He walked over to Aleah and kissed her cheek as if they’d been best friends all their lives; I didn’t know they knew each other. Be that as it may, Aleah did have connections to all sorts of athletes, so it shouldn’t surprise me that they were acquainted. “Thanks for setting this up for me,” Ryan said to her.

  Ryan and I had dated on and off for the past two years. Our schedules always conflicted, and we never saw each other. Did I enjoy our time together? Most certainly, but he was a huge flirt. Even though he never got caught, I had no doubt he snuck around with other women while we were together. At the same time, I wasn’t in love with him, so I never let it get to me. It was hard for someone to hurt you when they didn’t have your heart.

  “What’s going on you two?” I called out.

  Ryan ran over and hoisted me in his arms, making me shriek. “You are so fucking beautiful, Emma. I’ve missed you so much.” He set me down and winked over at Aleah. “Aleah’s writing a piece on me, and I wanted you with me for the photoshoot. I thought it could break the ice between us.” A smirk spread across his lips, and he laughed. “Okay, that pun kind of slipped in there.”

  Rolling my eyes, I couldn’t help but giggle. “It was kind of cheesy.”

  Ryan slid his arms around my waist. “What I’m saying is that I really have missed you. I want to give us another shot.”

  Before I could tell him I didn’t think it would work out, the roof door opened, and my eyes locked on a familiar emerald gaze. I hated how my heart gunned into overdrive at the sight of him, dressed only in a pair of black athletic shorts with his upper body smooth and bare, showing off his well-toned muscles. Hands covered in red hand wraps, he looked like he was about to step into the ring. I loathed myself for wanting him, desiring him. I’d done my best to avoid Carter, and now he was here, his angry gaze locked on Ryan, who still had his arms around me.

  Chapter 12

  Carter

  Motherfucker. What was this horseshit?

  Aleah bounced over to me and flung her arms around my neck. “You’re early! Good, this gives you and Emma time to catch up before your photoshoot. I knew she’d be perfect for the job. You two have always been comfortable with each other.”

  Clenching my teeth, I watched as Emma posed with her cunt of an ex. He had his hands all over her as they posed for the pictures; I wanted to rip his arms off. “You failed to mention any of this to me,” I huffed.

  “Hey,” Aleah said, squeezing my wrist. I tore my gaze away from Emma and focused on her. Aleah’s smile faded as she glanced back and forth between the three of us. “Am I missing something? Why are you mad? I thought you’d like working with Emma.”

  My attention went back to Emma, and I couldn’t tear my eyes off her. Her bare skin shimmered in the sun, and her dark hair now had caramel wisps that weren’t there before. I could almost remember how it felt to touch her and have her nails rake down my back as she screamed out my name. I have always wanted her, and now she was right in front of me in another man’s arms, the arms of someone I knew had been with her the way I had. And now, I had to watch him touch her as if she was his.

  “Carter, talk to me,” Aleah demanded, her voice low. “I’ve never seen you this angry. What’s going on?”

  The photographer directed Ryan and Emma to change positions, and Ryan moved even closer to her. I had to force myself to look away before I lost my shit.

  “I wasn’t expecting Emma to be here, much less with that prick,” I hissed.

  Aleah stepped in front of me. “Ryan’s not that bad. He wants Emma back and thought this would work.”

  “He’s a fucking tool. He doesn’t deserve her,” I fired back.

  Aleah pinned me with her honey-toned stare, crossing her arms over her chest. “And who does? You?”

  “That’s not what I’m saying,” I spat out quickly.

  A slow, wry smile spread across her face. “It’s not what you’re saying but how you’re acting.” She peered over at Ryan and Emma again. “I mean, correct me if I’m wrong, but you’re seriously giving off the jealousy vibes right now.” When I didn’t respond, her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh my God, you have a thing for Emma. I had my suspicions years ago but never saw anything happen.”

  My jaw muscles hurt from clenching my teeth so hard. “That’s because we didn’t let anyone see it.”

  Aleah sucked back a gasp. “Have you two like …” She waved her hands in front of her as if she was trying to find the right words. “Gotten close?” she finished. Again, my silence was her answer. Her mouth gaped, and she grabbed her chest. “Holy shit, you have. And here I am flaunting her in front of you with another guy. I’m so sorry.”

  She couldn’t be blamed for this.

  I shrugged. “Emma left for New York, and I went my own way. It’s fine. We haven’t spoken in a long time.”

  Groaning, Aleah shook her head incredulously. “First off, I’m going to kill you for not telling me any of this. And second,” she griped, holding up her hands, “I got this. I’m team Carter all the way.”

  “What are you going to do?” I wondered.

  Aleah winked. “Getting you what you want. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know what that is.”

  She strolled over to the photographer and stepped in between Ryan and Emma so she could hug him. Emma refused to look at me again, but she was about to have no choice. Aleah waved me over, and I made my way to her and Emma.

  Ryan marched toward me with a warning glare in his eyes. “Carter Reynolds. Great fight the other night.”

  Did he mean it? No chance in hell. “Thanks,” I replied dryly.

  He stepped in my way before I could get to Emma. “I saw the way you were looking at my girl. She’s off-limits, got it?”

  Lips pulled back in a fake smile, I spoke through gritted teeth. “If you don’t get out of my way, I will break your fucking face.”

  Ryan glowered at me, but I didn’t let my grin falter. Reluctantly, he moved out of the way, and Aleah laughed nervously when she came to my side. “All right, let’s get you two started. I’m going to take Ryan to my office so I can finish his interview.”

  Grumbling under his breath, Ryan tensed and flexed his muscles, which broadened my grin. Once he walked away with Aleah, I turned my gaze to Emma, and the tension spiked between us. She still had yet to look at me.

  The photographer waved me over. “Okay, you two,” he called out to Emma and me. “Let’s try a couple of different poses. Carter, why don’t you stand with your back to me and turn your head to the right so I can see your side profile. I want it to look as if you’re focused solely on Emma.” I stepped in front of the camera and did as he said, only nothing could take my attention off Emma. She was so close, yet so far away. “Good,” Chris acknowledged with excitement in his tone. “Now I want you to wrap your arm around Emma’s waist as she faces the camera. Emma, sweetheart, I need you to move closer to Carter.”

  Emma huffed under her breath, but it wasn’t out of disgust … it was nervousness. I could sense it all around her. Out of all these years we’d been apart, she still wanted me the way I wanted her. She just didn’t want to admit it.

  She moved closer, and I slid my right arm around her waist, drawing her into my side. “It’s nice to see you too, Emma,” I murmured low. “It’s been four years, and this is what it’s come down to?”

  Emma snapped her head to the side, glaring at me with her sea-green eyes. “Please. Have you honestly missed me?”

  She had no clue. Before I could respond, the photographer cleared his throat. “Am I interrupting?”

  Plastering on a smile, Emma held up her hands. “No, of course not. We’re ready.”

  Emma slid closer to my side, and I held her tighter, watching her face as she posed for the camera. She hadn’t changed much in four years, but she was still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.

  “I see your ex wants you back,” I said.

  Emma rolled her eyes. “Like you care. You’ve had plenty of women to keep you busy over the years.”

  There was jealousy in her voice, and it riled me up. Leaning in close, I breathed her in, loving the familiar scent of her strawberry shortcake lotion. “Yeah, but none of them were you.”

  Chapter 13

  Emma

  Out of all the jobs I’ve had to do in my lifetime, this one was the hardest. I couldn’t concentrate with Carter’s hands on me. My photoshoot with Ryan only lasted a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity with Carter.

  Chris clapped his hands. “All right, we’re done. You two sure did steam up my camera.”

  Heat rising to my cheeks, I walked away to put distance between Carter and me, but he followed close on my heels. “We need to talk,” he demanded.

  I jerked around, wishing like hell I didn’t have to look in his eyes. They were easy to get lost in, which was the last thing I needed right now. “About what?” I challenged, knowing he would keep following me if I didn’t acknowledge him. “You have your own life, and I have mine. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

  Carter’s eyes darkened as he looked down at me, his body towering over mine. “It’s what you wanted too. Or am I wrong? You seem pissed, and for the life of me, I don’t know why. I did exactly what you wanted.”

  That wasn’t true. At the time, I was too afraid to tell Carter what I truly wanted. It was best to cut ties and lose him for good than really get my heart broken. Sadly, who was I kidding? It broke anyway.

  A laugh escaped my lips, but there was no humor to it. “That’s for damn sure. The second I left for New York, you ended up cock deep in every woman you could get your hands on.”

  Carter stepped closer, and I had no choice but to back up. “And you ended up with that fucktard downstairs. Are you two getting back together?”

  The audacity was mind-boggling. Carter had no right to be angry about anything. Crossing my arms over my chest, I shot him a nasty glare. “That’s none of your business.”

  The door opened, and Aleah came out, carrying my bag. What was she doing? She waved at me with a sheepish grin on her face. “Hey, girl. I’m going to be a while finishing up the interview with Ryan. Do you mind if Carter gives you a ride back to my place?”

  “Wait, what?” I gasped, panic rising in my chest. “No, that’s not going to work.”

  “Please,” she begged. “I don’t want you having to stay here. You’ll be bored out of your mind.”

  Shaking my head, I said no a million times, but she completely ignored me. Aleah handed my bag to me and quickly took off for the door, waving as she hurried away. “I’ll see you later,” she shouted, the door shutting behind her.

  Everything happened so fast that all I could do was stand there in shock. “This can’t be happening.” But once the shock wore off, I stormed to the door. “I’m calling a cab.”

  Carter ran up beside me and slammed the door when I tried to open it. “No, you’re not.”

  My eyes burned so hot I could feel the fire in my veins. “Like hell, I’m not. Get out of my way, Carter.”

  He kept his hand on the door. “I heard about the letter, Emma. It’s not safe for you to be out and about alone.”

  Of course, someone had to tell him. “I’m fine,” I snapped. “I can take care of myself. If you want me to show you, I can.” Carter smirked, and I shook my head. “Never mind. You’d probably like that too much."

  Carter shrugged. “Maybe so. But right now, you’re coming with me, even if I have to haul you over my shoulder and carry you right past your boyfriend. That’ll end up a giant fucking mess. He’s already told me you’re off-limits. I’d hate to have to break his legs before his next game.”

  Carter had always been true to his word, and I had no doubt he wouldn’t hesitate to follow through on his threat. I couldn’t let that happen. “Fine,” I grumbled. “Take me to Aleah’s. The sooner we get out of here, the faster I can get away from you.” Carter opened the door, and we stepped into the elevator, his body so achingly close. “Seriously? Can you give me some space?”

  “Nope. I like where I’m standing,” he countered, his tone smug.

  Much to my dismay, I liked it too. “You’re such a pain in the ass.”

  Carter chuckled, his laugh sending shivers through my body. “Me being this close never bothered you before.”

  I didn’t want to hate Carter, but I did. Yes, I decided to move to New York, and I knew something serious wouldn’t work between us, not when he was about to start competing in the UFC. The distance would’ve torn us apart. I never realized how angry and bitter I’d become seeing him with all those different women. Over time, it was easier to despise him than hold onto my true feelings.

  When the elevator doors opened, I stepped out into the lobby and glanced over at Carter, still bare-chested in his athletic shorts. “Don’t you have some clothes you can change into?”

  “Yep,” he answered. “That’s why you’re coming with me to the hotel.”

  I stopped right in the middle of the lobby floor. “I’m not doing that.”

  Carter turned around, his face grave as he moved closer. “Believe it or not, Emma, but I’m honest to God, truly worried about you.” Quickly, he glimpsed around at the people in the lobby who’d all stopped to watch us. “Now that I’m here,” he said, his voice smooth and deep, “I’m not leaving you alone for something to happen to you.”

  His protectiveness was what made me fall for him in the first place. He had always been the serious one out of our group, but he was gentle when he needed to be. Hearing his words only confused me more.

  “Why do you care?” I breathed.

  Carter brushed a thumb over my cheek. “Because I do.”

  The ride to the hotel was silent until a call from Ryan came through. I didn’t want to answer it, but I knew I couldn’t ignore him, not after what happened today.

  “Hey, Ryan,” I answered.

  “Hey. I thought we could go out tonight. You up for it?”

  Carter’s grip on his steering wheel tightened, and I knew it was because he could hear every word. As much as I wanted to deny it, I found his jealousy sexy.

  Blowing out a sigh, I closed my eyes. “I’m sorry, Ryan, but I’m not feeling very well. I’m heading out early for L.A. tomorrow.”

  Ryan huffed. “So, I guess that means you’re done with me? There’s no chance of us getting back together?”

  I didn’t want to hurt him, and it killed me having to turn him down. The truth of the matter was that he’d be able to find someone with the snap of his fingers. He wouldn’t be heartbroken for long over me.

  Leaning my head against the headrest, I opened my eyes and looked out the sunroof of Carter’s silver Range Rover at the blue sky above. “I’m sorry, Ryan. The timing’s not good right now.”

  “You’re with him, aren’t you? What makes him better than me?” Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the smirk on Carter’s face.

  “Right now, nothing,” I replied. “I’m just not in the mood to deal with any of this. You’re a great guy, you truly are. But, honestly, I’m not ready for a relationship, simple as that.”

  Ryan blew out a defeated sigh. “I understand. Call me if you change your mind.”

  Relief spread through me, putting me at ease. I didn’t want this deal with Ryan to drag on. “I will,” I uttered, knowing I never would. “Be safe on your way back to New York.”

  “Always.”

  He hung up, and I slid my phone back into my bag, holding up a hand to cut Carter off; I knew he was about to speak. “Not a word. I don’t want to hear it,” I warned.

  Carter stayed quiet the whole way to the hotel and even when we walked inside to the elevators. There were so many unspoken words between us. I wanted to tell him how I truly felt, but it wouldn’t matter. As soon as I had the okay to return to New York, I’d be gone, putting us back at square one. All of this would be pointless.

  The elevator dropped us off on Carter’s floor, and I followed him to his room. He swiped the key card and opened the door, waiting for me to enter first. I walked in and went straight to the window, my body feeling as if I was going to explode with all the emotions warring inside me.

  Carter’s reflection appeared in the window behind me. “What happened to us, Emma?”

  “We grew up,” I whispered.

  He moved closer, and I could feel the heat of his body. “That’s not it. We were close. I was your first kiss, and you were mine.”

  The memories flooded back, and it hurt my heart to think about them. They were special times, times I thought he’d forgotten. We were just kids when he gave me my first kiss. It happened on one of the many vacations our families took together. This time we were in Miami, Florida, on the hotel roof. Our parents had rented out the penthouse, which included the entire rooftop, where we had a private pool and hot tub. He was twelve, and I was ten, and Braden always joked that he would be my first kiss. Carter refused to let that happen. When no one was looking, he kissed me; it was one of the sweetest moments of my life. I thought it would always be like that.

  Even though our first kiss was a monumental occasion in my life, it wasn’t the memory my mind kept hold of. Another memory ranked higher on the scales. Not only was Carter my first kiss, but he was my first love in all ways.

  “We changed, Carter. We’re not the same two kids who’d sneak off and steal kisses in the closets behind our parents’ back.”

  Carter traced a finger over my shoulder and swept my hair to the side. “And I guess we’re not the same two people who made love for the first time in my bed.” His lips touched the back of my neck and I jerked away, my chest trembling recklessly. Carter tried to grab my arm, but I moved away too quickly. “Why do you keep running away from me?”