his shirt and his dark jeans. His eyes were reddened and glossy with tears. My stomach rolled as panic set in. “Keegan?” I wasn’t sure what to say, what question to ask. It wasn’t like he and I were friends, but I

knew him showing up here in his current state meant something was very wrong. “It’s bad, Nic.” His voice was low, filled with such pain. “The truck came out of nowhere. And he couldn’t stop.” His throat bobbed as he swallowed. “There was so much blood, and he wouldn’t wake up.” “Keegan,” I whispered as I stepped closer and took his hand. “Please tell me what happened.” “It’s Tyler.” His lower lip trembled. “He’s been in an accident.” I may not love the guy, and on most days I wanted to strangle the dumb right

out of him, but he was Tori’s father and the man who took part in giving me my greatest gift. I cared for him in the sense that I truly wanted him to one day see the error of his ways. I wished him no harm. “Where is he?” I asked. “Marshall Medical Center.” He let go of my hand and ran his fingers through his hair, pulling at the ends. “He wouldn’t wake up, Nicole. And they had to cut the truck apart to get him out.” There was a long pause before he looked back at me and those tears that had pooled in his eyes only moments ago began to fall. “I don’t know if he’s gonna

make it.” The reality of how severe the situation was hit me hard. I nodded and turned to find Greg standing only a few feet away. “I’ll lock up,” he said. “It’s just Will and Gunther here, and they’re harmless. I’ll lock the doors, and when they decide to call it a night, I’ll be sure they’re okay to drive. Go take care of what you need to.” He held out my purse and keys, and I nodded as I took them. I turned back to face Keegan and jerked my head toward the direction of the door, and when he

swiveled around I followed him outside. “I’ll be right behind you,” I assured him as I walked toward my car. As I climbed in behind the wheel, my head was spinning. So many times I cursed Tyler for the way he was. I wished he would just leave and stay away, but I never wished for this. I suddenly felt guilty for all the harsh things I’d said to him, even though deep down I knew he deserved most of them. But knowing that didn’t ease the guilt even in the slightest. I dug through my bag and found my phone, then quickly dialed my father’s number.

“Hey, sweetheart, everything okay?” he asked. I knew he was referring to the bar, but in that moment I lost it. Tears began to fall as my chest ached. “Tyler was in an accident. Keegan said it’s real bad, Daddy.” “Where are you?” he asked. “In my car. Greg insisted I take off, and I’m going to go to the hospital.” I started the car as I tried to calm down. “Does Ryker know?” His question only made me feel even guiltier. I was torn between what I should and shouldn’t do. “No,” I replied.

“I just need to get there, and after that I’ll deal with the rest.” There was a long silence before he spoke again. “I’ll be there soon.” I needed him to be there right then and was relieved I didn’t have to ask.

Tyler and Keegan’s parents were ridiculously unreliable and always had been. They had always cared more about partying and whether their liquor cabinet was fully stocked than if their boys were safe and taken care of. I had always believed they were the source of their

sons’ alcoholism and long line of poor judgement calls. Both Keegan and Tyler learned long ago that they would have to learn to survive on their own, and neither was doing a very good job at breaking the Murphy pattern. My father arrived shortly after I did, and we sat in the waiting area of the emergency room with Keegan by our side. We knew nothing at the time, just that Tyler was in the operating room and they would update us once they had some news. Time faded as I stared at the wall

across from me, focusing on the abstract painting. I was lost in my thoughts when my dad interrupted me, causing me to jump in surprise. “I’ll be right back. Did you need anything? Coffee maybe?” he asked. I just nodded, then watched him turn and walk away. I’m not sure how much time passed, but when he returned with a Styrofoam cup of coffee, I gave him a gentle smile. “Thanks.” He took a seat next to me and leaned back in his chair. “I called Ryker.” I turned to him, unsure if the feelings

rushing through me were irritation or relief. Him calling had saved me from trying to explain what I was doing here, yet in a way I thought that news should have come from me. “I told him that in an hour or so I would head over to your place so he could come here to be with you,” Dad added. “He’s worried about you. I could almost feel his need to be by your side.” “Did he sound mad or upset?” I asked. I had to admit I was worried he would be. “No,” he replied, and relief washed through me. “But he did ask why you

didn’t call him and let him know.” I had planned to, I really did. But time just got away from me. “Truthfully,” I said as I focused on the cup in my hand, “I thought he would insist I not come.” My father didn’t say anything, only sat quietly and listened. “I know he and Tyler don’t get along, and that dates back even before me. But I couldn’t not come, Dad. Regardless of the problems between Tyler and me, he’s still Tori’s father. And at one time, he was my friend.”

Was I mad she’d gone to the hospital?

No, because I knew it had nothing to do with her having feelings for Tyler. Nicole just has such an amazing heart. She’s the most compassionate person I’ve ever met, and she would help anyone if she could. What did upset me was that she didn’t confide in me. Instead, Allan gave me the news. After he showed up at the apartment to stay with Tori, I left. Now I was standing right outside the elevator on the second floor of Marshall Medical, debating what to do next. I had tried to talk myself out of being upset the entire drive over, and the moment I got

in the elevator over twenty minutes ago, it all began again. The last thing Nicole needed was me being some petty asshole. “Hey.” My body stiffened at the sound of her voice, and I spun around to find her looking back at me nervously. “How long have you been here?” she asked. I shrugged. “I’m not sure.” “I don’t need to ask if you’re upset. I can see it.” She hung her head, looking down at her feet. “I’m sorry I didn’t call right away. It was all a bit overwhelming, and before I knew it, my

dad said he’d already called you.” An older man approached, and I stepped to the side, allowing him better access to the elevator I was blocking. My movements caused Nicole to look up, and when she did her eyes were reddened. “I’m truly sorry,” she said. I hooked her waist and pulled her close, wrapping my other arm around her shoulders. As she lay her head against my chest, I heard her take in a deep breath, breathing me in. I did the same with her, and the smell of her shampoo filled my nose. We stood there in the hall, neither of

us saying a word as we just held on to one another while people passed us. “How is he?” I asked. “We don’t know anything yet. He’s still in surgery.” Another silence set in, and I waited for her to speak, because I had no idea what to say. “I should have called you, but I . . .” She lifted her head, tilting it back enough to look up at me. “I thought you’d say I shouldn’t come.” “You think I’m that heartless?” My question came out a little harsher than I’d intended.

“No,” she insisted. “It just with the history between you two and the issues we’ve had with him since you came back, I figured it was the last thing you would think I should be doing.” I took a moment to roll the words I wanted to say around in my head, trying to come up with the best approach. I didn’t want to fight with her and I didn’t want her to feel bad for being here, but I did need to know something. “Why did you come?” I asked. “I’ve lain in bed night after night next to you, wishing Tyler would just let go and allow you to adopt Tori.” He

eyes filled with tears. “Then I’d feel guilty thinking maybe if he could just straighten up and be a father to her, things would be different. It was like a vicious tug-of-war in my mind, and a few times I even found myself wishing he would just disappear because it would make our lives easier. Now I just feel guilty.” “You don’t need to feel guilty,” I assured her. “It’s not like you haven’t tried over the years to get him to change. You’ve given him so many chances to step up and be a part of her life, but he chose the path he took, not you.”

A single tear fell down her cheek, and I wiped it away before kissing the trail it left and resting my forehead against hers. “But baby, it’s more than just guilt,” I said. “It’s because you’re always thinking of others. That’s who you are, and it’s just one of the many reasons I love you so damn much.” She only nodded as I pulled back and began leading her toward the waiting room, where Keegan still sat, looking completely lost. And my chest ached for him. Because Ben and Luke may not be my actual brothers, but they

were close enough, and if I was in his shoes, I’d feel lost too.

“They’re not sure if he’ll regain feeling in his legs,” Nicole said as she sat down on the edge of the bed. It had been three days since the accident. The truck had hit Tyler on his left side, and he suffered multiple injuries including damage to his liver and spleen, a collapsed lung, and possible unrepairable damage to his legs. I could still tell Nicole felt torn

about going to see him and worried how it would affect me. But I knew where her heart lay and I wasn’t concerned. “How’s he taking the news?” I asked as I rolled over and held my hand out for her. She accepted it and slid closer, tucking her body against mine. She inhaled deeply before letting her breath out slowly. “He’s withdrawn. Not really talking to anyone.” She was quiet for a moment. “He just stares out the window, completely lost in his own head.” “I won’t pretend to understand what he’s going through. I’ve served with guys

that suffered losses like this,” I tried my best to give her some reassurance. “I watched them go through the stages of recovery. But the depression was the hardest. But once they started to accept the changes they were about to face, they became themselves again. And the help from friends and those who cared about them was exactly what they needed too.” “Ryker, I’m sorry. I just—” “Baby, I’m not saying that because I need you to reassure me it isn’t anything more.” I rolled her onto her back and brushed the hair from her face. “I’m one hundred percent confident in our love. I

also know you’re an amazing, compassionate person, and you being there for Tyler during this time is something he needs.” “You’re okay with me visiting Tyler?” she asked. I leaned in and placed a soft kiss to her lips. God, I loved this girl. “Nicole, I would be worried if you didn’t visit him. Because shutting out anyone you had a connection to would be a sure sign that the girl I fell in love with was no longer that same girl.” I kissed her once more, and she closed her eyes for a split second before looking back up at me.

“And that, sweetheart, would be a shame.” She just remained in the same position, staring up at me with an intense expression that made my heart race. “You are so good to me,” she whispered, and it felt like she’d gripped my heart and squeezed. “I love you more than I could ever truly explain.” “Well, we could just spend the next fifty years trying to come up with a way to show each other the immensity of our love,” I added before I covered her body with mine.

“The baby isn’t Tyler’s,” Keegan said

as he handed me a cup of coffee. “It’s mine.” “What?” To say I was surprised would be an understatement. “Tyler and Melanie were messing around months ago, and she wanted more but he didn’t,” he explained as we walked down the hall toward the elevators. “She and I started hanging out, and one thing led to another.” “And voila, you’re gonna be a daddy,” I finished his story for him. “Yeah.” He shrugged and pressed the Call button, then leaned against the wall next to the elevator.

“Just promise me something,” I said and waited for him to look at me. Once he did, I continued, “Promise that you’ll stand by her. And that you’ll be there for your child.” He smiled and tilted his head to the side. “I told you Tyler and I were different, remember?” “Yeah.” I offered him a smile in return. “But I thought that was just a line you were using to hit on me.” He chuckled. “Well, I was using it to hit on you, but I meant it. And I plan on standing by Melanie’s side. Even if she and I don’t end up together, I’ll be there

for my child.” “That’s good,” I said just as the elevator doors slid open. “That’s real good.” I stepped into the elevator and waited for Keegan to join me. Once he entered and the doors slid shut, he turned to me. “Tyler just wasn’t built to be a father. We both know that. I know he has a lot of regrets. But his self-doubt always outweighs everything else he feels.” “I know.” Because I did. I’d watched that indecisiveness within him for years. It was in everything he did, but

he hid it behind the cocky arrogance and anger he showed every day.

“So the wedding is soon—what, a week now?” Tyler asked, bringing my attention from the television back to him. “Uh, yeah, well.” I cleared my throat. Never did I think I’d be sitting in the hospital room of the father of my child discussing my marriage to another man. “It’s five days away, actually. “So why are you here?” he asked. “Not that I don’t appreciate all you’ve done, but Nic, you should be with Ryker.

I’m fine, really. Do I have bad moments? Yeah. And I’m sure I will for a while, but I’m working on it.” “I want you to know you have a friend. I know we’ve had a long road of unsettled issues, but God, Tyler, you still mean something to me. You’re the father of my child.” I took in a deep breath because this entire conversation felt deeper than I had planned for it to be. “She needs a father, you know,” I added as I looked down at my hands fisted in my lap. “She has one,” he said, and my heart rate sped up. I looked up at him, and his

stare connected with mine. “She has Ryker.” That wasn’t what I’d expected, and for a moment I was completely shocked and had no idea how to respond. “He’s been more of a father to her than I’ve ever been. Victoria deserves a man like him. Someone that’s going to love her unconditionally and a man she can count on no matter what. Ryker’s a good man. I know I’ve spent a lot of time hating on him in the past, but I’m being truthful here.” His words shocked me. I’d never expected he’d say something like this,

and then he continued to surprise me. “I’m sorry for everything I ever put you and Victoria through. I should have never taken my hate for Ryker out on you.” His words meant more than he would ever know. “Can you promise me something?” I nodded. “If I ever ask about her, ya know, just to be sure she’s okay, that you won’t deny me that knowledge.” “Sure, but Tyler”—I scooted to the edge of my chair, closing the distance between us.—“I’m not sure what you’re leading up to here.”

“I can’t be the father she needs. If this accident has shown me anything, it’s that I can do right by her. I can change her future by making sure she gets a man who’ll take care of her the way a father should.” It was his turn to take in a big deep breath. “I wanna allow Ryker to adopt Tori. I can’t change who I am, Nic, and I’m sorry for that. I’m not built to be a father, but he is. He’ll take care of the both of you. He’ll protect you just like he has from the moment he came back into town, and he can give Tori more than I ever could.” “Tyler, I want you to be sure this is

what you want. I need you to know that you may not think you can be a father, but I believe you can if you’d just try.” “Sweetheart, I’ve thought about this for weeks. Even before the accident.” Tyler took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “This is my gift to her, because I have a long way to go before I can be any child’s father. And I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to offer that kind of love to any child.”

The last couple of weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now I was a

blubbering mess. It was the morning of my wedding, and I felt like I couldn’t pull it together. Not because I was nervous or having second thoughts, but because I had waited for this for so long that I was terrified something would keep it from happening. But everything was falling into place. I was getting the man I had always wanted. I was about to share that joy with every person I loved, and the love he felt wasn’t just for me but for Victoria too. When I told Ryker that Tyler was allowing him to adopt Tori, I’d never in

my life seen such pure joy and happiness in one person at one time. “You ready to tie the knot or what?” I turned in my chair at the sound of Liz’s voice. Elle followed close behind her. “Because let me just say that man of yours looks mighty fine, and if you’re thinking of changing your mind—” she let out a low whistle, “—I would be more than happy to take your place.” “No way, bitch,” Elle said. “You would have a fight on your hands.” I laughed at their crazy banter. “No such luck, ladies,” I said with a chuckle. “You two will just have to keep looking

for your own man, because nothing would ever convince me to let go of Ryker. Not ever again.” They looked back at me in mock sadness, their lips puckered out with those big puppy-dog eyes, but it was short-lived. Their expressions quickly changed to wide smiles as they leaned in and wrapped their arms around my shoulders. “You deserve this, Nic,” Liz whispered. “Thank you both for sharing this day with me,” I replied. “It truly means more than I could ever express.”

“There is nowhere else we would rather be,” Elle said. “Seeing the love between you and Ryker defeating the odds gives all of us hope.”

They say we have moments that change your life and make you see everything in

a different light. I was living one of those moments. Nicole stood before me, staring up at me with a look of admiration. A look that made my stomach tense and my heart race. She looked like a goddess, graceful and alluring, and I knew I was one of the luckiest men in the world. “Through the good and the bad, I give you my hand to hold,” Nicole continued her vows to me. Each word she spoke only made the love I had for her grow stronger. “I give you my heart to cherish as long as we both shall live.” A single tear trailed along her cheek

as her lip trembled, only making it harder for me not to take her in my arms and comfort her. I brushed away the tear, and she leaned in to my touch. “It is an honor to now pronounce you husband and wife.” A tightness formed in my throat as I leaned in and placed my lips to hers. “You may kiss the bride,” the official continued with a slight chuckle, and a few guests followed. “I love you so much,” I whispered against her lips. “I’m gonna love you forever, baby.” “I can’t believe we’re married,” she said.

“Believe it, sweetheart. You’re all mine now,” I replied with a smirk. “I’ve always been yours,” she assured me.

“When you came back, I wished for you to find happiness.” My mother sat down next to me as I watched Nicole dance around with Elle and Liz, with Tori at her side. I turned to look at her as she continued, “I wasn’t sure if that happiness would include Nicole, but I’m so glad it does. I know how much you’ve always loved her.” She touched my arm.

“The two of you belong together.” “They’re my girls,” I told her. “I came back here with one goal in mind, and nothing was going to stop me. There has never been anyone else for me, Mom. I told you that years ago, and even though I was gone, and we grew apart, that never changed.” Tori’s giggles filled the air, and my chest tightened with such love. “All I’ve ever wanted was for you to be happy,” Mom added as she leaned in, then kissed my cheek. “And there’s no one that could convince me you aren’t happier than you have ever been.”

The

warm water cascaded over my body as Ryker slid his hand along my stomach, lower and lower until his fingers pressed against the place we were joined. As he moved his fingers in

a circular motion, my head fell back against his shoulder, and his lips pressed against the side of my neck. I arched my back just a little more, allowing him better access as he continued to move inside me. “You feel so damn good,” he groaned as he flexed his hips, pressing in as deep as our position would allow. Memories of our honeymoon came flooding back. We spent our days in the sun, lying on the beach listening to the ocean, and our nights making love to those same sounds. It was hard to believe we’d already

been married for more than six weeks. Everything was so perfect, it kind of felt surreal. We’ve become quite comfortable in our new life. Even if I tried I couldn’t remember the days before Ryker came back to me. It now felt as if he’d been with us always. The adoption was finalized last week, and Victoria now shares Ryker’s last name too. I felt complete now in a way I wasn’t sure I would ever feel again after Ryker left all those years ago. I leaned forward and placed my hands on the shower wall. Ryker gripped

my hips, and his thrusts only grew more aggressive. My body tensed as my lower stomach tightened. I was so close, and by the deep moans that fell from Ryker’s lips, I knew he was right with me. “Come on, baby,” he coaxed. My body lurched forward with each thrust as he slammed into me over and over. “I’m so close, Nic, god damn, I’m right there.” A ripple of pleasure consumed me as I tensed around his cock and he let out one very deep growl. “Oh yeah.” We both remained frozen as we rode out the pleasure. His fingers dug into my hips as he held my body tightly against

his. When he released his hold, I slowly stood and turned to face him. His satisfied grin only made me laugh. “What?” he asked as he curled his arms around me, holding me close. “You just have that silly grin on your face,” I said as I arched my neck, then kissed his jaw. “That look is one of delirium, sweetheart. You kind of make me lose my mind.” He dipped his head and began kissing along my neck. “It’s almost impossible not to wear this look when I’m near you.”

He stepped back and got out of the shower, then grabbed a towel from the rack and turned to face me. “Let’s get you dried off,” he said as his eyes scanned my wet, naked body. Chills engulfed me as I stepped out, and the warmth of the towel covered me. I’d been waiting for the right time to tell him the news, but Ryker had a way of making me lose my thoughts. With one heated look from him, I was a mess of hormones and practically begging for the pleasure he brought each time he touched me. But as he led me toward our bedroom, I turned to face him before it

could lead to more. “I need to tell you something.” A look of concern covered his features immediately. “Actually more like show you something,” I continued as I walked around the edge of the bed and pulled a plastic baggie out of the second drawer. As I turned back around and began to walk toward him, his gaze dropped to my hands and he swallowed hard. “What is that?” he asked as I held it out in front of me. “Here.” I thrust it forward, and he lifted his hand to accept it. He turned it

over, and a smile tugged at the edge of his lips. “Yeah?” he whispered. When he looked back at me, I nodded. “A baby,” he said, almost in disbelief. And I nodded once more. His gaze fell to my stomach, and he pressed his palm against the spot that held our child. “I didn’t think there was anything else you could give me that would make me happier than I already was. But I was wrong.” He tugged at the towel that covered me, and I released it to let it pool at my feet. Ryker fell to his knees before me and

pressed a kiss just below my belly button. “Our child,” he said before he kissed me once more. “Something tells me our little girl is gonna be rooting for a sister.” His eyes glistened with tears of joy as he smiled. “I love you,” he said as he stood back up and wrapped me in his arms. “You’ve given me so much, Nic.” He cupped my cheek with his strong hand and tilted my head upward. “Thank you.” He pressed his lips to mine in a sweet kiss just before he rested his forehead against mine. “Always mine.”

His words made my heart constrict and my stomach flutter. He was right, I would always be his.

“I got the key to your place, and the movers should be here on Friday,” I explained to Ben. “Nicole is going to let them in.” “I really appreciate all you’ve done. Both of you.” He was still in Germany for a couple more weeks, which made it

hard for him to get himself settled here. So offering our help came easy. I would soon have one of my best friends here in Arab, and everything else in my life had begun to fall into place. “And congratulations,” he added. “You sure work fast,” he said with a chuckle. “Yeah, that’s what Luke said too. I talked to him last night. He sounds like he’s doing okay. Have you talked to him?” “A couple days ago,” Ben replied. “Did he tell you who else is in Jacksonville with him?”

“No.” Now my curiosity was piqued. “Bear,” Ben said. I could sense his smile. Bear, or Wade as most know him, was an old friend. He was one of the first guys I met in the Marines. We lost touch after I got shipped off to Germany, but knowing Luke had found him made me feel a little better about him not having me and Ben near. “That’s great,” I replied. “You know we’re gonna have to plan a trip to Jacksonville once you get here and settled.” “Yeah, that’s what I told Luke.”

Ben and I talked for a while before I let him go and gathered my things. Nicole and Tori had gone with Elle and Liz for a girls’ day out, and I had stopped at the deli in town for a quick bite. When Ben called, I’d lost track of time and knew Nicole would most likely beat me home. I tossed my garbage into the trash and had turned around to leave when I stopped in my tracks. Tyler was just outside being pushed in a wheelchair by a girl with reddish hair. She looked around our age. I hadn’t seen Tyler since his

accident, and I wasn’t sure how an encounter between us would play out. I contemplated staying inside to avoid him, but when they approached the entrance of the deli, I knew it was no longer an option. Once they entered, Tyler’s gaze immediately locked on mine, and I offered a slight nod. “Tyler,” I said, trying not to sound as off kilter as I felt. “How’ve you been?” He looked down at his legs, and I instantly felt like an ass for asking. I thought for sure I’d only triggered an argument I was hoping to avoid, but

when he looked up at me with a smile, I felt myself relax just a bit. “I’m getting by, but this one here doesn’t let me sit around feeling sorry for myself.” He tilted his head and looked back at the girl. “You remember Regan, from school?” he asked, looking back at me. “She was a year younger than us.” I vaguely remembered her, but she ran with a different crowd. I knew there was something familiar about her, though. “She was my nurse at the hospital,” Tyler said with a wag of his eyebrows,

and I chuckled. That explained why I felt there was a familiarity about her. I never imagined standing in a deli having a civil conversation with Tyler, but it felt nice. “Well, you take care,” I said as I stepped to the side and allowed them to continue to enter. Just as I was about to exit, Tyler said, “Hey, Ryker.” I turned back to face him, and he wore a serious expression unlike the relaxed one he’d had only moments ago. “Take care of her.” I knew he was talking about

Victoria. “I know you will. I just needed to say it,” he added. “I definitely will,” I replied. “She’s a great kid. Thank you for letting me be a part of her life.” A flash of emotion crossed his face as he nodded. I would be forever grateful that he allowed me to adopt Tori. He just wasn’t in the right place to be a father, and I’m blessed for being able to step in and take the role. Never in my life would I allow a day to go by that Tori didn’t know how much I loved her. It

was a strange feeling knowing that one of my biggest enemies for years was responsible for the joy I felt each time that sweet girl looked at me as if I hung the moon. I know Tyler and I would never share a beer over a football game, or hell, even be considered friends. But now a peace had settled between us, and I found myself wishing for him to one day find the happiness I had found. Everything had fallen into place. I had a gorgeous wife, a beautiful daughter, and a precious baby on the way.

Life was good.

FOREVER DEVOTED Book 2 in the Crazed Devotion Series

I tossed my cell phone in my bag and chose to ignore the seventh message I’d received in the last hour. Benjamin Matthew Keaton was a dedicated man. Stubborn and irritating, but so damn dedicated. I had shared one night with him months ago, and most think it was a night of random sex, but they truly had no idea. It was so much more, and that is what freaked me out the most. Yes, that was what we’d planned, yet it had taken a whole different turn. Of course there was some play involved,

but mostly we talked. And it scared the shit out of me. I wasn’t ready for the intensity of that man, but he had other ideas. In fact he’d spent the last hour explaining to me why he and I “were meant to be.” His words, not mine. And I’d spent the last hour ignoring the knot his words had caused to form in my stomach. The vibration in my purse told me he hadn’t yet given up. Curiosity got the best of me, and again I found myself digging through my purse to find my phone.

Ben: Don’t lie to yourself, wildcat, you know you’ve thought about how good you and I would be together. How I make your heart race and how that heat forms deep within your stomach when you picture us. His cocky arrogance only made me toss my phone into my purse once more. I gathered my bag and keys and pushed open my car door in irritation. What the hell was wrong with him? He was thousands of miles away. What did he expect me to do?

The moment I stepped in to Lucy’s, I zoned in on my best friend and sister. They had no idea they were about to get an earful. Nicole for giving Ben my number—I know she had a hand in it— and Elle for giving me shit about avoiding him. What the hell did she know? She wasn’t the one that felt like her stomach bottomed out every time he brought up the intense connection he felt when we were together. I was feeling unsteady, and they just so happened to be in my line of fire. “Men are so damn frustrating,” I blurted out as I dropped down on the

barstool across from them. “Is it the man, or the woman he’s chasing that’s frustrating?” Elle chirped, entirely too happily. I narrowed my eyes at her, and she laughed. “Yep, that’s what I thought. It’s the woman.” “You’re an ass,” I said as she turned around with a full tray of drinks and walked toward the group near the pool tables. Sometimes I found myself planning a slow, tortuous payback on my younger sister. She thought she had it all figured out. “Speaking of men,” Nicole said, and

I turned around to face her, “Ben actually ar—” “Don’t get me started on Ben. He’s to blame for my mood.” I reached inside my purse and grabbed my phone. “He’s been texting me for over an hour, going on and on about this connection we have.” I thrust my phone at her. “I’m cursed, you know it and so do I. Connection or not, Nicole, I am not built for what you and Ryker have. I live in self-destruct mode, and that man needs to steer clear of me if he knows what’s good for him.” I let out a deep breath and laid my phone

on the bar top when she wouldn’t take it. “Besides, he’s in Germany and I’m here,” I added. “About that,” Nicole said, and I looked up to find her looking over my shoulder. When I turned to see what it was, my heart felt as if it lurched upward into my throat. “Hey, Wildcat, you done ignoring me yet?” Ben’s deep, husky, amused tone ran through me like a mad rush of heat. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “Didn’t Nicole and Ryker tell you? I live here now.”

I looked back over my shoulder and narrowed my eyes at my best friend. “No,” I replied. “It seems they both forgot to mention it.” Just as I turned back around to face Ben, I saw Paul approaching me. He was the guy I always fell back on whenever I needed a little release. Now Ben was here, it only made what I’d planned for tonight feel dirty. “Hey, baby, you ready?” Paul asked as he stepped up to Ben’s side. My stomach dropped when a look of anger washed over Ben’s features. I slid from the barstool with every intention of

telling Paul there was a change of plans, but Ben spoke first. “You better get going, baby,” he said in a disgusted tone. “You wouldn’t want to keep your guy waiting.” He didn’t even give me a backward glance as he turned around and walked toward the bar, leaving me behind to feel like the biggest bitch. And there was my confirmation that I was, in fact, cursed when it came to guys and relationships. Even when I wasn’t trying to fuck things up, I still managed to.

To Melissa Gill from MG Book Cover & Designs. It has been awesome working with you, and I look forward to many more in our future. Thank you so much for your dedication and bringing Nicole and Ryker to life. Check out her wonderful creations at MG Book Cover & Designs. To Amy Giles, my proofreader. It

was such a pleasure working with you. I appreciate you taking the time to read through my work and offering your feedback. You are a Gem. The Charmed Girls, you are all amazing. The continued support you show me is something I will never be able to express just how much it means to me. Thank you all for sharing my work and for just being you. Thank you, Lydia, because you are a true friend and motivator. Always making me laugh and smile. We are an amazing team, and your friendship means the world. Thank you for being one of

my biggest cheerleaders. Maria, no, I have not forgotten about you and never could. You are always there willing to read through my roughest drafts and give me feedback. You give me a boost when I hit a dead spot and get me back on track. Thank you for being the push I need to continue on. To my husband and children. Thank you for being the best part of my days. For tolerating me when I get lost in the world of fiction and understanding that sometimes dinner may be a little late. Jayden and Tayler, no matter how many books I write, you two will always be

my best creations. My fans, I am always so humbled by your support. Those random messages I received after you read my books, whether it be something big or small, I truly love them. Hearing what you think, in my eyes, is one of the greatest things about releasing a new book. I am never too busy for you.

A little about me, let’s see where to start. I love HEA stories, as long as they come packing a little heat. I need some excitement, some angst, and moments that make me fan my face, those are always good too. I am an Illinois girl, born and raised. Simple and true, it honestly doesn’t take much to make me happy. I love the little things, they truly

mean the most. I may have a slight addiction to my new Keurig—oh my, that thing is a godsend. And so fast too. I have two children who truly are my very best friends. Their faces never fail to put a smile on my face. I have been married to my husband for sixteen years, and even though at times I want to beat him with a stick, I would never change the years we have had. We have learned and fallen, only to pick each other up, dust off the aches, and help each other make it right. I am one of those authors that adore my fans. I love to hear from you. After

all, it is because of each one of you that I continue to write. I look forward to you feedback. Be sure to follow me to stay up-todate on all my upcoming releases.