I’ve barely scanned my keycard and opened the door before Alex’s mouth and hands are on me. The moment I saw him tonight, something inside me ignited, a deep desire I’d been fighting to acknowledge. Perhaps getting some of that liquid courage helped me realize I wanted him as much as he wanted me.

I cling to him as he kicks the door shut and pushes us deeper into the room. He’s pulling at my dress while I undo his belt buckle and tug at the button of his jeans. Soon I’m standing in just my bra and panties while he kicks off his boots. As he cups my breast, our mouths crash together. Strong arms wrap around my waist as he pulls me up and my legs instinctively wrap around him.

“Alex!” I squeal with laughter as he walks us closer to the bed.

He plants my ass on the mattress, and I lean back just as he stands and wraps his hands around my knees. Flashing me a mischievous smirk, he pulls my body toward him until my ass is on the edge of the bed, nearly hanging off.

Leaning over me, he closes in and presses another kiss to my lips. “I hope you don’t mind, but tasting you earlier has me dying to taste another part of you.” He winks, making me melt at his words.

His large hand slides down my stomach and cups my pussy over my lace panties. Just the sensation of him touching me has my back arching, and I’m already desperate for more. I want anything this man is willing to give me, but I have a feeling I won’t have to beg. He wants this just as much as I do.

“I can feel how wet you are already.” He teases my clit with the pad of his thumb. “You want it, don’t you?”

I bite my lip and nod—wanting him is an understatement at this point.

“Say it, River,” he demands, his eyes locked on mine. “I won’t do anything without your permission.”

“Yes,” I whisper, my hand reaching out to wrap around his forearm. “Yes.” I dig my nails into him, showing him just how badly I do.

The corner of his lips tilts up, satisfied with my answer. He kneels, spreading my legs wider until they wrap around his neck. Kissing along my inner thigh, he continues rubbing circles on my clit as his mouth moves closer to where I need him. His moans are turning me on so fucking badly, I’m ready to combust.

“You liked me that day we first met, didn’t you?” he asks, my mind spinning and unable to concentrate. “You pretended not to.”

“No,” I disagree. “I thought you were an egotistical ass.”

He smiles against my leg, and I know he’s amused.

“I seriously doubt that,” he mocks, reaching closer to my clit. His tongue replaces his thumb, and soon, he’s sucking on it through the thin fabric of my panties.

My hand fists the sheets as my eyes roll to the back of my head. I feel the strokes of his tongue along my slit and back up to suck my clit, then he repeats it several times over. The fabric just adds to the intensity, but I want to feel him against me.

I reach down with one hand and pull my panties to the side, letting him know exactly what I want. He takes my cue and wraps his hands around my ass and squeezes before sinking his tongue deep inside me.

Moaning, I use my free hand to fist his hair and keep his head anchored.

The last time I had a guy pay me this kind of attention was…hell, I don’t even know how long. That’s how long it’s been. Most guys don’t believe in foreplay, or maybe they just don’t care to put in the effort. Not Alex. He’s already devouring me, and I’m seconds away from exploding.

“Oh my God,” I moan, the muscles tightening around his tongue. “Yes, right there!”

He flicks his tongue, swirls it around my clit, and inserts two fingers inside. Oh God. This guy is too fucking good. There’s no way I’m going to survive him. No fucking way.

I’m on the edge when he increases his pace and pushes in deeper, his lips flicking and sucking and when he curls his finger and reaches that spot, everything tightens, and I scream.

My entire body rocks and shakes, and I’ve never felt anything like it from a guy going down on me. He keeps up his pace as I ride out my release, and once my body relaxes, he presses a quick kiss to my thigh. When I finally peel my eyes open, he’s sucking on his fingers. Those two fingers. Holy fuck, that’s hot.

“I knew you’d taste good, but goddamn. That should be the flavor of the fucking day.” He winks, and it’s hard to hold back my laughter.

As he stands looking like a Greek God, I watch him lower his jeans and kick them off along with his shirt. He’s just in his boxer shorts, and my eyes lower to the very noticeable tent he’s sporting. I’m staring at it so hard that I’m completely taken aback when he grabs my waist and flips me over on the bed. My legs are still hanging off the edge, so I crawl forward until I’m centered and on my elbows. He waits until I’m situated but then slaps a hand across my ass cheek.

“These aren’t needed,” he tells me, pulling my panties down my legs and tossing them aside. “And I think you’d be more comfortable without this.” He reaches for my bra, and I chuckle a little when he starts cussing. “The fuck?”

I laugh again at how puzzled he sounds.

“The hook’s in the front,” I finally explain.

“Ahh, I was just about to find some scissors and cut the damn thing off.”

“Figured you’d be a pro at ripping off bras,” I tease as he leans down and wraps his arms around my chest.

“You’re kind of damaging my ego here.” I can tell he’s smiling as he struggles to find the hook. Moments later, he finally unlatches it.

“Good. It could go down a few notches,” I quip as I help him slide it off my arms.

“Ooh, you’re even sassier when you’ve been drinking.” I turn my head just in time to see him smirk. “Or have you just been holding back on me?”

“Get off your high horse, cowboy.”

“Really? A cowboy joke?” He arches a brow as he cups my bare breast and squeezes. He begins to massage and flicks the nipple, getting it hard. My eyes close, and before I can stop myself, a moan releases. “That’s what I thought, city girl.”

He slaps my ass again, making it tingle. Lowering his body, he brings his mouth down to the small of my back and presses light kisses up my spine. I moan at the contact and the way his erection presses against my ass. He rocks his body against mine, letting me feel how hard he is, and it’s pure torture because I want him. All of him.

“Alex…” I plead, his mouth sucking on my earlobe. He brushes my hair to the side and devours my neck.

“Yes?” he whispers.

“Fuck me. Please,” I beg. I fucking beg because that’s how worked up he has me.

Pathetic. But I can’t help it. Between the alcohol buzzing through my veins and the heartbreak I’m trying to get over, I’m desperate to feel him inside me.

Desperate for him. Desperate to forget.

He smiles against the flesh of my neck. “How do you like it, baby?”

I hadn’t expected him to ask me that, but if I was honest, it was nice to actually be asked. Lord knows, Asshole never did or put my needs and wants first.

“Hard,” I answer, hoping I don’t sound pathetic in my plea. “And rough.”

“Fuck, River…” he growls in my ear. “That’s the hottest damn thing I’ve ever heard. You sure you’re up for that?”

I turn my head and grin. “You sure you are?”

He presses his lips to mine briefly before pushing off the bed and reaching for his jeans. I hear him digging for a condom in his wallet, and thank God he came prepared. I’m on the pill, but I’d rather be safe than sorry and bring an STD back home.

Looking over my shoulder, I wait in anticipation as he slides his shorts down and sheaths himself. Placing a knee on the bed, he spreads my legs before grabbing my hips and pulling me up slightly until our bodies meet. Once I feel the tip at my entrance, I arch my back and rest up on my elbows as he rocks his hips and thrusts inside. I inhale sharply as I feel him inch by inch.

“Goddammit, River,” he growls, gripping my hips with both hands.

We’ve barely moved yet, and I can already tell he’s thick. His size is impressive, not that I’m really surprised. It’s not until he pulls out and thrusts back in again that I can really feel the length and girth of him, stretching me every time he enters inside me.

“Oh my God,” I whimper, my head falling down between my shoulders. He increases the pace, digging his fingers into my hips deeper as he thrusts harder and faster. “Yesyesyes…” I mutter.

One hand slaps my ass again as he continues fucking me from behind. God, it feels so good at this angle, and he fucks so damn good, too. His body towers over me, and his lips press against my neck as he moans and cusses in my ear.

“Fuck, River, fuck,” he growls before biting down on my shoulder.

We continue that pace until he pounds so hard into me, the buildup becomes too much, and I moan out his name. The way my body tightens, I’m shocked he holds back his own release.

“Hell if I’m done with you yet,” he tells me, flipping me over onto my back. He hitches my knee up as he slides back inside, thrusting harder and harder.

I dig my nails into the flesh of his arms, biting down on my lip until I can no longer hold it in. Moaning, I tell him how close I am and beg him not to stop. I’m so close, which seems impossible since I rarely orgasm even once during sex, but three times? That had to be some kind of record.

“C’mon, baby,” he encourages, bringing his mouth back to mine. “Come on my cock again. It’s fuckin’ hot.”

Oh my God…the thought barely comes when I feel it ripping through me. My pussy tightens more than before, and I feel his body jerk above me.

“God. That’s so perfect,” he tells me, wrapping my hair in his fist. “You’re so perfect.”

I can tell he’s close now too.

“Let me ride you,” I say, wanting to watch him come like he’s watched me.

“Fuck, yes.” He grins.

I straddle his legs and press my palms to his chest as I slide over his length and feel him harden the deeper he goes. His lips tilt up when I start moving my hips, and even though he’s already worked my body into a blissful state, I give him everything I can. First, his hands are on my thighs, moving my hips faster, and then he rests them behind his head as I rock my body against his, desperate to feel him come undone.

“Christ, River…” he growls, his eyes closing as his head tilts back. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.” He moans, grabbing the back of my legs again and squeezing them with all his strength as I feel him release inside me. The look on his face is pure fucking bliss, and I can’t believe how hot he looks right now. He groans and curses, arching his hips deeper inside me as he continues chasing the high.

“Holy shit,” I mutter, feeling an orgasm hit me unexpectedly. We ride the wave together as he pushes himself up and wraps his arms around my waist so he can press our mouths together. I welcome his lips on mine as we slowly come down. All that can be heard is our rapid breathing.

His hand on my cheek keeps us still, and we’re both relaxed and completely sated. I feel his breaths against my lips while he presses our foreheads together. That was the most intense night of my life, and even though I know we’re both only here on vacation to have fun, I can’t help but think that’s how sex is meant to be, and I’ve been missing out.

If that’s the case, my expectations just doubled.

“You’re really beautiful, you know that?” Alex whispers, breaking the silence.

“Thank you.” I smile lightly as a blush surfaces. I don’t know why him giving me a compliment after what we just did embarrasses me, but luckily, it’s too dark for him to notice.

“I’m going to clean us up and get some water before one of us passes out from dehydration.” He smirks, pressing his lips to mine before moving off the bed.

“Considering how much we drank tonight, it’s actually possible considering seventy-five percent of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration and don’t even know it.” I lean back as he walks toward the bathroom, and I smack myself in the head. I am so lame.

His chuckles echo from the bathroom, and I want to die from embarrassment. Grabbing an oversized T-shirt, I slip it on and start fussing with my hair. It’s a complete mess, but considering it’s sex hair, I kind of don’t mind.

When he returns, he’s holding a cup of water and a towel for me. I thank him and gulp down the water before climbing into bed next to him. He eyes the old T-shirt and tells me to remove it because sleeping naked is the “best thing ever,” and I’m too satisfied to argue, so I shrug it off and climb into bed next to him. Way too exhausted to analyze the fact that Alex is sleeping in bed next to me, I let him wrap me up in his arms and hold me until I fall asleep.

Oh. My. God.

It’s the only words my brain forms as my eyes flutter open and my head begins to pound. I’m thirsty and desperate for a glass of water. The sun blares through the windows and patio door and announces it’s morning. Groaning, I roll over, and the first thing I see is a bare muscular chest and that sexy V that leads to one of the happiest places on earth.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

I blink hard to confirm I’m not dreaming, and when he rustles, I know I’m not.

The images of our drunken night together come in quick flashes, and that’s when my mini freak-out happens because hooking up on vacation wasn’t really on my things-to-do list. Even if Natalie was very persistent on it being the only thing on my list.

All my insecurities about men and dating come rushing through me, and I think what the hell did I just do?

Thinking back, I try to remember how this happened. He had me the moment our eyes met, and somehow, he’s now asleep in my bed. The only things I can blame is the tequila, loneliness, and that deep Southern accent that’s sexy as sin. What a dangerous combo. However, if I’m pointing fingers, then Natalie gets her fair share of the blame too, just for encouraging this.

I can’t remember the last time I had a one-night stand but can definitely see why I haven’t made it a habit. It’s awkward as fuck. Do I continue lying with him and assume everything is fine or do I get the hell away before he can reject me first? As I’m contemplating my options, I realize we’re in my hotel room, so escaping before he wakes isn’t even a choice. Trying to stay calm, I close my eyes tight, hoping he’ll disappear, and I won’t have to make any decisions, but when I peel them back open, no such luck.

Knowing I can’t lie here any longer while my mind races, I decide to jump in the shower with hopes that when I get out, he’ll be gone. Surely, he’s done the one-night stand thing before and he’ll know that is his cue to leave.

However, as soon as I move, a large arm wraps around my bare waist and pulls me close. My eyes widen when his length presses hard on my back. When he smiles against my ear, I nearly melt into him, forgetting all the warning alarms that are going off in my head.

I’m not doing this. I can’t do the pretend couple thing. Not after everything I’ve gone through in the past six months. I’d be stupid to let myself get attached again, even for only a week. All I can think is, he has to go. I need time to process my thoughts, process what happened, and where we go from here. Maybe I’m making this more complicated than it needs to be, but one-night stands are not in my repertoire. Somehow, I can hear Natalie’s voice tell me that they are now, and I should just have unadulterated fun for the last week we’re here.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he whispers in a deep, rough drawl. All the little hairs on my neck stick up, and a shiver rushes through me. One night and my body responds to him like it’s found its other half. Last night was good. No, it was fucking amazing, but that doesn’t change anything. It can’t.

Regardless, my body is heating up again just by the way he feels pressed against me. Stupid, traitorous body—betraying me again, like it did with Asshole.

His strong hand trails across my hip and stops on my stomach. I still and pretend I’m asleep, but he knows I’m not when my breath hitches at his contact. Soft lips kiss my neck, trailing across my shoulder and up toward my jawline. Fuck. My eyes flutter closed, but then I blink them open and realize I have to stop before his hand or mouth trails any lower. I turn my body and look up at him. Deep blue eyes stare seductively into mine, and I swallow hard, knowing what I have to do so I don’t lead him on or give the wrong idea. Last night was fun, but that’s all it can be now—a memory.

“I’m sorry, Alex.” I sit up, pulling the sheet up to cover my bare breasts.

He smiles. “For what, darlin’? You have nothing to be sorry for. Not even for the way you screamed my name and buried your head in the pillow.”

My eyes widen, a blush creeping up my neck and cheeks. “I think you should go,” I tell him, keeping my composure, trying to make it less awkward than it already is.

Placing his hands behind his head, he takes me by surprise when he lets out a big hearty laugh. “Before breakfast? I could grab us some plates from the continental breakfast downstairs and bring it back up, so we can refuel.” He flashes a wink as if to indicate refuel for round two, or three.

I purse my lips. “Umm, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I use a gentle voice to lessen the blow.

Alex sits up, and he’s basically face-to-face with me. Smiling, he tucks loose strands of hairs behind my ear and rubs his thumb across my cheek before standing. “I’m in room 5513 if you change your mind, sweetheart.” The confidence in his tone makes me think he doesn’t really think I’m going to let him leave or he’s pretending that being kicked out doesn’t bother him.

My heart flutters, but I ignore it. Why does he have to be such a gentleman? Pushing him away and getting this reaction is making me feel guilty, but I’m not sure why.

As hard as it is, I can’t take my eyes off his sexy ass as he walks across the room, buck naked. Confidence oozes from him as he grabs his clothes and puts them on.

Looking over his shoulder at me, he smiles. “Last chance to stop me.” He winks, and it almost has me second-guessing my decision. I’m half-tempted to say the hell with it and pull him back into my bed, but I stay silent instead.

It’s better this way. At least that’s what I tell myself as he flashes another smile before leaving. As soon as the door closes, I lie back in bed and let out a long sigh. I lie there for a few moments, thinking over the events of last night and how Alex—basically a stranger—worked my body and made me feel so damn good. After a while, I peel myself out of bed, not wanting to waste the day. Refusing to let my thoughts get the best of me, I get up and walk to the shower. I turn on the hot water and step inside. My body is sore, and each time I move, I can feel exactly where Alex had been. He marked his territory, and as much as I don’t want to admit it, it was some fucking good sex—okay, admittedly, it was the best sex I’d ever had. It’s no secret the man knows his way around the bedroom.

As I’m washing my hair, I can feel how sore my arms and legs are. Jesus. The man was a savage.

The glass door of the shower fogs up, and I take that as my cue to get out. I grab a towel and wrap it around my body and take another one for my hair. As I walk toward my suitcase, I hear my phone vibrating on the nightstand. Picking it up, I see several texts from Natalie.

Her messages make me smile, even if telling her is going to be a whole debacle, and she’s going to want intimate details. I check the time and realize it’s been over an hour since she sent them.

As I finish towel drying my hair, I think back to the last time we got rid of our hangovers by drinking more. We were freshmen in college and went to our first frat party. The next morning, we woke up and drank shitty Bloody Marys until we couldn’t taste the cheap vodka anymore. As I sit here with a pounding headache, it actually doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

Her text bubble instantly pops up.

Rolling my eyes at her last text, I lock my phone and grab my keycard before heading to the elevator. I’m halfway hoping I don’t run into Alex, not after I all but pushed him out the door this morning. The guilt of how I acted is starting to build, but I have a good reason.

Once I step off the elevator and walk into the restaurant that overlooks the beach, I see Natalie. Her fiery red hair gleams in the sun, and as soon as she makes eye contact with me, she smirks.

“I think you’re actually glowing—and not because of the sun,” she says before taking a bite of her eggs.

“I don’t want to talk about it,” I tell her just as the waitress arrives with my plate of food.

She rolls her eyes at me. “You’re no fun. When did you become such a prude?”

“Apparently, I’m not fun. I’m beginning to think there’s something wrong with me.”

“By the smug-ass look on your face, it seems like it. Did someone piss in your Cheerios this morning? Was it something he did? Was he an asshole toward you?” Her face is full of concern. “Do I need to kick his tight Texan ass to Kentucky?”

Her protective words make me grin, but I shake my head. “No, no. Nothing like that. The opposite actually. He was an absolute gentleman this morning, and I’m sure if he would’ve gone home with anyone other than myself last night, it would’ve continued on this morning. But instead, I asked him to leave.”

Natalie’s mouth falls open. “What?” she shrieks loudly, not realizing how loud she’s being when I shush her. “Why? Don’t you know how vacation flings work? Did I forget to teach you that?”

I glare at her, not responding to that comment. I turn to my plate and take a few bites of my Eggs Benedict and the hollandaise sauce basically melts in my mouth. “Oh my God, Nat. You were right. This is to die for.”

“Nope. No, I’m not going to let you change the subject on me like that. Not this time. I’m not falling for it,” she states matter-of-factly.

Groaning, I knew I wouldn’t be able to distract her for long. “Apparently not. Why don’t you enlighten me?” My tone is laced with sarcasm that isn’t lost on her.

“You’re supposed to lock yourself in your room with Mr. Southern ‘n Dirty, and you don’t leave until your vagina falls off or your plane flies out. And sometimes the sex is so mind-blowing it’s worth missing a flight. Trust me.” She wiggles her eyebrows, making me smile. Being around Natalie helps me relax a bit, and I’m so grateful she’s my best friend who knows what to say to help me out of my funk.

“I’ll keep that in mind the next time I see my vag lying on the floor.” I can barely get the words out before I burst into laughter.

“Seriously, though, Riv. Let loose for once. Let your hair down and give yourself permission to enjoy yourself. You’ve been taking care of people for almost your entire life. It’s time for you to finally take care of River and just have fun. When we get back to the tundra, then you can go back to being guarded and uptight in your fancy scrubs.” She flashes a teasing smile, but her tone softens at my reluctant facial expression before continuing. “Just promise me you’ll try to have a good time the rest of the week.” Natalie gives me a small smile, and I can’t deny her when she’s being this sincere.

“Okay, fine. I promise to try. Just for you,” I tell her between bites of toast, hoping I can push away my reservations because I know she’s right. I’ve put people first for as long as I can remember without really thinking about what I wanted.

“Good. Just remember, though, what happens in Key West stays in Key West.” She winks.

And I honestly hope she’s right.