Bring Me to Life

BRING ME TO LIFE …Surely she hadn’t misread the fire in his eyes. The breeze caressed her nipples where they were exposed just above the water, chilling them to hard gems. She turned again, letting long, smooth strokes carry her from one end of the pool to the other until exhaustion pulled her to the side. Arms braced, she hoisted herself out and sprawled in the nearest chaise lounge to let the warm California sun dry her. Amy toyed with her nipples as she imagined Josh’s fingers and lips there. He’d twirl one, suckle the other, then switch sides until she was arched in gap-mouthed ecstasy against him. She’d wrap her legs around his and rub her aching pussy along his pulsing cock. She combed her fingers through her pubic curls, straight to the moist slit. It felt like her clit met her halfway. He’d suck her there, too. Long sweeps of his tongue, his fingers probing deep into her cunt, finger-fucking her ass while his tongue forced her clit to rigid attention. Then she’d come. God, how she’d come. He’d let her rest, dragging his mouth up her body, and he’d slowly wedge his hips between her thighs. Her fingers flashed over her clit. He’d be big, hard…the biggest, thickest cock she’d ever seen. He’d have to enter her by slow degrees, spreading her pussy lips wide with the head of it before spearing the full length deep inside. Amy gasped, lost in the daydream. Then he’d fuck her, pulling almost all the way out before seating back home in a slow, sweet glide. Easing her onto his length, letting her muscles mold around his cock. Heat would flush their skin, bonding them more. She cried out softly as her body tensed. Pretending was good, so good. Reality would steal her breath away…

ALSO BY CAITLYN WILLOWS All Four One Bad Seed Body Double Caitlyn’s Kisses, Volumes I, II & III The Dating Pool Do Or Die Forbidden Fruit Graduation Day The Heir Her Bounty High Roller Hired Hand Hotel California I Am For You Just Partners A Little D.A.B. Love Potion #9 Match To Flame My Salvation No Strings One Touch Our One True Love Playtime Showtime The Star Series, Books I-V Teacher’s Pet Thief Of Hearts Treasure Hunters Undercover Lover Warrior Princess White Lies

BRING ME TO LIFE BY CAITLYN WILLOWS

AMBER Q UILL PRESS, LLC http://www.amberquill.com

BRING ME TO LIFE AN AMBER HEAT BOOK This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. Amber Quill Press, LLC http://www.amberquill.com http://www.amberheat.com All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review. Copyright © 2007 by Catherine Snodgrass ISBN 978-1-59279-660-1 Cover Art © 2007 Trace Edward Zaber

Layout and Formatting provided by: ElementalAlchemy.com

PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Acme Escort Agency Allow us to make you feel like the world revolves around you, yet completely safe and relaxed. Professional, young, good-looking males and females providing intelligent, witty, and romantic company for any occasion. We’re also trained in alternative therapies and massage, so when you call, ask about our special services and rates. Discretion is our middle name. At Acme, we’re at your service—day or night!

BRING ME TO LIFE

CHAPTER 1 Amy Thornton’s hands shook as she read the newspaper ad for the fifth time. She couldn’t believe she was considering this…act of desperation. She didn’t know what else to call it. Morning light streaming through the windows of her breakfast nook spilled over the ad—calling her attention to it, or trying to make her see how stupid this was? Perched on the edge of her chair, she jiggled her legs under the table, trying to expend nervous energy, while she weighed her decision for the thousandth time. She was lonely, sad, and all the sex toys in the world didn’t help that deep ache inside. She needed to be held, touched, loved on. With Dan’s death two years ago, she’d died, too. And had stayed that way. She needed someone, anyone, to bring her back to life. And she knew just who that someone was going to be. She pushed the newspaper back and returned to nibbling her raisin toast. Amy would be the first to admit it had taken her a long time to 1

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pull herself out of that pit of shock, grief, despair, and depression. It still strangled her heart each time she recalled that awful night. One minute she and Dan were standing outside Mario’s Trattoria waiting for the valet to bring their car around. The next minute Dan was dead, along with six other people—all victims of a driver who’d fallen asleep at the wheel. Yes…a very long time to crawl from the pit—eighteen months. But she was out now, ready to breathe in life once more. Unfortunately, it appeared as though their friends and associates weren’t ready for her to do so. It didn’t take long for Amy to see the sad truth—most everyone respected Dan too much to make a move on his widow. Any men who smiled her way were snagged aside fairly fast and told to back off. While Amy had appreciated that consideration during the first year, it had grown very trying later when she was ready to explore the world that awaited her. But she was the widow of the sainted Dan Thornton—whose legend seemed to grow each day—and now the head of his multi-million dollar production company. Her reputation could not be besmirched, or that of the company. A liaison with the wrong man could end in disaster for all, or so she’d been advised by her directors. She wondered if they were more concerned she’d marry and her new husband would attempt to take over the company. Not that anyone said anything, but she could see worry in their eyes. It was the same look she got that first day she walked into the boardroom and announced she’d be stepping into Dan’s shoes. She’d expected the cool reception they’d given her. It was the same frosty demeanor Dan had received when he’d taken over after his father’s death five years ago. It didn’t take long for him to win them over. Amy followed his example and didn’t back down. The directors had eventually warmed to her when they realized she wasn’t a ball of fluff and knew what the hell she was doing. Now they guarded her like a princess in a fairy castle. Any white knight attempting to rescue her 2

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was drowned in the moat before a single digit touched her drawbridge. Amy sighed and drew the paper toward her again. She didn’t need rescuing, she needed male contact. She needed to get laid. Was it asking so much? Out of the millions of men in Los Angeles, wasn’t there one with balls enough to scale the battlements and fuck her good and proper? She buried her head in her hands. It was more than that. She wanted to laugh again, feel the warmth of another body next to hers as she slept, to not be single at a table of couples. Specifically, she wanted Josh Colbert. Amy couldn’t say when she realized Josh was the main person responsible for chasing away would-be suitors. She’d noticed it by accident two months before at a party. Some actor had cornered her over a platter of mini-quiches—a nice-looking man, with an interesting smile, who seemed capable of intelligent conversation. Amy was intrigued. She’d turned away to set her champagne glass on the tray of a passing waiter. When she looked back, the man was gone. Josh had him by the arm, their heads bent in serious conversation. The actor moved on to other prey, studiously ignoring her. Curiosity had her seek out another male at that same party. Josh wasted no time cutting him off. Then another and another, until Amy was fairly certain she had the answer she was looking for. Josh wanted her for himself. So she’d flashed him what she presumed was a knowing smile over the fresh champagne flute she toyed with. His brown eyes dilated, his nostrils flared while those long fingers tightened around his glass. A glance down had revealed his tux was considerably tighter across his crotch. Yes, definitely interested. Getting him to make a move, however, was a different issue. Years of marriage had taught her a lot about male pride. She couldn’t come right out and confront Josh with how he felt, not when she couldn’t be sure how he’d react. Now that her eyes had been 3

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opened to the possibilities, she wanted him in her arms, not running the other way screaming denial. Josh and Dan had been friends for a long time. Dan had given Josh part of the start-up money to help get the L.A. franchise of Acme Escort Services going. It turned out to be a good investment; Dan had recouped his investment and then some in less than six months. Josh had been more than grateful for the help. Amy needed to make sure that elephant was banished completely. Josh had to admit he wanted her because that’s what he wanted, not out of any feeling that he owed Dan, or, heaven forbid, that he had to protect Amy from all the men in the world, even himself. Josh wasn’t inclined to let other men near her; he wasn’t inclined to approach her either. Someone needed a little prodding. She’d been alone long enough. They were going to resolve this. Either Josh would step up to the plate and admit his feelings, or he would step away and let Amy move on. Although doing the latter felt akin to another death all over again; her heart and body were set on him. Since that party she hadn’t been able to get Josh out of her mind. His smile, his laugh, the light in his eyes, the way the edges of his brown hair curled ever-so slightly against his collar. She’d seem him dressed to the nines and stripped down to swim trunks. His looks could devastate a woman’s senses no matter what he wore. Amy could almost feel herself tucked against that hard body as they danced. Could easily imagine his weight bearing her into the mattress as she wrapped her legs around him. Could almost taste his lips as they merged with hers. Damn his stubbornness. The man needed a serious wake-up call. It seemed like hiring an escort from his company was as good a place to start as any. Perhaps that would open his eyes. Her palms sweated as she reached for the cordless. She wiped them on her white shorts. There’d be no tennis with the girls today…if this worked according to plan. The privacy of her home was a good place 4

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for a trial run. Her friends often teased her, but Amy was really glad now that she and Dan had never had live-in staff. The cleaning, landscaping, and pool maintenance services all came once a week. If she had a large gathering, which hadn’t happened since before Dan’s passing, she hired a caterer. It was one of the smartest moves she’d ever made. The one she was about to make remained to be seen. She punched in the number before her courage failed her. A woman picked up on the second ring, answering in smooth, cultured tones. “Acme Escort Service, how can we please you today?” You can get Josh Colbert’s tight buns over here. “I’d like a dinner escort for this evening and…and I’d like to inquire about your special services and rates.” That ought to get his attention. Acme certainly wasn’t a front for prostitution. Their agreements were very specific about the services they provided, and especially those they did not provide. But many of the escorts were trained massage therapists. The prospect of Amy nude with a man’s hands roaming her body ought to give him pause. “Excellent. I’m Nancy and I’ll be more than happy to make the arrangements.” Her confidence boosted Amy’s. This ploy really might work. “Let’s start with the basics.” That involved Amy’s name, address, phone number, billing information. They progressed to the evening’s date—where she wanted to go, if she wanted limo service. She opted for a quiet dinner in a romantic restaurant and no limo. “Excellent.” She heard the keyboard tap out the information through the phone. “Now for our special service… Do you want male or female? Before or after the date, or for an extended period of time?” Amy’s confidence faltered. What if this didn’t work? Suddenly being naked, even under presumably innocuous circumstances with a strange man didn’t feel so enticing. The last thing she wanted was to set up a schedule for massages. 5

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“You know…let’s forget about that one.” “Gone. If there should be a need, please know your escort is fully trained in all the arts.” She resisted the urge to ask which ones. Getting Josh’s attention was one thing, making veiled innuendoes about his business was another. She wanted him in her bed, not pissed off. “Now…what type of man would you like? Being as specific as possible will help us match your wishes.” “Well, I’d like for him to not look like he’s fifteen.” She and Josh had frequently joked about how young everyone was starting to look to them. Nancy’s soft laughter filtered back. “Boy, do I know what you mean. Lately, they’re all starting to look like high school students to me. Our boss teases me about that all the time.” Amy smiled. She’d bet some of their older clientele liked them looking on the young side. Maybe she should really rattle Josh’s cage and pick the youngest escort she could find. No, this had to be believable if she was going to pull it off. “No baby faces,” Nancy said, and Amy heard the click of the keyboard as the woman typed in the information. “What else?” “No taller than six feet. No shorter than five-ten. More muscle than lean, but not overweight. I also want him fit, not muscle bound. Brown hair and eyes. Strong hands, a good sense of humor, well read, a gentleman, punctual, and…” Laughter swallowed the rest of her list. “I guess I was a little too specific.” She’d pretty much described Josh. “Not at all,” Nancy quickly assured her. “We want you to have a good time. You won’t be able to do that if you’re focused on some facet you find distressing. Anything else?” “No, that’s all I can think of.” “Excellent, give me just a few seconds to access our files to see who’s available. Ah…here we are. Brian Ross. In fact, he just walked 6

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in and is nodding his acceptance as we speak. Would you like to talk to him?” “No. That won’t be necessary. I’ll see him tonight.” Unless she missed her guess, Brian Ross wouldn’t get within five miles of her house. “Good. Six it is. One of our representatives will be by shortly with paperwork for you to sign. We have to ensure you’re completely aware of the services you’ve requested, and of the ones we cannot provide. You’ll also have our nondisclosure agreement. We want nothing to distract from the evening. This gets it all out of the way before then to help keep the night enjoyable.” “Wonderful.” Perfect, in fact. “Thank you. I appreciate your attention to the small details.” “And thank you so much for calling Acme Escort Service.” Amy set the phone down. Phase One complete. Now for Phase Two…wait for Josh to show up and pray her minimal acting skills held up. She washed up the few dishes she’d had from her late breakfast, but her nervous energy wouldn’t let her rest. For the first time in two years, her body was alive with anticipation. If he walked in the door right now, she wouldn’t be able to think, much less speak. All she’d want to do was tear off his clothes, throw her body around his, and sink his cock deep, deep inside. Amy darted for the patio door, stripping tank top, shorts, and underwear off as she went. Her bare feet kissed the coolcrete around the pool only a second before she dove into the deep end—the perfect parallel to the move she’d just made. She touched bottom, then swam under water until she reached the shallow portion, where she broke the surface once more. Rolling to her back, she drifted there, while rows of Italian cypress trees stood guard just inside the ten-foot-high stucco wall that surrounded her back yard. Anyone determined enough to 7

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breach that wall was welcome to the peep show. They wouldn’t enjoy it long; security cameras would spot them and the trespasser hauled away before he could get a toehold to hoist himself over. Dan had spared no expense to see they were safe inside their home, and yet have their privacy still guarded from surveillance personnel. The hours he and Josh had spent planning the system… She sighed. Amy didn’t want to keep thinking of the past; it just made her sad. Her parents had assured her that one day she’d be able to look at or back on those memories and smile. One day was sure taking a hell of a long time to get here. Maybe that was all part of the movingon process. Truthfully, she did think about Josh now more than Dan—a lot more. Light at the end of the tunnel. Giving a wry chuckle, she lay there, cradled by the heated pool water, and watched fluffy white clouds skid across the blue sky. Contrails from jets flying overhead divided it into a grid-like pattern. That’s what she should have done—gone somewhere on vacation and made Josh wonder where she’d gone, made him miss her and come after her. There could really have been no doubt then how he felt. Amy laughed at herself. That would be her next step if Josh didn’t take this bait. Maybe she’d add the torture of hiring an escort to go with her. Or asking him to refer her to an Acme franchise where she was vacationing. They had branches all over the country. If he cared, if he really wanted her, that should burrow under his skin quite nicely. The good fairy in her second-guessed her methods. Maybe it wasn’t the wisest of choices, but Josh had started this by naming himself guard dog. If he’d been honest from the start… She could say the same thing about herself. She might do just that when he showed up…if he showed up. There was no guarantee he was in the office, or that he monitored appointments. She hadn’t thought about that. 8

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If someone other than Josh came by with the forms, she could just tell the representative she’d changed her mind. Or maybe suck it up and take the chance. It was a dinner, for crying out loud, nothing more. She deserved a night out with a handsome man, even if she did have to pay for it. But it would be so much nicer if Josh showed up. If he’d pull her into his arms and kiss her until she melted. Run those warm hands over her naked flesh. Surely she hadn’t misread the fire in his eyes. The breeze caressed her nipples where they were exposed just above the water, chilling them to hard gems. She turned again, letting long, smooth strokes carry her from one end of the pool to the other until exhaustion pulled her to the side. Arms braced, she hoisted herself out and sprawled in the nearest chaise lounge to let the warm California sun dry her. Amy toyed with her nipples as she imagined Josh’s fingers and lips there. He’d twirl one, suckle the other, then switch sides until she was arched in gap-mouthed ecstasy against him. She’d wrap her legs around his and rub her aching pussy along his pulsing cock. She combed her fingers through her pubic curls, straight to the moist slit. It felt like her clit met her halfway. He’d suck her there, too. Long sweeps of his tongue, his fingers probing deep into her cunt, finger-fucking her ass while his tongue forced her clit to rigid attention. Then she’d come. God, how she’d come. He’d let her rest, dragging his mouth up her body, and he’d slowly wedge his hips between her thighs. Her fingers flashed over her clit. He’d be big, hard…the biggest, thickest cock she’d ever seen. He’d have to enter her by slow degrees, spreading her pussy lips wide with the head of it before spearing the full length deep inside. Amy gasped, lost in the daydream. Then he’d fuck her, pulling almost all the way out before seating 9

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back home in a slow, sweet glide. Easing her onto his length, letting her muscles mold around his cock. Heat would flush their skin, bonding them more. She cried out softly as her body tensed. Pretending was good, so good. Reality would steal her breath away. Slow glides would give way to a pounding, frantic beat. Josh wouldn’t be able to control himself, driven mad from the want of her body, the need to come, the craving to make them one. He’d spread her thighs wide, her knees up, making sure she felt every thrust from clit to womb. And then they’d… Amy reared her hips on a blinding orgasm, riding her clit until the last spasm died. A sigh eased her into the cushion of the chaise. She wished it was Josh’s arms. Soon…soon she’d have the answer she needed. Amy hoped she could handle it if the answer was no.

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CHAPTER 2 Josh Colbert and Brian Ross were almost out the door when Nancy Ellis waved them toward her desk. She spoke into the headset camouflaged by her shoulder-length black hair and continued to type with one hand, while she made notes with the other. “Ah…here we are,” she said. “Brian Ross. In fact, he just walked in and is nodding his acceptance as we speak. Would you like to talk to him?” Other than step up to her desk, Brian hadn’t moved a muscle. Josh heard the client’s firm “No,” over the phone. Obviously a first-timer and probably nervous. Established clients liked a little pre-flirting before their date. It helped establish the rapport in advance, and some asked for the same escorts repeatedly. This newbie would be in good hands with Brian. His good looks made them smile, his charm calmed their nerves. Josh leaned forward to see the client’s name, then had to brace 11

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himself to keep from toppling onto Nancy’s desk…and risk injuring the erection that rocketed to life. Amy Thornton? It was her address all right. His vision swam as he stared at the application for services on the computer screen. More blood rushed to his crotch, nearly shutting down his brain. What the hell? A hundred different emotions slammed into him. He didn’t know which to latch onto. Losing Dan was hard. They’d been friends for a long time. If it weren’t for Dan, starting Acme would have been on hold for years to come. Josh had the necessary funds to purchase the franchise; it was paying for the liability insurance and bonding for his employees that was the killer. He’d never asked Dan for the loan; Dan had offered it. Like Josh, he saw the potential for a discreet, quality escort service in their area. Their insight had proven extremely successful. Acme’s escorts not only provided companionship for dinner and events, but also inconspicuous security services. Award season proved particularly lucrative—jewelers wanted the gems they loaned to the stars protected. Quietly, of course. Now Amy was using it? Josh didn’t know whether to ask why, or to scream out “No, no, no.” She lived in the equivalent of Fort Knox; security shouldn’t be an issue. Unless she’d been loaned jewels for the premier tomorrow. He frowned. The jewelers normally handled security for that well in advance and called his office directly. That meant she was looking for companionship. Why-why-why and no-no-no beat at his head. Fools could see Amy was a beautiful, intelligent, witty person. Class looked to her as its benchmark. In a town where thin was in and plastic surgery reigned, Amy stood out as a curvy natural. She wasn’t afraid to eat, didn’t care that her bust wasn’t 38-DD, and selfmaintenance wasn’t a hobby. She was confident in her work, her appearance, and her body. The quality surrounded her in a glow that 12

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automatically drew people her way. Whether she realized it or not, Amy owned a room the second she walked into it. Any sane man would have been falling all over himself to go out with her, and the not so perfect, too. Josh made sure those individuals stayed the hell away from her…far away. He wasn’t ashamed to admit he’d thought about Amy constantly—in bed, in the shower, car, house, work, everywhere she was in his mind, his body craving her. But the time never seemed right. And now…well, he hadn’t spent all this time chasing other men away for the hell of it. “And thank you so much for calling Acme Escort Service.” Nancy disconnected the call. As she looked up at them, her gaze paused at Josh’s crotch before she arched her eyebrow at him. “Friend of yours?” He was going to get no end of flack about this. “Just tell me what she wanted.” “Dinner companion. She originally asked about our special services, then backed out. I didn’t get the impression she was in danger, just nervous. I assured her all our escorts were fully trained. I’ll have the papers printed out in a minute and take them over.” “No need.” Josh snagged up each sheet as it printed out. “I’ll take them over myself.” And damn well get to the bottom of this. “Isn’t that what you have people for?” she asked. He forced a smile. “Never hurts to keep up on all my skills, and we already handle the security surveillance for her house.” “Yeah, but what skill is that going to be required for?” Brian pointed to the erection bulging Josh’s pants. “You know…you two have no respect. Mind your own crotches and leave mine alone.” Nancy giggled and turned to Brian. “Bet he doesn’t say that to Amy Thornton.” Brian snickered. Josh snatched the last paper, shuffled them all into a hunter green 13

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Acme Escorts portfolio, and started for the door. As he walked out he glanced back to find Brian and Nancy speaking in hushed, snickering tones over her desk. If those two had their heads together, God only knew what they were planning. Within minutes he was pulling into the drive of the Thornton home. He’d always liked this house. It was modest compared to some of the homes around it, and certainly to others owned by industry people. The biggest asset was the fact it sat in the center of two acres of plush green carpet. A winding driveway threaded visitors through elm and sycamore trees that shaded the front lawn, while a huge stucco fence kept the back yard private. Tops of Italian cypress trees peeked over the top, making it look like small potted plants were perched there. The house was a two-story frame. Big enough to have elbow room for the occupants; small enough so a person wasn’t rattling around inside. Any entertaining they’d done was in the spacious backyard. Dan hadn’t been modest in setting up the security of his house. He wanted a home where his family and guests would feel safe and be able to be themselves without worrying about a camera-toting reporter nosing around. Security cameras were hidden throughout and monitored by Acme’s Special Services Division—pointed away from the house, not compromising the privacy of the occupants. The yard was landscaped to obstruct the view from a telescope lens. Anyone looking didn’t have a clue how guarded the place was. They’d find out quickly if they dared to trespass. Josh’s people would know the second someone stepped foot on the grass, and be here before they could reach the door. Josh cut the engine on his Charger, grabbed the folder, and opened the door. The scent from dozens of rose bushes edging the house wafted around him. Smelled like Amy, delicate but with a hint of spice thrown in. Smiling, he reached up to smooth a nonexistent tie as his rubber-soled shoes carried him up the walk. This was business and he 14

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was dressed in Dockers and a pullover. He stood in front of the white double doors, wondering if he should go home to change or continue on. It wasn’t like they were strangers. Pulling in a breath, he rang the doorbell. Its chime echoed throughout the house. Within a few seconds the door opened. Josh’s smile faltered when he saw her. His breath stuck somewhere between in ribs and his throat. Her long brown hair was damp, like she’d just come from the shower…or the pool. She tugged the collar of her white satin robe closer to her neck as those big brown eyes gazed up at him. A hint of chlorine drifted his way. She’d been in the pool. Naked? The image took his breath away, but not nearly as much as thinking she still was nude under that robe. “Josh…what are you doing here?” He swallowed past the raw desire trapped in his throat. “Apparently, we have business.” Her quick glance shot to the portfolio in his hand, then to him. A sigh drooped her shoulders. “I thought I could do this, but”—she gave a small laugh—“I can’t. I’m sorry I wasted your time. Just…go. I’ve…I’ve changed my mind.” He caught the door before she could shut it. “Are you all right?” Confusion clouded her face. “No…I just… Why would you ask that?” “Because I didn’t understand why you would do this.” He held up the folder. She blinked away tears as she stared at it. Maybe she was in danger. “Ah, Amy…no…don’t cry.” Josh pushed his way in and wrapped his arms around her. Bundling his shirt in her hands, she fell into him. “This is so humiliating.” She sniffled. “I can’t believe I stooped to this.” “You don’t have to be afraid to tell me anything. You should know 15

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that by know.” He nudged the door closed with his foot and gathered her as close as he could. He tossed the folder onto the console by the door. “I called for an escort because I’m lonely. My heart broke when Dan was killed, yes. But it’s been two years. I need to live. I need to feel. I need something beyond work and this empty house.” The painful admission tore at his heart, even as relief flooded him she was all right. “But, Amy, you’re a beautiful woman…” And right now she felt like a piece of heaven in his arms, reminding him fully of how beautiful she was. Hands at her waist, he forced himself to pull her back when all he wanted to do was grind his cock against her. Hard and big as it was, she had to have noticed the erection ridging his zipper. “Any man would love to go out with you.” “Name one.” Her chocolate brown eyes pleaded with him. “Name one who isn’t so in awe of Dan that they can look past his ghost and see me. Name one who doesn’t tuck his penis between his legs and run the other way the second one of my friends or someone from the company challenges him.” Everything she said was true. Hell, he was the primary culprit— telling someone he didn’t think was good enough for Amy to take a hike. Like him, their other associates all probably thought they were protecting her, never once realizing they were isolating her. But while their motives were completely altruistic, his were not. He had a clear agenda of his own, one he’d yet put in to motion or admit to aloud. Maybe it was time. “Josh Colbert.” Amy blinked up at him, those impossibly long eyelashes spiked with tears. “What?” “You said to name one, so I did…me.” Her hands dropped with the step she took back. “No.” “Why?” He filled the space between them with a single step. “From 16

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what I recall, I meet the specifications you gave Nancy. And the last time I looked in the mirror I’d swear I didn’t look like I was in high school.” Her fingers wrapped in her shawl collar once more. The movement drew his gaze downward, right to where her nipples nudged at the satin. She was naked underneath. Fire licked at his balls. “I’m not paying Acme to go out with you,” she finally said. “That feels…wrong.” Josh retrieved the folder from the console, pulled out the forms, and ripped them into quarters. “You aren’t. This is a real date.” “I don’t need a pity date, Josh.” That stabbed his heart. “The only pity is that it’s taken me this long to get up the nerve to ask you.” She hugged her arms over her chest, cutting off his view of her breasts. “Please don’t do this because you feel like you owe Dan.” “I owe someone all right, but it’s not Dan. It’s you. I’ve been warning men away from you as aggressively as anyone else, more so.” Her head tilted with her frown. “Why? Why would you want me to be alone?” Full reality hit him between the eyes. It was so much more than wanting to have sex with her. The words stuck in his throat. “I don’t. I just…” She pointed a shaking hand to the ripped forms. “Then tape those back together so I can sign them.” “No.” He sliced his hand through the air. “You are not going out with Brian.” Her chin came up. “I see. There are other escort services in town. Others that might not care so much about legalities and would be willing to…” She tossed her hands in the air. “Screw it. I thought I could play this game, to force some kind of admission from you, but I can’t.” She tucked her arms over her chest and cocked out one hip. 17

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He pointed to the folder. “That was a ploy to get me here? Why didn’t you say something sooner?” “Why didn’t you? If you were waiting for me to be ready, trust me, I’m more than ready. If you were waiting for me to notice your guard dog tactics, I’ve been aware of them for quite some time.” He stared, dumbstruck. She knew. And he still couldn’t say the words out loud. “Josh, there hasn’t been a night since that I haven’t thought about what it would be like to be in your arms, your body deep in mine, loving me.” That put his body on full alert. “Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve had sex, and sex with Dan was very, very good. And, yes, I’m horny as hell. But I want you to know, if it was just a cock I was looking for, I would have had it by now.” He watched a crimson flush flood her from neck up. “I need to live, to feel, to love. I need you. Don’t let Dan’s ghost stand between us.” He slipped his hand around her waist, drawing her that short distance until their bodies meshed. There really couldn’t be any doubt in either of their minds now. “There’s no ghost between us. And I think it’s safe to brag that my penis will not tuck comfortably between my legs…especially when you’re near me.” He watched her pulse leap at her neck. He wanted to feel it flutter against his tongue. Its beat matched the thudding in his chest. Her gaze studied his lips for a moment before traveling up to his eyes. “I’ll pick you up at six,” he finally said. “I’ll be ready.” Josh forced himself to let her go, when all he wanted to do was toss her onto the couch and ram his cock into her. He picked up the folder with the destroyed documents on his way to the door. 18

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Amy wrapped her hand around the handle and pulled it open. “You should know I’ll be expecting sex tonight.” A naughty smile lifted her lips. Josh matched it. “Don’t worry. You’re going to get it.” He dared a caress around her breast as he passed her, fighting the urge to trace his thumb over her rigid nipple. Amy pulled in a slow, deep breath, but didn’t move. That made it doubly hard for him to walk away. Only the soft click of the door when he turned his back gave him the momentum to do so. Every step toward his car was agony. His cock strained the seams of his fly. All the adjusting in the world wouldn’t seat him comfortably behind the wheel. Now Josh knew he could have her, there was only one thing in the world that would appease the beast at his crotch. And he was going to make damn sure they both enjoyed it to the fullest extent. At least Amy knew what she wanted—to live, feel, and love. Josh was the one in denial all this time, afraid to tell her the men he chased from her was so he could have her for himself. Afraid to make that move. Blind to the fact he’d fallen in love with her. So, here they were, ready to move on to what he’d merely fantasized about. He was going to have her all right. Now he had to make sure he kept her. Dan’s ghost was between them, and it had haunted Josh from the moment he realized he wanted Amy so badly. He’d stayed away, not out of loyalty to the man or hero-worship, but because Josh feared he’d never be able to measure up to Dan…in bed. The man had loved his wife thoroughly and often. The glow in Amy’s face each time she looked at Dan was evidence of that. Add the subtle touches and glances and… Josh stared at the house. How in the world could he compete with that? He loved her, needed her, craved her. She filled every waking moment, and the sleeping ones, too. How many times had he awakened 19

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with the extra pillow clutched against his dick, having dreamt it was her softness he fucked? How many times had he jacked off in the shower, wishing for her hand, her mouth around him? How many times had he longed for her arms around him, her lips caressing his, her smile, her touch? Josh swallowed hard. He didn’t know what he’d do if she rejected him, so he’d never tried. But he made damn sure no one else did either. And now? There was no going back. Josh prayed he could pull this off. Not to replace Dan in her heart, but to show her he could love her just as well. He already did. *

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Back braced against the door, Amy slid to the floor. What in the world had she just done? First she used the subterfuge of hiring an escort to draw Josh here, then she not only told him she wanted but expected sex from him tonight. God, what he must be thinking of her right now? She curled her fingers around her breast. It still tingled where he’d touched it. Her whole body sang and had from the instant he’d pulled her into his arms to comfort her. That’s what she’d been missing—to be wrapped in the warmth of a man’s body, Josh’s body. Amy stared into space. The hard-on wedged between them had made it pretty clear he wanted her. It’d been there from the second he’d tugged her against him. Why couldn’t he just say it? How could he leave without saying something, doing something? How could she let him? She scrambled to her feet and glanced out the window. Josh was still here, sitting in his car, staring at her house. She’d gone this far; there wasn’t much else do lose. It was time to lay all the cards on the table, lay herself on the table if that’s what it took. She hurried outside before she changed her mind. Josh’s window zipped down. His gaze swept her from head to toe and back again, 20

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adding to the rush in her blood. Pasting on the most alluring smile she could muster, Amy parked her hip against the side of the car and folded her arms over her chest. “I thought I should give you fair warning… Just because you’re sexy as sin and I’m horny as hell doesn’t mean you won’t have to work for it.” His bright smile blinded her and quivered her thighs. “Maybe if we do it one time really quick with our eyes closed.” Amy laughed. “As tempting as that sounds…no, but nice try.” Hot fingers skimmed over her breast as he curled them around her collar. Grasping it, he pulled her down until her lips hovered over his. “Do you really think I’m sexy as sin?” “There goes my impetuous mouth again. I never can tell what it will do…next.” She said the last word on a whisper, smiling to herself when his eyes glazed over with rampant possibilities. “You realize it’s considered a safety hazard to drive in this condition. My ability to turn the steering wheel is grossly obstructed. I could be arrested.” She fought the urge to glance down. “If that happens, then just keep your butt cheeks clenched. I would hate to hear you’d become someone’s prison bitch.” Josh fell back against his seat on a hard laugh. “That’s an image that doesn’t fade quickly. At least I can drive now. I don’t know whether to thank you, or be crushed to think you wouldn’t bail me out.” Amy smirked. “Oh, I’d be willing to bail you out. I just might not be able to…come in time.” “And I’m a safety hazard once more.” She fanned her fingers at the base of her throat and feigned innocence. “I’m sorry. Did I do something…naughty?” “Enough!” He tossed up his hands. “It’s not fair to tell a man he has to work for it, then mess with his go button.” 21

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“I’m sorry.” She wrapped her fingers over the door. “I got lost in the play of words.” He slipped his hand around her waist, spanning his fingers over her lower back. “You can make it up to me by going to the movie premier with me tomorrow night.” Another date when they hadn’t had their first? She tried not to read too much into it, but her pounding heartbeat was already answering. “All right,” she said with a nod. One corner of Josh’s mouth lifted on a grin. “I want to kiss you, Amy.” Her breath hitched. “The…the security cameras might see.” “The surveillance monitors have already gotten quite a show with you out here in your robe bent over my door.” His voice was low, sensuous, weaving around her like a lover’s touch. “I’ll be the fodder for gossip at the office for months. You, on the other hand, will ascend to ‘hot chick’ legend status. What do you think they’ll do if I pull you all the way in? I’ll drape you over my lap, peel the edges of the robe back, and suck your nipples.” Her knees buckled. Only his arm kept her upright. “And while you’re writhing in my lap, my fingers will part those soft curls down below. You’ll be so slick they’ll slide right home, thrusting deep inside, while the heel of my hand presses hard into your—” “God, Josh, please!” she gasped out. “Please what, angel?” He brushed hot lips against her throat. “Please…” He captured her earlobe between his teeth in a gentle nip, then traced his tongue around the shell of her ear. “Please what, love?” “Bring me back to life.” “I want to, Amy.” Josh butted his forehead to hers. “But not in a fevered fuck. I’ve already been selfish enough as it is. I chased away 22

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anyone who came within sniffing distance of you. I actively encouraged everyone else to do the same. I told them it was for your protection, when all along it was because…” He drew in a sharp breath and forced his gaze to lock with hers so he could judge her reaction fully. “Because I wanted you for myself.” Fire flickered in the backlight of his brown eyes—want, need, hunger. “When I make love to you, I want it to satisfy us body, heart, and mind. I want the build up to be sweet, the reward explosive. I want to love you like we’ve got all the time in the world because once I’m in you, I’m never going to want to leave.” He kissed her slowly and sweetly, nibbling at her lips before his tongue slipped between them to wrap around hers. One hand braced her back, the other cradled her neck. Amy sank into the wonder of the kiss, her stomach riding a rollercoaster of steep highs and plunging dips that stole her breath, her thoughts. Sensation was all that remained. They ended the kiss on a simultaneous sigh. She was halfway inside his car, staring at the hard cock tenting his Dockers. “Stay,” she whispered, tracing her finger along the laugh line that bracketed the left side of his mouth. Josh caught her hand, then swirled his tongue in the center of her palm. A thousand fireflies danced up her arm. “This isn’t just sex for me, Amy. I need to do this right.” He lifted her chin on the crook of his finger. “You aren’t the only one who needs to be brought back to life, angel. I feel like I’ve been hiding from the world since the first time I realized…” He welded his lips to hers, kissing her hard and deep, until a moan rippled from her throat. He eased her away, his gaze dropping automatically to the gap in the robe. Instinct made her reach up to pull the edges over her breasts. Josh caught her wrists in a gentle grip, mesmerized by the nipples that perked up for him. 23

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“So much for all my good intentions. Please tell me you have condoms,” he muttered, then closed his mouth around her breast. Amy arched into him as he suckled deep. “I…I’ve got condoms,” she said on a rush of breath. He raked his mouth toward the other one. “Tell me they’re not Dan’s.” Amy went rigid in his arms. A bucket of ice water couldn’t have shocked her more. Awareness hit him at the same time. Eyes wide, he stared up at her in gap-mouthed shock. “Amy, I didn’t—” She peeled herself away from him and took a giant step away. “So much for Dan’s ghost.” He whipped open the car door. Amy pivoted on her foot and aimed for the house. Josh snagged her belt and pulled her to a stop. “Amy, please…the words just slipped out. It was a stupid mistake.” She jerked away before he could wrap his arms around her, before he could see the tears blinding her eyes. “Not nearly as stupid as the one I made when I thought I wanted you.” “Amy…” She batted his arms away. “Leave, Josh. Your services are no longer required.” She dodged him and darted to her front door, Josh hot on her heels. “If you think I’m going to walk away now that this door is open, you’re wrong.” “Well, now it’s closed!” Amy shoved inside, then slammed the door so hard pictures bounced off the walls beside it. Glass shattered at her bare feet, trapping her where she stood. “Amy?” She sagged against the door. “Just go.” “No. If I have to, I’ll override the security code and come in.” Stubborn male. She’d somehow conveniently forgotten this part of 24

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living and feeling. Turmoil always danced with rapture. “Then make yourself useful and get in here to help me clean up this mess.”

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CHAPTER 3 Josh squeezed inside through the sliver of a portal Amy provided. She hugged the door, her own little island in a sea of glass. “My flip-flops are by the patio door. Could you please get them for me?” He made a move in that direction, then stopped. There’d never be a better opportunity to straighten this out, not with her cornered as she was. “In a minute.” A scowl yanked her eyebrows together. He could almost hear the thunder in the approaching storm. Before she could explode, he shifted toward her. One good shove and he’d be sprawled in the glass. “I’m sorry, Amy. The words just came out. Didn’t your mother ever warn you how stupid men could be? Mine is constantly apologizing to my sisters-in-law, telling them she tried to raise us as decent human beings, but we still wound up being men.” He braced his forearm 26

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against the wall above her head and traced her full lips with his thumb. “I’ve wanted you for a long time, Amy. Believe it or not, I’m nervous as hell. Please forgive me.” Her gaze lifted to his. “That depends…any other verbal faux pas you care to make?” “One or two quickly come to mind.” He shrugged. “I’m valiantly fighting them off. It’s not easy. They seem to have a will of their own.” Her mouth twitched in an effort to hide a smile. She glanced away. “The words hurt, Josh.” “I know. I’m sorry. Obviously the filter from my brain to my mouth wasn’t working…again.” He dared a kiss against her forehead. “I know what it was like for you and Dan.” “Oh?” She looked at him from under curved eyebrows. “Watching from the closet?” He laughed softly. “No. You could see it in the way you looked at each other. I have grave concerns that I won’t…measure up.” “Judging from what’s wedged between us, I don’t think that’s a problem.” Josh had to admit the compliment did wonders for his ego, but… “I meant skill level.” Amy brushed the comment away with the flick of her wrist. “Don’t worry about that. At this point, it won’t take much. One good—” She fell against the wall with a laugh. “Obviously you and your brothers don’t have a monopoly on saying the wrong thing. My mouth is definitely lacking its filter.” “I have the perfect solution.” He hauled her against him tight and high, one hand combing through her still damp hair, while his lips claimed her. Amy met him halfway, twining her leg around his thigh as her arms went around his shoulders. Josh wanted to fall into her—mouth and cock. His head buzzed. His 27

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erection was so hard he swore it was going to split apart. One part of him screamed to toss her on the long sofa and ride her quick and hard. Another part wanted to kiss every part of her, until nothing was left unexplored, and she had come more times than there were numbers in the world. Her robe was parted from the waist down. Hot flesh singed him through his clothes. The moist heat at the top of her thighs begged to be tapped. Josh deepened the kiss with a growl, dug his fingers into her bare ass, and hauled her up until both legs were wrapped around his waist. One zip and he’d be inside her, consumed by fire. Her bedroom and the condoms that nearly ended this all before it began seemed miles away. Again, war raged between his respective heads. One time won’t hurt. Stupid, it only takes one time. God, he wanted her so bad. Then she raked her pussy over his cock. Josh broke off the kiss on a hard groan and wedged her against the wall. He pinned her there like a horny teenager, rocking his cock against her sopping slit. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she thrust back in wild abandon. Gasps and moans rained over him like embers, stoking the fire that squeezed his balls. Pebble-hard nipples stabbed his chest. He nipped the curve of her neck. Amy tightened her leg-hold on him as she cried out. Thrusts morphed to grinding. The mounting tension quivered her thighs. Josh raked his lips up to her ear, captured the lobe of flesh. “Come for me, angel.” “I need you inside, Josh,” she gasped out. The plea tore at his resolve. A strangled groan ripped from his throat. “God, I do, too. But…” They both knew what that meant—that one of them had to think safe. He couldn’t guarantee he was that person. Even as he cautioned 28

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himself, one hand wedged between them to undo his trousers. Her slick clit drew his attention toward it instead. Josh thumbed it. Amy froze, breath held, then melted into him as the orgasm released her. She untwined herself from him in slow degrees. Josh stared at the wall and struggled for control. Amy destroyed it. Soft kisses feathered his jaw, down his neck while her nimble fingers breached his trousers and shorts. She shoved them down and dusted her belly over the erection that burst free. Somehow she’d loosened the robe fully; only skin touched him. He reached for her breasts, but Amy was quicker. He sucked in a sharp breath through his clenched teeth when she cradled his cock in her cleavage. “Nice.” Her voice was sex personified. “Very, very nice.” She slid his clothing to his ankles and wiggled her hand between his legs. Josh started to tug his feet free. A pinch to his inner thigh stopped him. “I wouldn’t do that,” she purred. “Remember…there’s glass behind you. For now, you are my captive.” She cupped his balls, kneading gently. Shocks zipped along his cock and back. He dug his fingers into her long hair, silently begging for her to suck him, while he shamelessly tried to bring his dick to her soft lips. A half smile lifted one corner of her mouth. She traced her tongue around her lips, taunting him with promise. The eye of his penis wept with want. Her tongue flicked out, capturing the drop of pre-cum with lightning quick reflexes. Josh’s knees buckled with his gasp for breath. He’d never wanted to crawl inside a woman more. To toss her legs over his shoulders and fuck every part of her. He watched her through half-closed eyes as she studied her target, like she was trying to decide which part of him to devour first. And still that hot hand caressed his sac. His body tightened of its own accord when she opened her mouth. Breath held, he waited for her lips to close around him. She looped her 29

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tongue around the head, stopping at the tag of flesh beneath, where she traced the underside with slow circles all the way to the base. Bracketing his sac between thumb and fingers, she massaged deep, and feathered her free hand up and down his thighs. Kisses and licks traveled the length of his dick from tip to root. He pivoted his hips, offering himself to her. His eyes rolled back when she grasped the base of his cock in her fist. Hot breath scored the head, promising heaven. She licked around it, under it, over it, drawing out each sensation until Josh swore he’d come anyway. Finally, blessedly, she took him. A groan arched his back. She sucked him deeper, stroking the extra length in her fist, while her other fingers kneaded his balls, and tickled toward his anus. Then she breached the tight muscle there, pressing up into his prostate gland. Josh couldn’t think beyond his groin. He fucked her mouth like an animal gone mad, one hand braced on the wall, while the other cupped her head. But there was little doubt who was really in charge. Then she deep-throated him. His body jerked forward with the force of his climax. He felt the semen score him from balls to glans in one wave after the other as Amy sucked him dry. She ended as she’d begun, with kisses and licks once his erection finally subsided. Still panting, Josh drew Amy to her feet with one hand, while he pulled up his trousers with the other. He kissed her as he fastened his fly button. “Enough foreplay.” He tossed her over his shoulder and aimed for the stairs. *

*

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“I feel like a sack of bird seed,” Amy managed to say over her laughter. “Warning…verbal faux pas coming. You feel like a ton of bricks. You’re a lot heavier than you look.” 30

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Her squeal of outrage was swallowed by a laugh. “I can’t believe you said that.” She punched his shoulder. Josh responded with a whack to her butt that spread warmth straight to her crotch. “Ow! That hurt.” Laughing, he dumped her on her bed. “Now why do I doubt that?” He stripped the robe from her shoulders in one swoop and tossed it to the floor. Crawling into the center, Amy shoved the bedcovers down while she watched him undress. She’d seen him in swim trunks, dressed for tennis and workouts. Minutes ago, she’d gotten a close-up view of the rest of him, too. But none of it compared to the full, unrestricted view. Lean muscle in all the right places—healthy and fit, but not too bulky. There still wasn’t an ounce of fat on him. The man definitely took care of himself. There wasn’t a tan mark on him, but then she had none either. Did he acquire the golden tone as she did, from swimming in the nude? She liked that light dusting of dark hair on his chest, too. It traveled in a determined path downward, automatically drawing a woman’s eyes there. Amy had seen that a lot over the years. She wondered if Josh was truly aware of how much female attention he garnered. That almost had her laughing. Of course he knew. In his profession, attention from the opposite sex was money for him and the escorts he hired. She didn’t want to think how many women had seen him this way. The jealous possessiveness it bred wasn’t pretty. The mattress dipped with his weight as he braced his hands on either side of her. “Bedside table?” It took a second or two for her mind to catch up. “I’d better get them.” He stretched out beside her. “Afraid to let me see your cache of toys?” “Something like that. After all, if I give you all the treats upfront, 31

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what reason do you have to come back?” Josh combed her hair away from her face. The intensity there tugged hard at her heart. “Somehow I don’t think that’s a problem.” Fighting emotion, she pulled out the drawer, retrieved a condom, and placed it on the nightstand. He pushed himself to one elbow. “One? I think I’m insulted. Come on, baby, give me some credit.” “I’m sorry. Too many?” she said with a smirk. Mischief danced in his eyes as he rolled onto her. “If it is, it’s your fault for giving me the absolutely best blow job of my entire life.” “Wow…that is an incredibly long period of time.” “I think someone needs to have her concept of time tested.” He moved so quickly Amy didn’t have time to whip off a snappy comeback, much less think of one. In record time she found herself facedown over his lap, hips anchored between his hand and a hard-on. He wouldn’t, would he? The slickness of her pussy before was nothing compared to now. She was caught between the desire to let it happen and the fear it was too soon in whatever relationship they were going to be having to cross this line. Josh rubbed his big hand over one cheek. “You do have a red mark. I don’t know whether to kiss and make it better, or to put one on the other cheek to make them match. What do you think?” He ran his finger down her crack, straight into her pussy. Amy pressed her lips together. The moan came out anyway. Slow thrusts drew her juices out and spread them over her clit, her labia, and her anus while he kneaded deep circles into her buttocks with his other hand. Warmth built there as quickly as if he’d spanked her, pooling in her crotch, swelling everything. Amy shamelessly parted her legs for more. “God, you’re beautiful.” His low voice rumbled over her, a caress 32

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all its own. “I love how you arch into me like a sleek, contented jungle cat. The scent of you has haunted my dreams, but I never realized the smell of your arousal would intoxicate me this way.” He scuffed his hand down her inner thigh, up the back to her ass, down the other side, then slowly up to cup her pussy. Amy lifted her head on a soft cry as he toyed with her clit, flicking his finger over and around, but never on that one spot she needed. Sweet torture that put every nerve in her body on alert. Josh rubbed more heat into her ass, then thrust his thumb into her right to her G-spot. Long fingers captured her clit, wiggling it between them. Amy writhed on his lap, mindless to everything but the pleasure looming just out of reach. And just when she could see the pinnacle, Josh shifted. “No!” She beat her fist into the mattress. “This better?” In one motion, three fingers eased deep inside her, his thumb breached her anus, and his little finger flicked in rapid fire against her clit. Climax rippled through her, leaving her spent and panting in the aftermath. Kisses and long sweeps of his hand eased her way back to solid ground. He rolled her gently beside him, always keeping her close, treasured. She was conscious of him reaching for the nightstand and wondered how she’d be able to move a muscle at this point. Some lover she made, ready to curl up and sleep. She did feel like a jungle cat, a lazy one that just wanted to nap in the sun. Josh’s lips brought her nipples to life. Sighing, she cupped his head, loving how silky his hair felt. He nibbled gently, adding tongue twirls. So much nicer than the vacuum grip some guys used on breasts. Amy stretched as he worked his way around each breast, down and across her belly, straight to her navel where he paused to play. His tongue dove into the little well. Tiny sparks arrowed downward. 33

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She gasped from the sensation. Josh feathered his fingers along her thighs, urging them farther apart. Anticipation wiggled through her. She reached for his shoulders and tried to pull him into her with her legs. He shifted lower. A second later something hard and cool penetrated her. Amy’s eyes flashed open. One hand hauled her back in place before she could move away, but the buzz from the dildo kept her there. “You can’t tell me there are toys and not expect me to play with them, angel.” Then his lips covered her clit. She splayed her legs wide, opening herself to anything and everything he wanted to do. He teased her clit to bursting, then flashed his tongue over it until that perfect moment when her body tensed for orgasm. A gentle suck pulled it free. Climax rolled through her. Josh pulled the vibrator out and replaced it with his tongue. He nipped at her pussy lips, up and down, from one side to the other. Then he slid the vibrator lower and clicked it back on. Slick from her juices, it slid easily inside her rectum. Josh lifted her hips to his thighs. “Do you want my cock there? Fucking your ass?” “Yes,” she gasped out. “Everywhere.” He shoved his dick inside her cunt and froze. Amy watched the strain on his face. She’d done this to him, brought him to the edge of his control just as he’d done her. She’d forgotten how damn satisfying that feeling was. “How does that vibrator feel on your balls?” she asked in a husky voice. “Make you want to come? I do, Josh. I can’t believe how close I am after all the times you’ve already made me come. Want to fuck me hard? Want to watch me play with my clit while you do it? Play with my nipples?” She brushed her fingers over her breasts. With thumb and forefinger she twirled her nipple until it was hard and elongated. Rough breaths 34

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shuddered through Josh. He’d yet to move, but with each pulse that passed she swore his dick grew in length and girth. Between it and the vibrator, she was nicely full. “Watch me, Josh,” she whispered. “Watch me come for you.” Jaw clenched, he watched her fingers drift over her clit. A long stroke pulled him out, a deep thrust seated him back in. “I’m going to fuck you like I want. Hard and fast. You’re going to come again, angel…with me.” He pulled her hand away, lifted her knees to her chest, and spread them wide. Amy locked her ankles around him. Shallow pivots rocked her clit over his penis. She wanted to tell him she couldn’t come this way, that it wouldn’t work. But the feeling was so delicious… “God, just fuck me! I’ll come later!” “You’ll…come…now.” Each word was punctuated with a long stroke that took her breath away. He pounded into her with an intensity that made her heart soar along with her body. He wedged his thumb between them, forcing her clit against his cock. Her body clenched, every part wrapping around him. He felt like steel ramming into her. Fiery steel. She was going to… “God, Josh!” Amy dug her nails into his shoulders as she climaxed. He shuddered in response, growling loud and long as he pumped himself to release. They sagged together in an exhausted heap. “I’m definitely going to need some turn-around time before we do this again,” she said as she set the vibrator aside. His laughter shook the bed. “I’m so glad you said that. Please tell me you like to cuddle.” “I love to cuddle.” She snuggled against him. “Hold that thought.” He kissed her forehead and hurried into the bathroom. Amy admired the view. The man had the nicest ass. He was halfway back across the room when his cell phone stopped him. 35

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Heaving a sigh, he retrieved it. “Josh’s phone. Josh isn’t here right now—” He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger. “Ah, shit, Nancy. And I supposed she asked for me by name.” Judging from the way his shoulders sagged, Amy would guess that was a yes. “Yes, I know she’s a valued client and pays great bonuses, but this is… Yeah, well, right now I’m sorry I ever met the little bitch… Hell-lo, don’t lecture me. I’m the boss. At least let me think that— Of course, I’ll be there. I’m on my way… No, I’ve already taken care of Ms. Thornton. She won’t be needing Brian tonight.” The words chilled her. It felt like she was nothing more than a check in a box. How could she think it would be any more, especially when she’d cornered Josh in the first place? Still…it hurt. She watched him end the call and shove the phone in his pocket as he picked up his pants. “I’m sorry, honey, I’ve got to go.” He leaned forward to kiss her. Amy pulled away before he could. “Apparently so. Another woman who needs servicing. I’m sorry…bitch.” Josh jerked back and stuffed his feet in his shorts and pants. “That was uncalled for. I have a job to do and a million-dollar client waiting.” “Oh…that’s right. I’m sorry. I forgot to pay you.” Tears she swore she wouldn’t shed burst to her eyes. She snagged her robe as she ran to the door. “Will a check do?” “Goddamn it, Amy!” He seized her arm before she could cross the threshold and yanked her to a stop. “I’m not a fucking prostitute! How could you think that of me? How could you think so little of yourself? I run an escort service—” “And don’t forget to ask for the special services package,” she sobbed out. She couldn’t help it any more than she could stop the sneer in her words. 36

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Josh dropped his arms. “Yeah, security. Private security. If we announced it to the world, we’d lose the advantage.” Amy wanted to crawl in a hole and die. Security. The type that protected her house night and day. The type that guarded celebrities, protected jewels, and a host of other things. “Oh, Josh…I’m so, so sor—” He snapped up his hands. “Save it. I have to go to work.” He grabbed shirt, shoes, and socks from the floor and marched out the door. Amy flopped back on the bed and pounded her fists against her head. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” And then those damn tears started up again. She pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes to stop them. “Come with me.” She jumped at the sound of Josh’s voice. He stood just inside the bedroom, arms jabbing into the sleeves of the shirt he pulled over his head. “I want you to come with me,” he said. “Can you be ready to go in less than thirty minutes?” “Are you still mad?” That probably wasn’t the best question to ask, and she cursed herself for letting the words out. It was obvious he was furious. Body language didn’t lie. “Oh, I’m damn well pissed. But I’m not walking out that door with this argument hanging between us.” Amy folded her fists against her chest. “I was wrong. I admit that and can’t apologize enough for—” “You said you were sorry. I’m still mad. We can’t let this hover unresolved. If I walk out that door, I’ll still be mad, you’ll be here crying, and we’ll both be miserable. This isn’t just sex for me, angel. It’s about me and you. Now…come with me…please.” “I smell like chlorine and sex.” “And I just smell like sex, but there’s no time for a shower. Trust 37

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me, by the time we get where we’re going, no one will notice how we smell. Coming?” She swung her feet to the floor. “What do I wear?”

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CHAPTER 4 Josh couldn’t believe he’d allowed Lois Armstrong to do this. He should have realized he was in trouble the first time it happened. Now…here he was again, ready to humiliate himself in front of the woman he loved, not to mention the scores of people watching. All those years of weapons and martial arts training, the study into electronics and surveillance techniques, his masters in business…reduced to this…a dog babysitter. He glanced over his shoulder and passed an appreciative gaze down Amy. She’d fit in very well with the dog-lover crowd dressed in black flats, a steel-blue silk blouse with long sleeves, and a loose gray skirt that kissed her knees. Her hair was pulled back with a clip. Makeup was understated perfection. She’d put herself together in twenty minutes while he cleaned up the broken glass and arranged for Mrs. Armstrong to pick them up here. Telling Amy what he was going to do might have been a better 39

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option. At this point Josh didn’t want to leave anything to chance or misunderstanding. Amy could see for herself the “glory” of his job. He wasn’t sure what made him maddest: the implication that he ran a prostitution service, or her thinking she wasn’t good enough for anything else. None of that mattered. It was over, done with…time to move on. He couldn’t have walked out the door and never looked back. His heart wouldn’t let him. Neither would what little common sense he possessed. A shift in sound outside pulled him to the window. He peeled back the drape with his index finger and saw Lois’s Mercedes coming around the final bend in the drive. “The car’s here. Ready?” Amy slung her purse strap over her shoulder as she headed his way. “Yes. Mind telling me exactly where we’re going?” He swung the door open and let his hand rest against her lower back. “You’ll find out in less than five minutes. Please allow me to retain what little dignity and pride I have left until then.” She cocked her head to one side, then stepped across the threshold. Her eyes widened when she saw the limo. “Are you sure we’re dressed okay?” “Absolutely.” Still guiding her forward, they reached the vehicle before it could come to a full stop, before the chauffeur could jump out to open the rear door. In fact, the door opened from the inside. A white ball of fluff dashed for him. A hop and a jump, and it was all Josh could do to catch the dog in time. The impact knocked him off his feet. Cradling the poodle against injury, he couldn’t break his fall. He toppled backward, over the low hedge, and landed with a hard oomph on the grass that shot the air from his lungs. Perched on his chest, the little dog licked his face. Her whole body shook with her tail wag. “Oh, my God! Are you all right?” Amy knelt down beside him, fingers feathering head, shoulders, everywhere there wasn’t dog, to 40

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ensure he wasn’t injured. “Yeah…no thanks to you,” he told the dog. It only made her wiggle all the more with her doggy smile. “Amy, meet Puddles, my date. We’re going to a dog show.” He took advantage of the confusion and humor warring on her face and scrambled to his feet, then helped Amy to hers. Lois Armstrong sat just inside the limo. The white bandages on her wrist and ankle contrasted sharply with her black pantsuit, but did match her snow white hair to perfection. She was stretched out on the seat, ankle propped before her, wrist on top of a pile of pillows on her lap. Home would have been the wisest choice, but she doted on her little dog and this local competition meant the world to her. Josh set Puddles on her diminutive feet. “Go to Mama so we can go bye-bye.” Amy pressed her lips together. The snicker still came out. “I swear…if you laugh at me,” he said under his breath, then helped her into the vehicle. “Hello, Lois. I believe you and Amy have already met?” She beamed a smile at them, her light blue eyes sparkling from within. “Yes, though it’s been years…since before Dan’s accident. Come…sit.” She pointed to the leather upholstered seat across from her, and Amy slid into place. “Tell me, did they ever find the driver who ran him down?” “Yes, ma’am, they did.” “Drunk?” Lois never hesitated to come right out with whatever was on her mind. Josh considered that a privilege of age more than her wealth. “Fell asleep at the wheel after working a forty-eight hour shift at the hospital.” Lois tsked. “Terrible tragedy. I’ve never decided if it was blessing or a curse you two never had children.” 41

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Amy offered a sad smile. “Me neither.” Lois waved her finger between the two of them as Josh sat and the chauffeur pulled away. “You finally boinking her?” “Boinking?” Puddles jumped in his lap, tail fluttering a mile a minute as she watched the scenery roll by. “Yes, boinking.” She shifted that all-knowing gaze to Amy. “He’s done an excellent job of marking his territory, as good as any alpha dog would. He’s all but lifted his leg on you to ward off the competition.” “Lois…please…” Stop. Stop now. Amy composed her smirk behind her hand. “Yes,” she finally said. “I finally realized what he was doing.” “Well, it took you long enough,” the old woman said with a laugh. “If someone had simply spoken up, it might not have,” Amy countered. Lois didn’t hesitate. “Maybe someone was waiting until he was sure you were ready. Were you ready?” “I…don’t know.” “Are you ready now?” Josh couldn’t allow this conversation to continue. “So…what happened to you, Lois?” “Aw, I zigged when I should’ve zagged and fell down the front steps.” “You’re lucky you didn’t break something.” She shook her finger at him. “Don’t lecture. I’ll get enough of that from the kids.” She settled more comfortably in her seat. “I really appreciate this, Josh. Puddles loves you so much. She’d do anything for you. You’re the only one besides me who can pull out the best in her. I know it’s just a silly, little, local event, but…” Smiling, he reached over and touched her knee. “It’s fine. Even alpha males occasionally have to be put in their place. Now…brief me on what the schedule is.” 42

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Watching Josh with Lois and Puddles, knowing what his assignment was, doubled Amy’s guilt. How could she have twisted everything so badly? She knew Acme handled discreet security assignments. She knew there was never the hint of illegal activity. Why had she accused Josh of… Pulling in a sigh, she stared out the window, while the two of them discussed the dog show. She wanted to live again, yet it seemed like she’d subconsciously tried to sabotage the relationship before it began. And there was definitely a relationship there, unless she’d completely misread the meaning behind Josh’s early statements. He’d said it…twice—this wasn’t just sex for him. Which indicated… No, she wouldn’t put words or emotions into his mouth. Making assumptions was what blew it all up this afternoon. In her heart, Amy knew why she’d gone on the offensive. She was afraid she’d made a mistake in pursuing him. Ashamed, even. She wanted to hurt before she was hurt. Well, she’d done a good job of that. She was lucky he hadn’t walked out. She glanced at him, unconsciously digging those long fingers gently into the little dog’s thick white coat. Puddles was in heaven. He cared enough to not walk away, to fix it no matter how mad he was. He cared enough to swallow his male pride and step forward to help an old lady show her dog. Granted, it was a very wealthy old lady, but still she had the feeling it was more consideration and respect that brought him here than the money Lois Armstrong might bring to his company. Amy watched the two interact—the light in both their eyes, the camaraderie. Like two old friends, or grandson and grandmother. And Puddles—the dog clearly adored him, slapping the occasional dog kiss against his chin, smiling up at him. Emotion made her heart skip, her stomach flip. When they reached the dog show, it was Josh who helped Lois into 43

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the wheelchair. Josh who took charge and saw that everything was in order once they got inside. Josh who made everything right and perfect, who alleviated Lois’s anxiety and made her smile glow. Sitting next to the woman outside the show ring, Amy fought back happy tears as she watched him work with the dog. This big man trotting beside this little dog, both happy as they could be. “Takes a real man to do something like that,” Lois said. “Oh, he’ll tell you that he’s sorry for the day he met the little bitch, then he turns to mush the instant he sees her.” Amy chuckled. She’d seen that for herself. “You’re a lucky woman, Amy Thornton. Be gentle with him, dear. Whether you realize it or not, you’re holding his heart in your hand. Don’t squish it. Help him bring it to life.” “We had a few major missteps today, but I’ll do my best, ma’am.” She smiled as Josh and Puddles made another circuit. “Missteps, huh?” she said. “Did I interrupt a make-up in progress?” Amy looked her way. The woman’s eyes looked into her soul. She wasn’t going to lie. “I can’t honestly say we’d gotten to that point yet.” Lois nodded. “Let’s see if we can’t facilitate and expedite that for you.” “Please don’t say—” Her finger popped up. “I’ll provide the stage. You’ll have to take it from there.” She tilted her head to one side, quietly appraising Amy. “You look good together, a very striking couple. You’ll make some very beautiful children one day. I can’t wait to meet them.” “Meet them…or help spoil them?” she asked with a grin. Lois cackled, squeezed Amy’s hand, and turned back to watching the arena. *

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Amy watched Josh’s long strides carry him from the Armstrong estate. She didn’t know who was more proud of Puddles’s blue ribbon 44

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win—him, Lois, or her. As long as Puddles got treats and Josh, she didn’t care. In fact, the little dog had curled up in Josh’s lap on the drive back to Lois’s home and slept the whole way. Claiming exhaustion, Lois directed her driver to go directly home before returning Amy and Josh to Amy’s place. She supposed this was the stage the woman had referred to. They’d have about an hour, depending on traffic, and she didn’t have a clue what to say or do, or even where to begin. Josh swung inside, shutting the door behind him, and sat down across from her. The fact he still felt the need to put some distance between them didn’t bode well. As the chauffeur set the vehicle in motion, soft lighting illuminated their portion of the interior. Black opaque glass kept the distraction from the driver, giving the passengers the illusion of privacy. “Well, now you see the real thrill that is my job.” He smiled. Things might not be as shaky as she’d imagine. “You can joke all you want, Josh, but I have the feeling you’d take down an army to protect that little dog.” His smile widened. “Yeah, but don’t let Puddles know that. I’d like to think I have the upper paw. Perhaps her affections will shift to a more appropriate male for her after she’s bred. Lois has offered you the pick of the litter, by the way.” “Apparently I already have that. Please feel free to conserve your energy for more pleasurable pursuits. The territory you’ve worked so hard to mark is yours.” Josh linked his hands behind his head and stretched back. “Really? Interesting.” “If you still want it.” His gaze skimmed her body, setting chill bumps to life. “Maybe.” Okay, he was going to make her work for it this time. That was fine; she’d play. “You’re still mad.” 45

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Face wrinkled in a studied frown, he pondered the ceiling. “Well…not really mad, but my male pride took quite a beating today. First you, then the whole dog handler thing. At least Puddles was smart enough to realize she needed to assuage my feelings and clearly went out of her way to make sure I knew she adored and appreciated me.” “Assuage?” She toppled over with laughter. “It’s one of those big words I learned during my incredibly long life span.” “I’m impressed.” She closed the distance between them, lifted her skirt, and sat astride his lap. “Suppose anyone can see inside?” “I don’t know. Right know, I don’t think I care.” He fingered the tiny buttons on her blouse. Amy pressed her knees into the seat and wriggled against him. “Is that a gun in your pocket or—” Josh groaned. “Don’t even finish that sentence.” Girdling her waist, he moved her back to her seat. “It’s actually something for you from Lois. She’s very fond of giving gifts. I stopped arguing with her about it a long time ago.” He pulled a long, black velvet jewelry box from his pocket and placed it in her hands. “She said to tell you ‘very beautiful.’” Her eyes misted over when she opened the box and saw the diamond tennis bracelet inside. “Wow.” He traced his finger across it. “She also said she was sorry for interrupting our day.” Amy closed the box. “I’m not. It’s been…” She gave a soft laugh. “Let’s just say I’m sorry it took this long to reach this point. Lois was right. I wasn’t ready. I am now.” Cupping his face between her hands, she kissed his top lip, then the bottom, then ran the tip of her tongue around and over them before sliding inside. Josh sucked in a sharp breath through his nose as he pulled her against him with one hand and tugged up her skirt with the 46

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other. He deepened the kiss, kneaded her lips firmly, while their tongues mated and twined…and he pulled her panties down. Amy yanked her legs free, kicking the silky undergarment away. The soft leather seat sighed as Josh leaned back and pulled her astride his lap. His warm hands skimmed her thighs, outside and in, before coming to rest on her ass. Her breath caught on a muffled groan. Josh gentled the kiss, then plunged in once more. Heat crept into her butt cheeks with each pass of his hands. Blood surged to her crotch. She ground her aching clit against his erection, jerking when his fingers toyed with the crack of her ass. He lifted her higher, tickling the tight muscles there before plunging two fingers into her pussy. Amy broke off the kiss on a soft cry. His mouth raked down the column of her throat, sucking at the base, trying to nudge aside her blouse to reach her tits. A thumb brushed over her clit lifted her higher. Thighs spread as far as they could go, she braced her hands on his shoulders. And still the blouse frustrated him. A low growl rumbled in his throat. Josh caught the first button between his teeth and pulled it off, then the next, and the next, until nothing was in his way. She yanked the bra straps down with the blouse. He pushed the confining undergarment out of his way and captured his prize, suckling deep as his thumb buzzed over her clitoris. Her breath came in sharp pants as stars formed behind her eyelids. Her climax was fast, quick, and hard. She collapsed against him, cradling his head between her breasts. Arms wrapped around her, he eased her to the seat while his tongue traced circles around her hard nipple. Lifting her knees, Josh shoved her skirt to her waist. He pulled first one leg and then the other up to his shoulders, kissing down her calves, nipping at the sensitive flesh behind her knees, while one hand traveled a lazy path to her crotch and back. Then he bent his mouth to her pussy. A contented sigh lifted her hips. He braced them in his hands, 47

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kneading her buttocks as his tongue mapped the valleys below. He suckled at her labia, pulling at the lips gently as he nibbled his way up and down. Amy lay splayed beneath him, while the rise built slow and steady, then exploded into orgasm the second he flashed his tongue over her clit. He rocked back to his heels, leaving her legs draped over his shoulders. In the dim light, she watched him pull a condom from his pocket. At least one of them was prepared. Steady hands jerked his zipper down and shoved his clothing away. His erection burst free. A thrill coursed through her as he covered his cock, grabbed it in one hand, and aimed for her. A hard thrust lifted her and had her gasping. “Yes, Josh, more,” she pleaded. Deep pivots beat into her with the rhythm of their heartbeats. His gaze locked with hers, his jaw tight from the effort to hold on. She rocked when he rocked, slowed when he slowed, working with him to draw the sensation out for as long as possible. Each stroke made him harder, bigger…hotter. She flexed her fingers against his back, marveling at the strength and power in his muscles. He groaned when she feathered a touch to his lumbar. Eyes closed, back arched, he pounded his cock into her with a speed and force that made her breathless. He shot himself into her with a deep thrust, grinding his pelvis against hers with the release, thrust again and quivered, then once more before sagging into her arms to kiss her. Amy wanted to weep from the emotion. Smiling, he brushed his thumb over her cheek. “I hope you like surprises.” “I love surprises.” She combed her fingers in the hair just above his ears. “Good. There’s one waiting for you at home.” “How did you manage—” He winked and eased away. “I’ll tell you that after you see it. In the 48

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meantime, we need to find your buttons and panties. We’re almost there.” That got her scrambling. Yanking her clothes into place, she counted button holes before starting her search for the miniscule buttons, while Josh disposed of the condom in a plastic zipped bag he’d thought to bring along. “Good God, you are prepared,” she said with a laugh. “Well…I try,” he replied, handing the panties to her. By the time they’d pulled into the driveway leading to her house, everything was more or less in order. She kept the edges of her blouse pulled together. They’d go from the limo to the house; she could keep the chauffeur from noticing in that short distance. As they made the final turn, her house came into view. Lights glowed from behind her living room windows. Puzzlement drew her eyebrows together—they’d left during the day and the lights were off. Josh opened the car door as soon as the vehicle stopped. A sweeping gesture of his hand beckoned her forward. Clutching the jewel case and house keys against her midsection, Amy let him lead her. A quick “Thank you,” sent the chauffeur on his way. Josh slipped the keys from her fingers and shoved the front door open. Awe froze her on the threshold. The room was filled with dozens of red roses. White pillared candles lit every corner of the room. Champagne chilled in a silver ice bucket next to two crystal flutes. Emotion before was nothing like this. “How did you manage all this?” She dared a step forward, afraid she’d blink and it would all disappear, no more than a dream. “Acme handles security for the house. I asked Brian and Nancy to set it up to my specifications. They did a command override of the code and came in.” “It’s…beautiful,” she somehow managed to say. The door clicked shut. Josh wrapped his arms around her and kissed 49

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her temple. “I meant what I said, angel. This isn’t just sex for me. I love you, Amy.” Tears trickled unchecked down her cheeks. She was a lucky woman—to be so treasured by love twice in her life? Most people never got once. “I know it’s soon for you to love me back,” he said. “I’ve held this inside too long to hold it any more. You needed to know what my intent is—to marry you one day. If that frightens you—” She quickly shook her head. “It doesn’t, Josh. I wanted to live again. You’ve sure shown me that today. One day…” She nodded and left the rest unsaid as she tucked her arms around his. “Tell me, though… Do you like children?” “I love children? Why?” Laughing lightly, Amy turned and draped her arms around his neck. “Someone recently told me we’d make beautiful babies.” His smile wrapped around her heart. “I think we just might. Want to practice some more?” “Before or after you pour us champagne?” “How about during?

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CAITLYN WILLOWS

Caitlyn Willows is the pseudonym for award-winning author Catherine Snodgrass, who wanted to flex her writing muscles in the erotica genre. Readers will find the same quality from “Caitlyn” that they have come to expect from “Catherine,” but the stories will be more over-the-top and more steamy. Always they will be action-filled…in more ways than one. Caitlyn Willows’s email address is [email protected]. *

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Don’t miss Inside Man, by Caitlyn Willows, Available soon at AmberHeat.com!

FBI Agents Matt Oliver and Allie Quinn will do anything to protect the mission and stay alive. Little do they realize what anything will involve when they come together for what is supposed to be a simple job…or how distracting that anything will be.

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