Irresistible

It’s a thin line between love and hate. When it shatters, watch out…

As a teen, Sydney Boyle’s crush on her foster parents’ son—despite their six-year age difference—brought her nothing but heartache. So she did what any smart girl would do: feigned indifference. Keeping her distance is pretty tough, now that Sean is the head of the family publishing company. Forced into close contact, denying her long-suppressed attraction is getting harder by the day. As Sydney grew from a shy, sweet teen to a mind-numbing beauty, Sean could only stand by and watch, his father’s warning ringing in his ears. Hands off. But now they’re both adults. And it won’t be long before he ends one of their daily, nose-to-nose office arguments by just hauling off and kissing her. Cue the snow, some close dancing, and a steaming Jacuzzi in a mountain cabin, and things take a turn for the hot and steamy. But giving in to temptation could mean one of them can never go home again…

Warning: Lesson in How to Make a Man Stand Up and Take Notice: take one tight red sweater, add some sexy two-stepping with a few hot cowboys, rub, twirl, wiggle and…stand back and let the pissing contest begin.

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 Irresistible Copyright © 2012 by Mackenzie McKade ISBN: 978-1-60928-874-7 Edited by Sue Ellen Gower Cover by Scott Carpenter 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: March 2012 www.samhainpublishing.com

Irresistible Mackenzie McKade

Dedication

To the irresistible man in my life. I love you.

Chapter One

Unbroken powdered meadows stretched as far as the eye could see. Snow so pure and undisturbed it gave Sydney Boyle the impression she was alone, instead of perched upon one of the many winding trails within the Big Horn Mountains. Straddling a stationary snowmobile, she pushed her goggles up to rest against her helmet. Nearly blinded by the bright sun reflecting off the ocean of white, she squinted until her eyes adjusted. She smiled beneath the ski mask protecting her face from the freezing temperatures. How could anything be so perfect? Majestic mountains stretched toward a crystal blue sky. The air smelled so clean and fresh, tinted lightly with the scent of pine. And then the silence. So serene that life itself seemed to stand still. Yes. This was perfection. No office. No computer. No clients or customers. Just her and…God— The sudden roar of an engine shattered Sydney’s perfect moment, jerking her from the bewitching spell. Disappointment and irritation clashed as the noise grew louder and nearer. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched a rider top the hill. The snowmobile caught air, soaring high above the ground. For a moment, her heart skipped a beat. Then the heavy machine landed with a thud, grooving deep ruts in the pristine haven. Sydney shook her head. She knew the interloper wasn’t her sister Cameron, or one of the three friends she had arrived with that afternoon. No. The rider

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oblivious to the peace he had disturbed would be Sean—her older and very arrogant brother, bane of her existence, and, unfortunately, her boss. Sydney clenched her jaws, her gloved fingers tightening around the handlebars of her ride. The man was exasperating. Sudden sorrow swept over her like the brisk breeze stirring the loose powder to rise and shift across the ground. She inhaled a shuddering breath. The sting in her eyes and chest wasn’t only from the cold. After Sean Duncan Senior had passed away last spring of heart failure, his only son had returned home from finishing his doctorate to take over the reins of their family’s publishing business in New Jersey. Sean made several sharp turns testing his new machine, or maybe he was showing off, although surely not for her. Something itchy crawled beneath her skin. More irritation? Why did she let him trouble her? Sydney pulled in a breath and exhaled, steadying herself. Maybe it was time to quit—move on. Emotion thickened in her throat with the thought of leaving the only stable life she had ever known. No. She would stay because she loved being an editor. What a crock. Not that she didn’t adore being an editor, but Sydney remained because she loved the Duncans. They were family. Abandoned at the age of two, she had been in and out of foster homes. At the age of twelve, Shay and Sean Duncan Senior had taken her in and raised her with their two children. They made her feel welcomed, wanted—a part of their family. Well, with the exception of Sean, and maybe that had been her fault. They hadn’t exactly started off on the right foot. Just a girl flirting with her teens, Sydney had had an awful crush on Sean. Long, dark hair, broody, with a touch of bad boy, the seventeen-year-old had

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been the epitome of what every girl dreamed of. That was until he embarrassed her in front of three of his friends. His exact words had been, “Get lost, squirt. I’m too old to hang around you.” Later he had tried to apologize, but what was done was done. Sydney didn’t need anyone, especially a cocky boy. Thankfully, a year later he left for Harvard. As he pulled to a stop beside her, his vehicle making a percolating sound, she glanced away. Old habits were hard to break. “You’re still angry at me for rejecting your book?” His deep voice was muffled beneath his ski mask. Slowly she turned to face him. Behind his shaded goggles she could only imagine his gray-blue eyes narrowed, or was he laughing at her this time? Sydney raised her chin. “I’m a professional. It’s your right to veto a manuscript. You’re the boss.” Honestly? The story needed work. Yet the author had something special in her voice that had called to Sydney. If only she hadn’t been so flustered with Sean during their meeting. She couldn’t find the right words to support her case. But his presence had always left her befuddled. It didn’t help that he was God’s gift to women. Tall, dark and far too handsome for his own good, Sean had women coming out of the woodwork. Not that she cared one iota. “Cameron’s snowmobile quit halfway up the mountain. The rest of the group is calling it a day.” Sean stared at her for longer than was comfortable. “You know you shouldn’t go off by yourself. What if that had been you?” Was she two or twenty-two? Sydney ground her teeth together. When would he stop treating her like a child? The last thing she needed was to be chastised, especially by him.

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Instead of wasting her breath with an answer, she silently asked herself a different question. Why had she agreed to this trip knowing she would be trapped in the same house with Sean? Sliding her goggles down her nose, she reached for the ignition and gave it a twist. The engine screamed to life. Without hesitating, she pressed the gas and shot forward, jerking herself backward and almost losing control of the snowmobile. Crap. Crap. Crap. Sydney tightened her grip and carefully scooted up the seat. The very last thing she needed was to fall on her ass in front of this man. What made it worse was that the whole way down the mountain Sean followed closely behind her. Three times she took a wrong turn and he had to ride alongside her to steer her in the right direction. The last time he stopped her, she lost it. “Take the lead,” she yelled over the loud engines. He shook his head. “I don’t want you to get lost.” Great. So he would dog her every move. Follow her like she was a wayward child. Sydney squeezed out an exasperated breath. If she had an ounce of daredevil in her, she would have sped ahead, leaving his sorry ass behind. As it was she continued her sedate pace, until finally the two-story log cabin they had rented came into view. It was a beautiful sight, the massive structure cradled in the arms of tall pines. Large panoramic windows stretched around the house so that from north, south, east or west you could enjoy the picturesque landscape. And the inside of the home was as grandiose as the outside. It even had a sunroom with a Jacuzzi and closed-in sauna.

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Without waiting for Sean, Sydney glided into the large open garage alongside the others’ vehicles and cut the engine. Swinging her leg over the side of the snowmobile, she climbed off and removed her gloves, goggles, helmet and ski mask, before hanging them on the bike’s handles. An ebony braid fell midway down her back. For a brief second, she couldn’t help wondering what the rest of her looked like. Then again, who cared? She wasn’t trying to impress anyone, and that included Sean. In a small retention area that had a floor drain, she stomped her feet, shaking off the clumpy snow, before she bent down to unfasten her boots. Until now she hadn’t realized how cold her fingers and toes were. They ached, tingling as feeling rushed back in. Glancing around to find her foot warmers, she startled when Sean handed her the fur-lined boots. Taken aback by his courtesy, Sydney stared dumbfounded at him. For a moment she was unable to tear her gaze away. Heavy eyelashes framed mesmerizing eyes that even as a sensitive teen had reached out to her. She swallowed hard, resisting the urge to brush back a lock of dark hair that had fallen across his forehead. Damn the man. He had that bedroom look about him. The one that made a woman’s heart speed and knees turn to jelly. It did hers and she hated it. Choking on a “thank you”, she snatched her boots. “Sydney?” He reached for her arm, but she moved beyond his grasp. “Really. It’s okay, Sean.” Setting her boots down, she wiggled out of her ski jacket and hung it on a hook along the wall that held all the others’ jackets. Then she leaned against the cold surface and eased her foot into a boot, before donning the other. “You were probably right about the book,” she admitted grudgingly. “No. I—”

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Before he could say more, she had already edged toward the door. Quickly, she opened it and stepped inside, leaving Sean behind. The wide-open country kitchen was vacant, but laughter abounded beyond the doorway leading to the living room. She propped her hip against the butcher-block island to steady herself. Her heart was a mass of flutters, her stomach weak. Why did his nearness affect her so? Straightening her turtleneck shirt, she hid her unease behind a smile and headed for the noise. She entered the living room to see the rest of their party sipping wine and lounging on two love seats. Two brown leather love seats and several matching chairs were arranged in a semi-circle before the huge flagstone fireplace. Orange and red flames crackled in the hearth, taking away the chill and adding the scent of pine. In the background, soft music played low. Harry Morris, Cameron’s sexy boyfriend, had his feet propped on the coffee table before him, his arm draped around her shoulders. When the willowy brunette caught sight of Sydney, she sprang to her feet. “Good. I thought perhaps you and Sean had gotten lost.” Standing half a foot taller than Sydney’s five-four, her sister’s cheerful smile always warmed Sydney. She cleared her throat. “Do I have to admit to a bad turn?” “I think there were three of them.” The deep voice behind her made her cringe as Sean strolled up beside her. Too close. She tensed, feeling his body heat seep into her. Hoping for inconspicuous, she inched away from him. His frown revealed she didn’t quite manage the fine art of stealth. “Well…” Six foot two, blond and gorgeous, Harry stood and eased up behind Cameron. “It’s a good thing you were looking out for her.” He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “You know most women are directionally impaired.”

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“Whoa there, buddy.” Cameron arched a neatly plucked brow and glanced over her shoulder at him. “I just might not find my way to our bedroom tonight.” “Ahhh, sugar,” he groaned. “You know I wasn’t speaking of you.” While Harry nibbled on Cameron’s neck, Louisa and Ted, the only married couple in their small group, chuckled. Laid-back and “real”, the Campbells had been high school sweethearts. Ted was the typical athletic, brown-haired jock, while Louisa the sweet, blonde cheerleader. She had been one of Cameron’s closest friends since third grade. They did everything together and always included Sydney, even though she was a couple of years younger. Once again, Sydney had to ask herself why she allowed Cameron to talk her into coming this weekend. Everyone was paired up with the exception of her and Sean. The arrangement was a disaster waiting to happen. “We’re heading up to Big Bear for dinner and some dancing.” Cameron leaned her head to the side so that Harry could continue his apology. “You two going to join us?” “Sure,” Sean said. Dancing? Sydney shuddered. “Not me.” Sean might feel obligated to ask her to partner him. His closeness would be suffocating, and there was no telling what her contrary body would do when he touched her. “I have some reading.” He stared at her for a moment without speaking. Then he finally asked, “You brought work with you?” “Yes.” His brows furrowed. “I’ll have to see about signing you up for timemanagement classes.”

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Her backbone went rigid with indignation. “Instead, perhaps you should replace Edward. He’s been gone for six months.” She regretted the bite in her voice the second the words left her mouth. Still, she had consumed much of Ed’s workload. Long days and nights were the only way she kept up. If the resentment in Sydney’s tone wasn’t enough, the look of disdain said it all. The woman was pissed. Pert nose in the air, she stared defiantly at him, like every other time they butted heads. And there was a lot of that going on since he’d returned seven months ago. But who was she to complain? Everyone in the office was overloaded. The holidays had taken precious time away from their regular schedule. Even he played catch-up. Not succeeding as he would have liked. He needed this long weekend to unwind. They all did, and that included Sydney. As she continued to glare at him, he felt his temper spark. “Then it’s my fault that you can’t enjoy the weekend?” Cameron leaned forward, placing her hand on his arm. He shook off her grip. Heat crawled along his neck, and the little imp’s nose tipped even higher. “I’ll have you know,” he ground out between clenched teeth, “that I started advertising before Ed left.” Sean had already interviewed a few candidates, but no suitable person had been found. He didn’t have his father’s innate ability for locating talent. Memories of his dad made Sean’s breath catch. Ever since his death, Sean had been in turmoil. The man he had loved and cherished was gone. Now all the family responsibilities and a business he didn’t have his heart in, fell upon him. He fought the raw emotion churning inside him. Cameron eased closer. “Sean, we know you’re doing your best.”

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It shamed him to realize his sister could read him so well. “Not everyone feels as you do,” he grumbled. Some of his pain must have bled through the indifference he fought to hold on to, because Sydney flinched. She inhaled sharply. “Sean, I’m sorry.” Shoring his shoulders, he ignored her. The last thing he needed or wanted was her sympathy. “Give me ten minutes to change.” He didn’t wait for a response. Heavy footsteps carried him toward the spiral staircase. Stopping, he spun back around. “Sydney. Get your ass up here. You’re going too.” His abruptness surprised even him. Yet the shock on the minx’s face was worth the scornful one he received from Cameron. Harry held back a grin, but his gaze danced with laughter. Both Louisa and Ted remained silent, their heads pressed together. After Sydney’s stupor faltered, her backbone went ramrod straight. Fire blazed, brightening her emerald eyes. To his amazement she walked toward him. He braced himself for an altercation that surprisingly never came. Instead, she whipped by him, her shoulder grazing his arm. He rolled his eyes. The woman infuriated him. The thought of taking her over his knee and spanking the hell out of her popped into his head, immediately dashed by the sexy sway of her hips as she climbed the stairs. His anger fled, quickly replaced by a flicker of desire making his breath hitch and leaving him speechless. Damn her. Even as a teenager she had taunted him. Always underfoot, batting those long, thick eyelashes at him. Making him feel things he shouldn’t. And how did he handle the attraction? Just like any other stupid adolescent. He teased and pushed her away until it was no wonder she hated him.

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It didn’t help that Sean had always been attracted to small women and this one had grown into a mind-numbing beauty. Her waist-length, jet-black hair shimmered with a glistening blue hue beneath the recessed lighting. The slight lift at the corner of her jeweled eyes gave her an exotic appearance. Even her bronze skin leant a Mediterranean feel he found hard to resist. And how could he forget the first time he came home from college and his father caught him looking at her in an unbrotherly fashion. No one could drive home a point like Sean Duncan Senior. Sydney was forbidden, off-limits. Sean pushed his fingers through his hair. Unlike in the past, he couldn’t just pack up and leave temptation behind. Whether he liked it or not, he was here to stay, even if the little she-devil’s mere presence tantalized him day in and day out. By God, he got a hard-on every time she entered a room. At night, the siren he detected in her invaded his dreams. Sean mentally attempted to shake the wayward thoughts out of his head and failed. Dammit. The woman had crawled beneath his skin and was there to stay. Hell. She was all he could think about. Several times during the last months when they’d stood nose to nose in disagreement, metaphorically speaking, he’d almost kissed her. Each time it had taken a mammoth will of iron to remember he was her boss and, for all intents and purposes, her brother. If they were going to work together, they would have to solve their differences, and he had to get his head back into the game. When Sean finally regained his control, he followed Sydney at a distance. Why? Because one, she moved as if she couldn’t stand to be near him, and two, because he could barely resist pulling her into his arms. How was that for brotherly love?

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Chapter Two

If Sean touched her one more time, she would scream. Excusing herself from the table, Sydney stood and headed toward the restroom. Unintentional or not, the occasional brush of Sean’s thigh against hers, his hand skimming hers as they reached simultaneously for the pepper or bread, had set her nerves on edge. She shook her hands, hoping to work out the anxiety coursing through her veins, but it did no good. Had all their encounters during dinner been accidents or was he attempting to anger her? And why? The Chicken Alfredo she had eaten settled in her stomach like a rock. “You okay?” Cameron eased up behind Sydney and followed her inside the bathroom. Sydney forced a tight smile. “Yes. Of course.” Judging by Cameron’s silence and appraising expression, she wasn’t buying the lie. “What’s up with you and Sean?” Before Sydney disappeared into a stall, she said, “I don’t know what you mean.” After she took care of her needs, she pulled up her thong and black leggings. She wasted a little more time adjusting her midthigh-length, cowl-neck angora sweater that matched her red trendy boots. When her hiding got beyond ridiculous, she exited the stall. Cameron leaned against the counter, her arms folded across her chest. “What’s going on? Sean giving you trouble at work?”

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No. Yes. Oh hell, what was Sydney supposed to say? “You know he’s doing the best he can.” Cameron’s face softened. “He misses Dad.” Eyes bright with unshed tears, she blinked. “We all do. I guess it will take time.” She cleared her throat. “Sean needs our support. We both know this wasn’t his dream, but he’s here—with us—doing what Dad would have expected. None of us want to see Duncan Publishing fail. We’re family. We have to work together.” “Yes. You’re right.” Sydney would have to try harder to develop a relationship with Sean. She pushed her palms beneath the faucet, activating the warm water. It wasn’t that Sean didn’t have a head for publishing or business, the man was brilliant. But he wanted to be an electrical engineer, build things and work with his hands. The image of those strong hands brushing against hers sent a tremor up Sydney’s spine. She reached for a towel and dried off. Maybe she had been too hard on Sean. He had to be under tremendous stress and pressure. Lord knew that publishing wasn’t an easy business and they were shorthanded. The problem was the man made her feel things she shouldn’t, and since there wasn’t a dead man’s chance their relationship would go anywhere, it was difficult to be around him. Still, she had to try to soothe the animosity between them. Tossing the paper towel away, she checked her neatly applied makeup, fluffed her loose hair, and then followed Cameron out of the restroom. As Sydney passed by the bar, a short and stocky cowboy grabbed her hand, pulling her to a stop. “Dance with me, darlin’?” She glanced toward Cameron and her sister smiled. “Sure. Why not.”

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A rousing two-step played as his calloused hand took hers, and he led her out onto the floor. Twirling her before he pulled her to him, he placed one hand at her waist and the other interlocked with hers. Gently, she placed her palm on his shoulder and they began to dance, two quick steps and then two slow ones. With ease he maneuvered her into a turn and back into his arms. Beneath a large Stetson, he smiled and inched her closer. “Justin Timbers, ma’am. You’re not from around this neck of the woods.” It was a statement, not a question. Was her city persona that obvious? Another turn and they came together, chest to chest, and hip to hip. The cowboy held them in the intimate position, their bodies rubbing as they moved across the floor. Then he twirled her again and they resumed a more decent distance between them. “I’m Sydney.” She inhaled his spicy cologne. Maybe what she needed tonight was a cowboy. It had been so long since she’d had a man in her bed. “I’m from New Jersey.” “Please tell me you’re moving here.” His brown eyes twinkled in the dim lighting. She chuckled. “No. Just here for the long weekend.” Dropping their clasped hands down to their sides, so that once again their bodies were touching, he leaned in and whispered, “Wyoming’s loss for sure, darlin’.” Sydney’s eyelids drooped. She loved to dance. For the moment, she allowed herself to enjoy the rustic atmosphere, the music, and the man in her arms. When the band stopped playing, Sydney and Justin drew apart. Her mouth opened to thank him, when suddenly a hand on her shoulder spun her around.

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She shrieked and then froze, coming face to chest with Sean. Her gaze rose. Judging by his frown, he didn’t appear happy. He leveled a glare on Justin. Wonderful. Big brother to the rescue and a pissing contest just for her. Yippee! When she glanced over her shoulder at the cowboy, he stroked the rim of his hat and grinned. “Later, darlin’.” Sean mumbled something inaudible. Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and crushed her body to his. Startled, she raised her eyes to his. When they met his, sexual energy leapt between them, stealing the cutting remark she had perched on her tongue. Instead, her insides quivered and the air from the room seemed to disappear. She couldn’t breathe. Uh-oh, her mind screamed. Something wasn’t quite right. “You need to be more careful,” he grumbled. Sucking precious air into her lungs, she desperately attempted to hold on to her control. “Of what?” “Men.” The urge to laugh bubbled in her throat, but the merriment never left her mouth as a dreamy melody began and Sean swept her away. Cocooned in his embrace, she damned her traitorous body for buzzing to life with his touch. One hand nestled in the small of her back, fingers resting lower so that they rode the swells of her ass, while his other palm lay warm between her shoulder blades. Her cheek was pressed to his chest, his heady masculine scent having a field day with her senses. With each trembling breath she dragged in his cologne, a touch of evergreen, amber and musk that made her dizzy. Shifting his hips, he wedged a knee between her thighs and she went liquid. His jeans-clad leg rubbed seductively against her sex. The developing ache made

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her nipples pebble into taut peaks. Her breasts swelled, growing heavy with need. This was the last thing she needed. What was happening? A brother didn’t dance with a sister like this. Sydney attempted to adjust her position, but his palms and leg made the endeavor impossible. Instead, he only increased the pressure, and the tightening low in her belly. Unanticipated arousal dampened her thong, while embarrassment heated her cheeks. Please. Please. Don’t let him discover how he affected her. A damp spot on his jeans when they parted would be the ultimate humiliation. Sydney attempted to swallow, but the lump in her throat prevented anything so simple. What on earth was Sean thinking, holding her so close, so intimately? And if her active imagination hadn’t gone completely bonkers, he was aroused too. Surely that wasn’t his belt buckle biting into her hip. Could it be that he felt something for her? Laughter almost burst from her mouth. You’re such an idiot. Neither spoke as they drifted slowly across the floor. Yeah. As if she could articulate a single, logical sentence even if she had dared to speak. Pressed so tightly against him as she was, every cell in her body screamed for fulfillment. In fact, Sydney would be lucky if the second he released her she didn’t fall into a puddle of goo at his feet. On a turn, his knee gave her some reprieve, but before she could sigh with relief that damn pressure was back, teasing and tormenting her. The coil between her thighs wound tighter and tighter, the ache intensifying at alarming speed. A whimper squeezed from her lips. Again, heat flamed across her face and she found herself praying, no pleading, that Sean hadn’t heard the pitiful cry. What if she was wrong? What if this was just a show to keep the other men away from her?

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When the song finally ended, Sydney didn’t know if she was relieved or disappointed. Hell. She didn’t know which end was up or down. Every tendon and muscle inside her was strung as taut as a bow. His grasp on her lessened, and he stepped back to hold her at arm’s length. The emptiness of his touch was bittersweet. Their gazes came together with a magnetic pull. Without thinking, Sean slid his fingers into her silky hair, dropping his head to capture her mouth, but before their lips met they were interrupted. “Ma’am, may I have this dance?” Sean slowly raised his head to see yet another cowboy eyeing Sydney. This one was a little taller than the last and built like a Brahma—and raised by a coyote by the gleam in his eyes. “The woman’s with me.” Sean spoke without thinking. Judging by Sydney’s widened eyes, his words had shocked her as much as they had him. “Sean?” His name was almost inaudible on her lips. “Excuse us.” He maneuvered her through the dancers and toward their table. Before they reached their destination, she pulled to an abrupt halt. “Uhhh…what just happened?” He bristled, reaching for the only thing that came to mind. “You don’t want to get involved with the likes of these men.” “And why not?” “Look at them, Sydney.” No sooner did he say it than he regretted his words. Because look, or more to the point ogle, was exactly what she did, receiving several interested smiles in return that made his hackles rise to the surface. “Okay. That’s enough,” he barked.

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Her brows shot upward so fast he half expected them to disappear into her hairline. “Enough?” She paused. When she spoke again her tone firmed. “No. What’s enough is your overbearing— Errr…” she growled. “That you think you have some say over my personal life. You’re my boss. I work for you. But you’re not my guardian or my protector. That’s all—” Her voice cracked. “That’s all there will ever be between us.” Sydney was exquisite in her fury. Pink spotted her cheeks, while tendons tightened along her neck. Her hands clenched by her sides. And that perky little nose was high in the air. Her waspish effect made his blood pump hot and wild. He reached for her but she jerked away. “That’s all, Sean.” Spinning around, she marched right into the arms of the cowboy who had interrupted them. Sean fought the urge to go after her, but she was right. He had no claims on her. The realization soured his mood as he stomped back to the table and threw himself into his chair. Louisa and Ted were on the dance floor. Cameron was nowhere in sight. Harry leaned toward him. “Something wrong, bro?” “That woman is infuriating.” Sean released an ominous growl as the cowboy swung Sydney into his body, her hips grinding his. Sean’s mouth went dry. Heat traveled so fast up his neck it felt as if his head would burst into flames. “And beautiful.” “Hell yes, she’s beau—” Sean stuttered. “I mean…she’s young and vulnerable.” Both men turned to watch her just as she spun away from the cowboy, her body dissolving into the music as her eyes closed. Her ass swayed seductively to the beat. Her shoulders undulated, her breasts pressed tight against that sexy

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damn sweater. Arms above her head, she bent her knees, taking her body down in a wave that made Sean’s heart crash against his chest. “Vulnerable? Sydney?” Harry chuckled. “So you’ve got it bad for her?” Gaze locked on the woman of his infatuation, Sean huffed. “Are you kidding?” Watching her rub against another man made his palms itch to tear the little minx out of the cowboy’s embrace. “She’s my sister. Well, sort of.” They had no blood ties. “The man doth protest too much, methinks.” Sean slowly turned his head, leveling his glare on Harry. “Ha. Ha. Think what you want, Shakespeare.” He picked up his beer and took a deep swig before slamming the bottle on the table. Without saying another word he got to his feet. The last chords of the music strummed and he planned to be next to Sydney before a new song began. As he stepped onto the dance floor, sweet laughter caressed his ears. Sydney wore a broad smile for the cowboy who stroked his palms down her arms until he held her hands in his. Another growl rumbled in Sean’s throat. He wanted her to smile at him like that. Anchoring his fingers around her biceps, he pulled her out of the man’s grasp. “My turn.” The cowboy took a step toward them, stopping when Sydney shook her head. Disappointment greeted Sean. He’d like nothing better than to wipe the smirk from the cowboy’s face. With several quick brushes of her hand, she fanned the blush on her cheeks. “I think I’ll sit this one out. But thank you.” Not waiting for a response, she sauntered off at a clip.

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Hard-pressed to follow, he worked his way through the crowd, increasing his pace when he realized she wasn’t heading for their table. Instead, she ducked out the exit. Sydney wasn’t getting away from him that easily. A gust of crisp air whipped through his hair as he pushed the door open and stepped outside. Bitter cold stung his face. Above him gray clouds hung heavy in the sky. It would soon be snowing again. The dim lights of the parking lot shrouded everything in shadows. A quick glance around and he found his prey propped against the side of the building. Arms wrapped around her chest, she shivered. Foolish woman. Closing the distance between them, Sean shook his head. “What are you doing out here without a jacket?” A frown rose as it always did the second she laid eyes on him. “I needed some air.” Her appraising glare took him in. “I don’t see you wearing a jacket.” Her chin trembled, teeth chattering. “Sydney?” Her head tilting toward her feet made her silky hair fall like a curtain around her face. “What do you want, Sean?” Her voice was raw with emotion. “Too make sure you’re okay.” Refusing to meet his eyes, she continued to look at the ground. “I’m fine. Go back inside.” Placing a knuckle beneath her chin, he raised her gaze to meet his. Before she could turn away from him, he saw tears brightening her eyes. “Baby, what’s wrong?”

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Brittle silence stretched between them, and then she jerked her head up, trembling with what looked like caged fury below the chill. She pushed away from the wall, coming so close to him that he felt her heat. “Wrong? Can’t you leave me alone? Dammit, Sean. Why are you doing this to me? If you’re mad at me say so, but don’t play with me. I’m not a toy.” Anger rose on the tail end of hers. He grabbed her biceps and gave her a gentle shake. “You want me to leave you alone? Then tell me what I’ve done. Why do you hate me?” She wedged her hands between them and shoved, but his iron grip remained. “Me? Hate you?” Her burst of laughter held no humor. “I—” Before she could continue, he lowered his head and sealed her mouth with his. His kiss was hungry, lacking the tenderness he had thought would be there when he imagined their first caress. Instead, he forced her lips apart and thrust his tongue inside, plundering her like a starving man. Shuffling his feet, he pressed her against the building and bent his knees, grinding his hips to hers. A whimper filled his mouth. To his surprise, she snaked her arms around his neck. When she slid her tongue along his, a growl rumbled deep within. She tasted of honey and wine and a promise of a night in heaven. White-hot desire slammed unmercifully into his groin. His breath caught, tearing their lips apart. Their eyes met. Desire, hot and alive, smoldered between them. Boy. Had he been wrong—she was as attracted to him as he to her. Heart pounding like a drum against his chest, he slipped his hands lower to cup her ass. The tight, small globes fit perfectly in his palms. Light as a feather, he raised her to hold her tightly against his hardening erection. Her legs folded around his waist, leaving nothing but the clothes they wore between them.

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He closed his eyes. Damn. She felt so good, so right in his arms. He lifted his lids and took her mouth in another scorching kiss. Using his body to shield her from the cold as well as wondering eyes, he braced her against the wall and cupped a breast through the thin sweater. His lips found hers at the same time he wedged her nipple between a thumb and forefinger and squeezed. Devouring her mouth, he swallowed her cry and increased the pressure of his fingers. Man. He had to taste her. All thoughts of where they were or the cold that surrounded them were gone. He released her legs, but not her lips, as she slid down his body. When her feet touched ground, he eased the cowl neckline of her sweater and bra down to bare her breast. Still fondling the nub, he kissed a path down her neck, before wrapping his tongue around the taut peak and sucking. Her chest arched into him. “Oh God. Sean.” As he took a long pull on her tender flesh, he glanced up to see her eyelids fall midway, her eyes reflecting his own desire. The erotic image was so hot it forced him to release her, dragging her back into his arms as her sweater sprung back in place. Their mouths fused, teeth clashing. Desperate to get closer, he once again pressed her firmly against the building. As he covered her body like a second skin, she released a cry that touched his heart. And then the door burst open, swinging back so hard it struck the wall with a bang. Several laughing individuals staggered out, heading for the parking lot. He jerked back, stepping away from her. Her eyes were wide as she struggled to slip her breast back into her bra and right her sweater. When their eyes met, her embarrassment matched his. What had he been thinking?

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If any fool looked their way he or she could tell by their quickened breaths and kiss-swollen lips exactly what they’d been up to. It just so happened, the fool to discover them was Harry, who sauntered outside, glancing in their direction. Trying to hide his amusement, he cleared his throat. “Cameron sent me to find you. The rest of the group wants to call it a night, but only if you two are ready.” Not waiting for a response, he disappeared back inside the establishment, but not before Sean saw the man wink. “We’ll continue this later.” Sean extended his hand to Sydney, but she didn’t accept it. She shook her head. “What about Mom? Cameron? We work together. Sean, I don’t think this—you…me—is a good idea.” “Well, I do.” The cat was out of the bag. He had revealed his feelings for her and there was no turning back. He would have her one way or another.

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Chapter Three

Laughter and easy chatter filled the Hummer as Sean drove their small party back to the house. Sydney sat motionless, struggling to figure out what had happened at Big Bear. Sean had kissed her, touched her. A chill raced up her spine and she trembled with the remembrance of his hand, his mouth on her breast. From the last words they shared, he planned on picking up where they’d left off. The thought made her insides melt. Was she dreaming? Okay. If she had to admit it, her little-girl crush had grown into a full-blown love/hate relationship. But how had they gone from despising each other to losing themselves in each other’s arms? Sydney glanced up and caught him staring at her from the rearview mirror. The intensity in his eyes sent a wave of heat through her, making her squirm against the leather seats. She dropped her gaze to her hands folded in her lap. Would she let him make good on his promise or would she run and hide? Run and hide sounded like a good and reasonable choice, because morning regrets would surface and then where would she be? Their relationship had been strained before. One night of intimacy could do nothing but complicate things between them. Think rationally, she chided herself. Even though they were attracted to each other, relationships didn’t last. She couldn’t handle the idea of being abandoned again like when she was two.

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Sure, she kept a stiff upper lip. But beneath all the feigned bravado she let the outside world see a woman who never let anyone get too close. With the exception of Cameron and their mother and father. Somehow they had cracked the barriers she’d erected. She wanted Sean, but only one night would kill her. Sitting between Sean and Harry, Cameron swung around in the front seat, catching Sydney’s attention. “How about those cowboys?” She wagged her eyebrows. “Hawtttt…” she sang in a high-pitched voice. “I thought you might bring one home tonight. A little ride ’em, cowboy,” she rocked her body suggestively, “if you know what I mean.” Beside Sydney, Louisa’s and Ted’s laughter rose. She snapped her gaze to the rearview mirror and just as quickly back to Cameron. Sean wasn’t laughing and neither was she. “Sooo…” Cameron continued, seemingly unaware of the tension in the car. “Did any of those rugged, good-looking men spark an interest? The last one you danced with had some pretty impressive biceps.” “Hey there.” Harry jerked her around so that she faced him. “You’re not supposed to be looking at other men.” He raised his arm and flexed it. Cameron giggled, cupping his face with both hands before she planted a big kiss on his lips to soothe his injured male pride. When she spoke again, concern rang in her voice. “I just want to help my baby sister. It would do her good to get hooked up this weekend.” “She doesn’t need your help,” Sean barked, staring straight ahead at the road. The vehicle’s headlights bounced off the slick asphalt when they hit a bump. A light snow flurry had begun. White crystals accumulated on the hood and along the windshield wipers.

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Cameron’s eyes widened with amusement, but she tried to hide it behind an innocent expression, which was so not her. Then she narrowed her attention on Sean. “What’s got your panties in a twist, dear brother?” “Nothing. Just leave Sydney alone.” “Like you? Don’t think I didn’t see you chasing away those men. Our sister is a grown woman. She needs a little action from time to time. Maybe you wouldn’t be in such a bad mood if you had brought home a little tail.” From out of nowhere, the sting of jealousy whipped through Sydney. The thought of him in another woman’s arms made her shudder. Not only was she uncomfortable with the topic, this conversation had to end before someone said something they couldn’t take back. “I know she’s a grown woman,” he snapped. “And my personal life is none of your damn business.” Brother and sister exchanged glares, until he tore his gaze off hers to focus on the road. “Excuse me. Did you two forget I’m sitting right here?” Cameron again glanced over her shoulder. “No, honey, but it’s time Sean saw you for the woman you are and not his little sister.” Ohhh… I don’t think Sean sees me as his little sister—at least not after tonight. “Dammit, Cameron.” Sean caught Sydney’s attention in the rearview mirror. “I haven’t been ignoring the fact that she’s a beautiful and desirable woman.” Cameron’s brows furrowed. “I meant strong and intelligent, but beautiful and desirable works too.” Harry drew Cameron into his arms, kissing her quiet. As the man continued to sip from her lips, she apparently lost interest in Sydney’s or Sean’s love life. Thank God. Some of the stress knotting Sydney’s shoulders released. She eased back against the seat, thankful silence reigned for the remainder of the trip.

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Snow fell heavily by the time they pulled into the garage. No one spoke, but she could see excitement etched in everyone’s smiles. Tomorrow they would have fresh powder for snowboarding. Ted curled an arm around Louisa’s waist as they all congregated in the kitchen. “I think we’ll call it a night.” He placed a sweet kiss on his wife’s nose. She looked adoringly at him. “Us too.” Cameron flashed Harry a mischievous grin that revealed there would be no sleep for either of them anytime soon. As the two couples drifted out of the kitchen, anxiety slithered across Sydney’s skin. Before she could retreat, Sean grasped her hand and drew her to him. As their eyes met, she gulped. Frantically, she reached for words to tell him why this was wrong on so many levels, but failed. A multitude of reasons raced through her mind. They were as different as day and night. Although not related by blood, they were family. And there were the other reasons she had thought of in the car. His large palms smoothed up and down her arms, before pulling her closer. “I want you, Sydney.” Soft and incredibly arousing, his sexy voice danced along her nerve endings. When his dark gaze fell to her mouth, her tongue slid between her lips. The pad of his thumb brushed gently across her bottom lip. He dipped his head and his warm breath wafted over her skin. Mind swimming in confusion and desire, she couldn’t think. Her body had become a furnace, burning her from the inside out. The peaks of her nipples hardened and throbbed. Need moistened her thighs. She fought for a sense of balance. She wanted what he offered. She wanted him.

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But— Before rational thought could take hold of her, he took her mouth in a brutal kiss. One that spoke of hunger, of need, of unbridled control released. God, she was weak—couldn’t resist what he had to offer. Knees turning to rubber, Sydney grasped his forearms to keep from falling. Her eyes shut as she melted into his kiss. Arms tightening around her, he slanted his head and pressed deeper, before he eased back and nipped at her bottom lip. Her mouth parted to allow him access and he swept inside to caress, leaving no spot untouched. When she reciprocated, pushing her tongue against his, a low moan rumbled in his throat. He tasted of beer, of masculine heat, and a night she longed for. His arousal bulged hard against her abdomen. She did this to him. This sexy man wanted her. When his fingers tugged at her sweater, and then his hand slipped beneath the material, she gasped at the exquisite sensation of his palm splayed across her bare back. His nostrils flared. “I want you naked, beneath me, my cock buried in your body. But not here.” He stole her breath. Had anyone ever said that to her? Certainly not with such sensuality that she literally felt like she was floating on a cloud. He swept her hand in his and led her out of the kitchen. Damn. Sean was nervous. He’d never wanted a woman like he did Sydney. Something about her made his blood run hot and wild. All rational thought lay just out of his reach. Already his dick was hard, pulsing against the constraints of his jeans. In fact, they both had too many clothes on.

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Long strides carried him into the dimly lit, tiled sunroom. The area was constructed of large, polished oak studs and clear glass frosted by the cold weather against the warmth inside, a perfect place for him to make love to her. Positioning Sydney before the Jacuzzi, he couldn’t have asked for a more romantic atmosphere. Water bubbled seductively as low music played through the intercom system. All around them exotic plants and flowers lent to the ambience, while snow continued to fall and the night engulfed them. For a while, they stared longingly into each other’s eyes. Neither of them spoke, as if they both sensed speech would break the enchantment, and reality would ruin the moment. Was this right? Him? Her? The damnable thought flashed in the back of his mind. Sean couldn’t comprehend how something that felt so right could be wrong. And Lord knew, she felt wonderful in his arms. Spearing his fingers through her rich, dark hair to cup her nape, he urged her forward and dropped his head to press his mouth to hers. Lips, supple and tantalizing, met his. Sliding his tongue along her crease, he probed for entrance. When she surrendered, parted her lips, he slipped inside. Curling her fingers into his sweater, she clung to him as if he were her anchor. Her cry echoed through him. The whimper was so arousing he slanted his head to once again deepen the caress. What started as a gentle exploration turned heated as their tongues dueled, their hands seeking. Simultaneously, they reached for each other’s sweaters. Arms tangling in sleeves halted their kiss, but each succeeded in removing their top. Next time they embraced, skin touched skin, with the exception of her bra, which scraped against his tender nipples, driving him insane with need. With a

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twist of his fingers, the clasp behind her back came free. The lace fell between them as their mouths meshed together. Pliable and giving beneath his palms, her body was a veritable feast. Without hesitation, he devoured her, until the need to breathe tore them apart. With a toss of her head, she sent her long raven hair over her shoulders, baring herself further. A small, tucked waist and curves made to be stroked enticed him. But it was her breasts, which fit perfectly in his palms, that called to him. As her thick eyelashes fell and rose again, an expression of pure sensuality greeted him. “Pants,” he choked, because no other words formed. He didn’t just want her—his body demanded hers. Sean’s balls drew tight against the base of his dick. He let the pain wash over him, through him. Just the thought of thrusting in and out of her warm, wet pussy woke the beast within him. His erection hardened more, tightening until it felt rock hard. He’d be lucky if the condom in his wallet would even stretch over his flesh tonight. Toeing her boots off, she tossed them aside. As she wiggled free of the stretchy black pants, taking a red thong in their wake, his eyes nearly jumped from their sockets. Oh my God. The woman waxed, revealing the sweet, full lips of her labia and the hood of her clit. His heart thumped against his breastbone. His pulse raced. Self-control went up in flames. “You’re killing me.” His hands shook, fumbling with his belt and the button of his jeans. He hissed as he lowered his zipper. He had to have her now. Almost forgetting his boots, he tugged them off. Man. He couldn’t think straight. The only thing on his mind was parting her thighs and losing himself in her warmth.

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In a short time, he was as naked as she. Without pausing, he located the condom and donned it. Then he wove his fingers through hers. Carefully, he stepped into the Jacuzzi and assisted her down into the foamy waters. Taking a seat, he urged her forward so that she had no choice but to straddle his lap. Nestled against her heat, he moaned, gritting his teeth. The soft smile that touched her kiss-swollen lips melted his heart. Yes. This was how he wanted Sydney looking at him, as if he were the only man in the world. Her man and she wanted him. “Kiss me.” Sean had to taste her again, had to hold her close. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him with a hunger to match his own. He felt her tremble and the rapid beat of her heart as her taut nipples rubbed against his chest. Her lower body slid back and forth along his firm erection, almost as if she couldn’t wait for the moment their bodies would come together. When she bit his bottom lip, and then laved the spot with her tongue, a husky growl rumbled in his throat. “I need to be inside you.” He didn’t even try to hide his desperation and neither did she. She rose on her knees, arching her back, before she angled her body to accept him. Hands on her hips, Sean nudged his cock at her entrance. Trying to go slowly, he lowered her. His breath hitched as he started to enter her tight sheath. When he was mere inches inside her, he pressed his forehead to hers. “Damn, baby. So good.” The amazing feeling got even better when she propelled herself the rest of the way, burying him to the hilt. For a moment, he couldn’t breathe or move from the deep, penetrating sensation. Never had he experienced the need to climax so quickly. His toes hugged the bottom of the Jacuzzi. He fought the burn racing down his dick.

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Puleeze. Don’t let me embarrass myself. When she started to sway against him, he hissed. “Don’t. Oh man. Don’t move. Not yet.” “I have to,” she whined, fighting against his steely grasp. Blood roared through his body, his pulse a living thing that beat wildly. Everything about this woman shredded his defenses. As Sean grappled for control, he watched her chest rise and fall on each shaky breath. When a semblance of his control returned, he cupped her breasts, kneading the silky skin and rolling the rosy peaks between his fingers. Her eyes closed, her head lolled back, but not before he saw her features soften. “Mmmm…” He pinched the taut peaks. “You like this, baby?” She gasped, eyelids rising. “Yesss…” “How about this?” He thrust his hips upward. Damn. She was tight. “Oh!” Her gaze rose. Coming eye to eye with him, Sydney gifted him with one of those special smiles that turned him inside out. “I like that too,” she hummed. Hands on her hips, he guided her back and forth, rocking beneath her. Nothing could be as good as this. He couldn’t find the words for the pure ecstasy pulsing in his balls and racing through his body. Sean took her nipple into his mouth and suckled, while keeping the steady rhythm of their joined bodies. He swirled his tongue around her engorged tip, flicking it several times, before he scraped his teeth across the tender flesh. Her fingernails bit into his shoulders. The pace of her hips quickened. He glanced up to see her eyelids fall again and her lips part on a groan. Breathing

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short, shallow pants, she rode him hard and fast. The action tore his mouth away from her swaying breasts. Brows furrowed, she screamed, “Sean!” just as her inner muscles clamped around him. Strong contractions tugged, pulling him deeper, stoking a fire inside him that threatened to explode. Holding his breath, he held on—barely. A flush of heat coursed across his skin. The throb in his groin built into a bittersweet ache that demanded fulfillment. God. She was killing him. As the embers of her climax began to cool, he grasped her by the waist. With a couple of quick movements they had exchanged places. But this time she knelt on the seat, facing away from him. Sean moved up behind her. His fingertips traced a line down her spine until he came to the cleft of her ass, and what a beautiful ass it was. The decadent thought loosened the strings of his control. With an upward thrust, his firm erection parted her folds and penetrated her. The ends of her hair were wet, stinging his chest as she whipped her head to the side to gaze over a shoulder. “Sean?” “Damn. You’re beautiful.” He leaned forward and took her mouth in a devouring kiss. Cupping her breasts, he fingered the tips, catching her low moan with a caress. When the need to breathe forced their lips apart, he eased back only to pierce her once again. Over and over, slow and forceful, he consumed her body. Staring at the juncture where their bodies met, when the white foam allowed. His climax roared to the surface, pleading for release. But before he could feed his craving, he had to see this woman come one more time.

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Chapter Four

Warm water rippled around them, splashing over the sides of the Jacuzzi. The scent of chlorine was strong, but she couldn’t think of anything but Sean. Kneeling on the seat, her legs spread wide, Sydney braced her palms on the edge of the spa. The fullness of his cock moving in and out of her body, the slap of his powerful thighs on the backs of hers, only served to drive her deeper into the dark world of surrender. Heart pounding, she once more glanced over a shoulder at him. Their new position was incredibly hot, but the sight of him watching their bodies come together was even hotter. Head slightly bowed, the intensity on his face was unbelievably sensual. Beads of moisture rolled down his broad chest and bulging arms. The ripped muscles of his stomach were every woman’s dream. He did things to her no man had ever achieved. He made her mind go blank, her body go wild, and worst of all he made her want a life with him. She choked on an unexpected cry and dropped her head between her arms. For a brief moment, she squeezed her eyes closed. If one night was all she’d ever have with Sean, she planned to make the best of it. Screw the consequences. With each thrust he guided her back against him, stroking her inner walls, driving her mad with need. Her heavy breasts bounced, their weight something she had never really paid much attention to during sex, but now made her more in tune with her body, more aroused. As her grip on the side of the spa slipped,

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her nipples scraped against the cool deck. A moan bubbled up in her throat at the incredible sensation. “Tight.” Voice raspy and strained, he murmured, “Syd.” Splaying his large palm across her belly, he dipped a finger low to cover her clit. The fire in his touch made her toss her black mane behind her. Pressure continued to build between her thighs, a pulse that throbbed, sent chills coursing throughout. “Oh God.” Sydney groaned, loving the fullness inside her, loving the man who could make her feel this way. Perched on the edge of orgasm, she sucked in a breath and concentrated on stretching out the moment, but it was already too late. As she mentally grabbed for control, it slipped through her fingers like flowing water. Sydney’s heart crashed against her chest. Her inner muscles spasmed. She cried out his name just before her world went topsy-turvy and a flash fire of heat rolled through her body in waves. As her climax bore down on her, his finger moved rapidly over her clit, while he pounded over and over against her ass, wringing out every blissful sensation. A tremor skated up her spine, her body jerking with each delicious contraction. Sean tensed. His hand faltered. One more powerful pump of his hips and he threw back his head. Releasing a guttural cry, he dug his fingers into her hips, melding them together, before he joined her in ecstasy. Large male hands slid up her rib cage and cupped her breasts and he collapsed against her back. She squealed as she slipped and almost went beneath the water. Flailing hands and grasping the side of the Jacuzzi saved her from a dunking. Sydney eased up on the seat. “Shit.” His movements were sluggish as he sat beside her.

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She glanced up at him. “What’s wrong?” His brows pulled inward, forehead furrowed. “Uh. Are you on birth control?” “No. Why?” “I’m afraid we have a problem. The condom broke.” “Broke?” she choked on a half-cry of disbelief. Her heart sank. “I’m not on the Pill, or anything else for that matter.” She fought back a sob of regret. Sydney wasn’t promiscuous and it was a good thing since her internal system wasn’t suited to use birth-control pills. Furthermore, she selected her partners carefully. In reality there hadn’t been that many sexual encounters. Hell. She could count them on one hand and still have fingers left over. The light in Sean’s eyes dimmed. For a moment neither of them spoke. As time stretched into an uncomfortable length, Sydney needed him to say something. Anything. Even scream or yell, but he remained silent. Then he reached for her, gently easing her into his embrace. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “But—” “Syd, let it go for now.” He held her for a little longer. “I need the keys to the car.” “Why?” “Maybe there’s a drugstore open. I could get a morning-after pill.” “Are you crazy? There’s a blizzard out there. No way in hell are you getting into a car in this weather.” Would tomorrow be soon enough? She’d never taken the pill, never had a reason to.

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When Sydney thought she’d go mad with what if scenarios racing around her head, he released her. Stepping out of the Jacuzzi, he offered her a hand for assistance. Accepting his help, she climbed out. “Wait here.” He walked toward a stack of towels and took two from the top, disposing of the condom before he returned. She used the fluffy white towel to dry off, the chill in the room seeping into her bones. What if she got pregnant? She chanced a glance at Sean. He wasn’t smiling and who could blame him? Quietly, he gathered his clothes and began to dress, leaving his boots and socks off. She followed suit, her stomach churning in distress. Again silence engulfed them as they tiptoed up the stairs, attempting to avoid disturbing anyone. When they came to her bedroom he paused, turning to face her. “Stay with me tonight?” He rubbed his palms up and down her arms. “I think we’ve chanced Fate enough tonight.” Even as she spoke, she couldn’t erase the need to have his arms around her. Needed him whispering in her ear that everything would be all right. “I understand.” He leaned in and gave her a chaste kiss, and then he opened the door and held it for her. “Good night, Syd.” A shudder shook her to the core. “Good night, Sean.” Sean couldn’t believe how the evening had ended. Especially since Sydney did something to him no woman had ever done. She made him forget himself. In those moments when he had held her, kissed her, nothing had existed but the two of them. Now this incident between them could have repercussions neither of them was ready for. Brushing a hand through his hair, he stepped inside his room. The forlorn expression on Sydney’s face when he walked away from her was heartbreaking.

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Sean had wanted to hold her, lie beside her, but he’d done enough damage tonight. There was no way he could share a bed with her and not touch her. Shedding his clothes, he lay down on the comforter and tucked his hands beneath his head to keep from getting the pillow wet with his damp hair. Although he told Syd to let it go, he doubted she would be able to, because he sure as hell couldn’t. Restless, he lay awake, sleep far from his mind. The urge to go to Sydney, hold her, was strong, but so was his lust. His cock stirred, hardening with the memory of her sultry expression watching him as he took her from behind. He sucked in a terse breath, bending his parted knees so his feet pressed against the mattress. The image of his dick dominating her body, pumping in and out, sent a tremor up his spine. He circled his fingers around his erection and squeezed. A surge of blood to his groin forced his eyes closed. For a moment he simply allowed himself to feel the rush, before a taut breath burst from his lungs. Dammit. Sean had to get her out of his mind, but instead he found himself gliding his palm over his hot flesh, thinking about her soft cries, pants, and the way she shattered in his arms. His hips shot up, driving hard against his palm. It could be her fingers wrapped around him. Goose bumps rose across his arms. Her teasing and pleasuring him. A tingle of electricity sparked at the base of his erection. His thrusts began in earnest. Her lying beside him… No. Lying between his thighs. His pace hastened, grip firming. Her warm breath brushing over him with the promise of that sweet mouth taking him within her moist heat. Fire lanced up his shaft. “Fuck!”

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He jerked his hips off the bed. His eyes gaped wide as his body tightened into one big knot before it exploded. Unconsciously, his fingers squeezed around him. The firmness made the sting almost unbearable. A milky stream of come arced. Warm and wet, his seed landed on his stomach. Small jets continued, until he collapsed on the bed, blowing out a noisy sigh. Not quite content, his heart still racing, he glanced down at his belly and the mess he’d made. A burst of nervous laughter escaped his lips. He had fallen for the one woman he should never have touched. After cleaning himself up, he slipped into a pair of jogging pants and a Tshirt. Without donning his shoes, he opened his door and headed for the stairs. No sleep would find him tonight. The house was silent. The flames in the fireplace had burned down to embers. He placed another log in the hearth and sparks flittered and snapped. Grabbing the half-empty bottle of wine on the coffee table, he placed the cork between his teeth and yanked, spitting the plug to the coffee table. Sean didn’t even bother with a glass, tipping the red liquid to his lips. Hints of berry, plum and currant caressed his nose before the wine touched his mouth. He drank heartily and sank into a heap on the couch. Easing back, he propped his bare feet on the table. What a horrible ending to a beautiful day. Footsteps drew his attention toward the stairs and the shadowy figure descending them. Instinctively, he knew it was Sydney. Moonlight sliced through the window above the front door and fell across her face, a pensive expression forming as she paused. “Sean?” “Come join me.” Sean couldn’t help himself. He wanted—no, needed—for the night not to end, especially as dastardly as it had. She stopped midstep. Her shoulders drooped. “I-I don’t think—”

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“Please. We need to talk.” She slowly walked down the stairs and toward him. Low-riding pajama bottoms and the midriff top she wore displayed the soft skin of her flat belly. All the good intentions Sean had seemed to fly out the window. He fisted his hands to keep from reaching for her. Walking to the farthest end of the couch from him, she sat rigidly, and then she turned to look at him. “What?” “I’m sorry. I should never have touched you.” Sydney flinched. A flicker of hurt sparked in her eyes as she shot to her feet. “What I meant to say—” He snapped his jaws together and stood too. Man, he just kept digging himself deeper and deeper. But he knew he couldn’t let her leave. The woman had wrapped him around her little finger, in a manner of speaking, and there was no trying to argue the fact. He wanted her. His body craved hers. As she whipped around, he grasped her hand. “Let me go.” Her steely gaze narrowed. A growl rumbled in her throat as she jerked for release, but he held steady. “Dammit, Sean! I mean it.” The heat of her anger made his body respond with throbbing desire. “Syd, listen to me. I’ve handled this all wrong. What I meant to say is that I’ve inadvertently placed us both in an uncomfortable situation. Instead of us getting to know each other, building a relationship, we might be setting up house together.” A cynical huff escaped her pinched lips. “Not if I have a sa—” Sean silenced her with a kiss. For a moment she acted stunned but then began to struggle. Capturing her other wrist, he secured both of them behind her. She whimpered softly. The fight in her seemed to dissipate and she leaned in to

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him. He groaned, his breath mingling with hers. Their tongues met and danced, tangling and moving together until both of them were panting. Lips a breath away, their eyes were trapped in a gaze that stilled time. “Tell me everything is going to be all right,” she whispered. Unease tugged her brows together. She looked so young. So vulnerable. Her insecurity felt like claws burying into his heart. “I’ll make everything all right.” The promise came out automatically. Now if he could only live up to it. He had never shunned responsibility and he didn’t have plans to start now. He felt her tense against him. “How?” Her tongue swept quickly between her lips. “If this damn snow doesn’t stop and it’s too late to remedy this problem, I won’t abort a baby.” His breath hitched. “My God, Syd. Do you think I’d ask that of you? We’re talking about my child too.” When he released his hold on her, he smoothed his palms soothingly up and down her back. She stared up at him pleadingly. “What are we going to do?” His fingertips swept back a dark lock of hair that fell over one of her emerald eyes, eyes that pulled him deeper beneath her spell. “In a perfect world we would date, have time for our relationship to grow, and then we’d move to the next level. If you’re pregnant, we’ll start with marriage and go backward.” Her burst of laughter held no amusement. “Are you crazy? Before tonight we couldn’t stand being in the same room together. Besides, I won’t marry you just because I might be pregnant. Women don’t do that anymore.” “You will.”

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Sydney shook her head, and then took a deep breath that raised her breasts, drawing his eyes. “We’re getting ahead of ourselves. Have you thought about Cameron? Mom? This will crush Mom. She wanted more for you.” She worried her bottom lip with small white teeth. “Not someone like me.” Someone like her? What an idiot he’d been all these years. Before Sydney came to live with his family, his parents had explained her situation and told both him and Cameron a little about her life—a hard life he couldn’t even imagine. Looking back, Sean realized he hadn’t made it any easier for her. No wonder her self-esteem was lacking. He caressed his nose along hers. “They love you already. I don’t see a problem there.” And his family did love her. But there was no doubt in his mind that he’d get a ration of shit for stepping over the boundaries of a brother/sister relationship. Then again, if he had made his feelings known earlier, maybe neither of them would have been so desperate to react to their attraction. He pressed his lips to hers. “Sean?” “Baby, let’s enjoy this weekend—each other—and see where it leads us. There’ll be plenty enough time to address the other thing if need be.” “Maybe not. I’m expecting my period sometime next week.” Okay. So maybe they would be addressing the issue sooner than he thought.

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Chapter Five

Knees pulled to her chest, Sydney sat on the cushioned window seat in the front room and stared out the frosted glass. She had never seen so much snow and it just kept falling. The mood in the house was somber, all thoughts of snowboarding eradicated with each fluffy snowflake that fell. But her mind was elsewhere. How much time did she have to take that damn pill? And did this have to happen during her most fertile time of the month? The weather had interfered with traveling as well as the cable connection, which included the Internet and sadly her cell phone. She couldn’t even call the drugstore to ask questions. There was no way she would broach the subject with Cameron or Louisa. She was stuck in limbo with no way of escape. “You look like you’re miles away.” Cameron’s sudden appearance startled Sydney, as she jerked around to meet her sister’s concerned expression. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” “Nothing. Just wondering how deep it is out there,” she lied. “Planning an escape?” Sydney’s jaw dropped before she realized it. “Uh… No. Are you kidding?” She forced a chuckle. “It’s miserable out there.” Still it was ironic that Cameron would use the exact word she had recently thought. Cameron reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from Sydney’s face. “You okay, honey?” her voice softened. “Yeah. Sure. I just had my heart set on snowboarding.”

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Her sister frowned. “Ummm…Sydney?” “Yes.” “You don’t snowboard.” “Learning,” she added quickly. Unfolding her legs, she let them dangle from the seat. “I planned to learn this trip.” Cameron bent her elbows, her palms resting on her narrow hips. “All right. Now I know something is wrong. Spill it.” “I just have so much to do, so many things on my mind. I can’t even get an Internet connection on my computer,” she complained. “Dammit. I should have stayed home.” If she had remained in her little apartment none of this would have happened. She wouldn’t be sitting here wondering if in nine months she’d be a single mother. What the hell did she know about raising a child? She sure didn’t have a role model growing up, not until the Duncans. And then there was Sean. If none of this had happened there wouldn’t have been that awkward silence between them at breakfast this morning, each of them dodging each other’s gaze across the table. She almost burst out laughing. No, they would probably be at each other’s throats. Funny how things could change in the blink of an eye. “Honey, this is what they call a vacation. You know… No phone. No Internet. No work. Just fun.” Cameron tittered. “Believe me, it will all be waiting for you when we return.” She tilted her head toward the game room. “Louisa just made a snack tray—meat, cheese, crackers and fruit. We have enough beer and wine to last a week. Let’s join the boys. They’re watching a movie. If we don’t like what they’ve chosen, we girls can go to the Jacuzzi and get drunk.” Drunk? Now that sounded like a plan.

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Reluctantly, Sydney rose and followed Cameron. When they entered the game room, Harry and Ted were already devouring the food that sat before them. Sean looked up from where he was sprawled across a large leather chair. She felt trapped in his gaze. It took a moment to break the spell before she could glance away. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time played on the large, flat-screen television. It was a Disney movie—one that allowed the bearer of a dagger to go back in time and change the outcome of an event. If she held the dagger, would she change what had happened between her and Sean last night? Cameron joined Harry on a love seat, the other one occupied by Louisa and Ted. Sydney settled in a chair across the room from Sean and drew her legs beneath her, a habit she’d used to appear small and insignificant since she was a girl. She pinned her attention on the television, but her mind wandered. If she was pregnant what would she do—they do? Memories of one foster home after another made her wrap her arms around herself. No child should ever feel so meaningless, so unwanted or used. A tremor assailed her. Those had been some of the darkest days of her life. She would never expose her child to such a life. No. If time ran out and she found herself with no alternative, then she would make the best of it. Sean had said they would marry. But Sydney couldn’t do that to him or to their child. She had seen too many ill-matched couples. The fights. The abuse, both physical and mental. She was strong, independent. She could do this. “…Sydney?” She blinked, looking up to find everyone watching her. “W-what?”

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“This is the third time I called your name,” Cameron said. Standing, she walked toward Sydney with two glasses in her hands. “I asked if you wanted some wine?” “Yes. Please.” “No!” Sean barked. “She doesn’t need any.” His outburst earned him everyone’s attention, including Sydney’s. “I mean, it’s too early,” he rationalized. “And, dear brother, what is that in your hand?” Cameron asked with a sneer on her lips. He glanced down at his beer, and then snapped his head up, pinning his gaze on the television. Cameron’s forehead furrowed. “What’s got into you, Sean? Sydney’s been able to drink for years now.” Sean didn’t reply. Instead, he tipped the beer bottle and chugged the remainder of the rich ale. Cameron rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Here.” She handed Sydney a glass of wine. “Drink up, sweetie.” As Cameron walked away, Sydney stared at the alcohol. Until she knew whether she was pregnant or if she could remove the possibility, she’d better refrain from drinking. When she set the glass on the end table next to her, she saw Sean nod his approval, and then he returned his attention to the movie. For the next hour and a half she sat quietly contemplating her life, and then she chastised herself for worrying. There was a good chance that everything would be okay. Still, when the movie ended, she couldn’t wait to leave, to check on the weather, and maybe take a trip into town. Harry stood and stretched. “What do you say we hit the Jacuzzi? Work out the kinks from sitting for so long.” He pinched Cameron on the ass when she rose.

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She squealed, swatting his hand, before she turned to Sydney. “And we won’t take no for an answer.” “But—” Cameron hiked a brow. “No excuses.” Sydney rushed from the room ahead of everyone, straight for a window. The sight of white powder still falling made her sigh, shoulders drooping. Discouraged, she glanced up at the sky. “I could use a little help here.”

The second Sydney entered the sunroom, Sean’s pulse took off like a freight train out of control. Her petite figure was heart-stopping in a yellow bikini that barely hid a thing from his roving eyes. Her long braid was secured on the top of her head. As she carefully eased into the warm, bubbly water, he wanted to reach out and guide her to his side. Instead, she situated herself between Louisa and Cameron. His sister offered her some wine and she refused, flicking a glance in his direction. Good. Better safe than sorry. Louisa snuggled close to Ted. A big grin spread across her face. “Should we tell them?” When Ted nodded, she blushed a pretty pink. “I’m pregnant.” Cameron squealed, lunging from where she sat, splashing water, to fling herself into Louisa’s arms. “A baby. How wonderful. How far along are you? Do you know if it’s a girl or boy? Oh my.” Her eyes widened. “Does this make me a god-aunt?” She giggled with excitement, squeezing her friend. Both Sean and Harry rose to shake Ted’s hand and extend their congratulations, before taking their seats once again. When Cameron released Louisa, Sydney turned and hugged the woman. “Congratulations,” she whispered.

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From that moment forward the conversation focused on all the questions Cameron asked and more. Sean watched Ted and saw happiness sparkle in the man’s eyes. He held his wife as if she were a delicate piece of china, fragile and cherished. And then Sean flicked a glance toward Sydney. Her cheeks were flushed. She smiled, but her brows were tugged low and her eyes glistened. She looked miserable. “So do you want a boy or a girl?” Cameron rambled on. “What about names? I really like—” Sean shot to his feet. “Screw this.” His outburst silenced everyone. Wading through the water, he stopped before Sydney. She gazed up at him with surprise widening her eyes, especially when he grabbed her hand. For a brief moment she struggled, but in the end he led her across the Jacuzzi. When he sat, he forced her onto his lap, his arms wrapping around her waist. Cameron’s eyelids rose with shock. Her slacked jaw had yet to rise. Harry smirked, earning himself a frown from his not-so-timid better half. “You knew about this?” Her shrill voice was accusatory. She whipped her attention back to Sean and Sydney. “Not a word, Cameron. Not one damn word,” Sean growled. Only the percolating bubbles in the spa made a sound, until Harry cleared his throat. “Sooo… How about those Dodgers?” Cameron slapped his shoulder and he cringed, laughing. “What? You should have seen this coming.” “Me? How?” Harry just grinned, while his sister leveled a disapproving glare on Sean, one that matched Sydney’s. Sean had to give Cameron credit. She didn’t make another remark, but he wasn’t a fool. The tightness in her face and her unusual silence said she had

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granted him a brief reprieve, but a scolding lay just around the corner. And if he wasn’t mistaken, judging by the rigid spine of the woman in his lap, he had earned yet another tongue-lashing. Looking up beneath half-shuttered eyelids, Sean pressed his lips against Sydney’s bare shoulder, tasting salt and woman. Shaking her head, she fought a smile, mouthing, “You’re a dead man.” After that everyone seemed to relax, and conversation flowed freely, but all Sean could think about was the silky skin beneath his hands. The foam atop the water helped to conceal the movement of his hand as he caressed his palm across her flat abdomen. In several months, could it be rounded with his child? A father. Would he soon have a little dark-haired girl staring up at him calling him daddy? And God help them if she gave birth to a boy made in Sean’s own image. It’s a wonder his mother had any hair left from the trials he’d put her through. Of course, nothing might come from their incident. Unease struggled with a blend of excitement that shocked and scared the shit out of him. Damned if he couldn’t picture himself waking up each morning with this woman lying beside him, making love to her when and wherever he felt the need. A tingle spread across his groin. His cock hardened with each wicked thought of touching her—kissing her. When he slipped his fingers down the front of her swimsuit bottom, she startled with a little jump. “Oh!” A flood of color rolled over her pretty features as she gaped at him for only a second. “Look.” She jutted her hand out, staring down her arm where her finger pointed. When the others followed her line of sight, she grabbed his wrist and pulled, unsuccessfully. “Uhhh… It s-stopped—”

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He slid his sinful fingertips across her slit, finding her clit to give the bundle of nerves a little pinch. “S-snowing,” she choked. Pushing against his chest, she slipped off his lap. As she released a nervous breath, she licked her lips. “Let’s go into town.” “Town? Let’s hit the slopes.” Cameron and the others were already climbing out of the Jacuzzi. “Damn you, Sean,” Sydney hissed through clenched teeth. Not waiting for a reply, she waded through the water away from him. She was so cute, all he could do was chuckle, following her up the steps. Grabbing a large towel off the stack, she tossed it, hitting him square in the face. Her anger only made him laugh harder. “Something funny?” Suspicion flashed in Cameron’s eyes as she patted her arms dry. Louisa and Ted had already scurried from the room. Harry stood quietly in the doorway, waiting and watching the interplay between them. “Nothing,” Sean and Sydney said at once. His sister draped her towel over a rack. “Fine. But this isn’t over. We need to talk.” “This is between Syd and me.” She harrumphed. “Good luck in convincing Mom of that.” “Cameron,” Sean hissed. “I’m just saying that this is going to be one hell of a shock. You better know what you’re doing, because Mom won’t be happy if this doesn’t end good.” Big tears suddenly filled her eyes. She compressed her mouth, and then she trembled. “Dammit, Sean, you better not break her heart—tear this family apart.” Sydney stood like a marble statue, unmoving. A puddle of water accumulated at her feet as her towel hung limp by her side. “You don’t have anything to worry about, Sis. We’re getting married.”

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“What?” Sydney screeched. “The hell we are.” Once again Cameron’s eyes had become as big as saucers. “Married? How long has this been going on?” But Sean’s attention was riveted on Sydney. He moved so he towered over her, and then he glared down at her. “Yes. We. Are,” he enunciated. “Nooo…” The rapid shake of her head made her braid tumble down her back. “I don’t think so.” “Don’t argue with me, Syd. You don’t have a choice.” “The hell I don’t.” Her face turned beet red. Fire simmered in her eyes. “If you think I’ll marry you just because I might be—” She pinched her mouth closed. Silence stretched between them. “Pregnant?” Cameron whispered. “Sydney, are you pregnant?” “I—I don’t know.” “What do you mean you don’t know?” “Well, last night—” No longer was the color in Sydney’s cheeks due to anger. Embarrassment flushed across her face. Cameron threw back her head, roaring with laughter. Then she glanced at Sydney. “He didn’t use a condom and you’re not on birth control.” When neither of them responded, she laughed harder. “We used a condom,” Sean murmured before adding, “it broke.” “You idiot,” she spoke between chuckles. “I don’t see what’s so funny,” he grumbled. “If this,” Cameron brushed her hand from him to Sydney, “happened last night then there’s plenty of time to address the issue. I mean…if that’s what both of you want.”

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Harry took that moment to join them. “What your sister is trying to say so indelicately is that you two have nothing to worry about.” He draped an arm around Cameron. “The morning-after pill works for five days after— Uhmmm…” he stammered. “We get it.” Sean wasn’t prepared for the sting of disappointment he felt. “It sounds like you speak from experience.” Harry shrugged a shoulder. “Come on, babe. Let’s get dressed and hit the slopes.” He guided a hesitant Cameron toward the door. When they were alone, Sean turned to Sydney to find moisture welling in her eyes. Before he could reach for her, she burst into tears and fled from the room.

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Chapter Six

Not thinking about her sodden bathing suit, Sydney flung herself upon her bed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t staunch the flow of tears. Curling her fingers into the comforter, she buried her face into a pillow and wept. God, what was wrong with her? Discovering she had nothing to worry about should have made her happy, relieved. Instead she felt as if she’d lost something—something she hadn’t even known she was missing. As much as she tried to put a name to the emptiness overtaking her, she couldn’t. A rapid series of knocks pelted the door but she ignored them. When the sharp beats grew in intensity and volume, she raised her head slightly from the now-damp pillow. “Go away,” she squeezed through broken breaths. “Sydney?” “Go.” She choked, catching her breath on a sob. “Away, Sean.” Instead of him honoring her wishes, she heard the doorknob turn. Dammit. She’d forgotten to lock the door. Attempting to swallow her emotion, she only managed to slow her tears. “Baby, what’s the matter?” The bed moaned beneath his weight as he sat down. His warm palm smoothed across her back. “Syd. You’re breaking my heart. Don’t cry. Tell me what’s wrong.”

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What could she say? That somewhere deep inside she had wanted to be pregnant, wanted a real family of her own—wanted him. “Talk to me, Syd. Please.” Her chest hurt, the pressure unbearable. Could a person’s heart really break? “Just leave me alone, Sean.” “I can’t do that.” His strong hands wrapped around her, dragging her into his lap—into his embrace. She pressed her face into his shoulder, refusing to meet his gaze. “Shhh. Now where did all these tears come from?” “Nowhere. PMS,” she quickly added. That had to be it, because she wasn’t thinking rationally. Neither of them needed a baby or to be forced into a situation they might regret later. “I’m always prone to outbursts and mood swings before my period starts.” At least that wasn’t a lie. “Nice try, sweetheart, but I’m not buying it. What’s really behind these tears?” He wiped a few lingering drops away with a finger. A rap on the door saved her from blurting out the truth. She wiggled out of his lap and got to her feet, wiping her eyes with both hands. “Yes?” Cameron pushed open the door, her eyes flashing concern when she saw Sydney’s tear-streaked face. “What’s wrong? Sean?” His name came out on a frustrated sigh. “You guys go on. We’re not going skiing.” As he spoke he stood, standing so close to Sydney that she felt his heat, inhaled his masculine scent. “Syd—” “Cameron.” He firmed his voice. “Close the door. We’ll see you when you get back.” She hesitated, glancing back and forth between the two of them. In the end she pulled the door closed behind her. Sean reached for Sydney. She didn’t have the strength to pull away.

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Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his chin on her head. For a moment he just held her, until she shivered. The chill in the room made her wet bathing suit uncomfortable. “You need to get out of this thing.” He pulled the string tied at her back, releasing her top, so that it hung loose around her neck to bare her breasts. “Sean?” “Shhh. Let me take care of you.” Pressing several small kisses on her lips, he reached for the string around her neck and worked on the knot to remove her top completely. Then he slid her bottoms past her hips and they fell, sliding down her legs. She stepped out of the material pooled around her ankles. “Sean—” He pressed a finger against her lips. “Get into bed.” “But—” “Bed.” He tore back the damp comforter and jerked his head toward the mounds of pillows. “Now.” Sydney sat on the mattress, watching him retrieve her swimsuit top and bottom and carry them into the adjacent bathroom. When he came back he was as naked as she. His erect cock jutted out of a thatch of curly, dark hair. As he approached, she licked her lips. “Sean, what do you think you’re doing?” Ignoring her, he moved to the other side of the bed. She twisted around to see him pull back the blanket and sheet, before he climbed in. One hand propped his head up as his sensual lashes lowered lazily to shadow even more sensual eyes. “I’ve dreamed of this.” She blinked. “What? Me looking like a damp dishtowel, crying like a fool?” “No. You. Me. In bed.” He patted the area next to him. When she didn’t respond, he scooted closer. “Damn, woman, you’ve driven me into a sexual

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frenzy since we were teenagers.” Looking at her through half-shuttered eyes, he reached over and smoothed his palm down her arm, until his fingers circled her wrist. “And nothing has changed.” As much as she needed to feel him next to her, inside her, Sydney knew it was best to end this before it went any further. If she wasn’t pregnant, maybe they could pick up the pieces, forget this weekend. But even as the thought entered her mind, she knew it was pointless. She’d never be able to work beside him and stop the yearning, the need to touch and kiss him. She needed more. “Sean, I can’t do this.” “Do what?” “I thought maybe…that I could— Last night—” Damn. It was difficult to face reality. She inhaled, releasing the breath along with her confession. “Last night was a mistake.” It was the right thing to admit, she assured herself. One-night stands weren’t her thing, and she had loved Sean too long to pretend differently. “There’s too much between us. I can’t do a casual affair and then go back to the way things were.” Or watch him date other women, but she left that troubling thought unsaid. “That’s not what’s happening here. I’ve never met a woman like you. You both infuriate me and thrill me. Since I returned home you’re all I can think about. But most of all you make me forget myself. Want things I didn’t even know I wanted.” The warmth in his eyes made her heart flutter. “I don’t understand.” “I want you.” A half-laugh, half-exasperated sound pushed between his lips. “I’m crazy about you, Syd.” He ran his hand across the back of his neck. “I’m probably screwing this up, but I love everything about you. That pertinent nose of yours tilted in the air when you’re mad at me. The throaty growl in your voice when you want to berate me, but instead you turn and walk away, giving me a

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delicious view of that shapely ass of yours. Your musical laughter. That priceless smile you show me so seldom.” Another uneasy chuckle burst from his mouth. “In other words, I love you, Syd.” Again something inside her chest tightened. For a moment she couldn’t breathe. She even questioned her hearing. When she didn’t speak he gave her wrist a tug and she fell back upon the bed with an umph. “Come here,” he purred. The sexy command slid over her skin, leaving goose bumps in its wake. He loved her? Speechless, she allowed him to assist her, pull her up alongside him, and then he cupped the back of her head and slanted his mouth over hers. The caress was poignant. Lips locked in a slow sensual seal, he guided her onto her back, following so his firm body draped hers. With both knees he wedged her legs apart, widening them, before he settled between her thighs. His weight, the feel of his skin touching hers, made her pulse speed, her breasts grow heavy, and her inner muscles contract. As he deepened their kiss, his tongue eased down the length of hers, tangling and then retreating so that she would follow. When she dipped inside his mouth to taste and savor, he sucked, long and hard pulls that forced a cry from her lips. An answering growl rumbled in his throat as he began to rock his hips. With each delicious thrust his cock rubbed sinfully along her moist slit and across her clit, back and forth. Over and over. The friction of heat burned like a flame to kindling, igniting a tingling sensation that built with alarming speed, twisting and turning inside her. “Sean,” she gasped into his mouth. “Condom?”

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He froze. Beneath half-shuttered eyelids, he stared at her. Then he exhaled and pressed his forehead against hers. “Don’t take that damn pill.” Sydney’s heart fluttered. “What?” “Marry me.” A short burst of laughter met his request. “Marry you?” Had he lost his mind or had she lost hers, because this had to be a dream. “Just hear me out.” He swallowed hard, nervously licking his lips. “I think this weekend— You. Me. Us. It’s Fate telling us we belong together.” “But—” Soft yet firm lips took hers in a mind-blowing kiss. Each long, wet caress stroked her desire, awakening her body. Her nipples were throbbing peaks burying into his chest. They rasped against his naked skin, creating tendrils of pleasure to unfurl and release between her thighs. Breaking the kiss, he panted for air. “Let me make love to you, baby, until all my strength is gone.” Sean had just laid his soul at her feet, praying she didn’t stomp on it. “Please?” His pulse raced. “Let me touch you.” Never had a woman had this effect on him. His breathing was labored. His hands wandered aimlessly over every inch of her silky skin. “God, I need you.” He glided a palm down her hip, across her abdomen, until his hand slid between them and he touched the heart of her heat. She was warm, wet and all his. The thought put a smile on his face as he slipped a digit between her swollen folds and began to ease it in and out. Another finger joined the first. “You’re mine.” He thrust deep and her back bowed on a whimper. “I’ve always been yours. You just never saw me before now.” There was something sad in her tone that tugged at his heart.

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“I saw you, baby. More than I wanted to admit.” He leaned down and captured her mouth again. While his fingers thrust between her slick, moist folds, he smoothed his other hand down her slender throat. She raised her chin, giving him access as his lips followed where his hand led. When he cupped a breast, his thumb moving over the peak, she whimpered. “Sean? We shouldn’t.” Her objection was lost amongst a moan. “Honey, there’s a lot we can do without a condom.” He drew circles around her areola, before he flicked the tender bud and stabbed a third finger inside her. “Uh!” Her sharp intake of air was followed by, “Show me.” She speared his hair, dragging his head down. As he plunged his fingers deep again, he licked her taut nipple, before he blew a stream of warmth to watch the skin rise and pebble. Then he took the bud into his mouth and suckled. “Oh God.” She writhed beneath him. “Now. Need you inside…me.” Her frantic plea was so hot he nearly lost it. His cock jerked. Blood filled his balls to a throbbing ache. But they had tested Fate once this weekend. And his only condom was in his bedroom. Thrusting his hand, he ground his thumb against her clit and moved in circular motions. Sydney bucked wildly against his touch and ignited. “Sean.” She released his name on an earth-shattering scream. Her inner muscles contracted around him, squeezing and throbbing. In awe, he watched her orgasm wash over her beautiful face, as she closed her eyes and parted her lips on a breathy groan. Every feature was tight, strained, and then her expression softened in sated completion. When her heavy lids opened, she smiled, and he fell even harder for the woman in his arms. After a moment, she nuzzled his neck and whispered, “My turn. On your back.”

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Sean’s heart thudded in his chest. Easing off her, he rolled over and tucked his hands behind his head. With bated breath he watched, waited. The lust burning in her eyes made his dick jerk, leaving a trail of clear precome against his stomach. When she moved between his splayed legs, leaned over and dragged her tongue across the wetness, his breath caught. His belly quivered. Holy shit! “Mmmm…tasty.” A flirty grin raised the corners of her mouth. “You liked that?” “Hell yeah. I’d like it even more if that pretty little mouth of yours was wrapped around my dick.” With a long, silky stroke, she licked up the outside of his cock, her eyes never leaving his. “Like that?” He whipped his hands from behind his head, weaving his fingers into her silky hair. “Oh God, yes.” He nudged her closer. When she slid her warm wetness over him, his toes nearly curled. “Fuck, baby, you feel so good.” He raised his hips, sliding so far in she gagged. He immediately eased back, stroking her hair. “Relax your jaw and suck air in through your nose. You can take all of me.” Withdrawing a little bit, he left just the head on the edge of her teeth. Her tongue whirled around the bulbous rim, and then slid over the sensitive slit, pushing a hiss from between his lips. “Damn. You have a talented tongue.” She dug her claws into his ass, before inch by inch he disappeared into the depths of her hot cavern. He stopped halfway. “You okay?” She nodded, humming something around his dick, and then she swallowed. “Fuck.” He rammed the rest of the way home. “Suck, baby. Suck it hard.”

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Man. He wasn’t going to last long. When her cheeks hollowed and she suckled, he tossed back his head. A throaty grunt followed a curse. At the same time a hot stream of semen spewed against the back of her throat, and he was lost to the sensation tightening every muscle and tendon, until his body became one big knot of arousal. As her delicious mouth pulled on him and she swallowed, spots blotted his vision. He couldn’t breathe or think—just feel the milking of her mouth. It had only taken seconds to recover, but it felt like a lifetime of bliss. Then she released him to press light kisses to the inside of his thigh, before she worked her way up, blanketing his body with hers. When their eyes met, he took her in a fiery kiss, tasting his musky, salty flavor on her tongue. Damned if it didn’t make his cock go semihard. “I need you inside me.” Her swollen lips feathered softly against his. Her sexy voice was hard to refuse. Still he managed to say, “No condom.” “Screw it. I want you. Now.” Did this mean she’d marry him? Have his child if that is what Fate decreed? Sean’s hands shook, sliding down her length. He angled her hips and thrust forward. Her swollen folds parted, her moist body welcomed him, and his erection firmed. For a moment he teetered on the edge, and then he started to move. It was pure ecstasy. He made love to her slow and easy, hard and fast, and then slow and easy again. The soft, breathy sounds of her moans and whimpers were an aphrodisiac, turning him every which way. Rolling them over, he settled between her thighs, and started all over again.

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He was lost in the sweet scent of her arousal when her pussy gripped him, pulled him further inside. Wrapping her arms and legs around him, she clung to him as if she would never let him go. And he was all right with that. “Sean.” Her fingernails raked down his back. The pleasurable sting was a jolt of fire through his veins. A growl rumbled in his throat as he pulled his hands out from beneath her. Palms on her waist, he reared back, sitting on his calves, taking her with him. The upright position drove him deeper. “Sean,” she cried, grinding her hips hard against him. Clenching his jaw, he forced himself to keep from coming too soon. Energy hummed down his shaft, the pressure beyond anything he could imagine as he slammed repeatedly into her heat. Her ragged groans and the slap of flesh filled the room, while the rich scent of their slick bodies moving together sent his mind whirling. Then her sex clamped around him like an iron glove. She screamed, arching in his arms. Frantically, he pumped in and out of her, stretching out her climax, until light and sound dulled and fire lanced down his shaft. His balls pulled up tight against his body, and then he exploded. With a hoarse shout he came, shooting his come into her with each jerk of his hips against hers. When he returned to earth, Sydney held him tightly. Easing both of them down on the bed, he pulled her close. The sated smile she gifted him gave him a sense of purpose, a sense of belonging. He ran his fingers down her spine. She cuddled closer, making a soft purring noise. “So does this mean you’ll marry me?” “Yes, but—”

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Before she could say anything else, he silenced her with a kiss that turned sultry. When they parted, he gazed into her starry eyes. “Now I’ll show you what other things can be done without a condom.” Feathering moist caresses down her throat, he didn’t stop in the valley of her breasts even when she released a soft sigh and arched her back. Instead he smiled against her satiny skin and continued downward.

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Chapter Seven

With a big grin on her face, Sydney stood looking out at the airplanes taxiing along the runway. Her warm palm pressed against the cold window left a foggy outline of her fingers when she lowered her arm. Happiness rose inside her like effervescent bubbles in champagne. She loved Sean—and he loved her. “You look like the cat that ate the canary.” Cameron sidled up beside her, grasping her hand and squeezing, before she released her. “I still can’t believe you and Sean are a couple—engaged.” In all honesty neither could Sydney. She rubbed her palms down her jeans, before pulling the hem of her sweater down. The night before last had been a dream come true. After she had agreed to marry Sean, he made love to her not only until his strength was gone, but hers as well. Yesterday they had once again forgone skiing. Instead they had lain naked before the fire, Sean learning her body and her exploring his. Surprisingly, he had ticklish feet. But the most intriguing discoveries were the crease between his thighs and groin, as well as his perineum, which were hot, erogenous zones. After their last sexcapade, they had fallen asleep still joined together. A sigh pushed from her lips. The sweet sound of contentment drew Cameron’s sharp gaze. “So have you thought about how you’ll tell Mom?” The complacency she felt only a moment ago disappeared in a flash. “No.”

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How would the woman who had taken Sydney into her home, her family, take the news? Would she welcome the union or feel betrayed for introducing Sydney into the mix? An invisible weight pressed hard against her chest, but before she could reflect further, Cameron continued. “What about the possibility you could be pregnant? You know I wouldn’t mind becoming an aunt, but I completely understand if this isn’t the right time.” Sydney’s thoughts began to swim. “Sean wants to wait and see what the outcome is.” Everything was happening so quickly. He wanted her to move into his place as soon as they landed, and he looked forward to raising a family with her, immediately. “And you?” “Scared. Excited.” She shrugged. “Mostly scared.” What did she know about raising a child, or for that matter, being a wife? Her sister chuckled, giving Sydney a little hug. “Can’t say I don’t blame you.” “Cameron, do you think that with the right people, you could run Duncan Publishing without Sean?” Big blue eyes grew even larger. “You guys aren’t thinking of leaving New Jersey?” Shock as well as a hint of fear rose in Cameron’s high-pitched tone. “No. No!” Sydney repeated firmly. “I want Sean to pursue his engineering career. It’s what he really wants to do. I thought that maybe you—we—could run the house.” She shrugged, breaking eye connection. “Never mind. It was a stupid idea. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.” Another airplane sped down the runway. As they watched the craft lift into the air, reaching for the clouds, silence stretched between them. “You really love him, don’t you?”

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Chills raced across Sydney’s arms as she faced Cameron. “Yes.” I’ve loved him forever. “I can’t believe I didn’t see this relationship building. Since you moved in with us, it appeared you two hated each other.” “What can I say? Guess there is some truth in the old adage that there’s a thin line between love and hate. At times he makes me so mad I could chew nails. And other times…” Her voice softened as thoughts of last night’s loving touched her. With each of his passionate kisses, strokes, her body heated. “He makes me feel like the luckiest woman on earth.” “Who’s the luckiest woman on earth?” Sean’s deep voice put a smile back on Sydney’s face. He wore the same huge grin. Eying him from head to toe, she slowly slid her tongue between her lips. The man could fill out a pair of jeans like no other. What she would give to run her palms beneath his thin sweater and caress each and every hidden muscle, one by one. “Me,” she whispered. “I am.” “That makes me the luckiest man on earth.” He took her into his arms and captured her mouth with his. He smelled of warm sunshine, soap and aftershave. She lolled her head back, neck arching to receive every drugging kiss he offered. “Damned if I’ll stand here and watch you two make out like two randy teenagers in public,” Cameron squawked. “What’s good for the goose isn’t good for the gander?” Sean laughed. Subtly Cameron rubbed her extended middle finger up and down her cheek, flipping her brother off, before she winked at Sydney. “I’m out of here.” Spinning on a boot heel, she headed straight for the rest of their party seated and waiting.

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Sean twirled a dark lock of her hair around a finger and slightly tugged. “You know Mom is expecting us at her house for dinner tonight. Did you want me to tell her about us or do you want to do it together?” Sydney’s throat tightened, and a knot formed as her confidence plummeted. “W-whatever you think is best.” He brushed a tendril that had worked out of her ponytail behind her ear. “Why don’t I talk to her first?” “You don’t think Mom is going to be happy, do you?” “In all honesty, I don’t know.” Reality gripped Sydney in its tight grasp. Would their unexpected relationship break this family apart? Unease forced her from his arms. “I think I’ll use the restroom before we board.” Sean lightly kissed her. “You better hurry.” As she made her way through the throng, anxiety crept over her skin. She loved the Duncans and would never do anything to cause a rift in their family. Was she being a fool, thinking she could have Sean and a family? When she entered the bathroom, the strong scent of antiseptic filled her nose and her stomach churned. She sought the first available stall. Without thinking beyond the moment, she unfastened her jeans and pushed them down to her knees and froze. The rusty spot, not yet blood, against the stark white cotton patch of her thong heralded the bittersweet news. Sydney didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She wasn’t pregnant. It took her a moment to clean up and get her emotions under control. As much as she wanted—needed—to believe that Sean was marrying her because he loved her, a sliver of doubt rose. What if this news changed everything?

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Exiting the restroom, the first person she saw was Sean. As always, her heart started to beat fast. People were already boarding as she hastened to join him. His brows dipped. “Are you okay?” She briskly nodded, moving past him with her head down. She wasn’t ready to talk. Sean handed their tickets to the flight steward and followed her. When he settled in his aisle seat, she was gazing out the window. “Syd?” “Yeah.” She bit her bottom lip. “Baby, look at me. Are you—” He stopped midsentence, frowning. “What’s wrong?” She raised her eyes to meet his. “I’m not pregnant.” His nonplussed expression was difficult to read. “You sure?” Was he happy? Sad? Relieved? When he didn’t say anything more, she raised her chin, steadying herself. “Now there isn’t any reason for us to marry.” Sean’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think that’s what matters to me?” He cupped her face in his hands. “I love you, Sydney. Baby or no baby. I want to be with you.” Tears burned behind her eyelids. “Really?” Slipping the armrest between them up, he pulled her into his arms. He rested his chin atop her head as he held her close. “Really.” That’s when Sydney realized that the love she’d found was real. She snuggled against him and within seconds drifted asleep.

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Beyond the tension that had surrounded dinner, for the first time since Sean returned home, his world felt right. For years he had watched Sydney interact with his family, but it was different tonight. They fit as a family—she fit. Would his mother realize what he had? Sydney belonged here with them—with him—forever. From the family room connected to the dining room where he sat, he heard her gentle laughter before she appeared from out of the kitchen with his mother and sister. Scents of pot roast and cinnamon from the apple pie they’d eaten earlier lingered. Before all three of them disappeared back into the kitchen with the last remnants of dinner in hand, he patted the space next to him on the couch. “Mom, come sit with me.” “This doesn’t sound good.” She glanced at Cameron and Sydney and they both moved at once. Their attempts to get through the open archway at the same time would have been funny as they bumped into each other, but both knew what was coming. “Why do I get the feeling those two know what this is all about?” A swirl of ash-blonde hair was swept up and fastened away from her face and her slender neck was highlighted by the low cowl-neck sweater, a shade off from her brown slacks. Tall and willowy, she held an elegant, almost royal, tilt to her chin as she took a seat beside him. “What have you done now, Son?” The seriousness in her voice was no competition for the way she pinned her sight on him. Why was it a mother could turn a man into a child with only one look? Of course, perhaps he had reason to feel the guilt that rose hot and fiery up his neck to singe his ears. He swallowed hard, and then cleared his throat. “Mom, I don’t know how else to say this, but I’m in love with Sydney.”

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After dropping the news like an atom bomb and waiting for the fallout, the only sounds were the measured ticks of the grandfather clock against the wall, beating out of sync with his racing heart. They stared at each other and silence stretched as tight as a rubber band just waiting to be released with a snap. “Mom?” She shot a frustrated glance toward the kitchen entrance, and a second more passed before she spoke. “Girls, if you plan to eavesdrop you might as well join us.” Cameron popped her brunette head around the corner. When she inched into the middle of the archway, she reached beyond the wall, grabbing Sydney and dragging her out into the room with her. Both wore sheepish expressions as they moved farther into the room. Their mother shook her head. “I guess I win,” she whispered in an almost revelatory fashion. Cameron’s concerned gaze darted to his. Sean placed a palm on her shoulder. “Mom?” When she gazed up at him, her eyes were glassy with tears. “Your dad and I wondered how long it would take.” “Dad?” he asked, confused. “You and Sydney.” “What?” Cameron screeched, plopping down in a winged chair. “You mean I was the only one oblivious to all of this?” Sean ignored his sister. “But how—” “Sweetheart.” His mother placed her warm palm against his cheek. “When will you learn you can’t hide anything from your mother?” She glanced toward Sydney who stood like a statuette, unmoving in the middle of the room. “Come here, darling.”

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Sydney hesitated, before drifting down beside her. “I’m so sorry.” “Sorry? For loving my son?” She smiled softly. “Don’t ever apologize for loving someone, especially this rascal. He’s pretty hard to resist.” Sean’s and Sydney’s eyes met, and he felt her love reach out for him. “I’ve asked her to marry me.” “I would expect no less.” Their mother batted moist eyelashes and he could see she struggled not to cry. “Now when is this happy occasion taking place?” “We haven’t gotten that far, but she will be moving in with me tonight.” His mother frowned, but she didn’t comment. Instead, she rose. “I need to store the leftovers.” As she began to leave, Sean said, “Mom, what did you mean by winning?” A heavy sigh pushed from her diaphragm. “Your father bet me that after you finished your doctorate and returned home, within a month you would make a move on Sydney. I said my boy had more willpower than that. He would take care of business first.” Then she smiled. “Your dad reminded me you were just a man—like him.” And then she blushed, her gaze clouding over as if reliving a private memory. A single tear swelled, and she swallowed hard. “Cameron, would you like to help me?” “Do I have a choice?” Their mother chuckled. “No.” When they were alone, Sean pulled Sydney into his arms and captured her mouth with his. Her lips parted and he swept in to devour hers. She tasted of cinnamon and a future that only now made sense. As his hand slipped beneath her sweater, she grabbed him around the wrist. “Uh-uh. I will not have Mom catching you feeling me up on her family-room couch.” “That wasn’t all I had planned to do.”

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She swatted at his hand as he cradled one of her breasts. “You’re incorrigible.” “Mom,” his voice rose, while he never lost eye contact with Sydney. Then he pushed to his feet, dragging her with him. “We’re leaving. Thanks for dinner.” “Be careful, and Sean don’t—” Her muffled request was lost on him as he closed the door behind them. Sounds of waves breaking on the beach joined Sydney’s cutest giggle. Above them a starry night glistened. Sean swore the Man in the Moon looked down upon them with a mischievous grin as they raced across the immaculately groomed yard, escaping like two wayward children. Sydney giggled, the girlish laughter so sweet and innocent. When they reached his car, he trapped her between the vehicle and his body, and then he took her lips in a drugging kiss. “I don’t know if I can make it all the way home.” His rock-hard cock pushed angrily against his zipper, demanding release. His hands trembled with the need to touch her. “Me either,” she moaned against his mouth. “Boathouse,” they both said at once.

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Chapter Eight

Dust tickled Sydney’s nose. The boathouse hadn’t been used or cleaned since the death of their father. Sean gave her no time to ponder the thought as his firm body sealed her against the wall. “Baby, this is going to be hard and fast.” The need in his voice and his jeans-clad hips moving against hers made her nipples tighten. Sparks of sensation splintered in all directions. But it was the feel of his arousal pressed so hard against her that made her wet, ready. And then he paused. “Shit.” “What?” “Uh. What about—uhmmm.” “Oh!” Sydney had completely forgotten she was on her period. “My first day is spotty, almost nonexistent.” She didn’t continue on to say that half the time she didn’t even use a tampon, like today. “Then it’s okay.” “Oh hell yes.” She crammed her hands beneath his sweater and hissed when skin touched skin. His mouth crushed hers, his lips firm and possessive. Sydney moaned, her knees threatening to buckle as his tongue probed the depths of her mouth. She needed this man more than she needed to breathe. “God, I can’t wait to fuck you. Feel your pussy squeezing my dick.” His dirty talk sent goose bumps across her flesh. Her heart beat a mile a minute against her chest.

Mackenzie McKade

“Then fuck me, Sean. Do it now.” Sydney needed to feel him deep inside her, filling her, completing her. A growl rumbled in his throat as his hands went for the button of her jeans, as her fingers fumbled at his belt. A moment of clarity sparked when they realized that if they dealt with their own pants they could be making love sooner. Together they pushed their jeans to their ankles, realizing they had encountered another problem—their boots—more specifically her boots. “Dammit.” Sean pressed his forehead against hers. “Looks like hard and fast is turning into slow and awkward.” His chuckle turned sultry. “Turn around, baby.” Keeping eye contact, she pivoted. In the darkened room, shadows bathed his handsome face. “I love you,” came out on its own accord. “I love you too, baby.” Pushing a hand up the back of her sweater, he traced a finger down her spine, sending chills along its path. “You have such a beautiful body. Put your palms against the wall. Bend over for me.” Sydney’s pussy flamed as she felt the cool wood beneath her touch. She swayed her back, presenting him with her ass. When his palm smoothed down her abdomen, his touch a breath away, a wave of moisture anointed her thighs. Her inner muscles drew taut. Then his fingertips caressed the length of her swollen folds and she cried his name. “So hot. Wet. Mmmm…” he hummed. “Spread your legs wider.” When she did, he pushed beyond her swollen folds, flicking his thumb across her clit. She gasped. “Sean, please.” “Touch yourself, baby. Do what I’m doing across your slick heat.” Slipping one hand between her thighs, Sydney ran her fingertips over her moist flesh.

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“Yeah, that’s it.” She heard him breathe deep. Felt his lips nuzzle her neck. “Now your clit.” If he didn’t shut up she was going to implode. She’d never been so turned on by her own touch. Felt so daring. Finding the engorged bud, she rubbed slowly, back and forth, dipping her head and closing her eyes as that feel-good feeling shimmered up inside her. He nipped her earlobe, and then eased back. Cupping her breasts, he plucked at her nipples, pinching and teasing, until her body shook. Her head rose and she glanced over her shoulder. Shrouded in darkness, he had an almost mysterious, dangerous mien. “Faster,” he growled. His rough, throaty command added to the heat surging throughout her. Sydney rocked her hips against her hand, her breaths quick and uneven. She trembled, so close, so very close. When he replaced her finger with his, her thighs began to tremble, her orgasm started to bloom and unfurl. One second she was concentrating, the next he entered her from behind in one powerful thrust. Like a glass bulb being dropped, she shattered. The fullness of their joined bodies tossed her over the edge. With the stream of fire that shot up her core, a strangled cry squeezed from her throat. Bathed in shivers, she braced herself against the wall. He bucked against her once, twice, and then stilled. His fingers biting into her breasts set off another series of quakes as his seed released, bathing her insides and forcing the whirlwind of her climax to go on and on. “Oh yeah,” he moaned, collapsing against her back. Sydney’s knees wobbled as she took his weight. The last of her earth-shaking orgasm was a weak throb. Carefully, he extracted himself from her, turning her around to wrap her in his embrace.

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“Thank you,” he whispered against her ear. “For what?” “Making all my dreams come true.” Sydney chuckled softly. “I think you have that backward.” She brushed the hair from his face. “You are my dream come true.” He squeezed her, before smoothing his palms down her arms. “Think we should go before Mom and Cameron realize we’re still here?” Embarrassment heated her face. “Ohmygod. I didn’t think of that.” His deep laughter met her words. “Let’s go home.” He took her hand in his and they exited the boathouse together. They were halfway to the car when Sydney pulled to stop. Home? A tremor raced through her. She gazed into the eyes of the man she loved. “Something wrong?” “No. Everything is perfect, except for one thing.” “What’s that?” They started walking again. “I spoke with Cameron while we were helping Mom prepare dinner. What would you say to her managing Duncan Publishing?” This time it was he who halted. Even with dulled light, Sydney could see his jaws tighten. His brows bunched together. “Hear me out before you get angry.” Resting her palms carefully on his chest, she felt the heave of his breathing, so she quickly added. “If she—we—are successful in running the house without you, then you would be free to pursue your career. Engineering.” “What?” His eyes widened in what appeared to be disbelief. For a moment he didn’t speak. His voice softened. “You and Cameron would do this for me?”

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On tiptoes Sydney brushed her lips across his. “We would do anything for your happiness.” “Yes!” He pumped his fist through the air. His abrupt outburst startled her, but she quickly recovered, laughing. As he jerked her off her feet and spun her around and around, a squeal squeezed from her diaphragm. “Stop it.” She closed her eyes with a smile on her face. “You’re making me dizzy.” Slowly Sydney slid down his firm body. Her eyes opened to meet his and her breath caught at the love she saw reflecting back at her. “I’m going to make you the happiest woman alive. Promise.” “You already have. Take me home, Sean.”

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About the Author

A taste of the erotic, a measure of daring and a hint of laughter describe Mackenzie McKade’s novels. She sizzles the pages with scorching sex, fantasy and deep emotion that will touch you and keep you immersed until the end. Whether her stories are contemporaries, futuristics or fantasies, this Arizona native thrives on giving you the ultimate erotic adventure. When not traveling through her vivid imagination, she’s spending time with three beautiful daughters, three devilishly handsome grandsons and the man of her dreams. She loves to write, enjoys reading and can’t wait ’til summer. Boating and jet skiing are top on her list of activities. Add to that laughter and if mischief is in order—Mackenzie’s your gal! To learn more about Mackenzie, please visit www.mackenziemckade.com. Send an email to Mackenzie at [email protected] or catch her on

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Look for these titles by Mackenzie McKade

Now Available: Six Feet Under Fallon’s Revenge A Warrior’s Witch Lisa’s Gift Lost but not Forgotten Second Chance Christmas Black Widow Merry Christmas, Paige Blue Moon Ties That Bind Bound for the Holidays Bound by the Past Bound by Desire Wild Oats Take Me Take Me Again

Things aren’t always what they seem…and that can be a really good thing.

Blue Moon

© 2011 Mackenzie McKade Two years ago Samantha Dawson had everything she wanted—a close family, a promising career, and a man she loved. Until the night before her oldest sister’s wedding, a night of celebration and too much alcohol that tore her world apart. Devastated, she fled Oregon for Phoenix. Now she’s home for her little sister’s wedding, and just her luck, the best man is her ex-boyfriend. Worse, no one involved in that fateful night seems to want to let the past die an ugly death. Kyle Ackland has no memory of the events that destroyed his life, but he’ll never forget the woman who set his body on fire. Sam’s emotional barriers are as solid as the Cascade Mountains, but he’s determined to chip them away one sensual kiss at a time. Yet even if he succeeds, what’s left of their love could crumble under the weight of past sins…and present secrets. Warning: Contains betrayal, lies, and reacquainted love that sizzles the words right off the page. Enjoy the following excerpt for Blue Moon: Wakefulness came with a price. Sam’s temples throbbed. Her head felt as if it would explode at any moment. Smacking her lips, she badly needed a drink of something. Her mouth was so dry she doubted a gallon of water could satisfy her. What the hell happened last night?

She squinted. Before the ray of sunlight spearing through the slit in her bedroom curtains could blind her, she pinched her eyelids closed. In the quiet darkness that followed it felt as if the room was spinning. But it couldn’t be. She lay flat on her stomach. Her face buried in a pillow. What she couldn’t quite make out was what was she lying on. While she mentally shook off the lingering effects of slumber, she squirmed against the hard and unyielding object, seeking comfort. “Baby, if you keep moving like that I swear I’ll roll you over and have my way with you again.” The deep, sultry voice made the air in her lungs freeze. No. No. No. Please let her be asleep, caught in some horrible dream like all the others that plagued her night after night. Better judgment told her to remain silent, but she wasn’t one to follow her own advice. “Kyle?” she croaked. A warm palm slid across her back and grasped an ass cheek, squeezing, and something stirred beneath her. The action sent her hormones screaming. This was not a dream. It was real. Kyle was real. That something growing larger beneath her was real. Really. Really. Real. Gauging by the way his hips shifted and that something sinfully wedged itself between her thighs—her bare thighs to be exact—she was in trouble. In fact, she wore not a stitch of clothes and neither did he. “Who’d you think it was?” His familiar chuckle sent a sense of dread slamming into the excitement her wayward body was hell-bent on experiencing. With lightning speed, her pulse jumped and raced. Sam swallowed, but the cottony taste lingered, refusing to get past the golf ball-size knot in her throat. Afraid to open her eyes, she fought desperately to dismiss the obvious.

She did not sleep with Kyle last night. Her body was not warring with her mind to widen her legs. And the throb in her nipples was not a sign that she wanted him. Scattered snippets of the night floated aimlessly in her head, but try as she might portions of the night remained missing, like how she got to her room. Then her dance, her conversation with Troy popped into her head. Sam groaned aloud. “You okay, Sam?” His large hand smoothed up her back, brushing away her hair as his fingertips danced across her skin. “Can I get you anything? A drink?” Nooo… No more to drink. A gun might be a better choice, because she couldn’t bear to open her eyes and face the mess she’d created. A shiver slithered across her skin. Was this how Kyle had felt that night? Had he really been too intoxicated to recognize the difference between her and Cathy? Her stomach rolled. “Baby?” “Please don’t call me that.” Inhaling a shaky breath, she opened her eyes, turned and stared directly into his crystal blue ones. His tousled hair, the sly, seductive smirk on his face, made her pause, but not for long. “This was a mistake.” She should have spoken to Cathy last night. Should have discovered the truth, before she let anything like this happen. His hand tensed against her skin. His grin died a quick death. “The hell it was.” Several worry lines furrowed his forehead. “I wanted you. You wanted me.” “I was drunk.” It was a poor excuse and she knew it the minute the stupid words left her mouth.

Kyle’s brows shot up so quickly they almost touched his hairline. “So drunk you don’t remember what happened? What? You have five, six, maybe seven glasses of champagne?” Sam stopped counting after five. He flashed her one of those how’s-it-feel-to-be-in-my-shoes looks. “You know, Sam, I had a hell of a lot more to drink that night.” Both of them knew exactly what night he spoke of. And yes, she wanted to believe him, but first she had to speak with her sister. Careful not to touch him any more than she had to, she climbed off his decadent body and the bed, dragging a pillow along with her. Using it like a shield before her, she inched her chin higher. “You should leave, Kyle.” “No. Please.” Muscles bunched, rippled beneath his sun-kissed skin as he moved across the bed and stood before her. “Sam, don’t push me away. Forget the past. Look at what we could have together.” We would be married. Maybe even have a child. His words rang in her ears. Of all the things for her to remember from their night together. The sob building in her throat nearly undid her. It didn’t help that the room smelled musky of sex, their coupling. Squeezing her lips together, an attempt to keep her emotions at bay, she shook her head. “I can’t. Every time I close my eyes I see you with her,” she admitted. “I don’t want to live with that memory in my head each time I look at you.” “Please, baby. Don’t do this to us.” “You hurt me.” She couldn’t mask the trembling in her voice. Then the truth tumbled out. “I don’t know if I could ever trust you again.” “But—”

Sam held up a hand, silencing him. “Don’t.” Couldn’t he see her heart was breaking? The weight inside her chest was suffocating. What happened last night only made things worse. This had been her fault. She had no one to blame but herself. “I can’t go through this again.” Kyle reached for her. Before she could dodge his grasp, he jerked her to him. She slammed into his chest, knocking the pillow out of her hands. It dropped between them. Skin to skin, Sam stood on rubbery legs. He lowered his head. His lips were a breath away from hers and she almost melted. Almost. “Please don’t kiss me.” It was a plea. Blinking back tears, she knew she wasn’t strong enough to resist him. “Is that all it would take for you to be mine again?” The ruthlessness in his tone sent another shiver down her spine. He held her a little tighter, a little closer. “Yes.” Even as she made the confession, something inside her died. Pride. What little she had left oozed out of her. There was no need to deny it. She still loved and hated him. “I want you, Sam.” His abrupt release left her staggering. “But not at the price of your dignity.” Jaws clenching, he made a see-saw motion, before he spoke again. “When you come back to me it will be because you want to. I can’t apologize any longer for something I can’t remember. And I won’t live here anymore pretending like my life is okay.” Backbone rigid, he stepped away from her and began to gather his clothes. The bed moaned beneath his weight as he sat, pushing one leg and then another into his pants before he fastened them. Not bothering with donning a shirt, he marched to the door and jerked it open. He took one more long look at her before slamming the door behind him. Sam startled. Her pulse raced even faster.

The change in his demeanor left her speechless and cold, a chill that went bone deep.

She wants a piece of his rock. He needs her, rock steady, in his heart.

A Little Wild

© 2011 Kate St. James Tess Sheridan won’t let anything stop her from making partner at a prestigious law firm, especially her notoriously soft heart. The result? She’s a handful of clients away from getting her name on that brass plate. And she hasn’t had sex in over a year. When her best friend dares her to test-drive her erotic fantasies with a gorgeous stranger, she figures, why not? Loosening the reins will give her inner nympho some well-deserved pampering without jeopardizing her career goals. Zach Halliday has enjoyed his bad-boy reputation to the fullest, but now it’s time to leave the relative safety of the family corporation and prove he can stand on his own in the business world. That doesn’t mean he’ll pass up an opportunity for some incredible phone sex with the beautiful strawberry blonde he met in a bar. When business overlaps with the bedroom, Zach sees something special in Tess and is determined to convince her he’s the man she needs, anytime, anyplace. She can backpedal, but come hell or high-climbing-wall, he wants the fascinating, complicated sex bomb in his bed. Over and over again… Warning: This book contains explicit, melt-your-panties sex (phone and otherwise), and inappropriate use of wild cherry ice cream. Insights on rejuvenating your own inner nympho may be inspired upon reading. Enjoy the following excerpt for A Little Wild: Jack Halloran’s hands were all over her, caressing her breasts, her tummy, her thighs…parting her legs, slowly, deliberately…nearly there, nearly touching her

clit…ohhh…then drifting away again, teasing, tormenting, filling her with unquenchable lust. Letting out a whimper, Tess slid deeper into the tub. Hot water skimmed her chin as her freshly washed hair floated around her. Millions of jasmine-scented bubbles lapped at her raised knees and buoyed her arms. If she sank low enough, consciously clearing her mind, and allowed the soothing effects of a long, hot soak to take over, her fantasies of Jack Halloran would vanish down the drain with the bubbles. They had to. She’d be useless at work on Monday if she didn’t free herself from these maddening physical distractions. And Chloe wondered why Tess intended to remain celibate while she worked her way up at the firm. Surrendering to the demands of her body always messed with her head. She needed focus, not diversions. In a few years, she’d rethink things, dip her toes into the sex pool again. There’d be other men like Jack Halloran. She had plenty of time. A hollow ache balled in her chest. Plugging her nose, she submerged herself completely. The weight of the water thumped in her ears, and welcome heat drenched her skin. When her lungs contracted, she came up for air. The phone on the lowered toilet lid rang. She tugged the towel on the inside-tub rod to dry her face. Usually, she didn’t bring the telephone into the bathroom. However, last night her youngest sister had called to report that their mother was experiencing a major housecleaning fit. At such times, their father made himself scarce, which upset Patrice Sheridan, who maintained she only kept a perfect house to please him. In truth, Tess and her sisters realized their mother entered housecleaning overload whenever she felt neglected or under some other equally disturbing

Mike-Sheridan-induced stress. Calling each of her daughters and griping about Dad seemed to calm Mom. Curving her wet hair behind one ear, Tess sat halfway up in the tub. She glanced at the call display. Private. Frowning, she clicked Talk. “Yes?” “Tess S.?” Jack! Her nipples contracted into tight, tingling peaks. She could blame the reaction on the fact that warm, sudsy water no longer covered her breasts, but she knew better. Her body had responded to his low, sensual voice in much the same way Wednesday night. Wait. How had he found her phone number? She jerked up. Her elbow hooked the towel, dragging it into the water. Shit! “Just a minute.” She fumbled with the wet terry cloth. Too late. It was soaked through. And plastered against her stiff nipples. “Tess?” he repeated, concern softening his deep voice. She anchored the towel beneath her arms to prevent it from skating around and destroying her precious bubbles. She leaned back against the tub, the jasmine-scented water splashing and her breathing choppy. In her rush, she’d positioned the towel width-wise, and the wet terry cloth hovered at the tops of her thighs. “Sorry, I…wasn’t dressed.” Her face warmed. His concern segued into libidinous male interest. “Now you are?” “Um, kind of.” “Too bad,” he murmured. The drenched towel rasped against her nipples, and a satisfying buzz centered between her thighs. She wiggled her hips, and the buzz deepened. Hmm. She’d never before considered the erotic possibilities of having a towel in the tub—but she did now.

Of course, she wouldn’t act on those urges. At least not while she had Jack on the phone. Unless, well, he could participate, too. She shook her head to dispel the hot fantasy. How had he found her? The fake number she’d passed him wasn’t anything like her own. The directory listed her as T. A. Sheridan—a far cry from Tess S. And she’d opted out of every online listing she could find. “I’m surprised you could reach me,” she said warily. His gravely chuckle spread through her. “I’ll bet.” She didn’t want to think about bets. “How did you get this phone number?” “You gave it to me, remember?” No, she hadn’t. And he knew so. That he’d discovered it should alarm her. Aside from Wednesday night, she’d never met him before. He could be a lunatic—or worse. Yet, something in Jack Halloran’s voice reassured her that he was quite sane. Recalling his affable responses to her botched pickup lines mollified her fears, too. If he’d wanted to take advantage of her, he could have done so Wednesday night. But he hadn’t. “Yeah, Jack, about that number…” She let her voice trail off. She’d circumvent the truth out of him, a handy trick learned in law school. For a moment, he didn’t respond. Then the friendly tone she remembered from Danver’s returned. “Don’t worry about it. Women give me fake phone numbers all the time. That’s why I blocked mine before I called. In case you were toying with me again.” Despite a few loitering notes of caution, she smiled. As if any woman wouldn’t love the attention of a gorgeous guy like Jack Halloran. He probably beat back hordes of adoring females on a daily basis.

Relaxing, she planted a foot on the tub’s overflow vent. The loosening towel rubbed her sensitized flesh, and the warm, bubbly water caressed her bikinitrimmed mound. Mmm. She closed her eyes and luxuriated in the bliss of her arousal. Her fingers yearned to move with the water’s flow, to touch, dip, stroke, indulge herself…just a little bit…please. What would be the harm? Jack wouldn’t know what she was doing, he couldn’t, unless she chose to tell him. A sensuous shiver raced through her. “And you’re a PI?” she asked, her voice sounding languorous in the steam-filled bathroom. “That’s how you dig up the real numbers?” “No. Your friend gave me yours as you were leaving.” “She did what?” Tess bolted upright in the tub. The towel slipped and jasmine-scented froth slopped out onto the bathmat. Chloe was about to become one very dead best fiend! No wonder she’d grinned the whole time she was here. She’d outwitted Tess at every turn. “You were ahead of her leaving the pub, so maybe you didn’t notice,” Jack said. “She said you experience temporary dyslexia when you drink and might have written down the wrong phone number by mistake.” “I don’t get temporary dyslexia!” Was there such a thing? “Then you admit you gave me the wrong number on purpose?” “I—” The towel drifted onto her lower legs. She kicked it partway off. She should drown herself. Here and now. Save herself the humiliation of dealing with the consequences of Chloe’s treachery. “Or was hitting on me the tequila talking?” Tess lifted a hand. “No. I wasn’t drunk, I promise.” Drinking and debauching wasn’t her style. That she’d hit on Jack while slightly buzzed was

bad enough, but when she slept with him—uh, if—she intended to be stone-cold sober. Well, not cold, exactly. Probably extra warm. Ooh Godddd, she really was going nuts. The point was, when and if they ever did it, she wanted to be fully aware of every delicious moment. With a studmuffin like Jack Halloran at her disposal, she certainly wouldn’t risk dulling her senses with alcohol. “Just tipsy, then?” he persisted. “More like emboldened.” His hearty laugh caressed her ear. “Tess S., you amaze me.” Her nipples tingled. She slid back into the sudsy water, re-covering rebellious body parts. “Yes, emboldened,” she stated in her best authoritative-lawyer tone. “Take it or leave it. It’s my final offer.” “I’ll take it. When would you like to go out?” “Out?” “Yeah, our date. You do recall asking for one?” “Yes, but…” Sinful heat danced in her veins. Here was her chance to prove Chloe wrong—for real this time. And what a perfect opportunity to quash her own doubts. She could have that carefree life she’d always envisioned. All she had to do was start by saying yes to Jack. She trailed her hand down her bubble-strewn thigh, and sensation arrowed between her legs.

As a matter of fact, she could start right now. Considering the signals her insistent body kept sending her, it wouldn’t take much to rev herself up again. Treat herself to some titillating phone action—and go a little wild. She was safe with Jack. Somewhere deep inside herself, an illogical but steadfast seed blossomed. She felt safer with a man she’d met three days ago than she did with her platonic male friends. She felt incredibly safe…and a million kinds of naughty. She deserved this. Yes, she did. She deserved to take him with her.

He’ll put her on display, if that’s what it takes to keep her…

Flaunt It

© 2011 Natasha Moore When it comes to sexy and sassy, Piper, the most popular waitress at Ben’s bar, has it all going on. Now that they’re dating, though, Ben wishes she’d dial down the skimpy clothes and flirty attitude, and her habit of dancing around the bar and flashing to her favorite song. Every teasing peek at her body, every laugh at some customer’s lousy joke, is certainly good for business—but it sends his jealousy meter into the red zone. They’re dating, sure, but he’s no muscled, tattooed stud with diamonds in his ears. How can he compete, especially when she refuses to even spend the night at his place? Desperate, Ben books a room at his friend Paolo’s fantasy club, hoping an erotic night in front of a two-way mirror will get her exhibitionist streak out of her system. Praying it won’t prove his greatest fears—that she lives only to show off. And he’s not that special to her at all… Warning: Flirting and pole dancing, hot sex and showing off for an invisible audience. Stop by the playhouse and live out your fantasies! Enjoy the following excerpt for Flaunt It: The sky was beginning to cloud up by the time Ben got to Piper’s place. She lived in a sprawling first-floor apartment in an old brick Victorian house. As he climbed the stairs to the door she’d painted bright yellow, he could hear loud music blasting through the open upstairs windows. Was that banjo picking? Her doorbell played “I Love Rock and Roll”.

When she opened her apartment door to let him in, he said, “Do you want me to say something to the guy upstairs about the music?” Just don’t tell me he’s six foot five and built like a linebacker. “No, it’s okay. We’re going out anyway.” She kissed his cheek as he walked through the door into the long hallway painted the same color as the door. “But thanks for the offer.” Ben finally got a chance to really look at Piper when they reached the large living room with the high ceilings and the bow window. His breath left his lungs as he stared at her. Soft had never been a word he’d use to describe Piper. She was bold, brash, sexy, even a little bit wild. But tonight for some reason, she’d softened her edge. Her short platinum blonde hair was smooth around her face with a gentle flip at the ends. The pink streak was barely visible. Her makeup seemed softer too, although he couldn’t really say how. “Wow. That dress.” He swallowed. “You look great.” It was a piece of silky silver sin, held up by skinny straps and skimming her body in all the right places. He couldn’t wait to get it off her. “And look at those shoes.” No sneakers tonight. She wore sparkly silver sandals with heels higher than he’d ever seen her wear before. “Very nice.” Her eyes lit up at the compliments. Hmm, maybe he didn’t say those pretty words often enough. She stepped up to him and smoothed the front of his black button-down shirt. “Mmm. You clean up well too.” She kissed him then, her lips hot and wet, her mouth hungry as she nibbled on his lower lip. She rubbed up against his body with a promise of what was to come. He pulled away long enough to stare into her blue eyes and gasp for breath. “Thanks.” He captured her lips once more and she made those sounds in the

back of her throat that always drove him crazy. Everything in him wanted to lay her down and take her. Right here. Right now. He eyed her carefully. “How are you doing? Still up for this tonight?” “Yeah, I’m good. I got my second wind in the shower.” Her eyes were bright again. So was her smile. “In the shower? You had to mention the shower?” Piper wet. Naked. Ben was even harder than he had been a moment ago. “The thought of you all soapy and slippery is driving me crazy.” He groaned and rubbed his face against her silky hair. “God, you smell good.” He pressed his aching cock into her hip. “You feel good too, Piper. Too good.” Piper swayed in his arms to the music playing in the background. She always had music playing, no matter where they were. Tonight it was bluesy jazz. She probably wouldn’t mind the music coming from upstairs if it wasn’t old-school country; she’d never been a fan of twang. She brushed her body seductively against his erection with every move she made. “Are you going to tell me now what the fantasy is?” “Let’s keep it a surprise.” “You’re mean, Ben,” she said with a frown. There was that cute little pout again. “You’re a mean, mean man.” He growled in jest and nipped her neck. “Yep, that’s me. Pure evil.” Her laughter was the only music he needed. She slid one hand down to rub the ridge beneath his zipper. “Are we in a hurry?” Damn but it was tempting. He glanced up at the daisy clock on the wall. They didn’t have much time. But the way her small hand was strumming his zipper made up his mind for him. How could he resist that invitation? What the hell, the Playhouse was right down the street. Maybe it would be a good idea to take the edge off their arousal. Otherwise, it might be a real short

visit to the playroom. He glanced at his watch and pretended to contemplate the question. “I guess we’ve got a little time.” She smiled and gracefully sank to her knees. Her busy hands had his zipper down and his cock released in a matter of seconds. A shiver ran through his body when she took him in her hands and began to stroke. “Are you sure you can’t tell me what room we’re going to?” She didn’t look up at him, appeared instead to be concentrating on his throbbing dick. Ben’s laugh sounded more like a groan. Oh hell, it was a groan. He thought a little sex would be enough to get her mind off her questions for a few minutes, but he should have known better. “It’s a surprise.” Piper ran her tongue lightly along the length of his cock, not much more than a tease. “I don’t think I like surprises.” He grasped her hair and tipped her head up so he could look in her big blue eyes. “You love surprises. Now open your mouth.” Her grin widened and she parted her lips for him. It was heaven to sink into her hot, wet mouth. Her tongue was like velvet rubbing against his throbbing shaft. He kept his hands on her head, as if he could ever keep her where he wanted her to be. She twisted her head for a moment, doing a little corkscrew sucking that nearly drove him over the edge. Then she stopped. Stopped dead. His cock was still buried in her mouth, but she didn’t move, didn’t suck or lick. She raised her wide eyes to meet his and he could see the mischievous glint in their depths. He could have rocked his hips and fucked her mouth, but that wasn’t the way he wanted the night to go. He was already forcing her to go to the Playhouse, to a room she might not be too happy about. He released his grip on her hair and she sat back on her heels just far enough that he slipped from her

mouth. “Tease,” he groaned. He couldn’t help but laugh at the look of feigned innocence on her face. She leaned forward and licked the very tip of his cock. He jumped at the touch of her soft, wet tongue. Then she slowly straightened. “Are you sure you don’t want to tell me?” Her voice was light yet seductive. One more lick and another seductive smile. Yeah, she was teasing him. He couldn’t let her get away with that, could he? He grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet. She laughed and pretended to drag her feet as he pulled her over to the old plaid sofa. She’d told him she bought it at a second-hand store because it was so long and deep it must have been built with sex in mind. “I don’t like to be teased. You should know better than that.”