My first reaction when Harlan mentioned the sex tape was jealousy.

Clearly, something’s wrong with me.

No disgust, no questioning, no feeling that he’s less desirable.

What does it say that the first thing that crossed my mind was, Damn, wish we had a tape.

Maybe it’s the vodka martinis I’ve had, maybe it’s the feeling of freedom I always feel when I finish talking to Keyra - but I don’t care.

And maybe somewhere deep down, I’m glad for an excuse to tell myself. I’m doing this because I don’t want to be stuck with Charlie. Not because despite my mock and real anger that night at Brandon’s, I’ve used my vibrator and thought of Harlan each time.

Not because despite not knowing much about this man except that he’s a sexy hockey player who donates and spends time with children and apparently has a vindictive ex - I can’t get him out of my head.

Obviously, this is what happens when you swear off men for too long.

“Kaija.” I stop walking and turn to him in the corridor.

“Yeah?”

“You can still tell your sister you were playing around.” He looks so forlorn that I almost want to laugh, but that’d be really cruel. His bow tie is crooked and he’s barely looking me in the eye.

It’s the first time I’ve seen anything other than cockiness or arousal in those hazel eyes of his, and I don’t like it nearly as much. The light stubble on his jaw only adds to the air of sadness. The man looks like he just got runner-up on the Bachelorette.

I stalk back to him, bracing my hands on the lapels of his jacket and jerking him down to me so our faces are as level as they can be.

My heels help a bit.

“Listen up and listen good. For some reason, we caught each other’s eye on that plane. Then again at Brandon’s. And you showed up here tonight. Now, I don’t know if the world has suddenly shrunk or the universe is parading your dick in front of me, but I’m not the type of girl to ignore a good hint. I’ve stuck my foot in it now, and you’re stuck with me. My sister can smell fear, so you better get your shit together right now.”

He stares at me, silent, the lost look in his eyes receding some as he brings his hands up to cover mine. I relax my grip, but keep his gaze, meaning everything I said.

“You’re reckless.” He rumbles. I can’t help a small shudder because of the way his voice rolls over me. And being close enough to watch his lips form the words, knowing what they feel like…

Down, girl.

“You seem like you could use an extra person in your corner. Luckily for you, you’re good with your hands and it’s been a long time since I wanted anyone this much.”

“So this is just about how much you want to fuck me? We can do that in secret.” He slides his hands down my wrists, over my elbows and and drops them to my hips.

“I’m far too attractive for you not to take full advantage of being seen with me.” I tease, sliding my hands over his shoulders and leaning in. “It might be crazy, but I’ve done worse. I don’t know what the hell I’m doing, but I’m committed. If you break up with me before we fuck, I’m going to burn your jerseys on your mother’s front lawn.”

“You scare me.” He murmurs against my lips. “And I’m sorry about the shitty things I’ve said and—.”

I silence him with a kiss, pressing my body against his and communicating without words that it’s okay. We’re still strangers, there’s going to be a bumpy period.

I’m a little tired of running. At least from this man.

For now.

And all I want to do right now is drag him back into that private alcove and plant myself in his lap.

“Would you two like a picture?” I startle, turning my head and seeing one of the gala photographers that I know.

“Can you get me on the social pages, Trista?”

She dips her chin, surprised. “You want that? You’re notoriously private.”

“There’s a first time for everything.” I rake my hands through Harlan’s hair, cleaning him up a bit. “Intimate, but not indecent, okay?” I murmur so only he can hear, kissing his cheek.

“Mhm.” There’s a small smirk back on his face.

Whew.

His cockiness is much more my speed, because vulnerable Harlan is a little too real for me to stomach and keep sane.

I lean into his side, placing a familiar hand on his chest, going for a classic couples pose.

Well, that’s apparently not what he has in mind.

“Hey.” He mumbles, and I look up.

Immediately, he drops a hand to my hip and delves his tongue into my mouth, my surprise making me gasp and give him an easy opening. When I remember that Trista is there, I pull back and swat him on the chest.

“Oh my god.” I turn to Trista. “We have to re-do that. Keyra’s going to have an even bigger fit.”

“It’s a really nice picture.” She grins, winking at Harlan. “Very new lovebirds-esque.”

“See? Perfect. That’s exactly what we are, babe.” Mischief twinkles in his eyes and I shake my head, already knowing he’s not going to take a normal picture no matter how I try tonight. He’s back to true form now.

“Thanks, Trista. Email that to me?”

“You got it. Have a good night, you two. And maybe go somewhere private.” She walks away with a laugh, and Harlan grabs my hand.

“Alright, let’s go meet your sister formally.”

“You think you’re ready, but you’re not.” I allow him to keep holding my hand as we walk back towards the ballroom leisurely, past small groups of people giving us curious glances.

I drop his hand to lean a little and adjust the strap on my shoe, and when I straighten, he leans close to my ear as I walk in front of him.

“You know what this means?” Low and smooth, I have no idea what his question could be about.

“What?” I meet Keyra’s eyes across the room and she starts towards us.

“Tonight, you’ll get to be as loud as you need to be.” Heat sizzles where he puts a hand on my waist and I have to clear my throat when Keyra walks up.

I can’t decide if I’m excited or slightly terrified.

Probably a little bit of both.