Love Me Two Times

LOVE ME TWO TIMES

“Ms. Attitude, what did you send me?” Cadence lifted the first silver dome to reveal a plate set with assorted petite fours and chocolate-dipped fruit. Another dish held interestingly shaped chocolates, which, upon closer inspection, turned out to be detailed penises, vaginas, butts and breasts. Cadence laughed and stuck a chocolate penis into her mouth. It seemed the only way she was going to get to suck one. A note had fallen to one side, but now she saw it and lifted the creamy paper from the envelope… Surprise. Thought you could use this. I can highly recommend everything on this cart. Don’t be afraid to take a chance, make your wish and satisfy all your urges! M. Cadence peeked under the third dish, which proved to be some sort of exotic fruit pastry topped with whipped cream. She stuck a finger into the sweetness and licked it off. “You don’t have to ask me twice,” she said. “Come to Mama.” Then she screamed at the top of her lungs because the white cloth lifted and a man stepped out from under the cart…

ALSO BY M EGAN HART After Class All You Can Eat The Clear Cold Light Of Morning Convicted Dream Upon Waking Driven Emerald Isle An Exaltation Of Larks Friendly Fire From Distant Shores Lonesome Bride Love Match Love Me Two Times Monster In The Closet Nothing In Common Opening The Door Passion Model Playing The Game Pot Of Gold Right To Remain Riverboat Bride Sand Castle A Siege Of Herons Trial By Fire White Wedding With Steps Like Knives

LOVE ME TWO TIMES BY MEGAN HART

AMBER QUILL PRESS, LLC http://www.amberquill.com

LOVE M E TWO TIMES AN AMBER QUILL PRESS BOOK This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. Amber Quill Press, LLC http://www.amberquill.com All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review. Copyright © 2004 by Megan Hart ISBN 1-59279-313-4 Cover Art © 2004 Trace Edward Zaber

Layout and Formatting provided by: ElementalAlchemy.com

PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

To every sexy rock star who makes our hearts beat faster

LOVE ME TWO TIMES

LOVE ME TWO TIMES

Surprise. Cadence Murphy lifted the extravagantly gift-wrapped box from her pillow and contemplated it for several minutes before opening it. The card on the front had been written in her best friend Marnia’s distinctive hand. If the gift came from Marnia, it had to be something interesting, potentially embarrassing, definitely a bit bizarre, and most assuredly sexual. The box fit easily into Cadence’s palm, but felt weighty enough to contain something substantial. Jewelry? She shook her head. That didn’t fit. She touched the card again, read the cryptic message, then squared her shoulders and lifted the lid. A burst of stifled laughter made her clap a hand to her lips before she let loose and guffawed. Cadence lifted the small, purple butterfly, attached to a complicated-looking series of black straps, in front of her eyes. Vibrating butterfly, guaranteed to send you flying, read the small card 1

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inside the box. She flipped the plastic insect over to note the ridged underbelly, the protruding “tongue,” presumably meant to stimulate her clit, and the lengthy tail that must be meant to arouse some other parts. Cadence nudged the small button on the butterfly’s head and it began to buzz. The noise was low and unobtrusive, but still startled her enough to shut it off. “Leave it to Marnia.” Cadence looked around the room, halfexpecting to see more of her friend’s surprises, but the king-size suite was empty. Luxurious and decadent, but empty. Not even a token houseboy to unpack her suitcases or rub her feet. The cool plastic had already warmed in her hand, and Cadence looked at it more closely. It wasn’t what she’d have chosen for herself, but then she’d never claimed to be up on trendy sex-toys. Her hand and a detachable showerhead had been about as kinky as she’d ever gotten with herself. Looking at the object in her hand, Cadence’s mind began to whirl with exotic possibilities. A bad breakup had led her to flee to California and La Fleur, the exclusive boutique hotel catering to the famous and the infamous. Movie stars and rock legends had partied here, relationships had formed and broken, men and women of wealth and fame had swum in the pool and leaped from the balconies. Despite all that, La Fleur had never gained the reputation of its sister hotel, the Chateau Marmont. Stars went to the Chateau for the kind of privacy that meant they’d be seen. Guests of La Fleur went there to ensure complete anonymity. Cadence herself had signed in under an assumed name, part of the La Fleur mystique, and she wasn’t even a celebrity, just the friend of one. Marnia Disson, Hollywood’s hottest new actress and Cadence’s best friend since kindergarten, had booked and paid for the room. A special treat—done only the way Marnia could do it—to help Cadence get over the discovery that not only did her boyfriend Charles prefer the 2

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company of other women, he’d decided he wanted to be one, himself. Cadence had grown used to daily orgasms beneath Charles’ talented fingers and tongue, and though it had always seemed a bit odd he’d preferred giving her oral instead of intercourse, she hadn’t complained too much. The man had magic in his mouth. Now, like a junkie denied her fix, Cadence had withdrawal. She’d escaped here to this luxurious hideaway courtesy of Marnia, who claimed all any woman needed was a hot bubble bath and a waterproof vibrator. Cadence didn’t quite agree. Masturbation could be fun, or a necessary evil, depending on your outlook, but it couldn’t replace good old-fashioned, straight-up screwing. “How about you, little fella?” she asked the purple butterfly. “Are you waterproof?” She didn’t think so. The complicated contraption looked more like some kind of mild bondage gadget than a water toy. She thumbed the switch again and another buzzing hum that tickled her palm rewarded her effort. “Worth a try anyway,” she murmured. She slid the butterfly between her thighs. It tickled. After another minute, the tickles became tingles. Cadence unbuttoned her blouse with her free hand and shrugged out of it while teasing herself with the butterfly. The sensation was muted through the fabric of her skirt and panties, but she could tell how great it would feel once she took them off. Of course, she was already halfway to coming just from this sensation alone, a sign of her recently deprived sexual state. She tilted her hips against the butterfly’s determined buzz, and sighed. This was going to be pretty good after all. She cut the power to the bug so she could slip out of her skirt. Dressed only in a black sheer bra, matching thong panties, garter belt and stockings, Cadence stood for a moment to look at herself in the mirror. 3

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“Not bad at all,” she mused, hands on hips, dark chestnut hair mussed and tumbled over her shoulders. “Stupid Charles.” As it turned out, he’d preferred what he called earthier ladies—the ones who didn’t shave their pits or their legs…on purpose, not just because they didn’t feel like it that morning in the shower. The type of girls who wore hemp clothes and vegan shoes, “their only makeup, the blush of the sun, their only perfume their own musky odor.” Direct quote. “That so ain’t me,” Cadence drawled, cocked her hip and tossed her hair over her shoulder. She wished Charles all the best, though she’d miss his loving tongue. He, at least, knew what he wanted to be and do, and had finally found the courage to pursue his dreams. She lifted her breasts and thumbed the nipples until they stood out like rosy buttons beneath the sheer silk. She pinched them lightly, which made her shudder, before sliding her hand down between her legs. The silk rubbed her deliciously as she found the erect nub of her clit with her forefinger. Nice. She stroked herself and watched her eyes grow glazed in the mirror. Her face flushed, the pink traveling down her throat to paint the pale globes of her breasts. She opened her thighs and tilted her hips as she stroked herself through the panties. If she put that butterfly on now, she’d go off like a rocket in seconds. No question. Cadence tilted her head to stare at her sexdrenched reflection. If she was the type to have one-night stands, she’d go down to the bar and find one. As it was, she didn’t like the risks involved, and didn’t want to take the chance on picking up a stud who’d turn out to be a dud. She needed to come, and could count on herself and Marnia’s gift to get her there in a way she couldn’t trust a stranger to do. Too bad the butterfly hadn’t arrived with a partner. As good as it 4

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could make her feel, it wasn’t going to replace the feeling of a long, thick cock inside her. Cadence sighed again, her fingers making lazy circles on her clit. When was the last time she’d been fucked? Really fucked, by a man who was really interested in her? “Too damn long.” She caught herself before she could frown. She wouldn’t think about that now or she’d just get depressed. Marnia had given her this weekend and a nifty sex toy to enjoy. She’d be selfish and stupid not to enjoy it while she could. Whoever had designed this room must’ve sex in mind, she thought as she crossed to the gigantic bed and sat on the edge, butterfly at her fingertips. There were mirrors everywhere, placed so discreetly it didn’t become obvious what they were meant to reflect until you got on the bed. Then it was all too clear what you were supposed to be looking at. She shifted and opened her thighs. One positive thing about being alone. Nobody could block her view. Cadence propped some pillows under her head and put the butterfly back over her clit. She wanted to feel it over her panties just a few moments longer, to tease herself into an explosion that would sate her instead of merely taking the edge off her sexual hunger. She moaned when the little insect began to hum again. Even without it strapped into place, the sensation was exquisite. Slickness coated her, and she dipped a finger inside the edge of her panties to slide inside her tunnel. She slid another finger inside, fucking herself slowly while the butterfly buzzed on her clit. Her breath came faster. She was going to come, oh, yes…right now… The knock on the door startled her upright. The butterfly slid to the bed, where it jumped and jerked against the comforter. Her pussy clenched on her fingers before she pulled them free. The first wave of orgasm stiffened her legs and made her close her eyes. She was caught between holding it off and riding it to its conclusion. For what seemed an eternity Cadence hovered on the verge of climax, her cunt and clit 5

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twitching, her thighs shuddering, her nipples as hard as stone. The knock came again, louder this time, accompanied by a muttered, “Room service!” She hadn’t ordered anything, and it was extremely difficult to think with her body in such an uproar. Cadence blinked and breathed and stepped back from the edge. To her horror, she heard the distinctive sound of a key in the lock and realized she hadn’t turned the deadbolt or hung a “do not disturb” on the handle. She was about to get caught with her pants down…literally. “Just a minute!” She shoved the butterfly beneath a pillow and leaped to her feet. Too late. The door swung open. The young man pushing the large room service cart, covered with a long white cloth and set with a selection of dishes covered by silver domes, didn’t even look surprised. His eyes merely slid over her near-naked body and sex-flushed skin without judgment, and he pointed at the cart. “Your order, ma’am.” Cadence cleared her throat and tried to act like she answered the door in her scanties every day. “Thanks, but I didn’t order anything.” This earned a perplexed look from the steward, who glanced at the notepad in his hand. “Cadence Murphy, courtesy of Ms. Attitude?” That would be Marnia. “Yes, I guess that is me. Thank you.” “My pleasure.” Incredibly, he gave a half-bow. “And the gratuity has already been generously taken care of. Will there be anything else?” For one semi-hysterical moment, Cadence snuck a peek at the room steward’s firm, round ass and thought about asking him if he wanted to jump into bed with her. Common sense and the tell-tale rainbow bracelet with the dangling male/male charm allowed her to keep her dignity. “That’s all, thanks.” With another nod, the steward exited, leaving Cadence to stare at 6

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the elaborately set tray. She gave a burst of nervous laughter and shook herself. She’d had more embarrassing moments, but she’d have been hard-pressed to think of one at the moment. “Ms. Attitude, what did you send me?” Cadence lifted the first silver dome to reveal a plate set with assorted petite fours and chocolate-dipped fruit. Another dish held interestingly shaped chocolates, which, upon closer inspection, turned out to be detailed penises, vaginas, butts and breasts. Cadence laughed and stuck a chocolate penis into her mouth. It seemed the only way she was going to get to suck one. A note had fallen to one side, but now she saw it and lifted the creamy paper from the envelope… —— Surprise. Thought you could use this. I can highly recommend everything on this cart. Don’t be afraid to take a chance, make your wish and satisfy all your urges! M. —— Cadence peeked under the third dish, which proved to be some sort of exotic fruit pastry topped with whipped cream. She stuck a finger into the sweetness and licked it off. “You don’t have to ask me twice,” she said. “Come to Mama.” Then she screamed at the top of her lungs because the white cloth lifted and a man stepped out from under the cart. Cadence stumbled back, heart pounding, legs weak. She’d have fallen but for the man’s long reach and strong hands, which reached to grab her and keep her upright. She had time to notice the pads of his fingers were rough and callused before her backward momentum threw them both off balance. Luckily, the bed was close enough behind them to catch their fall. He landed on her, his belt buckle a cold weight on her clit. His chest crushed hers. His dark hair came loose from its band and fell forward to 7

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tickle her cheeks. “Hello,” the man said. “That wasn’t quite the greeting I expected.” They both noticed the faint buzzing at the same time. Cadence glanced toward the pillow as heat moved over her entire body. The man slid a hand beneath the pillow and pulled out the butterfly. Cadence put her hand over her eyes. “Oh, damn.” The man rolled to one side, one hand resting on her belly, the other grabbing the butterfly. The buzzing stopped. “Wow. Um. I’ve never seen one of these.” Cadence peeked between her fingers. All at once, Marnia’s note became clear. Her friend had done more than send her a batterypowered sex-toy and some calorie-laden sweets. She’d sent Cadence what she really needed. A man. Though Marnia swore by the services of paid escorts, who, she said, could be counted on to give a great lay and leave before morning, Cadence had never tried such a service herself. The man was staring at her intently, still looking puzzled. Cadence rolled her body toward him to look into his eyes. He smelled incredible, and her pussy twitched again. “I am incredibly horny,” she said matter-of-factly. “And honestly, I have never, ever done this before, but you come highly recommended by a friend of mine. So even though this is not my usual style, I’d very much like it if you could fuck me. Um…please.” He blinked rapidly. Was that a blush spreading from his throat up to the impossibly high cheekbones? What kind of escort blushed? “Highly recommended?” The man’s deep voice dipped a little lower. Scratchy and breathy. Damn-fine sexy, and somehow familiar, but Cadence didn’t have time to ponder where she might have heard it before because he was continuing, “Wow.” Her blush must have rivaled his, judging by the way her cheeks felt. 8

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Cadence struggled to sit, but the soft bed and his weight hindered her. Then his hand on her hip stopped her. Following an instinct she didn’t understand, Cadence met his eyes. He didn’t ruin the moment by speaking. He kissed her. Not a soft, tentative, let’s-get-to-know-each-other kiss…hell, no. This man captured her mouth and kissed her like he meant it. Like he couldn’t control himself. His tongue slid between her lips and stroked hers. He tilted her head back, forcing her to open even more beneath him. He kissed her breathless, drew away, then dove in again to kiss her some more. And Cadence was all over it. She wanted more. She let him have his way with her and loved every second of it, not caring she’d probably have bruised lips tomorrow. The man was as fantastic as she’d hoped. Better, even. He kissed like she was the only damn thing in the world, like there was nothing else he ever had to do again. The heat of his hand between her legs made her cry out, and he stifled the noise with his mouth. His finger went unerringly to her clit, but he didn’t stroke her with the same force he was kissing her. His finger rolled in tiny circles over her arousal, fast but perfect, in just the right rhythm to get her off. She’d never had a man like this, one who knew just where and how to touch her, how much strength to use tempered with tenderness. She didn’t even have to wiggle her hips to tell him what she wanted. He just knew. His hand left her clit and she whimpered, but, in the next moment, he’d left her mouth to slide his tongue down her neck, through the valley of her breasts, over her belly and finally, to rest exactly where she wanted him. Right on her clit. He licked the silk of her panties and she arched her back, overcome with pleasure. He licked her again, his tongue making small, circular jabs. He put his hands on the ties at the sides of her panties and pulled them away. She was bare beneath him. 9

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He found her clit with his tongue and lips and—oh, holy mother of pearl—his teeth. He nibbled at her swollen flesh as he slid two fingers into her all the way to the base without preamble, without warning, and just started fucking her with them. Then she was coming, all the way up, over the top, riding that wave of ecstasy. He withdrew, pressed the heel of his hand to her crotch, but didn’t move it. She couldn’t breathe. Her orgasm stuttered, a sensation that under any other circumstances would have made her curse out loud, but Cadence didn’t have the breath to speak. The roller coaster had stopped at the top of the hill with everyone onboard screaming in anticipation of the drop, only to discover when they looked ahead there was only a small dip and a bigger, steeper climb just ahead. And Cadence rode it. Up and up, higher than she’d ever been, the stop and go stutter of her climax building until she thought she might die. Actually die, stop her heart, burst open the pleasure centers of her brain, but damn, she’d die with a smile on her face. “You are absolutely beautiful.” She came back to earth long enough to hear him say, with something like awe in his voice. “Like you’re on fire.” “I am on fire,” she tried to answer, but all that came out was a breathy moan. She became aware of his erection pressing against her thigh. She wanted it inside her. The thought of it, his hard length deep in her core, made orgasm ripple through her again, but again she hovered at the top without quite going over. She wasn’t quite sure how it happened—only that their eyes met and then he was grappling at his belt buckle while she tore his shirt over his head. They wrestled, each striving toward the common goal of getting him naked. He fumbled with the waistband of his boxer briefs and she helped to push them over his muscular thighs. They’d become a tangle of limbs, a writhing, struggling mass of lust 10

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and desire, and the picture they made caused Cadence to laugh, even as her body strained toward climax. Her lover joined her, shaking his head, his chuckle interspersed with short, brief gasps Cadence found incredibly sexy. He rolled on top of her, his cock a stiff, hot branch between her knees and paused. “Oh. Ummm,” Cadence said, thinking fast. Please, Marnia, let your surprise come with all the accessories. “In the box?” The larger box that had once contained the butterfly in its packaging still rested on the bed above her head. The man snagged it with a forefinger, his movement bringing his chest deliciously close to her mouth. Cadence took full advantage of it. Yum. Salt and musk, with a hint of something sweet. Her kiss and the accompanying nibble made him groan. He pulled the box toward them and dumped it out at their sides. “Thank you, Ms. Attitude,” Cadence murmured at the sight of the dozen or so silver foil packets scattered on the comforter. The man snapped one up, moved off her just enough to tear open the wrapper and slide the thin latex over his erection. His hands were shaking, and despite her super-aroused state, Cadence had the time to find that tiny touch of nervousness endearing. She reached to help him smooth the condom, then kept up the caress to cup his balls. He bit his lip, face twisting into a grimace as she ran her finger along his sweet spot. “I have to ask,” he said, his deep and somehow familiar voice shaking a little, just like his hand. “If you’re sure….” Marnia had told her how the escorts always made very, very certain to get explicit permission before making any moves. “Hell, yes!” He didn’t ask again. The man slid into her with a shift of his hips assisted by his hand. He filled her completely. His pubic bone pressed 11

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on her clit and he rolled inside her, thrusting just enough to move without breaking the contact. She probably muttered something incomprehensible, but all the words seemed stuck in her throat. She came. Hard. Like flying, like falling. Like cannon fire. Her pleasure erupted inside her, centered in her clit, and tore its way through her entire body from toes to top, so fierce she wanted to, tried to scream, but couldn’t. He ducked his head into the curve of her neck, making his shoulder a too-tempting target for her teeth. She bit him harder than she meant to, then sucked the wound when he yelped and thrust harder in response. His rhythm changed. He pulled out, thrust in, smoothly. Cadence came again, almost immediately on top of the first orgasm. She clamped her legs around the back of his legs and pushed him closer into her. Her nails scored his back and he yelped again, but didn’t stop. His thrusts got ragged, his breath jumped out of his throat along with a gasp and a moan so sexy it made her come again. Just like that, third time’s a charm, something she’d never done or imagined she could do. He buried himself inside her with a sigh. His cock throbbed, another new sensation for her, and Cadence held him as tightly as she could against her body before her arms became too limp to grip. They fell away. His weight wasn’t unpleasant, just another part of the sex blur she’d just undergone. When, after a minute, he rolled off her, a low noise of protest snuck out of her before she could stop it. That noise, that sound of pure content, snapped her awake. Her eyes flew open. The post-orgasm languor fled, leaving her with stiff limbs, flushed cheeks and a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. His hand still rested just beneath her breasts. His breath puffed gently on her cheek. He still smelled damn fine, but now his scent 12

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mingled with the tang of sweat and satiation. “Wow.” Cadence closed her eyes. “Yeah.” He got up on one elbow, took care of the condom, then lay back down next to her. “That was unexpected.” The sinking feeling grew worse. Cadence sat up, glad she still wore her bra. It offered only a little coverage, but it was better than nothing. She tugged the coverlet over her bottom half as casually as she could without looking like she suffered from a bad case of after-fuck guilt. “Marnia didn’t send you, did she.” It was a statement, not a question. The man ran a hand through his shaggy dark hair and rolled onto his back, completely unconcerned with his nakedness. “Marnia Disson? The actress?” “Yes. She didn’t send you.” He looked at her with one eye, the other closed as if in contemplation. “No. I don’t know her.” “Oh, shit.” Cadence sat up, trying very hard not to cry. The man sat up too and put a hand on her shoulder until she turned to face him. “Bernie didn’t set this up?” Cadence shook her head, her voice stolen by mortification. The man reached over way less subtly than she had and covered his lap with the spare pillow. “Oops.” The incongruous statement made her laugh even though she didn’t feel like it. “I thought…I guess it doesn’t matter what I thought.” “I thought something, too,” the man admitted. His grin seemed somehow shy, his ears still pink. He looked up at her. They stared at each other for what seemed like a very long time. “I’ve never done that before,” Cadence said finally. At his cocked eyebrow, she continued, “Had sex with a stranger.” 13

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“Ahh.” He bit his lip a bit and looked around the room. “Well, you’re pretty good at it.” She knew she was gape-mouthed with surprise, but couldn’t help it. “What the hell were you doing, sneaking into my room on a room service cart anyway? Are you insane?” He frowned. “Did you think I was on the menu? What did you order, dessert with a side of beefcake? What exactly did you think I was?” “A gift!” she cried. “From my friend Marnia!” He crossed his arms, elbows on the pillow. “What kind of friend sends a man over to her friend’s room to have sex with her?” “A good friend,” Cadence shot back. “What kind of man sneaks into a woman’s room on the bottom of a room service cart and then gives her the best sex she’s ever had?” The words hung between them. He gave her another half-shy grin that nonetheless had a sexiness that dove straight between her thighs. “Best ever?” Cadence covered her face. “This is a nightmare. Please say it’s a nightmare.” “Hey,” the man said. He put a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Listen, I’m sorry. You said you were sure. I admit I was a little surprised. I thought you were supposed to be talking to me about doing some charity work. I didn’t expect you to come on to me like that—” Cadence groaned. “Do you always leap on top of women who proposition you like that?” “No.” Silence for a moment. “I know I have a rep for it, but the truth is, no. I don’t.” She peeked at him through her fingers. “No?” He shook his head. “Really.” She didn’t know why, but all at once she wasn’t so embarrassed. “You still haven’t explained what you were doing under my cart.” 14

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He scratched at his head and pulled his hair back from his face while he looked over at the cart. His expression turned sheepish and he shrugged. “It seemed safer that way. Keep away from the paparazzi, you know?” “Am I missing something?” He sat back a little and stared at her. His grin turned wondering. “You…you don’t know who I am?” Oh, shit. This was La Fleur, after all, haven to all sorts of celebrities. Cadence thought fast, tossed around a few names, then shrugged in admittance of her ignorance. “Not really. I’m sorry.” He laughed. “Get out of here.” Cadence tried to look apologetic and took another stab at it. “Umm…Steve Buscemi?” Now she’d made him go open-mouthed. She laughed. “Just kidding. Sorry. I really don’t know.” Her lover rubbed his forehead. Then he began to sing. “Just for tonight, let me love you right. Two times, baby. Once for what is and once for what might be.” Even without music, his voice was perfectly on key, harmonious, resonant. She’d heard the song, unable to avoid it since it was all over the radio and had been for the better part of a year. “Jude Camron,” he offered. “I’m…I’m kinda well-known.” That was like saying the Queen of England was kinda royal. Cadence gulped. Then she burst out laughing. Jude joined her and they both guffawed until tears streamed from their eyes. “You must think I’m the most incredible doofus!” Cadence wiped her eyes. “No. Okay, maybe a little.” He shot her that sexy shy grin again. “But mostly not. Mostly I think you’re amazingly beautiful.” That stopped her from laughing. “Shut up.” He shook his head. “I have to say, I’ve had a lot of come-ons in my 15

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life. I’ve had lots of women show up naked in my hotel rooms. I’ve never had sex like that.” Warmth that was only half embarrassment kindled in her belly. “I thought you said you didn’t sleep around like that.” “I don’t.” That grin again. “But I didn’t say I never had. I gave it up. Too many problems.” She nodded like she understood, though she didn’t, really. “I bet.” “It’s pretty amazing what some people will do to get a piece of you. And once they’ve had one, it’s usually not enough. People think they have the right to own you, just because they’re fans. I love my fans,” Jude said. “I just decided I wasn’t going to love my fans any more, you know?” Now she did know. “It must be hard to find a relationship.” He nodded. “Yeah.” An insistent ringing jangled through the room. Jude grimaced and got up from the bed, leaving the pillow behind. Cadence looked away to give him the illusion of modesty, but couldn’t help taking another peek. Damn, he was built like a god. Long, lean thighs, tight sculpted ass, a back just made for scratching. Her nails had left pink lines. Jude grabbed up a towel from the bathroom door and flipped open his cell phone. “This is Jude. Bernie, listen…something got messed up. Yeah, I know. I’ll bet she is. Listen, just tell her I’ll write a check to the foundation, okay? I don’t know…an even five?” A squawk made him hold the phone away from his ear. “Don’t bitch, Bernie, or I’ll make it ten million. Yeah. And…tell her I’m really sorry I missed the appointment, and that I’ll be happy to perform at the benefit. I don’t care about that. Bernie, man, I have to go. What? Oh, shit.” Jude went to the window and looked out. “Damn. Yeah.” His gaze cut to Cadence. “Bernie, it’s all good. Yeah. I know. Later.” Jude sighed heavily and disconnected. “My agent.” 16

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Cadence’s eyes had widened at the numbers being bandied about so casually. “The charity woman is mad?” Jude shrugged. “I missed the meeting.” “Sounds like you’re being more than generous.” Another shrug. “They need it more than I do.” He was getting more interesting by the minute. “What’s the charity?” “Wish Come True.” Jude’s head tilted as he grinned and shrugged. “It’s for kids with terminal diseases. Every year they give a benefit concert to raise money.” “I’m impressed.” Jude looked at her with that odd but endearing one-eyed glance. “My younger brother died of leukemia when I was in tenth grade. I guess I want to give these kids something in his memory.” Cadence took his hand, the calluses warm and scratchy on her palm. “It’s a good thing to do.” “My own little mitzvah.” Jude laughed. “Hey, I’ve got a lot. Most of these kids don’t have anything. If I can use my voice for something good, well…” He trailed off, then looked down at their clasped hands. Cadence thought he’d drop the grasp, but instead Jude swung her hand lightly in his and pulled her closer. “We haven’t been properly introduced,” he whispered. “You know my name, but I don’t know yours.” “Cadence Murphy.” Cadence grinned. “So, now you know.” “Now I know.” He inched her slowly closer until the heat of his breath caressed her cheek. “It’s nice to meet you, Cadence.” Under any other circumstances, this would have been a supremely awkward moment. Staring into Jude’s eyes, Cadence couldn’t make it so. Everything about him made her feel comfortable. “I should go.” 17

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She nodded. “You’re late for your meeting.” Jude didn’t let go of her hand. Cadence bit her lip and looked down at their hands, then back up at Jude. He inched her even closer. “I should go.” “I think you said that already.” He was going to kiss her. The thought made Cadence’s toes curl. Jude licked his lips, drawing her attention to the fullness of his mouth, the way his lips glistened.… The jangling of the phone in his other hand made him let out a strangled curse. Cadence laughed, but disappointment flooded her when he let go of her hand to turn and answer the call. “Bernie, man, listen…they are? Damn.” Jude crossed to the window and peered out through the curtains. “I see them. The hotel, too? Oh, man.” Cadence grabbed one of the room’s complimentary robes from the back of the door and busied herself with straightening the comforter and pillows while Jude talked. She tried to keep her perusal of him from looking too obvious, but he turned and caught her staring. He grinned and kept talking. This was far and away the strangest thing that had ever happened to her. Serendipity at its finest. She couldn’t let herself dwell overlong on it either, or else she’d freak herself out. Sex with a stranger was bad enough. Mind-blowing sex with a stranger a bit more redeemable. Mind-blowing sex with a major rock star—that was absolutely insane. Jude ended the call and tapped the phone against his palm. “Bernie says the Jude-licious Ladies are in the hotel.” “Fan club?” He nodded. “They’re a bit…extreme.” “Is this usually a problem for you?” Sympathy made her frown. Marnia often told her that glamour and fame were offset by the 18

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inconvenience of…well, glamour and fame. “Not usually at La Fleur. Someone tipped them off about the charity meeting.” Jude’s dark brows knitted. “Probably the charity lady.” “What are you going to do?” He gestured toward the window. “I just saw a bunch of them in the courtyard outside. Bernie said a couple of them managed to register rooms. Which means they, and their guests, have access to the corridors.” “Want me to look outside?” His dark eyes lit. “Would you?” “Sure.” Cadence tightened the belt of the robe. “Not a problem.” She spoke too soon. The second she opened the door to the hall and peeked out, three women did a double-take and ran back from the end of the hall. “Down here, Sylvia!” cried the first, who wore a black t-shirt emblazoned with Jude’s name in glittery rhinestone letters. “Oh, sorry,” said Sylvia, when she saw Cadence had opened the door. “We’re looking for Jude Camron. Have you seen him?” Cadence began to reply, but the third woman cut her off. “You’re not Amber Daley.” “No.” “Or Marissa Manit.” “Um…no.” Cadence bit back a smile. Both the women she’d named were super-young, super-cute actresses. “Are you anyone?” Sylvia broke in, so eagerly Cadence couldn’t even find it in her heart to be offended by the unspoken connotation that she was not, in fact, “anyone.” “No, I’m sorry. I’m not.” The woman who’d named the actresses looked at Cadence with suspicious eyes anyway. “Are you a fan of Jude’s?” “Sure.” Cadence grinned more widely this time, which made the 19

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women glare at her. “Of course. Love his songs.” She caught Sylvia trying to peer over Cadence’s shoulder, and she backed further into the room, closing the door as she spoke. “Good luck finding him, ladies.” “Wait!” Cadence ignored the cry and made sure to double lock and deadbolt the door. With an exaggerated sigh of relief, she pretended to wipe her brow. Jude didn’t laugh. “They’re out there.” Cadence nodded. “Yep.” Jude grimaced. “I’m trapped.” “You could sneak out the way you got in,” Cadence pointed to the tray. “Or…” “Or?” She took a giant leap. “Or you could stay here for a few hours until they give up and go away.” “Really? A few hours?” What she was offering suddenly scared her, and Cadence turned away, tried to make her voice sound casual. “Sure.” She sensed him behind her, though he didn’t touch her. “They’re pretty persistent. They could be there until morning.” “That’s okay.” “What do you think we could do to pass the time?” His breath tickled the back of her neck. Her nipples perked, and the button between her legs gave a quick, sharp pulse. Her breath hissed out in infinitesimal gusts. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. She turned to look at him. “I think we could think of something, don’t you?” He nodded slowly, moved closer even more slowly. “Where would you like to start?” Cadence licked her lips and the way his eyes followed the 20

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movement of her tongue made her clit beat harder. “I’ve never stayed at La Fleur before, but I’ve heard the bathrooms are amazing.” Jude tilted his head in a way starting to become familiar. He jerked his chin toward the bathroom door. “You’ve heard right. Want to check it out?” In reply, Cadence went to the door and opened it. She’d been expecting luxury to match the room. What she saw made her gasp out loud. What greeted her was nothing short of magnificent decadence. Every single fixture, tile, and appliance in the room had been designed and placed for the sole purpose of providing sensual delight. The bathtub could fit two adults comfortably with no more than the pleasantest tangling of knees. A centrally placed faucet meant each occupant could relax against the tub’s sleek marble sides. Plush rolled towels and green, trailing plants decorated the tub’s tiled surround. Bottles of shampoo and soap nestled into charming baskets set anywhere a person could conceivably need to find one. The toilet snuggled in a small alcove, with a matching bidet beside it. More towels and plants created ample privacy. What had made Cadence’s mouth drop open, however, was the shower. Set off from the tub by a raised tile bench, the curving shower had been constructed of glass bricks and custom-carved tile. The shower wall spiraled inward, creating an intimate space. Jets lined the curved walls, and a massive sunflower shower head jutted down directly from the ceiling. “Fog spray? Rain shower? This is incredible!” Cadence looked around the bathroom. “Amazing!” Jude chuckled. “One of the reasons I love staying at La Fleur. I don’t even have one of these at home.” “Let’s try it out,” said Cadence on impulse. She reached in and twisted the handle. Hot water sprayed in all directions and she ducked 21

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back, laughing. “Together?” Cadence dried her hand on her robe, then loosed the tie at her waist. “Jude, I think it’s a little late to pretend coyness, don’t you?” He nodded, eyes lighting as she opened the robe and let him glimpse her nakedness beneath. “I guess you’re right. But…” “But what?” He gave her a look of naked honesty. “I know you probably think I’m some sort of stud. A player. I know what the rags print about me.” “I know better than to believe the stuff in those magazines.” “I had my crazy days, but they’re over.” “I understand.” Cadence chewed her lower lip for a moment. “This is not my normal practice either. In fact, I’m having a little bit of trouble deciding if I’m being too scary forward, or if I’m just being a huge slut.” Jude looked surprised. “No way!” She laughed. “I told you I’ve never done this. I don’t know what’s gotten into me.” She looked down at his groin. “Or maybe I do. Anyway, I can’t help feeling like this is some sort of movie, or maybe a music video. Everything happened so fast, but it all felt so right. I guess what I’m trying to say is, you can’t leave until morning. The way we met is unorthodox, sure. But maybe it’s fate, or karma, or Hollywood voodoo.” “You’re saying let’s see where it takes us?” He’d become wreathed in steam, but Cadence didn’t miss the twinkle in his eyes. “Just for tonight,” she sang, off-key but not even embarrassed. “Let me love you right.” “Two times, baby,” Jude picked up the tune. “Once for what is and once for what might be.” “It’s a good song,” Cadence whispered as he moved closer. “Thanks. I wrote it.” 22

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Promise and mystery filled his kiss, making her tilt her head to part her lips beneath his. Jude’s hand slid around the back of her neck to tangle in her hair. Cadence went on her tiptoes, her arms around his shoulders. Jude broke the kiss, then brushed his lips on her cheek and nibbled on her ear. “That shower looks like way too much fun to use alone.” Taking that as an invitation, Cadence slipped the robe from her shoulders and stepped into the curving glass spiral. The spray hit her from all sides, enveloping her in a multitude of sensations. “Smells good, too,” she murmured and pushed her sodden hair off her face. “Aromatherapy?” “I wouldn’t be surprised.” Jude slid in beside her. The vast shower became immediately smaller, but Cadence didn’t mind. The close quarters meant lots of opportunities for skin sliding on skin, elbows rubbing, thighs touching. “You’re huge,” she said. Jude laughed. “Wow. Thank you.” She slid her hand along his belly, and her knuckles brushed his erection, but she didn’t grasp it. “I meant tall. You don’t seem so big on television.” He towered over her, his shoulders broad, arms and legs tight with lean muscle, belly carved into an eight-pack. Though Cadence hadn’t paid much attention to Jude Camron before today, seeing him in the flesh—literally—was a much different picture than the one painted in magazines and videos where he strutted in leather and played loud, hard rock. She remembered he’d been part of a nondescript boy-band before breaking into a solo career. Obviously, a lot had changed since his days of singing a cappella ballads with StarOne. She traced the tattoo inked onto his chest. A stylized heart clasped in two hands, an intricate crown set on top. Celtic knotwork surrounded the entire design. 23

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“It’s a claddagh,” Jude explained as her fingers moved across the colors. “Loyalty, Friendship, Love.” “Very nice.” Cadence shifted to let the spray pound on another section of her back. Jude put his hand on her shoulders, then slid them down to cup her biceps and pull her in close for another kiss. No wonder he has a reputation, Cadence thought. The man kissed like a dream come true. His tongue parted her lips and swept inside. The sensation echoed in her clit. A moment later, his finger stroked her there, eliciting a moan from her. “I know something these water jets are good for,” Jude said. Cadence opened her eyes. “Really? Should I ask how you know?” “Maybe it would be more fun if I proved it to you.” Without waiting for an answer, he turned her toward the wall and pushed her hands up on either side of her body. The tiles, warm and slick under her fingers, gave her little to grasp, but Cadence did her best. She had to because, in the next instant, what he did with the water made her need to hold on to something. She gasped as Jude fiddled with the stream until it shot directly upward to her clit. The gushing water splashed and tickled, teasing her. When he’d adjusted it to his satisfaction, he moved behind her and put his hands on her hips. His cock nudged her buttocks, but he didn’t push it against her. Instead, Jude began to move her hips against the jetting water. At first the sensation was too much, too harsh, and she yelped. He moved her back a little. Cadence relaxed against him, letting him take the lead. The soft lighting and hush of the water all around them made her feel cocooned. She closed her eyes and gave herself up to the ecstasy. Jude moved her hips in small circles, each revolution bringing her clit hard against the spray, then taking it back to lessen the pressure. 24

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The constant shift in pressure had her thighs trembling in moments, though it could have been hours for all she knew. Time had taken a sideways slip. “Are you all right?” His low murmur sent shivers down her spine. Cadence managed a nod. “Are you going to come?” She’d never been with a man who asked. Sure, other lovers had cared, but most had relied on pride and determination to figure out if they were getting her off. Nobody had ever just…asked. She turned her face to the side. Water from overhead cascaded over her eyes, so she couldn’t open them to see his face, but she could reply, “Yes.” And then she did. Like fireworks, her orgasm shuddered through her. Pulsing spasms of pure pleasure began in the tight bead of her clit, but spread so quickly to the rest of her body she felt infused with them. Jude’s hands held her steady when her buckling knees would have let her fall. His kisses smoothed along the back of her neck and her shoulders. One hand left her hip to cradle her pussy, his palm protecting her from the force of the water that now would have been too strong on her over-sensitized button. That, too, was something no other lover had understood. How to ease off after she came instead of abandoning her immediately, or worse, bludgeoning her with further stimulation. Jude did it as he’d done everything else so far: just right. At some point he’d made the water temperature cooler, too, to keep them from overheating. Either that, or they were using all the hot water. Cadence chuckled and turned into the circle of Jude’s embrace. “Wow,” she said. His hands cupped her ass and he kissed her. “I could feel your orgasm in every part of your body.” 25

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“That’s because it was in every part of my body,” she replied with a sigh. “Like I said. Wow!” She pushed her belly further against his cock, long and throbbing. “I’m not so sure the jets will do the same for you, but I think I can come up with something else.” She turned off the water and took him by the hand. He followed without hesitation. Water dripped from his dark hair, and he shoved it off his face. “Sit.” Cadence pointed at the soft vanity seat. Unlike many vanity chairs, this one had a high back. He wouldn’t need to worry about falling off backward. Jude sat, and Cadence marveled again at the length of his legs. He had a wealthy man’s tan, all-over color with no bathing suit lines. The hair under his arms and on his chest, belly and legs, was a bit lighter than that on his head. Sun-touched. The deep brown glinted with hints of gold in the bathroom vanity’s flattering, soft lighting. Cadence scooped up a pile of the thick towels and spread a couple on the floor at Jude’s feet. Sore knees would ruin the mood. She positioned herself between his legs, that luscious cock just inches from her mouth. She took a quick peek at Jude’s face. He reached to stroke her cheek, then let his thumb slide along her lips to dip inside for a second. She sucked his thumb softly, making him moan, then released him and moved again toward his erection. Cadence didn’t understand women who bitched about blowjobs. Of all the ways a couple could fuck, fellatio was really the only one in which the man could totally receive. Sure, most guys were easy to get off that way, but Cadence took pride in a job not only well-done, but performed with enthusiasm. Jude muttered something she couldn’t catch when she slid her mouth the entire length of his shaft. She cupped his balls, stroking them in time to the rhythm of her sucking. 26

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She relaxed her throat, straightened up on her knees, and went down again. This time, her lips kissed the base of his prick. His belly hair, the delightful line of fur she called “the happy trail” tickled her nose. She inhaled his warm, clean and fully masculine scent, and her nipples perked up. Her clit twinged. She wasn’t ready for another orgasm, which meant she could concentrate on Jude without distraction, but the smell and taste of him was turning her on, no question. “Cadence,” she heard him murmur. His hand found the top of her head, but he didn’t push or pull her, just let her find and keep her own pace. “Damn, it’s perfect, isn’t it?” Because he was a musician, she understood what he meant. Her smile made it difficult to keep the suction. Her teeth scraped the head of his penis when she withdrew, but Jude didn’t complain. He drew in a hiss of breath and pumped his hips upward in response. Ahh. Now she had a clue. He liked it a little bit rough. Cadence went down on him again, and this time dug her fingernails into the soft flesh of his inner thigh. Not hard enough to leave a mark. She wasn’t a sadist. Just hard enough to make him squirm and buck and mutter something that sounded suspiciously like a curse. Jude didn’t draw back. His cock became an iron rod in her mouth. Sweet-salty fluid glistened on the head when she pulled away for a moment to give her jaw a rest. She licked it away, ran her tongue around the rim, flicked it lightly along the length of his shaft, then ducked her head low to lick his balls. They pulsed under her lips. He was close. She recognized the signs. Now was when giving head became interesting. Teasing made for better orgasms, and the longer she could taunt him, the more turned on she’d get, until sometimes she could come when her partner did, just by sucking. Jude leaned against the chair’s high back, head tipped so she could see the line of his throat work as he swallowed a moan. His hands 27

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gripped the chair’s sides. She took a peek down at his toes. Curled. Nipples, tight. Oh, yes. He was close. “Wait.” Wait? She’d never heard that before. Cadence took a deep breath and slid her mouth away from him. “Jude?” He licked his lips. “I want to come inside you again.” His words, seemingly so simple, sent a bolt of intense arousal straight to her core. For a moment, Cadence couldn’t even speak. Her cunt twitched and she peeped a reply. Damn, this man was sexy. He not only knew exactly where and how to touch her, he knew exactly how to talk to her, too. “I’m so close,” Jude continued, eyes gleaming. “But I want to feel you come on me again.” She shuddered as he spoke, the image his words created almost as good as the action itself. “Yes.” His eyes flicked toward the bedroom. “A minute will give me enough time to ease off enough for you to catch up.” His grin sent a spiral of desire twisting in her belly, and Cadence got up. She kissed him, whispering against his mouth. “I’ll only take a minute then.” She wasn’t sure her sex-jellied legs would carry her into the other room, but they did. In a minute she was back, silver foil clutched in her hand, and in another few seconds, she’d sheathed him first with latex, then with her skin. Cadence settled onto Jude’s lap, his hands cupping her ass. He snugged her closer, so her clit pressed right against his belly, and he moved inside her just enough to tease the button. She was wet for him, but Cadence wasn’t sure she actually could come again. “I’m having a bit of performance anxiety.” He licked her chin and nibbled her jaw before looking into her eyes. 28

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“Just sit there for a minute. Let me get a little more control.” He throbbed inside her, but didn’t thrust. As he’d done in the shower, Jude put his hands on her hips and rocked her gently. Back and forth, not up and down, so her clit rubbed on his belly, but his cock stayed firmly planted inside her. “I want you to come again,” Jude whispered. From another man it might have sounded like a challenge or a demand, but from Jude’s lips, the words became a caress. An invitation. Instead of freezing up, like she might otherwise have done, Cadence felt her body open to his suggestion. It took the leap from that-feelsnice to ooh-that-feels-great! in a moment. “I didn’t think—” she began. His kiss stopped her. “Come with me,” Jude urged. His hand slid between them. His thumb caressed her clit. His hips shifted and his hand moved to her ass to lift her as he thrust. The muscles in his arms and chest worked as he fucked her faster, as he got closer to coming, and Cadence was right there with him. Sex talk had always sounded funny to her. Incoherent mumblings and groans, words and sounds, names and phrases. Cadence didn’t care how she sounded. His name burst from her, and he gasped as he answered with hers. She cried out, rising on the wave of her orgasm, and Jude joined her. Together they tumbled over the edge. When she could see again, Cadence lifted her head from where it had fallen against Jude’s shoulder. He smiled. She smiled back. “Hey,” he said and pushed the hair away from her face. “Hey.” Then they just sat and stared at each other. If the grin on my face was as silly as the one on his, she thought, we both look like a pair of loonies. Jude cocked his head toward the huge tub. “Want to try it out?” Cadence made a sound of mock-fright. “You’re going to kill me!” 29

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“Just for a bath.” Jude’s fingers made lazy patterns on her back. “I promise.” “You get the water started. I’ll go get the food.” “You said the magic words,” Jude told her. “Food.” Cadence kissed him. “Be right back.” The sight of her face in the mirror made her grin. She was all over FFG. Freshly Fucked Glow, as Marnia called it. Freshly fucked and starving. She piled a plate with the chocolate-covered fruit, grabbed the bottle of champagne and went back to the bathroom. There were no candles to set the mood, but Jude had dimmed the lights further and turned on the small Bose radio on the countertop. Celtic lullabies echoed softly from the speakers, and Cadence nodded. “The claddagh should’ve given me a clue,” she said. “But I wouldn’t have thought you’d pick this.” “Why?” Jude helped her balance the plate on the tiled tub surround, then held her hand while she stepped into the warm water. “Because I’m a rock singer?” “Stereotype. Sorry.” Jude smiled as he joined her. “Don’t be sorry. It’s part of the image. Don’t give away my secrets.” As Cadence settled into the water, she scrutinized him. “Do you have many?” Jude looked around as though pretending to make certain they wouldn’t be overheard. “Sure. Like I’ve never, ever, trashed a hotel room. And I don’t smoke.” She laughed. “And you donate to charity. You don’t fit the image, Jude Camron.” He sighed and slid deeper into the water. “I’m just a small-town boy.” “With a city-boy’s voice.” He quirked one eyebrow at her. “Cadence, do you have my album?” 30

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She bit her lip, but couldn’t lie. “No. But I’ve heard your songs on the radio. I don’t feel like changing the station when they come on either.” Jude blinked, then chuckled. “Not the highest praise I’ve ever had.” “You have a great voice, Jude. And the songs are good.” Cadence thought carefully before she spoke further. “If you want my honest opinion—” He leaned forward to stare seriously into her eyes. “I do.” “I think maybe you’re trying too hard to distance yourself from your roots.” “From StarOne, you mean?” “Not just from that.” Cadence nudged the faucet handle and the water stopped flowing. “Though I can see why you’d want to.” Jude laughed again, and she was relieved to see she wasn’t offending him. “StarOne was a great time. I’m still friends with those guys. But I got tired of being the preppy one, you know? Labeled like that. I just want to make great music.” “You do. Your lyrics are poetry,” Cadence said sincerely. “Your voice is very strong. And sexy.” He laughed. Their hands, propped on the tub’s rim, touched. He tangled his fingers with hers. Cadence tried to put her thoughts into words that wouldn’t sound overcritical. “You know, “Love Me Two Times” is a great song. It’s different than the others.” “Even if I snagged the title from The Doors?” “Even despite that.” She squeezed his hand. “Your rock songs are good, too. But have you thought about doing something smoother? Less…angsty?” “You mean something more like what we’re listening to?” The music had changed from lullabies to soft Gaelic folk songs. 31

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“Yes, actually. You have the voice for it.” “You can’t believe how much I’d love to sing something different.” Jude relaxed against his side of the tub. “My manager and producers convinced me I’d be better off hitting the rock, hard. They let me get away with “Love Me Two Times” because nobody figured it would get released as a single, but when it was the only song left on the album…” “And all the others were hits,” she finished for him. “They wanted their money. I know how it works.” “But it’s climbing the charts and getting great reviews,” Jude said passionately. Water sloshed as he sat up. “It’s not up there with “Break Me” or “Down and Dirty,” but—” “Yet,” Cadence cut in. “But it will be. I’m not a music critic.…” “But you know what you like.” She felt awful for not owning his album. “Yes.” He tugged her fingers. “Do you like me?” “I told you, I don’t have—” “Not my music.” He looked at her seriously. “Me.” “Can I like one without liking the other?” He let go of her fingers and sat back in the tub, face pensive. “Sure.” Cadence shook her head, moved closer, and brushed her lips against his. “I don’t think so, Jude. Your music’s as much a part of you as the color of your eyes.” His mouth parted and he snuck another kiss out of her before answering. “Serves me right for asking.” “I like you.” She smiled and gave him another brushing kiss. “Very much.” His hands slid along her back and found the softness of her buttocks. He pulled her onto his lap. The water lifted her, made her weightless and cradled them both in decadent warmth. “I like you, too,” Jude whispered. “Very much. And I think you’re 32

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right.” She’d pillowed her head on his shoulder, but didn’t look up even though his words surprised her. “About what?” “My music. My songs. What I’ve been singing.” “Oh, Jude. I told you—” He turned her in the water until she looked at him. “Cadence, I respect your opinion.” “We barely know each other.” He looked to where his hand cupped her hip possessively. “You’re not afraid to tell me what you think. I like that. It’s not easy to find that in this town.” Though Cadence didn’t live in Hollywood, she knew enough about it to agree. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.” His kiss was stronger this time. “You didn’t. I appreciate it. And I agree with you. I’m going into the studio next month to record a new album. I had a bunch of songs I was going to do, and a bunch I wrote but wasn’t going to use. I’ve changed my mind.” Cadence looked at him for a few silent minutes before she was able to speak. “I’m incredibly flattered.” Jude waggled his eyebrows. “Wait until the record comes out before you decide that. It could be a disaster.” “It won’t be.” Their kiss broke when both of them yawned. Jude grinned. “Sorry. It’s not the company.” Cadence laughed. “I’m tired, too. Want to go to bed?” He turned her earlier words back on her. “Are you trying to kill me?” “To sleep,” Cadence said. “I promise.” “That’s not as much fun. But okay.” Time had passed unbelievably quickly while they made love and soaked in the tub. No wonder we’re tired, Cadence thought as they both 33

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stumbled toward the bed. It was almost morning. She curled into his arms as naturally as if she’d always slept there. His breath warmed the back of her neck. “What’s next?” he murmured as Cadence slipped toward sleep. The question was enough to make her lids flutter open, but she was careful not to betray her emotions by moving. “We sleep.” “After that.” Her heart skipped, but wariness made her say, “In the morning, we wake up. I check out of La Fleur and go home, and you go to the studio.” He sounded as sleepy as she had a few moments ago, before he’d asked her about the future. “Will you give me your number?” For one delirious moment, Cadence almost said yes. Reason won out over hormones. She’d just been burned, and badly, by a relationship. Jumping into another wouldn’t be very smart, even if it was with a man as sexy, smart, kind and talented…and famous, as Jude Camron. No. That road to heartbreak was strewn lined with groupies and paparazzi. Not her style. So, with a heavy heart, but a tone forced to be light, Cadence said “No, Jude.” “Love me one time, we go our separate ways,” he whispered. “Love me two times, and I could break.” His arms tightened around her for a moment, but he didn’t continue. “Understood.” He didn’t understand. He couldn’t. Cadence didn’t feel capable of explaining, so she let herself drift into dreams with his arms around her. The sound of his cell phone woke her, but she pretended to sleep while he made muttered arrangements with Bernie. While he crept out of bed. While he dressed and left the room just as the golden California sun began to edge the curtains. Only then did she open her eyes. *

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Destiny came up and booted her in the ass one year later. “And now, what you’ve all been waiting for,” said the radio announcer. “The new song by former StarOne frontman Jude Camron. One week on the charts and it’s already hit number three. Here’s…‘Rhyme or Reason.’” Traffic blared behind her and she pulled off to the side of the road to listen, shaking, throat tight. The song was everything she’d told him would sound good. A soft, Celtic-flavored ballad with flowing lyrics and gorgeous instrumentation. A love song. Time stopped while Jude’s voice surrounded her. She lost herself in the song, and when it was over, Cadence put the car in drive, got back on the highway, and followed her heart. The room wasn’t as grand as the one Marnia had treated her to the year before, but while much had changed in Cadence’s life over the past twelve months, the status of her bank account had not. She put her purse and her keys on the bed, then looked around the empty room. And she drives, all night if she must. She was a fool. It was just a song. Did she really think he’d meant it for her? Just to have the chance of seeing him again. He hadn’t used names. He was a rock star, for goodness’ sake. Famous the world over! To the place where once they held hands and said each other’s names. He’d probably been with dozens of women before and after her. She was a blip on the radar screen of his sexual history, as evidenced by the fact he’d never called her. Never tried to get in touch with her. It wouldn’t have been that hard. Where he waits, knowing she’ll come and it will be the same. Ridiculous. No, she hadn’t given him her number, but, surely, in an 35

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entire year, if he’d wanted to find her…. The knock on the door made her turn. This was it. She opened it. He was there. He stepped through and closed the door behind him. She searched his face, looking for the differences a year must have wrought, but could find none. “How did you know I’d hear the song?” “I didn’t,” Jude said. “And how did you know I’d come back here?” “I didn’t know that either.” Cadence looked around the hotel room, not the one they’d shared, but still feeling it was the right place to be anyway. “So how did you know when to get here?” “I’ve been staying here for a month,” Jude said. “Waiting for the desk clerk to tell me you’d checked in.” “And how long would you have stayed, waiting?” “I don’t have a checkout date.” He smiled, and she melted, and in the next moment he was kissing her. “It’s a wonderful song,” she whispered when they parted long enough to breathe. “Everyone’s going to love it.” “I wrote it for you,” Jude said. “I don’t care about anyone else.” “This is all pretty sudden,” she said, even though after a year of dreaming about him it didn’t seem so sudden at all. It seemed long overdue. “There isn’t any…” She paused, considering, and everything became clear. “There isn’t any rhyme or reason to it.” “Nope,” said Jude and kissed her again. “Not one bit. But who cares about making sense when we could be making love?” “That sounds like they lyrics to another great song.” Jude pulled her closer and tipped her head back for a searing kiss that left her breathless. His hand found her rear, and he walked her back 36

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to the waiting comfort of the wide, soft bed. “I’ll write it later.” The song became the number one hit the following year and more than paid for the simple, stylish wedding and extravagant honeymoon suite…at La Fleur.

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MEGAN HART Megan Hart began her writing career in grammar school when she plagiarized a short story by Ray Bradbury. She soon realized that making up her own stories was better than copying other people’s, and she's been writing ever since. Megan began writing short fantasy, horror and science fiction before graduating to novel-length romances. She’s published in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror. Megan’s goal is to continue writing spicy, thrilling love stories with a twist. Her dream is to have a movie made of every one of her novels, starring herself as the heroine and Keanu Reeves as the hero. Megan lives in the deep, dark woods with her husband and two monsters…er…children. Learn more about Megan by visiting her website… http://www.meganhart.com. *

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Don’t miss Monster In The Closet, by Megan Hart, available now, from Amber Quill Press, LLC When Tessa Hanson opens her closet door to investigate a strange noise, the last thing she expects to find is a naked man. Magnus is supposed to scare her, but Tessa doesn’t frighten that easily. Can

Magnus really be what he claims? It takes a leap of faith and a change of heart for Tessa to believe the truth. Magnus is the monster in her closet…and he’s about to make Tessa go bump in the night…

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