Sleeping with Her Fake Fiance (bad conversion)

Sleeping with Her Fake Fiancé by Sasha Savage

Copyright © 2011 by Sasha Savage, Naughty Girls Ink All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now know or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either 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. For questions and comments please contact author [email protected] or visit www.naughtygirlsink.com

Chapter 1 Standing in front of her ex-fiancé’s apartment was the last place in the world Emily Rice wanted to be. Unfortunately, she didn’t have much of a choice. She sighed deeply as she wrapped a red scarf tightly around her neck. It was either this or tell Grand’Mere the truth. For the life of her, she wasn’t sure which was worse. Emily groaned inwardly and clenched her fingers around the strap of her expensive Coach handbag. If there was any other way, she wouldn’t have hesitated to accept the alternative. Anything to keep her from facing the one man she’d rather avoid.

Billy Joe Green. Tilting her head, she looked up at the top floor corner apartment and frowned when she found a light on in the space. Part of her had hoped Billy wasn’t home, but

movement in front of a large window proved otherwise. She sighed with a hint of despair, then took several deep breaths as she tried to prolong the inevitable as long as possible. However, the moment of reckoning had finally arrived.

If only it could have been under better circumstances. Three months ago she had ended their engagement after finding Billy in the arms of a beautiful woman. Her parents hadn’t raised a fool, so she hadn’t wasted time listening to his explanations. Instead, she had changed her phone number and threatened to contact the police if Billy had dared to come within one hundred feet of her house. Which he had found amusing, considering he was a cop. Since then, Emily had done everything to avoid him, but now she needed him. Ever since her grandmother had announced she was coming to Naperville, Emily had been mentally trying to prepare herself to ask Billy for help. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do at this point but get ready. Avoiding her ex was finally coming to an end. With one final breath Emily turned on the heels of her black leather boots and headed toward the door. She stepped into the building, grateful for the rush of heat. Three weeks until Christmas and already it proved to be another rough winter in the Windy City. Although she was shivering, she knew it didn’t have anything to do with the twenty-degree temperature outside. As Emily took the elevator up to the sixth floor, she tried to calm her racing pulse. You can do this. You can do this, she chanted over

and over, hoping that by the time she’d reached Billy’s door she might actually start believing it. Yet when the elevator finally stopped her blood began to stir all over again. And by the time she’d reached the end of the hall her stomach was all tied up in knots. Emily reached the last door on the left and paused, deciding she needed another minute before she knocked. As she waited the corner of her lips curled slightly at the sound of The Black Eyed Peas blaring from inside. She had bought Billy the CD for his birthday last April. Briefly, her mind flashed back to a wonderful spring evening with the two of them curled up in a blanket together, listening to the phenomenal group. Emily felt a pang of longing at her gut that she quickly brushed aside. She had much more important things to be thinking about. After taking another shaky breath she reached up, preparing to knock, when the door suddenly swung open. And there was Billy. The second she saw his large frame standing in the doorway she forgot the reason for her visit. Damn, the months had been good to him, she scowled inwardly. Part of her had hoped, even wished, he would have become an alcoholic or something along those lines and had fallen off the deep end, but it appeared her wish hadn’t been granted. She cursed under her breath. Next time she’d think twice about throwing coins in the wishing pond outside the Chicago Tribune where she worked as a columnist. “Hello, Emily,” he said in that deep baritone voice that sent warmth seeping through her veins.

Clenching her fingers inside her red leather gloves, she stared at the handsome man in front of her. Billy was eye candy, with a chiseled body, deep, dark eyes, and a delicious mouth that was downright tempting, to say the least. He was by far the most handsome man she had ever seen, with olive skin, dimples, and a broad nose that he’d broken twice while playing football in college. “H-hello,” she stuttered, his mesmerizing voice still echoing in her ear. Leaning against the doorjamb with a trash bag in hand, he stared for a long moment, and her body tensed. Maybe

coming here wasn’t such a good idea. “What a pleasant surprise,” Billy replied, lips curling in a smile, displaying those beautiful deep dimples that she loved so much. “I’m sure I’m the last person you expected to see,” Emily commented while nibbling nervously on her bottom lip. He chuckled. “Yes … you’re right.” Abruptly, he pushed his hip away from the door. “Look, why don’t you go on in while I throw this trash in the chute?” Nodding, Emily took another quick sweep of his tall, athletic body in a loose-fitting black jogging suit. Swallowing, she remembered so many nights with all those muscles lying on top of her while he was buried deep inside her body. As she tried to push the thoughts aside she watched Billy stroll down the hall with enough swagger to make her clitoris pulse with illicit memories. Emily shook her head, snapping out of the trance, and

pressed her lips tightly together, then stepped into the spacious apartment. Remember the reason why you’re here, she coached herself. The last thing she needed to be doing was wasting time fantasizing about the past. She was there for one reason and one reason only. But when she stepped inside more memories of their time together came flooding back. She scowled with regret for not having asked Billy to meet her at the small coffee shop on the corner. It would have made things much easier. Moving over to the black leather couch that she’d helped Billy pick out, Emily took a seat and sighed the second her butt hit the cushion. It was just as comfortable as she’d remembered. As she followed the beat of the music her eyes traveled around the room, which was truly a bachelor pad with a fiftyinch television, a surround-sound stereo system, and a large entertainment center filled with CDs, DVDs and video games.

Doesn’t look like much has changed. Well, except for their relationship. As she sat there trying to figure out how to ask Billy for the favor she needed, she started to think that maybe telling her grandmother the truth wasn’t such a bad idea after all. She had barely been around Billy five minutes and already the earth beneath her feet was slipping away. She hadn’t worked hard the last few months getting her head together and trying to build a life without him for it to all go up in flames in a matter of seconds. Emily rose, prepared to hurry out of the apartment and

race down to her car, when the door swung open and closed. Heart hammering, she waited for Billy to come around the corner. As soon as he filled the room with his powerful presence her pulse shot up several notches. Billy walked over to the stereo, reached for the knob, and turned down the volume. “Sorry about that. I was on the job all weekend and realized I’d forgotten to take out the trash on Friday.” Gazing up at his beautiful face Emily swallowed, trying to ease her parched throat. “Still working long hours?” It had been the topic of numerous discussions. One of the things she had loved most about Billy was his selfless dedication to his job. Reaching for a bottle of hand sanitizer on the table, Billy squeezed a few drops in his hands and rubbed them together as he replied, “I don’t know how to do anything but work.” That wasn’t particularly true. While they’d been together he’d always found a way to separate work from his personal life, no matter how challenging the case he was working on. “Still in narcotics?” she asked, slipping the gloves from her hands. He nodded, then flopped down on the overstuffed chair across from her. “So what brings you to my domain?” Emily sat up straight on the couch as she suddenly remembered her reason for coming. She shifted slightly and stuffed the gloves inside the purse she’d set down beside her.

“Grand’Mere is coming to Chicago for a visit this weekend.” His eyes sparkled at the mention of her grandmother, which came as no surprise, considering how fond he was of her. “How’s she doing?” “Not bad for an old lady,” she said, mocking Grand’Mere’s favorite phrase, causing Billy to chuckle along with her. Emily couldn’t remember the last time they’d shared laughter. “I guess some things never change?” he replied, brow drawn with amusement. She shook her head. “No, they don’t.” I wish I could say

the same about us. Emily then cleared her throat and decided it was as good a time as any to tell him the reason for her visit. “Grand’Mere asked about you.” Leaning forward, Billy rested his elbows on his knees. “How long is she planning to be here?” Emily shrugged with uncertainty. “She hasn’t said for sure, but I’m hoping no more than a weekend.” She adored her grandmother, but anything more than a few days was more than she could bear. Nothing was ever good enough for her only grandchild, and so the pampering rarely ceased. For example, Emily had her house professionally cleaned once a week, yet as far as her grandmother was concerned the cleaning crew was incompetent. Not to mention, the second she turned her back Grand’Mere was

rolling up her sleeves and reaching for the sponge underneath the sink. “Maybe I can steal her away for dinner before she leaves,” she heard Billy offer. Emily smiled, feeling slightly hopeful at the suggestion. In their three years together Billy had always had a soft spot for Grand’Mere. “I’m glad you said that, because Grand’Mere wants to have dinner with us.” Billy’s gaze came up, his curiosity drawing his thick brows together. “Us? There is no us.” Why’d he have to say it like that? Okay, so maybe what he’d said was true, but that was neither here nor there. “Of course I know that, and you know that, but Grand’Mere doesn’t.” “Why not?” Billy gave her a puzzled look. Emily took a deep breath before answering the question burning in his eyes. “Because I didn’t have the heart to tell her. You know how she is! If she knew we weren’t together she’d worry and start talking about moving back to Naperville. And I can’t have that.” “I thought she was taking care of her sister in Las Vegas?” “She was,” Emily began while loosening the scarf from around her neck. “But now that my great-aunt Christy is cancer-free and back to living a normal life, my grandmother is looking for her next mission in life.” “And if she knew her precious granddaughter was single in the big city, she’d be back here, living with you.”

It sounded even worse now that Billy had said it aloud. She could just see Grand’Mere making her bed every morning. And let’s not forget the washing and ironing of her clothes, and asking Emily to bend down so she could make sure she had remembered to wash behind her ears. No way could she have her back in Naperville. However, since she was living in Grand’Mere’s house, what choice did she have? Especially since the deed to the house was supposed to have been a wedding present to the happy couple. There was a long silence as she watched Billy’s dark gaze roam over her face before dropping to her mouth, and she felt her lips tingle. Without thinking, Emily licked her bottom lip. Dammit, Billy was studying her like a virile man studied a woman! Feeling the intensity of his gaze, she struggled to keep her emotions in check. Her nipples tightened while warmth pooled between her legs. The last thing she wanted was to still be attracted to him, but she’d be lying if she tried to deny it. Emily quickly turned her head, afraid that Billy might read her mind. Regardless of what she was feeling, she’d made the right choice by ending their relationship. Without trust, what else was there? “So let me get this straight … you want me to pretend we’re still engaged while your grandmother’s in town?” She noticed Billy’s lips twitching with amusement. “Well yes,” she huffed. “Just dinner, that’s it.” Billy tossed his head back and chuckled. “You are too

much!” “Come on, Billy! If you could just do this one favor, I’d owe you big time.” She was practically pleading, and with good reason. “I can’t believe you! You dumped me … refused to let me explain … threatened to call the police if I came to your job or home, and now, out of the blue, you drop by and ask me for a favor.” Okay, well, when he put it that way it did sound pretty bad. “But you’re not doing this for me! You’re doing it for Grand’Mere,” she quickly clarified. Her response caused him to start laughing hysterically. “Emily, it’s good to know you haven’t lost your sense of humor!” Emily sprang to her feet. “Billy, I’m serious. If you do this, I promise to be civil. In fact, Lily sent me an invitation to her sixteenth birthday party next month. The last thing we’d want to be doing is biting each other’s heads off in front of your parents.” Emily was quite fond of Billy’s younger sister. There was no way she would have missed such an important day, even if it meant the two of them had to stay far away from each other. “At least I told my family you called off the engagement.” Her chest clenched at the reminder. They were supposed to have been married in August. Even after all that time she still hadn’t been able to bring herself to cancel their wedding reception. “Please, Billy! I promise to tell Grand’Mere the truth. Just not yet,” she said, and returned

to her seat. Billy leaned back in the chair and was silent for several seconds before he finally said in a rush, “Okay. I’ll help, but it’s going to cost you.” Then without bothering to explain, he rose and moved into the kitchen. Emily continued to sit there waiting, heart pounding, as she wondered what that cost was going to be. When it became obvious Billy wasn’t returning she rose and followed his steps. She found him standing in front of an island, preparing a garden salad for dinner. Billy was a master in the kitchen. He glanced up, taking in her long wool coat as she finally released the buttons. It had suddenly gotten hot in there. Or maybe it was due to the intensity of his gaze. “You had dinner?” he asked as he reached for a cucumber. She nodded yes, then stood there watching as he skillfully peeled a cucumber, waiting for him to say something, but was met by silence. “Well … what is it you want?” she asked impatiently, then reached up and pushed an annoying curl away from her face. “I want dinner Friday night,” he finally said. “Dinner?” she gasped. “You want me to buy you dinner?” she asked with disbelief. Billy snorted rudely, then returned his gaze to her. “No, Emily. I want you to cook dinner for me.” “But I can’t cook!” she barked. He grinned. “Then it’s time for you to learn.”

Emily’s traitorous gaze dropped to his luscious mouth before she lowered her eyes to the small wooden table while she desperately searched for an excuse. “How about Niko’s?” There was no way he’d pass up his favorite steakhouse. Billy stopped chopping a green pepper and gave her a pointed look. “No. You’re going to come here Friday evening and cook in my kitchen.” Was he insane? Everyone knew she couldn’t cook. Sure, she had promised him she’d take cooking classes once they were married, but with the wedding called off, what was the point? Hell, she didn’t even cook in her own kitchen. After working long hours at the newspaper it was just as easy to pick up take-out. Inhaling deeply, she slipped off her coat. I might as well get comfortable. She draped it over a wooden chair, then decided to plead her case. “Billy, you know I’m terrible in the kitchen. Why in the world would you want me to cook for you?” “Because it’s the only way you’re going to ever learn.” That was easy for him to say. Billy was a fabulous cook. She used to look forward to spending weekends at his apartment. While she watched him toss vegetables on top of a bed of romaine lettuce Emily ran her fingers through her dark curls, trying to organize her thoughts. “What if I don’t want to learn?” she said stubbornly. His eyes snapped in her direction. “Do you want my help or not?” There was a roughness in his voice. “Yes, but—”

He cut her off. “No buts. I expect you here Friday at seven o’clock. You still have a key, right?” Looking at him, she swallowed hard against the knot of emotions settling at her gut that she hadn’t felt in months. “Yes,” she replied then wished she’d told him that she’d thrown the key in the trash with all his other things, but Billy would have known she was lying. “Good. I’ll decide what I want you to cook and I’ll also make sure you have all the ingredients you’ll need before you get here.” Emily blew out a heavy breath. As far as Billy was concerned it was settled. “Fine, I’ll see you then.” She spun on her heels and was reaching for her coat when he stopped her. “Hey, don’t you think we should make this official and shake on it?” She swung around and met the satisfied smirk on his face. “Whatever you say,” she mumbled under her breath. Emily moved across the modern-styled kitchen with her hand extended. But instead of shaking it Billy pulled the length of her body against his as soon as she was within reach. “What are—” “Emily, just shut up and kiss me.” Before she could protest further, Billy swooped in and lowered his mouth over hers. She tried resisting, but Billy slid his tongue along the seams of her mouth until her lips relaxed and granted him access. With as much skill as he used with that paring knife he’d slipped inside, taking

possession of exactly what he wanted.

Oh, but the things that man could do to her! She couldn’t think. She could barely breathe as he took her in a long deliberate kiss. Emily placed a hand to his chest, preparing to push away, but he must have known what she was about to do because he reached for her waist, encircling his arms around her and pulled her closer. A little moan escaped her lips and that was all the invitation Billy needed. Her tongue met his fluid strokes, and instead of pulling away, Emily found herself surrendering to the moment.

Chapter 2 Billy hadn’t known what she was after when Emily had first stepped into his apartment. But once she was inside he knew there was no way she was leaving before he’d had a chance to kiss her. He had always been a man with little self-control where Emily was concerned. Tonight was no exception. For weeks he’d dreamed about her soft wet lips, wondering if she would taste the same. Now he knew. Emily tasted far better than he’d remembered. How many nights had he dreamed about this moment? More times than he really cared to remember. And now that he was holding her … kissing her, he was in a state of arousal like no other. With a growl he deepened the kiss, pleased to have discovered she was no longer resisting. Good.

Leaning forward, Emily pressed the swell of her breasts against his chest. And the feel of her hardened nipples was enough to cause him to scoop her up into his arms and carry her off to his bed. He was more than ready to make love to her again. “Emily,” he whispered her name, then rained kisses along her neck and jaw. Emily moaned, then drew his mouth back to hers for another long and delicious kiss. Billy slid his hand down, following the indentation of her waist and the flare of her nice round ass. Slowly, he backed her against the wall. Emily arched and gave him complete access. Instinctively, he nudged her thighs apart, then moved in closer so she could cradle his erection. His fingers then slipped beneath her blouse, accessing her beautiful full breasts. He had spent many restless nights remembering their softness, and her rosy nipples. Capturing one, he caressed it between his fingers. Emily gasped against his lip. “Billy, no.” “Yes,” he growled, then silenced any further protest with kisses. Once again she became his willing partner. He could feel her heat, even through all the layers of clothing. He hadn’t felt this urgent force of desire before in his life. It was maddening, but he needed to touch her. To taste her. Finding the waistband of her panties, Billy slipped his hand inside and released a frustrated groan when he found her moist. Instinctively, Emily rocked into him. Her arms around his neck tightened. For one incredible moment she was compliant in his arms. Then suddenly she pushed him

away. “No!” Her voice shook with force. Billy opened his eyes, then released her with a wry grin as he watched her leaning against the wall, trying to catch her breath. For another split second desire burned in her pupils but then she managed to put that flimsy shield up again. Those few stolen moments were all the reassurance he needed. Emily could deny it all she wanted, but he knew the truth. She was still in love with him. Smiling, he leaned in once more and seared her with a heated kiss. “See you Friday.” * * * Long after Emily had stormed out the door, Billy stood in front of the large window in his living room, chuckling heartily. He always did know how to get a rise out of her. Staring through the frosty glass, he watched as she hurried out of his building, dark curls bouncing on her shoulders. And then, as if she’d known he was watching her, Emily whipped around before he’d had a chance to duck and threw up her middle finger. “Feisty,” he muttered with laughter. Things were turning out to be a lot more fun than he had imagined. Billy waited until the petite beauty brushed fallen snow from her windshield, climbed into her red BMW and peeled away from the curb like a bandit before he turned away from the window. Even now he could see the heat burning in her

dark amber eyes, and he could taste her sweet essence on his tongue. Not to mention, he had an erection that wasn’t going down anytime soon. At least not until he had Emily lying on her back and he was buried deep between her warm thighs again. His loins tightened at the mental image. Dammit. Friday already seemed like a million years away. His cell phone chirped. Grinning, Billy walked over to the entertainment center where the small handheld device was charging and picked it up off the shelf. One glance down at the screen confirmed his suspicions. Tapping his finger against the glass he brought the phone to his ear. “Perfect timing,” he said as a wide smile spread across his face. “You know you can’t keep an old lady waiting too long,” Grand’Mere said with soft laughter. Chuckling, he walked over to the couch and took a seat. “Emily just pulled off hotter than a firecracker. You should have seen her face when I told her she was cooking Friday night.” “Oh, I would love to have seen that!” The older woman squealed with child-like delight. “I told you she’d do anything to keep you from finding out she broke off the engagement.” While propping his feet up on the coffee table Billy told Grand’Mere about Emily asking him to fake their engagement during her upcoming visit. Emily had no idea he and Grand’Mere talked on a regular basis. And when he’d mentioned months ago about

Emily calling off the engagement, he had been shocked when he discovered his ex hadn’t said a word about the break-up to her grandmother. In fact, according to Grand’Mere, she’d said that the happy couple had recently been out shopping for china. Deep down, Billy knew he was partly to blame for their break-up. Unfortunately, there was nothing he could have done about it at the time. For months he’d been working surveillance, trying to get the dirt on a known drug dealer. The district attorney had been trying for years to get charges to stick. During that time everything had taken a back seat in his life, including trying to get Emily back. But as soon as they had collected the evidence needed and Estefan was behind bars, Billy had contacted Grand’Mere, asking for help in reclaiming his ex-fiancé’s heart. He heard her breathe heavily into the receiver. “Emily’s stubborn, just like her mother was. I just hope she comes to her senses soon.” “Don’t worry, Grand’Mere. Just leave Emily to me.” Now that the case was over, he had every intention of turning their fake engagement into a reality. * * *

Damn him! Emily muttered obscenities under her breath as she hurried through the large Victorian home, heels clicking all the way up to her second floor bedroom. She’d known

going to see Billy had been a mistake, but had she listened to the alarm bells going off in her head? Absolutely not! And now this was Billy’s way of getting back at her. She was sure of it. Obviously, his ego hadn’t gotten over her ending their engagement. Well, too bad. It was his fault they were no longer together. She had been all set to spend the rest of her life with him before she’d caught him kissing and groping that woman. The memories of that evening still managed to make her skin crawl. She flopped onto the large sleigh bed with attitude, then reached down and unzipped her boots and slid them off her feet. Rising, she shrugged out of her coat, then padded across the original hardwood of her bedroom floor over to a small closet and hung the coat inside. Damn Billy! She screamed inwardly for even allowing him to get to her again. Especially since she had been so confident that after all these months she was no longer affected. How wrong she had been! The second she’d seen him standing there, memories came flooding back, and by the time he had finished kissing her she’d realized what she had tried to deny—she still loved him. With one look, one touch, he had caused her to want him to carry her to bed so he could kiss her, caress her breasts, and drive her insane, until she screamed his name. She’d never forgive him for hurting her, yet that did nothing to quell the sexual ache she had inside. Emily slid out of her clothes and left them in a heap on the floor, then reached for a white bathrobe and slipped inside. She then padded angrily across the hall to the

black-and-white checkered bathroom and moved over to a large claw tub, deciding to draw herself a bath. Maybe a long soak would help get her thoughts in order. However, deep in her heart she had a feeling it was going to take more than a tub filled with bubbles to take her mind off Billy. With a long frustrated breath she reached for the mango-scented bubble bath and dumped a capful under the running water. She then walked over to the oval mirror above the sink and reached for her facial cream. When she looked at her reflection in the mirror she saw the signs of a woman who had been thoroughly kissed. Heat flushed her cheeks, forcing her to turn away. What am I going to do? she wondered as tears burned the backs of her eyes. Even if she was still in love with Billy, nothing had changed. He had been unfaithful to her and no explanation could ever change that. Emily briefly closed her eyes, willing the painful memories away. She would never forget the hurt on his face when she’d tossed his ring at him. But what about my pain? She’d loved Billy with all her heart. His kisses, his mere presence, had excited her. She remembered him lying beside her with that lazy, sensual look as his eyes took in every curve of her body. She had once thought him to be the kindest, gentlest man she had ever known, and after three years believed him to be her soul mate. She’d thought they’d had a chance at a future together. How wrong she had been. Taking a deep breath, she swung around and stared at her reflection. She wasn’t at all pleased with what she saw.

Vulnerability. Sadness. Disappointment. Those were all the things Billy made her feel. And love. She pushed that thought aside, because it didn’t matter how much she still loved him. They could never be together. And the sooner they ended the masquerade the sooner she could get back to her life. Some way, somehow, she needed to find a way to tell her grandmother it was over between her and Billy. Although the truth would have to wait until after Grand’Mere had returned to Nevada, because if she found out beforehand, chances were her grandmother would just decide to stay right here in Naperville. And she couldn’t have that. Emily would find a way to get through making dinner for Billy at his apartment on Friday, and then see him again on Sunday with Grand’Mere. And finally, at his sister’s birthday party. After that, they’d never have to cross paths again. She knew from experience nothing was ever quite that easy.

Chapter 3 Emily read over the recipe one last time, making sure she had all the ingredients laid out across the granite countertop, then reached for the cutting board. All week long she had wasted time worrying for nothing. As she grabbed a yellow onion she thought about the last four days. After asking Billy to be her fake fiancé, Emily had expected him to use it as an opportunity to try and wiggle his way back into her life … maybe even take the engagement seriously … but instead, nothing. No calls to her office. Not even a single email. For a second she had even hoped Billy had changed his mind about her cooking until she’d walked out to her car and found an envelope tucked under her windshield wiper addressed to Julia Child. Inside was a recipe for tangy pork chops, one of his

favorites. Determined not to make a fool of herself, she had gone back inside the building and asked one of her coworkers for a few tips for easy preparation. By the time Emily headed back out to her car a grin was on her face. Billy expected her to make a fool of herself. Well … she’d see about that. She walked over to the stove, turned on the front burner underneath the large pan, then added a tablespoon of olive oil. While it heated she moved over to four pork chops lying on a plate and seasoned both sides. Her lips curled upward. So far so good, she thought as she placed the meat in the skillet and returned to chopping vegetables. She read over the recipe again and gasped when she realized she was supposed to have floured both sides of the meat before placing it in the hot oil. Quickly, she grabbed a spatula and returned all four pieces to the plate, then went in search of the flour. She looked in every cabinet and the pantry before she remembered Billy kept a canister of flour on the counter near the sink. She moved across the ceramic tiled floor over to retrieve the beige canister, then opened it and dumped almost the entire contents on top of the chops. Coughing from the cloud of dust, she lowered the canister onto the counter, then searched for the chops under the white heap. By the time she had brushed off the meat, she had flour everywhere. Since the pan was beginning to smoke, Emily added enough oil to cover the bottom, then dropped the entire contents of the plate inside the pan. The oil snapped,

crackled and popped. Emily took that as a good sign. Smiling, she went back to chopping vegetable while she waited for the meat to cook. She couldn’t wait to see Billy’s face. * * * Billy took the steps two at a time. Leave it to his captain to hold a meeting at six o’clock on a Friday evening. Any other weekend he wouldn’t have mind, but tonight he had an ex-fiancée to lasso. On the drive home he couldn’t help but hope that the last few days had given Emily a lot of time to think about what they’d once shared, because he sure the hell had. That kiss had haunted his bed, leaving him horny and hard. Before he even reached his apartment door he smelled the stink of burnt grease. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that smell was coming from his apartment. He stuck the key inside, pushed opened the door, and was met by a cloud of smoke. “Emily?” he managed between coughs. “In the kitchen!” Billy stopped long enough to raise the windows in the living room before he hurried into the kitchen. And what he saw made him stop and caused his heart to pitter-patter. Never before had he been so aroused. Desire ricocheted through his body and held him hostage. Even now he had to swallow to get his bearings when he felt his body responding to the sight of her.

“Dinner is served,” she announced with a smile that was sexy as hell. Emily was standing in the middle of the kitchen floor covered in flour. Billy didn’t know when she had ever looked so beautiful. In her hand was a plate of what once might have been considered pork chops. The charcoaled meat was surrounded by vegetables that either looked raw or well-done. “Well, don’t just stand there,” she said impatiently. “Come and have a seat. The sooner you sit down, the sooner I can go home. I still need to straighten up before Grand’Mere gets here in the morning.” “Oh, no! You’re eating with me.” She held up her hand in protest. “But I’m—” “No buts, now sit,” he insisted, and just to make sure she knew he was serious, Billy pulled a chair from the table. She groaned and walked over to the table. As soon as she lowered onto the seat, Billy shrugged out of his jacket, hung it on the back of the chair, then walked over to the refrigerator and removed two ice-cold colas which he carried to the table. “Go ahead and eat while I make another plate.” He walked over to the sink and spotted his favorite copper pan soaking in water. It was ruined, burnt to a crisp like those pork chops. Damn. He’d meant to hide it. Quickly he cleaned his hands, then reached for another plate from the cabinet, got utensils from the drawer, and turned toward the stove. Or at least what used to be one.

The top was caked with enough baked-on food it was going to take more than an SOS pad to clean it. Ignoring the messy countertop and the flour all over the floor, he fixed a plate and joined Emily at the table. “Everything looks delicious,” he said as he lowered on the chair to her right. She looked pleased by the compliment. “Thank you. I made sure I followed the recipe exactly.” I doubt that, he chuckled inwardly as he cut a piece of pork chop. The meat was so tough it took several tries before he finally popped a piece into his mouth. As soon as he tasted the burnt meat, it took everything he had to keep a straight face. “How much vinegar did you put in these pork chops?” he asked offhandedly. “Four cups, just like the recipe said.”

Four cups? Beaming proudly, Emily reached for her knife, cut a small piece and brought it to her mouth. Billy watched the smile slip from her lips the second she recognized the strong flavor of vinegar. “Good?” he asked although his lips suddenly felt like he had been sucking on a dill pickle. Emily nodded her head as she grabbed the soda can, popped the cap, and practically swallowed half the contents in one gulp. Billy stabbed a chunk of green pepper and brought the hard and crunchy vegetable to his mouth. He was pleased Emily had stuck to her end of the bargain and had made dinner, even if it was horrible. He

took another bite, then reached for his cola and swallowed like a thirsty man. There was a long moment of silence. “How’s your food?” she asked. With the taste flushed out of his mouth, Billy managed a fake smile. “Fine.” “You’re lying.” He shrugged, but didn’t dare look in her direction. “What makes you think I’m not telling the truth?” “Because this is the worst meal I’ve ever tasted.” Their eyes collided, then they both dissolved into a fit of laughter. “I think the recipe called for a fourth cup of vinegar.” He told her between chuckles. “Oh! No wonder these pork chops taste toxic,” she said. “It isn’t that bad.” She quirked her brow and Billy couldn’t hold a straight face. Laughing, the two rose, carried their plates and scraped hours of cooking into the trash. “To be honest, I never expected you to cook for me tonight.” Billy confessed. Standing there, wide-eyed, with her lips parted, he felt unsteady with emotion as she shrugged nervously. “We had a deal. And you know I always try to stick by my word.” Smiling, he stared into mesmerizing amber eyes that he dreamed about on nights when his mind gave him no peace. Emily was beautiful. How had he managed, not seeing her face with those high cheekbones and small

protruding nose? Even now he had to squeeze his hand in a fist to keep from touching her soft, supple skin. Natural arching eyebrows set off eyes that were taunting and veiled by her sweeping eyelashes. No way was he ready for the evening to end. “How about I order a pizza?” His shoulders sagged with relief when her full lips curled upward as she said, “That sounds wonderful.” * * * Together they cleaned the kitchen, and when the pizza arrived Billy and Emily took a seat at the table while they compared notes for their performance on Sunday. “Okay, so here’s the deal … I already told Grand’Mere I bought a wedding gown.” “Have you?” There was no way she was telling him she had bought her dream dress only days after he had proposed, but on the night she’d seen him kissing that blonde she’d cut the gown into a million tiny shreds, and had planned to paper his Mustang with it. “Well, actually, I found one at a thrift store that’s perfect for this little charade.” Between chews, Emily continued explaining all the details she’d supposedly made, and she didn’t miss the way Billy was staring at her. “What are you looking at?” “You. Wondering what we’d be doing right now if we were still together,” Billy said slowly, studying her face. Legs quivering, Emily decided it was time to make certain he understood this was just a game. But her eyes

shifted and she made the mistake of looking at his mouth. The last thing she wanted was to be sitting there thinking about those sensuous lips pressed against hers. Billy was sitting way too close, making her completely aware of him. “Go ahead. Tell me you never think about us,” he taunted. “Never,” she said, then grabbed another slice of pizza and took an angry bite. “No point in wasting energy thinking about a man who doesn’t know what commitment is … who doesn’t know the first thing about trust.” He chuckled. “You really believe that, don’t you?” “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.” Reaching up, Billy combed his fingers through her hair, and she forced herself not to shiver. “You may be right, but trust goes both ways. I need a woman in my life who, when I ask to trust me, believes enough in me and our relationship to give me time to explain.” Emily wondered how she could even think about trusting him, although right now all that was on her mind was kissing him. “There was nothing to explain. I saw what I saw,” she said and looked up at him, refusing to cower even though his touch made her quiver at the knees. “Well, I guess it’s a good thing you found out the truth when you did.” Sensation raced through her as his eyes intensified. “Absolutely,” she said. “Make no mistake about it. That’s why I walked inside the restaurant … so there would be no question about me catching you red-handed.” It took every ounce of willpower to push his hand away. “Now let’s get

back to business.” Billy chuckled and she knew at that instant he was fully aware of the effect he still had over her. “This is your show, but if this is going to work then you’re forgetting something.” He sprang from the chair and she watched him curiously as he moved toward the other side of the apartment, where she was fully aware of his bedroom with the massive kingsize bed. Emily finished eating the slice of pizza while mentally reminding herself to stay focused on the mission and nothing else. By the time Billy had returned she had regained her composure. He paused in front of her chair. “What’s wrong?” she asked, suddenly nervous at the serious expression on his face. With Billy looking at her in that intent brooding way, those thick eyebrows drawn together as if he was seeing through her, she gasped. Emily had seen that look only one time before. Her heart began to bang against her breasts as she watched Billy take her hand, then drop down on one knee. Opening her mouth, she was prepared to protest, but nothing came out. “Emily Joanne Rice, the day I met you standing out in front of the post office I knew you were the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” She watched as he slipped the three-carat diamond engagement ring back onto her finger. It was just as powerful as it had been the first time. Her hand began to tingle. Emotion bubbled inside as she realized how much she’d missed wearing it.

Emily waited, hoping that at any moment Billy would start laughing, but instead his eyes darkened as he locked his gaze with hers. In one forward motion she was in his arms and his mouth covered hers hungrily. Raising her arms, she circled his neck and felt the strong pumping of his heart that matched her own. She wanted him. Needed this. Even if it was just for the moment. She would worry about the consequences and what it would mean to them later. In an instant, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to his bedroom. Once there he lowered her slowly to her feet. “Are you sure?” he asked. She nodded. Dear God, she missed being touched, missed the feel of a man’s arms, his arms. How long had it been? Too damned long. Despite all those months apart Emily never would have dreamed she would give in to Billy so easily, yet nothing felt more right at the moment than being with him. He raised his arms over his head while Emily pulled off his shirt and tossed it. Damn, she had forgotten how gorgeous he was. Her eyes followed the narrow trail of dark hair over the ripples in his stomach to the point where it disappeared. Billy dropped his jeans to the floor and stepped forward. With their eyes locked, he slowly removed every button of her blouse. “I missed you,” he confessed. “I missed you, too,” she said, tossing the fabric onto the floor. “Tell me again.”

“I missed you, Billy. Now hush and make love to me.” His cock thrust against her belly and her stomach clenched at the thought of him being inside her again. Reaching behind her, she unclasped her bra and allowed it to fall. Then she slid her black lace panties over slender hips and down toward her ankle. Standing in front of him, she watched his eyes travel the length of her legs. “Damn, you are beautiful.” Billy snaked a hand around her waist, pulling her against the length of his hard body, then leaned forward, leaving a trail of kisses along her neck and cheek. Reaching down, Emily cupped his erection, stroking the length of his cock, reminiscing as she remembered how wonderful he felt buried deep inside her. Anticipation zipped across her spine and caused her pussy to clench. As she caressed the tip of his cock with her thumb, Billy sucked in a hiss. Then one of his hands rounded her ass as the other eased her fingers from around his length. Smiling, he lifted her into his arms and over to the bed, then sat her gently on top of the sheets. “Lie back,” he ordered. Emily slid up on the bed, then sighed as his warm, hard body covered hers. Billy stared down at her, lids heavy over his eyes. His fingers traveled downward and didn’t stop until he reached her slippery folds, where he slid two fingers inside. “Yes.” Moaning, Emily arched off the bed. Billy pulled his fingers out to the fingertip, then pushed again, touching her deep. She was wet and aroused and started rocking her hips, meeting his strokes, and was

seconds away from exploding when Billy slid down on the bed, positioning his head between her thighs. Pressing his mouth to her pussy drew cries of pleasure. Then he licked and sucked until she thought she would lose her mind. He stroked her up, down and around, using his tongue and teeth. By the time she was squirming on the bed and moaning hysterically, Billy rose from the bed, reached inside a nightstand, and removed a condom. She was delirious with need by the time he moved back onto to the bed and parted her thighs wide. “You want me inside of you?” he asked. “Yes,” she panted, her body weak with need. “I need you inside of me.” With one push he drove inside, and Emily cried out in shock, then exhaled and drew him deeper. “Emily,” he groaned, then began thrusting, pounding his length into her. Crying out his name, she spread her legs wider, wanting to feel all of him driving deeper. Each thrust wasn’t enough until three months of pent-up frustration burst free. “Billy! Yesss . . . yesss!” She cried out with incredible force. “That’s it,” Billy groaned as her walls squeezed his stiff cock. Then he began to move faster, and she heard a strangled cry. Emily rocked her hips and the muscles along his back tensed. He cried out with pleasure before he sighed and whispered, “I love you, Emily.”

* * * Hours later, Emily woke with a startled look as she realized what she had done. No! No! How could she be so stupid? Every day she offered advice to desperate women throughout Chicago about being strong, about moving on and building a better life and not settling for less than you were worth. Her column had more than a hundred thousand readers who believed in her. Emails poured in from readers who wished they could be more like her, strong, sexy and determined. Yet with one kiss from Billy, a single touch, and she had gone against everything she’d believed in. With a groan she rolled away from his warm, hard body. She had given this man her heart and what had he done? He’d betrayed their trust and cut her heart into shreds. Tonight she’d had made the mistake of forgetting their engagement wasn’t real, but only a stunt, just a way to give her more time to adjust to getting on with her life before Grand’Mere came twisting through like a whirling tornado. But as she felt the pain squeezing at her chest, she knew telling Grand’Mere the truth would be a lot easier than spending an entire weekend pretending she was happy and in love with a man who was so wrong for her. Quietly, she slid out from under his arm and grabbed her clothes. She took a brief moment to stare down at the gorgeous man who hours ago had confessed his love to her.

I love you, too, Billy. And that’s why she could never see him again. * * * Billy waited until he’d heard the door close with a click before he rolled onto his back and grinned. He had never been a patient man, but he believed some things were worth fighting for. And the little pistol who had just slipped out of his apartment had no idea that Round Three was about to begin. It had been a knock-down, drag-out fight, but he was certain that by the end of Round Four she would be back in his bed forever. And as far as he was concerned, the sooner the better.

Chapter 4 “What time is Billy meeting us for dinner?” Emily glanced down at the slender watch on her arm, trying to avoid eye contact. “I’m not sure,” she muttered, wondering for the umpteenth time how she was going to tell Grand’Mere Billy wasn’t coming. After she had slipped out of his apartment and gone home, Emily had taken the cowardly way out and sent Billy a text message telling him the charade was over and she’d planned to tell her grandmother the truth. Unfortunately, every time she’d tried to bring up the relationship, Grand’Mere had changed the subject with one lively tale after another. It had been a wild afternoon. Ever since she’d picked her grandmother up at the airport they’d been going nonstop. First it had been Michigan Avenue to shop at the Water Tower Place where Grand’Mere wanted Emily to help her pick out something nice for Billy for Christmas.

Caught up in the moment, Emily had ended up buying him a cashmere coat to go with the scarf and gloves Grand’Mere had bought. She wasn’t sure where the impulse came from, except that she knew it would look wonderful over his broad shoulders. Emily figured it was the least she could do for ruining his kitchen, burning up his pan, and of course for agreeing to help with Grand’Mere. By noon they were finished with the first round of shopping. It had started snowing again and her grandmother had insisted they walk the two blocks to the restaurant where they were meeting two of her dear friends at a sandwich shop for lunch. The friends were a chatty bunch, and Emily figured while the Golden Girls were visiting she could drop by the newspaper for a few minutes and check her emails. But Grand’Mere insisted she stay because she worked too hard and needed a break. The women oohed and aahed over her engagement ring and wanted to hear every detail of her upcoming fake wedding, including the beading on her gown. She had always found the women a delight, so lying left her feeling more guilty than ever. After lunch she and Grand’Mere went to do more shopping until it was time to meet Billy for dinner. It was almost seven when the hostess seated them at a table for four at the center of the restaurant. Grand’Mere shrugged out of her winter white wool coat as she glanced around at the Christmas decorations adorning the room. “I sure missed this place!” she exclaimed, blue eyes twinkling.

They were at Francesco’s, an authentic Italian restaurant in downtown Naperville. As far as Grand’Mere was concerned, they had the best cannoli in all of the Windy City. “Uh … Grand’Mere, I need to talk to you about something,” Emily began, although she wasn’t quite sure what to say exactly. She slipped out of her black trench coat and swung it over one of the empty chairs, then smoothed down the front of her burgundy ankle-length sweater dress. Anything to stall a few more seconds. Her grandmother stared across the table at her with a long thoughtful look. “You know … I didn’t realize how much I missed Christmas time in Chicago.” Emily suddenly had an uneasy feeling. “I was thinking …” She groaned. Her grandmother’s thinking was never a good thing. “ … Maybe I can come back to stay at least until the wedding.” What? There was no way she had heard her right. “For eight months?” “I think we’d have so much fun being roommates again!” she said excitedly. Just shoot me, why don’t you. Her mouth opened to protest, but she was speechless. The waiter came, bringing water that she gladly accepted, and she took a thirsty swallow. “I’m sorry, dear. I’ve been talking nonstop,” Grand’Mere

said, reaching over and patted her hand affectionately. “Is there something on your mind?” Emily gazed down at her hand and the brilliant diamond gleamed under the dim lighting. “Grand‘Mere, I haven’t been completely honest with you,” she began, but noticed that instead of listening her grandmother was looking over her head toward the front of the restaurant. Emily swung around to find Billy coming their way. At the sight of him her chest tightened. He was the last person she expected to see, but she would have been lying if she’d said she wasn’t happy to see him. She tried not to be affected by his presence, but it was useless. Billy moved toward her, his gaze never once straying from hers. Her pulse raced with his every step. And when he finally reached the table he swooped in, capturing her mouth in a kiss that was so delicious it left her licking her lips. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, then winked. She knew the kiss was just to infuriate her. Well, it worked. She took a moment to pull herself together, which wasn’t easy with her heart racing. “Hello, Grand’Mere,” he greeted, then leaned down and kissed her on her soft wrinkled cheek. “For a second there I thought maybe you weren’t coming,” Grand’Mere said, smiling up at him. “I wouldn’t miss this moment for the world,” he said, and smiled as he slipped out of a black bomber jacket and draped it over Emily’s coat before taking the seat beside

her. She leaned over slightly and whispered, “What are you doing?” He grinned. “Emily, the normal response is ‘hello, sweetheart.’” She painted on a smile while mumbling under her breath. “Don’t hello sweetheart me. I told you not to come.” “You cooked, so the least I can do is hold up my end of the bargain,” he mumbled close to her ear. “Now hush. We’ve got a show to perform.” With that, Billy took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. Instantly, she felt the heat. “So what have you two beautiful women been up to?” Grand’Mere waved a hand in the air. “Christmas shopping, of course.” The waiter came and took their order, and she felt her shoulders sag with relief. As much as she resented him showing up, she was glad she didn’t have to make the announcement today. If she could get through dinner maybe--just maybe--she could wait until after Christmas before she spoiled the holiday for her grandmother. As soon as their waiter left to place their orders, Grand’Mere leaned in close, fingering her pearls. “I hear the wedding plans are coming along nicely.” Billy grinned, looking at Emily as he spoke. “I’m certain it will be a day we’ll both remember.” She took a deep breath while reminded herself not to let him get to her, which was easy, considering he was getting to her in more ways than one. She cleared her throat. “I was telling my grandmother we wanted to keep things simple.”

Grand’Mere patted her silver hair and gave a rude snort. “I told her hogwash! Her parents are returning from Japan for this event. I want it to be a moment they’ll be proud of.” Emily groaned. Her father was a civil engineer with the Department of Defense. Her parents had been living in Yokosuka, near one of the large naval bases, for the last two years and would finally be returning to the states just in time for her so-called wedding. Since she couldn’t be in two places at one time, her mother had entrusted Grand’Mere with Emily’s wedding preparations to make sure her daughter had a day every young girl dreamed about. “I have to agree with you, Grand’Mere. I told Emily, nothing but the best for her,” Billy commented as he squeezed her knee under the table. “All I care about is her being happy.” She felt heat radiating from her thigh up to the intimate place between her thighs, making her fidget on the seat. Billy’s presence was so overwhelming she wasn’t sure how she would make it through dinner. Every time she looked at him she had this strong desire to get lost in his gaze and beg him to make love to her again. But there was no way she was making that mistake again. She pushed the traitorous feelings aside and enjoyed her grandmother’s infectious laughter, and after awhile Emily allowed herself to just enjoy the moment. But as she ate her sausage lasagna she found herself studying Billy’s strong profile and the beautiful grin on his face. Every time he turned up the wattage on that smile, she felt her inside

quivers and her clit pulse with want. What is wrong with me? she asked herself, although the answer was so obvious. She just refused to acknowledge how much she still loved him, and that deep down she wished the moment was truly real. But there was no point in dwelling on the past, she scolded herself. All she could do was be grateful to Billy for getting her out of a jam, and once her grandmother returned to Nevada she would return his ring and they both could get on with their lives. They were eating dessert and enjoying the last of the evening when a woman stopped at their table. “Billy, is that you?” Emily looked up and practically choked on her fork. Blue eyes. Blonde hair. And curves that went on for days. It was her. The woman she had caught Billy kissing. “Amanda, it’s so good to see you.” Billy rose from his chair and wrapped his arms around her in a deep embrace. Seriously? Emily stood there staring at the two of them, ready to give them both a piece of her mind. The only thing stopping her was her grandmother sitting there. “Let me introduce you to my husband,” she heard the beauty say. Husband? Emily whipped around to see a tall, attractive man with a buzz cut, who joined the group. “This is Mark. Mark, I’d like you to finally meet my partner, Billy, and his …” Her mind went blank. Did she say, her partner?

“It’s a pleasure meeting you.” Billy shook Mark’s hand, then moved and stood beside Emily’s chair. “Amanda, you remember my fiancée, don’t you?” She didn’t miss the hint of humor in his voice. The tall bombshell’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Oh yes! I’ll never forget the way she stormed into Cap’s Steakhouse and tossed that glass of water at you!” She laughed infectiously. “You threw water at Billy?” Grand’Mere asked, eager for gossip. Billy glanced down at Emily, eyes dancing with amusement as Amanda explained. “Oh, yes! We were doing surveillance at this restaurant. Apparently, my mike had come loose and the wire was sticking out of my top. As soon as Billy noticed he’d pulled me in his arms and kissed me while he discreetly fixed my equipment.” Microphone? Emily swallowed hard. What she saw had looked a lot like he was fondling her breasts, but that could have been an explanation for what had been going on. That is, if she had been willing to listen. Grand’Mere’s eyes sparkled. “So Emily just happened to see the two of you together and assumed she saw something else?” Billy squeezed her shoulders. “Exactly. But of course I explained everything to her later.” What he was really saying was that he’d tried to explain everything, only she’d been too stubborn to believe him. Instead, she had tossed his ring at him and had called off

the engagement.

Oh, God. What have I done? Amanda draped an arm around her husband’s waist and stared up at him. It was apparent the two of them were madly in love. “I’m glad you’re so understanding,” Amanda replied. “If it was me, I probably would have done a lot worse. Well, we’d better get to our table. It’s so good talking to you. Billy, I’ll see you on Monday.” They waved goodbye and headed back to their table. Emily no longer had an appetite. “That is such a lovely lady. I can’t imagine why she’d want to be a cop,” Grand’Mere said between chews. Billy returned to his seat, then reached for his fork. “She’s actually the best partner I’ve had. Truly dedicated to the job. We’d been working on that case for months. Last weekend we finally got our man.” Her grandmother looked pleased. “Good for you!” Billy turned to Emily and their eyes locked for a long intense moment. She had been so wrong about him. Smiling, she hoped he could see what she was feeling, but as soon as the waiter returned to refill their coffee cups he went back to chatting with Grand’Mere. For the rest of the meal Emily didn’t hear a word either of them said. Instead, she sat back and listened to the pounding of her heart, trying to figure out how she could undo three months of mistakes. She hadn’t wanted to listen to his explanation. She had ignored his phone calls and threatened to call the police. She had cut Billy out of her life, all over a misunderstanding. How could he possibly find it in his heart

to forgive her? She blinked twice, deciding now was not the time to wallow in self-pity. Sitting straight on the chair, she realized Billy was signing the credit card bill and rising from his chair. “Grand’Mere, as always, it was wonderful to see you. Hopefully, we can get together again before you leave.” He planted another kiss to her cheek. “Emily, sweetheart … Care to walk with me to the door?” he asked. She didn’t even remember nodding her head and taking his hand as he helped her up from the chair. He clasped his fingers with hers and led Emily to the small entry room near the front entrance. Once there, Billy swung around and she saw the emotion burning deep in his eyes. Hurt. “Why didn’t you just tell me the truth?” she asked softly. He shook his head. “I tried, but then I had to let you go. We were just too near to closing our case. After you came in and made a scene, I knew Estefan’s men would be watching if I came within fifty feet of you. The best way to keep you safe was to just let you end the relationship and for me to keep my distance.” There was so much she wanted to say, but she didn’t know where to begin. “I’m so sorry.” Billy nodded, but a nerve at his jaw ticked. “I can’t tell you how much it hurt me to know that the woman I planned to share the rest of my life with didn’t have enough faith in our relationship to trust me when I said nothing had happened.” “I don’t know what else to say except that I am so sorry,”

she admitted with a sob lodging her throat. She had done so much damage to their relationship she just wasn’t sure if there was enough left to salvage. However, she was willing to try. What about Billy? she wondered. Before she had an opportunity to consider the thought, Billy dipped his head down and claimed her lips. An ache stirred in her chest, then traveled lower to her stomach. His tongue found hers and Emily groaned in response. Hungry for his touch and for all the months she’d wasted, she arched toward him, her nipples grazing against his chest. He gathered her closer and his hands went to her bottom, lifting her firmly against him, their clothing a barrier that added friction to their passion. His kiss, his touch, was doing crazy things, making her think about all the time they’d lost and could never get back. All because she hadn’t believed enough to trust him. Billy groaned as her palms caressed his back, then just when she thought they still had a chance Billy pulled back, his tone serious, as he said, “Take care, Emily.”

Chapter 5 Billy pulled his Mustang GT in front of his apartment building, then shut off the engine. Staring out the window, he watched as heavy snowflakes landed on his windshield. By morning, Chicago would look like a winter wonderland.

Bah, humbug. For obvious reasons he hadn’t been much into the holiday spirit. Christmas was less than a week away, yet he still hadn’t started buying gifts for his family. He’d planned to drive to Milwaukee to spend Christmas day with them. This year would be different for him. He didn’t feel festive or caught up in the season of giving. And he knew why. Emily. It had been a week since the dinner with Emily and Grand’Mere, and he still hadn’t heard a word from her. So much for Round Four. Asking Amanda to show up at the restaurant with her husband hadn’t gotten him the reaction he’d hoped for. An apology. Total surrender. And a

confession of her undying love. Instead, Emily had returned to her new life as if their time together had meant nothing. Yesterday Grand’Mere had left for Nevada. It seemed her sister had fallen and sprained her ankle. Billy was sure Emily had been tossing coins into that wishing pond again. Despite how miserable he felt, the thought made him chuckle. An SUV whizzed by, slipping and sliding through the slushy mess. There was no doubt the salt trucks were going to have a long night ahead. He scowled, then climbed out and raised his collar, covering his ears. Billy then hurried toward the door, anxious to get in from the bitterly cold wind. Once inside, he slipped his gloves off and stuck them inside his coat pocket as he walked up the stairs. Several neighbors had wrapped their doors in red cellophane paper. Others had hung Christmas wreaths on hooks. In fact, when he stopped at his door he did a double take, making sure he was standing in front of the right apartment. Hanging from a magnetic hook was a small pine wreath decorated with tiny red velour bows and pine cones. He scratched his chin, then finally shook his head. “Ms. Connie,” he mumbled with laughter. The sixtysomething grandmother had mentioned in the elevator last week that Christmas was no time for frowning. She must have decided to share some holiday joy, he thought with a smile. He would have to remember to ask his mother to bake his neighbor a pecan pie.

Billy stuck his key in the door, pushed it open and stepped inside, hearing the faint sound of Christmas Carols. He was sure he also smelled the faint scent of sugar cookies. He moved around the hall, and the second he stepped into his living room his pulse did several somersaults. There was a six-foot Christmas tree in the corner, completely decorate with lights, glass balls, and garlands. Underneath were several beautifully decorated presents. Lights were also strung around the window. Billy was surprised he hadn’t noticed them from the street. Classic Christmas music was playing from his stereo and there was a plate of sugar cookies shaped like Christmas trees and topped with green sprinkles on the table. His heart started fluttering wildly against his chest. Billy slipped out of his coat, hung it in the hall closet, then walked into the kitchen, where he heard movement. On the other side of the wall was Emily. “Happy Holidays!” she said, standing in the middle of his kitchen. She was dressed like one of Santa’s little helpers in a short red dress trimmed in white faux fur, a matching Santa hat, and five-inch white stilettos decorated with sparkling bling-bling. “I’ve been sent down from the North Pole to find out if you’ve been naughty or nice,” Emily purred, and waved a spatula in her hand. Billy couldn’t move. All he could do was stand there in the doorway, staring at legs that seemed to go on for miles. The dress stopped way above the legal limit. If she’d dared to sneeze, he would have caught a glimpse of what was underneath.

Emily’s hair was pulled back in a ponytail, giving a clear view of the candy cane earrings dangling from her earlobes. “So which is it?” he asked. A perfectly arched brow rose. “Which what?” He stuck his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching out and snatching her into his arms. “Have I been naughty or nice?” She grinned, showing beautiful white teeth. “Oh you’ve been—.” The timer over the stove buzzed. She scrambled for the oven mitt, opened the door, then bent over and reached inside.

Lord, give me strength. Blood raced to his loins and Billy felt his cock pulsate at the sight of her perfectly round ass on full display. No panties. Just smooth alabaster skin and that tiny little strawberry tattoo at the corner of her left cheek that he was dying to sink his teeth into. “Sorry about that,” Emily said as she removed another tray of cookies and set them on top of the stove to cool. “You made those?” Billy asked as he walked further into the room, expecting to see another disaster, but other than a few dishes soaking in the sink the room was just the way he had left it. Her gaze faltered slightly. “Well, yeah. I mean … I bought the roll in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. But I had to slice them, put them on the pan, and make sure I baked them without burning them.” He couldn’t resist a grin. “You gotta start somewhere.”

She was standing there, hands at her hips, breasts thrust forward, showing off plenty of cleavage. “Now … get back to telling me if I was naughty or nice.” Her amber gaze suddenly became serious. “I’m the one who’s been naughty. Billy … I don’t even know where to begin. I am so sorry for not trusting and believing in you. I should have given you a chance to explain.” He watched her beautiful soft lips quiver with every word. * * * For the longest time they just stood there, eyes locked, staring at each other. Emily couldn’t blame him if he decided not to forgive her. She had messed up big time, but one thing was for certain: she wasn’t giving up without a fight. Billy took her hand, turned it over and kissed her palm, then flattened it to his chest, where she felt his heart pounding heavily. “Feel that. That’s what you do to me. I don’t need anyone else when I already have the woman who completes me.” What was he saying? she wondered, refusing to get ahead of herself. Very slowly, Billy lowered his mouth and captured her lips. Not a soft, gentle kiss but a hot, deep, demanding kiss that filled her with heat and need. Goodness, his warm, wet lips coaxed and demanded, giving and taking all at once. His tongue slid over her lips, sending warm shivers across her skin. Emily opened for him, inviting him inside. Her

arms slid around his neck, pulling him closer. “Tell me what we have isn’t real,” Billy whispered as he pressed his lips against the space below her ear, kissed the side of her neck, then captured her lips again. His hands traveled up her arms and Emily moaned when he cupped her breast, his thumb stroking her nipple. It swelled in his hand and caused her to arch into his palm. “Without trust, we have nothing.” “I know that now,” she replied with a deep sigh. Billy caressed her other breast gently until her body throbbed with pleasure. Emily knew she should stop him so they could continue talking and working through their issues, but her own need pulsed to life with each stroke of his tongue, each feel of his hand against her breasts. She was faintly dizzy, breathing fast. “Yes.” A moan escaped her lips. She ran her fingers through his hair. After a lonely week of yearning, she so desperately wanted, needed, what he was doing to her. Not wasting any more time, Billy lifted Emily into his arms and carried her across the apartment and down the hall to his bedroom. Trembling, Emily tightened her hold. * * * To his surprise, sexual desire like he’d never known gripped him. Anticipation doubled his pulse. He wasn’t sure who started the deep passionate kisses that fed the fire burning inside him. All he knew was Emily aroused him like no other woman. He pressed her warm body against his

and cursed the clothes they still wore. Yet he hesitated to break the kiss that tasted of sugar cookies. “Baby, I can’t wait to be inside you.” “Neither can I,” she murmured, and drew his face back to her own. Emily raised her mouth to his and the first touch sparked a fuse of fire down to his loins. Tense with control, he rewarded her with a long, slow kiss. While she returned each stroke, her fingers drifted over his face, tracing the length of his jaw, threading his hair. He felt her body melting against him in trembling surrender. Slowly, his hands traveled along her shoulders, across her slender back. He lowered the zipper on her dress and allowed it to fall in a pool at her feet. Billy stepped back and sucked in a gulp of air when he looked at her naked glory. “You’re even more beautiful in those heels.” Reaching out he allowed his thumb to graze her nipple. Her sudden intake of breath nearly stole his own. Bringing him close, Emily slid her hands underneath his shirt and trailed her hands up his back. He broke away and peeled off the shirt. In one swift motion Billy swept her in his arms again and carried her over to the bed and lay down on top of her before he missed the heat of her body. Groaning, he leaned forward and trailed his tongue along her skin, starting at her neck and shoulders. Her soft purring encouraged him to continue the exploration. Emily raised her hand and her fingertips followed the muscles at his arms and shoulders while he expertly kneaded and nibbled her breasts. Her breath caught and he heard her

gasp from sheer pleasure. “Beautiful,” he murmured as he grazed one swollen nipple between his teeth, then the other. “You taste so good.” He suckled until her rosy tips puckered. * * * Emily couldn’t remember when lovemaking ever felt so good. Billy set the tone, yet there was no urgency in his lovemaking. He planned to take his sweet time. He settled on top, pushing her thighs apart until she felt the tip of his cock pressed against her moist heat. Billy began to rock back and forth against her swollen clit. The feel of his jeans brushing her sensitive flesh only heightened her pleasure. Bringing his mouth to her neck, Billy told her, in searing detail, exactly what he planned to do to her. “I’m going to make love to you, baby. Take you slowly, inch by inch. And once I’m buried deep inside of you, I want to feel those long legs wrapped around my waist. Tell me you want me?” Emily was speechless, mesmerized by the vision he described. She could do little but mumble in agreement. “I didn’t hear you.” “Yes,” she managed to whisper. “Yes, what?” he coaxed and reached down between them and slipped a finger inside her moist heat. His fingers went to work and she felt air rushing in and out of her lungs. “Please, Billy!” she cried out in frustration. “Not until you tell me what you want,” he murmured, then

allowed one finger to brush over her swollen bud. Emily nearly came off the bed. “Now! I want you inside me now.” Her next breath mingled with his as he shared a deep lingering kiss. “Patience, baby. The first time’s going to be hard and fast. But then we’ll do it again … and again … and again.” She accepted every word as easily as drawing breath. He was driving her out of her mind, and what his fingers were doing was pure torture. When he finally rose from the bed, she was trembling with anticipation. “I’ll be right back,” Billy whispered. He unfastened his belt and removed his jeans, then turned and strode into his adjoining bathroom. In the dim light of the room Emily had a perfect view of just how aroused Billy was. His erection created a tent inside his boxers, reminding her of its generous size. Emily couldn’t pull her eyes away as he moved back to the bed. She watched, holding her breath, as he lowered his boxers and rolled on the condom.

Damn, she couldn’t wait. “Sweetheart, slide up on the bed,” he ordered. Eagerly, she moved to the center, and as soon as Billy positioned himself between her thighs he drove into her tight heat. The air filled with her whimpers and his soft growls. Want and need spiraled through her. He whispered all sorts of things against her ear. and with every erotic message she could not deny the coiling tension in her body. As he rode her, Emily wrapped her legs around his hips and met

his strokes with equal force. The louder she cried out, the faster and more forcibly he ground himself against her, until she convulsed in his arms. He continued thrusting inside her, wanting to give her everything he had until finally he cried out and collapsed on top of her. Billy held her, raining light kisses along her face until her breathing slowed. Emily’s hands skimmed his back. For the longest time she lay there, as she realized what they had … what they’d always had … was priceless. And she loved him with every breath. “Emily … I’m sorry.” She gasped and rolled over so she could see his face. “For what?” “For failing us. For not coming after you months ago and fighting for what we had.” He took her hand and drew her closer so they were lying on their sides, bodies touching, lips only inches away from each other. “Emily, I love you with everything I have, and I should have said to hell with that case and gone after you. Can you ever forgive me?” His voice was low and sensual. Tears pushed to the surface of her eyes. She was speechless. Those were the last words she ever expected out of his mouth. “I should be asking you if you’d forgive me. I never should have jumped to conclusions. I should have given you a chance to try and explain.” “I’m just glad the only thing you did was throw water on me,” he said with a playful grin. She giggled softly. “Believe me, I thought of doing a

lot worse.” “I’m glad you didn’t.” Emily smiled. “You know that scene was like something out of a Lifetime movie.” “I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment.” He squeezed her close and she felt his warm lips against her forehead. “Do you have any idea how crazy you make me?” “As long as you’re crazy and in love, then that’s all that matters.” Grinning, Billy reached for Emily, drawing her into his arms. “Does that mean you’re ready to be my real fiancée again?” “Absolutely,” Emily cooed, then leaned forward, sealing their future with a kiss.

Enjoy a sneak peak of Sasha Savage’s

The Virgin’s Christmas Wish

Chapter 1 “Are you seriously going through with this?” Casey Alexander asked with uncertainty. “Absolutely,” Brittany Marshall replied with fake confidence as she tugged at the hemline of the little black dress she’d found on clearance at Kohl’s that morning. “I’m not letting anything stand in the way of my birthday present.” “I really wish you’d just do things the old-fashioned way. You know … meet a great guy … fall in love …” “I’ve tried that, and you see where it got me. Anyway, I’m confident tonight’s my night,” Brittany began with a reassuring smile. “Just think positive.” “I’m trying to think positive. I just don’t see anything wrong with finding a man you like first.” If the circumstances had been difference, Brittany would have been all about dating and getting to know a man. Only, she’d tried the normal steps to a relationship numerous times and it had never seemed to work out for her. She had wasted years hoping to find Mr. Right before realizing he didn’t exist. Now she didn’t have any more time to waste.

The clock was ticking. “Has anyone ever told you how stubborn you are?” Casey complained with a frown creasing her blond brow. Brittany giggled. “Yes, you’ve been telling me since college.” The two shared a laugh, then sat back on the bench in the corner booth, relaxing and enjoying the music. They were at Spencer’s, a downtown Cary Street lounge located inside the Marriott Hotel. The room, which had been beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, was packed with a lively happy hour crowd excited about starting the weekend. Brittany allowed her eyes to travel curiously across the room as she studied the faces of every male specimen in the lounge. Somewhere in that room was the man she was looking for. It wasn’t until she reached for her second pomegranate martini that she realized her hand was shaking. God, I’m nervous, she thought, and had every right to be. Never in her life would she have dreamed that she would be doing what she was planning to do tonight. In fact, if Casey hadn’t agreed to come down and join her, and if tonight hadn’t been so utterly important, Brittany would have slipped out the side door hours ago. “I have to say, there’s definitely some eye candy in here,” Casey commented over the beat of the music. Nodding, Brittany couldn’t help but agree. Despite all the losers gawking at her, there also were several hotties in the lounge. Unfortunately, none of them were looking her way; or correction, if they were, they weren’t making their

interest as obvious as some of the others, which was okay with her, considering she would require a certain type of man. So far Brittany had no idea what that type was, but was certain she would figure it out the second she saw him. One thing was for sure, she wasn’t there looking for a relationship. Uh-uh. No last names. No phone number exchanges. All she wanted was an hour or two of his time. However, she hadn’t yet seen any likely candidates, and she was starting to get worried. A girl goes out on a Friday night and can’t even find one man to sleep with? What’s wrong with that picture? Casey’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she rose from her chair. “I’m going to walk around and see what I can find.” Shortly after Casey left Brittany started secondguessing her decision. Maybe she should have let Casey fix her up with that hottie in her building she’d been raving about. At least that wouldn’t have seemed so desperate as coming to a club in search of a one-night-stand.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sasha Savage is a girl with a delightfully wicked imagination, and a weakness for alpha men. Thank goodness she has one of those sexy creatures at home, providing all the hands-on experience she needs. As an erotic author, her ultimate goal is to create naughty tales that leave her readers breathless. Visit Author Sasha Savage on facebook where you’ll find delicious updates on her next erotic story, or you can email her at [email protected].