Beyond the Tears

“Beyond The Tears” by Michelle Cary Genre: Contemporary Romance, Red Hots! ISBN: 1-59998-577-2 Length: Short Story Price: 2.50 Publication Date: June 15, 2007 Cover art by Anne Cain How can masturbating in a hotel Jacuzzi lead to love? Cassidy Yates is about to find out. A Midsummer Night’s Steam story A year after her husband died while serving in Iraq, Cassidy Yates still nurses a broken heart. Thinking a vacation will help, she agrees to a week in Key West with her best friend, April. Upon arrival, April suggests a way for Cassidy to ease her pain—sleep with the sexiest stud she can find. Not the type to bed hop, Cassidy refuses April’s idea and ends up alone. Abandoned by her friend, Cassidy decides to take a nighttime swim. In the Jacuzzi, she masturbates to the memories of making love to her husband. Mortified by her own behavior, Cassidy retreats to her hotel room, hoping no one witnessed her exhibition. Chase Dempsey is a man with rugged good looks and a killer smile. He isn’t looking to fall in love and only wants few days of relaxation before returning to his Texas ranch. Still, he’s curious after watching Cassidy’s erotic display and wonders what makes the gorgeous redhead tick. When he finds her dropped sarong, he realizes she’s just given him the opportunity to find out… Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex and graphic language.

eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 512 Forest Lake Drive Warner Robins, Georgia 31093 Beyond the Tears Copyright © 2007 by Michelle Cary Cover by Anne Cain ISBN: 1-59998-577-2 www.samhainpublishing.com All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: June 2007

Beyond the Tears Michelle Cary

Dedication

To my loving husband Mark, and my two beautiful children, for putting up with my obsession and believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. To my critique partner and fellow author Amanda Young, who pushed me to go outside my comfort zone. Without you, this story wouldn’t have happened. To my editor Sasha, who saw enough potential in my work to give me a chance.

Michelle Cary

Chapter One

Cassidy Yates played with her straw, swirling it around in her drink, while she considered the challenge. “So, what are the rules again?” Her best friend, April, grinned across the top of her half-empty mug of beer. “One week to find a man and have wild, uninhibited sex. We’re not talking happily ever after here, only a really good romp between the sheets.” Cassidy cocked an eyebrow at April. “Why would you think I’d take that challenge? You know I don’t sleep around.” “And that’s the exact reason why you need to say yes.” April leaned back against the worn red vinyl booth, a pensive expression on her face. “Hell, Cass, you’re only thirty-one, are you planning on mourning forever? I know you loved him, but it’s been over a year since Bobby died. You need to move on with your life.” What if I don’t want to move on? Cassidy pushed her watered-down drink away and frowned. “Dating is hard and I’m not sure I’m ready to jump back into the game.” “Dating is only hard if you make it hard. If you know there’s no emotional commitment going in, only one night of incredible sex, then your heart isn’t hanging in the balance.” “So this is why you nagged me to come to the Keys with you?”

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April scowled. “You want to sit in your hotel room and pout the entire week, go ahead, but I plan to hop into as many beds as possible while I’m here.” “All right, Miss Sex Kitten, aren’t you the least bit worried about catching something?” April reached into her purse and produced a large box of condoms, which she promptly dropped onto the table between them. “Ever heard of protection?” Mouth agape, Cassidy snatched the box off the table and shoved it into her purse. “Are you out of your mind? Why don’t you announce over the PA system that you’re in search of a good screw?” April laughed and scooted from the table. She looked down at Cassidy. “That’s not a half-bad idea.” April straightened her shirt and smoothed her skirt. “Well, I’m off to start my week of debauchery. I’ll meet you in the morning for breakfast. Don’t wait up.” She flounced away, leaving Cassidy sitting at the empty table. She sighed. A week alone in the Keys. How had she let herself be talked into this? She surveyed the room and spotted April at the bar, already engaged in a lively conversation with a tall blond man. Resigned to spending the night alone in her hotel room, Cassidy shook her head and slid from the booth to head for the exit. It was a good thing she’d picked up those books in the airport gift shop. People milled about in the hotel foyer. Groups of men and women stood together laughing, while various couples walked hand in hand. The ache in her heart grew. She didn’t want to think about how alone she felt, while those around her were madly in love. She should have stayed in Texas. At least there she could hide in her house and not have to watch other couples ogling each other. Her gaze cast down at the floor,

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she made her way to the elevator, looking up only long enough to step between the closing doors. Once inside her room, she dropped her purse and keycard on the edge of the bed and walked over to the sliding glass doors leading to the balcony. The hotel butted up to the beach, giving the most amazing view. At least April did something right in choosing this hotel. Cassidy peered over the side and spotted the hotel pool below. The area was empty, its clear water glistening in the soft light. With the hotel throwing a tenth-anniversary celebration in the large restaurant and bar, it was no surprise people had abandoned the pool in favor of free alcohol and food. Pursing her lips, she looked back at her unopened suitcase. She’d brought her bikini, so why not take a night swim? It was certainly better than sulking in her room the rest of the night. Without giving the idea a second thought, she put on her bathing suit and headed downstairs. The sign posted next to the gate leading into the pool area said the pool closed after dark, yet the gate sat ajar and the Jacuzzi was still running. Obviously, somebody forgot to close the pool tonight. With nary a soul in or around the pool area, Cassidy planned to enjoy the solitude. She slipped out of her sarong and stepped onto the diving board. Her entrance into the water barely created a sound and within seconds, she was making laps across the pool. The physical exertion went far in alleviating her sour mood. Several laps later, she climbed from the water, walked to the Jacuzzi and settled into the hot water. She leaned her head back and stared up at the stars. She studied the heavens and wondered if Bobby was looking down at her. He used to love watching the stars. She could still remember taking long bike rides with him in the warm Texas sun, then spending many an evening lying on a blanket, making love under the inky darkness with the 8

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stars as their only light. She slipped her hands beneath the water, resting them on her belly, and sank further into the heated bubbles, until only her neck and head remained above the water. Closing her eyes, Cassidy could picture him perfectly, his dark eyes gazing down at her while his hands moved to do deliciously wicked things to her body. When they made love, it was always slow and gentle. Bobby believed in the philosophy of “Good things come to those who wait.” Only it was usually Cassidy doing all the waiting, while he used his mouth and hands to drive her wild. Even now, it was almost as though she could feel Bobby’s hands on her, stroking her, pushing her to give him the climax he wanted to witness. Watching her come always got him going, made him hard as steel. She wormed her hand beneath her bikini bottoms and slithered a finger between her folds. Her lips parted slightly, allowing a small gasp to escape. It had been such a long time since she’d made love to him. Too long. Her finger slipped inside her channel and pulled her own liquid up over her clit. The tiny nub tightened, causing her stomach to knot. Oh, how she would have given anything to have Bobby’s thick, hard length inside her, filling her to bursting, pushing her over that glorious peak. An involuntary whimper tugged at her throat as the coil in her belly tightened. Her fingers worked through her swollen lips, rubbing hard until finally, the spring snapped, sending her spiraling into an orgasm. To keep from crying out, she bit down on her lip and enjoyed every bit of the release washing over her. When the aftereffects began to fade, the full impact of what she’d just done hit her and she scanned the area. Had anybody seen her? The pool deck and path remained empty. She exited the water, grabbed her towel and room card and headed for the hotel. Mortified by her own behavior, Cassidy let her gaze fall toward the floor and prayed she wouldn’t have to www.samhainpublishing.com

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wait for the elevator. Was it April’s silly notion about Cassidy needing some dick therapy that had caused her to act that way? She entered the vacant elevator and pushed the button for the third floor. Whatever the reason, Cassidy wouldn’t let it happen again. There was no way she was going to participate in this twisted little game April had cooked up. When she was ready to start dating again, she would. YZ Chase Dempsey stepped out of the bushes and walked along the path to the pool. He bent down to pick up the pink sarong the auburn beauty left behind in her rush to leave and glanced over at the steaming whirlpool of water. Still hard, his cock twitched inside his swim trunks. Down, boy. On his way to the pool to do laps, he’d caught sight of her in the Jacuzzi. It was obvious the pretty redhead was pleasuring herself in the hot water. Not wanting to interrupt and possibly embarrass her, he’d slipped into the bushes to watch and wait. He should have turned and walked away, but after six months of celibacy, he couldn’t help himself. Watching her get off was one of the most stimulating things he’d seen in quite awhile. Then, to see her flush in embarrassment afterward and dart for the hotel, had him completely intrigued. He had to meet this woman, find out who she was and how she could be so carefree one second and so shy the next. He looked at the sarong hanging between his fingers and smiled. She’d given him just the opening he needed.

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Chapter Two

The next morning, Cassidy sat alone in the dining area, looking through the wall of glass into the garden outside. April was supposed to meet her for breakfast an hour ago. Cassidy had stopped by April’s room on the way down and even tried to call her several times over the last hour, only to have the phone go unanswered. More than likely, April had hooked up with some stud at the bar and spent the night in his room. Still, Cassidy was a little worried. Always the wild one, April would try anything once. During college, Cassidy had returned to their dorm on several occasions, only to walk in on April with another girl, a girl and guy, and even once sandwiched between two guys as they both pumped into her. Thankfully, on that instance, they hadn’t noticed her and Cassidy was able to back out of the room undetected. It took her weeks to shake the image from her mind. She picked at her eggs. April’s lack of appearance confirmed what Cassidy already knew; she’d be on her own this week. “Excuse me, but would you mind if I joined you?” Cassidy glanced up to see the most amazing pair of green eyes looking down at her. The man’s chestnut hair hung loose in his face, giving him a hint of boyish charm. A row of perfectly straight, incredibly white teeth completed his smile.

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“Um.” Come on, brain, work! She struggled to string together a coherent sentence and noticed the most adorable dimple on his chin, further scattering her thoughts. “While you’re deciding, I’m going to go ahead and sit.” He pulled out the chair across from her. “I…I’m supposed to be meeting someone,” she finally managed to squeak. “How about I stay until your friend arrives?” “I guess that would be okay.” The angular lines of his face combined with the slight crook in his nose gave him a rugged quality. The surfer haircut balanced out his look, softening the bad-boy image. Handsome didn’t seem to quite fit his description. His features leaned more toward gorgeous. “I’m guessing the eggs weren’t to your liking?” he said. “Huh?” He motioned to the half-eaten omelet on her plate. “Your breakfast. Wasn’t it any good?” “Oh. No, it was fine. I’m not hungry.” Cassidy couldn’t believe how attracted she was to this man. Just his smile was enough to set her dormant embers on fire. She didn’t even know his name, yet it took every bit of restraint she had not to jump over the table and attack him right there. “I’m Chase Dempsey.” He extended a hand across the table. “Cassidy Yates.” Her tiny hand disappeared inside his big paw as he gently gripped her fingers. Currents of electricity shot up her arm. Despite the rough, leathery texture of his skin, his touch was soft. The longer his gaze remained fixed on her, the more she began to feel vulnerable and exposed. It was almost as if he had x-ray vision and could see through her defenses. Superman? Does that mean I’d be his Lois 12

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Lane? She shook away her mental wanderings and tried to focus on what he was saying. “Well, Cassidy, I have something you might want back.” He let go of her hand, turned to reach into a small bag sitting on the floor next to him and pulled out the pink garment. “My sarong.” She took the fabric from him and smiled. “I thought I’d lost this. Thank you—” Remembering where she’d removed the wrap, she cut her sentence short. The smile she’d been sporting faded. “How did you know it belonged to me?” He arched a knowing brow and her stomach dropped. Had he watched her in the hot tub or had he simply seen her walking away from the pool area? “I’ll make you a deal.” She gulped and tried to stay calm. “And what would that be?” “Let me take you sightseeing today, and I’ll keep the Jacuzzi a secret.” Oh God, he did know. “Sightseeing? That’s all?” She lifted her glass of orange juice to her lips in an attempt to mask her nervousness. Still, her hand was shaking, and for a second she was afraid she’d spill her drink. Did he really expect her to believe he only wanted a day of playing tourist and nothing more? His other brow rose to meet the first. “Unless you’d like to offer up something more appealing.” Cassidy nearly choked on her juice. He let out a chuckle. “I’m kidding. Seriously though, I’d love to have the pleasure of your company today.” She cocked her head to one side. “Why? If you hadn’t seen me in the Jacuzzi last night, would you be here asking me out right now?”

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He leaned back in the chair. “I’ll admit, I am intrigued by your behavior, but I’m sure you had your reasons. I simply thought that since you’re by yourself, you might like to spend the day sightseeing with me. You are free to say no.” “What makes you think I’m not here with another man?” He gave her a curious look. “If you were, then you would have been banging your man in your room, instead of getting off in the hot tub alone.” She felt the heat in her face intensify. The man was entirely too smart for his own good. He glanced at his watch. “Look, I have some calls to make. If you want to take me up on my offer, meet me in an hour at the hotel entrance.” He stood to leave, paused and looked back at her. “It was very nice meeting you, Cassidy Yates.” She watched him walk away. Was he out of his mind? After that little discussion, no way would she go anywhere with him. Her eyes scanned him from head to toe before returning to his butt. Still, being approached by a handsome stranger was exciting. Frowning at her own thoughts, she gave herself a mental smack for even considering the idea. For all she knew the man could be a rapist or serial killer. Before she had time to rethink his offer yet again, she spotted April walking toward her. She wasn’t wearing any makeup and her hair was pulled into a sloppy tail. “Sorry I’m late. I had one helluva night.” “Yeah, I bet,” Cassidy mumbled as April plopped down into the seat Chase had vacated. “So what happened to you last night?” April smiled. “I met this guy. Turns out he has a twin. Which works out perfectly, because now we can double-date.” 14

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Cassidy’s frown deepened. “I am not double-dating.” She knew the kind of men that April attracted and wasn’t interested in hooking up with some playboy. April played with the glass of water on the table. “Oh, come on, Cass. Don’t be such a prude. It’ll be fun.” Cassidy considered her options. She could either spend her day seeing the sights with a very handsome man who could possibly be a jerk, or entertaining the second half of the Doublemint twins. Chase’s offer was sounding better with each passing second. “I’m not being a prude. I already have plans.” The words slipped from her mouth before she had a chance to stop them. She started to regret her quick comeback, but the idea of spending the day with Chase surprisingly seemed rather appealing. After all, the man was goodlooking and from what she could tell, smart. It was only one day. How bad could it be? “Sitting in your hotel room reading a book isn’t plans, Cass.” Did April really think so little of her? “You’re not the only one who can meet men, you know.” She slapped her hands against the table and pushed off. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready. I have a date in an hour.” “Wait! Cass? Who’s the man?” She didn’t bother to acknowledge April’s question. In a way, it felt good to leave her friend hanging. Let her get a taste of her own medicine for a change. An hour later, Cassidy walked into the lobby and stopped to smooth out the front of her sea foam green sundress. Much to her surprise, her hands actually shook and her stomach knotted into a tight ball. It was only a day of sightseeing and dinner, what did she have to be nervous about? She looked up to see a smiling Chase waiting for her across the www.samhainpublishing.com

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foyer and realized why she was nervous. She was attracted to him. Blowing out a breath, she crossed the room to where he stood. He offered his arm when she approached. “I was hoping you’d show.” She slipped her hand around his biceps and grinned. “Your offer was so appealing, I couldn’t resist.” Okay, so maybe that was a lie, but he didn’t have to know the truth. He led her outside to his rental car. The Toyota Camry wasn’t what she expected. She paused, scanning the car as he opened the door. “Expecting a ’Vette or maybe a Beamer?” “Yeah.” He laughed and once she was inside, closed the door, then skirted around the car into the driver’s seat. “I don’t need anything flashy, only something to get me from point A to point B.” Impressed at his reply, Cassidy leaned back and began to relax. Chase certainly looked the part of a playboy. Finding out he didn’t seem to play the part was a pleasant surprise. Maybe the day wasn’t going to be too bad after all. “Where are we going?” He shot her a wry grin. “You’ll find out soon enough.” They didn’t drive long before he turned down a side street and parked. She glanced around at the houses. “Okay, I’ll bite. Why here?” He pointed across the street to a house sitting slightly off the road. “See that house?” She nodded. “That’s Ernest Hemingway’s home. It’s been turned into a museum.” “So we’re going on a tour of Hemingway’s home?” “Not too boring for you, I hope?” “No. Not at all. I just expected…” Her words trailed off when she realized she was about to insult him. 16

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“You expected typical touristy sights. Shallow guy stuff.” She gave him an embarrassed glance. “Yeah.” The last thing she wanted to do was offend him. Yet, he didn’t seem even a little angry or put off. “It’s okay. You don’t know me. I certainly wouldn’t expect you to assume I was anything more than a typical guy.” “Still, I feel bad for doing just that. Of course, you were the one who tried to blackmail me into this trip today. So, I’m sure you could see where I might have thought that about you.” He took her hand in his, lifted it to his mouth and brushed his lips over her skin. The movement sent chills of excitement racing through her body as she imagined his mouth touching her in other places. Desire flooded her body and took over her mind, making it difficult for her to think clearly. “I’ll cut you another deal. You toss out your preconceived notions about me and I’ll do the same about you.” “I…I think I can do that.” Her voice shook when she said the words. “Good.” He let go of her hand and opened the car door. “Because I might surprise you before the day is over.”

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Chapter Three

“That was a very interesting tour.” Cassidy stepped out of the house onto the walkway. Chase slid his hand down her arm and laced his fingers through hers. The too-cheerful tone of her voice led him to believe she was placating him. “No, it wasn’t. It bored you to tears, admit it.” She laughed. “No, it didn’t. I love Hemingway’s work. He’s always been one of my favorite authors.” He shot her a knowing smile. “You don’t really expect me to believe that, do you? You’re just trying to be nice.” Her face twisted with exasperation. “I’m not lying. You should see the mini-library in my house. I have several of his books, along with Robert Frost, Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson.” He opened the car door and ushered her inside. “Okay, I believe you.” He closed the door on her laugh and as he crossed around to the driver’s side he heard a muffled, “No, you don’t,” coming from the inside. When he finally settled into the driver’s seat, he grinned. “How about we agree to disagree and move on?” She returned his smile. “Okay. Where to next?” He hoped that his next destination would be a bit more impressive to her. His smile widened. “Ever ridden a trolley car before?” “No.” 18

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Perfect. YZ As the daylight gave way to night, Cassidy’s stomach began to rumble. “I’m starving. You think we could get something to eat?” He nodded. “I know the perfect place.” Expecting a fancy restaurant, Cassidy was more than a little shocked when he parked in front of a local bar and grill. She looked up at the sign. “Sloppy Joes? What’s so great about this place?” “Where do I start? It was originally a speakeasy during prohibition back in the thirties. It’s also reported to have been one of Hemingway’s favorite places to hang out and, from what I’ve heard, they have great food.” Chase opened the door and motioned to her. “After you, beautiful.” Heat flooded her body and filled her cheeks as she smiled at him and crossed over the threshold into the building. It had been a long time since anyone had called her beautiful. The hostess greeted them. “Good evening and welcome to Sloppy Joes. Table for two?” Cassidy nodded at the perky brunette and followed her through the bar area to a booth in the back of the building. A few minutes after they were seated a waiter returned to the table with their drinks. He walked away, leaving them alone. Cassidy smiled at Chase over her rum and coke. “How do you know so much about the Keys?” “When I take trips I like to plan ahead, research and scope out the best places to see. I figure I only have a few days to check out everything I want to see, so I’d better have a plan.”

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“How do I fit into that plan?” His hand slid across the table and linked with her fingers. “You were a happy addition to an already perfect plan.” The heat in his eyes gave Cassidy a warm feeling between her legs. Smart, sexy and a gentleman, he was perfect. For the second time today, she had the desire to climb across the table after him. Could it be that she was falling for this man after only knowing him for a day? She didn’t want to believe it would be that easy for her to put losing Bobby behind her, but she didn’t want to ignore the emotions Chase stirred inside her, either. Maybe it was time to take the conversation in a different direction, before she let things go too far. “What brought you to the Keys?” Breaking his link, he leaned back and stretched out his arms. “A friend of mine got married on Saturday and I was the best man. Since I was going to be here anyway, I decided to make the trip worthwhile and stay for a full week.” “So you came alone?” He grinned. “If you’re asking if I’m married, I’m not.” Cassidy stared down at her drink, a little embarrassed that she’d been so obvious with her first question. “I take it you haven’t found the right girl yet?” He shook his head. “Nope. I’ve had a few girlfriends, but most didn’t seem to understand that owning a business takes up a lot of time.” “Wow, you own a business?” He was just full of surprises. “It’s actually a ranch. I raise cattle.” She played with her straw as she spoke. “My parents were farmers and my dad sometimes worked from sunup to sundown, so I can see how keeping cattle could keep you very busy.” “It does, but I still try to make time for the important things in life.”

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There was that look again. The one that made her believe he could read her thoughts and see into her soul. “What about you? What’s a beautiful woman like you doing masturbating in a Jacuzzi in the middle of the Florida Keys?” The tone in his voice sounded light and playful, but the look he gave her was one filled with genuine curiosity. The reminder of her less-than-ladylike display the night before sent a new wave of heat rushing through her body. “I…I…” Feeling like a fish out of water, she closed her mouth. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say that would explain her behavior, except the truth. “My friend, the one I was waiting for at breakfast, conned me into coming with her. She said it would be good for me to get away and let go. Truthfully, I think it was an excuse for her to have a week of hedonism.” Chase frowned. “Sounds like some friend. What did she expect you to do all week while she was out indulging her whims?” Not wanting him to get the wrong opinion of April, she shook her head. “She wanted me to do the same thing, but she’s not really as bad as I’ve made her sound. April’s wild and uninhibited, but she is my best friend. Sometimes I wish I could be more like her.” “Then why aren’t you?” She studied the liquid swirling inside her drink as she thought about Bobby and all of the what-could-have-been’s his death had created. The ache in her heart returned. “I don’t know. I guess I can’t bring myself to step back into the dating scene yet.” He leaned over the table and stroked the back of her hand with his finger and thumb. “Why haven’t you been dating, Cassidy?” She looked up, catching his stare. “Because my heart still hurts and I don’t know how to make the pain go away.” A long silence fell between them before she worked up the courage to speak again. The lump in the www.samhainpublishing.com

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back of her throat threatened to cut off her air and strangle her into submission. “I’m a widow.” There, she’d finally said the dreaded words. Her words pierced him, verbal bullets slamming into his body, into his heart. He moved to her side of the booth where she sat stock-still, eyes lowered. With a gentle finger curled under her chin, he urged her to look at him. Tears welled in her eyes, magnifying the streaks of brown and green in her irises. The tears streamed down her cheeks, landing on the soft fabric of her dress. Watching her struggle with her pain resulted in his heart threatening to shatter into tiny pieces. “I’m sorry, Cassidy. How long ago?” She shuddered as she let out a sigh. “A little over a year. He was serving a tour in Iraq and six months before he was to rotate home…” She cast her face to the ceiling and closed her eyes. Chase watched yet another tear break away and scurry over her high cheekbone. “On Good Friday, there was a knock on the door. I opened it to see what every military wife dreads.” The anguish she expelled ripped through him. “He’d been killed by a roadside bomb outside of Baghdad.” Damn near close to tears himself, Chase drew in a deep breath and held it. He could feel her pain, the emotion pouring off her words and escaping through her tears. She was a woman with a broken heart and right at that moment, he’d give damn near anything to mend it for her. “You were thinking about him last night, weren’t you?” A small, embarrassed smile slipped across her face as she dabbed at her cheek with a napkin. “Sometimes all I want is to feel him one last time, and last night, with April off on the prowl for men, I was feeling a little sad and lonely.” “She shouldn’t have left you to go man hunting.”

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Cassidy shook her head. “She’s not a bad person, Chase. She just has a different perspective on life. April’s philosophy is that I needed to have a week of debauchery. A week of hopping into bed with a bunch of nameless, faceless men and use them for sex. Somehow, she honestly thinks that will help me put my past behind me.” Chase frowned at the idea of Cassidy bed-hopping. Not only was that not the answer to her problems, it certainly wasn’t the picture he wanted to envision. Even though they’d only spent the day together, he could tell she was a better person than that. “I think your friend is warped.” She snickered. “Maybe a little, but we’ve been best friends since college and she’s ridden this awful train with me the entire time. I can’t fault her for trying to get me out of my funk.” “But you should move on when you’re ready, not when somebody else thinks it’s time for you to.” He stroked a hand along her cheek as his protective nature flared to life. “That’s just it.” She grabbed his hand in hers. “I’m tired of being sad all the time, of crying myself to sleep every night, and waking up every morning alone and depressed. I don’t want to feel this way anymore, but I don’t know how to make it go away.” Her gaze fell to the table. “Maybe I don’t have the courage to take that next step.” “Or maybe you just haven’t found the right man, yet.” Several seconds of silence followed his words before her eyes met his for a second time. “Or maybe I have.” He could see fear in her eyes; hear the desire in her voice; feel her trembling beneath his touch. His heart pounded in his ears as the time passed and the tension grew. Before he could stop himself, he leaned forward and brushed his mouth over hers. A jolt of electricity injected his veins, filling him with heat he hadn’t expected. Her mouth was soft but hungry, and he wanted to feed her desire. Her lips parted slightly on a sigh, giving him the www.samhainpublishing.com

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access he craved. Their tongues darted and weaved between lips and over teeth in a silent dance. When she finally pulled away, they were both breathing heavy and Chase couldn’t help but feel as though he’d taken advantage of the situation. What kind of man kisses a woman after she’d just confided to him that her husband had died? “Cassidy—” She cut him off. “I’m sorry, Chase. I don’t know what came over me.” He could feel his brow crease at her apology. “You’re sorry? What do you have to be sorry about?” “I let my emotions get away from me and it wasn’t right for me to lay all my problems on you.” He smiled. “Honey, my shoulders are strong. If I can put a smile back on that pretty face of yours, then I’m more than happy to help.” Before she could respond, the waiter set their food in front of them. Chase slipped back around to his side of the booth. Maybe he was insane for getting involved with a woman carrying around so much baggage. But his heart and head were in agreement; there was something about her that called to him. She needed love, understanding and a tender touch. He intended to provide those things, if she’d let him. YZ While waiting for Chase to pay the bill, Cassidy perused the gift shop. She scanned the shelves of gaudy novelties and considered which one to buy. Running a light hand over the display of tee shirts folded neatly in a pile, she watched Chase approach. “Maybe I’ll buy a shot glass or some postcards or something,” she said.

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Standing on the other side of the display, he nodded. “That’s an idea, but how about something like this instead?” He held up a black shirt sporting the words “Get sloppy” across the chest. “What do you think?” Cassidy laughed. “So they want you to be a slob?” He smiled. “I think that’s the point.” She rolled her eyes at him, walked around the display, took the shirt from his hands and refolded it. “The last thing you or any man needs is a tee shirt giving you permission to be sloppy.” He leaned in and spoke softly against her ear. “You know, there are times when being sloppy is a good thing.” His words sent a ripple of desire washing through her. Damn if she didn’t want this man naked in bed with her. “It would figure that your mind would sink into the gutter.” She gave him a wry grin. “And here I thought you were a perfect gentleman.” “I am a gentleman, but I’m also still a guy.” Oh, was he ever. She placed the shirt back on the display and looked up at him. “Yes, you are.” In an instant, heat enveloped the room. She watched his eyes fill with a predatory hunger and knew she’d become his prey. He caught her by the waist and pulled her to him. Desire rushed through her body, leaving a trail of insatiable need in its wake. It no longer mattered that she missed Bobby, or that she’d have to deal with the guilt that would undoubtedly consume her afterwards. She needed this night and she was going to go to bed with Chase. When he leaned down to kiss her, she placed a finger over his lips. “Not here,” she whispered. He nodded. “Okay. Let’s go back to the hotel.”

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Chapter Four

The elevator opened, revealing an empty carriage. Cassidy stepped inside. Without asking, Chase pushed the number seven button and turned back to her, his eyes hot with desire. He held her against him. She waited, but when he didn’t make a further move, she tilted her head back and crushed her lips to his. The first kiss was chaste. She pulled away, he followed, his mouth slowly covering hers. This time her lips parted, her tongue teasing his with timid thrusts. She could feel him, the hard length of his cock pressing against her. It felt good to know she could still incite such a reaction from a man. Instinctively, her hips moved, grinding against his shaft. The movement resulted in a low growl from him as his hand slipped down her back and cupped her bottom. Breaking the kiss, he nibbled his way along her chin. His ragged breath whooshed over her ear. “You want it too, don’t you, Cassidy?” “Yes.” Her reply was barely audible. Despite her fear and her already building guilt, she did want to make love to him. The doors opened and they stepped off onto the seventh floor. Her entire body shook from anticipation and fear. Bobby had been her first, and although he always claimed to be happy with her lovemaking, performing

for

another

man

made

her

nervous.

Would

he

be

disappointed? Could she even go through with it? She’d been so bold up to this stage, but bold was out of character for her. At what point would 26

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the shy, self-conscious woman she normally was return and ruin everything? She stood behind him, impatiently waiting while he rooted through his pocket in search of his keycard. With second thoughts already scratching through her consciousness, she knew they needed to get inside before she changed her mind. Finding the card, he shoved it into the reader. The light remained red. Chase muttered under his breath and tried again. The light turned green and he pushed open the door. She slipped inside. Before she could say a word, he spun her around and claimed her mouth with his own. She heard the door slam shut behind them and felt the impact as her back hit the wall, nearly losing her breath in the process. His hands seemed to be everywhere at once, assaulting her senses and scattering her thoughts. Desperate to feel his skin, she tugged his shirt free from his jeans. He broke contact only long enough to pull it over his head and toss it aside. Tanned washboard abs had her reaching out to touch him. Her hands skimmed over his firm muscles and soft skin, and she decided there really should be a law against one man looking that perfect. Lust propelled her, pushing her to lean forward and lick along his pecs. He sucked in a breath as she drew his nipple into her mouth. His hand slid up her abdomen and over her breast. He cupped her, gently tweaking her nipple with his thumb and index finger. His hands slipped around her back and located the zipper of her dress. He pulled on the slider and slowly unzipped the chain of teeth, barely creating a sound. The fabric fell away and puddled on the floor at her feet, followed by her lace bra. Butterflies danced in her belly as she waited for his reaction.

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Chase reached out and gripped her by the waist. “I want to taste you, all of you.” Finding his way to his knees, he mouthed the tender skin of her stomach, licking around her bellybutton. His fingers curled around the elastic of her bikini briefs and tugged. She stepped out of the cotton and stood completely naked before him. He tossed her panties to the side then slid his hands up the outside of her legs. She let out a gasp when his mouth came to rest on the skin right above her curls. He wanted to give her pleasure, to provide her with what she’d been denying herself for the past year. But he also wanted her lost inside the world of desire, trapped so deep she wouldn’t change her mind and try to leave. His lips brushed along her stomach, placing gentle kisses over her lightly tanned skin. He followed the kiss with a swipe of his tongue. Lower he worked until he reached the swollen lips of her sex. She moaned when he brushed his thumb through her folds and found the entrance to her pussy drenched in her own juices. A small smile tugged at his lips. Knowing she was already wet from desire, he was confident she wouldn’t back out now. With his other hand splayed across her belly, he went to work. He licked at her sensitive tissues, toiling his way between her lips to the source of her pleasure. Reaching her clit, he made sure to not touch it. Instead, he sampled the skin surrounding it and lapped at her juices. One finger, then a second eased its way into her hot, tight channel. She cried out, her hips pressing against his other hand as he held her to the wall. In search of that oh-so-elusive G-spot, he pushed deeper. Barely a second later, he felt her hands weave through his hair while she tried to lift her hips to him again. Found it! She whimpered and panted, her breath growing more rapid, and he knew she was close. “Oh, Chase, yes.” 28

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His mouth returned to her clit. He sucked the nub into his mouth. Her channel clamped down on his fingers, and her body pulsed against his tongue as she cried out. It was the most beautiful sound Chase had ever heard. He kissed his way along her torso and worked his way up over her ribs, stopping just long enough to suck gently on each nipple, before continuing on to her swan-like neck. His fingers pumped inside her, maintaining a rhythm as her orgasm subsided. He felt her hand against the fly of his jeans and leaned back to see her devious smile. “It’s my turn now.” Her words caused his cock to swell. He loved a woman who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. “Your wish is my command.” His fingers slid from her pussy and he backed to the opposite wall. She shook her head. “Nope. I want you on the bed.” Right at the moment, he’d go to the moon if she wanted him to. He started to walk to the bed only to have her arms wrap around his waist. “These have to come off first.” Her nimble fingers worked to release each hole on his button-fly jeans. They gaped open, allowing for more intimate access. She slipped her hand inside his boxers and planted a kiss on his neck. At the same time, she wrapped her fingers around his shaft. “It’s my turn to taste. Now strip.” Who was he to argue? Drawing down his jeans and boxers at the same time, he kicked out of them and eased onto the mattress. Cassidy stood at the edge of the bed, surveying the naked man lying on top of it, a perfect specimen of the male species and, at least for tonight, all hers. She crawled onto the edge and slid up between his legs, www.samhainpublishing.com

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watching his cock twitch and move against the dark curls of his belly. Pre-cum seeped from its tip, coated the heart-shaped head and dripped slowly down his shaft. She couldn’t remember when she’d felt so emboldened. She wanted— no, needed—this night and, by God, she was going to have it. Stroking softly, she ran a finger over the bulbous head, dragging down more of his juices. Licking her lips, she prepared to take him. The biting pull on her scalp registered only a second before his voice. “Cassidy?” he said. She looked up to see his wary gaze. “You don’t have to do this.” “Yes, I do.” This was exactly what she needed to do. To prove to herself that she could go on without Bobby. Ignoring the sting of Chase still holding her hair, she dropped her head and slipped the tip of his cock inside her mouth. His entire body went rigid beneath her and he moaned. Ever so slowly, she worked her way down, taking as much of him as she could. Bobby used to love it when she deep throated. Cassidy could only assume that Chase would also. The head of his penis hit her tonsils, causing her to gag. Opening her mouth a little, she sucked in a couple deep breaths and tried to will away the sensation. Tears stung her eyes, her body’s response to the choking sensation that shot through her. Damn! She was out of practice. Being with Bobby, she’d trained herself to suppress her gag reflex, but more than a year without sex had left her unable to keep it in check. Cassidy pushed past the uncomfortable sensation and continued on, taking him still deeper, until he was completely impaled inside her mouth. With her free hand, she cupped his balls. He grunted his approval. Working the entire length of his shaft, she began a rhythm. “Oh, fuck, yeah,” he nearly growled the words. His hands once again snaked though her hair. “God, Cassidy, yeah, baby.” Amazingly, she could 30

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actually feel him growing bigger inside her mouth. His vein pulsed with lifeblood against her tongue. Her index finger slid along the backside of his sack and over the soft skin in between. At the last second, she pulled back as second thoughts swirled in her head. Bobby loved having his prostate massaged, but Chase wasn’t Bobby and it was definitely too soon to be exploring his possible enjoyment of anal stimulation. It wasn’t long before his body began to tense, his breath came in short bursts and she knew he was close. Taking one last long pull, she let go of his tip, creating a loud pop as their connection was broken. Smiling, he opened his eyes and looked down at her. “Amazing,” he murmured. His praise filled her with pride. She hadn’t lost her touch. “Where’s your condom?” His eyes widened. “I don’t have any.” For a second, she nearly panicked, then remembered her bag. “Wait here.” She moved to her purse and yanked the box from inside. Chase arched a curious brow at her, making her smile. “They were April’s. She slammed them on the table in front of me the other night and out of embarrassment I shoved them into my purse. Guess I’ll have to remember to thank her.” She tossed the box at him, which he snagged midair and promptly ripped open the end. Once he’d protected them both, he grabbed her by the arms and pulled her across him onto the bed. Positioning himself between her legs, he let his mouth fall over one of her breasts. He sucked it in, playing with her nipple with his tongue. Hot bullets of pleasure struck her body, raising goose bumps all over her exposed skin. Letting go, he moved to the other side, taking that nipple

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into his mouth. The sharp bite of pain caused her to gasp. More! She needed more from him. She felt the head of his cock butt against the entrance to her pussy and rest there. “Cassidy, open your eyes.” His command had her lids rising and her staring at him through glassy eyes. Her surroundings disappeared, leaving only a fuzzy blur of colors melting together to create a halo effect around him. He smiled at her. “Leave your eyes open. I want to see what I do to you and I want you to see what you do to me.” He breached the entrance to her channel, burying himself deep inside her slick walls. Her eyes widened and she moaned, relishing the way he filled her. Too long. It had been too long since she’d enjoyed the pleasures of sex. “You feel so damn good, baby.” The tone of his voice reminded her of Bobby and she sucked in a ragged breath. No. No. No. She couldn’t keep thinking about him. It was time to face the truth. He wasn’t coming back and she needed to move on. Chase began to pump, creating a rhythm between them. The friction, the delicious feeling of him, brought tears to her eyes. His motions slowed. “Are you okay?” She nodded, unable to speak for fear she’d sob instead. “Honey, why are you crying?” Shaking her head, she squeaked through a tight throat. “Nothing, please, keep going.” The last thing she wanted was to ruin the moment. It wasn’t Chase’s fault she hadn’t been able to shake the feeling of emptiness and loss from Bobby’s death. He was doing his best to pleasure her and she’d do what she could to enjoy it. Resuming his movements, he studied her face, watching her tears slide silently onto the pillow. He worried that she was having second 32

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thoughts about what they were doing. Maybe he hadn’t been sensitive enough to her needs and pushed her too quickly into this. He kissed her cheeks, tasting the salt of her tears. “Please don’t cry, Cassidy. Let me give you the pleasure you deserve.” His rhythm began to build. With each thrust, she seemed to shed a layer of emotion, until he knew she was on the brink. He could feel his own imminent release growing. Sweet pressure cascaded down his back and shot up though his shaft. Struggling to hold on for her, he fought against the sensation only to have her cry out. Her channel clenched around him, tightening, milking him until he couldn’t stop the climax. Burying himself deep in her, he held there, spilling his seed. After a few minutes, he moved, allowing his softened shaft to slide free of her. He carefully climbed from the bed and headed to the bathroom, intent on discarding the condom. He returned to find her curled in a ball, sobbing into the pillow. “Cassidy?” She flinched when he tried to touch her. Her reaction made his heart ache. Did she regret what they’d just done? He slipped onto the bed. “I hate to see you like this. Please talk to me.” “You wouldn’t understand.” Her voice was muffled by the pillow. “I might.” He stroked a finger along the soft skin on her arm. “Did I hurt you?” She shook her head. “No. You were wonderful. It’s just…” “What?” “I haven’t been with anybody since Bobby died and now…” Her sentence trailed off as she buried her face into the pillow again.

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Suddenly, he understood. She was feeling guilty about their encounter. The last thing he wanted was for her to carry around the additional pain of regret. “It’s okay.” She wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked at him. “What’s okay?” “Being sad about letting go of your past. You love your husband, and having sex with another man must make you feel as though you’re betraying his memory.” Her eyes widened with wonder. “How did you know?” “Does it matter?” “No.” She shook her head. “I suppose it doesn’t.” She rolled over and rested her head in the crook of his arm. “We were high-school sweethearts.” Chase continued stroking a path along her arm. “Really?” She nodded. “My junior year, my family moved and I had to start midyear at a new school. On my first day I was rushing to find my third period class and literally ran into Bobby.” She snuggled into Chase and closed her eyes. “Later that day, he saw me sitting alone at lunch and joined me. We got married a year after I graduated college.” “So, Bobby’s been the only man you’ve ever had sex with?” “Until now,” she replied in a sleepy voice. Chase drew in a deep breath and held it for a moment. No wonder she felt guilty. She went limp against his arm, and he knew she’d drifted off to sleep. He should be upset that she was thinking of Bobby after having sex with him, but he couldn’t bring himself to be angry. She’d allowed him into a very personal, painful part of her life and he’d never forget the trust she’d placed in him. The fact that she’d taken that leap of faith with him said something. 34

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Tomorrow would be soon enough to talk about what was next for them, but after what they’d just experienced there was no way he was going to let her simply walk out of his life.

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Chapter Five

Cassidy felt Bobby’s hands stroking soft paths along her back. His fingers kneaded her muscles, sending ripples of pleasure vibrating through her body. She loved Saturday mornings because her day started with Bobby giving her a massage. The man had the most amazing hands. His touch was firm yet gentle and by the time he was through, he always managed to arouse her into a bout of amazing sex. She opened her eyes, blinked and reality settled over her. This wasn’t her bedroom, it wasn’t Saturday, and Bobby wasn’t the one massaging her back. She rolled over to see Chase beaming down at her. “Good morning, beautiful.” Despite the letdown of realizing he wasn’t Bobby, the look of contentment on Chase’s face made her smile. “Good morning.” “Did you sleep well?” “Yes.” He leaned over and kissed her neck. “I was wondering. What are your thoughts on morning sex?” Her smile widened. He was a man after her heart, but no way was she going to pass up the opportunity to tease him. “Before breakfast? Are you kidding?” She watched him tilt his head to one side. “You’re hungry?”

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“Actually, I am.” Without waiting for his reply, she rolled away and stood. Finding her dress still on the floor, she picked it up. “Chase?” “Yes?” “Have you seen my panties?” He grinned. “I’m not telling.” Her hands went to her bare hips. “How do you expect me to get dressed if I don’t have my panties?” He slipped from the bed and grabbed her by the waist. “You could always be daring and go without them.” His cock brushed her mound, sending ripples of pleasure racing through her. Nibbling at her bottom lip, he let his hands roam. “Why don’t you just come back to bed?” “You’re trying to change the subject,” she murmured between kisses. “Is it working?” “Definitely.” With a gentle touch, he urged her toward the wall. Sidling up behind her so his shaft set nestled between the cheeks of her ass, he slid his hands along her arms, taking her hands in his and placing them on the wall. “Now don’t move.” The seductive tone in his voice sent a wicked thrill rippling up her back. A look over her shoulder resulted in a soft tap from his hand against her ass cheek. “No peeking.” She turned back to the wall and tried to concentrate on the fine cracks running through the white paint. Anticipation pulled at her senses, heightening her desire. What was he planning to do? And more importantly, how would it feel? His tongue swiped against the inside of her ankle, sending a shiver through her entire body. She looked down and watched Chase mouth her skin, wet it, then blow over the area he’d just moistened. He glanced up, catching her. “Don’t make me blindfold

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you.” He grinned. “On second thought…” Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about being blindfolded by this man. He surveyed the room, his tongue making a clicking sound. “Well, since I don’t seem to have anything to blindfold you with, I’ll have to rely on your honor.” His look turned serious. “Now close your eyes.” Cassidy did, and rested her forehead against the cool surface of the wall. His tongue slowly drew a path along the inside of her leg, wetting her skin. He paused only long enough to blow hot air over the area before moving higher. Reacting to his touch, her channel clenched, releasing a fresh flow of fluids. As he reached the inside of her upper thigh, only inches from where she wanted him most, he paused. She could hear him moving, then felt his mouth over the inside of her opposite ankle, causing her to whimper. Was he trying to drive her insane? “Chase?” “Shhhh. No talking,” was his only reply. At this rate, it wouldn’t take much for her to come. She could smell her own musk, feel the liquid nearly drip from her pussy. When he stopped at the top of her thigh again, she prayed he wouldn’t leave, that he’d continue with that fabulous mouth of his and end her suffering. He obviously had other plans. She felt the sting on her ass as he gently bit down, then licked to alleviate the pain. He nipped and soothed his way up her back, across her shoulders and down the other side. “Are you wet?” He almost growled the words against her ear. Barely remembering to breathe, all Cassidy could do was whimper a “Yes.” “What do you want me to do about it?” Her head jerked back and she eyed him warily. What kind of question was that? 38

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He kissed her as he slipped a hand around to tweak her nipple. “Tell me what to do. Your wish is my command.” “Why?” She couldn’t believe her brain had enough coherent thought to even form the question. Yet, she really did want to know. Why did he need to hear her say the words? “Because I can’t read your mind and I want to fulfill your every desire.” She let go of the wall and turned to face him. “What about you?” He moved lower, gently mouthing the skin above her breast. “I get my pleasure from giving you pleasure.” Bobby used to say the same thing, always telling her how his gratification came from seeing her enjoyment. Before she could think about it anymore, Chase cupped her neck, guided her to him and crushed his mouth to hers. For several seconds they remained tangled in a deep, penetrating kiss. When he pulled away, he was sporting a huge grin. “Now, do I have to lick your front too or are you going to tell me what you want?” It was hard for Cassidy to believe she was about to be so daring. But there was something about this man, something she couldn’t quite identify that gave her the courage to be brash. “I want you to fuck me, Chase. I want you to shove that glorious piece of flesh you own deep inside me and give me the ride of my life.” His grin widened, and the next thing Cassidy knew, he was lifting her off her feet. She wrapped her legs around him and he drove deep into her. She cried out and threw her head back. It banged against the wall, but she barely felt the pain. “Is that what you wanted?” “Yes,” she said, breathless.

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“I’m going to take us to the bed.” He carried her across the room, but before he reached the mattress, she grinned and forced him to put her down. Her gaze remained on him, while she turned and climbed onto the comforter on all fours. “Damn,” he growled as he reached into the box of condoms on the nightstand. Within seconds, he sheathed himself and joined her, burying his cock deep inside her pussy. “Oh, God.” Her breasts bounced freely beneath her as he fucked her hard. She could hear her own blood rushing past her ears, the slap, slap, slap of their flesh, and his short, ragged breaths. The cloying scent of sex filled the air and she couldn’t help but feel even more turned on, naughtier than she’d ever been in her life. Pain weaved with pleasure, curling into a snake of desire that sent her spiraling through a climax. “Yes, Chase, yes.” She nearly screamed as her entire body rocked with her orgasm. He moaned. One last shove and his body locked up as he also came, sending ropey jets of semen spurting into the barrier between them. They collapsed on the bed, too exhausted to move. “So much for breakfast, huh?” he asked, drawing small circles around her nipple. “Mmmm?” The last thing on her mind was food. YZ Cassidy and Chase sat near the back of the restaurant in a booth overlooking the garden. A permanent smile was tattooed on her face, making the act of eating a bit of a chore. “What do you want to do today?” She glanced up at him. “You mean besides stay in bed and have wild, passionate sex?”

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He groaned. “You’re gonna kill me. A man needs a break now and then.” Cassidy opened her mouth, then shut it again as she spotted April stomping toward her. The last thing she wanted was to deal with April and by the scowl on her face, it wasn’t going to be a pleasant conversation. “Thank God you’re all right. Where in the hell have you been all night?” April said, pushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Cassidy placed her fork on the plate and looked up at April. “Good morning to you too.” Staring at her, April folded her arms over her chest. “I’m serious, Cassidy. You had me scared to death when you didn’t show for breakfast and then didn’t answer your door. What’s the deal?” Without answering her question, Cassidy motioned to Chase. “April, this is Chase Dempsey. Chase, I’d like you to meet my best friend, April Webster.” Chase nodded his recognition and resumed eating. Cassidy noted his change in demeanor. He’d made it no secret that he didn’t like the way April treated her. April focused her attention on Chase. “So, you’re the reason she didn’t show for breakfast?” “Yep.” He took another bite of his pancakes and turned his gaze out the window. She switched back to Cassidy. “You could have at least called me. I was worried sick.” Cassidy let out an exasperated chuckle. “You never thought to call me yesterday morning when you showed up over an hour late for breakfast. I doubt you even gave me a second thought until your stomach started to growl.” www.samhainpublishing.com

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April’s face twisted into a look of shock. “How can you say that?” “Because it’s true, April. You were on the prowl for men before the plane we arrived on had departed again, so don’t you dare lecture me on responsibility.” “Cass, I…” She paused. “I was planning on apologizing to you for yesterday. It was wrong of me to assume you didn’t have plans.” “Apology accepted. Now that I’m off your conscience, continue on with your week of debauchery.” April cocked her head to the side. “Actually, I was hoping to spend the day with you.” Maintaining a straight face was damn near impossible. Everything suddenly made sense. At some point, the twins April had been entertaining must have abandoned her for something better, leaving April to sulk alone. With no prospects on her horizon, she was turning to Cassidy to pick up the slack. Well, no more. “I’m sorry about breakfast. I promise I’ll meet you in the morning, but we already have plans for the day.” She motioned to Chase. “So, I won’t be able to spend today with you. But I’m sure you’ll find something to keep you occupied.” Cassidy scooped up her purse from the booth, straightened her shamrock green tank top and turned to Chase. “Are you ready?” He nodded and slid from the booth. Once in the elevator, he turned to her. “That was fantastic. I am glad to see you stand up for yourself.” In an attempt to halt an oncoming headache, Cassidy pressed her index fingers to her temples. “It pissed me off that she assumed I was going to sit around and wait for her.” “You know”—he slipped his hand beneath her palm—“she is your friend and you did come on vacation with her, so I’d understand if you wanted to spend some time with her.” 42

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Cassidy shook her head. “I see April all the time, but I only have you for a few days. Speaking of which, when are you leaving?” “Thursday morning.” She let out a heavy sigh. “I was really hoping you’d say Saturday.” The elevator doors opened and they stepped out. “Is that when you’re leaving?” Sliding her keycard into the lock, she nodded. “Yes. Well, I still have a couple of books to read. Maybe I’ll lay by the pool and work on my tan.” Chase wrapped a strong arm around her and nuzzled her neck. “I’m not sure I like the idea of other men seeing you nearly naked.” She smiled over her shoulder and caught him in a kiss. “You’ve gotten possessive awful quickly.” He returned her smile. “I tend to get that way when I’m really interested in something, or in this case, someone.” He brushed a finger along her cheek. “I’d love to continue seeing you, Cassidy.” The look in his eyes had her backpedaling. Her heart might be saying something different, but this week wasn’t about finding love. The last thing she wanted to do was get into a relationship that wouldn’t work. Her gaze dropped to the floor as she shook her head. “I don’t think so.” “Why not?” “Because it wouldn’t work. Maybe I should have said it before now, but I don’t want a relationship, Chase. I’m not ready to get serious again.” Chase let go of her and ran a hand through his hair, mussing his perfectly combed locks. “Can you really stand here and deny that you have feelings for me, Cassidy? Because I know I can’t.” “No, I do care about you, Chase, probably more than I should and that scares me. You have to understand something. After nine-eleven, www.samhainpublishing.com

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Bobby decided he wanted to do his part to protect our country. I wasn’t happy about his decision, but I supported him.” She didn’t want to hurt Chase, but she needed him to understand her feelings. “I loved Bobby more than I’d ever loved anybody. We were supposed to be together forever and now he’s gone. I just don’t want to go through that kind of pain again.” “So you’re going to stay single for the rest of your life?” “Maybe, maybe not, but I know that right now I’m not ready to let go of forever.” Chase drew in a deep breath. “Okay. Well, would it be too much to ask if we parted as friends? You could give me your address and I could write. Maybe send you the odd Christmas card.” She shook her head. “I can’t. I’m sorry, but knowing where each other lived would only complicate things. My emotions are a mess and I don’t want to do anything that may eventually hurt you.” “And you think denying your feelings ahead of time and walking away from me now won’t hurt?” She turned her gaze back to his. “Please, let’s not ruin the little time we have left together by arguing, Chase.” He tugged on her hand, pulling her against him. “Okay, you win. I won’t pressure you anymore.”

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Chapter Six

The surf washed gently over Cassidy’s feet as she walked along the shoreline, enveloping her above the ankles before retreating out to sea again. Thankful she’d worn her lime green capris today instead of her ankle-length skirt, she held her sandals in one hand and Chase’s hand in the other. She strolled silently under the soft glow of the moon. With each step, the cool sand squished between her toes and she considered the turn of events that had led her to this situation. “I’ve had such a great time these past few days.” Chase smiled. “Me too. I’m really glad you dropped your sarong.” She thought about Bobby and how far she’d come in the last three days. Maybe she was finally ready to put his death behind her, but now she had a new problem. Her feelings for Chase were quickly growing, morphing into something more substantial than just a casual affair. Even if there was room in her heart for two men, she didn’t want to be in love again. Watching Chase walk out of her life tomorrow was going to be hard enough without attaching feelings to it. Chase squeezed her hand. “You’re awful quiet.” “Mmmm…” He stopped, gathered her against him and brushed her hair from her face. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” www.samhainpublishing.com

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“I don’t believe that for a second. Come on, tell me what’s got you down.” She shook her head and looked over his shoulder out to the water. “You can’t do anything about it anyway.” He gave her a wicked smile. “How do you know?” Not in the mood for his playful banter, she sighed and turned away. “This was supposed to be about me letting go of my feelings and moving on, not getting caught up in them.” “So this is about Bobby?” “Yes. No.” She threw her hands in the air. Her arms fell back to her sides and slapped against her thighs as she began to walk. “I felt so guilty the other night after we had sex. But then the guilt began to fade. Only now, I have all these feelings for you that I’m not supposed to have. I’ve only known you for three days and I’m having a hard time thinking about life without you.” He snagged her arm, pulling her to a stop. “I meant it yesterday when I said I wanted to have a real relationship with you. There’s something about you, Cassidy. Something that keeps telling me to push for more, even though I know I should leave well enough alone.” “How can you stand there and say you want to have a relationship when you don’t know anything about me?” He cocked a brow at her. “I know you have an appreciation for great literature, your favorite color is green, you like to drink rum and coke, and when you love, you do it completely.” Her attention drifted from him back to the water. “Don’t force us into a relationship we may not be ready for. It’s not fair to you and it’s not fair to me.” “And you think it’s fair for me to leave tomorrow without even giving us a chance?” 46

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His words were harsh and caught Cassidy off guard. She didn’t want to fight with him on their last night together. She wrapped her fingers around his hand. “You don’t understand. I don’t want you to leave. I want to take the chance, but I can’t.” “Why not?” “Because I’m still scared, okay?” Her voice cracked. “I don’t want my heart broken again.” His voice softened as he raised a gentle hand to her face. “I’m not going to break your heart, Cassidy. This isn’t easy for me either, you know.” He paused, drawing in a deep breath. “Six months ago, I walked in on my girlfriend and one of my employees having sex in my house. How do you think that made me feel?” She couldn’t bring herself to look him in the eye and glanced away. “Pretty bad, I imagine.” “Yeah, she ripped my heart out and stomped all over it. Ever since, I’ve been moping around, licking my wounds and feeling sorry for myself. Then I found you and the last three days have been some of the happiest I’ve ever had.” “Me too, but I can’t take the leap you’re asking me to make. It’s just too big.” He smiled as he brushed a thumb along her cheek. “Okay. Then I guess we make tonight special and walk away with our memories.” YZ Tucked beneath the covers in his air-conditioned room, Chase felt Cassidy nuzzle his neck. The warmth of her skin against his seduced him, causing desire to stir again.

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“What time is your flight tomorrow?” Her warm breath blew over his skin as she spoke. “Eleven.” “So, you’ll have to leave about eight-thirty or nine, huh?” He ran his fingers gently down her arm. “Yeah.” She placed a hand on his chest, then moved to rest her chin on it. There was a sadness in her eyes as she looked down at him. “I’ll miss you.” “Me too.” He pulled her to him, his mouth greedy and hard, plundering her lips, biting and sucking on the supple pink flesh. The hunger she’d fed only minutes ago returned. His tongue slipped over her lips, past her teeth. He wanted to remember everything about her, her taste, her touch, her smell. She reached across him to grab another condom off the nightstand, nearly knocked over the small bottle of lube, then ripped open the packet and rolled the latex down his hard shaft. The feel of her soft hands caressing his cock caused a moan to spill from his throat. He watched her straddle him and ease down. The head of his shaft breached her entrance and her heat slowly enveloped him. His fingers dug into her hips as she started to rock back and forth, creating the friction they both needed. He studied her features, gazed into her hazel eyes, and like his dick, his heart swelled with desire. She couldn’t do this to him. She couldn’t simply let things end tomorrow and not look back. “I need you to know something.” Before he could speak his thoughts, she placed the pad of her finger over his lips. “Don’t say it, Chase. Saying the words makes it real and it can’t be.”

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He gripped her harder, stilling her motion, and brought her down against his chest. “You can’t be afraid to love again.” With her cheek resting against his sternum he could smell the hint of lavender in her hair, feel the thump, thump, thump rhythm of her heart against his chest. “You said you wouldn’t push, Chase. I can’t…I won’t admit to something that’s going to bring me more pain.” Not wanting to ruin what time they had left, he let the subject drop. He’d simply have to switch to plan B. “Okay, but I also said we’d make tonight memorable.” He slipped a finger down, rubbing gently over her puckered entrance. “Have you ever had anal sex, Cassidy?” She lifted her head and stared into his passion-filled eyes. “No.” “Have you ever thought about it?” “Honestly? Yes.” Heat rushed to her face and she knew she was blushing. “What stopped you?” “I was too afraid it would hurt.” “It’s an incredible experience and I’d be honored if I could be your first.” She wanted to say no, but something inside her screamed yes. Maybe it was curiosity getting the best of her, after all how bad could it really be? There must be some enjoyment in the act, otherwise why would women do it? Cassidy nodded, giving him the go-ahead. His cock slid from her channel and he flipped her onto her back, then reached for the bottle of lube and squeezed out a generous dollop. “It won’t hurt if we prepare you first.” Her stomach twisted and turned as he slathered the liquid over her anus. Was she really going to let him do this? He pressed lightly on her opening. www.samhainpublishing.com

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She tensed, fearful of the pain that would come with what he was about to do. “Relax, honey. I promise, if you don’t like it, I’ll stop and let the subject drop.” The amount of trust she put in him left her shaken at her very core. That kind of trust only came from love, an emotion she refused to acknowledge. She would let him lead her down the path of pleasure, into the territory of taboo, but that didn’t mean she was in love with him. Drawing in a deep breath, Cassidy relaxed and felt his finger gently slip inside her passage. The slight burn was immediately followed by the most delicious sensation she’d ever experienced, causing her to gasp. “Do you like?” She nodded and smiled up at him. “It’s not what I expected. In a strange way it feels…good.” “Well,” he whispered, planting soft kisses over her breast, “I’d like to help you make it even better.” “Okay, as long as you agree to stop if it gets to be too much for me.” “Agreed.” His mouth enveloped her nipple, catching it between his teeth. She whimpered and arched up as a second finger wormed its way inside. It wasn’t so much pain as it was an uncomfortable stretching, but when he began to stroke her, even that was forgotten. In and out, his fingers moved, pushing and pulling against the sensitive tissue, until she thought she was going to explode. The sudden absence of his fingers left her with a strange emptiness, begging to be filled. He took the bottle of lube and squeezed a large amount into his palm, then slathered it over his shaft. He squeezed out another glob and covered her a second time.

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Her eyes closed and her head fell back as she prepared for what was about to happen. She felt him against her entrance and instinct caused her to tense. “Relax.” His voice soothed. The pressure built, the burn returned and she was about to ask him to stop when he popped through the tight ring of muscles and slid deep inside her. Fire lit up her channel as the nerve-rich tissue expanded. “Oh, God.” Her hands gripped at his forearms, and her fingers dug into his skin. “Tight,” he murmured as he slowly began to pump. New and strange sensations ripped through her body and clawed at her flesh. The fresh bite of pain mixed with pleasure sent her spiraling toward a climax she knew would be incredible. Chase raised a hand off the bed and motioned to her. “Give me your hand.” She did without question. When he placed her hand over her clit, she gave him a confused look. “Chase?” “Pleasure yourself, honey.” “What?” His rhythm slowed, and she wanted to cry from the loss of friction. “I want you to masturbate.” He wanted her to do what? “I…I can’t do that.” “Sure you can. I’ve seen you.” She nearly blushed, but pushed away her embarrassment. “You’re not going to let me forget that, are you?” He frowned. “Do you trust me?” Cassidy didn’t even have to think about that question. “Yes.” “Then do this. I promise you won’t be sorry.”

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She hesitated, but her desperation to feel him moving again propelled her to do as he asked. “Okay, but please don’t stop again.” His frown lifted into a smile and he resumed his rhythm. The speed of his strokes increased. “Now, Cassidy.” She slid her hand between them, surprised to find her channel drenched in her juices. Working the slippery liquid up through her labia, she covered her clit and went back down for more. With his full, thick cock taking up residence in her ass there was little room for her fingers inside her pussy. She squirmed, working two fingers inside. Her mouth opened, and an “Oh” slipped from her lips. His smile grew, stretching across his face. “Do it, Cassidy, make yourself come.” Within seconds, her fingers were pumping inside her channel, alternating in rhythm with his cock. Drenched in her fluids, they slipped in and out, up and over until she could feel the climax grow. The sensation was strong. It built from her belly and slowly engulfed the rest of her body. Even her toes tingled at the wickedly wonderful feelings racing through her. Closer, higher she pushed until her last shred of control snapped and the full impact of her orgasm slammed into her with the force of a small tsunami. “Oh, God! Oh, Chase!” She writhed and bucked beneath him as the roar of his release echoed in her ears. For a moment, he remained motionless before he finally pulled away and dropped onto the bed next to her. Her focus remained locked on the ceiling as she listened to his breathing slowly regulate. She turned to face him. “That was the most incredible orgasm I’ve ever had.” He lifted her hand and sucked on her fingers, lapping her juices off her digits. “Thank you for sharing it with me.” 52

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“Thank you for helping me achieve it.” She let her gaze fall away from him. “Um…would it be too rude for me to want a shower now?” Chase laughed. “Of course not. Why don’t you go ahead into the bathroom and I’ll join you in a couple of minutes.” Feeling extremely languid and sexy, Cassidy stretched, leaned up and planted a kiss on the tip of his nose. “That sounds like a plan.” Chase watched Cassidy saunter into the bathroom and close the door behind her. No way was he going to simply let her walk out of his life and never look back. He only hoped that she would eventually forgive him for what he was about to do. When he heard the shower start, Chase climbed from the bed and scurried to the dresser where her purse sat. He glanced over his shoulder at the closed bathroom door and opened her bag. Rooting through the contents, he discovered her wallet and found her driver’s license. He smiled when he saw her address. Having her living in the same state would make his plan much easier to implement. He scribbled her information onto a piece of hotel stationery and returned her license and wallet to her purse. He took care to make it look as though her bag had been untouched. On his way to the bathroom, he stopped at the nightstand and tucked the paper inside his wallet. Maybe he was out of his mind for thinking she’d be more receptive after she’d had time to consider their time together, but at this point hope was all he had. YZ Cassidy sat on the edge of Chase’s bed, watching him pack. She wanted to say something, anything, but fear of crying kept her silent. The

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last three days had been the most amazing of her life, and to watch him leave was so much harder than she could have ever imagined. When he was finished, he turned back to her, knelt down and placed his hands in hers. “I’m so glad you’ve been part of my life these past few days.” She smiled. “Me too.” Try as she might to keep from crying, a tear escaped and trickled down her cheek. “Thank you for showing me that I can go on without Bobby.” “Thank you for allowing me to.” He motioned to the door. “Walk me out?” She shook her head and her focus fell to the floor. “I can’t. It would be too hard.” He lifted her chin so she’d look at him. “Whatever you do, Cassidy, don’t allow yourself to suffer again. You deserve the happy-ever-after you’re seeking.” He kissed her softly then moved to pick up his bags. She forced a smile as she watched him open the door and walk through. The door slammed shut, and her body jerked at the sound. Still sitting on the bed, she listened to his footsteps fade as he headed down the hall. The silence of the room allowed her to hear the elevator door open. Several seconds passed, the doors closed and she let the tears come. Curling into a ball on the bed, she cried into the pillow until her head hurt and her eyes burned. The cleaning staff would probably be arriving soon, and she knew she needed to be gone before then. She sat up and wiped the blurry tears from her eyes. Her life had changed in this room, in this bed, and she’d never forget it. Cassidy reached for the door handle, took one last look back into the space and spotted Chase’s shirt lying crumpled on the chair. She quickly 54

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crossed to the seat and picked up the fabric. It still smelled of his cologne, making Cassidy want to cry again. She held the shirt tight against her chest, and this time when she walked to the door, didn’t look back.

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Chapter Seven

Cassidy slid into her seat on the plane, leaned back and closed her eyes. With Chase gone, the last two days had been so lonely. It simply wasn’t possible for her feelings for him to be love. She’d only known the man for three days. Yet kissing him goodbye had brought on a sense of loss similar to the way she felt when Bobby died. She was beginning to wish that she had given him her address instead of being so adamant about keeping their relationship a fling. It was too late now and even if she had, he was a busy man, with a ranch to run and employees to attend to. Once he was home and involved in his daily routine, he’d realize that his feelings for her were nothing more than his romanticizing the moment. In the end, she’d be a fond memory of a nice vacation. Her heart ached at that last thought. Despite what she’d told him, she didn’t want to be relegated to nothing more than a memory. April plopped into the seat next to her and sighed. “I have been thoroughly fucked.” Cassidy shook her head and tried hard not roll her eyes. “Why don’t you announce it to every passenger on the plane?” April gave her an exasperated look. “I can’t believe you’re still mad at me. I said I was sorry. Besides, from what I can tell, you had a few good screws yourself.”

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As expected, April appeared for breakfast in the mornings and then disappeared for the remainder of each day, leaving Cassidy to fend for herself. She’d stayed by the pool, ordered room service for dinner and finished one of the two books she’d brought with her. Frustration worked its way to the surface. “How would you know what I was doing all week? You were too busy bonking anything with a dick to notice me.” “Hey, I found a date for you and you turned me down.” “Oh right, the Doublemint twins. How wrong of me to forget.” April waggled her eyebrows. “You know what the commercial says. ‘Double your pleasure, double your fun’.” “Please. Spare me the details, okay? I don’t need a rundown of events.” Cassidy was seriously beginning to think it was time to reevaluate her friendship with April. “Fine.” She pouted. “But this sour mood of yours is going to make for a long flight home.” Cassidy couldn’t agree more. YZ The last time her home felt so large and lonely was after Bobby died. During the week after his death the house had been filled with concerned and grieving friends and relatives. Then one morning, Cassidy awoke to realize that the place was empty. Everyone had returned to their own homes and resumed their own lives, leaving Cassidy to deal with the aftermath. For days, she wandered around the house, crying and feeling sorry for herself. Now, as she walked through the door, those same feelings of sadness and dread flooded over her.

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To make matters worse, the airline had lost her luggage. Two hours of arguing with the baggage claim supervisors resulted in speculation that her baggage had accidentally been routed to Denver. Dallas/Denver, they both started with the letter D so she could see where that simple mistake could have been made. Idiots! Thank God she’d put Chase’s shirt in her carry-on bag. Leaving with only a promise of the luggage being delivered to her home when it was located, Cassidy made the nearly three-hour drive back to Killeen and her empty house. She dropped her keys on the foyer table and bent to pick up the slew of mail covering the hardwood floor. Thumbing through the stack, she discovered a letter from Bobby’s mother. Cassidy glanced over at the quilt Bobby’s mother made for their first anniversary resting on the back of the sofa. She tossed the rest of the mail on the table, picked up her bag and went to her bedroom. After changing into a pair of cotton shorts, Cassidy donned Chase’s shirt and headed back downstairs with the letter still in hand. Pictures of her and Bobby hung on the wall, reminding her of happier times. She set the letter on the coffee table and went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of hot tea. Bobby’s favorite mug, with the words “Support our Troops—Do a Soldier” scrawled on the side, rested in the dish drainer. Maybe it was time to move away from the memories and start fresh. Cassidy curled up on the couch with her mug, picked up the letter and ripped open the envelope. Dear Cassidy,

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I’m so sorry we missed you at Easter this year, but I understand your need to be with your own family. Thank you for the beautiful flower basket you sent. I plan on planting the bulbs around Robert’s grave. Since we haven’t seen you since Christmas, Dad and I would love for you to take a week this summer and visit. I know it’s been a difficult year for you. It has been for us too, but we’re dealing with the pain and learning to move on. We can only hope that you eventually will too. Just know that no matter whom you meet or what happens in the future, you’ll always be a part of our life. I know you’re busy, but I’d love to hear from you, so please give me a call when you get a chance. Love, Mom Cassidy drew in a deep breath and set the letter back on the table. Seeing his parents at Christmas had been so painful that she’d made a point to avoid them ever since. It was wrong and she’d have to try to make things right. Maybe spending a couple of days with them and facing her pain was what she needed to move on. After all, hiding inside the house only kept her rooted in the past, perpetuating her suffering. Her focus wandered to the wedding picture sitting proudly on the top shelf of the entertainment center. A new wave of guilt washed over her. She slipped from the couch, pulled the picture down and returned to her seat. Running her fingers over Bobby’s image, she remembered that day with such clarity. With sable hair and chocolate eyes, he’d been so handsome in his black tuxedo, the definition of tall, dark and handsome. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, choking back the lump in her throat. Tears flooded her eyes and scurried down her face. “I know I promised I’d www.samhainpublishing.com

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wait for you, but you made a promise too. You promised me you’d come home safe. I’ve kept my part of the deal for as long as I can.” Tears dripped off her cheeks onto the glass, blurring his image. “I love you and I’ll always love you, but I can’t do this anymore.” She set the picture on the floor, snuggled against the throw pillow and pulled the quilt off the back of the couch. “I want more.” YZ A knock at the door had Cassidy lifting her head. She blinked away the fuzziness, focused on the VCR clock and frowned. If it was ten o’clock, then why was the house so bright? She glanced around the room and realized it was ten in the morning. Had she really slept for almost twelve hours? The knock came again, louder this time. Luggage! She threw the cover off and shuffled in her bare feet to the door. Cassidy opened the door and was shocked by the massive bouquet of pink and yellow roses greeting her. The flowers moved, revealing the man carrying them. Dressed in black, from his Stetson to his boots, Chase was more handsome than she had ever seen him. “Hey, beautiful.” Her heart leapt into her throat as a flash of happiness consumed her. “Chase? What are you doing here?” She hoped she wasn’t still dreaming. “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by and welcome you home.” Her brain was still clouded from sleep and she shook her head trying to understand his words. “What do you mean you were in the neighborhood? How did you know where I lived?”

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Silence filled the air and Chase shifted from one foot to the other. “Please don’t be mad at me. My intentions were completely honorable.” “Chase!” “During our last night together in the hotel, I copied your address from your driver’s license.” “You did what?” “I’m sorry, Cassidy. I’ll admit it was wrong of me, but I just couldn’t let you walk out of my life.” She wanted to be mad at him for rooting through her purse and going against her wishes, but her happiness at seeing him trumped any anger she felt. Because of his tenacity, she was getting a second chance at a relationship with him. He cocked a brow at her. “Cassidy, I’m beginning to feel like a geek standing on your porch holding these flowers. Can I come in?” “Huh?” Lost in her own thoughts, she stared blankly at him for a moment before his words registered. “Oh…of course you can.” She motioned for him to enter. Once he was inside, she shut the door and turned to him. “I’m not mad, but I still don’t understand what you’re doing here. Why would you go out of your way to find me after what I said about wanting to make our time together a vacation fling?” He nodded. “I’ll explain everything to you soon. So, why don’t you put these somewhere and we’ll go for a ride?” “But—” she started to argue, only to see him hold up a hand to stop her. “I know you’re confused. I promise it will all make sense. Now, unless you’re ready to leave, why don’t you go do whatever it is you need to do.” When she remained in place, he moved to her, taking the vase from her hands. “Please, Cassidy.”

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With a nod, she turned and headed upstairs to change. Her heart swelled as she scurried around her bedroom, looking for something to wear. While brushing her teeth, she paused in front of the bathroom mirror. What if she was still asleep and this was all a dream? She pinched her arm, felt the sharp sting of pain and decided that she wasn’t dreaming. Chase stepped into the living room and looked around. The rectangular room held a tan sofa and loveseat and one matching recliner. A large entertainment center consumed most of the wall space at one end, while built-in shelves did the same on the other. Pictures hung on the walls and sat in frames on every horizontal surface. Some were of people he didn’t recognize, but most were photos of Cassidy with a rather tall man with dark hair and broad shoulders. He moved to the couch, started to sit and almost kicked a picture lying on the floor. He picked it up and stared at the image of Cassidy wearing a long white wedding gown, grinning up at the same man from the other photos. Donned in a black tuxedo, he looked down at her, returning her smile. So this was Bobby. Chase set the picture on the end table beneath the lamp. A triangular-shaped box sat next to the lamp, with a neatly folded flag showing through the glass cover. Pinned in the center of the flag was a Purple Heart medal. Next to the case was a picture of Bobby wearing tan military fatigues, holding a rifle. A lump formed in Chase’s throat. This man gave up everything to protect his country. He glanced at the empty stairs then back to the photo. “I promise to take good care of her for you,” he whispered.

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Twenty minutes later Cassidy returned, wearing a green and yellow sundress, her auburn locks pulled into a low ponytail and her stomach twisted in a knot. It wasn’t fear that had her nerves on edge, but anticipation. What could Chase possibly want to show her that he couldn’t simply explain? She paused at the bottom of the steps and watched him perusing the small collection of books resting on her builtin shelves. The vase of flowers he’d brought her sat in the middle of her coffee table. A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. He looked so handsome standing in her living room, like a character out of her dreams. Would he be her knight in shining armor, come to sweep her off her feet? It was time to find out. “Hey.” He turned to her and smiled. “You look beautiful, but then you also looked great in my shirt.” “Thank you.” She grinned and continued down the last step to the door. “If you’re ready, so am I.” The sight of a black Dodge truck sitting in her drive made her smile grow. “You weren’t kidding when you said you didn’t need flashy.” He planted a quick kiss on her cheek as he helped her into the passenger seat. “And you weren’t joking when you said you loved Hemingway.” For over an hour he drove them north, passing through Waco before turning onto a side road. Acres of open fields and pastureland passed by before the truck slowed and he turned into a long drive flanked by two large old-fashioned wagon wheels. He pulled up to the house and switched off the ignition. “Welcome to the Circle D Ranch.” She turned to look at him. “Circle D?” “Yeah, D for Dempsey.” Her eyes widened. “This is your ranch?” www.samhainpublishing.com

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He nodded and stepped from the truck. She watched him cross in front of the vehicle and move to the passenger door. “Let me show you around.” He held out his arm. Looping her hand over his biceps, she stepped from the truck and followed him toward the house. “This was my granddad’s farm. He was the first Dempsey to start raising cattle. When he died, the place was passed to my dad and eventually to me.” She stopped on the large front porch and looked at him. “You never once said that your ranch was in Texas.” “You never asked.” She opened her mouth, then closed it again. He was right, in her bid to protect her emotions, she hadn’t asked. “The fact that you lived in the same state was nothing more than a bonus. I would have traveled across the country to get to you.” “But I thought we’d decided to walk away with our memories?” He pulled her to the porch swing and motioned for her to sit. “I know what we agreed to, Cassidy, but I knew after our first night together that I couldn’t be without you. This is going to sound completely ridiculous, but I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life than when I tell you that I’ve fallen in love with you.” Cassidy felt her breath whoosh from her body as if she’d been punched in the stomach. Things like this happened in movies, not in real life, and certainly not in her life. He brushed a knuckle along her cheek. “You feel it too, honey. I know you do.” She searched his eyes, looking for some trace of deceit, some inkling that this was all a ruse. All she found was pure, unequivocal love staring back at her. “Cassidy?”

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“I…I…” Trying to formulate her thoughts into a coherent sentence, she stumbled over her words. Never would she have imagined that there could be room in her heart for more than one man, but there was. She didn’t want to deny her feelings any longer. It was time for her to take the next step in healing. Chase was the kind of man Bobby would have approved of and more importantly, she loved him. “If you’re worried about Bobby, don’t. I’d never ask you to forget your past, honey. It’s a part of you and I wouldn’t want you to lose it. I’m only asking you to take a chance with me. I can make you happy, Cassidy. I know I can. If you’ll let me.” She leaned into him, letting her lips linger over his before slowly pulling away. “I’m still afraid, but I do love you, Chase, and I’d like to give us a try.”

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Epilogue

Cassidy stood on the front porch and watched the sun set on the horizon. Layers of colors blended from gold to orange and eventually pink. Never, in all the years she’d lived in Killeen, had she ever been able to see a sunset like this. The sound of footfalls had her turning her head in time to see Chase step onto the porch. She smiled as he slid up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. The musky smell of dirt, sweat and man blended and drifted to her nose. She inhaled deeply, relishing in his scent as his mouth sought hers. Hunger dominated their kiss, sending a ripple of pleasure through her body. His hand came to rest over her rounded belly. “What are you doing up? The doctor said you’re supposed to stay off your feet.” “I know, but I’ve been in bed all day and I wanted to watch the sunset and get some fresh air.” He followed her to the porch swing, waited for her to sit, then positioned himself next to her and allowed Cassidy to stretch her legs across his lap. “I know this has to be difficult for you, but Doctor Grossman wants little one there to stay in for at least three more weeks.” She leaned to the side and rested her head against the back of the swing as he rubbed a hand over her baby bump. While she’d been shocked to learn she was pregnant back in October, Chase had been 66

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thrilled and went out that very day to buy the baby its first teddy bear. For a long time she’d struggled to understand how it could have happened—after all, they’d used protection. But when she felt their baby move for the first time, she’d fallen in love. Now, she couldn’t imagine her life any other way. “It’s not so bad, especially when I have you at my beck and call.” He grinned. “I’ve always been at your beck and call, honey.” She laughed, thinking back to the first day they met. “Yeah, I suppose you have.” His eyes narrowed, giving his smile a wicked edge. “I’ll just be glad to have the baby here so we can start working on giving it a brother or sister.” A smile tugged at the edge of her mouth. The man had an insatiable sex drive. With her preterm labor and order of no sex until after the baby was born, she knew he was struggling to behave himself. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to have a little time of not feeling like one of your cows before you plant your next seed.” He laced his fingers through hers. “You are not a cow, honey. You’re beautiful and you’re going to make a wonderful mother.” Mother. She turned her gaze over the back of the swing toward a pasture of cattle grazing quietly. In less than a month, she’d be a mother. The idea thrilled and frightened her. How could she go from single and mourning, to married and happy in just a year? “Why so quiet?” His words sliced through her thoughts and her gaze shifted from the cattle to Chase. “I was just thinking, tomorrow is a year since we met and so much has happened.”

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He lifted her hand and kissed the gold band on her finger. “You’re not having second thoughts about all this, are you? Because, you know, it’s a little late to be trying to back out now.” She watched him fight the smile that pulled at the corners of his mouth, and grinned. “I love you, Chase Dempsey, and it’s going to take a lot more than this to get rid of me.” “Good.” He nibbled at her knuckles. “Because I plan on growing old with you right here by my side.”

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About the Author

When Michelle isn’t engrossed in her favorite hobby of scrapbooking pictures of her family and friends, she usually can be found with a laptop attached to the end of her fingers. That is when she’s not working to maintain a functioning household or running her two children to and from play dates. Artistic from an early age, she spent her childhood dabbling in different artistic media. A lover of romance novels, Michelle decided two years ago to try her hand at creating fictional worlds through words instead of paint. The result has given her an entirely new perspective on the world. Every day affords new opportunities for ideas and new ways to create the perfect happily ever after. Raised in ‘small town’ Illinois, Michelle now lives in New Jersey with her extremely supportive albeit somewhat neglected husband and their two beautiful children. For updates on her latest work, check out her website

at

www.michellecary.com

www.myspace.com/scrapchik.

or

visit

her

myspace

page

at

Look for these titles by Michelle Cary Now Available: Beyond the Tears

Is their passion real, or only a mirage?

La Mirage

© 2007 Jennifer Colgan Available now at Samhain Publishing On a lonely stretch of I-95 in the middle of the Nevada desert, journalist

Savanna

Blaine

and

photographer

Ben

Lantano

find

themselves stranded by engine trouble on their way back from an assignment. Their quest for a gas station leads them to La Mirage, a beautiful resort nestled in a secluded canyon where they are the only guests. Invited to spend the night in lush accommodations, passion flares between Savanna and Ben who have suppressed their hidden desires long enough. A single touch ignites an unforgettable night in each other’s arms, but the next day, when La Mirage mysteriously disappears, they’re left to wonder, is their newfound intimacy real or nothing more than a trick of the summer heat? Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, oral sex and sexual games with confectionary food delights. Enjoy the following excerpt for La Mirage: Savanna sat by the pool. She was leaning back, hands behind her on the shale tiles of the landscaped patio. Her shoes sat beside her and she scissored her legs back and forth in the dark blue water. Damn. She looked magnificent. All lush curves, wavy curls and porcelain skin. She looked like a 1940s pinup girl from the wartime calendars his grandfather always hung up in the garage.

With a low wolf whistle that he hoped she couldn’t hear, he placed the bags at the foot of the bed and hurriedly removed his digital camera from its pack. He’d tell her about it later, but right now, he wanted that shot because she was so beautiful, he had to have her on film. From just within the doorway, he snapped half a dozen quick pictures, including one in a soft focus that made her look like something out of a dream. Hopefully, she wouldn’t mind that he’d taken the candid shots. He already had a place picked out on his office wall to hang the best of them. Silently, he replaced the camera in its case and joined her outside. The heat hit him like a wall after those few minutes in the airconditioned suite. “How’s the water?” He crouched down beside her and trailed his fingers in the pool, then scooped up a palm full of water and slapped it on the back of his neck. “Beautiful.” Her voice sounded dreamy. She glanced up at him through her thick lashes. “How’s Delilah?” “She’ll be fine. I feel kind of bad. They won’t let me pay for anything.” “We probably couldn’t afford it anyway. Imagine what a night in a place like this goes for.” Savanna grinned and climbed to her feet. “I’m going to be bad. Since no one’s around, I’m going swimming. What about you?” Ben coughed. The skinny-dipping battle had raged on while he’d been engaged in retrieving their bags. Visions of Savanna’s naked body stretched out across the water, arms and legs reaching, skin glistening, had battled with his professional decorum and won. Now, he sat in Savanna’s slim shadow, drooling while she peeled off her blouse and skirt to reveal the delicious powder blue panties that matched her bra.

Good Lord, he couldn’t look away. His gaze traveled up from her ankles to her bellybutton, pausing briefly on the delicious, heart-shaped birthmark above her right knee. “Come on,” she said with a wink that went straight to his burgeoning hard-on. “What the hell.” He stripped off his shirt and she dove in, slicing the water in a perfect, splash-less dive. Wicked thoughts assailed him while he watched her glide beneath the glassy surface of the water from one side of the pool to the other. The first rumble of thunder stopped him at the top button of his jeans. The ominous sound traveled up through the soles of his shoes and drew his attention over to the dark silhouette of the rock that blocked La Mirage from the highway. The clouds gathered there were the thickest, blackest thunderheads Ben had ever seen. The son of a salesman, he’d lived in every part of the U.S. and he’d seen storms come up out of nowhere and disappear just as fast. While he watched, the shadow of the thunderheads crept toward the pool, and a flash of blue lightning cleaved toward the distant horizon. When Savanna’s sleek form broke the surface at the far side of the pool, he pointed to the sky. “You’d better get out of there.” Her smile turned to an alluring little pout, but she dutifully hoisted herself out of the water. Fat raindrops splattered a trail behind her as she ran across the patio, bra and panties transparent now and clinging suggestively to every curve. Ben’s mouth went bone dry. He didn’t breathe at all until the next lightning bolt illuminated the darkening sky. The accompanying thunder shook the ground. Savanna’s damp body slid past him through the patio door before the third flash and rumble, and a sheet of silver rain swept across the pool area thick as liquid mercury in her wake.

“Holy cow, it’s cold in here!” Gooseflesh rose all over her shivering body the moment the air conditioning hit her. She crossed her arms over her chest and jumped up and down as she peered out at the sudden deluge. When lightning arced across the sky a fourth time, the accompanying thunder sounded like the splintering of dry wood. With a squeak, Savanna jumped back, away from the open door and right into Ben’s arms. He never would have figured holding her wet, trembling body in his arms would turn him on so fast. She clung to him, her nipples rubbing against his bare chest through the sodden, see-through fabric of her bra. “You’re not afraid of a little lightning, are you?” He looked down at her, perversely hoping her answer would be yes. He liked having her cling to him, her hips pressed against his. Holding her all night while the storm raged didn’t sound like a bad way to spend an evening at all. “Me? No, I’m not—” Another crack of thunder made her jump again. He pulled her tight against him, reveling in her rising heat. “I don’t like loud noises. Thunder, cars backfiring, starter pistols…” She laughed self-consciously, but there was apprehension in her eyes when she looked up at him. It obviously bothered her to admit her weakness. “You’re safe,” he said, lowering his face toward her as a tide of feeling welled up in him. He could protect her. He wanted nothing more than to keep her safe and warm in his capable arms. In fact, he wanted to love her until she wasn’t afraid of anything.

This summer, it’s going to be Steamy…

Samhain Publishing Presents Midsummer Night’s Steam 24 Sizzling ebooks $2.50 each

Duty wars with affection when Racor’s greatest spy must decide who to trust, the evidence against her sexy suspects, or her heart?

A Scorching Seduction © 2007 Marie Harte

Lt. Col. Trace N’Tre and Assassin Vaan C’Vail are hiding out in the only place the military can’t touch them—on a pleasure planet in an island resort owned by Vaan’s cousin. Gathering evidence on the outside, they know it’s only a matter of time before they’ll have to face their accuser, a high official in the Racor government. Unbeknownst to them, Myst, Racor’s greatest spy, has had her eyes on them for some time. The puzzle of these two alleged traitors doesn’t fit, and Myst has made it her mission to find out why. But when the tables are turned and she’s caught spying under the planet’s hot summer suns, pleasure and affection confuse the issue, making her wonder who to trust—her heart, or the evidence against her lovers. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, frank language, ménage, m/m action, and hot sweaty adventure.

A young minister’s celibacy is challenged by an earthy, Appalachian woman.

Blackberry Pie

© 2007 Bonnie Dee On a blistering summer afternoon, Reverend Nathan Andrews climbs a mountain to meet backwoods members of his congregation. Fresh from

seminary, the young man isn’t prepared for the onslaught of lust that hits him when he encounters a sensuous girl picking blackberries. Determined to implement his outreach plan, he helps her harvest the fruit. But their potent sexual chemistry is too intense to deny and they engage in passionate sex surrounded by the beauty of nature. Grace is earthy and primal, the opposite of the proper young lady he expects to take as a wife some day. Can there possibly be a future for a college-educated minister and a primitive mountain girl? Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language.

Can a straight-laced business student and an indie boy with a thing for extremely personal electronics turn one night’s wild ride into a trip to last forever?

Catching a Buzz © 2007 Ally Blue Adam Holderman isn’t your typical twenty-something college boy. He prefers jazz to Goth, shuns body piercings and street-waif clothing, and despises the lack of vocabulary among his peers. Some call him uptight, but Adam doesn’t see it that way. Just because he prefers his men articulate and well-groomed doesn’t make him a stick-in-the-mud. He simply has standards, unlike most guys his age. The new employee at Wild Waters Park, where Adam works, singlehandedly throws a monkey wrench into Adam’s orderly world view. Buzz Stiles wears eyeliner and black clothes, listens to emo bands, and talks like a teenage skate punk. He’s the polar opposite of Adam’s avowed “type”. So why can’t Adam get him out of his head?

When Adam finally agrees to go out with Buzz, he finds there’s much more to Buzz than a hot body, a sharp wit, and a Goth fashion sense. Buzz is someone Adam can see himself being with for the long haul. But you need more than mind-melting sex to make a relationship last. Can they keep their hands off each other long enough to find out if they have what it takes? Warning, this title contains the following: graphic language, explicit male/male sex, inappropriate use of personal electronic devices, and gratuitous disco dancing.

Her boyfriend is back…and that’s a major problem. Antonia isn’t ready to face the one man who shakes up her world…

Full Disclosure © 2007 Mary Wine Antonia doesn’t need to look at forbidden fruit. The taste still clings to her lips, haunting her with just how good she and Danton had been together… …Right up until he informed her that he had to get married because he was going to be a father. That just made it worse. Inside him was a man worth dreaming about, even if she knew it was in vain. Danton always double-checked his facts. It was a habit that kept him alive during missions that should have killed him. His impromptu wedding was no exception. There wasn’t going to be any consummation of the vows until he had a paternity test. But doing the right thing had cost him the one woman he loved. Until the test came back negative. Now there is nothing that will stop him from coming back with the prize he’d been forced to abandon three

months ago. Toni was going to be his, right after she got the full disclosure on his hasty wedding and the blunt fact that he loved her. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language and bondage bedroom games with toys.

Does a full moon really cause naughty behavior?

Bad Moon Rising

© 2007 Leeanne Kenedy Hailey Burke has heard that full moons cause people to behave in strange ways, but she never thought it would apply to her until the night she winds up in bed with a man she doesn’t even like. So she’d had a temporary loss of sanity when she slept with Zack Creighton, the womanizing photographer. Big deal. Doesn’t mean she’s going to do it again, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, Zack has something else in store for Hailey. He’s liked the sassy redhead from the moment he met her, but he can’t get the stubborn woman to let go of the misconceptions she’s formed about him. Sure, he’s played the field, but Zack is no womanizer, and he has no intention of leaving things at one night. Once he’s had a taste of Hailey, he wants another. And he’s determined to convince her that he’s not the bad boy she’s always thought. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language.

Is their passion real, or only a mirage?

La Mirage

© 2007 Jennifer Colgan On a lonely stretch of I-95 in the middle of the Nevada desert, journalist

Savanna

Blaine

and

photographer

Ben

Lantano

find

themselves stranded by engine trouble on their way back from an assignment. Their quest for a gas station leads them to La Mirage, a beautiful resort nestled in a secluded canyon where they are the only guests. Invited to spend the night in lush accommodations, passion flares between Savanna and Ben who have suppressed their hidden desires long enough. A single touch ignites an unforgettable night in each other’s arms, but the next day, when La Mirage mysteriously disappears, they’re left to wonder, is their newfound intimacy real or nothing more than a trick of the summer heat? Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, oral sex.

One tempting heiress. Two sexy cowboys. Three means fun beyond her wildest dreams—until her Cord starts to unravel.

Take Me

© 2007 Mackenzie McKade Thoroughbred rancher’s daughter Caitlyn Culver has always wanted playboy Cord Daily, even after her daddy threatened to bankrupt him.

But winning a racehorse in a poker game means Cord is no longer just a cattle rancher. He’s come back wealthier and more wicked than ever. Snaring this cowboy won’t be easy for Cait, and keeping him will be even harder. Still, his sexual antics and taste for ménages won’t scare her off. She knows the best way to snag a man like Cord is to pretend indifference. So when he comes onto her in the barn, she plays along— only to leave him tied to a ladder, aroused and unfulfilled. It’s payback time. Cord seeks out Cait and brings along his playboy cousin, Dolan Crane. The two cowboys are enough to set her body afire. She’s bound and determined to resist their sexual allure, but ends up experiencing a night beyond her wildest fantasies. Now Dolan wants Cait for himself. Cait’s father wants Cord’s racehorse. And Cord wants Caitlyn to choose— her father’s money or her cowboy’s love. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, ménage a trois, and BDSM.

Can a jaded lawyer and a reformed criminal really find true love in the tropics?

Fijian Fling

© 2007 Sami Lee Dumped by her boyfriend and on thin ice in her law career, Sophie Edison badly needs to re-evaluate her life. She escapes to her favorite hideaway on the tropical island of Fiji, where the attentions of the resort owner – the enigmatic and lethally sexy Dominick ‘Nick’ Dufour – prove a temptation too great to resist. Nick’s obvious desire to take her to bed is just the salve her battered confidence needs, and she embarks on an

affair that leads her to unchartered waters. Before long she starts to wonder if she can ever go back to her old life. Nick has lusted after Sophie for years. When she turns up at his secluded resort alone for the first time he wastes no time in making her his lover. Sophie is his perfect match in bed, and in the ocean and the shower…but although he might long for something more, Nick knows theirs is just a holiday fling. For he is keeping the secret of his checkered past from Sophie and it could prove the ultimate deal breaker… Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language.

Newlywed Catalina Robinson thinks it’s not possible to be more satisfied…but then she learns what it’s like to love two men.

Honeymoon Castaways © 2007 Dawn Halliday

Cat has just married Dave Robinson, the man of her dreams. Their Best Man, Andreas Bailey, is flying them to their honeymoon resort in Barbados. But over the middle of the ocean, something goes horribly wrong… Cat, Dave and Andreas find themselves stranded on an uninhabited Caribbean island. Though she’s never thought of him as more than a friend, Cat finds herself connecting to Andreas in a way she never expected and is shocked and aroused to learn that her husband feels the same way. Together, the three of them discover a heat and passion uninhibited by the conventions of society. But will they ever be rescued? And what will happen to their unusual relationship once they return home?

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, ménage a trois, voyeurism and skinny dipping.

Two men and a bottle of nut cream…

Nut Cream

© 2007 Jade Buchanan Nut [nuht] noun, verb. 1. A dry fruit consisting of an edible kernel or meat enclosed in a woody or leathery shell. 2. Slang, Vulgar – a testis. Cream [kreem] noun. 1. A soft solid or thick liquid containing medicaments or other specific ingredients, applied externally for a therapeutic, or cosmetic purpose. 2. Slang, Vulgar – to have an orgasm. Toby Madison is coming into his mating phase, and is leaking pheromones all over the place. He is about to find out what happens to bad little wolves, in the best possible way. Cliff Bullen is more than ready to place his mark on the man he has always wanted as his mate – with a little help from a bottle of nut cream. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit male/male sex and graphic language.

Welcome to Fantasm Island! Leave your inhibitions at the door and let your fantasies soar.

Fantasmagorical

© 2007 Annmarie McKenna That’s what the brochure said anyway. A week long fling with a stranger. Where’s the harm in that? Take a compatibility quiz and a slew of other health tests, sign a strict privacy agreement and give license to any sexual fantasy you’ve ever had. Evan Knight couldn’t wait. Gabe and Lance have been searching for their perfect third for what seems like forever. One look at the woman he and his best friend and lover Lance have chosen to claim during her time on the island, and Gabe thinks they may have finally found her. But what if Evan isn’t interested in more than the fling she signed up for? Or worse, what if she can’t handle two men who are into each other too? Gabe and Lance have one week to convince Evan that the three of them belong together…and they’ll use every bit of seduction in their arsenal to make sure when the fantasy ends, their reality together will only just be beginning. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit fantasmagorical sex, graphic language, ménage a trois, and hot nekkid man-love.

Falling in lust with a sexy Elvis impersonator gets complicated when Vanessa discovers the real Elvis Presley may have hoaxed his death.

Hunk of Burnin’ Love © 2007 Veronica Wilde

Summer should mean hot men and toe-curling sex—at least that’s what Vanessa believes, but a bad break-up has left her spending her

summer nights alone. Then her sex life erupts into flames when she meets two very different Elvis impersonators on the same night. One is a sexy young musician who gets her all shook up in a steamy midnight swim. The other is a graying older man who looks just a little too much like Elvis Presley for comfort. Vanessa can’t help falling in love with her new summer hottie. But their

burning

love

gets

complicated

when

the

mysterious

older

impersonator begins dropping disturbing hints about his true identity— hints that suggest Elvis Presley never died at all. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex and graphic language.

Chastity Cuthbert is determined to bring love and romance to the Last Frontier.

Ladies! Meet Red Hot Alaskan Men © 2007 Nancy Lindquist

Chastity Cuthbert is in love with love. Its too bad that she’s so busy working on everyone else’s happily ever after that there’s no time left to work on hers. Her company, The Alaskan Connection, matches single women with sexy Alaskan hunks. Business is booming. Until Dave Wellington drags his personal vendetta against outsiders right to her doorstep. Dave Wellington, Mayor of Smithfield, Alaska won’t allow Chastity’s cadre of red-lipped floozies to take over his town. A she-bitch from the lower forty-eight broke his brother’s heart and no one else is gonna go through that. Not if he can help it. Besides, Smithfield is welcoming

tourists for the first time. The male residents need to keep their minds on business. Not sex. Determined to change Chastity’s mind, he travels to Chicago to talk her out of her plan. Chas is so pissed off at the sexy mayor that she forgets her “no one-night stands” motto. Right into Dave’s bed. Now she has to travel to Smithfield and face him. She’s strong. She can face Dave again. Just because she snuck out of his hotel room in the middle of the night doesn’t mean she’s a big ole chicken. Right? Warning: This book contains hot naked Alaskan guys, all looking for love. Read it at your own risk. I am not responsible for any sudden urges to go to the Last Frontier, nor travel costs incurred. Oh, and there’s explicit sex too.

One hot summer night and a scorching balcony interlude light the fuse of hidden attraction between neighbors Jill Reed and Cole Adams.

One Night on a Balcony © 2007 Samantha Lucas

Jill Reed has spent her entire life denying her sexuality, but living next door to Cole Adams the past few months has made it near impossible. Cole is fresh off his third divorce and considers himself a one-man relationship train wreck. He purposefully keeps his lust for Jill in check because, after all, she’s the kind of woman a man keeps. Jill and Cole have been denying their bone-deep attraction for months, but one night on a balcony, passions ignite, an adventure starts and everything is about to change—forever.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, sex in a public place, graphic language.

Sometimes the truth is the greatest aphrodisiac.

Liaisons in Jubilee © 2007 Jamie Craig

Katie Mayes is the Executive Manager for a large, east coast beach resort. Unfortunately, her boss has discovered her one secret – her seasonal flings with Caleb Beckett, the Entertainment Director for the resort. Company policy dictates no internal fraternization, especially between managers and their subordinates, so her boss gives Katie a choice. Caleb or her job. She avoids personal encounters with Caleb, until one fateful night a week before the resort’s big summer launch. Then, she runs into him at a local nightclub. When Caleb approaches her, she tries to give him the cold shoulder, but he follows her onto the dance floor where the music, her desire, and his persistence break her will. She claims it’s only one more night before they break it off completely, but Caleb insists on more. Far from an ending, he views the summer as their true beginning. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, spanking, light bondage.

A bad marriage is like a fierce thunderstorm on a fragile field of wheat. Will a proud Texas cowboy and a stubborn Boston-bred lawyer find shelter from a real summer storm long enough to rebuild their love?

Second Wind

© 2007 Dee S. Knight Cocky cowboy Rafe Walker doesn’t plan to meet a beautiful woman in designer jeans and ostrich boots at the rodeo, but the beauty catches his gaze just before the gate opens for his bull ride. Talk about losing focus! With one glance, his thoughts are of sex-scented sheets, not hard, sawdust-covered dirt. A city girl like her would never fit in on his ranch, but a weekend in Dallas? Yes, Ma’am, she’ll do just fine. Little does he expect a ride wilder than with any bull. She grabs hold of his heart and his hottest fantasies and holds on tight. Cathy Fitzgerald, raised in a wealthy eastern family, half falls in love with the rakish cowboy after one impulsive weekend of wild sex. She returns to Boston, breaks off her near engagement and waits to hear from Rafe. After months of silence, he surprises Cathy with a proposal. It’s a shock to both of them when she accepts, and moves to his ranch in nowhere, Texas. They soon find that passion alone can’t sustain a marriage. Rafe’s pride and Cathy’s long hours at work breed distrust and broken hearts. Giving their marriage its second wind will take an act of nature. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex and graphic language.

Life’s not always about the journey, but who takes you on the ride.

Custom Ride

© 2007 K.A. Mitchell A stint in the Air Force left Ryan MacRae with a bitter memory of life in the closet. Jeff Allstein is a mechanic who has too much to lose if his private life becomes public. The heat of their attraction boils over on a stormy summer night, but satisfying that need only makes them both crave more. Their searing connection makes it hard for Ryan to understand the road blocks Jeff continually puts down. Ryan will have to buckle up if he’s going to find love at the end of his custom ride. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit male/male sex, graphic language.

What Leilani wants, Leilani gets…and she always gets her man.

Skin to Skin

© 2007 Dionne Galace What Leilani wants, Leilani gets. That is, until she meets the enigmatic Oliver Clayton, her new neighbor. For some reason, Oliver seems to be intent on avoiding her even though he’s obviously interested. Leilani has tried to everything to get his attention, from wearing skimpy little outfits to walking a neighbor’s dog six times in front of his yard. Leilani wants Oliver…and she always gets her man. In the heat of the summer, the temperature’s not only thing rising. Luckily, Oliver has that pool in his backyard and Leilani knows just how to cool off…

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, light bondage.

Hot summer nights make people do crazy things.

Spontaneous

© 2007 Karen Erickson Sophie Kincaid doesn’t want to be attracted to her boss but she is. Sick and tired of being used by men, she’s sworn them off. But her hot and now slightly drunk boss just became too hard to resist. His girlfriend dumped him and now Ian Grey is drowning his sorrows in alcohol, something he never does. Flirting with Sophie the sexy bartender inspires him to do even more things he’d never consider. Like have hot sex with her in the storage room. They can’t deny their attraction for each other but Sophie’s afraid she doesn’t measure up. And what does Ian want from her anyway? She’ll have a naked good time figuring it out… Warning this title contains the following: Hot, steamy, explicit sex and graphic language.

Roping the naughty girl is all fun and games until someone falls in love.

Knotty Girl

© 2007 Maggie Casper

Shelby Langley was not sub, slave or Mistress, she was merely kinky. Point her to a BDSM club where she could watch and experience pretty much anything the mind could conjure, without the tangled web of an actual relationship, and she was in orgasmic bliss. Long into the lifestyle, Craig Jensen was able to spot a submissive in denial from a mile away. Usually he left them be to find their own way, only keeping an eye out for their safety while on his turf, but there was something about the sweet, young blonde who had a love for rope bondage that called for him to claim her as his own. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, anal play and an overall spanking good time.

When a school teacher with a backbone of steel meets a hard-nosed lawman, more than the desert will heat up.

Marielle’s Marshal

© 2007 Beth Williamson Marielle Bloom never expected to be the victim of a stagecoach robbery stranded in the desert in the middle of summer with a sexy marshal who sets her body on fire with one look from his steely eyes. Marshal Ramsey Whitfield doesn’t know what to make of the outspoken teacher, but he does know she feels perfect in his arms. As they trek together across the barren landscape, searching for civilization, they discover that their desire for each other is hotter than the desert sand. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, violence.

When a man who isn’t human is accidentally enslaved by a woman who has no idea what he is, the result is magical.

Sealed With a Kiss © 2007 Lila Dubois

Signing up for a one-week adventure vacation, Helena expects to be kayaking in the Pacific, not having every sexual fantasy fulfilled in her guide’s bed. Ocean is more than he seems, his kayaking business a cover for his deepest secret. When Helena accidentally enacts old magic, enslaving Ocean, he doesn’t know if she is the luckiest girl on earth, or an enemy of his kind, bent on imprisoning him forever. Ocean’s strange behavior worries Helena but she’s distracted by the mind-blowing sex. After the truth is revealed, will their budding love be Sealed with a Kiss? Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, voyeurism, and fantasy fulfillment.

When his girlfriend demands he settle down and start a family, Cole Winchester has some hard decisions to make. Marry his girlfriend, or finally own up to his taboo attraction to other men.

Taboo Desires

© 2007 Amanda Young

Cole Winchester feels like a rat, boxed into a corner. Faced with the prospect of being trapped in a passionless marriage, he makes the hard choice to end his relationship. A run in with an old friend on the beach, propels Cole’s fantasies out into the open and forces him to confront his taboo desires. Before him, lies the choice of a lifetime—embrace his desire for another man and all the pitfalls that come along with it, or return to his girlfriend and live out the safe half-life he carved for himself. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, and hot nekkid man-love.

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