Incidental Fate Book 1: Incidental Fate, #1 6s3hs

Also by Summer Leigh

Incidental Fate Incidental Fate Book 1 Incidental Fate Book 2

Contents

Incidental Fate Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17

Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38

Chapter 39 Chapter 40 Book 2 Preview Book 2: Chapter 1 Summer Leigh

Incidental Fate Book 1 By: Summer Leigh

Incidental Fate Series & Romanoverse® One Family. Two Series. 12+ Books.

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© 2019 Summer Leigh This book previously titled: Incidental Cougar. All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1

I had no idea what I was doing- story of my life. What I did know was that I was wasting this day bent over in the dirt attempting to garden when I could have spent it at the beach- one of the reasons I had moved here to San Diego. Focus Sadie. Time to get back to work, once again- story of my life. I wiped the sweat from my brow, staring down at the pile of mud and haphazardly planted daisies in front of me. "Mom!" Aha, my other reason for moving here. I popped up on my knees, twisting back towards the street, meeting the eyes that looked just like mine, Grant. But in that same instant, I noticed the figure behind him- towering, broad, a wave of dark hair, darker eyes, with a half-smirk curled up his face. "I tried to call first," Grant stepped into my line of sight, blocking my view, forcing my focus back on him. "I don't have my phone!" I sprung up, shaking my legs to get the debris off before flashing him my dirt-caked hands, promptly wiping them off on my shorts. "Jeez," he grumbled, with a ridiculously exaggerated put-out sigh. "Put some clothes on, will you." He glared at my sports bra and shorts, immediately twisting his face back to the man, no- men behind him, mouthing an apology. "Nice to see you too," I mocked his grumble while following his gaze to the two guys lingering in the back. Oh god- was he in trouble? Cops? "Who are the guys behind you?" I locked eyes with the taller one, his sharp stare so intense, intimidating. "They're seniors-" he emphasized, giving me a look. "-At the university. We're working on a tech project together."

I whipped my stare away. Seniors? University? Them- no! Oh god. "Nice to meet you." I averted my eyes yet still felt the taller one's stare. "I'm Grant's mom, Sadie Jones," I greeted automatically, busying myself with my fingers and the dirt under my nails- desperately needing a distraction. "What brings you guys by?" And, my eyes betrayed me, traveling right back up to those smoldering dark ones. How was he only in college? He was well over six feet tall, built, piercing stare, lips like- oh my god! What was wrong with me! "I'm looking for one of my old projects, so I need to dig through the moving boxes. I know I saved it somewhere." Huh? Who? Grant- Grant! Shit- I forced my eyes away, focusing on Grant. "Everything's still in the garage." Once again, the reply was automatic, as was my hand waving up towards the front door. Okay then. I dropped back to my knees, bending over and reaching for my hand shovel, digging right back into the dirt. They started by, and for some reason, I was holding my breath, stilling as they shuffled past me- yet peeking from the corner of my eye, watching the taller one walk inside. He disappeared around the corner. Oh my god, Sadie! Senior! University! Damn! I sat up, too preoccupied now, and honestly, I was over it. This yard had waited six months for me to touch it- it could wait a few more days for me to finish it. I slid up onto the front step, plucking up my crumpled top from the patio and running it over my sweaty face, my neck, my chest- suddenly feeling someone's stare on me. I looked towards the garage, expecting to see Grant, instead, I was met by a devilish grin and those dark eyes. I smiled back automatically- only to realize how dumb I must look because he obviously wasn't looking at me, right? I glanced over my shoulder, but there was nothing behind me. He was absolutely staring at me. And I was absolutely staring back at him. I waved, giving him a tiny flick of my wrist- just as a ball flew out from the garage, smacking him on the side of the head. "Oh my-" A laugh burst from my mouth, which I stifled just as quick. The poor guy caught the ball, chucking it right back before ducking behind

the closing garage. Grant must have found what he'd been looking for. I pushed myself up to standing, shaking the remaining dirt off before heading through the front door, bumping right into Grant and the guys heading out. "You find it?" I threw my arm over Grant's shoulders, giving him an obnoxious side hug. "Yeah," he mumbled, weaving out from under my grip. "I'll see you Saturday." "I could use some help tomorrow finishing the front yard," I hinted with a nudge of my shoulder. "There are only a few days of sun left in the forecast!" I gave him my biggest pleading smile, and once again, he rolled his eyes. "Exactly what I want to do-" his tone sarcastic. "Spend the only days of sun helping you garden." Somebody had gotten a little too cool since starting college. Six months in, barely a freshman, barely eighteen, and suddenly he had no time for his mom anymore. Well, it was time to take the coolness down a notch. "Think about it! And - I, love, you!" I cooed, blowing him a kiss, knowing how embarrassed it made him. Another eye roll. "Ugh, love you too, Mom." He stalked out the front door with one of the guys following behind him, and I waited for the other to follow, only he didn't. Instead, his feet were planted, his body facing mine, and his eyes focused on me, again. He cracked a smile, lips perfectly framed by that five o-clock shadow, while his eyes drifted down over my body. "You've got some dirt on your face." His fingers stretched to my cheek, sending my feet stumbling back on instinct. "I've- I've got dirt everywhere," I sputtered out a laugh, awkwardly. "Well-" his smile turned wicked, his eyes suddenly two shades darker than they were seconds ago. "I'm a fan of getting dirty." His deep rasp hit deep between my thighs. "Ex- excuse me!" Oh, he was trouble. Those eyes and that mischievous grin

were enough to bring any woman to her knees. Myself included. "They're waiting for you." I gestured towards the running car outside, making it clear that I needed him gone. He stared at me a second longer, slowly tilting his face back, rolling his eyes towards the front door, then right back to mine. "Goodbye-" "Sadie," I answered automatically. Oh my god! Why did that come out of my mouth? What was I doing! He started for the door, only to slow and look back over his shoulder, flashing me that wicked grin. "Sadie." Oh, shit. One word- my name- and my skin was on fire. I was burning up, overheating- in all the wrong places. He continued out while I tried to pull myself away from the door, except I couldn't. I hadn't noticed the way his protruding muscles stretched his shirt, or how broad his back was, or how perfect his jeans clung to his- oh, my, god! What was I doing? Look away! He stopped once he reached the car door, turning around, his eyes meeting mine for a split second before he slid his sunglasses on. Shit, I was still staring. You, are, still, staring, Sadie! I stumbled back inside, slamming the door behind me and lunging for my water bottle on the table. Forget the cold drink- I needed a cold shower.

Chapter 2

There were only a few more days of sunshine in the forecast before the January fog rolled back in, and I was going to make use of every last hour of it! I headed out to the front yard, instantly squinting from the bright sun. I felt the heat, my body automatically sinking to the grass, legs stretching out to absorb the sunlight. Maybe I could lay out for a few minutes before I started. I yanked my shirt over my head, balling it into a makeshift pillow before laying back and closing my eyes. "Are you okay?" I was half-dreaming, half-awake, hearing a voice again. "Sadie, are you okay?" The sky went dark, a shadow casting over me, startling me out of a dream, ending my impromptu nap. "Yeah," I yawned, staring up at the guy in front of me- his dark eyes gradually coming into focus. "Aren't you Grant's friend?" "I wouldn't say friend-" he shrugged, gaze drifting over me. "I met him yesterday." I sat up, yawning once more as I looked around. "What time is it?" "Almost noon." "Oh my gosh!" I jumped to my feet- too fast, specks and flashes littering my sight, my legs wavering, dizzy. Hands caught my bare waist, each finger like a bolt of lightning striking my skin. "Are you sure you're okay?" His stare locked with mine, his grip tightened, steadying me, making me even dizzier than I was before. "I don't think laying half-naked in your front yard's very fucking safe." Fucking safe? I snapped back into reality- realizing how close we were now-

too close. I jerked back, but he didn't let go, his fingers digging into my skin, taking me from dizzy to faint. Breathe. "I'm, I'm fine." I reached to his hands, the surge from the touch instant. "I, um-" I tried to ignore the sting as I pried his fingers away. "Wha- what are you doing here? Grant lives on campus." My voice was shaky, just like the hands I was hiding behind my back- trying to calm them from the electricity still pulsing through my fingers. He grinned, tilting his head to the side. "You said to come help you garden." And the dizziness was gone. What? "I told my son to come help me garden." "My mistake," he playfully apologized, throwing his hands up in defense. "But I'm here now- I can help." Hmm... I looked around us, searching for the camera or guys that'd be making fun of me. This had to be some prank or a hazing contest. "I'm sorry, what's your name?" "Gavin." His deep stare found my eyes- making my legs suddenly weak, about to lose my balance again. "Do you think this is funny? Don't be an ass!" He didn't seem dangerous- I knew that type well enough, but he also didn't seem sincere. "I'm just offering to help." Liar. "Don't you have class or something?" "My afternoon's clear." He stepped closer, so I stepped back, looking up at the man towering over me. "Are you being serious?" What the hell was happening! He walked past me, scanning the yard, pushing one hand to his face, rubbing over his jaw. "You know your daisies are under the shade of your roof," he called back over his shoulder. "They'll die without sunlight." I dropped my hands to my hips, ignoring the heat that still lingered from where his fingers had been. The daisies, huh? I had spent a lot of money on

all these plants- and knew zilch about gardening. "Okay," I agreed reluctantly. "We'll move the daisies, then, plant these strawberries." I pointed to the green plastic case of strawberry plants. He followed my gaze. "Where's the planter?" "The, the what?" "The raised planter," he chuckled, flipping his palms up like it was common knowledge. "They'll get destroyed otherwise." He stood there, stone-faced and staring at me like I was in trouble. "What?" I couldn't help the laugh that shot out. "I have no idea what you're talking about." I laughed again. Who was this guy? Ten feet tall, as broad as my front door, dark hair, darker eyes, darker stubble around that smirk. He was the guy you met at a bar- not while planting your garden. Met at a bar... Oh my god! What was wrong with me! University, seniorsenior! "I, I... you know what I'm good here." "You have any clue what you're doing?" Now it was him letting out a chuckle- albeit a condescending one. "Yeah-" no. "Planter- um, I guess I can build one. I'll just need some, wood, and a hammer and nails." He walked forward, eyes flashing down to mine, lips curling up at the edges. "I'll happily provide the wood, the hammer, and I'm pretty fucking good at nailing." "You, um-" I coughed, trying to clear the instant lump in my throat. It was hot, very hot out here. "Um-" I bent down, plucking up the small shovel and smashing it into his palm. "Daisies-" I cleared my throat again, gesturing him to where the daisies were. He stifled a laugh, watching me as he started away, and then he sat in the dirt, shovel digging right in. He was actually doing this. And I, was actually still staring. Focus. I dropped to the ground myself, starting to dig- not staring at him, or his arms that were flexing with each drive of the shovel... Focus, dig, focus, Sadie!

He abruptly stood, the back of his hand flying to his forehead, wiping the sweat away before reaching for the hem of his shirt- oh no! Look away, avert your eyes, avert! He tugged the shirt up, twisting so his back was to me- that back lined with edges of muscles and speckled with glimmering drops of sweat from his shoulders down to the inch of his exposed boxers, so he wore boxers... oh my god... Avert your damn eyes! I looked back down at the dirt in front of me, fighting with my eyes that were panning back to him, landing right on his ass as he bent back over, the ass that those jeans clung to so perfectly. He straightened up again, twisting my way, muscles flexing, revealing his ripped chest, strong tattooed biceps, hard stomach. Good lord. He started walking towards me. I forced a smile- awkward, painful, eyes refusing to stop staring. "Here we go." He dropped to the ground, squeezing in beside me, bare arm brushing mine. Breathe, too late. The surge was instant, heat radiating from my toes to my hair, twinges, and tingles that had been in hibernation for years suddenly wakening. Have you no self-control! I lectured the ache building, the deep itch begging to be scratched. I inched away, discreetly squeezing my thighs together as I did, trying to calm the storm that was brewing between them. "Ready for the wood?" His voice was a hiss. My face shot up, meeting his. "The um, the what?" "Wood?" He repeated. "I can build that planter now." Wood. "Yeah, yes of course. I'll go see what I have in the garage." I stumbled up- too fast- head spinning, dizzy again- his hands hitting my waist to steady me. My heart thumped, the wind knocked out of me from his touch, his face hovering at the top of my thighs, his thick fingers searing my bare skin. "Too, too much sun." I fumbled on my feet, barely making it to the garage. "Get a hold of yourself!" He needed to go- and he needed to go now! I stepped back out just enough to see him. "No wood," I yelled over, keeping my distance, standing safely away. "But thanks for your help today. I'm going to go inside now, get out of this heat." He stood, shaking out his sweaty hair as he bent over for his shirt. "I'll

bring a planter by later." Later? No, he couldn't come here again. "It's okay. I've got it. Goodbye, Gavin."

Chapter 3

Grant had canceled our dinner plans at the last minute, so I decided to open a new bottle of wine and waste my Saturday night watching some sappy romantic comedy. I was only five minutes from his university; how hard was it for him to visit his mom every once in a while? We'd spent every day for the last eighteen years together, and now I was lucky if I saw him once every few weeks. He had become inconsiderate too. I could have gone out with the girls tonight or maybe agreed to go on a date with Kirk finally. I mean, the poor guy had been asking me out for months. I held the now half-empty bottle of wine in my hand, tipping it against my glass just as the doorbell chimed, startling me, the wine swooshing. Of course, Grant would show up, hours late and nearly an entire bottle of wine later. "I'm coming!" I walked over, pulling the door open to both greet and chastise him at the same time. "Hey, Sweetie." "Hello." Dark eyes and a devilish grin greeted me- the same face that had been starring in my dreams every night. Was I that drunk? I stared a minute longer, letting my brain catch up with my eyes. "Gavin? What are you doing here?" He pulled up a wooden planter from his side, handing it over to me. "I stopped by the last few days, but you weren't home." He... he brought a planter. This was getting weird. I couldn't tell if this was a massive prank or if he was some asshole frat boy on a mission. "I was at the hospital. You could have just left that on the patio." He pushed his way in, eyes narrowing on me. "Why were you at the hospital?" He demanded as if he was entitled to an explanation.

"I-" I stumbled back, hitting the table behind me. "I work there. I'm a nurse." "A nurse?" He repeated as that stern glare morphed to a mischievous smile. I started back for the couch, calling over my shoulder. "Thank you for the planter. You can set it on the table." I dropped back onto my cushions, taking another sip from my glass. "What are you watching?" He was still here. I looked over, watching as he closed the front door, starting for the couch too. "I don't know," I giggled inadvertently. "I'm mostly just drinking." I raised my glass in salute, meeting his heavy stare. "But you should probably go." "Really?" He said it almost to himself. "No one's ever told me to leave." "I'm not surprised." With those eyes, that hair, that smile- that body. I'm sure no was a foreign word to him. "Go, you don't want to miss your curfew." His eyes flared, body going rigid, standing in front of the couch, facing me directly. "I'm twenty-two- I don't have a fucking curfew." Twenty-two. That man was only twenty-two. "Well, I'm sure you have better things to do with your evening." "Actually," he sighed, continuing to the cushions, sitting at the opposite end. "My night's free." "So is mine," I was laughing again, the wine making it hard to stay mad. "Grant flaked on me." "He's an idiot, sorry," he threw his palm up in apology. "How do you not have plans on a Saturday night? No frat parties? Hot dates?" What the hell was he doing here? He laughed under his breath, tossing his arm up over the back of the couch.

"I'm not in a frat, and I'm working on a hot date," he teased, mocking me. "Oh yeah? Who's the lucky girl?" I sipped the last of my glass, shaking the empty bottle before setting it aside. "You think she'd be lucky?" He smiled to himself. "Just one of the sexiest fucking women I've ever seen." "Then why aren't you with her tonight?" He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as those eyes focused on mine. "Who says I'm not?" Who says… I looked around… me? A laugh burst out, then another. Sexy? I was thirty-six."Very funny. I'm old enough to be your mom." "My mother's sixty-two." Okay, so she was the same age as my mom, but still. "I definitely wouldn't be considered sexy." Oh my god… why was I talking to him like this! "Why not?" He was serious, that smoldering stare fixated on me. "I haven't been able to get my mind off of you since the moment I saw you shaking your ass in the dirt the other day." I choked on nothing, coughing to clear my throat, my brain slowly repeating his words. "You can't say stuff like that to me!" "Like what?" His smile turned mischievous, playful. "That you're sexy? I'm sure you hear that shit a lot, and I'm guessing you get hit on all the time too." Sometimes. "Not all the time," I giggled again, feeling the warmth of the wine relaxing me. "I was asked out yesterday." "By who?" He was serious again, brows drawn tight, black eyes studying my face. "This guy at work." Poor Kirk had been hinting and trying to get me out for months. "Asks me out every time I see him."

"Does he?" He nodded to himself before rolling his face down, stretching his neck side to side. "Did you say yes?" "No, I haven't been on a date in a very long time." Too long. "My personal life has been on hold for a very, very long time." Crap. Why was I still talking? He did not need to know how pathetic I was. "Maybe now it's time to start saying yes." "I guess," I shrugged back. "I'll see him tomorrow." "I'm not talking about him," he scoffed, flashing his eyes to mine. He was getting angry, he was different. "Are you from around here Gavin? Because you don't really seem like you fit in with Grant's other friends." "I'm from New York," he said it with an automatic smile, and I probably could have guessed that from his slightly rough accent. "Why do you ask? What are you thinking?" I thought for a moment, the words spilling right out. "That you're into older women and think I'll be an easy score, maybe some trophy. Except that's not me, so you should go find a girl your age." He started laughing, a genuine smiling curling cheek to cheek. "I'm into you Sadie, and I'm hoping for a chase." He arched his brow, matching the wicked grin he was sporting. And I felt that spark between my thighs, the stirring… shit… "I think you should leave Gavin. I'm a bottle deep, half asleep, and I really don't want to regret anything when I wake up." "You think you'd regret me?" He mumbled, voice almost a whisper. Then his eyes flashed to the T.V. "The movie's almost over, I'll leave then." I forgot there was a movie playing, and I tried to focus on the screen, only my eyelids were so heavy and the picture was starting to blur.

I felt the sun against my cheeks, the dreams fading while the room came into focus. I was somehow in bed, tucked in, still wearing my clothes from yesterday. Shit! I rolled over to the other side of the bed- empty. Thank god! An immediate wave of relief crashed over me, sending my back slamming back into the sheets. What the hell had I been thinking letting him come in like that? I must be losing my damn mind. I drug myself out of bed, padding to the kitchen, ing the planter propped against the wall. Maybe I should ask him to come back and help me with this. No! What was wrong with me? I needed to get out. I'd do Taco Tuesday with Kirk! It was about time I relented and agreed to a date.

I raced to get to work, arms up still tying my hair back as I ed Debbie and her annoyed smirk. "I'm ready to go home Sadie, get in here." But then I saw Kirk exiting the O.R, so I shrugged sorry before rushing over to him. "Sadie!" He greeted with a hopeful smile. "Good morning Kirk. I was thinking of going to Taco Tuesday at Calor Comida near the campus if you're free." It felt weird asking him out like this considering I didn't really find him attractive. "Sure," he squealed. "I'm not on the schedule Tuesday. I can pick you up at eight?" No, I definitely didn't need the awkwardness of riding in his car alone or him dropping me off. "How about I meet you there! It's right down the street from my place." "Will it be packed with college kids? I know a few places that might be a little quieter." "No, it should be fine. Nothing to worry about."

Chapter 4

I hustled to Calor Comida, trying to calm my nerves as I walked, finally feeling relief once I saw the crowds already gathered outside the restaurant. Crowded was a good thing, a quiet, intimate dinner with Kirk- was not. This date had seemed like such a good idea the other day; now, not so much. The doors swung open, a group heading out while I slipped in, finding it just as packed inside as out. It was loud, everyone drunk yelling, fighting to be heard over the music while I fought to see in the dim lighting. I scanned left to right, nothing but a sea of people, so I walked in deeper, weaving through the bar height tables, spotting Kirk in the back, face down, scrolling on his phone. Think positive, maybe he'd surprise me, and we'd hit it off. I continued through the maze, squeezing by yet another table filled with rowdy guys- when an arm flung out, grabbing onto mine. "Hey!" I jerked my arm back, whipping around to the ass that thought he could touch me. "Oh." Gavin towered over me, fingers cuffing my arm, the heat burning right through me. "Gavin?" His smile crept up, fingers curling tighter. "What are you doing here?" "I'm-" I flashed my eyes to his hand, my arm suddenly throbbing. "I'm on a date." I gestured to the back table with the lone guy still staring down at his phone. "With him?" He scoffed, following my eyes. "Yes." I wiggled my arm, trying to free it from the cuff his hand had made. He popped his fingers off, sliding his hand away- straight into his pocket. "You're too fucking hot for him." And you shouldn't be talking to me like that. "Looks aren't everything." "No," he said with a chuckle, shaking his head side to side. "But I can tell

just by looking at him that he's boring as fuck." He was drunk, I had a date, and I shouldn't be here, in public, talking to him anyways. "I have to go." I walked away, taking the deepest inhale while rubbing my arm, the scorch from his fingers still burning. "Sadie!" Kirk flashed his eyes up, sliding his phone away. "Want a drink?" "Yes, please!" I met his light eyes- dull eyes that held no secrets, no desire... unlike the... stop! "A margarita!" His chair was already pushing back. "I'll go put the order in; what do you want to eat? I was thinking the Taco Tuesday platter? We could share," he suggested as if I cared. Just get me alcohol! "That sounds great." He took off into the crowd while I turned my attention to the window beside our table, staring out at anything, and everything- trying to find a distraction. The chair suddenly screeched across from me. "That was fast!" Shit! I practically jumped, grabbing at the edge of the table to steady me from the scare. "What are you doing!" Gavin rested back in the chair, eyes smiling with his lips. "Nothing." He shrugged his shoulders, staring so intently at me. "I just wanted to see how the planter was coming along." Liar. "You need to go before Kirk gets back, and it's still sitting next to the front door." "Kirk?" He spat the name, huffing under his breath. "Yes, Kirk, the guy from work that I told you about." I looked towards the bar, spotting him near the counter. "You look good tonight." He leaned in, lips curling up at the edges, eyes bold- so hot. So damn hot, but so damn young.

"Thank you." "You two drove separately?" He asked, taking a sip of a beer I didn't realize he was holding. "I walked alone actually, not that it's any of your business." I crossed my legs, straightened in my chair, dropped my hands to my lap. "You need to leave. Kirk's going to be back soon." I glanced over, seeing Kirk almost to our table now, drinks in hand. Oh great. Gavin followed my gaze, standing up as Kirk arrived, towering over him too. It was almost comical, Kirk's scrawny body next to Gavin's broad chest. "Can I help you?" Kirk weaseled past him to get into the chair while Gavin's eyes flashed from me to him, and then he was gone. "Next time, we'll meet away from the university." Next time? I grabbed the margarita, taking the longest sip possible. Good thing these were half off tonight because I was going to need a few. "So, how are you liking San Diego, Sadie?" I took one more sip, reveling in it before setting the glass down in front of me. "It's great. I love that the beach is right here, and my house always smells like the ocean." And that nobody knew me, nobody knew Grant- it was a fresh start. "And I love living close to the campus, so much going on." He gave me a polite smile. "San Diego's a little crowded for my taste. I prefer the countryside," he mused with another polite smile, and all I could hear was Gavin's voice in my head, 'boring as fuck.' "The countryside is nice too," I replied, staring at the almost finished drink in my hand. Even alcohol couldn't help with my lack of attraction to Kirk. "So, do you have any kids or family nearby?" "Kids?" He half laughed. "I'm only thirty-three; kids are far in the future." "I see." I pretended to grab something from my bag, discreetly stealing a look back at Gavin, finding his eyes already locked on me. Shit. I twisted right back towards Kirk just as the server swung by, dropping off our

platter with Kirk immediately grabbing a plate, piling it with food. So much for ladies first. "Will you excuse me?" I stood from my chair. "Ladies' room, and will you order me another margarita?" He nodded yes with a full mouth as I sprinted away, escaping to the back hall, turning the corner into the only empty space here, throwing my head back against the wall, cursing myself for wasting yet another night. I knew better than coming here- I should have canceled, avoided him and Gavin. Suddenly, there were heavy steps coming my way, so I lunged for the bathroom door. "Hey." My feet stilled, body automatically turning around. Of course, it was Gavin. "Hi." I fell back against the wall once more. "How's it going?" He stepped a few feet closer, the air slowly being sucked away. "He's so boring!" I was too buzzed to lie. "We don't have any chemistry. I don't know what I was thinking." His smirk turned to a full-fledged smile. "Glad to hear." Glad? "What do you mean?" I stayed against the wall; he stepped even closer, the draw between us growing too strong. "I mean," he rasped, face tilting as he raked his eyes down and back up my body. "I don't want you here with him. So the fact that he's boring makes it easier for me." "Easier for you?" I laughed, cleared my throat, laughed again. "This has nothing to do with you. I don't even know you." He lowered his face, so close I could almost taste his breath. "I still can't stop fucking thinking about you. You don't think it's fate that you walked in here tonight?" "Fate?" I attempted to laugh, trying to deny the force field pulling me to him- two magnets desperately trying to unite. I only had so much self-

control. "I was meeting Kirk, and I live nearby. So no, definitely not fate." "Now you're here with me." His breath became mine; mine became his. "That's the definition of fate." I sucked in another breath. "You're, you're too young." "I think a night with me might change your mind." The tip of his nose brushed mine, his lips that much closer. "I, a night-" His lips crashed to mine- sparks flying, lips a raging fire, faces smashingfriction igniting, heat engulfing me- us. I threw my hands around his neck, locking his mouth to mine, kisses growing stronger, my tongue lapping up the beer on his. Then his hands slid around my waist, fingers adding to the fire, my legs suddenly weak, body falling into his. I was lost, lost in a feeling I'd never felt before. Lost in a ion, I didn't know I was capable of. I was lost in him, Gavin, gorgeous, hot, sexy… college student. Shit, what was I doing! He was twenty-two. College Sadie! And we were in public! Kirk right around the corner. I twisted my face away, lips panting, chest heaving, body quivering- meeting his eyes one last time before sliding into the bathroom door beside me. Whoa. I slammed my palms to the counter, facing the woman in the mirror. Watching her mouth, parted and panting heavily, wet in all the wrong places, swollen lips from a kiss that was way more powerful than it should have been. And a kiss that should have never happened. I gave her a stern warning before pushing back through the door, peeking out to make sure it was clear, slowly making my way back to Kirk. I steadied my breathing, sat down, crossed my wet thighs, and reached for the new margarita, taking a long, hard sip. I needed to drink that kiss away. "Another round?" Kirk asked hopefully, but I could already feel the buzz, and I still had to manage to walk home. "I'm good. I actually need to get going." It wasn't right to be here- with

either of them. "Really? So soon?" He looked slightly disappointed but I couldn't handle him or Gavin right now. "It's been fun though, we should do this again." I lied. "Yeah." I grabbed my purse from the seat back, reaching in to pull out some cash. It didn't feel right letting him pay but he insisted. Great, now I felt even worse. I needed to get the hell out of here. "See you later." He pushed out of his chair, arms up, swinging me into a hug, a very tight hug. "Want me to take you home?" "Nope!" I stepped out of his embrace, backtracking, before spinning around, catching Gavin's furious black eyes in the distance, his body stiff, fists rubbing at his sides. He was the last thing I wanted to deal with right now. I looked to the exit past him, then around, seeing the side door- veering right for it, rushing straight out onto the street.

Chapter 5

"Sadie!" Gavin's yell echoed down the street- bringing my feet to a stop. I swung around to face him, watching and waiting as he stormed forward. "What are you doing, Gavin?" "Me?" He huffed, half out of breath. "What the fuck are you doing walking out here alone!" "Excuse me?" Who the hell did he think he was talking to! "I'm going home, and I'm sorry about earlier." "You're walking home? Are you fucking kidding me?" His hand shot out, fingers wrapping around my arm to slow me down. "I'm not gonna let you walk home alone in the dark, especially after drinking." He wasn't going to let me? Oh really. "Luckily, I don't need your permission. I'm fine alone; go back to your friends." I shook him off, continuing on my way. But he charged up in front of me, body towering over mine, eyes black as the sky. "I'm walking you home, and I'm not asking- I'm telling!" "Fine," I relented, waiting for him to step aside. "Are you going to see him again?" "Kirk?" Oh god. No, not like this, at least. "I see him every day at work." "You know what I fucking mean." His arm brushed mine as we walkedthat spark sizzling, the heat surging. "I don't know, probably not." It was the truth. If I saw Kirk again, it would only be to distract me from thinking about him... and his lips... and that kiss... and that spark.

"Good, and you don't need to be sorry about earlier." "Yes, I do! It should have never happened." Kissing him was the last thing I thought would happen tonight, and I knew better than to step into quicksand. "Why not?" His harsh tone mellowed, but he was still rigid, charging up the street beside me. "Because you're in college, Gavin! And I'm-" old "-not!" "I-" he started, but I swung in front of him, throwing my palm up to stop him. "Look, if you think I'm older, so I must know what I want in bed or that I'm good in bed- I'm not. I'm not that woman!" I was the exact opposite- I had hardly any experience. "And I'm not a fun hit it and quit it woman or anything else you might think." "You're overthinking all this, Sadie. I think you're sexy as hell and cute as fuck." He captured my hand, sending a shock from my fingers to my veins. "And I'm not boring, we have chemistry, and I think you need to give me a fucking chance." We were already at my place, his feet on my heels, following me to the front porch, his heavy breathing raining over me- making me lose my damn mind. I couldn't even unlock the door, fumbling with the key- his hand plucking it from mine, pushing the door open. "Just tonight." His lips were at my neck, his warm whisper tickling my ear. "I'll make you realize that age doesn't mean shit." My body melted into his, his voice making my thighs tremble, igniting a fuse too big to quell. "Okay." He stepped in front of me, body towering against mine, fingers brushing my stomach as they curled under the hem of my shirt, dragging the cotton up over my head, tossing it to the floor. A chill hit my exposed skin, goosebumps following, my breath suddenly

amplified, my pulse meeting the noise- throbbing. I flashed my eyes up to his, watching his dark stare linger on my bra, my chest arching instinctively to give him a better view. He pressed forward, dipping his face to the crook of my neck, lips smashing into the delicate skin, nibbling to my shoulder. I gasped, shallow breaths barely controlled, desperately waiting for his hands or his lips to continueto touch me more. But he stepped back, taking the heat with him. I begged, pleaded with my desperate eyes for him to come back. His palms flattened over my stomach, sliding over my hips, snaking up my back to the bra. "Is this okay?" "Uh, huh," I could barely reply, my focus solely on his fingertips working on my back. Then the clasp sprung free, the straps loosening, draping down my shoulders. His gaze immediately fell to my chest, pupils dilating- eyes becoming a solid black, staring as I shimmied the satin off, leaving me topless. "Fuuck." He dove, a frenzy ensuing, his hands flying- cupping, kneading, squeezing my breasts. His mouth followed, devouring me- making my chest his meal, licking, biting, sucking, feasting. "Oh, god." No one had touched me like this in so long. His hands fell to my jeans, one hand working the zipper, the other flat against my stomach, slipping under the waistband, rubbing over the lace of my panties. "Shit," I gasped, whimpered, panted from his fingers. But I had my own fingers for pleasure- I wanted more! I wanted all of him! I kicked at my jeans, tearing them off; his hands, in turn, gripping my waist, pushing me onto the bed, climbing over my body. He hovered, body grinding into mine, his dick jabbing through his jeans as he lowered his face, lips brushing my mouth. "Can I fuck you?" "Yes, god, yes!" Now! He lifted off me, taking the friction with him, my body shaking, angry, needing him to fill the void. He ripped a wallet from his jeans, snatching a foil packet out before chucking his wallet to the floor.

"Hurry!" I begged, the view of his muscular chest and thick arms not helping my wet trembling thighs relax. His shirt was flying; his jeans hit the floor- holy shit! My jaw was dead weight, my eyes blinking rapidly... holy shit- he was- that dick... holy shit. He clasped his erection, stroking while studying my naked body on the sheets. I swallowed on instinct, quivering as he approached. His thick fingers stretched the condom over his even thicker head, unraveling it down for what seemed like miles. The vision alone turning me into a sink. I wanted him now- I wanted that now! I sprung up, attacking his waist, yanking him over me. "Slow down, Baby," he rasped, fingers sliding under my panties, tearing them away. "I want to enjoy you." Slow down? Fuck that! "No!" I clawed into his biceps, holding him against me. "I've been waiting too long to slow down." It'd been years; my body was desperate. "I need you to fuck me!" His body flexed, rolling over mine once again. "As you wish." He lowered, skin to skin, his heat burning me inside and out. "Fuck," his deep exhale engulfed my neck as his hand coasted down my stomach, dipping between my thighs, fingers swirling their way from my clit to my entrance, two fingers shoving inside. "Oh-" Oh, my, god. But the pleasure was fleeting, his fingers retreating instantly, his tip taking their place- then a strike- his dick pounding inside me. "Oh, shit!" Every nerve was short-circuiting from the force, the stretch, the fill. I forgot what it felt like to be fucked. His body was heavy over mine, his hard chest dragging my nipples with each thrust, his hips rocking into mine, pushes to shoves, his dick filling every inch of me, hitting every nerve- nerves that hadn't been touched in years- hell ever. "Fuck," he groaned, eyes trained on me. "You, feel, so fucking good." He hit the spot, over and over again, his aim impeccable, his thrusts awakening every dormant nerve I had. Ecstasy was on overdrive, surges of heat numbing me, chills of ice spiking across my skin- that itch, that burn inside me growing insatiable. Fuck. My

hands shot out, clawing into the sheets, bunching them to hold on. I was lost, gone from the euphoria, my body insatiable from its deprivation. Fuck. "There!" I pleaded, begged from quivering lips. Fuck, fuck! My eyes rolled back, eyelids spasming- all of me spasming- orgasm coming in hard, matching how hard he was fucking. "Shit, shit, shit! Ga- ga- Gavin!" I threw my hands to his chest- frantically clawing as the orgasm burst, dismantled me. But he wasn't done, hips still pounding. He flung up to sitting, hands owning my breasts, clasping as he drove himself deeper inside me. Fuck. Shit. Fuck. "Can you come, Baby?" I did. Only I couldn't reply. My throat was too filled with the onslaught of moans and screams from him battering my g-spot. "I, take it that's, a yes." He dug his fingers into my hips, flipping me onto my hands and knees, thighs smacking my ass, dick plowing right back inside me. "Fuck!" I succumbed, immobilized, the surge knocking me out, arms and legs buckling, sending me falling face-first into the sheets, quivering. "Oh, my, god." I struggled to catch a breath, lying there too shaky to move and too spent even to try. "Shit." The bed shook under me, his body falling beside mine, his arm sliding under my chest, flipping me over, tugging me into his arms. "What do you think about age now?" Huh? I could barely comprehend his question, let alone formulate an answer. So I just snuggled into him, nestling my face into his sweaty chest, losing myself to the sudden exhaustion that was washing over me.

Chapter 6

The light hit my face, my tired eyes blinking, hand out- grabbing blindly for my phone to see the time, 9:18 am. Gavin! I sprung up, sheets falling from my naked body, face whipping over, to the empty bed. "Gavin?" I scanned the room, nothing. Had I dreamed all that? I looked from my bare body to the floor, to the pile of my clothes. It was definitely not a dream. I hopped off the bed, peeking into the bathroom first before walking out into the living room. He was gone. No goodbye or nothing. Well, this was for the best anyways, and that orgasm was so worth it. That alone would tide me over for another five years. I continued into the kitchen, powering on the coffee maker, starting back- stopping abruptly as the front door swung open. Gavin! His eyes went wide, hand slamming the door behind him as he stared. "Good morning!" He grinned, wiping at the sweat dripping down his chest to the jeans hanging on his hips. "Planter's up and ready if you want to check it out, but you'll need to put something on first." Huh? I looked down, following his smile- Oh my god! I threw my arms up, covering my breasts and stomach. "No need for that." He walked over, wrapping his arms around my waist, sliding his hands down over my ass, giving it a squeeze. The reality was setting in, there was daylight, him, me- fully exposed in this bright, unforgiving light. "I'm going to take a shower," I squeaked out, swatting him away. "I need one too." He ran a hand through his sweaty hair, stretching, making his jeans fall lower, too low. "After me, okay." I started walking backward, hands up, covering myself as I backtracked into the room.

"How about with you?" I ignored him, racing into the bathroom, cranking the shower handle on, catching my reflection in the mirror- immediately cringing. I was sober, there was too much light, and he did not need to see every inch of me like this. "What are you doing?" He was suddenly in the doorway. Shit! I flung my hands up over my chest. "Oh my gosh, nothing. Get out!" I grabbed the closest towel, chucking it at him, but he caught it with one hand, dropping it to the floor as he continued over. "Do you mind?" I squeezed my arms tighter over my body, blocking his view. "Why can't I look at you?" He closed in behind me, reaching his hands to mine and pulling my arms away from my body. "You are so goddamn sexy." He pushed his face into the crook of my neck, pressing a kiss to it. "Stop," I whispered back. He didn't need to lie- I had already slept with him. I tried to raise my arms again- he held them down, kissing his way to my ear. "Why are you hiding? I've already seen all of you." He trailed his fingers to my chest, cupping my breasts. "You are so fucking hot, Sadie." He pressed in against my back, making his firming bulge known. "Shower?" He took my hand, kicking his jeans off as he led me into the water. I stood in front of him, breath heavier than the steam around us, growing more erratic by the second. There was a man in my shower for the first time, and he was towering behind me, grinding his arousal into my back, while his heavy breathing hissed against my ear. "You want more?" His raspy voice smacked my neck as his rough hands smacked my hips, spinning me to face him. "Yes." I looked up, watching the water droplets stream down his thick lashes, over that sexy smirk. "Please." It was a flash- he bent, hands curled under my thighs, lifting me, pinning me back to the shower stall- his tip sliding between my thighs. "Fuck!" He

grunted, groaned, lowered me right back down. "What? No!" The burn was deep- I was almost there. I needed him to finish me off. "Don't stop!" "I don't have a condom," he shook his head, dropping his hard body against mine- teasing me more. I didn't care, no, I should. I didn't... I did. I needed more. I looked up, biting my bottom lip suggestively while reaching for his hand, guiding it to my thighs. His smile shot up; his fingers did the same, sliding two inside me, another to my clit. "This what you want?" He pinned me back, fingers hitting that spot, that deep spot. I nodded, gasping, the heat prickling my skin, the ice filling my veins. "GaGavin!" I looked to his hand below, only to see his lonely arousal- just waiting to be touched too. I jerked my hand forward, clasping my fingers around his dick- making him moan too. I stroked him, listening to his groans, pumping faster, jerking him while he fingered me. I stilled, his fingers finally rendering me immobile, the orgasm surging. "Shit." "Fuck," he yelped. "Cazzo!" He hunched forward, body tensing, releasing over my hand. Oh god. My body gave out, sinking to the bottom of the tub. Heaven. He bent down in front of me, pecking my forehead before lifting me back up to my feet, holding me under the shower spray. And I fell back against him, letting him rinse me. Then his hands ran over my chest, fingers working my nipples. Here we go again. I needed to get out of here, otherwise, this shower was going to last all day. I scooted past him, climbing out and grabbing a towel, wrapping it over me while watching him behind the glass. Why was such a gorgeous man wasting his time in my shower? He followed me out, shaking the towel over him. "What are you doing

today?" "Nothing really." I snapped my bra up from the floor, tugging it on. "Want to do something?" He was watching me, his face unreadable. "Like what?" We'd done plenty since last night. "Fuck, I don't know-" he shrugged. "I don't really do this shit. Lunch I guess? Whatever." He felt bad for leaving, but it was fine. I knew it was just a one-night thing. "You don't have to." I let him off the hook; only he didn't seem relieved. "I, um-" he laughed to himself. "I want to." I walked over to my closet, glancing back at him. I knew I should say no. What was I even doing with him? I needed to end this right now. This was over, the nightHe dropped the towel, putting his body on full display- oh shit. Then he bent over for his clothes, stepping into his boxers, sliding them up his muscular legs. "Sure." I nodded absentmindedly- just one more day. I would stop whatever this was tomorrow. One more day wouldn't hurt. It'd been too long, and I deserved just one more day.

Chapter 7

"We'll have to walk to my car." Gavin held the door open, waiting on me. "It's still at the bar." "I can drive," I offered, already grabbing my keys off the hook, but he was shaking his head no. "I'll drive!" He insisted, waving me back towards my room. "Grab something to put your hair up with before we go." "Why?" "Convertible." I walked back to the bathroom, throwing my hair up into a ponytail before walking back out, meeting his mischievous stare. "What?" I instinctively threw my hand up to my hair, smoothing it back. "You're fucking cute." "Oh jeez, let's go." I shoved him out the door, following his lead down the sidewalk, trying to keep my distance, scanning around us, watching for any sign of Grant. He finally stopped, stepping over to the out-of-place sports car parked amid the scruffier, older cars. "This is me." He nodded over, pulling the enger door open, gesturing for me to get in as he rounded the car to the driver's side, dropping in and simultaneously lowering the roof. Then the engine roared to life, and he grabbed a pair of sunglasses from the console, sliding them on, twisting his face to mine. "Where to?" He hit the gas, barreling down the street. He was so damn hot, and it wasn't the thrill or pleasure talking- this man could have any woman he wanted. "I don't know. I'm still kind of new here," I yelled back, grabbing for my ponytail that was whipping in the

wind. He zipped onto the highway, one hand dropping from his steering wheel, falling right to my thigh- paralyzing it. It... it felt good to be touched, like this. Actually- it felt good to be touched, period- we should just head back to my place- one more round. Too late. I took a deep breath, turning my focus back onto the drive, pushing my dirty thoughts aside. We headed towards the ocean, veering into a quaint beachfront shopping center, driving straight up to the valet stand- where Gavin darted out, circling to get to my door, opening it for me. "You don't have to do that, you know," I teased up to him. "I'd sleep with you regardless of your chivalry." "Good to know," he chuckled, reaching for my arm to help me out. "But I'm not a fucking chump." He took my hand in his, my arm immediately recoiling, pulling my hand away. There were way too many people here for any kind of affection, and I didn't need anyone staring. We walked into the plaza, his eyes roaming. "There's a store here I wanna show you." "Really?" I could only imagine. It was probably a sex shop or cannabis store. We weaved through a maze of little souvenir and art shops before he stopped us in front of a plain brown door, adorned with a small hanging sign, 'Left Loft'. "What is this?" I asked as he pushed the door open. "Everything in here is for lefties." He flicked his wrist towards the displays and products lining the shelves- all specially made for left-handers- for me! "Wait! How did you know I was left-handed?" No one ever noticed that about me. His lips stretched, giving me a tight, sneaky smile. "When you were gardening, when you were drinking, when we were in the shower," he

whispered, arching his brow. "Oh." I could feel the heat in my cheeks, then saw the flashes from this morning- I needed to distract myself! I grabbed a basket, filling it with everything I never knew I needed. "I'll pay," he insisted, reaching into his pocket. "Shit, I don't have my wallet!" "How convenient." I rolled my eyes to tease him as I pulled out my credit card and handing it to the cashier. I wouldn't have let him pay anyway. "So, what's next?" He grabbed the bag from the counter, refusing to let me hold it as he led us back outside, deeper into the plaza. "Ice cream?" "Ice cream?" Did he just say ice cream? I followed his gaze to the building behind us. "Fuck," he chuckled. "I don't know; they're famous for it- if you want to do the whole first-timer tourist thing." Great… my college date wanted ice cream. "I guess." He gestured for me to sit at an empty table. "I'll be right back." He turned away, only to turn right back around, cheeks pale, grumbling under his breath. "Didn't you say something about not being a chump earlier?" I laughed, handing him some cash. "Fuck, you have no idea how-" "Don't worry about it!" I flashed him my widest smile. "I'm sure you'll find a way to redeem yourself." I kept laughing as he walked away, his shoulders drooping, head still shaking as he grumbled. Then I noticed all the women around him, their eyes glued, gawking at him as he ed by- every last one of them taking a look. It shouldn't bother me; why was it bothering me! I shouldn't care. I didn't care... we were

strangers, well one night in bed strangers. He started back, single ice cream cone in hand, holding it out for me. "Only one?" "We can share. Ladies first," he insisted, so I took the cone, taking a lick before handing it back over. "I haven't had this shit since I was a kid," he chuckled, tongue striking out, licking, swirling the melting ice cream up the side of the cone- with his long, thick tongue. My cheeks were burning again, watching that talented tongue in action. Seriously, I was pathetic- everything he did was turning me on. My body was so desperate that a few licks of ice cream sent me spiraling. "Here." He nudged the cone towards my hand, but I rebuffed it. "I'm good, thanks." I shuffled up, promptly walking away. "Where are you going?" "I want to see the water." I lied, feeling him rushing up behind me. He followed me down to the shoreline, standing beside me while I watched the waves and the heavy fog as it rolled in- anything to distract me from how sexy he was. "So, what's your major?" It was awkward, I knew, yet couldn't help it. I needed a distraction. "Finance." "Finance?" I looked over, staring at that sexy wave of black hair, that dark five o'clock shadow, those lips. He did not seem like a finance major. "My entire family is in investing." Investing, now that I could see. A Wall Street playboy, with a different girl every night. The fog suddenly filled the space around us, blocking out the sun almost entirely. "Let's go." But instead of walking away from it towards the car, he

started towards it, stepping onto the sand, walking towards the water. "Come on." He waved me down, so I reluctantly followed, plopping to the sand on the empty beach, causing him to walk over, drop the bag, and sink to the sand behind me, straddling his legs outside mine. I automatically lowered back against his chest, only to hear the slurp and whistle of his tongue- he still had that cone- still going to town. "Get rid of that damn ice cream!" "Whoa, calm done," he started chuckling, pushing it in front of me. "You can have some." "No, sorry. I can't watch or hear you licking that thing anymore." "Licking?" He repeated, tone no longer playful. "Why?" Why?! Because I want you so damn bad. "Because I can't take it." I looked around the foggy beach, double-checking that we were still alone- when his palm hit my stomach, fingers inching their way under the waist of my jeans. "Would you rather my tongue do this?" Oh my god. "Later." His tongue traced my ear while his fingers mimicked the pattern over, then under my panties. "I've been waiting to be back inside you." "Gavin." My eyes rolled back, the weight of his hand too powerful. "You're wet." His whisper blew over my ear, making me even wetter. "I- I-" I... His fingers smothered my clit, rubbing, working me up, already making me tremble. "Gavin, I-" Two fingers slid inside me, curling deep, moving in and out with slow, controlled plunges. "You're tight too." His lips sat at my ear, engulfing my neck with his heavy breathing. Oh god. His fingers went hard, arm flexing against me, plunges to pounding, thumb hammering my clit at the same time- he knew exactly what he was doing.

"Come for me, right here." I bit over my lip, screams breaking in my throat, chest heaving, the insatiable itch building, hitting a breaking point- his fingers working every nerve between my thighs. "Shit, shit." I dropped my head back, resting aside his, both of us watching the hand hidden under my jeans and the fingers wreaking havoc under my panties. "Shit." I threw my hand to his arm, fingers clawing into his skin, holding on, bracing myself, coming, shaking, melting into him... disappearing for a minute- his kiss on my cheek bringing me back. "You're shivering," he whispered again, nipping at my ear. "Are you cold or satisfied?" "Both." "Come on, let's get out of here." He pulled himself up, grabbing my arm to steady me on my feet before reaching back down to grab the ice cream cone, laughing under his breath while tossing it to the trash. We started back up the foggy sand, the visibility now barely a few feet in front of us. "I can't drive in this shit! This is fucking nuts," he huffed, waving his hand through the heavy fog. "Let's grab lunch and wait for it to clear. I'll pay you back." He shook his head, grumbling again. "For all of this." "I think you already paid me back." I teased, wrapping my hand over his bicep, the bicep that had worked so hard today. "Ha," he chuckled, twisting his face down with a big grin. "In that case."

Chapter 8

We walked along the foggy boardwalk until we came across a quaint barbecue t where they seated us almost immediately- in a booth towards the back of the restaurant. "What would you like to drink?" The waitress pulled her pad out, glancing between us. "Can I just order?" I was starving, needing a distraction from the man sitting across the table, whose fingers were just inside me, on a public beach, no less. "I'll take that barbecue sandwich from the specials board in front and an iced tea." Gavin chuckled, flipping through the menu quickly before handing it right back. "I'll take the tri-tip." She shuffled away, with Gavin still cackling across from me. "What's so funny?" "You see the size of that sandwich you just ordered? It's as big as your head Sadie." "Well, I'm starving! In case you don't , you ate all the ice cream." I teased, meeting his relaxed smile as I leaned forward, elbows hitting the tabletop. "Don't worry, I ." His dark eyes twinkled under the lighting, that smile somehow turning sinister. "Tell me about yourself, Gavin. Only child?" "Why do you say that?" He threw his hand up to his hair, raking his fingers through his thick black locks. "The car."

He laughed under his breath. "Youngest of five, but my closest sister is eight years older than me." "Five! Wow! And you said you're from New York- what brought you here?" His eyes drifted to something, looking lost in thought for a minute before flashing those dark irises back to mine. "I needed a change. Transferred from NYU my junior year. You from Cali?" His hand crept across the table, falling over my fingers. "Um-" I looked down at our hands, those entwined fingers sparking. He was just a stranger, yet he felt so familiar. "No. Born and raised in Arizona. I needed a change too. Grant got accepted to the university out here, and I couldn't be away from him." "What about his dad?" It was the question I always dreaded and the one everyone always had to ask. I shrugged my shoulders. "He's not around. It's just been the two of us, until he started here and moved into the dorms." "What a prick. Who leaves their family like that." We were no family. "He was a prick." The waitress was back at our table, placing the dishes down in front of us, and I couldn't help but laugh at the sandwich, it was huge; almost comical. It was more food than I'd had all week- to match the most sex I'd had in my life. I grabbed it up with two hands, chomping right into it, feeling the barbecue sauce smearing all over my face and not giving a damn- it was good! "Good?" He chuckled, reading my mind. "Mmhm." I licked the sauce from my lips, pushing the sandwich up for another bite. He suddenly jerked back, whipping out his phone, aiming it right at me, and snapping away.

"Hey!" I dropped the sandwich, throwing my hands up to cover my face. "What are you doing!" He flipped his phone, flashing me the screen. There I was- messy ponytail, messier face- big smile. "Gross." "No, you're fucking cute," he shot me a quick grin before leaning over the table, snapping his tongue out, licking my lips. "Gross again." I swatted him away, grabbing up the napkin in one swoop and dabbing it over my mouth.

The rest of our lunch proceeded just the same- fun and messy until the waitress walked back with the bill. "Any dessert today?" "I'm going to save my dessert for later," Gavin's maniacal grin shot up, matching his arched brow. "No thanks." I kicked his foot under the table while smiling politely to the waitress, handing her my credit card, watching her walk away. "What?" Gavin sighed with a quick shoulder shrug. "Now that I know what ice cream does to you." "Stop it!" I laughed, tossing my napkin at him. "Ready?" We headed back outside, where rain had taken over for the fog, forcing us to run back to the valet, huddling together under their umbrella. He held me tight while we waited for his car, pulling me into his chest, smacking kisses to my wet hair. "You're always wet." "Funny." I laughed up to him, meeting his lips for a split second before his car rolled up. We ran to it, diving into the already opened doors, slamming them shut, hands up against the blasting heat, thawing, and then speeding away, back to my place.

He pulled into the driveway, jumping out his door and racing to grab mine, swinging it open. "You don't have to come in." I shivered, taking his outstretched hand. "If you don't want to." His focus dropped to the soaking shirt clinging to my chest, eyes lingering on the cold nipples poking through. "I want to." He dropped his hands to my hips, pushing me through the front door. "Wait! I need to get some towels!" I stopped, watching the water pool on my floor. "Or-" His fingers drug up my soaked top, tracing the outline of my chest, my nipples rising to meet his touch. "We could just leave the clothes here." His hands continued down my stomach, tugging the shirt up, my arms instinctively raising, allowing him to slide it over my head. Then I dropped my hands straight to his zipper, sliding it down while he kicked his pants to the floor, and I followed, bending down to pull his boxers off, meeting his erection head to head. I was inches from him, my tongue like a magnet, stretching to his tip, circling his head, tasting him- wrapping my lips over him, sliding my mouth right down his dick- as far as I could, mouth bursting. "Oh, fuck," he gasped, hands falling to my head, grabbing up my ponytail, gripping it while I sank down, slid up, twirling my tongue, tasting every inch. Then I felt a tug, a firm pull of my hair. "Stop!" He bent down, lifting me back up, leading me to the bed, lying me over the sheets. "Start!" I teased, his lips instantly falling to my chest, nipping greedily before throwing his body over mine. Then a crinkle, a tear, his hands maneuvering, his body crashing. He pounced, pounded, thrusting inside mesuddenly grabbing me up, flipping me- landing me on top of him, my thighs spread, his dick a mile high in front of me. "I want to watch you fuck me." His eyes met mine, his palm meeting my thigh, giving it a good slap, and I lifted to meet his tip, sliding down, inch by

fucking inch... oh god… fuck... shit... I froze, filled to capacity, nerves shooting off- going haywire. "Come on, Baby, fuck me." I rose, I fell, I rocked, barely able to take all of him in this position, the pressure burning, fire unleashing, orgasm... His hands slapped my thighs, fingers jumping to my hips, digging into my skin, taking control, bouncing me over him, bucking up while he pounded me down. "Shit!" My body clenched around him, locking him in, telling him I was done- only he was growing harder, his final thrusts, my final rides, taking him deeper. I dropped my head back, grinding over him, the sensations trickling from my toes to my knees to my thighs. "Shittt." I collapsed, a domino smashing into his chest. "I'm sorry." I had hardly ever climaxed before him; now I was coming the second he touched me. "For what?" He wrapped his arms over my back, holding me against him. "I came; I'm good." I stayed on top for a while. The two of us cuddling, his hands running through my hair, down my back, while I pressed kisses to his chest. I eventually garnered the strength to roll off him and the bed, heading towards the shower to wash the sand, the rain, and all this away. "Want to ?" I looked back, finding him picking up his clothes from the floor, already getting dressed. "Are you leaving?" "Kind of have to- stayed here last night. They're going to report me missing," he chuckled, stepping into his jeans. Of course, he had to go- he needed to go. Yeah, he needed to go. "I have to be up at five for work anyways." I watched him dress, feeling the slightest pang in my heart. This was silly. This was why sleeping with someone was so dangerous- one orgasm and they imprinted on your heart. But this was what had to happen. "Hey, Gavin- please don't say anything to anyone. Grant can't find out about this." "Obviously. Here let me get your number." He pulled out his phone, immediately typing into it. "No, you probably shouldn't." This needed to be over; it had already gone on too long. Sex was one thing; a phone number was another.

"No?" He repeated, laughing under his breath, phone still up waiting. "What? Were you just using me? Hit it and quit it?" I smiled, bigger than necessary. "Yes, and you were fantastic. Now please shut the door on your way out."

Chapter 9

He was gone by the time I got out of the shower, taking my smile with him. It had been a fun night, a fun day- that was over now. I'd probably never see him again. At least I had some good memories to tide me over for another five years. I cleaned up the wet floor, threw my clothes in the washer, listened to the pattering of rain outside, but none of these mundane tasks were taking my mind off of him. So I stalked over to the couch, flipping on the T.V., scrolling through the channels absentmindedly. Then hearing a purr overtaking the rain, an engine revving into the driveway- oh my god! He was back! I popped up, rushing to the door, seeing the flash of headlights. Yes! I unlocked the door, ran to my room, hopping onto the bed- poising as seductively as possible. A knock hit the door, my stomach filled with butterflies, flapping like crazy inside me. "Come in!" "Mom?" Grant... Grant! Shit! I jumped, scrambling off the bed. "Mom?" "Umm, in here." I pulled myself up just as he walked in. "Hey, sorry I bailed on you Saturday," he apologized, walking across the bedroom, bending down to the pile of mail on the floor. "Just leave it," I insisted, waving him away. There was who-knows-what everywhere from the last few days. "What's this?" He mumbled, reaching for something, waving a wallet up in his hand. Shit. Shit. Shit.

He flung it open, furrowing his brow. "Gavin Romano." Shit!! "Oh-oh, y-yeah," I stammered. Shit. Shit. Shit. Think! "I found that in the garage. I, I wanted to give it to you Saturday." "Cool, I'll give it to him tomorrow." He shoved it into his pocket. "You could have text me that you found it." "Slipped my mind." I dramatically shrugged my shoulders, mentally banging my head against the wall. This was exactly what I was afraid of! What if it had been Gavin that Grant had found? "Anyways." He walked over, throwing his arm across my shoulders. "Want to grab dinner?" "Sure!" Getting out of here was a good idea. I grabbed a jacket and my rain boots, sliding them both on. "Where to?" I walked to the front door, trying to calm my nerves, remain casual, smiling like nothing was amiss as we hurried out and into the car. "How about the cafe next to campus? It's pretty crazy out here, so I'd rather stay close." He insisted, shaking his wet hair over the dashboard. "Sounds good!"

We made the short drive over, parking on the street and jumping out, running to get under the awning. "Two," Grant called to the hostess, who grabbed some menus, immediately turning to escort us to our table. "Glad I brought that wallet," Grant laughed over his shoulder. "Why?" "Gavin!" He shouted, veering away from the hostess. No. Oh my god. My heart skipped a beat, my feet heavy, eyes afraid to look over. It couldn't be. I followed Grant's path, seeing a table of guys- seeing Gavin- seeing a woman next to him. And the second she saw us, she leaned

over, dropping her hand to his arm. Ohh, shit. He was on a date. I wanted to run, to hide- all of which would look a little suspicious, so instead, I followed behind Grant, looking at the two other guys at his table before rolling my eyes to Gavin, meeting his for a split second before he looked away. He was just with me hours ago, literally just hours ago. Why did it feel like I was being gutted? The man did have condoms in every pocket, for Christ's sake. I was just another night for him; now he was off to the next one. We... were nothing. Nothing more than a fun night. What was I expecting anyway... well, maybe that he wasn't doing two women at once. Ugh. I felt sick. Grant waved the wallet over to Gavin. "My mom found it in the garage." He gestured back to me... dammit. "Dude! That's your mom?" One of the guys screamed, louder than necessary. "She's hot!" "So I've heard," Grant grumbled. This wasn't happening. I sank behind him, tugging at the back of his shirt. "You single?" The other guy attempted to flirt, leaning back in his chair to see me. "How desperate are you two?" Gavin spat, tone harsh. Desperate... ouch. "Grant," I whispered, tugging at his arm. "We should go." He gave the table a wave goodbye, and we turned back around to the hostess, finally following her to the table. I took my seat in the booth across from Grant, feeling someone's glare on me, so I looked, meeting his eyes. But he didn't smile back, nothing, just stared a second longer before turning back to the girl at his side. What the hell was that! Grant mentioned something or other about his classes, my head nodding absentmindedly, no clue what he was actually saying. I was too distracted by

the jerk sitting across the room. I was finally with my son, and I couldn't even concentrate on him. The waitress delivered our food; I stabbed at it angrily with my fork, eventually boxing it all up to take home. Then she dropped the bill, and I stormed off to the front to pay. "Hey!" Gavin. He was behind us, I didn't care. Still walking- but Grant stopped, forcing me to stop too. "Thanks for this," he spoke to Grant, then to me. "Now you can pay for your date's dinner," I snapped, refusing to meet his eyes. Since I paid for your lunch. "Jeez, Mom." Grant laughed, starting towards Gavin but I grabbed his arm, yanking him out the doors with me- right into the pouring rain. "Try to be nice to my friends, especially him!" "Why?" "He's a senior and a very popular one." "Yeah, I see that." I jabbed my key into the ignition, starting the car. How had I made such a bad decision? He was probably back there telling the table about me, what an easy score I was, and I freaking paid for his lunch. Fooled me with the chivalry. I'm such an idiot. God, why did I care! I didn't even give him my phone number; what did it matter if he was out with another girl. It was sex, and that was it. That was it!

Chapter 10

My alarm went off at five am, just as it did every workday. Only this time, I was already awake, staring at my phone, waiting for it to beep. I'd spent the entire night tossing and turning. I was such an idiot. One, I'd finally gotten to spend time with Grant, and I wasted it, and two, I let some prick college guy nail me. What did it matter if the sex was good when the man was an asshole. Even worse was that my heart hurt from it, and it shouldn't. I shouldn't care that some girl was rubbing Gavin's arm or that he ignored me with some jackass indifference. It was just a fling, one night! Why did it feel like we were so much more than we were? Because he had been nice to me, only it was just for the sex, he had made that much apparent last night. I told myself I'd never cry over a guy, Grant's dad had dried up those wells long ago, yet here I was, welling up again. I rolled out of bed, shimmying on my scrubs before grabbing my bag, then walking to the front door, pulling it open. "Shit!" I stumbled back, heartbursting from my chest, the wind knocked out of me, blinking- the dark figure coming into focus- Gavin. "Shit!" I threw my hand to my heart, holding it in. "What are you doing!" He looked back at me with equal surprise. "I was gonna knock but wasn't sure if Grant was here." "Oh my god..." I tried to calm my racing heart, bracing myself against the wall as I met his eyes. "He's not! What the hell do you think you're doing waiting at my door in the dark like this!" "You said you had to work." He just shrugged, no big deal- showing up announced in the dark was no big deal. "And you seemed pissed last night." "Pissed? Pissed?" I paused, taking a deep breath. "No, I'm not pissed. But if you came here to sleep with me, you can think again- I'm not touching you after you've been with her." I pushed past him, hurrying down to my

car, hearing him rushing up behind me, hand clasping around my arm. "What the fuck are you talking about?" "Last night, that girl. Whatever, I don't even care." I yanked my arm away; he clasped tighter. "Slow down and talk to me!" He demanded, twirling me to face him. "You were fucking me just hours earlier!" I ripped my arm away, charging for the car. "You're disgusting!" I threw the driver's side door open, seeing him race to the enger side, opening it before I could lock it. "You left me to go to her." "I didn't fuck her," he barked defensively as he climbed in, slamming the door behind him. "I already had that planned. Why do you think Chris and Jack were there? I didn't want to be alone with her, and I didn't want to be a dick." "Really? Well, you were one to me, calling your friends desperate after you had just been with me. It was mean." He threw his head back against the seat rest, scoffing. "Are you fucking kidding me right now! Rude to you?" He rolled his face over, shaking it like I was in the wrong. "What did you want me to do? Kiss you, flirt, grab your ass? You were with Grant! You told me that you didn't want him to know! So I tried my best to ignore how hot you fucking looked, how I wanted to punch Chris in the face for calling you hot, and how all I wanted to do was walk over to that damn booth and sit next to you. I did what you asked; now you're pissed at me." Shit… I didn't know how to react after my obvious overreaction. "Talking about age," he continued, rolling his eyes to the ceiling and back. "You're the one acting like a fucking child. I even drove around your block last night, but I didn't wanna risk Grant being here. I hated thinking that you were mad; I hated not being able to touch you even more." He slid his hand over; I flinched, twisting my legs towards the door. "I'm going to be late," I sighed, staring straight ahead as I started the

engine. "Please get out." "What? This is ridiculous. I didn't do anything. This is like college chick drama." Oh no, he didn't. My insides were burning with ion, anger, lust, jealousy, embarrassment, and I couldn't handle it this morning. "Sadie." He leaned over, grabbing my hand, pulling it into his. "Stop," I muttered, staring out the window to gather my strength. "This needs to be over. I'm already in way over my head, and I just met you." "Kiss me!" He commanded, tugging my hand. "I need to get to work." I looked away- his hand trailing up to my chin, twisting my face to meet his, those black eyes staring deep as he lowered his face, lips crashing to mine, sweeping me away. His kiss was slow, then fast, suddenly wild lips, wild tongues, and before I knew it, I was wrapped up in him, my hands clawing his back, his tongue claiming my mouth. I wanted him so bad- but I couldn't do this, any of this. "No." I pushed him away, turning my face, staring at my garage door. "I can't do this. Please, Gavin, I need to get to work." "We're not done here!" He barked, head shaking. "Last night was hard on me. I wanted to be with you. I want to be with you, period. This- fuck I want you." "You can't have me! This- would never work. Now get out, please." "And only you get to fucking decide that, huh?" He threw the door open, stomping out, smacking the door shut. Inhale, exhale. Drive. I reversed out of the driveway, taking off. The ache in my heart from last night gone, a new one in its place- one that wished I would have called in sick to work and gone back inside with him.

"Sadie," Debbie yelled from behind the nurses' station. "Patient in E7 is requesting you, acute stomach pain. Jenny has his chart." Requesting me? I ran by, dropping the newest stack of charts off. "Okay, I'll go check it out." Oh no, what if it was Grant? I raced, weaving through the gurney-filled halls, running into Jenny outside E7. "Sorry, Sadie, he was adamant, and he's pretty hard to say no to." My heart stopped, picturing Grant as I peeked in- seeing Gavin instead. "Patient has acute stomach-" "Yeah, yeah, I got it." I grabbed the chart from her. "Let me assess him." "Oh, okay." She turned on her heels, too busy to ask any more questions. "Unbelievable!" I stepped in, closing the door behind me, meeting that cocky grin on that devastatingly handsome face. "Please tell me you're actually sick." Gavin sat at the edge of the gurney. "I needed to talk to you. You won't give me your number, so what else am I supposed to do after how ridiculous you were acting." "Ridiculous!" Me? I dropped his chart to the table, marching right over to his bedside. "Ridiculous is showing up to the emergency room when you're perfectly healthy. You're wasting valuable resources." "I needed to talk to you! Give me five minutes, and you can let that other nurse discharge me." "I will give you five minutes as I assess you." I grabbed the blood pressure cuff, barely able to wrap it over his bulging arm. "Assess me, huh? Here goes- I can't get you out of my fucking head. I've never felt like this. I don't know what this is between us, but I'm not done seeing you. I can't be." "Shhh." I pushed my fingers to my lips, silencing him while glancing over to make sure the door was completely shut.

"I want more of you, Sadie," he demanded, stretching his fingers to my hand, caressing it. "I'm not gonna give up without a fight." His fingers trailed up my arm, brushing over my neck. "I can tell you're into me too," he continued. "Might I remind you of the ice cream cone." He stuck his tongue out, playfully licking his lips- my body immediately reacting. I was into him. "You gave me a good orgasm, a few. Nothing more. I can't do whatever this is. You're out with all kinds of girls." He started laughing, fingers grazing down my neck, tracing right over my chest. "Trust me, there's only one chick I think about fucking, and that's you." "Not here. This isn't the place to have this conversation. I'll be home around eight; we can talk then." I removed the cuff from his arm. "Now, you need to get the hell out of my ER!" "I'm suddenly feeling much better." "And for future reference, Mr. Romano, never come to my hospital again!" His eyes started down my shirt, his smile growing. "You know, since we're here-" he rolled his back down on the gurney. "I think I could use a little treatment." Eww.. I cringed, shaking my head no. "Someone has puked, died, bled, and given birth on those exact sheets." "Oh fuck," he wailed, hopping right off. "You can erase that whole nurse in the hospital room fantasy," I laughed over my shoulder as I walked out of the room, turning the corner and bumping right into Jenny. "Discharge him. His pain is miraculously gone." "Too bad," she faux whined, shoulders caving in. "He's cute. Wouldn't have minded running a test or two on him." "Jenny!" I smacked the chart into her hand, continuing back down the hall towards the nurses' station. But my mind started wandering to him and her.

Did he find her attractive too? Jenny was closer to his age, and she was pretty, I guess. I bet he got hit on all the time- how could he not. Women probably threw themselves at him. "Sadie," Kirk called, resting on the station counter right in front of me. "Busy morning?" "Not yet, but it'll be rush hour soon enough." "You up for coffee later?" He was so hopeful, and I did feel bad for the other night. Then I saw Debbie smirking behind him; by noon everyone would be making a big deal out of this. "Sure." I agreed while scooting over instinctively to clear the way for the footsteps approaching us. Except the footsteps stopped behind me, drawing both Kirk and Debbie's attention. Who? I turned around, finding Gavin standing there, his lips hard-pressed as he appraised Kirk. "Okay, then I'll grab you later," Kirk continued, taking a long look at Gavin before scuffling away. Hopefully, he didn't Gavin from the other night. The last thing I needed was more hospital drama. "Can I help you, Mr. Romano?" I asked, flashing my eyes coyly to Debbie, hoping he wouldn't say anything incriminating. "Nope," he spat, grumbling under his breath. "Just enjoying some hypocrisy. I've been discharged." He stormed past the nurses' station, charging right out the exit. "What was that about?" Debbie asked, eyes wide as she leaned in, a little too eagerly. "I'm not sure. You know some of these patients have their issues." "Was he the one that requested you?" She continued. "Yes."

"Why are the gorgeous ones always mental?"

Chapter 11

What had started as a light day turned crazy by the afternoon, not to mention the gossip gang hounding me every ten minutes about Kirk and the hottie. I could barely stand by the time seven o'clock hit. I drove home, immediately pouring myself a glass of wine en route to my bedroom to change, and I was almost to my dresser when I heard the pounding on the door- knowing it was him. "It's open," I shouted, stepping back out of my room just as Gavin flew through the front door. "Don't leave this door unlocked! You live alone, shit," he barked, throwing his hands up wildly. "You know you need to get a security system here. It's not safe." "Relax! I just walked in, see, still in scrubs." I waved over my clothes, trying not to spill my wine. "Still, you should be more fucking careful." He was all worked up for nothing. "I've lived alone for the past eighteen years. I think I know what I'm doing." I laughed, taking a sip from my glass. "I didn't think you were going to come by." "Why? Because you bitched about me being with a chick, and then I caught you with that jackass from the other night?" "He asked me to meet for coffee; it was friendly." He scoffed, dropping his head back, then rolling it forward, staring down at me. "Anytime a guy asks it's a date, and I don't want you seeing him anymore." He didn't... damn how much wine had I had tonight. "I work with him, Gavin."

"I don't want you meeting with him anymore then." Nope, I wasn't drunk- he was just out of his mind. "Oh really," I laughed up to his angry face. He had no right to tell me who I couldn't see. "I'm a grown-ass woman, and I can do as a please." "And I'm a grown man, so I guess that means I can do as I please. You're such a fucking hypocrite." "I know I'm not going to do anything with him- guys are different." "I don't want another dude at home jerking off to you- every time you fucking say yes to him, he's going to be picturing you in his bed." Oh my god, I swatted his arm. "Stop it! That's not true." "It is. Trust me, I'm a guy." "I said yes to you-" "And I was in the shower all fucking morning stroking it to your face and your tits." "Ohh." I took another sip of the wine, feeling light on my feet, weak in the knees- not from the wine. "I, I didn't meet him today anyways. It was too busy." "Promise me you won't meet him. I don't need to catch him eye-fucking you at work anymore." Promise him? We barely knew each other; this was crazy. "Well, you're not coming to my work anymore, and that's fine with me. I have no interest in him." At all. "I need to get changed. You're welcome to leave, watch TV, whatever you want to do." His face relaxed, the mania that his eyes held just minutes ago replaced with... greed. "Whatever I want to do, huh?" That devilish grin curled up his face as he started towards me, lowering his face to mine. "There are a few things I want to do." He reached his hands around my back, clutching my ass.

"Stop!" I swatted him away, almost spilling my drink. "I need to get out of these dirty clothes first. I mean before we talk more." "I'd love to help you get these dirty things off." He slid his hands under my scrubs, tugging the pants down over my hips. Then he pulled my top off, my undershirt, my bra. "I think," he whispered, lips traveling down my neck while his hands traveled up my stomach. "That you've had a long day and that you need to relax a bit." "Gavin, we need to talk, this thing with you and I-" His fingers ran up my breasts, hands ravaging. "Oh," he hissed. "I'm about to do a thing with you and I." "Stop it." I elbowed him, hearing his laugh. "I'm serious- I think this needs to stop." "Yet you're letting me undress you." His fingers trailed the curve of my hips. "And now you're gonna let me kiss you and then-" he pushed his lips to my ear, biting over the bottom lobe. "You're gonna let me fuck you." Oh… okay... I stumbled a little, his hand plucking the wine glass from mine, leading me straight to the bed, pointing me to the sheets. "Take your panties off," he commanded, my hips already wiggling, sliding them down my legs. Then he took the glass of wine, tipping it slightly, a small stream pouring between my breasts. Shit. I closed my eyes, giving myself over to him and his lips that were dragging across my chest as that thirsty tongue lapped up the wine. He climbed over me, pouring a little more around my belly button, his tongue following the liquid down my stomach- between my thighs- his face burying deep, lapping up more than just the wine. "Oh, hhh, Gavin!" Oh, shit, fuck. I grabbed the sheets at my side, his tongue whipping inside me, between me, kissing places that had never been kissed- licking places that had never been licked. "Gav- Gavin!" I screamed, arching my hips towards his face, his mouth indulging, eating me deep. The sensation, the pressure growing, needing a hard bang to destroy the wall. "I, want, you," I moaned, grabbing his hair, pulling his face up. His tongue was great, but I needed him inside me.

"You want me to fuck you now?" He kicked his pants to the ground, simultaneously ripping open a condom packet as his eyes ran over my naked, outstretched body. "Why would I be fucking anyone else? Nothing compares to this." He fell, lips smashing to mine, his arms wrapping under my legs, throwing them up over his shoulders. Then he was inside me, a shove, a ram, hips thrusting furiously. "Oh god!" I was screaming, clawing the sheets under me, his slams hitting hard, his body hitting harder, all of him smashing into all of me- skin slapping skin, moans upstaging groans, all hell breaking loose. "Wait for me!" He yelled, hitting me fuller. "Now," he demanded, and I let go, coming on his command. He collapsed over me, panting, kissing each breast. Sex had never felt like this before; it was usually quick and routine- this was mind-numbing, and this would be my downfall. "You should take a shower." His voice was a faint whisper. "Huh?" "You're gonna fall asleep- go take a shower before you do." He nudged my side, tugging at my arm. He was right. I reluctantly pulled myself out of bed, legs like jello, barely making it to the shower. "Want to me?" I cranked the shower handle, stepping inneeding the slap of cold water to wake me up. "Of course." He followed me over, stepping in after me, grabbing the soap. I was half asleep as he ran it over my body, rinsing me too and reaching for a towel before shutting it off. He dried me, led me back to the bed, and tucked me in. Twelve hours on my feet and twenty minutes off my feet and I was done.

Chapter 12

What was that? I woke from the dream, opening my eyes, hearing an obnoxious pounding that was only growing louder. It sounded like a drill was buzzing right outside my door. I rolled over, no Gavin. I crawled out of bed, walking to my dresser, rummaging and tossing on a nightie. "Gavin?" I opened the door- seeing him standing in the living room talking to a man who was actually drilling into my wall. "Sadie!" Gavin screeched, barreling over to me, shoving me right back into the room. "What the hell are you wearing? There's a guy out there." Yeah, no shit. What the hell was happening? "How was I supposed to know? Who is that? What is he doing here?" "He's installing your new security system." "My what?" I stretched my fingers to my opposite arm, feeling the twinge from the pinch- definitely still not dreaming. " what we talked about last night? It's not safe living alone." His eyes were serious, stern. What was happening? "You mentioned that, but I never agreed to anything. How much is this going to cost?" "Don't worry. I prepaid for three years." He smiled as if this was totally normal. "You what?" I looked over at the drill hitting my wall, flashing my eyes right back up to Gavin's. "What is happening?" "Why don't you change and put on a bra," he chuckled, dropping his stare down my dress. "Then come out, and he'll show you how to work it." He opened the door, squeezing out and closing it behind him. I was dreaming. I had to be dreaming.

I swapped my nightie for a sundress, walking out once more, seeing Gavin and the man discussing something. "Baby, this is Matt. He's going to walk you through the control ." Baby? Baby was sex talk not... my nickname. I looked behind me, making sure he wasn't talking to someone else. "O- Okay." I followed the guy to the on the wall. Baby? Did he call everyone he hooked up with Baby? "When you come in, use your app or key fob to shut the alarm off or enter the code on this ." The guy started rattling off, my shocked morning brain trying to keep up. "You can set up the code now," he instructed, averting his eyes from the while I entered Grant's birthday. "Now you'll need to give me two phone numbers for emergency alerts, and then I'll connect you with corporate so you can give them your secret phrase." I gave him mine and Grant's phone number, then I took his phone, giving corporate my secret phrase. "This button sets the alarm," he continued. "This button disarms it, and this is the silent panic button. If you press that, it'll go to your emergency alerts and the police immediately. Don't press it unless you have to," he emphasized. "That's it then; your husband can walk you through the rest." My... what... My face must have looked just as shocked as I felt because he looked at me oddly, then added. "Or you can always call our 800 number if you need more assistance." "Thanks," I mumbled as Gavin walked over to us. I only had one glass of wine last night, right? And I felt the pinch, so I wasn't dreaming, right? The guy took off, Gavin standing at my side, watching the guy drive away. He called me Baby- the guy called him my husband- both couldn't have been further from the truth. "Now, you need to to set it every time you leave and at night." Gavin was at my ear, and I slowly turned to meet his eyes. "So creeps like you don't sneak in," I teased.

"Exactly," he chuckled back. "Did you give him my number as an emergency ?" "Yours? No." What was happening! "I gave him Grant's." Why would I have given him Gavin's? We'd only been together a short time- heck we weren't even technically together. "I don't even have your number." He was calling me Baby, and I didn't even have his number. "But thanks, Gavin, this was very thoughtful of you." I closed the space between us, reaching up on my tip-toes to kiss him, ing we were outside, subsequently shrinking back down. "Hey," he whispered, leaning his face down to mine, puckering. "Let's go inside." I tugged him towards the open door. But his feet stayed planted. "I want to kiss you right here." "My neighbors might see." "And?" He groaned. "I don't care if your nosy neighbors know we're fucking." "Well, I do!" I squealed inadvertently, pulling him back into the house. "Why do you care so much about what people think?" He was getting pissed again, but he had no idea. "Look, I get that it's no big deal for you to hook up with an older woman. You'd probably win an award or something. But they'd call me desperate for hooking up with a younger guy." "How old do you think you are?" He laughed. "You're not rolling down the street in a walker." "Still." Women got a two-year allowance- you were allowed to date a man two years older- anything else was gossip-worthy. "They're jealous." He threw his hands around my waist, pulling me closer. "You need to stop caring about what other people think."

He was right, but I'd been judged my entire life, both by strangers and those I loved the most. Not caring wasn't as easy as it sounded. "I know." "Then?" "Then, how about I make breakfast," I flirted, trying to change the subject. He would never be able to understand where I was coming from and I was over explaining it. "Bacon and eggs?" He suggested, his grin curling back up his face. "Sure." "Okay, I'm gonna go take a shower while you cook." He kissed me on the cheek, both of us parting our separate ways, and the second I heard the shower start- I cranked on my music. I blasted my favorite playlist, all my favorite bands, twirling around the kitchen while I scrambled the eggs and flipped the bacon. I was on some crazy high, probably from the crazy orgasms I'd been having. I swayed, balancing the plate of bacon, spinning to the chorus- catching Gavin leaning against the far wall, staring at me with a cheek-to-cheek grin. How embarrassing! It was an instant flash of heat, my cheeks burning as I slunk back to the speaker, powering it off. "You don't have to turn it off." He kept smiling, trying to suppress a laugh. "I like watching you dance around." "Ughh." I rolled my eyes, handing him the plate. "But this is shit music. You realize that right?" "I'll decide what shit music is, and boy bands do not fall into that category." He started laughing, stare locked on mine. "Didn't know you were such a fan of fucking boy bands. All this shit about age, and that's what you're listening to. That why you're so into me?" "Very funny." I gave him a fake laugh as I scooped the eggs into a bowl. "You're seriously fucking cute."

"Cute?" I spun around, resting back against the cabinets. "Dancing in the morning with wild hair and that dress." He threw his hands to my waist, lifting me onto the kitchen counter. "Why are you so damn sexy?" He leaned in, kissing my chest, my neck. "What about breakfast?" "I'm gonna have an appetizer first."

"So, what's on the agenda today?" Gavin asked before crunching on the now cold bacon. "Nothing." I shrugged my shoulders. "Getting ready for Parents' Day on Friday. I have the next four days off." "I forgot all about that shit. Freshman parents are the worst." He laughed under his breath while scooping some cold rubbery eggs. "Well, I'm very excited to go." "I might see you around campus then." Oh, no. "That wouldn't be awkward or anything." How did I become the woman whose son and lover attended the same school? Ugh, I couldn't even think about it. "What about the weekend?" "I'm actually going to Vegas." I took a sip of my water, hearing him burst out laughing. "It's been planned for a while. It's a nurse retreat, a group of girls from work are going." His chair screeched, the table shaking as he jolted backwards. "Wait, you're fucking serious? You're going to Vegas this fucking weekend?" "Enough with the language Gavin." He shoved his plate away, folding his arms over his chest as he glared. "You

can't just spring Vegas on me. You only go to Vegas to get shit-faced and fucked." "Wow!" I threw my palm up, gesturing for him to chill. "Seriously enough with the language. That might be what you do in Vegas- I however go for the shows, food, shopping, lights, gambling, and getting to dress up." In theory, at least. "You get all bitchy when you see me with some other chick, and you think I'm gonna be okay with you prancing your ass through fucking Vegas? Fuck, no." "It's not like that. We've had this planned for a while, and I'm not backing out." I straightened up, letting him know I was holding my ground. "Really?" He stomped his feet to the floor, pouting. "You don't need to get jealous, Gavin. I'm all yours." I wasn't about to give up these orgasms. He nodded his head, shook his head, scooted his chair back in. "Just promise not to get too pissed and let some asshole take you up to his room." "I think I can promise that, unless there's like a boy band convention," I teased, laughing over at him, seeing the faint hint of a smile forming. "Maybe I should have a guys' trip to Vegas? Where are you girls staying?" "No! You can't do that." "I sure as hell can do that." "But you just made me promise I wouldn't get drunk and let an asshole take me to his room. So I guess, I'd have to stay away from you." He dropped his head to his chest, laughing hard. "You think you're funny, Ms. Jones," he growled playfully, sliding from his chair to mine and pulling me up, walking me back to the counter, then lifting me up onto it. "How about we stay in today?"

"No, it's finally sunny out," I whined, looking over my shoulder to the sun streaming in. "Have it your way." He grabbed me around my waist, throwing me up and over his shoulder. "Gavin! Put me down!" "In a minute!" He carried me right out the sliding doors to my backyard. "Sunshine-" he flipped me down onto the grass. "Are you sure you don't want to just stay here over the weekend?" He rolled over me, pressing his lips to mine, nibbling his way from my chin down to the hollow of my throat. "You're not playing fair." "That's right. I'm playing dirty." "For that you're getting hard labor!" I teased, batting at his chest that was hovering over me. "Hard labor?" His grin shot up; his hips dropped down. So that's what today would be, one sexual innuendo after another. And I was totally okay with that. "I meant fixing up back here. Since you have a green thumb and all." "Okay." He met my eyes, grin turning devilish. "First, you need to change into that sports bra and those booty shorts you were wearing when we first met." "You what I was wearing?" "How could I fucking forget!"

Chapter 13

I had a love-hate relationship with this type of event. I always felt inferior to the older parents because they seemed mature and refined, while my life always felt like a mess like I was still a teenager. So naturally, I had to go over the top, look my best, and act professional. I walked to the closet, pulling out the new dress that I bought specifically for today, sliding it out of the garment bag, and snipping off the tags. My typical dresses consisted of sun dresses or party dresses, nothing in between. This one would be perfect, classy. I stepped into it, shimmying it over my hips, sucking in my stomach while I forced the zipper up. Hmm... it was a little tighter than I ed and a little more low cut than I ed. How did my body have the ability to turn even the modest of dresses sexy? It was what it was, and I looked good- no, really good. My self-esteem was rising, pushing those inferior feelings aside. Grant and I were meeting outside the library before Parents' Day officially started, and as promised, he was waiting outside, scanning the crowds for me. "Grant!" I yelled, hurrying over, arms out for a hug. He waved back, falling into my embrace. "Okay, Mom, take it easy," he laughed, pulling out of my grip. "I'll walk you to Bergman Hall, that's where all the parents are supposed to meet." "Thanks Sweetie!" I linked my arm in his, studying the campus. I'd only been here once before, taking the general campus tour, thinking we'd never be back, now here we were. "Why are you so dressed up, Mom?" I looked down at my dress and heels. "What do you mean? It's a formal event." "But aren't you dressed a little too... a little too... like hot," he cringed. "For a parents thing."

Hot. I held the laugh in. "No. Look at the other parents around here." I nodded towards the crowded square, to the men wearing suits and the women in dresses just like mine. "Jeez." His shoulders sagged, eyes-rolling. "You're not like a normal mom though; normal moms don't look... like... this." Like this? I stared at the women ing us by. What was he talking about? So I was a little younger, curvier, bustier, my heels maybe a bit taller, but I wasn't about to apologize for any of that. I'd felt crappy my whole life for not looking like a normal mom and being younger, a single parent. "What does your day look like?" I changed the subject. "I know we get to meet for lunch." "Yeah, I'll meet you after my last class. It's actually right over there." He pointed to a pair of double doors on an adjacent building that we ed. "Okay! I'm excited for the Parent Picnic in the main quad. That'll be fun!" "The best," he chuckled. "I'll see you later." He dropped me off with the slew of other parents, giving me a quick wave goodbye. The host greeted us, starting in on the history of the school, programs, architecture, and the leadership. All the while guiding us through the great halls, the libraries, and the buildings. "This campus is amazing, isn't it!" I looked to my side, meeting a smile on a handsome face. "It is!" "Is this your first parents' day?" He stepped up beside me, walking with me. "Yes, you?" He shook his head no. "Had my other daughter's back in October. She's up at Berkeley." "That's great!" I replied automatically, following the procession.

"And ironic," he laughed. "Why?" "Because my daughter here is named Berkeley." "What?" I flashed my eyes up to his. "Seriously!" He started laughing, smiling back at me."My wife, well, ex-wife now, is a diehard Berkeley alumna. But Berkeley was too embarrassed to go to Berkeley." "That's funny." "What about you?" He asked, voice trailing off. "Is your husband an alumnus here?" "No, not married actually. My son just wanted to be in San Diego." He leapt in front of me, my feet stopping abruptly as his hand shot out. "I'm Mike, by the way." I reached for his hand, shaking it. "Sadie." We continued touring the outdoor dedication gardens, the student store, finally returning to our starting point, getting dismissed for lunch. "I think Berkeley's pretty excited about this picnic thing." Mike stayed at my side, still walking next to me. "I haven't seen her much this year." "Not even over the holidays?" I started towards the building Grant had shown me earlier, but he wasn't out yet. "She was with her mom for Christmas then took off on a snowboarding trip." "Grant went on a snowboarding trip too, to Big Bear." "That's where Berkeley was. Must be pretty popular with the kids." He kept walking with me towards the building.

"This is me." I stopped at the bottom of the stairs, offering him my hand to shake. "It was nice meeting you, Mike." "This is my stop too." Huh... he was still standing a little too close. "Really?" "Sure is!" He tugged a paper from his pocket just as the first student pushed through the double doors. "See Tech Building 12B." Tech… Grant had stopped by the house that day for his tech class. With Gavin! My eyes shot up to the students pouring through the double doorsseeing Grant, Gavin, the other guy, and two girls all piling out, eyes on us. "Mom!" Grant called with a giant smile plastered on his face. "You Gavin and Dan." Oh my god- this wasn't happening. I choked, clearing my throat, forcing my eyes to meet theirs. "Nice... nice to see you guys again." This was beyond awkward. Not to mention Gavin seemed so much younger here, and my brain couldn't handle it. I hated reality. "Daddy!" One of the girls called out to Mike. Mike! I glanced up at Gavin, his glare fixated on Mike and the lack of space between the two of us. "Grant, this is my dad Mike, and of course, he found the hottest mom here to hit on, typical," she laughed, waving her finger at her dad. Kill me now, kill me now! Gavin just stood there, body stiff, eyes narrowed, fingers bunching at his sides, clenching into fists. "I did no such thing!" Mike shrugged, playfully looking between us. "Sadie and I are just tour buddies. Although, she is quite stunning." My cheeks burned from the compliment and Gavin's rage filled eyes. This wasn't going to be good. I cleared my throat again, finding my voice. "We better get going, Grant. I'm starving!" I insisted, beckoning him towards me. I needed to get the hell out of here. "Let's eat together!" Berkeley squealed, clapping her hands. "What do you

think, Grant?" Grant? Eat together? Snowboarding? I looked from her to him, smiling at each other. I knew those looks- they were together… Grant... had a girlfriend? "That's cool," Grant slouched back, cheeks blushing. "I think," I started, giving Gavin a quick look. "We should just eat the two of us. We hardly get to spend any time together." Read between the lines Grant, no Mike. "The more, the merrier!" Grant agreed, completely dismissing my plea as he shuffled down the steps. "We'll !" Gavin stepped forward, nudging the other guy, the two a step behind Grant. "Dan and I are hungry." I whipped my face over to Grant's, hoping he'd notice my wide eyes and the distress I was trying to convey, but no, he was beaming, nodding his head yes with the biggest damn smile. "Of course!" He gushed. He was so excited, which meant if I nixed the idea, then I'd be the bad guy, of course. I shot my glare to Gavin next. How could he do this to me! He knew my comfort zone with Grant. That was just it- he wasn't thinking about Grant or me. His eyes were still locked on Mike. Grant walked forward with Berkeley, who tugged her dad away with her, and I didn't need to hear Gavin to know he was only inches behind me. "Slow down," he whisper-snapped, pulling up on my heels. "What were you thinking inviting yourself to lunch!" I snapped right back, keeping my pace, walking forward without so much as acknowledging that he was there. He scoffed, tsking louder than necessary. "If he can you, then surely I can too."

"He's here with his daughter. His attention's on her." "It wasn't five minutes ago." His voice was louder, his shadow casting over me as we walked. "The first thing I saw was his stare on your ass. His eyes have been glued to every damn curve of your body." "And? I can't help it if people look at me." "You know what you're doing when you wear shit like this, Sadie." What the hell was going on today? Gavin and Grant were acting like I was walking around naked. "Your tits are falling out of that dress. Don't get me wrong; you look fucking amazing; it's just something I'd prefer to see you in, in the bedroom, my eyes only." "Stop!" I yelled over my shoulder. "Don't talk like that here." "Don't worry about lunch. I'm not a dick. I won't say anything." I picked up my pace, trying to get out of ear range from Gavin. I couldn't do all this right now. I needed to focus on Grant. We ended up at a beautifully adorned banquet table, each of us grabbing a boxed lunch, then heading towards one of the laid-out blankets. Gavin and Dan dropped down on one side of Grant, while Berkeley sank to the other side, and Mike sat next to her- leaving two open spots for me to choose from- next to Gavin or next to Mike. "Good luck sitting down, Mom," Grant laughed obnoxiously, rolling his face back to the guys. "Try not to flash us." He kept laughing, working overtime to seem cool. I hadn't planned on sitting down in the grass when I chose this dress. Here goes nothing. I slid my hand over my ass, holding the dress down as I bent over. "Jeez, Mom!" Grant grumbled.

Gavin jumped up, and I looked down- to the cleavage spilling out of my top. "Here," he insisted, pushing his sweater to my hands. "You can use this if you'd like." What was he thinking! I pushed it aside, readjusting my dress, refusing to meet anyone's eyes. "She's crazy hot," Dan commented loud enough that I heard, and apparently Grant too, who was rolling his eyes. This was not the lunch I was expecting. Mike leaned forward, sliding a meal box my way before looking over to Grant. "How do you and Berkeley know each other?" I was thankful for the distraction, not to mention the question. I was curious too. "Just friends," she giggled. Liar. I looked to Grant, egging him for a reply. His shoulders drooped, a hidden smile forming at the edges of his lips. "We have some classes together, and we uh, went on a snowboarding trip over break, with a big group." My Grant had a girlfriend... his first girlfriend... and he hadn't even told me. "My dad's in town for the weekend!" Berkeley gasped. "We should all hang out!" She started clapping again as her dad lit up beside her, his hopeful stare rolling to me. "Busy!" Gavin barked, my head once again whipping over, shooting him a warning glare- his eyes rolling in response. "I'm busy, that is," he chuckled, pretending he was some funny guy. "I'm-" I was busy. "I'm actually going to Vegas, maybe another time." "Vegas," Mike repeated.

"My mom goes every year," Grant chimed in; everyone apparently thinking they needed to answer for me today. "She gets all dressed up, drinks too much, then comes home complaining about how crazy it was and what the hell was she thinking," he laughed, they all laughed. Except for Gavin. "And here I thought people went for the shows and the shopping," he scoffed, giving me a quick eye roll. He was really starting to piss me off. "You know-" Mike scooted my way. "I've got a buddy of mine who just moved to Vegas. I owe him a visit." "No, Daddy!" Berkeley leaned over, dropping her head to his shoulder. "You promised me you'd stay here this weekend!" Mike sighed, looking less than thrilled. "Of course, princess."

We ate and traded small talk for a bit longer before the host announced the next leg of the day, which we'd spend with the kids. I pulled my dress down, attempting to stand without flashing anyone, and thankfully they were all distracted- almost all. Gavin's stare was heavy, watching intently- watching Mike, that was, the two of them both hovering around me. Suddenly Gavin stepped over, conveniently blocking Mike's hand that shot out at the same time to help me up. "Gavin," I mouthed. "What are you doing?" He didn't respond, his glare shifting back to Mike, studying him, trying to anticipate his next move. Fine by me, you two work it out. "I'm going to run to the ladies' room." Grant swung around. "There's one in the hall up those steps, through those doors," he instructed, pointing to the building in front of us. "I'll show you." Gavin stepped up beside me- too close. "I'm heading there myself."

I snapped my face up, cheeks blazing, eyes burning. "Cool," Grant replied obliviously, nodding to us both. No one cared that he was showing me where to go. No one cared because it was absurd to think anything more was going on. I started walking, Gavin's loud steps closing in on me. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" "I'm showing you to the bathroom. I'm a gentleman," he teased. "And-" I slammed my palms against the door, pushing through, hearing the door's slam echoing down the empty hall- then feeling his hands wrap over my waist, flinging me back against the wall, lips diving into mine- stealing my breath, my power, my mind. It was instinct, primal, my mouth clobbering his right back, scraping against his cheeks, our noses in the way, tasting his tongue, his hands tightening with every mash of our lips, kissing me as if his life depended on it. Kissing me... kissing... here... Shit! I jerked my face back, pushing him away. "What are you doing!" I yanked at my dress to pull it back down. "Look around; there's no one here." He shoved his face into my neck, the tip of his tongue dancing against my skin. "Someone might walk in!" He pulled us down a few feet, kicking a door open behind him, whirling me right into the dark lecture hall, leading me down a few rows. "This building's empty on Friday afternoons. We're all alone Baby."

Chapter 14

"Now," Gavin's voice was a hiss, his face zeroing in on mine. "Since I finally have you alone." His lips hit my ear, dragging down the side of my neck. "You look so fucking sexy today. Every guy out there wants to fuck you, and I've got you. You're mine." I shouldn't be here. I knew my ability to say no to him was basically nonexistent. "Stop it." I tried to be stern, only it came out as a whimper. "Stop what? Stop this-" He slipped his hand under the top of my dress, lifting my breasts out, his mouth falling to my nipples. "Or, stop saying that you're mine?" My mouth was moving, no words forming. I was too far gone. He nipped at a breast, both hands kneading. "I want to turn you around and bend you over, Baby, but I don't want these tits out of my face." His hands fell to my waist, hoisting me up, sitting me on top of the desk. "Fuck, I need to make a mental note of this image." I was burning up, thighs like a slip'n'slide, wanting him so bad that all rational thought was gone. I was strictly running on primal desires, spreading my legs wide open across the wood, watching his pupils dilate, his stare straight up between my thighs. "Shit," he mumbled, moving in closer, yanking his belt open, ripping his wallet- and then the condom from his jeans before they fell to the floor. He wanted something to ? I hopped off the desk, sinking to my knees, flashing my eyes up to his, staring as I curled my fingers over his arousal, as I stretched my tongue to his soft skin, as I wrapped my lips over his thick head, lapping it up before diving down, all, the, way, down. "Holy fuck," he groaned- the noise inducing my mouth to work harder. I liked making him succumb too. I worked my hand faster, jerking his base,

my mouth working the rest- his gasps huffing like a steam engine- ready to come. I yanked my lips away, sliding his wet dick right in between my breasts, squeezing them, caging him in my cleavage. His hands dropped to my shoulders, bracing himself as he fucked my chest, thrusting until streams shot up to my neck. "Fuck." He stumbled back against the wall, out of breath, eyes on me. "Fuck-" he sucked in a staggered breath. "You're the first chick I've titty fucked." "Really?" I pulled myself up from my knees, adjusting my dress, feeling pretty damn good. I liked being a first. "But that's not why I brought you in here, Sadie." He straightened, clutching his firming erection with long strokes as he raked over my dress. "I wanted to hear you scream my name." "Why because you're jealous of Mike?" "Don't call him by his fucking name!" He spat, moving in on me, hands sliding back up my dress. "Then why?" I didn't even have to ask, this was a stupid pissing match, and he wanted to be the winner. "I want you to be so fucking satisfied that I'm all you think about." He yanked his sweater off, pulling his shirt up with it, giving me a peek of those tight abs. "We've been in here too long already." "Oh, trust me, I can make this quick." He drug his sweater over my chest, cleaning me, his mouth falling right back to a breast. "Are you wet, or do you need my assistance?" Did he even need to ask? "I'm good." He spun me, bending me over the table, pres behind me, his hands

hitting my ass as he slid the condom down, then his lips hitting my ear as he molded his body against mine. "I wanna fuck you from behind." He snapped a kiss against my hair as his hips snapped a hard thrust. "Shit!" My fingers curled over the edge of the desk, nails clawing into the wood in rhythm with his pumps. He was rough, hard, thrusts deep- lifting my feet from the floor, banging me into the desk, his hips rocking quicker, and quicker. "Oh- shit-" "No, Baby, say, my, name!" "Ga- Gavin!" I squirmed, orgasm rupturing, engulfing me, sending me collapsing against the desk under me. He pulled out, my feet hitting the floor again, his hands sliding under me, flipping me over to face him. "I've never wanted anything the way I want you, Sadie." I steadied myself, regaining my balance, the trembling subsiding, my arms still shaky though, trying as best as I could to tuck my breasts back into the dress, trying to look like I hadn't just had a sex-fest... in a lecture hall... at a college... with my twenty-two-year-old lover.... dammit. He stepped over, grabbing the top of my dress, yanking it up a little higher, covering all my cleavage. "You need to go back outside, Gavin, and I'm going to actually go to the restroom now. Lord knows what they must think I'm doing." He took my hand in his, leading me back up to the door, cracking it open, scanning, then releasing my hand as he took off out the main doors, and I continued down the hall. I pushed through the bathroom door, running right into Berkeley washing her hands at the sink. Why! Why! "Hey!" She greeted me with the biggest smile. "I was wondering where you were! Thought you might have gotten lost." "I did." I was very lost, no clue what the hell I was doing these days. I

walked straight into a stall, waiting to hear the door open, but it didn't; she was waiting for me. I flushed before stalking back out, washing my hands while she watched. Then we walked out together. "Has Grant mentioned me to you?" She piped up. "We've kind of been seeing each other, and I'm happy to meet you." I thought so. This must be why he'd been canceling on me so much lately. I can't believe he didn't tell me. We ed the door that Gavin and I had slipped into... oh my god... what if they were sleeping together? I'd worked so hard to keep him from turning out like me, having a baby, and not going to college. I needed to talk to him, tell him to chill on this, maybe I, maybe I shouldn't be a hypocrite. Who was I to tell him who to like, or love? "You're not mad are you?" She whispered after my way too long pause. "Oh no. I'm happy to meet you too. He hasn't told me anything, yet that is," I replied; seeing the way her face fell, obviously disappointed. "You know how guys can be, I never hear about anything." I laughed to reassure her as we pushed through the doors. Grant and Mike were waiting outside, giving us a wave as we descended the brick stairwell, just them. I searched around; Gavin and Dan were gone. Hmm... A weird mix of anger yet relief swept through me. How dare he leave after what we just did and also thank god he left after what we just did. "Your friends left?" I casually mentioned to Grant, hoping for a bit of explanation. "Yeah-" he shrugged, his eyes drifting to Berkeley. "You two want to finish the day with us?" "Of course!" She squealed back, rushing to his side. Here I was finally getting a day with Grant, and he couldn't even give me all his attention. Then again, I wasn't giving him all mine either. Grant and Berkeley partnered off while Mike and I trailed behind them. "Do you live around here?" I asked, knowing the answer was probably no,

considering Berkeley's reaction about him staying with her. "L.A. I'm a lawyer up in Brentwood." A lawyer? I looked him over once more. He was clean-shaven with light eyes, and silver brown hair. And he seemed too upbeat to be a lawyer. Although, I didn't know any lawyers other than the ones in movies. "Perhaps on my next visit down, we could get together, grab dinner or something." How was I supposed to answer that? Sorry, I'm fucking a jealous student sounded a little ridiculous, or better yet, I'm sleeping with that guy you just met. Yes, he's a student here, but he's twenty-two. Maybe I could have dinner. I mean, in the long run he was probably a better match than Gavin. I wonder if he'd be just as good in bed? Would he make sure I had an orgasm? Or would he get off and then call it a night? But there was more to Gavin than just the amazing sex. He was funny and fun, and knew how to make me smile. Dammit, now I was missing him. I smiled back politely, staring off around us, hoping Gavin could see us. His reaction to getting jealous was to get me naked, and I didn't mind that one bit. Unfortunately, the only eyes on me now were Mike's. "What are you thinking about?" He mused. You don't want to know. "Uh, how detailed the architecture is here." "Did you see the columns at the library?" "Mmhm." I nodded, trying to push Gavin out of my thoughts. Our large parade of parents ed through another open space, and I immediately spotted Gavin, sitting at a table with a large group, scanning ours, his smile turning to a flat line when he found us. He turned back to his table, yanking his shirt over his head, flexing up to the bright sun. Just like that, his hard abs on display for everyone. Really? Petty!

Then some stupid blonde girl next to him pointed to his ink, her hand stretching to his bicep, but he maneuvered away from her, sinking back against the table, folding his arms behind his head, making those biceps look even more prominent, every muscle flexed. I tried to look away, tried to be distracted, tried to look at Mike- I couldn't. I wanted to push my way over to Gavin, straddle him right there on the bench, claim him, and apparently, I wasn't the only one thinking that; every woman around me was staring. I knew his eyes were on me; I could feel Mike's on me too. So I did what any mature, non-petty woman would do. I dropped my purse, arched my ass, and bent over as seductively as possible. I was too old for games, at least that's what I used to think. Right now, this game was rather fun.

Chapter 15

I was exhausted from Parents' Day, running on fumes and a few glasses of wine. And as much as I wanted to out, I couldn't. May would be here first thing in the morning to pick me up for the airport, and I still hadn't packed. Tomorrow I'd be in Vegas! Vegas! I poured the rest of the wine into my glass, turned my music up as loud as it could get, and spun over to the closet, pulling out all my usual party dresses and a few bikinis, tossing them onto the bed. I'd been wearing these same dresses once a year for the past seven years... I should probably make sure they still fit. I guzzled the wine, dropped the glass, and reached for the gold- no- the red one! I kicked out of my shorts, shaking my hips to the music as I slipped into the red slinky mini dress, dipping my head under its halter top, the front draping well past my cleavage, so I ripped my bra off, sliding out the side of the dress. Damn, this thing was tight! I danced my way to my shoes, stepping into the stilettos on my way to the bathroom mirror. "Well, hello!" I twisted, appraising my back, the dress just as revealing in the back as it was in the front. I spun, the red barely covering my ass. Perfect for Vegas. Noo... not yet. I reached into the drawer, pulling out my red lipstick, the exact shade of the dress, and puckering up at the mirror. "What the fuck!" Holy shit! I jerked back, slipping in my heels, smacking into the bathroom wall as I spun. Gavin! My heart was pounding so hard I thought it was going to burst from my chest. "What are you doing here!" I lunged for my phone, pausing the music. He stalked into my room, eyes black as night, body stiff. "Your front door is unlocked! No alarm set," he yelled. "You don't live in fucking Mayberry! Lock your goddamn door." I slunk back, heart still pounding, nerves rattled from the shock and now

the yelling. "I'm sorry... I forgot. I was tired." He huffed, eyes raking over me, gaze slowly dragging from my stiletto's to my face. "You don't look fucking tired! What's all this?" He glared down at my dress. "If you think you're going out like this, then you're fucking wrong!" What was his problem? "Whoa, calm down, stop using the f-bomb." I walked over, reaching for his hand. "Why are you so angry right now? So worked up?" "You spend your day with some asshole, then I come over and you're dressed like Jessica fucking Rabbit. Are you going out? Because I swear if you're going out with him..." "Hey," I whispered up to him, intertwining my fingers with his, and tugging his hand so he'd look at me. "I'm just trying on clothes for Vegas tomorrow." His eyes went wide, hand rigid in mine. "You are not fucking wearing that to Vegas! You know that every guy will be on your ass. I get it's Vegas, but this is too fucking much." I lifted his hand to my chest, dragging it across the slinky fabric, right over the tight bud. "It's just for fun." "Fuck." His fingers curled over my breast, the touch instantly calming him, so I guided his other, both hands kneading and cupping my chest. "I wear this for me. I like to feel sexy." I smiled up at him, watching his face relax as he played with my chest. "You don't need to get jealous." "You want other guys staring at you?" "I don't mind honestly, that's half the fun." "Well, I fucking mind! I'm not enough?" "It's not that."

"I think it is. You want something more." "I want something more- tonight-" I wrapped my hand back over his, dragging it down the dress, flipping it under the hem, his fingers grazing my thigh. "While you're mad and jealous about that asshole's eyes on me today. I was busy thinking about you, in me. What did I care if he was looking- my mind was consumed by you." The dress, the lipstick, the thought of Vegas had turned me into someone other than Sadie right now. I was hungry, wanting to devour him. I slid my hands up the dress, tugging the V-neck apart, freeing my breasts. "Easy access." "That's why I don't want you wearing this shit. One slide of a finger and that dress practically falls off." He fell to his knees, fingers sliding up my thighs, tongue sliding up my panties. Hhh... I dropped my hands to his head, his finger swiping the panties aside, face burying between me, tongue diving in, long licks, quick nibbles, tongue jabbing and smacking, lapping and twisting. "Gavin." His tongue slowed, lips pulling away. "No, don't stop!" My knees were buckling, his arm catching me as I fell, rolling me onto the floor, condom wrapper already up, torn- his body on mine- his body in mine... "Gavin!" He was fast, thrusts on repeat, a race, my back sliding up and down the floor, faster and faster. "Ga, Ga, Gavin!" He was harder than hard, hitting all the spots, every, last, one. "Can you come now, Baby?" "Yes." He rammed, so deep my entire body bucked to meet his, the shock crushing the wall- my orgasm rippling as he came. "Fuck." He fell over me, kissing my neck. "I still don't want you wearing this dress." "That's fine," I laughed, shoving him off of me. "I have others on the bed." He let out a deep grunt, nuzzling his face in my chest once more before pulling himself up, and walking over to the bed. "These are my options?" He balked, running his hands over the skimpy dresses laid out.

"No," I corrected him with a smug smile. "These are my options." I stood back up, sliding the dress off. "They're all slutty." He tossed them around, finally throwing his hands up in surrender. "And what the hell are these? Why do you need a bikini?" "The pool." "You're staying at Planet Rock, right?" "No, Vegas Bay." I corrected him, realizing too late he had tricked me. I had purposely not told him where I was staying, and now, in my postorgasm euphoria, I wasn't thinking on my feet. "I see." He finally cracked a smile. "You know, I've got a buddy who just moved to Vegas." "Shut up!" I smacked his arm playfully. "You're going to be drunk in Vegas, wearing an inch of a dress and strings as bathing suits." He shook his head, grumbling under his breath. "And most are too thin for a bra-" I teased, enjoying every minute of it. "Except for the silver one, I wear a push-up bra with that one. Makes them even bigger!" He looked at me, smoke in his eyes. It was so easy to make him jealous. "I don't like this." "What?" I laughed. "The dresses? The sex we just had?" "That you're going without me. Who's gonna protect you? Especially wearing this shit." "Why would I need protecting? I can handle myself." He helped me pack up the dresses, well grumbled next to me while I packed, then he rolled my suitcase to the front door, and I expected him to leave from there, but he didn't- he walked back into my room.

"You forget something?" I crawled into the bed, under the covers, watching him watching me. "I'm tired." He walked over, falling into the bed. "What are you doing?" I'd never fallen asleep with him. I'd ed out knowing he was here but never did the whole falling asleep thing. It was silly, and I'm not sure why it felt like such a big deal. "Crashing here, do you mind?" He slipped under the covers, arm out for me. "Um, no. TV?" I rolled into his arm, nestling into his side. "Nah," he mumbled, already half asleep. "I'm sorry for all the jealous shit today. I don't know what the fuck's gotten into me. I've never felt this way before, and I'm very protective of what's mine." "What's yours?" I tilted my face up, only to find his eyes already closed. "What I want to be all mine," he whispered, giving me a slight squeeze before drifting off.

I slept soundly, waking up in the same position I fell asleep in- draped over him, and I tried to pull myself away, but he gripped me tighter, nuzzling his face into my hair. "Gavin," I whispered, but he didn't react. "Gavin!" I tried to pull away again, this time with more force, causing him to release his hold. It was the first time I had woken up to him like this, with him still in the bed. His black hair was messy against the pillow, his lashes incredibly long, meeting his black stubble, and that gorgeous smile pulling up into his cheeks as his eyes opened. "Good morning. I have to get ready. May will be here in thirty minutes to pick me up." "Okay," he yawned, throwing his arm over his eyes, drifting right back to

sleep. I hurried off the shower, got dressed, did my makeup- peeking over every few minutes, but he hadn't moved an inch. "Gavin?" I called again, still nothing. I stepped into my wedges. "Gavin!" Are you kidding me? I walked over to his side of the bed, giving him a shake. "Wake up! I've got to go!" "Okay, okay," he mumbled, ripping the covers right off, his naked body front and center. Oh wow... His erection was hard against his stomach... so hard... we were so out of time. "Sorry, you slept in," I teased, trying to avert my eyes. "May's going to be here in five minutes!" "Can I get myself off first?" He gripped his thick fingers over his even thicker morning wood; his eyes focused on me. "I can come from just looking at you." I gulped, standing there, watching him stroke himself, his hand beating while his eyes raked over me. Then his lips parted, his heavy breaths puffing out. "Fuuck..." I sprung over, pushing his hand out of the way, mine taking its place, pumping him until his spurts covered my hand. "Two minutes!" I yelled, racing to the bathroom to wash my hands, and by the time I returned, he was dressed and sliding his shoes on. I walked him to the door, checking the peephole to make sure May's car wasn't around. "Bye, I'll see you when I get back." I pecked his lips while nudging him out the door. "Have fun- not too much," he called back as he walked down to his car. "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." "Not fucking funny!" He yelled back. Yes, it was. He drove off only minutes before May pulled up. Not that I would have

cared, but I didn't feel like explaining anything to her, and by proxy the entire nursing staff. "Ready for Vegas?" She shouted, dancing in her seat. "You have no idea!"

Chapter 16

"Okay, spill," May prodded the second we took our seats on the plane. "What?" I played aloof, sliding my bag under the seat. "You're glowing! I can tell something is up!" "Same old, same old." I shrugged, reaching for the safety belt. "It's Kirk, isn't it? You're sleeping with Kirk!" Kirk, oh god! "Ew, no!" Her eyes narrowed, brows pinching. "We all know you went out! You don't need to hide anything from me." I did need to tell someone about Gavin. It was too hard keeping this a secret. "It's not Kirk. It's someone else. His name's-" I paused, picturing all the possible scenarios of this going bad. "His name's Mike." "I knew it!" She slapped her hands. "I knew you were getting some!" "Shhh," I hushed her before smiling apologetically to the older woman in the seat to me. "Where'd you meet? Is he rich?" May's elbow hit my side, digging into me until I relented. "We met at Grant's college." I watched her face, waiting for her reactionmy heart racing faster with every second. "Oh!" She figured it out, but instead of shaming me, her eyes went bright. Maybe the truth wasn't so bad after all. "You're dating a professor! Damn girl!" She slapped my arm playfully. Of course. Why would she assume any differently? "No, not a professor." I

paused again, watching her brows furrow in thought. "A dad?" Well, technically, I had given her Mike's name, and he was a dad. It was silly of me to think I could tell anyone about the real Gavin. "Yup." "Does he have a dad bod?" She giggled, fingers splayed out, pretending to rub down an imaginary man. "I'm getting in to dad bods." "Not at all." He was ripped, strong... and.. I was talking about Gavin, not Mike. "Is he rich?" I had no idea, but Mike probably was. "He's a lawyer." "That's a yes! And the sex must be good because you're looking guilty." She started shaking her shoulders. "The sex," I whispered back. "Is incredible." Beyond incredible, like nothing I'd ever experience before. "I want to meet him!" "Oh." That wasn't going to happen. "He lives in L.A." "Bummer! Well, tonight, you're my wing woman! I want to find what you have!" Then we should visit a university, not be in Vegas; I laughed to myself. But now that she mentioned it, I had found something special, complicated, but special. "Pool, casino, club!" May did a mock dance. "Aren't we a little too old to be clubbing?" I popped a piece of gum as we took to the skies. "Hell no! It's Vegas, and age is just a number!"

"So I've been told." "You should have had- what's your man's name again?" "Ga-" Oh shit. "Mike." She gave me a funny look before continuing. "You should have invited Mike!" "Then I couldn't have been your wing-woman!" "Touché!" She sang. "Plus, we're sharing a room, and I don't want to be locked out while y'all are getting busy." Memories of yesterday flashed through my mind, the desk, the floor, the red dress. Even this morning, him staring at me while jerking himself off. It was flattering and sexy at the same time. I was enough for him. My body started aching just thinking about it. "It's been two years since I've gotten any," she whined. "Two years too long!" "It was five for me, before... before Mike," I shrugged back. "Even then it was just a hump and jump." "A what?" "You know, he humps, then jumps off; his satisfaction is all he's concerned about." "That would describe my marriage to a tee," she sighed. "I never knew what I was missing. I mean, I did in a sense, but not really." I'd given myself orgasms, but they didn't compare, not even close. "Girl, you're making me really want to meet someone tonight!" "You will," I assured her. This was all making me miss Gavin. I wished he were here, sitting next to me instead of this older woman flipping through her cooking magazine.

If he was here with me, he probably would have talked me into meeting him in the lavatory. He probably would have whispered something in my ear about the mile-high club before sneaking off. I would have followed him, of course, knowing I shouldn't, and I would sneak into the same bathroom, praying no one noticed while he locked the door behind us. Then he'd toss me up onto the tiny sink or pick me up, push my back against the wall. I'd grab his belt, rip it off, simultaneously pull his pants to his knees. While his hands slid under my shorts"You like that? I'm not a fan of hot wings, but my husband loves them." What? I blinked back into reality, realizing I was staring down at the woman's magazine next to me, and she was the one talking. I looked at the page that was open on her lap, Hot Wings. I sighed, trying to control the burn inside me before answering her. "Yes, extra hot."

We checked into the hotel, racing straight to our room. May didn't want to waste any time today- the sooner she could forget about her divorce, the better. "Pool!" She ordered, disappearing into the bathroom while I changed in the room, slipping into my bikini with my sheer cover. We were en route minutes later, crossing the lobby, out to the pool. "Hey!" She sang, flirting with every stranger that ed by. She was always bubbly like that. Even in the most stressful situations at the hospital, she'd be cracking jokes to pull us through it. "Look at all this eye candy!" She exclaimed as we made our way over to two empty pool chairs. "How old do you think he is?" She gestured towards a guy heading for the lazy river. I followed her stare; he kind of looked like Gavin, a shrunken down version. "I don't know, twenty-five?" "Damn, too young for me!" She laughed, I chuckled awkwardly. May was a year younger than me, and she thought twenty-five was too young. What would she think about twenty-two? "You're hot, and what's

really the difference between thirty-five and twenty-five; ten years is nothing! If it was reversed and you were ten years younger, than it'd be fine. And on the plane, you did say age is just a number!" I wasn't sure who I was trying to convince. "Young guys want young girls." "Just for a night?" "I guess a night or two wouldn't hurt." She smiled back, giving me a cheesy wink. I relaxed back into the chair, watching the couples around us, all flirting and making out. I had told Gavin not to come, yet I wished he was here with me. "Lazy river?" I suggested, needing a break from thinking about Gavin. "Sure!" She jumped right up, and we walked through the chairs to the lazy river, waiting for empty floats to come around. "You two need floats?" "Yes!" May answered, looking back at me when she saw the hot guy handing them to us. A younger hot guy. "We're going in too but have these extras," he flirted, flashing her a smile. "Excellent." She grabbed one, handing it to me before grabbing the other for herself. "Just a night or two," she whispered with another wink. I waded down the steps, sinking under the water and popping back up into the center of the tube, with May following suit, and the two guys behind her. Then one splashed up from the water next to me, hands slicking his burgundy hair back. "I'm Paul." "Sadie, nice to meet you." I pulled myself up onto the float, draping my body over it. "You girls here a while?"

"Nope, leave tomorrow." I knew my answers were short, but I couldn't help think of Gavin. "We're heading to the club tonight if you ladies are around." "The one here?" "Yeah." He swam beside me, keeping my pace. "I think some of the girls mentioned that. The rest of our party arrives later today." "Cool, I'll give you my number, and you message me if you're coming." Nope. "Okay." I kept my face tilted towards the sky, feeling the tiniest pang of guilt for talking to him. We floated a few more laps before climbing out, the guys following us back to our chairs while May took their numbers. "They are hot!" She pretended to fan herself as she settled back into the chair. "A little young, don't you think?" I teased. "Age is but a number," she recited back to me. If only. I sank into my chair, bathing under the sun.

"I'm so ready for tonight!" May cheered as we stepped back into the elevator. "Me too!" It was getting dark, and I was ready to party. We hit our room running, shimmying on our dresses and spending way too much time on our hair. "You ready?" I stood in front of the full length mirror, posing in the way too skimpy gold dress.

"I am, but you're not!" She shook her head at me. "What do you mean?" I looked good. "It's Vegas girl!" She squealed, waving her fingers over my face. "Let me fix you up! You're not even wearing makeup!" "I am, just not a lot." I didn't want to look too over the top. My dress was already flashy enough. "You're my wing woman!" She stomped her foot, raising the lip gloss wand in her hand. "Fine." I marched over, plopping onto the bed while she armed herself with her makeup bag, immediately attacking my face. "Now you're ready for Vegas!" She nodded her head with pride, sending me over to the mirror. I never put on dramatic makeup, but this, I- I looked hot.

Chapter 17

"My goal is to find Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome tonight," May sang as we stepped onto the casino floor. "First we drink!" I hooked my arm in hers, guiding us to the first bar I saw. "So, how serious are you and Mike?" She raised her arm for the bartender. "Like don't talk to her she's seeing someone, or if he's cute you're going for it?" The answer was more complicated than I thought. I had promised Gavin I wouldn't do anything like that here, but really what were Gavin and I. We were intense, but that wasn't a relationship status. I wanted to answer that I was taken because the truth was I was totally into him, but my brain knew better than to put all my eggs in one basket- especially a twenty-two-yearold basket. "I'll let the alcohol decide." We ordered a round of shots, downed them the second they hit our hands, then ordered another, and another. "Now I'm ready!" I grabbed her arm, strutting out onto the floor- all eyes on us as we walked. And that liquid courage in full effect. "Should I text the guys from the pool?" May pulled out her phone, already scrolling. "No! That seems desperate. There are plenty of guys here!" I pointed to the blackjack tables, then to the bars lining the casino floor. "There's a bunch there," she laughed, lunging left, guiding us into the next bar. Pushing her way next to the group of guys. "Two rum and cokes!" She yelled to the bartender, drawing the group's attention as well. "We got it, ladies," one of the guys insisted, waving the bartender over. "Thanks," we said in unison, instantly laughing.

"Where are you girls headed?" May leaned over, making herself right at home with the group. "Meeting some friends in a bit, single girls trip," she hinted. The bartender handed the drinks over, May and I both gulping them down. "We're here for a bachelor party." The guy threw his arm over his buddy. "Tim's getting hitched." "What a shame," May laughed, and they all ed in. I wish I had her spunk sometimes. "I'm May, and this is Sadie." "Another round?" The guy called out again, looking from May to me, his eyes dilating as they trailed over our dresses, and now I understood what Gavin meant by eye-fucking. "They're here!" May suddenly jumped off the bar seat, waving her phone at me. "We'll be around- find us later!" "You're leaving so soon?" One of the guys whined, more concerned about our dresses leaving than us. "Our girls are here!" She yelled back, yanking me away, rushing way too fast for me in these heels. "Now our night starts!" She ran up to Debbie, Sarah, and Julia, who were waiting in the lobby. "Wow! You two look amazing!" Julia gushed before turning to me directly. "Sadie, you look like you could be in a magazine!" "Um, thanks." It must be the makeup. "Ladies!" May announced. "We've got some guys waiting back at the bar over there!" Sarah laughed, raising her hand to get May's attention. "I'm going to need a drink before I talk to any guys!" "Same!" Debbie squealed.

We walked over to the sports bar, ordering shot after shot until everyone felt thoroughly buzzed. I was feeling a little more buzzed than I itted, but it was Vegas, after all. "We tried calling y'all earlier, but neither of you answered," Debbie chided as we crossed the casino floor. "I haven't even checked my phone!" I fumbled in my bag, forgetting what I was looking for, then ing, grabbing my phone out. Seven missed calls and three text messages. I swiped the screen, seeing Debbie's name along with a random 212 number. "Who's got the 212 number?" I called to the girls, but they each just shrugged back in reply. "That's New York, probably telemarketers," Julia half-slurred. Telemarketers, ugh. I stuffed the phone back into my bag. "There they are!" May screamed to the bachelor party from earlier who were making their way towards us. "I think the cute blond likes you," Sarah whispered, nudging me to look over, so I did, finding him staring at me. He was cute, or maybe that was the shots talking. He walked over to Sarah and me, holding out his hand. "I'm Ethan." "Sadie." I haphazardly shook his. "Sarah." She did the same. "Sadie and Sarah, huh," he chuckled, rolling his eyes back to mine. "I think we're heading to the slots- you girls ing us?" "I guess." Slots were never my thing. "I'm not very lucky tonight, though." "Really?" His nose scrunched, smiling too big. "Because you look like you've got the Midas touch." Huh? It took a minute to , and I looked down at my tight gold dress. "Ha, funny," I giggled. "Also cheesy."

"Is that you?" Sarah mumbled, grabbing at my bag. "Yup, that's you!" I felt the vibrating then, so I grabbed out my phone, two more 212 missed calls, and four text messages from the same number. I opened the text, replying immediately, 'who is this?' before reading them. 'What are you up to?' 'Answer my call baby.' 'Sadie? Where are you?' 'Hello.' A new message popped up just as I finished: 'Gavin' and my phone was ringing almost immediately. Shit. How did he get my number? Not that he shouldn't have it. "Hello." I pushed the phone into my ear to drown out the chaos around me. "Where the fuck have you been?" "Excuse me? I'm in Vegas, obviously. Heading to the Maze Bar or something," I giggled then looked over to a staring Sarah, mouthing 'Grant' to her. "I've been calling you for hours." "And I've been, I've been here. I have to go-" "Are you drunk already?" I could tell he was pissed, but he wasn't even supposed to be calling. Then the Ethan guy walked over, resting his hand on my back, directing me in the direction that our group was moving. "Come on," he called right into the phone. "Who the fuck was that?" Shit. I hung up. I didn't know what else to do, and it seemed like a good idea. For good

measure, I text him back, 'nobody.' I hated lying to him, but it was what it was. "Jealous boyfriend?" Ethan laughed down at my phone while I looked forward- seeing a tall, dark, and very handsome brooding man leaning against the wall outside the Maze Bar- his eyes on me and the hand still on my back. Holy shit. Even with the distance, I could see Gavin fuming, and I tried to swerve out of Ethan's grip, only to bump into another guy. What was he doing here? This was crossing a line, right? There was a fine line between romantic gesture and stalker. What would he do now? Would he make a scene? What would May and the girls think? I shot my eyes back over to him, meeting his, his glare fading, eyes flashing to the floor, his entire demeanor drooping, shoulders caving. A group of girls walked past him, all checking him out, flirty faces trying to get his attention, but he ignored them, pushing off the wall and walking straight past our group, not a glance, not a word- just took off. He crossed through the slot machines, heading away from us, my heart sinking, watching him leave. I had fucked up. "I'm going to run to the restroom," I yelled to the group, dashing off before anyone could me. I followed his path as best I could for being drunk in heels. "Gavin!" I yelled; he didn't stop. "Gavin!" He slowed, turning to face me, big and sullen eyes flashing down to mine. "What are you doing here, Gavin?" "I'm fucking leaving. That's what I'm doing here," he groaned. "I've been waiting around this hotel for you for hours." Hours? "What? Why?" His stare dropped to my dress, following it up to my face. "Damn. You look really fucking good."

"What are you doing here?" I repeated. "I don't know." He tilted his face up towards the ceiling, rolling it right back down to face me. "I started driving, and this is where I ended up." I looked over him, his usual clothes replaced with a slick navy dress shirt and dark pressed jeans. "This is where you ended up?" "Fuck," he spat. "All I could think about was you in that red fucking dress, and this happening, random assholes draped all over you." "You can't do that! Driving all the way here because you're jealous. That's crazy!" "That's not the only reas- I know, fuck!" He lifted his hand to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You don't think I know that. I don't know what the fuck you've done to me. But I get it now, this, them, that's what you want." "Excuse me?" "I'm trying so hard to be enough for you, but you don't fucking want me. You want them-" he gestured out randomly to the casino floor. "That's not true!" I reached for his hand, pulling it in mine. "I want you. They're just, whatever." "You hung up on me. You were laughing with him, his hand on your back. He's lucky I have other shit going on because I would have pummeled him to the floor." "I shouldn't have done that, but you also shouldn't be here, Gavin." "So I wouldn't see the real shit you're doing? Eating and shopping my ass." "No, it's just." I looked up into his dark eyes, meeting the twinkle that shone even when he wasn't smiling. Suddenly my hands were flying to his face, grasping his cheeks, pulling him towards me, smacking his lips against mine. I was sloppy- he was sloppy-

kissing too fast, too hard, his tongue storming my mouth, whipping around crazily as his arms swung around my back. "Stop!" He jerked away, dark eyes zeroed in on mine. "I can't handle this mind fuck right now. As soon as I go up to my room, I know that you're going to go right back into the lion's den. Then I'm going to sit up there knowing you're piss drunk down here with god knows whose fucking hands on you." He dropped his arms from my back, sliding his hand to his temple, rubbing aggressively. "You have a room here?" "Of course! I wasn't just going to hang around all night. I was about to go upstairs when you finally returned my text." All day, I had dreamed of what it would be like to have him here, and now here he was. He looked so incredibly sexy too. "Why don't you hang out with us," I insisted. "You just need to do it my way." "Your way?" "Go into the bar, come hit on me- as a stranger." He grumbled, shaking his head. "Why can't you tell them ? Why do you care so fucking much?" He didn't get it. I'd spent my whole life being labeled, and I had just moved here, to a place where I was just Sadie. I didn't need to be labeled as a cougar, and I didn't need Grant finding out. The last thing I needed was for him to become a joke at his school or worse, to be embarrassed of me. "I just, please Gavin. They all know Grant, and I don't want to have to do this right now. You know what, fuck this." I turned on my heels, starting away, calling back to him. "This was supposed to be my girls' weekend, so don't give me hell when you show up unannounced! Either spend tonight with me my way or go upstairs alone." "Fine." He reached for my hands. "I want to be with you. I'll play by your rules." "Go into the bar and order yourself a drink. I'm going to meet my group."

Chapter 18

I waited until I saw Gavin disappear into the lounge before starting in myself, spotting the girls gathered around the bar at the opposite end from where Gavin now stood. "Sadie!" May screamed, waving me over, drawing the attention of all the men around us, and suddenly I was very aware of all the eyes on me. I started over, seeing Ethan stepping forward with May. "Can I get you a drink?" He smiled while she winked obnoxiously, obviously not caring about my wide eyes signaling her to help. "Drink?" Gavin. I stiffened, sliding my eyes to the side, watching him step in front of Ethan, blocking him from my view, handing me a cocktail. "Sure." I reached for the glass, noticing May and Julia's eyes protruding behind us. "I'm Gavin." Shit. I forgot to tell him to use a different name. "Sadie." I took a sip of the cocktail, keeping my eyes on his. "Nice to meet you." His lips curled up into the sexiest smile, his dark eyes locked only on me, his towering figure blocking out everyone around us, and his shirt barely containing the muscles under it. "Pleasure's all mine." His voice was deep, sexy, inducing a ripple down my spine and up my thighs. "Hello there!" May shoved between us, her back to me, head lowering with her eyes as she checked him out. "I'm May," she purred, looking over her shoulder at me, mouthing 'wow' before smiling back at him. "She's taken, but I'd love a drink." May! "Taken?" Gavin repeated, glare shooting back to Ethan.

"Sadie's got a fancy lawyer boyfriend named Mike." No May! Shit! Why did I have to use Mike's name! I was shaking my head no, trying to get Gavin's attention, his smile long gone, his eyes on something, or nothing in the distance. "No, May," I emphasized, handing her the drink Gavin had just given me. "How about you buy me another drink." I pushed past her, standing right in front of Gavin, stretching my fingers to his, the touch making him flinch. He shook away, storming off, straight to the far end of the bar, hand up, snapping for the bartender. "Whiskey," he huffed just as I walked up, his eyes reluctantly falling to mine. "What the fuck is going on. I'm done." He looked away, watching the bartender pour his drink."I should have gone back home. Lesson fucking learned." I grabbed at his front pocket, digging my fingers into his jeans. "She's talking about you, Gavin! I didn't want to use your name, and she could tell I was seeing someone. I just used his name and his story. I swear I was talking about you!" "Jesus, why are you so fucking embarrassed to tell people about me? Because I'm not a fucking lawyer? I make- this is ridiculous. You have no idea who I fucking am." "I don't want Grant finding out- they all know him. One slip of your name would be it. You know this. And see, any guy who came around she was telling them I was taken." He rolled his eyes, downing the glass in front of him, his hands trailing to my waist, arms curling over to my back, pulling me into his chest. "Am I allowed to kiss you at least?" He whispered, lowering his face to mine, his lips gentle, our spark however, was not- the both of us going from zero to sixty in two seconds, hands flying, tongues battling. "Excuse me!" May cleared her throat, cutting our kiss short. Dammit. I glanced over, meeting her ear-to-ear smile. "Sadie, we're heading over to the club. Does your new friend want to go?" She said loud enough for Gavin to hear, his hands tightening around my back in response. He wasn't going to let me go.

"Girrl!" She leaned in, whispering in my ear. "He's hot!" "I know," I whispered back, waiting for her to mention his age; instead she rushed up to Debbie and the girls while I walked out with Gavin. Once we were out of view Gavin slid his hand down over my ass, squeezing it. "I've been waiting to do that." Then I slid my hand over his jeans, squeezing his ass as well. "Likewise." Every woman we ed gave Gavin the eye, every, single, one. I had been so bogged down by my own drama I hadn't noticed how incredibly hot he was- towering over the crowds, his sexy smirk, strong body- something so magnetic about him. What the heck had I been worried about? I should be proud that he's choosing to hold my hand over all the others. I needed to stop thinking about the future and focus on what was right in front of meright now. Two younger women walked past us, smiling at Gavin as if I wasn't even there, and maybe it was the alcohol, my own jealousy coming out, or the fact that I had pent up my feelings for him this past hour, but I pounced, throwing his back against a slot machine, attacking him with my mouth. "Gavin.. I want you so bad." His teeth bit back, pulling at my bottom lip. "What about your friends?" Ohh… my friends… "We'll make an appearance, then I want you to take me up to your room." "Okay." He smacked one more kiss against my lips, discreetly adjusted his jeans, then led me back onto the walkway, following our group in the now far distance. We reed the group, heading into the dark yet lit club. "Over here," May yelled, guiding us to a just emptied booth, Gavin immediately pulling me onto his lap. "Who's dancing?" She screamed, trying to be heard over the music, lauding the rest of the group to get up. "I'll save the table," I offered, trying not to giggle- the alcohol and the kiss making me tipsy.

"Let's go!" She yelled again, the group following her away, leaving just Gavin and me. A warm breath hit my ear, goosebumps immediately following. "You look so sexy tonight." His fingers slid over my thigh, fingertips skirting the bottom of my dress. "Sit next to me in the booth, Baby." I didn't think twice, sliding off his lap to the bench, keeping my eyes on his as he glanced left to right, sliding in next to me, hand dipping right between my thighs. I parted my legs on instinct, giving him full access to the wet panties, his fingers curling under them, skimming. I gasped, head heavy, dizzy, falling back- his fingers entering me, a slow shove, a curve- my body tightening instinctively, the pleasure overwhelming. He plunged in and out, his hot breath heating my face in waves as his fingers fucked me under the table. It was too hot, one wave after another, crashing against the wall, my jaw quivering. "Gavin, oh, Gavin." He pounded those fingers, finishing me off, falling against the back of the booth next to me, his face hovering over mine with the cockiest of grins. "I'll be right back, gonna wash up." He kissed my forehead before sliding out of the booth, disappearing into the madness. Did that just happen? Fingered on the beach, fingered in a club… who was I? I was happy... that what I was. I adjusted my dress, sliding out of the booth, standing in attempt to find May and the girls. "All alone?" The stranger's voice was behind me, a man wearing a sleazy smile approaching. "No." I turned away, hoping he'd take the hint. "You look alone," he continued, speaking to my back. "I'm just saving the table," I called over my shoulder, feeling him move in closer. "Want to dance?" Seriously? "No thanks, I'm waiting on someone." Could he not take a hint?

There are hundreds of girls here- move along. "I can wait with you." I couldn't stand obnoxious drunk guys, especially ones that were so damn persistent. He moved in even closer, causing me to automatically walk backwards, the back of my legs hitting the table. He was too close for comfort, and I was locked in, the anxiety- and my knee rising. "How about I buy you a drink then?" He was face to face with me, my knee in the perfect position to nail him. "My boyfriend is getting me a drink actually! So you can move on to the next girl." He inched even closer, the smell of alcohol and cheap cologne assaulting my nose, unleashing memories I wasn't prepared for. "You need to get out of my face!" I pushed past him, but his hand shot out, grabbing my arm. "Come on. I don't bite." "But I do!" Gavin yelled, fist coming out of nowhere, pummeling right into the guy's face. Holy shit! I stumbled back- Gavin charged forward, not done with the guy yet. "Who the fuck are you?" The guy shot back, pushing his hand to his bloody nose. "I'm with her, and if I see you touching her or any other woman in here, I'm gonna beat the fucking shit out of you." "Stupid punk," the guy spat before taking off. Gavin watched him leave, waiting until he was gone before swinging back, arms wrapping right over me, curling me tight against him. "Are you okay?" "Yeah." I nodded into his chest. "He's just a stupid handsy drunk."

"I shouldn't have left you." "It's okay. You came at just the right time. Plus, I've taken a few selfdefense courses." I tilted my face up, smiling at him, trying to calm him down. "I know exactly where to aim." His face softened a little, but he was still breathing heavy, still seething. "But," I continued, draping my arms over his back too. "You shouldn't be hitting anyone or starting fights. Next time use your words." He suppressed a laugh. "I know. I just, I saw you moving away, then he grabbed you. It's the Italian in me- we're very ionate." "Well put a kibosh on the ion. I'm on vacation, and I don't want to be a nurse tonight." "No?" His face cocked to the side, that devilish smile coming out to play. "There goes that fantasy." "Come on." I kept an arm on his back, leading him towards the packed dance floor. "You want to dance?" He shrugged his shoulders. "I'll do anything if it's with you." I veered over to the bar first, needing a few more shots of liquid courage. "Three fireballs, please." "Three?" Gavin mouthed down to me. I nodded back, reaching for the first one the bartender placed down and handing it to Gavin, then lifting a shot in each hand. "Cheers." I downed the one to my left, then the one to my right. "Now we dance." The room was spinning, my body light, swaying to the music and the bass vibrating the floors under me. And I didn't care who was staring at us or that May's jaw was practically on the floor when I wrapped Gavin's arms around my waist, gyrating against him. All that mattered was him and I. He spun me, his erection smashing against my back, his fingers gripping my thighs, guiding my ass, rubbing it over him. "I want you now." His lips were at my ear, hot hiss steaming up my sweaty neck.

I wanted him too. I leapt, marching right over to May and Debbie. "I'm going to- to take off now," I giggled, the alcohol and the hard body behind me making me giddy. "I'll call you in a bit." "Are you sure?" Debbie asked, flashing her eyes from me to Gavin and back. "Yeah," I assured her. "So much for being my wing woman," May laughed, pointing an accusatory finger at me. "Next time, I promise." I was already wet, panting for him by the time we got into the elevator, and he walked us to the back of the lift, his hand sliding right up under my dress, fingers clasping my thigh. Oh god. Only a short ride, and we'd be behind closed doors.

Chapter 19

The elevator bell chimed; Gavin's hand flew around my hips, guiding me down the hall- spinning me up against a door. "Fuck!" His mouth slammed into my neck, nipping while he kicked the door open behind me. "I've been thinking about this the whole damn night." We stumbled in, stilling, watching the light show dancing across the pitchblack room- enchanting me, leading me to follow the flashes to the wall of glass, staring out at the strip below. His body suddenly pressed behind me, heavy breathing fogging up the window in front of me. His fingers slid over my bare thighs, bunching the edge of the dress in his palm, gliding it up my skin, over my head, tossing it to the floor- leaving me in only my thong and stilettos. I looked down, the Vegas lights streaking across my skin, taking my high to new levels. "Baby-" his hands ran over of my hips, up my stomach, fingers engulfing my breasts, tweaking my already overly aroused nipples before pressing a kiss to my shoulder. Then his hands dove to my panties, ripping them off. "Turn around," he commanded. I obliged, rolling against the window, staring at his dark face- bold eyes illuminated by the lights streaming in. I reached for his hand, but he took another step back, shaking his head no. "Just let me look at you, Sadie." Whatever he wanted. I backed up, hitting the cool glass wall, gasping from the , losing myself to my senses, instinctively raising my arms above my head, grasping at the glass, shimmying my naked body against the cold surface. I closed my eyes, letting the alcohol, the noise of the strip, the lights flashing around me to take control. My hips guiding, shimmying against the glass, my chest arching, breasts bouncing. His tongue struck my chest, a flat smack, dragging over my nipple- his hands right behind his mouth, trying to contain my breasts. It was too

much. I wanted him now! I yanked at his shirt, clawing it off like some wild animal, while he yanked his belt apart, leaving his pants… I dropped to my knees, lips to his stomach, kissing my way to his unzipped jeans, tugging them down his thighs while staring into his black eyes, and parting my bright lipstick-stained lips, wrapping them over his dick. "Oh fuuck," he groaned, hands falling to my hair, cursing under his breath. I hummed, swirled, sucked, bobbed, filled my mouth, filled my throat, needing to taste more of him. "I want to come on your tits again!" He jerked back, whipping out of my mouth, pressing right into my chest- my hands meeting him, squishing my breasts together while he fucked them. "Look, at, me," he demanded, so I rolled my eyes up, immediately feeling the streams of heat falling across my chest. "Fuck, cazzo, god, Sadie." I rose, about to grab a towel to clean myself off, but he pinned me back to the glass. "No, Baby. Now I want to fuck you." "Okay," I breathed back, flashing my eyes down to his release. "Stay." He walked over to the bedside table, grabbing a fistful of tissues and sliding them over my wet chest. "And to think I was fantasizing about that nurse shit when you're up here like this." He sank to my feet, sliding my heels off, snaking his hands up my thighs. "How did I get so lucky to have you in my bed?" "Your bed?" I wasn't in a bed. "Sounded better than against the wall, well actually," his voice was low, menacing. "I want you to turn around, Baby, face the glass." I followed his direction, turning so my naked body was once again facing out above the Vegas skyline. Apparently, I wasn't close enough, because his hands curled over my thighs, pushing me flat against the glass, my nipples hitting first. "Shit!" I sucked in a breath; my exhale steaming up the glass. His face was at my ass, fingers gripping my thighs, spreading my legs apart,

face nudging its way in, tongue stretching to my center- from behind. "Jesus, Baby," he grunted, his entire face smashed between me. "I can't get enough of this perfect pussy." Oh my god… the window was nothing but a cloud now, my breathing uncontrolled, wild like his mouth. He started gentle, reserved, teasing me with long licks, grazing teeth, hard kisses to my clit. The tease torturous, my legs quaking, barely holding me up. Then he unleashed- tongue a furious tornado, whipping into me, destroying everything in its path. "Fuck!" I threw my hands to the glass, bracing it, my body tremoring, tightening, trying to push him away- the intensity leaving me gasping. Suddenly I was empty, the feverish tongue, lips- gone. What.. no! He was pulling me from the glass, walking me backward to the bed, dropping me onto the sheets. "Don't stop!" "I'm not, Baby." He climbed over me, the lights now streaking over his ripped chest, lighting up those bulging biceps as his face dipped to my stomach- but it was too late- I wanted that body. "Gavin- Gavin!" His face sprung up, tongue licking his lips. "I want you to fuck me- and- I'm on the pill." "What?" His palms hit the mattress, pushing himself up. "I want to feel you, just you, no condom." "Fuck!' He slammed forward, meeting me eye to eye. "Are you sure?" "Yes," I mouthed with a smile. "And I want to feel you now!" He fell, dove, bucked- dick impaling me. "Sadie, fuck, fuck, cazzo, fuck!" It was raw, feeling every inch of him, his hips in hyper speed, nailing me-

filling me, setting me on fucking fire. "Gavin, I-" Damn, it felt so good, so hard. "What, Baby, you, want me to stop?" "I want you to fuck me against the glass!" I yelled and he lifted, flipping me from the bed into his arms, racing over to the window, smashing my back against the glass while smashing his dick back into me. He was wild, full body flexing, driving me up and down. My legs meeting his pace, wrapped tight around his back, anchoring so I could ride him too. Sensations turned to ecstasy; senses lost to euphoria, my climax controlling me- grinding over him deeper, and deeper. "Gavin!" Ohh, shit. "Gavin!" "Sadie." He fell against me, hips rocking slow, steady- coming together. "Fuck." I muttered into his chest, teeth chattering, eyes still rolling back. He held me, both of us fighting to steady our breathing, then he gripped me once more, carrying me to the bed, lying me down before climbing in next to me, guiding me right into his arm. "Shit," he sighed, chest heaving under me. "That was fucking amazing." He smacked a kiss against my hair. "I've never nutted raw. Fuck... amazing." Yes, it was. "What time is it?" I twisted back towards the table, spotting the clock. "It's only eleven!" "I'm fucking wiped out," he chuckled, half out of breath. "Wanna call it a night?" Call it a night? What! "No way! I've got to get back downstairs! I'm supposed to be May's wing woman! I'm only in Vegas for one night. I'm not crashing at eleven, no matter how exhausted I am." "You're different tonight." He ran his fingers through my hair. "It's Vegas."

Chapter 20

I tried to fix the mess that was my makeup and hair as best I could. I was a hot mess of alcohol, club, and sex. "How do I look?" "Beautiful," Gavin called back before I even stepped around the corner. "Gavin!" I caught his eyes as they flashed up from his phone. "Beautiful," he repeated. "And also like you've just been fucked." "Shut up!" I leaned over, smacking him playfully, and his hand captured mine, kissing my knuckles. "You ready?" He hopped up from the bed, heading straight for the door. "I guess," I laughed to myself as he whisked me away. "Thought you were tired." "I am, but the sooner we get Vegas out of your system, the sooner I get you back upstairs into bed." "You don't have to go, you know. You can go to sleep." He hit the elevator button. "I don't trust the dirtbags down there to stay away from you." His arm swung out, landing on my hip, pulling me closer. "And I didn't drive all this way to go to bed alone. I need-" he cleared his throat. "I want to be with you." The elevator sounded, doors opening for us, so we stepped in, semi sober and ready to start round two of the night. "Drink?" I asked the second we entered the casino floor, already reaching for my phone to text May. He shook his head no, giving my arm a yank. "Come on." He pulled me towards a slot machine, dropping to the stool, while I fell onto his lap.

"I'm not playing- I always lose." "I don't." He fed the machine some cash, pressing the flashing button in front of us, making the wheels in the display start rolling. Seven-Star-Seven. The machine lit up, creating a cha-ching sound. "Told you." "How?" I looked from the flashing display back to him. He just shrugged back. "I got you didn't I? I'm feeling pretty fucking lucky." "Let me try this time!" I twisted in his lap, pressing the flashing button as he had. Seven-Star-Seven displayed, causing the lights and noise to go off again. I won! I won! "I can't believe it! I never win!" "I guess we're both lucky," he teased, kissing my arm. I looked back at him, my smile so big it hurt. "What are the odds we get two stars in a row?" His eyes drifted to the machine, to the star in the center. Then his nose scrunched, his gaze falling. "What's that?" I stilled, listening, feeling. "My phone!" I plucked it from my bag, reading the text from May. "They're at the lounge." I hopped off his lap, taking his hand as he stood. "Okay, so I just need you not to be you. I mean, you know. And we just met." He rolled his eyes, grumbling under his breath. "Fine, do you always take guys upstairs that you've just met?" "Only sexy Italians." We walked into the lounge, immediately seeing May's hand flailing like crazy to get my attention. Luckily it was just the girls at the back table, which meant the bachelor party must have moved on. "Hey," May exclaimed, pointing us to the chairs, and Gavin sank down, arms locked around me, lowering me right onto his lap- inciting a wave of gasps and wide eyes from the girls.

"Sorry about leaving earlier." Technically not sorry at all. "I, we, needed to eat something," I lied, technically not- we both did eat. "What'd you get?" Julia asked. "Huh?" "What did you get to eat?" She laughed, sweet, innocent eyes questioning me. "The house special," Gavin rasped, chuckling under his breath- my elbow jerking back, slamming his stomach. "Soo..." Debbie searched my face, then Gavin's. "Gavin," I called back to her. "So- Gavin," she continued. "Where are you from?" "New York." He tightened his arms around me, making me feel so small against his giant chest. "You look really familiar," she sighed, studying him. "But I can't put my finger on it." Oh shit. I had forgotten that he had stopped by the E.R. I knew something like this would happen! She shrugged it off. "Anywho," she laughed. "Are you here alone?" He hesitated, straightening in the chair. "I'm with a buddy. But can you blame me for ditching him?" His lips hit my neck, nipping away in full view. "What do you do?" May pried, as she always did. He inhaled, grazing his nose across my skin. "I dabble in lots of things." Holy shit, breathe Sadie. "Investing mostly." "I think that's enough questions for tonight!" I insisted to the girls. "We just want to get to know your friend," Debbie teased. Sure, more like

needed a full story to gossip about on Monday. I needed to change the topic. "Where are the bachelor party guys?" "They went to another hotel to some other club," May grumbled, eyes suddenly downcast, shoulders deflating as she stirred her drink. I had promised her that I'd help her find someone tonight, and I had failedalthough the night wasn't over yet! I swung my head around the lounge, finding exactly what I was hunting, single men. "I'll be right back," I whispered to Gavin before hopping up and crossing over to the bar. "Hi!" I cut into the huddle that the three guys had formed. "Hello." The one closest gave me a once over, followed by a big grin. Oh, jeez, not me. I tilted my head towards the back. "My friends over there were wondering if you guys would like to us?" The guys mirrored my gaze to the table, nodding okay. "May, we have some new friends," I announced to the group, and she jumped up, rushing a little too eager to shake their hands. There! I had officially done my part as wing woman. I sat down on the empty chair next to Gavin, felt one of the news guys stare's on me, and a second later felt Gavin's arm wrapping around my waist, lifting me right back onto his lap. "It'd be easier if I just wore a 'property of' sign," I whispered over my shoulder, smiling back at him. "You know they've got a tattoo place here," he whispered back. "You could get one right across your tits and another above your ass." "What are you all in Vegas for?" One of the guys asked. "Wait, let me guess," he continued, turning his sights to Gavin and me. "Little white wedding chapel, those two getting married." He was staring right at us- us? Getting married? My laugh was instant- then I was busting up, swiping away the tears from laughing so hard. "Us?" I held in the laugh. "Um, no!"

Gavin's arms dropped from around my waist, his body distant, falling back against the chair. I didn't blame him- the thought probably spooked him. "They just met!" May giggled, and honestly, it wasn't far from the truth- we had just met. Though for some reason, it felt like he had always been there. "Oh-" The guy shrugged, laughing with us. "Could have fooled me." "We're here on a single girls trip," May emphasized. "Now, who wants another round? On me!" The group roared in cheers, Gavin still mortified behind me, not saying a word, not moving a muscle. I twisted my face back, his eyes sliding to the side, avoiding mine. "He didn't know, don't freak out," I laughed, but he wasn't laughing back. "What's wrong? You can't be mad about what he-" "Nothing!" He snapped, clearly upset by something. "Tell me." I turned in his lap, chest to chest with his brooding self. "Not here." Then we'd leave. "I'm going to run to the restroom, we'll be right back," I yelled over, grabbing Gavin's hand, leading his reluctant ass out of earshot. "What the hell is your problem now?" His eyes flashed to mine, lips parting for a split second. "Really? My problem? Why'd you laugh so hard at the idea that we were going to a wedding chapel?" Wait... he was mad at me? For... "Are you serious right now, Gavin?" There was no way he was mad about this! "You're mad that I laughed getting married?" "I'm mad that I'm a fucking joke to you- that you're always fucking laughing at me. You're embarrassed. They can't know . They can't know about me. You, me, and a chapel- so fucking hilarious to you," he spat, backing away from me. "You just let me fuck the shit out of you with no condom upstairs- then I have to act like I don't even fucking know you down here." He was pissed, no, there was something else, he was... hurt?

"Gavin, no. You're not a joke to me. I... it's not about you. It's about me, , about age. I was laughing at the thought of us getting married." "And why is that so fucking funny to you?" "I... I don't know." It had been a knee-jerk reaction. I never allowed myself to think of anything more than sex with Gavin. Relationships were never on my radar. I had just assumed they weren't on his either, yet here he was pissed that I hadn't thought about it. "I'm sorry. I thought you'd be laughing too." I mean, all we ever did was sleep together. He had to know we could be nothing more than what we were right now. He knew, right? "Can we just go back in there and relax. Maybe grab a drink?" He shrugged his shoulders with a quick snap of his head, letting me take his hand, lead him back over. "You're back!" May squealed, handing Gavin and me a shot. "So Ben, do you believe in love at first sight?" "I believe in love after the first night," he chuckled back. "What about you, Gavin?" Her eyes darted to mine as she asked him. "I do now," he sighed, tightening his fingers with mine, pulling me down onto his lap. "It's the only kind of love." "Go on," Debbie prodded, all of them leaning forward. "You can't look away, and you can't fucking stay away. It seriously fucks with you. If you have to work to love, then you always need to be fanning the flame- if you stop, it stops," he continued to his engrossed audience. "Love at first sight isn't just a flame- it's a whole fucking fire." Damn. I was trying not to read into it, except I couldn't help but wonder if he was talking about me. And as if knowing my thoughts, he nestled his mouth against my ear. "You're my whole fucking fire." He rested his hand on my thigh, his words playing on repeat in my head. Love at first sight. He was probably confusing lust with love; he was young, sex tended to do that to people.

"Cheers to that!" May beamed, raising her glass. "You're my kind of guy, Gavin!" "Well, Sadie knows all about love at first sight," Sarah giggled. "What are you talking about?" I barely knew her, and I never talked about my private life at work. "Kirk!" She squealed, lunging to Debbie, who started cracking up beside her. "He's been chasing you since you stepped onto our floor!" "Oh god, enough about Kirk!" I shot a glare to the girls, demanding they stop. "I don't blame him," one of the guys called over, making Gavin go rigid under me. "Lucky you found her first." The guy chuckled to Gavin as if I would have gone to the first taker. Ass. "May, why don't you and the guys bring us another round," I insisted, gesturing for her to get them out of here. They were supposed to be flirting with May, not making remarks about me. "I'll help too!" Sarah squealed, hopping up, her eyes on the shorter guy in the group. "What about the blond?" I urged Julia. "Now is your chance!" She nodded back, taking off with the group. I turned to face Gavin, my face landing at his, lips like magnets- the force too strong to resist. His hands jumped from my thighs to my face, cupping my cheeks, his breath hitting my lips, mine parting in response. "Hey now!" May shouted, pushing two shot glasses between us. "Bottoms up!" Gavin rolled his eyes, taking the shot while I hooked my arm through his, placing my shot at his lips while he pushed the one in his hand to mine. "Cheers." The burn down my throat just made me want him that much more. If only I

could straddle him right here on this chair. I could easily slide my dress up... unzip his jeans. "Let's head out!" May was yelling, snapping me out of my fantasy. "I'm ready to win some more money!" I laughed against Gavin, pulling myself up off of him, watching his hand fall to his belt, adjusting his pants- guess I wasn't the only one having dirty thoughts. We headed through the casino towards the blackjack tables, the vodka kicking in, so was the fact that I'd been walking in stilettos for half the night. I could barely feel my feet. "I don't think I can walk anymore," I whined, lunging for May's arm, leaning into her for . "My feet are killing me!" "A few rounds of blackjack, and we'll call it a night!" May begged the group, including the guys. She found an empty table, gesturing me to the end seat before taking the chair next to mine, and Gavin rounded the table, taking the seat directly across from me at the opposite end. His dark twinkling eyes met mine, inducing an instant smile- he was gorgeous. I studied his face, his neck, his broad shoulders... Oh god, I squeezed my thighs together under the table, forcing myself to look away from him. Everyone started placing their bets on the table, and the dealer counted us in, doling out the first round of cards, beginning on Gavin's side. When he landed on me he flipped an ace, then flipped himself a nine before starting to deal another round. He flipped my second card, a ten. Twenty-one, twenty-one! I won! I never won! I was lucky tonight! I smiled over at Gavinfinding his smile already on me. "Twenty-one," the dealer called out. "Shit!" The guy next to Debbie yelled. "You've got the Midas touch, Baby." It was the same cheesy line as the idiot earlier, only this time Gavin had

hear- his fingers balling into fists over the felt. "Looks like you've got another option for tonight," May giggled drunkenly, loud enough for Gavin to hear- his eyes ricocheting from her to me, then down to his cards. The dealer then flipped himself a ten as well, nineteen. "Hit." Gavin tapped the table in front of his fifteen. The dealer flipped him a five, Gavin's pissed-off look turning smug. "That's some good luck!" Julia squealed. "It's not luck," Gavin spat to the table."I just know what the fuck I'm doing." "One more game," May begged, but I was done. I had won, and I knew better than to test my luck. "I'm too tired." "Well-" the other guy interrupted me, standing from his seat, smile locked on me. Gavin popped up, bumping him out of the way, walking right up to me, bending- one arm swooping under my knees, the other over my backhoisting me up into his arms. Shit! "Gavin! Put me down!" I frantically grabbed at the bottom of my dress, trying not to flash the table. "Gavin!" "I thought your feet hurt," he teased, wry smile smug as hell. "We're going upstairs," he shouted to the table. "Sadie will call you in the morning!" Gavin stomped away, carrying me with him. "What?!" May screamed back. "I'm not sleeping alone!" "Neither am I." He winked down at me. "I'll take her bed!" I heard Julia exclaim. "I was going to be on the couch

anyway." "Sadie?" May screeched. "I'll text you," I yelled back, waving over Gavin's shoulder. "You can put me down now!" I swatted his chest, wiggling my legs draped over his arm. "Either my fists are wrapped up in you, or they're wrapped up in that guy's face!" He huffed, charging towards the elevators. "Didn't you fucking hear him call you Baby? He's lucky I didn't knock his ass out!" "Well, he's out of sight, so the show's over." He looked down at me, a natural smile taking over his face. "This isn't for show. I'll put you down when I'm ready to put you down."

Chapter 21

All eyes were on us as Gavin carried me in his arms, whisking me across the casino floor and into the elevator. "Is Vegas out of your system yet?" He chuckled, pressing my heel against the elevator call button. "I guess-" I met his greedy eyes with my own. "I didn't do anything scandalous or crazy." The doors slid open, and we were falling inside. "Are you sure?" He flashed me that mischievous smile- opening a flood gate of memories- bright lights, naked bodies against the glass. "And the night's not over yet." I was ready for more. He bounced my legs in the air, flipping me, straddling my thighs around his waist, his hands holding my ass to keep me up. "I don't think I want this to be over, period." The elevator chimed, he hustled out, the cool air hitting me in places it shouldn't. Then he was fumbling for his room key, gripping my thigh that much stronger to keep me up with one hand. Hurry... hurry! He shoved his shoulder into the door, marching straight to the bed, dropping me down. "I want to lick every fucking inch of you tonight, Baby." He bent over me, fingers already curled around my panties, dragging them down my thighs. "Look they left a chocolate." He picked up a small wrapper off the pillow, placing it next to my hips. "What-" "Shhh." He leaned back, hands trailing to my feet, sliding off my heels, lips immediately smothering my toes, kisses continuing to my foot, ankle, calfhis hands sliding ahead, pushing my thighs apart. His smile instant; he liked what he saw. Then his hands slid under my legs, tugging me down- meeting his face and his tongue that swirled right into me.

"Shit!" I yelped, fingers bunching the sheets, nerves twinging, his mouth slopping all over me, my thighs tightening- his hands forcing them apart. "Shit!" I was thrashing... his mouth relentless, that tongue too damn long, and the sight of his face buried between my thighs was, ahh, "Gav-" His eyes shot up, but not for me- for the chocolate at my side, his fingers nimble- ripping the wrapper, pushing the candy to his mouth. "Now for dessert." He pushed the chocolate above my clit, his mouth going crazy against it- biting, sucking, licking, and swirling- beating my clit senseless. "Shit! Fuck-" I couldn't handle it, oh fuck, ahh. I tried to rip away from his tongue, but his hands flew up, locking my hips in place, his urgency risingmouth devouring me. "Gavin!" I screamed out, my climax coming like a train with no brakes. "Oh god, Gavin." I laid there twitching, the wave running its course, immobile until a hand slid under my back and rolled me onto a hard chest, his hands clasping over me. "Sadie?" "Yeah." I forced my eyes open, meeting his smile. "Drive home with me tomorrow, err later today." He lifted his hand to my cheek, brushing away the hair that had fallen. "I can't." "We'd have four hours of just the two of us cruising through the desert. I need... I want… It would be-" "No, I can't. I flew here with May, and I'm not going to ditch her again." "Wait, you're serious?" He suddenly snapped, his mood instantly darkening. "I don't want to be alone!" "And?" I shrugged against him. "This was a girls' trip, Gavin, that you crashed. I'm flying home with May." He puffed his chest, bouncing me off of him, flipping me onto the other side of the bed. "Unbelievable." He rolled up, stomping his feet to the floor. "I'm gonna take a shower." He stalked into the bathroom, driving his fist into the

door with a bang. Did he really expect me to ditch May to drive home with him? I felt guilty enough just staying in his room tonight. Hell, I'd spent most of the night with him. He had such a temper. If he didn't get what he wanted then he threw a fitbut tonight wasn't about him. What was the point of even sleeping in here if he was just going to be cold and distant? Unbelievable was right. I crawled off the bed, finding my dress and slipping it back on. The water shut off, the curtain clanking, his feet shuffling- while I hurried to the door. "What are you doing?" He shouted through the opening bathroom door. Shit. I was hoping for a clean break. "I'm going back to my room." "I see, you fuck me and then ghost?" He barked, venom in his tone and his eyes cold, distant. "Go ahead- I'm sure that guy's still fucking waiting for you downstairs. Have at it. Hope he enjoys your mint-flavored pussy." "Gavin!" I stumbled back, flinching- the words stinging. "Why are you doing this? We had an amazing night, and now you turn into an ass because I won't drive home with you. What did you think I was going to do?" The ion, the exhaustion, the alcohol had all created the perfect storm, and the tears instantly clouded my eyes. "I can't believe how you're talking to me," I cried, swiping at the tears as I pulled the door open. "How could you treat me like this?" "Shit," he mumbled, dropping his face with a deep sigh, then swinging out his arm, grabbing mine. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I just-" "Let, go, of me, Gavin!" I pushed myself further out the door. "Sadie, please. I don't know why I said that. I-" I yanked my arm from his grip, storming down the hallway, pulling out my phone to text May, 'I'm heading to the room, tell Julia I'll take the couch.' I walked into the elevator, thankful he had just gotten out of the shower and

wouldn't dare come after me in just a towel. I wasn't even back to my room yet, and already had four missed calls and four text messages. Not sure why he was bothering to call- I was declining him after the first ring. I stopped in front of our door, checking the messages before going in. 'Sadie please.' 'I was lost in my own fucking head.' 'I didn't mean to be a dick.' 'Please don't go back downstairs. I didn't mean that.' And just as I was about to power it down, another message came through: 'No excuses, I was an ass. Just please tell me you're not fucking going downstairs.' I was too mentally and physically exhausted to engage with him, so I powered off my phone and pushed through the door, finding the room empty. Thank god. I continued straight into the shower, stepping into the cold water, standing directly under the showerhead, letting the water rinse the night, our sex, my makeup, and my tears away. Vegas Vixen and her sexcapades were currently swirling down the shower drain.

Chapter 22

"Morning, Sunshine!" A face was hovering over mine, singing, my dreams fading into May's face. "Thought you were going to take the couch?" I blinked with a yawn. "Ugh, what time is it?" My head was throbbing, legs like bricks. "Almost eleven, check-out is in ten minutes, and our flight leaves in an hour, girl!" I sat up too fast, a jackhammer unleashing in my head. "Why didn't you wake me earlier!" "We did!" Julia laughed, rounding the corner from the bathroom, already fully dressed. I shot up, thankful I took a shower last night. "Give me two minutes." I swapped my pajamas for a sundress and wedges. "We're going to drop you two at the airport on our way." Julia propped open the door, waiting for me, so I rushed out behind her, following her and May. Debbie and Sarah were already downstairs, the five of us beelining for the car so we wouldn't miss our flight.

"Next time, we should just drive with them." I flashed my ticket to security before throwing my bag on the X-ray belt. "I get too car sick!" May whined, pretending to gag as she walked through the scanner. We grabbed our bags, racing off towards the terminal, arriving just as the flight was boarding.

"Sooo," May squealed the second we took our seats. "Tell me everything!" "What?" I shrugged, playing coy. "Gavin!" Gavin! I grabbed my phone out of my bag, powering it back on. My screen was flashing immediately, one new message, two, three, four. Oh shit. It just kept going. I opened the messages, scrolling up to the beginning. "That him?" May asked, peering down at my phone. I twisted the screen away. "No, Mike," I lied, reading the messages silently: 'Just let me know you made it to your room okay.' 'All I can think about is you crying.' 'I didn't mean to be an ass.' 'Sadie. Please.' 'Fuck. This is ridiculous.' 'Sorry. Just let me know you're safe in bed.' 'Goodnight baby.' 'Really? Still not fucking answering.' 'I might have been shitty last night, but don't deserve to be shut out.' I didn't know how to respond, I only knew I should. 'On plane, turned phone off last night.' I powered it back off, stashing it away. "Now I want details!" May gave me a stern look. I knew I had to choose my words wisely. "I was pretty drunk. I don't much."

"That's BS! I don't care how drunk you were, men that hot with those bulgy biceps and sexy dark eyes- you all of that!" I did, every good and every crappy minute. "It was a fun night-" until he pulled the asshole card. "I bet! Why'd you come back? He had a weird fetish or something?" "No, jeez. I just-" "I get it," she sighed. "Had your sexy time, and he was done. Guys these days." I nodded my head in agreement. This lie was easier than telling her what had happened or that we hadn't just met. The truth was I would have stayed with him all night if he hadn't thrown a temper tantrum and said that crap to me. I played tired, pretending to sleep the remainder of the flight, and managing to distract her enough to keep Gavin out of the conversation on the drive home.

"You working tomorrow?" She asked as we turned onto my street. "As always," I whined playfully before spotting the out-of-place black sports car parked in front of my house. She swerved in front of my driveway, not mentioning the car- thank goodness. "Thanks! I'll see you at work!" I hopped out, throwing my bag out of her back seat, waving her off hastily. I fast-walked up the sidewalk, smacking the door open, a roaring beeping screeching through the place. Shit... I smacked the key fob to disarm the alarm. And Gavin was knocking at the door only seconds later. "It's open," I called, standing back, watching the doorknob twist, the door

swinging open with him storming right in. Oh, Gavin. I met his bloodshot eyes, swollen lids, splotchy cheeks, hair stuck up in every direction, and still wearing his clothes from yesterday. "Lock- the- goddamn- door!" He snapped, slamming it behind him. "Excuse me?" I had assumed he was here to apologize, not be more of an ass. "I saw your car outside. I knew you'd be right behind me. What are you doing here?" He tilted his head up, his chest rising and falling hard. "Why didn't you answer my fucking calls or message me back? Nothing Sadie!" "I turned my phone off- I was done hearing what you had to say." I rolled my bag to my bedroom door, parking it in the doorway. "You don't get to demand answers after how you treated me. In fact, you're lucky I even let you in." "You think I don't realize how shitty I was? I was... I was in a fucked up place already- and then I saw you crying, then you disappeared!" He groaned, eyes flashing up to the ceiling. "You get pissed and disappear alone in fucking Vegas with your phone turned off!" He threw his hands up to his temples. "I was so fucking worried. I didn't know if you'd even made it back to your room or if you went downstairs to that jackass. You could have at least let me know you were okay." He kept his hands on his temples, storming past me to the couch. "I can take care of myself, Gavin. Next time stop calling; assume I'll be okay." He pulled his hands away from his face, revealing his tear-stained cheeks, springing from his tear-filled eyes. "There won't be a next time, Sadie!" "What do you mean there won't be a next time?" He wiped his cheeks, rubbed his eyes, shook his head-trying to clear the tears. Why was he so worked up? "There won't be a next time," he repeated, sucking in a breath. "I can't assume you're going to be okay. Look at me! Do you know what I fucking went through last night? I never slept,

took off before the goddamn sun was up because I didn't know when your flight was, and I needed to see you- with my own fucking eyes- to make sure you were okay." "You didn't have to. I would have called eventually. Why were you so worried?" He stood back up, walking over to me, arms wrapping over my back, holding me. "I'm sorry for being a dick... I just... I have some other shit going on. I'm really sorry. Don't be pissed." I dropped my head against his chest, feeling his racing heart. "You have to relax Gavin." I pushed out of his grip, taking his hand and leading him back to my room, to the bed. "You need to rest." "Lay with me," he pleaded, exhausted eyes barely able to stay open. I nodded yes, shaking off my wedges and crawling under the sheets. "Gavin-" I nestled against his chest, his arm draping over me. "This possessive stuff has to stop. It's too intense." "Possessive?" He repeated in a much calmer tone than he had earlier. "You think I'm possessive?" No, I knew he was. "The jealousy, snapping when I don't do what you want, showing up places." "I'm sorry if I'm over-protective. I was once told that everything would be okay, but it wasn't. I've never felt like this before- I haven't loved anything as much as I love you in a very long time. I don't know how to fucking handle it." His whisper faded out, his breathing growing heavier. Loved? I looked down at the rugged man wrapped over me. Here he was clinging on to me while he slept, telling me he loved me, and that he just wanted to protect me. It wasn't the sex talking either, he was scared. I tightened my arm over him, closing my eyes too.

"Hey."

I felt the tickle of hair over my face, then Gavin's lips pressing against mine. "Good morning," I squeaked back, smiling up at him. His face looked much better, the swelling around his eyes almost gone. "Good evening," he corrected me. "What?" I looked over to the window, the black sky peeking through the sides of the curtains. "Listen-" he sat up next to me, turning to look me in the eyes while he entwined our fingers. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything, last night, today, what you had to see earlier. Vegas was fucking amazing, and I didn't want to end it by making you cry. I was pissed and jealous, acting like a little shit. I- fuck, such an amazing night to ruin." "Yes, it was." It really was the most amazing night and the most amazing sex I'd ever had. "But if we ever fight again, Sadie, or if I'm ever a dick, just please let me know you're okay." "Okay." I wanted to ask him about earlier, to figure out what or who wasn't okay, but that would bring up the 'love' issue, and I wasn't ready to face that. Nor was I ready to face that our relationship was becoming more than just sex- we were getting in too deep. "I'm gonna shower." He climbed off the bed, yanking his shirt over his head, revealing that tight, defined body. How was I supposed to stay mad at those ripped abs and bumpy tattooed biceps? I sat up in the bed, watching him drop his pants before stepping under the water. A shower sounded good to me too. I crawled off the bed, walking into the steamy bathroom, meeting his eyes through the glass, tugging my sundress up over my head. He popped the door open, stepping to the side, pulling me in front of him. Then he wrapped his arms around my waist, sinking his face into the crook of my neck, and we just stood there, skin to skin, absorbing the heat from the water and the heat between us.

I finally spun in his arms to face him, reaching my lips up to his, but his hand swung back behind me, shutting down the water. "You don't want to..." He didn't reply, only grabbed my hand, stepping out of the shower before me. "Where are the towels?" "Laundry basket," I laughed as he walked away. "On the floor in my room." I stepped out, the water dripping to my feet. "Find them?" I took another step towards the bedroom, foot hitting a pool of water- sliding, slipping, arms flailing, body flying backwards, head and back slamming into the floor.

Chapter 23

"Sadie!" Gavin fell to my side, hand scooping under the back of my head. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine." I cringed, wincing my eyes open. "Hell of a way to end this weekend! Can you help me up?" He wrapped his other hand in mine, slowly lifting me to sitting, then to standing, releasing one hand to drape the towel over me. Damn... it hurt. "I need to be sitting up for a while. Can you help me to the couch?" He kept his hand on my back, carefully leading me to the couch, lowering me down- not saying a word. "Do you think you could also grab me some pajamas? Middle drawer on the left." I asked, and he turned on the word, stalking back into my bedroom. "And a glass of water." I rested back into the cushions as he walked out, already changed and holding a long sleep shirt in one hand, with my panties in the other. "This work?" "Yes." I lifted my arms, the towel unraveling from the motion, and he finagled the shirt over my head before kneeling to the floor. I lifted my foot, allowing him to slide the panties up. Cool down Sadie, focus on your head, not his. He jumped back up, scurrying off to the kitchen, returning with a bottle of water. "Do you want me to take you to the hospital? You might have a concussion." He was watching me intently, pacing in front of the couch. Gavin walking me into my department was not going to happen. "I think I'm okay, just

need to stay awake for a while." I grabbed the remote, powering on the T.V. "I'll call you in the morning. I know you have classes tomorrow, and you must be exhausted." He whipped his face over, jaw dropping, looking at me like I was crazy. "I'm staying with you tonight!" "I'm just going to sit here and binge-watch all night. I have work in the morning, and you have school." I felt a lump in my throat from the word. He was just one of us in Vegas, nobody commented or cared about his age- I had all but forgotten about it. Now here I was making sure my lover was prepared for school tomorrow. Ugh. "You think I'm gonna fucking leave you tonight? I don't care if you're a nurse. I'm staying the night to make sure you're okay." What was up with him and this whole okay thing? It really killed the independent woman in me, yet at the same time aroused the romantic in me. No one had taken care of me in over eighteen years, and before that, my parents had to. I always had to be the strong one, caring for myself and Grant. I was always the one doing all the holding, hugging- now I was the one being held, by two very strong arms that wanted to protect me. "Sadie?" "Huh?" I snapped out of my thoughts, meeting a very distraught Gavin. "Fuck, you seem out of it. Let's just run you up to the E.R. or urgent care or something." "I'm fine," I assured him, patting the cushion next to me. "I was just, just trying to decide what to watch." "Turn your head," he instructed, hands flying to the back of my head, feeling around my scalp. "Ow!" I swatted his hands away. "That hurts!" "You have a huge bump." He sprung right back up, pacing in front of me again. "You should get seen."

"Bumps from falling are normal, Gavin. Trust me; I'm a nurse." I winked up to him, trying to calm him down. "You're so fucking irritating sometimes!" "If you're going to stay tonight, then you need to stop with the f-bombs and the attitude." He didn't respond, instead, he took off into the kitchen, slamming drawers around. I ignored the commotion, scrolling through the new releases, seeing him from the corner of my eyes walking back in, a bag of ice in hand. He sank back down, lifting the ice to the back of my head. "What do you want to watch?" I asked, still scrolling. "I don't care." "Game show?" "No chick flicks?" He chuckled, finally ea. "No, they'll put me to sleep. At least with this, it'll force my brain to work." "Go for it then." I never watched these types of shows because I could never answer any of the questions. At least tonight, I could blame my lack of knowledge on the fall. The show's announcer started talking. "Betelgeuse! Betelgeuse! Betelgeuse!: In this constellation." Oh jeez, I knew nothing about stars and constellations. I mean who had time for"Orion," Gavin replied to the screen. "What is Orion?" "Correct."

Whoa... I twisted my face to see his. "How did you know that?" "I know a thing or two about constellations. I used to watch the stars back home." His eyes were on the screen, but he was seeing something else. "You?" I laughed, picturing him stargazing. "Was this before or after you had tattoos?" "Before." He stared ahead while I waited for him to elaborate or laugh with me, but he didn't. "Are you hungry?" He asked, pulling his arm and the ice away from my head. "Yes!" I couldn't even the last time I had eaten. "Very!" He hopped back up, taking the melting ice pack with him, banging drawers around in the kitchen again. "Spaghetti? Or breakfast for dinner?" He called over. "That's all I have?" "That's all I can really cook," he chuckled. "Spaghetti sounds good!" I heard the burner click, pans clattering. I had a sexy Italian in my kitchen cooking spaghetti. Now that was one hell of a way to end this weekend.

"Food's ready! Want to eat out there or at the table?" Gavin rounded the corner, holding two plates. "Here."I straightened up, stretching my sore back. "Looks good." I took a plate from his hand, immediately swirling the noodles onto my fork, inhaling the strong tomato scent before shoveling the pasta into my mouth. Gavin took his seat beside me, slurping his plate right up- loud, noisy slurps and sucks. I looked over, watching him suck up the dangling spaghetti, swirling the noodles, pushing them to his mouth- to those lips. It was like the ice cream cone all over again. Who looked this damn sexy when they ate!

I couldn't stop glancing over, watching him spin, suck, slurp the noodles. "Ahh," I gasped, flinging my head towards the T.V. as a cover. "Are you alright, Sadie?" "Uh, huh." Luckily 'ah' sounded like 'ow'. I stifled a laugh, focusing back on the plate in front of me. "How do you like it?" He lifted his wrapped fork in the air with a smile. "It's good. I'm enjoying it." He let out a quick laugh before inhaling his fork full while my hand slid to his leg, dancing up his thigh. "Are you full, Baby?" "No, I'm still very hungry," I flirted, running my fingers up higher. He met my eyes, his going wide, immediately flashing to my hand rubbing down his zipper. "No! Not when you're concussed!" He grabbed my hand, moving it back to my leg. Then I grabbed his, moving it also to my leg. "Fuck, Sadie, seriously?" He set his plate on the table, twisting his body towards mine. "I need you to touch me; it's protocol for concussions, stimulates the brain." I pushed his stretched fingers under my sleep shirt. "No." He whipped his hand back, leaving me hanging. "Not like this." "Well, it's your fault." "What?" His face paled, hands falling to his sides. "Not the fall- you just shouldn't eat next to me." "What?" He asked again. "You're too sexy when you eat." He cracked the slightest smile. "I'm sexy when I'm shoveling food in my

mouth?" "Ice cream and spaghetti at least," I laughed, and his smile cracked even bigger. He rolled his eyes playfully before picking up our plates and carrying them back to the kitchen, turning the corner just as my phone rang. I stretched, stood up, walked over to my purse, seeing Grant's name flashing on my phone. I pushed the screen to my ear, answering his call. "Hey, Baby!" I turned, seeing Gavin in front of me. "Grant," I mouthed, throwing a finger to my mouth, shushing him. I continued back to the couch, sinking to the cushions while Gavin dropped to the floor, lifting my foot in his hands to rub it. "Hey, Mom! How was Vegas?" "It was fun!" "Uh, huh...I bet." "Yup, just what I needed." "Want to hang out this week? Maybe do dinner?" "When?" "Tomorrow?" "I work tomorrow. How about Tuesday?" "Sure!" "Then it's a date." "Do you think Berkeley and her dad could us?" "I... I don't know." "C'mon Mom!"

"I'm-" I looked down at Gavin, his face turned, looking up at me. "I don't think that's a good idea." "Why not?" "I'm seeing some- okay, fine." "Cool! Love you! See you Tuesday!" "I love you too, bye."

Gavin's face was back on the screen, his hands rubbing my foot a bit too aggressively. "What was that about?" He tried to ask casually, but it came off more demanding. "We're going to spend the day together Tuesday, and he, um. He wants to go to dinner with his girlfriend." Gavin twisted his face back, meeting my eyes. "And." "And her dad's in town and wants to . Grant really wants me to go." He turned back around to face the show. "So you're going out with Mike." "No, I told Grant-" "You said fine." "I'm going to talk to him Tuesday and tell him I'm seeing someone." "Really?" He turned back again, watching me. "Yes, but not who I'm seeing." "And you're working tomorrow?" "Yeah. Tomorrow and Wednesday." He switched to my other foot, rubbing up the sole. "When do I get to see

you? Tomorrow night?" "How about Thursday? We could do something." "Seriously!" "Wednesday night?" "Whatever, and don't you think Grant's a little too old to be called Baby?" "What?" I laughed, kicking my foot in his hand. "Where'd that come from?" "You answered the phone, hey Baby." "He'll be my baby until he's eighty!" And my sweetie, and my honey. "Why are you in such a huff?" "I'm not. I just hate that he's trying to set you up with his chick's dad." "I don't think it's like that. But don't worry, I'll handle it." He shook his head, grumbling yet again. "I will if you don't." "Why don't we plan something for Thursday. I have the whole day free. We can spend the day together. Go on a real date." "Like what?" "I don't know?" I hadn't been on a date in years, actually, had I ever been on a date? "Let's get out of here for the day." He sat back, stewing for a minute. "I think I might know a place. We can take the train." "The train?" I'd never been on a train before. "Yeah, it cruises up north," he smiled back. "I took it once when I first moved here. It's nothing like the trains back home, but the view's cool." "Okay, train it is. Hey, can I see your tattoos?" I shook my foot in his hands,

trying to get his attention again. "Why?" "I'm just curious. I've never really looked at them before." "Are you trying to get me naked again?" He chuckled, already letting go of my foot and tugging his shirt over his head. "Maybe." I watched him sink next to me on the couch, arms flexed, my hand instinctively rising to touch. I ran my fingers over the black New York skyline and the small Italian flag that waved off one of the buildings- noticing the trail of goosebumps following my fingertips as I traced the intricate art down to the next design, four tiny hollow circles in a row, then two solid. "What do the circles represent?" He stared down at his hands resting in his lap. "My lifeline." That wasn't the answer I was expecting, and I wasn't quite sure what he meant. "Why are two filled in?" His muscles suddenly tensed across his back. "My parents." I drug my fingers over to his other arm, trying to turn him a bit so I could see it better, but he was reluctant. "Come on," I urged, stroking his forearm. He silently shifted, letting me run my fingers over his other bicep, over a pair of beautifully ornate stars hovering above a series of numbers, no, coordinates. "What does this one represent?" He took a deep breath before abruptly reaching for his shirt and tugging it back on. "New York." He dropped back against the couch, lifting his arm up and around my shoulders, curling me into his side. I started clicking through the channels again, stopping on the nightly news where an 'Earthquake' banner was flashing across the top of the screen.

"A 6.4 earthquake has struck in Ridgecrest California today; aftershocks are expected throughout this next week." "That was my one hesitation about moving here to California," I sighed. "What? A little earthquake?" He chuckled. "Try a New York blizzard or hurricane!" "I don't want to be around any natural disasters!" "No." He tightened his hold, pressing a kiss to the top of my hair. "We should watch something else." "Actually, I think I'm okay to go to bed. You ready?" I needed this weekend to be over, really over. "Are you sure?" "Yes. I've got a twelve-hour day tomorrow. I need some sleep." I sat up, letting him stand first to help me up, and he walked me back to the bed, climbing in next to me, opening his arm for me once more. I scooted in, closing my eyes while his fingers pulled through my hair, soothing me to sleep.

Noo... It felt like I had just fallen asleep when my alarm started sounding off, my arm flinging out, smacking it off before forcing myself out of bed. Gavin was asleep under the covers, so I padded out to start the coffee maker, hearing his phone buzzing on the counter next to it. I glanced over at the screen, seeing the name 'Giorgia' flashing. Excuse me... I watched her name flash over and over again, followed by a new message alert. Giorgia, huh. Who the hell was Giorgia? Was this why he was so moody yesterday? I stalked off to the shower, leaving Giorgia and her message back on the counter. Giorgia? I let the hot water sear my skin as the thought of her, and the many other hers that might be calling and messaging him filled my mind.

Gavin pushed his way through the steamy bathroom, giving me a slight smile when he saw me through the glass. Nice try. I turned back to the water. What did I care if he had a girl calling? I was the one just complaining about his jealousy. He sauntered back to the bed while I stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel. Giorgia, ha, like I cared. I made my way back to the bed, climbing seductively over it, sinking my lips against his, fingers dragging down his chest, but once again, his hand wrapped over mine, stopping me. "What?" I huffed, ripping my hand away. "I don't want to have sex, Sadie." He didn't... since when did he not want sex. "Why not?" "I want to make sure you're a hundred percent. Have a doctor check you out at work today." Bullshit. Gavin had never denied me. This was about her. "No sex?" I climbed right off of him, stalking to my dresser. "Then what are you good for?" "What?" I could hear him sitting up in the bed behind me- while my words replayed in my head- instantly regretting them. "Shit, I was joking." I started towards him, but his hand shot out, waving me away. "Don't," he spat, climbing off the bed. "That's fucked up." I knew I shouldn't have said it- I obviously wasn't using him for the sex. Otherwise, I would have kicked him out yesterday after all his damn drama. "I'm sorry, Gavin." I followed him out to the kitchen, watching him pick up his phone, give it a quick look, then promptly tucking it into his pocket. "Get your head looked at today and lock this door when you leave," he called before throwing the front door open and storming out.

Chapter 24

Gavin hadn't called or text since yesterday morning, and I knew I should be the bigger person and text him, but that stupid 'Giorgia' kept flashing through my mind. I needed to have some fun today, and Grant would be here any minute for our day together. It would be the perfect distraction, and the only thing I needed to focus on now was getting out of that dinner date with Mike tonight. I really didn't want to tell Grant I was seeing somebody because that would lead to questions, which would to lead to lies, and I hated having to lie to him. Or maybe I shouldn't cancel tonight. I had promised Gavin, but that was before all his drama. Mike was my age, heck a little bit older, and had a good job. Did Gavin even have a job? I'd always just assumed he didn't being a student and all. The doorbell chimed, right on time, Grant swinging it open. "Ready?" "Yup!" I walked out to meet him, closing the door behind me and making it halfway down the sidewalk before ing that stupid alarm. So I grabbed my keys back out, hitting the 'arm' button. "You got an alarm?" "Oh, yeah, living alone." And dating an overprotective guy. "I gave them your phone number, so if there's ever an issue and they can't get a hold of me, they'll call you." "Okay," he said, walking ahead of me and pulling the back door of the car open. Why was he opening the back? And just as I thought it, the front enger window rolled down, with Berkeley waving to me. "Hi, Ms. Jones!"

Oh god. I flashed my eyes to the back seat, finding it empty, letting out an immediate sigh of relief. No Mike, for now. "Hi, Berkeley, I didn't know you were coming along." I tried to smile, hiding my annoyance as best I could. "I thought it'd be nice," Grant cooed, taking his place in the driver's seat. "Where are we going?" I looked up at his rearview mirror, meeting his eyes. "It's a surprise," he smiled back to me. I did not like surprises, and had a bad feeling. "How's school?" "Great! Only a few more months and freshman year will be over!" Berkeley shrilled. Don't do it, Sadie, don't do it. "How are your friends? The ones from the picnic, the older ones, from your tech class, I think." Why, why! "Gavin and Dan?" Grant asked back. "Gavin's been M.I.A. the last few classes. Apparently, he's hooking up with some chick who doesn't go to our school- she's older. He spent the weekend with her or something." Holy shit, this wasn't happening. Gavin had told people , about me. How could he have done that! Why had he done that? And knowing Grant could be around. Did Dan and the other guys know it was me? Crap! "Yeah," Berkeley giggled. "They were talking about it yesterday, but Gavin stormed off when he saw us." "I guess when you've already slept with every girl on campus, you have no other choice," Grant laughed too. "More like he's chased by every girl on campus!" She giggled again. "But what do I know, I'm just a freshman." "Every," I mouthed to the window. I knew he was more experienced than me and that he'd been with his fair share of women- I had just never thought about the actual women, err students. Oh god, I felt sick. "Mom? Mom?"

Grant's voice snapped me out of my head. "Yeah?" "We're here." I had been looking out the window, only with eyes lost in thought. Now I focused in front of us to see a beautiful hotel situated directly on the beach. "This is one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in all of California," Grant beamed. "Thought we'd check it out and have lunch at the restaurant here." Have lunch here? "Wow, but are we just allowed to go in? Looks pretty exclusive." "My dad's staying here! This is the only hotel he'll stay at," Berkeley added, her tone growing more annoying with each ing minute. Of course, he was here. My day with Grant was really my day with Grant, his girlfriend, and her single dad. I followed them along the stone sidewalk up to the hotel entryway where Mike was waiting for us. "Welcome!" He waved, throwing his arms around Berkeley, then reaching out to shake Grant's hand. "Glad you guys could make it." "Mom, you Mike." Grant waved between us. "Of course. Hi Mike." "How are you?" He smiled, looking a little too happy to see me. "Good, thanks, and you?" "Great now! Have you been here before?" He gestured for us to head inside, walking close to me while Grant and Berkeley followed. "I haven't." "It's incredible. The who's who of San Diego, L.A., and all around the country stay here," he boasted. "If you're heading to San Diego, this is your

destination." "It's nice." My gaze coasted around, taking in the classic beach design, while Mike rattled off some more about the hotel as if he owned it. "I made lunch reservations for us. Hope everyone is hungry," he announced, leading us across the lobby towards a restaurant. "Reservation for Branson." He called to the hostess, who immediately led us back. We followed her to a tucked-away table situated right up against the glass, overlooking the sand. It was quite beautiful and definitely out of my price range. I flipped through the wood-bound menu, staring more at the prices than the entrees. Twenty-two dollars for a salad! This was something I had learned to get used to living here, ridiculous prices for a few leaves of organic lettuce. "How was your trip?" Mike asked, causing Grant and Berkeley to give me their attention too. "Oh-" I averted my attention, looking around the room instead. "It was-" Oh my god! Was that Gavin? I studied the distant figure- his back, hair, shoulders, and those biceps. It was Gavin! "Mom?" Grant chuckled, my face turning instinctively. "Sorry, this restaurant is just so pretty," I faux gushed. "Vegas was... Vegas." I lifted my drink to my face, stealing another glance at the distant figure across the room. There was no doubt it was Gavin, and sitting across from him was a beautiful woman with jet black hair and matching jet black eyes. She was smiling at him, fully engaged in whatever they were discussing. "And you ma'am?" A waiter was suddenly in my face. "The Capri salad and an iced tea, please." I heard Grant's faint laugh next. "Looks like you're still recovering from

Vegas." I looked over, shrugging. "Worked a twelve-hour day yesterday too. I guess I'm just tired." "Being a nurse is an irable job!" Mike chimed in. "Not for the faint at heart." He raised his drink towards me in salute. "I guess you could say the same about being a lawyer." I smiled back, trying and failing to get Gavin out of my mind. I glanced back across the room, seeing Gavin's beautiful date push herself up from the table, starting towards the back hallway. Don't do it Sadie! I got on Gavin for his jealous behavior, and here I was, wanting to get a better view of her. I was better than this. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to run to the ladies' room." What was I thinking! What did I want from this? I was acting like a child! A damn thirty-six-year-old child. I pushed the restroom door open, walking straight over to the sink so I wouldn't miss her, letting the water run until I heard a flush, then I slowly grabbed for a towel. She walked up next to me, even more beautiful up close in her slick black dress and heels. Just turn around Sadie, walk out the door and leave. "Beautiful restaurant," I spoke to her reflection. "Perfect for a lunch date." "It's one of my favorites," she replied politely back. "I always stay here when I'm in town." And how often were you in town? I dug out my lip gloss, trying to bide some time. "San Diego's a great place to visit." "My brother seems to love it," she replied casually, pulling out a small compact, dabbing at her face under the flattering lighting. Brother? Brother! This was Gavin's sister. I stared at her dark hair and dark eyes, both so similar to his. "A family trip, that's great." I should leave, I was stupid for being jealous, stupid for following her in here. Jeez, I wasn't stupid- I was ridiculous.

"Not exactly," she sighed, tucking her compact away. "More like a wellbeing check." And I guess, I would stay a bit longer. I scrunched my face up in confusion, meeting her reflection in the mirror, hoping but not asking for more. "My brother always spends this past weekend with us, but he didn't fly home, and he wasn't answering any of our calls," she shrugged. "It's a hard time for him, so I flew out last minute- to make sure he was okay." "For a birthday or something?" "It was the anniversary of our parents' death," she replied, voice trailing off. "Sunday marked ten years since we lost them. I knew it'd be a hard one for Gav." My lungs stopped moving, losing what little air they held. Gavin's parents had died. Why had he told me his mom was sixty-two? Why hadn't he told me Sunday? I didn't answer my phone on Sunday; he drove for hours alone with the weight of his parents and his concern over me. That's why he went to Vegas. He needed someone, he needed comfort- he needed me. I blinked back the tears forming in my eyes. "I'm so sorry." I grabbed the door, swinging it open, rushing out. "Sadie!" Gavin gasped, looking at me like I was a ghost. Shit... I looked from him back to his sister. "You two know each other?" She asked, pushing past me, linking her arm into his. That should be me- I should be arm and arm with him. "This is my sister, Giorgia." Gavin nodded down to her. "Giorgia, this is... Sadie." "Small world," she laughed. "How do you two know each other?" "We, we're friends," I answered awkwardly. "Um, I have to get back to my table. I'm sure they're waiting for me." "They?" Gavin repeated, knowing what I meant. "I've already paid. Let's

go Giorgia!" He tugged her away, eyes narrowing down at me before he turned. But she unwrapped herself, hurrying back over. "I had no idea you knew Gav. Would you mind not mentioning what I told you about our parents? He's very sensitive about it; it's one of the reasons he left New York." "Of course." My eyes were on him, storming away. "Thank you!" She mouthed before running to catch up.

Chapter 25

I sat back down at the table, interrupting their happy and boisterous conversation, suddenly feeling very out of place. My heart was mourning for the man who had lost his parents and the man I should have been comforting. I smiled absentmindedly to the group, not even bothering to in on whatever they were discussing, and luckily within minutes, the server arrived with our meals, giving me the distraction I needed. "After this, we can walk the boardwalk to the beach. It's perfect weather today!" Mike mused between bites. "We'd love to!" Berkeley cheered, answering for both her and Grant. "That sounds great," I agreed automatically, my mind still lost in the conversation I'd had with Giorgia. Why hadn't Gavin just told me? Here I was thinking he was possessive, when actually he just needed a friend, some comfort... more than that- he needed me. We finished eating, Mike insisted on paying the bill for all of us, which made me feel that much more guilty for ignoring him. Then we all filed out of the restaurant, walking towards the grand lobby. I searched every face, hoping Gavin wouldn't see us. I knew he hated Mike and this set-up thing, and it was the last thing he needed today. I couldn't bear the thought of Gavin dealing with his parents and me, here with another man. Not to mention I didn't need Grant seeing Gavin, not after the whole older woman thing. What I needed to do was sneak away, to find Gavin. I pulled my phone from my bag, texting May to call, and then hang up. And just like I'd hoped, she called the second the sliding glass doors opened for the boardwalk. "It's the hospital," I called to the group, waving my phone, so they heard the rings. "I'll catch up with you." I waved them off,

pretending to answer the now-ended call. Then I text May a quick thanks before pulling up my messages with Gavin, typing: 'Are you still here?' I waited a few more seconds before sending another message: 'Will you meet me? Just for a minute? I'm in the lobby.' I stared at the screen, hoping he'd reply. I didn't want to steal time away from his sister- I just wanted to see him before I left. No response. Now I understood how he felt the other night- it was a crappy feeling. He wasn't replying, and he wasn't coming. The pit of my stomach ached, walking like a shell of myself to the doors, staring out at the boardwalk. "I'm here." I spun back, meeting Gavin, who was standing there alone, his glare, his frown on me. I had a million things to say but couldn't. Instead, I stepped over, closing the space between us, stretching my hands to his chest, pushing up on my toes, beckoning his face to lower to mine- and he did. "Your sister?" "She's heading over to the spa," he whispered back, sending his hands snaking around my waist, tightening me against him. We exchanged a few breaths, lips inching together, the plush peck igniting a minefield, our lips explosive, kiss after kiss, his tongue ravaging mine with sloppy, hard kisses. He broke away, stuttered breaths tickling my lips. "This doesn't make up for you having lunch with him." I gave him one last peck, pulling my face back slightly to see his eyes better. "I didn't know that that was part of the plan. Grant surprised me and brought me here, where Mike's staying." "Did you tell him you were seeing someone or at least fucking someone?" he rolled his eyes, cracking an almost annoyed smile. "Stop it!" I smacked his chest. "I didn't mean what I said. You mean more to me than that." I lifted my hand to his face, stroking his gritty cheek. "And you have no right to be mad at me because Grant told me you told people ."

"Fuck, I knew he heard," he grumbled. "Dan called me on the way home from Vegas, and I was in a really bad fucking place. And when I said where I was, he asked if it was with one of the chicks from school, and I told him no. That's it. Then he brought it up yesterday, and as soon as I saw Grant coming our way, I ran. I'm sorry." "Be careful, please." "I know." His hands slid to my hips, fingers grazing. "How long is your sister staying? You didn't mention that she was coming out." "Just tomorrow." He shrugged his shoulders. "She, she had a quick work thing out here." Liar. Why couldn't he just tell me the truth about his parents? "Will you come by tomorrow after she leaves?" "Aren't you working?" "I'll be home by eight." I bounced on my heels, leaning into him. "What are you doing now?" His easy grin turned wicked, eyes following, growing two shades darker. "I'm literally stuck here," I half-laughed. "Grant drove me, and I was thinking about ordering a ride, but it'd be too expensive. But don't worry, Mike is just Berkeley's dad, nothing more." He nodded while greedy fingers slid up my stomach. "He doesn't deserve to be staring at you all day- I do." "Not here, Gavin. Grant will be back, and I can't risk it." "Upstairs." He tilted his head towards the elevator. "In my room." "You mean your sister's?" He shook his head no. "I have a room next to hers."

"Why?" "Because I'm not going to drive back and forth thirty minutes each fucking way while she's here." He had a room. "Oh, um, okay." I looked back out the sliding doors for any sign of the group, nothing. They were nowhere in sight. "We should probably hurry." I walked behind him, keeping a short distance, following him into the elevator, watching the doors close- sealing us away. He pounced- tackling me to the elevator wall, lips rushing to mine, arms spiraling, wrapping me up, kissing me with abandon, desire- everything our kiss always was. The elevator doors opened, releasing us, his feet already pounding, dragging me down the hall, whirling me into the room. Just like in Vegas, only the bright sun replaced the flashing lights, and the sound of crashing waves replaced the noise- but the heat- we were still fire. I tore my fingers from his grip, dropping them to his shirt, clawing it off. "I missed you." "You too, Baby." I smacked a kiss to his lips, his neck, dragging my tongue down his sculpted chest, all the while sliding his jeans and boxers to the floor, continuing to drag my tongue down, mouth open wide. "No, Baby- I want you!" He bent down, lifting me by the arms, stepping me back to the bed, reaching for his wallet- ing he didn't need a condom and tossing it to the table- predatory dark eyes zeroing in on me. He dove, my clothes flying, his fingers dipping inside me, his grunts vibrating my throats, his body bumping over mine... his dick hard, shoving inside me. More grunts, groans, bodies revving, chest dragging chest- my body on fire, the void-filled, need-met, nerves-shattered. "Gavin," I screamed, trying not to hurt him with my fingers that were clawing viciously into his arm, only the harder I dug, the harder he fucked. "I-" love you... whoa.

"Do- fuck-" he rocked harder, sliding deep. "I, ha- need, to pull out?" "No!" The room went dark, climax spiraling. "I'm, ohh, Gavin." I clasped my hands around his back, not allowing him to pull out, keeping his body right on top of mine. He felt too good against me, too good inside me. This alone alleviating all the guilt I felt. "What's gotten into you?" He asked, nipping at my neck. "I just missed you, and-" I hated itting this. "To be honest, I was a little jealous." "What? Why?" "I, uh, I saw your phone ringing the other morning, and it said, Giorgia." I looked up, meeting his creased brows. "Then when you wouldn't have sex with me, I thought it was because of her. That's why I said that whole 'what are you good for'." "You were jealous- of my sister?" He laughed at me. "You, who had just got on me for being jealous." "I know!" I laughed back. "I didn't know she was your sister." I watched his smile, getting bigger and bigger. "I assumed it was some girl from campus or something." He dropped his nose to mine, brushing tip to tip. "Why didn't you ask?" "I don't know." Because I was a mature adult like that. "And if you never ran into us today, would you still be jealous and upset?" "Probably would've been pissed all week," I itted, unclasping my hands to release him but he stayed resting over me. "Then I guess it was fate that led you here today. Otherwise, you would have been pissed at me for no reason and going out with Berkeley's fucking dad." He was right. "I guess the stars were aligned."

"Yeah." He gave me a small peck on the nose. I couldn't believe how stupid I'd been, and he was right. What if I hadn't run into his sister? I was planning on going out with Mike tonight. I'd be with him right now somewhere out on the boardwalk. Oh crap, Grant! "I have to go! Grant's going to wonder why I didn't meet them!" "Stay with me," he pleaded, tongue out, tracing across my bottom lip. "Or let me drive you home." "I can't, and your sister is here. She'll probably be done soon, and it's at least an hour round trip to my place." "So, you're going to prance around this fucking hotel with him, knowing I'm here." He shot an eyebrow up, waiting for my answer, even though he already knew it. "I'll call you later. Then I'll see you tomorrow, okay." "Fine," he huffed with another roll of his eyes. "Oh!" I inadvertently squealed. "You'll be quite proud of me today- I set the alarm." A laugh erupted from his mouth, his chest rumbling with it. "You set the alarm on your way out with another guy. I'm very fucking proud." His teeth bit down over my bottom lip, my tongue found his, playfully dueling with it... and suddenly the limp man inside me was firming, the jabs getting stronger. "Mr. Romano!" I laughed as he lifted, thrusting, his hips slowly coming back into action. "I guess you were proud of me." His hands slid under my back, both of us rolling, landing him on the mattress and my thighs around his waist. "I like seeing all of you." His gaze drifted to my chest- the primal desire urging me to ride him harder, make these breasts bounce, give him a show. I wasn't embarrassed anymore, wasn't shy- not with the way he looked at me. I picked up my pace, long strides, rolling my hips, his dick burying into me-

turning on every switch, crossing every wire, filling me to the brimwatching him watch me, his eyes dancing between my face, my chest, and where we became one. I sank my head back, hips on autopilot, feeling the climax churning. "Gavgav-" "Me too, Baby." His hands found mine, interlocking our fingers, squeezing as he came. I fell- shaky, cold, hot- his arms clasping around me now, caging me against his chest. "I need to go now." I wriggled back and forth, trying to free myself from his grip. His arms slid away, releasing me. "Tell them I said hi." "Very funny!" I climbed off him and the bed, racing to the bathroom before slipping back into my clothes. "Call me later. I-" Holy shit what was wrong me! I love you? No, no... that couldn't be right. It was the orgasm- I love you... giving me orgasms. He stayed in bed, waving while I padded to the door, taking off down the hall to the elevator. I felt much better now- our kiss, the sex- our connection reset. The elevator doors opened into the lobby, where an awaiting Grant, Berkeley, and Mike stood. Crap. "Where have you been?" Grant called, rushing over. "We didn't see you out there!" Think... "I, I couldn't find you guys, so I went upstairs." I pointed over my shoulder to the elevator. "Bird's eye view- you know." "Is everything okay at the hospital?" Mike stepped over, asking sincerely. "The hospital? Oh! Yeah, they just wanted to see if I'd be willing to take the night shift tonight. They worked it out." "Great, so then you're free tonight!" Mike smiled, with an even happier

Berkeley smiling beside him. Shit. How did I not use that excuse better? "Not quite. I still have to work early in the morning." Mike's phone started ringing, his finger immediately springing up, gesturing that he'd be right back. "We should walk the boardwalk again!" Berkeley clapped, staring at me. "It's so-" "Gavin!" Grant boomed, his eyes jumping behind me. Noooo! I snapped my head back, seeing Gavin exiting the elevator right behind us. "What are you doing here?" Grant walked over, hand out to shake Gavin's. Don't shake his hand! Gavin looked just as surprised as I did, jolting back, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Sorry!" A woman's voice came calling, all of us looking over, watching Giorgia rush up, hooking her arm with Gavin's. "The spa was running a bit behind." Berkeley elbowed Grant, nodding toward Giorgia with a smile. Oh... the other woman. "Let's go check out that boardwalk," I urged Berkeley and Grant, nudging them away before Giorgia had time to recognize me. "See you later, Gavin," Grant waved goodbye as we walked towards the sliding doors. "That has to be her!" "For sure!" Berkeley squealed, and I smiled a real smile, full of relief.

Chapter 26

We continued walking down the boardwalk, my phone vibrating again, and I pulled it out, seeing two new messages from Gavin: 'Come back. I'm taking you home. No fucking way you're staying here with him.' I hit reply just as another message came in: 'Sadie, get the fuck back to the lobby and meet me at valet.' What the heck was going on now? I didn't trust Gavin when he got in these moods. I couldn't be sure that he wouldn't do anything stupid, like make a scene in front of Grant. Once again, I text May, asking her to call and hang up- this time promising to explain everything at work tomorrow. A second later my phone rang, and I waved it around enough for Grant and Berkeley to hear. "Hello?" I practically screamed. "What's going on?" I shook my head for effect. "Yes, I'll grab a ride right now." I shoved my phone back into my purse, shrugging to Grant, drooping my shoulders as I let out a deep, put-out sigh. "I have to go into work." "Oh, bummer." He looked from me to Berkeley. "I, I can drive you back." "No, Sweetie," I sighed again, dramatically. "You two have fun. I'll just grab a ride, it's really no big deal." "Are you sure?" "Yes," I assured him, already pivoting on my heels. "Berkeley, please tell your dad how sorry I am and thank him again for lunch." "I will," she replied, obviously disappointed. I took off back towards the hotel, praying I wouldn't run into Mike. I was flustered enough; I didn't need to add him to the mix. I followed the lobby signs for the valet, spotting Gavin's car idling on the street. "Get in!" He demanded, yelling through the window.

What the hell had happened? He was more than content when I left the room. I did as he asked, dropping into the seat, buckling my belt- staring at him- waiting for an explanation. Instead, his foot hit the gas, sending the seat belt strangling me as he sped off. "What's going on?" I reached for his hand, trying to calm him down. "Why are you so pissed all of a sudden?" He didn't respond, nor did he acknowledge my hand, his lead foot taking the car to scary speeds. "Dammit, Gavin! Slow down! Tell me what the hell is wrong. I just lied to Grant for you- I just left for you- tell me why." "He was in the lobby," he spat through clenched teeth. "And? You already knew Mike was there." "He was on the phone, walked right in front of us, talking about how he had dinner tonight, with you!" Oh god... seriously. "You're this mad over that! That's ridiculous!" "And," he snarled. "That after a few glasses of wine, you'd be begging for it." "You're lying!" Mike didn't seem like that type of guy. Although, I'd hate to think that Gavin would go to these extremes just to keep me away from him. "Ask Giorgia; she was right there next to me; she heard everything. Only she didn't know who he was or who he was talking about. Just that he was an asshole." "Are you-" "Pissed I didn't beat the hell out of him for planning to get you drunk and take you up to his room- yeah, I am. He's lucky I chose to call you and not lay his ass out. If Giorgia hadn't been there, I would have given that asshole a real piece of my fucking mind."

I tried to hold his hand again, and this time he let me, weaving our fingers. "Gavin, I've told you before, I can handle myself. You don't think I've come across jerks and assholes before? Trust me I can handle it. I can protect myself." "That's my job now! They fuck with you- I fuck with them. I don't care if you can handle it yourself. I'm your fucking man- I will handle it!" My man, huh. It was pointless arguing with him when he was this worked up. "Are you taking me home?" "Of course," he grumbled. "Where did you think I was going?" "I don't know. We could go anywhere. I'm kind of in the mood for ice cream." He finally looked over, his eyes instantly softening, stifling a smile. "Oh really?" "Or maybe some spaghetti. I did work up quite an appetite earlier," I teased, giving him my biggest smile. "There's an ice cream shop right around the corner from my house." "You're serious?" He chuckled, pulling my hand to his mouth, rubbing my knuckles over his lips while he drove. "Yeah, I think you need to cool down." He rolled his eyes back over to me, stifling yet another smile. We made our way back to my neighborhood, pulling into the small strip mall, and even brooding, he still zipped out first to get my door, opening it for me. His smile grew to a laugh as he pulled the shop door open, letting me go in first, and I walked straight to the glass, appraising the ice cream. A girl shuffled out from the back, sliding on her plastic gloves, slowing, jaw dropping- staring at Gavin. She cleared her throat, forced a smile, and traipsed right past me to him. "What can I get for you?"

"I'll take the vanilla bean gelato in a cup," he chuckled, throwing his arm up, silently calling me over. "And she'll have-" "Rocky Road in a cone please." The girl took off, prepping our orders, batting her lashes at Gavin while she scooped. "Gelato," she called, handing him his cup. "Gelato," I repeated, eyes flashing to his. "Fancy." "Italian," he purred back, with a wink. "Rocky Road," she called next, handing me the cone. "Rocky Road," he mocked. "Fancy." "Reflective of how my day's going," I winked with a laugh, Gavin immediately cracking up, handing the girl some cash before smacking the door open for us. "How's your gelato?" I grinned expectantly, and he met my gaze, obnoxiously lapping his tongue over the spoon. Two can play that game. "Mine's pretty good too." I swirled my tongue up the ice cream, then over the top, finally parting my lips to bite over it. He started laughing again, pushing his hand down against the air, gesturing for me to stop. "Okay, no more of that, not until tomorrow." I took a normal lick, meeting his eyes once more. "What did you tell your sister?" "I told her I had to run by campus to grab something, that I'd be back in about an hour." I knew he wouldn't tell her about me, just like I wouldn't tell Grant, but I felt disappointed. "Well, you'd better get me home. You still have to drive back." "Let's go." He opened the enger door, and a few minutes later he was

pulling into my driveway. "I'll walk you to the door, but then I have to go." I stepped out, taking his hand. "Wait." I stopped him, reaching for my keys, hitting 'disarm'. "I feel much better," he teased. I unlocked the front door, turning to kiss him goodbye- feeling those same words from earlier try to escape my mouth. I love you. I slammed the door behind me. How could I have almost slipped like that? Why was that 'I love you' feeling so strong? Maybe it was just the sympathy talking, maybe the sex, or maybe I was losing my mind. There was too much spinning through my head right now. I needed to get out, alone. It was perfect weather outside- a beach run was exactly what I needed. I changed into my sports bra and running shorts, then stepped into my shoes on my way out the door. And in no time at all, I was at the beach, hitting the ground running, and absorbing the strong rays. The sun burned my shoulders, the waves crashed beside me, and every breath was an inhale of that ocean air. Gavin's parents had died ten years ago, both of them, so it was probably tragic and unexpected. Gavin would have been only what... twelve. It would be hard not to mention his parents, but I had promised Giorgia, and I didn't want to upset Gavin. He'd tell me when he was ready. But why hadn't he just told me that he didn't want to be alone, that he needed me? Maybe he had- I just didn't realize the gravity of it all. Then to come home to him waiting with those swollen tear-filled eyes. I had assumed those tears were for me; they weren't; they were for them. Tears welled up in my eyes, my legs instinctively moving faster, sprinting down the sandy concrete. He was worried that I wouldn't be okay, now I knew why, why he had this innate need to protect me. I needed to get this whole love thing under control. I couldn't possibly love him, right? It was too soon, way too soon. People didn't fall in love this fast, unless, unless you found the one- or so I'd heard. But, Gavin couldn't be my one, could he?

We had a connection, a connection I didn't understand, one I'd never felt before. Why- why did he have to be so young, so off limits? He would be graduating soon, away from Grant's school, away- he didn't live here. What if he wanted to move back home to New York? Ugh... this run was supposed to clear my mind, not cloud it. Focus on nothing- just run. I stared ahead, the sun drifting across the sky, setting. I'd been running for who knows how long. What time was it? I reached down instinctively for my phone, only to it was back at home. The sky was growing darker, the sun officially set, which was my cue to turn around and start back. I made it back to my car just as the sky turned black. That run was needed, and I wasn't even tired from it- I was invigorated. I drove down my street, debating if I just keep driving, grab food, a drink somewhere... or not... I pulled into the driveway, eyes on Gavin's car parked along the curb. I hopped out, circling my car to the back just as his driver's side door popped open, his giant body springing out, stalking my way. "You must be trying to kill me," he balked, raking his eyes up and down my body. "What are you doing back here, stalker?" He rolled his eyes. "My sister's on New York time and went upstairs early. I've been calling and messaging you but you didn't reply, so I just came over." "How long have you been waiting- stalker?" "Twenty minutes," he laughed. "And you were just going to wait all night for me?" I smiled up at him. "Because you're not a stalker?" He kept chuckling, his smile taking over his face. "Until I knew where you were. I dropped you off, and then you fucking disappeared." "I went running at the beach." "Without your phone?" He groaned, tossing his hands in the air. "Or

clothes?" "I forgot my phone. No big deal, can't talk when I run anyways." "Yeah, no big deal, completely fucking safe- running in the dark, halfnaked, no phone." "Well, when you put it like that." I lunged forward, making him stumble back when he caught me. "I needed to run and look- I'm okay." He leaned down, kissing my forehead. "You're wearing my favorite outfit." "Really?" I rolled my hips against him, arching my chest as I looked up to meet his eyes. "This is what you were wearing the day I met you, bent over in your garden in these tiny shorts and that sports bra, soaking wet." "I don't think I was soaking." "Let me have my fantasy." His lips moved down my sweaty neck, kissing it while sliding his hands around to my ass. "I thought about you, in this outfit, all fucking night long. I couldn't even get through classes. I had to see you again." "Really," I giggled from the kisses. "What did you want to do when you saw me again?" He laughed through his nose. "Everything. Fuck you like crazy, stare at your smile, hear your laugh. I was fantasizing about you minutes after we met. In fact, I was standing right over there watching you. And now I don't have to fantasize because I have you right in front of me." "Watching me?" I took an inadvertent gulp. Endorphins were high from the run, the fantasies pushing me over the edge. "Let's go inside!" I yanked his hand, pulling him to the front door. "I need to shower. Want to me?" "Not after last time." He shook his head no, jaw firm.

"Last time?" The fall. It felt like forever ago- I swear one day with Gavin felt like months. "I can put towels down." "Nah, I'll wait for you out here." He walked past me, dropping his keys on the table before heading to the couch, plopping right down. Nope, that wasn't going to work for me. "Have it your way." I stopped in the entry, hands gripping the bottom of my sweaty sports bra, tugging it over my chest, breasts flailing out, bouncing as I wiggled to shake it off and toss it aside. Then I bent over, fully aware of his eyes on me while purposely dragging the shorts and panties to the floor, and untying my shoes with an unnatural bounce. I popped back up, bouncing all over the place- and as a cherry on top- ripped the band from my ponytail, shaking out my hair. "I'll be getting wet." I started for my door, hearing his feet stamping onto the floor, charging up behind me. "You're too fucking much." "Why, whatever do you mean?" I laughed, continuing to the shower. But he stopped, leaning stubbornly against the sink while I stepped in. Oh, we were not about to give up shower sex! I smashed my breasts against the glass, arching, making them that much bigger, and two seconds later he was behind me, his wet, hard body molding against my back. "You are relentless, Baby." His lips followed his hiss against my neck. "So you've decided to me?" "I didn't have a fucking choice." He spun me, fingers started down my wet stomach, wrapping around the back of my thighs, lifting me, pinning me against the shower wall. His eyes were dark, lashes brimming with water, his intensity skyrocketing- as was the arousal sliding between my thighs. "You want me to fuck you that bad?" I nodded, the drips streaming from my hair down my face. Then he fell, smack against me, caging me in tighter- his tip at the ready- striking a hard blow. "Holy shit!" The steam filled my throat, muffling my moans as he hammered me up and down, drilling his dick deeper with every thrust. "Gavin-" Holy shit- holy shit! "I'm, oh god!" He was merciless, controlled, biting at my neck while fucking me senseless.

"This, what, you-" He bucked, hand sliding to my ass, working me down tighter. "Want?" I screamed, he grunted, I clawed, he pinned- we came. He dropped against me, sandwiching me to the stall for a second before lowering me back down to standing, only my legs immediately gave out, sending me sinking to the floor. He laughed, sinking down next to me, pulling me between his legs. "It's almost Valentine's Day. I want to take you out. I've never spent Valentine's Day with anyone I cared about." He nuzzled his head into my hair, so his mouth was almost touching my ear. "What would make you happy, Baby?"

Chapter 27

"What would make me happy?" I coughed, inhaling a mouthful of the thick steam billowing around us. "Right now, getting out of this shower." I forced myself up, yanking the shower lever to stop. "I'll get out first," Gavin insisted, grabbing for a towel and tossing it onto the floor before reaching back into the shower for my hand. "Be careful," he warned, watching me. "Gavin, you need to relax. Just because it happened once doesn't mean it will happen again." I pointed for him to keep walking. "All your worrying is going to kill you." I realized my choice of words too late, hoping they wouldn't trigger him. "I forgot to tell you," he called over his shoulder. "I'm going back to New York this weekend." I stopped in the doorway, feet like bricks, heart just as heavy. "What?" "For a few days. I promised Giorgia I'd come out." "Oh." It was an immediate sigh of relief. My irrational brain thought he meant permanently. "Want to come with me?" I shook my head no, continuing to my dresser to grab my pajamas. "I have to work, but I'll try to get Valentine's Day off." He stepped over to me, gazing into my eyes. "And what would make you happy? We can spend the entire day together. Whatever you want, name it." You, just being with you would make me happy- and shower sex, that would make me really happy. "The beach, I guess, maybe dinner. Although I don't think we'll be able to get reservations anywhere. It's pretty last minute."

"I'll handle that, don't worry." "Of course you will," I laughed back. "Are you staying here tonight? Or heading back to the hotel?" "I don't know. Why don't you go back to the hotel with me." I wanted nothing more, but I couldn't take the chance of running into Mike. "Mike's staying there." "Then I'll stay here with you and head out when you leave in the morning." "Are you sure? You have a really nice room there!" "And an empty bed," he mumbled. "Okay, did I tell you I finished the backyard yesterday! Want to see it?" "Sure." He stepped aside, waving me in front of him, and I pranced right out, leading him back through the sliding doors. "What do you think?" It was dark, luckily, the stars shone bright enough to illuminate the colorful flowers and my new bench. He walked out behind me, smiling at the small space before turning his face up towards the sky. "I hardly see the stars here with all the fog." "That's right. You have a thing for stars." I looked up at the sky, staring with him. He sighed. "I spent a lot of time watching them when I was younger." He lowered his face, walking over to the bench, pulling me over next to him. "So you were into astronomy as a kid? I have a hard time picturing that." I nestled against his rugged frame, laughing against his shirt. "Why?" "You and your sexy, brooding, tattooed, rough, f-bomb dropping self doesn't seem like someone who studies the sky."

"I wasn't studying so much as searching." He leaned his head down on top of mine. "What were you searching for?" I asked too quickly, knowing deep down I already knew the answer. "It doesn't fucking matter anymore." I looked up at his face, his eyes back on the sky, and in that very instant, a shooting star burst right above us. "Did you see that!" "Yeah, crazy!" He dropped his face, black eyes blending in with the night sky. "Come here, Baby." He pulled me onto his lap. "You look so damn sexy in the moonlight." "You don't look so bad yourself, Mr. Romano." I nipped at his bottom lip. "I, I had a hard time before I moved here; you've made me feel better," he sighed. "Which has been good, and really fucking scary. I don't wanna be some guy you're fucking Sadie. That's not all I'm good for." "I said that the other day out of jealousy- you do mean more to me than that. You make me happy too, Gavin. It's been a long time." If ever. "That I've felt this way." I rested my hands against his cheeks, staring into those dark eyes. "I don't exactly know what this is… I just know it's more. I wish it wasn't so complicated." "It's not," he countered, hands rising to my back. "It is. My age, Grant- and I know those aren't issues for you- but they are for me. I've spent the last eighteen years trying to make sure Grant didn't feel like he was less because he was raised by a struggling single mom with no dad. Protecting him is all I know how to do. It's a part of me. I have enough guilt already without adding us to the mix." "I don't think he'd care." "He wouldn't care?" Please. "I'm not stupid- I've seen enough movies- I know how this plays out."

"And what about me?" He was serious now, arms tightening around my back. "I'm not going anywhere." "I just need time to figure this all out. You're graduating soon- that should help." I couldn't believe these words were coming out of my mouth. "Want to call it a night?" "Do you mind if I just hold you a little longer?" He asked as if it was a weird request. "You can hold me as long as you want."

"Hey, I have to go," I whispered down to a still sleeping Gavin. "Wake up." His eyelids fluttered, smile growing as he took me in. "I have to go!" I repeated, shoving him gently. "Okay, okay," he yawned, throwing the comforter off- my head whipping away, knowing if I saw what was underneath those blankets, then I would definitely be late. "Are you sure you don't have a minute, maybe two," he continued teasing. "Nope!" I called back, running out of the room. I had no willpower to say no to him- that was evident after our marathon of events last night. He finally stalked out, looking so damn sexy with his wild sleep hair and scruffy face. Look away, Sadie, look away. "Let's go," I called, pulling the door open. "I'll see you tomorrow, and have fun with your sister." "What about tonight?" "I need a good night's rest, and you and I don't rest." I teased him, pushing up on my tip-toes for a kiss. "See you tomorrow."

I ran into the hospital, seeing Debbie check her watch as I approached the

station. "Good morning Sadie." "Morning, Debbie," I waved, rushing past the station to put my bag away. "Busy night?" "Same ole, same ole," she yawned. "But I'm ready to head home." I ed those night shifts all too well. "Hey!" I turned back towards her. "Am I on the schedule for Valentine's Day?" She shrugged. "Let me see." She clicked the computer mouse a few times. "Yup." "Are you working the night shift?" "Sure am," she bellowed. "Want to switch shifts? I'll cover your night shift if you can swing my day shift." "Let me look at my Friday schedule." She studied the monitor before looking back up at me. "Sure, I'm off. Why? Big plans?" "No," I lied. "My son wants to hang out." Jeez, that was an awful lie. "I'll change it in the system right now." "Thanks!" I hurried off to get myself situated, swapping my bag for my work phone. "Well, look who it is!" May's smile stretched ear to ear, her arms crossing over her chest, waiting. "Going to tell me why I'm calling you and hanging up?" Ugh. I'd already forgotten about that, but I did need to get all of this off my chest, and if any of my friends would be accepting of Gavin, it would be her. Heck, she had already met him, and didn't once mention his age. "I, I, needed an excuse to get out of a date with Mike, and then an excuse to leave Grant."

"You're still with Mike? After Vegas?" "No, I, uh, come on." I pulled her over to the far corner of the room. "Mike is Grant's girlfriend's dad." "Okay." "Grant really wants us together- don't ask me why." "Oh, I get it now," she chuckled. "But you obviously aren't into him anymore, so you're having me bail you out." "I was never into him." And never would be. "There's more, I can tell," she goaded, jabbing her finger into my stomach. "I've been, I've been seeing someone else." "Who!" She gasped, eyes bugging out. Breathe in, breathe out. "Gavin." "Gavin? GAVIN! Hot Vegas Gavin!" Her cheeks started puffing up, feet tapping wildly against the floor. "Yes." "Isn't he from New York?" "Yes, he's um here with his sister and goes back to New York this weekend." It wasn't technically a lie. "Oh damn!" She squealed, full on jumping up and down now. "But no one knows!" I put my hands on her shoulders to calm her down. "No one! And it needs to stay that way. Promise me you won't tell a soul." "I won't- you can trust me!" She was still wiggling, smile ready to burst. "Grant and Mike don't know?" "No one!"

"This is juicy! Is Gavin still hot? You know now that you're sober and out of the Vegas trance?" She giggled. "You have no idea." Hot was an understatement. "He's amazing. He's just a tad, uh a tad younger." "I knew he had to be in his late twenties, but you go girl!" She nudged me with a wink. Late twenties, nope, how about early twenties and still a student. No, that truth was too much for today. "I've got to get out there now and start my rounds." "But I have so many questions!" She whined, grabbing at my arm. "Later! I promise!" I walked out, feeling a huge wave of relief. Somebody knew, and there was no judgment. Now I just had to get through today, then tomorrow I would be on a train with him, out of San Diego, and free to be a couple.

Chapter 28

Gavin would be here shortly to pick me up; then we'd be off to the train station for our day up north. Our first real date. I walked back to the mirror, smoothing out my sweater, adjusting these ridiculously tight jeans before stepping into my knee-high boots. And a second later, an engine roared outside. I threw the front door open, meeting his raised hand that was about to knock. "Wow." He did a double-take, raking up and down my outfit, his devilish grin twisting up his face as he leaned down, pressing his lips to mine. "You look really good today." "Thanks." I kissed him back before locking the door behind us. "How am I'm supposed to keep my hands off you all day?" He teased, giving my ass a slight slap. "Let's go before I change my mind." He pulled the enger door open, and I climbed in, watching him drop in next to me. He looked good today, too- gelled hair, sexy sunglasses. He was right, we needed to go before I changed my mind. "Do you want to know something?" I squeezed his hand as we drove off. "I wanna know lots of things." He squeezed my hand right back. "I've never been on a train before." "What!" He gasped. "Never?" "Never, this will be my first train ride." It sounded so childish, but it was kind of a big deal to me. "I grew up on trains," he chuckled, sliding his hand to my thigh. "What, are you nervous?"

"A little," I shrugged back. "I don't know; it's stupid." "You'll be fine. This train drives along the ocean. You'll like it." "I'm with you- I'll be okay." He smiled, pulling into a spot in the parking lot. "I leave for New York tomorrow but I'll be back Sunday night." My heart sank a little. I didn't want him to leave. "I work Monday, so I'll see you Monday night?" "Fuck no!" He elbowed his door open, finally releasing my hand. "I'll see you Sunday night." We walked to the station, already hearing the train roaring down the tracks, screeching to a halt, just like I'd seen in the movies. "Ready, Baby?" He grabbed my hand, guiding me up the steps of the train car, leading me down to a row on the ocean-facing side. We claimed the seats, staring out the window as the train started rolling again. "You look so fucking sexy today," his whisper hit my neck. "I can think of a few other firsts today." "Like," I giggled under my breath, raising my shoulders to block the kisses now tickling my neck. "Why don't you follow me to the bathroom. I'm sure there's some Mile Track Club we could ." His hands started up my back, tracing over my bra clasp. "But then I'd miss this view," I whined, purposely. "I have a better view for you." His tongue hit my ear, tracing the lobe, sending a chill down my spine. "What better way to your first train ride." He was right. "After you."

He grabbed my hand, pulling me into the aisle with him. "Shouldn't I wait a few minutes then follow you in?" "No." He continued down the aisle towards the tiny door at the head of the cabin. "But it's so obvious." Anyone and everyone could see us walking in together. "And?" He pushed through the restroom door, leading me in before sliding the door shut behind us. Hmm... I was pressed up against him, no room to move, no room to even breathe. "So," I laughed. "How is this supposed to work?" "It'll fucking work," he laughed back, eyes roaming just as mine were. "Um-" "Have you done this before?" Oh shit, I didn't want to know. "No." He shook his head, eyes still ping-ponging around the space. "This would have been much easier if you were in a dress." "Sit down, I guess?" I looked behind us to the small open toilet. "Sink?" I laughed again, both of us looking down at the stand-alone faucet. "Against the door?" He grunted, tilting his head back. "How am I supposed to fuck you in those tight-ass jeans and boots?" We both started laughing, giving up on the dream, so I swung my arm over, unlocking the door, the two of us stumbling out. "East Coast trains have private suites. These trains are bullshit," he huffed, leading me back down the aisle to our seats. He sat down, pouting, while I sat down next to him, whispering to his ear. "Did I mention I'm not wearing any panties today?" I turned my face back to the view, hearing him chuckling next to me.

"Whatever," he sighed, leaning over my back, watching the view now too. "We have our whole lives to figure out how to fuck on a train." Whole lives? Our whole lives? Together? Did he mean with, me, or anyone? I kept my eyes fixed on the ocean, surely he meant he had his whole life to figure it out.

The train slowed, Gavin sprung up, reaching for my hand. "San Juan Cap, this is us!" We stepped off the train, meeting a dirt path, complete with rustic wooden signs for antique stores. It felt like I had landed in one of those hidden gems I'd always read about. This was exciting. "What's first?" "The mission?" He tossed his shoulders up, tilting his head towards the other side of the station while sliding his sunglasses back on, making me do a double-take. Damn, he looked good, and he looked older under the guise of those glasses. Today was going to be a good day. "Sure." The mission was only a block from the depot, and Gavin paid for our tickets, just as he had for the train. "You know I can pay for stuff too!" I nudged his side, taking his hand as we entered the blooming garden. "I'm not gonna let my girl pay." I couldn't see his eyes, but I knew he was rolling them. "You'd don't even have a job! Oh look at this!" I walked past an open door to an ornate chapel, stopping outside to read the plaque. "Who said I didn't have a job?" He let out a hushed chuckle, draping his arm across my back. "When do you work?" I whispered back before we started down the aisle. "Every day."

Every day? I hadn't seen him work once. We reached the front of the chapel, where a votive candle rack was set up. "Do you want to light a candle?" I asked, already reaching for one of the small tea lights. He abruptly dropped my hand, backtracking down the aisle and straight out the exit. "Gavin-" I scurried out after him, grabbing hold of his arm. "What happened?" He wheeled around to face me, expression unreadable. "Nothing, I'm fine." He leaned down, kissing my hair, leading me towards a large koi pond fountain. "I could spend all day here!" I pulled him down onto the bench before falling onto his lap. "Oh really," he teased, sending both hands sliding up my thighs. "The mission!" I slapped at his hands. "I guess I could spend all day on your lap too." Most days, I already did. "I like seeing you like this." "On top of you?" I teased back. "No," he chuckled, wrapping his hands over mine. "Really happy. Excited." "I'm mostly always happy, and you, sir have seen me excited quite a bit!" I twisted my face back to his, flashing him a smile. "I know, Baby. I like it."

We toured the rest of the grounds, eventually making our way to the gift shop to exit. "Do you like these?" He asked, veering towards a jewelry stand.

"Why?" I followed behind, watching him sift through the necklaces. "I don't know-" he shrugged. "Something to this day by. Isn't that what chicks do?" "Are you going to make me buy it?" I teased him. "Like on our first date?" "Fuck." His eyes rolled, scoffing under his breath. "I'm never going to live that down." I leaned into his arm, cuddling against him, looking over the necklaces he was strumming through. "The bird one is pretty." "That's a swallow!" A sales lady swung around, correcting and explaining the necklace. "They return home here every year during the miracle of the swallows. For almost a hundred years, they've flown away, then always flown back. No matter how far they go, they always come back home." "That's beautiful." I stretched my fingers to the necklace, tracing the delicate bird. "I love it." Gavin snatched it from my hand, handing it over to the lady to ring up, tossing her some cash before swiping it right back. "Turn around," he instructed, unclasping the silver and draping it around my neck. "Looks good." I walked over to a little mirror hanging on the wall, iring how perfect it felt, and spying Gavin creep up behind me, lowering his face to the crook of my neck, smiling at our reflections. "No matter how far apart we are, I hope you always come home to me." I was suddenly speechless, thrown off guard by his sentiment, my eyes locking with his through the glass- a quiet exchange of glances and smiles. Then his hand slid to mine, pulling me out the doors, back to the main street. "Now what?" I looked around the quaint city, my smile plastered on my face. He shrugged his shoulders. "Food or antiques?"

"You're already walking next to an antique," I laughed, bumping into his arm. "Very funny!" He grabbed me by the waist, whirling me around, pressing my back against the brick wall, capturing my lips with his. "How about an early dinner?" "I am starving." I gave him my best cheesy wink, making him laugh, his body releasing mine, taking my hand yet again and guiding me across the street. We walked over to the outdoor patio of the restaurant right next to the depot, the host seating us immediately, walking us to a small table overlooking the tracks. "Thanks for today." I pulled Gavin's hand to my lips, kissing his fingers. "I had a lot of fun." "We can take the train after this to head home." His devilish grin meeting his devilish stare. "For more fun." "Can I take your order?" The waitress appeared at our table, pen out. "I'll have an iced tea and the Caesar salad," I called up to her, handing her back the menu I hadn't even opened. "And you, sir?" She turned to Gavin expectedly. "Do you have spaghetti?" He asked, running his tongue along his lips seductively while staring over at me, and I almost choked from laughing so hard. "Or ice cream?" "Sorry, sir, we don't." "Probably safer that way." He winked at me before handing her his menu. "I'll take the steak salad instead." The confused waitress gave him an odd stare before shuffling off. "You think you're funny?" I laughed, kicking his foot under the table.

"Do you think you'll be able to control yourself while I eat my steak salad? Do you think lettuce is sexy too?" "Shut up," I giggled again while also kicking his foot again.

We attempted to eat our food without laughing- except we were failing miserably. "The next train should be here soon," Gavin dropped his napkin over his finished plate. "You ready, Baby?" "Oh yeah." I was more than ready. He threw some cash into the bill binder, then reached for my hand. "I need to go get our tickets." "I need to use the restroom. I'll meet you on the platform." We parted, him going one way, me going the other. "Sadie?" I turned around, stopping dead in my tracks. "What- what are you doing here, Mike?"

Chapter 29

"I thought that was you!" Mike screeched, making his way over to me, arms flying up for a hug- my legs instinctively backing away. "I'm taking the train back to L.A. This way, I can work and not be stuck in bumper-tobumper traffic." "Oh, that's smart." Shit. Shit. Shit. Gavin would be back any second. Shit. Shit. Shit. "That's too bad you were called in the other day. I know Grant was bummed." "Yeah, I, um." Shit. Shit. I heard the roar of a train in the distance- it needed to get here now! "What are you doing up here?" He asked, eyes rolling up to something behind me. Suddenly a flexed bicep captured my waist, his hand cuffed my hip, spinning me around- Gavin's lips crashing against my face. "Hey, Baby, got our tickets." What the hell was Gavin doing! I tried to wriggle out of his iron grip, not happening. His arms were locked around me, sealing my body to his. "Do I know you?" Mike tilted his head up, eyes just a squint as he appraised Gavin. "No." Gavin's arm tightened again, suffocating me. "I'm Mike." He struck his hand out to shake Gavin's. "Sadie's boyfriend," Gavin shot back, ignoring Mike's hand. "Nice to fucking meet you." Boyfriend? Why!

Mike's hand recoiled, his eyes falling back to me. "It's nice seeing-" The train screeched to a halt behind us, with Gavin already spinning me away. "This is us, Baby!" His face bombarded mine, banging his lips against my mouth- putting on a show as he carried me away. Unbelievable! He kept his arms around me until we boarded the train, finally releasing his grip, freeing me, and I took off, sprinting past him, taking the first seat I saw. He, of course, took the seat next to mine, dropping down- having the audacity to think he could sit with me after that show. "What the hell was that, Gavin!" I yelled, eyes stinging from the tears they were holding back. "I don't give a shit," he grumbled, slumping back, staring straight ahead. "He needed to fucking know you were taken. Now he knows." A few engers turned at the commotion, looking between Gavin and me, pretending not to be interested. "I was going to handle it! He was going home, not knocking at my door!" "You haven't told him yet- knocking would be next." My pulse was quickening, my breathing strained, the walls of this train car closing in on me. "I can't believe you did that! Do you even realize what you've done! What if he tells Grant? I'm not ready for that! I'm not prepared!" I snapped, trying to keep my voice steady. "How could you have done that!" "What?" He shrugged haughtily. "What did I do, Sadie? Hold you? Kiss you? Tell him we're together? Sorry, I don't see anything fucking wrong with what I did." I glanced around us, making sure there were no kids in earshot. "You don't always need to claim me! I'm not property! Stop trying to act like I'm a trophy and you're the winner. My life isn't a game!" "Fuck that!" His voice was almost a yell, his face slowly rolling to mine, eyes like black stones- no depth, no emotion. "You think I'm just gonna let him flirt with you again while I stand back watching. That's bullshit, and

you know it!" He shook his head in disgust, grumbling under his breath. "This isn't about claiming you, it's about claiming us." Ass. I looked out the window, meeting my face in the glass. I should be iring the view after a perfect date, not staring at my faint reflection, willing her not to cry. This was my fault- I let my guard down. I thought I was safe up here. Wrong again. I could only pray that Mike wouldn't tell Berkeley or Grant. Or at least wait a bit to tell them. I wasn't prepared for this. "I can't believe you're actually fucking mad," Gavin huffed, kicking the seat legs in front of him. "This isn't about your pride or disrespect Gavin. This is about me not being ready to tell Grant. Why couldn't you have just thought about me, what I needed." "What you fucking needed!" His voice was growing louder and angrier by the second. "I have to sit back because you're embarrassed or whatever the fuck it is and don't wanna tell people about me. All the fucking time! You? Think about what I fucking need, Sadie!" "Quiet." I shushed him, mouthing apologies to the few who turned towards the screaming. He didn't understand; how could he. He didn't know what it was like to be a parent because he wasn't one. I felt a single tear stream down my cheek, that one turning to two, then three- the stream not stopping. The view of the quaint town turned to ocean, then to city, then to the train station with the train finally stopping. I stood automatically, following behind a cold Gavin, exiting the train and walking to his car, where he ignored me, blowing right past the enger door to his. For the first time, I opened the door for myself, sinking into the seat, leaning closer to the door while he hit the gas, barreling out of the parking lot. He tsked, hand smacking his steering wheel. "Every other chick fucking bows down to me- you should feel lucky that I'm sitting here next to you!" Lucky huh, wow. "I'm not every other chick."

"No shit." We drove back in silence, neither of us willing to make the first concession. I wasn't in the wrong- I was the one who was in trouble if Grant found out. Gavin had nothing to lose but his pride. He finally pulled up in front of my house, not even bothering with the driveway. "I can't believe you're doing this right before I fucking leave," he barked, staring out his window, refusing to look my way. "You should be fucking proud to have me on your arm. I'm sick of this bullshit." "I think some time apart will be good." I climbed out, barely shutting the door before he sped away. We had such a perfect day and it was ruined. Ruined by Mike, and ruined by Gavin's ridiculous pride. Now I had two options: tell Grant or wait for Mike to. My only hope was that Mike wouldn't how he knew Gavin's face- maybe the sunglasses were enough to throw him off. The news would be that I had a boyfriend, which meant more lies. A dog barked, pulling me from my thoughts, my focus coming back, realizing I was still standing on my front patio. I disarmed the front door and swung it open, heading straight for the wine, hearing my phone start buzzing in my bag. It was probably Gavin, letting me know he was sorry and turning around. I rummaged for it, seeing May's name flashing instead, and pushing it to my ear. "Hi, what's going on?" "Can you work tomorrow? We're short a nurse?" "Sure, I don't have plans anyways. I'll cover." And now I'd be working all weekend. Oh well, it was probably better this way. At least I'd be distracted.

My alarm was singing, adding a soundtrack to my restless sleep. I didn't need to hit snooze today because I was awake. I had tossed and turned all

night, debating over and over again if I should message Gavin. It was so unlike him to just leave and not show back up or at least message me. Why did he have to be so stubborn? Why did I have to be so stubborn? I reached for my phone, still a blank screen, displaying 5:01 am and nothing more. He would already be on his way to the airport, getting ready for departure, and I had no missed calls or texts from him. I opened our text conversation, starting to type, then swiping it away. I'd wait until this afternoon. Maybe by then he'd message me that he'd arrived. Grant also hadn't called or messaged me, which meant that Mike hadn't mentioned our run in. Or maybe he just hadn't talked to his daughter yet. Too many maybe's. I needed to forget all this drama and clear my head to focus on this weekend and my three twelve-hour shifts. I threw my scrubs on then walked over to my bedside table, picking up the swallow necklace. I hadn't read much into the necklace when he bought it, but he had. It was the second time he had been somewhat sentimental with me, and it was quite fitting now with him across the country. I clasped it around my neck, adjusting the bird under my scrubs. I really needed to tell Grant about Gavin. I knew I did. It wasn't fair to keep pushing him away. If a woman had approached us yesterday, I'd have gone crazy too. I might not have made such a scene, but I'd have thrown my own kind of fit. I pushed through the front door, locking it and setting the alarm. Gavin wasn't anywhere near, yet I still wanted him to feel I was safe. I continued to my car, noticing a 'For Sale' sign in my neighbor's yard. New neighbors, there was something to look forward to. I drove off to work, happy that it was Friday and this week was over, now just to get through the next twelve hours, sleep, and do it all over again.

Chapter 30

I sat in my car, just as I did yesterday, watching the sun rise over the hospital- feeling that same sense of déjà vu. Yesterday I kept thinking that by the time I got off work, I'd have a text from Gavin- at the very least just to tell me he had arrived. I was wrong- no text, no nothing. I waited all night, hardly slept, and here I was again. I flipped my phone over, staring at the screen. I should be the bigger person and call him. I should be- I wasn't though. I kicked the door open, sauntering my way into the hospital. "Morning, Sadie!" Debbie was right there, greeting me cheerfully. "Happy Saturday!" Happy Saturday, ha. More like drunk myself to sleep waiting for a call I never got or made, and now feel like crap Saturday. "Hi." I forced a smile. "You're working the day shift today?" "Yep! Two weekends in a row, can't beat that. I get to go out on a Saturday night!" "Fun! How's the floor looking this morning?" "Pretty slow actually." A slow day in the ER was a good day. I grabbed my cell, feeling the floor rumble under my feet, automatically stepping aside for the gurney- except the rumble wasn't stopping, it was getting stronger- and there was no gurney. What the hell? "Debbie!" My stomach was churning, the floor rolling, walls clattering. "Get under the desk Sadie!" Debbie yelled, racing around the corner herself, ducking under the station. The floor, the walls, the lights above all shaking and rolling with the earth.

Holy shit, an earthquake! I tried to follow Debbie, tried to move, I couldn't. My legs buckled, sinking as if the floor was quicksand. "Sadie!" A yell, to the right, but I was frozen, locked over the rumbling floor beneath me. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. I felt sick, nausea building, head spinning. Then the panic, sounding off from every which way, the monotone announcement crackling through the speakers above. "Sadie!" This time it was Kirk's voice roaring, coming at me head-on, pushing his equipment with him, hand flying out, grabbing hold of my wrist, yanking me- my feet tripping over the other- sending me face first to the floor. And in that same instant, he stumbled, tripping his anesthesia machine, a boom, a scream- I twisted my head over- watching the machine break its fall on my arm. The earth was still now; the chaos however was deafening. I was pinned to the floor, shouts roaring above me, feet stomping all around me. I lifted my face up slightly, eying the debris, the mess that covered the previously clean floor. So this was an earthquake. When I had told my friends we were moving to California, they warned me about these- I had laughed. There hadn't been a big earthquake in a while, and I assumed all the talk of the 'next one' was just media hype. Now, here I was, pinned to the floor, surrounded by an aftermath of chaos. "Ow!" I yelped, trying to flinch away from the pain, but I couldn't. Fuck. I rolled my face over, cringing from the unbearable sear, looking for the source- shit. "Don't move Sadie! Help is on the way!" Kirk was leaning down, waving at me- trying to distract me from the computer lodged over my arm. I dropped my head back down to the cold floor, lying there for who knows how long, finally hearing a stranger's voice in my ear. "Sadie, this is Joe, I'm going to help you up, but first we're going to splint and stabilize your arm." I hadn't even felt them lift the machine off of me, which obviously wasn't a good sign.

Debbie bent down next, lowering her face to the floor. "Sadie, it's Grant calling. Your phone won't stop ringing! Do you want me to answer it?" "Yes! Is he okay?" At least I was already at the hospital- what if he was injured and was stuck somewhere? I tried to drown out the noise around us, focusing on Debbie's voice only. "Are you okay?" She kept her eyes on me as she spoke. "This is Debbie, from the hospital. Your mom wants to know if you're okay." She smiled, nodding to me. "Oh, good. Then I'll have her call you later." Phew! He was okay, thank god. Then I heard my phone immediately ringing again, and she answered it, sighing to herself first. "Grant again." She shrugged, lifting the phone back to her ear. "Is everything still okay?" Then she gasped, eyes widening. "She, she can't talk right now. She's had an accident, but we have the finest doctors in San Diego." Her lips pursed, brows drawing together as she listened. "I'll have her call you as soon as we get her stable. You can call the back line this afternoon to check on her." Ugh, she made it sound so much worse than it was, or was it that bad? "That was odd," she mumbled to herself before tucking the phone back into my purse. "Sadie, I'm going to put your purse and phone in the back. I'll bring it to you after you're all fixed up." Fixed up? She scurried away, and suddenly hands were sliding under me. "Sadie, we're going to slowly roll you over, then lift you onto the gurney." It was the same voice, the Joe guy. An instant later, there were hands all over me, rolling me face up, hoisting me off the ground. "How are you feeling?" He asked while the others secured the bed. I looked around at all the worried eyes on me. "I'm fine, although, I can't feel my arm." Their eyes flashed like lasers back and forth, side to side. "We're going to have you looked at right away!" Joe reassured me. I hated this feeling. The patients needed our team. They didn't need me wasting so many of our resources.

Debbie rushed over to my side as Joe rolled the gurney away. "Don't worry," she called. "Emergency backup is on their way in." "I'll try to get back quickly!" She gave me a weak smile, her gaze rolling down to my arm. "Just focus on you, Sadie. I've got this handled." "And Grant was okay right?" I called back, keeping my eyes on her in the distance. "Yeah-" she tipped her shoulder, tilting her head to meet it. "When he called back he was a tad aggressive. He went from calling you mom to Sadie and using some very choice words." Her voice trailed off, I was getting too far, so I just waved goodbye. He called me Sadie? Grant had never called me by my name and he never cussed, not the way... Gavin. Shit. Of course. He was just 'G' in my s. She saw Grant and then G and assumed it was the same. I needed to call him, but I had no phone, and I was already being wheeled into radiology. Hopefully, he wasn't overreacting. Joe wheeled me right into the radiology lab, which was already standing room only. "What's going on?" He asked Mark, one of the heads of the department. "Besides the earthquake," Mark uttered, raising his eyes to Joe and then me. "We've got a machine down, and we're short-staffed. What happened, Sadie?" "Nothing." Just a completely needless accident. "We need to get an x-ray of her arm," Joe continued. "I'll give Sadie preference, but it'll still be a wait." Mark's eyes scanned the rows of patients in the waiting room. "Who's looked at her?" "Me and a few other nurses," Joe shrugged. "There's no visible bone, and beyond massive bruising, I don't see any disfiguration. Only smashed her arm so injury should be contained."

"What smashed it?" Mark looked at my arm. "Kirk's anesthesia robot," Joe huffed, rolling his eyes. "I'm fine, really!" I chimed in, straightening up on the gurney. "I should get back! It's crazy over there." Mark sighed, pressing his hand over his heart. "Cute, but you're not going back to work. You're a liability- you know the protocol." "But I need to get back to the floor," Joe apologized. "I hate to do this Sadie but I'm going to have to park you." "That's fine." I dropped back down, watching the lights as he wheeled me to the far corner, the only open space in the room. This was so ridiculous. Beyond my arm, I was perfectly capable of helping out, even if it was just to answer phones or dole out direction. But instead of being useful I was stuck here, for at least the next few hours. I closed my eyes, saving them from the fluorescents above, and letting the noise of the room drown out my thoughts.

"Sadie, Sadie?" I blinked one eye open, seeing Mark hovering over me. "Your turn," Mark continued. "That was fast," I yawned as he started pushing the bed. "Yeah," he laughed. "Three hours fast." "Three hours?" I looked up, trying to spot a clock. "Hope they weren't worried about a concussion," he laughed again, wheeling me into the suite. They set my arm on the table, adjusting the cameras before carefully

removing the wrap, then the splint. "Holy shit!" My arm was swollen, a solid dark purple and blue bruise from my hand to my elbow. It was bad and it was ugly. "Yikes," the tech cringed. "Try to hold still while I snap some pics." He walked back behind the glass wall, the machine instantly whirring to life, snapping pics of the swollen mass that just hours ago was a thin tan arm. "Alrighty," he yelled, circling back into the room. "You're all set. We'll get these to Miller right away." "What's the verdict?" I had to know! "You know I can't say anything-" he shrugged, but I gave him my most annoyed look, and he rolled his eyes. "I will say it looks much worse on the outside." "Thanks." I nodded back appreciatively as he walked to the door, opening it to an awaiting Mark. "Hop on," Mark teased, pushing the gurney in. "I'm fine to walk, really." I flicked my wrist, shooing him away. "Protocol," he sang, pointing down to the bed. "Just over to a room. An ultrasound tech is coming to you next. Then hopefully, you can get out of here." I backed onto the bed, scooting until I was fully on the thing, then setting my arm down on the splint that was waiting for it. "How bad is out there?" He focused on his hands that were re-wrapping my arm. "A little crazier than your average Saturday, nothing too intense." What? "Really? But the earthquake was so strong! Stuff was falling everywhere!" "There was no real structural damage. That's where you get most injuries. Look at you, you were injured because Kirk accidentally flipped his equipment on you. Not from the actual earthquake."

He wasn't bothered by it one bit. "I can't believe you're taking this so lightly." "Honey, I'm born and raised in California. Earthquakes happen all the time." How could anyone get used to that? That rolling, that uncertainty. I still felt nauseated. My bed took off with a jolt, Mark hustling down the halls, finally wheeling me into a room. "You want to watch T.V.?" He handed me the remote before he took off, dashing out the door just as someone else swung in. "Knock, knock!" She waved, pushing an ultrasound machine in with her. "I'm Tricia from L and D. I don't think we've met." "Sadie." I held out my arm, knowing what came next. "Nice to meet you!" She smiled, starting to unwrap my splint. "Oh!" She gasped, staring down at my arm. "I heard it's Kirk's fault," she whispered, shaking her head. "News gets around fast." Not surprised. She set the wand on my arm, the pain radiating. "Sorry, but I've got to." "I know," I replied through gritted teeth, wincing. She pushed a little harder, dragging the wand up and down my arm while we both watched the screen. "Looks pretty good." She nodded to the screen, then to me. "I'll send the report right over." "Thank you." My arm was throbbing, actually, my whole body was throbbing. So I powered on the T.V., hoping for a distraction, gradually feeling the weight of my arm, and today... my eyelids growing heavier and heavier.

"Sadie."

I felt a shake, my eyes flying open with a gasp, almost hitting Debbie's face that was hanging over mine. "Hi, Debbie," I yawned. "Dr. Miller's here too. You're being discharged." She stepped to the side while Dr. Miller came into view. "By some grace of God, your arm didn't break!" He sighed. "It's obviously badly sprained, so you'll need a splint for a bit. You'll also need to take a day or two off, hospital policy." "It's not broken. Really? That's good to hear." I honestly couldn't believe it, considering the amount of swelling. "Discharge papers are with Debbie, take care now." He walked out, with Debbie stepping up in his place. "Get me out of here!" I begged, tossing my legs over the side of the bed, sliding right down. "Don't forget your purse and your phone. It's been ringing like crazy the last thirty minutes." "Probably my folks," I lied, knowing it was Gavin. He was the only person who would call obsessively like that. "I told Carmela if your son calls to let him know you're being discharged. How are you planning to get home?" "I can drive. I still have one good hand," I laughed, following her out to the nurses' station. "Sadie," Carmela yelled, waving her arm. "Your son called, I told him you were being discharged in the next twenty minutes." "Grant called here?" "Oh, I thought he said, Gavin."

Chapter 31

"Here's your bag. Are you sure you can't call someone to give you a ride home?" Debbie rested her hand on my shoulder, her deep, sincere eyes looking over me. "I'm fine, Debbie," I assured her for the fifth time. "I'll check in on Monday, and we can arrange my schedule from there." "Okay," she said through a deep sigh, lifting her arms for a gentle hug. I was a patient, which meant I had to use the public exit- this was a first. I'd never been a patient in my own department. I looked ahead, staring out the row of sliding glass doors, watching the patients and visitors shuffling in and out before me- except one. It couldn't be! I stilled, eyes on the tall figure pacing aggressively back and forth outside the doors. Maybe I did bump my head. This was impossible. I had to be seeing things. His hand flew up to his wild, unkempt black hair while his other threw a phone up to his ear… the exact moment that mine started ringing. Gavin! Oh my god- Gavin! I continued through the doors, causing him to throw a quick arbitrary glance over his shoulder. It was him. He was here.. how.. why.. it didn't matter! The twinges hit fast, the butterflies circling my stomach, the pressure behind my eyes, the flare in my cheeks- my body responding to the man it had been missing for the last few days. He saw me but snapped his head back too quickly, only to whip it right back around, staring at me for a few seconds before rushing over. "Jesus Christ, Sadie!" He was running so fast I thought he was going to knock me over. "Gavin, I'm-" He crashed into me, his hands flying to my face, mouth overtaking mine. His lips and tongue were moving too fast, too wild. His kiss rough, urgent,

pleading. Then he dropped his hands from my face, wrapping them tight around my back, caging me to his chest, which I happily melted into. I wanted to cry, scream, and laugh all at the same time. "Fuck!" He cried, his tears hitting my hair. I tilted my face up, seeing the last few tears before he wiped them away, then he buried his face back in my hair, heavy, stuttered breathing inhaling me. "How are you here?" I whispered, rubbing my hands along the strong arms that gripped me. "You did go to New York, right?" He suddenly backed away, red puffy eyes looking me over. "Are you okay?" He didn't wait for an answer, immediately and haphazardly leaning down, attacking me with his kisses once more. "Yes," I breathed against his lips. "But I sprained my arm. Really not that bad, considering." I waved my bandaged arm up to him- his arms falling from the sight, his body stumbling back, eyes zeroed in on the splint. "Fuck!" He yelled, turning to pace, shaky, cursing under his breath. I was right in front of him, but he wasn't calming down. "I'm okay," I assured him, reaching for his hand to come back to me. "How are you here, Gavin? How are you in San Diego?" He sucked in a breath, eyes dropping to mine, then drifting down to my neck, fixating on something, so I instinctively reached my hand up, feeling the swallow necklace. "I was so fucking scared, Sadie. Shit!" He pulled me back into his chest, wrapping his arms so tight around me that I could feel his heart racing. "I was going out of my fucking mind thinking something had happened to you." I was scared too. I hadn't begun to process everything that had happened today. "I'm sorry that Debbie made it sound worse than it was. I'm sorry you came back for nothing."

"It didn't fucking matter what she said. I needed to be here with you." "I'm sorry about the other day too, Gavin-" "No, Sadie! I'm fucking sorry. I was such a dick," he huffed, tightening his hold on me. "I got a message that there's been some big fucking earthquake, and I couldn't get a hold of you. I should have never fucking left." "You couldn't have prevented the accident Gavin." "But I could have been right there after, not on the other side of the goddamn country." "They got it off of me, and like the doctor said, by the grace of God, nothing broke." His eyes narrowed to slits as he took a step back, palm slowly raising in front of him. "Got what off of you?" "The machine-" I shrugged. "Kirk's anesthesia system is what fell on top of me and pinned me down." His eyes went wide, black again. "Pinned you down?" "When the earthquake hit, I was frozen, and Kirk tried to pull me away, but instead, I fell, and then his machine fell over me." "Kirk? The guy from the fucking Mexican restaurant? The one that's in love with you?" He shook his head, stomping away. "He was trying to help- it just went terribly wrong." He started pacing again, arms flexing, hands balling into fists. "Where is he now?" "Probably helping some of the hundreds of patients still inside." I reached for his hand, stopping him from pacing, bringing him back to me. I needed him holding me again. The earthquake, the accident, the pain, him here- it was too much.

"I never want to feel like that again, Sadie. I never want to be so far away that I can't get to you. I'm sorry I left. I'm sorry for everything." "You were able to get to me today." I smiled up to him, trying to calm him down. "Not soon enough." He wasn't going to calm down standing here, and I needed to get away from this hospital just as bad. "Do you want to follow me home?" "I'll drive you home! I came straight from the airport." "I can drive," I insisted, waving my good hand. "Baby, please," he groaned. "Please don't fight me on this, not today." His face flopped to his chest, eyes pinching shut. "Okay." I pulled out my keys, dropping them into his palm, while his fingers stretched, curling over mine, lifting my hand to his lips, smothering it with kisses. "I'm so relieved you're okay, Baby." He met my eyes, as a single tear escaped his. "I love you, Sadie."

Chapter 32

I led him towards my car, weaving through the parking lot lost in thought, my head clouded, replaying his words over and over again, 'I love you.' I... I loved him too. It was more than a fleeting thought. It was a connectionan undeniable connection between us. Some couples spent months, years falling in love- we didn't, because we didn't fall- we crashed. Every man I'd met before him was blocked by the barriers I'd erected, the walls to protect me. Those walls never came up for Gavin, he was just there, and now we were here. It didn't make sense, it wasn't rational, but it also wasn't just lust. For the first time in forever, I felt loved, I felt wanted, I felt protected, I felt- period. "Gavin-" I pulled him to a stop in front of the car, pivoting in front of him, gazing up into the many layers of his dark brown eyes. "I love you too." His lips quivered, eyes rolled up, sucking in one sharp inhale after another. I fell into his chest, releasing his hands that instantly flung around me, bracing me against him. "Let's go home." He swung his arm out, pulling the door for me, helping me in before carefully closing the door behind him. I watched him round the car, climbing into the driver's side, his usual angst and speed now slow, unhurried. He started the car, staring ahead in the distance, hand sliding across the console, searching for mine. "Were you scared today?" It was barely a whisper like he was afraid of the answer. "Let's talk about it when we get home." Of course, I was scared, but he was already so shaken. I didn't want to upset him more while he was driving. "I just need a little peace right now." We drove in silence, although our hands took turns squeezing, and caressing the other. Then we turned onto my street, the relief instant, as was the deep sigh I let out. Home.

He pulled into the driveway, glancing over at the neighbor's yard. "It's for sale." I pointed to the sign, and he nodded in acknowledgment. "New neighbors." He didn't respond, solely shut down the engine and bolted out, racing for my door- acting like I had broken legs too. "Thanks." I took his outstretched hand, the two of us making our way up to the front door. "Wait," he insisted, fingers on the key fob disarming the alarm. "Let me make sure it's safe first." He gestured me to stay behind him as he entered, scoping out the entry and the kitchen first. A few picture frames were scattered across the living room floor, and a shattered wine bottle in the kitchen. The rest of the house seemed okay beyond a messy floor. "Stay!" He demanded, hand up to keep me back while he picked up the frames, then swept the kitchen floor, clearing all the glass away. "Okay." He took my hand, walking me to the couch. "I need to take a shower," he groaned, hand aggressively rubbing the back of his neck. "I need to chill for a minute. I'll be right back out. Do you need anything before I go?" I didn't want to be alone. "I need to take one too." "Not with that," he huffed, pointing to the splint. "I can do a bath, or I can put a bag over it and re-wrap when I get out." His hand ran up to his hair, raking through the strands. "I don't think that's a good idea." I needed to calm down too. "You can either help me, or I can do it alone." I threatened, taking a step towards the bedroom. "But I need to get all of today off of me." "Fine," he bellowed, stalking off to the bathroom first, filling the house with the sound of flowing water.

I started back, meeting him halfway. "I need you to help me remove the splint, then unwrap it so I can get my scrubs off." He shook his head side to side. "I think you should leave it on, Baby." "It's okay, Gavin, I'm a nurse," I reminded him, holding my arm out. "Please, help." I used my good hand to hold the splint steady while he released the latches, carefully peeling the binding apart and tossing it to the bed. Next, I unwound the heavy wrap, slowly exposing the horribly bruised skin. He gasped, jaw going slack, eyes heavy- staring at my arm. Then the tides changed, his jaw locked, rigid, eyes black, storming out of the bedroom. "Fuck, fuck!" I had a feeling that was going to happen, my arm was a scary sight. "Can you grab me some ibuprofen while you are out there, and some water!" Cabinet doors were slamming, his huff and puffs so loud that they literally could've blown my house down. He finally barreled back in, pills and water in his outstretched hands. "Are they sure your arm's not broken?" His eyes were locked on my arm, head still shaking. "Jesus Christ, it looks horrible." "Just sprained and badly bruised." He pushed his hand to his mouth, dropping to his knees, so we were eye to eye. "I'm so sorry," he sighed, voice calmer now. "Fuck, I'm so sorry, Baby." "Help me," I insisted, raising both my arms, gesturing for him to grab my shirt. "Careful, please." His shaky fingers gripped the hem, working the top up, taking his time, pulling it tortuously slow over my arm before tossing it aside. Then he started on the bra, hands reaching behind me, fingertips grazing my back, finessing the bra off, dropping it too. I stood from the bed; he stood to meet me, his hands falling right to my pants, tugging them and my panties to my feet. His slight touch sending my body churning, the desire too much to ignore. "Gavin, I need you." I

stretched my hand to his shirt- fingers splayed over his stomach. "Not without that thing bracing your arm." He shook his head, voice stern. "Bath." He took my hand, leading me to the bath, holding my good arm and waist, helping to lower me in. My body sinking into the warm water, feeling the immediate relief. "What about you?" I flashed my eyes up, watching him study my body under the still water. "You need to relax, Baby." "I relax better with you." I perched my arm up on the ledge, waving my other under the water around me. "It's a little tricky to do anything onehanded. I could use your hands to assist." He rolled his eyes, reluctantly reaching for his shirt, tearing it up over his head before kicking off his jeans. "Where?" He asked and I sat up, sliding forward, his giant body slipping in behind me, pulling me between his legs, my back falling to his chest, relaxing against him. "This okay?" He whispered, sending his hands to my stomach. "Gavin, how did you get here today?" "I flew," his husky voice hit my neck, the vibration tickling my skin. "I figured that, but how did you get from New York to here by the time I was released from the hospital?" "I arranged for a jet when I couldn't get a hold of you, and I barely made it. That was sheer fucking luck." He... he what... I sat up, twisting my head back. "You arranged for a jet?" "A friend's jet," he shrugged, causing the water to wave around him. "He owed me a favor." He was so casual as if arranging a jet was perfectly normal. "Who do you know that owns a jet?"

"A buddy, kinda like a brother." "Okay." I lowered back down onto his chest. "I'm sorry that you cut your trip short. You know you could have just flown home tomorrow. Debbie shouldn't have made it sound so bad." "A machine pinned you to the ground!" His chest puffed, pushing me up with it. "You don't think that's bad? It wouldn't have fucking mattered if you were hurt or not. I wasn't about to leave my girl alone after an earthquake." His fingers were running circles over my stomach, and I watched them, waiting with anticipation for them to travel up or down. "It's been too long since I've touched you Baby." "I was just thinking that same thing." "Really?" He sunk his face into the crook of my neck, nibbling away. "Uh, huh." I swallowed, still watching those fingers, that were now trailing down to my thighs. "What do you want me to do, Baby? I hate that you're in pain. How can I make you better?" I sat up, scooting to the other end of the tub, turning around to face him. "I want you to touch me. I mean, I want you inside me." "I can't fuck you in here, not like this." "Your fingers can." He sat up, his dick firming as he lunged forward, his hand pushing between my thighs, fingers scissoring at my entrance. "Are you sure?" I nodded, feeling the first push inside me- a heat wave surging, leaving me gasping. Then a second finger, the two of them plunging deep- his arm making waves around us, while his fingers made waves inside me. A few days of not having him felt like weeks, each curl, each plunge, each twist feeling that much stronger. "Gavin," I gasped, again and again, watching the water splash around us, his arm flexing before my eyes and those fingers disappearing inside me. "Oh god." The heat spiraled, engulfing me, and I

dropped my head back, biting my tongue, coming. Then I lost it- tears springing from my eyes, sobbing, hysterical. The culmination of this crazy day and the control I just lost. I couldn't hold it in anymore. "Fuck!" He jumped back, sending water splashing everywhere. "What? Your arm?" "No, no." I swiped at the tears. "I've just... I've been holding a lot in the last few days, and then today. I just- I'm sorry." I was furiously wiping away the tears- only there were too many. I'd been holding a lot in, for a very long time- now I was crumbling. I looked away, trying to hide my face. I hated being vulnerable; it wasn't in my nature. I didn't have time for emotions while raising Grant. It was either cry every night or rally and push through- breaking down couldn't happen. Gavin climbed out of the bath, stringing a towel around his waist before opening one for me, reaching in to help me out and into it. "I'm sorry, Baby. I never wanted to make you cry." He pressed his lips to my forehead as his strong, safe arms enveloped me. "I was scared today," I itted. "I haven't been scared like that in a long time. And, I really missed you." His arms tightened, then just as quickly released me, nudging me towards the bed. "You need to get that splint back on." I nodded, grabbing the wrap and gesturing for him to hold it at the end while I wrapped up my swollen arm. Then I slid my arm into the splint, watching him latch it, all the while trying not to wince from the pain, but I couldn't help it, nor could I help the tears that continued to escape. "Can you grab my robe?" I wave towards the closet, dropping my hold on the towel, letting it fall to my feet. "Baby-" he swiped my cheek once more, flicking a tear away. "I can't handle seeing you cry. It fucking kills me." "I'm trying to stop." It was out of my control. "I'm not usually a crier."

He returned with my robe, holding it open for me. "What can I do?" He mumbled, guiding the robe up my arms. "I know I fucked up, but I don't want you to end this." End this? No, this wasn't about him, this was the culmination of many things. "I'm not. I couldn't sleep when you were gone, I hated that you were angry with me, that you weren't even calling. I missed you, I needed you. And right now, I need to feel safe, and I need to feel okay. I need you, Gavin. You make me feel all those things." I searched his eyes, while his searched mine. "I want, no, I need to feel you, all of you. I know it makes no sense, especially after what you just did in the tub, but it's not about the orgasm. I just need to feel our connection. I need to feel us. You do something to me- I can't explain it." His hands were up, cupping my cheeks, grasping me just as desperately as he had at the hospital. "I need you too, Baby."

Chapter 33

Our lips never parted, his kiss slow, tender, just like his arms that were lowering me onto the sheets, and his body that was climbing over mine. His hands moved to my robe, tugging it apart, fingers catching my breasts that spilled out. "I'm here now, Baby, and I promise to never leave you again." He lined his hips up with mine, erection burrowing, finding me. "Fuck." His lips were back, steady kisses as he entered me, both of us skipping a breath, overcome with relief. Our bodies sealed, his hand sliding to my good one, interlocking our fingers. "Oh, Baby." His hips paced faster, our mouths exchanging moans- refusing to end the kiss. "Gavin," I exhaled his name, body quaking under me. There wasn't a drink nor a drug that could touch this high. Our physical connection was so powerful, every inch of me responded to every inch of him. We kept kissing, lost in our own little world, chests heaving as one, refusing to let the other go. "I hope you always feel that way." He broke our kiss, lifting so see me. "Me too." This was the most amazing feeling. "Well, that too," he started chuckling. "I hope I always make you feel safe. That you need me like this." His gaze trailed to my neck, fingers wrapping over the swallow necklace. "This fucking necklace. I'm this damn bird." I met his hand, caressing his fingers- sad he had left, happy he returned home. He gave me another sincere smile before pushing away, avoiding my arm as he climbed out of the bed, walking straight to the wall and flipping up the light switch. I hadn't realized how late it had gotten, and I hadn't called

Grant back. "Will you bring me my phone?" He turned for my door, giving me a perfect view of that broad back and sculpted ass- how did we get to this place? How did that cocky guy in my garden end up here, taking care of me? He returned, now giving me a perfect view of his semi, on full display, batting against his thighs as he walked over... and it was getting hot in here. I took the phone, thankful for the distraction, forcing my eyes away from his package and to my screen- to the- "Gavin!" I waved my screen at him. "Twenty-three missed calls!" "Yeah?" He shrugged, not at all shocked by the number. "I told you I was fucked up earlier. There are a shit load of texts too," he suppressed a chuckle with yet another shrug. "I told you I was really fucking worried." He stepped into his jeans, fastening the belt with them. "I'm gonna run out and grab my bag." "Your bag?" I didn't him having one earlier. "My carry-on, it's in your trunk." He walked out while I scrolled through my phone. Only one missed call from Grant, and a text that he was fine and heading to a movie with Berkeley. He was going to a movie, Mark didn't bat an eyelash- and then there was me- I flashed my eyes to my arm, and then Gavin- who was walking back into the room, carry-on in hand. "Why don't you order us some food, and we can watch a movie," I called over, smiling up to him. "I give myself about an hour before I out." "What are you in the mood for?" He continued to the bed, perching at the edge. Oh, that was a good question. I danced my fingers down his flexed bicep. No, Sadie, you need to rest. Those biceps will still be there tomorrow. "Chinese sounds good."

"You know we never opened our fortune cookies last night." I nuzzled into a still groggy Gavin. It was nearly nine in the morning, and I was wide awake. Yesterday felt like a dream- a long, crazy, painful dream. "And?" He yawned, pulling the blanket over his head. "How about some coffee and fortunes for breakfast?" I gave his arm a yank. "I need help." He yawned again, reluctantly sliding his legs over the edge to standing, then reaching for me, helping me up. I led him into the kitchen, tossing him a cookie before opening mine and cracking it in half, plucking the paper out. "Accept something that you cannot change, and you will feel better." Story of my life. "What does yours say?" He bit into the cookie, yanking the paper out. "Depart not from the path which fate has you assigned." He rolled his eyes, tossing the paper to the counter. "Who writes this shit?" "Don't throw it away! You can play the numbers on the back in the lottery." "The lottery?" He repeated, chuckling under his breath. "Yeah, you don't play?" "No." What… "I do! Every month for the last eighteen years." His cheeks cracked, smile following. "Have you won anything?" "About fifty dollars total." I started laughing, snatching his fortune from the table. "Who knows, maybe these will finally be the winning numbers." "Why bother?" He dropped into a chair, resting back. "Seems like a bad investment. Eighteen years of losses." Eighteen years of losses. I, I'd never thought of it like that. "I'm optimistic."

I took a seat in the chair opposite him. "It's my only chance. I mean someone has to win- why not me? I could pay off this house, pay off Grant's school loans, put money away for retirement-" Finally not have to count every single penny, not have to worry about how I'm going to pay the bills. "I saved every extra dollar I had the last ten years just to afford the down payment for this place. Try being a single mother with no other financial , then you'd understand." I stood back up, walking our fortunes to the fridge, sticking them under a magnet. "I'll get you a ticket too." "I don't need to win." He stood, arms out, wrapping me up in them. "I've got everything I need." He lowered his face, lips puckering against my nose. "What do you want to do today Baby?" "You." He chuckled, moving his lips to my cheek now. "I could use some fresh air, and I don't really want to be inside, in case there are aftershocks or whatever." "I don't care, your call." I was just happy he was back. "How about a zoo?" My ears perked, making sure I heard him right. "A zoo?" He wasn't serious. "Like a zoo, zoo?" "Yeah." He was serious. "There are a bunch around here, Baby. San Diego's famous for them. It's good weather today, and you can't go to the beach with that thing on your arm." "I... I... haven't been to a zoo in years. I mean, I guess that sounds fun." Did adults go to zoos without kids? Grant had to have been in elementary school when I took him last. A zoo? Okay. "But I need you to help me shower first." "If I help you shower," he growled, snaking his hand under my shirt. "Then we'll never get out of here." He was right. Just the thought of his hands rubbing over my wet breasts, oh shit. I shook the thought out of my head, leaping away as fast as I could.

What did one wear to a zoo? I tossed my towel into the hamper, then started digging through my drawers, aha- a leopard print bra with matching panties seemed appropriate. Why not dress for the occasion; I laughed to myself, shrugging them on. Then I shimmied on my jean shorts en route to my closest, catching Gavin's eyes as he stepped out of the shower. "Holy fuck Sadie- I'm trying to get us out of this house," he groaned, gaze locked on my bra. "We are going to a zoo," I giggled, giving him a cheesy wink while waving over the leopard print. I turned back to the closet, pulling a white tank from the rack and carefully shrugging it on. "Are you ser- no!" He shook his head, finger pointing to the white tank. "Relax, it's not see-through. Only you'll know what's underneath." He bent to the floor, letting the towel fall as he sorted through his suitcase. Then he straightened, his statuesque body facing me as he stepped into his boxers and shorts. We... we should skip the zoo... stay in all day. He slid on a sleeveless muscle tank next, his arms on full display. Damn. Now it was my turn to protest. There was no way he was wearing that. His biceps looked even bigger, and his tattoos stood out against the black of the shirt. No! He looked too hot, and as if hearing my thoughts, he walked over to the dresser, reaching for his sunglasses and sliding them on. "Ready, Baby?"

Chapter 34

Gavin opened the enger door, hands at the ready to help me out, carefully avoiding the splint. He was so cautious, treating my sprain as a full-body injury. We headed for the ticket booth, so I shook my bag off my shoulder. "I'll get our tickets," I insisted. It was the least I could do after he flew home early, but his hand was out, handing his credit card to the cashier. "You can pay after you win the lottery." His wry smile was curled into one cheek, while his arm draped over my back, hand also curled over one cheek. We continued past the turnstiles, entering into a swarm of people, suddenly making me feel very out of place. My life revolved around the hospital and my house, with the beach and small errands in between. This was far outside my normal routine, and the last time Gavin and I did something like this, it ended badly. "Have you been here before?" I asked, hoping he'd be able to guide the way through this madness. "Nope." he shrugged, looking left to right, just as I was. "Have you been to any zoo before?" "Central Park when I was a kid." He stepped aside, looking behind us. "Aha, I see our first exhibit." I followed his stare to a cute thatch-roofed bar. "Beer at the zoo?" Zoos had come a long way since I had taken Grant. Most of the visitors here were older and the line for booze was longer than the line for souvenirs. "Margaritas too," he chuckled, pointing up to the menu. "Well, in that case!" I draped my arm around his back, snuggling into his side. "I'll take one." He bought our drinks, the two of us sipping, starting to wander, meandering

aimlessly down one of the trails before he finally pulled to a stop, looking up at the signs around us. "I think we need a map. I'll be right back." He dropped my hand, taking off, so I leaned back against the railing, finishing off my surprisingly strong drink. I kept my eyes on him as he pulled a map, watching the women around him slow, do double-takes, giggle to their friends. He was a very handsome man, and that was with his clothes on, he was even"Baby? Baby?" Hmm... I focused, seeing him right in front of me. "You already finished it?" He plucked the cup from hand, tilting it towards him. "You downed it? Shit, Baby, did you eat anything this morning?" I wanted to- but getting on my knees was not happening with this arm. "Nooo," I purred like a leopard, pouncing my man, biting at his jaw. "I'm hungry now." "Oh god," he started chuckling, pulling my hand into his. "You need some food, Baby." He opened the map, looking between it and wherever we were. "This way." He led us up yet another path, one that looked identical to the other, taking us under a canopy of trees. Gavin stopped at the next exhibit, chest-puffing, head shaking as he crinkled the map in his hands. "This place is fucking confusing!" I watched him pace back and forth, finally coming to a halt. "Maybe you should stop monkeying around then." I tried to keep a straight face, but my laughs were sneaking out. He furrowed his brows, looking at me, then following my eyes- to the bronze monkey statue he was standing next to. He laughed, folding the map into his pocket. "Funny." He charged forward. "Gavin!" I stumbled back, laughing hysterically as he pinned me against the glass. "I guess getting lost isn't so bad." His face dipped, teeth scraping across my jaw, up to my lips. "There's no one else around, Baby."

I stopped laughing, arching against the glass, my brain fogging with memories of Vegas. "Baby," he muttered- I ignored- too busy dancing my fingers up my shirt. "Sadie!" His hand bumped my chin, forcefully twisting my face back to the glass- where two small monkeys sat, gnawing on some grass while staring at us on the other side. "Oh my god!" I cracked, busting up, laughing so hard I was crying. What the hell were we doing at a zoo? He was laughing too, taking my hand yet again and stalking off to another trail, through heavy brush and more people. This trail was growing tight, more and more people clogging it as the actual path narrowed- leading to a pedestrian bridge. "Whoa, no." I slammed to a stop, shaking my head no to Gavin. There was no way! That bridge was suspended above a giant valley between the hills. Planes were one thing, but sky-high pieces of metal ing all these people were another. Nope! No way in hell I was crossing that thing. Especially after an earthquake. "No. Turn around! I've been scared enough this week! I'm not crossing a bridge." He cracked a smile, ready to laugh. "Are you being serious?" I didn't answer, instead started backtracking, trying not to bump anyone. "Sadie!" He lunged forward, snapping up my hand, dragging me over to a bench. "Step up," he demanded, pointing to the bench. "Why?" "I'll carry you over." He pointed again, already turning his back. "What? No! That's ridiculous!" I was a grown woman! I didn't do piggyback rides. "What if you close your eyes then?" He reached for my hand instead. "I'll guide you across."

Nope, it was too late for that. I knew what was under me, eyes closed or not. "Dammit, Sadie, get on the bench." He snapped his finger with a point, demanding I get up before squatting down, waiting for me. "Climb on, Baby." This was unbelievable. I was at a zoo, my boyfriend was about to give me a piggyback ride, two monkeys watched us make out, and I was buzzed. Fuck it. I stepped up onto the bench, reaching my good arm around his shoulder while his hands swung back, gripping my legs. "I feel ridiculous!" I rested my head against his back, clenching my legs around his waist. "You're about to feel something else if you keep squeezing your thighs like that." I laughed against him, trying to focus on his musky scent, his strong arms holding me up, his quiet grunts as he carried me. My hand slid to his bicep, fingers trickling over the smooth skin and protruding muscles. These arms had held me in the shower, against walls, against glass. Ohh... I tightened, getting a flick of friction from my shorts rubbing on him. "There!" Oh yeah... right there... Ohh... And suddenly, my feet hit the ground. "We made it to the other side!" He tossed his hands up, looking at me for the verdict. I wish the bridge had been longer. "I'm good, thank you." "I'd move fucking mountains for you, Baby." We started up the hill, ing the elephant exhibit, watching them roam lazily, not that I blamed them- it was sweltering today. "It's so damn hot!" Gavin whined, shaking out his shirt. "Go splash with the kids!" I teased, pointing back to the elephant-themed splash area beside us.

He followed my gaze, shrugging to himself. "Good call." I wasn't serious. But off he went, walking right under a fake elephant trunk, catching all the water that sprayed down over him. Then he jumped away, shaking out his hair with a giant grin. Damn, he was becoming sexier by the minute. "It feels good!" He slicked his hair back, hands falling to his sunglasses next, pulling them off to clear the lenses. "Try it." Oh, I was already wet... but why not. I nudged my bag, the purse strap sliding down my arm, right into his awaiting hand. "I'll be right back." I took my stance under the trunk, stretching my arms out at my sides so my splint wouldn't get wet. "Oh shit! No, Sadie!" The water dumped over me, down my shirt, my back, soaking me. It was refreshing. I hopped away, flipping my hair back and forth, shaking it out just as he had. "You were right!" I looked over, finding a wide-eyed Gavin stomping towards me. "What? My arm didn't get wet." He flashed his eyes around, stepping chest to chest with me. "Did you bring a jacket?" "It's like a hundred degrees out here." His eyes shot down to my top, so I followed them, seeing my soaked and completely see-through tank, as well as the very visible leopard print bra under it. "Oh my gosh!" I was laughing again. "Well, it's your fault, you told me to go under." "Fuck," he grumbled, arm flying around my back, keeping me close. "Can you at least calm your tits down." My... I looked down again, laughing at the hard buds poking through the shirt- also fully visible. "The water was cold- what do you want me to do? Rub them?"

"I don't need all these fucking eyes on you right now. They've probably never seen tits like these." "No one even noticed," I assured him, glancing around, catching a few of them still staring. Okay, so maybe some had. "It'll dry, let's just keep moving. Unless, of course, you want me to stay wet- because I'm wet in other places too," I teased, but he rolled his eyes, locking my hand in his, abruptly storming down the sidewalk. "Here." He pulled us over to a single restroom, banging on the door before throwing it open and tugging me in. "Take your top off," he demanded, pounding the hand dryer, the blower immediately kicking in. I tugged it off with one hand, tossing it to him- now I was colder. I started rubbing over my breasts, warming them up, trying to calm my nipples down... only to hear a guttural grunt from the predator lurking in the corner. His dark eyes narrowed, zeroing in, his chest puffing. "Fucckkk." It was a stampede, almost knocking me over, hands and mouth attacking my breasts, spilling them from the bra- sucking my painfully hard nipple into his mouth. "Gavin!" I threw my good hand to his hair, holding myself steady as his hands dropped to my shorts, yanking the button free, fingers diving under the panties. "We shouldn't." I moaned, watching him in the mirror, his back muscles tight as he pushed my shorts to the ground. "It's too fucking late now!" He ripped his belt, his shorts dropping. "Turn around, Baby." I spun, face meeting the mirror, watching him step up behind me, his cold finger pressing against my back, bending me over the counter, dick already jabbing. He was gone, fingers digging into my hips, black marble eyes solely focused on my breasts dangling out of my bra. His thrusts grew impatient, wildnothing but grunts, heaves, and groans spewing from his lips. I gripped the counter, thighs slamming the edge as he pounded, my nails dragging- biting my lip as I watched him, watched his body slamming, fucking me from behind. "Fuck," I mouthed to his reflection, breaking his

daze, rallying him up. "Shit! Cazzo!" He yelped, jerking faster, faster, both of us collapsing- me to the counter, him over my back. He wasn't moving, chest rising and falling heavier over me, pushing me down. Ouch... "Gavin?" "Yeah, Baby?" "My arm," I whimpered, trying to push up. "Shit!" He stumbled back, hands flying to my waist to straighten and flip me. "Are you okay, Baby?" "Yeah," I cringed, trying to wiggle my arm around. "I think there was too much pressure on it." "Fuck," he groaned, swinging his arm back for my shirt on the dryer. "I'm sorry, Baby." I raised my arms, letting him pull the tank over me before he crouched down to pull my shorts back up. "Shit, I can't believe I did that," he grumbled to myself as he fastened the button on my waistband. "It's okay." I tilted up on my tip-toes to meet his face. "I didn't mean to Baby, fuck-" "You didn't mean to- to act like such an animal?" "Ha," he chuckled, smiling back down at me. "No more wet shirts or dirty talk, only animals and shit. I don't want to break you anymore today."

Chapter 35

We started for the car, fingers entwined, arms brushing as we walked into the sunset. "Did you have fun today?" Gavin asked, pulling the enger door open for me. "I mean besides your arm?" "Oh, that was fun too-" I winked back. Today had been fun, a lot of fun. "Are you staying over tonight?" He smiled down at me, raising his finger to my shoulder, sliding it right under the tank strap. "I really fucking want to, but I don't think I can. I've got a paper due for my first class tomorrow, and I know I won't get shit done if you're next to me." Paper. Class. The words hit like a punch to the gut. I had all but blocked out that truth. I was leaving the zoo with my boyfriend, who had a paper due. "But I can stay over; if that's what you want." "No, no, that's fine." I gave him a quick flick of the wrist, playing it down before slipping into the seat. "I'm actually wiped out from all the walking today," I lied, trying to sound sincere. We were so perfect, minus the largest imperfection- his age. "You know-" he grabbed the wheel with one hand, the clutch with the other, whipping the car out of the parking lot. "I want to get a room on Friday night since you work Saturday night." "Okay." My smile was back. I'd love another night in a hotel with him."I'll talk to Debbie and see what they want me working this week." I dug out my phone, sending her a quick text. We drove back, lost in a peace that was semi-rare for us. Maybe we'd hit a turning point- the I love you somehow calming everything. The car finally crept up my driveway, but Gavin left the engine running, simply leaning over, lips puckered for a quick kiss.

"You're not coming in at all?" That was unlike him. "If I go in, I won't come out," he chuckled, opting to kiss my hand instead. "Fair enough." I elbowed the door open, climbing out. "Goodnight, Gavin." I started for the door, hearing him take off down the street. This was fine. I was tired and sore. I dropped my bag, swiped the wine bottle, and headed straight for the bath. The wine was cool, the water was warm, and I was sunken in bliss. This past weekend had been crap; next weekend however would be Valentine's Day, my first Valentine's with a boyfriend- with him. And we were going to be in a hotel. I needed to go shopping! It was my first Valentine's Day, at a hotelI needed lingerie! Sexy lingerie. I could only imagine how he'd react, how he'd ravage me. I lifted the wine, the bottle already empty. Hmm, I'd order some wine for the room too, wine and sexy lingerie. My imagination took over, fantasies stirring, warmth surging inside and out. I closed my eyes, focusing on my fingers trickling down my chestA boom hit the front door, then another. "Sadie!" "Gavin?" The door boomed open, slapped shut, heavy footsteps rattling the floor. "Sadie!" He walked into the bathroom, stilling, olive skin paling, then blushing. "Your front door's not locked, and you're in here fucking nakedcome on, Baby. What if it wasn't me coming in?" "But it was-" And I was just thinking about you. "Why'd you come back?" "Uh-" He noticed my hand, his eyes following my fingers coasting up and down my stomach. "You, you left your phone in my car. Debbie was messaging you." "Oh," I exhaled, tilting my head back against the porcelain, letting my fingers wander higher, fingertips teasing my hard nipples. "Sorry about

that. You can set it on the counter." "Okay, I'm gonna go now." I heard the clatter of the phone dropping, but not of feet retreating. "Thanks, and make sure you lock the door on your way out. I'll see you later." Still no footsteps, so I rolled my head to the side, meeting his ogling eyes. "See!" His low, raspy voice echoed around me. "This is what I was fucking talking about. If I come in, there's no way I'm coming out." "I like when you come in, and I also like when you come out." I trailed my hand to my other breast, pinching the thick, hard bud. "How am I supposed to leave with your wet tits right in my face?" He stepped over for a better view. "Is this what you do when I'm not around?" "Sometimes." I trailed my fingers down my stomach, dipping between my thighs. "Usually, I have two good hands." His jaw went lax, lips parting, eyes wide. " What would you do with the other?" "Wouldn't you like to know." He rubbed over his jeans, the outline of his hard dick suddenly all I could focus on. "I'm not getting in that bath, Baby, and I'm not here to watch." He stuck his hand out, fingers antsy for mine. "You're pretty demanding tonight, Mr. Romano." He bent right over the tub, one hand grabbing my good arm, the other hooking over my waist, hoisting me right out of the water. "Towel!" "Nope!" He was charging, carrying my dripping body across the floor. "Where are we going?" I half-laughed, half protested.

"To the carpet." "What? Take me to the bed!" "You'll get it wet." He continued, lying me on the floor. "It's too hard!" I arched, squirmed under him. "Always too hard for you." He kicked his shorts to his knees. "Touch your tits again, Baby." I bit back a giggle, slapping my hands against my chest, caressing and kneading. Then it was jolt, my back scratching the floor, his hips wild, pumping inside me like a man. "Oh, Gav- Gavin?" He started to collapse, only to jump off- avoiding my arm. "Shit, sorry, Baby- that was the quickest fucking nut." "It's fine." Gavin had more than proven himself in bed, and honestly it was quite flattering that he couldn't hold himself longer- that he was so turned on by me. "Touching yourself and that image of you in the bath. It was too fucking much," he groaned, already standing up, fastening his belt. "I'll that." I raised my hand for his, letting him help me up. "Now, do you think you'll be able to go home and concentrate on your paper?" "Nope," he laughed to himself. "Not with this fucking image in my mind." "Goodnight again, Gavin."

Chapter 36

This week had been the longest week of my life. I'd been working like crazy. I had lunch with Grant- letting the panic consume me, only to find out Mike hadn't said anything about Gavin or me, and between all that, shopping for Valentine's Day- for sexy stuff. And on top of it all- I hadn't seen Gavin. But it was finally Friday, and he would be here any minute to pick me up for dinner. I should be excited- I was excited, but the flutters had started a few hours ago, growing by the minute. It was silly- I had no reason to be nervous. I dropped my bag to the floor before hurrying back to the mirror for one final look. I had changed it up tonight, from my usual cute to classy, complete with a slick, high ponytail, dark makeup, and my new dress bought just for tonight. Everything looked perfect except for the faded brown bruise that still covered my arm, but at least the swelling was gone, and I didn't need that splint anymore. "Wow." I was stunned by the reflection. I had been in scrubs with messy hair for a week and hardly recognized this sleek, sexy woman staring back at me. Now I was really excited! A rap, a tap, a string of light knocks hitting my door. He was here! Breathe! I swung the door open, losing my breath from the sight. He was in a suit with his hair gelled back and to the sides. His face utterly perfect, his bodybeyond perfect. "Hi." It was all I could manage to squeak out. "Baby!" He bent down, throwing me right up into his arms. "I missed you so fucking bad this week." "I missed you too!" "Shall we?" He lowered me to the ground, immediately grabbing for my bag and starting for his car. Wait... I looked back at my bedroom door, then out to that shockingly

debonair man holding the enger door for me. Sex could wait... couldn't it... I followed him out, locking and arming the alarm on the way. "You look beautiful, Baby!" He took my hand while I sank into the seat. Then he rounded to his side, climbing in, roaring his engine back up. I immediately recognized the drive, the same hotel from my lunch with Mike, more so Gavin's room upstairs. "Thought it might be nice to wake up on the water." He pulled up to the valet, the guys instantly shuffling to our doors. "I've already checked in!" Gavin grabbed my bag, gesturing me towards the grand entryway. "We'll put your stuff down and head to dinner." "Sounds good." I hooked my arm in his, the two of us striding through the doors into the lobby, and straight into the awaiting elevator, up to the top floor. He led me down the hallway to the last door, pushing it open to a sweeping view of the ocean. "Oh my god! Gavin!" I shook my hand out of his, rushing past him into the suite and straight the balcony doors that were already propped open. "This is incredible!" I swung back, walking back in, catching the bedroom from the corner of my eye and the rose petal covered bed, complete with a bucket of champagne. "Gavin! Did you do all this?" My smile was too big for my face. "You like it? I wanted to make our first Valentine's Day special, Baby." He took a long step, capturing my hand, twirling me into him. "I do! And I think you might be a closet case romantic." I inadvertently giggled, overcome by the surprise. This was something I saw in movies, not something that ever happened to me. "Champagne?" "Later." He stepped back, taking me with him. "We have dinner reservations." He was taking this seriously. I liked it. "If you insist," I playfully balked as he drug me back out of the room and into the hall. We boarded the elevator once again, staring at our reflections as the door

sealed. He looked so incredible tonight, and he definitely did not look only twenty-two. He dropped my hand, draping his arm over my back instead while guiding me to the restaurant. "Romano," he called to the hostess, who took us back immediately, seating us at a candle-lit table. I was giddy, still smiling, butterflies still fluttering- but not from nerves, from excitement, anticipation. "Gavin." I wiggled my foot against his under the table. "This is beautiful." His eyes met mine from across the table, black irises reflecting the candlelight- making them twinkle. "You are beautiful." "I love you." I didn't intend to say it, the words just slipped out, yet it felt so good to say them again. His lips hung there, suspended, his eyes sinking into his cheeks, while the slightest smile curled into them. "You have no idea how fuc- how good that makes me feel, Baby." A waiter arrived at the table, placing the prix fixe dishes down, as well as a bottle of wine. Only food was the last thing on my mind, I wanted to be under those twinkling eyes or staring down into them. "After this," Gavin whispered over as he refilled his wine. "We can stop by the lounge and have a drink." How long was he going to prolong this night? I wanted to get him upstairslike now. "Whatever you want. This is already such an amazing Valentine's." "The first of many!" His hand fell over mine, gripping my fingers, lifting them to his lips. "And I love you too, Baby." It was just like the movies, staring into each other's eyes as we ate, exchanging fleeting smiles, feet brushing under the table. I finished my third glass of wine, ready for the second part of this night to begin. I wanted him upstairs ravaging me, not sitting down here trying to be polite, biting his tongue every time he almost said fuck. I wanted to hear it.

"Ready?" He signaled for the waiter, handing him what looked like a stack of hundred-dollar bills before grabbing my hand. "Yes!" I almost screamed. "First a nightcap," he instructed, standing from the table and circling it to help me up. "Then I'm taking you upstairs." "We can skip the drinks." Ravage me now! "I haven't seen you in days. I really wanna enjoy you." "Ohh, okay." Great, now I was picturing wild Gavin, that Gavin really ravaged... oh boy. "Why do the guys in the room always have to fuc-" he grunted, biting his lips. "Stare at you, it really pisses me off," he huffed as we continued out the crowded restaurant. "I think they're looking at you." At least all the women around us were, shoot some men too."You look incredibly sexy tonight, Gavin." He blushed, blushed! It was the first time I'd seen him get rosy cheeks like that. I needed to compliment him more often. I had assumed he knew how attractive he was and how attractive I thought he was. We stepped into the lounge, heading for the bar. "Two kamikaze shots," Gavin yelled to the bartender. "Kamikaze?" I was already feeling slightly buzzed from the wine, and this would definitely tip the scale. "Shots?" He gave me a wicked grin just as the bartender slid the shots over. "Salute." He handed me one of the glasses, raising a toast. "Another round." He called back to the bartender. "I'll be right back Baby. I've gotta take a pisuse the restroom." He was trying so hard to be on his best behavior, one more shot and hopefully polite would be out of his system. I was used to my Gavin, not this polite one. I watched him walk to the back, his ass looking so hot in those

slacks. Pretty soon, I'd have that man naked in bed with me. How did I get so lucky? "Here you go!" I twisted back to the bar counter, thanking the bartender and not bothering to wait for Gavin, downing my shot. "Sadie?" Another voice, so I spun around, seeing Mark walking my way. "I knew it was you!" His arms were up, falling right over me. "How are you?" "Small world! What are you doing here, Mark?" The second Mark dropped his hug, two other hands swung over me, snaking around my waist, pulling me backwards, right into the chest I knew so well. Mark's eyes shot up behind me, his smile matching his wide eyes. "Mark, this is my- this is Gavin." I tilted my face up, meeting Gavin's hard-pressed stare. "Mark works at the hospital." Mark sprung forward, eyes on my arm. "I'm so glad your arm is better. It looked so bad after the accident," he sighed. "I was worried." "Well, you took good care of me!" I was suddenly being strangled by Gavin's grip, fingers digging into my dress. "Have you been back to work since? Good lord, have you seen Kirk yet?" Mark chuckled, rolling his eyes. This was not the conversation I wanted to have right now, not with Gavin already seething- in fact, he needed to cool down. "Here's your shot." I reached back, plucking the shot glass from the bar and handing it to Gavin. Only he rebuffed it, so I gulped it down myself. "I worked this week actually." "And did Kirk find you? I swear he was frantic." "Yeah, I, Um, talked to him the other day." A grunt hit my ear, the bull behind me ready to charge. "You did?" The

grunt was deeper, exhaling through his nose. "You didn't fuc- ugh- you didn't mention that." "Do you work at the hospital?" Mark piped up, giving Gavin a once over. "No!" I answered, hoping it didn't sound too bitchy. Mark shrugged, glancing over his shoulder casually, then smiling back at us. "Well, my evening plans just arrived- let's pray it's a prince and not another frog. And Sadie," he flirted innocently. "You look incredible, very sexy tonight. Have fun!" Gavin's rigid body pushed in protectively against my back, his hands flexing into fists at my sides. "Baby," he spat through clenched teeth. "I'm really trying to be good tonight, but I'm about to lose my shit." "Why?" I spun in his arms, seeing his glare following Mark away. Had he not seen who Mark's date was? Who Mark was walking over to. "You didn't tell me about Kirk," he grumbled, straining his face, jaw firm. "And what the fu- what does that guy think he's doing calling you sexy, fu-" "Relax." I stretched my fingers to his chest. "I didn't mention Kirk because I don't give a shit about him. And Mark, well, he's just Mark." "I don't want you working with Kirk anymore, and I don't want him fudammit. I don't want him looking at you, or thinking about you." "Why do you care?" I fell into him, legs feeling light as a feather. "You're the only one who gets to fuck me. And Gavin, you don't need to be polite tonight. I like it when you say fuck."

Chapter 37

"Fuck, I don't think I can wait to get to the room, Baby!" He threw me up against the elevator wall, hard body pinning mine back- his very hard body. The elevator door opened; we were racing, stumbling over our feet, lips locked, hands flying, buttons ripping. He kicked the door in, spinning me up against the wall as it slammed shut. "I don't want any other fucking guys chasing you around, understand." His eyes were level with mine, both of us panting. "I want to hear you scream my name over and over again tonight. No, fuck that, I want you screaming my name over and over again for eternity." Eternity... His face dug in, hands dug under, sliding up my dress- but that wasn't what I planned. I wanted to give him his present first. He did all this for me, it was time to show him my appreciation. "I'll be right back!" I wiggled from his grip- his hands grew tighter. "Ladies room," I insisted, feeling his whole body deflate, hands falling to let me go. I sped away, arm out, stealthily grabbing my bag on the way to the bathroom. My dress was flying, panties with it, my hands working double time, racing to squeeze the too tight bustier over my breasts, cinch it up until they were spilling out, cleavage on overdrive. Then I stepped into the matching thong before yanking out my hair, letting it fall in waves around my face. From classy to sexy in under a minute. I turned the knob, peeking out, seeing his back to me in the bedroom. I started for him, he heard the footsteps, and he swung around, arms outstretched holding flutes of champagne- which were about to drop to the floor, just as his jaw was. "Holy fuck!" He stood there, dark eyes ablaze while he pushed one of the glasses to his mouth, downing it in one gulp.

" what I said about only you seeing me? Only you fucking me? This-" I waved over my body. "Is exclusively yours, Mr. Romano." The flutes were gone, his eyes were black, narrowed, his body in motionnothing but a blur as he attacked. "Dammit Baby, this is so fucking sexy!" He spun me, ready to throw me to the sheets, but I stood like stone, dancing my finger side to side. "Thank you for dinner, Gavin, now if you don't mind- I'd like to have dessert." I hooked my fingers over his jacket, sliding it down his shoulders. "You look sexy tonight too." I stepped back to the ice bucket, dropping my hand in, wrapping it over a few pieces of ice, raising them to my lips, dragging them end to end before slurping them into my mouth. My turn to make you scream my name. I walked back, sinking to my knees, staring up at him as I swirled the ice over my tongue, all the while tugging at his zipper, freeing his swollen dick. The ice melted, leaving my mouth cold and hot, my lips the same. I leaned in, icy lips hitting his tip, hearing his immediate sharp intake of breathfollowed by another when I blew a steamy breath over the cold. "Fuck." His legs wobbled, moans sputtering from his lips already- just wait. I sealed my mouth over his smooth skin, licking his salty head- the taste turning me to a fiend. And then I dove, sliding my lips down, sucking all of him, his body trembling from the force, from the ice and the heat. "Cazzo, fuck, fuck, oh, god-" He was jerking, hands flying, chest heaving above me while he screamed and moaned. All of it making me want to please him that much more. My mouth was exploding with him, choking, gagging- sucking and smothering with hollowed cheeks. "Fuckkk," he whimpered, body jolting, legs trembling against me. "Holy fuck! Oh, fuck- I'm gonna come." Suddenly another blur- I was being whipped away, tossed back onto the bed, his body crashing over mine, dick now filling me, and once again, I was exploding with him. "Gavin." He was pumping fast, hard, hips dragging

over mine, hands sliding under my ass, tilting me to just the right anglethen plowing away. Damn, I was insatiable too, arching to meet those deep thrusts, clawing mercilessly at his sweaty chest. "Gavin!" He rammed harder, pounding furiously, body grinding against my chest, his face falling to my cleavage, biting into it as his pace quickened. Oh god. I flashed my eyes to his, waiting for his to open, watching his tense face shudder with every deep slam. "Gavin, Gavin!" I whimpered, his eyes fluttering open, looking down- finding mine. "I love you." "Fuuck." He met my release, collapsing to my side, drenched in sweat, struggling to catch his breath. I sucked in a few breaths, gathering my strength before rolling my head over towards his. "Happy Valentine's Day, Gavin." He lifted his hand to my chest, fingers twisting up the lace tie of the corset. "I missed you this week, Baby, but this was worth the wait." "I missed you too, Baby," I whispered back to him. "I like when you call me that." He slid his fingers up to my lips, tracing over them now. "You hardly ever do." "Okay, Baby," I teased, pushing myself up, grabbing for the flute of champagne on the bedside table. He followed, wiping the sweat from his brow as he watched me. "I hope you brought something else to sleep in, because I'm not gonna get any fucking sleep if you're next to me like this." "That's the point." I handed him my glass, which he happily took. Then I stood from the bed, walking straight for the balcony doors, opening them all the way to let the breeze in. "This is so perfect, Gavin." "Come on." He hopped up, grabbing the sheet off the bed and draping it over my shoulders while leading me outside. He took a seat on the squeaky

balcony chair, pulling me down onto his lap. "Ah," he sighed. "This cold air's like a slap in the face. Exactly what I needed." "What?" I laughed against his chest, cuddling deeper into him. "You, this sexy ass lingerie. I need to get a grip on myself before I tear you up." "Oh." But was that really such a bad thing? "I've never wanted something so much before." I could feel my smile- this was a good investment. "I'll buy more like it." "No, Baby." His chest started rumbling with his laugh. "You. I've never fucking wanted anything the way I want you. I couldn't even get through these last few nights without thinking about you every damn second." Neither had I. "So why didn't you come by?" "I'm really behind on a lot of shit," he mumbled more to himself. "And that's not my style." "Sorry." "No, Baby, it's not your fault." He kissed my hair before resting his head against it. "Plus, I went-" I waited for him to continue, but he didn't. "You went?" "Nothing." His hold went slack as we stared out at the dark beach, listening to the waves that were forming a soft lullaby around us. "Gavin," I whispered, tilting my face up, meeting his closed eyes. "Goodnight I guess." I didn't try to get up, sleeping in his arms was absolutely perfect.

A noise startled me, my eyes popping open, slowly coming into focus, realizing we were still cuddled outside on the balcony. I had no idea what

time it was, only that it was freezing and foggy out here. I glanced around, scanning the sand, the water reflecting the moon, and then the man under me, sleeping so soundly. I had never felt love like this; I didn't know it existed. "Gavin," I whispered, pulling at his arm. "Baby." I stood up, tugging at him once more, his eyes finally blinking open. "Let's go back to bed." I pulled his arm up, dragging him back inside to the bed, lying him down with a kiss before turning to walk over to my side. "Come to bed, Baby," he muttered, half asleep. "I don't wanna have to worry about you tomorrow night." "I am, and you worry too much." I crawled under the covers next to him. "I've already lost too much," he replied so quietly that I barely heard it. Then he leaned over, peering at the clock. "It's 12:34," he whispered. "Happy Valentine's Day, Sadie."

Chapter 38

"Good morning." Gavin's whisper hit my ear as his lips hit my forehead. "Happy Valentine's Day, Baby." "Happy Valentine's Day," I repeated, opening my eyes, already smiling. "You're up early." "I wanted to have breakfast ready." He stood from the bed, hand out for mine. "Breakfast?" I rolled out, taking his hand, following him to the balcony doors, seeing the champagne breakfast set-up outside. "What's all this?" "Breakfast, but first-" He pulled my hand to a stop. "You need to put something on." I looked down at the lingerie I was still wearing. "We're just going on the balcony." "Exactly, and this-" He waved over my body. "Is only for my eyes." He walked over to the closest, grabbing out the hotel robe, so I opened my arms, letting him slide it over me. I took a seat, staring out at the waves crashing below, already reflecting the bright sun. "I'm very impressed." I grabbed a glass of champagne, then filled a bowl with strawberries. He plopped into his chairs, slouching back, staring off into the view. "A week ago, I was on a plane, a fucking nervous wreck trying to get back to you," he lamented. "I never want to feel like that again. I only want to have times like these going forward." "I'll cheer to that." I raised my glass towards him, but he reached over, grabbed my free hand, and entwined our fingers while turning to face me. "Sadie, I want you to know how much I love you." He was sincere, deep

eyes locked in mine. I rose on instinct, stepping over to him and straddling his lap. "I know, and I love you that much too." I wrapped my hands around his neck, lowering my lips, fumbling my kisses from his cheek, to his nose, to his mouth. "Sadie." "I'm wearing a robe," I whispered into his ear. "No one can see what's happening under it. But if you're worried." I stood back up, tugging him up with me, guiding him back through the doors and into the room, backing him right into the wall. "Are you concerned now?" He looked around. "As long as no one can see you." "You didn't care in Vegas." "We were drunk, twenty stories high, and it was dark." "How did you want to start your morning?" I shook the robe off, ran my hands up the corset, snapping the knot loose, breasts springing free. His eyes grew stormy, brown to black, wide to hooded. "I want to fuck them." I figured. "Let me get you a little wet first." I slithered against him, slowly making my way to his pants, rubbing my palm over the lump under them. "Fuck," He sighed, head falling back against the wall. I flicked his waistband down, flicked my tongue on the tip that was front and center, swirling up and down, lathering him up. Then I leaned back, staring up to his dark eyes as I untied the corset, breasts spilling free and my hands squeezing them for dear life. "Fuck, fuck, fuck." He was instantly thrusting, grabbing at my head for , hips smacking my chest as his dick slid in and out of my cleavage. "Dammit." His fingers clenched my head, his release shooting up my neck. "Oh, Baby."

I straightened back up, heading for the bathroom to clean up, but his arm swung out, seizing my hand. "I've waited so long for you," he spoke through his smile. "What do you mean?" I laughed. "To titty fuck?" He started chuckling, shaking his head no. "To find this, to feel content. To feel better- to feel this good." I hadn't felt this happy in a long time either. In fact I felt like someone totally different than myself. "Come on." I tugged him towards the shower. "Let's see how much better this day can get."

We stepped out of the shower with Gavin immediately heading for the bedroom to change into his board shorts. While I, on the other hand, locked the bathroom door, needing privacy and a little peace of mind. I had bought a new dress for this trip, new lingerie, and a new bikini. The sales lady had talked me into it- I had told her I wasn't brave enough to pull it off, and she had laughed, telling me I was beautiful and that this bikini was just accentuating the beauty. I fell for it, and now here I was, holding the skimpiest bikini I'd ever owned. I could do this. Gavin liked the lingerie; surely he would like this. I pulled the bikini top strings around my neck, tying them before adjusting the mini triangles over my nipples- because that's basically all they covered. Then I dangled the bottoms in my hand; bottoms perhaps wasn't the right word, thongish seemed more appropriate. I tied the sides before stepping in and twisting to see my back in the mirror. I, wow, I... it didn't look bad. It was hard to believe that was my reflection staring back at me. "Ready?" I shrugged on my beach cover, raring to go.

Gavin tossed the towels onto the sand, bending over to straighten them while I took the plunge, shaking my swim cover off and dropping it to the sand.

"There, you can-" he started, turning back to me, his eyes bugging from his head as they raked over my bikini. "Please tell me that's not the bathing suit you wear all the time." I knew it. It was one thing to wear skimpy lingerie around a horny guy, another to wear a way too revealing bikini in broad daylight when all my flaws were visible- and his mind wasn't consumed with the thought of impending sex. "No, it's-" I stumbled back, shaking my head no, frantically scooping the swim cover right back up, pressing it against me, covering the suit. "Oh shit," he groaned, taking a giant leap over. "I didn't mean it like that." He pushed his hand under my chin, tilting my face up to meet his. "You look sexy, too sexy, Baby. That's what I fucking meant." Sure. I pulled the cover over my arms, but he flung his hand down to stop me. "Sadie, stop! What I was trying to ask, was is this what you wear when I'm not around, at pools or when you run on the beach and shit." He yanked the cover from my hands, tossing it back to the sand. "Because you are already incredibly fucking hot, and this is beyond fucking sexy." He wrapped his hands around my semi-exposed ass, lowering his face to mine. "And just for the record, I don't want you wearing this when I'm not around." "I shouldn't have bought it." It was too much. I was too old for something so revealing. "I just wanted something special. I don't know, to be sexy for you today." His face suddenly perked, that devilish grin of his curling right up. "Trust me, it feels more like my fucking birthday than anything. And you definitely should have bought it. In fact, I think I'll have fun with this later," he teased, rolling the string tie between his fingers. "We need a reset." His gaze started drifting. "I don't want you thinking about the dumb shit I said." "I'm fine, I swear." I smiled over to him, he on the other hand, dropped his smile, an evil smirk forming in its place. "Gavin?" He bent down, charging over, hands hitting my waist, lifting me off the sand, and tossing me right up over his shoulder. "What are you doing!" I squealed, shocked and surprised, batting at his back while he stomped down towards the water. "No, Gavin!"

"You wanted a day at the beach!" He chuckled, walking right into the break. "Laying out, reading!" I yelled, still batting at his back- then his lips hit my ass, smacking kiss after kiss. "Gavin!" He flipped me back over- right into the icy cold water. "Oh my god, oh my god!" It was freezing! I took a giant stride, trying to get back to shore- hearing his maniacal laugh behind me. "Come back, Baby," he chuckled, wading towards me, catching my waist yet again and lifting me right back up, only this time he held me in front of him, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist. "Gavin!" I laughed, pleaded. "Please, it's freezing." I threw my hands around his neck, keeping my body close. "Not yet." He jumped over a wave, splashing us both. "Why not?" "Because your tits are perky as hell, and my dick is rock hard." He looked down at me, laughing under his breath. "This is why you don't need to try to be sexy for me, Baby. I'm already a walking hard-on when you're around. When you wear shit like this I can't fucking function." He slid his arm under my thigh, reaching right up between my legs. "Oh," I exhaled sharply, turning my wide eyes up to his. "You want tohere?" "No," he sighed. "Maybe if there weren't a hundred gawking tourists behind us. I just want to touch you a little." He sunk lower in the water, holding me with one hand as his other slid under my bikini bottoms. It felt so good, until my eyes trailed behind him to the crowds of people on the shore and the ones splashing around us. "Turn me! I don't want to be looking at all of them." He turned in the water, swirling me just as a wave crashed around us, sending his fingers plunging into me. "Ahh..." Another sharp exhale against his face.

"Fuck," he grumbled, fingers sliding away. "Now, I'm looking at all of them." He tossed me back down into the water- and this time, I had the advantage of being in front of him, so I took off, jumping forward, wading quickly through the waves, hearing him cracking up behind me. "I won!" I yelled over my shoulder, hearing his defeated whines as I rose from the tide, continuing up to the sand. I turned around, gloating, watching as he waded through the water, his arms crossed over his chest, giving me the sexiest pouty face. He was cute, funny. I started laughing to myself, those tiny laughs growing hysterical as I watched him pout his way through the waves. I spun around, ready to run again, smacking right into someone walking by. "Oh shit, I'm so sorry!" I stepped aside, apologizing to the random guy. "No worries!" He smiled back, looking me up and down- very obviously. Oh! A jolt! Gavin plowing into me, throwing me into the air, back up over his shoulder, stomping away up the beach. "Put me down!" I couldn't stop laughing, sandy tears sticking to my cheeks. "Nope!" He kept going until he reached our towels. "Gavin!" I demanded, and he swatted my ass before flipping me down onto my towel. "Just be lucky I didn't charge all the way upstairs." "Hmm." I tried to quell my laughing fit. "And not going upstairs is lucky how?" He rolled down on the towel next to mine, shooting me a playful look. "Don't worry, we'll have plenty of time for you to get lucky." I looked over, noticing a small bandage on his arm. "What's that?" "Huh?" He rubbed over his arm, right under the New York skyline. "Oh, um, got a cut at the gym, no big deal." A cut! I stretched my hand over, he twisted away. "You got hurt?"

"Just a cut," he laughed. "Forgot to take the bandage off." "Let me see it!" "It's fine!" He flipped onto his stomach, folding his arms under his head. "Gavin, I'm a nurse!" "Trust me, I know," he growled playfully, squinting over. "I hope you're saving that for my birthday." "Oh jeez!" I followed his lead, flipping onto my stomach and resting my head over my arms, closing my eyes, eventually succumbing to the sound of waves.

I felt a tickle on my thigh, so I shook it off, trying to keep my sleep. Then the tickle moved up to my ass, making me snap around, smack whatever it was off. "Ouch," Gavin chuckled. "I'm sleeping!" "And I'm creeping." His fingers traced the skimpy bottoms, following the line, up and down over my ass. "Ugh." I flipped over, squinting up at him. "Even better," he rasped, now running his fingers up my stomach and across the tiny bikini triangles. "Our late check-out is almost up, so-" "Already?" That went by too fast. "We should probably get to our room then." I arched my chest, teasing him. "Because I need… to pack my stuff." "Funny." He half laughed, lowering his face as I twisted mine away. "Save it for the room!" I rolled up to standing, brushing the sand from my legs, and automatically grabbing for my cover-up, sliding it over my neck, my flat neck... where... oh no. "Gavin, my necklace!"

"What?" He turned back, shrugging his shoulders. "My necklace from the mission! It's gone!" I shook out the towel, billowed my cover around, drug my foot around in the sand- nothing. "I bet it fell off in the water." That little bird had come to mean so much to me. "It's fine-" he snatched up his towel, draping it over his shoulder. "I'll order another one online. You'll have it tomorrow." "That's not the same! There's no sentiment that way. We, I don't know, we got it together, and the story, and-" "Baby," he sighed, hands falling to my arms, rubbing up and down. "It's a twenty-dollar necklace. We'll just go back and get another." I looked back over at the water, it was probably long gone by now. "Fine." I took his hand, starting back for the hotel.

We packed everything up, and Gavin went to stack our bags at the door while I took another lap around the suite, walking out the balcony doors one last time. "Gavin." "Yeah?" "Let's take a picture." I wanted something to this weekend, and I was always so paranoid about Grant seeing us that I never took any photos of Gavin. "Hurry, my phone's dying!" He rushed out, immediately wrapping me up in his arms while I held my phone up. There we were on the screen, smiling up at our reflections after an amazing weekend together. "One more," I insisted, turning to kiss him right as my phone died. "Darn! Next time!" Then Gavin pulled out his phone. "Oh shit! We've got to go- check-out was five minutes ago!"

"We have to leave?" I wasn't ready. "Yeah, the hotel's booked. Otherwise, I would have booked another night just for the few extra hours." We hustled back in, Gavin accidentally knocking my purse to the floor, both of us scrambling to pick it all up. "But we can finish this at your place." He scooped the last of the stuff, dumping it into my bag. "I want to come here again." "Anything for you, Baby! Just name the day." He kicked the door open, grabbing our bags while I closed the door behind us.

Chapter 39

"Shoot, where are my keys?" I drug my hand through my bag for the third time since we'd gotten back to my place. "Did you put them in my suitcase?" Gavin bent down, lips smacking mine while his hands crept around my back. "Gavin!" I couldn't help but giggle. "Wait until we're inside." "Your neighbors are moving- what does it matter?" He hissed, lips sliding to my ear. "Maybe this is just a sign that we should head to another hotel." "I didn't pack any scrubs for tomorrow, and I'm not showing up to work like this." I pulled at my sandy bikini top, flicking the strap. "I could break a window." He swung his arm back, playfully practicing. "Very funny, uh, I think I left the back slider unlocked." "Seriously?" He bellowed, rolling his eyes. "But." He reached for my top, dipping his fingers under it. "I have missed that backyard of yours, particularly the bench. How about we start round two now?" Yes, yes! Where were my damn keys! We needed to be in that house now! I dropped my purse onto the patio, checking it once more, nothing. "Try the back!" I insisted, hurrying over to the side gate, jumping to try and open it. Gavin walked up behind me, reaching over with ease to unlatch it. "Wait out here." We only had an hour or so now before I had to leave for work, and I wanted to spend every minute of it with him in bed, or in the shower, or on that bench. Oh, god. "Gavin!" The front door finally swung open, and I rushed over, lunging into his arms, smacking my lips against his.

"Hold on," he laughed, trying to escape my kiss. "Let me get our bags in." "Fine." I followed him to the car, watching him collect the bags, hearing a strange beeping. "What's that noise?" I looked back to the house, hearing the buzzing grow louder. "Shit, Sadie, that's your alarm!" Oh crap. I ran inside to the unit on the wall. What was my code? I entered my birthday, but a red x flashed back at me while the beeping grew louder. Shit. "Sadie!" "I know!" I screamed back. "I usually use the remote on my keys! I don't the code!" My next guess was Grant's birthday, so I typed it ingetting an immediate green check. "Thank God!" Gavin chuckled as he walked past me, putting my bag into the bedroom while I shut the front door. "Here," he called, handing me my phone. "Don't forget to charge this." I took it straight to the charger in the kitchen, hoping it would get at least enough juice to power on before work. "Now," I yelled out to Gavin. "We only have forty-five minutes left of Valentine's Day." I walked back out, not finding him in the living room, so I continued to the bedroom, seeing him sprawled across the bed. "Forty-five minutes, you were saying?" He winked, giving me his notorious grin. "And you're sure you can't call in sick tonight?" "Nope!" I tugged my top over my head. "But I'll be back at 7:30 tomorrow morning, and you can come right back over." I shimmied my bottoms off next, watching his eyes rake over my bikini. He sat up, reaching his arms for me. "How about I sleep here? That way, you can climb back into bed with me when you get home." "Are you sure?"

He started trailing his fingers up my arm to my neck, whittling the strings of my suit between his fingertips, then ripping them apart, watching the top fall away. "Oh, I'm sure." "Clock's ticking." I fell against him, knocking him back onto the comforterperfect. I climbed on top, straddling his waist, seductively pulling the strings of my bikini bottoms loose. "Take you for one last ride, Mr. Romano?" I loosened his shorts, letting his arousal escape- lifting to meet it, sliding right down him. "Oh god-" His fingertips dug into my waist, guiding my rhythm. "I want to be on top now, Baby." He lifted me, rolled me, sank back over me, ditched his shorts before shoving right back inside me. "Oh, Gavin." I was grinding with him, deeper and deeper. "Damn, I love you so fucking much, Baby." "Mom!" I heard the word ever so faintly, surely I imagined it. "Mom?" Grant? The sound grew louder, Gavin's face popping up to meet mine, both our heads slowly turning towards my open bedroom door. "Mom!" Grant's voice was clearer, louder now, and suddenly he was there, standing in my bedroom doorway, eyes on us. Holy shit. "Mom!" His face went pale, eyes flashing in rapid-fire from me to Gavin and back. Shit. Shit. Shit. What was happening! "Fuuuccck." Gavin rolled off me, yanking the blanket up over us. It should be the kid getting caught in bed, not the parent. "Wh- what are you doing here, Grant?" My voice was shaky, barely above a whisper. "Your, your uh, your security company called... your alarm wasn't shut off in time, and I had to give them the . So I, I thought I'd stop by before I picked up Berkeley. Make sure you were alright." The color started coming back to his cheeks, his eyes suddenly focusing.

"You could have called," Gavin huffed. "I did!" He snapped. "My mom's phone is off!" "I'm sorry." It was all I could manage to say. I was mortified, frozen in place, wishing he would just turn around. "What, what the hell is going on!" Grant finally screamed. "What the hell is he doing here!" "Sweetie, I-" "Oh my god- are you- have you- no! What the hell is wrong with you!" He started screaming, throwing his hands up to his head. "With both of you!" "We're together," Gavin shot back. What was he thinking! My head was suddenly heavy, sinking down to avoid the glare from Grant. My two realities were colliding, and I didn't know where to stand or which Sadie to side with. "Together?" Grant repeated, mouth agape. "That's my mom Gavin! You're disgusting! Get the hell out of here!" "I'm not going anywhere!" Gavin yelled back, moving his hand to mine, but I recoiled quickly. "So what-" Grant turned his tirade to me. "You're a cougar now? You moved to San Diego to hit on guys from my school. What the hell is wrong with you, Mom!" "Shut the hell up, Grant!" Gavin barked back. "Get the hell out of my house, Gavin! You're a dick and a creep!" Gavin went rigid next to me, I needed to diffuse it- before it was too late. "Grant, this is hard to explain." "You two are naked in your bed. I think I got it!"

"Sweetie, it's-" The tears started pouring, choking up my excuses. "Don't call me that!" Grant kept yelling. "You're sick! Get him out of your bed, Mom!" Trying to talk to him while holding a blanket over my naked body next to Gavin was pointless. "Can you wait in the living room, Grant? I'll be out in a second." "No! I'm getting the hell out of here! You both are seriously fucked up!" I had never heard Grant use that word before. "Please." He huffed, giving us one final, disgusted look before stomping out of the room, banging the door shut. "Are you okay?" Gavin's hands slid to my back, making me flinch. I didn't want him comforting me, not with Grant right here. "I need you to go!" I demanded with tear-filled eyes. "What? No! I'm not leaving you here with-" "With my son!" I answered for him, scooting to the edge of the bed, trying to distance myself. "My son who walked in on his mom in bed with a guy from his school. Jesus, what have I been thinking?" I dropped my feet to the floor, beelining for the dresser. "Don't fucking do this!" He was right behind, feet shaking the house. "Let me help you!" Help? Help! "You can't fucking help me- when you're the problem! And that goddamn alarm!" How could I have let this happen! "This is wrong. Grant's right. What the hell is wrong with me!" I'd been living in some sexy fairytale with Gavin, totally removed from reality. He wasn't reality! He bent for his shorts on the floor, haphazardly stepping into them. "Ten minutes ago, you were telling me you loved me- now you don't know what the hell's wrong with you?"

"You don't understand; you don't have kids. Grant is my everything, and now he thinks I'm, oh god, what he must think." "So let him think it. Why are you so fucking ashamed? He's young; he'll get over it." "He's not going to get over this, Gavin! You don't walk in on your mom having sex with your friend and just get over it." "He's not my fucking friend!" "Not helping!" I pulled a sweater over my head, using the sleeves to wipe my tears. He stalked back over, getting too close. "I've gone through much worse and gotten over it!" He crossed his arms over his puffing chest. "Don't do anything stupid right now, Sadie." Stupid? I ed stupid a long time ago. "I need you to leave, Gavin! Let me handle this, please." "I can't fucking believe that this is how our Valentine's Day ends." "I have to fix this. Please make this easier on me. Go!" "You don't need to fix that by breaking this!" "This was always broken, Gavin! We started broken!" The tears were heavier now, too many to wipe away. "I love you, Sadie." His arms dropped, landing on my hips. "Baby." I knew what he wanted from me, the words he needed to hear. Only those words felt wrong, too foreign right now. "Gavin, please leave. Every second in here with you is a second that I don't have with Grant, trying to explain all this." I looked up, silently pleading. He nodded, eyes glassing over, but not fighting me. He turned around, stalking right out the door, and a second later, the front door slammed.

Goodbye, Gavin. I wiped as many tears away as I could before walking out. My worst fear in this relationship with Gavin had been realized, and it was that damned alarm's fault. Gavin had that system installed to protect me, and it had literally done the opposite. I stepped out, staring at Grant pacing the floor- his face flush, eyes wet. I'd worked so hard to be the best mom for him, hell, even the best dad for him. Now this. What was wrong with me? "I'm sorry, Grant." He looked up, watching me walk to the couch. "I feel sick." "I should have told you when it started." "When it started?" His voice grew to a yell. "What do you mean it? Oh my god, you're the older woman. Jeez, Mom, no." "It's not like that, we, we've been seeing each other for a while." He let out a long dramatic laugh. "When? Between his classes? Are you that desperate that you allow yourself to be some college guy's conquest?" I tried to hold the tears back. "I am not a conquest." "You're right. Maybe he was your conquest to see if you still had it or some crap." He rolled his eyes, looking at me with such disgust. "That's enough, Grant!" I wiped the tears from my cheeks. "I don't care what I did; you will still treat me with respect!" "Respect is earned!" Oh, this fucking child. "Yeah, Grant! As in spending the last eighteen years of my life taking care of you, focusing solely on you- getting you here to college- giving up my entire life. That doesn't warrant respect?" I met his eyes, making sure he was listening. "You think I don't deserve respect because I fell in love with the wrong guy?" "He's a senior in college!"

"He's twenty-two, and I'm not going to make excuses because it has eaten me up for far too long. All I've ever wanted was to be this happy in love, and when I finally get it, I can't have it." I stood back up, pacing while Grant took the seat in my place. "I'm sorry that you walked in on that, I really am. And I'm sorry that I didn't tell you right away, but thank God, that I didn't. Because I would have never seen Gavin again, which would have been heartbreaking." "What do you want from me?" His shoulders caved forward, elbows perched on his knees. "To accept that you're sleeping with him? What? You two getting married?" He scoffed, kicking his shoes against the table in front of him. "I don't want a stepdad who's four years older than me." I hadn't even gotten that far. I was trying to live in the moment, so much for that. "I don't know what's going to happen, honestly. Especially after I just threw him out on Valentine's Day." "Why can't you be normal and go out with someone like Mike?" "Mike? Your girlfriend's dad- let that sink in Grant, and I don't love Mike. I love Gavin." He flung back, face whipping up, staring at me. "You love Gavin?!" He repeated. "You can't be serious." "I don't understand it either. You think I want to be in this situation?" "You don't have to be!" "I want to be with Gavin! He means a lot to me, Grant." "He's using you, Mom! Why can't you see that? You're delusional!" "Using me for what? He could have any woman he wanted." "I don't know. I just know he can't possibly love you." Nice. "I'm sorry again for what you walked in on Grant. I hope that memory fades fast, but right now I need to pull myself together and get to work."

"Will you promise me to break it off with him?" I had done everything for him, given in to every whim, every demand- it was time I said no. "No." "You're going to keep hooking up with him? Because it's him or me!" He stood up, meeting me eye to eye. "Really?" He was giving me ultimatums now. "I don't know what I'm going to do. What I do know is that it'll be my decision. I'm done making group decisions, it's time that I do what's best for me." "I'm going to be the laughing stock of the school!" He shook his head, eyes watering. "I would hope you wouldn't mention this to anyone Grant, even Berkeley." I walked away, knowing that a hug was out of the question. I didn't know what to do about him or about Gavin. Grant would never accept Gavin, and I knew his threat of 'him or me' was real, at least for the near future. "This is shit, Mom! How am I supposed to go to class and face him, knowing he's screwing you! I bet he's screwing half the chicks at school too." I stopped in my doorway, turning back to face him. "I'm sorry again, Grant. I'm sorry that you're in this situation." "Him or me- Mom!" Was I willing to give Gavin up. No. Was I willing to lose my only son over Gavin. No. "I don't do ultimatums, Grant." He stormed out the front door, just as Gavin had. Now it was just me. Alone. I continued into the shower, climbing straight into the ice-cold spray. I'd be on my feet for the next twelve hours, unable to drink or sleep this night away.

Chapter 40

I felt like a shell of myself walking into the hospital. I was exhausted, void of any and all emotion. I knew I had fucked up. Grant wouldn't be speaking to me anytime soon, and Gavin was, well, I didn't even know. He was probably furious with me, maybe even regretting telling me he loved me. "Thanks, Sadie!" I looked up, greeted by Debbie's smile and wave as I ed the desk. "It's so nice working the day shift!" She let out a big happy sigh of relief. At least one person was happy with me. "You're welcome." "I hope you had fun today." She winked with big googly eyes. "Hopefully, it was worth the swap." I gave her another small, polite smile before continuing to the back to put my things away. I didn't want to be rude, but I couldn't even fake being cheery right now. I pushed through the door, running right into May. "Hey! You're working the night shift?" She laughed, stashing her things away next to mine. I walked straight to my locker, hanging my purse. "Just tonight." "What's wrong?" She asked, resting her hand on my back, just how Gavin had, and my eyes betrayed me, instantly welling up. There was no sense in lying anymore. I turned around to face her, trying to stifle back the tears. "Grant found out about Gavin today, and he did not take it well." "Did you expect him to? He's been the only man in your life for eighteen years."

"It's not that," I itted, dropping my gaze to the floor. "It's um.. the age difference." "Why? Does he want you with an older man?" Kind of. "Gavin is younger than what you think." She tilted her head to the side, arching a brow. "How much younger?" "He's twenty-two." "Oh damn!" She squealed, hands flying up. "That's young. He's legal, though," she chuckled like it was all some joke. "Are you happy?" "I was." Really, really happy. "Then what does it matter?" She lifted her hands to my shoulders. "Are you sure he's just twenty-two? That man seems very grown." "He's an old soul." I shrugged back. "Grant gave me an ultimatum, him or Gavin." "And?" "And I don't know if it's worth losing Grant right now when I don't even know the future for Gavin and me." "How did Grant even find out?" I cringed immediately. "He walked in on us." "No!" She screamed, and I flung my hands up to shush her. "Like, you two were in the sheets?" "Yes!" "Boy's probably traumatized." "I know! I know!" Oh god. I threw my head down into my hands. "Just give it time. He'll come around." She smiled, trying to reassure me.

"I don't know if he'll ever come around to me dating someone only four years older than him." Her eyes widened, cheeks filling with a laugh she was trying to hold in. Then she wiggled her hands in the air, her face straightening. "And what about Gavin?" "What do you mean?" "He was in bed with you, and then what?" "I threw him out." It sounded horrible saying it aloud. "I didn't know what to do, and he was yelling at Grant." "Wow! I need some tea for this story!" "Stop!" I knocked her in the arm, shoving her aside. "Let's go." I took one last swipe under my eyes to clear the mascara run-off as we walked out. "But Sadie," she paused, pulling me to a stop. "One piece of advice, men like Gavin, don't come along often. That man's gorgeous, and he loves you. I knew it the second I met him in Vegas. I could see it in the way he looked at you." "I know." I knew how much he loved me. We walked out onto the busy floor, hearing the speaker roaring above us. "What's going on?" Mary hung up the phone, looking up from the desk. "Trauma en route, paramedics just arrived, bad accident," she sighed. "They're taking two of our doctors and Julia. So we're going to be short-handed tonight, ladies." "Welcome to the night shift," May huffed, rolling her eyes as Mary handed us our charts. "I heard the patient's in pretty bad shape. At least that's what they said over the chatter." Mary continued. "See," May whispered, hooking her arm in mine as we walked away. "Your

night could have been a lot worse." "Sadie!" I turned, stepping aside for Debbie, who was rushing down the hall, almost knocking into us. "You're going to think this is crazy!" She yelped, slowing down. "I thought you left," May teased, but Debbie shot her a look, focusing back on me. "Vegas guy is here, Gavin. It has to be him!" Shit. I could feel May's eyes on me. "Tell him I'm busy." I couldn't deal with him right now- I didn't know what to say yet. "What does he want?" May butted in. "Sadie," Debbie bellowed. "He's just been itted." "For what?" I told him never to come back here. This isn't a place to just show up- especially when we were short staffed. "Paramedics just pulled up with him. Accident, he was hit by someone blowing through a red light or something. I got his paperwork from the paramedics and saw the name Gavin. Then I got a quick look when they pulled up. I recognized him even with all the blood." "Wait, what?" The noise faded, the walls closing in on me, Debbie's lips moving- yet I heard nothing. I was drugged, dizzy, stomach churning. Gavin? Gavin! I flung my charts at May, already running down the hall. It wasn't him- it couldn't be. Where was my phone? Where was my goddamn phone! I slammed through the surgical suite, seeing Julia and the doctors huddled around a gurney, machines whirring to life around me. I'd been in this suite

hundreds of times. I'd strung the IVs, programmed the monitors- now they all seemed foreign and ominous. It couldn't be him, it wasn't possible. In unison, the group turned back towards me. "We need another hand. I just paged for backup." Backup... I couldn't respond, my feet slowly taking me towards the gurney, ing Julia, ing the monitors that were beeping too loud, too irregular. Then I saw a strong leg hanging out from the thin white cloth over the patient, a bloody leg. Nooo... my heart was racing, beating out of my chest. My feet slow, dragging, body falling apart. "Heard his car was destroyed," Julia spoke, no emotion in her voice whatsoever. "Paramedics had to pry him out, poor guy." My lungs deflated, no breaths left for me to take. I followed the leg to the arm, to the New York skyline inked on it. Gavin. The acid was coming, hitting my throat before falling back to my stomach, one dry heave after another. "There was a preexisting bandage there." Julia pointed towards the tattoo. "I just removed it." I cleared the fog clouding my eyes, looking at his arm, to the only nonbloody area, thanks to the small bandage. He had told me he got hurt, but there was nothing visible here, except his tattoo. I stretched my trembling fingers to it, feeling the shock from our touch, the pleasure it used to give me now a stinging pain. Oh, Gavin. I started tracing the skyline down to the seven circles below it. Seven? Seven! I ran my fingers over them again, counting to myself. There was a fresh, still raised circle next to the original set, oh my god. Tears streamed, hitting my quivering lips. That circle was for me. He had permanently marked me as a lifeline- a love just as strong as his family.

I was shaking to a fault, trembling- trying to hold it together. Gavin. I forced myself to meet his face, his beautiful skin covered in small cuts running every which way, blood dripping from the open wounds. I wobbled, falling to his bedside, throat closing, eyes unable to contain the tears. "Sadie, are you okay?" Julia's voice was distant, muffled. "Gavin," I choked out, reaching for his hand, wrapping my fingers over it. "I'm so sorry." The doors flew open, my name being called, hands wrapping around me, pulling me, taking me away- two nurses pushing past me- to him. "Don't touch him!" I forced the yell, using everything I had. "Sadie, Stop!" May screamed, yanking my hand from Gavin's, dragging me away. "Sadie!" She threw me out the doors, pushing my back against the wall. "Get a hold of yourself, Sadie! What the hell do you think you're doing running in there like that?" I pushed her, shoved her, eyes locked on the door that was holding him. "It's Gavin! May, I need to get back in there! It's my Gavin!" "I know," she sighed, hands on my shoulders- holding me back. "You need to calm down- you're compromised. You're not going to help; you're going to hinder." "This is my fault!" I couldn't stop the tears. "I need to make sure he's okay." "I know you do, but you have to let them work. Dr. Cam's the best, you know that." "This is all my fault," I gasped, trying to breathe from my ever tightening throat. "It's all my fault, May! Please!" "Sadie!" She snapped, grabbing my arms now, shaking me, forcing me to look at her. "This isn't your fault! This is some jackass driver who ran a red light."

"He was supposed to stay at my place! I kicked him out!" I shouted back at her- I made him leave. "I didn't even tell him I loved him." She pulled me into a hug, my tears flooding over her shoulder. "I need to make sure he's going to be okay. I need to be in there, May. Please, please, please." Why wouldn't she let me get to him! "I can't, Sadie, think of Gavin. You're hysterical. You can't bring emotion into the operating room. You need to do this for him, his life," she paused, looking at me as the bile rose in my throat. "I mean his treatment depends on it." No, no! I needed to be in there with him- right now. He was lying in that bed unconscious because of me, because I told him to leave. He'd move mountains for me, and what would I do for him? He didn't deserve this. He needed me, he needed to know that I was there, right at his side. I reached up to my neck, frantically searching for the swallow, but it was lost, gone forever. No, no, no. "This isn't like you, Sadie. You're too level headed for this. Pull yourself together!" I couldn't. I'd kept my emotions in check for too long, and I couldn't fucking do it anymore. I ripped out of her grip, charging back into the room. "Gavin..." I cupped my hands around his face, letting him know I was there. "Gavin, I love you. I'm so sorry. Please, I need to know that you're okay. I love you."

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Incidental Fate Book 2 Available as e-book & paperback.

Book 2: Chapter 1

The world around me was chaos. I was now on my own gurney, after falling, when they tore me away from Gavin, from the man I loved, and the man lying unconscious just a few rooms away. How was it that just hours ago, we were tangled in the sheets, saying I love you on our first Valentine's Day? Now, I was here alone, tangled in the sheets while they stitched up my arm. Gavin didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve the cuts on his face, the broken ribs, or the concussion. I'm the one that deserved all of that. I told him to go- I made him leave. I set the actions into motion. "Sadie?" May's voice broke through the blur I'd been trapped in, only I couldn't quite find the words to reply. "Let me call Grant and have him take you home." I shook my head no, letting the barrage of tears falling down my face answer for me. I wasn't leaving, not until I knew he was really okay. "Well, then, why don't you go upstairs." Upstairs? She couldn't mean- except the look in her eyes told me she did. "I don't need to light a candle!" My voice was back, dry and aching, but it was there. "Prayers never hurt. I suggest you take a walk and get a hold of yourself. You've already busted up your arm, and you're lucky security wasn't called!" "I need to see him! I need to know what's going on." "Take a walk! Light a candle, grab yourself some coffee. If you're not going home, then you're going to have to wait with the rest of them out in the lobby." I shoved past her, trudging out of the room the second they were done with

my arm and walking straight into the waiting elevator, greeting my reflection. It was just like earlier in the hotel, only I wasn't laughing now or batting Gavin away as his hand tried to slip up my bikini cover. This time I was all alone. The doors opened, urging me to go, so I stepped out, high-tailing it down the hallway, shoving through the double doors to the chapel. I slowed, walking the short aisle to the rack of prayer candles illuminating the room. The table was identical to the one at the mission, the one Gavin had scoffed at before disappearing down the aisle. Now I knew why. He had probably lit those same candles, praying for the same thing that I was right now; only his prayers weren't granted. I lifted the candlewick onto another, my flame lighting up before me. My prayer was a simple one, that Gavin would be okay. Gavin... no! Screw what May said, Gavin didn't need me up here lighting candles for him- he needed me with him. I was all he had here. I had to pull myself together. Emotions were what got me into this situation in the first place. I needed to put my wall back up and be a nurse. It was about him now, and no one was going to keep me away from the man I loved. I stormed the elevator, bying my station, sneaking around to the surgical suite, and pushing through the doors. Julia's eyes shot up first, my hand flying up to meet her stare, assuring her I was okay as I continued to the sink to scrub my hands. You need to hold it together, Sadie- if you let your emotions win, they won't let you be with Gavin. If you stonewall, then you can be with him. I took one last deep breath before turning back towards the table. "Status," I asked, as if nothing had happened earlier. "Shoulder's been popped back in," she replied casually, while I sucked in another deep breath, willing myself not to fall apart. "No internal bleeding and will remain on the morphine drip for a while. Concussion, broken ribs-" she shrugged. "How's your arm?" My arm? Like a handful of stitches should even matter right now. "Fine, and I'm sorry for my behavior earlier," I mumbled. "Is he responsive?"

"In and out, concussion and heavy morphine drip will do that to you." They were treating him with no emotion; he was just another patient to them. So I tried to be professional too. I tried to look at him like any other accident victim, but I couldn't. I leaned down, brushing my lips across his scraped-up ear. "Gavin," I whispered. "I'm right here." I discreetly slid my hand to his, squeezing it gently, only to feel an even softer squeeze back. "Gavin!" I whipped my face up over his, hovering, watching his heavy eyelids flutter, then pull open. His dark eyes flashed to mine, his lips struggling to part, opening just enough for his barely audible words to squeak out. "Don't leave me, Baby." Oh my god. He was okay. My tears fell uncontrolled as I shook my head no. "I'm not leaving, not now. Not ever." He squeezed my hand back before his eyelids sank shut- and that was all I needed to pull my shit together and rally for him.

Summer Leigh is the author of the Incidental Fate series, books 1-6, Gavin, and the spin-off series Romanoverse featuring the stories of Gavin's siblings: Luca, Sofia, Stefano, and Giorgia.

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