* * *

Richard kissed his way down Taylor's neck leaving a trail of fire as he worked his way down towards her breasts. He undid the straps she'd tied together across her back to hold up her top.

"I thought you said you had to get to work," she cooed as he continued to kiss her.

"You are too tempting, Taylor Vanderville."

"If I were, you wouldn't be leaving me to go anywhere," she teased, moving away from him. She slipped off his bed, allowing the straps to fall down her shoulders, and appreciated the way he watched her. She didn't mean to be selfish and outright seduce him, but couldn't resist. This always happened when she was with him.

"I have to." He rested his hands behind him, emphasizing the defined ridges of muscle on his abs.

"Do you?" She undid the other strap, allowing the top to drift down to her waist, revealing her sheer bra that was practically see through.

"Come here." He straightened up and reached for her, but she playfully stepped backward out of his grasp.

A whole week had passed, and he hadn't proposed. She was going crazy, and while she knew she couldn't rush these things she was still eager.

"Babe, you're killing me here. Come on, we can fit in one more session before I go."

She giggled, wanting nothing more than for him to make love to her, but anxiety had her under its spell. She wanted to have some clue of what he was thinking and an idea of when he would propose.

"I wanted to talk to you first." She gazed at her amazing dream man and moved back towards him slow and purposefully.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"We haven't been away in a while." Vacations were always a good setting for a proposal.

"Away? You want us to go away?" He smiled, revealing his gorgeous dimples.

"How about a getaway somewhere amazing like Bora Bora?"

She'd been there once by herself when she needed to escape everyone. It was just after Wade left and she was feeling unsettled in her mind. She'd always had him in her life to rely on, and she'd felt lost with his departure. Bora Bora had offered her the peace of mind she'd needed, and she thought if she were ever in love it would be somewhere she'd like to return with her boyfriend. Or fiancé.

Or, better yet get married there.

Richard whistled and gritted his teeth together. "Bora Bora. Taylor. I don't have that kind of money." He looked a little uncomfortable at the declaration. He always got that look when the subject of money came up.

The bottom line was she would always be wealthy. She was born into wealth and couldn't help that that was how things had worked out for her. Richard worked extremely hard, and she knew that if he had the means, he'd give her everything.

"Richard, my money is our money." It was as simple as that to her. That was how she saw it.

"I like that you think like that, but I want to be able to take you wherever you want and pay for it all myself. I want to take care of you, and make you happy." This was what she loved about him. He wasn't with her for her wealth or for what he could gain from his association with her. Richard wanted her, and it was a wonderful feeling to know you were loved just for being you.

"You do make me happy. And you do take care of me." She lowered to his lap allowing him to slip his arms around her waist while she pressed her hands on the cool skin of his chest. "Bora Bora is a great place for special occasions."

"It is. Is that where you really want to go?"

She nodded. "Just think. We can have our own beach house and be away from everyone. We don't even have to leave the room."

"I like that." He ran his hands down to her legs and stroked her thighs.

"Good, then say yes."

He took a moment to contemplate then sighed. "Yes."

"Yay. Now kiss me."

He kissed her gently, caressing her lips as he tugged against her bra straps, then resumed his fiery trek down her neck. His phone started to ring as he got to the edge of her shoulder.

"Damn, that'll be work." He was already an hour late. "I'm going to have to take this, baby."

She got up so that he could get to his phone.

"Richard speaking," he said into the phone and motioned to the corridor as he backed out of the room.

She nodded and smiled with understanding. When he left she lay back on the bed and sighed.

Taylor didn't like waiting for things she desperately wanted. Not only was she not used to it, but she just hated it in general. She'd never felt like this about anyone else before. Richard had captured her heart from the minute she first laid eyes on him at her dad's fundraiser two years ago. Richard was doing a presentation there for the project he was working on. The fundraiser was for the research facility, in aid of funding better treatments and medication for cancer patients.

At the time she'd been so impressed by him. She still was now. He was a good man with a kind heart and a passion for helping others. She rolled over onto her side, looked at the skylight window and gazed ahead up at the bright blue morning sky. The sky was bluer in Bora Bora, brighter, too, with the effulgent rays of the sun beaming down on the scenic landscape. It would be so amazing to go there with Richard.

As she turned her head, her eyes landed on the chest of drawers; on top of it was Richard's wallet. Taylor sat up quickly, instantly remembering last week when he said it was stolen. Was it the same wallet or had he gotten a new one?

She got up and walked over to it. The minute she got closer she could see it was indeed the old one. She opened it and saw his work security pass, some cash, and all his bank cards intact. He never told her that the police found it.

When he came back into the room, he stopped at the door when he saw her holding the wallet.

"Hey, the police found your wallet." She smiled at him.

"No, ugh, gosh. I'm sorry." He shook his head and brought his hand to his stubbly chin. "Sorry Taylor. When I got home from the trip, I found it and realized I left it here. I didn't say anything because I thought it sounded stupid. Plus, I broke our date for my own stupidity, thinking I got robbed." He laughed nervously and came over to her.

"Why didn't you tell me? I was so worried."

He looked guilty now. "I'm sorry. When I got back all I could think of was being with you."

She was about to continue when she stopped herself. Recognition dawned on her, and she could have kicked herself.

Maybe this was about her ring and the proposal. What if it was? It could be. What if he was going to propose last week and he'd forgotten the ring?

That could have happened, right? And, maybe now he was trying to create the perfect moment again.

Oh goodness. She thought back to the way he spoke about the date on the day she was meant to see him, and the fact that they went to that particular restaurant was a big deal in itself because it was her favorite. It all made so much sense now, and it brought tears to her eyes.

"Oh my."

He moved closer and kissed her forehead. "I try to hide my imperfections from you."

"You don't have to. I love every part of you."

"That's good to hear. I love every part of you, too, Taylor. Guess what?"

"What?" She slipped her arms around his neck.

"I have an extra hour. I said I'd work late. How about we go back to dream world?" He tugged on the clasp of her bra.

"I'd love to." She kissed him.

On that note, he lifted her up and carried her straight back to the bed.

* * *

* * *

Wes glared at her and blinked several times.

Chloe just finished telling him about Wade. Everything about Wade, as in right back to her little incident when she was eighteen, followed by all that had happened since he came back.

This was his reaction. The blank stare, with his hand on his chin as he rested back against the chair.

"Wes, please say something. I need you."

She was going through a whole new crazy here. She'd managed to rule out the possibility of Wade getting the job, but now she was worried about her unrestrained attraction to him.

Her problem was she couldn't control herself when she was with him. Couldn't control her mind, body, feelings, or emotions. Everything was just so physical. All he had to do was look at her and her deepest desires would be unleashed.

Chloe wasn't like this. It was most unnatural for her and uncomfortable. It felt like her mind no longer belonged to her.

Wes leaned forward onto her desk, huffed, then looked through the window behind her.

"Wesley," she hissed at him. She had a small window of time before everyone got back from lunch and the office would be full again. She didn't want to talk with everyone here. Of all her friends, Wes was the most levelheaded. She really wanted his opinion.

Kelly would be useless for anything like this because she always said yes to a gorgeous guy, and if he happened to be super gorgeous like Wade was then there would be no thought behind it for her.

Taylor was completely out of the question because Wade was her brother and Chloe didn't know how she would react to that. So that left Wes, but he wasn't talking to her.

"I don't know what to tell you." He ran his hands across his face. "I hate that guy, a lot. Can't stand him one bit. He's a self-righteous bastard that made my life hell for years. He messed with every chance I had for a decent high school memory. Chloe, it's clear to me that you like him, you always have, and I'm not surprised by your outlandish eighteen-year-old-you stunt. I suspected something like that must have happened between you because the dislike that came from you was way above the rim." He released a breath and looked at her searching her eyes. He sat back in the chair again and removed his glasses, drawing her attention to the freckles on the bridge of his straight nose. "Chloe, you're my best friend, so I'm supposed to take care of you and try to push aside my bias. I think the question lies with what you want. You've known this guy your whole life. You've known him longer than me. You need to ask yourself what you want, and go with that."

Chloe looked at him, quite surprised by his answer. Perhaps she was counting on Wes to warn her away from Wade and put her off. But Wes wasn't doing that at all.

"Wes, it can't be good to feel like this. I feel out of control. And surely it's best to be careful."

"Of course, especially with him."

"Wes, he's the worst guy I know." Wade was without a doubt that. He was a bad boy to the max and oozed sex appeal in the most sinful ways that could corrupt even the purest of people.

"Chloe, the man is terrible, and I hope he burns in hell," Wes added. "But that's not the point. I know you, and if you thought there was that much of a risk, and he was that bad, we wouldn't be having this conversation. You wanted my guidance and opinion, and that is it. Wade's bad news. We both know this, but something in you must want to be with him, so I think you should go with what you want. But for God sake, be careful, remember he's a Vanderville."

She'd been waiting for him to say that. Wes had never held back on his opinions of the Vandervilles.

Chloe couldn't protest. She'd grown up around the family, and to this day Benjamin Vanderville still gave her the creeps. It was probably why she referred to him as either sir or Mr. Vanderville. He had that air of authority that made her feel uncomfortable, mixed with something sinister she couldn't put her finger on.

Then there was Wade, who was a category all on his own. It was like he'd inherited all the extreme traits and characteristics from his parents. He had Regina's drive to get whatever he wanted at whatever cost and to have things done his way. Wade also had that air of authority and controlling presence she'd seen displayed by his father.

"Okay." She didn't feel any less conflicted than before she spoke to Wes, but she supposed she had his opinion now. "I'll remember. Thanks for talking to me about this."

"Anytime. Call me if you need to, and please no more secrets. I know you may feel weird talking to me because I'm a guy but we've always been real with each other, and there isn't anything I wouldn't do for you."

Wes stood up to go and pushed his hands into his pockets, tugging on the end of his Planet of the Apes T-shirt. He adjusted his headphones around his neck and came around to kiss her forehead.

She smiled up at him. "I appreciate that, Wes. I'd do anything for you too."

"Then be careful and jump ship at the first sign of trouble."

She nodded. It was exactly what she planned to do. Jump ship if she had to save herself, or more specifically her heart.

As Wes turned to go, they both looked at the entrance and saw Wade leaning against the door frame. He wore a black leather biker jacket and black trousers. Head resting on the edge of the frame, jacket slightly open to reveal a charcoal gray T-shirt that molded to his muscles. Wade was the unadulterated description of sexy. Chloe stood up and swallowed hard as Wes looked back at her and frowned.

Wade moved from the door as Wes stepped away from Chloe. They walked towards each other then stopped when they met in the middle.

She admired Wes, he was several inches shorter than Wade and didn't have much muscle on his lanky body, but he stood up, tall and proud, staring Wade down as if he were letting him know that she had him to look out for her.

Wade smirked as Wes shook his head and placed his headphones on his head. Wes then strode away leaving Chloe to Wade.

Her nerves spiked when Wade looked at her with those deep, penetrating, gray eyes. She almost felt like running away, running away from the magnetism that drew her to him, but she knew that if she could run she wouldn't get very far. The pull was too strong and would only reel her back to him.

What was he doing here? And worse, how long had he been standing there? She really hoped he didn't hear what Wes said.

As he walked up to her, she caught the alluring scent of his aftershave. It was something musky and fresh, like what he wore that night at the club. It reminded her of the forest and mingled with his own scent, which was already paralyzing and will bending.

He focused on her with his steely gray eyes and did that staring thing where she was left feeling like he was looking straight through her. Chloe couldn't keep her mind from racing.

Exposed. That's how she felt, and it wasn’t a nice feeling. Those eyes looked right through her and she knew he knew the effect he was having on her because his sharp lips twisted into a grin.

"Wesley," he began. His voice smooth and silky. "What's the story with you two?"

She looked at him in disbelief, thrown by the question.

"He's my friend," she replied and was again treated with his steady, unfathomable gaze.

"What kind of friend?"

This was the part where Chloe would normally tell him to go away and leave her alone, but he'd incapacitated her, put her under some spell where he controlled her.

"The normal kind," she huffed. "What do you want?" Good, that sounded like the old her.

"I don't keep women as friends."

"Gee, you know, if there was one thing I knew it would be that."

He chuckled and gave her that cheeky grin that tightened her chest. It didn't help that he was getting closer and stopped a breath away from her. When he bent down to kiss her, she instinctively tilted her head up to receive his delicious lips.

His lips captured hers and transported her mind to a place where she'd abandoned reasoning and logic. The warmth of his hands smoothed over her waist and pulled her closer. It was only when his fingers brushed the underside of her left breast that she jumped back, fighting against the raw desire that stirred in her groin.

"I'm at work. I can't. We can't." What the hell had this damn man done to her? Just imagine if Regina herself walked in and saw her kissing her son. Regina made the occasional visit here, so it wasn't entirely impossible. Or, never mind Regina, Taylor could have come in. Or anybody for the matter. It wasn't like people didn't know who Wade was.

"I can fix that. Come on, let's go." He tilted his head towards the door.

"Go? What?"

"Come with me." His lips slid up into a sexy smile.

"Where are you going?"

"You'll have to come to find out."

"Wade, I'm at work. I have to work. I can't just leave. That's the kind of thing that could go against me."

"Chill out, baby. Geez, you are stressed. Come with me, and I'll make you feel good."

"No," she answered, although truthfully she wanted to say yes. Her stupid body, which wasn't listening to her anymore, wanted nothing more than for him to take her away and make her feel good, but if she went with him, she knew she'd lose her mind—or worse, herself.

"Chloe, it's lunch time, and you're in here cooped up. Is that what you want?"

"Wade…" Her voice trailed off as she thought about what she should say. She had a lot to do today, and she was busy. She couldn't go off with him.

He walked around her and rested his hands on her shoulders. His grip tightened as he started working his fingers into her tense muscles, massaging the area. It felt good, extremely good, and she could feel the pressure drain away from her.

"Good. Just relax," he whispered, leaning down to kiss the hollow in her neck.

It was impossible to resist him, and it didn't help that she had no desire to. Weakly she crumpled against his chest and welcomed more kisses across her skin. At that moment, she felt so good that she didn't care who came in and saw them.

"Come with me, baby."

She turned her head to look up at him and saw the hunger in his eyes. It made her weaker, her whole body went weak, and she couldn't resist him. Her stomach clenched as a pulse of desire shot through her body.

"Okay." It was the only answer.

He took her hand and gave her a cunning smile, then pulled her along beside him as he rushed out of the building. Wade didn't seem to care who saw them together—and quite a few people did. Chloe didn't care either, all she knew was she was going wherever he was taking her. He led them to a sleek black Kawasaki motorcycle that looked like something out of a Terminator or Mission Impossible film. A helmet was hooked over the handle. He reached for it and held it out for her to take.

"It's a motorcycle," she gasped. She'd never ridden on one before and was honestly terrified at the thought. It was too open, with the possibility of anything happening. "Where's your car?"

"This is today's ride, baby." He smiled. "Put your helmet on."

Who was she kidding? She couldn't do this. "Wade, I'm…I'm scared."

She thought he would laugh at her and brush off her fear in his usual cocky manner, but he surprised her by taking her hand again and bringing it up to his lips to kiss.

"You don't have to be scared when you're with me, Chloe. I won't let anything happen to you."

All Chloe could do was look at him. His words spoke to her heart and pulled on its strings that already reached out to him.

"I promise," he added.

With that, she put the helmet on and watched him swing one powerful leg over the bike to position himself. She thought he looked like an ad for an action film.

Her head felt swamped in the helmet, and it felt strange on her head, but again she didn't care. She got on the back of the bike and tried to adjust herself, tucking her skirt between her legs. When she slid her arms around him to hold on tight, he put on his Oakley's and revved the engine.

The sound rippled through her and she held on tighter, pressing her hands into his corded muscles.

"Hold on, baby."

That was it. Her stomach jumped into her chest as he leaned forward and the bike shot off down the road. It was so fast, too fast, she couldn't catch her breath.

Chloe pressed herself right up against him and squeezed her eyes shut, thinking this was worse than going on one of those theme park rides. She couldn't believe she agreed to this. Wade had charmed his way past her natural defenses and common sense.

No one would believe her if she told them this. They just wouldn't believe that she'd done this.

The hum of the engine zinged through her body, and as she pressed herself close to Wade, she could feel the steady rhythm of his heart. She listened in, trying to hear but couldn't through the helmet.

They must have been riding for half an hour before he started to slow down. It was only then that she opened her eyes and saw that they were in Redondo Beach. She'd been here a few times and loved the houses. It would be where she'd choose to live if she could afford it. The houses were all stunning and had that Victorian architecture and design, mixed with a splash of contemporary for a cosmopolitan feel.

They pulled up outside a stylish house with soft cream and brown colors. It was big and eloquently designed.

"Who lives here?" she asked.

It was only when he covered her hands that she realized she was still clutching on to his chest.

"Me. I live here. Welcome to my new house." He smiled, stroking the top of her hand.

"You bought a house? Already?"

"Yup. This is me. Moved in over the weekend."

He'd only been back a week, but she supposed that when you were as rich as him, buying a house was like buying clothes.

He continued to stroke her hand, scattering her nerves with each touch. "Do you like it?"

She was surprised he wanted her opinion. "Yes, it's beautiful." She smiled

"Let's go inside."

Inside.

Chloe was the kind of girl who loved venturing into a new house and seeing what all the rooms looked like. However, complete awareness washed over her and sent her nerves into overdrive, making her take a moment to assess her actions. Not only had she, Miss Down to Earth, all common-sense Chloe, jumped on the back of a motorcycle with Wade Vanderville without so much as her phone or her purse, but now she was going inside his house where they would be alone. All by themselves, alone, and realistically he could only have brought her here for one thing.

All roads led to sex with Wade, and now she was feeling that sense of being out of control again. He got off the bike and helped her take off the helmet, then he placed his hand in the center of her back and ushered her into the house.

She wondered what she'd see inside. She imagined Wade to be the kind of guy who pushed the limits and went to extremes with everything.

As they went in, she was pleasantly surprised to see the tasteful decoration. It had that less-is-more look and looked like someone sophisticated and businesslike lived here.

"You look surprised," he joked.

"It just looks so neat and well put together." She smiled up at him.

"I had a designer fix it up."

Smart move. She'd do the same if she could. Chloe followed him into the living room and watched him place the helmet on the glass-topped coffee table sitting in the center of the room.

She looked around appreciating the design, then her eyes landed back on him. His gaze fixed on her even as he shrugged out of his jacket, and that awareness she felt returned.

A devilish grin lifted the edges of his sensual lips. She looked at him standing tall and deadly handsome before her, priding himself on his good looks and incredible physique with great confidence. With a cool smile, he lifted the end of his T-shirt and pulled it over his head, enhancing the fantasy-like vision she had of him.

She couldn't hide her desire as she gawked at his body. Chloe was normally more aware of her manners and always thought it was rude to stare, especially the way she was. But like with everything else about Wade, the perfection of him reeled her in and she couldn’t look away. There was every chance she was embarrassing herself further by drooling as she took in his magnificently defined muscles, highlighted by the inky black tattoos scrawled down the line of his taut abs. They were stylish, tasteful, Celtic swirls.

She'd had a total of three relationships in her life, and none of the men she'd been with had ever looked like him. Not even a fraction of him.

Her hormones were going berserk, racing through her veins while her nerves scattered. Again, she had that mind control feeling, and she knew she would be his if he wanted her.

"You look scared, Chloe." He spoke in a cool, calm voice.

"No," she managed, even though her heart had gone past its preliminary seizure and was now racing within her chest. Maybe she should have thought this through first before she came here.

Chloe pulled in a sharp breath as he stepped towards her. This was it, he was just going to grab her and take her to his room, and who knew what would be in there. She wouldn't put it past Wade to be one of those men who tied you up and did all that kinky stuff.

"Oh God," she breathed, saying that a little louder than she planned.

Her reaction seemed to amuse him. "Chloe, you are far too tense. What do you think I'm going to do to you?"

"Well, I wish I knew. Wade, you just captured me from the middle of work and brought me here to your house. You have this daring personality that makes you do whatever the hell you want, and then there's stupid me who can't say no. Now you're standing in front of me with your shirt off. For all I know I could end up tied to your bed and handcuffed with an apple in my mouth." She was babbling, talking on fast forward with no alleviation between each word.

He set his hands gently on her shoulders, bent down, and kissed the top of her nose. "I don't like bondage and kink. It doesn't do it for me, baby. We should both be free to enjoy each other." He lifted his brows at her. "But if that's what you like, Chloe, I'll do it for you." He eyed her with curiosity, and she widened her eyes.

"No, I don't," she answered quickly.

"Good, because that's not part of the plan."

She locked on his gaze. "What plan?"

"Well, this is the first part. Today we talk, and play." He stared deep into her eyes appealing to her inner desires. Holding her in place from the inside out. Then he released her and walked around to the sofa to pick up two bags, both from Neiman Marcus. "This is yours." He held them out to her.

"Mine? You bought me something?" This was a surprise. She looked at the bags. They were both medium sized, but one had more in it than the other.

The smile returned to his face. "This is for today." He handed her the bag that had more contents in it. She looked inside and gasped, unable to resist smiling.

He bought her a super cute, bright pink bikini, which was from the Scarlett Minkley collection. She took it out and looked at it. This was something she would have easily picked on a shopping spree, although she would have definitely needed to save up for a few weeks to get it.

"You bought this for me?"

"Yup, that is for you."

"Thank you. I love it." She did, and hoped it would look good on her. She'd been pigging out over the weekend to pacify her worries and hoped she hadn't gained weight.

"You're welcome. And this," he handed her the other bag and gave her a lust-filled smile. "Is for next time."

She took the bag and looked inside. Butterflies filled her stomach as she looked at the sheer pink lace thong. That was from Victoria’s Secret and looked similar to what she'd tried to entice him with when she was eighteen.

This smile she couldn't resist either. That uncontrollable want for him filled her again and sent the sparks of desire rippling through her. Her eyes met his. "You want me to wear this?"

"It was for next time, but you can wear it now if you want."

"Next time?" She had to admit that she admired him for his forwardness and advanced planning. She'd never met anyone with such extraordinary confidence.

"Yes baby. You like it?"

"I do." Her eyes took him in and his perfect form. "Do you?"

His lips slid up into a sexy smile. "Oh yes. Pink is definitely your color. Eighteen-year-old Chloe left a lasting impression on my mind. I can't wait to see what this version of you will do."

She looked at him, absorbing his words. It was amazing how over the years she thought he'd made fun of her for what she did. But she'd been completely wrong.

He stepped back. "I'll leave you to change. Join me for a swim when you're ready." He winked at her, turned to reveal a black Chinese dragon tattooed across the majority of his back, and went through the sliding door.

Chloe stared after him and released the breath she'd been holding onto as she watched him go. Wade was too much for her, too much for her nerves, and too much for her brain to process.

But she liked him. She was starting to like him a lot.

On that thought, she found the bathroom and got changed into the bikini, which looked stunning on her. Thankfully it also fit her perfectly.

Wade looked her over with appreciation as she walked across the poolside and joined him on one of the loungers.

"Perfect," he said, taking her hand and pulling her down to sit in his lap. He'd traded the jeans for a pair of black shorts, which displayed more tattoos on his legs.

She slid her arms around his neck, relishing the feel of him and having him hold her like this.

"Wade, how many tattoos do you have?" She didn't remember him having that many.

"Is that your first question?" He leaned back against the vinyl material of the chair.

"It could be? Do I get a set amount?" She giggled. She felt more at ease with him now.

"I guess that since this is our first date, you should be allowed to ask as many questions as you want."

She smiled down at him. "This is a date?"

He nodded. "It was the only way I could get you all to myself."

Chloe appreciated his efforts. She looked around at the pool and the surrounding plants that hung on the stony walls in pots. It had a European feel to it that she liked. Her parents had a similar sort of arrangement at their cottage.

"I have fifteen," he stated.

She looked back to him. "Fifteen?"

"Tattoos. I'm guessing you don't have any, although there are a few places I have yet to inspect." He looked over her breasts.

"I hate needles."

"They're not that bad once you get used to it." His lips slid into a smooth, easy smile. "So, tell me. Why are you so worried about this job?"

She gazed into those eyes of his wondering if she could tell him.

"I won't say a word to my mom if you're worried I will." He smiled, running his hand over the hollow of her back.

She looked at him and decided it couldn't cause any harm talking. So, she started with the thing that was most pressing on her mind. "I'm too comfortable at Runway," she began. "I've been there for a long time, and I work hard. I don't want to miss the chance to see what I can do if I'm in charge. I don't think I can stay there if I don't get the job."

She'd never expressed that to anyone else and saying it out loud scared her a little, but it felt right as a plan.

"What makes you worry you won't get it?"

"The competition. It's fierce." It truly was.

"Are you good?" He smiled.

"I'm the best," she replied without hesitation. Chloe was the last person to boast and be arrogant about her work, but she knew her talent.

"Well, that sounds like you have nothing to worry about. My mom only works with the best. If you know you are, I'm a hundred percent certain that she knows it too. She won't want the best to leave. So stop worrying about it. Things have a way of working out." It was sweet of him to tell her that. She appreciated his comments and insight. It made her relax. "So, is there any chance you could stop worrying, even for today?"

"I think I can," she smiled.

"Good, because I want to enjoy you. Come here." He crooked his finger, and she lowered to his awaiting lips.

This was how they mostly were for the majority of the afternoon—kissing, playing in the pool, and taking turns at questions. She learned a lot about his plans. He told her about his new business and the work he was doing around that. It sounded amazing and like such a good idea. She also enjoyed listening to the stories of his travels and all that he'd experienced in the last five years. She loved hearing about Japan, and his description of it made her want to go even more than she already did. Japan was one of the countries she'd always wanted to visit most because of the natural beauty and the cherry blossom trees. He sounded like he had a good time there, but she couldn't help but notice at times when he spoke that there was something more beneath the exciting descriptions. She sensed pain and guilt, and it was reflected in his eyes.

As evening drew on, they went inside and lay next to each other on the sofa. He left the sliding doors open so they could enjoy the cool air while they looked out at the approaching darkness of night.

Wade placed kisses along her shoulder, running his hands across the flat of her stomach. He made her want to feel his touch all over her body.

"Was it Wesley?" he suddenly asked, lingering at the edge of her ear. He hadn't asked her anything in a while.

"Was Wesley what?" She didn't understand what he meant. As she turned to face him, she met his penetrative gaze and could tell there was something pressing on his mind.

"Did you give yourself to Wesley? Did he take your virginity from you?"

She had to ease herself up from the shock of the question. "No. Why would you think that?"

"Why wouldn't I? You're always with him." He straightened up.

"He's my friend." She smiled, looking at him. It was absurd to think it, but the thought entered her mind that he might be jealous. But she brushed it aside. It must have been mild curiosity because she couldn't imagine Wade being jealous of anyone.

"And he's always been your friend? You never once thought you could be more than that?"

She started to laugh.

"Chloe, it's not funny."

"Yes, it actually is. Wes has always been my friend. I've never seen him like that, and I seriously doubt that he thinks of me in that way too."

As she sat up, he raised his knee and rested his elbow on it.

"Okay." He held her gaze again. "So, who'd you give it to?"

Now that question threw her humor. "A guy in college." Another mistake to file on the shelf of woes.

Dean Warrington was a wide receiver on the college football team. He was set to go places, and like Wade, he never wanted for a woman on his arm. Chloe, however, thought she was special to him. He certainly treated her that way, but she got a rude wake-up call when he dumped her the day after she slept with him. He practically threw her out of his bed, and as she left, there was another girl going in. She was just a number to him. But she made the mistake of thinking he cared for her.

"Did you love him?"

She shook her head. "Let's just say it was a disaster." She looked away and gazed out to what she could see of the sky and the twinkling stars above.

"I'm sorry." His voice brought her focus back to him. "It should have been me."

Surprise filled her, and she didn't know how to respond. "It's okay. It's in the past." That was the reality of it. It was in the past. She hugged her knees to her chest and continued to watch him, watching his reaction.

"I was a real mess back then, Chloe. It was the start of my ride to hell." That pain and guilty look returned to his eyes and caught her attention again.

"Wade." She geared herself up to ask.

"Yes, doll."

"Is that why you left, and stayed away for so long?"

The uncomfortable look in his eyes became more evident, and it made her wonder what had happened to make him look like that.

"Something bad happened. Something really bad." Instead of looking into her eyes like he usually did when he spoke, he looked ahead of them. She moved closer to him, reached up, and turned his face to her.

"What happened?" She searched his eyes, desperate to know. The pain she saw there confirmed her suspicions.

"I can't." He rested his hand on hers and shook his head. "It was an accident that was my fault. Saying more than that is too painful."

No one had ever said anything about Wade being in an accident.

"What kind of accident? Were you hurt?"

Wade shook his head. "No, I wasn't hurt, but I hurt…enough people." He pressed his lips together and looked at her with appreciation. "I promise to tell you one day, but tonight can we just have this?" He motioned from him to her and smiled.

She wanted to know more but thought she'd respect his request. It sounded like a sensitive matter, and she didn't want to cross the line. Chloe also wanted to enjoy being with him too.

She returned the smile as he took her hand and kissed it. She liked when he did that. He then picked her up and set her in his lap again and kissed her.

As he did, she allowed herself to savor him and the feelings that swirled throughout her body.