Tempted

Tempted When a friend lends Dr. Alessandra Aames a beach house for the week, she wonders how she’ll spend her time—until she meets a sexy stranger. Passion stirs between Ali and Sean, presenting a tempting offer for a weeklong fling that neither can ignore. The sexy surfer next door may be everything the overworked doctor wants, but her time with Sean will eventually end. Will this busy doctor be able to find room in her busy schedule for the man of her dreams? Note: This book was previously published with a different publisher. Genre: Contemporary, May-December Length: 18,775 words

TEMPTED

Lexie Davis

EROTIC ROMANCE

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

ABOUT THE E-BOOK YOU HAVE PURCHASED: Your non-refundable purchase of this e-book allows you to only ONE LEGAL copy for your own personal reading on your own personal computer or device. You do not have resell or distribution rights without the prior written permission of both the publisher and the copyright owner of this book. This book cannot be copied in any format, sold, or otherwise transferred from your computer to another through upload to a file sharing peer to peer program, for free or for a fee, or as a prize in any contest. Such action is illegal and in violation of the U.S. Copyright Law. Distribution of this e-book, in whole or in part, online, offline, in print or in any way or any other method currently known or yet to be invented, is forbidden. If you do not want this book anymore, you must delete it from your computer. WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. If you find a Siren-BookStrand e-book being sold or shared illegally, please let us know at [email protected]

A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Erotic Romance

TEMPTED Copyright © 2011 by Lexie Davis E-book ISBN: 1-61034-405-7 First E-book Publication: June 2011 Cover design by Jinger Heaston All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Tempted by Lexie Davis from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Lexie Davis’ livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Davis’ right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

TEMPTED LEXIE DAVIS Copyright © 2011

Chapter One The beach was practically empty. Dr. Alessandra Aames sat close enough to the water that the tide touched the tips of her toes. She had brought a novel but couldn’t get into the storyline. She’d spent so much time reading technical stuff at the hospital, fiction seemed almost impossible to comprehend. How sad are you? Ali closed the book and set it to the side. It didn’t matter. She selected the bottle of sunscreen and rubbed the creamy liquid into her skin before lying back on her towel. She closed her eyes and forced herself to relax. “Watch out for the sand crabs. They like to bite.” Ali’s eyes popped open as she sat up from her spot with a squeal. The man standing beside her chuckled as he switched his surfboard to the other arm. “There are sand crabs around here?” She glanced around, looking for some sort of evidence. The man tossed his surfboard to the sand and plopped down beside her. “Yeah. But don’t worry about it. They only bite once, then they’ll eventually let you go.” Her heart rate escalated. “Please tell me you’re joking.” He chuckled. “You’re not from around here, are you?” Ali shook her head, still looking for a sand crab. “I work in LA. I’m technically from Iowa.”

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She settled on her towel again and finally took in the friendly stranger. His hair was dark and short. His sunglasses and black wetsuit hid both his body and his eyes—features she loved about a man. “Do you live around here?” she asked. “Yep.” He glanced over his shoulder and pointed to the house next to Nina’s. “Right there. How long are you staying in town?” “A week.” “My name is Sean.” He stood and picked up his surfboard. “Maybe I’ll see you around sometime. After all, we are neighbors.” He winked at her and headed toward the ocean, leaving Ali completely breathless. What in the world was wrong with her? **** Sean entered his office and sat at his computer. Nina had a guest for the week. A hot guest. His mind roamed back to the delicious body covered in sunscreen. She had a slender frame that would fit perfectly beneath him. He flipped his computer on and clicked on the security program button titled “Home.” Several screens popped up, showing different areas of his property. One of which picked up on the beautiful tourist staying next door to him. He probably should feel like a pervert for spying, but he couldn’t stop thinking about her. The luscious brunette lingered on the patio, reading a book. Her foot slid along her calf as she read. He couldn’t help wondering what the book was about. He zoomed in to view the title. Wicked. He most certainly was. He clicked off the screens and forced himself to focus. His cock pulsed in his pants, demanding attention. He adjusted himself. He had a board meeting in five minutes. It’d be one hell of an awkward

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situation if he had to explain the stiff dick he had in a room full of men. Shit. Was the book a romance? Did it have explicit sex scenes? He remembered some of his sister’s romances and a lot of them were geared to turn the reader on. Sean groaned. He’d just bet her pussy was wet after reading the dirty deeds in a book entitled Wicked. “Mr. Graham?” His assistant peeked into his office. “The buyers are here. Would you like for me to show them to the board room?” He nodded. “I’ll be there in a moment.” A self-made millionaire by the time he was twenty-one, he figured the latest video game development could wait a few moments longer. His attention needed to focus on his work, but he had to get her off his mind...at least until tonight.

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Chapter Two Ali tossed her book aside and stared at the waves that rolled in to shore. She never realized how much she missed being around people and chaos until she stepped back from it. The beach was great, but she wasn’t jumping around with excitement. She scanned the surf, looking for Mr. Hottie next door. As luck would have it, he was nowhere to be found. She sighed and retreated back inside the beach house. She was hot and wet and looking for a little conversation. The funny thing about being in the middle of paradise was that no one was around. Conversation went out the window, but she could do something about the other two. The novel she’d found in the airport gift shop was raunchy and exactly what she needed on a boring day such as this. How long had it been since she’d had sex? Nearly six months if she counted correctly. Longer, if she counted back to the last time she’d had good sex. What is wrong with me? I spot one delicious man on the beach and I’m instantly horny and—dare she say it—willing to fuck him. She flopped down on the sofa and closed her eyes. She couldn’t stop picturing his smile. His lips were perfect for kissing. She’d wanted to taste them when he’d rambled on in small talk. She had to be crazy because the man looked half her age. Approaching the big 40 didn’t do wonders for a woman’s spirit. All the men her age wanted slutty little vixens that made them feel more like a man because the bimbos were eager to please. Ali spread her legs, propping one foot on the back of the sofa as the other foot rested on the floor. She slipped her bathing suit bottom

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aside and slipped her fingers along her slit. She was drenched with her own moisture, her pussy needing to be filled. She’d never been so open, so needy before today. She pinched her clit between her forefinger and middle finger, rolling and stimulating herself. Ali pictured the cute surfer watching, encouraging her to continue. She wanted his mouth on her, tasting her cream and driving her to pleasure. With her eyes closed, she slipped two fingers inside herself, pumping lightly. She might get the chance to seduce him. Maybe, just maybe, she’d get the chance to have one night of guaranteed great sex. He’d please her, probably, until she begged him to stop. The image of him as her sexy little stallion drove her over the edge into a sharp climax that gave her release with a craving for more. Maybe it was the beach. Sun, surf, and sex all coincided together. She’d had the first two all day, now she needed the third. Yes, that’s what it was. Pulling her fingers away, she wiped them on her cover-up and resituated her bathing suit bottoms. If only she had the confidence to wear those little bikinis her ex favored on his women. She sighed. Her most comfortable attire, cobalt blue scrubs, most likely would not entice the sexy stranger. It was pathetic to say she’d needed to go shopping for “normal” clothes before vacation. She’d been out of practice for so long seduction didn’t come easy. She honestly didn’t even know where to begin. A knock at the door startled her. She stared at it a moment before standing to answer. Only two people knew she was here. Nina, who was in LA, and the sexy neighbor she fantasized about. She hoped the person visiting was the latter of the two options. She opened the door and smiled when he greeted her. “I came to see if you’d like to accompany me to dinner.” He handed her roses and smiled. “What’s on the menu?” She chuckled at her lame joke. She wanted to be on the menu. Hiding her needy expression, Ali sniffed the roses. “These are beautiful.”

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“I thought you’d like them.” He stepped inside and glanced around. “I figured we’d eat at the Fish Tank tonight. I’ve been dying to go there but haven’t had anyone to join me. What do you say? Do you like seafood?” Ali stared at him. Nina had told her the Fish Tank was a nearlyfifty-dollars-a-meal type restaurant. “I love seafood, but isn’t that place expensive?” He gave her a boyish grin that made her pussy convulse. “Don’t worry about the cost. Totally my treat.” Ali moved past him to find something to put the flowers in. “I think we need to back up a bit. I know nothing about you.” “Sean.” He followed her into the kitchen. “Nina and I have been neighbors for close to four years now. I work in technology three days a week and spend time surfing on my days off. What else do you want to know about me?” She turned to face him after locating a vase and filling it with water. The business suit he wore looked undoubtedly expensive. His sun-streaked brown hair was spiked with gel, and his deep blue eyes assessed her every move. Moisture seep into her bathing suit bottoms as she stared, wishing they’d forgo dinner and eat dessert in bed. Damn, what was wrong with her? “I think that’s it for now. We have to save some conversation for dinner, you know.” She smiled. “Let me change real quick. I’ll be right back.” Ali escaped into the bedroom and forced a deep breath into her lungs. She felt like a horny teenager again. What is wrong with me? She dug through her suitcase and found a short summer dress, the only “dressy” thing she’d brought for lavish dinners. Nina had told her the restaurants around usually had a dress code, and she’d come prepared—or so she thought. Dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants she’d probably ever step foot in hadn’t been on her itinerary while planning the trip.

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She pulled the garment over her sun-kissed body and slipped her feet in a pair of flip-flops. She decided against underwear and stood in front of the mirror to fix her wind-blown hair. It was practically pointless, but she gave it her best and added a little lip-gloss to her dry lips. She was semidecent and, hopefully, wouldn’t get kicked out of the fancy restaurant because of the dress code. When she stepped into the living room again, she found Sean waiting for her on the sofa. He glanced at her attire and a small smile crept across his face. His eyes lingered a few seconds too long on her breasts before he finally met her stare. She wanted him, and he wanted her. If they made it through dinner without jumping each other’s bones, it’d be a miracle. “You ready?” he asked, his voice a bit huskier than before. She nodded. She didn’t trust herself to say anything. **** Her scent was driving him mad. She stood so close, their arms brushed as they walked. He had to fight to keep from reacting. The dress she’d pulled on hugged her body like a glove. It smoothed over her ass, and he’d bet his entire month’s pay that she didn’t wear underwear beneath. The thought drove him even closer to insanity. Her nipples beaded beneath the fabric, teasing him with her every movement. Had she chosen that dress with the intention of driving him crazy? “Right this way, Mr. Graham. We were wondering when you’d be by to sample our cuisine.” The hostess gave him a playful wink and led them to their table. “Your waiter will be with you shortly. Enjoy your meal.” Sean smiled at Ali. “I’m surprised she remembered my name.” “She’s cute,” Ali commented as she took her seat. “Did you two date?”

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“No.” He sat opposite of her. “Her parents know my parents.” He watched as Ali looked over the menu. “You okay?” She lifted her gaze. “I’m fine.” “Good.” He lifted his menu and glanced at the specials. “What did you do on your first vacation day? Did you see the sights of the city?” “Not exactly. Truthfully, I was bored out of my mind.” She set the menu to the side. “I’m not exactly used to having a day with absolutely nothing to do but bask in the sun.” The waitress, another pretty, flirty blonde, came to take their orders. Sean gave Ali free reign to order whatever she wanted. She chose the cheapest thing on the menu. He didn’t comment, instead choosing to learn more about her. “What is it that you do?” “I’m an emergency physician at Cedar-Sinai.” “Wow.” He folded his hands before him. “I bet you were bored.” She smiled. “Nina convinced me I needed a break. I’ve been going nonstop since I turned eighteen.” Sean smiled. That sounded like his neighbor. “So you came to her beach house.” Ali nodded. “Nina and I met in college. We took most of the same prerequisites since she went into dentistry and I went into medicine.” Sean enjoyed conversation with Ali. She was a bit reserved but had loosened up by the time the meal came. “What is it that you do, Sean?” “I’m a software designer.” Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “How did you break into the business?” Sean took a bite of his salmon. “Believe it or not, I entered a technology contest in high school. I won a full scholarship for college, and one of the top technology institutes hired me upon recommendation from my professor. I became a self-made millionaire by the time I was twenty-one.” Ali stared at him in awe. “Wow. How old are you now?”

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Sean swallowed. He wasn’t embarrassed by the age difference. He knew Ali was older than him. She looked young for her age, but if she was anywhere near Nina’s, she had to be approaching forty. He hoped it wasn’t a problem. “Does it matter?” Sean folded his napkin to the side of his plate. “I suppose not.” Ali followed suit and placed her napkin to the side. “Dinner was delicious.” He nodded. “How about dessert?” She stared at him like he’d spoken in a foreign language. “I’m not sure I should. Dinner was enough, and to be honest, I am full.” Sean reached for her hand. “Order whatever you want.” She didn’t order dessert. Sean almost laughed at her reaction to the prices. He, however, ordered a chocolate marble cheesecake. Conversation dwindled until the waitress brought him his dessert, and Sean couldn’t resist tempting her. “You want the first bite?” he asked. Ali contemplated. “Come on. You know it looks good. Try a piece.” He cut off a piece with his fork and held it across the table for her. He waited, eyebrows arched before she finally accepted it. “Mmm…” Ali moaned, chewing. “That is delicious.” He smiled. “That’s why I ordered it.” He cut a piece for himself and ate it. She was right. The creamy chocolate melted in his mouth. He should have offered to buy her a dessert again, but instead, he cut off a piece with his fork and offered it to her. Her lips parted, soft and sensual, accepting the dessert. She closed her eyes and slid her lips along the fork, moaning as she pulled back to chew. He nearly came in his pants. Her eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes, and nothing but lust shone back. This was too damn erotic to carry on in a restaurant. “What?” she said in a breathless whisper. He swallowed hard. He needed to change the subject, or it’d be pretty embarrassing to walk out of the restaurant in his current state.

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He wanted to man up and tell her he wanted her. But he didn’t want to scare her away. He forked off another bite and replied, “Nothing.” They chatted lightly until he called for the bill. Sean pulled out his wallet and paid, leaving a very generous tip for the waitress. They left the restaurant and decided to walk the beach together. He wasn’t really surprised by her quietness. For the most part, the date had gone well. He’d like for the night to end with her in his arms and his cock buried deep inside her body. “What are you thinking?” Her question surprised him. “I’m thinking about our goodnight kiss.” He glanced her way. “Tongue? No tongue?” She didn’t laugh, but gave him a sexy little grin instead. “Tongue. Definitely tongue.” Sean smiled and pulled her to him. After fantasizing about her all day, he couldn’t wait to taste her. He leaned in, and nothing prepared him for the surge of heat that coursed through him when their lips touched. His hand rested at the small of her back, and he wanted nothing more than to pull her against him and feel her soft curves. Sean cupped her cheek with his other hand. She opened to him, parting her warm lips slightly to accept his tongue. Her body was so soft against his, her mouth eager and accepting. His body temperature spiked up a few degrees. Ali pulled away first. Her breaths came short and harsh as she stared into his eyes. “I wasn’t expecting that.” “Expecting what?” He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “You said tongue.” She laughed. “You know what I mean.” She linked her fingers with his. They chose to walk down the beach toward their houses. Ali, at some point, took her flip-flops off to carry as she chatted about what she planned on doing all week. “I really suck at this, you know?” She stopped and stared at the ocean. “I really don’t know how to relax and enjoy being alone.” “Why is that?”

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She shrugged. “I don’t know. My life has always been work, work, work. Work hard in high school to get into college. Work hard in college to get into med school. Work hard in med school to get the top residency.” She sighed. “You get the idea.” “So.” Sean rubbed her arms. “Play now.” She smiled, a sad tilt to her lips, that Sean felt she forced a bit too much. Her skin chilled from the cool ocean breeze causing goose bumps, and he took his suit coat off to wrap around her arms. The passion they’d had moments ago went out the window. Sean didn’t know why or how, but it did. They stopped behind Nina’s house and stared at each other. “I’m only working half a day tomorrow. You want to do something together?” Ali hesitated. “I don’t know.” Sean leaned in and kissed her lips. “I promise we’ll have a great time.” She pushed him away. “Maybe. We’ll see. Can I have your number? I’ll call you.” He frowned. “Sure.” He pulled out a pen from his jacket pocket and wrote his number on her hand. “You okay?” “I’m just tired.” She handed him his jacket. “I think all this fresh air is going to my head. Thanks for dinner. I had a great time. I’ll see you around.” She turned and couldn’t run fast enough to the beach house. Sean stood with his jacket in hand. What the hell just happened?

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Chapter Three “Did you fuck him yet?” Ali sat on the sofa. After running off from her extremely sexy escort for the night, she came in and called her best friend. “No.” She closed her eyes and laid her head against the back of the couch. “I chickened out.” “Please tell me this has nothing to do with you-know-who.” Her ex. Blah. “No. I…I guess it’s just new to me. The rich guy wining and dining me instead of the other way around. I half expected him to run up the bill and make me pay for it, but he didn’t.” “And he wouldn’t. Sean is a good guy. I’ve had many conversations with him. He’s intelligent and hard-working.” Ali groaned. “That’s the problem. He’s good. If I sleep with him and use him to get my rocks off, I’ll be bad. I’m not supposed to be bad.” Nina laughed. “He’s twenty-eight. Not three. I’m sure with ground rules, he’ll be just fine.” “He’s twenty-eight?” Nina’s side of the line went quiet for a moment before she spoke. “I thought you knew that.” “No!” Ali groaned. “Oh, my God. I was twelve when he was born.” “So?” “So, I’m practically a grandma to him.” Nina snorted. “You are hardly a grandma to anyone.” “Tell that to Chad.”

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“I knew this was about him.” Nina groaned. “Chad is a dick. Plain and simple. He’s a womanizer and a million other things I don’t have time to list. Because he left you for that bimbo he knocked up only proves that. It’s him, not you. No matter what he says.” Ali knew she should have felt better, but she didn’t. “I think I’m going to turn in. I’d like to take a shower and wash the sunscreen off my skin.” “Stop hiding. I let you use my place for relaxation, but I didn’t say you couldn’t have fun. Go fuck his brains out. He’s obviously into you. Quit being uptight and go for what you really want.” Ali hung up moments later. Nina’s words lingered in her mind. She didn’t know what to do. She’d been hot and needy before he’d come over, and had he initiated it then, she wouldn’t have said no. She hadn’t really wanted to put on the brakes on the beach, but she had. And it didn’t help now that she knew he was twenty-eight. She stood and opened the patio doors. The night was beautiful. With the moonlight, the waves looked silver as they rolled into the shore. Taking a seat in one of the chairs, she lay back, staring at Sean’s house. He was everything Chad wasn’t. It really wasn’t fair for her to compare the two. Ali sighed and focused on the movement inside his house. His form filled the small window. She sucked in a breath as he moved slightly, revealing his full body, naked, as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. Ali leaned forward, helplessly staring at the hot display of man before her. He stood in front of the window, oblivious to her watching. His back was to her, turned just enough for her to see his impressive package. Ali swallowed hard. She had to be completely nuts to turn down a night with him when she could have that between her legs, driving her to bliss this very second. Her pussy gushed with moisture. What the hell was she so scared of? She probably wouldn’t see him after this week. And wasn’t an older woman, younger man

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romance practically forbidden? The idea turned her on. She’d always been the type that went for older men. Sophisticated men. Mature men. She struck out every time because she picked the losers. The posers. The guys society deemed her “type.” Sean wasn’t any of that. He turned toward her. The glass of whiskey came to his lips as he downed the last of it. His large hand wrapped around his thick erection and started a slow stroke. Ali stayed in the shadows, watching as his head dropped back and his movements quickened. It crossed her mind to pick up the phone and call him. To tell him she saw him and wished it was her hand or her lips bringing him pleasure. Ali’s hand slipped between her thighs and felt the warm moisture between them. God, she hadn’t been this turned on in a long time, and the man had yet to touch her. He came, lips parted, body tense. Ali moaned, watching as he finished, wishing she hadn’t run from him. She stood to retrieve the phone and shut the patio doors behind her. Looking at the ink scrolled on her hand, she dialed the digits and waited for him to answer. “Hello?” “I’ve been thinking,” she said, moving toward the bedroom. “I definitely want to do something tomorrow if you won’t hold my slight fear and running away from you against me.” His side of the line was silent. Ali swallowed and felt sweat break out across her forehead. Maybe he thought she was psycho. “Why where you scared?” he finally asked. Ali sat on the side of the bed. “Because I just got out of a humiliating relationship, and I’m not quite ready to jump back on the horse again.” “What happened?” She lay back against the pillows. “He is the Chief of Surgery. I didn’t think it’d be that bad to date someone I worked with as long as he wasn’t in my department. It lasted a few years, up until a few

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months ago when he announced his girlfriend was pregnant with his child. Obviously that girlfriend wasn’t me.” “Ah,” he said in obvious understanding. “Sounds like a prick.” Ali agreed but didn’t comment. “The girlfriend was twenty years old. Blonde hair, fake boobs, and air for brains. A total cliché, and he rubbed it in my face every chance he got.” “I’m sorry he hurt you.” The sincerity in his voice touched her. “I had a great time tonight, though, if it’s any consolation.” She smiled. “Me too. Do you still want to hang out with the boring doctor next door?” “You’re not boring, and I did promise to show you some fun. I’m a man of my word.” She smiled at that. She believed him. “Okay.” “And tomorrow night, I promise to give you more than dinner and a show.” His voice lowered huskily. “You’ll get to participate, as well.” Ali’s cheeks heated. He’d seen her watching him. **** Sean smiled when he woke the next morning. He’d dreamed of Ali. As he got ready for work, he planned their date. He normally spent his days off, out on the waves. Hopefully, he could convince Ali to come with him. At work, he could barely focus. What was it about this woman that made him completely lose his mind? He’d watched her last night, obviously intrigued by him standing in the window. It was almost laughable considering her age, but when he’d turned, she’d tried to hide. He’d known she was there and decided to put on a show for her, which had prompted her to call him. “Mr. Graham?” his assistant asked. “Yeah?” “You have a phone call, line one.”

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He thanked her and picked up the phone. “Sean Graham.” “Seanie!” An excited voice sounded in his ear. “How’s it hanging?” Sean pinched the bridge of his nose. “Everything’s fine, Trevor. What can I do for you?” “Right to the chase as always. Fine. That’s okay.” His friend paused. “I need you to come to LA in about a week or two. We’ve got that new production we’re working on, and it’s already been through beta testers. I need your approval before we put it out for mass production.” Trevor Dalton was a longtime friend from childhood. Growing up, they’d planned on creating their own gaming company, but when Trevor’s wife left him and took everything he had, he’d become more of a business risk than asset to the company. Sean sighed. But Trevor was still his friend, and even though he’d started his own production company, he still depended on Sean to help him out. A lot. “What’s my cut of the deal?” Sean only half-heartedly asked but nevertheless wanted to hear what his friend would come up with. “What do you want?” “Twenty percent revenue.” Trevor’s side of the line grew quiet. Just as Sean suspected, his friend wanted to bank off Sean’s expertise. That was the problem with friendships and business. Everyone always threw the friendship card when the going got rough. It wasn’t fair, and even though they were friends, Sean didn’t want to be expected to allow himself to be used. “I’ll have to talk to my business partner about that,” Trevor finally said. “He’s in control of the finances.” Of course he was. “Fine. Find out and get back to me.” “Sean, regardless, I really need your help on this. This is probably the final straw. We’ve been open for two years now and everything we’ve produced has tanked. I’m begging you to help me out.” Sean sighed. “I’ll see if I can work it into my schedule. I’m pretty busy right now.”

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“I’ll take whatever you can do.” After Sean hung up, he glanced at the clock on the wall. It was lunchtime. After gathering his things, he told his secretary to close up early. He planned on surfing some, maybe teaching Ali, and then taking her back to his place for some wining and dining. He drove home and parked in his drive. Ali sat on the front porch with her novel in hand, feet propped up on the railing. She lifted her gaze and smiled when she saw him walk across the short distance between their houses. “I was thinking about hitting some waves. You up for it?” Sean climbed the steps, then leaned against the railing. She set her book aside. “I don’t know. Aren’t there sharks out there?” Sean laughed and stepped forward to press a kiss against her lips. “Yes. Go get your suit on. Surfing is going to be us having fun.” She wrinkled her nose, but he ignored it. He motioned for her to get up and followed her inside, waiting in the living room while she changed. In comparison to his house, Nina’s was extremely small. His three-bedroom, two-bath house, seemed huge compared to Nina’s one-bedroom, one-bath. He sat on the couch and picked up the book Ali had tossed on the coffee table. Wicked. A saucy vixen is kidnapped and dumped in the Amazon Rainforest, and her rival is the only man who can save her. Sean snorted. Do people really read this stuff? Or better yet, why was Ali reading that book? He opened it to the page she’d marked and began reading. His large hand slipped between her thighs and felt her slick wetness. Gemma moaned, lifting her hips for deeper penetration as his finger slipped between her folds. Cody was her fantasy. Her temptation. She wanted his body, his attention, if for just one night. “Okay, I’m ready.” Ali stopped and Sean glanced up to look at her. “You’re reading my romance novel?”

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He shrugged and replaced her bookmark. “I was curious as to what entertains you all day long. Now I know.” He grinned at her and stood. “I need to get my board at my place.” “That book was bought on a whim. I didn’t know what it was about at the airport gift shop.” Sean’s grin widened. “Sure you didn’t.” He led her to his house and unlocked the front door. He wasn’t home long enough to dirty the place up because if he wasn’t surfing or working, he was sleeping. He shrugged out of his suit coat and tossed it over the back of the sofa. He worked on his tie next. “Are you hungry?” Ali smirked. “I had some yogurt right before you came over.” He pulled the tie off and tossed it before working on the buttons of his shirt. Sean stopped and glanced up at her, meeting her eyes. “I should probably finish undressing in my bedroom, huh?” She smiled. “Don’t stop on my account.” He came to her, cupped her cheeks, and kissed her. Her soft lips parted, accepting his tongue, and Sean was lost. Her arms came around him, bringing her soft body against his. Surfing was long forgotten as his hands roamed down her sides. She was hot, and his cock stood stiff in his pants. Sean pulled back long enough to lift her into his arms. She gave a shriek, then a light protest that he silenced with his mouth. He carried her to his bedroom and laid her in the middle of the bed. She looked so beautiful staring at him. Growing impatient, she fisted her fingers in his shirt and pulled him toward her. “Please tell me you have some protection.” She pushed his shirt from his shoulders and kissed his chest. “A box or two.” He lowered his mouth and kissed her. “Is that enough?” She grinned. “For now.” His hand slipped up her body to cup her breast. “That book must have you really worked up.”

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“Not the book.” She grabbed his hand and pulled it away from her breast. She met his eyes and pushed his hand between her legs. “You, Sean.” He rubbed her pussy through the thin layer of her bathing suit. She was soaked. Shifting slightly, he undid the strings at the sides and touched her. “You want me that bad, huh?” He kissed her belly, feeling the slight tremble as his lips inched downward. His finger slid along her slit, finding her needy little clit and stroking it. She arched her back off the mattress in a silent gasp. He focused on his task and lowered his lips to plant a kiss at the top of her thighs. Sean moved between her legs, pulling the triangle cups of her top aside. Her breasts were perfect, making his mouth water every time he saw her. The dress she’d worn to dinner had damn near killed him with the V-cut neckline. He lowered his mouth and took one nipple between his lips while his hands continued to stimulate her. “Sean.” His name was a whisper, a plea. His tongue swirled around the pink tips, making them even harder. Her pussy clenched around his fingers with each swipe. Her seeking hands reached out to cup his groin and Sean jerked away. They stared at each other, panting. “Shit,” Sean swore. He bit his lip. “You okay?” He nodded his head with a jerky movement. He’d nearly come in his pants when her fingers wrapped around his cock. How the hell would he ever last inside her? “You can't touch me until we’ve used about half of the condom supply.” That statement got a snort from her. He leaned down to kiss her and pulled back, standing on his knees to undo his zipper. “Little boys who can’t control themselves…” She tsked him. He pulled his pants off and tossed them to the ground. Her playful nature diminished when her eyes focused on his cock. God, just watching her watch him made him ready to shoot. Pre-cum leaked from the tip. If he drew it out any longer their fun would be over well

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before it started. Leaning to the side, he pulled open the nightstand drawer, grabbing a box of condoms. Ripping it open, he pulled out a packet, then rolled it on quickly. “I’ll make you think ‘little boy.’” He settled between her legs and thrust inside her. She was wet, but tight. Sean saw stars. Ali made a faint whimpering noise and clutched at his sides as he pulled back and thrust inside her again. He ground his pelvis against hers. Ali lifted her hips to meet each of his thrusts, making his control snap like a thin rubber band. He reached between her thighs and found her clit. “Come for me.” He leaned down to kiss her, drawing her lower lip into his mouth. Her inner muscles squeezed his dick so hard, he thought he’d go blind from the sensation of her pussy rippling around him. Her thighs wrapped around his waist and hugged him tight as her moan of gratification filled the silent room. He couldn’t stop his climax.

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Chapter Four Ali lay in the middle of Sean’s bed, replete, while he went to the bathroom to clean up. Thunder clapped outside their comfort haven as rain pelted against the windows. She closed her eyes and let the rain lull her to sleep. “Oh, no.” Sean’s husky voice filled the room. “You’re not taking a nap yet.” She smiled. “Why not? What did you have planned for me?” “A shower, for starters. Then maybe a bite to eat.” The mattress dipped with his weight. “A few more rounds of intense lovemaking.” She opened her eyes just as he leaned down to kiss her. “Where’s my nap come in at?” “At bedtime.” He chuckled. “Come on.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her into a sitting position. He kissed her as he undid the ties of her bathing suit top and wrapped his arms around her. She closed her eyes and reveled in his comfort and warmth. “Let’s take a shower, baby.” He scooped her in his arms and carried her into the bathroom. He sat her down long enough to turn on the water and came back to her for a kiss. “I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.” Ali smiled. He waited for her to enter the shower stall first before following her. The warm water felt good against her chilled skin. Sean reached for the shampoo. He washed her hair, massaging her scalp with the tips of his fingers. If he wanted her to wake up, he went about it completely wrong. The light movements relaxed her, making her much-needed nap more of a necessity.

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He positioned her in the stream of water and rinsed the suds. Ali dipped her head back enjoying warm water rolling down her body. When he was through, Sean leaned in to kiss her briefly before reaching for the bodywash. It smelled delicious as he poured it into his hand. “Sorry. You’re going to smell like a guy because I don’t have any flowery stuff around here.” He cupped her breasts, massaging gently as he lathered her body. His hands roamed down her abdomen and cupped her ass. She wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. “You need to get another rubber.” He chuckled, slipping his soapy fingers between her thighs. “I thought you were tired.” “Mmm, yeah. That’s long gone now.” Ali moaned. “Please, Sean.” Sean grinned. He stepped out of the stall long enough to retrieve the protection and came back. He wiped his cock off and rolled it on. Ali turned to give him her back. He pulled her to him and kissed her neck. “Lean forward.” She braced her hands on the stall wall. “God, you’re so tight.” Ali felt his cock brush against her. She wiggled her hips. Sean pushed inside her slowly, making her feel every inch of him as her body accepted the welcome intrusion. She closed her eyes and let him fuck her. Hard, fast, slow, and sweet—she let him take her whichever way he wanted. His lips pressed against her shoulder, both hands on her hips. “Tell me what you want,” he whispered. “You.” She pulled one of his hands up to cup her breasts. “Fuck me, Sean.” He chose fast and hard, filling her weeping pussy with every thick inch of his cock. She cried out as her sex clamped around him. He brushed that one spot inside her and she screamed, dropping her head

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as she climaxed wildly around him. Behind her closed eyes, she saw stars. “Shit.” Sean grunted in finale, digging his long fingers in her sides as he held her to him. “You are amazing.” She lifted her head, and the room spun. He withdrew and turned her around. Sean captured her mouth in a heated kiss that stole her breath. He pulled back and stared into her eyes. She was in serious trouble. Whatever was developing between them had to be short term. She couldn’t allow herself to fall for this guy, no matter how great he was. Sadly, their worlds were two very different places. **** Ali was out like a light before Sean finished eating his midafternoon lunch. He smiled as he entered his bedroom, loving how peaceful she looked in his bed. She looked like she belonged. He settled in bed beside her with the folder containing the business proposal Trevor had given him. He didn’t understand why his friend had to have his opinion of a product, or better yet, why he should give him his opinion. They were competitors in the gaming industry. “Mmm.” Ali rolled to her back next to him. “What are you doing?” “Looking over some stuff.” He leaned down to kiss her. “Did you have a good nap?” “Yes, I had a lovely nap in your wonderful bed.” She yawned. “How long have I been sleeping?” He glanced at the clock. “About two and a half hours.” She sat up, clutching the sheets to her chest. “Oh, no.” “What?” Sean watched her grab for her cover-up. “I promised I’d call Nina. She gets off of work around six.” He pointed to the phone beside the bed. “The phone’s right there.” “I can’t use your phone.” She brushed her hair from her face. “She’ll know I’m sleeping with you.”

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She was nuts. Sean went back to his papers. “Who cares if she knows?” “Me. She’ll think I’m a hypocrite.” Ali came around the bed and pressed a kiss to his lips. He grabbed her before she could pull away. “Why would you be a hypocrite?” “Because I made a big deal about Chad sleeping with a brainless twenty-year-old and…” She stopped. “Well, you’re hardly brainless and way sexier, but…” “I’m younger than you.” Sean knew she’d make it an issue. “Yeah.” He pulled her onto his lap. “Stop worrying. Age is just a number.” “To you, maybe. I’m the one that made a huge deal—in front of my colleagues, no less—about Chad dating a younger girl. I might have even thrown in a few inappropriate comments that could have possibly gotten me fired.” She pulled away from him. “I might not even have a job when I go back.” “What did you say?” She hesitated. “I said the only way he could fool a woman into thinking he was good in bed was to take an inexperienced little girl. His little dick would seem huge and she’d never know the difference.” Ali bit her lip. “I was mad.” “I’ll say.” Sean could only imagine what the guy on the receiving end had thought. “I just need to go. Nina is the only friend I seem to have anymore, and I really don’t want to lose her too.” He watched her leave. He really didn’t think Nina would care whether or not Ali slept with him. It has to be the ex. He tried to focus his attention on Trevor’s project, but his mind couldn’t comprehend anything he read. He wasn’t ready for Ali to leave, and her excuse wasn’t good enough. Sean scooped the papers up and set them on the nightstand. After finding a T-shirt in his closet, he pulled it on and grabbed his keys. He

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walked the short distance between his house and hers, shielding himself from the rain. Sean tried the doorknob. It was unlocked. “Nina, you have no idea what you’re talking about. I spent the entire afternoon fucking him and it breaks my heart to think I have to leave in a couple of days. It’ll never work out between us. No matter how much I want it to, we’re two completely different people from two different worlds.” Sean stepped back and closed the door. He knew she wasn’t that shallow. She was falling hard for him just like he was falling hard for her. Hopefully, Nina will talk some sense into her. Sean turned and headed back to his house. He decided to wait until closer to bedtime before he called her. He didn’t care whose bed they slept in. She would be by his side, in his arms. She just didn’t know it yet. **** Ali’s stomach growled, alerting her to its neglect. She glanced at the clock. It was too late to go somewhere, and she didn’t have anything at Nina’s house. She thought about Sean. How much more could she use him? Sex, food, companionship. Nina told her it wasn’t a big deal, but it was. On her conscience, it was a huge deal. She picked up the phone and called him. He answered on the third ring. “I fully understand if you don’t want to speak to me anymore.” Sean didn’t hesitate. “Actually, I do want to speak with you again. Come over.” She swallowed. Why didn’t he push her away? “Okay.” “Bring a change of clothes. You’re spending the night in my bed.” He hung up, leaving Ali dumbfounded. She grabbed her book and her pajamas to carry to Sean’s then met him at the door. He wore his glasses, the same black shorts he’d pulled on earlier, and a white T-shirt. She chuckled, reading the saying on his shirt. People with glasses are smarter. “You’re cute.”

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He smiled, closing the door behind her. “So are you.” She stood there, feeling out of place. What did she say to him? Her stomach rumbled and he arched an eyebrow at her. “Sorry. My yogurt is long gone.” He laughed. “What do you want to eat?” “I don’t care.” She set her pajamas and book on the couch. “I figured you’d be mad at me.” Sean crossed the room to pull her into his arms for a kiss. “You worry too much.” He led her into the kitchen and sat her on one of the stools at the eat-in bar. She watched him pull out pots and pans, moving about in the kitchen as if he were in his zone. Her emotions were chaotic, yet she felt completely comfortable sitting in Sean’s kitchen with him making her something to eat. The act itself was almost something someone did for a person they loved. “You don’t have to cook for me.” “I want to.” He kept his back to her. “How is Nina?” “Great. She met a guy through a woman at work. They’re going on their first date tonight.” Ali propped her chin on her palm. “What are your plans for tomorrow?” “I have to be in the office by eight. I’ll probably work all day. Why? Did you want to do something?” Actually, she did. “No. That’s okay. I think I’ll do some shopping. See the sights around town and all.” He leaned across the counter and lifted her chin. He smiled and kissed her. “You want my work number in case you change your mind?” She grinned. “It could come in handy.” “Remind me in the morning.” When dinner was done, she offered to set the table. Sean tried grabbing her each time she passed for a quick kiss before they sat down to eat. Ali loved talking to him, sharing interests and learning about him. Sean was practically the perfect guy. So why was she hung

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up on what to do when she left? In all honesty, she wanted to take him with her. It sounded ridiculous because his life was in Laguna. Hers was in Beverly Hills. “You want some dessert? I think I have some ice cream in the freezer.” Sean stood to clear the table. She shook her head. “No, thank you. This was more than enough.” She carried her plate to the sink. “You like to eat extravagant meals, don’t you?” He chuckled. “I like good food.” He took her plate and put it in the dishwasher. “There’s nothing wrong with that.” He moved around her to the freezer, then pulled out an orange sherbet Push Pop. She stared at him as he undid the treat and pushed the ice cream to the top of the tube. “What?” “A Push Pop?” “I love these.” He licked it. “Don’t knock it ’til you try it.” She held out her hand. Smiling, he handed his dessert over. She pressed the flat of her tongue against it and swiped the top of the treat. It tasted just as good then as it had when she’d been a kid. “I used to eat these at the softball field in celebration of beating the boys’ team when I was a teenager.” Sean turned and pulled out another Push Pop. “You played softball?” “Third base. The boys used to tease me in the hallways saying if they were good enough, I would let them get to third base. It was hilarious until I played them on the field and kicked their asses.” He leaned against the counter. “Did you talk trash to them?” “All the time.” She smirked. “We even teased them by wearing tight little shorts and thin white tank tops.” “Ooh. Naughty girl.” He grinned, meeting her eyes. Ali smiled. “Damn straight.” They moved into the living room and plopped down on the sofa. “I’ve almost finished my book.”

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He laughed. “You and your dirty novels. Do you have another one to read?” “No.” She set her empty Push Pop on the newspaper that was on the coffee table. “I thought maybe, instead of reading about it, I could actively participate.” She straddled his lap. Sean’s eyes turned a shade darker. She took his ice cream from him and ate the last bit before sitting the empty tube beside hers. His hands rested on her thighs while he waited for her to face him again. “Really? What did you have in mind?” He wrapped her arms around his neck. “Gemma and Cody fucked on the rainforest floor, so it wasn’t much for inspiration in real life since there are no rainforests near the beach, but the scene where he pushed her up against a tree was pretty entertaining. Definitely sparked my imagination.” Sean chuckled. “You want me to take you against a tree?” She ran her fingers through the short hair at the base of his neck. “No. There aren’t any trees around here.” He leaned forward to kiss her. Within seconds, she completely forgot about their conversation. Sean slipped his hands beneath her blouse and pulled her closer, his erection coming to life against her thigh. She reached down to cup him, pulling her lips from his. “Maybe I could take you, though,” she replied. She scooted back until she was on her knees on the floor. Sean’s heavy-lidded gaze met her as she reached for the waistband of his shorts. He lifted his hips slightly, allowing her to tug his shorts down. His cock lay thick between his thighs, waiting for her touch. She tossed his shorts to the side and kneeled to tug his shirt off. Simply staring at his body made her pussy damp. He looked nothing like the businessmen she knew and acted nothing like them either. She ran her hands down his chest, over his nipples to the rock hard abs of his stomach. She kissed his inner thigh, darting her tongue out occasionally. He blew out a breath, keeping his hands to his sides

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as she worked her way up to his rock-hard cock. She flicked her tongue against the crease where his thigh met his hip while her hand worked his cock in slow strokes in an up-and-down rhythm. A soft noise came from her lips as she inched her way to the left, pressing her lips to the base of his shaft. Her tongue darted out, brushing against his balls. Sean groaned. To Ali it was a power trip to go down on a man. She had him right where she wanted him, his pleasure, literally, in her hands. With one long, leisurely lick, she traced the throbbing vein on the underside to the very tip, lapping up the liquid that seeped out. Sean’s patience snapped. His fingers knotted in her hair. She ran her tongue in a circle along the tip of his cock, smiling when he made a grunting noise. She loved it. Fingers wrapped around the base of his cock, she parted her lips and took him inside her mouth. Ali’s sex fluttered. She recalled how he’d filled her, pushed inside her pussy without mercy, and took her. She wanted it again. Her lips clamped tight around him as she withdrew, her hand pumping up from the base. His grip on her hair never loosened as he guided her back, moaning when she took him to her throat. “Oh, yeah, baby.” Sean arched off the couch, pushing himself deeper. “Suck it hard.” She did. Repeatedly. Her free hand cupped his balls and stroked them. She continued the stroke and suck motion, pushing Sean closer and closer to the edge. He pulled her hair tighter, drove himself deeper, and came. Ali closed her eyes and reflexively swallowed, drinking up everything he gave her. Moments later, his grip on her hair loosened, and he sagged against the couch. She pulled back and glanced up at him. “I think you need to read those books more often,” he said. “Get you a damn library full.” She chuckled.

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Sean reached down and pulled her onto the couch beside him. He pushed her shirt up her belly and leaned down to kiss the exposed skin. “What else gave you inspiration?” “I don’t know.” She ran her fingers through his hair. “You.” He smiled and shifted above her to his knees. “You’re wearing too many clothes.” Ali lifted her torso and whipped her shirt over her head. She wasn’t wearing a bra. “How’s this?” “Better.” He grinned. He cupped her breasts, rubbing his thumbs lightly over her nipples. “But not enough.” He leaned forward to lick the valley between her breasts. A soft noise of delight left her lips as he made his way to her neck. Sean’s lips were perfect for kissing, perfect for sampling her body, heightening her desire. She clutched his shoulders and pulled him to her, finding his mouth and kissing him. He pushed her back against the couch, sliding his hands to her hips to tug at her jogging shorts. He pulled back long enough to remove them from her legs and settled in again, brushing his thumb along her slit. “You are, without a doubt, the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen.” Ali froze as he kissed her inner thigh, taking in his words. No one had ever called her sexy. She closed her eyes when his tongue brushed against her. Her heart pounded in her chest as it swirled over her clit. She gasped when two of his fingers filled her, pumping inside. Her hand went blindly to his head, fisting her fingers in the silky locks of his hair. He didn’t tease her like she had done to him. He gave her just the right stimulation to send her spiraling into an earth-shaking climax. When he lifted his head, he grinned. “What do you say we take this to the bedroom?”

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Chapter Five When Ali woke the next morning, she was alone. She yawned and stretched and tried her best to come alive. Sean entered the room with a wooden tray, wearing a business suit and green dress shirt with a matching tie. “Good morning, sleepy head.” He set the tray on his side of the bed. “I have to leave in a few minutes, so I’m giving you a key to lock up when you get ready to go.” She nodded and sat up to investigate the tray full of food. “You cooked me breakfast?” “Yeah.” He leaned down to kiss her forehead. “And you get to eat in bed.” She smiled and tucked the sheets beneath her arms. He pulled out his wallet and tossed his business card on the edge of the tray. “I have a meeting this morning—hence the business suit—but I could probably sneak away early if you want to do something later on.” She picked up the card and read it. “Do you own the company?” “It’s a partnership run by a board of directors.” He stuffed his wallet in his back pocket. “I call a lot of the shots, though.” She stared at him. “You’re pretty hot in that suit. That green shirt looks good on you.” He glanced down at her breasts and groaned. “Don’t tell me that when you’re naked in my bed.” “I just made a statement.” He chuckled and kissed her. “I promise to feed you breakfast tomorrow. Maybe even eat fruit off your luscious body.” He kissed her again. “But I’m running late right now.”

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“Go.” She pushed him away, picking at the bowl of fruit he’d set to the side of her plate. “I’ll probably take a shower before I leave if that’s okay.” “That’s fine. Make sure to lock up.” “I will.” She bit into a strawberry. “Have fun at work.” He made a rude noise. “You know I will.” After he left, she ate her breakfast, cleaned up after herself, and decided to take a shower before she headed back to Nina’s beach house. The day she had planned was full of shopping—spending all her hard-earned money on whatever she wanted. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d set foot inside a mall and figured it was about time to stop saving and splurge a little. Okay, a lot. The day was beautiful. The sun shone bright with the faintest breeze keeping the temperature down from potentially scalding degrees. She changed into a hot pink jogging outfit armed with her credit cards and check book and headed to the nearest mall, about five miles away from Nina’s beach house. She entered the mall and hit the larger department stores first. Surprised to find a huge shoe sale, Ali spent the first thirty minutes trying different styles on and ended up purchasing three pairs. Then she bought outfits and handbags to match. “Chad, I need this outfit. You don’t understand what it’s like to have nothing to wear!” Ali glanced toward her right where she saw her ex standing with his pregnant fiancée. She watched as Melody pouted and stomped her foot like a two-year-old, begging Chad to buy her the ugliest outfit in the store. Ali didn’t have time to hide before Chad glanced up and spotted her across the aisle. “Alessandra?” Ali cringed. “Chad. What are you doing here?” “Melody’s family owns a beach house on the north side of town. What are you doing here?”

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“Vacationing.” She glanced over at Melody before focusing on Chad again. It was hard to believe she was—or thought she was—in love with the man. His eyes had crinkles around the corners as if worry and age had taken a toll on him. He was dressed in a pale yellow shirt and khaki pants, matching Melody’s summer dress. If it wasn’t so nauseating, she would have laughed. “Uh, I really need to go.” Ali moved past him. “I’ll see you at work.” She breathed a sigh of relief once she made it around the corner before Chad grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him. For a moment, he simply stood there. Then, he leaned in. She was completely unprepared for the kiss he gave her. His lips were rough, moving over hers as he tried to coax her mouth open. Ali clamped her lips shut and pushed at his chest. “Chad!” Melody’s screechy voice broke them apart. “What are you doing?” Ali pulled away and brought her hand to her lips. “I miss you, Alessandra.” He tried to pull her closer as she moved away. “I made a mistake. Please take me back.” “Chad!” Melody stomped her foot. “My life is hell.” He swallowed, reaching for Ali’s hands. “I shouldn’t have left you. I shouldn’t have cheated.” “Chad!” Ali glanced around, noting the people that started to stare. She met Chad’s eyes and shook her head. “You made your bed. Now you have to lie in it.” She left him and his screeching girlfriend in the middle of the aisle as she went to check out. Her shopping trip was officially over. She dug in her purse for her credit card and found Sean’s business card beaming up at her. She wanted to see him. If for nothing else than to say hi.

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After collecting her bags, she climbed in her car and headed toward Sean’s work. It was completely ridiculous to physically need to see her lover, but Ali wanted his arms around her. She wanted to feel his touch, see his smile. She parked in front of his office building, biting her lower lip. He’d probably think she was completely insane for showing up unannounced. She hadn’t even processed what happened in the store with Chad yet. She pushed her sunglasses on top of her head and stared at the front door, afraid to move. Chad had kissed her. He’d apologized. He’d said he wanted her back. The thoughts roamed around in her mind, making her head spin. She reached for the door handle blindly and got out. In the back of her mind, she knew she should probably turn to Nina for the advice she needed. The cool air inside the building was a drastic contrast to the hot air outside. She stepped inside with her flip-flops flapping, heading to the front desk. “Hi, is Sean available?” The lady eyed her. “Just a moment.” She punched buttons on her phone while Ali waited. Yes, she had to be completely crazy for showing up at his work unannounced. “Mr. Graham will see you now.” She waved her hand in a classic Vanna White motion toward the only hallway. Ali nodded. Her stomach knotted as she stepped closer to his office. The place was busy, people running around everywhere. She hadn’t the slightest idea where she was supposed to go and followed the main hall toward a bunch of closed doors. Thankfully, one of them had Sean Graham’s name on it. She knocked. “Yeah?” Ali opened the door and stepped inside. “Can I bug you for a minute?” He lifted his gaze from his computer, spotted her, and smiled. “You can bug me for as long as you want.”

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She smiled, closing the door behind her. “I’m sorry I didn’t call first. I probably should have, but I went shopping and ran into someone unexpectedly.” She hesitated, uncertainty creeping over her as she watched him “Who did you run into?” He motioned her over, pushing back slightly from his desk. Ali came to him, settling on his lap. She bit her lip. “I ran into Chad.” He cupped the back of her head and pulled her toward him for a kiss. “Who’s Chad?” He stole her breath away, making her forget the previous thirty minutes with her ex. His hand skimmed her bare thigh. He set her body on fire and she couldn’t get enough of it. “Chad is my ex.” She pulled back long enough to gauge his reaction. “Did you tell him to fuck off?” Sean’s hand brushed along her leg. “No. He kissed me.” Sean paused. “He told me he wanted me back.” Sean pulled away and dropped his hand to the side. “Do you want him back?” “No.” She bit her lip. “It just shocked me. I didn’t expect him to admit he was wrong. I didn’t expect to have him say everything I wanted to hear and simply not care. I’m a little baffled.” Sean leaned back. “Are you okay?” She nodded. “I know it sounds bad, but I couldn’t help noticing how old he looked. I watched him briefly with his twenty-year-old girlfriend and I couldn’t help thinking of how much he looked like her father instead of her fiancé.” Sean wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against him. “We’re nothing like them.” She sat up and met his eyes. “You don’t think I look old?” He kissed her. “No. You don’t look old. You’re beautiful and sexy. I get hard thinking about your sweet little body beneath me. On

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top of me. I can still fill the way your pussy grips me when I make you come. It’s like you never want me to go. And to be honest, I never want to go.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re so charming.” He chuckled. His hand came back to her thigh, lightly caressing. “You’re beautiful, Ali.” Before, when a man told her that, she hadn’t believed it. Even now, she didn’t take his statement seriously, but the look in his eyes made her wonder. It made her think way too much about the possibilities of their future, even though she knew they had no future together. “A friend of mine owns a restaurant that specializes in salsa dancing and asked me to come by tonight. Care to join me?” “I can’t dance.” “Good, because neither can I.” He kissed her cheek. “He wanted me to try the food.” She smiled. “Fine. I bought a new outfit today. I could wear it tonight.” He cupped her cheeks and kissed her. “I can’t wait to see it.” **** Sean agreed to meet Ali at the restaurant instead of driving home to pick her up. He went inside and settled at the table while a fast Latin beat played in the background. People gathered on the dance floor in the middle of the room and danced to the beat. He watched, amazed at the sight. “Care to dance?” Sean turned and smiled when Ali stood before him dressed in a slinky, red, V-neck dress that accented her cleavage. Her hair was pulled back with a few tendrils framing her face. She was so beautiful, and he told her so.

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“Thank you.” She reached for his hand. “Come on. I’ll look like a fool, but I can’t simply sit in my seat with this song playing.” He let her lead him to the dance floor. Their bodies slid against each other as they danced. Ali swayed her hips and turned, giving him a great view of her backside. He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close, letting her rub her ass against his cock. It was going to be a long night if he had to sit through dinner and dance with an erection as hard as a diamond. He pressed his face against her neck, moving along with her. He didn’t care if people watched. Ali was in his arms and the world seemed to drift away. She turned to face him, letting him spin her, and he pulled her back against his body. They laughed at one another, loving every minute of it. In the short time he had known her, he’d never seen her so happy. Even after the day she’d had with seeing her ex and the woman he’d knocked up, she was smiling and enjoying herself. He pulled her to him and whispered in her ear. “You’re beautiful when you smile.” Her lips tilted upwards. They danced through three songs until they were sweaty and exhausted. He’d lost his suit jacket along the way and rolled up his shirtsleeves. The room was indeed hot, as if the air conditioning had broken. Sweat dotted Ali’s skin, rolling down her neck, between her breasts. Sean eyed her, wishing at that moment they were in a more private place. “Let’s order something to eat. I’m hungry.” She grabbed both of his hands and led him back to their original table. “I’m hungry, too, but not for food.” Sean leaned down, tasting the saltiness of her skin as he pressed his lips to her shoulder. “Behave.” Ali ordered a large plate of nachos for the both of them. After the waiter left, she focused her attention on him and said, “I love this place.” He smiled. “I’m glad. Hopefully the food will be just as good.”

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She stared at him a moment. “What’s wrong? You’re extremely quiet.” Sean shrugged. “I’m tired. You wore me out on the dance floor.” She snorted. “Save your strength. You’ll need it later.” And she was right. As soon as they arrived home, they didn’t make it inside before she was in his arms, legs wrapped around his waist. He tried fishing for the right key to unlock the door, but his sultry vixen had her hand in his pants, making him forget his own name. He groaned when she squeezed him. He sat her on top of the car and settled between her thighs. She undid his belt and glided the zipper over the stiff bulge. “I need you inside me now, Sean.” Before she pushed his pants down, he grabbed the condom he’d stored in his pocket. He set it to the side, closing his eyes as she stroked him. With what little reason he had in his mind, he said, “We need to go inside.” “Why?” She kissed him. “It feels so good out here after being cooped up in that hot restaurant. I’m burning up and want nothing but the ocean air caressing my skin.” She gave him a devilish smile. “Well, that and you, of course.” He didn’t have to be convinced anymore. He pulled her forward and slid his hands up her thighs. She’d chosen not to wear panties and her smooth pussy was slick with her moisture. His fingers traced along her folds, dipping between to find her clit. She kissed him, mimicking with her tongue what he wanted to do with their bodies. “Fuck me, Sean,” she whispered against his wet lips. “I want you inside me now.” With one hand, Sean reached out blindly for the condom. He took care of the protection and positioned himself against her. Ali leaned back on her hands, lifting her hips slightly to rub herself against him. Sean clenched his jaw and gripped her hips, holding her while he pushed forward. His hands cupped her ass as her body accepted every inch of him.

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Her head dropped back. The dancing tonight had been foreplay. He’d realized it the moment Ali refused to dance with another person. He’d wanted her in his office. Hell, he’d thought about her every second of every day since he met her. Her pussy tightened around him, and she came without warning as he thrust inside her. What the hell was wrong with him? She cupped his cheeks and pulled his mouth against hers as his orgasm overtook him. Her body was so sweet, so soft, and he simply couldn’t get enough. “We probably need to go inside.” Ali pulled back and stared into his eyes. The bright moonlight cast a soft glow on her sweaty skin. “I’d really like a shower.” He smiled. “Yeah? I’d really like to get out of this suit.” They barely made it inside Sean’s house before Ali jumped him. They tumbled to the couch, struggling with clothing as Ali straddled him. She pulled her dress over her head before leaning down to kiss him again. He cupped her breasts as she pulled at his shirt. “Please tell me you have condoms nearby.” Ali pulled his lip between her teeth as she undid his pants. “Bedroom.” Ali groaned. “Take your pants off while I get them.” She climbed off and practically ran toward the hall. Sean sucked in a breath then blew it out, trying to calm himself. The crotch of his black pants gleamed with her moisture. Sean chuckled to himself and took the remaining articles of clothing off. Ali came back with three condoms in hand. “Have we almost used up your supply?” He shook his head. “I have more.” Her eyebrow arched, though she didn’t say anything. She pulled a packet off and undid it. “Do you normally keep several boxes of condoms around…just in case?” She straddled him and rolled the protection on.

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“No.” He unhooked her bra. “Not normally. But I do believe in being prepared.” She smiled. “A regular boy scout, huh?” She positioned his cock at her entrance and sank down on him. Sean bit his lip, watching her face while she rode him. He reached out to pull her to him, tasting her sweet mouth again. He was a junkie with an addiction when it came to Ali, and he’d never get enough. Damn, she was a good fit for him. He brushed his hands down her back and cupped her ass. Ali ran her fingers through his hair and smashed her lips against his. She came hard, clenching his dick inside her and pushing him over the edge with her. Sean didn’t have time to comprehend anything as his body took over, pleasure coursing through his veins. Then they were rolling. Ali fell on her back between the couch and coffee table with Sean on top of her. He chuckled and pulled back, looking down at her on the floor, trying his best not to crush her with his weight. “Okay, I think I may have had one too many margaritas.” Ali groaned. He smiled and lifted off of her. He disposed of the condom and came back to her. “I thought you were a bit excited after leaving the restaurant.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. She’d made his bed when she left that morning. The gesture brought a smile to his lips. He laid her on the bed and crawled in beside her. Ali rolled to her side and wrapped herself in his arms. She rested her cheek on his chest and threw a smooth leg over his, bringing her body flush against his side. “Can I tell you something?” she whispered softly. “Anything.” Her palm brushed against his nipple. He waited for her to speak, pulling her tighter. “I think I’m falling in love with you...I–I love you.”

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Sean swallowed, not knowing what to say. He pulled the covers over their bodies and opted to hold her instead. The truth was, he thought the same thing, and it scared him shitless.

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Chapter Six Day four of Ali’s vacation was spent entirely in bed with Sean. He fixed her breakfast like he’d promised. He also made her lie flat on her back and let him eat fruit off her body like he’d promised. They ordered lunch in and decided to watch the sunset in the evening on his back patio. She wanted romance, and on the fourth day, that’s exactly what she got. Sean lent her a robe, pulled one on for himself, and they settled outside on the lounge. He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her periodically. “How’s your vacation so far?” He brushed her hair from her face. “Wonderful.” She smiled. “I think it’s exactly what I needed.” She remembered vaguely that she’d told him she was falling in love with him. He hadn’t said anything about it, not that she expected him to. But the statement was the elephant in the room. “Have you thought about what you were going to do when you go back?” His finger lingered along her cheek. Miss you. “No. I’m not looking forward to it.” She turned to face the sunset. Sean’s life was here. Her life was in LA. She didn’t even want to picture calling things off with him and going back home. She didn’t want to think about seeing Chad every day and missing Sean. That was a cruel twist of fate. She’d come here wishing Chad would wise up and open his eyes to what was before him, and yet, now that he had, she didn’t care. “You know LA is only two hours away.” He brushed her arms. Her heart beat erratically. What was he saying? “Yes. I’m not looking forward to that drive either.”

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He paused. “What if I made the drive from time to time?” Ali turned completely and straddled his hips as she faced him. “You want to come to LA?” Sean stared at her, his face completely expressionless. “I thought maybe I would, you know, and we could see each other. Have dinner and what not.” She wanted to say yes. Ali thought about her schedule. She worked five days a week and every other weekend. She didn’t have time for a social life, and if Sean ever did come to LA to see her, she’d want to take him inside her bedroom and never leave. The thought of not being able to see him broke her heart. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She scrambled off the chair before he could see the tears forming in her eyes. Entering the house, she bumped the coffee table in passing as she headed toward the bedroom. Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed her little red dress. She wanted things to work out. She wanted to see him again. “Ali, wait a minute.” Sean came in the bedroom as she closed the bathroom door behind her. She flipped the shower on before he could say any more and tossed her robe to the side. She stepped into the steaming hot water and broke down. Her heart felt ripped into a thousand different pieces. She did her best to wash her body and hair, not really caring about actually getting clean. Afterward, she turned the water off and pulled a towel off the rack. “Ali,” Sean called, knocking on the door. “Come out and talk to me.” She quickly dried her hair with the towel and pulled her dress on. She didn’t know where she left her shoes and decided to do without them. She took a deep breath and opened the door, steeling herself against whatever measures Sean decided to pull.

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He stood to the side, arm propped on the doorframe, waiting. He’d changed from the robe to a pair of nylon shorts, and the scowl on his face made her cringe. “I’m leaving.” She pushed past him. He grabbed her arm. He didn’t say anything, but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. She wanted to cave, to ask him to run away and start life fresh somewhere. Tears welled in her eyes and she glanced away. “What you said last night…did you mean it?” Her jaw quivered. She bit her lower lip. “I was drunk. I don’t know what I said.” He let her go, moving away from her as if she’d told him she had the plague. He stared at the far wall, running his fingers through his hair. “You weren’t that drunk.” “I was wasted.” She moved to the end of the bed, finding her shoes and slipping them on. “So you didn’t mean it? You don’t…” He paused and turned to face her. “All we had was sex, Sean. It wasn’t love. People don’t fall in love within three days of meeting each other.” She bit her lower lip to keep it from quivering. “I’m going home.” She left him standing in the middle of his bedroom, obviously dumbfounded. She hoped and prayed to God she’d done the right thing because in that moment, she felt shitty for doing that to him. **** Sean tried not to take it personally. He wasn’t even sure how he felt about her himself. But she’d said she loved him. She hadn’t been that drunk, and she’d said it. He believed she’d meant it. He glanced at the clock. She’d been gone two hours. It felt like days. He closed his eyes and lay back on the sofa. What the hell are you going to do now that she’s gone?

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He wished she’d change her mind. Whatever spooked her hadn’t been there last night. She had issues with their age difference, but he didn’t think that was what had upset her. She’d been practically fine with everything until he’d mentioned going to see her in LA. “Fuck, Ali. What have you done to me?” He rubbed a hand over his face and picked up his phone. He found her number and hit “talk.” She didn’t answer. Sean sighed and hung up. She could run for all he cared, but she couldn’t hide. He grabbed his keys and headed out the door. The houses were close. It took him seconds before his fist pounded on her door. “Ali, open up. We need to talk.” Nothing. “Ali, whatever it is, we’ll work it out. Just open the damn door.” He pounded his fist against the wood. He was seconds away from losing it. Seconds away from breaking down and crying like a little baby. “Ali, please. I don’t think you meant what you said. I think you’re scared, and the truth is, I am, too. Please open the door.” The door cracked open and Ali appeared. Her eyes were redrimmed in the light from the foyer. Her suitcase was beside her. She’d changed into a blue jogging suit and pulled her hair back in a ponytail. “You’re leaving tonight?” Sean asked. “My vacation is pretty much over.” She bit her lip. “There’s nothing to work out, Sean. We come from two different worlds. This week was a break from reality, but eventually the real world will come back, and unfortunately, we have to face it…alone.” “Is this about the age difference? I swear, Ali, I don’t care about that.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “Stop, Sean.” “No.” He stepped closer. “You told me you loved me. I don’t believe you want to take it back, regardless if you were drunk or not. I don’t believe you want to walk away.” “It doesn’t matter if I meant it or not. It won’t work.”

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“Why not?” His voice rose. He didn’t mean to yell, but his own frustration got the best of him. She shrank back. Her eyes closed and big, fat tears rolled down her cheeks. He reached out to her, but she pulled away. “I need to go.” “Ali,” Sean pleaded. She flipped the lights off and stepped outside beside him then stopped to lock the place up. He reached out again, and she didn’t have anywhere to go. His hands lingered down her back, stopping at her waist. She lifted her head and met his eyes. His heart broke. He pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. Burying her face against his neck, Ali sobbed openly. “Don’t go.” He kissed her cheek. “I promise we’ll work it out, but you can’t run away.” She didn’t respond. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to his house. He wanted to reassure her. He needed to convince her that she was wrong. They could make it if they gave it an honest effort. He carried her to his bedroom and laid her on the bed, crawling in beside her. For a while, he simply held her. Their conversation played in his mind like a broken record. He didn’t know what he’d said or done. He didn’t understand what had spooked her. “My luggage is outside,” she whispered. He kissed her. “Don’t go anywhere.” He left, only to return with her hot pink suitcase. Ali lay on her side, curled up in the covers on his bed. She hugged his pillow to her body, watching him as he came around the bed. He slid beneath the sheets and curled his body around hers. “I can’t see you after this, Sean.” “Why not?” “Because…I can’t.” Her fingers linked with his. There was so much she didn’t say. He didn’t even know where to begin to ask questions. She brought his hand to her lips and kissed him. “I’m sorry.”

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Sean sighed and pulled her on top of his body, getting her as close as he could. He brushed her lips with his. “Tell me why. That’s all I need to know. I want to know why you can’t see me, Ali.” She shook her head. “Life.” He frowned. “I can come see you on my days off. I have friends in LA and—” “I can’t see you even if you did come to LA. I work ten hours a day, five days a week, and rotate weekends on call. That’s why I haven’t even come close to being in a real relationship, because I don’t have time for it.” She laid her head on his chest. “The only way I have time to see you is if you are a patient, and I don’t want you to be a patient.” Sean ran his fingers through her wet hair. “So you can’t do dinner. I get that. Don’t you get a break? At least thirty minutes? I can stop by on your break, and we can get it on in the on-call room like the doctors on Grey’s Anatomy.” She lifted her head and smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “My breaks are sporadic. If I called you to let you know I was free, it’d be over by the time you got there. Don’t make me want something I know I can’t have.” “I want us to work, Ali.” “Sometimes we don’t always get what we want.” She pushed up from his chest. She reached for the condom box and selected one. “We have the night. I love being in your arms, and I love the feel of you inside me. I plan on spending our time doing both.” Sean swallowed. If sex was all they would be, then he wouldn’t deny her. She undressed. Her eyes remained on him as she tossed her clothes to the floor. How had he gotten to this place in his life? Everything he wanted was within reach, and somehow so far away at the same time. She lowered her mouth to his and tugged his clothing off. “Sex is good, Sean.” She kissed her way down his neck. “Stop looking like I’m going to torture you.”

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Her hand wrapped around his dick and squeezed, pumping his shaft as she continued to kiss him. He couldn’t think anymore. Didn’t want to. Ali promised him the night. He intended to live it up. Sean flipped their positions and pushed her legs apart. He met her eyes and leaned down to kiss her stomach. It drove him crazy that she smelled like his soap. An animalistic urge roared inside him to claim her as his. He pushed her legs apart and hunched down. Her musky scent fueled his desire. He parted her folds and lapped at the cream gathering there. “Sean,” she moaned and lifted her hips against his mouth. His tongue stabbed into her. Ali melted beneath him, gripping the sheets while he pleasured her. He wanted to show her they were good together. That he’d give her everything she needed if she’d let him. God, he must be completely fucking insane. His tongue swirled around her clit before he drew it into his mouth and sucked. He slipped a finger inside her, searching and finding that one little spot that made her come like crazy. He pulled back to watch her, stimulating her clit with his thumb while his finger rubbed her G-spot. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. “Ali.” He withdrew his hand and licked his lips, tasting her. “I promise we’ll find a way to work it out if you’d consider it.” She held a finger against his lips. “No talking. Not tonight. Fucking and cuddling is all we’re doing.” She moved to straddle his hips. Before he had time to process it, his cock slipped inside her. They sat face to face, a bright flair of desire shone in her eyes. Ali combed her fingers through his hair and leaned in to kiss him. Her hips rocked against his, and Sean couldn’t hold back any longer. He gripped her hips and thrust hard. The room grew hot fast as sweat rolled down his spine. He lay back and pulled her forward, changing the angle of his movements. Her pussy clamped him tighter, gliding along his shaft with just the right amount of friction. Her eager response matched his. He closed his eyes as she moved over him, each motion pure ecstasy. Ali’s lips

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found his and he opened to her kiss, succumbing to the pleasure she gave him. Her hands slid along his sides as she urged him to touch her. He couldn’t deny. He reached between their bodies and found her clit. She fell apart in his arms, collapsing against his chest. He’d damn near give her anything and everything she asked him for. After two more rounds of intense fucking, Sean held her, surrounded her, while she slept. He watched her, knowing the moment he took his eyes off her, she’d be gone. And when he woke after sleep, his bed was empty, the sheets cold.

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Chapter Seven “You look terrible.” Nina sat across from Ali. She set her purse to the side and ignored her tray of food. “What happened? You’re supposed to come back from vacation happy. You don’t look too happy.” Ali felt tears gathering in her eyes and didn’t bother hiding them. The day had been hell. It was her first day back and it seemed every trauma case around the country chose her hospital. She’d had a bus crash incident and had treated over forty people with everything from head wounds to paper-cut scratches. She shouldn’t have had time to think about Sean, but her mind flooded with memories of him. It’d been three days since she’d left. It felt like an eternity. “Did you fall in love with my neighbor?” Nina stared at Ali, humor in her eyes. When Ali didn’t respond, Nina became serious. “You did. How on earth?” “I don’t know.” “Call him up.” “It’s not that easy.” “Why not?” Nina asked, finally digging into her salad. “He travels to L.A. all the time, and you get every other weekend off. You could drive to Santa Barbra on those weekends. He could stay with you while in LA. Why isn’t it easy?” “You know my schedule isn’t that simple.” Ali glanced over at a couple kissing at another table. “I wish it was that simple.” “So cut back your hours.” Nina paused, waiting for Ali to meet her eyes. “You’ve been working your ass off at that hospital for how many years? And for what reason? I know you like your job, but you

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don’t have to work twenty-four seven. Especially since you have a man in your life now. Take time to be with him because Sean is a great guy.” Nina’s words lingered in Ali’s mind long after she spoke them. She had two more incidents that kept her busy until time to go home, but her mind roamed. Maybe she would talk to her superiors about cutting back her hours. She didn’t really need the extra money and one of the new doctors needed to pay off college loans. It would make sense to give the other doctor the overtime. It might work. Ali clocked out around six and sought out Dr. Mueller. “Can I talk with you a sec?” “Sure, Dr. Aames. What can I do for you?” “I wanted to see about cutting back my hours.” The other doctor smiled. “Nina told me you’d probably come see me.” Ali frowned. “You know my friend, Nina?” His smiled widened. “I’m kind of her boyfriend.” Ali’s jaw dropped before she thought to conceal her reaction. “I see you’re surprised,” he said with a chuckle. “Look, I know about the guy, and yes, I’ll approve your schedule change. What kind of cutback are we talking about?” “I work over seventy hours a week now, but I’d like to cut it down to thirty-five.” He shifted the clipboard in his hand. “You probably still have to do weekends.” “That’s fine.” He nodded. “Good. I don’t see any preliminary problems with that. We, of course, will miss you being around here all the time.” She smiled. “Yeah, well, I think it’s time for a change.” A really big one, she added silently. ****

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“I have to say, I’m pretty impressed with your work.” Sean went over his friend’s concept from beginning to end. Maybe in a weird twist of fate, Trevor had finally grown up. “When are you prepared to launch the official game to the beta testers?” “After your comments and approval.” Sean went over the figures one last time. “It has my approval. Good work, Trevor.” His friend beamed at him. “It was sort of my baby from the getgo. I just had a few to help make it a reality. Hopefully, it’ll keep me off the streets and working a job I love.” That was the goal. They chatted a bit longer, catching up on family and friends. It was Sean’s first trip to LA since April, and all he could think about was Ali. He knew she didn’t want to see him. But he had to see her, if only from afar, just to settle his peace of mind. He wanted to know she was all right. He left Trevor’s office, taking the freeway to the hospital. She said she worked in ER, and he was taking a huge risk by dropping in unannounced. After he found parking, he headed into the Emergency doors and waited to talk with the nurse. “Can I help you?” she asked. “Uh, I need to see Ali—uh, Dr. Aames.” Her gaze took him in from head to toe. “Are you sick or hurt in anyway?” He glanced around the full room and back at the nurse. If he didn’t lie, he’d be here all night. “Stomach thing, I think.” After she thrust papers his direction, she assured him Dr. Aames would see him…eventually. The stuff you do for a woman, Graham. Sean spotted a few doctors gathering at the main triage desk and decided to forgo the paperwork and sneak inside. “I’m not coming in to work tomorrow,” Ali told the nurse. “I’ve cut back my hours, so I could possibly have a life.” The nurse chuckled. “It’s about time, Dr. Aames.”

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Sean came up beside her. “Excuse me? Do you have a BandAid?” He watched Ali closely, smiling inside when she recognized his voice. She pretended he didn’t faze her while the nurse reached inside a drawer to retrieve a Band-Aid. “I’m sorry. All I have is Hello Kitty. Maybe the other triage desk has some plain ones. We mainly deal with pediatric cases here.” “That’s fine.” Ali turned toward him as he took the Band-Aid from the nurse. “What are you doing here?” “Well, I was in the neighborhood…” She grabbed his arm and ushered him toward one of the vacant rooms, closing the door behind them. Sean smiled when she pulled him to her for a kiss. At least he didn’t repulse her. His hands slid down her sides, stopping when he reached her ass. He cupped both cheeks in his palms and squeezed. Ali pulled back. “You’re not supposed to be here.” He pressed his forehead against hers. “Then what was I supposed to do?” Ali swallowed and met his eyes. “I can’t talk about that right now.” “When can you talk about it?” He pressed a hand against her lower back. “Tonight. After work.” She kissed him and smiled. “When there aren’t traumas all around and whiny people complaining we haven’t gotten to them yet.” He lifted a hand to brush a finger against her cheek. Something in her eyes changed. She wasn’t scared like she had been their last night together. He’d overheard her say something about changing her schedule to have a life. Was she planning on trying to make it work between them? He hoped so. “Come on. I’ll give you directions to my house. You can meet me there after six. I don’t live too far from here, but traffic can be a

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bitch.” Ali grabbed his hand, leading him out into the chaos of the emergency department. They dodged gurneys as they made their way back to the triage desk. “This place is nuts.” Ali smiled. “And it’s only Tuesday.” She wrote directions for him on a piece of paper and handed it to him. Thankfully, the place was so busy the staff didn’t notice them. Sean brushed his hand along the small of her back, wishing like crazy he could feel the heat of her skin. “I’ll see you later.” She gave him a small smile. “Alessandra?” Ali’s head turned toward the voice that called from behind them. “Chad.” Sean met the other man’s eyes. He was the typical rich guy. Instead of wearing scrubs like Ali, he wore an expensive suit and lab coat. His hair was styled to perfection, not one strand out of place. Wrinkles lined his eyes, though he had classic good looks. “Uh, I wanted to know if you were free tonight.” Chad didn’t take his eyes off Sean. “Why?” Ali brushed him off, reaching for a clipboard from the counter. “Your fiancée not pleasing you anymore?” “Um…” Chad lowered his voice. “Can I speak to you in private?” Ali signed discharge papers and slammed the clipboard closed. “No, you can’t.” Sean reached out to brush his fingers against her arm. Ali paused and leaned in to kiss him. She probably had a million and one things to do, considering the room around them, yet she took a few seconds to remind Sean he was hers. He liked the feeling. “I’ll see you at home.” She brushed her hand down his chest, never taking her eyes from his. “Dr. Aames, GSW in trauma two,” a nurse called out.

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Ali smiled, kissed Sean one more time, briefly, and gave her full attention to the nurse she’d talked with earlier. Sean glanced down at the paper, smiling before he stuffed it in his suit jacket. “Are you and Alessandra dating?” Chad asked Sean. Sean shrugged, debating whether or not the other man’s question deserved an answer. “What’s it to you?” “She’s my—well, I’m trying to win her back. You understand.” “She made it quite clear at the mall she didn’t want you back. As a matter of fact, she immediately came to me and told me how you kissed her and made her completely uncomfortable. I, of course, trust Ali, but you—I don’t trust you.” “She kissed me.” “Keep telling yourself that.” “Who are you? Some little punk she picked up off a campus somewhere? What are you trying to do, take her money? Is that what this is about? Look, I’ll pay you off if you never see her again. How much money do you want?” “I don’t want your money. I’ve got all I need, and that includes Ali.” Sean walked away, satisfied with his retort. What Ali had seen in the other man, he’d never know. After leaving the hospital, Sean decided to head to his hotel to finish up some last minute work before he met with Ali. He’d probably read too much into her actions, but he wanted to be with her. He only hoped she felt the same. The summer day was hot, making his shirt stick to his back when he climbed from his car. He opted to stay at a hotel near Trevor’s company, which wasn’t too far from Ali’s house. After two hours passed, Sean glanced at his watch. He probably should get ready to meet Ali. He undid his dress shirt and dug in his bag for a T-shirt. A knock sounded at the door. He dropped his bag and scooted it out of the way. Only two people knew he were in LA. He twisted the lock and opened the door. “I thought I was supposed to meet you.”

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Ali shrugged. “Hotels can be sexy.” He laughed. “How’d you find me?” She smiled. “I have my ways.” She pushed past him and sat on the edge of the bed. “We have a lot to talk about.” Sean closed and locked the door, then followed her inside the small room. “I’m hoping you’ll start out saying you’ve changed your mind, and you want to see where we’re going.” Ali licked her lips. “The long distance thing is going to be a problem.” “I told you I’m willing to bend my schedule to come see you.” She fell back against the mattress. “I cut my hours back. I’m working half of what I used to.” Sean smiled. Her obstacle was gone. He shrugged out of his shirt and tossed it onto his bag. “So that means we get to spend extra hours at the beach? Am I going to get a chance to teach you how to surf?” He straddled her legs and leaned over her, pushing her arms over her head as he pinned her to the bed. He met her eyes for a brief second and leaned down to plant kisses along her neck. She tasted so sweet, her skin hot and smooth. She groaned. “I’m having a serious conversation here.” “I’m listening.” He nuzzled her neck. Sean lifted his hands from hers to tug the smock over her head. Beneath it she wore a pink, lacy bra that barely contained her breasts. Sean groaned, his cock responding to the sight. He hadn’t been with her in a while and it was on the verge of exploding. He tossed her clothing aside and cupped her breasts, bending to kiss their swells. “I can’t think with you doing that.” His tongue flicked beneath the lace to find her nipple. “Or that.” He chuckled. “Go ahead.” He pulled back, dropping his hands to his thighs as he met her eyes. She was beautiful in every way. “I want a commitment.” She didn’t glance away. “I’m not asking for marriage, but I want it to be more than two lovers getting together

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for a quick fuck and parting ways. I want something more if this is going to work.” Sean lifted his hand and brushed her hair from her face. “You’ve got whatever you want, sweetheart. Do you want me to move in with you? We can keep the beach house for our getaway trips.” Ali propped herself up on her arms. “You’d move to LA? What about your business?” “I told you I have projects here. I travel here often, and I’m willing to bet my neighbor ratted me out on the hotel. I stay here all the time, and honestly, it’d be nice to have a familiar bed to sleep in instead of an average one.” He leaned down to press his lips against hers. “If that’s what you want, it’s what you’ll get.” She swallowed. “Why do you like me, Sean?” He moved to the side and ran a hand through his hair. “That’s a loaded question.” She waited, obviously expecting an answer. From the moment he’d seen her on the beach, he’d felt something between them. She wasn’t like any of the other women he dated, ones that only sought him out for his money. He smiled at the memory of taking her to the expensive seafood restaurant. She’d nearly had a heart attack over the prices next to the menu items. And that damn book she read…he didn’t have words for that. “Why wouldn’t I like you?” He laid his hand on her thigh. “You make my heart skip a beat when I look at you. I keep thinking it’ll pass, that the attraction will go away, but the more I see you, the stronger it gets. I was completely miserable after you left. I wanted to chase you down and be the proverbial knight in shining armor. I wanted to be the one for you…you know? Because I think you’re the one for me.” “Do you love me?” He leaned in to kiss her. “Yes, Alessandra. I love you.” “I love you, too, Sean.” She straddled his lap, pushing him against the mattress. “I started another book.”

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“Oh, yeah?” he asked as she undid his pants. “What’s this one called?” “Tempted.” She grinned as her fingers wrapped around his cock. “I think it suits me better than a rainforest novel.” She scooted back and lowered her mouth, taking him inside. Sean sucked in a breath, shuddering. Her tongue swirled around, licking his shaft like it was the best ice cream on a hot day. He wanted to come. She’d pushed him to the brink, taking his cock to the back of her throat. “Fuck, Ali.” He couldn’t stop it if he tried. He came hard while her mouth continued to work his shaft, humming around him. His breath hitched, lost completely in the pleasure Ali gave him. She pulled back and grabbed his hand. “You’re definitely very tempting.” Sean pulled her to him, kissing her hard. “You learn that from your book?” She giggled. “No.” She lay beside him in the crook of his arm. They linked their fingers. “So what’s this novel about?” “A man and woman fall in love on summer vacation and live happily ever after.” She pressed her lips against his chest. “The guy’s really hot. And rich. He spoils the girl, but it’s not the objects he gives her that she wants. It’s the sex.” She glanced up at him. “The sex is really hot.” “Is that so?” She grinned and flicked his nipple with her tongue. “Yeah. He takes her against the wall, makes her scream. As a matter of fact, they were in a hotel room much like this one.” Sean rolled on top of her, drawing a little squeal of surprise from her. He grinned as she laughed and kissed her like there was no tomorrow. He had everything else he wanted in his life, but Ali was what he needed. His cock pressed against her. She groaned. Sean knew he’d never get enough of her.

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He lifted Ali into his arms and walked toward the nearby wall. Her legs folded around his waist while her arms wrapped around his neck. He held onto her hips and thrust inside with one swift motion. The pleasure was too intense. Her mouth had been sweet heaven surrounding him, but her pussy was unadulterated ecstasy. “Touch me,” she whispered against his lips. Sean brushed his thumb against her clit. Ali’s back arched away from the wall as she thrust her breasts toward him. He bent down and sucked one nipple into his mouth. Her fingers clutched his hair almost to the point of pain as she came rippling around his shaft, wave after wave. Sean thrust two more times and gave in, coming inside her with a groan of pleasure. The room was hot. Sweat dotted his lip and trickled down his spine. His eyes were closed as both his and Ali’s breaths mingled. He should have moved away, he knew, but he wasn’t ready to step away. Not just yet. “Do you think the people in the next room heard us?” Ali planted kisses on his cheek. “Maybe.” “Is that going to stop you from taking me again?” “Hell no.” Sean chuckled. “I need a glass of water, though, before we continue. I, of course, have to get the only fucking room in the place with a broken air conditioner in the middle of summer in L.A. And my girlfriend spiked up the room’s temperature about five hundred degrees when she walked through that door.” He pulled back and Ali dropped her legs to the ground. He moved across the room to the small refrigerator. He grabbed two bottles of water and turned, tossing the extra to Ali. “You have a cute butt.” Ali lay across the bed, twisting her bottle cap. He rolled his eyes. “You have a cute everything.” She took a drink. “We could go back to my place. I have airconditioning and a swimming pool.”

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“That could be fun.” He grinned. “I didn’t bring my swim trunks, though.” Ali pulled him down beside her. “I’m sure we could work something out.”

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Epilogue One year later… Ali sat on the beach, staring at the waves as the water swirled around her ankles. They’d made it a habit to visit the beach house twice a year since they’d met. Sean showed off his surfing skills, only wiping out once within five hours of playing. She didn’t know how he did it. Time after time, he paddled out to ride the largest waves rolling into shore. He truly was a big kid and right in his element with surfing. “The sand crabs will get you,” he said, stopping beside her on the beach. Ali shielded her eyes from the sun as she glanced up at him. “I’m more worried about sharks getting you.” He unzipped his wetsuit and plopped down beside her. “Well at least you’re a doctor. You’ll save my life, right?” She looped her arm with his and laid her head on his shoulder. “Don’t joke about that.” Sean kissed her forehead. “You promised you’d go out there with me.” “Nuh-uh.” She met his eyes. “I did a belly flop the last time. I’m not doing it again.” He laughed. “Then what do you propose we do? It’s getting too dark to surf.” The beach was practically empty as the day slowly became night. She lay back and ran her fingers along his spine. Ever since she and Sean had moved in together, their relationship had changed. She

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enjoyed coming home to him far more than she ever thought possible. Some days he even had dinner ready when she walked in the door. She loved when he cooked for her. “I’m thinking we go inside, open a bottle of wine, and make our way to the bedroom where we can live out carnal deeds.” Sean reached out to brush a finger along her cheek. “Or…” Ali lay back on her towel. “You could take me right here.” “Sex on the beach. We haven’t tried that yet.” “There’s a first time for everything.” Sean leaned over her, taking her mouth with his own. A year of being together and they still hadn’t lost the passion. Ali had her doubts in the beginning, but Sean had proven to her that they could be together. She had to admit she was scared. He kissed her neck as she closed her eyes. He was the perfect man for her. Sean slid the triangles covering her breasts aside and took a nipple between his lips. He made her crave more each time he touched her. She caressed his sides, cupped his ass, and pulled him against her. His cock was hard beneath the clothing he wore and she rubbed herself against him. He switched to her neglected nipple, giving it the same pleasure as he took his time with her. Ali didn’t want to wait. She reached inside his wet suit and slipped her hand around his cock. He groaned and let her breast go with an audible pop, meeting her eyes. “I don’t like it slow,” she whispered. “You know that.” He pushed the wet suit down and gripped his cock in his hand. He slipped her bikini aside and pushed inside her tight pussy. They fucked hard and fast, just like she liked it. She gripped Sean’s ass and squeezed as he pumped inside her, filling her with every single inch of his thick cock. She cried out when he bumped against her G-spot, pleasure shooting through her veins unlike any other. He always knew what she needed and never failed to give it to her.

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“Kiss me,” she said, and he did. Their lips and tongues fought for dominance with Sean winning. He pushed her over the edge into bliss, following shortly after with his own release. She never thought she’d find her Prince Charming, but Sean came pretty damn close to fitting the bill. He collapsed on top of her, giving her his full weight because he knew she liked it. She liked being surrounded by him. He held her in his arms and kissed her cheek, moving to the side. After they situated their clothing for decency, Ali stared up at the stars. “I never pinned you as an exhibitionist when we met, Dr. Aames, but damn it if you don’t like fucking outside more than in our bed.” She smiled and closed her eyes. She loved him. With all her heart, she loved the man lying beside her hogging her towel and smelling salty and manly. It may have taken her nearly a lifetime to find him, but it was better late than never. She turned to him and cuddled close. “You know me,” she said. “I can’t get enough of these hot summer nights.”

THE END WWW.LEXIEDAVIS.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lexie’s love for writing began when she wrote her first play in fourth grade. With a big imagination and love for creating worlds, she wrote several more scripts that have placed first in contests. She loves to read but didn’t pick up a romance novel until high school and fell in love with the genre. Now she writes steamy stories, with heartfelt characters, letting her imagination take her wherever it may go.

Also by Lexie Davis BookStrand Mainstream: Black Ice BookStrand Mainstream: One Good Man Siren Classic: Toys from Santa Siren Classic: Savage Storm Ménage Amour: Dirty Diana Ménage Amour: Made for Two

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com