Touch Me Boss

CHAPTER ONE

Stephen

I sipped my coffee and looked over the papers for my meeting, checking the numbers again. I wanted to make sure that my staff had an accurate idea of the increase in revenue for the growing property management company that we all worked for. I was finance manager for the company and ran all the numbers, staying on top of everything. I kept ahead of everything so we would know if we could purchase new properties, need to raise the rent on current ones based on buildings around it, or let something go and find something that would give us more of a profit.

It was my idea to hire Stella, our purchasing agent.

I heard voices and glanced up as the door opened and Martin, my boss, led the way. His assistant Paul followed as well as a few of the main managers that helped with the properties that we rented out in the Atlanta area. They were laughing as they took their seats and reached for the bagels that I had brought in for these meetings. “Good morning, everyone,” I said as they looked at me, slowly quieting down. I cocked an eyebrow, knowing that I was the serious one in the room.

“Morning, Stephen. How are you today?” Martin asked as he spread some cream cheese on the toasted bread, his eyes sharp on me. I knew he thought that I needed to relax a lot more than I did, but I had a son to raise and support. I had a lot of responsibilities, and I needed to ensure that this job would remain stable for the sake of my small family. I couldn’t afford to lose it at this time in my life.

“I’m great.” I looked around at everyone as they settled in and looked up at me. I was tired. Brandon had woken up with a fever last night, insisting on sleeping with me from 2:00 a.m. on.

I went over the last quarter and showed them the growth based on the new properties that we were acquiring thanks to Stella, the woman that did the shopping for our homes and businesses. I had handouts of everything that I explained to them, praising them for their hard work. Everyone in this office worked their asses off, even though some had more fun than others in the process.

I noticed Paul checking his phone as I spoke, knowing that he was sending texts to his flavor of the week. I think that her name was Brandy, but I barely got to know anything about them anymore. He was thirty-two, as I was, but he was definitely living the bachelor life. I liked him, though, and he made me laugh, keeping part of my life light and fun.

A half hour passed and they asked some questions about the numbers I’d given them, which led to a strategy discussion on how to keep things going this way. I praised them again and watched as everyone slipped through the door of the small conference room to return to their desks. Martin lingered, smiling at me as he reached for his coffee. I took my cup and finished it in one long swallow, needing more. “Great job, Stephen. You did a great job with the monthly reports.”

“Thanks,” I replied to his praise, only giving the exhaustion in my body a fleeting second before I smiled at him. “I think we’re going to take over the market if things keep going this way.”

“Absolutely. That was a great idea to hire Stella to look over properties and buy what works for us. It was hard for Paul to do in addition to his other duties.” That made me smirk, knowing that he got easily distracted at times. He’d end up with a phone number more than new properties most of the time.

“She knows her stuff,” I agreed as I looked outside over the Atlanta “I should head to my office. I have to check on Brandon. He was sick last night.” Martin gave me a sympathetic gaze, having three kids of his own. The only difference was that they had a proper mother that lived for those kids. Brandon wasn’t so lucky.

“Nothing is worse than that,” he told me as I smiled weakly.

“I am lucky to have a great nanny.” I found Danielle through a friend of mine, and at twenty-one she was energetic and as sweet as she could be. Brandon adored her as much as any kid could love a nanny, though I saw the sad look in his eyes that made me hate his mother all over again. I excused myself and walked across the floor to my office, closing the door before I sat down to make the call. “Morning, Danielle. I just wanted to check up on my boy.” I smiled when she answered as happy as ever.

“He’s a little tired today, Stephen. I got him to eat some fruit, but he’s home for the day, just resting. I think we’ll stay in all day. Did you have plans this weekend?” Her voice was curious as well as a little worried.

“I told him that I’d take him to the aquarium tomorrow afternoon. Do you think that’s out?” I asked, frowning. Brandon had been so excited about it. He was seven, and not the little boy that I was used to.

“I’d keep an eye on him. Maybe Sunday?” she offered in a small voice as I leaned back in my chair. I gave Danielle the weekend off if I didn’t have anything to do for work, and she also went home to her boyfriend every night. I didn’t want someone living with us, because I was Brandon’s dad. I needed to take care of him, and if I needed help, I had Mom and my brother, Kevin, nearby. I had been alone with him early on and figured it out.

“I’ll check him tonight when I get home. It might be a movie day tomorrow,” I acknowledged as I ran a hand through my tousled hair that Danielle taught me to work with, telling me that women loved that look. I didn’t do it for any woman, since I didn’t have that kind of time. I was either at work or at home with my son, though I knew I spent a lot of time working. A lot of the activities that he did were with Mom or Kevin, and I’d go if I were free. I always told myself that giving him a good home at the edge of town was something a good dad would do; somewhere he could play and be outside. That was why I bought the house, but I wasn’t usually the one playing with him. “Thanks for taking care of him, Danielle. You’re a lifesaver.”

“I get paid to take care of the sweetest boy on the planet. I’m the lucky one,” she responded, telling me that she’d see me later. When Lacy left when Brandon was just one, I was completely thrown off my game. I had this job, which was new at the time after I graduated. I didn’t know the first thing about being a single working parent, and my family had full-time jobs as well.

Danielle was a godsend. She stepped right in, and Brandon fell in love with her. She made sure that he learned everything he needed to know to start school and took him all over the place when she had him all day. Now she dropped him off and picked him up at school, mainly when he wasn’t sick. I made it clear that Danielle was just his nanny and that she went home at night. We were a team, and I loved the little bit of time that we spent together.

It just wasn’t that much time. I had to work a lot to keep us in our house and keep Brandon clothed and fed. It was expensive to have a kid. Lacy didn’t do shit for us, and last I heard, she was traveling with her latest boy toy.

I got back to work, updating some charts and tracking how the new properties were doing. Since I’d started six years ago, we’d added several more properties and businesses as well. Those brought in more money than the houses and condominiums that we rented out, but both seemed to be needed equally. I fixed a few cups of coffee throughout the day, eating a sandwich that Paul brought me at my desk for lunch.

I decided that it would be pizza for dinner tonight if Brandon was up to it. He tended to eat light when he was feeling sick, just wanting to be cuddled while he slept. I noticed that he seemed clingy with me since Lacy left us, seeing the same thing with other people he was close to. It was exhausting, but I lived for my boy, and there wouldn’t be a day that I wasn’t there for him.

I left work after six, helping Martin with some issues before I called Danielle and asked her if she was okay staying just another few minutes. She always was. I asked Brandon if he wanted pizza and grinned when he told me that he was starving, knowing that Danielle kept him well-fed. I grabbed a few on the way home, knowing how much I ate. I was looking forward to relaxing on the couch tonight with Brandon, just letting the week go.

CHAPTER TWO

Mandy

I looked in the mirror with a nervous smile, checking my auburn waves. I was starting at a property management company today and sighed slowly. I loved my volunteer job teaching tennis and anything having to do with the outdoors, but my parents thought an office job would be better for me. That was the responsible thing to do, and since my whole family was so fucking logical about everything, I went with it. I played tennis for a casual sport but never pursued it as a career, despite being good enough for a lot of people to notice my skills.

I looked at my green sheath dress, slipping my feet into some black heels. I fixed a tall travel cup of coffee to take with me and started the engine to my old Corolla. I took a deep breath of the cool morning air, rolling down the window as a song that I liked played over the radio.

I thought about Morton Properties as I drove the short distance to the office. I took finance classes in college and initially thought about working for an accounting firm or something along those lines. I saw a job on LinkedIn and thought that it sounded interesting, maybe a little fun. The interview was great, and I liked the boss a lot. He was kind and seemed to care about his staff, and they laughed a lot when I was talking to them. The finance manager that I would be assisting was Stephen, and he was gorgeous but looked so serious. Not that I wanted to mix business with pleasure to begin with, but he was the typical accountant type that I imagined in my mind.

I pulled into the parking lot and looked at the large office building, feeling the nerves kick in all over again. I looked in the mirror, adding some gloss to my plum-stained lips. I didn’t wear a lot of makeup, since my light green eyes were already bright, but a little mascara seemed to make them pop. I grabbed my purse out of the car and walked inside, taking the elevator to the second floor to meet Martin for a tour.

He showed me two large break rooms that were equipped with multiple Keurig machines as well as various vending machines. They offered kitchenettes, and there were several restaurants within walking distance too. I followed him as he showed me the offices where the managers worked, smiling and waving as we were introduced. I knew that I wouldn’t initially remember names, but once I settled in, everything would be fine.

He took me to the third floor where there was a gym for the building to use. We were allowed access two hours before or after work to use it, which brightened me up after the boring aspects of the business. I could get some stress out that way when I was at work and break things up a bit. I enjoyed working out, since I didn’t play sports every day like I did in college. I looked over the guys and girls that were in there, feeling a little self-conscious about the curves that I had. I’d gained a few pounds over the last few years that I’d like to lose.

He took me to my small office, and I glanced around with a smile. It was my own space, and I watched as he showed me the software that I’d be using, before settling at my desk.

I looked over some of the spreadsheets that I would be working with to get familiar with them for a while before lunch rolled around. It seemed like everybody had a role here, and from what I heard through my cracked door, there was a lot of talking between the offices. I licked my lips and grabbed my purse to see what I could find for lunch, seeing a pretty blonde in the elevator that I recognized. “Mandy, right?” she asked, and I nodded. “I’m Stella. I’m in charge of purchasing.” She reached out her hand, and I shook it, telling her that it was nice to see her again. “Are you going for lunch?”

“I was going to walk around and find something to eat. I saw a few places when I was here for the interview,” I replied as she smiled brightly.

“If you like pasta, there’s this cute little place on the corner. Want to join me?” Her blue eyes twinkled, and I nodded “Great. How is your first day going?”

“I like the building, and everyone seems real nice. I just haven’t gotten to know anybody yet,” I replied as she chuckled.

“Everybody is nice.” She led the way to a small brick building and looked back at me with a secret smile. “Martin is the best boss I’ve ever had. You’ll meet his wife and kids soon, and they’re a joy. I think he’s the only guy that’s married here, but that doesn’t mean you should think about dating within the building, if you’re single. That’s brutal in an office setting.”

“I wasn’t planning on that,” I assured with a chuckle her as she walked through the doors. I wasn’t about to tell anyone how hot I thought my boss was. I sensed that Stella was a bit of a gossip and reminded myself to keep my business to myself.

“Paul will hit on you as soon as he has the chance, and he’s cute. He’s a total player, though. Stephen is gorgeous and keeps this place going, but he is so antirelationship. He’s a single dad, and I think that he spends all his time working or at home.” She shook her head and followed the hostess to a table. “From what I’ve heard, his girlfriend walked out on him when the baby was just a year old. He doesn’t even seem to notice that women work in the building.”

“Wow. That must be hard,” I remarked as I picked up the menu.

“Yeah. I can barely handle a job and an apartment,” she joked as we both laughed. We got to know each other a bit over lunch, and I felt like I was making a friend. I meant to go to the gym on lunch but got caught up in the conversation, deciding to go before or after work tomorrow.

I heard my phone chiming in my purse as I walked into my office, setting it down on the desk as I got settled. I checked the screen to see my ex, Chase, was trying to reach me, rolling my eyes.

C: Want to go to dinner tonight?

M: I’m busy, Chase.

C: Come on. I miss you.

Goodness. He was a nice guy, but I found the relationship to be so boring. It was so typical when it started, and then when I thought the sex might make up for his boring personality, I was wrong.

Chase was a missionary kind of man, and that seemed to be it. I gave him a few chances and suggested spicing things up. Once we were together for four months, I knew that I needed to end it and used finals as an excuse. He seemed to buy it, and we both graduated. Why was he back?

M: I am working right now, and I don’t really want to start things back up with you. It didn’t work then.

I figured that since we’d already had the breakup talk back then, it was better to just jump into it. Chase seemed to accept that and left me alone, and it made me think how I never met a man that aroused me the way the ones in the books did. Some of those guys were so dominant and alpha male and, let’s be honest, hot.

I glanced at my office door and thought about the guys that I’d seen here. There were the typical kinds you see at offices, but they seemed to all be older and friendly. I thought back to my interview when I met Stephen for just a moment and how much he’d struck me as just what I might be looking for. He didn’t even notice me, though. He looked tired and distracted. If I didn’t make an impression on him then, and Stella told me that he never dated at work, then it was a silly thought to begin with.

I was here to work. I’d settle into that, and the rest of my life would fall into place. Sure, I wasn’t doing what I loved here, but the salary was great, and I’d learn a lot. I could promote down the line and make something of myself. It would make my family happy, and eventually I’d meet a guy and have a relationship—maybe get married and have kids.

I laughed at the idea. I couldn’t wait to get home to the apartment that I shared with my best friend from all the way back to high school, Vanessa. That seemed like a long time, and I supposed that it was. Our apartment was the one place that I felt safe. I could be my true self there, and she would still love me all the same.

CHAPTER THREE

Stephen

I finished my day a bit later than usual but still had time for the gym. Hell yes. I needed to get on the treadmill and work out some of the endless stress that seemed to be in my life. I cleared it with Danielle and decided to spend an hour in there before going home to Brandon.

I talked to my brother, Kevin, before I clocked off for the night. He had tickets to a baseball game on Sunday and asked me to come along. He told me that he was bringing his wife, Terry. I knew there would be a few beers in it for me in that case if I wanted them.

Terry was the one that set me up with Lacy all those years ago. She thought that we’d be good together and have some fun. I wouldn’t say that she was wrong. We did all of that, and then she ended up getting pregnant because I got drunk a couple of times and didn’t use anything. I tried to make a go of it with her, but after the first rough year with the baby, Lacy walked away.

I would never blame my brother and Terry for that. Lacy acted like a jerk just fine on her own and abandoned her son, and we all adored the little guy. He changed the whole family dynamic with all of us and made me a better man.

“Bring a date along,” Kevin suggested, and I laughed aloud.

“Who the hell am I going to ask?” I shot back at him as I leaned back in my chair. I hadn’t noticed a woman in years. I was too damn busy working and being a dad. “I’ll bring Brandon. You know how much he loves games.” Shit. He’d been sick the last few days and might not be better by Sunday afternoon. “Damn it. He’s been sick. I’ll have to see how he feels.”

“I know you love him, Stephen. I just want you to have a life beyond that. Go out with a girl. Laugh. Get laid. They’re not all like Lacy,” he said, the pain in his voice clear.

“When the hell do I have time to date? I’m at this office all day and then home with Brandon,” I replied irritated at his words.

“You know that you have help. All you need to do is ask. Brandon loves spending the night at our place or with Mom.” Kevin’s words were gentle, and I knew that he meant well.

“I’ll try to figure something out, Kev. I am going to go to the gym and head home, see how the little man is doing. He wanted to do something tomorrow, and I hate to break plans, but I’ll work on the game.” We ended the call, and I dressed for a workout before heading up to the gym.

Most of the employees went after work, and tonight was no different. I nodded at Paul on a treadmill and walked over to join him, rolling my eyes at his antics. He was hitting on every fucking girl in the room. I just shook my head.

“How about drinks after this, Nadine? I know that you’re working up a thirst over there,” he called to the blonde as she shot a dark look our way.

“You’re such an asshole,” I muttered as I turned on the machine to a steady jog.

“I’ve managed to get more pussy than you,” he told me in a low voice as I shot him an incredulous look. Did Paul even realize how different our lives were? “Do you know many girls in the office want your dick, Stephen?”

“Enough,” I said, wanting him to stop before anyone heard his stupid babble. “I have more important things going on in my life.” I glanced up, looking across the gym to see a redhead in front of the bulletin board with some flyers in her hand. I frowned as I looked at her and then over at Paul. “Who’s that girl?”

“New girl. You met her the day she was interviewed. Martin was giving her a quick tour, and she met a lot of us. She’s hot, right? Single too!” Paul said as I tried to think what day he was talking about. Oh yeah. It was a couple of weeks back, and my boss showed a few people around before the main part of the interview. I’d been sharing a cold with Brandon and was tired that day. Hell, I was beyond tired. I took in her dark auburn hair and sweet curves and realized that I’d have to be dead not to take an extra look at her.

Wait a second. I hadn’t looked at a woman since Lacy bailed on me. I never looked at work to start something, because it only caused problems in the end. But something about being a single father took away all my spontaneity. The woman was fine, though, and as she leaned up to pin something to the large board, I felt something inside me that I had thought was dead.

I felt alive. Attraction. I felt the urge to get to know someone again.

Paul noticed me looking her way for a beat longer than I normally would and tilted his head at me. “Is Stephen actually noticing a girl that works with us? Are you feeling sick?”

“Fuck off,” I told him in a low voice as I stared forward again. I was a man, and I had needs, even if they’d been lying dormant for years. Kevin’s words about having help played through my mind as I kept running and took a deep breath. Maybe he was right, but Brandon already had a mother that walked out on him. He needed me, and I had no clue how to have a son and a relationship.

I looked over to see the girl walking to the board closer to us. She was putting up a flyer about a tennis camp at the YMCA for kids. It reminded me that I’d been looking for something to do with Brandon that would keep us active, get us out of the house. That might do the trick, since he’d taken to watching the sport on television as of late.

I stopped the treadmill and Paul stared at me as if I was insane. Maybe I was. I wrapped the towel around my neck and walked over to where she was finishing, reading about the weekend camp that ran for a few weeks.

Saturday. I checked, and it started tomorrow, just in time for the beginning of summer. That might be fun for both of us. I knew that Brandon missed me because I worked so much, but it was difficult to explain to a young kid how hard it was to be an adult. It was even harder to be a parent and an adult. I could only hope that he’d understand someday.

I looked at the girl. She was a few inches shorter than I was. I was caught off guard by her light, bright green eyes that had specks of emerald green in the irises. She smiled shyly at me, looking a little scared as our eyes locked. “Hi there. I’m Stephen James. I hear that it’s your first day.” I offered her my hand, and the woman stared at it for a moment, acting like it might bite.

Fuck, she was gorgeous. She wasn’t dressed for a workout, but her dress hinted at full breasts and a toned body underneath. I’d already looked at her ass, and that was spectacular.

“Yeah, I’m new. I met you at the interview, but…yeah. Anyway, my name is Mandy Miles.” She offered me a sweet, genuine smile and shook my hand, looking into my face. “It’s nice to meet you. I’ll be helping you out with the financial end of the business with you, I’m told.”

“Great,” I said as I felt the sparks between us. Mandy’s eyes widened, and she jerked her hand away to stare at it in shock. I felt my cock stiffen in my pants and shuffled on my feet. I hope that she didn’t notice. I hadn’t been affected by a woman like that ever, thinking back to all the casual hookups in my life.

I felt doubt wash through me for a moment before I smiled crookedly at Mandy. “Tell me more about this tennis camp. I think it’s something that my son might enjoy. Is it too late to register?”

CHAPTER FOUR

Mandy

I blinked up at him slowly, shaking my head.

“No, of course not. That’s why I was putting these up. I’m an instructor there.” I smiled, realizing how gorgeous Stephen really was. He was tall, over six feet, and had that lean muscular body that I thought was sexy. I hated the guys that hung out at the weights and just got bigger and less human by the day. It was disgusting. Stephen was cut in all the right places and had perfect messy brown hair that most men could never achieve. His hazel eyes were wide and deep set. He stared down at me. “How old is your son?” He didn’t look old enough to have a kid that was old enough for my camp.

“Brandon is seven. He’s been watching a lot of tennis, and I thought that he might like to play it. This goes for four weeks?” Stephen asked as I nodded slowly. I knew that in addition to being gorgeous, he was also one of the most important people in the company. I wanted to make a good impression on him. “Are you planning on working out?”

“I didn’t bring anything to wear today for it. I didn’t know about the gym,” I said as he looked a little disappointed. Then I remembered something and grinned.

“Let’s talk about the camp after I get a run in. I’ll be done in about forty-five minutes,” he said, and I pressed my lips together. “I’ll take the number that’s attached here. Is it your personal number?” I shook my head, and he asked if I would give him mine, since he’d like to talk to me personally about it. Well, of course I would. I wasn’t going to lose the shot. I took the phone that he offered me and punched in my information before I faked remembering that I did have some clothes in my bag.

“I just remembered that I brought clothes for the Y in my purse. I usually go over there and play some tennis in the evening, but I can run tonight. I like running if that’s okay with you?” I offered as he grinned. “I am going to change, and I’ll join you. We can talk now.” I didn’t want to lose the opportunity, and I walked over to the bathroom with my big purse, feeling the eyes of the women on me as I pushed through the doors.

Stephen was a wanted man, and from the way he looked at me, I thought that he might want me. I wasn’t going to waste the chance. I dug into my purse, and while I didn’t have my nicest workout clothes, I could run in my skort and tank top. I changed into them and pulled my hair back low on my neck before changing into the shoes I wore on the court. I surveyed myself in the mirror, aware that I was going to be sweaty soon if I were to keep up with the Adonis out there. I didn’t run as much as I’d like it to sound, but I could hold my own for tonight. It would be worth every bit of the pain that I’d be in later tonight.

I folded my dress and shoved it into my bag with the shoes, thankful for my big purse. I walked back into the gym, hearing more voices as I looked around. Stephen was on a treadmill close to the one he’d been using earlier. Yes, I noticed. I noticed a few of the men in the gym, but he was the one that caught my eye the most from the beginning.

How could he not?

I went to take the machine beside him, smiling as I set down my bag. “How long do you run?” I asked as he looked me over with a sharp gaze, making my entire body heat up. Was I really going to attempt to jog?

“I go for about an hour, but I did fifteen minutes already. You up for that?” he asked with a hint of sarcasm as I smirked.

“I’ll do my best,” I assured him, getting on and setting a speed after seeing that he was going nearly as fast as he could. Holy shit.

“How long have you been into tennis?” Stephen asked, only reminding me about my parents and their views on the matter as I shook that off.

“Since I took lessons myself as a kid. Several teachers encouraged me to pursue it, but I thought that finance might provide more of a stable future for me. I still teach tennis just to keep myself involved in it,” I spoke slowly as I got used to jogging.

“Stable but boring. I mean, I am great at my job, and it’s natural. Nobody can claim that it’s exciting, though.” He took a breath as he increased the speed and my eyes went right to his hot body, more on display in a damp tank top. Oh Mamma.

“True. I guess that’s what we fill the rest of our lives with,” I mused as I smiled sadly, giving him another look. “Is there anything else that you wanted to do?”

Stephen seemed to stiffen for a moment before taking a deep breath. “I always wanted to be in numbers, since it came easily to me. I didn’t necessarily think that it would be in a company like this one.” He lowered his voice and looked around quickly. “I am raising my son on my own and it provides for the two of us. I can take care of him this way.”

“On your own?” I asked as he nodded somberly. I could tell that it was hard for him, and I wanted to reach out and touch him, just for some comfort. I had two parents, and they had a hard time. I got a lot of loans for college because their jobs put them in a lower middle-class rank that only afforded their day-to-day life.

I often wondered why I didn’t just consider something in sports, since I’d be paying back the loans myself.

“I am so sorry,” I offered lamely as he shrugged.

“I have family that helps and a godsend of a nanny. She spends a lot of time with Brandon and gives me time to work and do this, since it releases a lot for me,” Stephen further explained as I stared at him.

“That’s crazy. You’re so strong,” I blurted out as he smiled dryly at me.

“I do what I have to do, just like anyone else. I’m sure that you work hard as well.” He looked into my face, his eyes sweeping over me as I felt sweat pooling in my hair.

“Sure. I pay bills and such, but I share a place with a roommate,” I replied as he smiled.

“Where did you work before?” Stephen pressed as he seemed to move away from the topic.

“I did the books for my college bookstore as well as a record store. I am certain that my degree had a lot to do with this job.” I chuckled as he looked at me with a small smile.

We talked about the company and a little more about the camp as we ran, and Stephen seemed very interested in the fact that it was interactive for the parents as well. I couldn’t help wondering if he tried to make up for the time that he was at work and just enjoyed the little bit of time that he allowed himself. I wanted to ask him if he was overcompensating, but I bit my tongue. That was none of my business.

When the time was up, I was beyond sore. I wanted a gallon of cold water and dinner, but I kept my complaints to myself. It was a nice conversation, and the view was worth every ache. I popped into the bathroom to splash some cold water on my face before we walked out to the parking lot.

Stephen walked beside me, keeping a good eye on our surroundings. I wondered why the mother of his child wasn’t in the picture anymore. Stephen was gorgeous and protective, and I noticed an alpha vibe from him. Was that a bad thing, though? I was as independent as the next woman, but I liked the idea of this man dominating me to some degree.

His car was parked a short distance from me, and he stood by as I told him to have a good night. I slipped into my car and turned the key, nervous with him still there and groaned as nothing happened. Perfect. I looked at him to see his brows furrowed with worry as he stepped closer to the cracked door.

“Do you need a ride?” Stephen offered as I smiled and shook my head.

“This car is a dinosaur. I am finding myself replacing a lot right now, but I’m pretty sure that my roommate is home. She’ll come get me and take me to work tomorrow. I’ll call my friend to tow it to his shop before he leaves for the night.” I watched his eyes narrow, looking around.

“I’ll wait until she gets here,” Stephen assured me as I tried to hide my surprise. Men didn’t do this.

“Your son?” I checked as he smiled down at me.

“I’m sure it won’t be long.” I dialed Vanessa’s number, and she agreed to be right down. I also called Taylor at his shop, where all the work on my car was done, setting up a tow over there sometime this evening.

It seemed like the time flew before I saw Vanessa’s red SUV pulling up beside my car. “She’s here.” I looked at Stephen, not wanting tonight to end.

“I’ll see that you get safely out of the lot. See you tomorrow, Mandy.” Our eyes locked for a moment, and I nodded slowly.

“Hey. What’s wrong?” Vanessa asked as she jumped out of her car. Her brown eyes were wide with worry. I got out of my car, locking the doors with the button inside of the door.

“Tay is sending a truck. It just wouldn’t start,” I offered as I glanced at Stephen, who was still standing there. “This is Stephen. I work with him.”

The two shook hands, and I saw the approval in my best friend’s eyes. “Drive safe. I’ll see you later.” Stephen looked at me for a long moment before turning to walk to a beefy Jeep Cherokee across the lot.

“Spill,” Vanessa told me the second we were in the car with the door locked, leaving the lot as the Jeep stayed parked until we were gone.

CHAPTER FIVE

Stephen

I slept like shit the night before, but the little bit of sleep I got was filled with naughty dreams of my new coworker.

I stared into Mandy’s eyes as she rode me, her pussy gripping my cock tightly. She felt so damn good, and I gripped one hip as she moved up and down, the other sliding up her flat stomach to cup a beautiful breast. She was fucking gorgeous.

I listened to her soft moans as she moved, feeling my balls tingle as my release grew closer. She started to rock back and forth, alternating between that and bobbing over me, making soft skin jiggle in my hand as she cried out my name. “I’m going to come, Stephen,” Mandy told me as I arched my back to move deeper into her.

I cried out and opened my eyes, seeing my dark room around me. I was alone and hard as a fucking rock. The images from my apparent dream played through my mind as I gripped myself, needing the release that was about to happen in my dream. I glanced at the clock to see that my alarm was going off in half an hour, making me groan as I started to jerk off.

I had never dreamed about a woman like this before. The time we spent together last night was brief but stuck with me. I would never forget that body in her tight tank top and one of those skirts that women worked out in, showing off her toned legs. I imagined her naked, her full tits bare for me. What color were her nipples? Was her pussy bare?

How tight was she?

What would she sound like coming for me? What would Mandy say when she was in the throes of passion?

I was so aroused from the dream and the night before that it scared me. I’d been so focused on Brandon and work for so long that I didn’t know what to do with this new situation.

Fucking come. That’s what I needed to do.

I felt myself tingling and cried out her name softly and jerked forward, coming hard. I closed my eyes as the relief hit every part of me.

Five minutes later it wasn’t enough. I knew that I needed more, and I dropped back against the pillows, breathing deeply as I recovered from the orgasm. The orgasm was amazing, and I could only imagine what it would feel like if I was bare inside of her tight, sweet body. I knew that she would feel like the dream somehow.

I shut the alarm off and went to make some coffee before taking a shower. Brandon was going to school, and I always got him up a little earlier to cook breakfast and spend some time with him. I didn’t feel as tired as I usually did, particularly since I’d spent an hour more than normal with Brandon last night. I usually stuck to a tight bedtime schedule, but I already got home a little later than I wanted. We watched the end of a movie and built a castle with his Legos before I tucked him into bed and went to have a beer on my back porch.

I was dressed in some slacks and a button up white shirt when I went to get Brandon, offering to make him fresh waffles. He was like me, always ready to eat. I was a little scared of him becoming a teenager, but I knew I’d be fine. We were doing well, even though I wasn’t home as often as I’d like to be. He got dressed as I headed back to the kitchen and started mixing the batter, making enough for Danielle before she arrived at eight. I chose to work the nine-to-five shift, even though there was some flexibility.

I was talking to Brandon about his day when Danielle let herself in, and we both greeted her with smiles. I told her to fix a plate and eat, since there was time, and she laughed as she went into the kitchen. I was lucky to have her, and as often as Paul teased me about giving her nightly bonuses, there was none of that going on. I wouldn’t risk losing someone so good for Brandon. I wasn’t attracted to her to begin with.

I headed to work with a smile. I wasn’t usually this cheerful and sensed that Brandon and Danielle liked it. They probably needed a little more of that, and as I parked, I vowed to make that happen. I glanced over to see that Mandy’s car was gone, assuming that it had made it to the shop. I hoped that she had made it to work okay. I looked at the building as I remembered my pleasurable wake-up call. It would have been better with her in my bed.

I went in, running into Paul right away. He asked me about Mandy, not satisfied with the explanation about the tennis camp that I offered. I told him to mind his own business before I started to walk to my office. “Drinks tonight after work. Harlow’s. Can you stay late after work?” He watched me shoot a glare his way as I gave him the finger.

I walked in and thought about the bar. I could ask Mandy along once I checked with Danielle to make sure she could stay late. I paid her more than what she originally was going to charge, since I knew that I was it was going to be a difficult situation, finding it worth it in the long run.

Danielle agreed, telling me to have a good time. She knew how hard I worked and what little time I had with friends or even myself. She assured me that her boyfriend would come over with something for dinner, and they’d watch movies until I got home. Mike was a great guy, and Brandon adored him, so that idea suited me just fine.

I left to make another cup of coffee and searched the floor for Mandy’s office. I found it and brought her a cup as well, hoping that she liked the sweeter drinks that most girls here seemed to make. I peered through her cracked door to see her frowning at her computer before I tapped on it.

Mandy jumped and looked at me as I grinned and pushed the door open gently. “Is the car at the shop?”

“Um, yes. It’s at the shop. They said that it was the alternator.” She pressed a hand to her throat, just above the buttoned pink shirt that she was wearing that offered a hint of cleavage. Mandy had a cute look—a little vintage librarian thing going that I thought was sexy.

“That’s great. I hope that it’s fixed soon. The staff is meeting for drinks around the corner tonight after work. It’s a weekly thing, and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me. I could take you home after.” I smiled as her eyes widened and she swallowed thickly.

“That would be great. I know that you’re registered for the camp as well. I can’t wait to meet your son.” Mandy seemed to relax and leaned back in her seat.

“It’s just on Saturday or both days of the weekend?” I double-checked as she laughed.

“Just Saturday. You won’t have to put up with me too much that way.” I could hear the question in her voice as I chuckled.

“Lucky me. I’ll come by after work, and we can go over. You can meet some more of the staff.” I found myself smiling widely before I remembered the coffees in my hand. “Oh. I made one for you. I hope that you like this kind.” I walked forward and placed the cup on her desk, watching as she blushed and took a small sip.

“My favorite. Thank you,” Mandy said quietly as I nodded and made my way back to my office. I knew that something was happening between us, and I wasn’t sure if it was good or bad at this point.

I just knew that I couldn’t stop it.

CHAPTER SIX

Mandy

I was lost after Stephen left my office. I had convinced myself that last night was just him being a gentleman. He wanted to know about the camp, and we talked about that as well as things about the place we both worked at.

No big deal.

He offered to take me home when my car broke down. That was the polite thing to do, and he took me by surprise when he waited until I was safely leaving the parking lot.

Stephen had a lot to get home to, and I didn’t expect him to wait for me like that.

I wanted to call Vanessa immediately and talk about this morning. He asked about my car and brought me my favorite coffee. How did he even know what my favorite coffee was to begin with?

I needed to know what this meant.

I settled for sending her a text asking her to come to the city for lunch. Vanessa had today off. She worked for a local theater and worked a lot of evenings. I was lucky that she could pick me up the night before, but I was certain that my car would be ready to pick up tomorrow before camp.

M: Want to have lunch today? I am freaking out!!

V: Of course. How does one work for you? I am going over some stuff with the manager this morning.

M: Perfect!!

I tried to get the spreadsheets right, but it was hopeless. I was already learning the job to begin with, and the fact that my mind was mush didn’t help. I was happy when I could step outside on my break to get some fresh air, clear my head. A walk always helped me clear my mind. I made it around the block twice before I headed back to my office. I jumped when I saw Martin standing by my desk, flustered at the sight of my boss.

“Hello,” I greeted him as I forced a smile to my face. “How are you?”

“I’m doing great, Mandy. I wanted to see how you felt about everything after a few days.” He sat down in the chair across my desk, and I smoothed my black pencil skirt down before I took my seat.

“I am doing…I’m struggling a little learning. I’ll be honest. Nothing too disastrous at this point.” I tried to smile as he crossed his arms over his chest. “It’s like I know the software, and I can work with numbers, but something is getting lost in translation.” I looked down, worried about what he might say to me.

“That’s normal,” Martin assured me as I stared at him. “We’re all here to help you. You’re a smart girl, and that was clear from the first meeting, Mandy. That’s why I hired you.”

I had been nervous after the interview, thinking about how many other people wanted this job. I wasn’t sure if I was qualified or not, shocked when Martin asked me if I wanted it. “It is?” I asked as he nodded.

“You’ll be fine. Is there anything that I can help you with right now?” he offered as I settled back into my seat with relief.

“I am going to plug away. I’ll ask if I need anything. Thank you so much.” I grinned as he stood and started to walk out of my door.

“Stephen is the real numbers guy around this place. Call him if you need anything.” I smiled, but the mention of his name made my heart flutter in my chest. I watched as he left and stared at the mess of lines and numbers on my screen. I could get through one of these without help. The idea of asking Stephen for help made me want to pass out.

Lunch could not come fast enough. I headed outside to meet Vanessa, and we went for sandwiches.

I told her all about the coffee and the invite this morning, agonizing over what it meant. “He has a son, and he’s a coworker. Double whammy.”

“He’s gorgeous,” she reminded me as I dropped my head into my hands. “You are great with kids too. Don’t worry about any of that yet. Just get to know him.”

“I would give it a try, but there’s a good chance that he doesn’t feel anything for me. Maybe he’s just being nice.” Stella’s words played through my mind. “Maybe I am just making this all up in my head. I’ve never felt anything remotely like this for a man before.”

Vanessa covered my hand with hers. “Baby steps, Mandy. From what you’ve told me, I think he likes you. I also saw the look on his face last night when I picked you up. He wasn’t going anywhere until you were safe, and he barely looked at me at all. See where this goes, okay?”

“Yeah. I might get a great friend out of the deal, and it would be smart to get to know the other people in the office,” I agreed as I reached for my sweet tea. “I am just flustered with him and the new job.”

“I know it isn’t your dream, sweetie. But it sounds like a great place to work to me. They sound really nice there.” Vanessa smiled at me.

“You’re staying with Matt this weekend, right?” I asked as she nodded. They both worked for the theater, and she did that a lot on show weekends.

“Take advantage of the empty apartment,” she told me just before leaving me at my office building, making me blush furiously.

I walked inside, embarrassed. I was intensely attracted to Stephen, but we just met. I wasn’t the kind of girl to throw herself at a man like that, especially at a new job. Vanessa was insane. I headed back to my office to finish the data for the day before we went for drinks.

I was flustered at the idea of drinks with everyone, much less just Stephen. I was nervous about the new job, despite Martin’s praise.

I didn’t get a lick of work done the rest of the day, finding myself on edge when I heard the knock at the door. I looked to see Stephen, letting out a long sigh. “What’s wrong?” he asked in concern, walking inside as I took in his appearance. He had rolled his sleeves up, showing off his forearms, which appeared to have some ink on them. Stephen was gorgeous.

“I just had one of those days. I feel like I did nothing but fight with numbers today.” I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the waves and then started to wonder how I looked. With the mess of a day I’d had, I didn’t even fix my face before he came in.

“Mandy, you are brand new here. Martin doesn’t expect you to be perfect that fast. None of us ever expect perfection for that matter. It’s clear that you’re an intelligent woman. You’ll get this.” His voice was uplifting and comforted me in a way that made my whole body warm up. “Let’s go meet everyone and leave this all behind you for the weekend. I’ll help you on Monday, and we’ll get you going next week. You’ll be a pro in no time.”

“You will?” I asked as he nodded with a reassuring smile. “Okay. I need a drink. I have been beating myself up all day over this.”

“It’s happy hour, and they have great prices. I’m driving so have at it. Loosen up.” I glanced at him as I shut down my computer after saving what little work I’d completed. If I loosened up too much, I’d be asking him into my bed, and that could ruin everything.

The thought made my knees weak. I grabbed my purse and took a breath before standing, craving a little liquid courage. I would check my face in the bathroom once we got there and add some lipstick if I needed to.

This is going to be fun.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Stephen

I drove us to the bar, since we’d more than likely be leaving once it was dark. Mandy explained that her friend would be leaving her car at home before she had to get to the camp the following day, so I knew that she was mine for the night.

What I might do with that remained to be seen. She turned me the hell on, but I wanted to hold back for a lot of reasons.

Did Mandy want a man with a son in her life? Would she resent it somewhere down the line once she’d met Brandon and he became attached to her?

I glanced over as I watched her looking into the mirror, fussing over her appearance. Mandy was gorgeous, but she probably had no idea of that fact.

I pulled into the small parking lot of the corner sports bar, finding a spot in the back. We made our way to the door, and I held it open for her, checking out her ass as she walked inside. “I am going to use the restroom. Where will you be?” Mandy asked me as she turned around, meeting my hungry gaze.

“There’s a couple of tables in the back that everyone sits at. What would you like to drink?” I asked her as she blushed.

“Something sweet. You seem to guess very well.” Her gaze was hot as she walked away, and I pressed my hands to my thighs for a moment. Wow.

I walked to the bar and ordered myself the only beer that I was going to enjoy, adding a fuzzy naval for Mandy. I stayed at the bar to wait for her, so she wouldn’t have to join the crowd at the table all alone.

I knew that there was going to be talk about our mutual arrival, but I didn’t care. I’d never given another woman any attention before then, but I hoped they were grown up enough to get the fuck over themselves. I was one of the top workers at the company and needed the job as much as they needed me.

I sipped the beer and glanced back toward the hallway, mesmerized as Mandy appeared. I wasn’t surprised to see a fresh layer of pink on her lips and hair fixed up a little, making me smile. She deserved to know how flawless she looked. I handed her the drink and led her to the table with my hand on the small of her back.

Everyone was staring, and I felt her freeze for a moment. “Come on.” She walked forward, and I made the formal introductions for those that hadn’t met her. We found a spot at the table, and I noticed that Paul was looking curiously at me, his arm slung over the shoulder of one of the young receptionists. She looked a little tipsy already, and I rolled my eyes at him as his eyes drifted to Mandy.

I felt a rush of jealousy and glanced over at her, watching her sip the drink as she looked around the table with a nervous expression. I noticed that Stella moved into the seat beside her and grinned at her. They seemed to know one another already, and I raised an eyebrow as Stella shot me an inquiring look.

Someone ordered shots, and the waitress brought over a big tray of them as Mandy stared at it. She’d finished her drink and asked the waitress for another one as Stella slid two shot glasses her way. “You get Stephen’s. He’s a goody-two-shoes.”

“He has to get home to his son,” Mandy defended me as I looked down at her. She smiled at me, and I felt warmth rush over me.

Stella convinced Mandy to join in with a shot, and everyone clanked their glasses together before slamming down the tequila. I laughed at the look on her face, and she stared at me in shock. I assumed that she wasn’t too much of a drinker, but she took an eager sip of the cocktail that the waitress brought her to wash down the harsh liquor.

Paul let out a holler as he held up another shot and raised his hands in the air. He was the first one on the dance floor when the music started, dirty dancing with the receptionist that he’d originally been cuddling up to as well as another one. I watched him as he rocked his hips into the blonde’s ass, calling out something obnoxious as Mandy gave me a look.

I could tell that she was getting a little drunk by the shimmer in her eyes and smiled gently at her. I would take care of her and keep her safe. More to the point, I would keep her far away from Paul. He was a handful when he was sober, but with a few shots in him, every woman in the room was soon to be in trouble.

The others started joining him as the music kept playing, and I started laughing. I didn’t get out with everyone enough and was having a great time here tonight. Danielle always told me to do things with friends after work, but I had Brandon to think about. He was my responsibility, my obligation.

A rush of freedom passed through me as a popular song that Brandon loved came over the speakers. I leaned close to Mandy and asked her to dance with me as she blushed and smiled shyly. “Okay,” she agreed as we stood and moved toward the group on the dance floor. I watched as she took a small breath and started to move, realizing quickly that Mandy had some moves.

She only had one more shot, which was delivered by no other than Paul, who grinned at me. “This is for you. I have someone to warm my bed tonight.” He winked at me before returning to the girls waiting for him, and I looked down at Mandy. She didn’t seem to hear what he said and downed the shot like it was water before she smiled brightly at me.

Fuck, she was beautiful.

She kept dancing to the songs that played, and I was grateful when something slow came over the speakers. I took her hand and asked if I could have this dance, mesmerized by her smile when she said yes.

“How long have you been alone with your son?” Her voice was soft in my ear as I held her close, moving to the slow beat of the ballad.

“Six years. His mother left when Brandon was one,” I replied, oblivious to our surroundings as she slipped her arms around his neck. “We were never married, barely together really. I wasn’t as careful as I should have been then, but I love my boy more than anything.”

“Of course you do. I can tell that you live for him.” Her eyes were clear when she gazed up at me, full of compassion and sincerity. “He’s lucky to have you.”

“Thank you,” I told her as I pulled her body closer to me, feeling her chest against mine as I breathed her in. Her perfume was sweet and reminded me of citrus and cherries.

We danced for an hour or so longer before I sensed that Mandy was tired. We walked out to the car, and I opened the door for her as she slid into the passenger seat. Once I was behind the wheel, I looked at her and tenderly stroked her soft cheek. “You don’t drink a lot, do you?”

“No. Never.” She giggled. “That was a lot of fun, though.”

“It was. I should go more.” I admitted as I pulled slowly out of the parking lot. “Where do you live?”

She directed me to an apartment complex a few blocks away, and I pulled into the parking lot and parked in front of the door that she pointed at. It was a nice place, and I looked around before noticing how dark her unit was. “Is anyone home?” I asked her as she turned her head to stare at me. There was something needy in her eyes, and I licked my lips, imagining the things that I could do with her.

“No. Vanessa stays with her boyfriend a lot on the weekends since they do theater together.” Mandy smiled brilliantly at me. “Want to come in? We usually have something to drink in the house.”

I hesitated for a fleeting second. “That sounds great, Mandy.”

I should’ve headed home to Brandon, but I knew that he was sleeping from the text I’d sent to Danielle. She was curled up watching a movie, and my son was safe, so I should enjoy myself a little bit. I would be back in time for him to wake up. I’d never spend the night away from Brandon nor would I just assume that Danielle would stay.

I had responsibilities, but at that moment, I was just going to take her inside and pretend that this was all that I had to worry about.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Mandy

I watched as he walked around to my side of the car, shocked at the fact I was going inside of my apartment with Stephen. Hadn’t we just met?

My stomach had butterflies choking me as I heard the door open and slid my legs out. I was looking forward to getting out of these heels, and I allowed him to pull me to my feet, sliding my hands against his broad chest. Our eyes locked and my legs went weak as I slipped my arms around his neck.

I wanted him. Badly. I could think of a few reasons why nothing should happen between us, but when I looked at his lips, they all faded away from my mind. “Let’s go in.”

“Okay,” I replied as he closed the door and locked it with the push of a button. He wrapped an arm around my back and led me upstairs to our spacious, two-bedroom unit. I unlocked the door and walked inside, knowing that it was clean. Vanessa was a freak about that. Stephen followed me inside, and I caught a whiff of his intoxicating scent. It reminded me of peppermint and the ocean, with a hint of masculinity. I was obsessed with it. I walked over to the counter and dropped my keys on the counter before turning to ask him what he wanted to drink.

“I don’t want alcohol. I can’t stay tonight and need to be careful how much I drink,” Stephen told me, his eyes apologetic before he pressed his lips to mine. I pulled him closer to me, gripping his shirt as he cupped my face and kissed me harder. He pushed me against the counter, tilting his face as he teased my lips with his tongue.

Oh God.

I wrapped my arms around his body and gave him entrance, groaning as he claimed my mouth. Stephen was demanding with his kiss, taking from me as I gave him everything. I knew that I was a little tipsy, but the dancing sobered me up. I knew that I was nervous. I’d never felt this way about a man in my life.

He gripped my hips and pulled me against him as we both moaned. I was beyond logic. All need. I slid my arms around his neck, kissing him without inhibition as his hands brushed the zipper of my skirt. “I want you, Mandy.” His voice was hoarse, and I felt his teeth against my earlobe. “I need you.”

“Take me,” I urged him, feeling his fingers unbutton the skirt and unzip it before I felt it slide down to the floor. I was wearing some lace boy shorts underneath, and I felt embarrassed, even though it was dark. The only light was from the stove, and I pulled him closer to me.

“Take me to your room,” Stephen told me as I kicked off my heels and bravely unbuttoned my shirt. I dropped it from my shoulders and turned to lead the way to my room at the end of the long hallway. We were lucky in that we both had master suites. I reached out my hand, needing his warmth.

Stephen turned me toward him once we were inside the room, his mouth claiming mine in a hard kiss. I reached down to release the button on his pants and slide them down, hearing him get his shoes off.

We worked together to remove his shirt before he lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist and ground against him, moaning at the delicious sensation of his erection pressed against my heat.

He carried me to my bed, lit only by the amber salt lamp that burned at all hours. He lowered me to the mattress, and I felt his hard cock pressing against my damp core as I groaned against his lips. He was thick and hard, and my untouched pussy cried out with fear before he kissed me again. “Do you have anything here?” Stephen asked as I felt him pull back and work the front clasp of my bra.

“I think that Vanessa has some condoms in her bathroom. It’s been a while for me,” I breathed as he spread the lace open and stared down at my nearly naked body. “I can go get some.”

Stephen moved to the side, and I breathed deeply as I sat up. I slipped the bra off, dropping it to the floor with a violent shudder as I moved to stand up. My nipples were hard and breasts heavy with the need to be touched. I wrapped my arms around my waist as I walked over to Vanessa’s cracked door.

Despite knowing the layout of our place well, my legs were still trembling as I padded across the hardwood floors to her bathroom. I grabbed a couple of silver packets and pressed my lips together, tracing my nipples with my finger as I breathed in. I knew that if I touched myself between my legs, I would be soaked with desire, and I clutched the condoms tighter in my hand before I almost ran to my bedroom.

I slipped back inside to see Stephen sitting on my bed, his perfect body bare for me. He had his rigid cock in his hand, but his eyes were on me. “Set them down on the edge of the bed and come here.”

He didn’t have to ask me twice.

He was the most beautiful man that I’d ever seen, and I stilled to watch him for a moment. His eyes were heavy-lidded, and he watched for a moment as I took in his cut abdomen and muscular chest. I felt my thighs tingling and walked over to the bed to join him on it, dropping the strip onto the bed before I kissed him.

It was as if something was unleashed between us as he pulled my face closer to him, kissing me hard and deep. I could feel the need that was pounding in my chest, making my core ache as he laid me down onto my back. He kissed me until I couldn’t breathe before moving to my jaw and then to the soft skin of my neck.

“Let’s take these off, shall we?” He glanced up at me as he played with the edge of my panties.

“Please,” I whimpered and lifted my hips to give him room to get them off me.

I cried out as he leaned down and sucked the skin at the base of my neck gently into his mouth. Stephen parted my legs with his knees and moved his mouth down my chest, peppering me with kisses. I felt the need rushing through me as I dropped my head back and cried out his name.

His mouth wrapped around one nipple, sucking me slowly as I gripped his hair. I could feel the way my body grew wetter as I dragged his teeth across me and jerked as I felt something releasing from deep inside of me as if it were tucked away for this occasion alone. He pressed a thick finger inside my pussy, and I tightened and arched my back as fire burst from the center of my stomach, warming me.

“Stephen,” I moaned as my muscles ached. The pressure just kept coming, confused as to just what he did to me.

My legs were spread wide for him, and he worked me through the orgasm with expertise. It was delicious and something I wanted more of. I closed my eyes and memorized the pulsing in my body as I felt him move to the other nipple.

“You’re so wet,” he murmured, stroking my clit with the pad of his thumb as he pressed his fingers back inside of me. “Tell me you came.”

“I did,” I whispered roughly.

“Good girl,” he mumbled as he move down my stomach, kissing my skin and pulling his fingers from my body. He parted my folds and ran his tongue over my clit as I cried out. “I…Stephen.”

He hovered above my pussy and breathed out in a long exhale as I tried to wiggle in his tight grip. “Stay still. I need to taste you,” his voice was hoarse with lust.

I looked down as he pressed his lips against my center, rolling his tongue through my wet folding and lapping at me as if he were starving. He teased me with his tongue before sucking my clit between his teeth.

I held his hair with one hand and my sheets with another. “Stephen!” I cried out as I came again, his mouth sucking up every drop before I felt him move to his knees

“Do you want this?” His voice was shaking, and I looked up at him.

“More than I have ever wanted anything,” I promised as he took one off and ripped it open. He sheathed himself with it and moved between my legs before he kissed me tenderly.

I felt him ease forward, one hand on his cock as he slipped inside of me. I was tight and sensitive, and he filled me slowly, stretching me open.

“You feel so fucking good. You’re so tight, Mandy. I…” Stephen choked as he paused, allowing me to adjust to him. We eased together, finding our rhyme as we rocked together within a few thrusts.

The delicious smell of lust mixed with the sound of our bodies slapping sensually together was enough to drive me insane. I clawed at his back and moaned loudly as he picked up his pace and fucked me faster.

“Stephen. Go deeper,” I begged as he moved up and pressed my legs to his chest. It was a different angle, one that I felt everywhere, and we both started to cry out as we came together.

He finished with his gaze locked on mine and stayed there, panting and looking like a god before he rolled over onto his back.

“I haven’t wanted a woman since Lacy left. I haven’t thought of anyone since that time.” He glanced over at me and smiled as he gasped for air. “Ever since I saw you last week, I’ve wanted you.”

“I know the feeling too well.” I smiled and turned to look at the clock. “Damn. It’s after midnight.”

“Yeah. That sucks. Forgive me for having to leave. Brandon is at home with—”

“No need to explain. I’m good. Seriously.” I forced a sweet smile. I understood his situation, and while I hated being left to sleep alone after sex, it was what it was.

He got up before grabbing his clothes and walking to the bathroom door. He paused before going in and glanced over his shoulder. I stared at his perfect ass, not able to help myself. “You were amazing, by the way.”

“So were you,” I responded.

He disappeared into the bathroom, and I flopped back on the bed until he came back out. I got up and pulled a T-shirt over my head before getting up, kissing him goodbye and walking him to the door.

The situation should have been awkward, but it wasn’t. Maybe it would be tomorrow.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” he promised me before walking to his car.

I locked the front door and padded back to bed, dropping back onto the pillows, and breathing in the scent of amazing sex.

I just spent part of the night with a gorgeous man that had a good job and cared about the people close to him. My body pulsed in ecstasy as I laid there in the dark with a silly smile on my face.

I would meet Brandon the next morning, and I couldn’t wait. Hopefully the kiddo would like me. I pulled the sheet over me weakly, knowing that I was going to dream about Stephen, and the dream would pick up just where we left off.

With round two.

CHAPTER NINE

Stephen

I woke up to the weekend alarm, roused out of a dream about Mandy. This time it was based on real events. I had something to fantasize about, and I turned on my back and gripped my cock for a moment.

It was the first day of the tennis camp. I needed to make Brandon breakfast so we could be there on time, since it started at nine and lasted a few hours.

I couldn’t wait to see Mandy again.

I jerked off quickly and then pulled on some shorts to head to the kitchen in to make coffee. Brandon was asleep when I got home, and I locked the door behind a tired Mike and Danielle as they headed to their apartment.

I had a beer to celebrate the night, wishing that I wasn’t alone in my bed. I liked the feeling of Mandy against me and wanted so much more. I wanted to wake up with her in my arms, but I didn’t see that as a possibility quite yet.

I knocked on Brandon’s door, telling him to wake up, before I went to take a shower. I didn’t know what to expect from today so far. I’d watched a game or two of tennis on television, but I didn’t know the specifics of it. It reminded me of racquetball that I played at the gym with friends, with more of a point. That was more of a stress relief for me.

I thought back to last night while I was in the shower again, playing back the way she felt wrapped around me. Mandy was perfect; sweet and sexy. I knew that she was feeling nervous and shy during moments of last night, but when she let her walls down, Mandy gave her entire body to me. I thought about the game tomorrow and depending on how things went today. Maybe I’d ask her to join me. It would be a fun day and if she and Brandon hit it off that would make it all the better.

I knew that Brandon wanted a family. I could always see it in his eyes, and we’d discussed it several times over the years. I explained that I was going to be selective about who I let into his life. I had to find a woman that would love him as much as I did, and I wouldn’t put up with any of the step mom shit I’d heard about from friends. Brandon was my priority, and he practically had to be hers as well until the night was quiet and it was just us. I was happy to worship her then and let her pleasure me.

I could imagine that with Mandy. It frightened me a little bit. I needed to know a lot more before I let this get any more serious and today would be the test for me.

I fixed us sausage and eggs for breakfast and drank a couple of cups of coffee, since anxiety had started to take over. I felt great when I woke up from last night, thinking about the amazing sex and what this could mean, but I was a little wary. I had not been into a woman for a long time, and there was much more to this than just her and I.

There was Brandon.

He went to dress in something that he could move in, sounding excited to go. I wore some workout shorts and a loose T-shirt with shoes that I could move in, since I was under the impression that I was going to be involved. We left the house, and I headed to the older part of town to the YMCA. It was an older building but important enough to the city that it was kept up and I looked at it as I parked. We probably didn’t come here enough.

I walked inside, noting that the courts were in the back of the building. We walked through the various sections, and I pushed the door open to see Mandy playing a casual game with a guy around her age. She was dressed in the same style outfit from when we worked out together. Her laughter made me smile as she slammed the ball into the other court. I might not know the sport inside and out, but she looked like she knew what she was doing.

She looked like she loved playing tennis.

There were five other kids with parents watching the game, and a glance at the clock told me that we were a few minutes early. Brandon looked them over while I held onto his shoulder protectively. “I think you’re going to have a great time here.” I was talking to him but staring at Mandy, who glanced up at me with a soft smile on her face. I saw the way her eyes lit up when she saw me and warmth spread over my skin.

Her and the guy stopped the game and walked over to us, introducing themselves. Mandy was perky and outgoing as she focused on each kid and the parents with them. Once she got to me while Kyle was busy with another child, she leaned down to look into Brandon’s face.

“Hey, Brandon. I work with your dad. It’s great to meet you.”

He shook her outstretched hand and smiled as she looked up at me. “Hi, Mandy.”

“He said that you really like tennis?” she asked as he nodded firmly at her. “We’re going to have a great time.”

She stood and gave me another long look before she joined Kyle and went over the basics of the class. They would work with the kids and parents on some of the main skills and promised a good time.

I watched as the kids went out, leaning against the wall to watch as they taught them the proper way to hit the ball. The two instructors took turns with the kids, and while the guy was nice, I could see that Mandy loved children. I couldn’t take my eyes from her as she moved and laughed, lighting up the entire court.

Once they were done, the parents were encouraged to tap the ball back and forth with their kids. It was fun, and I found myself enjoying the time with Brandon, even as I stole glances at Mandy to see her smiling at us. The day seemed to pass quickly, and I waited for her after she told us that she’d walk us to the car.

Mandy pulled her hair into a messy bun before walking over and looking at us both. “What did you think, Brandon?”

“That was so much fun. I can’t wait until next week!” She and I exchanged a glance, and she smiled as she looked back down at him.

“I’m glad. I want everyone to love tennis as much as I do,” Mandy told him as we turned and made our way through the building. Even sweaty from her day, Mandy was stunning. I looked down at her hand, longing to reach out and grab it as she kept talking to Brandon about school and his interests.

That turned me on even more. She was so kind to him, and even though I knew she was aware of my presence the way I was hers, she didn’t shove him aside. She got to know him, and I could see by the way he looked at her at the car that he liked Mandy.

I unlocked the door, and Brandon got in as I looked at Mandy. “So my brother has tickets to the local baseball game tomorrow, and I need a date. Want to join us?”

Her face lit up, and her cheeks turned pink as she glanced at the car. “Is Brandon going?”

“I haven’t discussed it with him yet, but probably. It’ll be a good time.” I smiled at her.

“That sounds great. What time does it start?” Mandy asked, and my stomach relaxed.

“I can pick you up at one. How does that sound?” I asked as she nodded with excitement in her eyes. “What are your plans for the rest of the day?”

“I have to have dinner with my parents. Every Saturday night, like I have no life. They want to hear all about the new job.” Mandy grimaced for a moment. “Sorry. I don’t hate it there. I just hate the questions and the pressure.”

“I understand,” I assured her, seeing how much they affected her. “Try to have a good time. I can talk after if you want. I think that I’ll just be hanging out with Brandon. We usually go to dinner and maybe a movie on the weekend, unless he’s wiped out from today.” I stepped a little closer to her, watching her eyes widen. “You were great out there. With all the kids, but especially Brandon. He really likes you.”

“I like him too. He looks so much like you, Stephen. He’s a mini you.” She looked up at me and licked her lips. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Stephen.”

“Yeah, you will. Have a good night.” I wanted to kiss her, but this wasn’t the time or place. I had to build up to that. I reluctantly stepped away to go around to my side of the car. I watched her walk back toward the building, remembering how it felt to have her juicy ass pressed to me while she was crying out my name. I was in so much fucking trouble.

CHAPTER TEN

Mandy

I stopped by the apartment to shower before dinner. My mom was the kind of woman to always look perfectly put together. The same could be said of my older sister, Kate. She was five years older and completed medical school recently and was working as a surgeon in one of the area’s largest hospitals. She had a fiancé as well, and they were going to get married in six months and likely have a bunch of perfect children.

I braided my hair into a plait over my shoulder and looked at the jeans and conservative green button-up shirt that I chose to wear. It was loose and gauzy and covered everything up the way a girl should dress. Mom never saw the things I chose for work or anything other than dinner, and they weren’t even that bad. She just thought I should dress my age.

What did that even mean?

I slipped on some sandals and headed to the car. It was delivered early this morning, fixed up until the next time something decided to give out. I knew that I could consider the idea of something new down the line, but I’d been through so much with my Callie. I started the engine and made my way to their house on the edge of town. Dad retired from his shop a few years ago and wanted something a bit more private, since Mom only worked three days a week at a doctor’s office.

I pulled into the long driveway and sighed, wondering how this was going to go. I got out and went to knock on the door which was opened by my mother on the phone as she waved me inside. I smiled and passed her, walking into the comfortable to see my dad watching a game. “Hi, Daddy.” I dropped my purse onto the worn brown sectional and sat down, checking out the score of the baseball game. I smiled, thinking about the game tomorrow.

“How’s that new job?” he asked as Mom walked in, going on about Kate and how they both had to work and miss dinner. She perched on the edge of a chair and looked me over, her disappointment obvious in her eyes that matched Kate’s.

“It’s good. The place is great, and the staff is really nice. I am still learning, of course, but I think I’ll do okay.” I smiled at him, pretending not to notice her.

“Do you think they’ll keep you on?” Her voice was cool and curious, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

“I am still on probation. It’s just been a week, Mom. Martin is a great boss, though. I am sure he’d help me over going through the entire hiring process again.” That was what I hoped, anyway.

“Just do your best,” her tone was condescending, and anger burned in my chest. I wasn’t in the mood for this after last night and today. Everything seemed to be falling into place for me, even though it wasn’t medical school. “I suppose it is a decent salary but is there room to grow? Your other jobs didn’t offer that.”

“There is, Mom. I am assistant to the finance department, and it’s a big company. They’re doing great,” I said with a sour tone as Dad looked between Mom and I. “Jesus. Do I have to go to goddamn medical school for you to be impressed by anything I do?”

“Mandy!” She chided me as I slumped back against the couch. “Kate did a wonderful service to herself by going to med school. Think of her future!”

“I am not her. I never will be here. I have a job that I like, and I volunteer with kids. That is who I am,” I barked at her as Mom sighed and stood.

“I am going to finish dinner.” Her tone was haughty, and I stared at Dad as he shrugged helplessly.

“You know I don’t put your sister on a pedestal. That’s all your mom,” he said softly, not wanting to start anything more. He did have to live here after all. “I am proud of you, kiddo.”

I know that he was and I tried to relax before we headed into the dining room to eat. I was going to give this another go.

I took my seat in between my parents and sipped a glass of water. I wished it was a shot of liquor, but that wasn’t going to happen.

Mom had fixed a roast chicken with vegetables and fresh rolls. That was one of my favorite meals, but my stomach was in knots over everything. My mother talked about work, and I realized that she wanted to sound like something she wasn’t so much of the time. Overly important. They were middle class, and that was fine.

Kate came back up, and Mom started to talk about her wedding plans. They were planning on a late summer wedding at a local resort on a lake. She could not stop gushing about it. I knew that Mom would be excited to help plan a wedding, but she sounded too into the little details that wouldn’t matter even the day after the ceremony.

Dad seemed to want to steer the conversation away from the wedding, and I gave him a small, grateful smile as he asked what my plans were for the rest of the weekend. I assumed that he was nervous about the cost of everything and sick to death of the subject.

“I was invited to a baseball game tomorrow. The local team,” I offered as he smiled. Dad loved all sports and I knew he’d be into the idea.

“Who are you going with?” Mom asked me as I wondered what to say.

“I met a guy at the office, and he invited me.” I saw the distaste on her face and sighed. “He’s a good guy. I taught his son at tennis camp today.”

“Son? Is he married, Mandy?” Mom asked.

I rolled my eyes. “No, Mom. He’s a single parent and a great one at that. I like them both a lot.” I knew that we were headed toward another fight and Dad wiped his mouth with a napkin.

“How long have you been seeing him?” he asked me as I looked at him. I saw the worry in his face and smiled.

“It is pretty new.” I shrugged. “I haven’t dated in a while, and he’s nice, so why not? You never know where it might go.” I tried to sound casual, but the tension was thick in the air. “I don’t care that he has a son.”

“It can be a very messy situation, Mandy. I think it would be easier to start a family of your own, like your sister. Start fresh,” she suggested as I dropped my fork onto the plate.

“Enough with Kate. Let me live my own life.” I told her as she dropped her napkin and left the table, muttering something about not wanting to watch me make a huge mistake. I helped Dad clean up and took some food home in a container after hugging him goodbye.

“I’ll try to talk to her,” he promised me as I nodded and walked to my car. What a fucking disaster that was.

I drove to my apartment, feeling a big letdown from tonight. I always went over there thinking that this would be the time that Mom saw me for who I was, rather than comparing me to my sister. I loved Kate because she was my big sister but we were different people.

She was much more prim and proper than I was. I’d always been curious and far more athletic than she was, but we both made something of ourselves. Kate was always focused on a future that she chose as a kid. She was happy, but I’d hate being a doctor. I didn’t even love numbers, but I was good at it when a gorgeous man did not distract me.

I walked into my apartment and put the food in the fridge. I thought back to the night before and how much I’d wanted to see Stephen again. I didn’t run around sleeping with men on the first date all the time, but something about him had me breaking my rules.

Did I regret it?

Hell, no. I felt good giving into that raw need that he made me feel. I felt good giving myself to him and feeling so amazing every time that I came. Multiple orgasms were not a part of my life prior to last night. I’d sleep with him again tomorrow night if I had the chance, and I blushed as I wondered what he’d taste like.

I’d always been so shy about things like that in the past, but I knew that I wanted the experience of tasting him. He was the kind of guy that turned me on without even trying, and I was going to enjoy him for as long as I could.

I was tired of being a good girl all the time. I wanted to breathe a little, and I planned to. Consequences be damned.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Stephen

I woke up Sunday on my own, not needing any alarm. I talked to Brandon last night about the game, and he didn’t want to go. Mike and Danielle invited him to the local eat and play place for lunch, and I knew that was to offer me some personal space.

I insisted on making some waffles for breakfast for us, inviting the couple to make a plate once they got over. I liked to have some normalcy in Brandon’s life when I could, and breakfast was one of the traditions as well as dinner if I could swing it.

It was much harder than breakfast, given the fact that I stayed late sometimes.

I played some of his favorite video game with him after breakfast and before he was to go to the restaurant. I headed to my room to change into some shorts and a T-shirt that boasted the name of the team, something I’d gotten at a previous game. I added a ball cap in a dark blue ball cap to my head and headed down to get my keys to pick Mandy up. Brandon barely told me goodbye. He was so excited about their plans, and I grinned behind the wheel of my car. I was glad that he had people like Mike and Danielle in his life.

I drove to Mandy’s apartment and tapped on the door, smiling when her and another girl appeared at the door.

“Hi, Stephen. You remember Vanessa?” Mandy said as I nodded and looked at the blonde. We shook hands again, and she sized me up with shrewd eyes, something that was much more noticeable this time. We made some small talk as Mandy ran back to her bedroom to get a red hat, pulling it over her ponytail.

She looked beautiful, and I resisted the urge to kiss her as she gathered her purse and threw a jacket over her arm. Vanessa told her that she’d be late at the theater tonight as she hugged her, and they shared a knowing look.

I knew that girls talked. They had to discuss things with someone, and these two were best friends for a long time. I looked at Mandy as we left the apartment, knowing that she’d be tasteful about what she said about us. I didn’t mind if she told Vanessa that I was the best fuck of her life at all. I just didn’t want everyone she knew discussing that.

Lacy was like that. She bragged to all her friends about the hot guy she was sleeping with, and then suddenly a baby was involved. The fact surprised me she made it a year with us, since it was obvious to me that she wasn’t happy with a baby.

It was Mandy who stopped us by the car and cupped my face as she stared into my eyes. She leaned up to kiss me, and I slipped an arm around her waist to hold her against me as her lips parted. The kiss was passionate but brief as Mandy pulled away with a flustered smile.

“I hope you didn’t mind that. I’ve been thinking about you all day long."

“Me too.” I smiled at her and moved to unlock the door, letting her get settled before I closed it. I suddenly wanted the game to be over so we could be alone again but I told my body to calm down. We were going to have a great day today with my family. I knew that both Kevin and Terry feel better about how things worked out, given how happy Mandy made him. I didn’t want them to weight themselves down with guilt over Lacy. It was nobody’s fault but hers for walking away, and I didn’t blame anybody else. I just did what I had to do and moved on.

I headed into the city to get to the field, parking in the main lot and sending my brother a text to ask if he’d arrived. He was still on the way, and I smiled at Mandy.

“They’re headed in with the tickets, but we can have a drink at the bar over here. They’ll be here in a few minutes.” I offered her my hand, and she grinned as she took it, leaning up to kiss me again. We made our way to the bar that was just in front of the stadium. I ordered a beer while she asked for a hard cider. “How was dinner?”

“Oh, at my parents’?” Mandy frowned. “It was shit. My mom has been comparing me to my sister for years, and since Kate became a surgeon, she’s was so much worse. I feel like I’m not enough for her. The night ended with her running to her room and just saying goodbye to Dad.” She brightened as she sipped her drink. “Did Brandon say anything about the camp?”

“He liked it a lot and loved you. He talked a lot about the camp and can’t wait for next weekend. His absence today has nothing to do with you at all.” I laughed. “He loves his nanny and her boyfriend, who invited him out for the day. I think that she’s trying to push me to have a life.”

“Ah. How long has she been watching Brandon?” Mandy asked.

“Since day one. I had to find someone fast and talked to friends and looked at every platform that had nannies. Luckily, Kevin knew someone that knew Danielle, and I interviewed her. I knew right away that she was perfect and gave her a pay increase after the first two weeks. Danielle saved my life because I was suddenly on my own with this baby.” I shook my head. “Kevin’s wife is the one that introduced me to Lacy. She thought we’d have fun and hit it off. After she left, I knew that they felt like utter shit and finding Danielle helped things.” I stared into her face, finding myself incredibly attracted to her. She was too much woman for me, and I was a lucky bastard just to be sitting across from her. My cock twitched at her tight jeans and fitted white T-shirt. Fuck, she looks good. “I think they’ll be even happier when I settle down.”

“Yeah?” Mandy asked.

I nodded before kissing her. I was just getting ready to deepen it when I heard my name being called.

“There’s Kevin,” I pulled away and kissed her nose before turning to find him. He smiled widely, walking up to hug me before he turned a curious gaze to Mandy. “Kevin, this is Mandy Miles. She’s new to the office.”

He shook her hand as I gave Terry a warm hug, then introduced the two women. They each ordered a beer, and we chatted for a little while. They warmed up to Mandy immediately, and we were all laughing by the time we made it to our seats. Kevin got us all a hot dog, and a fresh beer for us and I smiled at Mandy as she bit into it. She looked happy.

The game started and I asked her if she liked baseball, sliding an arm around her waist. She told me that her father loved all sports and they watched them all together. As the game progressed, Mandy and Terry bonded over shared interests and music. They danced in their seats to the popular songs that were played and cheered for the home team as Kevin gave me a long, curious look. “She’s amazing, Stephen. You know that, right?”

I looked at the women and nodded slowly, meeting his eyes again. “Brandon likes her.” Kevin whistled and shook his head.

“This seems like it might be getting serious,” He told me from his seat beside me. The girls decided to sit together after an hour so they could talk.

“Maybe so. I guess only time will tell.”

Kevin and Terry went to get something from the snack bar, and I pulled Mandy against me. “I think you’re perfect.”

“You need to talk to my mom,” she quipped and looked into my eyes. “You don’t think I’m young and silly, acting like this with Terry?”

“No. I love hearing you laugh and seeing that smile.” I brushed my lips against hers for a soft kiss, wanting so much more as she leaned into me. I knew that I was falling for this woman and my heart raced in my chest. I heard my brother and scooted over to let him and Terry sit beside each other, needing her to myself for a while. Mandy snuggled into me, and I held her close, kissing her hair while we cheered on the team that won by five points. They were a great team, and I looked forward to coming back with Mandy and Brandon for the day, spending some time together.

I could see a future with Mandy, which was crazy. It was way too damn soon to get my hopes up.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Mandy

I watched the last man slid across home base, cheering loudly along with Terry. She was so nice, and the brothers looked so much alike. I sensed their closeness as well as the guilt that Kevin felt about the situation with his nephew.

It seemed like my presence eased that somehow. It was obvious to all of us how well Stephen and I got along. I had bonded immediately with him and Brandon.

We waited in our seats after the game ended, letting the crowd thin out a bit before we wandered out of the stadium. Kevin and Terry were going to grab some dinner and invited us, but we both wanted some alone time.

Stephen led me to the car, and we got in as he leaned in for a deep kiss. “Can we go to your place?” I asked against his lips as he sighed.

“I think they’re all there right now,” he told me softly, kissing me again.

“I wanted to taste you tonight,” I whispered against his kiss, my desire rising as he froze.

“Shit. I want that,” Stephen said as he started the car. “I know a spot. Want to park with me?”

“I haven’t heard the term in years,” I said before laughing.

“Hell, I haven’t said it in years.” He smiled over at me before pulling out of the parking lot.

Leaning back, I watched him pull onto the main road and then take a right that led us off the beaten path. He parked, and I looked to the right to see a lake in the moonlight, grinning at him.

“This is a nice, private place. Good job, Stephen.” I leaned in to kiss him, our lips parting and tongues sliding together. I reached down to cup his cock as he groaned against my lips.

“I feel like a fucking teenager right now,” he moaned as I started stroking him. “I’ve been thinking about you every day since our night together.”

“Me too.” I leaned over my seat, glancing up at him with a wicked smile on my lips. “Tell me if I do it wrong, okay?”

“I highly doubt that’s going to happen.” His face was filled with white-hot lust.

I reached down to unbutton his shorts, releasing him as I gripped him in my hand. I took a quick look around before I ducked down to suck him into my mouth. Stephen groaned as I sucked his tip into my mouth, teasing it with my tongue as he gripped me by the hair.

“Feels so good,” he told me as I moved down, easing him all the way to the back of my throat. Stephen was one of the largest men I’d slept with, but knowing that I could take him turned me on so much.

I moved up and down, sucking slow and deep as I felt him grip me harder. I wondered how long it had been for him as he let out noises with my every movement and hardened further.

“I’m going to come, Mandy. I’m so fucking close,” he whispered roughly.

I responded by sucking him deeper as he let out a low, guttural moan. His orgasm was explosive and filled my throat, spilling over into my mouth before I swallowed. I loved the feeling and the power of doing this to him. I sank down on him, getting every last drop of his release as he stroked my back and let out a long sigh. When I moved up and stared into his eyes, his face wore an expression of wonder.

“Lean back,” he ordered.

I moved in the seat and watched as he leaned over to slide his hand under my shirt, cupping my breast over the bra that I wore. I moaned, my body wanting all of him as I wondered about the size of his back seat.

Stephen lifted my shirt and freed me from it and my bra before he slid his hand inside of my jeans. I spread my legs apart and leaned back, closing my eyes as I let the sensations take over. He stroked my clit as he bit my nipple gently, and I felt pleasure start to wash through me.

“Stephen,” I cried out as he slipped a finger inside of me, pressing his palm against my swollen nub. The pants were tight and didn’t offer him a lot of room, but it was enough. I was going to come soon and I jerked against him as he moved to my other nipple.

I cried out as pleasure washed over me, jerking forward while he kept playing with my clit. Stephen made the orgasm last with his hand, and I felt tears come into my eyes as I pressed back against the seat. It wasn’t just a hot moment in a car, not for me. It was the beginning of something beautiful between us.

Something dawned on me, and I opened my eyes. “Vanessa’s at the theater tonight. We’ll have the place to ourselves for a while.”

Stephen pulled back to look at me, his eyes heavy with lust. “Your place?” he asked.

I nodded. “My place.”

Stephen fixed my clothes, kissing me softly in the process. He pulled his shorts up, and we got back in our places for the ride back to my apartment. A torrent of emotion raced through my veins, and hope filling my heart. The night had been perfect so far.

He pulled into the parking lot and we headed to the apartment, and I realized that my hands were shaking as I unlocked my door. Stephen helped me inside and pressed me against the wall as he kissed me, his tongue sweeping my mouth. I’d swallowed him not that long ago, but Stephen didn’t seem to care. He tasted me hungrily.

I dropped my keys and purse onto the ground before I pulled him closer to me. Stephen gripped my hair, tilting his head to deepen the kiss even further. He pulled away from me as he lifted me against his body, pressing his forehead to mine. “I want to spend the night. I think I can tell Danielle that I’ll be home early tomorrow morning. Do you want that?”

“Yes,” I replied as he leaned down and picked me up before carrying me to my room.

I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck, smiling up at him.

“God, you’re beautiful. Did you know that?” He nipped at my lips.

“No, but thank you for telling me.” I found my footing as he set me down beside the bed and reached for me.

“No thanks needed, Mandy.” He pulled me close and worked to strip me down as I returned the favor. He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine as he wrapped his strong arms around me. The feel of his naked body pressed to mine was almost too much.

“I want you,” I moaned against his mouth and lifted my leg to hook it around his hip.

“Good. You’re going to get me.” He glanced down between us and stroked his cock once before pressing his thick head against my clit and dragging it down my wetness. The sound of his phone buzzing somewhere down the hall had us both pulling back like two school kids caught in the act.

I sank down to the mattress in disappointment as he moved back and turned, looking down the hall as if lost to indecision.

“You should get that,” I told him softly.

The phone rang again, and he got up and walked down the hall to get it. I could hear his muffled voice, but not what he said. By the tone, I knew it wasn’t good. I pulled my legs to body, knowing that our night was ending.

He walked back down the hall and moved to the bed, giving me a sorrowful look. “That was Danielle. Brandon is sick with the flu or something and wants me home. I’m so sorry, Mandy. I know that this is a tough situation, and I wish that I didn’t need to leave.”

I forced a smile on my face. “It’s okay. He’s your son. I’d never ask you to think of me before him.”

He was a single father, and I had to respect that. I knew that it would be hard as hell. There was no way I could raise a kid alone. I couldn’t resent him.

“Are you sure? We’ll do this another night, all night. We can wake up together and make breakfast. Next time. I promise.” Stephen leaned down to kiss me softly, sweetly pressing his lips to mine. “I am so glad that you’ve already come tonight. I hate the idea of leaving you hanging.”

“I’m happy. We had the car time,” I assured him, hiding all of my disappointment as he kissed me again.

I dressed and walked him to the door, kissing Stephen goodbye before I locked the door.

I poured some wine and changed into a big T-shirt with some clean shorts. I sank down into the soft couch and stared blankly at the TV. I was supposed to be with Stephen in my bed, snuggling together after we’d made love, but instead I was sitting on the couch.

“Shut up. His kid has the flu. Get over it.” I downed the glass and forced myself not to think about it. I was being selfish.

Stephen couldn’t just be mine, and I wouldn’t want him to put me before Brandon. He was a sweet little boy and so eager to learn, making me smile as I thought about how much fun he had a camp.

I wondered if this could work as I sipped my wine. Was I ready to think about being serious with someone that had a kid? Yeah. I was. I could do this.

For Stephen and the promise of us being together, I knew I would try.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

One week later

Stephen

I dropped my head on my desk and groaned. How the fuck had it been a week since I’d spent any time with Mandy? Between Brandon having a serious stomach bug for half of the week to the point that I stayed home with him, followed by catch-up time on a project revolving around a large business that we wanted to take on.

I’d been swamped, and it was all about work and spending time with Brandon. There was no time for anything else, no matter how many times I thought about Mandy when I was finally in bed to get a few hours of sleep.

I couldn’t call her during those times, though. It was too late to text, knowing that she worked as well and had a life beyond that.

My cell rang, and I grabbed it to see if it was Danielle. Brandon was on his second day at school, and I was so worried that he’d get sick again. It was a violent flu bug that he had and wore us both out.

It was my brother. I answered the call, knowing that I hadn’t seen him either.

“Hey, Kevin. What’s up?” I asked as I leaned back in my chair. I was relieved as hell that my son was better and getting back to his schedule.

“I was making sure that you were still alive. What gives, Stephen?” he asked me as I sighed. I didn’t have a minute to call anyone, much less see them. “You don’t have any kind of social media account for us to stalk. Are you okay?”

“I am busy as fuck. Brandon got sick for a few days and only wanted me, and then we got this project at the office that has been brutal.” I didn’t have any social media accounts because I wanted to keep Brandon’s life private. I didn’t want Lacy to have the chance to see what she was missing and had asked my family to respect that.

“I thought you might be busy with Mandy,” Kevin said, reminding me of what an ass I’d been. “You guys looked so good together at the game.”

“I haven’t had time for anything. I haven’t even called her,” I admitted. “It was a shit move, but I’ve been drowning at work and home.”

“Did you sleep with her?” he asked me since we hadn’t discussed it yet. I really hadn’t had time to talk to anybody.

“I did. Before the game,” I confessed as he let out a low curse.

“Damn it, Stephen. That’s a long time. I know that girls like a little mystery, but a whole week? I think I tried that shit on Terry in the beginning for something like three days, and she rode my ass up and down.” He paused, and I frowned at the numbers on my computer that were starting to blur before my eyes. “Mandy is a special girl. You’re going to lose her, Stephen.”

“I probably already did,” I replied, feeling like we didn’t even work at the same company for as little as I saw her. “I don’t know what the hell I’m even doing, Kevin. I don’t know how to date.”

“I know that the thing with Lacy hurt and I will always feel bad about that. I know that you don’t take dating lightly with Brandon and everything going on, but you looked happy with her. She looked happy with you.” I couldn’t see his face, but I could hear the serious tone in his voice.

“How am I supposed to balance it all?” I asked him as I closed my eyes.

“I don’t know, but if it’s worth it, you need to find a way.” Kevin’s words were honest at least.

“I know, Kevin. I hope that this all ends soon. I feel like I’m losing myself.” We talked for a little longer, arranging a tentative dinner for that weekend with Mom. She missed Brandon and me, and I needed to see her.

I left to get some coffee after the call, needing to move. I looked down the hall to see Mandy leaving Stella’s office and coveted her gorgeous legs in the red dress that she was wearing. My cock stirred back to life as I stared at her, forgetting why I left my office at all.

Coffee. I needed coffee.

I saw her turn her head and meet my gaze, a frown marring her pretty face. I waved her over, and Mandy looked back toward the door as if someone was telling her something. She looked back at me and headed my way as I ducked into the break room to make that coffee. I looked back to make sure that Mandy was waiting for me as I started the machine, tapping my foot.

We walked to my office quietly, ignoring the curious looks that everybody sent our way. The night at happy hour had started some talk about us being in a relationship, though I was sure that my lack of being seen anywhere but my office working my ass off. When she walked inside of my office, I closed the door and watched as she sat down, smoothing her skirt with heavy hands. “I’m sorry, Mandy.”

She stared at the floor, the pain on her face was clear to me. “It’s been a week, Stephen. It’s not that I expected you to be knocking at my door the second you were free, but a call would have been nice. A text would have been great. I certainly didn’t think I would end up feeling used by you.” Her voice was soft, but I could still hear the pain in it.

Fuck me for being an idiot.

“I’m sorry, Mandy. Brandon was sick, and then this goddamn project has kept me going for hours every day. I barely have time to see him after work and before school. I’ve been on my own with him for so long that I don’t know how to balance anything.” I sank into my chair.

“I don’t date a lot, either. I don’t know what I’m doing, but no contact for a week doesn’t seem right.” She finally looked up at me, changing the subject. “Is he feeling better? Brandon?”

“He had the flu. He was so sick for a few days that all he did was sleep in my bed with me. It was relaxing and exhausting all at once.” I knew how tired I sounded, but it was only a fraction of how I felt. “Then there’s this project that’s been keeping me here for long hours. I’ve been so tired, and I was thinking about you, but my free time was always so late at night. I’m sorry. Again.”

She sighed as she leaned back. “Apology accepted.”

“Look, it's Friday tomorrow. Let’s get dinner after work and catch up. I want to take you out.” I smiled at her, and she nodded.

“I’d like that.” Mandy took a breath. “I would like to see Brandon again as well. I mean, apart from camp.” I stared at her, both touched and shocked at her words.

“Get your sexy ass over here,” I told her, loving the sound of her laugh.

“All right, but only if you promise to not be an asshat again.”

“I promise.” I reached for her as my heart lightened a little.

She got up and walked over, climbing into my lap as her dress slid up her legs. I kissed her as I slipped a hand into her hair to pull her closer. Our lips met hungrily as I forgot all about the time apart and I tilted my head to deepen the kiss.

I didn’t know what I did to deserve her forgiveness. Mandy was a special woman, and I was so damn lucky to have her in my arms. “Thank you,” I murmured against her lips.

“I know that we’re new at this. I know that we’re busy and you have Brandon, we have work and life is crazy.” She looked at me and kissed me again. “I think that I need sex a little more than once a week. No. I know that I do. I want you as much as I can have you.”

“I second that. It’s lonely at night thinking about you.” I kissed her again and pulled her against me. Every wet dream I’d had lately resurrected, and I wanted to strip her down and take her against the glass windows in my office. “I don’t see why we should wait, to be honest. I think we should lock the door and get a head start on things.”

Mandy laughed, and I looked into her face, feeling more alive than I had in a long time.

I wanted to make this work with her and to take her in my office; on my desk, in my chair, and anywhere else that I could think of. After having a taste of Mandy, I wanted more. I wanted all that I could get.

CHAPTER FORTEEN

Mandy

I did get up and make sure that the door was locked. It was close to the end of the day, and everyone would be leaving, giving us some privacy. I turned and looked at Stephen, who was leaning back and unbuttoning his slacks.

All the desire that I pushed away after not hearing from him for that week roared to life inside of me. I strode back to him, licking my lips.

Was it smart to have sex with someone in your office that you worked with? Was it a good idea to risk losing your job of just a few weeks because you couldn’t keep your hands off someone?

Probably not, but I didn’t care.

I approached his chair and dropped to my knees, sliding his pants down to get to him. Stephen scooted forward eagerly, and I leaned over him, licking his shaft from the base to the tip several times. Had it really been a week since I had him like this?

I sucked him down my throat as he fisted my hair. Stephen gasped as I moved, my mouth so tight around him that it almost hurt.

I thought about the night when I was alone in bed, replaying our night together. I touched myself when it got to be too much, trying to make myself come as hard as Stephen did. It never worked, but at least it was some relief.

I tried to hate Paul when he hit on me at work, but it was in humor. He was the comic relief around the office, and while I was certain that he noticed I wasn’t spending time with Stephen, I didn’t think he meant it. Nor did I think he’d turn me away if I agreed to any of his crazy suggestions.

It didn’t take too long to realize that I didn’t want anyone other than Stephen. I had never wanted anyone other than Stephen in my life, something I finally realized being without him.

I took him harder in my mouth, working his cock fast. Stephen cried out my name as he jerked forward, filling my mouth and throat with his release. I licked him clean before moving back to rest on my knees. I’d never been promiscuous in my life, but there was something about him that made me crazy.

“That felt so damn good, Mandy. Come here. Now.” I was wet and throbbing but somehow managed to stumble to my feet. He helped me onto his desk and pushed my skirt back before tugging my panties down my thighs. He left his pants down, his cock thick and slick with wetness from my attention moments before.

Stephen spread my thighs open and parted my folds as I dropped to the smooth surface behind me. I stayed on my elbows, so I could watch him enjoy me.

“Stephen,” I whimpered and tensed as his hot breath brushed across my pussy. I’d shaved the night before, and he seemed to enjoy the look—a lot.

“We’re not getting interrupted this time.” He glanced up and licked the side of his mouth as he dragged a finger down my slit. “Come hard for me, okay?”

“Of course,” I released the breath that I’d been holding, feeling selfish for wanting him so damn bad. Last time couldn’t be helped, and I knew that. I was good with it.

He leaned in, finding my clit with his tongue and stroking it firmly as I moaned. It felt so damn good, and I reminded myself of where we were as I felt his hands spreading me further for him. I dropped my legs down and grabbed at his hair, needing to feel him.

Stephen licked me, taking the time to suck me into his mouth. I groaned, needing his attention more than anything. I was so sensitive and turned on that I felt weak with it. I was frozen as my pulse spiked, and my orgasm swelled in my stomach.

He must have sensed how close I was, and slipped a finger inside of me, tapping my G-spot with force. That combined with his tongue tapping my clit was all I needed to explode.

I gripped his hair harder and cried out, praying that nobody was there. Stephen latched his mouth on me and sucked all the sweet juices in as I bit my lip to silence my scream. I shook under his touch, and he chuckled darkly, but didn’t let up.

“Fuck. I don’t have a condom here,” he muttered as he moved back and dropped his slacks to the floor. “I want to fuck you so badly, baby.”

“Please. I need you so much,” I begged as he pressed forward, entering me with one long thrust. Fuck. He spread me open, filling my pussy as he claimed me. “So good.”

Stephen took me with long, deep thrusts that were already edging me toward another blessed release. I gripped the smooth edges of the desk, raising my hips as he gripped my body to hold me still for him. Stephen rocked against me, plunging inside of me as I breathed his name.

“Mandy…so tight. I am so close to filling you.” He eased back and then took me so hard that my body slid back on the desk as I let myself go. “Fuck yes. Come for me.”

Stephen followed with his own release, and I felt our heat mingling together as I closed my eyes. I’d never felt this before with anybody and might not again, so I memorized it. Stephen was the man that I was looking for, but there was still so much uncertainty between us.

This was raw and real.

He slowly kept moving until he dropped back into his seat, breathing deeply. “I am not letting you go again. I need you too badly. I want you too much.”

We rested for a while before he carried me over to the couch and dropped onto it, looking at me with dark eyes. He was hard again.

“Come here. I want more.” He reached for me.

I eased myself down over him, groaning at the sensitivity of his length. Stephen lifted my dress over my head and pushed my bra up so that he could suck a nipple into his mouth slowly, making me cry out. I kept moving over him, clawing at Stephen’s shoulders as I buried him inside of me.

We rolled onto the couch, me on my back as he kissed me. Our lips met slowly and hungrily as we made up for lost time. It was everything that I’d ever wanted and so much more. He slipped inside of me again, taking me slower this time. “Let’s get the fuck out of here. I think Brandon’s asleep. We can go to my place. We’ll make something to eat and christen my bed.” He was still inside of me, barely moving as I stared up at his face.

“Really?” I asked as he nodded.

We finally pulled apart, though neither of us wanted to. Making love felt far too much like being in love. It scared me a little, but I fought against it. I wasn’t walking away from one of the only good things in my life at that time.

We left a short while later once he checked with his nanny to make sure that Brandon was in bed. He apologized to her for how late it was before assuring her that he was headed home.

He cleaned up his office and dressed as I headed through the empty building to mine, collecting my things and shutting everything down. It was hard to believe that it was Monday as I returned to Stephen, surprised when he wrapped his arms around me for a long kiss.

We made our way to the empty parking lot, and I thought back to the night we went to the bar with everybody with a smile. “How’s your car these days?” Stephen asked me as I glanced at him.

“It’s running great,” I replied with a wicked smile on my face. “I just need your address.”

He sent it to me through a text so I could plug it into my GPS, making sure that I was leaving before his Jeep pulled out. I listened to the robotic voice of the woman as I made the proper turns, my heart fluttering in my chest. I knew that this wasn’t a chance to spend more time with Brandon, but I was going to Stephen’s house. I was starting something with him.

I pulled into the driveway of the cute bungalow style home and checked out where I should park. I found a spot that wouldn’t block the Chevy that was already there. Stephen pulled into the large garage and walked through a door that separated it from the house, keys in hand. He unlocked the door, and I noticed the curious look the pretty black-haired girl shot me as she looked over from the couch. “Danielle, this is Mandy. She works with me.” Stephen waved a hand between us as I moved to shake her hand with a smile. “You’ve been working hard this week. Thank you. I am going to try to get my hours back to normal now.”

“It’s no problem at all,” she assured him as she looked at me. “I’ll see you in the morning?”

“Sounds great, Danielle.”

I took this chance to look around the spacious living room, impressed with the home that Stephen had created for his son. There was so much warmth already, but it needed a woman’s touch for sure.

We went to the kitchen to get something to eat, and he stared into the fridge while I leaned against a counter behind him.

“How about breakfast?” He glanced over his shoulder.

“Mmmm…I could go for some pancakes.”

“Good. What the lady wants, the lady gets.” He turned and pulled out various items, handing them to me over his shoulder.

He excused himself to check on Brandon and to change into some sweats. One he got back, we had a good time making breakfast together. It was a bit like playing house, but I loved it. I needed it in my life.

“All done.” He lifted the plate to his nose and breathed in deeply as he watched me. “Smells like heaven.”

I smiled and took the plate before heading over to the small table in the kitchen. I sat down and glanced up at him. “Thank you for this.”

“No need to thank me. I’m loving having you here with me,” Stephen assured me as he sat down and stabbed a piece of the pancake on his fork. “You staying the night?”

“I wish. Let’s go fool around on the couch after this and then I need to get going.”

He gave me a frown. “Why?”

“I don’t want Brandon waking up and seeing me here.” I shoved a big bit of pancake in my mouth and smiled. “It ain’t right!”

“What?” He laughed and shook his head. “No. Don’t answer that. Chewed pancake is not at all attractive.” He winked. “But you sure as fuck are.”

I thought about saying thank you but decided to wait until I swallowed.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Stephen

I woke up feeling great the next morning. I had to work, and it was Brandon’s last day of school before his summer started. I had been saving vacation time to plan some trips, and I found myself thinking ahead to trips with Mandy while the coffee brewed. As terrible as the week had been while we weren’t in contact, everything felt right all of a sudden.

I tapped on Brandon’s door before starting on French toast for breakfast. I wasn’t in a huge hurry to get into the office, feeling that the hard part of the project was over.

When there was a knock at the door, I glanced at the clock. It was a bit early for Danielle but okay. I plated the bread and turned the stove off before making my way to the door. I wasn’t dressed for work yet, so the workout shorts would have to do. There was another knock, and I cursed under my breath as I threw the door open.

What. The. Fuck?

The face I thought I’d never see again looked back at me, purple hair framing her heart-shaped face. Lacy’s blue eyes were wide as she looked at me. “Stephen,” she said softly as I shook my head.

“What are you doing here?” I asked her in a slow, controlled voice as she looked past me into the house. “How did you know where we were?”

Pink tinged her cheeks, and I felt rage rushing through my veins. “Terry told me. He’s my son too, Stephen.”

I looked back to make sure that we were alone and then stared her down. “Your son? You handed Brandon off to me six fucking years ago, Lacy. I’ve done all of this on my own. Why would you think that he needed you now?”

“I cleaned myself up. I fixed my life. That and I miss him…I miss you.”

Hell fucking no. There was no me to her, no us.

“I want you to get the fuck out of here. We’re doing fine on our own. I can’t do this to him after so long,” I told her as pain throbbed behind my temples. “You left us.”

“Dad? Is breakfast ready?” Brandon asked as I prepared to slam the door in her face. It was more than he could handle and I needed to handle this a certain way.

Things moved quickly as he walked over to stand behind me and Lacy’s mouth dropped open. “Brandon? Look at you. You’re so big now.”

“No, not yet,” I pleaded with her, needing time.

“I’m your mom. My name is Lacy,” Lacy blurted out as I felt everything crumble around me. “I’m here to get to know you again, you and your dad. I’ve missed you.” I reached around to hug my son, looking down at him to see that the damage was done. He was staring at Lacy with big eyes as I felt my heart breaking.

I ended up letting her in and trying to get Brandon fed as he asked her a bunch of questions. It was the worst hell on Earth as she tried to explain to a goddamn seven-year-old what happened and I held my hand up as they both looked at me. I could tell that Brandon was surprised at my reaction to Lacy and I sucked in a breath. “Can we talk?” she asked me, a pleading look in her eyes as she stared at me. There was so much emotion in those big eyes, and I wished like hell I could ignore it.

“Do you have the same number?” She blushed and shook her head, asking for some paper. Lacy jotted something down and handed it to me, making me hate her even more for a moment. What kind of woman changed her number when she abandoned her son? “I need some time, Lacy. We…need some time. I’ll call you when I’ve had some time to think.”

She nodded slowly and told Brandon that she’d see him soon before making her way to the door. Everything she’d told him was a blur. I locked the door behind her as I turned to look at my son. He was the rock in my world, and I detested the hope that was in his eyes.

“Is that really my mom?” he asked with deep emotion in his voice.

I nodded. “Yes, she is, but I need to figure some things out before we see her again. It’s been a while.” I stroked his hair and led him to his plate. “Get some of this in your belly. I am going to get dressed for work.” I felt bad leaving him alone in the kitchen, but I needed a minute to myself. Hell, I needed a week to myself after that shit. All the pain came back as I walked toward my room, the pain that she caused when she left us alone. Brandon had no memory of it but I sure as fuck did. It turned my world upside down, and a simple apology couldn’t fix that. It couldn’t fix things.

I pulled on some black slacks and a random shirt from the closet, dressing automatically as I thought about my sudden shift in life. I hated Lacy, but she was Brandon’s mother. He deserved to have both of us, didn’t he? He deserved something like a family once I sorted through my thoughts and had a very in-depth conversation with her. If she was right again, I couldn’t keep her son away from her.

How I wanted to, though.

I finished dressing and fixed my hair, having dried from the earlier shower. I gave it an extra messy look, laughing bitterly as I thought how much it suited the day. By the time I was back in the main room, Brandon seemed to have eaten something and Danielle was arriving. He was telling her all about Lacy, and my nanny shot me a look of horror. I assured her that I’d call her later and explain this before I hugged Brandon goodbye, telling him to have a great day at school.

The bright sun seemed dull as I walked to the garage to get to my Jeep. The day seemed horrible as I started the engine and drove to the office, so lost in my thoughts that I didn’t even remember the short drive. I made some coffee and saw Paul on the way to my office, who immediately recognized the strain on my face. We went into my office, and I looked around, seeing it clean even as last night played back through my mind. It seemed like a lifetime ago.

“What’s wrong, man?” Paul asked me as he closed the door behind us, taking a seat on the couch as I joined him. I had a feeling that I was going to be worthless today.

“Lacy showed up at my door this morning,” I told him as he stared at me. “Six fucking years and she just drops by? I couldn’t shut her up before she told Brandon who she was. Fuck!”

“Look, I know you hate her. What she did was wrong, but she is his mom. Maybe you should talk to her, maybe give them a chance. Hell, maybe you should give her a chance.” I stared at him, my eyes cold with rejection at his idea. The thought of it made me numb. I was with Mandy now though, and I had no idea how all of this was going to work. “You were good together once, weren’t you?”

I blinked. All I could think about was the damage that was done when she left, losing all memories of before. “I don’t even fucking know anymore.”

“I’m just saying that maybe you should have an open mind here.” Paul paused. “I don’t think that Mandy is the girl you want to think she is. I don’t know where you’re at with her, but she’s a player. She’s a tramp, and she’s flirting with half the building, including me.” I looked at him in disbelief. “She came to one of the happy hours without you and acted the same way as she did before. She was all over a few guys.”

My stomach twisted as I thought about taking her bare. Was she lying to me about being clean? The idea of that just settled on top of everything else that was going on, and I sipped my coffee as if it was going to save me from all of this. “Are you serious?” I asked, seeing him nod out of the corner of my eyes. Mandy seemed so sincere to me.

“Sorry, Stephen. I know that you were into a girl for the first time in a while, but you need to know. Maybe this happened at the right time.” Paul gave me a shrug when I looked at him. “Maybe you should spend some time with Lacy and really talk to her. She might be sincere in wanting to be in your lives again.”

“Maybe,” I murmured as I leaned back. Everything felt so damn complicated and harsh.

Fuck dating. It obviously wasn’t for me.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Mandy

I got up and jumped right into the shower, feeling alive again. Stephen did that to me, and I embraced the reality of it. I pulled my robe on and went to make some coffee before going back to do my makeup for the day. I did dark eyes and a pale, romantic pink gloss before putting on a gray skirt and a soft pink silk T-shirt. I went to pour a travel cup of coffee to take to work and sang along to a new song on the radio as I drove into work.

I couldn’t wait to see Stephen. I had to get into my office and work, but I did look down the hall to see Paul sauntering toward me with a smirk on his face. Normally he was handsome and funny, but there was something evil about him this morning.

I headed into my office and breathed a sigh of relief as he passed by my door. Maybe I’d ask Stephen to have lunch with me today so we could talk.

I smiled and sent him a flirtatious text to see if he wanted to join me for Italian. The silence was agonizing as I logged in to my computer to work on a spreadsheet that I finally understood. The last month had been kind to be, and I was back on my game for the most part, but the lack of any response after yesterday made me worry. Maybe he wasn’t here. Brandon could be sick again, and that made me worry more as I looked toward my door.

I was considering going down to see if he was okay when there was a tap at my door. I called out for them to come in and frowned when Paul walked in, leaving the door open. “It’s break time, Mandy. Want to go get some coffee with me?”

“Coffee?” I asked blankly as he nodded. “I can get that here. Why would I go with you?” Paul leaned over my small desk.

I stared at him, wondering what he was trying to do. I was with Stephen, wasn’t I? He hadn’t gotten back to me, but I was still with him. Nothing happened to tell me otherwise.

I heard footsteps and leaned around Paul’s body to see that Stephen was staring at us. He looked like shit; tired and stressed out as I opened my mouth. “Are you okay?”

He turned to leave, going back toward his office as I dropped back into my seat. Paul snickered, and I glared at him.

“What did you just do? I’m with Stephen, not you. That looked like we were, it looked so bad from that angle.” I ran my hands through my loose curls as he stepped back and looked me over.

His laugh caught me off guard. “Did you think that he really wanted you?” My face fell as all my insecurities set in. “Stephen has a son, and Brandon’s mom is hot as hell, but I suppose you don’t know too much about him at all. I guess you haven’t heard that she’s back in town now?” I knew that my face betrayed me as I tried to act casual. He seemed to feed off my pain. “He’s always loved her, Mandy. He couldn’t care about you like that. You were the new piece of ass in the office, and that’s all. Office’s always have a little scandal and some flings going on.” He shrugged. “Yours has ended. His son’s mom is back to replace you and whatever it is that you think you had. Go to the next guy. It wouldn’t be hard for you.”

I shook my head, remembering how Stephen hated his ex. It was obvious when he spoke of Brandon’s mother. His eyes had darkened to a shade of cold steel and he tensed up without even knowing it when he spoke about her.

“No. We’re good together. You’re trying to sabotage this. You’re lying.” I squared my shoulders and tried to stand my ground.

“I’m not. He told me himself, but I’m guessing that you didn’t know?” I raised my hand to my mouth and gasped. “You were just a place to warm his dick, honey. It’s obvious that you fucked him, Mandy. Job well done.”

“Asshole!” I cried out before slapping him—hard. “Get out!”

He laughed as he turned to leave, stroking his cheek gently. “You’re feisty. I like that, and I’m sure Stephen did too. Lacy probably will get a lot of benefit from that.” He closed my door, and I sank into my chair as hopelessness hit me.

My mother’s words for years played back through my mind. The insecurities that she pounded into my head took over any sense of hope that I might have had.

Brandon’s mother was back, and Stephen hadn’t told me. No, instead he’d fucked me in his office last night and then cooked me a late breakfast. There was no sign of her anywhere, but I realized that he hid me from Brandon. I didn’t spend the night and left soon after eating. That didn’t seem weird to me after the hours we’d spent together here in this building together.

The end result was the same as it had always been: I wasn’t Kate.

I never had been in my mother’s eyes and never would. It was something that hurt me for my entire life. Stephen was helping me to get over that, and I couldn’t help but to think about his sincerity with me as I played back the few but powerful memories about Stephen.

I sent an email to Martin, lying about having a sudden flu bug. Could I go home? He assured me that it was fine and he’d have some details for a new account for me in the morning.

I made it out of the office without shedding a tear, which I was grateful for. I cried like a baby all the way home, though, unable to help myself.

I was falling for Stephen and even his sweet son, and that was gone. I didn’t give a lot of men a chance, but I wanted Stephen. I gave myself to him entirely within a few days, and it seemed like he wanted the same things. Vanessa was in the kitchen when I arrived home. She looked at me in shock before wrapping her arms around me. “Why are you home? What’s wrong?”

I told her about my morning through tears as we dropped onto the couch. Vanessa had received a lot more comfort from me about men over the years, since I rarely dated and I was all in with Stephen.

Vanessa got the emergency ice cream from the freezer, even though it was only eleven in the morning. “What did I do wrong?”

“I think that you proved yourself to Stephen. I don’t know why he wouldn’t tell you about his ex being back in town, but maybe he’s confused as well. Maybe he doesn’t want her but wants to offer Brandon the chance to get to know his mother.” Vanessa soothed me as I stared at her.

“He slept with me last night, Vanessa. He didn’t say anything to me about her,” I told her as she shrugged.

“I don’t know, sweetie. I prefer to focus on the facts, since I’ve been through hell with guys. I always thought that you were so smart about staying mostly single. I do know that you didn’t do anything wrong, Mandy. You’re a great person. You’re so giving, and sometimes that’s going to hurt you.”

“It’s just so fresh after that dinner with Mom. She was so sure that I was making a mistake. Maybe she was right.” I ranted as she sighed. Vanessa had never liked my mom. I felt her anger rising off her body against me. “Kate can keep a man. Kate is getting married and going to have a perfect life.”

“No. She isn’t. I don’t dislike Kate at all, but her life isn’t perfect. She just gives that illusion. Your mom sees her through fucking rose-colored lenses. She’s going to destroy you with that shit,” Vanessa ranted as I started to cry. I was moving away from that mind-set being with Stephen, convinced that I was proving my mother wrong.

Now, I was right back where she put me, feeling like the unwanted daughter that would never please her mother or a guy. I wasn’t enough for anybody, and I needed to find my strength. I knew that it was there, but I had to do some digging to find it. I needed to do some digging to find myself again.

I needed to find everything I had with Stephen, needed to find something that makes me feel that alive.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Stephen

I was a fucking mess all week. I worked hard to avoid everyone at work, particularly Paul and Mandy. It looked like he was leaning down to kiss her in her office that day, which was brazen and a surprise to me. If Mandy was, in fact, sleeping with other guys in the office, it was only a matter of time before I caught her with one of them.

Was she fucking Paul? The thought made me sick, but he got a lot of women in his bed, despite being an obnoxious horndog. Paul was single with a nice apartment and no kids to tie his life up like I had. He could give her whatever she needed whenever she wanted. Most of the people here were single and partied a lot, so why wouldn’t Mandy crave that? She was young and single.

I couldn’t picture her sleeping with a lot of people at all, much less in a matter of weeks. That didn’t seem like Mandy at all. She was shy with me at certain points. She didn’t act like some of the whores I’d seen at bars out with friends.

I wanted something with her. I wanted to move on with her and get to where she knew my son. I didn’t only want to be a couple but a family. I wanted to give Brandon what he wanted. I wanted it all and the act of trying to get it just fucked me over.

Beyond that, I had Brandon’s constant questions about Lacy. I tried to answer as best as I could, not wanting to tarnish her for him but also not wanting to hand her over to him. I made her stay away while I thought about all of this, but Lacy being back killed me. She was pressuring me to talk to her, to see her son, and I knew that she wanted to start a life together.

Martin told me at the end of the week that Mandy would be on a new project with me. That was the icing on the fucking cake. I’d have to see her and work with her, knowing how hurt I was by all of this.

Since I’d put her off for a food week, I finally agreed to meet Lacy at a coffee shop to talk after work one night. I left the office after everyone else did and made my way out to the parking lot alone, dreading the next several moments of my life. I did have to face this head on and try to figure out what role Lacy was going to play in my life; in Brandon’s life.

I’d talked to Kevin and my mom a lot since she had shown up at my door. Terry felt terrible about telling her my address, but she believed that Lacy deserved to talk to me. She couldn’t have kids and the fact that Brandon didn’t have a mom for so many years bothered her, so it was that part of her that weakened to Lacy’s pleas. They were disappointed in Lacy’s choice, but now that she was back, they both urged me to talk to her and figure out what this all meant. My mom was gentle when she reminded me that Brandon knew of her and deserved answers, no matter how that came about. This wasn’t just about me.

I drove to the corner shop and parked, taking a deep breath for a moment. I needed to be strong for this.

I got out and went inside, glancing around the large room. I saw Lacy’s new purple bob as she watched me from a private corner and swallowed the lump in my throat. I went to order a coffee to keep my hands busy, even though I was shaking enough already.

Once the cup was in my hand, I walked over to the small table and slid in across from her. “Thank you for meeting me, Stephen.”

“It was against my better wishes, but we need to figure something out here, Lacy. I can’t keep putting Brandon off.” I leveled her with a hard gaze, watching her pale.

Brandon looked a lot like me, and everyone told me that. Sitting here across from her, I could see that he had her lips and when he smiled; the same dimple. It pissed me off, but I knew I was lucky to have him in my life. I was goddamn lucky to be his father.

“I know.” Her voice was soft, and the usually confident woman seemed oddly subdued. I thought back to when we met. I found her to me vibrant and fun to be around. We were on a double date set up by Kevin and Terry. “I have to tell you why I left, Stephen.” Lacy paused and played with her cup of coffee for a second. “I was addicted to drugs as well as alcohol at the time. We both know that Brandon was a shock and for me, it sent me right into a serious case of postpartum depression that I hid from everybody. Tried to. I don’t know.” Her eyes searched my face, and I nodded to confirm that I’d noticed something off with her. I was working for the office as a new employee and focused on securing a future for my family, since Lacy and I were still together at that point.

“I did. I was so worried about my job and a future for him that I only made sure that he was being cared for and safe. I assumed that a lot of women went through that in the beginning, something I’d heard about.” I felt like an asshole for not caring about her more than I had at the time, but it was a stressful period in both of our lives. I did the best that I could. “I thought that you would be okay.”

“I did as well. As time went on, it seemed to get better, but there were such awful days. I thought that I was a terrible mom and I knew that I was neglecting you as well. You were doing so much to provide for us. We had a great apartment, and I had everything I needed, yet I felt so empty inside. I went out with Stacy one night that you were home. I think that Brandon was about six months old and he could be without me for a little while. I was so relieved, and we went to have some drinks. I…I realized that it was an escape for me and something that I wanted more of. I told you that I wanted some time to myself, which I did. I just didn’t tell you why.“ I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and it distracted me from something I already didn’t want to hear. My mind was already on Mandy much more than I wanted it to be. Hell, I’d been obsessing about the short-lived heat that I felt with her and how rare that was. I felt it vibrate again and pulled it from my pocket as Lacy stared at me with anger flashing through her eyes.

Fuck. It was Mandy wanting to talk to me about the project. She asked if we could meet at the office in a couple of hours, knowing that I had a key to the building. I wanted to tell her to go fuck herself, but something nagged at me, telling me to hear her out. I blinked and looked back at Lacy. “Sorry. Work stuff.”

She sighed and kept describing how much she started to drink and then get into drugs. I remembered how little she’d been involved at the very end and in fact, was even late to his first birthday party. I was livid, but we had a lot of family and friends there that didn’t need to witness a fight.

“I knew soon that I had a problem. I recognized it and being that my dad was an alcoholic, I got scared. I talked to my mom, and she agreed to help me with the addiction, but she lived in Maine at the time.” Brandon only had my parents in his life to this day, and I cursed her flighty mother for helping in that way. A tear slid down Lacy’s cheek, and her lower lip trembled. “I agreed to come there and do whatever it took to get better. To do that, I felt that I should leave you both, but I was so fucked up in my head. I know now that it wasn’t right, but I honestly didn’t think it would be so long that I was gone. I handed Brandon to you and caught a bus to meet Mom, sobbing the entire way. He was my beautiful baby boy, and I was leaving, but I had to do right by him. I felt like a terrible mom seeing how much you did for us, for him. I wanted to fix things.”

“You walked completely away from us,” I reminded her as she nodded and cried harder.

“I planned to go to rehab and get right back. I hated being away from both of you. It was supposed to be easy, but the depression was so deep by then. I tried rehab, but they concluded that I needed mental health treatment at the same time. I started meds for anxiety and therapy to work through my issues, going to rehab a short while later to try to beat the addiction.” Lacy sniffled. “I failed at both for longer than I expected. Mom wasn’t as supportive as she initially appeared to be and I had to get a job to pay for all of it. I needed a lot of money, so I started stripping, justifying the job by telling myself how fast I could earn cash. Everything would move faster, and I’d be home again.”

I imagined her on a stage, so young at twenty-one. Lacy was a pretty girl to this day and men would want to see her up there. I was taken with her when we met with her big blue eyes and dark hair. “Lacy, why?” I asked as she shrugged.

“I was still using. I wasn’t thinking. I got stuck there in this cycle of work, therapy and trying to quit everything that I was using. It was vicious, and it took me so long to get out of it, but my sister finally helped me. I did it, Stephen. I have been clean for a year now, and it is all so clear to me. I see all the terrible things that I did and worked through it in some horrible therapy sessions. That was so painful.” Her eyes took on a glazed look as she visited a bad time and I sighed. “I knew that I loved you, Stephen. I regretted leaving, and I missed both of you so much.”

“I don’t miss you. I didn’t miss you,” I told her, watching her flinch. “I am sorry that you went through all of that, Lacy. I am sorry that I didn’t know what to do to help you, but we weren’t communicating well then.”

“There’s no chance for us?” she asked, and I shook my head slowly. I couldn’t fathom getting back with her in any scenario. I needed to see what I had with Mandy and move on with my life from there.

“I would like to see you with Brandon. I need records of your sobriety, medical or anything that you can show me. I am willing to give that a chance since you are his mom. I just don’t want anything more.”

I saw that it hurt her deeply, but Lacy nodded slowly. She looked like she was clean to me by the healthy color of her skin and the curves that used to weaken me. We were both young when we were together, and it was a highly physical relationship for both of us. “Come by tomorrow night, and we will all get dinner. Brandon can get to know you slowly, and we are going to give him all the space and time that he needs.”

We had something of a schedule arranged by the time I left the coffee shop two hours later. Lacy was clearly disappointed by the way things ended, but I was clear in the fact that I didn’t want anything more.

I headed to my car and wondered what the fuck was going to happen with Mandy as I drove back to the office.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Mandy

I leaned against the building and waited for Stephen. Being assigned to a new project with him turned my world upside down, and I needed to clear the air between us. It was my job, and I wanted to keep it, so any tension between us needed to be dealt with.

His jeep pulled into the lot, and I stared at him as he got out and walked toward me. Jesus, but Stephen was handsome. My heart jumped in my chest even with all the stress and the clear set of his chiseled jaw.

He raised his eyes to meet my face and pain flashed through them. Did I hurt him? What did I do?

Stephen unlocked the door, and we walked to his office in a cold silence. He opened his door and let me go in first before following me and sitting at his desk as I stared at him. “Why are we here?” His voice was cold, and I walked toward him, trying to find his eyes as he stared at his desk.

“We are going to be working closely together, Stephen. I want to clear the air between us. I want things to be normal,” I said as he raised his eyes and glared at me.

“Normal? This is far from normal, Mandy.” Stephen was sarcastic and cold, leaving me to feel empty inside.

“What is normal? I have never had normal, Stephen. My mom wants me to be something I’m not and every guy I have ever been with leaves me. You’re the first man that I’ve ever felt this way for, and I hate that we’re not talking.” My voice rose with every word, and he clenched his fists. “I don’t know what we are. I don’t know if we were anything at all, but I need to know. Seriously.”

“I was doing fine, Mandy. I was a dad and doing everything to provide for my son. I didn’t get attached to anybody.” He looked at me and ran a hand through his already messy hair. “What the fuck have you done to me?”

“What have you done to me? Why do I keep thinking about you?” I cried out to him as he stepped around the desk and stalked toward me.

“It seems like you’re thinking about a lot of men here.” His voice was so cold.

My eyes widened. “What the hell are you talking about?” I never thought about anybody else at all. My mind raced as I tried to sort out where he was coming from before I realized that he was in front of me.

“You’re sleeping with other men in the office. You have been the entire time. You slept with Paul!” he yelled as stepped back.

“What?” I asked in shock, anger rushing through me. “Did he tell you that?”

“In so many words, yes. That little moment in your office cemented my suspicions,” he confirmed.

“Nothing was happening that day between us. He’d been hitting on me since the day we met, but Paul was different that day. He was hard and cold, almost like he knew that you would be walking in just then.” I surmised as he narrowed his eyes in thought.

“He’d told me about you earlier. I suppose that he would expect me to confront you and that would be perfect timing.” Stephen shook his head.

“He told you about me that day?” I asked as he nodded. “He’s playing us against each other. He told me a lot about you in that visit to my office.” Stephen stared at me. “Are you back with Lacy?”

“Fuck me. He mentioned her?” Stephen groaned as he pressed on the bridge of his nose. “She is back, but I suspect that he made it sound much worse than it is.”

“If you mean that telling me how much better she is than I am and so hot, then yes. Are you back with her?” I knew that my voice was shrill and out of control, but I was hurt.

Stephen stared at me as he grabbed my shoulders. “No,” his voice roared through the office, making me jump. “I’m not! She showed up the morning after you were over, wanting to push her way back into our lives. She went as far as to tell Brandon who she was before I had the chance to explain anything. I was fucking livid and told her that I would contact her when I was ready to talk. Imagine my week with all of Brandon’s questions, Mandy. Imagine the hell that I’ve been in with that, knowing that I’d fallen for you and I didn’t even have you. I thought that you were playing me. I was so pissed at myself.”

I crossed my arms over my chest as relief flooded me. He wasn’t upset with me, and he wasn’t seeing Lacy. Paul was a fucking liar. “Unbelievable. What an asshole.”

“Agreed.” He reached out and touched my shoulder lightly. “Look at me. I’m sorry. I feel for Paul’s shit because I couldn’t imagine a beautiful, young woman like you seeing anything in a man like me.”

“Well, you were wrong.” I dropped my arms to the side, feeling incredibly tired all of a sudden. “I was falling in love with you.”

“Was?” He dropped his hand from me and stepped back. “Not anymore, hmm?”

“I don’t know.” I glanced down to the ground. “I’m a little confused right now.”

“Then take some time.” His voice was soft, sweet. I could almost feel his pain rolling off him. We’d both been taken for a fucked up ride. I needed to try and remember that all of the shit that had happened wasn’t his fault. Nor was it mine.

“I don’t want time. I just want to have open communication between us.” I reached out and ran my hands down his thick chest, loving the feel of him under my fingers. My words moments before came back to haunt me. I was falling in love with him.

“We can do that. And what about Brandon?” Stephen asked as I let out a trembling breath. “How do you feel about the fact that I have a son?”

“I love the fact that you have a son. I think he’s a great kid.”

He slid his strong hands over my hips and pulled me closer. “He likes you a lot. He’s brought you up several times since the tennis camp, even with all of this shit going on.” There was a hint of hope in his eyes. “Can you live in a world where the man that you’re with has a son with a woman that will in part be in his life? I am going to let her get to know him in supervised visits for a while.”

“Of course.” I leaned closer, wanting to take away his pain.

“She told me that she was an addict and it took some time to get help. She swears that she’s sober now and she wants to know Brandon again. I don’t think I should deny him of that, but I also know that the three of us don’t have to be a family.” Stephen wrapped me into a tight hug. “We were dealing with too much at once. We didn’t talk through any of that, and I’m sorry. I am sorry that I didn’t reach out and ask you about all of this. I was just so fucked up.” He stared at me. “Forgive me?”

I lifted up and pressed my chest against his before kissing him softly. “Yes. Will you forgive me for not reaching out as well?”

Stephen breathed in before nodding. He brushed his lips against mine gently as I let out a soft moan. I didn’t know how addicted to his touch I was until then. I smiled as he kissed me harder, deepening the kiss.

Everything about us being together felt right. Good.

Time melted as he claimed my mouth in slow kisses. I felt the heat between us, undeniable as our lips parted and tongues met hungrily. I knew that I didn’t want to live in a world where this wasn’t a part of my life. I knew that I’d fallen hard for Stephen and was well on the way to doing the same with his son.

“You’re not going to regret this. I promise.” He kissed me again and slid his hand into my hair, holding me in place while he made love to my mouth, and helped to heal my soul.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

A Month Later

Stephen

I slapped Mandy’s ass with the towel as she turned the chicken in the pan, making her jump and laugh.

“Do you want to eat?” She threatened as I laughed and dropped the towel on the counter.

“You’re making Brandon’s favorite dinner, not mine.” I didn’t mind at all. It had been a month since we reconciled in that office and life had been great. Mandy didn’t officially live here but spent all her time away from work here with us. It was an easy process since Brandon already liked her. He grew to love her and her food over the weeks and fried chicken was on the menu tonight.

It was fucking good, and I knew that I’d been in love with her since day one.

Brandon was standing on a step stool and mixing a salad for dinner as I marinated some vegetables. There were some mashed potatoes ready to warm up in the microwave.

I looked over the scene, feeling the love in the room. We’d already helped Brandon with his homework for the night, since Lacy was picking him up for a long weekend after dinner. They were doing great. We’d spent a lot of time together until I felt confident that she was ready to be a mom again, and Brandon was comfortable as well. Now she had an apartment close to the house and a great job that allowed her weekends twice a month with Brandon.

I walked over to get a tray for the oven so I could roast the vegetables, sneaking a kiss as she giggled. I dumped the zucchini onto the big sheet and shook it to spread them evenly before I slipped it into the oven. This time, I cupped her head for a deeper kiss and Mandy pressed against me.

“Are you going to be my other mommy someday, Mommy?” Brandon asked adorably from his place at the counter as she and I smiled at each other. That wasn’t the first time he’d asked me now that he was in a routine with Lacy and aware that he could love a lot of people as his family. It was a surprisingly smooth transition once everything had been discussed between all of us in different settings. I’d say that we were professionals at communication at this point, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I sure hope so,” I said as she blushed a little bit and returned to turning the crisp chicken in the pan.

“Me too,” Brandon agreed as she smiled sweetly. “I like having Mommy Lacy, and I want Mommy Mandy too.” He finished with the salad and jumped down to take it to the table before he set the table for us. We had a great little routine here, and I noticed that Brandon was thriving from that. We still had Danielle to watch him when we were at work, but with the three of us working as a team, she had a lot more time off.

She set the chicken on a plate covered with paper towels, setting it aside as she heated up the potatoes. I finished with the vegetables as she was taking the potatoes to the table and got them on a plate to take over. I stole another kiss before Mandy poured herself a glass of wine and got a beer for me as I transferred the chicken to a plate for dinner. Brandon already had a glass of milk at the table, and we sat down together as I looked from Mandy to Brandon. “I love you two so much.”

“I love you!” Brandon called back as Mandy chose to mouth the words to me before she helped him fix his plate. I got mine and handed Mandy her plate piled with her favorites as she groaned.

“I need to get to the gym.” We both went to the same one at the company. It was awkward for Mandy for a time, but Paul had taken things too far and ended up losing his job. All the staff realized that he was the cause of a lot of tension after he was gone and the general atmosphere of the office increased, and people got to know each other all over again.

I missed him as a friend but resented the fact that Paul tried to sabotage what I was building with Mandy. He wanted her for himself, and given that she didn’t fall for his flirtations, Paul took it to another level and got between the two of us. He knew me since I worked here when Brandon was just a baby and all that I’d been through with that. He knew that I didn’t react to women at all before Mandy and had to know that she was special to me.

We were a team at work, paired for many new accounts while Mandy also taught tennis at the camp. Brandon still wanted to go, and he was advancing in the sport as time went on. It made me proud. It was pretty cool to see my mother hug Mandy every time that she saw her for that as well.

We all discussed the upcoming camp next weekend, and Brandon expressed excitement over it. Mandy grinned as he spoke and I saw the surge of pride in her eyes as she watched him. We had him packed and ready for a trip that Lacy was taking him to the aquarium and lunch. He was also excited about that, and I took a bite of mashed potatoes as he went on and on about their plans.

We cleaned up the table once we finished dinner and Mandy packed a little container of leftovers for both Brandon and Lacy. She always made a lot of food given the appetites that my son and I both had, and we even had some for later tonight after I worked my appetite up all over again.

There was something to be said for weekends alone with my girlfriend. We didn’t have to be quiet. I made sure that I took her all over the house on those days.

The dishes were loaded into the dishwasher when the doorbell rang, and Brandon jumped up from his movie to go and open it. I stepped forward and greeted Lacy with a smile as she walked inside. Her hair was blonde. I thought she looked good and healthy, and more than that; happy. I never saw her this happy before. “Hi. It smells great in here,” Lacy said as she inhaled deeply and wrapped a hand around Brandon as he tackled her leg.

“I am sending you home with some. Any chance to have a break in feeding this guy is precious.” Mandy walked out from the kitchen with a bag for Lacy. I wouldn’t say that they adored each other, but they got along for the sake of Brandon. I think that Mandy had been a little unsure of the situation with Lacy at first, but it was obvious that there was nothing between us. She was a good mom to Brandon, and they were forming a special bond.

Lacy told us that she’d have him home on Sunday evening and they walked out to her car, talking about everything that they were going to see the following day. I closed the door and pressed Mandy against it to kiss her the way I’d been thinking about all day. “I am going to ravage you now, woman.”

I spent a lot of time worrying about a family for Brandon. It was natural to think that Lacy and I could provide that when he was born and even briefly when she showed back up in our lives. It took a few days for me to understand that I could have Mandy and that we could be a family for Brandon while he had a life with Lacy as well.

“Mmmm, I can’t wait,” she said, her shyness fading as she wrapped her arms around my neck to kiss me deeply. She was a little hesitant about too much affection in front of Brandon, wanting to keep it tasteful for his young eyes. When he wasn’t around though, she was all over me.

We stumbled to the couch, and I pulled her on top of me, pushing up the pink dress that she’d worn to work that day so I could cup her ass. “I love you, Mandy.”

She stared down into my eyes and smiled as emotions passed through her eyes. Mandy looked so beautiful as she pressed her lips to mine, whispering that she loved me back. I kissed her lips, her jaw, and down her neck as Mandy leaned back to offer me more of her delicious skin. I could not get enough of her sweet body. I pushed her down against the cushions to unbutton her dress so I could taste her addicting nipples.

We made love right there after we were naked and unable to get to the bedroom. I held her close as I plunged inside of her, feeling Mandy so tight around me. She arched her back to take me deeper and moaned my name sensually.

I rolled beside her after we were both sated, holding Mandy close.

“God, I love making love to you.” Her voice was a whisper as she looked at me, her eyes shimmering in the light from the kitchen.

I had never loved a woman like I did her and deep down, I knew that I never would. I vowed to always let her know as I leaned forward to press a kiss to her lips. “I love it too, baby. You’re mine. Forever.”

“That a threat or a promise?” She gave me a cheeky grin.

“Both?” We laughed and snuggled up together. I wasn’t ever letting her go. She completed me.

Epilogue

Six months later

Mandy

I was soaring into the clouds as we left the tournament where Brandon had won his first trophy. He continued to love tennis, and I started working tirelessly with him, proud of his commitment to the sport. I looked at Stephen as he gripped his son’s shoulder and praised him, and we shared a long look.

This trip was to LA, and we’d brought Danielle and Mike along so they could enjoy the city along with us. Well, that and so we could have a date night while we were here. There was so much to see, and we wanted to have a nice dinner and maybe do some sightseeing.

They were behind us, raving about the win, and I laughed happily as we headed to our cars. After this, they were going to take him swimming at the hotel pool while we scoured the city. We piled into the cars and headed back to the Hyatt, getting Brandon in his suit and giving them a bag of fresh clothes for dinner later.

Stephen led me by the hand to the shower once we were along, pulling me into his arms for a long kiss as I moaned against him. I’d moved into his house three months ago, and we were a happy family. I loved my life. I’d taken on a tennis class through the parks department in addition to the YMCA. I still had the job and worked well with Stephen on projects, so I had more balance.

Paul lost his job after he caused a little too much trouble at the office with his backstabbing, and I was really starting to get to know everyone on a more genuine level. He’d painted a bad picture of me to everyone, but it mostly bothered me that he hurt Stephen. They were supposed to be friends, but Paul couldn’t take the fact that I wanted Stephen and not him.

We went into the bathroom, and he started the water so we could rinse off the sweat from the hot summer day before heading out to the town. I pulled off my cotton dress and joined him under the spray, smiling as he dropped to his knees and looked into my eyes. “I am all sweaty,” I lightly protested as he shook his head and pressed a kiss to my pussy. I leaned back and spread my legs as he teased my clit, bringing me to a release quickly.

It only got better with him.

After he was back in a standing position, towering over me, I reached down to stroke his cock. “Got anything else for me?” I teased in a shaking voice as he raised an eyebrow and pushed me against the wall. I felt him lifting me up before he slid inside of me, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“Is that what you were looking for?” he asked me in a gravelly voice as I sighed happily.

“Yes, sir, it is.” I leaned my head back as we made love slow and sweet. I cried out his name as we came together, smiling as he dropped me on shaking legs. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

“I have never been happier than I am with you,” he assured me with another kiss before we lazily cleaned up. He excused himself first, telling me that he forgot clothes in the room as I shook my head. The shower felt lonely without him.

I finished rinsing my hair and got out of the shower. I grabbed a towel and carefully dried my hair, taking in the length in the mirror. I ran a comb through it before I dried off my body and wrapped it in a towel before opening the bathroom door. “Stephen?” He was kneeling in front of me in some jeans, unbuttoned and showing me a hint of what I’d just enjoyed. “What are you—”

I gasped as he held up a blue box and smiled up at me, looking like he was going to cry. “I spent a lot of time alone, Mandy. I thought that I didn’t have it in me to have a son, a job, and a wonderful woman like you, but you’ve given me my life back. I feel like I have the world at my fingertips, but I want one more thing from you.”

“What?” Tears slid down my cheeks, and I dropped down in front of him, unable to stand any longer.

“Will you be my wife? Will you be a mother to Brandon and make us the happiest guys in the world?” he asked as I nodded and sucked in a sob. “Will you marry me?”

“Yes, yes, yes.” I wrapped my arms around him, and he pulled me close, kissing my wet hair. Once we’d kissed and hugged through tears, he opened the box to reveal a beautiful diamond band with a delicate square stone centered in the middle as I blinked at him. “It’s so beautiful.”

“It pales in comparison to you, baby.” He slid it onto my left hand, pulling him in for a kiss as I realized that I had almost everything I wanted in life.

We could work on the other item after the wedding, and I closed my eyes after he kissed me again, losing myself in him. In my life. In my future.

The End

Preview of: Wet

Chapter 1

Tanner

Lindsey Scott seemed to be bored out of her mind, sitting at the table we had procured in the busy club.

“Do you want another drink?” I asked her.

I wasn’t trying to get her drunk, but I wanted to prove to her I wasn’t a jackass. I knew she thought I was more than a little self-absorbed. Shit, she had told me enough times.

She smiled at me. “That’d be great. Rum and Coke, please.”

God, she was fucking hot. I had known her forever and literally watched her blossom practically overnight. My best friend, Brian, was a little overprotective of his little sister, but even he could acknowledge she was very pretty.

I brought her drink back. “Here ya go,” I said, delivering it to her.

“Thank you. I swear, this is going to be my last one.” She giggled, talking loud to be heard over the thumping music.

I winked. “Sure it is. It’s okay to let loose once in a while.”

She rolled those beautiful brown eyes. “Yeah, yeah, Mr. Big Shot, best trainer in the state,” she teased.

I leaned in close to her, our shoulders touching. “You know I’m the best—at everything.”

Her head went back, and she opened that perfect mouth and laughed. Her long, bleached-blond hair cascaded down the back of the chair, and her slender neck was exposed. I fought the urge to dive in and lick all that tanned skin.

“You’re—”

“Don’t you dare say it!” I held up a hand. “Who just bought you a drink?”

Another sweet laugh revealed all those perfectly straight white teeth, “You’re right. You have grown, Tanner Brown. Look at you, all gentlemanlike, getting a lady a drink, knowing damn well there’s no hope you’ll get laid later.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Are you sure about that?”

Brian glared at me. “I’m sure about that,” he snarled, only half-joking.

“He doesn’t fool me, Brian,” Lindsey assured her big brother. “Tanner is the world’s biggest flirt who has this idea women will fall at his feet if he flashes that sexy little smile and turns those smoldering green eyes on them. I’ve seen this guy cry when he fell off his bike. His tricks don’t have the same effect on me.”

Brian nodded but looked at me. “Back off my sister, dude. There are about a million girls in here. Go flirt with them.”

I laughed, pretending it was all a joke, but deep down, I knew different. Lindsey was gorgeous, smart, and a kick-ass swimmer. Her body was rocking, and I could see myself getting to know her much better than I already did. It wasn’t the first time I’d noticed how attractive she was, inside and out.

“I gotta take a piss. I’ll be back.” Brian scanned the room before standing and leaving our small table.

“Have you seen Brittany?” Lindsey asked, scanning the room for her wayward best friend.

I shook my head. I’d been a little too absorbed in my best friend’s sister. “Nope, not since she hit the dance floor with that dude.”

She nodded, looked only a little concerned, and took another drink from her straw.

“How’s training going?” I asked, genuinely interested.

She put a hand to her forehead. “It isn’t.”

“What? Aren’t you trying out for the Olympics this year? You’ve been busting your ass for this for too long to give up,” I began lecturing.

She shrugged, “My trainer gave up and moved last week. No warning, no nothing. Just gone. I am so screwed.”

“I’ll train you,” I said without thinking. Could I handle it? I was beyond attracted to her and seeing her parade around in the typical one-piece bathing suit of a professional swimmer would probably leave me with a constant erection, but I wanted to do this for her. I could handle it, and she deserved a shot at making it to the top.

She smirked. “Yeah right.”

“I could. You know I could. I’m the best, after all. I’ll bust your ass into shape and make sure you get your spot on the team.”

She looked serious for a second before she waved a hand in the air, essentially waving away my offer. I knew she could afford my rates. Well, her family could. They were very wealthy, and because of them, I had found a way to make myself quite comfortable as well.

“Uh-oh,” she muttered, staring over my shoulder.

I turned to see Brian and another guy I didn’t recognize. Their noses were almost touching. I waited to see if it was going to erupt into a fight or if they would posture a bit before cooling their jets. The two men separated, and Brian made his way toward us.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“That dude is a douche. I bumped into him, and he wanted to fight me,” he said with disgust.

“Uh, Brian, he’s coming this way,” Lindsey interrupted.

I turned, and sure enough, big meathead followed by a couple of his buddies was headed to our table. Fucking awesome.

One of the guys stood directly behind me, effectively locking me in my seat at the table. His chest was pressing into my back. The guy Brian had squared off with was standing in front of him. Brian stood and got back in his face. Mr. Tough Guy’s buddy was standing behind Brian.

“Get the fuck off me,” I said, throwing an elbow back, landing it in the guy’s solar plexus.

He didn’t move.

I shoved back and spun around as I jumped off the barstool. I wasn’t a pussy, and no dumbass meathead was going to push me around.

“Guys, back off,” Lindsey said in a voice full of warning.

Before I knew what was coming, Tough Guy took a swing and hit Brian in the jaw. Brian swung into action and pushed the guy before throwing a punch and landing it in the center of the dude’s face. Blood erupted from what was probably a broken nose. Before I got the chance to do anything, the bouncers were on our table, surrounding Brian and the bleeding tough guy, dragging them both out of the bar.

I looked at Lindsey. “You okay?”

She nodded. “Yeah, but I think we better get out of here.”

When I looked around, I could see Tough Guy’s buddies were hanging out and looking mad as hell. They were eyeballing me. Sure, I was always up for a good fight, but Brian would kick my ass if I got kicked out and left Lindsey in here alone.

“Finish your drink. They aren’t going to run us out of here.”

She picked up her glass and swallowed the contents in a long guzzle. That was going to go straight to her head and give her a nice buzz.

“Not exactly what I meant, but it works.”

I picked up my beer and took a long drink before putting the bottle down.

“We better make sure Brian isn’t getting jumped out there by himself,” I said, realizing the bouncers wouldn’t do anything once the men were outside.

“I need to find Brittany,” Lindsey said, jumping off the stool.

The tiny, tight pink skirt she was wearing had ridden up her thighs, revealing those perfectly shaped, muscular legs. I watched as she tugged it down before tugging down the fitted black shirt she was wearing. It, too, had ridden up, and her flat tummy was exposed just a hint. More tanned flesh. She looked up, her eyes met mine, and I knew she could see the desire. I couldn’t hide it.

“Stop,” she said, shooting me down.

“You’re hot, and you know it,” I told her with a grin.

She rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s find her.”

“Text her and tell her to get her ass outside. I don’t want to try and find her in this mess.”

She nodded, and we made our way to the door. I placed my hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her through the crowd.

Once outside, we looked around and found Brian leaning up against the wall of the bar. “Took you long enough,” he grumbled.

“How’s your face?” I asked.

“Guy barely touched me, but we need to get out of here before his buddies come out and want to start more shit,” he grumbled.

Just then an obviously drunk Brittany walked out the door with a guy pressed behind her, his arms around her waist and his head buried in her neck. She was giggling and clearly enjoying the attention.

“We need to go, Brit,” Lindsey said.

“Go ahead, I’m going to hang out with—” she looked up at the guy draped on her back, “What’s your name again?”

“Dustin,” he mumbled, his mouth still on her neck.

“Dustin. Dustin and I are going across the street to get a drink,” she laughed.

“Whatever,” Lindsey said. “Be careful. Text me later. Dustin?”

The guy removed his face from Brittany’s neck, looked at Lindsey and gave her a lecherous grin that nearly made me hit him, “Huh?” he asked.

“Don’t do anything that makes me sick,” she threatened, “or I, because I can, and I will kick your ass. Got it?”

Dustin grinned, his eyes slightly glazed from copious amounts of alcohol. “We’re just having fun. I promise I’m a nice guy.”

“Whatever.” She turned to me and then looked at Brian. “Let’s go.”

We all watched Brittany stumble across the street to the other bar.

“You sure she’s going to be okay?” I asked Lindsey, feeling like I should somehow be the hero that saved the girl but not really caring all that much to step in tonight.

“She’s fine. It’s a typical Saturday night for Brittany, trust me.”

Chapter 2

Lindsey

“Blah, blah, blah.”

That’s all I could hear. My psychology professor was droning on about something, but my brain couldn’t focus. All I could think about was swimming or the lack thereof. I hadn’t been in the pool in three days. Sure, that wasn’t a big deal for some, but for me, it was career ending. I had to do something quick or my hopes of making the team and winning an Olympic gold medal were going to evaporate.

Why my trainer up and left me hanging was anybody’s guess, but I wanted to kick him in the kneecaps or maybe somewhere else a bit more painful. I couldn’t do this. Sitting in a classroom was not fixing my situation. I needed a trainer—now. I checked my watch, fifteen minutes before class would be over. I got the gist of it.

I walked out, doing my best to be as sneaky as possible, but knowing I was completely failing. Nothing I could do about it. The professor can get mad, but I had bigger problems.

Tanner. His name kept popping into my head. Had he been serious when he offered to train me? I guess there’s only one way I’d ever know for sure.

I quickly slid my thumb over my contacts list and pressed his name with a picture of him on the side. God, he was hot. He looked like a surfer. Had the dirty-blond hair, the tanned skin, and the muscular body of a man who was constantly working out in the water and in the gym. I’ve always had a crush on him. What girl doesn’t? At the bar, I noticed he was checking me out, even flirting a little. While we’ve joked around in the past, he has always been like a brother to me, and I’ve never even thought about what it would be like to date him—or sleep with him.

“Hey, sexy,” he answered on the second ring.

That hot little shiver of desire washed over me the second I heard his voice, “Hey yourself.”

“You’re calling me in the middle of the day. Aren’t you supposed to be in school or something?”

“Yes, I am, kind of. Whatever. Were you serious the other night?” I asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.

“About?”

“Training me.”

“Hell, yeah I was. I would love to get my hands on that hot little body and mold you into the Olympian I know you are,” he said.

His words were meant as a joke. I think. But my mind went somewhere else. A vision of him running his hands over my naked body popped into my head, completely distracting me from what I was supposed to be doing.

“Good, thank you. I’ll have my dad work out all the payment and stuff. I have practice tonight at four, and then, usually, I would train from six to nine. Does that work for you?”

He was silent for a few seconds. “Yep, that works. Are we training at the school?”

I thought about it briefly. “High school down the road from the college,” I blurted, giving him the address. “We can work out the details later.”

“See you tonight, beautiful.”

“Bye,” I said.

I relished the feeling that came over me. He was always using various terms of endearment when he talked to me. It was something he had always done, but now the words felt like there was a little more meaning behind them, like he really thought I was beautiful and sexy.

With a plan in place, I managed to get through my next two classes without completely spacing out. Instead of worrying about what I was going to do, I was focused on seeing Tanner. I couldn’t wait!

“Come on, Lindsey,” my swim team coach hollered.

I bit back the foul language I wanted to spew at him. The guy was not in the same league as Tanner or my previous trainer. He was a college swim team coach—not an Olympic coach.

I used my arms to pull myself up and out of the pool, standing there on the cement, water dripping off my legs, I put my hands on my hip, “I’m doing the best I can,” I seethed.

“No, you’re not,” Coach Dewey shouted. “You are better than this. You’re supposed to be heading off to the Olympics. You aren’t going anywhere if you don’t get your head in it. Now get your ass in there and do it again.”

I growled, “What was my time?”

He narrowed his gaze at me. “twenty-nine point two.”

Ouch . That was definitely not good.

“I’ll do better,” I said, stretching my arms and moving my neck around.

I was working on my fifty-meter freestyle run. If I hoped to have a chance at a medal, I had to get down to the twenty-four second range. Five seconds is a lot to shave off. I hoped Tanner could whip my ass into shape.

The hour-long practice was nothing compared to what was coming. I trained six days a week, one hour with the San Diego State team and then three hours with my trainer. We had been granted access to use the local high school’s pool, but I didn’t know if that was still possible since it had been arranged with my previous trainer.

Once practice was over, I raced home. My parents spoiled me, there was no doubt in my mind. They paid for my apartment, demanding I focus on my education and swimming. When I lived at home, my dad had put in a huge pool so I could train without leaving. It also allowed my parents to keep an eye on the trainer. There had been too many horror stories of trainers abusing the young women in their charge.

“Hi,” Tanner said, meeting me in the parking lot of the high school.

“You’re early,” I said, climbing out of my little black Mazda Miata.

“And you’re late. Rule number one, if you’re not fifteen minutes early, you’re late,” he said in a serious tone.

I looked at him and rolled my eyes. “Whatever. I will fire you. Practice went long. We’re gearing up for our meet at home against the Nevada Relays. Then the following week we go up against USC. It’s going to be a tough couple of weeks.”

He nodded. “You’ll do fine.”

“I hope so.”

He greeted me by putting his hands on my waist and giving me a quick kiss on the cheek, “I’ll let you get away with it this time, but next time, you won’t get off so easy.”

“Hmm, what will my punishment be?” I said it in a voice dripping with sexual connotation, and I knew the instant it had the desired effect.

His hands dropped from my waist, and he stepped back. “Get changed. I’ll be at the pool waiting.”

I laughed and quickly went inside to put on my suit.

When I got out to the pool, he was in trainer mode. His shirt was off. It made my heart leap and my stomach do flip flops. When had he become so fucking manly? He wasn’t that gangly teenager I remembered or the kind of cute, older college guy. He was a man in every way. I couldn’t help but stare at the defined pectoral muscles that flowed into his washboard stomach. His arms weren’t overly muscular but perfectly defined. The tattoo wrapping around his bicep practically had my mouth watering as I thought about holding that exact area while he drove into me.

“Uh, Linds?”

I looked up at him, and he was staring back at me with those green eyes that said he knew exactly where my mind had been going.

“Sorry,” I squeaked.

“Please, feel free to worship my body, but I get to do the same without you slapping me or your brother kicking my ass.”

I shook my head. “I wasn’t worshiping your body. Get over yourself.” I said it with as much disdain as I could interject into my words. I doubt it worked, but I walked closer to him. “Train me.”

He eyed me up and down in my plain one-piece blue swimsuit.

“I plan to. Get in and let’s see what I’m working with here.”

I instantly felt apprehensive. Today was an off day. If I couldn’t pull better times than I had at swim practice, he would probably laugh at me for even trying to make it on the Olympic team.

He sensed my hesitation. “Everything okay?” he asked.

“Yes, sorry. Remember, I need a trainer because I need to improve, not because I’m a gold medalist—yet.”

He looked at me, cocked his head to the side and said, “I only train the best, Lindsey. I want to train you because I know you’re the best.”

The way he said it inspired me. His words gave me the confidence I needed to try. I wanted to be the best to make him proud of me.

Chapter 3

Tanner

“Lengthen your strokes. You’re not extending your arms like I told you to,” I yelled across the pool.

My client wanted his kid to be the next Michael Phelps. It wasn’t going to happen, but the dude was paying me double my normal fee to try. The extra income meant I could send more to my mom. Maybe I’d buy her a new Beamer. The kid wasn’t terrible, but he just wasn’t as good as Lindsey.

Dammit. Again. I couldn’t get Lindsey off the brain. Yesterday had made me a little crazy, watching her swim across the pool, turn and move through the water back to where I stood on the side. Her lean body stretched with every stroke. She wasn’t as tall as most professional female swimmers, but she was just as fast—maybe faster. I knew I could take her all the way to the Olympics. Her body was perfect.

Stop! She was Brian’s sister and a client. I don’t know what had changed, but every time I thought about her or looked at her, my mind jumped to me buried deep inside her. I wanted her more than I have ever wanted another woman. It was harder than hell to concentrate on anything else. Even now I could feel my dick hardening at the thought of running a hand over her tight ass, squeezing and pulling her into me.

My young client jumped out of the pool at the opposite end. “What are you doing?” I shouted, my frustration level growing.

He didn’t listen quite like Lindsey did. I could admit I was kind of an ass when I trained. I pushed people harder than they liked, but the results were always what they wanted. Some people pushed back. Then there were those, like Lindsey, who took everything I said and used it to get better. This kid was struggling. He refused to take my advice and continued to do what he thought was best. The kid was a pain in the ass.

“If you can’t listen to what I say, you aren’t going to get better,” I told the kid stalking toward me, leaving wet footprints on the perfectly smooth cement in his wake.

“I don’t care. My dad will hire a different trainer. Maybe I can find a hot chick to take over. You’re a dick,” he said, glaring at me as he grabbed his towel.

We were at his mansion, training in his Olympic-sized pool his father had put in on the grounds. The brat was spoiled. The pool was, of course, indoors and outfitted with every amenity, including a well-stocked bar. I needed a drink.

“Hire another trainer. I don’t care. Maybe you’re not good enough for me. I’m the best. My clients are the best. You won’t be the best if you go elsewhere, but that’s not my problem.”

“Dude, you’re such an asshole.”

I chuckled. “I am. You’re right.”

I was, and I really didn’t care. I had worked hard to get to this point. People thought I was arrogant—I was. There was no shame in striving to be the best at what you did. It was something Lindsey and Brian’s dad had told me more than once. James Scott was a self-made millionaire and knew all about working hard to achieve your dreams. I’d heeded his advice, and here I was, well on my way to making my first million.

“We’re done for the day,” I told him, grabbing my keys off the small table. “If you’re dad wants to fire me, please have him leave me a message. I’m not up for wasting my time or his money.”

With that, I walked out of the covered pool area and headed down the long circular drive. I jumped in my big F-350 and drove toward the gate at the end of a long driveway. Once there, I waited for the guy in the little guardhouse to open the gate.

My phone rang, and I checked the screen to see it was Brian. “What’s up, man? You still around?”

“Yeah, I decided to stay for a couple more days. Is that cool?”

“Of course. I’m happy to have you around. Is everything okay?”

“I just want a break. Want to grab lunch?” he asked.

“Sure, I’ll be back in the city in about fifteen minutes. That work?”

“I’ll meet you at the pub.”

“Okay, see you in a few,” I said, ending the call.

The pub was one of our favorite haunts. Good food and even better beer and it was low-key. Brian usually visited every weekend, but he hadn’t been around for a month. I missed the guy I considered a brother. It would be nice to catch up. Hanging out at the bar with him over the weekend was not the same as actually sitting down and having a conversation we could both hear.

I pulled into the pub parking lot and walked inside the dark restaurant. The lights were low, and the place had the stench of decades of cigarette smoke clinging to the dark walls. I found Brian sitting in a booth, drinking a draft beer.

“I already ordered for both of us. I figured you probably had more clients, so I ordered you a Coke. I get to drink beer,” he said, grinning.

I nodded. “Actually, I do have another client but not until later today. It’s Lindsey,” I said, waiting for his reaction.

“What?”

I cleared my throat. “I’m training Lindsey. I offered when she told me her other trainer up and left, and she accepted.”

He nodded. “Good. How’s it going?”

“Fine. She’s an excellent swimmer. Takes direction well,” I said, doing my best to sound like a professional and not like a guy who had been having inappropriate thoughts about the client.

“Do you think she has a chance?” he asked me, taking a long pull from his beer.

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“Good. I hope you can take her all the way.”

He had no idea what those words did to my body. If he knew I was lusting after his little sister, he would probably throw that bottle at me. I would keep it to myself. Be the consummate professional.

“What about you? What has you hiding out in San Diego instead of getting your butt home to Orange County?”

He rolled his eyes. “My job. Some days my job makes me crazy. Actually it isn’t the job. It’s the interns my dad insists we keep around. He’s all about giving people a chance to get started and everyone can benefit from getting their feet wet.”

I chuckled. “No naughty interns to take your mind off things?”

“God, I wish. No, I’m stuck with a bunch of whiny brats who know everything and deserve it all but don’t want to put in the time or work to actually get it.”

I shook my head, doing my best to empathize. If we kept the conversation on him and his issues, we didn’t have to talk about Lindsey. I didn’t want him to pick up on the fact my feelings for her were not quite as brotherly as they should be. Not even close. I wanted her in the worst way, and if she gave me even a hint she was down for it, I would jump at the chance. Brian didn’t need to know.

Our food was delivered. We chatted about nothing important, the topic thankfully staying away from Lindsey.

“You could always move here,” I told him.

He laughed. “I like making real money.”

“I make real money.”

“Orange County is where the office is. I like it there. I really don’t mind working for my dad. It’s just a bad batch of interns. They’ll only be around another month, and then I can kick them to the curb.”

I had to chuckle. “Only to have another batch come in.”

“Don’t remind me.”

We finished our meals before I stood. “I need to get going. I have to run some errands and then meet Lindsey at the school.”

“Okay,” Brian said, standing as well. “I’ll see you back at your place. I’ll order a pizza for dinner.”

“Sounds good. I won’t be home until after nine. Your sister is a machine.”

He laughed. “Yes, she is, and don’t even think she’ll quit a minute early. She will dock your pay if she thinks you aren’t giving it your all. She’s like my dad—a bit of a slave driver.”

I was excited to train Lindsey. She was a champion, and I wanted to be the one she hugged and thanked when she won that first medal.

Chapter 4

Lindsey

I loved this particular pool. It was at a local high school. My dad had pulled some strings and made a healthy donation to the school’s swim program for me to get private use rights. It wasn’t an Olympic pool, but it was good for my needs.

“I thought you were going to change your mind, and I was going to be out another trainer.”

I stood on the cement surrounding the high school’s pool, stretching my arms over my head. First one and then the other.

Tanner was walking toward me, that sexy smile on his face.

“I had to sign about a million waivers to train you here. I even got this,” he said, dangling a key in the air.

“Wow, you move fast. I’m surprised they handed it over so quickly. It took my last trainer several weeks to convince them to do that.”

He stopped in front of me. “I have a certain charm,” he said with a wink. “And I have a kick-ass reputation. Of course, they were more than willing to hand it over. Ready?” he asked.

“Yep. I want to shave off at least a second today. I went easy in practice, so I don’t feel as spent as yesterday.”

“Jump in and do a few warm up laps,” he instructed.

I did as he asked, slowly swimming the length of the pool, priming my body for the grueling training I knew was coming. I flipped and began making my way back to where he was standing. I could feel his eyes on me. It wasn’t the same as being watched by a trainer who was watching my form. Tanner was watching me. My body. It sent delicious heat racing down my spine, causing me to involuntarily shudder and lose my rhythm.

“What was that? You have a cramp?” he shouted.

I ignored him. I wasn’t about to tell him he was throwing me off. I made a few more laps, focused my attention and was ready by the time I made it back to the edge of the pool.

“Today we’re going to keep working on your speed in the pool. Tomorrow I want to spend some time in the gym, working your core,” he was saying, all businesslike.

“Okay, sounds good to me,” I said, looking forward to getting out of the pool. I loved to swim, but being in the water four to five hours a day, swimming back and forth like a fish tended to get tedious. I loved meets, but I didn’t love the repetitive laps that came with training to improve speed and form.

“Let’s go!” he said, clapping his hand, pulling up the stopwatch he wore around his neck.

I spent the first hour listening to him shout at me and feeling like a complete failure. Every time I thought I was getting better, he had another complaint. Tanner was a terror. A good terror, but he bordered on Nazi.

When I made it back to the edge of the pool, ready to take a breather, I looked up to see him pulling off his shirt. He always wore shorts, like he was ready to jump in a pool or the ocean at any second. The next thing I knew, he jumped in.

“What are you doing?” I asked in surprise. My eyes were stuck on his muscular chest. He was casually swimming toward me, his eyes holding mine.

“I’m going to show you what I want,” he said.

The words were full of heat. I nodded my head, ready to do anything he asked.

“Watch,” he ordered a second before he took off, springing away from the wall.

I watched but probably not at what he was asking me to watch. I watched his strong arms cut through the water, the muscles in his back, stretching and pulling with every reach. His legs, long and muscled, stretched out behind him.

He was making his way back to me, where I was standing in the shallow end. He was staring at me in a way that made my belly feel like warm honey.

When he was within reach, he stopped, his green eyes still holding mine.

“Lindsey,” he said in a husky voice. His gaze roamed my body before coming back to hold my own.

I slowly walked toward him, the water lapping around my chest as I moved. I had no idea what I was doing. I knew it was wrong, but this invisible pull had me in a vise I couldn’t break free of.

His arm reached out, below the water, grabbing my waist, pulling me toward him. He kept pulling me in until my body was pressed into his bare chest. I knew it was coming, but I couldn’t have possibly been prepared for how good it felt when his lips touched mine. It felt like I had been waiting forever to taste him. I wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass me by.

His arms snaked around me, holding tight before his hands moved to my butt, squeezed and yanked me closer to his groin where I could feel his hard length. I moaned when his tongue drove between my lips and began a duel with my own tongue.

“Tanner,” I breathed when he pulled back.

“Lindsey—”

I stopped what he was going to say by running my hand into his hair and shoving his head back down to mine. I devoured him, telling him with my actions that I wanted this in every way.

“Don’t stop,” I said in a clear voice when his mouth left mine.

“I have no intention of doing that,” he said before slamming his mouth into mine. Heat coursed through my body. His erection was pushing against me, and I wanted to feel it in me. I dropped my hand between his legs and massaged him through his swim trunks.

He pulled back, staring into my eyes a second before he started yanking at my swimsuit. He yanked down one strap, my breast popped out, distracting him from his task. His mouth came down on my nipple, suckling before using his teeth to gently nibble.

“Oh.” I fought back the shout that nearly erupted when his teeth grazed over my breast before moving up my neck.

His hand worked at the other strap, yanking it down my arm. At the same time, his leg moved forward between mine, demanding I spread my legs. I obliged and was rewarded with his hard thigh pressed against my pussy. I moved forward, rubbing against it, relishing in the feel of his hardness.

His hands were on my breasts, “Ride me, Lindsey,” he demanded as he squeezed and cupped my breasts before putting his mouth on my other nipple.

My back arched as I rubbed against his leg, pushing harder and being rewarded with a lovely sensation that spiraled through my body. I was wet. I was ready.

“Please,” I groaned, my head back, my breasts pushing up and out, begging for more.

He stepped back, “Take off the suit, Lindsey.”

I opened my eyes. His demanding tone had me on fire. I nodded my head, moved my hands to my suit and pulled it down, bending over, my breasts brushing over the water. The sensation sent another chill over my body as I quickly pulled the suit off.

I tossed it on the cement and waited. He stared but didn’t move toward me. My body felt as liquid and flowing as the water we were standing in.

“Touch me,” I breathed.

He moved forward, one hand went between my breasts, his finger running a trail through the valley as it ran down my stomach. My bare sex tingled, waiting for his touch. Instead of doing what I expected, his hand splayed out, gripping my waist and yanking me into him. His mouth was on mine again.

“You’re fucking amazing. I want to fuck you hard and fast,” he was saying. The words were making me dizzy. I nodded, giving him permission as if that was what he was asking. “Are you going to let me fuck you, Lindsey?”

“Yes, yes, fuck me, Tanner,” I said in crazed passion. My hands were gripping his cock through his shorts. It wasn’t enough.

“Take them off,” he demanded.

I quickly obliged, yanking the shorts down over his hips. His cock sprang free, and I moaned. It was big and engorged, and I couldn’t wait to have him in me.

I used my foot to push his shorts down to his ankles. He casually stepped out of them, his hand on my ass in a possessive manner the whole time, making me wetter than I had been. I reached down to grab his dick, guiding him to where I needed him. The difference in our height made it impossible for it to work. I groaned in frustration.

His other hand reached down, both on my ass, he yanked me up his body. My arms went around his neck and my legs around his waist. In one smooth motion, he plunged into my body. The invasion stretched me in sweet agony. I threw my head back, arching my back and pushing my hips against him, trying to take him deeper.

“Fuck, you’re wet, Lindsey. Holy shit,” he moaned before running his tongue down my neck. “I’m going to fuck you hard and fast,” he warned before moving his hips and plunging deeper. His arms were wrapped around my waist as he dove into my body.

It was fast and furious, and we were both climaxing way too soon. He pulled out and stepped away from me.

“Tanner,” I said, suddenly feeling very awkward standing naked in the pool.

He swam to where his shorts were floating in the pool. Grabbed them and swam to the edge, using his muscular arms to pull himself up and out. He yanked on the shorts, ignoring me the whole time.

“Tanner.”

He looked at me, “This can never happen again. Never. And don’t tell Brian,” he said, not looking back as he walked toward the door.

I reached for my suit, pulled it out while I was in the pool, feeling completely vulnerable. I climbed out of the pool, wrapped myself in a towel and headed for the locker room to change. I felt like a fool.

Chapter 5

Tanner

I fucked up. I know I did. I shouldn’t have let myself get near her. I knew better. Lindsey was Brian’s little sister. What the hell had I been thinking! It was a onetime thing, I promised myself. I wouldn’t let it happen again. I wanted it to happen again.

I canceled practice yesterday because I didn’t trust myself to be around her. It didn’t help our interactions always involved us being nearly half-dressed. I had taken the coward’s way out and sent her a text saying I couldn’t make it. Her one-word answer “fine” spoke volumes. I had fucked her and then walked away. Classy. Typical of me, but not how I would ever want Lindsey to be treated. Brian would kick a dude’s ass for treating her like that. I would too. I owed her an apology. I just had to figure out how to man-up and do it.

I couldn’t cancel today. Her training was too important, and I would not be the one to hold her back. I would have to figure out a way to keep my hands to myself, and hopefully it wouldn’t be completely awkward. I hadn’t been able to get her out of my mind since that night. Thank God Brian had decided to leave Tuesday afternoon after our lunch. I don’t think I could have faced him. It felt like my guilt was written all over my face, and he would see right through me. He would know.

I had tried to get the woman out of my head for the past twenty-four hours, but it was pointless. She was under my skin. I’d fucked her, but it wasn’t enough. It wasn’t right. I wanted her but not like one of the women I screwed and left in my wake. I wanted to worship her body. I wanted to spend time learning every inch. Every crevice. Our pool time had been too fast, and I didn’t get to really enjoy that sweet body of hers. I was left craving more because, though I’d had only a little taste, I wanted it all.

Snap out of it, man!

My phone beeped.

Are you going to show up?

It was a text from Lindsey. It was slightly bitchy, but I couldn’t blame her.

Yes . See you at 6.

I didn’t have a choice. I was a professional trainer and couldn’t ditch clients on a whim. It was going to be difficult and awkward, but we were both adults. Or at least I was pretending to be, even though I felt like a horny teenager.

I let myself into the high school pool, trying not to think about the last time we’d been here. There was another young kid with whom I assumed was his private trainer. The kid couldn’t have been more than twelve. It was amazing to see kids that age with such dedication. Lindsey had been like that, and now all her hard work was about to pay off.

When she came strolling through the side door, her long legs covered in a pair of sweats, my heart jumped. Her red suit clung to her body. My mind instantly thought back to my mouth on her breasts, sucking and teasing. They weren’t too big or too small. They were perfect, just like the rest of her.

“Hi,” I said, doing my best not to sound like a complete idiot.

“I’m ready to get started,” she answered, clearly not in the mood for small talk.

She was pissed. I wasn’t sure if it was because I canceled the day before or because we had sex, and I had left without so much as a thank-you.

I nodded. “Let’s get to it, then.”

She peeled off the sweats, and I had to look away. Images of her legs wrapped around me came flooding back. I walked toward the east wall and casually adjusted my dick, which was growing hard. I doubted the kid and his trainer would appreciate me walking around with a hard-on. Not now.

When I turned back around, she was watching me. Her cheeks were flushed. She knew. That only made my semierection grow bigger. Her eyes drifted down before meeting mine again. I stared back, not caring that she knew the effect she had on me. Let her see. I pulled off my shirt, knowing it would distract her. I hadn’t been the only one in the pool that night. She had been more than ready and willing. I wanted her aroused, and I wasn’t stupid. I knew she wanted me.

I watched her gaze drop to my chest, so I flexed. She was staring, and I was loving it.

“Get in,” I demanded.

Her eyes met mine. I could see the passion.

“Get in, Lindsey,” I said, my tone firm.

She rolled her eyes, the passion gone. I thought she would tell me to go to hell, but she did as I said.

We managed to get through the practice, but it was incredibly weird. When I normally would have jumped in the pool to demonstrate what I wanted, I didn’t. I couldn’t get close to her. The last time had ended with both of us naked.

“I think we’re good,” I said about five minutes before nine. I couldn’t take the tension between us a minute longer. I was either going to rip that suit off her and fuck her on that poolside chair like I had been fantasizing about, or she was going to fire me. The sexual tension between us was palpable, so thick you could reach out and touch it. I had to get away before we made another huge mistake.

“Yeah, I agree. I have homework,” she said, climbing the ladder out of the pool. Water dripped down her legs and arms and between her breasts tucked away in the suit. I imagined lapping at the rivulets of water, tasting her skin. I wanted her body stretched out, wet, inside and out, with me over the top of her.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” I asked, before leaving.

“Yeah, I have a meet Saturday, but I can still train tomorrow night,” she said, pulling on the sweats over her wet swimsuit.

“Okay, well, uh, see ya,” I said, walking past her and out the door.

I needed a beer or five. The air had been so sexually charged, I thought for sure it would ignite. I wondered if the other trainer and his student could feel it. They had left after an hour or so, leaving Lindsey and I alone in the pool area. I’d maintained a safe distance, which had been taxing. Now I needed to unwind.

I started with a shot of tequila, followed by another, and then another. I chased each shot with an ice-cold Corona. The buzz hit me the second I jumped off my stool to go to the bathroom. Shit . I was going to have to call an Uber and leave my truck.

Once in the door of my one-bedroom apartment that I paid way too much for, I stumbled to the couch and debated whether to grab another beer from the fridge. The fridge was too far. Fuck it. My phone was pressing into my ass. I didn’t want to crack the screen. I rolled over and fished it out of my pocket, holding it in my hand, trying to remember why I had it in the first place.

I stared at the screen, ran my thumb over it and unlocked it with practiced ease. Last number called was Lindsey. Her name and the tiny picture of the left side of her face stared back at me. Don’t do it. Don’t you dare do it.

My head fell back on the couch, my mouth hung open, and I let the alcohol do its trick. I floated away, enjoying the blissful oblivion that the copious amounts of alcohol had blessed me with.

It was the screeching of a distant alarm clock that woke me up. My head felt foggy, and there was an annoying pounding making me very irritable. I blinked several times, trying to figure out why my neck was killing me. I was staring at the ceiling in my apartment. It was then the night before came flooding back.

I jerked forward, pulling the strained muscles in my neck and felt around on the couch for my phone. I found it and brought it up, staring at the screen, willing my eyes to focus. Last number dialed was Lindsey’s. I checked the time stamp. Shit . I did call her last night. I checked the call log and realized I’d talked with her for twenty long minutes. I had no recollection of what may have been said.

I groaned, doing my best to remember, walking through each step I’d taken after coming through the apartment door. Nothing was coming back. I slowly sat up and then stood, the room spinning a few times before righting itself. I needed coffee. And water. After getting both, I slowly made my way into the shower and let the hot water run down my face. No matter how hard I tried, I could not remember what I’d said to her last night.

Our training session was going to be loads of fun.

Chapter 6

Lindsey

I needed to get my head in the game. Or the meet. Same thing. I couldn’t get Tanner’s voice out of my head. I knew he had been drunk—no, wasted—last night. Had he meant what he said? Weren’t the ramblings of a drunk man the truth that was always carefully hidden but allowed out with a little liquid courage? My dad always said you could trust the ramblings of a drunk.

I couldn’t get his voice out of my head. The way he confessed to having the hots for me for the past seven years. I loved hearing it. It made me feel beautiful and sexy. I told him I had been crushing on him for years, but he never paid me any attention. He laughed and said Brian would kill us both if he knew we were even talking about anything other than swimming.

“Hello?” Brittany hissed.

I snapped myself out of my daydream. “What?” I whispered back.

We were sitting in the back of the classroom, but this particular professor could be awfully cranky. I only had another year of school and wasn’t going to risk earning a reputation as a slacker who wasn’t serious. Too many athletes at this school skated by on their talents alone and not their brains. I wasn’t going to be one of them.

“You have been all googly-eyed. What or who did you do?” she asked, knowing me too well.

I shrugged. “Nothing. No one,” I lied.

Tanner had turned my brain into mush. One quickie in the pool and his drunken ramblings about him wanting me since my breasts had started to develop, and I was just like the rest of the groupies lusting after him. He had said things were different now. Back then he couldn’t make a move. It would have been inappropriate and illegal, but now he wanted me. It had been like one of those fantasies coming true for me. What high school girl didn’t dream about some older, very hot and sexy guy? She was lucky enough to get the chance to make that fantasy come true.

“You’re full of shit.” Brittany glared at me, one of her perfectly sculpted brows with expertly applied highlighter raised. “Don’t lie to me. I have known you since forever, and I know when you’re full of shit. You’re full of shit!”

I grinned, not the least bit offended by her words. “Maybe.”

She flipped her hair, glared at me, and spun back around to face the professor. I knew most people thought she was a stuck-up bitch. She was, but she was also my best friend. We’d been together since preschool. She had followed me to San Diego State, even though she’d been accepted to Yale. There was no way she was going to move that far away from her best friend. I loved her and never doubted she had my back.

She leaned toward me. “You will tell me.”

I giggled. “Maybe.”

I was dreading the training with Tanner tonight, but one part of me was looking forward to seeing him. My Tanner fix had to happen now because I wouldn’t get to see him tomorrow. I had the meet in the morning and wouldn’t be training again until Monday.

The day dragged on. Practice was the same old shit, my coach lecturing me about not giving it my all. He was probably right. I could do better, but my head wasn’t in it. It was on Tanner and training for the Olympics.

“You’re definitely preoccupied. I know you have training, but we have got to catch up,” Brittany said, toweling off beside me.

“You’re right. Are you training tonight?”

She sighed. “Yes. My trainer said if I skipped another lesson, he would drop me.”

I laughed but then got serious. “You better get your ass in gear.”

“Ugh, I am so not into it like you. I don’t know how you can train six days a week. I love swimming, and I really hope I make the Olympic team, but I cannot devote that much time to training. It shouldn’t be so hard,” she whined.

“It’s supposed to be hard. If it was easy, everyone would do it,” I reminded her.

“Whatever. Maybe I should see if Tanner will train me,” she mused out loud.

“No! He can’t. I mean, he’s booked solid.”

She looked at me, suspicion in her eyes. “I know, but he’s training you.”

“Only because of his friendship with Brian.”

Brittany didn’t look convinced, but she let it go.

“I gotta go,” I told her, picking up my bag before turning to wave.

When I reached the high school, I saw Tanner’s truck in the parking lot. I took a deep breath. “Here goes nothing,” I moaned.

“Hey,” he said, walking toward me in his typical attire of a T-shirt and board shorts with loafers.

“Hi.” I smiled, wondering if he was going to mention our conversation last night.

“Um,” he said, suddenly looking very uncomfortable. “I, uh, well, can you tell me what all we talked about last night? You could probably tell I was a little drunk. I guess a lot drunk because I don’t remember a word.”

I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

He grabbed my hand, something he had done a hundred times before, but now it was different. He led me to the bleachers, sat down, and tugged me down with him.

“Just tell me. I can handle it,” he said.

I laughed. It figured he would pour his heart out and not remember it.

“You told me I was the best lay you ever had. Is that true?” I was a little embarrassed to ask but really wanted to know.

He slapped his open palm to his forehead. “Fuck.”

“Oh yeah, you said that a lot too. Something along the lines of ‘fuck Brian; I’ll fuck you if I want to’ was mentioned more than once. You talked about not wanting to ruin your friendship with Brian by sleeping with me. I’m guessing it was that bros-before-hoes thing.”

“Oh shit.”

“Tanner, you do realize I’m not a little girl anymore, right?”

“I know that, but you’re still Brian’s little sister. I mean, yeah, I did start to notice you, but it isn’t right. You’re too young for me.”

“So you didn’t mean what you said?” I asked.

“Fuck me. I am so sorry, Lindsey. I don’t know what I was saying. No, we can’t. I mean, I can’t do that. You can’t. Oh my God, please, forgive me.”

I laughed, “It’s okay. Really. So? Any of it ringing a bell?”

He shook his head. “No. I’m sorry, Lindsey. That wasn’t cool.”

I could tell he was embarrassed. He didn’t need to be. I had been a willing participant in the pool that night and had secretly hoped he would be willing to do it again.

“Well? Is it true?”

“Is what true? What else did I say?” he asked, horror on his face.

It was my turn to be embarrassed, but then I felt emboldened, “ Am I the best lay you’ve ever had?” I asked in what I hoped was a sultry voice.

He leaned forward. I could feel the heat from his body. He held my gaze. “Yes.”

I could feel the blush spreading from my neck up and all over my body. It was a slow heat, much like that night in the pool.

Did I say thank you?

He put a hand on my knee. “We good?”

“Yes!” I said, jumping up so fast I nearly knocked him off the bleachers.

I stripped and dove in the pool, wanting to put a little distance between us, and cooling off in the lukewarm water would also be a very good idea.

“You ready?” he asked, after I did a couple of laps.

I raised my hand and gave him the thumbs up. “Let’s do this. We have to make it count. Two days off is a lot.”

“Prepare to get your ass kicked,” he said, diving right into the training.

The training was grueling, but it felt good. There was none of that weirdness between us, and I was looking forward to training with him. He was exactly what I needed. He could get me that medal I had been striving toward for so long.

He walked me to the car. “How you feeling about tomorrow’s meet?”

“Good. We have the better team. I’m not too worried about it. My coach is, but he always is.”

“You’re going to kick ass. It’s good practice for you. Get you in the competition mode. I think I’ll come and watch. It’ll give me a good idea of what needs to improve or change to get you into the qualifying round for the Olympics.”

My stomach flip-flopped a bit at the thought of him watching me compete. It shouldn’t. He’d seen me compete before. Hell, he’d seen me naked.

“Thanks, that would be great. Well, I need to get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I climbed in the car and took a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart. He was only watching as a trainer—not a boyfriend.