Chapter 1
Applause thundered in Ella’s ears as she hugged Jess, relieved that their karaoke duet was over. She didn’t usually love being in the spotlight, but tonight was all about breaking out of the box. Freeing herself from the rut. Or so said Jess, her best friend and staunchest supporter.
Ella stepped from the stage, acutely aware of the dark-haired hottie leaning against the bar. She added a saucy sway to her hips as she wound her way back to their table.
“Go talk to him.” Jess nudged Ella with her elbow. “You can’t peel your eyes away.”
“I dunno.” She shrugged. “Maybe it’s too soon. It’s too soon, right?”
Jess waggled a hand at the server, motioning for another round of cocktails. “It’s never too soon. Remember, the best way to get over one man is—”
“Get under another one,” Ella said, rolling her eyes. “Such a cliché.”
“Yet, it’s always worked for me. Anyway, Jason’s already been on someone else, so what are you waiting for?”
“He wasn’t on her. She was on him.” She grimaced, wishing to forget the awful, painful morning in late June when she’d come home early. The stream of dirty talk and moaning had reached her ears, followed by the permanent scorching of her psyche; a woman circling and grinding, her dark waves of hair curling over writhing hips, her double d’s kneaded between splayed fingers.
Every painful second reflected back at Ella from a multitude of mirror angles, including the shocked expression on her pale face.
Jason’s lame apologies lapsed into the predictable blame game and a tearful blur of screaming recriminations.
“Sue me for tapping a wet and eager pussy. When was the last time we fucked like that? Yeah, that’s right. Never.”
The final insult landed as his finger slapped against the signature line of the lease. “My apartment. Mine! Get the fuck out.”
The tiny studio apartment she’d found wasn’t perfect, but she couldn’t afford to be choosy. Not unless she wanted to couch surf or crowd into Jess’s already overcrowded hovel. She missed the space of the one bedroom walk up, but her new one was private with no roomies and no rats, so she supposed she was lucky. Cheating boyfriend aside, of course.
Still, she wasn’t homeless, and she’d matched to an incredible pediatric residency program, so there was a silver lining to the dark cloud hanging over her.
Jess preened, sweeping her silky black locks over slim shoulders. “Mister Hot-n’-Sexy is looking this way.”
“Maybe you should jump him.” Ella nodded her thanks as the server set another Cosmo in front of her. “You’re much hotter than me. Why go for my barely b’s when he could have your full c’s?” She glanced down, wishing she’d worn the sexy push-up bra that gave her girls a boost. Tiny tits wouldn’t catch a guy like Mister Hot-n’-Sexy.
“Uh-uh. That was a test, and he passed, because he didn’t even spare me a cursory glance. Damn, I need a cold shower just looking at him.”
Ella tipped her chin, letting her thick curtain of wavy hair obscure her face as she checked him out, practically melting when he winked. “Annnnnd he knows it.” Yet she couldn’t stop staring. His dark hair, blue eyes, and killer sexy scruff made him a welcome opposite to her blondish snowboarder ex-boyfriend. “Not sure he’s my type.”
“You enjoy cock, so he’s your type.” Jess snickered. “Admit it. Your panties are damp just from looking at him. He’s top pick of the night. No ring, and he has huge hands.”
Ella looked toward the bar, her gaze meeting Hot-n’-Sexy’s, a feeling like an electric shock zipping through her when he smiled.
“Ohh, he gave you the ‘panty dropper.’” Jess giggled. “Ah, those hands. You know what they say about huge hands, right?”
“Huge gloves, right?”
“Nix on those PG thoughts. Huge hands, massive cock,” Jess said in a low voice. “That man is primed to bang the memory of cheating asshole right out you if you give him the chance.”
Ella squirmed. It had been far too long.
Her friend’s brows rose. “Forget douchebag Jason and treat yourself to a romp”—she fluttered her fingers—“with Hot-n’-Sexy.”
“Why would Mister Hot-n’-Sexy want me when he could have any woman here?” Unbidden, a picture of a woman’s wild curls flowing down her back as her hips circled formed in her mind, and she shuddered. “What if I really am lame in bed?”
“No. Just no.” Jess glared. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. You need a real man to rev up your mojo. Clearly, dickwad Jason is a miserable failure in the bedroom, so time to move on. You wore your sexiest, naughtiest bits, right?”
“Such as they are. I can’t afford much right now, with my student loan payments and moving expenses.” Ella tipped back the Cosmo, draining the last drop. Hot-n’-Sexy’s lips twitched as her empty glass thumped onto the table. “Maybe you have a point.”
“I absolutely do. When was the last time you enjoyed a little bump and grind?”
Ella drew her brows together, searching for the last time she’d been truly satisfied.
“That long?” Jess looked alarmed. “Yikes.”
The man at the bar looked in their direction, then turned away, motioning to the bartender.
“Not sure he’s interested,” Ella said with a sigh. “He’s probably got a girlfriend. Guys like that usually do. I bet she’s tall and blonde, with big boobs and a tiny waist. A total swimsuit model.”
“Blah. Swimsuit models are overrated. Quit making excuses.”
Ella lifted a hand. “Still, I call girlfriend.”
“Only one way to find out. Get off that fine ass and introduce yourself.”
“Don’t we have an early morning? What time are rounds? Six? Maybe I should skip it and go over my notes. Unpack some boxes. That’s a better use of my time.”
“There’s no better use of your time than mattress wrestling with him.” Her friend tapped Ella’s wrist. “It’s one night. You’ll never see the guy again, so get your freak on.”
“What if my freak scares him off?” Ella muttered, earning a stern look from her friend.
Moments later, the server set a fresh drink in front of Ella.
“What’s this?” Ella asked.
“A Grey Goose martini from your admirer.” The server jutted her chin toward the bar, and then continued to the next table, delivering more drinks.
Jess grinned. “See? Interested.” She slid from the booth. “I’ll go, but first, promise you won’t talk about that cheating douchebag. Guys never want to hear woeful, tearful tales about the ex. Ta!” As she walked away, she waved over her shoulder.
Ella frowned at her friend’s retreating back. Yes, maybe she needed to move on, but she wasn’t sure her battered, raw heart could take any more criticism. Too late, though, as Hot-n’-Sexy was approaching, the seconds before first contact ticking steadily downward.
Maybe she should just go with it. One night, no strings attached, didn’t sound so bad. Especially with a guy who looked like that, with his broad shoulders and olive skin. Under those clothes he probably looked like a Greek God, buffed and toned and tanned.
She couldn’t look. What if he wasn’t coming to see her at all?
“You look lonely sitting by yourself.”
Ella looked up, startled by the voice, which seemed too high-pitched for such a big man.
“I’m Jerry.”
“Oh, ummm.” Her eyes widened at the sight of the slight blond guy who’d joined her in the booth. “No, I’m—”
“You’re good at karaoke. Do you want to join me for a song?”
She glanced toward the bar, her heart skipping a beat. Hot-n’-Sexy was only inches away.
“Excuse me,” Hot-n’-Sexy said in a wonderfully deep voice. “You’re in my seat.”
“Hey, dude. I got here first.” Jerry crossed his arms.
She squinted at the blond man. “Hey, dude. I’m not an island where the first arrival plants a flag.” Flicking her hands, she motioned for Jerry to leave. “You’re in his seat.”
The blond man huffed as he dragged himself from the booth, glaring before he jostled through the crowd.
“He got one thing right. You were great up there.” Hot-n’-Sexy motioned to the stage, an adorable dimple appearing in his left cheek as he slid into the seat vacated by Jess.
“Thanks. When’s your turn?”
“Never?” His hearty laugh and the baritone of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. “I’m a horrendous singer. People pay me to not get on stage and torture the masses. Did you have fun?”
“Surprisingly, yes. I usually hate being the centre of attention.” She traced a fingertip around the rim of her glass. “Thanks for the martini.”
“You’re welcome for the much-needed rescue from the nineties.”
“What, you mean the Cosmos?” At his nod, she scrunched her nose. “Don’t hate on my favourite cocktail. Cosmopolitans are classic.”
“If you say so.” His eyes sparkled, the broad grin disarming her completely. “If you don’t like the martini, I’ll make it up to you on the next round.” His brows rose as the server arrived with a glass of dark ale and another martini, setting them on the table.
“Ahhh, I see what you’re doing.” Ella wagged a finger at him, fighting a smile. “Settling in all comfortable. Plying me with martinis. Planning the next drink order …”
“Someone had to take the initiative,” he said, sweeping his long fingers through jet-black hair. “Couldn’t let you walk out of here without an introduction. I’m Drew.” He reached toward her.
“Ella,” she said, a shiver running through her as he raised her fingers to his mouth. The soft, gentle pressure of his full lips caused a frisson of desire in her belly.
Goosebumps popped up on her arms as he smiled and ran his thumb across her palm. She stared, transfixed and totally unable to let go.
Mmmm. His hands were rather large and wonderfully masculine, strong with tidy nails, not rough and calloused. Everything about this man spoke to a cushy office job, right from his artfully messy hair to his dark-washed jeans and cobalt shirt.
Down girl. She blinked hard and took a sip of her martini, swallowing hard. “This is pretty good.”
“Glad you like it.”
“What are you drinking?”
“A Winter Ale.”
“In July?”
“Yeah, they’re really that good. Want to try?” He slid his glass toward her.
She eyed the ale, but took a sip, rolling the creamy liquid over her tongue. “I’m not much of a beer drinker, but that’s nice. Dark, spicy, with hint of orange.”
“Good palate,” he said, retrieving the glass.
She tilted her head, studying him as she said, “I don’t see a ring. You’re single, I hope, considering the blatant flirting.”
He chuckled. “Yup, totally unattached. You? Or do I need to ask?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, your interesting song choice. Such enthusiasm for the lyrics. You’re showing a vindictive streak. Should I guard the family jewels?”
“Scared?”
“Not a bit.”
“Good. Your jewels are perfectly safe with me, and since the jerk doesn’t own a car, I guess he’s safe for now.”
“Should he be?”
“After screwing some random chick in our bed? Probably not.” No need to mention that the woman had served them dinner last Valentine’s Day. Jason had taken an extraordinary amount of time retrieving their coats after much hurtful flirting, so maybe he’d started his affair with a coatroom quickie. Cheaters also tended to be liars, so she took his denials for what they were worth. “I’m allowed to be angry.”
“Yes, you are.” He nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you? Why?”
“Nobody deserves that, Ella,” he said. “When?”
She bowed her head. “A few days ago. I moved into my own place.” It’s really over. I’m single, and everyone in here sees it.
He slid a little closer. “Are you okay?”
“I will be,” she said, fighting the tremble in her voice. “It’s been done for a while. I’m not good at failure.” As she spoke, she knew these words to be true. The burst of initial passion had faded like Jason’s cheap Valentine’s bouquet, wearing into drudgery over the final months. “Is this a good time to say I’m not looking for anything serious?”
He pressed her hand gently between both of his. “It seems we’re on the same page. I’m not in the market for a long-term relationship either.”
“Career stuff keeping you busy?”
He nodded. “Please don’t ask what I do.”
“Is it illegal? You’re not a hit man or something, are you?”
“I’m only mildly dangerous, I promise.”
Between her legs, a delicious tingle blossomed, her panties dampening as he smiled. Ha. That dimple and those blue eyes were plenty dangerous.
“When I go out, it’s to blow off stress and have fun.”
“Makes sense.” Ella bit her lip. “Is that why you came over?”
Drew lifted one shoulder. “Is it wrong to show interest in a sexy, single woman?” His lips twitched. “You caught my attention the moment you came through that door. The attraction seems mutual. Am I wrong?”
She shook her head. “I’m not good at this.”
“This?”
“Flirting.” She sucked in her bottom lip, nibbling it as she peered at him from under lowered lids. “Inviting men back to my place.”
“Am I invited?” His eyes darkened. “You ready to blow off a little stress?”
The tingle between her legs turned into an ache, and she itched to run her fingers though his perfectly imperfect hair. “My stress level is over the top.”
He moved closer, his rock-solid thigh pressing against hers. His warm breath wafted across her cheek as he whispered, “Mine too. Your place?”
She closed her eyes, picturing the piles of cardboard cartons and the half-made bed. “It’s a disaster. Boxes everywhere. The bed’s not even made.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he said, “when the plan is to tangle up those sheets anyway.”
Ella contained the moan and shudder as she pictured him naked and entangled in her rumpled bedding. If this man’s voice practically took me over the edge, how would it feel to be with him? To enjoy his touch, his kisses, the weight of his body on mine? To be held and wanted in a way I missed with overwhelming intensity?
Drew rose and held out his hand. “Ready?”
Ella grabbed her purse from the bench, and entwined her fingers with his, following him through the crowd and out the door.
Once on the street, he pulled her against him, wrapping his fingers in her hair and kissing her, long, deep, and slow.
Ella sighed, opening her mouth and welcoming his sweet tongue, enjoying his gentle touch as he caressed her cheek. No girlfriend. No desire for permanent attachment. The heat between us threatening to burst into a flaming inferno at any moment. I couldn’t wait to get him home.
The moment she closed the door of her dimly lit apartment, she launched herself into his arms and covered him with fierce, heated kisses, clawing at his shirt.
Drew cursed under his breath as they stumbled into a stack of boxes. He grasped her shoulders, stilling her. “Whoa. Slow down.”
Ella stepped back. She leaned against the counter, cursing her over-eager reaction to the thought of naked Drew in her bed. “Have I ruined it?” She twirled a curl of hair around her finger. “I’ve ruined it. I’m nervous and out of practice.”
The man’s brow wrinkled.
“I probably suck in bed. He always wanted to watch porn. That’s what I thought he was doing, watching porn and … you know?” She made a looping motion with her hand. “I did hear porn, but it was also them.”
Drew’s frown deepened.
“Them, on our bed, with porn while they …” Ella looked away, her cheeks flushing. “Shut up, shut up,” she muttered.
He observed her from under lowered lids.
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