“Can I try it on?”

  He doesn’t hesitate. “If it gets you any closer to saying yes, then absolutely. All day long.”

  After yanking the ring from the box, he insists on sliding it onto my finger.

  The moment he does, my equilibrium fixes itself. Everything feels right. My world is perfect.

  Well, almost.

  I blink up at him. “Want to hear my version of an ideal life?”

  “Yes. Please tell me we can meet somewhere in the middle, Beth. I don’t want to live without you.”

  Finally, I reach out and touch him. “You’re the center of it. The only part of our past we ever think about is falling in love and learning from our mistakes so we can have an amazing future. I’m wearing this ring, and we’re planning a wedding. And buying a place on Maui, where I can be near my family, and we can live an insanely happy life together. Yes, we definitely have to catch up to my siblings in the baby department. I want our kiddos to play with their cousins. Professionally, you and I would have this great home-and-work relationship, and we’d make an amazing investment team to help the financial dreams of others come true. And most of all, I want to show you that I love you, too. And that I never stopped. That’s my perfect world.”

  “Seriously? For real?” Clint gapes, looking sucker-punched. “You’re saying yes?”

  I glance at the ring, then into the face of the man I never expected to love…and now can’t imagine living my life without. “I’m saying an enthusiastic hell yes.”

  Instantly, my reply fills the chasm between us and builds a bridge across the divide. He pulls me close, crushing me against his chest, then swoops down to claim me with a kiss that feels like a tender, passionate start on our forever.

  When we finally lift our heads long moments later, we’re both panting. “No joke, right?”

  “I love you. I have for a long time. And I think Bethany Holmes has a wonderful ring to it.”

  “My dad thought the same thing. In my last conversation with him, he tried to convince me that you and I would be perfect together.”

  I smile. “Your dad was a wonderful, wise man.”

  Clint kisses me again. This embrace takes even longer to tear ourselves away from. We’d both rather find the bedroom, but there are still things to settle…

  “How do you feel about moving to Maui?” I finally ask between long bouts of lip locks.

  “Actually, I was thinking of heading there anyway. Bret and Bry will be okay if I go. They’re men now. They’re both doing great. None of us want to sell the house here since it’s full of our childhood memories. Thankfully, my aunt Sandra has decided to leave Kansas after a miserable winter. So she’ll be moving here in a few weeks. We’re going to rent her the house. She’ll take good care of it. Problem solved.” He gives me a big grin. “When I was on the island, I fell in love with it and the people, just like I fell in love with you. So all we have to do is choose a date to get married and a house in which we’ll live happily ever after.”

  I’m beyond elated. When I first stepped foot on Maui, I never imagined the journey would change my life—and me—for the better. My heart feels like it might burst from my chest—in the best way possible.

  Tossing my arms around Clint, I kiss my way across his jaw before brushing my lips over his and tugging up on the hem of his very inconvenient shirt. “We’ll look at a calendar and real estate listings later. Right now, I can’t wait to be with you.”

  He cups my face in his hands. “Oh, sweetheart. You have no idea how desperate I’ve been to get my hands on you, how much I want to show you in every way possible that I love you. I’m thinking we should get started on the rest of our lives now. We can call the family and give them the good news later. Don’t you think?”

  Smiling, I flash him my engagement ring. “I do.”

  Get ready for a sexy AF temporary-fling, friends-to-lovers Reed Family Reckoning!

  When he became a single dad, Trace Weston swore off romance. Then his sister-in-law asks him to give her bestie, Masey, a post-breakup night of pleasure neither can forget in the first steamy, emotional Reed Family Reckoning: Friends novel.

  MORE THAN DARE YOU

  Reed Family Reckoning: Friends

  by Shayla Black

  (available in eBook, print, and audio)

  5 Stars! “More than Dare You...was every bit of a sexy, can’t-put-this-book-down page-turner I wanted it to be.” – Reading in the Red Room

  I dared her to spend a hot, no-strings night with me. Now I’m determined to keep her forever.

  I’m Trace Weston—recently reformed bad boy and full-time single father. My life is already complicated, but when my sister-in-law asks me to give her bestie, who just ended her long-term relationship with a cheating jerk, some hot, post-breakup pleasure, I’m game. I never expected to want Masey Garrett with a burning hunger, but she’s shy, sassy, driven, and incredibly kind. Suddenly I’m falling fast…but she’s only mine for a night.

  * * *

  What’s a former player to do? Change the rules.

  * * *

  Now she’s under my roof day and night. We’re playing house…but I want a real family. Though she loves my newborn son, the skittish beauty keeps her feelings about me a secret. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to win her over, but other than passion, how can I persuade Masey I’m the man for her? Sure, I could drop an L bomb…except that once imploded my heart. But when her past turns her world upside down, can I chance everything and dare Masey to stay with me forever?

  EXCERPT

  “She’s just wanting a one-night thing, right?”

  “Yeah. She’s looking to pop her post-Thom cherry with a manwhore who can show her everything she’s been missing. I told her you’d be perfect.”

  I try not to let Harlow’s words sting. Normally, I’d grin at that description and own it. I can’t deny that’s who I am. Well, who I was. But being a dad has made me look at life more seriously. I have my eye on the future now. Not the endless pussy I can chase but the actual months and years in front of me…and what I should fill them with. For my sister-in-law, though, I’ll do this favor and help her friend feel good.

  “Sure.”

  She winces. “Sorry if I offended you. I didn’t mean to.”

  “It’s fine. So she wants to know what it’s like to have someone other than Thom fuck her?”

  “Yes and no. Yes, she wants to know what it’s like for someone other than the selfish douche she dated for ten years to fuck her.” Harlow leans in and drops her voice. “But when Thom dumped her for a chick who masturbates online for a living, he told Masey she sucked in bed. It’s not good for a girl’s confidence.”

  I don’t know Masey and I don’t know Thom, but I’m pretty sure I know who the asshole is in this scenario. “I’m sure it’s not.”

  Ninety-nine times out of a hundred when some guy tells a girl that she sucks in the sack, it’s not her issue. But Thom is probably one of those without a self-reflective bone in his body and he can’t see how he contributed to their lackluster sex life. I’m not expecting Masey to be the best lay ever. But I doubt she actually needs more than a few orgasms and a confidence boost.

  “Even so, she wants to know what she could be doing better.”

  If Masey is looking for pointers, that’s easy enough. “No problem. Anything else?”

  “There’s a guy back home, apparently. Her hot neighbor. He asked her out right before she left home, and they plan to get together when she returns. Not that she thinks they’ll hop into the sack right away, but…better to be prepared, you know. Other than that?” Harlow shakes her head. “She’s not looking for more than a good time tonight, so don’t worry she’ll turn into a clinging vine.”

  Somehow, Harlow’s assurance makes me even more uncomfortable. But she’s merely asking me to help a friend in need, so I let it go. “Got it.”

  “Great. Just…be nice. I know you will. But she’s been through a lot with Thom. Even though she’s glued herself back together, she’s more fragile than she lets on.”

  It’s not a problem since I’m not usually an asshole. “Absolutely.”

  “I appreciate you doing this. If you’ll send her off in the morning with a loopy grin, I’ll be eternally grateful.”

  “One loopy grin, coming right up,” I reassure her. “If you’d like, I’ll make sure she’s bow-legged, too.”

  Harlow flashes me a megawatt smile. “That would be great! I knew there was a reason you’re my favorite brother-in-law.”

  “I’m your only brother-in-law.”

  “Details.” She gives me a playful wave of her hand. “Anyway, she wanted me to assure you that if you don’t find her attractive, there won’t be any hard feelings. Buy her a drink and tell her you’re busy tonight after all. Just do it gently.”

  At this point, I can’t picture that. Masey sounds like she needs TLC, and my sudden misgivings aside, I need to get laid after a five-month dry spell. It’s not a match made in heaven, but we can make it work for a night. “I’m sure it won’t be a problem. I’m assuming that if she doesn’t find me attractive, she’ll let me down easy, too?”

  “Sure.” Harlow shakes her head. “But that won’t be an issue.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  She leans in with a conspiratorial whisper. “I showed her your picture. I think I had to wipe the drool off her chin.”

  “Well, at least she has good taste,” I quip. “Got one of her? I haven’t seen—”

  A woman walks into my line of vision, a mere dozen feet away. Instantly, she ends my speech, stops my heart, and makes my dick jerk like a divining rod in her direction. She’s got reddish-brown curls that sway around her shoulders, a delicate profile, lush lashes that fan the palest porcelain cheeks, a red bow of a mouth that nearly has me crying for relief, and curves for days under her clinging, va-voom red dress.

  “Holy shit,” I mutter.

  Harlow turns and follows my line of vision. When her gaze lands on the brunette, she flashes a smile. “Masey!”

  ABOUT SEDUCING THE ENEMY

  Just how far will he go to take his pound of flesh from her?

  * * *

  I’m Jett, self-made billionaire.

  I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever set my mind to—except revenge.

  Eight years ago, my best friend stole my multimillion dollar idea…

  After I fell for his little sister.

  He made a fortune.

  And she stabbed me in the back.

  Now he’s in financial straits, while I’m richer than I ever dreamed.

  So I made Whitney a bargain: forty million dollars in exchange for a week of her body.

  But now that she’s in my bed, animosity may not be all I’m feeling…

  * * *

  Enjoy this Forbidden Confession. HEA guaranteed!

  Chapter One

  Dallas

  4 p.m.

  * * *

  Jett

  * * *

  She’s late.

  Maybe she’s not coming, asshole.

  That’s a distinct possibility.

  What did you expect? You’re the enemy.

  I am, and she’s too smart not to realize I’m springing a trap. She also knows I’m powerful enough to destroy her and all she holds dear.

  But I’d rather not. Does she know that, too?

  I shove the thought away. What’s in Whitney Chancellor’s mind—and heart—now shouldn’t matter. She made a choice, and I’m going to make her regret it.

  You made a choice, too. And she probably hates your fucking guts for it.

  But that doesn’t change anything. If she doesn’t show today, I’ll keep coming at her. I have ways to bend her to my will.

  She will give me what I want.

  I tap an impatient thumb on the charred wood of the handscraped bar. The faux-rustic room is designed to be a “laid-back” watering hole, but since it sits in the middle of a horribly pretentious hotel in an exclusive, five-star part of town, I’m calling bullshit.

  I’ve been here ten minutes, and I already despise this place.

  You’re just nervous.

  No shit. But this site is less than two miles from her house, so I’m here.

  It’s been eight years, and I traveled halfway around the world for this. For her.

  That doesn’t mean she’ll come, especially since you ordered her to.

  In hindsight, that may not have been my best strategy, but cushioning my approach would have been counterproductive. It’s best if she understands I’m a world-class bastard, and nothing—not even her—will soften me.

  Whitney has probably discerned that. After all, I’ve put her in a terrible position. One of two things will happen next: she’ll sweetly capitulate like she seemingly did all those years ago…or she’ll tell me to go fuck myself. With her, I’ve got a fifty-fifty shot.

  I’m almost hoping she chooses the latter.

  At the sound of heels clicking across the tile floors in the otherwise empty bar, I snap around.

  And I nearly drop my jaw.

  Holy motherfucking son of a bitch.

  Why is Whitney still so beautiful that, when I see her, I struggle to string two thoughts together?

  She approaches me, dark hair curling past her elbows, mouth rosy, jewelry understated, ankle-strap heels classic—and black dress instantly sweat-inducing.

  A band of fabric hugs her neck like a collar. Intermittent, gradually widening strips—strung together only by a loose lacing of satin playing a daring peekaboo with her exposed skin in between—tapers down, ending with a black leather belt that cinches her small waist. Her shoulders are covered. So are her tits—barely. But I can’t not see their tempting swells or the soft valley in between. The skirt ends halfway down her sleek thighs where another subtle row of crisscrossed ribbons mirrors the bodice detail just above her flirty hem.

  Two things are immediately obvious: I still can’t look at Whitney without desperately craving her, and she isn’t wearing a goddamn bra.

  This dress would make any other woman look like a whore. Somehow, she elevates it to elegant.

  Clearly, she came to make me suffer.

  She stops at the bar less than three feet from me, and I’d be a lying SOB if I said my heart wasn’t pounding.

  “Whitney.”

  She turns to glance at me over her shoulder, hazel eyes full of anger. “Jett. What do you want?”

  A dangerous question.

  “To talk.” For starters.

  “I don’t have anything to say to you.”

  She’s lying.

  “So you don’t want to save your brother?”

  Her expression spits hostility. “You know I do. Or I wouldn’t be here.”

  Yes, just like I know she’s incredibly loyal to him. She’d do anything for him. I’m banking on that.

  Whitney sets her small, chic purse on the bar, laying her left hand on top of it. She’s wearing an engagement ring.

  Fuck. It’s not even subtle. It’s a statement rock, designed to flash a warning to every other man to back the hell off.

  Too bad for her fiancé nothing will make me comply.

  “Congratulations.” I cast a pointed glare at her ring. “Who’s the lucky dick?”

  “None of your business. I presume you summoned me here to negotiate?”

  I nod and try to keep my cool. I’d much rather seduce her—and she probably knows that. It kills me to remember I was the first man to lay his lips on hers. The first man to possess her mouth. She was a very sweet sixteen to my horny twenty-one. I was old enough to know better but too desperate to touch her to care.

  Almost.

  By sheer willpower, I stopped myself short of doing something her very affluent family would have insisted I go to prison for.

  In the end, my restraint didn’t matter. Nearly slipping that one moment cost me everything.

  That seems like a lifetime ago.

  Her hypnotic eyes aren’t filled with innocence anymore. Nope, when she looks at me now, I see venom.

  “What’s your offer?” she demands.

  “In a hurry? Why don’t we have a drink? I haven’t seen you in a long time.”

  She scoffs. “Let’s not pretend I matter to you.”

  I raise a brow at Whitney. She does matter…but admitting that would only weaken my position. “Humor me. After all, it’s my forty million dollars.”

  “Fine.” She lifts one delicate shoulder like she doesn’t care, but I can read her. On some level, I get to her and she hates that. “Vodka cranberry. Make it a double.”

  I acknowledge her with a curt nod, then I motion to the bartender, who takes our order.

  “You’re not drinking with me?” She scowls.

  “I never drink.” I haven’t since that summer.

  Whitney’s gaze probes me for a long moment. “Because you’re a control freak?”

  You have no idea.

  I smile. “You can call me names and divert the subject all day. That doesn’t change why we’re here.”

  “So you’re going to lend Vance forty million dollars to save his company—”

  “Which should have been our company.”

  “You lost that lawsuit.”

  “Because your brother is a lying, thieving snake.” And you helped him, didn’t you?

  She arches her dark brow at me. “Is all this charm how you’ve become so successful?”

  Life has apparently roughed up my sweet princess and given her a stronger spine. I like it.