Walking into Noah and Reagan’s house with Carter’s birthday gift tucked under my arm, has my stomach feeling uneasy. All day my thoughts repeatedly strayed to her. Knowing she’ll be here tonight, I can’t help but wonder what her reaction will be when she sees me?

Setting her present down on a long table with other gifts, I move further inside seeking out my friends and a cold one - not necessarily in that order.

Exchanging brief hellos with some female acquaintances and head nods and fist bumps with some of the guys from the gym, I grab a Heineken out of the fridge. Popping the cap off with the bottle opener lying on the granite counter, I grab a brownie from a plate in the middle of their kitchen table. Three bites later, the sweet chocolate treat is gone and I’m making my way through the people gathered around the dining room table piling all kinds of food on their plates. Slipping past the line that’s forming, my eyes scan the space for any sign of Noah or Griffin. I don’t spot them, but I zone in on Carter. Of course, she’s here already. It is her party and she looks more attractive than I remember. I didn’t think that could be possible. Once again, she’s wearing pink. This time it’s a fitted shirt, instead of a dress and she’s wearing tight, dark blue jeans that hug her long, shapely legs. I fight the urge to rush over and pick up where we left off two months ago. Somehow, I don’t think she’d appreciate me hauling her off like a caveman in front of her sisters and friends. Then again, she was the one who initiated things between us last time.

Standing here surreptitiously studying her, I get the impression she’s more reserved than she appeared to be the night of Noah and Reagan’s engagement party. Chin tucked to her chest, she holds a drink in her hand as the conversation flows around her. Her eyes flick to each person as they speak, showing interest, but she remains silent, not offering any contribution.

The loud bark of Griff’s laughter pulls my attention across the room. He and Noah are hanging out with Rob, another fighter friend from Collins’ Fight Club, the gym where we train. Weaving in and out of people, I make my way over to them.

“Nick, my man. It’s about time you got here,” Noah says, as we fist bump. Griff and Rob bump my extended fist too.

“Hey, what’s up, guys?” I sip on my beer and listen to the chatter around me.

“Not much. Just checking out Reagan’s friends,” Griff offers.

“Noah, do you miss your single days? Are you panicking about the engagement yet?” I ask, slapping him on the back.

He shrugs my hand away. “Fuck no. I went four years without Reagan and missed her every single day. I won’t be having any doubts about marrying her. If I could do it tonight I would.”

“How’s it feel to be officially pussy whipped?” I smirk, then tip my bottle back for another sip of the cold liquid.

“Fuck you. You wish you were in my shoes,” he counters.

“I never thought I’d see the day that No-No Nolan would be turned from a lion into a pussy cat.”

“I’m pretty sure this ‘pussy cat,’ kicks your ass around the cage just fine.”

“He’s got a point,” Griff interjects, tipping his head in my direction.

“Calm down, dude. I’m just fucking with you. Pussy whipped looks good on you,” I joke.

Noah shakes his head and smiles. “You’re such a dickhead. Remind me why I invited you.”

“You like the entertainment I provide. Maybe I should be charging for each appearance.”

“Things are never dull when you’re around,” Rob offers.

“Exactly. Thanks for making my point for me. We can negotiate my fee before the next party.”

Noah nods in agreement. “Sure. I’ll even supply the clown suit for you.”

“Nice. Did I ever tell you I wanted to be Ronald McDonald when I was a kid?”

“What?” Griff questions, raising an eyebrow.

“Yep, it’s true. He’s the face of McDonald’s. He must get endless fries and nuggets, right? That guy’s living the dream.”

Noah shakes his head. “Dude, where do you come up with this shit?”

I tap my index finger on my head. “It’s a gift, really. You wouldn’t believe some of the stuff I think about.”

“We don’t want to know,” Rob says with a grin.

“Oh, I think you do,” I say with a wink and then drink down the rest of my beer. “I’m getting a refill. Anyone else need one?”

“No, I’m all set for now.” I’m not surprised at Noah’s reply. He never has more than one beer in the weeks leading up to a fight.

I gesture at Griff and Rob, but they’re not interested either. What’s up with everyone tonight? Aside from Noah when he’s training hard, these guys aren’t ones to turn down free alcohol.

Meandering around party guests on my way back to the fridge, I notice Carter slipping down the hallway toward the bathroom. Not wanting to miss any opportunity to get her alone, I follow. Leaning against the wall, I’m prepared to wait as long as I must. I need to take advantage of her being here. I haven’t seen her in over two months and for all I know it could be a few more before I’ll see her again.

Head tipped back on the wall, eyes closed, I get lost in thoughts of the kiss Carter and I shared. It was smoking hot and I never wanted it to end.

Was it the same for her?

Has she been thinking about me?

Maybe she’s sorry she never got my name that night.

“What are you doing here?” she asks in an annoyed tone of voice. My eyes snap open and take in the scowl on her face.

Maybe not.

She doesn’t look like she’s happy to see me.

“Noah’s a good friend of mine. He mentioned a birthday party, and I’m always game for free food, beer and running into gorgeous girls.” My eyes hungrily roam over her beautiful face. I’ve been starved for the sight of her. “What are you doing here?” I turn the tables on her, pretending I don’t know it’s her party.

“Reagan is my sister,” she huffs at me, crossing her arms over her chest. The motion is meant to be defensive, but all it does is get me paying attention to her tits. I can’t help myself and my eyes wander down to get a closer look. Fuck. I shouldn’t have looked because now I’m imagining my dick sliding in the snug, dark space between them and I’m hard as fucking steel.

“Do I get an introduction this time?” I question, taking a step closer to her.

She looks me up and down, swallowing visibly. “I’m Carter.”

Extending my hand to her, I wait until she takes it before I speak. “I’m Nick.” I don’t release my hold on her, instead I tug her into the nearest room which I know happens to be the spare bedroom. I’ve spent more than a few nights here sleeping off my whiskey overindulgence.

“What are you doing?” she asks, her voice a panicked squeak.

Flipping the light on, I push the door closed behind us and smoothly cage her against it. Being naturally athletic has its advantages. “This time you’re going to know who you’re kissing.” Her eyes go wide, and she opens her mouth to speak. Before she can utter a single sound, my lips take hers, capturing the hot as fuck breathy moan she releases. Swallowing it down, along with the sweet taste of her tongue, makes me want so much more. I want to lick her from head to toe and every single tempting inch between. Kissing her is even hotter than I remember and it’s all I can do to restrain myself from throwing her on the bed and picking up where we left off the last time we were together. I know as much as I want to, I can’t think with my dick. I’ve been hung up on this girl for two months now. It’s time to work some of my famous ‘Nick charm’ on her.

My palms cup her face as I press another soft kiss on her lips. Drawing back slightly, I notice the flush of passion on her cheeks and the sheen of desire in her eyes.

She wants me as much as I want her.

Clenching my teeth, I will myself to slow down and move my hands to her upper arms. She’s not someone I want for a one and done, she’s a commitment type of girl. Normally, this would send me running, but I’ve had enough time to work through my attraction to her and I know it’s not going anywhere - especially with that kiss we just shared. It was fucking fantastic and if I had any doubts the last couple of minutes erased them.

I grin at her. “It’s nice to meet you, Carter. When can I take you out?”

“It’s nice meeting you, also.” She presses her lips together in a suggestion of a smile.

Yes. I can tell she wants to go out with me. Where should I take her? Dinner? A movie?

“I can’t go out with you.”

Wait. What? My eyebrows draw together as I study her. “Can you repeat that?” Maybe I misheard. My hands hold her arms tighter.

She sighs. “I said, I can’t go out with you.” She chews on her lower lip as she stares up at me with large blue eyes – the same blue eyes I’ve been dreaming about.

“Why the hell not?” I ask, my tone deep and unquestionably annoyed.

“I’m not interested in dating anyone right now.”

“I’m not just anyone,” I wink, my thumbs caressing her arms. “I can guarantee going out with me would be the ride of your life.”

She shrugs her shoulders and I loosen my hold, letting my hands fall to my sides. “Sorry, I just got off the ride of my life and I’m not looking for another.”

“You know,” I pause, “no two rides are alike. I’m one of a kind and it’s not really fair to compare me or judge me based on some jerkoff ex of yours.”

Awkwardly shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she crosses her arms over her chest, leaning back against the door. “Don’t take it personally. You seem like a really nice guy, but I’m not ready to jump back into the dating pool and I’m not sure when I will be.”

Fuck. As disappointed as this news makes me, I twist my lips into a crooked grin. “No problem, Candy. It was nice seeing you again.” I step back, creating space between us. I know I’m not changing her mind tonight. Better luck next time; whenever that may be.

She scowls at her nickname. “It’s Carter and it was nice meeting you, Nick.” She whirls around wildly, long tresses flying through the air, and I catch their scent. She smells like coconut or one of those mixed drink that tastes fruity, but is loaded with liquor and ends up knocking you on your ass unexpectedly. Yep, kind of like she just did to me when she turned me down. I never imagined her saying no. Maybe that makes me a cocky asshole, but girls don’t usually refuse when I ask them out.

Changing her mind is going to be a lot of fun.