The next morning, Skye woke to a tangle of covers in Spencer's bed.

He’d talked. She’d listened and come to a conclusion about life. To have a family, she didn’t need the perfect man. What she wanted was a happily ever after, and Spencer offered the possibility. It was as close as she was going to get. But that kiss she’d shared with Ash had been beyond wonderful. Maybe all she needed was good for now.

In the end, did it really matter? Life was messy and full of compromise. Spencer wasn’t perfect, but neither was she. He had her mind spinning and her heart in free fall.

She rolled over to find his side of the bed empty, and there was a note on his pillow. Sometime while she’d been sleeping, he’d slipped his ring back on her finger.

She clasped the note to her chest and stared at the ceiling. His ring twisted around her finger. One week? He’d told her that they’d spend the next few days away from the distractions of work and celebrating their engagement. What was she supposed to do now? Head to the mountains alone?

She pressed a hand to her head. The clunky ring banged against her forehead. The thing needed to be resized.

It didn’t fit on so many levels.

With a groan, she climbed out of bed. Perhaps it was best that he’d been called away. A solo retreat might be exactly what she needed to decide, once and for all, if Spencer belonged in her future.

She showered and dressed, pulling on a fresh pair of scrubs from her backpack.

On her way out the door, she grabbed Spencer's prenup and set out to walk to the coffee shop. The arctic blast of yesterday had warmed to a more reasonable winter chill. Nevertheless, the crispness of the air had her cheeks burning while the wind whipped at her chapped lips. Overhead, a brilliant sun blazed, and stray wisps of clouds laced a clear deep blue sky.

A short time later, the wonderfully rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee tickled her nose. The warmth of the store enveloped her and banished the chill from her invigorating walk.

She adjusted her backpack and waited for the barista to finish the previous customer’s order.

“Hiya!” Kandi’s bubbly personality always brought a smile to Skye’s early mornings.

“Good morning. Can I have a—”

“Hot cocoa?”

“Um, yes, please.”

The girl laughed, and her ponytail swished. “You’re later than usual today.” She flashed a row of perfect teeth and pointed to Skye’s favorite corner spot. “Cocoa’s waiting on you.”

“Waiting?” Knowing her favorite drink was one thing. Having it waiting was kind of creepy.

The blonde jerked her chin toward the couch. “That sexy guy has been hanging out for over an hour, hoping you’d show.” She flicked her fingers in the direction of Skye’s usual spot. “He’s had me make a fresh cup whenever the previous one gets cold. I just walked the fifth one over. It’s piping hot.”

Skye twisted toward the fire, and sure enough, someone was sitting in her spot. He had on a familiar ball cap and goofy mirrored sunglasses. His head bobbed to whatever music filled his earbuds, and two cups sat on the coffee table.

She covered her mouth, surprised. “Oh my God.”

The barista lowered her voice to a whisper. “It’s so romantic.”

“Did he pay?”

The door opened, and customers filed in line behind her.

The barista’s face pinched with confusion. “He’s running a tab.”

Skye did a quick calculation and slapped down some cash. “Here.” She couldn’t let a stranger pay for such a large bill.

“I don’t really think—”

“I don’t care.”

Spencer's ring slipped around her finger. She stared at it and all the possibilities it represented. He loved her, and despite their problems, she cared deeply about him. But, if she was going to live the rest of her life with him, she needed to know he was the right choice. She slipped the ring off and zipped it into the inner pocket of her backpack.

With a deep breath, she went to greet Ash.

He sat with an ankle kicked over the opposite knee, hands clasped and head bowed, rocking to his own beat. He wore black jeans, well-worn hiking boots, and another faded T-shirt stretched tightly over his chest. A black leather jacket was draped over the arm of the chair. With the hat and glasses, only his lips and jawline were visible. It was a shame because he had the handsomest face.

In fact, the glasses covered much of his cheekbones, and she couldn’t make out the cut under his eye. Had he taken care of it, like he’d said he would? It would scar otherwise, and it would be a shame to mar such perfect features.

She swallowed away her nervousness, remembering how he’d held her, the way his lips had felt against her skin, the way her insides had melted, and how her body had responded to him, like it never had with Spencer.

“Hello,” she said.

He didn’t react, probably because he had the noise turned up too loud.

She nudged his shoulder, shaking gently.

His attention shifted from his hands to her. His entire body stilled, except for the smile sweeping across his face.

While she couldn’t see his eyes, the intensity of his gaze pinned her in place. He stole all the oxygen from the room, and she could barely catch her breath.

He lowered the sunglasses, revealing the iridescent deep hue that matched the scales of the dragon tattoo wrapping up his neck. He regarded her with a look of wonder. His pupils dilated as he devoured her. Two Steri-Strips held the wound closed beneath his eye. Someone had taken care of him.

“You’re here.” The awe in his voice rushed over her in waves. In one fluid movement, he moved to his feet. “After you stood me up, I thought I’d never see you again. I know this is a little stalkerish, but…I just had to see you again.”

“I didn’t stand you up. You weren’t there.”

“No way in hell would I stand you up.” He pulled her down onto the couch and settled beside her. He leaned forward, grabbed two cups resting on the coffee table, and handed her one. “Your drink.”

She took the steaming cup, her hand a bit shaky. Hell, her entire body trembled in his presence. “The barista told me that you’ve been waiting.”

He hung his head and chuckled softly. “Damn, that makes me look pathetic.”

She put a hand on his arm. “No, it’s really sweet.”

She loved the way his hair hung down to his shoulders and curled around his ears. The dragon tattoo on his neck peeked out between the strands, as if it were measuring her and not the other way around.

“Where were you last night?” she asked.

“Waiting out front.”

“I didn’t see you.”

Bob had relieved her a few minutes early. Maybe, if Spencer hadn’t been waiting, she and Ash wouldn’t have missed each other.

Ash’s brows pulled together, and a mischievous grin curled the corners of his mouth. “We didn’t get to finish that kiss.” He traced a line over her thigh.

She cocked her head and suppressed the shiver running down her spine as his thumb pressed against the outer seam of her jeans. They would have more of a connection if he’d run his finger along her bare arm where there was no clothing to get in the way.

“Um, I’d say we finished just fine.” That was a lie, and if he wanted another go at kissing, she was ready.

“No, we got interrupted by the Asshat. Did he steal you away from me?” He huffed a laugh. “I’m assuming that’s the case because I’m not the kind of guy that girls stand up.”

She took a sip of cocoa. “You’re a bit cocksure, aren’t you?”

Now, why wasn’t that irritating, like it was with Spencer? Maybe because Ash’s confidence was so sexy and stemmed from harmless egotism instead of a need to control others.

His lips curved into another smile. “Ah, but you like me, and you’re dying to know how last night would’ve gone.”

“I think you’re dying to tell me how it might have gone. I hate to break it to you, but I’m not that kind of girl. A kiss is as far as you would have gotten.”

Please don’t be a man-whore. She desperately wanted there to be more to this man than his looks.

He reached out and toyed with a strand of her hair, curling it around his finger. “I find that oddly exciting. Now, tell me what happened last night.”

He found that exciting? That she wouldn’t put out? What happened to the “I want to be buried deep inside you until you can’t think” comment?

Rather than ask, she answered his question, “It got complicated.”

“It sounds a bit more than complicated.”

They sat in silence, watching the fire in the hearth crackle and burn.

She grabbed one of his earbuds and pulled it to her ear. “What are you listening to?”

He tried to yank it back, but she held on and settled it in her ear.

“I want to know. You were really engrossed in whatever it was when I walked up.”

The warbling sound of an Angel Fire song kicked in. The frenetic rhythm filled her head along with the vocals of their lead singer—“a man who could sing his ass off with blissful yet devastating melodies without losing his balls.” At least, that’s what her brother would say. Angel Fire was Forest’s favorite band.

She tilted her head back, rocking in time with the underlying drumbeats.

The song ended, and she looked up. “I’m not familiar with that song.”

He shrugged. “That band has lots of songs.”

“I guess so.”

“Did you like it?” His question held more than a hint of interest.

“Yeah, but they always play good stuff. They’re supposed to be in town for a concert this weekend.” That was as close as she would come to asking him out although getting ahold of tickets to what was probably a sold-out show would be nearly impossible.

He licked his lower lip. “Yeah, I’ve heard their stuff is good.”

She playfully punched him in the shoulder. “What? You’re not a fan?”

According to Forest, it was impossible for any male in the world not to be into Angel Fire’s pounding rhythms. He’d also said every girl wanted into at least one band member’s pants. She could recognize the band’s signature sound, but that was where it ended for her.

Ash laughed. “Not exactly a fan. You?”

“I’m not the fangirl type.” She shrugged. “Too busy with important things to follow any one band. I know what I like, but I can barely match a band with one of their songs. My brother likes Angel Fire and plays them nonstop. That’s the only reason I even know who that band is.”

A line formed between his brows. “Important things? Like what?”

“Well, like medical school, residency, and studying my ass off to pass the boards. I rarely listen to music, but I know what I like. That’s pretty much the end of it.”

Forest managed their shared music files. She’d push shuffle and let the music run, skipping over the tracks she didn’t like. Otherwise, she wouldn’t pay much attention. Forest, on the other hand, knew every band, every song, and the name of every musician, but then he knew just about everything.

“Oh.” A frown crossed his face and then disappeared. He downed the last of his coffee and chewed his lower lip. “Look, I know your life might be a bit complex right now, but it sounds to me like you should reevaluate your priorities.” He traced a circle over her kneecap.

She batted his hand away. “I don’t want to talk about my fiancé.”

“Asshat is back to being your fiancé?” He drew a heart shape on her upper thigh. “With the way you were kissing me, I’m surprised.”

“I said it was complicated. I’m taking the next three days to figure things out.” She waved her hands in the air. “My boss has a cabin, and he’s letting me use it. Just me, the woods, and miles of hiking trails to sort out my head.”

“What about your heart? You forgot about your heart. And where’s Mr. Asshat going to be?”

“He’s away on business.”

Ash grew silent for a long moment. “Three days?”

She nodded.

“Alone, in a cabin, in the woods, by yourself?” He looked at her like she was crazy.

Another nod. She wished he’d stop giving her that look. She wasn’t crazy.

“Interesting.”

She tucked her chin and glanced at him sideways. “How is that interesting?”

More silence.

Then, he suddenly leaned forward. “Do you believe in fate?”

With her history? “No, I don’t believe in fate.” What child deserved the hell she and Forest had endured?

“I do.” He stood and held out a hand. “Come.”

“Excuse me?”

“I happen to have three days free.”

“And?”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Um…what?” Her heart dropped, pounding fast and furious with the butterflies Ash had set aflight in her stomach.

He pulled her into his arms. “It’s time to uncomplicate your life. Last night, we missed each other, but now, we have a second chance. Looks like I have three days to persuade you to take a chance on someone who won’t treat you like your asshat ex.”

“What do you mean, like he treats me? You barely know me. I find it a bit presumptuous of you to judge me, my life, or the man I intend to marry.”

He tilted his sunglasses down, looking over the rim, letting her know exactly how serious he was. Velvet green held her captive. “You’re not marrying him. You and I both know this. Now, let me show you why.”

“I’m sorry, but you can’t invite yourself along on my trip. I don’t know anything about you.”

“You’re right. You don’t know me at all, but you want to.”

The couch pressed against the backs of her calves, blocking her escape route. She put a palm against his chest to push him back. Wrong move. The hardened planes of his muscles stretched under the soft cotton of his T-shirt. His body heat radiated against her palm, and his heart thumped, slow and steady, beneath her hand. An answering resonance sounded deep in her chest.

He covered her hand, stroking it with his long fingers. “What more do you need to know? We share a connection.”

She felt it all right. Every single breath, lick, and caress of it had awakened her senses. She remembered him pressing her against the wall.

“If we were somewhere more private, I’d have you stripped by now.”

His bold words should have had her running for the hills.

“I want to be buried deep inside you until you can’t think.”

Such blatant sexuality from a man would typically have her crawling inside her shell and dissembling as past memories overtook her conscious thought. The heat of his words, however, had washed over her, and for the first time, she hadn’t frozen from a man’s touch.

Wanting more of that, she ran her fingers over the fabric of his shirt and thought about all the reasons to say no.

“Ash, I’m sorry, but I can’t.” That was a lie. And, after Spencer's betrayal, didn’t she deserve a chance to find out if Ash might be right?

His hand curled around hers. “Take a chance, Skye. What do you have to lose?”

The urgency of his gaze was too much. She tried to look away. “You don’t understand.”

“Look at me.”

He bent down until his eyes were level with hers. Golden flecks in a sea of green stared at her with confidence and need. “Give me a chance.” He straightened and flashed a cocky grin. “After three nights with me, you won’t even remember his name.”

A shiver ran down her spine, but her practical nature overrode the reactions he’d pulled from her body. Was that all he wanted? Sex was the last thing she was looking for.

“Sorry, but I’m not interested in becoming another notch on your belt.”

He breathed out a long sigh and tilted his head back. “I’ve never been stood up until you. Never been denied until—shit, this is crazy, but what if I gave my word to keep my junk in my jeans?”

She burst out laughing.

“You think that’s funny?” His brows drew together as he regarded her with an intense stare. His voice lowered to a mumble. “Well, I’m serious. If that’s what it takes for you to let me come with you, I’ll keep my junk in my jeans.”

Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God, stop saying that.”

His eyes narrowed. “I never tease about sex.”

“You’d come with me, knowing there’s no chance of sex?” Dear God, had she just said yes?

He lifted her hand and brushed her knuckles against his lips. “Deal, but only for three days. After that, we renegotiate.”

“I have to go home and pack. Do you want to meet me back here after you get your stuff?”

He shook his head. “No, I can buy what I need on the way.”

“How is it that you happen to have free time?”

He flashed a mysterious smile. “I’ve got the time, babe.”

A worm of doubt wriggled in her belly. “Are you on vacation or something?”

“Kind of. More like, here on business, but as long as I’m back by Friday, it’ll be fine.” He gestured to the counter. “Look, let me pay for the drinks, and then we can go.”

“Never mind. I already took care of it.”

His mouth gaped. “You what?”

“I told you, I pay my own way.”

“You can’t do that.” He ran a hand over his back pocket, searching for a wallet he wouldn’t need.

“If you’re coming with me, you play by my rules. We split all costs down the middle. I have a rental to pick up, but I’ll pay for that and the gas.”

His lips formed into a thin line. “You don’t need a rental. I have a Jeep, and I’ll pay for all the gas.”

“We split the gas.”

He crossed his arms. One corner of his lips turned up, and he arched a single brow. “Does this mean, we’re negotiating?”

She laughed. “I guess so.”

“I drive. We split meals and any other activities straight down the middle?”

“Yes,” she said.

He held up a hand. “I’m not finished.”

She rolled her eyes. “Go on.”

“I’ll sleep on top of the covers if I have to, but we share the bed.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but he pressed a finger against her lips, silencing her retort.

“I get to hold your hand and kiss you as much as I like,” he stated his terms with another smirk.

“First base only but no sex,” she said. Kissing was good. Would she respond differently to him or grow cold and shut down?

“Well, let’s not get crazy.” His gaze flicked from her eyes to settle on her chest. “I mean, you have to give a guy something.”

She wasn’t sure if she wanted him touching her breasts, but she was willing to consider it. “Second base?”

His eyes narrowed. “Depends on your definition of second base. If you’re thinking of a little tongue, we’ve already done that. Quite successfully, I might add. If you’re talking about a little boob action, I’m all in. How about third base?”

That sounded dangerous. She didn’t want his fingers anywhere near down there. “I think second is far enough. Wouldn’t want to tempt you too much.”

His lips twitched. “I can keep my junk stowed, especially since we’ll be renegotiating on day four.”

His confidence had her smiling.

“We’ll see about that.” She thought of another condition. “And you wear pajamas.”

He frowned. “That’s ridiculous. I haven’t worn PJs since I was ten.”

“That’s the deal. Take it or leave it.” Her insides flipped. Were they really discussing sleeping attire? What would he look like in pajamas, considering how hot a pair of jeans looked sitting on his hips?

He vented a deep sigh. “I’m going to have the bluest balls at the end of these three days.”

She burst out laughing at his brutal honesty. The freedom with which he joked at his own expense was refreshing next to the rigidness of all things Spencer.

He lifted his hands, palms out. “I’m just saying.” He made a classic hourglass motion with his hands. “On the seventy-third hour, we’re having a talk. Now, let’s blow this joint.”

As they gathered their things, she wondered which one of them would be more eager for the arrival of the seventy-third hour.

She fished her phone out of her backpack and drafted a message to Forest. He needed to know about Spencer cheating on her, Ash’s appearance, and whatever this three-day experiment was about. And, if Ash turned out to be some ax-wielding psychopath, Forest would need to recover her body.

Ash led her around to the parking lot out back. The lights of a beat-up black Jeep with oversized tires and a lift kit flashed.

“My baby.” His chest expanded with pride. “Bought it myself when I was seventeen.”

She pointed to the vehicle and then to him. Unable to keep the smile from her face, she said, “Black Jeep, black jacket, black jeans, and black shirt? Either you’re crazy about the color black, or you’re seriously depressed.”

His lips curved. “Wiseass, get in my Jeep.”

But there was a guitar case in the way. He hefted the case into the rear, freeing up the passenger seat.

“You play?”

Another of his amazing smiles brightened his face. “From time to time.”

He went around to the other side. Once inside, he removed the sunglasses, folded them up, and placed them on the dash.

She leaned toward. “Let me look at that cut.”

He swatted her hand away. “It’s fine.”

She used her authoritative doctor’s voice. “Let me see it.”

He turned toward her. It was not as bad as she’d feared but worse than it should have been.

Someone had slapped Steri-Strips across it and used superglue to seal the edges. Not a bad job, but she could have sutured it, so the cut would heal with hardly a scar.

“You told me you were going to have it taken care of.” She traced the line of the cut. The puckered raw edges made her shake her head. “You should have let me stitch it up.”

He squeezed her hand. “I know, but now, I have a battle scar from fighting over my girl.” His eyes flashed in the light, sparkling with more brilliance than Spencer's diamond.

“I’m not your girl.”

“Well, when I tell the story of how I won you over, it’ll be priceless.” He released her hand and turned on the ignition. “Now, how do I get to your place?”

She wasn’t sure how she felt about the scar, but from the way Ash’s chest puffed out, he seemed proud of it.

He slipped the Jeep into traffic and wove between the cars. Hard rock streamed through the speakers. As she leaned forward to reach the speaker controls so that she could turn the music down for him to hear the directions to her place, her gaze caught on the spiderweb tattoo covering his neck.

The web had been inked in black, but up close, she saw the edges had been outlined in red. Some of the strands oozed blood. In the center, the dragon she had only glimpsed before stared out at her with a defiant glare. The silk seemed to sway under the dragon’s weight as its talons curled around the bloody strands. Its ruby eyes gleamed with a fiery glow, and the blackbird, which she’d originally thought was ensnared by the dragon, was instead held with a gentle grip.

Catching her out of the corner of his eye, he fractionally turned his head as he pulled up to a Stop sign. “You’re staring.”

A flush warmed her neck and crept up her cheeks. “Sorry, but your tattoo is amazing.”

He rubbed at his neck. “Yeah, one of my many acts of teenage defiance. Totally freaked my mom out.”

“How old were you when you got it?”

“Seventeen. Got it the same day I bought the Jeep, but it took a few years to finish it off.”

“I thought you had to be eighteen to get a tattoo?”

“Well, I knew the artist. Mom didn’t speak to me for a week. I got the web first.”

“Does it mean anything?”

“Maybe. But I’m not going to spill all my secrets on the first date.”

“Is that what this is? A first date?”

“Not really.” He reached over and stroked her thigh. The heat of his palm radiated through the fabric of her jeans, stirring arousal elsewhere. “Technically, it’s the second. No way can I forget our first kiss.”

His brows quirked with mischief while her cheeks flushed again.

He focused on the traffic and curled his fingers around her hand. “You look scared to death. Don’t be. I pride myself on being a man of my word.”

This whole situation was crazy, their agreement was insane, but she was willing to take a chance on Ash.

Half a block later, he pulled into the driveway of her modest two-bedroom brownstone.

Forest had wanted to buy her a bigger place, but the mortgage fit within the salary she pulled from her job at the hospital. He didn’t like that she’d taken out a mortgage either, but it was important to her to live within her means as a physician.

Ash put the mirrored sunglasses back on and hopped out, coming around to open her door. She wasn’t sure what to think about the fact that he shared that trait with Spencer.

“Come inside.”

He shook his head. “Too risky.”

“What does that mean?”

“This isn’t the cabin. Our three days haven’t officially begun yet. Best I wait in the car.” He lowered those stupid glasses and pinned her with a penetrating deep gaze. “Me and my junk will be right here. Don’t take too long. Otherwise, I’ll be forced to come looking for you.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

He pushed the glasses up, hiding his beautiful eyes. “If I come in there, I’m going to kiss you. If I kiss you, I’m going to touch you.” He took a step toward her, closing the distance, forcing her heart into a rapid flutter. His voice lowered as he spoke in her ear, “I’ll peel off all your clothes and make you forget all about your maybe, maybe-not fiancé until my name is the only sound you make.”

She imagined him doing exactly that and bit her lower lip.

He took a step back. “Technically, our trip hasn’t started. My promise isn’t in effect. As soon as I pile you into my Jeep and take you to this cabin, I’m going to regret giving you my word because I already know what it feels like to touch you. Unless that’s what you want…”

She had no words.

He gave a shake of his head. “Okay then, I’ll be waiting right here. I’m not fucking this up. Not that I don’t want to follow you right now. Sex is great. But you should know, I’m after the bigger prize.”

Holy hell in a hand basket. Did this guy have no filter?

With the sunglasses, there was no way to know if he was telling the truth or teasing.

Half of her wanted to find out if he would carry through on his threat. As threats went, that one sounded like a lot of fun.

She twisted the door handle and stepped across the threshold. “I’ll be out in ten minutes. No need to come get me.”

Her bags were already packed. All she needed to do was tell Forest and cancel the rental car.

Inside, the quiet of her house reminded her of the starkness of her life. The one devoid of a strange man, a three-day agreement, and scorching kisses that threatened to undo everything she’d fought to build.

She scanned Spencer's prenup into a file to send off to Forest.

Spencer promised a future she’d always dreamed of having. Could she really walk away from all the time she’d invested in achieving her most precious dream?

But she needed answers. And Ash might be the only clear signal in the confusing noise of her life right now.

A loud pounding sounded on her door after a few minutes.

“Skye,” he called out, “it’s been fifteen minutes. Don’t make me come in there. I don’t like breaking promises.”

She glanced at the door, a ghost of a smile lifting the corners of her mouth. While she knew next to nothing about Ash, her gut told her that his singular comment encapsulated the truth about him.

As much fun as it would be to let him in and have him ravage her as they both wanted, deep down, she knew they needed to wait.

“I’m on my way!”

She pressed the Send button and packed up her laptop. What would Forest think?

With her backpack slung over her shoulder and her day bag clutched in her hand, she headed out.

Three days with a man with emerald eyes, a magnetic voice, and the ability to melt her from the inside promised so many things.

She shut the door to her brownstone and locked her practical half inside.