“I swear you’ve done something to get my caseload filled with nothing but quacks,” Caleb says as he sticks his head inside my office.

“Maybe it’s just your turn, because I didn’t think yesterday was that bad.”

“Well, you can have them back. I’m more than ready for my turn to be over.”

I shrug off his comment as I shut down my computer.

“Do you want to grab some dinner?”

I sigh. “Sorry, I can’t. Jake is coming over.”

“Oh yes, how are your mad skills of making the man fall for you going? Is he ready to run for the hills yet?”

“No, it seems as though I suck at running him off. I even took him to my parents’ house on Saturday, and he’s still coming around.”

“Are you kidding me? I haven’t even gone to Connecticut with you, and I’ve known you for almost three years.”

“I was trying to run him off, not ensure he sticks around.”

“Oh, how sweet.” A teasing smile plays on his face. “You like me enough to hide me from your parents.”

“You bet your ass I do. My mother would’ve been planning our wedding the second she saw you.”

At my comment, his face sours. “That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Believe me, I know how my mother thinks. She has four very adult daughters, and she’s just now planning her first wedding. She’s been dying to play mother of the bride for far too many years. She would’ve tried to convince us we’re in love.”

“Sorry, but that would never happen.” He laughs as I flip him off.

“Believe me, the feeling is mutual.”

“Well…” His mouth turns with a cocky smile. “This just proves I was right, and Girard wasn’t just looking for a booty call.”

I roll my eyes as I grab my purse. “Whatever. He’s still bound to get bored with one woman sooner or later.”

“People change, Lacey. For the right person, people can change.” He squeezes my hand. “Don’t spend your life being careful. Sooner or later, you’re going to find you’ve held yourself back from the things that will mean the most in the end.”

“Or I’ll find out I’m horrible at being a partner, and God knows I can’t be a parent.”

He shakes his head, annoyed with my comment.

“When I decide I need a fucking life coach, I’ll be sure to hire you. Until then, let’s leave the inspirational quotes to the fools who make fortune cookies.”

He laughs as the two of us walk out of my office to the elevators.

“Jordan thinks you’re avoiding her.”

He arches a brow. “Why the hell does she care either way? Last I knew, she was living in bliss with her ex.”

I shrug as we step onto the crowded elevator. “I think she’s worried she’s caused a problem for the two of us.”

“Well, she hasn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Jordan. I was hoping something would work out with her, but I learned a long time ago not to get hung up on someone who doesn’t want me.”

His comment sends a chill down my arm. Maybe Caleb and I have more in common than I originally thought. The elevator door opens and we both step out. “I’ll see you in the morning,” I say just before he gives me a quick kiss on my cheek. And as usual, he walks toward the underground parking garage while I head in the opposite direction.

An uneasy feeling washes over me in waves as I walk to my train. My eyes nervously take in every person I pass, hoping like hell I don’t see the man who’s been following me.

I scream when someone grabs my arm just as I’m about to enter the subway.

“Holy shit, chill out.”

My heart thumps against my chest as my eyes land on Bryan. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Bryan nervously bounces from one foot to the other. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“You wanted to talk to me?” I repeat as my eyes thin in anger.

“Yes, it’s been a while. I was hoping we could grab a cup of coffee or something?”

Someone bumps into me from behind, reminding me that I’m standing on a busy sidewalk in shock. “We don’t have anything to say to each other.”

“Look, we’re about to become family. The least you can do is give me five minutes.”

“The least I could do?” I snarl as my breathing becomes labored.

“Shit. That’s not what I meant.”

“I don’t give a damn what you meant. I’ve never been important to you, so don’t act like you give a damn about me now.”

I make an attempt to step around him, but Bryan grabs my arm again. “I’m sorry.”

I stand motionless as I stare into his eyes.

“You left before I had the chance to tell you, and even after all these years, I’ve never forgiven myself for everything that happened.”

I want to believe him. I want to take the emotions I see dancing in his grey eyes as the truth, but I learned where Bryan Winters is concerned, I can’t trust a thing he says. “Do you expect me to feel sorry for you? Because that’s not going to happen.”

“No. I don’t expect anything from you. I only came to tell you how sorry I am.”

A gust of cold air hits me in the face. “Fine. You got what you came for. Now you can go back to wherever you live these days without worrying about me.”

Bryan’s expression falls, as though he’s finally coming to terms with the fact that he won’t get his way—at least regarding me.

“Take care,” he says.

I step around him and down the steps toward my train. My head is a jumbled mess by the time I arrive at my stop.

Bryan came all the way to New York to talk to me. I don’t have a clue where he lives or what he does for a living, and to be honest, if it weren’t for Jena and Chris, I doubt I would have ever seen him again. But I have, and he’s stirred up feelings I’ve long kept buried.

By the time I get to my apartment, I had long forgotten about telling Jake he could come over tonight until I spot him leaning against the wall next to my door.

“You look like you’re in quite the mood.”

I square my shoulders from his abrupt tone. “Yes, I am, Girard. Maybe it’s for the best if you take off.”

I unlock my door and push it open, not waiting to see if he’ll follow me. However, I hear his footsteps behind me. I set my bag and purse on the table and look back at him.

I swallow as I take in the relaxed version of Mr. Football God himself. He’s wearing a maroon shirt, jeans, and a leather jacket that hugs his arms in the best possible way.

“You can say whatever the fuck you want, but your body…your eyes…they always tell me exactly what I need to know.”

My temperature rises as desire spreads throughout my body. “What exactly am I telling you right now, Girard?”

His eyebrows jump when I say his last name. Instead of answering me, he takes a step closer. I chew on my lip as he undresses me with his eyes.

“I think you enjoy pushing my buttons.”

My body continues to betray me as my desire to have this man starts to consume my thoughts. It’s so powerful it overrides the dismal mood I was in minutes ago.

“Maybe you really want me to spank that gorgeous ass of yours?” Jake’s scowl starts to fade. “Lord knows it would make me feel better.”

“Spanking me? You’re into that shit? I have to say, Girard, it does nothing for me.” I cross my arms over my chest as he takes another step closer.

“Well, it would do worlds of good for me.” He slides his huge hands down the sides of my stomach until he stops on my hips and tugs me against his chest. “I think we’d both feel better if we fucked whatever mood you’re in out of your system.”

I smile to myself, desperate for him to do exactly that.

“What do you say, Davis? Are you game?”

Before I can fully nod, he picks me up and throws me over his shoulder. I force myself not to moan once my eyes lock on his tight ass. From this view, my mouth actually starts to water. When he reaches the bed, he tosses me onto it and crosses his arms over his chest.

“Undress. Now,” he commands in a sharp tone.

I’ve never desired a bossy, demanding man until this moment. Watching Jake’s brooding but sexy attitude has me hornier than I’ve ever been. I unbutton my shirt before I raise my ass and push down my pants. And then I very deliberately lick my lips as I grip the edge of my panties and slip them down my legs.

His eyes flash with desire, but he doesn’t make a sound while he watches me unclasp my bra and toss it with my other clothing.

I bat my eyelashes at him. “What do you want me to do now?”

His expression darkens. “Flip over. Put your face down on the bed and tilt your ass up in the air.”

I hesitate for a second, wondering if he truly plans to spank me. To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about that. I’ve never been one to judge other people for what gets them off, but a man—any man—spanking me isn’t a kink I planned to check off my list of sexual desires.

I slowly turn over and press my head into the pillow, pulling my knees up to my chest.

“Tilt your ass up,” he orders from behind me.

I do as he requested seconds before I hear him growl.

“You have the most beautiful pussy.”

I start to wiggle with need as I grip the bedspread, dying for him to touch me.

“I can tell how wet you are and I haven’t even touched you.”

I turn my head to the side. “Touch me. I need you to touch me.”

I promised myself I would never be in a situation where I had to beg a man to fuck me, but right now, my pride is nowhere to be seen.

“When we’re alone, your body lights up for me.” He runs his long, skilled fingers up and down my opening. “Your pulse starts racing, your blue eyes darken, your face flushes with need, but you try to pretend otherwise.”

Regardless of the fact that he’s correct, I don’t agree with him.

“I know what I want. I know how badly I want it, and I’m done playing by the ever-changing set of rules you keep trying to put in place.” I writhe with excitement as he continues to run his finger up and down my sex.

“Do you want me to fuck you, Lacey?”

“Yes. God yes.”

“Say my name,” he demands.

I loudly swallow as the clank of his belt, then the audible sound of his zipper opening sounds from behind me.

“Jake. Please fuck me, Jake. I need you.” I emphasize the word “you,” hoping he knows how desperate I truly am.

He slowly slides a hand up, then back down the inside of my leg.

Gah. I’m about to come undone. “Jake, I’m serious. I want you. Please?”

My hips involuntarily thrust backward at the sound of the condom ripping open behind me.

“Do you want to be fucked? Is that it? You’re horny and willing to fuck anyone, or do you really want me?” His voice is low and husky, giving away the need he has for me.

“I want you, Jake.” Only you, but I keep the last part to myself.

I feel his hand come down on my ass as he slams into me from behind.

He stills as a sob of pleasure rushes through me.

“Don’t stop. Jake, please, don’t stop.”

My lips part and my grip on the bedspread tightens as Jake starts thrusting as hard as he can.

“Yes,” I moan as he firmly grips my hair, pulling my neck back. My body throbs with hunger when Jake leans forward to nip at my neck.

“This belongs to me,” he murmurs.

I have no idea what he’s referring to. Me? He thinks I belong to him?

My head is intoxicated with the passion, the desire he’s ignited; therefore, I forgo arguing with him and moan my agreement.

Jake’s hand tightens in my hair as he pulls me upward, my back to his chest, never once does he stop feasting on my body. “I want to see your eyes when you come,” he demands and tilts my head to the side.

I can feel my climax starting. My core tightens before I finally shudder around him. I’m panting, trying to catch my breath, never once taking my eyes off Jake’s.

“You can lie to yourself all you want, but you can’t deny this.” He possessively captures my mouth with his before he slows his pace, groaning as he comes.

My body starts to dip, but Jake doesn’t let me go. Instead, we stay locked together while he’s still deep inside me.

“You need to let go of your fears and learn to trust again.” His tone is gentle, but his eyes are pleading with me to agree. “I want to start living and stop existing.” He slowly runs his finger down my cheek. “I want to forget the things I can’t change and embrace the gift that’s in front of me.”

I swallow, attempting to fight off the panic I’m starting to feel from his comments. When I get backed into a corner, I snap and end up acting like a bitch, and that’s the last thing I want to do. However, fear—total mind-consuming anxiety—keeps me from agreeing with him.

“Jake, I…” I trail off when his eyes dim and he slides out of me. I roll to my stomach pulling the bedspread with me.

He steps away with his back to me as he removes the condom.

“I’ve only dated one person in my whole life and—”

Angrily, Jake cuts me off. “Yeah, me too, and she fucked me over pretty damn good, but I’m here. I’m right here, standing in front of you, asking for a chance. Just a fucking chance to see if whatever this is between us can grow into something special.”

“Did you love her?” I whisper with pain laced into my voice. “The woman you dated…did you love her? Did you lose a piece of your soul when you walked away? Because let me tell you, I did. I didn’t just get my heart broken, I had it shattered into a million pieces, and when I finally picked myself up, I wasn’t the same person.”

My eyes start to water as Jake silently watches my epic meltdown. “I turned into a bitter person. I learned it was easier to just be a bitch to everyone than to put myself out there to be hurt again. So excuse me if I’m not ready after less than two weeks to buy this perfect little package you’re trying to sell.”

Jake continues to watch me as the fight I saw in him moments ago starts to drain away.

“Maybe you’re waiting for him to finally be the one who fixes you.” His voice sounds strained, but his comment only proves how little he really knows me.

“I think I might be broken beyond repair.”

Jake gives me a slight nod before he buckles his pants and walks to my bedroom door where he pauses for a brief moment, one that almost has me calling out for him to stop. But the doubt that always seems to cloud my judgment keeps me from saying anything. With one last look, he turns and walks out of my room.

With the sound of the apartment door slamming shut, I let the tears I was holding in free. I cry for…him, I cry for me, but most importantly, I cry for the future we were robbed of.