We’d been talking for a week now. We worked and messaged each other every moment we could, usually falling asleep in the middle of a conversation. I wanted to know everything about this man.

The manwhore title still fit him perfectly, but I’d learned he was more complex. Even passionate and romantic, but his heart had been destroyed, and I needed to know why.

Me: Can I ask you something? If you don’t want to answer, I understand.

Kayden: Shoot.

Me: What happened in your relationships to make you swear them off forever?

I hit send and wished I could’ve erased the message before he read it.

Kayden: It’s not an easy answer. I’ve been divorced for a long time, and I finally fell in love again four years ago. We were like oil and water, and it ended horribly.

I wanted to believe in the fairy tale, but I didn’t know many people who found it and stayed married. It seemed like everyone I knew was either single or going through a divorce.

Me: Twice and you’re out?

Kayden: My ex-girlfriend, Lisa, ripped my heart out, and I don’t think I could survive going through it again.

I knew the feeling, but it didn’t stop me from still trying.

Me: Heartache can make you feel that way. You’re too young to give up on it, though. And really, you can’t stop love—sometimes, it just happens.

Kayden: Not if I have my way. I’m not looking for love, and I stay away from any situation where it’s even a possibility.

Why was I bothered by his answer? I furrowed my brows and took a deep breath because I needed to get my shit together.

Me: I’m sorry. You’ve just picked the wrong ones. You shouldn’t give up on love, just your taste in women.

Kayden: Maybe, but for now, it’s easier for me. I work seven days a week and keep myself busy. I’m happier than I’ve been in years, Sophia.

Me: I don’t believe it, but you can keep lying to yourself.

Kayden: Tell me about your past relationships or your current one.

I bit my lower lip, thinking of a way to sum up my love life. There wasn’t much to tell, though. Although I only had one major heartache, even my single life had been as dull as my married one.

Me: They’ve all been passionless, an endless sea of navy blue.

Kayden: Can I ask you a couple questions? It only seems fair since you’ve been questioning me.

Palm meet forehead. He always answered my questions; how could I say no? I swallowed hard, trying to figure a way out of it, but nothing came to me. Hopefully, he kept the questions simple and short.

Me: Go ahead—fair’s fair.

Kayden: Did they hold you every night and kiss you each day?

Me: No. Does a kiss good-bye count?

I didn’t want to admit to the mediocrity in my love life, but I didn’t have anything to lose either.

Kayden: There’s problem number one. Do you like to be held?

Me: Yes, but guys just don’t seem into it.

Kayden: Maybe the guys you’ve been with. I fucking love it. One thing I miss about not being in a relationship. Okay, so what about kissing? Why only a kiss good-bye? I mean, that’s how you kiss a friend.

I tapped my thumbs against my phone, thinking of how to answer. I always wanted more, but the men in my life didn’t. The lack of passion was why I kept my nose stuck in books.

Me: I love to kiss, just haven’t found someone who brings me to my knees with a kiss. It’s always too sloppy or too neat. I don’t even try to kiss anymore, why be disappointed?

Kayden: Ahh… Maybe you’re the problem. Maybe you’re a bad kisser.

My mouth hung open. How dare he think I’m the problem? I typed faster, my anger at his statement making my fingers fly across the tiny screen keyboard.

Me: WTF. No! I’m a damn good kisser, or at least I used to be.

Kayden: I don’t know about that. There has to be some reason behind it. I could tell you…if you’re good or not.

The thought of kissing Kayden sent tingles throughout my body. Do. Not. Geek. Out. My fingers shook as I typed my reply.

Me: Oh, you’re the authority?

Kayden: I’ve never had any complaints, and I’m just offering to help you out.

Me: You’re so full of shit.

Kayden: The offer stands, Sophia. When you want me to give you my honest opinion, all you have to do is call me. My number is…

I quickly added his number to my contacts, not wanting to take any chance of losing it. He didn’t ask for mine, but if he would’ve asked, I would’ve given it to him.

I don’t know what it was about him that had me adding him to my contacts. Maybe someday I’d grow a pair of balls or get so bored, I’d take him up on his offer.

* * *

All-consuming.

It was the only phrase that accurately described my thoughts over the last three weeks. Kayden had taken up my every thought, my dreams, and my fantasies. I hadn’t spent as much time with Gary since I started chatting with Kayden. My conversations, although I’d never heard his voice, were far more interesting than anything Gary had ever said or done.

Kayden: I want to hear your voice, Sophia. Can we talk instead? It’s just hard for me to type right now.

My heart raced as my fingers hovered over the keys.

That would take whatever this was to an entirely new level. I wouldn’t be able to hide my shock or laughter like I could via text. I gnawed on my jagged nail. Did I want to talk to him?

God, it would be such a letdown if his voice was like a squeak toy or he sounded like Kermit the Frog. The fantasy of the man behind they keyboard was probably way sexier than the reality.

Kayden: You still there?

Me: Yeah. Sorry. I got distracted there for a minute.

Kayden: Call me, then. I don’t have your number, woman.

I stared at my phone and tried to slow my breathing to regain my composure. I hit send and closed my eyes.

“Hello.” His voice was smooth and deep, almost a purr in my ear.

“Hi.” Even though I tried to keep my voice even, it cracked.

“It’s nice to finally put a voice to the words.”

I paced around the room, needing to find something to do to get my mind off the fact that I was talking to him. Kayden, colorful Kayden, hot Kayden.

What the fuck was I doing? Breathe.

“I thought about not calling you,” I admitted.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. It’s a big step. Besides, I hate my voice.” I cringed because I knew I needed to stop pointing out my flaws.

“Oh, stop. Your voice is sexy.”

Knowing that he liked my voice made my heart misfire, and I knew I was in trouble. I kept telling myself it wasn’t true, but over the last few weeks, I’ve developed feelings for a man I never met.

“Tell me about your harem of women. I find it fascinating.” I needed to switch the conversation to something that would probably make me realize he was an asshole.

“I’m getting bored with them. I think it’s time for a change.”

Did I want to know what he meant by that? I mean, shit, I didn’t want to think about him screwing some girl while I had a lovely dinner with Gary. “A change?”

“I have someone very specific in mind.”

“Does she know?” I was torturing myself at this point.

“I’d have to ask her, but I’m pretty sure she does. She’s a smart girl. She had to figure it out by now.”

“Maybe you should tell her.”

“Okay, hold on a sec.”

Utter silence. I swore at myself under my breath. What a fucking idiot I’d been.

I heard a low chuckle. “I want you, Sophia. I don’t want just any woman. I want to taste you.” His voice was smooth as silk.

My breath hitched, and I closed my eyes as images of Kayden fucking me, bringing me to my knees with pleasure, made me squeeze my thighs together. I was in so much trouble.