She looks down at our hands. “I appreciate you wanting to shield me from Drake.”

  “He’s a pompous asshole.” I pull her closer.

  As much as I want more, I’d settle for another kiss, even if it damn near kills me every time I have to pull away from her.

  She doesn’t resist. “I guess if we’re going to be engaged, we should know more about each other.”

  “As much as makes sense for people in our position.”

  “What’s our position?” Her dark head tilts to the side, and my fingers curl wanting to thread in her silky hair.

  “We got engaged after only a month. Obviously, we have great sexual chemistry.”

  “Obviously?” Amusement lines her face in a way that has my dick hardening in my pants. “Is that the only reason people get engaged after a month?”

  “The only one I can think of.” My hand slides to her waist, pulling her to me. “Unless a green card is involved.”

  “We’re both citizens…”

  I love a woman who isn’t afraid to play, and playing with her is the only thing on my mind right now. “Everyone’s going to assume we have crazy sex.”

  “Do we?” It’s a hot exhale on her lips, and fuck me, I’m gone.

  I gaze intently into her eyes. I don’t ever want to do anything with her unless she’s 100 percent onboard. No teasing. No games.

  “Want to find out?”

  Say yes. Say yes.

  Instead, she hesitates, and her teeth press against her bottom lip.

  Grabbing the reins, I take a step back. “Too fast?”

  “No…” She shakes her head. “I mean, I want to, but what happens in the end?”

  Fuck whoever told her she wasn’t smart. She’s fucking brilliant, and she knows to protect herself.

  I, by contrast, am completely off book. I’m so calculated and patient when it comes to everything. Except her.

  She’s my kryptonite.

  “Why don’t we worry about that when it happens.” I don’t recognize my voice.

  Reaching for her cheek, I pull her mouth to mine. It’s a different kiss from the ones we’ve shared before. I don’t tease. I don’t lick her lips and nibble. I seal my mouth over hers and consume.

  A soft noise slips from her throat, and her fingers curl against my shoulders, pulling her body closer to mine.

  “Come with me.” Her hand is clasped firmly in mine, and I lead her down the short hall off the living room to where my bedroom is located.

  Heat twists low in my pelvis as I pull her through the door. I’ve wanted this so long, and now it’s happening. Facing the door, I take a breath as I turn the lock, then I look at her.

  Her back is against the wall. She’s breathing fast, and her hair hangs in messy waves around her face. Raking my eyes down her body, her breasts rise and fall rapidly, hard nipples piercing her white cotton tank.

  She’s not wearing a bra, and I groan audibly. “I have to have you.”

  My cock is an iron rod in my jeans as I close the space between us, grasping her waist. Our mouths collide again, tongues curling, and her body melts into me. She’s fresh air and sunshine, and I kiss her face. I kiss her closed eyes. I can’t get enough of her.

  Moving my mouth to the side of her jaw, near her ear, she exhales another noise, and it stokes the fire in my belly. I’m ready to nail her against this wall.

  “I love that sound.” My hands move along her waist, tracing the soft skin of her torso, rising higher to the breasts I’ve dreamed of touching since I was fifteen.

  Lifting her shirt, they spill out, and her back arches eagerly.

  “Your body is so beautiful.” I palm the sides of her breasts, sliding my thumbs back and forth over her hardened nipples.

  I’m hypnotized, watching the way she responds to my touch.

  She whispers urgently, “Kiss them.”

  Leaning forward, I cover her breast with my mouth, sucking and flicking my tongue back and forth over the hardened tips.

  “Oh, fuck,” she gasps, moving closer.

  I trace my lips to the other side, repeating the process, loving the feel of her fingers in my hair, threading and pulling.

  I lift my chin to take another hit of her luscious mouth. “I want to kiss every part of you.”

  Her hands are on my cheeks, and she’s kissing me in a way she hasn’t until now. Her lips pull mine, and her tongue chases mine as if something inside her has awakened. She’s as hungry and eager as I am, and I love it.

  Reaching behind her, I slide my hand down the back of her thigh, gathering her long skirt in my fist until I’m touching bare skin. Her body trembles as I trail my fingers higher, over her round ass, before catching the thin string of her thong and yanking it down.

  “Rip it off me,” she gasps at my ear, biting and kissing.

  I’m not sure it’ll tear without hurting her. “I have a better idea.”

  Dropping to one knee, I catch the elastic waist of her skirt, and pull it down her legs, taking that scrap of nylon along with it.

  For a moment, I gaze up at her naked body, so fucking gorgeous it hurts. She’s in only that white tank, her full lips parted, and her dark hair hanging around her cheeks.

  “Fuck, Cass, look at you.”

  A wash of pink tints her pretty face, and her knee bends, crossing a thigh over her pussy. “Take off your shirt at least.”

  Sitting back on my heels, I grab the back of my Henley and rip it over my head. “Better?”

  She exhales a short laugh, running her fingers through my hair and pushing it off my forehead. “Getting there.”

  I slide my hands up the outside of her thighs in a worshipful move, and I lean forward, tracing my nose along her skin, inhaling the scent of faded coconut sunscreen, chlorine, and something deeper, the hidden depths of the ocean.

  My mouth waters, and I kiss her hip, tracing my lips lower, down her belly, feeling her muscles tremble at my touch. She moans, and her fingers curl in my hair as I part her legs, sliding my tongue up the slit of her pussy.

  “Fuck!” she yelps, and I’m addicted to her taste, saltwater and sweetness.

  I lap my tongue again and again over her rigid clit, and her knees bend. I catch one leg, putting it over my shoulder, and she moans louder as I focus all my attention on this magical place between her thighs.

  Her legs begin to shake, and she pulls my hair, rocking her hips against my face and chanting words I don’t understand. Reaching up, I sink my thumb into her, and she’s so fucking wet. Her juices coat my palm, as I do it again and again.

  “That’s right,” I groan. “Ride my hand. Come for me.”

  An animal noise grunts from her body and with another circle of my tongue over her clit, her hand flies to her mouth, muffling her scream as she comes hard, bucking against my nose. I smile, giving her another suck, but she pulls back.

  “It’s too much,” she gasps. “I can’t…”

  “Sure you can.” I kiss the side of her hip, moving my lips higher as I rise to my knees.

  When I stand, I’m so close, her hardened nipples graze my bare chest through thin cotton. She leans forward, pressing her face against me and inhaling. Her small hands circle my waist, traveling higher up my back.

  “You’re so perfect,” she murmurs, and I slide my palm along her cheek, lifting her face to mine.

  “You’re perfect.” I capture her mouth, kissing her deeply.

  She rises on her tiptoes, wrapping her arms around my neck as if she’ll climb me.

  I’d let her. I want her body all over mine.

  Reaching down, I lift her legs around my waist and carry her to the bed. “I’m going to fuck you now. Hard.”

  “Oh, God.” Her mouth covers mine again, pulling and tasting, and I’m glad she came as fully as she did because I’m about to lose it.

  I quickly lay her on the bed and unfasten my jeans, shoving them down my legs and stepping out as I grab a condom from my nightstand drawer. It’s been years, but thank fuck, I still have a few strays mixed in with the quarters and charging cords.

  I tear it open, ready to roll it on fast, when I realize she’s changed positions on the bed. Her head is at my hips, and I almost shoot when her warm tongue curls around the tip of my cock. It’s a shot of electricity that nearly buckles my knees.

  “Cass…” I grip the back of her head. “Fuck. I could fuck your brains out.”

  It’s been so long since anything but my own fist has touched my dick, and it feels incredible.

  She pulls me deeper into her throat, fingers lightly tracing my balls, and I fight the urge to thrust. It takes all my willpower to cup her shoulders and guide her back onto the bed.

  Her brow furrows, and I shake my head. “I don’t want to come down your throat the first time.”

  She exhales a soft laugh and lies back against the pillows, her beautiful body nude except for that thin tank, which has risen to expose the rounded bottoms of her breasts.

  Condom on, I put a knee between her legs, leaning forward to kiss her again. Her hands cup my cheeks, and she rises to meet me, arching her back and pulling us closer.

  Her arms wrap around me, and her lips are at my ear. “I want your body on mine. I want you in me, holding me down.”

  Each phrase is punctuated with a kiss, her mouth moving closer until it’s over mine. My tongue finds hers as my cock sinks deep into her slippery core. She’s so fucking tight and wet, I have to be still a moment. My eyes squeeze closed with a groan, and when I finally find control, I start to rock.

  Her body moves with mine, up and down like the waves on the sea. Her knees rise, and I reach down to grip her ass as I drive deeper, faster. Her arms tighten, and she grinds against me, meeting me with every thrust.

  We’re hot and desperate, grabbing and pulling, and I’m not going to last. Her body trembles, and she whimpers in my ear as her pussy breaks into rhythmic spasms. It’s too fucking much, and it’s been too long.

  My body tenses, and mind-blowing pleasure radiates through my cock. My ass tightens, and with a low, haggard groan I come hard, pulsing again and again.

  Lowering my face, I hold as the aftershocks jerk through my muscles.

  “Shit,” I groan, kissing her neck.

  My heart beats so hard, and my eyes are closed as I try to calm my breathing, as I hold onto her like the one thing keeping me on the planet.

  She’s amazing. She’s everything, and at last, I have her.

  What scares me is how easy it would be to never let her go.

  CHAPTER 16

  CASS

  Alex Stone is perfect. His body is a Michelangelo, and his mouth is the stuff of dreams. I’ve never come twice in a row so fast without battery-operated assistance.

  My mind is reeling. I’ve never had sex like this in my life. I’m not sure my legs even work anymore, and the space between my thighs is shimmering and vibrating like a New Year’s Eve fireworks show.

  And I’m freaking terrified.

  The reality of what we’re doing is just waiting to drop on me and crush my heart to powder. The fire I’ve been playing with is officially out of control.

  Alex Stone is not my boyfriend, and as much as I love his beautiful ring, I’m really his employee. I’m really not his fiancée.

  He told me he doesn’t want to hurt Pinky, that we have to be careful, but sleeping with him is as far from careful as we can get. It’s the last thing I should be doing, yet here I am, lying beneath his delicious weight, on the edge of falling in love with him.

  With a deep groan, he moves to lie beside me on the bed. “Definitely crazy chemistry.”

  A lazy smile curls his lips, like we’re playing a game, and I have to force myself to smile in response. “Yeah. Crazy.”

  I sound like a loon. What am I doing?

  I’ve always found his control attractive. His ability to compartmentalize. Of course, he’s in control in bed. He’s in control of everything, including this fictitious engagement. I dragged him into it; now he’s setting all the rules.

  What did he say? We’re getting to know each other as much as we can for two people who got engaged after only a month?

  Only we’re not engaged. It’s all pretend.

  And while I can pretend-kiss him, I can’t pretend his touch doesn’t affect me. I’m not like him. My emotions are always on my sleeve. The whole reason I was so good at tarot is because I’m too empathetic. Just ask Gwen.

  Sitting up slowly, I rub my hands over my eyes as I try to put my brain back together. I seriously need a minute alone.

  “At least that’s one thing we don’t have to lie about.” I wonder if he hears the guilt in my tone.

  Apparently not.

  He climbs out of bed, and I watch his toned ass flex as he walks to his en suite bathroom. All jokes aside, there is nothing wrong with that ass.

  I listen as he disposes of the condom and runs water in the sink. After a few moments, he returns wearing black boxer briefs that should be illegal and carrying a washcloth in his hand.

  “For you.” He holds it out, and I slide to the edge of the bed, taking it from him.

  “Thanks.” But I can’t clean up here.

  Instead, I step over to where my skirt lies in a puddle at his door. I don’t see my thong anywhere, but I don’t waste time searching. I’m more concerned with getting out of here and getting my head straight.

  “I think I’ll just take a shower at my place.” I step into my skirt, quickly pulling it over my hips.

  He closes the space between us, gently touching my upper arm. “Are we good?”

  “Yeah…” I blink up at him, forcing a light laugh. “Yes!”

  Too good, if you ask me.

  “I think it’s okay if you’d like to spend the night with me. Penelope’s a sound sleeper. She rarely comes to my room at night, and we can lock the door just in case.”

  “Oh, no. I don’t think that’s a good idea.” For so many reasons. “We have to follow our rules, don’t we?”

  “We have rules?” Disappointment quirks his brow, and my insides melt.

  God, yes, I need rules if I’m going to play this way with him. He’s too damn fine and too damn good in bed. Focus, Cass.

  “We don’t want to confuse her, remember? You don’t want her to be hurt?”

  “Right. Of course not.” He nods, but he doesn’t sound as firm as he did the other night.

  Stepping forward, I kiss his cheek. I have to touch him one more time for my own mental health. Hesitating, I inhale his clean scent now tinged with sex and sweat. Mouthwatering.

  He catches my hand before I leave, and looks directly into my eyes. “I think I’m going to enjoy getting to know you better.”

  My lips press together, and I nod. “Me, too.”

  It’s the truest thing I’ve said all night.

  I squeeze his hand, releasing it as I leave his bedroom, headed for my apartment above the garage. I’ve lost control of this situation, and I’ve got to find it again. If I don’t I’m going to drown.

  Ten minutes later, I’m soaking in my tub, turning over everything that happened, the way he kissed me, the way he told me I was beautiful. My chin rests on my knees, and I’m up to my armpits in scented, lavender-water and foamy bubbles.

  We talked about my mom, which is something I never do. He said I don’t have to be defined by what she did, but I always have. I’m the orphaned daughter of a failed nightclub singer, whereas he’s the scion of a close-knit, well-adjusted, by-the-book ideal.

  I would watch him when I was younger, thinking how wonderful it would be to be a part of a family like that, to have that level of support and safety. Adam was a wild child, but even he didn’t stray too far from the fold.

  His dad was the freaking sheriff, after all. Until he died, I guess.

  My lips puff out with a heavy exhale, and I need to talk to Britt. She always has a sensible approach to my self-inflicted problems, when all I can see is an irresponsible, anxious mess. The kind of woman Drake Redford says I am.

  Only, if I talk to Britt, I’ll have to tell her everything. Then I’d have to tell Piper as well, and I’m not sure I’m prepared for that level of honesty—or embarrassment.

  Not after Alex said we’re in this together.

  “Oh, God.” I lift my hands out of the water and run them over my face.

  It felt so good when he said that. I want to be on his team.

  I got everything I dreamed of tonight. I was in his bed, loving his body, feeling beautiful and cherished and soaking up all that delicious strength being with him promises…

  And if I’d spent the night in his arms, I definitely would’ve fallen in love with him. Then what? The month ends, and we shake hands and walk away?

  Thinking about it makes my stomach hurt.

  I’m not made that way.

  Standing, I grab a towel off the rack and dry off quickly, lifting the drain on the tub. I grab my fluffy purple robe off the hook and wrap it around my body, pacing the small apartment as I chew my thumb.

  A glance at the clock tells me it’s after ten. Maybe that’s too late to call her on her honeymoon, but a text won’t hurt, will it? Lifting my phone, I carefully weigh my words.

  Hey, girl, hey! How’s married life?

  I hit send and chew on the side of my thumb again.

  They’re probably having amazing sex, making perfect little babies, and I won’t hear from her until tomorrow. Exhaling heavily, I’m about to toss my phone on the bed when it buzzes in my hand.

  Britt

  Divine…

  My brow quirks at her answer, but I wasn’t expecting less, was I? Then she continues.

  Britt

  Honestly, not much different than it was before. What’s up?

  My thumbs fly as I text.

  Not much. Don’t want to bother you on your honeymoon.

  Gray dots precede her reply.

  Britt

  Piper said you’re Alex’s nanny. How’s that?