At first, Marissa felt her nerves tense when Aaron took her in his arms. Her breath caught high in her throat. Her muscles felt stiff, almost unmovable. But that all seemed to change in a heartbeat.

A slow realization of just how well they fit together sank in. Her head fit perfectly just under his chin, right against his chest. His broad shoulders braced her petite frame, his abdomen hard against hers. His slender hips cupped her perfectly and she felt like she had come home.

She meant to hold herself away from his body, to not allow herself to enjoy the contact, but she couldn’t help giving in to temptation. Soon she was snuggled against the hot comfort of him. She melted into his body, their two shapes melding into one. He danced fluidly, magically. She found her body moving like it never had before, matching him step for step, experiencing a rhythm she’d never felt before. She didn’t feel like her feet even touched the ground.

When the next song started they began to move again, undulating against each other in perfect rhythm. This song was slower, sexier, and Aaron kept perfect tempo with the sensual music.

Marissa forgot she was in public, that her brother and her best friend were nearby. She forgot they were in the middle of a dance floor surrounded by people. She couldn’t think. She was trapped in the spell of Aaron Mathews. Her lungs filled with the spicy, citrusy scent of him, intoxicating her with the aroma. Her body responded to the dialect his body spoke, communicating in an unspoken language. She was temporarily transported to an enchanted place, a place where stars danced and angels sang.

And then the music stopped.

The band announced it was taking a break and Marissa snapped back to reality. Good Lord, what was she thinking? She’d practically made love to Aaron Mat t hews right here on the dance floor.

Heat suffused her face and confusion overwhelmed her. An undeniable urge to escape exploded within her.

“I’ve got to go.”

“Marissa.” Aaron reached for her but she slipped away.

“I’ve got to let Larry out.” She blurted out the first excuse she could think of and ran back to the booth, scooped up her purse, and headed out the door. Aaron started to run after her but got caught up in the crowd and she was gone before he could catch her.

Her heart thundered as she slid behind the wheel and her hands shook as she turned the key in the ignition. She felt as if she might hyperventilate. This was crazy. Why did she have this reaction to the man?

Well, if she were honest, she actually knew one reason. It had to do with her one other real love interest in her life. His name was Dominic Schaeffer and he was an Indy car driver. He’d actually won the race the year they were seeing each other. Life with him in it had been exciting, filled with vitality and fun. She’d met him at a party one year in May and they’d fallen for each other immediately. He was tall, slim, and blonde, with the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. He was entertaining and adventurous.

Life with Dom had never been dull. She attended the awards banquet with him and some celebratory parties. He flew her into many of his races. He took her to Jamaica, Italy, and Belize. He was daring and bold. He'd talked her into bungee jumping and zip lining, things she thought she would never do. She'd been caught up in the exhilaration, the excitement of the lifestyle and the thrills.

Friends warned her about seeing someone who had a reputation as a player. She hadn’t listened.

But she should have. Oh, she should have. One day a year later, the next May, Marissa found herself on the west side of the city after dropping a client off at the airport. She’d texted Dom earlier and he told her he was feeling under the weather and wasn’t going to the track that day.

What a great idea to surprise him with hot chicken soup. Perfect for fighting a cold or the flu. She stopped by a Panera’s and got some, then headed to his hotel suite near the track.

Yeah, right, great surprise…on her. When she knocked and knocked Dom’s door he eventually came to the door…wearing only a towel. She heard a female voice floating out from the room asking who it was. Then she walked into view…and she was wearing only a towel, too, one that barely covered her luscious curves. Straight black hair fell to mid-back and she definitely looked freshly bed.

“Marissa. What are you doing here?” His voice had been shocked, panicked almost, but Marissa wasn’t blind. It was obvious what was going on and she was pissed.

“I’m bringing you chicken soup, you sick bastard!” She’d thrown the hot soup directly in his face and watched as noodles slimed his chiseled features. “Enjoy it, and your other little chickie, too.” She’d turned on her heel and marched back down the hall. He’d started to chase after her, calling her name then realized he was dressed only in a towel and hesitated mid-hallway.

Marissa paused for a moment when she noticed he stopped, then turned back around. She strode boldly back to Dom, ignored his reaching arms, and in one swift move jerked his towel off, leaving him standing naked in the hall. Just as she did she saw the flash of a camera. She didn’t care at that moment. She only smiled and looked him up and down, “Perfect. Someone just captured your moment of pride and joy on camera. I hope it goes viral.”

Oh, be careful what you wish for. The slimy little weasel in the room next to Dom’s sold the pic to numerous websites and tabloids. But unfortunately, the picture didn’t just expose Dominic. She was the focal point of the picture.

And everyone she knew saw it.

God, the humiliation. She was ashamed to be caught by the entire world at one of the most horrifying moments of her life. Some of the comments on the websites were extremely hurtful. Her friends and family were supportive but Marissa freely admitted it was one of the worst times she’d ever lived through. Not only had her heart been broken, she was embarrassed. She’d vowed then and there to never be involved with another ‘player’.

And Aaron Mathews was a player.