Her Sweet Seduction - Sabrina Sol

Evernight Publishing ® www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2015 Sabrina Sol ISBN: 978-1-77233-559-0 Cover Artist: Jay Aheer Editor: Audrey Bobak

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this

copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION To Nikki Prince For loving this story first

HER SWEET SEDUCTION Romance on the Go TM Sabrina Sol Copyright © 2015

Chapter One Every girl should have a Lucas Day at least once in her life. And when I say have, I mean screw, of course. He’s the ultimate bad boy—the devil in your ear tempting you to do things you shouldn’t. Things like him. “Fuck, you’re always so tight.” Lucas grunts from behind me. He has a way with words, doesn’t he? Anyway, I met him when I started working over the summer at his dad’s pizza place. We’ve been together for almost a year now. Well, technically, we’re not really a couple. Guys like him don’t date girls like me for real. We just like to screw when I’m home from college. Lucas is picking up speed and his breaths are turning into gasps. He’s close now. Damn. I’ve been so wrapped up in

my head that my own orgasm is at least two car lengths behind. Damn. As if sensing my delay, Lucas reaches around and squeezes my breasts. Ah, yes. That feels good. He rubs my nipples until they form into thick, stiff peaks. His pressure is just right because he knows what he’s doing and, now, I guess, he knows me. So I moan, giving him the signal to move his hand down my body. He pulls me closer against his hard stomach and I can’t help but be impressed with his ability to balance us both on the couch in the restaurant’s back office. I grip the wooden armrest as hard as I can as Lucas thrusts into me from behind. I close my eyes and imagine what we must look like as our two slickened bodies slam together over and over again. And that’s when my climax begins to build. And just when I think it’s still going to be another minute or so, my body vibrates all over with wave after wave of beautiful pleasure. Lucas yells out behind me. I smile. Later, when we’re both dressed and I’m ready to head out the door, he surprises me by grabbing my hand and pulling me back to him. He lowers his head and kisses me with such tenderness that I have to tell myself to start breathing again. “That was amazing,” he whispers after our lips break apart. “You’re amazing.” His smile is so genuine it both warms and breaks my heart. I realize at that moment that I love him. I love Lucas Day.

But I don’t tell him. Instead I try to be cool, unaffected, and say, “You’re not too bad yourself.” And just like that, the bad boy comes out. “Whatever, Anna. You know how fucking good that was. Good luck trying not to think about it—or me—the next time your boyfriend is inside you.” I sigh heavily. “See you tomorrow, Lucas.” I leave the restaurant, determined not to think about him or the fact I’ve somehow managed to fall in love with the bastard. Of course, that’s all I can think about as I unlock my car door. Didn’t I promise myself last summer this was only going to be about sex? That’s why I’ve let him continue thinking that I have a boyfriend back at college. For some reason he’d made that assumption on his own and when I noticed him starting to get interested, I didn’t correct him. Anyway, I know he needs to believe it. It will give him permission to eventually break things off. See, that’s what happens when you fall for bad boys. They make you want to be bad girls. At least I’m not a cheater. Just a liar. And the biggest lie of all was telling myself I could handle Lucas Day. Celina continued reading the rest of the first chapter of her newest release Lie to Me, for a few more minutes. When she was

done, she counted to five before looking up from the page. She told herself to smile and scanned the crowd of unfamiliar faces. And right before that old queasy feeling known as self-doubt bubbled in her gut like bad clams, thundering applause mixed with some hoots and hollers washed it all away. She genuinely smiled then and tried so damn hard not to weep. No way was she going to be the crazy author whose emotional breakdown was caught on camera and would eventually be trending on Twitter tomorrow. Celina had done readings before. And usually she had her shit more together than this. But this book was different. This book was the story of her heart. The one she feared writing but did anyway. And with every word she’d read, she’d bared her soul all over again. “Thank you San Diego,” May, her publicist, said to the crowd. “Ms. Luna will now sign print copies of her book. Make sure to also stop by our swag table to pick up some fun bookmarks, magnets and lip balms. Please form a line over here on the right and we’ll get started.” May handed her a bottle of water and ushered her to a table already stacked with copies of Lie to Me. The first person walked up to the table and she went right into “author” mode. Meeting readers was one of her most favorite things about being a published writer. She loved answering their questions and hearing their ideas for her next book. Before long, she’d forgotten all about her nerves.

That was her first mistake of the night. She’d just turned to May to ask for another pen when she heard a familiar deep voice. A voice which sent tingles dancing down her neck. “That Lucas guy is kind of a dick in the beginning, isn’t he?” Celina slowly turned her head toward the smooth voice and saw none other than the cloudy, blue eyes of Luke Anderssen staring her down. Her heart dropped liked a rock straight to her red peep-toe heels, and her chest threatened to collapse in on itself. He looked good. Chingao! He looked sexy. Double chingao! He was probably waiting for her to say something. “Luke,” she finally announced. “It’s good to see you again, Celina.” He grinned and slid a book in front of her. “It’s for my sister. She really wanted to be here, but something came up. Can you make it out to her?” It took a few more seconds before her mind registered what he was saying. She nodded and put on her best smile. “Yes, of course. How is Erica?” she asked after opening the book to the first blank page. “She’s great. Mom’s great. We’re all great.” Celina focused on her pen as she scrawled a quick note and signed her name. “That’s, um, great?” Really? Did she really just say that? Such. A. Dork. But then he laughed, so she did, too, and her uneasiness at seeing him again lessened. Handing the book back to him, she

added, “Thanks for coming, Luke. It means a lot.” Their fingers brushed and the memory of his touch on other parts of her body rushed back. Tingles. Goose bumps. Flutters. The works. He smiled and took a step back. And just when she thought he’d walk away from her forever, he leaned back. “Say, can I buy you a cup of coffee when you’re done? They have a cafe upstairs. We could hang out for a little and catch up.” Her mind screamed no. But when it came to Luke, her head was always the last thing she listened to. She noticed she’d been tapping her pen nonstop against the table. “Sure, that sounds nice,” she told him and set the pen down. “Give me about fifteen more minutes. Oh, but I don’t drink coffee. Can you get me a tea instead?” And with a wink that melted her into a puddle of silly schoolgirl swooning, he said, “You can have anything you want, Celina. Anything at all.”

Chapter Two “Sácame de aquí,” she muttered. But no one could get her out of this except for her. Celina looked at the back of Luke’s head as he sat in the corner of the bookstore’s café and then glanced at the elevator that had just brought her up to the second floor. She mulled her escape. The doors hadn’t closed yet. Perhaps it was a sign? She could just get back in, walk out of the store and try to forget that she ever saw him. She’d been successful at pushing thoughts of him aside while she finished signing books and chatted with readers. But as the elevator climbed to take her to him, so did her nerves. Once that elevator closed, so did her window of opportunity to rethink this mini-reunion. There’s nothing to rethink. You know you want to know what he’s been doing the last ten years. Not because she really cared, of course. But perhaps catching up with Luke could help her finish writing the sequel to Lie to Me. That’s because the story of Lucas and Anna was mostly the story of Luke and Celina. They’d met right before she started college when she was hired to work part-time over the summer in his family’s San Diego chocolate shop. She’d been in lust with him from day one, but it wasn’t until the following summer that he finally noticed her and they started having sex. She held no illusions about what he wanted from her and she’d been content with the way

things were. That is until she realized one day that she was in love with him. Instead of being a grownup about it, she’d quit the job and went back to school. Last she heard, he’d left to New York to be a stockbroker as he’d always planned to do when they were together. Book two, already tentatively titled Tell Me No Lies, was supposed to be more of Anna’s story and how she had moved on and ended up falling in love with someone new. But while the first book was loosely based on real events, the sequel was turning out to be all fantasy—inspired by the “what ifs” that had randomly interrupted Celina’s thoughts while driving or invaded her restless dreams for more than a decade. She’d only written a few chapters, but she was already stuck. Perhaps running into Luke had been a gift from her muse? It’s just tea and coffee. That’s all. No big deal. Celina took a deep breath and headed toward him. “Sorry to keep you waiting. That took a little longer than I thought,” she said as she arrived at the table and took a seat across from him. “No problem. I figured it might be a while. That’s why I had them hold your tea until you got here.” He motioned to the girl behind the counter. A simple yet thoughtful gesture. She’d barely sat down and he was already surprising her. Her stomach fluttered. Slow your roll, missy. All he did was keep your tea hot. It’s not like he rescued a puppy from a burning building. “So, no coffee, huh? I remember when you used to guzzle

that stuff.” It was true. One of the reasons why she’d started working at the Anderssen’s shop was open access to the espresso machine —a perk she’d taken advantage of multiple times a day. Yep, coffee and sex had pretty much been her entire life back when she was with Luke. Today, her life was totally different and it was all because of one special person. “I quit cold turkey when I got pregnant,” she said without thinking. The surly girl from the counter arrived with her tea, giving Celina time to kick herself under the table. She hadn’t seen Luke in more than a decade and the first two things she tells him about herself is that she doesn’t drink coffee and, oh yeah, she’s a mom. The Goth-wannabe left them alone to stew in awkward silence. She was still thinking of how to follow up her bombshell when Luke chuckled. “Well, that’s new….” She sipped her ridiculously hot tea, trying not to let it show she’d just burned her tongue. Luke drank from his cup and waited for the rest of the story. “Her name is Zoey and she’s five,” she explained. “I try to keep her out of my public author life so not many people know about her besides my family and very close friends. I’m a very protective mama bear.” She couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her beautiful daughter. Her little girl was smart and precocious. She was Celina’s entire world. Luke nodded slowly as he set down his cup. “And Zoey’s

dad?” Ah, the inevitable question. Neighbors, teachers, other dads at the playground—it seemed everyone wanted to know where in the world was Zoey’s father. The answer depended on who asked. It was either a solemn response of “He died,” for those she deemed too nosey. Or a vague “He’s not here right now,” for those she deemed too creepy. For Luke, she decided she would tell the truth. Finally. “I have no idea where Zoey’s dad is. We never married and he decided a long time ago that he’d rather play nightclubs with his band than raise a daughter.” “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be hard doing the parenting thing on your own.” She shrugged. “It was in the beginning. I even came close to moving back in with my parents. Luckily, I found a great group of friends back in San Francisco who helped me through those rough patches. And now, we’re doing a lot better.” “I’m glad to hear it. You deserve to be happy, Celina.” “Thanks. And what about you? Married? Kids?” He smiled and shrugged. “Nope. Not yet.” To learn that Luke had never married, did something to her insides. He once told her that he liked being single because relationships were messy and complicated. Guess, he’d really meant it. She was about to ask him what he was doing in San Diego when he said, “So I just need to tell you, that for what it’s worth, I’m really impressed.”

“By what?” “By all of this,” he raised his hands in the air. “You’re doing exactly what you wanted to do. You’re a very talented writer.” “Please. You’re just saying that.” “Actually, I’m not. I read your book. How else would I know that Lucas character was such a jerk?” Another surprise. Now, she felt a twinge of guilt. “About that…” “I guess it takes a jerk to know a jerk, right?” “No, of course not.” “It’s okay, Celina. It is. I admit it stung at first when I started recognizing some similarities. And I think I get now why you lied about having a boyfriend back in college. Despite all of that, I still really enjoyed the story.” “You did?” “Oh, yeah. Especially all the sex scenes.” His wicked grin burned her hotter than her tea had. A familiar gush of desire spread throughout her body, threatening to capture her in its dangerous web of reckless inhibition. No more caring about choosing her words carefully or analyzing the meaning behind his. Luke was flirting with her and she wanted to flirt right back. Sure, their relationship hadn’t been ideal. But he was still the best lover she’d ever had. “Well, we were pretty good at the sex stuff,” she admitted. “Yes. Yes, we were,” he said, his voice low and serious. A knowing glance passed between them—they were both remembering just how good it had been.

Heat raced to her face, while her heart pumped wildly in her chest. Careful, Celina. Not trusting the words that would come out of her mouth at that point, she took another sip. The tea was cooling, but she wasn’t. Especially when Luke was looking at her that way. He leaned on the table and crossed his arms. “So why did we break up again?” The question came out of nowhere. Did she really want to go down this dangerous road with him? Remember, it’s just book research. “Break up? Um, I think you have to be together in the first place in order to break up.” She hoped she sounded nonchalant. “Fine. So why did we stop having sex again?” “Brittany What’s Her Name.” “Who?” “Seriously? You don’t remember her?” How could he not? “Maybe. Now that you mention it...” “Well, she was one of the reasons, anyway.” He raised his eyebrow. “It doesn’t matter now. We had fun for a while and then we didn’t. Truth is, I’m surprised you even remembered my name.” “Why wouldn’t I? I saw you almost every day for three summers in a row.” “True. But you didn’t really see me until we started having sex. It’s okay, Luke. I know I was just another hookup. I’m not saying it like it was a bad thing. I’m just saying how it was.”

“You were more than just a hookup, Celina.” As if his eyes were magnets, he pulled her gaze to him. The old her probably would’ve giggled like an idiot or touched his hand. But the years away from him had given her the strength she needed now to look away. She needed to lighten the mood. “You’re just saying that because you’re trying to get into my pants for old time’s sake,” she said, trying to sound like she was teasing him. “It’s not going to work, you know.” He shrugged, the joke seemed to roll off him like a dead fish. The conversation was getting way too personal … and more serious than she wanted or was prepared for. Time to change the subject. “So, how’s the stockbroker business?” He smiled slowly and sat back in his chair. And just when she thought he was going to go on and on about his luxurious and fast-paced lifestyle in New York City, he dropped a bombshell of his own. “Hell if I know. I quit a few years ago to take over the chocolate shop.” For the next fifteen minutes, he described how he moved back to town permanently a few months after his father died. His mom and sister had tried to run the business on their own, but couldn’t find someone to replace their dad as the in-house chocolatier. Sales suffered and when his mom told him that she’d been approached by a competitor to sell the business, he’d quit his job and came home for good.

When he finished talking, she couldn’t help but allow a smirk to pull at her lips. He noticed. “What?” “Nothing. Please go on.” “Nope. You clearly want to say something so say it.” It was her turn to shrug. “It’s just typical Luke behavior, that’s all. You don’t want something until you see someone else wanting it.” He didn’t respond, so she continued. “You told everyone who would listen that you were never going to take over the business. In fact, you were adamant that once you made it to New York that you would never, ever move back to San Diego. I still remember you and your dad having it out about your determination to get away from this town and everyone in it.” Including her. But she didn’t say that part. “Fair enough. It’s true. I was young and stupid back then. I did a lot of things I regret now. But things changed when my dad died. I guess I changed. I realized that there are things in this life that are more important than how much money I make or the car I drive.” “Things like chocolate?” He laughed and nodded. “But not just any chocolate. Award-winning gourmet chocolate.” His eyes glistened with excitement. She’d never seen him so proud. It was nice. Hell, who was she kidding? It was damn sexy. She shifted in her seat. Warmth flooded between her legs and she crossed them under the table. “Anderssen’s has always been known as a local favorite for

good chocolates, but it could be so much more,” he said. “This past year, we’ve been competing in local festivals and contests and have racked up some cool ribbons. More importantly, we’re getting orders from all over the country.” “Wow, that’s pretty impressive. Good for you, Luke.” She meant every word. “Wanna have a taste?” Rather than swallowing the tea she had just sipped, she inhaled it—causing her to choke and sputter. “Excuse me?” she said. “I asked if you wanted to taste some of my chocolate.” “I bet you say that to all the girls,” she retorted. “You’re funnier than I remembered.” He wasn’t laughing, at least it seemed he was trying really hard not to. “Actually, what I should’ve asked was if you wanted to come over to the shop right now and, you know, pick out some chocolates to take home for you and your daughter.” The mention of Zoey quickly sobered her up from whatever flirty or comfortable high she was starting to feel after listening to him talk so passionately about his work. She thought about it for a few seconds and decided she was cool-headed enough now to spend fifteen more minutes alone with him at the shop. Plus, she knew Zoey would love the chocolate-covered strawberries that Anderssen’s was famous for. Yep, she could totally handle being alone with Luke.

Chapter Three She so couldn’t handle being alone with him. They’d spent a few minutes picking out strawberries for Zoey from the front counter case. Then he’d convinced her to go in the back kitchen to taste test some of his newer creations. But the more he talked about “simmering” and “hardening” and “creaming,” the more turned on she became. As Luke showed her a selection of salted caramel truffles, she drifted between wanting to lick the candies to wanting to lick him. All of him. “We use French fleur-de-sel sea salt,” he said, while handing her one of the small rounded chocolates. Celina bit into it and closed her eyes. The stunning mix of sweet and salty, combined with the smooth, milky caramel … well, it was nothing short of glorious. “Oh. My. God.” She groaned. “That’s… Oh my God.” She finished the piece off with one more bite and a few more groans. “You made these? Damn, Luke. I think you just gave me my first T. B. O. You know? Taste Bud Orgasm.” He only nodded in response. At first, she thought she’d embarrassed him. Then she saw it. The way his jaw hardened. The way his lip curled into a hint of a smile. The way his nostrils flared. She recognized that darkening swirl in his eyes. A penetrating gaze that emanated raw lust and had been known to burn right through her shields of reason and sanity. It was a devastating look. Simply devastating. And now it was slowly

zeroing in on her mouth. He took a step toward her and although her instincts told her to take a step backward, she couldn’t move. Her body tingled with panic, or was it desire? Maybe it was a combination of both. Either way, she was flushed and lightheaded. And when he raised his hand and touched the corner of her mouth with his thumb¸ a longing she hadn’t felt in years raged in her soul. “You have some salt flakes here,” he said in a thick, low voice. But he didn’t brush them away. Still staring intently at her mouth, he instead moved the pad of his thumb slowly over her bottom lip. Finally, he met her eyes with an unspoken question. She gave him the smallest of nods, yet she unleashed a tidal wave. He surged toward her and grabbed her head with both of his hands. Their lips crashed together, roughly and furiously. And when he slid his tongue inside to claim hers, she welcomed the invasion with a moan. He tasted like coffee and chocolate—two of her vices wrapped into one sinfully sexy body. Like a dream she didn’t want to wake from, she pushed every other complicated thought aside. All she wanted to think about—all she wanted to feel—was this moment with Luke. Old, familiar sensations and new, thrilling ones surged within her all at the same time. And she couldn’t get enough. He moved his hands down and cupped her ass through the thin fabric of her short dress, grinding her against the growing hardness in his jeans. She swung one arm around his neck, while the

other twisted the back of his shirt. “God, you taste good,” he murmured into her mouth. They’d managed to maneuver themselves against the kitchen’s stainless steel island and she braced herself by gripping its rounded edge. The arch of her body gave him full access to her neck and he quickly moved his mouth there while bringing his hands back up to engulf her breasts. Her nipples, desperate for his touch, strained against her bra. As if they’d called to him on their own, he tugged the top of her dress down over one shoulder and freed one breast from its enclosure. He laved one long, delicious lick over the engorged nipple. Her breath caught and her knees buckled. “Oh, dear,” she said with a gasp. He stopped devouring her nipple just long enough to whisper into her ear, “Do you want me to make you come, Celina?” An answer wasn’t needed. Her sighs spoke volumes. Luke exposed her other breast to the cool air, but quickly covered it with his warm lips. As he nipped and sucked, her sex clenched with need. It had been more than a year since she’d had a man inside her and now she ached to be filled by Luke. She didn’t just want to come. She wanted to explode. “Yes, please,” she finally whimpered her answer. Luke slid his hand to the front of her body, tugging at her dress along the way. And when he made contact with the silky material between her legs, they both groaned. “I’m going to rub that clit of yours until it’s swollen and ready to burst,” he rasped against her skin. “Then just when you think you can’t take much more, I’m going to fuck you with my

fingers until you scream my name.” God, Luke still knew how to dirty talk his way into her panties. He pulled the flimsy material to the side and found the tight bundle of nerves already firm and pulsing. The rest of her body trembled as he moved his lips up for another openmouthed kiss, sucking and teasing her tongue as he stroked and rubbed below. Instinctively, she thrust herself against his hand, taking control of the tempo as the pressure inside built higher and higher. With one swift movement, he sunk two fingers between her folds. “That’s right, baby,” he said. “Fuck my hand now. God, you’re so hot and wet. Just like always.” And before she could do anything to stop it, the aching turned into a heavy throbbing that quickened into the first shudders of a full-blown orgasm. He captured her scream with his mouth and held onto her until the tremors subsided. “Damn, that was even better than I remembered,” he said between soft, slow kisses. “Let’s go back to my place so we can do some more of the things we used to do.” Still drunk on her arousal, Celina nodded. When she was sure she could stand on her own feet again, he helped her fix her disheveled bra and dress. As she looked down at her breasts, she noticed reddening splotches all over them— evidence of Luke’s enthusiastic passion. She quickly sobered into a full-blown panic. What if the marks were still there in the morning? She planned to take Zoey to

the beach. Her Tankini swimsuit wouldn’t hide all of them. What if her daughter saw and started asking questions? “Mommy got lucky” didn’t seem like an appropriate answer. Celina’s stomach turned. How had she ended up in Luke’s kitchen with her breasts hanging out? This wasn’t her. It couldn’t be. At least, not anymore. He grabbed her hand to pull her toward the door, but she didn’t move. “I’m sorry, but I just realized that I can’t go with you. It’s late and I have a lot to do tomorrow.” She braced herself for his angry response. After all, she’d gotten her release and he was still hard as rock, judging by the bulge along his upper thigh. But instead of calling her a tease or worse, he simply nodded. “I understand. It’s okay.” He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it. “So when can I see you again?” She pulled her hand away. “What are you talking about?” “I’m talking about taking you out. You know, on a real date. Dinner, a movie, dessert?” Her knees trembled at his emphasis on “dessert” and she held onto the edge of the island again for support. He spoke again. “What do you say? Will you go out with me?” Ten years ago she would’ve done anything to hear those words from Luke. Her heart pounded in her ears, but her brain wouldn’t be drowned out this time. It reminded her that the more decadent the dessert, the more it left an aftertaste of regret. And she

was done with regret. Celina shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” His smile faltered and she felt the need to explain herself. “I’m leaving tomorrow afternoon for the rest of the book tour. Five more cities in six days and the last stop is in San Francisco. Zoey’s staying with my parents and then they’re flying up when the tour is over. I’m not coming back to San Diego until Christmas.” “Oh.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “How about breakfast then, before you leave?” She shook her head again. “Sorry, but I’m taking my daughter to the beach. This is going to be the longest I’ve ever been away from her and I want to spend as much time as I can with her before my flight.” “Okay. Then, I’ll meet you for more tea at the airport. I don’t care, I just want to see you again.” Wow. He was really pushing. Why couldn’t he just leave it alone? It was starting to piss her off. “What is this, Luke? I didn’t have sex with you so now you’re going to try to wine and dine me until I do? Are you hoping for a quickie in the terminal bathroom or something?” He walked toward her and grabbed her hand. “What? No, of course not. Why is it so hard to believe that I just want to spend time with you and get to know you again?” “Because.” “Because why?” “Because that’s not you! That’s not us!” She hadn’t meant to raise her voice, but she didn’t know how to deal with all the

questioning. Old Luke would’ve just shrugged his shoulders and walked away. It didn’t matter what she wanted or why she did what she did. He simply didn’t care. At least that’s what it had felt like back then. This Luke wanted to talk about feelings? What kind of alternate universe was this? This Luke squeezed her hand and bared his soul before her eyes. “Well, maybe I want it to be.” “Well, it can’t be,” she answered and pulled her hand from his. “I’m not a stupid teenager anymore. I don’t have the time or the energy for games or flings that lead nowhere. I decided a long time ago that I was done being with men who can’t put me or my daughter first. And if that means it’s just me and her forever, then so be it.” “How do you know I can’t be that kind of man?” He moved closer. “Yes, I was a selfish dick back in the day, but I promise you I’m not that guy anymore. I’ve spent the last ten years looking for someone who can call me out on my bullshit one minute, and make me crazy horny the next. Turns out I already had that someone and I let her go.” “Luke…” “Give me a chance, Celina. Just one more chance to prove to you that I can be that man for you and your little girl.” “I’m sorry, but your charms have lost their effect on me. You talk a good game—you always have—but I just don’t believe you.” She added the last part more to convince herself than to convince him.

Either he didn’t hear it or he just didn’t believe it. He wasn’t about to let her off the hook. “What about your book? In it you said that you loved me back then. Maybe you could love me again.” “It’s just a book, Luke. Words on a page. Besides, I may have based some of Lucas Day on you, but for the most part it’s just make believe. Did you even read the end?” “I did. He moves away to Chicago after she lies to him and says she doesn’t love him anymore.” The irony wasn’t lost on her. “It’s still not real.” “But that’s not the end of their story. You’re writing a sequel, aren’t you?” She couldn’t help but be impressed that he knew that. He continued with his argument, “I’m assuming they find each other again in book number two?” She didn’t dare nod yet he smiled as if she had. “Don’t you see? It may have been make believe when you wrote it, but that doesn’t mean it can’t come true.” “You’re talking crazy. We’re not Lucas and Anna. We’re not even really Luke and Celina. We haven’t seen each other in ten years. We live on opposite sides of the state, for Christ’s sake! How can you say all this stuff about forever when you barely even know me anymore?” He opened his mouth, but she held up her hand in a stopping motion. “Sure, we had sex a long time ago … and did some heavy making out not so long ago. But that was all it was. And you know why? Because that’s all you can commit to. I’m not the long lost love of your life, Luke. I’m just some random girl in

your little black book of hookups and one-night stands.” Shaking his head, he asked, “Do you know why I showed up that day with Brittany What’s Her Name?” “Because you didn’t have enough money for a hotel room?” She knew it was harsh, but she was pissed. “No, because I wanted to make you jealous.” “Pft! Yeah right.” “It was the day after that first scene in your book. You know where I made that stupid remark about remembering me when your boyfriend was inside you?” She nodded. Even her editor couldn’t believe someone had actually said that to her. “I only said that because I was jealous. I was jealous that I only had two more days with you before you went back to school and, I thought at the time, back to your boyfriend. For not being real, I hated that motherfucker so much. I hated that he got to be with you nine months out of the year and I only got you for a few weeks at a time. So that day I called up Brittany and asked her out, but made sure we stopped by the shop first.” “Exactly!” she said. “Maybe we didn’t have a traditional relationship, but we were still sleeping together. Bringing that girl over when you knew I’d be working was, well, it wasn’t cool.” “I know that now. I swear she didn’t mean anything to me. I was desperate. I just wanted to get a reaction out of you to show me that you cared, that maybe you’d fallen in love with me like I’d fallen in with love you.” Celina winced. She couldn’t have heard right. There was no

way she heard him right. Still, she had to ask. “You were in love with me?” “It kind of blew my mind, too, once I realized it. I’d never felt that way about a girl before. And freaked me the hell out.” “Why didn’t you say something?” “Uh, because I thought you had a boyfriend. And because, like we already established, I was a jerk. And a coward. I didn’t want to tell you until I knew you loved me too. So I came up with the stupid plan to make you so jealous that you’d corner me later and tell me to break up with Brittany because you were going to break up with him. But instead of bringing us closer, all I did was make you walk away.” Run was more like it. After Luke left with Brittany that day, she told Mrs. Anderssen that she’d gotten her registration dates mixed up and that she had to go back to school sooner than she thought. Then later that year, she called her and said she wouldn’t be coming back to the shop—ever. She hadn’t spoken to Luke since. Until tonight. And now he was saying stuff she couldn’t comprehend. How could she trust anything he said? He always wants what he can’t have. Telling him no just made him want her more. That had to be it. It was the only explanation. “Whatever happened back then happened. We can’t change it. All we can do is move on and get back to living our separate lives. We don’t belong together. We never did.” She thought the words would sting him, leave a mark. But

he persisted. “Then why haven’t I been able to stop thinking about you these past few years?” “Bullshit. I bet you didn’t even remember my last name until your sister showed you my book.” He bowed his head and rubbed the back of his neck. “Actually, I lied about that. My sister never showed me your book. I’m the one who read it the first day it came out and I’m the one who’s been planning for months to come to the reading tonight just so I could talk to you in person.” None of this made any sense. “I don’t understand. How did you know?” “Your mom came into the shop the day after my dad died to pass on her condolences. I overheard her telling my mom that you had just signed a book deal. She was very proud that you were going to use her maiden name—Luna—as your pen name.” “And?” “And that same night I looked you up online. I’ve been following your career ever since. Every interview, every blog post, every new release. See, I know more about you than you think.” “You know Celina Luna, the author. What about Celina Preciado, the single mom from San Francisco? I’m sorry, but that doesn’t prove anything.” “True. That’s why I knew I had to come see you and talk to you again. I needed to know if the smart, funny, sexy woman who had consumed my dreams all these years really existed, or if fantasy replaced reality at some point.”

His face was so close to hers now. The look in his eyes hypnotized her into place. “And what did you find out?” She had to ask. “I realized, within minutes of sitting across from you at that café, that the reality was so much better than the fantasy,” he murmured. His lips covered hers and she melted into him. It would be so easy to say yes. So easy to tell him she changed her mind and she wanted to go back to his place. But she learned early on that easy only gets harder later. There was one way to find out if she could trust what he was telling her—if she truly meant more to him than she thought. She pulled away. “Fine. I’ll consider thinking about taking this further if you can answer one question.” “Great. Shoot.” “That last night we were together here in your dad’s office, what did I give you right before we had sex?” A huge grin spread across his face. “Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about what I gave you in the box.” “Oh. That.” His grin disappeared and so did hers. “Well, you see, I, uh…” Her heart sank. “You never opened it.” He leaned toward her and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Let me explain, please.” She could see the urgency in his eyes. But she didn’t care. All she cared about at the moment was getting out of there. She

maneuvered herself out of his grasp. “Goodbye, Luke,” she told him as she grabbed her things and started to walk away “I’m not giving up on you, Celina.” His words followed her out. With one quick pull, she closed the shop’s front door and left Luke Anderssen behind her for the second time in her life.

Chapter Four “What do you mean you had lunch with Luke Anderssen?” Celina looked around the library and realized a few people had heard her outburst. She smiled and waved at them, then proceeded to walk outside where she could yell at her mother without an audience. “Calmate mija,” her mom told her. “You don’t have to get so huffy.” How could she calm down? It had been two days since she’d seen Luke. He’d been so insistent about picking up where they left off, she’d half expected him to show up at the airport. So when he didn’t show and he didn’t reach out online, Celina forced herself to forget about him and their night in the shop’s kitchen. She’d shrugged it off as Luke being the same Luke—all talk and no action. But now he was taking her mother to lunch? What. The. Hell. “I’m not huffy. I’m just trying to figure out why in the world would you have lunch with someone you barely know?” “Well, I went into the shop yesterday to pick up some peanut brittle for your papi and Luke was there. He asked me to have lunch with him. He said he wanted to know more about you. I think he likes you, mija.” Celina put her hand over her eyes and groaned. How could this be happening? How could her mother do this to her? Then

another thought twisted at her gut. “Wait. Did Zoey go on this lunch, too?” “Oh no. Luke specifically asked me not to bring her. He said he would meet her when you wanted him to meet her. So I told your papi to take her to Balboa Park. You know I can’t be in the sun that long anyway. The medicine I’m taking makes me break out…” The fact that Luke had said that about Zoey was a welcome relief. At least he respected her daughter’s privacy, if not hers. “Mom. Mom. I’m sorry to interrupt you, but I only have a few more minutes before the book signing starts. So what did you tell Luke during your lunch?” “Oh, just this and that. He wanted to know what you did before you started writing your books. He asked about your friends in San Francisco. Don’t worry, mijia, I didn’t tell him too much.” Yeah right. Her mom’s mouth was as loose as a rusty nail. If there was one thing she loved more than her family, it was talking about her family. “Okay, Mom. Thank you for calling me. I’ve got to go now. I’ll call you later.” Celina hated rushing her off the phone, but she needed a few minutes to calm down before the book signing. What exactly was Luke up to? She didn’t have time to think about it. One of the volunteers from the New York City Public Library poked her head outside the door to the main entrance. “There you are. We’re ready whenever you are, Ms. Luna,” she said. Celina plastered on a smile as she walked back inside. Whatever Luke was doing, she wasn’t going to let it ruin her night

… again. *** Three hours later, Celina walked up to the front desk of the Marriott hotel and fought the urge to lay her head down on the counter. She was exhausted. It had been a whirlwind day with two book signings. Her mom’s phone call had only added to the craziness and all she wanted to do was check in, go to her room and crawl into bed. The desk clerk took her information and within a few minutes, handed her the key card to her room. “I hope you enjoy your stay with us, Ms. Luna. Oh, and before I forget, this package arrived for you earlier.” He handed her a small red box. She immediately recognized the black bow design emblazoned with “Anderssen’s Fine Chocolates” in white cursive text. She thanked the clerk and headed to the elevator. The thought crossed her mind to toss the box in the trash. But the temptation to see what was inside overwhelmed her. In the privacy of her room, she tore it open and saw a small note on top of a piece of white parchment paper. The paper covered two pink-colored egg-shaped candies. After two deep breaths, she started reading: “I decided the best way to get to know you was to talk to those who know you best. And everyone said the same thing —Zoey is the most important person in your life. I want you to know that I would never try to change that. If she’s important to you, then she’s important to me. When I finally do meet her,

I plan on giving her these. They are my latest creations. I’m calling them ‘ZoeyBerries’ – strawberry-flavored white chocolate truffles.” Celina blinked back tears. The gesture was meant to melt her heart and it worked. She tasted the “ZoeyBerries” and smiled at how perfectly named they were: sweet, fun and one of a kind. A few minutes later, she gathered enough courage to call the number Luke had written at the bottom of the note. He answered on the first ring. Her heart skipped at the sound of his voice. “Thank you,” she managed to squeak out. “You’re welcome. Did you taste them?” “I did.” “And?” “T.B.O.” He groaned. “That’s not fair. I need to see your face when you say that.” They both laughed. “Well, I’m sure you’ve had a long day. I’ll let you go. I’m glad you enjoyed the chocolates. Goodnight, Celina.” Wait. Didn’t he want to talk to her? Wasn’t that the point of sending the candies in the first place? She didn’t understand this new Luke at all. Still, she wasn’t going to argue. “Goodnight.”

Chapter Five The next book tour stop was in Chicago. Celina spent the morning being interviewed by the local news station, the late afternoon signing copies at the major book chain and the evening reading from her first chapter at a quaint independent bookstore. It was another long and exhausting day, but she was full of energy by the time she arrived at the hotel. She couldn’t wait to see what Luke had sent. This time, it was two samples of his “Mexican Hot Chocolates.” These, he wrote, were inspired by her mom and dad, both of whom had emigrated from Zacatecas to the United States in their twenties. They were made with a dark chocolate ganache he’d infused with cinnamon and pasilla chiles and covered a chipotle caramel fudge center. They’d spent thirty minutes on the phone telling stories about their parents. He’d even gotten choked up talking about the last time he saw his dad alive. “I try not to think about too much. There were so many things I should’ve said to him over the years, but I never did. Instead, I try to focus on the fact that I’m finally doing what he always wanted me to do—make chocolates.” “Maybe it wasn’t really ever about you making chocolates,” she told him. While Luke’s mom was personable and warm, his dad was quiet and stoic. The only time she’d ever seen any real emotion

from the man was when he was talking about chocolate. She used to wince when the two of them would argue about Luke leaving for New York. After one particularly heated exchange, she’d overheard his father telling Luke’s mother that he had called him “just a candy maker,” as if it were an insult. That’s when she knew his father wasn’t angry at his son for not wanting to follow in his footsteps, he was more hurt that Luke didn’t seem to respect how hard the road had been for him. “Who knows what my dad really wanted for me,” he finally said. “It wasn’t like he was a big talker or anything.” “I think deep down you know that he loved you, right? And I know for sure that he was crazy proud of you for graduating college and being accepted for all those internships. I’m sure all he wanted in this world was for you to be happy. Are you happy, Luke?” Silence answered her at first, and then a deep breath. “Not entirely. But I have a feeling I will be soon.”

Chapter Six City number three was Philadelphia. Four events later, Celina was in her hotel room salivating over Luke’s delivery. The box contained an assortment of chocolate-covered bacon, chocolate-covered potato chips and chocolate-covered marshmallows—a nod to the one time they spent together NOT having sex. “So I don’t even remember the name of that movie,” she told him later. “All I remember was that it was scary and that the chips were stale.” “What are you talking about? That movie was awesome and those chips … well, okay, those chips were gross. Anyway, I wasn’t expecting us to hang out that day.” “Yeah, I know what you were expecting. Your fault for not checking the condom box before you called me to come over.” He got quiet and for a second she wondered if the connection had been lost. But then he cleared his throat. “Do you remember me holding your hand during the gory parts?” She swallowed, but her mouth was as dry as the dessert. “I do. I remember that it helped. I wasn’t as scared anymore.” “Celina?” “Yeah, Luke.” “I wish I was holding your hand now.” “Me too.” There was a pause on the other hand, then a cough. “Will

you do me a favor?” he asked. She didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.” “I want you to close your eyes and imagine me holding your hand. Can you do that for me?” “Okay,” she whispered back. Celina did as requested and her mind immediately envisioned they were back in his bedroom watching that silly scary movie. The smell of stale chips mixed with the spicy cologne he used to wear. And her heart, just like that day, skipped a beat when she felt Luke’s hand cover hers. Real and imagined, it sent shivers down her back. “Am I holding your hand?” “Yes.” “What else am I doing?” She opened her eyes. “What do you mean?” “I mean, if I was there with you, what else would I be doing … or touching.” The meaning behind his words ignited a flash of arousal. Luke wanted to have phone sex with her. She wasn’t exactly dressed for it. Her hair was still wet from the shower and she wore her favorite pajama tank and shorts. But he can’t see me. For all he knows, I could be wearing a see-through nightie or nothing at all. That’s the beauty of phone sex. The more she allowed herself to think about it, the more excited she became. “Are you still there?” She took a sharp breath. “I am. And you’re still holding my

hand, but you’re also starting to kiss my neck.” “Right under your earlobe because I know that drives you crazy.” “Mmmm. It does,” she said. “So I’m kissing and licking your neck and I let go of your hand now because I want to cup and squeeze your breasts through your shirt.” Celina closed her eyes again, but this time she didn’t see Luke’s old bedroom. Instead, they were in her hotel and he was lying next to her on the bed doing everything to her that he’d just said. Without thinking or questioning, she moved her hand over her breasts and began to squeeze. She was so turned on, so hot for him already. She wanted him to feel the same way. It was his turn to play along. “Now I’m moving my hand between your legs,” she whispered, “and I feel how thick and hard you are and I start to rub my hand over you because I want to see if I can make you grow even thicker and harder for me.” “Fuck,” he said into the phone. “I’m so hard right now. I’m taking my dick out of my jeans…” “So I can curl my hand around it and start to move my hand up and down.” “Celina?” “Yeah?” “Are you touching yourself yet?” “Not yet.” “Do you want to?”

“Yes.” “Then shove those panties down and touch your sweet pussy for me. I’m going to imagine that it’s all pink and slick and ready for me as I pump my cock into my hand. Do it, Celina. Do it now.” He groaned. There was no thinking when Luke talked to her like that. There was only doing. She placed the phone on the pillow next to her and pulled off her pajamas and underwear. Her nipples puckered even more as the air hit them and her sex clenched with a need to be touched. When she finally put the phone back to her ear, she reached down with the other hand and slid one finger inside. “Aaahh,” she cried. Luke panted on the other line and she knew he was already close. Thinking of him stroking himself brought her to the brink. She moved her finger to her clit and pressed down. It was all she needed to let go. Within seconds, she heard Luke grunt his release as well. When they both finally caught their breath, he told her that he’d never done that before with anyone else. The old her wouldn’t have believed him. This her did. “Hey Luke?” “Yes?” She smiled into the phone. “Can you hold my hand again?” “I already am.”

Chapter Seven San Antonio, Texas. The last stop before she flew back to California for her final event. She’d only had one book signing on this leg of the trip. But one had been more than enough. Everything that could’ve went wrong, did. The store couldn’t find the extra books the publisher had shipped in advance specifically for the event. The space they’d set up for her was in the back and way too cramped for all of her displays and giveaway items. And it turned out her signing was happening at the same time as the shopping center’s big farmer’s market so readers had trouble finding parking. She arrived at the hotel irritated, tired and ready to go home. Seeing the box from Anderssen’s Chocolates lifted her spirits. Not just because they were from Luke, but also because she was starving. After her shower, she ordered room service and dived into the box thinking whatever was inside could be an appetizer. Inside were three “Passion Pecan Pops,” according to Luke’s accompanying note. They were pieces of passion fruit placed on a stick, dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in chopped pecans. Unfortunately, they weren’t her favorite. She should’ve taken it as a sign that the next phone conversation with Luke wouldn’t be her favorite either. Everything

had been going well at first. He took her criticism in stride and said he’d try again. “So, tell me about your day,” he asked after the conversation shifted to small talk. “Ugh. I’d rather not.” “That bad?” “Bad would’ve been manageable. This was a disaster. And it makes me sad because I always want to put on the best events for my readers. I know a lot of them were disappointed and that makes me disappointed.” “I’m sorry. Maybe you could do another one later in the year?” “Oh, I already told May to book it. But we’re going to find somewhere else to hold it. This location just didn’t work. Anyway, let’s talk about something else. What’s going on with you?” “So, speaking of locations. I have some exciting news.” She checked the clock on the nightstand and wondered when her food was going to arrive. “That’s great. What is it?” “I think I found a storefront in San Francisco.” Thoughts of her dinner disappeared as anxiety bubbled inside her. “Wait. Why are you looking for property there?” “I told you I wanted to expand the business. Our online orders are growing every day and I think it’s time to open up a second location. San Francisco is a great foodie town. And obviously, it’s so I can be closer to you.” Her heart pounded like crazy. She wondered if he could hear it over the phone. “That’s such a big investment. Aren’t you

moving kind of fast?” “On the property or on you?” She heard the hardness in his voice. “Don’t get mad. It’s just…” “Just what, Celina? Haven’t I proven to you that I’ve changed? These last few days haven’t been part of some grand scheme just to sleep with you. I want us to try this … for real.” Part of her wanted it, too. But another part was still afraid to let him in. That part had been burned before by men who’d promised her happily ever after one night, then disappeared by the next. At least with Luke back then, she’d held no illusions about what he could give her. That helped her protect her heart, in a way. But this Luke seemed too good to be true. This Luke could hurt her. Badly. “Why do we have to figure it out now? Why can’t we just see how things go first?” “Because I’m falling in love with you all over again. And I want more. I want to go places with you and do things together like a normal couple. I want to sleep in the same bed as you and wake up next you in the morning. I can do the long distance thing for a while, but eventually it won’t be enough.” “Because you’ll realize I’m not the one.” “No! Fuck!” he said. She could feel his frustration through the phone. “Because I know you are and I’ll hate every moment that I can’t be with you. Why can’t you let yourself believe that I can love you? Why can’t you trust yourself to love me back?” “I don’t know.”

“Do you think you’ll ever know?” “I don’t know,” she whispered. “Then maybe I’m just wasting my time.” She couldn’t speak, couldn’t breathe. Tears streamed down her face. But it wasn’t until she heard him hang up that she finally let out the sobs.

Chapter Eight “Yes, you can bring Dot the Elephant with you on the plane. Just remind abuela to put her in your backpack so you don’t forget. Did you already put in your coloring books and crayons?” “Yes, Mommy. And abuelo bought me a new book today but I haven’t colored in yet because he told me I have to wait until tomorrow. Do I really have to wait, Mommy?” Celina tried not to laugh into the phone. “Zoey…” “Alright mommy. I’ll wait. I’ll promise. “That’s my good girl. I’ve missed you so much and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. Now, you have to leave early in the morning so make sure you go right to sleep, okay?” A little yawn on the other end of the phone told her she’d be out in a matter of minutes. “Goodnight, baby. I love you and I’ll see you soon.” “Goodnight, Mommy.” The line clicked and she was alone again. The twentyminute phone call with Zoey had kept her mind off the fact that there was no package waiting for her at the front desk when she came back from the last signing. But as she sat there on the edge of the king size bed in her empty hotel room, it was all she could think about. She should’ve just driven the hour home rather than stay at the hotel. Part of her had hoped Luke had sent her something. She sighed. The tour was officially over. And possibly so was any

chance she ever had to be with him. It was time to move on and get back to her life. About thirty minutes later, she emerged from the Jacuzzi tub refreshed and somewhat relaxed. But before she could change into her pajamas, there was a knock on the door. She threw on one of the hotel’s white terrycloth robes and shuffled barefoot into the front room. After checking the peephole and seeing the concierge from earlier, she opened it. “Good evening, Ms. Luna. I’m sorry to disturb you, but this just arrived for you by messenger.” The brunette concierge handed her a package wrapped in plain brown paper. A grin tugged at the corner of her lips and she thanked the woman and closed the door. Her heart raced right along with her legs as she ran to the bedroom and plopped onto the bed. She took a closer look at the package and frowned. There was no mailing label. No fancy Anderssen’s ribbon. But it had to be from Luke. It just had to be. Anticipation and hope swirled through her veins as she peeled away the wrapping and unveiled a familiar cube-shaped box with thin strips of yellowed tape hanging off the sides. She sucked in the air around her. It couldn’t be. Could it? Her eyes watered and her throat knotted as soon as she lifted the top. The plastic San Diego snow globe she’d bought for Luke ten years ago came into focus through a haze of unshed tears. She’d bought it as a gag gift—a sarcastic send off before he left for his round of interviews with financial firms in New York. He’d gone

on and on about how much he wanted to move there that she thought it would be funny to give him such a cheesy reminder of San Diego. But when she went to write a note to go with the snow globe, she couldn’t think of anything witty to say. Instead she’d simply scribbled, “So you’ll always have a little bit of home close to you.” With trembling fingers, she lifted the object out of the box to check if her note was still there. There was a piece of paper, but after unfolding it she knew from the handwriting that it wasn’t hers. She took a deep breath and started reading: Celina, The night of your book signing you asked me about this box and I am ashamed to admit that you were right—I hadn’t opened it. At the time you gave it to me, I was angry at myself and at you for the way things were between us. I thought your heart belonged to someone else and at that moment, I didn’t want anything from you. It was childish, I know. Yet despite all of that, I could never bring myself to throw it away. Instead, I put it on a shelf in my old room and tried to forget about it and you. And for a few years, I did a good job of doing just that. And then I didn’t. Well, you already know the rest. After you left the shop the other night, I ran straight to that box and finally opened it. It was the sign I needed to do whatever I could to remind you about the feelings you once had for me. I know I meant something to you back then and I want to prove that you mean something to me now. I’m hoping that if you’re reading this, it means I was

successful. And if I was, then I’m giving this snow globe back to you because I don’t need it anymore. Home is wherever you are. With all my love, Luke Tears finally escaped and splattered like raindrops onto Luke’s letter. She held the snow globe in her hand and shook it. Colorful specks of glitter danced in the liquid and splashed against the cartoonish cityscape and beachfront. She laughed. Not at the silliness of having a snow globe for a city where it never snows, but at the realization that much like the glittery flakes inside the toy souvenir, her feelings for Luke hadn’t changed in ten years. She still loved him. And this time—this time—she could trust that he loved her back. Wiping away her tears, she stood up from the bed and set the snow globe down on the desk. Then she ran to her purse that still sat on the sofa in the front room and searched for her phone. She needed to hear his voice. She needed to tell him how she felt. She needed to find her damn phone. As she dumped the contents of her bag onto the coffee table, there was another knock on the door. This time she didn’t even bother checking the peephole. Her heart knew who was on the other side. She flung open the door and found Luke staring back at her. All she could do was laugh through her tears. He said nothing

out loud, so she silenced the questioning in his eyes by reaching for him. It was all the permission he needed. He rushed toward her and their bodies slammed together underneath the doorway. As they inhaled each other, she walked backwards into the hotel room, stopping only to shut the door. She clutched at the lapels of his suit jacket. Afraid to let him go. “Celina, Celina,” he whispered against her skin, moving his lips to her cheeks and neck. “I’m here,” she said as she pulled him into the bedroom. And when the back of her thighs hit the end of the bed, he tugged on the sash to her robe. The reality of what they were about to do finally hit her. She covered his hand with hers. “What’s wrong?” Suddenly, she couldn’t bring herself to face him, couldn’t let him see the self-doubt she knew would be reflected in her eyes. He cupped her chin with his other hand and tilted her face up to him. No more hiding for either of them. “Tell me,” he prodded. “You’re perfect. Your body is anyway. And mine isn’t. It’s been ten years since you’ve seen me naked. I’ve had a baby, I’ve gained….” “What are you talking about? You’re fucking beautiful.” He put his hands on both sides of her face and brought her in for a kiss. It started off slow, even sweet. But as their desire built, so did the pressure of his lips against hers. Luke moved one hand to the back of her head, tangling his fingers in her hair, pulling her further into the kiss. Soon, his tongue pushed through and they both moaned. He

tasted sweet, he always did. No wonder she couldn’t get enough him—then and now. She moved her hand away and let him slide the robe off her shoulders. He put his lips to her breasts and kissed them one by one. “Gorgeous,” he whispered. He slid lower and landed another kiss just above her belly button. “Lovely,” he said. Then he knelt in front of her, his hot breath blowing against her mound. “Sexy,” he said right before he spread her outer lips with two fingers and licked her clit. “Oh Luke,” she cried out in pleasure. Her thighs quivered. Her knees shook. It was all she could do to keep from collapsing on top of him. He stood up and grabbed her hand and pushed it against the thick, hot bulge between his legs. “This is what you do to me, Celina,” he said. “Don’t ever doubt how sexy you are and how much I want you.” They kissed again, harshly and passionately. Still holding her hand, he moved it back and forth over his erection. It made her wild with lust and she craved to feel him without any barriers. To taste him like he had tasted her. “Get naked,” she said. Within a minute, he was standing bare before her. She motioned for him to lie down on the bed and he eagerly complied. In the past, Luke was the one who controlled the when and the how when it came to sex. Celina allowed it because he was more experienced and because he always made sure it was good for her, too. But standing there at the edge of the bed and looking

down at her former lover, she knew she was the one in control this time. “What’s with the evil grin?” he asked with a laugh. “I’m just contemplating how I’m going to ravage that body of yours.” “Oh, you’re going to ravage me, huh?” Although he tried to sound like he doubted it, she could tell by the tone in his voice and the twitch of his cock, that he knew full well she would do it and do it well. “Condom?” She assumed he’d be prepared given the last time they were together. “Pants pocket.” She found three and smiled to herself. Not only was he prepared, he was hopeful. She crawled onto the bed and put the square foil packet between them. Then she curled her fingers around his shaft. She took her sweet time licking it from base to tip. He moved his fingers to the back of her head and she took him inside her mouth. “Fuck me,” he said. “I plan on it,” she said after one long suck. Satisfied that he was ready for her, Celina sheathed him with the condom. She situated herself above him and then slowly lowered herself onto his cock. They both gasped. “So tight. God, I’ve missed this,” he said. She couldn’t speak. Didn’t know how. Words failed to describe the pleasure of being filled by Luke after all this time. They began to move together. Careful at first, as though he

was afraid he’d hurt her. But with each thrust, she opened further for him and soon he was completely inside—her body and her heart. All the old hurts of the past fell away. She trusted. She forgave. This was more than just sex. It was a new beginning. She leaned forward and he caught her hands. Their fingers entwined and they pushed off each other as Luke picked up his pace. Their breaths grew ragged, their moans grew louder. She let go only to move her hands behind her as she arched her back. He palmed her full breasts before bringing his hands to her hips, pulling her down harder with every thrust. “Come for me. Will you do that for me, baby?” She nodded and he took one hand from her hip and put it where their bodies and souls joined. The pressure against her clit was almost too much to bear. An explosion was imminent. “Harder Luke, harder, please,” she cried. He grunted unintelligible words as she rode him fast and dirty. And then she came … undone. Completely. Forever. Amen. He thrust himself upward one more time as the walls of her sex milked his cock with spasm after spasm. Luke grabbed her hips to hold her down in place and she felt him jerk inside her. When their mutual quaking stopped, he pulled her down onto his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He nuzzled her hair and brushed the bare skin on her back with his fingers. “You know I’m never letting you go, right?” “I know.” “You’ll just have to get used—wait, did you just say what I

think you said?” He lifted her chin so she could look at him. “I did.” “So does that mean what I think it means?” She nodded and smiled. “It means we’ll figure it out. But, yeah, I don’t plan on letting you go either. Besides, thanks to your little seduction plan, I’m expecting you to give me sex and chocolate for the rest of my life.” His laugh made her bounce against his chest. “I can definitely do that. And what do I get in return?” Celina thought about it for a few seconds. What on earth could she give a man who made her feel so loved, so cherished? There was only one answer. “How about a Luke junior?” His hand stilled and he took a deep breath. “How about a Christopher instead?’ Her heart melted at the thought of naming their future child after his dad. She looked up at him and saw the emotion in his eyes. “I love you, Luke Anderssen,” she said as he tenderly touched her cheek. “And thank you.” He smiled and raised his eyebrow. “For what?” “For giving me the ending to my next book.” “Does that mean Lucas and Anna are going to live happily ever after?” “Yep,” she said and moved in to kiss him. “And so are we.” The End

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