Fated

Berkley titles by Carly Phillips

Serendipity Destiny Karma Perfect Fit

Specials

Fated

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Fated A Serendipity Short Story

Carly Phillips

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THE BERKLEY PUBLISHING GROUP Published by the Penguin Group Penguin Group (USA) Inc. 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) * Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England * Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) * Penguin Group (Australia), 707 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3008, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) * Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi—110 017, India * Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) * Penguin Books (South Africa), Rosebank Office Park, 181 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parktown North 2193, South Africa * Penguin China, B7 Jiaming Center, 27 East Third Ring Road North, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020, China Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content. FATED A Berkley Special / published by arrangement with the author PUBLISHING HISTORY

Berkley Special / December 2012 “Fated” copyright © 2012 by Karen Drogin. Excerpt from Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips copyright © 2012 by Karen Drogin. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions. For information, address: The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014. eBook ISBN: 978-1-101-61723-6 BERKLEY® Berkley Books are published by The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014. ® BERKLEY is a registered trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. The “B” design is a trademark of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

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One

Kate Andrews loved a man in uniform. She especially loved Nick Mancini in his softball gear. The pants lovingly hugged his tight ass and the short sleeve jersey showed off muscular forearms honed from years of manual labor in construction. His mahogany hair looked sexy and messy beneath his ball cap and his yummy brown eyes were dark and intense as he kicked at the dirt on the pitcher’s mound. Nick Mancini was the sole reason she’d let her best friend talk her into coming to the last softball game of the season. Not that she’d admit as much to anyone. Kate barely liked to confess her feelings for Nick to herself. Normally, Kate didn’t have an excuse to come to the games, but Faith had offered to take her husband’s half sister to see her uncle Dare Barron play for the cops. And Kate couldn’t resist the opportunity to watch Nick from afar. It was as close as she’d let herself get to the man who made her skin tingle, her pulse race, but from whom she had to keep her distance in order to protect her heart. Tonight, the Serendipity cops were playing the Mancini Construction Crew, and the competition was fierce yet friendly. Mid-September, the summer had already ended and the turnout was big for the last outdoor event before the cold weather came roaring into their upstate New York town. “Thanks for taking me tonight,” Tess said, showing Kate that the hard-edged teen who’d shown up in Serendipity was softening by living with her brother and Faith. “My pleasure,” Faith said with a genuine smile. “But it sure wasn’t Ethan’s. Boy was he pissed when he found out what we were doing tonight.” Tess practically clapped her hands in glee at causing trouble. “And there’s the Tess we all know and love,” Kate said with a chuckle. Faith frowned. “Don’t encourage her. And your brother wasn’t angry.” “He just wished someone else could take me to watch all the men on the field. Especially that Nick Mancini,” Tess mimicked her brother with a snicker, having no idea she was rousing deep-seated emotions in Kate. But Faith knew and shot Kate an apologetic look. Faith and Nick had been high school sweethearts and when Faith had recently returned to town, Nick had tried to rekindle their romance. Faith only had eyes for Ethan and things between Nick and her hadn’t had a prayer of working out, but everyone knew he’d wanted them to. So how in the world could Kate believe he was interested in her now? More importantly, how could she get her feelings to turn off before she caused herself real pain? “Eavesdropping again?” Faith asked Tess, oblivious to Kate’s thoughts. “Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?” Faith raised an eyebrow at Tess. The last time the teenager had managed to overhear something that was none of her business, Faith had broken up with Ethan, and Tess had blamed herself. She’d acted out, and Faith had ended up being hit by a car, sustaining a concussion. Everyone hoped the teenager had learned a lesson about causing trouble and jumping to conclusions. But Tess liked to stir the pot. The teen flushed at Faith’s reprimand, her pale skin turning bright red. “It’s not eavesdropping when I can easily hear him talking through the walls,” she muttered. 1

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Faith took pity on her and tugged her hair gently. “Just watch the game, okay?” Tess turned away and Faith sighed. “Hey look! Dare’s up at bat!” Tess said, conversation forgotten, her focus now on her brother. “And look who’s pitching,” Faith said under her breath. “It’s Nick.” To Faith’s credit, not only was she sensitive to Kate’s feelings about her past with Nick, insisting things between them were over as of ten-plus years ago, she was also trying to match-make for them now. “I hadn’t noticed.” Kate’s hands gripped the bleachers harder. “Liar.” Faith leaned closer. “Why do you keep turning him down when he asks you out? The chemistry between you two is off the charts.” She shifted uncomfortably on the metal bench. “We talked about this. He’s not over you and even if he is, I’d still be his rebound girl.” And Kate had too much self-respect to go that route again. At least now she was aware of how much it hurt to be that girl, and she refused to repeat the past mistake that haunted her still. “And if you tell him what I said, I may never forgive you.” Kate knew the two were still close, but Kate trusted Faith to keep her secrets, as long as she knew where Kate drew the line. Thankfully, Faith dropped the subject and the rest of the game passed quickly, Mancini Construction winning 5 – 2 thanks in no small part to Nick’s stellar pitching. The teams took the win and the loss in stride, agreeing to meet up at Joe’s Bar for drinks. Faith had to return home with Tess, but she offered to drop Kate off at Joe’s first, where it would be easy enough for her to get a ride home later. “I can take you,” Nick said, coming up behind Kate and standing way too close. He ought to smell sweaty and disgusting. Instead he smelled like Nick—a hot, sexy man. Kate grit her teeth, prepared to turn down his offer. “Awesome!” Tess said. “Then we can get home to Rosalita’s dinner that much faster.” Thanks for throwing me under the bus, kid, Kate thought. “I think I’ll go straight home.” She treated Faith to a pleading look, hoping her friend would chime in. “Then I can take you there,” Nick said first, his tone turning more insistent. Kate swallowed hard. The last thing she wanted was to be alone in a car with Nick. “Faith doesn’t mind driving me.” “Don’t be ridiculous. Tess is hungry, so let them go straight home and I’ll drive you wherever you want to go.” “You’re the man,” Tess said with a big grin. “Thanks,” Faith said to Nick, then leaned in to kiss Kate good-bye. “Take advantage of the opportunity,” Faith whispered in her ear. “Not happening,” Kate said right back. Every logical cell in Kate’s brain warned her to be careful around Nick. His dating history rivaled a who’s who of Serendipity and his one and only long-term relationship had been with Kate’s best friend. Maybe if he hadn’t tried again so recently, Kate might believe he was over her. But he had. Faith and Tess took off, walking across the field to the lot where the cars were parked, leaving Kate alone with Nick. “I just need to grab my duffel and I’m ready. You?” Nick asked. “Sure. And thank you,” she said, not wanting to seem like an ingrate. He returned a few minutes later and they strode side by side to the car, Nick placing a hand on the small of her back. Pleasure rushed through her at his touch and her skin tingled in approval. Instead of

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letting herself enjoy it, Kate stepped out of reach. Nick’s low chuckle echoed around her. “Good game,” she said, hoping conversation would help distract him. “You pitched great.” “Thanks.” He grinned, showing her the sexy dimples in his cheeks. “I’ll miss playing during the winter months.” “But you have basketball,” she said, knowing the guys played every Sunday. “True. But I prefer softball and the hot sun to the indoor stuffiness in St. Anthony’s basement.” He reached his truck and tossed his bag into the back before walking around and opening her door. She climbed in and soon he’d done the same on his side and they were on their way to Joe’s. Nick behaved on the short ride over, asking her about her new crop of students at the middle school where she taught English. He seemed genuinely interested, and Kate loved talking about her kids. In fact, she often thought they were the closest she might ever come to having children of her own. After all, what were the chances of her finding true love the way Faith had? Although she was just twenty-seven years old, Serendipity was a small town and Kate knew almost everyone. Added to that, she’d never had any desire to leave or travel, which meant meeting new people was rare. She bit down on the inside of her cheek. God, when had she become so darned morose? Maudlin? She was still young. She had plenty of time to find the right man. Of course, her gaze drifted to Nick and she covertly studied his chiseled features, tanned skin, and gorgeous muscles as he concentrated on turning into the lot behind Joe’s. It was his fault she was thinking like this, she decided. Sometime in the last few months, she’d become hyperaware of him as a man, not just as an old friend. His flirtatious passes that she kept turning down didn’t help, either. But she couldn’t bring herself to believe that he wanted her for anything real or serious. His past cemented his intentions now, just as her old experiences made her extra wary. That was the way of things, wasn’t it? “Here we are!” Nick said, as he parked in a spot behind the bar on Main Street. They walked into the Joe’s together, but Kate pulled her armor around herself and proceeded to act friendly yet find other people to hang out with for the rest of the night. Though she was aware of Nick watching her, she told herself it was just the challenge that had his hot gaze following her everywhere she went. And when it was time to go home, she let one of the other teachers she worked with give her a lift instead of taking Nick up on his offer.

Two

Nick Mancini hammered the last nail into the wall of Faith’s Interior Designs, securing the shelving that had somehow dislodged. Normally he’d send one of the guys on his construction crew to handle a fix-it job, but Faith was one of his closest friends, and for her he’d do it himself. Good thing he’d decided to show up early and handle things because he’d discovered the heating unit had broken overnight. He flexed his cold fingers and rose, tossing his tools into the metal case. Alone at Faith’s interior design store, he glanced around, remembering back to this past summer, when he, Kate, and Faith had been working on setting up the store from scratch. He recalled the exact moment he looked up and really saw Kate for the first time. They’d bickered over her not getting him a coffee when she’d brought one for Faith. He’d taken one look into her sparkling green eyes, really focused on her wit, and he was a goner. That day had set the tone for all future meetings. Sexual tension, intense chemistry, and a yearning neither one of them would admit to. Until he started asking her out in earnest and she’d consistently declined. Two months had passed since the baseball game when they’d been alone in his car. Since then, she’d been keeping him at arm’s length, avoiding being alone with him, and frustrating him to no end. Because beneath the rejections, Nick sensed a longing that matched his own. It wasn’t just desire for him either. Nick was attracted to more than her looks. She was smart as well as beautiful, witty, easily distracted, and always late, and definitely interested in him—if the soulful looks she gave him when she thought his attention was elsewhere were any indication. Yet he couldn’t figure out how to break through the wall she’d erected. Or why she’d put up barriers between them. “Nick! You’re here already!” Faith’s voice startled him and brought him back to the present and he turned to the front door. “I wanted to fit you in before I got to my first job.” “You should have told me you were coming so early. I’d have met you,” she chided, her blue eyes flashing as she scolded him. At one time, one look into those eyes and he’d have sold his soul for this woman, but he’d been young then. In high school when she’d broken up with him, he’d thought his world had ended. When she’d returned a few months ago, he’d stupidly thought to attempt another shot with her, but she wasn’t interested and if he’d been honest with himself ahead of time, neither was he. Ego had him seeing if he could tempt her. Now they were just good friends with a business relationship thrown in on the side. “There was no reason to get you up and out of the house early. I’m the landlord. I have a key,” he said. “Don’t remind me,” a familiar male voice muttered, as Faith’s new husband walked in. “Ethan,” Nick said, sticking his hand out to shake his hand. Ethan Barron didn’t like Nick all that much, and though the feeling had been mutual, Nick was forced to admit to having developed a wary respect for Ethan. Ten years had passed since Ethan’s parents died and he’d left his brothers to foster care. He’d recently returned to town, incredibly wealthy 4

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and as much of a puzzle as he’d been as a troubled kid. He was trying to fix things with his siblings, however, and he’d definitely won over Faith. For her sake, Nick was trying to give him a chance. “Thanks for getting things fixed right away,” Ethan said, shaking Nick’s hand. “Not a problem. The heating company will be here soon. You’re their first stop.” Faith glanced between the two men and beamed, her smile bright. “What?” Nick asked her. “You two. Getting along so well.” She tossed her large bag onto her desk and looked at her husband. “Don’t you have to drive to Manhattan for a meeting?” Ethan nodded, his eyes dark and hooded, focused on Nick. “I’ll leave when he does.” Faith rolled her eyes. “And I spoke too soon. Nick isn’t interested in anyone but Kate, isn’t that right, Nick?” “Jesus,” Nick muttered. “Is nothing private?” “In this town or between those two women?” Ethan asked, of Faith and her best friend. Nick managed a laugh, though he wasn’t thrilled to know he’d been their subject of conversation. “Get used to it,” Ethan said. He stepped up to his wife, slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her in for a long kiss. One that made Nick uncomfortable for witnessing it but had nothing to do with jealousy. At all. He meant it when he said any old feelings were long gone. Nick cleared his throat, and Ethan turned his head and glared. “You have some place to be,” Nick reminded Ethan just for the hell of annoying him. Ethan scowled, kissed Faith once more and started for the door. “You sure you have a ride home?” She nodded. “Kate’s picking me up after school and taking me home. I’ll see you tonight.” She placed a hand on his shoulder. While the newlyweds said their final good-byes and Faith walked Ethan out, Nick’s thoughts turned back to Kate and how to get the school teacher to take him more seriously. “I’m back,” Faith said, breaking into his thoughts, as she returned. “You and Ethan really need to learn to get along.” “We get along fine.” For two guys who’d never been friends. “Besides, we just like getting under each other’s skin. He knows I have no interest in you other than friendship.” “Men,” she muttered, sitting on the corner of her desk. “So it’s all fixed?” She gestured to the wall shelves. “Yes. Just keep the lighter items on that particular section, just in case,” he said of accessories she stocked for her customers. “Did anything break?” “Just one piece. I can absorb the loss . . . thanks to you giving me your whole new house to decorate!” Her voice rose in excitement. “I owe you so much. First renting me this space, then hiring me as a decorator. You’re a good friend, Nick.” He shook his head. “Who else would I hire? You know me as well as anyone.” “Well, if there’s anything I can do for you—” With her words, an idea settled in his brain. “If you mean that, you can put in a good word for me with Kate.” “You don’t think I have?” Faith asked. “And?” She sighed, pausing in thought. “Look,” she said at last. “Kate doesn’t think you’re serious, that you just see her as a challenge.”

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“And I think that’s a bullshit excuse,” Nick muttered. Faith grinned. “I agree.” He folded his arms across his chest and leaned against the wall. Suddenly a thought struck him. “There’s no one else, is there?” he asked. Faith shook her head. “Definitely not. If you want my opinion, you need to get Kate alone and see if you can’t get her to relax around you a little bit. Use that charm of yours.” Nick grinned. “I’m glad you think I’m charming, but what does Kate think?” Faith bit down on her lower lip, a sure sign she wasn’t comfortable with the conversation. “Without giving away too much, I know she’s interested but she has trust issues.” He nodded slowly, understanding what Faith was saying. Whatever Kate’s hang-ups, he’d help her through them, but he didn’t want to hear what they were from Faith anymore than she wanted to reveal her friend’s secrets. “Guess I need to step up my game.” Which meant Kate needed to understand he wasn’t giving up. “She won’t be able to resist you when you’re determined.” Faith grinned. Nick didn’t remind her that she’d been able to do that very thing. Kate wasn’t Faith and Nick was a hell of a lot more invested in the outcome. She’d grown on him to the point where he wanted to know her inside and out. And he refused to let her get away without seeing what could happen between them. He had high hopes for himself and Kate, and he wasn’t talking about a short-term fling. “Are you really willing to help me?” Nick asked Faith. “Because if you are, I have a plan.” One that would either win Kate over or finally put an end to his pursuit. Because if this didn’t work, he was all out of ideas and shit out of luck.

Three

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” “What?” Surprised by the question, Kate glanced at the teenager she’d just finished tutoring. Tess needed help on an English paper on Romeo and Juliet, after which, Kate, Tess, and Faith were supposed to go to the mall for shopping and dinner. “You heard me. Do you believe in love at first sight?” Kate glanced at the clock on the classroom wall. “Umm, Faith is waiting for us outside,” Kate reminded Tess. Tess shrugged. “That’s okay. She won’t mind. She’s used to you being late. She says so all the time.” Tess looked up at Kate from a fringe of light brown hair. “Nice,” Kate muttered, even though her best friend only spoke the truth. “So can you answer me?” Tess asked. “Because Ethan says if he were smarter, he’d have known Faith was it for him back when he was in high school. But I can’t imagine taking one look at any guy and falling in love. But I hope it’s true for Ethan and Faith because they need to stay together.” Kate glanced at Tess, and her heart softened in understanding. She might not be the tough kid who’d arrived in Serendipity with a chip on her shoulder, but she still possessed a personality roughened by the life she had led before her older half brother had taken her in. Beneath the exterior lived a young girl afraid no one cared enough to stick around, and she was counting on Ethan and Faith and the home they provided. “You gonna answer me?” Tess asked, nudging Kate in the arm. “I’ll answer you.” As soon as Kate figured out how to reply without disillusioning the teenager further. “I do believe in love at first sight,” she said carefully. “The problem is both people have to feel it for it to work.” Something Kate had never had any luck with. Ever. “As for Ethan and Faith, I promise you they’re solid.” Tess blew out a breath and fiddled with the ragged hem of her tee shirt. “Yeah, since they came back from their honeymoon they’re still all lovey-dovey but what about when the sex stuff gets old?” Kate tried not to choke on her own saliva. “Umm . . . the sex stuff is none of your business and love has to do with a lot more than just . . . umm . . . sex.” Uncomfortable with the subject, she dug into her purse for gum, unwrapping it and popping the mint stick in her mouth. “Want some?” She offered some to the teen. “No. I want to know more about sex and love.” Ack! You had to adore Tess, her endless questions and the mouth with no filter. What could Kate tell her? Sex was easy. Love wasn’t. Love, when not reciprocated, hurt. Badly. Kate’s thoughts went to Nick and his sexy swagger, intense brown eyes, and easy charm. Too easy. In the months since the softball game, she’d run into him around town and he’d always been friendly. Always stopped to talk. And always asked her out. She was so tempted to give in but she still vividly remembered her college boyfriend, who she’d been in love with, telling her she’d been nothing 7

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more than a poor substitute for his girl back home. She’d do everything in her power to protect herself from feeling that kind of betrayal and pain ever again. No matter how much Nick Mancini tempted her. So if Tess wanted to know about sex and love . . . “I think you should ask Faith about that,” Kate said, carefully. “Or Kelly,” Kate said of Tess’s sister on her mother’s side. “Chicken,” Tess muttered. Kate groaned at the same time her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen. A reprieve, she thought gratefully. “Ready to go? Faith’s getting antsy,” Kate asked Tess. The girl nodded. “Did you get all the help you needed on Shakespeare?” “Yeah, thanks. I am so ready to hit the mall.” Tess grinned, already on to the next subject. Thank God. “Okay I’ll tell Faith we’re coming out.” Kate texted Faith back, then gathered her book bag and jacket, ready to brave both the November chill and the mall. A few minutes later, both Kate and Tess were seated in Faith’s warm, brand-new Cadillac Escalade truck, courtesy of her husband. Ethan, once the town bad boy on a motorcycle, had returned, determined to make good. He’d also gotten his girl. If Kate didn’t know how much Faith had suffered in the past, she’d almost be jealous of her best friend and the love she’d found. “Sorry we’re late,” Kate said, settling into the seat. Faith glanced heavenward. “Save it. You’re always late.” She softened the words with an understanding laugh. “Buckle up.” She glanced at Tess via the rearview mirror. Kate did the same, and Faith pulled out of the school parking lot. “Listen, I have to make a quick stop on the way to the mall,” Faith said apologetically. From the back seat, Tess groaned. “Hey, I waited for you. It’ll just take a minute. I have to drop something off for a client.” Faith adjusted her sunglasses as she drove. “For who? And why can’t it wait till tomorrow?” Tess was nothing if not persistent. “Customers come first. The only way a start-up business works is if you keep your word,” Faith patiently explained. Tess muttered something under her breath. “Give Faith a break,” Kate said to the still-grumbling teen. “Text your friends or something until we get there.” “Thanks,” Faith said to her. “No problem. So who is this person? A new customer?” Kate swiveled to face the driver’s seat. “You could say that.” Kate shrugged, not too concerned with her friend’s customer base. They settled into silence and Kate looked out the window, watching the town of Serendipity as they passed through. To her surprise, they drove almost to the edge of town, arriving at Serendipity Lake, where some of residents had summer cabins. Kate’s parents among them until they decided they’d rather have a second home down south, and sold the cabin where they’d spent many summers while Kate was growing up. She hadn’t thought of the place in years but she’d always loved the freedom of her time there. But suddenly Kate realized just who they were going to see. “We’re going to Nick’s?” she asked, her stomach flipping uncomfortably. Faith didn’t answer, merely drove past the well-spaced houses and pulled into the driveway of a

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completely remodeled cabin set off from the others. The driveway was fully paved, not gravel like the older homes had. Though the structure itself retained a rustic feel, the outside possessed a completely modern, newer look, and sat on more land than the other houses were allotted. The house was obviously new, charming, and very Nick. “Faith?” Kate asked again. “One sec.” Faith turned around and reached for a small shopping bag behind her seat. “Do me a favor and leave this on the porch? I need to call Ethan before we get lost in the mall for hours.” Kate narrowed her gaze. “I really don’t want to run into Nick.” Faith waved away her concern. “He’s not home. That’s why you can just leave it on the porch.” She dangled the bag. “Please?” Kate let out a sigh. “Fine. As long as he’s not here,” she muttered. “Thanks.” Faith reached for her phone. Tess remained quiet in the back seat. A quick glance showed she’d put her iPod and headphones on, so she’d be satisfied until they arrived at the mall. Kate opened the car door and hopped out, the cold wind hitting her in the face. “You owe me,” she called out to her friend. Faith met her gaze and shot her a smile before Kate slammed the door shut. No sooner had she reached the front porch when she heard the roar of the engine and turned to see Faith’s truck backing out of the driveway. “What the—” Kate waved and started down the steps. “Faith!” she called out, panic mixed with confusion. Faith rolled down her window. “It’s for your own good!” “What is? Get back here!” “Calm down,” a deep, familiar masculine voice said from behind her. “I can explain everything.” Her heart beating rapidly, Kate turned to see the man who haunted her dreams—daydreams and night ones too—standing in the entryway of the cabin. He leaned against the doorframe, arms folded over his chest, a look of sheer determination and masculinity on his face. “Welcome, Kate.”

Four

Nick had set up tonight along with Faith, who’d gone out on a limb, knowing Kate might be angry with her for a long while over this stunt. Unless Nick managed to convince Kate to give him a chance. In which case, he hoped Kate would forgive them both. So this was it. Do or die. Accomplish his goal or he’d have no choice but to let her go. No chance, Nick thought, determined. “What’s going on, Nick?” Kate shoved her hands into her jacket pocket, pulling the garment closed tighter as she stomped up the path and glared up at him. “It’s cold out. Come on in and I’ll explain.” “How about you explain first and then I’ll decide if I’m coming inside?” He hadn’t forgotten Kate’s stubborn streak. He’d just hoped she’d wait until they were in the house for it to kick in. “Don’t you want to see my new place?” “Not until you tell me why you couldn’t just invite me over like a normal person?” Her green eyes flashed fire and damn she was gorgeous in all her expressive glory. “Would you have come?” She set her jaw, providing them both with an answer. Apparently they were going to have to do this the hard way. “How many times have I asked you out?” He raised an eyebrow and waited. Kate glanced away. “I lost count.” “How many times have you said no?” She gave him the same answer. “It’s not because you aren’t interested because the chemistry between us can warm the most frigid weather. And I danced with you at Faith and Ethan’s wedding—” “Because I didn’t want to make a scene.” Her teeth had begun to chatter. He’d give her one more minute to get reasonable and he was going to carry her in. “We danced and you melted, Kate. Your entire body vibrated in my arms. You looked up at me with those gorgeous eyes and I could read every emotion in them. You want me as much as I want you.” She stiffened her spine but at the reminder of that dance, the heat in her eyes flared bright. It was all he could do not to head on down there and kiss her senseless. “Are you going to deny it?” he asked. She watched him warily, glossed lips parted, eyes slightly glazed. She didn’t move a muscle. “I’ll take that as a no. But it’s just want. We know each other well. For example, I know you’re always late and I don’t care. You love kids, pets, and old people. I love kids, pets and I can deal with your visits to the senior home on Saturdays. You volunteer at the youth center, create programs when there’s just one kid who needs it, and I admire the hell out of that. Add to that you’re the best friend anyone could have. I like what I know and I want to learn even more.” In the wake of her continued silence, he walked down the steps slowly, knowing he was stalking her, getting closer, watching for signs she’d bolt. 10

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“Still won’t admit it out loud, huh?” A frustrated muscle ticked in her jaw while her eyes softened enough to tell him he was making progress. So he continued. “We get along just fine when you let us. So tell me why two people who are so right for each other aren’t together right now?” He’d gotten so close, he could smell the vanilla scent of her perfume, and his body reacted accordingly. Her breathing increased with every word, and the tension pulsed silently around them as he waited for her reply. “Be careful what you ask for,” she warned finally him. “Trust me, I’ve thought this through and I’m here. Whatever is bothering you, whatever’s keeping you from giving in to me, you can tell me.” She sighed, frustration etching her expression and the barest hint of tears shimmering in her gaze. Those tears got to him, damn it. He reached out and cupped her jaw in his hand. “Talk, Kate. Why haven’t you given in to this? To us?” “How many long-term relationships have you had?” she asked, surprising him with a question and not an answer. He blinked at that. Thought about it. There was Faith, of course, and she was his longest relationship. Afterward? There’d been women here and there, sex definitely, but long-term relationships? None. He’d guarded his heart carefully, not even considering anything serious because no one struck him that way—until one day, with the sun shining through the window while he was helping Faith in her new store, he’d looked up and seen Kate in a whole new way. Suddenly he’d realized the one thing he hadn’t known he wanted had been in front of his eyes the whole time, and he’d been too blind to see it. “Cat got your tongue?” Kate asked. Her nose had grown red from the cold. “One long-term relationship,” he finally replied. “When I was just a kid. Your point?” Her jaw worked back and forth before she spoke. “You just made it. Faith was it for you. There was nobody serious for ten years after her and when she came back, you tried to pick up where you left off but she wasn’t interested. She wanted Ethan. So you turned to your buddy, your friend, who’s been in front of you forever. Well I’ve got news for you. I won’t be anyone’s next best thing ever again.” On that stunning statement, Kate turned to go but Nick’s reflexes were good and he was faster. He reached out and grabbed her arm, turning her back to face him. Her cheeks were pink, her eyes large in her pale face, as if clearly aware she’d revealed everything in that one statement. And what a statement it was. He had a bigger hill to climb than he’d thought. It was more like a frigging mountain. What she thought couldn’t be further from the truth, but she believed it and that’s what mattered. “Second best? Is that what you think?” Without hesitation, he yanked her against him and did what he’d been dying to do since deciding he wanted Kate Andrews. Nick sealed his lips over hers. She stiffened in shock and her hands came up to brace his shoulders, as if she were ready to push him away. He didn’t give her the chance. Instead he swept his tongue over her lips once, twice, and on the third lick, she moaned, then parted her mouth and let him inside. She tasted like heaven. Like mint and Kate, or what he’d imagined she would taste like, and he’d done plenty of imagining and yeah, jerking off to the thought of her. He’d wondered and now that he knew, he couldn’t get enough. Thank God, neither could she. Her fingers curled into his shirt, her nails digging into his skin through the fabric. She didn’t pull away and he continued the sensual assault

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awhile longer, breathing her in and reveling in having her in his arms. Finally, though not easily, he broke the kiss, keeping a hand against her back, pressing her against him. “You are not, nor have you ever been second best. Now come inside and let me prove it to you.” She narrowed her gaze, which to his satisfaction, was still hazy with desire. “I can’t.” “You can.” “Then I shouldn’t.” She bit down on her lower lip, proof of an insecurity she had no business feeling. Not that he didn’t understand why she might think he felt that way about Faith, but he needed to convince her otherwise and he didn’t want to do it outside in the cold. “We’re going inside,” Nick said in the firm voice he used with his crew. “You can walk in along with me or I’ll carry you. Your choice.” She gasped in outrage. He ignored her reaction. “Well? What will it be?”

Kate knew if she walked into that house it was all over for her. She’d give in, succumb to Nick’s sex appeal and the desire she’d been fighting for too long. But she couldn’t stand out here in the cold, either. Her lips still tingled from that explosive kiss and other body parts begged her to let him continue what he’d started. She knew better than to think chemistry meant he wasn’t settling. What was it her ex had said? Guys can get it up even for an ugly chick. What an ass he’d been, she knew that now. She’d been young, college-age young, and so stupid. Whatever. She wasn’t comparing Nick to Scott, but she did understand the point. But she couldn’t deny she wanted him, either. So just maybe, she ought to consider giving in. After all, she couldn’t regret something later if she was aware of the outcome ahead of time. “Fine, I’ll go inside,” she said, too ungraciously, she knew. But she was scared. Of letting him seduce her, of liking it too much, of allowing her heart to get more involved than it already was. “Good.” His smile lit his entire face, making him even more handsome. “Lead the way.” She gestured with a sweep of her arm. He took her hand and threaded his fingers through hers. The gesture felt intimate, sweet and right, and her heart fluttered harder inside her chest. No, no, no, she warned herself. Emotions separate from sex. And if he’d arranged to have Faith drop her off here, what else could he want besides sex? Sex was something she ought to be able to handle. And she wanted Nick, didn’t she? So maybe it was time to give in. He led her to the house. Kate had been in the old cabins before, but as she stepped over the threshold of Nick’s, she knew immediately she’d never seen anything like his. The cabin was a mixture of old-world wooden charm and state-of-the-art modern conveniences. Whereas many of the lake homes had old heaters and even older fixtures, Nick’s were brand new. From the authentic fireplace and hearth, to the flat-screen built-in television on the wall, to the gleaming dark hardwood floors and what looked like handmade furniture, time, love and appreciation had gone into every detail. “Like it?” Nick asked, coming up behind her. She turned to face him. “It’s gorgeous. You built the whole thing?” Nick, like his father before him, was not only a construction worker and builder, but he owned land in and around Serendipity. “I gutted the house that was here, designed and built it from scratch,” he said, no small amount of

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pride in his voice. “It took years because I had to pull crew from other jobs when I had the chance.” “And the furniture?” She couldn’t help but notice the intricate carving on the wooden chair and table legs. “Been working on all of it in my spare time. Also took years,” he said gruffly, as if the admission came from somewhere deep. “Wow. I’m . . . in awe. Truly.” “There’s more.” He hadn’t dropped her hand and he tugged lightly now, pulling her forward, to the back end of the cabin toward what she knew in her gut was the master bedroom. So not a good idea. “Umm . . . Nick—” “Humor me,” he insisted and led into the room. She walked around, admitting to herself that the huge bedroom was as special as he was. A large sleigh bed, also intricately carved, sat in the center of the room surrounded by lighter wood but no less beautiful nightstands and matching furniture strategically placed around the room. Another big screen television sat on the wall and surround-sound speakers were mounted nearby. She looked up to find a beamed ceiling with skylights directly over the bed so there’d be a view of the stars each night. “There’s a remote that closes the ceiling and shuts out the light.” “Stunning,” she said, her awe only growing for his talent, foresight and the depth this man had inside him. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. It felt good. He felt good, all warm and solid, his woodsy smell arousing every one of her senses. He cuddled her against him like she belonged there, and warning bells went off in her brain. “Why did you bring me here?” she asked, her breath coming in uneven spurts. “Isn’t that obvious?” He settled his chin on her shoulder and kissed her neck. A delicious shiver rippled through her. “I’m beginning to see that you’re a detail-oriented kind of guy.” “Mmm-hmm.” The sound vibrated against her skin. “I leave nothing to chance. Especially when I want something. And Kate, I want you.” She sighed and forced herself to turn around and meet his gaze. This had the unfortunate effect of aligning their bodies and proving his words to her in full and thick detail. Her body weakened, melted, and a rush of moisture dampened her underwear. How was she supposed to think straight let alone keep her distance when he acted so sweet? “Nick—” “Don’t say a word.” He brushed her hair off her shoulder. “We’re going to eat dinner and enjoy each other’s company. Give me that, at least.” She sighed. “Do I have a choice? You had Faith kidnap me, remember?” Which, now that she was over the shock, she had to admit was kind of sexy. His cheeks highlighted with color. “You always have a choice. If you don’t want to be here I can’t make you stay.” For the first time she sensed maybe this wasn’t any easier for him than it was for her. “When is Faith coming back for me?” Kate asked, not answering him directly, at least not yet. But he was getting to her—from the effort he’d put into getting her here, to the sincerity in his tone and the fact that she really wanted to be here. Kate was a goner. “She’s not. But I’ll take you home if that’s what you really want.” He met her gaze, the swirling dark depths pulling her in. “It’s not. I mean, I want to stay.”

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She wanted to have this night with him and know what she’d been both dreaming of and pushing away. She’d pull herself together afterward. She had no other choice.

Five

Nick had planned to pull out all the stops and convince Kate he meant business. But as they ate in silence, Kate devouring first the Manhattan clam chowder his mom had made for him, and then the steaks he’d broiled, he was beginning to doubt his ability to win her over. She was wary and uneasy, two things he didn’t want her to feel around him. “You asked me about my long-term relationships,” he said into the silence. “Now it’s time to talk about yours. How many have you had?” He threw her question back in her lap. Her spoon clattered against the table and she picked it up again. “Why?” “Because I want to get to know you.” “I’m not all that exciting. Especially my dating history.” Her cheeks flushed pink. “Uh-uh,” he said, waving his spoon at her. “I didn’t ask about dating. I asked about relationships.” Her scowl was so fierce, he was surprised she didn’t stick her tongue out at him too. “You know I didn’t go out with anyone in high school.” And he pretty much knew she barely dated here in Serendipity, unless there were guys from other towns he didn’t know about. There had to be. He couldn’t see a beautiful woman like Kate going without male company completely, he thought, doing his best not to scowl at the thought. “That leaves college.” She’d gone to a local university but he knew the place attracted out of staters too. He raised an eyebrow and waited for her to answer. “Fine. College. I dated a couple of guys there and then I met someone I thought was special.” Her eyes glazed at the memory. Nick’s stomach cramped at the notion of Kate with feelings for someone else, suddenly understanding her reaction to his twisted situation with Faith. He filed that away to deal with later. “What happened?” “His name was Scott and he paid attention to me almost from day one. He was persistent. Kind of like you.” She wrinkled her nose at him and he refrained from leaning across the table and kissing the tiny lines. “Somehow I doubt we have anything in common,” he muttered. “He pursued me pretty relentlessly, also like you. He met me after class, walked me to my car, took me on dates. He even met my parents.” She wiped her mouth with napkin, facing him head on. “You’d figure a guy who is willing to pick you up at home and meet your folks is a good guy, right?” “Obviously not.” “Exactly. We went out all senior year. It got pretty serious, at least for me. He was my first,” she admitted softly. Oh, hell. Faith had been his first and he knew how long he’d held onto hope when there was none. He reached for Kate’s hand and she didn’t pull away. “Where was he from?” Nick asked. “Massachusetts. He lived on campus. Went home for holidays and stuff. I should’ve realized I wasn’t getting the same things in return. I hadn’t met his folks and he never invited me there, but he 15

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always had what sounded like a legitimate reason. I figured I’d meet them come graduation.” She pulled in a deep breath. “Except he broke up with me a couple of days before commencement.” Nick studied her expressive features. Clearly the pain of that hadn’t gone away after all these years and he doubted it was because she still had feelings for the guy. “Did he say why he ended it?” Her harsh laugh took him by surprise. “He sure did. He had a girlfriend at home. One he was serious about. I was his hookup on the side, someone who kept his bed warm while he was away at school.” “That bastard.” Nick’s blood boiled at the story. That anyone could treat a woman so badly galled him. He had a sister, and he’d kill any guy who used her that way. And for Kate to have gone through something like that? He clenched his fists in his lap. Kate eyed Nick in surprise. The vehemence and disgust in his tone shocked her. “It was a long time ago,” she said. “Not so long that it didn’t leave scars,” he reminded her, his gentle tone in stark contrast to the obvious anger pulsing through him on her behalf. “I don’t know about scars. It made me wiser, though.” “And way too skeptical.” Kate shrugged. Nick didn’t take things so lightly. “Are you finished?” He gestured to her plate and she nodded. She started to pick up place settings to help him clean. “Leave it. I’ll get it later.” She must have read the seriousness in his voice because she listened without arguing. He rose from his seat and she did the same. Without a word, he walked into the living area and turned the stereo on, his iPod playing a mix he’d created, and yeah, he’d put a lot of thought into this too. As Adele crooned around them, singing of breakups but also providing the right mood music for Kate to sway in his arms, he held out his hand. She tipped her head, obviously understanding what he wanted because she came easily. He clasped her smaller fingers in his and drew her against him, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close, so there was no mistaking his intent. Or his need. He waited in silence, their bodies gliding in place, until she finally relaxed in his arms. That’s when he sprung his next offensive. “Give me a chance, Kate. I want you. Tonight.” Kate sighed. She felt so much smaller in Nick’s arms, protected but also cherished, a dangerous feeling when want was very different from the emotional need he effortlessly aroused inside her. Still, as their dance continued and he waited for her answer, she grew ever more aroused. He wanted her. She desired him. Two adults who knew the score. He rocked against her, all sensual seriousness and she melted. Give him what he was asking for or walk away and never know what could be. “Don’t let some asshole from five years ago keep you from opening your heart now,” he whispered. Oh my God, he was talking about hearts. But she’d learned not to read too much into words, which she knew as an English teacher, could have varying meanings. All Nick really wanted was for her not to deny the physical attraction that was so obvious. He was seducing her into his bed. That’s what she needed to both respond to and keep in mind. “What’s it gonna be, sweetheart?”

Six

All Kate had to do was agree to give them a chance and hope her heart was strong enough for whatever came next. Meeting his gaze, she lifted onto her tiptoes and kissed his lips. He let her take the lead and she pressed harder against him, her fingers threading through his hair and, keeping him right where she wanted him, she deepened the kiss. Her tongue slid sensuously against his and his control broke. With a groan, he backed her up to the nearest wall, his entire body bracketing hers, his breathing ragged and rough. “What you do to me,” he muttered, cupping her chin in his hand. Don’t break my heart, Kate whispered in her own mind, knowing she was in over her head with this man. Then, too far gone to listen to reason, she grabbed the waistband on his shirt and pulled it over his head, stripping him so she could feel his bare skin. At last. He let her hands roam in silence and she tested his hair-roughened chest, his hard abs and stomach, before heading upward again, her palms settling on his nipples, her fingertips running up and down over the tight tips. He let out a painful sound that told her exactly how affected he was, how much he wanted her. For Kate, it was hard to keep the past away, to fight the notion that a guy could get into sex and it didn’t mean anything more, but she’d started this, taken a deep breath and let herself dive in—and now they were here. “You still with me?” Nick asked, his gruff voice bringing her back to the present. She managed a smile. “Yeah.” “Bedroom?” he asked. She nodded. “Thank God,” he muttered and took her off guard, sweeping her off her feet. Literally into his arms. She locked her hands behind his neck and held on as he carried her to his bedroom and laid her down on his big, gorgeous sleigh bed. “I’ve waited a long time for this,” he murmured and began to slowly undress her, peeling off her clothing piece by piece, skirt tossed, blouse following, thigh-highs rolled slowly down her legs, his fingertips trailing along her skin at a leisurely seductive pace. She remained in a not-so-sexy bra and pair of underwear she’d chosen in the dark this morning, and she silently promised she’d kill Faith for not dropping a hint of some sort to warn her she might want to fancy things up a bit. But when Nick’s eyes glazed and he groaned his approval, Kate forgot all about what she was wearing, her sole concentration on the moisture in her panties and the painful way her nipples rasped against lace. She studied his gorgeous chest, the slim tapering of hair that ran into his dark jeans and asked, “Aren’t you going to join me?” “As soon as I can stop staring, yeah.” 17

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He grinned and her heart turned over. He unbuttoned his jeans and slid them over his muscular thighs, taking his boxer briefs along with them. A wave of female appreciation along with sheer desire swept over her. This man had her in his bed and wanted her fiercely. She desired him just as much. “Kate?” “Hmm?” she asked, never taking her gaze from the impressive erection that stood proudly against his stomach. “I have condoms in the nightstand but I haven’t been with a woman in over six months. I’ve been too busy working on the house. And I swear to you I’m clean. I want to feel you. All of you and only you.” Sweet heaven. Her stomach fluttered and she felt the yearning between her legs. “So the only question is—” Nick’s voice trailed off. “I’m on the pill,” she said, for the first time grateful she had problems with her monthly cycle and pain. Kate might not trust love, but she believed Nick was a decent guy who wouldn’t deliberately mislead her about something so important. “And I’m also safe.” He dropped onto the bed, his long, lean, muscular body easing down as he surrounded her in heat. Grasping her face, he kissed her long and hard. Faster and deeper. Devouring her as if he’d been waiting a lifetime for this one moment. Heaven knew she felt the same way. She trembled in his arms, arching her back and pressing his raging hard-on against her belly. He reached back and unhooked her bra, which she quickly shimmied off. Her panties came next and then she found heaven, skin to skin, feeling all of Nick against her. He kissed the tip of her nose, moved to her neck, her collarbone, sliding down to her breasts, teasing her with nips of his teeth and loving licks of his tongue until finally he drew one distended nipple into his mouth. Kate groaned out loud, not caring how loud she was or what she sounded like, focused only on the intense pleasure he managed to provide with his mouth. Over and over he lapped at her breast until she was tender, her hips shifting restlessly, and she didn’t think she could take anymore. She wanted only for him to fill the aching emptiness between her thighs. But he switched to the other breast, bringing it the same pleasure, arousing her impossibly more. “Nick.” She cried out his name, thrusting her hips upward in a not-so-silent plea. “Right here,” he promised, cupping her damp heat with his palm. Her pelvis jerked against him. “Oh God, I need—” “This?” He slid one finger inside her and a teasing wave crested and ebbed. “More.” Of him, of everything. She writhed in need and he pressed his palm against exactly the right spot, rotating his hand in hard, endless circles that culminated with the thrust of his finger inside her once more, and Kate shattered. Her climax hit and she came hard, Nick not letting up on the pressure or the movement until he’d wrung every last bit of pleasure out of her body. When she opened her eyes, Nick was over her, his erection poised at her entrance. “That was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he said, his dark eyes reflecting the seriousness of his comment. “And now I want to see it again.” She was about to tell him that wasn’t possible but he thrust inside her, cutting off all words and any rational thought. She could only feel, and he was beautifully thick and full, and she felt him everywhere and not just physically, either. Kate knew sex. She’d had her share over the years, it feeling good but never meaning much. Right now, her

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emotions were involved and a lump rose to her throat. She’d known better than to do this. She’d avoided him for so long. And when Nick shuddered and stilled above her, his eyes glittering, she realized how young and naive she’d been all those years ago when she’d thought she was in love. Oh God, she was in trouble but it was too late to stop it now. Never breaking eye contact, Nick began to move inside her and the intense feelings and sensations grew. Her body responded to his and suddenly another orgasm seemed not only possible but likely, especially with the way he was staring at her with every thrust. It was intense, and hot, and meaningful but it was also an explosion of her senses and she closed her eyes, her sole focus the mini contractions already wracking her body again with every bump of his thick length inside her. “Open your eyes,” Nick said and Kate suddenly found herself staring back as he thrust harder. “Keep looking.” Suddenly he wasn’t just arousing her with smooth thrusts, he was pounding into her, owning her, taking everything she had and giving back so much more. His jaw was tight, his gaze hot, and he never stopped watching her. She rose higher, higher, and higher still. “Nick, God, I’m going to—” “Come, Kate.” He pulled out and pumped into her once, twice, and suddenly everything inside her and outside her collided, exploded and she screamed his name. Her release began and seemed to never end, the contractions rippling over and over. He let go seconds after her, groaning hard and calling her name as he came.

Seven

Nick woke up to the unusual feeling of a soft, warm female in his arms. Unusual because not only had he been going through a dry spell these last six months but because even before then he’d gotten into the habit of not spending the night with a woman. He’d learned early on what behavior led to expectations and problems and what didn’t. So to say having Kate in his bed was a big moment was an understatement in more ways than one. Last night she’d blown. His. Mind. It was still dark out, the sun not yet having risen, no sunlight coming through the skylights. Without thinking, he began another slow seduction, wanting to experience more of what she’d so willingly given last night. He woke her with lazy kisses on her neck and soon she was squirming her backside against his aching groin until he was going crazy with need. He rolled her over and immediately poised himself at her entrance, finding her already slick and ready for him. As he slid into her wet sheath, a low groan escaped from his throat and an accompanying shudder shook her smaller frame. “Heaven,” he muttered. She arched against him, pulling him deeper. Her eyes were still hazy and sleepy but she was clearly enjoying too. Nick wasn’t just enjoying. He was completely lost in her. He’d brought her here to prove he wanted her, to show her what they could share together if she gave them a chance. He’d learned something too. To hell with Faith or any other woman he’d had in his past or who he came across in his future. Kate was it for him. He moved inside her, feeling the ripple and clench of her inner walls gripping him tight and his eyes nearly crossed in his head. She bent her knees and he thrust hard, as deep as he could get, wanting to get as close as physically possible. She already owned his heart. “Nick,” she groaned. “Oh Nick.” He clenched his teeth and let himself go, bringing them up and over the edge together, coming so damned hard he thought maybe his brain exploded too. He collapsed on top of her, caught his breath for a few minutes before rolling to the side, pulling her into his arms. “I told you we’d be explosive,” he murmured against her skin. And his last thought before falling back to sleep was that they might need more time as a couple, but he couldn’t feel any more for her if he tried. When he woke up again, his bed was empty and Kate was gone. “Shit, shit, shit!” He threw the covers off of him, pulled on his jeans, leaving them unbuttoned as he went in search of Kate. How far could she have gotten without a car? The silent house and no sign of her clothes on the floor in the bedroom provided an answer, but he checked the rest of the house anyway. The bathroom was empty, so was the kitchen. How had he missed the sound of an engine pulling into the driveway? Easy. Sleeping beside Kate 20

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had lulled him into a false sense of security and now, the morning after, he recognized his mistake in not talking things through with her before he took her to bed. Did he go talk to her immediately or give her time to think? Nick was at a loss, so he opted for a shower before dealing with the stubborn woman who’d snuck out of his bed.

Faith might have picked Kate up from Nick’s, but she wasn’t happy with Kate and they hadn’t spoken during the ride home. Kate wasn’t happy with herself at the moment but she hadn’t been able to help prevent the full-blown panic attack that sent her running from Nick’s bed. Faith stopped the car in front of the garden apartment where Kate lived. “Thanks,” Kate said and tried to open the car door but it wouldn’t open. Kate tried to unlock the door herself but the safety locks were engaged. “Would you please let me out?” “Not until we talk.” Kate set her jaw and turned in her seat. “I just need some time alone, so I can think. I’m not ready to talk about it yet.” Not when last night was so fresh—and beautiful in her mind. Which is exactly why she’d run, because she couldn’t let herself believe in the magic of what she and Nick had shared. The pain of what awaited her on the other side was too big and scary. Faith blew out a breath of air. “If I’d run from Ethan instead of embracing the scary, would I be as happy as I am today?” Kate shook her head. “That’s not the same thing. Ethan always loved you, even when he didn’t know it.” He’d even told Tess as much. “Whether or not that’s true is irrelevant.” Faith braced her arms on the steering wheel. “What’s important is that when I came back here, nothing in life was going my way, remember?” Kate nodded, unable to dispute that statement. “And if I’d let my past dictate my future, I’d never have opened my heart to Ethan because I’d have been sure he’d hurt me as badly as my ex-husband had. Right?” Again, Kate forced herself to nod. “So now explain to me why, when a man goes so far as to have you kidnapped to get you to his house, wines you, dines you, and then I’m guessing makes mad, passionate love to you—why my educated, usually smart and savvy friend would convince herself he doesn’t mean it?” Faith’s voice rose along with her obvious frustration. Kate sat in silence, knowing how crazy her actions had been even before Faith had laid it all out in stark words. “Who are you running from?” Faith asked, her voice softer now. “Is it from Nick? Or from yourself?” Kate expelled a long breath of air and lay her forehead on the cold car window. “I woke up, warm and happy . . .” With her body aligned with Nick’ and sore in all the most delicious places. She’d taken one look at his face, gorgeous even in sleep, and a swell of emotion had hit her hard. She knew right then, she loved him. If she were really honest, she’d known it going into the night, and their time together merely reinforced the overwhelming feelings she already felt for him. “I panicked,” she admitted to Faith. “I’ve never felt that way. I never thought I could feel that way. And if I let myself believe Nick felt the same and he didn’t or if he ever hurt me—” “Life is about risks,” Faith said, her hand stroking the back of Kate’s hair. “You take them or you live in the state of longing you were in before last night. Was that any better than reaching for love and

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doing everything in your power to keep it?” Kate raised her head and met her best friend’s gaze. “When did you become so smart?” Faith grinned. “Oh, about the time I picked you as my best friend back in third grade.” Kate shook her head and laughed, grateful for Faith, her friendship, and her ability to talk reason in the face of Kate’s craziness. “I’m not sure what I’d do without you.” “Same here. Good thing we’ll never have to find out. So what’s your plan now?” Faith asked. Kate shrugged. “Go inside, shower, pull myself together and then find a very special man and tell him that I love him.” A bright smile lit Faith’s face. “Well then. My job here is done. I can go home to my husband and hope he’s still in bed.” Kate laughed, feeling lighter than she could ever remember. Now she just had to hope she hadn’t ticked off Nick so much that he wasn’t willing to listen when she bared her heart and soul.

Eight

Kate showered and washed her hair, rushing through her routine because every minute that passed gave Nick more time to think about how he’d woken up alone—and more time to decide she wasn’t worth any more effort. She swallowed over the lump in her throat and pushed down the case of nerves developing inside her. Faith was right. Nick had gone all out to show her what she meant to him. And Kate had thrown it back in his face. The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. She dried her hair quickly but before she had a chance to put on a light coating of makeup, her doorbell rang. No doubt Faith decided she’d better make sure Kate didn’t chicken out on her plans. “You could have just trusted me,” Kate said at the same time she swung open her door. “Not until you give me a reason to trust you,” Nick muttered back. “You!” “Who else were you expecting?” he asked with an unhappy scowl on his handsome face. “Unless you don’t think you owe me an explanation for why I woke up alone.” His voice rose and he didn’t bother to contain his anger . . . Or his hurt. She blinked at him, still stunned he’d shown up here. “Come inside,” she said, reaching for his hand. She didn’t want her neighbors overhearing her personal drama. He let her pull him into her place and shut the door behind him. He’d come right from a shower, his hair still slightly damp, razor stubble giving him a rougher than usual appearance. But the hurt in his eyes was unmistakable and guilt rode her hard. “Of course I owe you an explanation. In fact, I was about to finish getting ready and come over.” His gaze ran from her bare feet and legs to the short robe she’d hastily tied on. Male appreciation flared in his dark eyes before he pulled his attention off her body. Wariness settled in his gaze as he clearly refocused on the present. “I’m listening.” Her mouth grew dry. Thinking about telling him her feelings and actually doing it were two different things. He’d yet to lay it on the line in words, but he’d certainly begun with actions. Now it was her turn. She still held his hand and tugged him towards the couch. He sat down and she chose to sit right next to him, curling one leg beneath her. “When I woke up, I was disoriented at first. The only thing that registered was how warm and happy I was. How peaceful. I thought, wow, I could get used to waking up feeling like this.” His expression softened and she continued. “Then I opened my eyes and saw you there. Asleep. And I panicked.” She glanced down, embarrassed by her actions. Nick watched her closely. She seemed fragile and tense, every word drawn from the deepest places inside her. Which meant he was getting the truth. At last. “I realized I was in your bed and I’d just been linking you to all these intensely deep feelings that maybe you didn’t really want. So I did what I thought most men would want after a one-night stand.” 23

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She didn’t meet his gaze. “I left.” “One night stand my ass,” he muttered, squeezing her hand. “As soon as I realized you were gone, I thought about how I should have laid my feelings out for you before I took you to bed.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure words would have done it,” she admitted. “I don’t think I was ready to hear it. I sure wouldn’t have let myself believe.” “Why not?” he asked, more gently than she thought she deserved. “Because I thought you liked the idea of a challenge. I mean, you haven’t been serious with anyone outside of Faith. You went through women like they were interchangeable. And I’d been hurt by someone who’d used me. So I couldn’t let myself believe you’d want me the way I wanted you.” Her open vulnerability struck him like an arrow in the heart. He’d never wanted her to doubt his intentions but he realized now the problem was more about her than him. “I can’t change my past, but do you want to know why I didn’t stick with any of those women?” he asked, tipping her chin up so he could look into her forest-green eyes. She moistened her lips and it was all he could do to stifle a groan. “Why?” “Because they weren’t you.” He touched his forehead to hers. “It’s not about Faith. It’s never been about Faith. It’s been about me finding the right person who just . . . fit.” He shifted and sat up, looking her head on. “Yesterday you said Faith was it for me. And she was.” At his words, Kate visibly stiffened but he wouldn’t let her run, emotionally or otherwise. “Faith was it for me—in high school. And when she broke up with me, she bruised my ego. I guess she hurt my heart, but I was a guy and I didn’t want to give it much thought. I wasn’t about to believe a woman could hurt me, but she did. Then she left and went to college and I stayed and like you, I went to school here. I worked for my dad and learned the business. I dated but didn’t get serious about anyone. Just like you said.” He moved in close, pulling her against his chest. To his relief, she went easily, no longer fighting him, obviously listening. Good thing, since this was where he made his case. “And all the while, you were here too, in the background. We were friendly but I was too blind to notice. I could kick myself for that, but it wouldn’t change anything. Maybe I just wasn’t ready to see.” “Just like I wasn’t ready,” she whispered. He nodded, holding her against him, breathing in her sweet scent and wishing he could forget conversation and take her to bed. But at this moment, talk came first. Afterward? He hoped they never had to be apart again. “But then . . .” And here’s where it got tough, Nick thought. “Faith came back and . . . the feelings didn’t.” He eased her away then and looked into her eyes. “Honest to God, Kate. Asking Faith out just seemed like the thing to do, to see if we could pick up where we left off. Maybe fix the old ego or something. And when Ethan went after her, it became more of a pissing contest than anything else. I’m not proud of it, but that’s the truth.” Kate studied him. She let herself look at his features, which she’d long since memorized, and into his eyes, which she knew never lied. Real regret shone in them. He meant what he said. It wasn’t about Faith. It hadn’t been for a long, long time. And though Kate had told herself she knew that before he rang her doorbell, she had to admit it felt good to hear him say it now. But there was still more they had to get out into the open. No more holding back the things that scared or hurt her, Kate thought. “You kissed Faith.”

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He nodded. “I did. I needed to prove to myself that there really was nothing there for me. So I could walk away, leave her to Ethan and not be hurt by it. Ego, pure and simple.” Kate shook her head, amazed at the lightness inside her. “Men are such idiots,” she muttered and with a laugh, he agreed. “But that kiss was a good thing because from that point on, it wasn’t about Faith. It was about me opening my eyes to what’s been in front of me all along. It’s you, Kate. It’s been you for a long time and I don’t want you to ever doubt that it will always be you.” The word hung between them, an enticement and an offer of something she’d been wanting but was too scared to let herself hope for, let alone have. But this was Nick and he was different than any man she’d even known. And hadn’t he now proven it? Sort of like the house he’d lovingly built and restored over a long period of time, putting thought and work into the effort, he’d done the same with her. Asking her out, not giving up or taking no for an answer, talking Faith into bringing her over, and now laying himself emotionally bare. For her. “I don’t see that ever changing,” he said and kissed her firmly on the lips. “Ever. I love you, Kate. If I wasn’t such a guy I’d have known it and told you last night but when I woke up the first time with you in my arms, I knew.” She sucked in a startled breath, blindsided by the last few minutes, awed, and so very happy. “I love you too,” she admitted, grateful to finally be able to say the words out loud. “And I’m sorry I ran this morning. I was scared so I pushed you away before you could do it first.” “That never would have happened.” She laughed out loud. “Lesson learned. I promise.” He crooked a finger her way. “Sweetheart, come here.” She didn’t have far to go and she was in his arms where she belonged, kissing him until they tumbled backwards onto the couch. “Just so you know, I’m not letting you get away from me again.” “Sounds good to me.” She sighed, unable to believe she could be this happy. “I know things have gone from zero to the speed of light, and we probably should take things slow, but I’m hoping you love me and my house enough to consider moving in one day?” “Oh my God!” Could her heart fill any more? She stroked a hand down his cheek. “If we don’t kill each other in the next phase of whatever this is, I think that could be arranged.” Nick grinned and Kate knew—no matter how hard the road in getting here, she and Nick were definitely meant to be.

Carly Phillips returns to Serendipity, New York, with

PERFECT FIT The first book in the Serendipity’s Finest series, coming from Berkley in January 2013. Here’s a sneak peak!

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One Perfection was overrated, Mike Marsden thought, as

he approached his childhood home. He arrived in time for dinner, just as he’d done every Sunday since his return to his hometown of Serendipity, New York, almost a month ago. Sunday evening meal at his parents’ house was mandatory, and each of his siblings would be there. Nobody said no to Ella Marsden. And since Mike had been away for a half-dozen years or so, his mother was especially glad to have him back, no matter how uncomfortable the notion of coming home made him. He shoved his hands into the pocket of his leather jacket and looked up at the white clapboard house with blue trim and matching shutters. Small but well kept, the two-story home on a residential street was as perfect on the outside as it was on the inside. Same as it was when he’d left for Atlantic City all those years ago. Maybe that was why he was itching beneath his skin now. The idea of perfection made him antsy. It always had. And despite wanting to please his parents, Mike was the kid who’d always tried their patience.

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Impulse control issues, his teachers called it. Mike blamed heredity. He couldn’t stick with one thing very long, be it his small hometown, a relationship, or a monotonous job. Simon Marsden, Mike’s adopted father and the man who’d raised him, had been the police chief of Serendipity. Mike’s brother, Sam, had followed in his footsteps, becoming a homegrown cop like his dad. Their sister, Erin, was the assistant district attorney to Serendipity’s D.A. And Mike? He liked his life, choosing his career as a New York City undercover cop, where he’d carved out a name for himself by skating the rules instead of strictly following them. He made sure his job, his women, and even his friends were easy enough to walk away from when the impulse arose. Never again would there be a repeat of a woman misinterpreting his intentions or expecting too much. He’d run from that strangled feeling once before, ending up in Atlantic City. He wasn’t about to repeat past mistakes or risk what he knew was a genetic inability to stick around. Yet here he was, back in his small hometown, having taken over his father’s job as chief of police while his dad fought cancer. The doctors said it was treatable, and Mike forced himself to believe it. Coming home was the least he could do for the man who’d both raised him and treated him no differently than his biological children— even if Mike hadn’t always deserved it. The situation was temporary while Simon recovered, or Mike didn’t think he’d have been able to say yes to the position. He knocked once and let himself inside, the smell of his mother’s pot roast seducing his senses and making his stomach grumble. “Michael, is that you?” his mother called from her post in the kitchen. When he was a kid, he’d thought she had a sixth sense that told her which child walked in the door, but as an adult he realized they each had their own arrival time and his mother intuitively knew their routine. “It’s me,” he yelled back, bending to give his parents’

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new dog, a small white fluffball that resembled a dust mop, a pat on the head, still marveling that they’d named the furry thing Kojak. “Well, come give me a hug,” Ella called out, as if she hadn’t seen him in ages. In reality, she’d stopped by the police station yesterday to say hello. He grinned and his shoulders eased downward. The insecurities that always followed thoughts of perfection fled at the warmth in his mother’s voice and the comforting smells of home. “Come on, little man. Let’s go say hi to Mom.” He headed for the kitchen, Kojak by his side. Along the way he passed the family room, where his father lay snoring in his recliner, football game on the bigscreen television he and his siblings had bought them for Christmas last year. Knowing Simon needed his rest, Mike let him sleep. “Hey, Mom,” Mike said, entering the kitchen and giving her the requested hug before turning to the oversized pot on the stove. “Smells delicious.” He lifted the lid only to have his mother smack his hand with her wooden spoon. “Hey!” “No sampling.” She waved her weapon in front of his face, a knowing smile lifting her lips. Despite his father’s illness, she’d managed to retain her cheery disposition, and if a few more lines creased her beautiful skin, it didn’t affect her good looks at all. Wavy auburn hair curled naturally around her face, adding to her youthful appearance. “Hey, family!” His sister Erin’s voice sounded from the entryway. “In here,” Mike called back, then winced because his father was sleeping. “Dad’s snoring,” Erin said, striding into the kitchen with a box in hand. “A hurricane couldn’t wake him.” “That’s because I gave him a painkiller a little while ago. His back was hurting,” Ella said.

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Mike pushed past the fear in his throat. The old man was strong. He would pull through. “What kind of cake did you bring?” “Angel food. Dad’s favorite.” Of course. Erin was always the good girl, doing the right thing without being asked. Mike could barely remember to get himself someplace on time, let alone bring something with him. His sister placed the white bakery box on the counter. “Hi, Mom,” she said, pecking her cheek. “Big brother.” She grinned and pulled him into a hug. “Hey, pest.” She nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. “Jerk.” “Squirt.” “Enough!” Ella yelled at them like they were naughty kids, and Erin laughed. “It’s just so easy to fall back into it.” She shook her head and grinned. Erin was a true mixture of both parents. Their mother’s once-dark hair was now auburn with reddish highlights, and Erin’s was naturally so with Simon’s hazel eyes. Eyes that now danced with laughter. “So where’s Sam?” she asked. “Your brother isn’t here yet.” Ella glanced at the clock on the oven and frowned. “He’s late, and that’s not like him. Is he working a shift today? Maybe he got held up.” She looked to Mike for the answer, since he was now his brother’s boss. “Not that I know of, unless he switched with someone.” “Well, let’s sit down in here for a little while and wait. Give your father some more time to sleep.” Ella gestured to the Formica table and they all grabbed a seat, same chairs they’d each eaten in growing up. “How’s Dad doing?” Erin asked. “You mentioned back pain?” Ella nodded. “The doctor said he might try radiation this

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week instead of waiting until later on. It’s supposed to shrink the tumor and help with the pain. But he’s handling the chemo well enough. And his spirit is amazing,” she said with obvious pride. “What about you?” Mike asked his mother, reaching for her hand. She immediately waved him off. “I’m fine, Michael. I’m not the one who’s sick.” Mike shot his sister a knowing look. Their mother acted like Superwoman, stepping up and handling everything without complaint. Perfection personified, Mike thought. But he knew she had to be exhausted. He opened his mouth to argue that she needed rest too, but Erin shook her head, telling him to let it go. Fine, he’d listen for now, but at some point his mother would have to give in and let someone else help her out for a change. Suddenly the telephone rang, and Ella rose to answer it. “Don’t pressure her. She likes feeling needed,” Erin whispered as their mother spoke on the phone. “I’m coming over to sit with Dad one day this week so she can go get her hair done. Sam promised to play chess with Dad one afternoon this week. She’s getting breaks.” “Why didn’t anyone ask me to help out?” he asked, too petulantly for his liking. The fact that he hadn’t thought to relieve his mother had him feeling out of sorts and selfish. As usual, he’d fallen short compared to his siblings. So what else was new? “We figured you had your hands full taking Dad’s place and getting up to speed,” Erin said. “It’s been a month. I’m as up as I’m going to get. The rest depends on everyone accepting how I want to do things.” He’d have made time for his mother. He was about to say as much when Ella returned. One look at her pale face and Mike shot to his feet.

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“What’s wrong?” he asked, placing a bracing arm around her shoulder. Erin came around her other side. “Mom?” “Sam’s been in an accident.” Heart pounding hard in his chest, Mike eased his mother into the nearest chair. “What happened?” “That was Cara,” she said of Sam’s partner. “His car crashed into a tree. He’s at University Hospital now.” “Cara was with him?” Mike knew for a fact they weren’t on duty today, but it wasn’t surprising they were together. Those two made a mockery of the notion that men and women couldn’t be just friends. It was Mike who couldn’t just be Cara’s friend, not after an explosive one-night stand three months ago that he’d yet to get out of his head. “Are they both okay?” “Cara sounded fine. Sam’s being assessed,” his mother said, still trembling. Mike swallowed hard. His mother’s fear wasn’t an easy thing to deal with, not when she was usually so strong. But she’d been hit with too many things at once lately. “I need to go to your brother, but I can’t leave your father. I don’t want to drag him out there and put him under all that stress, around sick people and germs . . .” This was something he could do to help. “I’ll head over to the hospital,” Mike said, glancing at his sister. She nodded. “And I’ll stay here with you and Dad.” “No.” Ella shook her head. “You go with your brother. You two should be together when you get news on Sam.” Mike immediately thought of a solution. “I’ll tell you what. I’ll call Aunt Louisa to come over,” he said of his mother’s sister who also lived in Serendipity a few streets away. “That way you and Dad won’t be alone.” “I don’t want to be a bother to her.” But Erin had already reached for the phone and begun dialing over their mother’s objections.

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A few minutes later, their aunt was on her way over while Mike and Erin headed for the hospital. Officer Cara Hartley paced outside the emergency

room, hoping for news on her partner and waiting for his family to arrive. She didn’t know which members would come, given Sam’s father’s condition, but her gut told her his brother, Michael, would be one of them. As laid-back as he appeared, when it came to doing his job or caring for his family, the man was as take-charge alpha as they came. He also liked control in the bedroom, something Cara knew only too well. She shivered at the reminder of one incredible night a few months ago when Mike had been home for the weekend visiting his father. He and Sam had shown up at Joe’s Bar, they’d flirted, he’d bought her drinks, he’d walked her to her car, and the next thing she knew, she’d agreed to let him follow her home and take her—not just to bed but wherever he damn well pleased. He’d been phenomenal, bringing her to heights she’d only dreamed of and igniting a hunger that had fueled many fantasies in the months since. “Dr. Nussbaum, please call extension fifty-three. Dr. Nussbaum, extension fifty-three.” The voice over the hospital loudspeaker broke into Cara’s heated thoughts. Although those sensual memories had been a welcome distraction from worrying about Sam, the last thing she wanted to be thinking about was the man who was now her boss. He’d completely rocked her world, but he hadn’t mentioned it since his return. Granted, she hadn’t brought up the subject either, but his complete refusal to acknowledge her as more than one of his officers grated her female pride. Even the few times they were alone, Mike had been abrupt and all business. When he arrived, she had no doubt he’d want to talk

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about what she and Sam were doing on Route 80, heading back to Serendipity from the outskirts of town. They’d been looking into a cold case Mike had assigned to them and were just beginning to realize that the implications of their findings might affect Mike personally. She wouldn’t share anything without Sam’s permission. Not even with her boss. Hopefully he wouldn’t push for information. If she had good news about Sam, maybe he wouldn’t delve too deeply into where they’d been or why. Suddenly the street doors swung wide and Cara caught sight of Mike, his dark hair longer than regulation for a cop, his leather jacket giving him a dangerous edge. During the week, he wore suits and ties when he had scheduled meetings, but Cara knew he preferred his beat-up leather and jeans to the stuffy boss clothing the job demanded. Mike barreled through the lobby and headed straight for her, his sister right behind him. “How’s Sam?” Erin asked. “What the hell happened?” Mike barked at Cara. She straightened to her full height, which at five foot three wasn’t much compared to his almost six feet. “We were in an accident, Chief.” “Any news on Sam?” Erin asked. Cara shook her head. “Not yet, but he was conscious when the ambulance brought him in.” “I didn’t have you two on the schedule today.” Mike pinned her with a steady stare. Cara looked into his chocolate brown eyes, wondering how they could have been so sexy all those months ago and so cold and forbidding now. “And if you’ll notice, I’m not in uniform. Your brother and I were out for a ride. It’s a gorgeous day,” she said, hating the evasion that fell from her lips. “Ease up,” Erin said, punching Mike in the arm. “She’s not on duty and she’s as worried about Sam as we are. And lay off the formalities. Cara’s like family.” Cara and Erin were the same age, and though they hadn’t

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been best friends in school, they’d been in the same general group of girls, while Sam, a year older, had been a friend; it wasn’t until they both joined the force together that their friendship solidified and Cara became more a part of the Marsdens’ inner circle. By then, Mike had been long gone. Erin pulled Cara into an embrace. “I’m glad you’re okay.” Cara managed a nod and hugged Erin back. “It was scary,” she said, allowing herself to admit her fear for the first time. She stepped away from Erin. Suddenly cold, she wished she were wearing a heavier jacket. “You’re shaking.” Erin said, breaking into her thoughts. “And your cheek is bruised.” “Air bag,” Cara said softly. “Were you checked out?” Mike asked, his tone deep and gravelly, sending shivers through her that had nothing to do with the earlier accident. “The paramedics cleared me at the scene. It’s just a delayed reaction, I guess.” Mike’s frown deepened. “Let’s sit.” Without waiting for her to agree, he grasped her elbow and led her to a chair. Because Cara’s legs were truly unsteady, she let him have his way. Erin picked a chair across the aisle, while Mike chose a spot beside Cara. He sat next to her, so close the musky scent of his aftershave warmed her in ways she couldn’t think about now. “What happened?” Erin asked softly. In a weird way it was a relief to go back to the accident and share the experience. “Sam was driving. He was fine one minute, and the next he doubled over in pain. I reached for the wheel, but I had no leverage and the car hit a tree.” She blew out a stream of air and steadied herself before continuing. “My air bag deployed. His didn’t. Sam’s head hit the steering wheel”—she winced as she recalled the awful sound—“and his side of the car took the brunt of the impact. I was able to call for an ambulance and here we are.” She clenched her fists until her nails bit into her flesh.

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“Easy,” Mike said as his big, strong hand covered hers and he gently pried her fingernails away from her skin. Her entire body reacted to his touch, awareness jolting through her like a sudden burst of electricity. Startled, she met his gaze and in that moment she knew he was as stunned as she. Until he jerked his hand back and rose to his feet. “Where is a damned doctor with some news?” Erin rose and put a hand on her brother’s shoulder. “I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.” No sooner had she spoken than a familiar voice called out Cara’s name. “Alexa!” Relieved, Cara jumped up and turned to Dr. Alexa Collins, a beautiful woman with auburn hair now pulled back in a bun. She was not only one of Cara’s closest friends but the doctor on call. “How is he?” Sam’s siblings asked at the same time. “He’s stable. He had an appendicitis attack while he was driving.” She glanced at Cara. “Did he mention any pain during the day?” She thought back and shook her head. Alexa frowned. “Then he must have covered and ignored it. Appendicitis pain typically increases over a period of time. Stubborn man,” she muttered, knowing Sam as well as Cara did. “Okay, well, he’s in surgery to take care of the appendix, and barring any complications he should be fine. He’s also got a concussion from impact with the steering wheel, but again, barring complications, nothing life threatening.” She smiled at Erin, Michael, and Cara to put them at ease. “I’m going to go back in. As soon as he’s in recovery, I’ll let you know. You can see him later.” “Thank you,” Erin breathed out in relief. “I’ll go let Mom and Dad know.” She rushed outside, probably to a place she could use her cell phone. “Thanks, Alexa,” Cara said. The other woman smiled. “I can honestly say it’s my

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pleasure. It’ll also be my pleasure to kick his ass for ignoring pain. And trust me, he had to have felt something earlier.” “I’ll help you,” Mike muttered. “Thanks for everything.” Alexa nodded. “I’ll be back soon with news.” She, too, took off, leaving Cara and Mike alone. Most of her earlier shakiness had subsided, leaving Cara exhausted. “I’m going to get some coffee. Want some?” she asked the hulking, silent man beside her. “No, thanks.” She shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she said, more uncomfortable now that the mood between them had shifted from connected to awkward. But awkward was the way things had been since his return. She turned and headed for the door. “Cara.” Surprised, she pivoted back toward him. “Yes?” “Thank you. For calling 911 and making sure Sam got here quickly.” It was as much of an apology for his earlier rudeness as she was likely to get. If she hadn’t been in the room with him that night three months ago, under him, over him, him deep inside her, his recent behavior would have convinced Cara that the most spectacular evening of her life had never happened. But it had, she thought, shivering as her body recalled the intimate connection. And that brief time together along with the flare of heat in his eyes today had convinced her she wasn’t crazy. He’d been as affected as she was, whether he showed it or not. It was his choice not to acknowledge it that proved he wanted nothing to do with her. Heck, he clearly didn’t even want a repeat performance, which merely reinforced Sam’s point. As he’d informed Cara before she’d left the bar with his brother, Mike viewed everything and everyone in life as temporary. He’d even reminded her of Tiffany Marks, the woman he’d dated before leaving for Atlantic City. Everyone

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in town knew she’d gone so far as to make inquiries into booking the only church in town for a wedding Mike had never planned on happening. Except Tiffany had been certain Mike was on the verge of popping the question, and she’d been heartbroken when he’d left. When Cara had agreed to their one night, she’d been okay with that. She knew that while he didn’t stick around, she was a small-town girl at heart, with small-town aspirations. She’d happily remain in Serendipity long after the big-city detective left his temporary job as chief of police behind. She had no doubt if she got involved with Mike again, she’d end up with a broken heart. But he wasn’t asking her for anything. Yet if he pressed, she’d be tempted. And what did that say about her? She shook her head to dislodge thoughts of a man who clearly wasn’t interested. Cara wouldn’t chase after a man any more than she’d let one take advantage of her. Her mother and father’s unbalanced, unhealthy relationship set an example Cara refused to follow. With that reality firmly in mind, she went for coffee. Mike had faced down drug dealers and embezzlers

with enough at stake to warrant killing him in order to keep their activities secret, and he hadn’t been afraid. He’d be damned if he’d let one pint-sized police officer with oceanblue eyes get under his skin. His brother would be okay, and that was what he needed to focus on, not the way Cara, the always-in-control cop, had nearly broken down, reminding him she was also soft and female. He already knew that all too well. After seeing Cara at the hospital yesterday, Mike had promised himself that except for work, he’d steer clear. He’d even thought his self-imposed directive would be simple. But when he came to visit his brother the next morning, Cara was already there, having stopped by on her way to

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work. He heard her laughter from the hallway as he approached Sam’s room. Though he wanted to come back later, Mike wasn’t a coward. He gripped the handle and let himself inside. “Nice way to get some attention,” Mike said to Sam, who was laid up in bed. “I’m not stupid.” His light-brown hair was messed and sticking up at odd angles, his face pale, yet he managed a grin. “No, you’re not. The nurses are lining up to take care of him,” Cara said, catching Mike’s gaze. She rose to her feet. In her blue uniform, she looked every inch the professional. “I was just leaving for work. I’ll let you two visit.” She gestured for Mike to take the chair she’d vacated by the side of the bed. “Don’t let me run you off,” Mike said. “I’m sure your boss won’t mind if you’re a few minutes late for your shift.” Cara pursed her lips. “Oh, I don’t know about that. He’s quite the hard-ass sometimes.” Sam burst out laughing, then groaned and shut his eyes. “I’m sorry.” Cara leaned over and pressed her hand to his cheek. “Are you okay?” He nodded. “Maybe you should go. I may burst my stitches if you stick around while he’s here.” Sam inclined his head toward Mike. He frowned, not liking that Cara hadn’t yet removed her hand from his brother’s cheek. “I’m her boss,” Mike reminded them. “Doesn’t that warrant at least some respect?” “Only when you’re on duty, big brother.” Sam swallowed what was sure to be another laugh. Cara shook her head, her smile coming through as she finally pulled her hand away. Apparently she’d taken his sister’s words to heart and decided she could give him a hard time off duty. Her sassy

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mouth was one of the things he’d enjoyed about her when he’d visited a few months ago, and it could definitely get him in trouble again now. “I’m going, I’m going,” Cara muttered. “But I’ll be back after my shift. You,” she said, wagging a finger at Sam. “Behave and listen to your nurses.” “Bring me a burger from the Family Restaurant?” he asked. Cara shook her head. “Not until the doctors say it’s okay.” She glanced at Mike, meeting his gaze with a wry smile, showing off two dimples in her cheeks. Damn. How could she be professional, cute, and sexy all at the same time? He’d worked with many women over the years, and he’d never been affected like this. Never mixed business and pleasure on the job because that made a situation harder to walk away from. “Who’s her partner while I’m stuck here?” Sam asked. One of the changes Mike intended to make within the department was eliminating partners. The way he viewed it, the force was small, as was the town. No need to tie up two officers together who could cover more areas separately. He’d planned to schedule a meeting with his officers next week, but now he’d wait a little while longer until Sam was up to speed. “I paired her with Dare,” Mike said, giving her a heads-up. “Dare and I work well together, so thanks,” she said, sounding surprised. Did she really think he’d deliberately put her with someone more difficult after the day she’d had yesterday? “Don’t forget to save the fun stuff for me,” Sam said, sounding suddenly intense. Cara met Sam’s gaze. “You know it,” she said. Which, to Mike, sounded like a promise. He glanced from his brother, who lay prone in his bed, to Cara. She stood by the door, massaging the muscles in her neck.

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“Are you sure you’re up to working today?” Mike asked. “No whiplash, pain, or trauma?” “Nah. I’m tougher than I look. And definitely tougher than my partner.” With a wink at Sam and a quick gaze at Mike, she ducked out the door, leaving the brothers alone. “Sit,” Sam said in a no-argument tone that belied the fact that Mike was the older brother and Sam was laid up in a hospital bed. Not wanting to upset Sam in his condition, Mike lowered himself into the chair. Folding his arms across his chest, he leaned back. “What’s up?” “What’s going on with you and Cara?” Sam asked. “Nothing.” “You haven’t discussed what happened between you two yet?” Sam asked, or rather croaked through his dry throat. Mike handed his brother a cup of water from his tray. “It hasn’t come up.” Sam drank and put his cup down. “You mean she hasn’t brought it up, so you won’t.” “Why the hell did you wait until you were lying in a hospital bed for this discussion? It’s not like we couldn’t have had this talk weeks ago.” Or preferably not at all, Mike thought. “Because you’ll pay attention to me now.” Sam smirked at that little bit of truth. “It’s none of your business,” Mike tried reminding his brother. He shifted his gaze to the white hospital walls. Unless . . . A sudden thought came to him. “Did Cara say anything to you about us?” The word sounded awkward on his tongue. “No. She knows not to expect anything from you,” Sam muttered. “Good.” Mike exhaled the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. The last thing he needed was a woman he’d slept with and who now worked for him having any expectations. He

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shuddered at the thought. It was taking all he had inside him to focus on staying in Serendipity, working at his father’s job, and worrying about his old man. “Good?” Sam clenched his fists at his side. When it came to Cara, his brother’s protective instincts came out like crazy. Another reason Mike knew he’d made a mistake sleeping with her. Except it hadn’t felt like a mistake at the time. And he wanted to do it again. “Just because she knows doesn’t mean you aren’t making her feel like shit by ignoring what happened. Jesus, Mike, was it that bad?” “No, it was that good. Now can we drop it?” Mike barked at his brother. To his shock, Sam grinned. “Just one question first. What would you do to someone who treated Erin the way you’re treating Cara?” Mike preferred to think of his younger sister as a sweet innocent, not a twenty-seven-year-old woman. “I’d kick his ass,” Mike said immediately. Sam’s knowing stare, full of meaning and, yeah, disappointment, stabbed Mike in the gut, and blood rushed to his cheeks in embarrassment. Shame quickly followed. Okay, so he and Cara had some talking to do. And clearly Mike had walked right into his brother’s trap. “I’m still not discussing Cara with you.” “Good, because I don’t want details. I just wanted you to look at things the right way.” Sam gestured to the water, and Mike poured him some more. “Besides, I figure you two can only ignore the obvious for so long before something gives.” Sam had a point. Which brought Mike full circle to his earlier thoughts. No matter how much he denied it or tried to pretend otherwise, the woman got to him in a way that made her more dangerous than any potential suspect or case. And now that he realized he could no longer ignore the past,

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putting it out for discussion would only make the feelings between them more real. No, not feelings, he thought with a hard shake of his head. That word involved emotion. What he and Cara had shared was hot sex. Hotter than any he’d ever had— “So how are you feeling?” Mike asked Sam, deliberately changing the subject. His brother’s wince said it all. “Like my head’s about to explode, and my abdomen’s bloated and hurts like a son of a bitch.” Mike nodded in understanding. “Rest. I’ll tell everyone at the station to hold off visiting for a day or two.” Sam’s eyes began to close. “I’d appreciate that. I’m getting kicked out in two days, so they can come by and visit me then.” “Do you need me to move in for a couple of days and help you out?” Mike asked. Knowing his stay in town wasn’t permanent, and never needing much space, he’d rented the empty room over Joe’s Bar. Sam, like the true Marsden son, had already bought himself a small house in Serendipity, picket fence and all. “Nah. Cara offered to let me take the spare room at her new condo.” Mike ignored the hot flush of jealousy creeping through his veins. It was as unwarranted as it was ridiculous. Sam and Cara were best friends and partners, but there was nothing sexual between them. And even if there was, Mike didn’t plan to pick up where they’d left off, so what was his problem? “That was nice of her to offer.” Mike forced out the words. “Yeah. I might take her up on it,” Sam said, sounding groggier by the minute. “Hey, did you click on your meds while I wasn’t looking?” Mike gestured to the button attached to his brother’s IV.

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Sam nodded, a goofy grin on his face. “Yeah. Feeling no pain, my man.” Mike rolled his eyes. Time for him to go. He braced his hand on the bed and rose to his feet. “You get some sleep. I’ll come by after work. Mom said to tell you they’ll be here around lunchtime.” “Okay. They came late last night for a quick hello, but I was pretty out of it.” “Yeah, but they both slept better for seeing you.” Sam didn’t reply. He was already passed out cold. Mike shook his head and walked out. First stop coffee shop, then he’d get lost in work. Later on today, he’d deal with Cara Hartley.

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New York Times bestselling author CARLY PHILLIPS tossed away her legal briefs and a career as an attorney to become a stay-at-home mom. Within the year, she turned her love of reading into an obsession with writing. More than thirty published novels later, Carly writes sexy contemporary smalltown romances, striking a balance between entertainment and emotion, and giving her readers the compelling stories they have come to expect and enjoy. She lives in Purchase, New York, with her husband, two daughters, and their dogs: Bailey, a soft-coated wheaten terrier, and Brady, a Havanese, who act like additional children. Visit the author at www.carlyphillips.com. Or catch up with her at facebook.com/CarlyPhillipsfanpage or twitter.com/CarlyPhillips.