I look over, find her staring, and shrug.

  “She’s checking you out. Please… please… please… go over and dance with her, so I can spend some time with Ethan.”

  The music changes to a slow love song. Stacey presses herself against Ethan’s chest and locks her arms firmly around him.

  “Fuck,” Olivia whispers.

  It kills me to watch her go through this. I place my hand on her back and steer her off to the side. I’m flocked by a group of girls who seem to be infatuated with my blue eyes and accent. Screw you, again, McCabe. Tempting as it is, I turn down several invitations to dance. I don’t want to leave Olivia standing here alone, but one of them won’t take no for an answer. She engages me in a little dirty dancing, right there against the wall. I must admit, I’m not completely hating it. The booze, the music, and the smoking hot body grinding against me distract me longer than it should. I glance over her shoulder in time to see Olivia heading across the dance floor as if she’s just been shot out of a cannon.

  It’s tempting to let her go and see what unfolds. Instead, loyalty gets the better of me. I knock people over in my attempt to reach her in time and catch her, midway across the dance floor. “Whoa!” I band my arms around her waist from behind, to stop her. “Where are you going?”

  “I’m going to peel that SKANK off my man!” she says through clenched teeth.

  It isn’t funny, but I laugh. “Oh no, you’re not. Well, at least not while you look like you want to stab someone.” I turn her around and escort her back to the other side. Ethan gives me a look of gratitude from across the room. I nod my acknowledgment. She’s literally trembling with anger. As an alpha male, it triggers that instinctive need I have to protect her. Despite my determination to stay out of it, Olivia becomes my first priority. “Listen to me. I know it’s hard to watch, but I know Ethan. He’s an asshole, but he’s not a liar. He told me tonight that he loves you.”

  For the first time since I marched her back over here, she focuses on me. Her expression morphs from anger to sheer terror. Clearly, that wasn’t the right thing to say. “I just mean; there must be a good reason he’s letting this happen.”

  Her eyes dart between him and me. “I’m not important enough,” she says, looking deflated.

  “Don’t say that. You’re very important to him. For some reason, that woman has latched onto him like a tick on a kangaroo.” The darkness doesn’t mask the tears in her eyes. I glance at the dance floor, watching as Ethan consistently moves her hands off his ass. I growl, struggling to accept what I know I have to do. I have to put a stop to this. “Listen, you just stay here. Okay? I’ll look after it.” Needing liquid encouragement, I tip my bottle to my mouth and drain it.

  “Carter? What are you going to do?” she asks, worried.

  I like that she’s concerned. I pinch her chin and smile. “You look absolutely miserable, and I can’t take it anymore. I’m going to do what I should have a few hours ago. I’m going to suck it up and take one for the team.”

  Olivia lets out a heavy sigh of relief, “Thank you, Carter. You’re a good friend.”

  “Yes, I am. And you’re going to owe me one. A huge one, I might add.”

  “Anything, I promise.”

  If only. I take a long look at her, remembering the way she looks at me in my dreams. I nod. “All right, let’s get on with it. It’s your turn to order me a drink. I’m going to need it.”

  I dodge my admirers and make my way onto the dance floor. Tapping Ethan on the shoulder, I ask to cut in. Stacey glances over at Olivia with hatred in her eyes. Ethan makes a quick exit, leaving me standing there with an extremely pissed off blonde. I’ve always loved a good challenge. “Don’t look so disappointed, beautiful.”

  She reluctantly takes my outstretched hand, and I reel her in. It takes everything I have to smile and create the illusion that I’m interested in her. Her body remains stiff in my arms, making it difficult to dance.

  “Come on, now,” I coax. “I don’t bite.” I lower my mouth to her ear. “That’s a lie. I do.” I feel her body respond and it pleases me. I know her type. The kind of woman who puts on a strong and dominant facade, but responds to a man who can control her in the bedroom. That’s the reason for her attraction to Ethan. The submissive in her is drawn to his alpha personality. She hasn’t seen anything yet. As the music vibrates around us, I pull her close and lead her. She responds as I knew she would. I feel her warm breath against my chest as she nuzzles in under my chin and takes refuge there. It’s the safest place a submissive could be. My hands firmly anchor her against my body, slowly but surely, staking my claim.

  I lower my cheek to hers and breathe in her perfume. It’s seductive, yet sophisticated. I’m a sucker for the provocative fragrances women wear. Her hands explore my chest as if there’s not a single other person in the room. Instinctively, I tangle my hand in her hair and give it a slow firm tug, discreetly forcing her to look up at me. I watch her chest expand with her quick intake of breath, and it makes me hard. “How wet are you right now?” I already know the answer. Her hips push forward against me as she twitches. The dim lights hide the victorious grin that begins to curl on my lips. I hold her gaze until a silent understanding passes between us.

  Suddenly I become the guy I was back in college. The guy I’ve been trying to leave behind. It’s an impulse that comes over me, and I can’t stop it. “You and I are going to go over to that dark corner under the stairs, and I’m going to fuck you. Do you understand?” I loosen my grip on her and wait for her to comply.

  Without a word, she turns, and I steer her across the floor. The moment the darkness conceals us from view, she unzips my trousers and slips my cock out. You’d think I’d be concerned about someone catching us, but I’m not. I press my lips to hers in a hungry kiss and pin her to the wall. I know she’s ready for me and there’s not a thing beneath this dress to stop me. Discreetly I lift her and slide inside. In a forgotten corner of a crowded bar, I give the girl the pounding of her life. She won’t be thinking about O’Connell in the morning. I’ll make sure of it.

  When I open my eyes the next morning, she’s sleeping at the furthest side of the bed. I’m grateful for the personal space since I’m not the cuddling kind. After a long shower, I escort her to the corner coffee shop. The least I can do is buy the girl breakfast before sending her on her way. Businessmen glance at me over the tops of their newspapers and smirk. I’ve always bought breakfast for the girls after a casual hookup, and it’s never bothered me before. For some reason, today, I feel like I’m doing the walk of shame.

  A pair of stunning blue eyes stares at me from behind a computer screen, looking disgusted. When our eyes meet, I get a nervous feeling. A strange energy zips through my veins like a drug. I slow my pace as I walk past her, feeling as if I should speak to her, but I have no words.

  A snide smile, which I don’t understand, flashes across Stacey’s lips as we pass. As I glance back at her one more time, I see a sadness in her eyes as she closes her laptop and leaves. I don’t know why, but I feel like I’ve disappointed her. I give my head a shake, trying to pull myself back to reality. I’m really beginning to think I need to see a psychiatrist because I’m clearly losing my mind.

  Stacey busies herself with her phone the entire time she drinks her coffee. I can’t get those sad blue eyes out of my mind. I stare out the window, wondering where she went after she left. Stacey and I barely speak but a few words to each other, before I put her in a cab and say goodbye. There’s no exchange of numbers or offers to keep in touch. We both know what last night was. The sex was fucking amazing, and obviously, something we both desired and needed, but that will be the end of it.

  I don’t feel much like going into the office for the next few days. It’s probably a better idea for me to lay low right now, anyway. I’ve had a few really late nights.

  I’m wishing I’d taken Ethan up on his earlier offer to go a few rounds at the gym. Maybe kicking his ass would help settle the turmoil inside me. Instead, I’ll just stay in my hotel room, do some push-ups and try to burn off some of this energy. I’m just finishing up my last repetition when there’s a loud pounding on the hotel door. I knew that sooner or later, he’d figure out I’m avoiding him.

  “Open the door, you dick, I know you’re in there,” Ethan says, as he bangs again, impatiently.

  I wipe the sweat from my brow with a towel and take a leisurely walk to the door. He can bloody well wait. When he hears the click of the deadbolt, he pushes the door open and shoulders past me, knocking me to the side.

  “Are you alone?” He looks around the room and turns, waiting for an explanation.

  “Yes.” I have half a mind to call security and have him thrown out, but I doubt that’s possible since he owns the hotel.

  “What took you so long to answer the door?”

  “What are you doing here?” I ask, not hiding my aggravation.

  “I came to see what the fuck is wrong with you.”

  I think about it a minute. “Nothing is wrong.” Nothing I’m eager to share with him, that’s for sure.

  “Really?” He raises his brow. “It’s not like you to pass on an opportunity to take a few swings at me.” He sits in the chair at the desk by the window and crosses his feet at the ankle. “I’m not leaving until you tell me what’s going on.”

  I might as well give in since it’s not in his nature to let anything go, and I really would like to get him out of here. “Let me get my shoes on,” I sigh. “We can go down to the pub for a beer.”

  I’m two beers in, and considering all the possible outcomes of the conversation where I tell him I think I’m in love with Olivia, and every one of them ends in Ethan blowing an Irish gasket.

  A woman, sitting at a corner table on the other side of the bar captures my attention. I can’t seem to take my eyes off her. The shadows mask her identity, but I’ve seen her somewhere before. Hmmm. That seems to be the new thing with me.

  While Ethan continues to give me an ear-bashing, I look past him to see what she’s doing. Even from across the bar, her raspberry lips look soft and delicious. They’re nothing in comparison to the intense blue of her eyes. I’ve seen those eyes before. It isn’t until I see her flash a disapproving look at a drunken admirer that I recognize her as the woman from the coffee shop. That same feeling sizzles through my body like a spark plug trying to fire.

  Growing impatient with my lack of interest, Ethan turns completely in his seat to see what has me so captivated. He whistles, “Fuck, man, is that what’s got you so twisted?”

  “What? No!” I deny.

  “Lying bastard.” Ethan mutters as he tips his beer glass against his lips. “Have you talked to her?”

  “What’s the point? I’m going home in a week.”

  “Did you just ask me what the point is? The point is you’re still here for a week.” His brow furrows. “What the fuck is wrong with you? I seriously think you need to get laid. Apparently going a few weeks without a woman messes up your head.”

  My jaw clenches. Apparently, he doesn’t know about Stacey. I pause, recalling a recent dream about this beautiful blonde... or memory… or whatever the fuck they are. I quickly shake it out of my head. Once upon a time, a good fuck would take the edge off, but not at the moment. Sexual desires seem to be the root of my current affliction.

  “Are you going to sulk for the rest of the week? Or are you going to talk to her?” Ethan persists.

  “That depends. Are you going to be an annoying dick for the rest of the week?”

  Ethan laughs out loud. “Okay, not another word, I swear.”

  “Thanks, mate, I appreciate it.” I get to my feet and look around, spotting the toilet at the back of the bar. “I’ll be right back.”

  I’m only halfway across the room when Ethan takes advantage of the opportunity, walking straight over to the corner table.

  I shake my head as I disappear down the hallway. Some things never change. The few moments I’m away from them is enough time to wind myself closer to the possibility I might chuck a mental, and it won’t be pretty.

  When I return, she watches me pass on the way to the bar.

  “Australia? No kidding?” I hear her say to Ethan. She lets out a small sweet laugh, and for a brief moment, my heart stalls.

  Ethan hands her a pen, and she turns over what looks like his business card and writes something on it. He grins when she hands it to him.

  I glare at them from across the room. She senses my stare and looks over. There’s something in her eyes that’s beyond sensual; it’s erotic. Somehow, I know she’s hiding some very dark, naughty desires.

  Ethan has never been able to resist a beautiful woman, but this is too much. What a dickhead. I can’t watch anymore. I turn in my seat and watch the bubbles in my beer float to the top of the glass instead. He certainly doesn’t deserve Olivia. My leg jiggles anxiously on the rung of the barstool. Repeatedly tapping the drink coaster on the edge of the bar, I’m trying really hard not to lose my mind. “Fuck the friendship!” I slam the coaster down hard and get to my feet. When I turn, I nearly bump into him.

  “Whoa! Relax, buddy. It looks like that vein in your forehead is about to explode.”

  “What the fuck, Ethan?”

  “Now, don’t jump to conclusions, Brant. I did it for you.” Ethan hands me the business card. “In case you change your mind.”

  I glance down at her name and struggle to think of why it seems familiar to me. “Kate Ryan.”

  I look across the room as she gets to her feet. She’s truly a beautiful woman, with soft, feminine curves to her body. She bears a striking resemblance to a woman I’ve been dreaming about. It’s surprising I get any sleep at all these days. I’m vaguely aware Ethan is still talking.

  “She said she’s seen you here every night this week and was hoping you would have said hello.”

  I mumble excuses as I settle up the bar tab and slide her card into my wallet. Walking back to the hotel, O’Connell doesn’t shut his yap for a minute. I’m tired of listening to him. “Do you ever get tired of hearing your own voice?” I ask.

  “Not usually.”

  “Apparently. I don’t even know why you need to be in a relationship with a woman. You talk to yourself and answer your own questions,” I jest.

  “I usually have the best suggestions. Besides, Olivia has an objection to being in a relationship.”

  Now that sparks my curiosity. “Oh?”

  “Yeah,” he answers, looking displeased. “She says she doesn’t want to be in a monogamous relationship.”

  “You mean she wants to see other people?” Is the man absolutely nuts? A beautiful, intelligent, amazing woman like Olivia James, and he’s not staking his claim? I’d claim her for my own in a minute and make sure there’d be no misunderstanding who she belonged to. “If she were my girl, I’d already have a ring on that finger. Are you willing to share her, mate?”

  His face turns red as his anger starts to boil to the surface. “Fuck, no!”

  “That’s what I thought. Think about it, Ethan. Once again, you’ve left the door wide open for assholes like Reese to get a foot in.”

  That comment obviously cuts straight into his heart. “Fuck you, Brant!”

  I stop in my tracks and turn to face him. “Sorry. But you needed to hear it. She loves you. Get your shit sorted out, treat her right, and don’t fuck it up because there will always be some prick waiting for a chance with a girl like Olivia.”

  As I drift into a deep sleep, I’m transported back in time.

  I hate these ridiculous social gatherings. The only thing worse than the mutilated melodies the town orchestra calls music is the irritating sound of Seán’s voice. I’ve moved away from him twice, but he hasn’t gotten the hint. I settle in a spot against the wall, across from the door so I can watch for my brother. The daft redhead follows me and continues with his nonsense. I’m about to tell him to stifle his shit when I glance over his shoulder and see her.

  I swallow hard, and my voice abandons me. Even from across the room, Elizabeth O’Connor’s smile is capable of stopping my heart. I’ve always thought my brother’s girl is a beautiful woman, but tonight she’s absolutely taken my breath away. Seán stops mid-sentence and turns to see what’s captured my attention.

  “Now, there’s a girl I’ll be dancing with tonight,” Seán says, with a repulsive smile.

  I can’t take my eyes off her. I follow her every move as she makes her way around the room, her brunette curls flowing across her shoulders. I give my head a small shake, trying to rid myself of unwanted thoughts. “I can’t see Owen letting you get anywhere near her,” I scoff.

  Seán looks around the room. “He isn’t even here.”

  “He’ll be here,” I assure him.

  Seán’s distracted me too long, making me lose track of her. I desperately search for her in the crowd. When I find her, she’s engaged in a very passionate kiss. Angst washes over me. I’m not quite sure when my brother arrived, but I’m glad Elizabeth is no longer unescorted. Watching over her in his absence would be a painful task, this evening.

  She wipes her lipstick from his lips, and I wish they were mine. Owen takes her hand and gently pulls her on to the dance floor. She hesitates at first, taking small slow steps. Watching her amuses me. I’m sure letting go of control and allowing Owen to partner her is probably driving her over the edge right now.

  Her dress sways sensually around her as he guides her across the room. Seán whistles, reminding me he’s still there. “You know,” he begins, glancing over at me. “You know what, Liam? If she were my girl, she wouldn’t be walking around, unescorted. She’d be home looking after all the kids we’d have.”

  I quickly correct him, feeling annoyed. “Well, she’s not you’re girl, Seán.”

  “She could be,” he justifies, watching Owen glide her across the dance floor. “Think of the beautiful children we’d have. How happy I’d make her,” Seán brags.