Dedication This one’s for all the bad boys I wish I dated…
Chapter One “Why are we here again?” Jake Bishop grumbled as he sidestepped a passing waiter. His twin brother, Owen, sounded equally unenthused. “Because Mom said she’d murder us if we didn’t come.” Right. Jake did recall a murder threat being hurled their way over breakfast this morning. Maybe it made him and O a pair of pansies, two grown men afraid of their mother, but Della Bishop was pretty damn formidable. Barely over five feet tall, with strands of silver threaded in her dark blonde hair, yet one glare from those sharp brown eyes and her sons didn’t stand a chance. At least Nate and Austin had managed to get out of this shindig, those lucky bastards. Nate, the eldest, was accompanying his wife on her latest concert tour and was probably on a bus making its way along the West Coast at that very moment, while Austin, the baby of the family, was currently running Nate’s pub in his absence. If given the choice, Jake would’ve jumped at the chance to tend bar tonight, but Nate had specifically asked Austin—a not-so-covert attempt to keep their baby brother in town. Austin had been itching to flee Paradise ever since Owen’s wedding last month, but his family was determined to keep him here. At least until they figured out why Austin had been acting like an ornery ass for eight months now. So far, no one had managed to get him to talk about whatever was bugging him. “I still don’t get why she bothers,” Owen said with a sigh, his gray eyes drifting in the direction of their mother, who was loitering near the tables that had been set up for the silent auction. “She gets so fucking involved in all this community crap, but we both know that everyone in town still whispers about her behind her back.” “She knows it too,” Jake replied, swallowing the lump of bitterness that rose in his throat. “She thinks that if she shows them it doesn’t bother her, they’ll eventually quit gossiping.” Which was unlikely. Although many of the residents were down-to-earth and accepting, Paradise still had its fair share of snobs. Like most of the people in this banquet hall tonight. The town’s wealthier residents continued to look down on the Bishop family, even though Henry Bishop had been dead for years. But his reputation had preceded him. A carousing, womanizing drunk who repeatedly—and openly—cheated on his wife. Jake and his brothers constantly endured unfair comparisons to their asshole father, but unlike his brothers, Jake had stopped caring a long time ago what people thought of him. It was almost a game to him now. Act like the bad ass they thought he was, just to see them squirm. He’d already made several people squirm tonight. The charity benefit his mother had helped organize was being held in the Paradise Golf and Country Club, a place Jake had never stepped foot in until an hour ago. The dress code had been listed as semi-formal, but the rich liked to go all out. Surrounded by all these cocktail gowns and tuxedos, Jake felt ridiculously underdressed in his black trousers and white dress shirt. He hadn’t shaved either, so his jaw boasted thick, ungentlemanly stubble. Just for fun, he’d fixed several menacing scowls on passing strangers, enjoying the way they blanched. “Hey, boys,” a female voice said. Jake glanced up, then frowned. Of course—who else would that haughty voice belong to
than Lexie Price, the daughter of the town mayor? Wearing a dove-gray satin dress and strappy stilettos, with her blonde hair twisted into a fancy knot at the nape of her neck, Lexie looked every bit the ice princess she was. Jake had never been a fan of hers, and he still couldn’t figure out what had compelled his brother Nate to strike up a friendship with the woman. Lexie was tight with Nate and Owen’s wives too, which was pretty fucking mindboggling. He didn’t get it. Maybe Lexie had changed after he’d left town to join the army, but he couldn’t view her as anything other than the snobby bitch he remembered from high school. “Hey, Lex,” Owen greeted her, leaning in to kiss her flawless porcelain cheek. Jake wasn’t as gracious. He grunted out a hello, then focused on the makeshift stage that had been set up across the ballroom. “What’s the stage for again?” he asked, warily eyeing the runway and podium. “The bachelor/bachelorette auction,” Lexie answered with a sigh. “Maddie’s up for auction,” Owen reminded him. “That’s the other reason I’m here. To make sure the only man winning a date with my wife is me.” Wife. Man, it was still so surreal. His twin brother was married. Owen was a husband. Jake couldn’t wrap his head around it. Like him, Owen had always been the quintessential bachelor—up until four months ago, anyway. But, surreal or not, he didn’t disapprove of O’s marriage to Maddie. If anything, he wanted to kick his twin for taking so long to see what was right in front of him. “What about you?” Jake couldn’t rein in his snide tone as he looked at Lexie. “Why aren’t you up for auction?” “Believe me, my parents tried to get me up there.” She shook her head, looking frustrated. “But I stood my ground, and my little sister ended up volunteering, so the folks are happy.” Her gaze slid over the crowd. “Shoot, my dad’s signaling me over. See you later.” As Lexie drifted off, Owen leaned closer and said, “She gets anxiety attacks. Being the center of attention isn’t her thing.” Jake blinked in surprise. He stared at Lexie’s retreating back, the confident gait of her long legs and the proud set of her shoulders. “I didn’t know that,” he admitted. Owen shrugged. “There’s a lot you don’t know. Maybe if you came home more often…” Great, another guilt trip. Austin wasn’t the only one who got lectured for his inability to stay put, but in Jake’s case, he had a valid reason. When he’d enlisted, he’d known it would involve being away from home for long stretches of time, and he hadn’t minded. Adventure was in his blood—and Paradise, quaint as it was, didn’t offer much in terms of adventure. Bitterness lined his throat again. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a choice in the matter anymore. He was home now, and for good this time. His family, however, wasn’t privy to those details yet. He wasn’t ready to admit he’d been honorably discharged, especially since he didn’t feel too honorable at the moment. Fuck. What he really needed right now was a distraction. A way to get his mind off his messed-up thoughts. A reason not to think about all the decisions he still had to make. And what better distraction than sex? Hot, sweaty, break-the-bed sex. That’s what he needed, but he sure as hell wasn’t gonna find that here, in this ballroom filled with Paradise’s wealthy, stick-up-their-asses crowd. “Wanna hit a bar when this thing is over?” he asked his brother. Owen grinned. “Nope. My wife and I scheduled some makeup sex for tonight.”
“Who schedules makeup sex?” “Well, we fight so often that makeup sex is pretty much a daily routine now,” Owen confessed, but he didn’t look too unhappy about it. Jake rolled his eyes. He loved his new sister-in-law to death, but Maddie Bishop née Wilson was too hotheaded for her own good. So was Owen, which was probably why the couple bickered like crazy. “Fine. Guess I’ll go solo,” he said with a shrug. “Could’ve used a wingman, though.” Owen snorted. “Yeah right. You don’t need a wingman to get laid. I’ve seen you in action, bro. You walk into a place, snap your fingers, and a hot chick appears, ready to rip off her clothes. That’s how it always is with you, Mr. Macho Military Man.” “That’s a lot of alliteration,” Jake said dryly. “Am I wrong?” “Nope.” He didn’t bother being humble about it. Truth was, women were more than happy to get naked with him, especially once they discovered he was Special Forces. He didn’t have to work hard to find a willing bedmate, and he sure as hell wasn’t complaining. “Hey, who knows,” Owen said, as people began to gather around the stage, “maybe you’ll find your sex partner up there. Auction’s starting.” “I’m not going to pay for sex,” Jake answered. An evil glint filled his eyes. “On second thought, maybe I’ll bid on Maddie.” That earned him a deadly glare. “Do that and I’ll cut your balls off.” The curtains on the stage rustled, then parted as Brandon Price strolled up to the podium. The mayor looked like his normal distinguished self, salt and pepper hair styled to perfection, lean body clad in an expensive tux. “Good evening, everyone,” the man boomed into the microphone, his baritone voice bouncing off the mahogany-paneled walls. “Welcome to the sixth annual Paradise Charity Benefit. This year’s proceeds will be going to the Bethany Foundation, which provides support to families with autistic children. I wanted to thank you all in advance for…” Jake tuned the man out. Mayor Price had a reputation for long-winded, boring-as-ass speeches, and tonight proved to be no exception. The man droned on for ten minutes before the auction finally got underway. The bachelorettes were being auctioned off first, and Jake rolled his eyes as Price introduced the first lucky female. Women being sold off for dates like cattle—he wondered if the autistic kids knew how their money was being raised. “You know our first bachelorette from Sandra’s Cookies ’N Cakes,” Price began in a jovial tone. “Give a warm round of applause for Sandra Cohen.” A plump brunette in unbelievably high heels and a dress with the lowest neckline Jake had ever seen stepped onto the stage from the wings. As she made her way down the runway, the mayor continued to spit out facts. “Sandra is a Scorpio, enjoys sailing and hiking, and in her spare time, she bakes cookies for the annual Paradise Elementary School bake sale.” Jake stifled a sigh, already bored as hell. He didn’t give a shit about Sandra Cohen and her love of sailing, nor did he care about the next woman who emerged from the curtains, a retired gardener older than his grandmother. To his amusement, someone in the crowd bid four hundred bucks on the granny, Price yelled sold and then the next bachelorette graced the stage.
A second later, an erection graced Jake’s crotch. “Is that Bree?” Owen hissed, his head swiveling from the stage to his brother. Since his entire mouth had turned into sawdust, Jake simply nodded. He couldn’t tear his eyes off the woman up on the stage. And not just any woman—his woman. Shock spiraled through him. Fuck, even after twelve years, he still thought of Bree Lockhart as his. What the hell was she doing up there? He hadn’t even known she was back in town. “She looks fantastic,” Owen murmured. Fantastic? Uh, try absolutely fucking incredible. The Bree he’d known in high school had been pretty, but this newer, older Bree was even more tantalizing. Tall and curvy, with an Xrated set of perky breasts and a taut ass that made his mouth water. Her straight black hair was shorter, dancing just above her shoulders and layered so that it framed her heart-shaped face. Her skin was as pale and smooth as ivory, her eyes were bluer than he remembered, and her mouth…man, she still had those pouty, fuck-me lips. The memory of those lips wrapped around his cock flashed into his mind, and just like that, his dick strained against the zipper of his trousers like a bull frantic to burst out of a chute. “I know you’re all familiar with Bree Lockhart,” Mayor Price announced. “Now, I’ll admit, the Price and Lockhart families haven’t always seen eye to eye, but we can both claim the honor of being this town’s founding families.” Owen laughed under his breath. “And the honor of being this town’s biggest snobs,” he muttered. “Bree works as a junior partner at Lockhart and Associates, a prestigious law firm in Denver,” Price continued. “She’s an avid skier, volunteers at a local soup kitchen, and prefers quiet evenings at home to crowded restaurants. But she’s willing to make an exception—the lucky man who wins a date with Bree will join her in the private dining room of Carlotta’s tonight. A romantic dinner for two!” Looking uncomfortable, Bree stopped at the end of the runway and did a feeble little halfturn. Jake frowned, wondering how she’d gotten roped into this. She seemed totally ill at ease up there. The way she walked, how she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she turned back to the podium. Jake saw something very vulnerable in her smoky blue eyes, something fresh and appealing, something that made him want to march up on the stage and kiss that pink lip gloss off her luscious mouth. He’d never been able to resist the prim good-girl thing she’d had going on. Especially when he’d discovered she was oh so bad beneath the surface. “Didn’t you two used to…” Owen tactfully trailed off. Jake met his brother’s curious gray eyes. “Yep,” he confirmed in a hoarse voice. He and Bree used to do a lot of things. A lot of things. Even now, he couldn’t figure out what had spurred her to seduce him that night after the big game against Huntsville. A wide receiver for the Paradise Panthers, Jake had been coming down from the victory high after the team crushed their neighboring town in a rivalry game for the ages. Bree was on the cheerleading squad, but their paths had never crossed until that night. The night she demanded he deflower her in the back of his pickup truck. Which he’d done without a single protest. “So c’mon, fellows, let’s show Bree just how much you like her!” Mayor Price said into his
mic. Right off the bat, a tall, brown-haired man in the front of the crowd bid two hundred dollars. Jake frowned. Cheap bastard. “Three hundred,” someone else piped up. “Four.” “Four-fifty.” The higher the bids climbed, the more annoyed he got. Up on the stage, Bree had started fidgeting with her hands. Her visible discomfort triggered something dark and protective inside him. Bree might have a secret wild streak running through her, but she’d always been shy, and Jake could only imagine the thoughts swirling through her pretty head right now. She was no doubt contemplating how to run off the stage without causing a scene. “Five hundred and fifty,” a deep voice called out. Jake glanced over, his shoulders stiffening when he noticed the bid had come from Dan Bradford, a guy he’d gone to high school with. Bradford had played linebacker for the team, and he was still as huge as ever—broad shoulders, barrel chest. The beer belly was new, though… The flicker of unease in Bree’s blue eyes told Jake that she wasn’t thrilled with the newest addition to the bidding war. In fact, if he recalled correctly, back then Bradford had constantly harassed Bree to hook up with him, even after she’d turned him down a hundred times. Jake’s jaw tensed and it took a few seconds before he could pry it open. When he finally got his mouth to work, the words that flew out of it stunned both his twin and himself. “One thousand dollars,” he yelled. Dead silence crashed over the room. His bid was the highest by far, but he didn’t regret it one damn bit. Screw it. One look at Bree’s silky black hair and big blue eyes, one glimpse at that body-hugging dress, and he knew that the only man she’d be having dinner with tonight was him. On the stage, Bree’s eyes had widened with recognition. Her head shot in Jake’s direction, her beautiful features creasing with shock and wariness. As their gazes locked, Jake felt a current of electricity run between them. A resulting jolt of anticipation shuddered through him. Oh yeah. It was still there. The connection. The heat. “What are you doing?” Owen’s expression reflected a twinkle of amusement. “My part for charity,” Jake answered without taking his eyes off Bree. “One thousand dollars, going once, going twice…sold!” Mayor Price declared. Disbelief now floated into Bree’s face, as if she couldn’t comprehend why Jake had bid on her. He might’ve asked himself the same question, but the second their eyes had met, he’d known the answer. He wanted Bree Lockhart back in his bed. And if he was being honest with himself, this wasn’t the first time he’d fantasized about being with her again. He hadn’t seen or spoken to her in twelve years, but that didn’t mean he hadn’t thought about her. In fact, his memories of Bree had gotten him through many tough nights, not to mention countless missions. But there would be no more missions, and that memory only reminded him of the goal he’d set for tonight. The distraction he’d craved. His gaze drifted back to the stage, in time to see Bree ducking behind the curtains.
Well, what better distraction than some wild sex with his former wild girl? Jake Bishop had bid on her. Bree resisted the urge to fan her cheeks, which were so hot she knew she must be blushing like crazy. When she’d heard Jake’s deep, husky voice out in the ballroom, she’d nearly keeled over with equal doses of shock and desire. What was he doing back in Paradise? Why the hell had he bid on a date with her? And how on earth could she get out of it? “Did I imagine it, or did I really hear Jake shelling out a thousand dollars for a date with you?” Bree spun around and spotted Maddie Bishop approaching. She had to blink a couple of times to make sure it really was Maddie, but yes, the brunette in the pretty yellow shift and satin flats was indeed the tomboy Bree remembered from high school. Maddie looked so cute and feminine Bree had to wonder what else had changed since she’d last come home. Not her attraction to Jake Bishop, apparently. The second she’d heard that man’s voice, the second their eyes locked, Bree had experienced the same aggravating sexual rush that Jake had always managed to evoke in her. “You heard right,” she answered, running a hand through her hair in frustration. Maddie wrinkled her brow. “I didn’t realize you and Jake knew each other.” She was about to point out that Maddie didn’t know Jake either, until she remembered the brunette was now married to his twin brother. Technically, that meant Maddie had way more knowledge about Jake, who Bree hadn’t even spoken to in years. “We did go to high school together,” Bree said with a shrug. “Yeah, but I don’t remember you two hanging out much. Then again, I was a couple of years behind you, so I could be wrong.” No, Maddie wasn’t wrong. Bree and Jake hadn’t hung out—in public, anyway. The three months they’d spent together had been a totally private affair. Fucking in his pickup, fucking at the lake, fucking in Jake’s bedroom after she snuck in through the window. Pretty much just fucking everywhere. She couldn’t bring herself to call it anything other than that vulgar Fbomb, no matter how mind-shattering the sex had been. Sadly, their relationship had been strictly physical, something Jake had made painfully clear the night before he’d skipped town. God, she’d been such an idiot. Actually believing she and Jake had a future. But what had she really been expecting when she’d seduced the town bad boy? “No, you’re right. Jake and I weren’t close,” she lied. Swallowing, she glanced around the backstage area and caught sight of her mother, who stood in the wings like a statue, a frown carved into her mouth. Barbara Lockhart gave a brisk nod, a clear signal that she wanted a word with her daughter. “Excuse me,” Bree said to Maddie. “My mom has summoned.” Squaring her shoulders, she strode across the room, no question in her mind as to what her mom would say. And although Bree had just turned thirty last month, she couldn’t help but feel like a little girl who was about to be reprimanded by her mommy. That always happened when she was around her parents. Her entire life, she’d had to deal with their overly high expectations of her. Get good grades, go to law school, be successful. Marry a wealthy man.
That last requirement ranked number one on their priority list, and Jake Bishop had never stood a chance of making the cut. Her parents had been absolutely furious when they’d discovered her involvement with Jake all those years ago. “Why did Henry Bishop’s son bid on a date with you?” Barbara demanded after she’d led Bree out of earshot. “I don’t know,” she answered truthfully. Her mother pursed her lips. “I’ll talk to your father about getting you out of this.” Bree bristled. “Do I have to remind you that you and Daddy were the ones who talked me into this to begin with?” Talked into? Try forced. Or maybe bludgeoned was a better description. The last thing Bree had wanted to do on her first vacation in years was put herself up on the auction block, but when one of the bachelorettes dropped out at the last minute, her mother had begged her to step in. She’d hoped to spend the week working on her opening statement for the big case she had coming up, but Barbara had her methods when it came to getting her way. Methods that involved endless nagging and veiled threats. It had only taken two hours for Bree’s mother to wear her down, and in the end, she’d decided that a few hours of her time wouldn’t kill her, especially for a good cause. Now, with the disturbing notion of being alone with Jake hanging over her head, she wished she’d stayed in Denver. “I don’t want you spending time with that boy,” Barbara said coldly. “He’s not a boy, Mom. He’s a thirty-year-old man.” “He’s the boy that nearly destroyed my daughter’s future,” Barbara corrected, her blue eyes hardening to ice. “Jake had nothing to do with everything that happened.” She sighed. “I’m the one who screwed up, not him.” “Because he was a bad influence on you. Do I need to remind you that you nearly jeopardized your admission to Princeton because of him?” Because Bree had been so damn smitten with her bad boy that she’d let her grades slide. And blown off the SATs. Yep, she remembered. Fortunately, her father had stepped in and fixed the situation, she’d taken the test, pulled her grades up, and Princeton had been in the cards after all. “It was a long time ago, Mom. I haven’t seen Jake in years, and one dinner isn’t going to hurt anyone.” Funny, how she’d been trying to come up with a way to get out of this dinner, yet the moment her mother took the same stance, Bree ended up switching sides. Her parents always managed to trigger her rebellious side. “I’ll talk to your father,” Barbara said as if Bree hadn’t spoken. “No,” she replied firmly. “Seriously, Mom, I don’t want to cause any trouble. I agreed to do this for charity, and I don’t want to cost the foundation Jake’s donation. Now if you’ll excuse me, I should go find my date.” She left her mother and marched toward the side door that led out to the ballroom, wondering what the heck was wrong with her. Her mother, as irritating as she was, had a point. Jake was a bad influence on her. She’d nearly thrown away her entire future for the guy, caught up in silly fantasies that she and Jake Bishop might have a real shot. He’d quickly burst that bubble when he’d announced he was enlisting in the army right after graduation—
and told her not to wait for him. It had hurt, but in the end, she’d realized he’d been right to cut her loose. She wanted more from her life than hot sex. She wanted a career, a husband, a family. Jake, with his impulsive nature and adventurous streak, would never have fit into that kind of life. They’d had the sex thing down to a T, but stability? Definitely not Jake’s strong suit. Stepping into the ballroom, she searched the crowd, needing to get this over with as soon as possible. So what if her body had been consumed with heat when she and Jake had made eye contact? She wasn’t a horny teenager anymore. She controlled her hormones now, not the other way around. Sighing, she weaved through the throng of people, then came to a standstill when she caught sight of Jake by the refreshment table. God, he looked good. Really, really good. A white dress shirt clung to his broad chest, black trousers encasing his long, trim legs. And his face—man, he’d grown even sexier with age. Ruggedly gorgeous features, gray eyes smoldering with seductive heat. The man oozed sex and masculinity. He always had, and probably always would. When their eyes locked, that same surge of desire she’d experienced on stage made a reappearance. Steeling herself against his potent maleness, she strode over to the drink table and managed a faint smile. “Hey, Jake,” she said, keeping her tone light. “Bree,” he said in that husky voice of his. His stormy silver eyes swept over her. “You look good.” She swallowed. “So do you.” So good that her nipples were already hardening against the front of her lacy bra. Damn it. Twelve freaking years later, and her libido still kicked up a notch in the presence of this man. “It’s been a long time,” he added. “Yeah,” she agreed. “How’s military life?” Something indecipherable flashed across his chiseled face. “Same as always. How’s lawyer life?” “It’s great,” she admitted. “I love my job.” “I’m glad to hear it.” Was he? Because as she recalled, he hadn’t seemed too concerned when he’d persuaded her to skip the SATs so they could spend the day in bed. Your fault, not his. Fine, there was some truth to that. Jake hadn’t forced her to miss the test. She’d done that all by herself. So wrapped up in his sexual spell that she’d been willing to drop everything for just one more second with him. God, back then she would’ve done anything for Jake Bishop. He was the guy who’d shown her how much fun life could be, that under the surface she was a good girl just waiting to be bad. And lord, she’d been bad. Not just in exploring her sexuality with Jake, but neglecting school, rebelling against her parents. But she was older now. Wiser. A successful lawyer, the proud new owner of a beautiful bungalow in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, a woman who was completely happy with her life. Yet as she looked into Jake’s hypnotic gray eyes, she realized that no matter how happy she was, her life still lacked one thing: Passion. She’d slept with other men since Jake, but
she couldn’t remember the last time a man’s mere proximity made her heart gallop like a racehorse. Or when the simple sound of a man’s voice brought such a delicious ache to her core. Only Jake managed to evoke that response in her, which was really freaking annoying. “So…” She cleared her throat. “You didn’t have to spend a thousand bucks to have dinner with me, you know. If you wanted to catch up, we could have done it over breakfast at the diner, free of charge.” “Is that what you want to do tonight? Catch up?” His voice held a mocking note. Bree’s heart did a little flip, but she caught herself before her pulse sped off into oblivion. “It would be nice,” she said noncommittally. “I’d like to hear what you’ve been up to all these years.” “Really?” He edged closer and his masculine scent grabbed hold of her senses. Soap and spice and something woodsy. “So you want to listen to my anecdotes and share life stories?” “Y-yes.” He chuckled. The sound sent a shiver up her spine. “Come on, Bree, we both know conversation isn’t on the agenda for tonight.” Indignation hardened her jaw. “We haven’t seen each other since high school, Jake. Did you honestly think I’d take one look at you and fall into bed with you again?” “Yes.” Cocky bastard. But damn if her thighs didn’t quiver at the thought. You’re not a bad girl anymore. You never were. She lifted her chin, gathering up her resolve. No matter how gorgeous Jake was, no matter how much her body responded to him, she wouldn’t sleep with him tonight. That ship had sailed a long time ago, and falling back into old habits—bad habits—wasn’t something she could afford to do right now. She had an important lawsuit about to go to trial, a house she was still in the process of decorating, a life that didn’t include Jake Bishop. Or sex with Jake Bishop. “Sorry to disappoint, but the only thing that’s on the table is dinner,” she said firmly. The sultry heat of his silver eyes penetrated her body. “What happened to the Bree Lockhart who used to be up for anything?” “She grew up.” Bree rolled her eyes. “Evidently, you haven’t.” He flashed her a grin, that crooked badass grin that never failed in making her melt. “Growing up is overrated, sweetheart.” “If you say so.” She slanted her head. “So, dinner?” He shrugged. “Dinner it is.” He looked around the crowded ballroom, focusing on the auction in progress. The bachelors were taking their turns on the stage, but Jake didn’t seem the slightest bit interested in the festivities. “Wanna get out of here now?” Her heart skipped another beat and she had to chastise herself for getting excited. This was nothing more than dinner. Dinner between old friends. Old lovers. Just because Jake was eyeing her like he wanted to get her naked didn’t mean she’d let him. She was thirty years old, for Pete’s sake. A strong, resilient woman who could surely fight off the advances of one Jake Bishop. Right?
“Sure,” she agreed. “But I’m serious, Jake, this is dinner.” He reached for her arm, and the warmth of his touch seared her skin and sent shockwaves of desire through her body. “Of course,” he assured her. The wolfish twinkle in his eyes totally betrayed his casual tone. “I mean it,” she insisted. “Uh-huh.” Bree gulped and followed him out of the ballroom.
Chapter Two Jake wanted to lick every inch of Bree’s delectable body. Unfortunately, she was sitting all the way across the table, and there was all this damn food between them, acting like a barrier. He couldn’t believe how incredible she looked. And he’d forgotten how frickin’ smart she was. As she spoke in length about her latest case—a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company that had knowingly sold defective drugs—it surprised him to discover that he was actually interested in everything she had to say. “What are you thinking about?” Her soft voice drew him out of his thoughts. Jake met her eyes, then reached for his wine. The stem of the pansy-ass glass was too skinny, and he felt awkward holding the damn thing. “Jake?” she prompted. “Trust me, you don’t want to know what I’m thinking,” he finally said. Her blue eyes flickered with irritation. “You haven’t changed at all.” “Should I have?” He smirked. “You always seemed to like me just the way I was.” “Rough, crude, complete lack of restraint, smartass remarks?” She tilted her head, causing her raven hair to fall over one shoulder. “It was all very exciting when I was seventeen. Not so much anymore.” “Bullshit.” He let out a deep chuckle. “You still like it.” Rather than answering, she pushed away her empty dinner plate and dabbed at the corners of her mouth with a linen napkin. The private room of Carlotta’s boasted a romantic candlelit atmosphere, complete with a red silk tablecloth, white roses, delicate china and expensive wine. But Jake wasn’t looking for romance. From the second he’d seen Bree again, he’d been thinking about nothing but sex. A wave of sexual nostalgia swept over him. “We were good together, weren’t we, sweetheart?” A rosy flush rose on her pale cheeks. “Can’t deny that.” Jake fingered the stem of his glass, noticing that her gaze was following the motions of his hand. “Remember the Derry Falls game?” Her cheeks went even redder. “No, not really.” “Sure you do.” He shifted in his chair, reaching down to subtly rearrange his growing erection. “The team stayed in the same hotel as the cheerleaders, you were on the second floor, I was on the third…we snuck away and met up in the bathroom…” He dragged his tongue over his lower lip. “I went down on you for nearly an hour in one of the stalls…ring a bell?” Her arousal was written all over her pretty face. Oh yeah, she remembered. Jake’s cock stiffened to full mast as the wicked images flashed across his brain. Bree leaning against the stall door, one leg lifted up on the toilet paper dispenser as she exposed herself to him. The feel of the linoleum floor beneath his knees as he bent between her legs and licked her up like an ice cream cone. “Jake, please,” Bree said, a wary expression on her face. “That’s right—you said that exact thing, over and over again.”
She sighed. “You’re incorrigible.” “Damn straight.” A smile tugged on the corners of her lush mouth. “We’re not teenagers anymore, Bishop.” He feigned an innocent look. “Adults can’t have sex?” “We can’t have sex,” she corrected. “I participated in the auction to help my parents out, not to get laid. If you wanted some action, you should have bid on Sandra Cohen. I hear she likes to do more than bake cookies.” Jake laughed. “I don’t want Sandra Cohen. I want you.” “Why?” Frustration laced her tone. “We don’t even know each other anymore. We had a fling when we were kids, and then we both moved on. I don’t have time for flings. I’ve got a life.” “Does that life include a boyfriend?” “Well, no, but—” “Does it include celibacy?” “Of course not, but—” “Then what’s the problem?” He shrugged. “You’re in town, I’m in town…aren’t you curious to see if the spark is still there?” Without letting her respond, he pushed his chair back and stood up. Bree’s eyes widened as he rounded the table and sank to his knees in front of her. “What are you doing?” she stammered. “What do you think?” he muttered. And then he cupped the back of her head and brought her mouth down to his. Bree gasped, but he swallowed the breathy sound with his lips, tangling one hand through her hair to angle her head for better access. She tasted like red wine and the lemon chicken she’d had for dinner, and underneath, a subtle, sweet flavor that was uniquely Bree. He’d always loved kissing her. He’d done it often all those years ago. They’d made out everywhere —his house, behind the school, the alley between the diner and the barbershop, the woods, the meadow, the lake…everywhere. He hadn’t been able to keep his hands off her, just like he couldn’t now. Thrusting his tongue in her mouth, he kissed her senseless, while his hands roamed her body. He stroked her bare shoulders, her collarbone, her arms. Glided his palms over her breasts, gripped her hips. He would’ve liked to cup her ass, but she was sitting down, so he dragged his hands north again and fondled her breasts, squeezing the firm mounds and eliciting a moan from her throat. To his delight, Bree’s hands weren’t idle either. As their tongues danced and swirled, she stroked his stubble-covered jaw, then bunched the collar of his shirt between her fingers and brought him even closer. “Goddamn,” he muttered, wrenching his mouth away. “See, sweetheart, the spark’s still there, burning as strong and hot as ever.” “Jake—” He heard the note of protest and cut her off with another kiss. Bree could barely breathe. She was so turned on she couldn’t even remember her own name, and as Jake’s talented tongue explored her mouth, she couldn’t voice a single
argument. God, he knew how to kiss. Knew how to touch, how to tease, how to do everything. The feel of his stubble scraping against her chin sent her back to the first time they’d made out, when she’d found him in the back of his pickup after the football game, drinking a beer and staring up at the stars. She didn’t know what had compelled her to climb up beside him, why she’d accepted that first beer he’d offered, and then the second, and the third. For a girl who got tipsy off a sip of champagne, three beers had done a number on her, and when she and Jake started kissing, every inhibition she’d ever possessed had dissolved like sugar in hot water. She’d lost her virginity that night, and embarked on a sexual journey that she still fantasized about to this day. And now here he was, her old flame, her former fantasy, kissing her again, and she was helpless to stop him. “Bree,” he rasped, pulling back slightly. “I want you. Fuck, how I want you.” I want you too. She bit back the words, shocked by how tempted she was to voice them. How was this happening? They hadn’t seen each other in years, yet it was like no time had passed. The fire burned just as hot, the attraction so visceral she felt it crackling in the air between them. Jake Bishop had been her biggest weakness, and evidently still was. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s see this through.” He nuzzled the crook of her neck and nipped at her flesh, his warm breath tickling her sensitized skin. “We both need it so bad.” As he kissed her neck, he continued to squeeze and fondle her breasts through the bodice of her dress. Her nipples puckered, strained against her bra, and that spot between her legs ached, clit swollen, panties so damp she squirmed in the chair. How did he still have the power to get her this hot, this fast? When she still didn’t utter a word, he lifted his head and fixed her with a hot, needy look that made her shiver. His gray eyes burned with such passion, such intensity, that she squeezed her legs together, fighting off a spontaneous orgasm. “Say yes,” he said roughly. Bree’s heart hammered against her ribs. God, this was insane. She should say no. They’d spent three months together twelve years ago. She and Jake were essentially strangers now, and she didn’t have sex with strangers. She didn’t even put out on the first date, damn it. But apparently she was destined to never refuse Jake Bishop, because when she opened her mouth, the word no didn’t leave her lips. “Yes,” she whispered. With a growl, Jake yanked her off the chair and into his lap. They rolled onto the floor, while the candles on the table flickered above them. The owner of Carlotta’s had taken great pains to create a romantic ambience in the private dining room, and Bree doubted the man would appreciate his patrons screwing like bunnies on the floor of his establishment. But again, she had absolutely no resolve when it came to Jake. As he covered her mouth with his, she was already reaching between them, fumbling with the zipper of his trousers. He felt so heavy on top of her, his muscular chest pressing against her breasts, one firm thigh jammed between her legs. He ground his lower body into hers, triggering a flurry of shivers in her body. Her clit swelled and throbbed, and she lifted her hips, shamelessly rubbing against the bulge beneath his trousers, straining to get closer.
Her hand shook as she released his zipper. A strangled moan slipped out when his cock, hard and thick, sprang into her palm. No boxers. Evidently Jake’s preference for going commando hadn’t changed. “Oh that’s it, sweetheart, wrap your fingers around me,” he choked out. She encircled his shaft and gave it a small tug. Jake let out a groan and kissed her again, his tongue seeking hers. Bree’s entire body was on fire, her vision nothing but a hazy cloud of turned on. Jake shoved the hem of her dress up to her belly and clawed at the waistband of her bikini panties, shoving the silky material down her legs. There was no foreplay, no preamble. One second she was stroking his cock, the next he was pushing her hand away, covering himself with a condom he must have brought with him, and sliding into her wet channel with one smooth glide. Bree moaned at the feel of his cock stretching her, filling her. The floor beneath her back was cold. Unforgiving, just like Jake’s frantic thrusts. He braced both hands on either side of her and drew his hips back, then plunged in again, fucking her so hard, so deep, she thought she would die of pleasure. She hadn’t been fucked like this since…since Jake, she realized. The lovers who’d followed him had treated her like she was a fragile piece of china, fearful she might break, but Jake had never been timid. Slow, fast, rough, gentle—he’d mastered it all, though at the moment, rough seemed to be his method of choice. Maybe it made her a total slut, but she loved every freaking second of it, every hard thrust and rough caress. Wrapping her legs around his trim waist, she dug her heels into his taut ass and lost herself in the desperate sensations coursing through her body. God, they were still fully dressed, but that only made the entire tryst hotter, dirtier, more exciting. Each stroke sent her closer to the edge, each tongue-tangling kiss had her moaning with abandon. “Come for me,” he rasped. “I’m too fucking close. You’ve gotta come now, sweetheart.” Another thing Jake had always excelled at—making her come on command. The second the hoarse words escaped his mouth, an orgasm pounded into her, sizzling through her blood and throbbing between her legs. Each spasm sent pulses of heat to her clit, her nipples, her core. Her inner muscles gripped his cock, squeezing hard as she came in a white-hot rush. “Fuck yeah,” Jake groaned. “I’m coming.” Bree felt it the moment his climax seized his body. His cock twitched and throbbed inside her, his thrusts becoming shallow, erratic. His teeth dug into her bare shoulder as he came, and the sting of pain mingled with the pleasure flooding her body. Jake’s chest heaved as he sucked in a ragged breath. The thudding of his heart vibrated against her breasts, matching the frenzied gallop of her own pulse. As they both recovered from their respective orgasms, Bree suddenly became extremely aware of their surroundings. Lord. They’d done it on the freaking floor of the freaking restaurant. Like animals in heat. Jake was the only man who could make her forget her environment, who robbed her of all common sense, and as the aftereffects of release slowly drained from her body, she felt like kicking herself for what she’d just done. Jake, on the other hand, looked mighty pleased with himself. Gray eyes burning with residual lust, he withdrew with one smooth motion and sat up. “Fuck, Bree, how are we still so good together?”
“I don’t know,” she confessed, a frown marring her mouth. Swallowing, she pulled her dress down and fumbled for her discarded panties. Without meeting his eyes, she wiggled into her underwear and staggered to her feet. Her skin was scorching hot, her clit still swollen and achy, and she couldn’t fight a pang of embarrassment. What was the matter with her? How had they gone from dinner to floor gymnastics in a matter of minutes? Why didn’t she possess a single ounce of control when it came to this man? Tucking his cock back into his pants, Jake zipped up and shot her a knowing grin. “Told you this would happen.” Her frown deepened. “You don’t have to look so smug about it.” “Can’t help it.” He stepped closer and rested his big, calloused hands on her hips. “You and me, sweetheart, it’s always been like this with us. Our chemistry is off the fucking charts.” She immediately responded to his touch, the familiar surge of heat moving through her like an electric current. He was right. It was chemistry. Science. She was scientifically designed to spread her legs in this man’s proximity. Not again, though. This was a one-time deal. A momentary lapse of judgment. “Maybe,” she agreed, “but just so you know, this won’t happen again, Jake.” He arched one dark brow, the rugged planes of his face creasing with amusement. “How long you in town for?” “A week,” she said, then reprimanded herself for giving the information so freely. “But I’m here to spend time with my parents. I won’t have time to…to see you.” “You expect me to believe that Barbara and Tanner will occupy your time twenty-four hours a day?” He said her parents’ names with derision, which sparked her anger. Jake had never liked her family—another reason why their involvement wouldn’t have lasted. As much as her parents annoyed her, they were still a part of her life, and the man she shared that life with would have to understand and accept that. Ignoring his last remark, Bree walked over to the table and grabbed the purse she’d draped over the back of her chair. “I should get going,” she said, hoping he didn’t notice the wobble in her voice. “Can you drop me off at home? If not, I can call my father to get me.” “I’ll take you,” Jake said gruffly. As they headed for the door, Bree couldn’t help throwing a glance over her shoulder, fixing her gaze on the floor Jake had just fucked her on. A fresh wave of hot humiliation scorched her cheeks. God, what was wrong with her? She’d thought she was thirty. But apparently she was still a seventeen-year-old hormone case who thought getting naked with Jake Bishop could actually be a good idea. Lexie found Cooper Grady waiting on her porch when she got home from the charity benefit. Despite herself, a grin stretched across her face, and she promptly forgot about her sore feet and the strain in her facial muscles from all the fake smiles she’d pasted on tonight. She hated social gatherings, but as the daughter of the mayor, she had no choice but to make an appearance at every party or event that happened in Paradise. At least seeing Cooper here made up for her aggravating night. He’d told her that he had to work early and
wouldn’t be coming over, so his presence was a pleasant surprise. “Thought you were going to bed early,” she said, crouching down to brush a kiss over the razor-sharp stubble on his cheek. Cooper seemed to have an aversion to razors, but she didn’t mind his scruff. If anything, she loved the way his stubble scratched her skin as his mouth traveled over every inch of her body. “Changed my mind,” he drawled. “How was the benefit?” She immediately picked up on the sour note in his raspy voice, and a pang of guilt tugged at her belly. She hadn’t invited Cooper to accompany her to the benefit tonight, and though she knew it bugged him, their relationship was still so new. Up until a few months ago, it had been strictly sex between them. Only recently had that changed into something more, thanks to some serious persistence on Cooper’s part. But Lexie still wasn’t ready to announce to the entire town that she was involved with Cooper Grady. The town, or just a few key residents? Fine, so maybe she wasn’t ready to announce it to her family. But who could blame her? Her parents were so uptight it was a miracle they could walk around with those sticks up their asses, and her younger sisters were just as snobby, spending their time looking for wealthy husbands who would take care of them. None of them would understand Lexie’s relationship with Cooper, who happened to be Paradise’s rough talking, chip-on-his-shoulder bad boy. He also happened to be five years younger than her, worked as a construction worker, and lived in a crappy cabin on the outskirts of town. Not the kind of man her parents would approve of, and okay, maybe it made her a total coward, but she wasn’t ready to face their wrath yet. Not when she didn’t even know if this relationship would actually last. “It was boring,” she replied lightly. “Consider yourself lucky that you didn’t come.” He stood up as she moved to unlock the front door. “I wasn’t invited, remember?” “Coop…” She sighed. “I told you, I’m not ready to tell anyone about us yet.” “Too ashamed?” he taunted. “I’m not ashamed. I just want to see where this goes before we announce it to the whole damn town.” He made a harsh, unintelligible sound and his dark, bordering-on-black eyes burned with the unbridled intensity she’d come to associate with this man. And lord, he wore the look well. Cooper epitomized the phrase rough around the edges, with his unkempt black hair, tall muscular body and affinity for chest-hugging muscle tees and jeans that molded to his long legs. He also smoked like a chimney, lacked a brain-to-mouth filter, and knew exactly how to turn her on. The anger simmering beneath his sexy surface only made her heart beat faster, because she knew punishment would be on his agenda. And damn it, but Lexie loved Cooper’s kind of punishment. They entered the dark house, and he was already heading toward the hallway leading to her bedroom. He didn’t bother glancing back to see if she was following. He knew she would, and she didn’t disappoint. She was a pathetic sucker when it came to Cooper Grady. Which was funny, because in her day-to-day life, she didn’t let anyone order her around. As the editor-in-chief of the Paradise Post, Lexie called the shots on a daily basis. But behind closed doors, Cooper gave the orders. Truth was, she found his dominance refreshing. She was always so in control, analyzing every detail, making sure everything ran smoothly. With Cooper, she could let go. She didn’t
worry about appearances, didn’t feel insecure; she simply said goodbye to her inhibitions and got to be the woman she wanted to be, rather than the one she pretended to be. In her bedroom, Cooper didn’t waste any time before unzipping his pants. His resentment was still palpable in the air, but so was his arousal. Lexie’s mouth dried out as he eased his jeans down his strong thighs. A second later, her mouth filled with saliva as he pulled out his long, thick cock. He was harder than granite, his engorged head glossy with a bead of moisture, and a thrill shot through her from the knowledge that she was the one who’d brought that raw flash of lust to the eyes of this sexy, virile man. Keeping one hand on his erection, he lifted the other one to crook a finger in her direction. “C’mere,” he rasped. She kicked off her stilettos as she walked over to him. “I’m still mad at you,” Cooper said huskily. She moved her hand down to encircle his rock-hard shaft. “Yeah? How can I make it better?” she murmured. A lopsided grin lifted the corner of his mouth. “A blowjob would be a good start.” He cocked his head. “Followed by a few rounds of serious, hardcore fucking.” Lord, she loved how blunt he was, how he never sugar coated a damn thing. Tingles of desire traveled through her body and settled between her legs, growing stronger when he thrust his hips and pressed the tip of his cock into her palm. “I’m not joking around, princess.” His voice came out in a lazy drawl. “On your knees. Now.” Without so much as a protest, Lexie sank to the floor.
Chapter Three Jake killed the engine and turned to Bree, who’d been quiet during the entire ride over to her parents’ house. Well, house was an understatement. The Lockharts lived in a three-story brick mansion complete with concrete pillars out front, a sleek wraparound porch and a second-floor balcony. The lawn was perfectly manicured and the array of red and yellow roses in the flowerbeds ringing the porch boasted a silver dusting of frost. It was mid-November, but the first Colorado snow had yet to fall. Soon the town would look like a winter wonderland, and the Lockhart mansion would be strung up with Christmas lights and rooftop reindeer—the Lockharts always went all out during the holiday season. They also threw a huge party every year on Christmas Eve, to which neither Jake nor his family had ever been invited. The evidence of Bree’s wealthy roots brought a familiar pang of resentment, but not strong enough to dim the arousal still coursing through his blood. Getting Bree in bed had been his end game, but he hadn’t expected to screw her on the floor of the restaurant. Just went to show that his restraint didn’t stand a chance around this woman. He’d always been too frickin’ eager to get her naked. And he couldn’t wait to do it again. “Come over tomorrow night,” he said when Bree still didn’t utter a word. Slowly, she turned her head and fixed him with a wary look. “Not a good idea.” Jake reached across the armrest and took her hand, dragging his thumb over the center of her palm. Her breath hitched. His cock hardened. Christ, why did he crave her this badly? The attraction was as powerful as ever, even after all these years. “I know you felt it back at the restaurant,” he said gruffly. “It’s like nothing has changed.” “That’s where you’re wrong,” she said in a soft voice. “Things have changed. I’ve changed.” “Yeah, how?” he challenged. “I’ve got a career now, a mortgage, a life in Denver.” He raised his brows. “Those are circumstances, sweetheart, not you. I want to know how you’re different.” She seemed uneasy, her mouth opening and closing as if she couldn’t figure out how to respond. “Because,” he went on, moving his hand up to her face so he could trace the delicate curve of her jaw, “it seems like you’re the same passionate girl I went to high school with. The one who acts prim and proper but is naughty as fuck under the surface.” Her cheeks flushed. “I’m not like that anymore.” Jake stared at her. “Then explain what happened back at the restaurant.” “That was…like you said, chemistry.” She wiggled out of his touch and slid closer to the passenger door. “I was never able to control myself around you, which is why I can’t see you again, okay? You’re like…like my Achilles orgasm heel or something.” He chuckled. “So?”
“So I don’t have time to be bad with you, Jake. I have a job, responsibilities…” She trailed off. “Not this week you don’t. You’re on vacation, remember?” He shrugged. “Look, I’m staying at Nate’s place. He and Charlotte are gone for the month, so if the two of us decide to, uh, hang out, we’ll be alone.” “You mean you’ll be alone. I came home to visit my family, not to start something up with you.” “Who says you can’t do both?” When he caught her chewing on her bottom lip, he knew he had her right where he wanted her. “Come on, sweetheart, spend some time with me while you’re in Paradise.” He slanted his head. “What we did tonight was good, but it wasn’t nearly enough and you know it.” Bree scowled, her blue eyes glittering with menace. “It was enough for me,” she said haughtily. “Oh really?” He leaned closer, cupped her chin, and forced some much-needed eye contact. “You’re telling me you weren’t wishing my head was between your legs? Or that you didn’t want to feel my cock in your mouth? That you weren’t remembering all those nights we spent hours in bed together, driving each other crazy?” Jake saw her pulse throbbing in her throat and lowered one hand to that revealing spot, feeling the vibration against the pads of his fingers. When he dipped his gaze, he saw a rosy blush rising on the tops of her breasts, a sure sign that she was as aroused as he was. “Tonight wasn’t enough,” he repeated, the words coming out hoarse. The resolve in her expression began to crumble, but then she sucked in a breath and fumbled for the door handle. “It’ll have to be,” she answered shakily. “I don’t have time to play games.” Jake stifled a groan. “I don’t remember you being this stubborn.” She threw open the door, shooting him a smile that seemed utterly forced. “Thanks for a lovely evening.” He returned the smile, only his was dry and mocking. “Before you go, can you take a look at something for me?” She glowered at him. “If you unzip your pants, I swear to God I’ll—” He cut her off by grasping her chin and tilting her head so she was looking up at the roof of the pickup. “See that duct tape?” he said in a casual tone. Frowning, Bree studied the ten-by-twelve-inch square of tape stuck to the upholstery. Then she swallowed. “This old truck has been sitting in my mom’s garage since I enlisted—still runs like a fucking dream, by the way—but the strangest thing, when I slid into this baby a few weeks ago, I looked up and what do you know, the upholstery is torn to shit. Big flap of it kept flopping on my head so I finally had to tape it down.” Feigning perplexity, he met her eyes. “Damn forgetful of me, but I couldn’t remember how it got like that. Figured you might have an idea.” Equal parts embarrassment and desire burned in her blue eyes. “Sorry, can’t help you with that.” “No?” A grin stretched across his mouth. “You sure you didn’t claw half the roof off when you were riding me like a cowgirl the night before graduation?”
Without letting her answer, he scooted closer and planted a quick kiss on her lips. Bree squeaked in surprise, then edged away from him, practically launching herself out of the open door. “Again, thank you for a lovely evening,” she blurted out. “I’m helping Austin out at Nate’s pub tomorrow,” Jake told her. “But I’ll be home by five. Come over any time after that.” “Don’t count on it,” she said, but the fire burning in her gaze betrayed the cool tone of her voice. “Good night, Jake.” He watched her hurry off, listening to the sound of her black heels clicking against the cobblestone path leading up to the mansion. Had he pushed too hard? Laid it on too thick? Probably. Jake shifted gears and followed the enormous circular driveway toward the wrought-iron gate on the Lockhart property. He glanced in the rearview mirror, saw Bree’s willowy body disappearing through the front door, and decided not to question his highhanded tactics. A week between the sheets with Bree was exactly what he needed. The distraction he craved. And God, he hoped she’d see the light, because he simply couldn’t bring himself to focus on his goatfuck of a life right now. He had too many decisions to make, and the damn nightmares still came every damn night, making it impossible to think clearly. Did he want to stay in Paradise and work with Owen? Take the job in Colorado Springs? Buy a house? Rent? A job. House. Fuck, he’d never thought he’d lead anything other than a military life, and the mere notion of settling down in a mundane routine made him feel itchy and uncomfortable. Letting out an unsteady breath, Jake turned onto the dirt road a few miles from the Lockhart place and headed toward the isolated cabin his older brother called home. Smalltown life had always suited Nate, and Owen, and their mom, but it wasn’t enough for him. Shit. What the hell would he do now that he was a civilian again? Bree, a little voice said. The corners of his mouth lifted. Yeah. He was totally up for doing Bree. And he knew the feeling was mutual. In fact, he’d wager his favorite rifle that he’d be seeing her tomorrow night. Call him a cocky bastard, but he was well aware of the power he had over the woman. She’d never been able to resist him, and at the moment, he prayed he wouldn’t be proven wrong “I’m heading out,” Jake said the next afternoon. As he rounded the bar counter, he glanced at his little brother, who was stacking beer glasses on the shelf over the sink. “I’ll see you at Mom’s for breakfast tomorrow, right?” Austin gave a noncommittal shrug, his moss-green eyes veiled. Immediately, Jake’s hackles raised. “Right?” he repeated in a stern tone. “Yeah, maybe.” Abandoning the glasses, Austin averted his eyes and made a show of wiping down the counter, which was already squeaky-clean. Stifling a sigh, Jake studied his younger brother, wishing like hell he could figure Austin out. The guy had been moody and insufferable for months, which was a huge change from Austin’s normally laidback demeanor. Unlike his brooding older brothers, who kept their
emotions reined in, Austin had always been quick to laugh, unafraid to speak his mind or voice his emotions. The kid could charm anyone who crossed his path, had no shortage of available chicks eager to screw him, and was talented as hell, to boot. Austin was an awardwinning photographer, would probably win a damn Pulitzer one day, yet these past eight months, he’d become a prickly bastard. Tight-lipped, irritable. A total pain in the ass. Exhaling the breath he’d been holding, Jake crossed his arms over his chest and frowned at his brother. “All right. Enough is enough. Are you gonna tell me what’s been needling at you or do I have to beat it outta you?” Rather than cower under the threat, Austin met his gaze head on. “You gonna tell me why you’re in Paradise instead of overseas with your unit?” Pain slashed Jake’s chest. Figured that Austin would be the one person to call him on that. He should’ve known he wasn’t fooling anyone when he’d claimed to be on extended leave. When Jake stayed silent, Austin raised one eyebrow, looking smug. “That’s what I thought, big bro.” He tossed the dishrag in the sink and made his way to the swinging door leading to the back room. Over his shoulder, he added, “Why don’t we save this bullshit secret-spilling for when we’re both ready to talk about it?” The door swung back and forth after Austin strode through it. Jake reached up to rub the three days worth of growth on his chin, frustrated as hell. Far as he could deduce, whatever was troubling Austin had to do with their mom, but Della wasn’t talking either. She was as stubborn as her son, and no amount of cajoling could get her to divulge what had gone down between them. Fuck. Whatever. He was a hypocrite anyway, giving Austin beef about keeping mum when he wasn’t ready to talk about shit either. He left the pub, striding toward the pickup truck he’d parked out front. It was a cold day, a chill hanging in the November air, and in the distance, a shroud of mist surrounded the snowcovered peaks dominating the horizon. Paradise was damn pretty in the winter. Nestled at the base of the mountains, the town belonged in a postcard for Colorado’s wilderness, or maybe some pamphlet featuring idyllic small towns. But beautiful as it was, Jake had always longed for something more. He’d wanted to experience the world, see exotic places, meet new people. He’d figured joining the army would help him to do that, but he hadn’t seen much beauty throughout his military career. Just death and destruction and the kind of gruesome images reserved for nightmares rather than real life. Still, he wouldn’t trade his time in Special Forces for anything. He’d done a lot of good, served his country in a way that made his chest swell with pride. At least until that last mission. Couldn’t say he was proud of how that went down. Shoving away the memory, he drove along Main Street, his gaze snagging on the brick building that housed the Lockhart law firm. Tanner Lockhart still worked out of the Paradise office, but both his children practiced in Denver, at the firm’s headquarters. Paradise citizens didn’t have much need for lawyers, save for estate and property work, but apparently the Denver location was booming. He remembered Bree telling him over dinner that the firm employed over a hundred people, including Bree and her brother, Gabe. Yeah, didn’t surprise him that Bree was a big-city lawyer now. He’d always known she’d build a successful life for herself. She was smart, driven, possessed a solid work ethic. Well, except for those three months they’d spent together—back then, she’d blown off school more times than he could count. She’d even missed her SATs to spend a few more hours in bed
with him. The memory brought a twinge of guilt. Fuck, he should’ve tried harder to make sure she took that damn test, but he’d been just as obsessed with Bree as she’d been with him. Still, he’d always known she’d make something of herself. That’s why he’d broken up with her when she tried to push for something more. He’d been set on enlisting, and he hadn’t wanted to hold her back. Knowing Bree, she would’ve waited as long as it took for them to be together, so he’d severed the tie, knowing they had separate paths to walk. Only his path had led to a dead end. And figuring out his new path was proving to be really damn hard. When he reached his brother’s big, rustic cabin, he parked the pickup on the dusty driveway and climbed the porch. He’d left the door unlocked—nobody around these parts locked their doors—but the second he stepped into the front hall, he sensed the presence of an intruder. Muffled sounds came from the kitchen, followed by a feminine curse that had his shoulders relaxing. Bree. A grin stretched his mouth. He’d known she wouldn’t be able to stay away. His cock was already hardening as he hurried to the kitchen, but the semi-erection went limp when he laid eyes on the visitor. Not Bree, but Lexie Price, who was opening and closing cupboard cabinets like she owned the place. Jake cleared his throat in irritation. The blonde let out a startled cry, nearly dropping the canister of sugar she held in her manicured hands. “Fucking hell, Jake!” she yelled when she spotted him. “You scared the crap out of me!” “Says the burglar who’s ransacking my cabinets,” he replied dryly. “Nate’s cabinets.” She frowned. “And before you ask, I have a key. Nate and Charlotte recruit me to pick up their mail when Charlotte is on tour.” “Doesn’t look like you’re here for mail.” He strode to the fridge and yanked open the door, pulling out a bottle of Bud. “So what’s the deal?” “Borrowing some sugar,” she said, reaching into another cupboard for a small container of Tupperware. She dumped some sugar from the canister into the plastic box, then sealed it shut. “I need sugar for my coffee.” Jake narrowed his eyes. “How’d you get here? Your car’s not out front.” The blonde faltered. And for the first time since she’d surprised him, he realized she wasn’t wearing her usual ice-princess getup. No skirt and blazer, no pantyhose, no heels, just faded blue jeans and a lacy camisole the same shade as her glacier-blue eyes. He was surprised by how pretty she looked in the casual garb. It made her seem much more approachable, as did the blush that splotched her flawless cheeks. “I walked,” she said carelessly. “All the way from your place? That’s like twenty miles from here.” His suspicions intensified. “The diner is halfway between our houses. Why didn’t you stop for sugar there?” “I wasn’t at my house,” she admitted. “I was visiting a friend, okay?” His brows furrowed. “What friend?” “I do have friends, you know.” He faltered, averting his eyes as he fumbled to unscrew the cap of his beer bottle. Damn,
she looked wounded, as if he’d actually hurt her by insinuating she didn’t have friends, which hadn’t been his intention at all. “I mean who do you know that lives around here,” he clarified. “Nate’s closest neighbor is old Britt Jansen, and she whips out her shotgun if anyone so much as steps onto her property. Unless you’ve been hanging with Cooper Grady—he lives half a mile east of here, so—” He halted when Lexie’s cheeks turned redder. Unable to stop himself, Jake laughed. “No fucking way. You and Cooper? That’s…” Lexie’s lips tightened. “It’s none of your business, that’s what.” He sipped his beer, then set down the bottle, unable to contain his amusement. “You and Coop, huh? Whatcha doing, slumming it? Taking a walk on the wild side?” Lexie stiffened. “Or let me guess, you decided to stick it to your uppity parents by letting Cooper stick you.” Lexie flinched as if he’d struck her. Without answering, she shoved the container of sugar into the leather purse slung over her shoulder and took a step to the door. “Sorry to bother you,” she said quietly. “I’ll be out of your hair now. Don’t worry, I won’t pay you a repeat visit.” “Lexie.” She stopped in the doorway. “What?” I didn’t mean to put that hurt look on your face. But he couldn’t voice the words. Evidently there was a lot more to Lexie Price than he’d ever imagined, but the two of them weren’t friends, and he couldn’t bring himself to act like it. “Let me walk you out,” he said with a sigh. He trailed after her, unable to stop his mind from conjuring up the image of Lexie in the arms of tough guy Cooper Grady. Coop worked on Owen’s construction crew, but although Jake didn’t know the man too well, he did know of him. Cooper had a reputation for sleeping around and being kind of an asshole. Which made him the last man Jake pictured Lexie getting involved with. “Can we…keep this entire thing to ourselves?” Lexie asked when they reached the front hall. “Pretend I was never here.” He stepped forward to open the door for her. “Whatever you want, sweet—” His words died when he spotted Bree on his porch, her fist poised to knock. A smile stretched over his mouth just as a frown marred hers. Bree’s head moved from him to Lexie, then back to him. “Guess this is a bad time,” she said in a tight voice.
Chapter Four Bree felt like a total idiot as she stood there on the porch facing off with Jake and Lexie. Neither of them looked guilty, or worse, sported that we-just-had-sex glow, but what else would Lexie be doing all the way out here? The blast of jealousy that hit her was annoying as hell, but she couldn’t help it. She and Lexie Price weren’t friends, nor were they the enemies they’d once been in high school, but the idea of Lexie in Jake’s bed made her blood boil. It also surprised the hell out of her, since Jake had never been Lexie’s biggest fan. In the doorway, Lexie looked equally surprised to see her. “Bree?” she said in perplexity, that regal neck stretching as she tilted her head to the side. “Hey, Lexie. How’ve you been?” The blonde still looked mystified. “Good. You?” “Can’t complain.” Bree’s gaze drifted to Jake, who was watching her with twinkling gray eyes. “I’ll come back another time,” she told him, somewhat stiffly. “Naah, it’s cool. Lexie was just leaving.” “Yep,” Lexie agreed, stepping onto the porch. Bree’s eyes narrowed when she realized the other woman was wearing white Adidas. Since when did the ice princess wear sneakers? “Jake,” Lexie added, flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder, “I’d like to say it’s been fun, but it wasn’t. As usual.” She descended the porch steps. “See you later, Bree.” Bree frowned as she watched the other woman veer off toward the cluster of trees on the edge of the property and disappear into the woods. Where on earth was she going? Though come to think of it, Bree didn’t see Lexie’s shiny BMW parked in the driveway. She turned back to Jake, eyes narrowed. “What exactly did I walk in on?” “Nothing,” he said with a shrug. “Lexie stopped by to pick something up.” “And is now getting home via the forest route?” “She’s an avid hiker.” Jake ran a calloused hand over his close-cropped hair. “And before you ask, I’m not sleeping with her. I prefer to make love to a woman, not a block of ice—too damn cold.” His gaze smoldered as he focused it on her mouth. “You, on the other hand, are hot as hell, sweetheart.” The heat of his eyes made her swallow. Damn it. Why had she even come here? Last night, she’d been determined to keep her distance, ignore Jake’s ridiculous proposition and spend the week hanging out with her parents and working on her upcoming case. But from the second she’d opened her eyes this morning, she’d been overcome with temptation. Sleeping with Jake again had been so incredibly amazing, yet her body was the furthest thing from sated. She’d been edgy and uncomfortable all day, squirming during her lunch with her mother, distracted as she’d tried scribbling notes for her opening statement. Every nerve ending had crackled, every inch of skin tingled, until she couldn’t concentrate on anything but the thought of having Jake’s hands all over her. One orgasm from Jake Bishop and she’d reverted back to the girl she’d once been. And as much as she hated admitting he was right, one orgasm hadn’t been enough. Not by a long shot.
“That’s why you’re here, right?” he prompted when she didn’t speak. “To get me hot? To get us both hot?” A sigh slipped out. “Yes.” The smug expression that filled his handsome face should’ve annoyed her, but it only fueled the desire burning in her blood. Jake’s confidence in the bedroom was one of the reasons she’d been so drawn to him all those years ago. “As long as we’re both in town, there’s no harm in having a little fling,” she admitted, albeit grudgingly. “But just for the week, Jake, and don’t get any ideas about continuing it when I go back to Denver.” “I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said solemnly. They eyed each other for several long moments, and then, before she could blink, Jake grabbed her hand and tugged her into the house. He had her up against the wall in a nanosecond, his mouth coming down hard on hers, stealing the breath right out of her lungs. God, this man knew how to kiss. His lips were firm, unyielding, and his tongue didn’t seek permission before it plunged inside her mouth and teased her to oblivion. He devoured her, licked, sucked, nibbled, and she was gasping by the time he wrenched his mouth away. “Hop up on the table,” he rasped, even as he lifted her up on the narrow cedar table spanning the hallway wall. The second her butt connected with the solid wood, Jake dropped to his knees and bunched the hem of her white cotton skirt between his fingers. The calluses on his palms scraped a rough trail on her legs as he dragged the skirt up to her waist. His hungry silver eyes focused on her pink bikini panties, narrowing when he caught sight of the little white bow. His hoarse voice rumbled over her heated skin. “Still wearing the good girl panties, I see.” “They’re comfy,” she said defensively. “Don’t worry, you’ll be much more comfy when I get these panties off you.” True to his word, he got rid of the underwear, then planted his hands on her thighs and spread her legs. She shivered when the cool air met her fevered flesh. Anticipation gathered in her belly, throbbing in her muscles, tingling her breasts, but Jake didn’t make a move. He just knelt there, eyeing her exposed pussy like a man who’d just discovered a secret treasure. “Fuck, you’re as beautiful as I remember,” he muttered, moving his gaze from the juncture of her thighs up to her face, which was flushed and scorching. “How do you want it, sweetheart? Slow and easy? Do I ease into it, or take it fast? I remember you always liked it a little rough…” Bree squirmed, unbearable need building inside her. “Surprise me,” she choked out. With a grin, he dipped his head and drove his tongue into her wet channel. “Oh…God, Jake!” Yep, he’d made the right choice, going for rough and dirty. No man had ever made her scream the way Jake Bishop did. Bree’s eyes slammed shut as he feasted on her. He replaced his tongue with two fingers, pushing them deep inside and wiggling them around until she was moaning with abandon. Then he flattened his tongue and swiped it over her clit in fast strokes, summoning an orgasm from her in thirty seconds flat. A burst of pleasure exploded between her legs, ripping
through her body like a tornado. Black dots flashed behind her closed eyelids. Shallow pants burst out of her lungs. Jake didn’t give her any time to recover. The moment her moans subsided, he slowed the pace, licking her damp folds with the feather light flicks of his tongue then dipping lower to lap at the juices coating her opening. “Jesus, Bree, you taste like heaven.” His tortured voice caused her inner muscles to contract and clamp around the fingers still buried inside her. He gave a resounding groan and continued to work her into a mindless frenzy, swirling the tip of his tongue over her aching clit. Bree’s head lolled to the side, her neck too heavy to support it. She was in real danger of passing out, and she sucked in a deep breath, trying to clear the sensual fog clouding her brain. “Jake.” His name came out on a sigh, and she lowered her hands to his hair, loving the way the short bristles abraded her palm. She was totally digging the buzz cut, and as a mental picture of Jake in uniform floated into her mind, a fresh wave of lust slammed into her. “Come for me,” he mumbled. “I wanna feel you come again before I fuck you.” Dirty talk had always been his forte—those raw, husky demands that left her hot and breathless. As he tongued her clit, she teetered on the brink, then toppled right over the edge as a second climax shuddered through her. She’d barely had time to take a breath when Jake bounced up to his feet, unzipping his pants with his right hand while reaching into his back pocket with the left. He removed his wallet, then a condom, then his jeans. Bree’s mouth filled saliva as she laid eyes on his cock. He was hard, thick, the circumference of him bigger than that of her wrist, and his tip was engorged and beading with precome. He caught her staring and chuckled. “Up for one of your infamous Bree Lockhart BJs?” She slid off the table, fixing him with a seductive look. “Always. Question is—are you?” Jake leaned against the table, one hand reaching down to circle his stiff shaft. He gave it a firm pump, those gray eyes burning into hers. “Always,” he mimicked. The male arrogance and smug glint in his eyes only fueled her determination to make him come apart. She’d always loved watching him unravel, reducing him to a cursing, groaning mess as she had her way with him. It didn’t escape her that they were still in the hallway, that the hardwood floor beneath her knees wasn’t a soft mattress. Even back then, she and Jake had rarely made it to a bed, so not much had changed. Bree kept her eyes locked with his as she leaned forward and got her first taste of him in twelve years. His entire body jerked when her tongue glided over the pearly drop forming at his tip. “Slow and easy?” she taunted, then darted her tongue out for another fleeting lick. “Fast and hard,” he choked out, his voice so hoarse it sounded like someone had shoved a handful of gravel in his mouth. She shot him an evil smile. “Slow and easy it is.” Jake wasn’t a man who liked being teased, which made teasing him all the more satisfying. She braced her hands on his muscular thighs and slowly took him into her mouth,
sucking gently on the head of his cock. He twitched again, letting out a ragged expletive. “More,” he demanded. “No.” She tilted her head up. “Now be a good boy and put your hands on the table. No touching. No trying to control the situation.” A husky laugh slipped out of his throat. “Jesus, Bree, I’ve missed you.” She refused to let the remark affect her, ignoring the way her pulse sped up. She wasn’t about to say it out loud, but she’d missed him too. Missed the confidence he seemed to inspire in her. Missed the way she transformed when they were alone together. Jake made her feel bold and wanton. She could do anything and everything and he didn’t even bat an eyelash. He’d always been a more than willing participant when it came to her need to explore her sexuality. She hadn’t done much exploring lately, though. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d had sex. Wait, it had been last year, with the ADA from the Denver prosecutor’s office. Missionary all the way—and he hadn’t cared much for blowjobs. The memory made her all the more determined to prove to herself she still had the right skills. Taking a breath, she wrapped her lips around Jake’s cock, loving the way he filled her mouth, the way his shaft throbbed as she gently scraped her teeth over it. When he tangled his hands in her hair and tried to pull her closer, she quickly retreated, punishing him for his complete disregard of orders. “Hands to yourself,” she reminded him. “Yes, ma’am.” She heard the laughter in his voice and decided to shut him up—by sucking him so hard he swayed on his feet. Another curse popped out of his mouth. Fighting a jolt of arousal, Bree focused on driving him to the brink of madness. Relaxing her throat, she took him in deep. She bobbed her head as she sucked him with fervor, then shifted to short, shallow strokes while her hand wrapped around the base of his cock and squeezed. “Christ,” Jake choked out. She dragged her tongue along his sensitive underside, then swirled it over his tip, pumping his shaft as she teased the head. Her other hand slid down to cup his balls and when she fondled the tight sac, Jake groaned so loudly she felt the vibrations against her tongue. “Fuck, oh, fuck, fuck,” he hissed out. Bree hid a smile. Once his vocabulary was stripped of everything but the F-bomb, she had him exactly where she wanted him. Time for the final touch, the one thing guaranteed to make this big macho man lose his cool. As she sucked him hard and deep, she rubbed one finger over the trail of saliva dripping down his shaft, then dragged it up to the crease of his perfect ass and slid the tip right through the tight ring of muscle. “Fuck!” Jake came so violently Bree nearly lost her grip on him. As hot jets spurted to the back of her throat, she swallowed eagerly, her lips wrapped around him in a tight seal that had him moaning with ecstasy. When he finally grew still, Bree demurely wiped her mouth and stood up. She shot him an innocent smile. “So, do my blowjobs still make the grade?” she couldn’t help but mock. He blew out an unsteady breath. “Were you trying to kill me?”
“Nope. That was just payback for the way you seduced me in the restaurant last night.” Her eyes met his. “Has your endurance dwindled with old age?” “Who you calling old?” He grabbed her hand and brought it back to his erection. “Still rock hard and raring to go, sweetheart.” And with that, he shoved her onto the table again and wrenched her skirt up. Bree’s heart pounded as she watched him sheath himself with a condom. God, she needed to have him inside her again. Last night had been too brief, a mere warm-up compared to what she knew Jake was capable of. And he didn’t prove her wrong. He drove his cock into her soaking wet core in a stroke so hard that the table jarred the wall and a small picture frame crashed to the floor. They both ignored it; Jake simply kicked away the sturdy wood frame, withdrew, and plunged right back in. He still wore his T-shirt, but damn it, she wanted to feel his skin beneath her fingertips. She slid her hands under his shirt and dug her fingernails into the sleek sinew of his back. “Wrap your legs around me,” he ordered roughly. She did, and immediately he deepened his thrusts. Jake’s mouth covered hers as he pistoned his hips, his arm coming down so he could grind the heel of his hand against her clit. He applied just the right amount of pressure, stroking that swollen nub as his cock stroked her core. It wasn’t long before she came again, a wild rush of pleasure that seized her body and rippled through every muscle, every inch of skin. Jake took longer to reach that explosive end. His thrusts were relentless, his rhythm fast and controlled. The sound of their flesh slapping together and the warmth of his breath as he buried his head in the crook of her neck was achingly familiar and utterly thrilling. Before she could stop herself, the words “I missed you too” flew out of her mouth. And pushed Jake right over the edge. His teeth sank into her neck as he came, but the sting of pain only turned her on. She had missed him, she realized. Missed his rough hands and talented tongue and wicked cock. Missed the way he moved and smelled, the wild streak that made him dominant and insatiable when it came to sex. She mumbled a disappointed sound when he pulled out, now missing the feeling of fullness, completion. When she stared at his gorgeous face, the hazy look in his eyes made her want to purr like a contented kitten. “Bedroom,” he grunted out. “No can do, caveman.” She received great joy from the disappointed noise he made. Sliding off the table, she searched the floor for her panties. “I’m having dinner with my family tonight.” Jake frowned. “Hey, I told you I have family obligations this week,” she said with a shrug, adjusting the hem of her skirt. “So, what, you only stopped by for a quickie? I feel used.” “Oh, don’t give me that pouty look. You like being used and you know it.” After a second, a lopsided grin tugged his mouth up. “Yeah, I do.” Bree forced herself not to look as he rolled the spent condom off his softening erection and tucked himself back in his jeans—otherwise she’d be tempted to stick around a while longer. Temptation, after all, was Jake’s middle name. “Will you come back later tonight?” he asked as he zipped up his pants.
“Probably not. My brother’s driving in from Denver for dinner, so I want to spend some time with him. I haven’t hung out with Gabe in ages.” Jake raised a brow. “But you both work at the same law firm.” “In different divisions. Sure, we pass each other in the hall fifteen times a day, but Gabe’s been as busy as I have, so we never have time to exchange more than a quick ‘hello, how are ya?’” She waited for Jake to work the charm and try to dissuade her from hanging out with her big brother tonight, but to her surprise, he simply nodded and handed her the purse she’d dropped on the floor before he’d mauled her. “Say hi to Gabe for me.” Jake opened the door for her, but before she could walk through it, he yanked her into his arms and kissed her. Bree melted into his broad chest, breathing in the woodsy scent of his aftershave. When he broke the kiss, she felt a little dazed. “Tomorrow then?” Urgency lined his deep voice. She nodded. “I’ve got the whole day free. My parents have plans.” “Good. Come by when you get up. I’m having breakfast with my mom, but after that, I’m free too.” He grinned. “We’ll spend the day in bed. Just like old times.” A few minutes later, Bree was driving back to her parents’ house, while Jake’s words continued to linger in her mind. Just like old times. “What the heck am I doing?” she mumbled as she came to a stop at an intersection off Main Street. Having a little fun, that’s all. Right. Fun. With Jake. The one man who had the power to knock her off-balance, throw a wrench in the plans she’d made for herself. Taking a breath, Bree waited for the stoplight to turn green, then pressed down on the gas, trying not to overanalyze any of this. She was only home for a week. Besides, what was the harm in hanging out with Jake? They were having a little fling, rekindling an old spark. Didn’t mean she would fall head-over-heels for the man again. One week, and then she’d return to Denver and carry on with her life. And Jake would carry on with his life, doing whatever it was he did in the Special Forces. So…fun. Just some hot sex before they went their separate ways, same way they’d done twelve years ago. Only this time, she wouldn’t be walking away with a broken heart, just a satisfied libido.
Chapter Five Jake was in a foul mood as he strode out of his mom’s house the next morning. His brother hadn’t shown up for breakfast, and he had half a mind to drive over to the jerk’s apartment and tear him a new asshole. The disappointment in his mother’s warm brown eyes had been unmistakable, but yet again, no amount of prying could get her to talk about the rift between her and her youngest son. “Is Austin still staying at Maddie’s old place?” Jake asked curtly, glancing over at his twin. “Yeah, but I don’t suggest you go over there. We keep pushing him, we’ll push him right outta town,” Owen answered with a heavy sigh. They reached their respective pickups and halted, both of them looking over at the enormous cedar porch of Della’s rustic two-story house. Owen and his crew had built her the house after their old man died, hoping that it would serve as the fresh start their mom needed. It had worked—Della seemed incredibly happy with the new homestead. Though she sure as hell hadn’t looked happy over breakfast. “Maybe I’ll give Uncle Rice a call,” Jake said, referring to their dad’s younger brother, who lived a few miles from Nate’s place. “He and Austin used to be tight.” “If Austin won’t talk to us or Mom, he ain’t gonna talk to Rice.” Owen shrugged. “I say we try a new approach and leave Austin alone. We’ve been badgering him to open up, so maybe backing off will produce better results.” Jake dragged his hand over his scalp in aggravation, then reached into the back pocket of his jeans for his Camels. He’d been trying to cut back on smoking, but seeing his mom looking so damn hurt got him on edge. Despite their reputation for being bad boys, the Bishop brothers had always done everything in their power to keep their mother happy. Jake knew being married to a cheating bastard like his father hadn’t been easy on her, especially since the townsfolk refused to let her forget it. Growing up, Jake had been fiercely protective of his mom—and still was. He just never thought he’d have to protect her from his own brother. “Fine, I’ll leave him alone. For now.” He lit up a smoke and took a deep drag, eliciting a frown from his twin. “You said you were quitting,” Owen said, disapproval ringing in his tone. “It’s a process.” “Maddie says cold turkey’s the way to go. She hasn’t touched a cigarette in two years.” Jake had forgotten his sister-in-law was an ex-smoker. Figured. She’d had a rebellious streak running through her for as long as he’d known her. “Oh, speaking of Maddie,” Owen said suddenly. “She wanted me to ask you how your date with Bree went.” Jake exhaled a cloud of smoke into the air. “It was good,” he said vaguely. “Nice catching up with her.” When Owen pinned him with a knowing stare, Jake actually shifted in discomfort. His twin was the only one able to see through him, which was damn disconcerting. Upside was, Jake could see right through Owen too. Their connection had followed them from the womb to adulthood—it was eerie, but Jake felt like they could read other’s minds sometimes. And he
wasn’t even going to touch that phantom pain thing both of them seemed to experience when the other got hurt. That was eerier than anything. “You slept with her,” Owen accused, after a few beats of silence. Laughing, he shook his head. “Wow, the military man thing really is the key to getting laid, huh?” “Not with Bree,” Jake admitted. “Me and her…we’ve got some weird connection. We always end up getting naked when we’re together.” The memory of yesterday’s tryst in the hallway floated into his mind, and he had to will away a hard-on. He’d really missed her, that was for sure. He hadn’t been living like a monk these past twelve years, but he’d yet to encounter a woman as passionate as Bree Lockhart. Once she let down her guard, she became a completely different woman—a sexy, wanton temptress who didn’t know the meaning of the word no when it came to sex. He imagined all the things they could do this week, and just like that, his hard-on returned with full-force, jerking against his zipper. If Owen noticed his twin’s state of discomfort, he was too much of a gentleman to comment on it. “I always liked Bree,” Owen confessed as he fished his car keys from his pocket. “I still don’t get why you broke up with her.” He shrugged. “We had different paths to walk.” “Yeah, I guess.” Owen paused in thought. “What about now? Are those paths more aligned?” Another shrug. “Doubt it, man.” “Why?” “Come on, can you really see me and Bree together for the long haul? She’s a big-time lawyer, I’m…” He trailed off. Come to think of it, he had no idea what he was anymore. But he wasn’t ready to spill his guts yet, so he plowed on, hoping his brother hadn’t noticed his hesitation. “She’s a wealthy good girl, I’m a bad boy Bishop. It would never work.” His twin didn’t look convinced. “You never know unless you try.” Before Jake could respond, Owen opened the driver’s door and slid into the pickup. “Anyway, I gotta go to work. I’ll see you later, bro.” Jake offered a brisk wave, then headed for his own truck. He snuffed out his cigarette in the console ashtray, started the engine, and drove down the dusty driveway toward the main road. When he pulled up in front of Nate’s house ten minutes later, Bree’s black Lexus was already parked in the drive. He smiled when he caught sight of her. She was sitting on the hood of the car, her black hair tied up in a ponytail that flopped over her shoulder as she bent over a yellow legal pad, her graceful hand scribbling away. When she spotted him, a tentative smile lifted her full lips. “Hey there,” Jake called as he made his way over to her. She set down the legal pad and walked over to greet him. Her hesitant expression faded the second he kissed her. When their tongues met, a jolt of heat blasted into his groin. Bree grinned, her blue eyes resting on the bulge in his jeans. “It’s nine o’clock in the morning—how are you always so horny, no matter what?” “My cock can’t tell time.” She laughed, a sweet melodic sound that had his erection throbbing with excitement. Gritting his teeth, Jake took her hand and practically dragged her to the porch. “Hurry,” he
said roughly. “There’s a chance we might make it to a bed this time.” Her resounding laughter tickled his ears. They did make it to the bed. Even managed to get naked too, unlike yesterday’s fully clothed fuck in the hall. Jake’s pulse sped up as he stood at the foot of the bed and let his gaze roam Bree’s gorgeous body. She belonged in a centerfold spread, for chrissake. Tall, slender, with just the right amount of curves. Her breasts were high and full, tipped by rosy-red nipples that puckered the moment his eyes swept over them. Her belly was flat, widening into a pair of curvy hips, then tapering again to showcase a spectacular pair of long, smooth legs. She lay back on the mattress and spread her legs, and Jake’s greedy gaze devoured her sweet pussy. Bare, save for a narrow strip of dark curls, her pink folds glistening with moisture. When he met her eyes, he saw the hunger in those deep blue depths. She was staring at his chest, looking so appreciative that a burst of pure male satisfaction went off inside him. “There should be a law stating you’re not allowed to wear a shirt,” she said with a contented sigh. “There should be a law stating you’re not allowed to wear anything.” “You just going to stand there all day?” she asked in a throaty voice. “Maybe.” He licked his lips. “Spread your legs wider.” She obeyed without question, propping one leg up so he had a perfect, unobstructed view of her sex. “God, Bree, I need to taste you.” “What are you waiting for?” Good question. He swiftly dropped to his knees, pulled her toward him so her ass was hanging off the bed, and buried his face between her legs. She tasted like heaven, sweet and heady and utterly feminine. Jake lapped at her with his tongue, licking her clit, then sucking it hard. She moaned, and he felt the vibration of that husky sound against his lips. He teased her with his mouth, his lips, his teeth. And when her hands started clawing at the sheets, he applied more pressure on her clit, flicked his tongue over it in a steady rhythm and made her come so hard she nearly thrashed off the bed. When she let out a satisfied little moan, Jake climbed up her gorgeous body and flung an arm out in the direction of the bedside table. He’d stashed a box of condoms there earlier, and he quickly grabbed a foil pocket, sheathed himself, and drove into her tight, wet pussy. “I need to come,” he muttered. “Right. Fucking. Now.” Slow had never been an option when it came to him and Bree. He was too hungry for her, too desperate to cross that finish line. His strokes were hard, erratic. She canted her hips to deepen the connection, wrapping her arms around him. Pain stung his back when she dug her fingernails into his skin. He groaned, dishing out some rough stuff of his own as he drew her bottom lip between his teeth and bit her. Bree cried out and started rocking beneath him. Her orgasm pushed him over the edge, sending a streak of raw heat to his balls as he gave himself over to release and came in an explosive rush of white-hot ecstasy. As her inner muscles milked every last drop of pleasure from his body, Jake squeezed his eyes shut and sucked in ragged breaths. It took a few minutes before his brain was capable of functioning again and when he opened his eyes, he found Bree grinning up at him. “You
okay?” she taunted. He groaned. “I can’t feel my legs.” “Oh, poor baby.” She stroked his shoulders and pressed her face to his chest, kissing that sweet spot between his pecs. “How can I make it better?” He rolled them over so that she was straddling him, then reached up to cup her firm breasts. He toyed with her cherry-red nipples, loving the way they hardened beneath his fingertips. “How about you sit here and let me play with these for a bit,” he suggested in a raspy voice. “And then in ten minutes or so, you can ride me, just like you did the night you tore up the roof of my truck.” Moaning, she leaned forward and filled his palms with those mouth-watering tits. “Sounds like a plan.” “I’m hungry,” Bree murmured a couple of hours later. Her head rested on Jake’s sturdy chest, and their legs were tangled together, the hair on his calf tickling the sole of her foot. The warmth emanating from his body was making her sleepy, but her stomach’s grumbling proved to be relentless. Finally, she wiggled out of his embrace and sat up. “Are you still a lost cause in the kitchen?” she asked. “Yep.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ll whip something up then.” As she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up, she felt Jake’s hot gaze boring into her back. “You’ve got the sweetest ass, Bree,” he said in a husky voice. “Remember that weekend your parents went away, a few weeks before graduation?” Sheer lust slammed into her. She nearly keeled over, her legs shaking as she slid on her jeans. Jake chuckled. “You do remember. Should we try that again tomorrow?” Anticipation trickled through her, intensifying when the memory of Jake’s cock buried in her ass burned into her mind. She hadn’t let any other man do that to her. Hadn’t trusted anyone to. Why did she have zero reservations when it came to Jake Bishop? Deciding not to dwell on that, she slipped into her bra and V-neck sweater, shot him a mocking smile and said, “We’ll see.” She heard him chuckling as she left the bedroom. Downstairs, she puttered around in the kitchen, gathering up ingredients and setting them on the enormous work island in the center of the room. As she prepared two turkey sandwiches, her gaze was drawn to the photograph on the other end of the counter, tucked behind the cordless phone cradle and a basket filled with keys and knick-knacks. It was a shot of Nate and his wife at the lake. The couple gazed at each other rather than the lens, and the mutual adoration in their eyes brought a pang of longing to Bree’s heart. Nate and Charlotte were so completely in love, and like her and Jake, they’d been involved in high school only to go their separate ways. But Nate and Charlotte had found their way back to each other. Just like her and Jake.
Scratch that, it wasn’t like that at all. She and Jake had found their way back into bed, but a relationship between them wasn’t in the cards, same way it hadn’t been back then. Truth was, the recklessness Jake possessed was a turn-on between the sheets, but not in real life. As a lover, he was off the charts. As a husband, a partner? He came up short. Bree wanted a man she could count on. A man she could talk to. Unfortunately, Jake didn’t do the talking thing—case in point, they’d spent the last three days together and he still hadn’t told her a single detail about his life. He’d been the same way in high school, vocal as hell when it came to sex, but perpetually tight-lipped about his feelings. “You’re frowning,” came Jake’s gruff voice. She turned to see him standing in the doorway. Bare-chested, barefoot, wearing a pair of gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips. Lord, his body was spectacular. He turned her on something fierce, and she couldn’t help but wish their connection went beyond purely sexual. As she swept her gaze over his muscular chest, she noticed several scars marring his sleek, golden skin. The puckered white circle above his left hipbone looked particularly nasty, causing concern to wash over her. “How’d you get that scar?” she asked. “The one on your hip.” “Just another battle scar. Why were you frowning?” His dismissal of his war wounds bugged her, but didn’t surprise her. “I was just thinking,” she answered, focusing on the task of spreading mayonnaise on two pieces of bread. “About what?” He crossed the room and flopped down on one of the tall-backed stools by the eat-in counter. “You,” she said honestly. Slapping the sandwiches together, she placed them on two plates and slid one across the countertop. “Thanks,” he said, before tackling the sandwich with enthusiasm. He shot her an expectant look as he chewed. “So…thinking about me, huh?” Bree sat on the neighboring stool. “You haven’t told me anything about your life. Are you on leave at the moment?” He responded with a noncommittal shrug. “Sort of.” “What does that mean?” “It means…yeah, I guess I’m on leave.” His tone was so vague she fought a spark of irritation. “When are you leaving Paradise?” “Not sure yet.” With a sigh, she focused on eating. She shouldn’t be surprised that Jake was still so damn close-mouthed, but his silence grated. “How was breakfast with your mom?” she finally asked. “Not so good.” Since she hadn’t expected him to elaborate, it startled her when he went on. “Mom and Austin are barely speaking, and the little bastard didn’t even show up this morning, even though he told me he would.” Jake polished off the rest of his sandwich, then hopped off the stool and headed for the fridge. He emerged with a jug of orange juice, which he poured into two tall glasses. “I don’t know what the fuck is going on with them,” Jake confessed as he sat down again and slid one of the glasses in her direction. Bree took a sip, eyeing him over the rim of her glass. “Neither of them will talk about it?” “Nope.” He ran a frustrated hand over the thick stubble dotting his strong, square jaw. “I
noticed it at Nate and Charlotte’s wedding, but according to Owen, it’s been like this for months.” Bree picked up on his unhappiness, which only reminded her of the close relationship between the Bishops. Bree and her brother were far more independent, doing their own thing, staying out of each other’s business. And while their parents liked to interfere in their lives, it wasn’t because they wanted their children to be happy, but because Tanner and Barbara Lockhart considered their kids’ success as a reflection of themselves. But the Bishop family had always been tight-knit. Della Bishop loved and protected her boys like a mama lioness, and Jake and his brothers always had each other’s backs. Bree knew it must be driving Jake nuts that Austin was shutting him out. “Why don’t you do something about it?” she asked. “Believe me, I’ve tried. I can’t pry a single detail out of those two. Austin’s going out of his way not to be in the same room as Mom.” “So don’t give him a choice,” Bree replied with a shrug. “What are you suggesting, I lock them in a room and force them to hash it out?” “Yup.” Jake’s gray eyes twinkled with amusement, but he didn’t shoot down the idea. “Guess I could try it.” “Invite them both over for lunch tomorrow,” Bree suggested. “Separately. Don’t let on that the other is coming, and then when they show up, tell them in no uncertain terms that they’re not leaving the house till they figure out their shit. I’ll even help you out by fixing lunch.” She grinned. “They won’t get much talking done if they come down with food poisoning.” Jake laughed. “I’m not that bad at cooking. I get by just fine when I’m overseas with my unit.” “Opening a pack of freeze-dried food isn’t cooking.” She tipped her head in thought. “Where do you live when you’re on leave?” His easygoing demeanor stiffened. “Nowhere.” “You don’t own a place here, or, anywhere?” He offered a curt shake of the head. “Never bothered. I usually crash at Owen’s or my mom’s when I’m home, which isn’t too often.” He quickly rerouted the conversation before she could press for details. “How are you liking your new house?” Bree stifled a sigh. Jake had mastered the skill of not talking about himself. “I love it,” she answered. She spent the next few minutes chatting about her house, giving him a play-by-play of all the work she’d done on the place so far, but her heart wasn’t in it. She should’ve known better than to think Jake would reveal details about his life. Or that when he did, he’d actually have something meaningful to say. Jake Bishop had never been serious about anything. Life was one big game to him, an adventure, and once he got bored, he moved on to the next easy thrill. Nothing held much significance for him, save for his family and his military career, though even the latter didn’t seem very important, seeing as he refused to talk about it. When Jake jumped off his stool and shot her a wolfish, let’s-go-to-bed look, Bree was grateful for the wake-up call. She didn’t know what she’d been thinking, trying to connect with him over sandwiches and OJ. She and Jake had only ever been good at two things—sex,
and saying goodbye. And they’d be doing both by the time this week was over.
Chapter Six Jake was having a smoke on the porch the next day when Austin drove up. Taking one last drag, he approached the wooden railing and extinguished the cigarette in the soda can he’d dubbed an ashtray. His mom was already inside, having tea with Bree in the kitchen, and Jake mentally praised himself for having the foresight to pick his mom up and drive her here. The way Austin warily glanced at the driveway told Jake that his brother had anticipated a trap. Fortunately, only Jake’s truck and Bree’s Lexus sat on the dusty drive, and Austin relaxed slightly as he approached the porch. “So you and Bree Lockhart,” Austin said, his expression containing a touch of confusion. “Yep.” He leaned in to give his brother a quick side hug. “Thanks for coming by.” Austin actually cracked a smile. “Isn’t every day my big brother wants my opinion about a woman.” Jake swallowed down a lump of guilt. Yep, he’d totally lied when he’d invited his brother over for lunch. Told him he was dating Bree and wanted an outsider’s view on the relationship, an honest opinion about Bree. He didn’t usually resort to sneak tactics, but with the way Austin had been acting lately, sneaky had been necessary. “Bree’s inside,” Jake said as he headed for the door. Austin trailed after him, and their boots thudded against the hardwood floor on their way to the kitchen. The second they entered the room, Austin froze. “For fuck’s sake,” Jake heard his brother mutter. At the table, Della shot to her feet, a combination of surprise and delight filling her brown eyes. “Austin! I didn’t know you were coming.” “Ditto,” her youngest son mumbled. When he looked at Jake, there was no mistaking the fury in his dark green eyes. “Hey, Austin.” Some of the anger dimmed when Bree spoke up, but the tension in the room continued to hang in the air like a dense fog. “Bree,” he said in a clipped voice. Jake let out a breath. “Come on, man, just have a seat. Bree went to a lot of trouble to prepare lunch.” Austin’s gaze moved to the kitchen table. Thick roast beef sandwiches cluttered the table top, along with a bowl of homemade potato salad, coleslaw and a plate piled with cheese and apple slices. Jake felt a burst of warmth as he stared at the food. Damn. Bree really shouldn’t have done all that, but it didn’t surprise him that she had. She was one of the sweetest, kindest women he’d ever met. Normally he brushed that off, choosing to focus on the red-hot passion they shared, but at the moment, he couldn’t fight the tug of joy and gratitude. Not to mention appreciation. Next to him, his brother looked as though he’d rather have his legs waxed than sit at that table, but despite his palpable reluctance, Della had succeeded in teaching him his manners. With a polite nod, Austin glanced at Bree and said, “Lunch looks great.” Then, with his spine ramrod-straight, he walked over to the table.
Della instantly flopped back into her chair, her loose blue dress fluttering around her ankles. She’d tied her hair back in a bun, but several dirty-blonde strands fell onto her forehead and into her eyes. Eyes that were now lined with unease as she stared at her son. “It’s good to see you, honey.” Austin grunted. Jake’s jaw tightened. He marched over to the counter and picked up two plates, cutlery and drinking glasses, then placed them on the table. “Bree and I will be in the living room,” he announced. “Enjoy lunch, you two.” The scowl Austin gave him didn’t stop Jake from taking Bree’s arm and leading her to the doorway. They left the duo in the kitchen to their own devices, but Jake didn’t get his hopes up as he and Bree stepped into Nate’s enormous, chalet-style living room. “This isn’t going to work,” he murmured, sinking onto one of the leather couches. “Did you see his face?” Bree sighed. “Yeah, I did. But don’t go all Negative Nancy just yet. Let’s give them some time.” She joined him on the couch, lifting her knees up and getting comfortable. Jake watched her from the corner of his eye, resisting the urge to pull her into his arms. He wanted to hold her, maybe plant a kiss on her forehead and thank her for helping him set this up. Which was pretty damn disconcerting. He didn’t do the whole intimacy thing, holding and petting and whispering sweet nothings in a woman’s ear, but Bree had always triggered some nurturing instinct he didn’t know he possessed. That’s why he’d tried so hard back then to keep things strictly physical between them. He could never be the kind of man Bree Lockhart deserved. Nobody in this town took him seriously, especially not her family, and he’d given up on trying to change people’s minds. If they wanted to compare him to his father, let them. If they wanted to think of him as a bad boy going nowhere fast, let them. He didn’t give a shit what the people in this town thought about him. As muffled voices drifted from the hall, Jake tapped his foot absently, straining to hear what was being said. “How do you think it’s going in there?” he demanded. Bree shot him a gentle smile. “Well, they’re talking, so that’s something.” He was too on edge to reply, but he didn’t have to, because the phone on the coffee table rang. Jake leaned forward to snatch it up, frowning when he saw the unknown number on the caller ID. He answered with a brisk hello, and his shoulders stiffened when he heard the familiar voice. “Captain, it’s Colonel Grainger.” “Colonel. Hey.” Jake cleared his throat. “What can I do for you?” “Give me a definitive answer, for one.” Feeling Bree’s eyes on him, Jake battled a pang of discomfort. He stood up, covered the mouthpiece, and said, “I’ll be right back.” After he’d ducked into the hall, he uncovered the phone and said, “I haven’t made a decision yet, sir. I was under the impression I had until the end of the week.” “Yes, but the sooner you give us a solid commitment, the better. You sounded unsure when we spoke last week, so I thought I’d ease any concerns you might have about the position. I don’t need to remind you that you’re our first choice, Bishop. With your record,
you’re the perfect candidate for this job, and we’d really like to lock you down here.” Lock you down. If ever there was a phrase designed to send Jake Bishop running in the other direction, it was that one. Unease coiled around his spine. “I know, sir. And I assure you, I’m seriously considering the offer. There’s some family stuff happening in my life at the moment, but I will have an answer for you soon.” The line went quiet for a beat. “I know you’re still working through everything that happened with Daniels, but—” “This has nothing to do with Daniels,” he cut in, his voice sharper than he intended. He took a calming breath. “I’ll let you know as soon as I decide, Colonel.” Another pause. “Very well. I’ll be in touch.” He hung up and leaned against the wall, exhaling slowly. This job offer in Colorado Springs was hanging over his head like a black cloud. He knew he had to make a decision, but he needed more time, damn it. Jake hadn’t stayed put in one place his entire adult life, and the mere notion of settling down and accepting that combat instructor job had the back of his neck breaking out in a cold sweat. He would have to accept the job. He knew that. His only other option was going to work with Owen, but construction wasn’t his thing. At least the job on the base meant he’d be putting his skills to good use. “What was that about?” Bree stepped out of the living room, concern etched into her delicate features. He opened his mouth, prepared to deflect the question, when angry footsteps sounded from the hall. A second later, Austin brushed past them, his green eyes flashing with unrestrained fury. “Austin—” Jake started. “Not now.” His brother marched out the front door, slamming it so hard the walls rattled. Jake was two steps from the door when he heard the muffled sobs. He spun around and sprinted toward the kitchen instead, but Bree intercepted him in the doorway. Their gazes drifted to the table, where Jake’s mom still sat, her head buried in her hands as she cried. His heart promptly cracked in two. “Mom—” Bree touched his arm. “Let me talk to her,” she said softly. “Alone.” As much as he wanted to comfort his mother, he realized Bree’s suggestion was the better option. From the quiet sobs racking his mother’s body, she clearly needed a thorough heartto-heart, something he’d never been very good at. Fearing he’d say the wrong thing, Jake took a step back, his body sagging with defeat. He watched as Bree approached his mother with timid steps, watched as she knelt on the tiled floor and wrapped her arms around Della. An arrow of pain pierced his heart, followed by a rush of anger. Austin was a real fucking asshole. Setting his jaw, Jake left the two women in the kitchen and raced to the porch, only to encounter the cloud of dust left behind by Austin’s pickup hightailing it outta there. Cursing, he snatched his smokes from the pocket of his button-down, lit up, and inhaled deeply. Shit, he didn’t need this family drama, not when his entire future was hanging in the balance. He spent the next hour chain-smoking on the porch, wondering what the hell was going on in that kitchen. But he trusted Bree. He knew without a doubt she wouldn’t do anything to
upset his mother, and when the two women emerged onto the porch a while later, he realized he’d done the right thing by letting Bree take the reins. Della’s face was red and splotchy, but she was no longer crying. If anything, she looked utterly resigned, but she offered Jake a genuine smile when she saw him. “Well, you tried,” she said quietly. “You okay?” His voice came out gruff, his touch somewhat awkward as he reached for his mother and hugged her tightly. “I’m fine.” Her sigh warmed the crook of his neck. “Your brother needs more time.” He stiffened. Christ, he was so damn tired of hearing that. Della stepped out of the embrace and turned to Bree. “You really don’t mind giving me a ride home?” “Of course,” Bree said warmly. “I’ll take you,” Jake protested, already making a move to put out his hundredth smoke. “It’s all right, honey.” His mom smoothed strands of hair from her forehead. “I’d like to spend some more time with Bree, if you don’t mind.” Bree touched Della’s arm. “Why don’t you wait in the car? I’ll be there in a sec.” Jake watched with unease as his mother descended the porch steps and headed for Bree’s Lexus. After she’d settled in the passenger seat, he tore his gaze away and focused on Bree. “What happened?” “We talked.” “And?” Bree just shook her head. Aggravation shot through him. “You’re not going to tell me?” “It’s not my place,” she said simply. Although her secrecy irritated the hell out of him, he had to respect her for it. And it warmed his fucking heart that she’d spent the last hour comforting his mother, a woman she hardly knew. And whose fault is that? Guilt sliced into his gut as he realized how true that was. Although he and Bree had dated for three months in high school, he hadn’t bothered introducing her to his family. Hadn’t invited her over for dinner, hadn’t even told his parents about her. Partly because he was ashamed of his father and didn’t want Bree anywhere near him, but that wasn’t the only reason for keeping her at a distance. Truth was, he’d always known their relationship wouldn’t last, and he hadn’t wanted to explain to his family why Bree had stopped coming around. Now, he found himself regretting it. Bree had really helped him out today, preparing lunch, trying to arrange a reconciliation between Della and Austin, listening to Della cry for the last hour. That went above and beyond what a casual lover ought to do. “Can I take you out to dinner tonight?” he blurted out. She blinked in surprise. “What?” “Dinner,” he said roughly. “Carlotta’s again, if that’s what you’d prefer.” Her blue eyes heated at the mention of Carlotta’s. “In the main room this time,” he qualified. “Surrounded by other people.” When she didn’t respond, he shifted awkwardly. “Like a real dinner, Bree.” “Why?”
The question had his chest clenching with pain. “I thought it’d be…nice.” He swallowed. “Or if you want, you can come by later and we’ll put on a movie or something.” Her expression displayed pure and utter disbelief. “Why?” she said again. Fuck, he was totally blowing this. And really, what was he doing anyway? When he’d seen Bree at that auction, he’d wanted nothing more than to sleep with her again. Not date her, for fuck’s sake. So why did her visible reluctance cut him to the core? “You’re right, dumb idea,” he mumbled. “My mom’s waiting, so you should probably go.” She touched his arm before he could dart off, her fingers curling over his sleeve and sending a jolt of heat to his biceps. “Thanks for the offer,” she said gently, “but you know that’s not what this is about. We’re not dating, Jake. We’re just…” “Fucking,” he finished in a flat tone. Realizing he sounded like a sulky loser, he cleared his throat and flashed her a grin. “I was looking for a way to thank you for being there for my mom, but you’re right, dating isn’t our thing. I’ll just show you some gratitude later. In bed.” The relief that flooded her gaze stung. “I’ll come over tonight,” she said. And then she bounded off toward her car. She hadn’t kissed him goodbye. Jake tried not to dwell on that as he stood there watching Bree and his mom drive away, but for some reason, her hurried departure made his chest feel tight again. Get a grip, Bishop. You’re already screwing her. What do you need to date her for? Clinging to that thought, Jake entered the house and closed the door, then headed to the kitchen to clean up the remains of that disastrous intervention. “This is a bad idea,” Bree told her mother as they exited the grocery store. “You know that, right?” As usual, Barbara Lockhart dismissed any criticism directed her way. “It will be lovely, sweetheart. Your father and the mayor had a very pleasant discussion during the charity event.” “Dad hates the mayor,” Bree replied. She juggled the grocery bags to her other hand and clicked on the electronic remote to unlock her car. Her mother, of course, hadn’t offered to carry any of the bags, nor did she help Bree load them into the trunk of the Lexus. “They’ve been getting along splendidly the past couple of years,” Barbara said. Her blue eyes darkened with displeasure. “Which you would know, if you came home more often.” Bree ignored the barb. When it came to pleasing her parents, she was in a no-win situation. If she came home too frequently, they ragged her about not working hard enough to be successful. If she stayed away, they complained she worked too much. “I still don’t see how a Lockhart-Price dinner can possibly go smoothly,” she answered as she closed the trunk and returned to the sidewalk. She and her mother had spent the afternoon in town, making arrangements for the big dinner Bree was only now hearing about. Maybe she hadn’t been visiting frequently enough, if Tanner Lockhart and Brandon Price were suddenly bosom buddies. The two families despised each other, thanks to some ancient beef between the founding fathers. Bree had been raised to loathe the Prices, and she and Lexie had barely spoken to each other during high school. Nowadays, she didn’t have anything against Lexie or the Price family, but it still
surprised her to hear that her parents had buried the hatchet with their rivals. “Dinner will be lovely,” her mother repeated. She squinted, glancing up and down Main Street before giving a brisk nod. “I need to place an order for a centerpiece. I believe the mayor’s wife favors lilies.” Bree sighed as she trailed her mother toward the cobblestone pedestrian crosswalk. She suddenly wished she’d gone back to Jake’s after dropping his mother off. That had been the original plan, at least before he’d thrown her for a loop by asking her out. What was up with that? Dinner? Suggesting they watch a movie? The blowout with Della and Austin must have taken a real toll on him if he was actually suggesting they engage in couple activities. In the short time they’d spent together twelve years ago, Bree had come to know Jake Bishop very well. She’d discovered he was arrogant. A risk-taker. Hotheaded. That he bored easily. And during their entire involvement, he hadn’t once suggested they do anything other than fuck. Lovesick idiot that she’d been, she’d mistaken sex for intimacy, but it wasn’t until he’d broken things off that she’d realized she and Jake had been nothing but strangers. Strangers who happened to spend a lot of time naked. That hadn’t changed now that they’d rekindled their affair. Take this morning for instance —he’d completely shut down when she’d asked for a few measly details about his army career. His inability to talk about himself, to share even a sliver of his life with her, told her that Jake Bishop hadn’t changed in the slightest. Good in bed? Check. A fun time? Check. Boyfriend material? No way. “I’ll meet you in a few minutes,” Bree said when she and Barbara neared the florist’s. “I need to pop into the drugstore to buy some shampoo.” With a nod, Barbara wandered off. Bree headed in the opposite direction toward the drugstore. Halfway there, she stopped in her tracks, her gaze landing on the blue pickup truck parked across the street. Same truck that Austin Bishop had driven over to Jake’s in. She glanced from the truck to Bishop’s Corner, the pub Nate had taken over after Henry Bishop died. Jake had mentioned that Austin was running the bar in Nate’s absence, and she found herself hesitating as she stood there in the middle of the sidewalk. None of your business. Go buy some shampoo. Yeah, that was probably the smart thing to do. But… Damn it, she couldn’t erase that heartbreaking conversation with Della Bishop from her mind. The woman’s teary confession had shocked Bree into speechlessness, and though she’d promised the older woman she wouldn’t breathe a word of it to Jake, Della hadn’t told her she couldn’t talk to Austin… Without allowing herself to question her actions, she darted across the street and made a beeline for the pub. This was probably a bad idea, but she couldn’t let this go, not when she knew how badly Austin must be hurting right now. And just because she was determined to keep this thing between Jake light and casual didn’t mean she couldn’t look out for his baby brother. The bar was pretty much deserted when she walked in. Two older men were holed up in
one of the red vinyl booths spanning the far wall, but the stools lining the long bar counter were void of customers. Austin stood behind the counter, his elbows resting on the sleek wood, his gaze blank. He blinked when she entered, eyes focusing, and his mouth instantly curled into a frown. She offered a timid smile. “I come in peace.” Although he looked less than thrilled to see her, his tone remained polite as he said, “What’s up, Bree?” “I wanted to apologize for springing that lunch on you,” she said. She cast a discreet look at the men in the booth. “Can we talk in private for a moment?” After a second, he nodded. Bree followed him to the back room, which was full of wooden pallets stacked high with beer and liquor cases. Since the room functioned as a cooler, the temperature was chilly, and her breath left white puffs in the air. Austin leaned against one of the pallets, his thick biceps flexing as he rested it on a case of Bud Light. She studied him for a moment, noticing just how handsome he’d become. He’d been gangly as a kid, but now boasted a lean, muscular body, washboard abs rippling beneath his snug black T-shirt and long legs that looked as good as Jake’s in a pair of faded jeans. He was as handsome as his brothers, though his features leaned toward classically chiseled rather than the ruggedness of the older Bishops. The dark hair was the same chocolaty color as Jake’s, but Austin lacked the trademark Bishop gray eyes; his were the most interesting shade of green, an earthy moss with flecks of lime and whiskey around the pupils. Bree stared into those gorgeous green depths and said, “I spoke to your mom after you left.” His strong jaw tensed. “What’d she tell you?” “Everything.” Panic skated across his face. “Was Jake there?” “No, he was outside smoking like a chimney. He got pretty upset, seeing your mother cry like that.” Now his expression filled with guilt, which made Bree’s heart ache. “I know you didn’t mean to upset her. And I understand why you’re lashing out. Hell, Austin, she understands it. She told me she’s surprised you haven’t said worse to her.” “She said that?” Bree nodded. On an impulse, she reached out and took his hand, squeezing it firmly. “Your mother loves you, you know that, right?” “So much that she’s been lying to me my entire life.” His bitterness thickened the air, sending a tug of sorrow to her chest. “I know how much that must hurt,” she said gently. “And I want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m a good listener. I won’t judge, I won’t try to tell you how to feel. I’ll just listen.” Surprise flickered in his eyes. “You don’t even know me.” “You don’t know me either. That’s why I’m offering—because sometimes talking to a stranger is easier than talking to the people you’re closest to.” “Oh.” He cleared his throat and slowly removed his hand from her grip. “Are you always this nice?” Not when I’m in bed with your brother.
“Usually.” She rummaged around in her purse until she found the little notepad and pencil she kept in there. Quickly, she scribbled down her cell and office number, then handed him the paper. “I’m serious. Call me if you ever need to talk, okay?” After a beat of hesitation, he folded the paper and shoved it in his pocket. “Thanks, Bree.” “No problem.” She took a step for the door, but his wry voice stopped her. “Jake’s an idiot.” Bree had to smile. “Why is that?” “Owen told me you two were involved back in the day, and that Jake let you get away.” Austin shook his head. “Now that I’ve met you, I realize my brother is an even bigger fool than I thought.” “No, he’s not,” she said softly. “He’s just…complicated.” “You two are involved again, huh?” “Something like that.” Austin’s face grew serious. “Well, I probably don’t need to warn you, since you seem to know Jake pretty well, but don’t get too invested in whatever’s going on with you two. I don’t know why he’s still in town, but I can’t imagine it’ll be for much longer. Jake will be moving on soon. He always does.” Lexie smacked right into Bree Lockhart in front of the drugstore. Bree, who’d just been exiting, squeaked in surprise and dropped the plastic bag in her hands. A bottle of herbal shampoo popped out of the bag, rolled down the sidewalk and collided into a metal newspaper dispenser with a loud clang. “Crap!” they said in unison, before releasing simultaneous laughs. “Sorry,” Lexie said. “I wasn’t paying attention.” “Neither was I,” Bree admitted. An awkward pause fell, and then they both darted after the runaway shampoo bottle. Lexie reached it first, bent down to scoop it up, and handed it to Bree. “Thanks,” Bree said as she tucked the bottle back in the bag. Awkward pause number two descended. Lexie shifted her purse to her other shoulder, wondering why she felt so damn uncomfortable around other people. With the exception of her staff at the Post, she sucked when it came to making connections. Funny how she’d had no problem being a bitch to Bree Lockhart back in high school—or at least pretending to be a bitch. These days, she’d given up on acting all tough and superior. It was too exhausting. Gulping, she tried to come up with something to say, wondering if she should bring up that weird bump-in at Nate’s place yesterday. But Bree beat her to it. “Sorry if I was acting strange yesterday. I didn’t expect to see you with Jake.” “And I didn’t expect to see you with Jake,” Lexie answered with a faint smile. “You two are dating now?” The other woman looked ill at ease. “Not really. Just hanging out while we’re both in town. So, our families are having dinner Saturday night, huh?” Okay, no Jake talk. Lexie got the hint at the abrupt change of subject. “Yeah, I can’t see
how that could possibly go well, but I guess our parents are braver than we are.” Bree grinned. “Guess so. Are your sisters going to be there?” “Yep. What about Gabe?” “No, he’s too busy with work.” Since neither Bree’s tone nor expression changed, Lexie figured that Gabe Lockhart hadn’t told his sister about his former involvement with her. If you could even call it that. She and Gabe had slept together a few times over the past couple of years, but she’d ended it once she’d started seeing Cooper. Thank God Gabe wouldn’t be in town this weekend. Dinner would already be awkward enough without her and Gabe having to pretend they didn’t know each other as well as they did. “Alexandra, there you are!” Miranda Price’s icy voice rivaled the chill in the afternoon air. Suppressing a groan, Lexie turned to see her mother barreling toward her, high-heeled Louboutins clicking against the sidewalk. “We’re late for our salon appointment,” Miranda said, disapproval ringing in her tone. The second she spotted Bree, her face transformed into a mask of civility. “Bree Lockhart! What a treat it is to see you!” Bree seemed to be fighting a laugh. “You too, Mrs. Price. My mom just informed me we’re having dinner together Saturday night.” “Yes. The mayor and I are looking forward to it.” Lexie tried not to roll her eyes. It annoyed her to no end that her mom referred to her dad as “the mayor”. But Miranda loved reminding people of her husband’s position, pretentious social climber that she was. “Anyway, it was nice seeing you both,” Bree said, edging away. “I’ve got to run. My mother’s waiting for me at the florist.” As Bree dashed off, Miranda turned to Lexie with shrewd eyes. “Is Bree’s brother also in town?” “How would I know?” “Oh, don’t play coy, Alexandra. I know about you and Gabriel Lockhart.” She was startled. “You do?” “You thought you were being so sneaky,” her mother said with a surprisingly playful gleam in her ice-blue eyes. “But Brenda Huntington spotted the two of you last year at a restaurant in Denver. She said you looked very familiar with each other.” Wonderful. So now her mother’s snooty friends were spying on her. “We had dinner,” Lexie conceded. “But we’re not seeing each other anymore.” “Why on earth not?” Miranda made a clucking noise with her tongue. “He’s handsome, wealthy, well-mannered.” Control freak. Ice cold. Boring. She kept the not-so-pleasant descriptions to herself. If she were being honest, her mother’s adjectives were what drew her to Gabe in the first place. Gabe was precisely the kind of man her parents would pick for her, and fine, he wasn’t hard on the eyes, that was for sure. But after the night she’d met Cooper outside Bishop’s Corner, she’d realized just what her relationship with Gabe had been missing. Cooper might not be wealthy or well mannered, but he turned her on like nobody’s business. He also made her laugh, something she didn’t do too often. He challenged her.
Called her on her bullshit. Made her feel appreciated, feminine, worthy. Unfortunately, her parents would never understand that. Cooper lacked the one prerequisite needed to gain her parents’ approval: money. And Lexie lacked the one thing required to stand up to her parents: courage. “Are you listening to me?” She lifted her head. “Sorry, what?” “I said it’s a shame Gabriel won’t be there for dinner this weekend. I would have liked to see you two rekindle the spark.” “Gabe and I didn’t have much of a spark,” she admitted. Her mom waved a dismissive hand. “Successful marriages have been built on less. Now, hurry inside to pick up my prescription so we can make our salon appoint—” Miranda squeaked as someone bumped into her. “Sorry about that, ma’am. Wasn’t watching where I was going.” Every muscle in Lexie’s body went rigid. She shifted her head and her eyes collided with Cooper’s. “You should learn to be more careful,” Miranda said in a haughty tone. Cooper offered a humble nod, never taking his gaze off Lexie. “Like I said, I apologize.” Lexie turned into a mute as she stared at Cooper. He looked like his usual bad boy self— tight black T-shirt, worn jeans, scuffed up boots. It was cold out, so he’d at least bothered to wear a coat, only he’d chosen a black leather jacket that molded to his broad shoulders. Black hair was scruffy as usual, strong jaw covered with perpetual stubble. He was sex and masculinity wrapped up in one rough-and-tough package, and her pulse sped up from his nearness, her breasts tingling beneath her red silk shirt. To make matters worse, he was staring at her too. Expectant. Waiting for her to acknowledge him. Frustration bubbled in her stomach. She couldn’t let on that they knew each other, not in front of her judgmental mother, who was glaring at Cooper like he’d ruined her entire day by jostling her delicate frame. So, choking down a monstrous ball of shame and regret, Lexie wrenched her gaze from him and glanced at her mother. “I’ll run in and get that prescription.” As she hurried into the drugstore, she caught the defeated sag of Cooper’s shoulders as he slunk away.
Chapter Seven Jake woke up in a cold sweat. Heart pounding so hard he thought his ribs would crack. Palms cold and tingling. The acrid smell of smoke burned his nose, so strong he had to suck in a few breaths to make sure the damn bedroom wasn’t on fire. Just a dream. Breathing hard, he struggled to sit up, eliciting an agitated moan from Bree, who was snuggled up beside him. “You okay?” she murmured sleepily. “I’m fine,” he snapped. “Go back to sleep.” The bedcovers rustled as she rolled over onto her back. “Did you have a nightmare?” Jake spoke through clenched teeth. “Yeah.” “Wanna talk about it?” “No.” Before she could press, he slid out from under the covers and staggered to his feet. The alarm clock on the night table read 7:45 AM, but he was too wired up to stay in bed. Fuck. That dream had been too damn vivid. He could still smell the smoke. The blood. “Go back to sleep,” he said again, avoiding the big blue eyes that were watching him with unease. “I’m going for a run.” The covers shifted again and he heard her heavy sigh as she got comfortable. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her, and suddenly he wished to hell he hadn’t insisted she spend the night. He should’ve known the nightmare would come. It had been making an unwelcome appearance every night for the past two months. He put on a pair of long shorts and a ratty old T-shirt, then rolled socks onto his feet, making a conscious effort to avert his eyes. Guilt trickled through him as he heard Bree’s soft breathing, as he felt her gaze boring into him. He fought the urge to approach the bed and kiss her good morning, stroke her hair or some shit. With the way his body was humming from the anger and frustration sizzling in his blood, he feared he wouldn’t be gentle if he touched her. Jake was halfway to the bathroom door when she spoke. “That’s why.” He turned, wariness flickering inside him. “What?” “You looked confused yesterday when I shot down your dinner idea.” Her voice was soft, drowsy, but her eyes were alert as they pierced into his face. “But this, right now, is why I did.” He stared at her in confusion. “You don’t talk to me, Jake. You never have.” Before he could question that enigmatic remark, she rolled over on her side and pulled the comforter up to her neck, effectively shutting him out. Disconcerted as hell, he entered the washroom, where he hit the head and washed up. A few minutes later he left the dark bedroom and headed downstairs. After shoving his feet into a pair of sneakers, he stepped outside and breathed in the cold morning air. The sky was overcast, a dismal gray sight made worse by the thick, black clouds
creeping in from the west. Weather matched his mood, at least. Jake took off running, sprinting toward the trees lining the edge of Nate’s property. Twigs cracked beneath his sneakers as he moved through the quiet woods. His ragged breaths came out white in the frigid air. You don’t talk to me, Jake. Well, duh. He hardly talked to anyone. So what if he was a private guy? Did that make him a bad person or something? He shoved all thoughts of Bree from his mind, trying to focus on the workout, the burn in his thighs and the slap of his shoes against the dirt. That goddamn nightmare. Was it any wonder he couldn’t commit to the instructor position on the base? Every time he thought he was close to forgetting that op in Afghanistan, his subconscious shoved the memories directly into his brain, reminding him that his screw-up had cost a good man his life. How the fuck was he supposed to train other soldiers, teach them to trust their instincts, when his own instincts had failed him so abysmally? He promptly pushed those thoughts away, too, but that only opened the door for more Bree thoughts to slither into his head. Damn it. What was wrong with him? Ever since he’d watched Bree with his mother yesterday, he’d been overcome with emotions he had no idea how to decipher, and when Bree had come back later that night, his confusion had only deepened. They’d had yet another round of incredible, body-numbing sex, but when she’d been about to get dressed and go, he’d convinced her to spend the night with him. And not just because he’d wanted to fuck her again—which he had—but because he hadn’t wanted her to leave. Twelve years ago, he’d done everything in his power to keep shit casual between them. Now, he found himself wanting to get to know Bree. He had plenty of carnal knowledge, but that didn’t seem to be enough anymore. He wanted to know about her life, her job, her favorite movies, what made her laugh, what pissed her off. What the hell was up with that? He slowed his pace, steadying his breathing as he neared a familiar clearing. Squinting, he peered through the trees and caught sight of the one-story cabin in the distance. Cooper Grady’s place. Man, he’d run a lot farther than he’d planned. At the thought of Cooper, Jake was reminded of Lexie Price’s visit the other day, and he found himself moving through the trees toward Cooper’s ramshackle home. Lexie might be his brother’s friend, but her revelation about her relationship with Cooper had rubbed Jake the wrong way. Cooper was a total player, and the guy could be a real asshole when it came to women. Love ’em and leave ’em was the guy’s middle name, for fuck’s sake. So yeah, maybe Lexie was Nate’s buddy and not Jake’s, but someone had to look out for the ice princess what with her BFF being outta town. Jake was surprised to find Cooper on the porch when he approached the cabin. The blackhaired man was leaning against the railing, holding a steaming mug in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. “Did I order a wakeup call?” Cooper drawled when he caught sight of Jake. Wiping beads of sweat off his forehead, he jogged up to the rickety porch and grinned. “Naah. I was out for a run and figured I’d stop by.” He glanced at Cooper’s hand. “Got one of those for me?” “The coffee or the cigarette?”
“Both.” Cooper tossed him a smoke. “Hold up. I’ll grab you some coffee.” Jake lit up as the other man disappeared into the house. While he waited, he studied the exterior of the cabin, his gaze drifting over the weathered logs, the chipped paint on the front door and the uneven slats of the porch. Then he pictured Lexie Price’s place, the big, modern house surrounded by a perfectly manicured lawn, and the difference in accommodations got him all confused again. What was Lexie Price doing with a guy like Coop? And vice versa. Cooper returned with a second mug and handed it to Jake, then swiped his cigarette from the ashtray he’d left it in. “How’s it going, Bishop?” “All right. You?” “Pretty good. Work’s been busy, but that’ll slow down now that winter’s coming.” Cooper shrugged. “I’ll probably pick up some shifts at the lumber mill once that happens. Don’t wanna starve, after all.” He sipped his coffee. “You’ve stuck around in town longer than usual. When you heading overseas again?” “Not sure yet.” Jake swiftly changed the subject. “So what’s going on with you and Lexie Price?” Cooper looked taken aback. “What’d you hear?” “Nothing much. But Lexie was over at my brother’s place yesterday and she let it slip that you two are seeing each other.” “I doubt that.” “That’s what she implied…” “Yeah, well, seeing each other implies a helluva lot more than what she’s giving me. It implies saying a fucking hello in public, don’t ya think?” Whoa. The bitterness oozing from Cooper’s rough voice was unmistakable. And the pain in the guy’s coal-black eyes said more than Cooper had probably intended to reveal. “You really like her,” Jake said, shaking his head in amazement. “Why do you sound so fucking surprised?” Cooper lifted his cigarette to his lips, the orange tip flaring as he inhaled deeply. “You think I’m incapable of liking a woman? Or is it Lexie you find so unlikable? Because you don’t know shit about her.” Double whoa. “Touchy much?” Jake said dryly. “Yeah, touchy much.” Cooper snuffed out his smoke and wrapped both hands around his mug. “Look, I’m sorry. I’m having a crappy morning and it’s not even nine o’clock yet.” “My morning’s not so hot either.” They fell silent, sipping their coffees, until Cooper let out a soft curse. “I do like her, okay? Actually, I more than like her. I’m in love with her, man.” Jake’s eyebrows shot up. Cooper chuckled. “Pretty fucking shocking, huh? But it’s true. I love everything about that woman. Every neurotic, aggravating inch of her.” “Have you told her?” “Nope.” Cooper shook his head. “She doesn’t want to hear it, man. She’s all about appearances, and she cares way too much about what her snooty family thinks. They’d never approve of her being with someone like me.” He snorted. “Piss-poor construction worker who lives in a fucking shack? The mayor would skin me alive before letting me touch his princess.”
Jake knew all about snooty families. Whenever he’d encountered Bree’s parents in town or at school events, they’d looked down their noses at him, speaking to him as if he was a speck of dirt beneath their expensive shoes. “Why don’t you give her an ultimatum?” he suggested. “You or her family. Make her pick.” Cooper gaped at him. “Clearly you know nothing about women, Bishop. Ultimatums always backfire. That shit causes even more problems. Best I can do is keep talking to her, try to make her see that we’re so good together she’d be crazy to give this up.” You don’t talk to me, Jake. Discomfort wedged in his chest. Hell. Maybe he didn’t know anything about women. But he did know that snapping at Bree first thing in the morning was not the way to ensure she spend more time with him. Annoying as it was to admit, he wanted more time with Bree. The woman had a calming effect on him. She was smart, kind, incredible in bed. Being with her was…well, nice. Easy. And considering how out of sorts he was feeling at the moment, nice and easy was exactly what he needed. Bree had just finished buttoning up her coat when Jake strode through the front door. Her heart did an involuntary flip, which annoyed the crap out of her. She was supposed to be angry with him for being such a closed-mouth grouch, but his sheer sexiness distracted her. His sweat-soaked T-shirt plastered to his broad chest, outlining his tight six-pack and defined pecs. His cheeks held a ruddy glow from his run, and the serious amount of scruff he sported made her skin tingle as she remembered how that thick stubble had felt scraping over her inner thighs. Last night had been amazing. Not just the sex, but falling asleep with Jake, their legs tangled together as he spooned her with his hard, masculine body. It was the first time they’d ever done that, and as Bree drifted off to sleep, she’d felt so utterly contented. But then Jake had gone and ruined everything by shutting her out this morning. “You’re leaving?” There was a chord of disappointment in his husky voice. “Yeah. If I go now, I might still make it for breakfast with my folks.” He stepped closer, his big body dominating the front hall. “I thought you cancelled that.” “I did.” She shot him a pointed look. “But I figured you wouldn’t be in the mood to have breakfast with me.” His gray eyes twinkled. “And miss out on the omelet you promised? No way.” “Jake—” “Stay.” His tone became urgent. “Please, Bree, stay. I’m sorry I practically bit your head off before, but I promise, I’ll be a perfect gentleman from this point on.” She snorted. “Yeah, right. You are the furthest thing from a gentleman, Jake.” But to her disgust, she was already undoing the buttons of her pea coat. His eyes followed the movement of her fingers and a smile stretched across his sexy mouth. “I’ll gather the ingredients while you hang up your coat.” She watched as he bounded off with a spring to his step, wondering when she’d become such a pushover. When she entered the kitchen, Jake had done what he’d promised. A carton of eggs sat on the counter, along with a cutting board laden with green peppers, mushrooms and red
onions. Jake grabbed a cheese grater from one of the cupboards and glanced over at her. “Should I get anything else?” “No, it’s okay. Sit. I’ll do the rest.” Bree puttered around for the next ten minutes and prepared breakfast, while Jake sat on a stool and watched her, his gray eyes tracking her every move. When that brooding stare of his started to make her uncomfortable, she finally shifted her attention from the stove and fixed him with an irritated scowl. “What?” she demanded. His corded throat worked as he swallowed. “You were right,” he said gruffly. “I don’t talk to you.” Shock spiraled through her, but she recovered quickly. “I know I’m right. That’s why I said it.” She busied herself with cooking, lifting an omelet from the pan with a spatula and setting it on one of the plates she’d stacked by the burner. “I’m surprised you put up with me for three whole months back then.” His soft words had her turning around to look at him. Something that resembled vulnerability flashed in his gorgeous eyes. “Why did you?” he pressed. “Because I thought I loved you,” she confessed. His gaze flew to her face. “You did?” “Yeah. But…then I smartened up.” She scooped up the second omelet, then shut off the burner and joined him at the counter. “I realized that love is more than just hot sex. It’s about…connecting. Sharing. Intimacy. We didn’t have that.” A long silence fell over the room. Bree concentrated on her breakfast, unsettled by the route the conversation had taken. Next to her, Jake ate quietly, stopping every few seconds to sip his coffee. He didn’t try to continue the discussion, didn’t even look at her as he devoured his food. Mr. Strong and Silent was back, which didn’t surprise her. Jake was nothing if not predictable. “I was honorably discharged from the army, Bree.” Or maybe he wasn’t. She nearly dropped her cup, stunned by the raw torment that sliced into his rugged features. “What? Are you serious?” He nodded, looking so miserable that she shuffled the stool so she could slide closer to him. “I could have re-upped, but I didn’t.” “Why not?” she asked in bewilderment. “Because my head wasn’t in it.” He shifted around to face her. “I’m in a fucked up place, Bree. Thinking about things I never thought I’d have to think about. Trying to make sense of my life. Make sense of what I did wrong.” His broad chest heaved as he released a breath. “When I saw you at the auction, I was looking for a distraction. That’s why I pushed so hard for us to…you know, do what we do best.” “We were always pretty skilled at distracting each other,” she admitted wryly. His pained expression returned, and she reached out to trace the hard line of his jaw. “What did you mean about doing something wrong?” “I…made a mistake. On my last mission.” “A mistake,” she echoed. “I can’t say much about it. Not because I don’t want to talk,” he added quickly. “But because it’s a security issue. My unit was ordered to deal with a terrorist problem. Can’t tell
you where it went down, or who it involved, but I can say that the mission didn’t exactly go as planned.” Bree reached for his hand, rubbing the calluses on his large palm. The torment in his eyes made her heart constrict. She didn’t push him to go on, but when he did, she couldn’t help but feel a rush of joy that he was willing to confide in her. “The target wasn’t alone when my unit ambushed the cave he was holed up in.” His breathing went shallow. “His family was with him—wife, two young kids. They were caught in the crossfire.” Bree gasped. “But not before one of those kids blew my man’s head off,” Jake choked out. “Kevin Daniels. He was a rookie, only twenty-three, and it was his first op. During all the chaos, one of the target’s kids, a boy—couldn’t have been older than nine—got hold of an AK47 and aimed it at Daniels. I had a clear shot, but…fuck. He was a kid.” Jake slammed his hand on the counter. Plates and cutlery rattled. A fork clattered to the floor with a metallic ping. Both she and Jake ignored it. “I hesitated,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t take the shot, and the little bastard released a round into Daniels’s face.” He muttered a savage curse. “My bullet got the kid in the chest as Kevin’s body was hitting the ground.” “Oh, God.” Bree’s heart thudded as she stared at Jake’s guilt-ridden face. She couldn’t even imagine what he was feeling right now, or what he’d felt in that cave, watching his fellow soldier die and then being forced to kill a child. As her chest tightened with sympathy, she hopped off the stool and wrapped her arms around Jake’s massive shoulders. “I’m sorry you had to go through that,” she murmured. His body went limp in her embrace. The short bristles of his hair tickled the bottom of her chin as he buried his face in her breasts. She wasn’t sure how long they stayed in that position. When Jake finally lifted his head, Bree’s arms ached from holding him so tight. His gray eyes glimmered with regret as he looked up at her. “I know I’m not the easiest man to spend time with. I’m moody and dominating and sometimes I’m just a big fucking jerk. But…” He released a ragged breath. “The week’s not over, and I’m not ready to say goodbye to you yet. Don’t bail on me, Bree.” Her heart nearly somersaulted right out of her chest. With Jake gazing at her with that lost little boy expression, she was a total goner. “I won’t bail,” she said softly. He shot her a sheepish smile. “And if I’m being an asshole, or an idiot, feel free to point it out. If you feel like I’m not…I don’t know, sharing enough, just tell me. I promise you, as long as we’re seeing each other, I’ll try and tone down my asshole-ness.” Her lips fluttered in a smile. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
Chapter Eight By the time Friday night rolled around, Bree was wondering if the real Jake Bishop had been replaced with some kind of sweet-talking, lovable robot Jake. The past three days had been absolutely surreal, and although she’d spent every night at his house, there’d been a lot more than hot sex on the agenda. They’d eaten dinner together. Walked by the lake. Bundled up under a fleece blanket and cuddled in the bed of his truck. They’d even watched a documentary about the Green Berets, during which Jake spoke in length about life in the military and regaled her with stories about the hell week he’d endured during basic training. Strange, how the man wouldn’t shut up now that he’d agreed to start talking. Tonight, he’d decided to launch into a game of tell-me-everything-about-yourself, which involved him hurling nonstop questions in her direction, as if he truly wanted to get to know her better. “Favorite food,” he ordered as they lazed on the big leather couch in Nate’s living room. “Any kind of pasta.” “Movie.” “Don’t have one. I never have time to watch movies.” “Favorite flower.” She wrinkled her nose. “Tulip?” “You asking or telling?” “Telling, I guess. To be honest, I don’t think about flowers too often.” She leaned her head against the arm of the sofa and stretched out her legs. Jake immediately captured her socked feet and brought them into his lap, stroking her heels with his warm hands. Bree almost purred in delight. She loved the way he touched her in that confident, skillful manner. On the other end of the couch, Jake leaned forward to swipe his beer bottle from the oak coffee table. He took a long swig, then resumed the interrogation. “Favorite music genre?” “Country.” He made a face. “Seriously?” She grinned. “What can I say? I love having a raspy-voiced cowboy crooning to me about lost love and broken hearts.” “I didn’t know you were such a romantic.” “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.” Gray eyes glimmering with heat, he slid across the couch and pulled her into his lap. “I know you like it when I do this,” he murmured, and then he cupped her chin with his hands and brought her mouth down to his. The kiss sent a jolt of desire to her core. She instinctively parted her lips to grant his tongue access, and Jake spent the next several minutes kissing her senseless. He swirled his tongue over hers, then retreated, nibbling her bottom lip before peppering kisses along her jaw. Bree tilted her head so he could kiss her neck, whimpering when he sucked that sensitive spot right beneath her ear. As his mouth traveled over her feverish flesh, leaving goose bumps in its wake, he slid his hands underneath her tank top and cupped the bare breasts beneath it.
“I know you like it rough,” he added as he flicked her nipples with his thumbs. “And that if I pinch your nipples like this—” he pinched, hard enough to bring a sting of pain, “—you’ll make that little growling sound in the back of your throat.” Was she growling? He pinched those rigid buds again and from the crooked smile that lifted his mouth, she knew she must be making that sound he spoke of. But her pulse was drumming in her ears so loudly she couldn’t be sure. “Makes me wonder about the kind of sounds you’d make if I dragged it out, tortured you for a bit.” His touch grew gentle, fleeting, and his smile widened. “Let’s find out, shall we?” The next thing she knew, she was flat on her back, while Jake quickly removed every scrap of clothing from her body. Once she was naked, he wrenched off his T-shirt and sweatpants. When his boxers came off, Bree’s gaze slid to his groin, to the thick erection that rose to slap his washboard belly. She reached for him, but he swatted her hands away. And then he proceeded to tease the living hell out of her. His tongue devoured every square inch of her body. Swirling over her collarbone. Tickling the swell of each breast. Dancing around her belly button. Ribbons of heat unfurled inside her, washing over her skin, settling between her legs and the tips of her nipples. The scrape of his stubble on the top of her mound had her hips thrashing. The warmth of his mouth as he neared her wet slit made her moan. Her muscles tensed, craving relief. “Jake,” she squeezed out. “No teasing. I need…” “This?” He captured her clit between his lips and suckled. Bree’s ass shot off the couch. Chuckling, Jake grasped her hips to steady her, then resumed his torturous ministrations. He teased her with his tongue, drawing out her pleasure. Every long, lazy lick brought her closer to the edge. When he pushed one finger inside her, her inner muscles greedily clamped around it, and her hips began to rock in a desperate rhythm. Her brain went hazy, her body hummed, but just as the first flutters of release threatened to break the surface, Jake stopped what he was doing. And laughed. “Not yet,” he said mockingly. The pressure between her legs was so unbearable she thought she might actually die, but Jake refused to take pity on her. Instead, he brushed his tongue over her clit one last time, then climbed up and covered her body with his. Bree moaned when she saw his face. Taut features, silver eyes glittering with arousal. He must have rolled on a condom during his sensual assault on her sex, because he was already sheathed when he slid into her in one achingly slow stroke. The cushions squeaked as he started to move, but the pace he’d set was too freaking measured. Long, languid thrusts, filling her only to withdraw before he could hit that sweet spot deep inside. “More,” she begged. “No,” he muttered. His restraint impressed the hell out of her. From the hungry look in his eyes, she knew he was dying to quicken the tempo. Dying to explode, just like she was. But he dragged it out, his hips thrusting and releasing so carefully that beads of sweat
broke out on Bree’s forehead. When she tried to wrap her legs around him, he reprimanded her by biting her neck and withdrawing completely. “Damn it, Jake…please. Please, please, please.” Great. He’d reduced her to begging. Begging, for Pete’s sake. A deep laugh rumbled out of his chest. “You know, sweetheart, I think I like tormenting you.” To punctuate that, he plunged his cock into her again and rotated his hips in a slow, sensual circle. Bree was in total agony. Every nerve ending in her body crackled with impatience. Her breasts, crushed against Jake’s solid chest, felt full, achy. Her nipples were harder than icicles. And the throbbing between her legs refused to cease. The feel of Jake’s cock filling her, stretching her, was too much. Too good. “Jake…God, I need to come.” She expected another taunt, but what she got was a cheerful “okay”. And then he thrust so deep that the pressure in her core shattered and an orgasm more powerful than any she’d ever experienced sent her soaring. She might have blacked out for a bit because when she opened her eyes, she was no longer on her back but draped over Jake’s big, strong body. His hand tangled in her hair, stroking the silky strands, and a wide grin played on his sexy mouth. “You’re back,” he teased. Bree blinked. She shifted her head and noticed the spent condom on the coffee table. “Did you come?” “Sure did.” He rolled his eyes. “I guess I should be insulted that you failed to notice, but you were moaning and thrashing all over the place, so I’m not surprised.” She rested her cheek on his shoulder and sighed. “I think I passed out.” His laughter tickled her forehead. “Does that mean you like slow and sweet as much as hard and rough?” “Yep.” They went silent for a long time, as Jake toyed with her hair and ran his hand over her back. Bree couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this relaxed. The steady beating of Jake’s heart vibrated in her ear. His warm breath heated the tip of her nose. She kinda liked this cuddling thing, though she’d never dreamed that she’d be cuddling with Jake Bishop, of all people. The thought gave her pause, made her uneasy enough that she propped herself up on her elbow and searched his gorgeous face. “What are we doing here, Jake?” He didn’t ask her to clarify, which told her he’d been thinking the very same thing. “I don’t know,” he murmured. “But I like it.” “Me too.” You like it too much, a little voice warned. Bree swallowed. Might be some truth to that. This past week, she’d lowered her guard around this man. She’d stopped viewing their time together as only sex, but something… deeper. But how could they possibly have anything deep? Jake might be opening up to her, but it wasn’t like he’d magically become a man she could have a future with. If anything, he was going out of his way to avoid thinking about the future. He’d told her about the job offer on the base in Colorado Springs, but as far as she knew, he hadn’t made a decision yet and his
hesitation spoke volumes. He had this great opportunity right there in front of him, yet he seemed to view the job the same way he might view prison time. “Why haven’t you given the colonel an answer yet?” she asked quietly. Jake stiffened. “Because I haven’t made up my mind yet.” He paused for a beat. “But I did make up my mind about something else. I want to keep seeing you, Bree. Even after you leave on Sunday.” She faltered. “How will that work?” “If I take the job, I’ll be thirty minutes from Denver. If I decide to stay in Paradise, I’ll be an hour away. Either way, we can commute, or I’ll commute, if you’re not up for the drive.” Her breath hitched. “Why would you want to do that?” “Because I like being with you.” He sighed. “I’m starting to think I was a real idiot back then. I wish we’d spent as much time out of bed as we did in it.” “It wouldn’t have changed anything,” she said with an answering sigh. “We would have said goodbye eventually. You were set on the army, I was set on law school.” “Do you truly like it? Being a lawyer?” “You know, nobody’s ever asked me that,” she confessed, feeling dismayed. “Well, do you?” She pursed her lips. “Yes. I do. I love it, actually. My parents might have encouraged me— okay, browbeat me—into the field, but I would’ve chosen it on my own. Everyone thinks it’s about the money, but for me, it’s not. I like knowing that I’m making a difference, fighting for people who can’t do it alone. Like this latest case I’m working on.” “Representing the widow of the man who died from that blood pressure drug?” Anger jolted through her. “Because the pharmaceutical company didn’t bother disclosing the fatal side effects. Their only concern was fast-tracking the drug to get it on the market as soon as possible. Bert Smithson died because a bunch of greedy executives were more concerned with making money fast rather than taking the time to produce a safe product.” Jake cocked his head. “And it isn’t greed that compelled the widow to sue?” “No,” she said firmly. “Mrs. Smithson doesn’t care about the money. She’s already pledged to donate any punitive damages she’s awarded to Denver General’s cardiology department. She’s suing to send a message. If the company is forced to shell out big bucks this time, then they’ll think twice before screwing anyone else over again.” Bree let out a rushed breath. “Sorry. I tend to get passionate about my cases.” “I’ve noticed,” he said with a chuckle. “But we’re getting off-topic here.” She swallowed. “I can’t see how this will work once I leave Paradise. Relationships can be hard work, Jake.” “I know that,” he said gruffly. “And I can’t have a half-assed relationship either.” She sat up, shoving a strand of hair out of her eyes. “If we keep seeing each other, you need to be fully invested. Open, honest. Communicate instead of shutting down. And…” She hesitated. “And what?” “And I would want us to get to know each other’s families.” He blanched. Bree bristled. “See, that’s what I’m talking about. I know my parents aren’t your favorite people, but if we’re together, I’d expect you to make an effort. Same way I made an effort with your mother. If you and I start dating, you bet your ass I’d keep in touch with Della, and
your brothers, too. Hell, I reached out to Austin the other day, and I barely know him.” Jake looked surprised. “You spoke to Austin?” “Right after that disastrous lunch,” she confessed. She didn’t mention that Austin had yet to take her up on her offer to talk, but she knew he hadn’t spoken to Jake or Owen either, so she didn’t feel insulted. “You didn’t have to do that.” “I know, but I did it anyway. And if you’re serious about seeing where this thing between us goes, you’re going to have to suck it up and play nice with my family.” The vulnerability that flickered in his silver eyes floored her. “Your folks despise me, Bree. They despise my whole family.” He made a disgruntled sound. “They think me and my brothers are cut from the same cloth as my asshole father.” “Then change their minds,” she said breezily. “While they try to change yours,” he countered, sliding up into a sitting position. He dragged one hand over his close-cropped hair. “They won’t approve of us dating, Bree. They’ll poison your mind, tell you how you can do better, bitch that I’m not wealthy.” “So? They can say whatever they want—doesn’t mean I’ll believe them. I don’t care that you’re not rich, Jake. I don’t care if you accept the instructor job, or decide to work construction with Owen instead. I’ll support whatever you choose to do. As long as it makes you happy, I’m happy.” His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Jesus. You really are the sweetest person I’ve ever met.” Her heart did a funny little flip. God, if she wasn’t careful, she might actually fall for this man again. “All right. Let’s do it,” Jake blurted out. He shook his head, looking a little shell-shocked. “If you’re serious about giving me a shot, then I’m willing to make the effort. I’ll invest myself a hundred percent in this, sweetheart.” A smile tugged on the corners of her mouth. “Really?” “Really.” He leaned in to kiss her, but she pressed her index finger to his lips, stopping him from making contact. “Then you’re gonna have to put your money where your mouth is.” Jake raised a dark brow. “Meaning what?” “Meaning I’m officially inviting you to dinner with my family tomorrow night. And you, Jake Bishop, had better be on your best behavior.” Cooper couldn’t say he was surprised to find Lexie on his porch when he stepped outside to have a smoke. But he was surprised it had taken her three days to show her face. Not to mention that she was here on a Friday night, at the time she normally ate dinner with her folks. He also didn’t expect to find her on that shitty-ass wicker chair instead of knocking on the damn door. Judging by the redness of her cheeks and nose, she’d been sitting there for quite some time. “How long have you been out here?” he asked roughly, flipping open his Zippo so he could light his cigarette. She sighed. “Twenty minutes.” “Why didn’t you knock?”
“I was gathering my courage.” Cooper inhaled a lungful of nicotine and leaned against the splintered wooden railing. He didn’t make a move to greet her with a hug or kiss. And he tried valiantly not to notice how beautiful she looked. With her classic features, cornflower blue eyes and pale golden hair, she really did resemble the princess she pretended to be. Her tight-fitting gray wool coat screamed designer, as did her knee-length leather boots. Cooper had always dismissed her when he’d spotted her around town in the past, until the night he’d found her tipsy in the parking lot of Nate Bishop’s pub. The night he’d discovered that underneath her icy exterior, Lexie burned hotter than a fivealarm blaze. And he’d discovered a lot more once they started spending time together. She was eager and passionate in bed, had a silly sense of humor that she only revealed in private, a stubborn streak that ran a mile long. But she was also a big fucking coward, not to mention a total daddy’s girl. “So you’re here to apologize, huh?” he said bitterly. “Yes.” He took a long drag, then flicked ash over the side of the railing. “Don’t bother. It’s not like I’ve been sitting here for the past three days, sulking and sobbing about how you ignored me in front of your mommy.” Liar. Fine, so he might have been sulking. But not sobbing. He wasn’t that much of a pussy. “I panicked,” she said, slowly getting to her feet. “I already told you, I’m not ready to tell my parents about us.” “Us?” he echoed. “There is no us, Lexie. There can’t be until you’re willing to acknowledge —publicly—that we’re actually a couple.” A cold hand touched his jaw. “I’m sorry, Coop. I should have said hello to you on the street. I just need some more time, all right?” He let out a savage curse. “You realize how frustrating it is that I can’t even tell my best friend about us? Yeah, I know Wyatt has a big mouth, but he’s still my buddy and I’ve been lying to him for months about how I spend my nights. I’m sick and tired of keeping us a secret, all because you’re too scared to tell the mayor that you’re spending all your time in a shitty cabin with the town loser.” Agony flooded her eyes. “You’re not a loser. God, you’re…you’re the best man I’ve ever met.” “Then why are you so ashamed to tell your family about us?” he muttered. “I’ll tell them soon,” she whispered. “I promise.” “How soon?” Indecision crossed her beautiful face. Cooper jabbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and took a step away from her. “Fine. You want a deadline? How about tomorrow night? Come with me to the Lodge. It’s a Saturday night, so half the town will be there.” She looked alarmed. “And what, we hold hands, go overboard on the PDA, announce to everyone that we’re a couple?” “Yes.” “And if I say no?” Cooper tamped down the frustration climbing up his throat. He might have preached to
Jake Bishop about ultimatums, but at the moment, he didn’t care about being a hypocrite. He and Lexie had been seeing each other on the sly for nearly a year. Other than those two months of space he’d allowed her after he’d slept with Maddie Wilson, they’d spent every night together. So fuck, maybe it was time for a drastic move. “Then this thing between us is over,” he said roughly. “Either we’re a couple, or we’re not. And I mean a real couple. Call me old-fashioned, but I’d like the woman I’m with to greet me with a big smile and a big fucking kiss when we see each other on the street.” Guilt dug a crease into her forehead, and her pulse throbbed in the aristocratic column of her throat. “It can’t be tomorrow night,” she finally said, her voice wobbly. “My family and I are having dinner at the Lockharts.” Cooper waited, but after several seconds ticked by, he stopped holding his breath for an invite. Lexie must have seen the hurt and anger in his eyes, because her voice grew desperate. “A family event isn’t the place to announce our relationship, Coop. It’ll already be tense enough with the Lockharts there. My dad and Tanner Lockhart can’t stand each other half the time.” He let her spout excuses, then drew in a calming breath and looked her square in the eye. “Invite me to dinner, Lex.” Her lips tightened in dismay. “Invite me to dinner,” he repeated, his tone containing a dose of barely-restrained anger. She opened her mouth. A shaky breath flew out. Then, “I can’t.” He didn’t anticipate the blast of agony that slammed into his chest. He hadn’t realized just how badly he’d wanted her to say yes. Trying not to choke on the pain burning his throat, he said, “And if I tell you I love you? Will that change your mind about inviting me?” Shock filled her face. “You…love me?” “Yes,” he said simply. “Probably makes me a total fool, but I do.” The silence that resulted was so deafening he could hear the frantic pounding of Lexie’s heart. His own pulse raced just as fast, his palms unusually damp as he waited for her to say something. To say anything. But actions spoke louder than words, and when she took a backward step, he knew he’d lost. “I…I can’t do this right now,” she whispered. “I need to…think.” His jaw went stiffer than a two-by-four. “All you do is think. You think and nitpick and analyze. For once in your life, can’t you just feel?” A hot wave of frustration set fire to his insides. “How do you feel, Lex? About me? About us?” “I don’t know.” Her voice sounded very small and forlorn. “Yes you do,” he snapped. “You know exactly how you feel, but you’re just too chicken-shit to admit it. To face it.” Cooper’s breaths came out in sharp pants. “Go.” Her gaze flew to his. “What?” “Go,” he repeated. “I’m not gonna stand around listening to you think. We’re done here.” “Coop—” “I don’t know how else to say it—I want you to leave, princess.” He stalked to the door, pausing only to shoot her a dark look over his shoulder. “And here’s a heads up—when a man tells you he loves you, the correct response is I love you, too. But I guess I was a real fucking
idiot for thinking you’d have the guts to say it back, huh?” “Coop—” “Goodbye, Lexie.”
Chapter Nine Jake couldn’t believe he was doing this. Dinner with the Lockharts. And the Prices. In Bree’s fancy-ass mansion. And he was wearing an honest-to-God suit. Jesus. As he parked his truck on the circular driveway in front of the Lockhart mansion, he had to wonder if maybe he’d seriously lost his mind. Maybe the mission gnawing at his insides had gnawed away a few brain cells too. When he’d bid on Bree at the auction, he’d been looking for sex. A good time and a nice distraction. Instead, he felt like he’d gotten a solid thump on the gut with a baseball bat. Somehow, over this past week, he’d stopped thinking of Bree in terms of how many bone-melting orgasms she could give him, but of how many times he could make her smile. How many times she made him smile. The hot rush of emotion swimming in his chest was completely unfamiliar. So was this sudden eagerness to please. Both Owen and Maddie had teased him mercilessly when he’d come by to borrow that suit—thank God for identical twins with identical measurements. As he’d put on the monkey suit, Jake tried convincing himself that it was no biggie, that dinner with the Lockharts didn’t mean a damn thing. It was just a way to appease Bree and persuade her to continue the affair once she returned to Denver. But he was kidding himself. This didn’t feel like an affair. When he was with Bree, his chest felt so light it was a miracle he didn’t float away. When she looked at him, she didn’t see one of the bad boy Bishop brothers. And when he opened his mouth, she actually listened, acted like he had something truly worthwhile to say. Which made him wonder if the reason he didn’t talk much was because deep down he believed nobody cared about what he said. Was clamming up a protective instinct? Keep your mouth shut so nothing potentially stupid could come out? He stared the pillared entrance of the mansion, then at the expensive cars parked in the driveway. Bree’s Lexus. A Range Rover, the cherry-red Corvette Tanner Lockhart always bragged about. The mayor’s Mercedes. Two BMWs that probably belonged to Lexie’s sisters. Then he glanced at his beat-up pickup, the same truck he’d driven since high school. Shit, he didn’t belong here, just like his pickup didn’t belong amidst those fancy ass cars. He was two seconds from sprinting back to his truck when a car engine caught his attention. He turned and spotted Lexie Price’s shiny BMW pulling in. The relief that pounded into him was so strong he nearly keeled right over. “Thank God you’re here,” he blurted once Lexie slid out of the car. Her mouth fell open. “Wow. I must be dreaming, because I think I just heard Jake Bishop say he was glad to see me.” She narrowed her eyes. “Wait—what are you doing here?” He gulped. “Bree invited me.” “She did?” Her visible shock irked him. “Yes, she did. We’re…dating.” “You are?” “Stop questioning every goddamn thing I say, Lexie. Just…just walk inside with me before I lose my nerve and bolt, okay?” “Maybe we should just bolt together,” she answered with a sigh.
Jake frowned, suddenly noticing how…off she looked. She wore her usual designer digs, a sleek black dress beneath her long wool coat, red pumps, a strand of pearls. Her hair was perfectly knotted at her nape, her flawless features boasting very little makeup. But her eyes? Bleak. Sad, even. And her normally graceful posture was MIA—her shoulders were slumped as if she had a heavy weight bearing down on them. “You okay?” he asked quizzically. “Not really. Which is why I’m tempted to blow off this dinner altogether.” So was Jake, but he didn’t dare. When he pictured the disappointment that would fill Bree’s dark blue eyes if he bailed, his heart actually squeezed. No, he couldn’t do that to her, not after she’d so easily given him her trust. “I think neither of us has a choice,” he said through a slow exhale. “So let’s man up and do this thing.” A hint of a smile played on her lips. “Yes, sir.” He stood off to the side as Lexie lifted the ornate, old-fashioned doorknocker. When the double doors swung open and Bree appeared in the doorway, some of his nervousness dimmed. She wore a simple emerald green dress that swirled over her bare knees, and she’d tied her black hair into a low ponytail, styled in a way that allowed wispy strands to frame her face. No make-up, save for shiny pink gloss that coated her lush lips and made Jake’s mouth tingle with the urge to kiss her. “You came,” she said, sounding so delighted that he felt a spark of guilt for even considering bailing. “I said I would,” he said gruffly. Their eyes locked and the warmth of her gaze wrapped around him like a gentle embrace. Then Bree turned to Lexie. “Hey, Lexie. Your parents and sisters are already here.” She gestured for both of them to enter. “Come inside, everyone’s in the sitting room.” As they walked into the massive front parlor, Jake realized that this was the first time he’d stepped foot inside Bree’s childhood home. White marble spanned beneath the dress shoes he’d borrowed from his twin, the white walls gleamed under the light of a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and the place boasted not one, but two spiral staircases on either side of the space, each one leading to the second floor. After a uniformed housekeeper came to take their coats, Bree led them to a wide doorway off to the left and into a large room boasting plush off-white couches, a wet bar and a fireplace Jake could probably walk into without ducking. He wasn’t sure why they called it a sitting room—looked like a regular old living room to him—but he didn’t dare ask. Considering the size of the house, it probably featured several more rooms like this, all with various richpeople labels. Everyone in the room stared at him when he walked in. Stared at him. Jake had never felt so damn uncomfortable, and not even the feel of Bree’s hand sliding into his could ease his nerves. “Relax, it’ll be fine,” Bree murmured. She turned to their audience. “Everyone, this is Jake Bishop.” As Jake stood there fidgeting, Bree made all the introductions. Brandon and Miranda Price eyed him with visible confusion as he shook their hands. Lexie’s sisters, Ava and Alyssa, were damn near smirking at him. Tanner Lockhart was frowning. And Bree’s mother Barbara looked at him with such distaste that Jake wanted to run—not walk, but run—right outta
there. But he forced his feet to stay rooted to the shiny parquet floor. He’d promised Bree he’d make an effort, and he’d always been, above all, a man of his word. Still, that didn’t mean he had any hope in hell that this dinner would be anything other than a big fucking disaster.
This dinner is a big fucking disaster. Bree had tried to remain optimistic as the group made small talk in the sitting room. Tried to keep smiling as their housekeeper Marta herded everyone into the grand dining room the Lockharts only used when entertaining. Tried not to cringe when her mother shot her a look loaded with sheer disapproval. Tried not to scream when her father kept referring to Jake as “Bishop”. But she was beginning to realize that no amount of smiling and peacekeeping attempts would make this night any better. Her parents hated Jake. No, they loathed him. When she’d informed them earlier that Jake would be joining them, the only reason they hadn’t cancelled the whole damn shindig was because they hadn’t wanted to look bad in front of the Prices. They’d agreed to let Jake come, but apparently they were determined to make her pay for it. By thoroughly humiliating Jake. She had to give him credit. He’d held his ground when her dad inquired as to why Jake hadn’t gone to college. Smiled politely when Barbara mentioned how fortunate Jake’s brother Nate and his wife Charlotte were to have found a mate that came from a similar background —translation: the son of the town carouser and the daughter of the town whore were made for each other. Jake even laughed it off when the mayor commented that the military ought to pay soldiers more considering they were getting shot at all the time. By the time dessert was served, she’d actually begun to believe that she and Jake might get out of this unscathed. She couldn’t help but feel proud of the way he handled himself as he sat through uncomfortable questions and veiled attacks, but it wasn’t until her father made yet another jab at Jake’s lack of higher education that Bree realized she was feeling more than pride. You love him. Her wine glass stopped halfway to her mouth. No. She couldn’t have fallen for Jake again. She studied him from across the table—her mother had purposely seated them far apart to punish Bree—and took in the proud line of his jaw, the handsome face that for once remained free of stubble. He’d shaved before coming here. And he’d donned a suit, which she knew must have annoyed him to no end. But he’d worn it for her. He was here for her. Warmth circled her heart, and she suddenly couldn’t deny that her feelings for Jake had deepened over this past week. She felt so much closer to him than she had twelve years ago. He’d opened up to her, taken an interest in her life, agreed to have dinner with her family. So yeah, would it be so bad, loving Jake Bishop? They had great chemistry. She felt so incredibly at ease with him. He made her laugh. He made her heart soar from one crooked grin or rough caress. “So, Jake, how is your mother doing these days?”
Barbara Lockhart’s question jolted Bree from her thoughts. When she noticed the way Jake’s fork froze over his peach cobbler, she silently pleaded with him to stick to the polite and controlled manner he’d displayed until now. Jake waited until he’d swallowed the cobbler before replying. “She’s doing well, Barbara.” “Della was a big help during the planning for the charity benefit,” Lexie spoke up. “She organized the silent auction and headed up the decorating committee.” She shot Jake a surprisingly warm smile. “Your mom is such an asset to this community.” Bree was as surprised to hear Lexie step up to Della’s defense as she was by the sincerity ringing from Lexie’s voice, but then she remembered that the blonde was good friends with Nate Bishop. And come to think of it, Lexie had seemed incredibly annoyed when Bree’s mother had made those barbs about Nate and Charlotte. “My mother is big on helping the community,” Jake responded stiffly. “Della could have helped the community by keeping a tighter leash on her husband,” Barbara said in a sugary-sweet voice. “Mom,” Bree chided. “Your mother’s right,” Tanner spoke up, curling his fingers over his brandy glass. “Henry Bishop was an embarrassment to this town.” A muscle tic’d in Jake’s jaw. “Trust me, sir, you’re not the only one who disapproved of my father’s behavior.” Across the table, Mayor Price displayed a startling bout of tact by changing the subject. “What are your plans after you leave the military, Jake?” To Bree’s shock, Jake didn’t deflect the question. “I’ve already left it,” he replied. “I was discharged from the service two months ago.” “Oh. I wasn’t aware of that,” Bree’s father said with a frown. “Please, tell us, what are your plans?” “Jake was offered a position on the base in Colorado Springs,” Bree said, pasting on another broad smile. “It’s a combat instructor job—only highly skilled servicemen are being considered, and Jake is their first choice.” Jake shot her a funny look, but Bree couldn’t figure out the reason for it. “I see lack of ambition runs in the family,” Tanner said with a chuckle. Jake’s mouth tightened. “He’s also thinking of working with his brother Owen,” she went on, knowing she was babbling but unable to stop the words from popping out of her mouth. “Owen runs a very successful contracting company.” Jake’s cheeks took on a red hue, though she wasn’t sure if it was due to embarrassment or anger. “Didn’t your brother recently marry Maddie Wilson?” Ava Price asked coolly. Bree had completely forgotten Lexie’s sisters were sitting at the table. Ava and Alyssa had barely said two words during dinner, which was a huge freaking relief, since both women were total snobs. Ava had been in Bree’s grade in high school, and her yearbook blurb about her life’s goals had been one line: marry a rich man and spend, spend, spend! “Yeah, Owen and Maddie were married last month,” Jake said. His tone was wary, as if he expected a verbal ambush at any second. “Is the happy couple planning on starting a family?” Barbara asked politely. “Eventually.”
Cue: verbal assault. “Well. Let’s hope that Madeline will be more successful at controlling her children than your poor mother was.” Jake’s shoulders went rigid. “What is that supposed to mean?” Bree’s mother offered a saccharine smile. “It’s no secret that you four boys ran wild, and still do, from the sound of it. Your mother should have tried harder to discipline her unruly boys. Then again, your father’s influence was probably difficult to overcome. I imagine he didn’t set a very good example.” Bree’s heart lurched at the same moment Jake snapped. He didn’t lash out, didn’t yell at her mother, but she immediately sensed the change in him. The fury simmering beneath his black suit jacket, the way he was white knuckling that fork. The eerily calm set of his mouth. “I guess I did run a little wild back then.” He smiled at Barbara, and a shiver ran up Bree’s spine. “You probably have some experience with wild children,” Jake added. “Bree was a handful back then, too, wasn’t she?” Two red splotches appeared on Barbara’s porcelain cheeks. “My daughter was certainly not wild,” she said. Her gaze moved to the mayor, who looked faintly amused by this entire horrible conversation. “Bree was a very respectable young woman.” “Respectable,” Jake echoed. His smile widened. Bree’s hands trembled over her wine glass. “I guess I saw a different side of her, Barbara. The Bree I knew was pretty damn wild. One time, she snuck in through my bedroom window, wearing nothing but a trench coat and rain boots.” Mortification slammed into her. Mayor Price chuckled. Lexie’s eyebrows said hello to her hairline. Tanner looked absolutely livid. “Jake,” Bree blurted out. “But she probably gets that from you, right, Tanner?” he said pleasantly, shifting his gaze to Bree’s father. “According to my old man, you were no saint in your youth either.” Tanner’s jaw fell open. “Pardon me?” “How many DUI arrests did you have in high school? My dad said it was two, but he wasn’t counting the ones your parents paid the sheriff to look the other way about.” Shock had Bree turning to stare at her dad, who was red-faced and livid. “That is categorically untrue,” Tanner snapped before shooting a furtive look at the mayor. “Whatever you say, Mr. Lockhart.” Jake glanced over at Bree with a stony expression. “Sweetheart, I’m afraid I must bid you all goodnight—” he scraped back his chair with a grating sound, “—before I do something wild and unruly, like tell your parents to fuck off.” With that, Jake marched out of the dining room, leaving everyone wide-eyed and slackjawed. Silence. Pin-dropping silence. And then Bree stumbled out of her chair, her legs shaky, her chest colder than the ice cubes in her father’s Scotch glass. Without excusing herself, she hurried out of the dining room and caught up to Jake just as
he opened the front door. Sucking in a deep breath, she stormed after him and grabbed his arm as he stepped onto the porch. “What the hell was that?” she demanded. At least he had the decency to look guilty. “Sorry,” he said gruffly. “Sorry? That’s it? You just humiliated me in front of my parents and all you can say is sorry?” His gray eyes flashed. “You weren’t the only one who was humiliated, sweetheart. I’ve just spent the past two hours being goaded and needled and treated like a leper. I might have been out of line right now—” “Might have?” “—but they were out of line too.” He shuddered out a breath. “This was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come.” “Damn right you shouldn’t have.” Anger swirled in her stomach, fast and furious. “You know, I thought your willingness to spend time with my family was a sign that we were heading in the right direction, but you’re still the same hothead you always were. You felt cornered and you lashed out, and now you’re running away. I was stupid to think it could work this time.” He stared at her in disbelief. “You honestly think I’d stick around after listening to their not-so-subtle insults all night? And what was up with you, Bree?” She blinked. “Me?” “Yeah, all that shit about only highly skilled servicemen being considered for the instructor job and my brother’s very successful business.” “I was trying to help,” she shot back. “To make you look—” She halted. An edge crept into his voice. “Make me look what, Bree? Good? Better? Worthy?” “Jake—” “What happened to not caring what I do for a living? The whole you’re happy if I’m happy speech you gave me the other night?” Annoyance skated through her. She couldn’t believe he was turning this around and making it about her, when he’d been the one to cause a scene back there. She shook her head angrily. “I don’t care what you do for a living, Jake. You’re an adult— you can make your own career choices. You know what, though? I think there’s a reason why you haven’t made a decision about the job yet, and it has nothing to do with that mission you told me about.” He bristled. “You don’t know a damn thing about it.” “Really?” she challenged. “I think you’re stalling about this job—and not because you’re questioning your skills and second-guessing your instincts, but because you’re so freaking scared of having real responsibilities.” His breath hitched in shock. “And you know what else? Even though my parents were assholes tonight, I expected that of them. So did you, for that matter. But I didn’t think you’d lower yourself to their level and act like an asshole too.” Jake barked out a harsh laugh. “So I was just supposed to sit there and take it?” “Yes,” she shot back. “Or at the very least, you could have found a way to get your point across and voice your displeasure without crossing the line.” Lingering mortification trickled through her, and she swallowed hard to ease the ache
tightening her throat. “You embarrassed me.” Her voice cracked. “You had no right to flaunt our sexual exploits in front of my parents.” Regret flickered in his gray eyes. “Bree, I—” “And that shit about my dad?” Disbelief clung to her every word. “I don’t care if any of it was true or not—” “It was,” he cut in flatly. “Like I said, I don’t care. What my dad did in the past is his business. You shouldn’t have aired all that dirty laundry, and in front of the freaking mayor, for Pete’s sake!” She sucked in gulpfuls of oxygen, battling a rush of dizziness and a burst of frustration. “You should have shown my parents that you were the better person. Instead, you proved them right and showed that you were the disrespectful troublemaker they’ve always thought you were.” She blew out a frustrated breath. “When we were teenagers you complained that nobody took you seriously, but did you ever stop to think that maybe the reason they don’t is because you don’t take yourself seriously?” “What the fuck does that mean?” “Everyone expects the worst of you because of your father, and instead of trying to show people that you’re nothing like Henry, you act like an ass and tell anyone who dares to challenge you to go to hell. Back then you walked around with this big chip on your shoulder, and guess what, it’s twelve years later and that chip is still there. You run away from responsibility and commitment, distance yourself from your family, from everyone in town, actually. You brush everything off like it’s no big deal. Well, it is a big deal. This kind of attitude might have worked when you were seventeen, but you’re an adult now. Start acting like one.” Jake looked stunned by her speech, but she wasn’t even close to finished. “My parents are snobs,” she said quietly. “I know they’re snobs, but they’re still my parents. And when they piss me off—and trust me, I’m pretty pissed off about the way they acted tonight—I wait until we’re alone to call them on it. I don’t tell them to fuck off in front of company.” He scowled. “Sorry my manners aren’t as immaculate as yours, Bree.” She clenched her teeth. “This has nothing to do with manners and everything to do with maturity. I thought you might be ready for a real relationship, but clearly you’re not.” Pain circled her heart. “God, I’m such a moron. I can’t believe I actually thought I was falling in love with you again.” Shock filtered into his expression. She ignored the tears stinging her eyelids and took a step toward the door. “Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll get over it, just like the last time.” “Bree—” “And I’m probably doing both of us a favor when I say that it’s over. Thanks for a fun week, Jake, but we’re done now.” His uncertain gaze swept over her, and then he gave a brisk nod. “Yeah. That’s probably a damn good idea, sweetheart.” As Bree watched, he stalked toward his pickup, started the engine, and drove away.
Chapter Ten Jake had just swallowed his third shot of whiskey when a shadow loomed over his table. Make that two shadows. Cooper Grady wasn’t alone; his trusty sidekick Wyatt flanked him, and both men eyed Jake warily as they hovered over him like a pair of vultures. Everyone else in the bar seemed oblivious to Jake’s turbulent mood. He’d chosen to drown his sorrows at the Lodge tonight, mostly because he feared he’d pick a fight with Austin if he went to Bishop’s Corner, but now he regretted his decision not to wallow in private. The Saturday night crowd filled the tables scattering the Lodge’s main room, every bar stool was occupied, and the jukebox was blasting out a Garth Brooks tune that had several people clapping and singing along. Half the town was in attendance tonight, yet there wasn’t a single person Jake could commiserate with. Bree was right—he had distanced himself from the people of Paradise. Shunned them before they could shun him, the way they’d shunned his father. “How’s it going, Bishop?” Cooper asked, his black eyes focusing on the three empty shot glasses on the tabletop then moving to the five full ones Jake had yet to consume. “Bad night?” Wyatt Killington added. “Something like that,” Jake mumbled. “Mind if we join you?” Jake swept a hand over the empty chairs. “Have at it.” The two men sat down, ordered a couple of beers from the passing waitress, and continued to eye Jake as if they thought he might pounce on them at any second. Which wasn’t all that farfetched. He was itching for a fight, but at the same time, loath to start any trouble. He’d already caused a doozy of a scene back at the Lockharts. Fuck. He’d really messed up. He’d really, really messed up. But who could blame him? Bree’s parents were the nastiest people he’d ever met. They’d spent the entire evening insulting him. Baiting him. Treating him like a wad of dirty gum they’d had the misfortune of stepping on. You shouldn’t have taken the bait, man. Jake tossed back his next shot. The alcohol burned a fiery trail down to his gut, joining the knots of regret twisting his insides. Bree was right. He was a hothead. He’d let his anger get the best of him, and as a result, he’d embarrassed Bree in front of her family. He didn’t regret snapping at Bree’s parents— after the way they’d behaved, telling them to fuck off had been downright polite compared to what he’d really wanted to say to them. But telling them about his and Bree’s sexual past, pretty much insinuating that their daughter had been a slut? That was definitely crossing the line, and he didn’t blame Bree for reacting the way she had. “What’s going on, Bishop?” He lifted his head at the sound of Cooper’s raspy voice. “Nothing,” he muttered. Cooper glanced at the shot glasses littering the table. “Doesn’t look like nothing.” “Like I said, bad night.” He downed another mouthful of whiskey, then lost steam and
gestured to the remaining shot glasses. “Have a drink, boys.” Without delay, Cooper slugged back two of the shots, then fixed Jake with a rueful smile. “I’m having a bad night myself.” “Why’s that?” “Coop’s got lady trouble,” Wyatt spoke up with a grin. “And see, I’d really like to help him out, except he won’t say a damn word about it.” He slanted his head. “So ’fess up, man, who’s the mysterious chick that’s got your panties all twisted up?” Cooper grunted out a noncommittal sound. “No one you know.” Jake pretended not to notice the twinge of pain in the other man’s eyes. Hell, he could relate. Lady trouble was apparently the theme of the night. At least Cooper had a handle on the shit he was feeling. The guy had flat out admitted to being in love with Lexie Price. Jake, on the other hand, had no clue how he felt about the woman who was tying him up in knots. I can’t believe I thought I was actually falling in love with you again. The rush of pleasure he’d received at the notion that Bree loved him had startled the hell outta him. It was the first time a woman had professed her love for him, though tonight’s declaration probably didn’t count since Bree had broken up with him right afterward. But in that moment, he’d almost blurted out that he’d fallen for her too. Fortunately, he’d quelled the impulse. She probably would’ve slapped him. And besides, he couldn’t be entirely sure that what he felt for her was love. He liked being with her, that much was certain. No contest when it came to sex—best of his life. And it felt kinda nice, holding her once they came down from their respective orgasm highs. He also loved the sweet sound of her voice. The way she didn’t bug him to quit smoking even though he knew she hated the habit. How she seemed interested in everything he said. And her compassion—he loved how frickin’ big her heart was, how she’d gone out of her way to help him patch things up between his mom and brother. Was that love? Fuck, his head hurt, trying to sift through the hot rush of emotions spiraling through him. “Wow, you two are real downers,” Wyatt announced, running a hand through his sandyblond hair. Jake snapped out of his thoughts, realizing that both he and Cooper had been silent for the past five minutes. “Sorry, man, I’m shit company tonight, huh?” Cooper said with a sigh. “Yep,” Wyatt confirmed. “Let’s shoot some pool or something. Maybe that’ll get my mind off—” Cooper halted midsentence, his gaze focused on the door. Jake shifted his head and spotted Lexie. The sight of her made his spine stiffen. She still wore the black dress and red heels, and as she crossed the room with purposeful steps, Jake experienced a spark of dread. Fuck. She was approaching their table. No doubt to ream him out for the way he’d behaved back at the mansion. He swallowed, steeling himself for an attack. “Lexie—” he began when she marched up to the table. But the blonde wasn’t looking at him. Her pale blue eyes were focused solely on Cooper, who stared at her with a mixture of surprise and apprehension.
“Lex? What are you—” She didn’t let him finish. Blue eyes glittering with single-minded fortitude, Lexie grabbed Cooper by the collar of his black button-down, hauled him to his feet and kissed the living hell out of him. A sense of pure liberation shot through Lexie’s body as she kissed Cooper. The second their lips touched, her entire world felt right again. The scratching of his stubble on her cheek, the taste of smoke and whiskey on his tongue, the firmness of his hands as he gripped her waist. This was where she belonged. This was who she belonged with. Without a single regard for anyone around them, she wrapped her arms around Cooper’s neck and deepened the kiss, feeling his smile even as he plunged his tongue through her parted lips and explored every inch of her mouth. A part of her couldn’t believe she was doing this, letting Cooper shove his tongue down her throat in front of everyone she knew. But when they broke free and she saw the joy lighting his gorgeous eyes, she knew she’d done the right thing. Hoots and catcalls sounded, but Lexie ignored them. She kept her gaze on Cooper’s rugged face, refusing to give in to the urge to flee. Being the center of attention made her unbelievably uncomfortable, but for Cooper, she was willing to battle the anxiety that arose from being surrounded by all those curious eyes. “Why did you do that?” he rasped. “Because we’re a couple,” she murmured. “And couples occasionally kiss each other when they’re out. They also say hello to each other in public.” She smiled faintly. “So…hello, Cooper.” A crooked grin lifted his sexy mouth. “Hello, Lexie.” From the corner of her eye, she noticed the bemused smile on Jake’s face, the stunned expression in Wyatt Killington’s eyes, but she continued to focus on Cooper. “Do you forgive me for being such a coward?” “That depends,” he said roughly. “On what?” “On whether you’re actually ready to tell the world about us. And not just the folks in this bar tonight—I mean your family, Lex.” “I know.” She swallowed. “And the answer is yes. In fact, you’re officially invited to brunch tomorrow.” His normally rough features softened. “You mean that?” “I mean it.” The happiness in his eyes and the broad grin he shot her made her heart skip a beat. “Then yes, princess. You’re forgiven.” He dipped his head to plant a soft peck on her lips. “How about a game of pool? You’re always bragging about what a shark you are, but I believe this is the first time we’ve had the chance to face off.” “Sounds good.” She glanced at Jake, then back at Cooper. “But first I need a moment alone with Jake.” Cooper furrowed his dark eyebrows. “Okay. Sure. Come on, Wyatt, let’s claim a table before someone beats us to it.”
Cooper and Wyatt ambled off, and Lexie smiled when she noticed the happy spring to Cooper’s step. Yeah, she’d definitely done the right thing tonight. Screw her family and whatever narrow-minded opinions they’d have about Cooper. The man made her happy, blissfully happy, and she’d be damned if she’d let anyone tell her otherwise. From his seat, Jake was also watching Cooper walk away. “You made his night,” he remarked, tracing the rim of an empty shot glass with the tip of his finger. “He’s important to me,” she replied softly. There was a beat of silence, broken by Jake’s heavy sigh. “So what do you want, Lexie? To lecture me for being an ass at dinner?” “Naah. I imagine Bree lectured you enough for the both of us.” She planted a hand on her hip. “I wanted to give you some advice.” He arched a brow. “I don’t recall asking for any.” “Tough. You’re getting it anyway.” She hesitated. “You need to make things right with Bree.” Jake averted his gaze. “I’m serious. That woman did a brave thing tonight.” That got his attention. With a pained look, he met her eyes. “What do you mean?” “Do you know how much guts it took for her to invite you to dinner?” Shame trickled down Lexie’s throat and settled in her chest. “God knows I didn’t have any. I could have asked Cooper to come tonight, but I didn’t. I was too scared because I knew my parents would act the same way Bree’s did.” When Jake didn’t respond, she let out a frustrated breath. “Bree cared enough about you to bring you home, even knowing how much Tanner and Barbara would disapprove. It made me realize what a coward I’ve been. Cooper and I are good together, we complement each other, and I care about him so damn much. So what does it matter what anyone else thinks about that? It’s what we think of each other, and ourselves, that matters.” Jake’s voice took on a note of sorrow. “Bree doesn’t think much of me right now.” “Because you lashed out like a child and humiliated not only her, but her father. And knowing you Bishops, you’re just going to retreat even further and shut her out rather than admit you were wrong. My advice—don’t let Bree get away, Jake. I don’t know her well, but that woman must care something fierce for you if she brought you home to face the Snob Squad.” More silence ensued, lasting long enough that Lexie decided to quit while she was ahead. “Think about what I said,” she said firmly. Her gaze landed on the shot glasses cluttering the tabletop. “And try not to get too wasted tonight. Or in the very least, leave your truck here and catch a ride home with someone.” She started to walk away, but Jake’s voice stopped her. “Lexie,” he said gruffly. She half turned. “Yeah?” “You’re kind of okay, you know that?” She rolled her eyes. “I guess I’ll take kind of okay over ice princess. But this doesn’t make us friends.” “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said solemnly. Fighting a smile, she left Jake at the table and crossed the busy room toward the half dozen pool tables spanning the far wall. Wyatt, who was racking up the balls, shot her a
knowing grin as she made a beeline for Cooper. “Sorry about that,” she said as she approached. “I needed to talk some sense into Bishop.” When she took his hand, his expression flickered with surprise, but then he laced his fingers through hers and leaned in to brush his lips over her cheek. “I’m glad you’re here, Lex.” She grasped his chin and angled his head so that their lips met. “Me too.” Wyatt interrupted with a soft chuckle. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you, Coop?” He laughed when he noticed their intertwined fingers. “Seriously. I never would’ve guessed your mystery lady would be Lexie Price.” Both Cooper and Lexie stiffened. “Got a problem with that?” Cooper demanded. Wyatt took on a thoughtful pose, then shrugged. “Nope. Actually, you two make a surprisingly cute couple.” Lexie couldn’t help but feel touched. “Thanks, Wyatt.” “Now the question is—how good are you at pool?” Cooper’s best friend teased as he handed her a cue. “Because mayor’s daughter or not, I won’t go easy on you. I play to win, Price.” “So do I,” she said with the haughty raise of her eyebrows. Wyatt raised his eyebrows right back. “Bring it, princess.” Laughing, she rounded the table, then paused mid-step as she realized she’d forgotten to do something. Leaning the cue against the wall, she marched back to Cooper, brushed another kiss over his sexy mouth and murmured, “By the way, I love you too.”
Chapter Eleven Three weeks later… Jake was itching to get on the road, but he didn’t want to rush his brothers, who were taking their sweet-ass time finishing their food. Besides, he was the one who’d invited them to breakfast, so he really had no right to complain. He’d only hung out with Nate a couple of times since his big brother had returned to Paradise last week, and Owen had been busy with a construction job in the next town over, so Jake hadn’t seen much of his twin either. As for Austin, he hadn’t answered his cell when Jake called about breakfast, which meant the jerk was still sulking about that botched intervention and had decided to give Jake the silent treatment. “I’m psyched you’re only going to be an hour away,” Owen said between mouthfuls of his turkey club. “We should drive out every Sunday and catch the games with you.” He glanced at Nate. “What do you think?” “Sounds like a plan,” their older brother replied. “Charlotte hates football so she’s no fun on Sundays. Hey, are you all moved in yet?” Jake nodded. “I bought a shit ton of stuff from IKEA and spent the whole day yesterday putting it all together. Military housing’s pretty sweet. I’ve got a yard and everything.” He shrugged. “I’m thinking of getting a dog.” Man, he’d never thought he’d ever hear himself chatting about houses and furniture and dogs, but since the night Bree dumped him, he’d been doing a lot of soul-searching. Everything Bree said had been spot on. He was scared of responsibility. Enlisting in the army had been his way of avoiding college, or getting stuck in a boring nine-to-five job that would eventually suffocate him to death. And even though he’d had a successful military career, Bree had been right about something else—he didn’t take himself seriously. He’d gotten so used to people comparing him to his father that he’d simply stopped trying. He hadn’t bothered making any friends, hadn’t tried to make a home for himself anywhere. He’d run away from Paradise, from his family, from the women he’d slept with over the years. He’d balked when anyone mentioned settling down, because deep down, he’d feared that he’d fail at the whole home and hearth thing, just like his father had. “Jake? You gonna answer that or what?” He glanced over at Owen. “What?” “I wanted to know if you’re planning on seeing Austin before you go.” “Oh. Yeah, I am. I don’t think he’ll be happy to see me, but I can’t leave without saying goodbye to the jerk.” “Well, when you see him, tell him to start taking my damn calls,” Nate grumbled as he pushed his empty plate away. As the waitress wandered over to drop off the bill, Jake took a last sip of his coffee, then slid out of the booth. “I should get going. I’ve still gotta see Austin, and then I’m making a pit stop in Denver before I head back.” Owen raised a brow. “Planning on paying someone a visit?” “Maybe.” “Is that someone named Bree?”
Jake’s heart squeezed at the sound of her name. “Yeah,” he admitted. Nate and Owen exchanged grins. “Should we be wishing you good luck?” Owen asked. “Definitely.” He sighed. “I’m gonna need it.” “Good luck,” his brothers said in unison. Jake glanced at the check, then pulled a few bills from his wallet and dropped them on the table. “Breakfast’s on me.” Nate guffawed. “That’s a first.” “Hey, I’ve got a real job now. I can afford it.” He bid his brothers goodbye, then strode out of Betty’s and headed for his truck. As he drove away from the diner, he couldn’t help but wonder how Bree would react when she saw him. Hopefully she wouldn’t slam the door in his face, but he wasn’t ruling that out. He hadn’t contacted her in nearly a month. No phone calls, no texts, no email. She probably thought he’d written her off, just as she’d predicted he’d do during that eye-opening argument at her parents’ place. She was wrong, though. Jake had no intention of letting Bree go again. These past three weeks, he’d done everything in his power to change his circumstances. To act like the man she’d always known he could be. He’d accepted the instructor job, got his own place. Hell, he’d even started shaving. He felt like a different person, a man Bree Lockhart would be proud to date. Even the nightmares had ebbed. After Bree had accused him of using his last op as an excuse to avoid the responsibility of holding a real job, he’d realized he’d been doing exactly that. Losing Daniels had been a crushing blow, and although a part of him would always wonder if the rookie’s death could have been avoided if he’d just acted differently, he was determined to put it behind him. There was no point in dwelling on what-ifs, or letting the tragedy destroy his chances of success. Because for the first time in his life, Jake was confident that success was truly within his grasp. He’d only been working at the base for a week, but he already loved the job, and he saw some real promise in the trainees he was working with. Didn’t hurt that they all had a serious case of hero-worship. His ego was liable to inflate if they kept up with all that reverent yes sir-ing. Jake slowed the pickup in front of the rambling Victorian a few blocks from the heart of town. The house had been converted into four apartments, and Austin was staying in the flat Maddie had once occupied before she and Owen got married. As he climbed the front stoop, he took a deep breath, hoping Austin would at least be civil when he found him on the doorstep. He was tired of his little brother’s behavior, but like he’d told Owen, he didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye. Jake wasn’t sure when he’d be back in Paradise, so this might very well be his last chance to see Austin. Now that Nate was back to run the pub, Austin would probably take off again. When his brother didn’t answer the door, he got the sinking suspicion that Austin was already gone. He briefly closed his eyes, then reached for the doorknob. Unlocked. Smothering a curse, he stepped inside and took a quick look around the apartment. Five minutes later, his suspicions were confirmed. No sign of Austin, and an examination of the bedroom showed a perfectly made bed and an empty closet.
“Damn it, Austin,” he mumbled to the empty room. Shaking his head, Jake strode into the kitchen, where he found a note tacked onto the fridge with a pink, heart-shaped magnet. Short and not so sweet. I need more time. Gonna do some traveling and take some pics. I’ll be in touch. –A Goddammit. Disappointment coursed through him, along with a rush of sorrow. His mom wasn’t gonna like this. He didn’t like this. But at the moment, there was nothing he could do about it. Austin was an adult—if he chose to run away from his troubles rather than face them, so be it. Jake, on the other hand, was done running. As he headed for the door, he pulled out his cell phone and shot a quick text to his brothers, informing them of Austin’s latest disappearing act. Ten minutes later, he was on the highway, making his way to Denver. “Ms. Lockhart? There’s a man in the lobby demanding to see you.” Sighing, Bree glanced up from the stack of files on her desk. Her assistant, Hailey, lingered in the office doorway, fidgeting up a storm. The young woman had only been working at the firm for a month, constantly jumped at her own shadow, and no matter how many times Bree told her to call her by her first name, Hailey refused to cut the formalities. “Who is it?” Bree asked absently. “He said his name is Jake Bishop.” Shock slammed into her. Jake was here? In Denver? In the lobby of her law firm? “Should I tell the front desk to send him up?” Bree faltered. Her heart lurched at the thought of seeing Jake again, especially now, with dark circles under eyes from all the sleepless nights she’d endured this past month. She knew her insomnia was more than just the stress from her current court battle. She’d spent far too much time tossing and turning and wondering if she’d made a mistake by ending things with Jake. She’d been so tempted to call him the day after that awful dinner. Her parents hadn’t shown the slightest bit of remorse over the way they’d acted, and Bree had ended up getting into a very loud, very frustrating argument with them. She’d left town angry, which only added to her stress levels. She hated fighting with her family, but she refused to be the one to cave first. Although she’d spoken to her parents since, neither had apologized for their behavior, and Bree was determined to treat them with chilly politeness until they did. No matter how Jake had reacted, her parents didn’t have the right to treat him the way they had. “Ms. Lockhart?” She lifted her head. “Should I send him up?” Letting out a breath, she nodded. “Yes, send him up.” After Hailey hurried off, Bree quickly rolled her chair back and stumbled to her feet. She smoothed out her hair, then looked at the clutter on her desk, wondering if she ought to
straighten up. She quickly berated herself for the thought. Jake was the one who’d screwed up, and she’d be damned if she cleaned up for him. She didn’t owe him a thing, least of all a tidy desk. Despite her determination to be cool, her heart did a little flip when she heard footsteps. A moment later, Jake appeared in the doorway, with Hailey hot on his heels. When his familiar gray eyes locked with hers, Bree’s pulse kicked up a notch. In a strained voice, she thanked Hailey and dismissed her, then said, “Come in.” Jake stepped into the office. He closed the door behind him, but didn’t say a word as he approached her. His gaze took in the wood paneled walls, her big disorderly desk, the burgundy carpet beneath their feet. When he studied the framed diplomas lining her walls, she saw a flicker of pride in his eyes. “You didn’t refuse to see me,” he finally said. She moistened her dry lips. “You thought I would?” “Figured there was a chance. A big chance.” He moved closer, then stopped, hesitation creasing his handsome features. She suddenly noticed that his face was clean-shaven. Not a hint of stubble, not even a five o’clock shadow. And for once, he wasn’t wearing jeans. Black trousers encased his long legs, and his sky-blue button-down didn’t boast a single wrinkle. Was it a new shirt? Does it really matter? Bree dragged her brain out of the gutter. Right. Who cared if he’d bought a new shirt? There were more pressing concerns at the moment—like what on earth he was doing here. “How’s the case going?” Jake asked, glancing at the mountain of files on her desk. “Good. The defense is still presenting its evidence, but they should wrap up tomorrow and then I’ll get a chance to state my case. I’m hoping that—” She stopped abruptly, growing frustrated. “Did you really come all the way to Denver to ask me about my job?” He slowly shook his head. “Then why are you here, Jake? We haven’t seen or spoken to each other in almost a month.” Regret flashed in his eyes. “I know. I would have come sooner, but I figured actions speak louder than words. I wanted to get my shit together before I came begging for a second chance.” Bree ignored the rush of warmth that flooded her belly. Feigning indifference, she cocked her head and said, “Is that why you’re here? For a second chance?” “Yes,” he said simply. He closed the distance between them, and the scent of his aftershave tickled her nostrils. She found herself backing away, until her ass bumped against the desk, but Jake just moved closer. “I’m sorry about the way I acted at your parents’ house. I’m sorry I embarrassed you, and even more than that, I’m sorry I disappointed you.” His voice became gruff. “You were right.” “About what?” she murmured. “Everything.” Shame flickered across his face. “People in town expect me to be an asshole, so I act like it instead of trying to prove them wrong. I avoid responsibility, I’m scared of commitment, I don’t open up to anyone. Really, I’m just a big fucking child.” Her lips twitched. “But not anymore,” he said, sounding confident. “I’ve decided to grow up, Bree, and I think
I’ve made some real headway. I accepted the job on the base, I’ve got a house in Colorado Springs, I even bought furniture.” Amusement danced in his gorgeous eyes. “And get this— you’ll totally be proud of me—I’m taking cooking classes.” The smile reached her mouth. “Wow. I have to say, I’m shocked.” “But there’s just one thing missing,” he said softly. “One thing that every grown man should have in his adult life.” Her throat tightened. “Yeah, and what’s that?” “A woman who loves him.” His quiet answer hung in the air and brought another flood of heat to her belly. The sincerity in his eyes made her want to throw her arms around him, but she resisted the urge. Jake might be radiating this new sense of maturity, but he’d still acted like a total jerk and she wasn’t ready to hand over her forgiveness until she knew without a doubt that he wasn’t screwing her around. As if reading her mind, Jake chuckled and said, “I know it’ll take a lot more than heartfelt words to show you that I’ve changed. Don’t worry, I’ve got a whole plan of action ready to go.” She had to laugh. “You do?” He nodded. “First, I’m going to say some more heartfelt things. And after you’ve agreed to give me another chance, I’m going to prove to you that I can be the kind of man you deserve. Dates, dinners, flowers, whatever it takes, Bree.” The arrogance that both thrilled and aggravated her made an appearance. “Sweetheart, I’m going to prove that I’m boyfriend material, and once I convince you of that, I’ll prove that I’m husband material, and then, you know, daddy material.” This time her laughter lasted for several long moments. “I see. So this action plan of yours consists of us not only dating, but getting married and having babies.” He grinned. “And your father said I had no ambition, huh?” Her humor dissolved into uncertainty. “Where is this coming from? Why are you so determined for us to give it another shot?” “Because I love you.” All the air left her lungs. “You love me,” she echoed. “I love you,” he confirmed. “You keep me real, Bree. You…soothe me. I know, it sounds weird, but I swear, when we’re together, I feel…at peace. Like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” She knew the feeling. In the twelve years since she’d graduated high school, she hadn’t met anyone who made her feel the way Jake did. He was the only man she’d ever felt truly comfortable with, in and out of bed. “We’re good together,” he said thickly. “You’ve got the whole good girl lawyer thing going on, I’m a bit of a badass, yet somehow we complement each other.” She shivered when he cupped her chin with his big, warm hands and rubbed his thumbs over her lower lip. “I’m so sorry for the way I acted at your parents’ house,” he murmured, gazing at her with regret. His fingertips grazed the side of her mouth. “And I promise you, I will make a real effort with your family. It took a lot of courage for you to bring me home, even knowing how they would react, and I was too much of an ass to appreciate just how hard it was for you.” Bree drew in a shaky breath. “What happened last month won’t be the last time, Jake.
They’ll continue to be jerks to you, and to be honest, I don’t know if they’ll ever accept you.” “I don’t care.” Determination hardened his jaw. “All that matters to me is whether you accept me. I won’t bend over backward to gain their approval, but I promise you, I’ll always treat them with the utmost of respect, even if I don’t get the same in return. And if they cross the line the way they did last month, I will find a way to call them on it without dropping Fbombs and bringing up dirty little secrets.” He stroked her bottom lip again, then outlined the curve of her jaw before lowering both hands to her waist. His touch was warm, gentle, and Bree’s heartbeat sped up from his nearness. “So what do you say, sweetheart? Can we start over?” Instead of answering, she looped her arms around his broad shoulders, stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him. When he deepened the kiss, she parted her lips and lost herself in the sweet sensations of his tongue swirling over hers. By the time she broke her mouth free, she was gasping for air and her heartbeat was out of control. “Was that a yes?” Jake teased. The big goofy smile that filled her face would’ve been embarrassing, but she was too damn happy to care. “That’s a yes,” she answered softly. “I would like nothing more than to start over.” She brushed a kiss over his clean-shaven cheek. “I love you, Jake.” He bestowed her with his own version of a goofy smile. “You do?” “I do.” He searched her eyes. “You realize I’m always gonna be a little bit of a bad boy, right? That’s not gonna change.” “I know.” “And you’re okay with that?” “I’m more than okay with it. In fact…” She shot him a seductive look. “I’m looking forward to being bad together.” His sexy gray eyes drifted toward the desk, then back to her. “Ever done it on that desk?” “Nope.” Her smile widened. “But I’ve always been dying to.” Jake was already marching across the room. “I’ll lock the door.” With a laugh, Bree swept her arm over the files cluttering the desktop, sending papers sailing onto the carpet. As her pulse raced in anticipation, she hopped onto the desk and waited for her bad boy to show her that actions did indeed speak louder than words.
About the Author A RITA-award-nominated author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting! Elle loves to hear from her readers. Visit her web site www.ellekennedy.com or send her a note at
[email protected]. You can also find her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter!
Look for these titles by Elle Kennedy Bad Moon Rising Dance of Seduction Midnight Encounters Going for It Red Hot Summer Hot Summer Nights Hidden Desires
Out of Uniform Heat of the Moment Heat of Passion Heat of the Storm Heat It Up Heat of the Night The Heat Is On Welcome to Paradise Welcome to Paradise Take Me Home Tonight
Coming Soon: Hot and Bothered Feeling Hot
One unforgettable night…a lifetime of regret?
Take Me Home Tonight © 2011 Elle Kennedy Welcome to Paradise, Book 2 Three years. That’s how long Maddie’s been running the reception desk at Owen Bishop’s construction company—and waiting for her sexy boss to wake up and realize she’s more woman than the airhead bimbos he seems to prefer. Even after her friends spring an ambush makeover on her, Owen barely notices. Apparently shedding her one-of-the-guys, tomboy looks isn’t enough. Looks like it’s time to step up her game, even if it means looking for lessons in all the wrong places. While Owen can’t help but notice Maddie’s stunning transformation, the truth is, he likes her just the way she is—polished up or dressed down. Like his playboy father, though, he’s always been restless when it comes to women. Maddie’s friendship is too important to risk hurting her. When Maddie shows up at his door ready to rock his world, all his resistance crumbles. But in the back of his mind, the question remains…how can she trust him with her vulnerable heart, when he’s not sure he can trust himself? Warning: Contains a girl who’ll do anything to please her man, even if it means signing up for a master class in seduction with the town bad boy. Plus a man who may let the “sins of the father” stop him from accepting the gift of a lifetime. Enjoy the following excerpt for Take Me Home Tonight: Owen could tell Maddie was still angry with him. Even the delicious dinner he’d had delivered—his treat—hadn’t lifted her spirits. Their empty food cartons littered the desk, but neither of them had made a move to get back to work. They were sitting cross-legged on the hardwood floor, and he noticed she was fidgeting an awful lot, a scowl on her face. “You can’t still be mad at me,” he finally sighed. “We’re almost at the Rs. It’ll only take another hour or so to finish.” By then it would be ten-thirty, and too late for her to meet up with Wyatt. Mission accomplished. To his surprise, she shook her head. “I’m not mad. I’m antsy. The after-dinner cigarette used to be my favorite, and the cravings for it are always the worst.” That startled him. He’d known Maddie had quit smoking a couple of years ago, but he hadn’t realized she still got cravings. In fact, there were a lot of things he didn’t know about her. What did she do when she left the office and went home in the evenings? He knew she watched football on Sundays, but he suddenly realized he had no clue what else she did for fun. “But you wouldn’t know,” she grumbled. “Mr. Perfect here has never had a drag of a cigarette, has he?” “Nope,” Owen admitted proudly. “Jake smokes, though.” Looking interested, Maddie met his gaze for the first time in days. “When is he showing up, anyway? I haven’t seen Jake in more than a year, maybe longer.” “He’s flying in a few days before the wedding. He’ll miss Nate’s bachelor party tomorrow
night, but at least he’s coming home.” “It’s so weird, how different you two are.” She cocked her head in curiosity. “Were you ever tempted to join the Army when he enlisted?” “Not in the slightest.” He grinned ruefully. “Getting shot at isn’t something I ever wanted to experience.” Maddie gasped. “Has Jake ever been shot?” “Half a dozen times, at least. Ask him to show you the scars—he likes bragging about them.” He immediately regretted the remark as he remembered that several of his twin’s scars were in places Maddie had no business looking. That weird jolt of possessiveness startled him, and the following rush of jealousy didn’t help much either. He wished she didn’t look so damn good in that yellow dress. She was no longer cross-legged, she now had her legs stretched out, and they were so long and smooth he curled both hands into fists to refrain from reaching out and touching all that silky skin. He forced his eyes back to her face, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks. “Were you just checking out my legs?” she demanded. Of course she just had to go and point it out, didn’t she? “You’ve got nice legs,” he said lightly, feeling his own cheeks go hot. She opened her mouth to say something, then closed it, her lips tightening in a harsh slash. To his disappointment, she got to her feet and headed toward the file cabinets. He heard her mumble something under her breath, but didn’t catch a single word. “What did you say?” he asked. Maddie began rifling through the S files, thoroughly ignoring him. Owen’s shoulders stiffened as he marched over to her. Her muttered remark hadn’t sounded all that pleasant, judging from the tone of her voice, and he got the feeling it had been directed at him. She bent down, and her long brown hair fell over her shoulders like a silk curtain, a few strands disappearing in her cleavage. He gritted his teeth. “If you have something to say to me, just say it.” She lifted her head and shot him a cool look. “I’d rather not.” As irritation gathered in his gut, he reached out and clasped his fingers over her arm. Instantly, heat suffused his palm. “Say it,” he ordered. Brown eyes flashing, she met his gaze head-on. “I was just commenting on the fact that my nice legs are being wasted here, in this office, when I could be having drinks with someone who actually appreciates them.” His mouth fell open. “But you took care of that, didn’t you?” she said with an annoyed huff. “One question, Owen—why don’t you want me going out with Wyatt? And don’t give me that employeefraternizing bullshit.” Owen just gaped at her, unable to come up with a single argument in his defense. She was right, of course. He’d purposely ordered her to work late so she would miss her date with Wyatt. But he’d done it for her own good. Wyatt Killington was a sleazy player—Maddie deserved way better than that. He opened his mouth to explain, but she didn’t give him the chance. Her cheeks were flushed with anger as she unleashed one of her infamous Maddie Wilson attacks. “You know what? I don’t care what your reasons were,” she burst out, slamming the
drawer so hard the metal cabinet rattled. “You had no right to purposely sabotage my date. That was a total asshole thing to do—and mean, damn it! It was mean and I don’t appreciate you interfering in my love life. It’s none of your damn business who I go out with, and if you pull a stunt like that again, I will quit. For good, this time, and trust me, Owen, without me, you’ll…” He tuned her out. Maybe he was an asshole, but he was far too fascinated with her mouth to focus on the furious words coming out of it. Why hadn’t he ever noticed that her bottom lip was so much fuller than the top? “I swear to God, Owen, if you do something like this again, I’ll—” “Shut up,” he said hoarsely. Her eyes widened. “Did you just tell me to shut up?” “Yes,” he shot back. “I told you to shut up. Wanna know why?” “No,” she yelled, taking a step to the side. “I don’t want to know why you would have the nerve to—” He decided to answer anyway. “So I could do this.” And then he kissed her.
Dirty desires, dark secrets…deepest love
Hidden Fire © 2012 Jess Dee A Red Hot Weekend Story Well, this is an unexpected twist. Jenna Brooks is all set to spend the weekend wallowing in misery, repairing the cracks in the façade she’s maintained for twelve years. Instead she’s…tied to a chair. Kidnapped by her own twin brother and her so-called best friend. It’s for her own good, they say. She’ll thank them later, they say. But when they reveal her partner in captivity, she shores up her emotional barriers. It’s Garreth Halt. The one man for whom she let her guard down. What a fool she was. For one electrifying moment, Garreth had Jenna naked in his arms, on the edge of losing her legendary control. Could have kept her there forever, too, if he hadn’t felt honor-bound to tell her the truth. Before she’d heard the whole truth, though, she’d retreated behind the fortress around her heart. Now they’re knee to knee, with no escape. While he’s irritated he let his alleged best friend get the drop on him, a small part of him is thrilled. With one final chance to show her his love is real, Garreth methodically, wickedly, sets out to dismantle her defenses. One dirty word at a time. Warning: Garreth may have charmed you in Winter Fire, but this time around, his blatantly sexy demands, even sexier actions and heart warming love for his heroine are gonna make you fall head over heels
Enjoy the following excerpt for Hidden Fire: “You can’t hide your reaction to me now, can you, Jenn? Not bound and helpless. I can see you want me. Can’t tear my gaze away.” He licked his lips wolfishly and was rewarded with an indignant squeak from her. “Your shirt’s wet. It’s clinging in all the right places.” The indignant squeak turned to a howl of dismay. “Clinging to your nipples, showing me exactly how tight they are.” As he spoke, they poked harder at the cotton of her blouse, making his vision blur with lust. “You’re an arrogant sod,” she snapped. “My shirt is wet and it’s wintertime. If my…breasts are tight, it’s because I’m cold and can’t put on a jumper.” “You’re aroused because you want me as much as I want you,” Garreth corrected. “I know how you feel. I’m aroused too, and it has nothing to do with the weather. I get turned on every time I see you. Think about you.” Even as he spoke, the rope rubbed against his skin, torturing him. He wanted her hands on his chest, not these freaking binds. “Christ, Jenn, I’m sitting here, wishing I could touch you. I’m ogling your breasts, wishing they were in my mouth. Wishing I could roll my tongue around them, suck your nipples between my lips and feast. Wishing I could make you come, with my mouth on your tits and nothing else.” He raised his gaze to hers, noted the shocked look in her eyes, and amended his confession. “Wishing I could make you come in every possible way known to mankind.” It took her a good few seconds to react. Her eyes glazed over, and her lips parted as she
puffed air in and out. Knowing his words had affected her, and knowing they’d affected him just as much, if not more, made him gasp for air. She blinked, clearing her gaze. “Why are you saying these things?” Garreth went straight for the truth. “Because I want you, and you want me, and now the pact is broken there is nothing standing in the way of us being together.” She raised a brow. “Nothing?” “Not a single, damn thing.” Especially with Sam out of the picture. Rachel had shared that interesting detail with him in the mountains. Once again Jenna pasted her sweet, soulless smile on her face. “Apart from the fact that you fucked my best friend, you mean?” She paused, looked down at her trussed body, sighed and corrected herself. “Ex-best friend.” Garreth sucked in a deep breath. Not because of her attack, but because of her choice of words. Jenna never swore. Ever. It was all part of her self-discipline. Her carefully controlled manner. Swearing showed emotion, weakness, and Jenna wasn’t weak. Not anymore. Once she had been, and it had almost crushed her. She’d accused him of fucking her best friend—not sleeping with Rachel. Which told Garreth two things. One, she hadn’t gotten over it—not that he’d believed for one moment she had, and two, her control was slipping. Good. He wanted her control to slip. Wanted her wall down. Not so she’d be vulnerable, but so he could get in, tell her the truth about his actions last weekend once and for all, and bond with the part of Jenna she kept so well hidden. Garreth chose his response carefully. “I fucked Rachel, but I love you.” Her sweet smile turned into an empty laugh. “Ah, Garreth, what a charming way you have of expressing your love. No wonder women fall at your feet.” “I’d have fucked you, if you’d ever given me the chance. I’d have fucked you every day for the last two years. I’d have done it so thoroughly and so well, you’d have begged for more.” “Not very discerning, are you?” Jenna mocked. “Me, my friend. Would you like an introduction to my cousin? My clients perhaps?” Had her reaction to his deed not already torn his heart out in the mountains, her words might have hurt more. But he’d had a week to brace himself. He was more than ready to tackle the issue head on. “Jealous, Jenn?” Please, be jealous! “Why should I be? Because you can’t keep your pants on? Because you can’t see that fucking the best friend of the woman you love may be a little…selfish? Or that fucking the woman your housemate loves is even more…perverse? I’m not jealous, Garreth. I’m appalled.” Appalled, maybe. Contained? Not so much. She was trying, he’d give her that. Giving it her best shot. But the fact she kept swearing told him she was losing control just a little more with every passing minute. Time to push a little harder. “Appalled? Or angry?” “I’m disgusted,” she hissed. “You’re furious. Because no matter how immoral my actions might have been in your book, the bottom line is I fucked Rachel, not you.” She glared at him. “You fucked the woman Jackson loves.” He nodded. “I did. And that makes me the selfish prick. But have you seen your brother
this last week? Have you seen Rachel? Have you seen what’s happened as a result of my sleeping with her? They’re together. They’re in love. And they are finally happy! Very, very happy.” He eyed her warily. “Can you say the same for yourself? Are you happy?” Jenna pursed her lips. “They’re happy. I’ll concede that. But that doesn’t justify your actions.” Ah, no surprise she’d avoided the question about her own happiness. If she answered honestly, she’d be giving him some insight into her deepest thoughts and feelings. “You rejected me, Jenna. What did you expect? That I’d remain faithful to you? That I’d let my life rot while you fucked another man?” “I never asked you to be faithful. But I sure as hell never expected you to fuck my best friend.” “Why not just acknowledge the truth? You wish it had been you, not Rachel.” “I hate you.” Her eyes flashed. “Correction. You hate that I never fucked you.” “No. I hate you.” “You hate that you begged me to make love to you in the mountains, and I didn’t.” “I was wrong. I don’t just hate you, I fucking despise you.” There it was again. The very word she never used. “You despise that when we finally had a chance to be together, I pulled the plug.” Didn’t she know that had nearly killed him? Jenna, naked in his arms was not something he could easily have passed over. But he’d had no choice. If he hadn’t stopped her, she would really have ended up hating him. And herself. And he’d never, ever have risked that outcome. Even if it had left him with a serious case of blue balls for the past week. “You, Garreth Halt. I despise you. I despise you more with every word you utter.” “You love me, Jenn, and acknowledging it is driving you insane.” “Knowing I stripped naked in your arms is driving me insane.” Why? Because she’d exposed herself to him? Shown him her vulnerabilities? “You should have stripped naked in my arms long before Jackson broke the pact. I’d never have slept with Rachel then. I’d never have needed to.” Her mouth tightened and her shoulders stiffened.
Born to Be Wild Elle Kennedy
Being bad never felt so good… Welcome to Paradise, Book 3 Bree Lockhart was always the good girl—on the surface. During her senior year of high school, however, her inner bad girl was lured out to play by reckless, carefree Jake Bishop. Her parents’ worst nightmare, and the man she’s never forgotten. Twelve years later, she’s home for a charity event and up for auction. The highest bidder? Jake. This time around, he wants more than a wild ride—he wants it all. But she’s not about to risk her heart on another fling that’ll just leave it in pieces. Jake once reveled in showing Bree how good it is to be bad. But convincing her he can be good for her is going to take some very special tactics… Warning: This book features a bad boy soldier determined to chip away at a good girl’s resistance with hot sex, hot sex, and…more hot sex.
eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 11821 Mason Montgomery Road Suite 4B Cincinnati OH 45249 Born to Be Wild Copyright © 2012 by Elle Kennedy ISBN: 978-1-60928-966-9 Edited by Lindsey Faber Cover by Kendra Egert All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: April 2012 www.samhainpublishing.com
