“You want me to put that in a to-go container?” the bartender asked with a puzzled glance at the still-full bowl of chili in front of her.

“No thanks. I’m getting on a plane. It was very good, I just wasn’t as hungry as I thought.” Christa forced a smile and laid a twenty on the bar.

She turned to stare out the window. It was raining again but she hardly minded. A gorgeous, sunny day wouldn’t have seemed at all fitting. She flicked a glance at her watch. Her plane would be leaving in two hours. Time to call a cab and get ready to leave Cincinnati—and Tai—behind.

Tai. She pressed a hand to her lips and tried to remember exactly what his mouth had felt like.

Gigi’s words from earlier that morning still rang in her head. How could she not have known? Surely it had been in the newspapers, or maybe gossip in school? She’d been so blind. The sorrow threatened to spill over again, but she slammed the brakes on. Plenty of time for that when she got home. Her leave of absence was open-ended so she could snuggle her Boston Terrier Milo tight and not leave her bed for a week if she wanted. Hell, maybe she’d never go back.

The sound of music interrupted her thoughts. Little early for the jukebox to be cranking.

Come on,

Come on,

Cry to me…

Her stomach clenched tight and her heart broke just a little more. Of all the songs they could’ve picked.

Tears rushed to her eyes and she swiped at them with her sleeve. Time to get the hell out of there before she came unhinged. She stood, nearly toppling her chair, and turned. Keeping her head down, she made her way to the exit. A male voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Well, it just looks silly doing the dance by myself.”

The breath whooshed from her lungs as she looked up to see Tai swaying on the empty dance floor. Despite the teasing words, his face was grave, his eyes full of sorrow.

“Come here,” he murmured.

She searched his face for a sign that he was toying with her. That once she got there, in the warmth of his arms, he might snatch them away. Because how could he ever possibly get past what she’d done, and worse, what she hadn’t?

She took a tentative step forward. “Tai, I’m so sorry.”

The meltdown she’d hoped to stave off came on like an avalanche and sobs racked her body. And then he was there, scooping her into his arms, holding her close, rocking her to the music while he whispered into her ear.

“It’s okay, doll. I’m okay.”

“B-b-but I never found you. I should have tried harder. How can you forgive me?”

He pulled back, his dark eyes full of emotion. “The same way you’ll forgive me. I could’ve come back for you when I got out, at least to see what happened instead of assuming the worst. And last night I could’ve listened when you tried to tell me the truth.”

A couple stepped into the bar, sending them a curious look.

“Can we go to your room and talk?”

“Checkout is in a half hour. I have a two o’clock flight.” She refused to look at him, despite the weight of his stare. She’d hunted him down and forced him to see her, she wasn’t going to beg him to stay too.

“You’re not going anywhere. Not now. Change your flight, at least until tomorrow. We don’t need to decide anything, but we need time to talk, okay?”

She nodded, too overwhelmed to trust her voice. Could he really forgive her? And could she forgive herself? Only one way to find out. If they couldn’t work through it, it would ruin her, but Tai was worth the risk.

By the time they’d made it to her room and arranged for another night’s stay, the tears had dried. They settled on the couch and faced one another. She mustered up the courage and asked the question that had kept her awake all night.

“How did you survive those two years, Tai? Did they hurt you?”

Her terrified gaze cut through to the bone, like a cleaver. He knew what she was asking. The question that hung, unspoken, between the lines.

“No.”

She stared hard at him, her eyes silently begging for the truth.

“No,” he said more firmly this time. “I promise you. I was young, but I was strong and made sure I stayed in top condition. One guy tried. A couple well-placed punches to the kidney convinced him it was a bad idea. After that, no one bothered me.”

“Thank God for that, at least,” she whispered, trembling with relief.

“It was one of the darkest times of my life, but I’m coming to the realization that I was partly to blame. I’ve replayed that night over and over in my head, and you know what? The prosecutor was right. I did want to hurt him. It was my intent to maim. I lost control.”

As he spoke, a heaviness that had weighed on him for the past ten years vanished.

“That goes against everything the art of Shotokan stands for. I acted in anger, and I paid for that choice. I could’ve easily subdued him without the kick. It burns my ass to admit it, but there it is. When I made that choice I shamed myself. But I also shamed my sensei, the one positive male figure in my life. I repaid him with a two-year stint in jail. In fact, after this tour I’m going to pay him a visit and tell him how much I appreciated all he did for me.”

She burrowed into his chest and held him tight. “I think that’s a wonderful idea. But the fact is, if it wasn’t me and Pierce wasn’t a Ridell you never would have gotten such a stiff sentence. The punishment didn’t fit the crime. I’m not convinced that your useless public defender wasn’t a friend of my father’s. Who recommends a plea on a case like that? Especially in light of my statement.”

He brushed the hair from her cheek and remained silent. A sick look washed over her face as she pushed away from him and sat up.

“Tai? What aren’t you telling me?”

“I don’t know how to tell you this, Chris, but there was no statement.”

“Of course there was a statement. I had to recite it to the policeman twice to make sure he got it all. They made me sign it.”

Tai shook his head, tugging her back to him gently. “I don’t know who that man was, but he wasn’t a police officer. When I was being interrogated, the police told me that no one else backed my story and it would be better if I just confessed to attacking Pierce out of jealousy. I tried to argue for so long, but they wore me down. The public defender swore I’d do less than six months if I pled. My mom and I decided it was the only option, so I did. When the sentence was handed down we were stunned.”

The horror on her face spoke volumes. “This was my father’s doing. I knew it was bad, but I never would have thought he was capable of this. He’s dead to me.”

“Hey, let’s not do this, okay? There’s a lot to digest and I know it hurts. But I’ve been living in the past for so long now. Let’s be selfish, focus on here and now and me and you, just for a little while. We’ve wasted ten years. All I want is to make up for some of that time.”

“Anything you want. The fact that you are even willing to give me another chance after what knowing me has cost you means everything to me.”

He thought carefully before he spoke the words on his tongue, letting loose when he felt the absolute truth of them. “It was worth it. If I had to do it all again to have you with me like this, I would.”

She stared at him for a long moment as tears filled her eyes, then pulled back and punched him in the gut. “I finally stopped crying and then you go and say something unbearably sweet and totally unreasonable like that. I love you so much, Tai.”

She dove on top of him, wrapping her arms and legs around him the best she could while she sobbed against his neck.

He squeezed her tight, reveling in the warm sense of fullness in his chest as his heart settled back into its rightful place. “I love you too, doll.”

She lifted her head and pressed a damp, salty kiss to his mouth. The taste of her tears made everything in his body clench in protest but a moment later, she nipped his lower lip and pulled back.

“Cheer me up,” she demanded with a trembling smile. She bent to him again and kissed him, tongue and all. His body responded instantly, his cock standing at attention.

“Let’s take it into the bedroom this time,” he muttered before rolling her off him and standing. He bent low and scooped her up into his arms.

Her eyes twinkled as the tears dried. She let out a delighted laugh. “Aren’t you the romantic?”

“After last time, it’s the least I can do. I acted like a real asshole.” He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers.

She laid a hand on his cheek. “It’s okay. No more blame, no more guilt. Just be with me.”

“Always.” He strode into the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. She was gorgeous in the late-afternoon light and he ran a finger over the neckline of her shirt. “I can’t wait to look at you.”

“You too.”

He set to work on the buttons of her blouse, each one revealing another inch of creamy skin. Her nipples peeked through the white lace of her bra and he bent low to clamp on to one, tugging with his teeth.

“Mmm,” she groaned as she slipped her fingers into his hair, pressing him tighter to her breast. He sucked hard, pulling on the firm peak, until she began to fidget beneath him, wordlessly begging for more. He backed away, unclasping the front of her bra. It fell open, leaving her heaving breasts bare to his gaze.

“Hips up.”

Christa complied and a moment later her pants and underwear were off. A cool rush of air caressed her overheated skin.

“Amazing,” he breathed, his eyes hungrily sweeping her from head to toe. His gaze narrowed on her pussy and he bent at the waist, pressing a firm kiss to her pubic bone. She arched forward helplessly, aching for his mouth.

“Oh don’t worry, doll. There is nothing I want more in the world than my mouth on your pussy. Let me get out of these clothes.”

He straightened and yanked the shirt over his head in one motion. His abs were glorious. “If you keep looking at me like that this is going to go way faster than either of us want it to,” he warned, issuing a pained laugh.

He unbuttoned his fly and slid out of his jeans then stood, buck-naked. His cock stood at attention, thick and long, just begging for her mouth. She rolled to her side and hoisted herself up on her elbow.

“Come closer,” she whispered.

He groaned and took a tentative step toward the bed, just close enough for her to flick the head of his cock with her tongue. She reveled in the warm, musky taste, going back for another long lick.

“Fuck,” he growled, then stepped in, bringing himself more fully into her mouth. She moaned around him, working her throat muscles to suck his swollen cock deeper. He speared his hand into her hair, urging her on. Power and desire pulsed through her, her clit aching with need. She worked him over and over with her lips and tongue until he jerked away. His cock pulsed and quivered as his harsh breathing echoed through the room.

“I want to come in your mouth so bad, but that pussy is calling me. Lay back,” he demanded, closing a hand over his cock and fisting himself as she complied.

“Spread your legs.”

She did. Her nipples grew impossibly tight, the heat of his gaze setting her aflame.

He moved to the foot of the bed, never taking his eyes off her. Leaning forward, he traced a path from her ankles to the inside her thighs, grunting when he connected with her pussy.

“So wet, Jesus, Chris, you’re killing me.” He climbed onto the bed between her legs, positioning his elbows by her hips. For a long moment, he just stared. When he finally dipped his head down and put his mouth to her, she nearly bucked him off but he held her hips captive. He dragged his tongue over her crease, then traced around her clit with just the tip.

“Tai,” she whispered urgently, arching upward.

He growled and he closed his lips over the swollen knot and began rubbing rhythmically with his tongue. She shuddered and her muscles strained as her body hurtled toward release. She threaded her fingers into his hair, willing him to finish it, to make the ache go away. Despite her insistence, he kept the same, slow, gentle rhythm. With a whimper, she writhed, desperate for him to ease the pressure building tight, tighter in her belly.

His hand slid over her hip, down her thigh, then between, teasing her creamy folds. “Yes, yes, yes,” she chanted.

Two fingers nudged her entrance, pausing, then thrusting deep.

Her world became a pinprick and he was the center. Her back bowed at the exquisite invasion even as he closed his lips over her clit for a firm suck that sent her headlong over the edge. She came hard, twisting and grinding against his face as his fingers drove in and out.

Her body was still quivering when she finally came back to earth. Tai rained gentle kisses on her thighs and hips, slipping his fingers from her pussy.

“That was so beautiful. Better than Christmas. That’s how I want to wake you up every morning,” he whispered.

“I’m so into that idea,” she gasped, still reeling.

“But first, roll over. I want to take you from behind.”

The need she’d thought was quenched came back in a rush. She flipped onto her stomach, the feel of his hot gaze encouraging her to take her time, pose a little for him. She rose onto her knees and leaned forward until she was resting on her elbows. He must have liked the view because he let out a muffled groan. She gave her bottom a wiggle and peered over her shoulder to see his gaze locked on her.

“What are you waiting for?”

He shook his head as if to clear it. “Hell if I know,” he said with a pained smile. He knelt behind her and closed his big, strong hands over her ass. He spread her wide, pressing his thumbs into the delicate tissue between her cheeks, and she moaned.

“That sound is making me nuts. I want to take it slow but I need you so bad right now.” His voice was harsh, as if he’d walked miles in the desert without a sip of water. All she wanted to do was slake his thirst.

“I don’t want it slow. Don’t make me wait, Tai,” she pleaded.

He bit out a curse and then his hands slipped lower, massaging her pussy from behind, spreading her wide. The thick head of his cock probed her slit, up and down, spreading her slick juices around her overheated flesh. Unable to take any more teasing, she flexed back against him, taking him deep. He tipped his hips forward until he was flush against her. For a moment, she forgot to breathe. The fullness was a double-edged sword. It was so sublime she almost wept, but at the same time it was torturous, turning want into a blaze of white-hot need.

“Please,” she panted.

He didn’t answer, choosing to respond with his body. He pulled back then arched forward, filling her again in an erotic slide. He repeated the motion, working in and out in slow, measured thrusts. She clutched the blanket in her hands as he took her higher, luring her closer to the precipice.

“Stop,” she groaned. “I don’t want to come like this. I want to see your face.”

He pulled out and flipped her onto her back in one fluid motion. She was still catching her breath as he slid a knee between her legs and pressed forward until she could feel the insistent length of his cock again. She reached between them and closed her hand over it, marveling at the satiny feel.

“I’m on the edge. Don’t toy with me unless you want a sticky stomach,” he muttered.

She barked out a laugh and pressed him to her entrance. “Maybe later. Right now I want you, Tai Madsen, my man, inside me again.”

He thrust forward, burying his cock deep in one drive. Then he rode her hard. Deep, steady strokes that had her toes curling. He shifted, lifting her legs, until every lunge ground the root of his cock hard against her aching clit. The sensation roared through her, like a train at full speed.

“I’m going to come,” she groaned.

He encouraged her with murmured words, quickening his pace until the wave slammed into her, wrecking her. Her body felt as if it were made of light as the tremors shook her. She dimly heard Tai calling her name.

“That’s it, take it. Fuck, that pussy’s tight.” On a shout, he tumbled after her. His cock pulsed deep inside her and she held on tight as his body quaked above hers.

Pure satisfaction coursed through her as he toppled heavily onto her. His heart beat a rapid tattoo against hers and she smiled.

When they were both able to breathe, he rolled to her side. “Delicious,” she groaned with a satisfied stretch.

He nodded and gave her hip a squeeze. “Let’s take a nap, then head out, okay? I hate to break up the party here, but I want you in my bed tonight. Plus, we need to go put Gigi out of her misery. She’s probably a wreck. What do you say we pack up your stuff and move you onto the Man Bus?”

She pulled back and grinned, tears of happiness threatening. Maybe fate was on her side after all. She didn’t know what she’d done to deserve this second chance, but she was grabbing it with both hands.

“Absolutely. Now that me and Gigi are on board, we’ve got to rename that bus. I’m thinking something feminine like Lily. Or maybe Louise.”

“So not going to happen.” He flipped her on her back and she squealed. As he pressed his mouth to hers, the scent of honeysuckle enveloped him.

Nothing had ever felt so right.

Keep reading for ore steamy goodness by Savannah Skye! The Switch:

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