Someone Like You

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A Total-E-Bound Publication

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Someone Like You ISBN # 978-0-85715-867-3 ©Copyright Wendi Zwaduk 2012 Cover Art by Lyn Taylor ©Copyright January 2012 Edited by Stacey Birkel Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2012 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL, United Kingdom.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Total-e-burning and a sexometer of 2. This story contains 61 pages, additionally there is also a free excerpt at the end of the book containing 5 pages.

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SOMEONE LIKE YOU Wendi Zwaduk

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She’s the one he wants, he just doesn’t know it yet. Arran Mayes—Confirmed bachelor. Loves a good bottle of wine, hearty conversation and men. Determined to open his own pizzeria, he’s not looking for love or a woman. Then he sees her. Can a tomcat playboy settle down in the arms of a good woman? Mindy Dawson—She’s not interested in relationships or dating after having been through the wringer more times than she can count. Attending college is for a BA—not an ‘MRS’ — degree. Until she sees him. Is she woman enough to tame Arran’s ways? Or will their love affair burn out before it gets started?

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Dedication For all those who wanted Arran and Mindy’s story. I listened. To NN and NG for doing the things you do to make this better. SB - you rock. Really. You do. JPZ I’m glad I found someone like you.

Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmark mentioned in this work of fiction: Buick: General Motors Company Styrofoam: The Dow Chemical Company Volvo: Volvo Cars of North America, LLC

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Chapter One

“The wet look. Ancient Greek sculpture features drapery and clothing that appears so body-hugging, scholars label it the wet look.” Professor Reinhold tapped his fingers on the podium top. “I hope you’re taking notes.” Mindy Dawson rolled her eyes and continued writing in her notebook. ‘Wet look’ her behind. The professor likes saying wet in front of two hundred horny college students is more like it, she wrote in the margin of her notes. She glanced to her right. Speaking of horny and college students… He was there. Golden brown hair, cropped tight to his head. A ring glittered from the upper swell of his ear. He looked down at his notebook, no doubt scrawling every last word Professor Reinhold spouted. She licked her dry lips and shifted. Her mystery man always sat five rows up from the lecturer, at least fifteen seats from her position. Had he ever noticed her? She should be jotting notes for the upcoming test as well, not drinking in every detail of Mystery Man’s profile. His lips parted and her breath hitched. The guy had kissable lips. At least from the side they looked kissable. “He’s probably out of my league,” she muttered and forced her attention to her notebook. “With a girlfriend and a happy little life.” A statue of some headless Greek graced the screen above the chalkboard. Muscled and half-naked. What did her mystery man look like under his clothes? What was his name? Being in a lecture hall with a hundred other students didn’t exactly lend itself to learning everyone’s names. “Our next exam is Friday on chapters sixteen through twenty-four. Remember your blue books.” Professor Reinhold clicked the lights on, temporarily blinding Mindy. She groaned. Another test. Not that an exam really bothered her. She loved the challenge of getting the answers right and scoring her best. Besides, it wasn’t like she—Miss Bookworm Extraordinaire—had a thriving social life. Paying the bills to get through college was hard enough work without www.total-e-bound.com

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trying to worry about a man and a love life. And Darrin had helped ruin her in the love department. Too bad the books weren’t as exciting and warm as a virile college guy with brains and good looks. She sneaked a peek at Mystery Man. Instead of seeing the side of his head and the breadth of his shoulders, all she found was an empty seat. Damn. Mindy snorted. Typical. Pining for a man she didn’t know in a class where she didn’t stand out. At least she had every Monday, Wednesday and Friday with him until June.

**** “She stared at you again.” Arran groaned. Trust his friend, Sav, to worry about the girl from Art History. “She’s a sweet girl. So what if she wants to look?” Savion Welles raised one brow. “She’s not your type.” He elbowed Arran and directed him into the school’s sub shop. “She’s a girl.” “Here we go again.” Arran dropped his backpack onto the nearest table. “What’s wrong with girls?” “You don’t date girls,” Sav snapped. Correct. Arran Mayes didn’t date girls. He dated guys. Big deal. He rummaged through the pack for his wallet. “There’s no law saying girls can’t look in my direction, stare or drool. I’m rather likeable by those who know me.” “I’m your best friend other than Nathan. I know you.” “So lay off.” Arran stuffed the five-dollar bill into his pocket. “I’m getting a pastrami on rye. Want anything?” Sav flicked his hand. “I’ll take that as a no.” Arran rolled his eyes again and strode through the gaggle of tables towards the sub shop counter. As he crossed the room, he saw her. The girl. She sat religiously through each boring art lecture, taking notes and hazarding glances in his general

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area. Warmth flooded his cheeks. Few women actually looked his way. Most dismissed him long before they got to know him. According to their banter, Arran had a great style and a nice voice, but their conversations always worked around to whether Nate—his best friend—was seeing anyone. Some would be put off with the constant barrage of questions concerning Nate. As long as it wasn’t men asking, Arran didn’t care. He happily directed the girls into Nate’s view and sat back to watch the fireworks. But with this girl…he wanted to watch what could happen and not with Nate. Arran Mayes wanted the action, excitement…he wanted a girl. At least to get to know her name and find out what the fuss over women was about. Maybe get her phone number. See what made her smile… Whoa. He needed a good fuck, that’s what the attraction was. A bodily response to someone good-looking. He shoved the burgeoning desire aside in his mind. Focus on lunch. He took his place at the back of the line. What if the attraction wasn’t a lack of sex? He appraised her from afar. Nice hips. Enough to grasp during a roll in the sheets. Holy fuck. Where’d those thoughts come from? Blood flowed to his cock and he shifted his weight to relieve the pressure. Shock…yes, she had to be a shock to his system. A glitch. Thick blonde hair fell to the middle of her back and the fleeting scent of vanilla wafted to him. His mouth watered. Was she into hair pulling? He shook his head. God, biology was a bitch. Here he was thinking about sex, what to do to make her scream during sex, or whether to just walk away from her altogether. Somewhere between Art History and lunch, something had come unglued. She liked sub sandwiches and that little nugget of info stoked his interest. He shook his head again. Enough fantasising about things he didn’t want. A guy behind her struck up a conversation. “What’cha having today, Min?” Min. Arran tipped his head. Nice name. He strained to hear her answer. Please let her be one of those girls who ate, not picked at food. “Pastrami. Same old, same old.” Arran chuckled. Simple. He liked simple and wonderful…men. He forked his fingers into his hair. The feelings weren’t dissipating. Damn it. He liked guys, so why her and why now? He tore his attention from Min and glanced in Sav’s direction. He lusted after men— www.total-e-bound.com

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dark men, brooding men. Guys like Nate and Sav. Not women. He loved the feel of a man’s pecs and pebbled nipples crushed against his chest, not the pillow of women’s breasts. Fuck, he’d never even dated a girl. The scent of vanilla swirled around him. Arran turned as Min strolled past, sandwich in hand. His mouth watered. For the pastrami or her? His brain whirled with confusion and glee. He had to talk to her and get to know the vixen of Art History. As strange as it felt to be intrigued by her, it also seemed…oddly okay. He forfeited his place in line and followed her to her table. “Hello. Min, is it? I’m Arran. I wondered if I might sit with you?” Her eyes widened as she stared at him. Her lips parted and crimson infused her cheeks. She waved her hand at the empty seat. Arran sank down beside her. Instead of the apprehension he always felt when dealing with women—especially attractive women—a calm settled around him. Strange. “What can I do for you?” She offered her hand. “My name’s Mindy, by the way. Phillip thinks I like being called Min. He’s…Phillip.” Mindy. The name suited her. “Mindy. We’re in the same Art History lecture class, aren’t we?” “I’m the one who bores holes into the side of your head. Sorry. I shouldn’t stare.” She grinned and his heart leapt. What would it taste like to nibble on her bottom lip? Arran matched her smile. “I don’t mind. And since we’re sharing pleasantries, I’m Arran. Arran Mayes.” Crap. What was he supposed to do now? Just sitting next to her wasn’t going to be enough. Hell, if he dawdled around too long, she’d tell him to get lost. “Do you have the notes from last Friday’s lecture on the Lascaux cave art? I missed some of what Reinhold said.” There. That was a good save. Sounded intelligent and made him look like he cared about the class. He did, but sharing that info wasn’t happening right away. Mindy rummaged through her shoulder bag and produced a notebook. “Want to photocopy them or just fill in your blanks?”

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“I’ll copy by hand, if you don’t mind. I’ll get my bag and my lunch and join you. Okay?” He rubbed his sweaty palms on his jeans legs as he waited for her answer. “I’m having a great time talking to you.” “Sure.” “Be right back.” Arran sprang from his seat and practically skipped across the room. She wanted to spend time with him. Granted, it could be her simply being nice to him, but he didn’t care. Sav glared as Arran gathered his things. “Not your type.” “I’m getting Art History notes.” Arran slung his backpack on his shoulder and headed back towards her table. “This could be the start of something really great.”

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Chapter Two

Mindy bit into her sub and suppressed another grin. Arran Mayes. Holy freaking crap. He’d made the first move. He’d talked to her. Singled her out. She squeezed her eyes shut. How’d she respond to him? Not like the vampish, come-hither ways she’d practised. Nope. She came across like just another girl. Nothing exciting. Plain. Damn. “Is the seat still open?” Her heart fluttered and she opened her eyes. Good grief, she’d become goofy since he’d first spoken to her not five minutes prior. “All yours.” “We should’ve struck up a conversation at the beginning of the semester. Would’ve been a lot more fun getting through Reinhold’s boring-as-sin lectures.” Arran plopped down next to her. “You’re easy to talk to.” He took a long swig from his bottle of soda. “So easy.” Kiss of death. Almost as bad as ‘you have a lovely personality’. She sighed. Enough selfbrowbeating. “I don’t bite…much.” Arran choked on his swallow of soda. He brushed the fizz from his lips and laughed. “I didn’t see that coming, but I love it.” He paused and stared at her. Goosebumps rose on her skin. Good? Bad? She wasn’t sure. “What are you doing Friday night?” His head down, Arran scrawled notes from her notebook. “If you’re not doing anything, there’s this party at my apartment building. Nothing exciting, but I’d… It’d be cool if you could come.” A party. How long had it been since she’d been invited to a party? Too long. Arran wanted her there. The silly voice in the back of her head screamed caution. The whole thing could be a set-up. I could love someone like you. She swallowed hard. Where had that come from? They barely knew each other’s names. Deep feelings for him shouldn’t have crossed her mind. She had opened her mouth to answer when another voice blotted her out. “Mindy isn’t going to go to a party of yours.” Phillip twirled the seat next to her around and sat down. “She’s not a party girl. She’s prim and cold as ice.” www.total-e-bound.com

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Arran looked up, narrowed his eyes and shook his head. A tight smile formed on his lips. “Phillip.” He closed the notebook and gingerly handed it to Mindy. “Thanks, hon. Think about what I said.” “You’re wasting your time, man.” Phillip snatched her sub from the Styrofoam plate and munched happily. Arran shook his head again and ambled away. Mindy slumped in her seat. Imagine, the man who stoked her fire being chased away by the bane of her existence.

**** Friday night, Mindy stood in the foyer of the Rickenbacker building. Cool slate and uninviting drab tan carpeting lined the floor. She bit down on her bottom lip. Phillip spread his hand across her back. “I told you this was a bad idea,” he snapped. Phillip pressed the button for the elevator. “You don’t belong at parties.” “You know him. He’s in your sociology class, right?” Mindy stepped into the elevator car. For a guy who walked with a swagger and a smirk, Phillip could be awfully proprietary. “It’s not like anything will happen. You’re doing a great job of acting less like a date and more like a parent.” “He invited you.” “So?” The car ascended, throwing her momentarily off balance and into Phillip’s arms. “You invited yourself.” She shoved away from him and gripped the railing. “You think you belong everywhere.” The bell pinged, signalling their floor. When the doors opened, Phillip strode out first. “You didn’t get the vibe? Come on. You’re not that blind, are you?” “Fill me in, Phillip.” Mindy sped up to keep in time with his long strides. She hated lagging behind, hated him reminding her she wasn’t good enough without saying a word. “What don’t I know?” Phillip knocked on the door to two-seventeen. “Why don’t you experience Arran in full…bloom?” www.total-e-bound.com

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Men. Always so damned competitive and secretive. From the other side of the door came the rumble of conversation and the thump of bass music. Her stomach lurched. No, she’d be fine. A man she didn’t recognise opened the door, plastic cup in his meaty hand. “Phil, my man. Keg’s in the corner. And who’s the piece of tail?” He bobbed his blond brows. “Hiya, sugar. Want to dance?” “Dance?” Phillip snorted. “Mindy’s not interested in opening her legs for anyone besides Mayes.” Mindy wobbled on her feet. Opening her legs? Asshole. She considered backing through the doorway and retreating. “Mindy. You made it!” Arran swooped her into an embrace. “You’ve made my day and brightened the room.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. Being in his grasp—in his rock hard arms, at that—thrilled her to her core. Heat slicked her pussy. “You asked. I came.” “You haven’t come yet.” Arran wriggled his brows and placed her on her feet. His nose crinkled. “You brought him along, I see.” He aimed his thumb in Phillip’s general direction. “Please tell me he’s not your date.” “He said he knew Sav and Nate, whoever they are.” She shrugged. “He knows everyone.” “Then are you two…dating?” Something raw burned in Arran’s eyes. Hell if she knew what Phillip really wanted. One moment he acted semi-sweet and the next he said ridiculous things like ‘opening her legs’. “He’s…Phillip. I don’t control or condone him. I didn’t even want him tagging along. He invited himself.” “Good to know.” Arran nodded to the back of the packed room. “Drink? I’ve got wine in case you’re not into beer.” “I’m…” She hesitated. Part of her wanted a beer or something strong. Part of her wanted to run screaming into the night. “Nah, I’m good.” A schmaltzy ballad blared over the sound system. Arran’s eyes lit up. “Then tell me you won’t turn down a dance? This song gets me every cheese-ball time.” He held out his hand. “You’d make my day…again.” “Well, since you asked me like that…” She twined her fingers with his and followed him into the throng of gyrating bodies. www.total-e-bound.com

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Arran tugged her close—not obscenely close, but tightly enough to feel the length of his body along hers. She shuddered and snuggled closer. Every inch of him was hard muscle, from his arms, to his pecs, to his legs…and holy hell, the erection driving into her lower belly. Liquid lust pooled between her legs. It had been too long since she’d lain with a man. Too damn long since she’d used her plastic lover. If he wasn’t in a relationship—was he?— she’d escape to the nearest bedroom to explore all of him. Instead of continuing to over-think the situation, she rested her head on his shoulder and lost herself in the music.

Mindy’s hair tickled Arran’s nose. He wasn’t much of one for long hair on guys, but the down of Mindy’s flaxen strands did something to him. What would it be like to nuzzle the back of her neck in the middle of the night? Blood engorged his dick and heat flowed through his veins. Hell, the feel of her in his arms turned him on—like he’d tear through his jeans at the slightest touch of her hand. His cock twitched. Apparently it liked the thought of her touching him. He tucked her tighter into his arms. He shouldn’t be turned on. She was a girl—a sexy girl, but a girl just the same. As much as his reaction shocked him, it also intrigued him. Apparently it was possible for him to be turned on by a female. The last strains of the song segued into another rollicking dance tune. Mindy raised her head. Her heavy-lidded gaze centred on him. “Got caught up that one,” she murmured and pulled away. “Me too.” She wanted to go? He fumbled for something to stall her. “Let’s go next door.” Her soft smile faded. “Oh.” Arran shook his head. “It’s getting stuffy and I thought we’d talk some more.” Mindy shrank away from him. “It’s okay. I wasn’t going to stick around much longer.” “Are you worried Phillip will get pissed?” “I get it.” She shrugged. “You don’t have to make up an excuse.” “Excuse?” Arran stared at her. She assumed he was looking for an excuse to ditch her? Not hardly. “If you think Phillip knows you’re going, don’t worry. He’s currently in the corner, making out with Britney Jenks.” www.total-e-bound.com

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Mindy followed his nod. If it was possible for her to grow even more deflated, he’d bet she had. His heart sank. Did she really like the guy? “Let’s go talk. He’s not worth your time.” “Funny, he said the same thing about you.” Trust Phillip to be an asshole. Arran led Mindy back through the crowd to the door. “My apartment is actually two doors down.” He withdrew his keys and worked the lock on his apartment door, but Mindy hesitated. “What?” He couldn’t read her expression or figure her out. Guys wanted to duck out and fuck. She wasn’t on the same wavelength. She brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. “I should go.” Arran stared at her mouth. Lush coral lips, just a hint of gloss or lipstick. His mouth watered. No five o’clock shadow to abrade his face, but tickly wisps of her hair swirled over his cheek when she moved. He liked the scratch of a beard, but the tickle had promise. “I want to kiss you.” There. He’d blurted out his intentions. When the fuck had things become so complicated? Men weren’t so hard to deal with. “Um…so do it?” Women couldn’t seem to make up their minds. Neither could he. “Min—” Instead of giving him time to talk himself out of what he wanted, Mindy went for it and kissed him first. Soft lips connected with his. Her breasts crushed against his chest. She stroked wide circles around his shoulders and back. Arran groaned. Damn. If he thought kissing boys was fun, kissing girls—this girl to be exact—ranked right up there with perfect. His jeans constricted around his hips and holy hell, he had a stiffy. Fuck, yeah. Heat flowed through his veins as she tangled her tongue with his. She tasted sweet, like mint and something else. Dew? Rain? Could one taste rain? If it was possible, then Mindy tasted like spring rain. Mindy ground her hips into the V of his thighs. Whoa. A new rush of heat and tingles shot to his cock. They had to stop—had to slow down at least or he’d come in his jeans. He wanted more than a quick fuck or petting session in the hallway. Arran broke the kiss first, cupping her face in both his hands. “What?”

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Her breath skittered over his cheeks. Her eyes were dilated to just a thin ring of green surrounding the black. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders in a honey-coloured curtain. God, she looked gorgeous, flushed and a little mussed. “I need to tell you something.” “You’re with someone.” She wriggled from his arms. “I should’ve guessed.” “Not exactly.” Damned woman—scurrying away before he’d even had a chance to be honest with her. Mindy pinched the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger. “I assume you’re going to tell me you don’t like me in that way. The boner was a fluke?” “Not at all.” He wrapped one arm around her shoulders and led her into his apartment. “I like you a lot.” I could love someone like you. I’m sure I could love you. “So?” “I’m…” How to tell her without breaking her heart? “I’m gay.” Her eyes widened. “Yeah? Swell.” Mindy turned away from him and crossed her arms. “No, actually, it’s fine. Phillip said there was something I needed to know about you. Now I know.” She brushed Arran off. “Thank you for the lovely night and the scorching kiss, but I’m going to go home. Okay? You can look like you tamed a girl and I can keep my pride.” “Mindy…” The sound of tearing fabric screeched in his ears. He bit down hard on the tip of his tongue. The sound wasn’t fabric. It was his heart. Fucking hell. “Arran, I’ve been a fool twice in the space of an hour. It sucks. Just…tell them I was a good lay. I’ll see you around.” “Min?” “Goodbye, Arran.” He stood in his doorway for a long time after she’d left. For a guy who’d sworn he wasn’t into girls, Mindy had certainly made a monkey of him. She managed to turn him on, pull his heart out from behind the thick barriers and show there was good in people…and not just for the sake of fucking. “She bailed?” He gritted his teeth together. “Phillip. Yes, she bailed.” “Pussy. You didn’t even chase after her.” Phillip swayed. The stench of beer wafted around him like a cloud. “I knew you wouldn’t fuck her.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Thinking with your cock.” Arran folded his arms. He didn’t have time for Phillip’s juvenile attitude. “She left because of you. I think in some queer way, she liked you.” “You said queer.” Phillip leaned on the hallway wall. A burp erupted from deep within his throat and echoed. “I’ll give her flowers or some girly shit. It’ll be fine and she’ll finally realise she wants to jump my bones.” “You hurt her.” Phillip stepped toe to toe with Arran. “She left with a fucking gay man.” “Mature. Real mature.” “Whatever. She’s not your type. She’s got a cunt, even if she acts like a dick. Fuck off and suck a cock.” “Asshole.” “We’ll see who gets it in the ass.” Phillip chuckled and strolled down the hallway. “We’ll see.”

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Chapter Three

Mindy scooted down in her seat. Ten days of avoiding Arran frazzled her nerves. It seemed like everywhere she looked, there he was. Class, the student centre, the library. She shook her head and rummaged through her bag. If it wasn’t bad enough to practically run into him all over campus, he invaded her thoughts. That kiss. Like sugar and rain and sex. “He’s a fag.” Phillip grabbed the seat next to her. “You’re hiding in the commons to keep away from a fag.” Her frustration with the former object of her obsession came to a head. “Shut up.” “And now you defend him.” Phillip thunked his size thirteen feet on the edge of her seat. “I’d be willing to bet Nate can’t stand him, but he draws chicks. Maybe I should hang out with him more often.” Trust Phillip to bring Nate into the conversation. She pounded her fists on the tabletop. Ignoring Phillip wasn’t going to happen any time soon. “I mean, why a guy like Nate—someone funny and so much above Arran—would hang out with him is beyond me.” “Enough.” She shoved the uneaten half of her sandwich into her bag. “I no longer want to see you, talk to you or spend time with you. Get it?” Phillip’s eyes widened. “You’re defending him again. You like him.” Mindy gathered her pens and the open book from the table and added them to her bag. She took deep breaths and focused on anything but the bigot beside her. “He’s gay…meaning, he’s never going to tap you.” She gritted her teeth and slung the bag over her shoulder. Leaving sounded so much better than dealing with him. “He’s probably walking syphilis.” Phillip grabbed her arm, his fingers digging into her flesh. “You could’ve had the best with me if you’d just opened your God damned legs. You lost out, sister.” “Lost out?” Arran appeared from out of nowhere beside Phillip. “Get your hands off my friend.” He stepped between Mindy and Phillip. “For your information, asshole, I’m www.total-e-bound.com

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clean, very much attracted to Mindy and would like to spend lots of time with her. Leave her the fuck alone and blow.” “I’m not going to blow you,” Phillip snapped. “Not in a million years.” “You want to blow me.” Phillip wriggled his brows. “Once a man-whore, always a man-whore.” Arran turned his back on Phillip. Concern and sadness shone in his eyes. Lines crinkled at the corners and dark circles underneath gave him a haggard appearance. “Min, can I talk to you?” “Min-dy. She hates being called Min,” Phillip retorted. “And she’s leaving with me.” “Fuck you.” Arran toyed with his watch. “Please, Mindy?” “I’ll pass. I don’t feel like being in the middle of a bitch fight.”

Arran stared at her back as she left. God, it was like she had a vice grip on his heart and his stomach. He’d begged for one moment and she still turned him down. Why? Probably because Phillip stood there. He clenched and unclenched his jaw. “Do you have to act like a Neanderthal or is it just in your genes?” Arran said over his shoulder. “Remember who you are, Mayes.” Phillip grabbed Arran’s biceps, turning him around. “Go home.” “You treat her like shit.” “Empty promises. So what? You’re no better.” “She knows about me.” “So she knows it won’t work.” Whatever. Arran sidestepped Phillip and sprinted in the direction of Mindy’s footsteps. God help him, he needed one more moment with her—alone. He spotted her pale blue backpack in the distance. If he ran a little faster… And say what when he got to her? I’m in over-my-head infatuated? Please. I can’t sleep at night thinking about you. Okay, that sounded sleazy, even to him. I want to be friends and get to know you. That might work. “Mindy?” www.total-e-bound.com

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She stopped in front of the fountain on the main campus. “Does drama always follow you or is this a fluke?” He huffed and puffed. Damn…eight years since his track and field days and every year without exercising showed. “Doesn’t always. Apparently I’ve had a run of fucked-up luck. I’m usually pretty low key.” “Is that why you told me so fast?” “Partially.” He plopped down onto the nearest bench. “I believe in honesty, even when it hurts.” “Then why hit on me?” She sat next to him, placing her backpack between them. “I’m a girl and you’re not into…females. Was it to try uncharted territory?” “You’re beautiful.” “Come on.” She rolled her eyes. “I know smoke when I feel it.” “I’ve never been with a woman, yes. Never been turned on by a female. I’d never yearned to touch a girl’s soft skin or feel her kiss on my lips.” He braced his forearms on his knees. “And then I met you. Now, I want it all.” She turned away, blocking her expression from his view. “I want you, Mindy.” “You’re one of a kind—you know that, right?” He moved her backpack and closed the distance. “I’d like to think you’d care about me no matter how lame or goofy or sexy I happened to be.” “Dork.” Arran wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tugged her back against his chest. “I am what I am.” He rubbed his cheek on the silk of her hair. “Can we try for a date?” “I shouldn’t.” “I know.” Mindy didn’t say anything for a pregnant moment. At least she remained in his arms. She took one of his hands in hers, examining it. “Okay.” “Okay what?” She tipped her head and a wicked smile graced her mouth. “Pick me up tonight at eight.” Hells yes. “You got it, babe.” www.total-e-bound.com

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Chapter Four

Mindy fidgeted in her seat. The music in the lobby played so loud it drowned out her thoughts. Arran said he’d be at her door at eight, but the nervous energy in her blood prevented her from waiting patiently. She glanced at her watch again. Eight-thirty. Maybe men were as notoriously late as women. She replayed his words in her mind. I met you…now, I want it all. He wanted her? For a real relationship or just a heterosexual platonic relationship? She picked at the hem of her tunic. Boner or not, he probably wanted to stay friends—just friends. “Thought I’d stand you up?” Arran grinned from behind a three-rose bouquet. “Not my style, but man is it hard to find roses at seven-forty-five. I thought you’d be upstairs.” “I got stir crazy waiting.” She took a deep breath of the sweet rose scent. Her hands trembled. “Thank you.” “I’m glad you like them. Ready?” She nodded and linked her arm in his. “Where are we going?” “I thought I’d keep things simple.” He strolled to a beat-up Volvo. “I had planned on driving, but it’s a beautiful night. Want to walk to Checker’s Place?” “Sounds good.” She rested her head on his shoulder as they walked the three blocks to the restaurant. A bittersweet thought popped into her head. Why did all the handsome guys either have to be gay or married? Phillip didn’t count as handsome—his ego and attitude cancelled out his appeal. Darrin had wanted too much too fast and called her cold for not wanting to comply. Arran…the guy liked guys. Damn. The lights from Checker’s Place glowed in decorative arcs on the sidewalk. She squeezed his fingers. She didn’t feel cold in Arran’s presence. Quite the opposite. With him, she felt alive and vibrant. “You look handsome tonight,” she whispered. “Are you flirting with me, Ms Dawson?” Arran held the door open and ushered her into the restaurant. His voice dropped to a gravely baritone. “I sure hope so.” Arran

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wrapped his arm around her waist. “You make me want to skip dinner so I can take you home and nibble you.” Warmth raced along her skin. Mindy’s nipples beaded against the bodice of her dress. God, it felt good to be wanted, even for the short-term. At their table, Arran pulled the chair out for Mindy. “Always take care of a lady.” “Arran! Where’ve you been?” She turned her attention to a tall man with coffee-coloured hair and a thousand-watt smile. He looked familiar, but from where? She tapped the tabletop with her index finger. Arran’s best friend—Nate. Duh. He and Phillip had classes together. “I’m on a date.” Arran held out his right hand. “Mindy, this is my best friend, Nate Waterford. Nate, this is Mindy Dawson. Sit, sit.” He nodded to a chair. “How goes it?” “I came down for some lasagne. Another set of exams coming up. And you?” Nate turned the chair backwards and sat down. “You are a girl, right?” Mindy withdrew a fraction of an inch. “Last time I got dressed I thought I was a girl.” “Arran, you’re switch hitting. What’s the deal? A dare? A bribe?” Nate’s smile got even brighter. “You know…I don’t care, but I love it.” The waitress appeared with water glasses and placed them on the table. Without a word, she walked away. Arran shrugged and drew in the condensation on his glass. “You make me sound like a nerd. I saw Mindy across a crowded lecture hall and knew I had to get to know her.” “You dated Phillip McGinty, didn’t you?” “Maybe,” Mindy mumbled. Hanging around with Phillip kept cropping up as a big mistake. Her ears burned. “He’s history.” “Good. He’s an asshole.” Nate leaned forward on his forearms. “With Arran, you’ve got a guy who will treat you well, even if he is a nerd sometimes.” He winked at Mindy. “Good luck, hon, and Arran, call me later. I’ve got a line on the building you were looking at. Night!” Nate ambled away, leaving Mindy and Arran in silence. “I love this place, but mine’s going to be so much…different.” Arran flicked the corner of his menu as the waitress returned. “Know what you want?”

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“I usually get the Alfredo.” She’d passed the test with his best friend. Still, regret over the whole thing with Phillip remained in her mind. He wasn’t even there and he managed to screw things up. “Me, too.” Arran twined his fingers with hers. “Don’t worry about him. Tonight’s about you and me and having a good time.” The waitress placed a bowl of breadsticks on the table and disappeared again. Uncomfortable with the silence, Mindy folded her hands. Questions cropped up in her mind. Might as well get them out of the way. “What—what are you talking about? Are you buying a building? We’re in college. I can barely afford my books most of the time.” Arran’s eyes lit up. “Oh, what Nate said? I’m planning on opening a pizzeria. Not a checked table, huge-bottles-of-wine type of place, and not one of those fast food joints. Mine’s going to be classy.” The guy had lofty dreams, but at least he had them. “Sounds great.” “Yup,” Arran nibbled on his breadstick, tapping it against his bottom lip. “Nate’s going to become a lawyer and help me run the business. I’m going to run the bar.” Mindy giggled. Did he realise how lascivious he looked? Probably not. She reached across the table and stilled his hands. “Thinking about your boyfriend, Nate?” Arran cocked his head. For a moment, he didn’t speak. Mindy pointed to the breadstick and massaged the inside of her cheek with her tongue. His eyes widened and pink tinged his cheeks. “Perv.” She shrugged. His slip and her notice of it broke the tension in the room. Arran pushed the basket aside. “Nate? Nah, he’s one hundred per cent hetero, not that I haven’t tried. We went to high school together. I made a play way back in our freshman year. Instead of getting pissed, he took it as a compliment. You don’t find someone like that every day, and we became the best of friends. Sappy but true.” “You said you like honesty. Tell me the truth. Are you seeing a guy, too?” “The guy I was seeing isn’t interested in just me.” “And being out with me will make him jealous?” She sounded catty and didn’t care. She wanted to wrap the man in a bow and take him home. “Min, this is because I am genuinely, can’t-believe-it-happened-to-me attracted to you and because life without you would suck royally.” www.total-e-bound.com

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She swirled her straw in her water, anything to keep her hands busy. “Deep.” She lowered her head to hide the smile. He shared her feelings. Nice. “I try.” Arran reached across the table and tipped her chin. “How about we hang out tomorrow? I haven’t taken a bike ride through the Commons since my freshman year. Are you game?” “I suppose.” “Don’t sound so thrilled.” This time Arran was the one who looked down. “You do keep me on my toes.” She’d played with him long enough. Mindy snickered. “Hey, we’re having a blast right now. I don’t want to jinx things, but I really want to go out again. Call it a second date.” “You got it.”

**** Mindy strolled into the foyer of the art building and plopped down on one of the benches. She yawned. Not since she’d entered college had she spent so much time awake while not studying. Arran made her laugh, dream and think seriously naughty thoughts. She drew her knees to her chin and opened her paperback book. Footsteps slapped the concrete floor to her left. The spicy scent of expensive cologne infiltrated her senses, making her queasy. “So you went on a date with a gay man.” Phillip sat next to her, crowding her. “What did I tell you?” “I wasn’t paying attention.” She closed the book and stared at him. “Why are you here?” “Mindy.” Phillip palmed her thigh. “He’s going to break your tender heart.” Tender heart? Phillip never talked in such emotional terminology. He had to be sick. “What I do is not your concern.” She folded her arms. “Please go to class. Forget I exist.” Phillip scooted even closer and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His breath brought goosebumps to her skin. Her lunch reversed its course and burned her throat. “Mindy, love, you are very much my concern and have been since we had that English Lit class three years ago.” He stroked her cheek with the pad of his index finger. “You’re a www.total-e-bound.com

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fragile girl. He wants to capture that fragility and tear you up. He’ll get what he wants and then bail. I know his style. I’ll take care of you.” Phillip had pushed her far enough. Mindy put her hand on his chest and stretched her legs. Her voice rose above the rumble of conversation in the cavernous room. “Really? By cheating? Kissing other women when you think I’m not looking?” “It was one time and you were with him,” he bit out. “Sit down and be rational.” “You blame me because you have the morals of pond scum.” She pointed to her mouth, making a gagging sound. “Get the hint. Leave me the hell alone.” Mindy grabbed her bag and stomped out of the building. From over her shoulder, Phillip continued to chastise her. “You won’t end up together. Destiny can be a bitch.”

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Chapter Five

Arran crossed his ankles and took another swig from his beer. Late day sun warmed his face and spirit. Spending time with Mindy over the last three weeks had invigorated him. The more they talked, studied and lazed about, the more he found himself falling for her. The meeting at the sub shop wasn’t a fluke. Sizzles warmed his blood each time she smiled. Her kisses stayed with him long after she’d cashed in for the night. He glanced down at the bank of cars in the parking lot. A navy Buick caught his eye. No…it couldn’t be. He flipped open his cell phone. No messages. Surely the car below didn’t belong to… “Arran! You need to lock your apartment door.” The beer in his stomach pitched and rolled towards his throat. Son of a bitch, his mother had showed up. Arran fumbled into the living room, chucking his beer bottle into the garbage along the way. “Ma. How nice of you to stop in. Were you shopping?” His mother smiled. She held out her arms. “I don’t need an excuse to visit my boy.” “You’re right. You don’t.” He closed his eyes and stepped into his mother’s abrasive hug. She usually had an ulterior motive. Better get the truth out there now in case Mindy called. “I met a girl.” “Wonderful.” Gemma pinched his cheek. “You’re a nice man. I’m sure lots of girls look at you.” He urged her to the couch and sat down opposite her. “I really like her.” Gemma picked at invisible lint on her blouse. Her bubblegum-pink nails clicked with each movement. “Is she pretty?” “Gorgeous.” “And you’re friends?” She batted her lashes. “Yes. Are you wearing false lashes? You’re pretty as you are.” Gemma slapped his arm. “I like to try new things. Now, about this girl—” “Ma, I like her.”

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“Like, as in more than boys?” Gemma’s chestnut brows knotted together. Lines formed around her eyes, aging her at least ten years. Or was it the caked-on makeup she used to defy time? “Is she…masculine?” “Ma…” He gritted his teeth. This was why he’d left home as soon as he’d turned eighteen. Gemma Mayes had her way of doing things, her way of getting information and hell couldn’t keep her from being nosy. Unlike Mindy. He closed his eyes and pictured Mindy’s smile. In an instant, the thought of her calmed him. Arran opened his eyes and said, “Mindy is pretty and sweet and snarky and she makes me laugh until my ribs hurt.” “Are you physically enticed by her?” “‘Physically enticed’?” His temples throbbed. Trust his mother to take something sacred and sensual and make it…sound gross. “You make her sound like a hooker.” “Is she?” Her eyes widened and her cherry-red mouth drew into an O. “No!” “Well?” If he didn’t answer her, Gemma would keep pushing. Arran rubbed his temple. “Yes, I am attracted to her. More than I thought.” A broad smile light up Gemma’s face and she folded her hands. She sat back on the couch. “Then she’s the one.” “Huh?” Crap, crap, crap. Where was his mother going with this? “She’s the one to cure you.” She had to make it a cause. Damn it. Arran measured his breaths to stay calm. “Cure me? Homosexuality isn’t a disease, Ma.” She nodded once. “Let me meet her. I’ll be the judge.” “I don’t need to be fixed.” “She’ll settle with you, give me babies to play with, and be the person you love.” “That’s not fair.” Yeah, he sounded whiny, but she wasn’t getting the hint. Maybe he wasn’t gay, but bisexual. Who cared? It was a label and nothing more. Gemma stabbed him with one acrylic nail. Her expression went from shocked to serious in an instant. “If she’s special, she’ll fix you. You’ve got Gramma Morrison’s house—now you need to marry this wonder girl to make sure you’ll get the money to start that infernal

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pizza restaurant you swear you need to open. Waste of time, if you ask me. Loose women and loose morals, pizza joints.” There she went. Offering her two cents on his dreams, but fuck. The house. He’d wanted the house since he was a kid—loved the art deco design and the fifties-style appliances. And the money. Twenty thousand would be a perfect down payment for the Bissman building, but to wrangle Mindy for such a thin reason? She’d kick his ass and rightfully so. Still, something about her called to him. She infiltrated his thoughts and made it hard to sleep. Their dates were the stuff of legend—fun, sexy, easy. She understood him. “I won’t guarantee it will work, but Mom, I’m gonna let you meet her.”

**** Two hours after the conversation with his mother, Arran stood outside Mindy’s apartment and paced. He had to speak to her—had to at least tell her the deal. But how? I’ve got a sweet little house and twenty K waiting on me, but you’ve got to marry me? Yeah right. Marry me so I can open a pizzeria. Not exactly. I’m halfway in love with you and can see my future in your eyes. Whoa. Deep, even for him, and too darned close to scary as hell. “Min,” he murmured, “not someone like you. I’m falling for you.”

Mindy tightened her ponytail with the flick of her wrist and plopped down onto the sofa. An hour of art critiques and the better part of a paper on Praxiteles awaited her. She wrinkled her nose. Anything sounded better than homework. A knock at her apartment door startled her. No one, save for Phillip and Arran, knew where she lived. Arran might stop by, but if it was Phillip…this time she’d call the cops. No more of putting up with his loitering about and certainly no longer standing for his stalking. The knocking grew louder. “I’m coming,” she called and crossed the room. “Not yet,” the voice from the other side of the door teased. The weight on her shoulders lessened. Arran. Her heart skipped a beat and her hands trembled. She glanced down at her attire. A sloppy T-shirt from a prison ghost tour and ratty cut-off jean shorts. Sexy. Should she change? www.total-e-bound.com

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“You really are coming, aren’t you?” Arran said from the hallway. “And I didn’t get to watch.” Mindy covered her face with her hands. Men. She blew out a long breath to diminish her nerves and opened the door. Arran, dressed in a pale grey button down and loafers, leaned against the doorframe. Her breath clogged in her throat. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear he modelled jeans for a living. The denim clung to his body in just the right places, accentuating his trim legs, and the bulge… Dear God. She’d felt his cock the night before as it rubbed against her stomach, but damn. The thing had to be at least seven inches, all cupped in worn cotton. “I’d ask what’s on your mind”—Arran slipped his index finger under her chin, redirecting her gaze—“but, I’m thinking it’s you devouring me like a rare steak.” Her cheeks heated. “I—” “I’m damned glad you broke the ice. Can I come in?” Nodding, she stepped out of the way. God. Waves of embarrassment crashed in her chest. “Make yourself at home,” she muttered. “What’s up? Besides you?” She giggled at her attempt at a bad joke. Something akin to hunger shone in Arran’s eyes. He inched towards her and palmed her cheek. “Let’s have sex.” Her jaw dropped. Sure, she’d fantasised about him. She’d played out in her head the moment he’d ask her to marry him and run off into the sunset. But the reality? Not what she’d had in mind. “Min?” “What?” Wow, and now she sounded intelligent. “Let’s. Have. Sex.” “Arran, I’m not dressed for seduction. I’m not even dressed for tacos on the main drag.” “So?” “What’s gotten into you?” She chided herself. Things were so far off the path she’d expected. Arran stopped and his smile faded. His whole body seemed to sag. He stepped backwards and toppled onto the sofa. “This…I can’t do this.”

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Bile rose in her throat. Part of her feared she’d given up a golden opportunity. Part of her wished they could start over again. The rest of her wondered what the hell was going on. “Is it because I’m a girl?” Mindy crept to him. “It’s because I’m not…male. Duh.” Arran scrubbed both hands over his face. “Min, sit.” He sat up and sighed. “I can’t not tell you everything. It’s killing me.” “Why does this sound like a bad thing?” “I’m gay.” He patted the couch cushion. “I know you know, but that’s the least of it.” She slowly eased down next to him, placing her hand on his thigh. “Okay?” “Mom and Dad know I’m gay. I mean, fuck, it’s been painfully obvious since I was about seven, but they don’t buy it. They think it’s a phase. They hated Scott, Ty and Sav.” “If I was your folks, I’d hate to think of you in a foursome, too.” She clapped both hands over her mouth. Now was not the time to blurt things out. Arran laughed, a deep belly laugh. He looked at her and some of the earlier sparkle returned to his eyes. “I needed that.” He wrapped an arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “I needed to laugh so much.” As soon as he’d laughed, he sobered and held her tighter. “Mom said it was the devil’s work, men loving me. And then I mentioned I’d met you.” “You didn’t.” She knew where this was going and God, she didn’t want to hear it. “I know—so brilliant. Mom’s now convinced—” “—I’ll somehow bring you round to heterosexuality?” “It’s more than just that. She’s convinced I’ll rot in hell if I”—he hooked his fingers in the air—“‘stay gay’. I can’t stay what I already am. But on top of that, I’ve been willed a decent amount of money and a house—the house I’ve coveted since I was a kid.” Mindy sat up and stared at him. He didn’t mean… “If I marry a girl, I get the house, the money and can put the down payment on my dream. But, Sweets, I’m not gonna take you off the market just to get a house and twenty thousand dollars. I want to be with you. You intrigue me. But this isn’t a one-and-done-anddivorced kind of thing. It’s the long haul and I don’t know if I’ve got that in me.” “Go home.” “What?” “Please, go.” www.total-e-bound.com

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He stood and paused. His mouth opened and closed, as if he needed to think through what he wanted to say. “Okay, Min. I care about you. I do. Right now, my gut says to fight and make you listen, but my heart says wait. I’m acting like an asshole, barging in here and demanding we fuck. I don’t want to be an asshole. I care about you too much to be anything other than a gentleman and if there’s any one female I could love, it’s you.” “Then go home and be yourself.”

**** Instead of going with her first instinct to slam the door, she’d closed it with a soft snick. Tears streaked down her cheeks. He cared. Big fucking deal. Phillip claimed to care. Darrin claimed to care. Why did it feel like her heart had been ripped from her chest? She cared…too much. It wasn’t fair. Why couldn’t the one man she wanted, no, needed, feel the same way about her? Because he wanted a house and start-up monies. She dropped onto the sofa where he’d lain not ten minutes earlier. Unlike Phillip and Darrin, he’d been honest with her. He hadn’t pushed to do what he wanted, then told the truth in a roundabout way after the fact. No, he’d stopped himself mid-stupid act. Could she really sacrifice her feelings to help him? As much as it wasn’t fair for him to use her, it wasn’t fair for his parents to expect things from him he wasn’t capable of. He hadn’t pushed her to go through with the marriage. Hadn’t presented her with a ring. Maybe he wanted the sex as a test drive? Test drive a girl? Good Lord. She sat up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. Enough with the pity party. Wallowing wasn’t her style. If Arran wanted his dream, then she’d help him come up with a plan. There had to be something else to the story. Mindy slipped her feet into her tennis shoes and grabbed her keys. She made her way down the three flights of stairs in record time. The lights in the foyer burned brightly, filling the recreation area. She scanned the couches. No Arran. Where would he go if he’d just had his dreams shattered a short time earlier?

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She strode into the night air and glanced down the length of parked cars. No. Crap. The fluorescent parking lot lights glittered on the paint and windshields. Well, maybe he’d gone back to his apartment. Worth a shot to head in that direction. “Min?” Startled by the unknown voice, she turned. The man, at least six feet tall, marched toward her. His brows were knotted and his dark eyes flashed. She glanced at the apartment doors. If she bolted and screamed, she just might make it in before he grabbed her. “It’s Sav.” His shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to scare you.” “Sav? As in Arran’s Sav?” “I was.” He motioned to a nearby bench. “Come on. I’ll walk you to his place. It’s too dark to walk alone.” Mindy eased into step with Sav. “Why are you out here so late? It’s what…eight?” “Nine-thirty.” Sav shook his head. “I thought I’d catch Arran. Well, I did, but it wasn’t how I wanted. He’s hurting.” “Because of me?” “It’s a little bit of you and a little bit of me. He’s planning on drinking himself to death. Stress isn’t his strong point.” “Death? I said I wouldn’t have sex with him. I didn’t mean for him to hurt himself. What did you do?” “Where do I begin?” He sighed again and flopped his hands. “Hon, look, he’s… It’s so fucked up. I mean, his Ma wants grandkids. She wants him to end up in the ‘right place’. Well, what if the right place is something different for each person? You know? What if his right place is with me? What if it’s already chosen? Destined?” “I don’t know what to say.” She picked up the pace. Her heart lodged in her throat. “You threw me for a loop with the death part. Are you two…?” God, she’d been so blind. “I wish I knew. Somewhere in the midst of all this shit, he has to admit what he wants. Alcohol isn’t gonna hack it.” Sav yanked the apartment building door open. “I want to be enough for him, but I know I’m not. I can’t seem to get myself out of party gear. I care about Arran more than I should and it’s a fucking scary thing.” “Love is not easy.” Hell, she sounded like a damned greeting card.

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“I know you’re not the enemy. You’re a pretty girl with a big heart and if what he told me is right, you even possibly agreed to take a lot on the chin in order to help him start that stupid pizza joint. But I don’t know. He’s never been with a girl. Did he tell you that?” “He mentioned something along those lines.” She skipped steps to get up to Arran’s floor faster. “Just convince him he’s not supposed to throw away who he is for a house and money? Okay?” Mindy clutched the stair railing and gasped for breath. She stared at Sav. “And I can do that?” “He trusts you. Please? He wants nothing to do with me right now.” Sav pushed the fire door open. “You know the way.” “I’ll do my best.” Mindy broke into a sprint. She pounded her fists on his door. “Arran!” The steel door swung open and light poured from the apartment. Mindy scanned the living room. No Arran. “Arran?” She fought to keep her voice even and glanced into the kitchen. Still no Arran. Her blood thrummed in her veins. He had a balcony. He wouldn’t do something so foolish, would he? One more room and she’d check the balcony. Mindy burst into the bedroom. “Arran!” Her breath caught fast in her throat. Arran sat in a crumpled heap on the floor. A bottle of whisky lay abandoned at his feet. Arran turned. “Hey.” Mindy fell to her knees next to him. The emotions she’d packed away came bursting out in full force. “You…you… What were you thinking?” Tears slipped across the bridge of his nose. He closed his eyes and said nothing. Sure, there were layers of him she didn’t know about and underneath was a sexy man she loved. But damn. Sav was right. She had no idea what went through Arran’s mind and couldn’t begin to fathom his internal struggle. Mindy knelt over him and caressed his tears away with her thumb. “Come here.” She took him into her arms and held him. “Want to tell me everything? I promise I won’t yell.” His voice caught and came out sandpaper rough. “Just stay with me tonight. No sex. Promise.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“I’m not going anywhere as long as you give me your word you won’t drink anymore.” “Not tonight.” He nuzzled her neck. “I’ve got something—someone—better to cuddle up with.” A frisson of heat spiralled through her body. She nodded to his bed. “I’ll stay with you.” Despite him having at least forty pounds on her, Mindy helped him up onto the mattress. She kicked off her tennis shoes and climbed in next to his trembling form. “I need you.” Arran rolled over, resting his head on her shoulder. “You know me better than anyone. You saved me from myself.” His warm breath tickled her neck. Instead of the alcohol tinge she’d expected, she detected only mint. “You’re getting deep again. How much did you drink?” “I didn’t.” He trembled. “I planned to, but I couldn’t. I’m so confused, but drinking wasn’t going to make it any better.” Mindy stroked his hair, amazed at how well they fitted together and the pride she felt for him. He hadn’t taken the easy way out and drank himself into a stupor. He let her care for him. In a cockeyed way, she found it sexy. “Sleep. I’m going to lock the door and then I’ll be right back. We can sort out tonight in the morning.” “Perfect,” Arran mumbled. She snickered. He had some sense—confused though it might be, he had sense. Mindy slipped from between the sheets and made her way back through the apartment. Funny all the things she hadn’t noticed when she’d first run through the door. Prints of Klimt paintings decorated the putty-coloured walls. The couch looked worn, but clean. Stacks of books, ranging from art to paperback novels to biology textbooks sat piled next to the television. She clicked the deadbolt into place and turned off the main lights. A lamp burned in the corner. When she flicked the switch on the terracotta lamp, she noticed a photograph. Just one. She turned and surveyed the room. No other photographs or glimpses into Arran’s life were out anywhere. Mindy hesitated. The picture wasn’t her business. Against her better judgement, she picked up the photo. Arran stood next to Sav, both grinning. She flipped the picture over. My baby and me. Her heart shredded. Arran probably loved Sav more than he cared about her and rightly so. Arran liked guys. Sav was his special guy. She placed the picture where she’d found it and blinked back tears. Here she’d thought she’d saved him and she wasn’t even the www.total-e-bound.com

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only person he had been thinking about. The air in the room thickened. She coughed twice and headed out onto the balcony. The bright lights of Kent blurred from behind her veil of tears. “I thought he cared about me,” she whispered. “I thought he loved me.”

Arran flopped over in bed and stretched. Instead of the warm female he expected, he found cool sheets. He jerked, fully awake and looked around the room. Nothing, not even a light on. Fuck. He patted his chest. Still clothed. Odd. The last thing he remembered before dropping off to sleep was Mindy holding him. He fumbled for the lamp switch on his nightstand and blinked back the light bathing the room. “Mindy?” Gentle sobs came from the other room. Arran tossed the sheets aside and sprinted into the living room. “Mindy?” “Out here,” she called. Relief swept through him. Damn, she’d scared him. Arran shuffled through the kitchen and out onto the balcony. Mindy was sitting in one of the patio chairs. Her cheeks glistened in the glow from the college town below. “So…” “I hear you want to get married.” Arran knelt beside her and placed his hand on hers. So many thoughts tumbled in his brain. “I might have said something like that.” She pulled her hand away. “Let’s go inside. The mosquitoes are ravenous tonight.” Mindy brushed past him and stopped in the darkened living room. Arran shut the balcony door and eased up behind her. “Min. I had a speech prepared. I had all these things I wanted to say, but I fucked it all up.” “Do it.” “What?” “Say the speech.” “Mindy…” She slumped onto the couch and hid her face in her hands. “I know I’ll never be enough for you. You like guys, for God’s sake. I heard Sav. He’s crazy about you. And then I saw the www.total-e-bound.com

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picture. I shouldn’t have snooped, but I did. You and Sav are so cute together. You’re like peanut butter and jelly. Stop wasting your time with me and go to the one you love.” “I don’t agree.” Wrapping his arms around her, he rested his chin on her shoulder. “Yes, I am attracted to men, but the more time I’m around you, the more I’m turned on by you.” He rubbed his growing erection on her hip. “I didn’t get this from looking at him. I got the chubby from holding you.” She turned around in his arms and splayed her hands across his chest. For a moment, he thought she’d give him a shove. Her eyes widened and her lips parted. “I…I turn you on? Seriously.” He nodded. “I never thought I’d find someone like you, someone who gets me. Makes me laugh. Someone who cares enough to pick me up when I’m down.” This time Mindy did shove him—down onto the couch. Her hair dusted his face in a whispery caress. Her breasts strained against the fabric of her T-shirt, her taut nipples prominent. His throat ran dry. If he moved his hands, he’d feel those sweet nipples. Could almost taste them. “Let me.” She straddled his hips and sat up straight. “If I’m going to ruin you for anyone else, I might as well go all out.” Mindy grasped the hem of her shirt and whipped the cotton over her head. Arran gasped. The tips of his ears burned. No bra. She wore no bra. Wasn’t there some law somewhere stating women wore the contraptions? Her smile twisted into a frown. “No?” His blood thrummed in his ears. His cock stood at attention behind his zipper. “Come here.” Arran tugged her back down into his arms and met her for a kiss. Her tongue danced against his mouth. He groaned and let her in. Mindy curled her tongue around his and sucked at his bottom lip. At the same time, she snaked her hand down between their bodies and massaged his dick. The sizzles low in his groin kicked up to a full five-alarm fire. He needed to get out of his clothes and fast. Hell, he needed her beneath him. Without breaking the kiss, Arran sat up then stood and carried her to the bedroom. She might have protested the move—he wasn’t sure and he wasn’t going to find out. He placed

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Mindy on the bed and stared at her. Her flushed cheeks, tangled hair and wild eyes called to him without words. “You shouldn’t carry me.” She brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. Her breasts heaved with every breath. She moved to cover herself. “Why are you staring?” Why was he staring? Fear and embarrassment cascaded through him. “I’m at the edge of the great unknown.” Mindy cocked her head. She scooted forward on the bed and the smile returned to her lips. “I’m sure you know all about this.” With deft fingers, she unbuttoned his jeans. “You don’t know how many times I stared at you in class and wondered what it would be like to know you.” She slipped down onto her knees. “I fantasised about what you tasted like.” She hooked her fingers into his waistband. His cock bobbed against her cheek. Instead of shying away, she fixed her gaze on his and licked along the thick vein. “Mindy.” He thrust his fingers into her hair and his pants pooled at his feet. “Oh, God.” Giggling, she took him deep into her mouth. Arran wobbled and his knees went week. The orgasm built low in his belly and swirled around. He wouldn’t last. She cupped his balls, pushing him closer to climax. His body vibrated and his vision blurred. So close. Mindy scraped her teeth along his cock. She sat back on her heels and stared at him. Arran blinked. She stopped. Freaking stopped. His muddled brain cleared as the smile on her lips widened. She wanted to toy with him? Two could play the game. He grabbed a condom from his bureau. “How much do you want me?” As she stood, Mindy dragged her shorts and panties past her hips. She took the packet from his hands and unrolled the condom over his shaft. “This much.” God, yes. Arran grasped her hips and fell onto the bed. In one move, he pushed into her body. Her cream slickened the joining. He’d planned on their first time being a little more…graceful. Too late for grace. Arran moaned. He still had his blasted pants around his ankles and his shirt on. Christ. Mindy shoved her hands up under his shirt. She dug her nails into his back and arched beneath him. “Harder.” She writhed and matched his thrusts with her own. “God, so close. So…fucking close.”

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He crushed his mouth on hers and pistoned into her pussy. Every nerve ending in his body screamed for release. She swallowed his cry as he emptied his seed into the condom. Floating. He had to be floating. Arran braced his arms on either side of her head. God, he wanted to curl up next to her and just sleep. Mindy closed her eyes and gulped air. “Whoa.” “Good whoa, or…?” He stared at her through heavily lidded eyes. With Arran still inside her, she pulled him down and feathered a kiss over his mouth. “So…you want to marry me?” “The thought crossed my mind.” “You got me with sex. Sell me on marriage. I’m three quarters of the way to agreeing.” “Let me…” He sat up, withdrew and scanned the floor for his trash bin. “This is never how it goes in the movies.” Where was the fucking garbage can? Mindy put her hands on his. “Hey. It’s just me.” Arran stood. The high from climax morphed into embarrassment. “You’re doing great.” Nude, she strolled out of the room. He unrolled the condom and gritted his teeth. She probably thought he was a buffoon. He’d fumbled, bumbled, and pinned her all while gyrating on her like an animal in heat. With one hand on her hip, she came back into the bedroom. “Do you always overthink things?” Mindy turned his palm skyward and plunked a damp washcloth in it. “Step out of your pants before you hurt yourself.” He did as she asked, shocked by his compliance. Sure, he liked when guys told him what to do. Maybe he liked it with girls, too. She yanked his button down shirt off his shoulders and took the cloth. “You can get naked. I won’t laugh. I might drool or vow my undying love. Nothing big.” Arran finished stripping. “You think I’m cute?” She scrambled onto the bed. “Yeah. I’m also thinking it’s freezing in here. Come keep me warm and tell me about this marriage deal.” He could tell her whatever she wanted, especially if she was so close to agreeing. Everything about making her his for keeps sounded damned good. It sounded right and scary as hell. No one had ever depended on him—really depended—before. Marriage wasn’t

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a one-time, share-a-house-and-name-but-nothing-else sort of thing to him. It meant he’d protect her. Cherish her. Love her. He swallowed the lump of nervousness building in his throat and said the words on his mind. “Come on, Min. I love you, you know that. We might even make it work—if anyone can tie me down, it’s you.” He stretched out beside her on the bed and laced his fingers with hers. “Plus, we’ll have the best-looking kids. Hell, we’ve got the sex thing down pretty good. Might try a few hundred more times to be sure, but hey…can’t knock a guy for wanting to practice.” She snuggled down onto his pillow. “You want a house and you need money to start…a pizzeria, right?” “Is it wrong to want a house rather than an apartment?” It wasn’t the most intelligent thing to blurt out. “I mean…I wanted the money for a down payment. I should’ve told you the truth earlier.” “You’ve told me now. Good enough for me. Besides, I want an adventure. I know you and doing someone else’s version of the right thing is killing you because you’re an honourable man. You really are. Hell, you’re too good to be true. Most guys would just march in, get the girl naked, take what they want and toss honesty out the window until they absolutely had to use it.” She pulled her hand from his and picked at the edge of the comforter. “I know, I’ve had shit done to me that would make your skin crawl.” His ire rose. She’d been hurt? By whom? The thought of her crying, in pain or broken, didn’t sit right. He wanted to go back and make the wrongs in her past right. He sat up. “Like what? Who hurt you?” She stared at his throat and toyed with the whorl of hairs on his chest. “It’s not important and I’ve moved past it. My point is, you haven’t whisked me to Vegas and demanded a quickie wedding-slash-divorce. I respect that.” Arran brushed the hairs from her forehead with the pad of his middle finger. “Some guys are jerks.” “But not you.” She focused on him. Sadness burned in her eyes. “I want to help you. We’ll go to Vegas, have a quickie wedding, go through the motions for…what, a year? And voila! You have a house and the cash you need to start your dream.”

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The words sounded cheery, but the tone of her voice revealed her pain. She’d make him happy, but what about her? “You get screwed.” “If I’m lucky. Or at least I can watch you screw. Either way…I can live with it.” “Min.” He slumped back against the sheets and pinched the bridge of his nose. She wasn’t seeing his point. “I can. I’ve got a thick skin.” Damn it. If he didn’t tell her now, she’d never understand. “I love you, Mindy Dawson. All the way.” “Yeah, yeah. Save it.” He rolled onto his side. “You don’t get it. I really do love you. No one has ever gone out of their way for me.” She considered him for a long moment, as if the veracity of his words needed time to sink in. “I get it. I’m just not sure what to say. I mean, you helped me, too.” “Phillip?” When she nodded, Arran chuckled. “Good. He’s an asshole and you deserve better.” Mindy rolled on top of him, pressing their bodies together with only the blankets between them. “I got you. Sounds like a trade up.” “Crazy girl.” “Yeah, and I like it that way.” She grabbed his hand and dragged his arm across her back. “How about we cuddle? It’s one in the morning and I think we need to practice sleeping in the same bed.” “Good thought.”

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Chapter Six

Arran threaded his fingers with Mindy’s. The two-hour drive to his parents’ house in Cleveland seemed to take forever. Maybe it was the apprehension eating him alive. At least he had Mindy’s singing to keep him occupied. “Do you really know every song on this station?” He kissed her knuckles. “It’s cool, I just didn’t realise you had the entire WhipSlip playlist memorised.” “I paint to rock music. Draw to metal. It’s a way of release.” She giggled. “Are we there yet? I’m running out of songs.” “Another ten minutes. The side streets seem to take the longest. Oh, I forgot to tell you, I got a ring.” “Yeah?” “Simple but elegant. It was Gramma’s. You’d have liked her.” “She wanted you to marry a girl.” “Nah, that was Grampa. Gramma liked to colour outside the lines. She’d probably have gotten a kick out of a commitment ceremony.” “I see. How about you propose in front of them?” “My folks?” “I know, it’s clichéd, but it will win so many points with your mom.” “Damn. You’re right.” He pulled to a stop in front of the split-level house he’d grown up in. His palms twitched and his throat ran dry. “God, when I practised in the mirror, this was so much easier.” “You can do whatever you set your mind to,” Mindy murmured. She cupped his jaw. “I believe in you. Always.” Arran tangled his fingers into her hair. Confusing thoughts tumbled in his head. Sex with Mindy was just as explosive as with his boyfriends. Kissing her ranked up at the top. Was he really gay? Had his identity been a lie?

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Screw it. His feelings for Mindy ran deeper than lust. It bordered on true love. He drew her in for a kiss and revelled in the tingles shooting from his toes to his scalp. Heat settled in his cock. He needed to get her alone and very soon. Mindy broke the kiss and tweaked his nipple through his shirt. “You’re turned on and thinking way too much. You are who you are, even if there’s no label, and I love who you are.” For some odd reason, he felt better, lighter. “I see a girl,” his mother shrieked from the other side of the automobile glass. “I told you she was real.” “Frying pan and into the fire,” Arran murmured. “Ready?” Mindy winked. “For you I am.” “Gemma, now, you’ll scare her off.” Arran’s father opened the car door. “You must be Mindy.” Mindy nodded and climbed out of the car. “And you must be Arnold. Arran’s told me so much about you.” She leaned in close. “But I really want to know the skinny on him. He throws like a girl.” “I will tan your hide,” Arran called. Mindy glanced over her shoulder and winked. “You are a girl,” Gemma said again. She patted Mindy’s arm. “You’re not one of those…?” “What?” Mindy said in a stage whisper. “A drag queen?” Gemma’s face paled. “Are you?” Mindy folded her hands. Instead of answering right away, she simply smiled. Arran smothered his laughter behind his hand. Good Lord, she had his mother cornered and he loved every minute of it. “I’m just a girl from Crestline, Ohio. Nothing exciting, nothing dirty. I waitress at a local diner and study art history.” Gemma regained her poise. “I see.” She folded her hands, mimicking Mindy’s stance. “Have you been intimate with my son?”

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Mindy ushered Gemma away from Arnold. “We were intimate on every piece of furniture in his apartment this past week and had hot monkey sex all last night. It was exhilarating and pleasurable… and a little sticky.” Gemma’s eyes bulged and her cheeks paled again. She fanned her face. “That’s what you get for asking nosy questions.” Arnold took her arm. “Time to get you sitting down.” Mindy turned and shared a look with Arran as Arnold and Gemma retreated into the house. She’d done him proud. Mindy had stood up to Hurricane Gemma and hadn’t even flinched. “Think she’s fainted yet?” Arran threw his head back and laughed. “Never in my twenty-four years have I ever seen her go that white. You got her right between the eyes. It was beautiful.” He held out both arms. “Come here.” “That’s what friends are for—irritating parents.” Mindy snuggled close and wrinkled her nose. “What are you thinking?” Arran rubbed his growing erection against her lower belly. “Stay with me in my room.” She gasped and slipped her legs around his thigh. “I assumed I was supposed to.” “I mean it.” He rested his forehead against hers and massaged her ass with the pads of his fingers. “Last night wasn’t a fluke or a one-off episode. I really am falling in love with you.” “Sap.” She closed her eyes and writhed on his thigh. “Hot sap, but a sap.” He shrugged. “I am what I am and I want to get naked with you.” “We should go inside before your mother really does have heart failure.” She slipped her hand into his back pocket. “But between you and me, I want to get naked with you, too.” “You got it.”

**** Mindy slipped up behind Arran and wrapped her arms around him. “Please tell me you did something more thrilling during your high school years than play cards with your folks.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Gramma joined in on Fridays.” She rolled her eyes. “Way to live on the edge.” A knock at the door interrupted the rest of what she’d been about to say. “Arran? Do you have that girl in the room with you?” This time, Arran rolled his eyes. “That girl is Mindy, and yes, she’s in here with me. She’s my fiancée and I want her with me all the time.” “I want her to sleep in Bernard’s room,” Gemma shouted from behind the door. “It’s not right, you two in the same room.” Arran sighed and opened the door. “Why don’t you come right out and say what you’ve been dying to say since we arrived?” Gemma smoothed the invisible wrinkles in her blouse. “Quick or not, I intend to see this wedding happen. I also won’t be made a fool.” She wiggled her finger. “Don’t you think you’re going to weasel him out of that house. My mother didn’t stipulate in her will for Arran to get the house for you to take it away in some raunchy divorce settlement. I want this wedding to happen, but I’ll fight you to the death if you try to screw my son.” Mindy put her hand up to object. Gemma was about three days too late on the screwing part. “I have no intention of taking him for all he’s worth.” Gemma shook her head. “I know you vixen types. It’s all smiles and agreements right now.” “Ma, she’s a sweet woman and the love of my life. Things will be fine.” “Then you’ll be sleeping in Bernard’s room.” Gemma stepped into the hallway. “Yes, it’s not right for you two to be in the same room. I’m still angry because you didn’t even propose in front of us.” “We wanted it private. You’ll live and watch the wedding like you want. Goodnight, Ma.” Arran shut the door before Gemma turned around. He leaned against the dark cherry door. “You’re not sleeping in Bernard’s room.” “Who is Bernard?” Mindy sat on the edge of the bed and curled her legs underneath her. “My jock older brother.” Arran plopped down next to her and sighed. “He’s the trophy of the family. Got the football scholarship to Duke. Married the head cheerleader. Has three kids and one on the way. Last I knew, he was an insurance salesman living in the suburbs.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Sounds very fifties-ish.” “He towed the line.” He leaned back on his hands. The room had seemed so much bigger when he was fourteen. And if they were talking about sex, he’d probably better make it so they wouldn’t be interrupted. Mindy propped her chin on her folded hands. “It also sounds like you don’t get to spend much time around him. If he’s a jerk, I’d avoid him, too.” “And his room smells like feet.” She wrinkled her nose. “Gross.” “Besides, if you’re in here, we can practice some more.” Arran slipped the lock into place. “I’m dying to be with you.” “With your folks around?” He shrugged and wriggled out of his shirt. “It’s not like my brother was a saint when he was still at home. At least I waited until was out of high school to bang a chick in my room.” “Me?” Mindy scampered off the bed and knelt next to her luggage. She tugged her hair into an elastic then dug through the items in the suitcase. Clothes flew into a pile beside the case. “Yes, you. What are you doing?” “Changing.” She ripped her shirt over her head, leaving her in her bra and jeans. Arran sighed. He should wait until she’d finished to touch her, but the creamy porcelain of her skin was too tempting to leave alone. He knelt behind her and kissed her shoulder. “You’re beautiful.” “Thank you, Mr Mayes. But you have to let go if I want to put my PJs on.” Arran kissed her again and released her. “Fine. Break my heart. Make me behave.” He grabbed his suitcase and plunked it on the floor beside the bed. Either she’d freak or she’d be open to his new developments. “Would you do something for me?” Mindy stood and shoved her jeans to the floor. Her breasts jiggled as she shifted her weight from her left foot to her right and stepped out of the pants. “Like fuck you?” “Smartass.” He shook his head. Though, depending on how she’d meant that… He palmed the toy hidden under a stack of T-shirts and his hand trembled. “I do want you to fuck me.” www.total-e-bound.com

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She leaned over him and peeked over his shoulder. Her bare breasts mashed against his back. “Dear God. That’s bigger than mine. It fits in there?” In her own Mindy way, she’d broken the tension. The laugh started in his chest and took over his body. Mindy slipped down beside him on the floor and placed her hand on his on the toy. Arran sobered in an instant. Sweat beaded on his forehead. “I’ve never done something like that, but if it makes things good for you, I’ll do it.” He couldn’t have dreamt of a more suitable girl. Arran glanced at the diamond sparkling on her finger—right where the band deserved to be. He tossed the dildo and the lube onto the bed and scooted her onto his lap. “I’m lucky.” “Me too,” she murmured between kisses. “Get up on the bed.” Mindy stood and stroked the toy. “Condoms?” Arran shuddered and stood on wobbly legs. His cock swelled. God, the anticipation fired him up almost as much as the vision of Mindy and the dildo. “Condoms are in my bag.” He shucked his pants and sat down slowly. “Hard.” Her eyes widened. “I like it rough.” He fell backwards onto the bed and spread his knees. “I see.” Mindy grabbed a condom from the inside pocket of the suitcase, then settled between his thighs. She held up the dildo and stroked it some more. Arran clawed at the sheets. Dear God, if she didn’t get moving, he’d burst. Then again, when she got moving, he’d burst. Heat burned bright in her eyes as she leant forward and traced the slippery plastic over his lips. Acting on instinct, he latched onto the tip and greedily sucked. His cock throbbed. Damn. Confusion buzzed in his head. Cocks, pussy….holy shit. He wanted it all. “You like that.” Mindy pulled the toy from his lips and ran her tongue along its length. He shivered. Sharing his sex toys had never occurred to him, but seeing her acting so wanton… Fuck, he loved her. “Please?” He groaned. Mindy put her hand over his mouth. “Shh…” She nodded to the door. He sucked one of her fingers between his lips. Her taste, a combination of vanilla and goodness and everything he desired, exploded on his tongue. He tipped his head back and dug his heels into the mattress. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Look at me,” Mindy purred. She scooted back and squirted lube onto her fingers. She pressed the tip of the dildo against his asshole, without lube. “Yes, babe, yes,” he hissed. She moved the dildo over a little and with her middle finger, she breached him. He bit down hard on his bottom lip to stifle the groan. Tingles shot from his ass to his brain to his heart and culminated in his cock. Fluid leaked from the tip of his cock. Things seemed to be going so damned fast. Hell. She hadn’t even started to thrust. Mindy worked her finger into him with agonising strokes, drawing out her actions and extending his sensations. Just as she’d set a pace, she added another finger. He winced at the tight fit and bore down on her to let himself adjust. She kissed his inner thigh and increased her ministrations. “Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me,” he chanted. Mindy removed her fingers and took his cock into her mouth, slurping him with the same rhythm she’d used in his ass. His eyelids drooped. Holy fuck. Heat flooded his belly. He had to come. Fuck, he sat right on the edge of oblivion. She released his cock with a pop. “Not yet.” She sat up and rolled the condom down his cock. “In a moment.” His eyes flew open. “Babe. Please.” He reached for her. “Come here. I want to fuck you.” She shook her head and pushed the tip of the sex toy against his anus. The chill of the lube shocked him into accepting every delectable inch in one stroke. Still controlling the rhythm, Mindy stretched out beside him and captured his mouth in a kiss. She swallowed his moans and increased the staccato of the thrusts. He broke the kiss and panted. “Need. To. Fuck. You.” He grasped her hips and positioned her on his rock hard shaft. The dildo slipped out of his ass, but he didn’t care. All he wanted was completion within her. He slammed into her pussy, burying himself deep in her moist channel. Her nails bit into his shoulders as she pressed her face against his neck. Her teeth nipped his neck. Despite the heat, he shivered. No holding back now. His hips shot off the bed and he emptied his seed into the condom. Holy fuck. Stars exploded behind his eyes. His body felt weightless. For a moment, he forgot where he was and the room went black.

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Mindy’s breath danced over his sweat-slickened skin, bringing him back to the present. “Better?” She wanted a performance review? Now? His vision cleared and the room came into focus. Holy shit. Had he blacked out for a moment? That had never happened before. “Things were different.” Marvellous…intriguing. “Bad?” “Never bad.” Arran rubbed his cheek on the top of her head. Slumber beckoned and he fought to keep his eyes open. “There are things I’d like to do with you, but everything we’ve done is so good.” “You don’t regret letting me play the way you like?” “I’m loving every minute of loving you and if it means toys, then I’m game to play.” “You’re so corny sometimes.” She snuggled into the crook of his arm and draped her leg across his thighs. “You love me.” “I do.” He drifted off to sleep with her sweet words ringing in his ears. Tomorrow, she’d be his bride.

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Chapter Seven

The next morning, Arran and Mindy flew to Vegas. He still wasn’t sure how she’d managed to get four tickets at such a late hour, but he didn’t really care. They’d be married, the house would be his, he’d have his happily ever after and things would be perfect. He stared at his reflection in the hotel bathroom mirror. The tuxedo, rented from the casino on the first floor, looked fine on him. It clung to his body like he’d had it professionally tailored. He loved Mindy and wanted to share his name with her. And still, part of him felt empty. “Ready, son?” Arnold adjusted his boutonniere. “You do realise Mindy’s probably going to have your mother hogtied, right?” Arran nodded. Things he’d wanted to say to his folks sat on the tip of his tongue. Better say them now than let things fester. “Dad?” “Spit it out. You never were one for keeping your mouth shut.” Arran stared at his father. The truth hurt. “Dad, is Mom really okay with this? Me getting married…to a girl?” Arnold shrugged. “Your mother wants more grandchildren. Bernard moved over to Akron and she never sees the kids.” He tapped Arran on the shoulder. “Sit.” Stunned by his father’s sudden show of emotion—granted it wasn’t much, but it was there—Arran sat on the end of the loveseat. “Do you remember your Uncle James?” Arnold folded his hands and rested his elbows on his knees. “Your mother wanted to date James so badly. I’d ask her out only to have her turn me down so she could pine for him. It didn’t dawn on her until she was a junior in high school that my brother was different and not about to go on a serious night out with her.” “He was gay.” “Tell her that.” Arnold shook his head. “I held her when she cried afterwards. We ended up together but I know she’s never forgiven him for turning her down.” “She hates gay people because of Uncle James? That’s ridiculous.”

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“Maybe, but it’s the reason she’s had such a fit about you. You don’t really think Gramma Morrison put that stipulation in her will on her own, do you? It’s in there, but if you want to be happy and single and gay, then tell Mindy she’s a nice girl but you don’t need her to get the house.” “Dad.” “She cares about you. I can see it in her eyes. She adores you. Is that fair? She’s probably planning a life, just like your mother did with James. Don’t break her heart for a stupid house.” “I’ll be right back.” Arran stood and strode from his hotel room. Nate stood in the hallway. “Hey, man, you came, too?” Nate shrugged. “Mindy asked me. She needed a matron of honour. I like to live on the edge.” “At least she didn’t put you in pink taffeta.” “Dick.” Nate clapped him on the back. “I gotta go downstairs, but remember this. Don’t fuck this up. She’s good for you.” Arran shook his head as Nate marched down the hallway and out of earshot. Mindy was good for him. She saw the real man in his skin and still cared. Arran knocked on Mindy’s door. “Min?” “You can’t come in,” his mother called in a sing-song voice. “It’s bad luck!” “Mom, this is important.” Gemma opened the door. “Arran?” “I need to see Mindy.” He brushed past his mother. “Min?” Mindy waved him into the bathroom and closed the door for privacy. “What’s up? Cold feet?” Arran gasped as he took in the sight of her. Mindy backed into the corner. “Too much?” His mouth went dry then watered. The champagne-coloured silk contoured to her body in a delicate drape that accentuated her curves. The glimpse of cleavage brought attention to her breasts without being trashy. Instead of a veil, she’d chosen a thin headband of diamonds or rhinestones or something. He wasn’t sure, but damn if she didn’t look like an angel. “It’s too much.” She fluttered her hands. “I’ll ditch the headband.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“No.” Arran inched across the room and cupped her cheek. “You look amazing.” A thin smile blossomed on her lips. “But you’re here. Nate said he wasn’t going to talk you out of this. He did, didn’t he?” “No, Nate said you were good for me. My dad said something. He gave me an out.” He rubbed her bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. “Told me I could just go home and have the house, the money, whatever I wanted. But I don’t want to. He said this whole thing with Mom was because of something in her past, not who I am now or what I want.” “What do you want?” “You. As Mrs Arran Mayes.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “You’re the best thing to happen to me. You’ve seen my shitty side and my smooth side and you’re still here. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what love is.” “I’m not perfect.” “I like you not perfect.” He stepped back to drink in her image once more. “Look at you. I don’t know how you found the dress so fast, but it’s…you. I can’t imagine you any other way.” He squeezed her hand. “Are you ready to make me happy?” “Do I have a choice?” “Always. Mind riding with me? Bad luck is still luck, right?” “Let’s go.”

**** Mindy rode hand in hand with Arran down to the wedding chapel. Nervous thoughts bounced around her head like a rubber ball. Wait till he saw the surprise she had for him after the ceremony. She’d make his day or his week…probably his year even. “Are we being married by Elvis or an alien?” “James Dean.” The doors pinged and Arran led her out of the elevator. “I’ll be waiting at the head of the chapel.” She nodded and clutched her flowers. He’d given her the option of turning around. They could blow Vegas and live their lives as friends. She stared at her engagement ring. He’d given her the diamond out of love, not duty. Her stomach fluttered. This was supposed

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to be the happiest day of her life. Instead, excitement, lust and confusion muddled in her brain. “If you have any doubts, dear, we can postpone. The timeslot after yours is empty.” The wedding-planner-slash-florist-slash-photographer smiled. “Running away isn’t unheard of here in Sin City.” Mindy straightened her shoulders. She wasn’t going to run away. She’d made a commitment and loved the man waiting for her at the end of the aisle. If she knew him like she thought she did, when he saw her wedding present to him, he’d simply freak and squeal. “I’m…I’m good.” Mindy brushed a lock of hair behind her shoulder and slowly marched down the aisle. Arran grinned and colour bled across his cheeks. He looked so yummy in black silk. She stifled a giggle. Stripping him out of the tux would be almost more fun than fumbling through their first time together. At the front of the chapel, she linked arms with him. A wildly grinning Sav stood to Arran’s right. Arran shrugged. “When he found out Nate was coming, he got on the red eye. Don’t ask me how. All I know is he wanted to be the best man.” The minister—a James Dean impersonator as promised—nodded once. “We’re gathered here to join Arran and Mindy in the bonds of love and matrimony. I’m not asking for objections because I know there aren’t any.” He nodded again. “Savion, the rings?” Savion bobbed his brows and handed the minister two gold wedding bands. “Perfect. Now, Arran Mayes, do you take this gorgeous girl to be your wife?” Arran licked his lips and placed the thin band onto her finger. “My Min forever.” Heat flooded her body. Hearing those words on his lips meant more than any dollar amount, house or other proposition. “Mindy Dawson, do you take this man, a man devoted to you, as your husband?” She fumbled with the wedding band, catching it on his knuckle. Embarrassment washed over in her in tidal wave proportions. She glanced from Nate to Sav to Arran. “I’m sorry.” “It’s fine, Min,” Arran whispered. He worked the pesky band over his knuckle and squeezed her hand. “I do.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Then by the power invested in me by the State of Nevada…I introduce you all to Mr and Mrs Arran Mayes. Kiss your bride, my man.”

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Chapter Eight

“Why didn’t we know about this until Dad called last night? Do you know how much a red-eye flight is for six people?” Bernard said, his voice a dull roar. He clapped Arran on the shoulder and a sneer curled his lips. “I oughta make you reimburse me for the kids’ seats, asshole.” Arran sighed. “This was supposed to be a small event.” He glanced around the restaurant for Mindy. Moments after the ceremony, Bernard’s wife had yanked Mindy from the room. “What’s Clarissa doing to Min?” Bernard grunted and shook his head. “Probably telling her you’re a fag and she made a huge mistake,” he spat. “Really. You’re a jerk for doing this to her. Do you really think you’ll change your stripes? Once a God damned fag, always a God damned fag.” “I should shove your head into your ass.” Arran pushed past his brother. “Bigoted cheapskate asshole.” “I’ll do it,” Nate interjected. “I haven’t had the chance to talk to Bernard yet.” Although Bernard had three years and fifty pounds on Nate, the older man’s sneer faded. Nate grabbed Bernard by the arm. “We’ll be chatting in the corner. He won’t bother you.” Triumph warmed Arran’s spirit. With Nate in his corner and Mindy as his wife, there wasn’t a mountain so high he couldn’t jump right over it. “Arran?” Sav hurried to Arran’s side. “Can I talk to you?” Arran paused. His heart thumped against his ribs. A tiny part of him still cared for Sav. Having him for his best man had helped, but it didn’t ease the ache. “I know you told me to grow up. You’re right. I’m…a kid trapped in a man’s body, but I’m going to show you. Never going to forget you.” Mindy eased up next to Sav. “You made a handsome best man and somehow something will work out. I don’t doubt it.” Sav blushed. “And Mindy Mayes sounds like a stripper name.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Thanks. I’ll take it as a compliment.” She chewed the inside of her cheek. “Arran?” Sav waved as he began to back away. “Remember what I said. Mindy’s right. Somehow this will all work out.” He vanished into the casino before Arran could stop him. “I like him. He’s strange and a little immature, but I like him.” She slipped her hand into Arran’s. “So…now what?” “Wedding night, babe.” Arran snagged her in an embrace. “We can share the same room, the same bed, the same…anything and no one can bitch.” “And your family?” “Is coming over here right now.” Arran cringed. Whatever his mother planned to say, she had a healthy dose of anger and the better part of two bottles of champagne for fuel. “You went through with it.” Venom shone in her eyes. She tapped a crimson-tipped finger on Mindy’s chest. “You got what you wanted. What about me?” “Gemma, that’s enough.” Arnold placed his hand on her shoulder. “Stuff it, Arnold.” She shoved him away. “I told myself my children would be model citizens, not freaks.” She wobbled on her feet. “This was a stunt. A stunt to make me look stupid.” Gemma waved her finger. “I won’t stand for it. I couldn’t object then, but I will now. You won’t get the house and you won’t get the money. No member of my family is going to run a sleazy restaurant where they serve pizza and beer. No. That money is going into a trust.” “Gemma.” Arnold turned her around. “I told you. He did what you asked of him. I gave him a choice to back out and he didn’t. Either he really loves her or he’s hell bent on doing things his way. Whichever is the case, you can’t back out of your deal.” Gemma snivelled, “You always wanted to hurt me. Telling me James didn’t love me, making me wait to marry you until you got back from the Army…you gave me a son just as different as James. I hate you.” Arnold sighed. “You don’t mean that.” He forced a smile and handed Arran an envelope. “Mindy, Arran, congrats. This belongs to the both of you.” All the things his mother had said, the things his father mentioned in the hotel room…it was true. Arran closed his eyes. Maybe not to his father, but his mother truly saw him as a failure and a waste.

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“She’s letting the booze say crap she knows isn’t true.” Mindy drew him in tight for a kiss. “Things may have happened fast, but they happened for a reason. I love you and you love me. Don’t forget that.” He swallowed hard. “I won’t.” “Why don’t we go upstairs and find out if sex is better with rings?” Curiosity piqued, Arran slid the envelope into his pocket. “What are you planning?” “You’ll see.”

**** Mindy stared at herself in the floor-length mirror. Nude, save for a piece of lingerie and the surprise, she squared her shoulders. This was what he wanted and needed. She fluffed her hair and grasped the bathroom doorknob. Suddenly the poise she’d worked so hard to maintain evaporated. Her stomach dropped to her toes. “Min? Babe?” Arran knocked on the door. “What’s the matter? I know you’re scared. Please come out.” Melt into the floor, that’s what she wanted to do. “Arran?” Maybe she wasn’t cut out to be the dominant one in the relationship. Behind her the door opened. “Min… Oh man…” She closed her eyes. “I look silly, don’t I?” Arran’s arms encircled her waist. “Silly? Babe. You did this for me.” He nuzzled her neck. “Open your eyes.” Her chin quivered and she dragged air into her lungs. Courage. She needed courage, plain and simple. “You’re beautiful.” She opened her eyes and tears slipped down her cheeks. Arran, blissfully nude, stood behind her, smiling. Another man she felt compelled to help. Her resistance and heart broke. “I’m sorry. I’m ruining everything.” Arran cupped her jaw and shifted her attention. Love and something else burned in his eyes. “You’re doing so many things right.” He pressed his hips into hers. “The strap-on is so

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hot.” He kissed the very corner of her mouth and smoothed his hands from her hips to her back. “But I want to talk first. Step out of that.” Her heart slammed against her ribs. “I’m not enough for you, am I?” “Shh,” he murmured and unbuckled the toy. “More than anything I could’ve dreamed of.” The harness plopped onto the floor with a metallic thud. “Come here.” Arran led her into the bedroom and sat in the Queen Anne chair. He patted his thigh. “Who was he?” She considered fighting. Just for a moment, she feared the truth. What for? He’d married her. Made love to her. Arran wasn’t the bad guy. She carefully sat on his lap, facing away from him. As much as she wanted to look at him, she couldn’t. “When I was a teenager, this guy I crushed on took an interest in me.” Her voice sounded raw and not like her own. She drew a deep breath then let it out. “Except his version of interest involved getting his hands down my pants. I was young. What the hell did I know? I wanted to make him happy.” Arran coaxed her against his chest and wrapped his arms around her. He stroked her hair but said nothing. “He said if I didn’t, I’d never have respect with any other guy.” “Bastard.” Arran held her tighter. “He wanted a notch on his belt.” “I know,” she whispered. “We did it in the backseat of his dad’s car and the moment we finished, he said he was through with me. Just like that.” She wiped tears from her cheeks and knotted her fingers together. “I promised myself I wouldn’t be in that situation again and then I met Phillip. I really thought he cared. Please don’t do that to me.” “My sweet girl.” He wriggled enough so she looked him in the eye. “I might be totally wrong for you, might be an asshole who can’t decide what I want, but there is no one else I need. Marrying you wasn’t a mistake. I dreamed I’d meet someone like you and I did. You.” The strap of her negligee drooped off her shoulder. Arran toyed with the delicate material, running it between his fingers. “I also realise how much I’ve put myself ahead of you. You take care of my needs and wants and forget yourself.” He leaned forward and breathed in her scent. Mindy fisted her hands, struggling against the hope starting to emerge. The best things in her life tended to go to hell.

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Starting at her collarbone, Arran licked a path of fire along her neck. “You taste like sunshine. I betcha didn’t think it was possible.” He hummed against her skin, drawing shivers from deep within her body. “I’m intoxicated by you.” He held her tight to his chest and stood. “Arran.” She gasped as he placed her on the bed. “I’m—” He stretched out beside her and stopped her protest with a kiss. “You’re perfect just the way you are.” Heat and passion blazed in his eyes. “Never think you are anything other than gorgeous.” Part of her wanted to doubt him, wanted to curl up and hide. Part of her believed the words on his lips. Arran winked and planted his knees between her thighs. He worked open the ties on the negligee and his grin widened with each inch of newly revealed skin. “I want to make this good for you.” He kissed the hollow of her throat and licked a trail to her breasts, taking time to rub his five o’clock shadow over her nipples. She writhed. Who had turned up the heat in the room? She thrust her fingers into his hair and groaned. “Mmm,” Arran hummed. The vibration shot from her chest to her pussy, drawing out a fresh wave of liquid excitement. She wrapped her calf around his back to get him closer. Instead of succumbing to her unspoken suggestion that he moved things along to sex, Arran left a series of love bites on her stomach—closer and closer to her core, teasing her. Her blood thumped in her ears. The delicious torture made the act of lovemaking so much hotter. “Arran,” she gasped. “Please?” “Not yet,” he murmured into her belly button. He sat back on his heels and grasped her ankle. Curiosity piqued, she stared at him. What was he going to do next? Without breaking eye contact, Arran swirled his tongue around her instep. Having someone touch her feet hadn’t been high on her hit list before, but having him nibble the sensitive skin…it was like finding a whole new set of erogenous zones. She curled her toes and smoothed her hands over her belly. “Touch yourself for me.” Arran nibbled and sucked his way down her leg to her inner thigh. www.total-e-bound.com

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Should she? She rubbed slow circles, lower and lower. Arran switched to her other foot and alternately watched her toy with herself and met her gaze. His lips parted as she gave in to the desire to caress her slick heat. “Fuck, that’s hot.” He worked his way down her leg to her pussy. His breath tickled the sensitive flesh as he breathed her in. She closed her eyes. The anticipation was going to kill her. Totally kill her. Something wet whispered against her labia. Her body quaked. Holy hell. Her mouth went dry and the sizzles racing along her spine ramped up to full zaps. She whimpered. Arran chuckled. He used a combination of flat licks and bites on her pussy. Each action kicked her desire towards orgasm. He reached up to her breast and rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Pleasure-pain flowed through her veins. Mindy cried out. She dug her nails into the back of his head, holding him tight. “Come for me, babe.” Arran scraped his teeth over her clit. “Let me taste your cream.” Her hips moved of their own volition. Nothing short of the world coming to an end could stop the orgasm. Her body quaked. Stars shone behind her eyes. She forced her lids open to look at her husband. His nose and lips shimmered with the evidence of her climax. Arran slithered up her body and fused his lips on hers. She sucked on his tongue, shocked by the act of tasting her cream and turned on anew. “Fuck me,” she puffed. Arran shook his head. “Love. This is making love.” He grabbed a foil packet from the nightstand. “Won’t last long. I’m on the ragged edge, sweetheart.” Mindy ripped the foil open. “I want fast. Hard.” She rolled the latex down his shaft and positioned him at the mouth of her pussy. “Flip over.” Arran scooted back, giving her room to turn. Mindy looked over her shoulder as she presented her ass. Arran’s fingers bit into her hips. “Fuck, yes.” He surged into her pussy, burying himself balls deep. She wriggled on his shaft. She’d never felt so full yet so turned on. “Mine,” he said and accentuated the word with a slap. Another rush of pleasure-pain sprinted from her ass to her pussy to her heart. Slowly, Arran thrust into her. Mindy matched his actions by bearing down on him in return. www.total-e-bound.com

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“Can’t last.” Again, he slapped her ass. That burn added to the delicious burn of their lovemaking. His thrusts turned frantic and sweat beaded on his forehead. Mindy arched as far back as she could, attempting to kiss him. “Yes, babe.” Arran nipped her bottom lip and grabbed her hips hard. His cock throbbed and his balls slapped her clit. She fisted the sheets. Damn. She’d just come moments earlier. Again? The dizzying waves of orgasm gripped her. Her knees wobbled. “Mine.” The word came out as a cross between a shout and a growl. Arran slumped against her back and braced himself on his hands. Weightlessness and slumber captured her. She buried her face in the pillow. Every ounce of her energy fled. “Whoa,” she murmured. Arran withdrew and fell down beside her. “You’re pretty whoa, too.” She snuggled into the crook of his arm. For the first time in her life she felt safe, sated, and wholly loved.

**** Sunlight crept across the room in fingers of pink and yellow when she awoke. She stretched her muscles, each one aching and screaming more than the last. A glint from her diamond threw tiny rainbows across the room. How long had she been out? She glanced at the clock and chuckled. It didn’t matter what time it was. “I’m married. It’s so hard to fathom, but I am married.” Arran walked his fingers up her sternum. “What are you thinking about, Mrs Mayes?” “How I got here.” He rubbed his hips against her thigh. His cock thrummed, ready to go again. “Well, let me see. Your parents had sex. A sperm met up with an egg, you were formed and nine months or so later, out popped a mini Mindy.” “Not what I meant.” Mindy snuggled in closer to Arran and palmed his erection, caressing him. “It seems crazy, irrational…and somehow right, you know? I guess convention was never my style.” www.total-e-bound.com

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“Who needs convention? I’m dying to test your skills with the strap-on.” “Absolutely. Think we’ll make it to our golden anniversary?” “You doubt?” He kissed her temple. “I’m certain. Now if Nate can come through with the building, I’ll be ready to get the pizzeria up and running. I’ve got the house and the girl. I don’t need anything else.” “So we’re good?” “You love me, warts and all. I love you, warts and all. Things are where they should be, so yeah…I’m better than good.”

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Please Remember Me Wendi Zwaduk

Excerpt Chapter One

I told him I’m coming back to Crawford because I want to see him. Jade smoothed her hands over her satin jacket and squared her shoulders. Men never got to Jade Weir, movie star. It wasn’t an option. She held control…except when it came to the copper-haired deputy with eyes the colour of tropical ocean water. Just the thought of Deputy Marlon Cross made her thighs heat. They’d shared one quick kiss when she’d said goodbye at the sheriff’s department but, good grief, how the kiss had stayed with her. The memory of the rasp of his beard abraded her cheeks and kicked her desire up a few notches. She fanned her face. No matter how many sexy text messages and double entendre emails they’d shared, a handsome man like him wouldn’t be on the market for long. The lights flickered in his living room. That was a pretty good indication he was home, right? Shit, was he alone? She folded her hands in front of her mouth and peered around the lot. Three cars sat outside his apartment. His? A girlfriend’s? Pain seared her chest in the vicinity of her heart, making her gasp. God! Here she sat in a car pining for a man who probably had a woman in there with him. Glancing in the rear view mirror, she ran her tongue over her teeth to remove the stray lipstick and rubbed the sleep smudges from under her eyes. “I look like I’ve been on a bender,” she muttered, “rather than clean for six months.” Driving sixteen hours straight wasn’t her best idea, but it had got her the rest of the way to Crawford, Ohio. Would Marlon recognise her without the heavy mask of makeup? Fingercombing her hair, she considered pulling the strands back into a clip. The last time she’d seen him, the colourist had insisted she looked best with platinum highlights. With a final look at her makeup—modest by Hollywood standards—she opened the car door. No one recognised the slightly dented Benz or the Topher Azad jeans and hoodie she

wore under the jacket. Not exactly glamorous, but not awful. Her phone buzzed as she slid out of the seat. She glanced at the screen before flicking open the phone. “Hey, Bobby. Yeah, I’m in town, so keep an eye out in case they came, too. We’ll meet up tomorrow.” “Yup,” came the reply just before the line went dead. Jade closed the car door with a snick and forced herself towards Marlon’s front door. She shoved her phone in her jacket pocket. Each noise, each little movement, put her on edge. A gale of laughter and shouting came from the neighbouring apartment. She nibbled her top lip as her high heels clicked on the pavement. Please don’t let any of Daddy’s goons or the press be on my tail. From his open living room window came the gentle sounds of his television, accompanied by soft groans. What the heck was he watching? More importantly, was he alone? She closed her eyes and took a long breath, letting it pass slowly between her lips on the exhale. I’m visiting a friend. Opening her eyes, she inched forwards. No one knows where I am and I can blend in. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Don’t turn back. She stopped at the bottom of the short set of stairs and held on to the wrought iron railing. I can do this. Thumps came from the other side of his door. Fear and revulsion coursed through her veins as she crept towards the porch. The soft thumping grew louder. He did have someone there with him. Had to. Hot guys of his calibre weren’t alone for very long. Aw, shit. “Jade!” Her hand hovered over the doorbell. Had he just called her name? Shaking her head, she blew off the word she’d heard. A man like Marlon didn’t yearn for a woman like her. He probably fantasised about the old Jade, the Jade who took her clothes off to get attention. The Jade who ate drugs for dinner and passed out at parties. The old Jade no longer existed. The new Jade, with thirty extra pounds, rounder cheeks, filled-out hips and honeyblonde hair, had taken her place. The Jade she’d become was the Jade she’d always been on the inside—Jaden Marie Haydenweir. Sure, she still wore designer and insisted her hair be in a perfect tousle. No need to go totally off the deep end.

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Her father’s parting words rang in her ears. “You can’t make it on your own. Men want the ideal. Without the gloss, you look like the girl next door and not the ones on television. Men want fantasy, not your boring reality. You’ll see I’m right.” Taking one more deep breath, she fisted her hand. “Jade!” Had he seen her? Without thinking, she spoke. “I’m out here!” Her eyes widened and she slapped both hands over her mouth. Oh God, had she just answered him? What would his girlfriend say? Turning around, she stepped off the small concrete porch and retreated to the parking lot. The click of her heels echoed in the silence of the evening. No, he wouldn’t see her beg or embarrass herself again. When they’d kissed in the parking lot of the airport, her blood had heated. Her mind had spun. Words she’d only spoken in jest before had flowed from her lips, I love you. She shivered. Love at first kiss wasn’t possible. Well, not in the real world— only in movies. When she reached her car, she gripped the door handle and rested her forehead on the cool frame. Tears of mortification pricked her eyes. She had never seen another woman, but he couldn’t be alone. Maybe he’d found someone else named Jade. “Who’s out here? Jade?”

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About the Author I always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favourites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line. I earned a BA in education at Kent State University and currently hold a Master’s in Education with Nova Southeastern University. I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals. Email: [email protected] Wendi Zwaduk loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Wendi Zwaduk What Might Have Been Ever Fallen In Love Please Remember Me Careless Whisper Tangled Up You’ll Think of Me My Immortal Must Be Doing Something Right Learning How to Bend Treble: Savin’ Me

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