His to Claim

Genres: Billionaires Romance; Workplace Romance

Synopsis

From Book 1:

From New York Times bestselling author Opal Carew comes the first installment in a red hot erotic mini-series that will rock your world.
Rafe Ranier was my boss and secret crush. A rock musician by night and head of a billion dollar empire by day, Rafe could have any woman he wanted. But I was just the shy secretary he never noticed. For years I obsessed over him, until I finally realized I had to walk away. I needed to break from the secure life I'd always known to discover who I really was.
I never expected Rafe to follow me.
Now I'm on the road with his band, Savage Kiss, and all my secret fantasies are coming true. But I fear I've made a huge mistake, because if I get any more attached to a man I can never truly have, my heart will be broken beyond all repair.

Don't miss the other epic installments of HIS TO CLAIM: Savage Kiss (Part 2), Rock Hard (Part 3), Wild Ones (Part 4), Breaking Storm (Part 5), and Perfect Rhythm (Part 6).

Release date: September 2, 2014

Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

Print pages: 288

Sample

No Strings



Melanie's heart stopped as the bell over the door rang and she glanced up to see a tall man in a dark gray suit walk in. Something about his tall, broad-shouldered form and expensive suit reminded her of Rafe for a moment. But it was just one of her regulars.

"Hey, beautiful. The usual."

They chatted while she fixed him his typical latte, then she handed it to him with a smile. He winked and then headed for the door. She knew he was flirting with her. It had been going on all week, and although he was a very attractive man, she wasn't interested.

She glanced around the store. The few customers were happily chatting over their coffees and there was no sign of a new customer coming into the shop.

"I'm going in the back to grab some more sugar," she said to her friend Sue, the other barista on duty, who was currently refilling the thermoses of milk after their recent rush.

The fast-paced influx of customers had left Melanie a little drained. She wasn't used to being on her feet for eight hours a day. But it was better than the intense attraction to her former boss, Rafe, driving her mad every day.

"Okay. Then, if you don't mind, I'll take my break," Sue said.

Melanie opened the storage cupboard and grabbed a pack of raw sugar, another of white sugar, and some artificial sweetener, then carried them to the lobby and started filling the condiment stand with the small packets. Once done, she returned to the bar and tucked the leftover sugar packets under the counter.

The bell over the door rang, signaling a new customer. Melanie stood up and glanced toward the door to see a man in a charcoal suit talking to Sue. She sighed. It looked like her admirer was back, and she knew Sue would do what she could to play matchmaker. Sue pointed in Melanie's direction and the man turned.

Melanie's heart stopped when she saw his face. This was not the customer who'd been flirting with her all week.

As soon as he saw her, his lips turned up in a sexy, crooked smile—the one that always melted her heart—and he walked toward the bar.

He was a striking figure in his expensive, well-tailored suit that accentuated his tall physique and broad shoulders. His dark, glossy hair was combed back and his stunning sky blue eyes ringed in navy were locked on her.

"Hello, Melanie."

"Mr. Ranier."

He chuckled. "Haven't I always told you to call me Rafe?"

She nodded. His authoritative brother, Dane, had insisted on being called Mr. Ranier, but Rafe had always preferred a more casual address.

"Rafe, what are you doing here?"

"Getting a coffee, for starters." He glanced up at the board. "What do you suggest?"

"Iced coffees are quite popular right now. We have one with a hint of cinnamon and orange." She knew his brother would want a regular coffee, but Rafe was always willing to try something new.

"Sounds good."

"To take with you?" she asked as she reached for a takeout cup.

"Actually, that depends. Can you join me?"

"Of course she can." Sue smiled as she returned to the bar. "In fact, Melanie was just about to go on break."

Melanie glanced at Sue. "I thought you were going now."

"I'll go later." She glanced at Rafe and smiled. "In fact, you go sit and I'll make you both something."

"But if the manager sees…" Melanie said under her breath.

"She's gone for the day, and I'm not going to tell."

Melanie walked to a table in the back corner, wanting to be discreet.

"This is cozy," Rafe said as he sat down across from her.

"So why are you here?" Melanie asked with a smile. "Besides the coffee."

"Does there have to be a reason?"

"This isn't anywhere near where you work or where you live."

"Why don't you think I was at a meeting nearby?"

Her eyebrows arched. "Were you?"

He shook his head. "No, I came here to see you."

Her stomach clenched at the admission. She didn't work for him anymore. They had been friendly in the office, but they hadn't been friends. He'd been her boss. There was only one reason she could think of for why he'd be here. The one reason she'd been dreading, and hoping she wouldn't have to deal with.

He wanted to know why she'd quit.

Even though Jessica had ultimately chosen Rafe's brother, Melanie had finally come to terms with the fact that she would never have a chance with Rafe. And she didn't want to tell him.

She'd worked for him for over two years and … she'd fallen in love with him. But in all that time, he'd never given her a second look. Then when he'd fallen in love with her best friend, Jessica, it had broken Melanie's heart. It had just been too painful to keep working with him, and to watch the two of them together.

That's why she'd quit.

And she couldn't tell him any of that.

Sue came to the table with two iced coffees, then returned to the bar.

"I was surprised to find you were working as a barista. It's quite a change from an office environment." He sipped his coffee.

"How did you find out where I was?"

He shrugged. "I checked your personnel file. Someone from this location called for a reference."

"So you just came by to see if I was here?"

"That's right."

She shook her head. "I still don't understand why."

He leaned forward, his sky blue eyes intent. "I just want to make sure you're okay."

She straightened her back. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You up and left a good job … a job you seemed to be happy at … for no good reason. And here you are working at a job for probably minimum wage. I don't get it."

"I needed a change. I like the freedom I have here." And it was true. She might have left to free herself from her obsessive love for Rafe but she'd come to realize that she was seeking an even bigger freedom from the rules she always bound herself by.

"Freedom?"

"I'm not tied to a nine-to-five existence. I'm not tied to a desk. I don't have a boss hovering over me." As soon as she said it, she realized he'd take it the wrong way.

"Did I hover over you? Is that why you left?"

"No, I don't mean that. It was the nature of the job. I couldn't leave my desk without getting someone to cover for me and handle phone calls. I needed to keep on top of both your schedule and your brother's. What I did was totally driven by what other people needed."

"Isn't that true here?"

"People come in for coffee, and maybe something to eat. It's not a big commitment."

He frowned. "I'm sorry, Melanie. I didn't realize you were unhappy."

"No, it's not that. I wasn't really unhappy."

"If I had known, I could have found something else for you. Something you'd enjoy doing. It's a big company." He leaned toward her. "We still could. Say the word and I'll call personnel."

Sweet, helpful Rafe. "No, thanks. I'm happy here." She finished her iced coffee and stood up. "I should get back to work."

"Wait, Melanie. Just give me another minute."

She sank back into the chair.

"Please tell me one thing."

She stared at him, dreading whatever question he was about to ask.

"Did I do something?"

"No, Rafe. You didn't do a thing."

In fact, that was the whole problem.

* * *

As soon as her shift was over, Melanie changed and grabbed the bottle of nail polish she'd stashed in her purse this morning. She couldn't wear polish to work, and she was a real fanatic, so she carried it with her and put it on after her shift if she was going out. She was meeting Jessica after work and she hated going out with naked nails.

She rolled the bottle between her hands to mix it up without creating air bubbles. It was actually part of a collection of polishes Rafe had given her to thank her for helping him pick out a gift for Jessica. He was always so thoughtful.

She brushed on the polish. A simple two-coater in turquoise, but with trendy black speckles for interest. She finished with her favorite fast-dry topcoat.

She didn't see her former roommate, Jessica, much these days. Jessica had moved into Mr. Ranier's place. And who wouldn't? Not only was she staying with the man of her dreams, who happened to be beyond gorgeous, he was also a billionaire who lived at the Ritz-Carlton residence, where his luxury apartment had a spectacular view of the Philadelphia skyline.

Melanie grabbed a bus to the great little deli she and Jessica had discovered a month ago.

When Melanie stepped into the restaurant, she saw Jessica at a table by the window, a drink in front of her.

"Hey, how's it going?" Melanie asked as she tossed her purse on a chair, then sat down across from Jessica. But she didn't need to ask because the glow in Jessica's face said it all. Now there was a woman in love!

"We picked out the flowers today," Jessica said. "It was so funny being in a florist shop with Dane. The two women who worked there stared at him in awe, and they seemed intimidated by him, even though he was as charming as could be."

"Well, he does have a very commanding presence. You know that." She leaned in close. "I'm not surprised he brings that quality into the bedroom," she said with a grin.

"Does he ever." Jessica laughed, not at all embarrassed.

That's one of the things Melanie loved about her friend. Jessica was willing to jump into an exciting situation and run with it.

Jessica had also told her about the exciting Dominance/submission relationship she had going with Mr. Ranier, which made Melanie weak in the knees just thinking about.

"You're really lucky, you know that?" She smiled. "You found the right guy and now you're getting married."

Jessica nodded. "I know it. But as you recall, it wasn't easy."

"Nothing ever is."

Jessica reached out and placed her hand over Melanie's. "You know, there's no reason you and Rafe—"

"Jessica, forget it. It'll never happen."

"It could."

"No. It didn't happen after two years of working together. Most of that time was before he met you. But he was attracted to you right off." She shook her head sadly. "I have to face it. The guy just isn't into me."

"It's all in the context. You were his secretary—"

"And you were Mr. Ranier's personal assistant."

Jessica squeezed Melanie's hand. "If you gave Rafe a chance to get to know you outside the office, I'm sure everything would change."

"Look, can we just change the subject?" Melanie had been intending to tell Jessica about Rafe coming into the store today, but not now. Jessica meant well, but Melanie just didn't want to think about what might have been. More like, what couldn't be. "Are you going to tell me what the surprise is you told me about?"

Jessica smiled broadly. "Okay. Well, I know that your birthday isn't until next week, but I want to give you your gift now."

She handed Melanie a lilac envelope with her name written in Jessica's lovely script on the front. Melanie opened it and inside found a gift certificate for a tattoo studio. She'd once told Jessica that she'd always wanted a tattoo, but they were expensive and she couldn't justify it on her budget.

Melanie stared at the certificate. "This is so generous of you. I really shouldn't accept."

"It's from Dane, too, and he insisted. We all miss you at Ranier Industries, and we hope your tattoo gives you a little reminder every day of how much we care about you."

"Okay, I'm not going to argue. You two are…" Her voice quavered a little, so she just nodded while she drew in a deep breath. She shrugged. "… terrific."

She'd never had a friend as sweet and considerate as Jessica. The two women had taken to each other instantly—it was like they'd known each other for years. Melanie believed this could be a lifetime friendship.

"So how did you pick the place?" Melanie had been asking around for recommendations. If she was going to have something inked onto her body she wanted to ensure that the place was reputable, high quality, and that the artist was talented.

"I asked a friend who is very discerning. The artist you'll be seeing is Charlie. He came highly recommended and the online samples of his work are gorgeous. He books up pretty fast, so I called last week and made an appointment for you on Saturday, since I know that's your day off, and I also knew you'd be anxious to get it. You can move it if it's not convenient, but it'll probably mean waiting a couple of weeks."

"No way. I want to do this as soon as possible. Of course you'll go with me, right?"

Jessica frowned. "I'm afraid not. I already have plans and I can't change them."

"Oh."

Jessica smiled. "I promise, I'll try to be there for the next, brand new, wild and crazy thing you do."

Melanie nodded. "It's a deal."

* * *

As Melanie opened the door to Devil's Ink, she was greeted by the cheerful tinkle of a bell. She stepped into the clean, brightly lit studio. The walls were a warm brick red and covered with framed artwork of large, detailed tattoo designs.

There was a glass reception counter on one side and black chairs along two walls with a coffee table covered with magazines and binders. A large tropical plant stood in one corner.

"Can I help you?" A tall, lanky woman in a navy tank top and jeans, with several face piercings and her arms sleeved with tattoos, stood up from her chair behind the counter.

"I have an appointment with Charlie at three o'clock. I just wanted to be here ahead of time."

"Sure. There's some design books on the table there. Coffee machine's over there. Help yourself."

"Thanks." Melanie sat in one of the waiting chairs and leaned forward to riffle through the black binders laid out on the low, square table in front of her. She grabbed one and opened it, then scanned through it. There were a broad range of designs, sorted into categories. The shading on the designs was very well done, something she'd been told to watch for.

The bell over the door tinkled and in her peripheral vision, she saw a man in well-worn jeans, a chain dangling from his belt loop into his pocket, walk past her.

The man walked to the counter. Melanie glanced over the book at his back and couldn't help but admire his broad shoulders and thick, muscular arms, showcased by the black tank top he wore.

Two men stepped into the room from a hallway, one a tall, bald man with a beard, his solid chest, arms, and neck covered with tattoos, and the other a man with white gauze on his bicep.

"I'll be right with you," the bald man said to the newcomer. "Hey, Rika. Bob's done."

"Be right there, Charlie," the tall, lanky woman called from the other side of a doorway, then she walked back to the counter and smiled at the man with the gauze.

The bald man, who seemed to be the artist Melanie was here to see, turned to his next client and said, "Okay, now let me see what I'm working with."

The new client pulled off his tank top and walked toward him. Melanie's gaze landed on the hard, rippling muscles.

"So, you're sure you don't want me to alter the moth now that the chick has dumped you? Maybe change it to an angel?"

This man had a moth tattoo? Rafe had gotten a moth tattoo when he'd been dating Jessica.

"Naw. An angel's not my style."

The sound of the man's familiar voice stunned Melanie.

The artist chuckled. "Yeah, until a chick asks you for it, right?"

She raised her gaze up the broad, tattoo-covered chest, to the man's face.

"Rafe?"

She put down the book she'd been scanning and stared at him with wide eyes. She never would have believed Rafe would ever look like this. Muscle bound, inked, and breathtakingly hunky in a sexy bad-boy way. He was gorgeous beyond belief in his designer suits but, man, that was nothing compared to what lay underneath.

Rafe turned to her. "Melanie?" His lips turned up in that wide smile of his, paired with the warmth in his eyes that always made her feel special. "What are you doing here?"

Rafe gazed at Melanie. Her dark blonde hair hung loose, rather than tied back like she usually wore it at the office and the coffee shop she worked at now. It cascaded past her smooth, bare shoulders in soft waves, gleaming in the sunlight flowing through the big window.

She shrugged. "Same as you. Getting a tattoo."

His lips turned up in a grin. "Really?"

Charlie grabbed a piece of paper Rika handed him, probably the artwork Charlie had worked up from the basic design Rafe had sent him.

Rafe watched as Melanie walked toward him.

"I'm afraid I'm a virgin," she said.

Charlie chuckled.

Suddenly, Rafe saw her differently. Not as his sweet, innocent secretary, who wore demure suits and conservative flats. In those jeans and that lace-edged, black camisole top that showed off her shapely form, she looked anything but virginal.

Her cheeks heated. "As far as tattoos, I mean."

Her gaze gliding over his broad shoulders, then down to his abs heated him like the caress of the noonday sun.

"You're obviously very experienced," she said.

Charlie chuckled again.

Rafe found himself tightening at her words, his mind filled with images of her, wide-eyed and vulnerable, lying in his bed. Fuck, what was wrong with him? This was Melanie.

"It's just that, I'm kind of nervous about this. I've always wanted one, but it's so permanent—and I know it's going to hurt."

He quirked his head. "Would you like me to stay with you?" He grinned. "Maybe hold your hand."

She just nodded, and a need to be there for her, and protect her, washed through him.

"Could I watch while you get yours done?"

"You don't have any problem with that, do you, Charlie?"

Charlie grunted. "The more the merrier."

Charlie turned and headed to the hallway leading to his room. Rafe gestured for Melanie to precede him, and he followed her down the hall, his gaze settling on the delightful sway of her hips.

Once in the room, Charlie glanced at Melanie and pointed at a nearby chair. "You can sit there."

Rafe sat down and Melanie watched as Charlie applied the template, then peeled it off.

"That work for you?" Charlie asked.

Rafe was happy with the placement of the design and nodded.

Melanie admired the design he was getting on his chest. It was the words SAVAGE KISS in the shape of a guitar. "That's the name of your band, isn't it?"

Rafe nodded once. "All my life music has been an outlet for me, a way to let go of my anger after one of my father's beatings, or a way to burn off my frustration when I was pushed into a business I wasn't even sure I wanted to be in. So this tat is not only to remember the year I spent with my band, but a symbol of what a huge part of my life music has always been. It saved me when I had nothing else."

"That's beautiful." Melanie eyed the tattoo machine Charlie picked up and seemed to jump at the buzzing sound when he turned it on.

Rafe had done this enough times that he was used to it, so it didn't faze him when Charlie started the outline, but he knew for Melanie, being her first time, she might have a hard time with it. He hoped his relaxed attitude during the whole process would calm her, but he could see the distress in her eyes as she watched the angry swirls taking the shape of a guitar on his chest.

The tattoo took about an hour, and Melanie watched intently the whole time. Once it was done, he stared in the mirror at Charlie's handiwork. Perfect as usual. Anxiety filled Melanie's eyes as she stared at the redness around the edges. Charlie applied cream to the tattoo and placed the gauze over it, then Rafe stood up.

"I guess it's my turn now," Melanie said reluctantly.

"Who's doing yours?" he asked.

"I am," Charlie said. He walked over to the workstation and returned with a template. "Where's it going?"

"Oh, um … right here." She pointed to the top of her right breast.

"Okay. You wanna sit or lie down?"

She glanced at the padded table he had by the wall, then shook her head. "I'll sit."

Melanie sat in the leather chair, biting her lip.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine," Rafe said.

She nodded, but looked even more nervous as Charlie sat down and rolled his stool close to her.

"You gonna take off the top, or just pull down the edge?" Charlie asked.

"Oh," she gazed at Rafe, then glanced at the paper template in Charlie's hand, "will it work to just tuck it down?"

"Yeah, why not?"

Rafe's gaze locked on Melanie's fingers as she slowly tugged down the top edge of the fabric, revealing the swell of her breast.

God damn, she was sexy. But he shouldn't be thinking of her that way.

As she pulled the fabric lower, revealing more sweet, creamy flesh, he realized that she didn't work for him anymore, so he could think about her any way he wanted. As long as he didn't act on it.

Unless she wanted him to.

Would she, he wondered.

Charlie placed the paper on her round flesh, and as he rubbed it to make it smooth against her skin, Rafe wished he could be doing that. He longed to feel that lovely curve.

Charlie peeled away the paper, leaving a beautiful design of a bird taking flight.

"Nice." Rafe smiled.

"Thanks. I did the design myself."

Surprise skittered through him. He knew she liked to express herself with color, like her nail polishes, but he hadn't realized she had an artistic bent.

"It's beautiful. You're very talented."

"Thanks."

Her cheeks flushed pink. He didn't know if it was from the compliment, or the fact that half her breast was exposed.

"My parents weren't very supportive of my dreams either. They worked menial jobs and pushed me to go to college to be the family success story, to make all their sacrifices worthwhile. So I went and got my administrative degree, even though I really wanted to go to art school. But they never would have supported that—so the only way I ever got to express myself these past few years is through my nail art. But I really want to bring it back into my life. I love to imagine things and bring them to life through my artwork."

When Charlie turned on the tattoo machine, Melanie jumped at the sound. Rafe stepped to her side and rested his hand on her forearm.

"I'm gonna start now," Charlie said. "You gotta stay real still. Got that?"

She eyed him, nodding uncertainly.

"It's okay. It ain't gonna hurt too much."

Charlie was a little rough around the edges, but he had his compassionate side.

"Okay." But as he leaned toward her, Melanie's hand slipped around Rafe's forearm, and her fingers tightened.

Rafe covered her hand with his. "Breathe."

She drew in a deep breath as Charlie pressed the device to her skin. At the first contact, her eyes widened, but she didn't move.

"You doing okay?" Rafe asked.

She nodded again, watching Charlie work. Rafe watched in fascination as the artist glided the machine over her creamy breast, the skin reddening around the black line of the design as he moved. Melanie continued to breathe deeply, but soon began to relax a little.

He stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. "Not too bad, right?"

She nodded, as if afraid to utter any words.

When Charlie finished the outline, he drew away, getting ready for the shading. This part hurt more.

She gazed down at the design, which was taking shape nicely. Right now it was just an outline of the bird, but once Charlie filled it in with color, it would come to life.

"Do you want some water?" Rafe asked.

"Yes, thanks."

She drew her delicate hand from his arm and he immediately missed the contact. He grabbed a bottle from the small fridge Charlie had on the side and twisted off the cap for her.

He handed it to her and she took a deep swallow, just as Charlie returned to her side, a number of pigments doled out on his tray in little pools. He dipped the device into one of the blues, then began filling in the wings of the bird. She tensed again, and this time Rafe reached for her hand. She glanced up at him and smiled timidly, then gazed at Charlie's handiwork, her fingers clinging tightly to Rafe's hand.

"So why did you pick a bird?" Rafe asked, hoping to distract her.

"It s a symbol." She laughed tensely. "I guess that's true for everyone. But for me it represents freedom, and that's something I'm trying to embrace right now. Not getting caught up in other people's expectations, and just being true to myself and my own dreams, even if they're impractical."

She took another swallow from the water bottle. The bird took form as Charlie swirled the tattoo machine along her skin. Melanie seemed to want to concentrate on watching Charlie work, so Rafe just continued to stroke her hand. Although she was handling the pain, after a while it seemed to be getting to her, so he drew her hair back from her face, then curled his fingers behind her neck and kneaded the tense muscles. She gazed up at him in surprise.

"That's nice," she said. "Thanks."

She seemed to relax as she gazed at him rather than at the tattoo. There was something in her bright green eyes that disturbed and yet elated him. A warmth that he realized he'd seen before. Had she always looked at him that way and he'd never noticed?

A tightness coiled in his stomach. Or had he chosen not to notice? Shutting it out because, he realized now, he felt the same warmth for her but he would never act on feelings for an employee. He would never put her in that position.

They'd been close when he'd been her boss. At least, they'd shared a friendly camaraderie.

And he'd told her things he wouldn't tell just anyone, like when he'd fallen in love with Jessica during a year of soul searching, then lost her. When he'd found her working for his brother on his return to Philly, he'd hoped for a reconciliation, but that hadn't worked out.

But here was Melanie, looking absolutely sinful as a sheen of sweat appeared on the swell of her cleavage. She bit her full bottom lip, and his gut told him it was worth exploring where this might lead.

Charlie wiped the design with his cloth, then changed pigment. Melanie tensed when he started up again and Rafe continued stroking her neck, pleased that he could help her through this.

Charlie continued filling in the tattoo. Finally, he sat back and stared critically at the bluebird design for a moment, then nodded and smiled. As well he should. It was stunning. Charlie grabbed a big handheld mirror and offered it to her. She took the mirror and held it so she could see the design front on, rather than staring down at it. Her face lit up with a beautiful, beaming smile.

"Oh, it's beautiful!"

"It really is," Rafe agreed, though he found he couldn't drag his gaze from her stunning features.

High cheekbones and soft-looking, heart-shaped lips. A delicate chin and pert little nose. And big emerald green eyes that seemed to glow.

How had he never realized how beautiful she was before?

Charlie applied cream to the tattoo. The sight of his big fingers rubbing vigorously over the soft flesh of her breast sent a little jealously surging through Rafe. And a shot of adrenaline as his groin tightened at the thought of his own hand stroking her breast like that.

Charlie covered the tattoo with gauze and she stood up. Rafe followed her out the door, then to the reception desk.

Rika smiled. A new gem—deep red, probably a garnet—glinted from her lip. He hadn't noticed it when he came into the shop. It was her fifth, joining the blue, green, amber, and purple ones already there.

"I like the new piercing."

Her smile broadened. "Yeah, thanks. Happy with your new ink?"

"I am. As always." He glanced at Melanie.

She nodded. "It's beautiful. He did a fantastic job."

"Good. That's what we like to hear."

Rafe pulled out his credit card and slid it into the small device on the counter. He finished the transaction, then pulled out some twenties and handed them to Rika. "Please give that to Charlie."

"Sure thing." Rika placed the money in an envelope behind the counter.

Melanie placed her bag on the counter.

Rika smiled at her. "Oh, you're all set. Your gift certificate covered it."

"Okay, but … um…"

"If you're worried about the tip, hon, it was enough to cover that, too. No worries."

Melanie looked relieved, and Rafe realized she was probably on a pretty tight budget since her new job likely didn't pay anything near what she'd been making at Ranier Industries. He didn't really understand why she wasn't looking for something better.

* * *

As Melanie stepped outside, Rafe behind her, she regretted that this time with him was about to end. The tattoo had been painful, but not as bad as she'd anticipated. It had been so nice, though, having him there to literally hold her hand through it.

"Would you like a ride home?" he asked.

She gazed at him in his jeans and tank top, tattoos visible over his chest and flowing down his arms and she couldn't help laughing. "I just got a mental picture of you dressed just as you are now climbing into that shiny, black limo."

He shrugged. "Sure, why not? Would you like to ride in the limo?"

She had always wanted to. It seemed so glamorous and luxurious. It would be a taste of how the other half lived.

"Or, since it's such a nice day, we could ride my motorcycle."

She raised her eyebrow. "You have a motorcycle?"

"That's right. It's over there." He nodded his head toward a big, gleaming, burgundy Harley parked on the street in front of the shop. "But I know some women are a little intimidated by them."

Melanie laughed. "Not me. I've always wanted to ride one." She walked to the big machine and ran her fingers over the soft, black, leather seat. "I would love to ride with you."

His lips turned up in a devilish grin. "Really?"

She glanced at him and realized her statement might have sounded a little … sexual. Suddenly, an image washed through her of straddling Rafe, and slowly moving up and down on him, his big erect