The Only Exception

The Only Exception by Gina Gordon

Breathless Press Calgary, Alberta www.breathlesspress.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. The Only Exception Copyright© 2010 Gina Gordon ISBN: 978-1-926930-05-3 Cover Artist: Dara England Editor: Mason Lavin All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

To the music that inspires our stories

Prologue

“We’re doing what?” Caroline Carlson eyed her boss across the table. “We’re going on a retreat. Four days, three nights at the Bear Springs Lodge.” He had to be joking. There was no way Miles Vernon could seriously expect his staff to go away together. Especially since Caroline was the only woman in the all male management team. “That sounds like a great idea.” Hayden piped up from the other end of the table, the tenor of his voice a warm tingle washing over her concentration. Hayden Cross. The most taxing man on earth. And the most sinfully sexy. Caroline only wished that sometimes he didn’t wreak such havoc on her libido. “Sir,” Caroline spoke, “you can’t possibly be serious?” “As a heart attack.” Vernon sat back in his chair while tugging at his red tie. Caroline knew he couldn’t help the corporate aroma that wafted in the air every time he stepped into a room, but as the Vice Presi1

The Only Exception dent at Barnes and Miller Advertising, Vernon’s smugness knew no bounds. “I think everyone does great work, but we aren’t a team. There’s no collaboration.” Vernon glared at Hayden and the two other managers on her team. “I often find the three of you gossiping and babbling about nonsense while Caroline is off working harder than all three of you put together.” She straightened up in her chair. At least her boss knew she worked hard. At least her initiative didn’t go unnoticed. It also didn’t go unnoticed that the three men she worked with gave her their best sneers from around the table. Neil and Jack, or, as she liked to call them, the two Sidekicks, were particularly pissed. They followed Hayden around like puppy dogs. So generic, so forgettable. Not like Hayden. “I’ve heard good things about this place you’re going,” Vernon continued. “I have team building activities scheduled, great food and the best part,”—he leaned in toward the table and rested his forearms on the light wood—”we will be pairing up and doing a scavenger hunt then spending the night outside.” “Outside?” Caroline blurted out. “As in sleeping in the snow and cold?” She hated everything that had to do with winter. “Don’t be such a priss, Caroline,” Sidekick Number One spat. “I’m sure the temperature in Sudbury isn’t as cold as your office.” Sidekick Number Two snickered. Hayden just stared, his expression giving no indication as to whether he agreed with the insult. Turning his annoyed expression away from her co-workers, Vernon said to Caroline, “I have a feeling this retreat is going to change the way we work together. In a big way.” Why did he eye her when he said that? And did he look directly at Hayden, too? Caroline was going to have to survive Northern Ontario with four men and there was no chance of getting out of it. This was going to be a nightmare.

2

Chapter One

5 weeks later

Hayden had her flanked against the edge of the over-sized office desk. He swept his hand past her breast, destined for the place she needed it the most. With one hand tight against the small of her back, he searched under the hem of her skirt with the other. She moaned, enticing him. Giving him the go-ahead to use her body any way he saw fit. When he by-passed her mouth, she hoped that he intended to use his lips on the hot button that lay in the juncture between her thighs. She stepped wide as he settled between her legs. With a swipe of his tongue across his lower lip, he secured her skirt around her waist then pulled aside her thong. He kissed her thighs, teasing and torturing her with his mouth. The soft strands of his chestnut hair tickled her skin. He latched on to her center. Sucking her outer lips into his warm mouth, he settled his tongue between her wet folds and feasted on her flesh. His moans sent zings of pleasure through her body. 3

The Only Exception She gripped his hair. She couldn’t help the sense of urgency that coursed through her veins at the need to come. Gyrating her hips, she forced herself on him until he finally sucked her clit into his mouth. Caroline braced her hands on the edge of the desk and pushed her body forward. When the pleasure was too great, she arched onto her toes. With both hands, he grabbed the soft globes of her ass. Their heat tingled along her skin. Hayden pulled her forward as he increased the speed of his tongue. The shriek of the alarm jolted Caroline out of her dream. The white ceiling of her bedroom stared back at her. She lay in her bed, the covers tangled at her feet. Her skin was moist and droplets of sweat gathered around her hairline. She hit the snooze button then angrily rolled over onto her side, frustrated. He could never get the job done. He was never quick enough. She always woke up before she could experience the magic of his mouth. In a sense her dreams were ironic. Her lack of satisfaction was no different than real life. For the last five weeks, Caroline had had this dream. Dream? Sometimes she woke up as if it was a nightmare. Hayden between her legs. Beautiful, sexy…and a letdown. The dreams began the day she found out she would have to go on the manager’s retreat in the wild winter weather of Northern Ontario. A retreat that meant she would be trapped in a small venue with the very man who haunted her dreams. At first, the dreams were occasional, but as the trip loomed closer, his presence was now an every night occurrence. Caroline searched around the drawer of her nightstand and retrieved her favorite vibrator. She laid her hand flat along her seam and cupped her sex. Holding pressure on her pussy, she intensified the dull ache. Her fingers had a mind of their own and when she penetrated her folds, her slim index finger encountered her moisture. Even in her dreams he had the ability to make her wet. She inserted the blue vibe into her slick canal and flicked the switch. She thought back to her dream—the office—with his face still between her legs. The blue of his eyes as he stared up at her from below. The smooth vibration spread throughout her body and she circled her clit with her index finger. She rubbed to the image of his tongue and lips working a magnificent rhythm. Caroline finally came, her body arching up off the mattress then slumping down with a shudder. She removed her one consistent lover from her opening and held it in her hand. What would she do without it? After all these years of 4

Gina Gordon being sexually active, she had yet to find a man who could bring her to the point of release. She always had to help them along. Whether it be her hand or a vibrator, Caroline would rev herself up, then allow them to push her over the edge. She was comfortable with her own body, but maybe her body wasn’t comfortable letting go. She knew there had to be a man out there who could get the job done. When she found him, Lord help him. There was no way she would let him go. At thirty-two, Caroline had to believe that her knight in shining armor, the man who would see behind her mask, would also be the one to shatter her sexually in the blink of an eye. Hitting the snooze button again, she pulled the covers back over her body. Work could wait a few more minutes. The last thing Caroline remembered before she drifted back to sleep was the color of Hayden’s blue eyes.

5

Chapter Two

Caroline swayed on the dance floor to the electronic beats that pumped heavily from the speakers at the front of the room, the base pounding through her body. Her two friends flanked her on either side. The three of them moving to the same rhythm but dancing to their own beat. The music skipped and the steady thump of hip hop changed the pace of the floor. With smooth, steady movements, she twisted from side to side. With her arms high in the air, Caroline swiveled her hips one way then the next. The scent of sweat and desire flooded her nostrils as she got lost in this world that made her feel at home. The dance floor took up most of the space now that the establishment had turned from pub to club. With the exception of the bar to the left and the row of tables that encircled the floor, South Side was dancing room, only. The space was in near darkness. An exit sign blinked at the back door and there was a glimmer of light from behind the bar. Otherwise, 6

Gina Gordon only the intermittent blinking of a strobe light pulsed in time to the bass. Caroline’s hands made their way around her body as they slid over her tight silver tank top then down between her thighs over the fabric of her tight black pants. She loved herself with her hands as she swayed and swirled to the beat. She had been dancing for a while, maybe an hour. The margaritas from dinner had sweated themselves out of her system. For the last few minutes, Caroline had the strange feeling that someone was watching her. Not the usual feeling of being the center of attention, but a secret stare that she could feel sizzle up her body. She surveyed the room to the best of her ability but couldn’t see anyone staring, couldn’t catch anyone’s eye. She shook it off and went back to the beat. A few songs later, the ladies took position at their reserved table on the sidelines. “I still can’t believe you’re actually going to spend the next four days trapped up north with those losers from work.” Annie Williams shook her head in disbelief. Her fiery red hair, damp from the dance floor, brushed along her shoulders. “What exactly are you supposed to be doing on this retreat?” Laurie Danes, her friend and fellow co-worker at B & M, inquired. “Some kind of kumbaya crap to get us working as a team.” Caroline’s body shivered “I’m frozen just thinking about it.” “Are the problems in your unit that bad?” Annie took a sip of her drink, one of the three drinks that arrived at their table just seconds after they sat down. “Nothing I can’t handle.” Caroline brushed off the comment. She was tough and there was no way she was going to let a group of men distract from her work. “I think that Vernon just wants an excuse to get out of the office and away from his wife,” Laurie added. “That’s all well and good, but couldn’t he do it in the summer? It’s bad enough I’m going to be trapped with four men for four days, at least make it tank top weather.” How could she be attractive with ten different layers on? Wait! Why do you need to be attractive? “What do you think Hottie Hayden looks like in a tank top?” Laurie wiggled her eyebrows. “I thought we didn’t like Hottie Hayden.” Since she didn’t work with Caroline and Laurie, Annie was always trying to keep up to speed. 7

The Only Exception “Would you please stop calling him that?” Caroline hid behind her glass as she sipped on her beer. The nickname her friends assigned to her co-worker did nothing to squelch the fantasies she tried so hard to ignore. “Why? He is a hottie. Even you have to admit that.” Laurie yelled over the music as it grew louder with the change of the song. Of course Caroline agreed. Her dreams were agreement enough. But she couldn’t let her friends know she may have a thing for Hottie Hayden. “Fine!” A vehement denial would be too strong a giveaway. So Caroline kept her tone indifferent. “He’s hot, but his arrogance makes his hotness irrelevant.” “Who cares,” Laurie spat back. “Trapped at a winter retreat with Hottie Hayden. I wish I was a manager.” “Believe me, you don’t. I’ve worked really hard to get them to take me seriously, and Hayden has torn that all away.” She used to command respect. Okay, maybe fear, but at least people would take notice when she spoke. Since Hayden’s arrival, a gender power struggle ensued, and she was definitely losing. “He’s just having fun, Caroline,” Laurie added. “Fun is not to be had a work. Business and pleasure should never mix. I wouldn’t be a manager at thirty-two if they knew I’m the girl that still goes to dance clubs.” She took another drink of her beer, and let the glass slam a little too hard on the table. “This is why I hate socializing with her at work,” Laurie said in Annie’s direction. “So what are you going to do about Hottie Hayden?” Annie knew just when to change the topic before the conversation took a turn for the worse. “What do you mean?” Caroline was confused. “Have you ever spoken to him? In a social way?” Annie asked. “No. Kind of. Maybe.” Had she? Caroline relaxed against her chair and pondered. She remembered the time when they’d chatted briefly at the company picnic last year, but that had turned to work after about fifteen seconds. “The retreat is your perfect opportunity to get to know him,” Annie continued. “The retreat is business. And why do I need to get to know him, anyway?” Caroline insisted. “I swear you are going to shrivel up and die in a pant suit.” Laurie threw her hands up in the air then leaned back against her chair. 8

Gina Gordon Annie, the more sympathetic of her friends, leaned in to the table. “Come on, Caroline. It’ll be cold. You’ll have to huddle together to keep warm.” She winked and leaned back in her chair. “You can always offer him the inside of your panties if his hands get cold.” Caroline burst out laughing. “I really don’t think trying to seduce a colleague is the best idea.” “Why not?” Both girls said in unison. They waited for justification. Both of them smirked with anticipation. “Let’s see. Where do I start? There’s company policy, sexual harassment charges, awkwardness all day, every day.” Caroline could only imagine the rumors that would spread around the office if that information got out. It wasn’t as if she had never thought about seducing her sexy co-worker, but the office was already unfriendly and there was no sense in making it unbearable. “Besides, he’s probably not any different from every other man. They just don’t get the job done.” “He looks pretty skilled to me,” Laurie added. “A man that hot has to know what he’s doing.” “If only.” But a shiver shot up Caroline’s spine. That feeling again. Like someone was watching her. She scanned the room and still, nothing. “Are we ready?” Laurie asked. “Some of us actually have to work tomorrow, not play in the snow.” “I’m ready.” Annie pushed her empty glass to the middle of the table. After giving a disparaging glare, Caroline admitted, “Thanks for coming out with me tonight. I needed to let loose before being cooped up with strangers.” “You know we’d do anything for you. Even drink ourselves silly on a weeknight.” Laurie raised her glass and finished the remaining amber liquid that swirled at the bottom. Her short blond bob barely moved. Caroline felt a warning tingle. “I’m just going to hit the bathroom and then say good-bye to Jay.” Jay, her friend, the South Side bartender. Caroline made her way from the bathroom trying desperately not to think about the dream she had the night before. The dream she was going to have tonight too, probably. She would tease and torture herself with her own hang-ups, always waking up before Hayden was able to bring her release. 9

The Only Exception She knocked on the bar to catch the attention of her friend. He met her stare with fierce green eyes. His black hair was spiked with too much product, for which she always teased him. He raced over, grabbing a beer from the ice on his way. She shook her head. “I’m out. Just wanted to say thanks for the table and good-bye.” He leaned over and gave her a kiss, their lips half touching. There was nothing sexual about it. Just years of friendship and loyalty. A shimmer caught her eye as she backed away from his lips. The light glimmered off the ice in a glass that was headed toward someone’s mouth. The tingle of being watched returned. It slithered over her body like a snake, but this time she found the source of the stare. The tumbler covered most of the man’s face, but above the rim, intoxicating blue eyes stared at her. At the end of the bar, looking as fine as ever, sat Hayden Cross. Heat rushed straight to her pussy, but desire quickly turned to fear as a sharp shiver surged up her back. He might rat her out. Tell her colleagues about the real Caroline. The Caroline who liked to have fun, and laugh and drink. Not the Caroline who stomped around the office, stern and professional at all times. “Are you okay, honey?” Jay asked. “Yeah. Fine.” Despite her discomfort, Caroline continued to stare at Hayden. She loved the look of his black button up shirt. No tie or jacket. A pleasant and hot surprise. Jay followed her gaze across the bar. “Someone’s giving you the once over.” She heard his tongue ring clack in his mouth. “I know him.” “What are you waiting for? If there was ever an opportunity for you to get lucky, this is it.” “I work with him. An office romance would be suicide for my career.” She said it out loud just to remind herself that it was true. “Ah, the rules.” Jay twisted around to look at her. He knew all her deep, dark secrets. “I don’t think he’s interested in following your rules considering he looks like he wants to bend you over this bar.” Caroline’s face blazed with embarrassment. There was no way Jay was right. There was no way Hayden Cross was looking at her with anything other than indifference. Just then, Hayden got up from his seat and headed in her direction. Caroline tensed, said another quick good-bye, and bolted from the bar. 10

Gina Gordon She didn’t stop. She didn’t look back. She didn’t breath until she was outside, catching up to her friends who had flagged down a cab. Back in the bar, Hayden rested his elbow on the edge of the bar in defeat. Seeing Caroline out in public, seeing her in her own element, only confirmed that his feelings for her were something more than expected. “I’m thinking you could use a beer.” The bartender held out the bottle for him. He grabbed it and raised it. “Cheers.” “You know Caroline?” Here it was, the bartender giving him third degree. “We work together.” “By the way she bolted out of the building, I can tell you’ve got something on her. She doesn’t chicken out so easily.” The bartender leaned forward, resting on his arms on the bar. “I don’t think she likes me very much.” That was putting it mildly. Caroline was the queen of the bitch stare. And he was subject to that stare at least twice a day. “She’s a great girl. You just need to get to know her.” “She’s one of those, huh?” Hayden chuckled. He was never the type to go for the ‘get to know her’ girl. They were too high maintenance. Too much responsibility. Besides, he never attempted to get to know anyone. When he looked over at Mr. Bartender, he didn’t look amused. “By ‘one of those’ you mean a woman that’s got your number from one hundred yards away.” The bartender straightened again. Got his number? What was his number? “Are you sure you’re just friends? You seem pretty protective.” Hayden couldn’t remember the last time he had a female friend, a woman that had never ended up in his bed. He had forgotten what it was like to care for someone so deeply without any sexual feelings involved. Despite the annoyance of this man’s glare, he was relieved that Caroline had someone to look out for her. “I’m going to do something I never do. I’m going to give you the inside scoop.” The protective man laid his hands on the bar and leaned in as if the information he was about to give was classified. “Caroline doesn’t fall for cheesy lines and bravado. Be yourself and for God’s sake, let Caroline be Caroline.” He didn’t know why the hulking bartender was giving him tips, but he could have at least given him something useful. Let Caroline be 11

The Only Exception Caroline? Could he be any more cryptic? A line like that confirmed only one thing: Caroline was high maintenance. Although a woman with such tendencies usually had him racing back to his car even before the dessert arrived, Hayden had a strange urge to test her personality. “Enjoy your beer. It’s on me.” The bartender sauntered away then flirted with a couple of women in need of drinks. Hayden took another sip from the bottle. He had steered clear of Caroline from his first day on the job. He had been told not to bother. But something about her made him want to reach out. Her beauty was a no-brainer. Her lips were soft and smooth, and he wanted to know what they tasted like. Her hips were curvy, the perfect shape to rest his hands as he held her close. But it wasn’t only the physical that drew him in. He saw something in her eyes. Something he recognized but couldn’t put his finger on. The pumping bass started to grate on his nerves. He thought back to all the times when his stories would veer off tangent. Somehow his female conquests always became an interesting topic of conversation with his male co-workers. He always stopped when Caroline walked in the room. For some reason, rambling about his shameless, pathetic attempts to get a woman into bed was not the image he wanted her to see. Hayden kept getting jostled from side to side as people pushed their way around him. He took a swig from the bottle and scanned the crowd. She was gone, but he got hard just imagining her on the dance floor, shaking and swaying to the music with a sensuality he had never seen before. An ease. A comfort. Like the dance floor was her home. He would have cut off a finger, maybe even two, to have had his hands skimming over her body as she danced. Usually he didn’t have any trouble attracting the opposite sex. Usually women swooned at his feet. But not Caroline. Caroline didn’t give him the time of day. “Buddy.” A hand clapped him on the shoulder. “What are you doing all by yourself?” Ryan was his oldest friend. He was tall, attractive in a non-gay kind of way, and had a charm like no other. It rivaled his own. “Just getting a drink.” He took another gulp from the bottle as if to provide evidence. “I thought you’d be swarmed with women by now. What do you think of this place? The chicks are smokin’ hot.” Ryan, on a usual night, was also his wingman. 12

Gina Gordon Hayden was a little nervous about his trip tomorrow. His friends roped him into going out so he could blow off some steam. It had been years since he last set foot in the wilderness. Not since— “Come on.” Ryan cut off his trip down memory lane. “I found us a group of ladies. They’re sitting with Brian at our table.” “Yeah. I’ll be right there.” He watched his friend disappear into the crowd. Seeing Caroline here tonight was a sign. Maybe it was time for him to grow some balls and make his own choices concerning who he should or shouldn’t talk to. He was going to make her talk to him. He was going to make her like him. If it was the last thing he did. Now he just needed a game plan.

13

Chapter Three

Caroline began her journey in the city where the grey pavement led her north. The farther she drove the more snow covered the ground. At certain points the drifts were taller than her SUV hybrid. After five hours in a car by herself, Caroline started to have horrific fantasies of her vehicle skidding off the road into a snow-bank. Images of her frozen body thawing alongside the spring vegetation sent a shiver up her spine. The wind whipped the snow from the sides of the road in the air, so half the time she couldn’t see two feet in front of the car. If it wasn’t the sun glaring off the white, then it was the whiteout conditions from the wind. For the first time Caroline wished she was part of the boys’ club. Then maybe the offer to carpool would have been extended. She gripped the steering wheel. On second thought, having to spend the next four days with men from her workplace made the ditch inviting. The one positive of this trip was that Caroline made sure to buy the latest and warmest winter gear. She bought a North Face ski jacket 14

Gina Gordon that covered her bottom, a reversible tuque, Gore-Tex gloves, and, of course, winter boots. Apparently they kept your feet warm in below zero temperatures. She’d be the judge of that. It took longer than expected, but she finally saw the sign atop the wood entryway of the lodge. The carved piece of wood bore the snowworn Bear Springs name etched in capital letters. Hundred-year-old evergreen and spruce trees lined the driveway on both sides. Soft snow crowned their needles. She had driven right into a winter wonderland. If it wasn’t so cold, she could look at this view forever. Smoke rose from the chimney of the lodge. Chimneys. More than one line of smoke billowed up to the clouds making the building look like something out of a movie. It’s elaborate size worked well with the simple design. It was built for function rather than for aesthetic appeal. Weather worn wood lined the frame of the building, which stretched from one end of the property to the other, and a wrap-around porch disappeared beyond her view. To one side a long staircase led to a small cabin perched on stilts, separate from the main building. Curiosity sparked in her stomach as she rattled off excuses for some alone time to explore the cozy, secluded area. She drove into the roundabout where a man stood, shivering, and rubbing his hands together to keep warm. He came around to help her out of her car. He was the dictionary definition of tall, dark, and handsome. Suddenly Caroline got the feeling this trip might not be so bad. “Hello. I’m Joel.” He held out his hand. He had a strong handshake. “Hello.” “I will be accompanying you to your room. I am also the activities director as the lodge.” “Oh.” Two hot men to stare at while singing kumbaya around a fire. Yeah, this trip was looking better and better. “You can leave your car here and I will park it down in the lower lot once we’re done checking you in.” Her car would be out of reach, on the opposite side of the property. She was definitely going to have to make this work. A quick getaway obviously wasn’t in the cards. Joel grabbed her keys and her bags from the trunk then led her into the lodge. Walking into the dimly lit building, Caroline was shocked to find modern and inviting decor. No moose heads on the wall or guns and bear skins. To the left was a seating area with oversized leather arm15

The Only Exception chairs and a fireplace. To the right was the reception desk. Two women, one old and one young, might as well have been twiddling their thumbs by the looks of the place. It was empty. Joel placed her baggage on a brass cart and motioned for her to approach the desk. As she checked in, the clerk brought her up to speed. “The lodge normally houses twenty people,” the young, perky girl stated. “Your boss has rented the entire building. The property and its facilities are at your disposal.” Maybe this office nightmare might not be so bad after all. She wondered if they had a spa. Joel grabbed her key card from the clerk then led her up to the second floor. Rich burgundy carpet led the way to her room. “I promise. You are going to love it up here,” Joel said as he looked over his shoulder at her. He used his free hand to slide the key card into its slot. “If you need anything just—” Before he had a chance to finish, she heard her name called from the right. Her stomach flipped at the sound. Hayden. On the same floor. In the very next room. They would be separated by only a few layers of drywall and paint. He approached with an easy, confident stride, the smile on his face a mile wide. She willed the butterflies in her stomach to stop fluttering about in excitement. “You’re finally here.” He was waiting for her? He stopped at the edge of the wall, crowding her, forcing her to conjure up what little will power she had against his smile. A smile that had never been directed at her, until now. “It took a little longer to get here than I thought.” He gave Joel stern look then slipped a bill into his hand. “I can get that stuff.” He cocked his head toward the elevator. Joel returned Hayden’s stare. They were like two peacocks showing off their feathers. And it looked like Hayden won this round. Joel turned to her. “Like I said, if you need anything just let me know.” “We’ll be fine,” Hayden answered. Joel let out a snide laugh and then walked away. Hayden grabbed her bags from the cart, and she warmed at the sight of his bicep, smooth and hard, flexing under the sleeve of his t-shirt. A flash of her own naked leg thrust against it knocked the breath from her chest. With one move, the memory of hot Joel had been erased. 16

Gina Gordon “You don’t have to do that.” “I know.” He took the opportunity to burst through the already open door and drop her bags on the bed. “I had to see for myself.” He walked further into the room toward the door that obviously led to his room. How was she ever going to stop these dreams? The prospect of him lying naked in his bed thirty feet away from her was too much to handle. “We have adjoining rooms?” “Looks like it.” He unlocked the door between her room and his, opened it, and stepped through. For the sake of her own curiosity, like Hayden, she needed to confirm with her own two eyes. She followed and peeked into his room. “This could be fun.” He gave her a devilish smirk. She couldn’t help but smile back. Standing on the other side of the room with his hands in the front pockets of his jeans and his shoulders shrugged, he looked like a child. “I don’t think Vernon’s intention is for us to have fun.” She cleared her throat and grabbed the edge of the door. “This itinerary seems like torture to me.” His blue eyes locked with hers. “I’m sure we can find something interesting to do to help us survive.” Heat pulsed through her body in waves, rolling over her like an atomic blast. If only she could believe that he meant the sub-text hidden in his comment. That the “something interesting” consisted of the two of them spending the entire four days lying in the huge bed that she refused to look at. Knowing his gaze would make her do silly, regretful things, she broke eye contact and headed to her bed. “Looking forward to spending a night under the stars?” His voice tingled along her back. “I’m all for a night under the stars but give me a beer and a beach, not a tuque and Gore-Tex.” She thought she would be locking him out of her room from the side door. Instead, he stepped back into her room. “I didn’t peg you as the adventurous type. Although”—he closed her side of the door”—”you almost had me changing my mind last night.” “I like adventure,” she spat. She settled on the farthest side of the bed and opened her bag. She hoped she could get away without him acknowledging the club. No such luck. 17

The Only Exception “I saw you at the bar last night.” His eyes travelled down the length of her body, leaving her to think dirty, sexy things. She shook those thoughts out of her head when he spoke again. “You ran away from me.” “I didn’t run.” She was quick to defend herself. Even though her defense was flimsy. “I was on my way out. My friends were waiting for me at the coat check.” “Of course.” He eyed her with a strange look. Something between lustful and indifferent. “You don’t like me do you?” Her breath caught. She never expected him to be so forward. “I don’t really know you.” Straightening out some of the clothes in her bag, she continued, “You don’t talk to me at work for me to get to know you.” “You don’t talk to me at work!” he barked. “You don’t talk to anyone unless it’s business related.” She recoiled but only for a second. Caroline had always figured that if people wanted to talk to her they would make the effort. But after all this time, maybe she should have been the one to make the effort. Did it matter? She wasn’t looking for friends anyway. “Work is a place of business, not a social playground.” “You’re pretty uptight, Caroline.” He moved closer. Close enough that she could smell his fresh scent. It reminded her of the few times he peeked into her office with a question. When he left, she could smell nothing but his cologne. “By the end of this trip I’ll get you to like me.” She hoped he didn’t hear her quiet squeak when he leaned in even closer. “I promise.” The heat of his body lightened as he stepped away made his way out the front door. I promise. His heavy words repeated over and over again in her head. Little did he know she already wanted him too much. All the more reason for her to keep her distance. Grabbing her clothing from her bag, she headed to the dresser. Her dream of being a professional dancer had died a long time ago, and she was determined to make her back-up life nothing less than perfect. Getting tangled up in an office romance would derail her hard work and focus. She’d worked her ass off to get to this spot in her career, but she had never expected to have Hayden thrown into the mix. He made her job harder. She should be furious. Instead, all she wanted to do was rip his clothes off. Years ago, Caroline put too much stock in trying to be what men expected. As a dancer, they expected a certain type of woman—a fan18

Gina Gordon tasy—a bendable, nomadic sex kitten, and for a long time, Caroline believed that was all she was meant to be. She would be damned if she let her real self get burned again. History would not be repeating itself.

19

Chapter Four

Dinner had been bearable. Drinks afterward had been tolerable. Caroline welcomed the tipsy, lightheaded feeling that buzzed through as she headed to her room. Hayden had been her shadow all night, following her from room to room, trying to coax out information about her personal life. The more she drank the more info she gave up, but she still had enough wits about her to keep herself in check. So far, the first night of the team building hadn’t changed things. The only time she was part of the conversation was when the ad business came up. Then they played that game. Caroline warmed at the memory as she walked down the hall to her room. She had never been a fan of trust games but when they involved a blindfold and Hayden’s warm, strong hand gripping any part of her body, she was all in. Sidekicks One and Two had lived up to their immature behavior and somehow they’d rigged it so Hayden’s outstretched hand grabbed on to her 20

Gina Gordon breast. Despite the childish and inappropriate behavior, it was utterly hot. She slid her key card into the slot and turned the handle. Double beep, denied. Double beep, denied. Third time’s a charm? Before she had the chance to try again, Caroline heard the elevator ding. Hayden stepped off and headed in her direction. She knew it was no hallucination that he looked that incredible. His button up shirt was un-tucked, the blue pin-stripe pattern elongating his torso. The fabric hugged his shoulders and chest perfectly, giving off just enough curve to elicit fantasies of what he looked bare-chested. But she could never know. Besides, he probably had ten women in line before her. “I thought you would be staying for more drinks?” Caroline made a mental note for next time that liquor made her chatty and she should be more careful. “Nah. Those guys were getting boring.” He stood a few feet away from her and shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “Looked like you were having a good time,” she said sarcastically. Even though the staff was minimal, he still managed to charm every woman in the building. Hayden folded his arms across his chest. “Are you always on the defensive?” “I’m not defensive,” she spat. This having to justify herself was getting old quickly. “Fine.” He put on a contemplative face. “Reserved?” She gave him an evil glare. “I know you’re not. I saw you on that dance floor.” He leaned his shoulder against the door. “I’ve never seen you let loose. It’s hot.” “It’s not hot, it’s me.” She let out a heavy breath. “That’s who I am. I’m the girl who loves to dance and get drunk with her friends. Not to mention I still go to clubs. Real manager material.” “As long as you can do the job, what you do outside of work shouldn’t matter.” Caroline shook her head, trying to focus. She heard his words but they didn’t register. She was too caught up in watching his soft lips. “It won’t hurt for you to let down your guard.” He brought up his hand and held his index finger and thumb almost together. “Even just a little bit.” “I make it a rule to never mix business with pleasure.” “You do it well.” 21

The Only Exception Her blood pressure began to rise. She was torn between her anger, anger at him and anger at herself. Hayden’s constant attack on her character was wearing thin and her inability to vocalize her distaste was uncharacteristic. “People I work with don’t need to know—” He reached out and rested his palm against the small of her back then pulled her forward. By the force of his arm and her instability, Caroline flew into his body. The rest of her sentence was long forgotten. He held her there, flush up against him. She could feel the pulse of his heart under her right palm, her left was crushed between their bodies against the hard ripple of his abs. The heat from their bodies smoldered between them. She was surprised it didn’t singe their clothes. Hayden threaded his fingers together behind her back and pulled her even closer. “I was jealous of your hands.” With one move he managed to completely change the focus of their conversation. He looked right at her when he spoke. Not at her ass, or breasts, or mouth. In her eyes. His intensity broke away a little piece of her armor. Under his stare, her breath caught in her throat, and she was unable to speak, unable to even squeak out a response. “It took everything I had not to run up and grab you in my arms and run my hands up and down your beautiful body.” She couldn’t speak. Didn’t know what to say. His mouth kept inching its way toward hers. Then Laurie’s comment replayed in her head. “A man that hot has to know what he’s doing.” For a split second, work Caroline vanished. “I bet your hands know exactly what to do when they’re running up and down a woman’s body.” “I have other parts that are equally as skilled.” He smirked. With that comment she realized he was serious. Dead serious. A whimper escaped her throat just as a warm flood pooled between her legs. “Are you offering your mouth?” Her eyelids grew heavy. Her lips parted with need like they were offering themselves to him. “You can have whatever you want.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I want you.” Her nipples hardened against her bra at the warm breath caressing her skin. They scraped against the fabric, igniting her desire. She took the opportunity to tilt her head and look into his eyes. Up close, they were an even more brilliant shade of blue. She shook her head. He wanted her only after last night. He wanted the fantasy. She had to keep reminding herself of that. She knew what she had to do. 22

Gina Gordon “We better get to bed. We have an early day tomorrow.” “Your bed or mine?” She giggled. He made her giggle. “Very smooth.” “I deserve an answer.” With his tall frame he hugged her body, ripping away her reservations little by little. “Unlock that door.” His breath caressed her face. It wasn’t a request, it was a demand. A demand to take her body in ways she could never imagine. Mustering her willpower, her courage, and all the smarts she possessed, she whispered, “Good night, Hayden.” He didn’t push her any further. He loosened his grip around her body and stepped back. This time when she inserted the key card, it worked. Just when she needed it to. Without looking behind her, Caroline entered her room alone, horny, and confused. She slipped out of her clothes and put on her favorite bedtime tank top, proud of her strength in turning him down. But the moment her head hit the soft pillow, pride turned into stupidity. Images of Hayden flooded her thoughts, his eyes as they stared at her from across the table, the view of his tight ass when he leaned against the bar to order another drink. A wave of heat washed over her, her body responding to the images playing in her head. Her heart beat a little faster. Her pussy throbbed a little harder. All in the name of Hayden. Caroline reached inside her panties. Back and forth she rubbed her finger over her clit then slid it inside her warmth. She was already slick. With her other hand, she shoved her tank top over her beasts and tweaked her nipple. She moaned and settled into the plush mattress with the comfort of knowing that her hands never let her down.

***

In the next room, Hayden tossed and turned in his king size bed. Sparks flew the first time they met, but Caroline extinguished them immediately. She had no time for him. No chitchat. No jokes. All business. He had heard the talk about her. She was hard-edged, no nonsense, a bitch. But he didn’t see it. He had a feeling it was a mask, a persona that she put on every weekday morning and took off the moment she walked out of their high-rise office building. So he backed off, approaching her only when necessary. Only when work related. 23

The Only Exception But the more women he dated—no, the more women he fucked— the more he realized there was nothing to them, no substance, and no spark. Caroline had a spark. He just didn’t know how to ignite it into a flame. That night at the club, he had honed in on her like a beacon searching out new world. From the moment he saw her swaying on the dance floor, he had a hard on like a baseball bat. A primal, physical reaction to a woman he barely knew, and worse, a woman who wanted nothing to do with him. Hayden had gone home that night and tugged his cock to the image of her body writhing underneath his. He vowed that he would do whatever it took to get into her pants during their four days together. But underneath his personal dare, he knew it was more than just another fuck. And he had gone out of his way to set up the possibility. It wasn’t a coincidence that they were in adjoining rooms. And tonight, that one simple but strategic touch to her breast set his body on fire. He could never repay his co-workers for their little prank. He had managed to tamp down his erection when he was with his friends, but as soon as he stepped off the elevator, it sprang to attention and hadn’t deflated since. His mind drifted to the image of her lying in her bed next door. Would she be naked? In lingerie? He purposely left her side of the door unlocked when he barged into her room earlier that day. By now, she could have noticed. By now, she could have locked it, ensuring that he stayed out. But as the minutes ticked by, he found it harder to resist checking. Hayden grabbed at his cock, rubbing it through the thin fabric of his boxers. He imagined Caroline on top of him, riding his cock hard and fast. He was just about to get up and grab something to aid his ministrations when he heard a faint buzzing. He perked up. More buzzing. And a moan? He focused his attention, listened more closely. Definitely a moan. Was she? She couldn’t be! He jumped up and slipped on a pair of track pants. He didn’t bother with a t-shirt. He just hoped that she hadn’t locked him out because having to listen to what he thought was going on through the locked door would be torture. Besides, he was more than willing to help. As he crept toward the door, the buzz still hummed in the background. Another low moan. He opened his side first and then reached 24

Gina Gordon for the door handle that would make or break his night. Excitement shot straight to his cock when the knob turned. Once her door was open the sounds were unmistakable. He stepped in and, luckily, she didn’t notice his entry. The quiet hum must have masked his movement. He crept further into the room, his eyes already adjusted to the darkness. He saw her figure on the bed, her body glowing in the moonlight that shimmered through the gauzy curtain on the balcony door. The bedcover was thrown to the side. With one hand she manipulated her clit, and with the other she worked a dildo in and out of her pussy. Christ. He could smell her sweet scent from ten feet away. His cock pushed against his pants wanting desperately to be free. Her movements grew faster by the second. He had no idea the color or size of the dildo in her hand, but he was jealous of plastic and batteries. Hayden desperately wanted to be the hard length that was making her moan and pant. She let out a whimper and he heard the covers rustle as she came with hardly a sound. She kept the dildo inside until the last shudder. It took everything he had not to dive between her legs and feast on her pussy. With one hand full of dildo, she stretched like a contented feline and let out a high-pitched sigh. He walked closer, one slow step at a time, through the darkness. Then his foot caught on something and he faltered. “Shit!”

25

Chapter Five

Caroline screamed and instinctively jumped out of the bed. Her eyes blinked rapidly, trying to take in her surroundings. She clutched the dildo tight in her hand like a knife. Her breath was heavy, and not from the orgasm that just rocked her body. “I didn’t mean to scare you.” She knew that voice. It was the same voice she dreamed of every night. “Hayden?” The fact that it was Hayden and not some strange psycho killer did nothing to lessen her nervousness. “Hi.” Caroline squinted in the darkness to try and gage his expression. Nothing. All she could see what his outline in the soft light. “What the hell are you doing in my room?” she yelled. “How did you get in here?” She could barely hear her own words over the sound of the...”Shit!” She fumbled for the small switch on the bottom of the vibrator and shut it off. 26

Gina Gordon “Please don’t be embarrassed.” Despite the darkness, she felt him move closer. “Don’t be embarrassed?” she bellowed. Her breath still left her body in short gasps, half in fear and half in excitement. The soft glimmer of moonlight revealed that he was wearing track pants but no shirt. The silhouette of his broad shoulders was impossible not to notice even in the near dark. With the soft light behind him, he looked like an angel. Like an Adonis posing for his marble statue. “I heard you from my room. I thought maybe you could use some help.” The mood changed between them. She didn’t need any light to know a grin had spread across his face. “Help?” What kind of help could he possibly…? Oh damn! She had enough strength to resist him once, she didn’t know if she had it in her to push him away a second time. “I left your side of the door unlocked this afternoon.” She had never been so thankful for forgetting to lock a door. “You left it open on purpose, didn’t you?” “I thought that it would be a little more discreet when I crept back into my room in the middle of the night.” She couldn’t see his face but she had no doubt he had a smirk curled up at the side of his mouth. “Pretty confident of you.” He stepped closer, bringing the warmth of his body with him. “I always get the girl, Caroline.” The room was quiet, too quiet. The only sound between them a gulp as she swallowed her desire. A rush of air swirled around and she realized he thrust his hand in his hair. “You better cover up. I don’t know how long I can control myself. All I want to do is throw you down on that bed.” She gasped. How could she have forgotten she was naked? Aside from the tiny tank top, she had nothing else on to cover her body. She pulled the sheet from the bed, happy for the near darkness, and took a few steps back. “Oh, God!” She hung her head, wishing she had hands to cover her face but they were otherwise occupied, one hand fisting the sheet closed at her breasts, the other gripping the blue plastic. He had put her at ease with his smooth voice but she couldn’t help her conscience nagging at her, yelling that getting involved with Hayden would only lead to heartache. “This is so inappropriate.” “What’s inappropriate are the thoughts that are rushing through my mind right now.” He inched a little closer. “Thoughts?” 27

The Only Exception “That dildo isn’t the only thing that can bring you pleasure.” It’s a tough act to follow, she thought to herself. “I can make you come. Just as easily.” He stood only a breath away. “Just as quickly.” “I wish,” she whispered under her breath. Luckily, he didn’t press her. “Tell me you don’t want this. Tell me and I will walk through that door and never bother you again.” She wanted this. She wanted nothing more than to lay on that bed and pull him down on top of her but she couldn’t risk her heart. “Look,” she let out a huffed breath, “I don’t really need any help.” “That may be. But you know what they say, two hands are better than one. Imagine what we could do with four.” He reached for her and grabbed her wrist. He took the dildo from her hand and tossed it on the bed. Knowing it was the hand that had been working on her clit, he brought it up to his mouth. His tongue swirled around her fingers and she gushed. This time, instead of being caught by her panties, it trickled down her thigh. From his mouth, he pulled her hand down and pressed her palm against his cock. His hard, thick cock. Warm and alive, he was better than the cold plastic she had thrust between her folds. The heat of his hand over hers disappeared. He inched closer. The closer he came the more her hand cupped his length. The heavier his breath caressed her skin. “Caroline.” The whisper of her name heightened her desire for him. His lips brushed over hers. “I want you. I want your body.” With one word he reinforced her deepest fears. He wanted her body, not her. This wasn’t right. As much as she wanted to pursue this, she had to think of her future. She let go of his cock and pulled away. “We can’t. We’re here in order to make things better between our group, not complicate them even more.” He said nothing. The longer he waited to speak the more conflicted she became. There was too much time for the little dance devil that sat on her shoulder to whisper dirty nothings into her ear. Like how she should rip the sheet away from her body and lay down on that bed, legs spread, mouth ready. However, the little pant-suited angel that sat on the other shoulder told her to throw him out and never speak to him again. She backed away a few more steps, hoping that the physical distance between them would make this easier. “Hayden—” 28

Gina Gordon “Do you always do the right thing?” He didn’t let her get too far, stalking over to where she stood. “Professionally, yes.” Was the answer a surprise to him? “We aren’t exactly at work.” “It’s the right thing to do.” It was the right choice. Painful, but right nonetheless. “What if we didn’t touch?” His question was unexpected. “Can you make yourself come again?” “Huh? Of course I can.” “Show me.” “Show you?” What was he thinking? She clutched the sheet a little tighter in her fist. “You don’t think it’s a good idea if we’re together”—she nodded even though there was a possibility that he couldn’t see her in the darkness”—”so we won’t be together. No touching each other. Only ourselves.” “What are you talking about?” “I’m talking about you letting go of that sheet and lying down on that bed. Then you’re going to take that dildo and shove it in your sweet-smelling cunt. I want to see you come. Again and again.” His words were intoxicating. His voice broke down more of her barriers than any alcohol she could have consumed. She was seriously contemplating taking him up on his offer. There was no harm in a little voyeurism. “Caroline?” Her name rolled off his tongue with such ease. The sound of his voice did things she’d never felt before. There were flips and jumps, like a gymnastics tournament inside her stomach. But not in her chest. Something tightened inside her chest at the sound of her name, taking hold of her heart. The one part of herself she guarded from the world. She should run away from him. She should get herself another room in this empty lodge and stay far, far away. That was the right decision. But for some reason all she wanted to be was wrong. She dropped the sheet and stood in front of him. She heard him exhale, his breath leaving his nostrils in a sharp blow. She took their game one step further and pulled her tank top over her head. “Get on the bed.” His words wrapped around her body. They blocked out the rest of the world—all of her worries and concerns— grounding her in this moment where pleasure and satisfaction were the most important things. 29

The Only Exception She rested her knee on the bed and grabbed the dildo, then dropped herself down onto her back. “Spread your legs.” He might not be touching her, but he sure knew how to control a situation with just his words. Caroline rested her feet on the mattress and slid her legs apart, the width of her shoulders. “Wider,” he commanded. She wondered how he could even see. He stood in the moonlight casting a shadow over her body. She let her legs fall away and drop down onto the soft sheet. “Turn on the light.” His request raised the stakes of their encounter, pushing her inhibitions—and her desire—to a searing new level. She reached over and pulled the tiny chain. As soon as the light turned on, she heard his breath catch. She looked down her own naked body to where he stood at the edge of the bed. His chest was even more impeccable than she had imagined. His skin was smooth and flawless. A light dusting of dark hair covered his pecs. His pants hung low, revealing the indentation in his pelvis that pointed directly to what was probably an extraordinary cock. By the look of it pressing against the fabric, she had no doubt. “Show me,” he directed. She heard the desire in his voice. His usual smooth tone was raw, rasping at the back of his throat. His skin glistened in the lamplight, the heat from both their bodies burning like a gas fire, strong and uncontrollable. The look in his eye confirmed his intentions, there wasn’t anything she could do to change his mind, and she didn’t want to. She turned on her vibe and skimmed it over her folds. She saw him squirm and watched as he pulled at the crotch of his pants. The thought of him being just as turned on excited her and she slid the blue plastic into her. “Use your fingers on your clit.” If this were the boardroom she would be reaming him out for his idiotic behavior. But now, in the bedroom, she waited with toe-curling anticipation for his next direction. It must be the clean, fresh air messing with her head because she sucked on her fingers before lowering them to her clit. The same rhythms of her hands, the same patterns of her fingers, but this time the stakes were higher. This time she had a sexy, smoldering man ready to pounce on her. “I’ve never seen a woman so at ease with her body. So willing to explore herself.” 30

Gina Gordon Without even knowing it, Hayden was fulfilling one of her fantasies. To be seen. Not as a plaything or a fantasy, but a confident, sexually aware woman who knew her body and what she needed to do to make it tick. Caroline continued to manipulate her sex. She took in everything around her, the moist sheet under her back, the smell of her sex, the blue of his eyes. They simmered as he concentrated on her hand between her legs. “I can see you’re ready.” Even without touching, he knew her body. She moaned and leaned her head back, letting the sound of his voice push her closer to the edge. She peeked through her lowered lashes and saw that his pants hung a little lower on his hips and his hand moved a little faster over his length. She sped up the actions of her own hands and climbed higher and higher toward release. “Finish it.” His two words had her clamping down on the plastic between her thighs. She shuddered, her orgasm rocketing through her body at lightning speed, and cried out in satisfaction. “Your body is sexy as hell.” His voice caught in his throat and he panted. “The way it moves. I have no doubt you can do incredible things with it.” Her body. And just like that, he brought her back to reality. He was here for the fantasy. Hayden had every opportunity at work to pursue her, but it wasn’t until he saw what she could do with her body that he made a move. She relaxed into the mattress and pulled at the duvet to cover herself. He came around the bed and stood right beside her. He lowered his head. “Thank you.” He kissed her on the forehead then stepped away. He took one last look at her before he walked through the entryway and closed the door behind him. She was never going to lock her side of that door. Maybe he would walk through it again. Maybe they would take it to the next level. She rubbed her face with her hands. How could she be contemplating breaking her one and only rule? She reached for the light and pulled the chain. She mellowed as the darkness settled around her. She was supposed to be here to please her boss. She was supposed to be here to 31

The Only Exception give this team building a chance, regardless of how ludicrous the idea may be. But as of this moment, she had another reason for being here. And it had everything to do with Hayden Cross.

32

Chapter Six

After a long day of group activities—activities that did nothing to repair the distance between the group—the last thing Caroline wanted was more bonding time around the bonfire with the boys. But that’s where she sat, braving the cold on the outdoor patio, decked out from head to toe in her brand new winter outwear. The outdoor bar was covered with a canopy. Between the heaters that lined the area and her goose-feather coat, the chill was somewhat bearable. Opposite them a large fire raged in a pit. All around the seating area, tall torches had been lit. The flames flickered in the wind and she was happy for the extra heat. Beyond the light of the torches, she could see nothing but trees and snow. She shivered. Tomorrow she would have to survive out there like some kind of Girl Guide trying to earn a patch for her uniform. Instead, it was to appease her boss. By the time the two pitchers of beer sat empty on the table, she began to take part in the conversation. Not that she was asked, but she got tired of sitting there like an idiot. 33

The Only Exception “I don’t care what anyone says, the Yankee’s are in a league all their own,” Caroline ranted. The conversation had turned to sports and finally she was able to contribute, or rather impose her opinions, without the fear that the alcohol would let her take it too far. “That’s because they buy their wins,” Jack yelled as he swiped a hand over his thinning brown hair. She had definitely struck a nerve with Sidekick Number Two. She could see the small vein on his forehead pulsating. She’d never noticed that before. “They don’t buy their wins,” Caroline countered. “They spend money on good talent and develop their bullpen.” She downed the rest of the beer in her glass. “Talent,” Neil shouted. The word spewed out of his mouth before he had even finished taking a sip of his beer, the liquid almost seeping from his mouth onto the table. “Of course they get the talent when they’re willing to pay three times more for a contract. No other team stands a chance.” Hayden and her boss sat quietly taking in the conversation. Didn’t they like baseball? Or maybe they just didn’t want to get involved. “It’s not all about money. It’s about history, being part of a legacy.” Caroline couldn’t help but prove them wrong. “Girls don’t know about baseball,” Jack scoffed. Ass! Caroline was really trying to get along but that comment was uncalled for. “What the—” “I didn’t know you knew so much about baseball. Where did you learn it all?” Hayden interrupted, the expression on his face urging her to keep her cool. This was a work setting after all. Besides, there was no reason for her to stoop to their level. Hayden picked up the new pitcher of beer the waitress had left on the table and began to fill up the empty pint glasses. All four men looked at her with curious stares. They sat silently, bundled up in hats and puffy coats waiting for her answer. “Since forever. My grandpa taught me about baseball since the day I was born. He was the biggest Yankee fan in the world.” He had passed away a few years earlier but she would forever love the Yankees. “Unusual for a girl,” Neil mumbled. Caroline wondered if he tried to cover up his comment with the fiddling of the zipper on his coat. If that was the case, it hadn’t worked. Caroline shook her head. She had a feeling that no matter how hard she tried there was no way to bridge the gap between the group, until— 34

Gina Gordon “You like baseball and you know about Star Wars?” Jack said in shock. He sat back in his chair in disbelief. Neil stared too, in equal amazement. She should have known they were comic book geeks. “Who doesn’t love Star Wars? I got into it only because Han Solo is sexy but the movies are phenomenal even without the hotness.” She could feel some of the tension lifting. “I even dressed up in the Princess Leia gold bikini for Halloween one year in high school.” The four men were silent, their eyes drifting away from the focus of the conversation, sly smiles spreading across each of their faces. Except for Hayden’s. Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to say. The staff at the lodge must have been directed to keep the drinks flowing because they were never a moment when their glasses remained empty. Funny how massive amounts of alcohol can bring a group of people together. But Caroline had to be careful. Alcohol was also the reason her guard had dropped some. So far, the sky hadn’t fallen. Then Sidekick Number Two brought them right back to where they should be. “That reminds me of a time when I met this chick at—” he stopped mid-sentence and looked directly at her. He held back his comment, which she had no doubt would be dirty and disgusting, for her benefit. She could be dirty and disgusting too. “Seriously? Do you think I’ve never had sex before? Do you think I’ve never heard locker room talk?” Sidekick Number Two looked like he wanted to sidekick himself. “I have a few stories of my own, you know.” The alcohol had caused her mouth to open and a volcano of words to erupt without an end in sight. “No one care to ask? Fine. There was that time I fucked a guy in the bathroom of a bar. Yeah,” she continued. “Or what about that time my university roommate and I were bored so we decided to make out. Did I mention she was a girl?” Oh, God! Shut up, Caroline! “Caroline?” Her boss finally helping her shut her mouth. Neil and Jack sat staring at her in awe. Hayden looked like he was trying—unsuccessfully—to hide a smile. Her boss laid his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Mr.—” “Don’t be sorry. You’re a young woman and we have no doubt you have your own stories.” He looked at the men, a sympathetic look on his face. “It’s just that most women wouldn’t want to participate in this kind of talk.” 35

The Only Exception “I’m not most women.” She talked about baseball. She liked Star Wars. She even tried to tell some sex stories. Didn’t they know by now that she wasn’t some prissy, giggling fool? “That may be, but we should know better. From now on we’ll talk about something we can all contribute to.” Vernon looked around the table waiting for acknowledgement from her co-workers. Caroline had always thought her boss was just an older version of Hayden and his sidekicks. Clearly, she had been wrong. When Vernon got the nods he wanted he finally turned back to her. “I don’t want that.” She shook her head. If she weren’t careful, tears would make their way down her cheeks. “I don’t like that you feel you can’t speak freely in front of me. We don’t have to be friends; we don’t have to socialize outside of work, but at least—” “We like you Caroline.” Jack spoke up. “At least we do now. You have definitely shown a side of yourself we’ve never seen before.” He smirked. “Even if you are a Yankee fan.” Neil added, “I kind of like having a woman in the conversation.” “Me too.” Jack said. Caroline let out a huge breath and smiled. She looked over at Hayden, who also had a smile on his face. “I think I’m going to call it a night.” Vernon stood up and pulled his shoulders back. He had a ‘my-work-here-is-done’ look on his face. “We’ve got a big day tomorrow and I think we could all use some sleep.” “That’s a good idea.” Hayden said. A movement caught Caroline’s attention. It was Joel, their activities director, the very attractive activities director. He was headed to the bonfire with a tray. She was curious as to what he was doing. From the moment they first spoke, Caroline could tell he was into her. The subtle touches, the subtle glances. He was everything she would have gone for if she were at home in her own element. Instead she was six hours north of home and freezing her ass off. Caroline caught Hayden’s stare. She knew if she wasn’t the first person to leave, the chances of her ending up in his bed greatly increased. “I think I’m going to sit by the fire for a bit before I go to bed.” She had just broken through with the Sidekicks. There was no need to push the awkwardness up another level. “Good night, guys. It was surprisingly fun.” She walked away toward Joel to a chorus of good nights. Caroline approached the pit. “You look like you could use some company.” When he looked up from the fire, his dark eyes smoldered in the light. 36

Gina Gordon “I think you’re right.” Joel’s voice was deep and smooth, like caramel oozing over ice cream. “What’s on the tray?” she inquired. “The fixings for S’mores. Want some?” “Hell yes.” She sat down beside him on an empty seat. Joel had changed his clothes since their activities this afternoon. He now wore jeans and a knit sweater under an unzipped navy blue jacket. “Aren’t you cold? You’re barely covered up.” Caroline pulled up the hood of her black jacket and shoved her glove-covered hands under her armpits. “Living up here, I’m now cold-blooded.” He was looking more delicious with every second. But she knew her desire was projected on to Joel because she couldn’t exercise it with Hayden. Or not. He would be warm, like Hayden. He would be hard, like Hayden. Perfect for snuggling, like— A crackle in the pit caught her attention. Joel handed her a long stick. Then a marshmallow appeared in his hand. “Go for it.” “I haven’t done this since I was a kid.” She secured the marshmallow to the stick and pulled her chair closer to the fire. She held the stick above the flame, careful so as not to let it catch fire. “Are you enjoying it up here?” The noise that escaped Caroline’s mouth was something between a laugh and a cry. “I’ll take that as a no.” Joel gave her a sly grin and looked back toward the fire. “Winter’s not my thing.” She turned the stick slowly in her hand. “Marshmallows seem to be your thing.” He smiled at her. It was a beautiful smile but not the right smile. The right smile made her insides twist and turn. “I’m not a stranger to fire. I went camping a lot with my family, but the weatherman always called for warm weather.” “Well, not to scare you, but warm is not what you’re going to experience tomorrow.” Caroline’s stomach jumped up into her throat. “I’m actually freaking out about that.” “You’ll be fine. Just remember that you have a radio and if you get into trouble, I’m here to rescue you.” He managed to turn something scary into something sexy with five words and a fabulous smile. “Good to know.” 37

The Only Exception Silence fell between them as they assembled and ate their treat. Joel was the first one to break the silence. “Any reason I should be getting the stink eye?” “Hmm?” She chewed the s’more and raised her eyebrows. Joel tilted his chin motioning to Hayden with his Sidekicks. His intense stare focused on her and Joel. He didn’t look happy. “Nope. No reason.” “Somehow I’m not getting that.” “They’re all just drunk over there. Kind of like me.” She giggled. Joel reached out and grabbed her chin between his fingers. “It’s against the rules for me to fraternize with paying guests. I’ve never wanted to break that rule until now.” Having a man declare his attraction was always a gratifying thing to hear, but he probably said that line to every attractive woman that walked through that big front door. Normally she would be chomping at the bit to follow through with his advances, but tonight, with Hayden just a few feet away, she just wasn’t interested. “I have a place just off the main house. Would you like to come by for a drink?” The feel of Hayden’s stare burned right through her back reminding her exactly who she wanted to be with. “It’s a very flattering offer, but I don’t think that’s such a good idea. For one, this is a work thing, and two, it wouldn’t be the best impression if my co-workers saw me slink off into the darkness with the hot activities guy.” “Hot?” “Very hot. But it’s just not the right timing.” Licking the last of the chocolate off her fingers, she rose from her chair. “I’m sorry.” “No sorries. I had to try.” He smiled at her. “Good night.” She turned to walk away, then stopped and turned back to him. “Make sure that you reassure me about a hundred times before you drop us off tomorrow. I’m going to need it.” As she walked back into the warm lodge, Caroline scolded herself. Why was she able to turn down Joel with such ease, but last night, she jumped at the chance to be with Hayden? What did that mean? But analyzing her feelings wasn’t what she needed to do at this moment. She walked into the empty lodge, and, before she reached the elevator, Caroline got a brilliant idea.

38

Chapter Seven

Caroline mounted the steep staircase of the cabin on stilts one stair at a time. After the foolish spectacle she made in front of her boss and the uncharacteristic shoot down of Joel, she needed to get away. A vacation from her vacation. If you could call this a vacation. It had plagued her, the idea of what may lie at the top of this staircase, since the day she arrived. So when Caroline found the door open, excitement tingled up her spine. The alcohol she’d consumed made her wobbly and light headed. As she opened the door to the cabin, she fumbled for a light switch. A cinnamon scent flooded her nostrils. Like Christmas. Finally, her hand passed over something plastic. Light filled the area and Caroline gasped at the sight. It was some sort of honeymoon suite. There was a fireplace to the right. A brown shaggy rug lay in front of it. Two armchairs and a love seat surrounded the fireplace. A king sized bed lay ahead of her, canopied with white sheer draping that hung down from the four posts. There was a 39

The Only Exception door in the left corner, what she assumed was a bathroom. Deep reds and golds accented the room and the dark wood floor pulled together the space. To her immediate left there was a row of shelves with books and a stereo. The first thing she did was turn on the music. She searched through the stations until she found a beat she liked. The sound was slow and steady, bluesy. Before she entered any further, she stuffed her gloves in her pocket then crouched down to untie the laces of her boots before kicking them off her feet. She then headed to the fireplace. To her surprise, all she had to do was flick a switch and the imitation wood flamed. She thought back to Hayden. She wondered what his blue eyes would look like in the faux firelight. She had to leave the group before she did something stupid. Before she let the alcohol take over her brain and she ended up between the sheets with a co-worker. She removed her bulky coat and sweater and threw it on one of the chairs then tore her socks from her feet and wiggled her toes into the furry carpet. She let her mind go blank, let the beat take over, and she danced. Her body thrummed in time to the music. Or to her libido. She wasn’t sure which. She loved dancing. Loved the way it made her feel. It didn’t matter where she was or who she was with. There was only the steady beat and a sense of peace. The light flickered against the wall from the fireplace, casting shadows. She watched her own silhouette as it swayed on the neutral paint. All of a sudden, the fire gave off a wave of intense heat. It wrapped around her, spreading a tingle to certain places on her body that needed relief in a gigantic way. When she opened her eyes, her silhouette had increased in size. Feeling another wave of heat rush up from behind her, Caroline watched as the shadow moved revealing two heads. Fear bubbled from within. She twisted her body around and came face to face with Hayden. His eyes were darker—a steel blue color— and they sparkled with sexy determination. Caroline calmed a little knowing she was safe. His presence swallowed up the fear that had taken over for a split second. Why did he give her that feeling? “You have to stop sneaking up on me.” That was a lie. Both times the excitement of his unexpected presence was off the charts. Hayden just stood there, his body grazing hers. He opened his mouth as if to speak but stopped. Instead, he pulled her in and cap40

Gina Gordon tured her lips with his, soft against hers. She could taste the bitterness of beer, but in her mind, nothing had ever tasted sweeter. He tilted his head farther to the right to kiss her. She let him kiss her, too afraid to kiss him back. This was new territory and there were too many ramifications to let this go on. Despite the light-headed feeling that came with his kiss, she mustered enough resistance to push him away but, then his hands found her bottom. He grabbed each cheek, pulling her harder into his body. She felt his need, his want hard and pulsing against her stomach. When he ran his tongue across her bottom lip, she caved. That simple action spun her in a direction she couldn’t control. She could blame it on the alcohol, but somehow she knew that even one hundred percent sober she wouldn’t be able to resist his proposition. Her tongue met his as they wrestled with desire. The kiss ricocheted through her entire body, from limb to limb, sparking desire in every nerve ending. She pulled away. “You’re making me break my rules again,” she whispered against his lips. “I think you want to break your rules.” He hugged her body to his but only for a second. Caroline fought to keep his warmth against her as he stepped away. Hayden grabbed both her wrists and held her arms in front of her. It couldn’t be over so soon. He couldn’t be backing out. She would do anything to continue. The intense feelings coursing through her body let her know that she had to have him. Hayden stepped away, giving her the opportunity to take in his perfect form. He was already in bare feet. His jacket was already perched on the back of the loveseat, and his sweater followed. He was now even more enticing in a black t-shirt and a pair of ass-hugging jeans. He sat down on the armchair, and the flames of the fire cast a shadow over his face. “Dance for me.” A tiny grin curled at the side of his lips. “Dance?” She was used to dancing in front of an audience. Not for one man alone. Not as foreplay. “I watched you dance at the bar.” He grabbed at his length and stroked his erection through his jeans. “You had me almost coming in my pants like a horny teenager.” The music still hummed in the background. He wanted the fantasy but Caroline couldn’t help but notice there was a difference with Hayden. He had a good habit of looking her in the eye instead of up and down her body when he wanted something. 41

The Only Exception She started to move. The music had changed since she first started dancing. It was slower, more sensual. The perfect rhythm for a sultry dance of enticement. After a couple of minutes and after a few squirms in his chair, Caroline began to feel the heat. Between the fire and the chemistry igniting between them, clothes were wearing out their welcome. She slid her hands down her sides to grasp the hem of her longsleeved t-shirt. She pulled the first layer over her head and threw it behind her then ripped off her undershirt and did the same. Her nipples were hard underneath her pink lace bra. She slid her hands down the middle of her torso and reached for the zipper of her jeans. When they were halfway down her ass, she turned and bent over. Slowly, she pushed them down to her ankles, giving him the perfect view of her pink lace thong hidden in the seam of her ass. Caroline continued her slow seduction. With every move, she inched her way closer to his chair. She could already see herself straddling him, moving her body to the rhythm of the music, strategically grazing her breasts and pussy over his body. When her legs hit his knees, he opened them, letting her scoot between. Caroline turned and lowered herself onto his lap. She braced her hands on his thighs and moved her ass against his hard cock. She turned her head and looked over her shoulder. His eyes were focused on her pussy—they sparkled as she ground her body into his—the small piece of pink fabric hiding what she knew he wanted most. She changed positions and straddled him on the chair. He slinked down further so that her pussy was perfectly positioned in front of his face. Again, his eyes followed her movements. She bent down so her breasts were in his face. He grabbed on to her bottom with urgency and pulled her up, pressing his face into her cunt. So he’s not a breast man, she thought to herself. She moved her hips up and down, rubbing herself against his face. Hayden inhaled deeply. His hands kneaded her bare cheeks. When she slid her hand down and cupped her sex, he watched as she rubbed her cunt with her hand. Finally he made eye contact with her. “Have you done this before?” She shook her head from side to side. Never had she done something so daring. “So I’m your first lap dance.” She shuddered as his breath brushed against her pelvis. 42

Gina Gordon She slipped her finger under the lace of her thong but he quickly pulled her hand away. “Not today.” He slipped his fingers inside the band of her thong and pulled it down to her knees. “It’s my turn.” His words shuddered though her. His determination. His confidence. Her pussy only inches away from his hot, moist mouth. With barely a touch he had her body primed and already a familiar tension built in her stomach. Caroline pumped her pelvis toward him and his tongue darted out to taste her. Hayden had perfect aim. With one quick lick he penetrated her folds, making a satisfied sound then returning to her center. This time, he pulled her body toward his face and sucked on her flesh. She moved forward, trying to get a better position. Resting her hands on his shoulders, Caroline tried to keep herself from crippling over. The movements of his tongue brought her sheer bliss. Hayden wrestled with her limbs, trying to give himself more room. Finally, he ripped her thong from her body and lifted her leg onto the arm of the chair. He laid his hands flat on the small of her back, holding her in place as he ravaged her pussy with his mouth. The lace of her thong, still tangled in his hand, scratched her skin. Overwhelmed, Caroline rocked her hips forward—the sensations more intense than even the night before when she brought herself to orgasm with his words. Hayden moaned with every lick and flick of his tongue, and they rumbled deep below the surface. They built and built until— Caroline ripped her body away from his mouth and dropped down onto his lap. “What’s wrong?” He frowned, confused. “I thought you were—” She grabbed the back of his neck with one hand and drew his mouth to hers, kissing him fiercely. She was going to come; she was moments away from finishing. It only reinforced her worry about her feelings for this man. So different from anything she’d experienced before. Too intense. Too scary to acknowledge. Hayden kissed her back, but it didn’t last long. He grabbed her bottom and lifted them both out of the chair. He dropped to one knee and eased her naked body on the furry rug in front of the fireplace. He unhooked the front clasp of her bra as he whispered in her ear, “I’m not done with you yet.” Before the lace had even fallen away, Hayden had one nipple inside his mouth, laving the tip with his tongue. 43

The Only Exception He kissed his way down her body. Every time his lips touched her skin, Caroline arched her body up to meet him. The moment his mouth touched her folds, pleasure soared up her body, shooting like a burst of hot steam. Within seconds, he had her at the place she was before. Tension coiling inside her, ready to burst at any moment. She looked down at him. The same blue eyes from her dreams stared back at her. Only this time it wasn’t a dream. “Hayden,” she whispered between gasping breaths. He paused for a moment. “Now that I know what you taste like, I won’t stop.” Please don’t stop! Don’t stop! Whatever he was doing, he did it well. “Oh!” She convulsed involuntarily, and let out a hard cry. He gave her that feeling, the feeling that only she could give herself with her hand and her healthy imagination. Caroline stopped him before she tipped over the edge. She lifted her leg over and positioned herself on her hands and knees. She looked over her shoulder. Hayden now rested on his knees, his face fraught with confusion. “I want you inside me.” She pushed back against him, enticing him, hoping that he would comply with her demands. He grabbed onto her hips and pulled her toward him, his length toying with the seam of her ass. He understood her need. He had it too. His eyes burned with the same desire she felt pulsing through her veins. He lifted himself up to a standing position then reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. She turned her body, feeling the warm fur squish through her fingers and toes as she stood, sliding her hands up his body as she got to her feet. She tugged his black t-shirt off over his head, pausing to skim her fingers along his pecs before she undid the zipper of his jeans. She shoved them down toward his feet and he kicked them off. She couldn’t wait to see what he had hiding underneath the tented cotton fabric. The flames flickered in the fireplace. The music that was slow and sultry was now primal, a steady bass thumping in the background. Caroline grabbed the condom out of his hand and ripped open the packet. When he shoved his boxers down his body, it was just as she suspected. Hayden’s cock was no less impressive than the rest of him. Her mouth watered. It was average in length but thick, with a strong ridge that circled the head. Perfect for running her tongue along the edge, teasing him, coaxing out his will. She stared for a mo44

Gina Gordon ment, taking in his magnificent body, a body that she so desperately wanted to feel writhing against her own. Hayden closed in the space between them and kissed her. It was hot and wet, and reminded her just how fast the magic of his tongue could send her over the edge.

45

Chapter Eight

Hayden let Caroline pull him on top of her. He loved the feel of her hands on either side of his face as they kissed. The scent of her arousal wafted from below and mixed with the cinnamon in the air. The collaboration of the spicy and sweet smells made him want to lick every part of her skin. He wanted to feel the spice tingle along his tongue and then ease the burn by kissing her pussy, savoring her sweet cream. There was enough room between their bodies for her to slide the latex over his swollen shaft. Without looking, she secured it in place. Caroline grabbed his ass, knowing the exact angle—and slid him inside her without a second hesitation. “Shit!” he mumbled over her moan. Hayden rocked in and out at first with a gentle ease. Savoring the feel of her slick channel, committing it to memory. Then he increased speed and before he knew it, he was thrusting hard and fast. Within seconds, she had brought him to his boiling point. 46

Gina Gordon Everything about her heightened his desire. The tight, smooth flesh that pulsed around his shaft, her baby soft skin that rubbed against his own, and the feel of her legs wrapped around him. She was heaven. His own piece of heaven. He took his time to memorize the contours of her face, the texture of her skin, and the delicate colors of her eyes. He never noticed there were flecks of gold buried within the deep brown. He loved that she fucked with her eyes open. So sexy. So confident. She took him by surprise when she rolled him over to get on top. Hayden complied. He pulled out and twisted their bodies around until she straddled him. The fur was moist beneath him from her sweat. They had rolled closer to the fireplace, the heat overwhelming. A single bead of sweat glistened as it traveled down her chest between her breasts. Caroline lowered herself onto his cock. With every slow inch, he twitched until he was fully sheathed in her warmth. Hayden rubbed his hands along her legs, over her pelvis then up to grasp a breast in each hand. He kneaded the soft mounds, then traced the indent between her breasts, feeling her slight shiver, as the tip of his fingers grazed over her moist skin. Pulling her down, Hayden took her lips in a soft kiss. He could taste marshmallow and chocolate still lingering on her tongue. It reminded him of Joel and the overwhelming sense of jealousy that took over when he saw him touch her. “I didn’t like you sitting with him.” The words escaped before he could stop them. She eyed him curiously, but within seconds, she smiled, and she laid one palm against his cheek. “I want you all to myself.” He grazed her lips with his. “Ride me.” In no time, she was clawing at his stomach, breathing hard and crying out. Her face was curled up with tension as if she was struggling with something, afraid to let go. She brought one hand to her clit and rubbed. Immediately Hayden gripped her wrist and ripped her hand away. The time for self-love was over. They had already experienced it. If she needed a leg up, he was more than willing to help. His finger replaced hers. He continued the same movements but both of her hands forcefully pushed his away. When he looked at her face, warm brown eyes stared back at him. “Please.” Her voice was a breathy gasp. “I need this.” 47

The Only Exception She needed to control her orgasm. He didn’t understand, but it warmed him to see her tough exterior replaced with vulnerability. She was beginning to trust him. Hayden let her control the moment, and within seconds, she shivered on top of him. Before the tremors of her orgasm subsided, he flipped them over. Their bodies moved in perfect fluidity as if this dance they were doing had been done a thousand times before. He pounded into her, while he buried his face in the crook of her neck. Inhaling her subtle perfume Hayden came, unable to hold it any longer. He could have gone another round. Flipped her over and taken her a second time, but something told him he needed to take it slow. Instead, he took her in a heated kiss. Hayden couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked in the firelight as he settled in beside her. He had achieved what he had set out to do. He broke her. She had caved, but deep down it seemed like he was the one who caved. What began as a dare he posed to himself was now a cruel twist of events. Nothing could have prepared him for the sense of belonging he felt at this very moment. He was getting in deep. Deeper than he had imagined. “What are you thinking about?” Her soft voice drifted from below as she nuzzled her face into his chest. “Hmm.” Hayden didn’t know how long he had tuned out. “You just look...” She lifted her head and captured his gaze. “You don’t look like a man who just got fucked.” “You’re such a romantic.” He hugged her body closer. Caroline snorted then quickly raised her hand to cover her mouth in embarrassment. She snorts? “Now there’s some good ammo for work.” “And this isn’t?” She looked down at their naked bodies. “Nah. This is private, but snorting, that is something the whole world can enjoy.” She hit him on the chest, a barely suppressed grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. “I’m going to clean up.” He planted a kiss on her forehead. “Don’t sneak out on me while I’m gone.” She stretched out with a pleasurable moan. “As long as you promise that we get to do that again.” He chuckled. “It’s a given, not a promise.” Pulling a blanket off the couch, he covered her naked body, then padded to the bathroom. 48

Gina Gordon His stomach lurched at the thought of having only one more night with her. Hayden cupped his hands under the faucet and splashed cold water on his face. What started as a sex session somehow turned intimate, personal. Sex, followed by a cuddle, then cute banter. He shook his head. He just had relationship sex. With a woman he was supposed to avoid, no less. Wrapping the condom in toilet paper, he dropped it in the garbage can. He placed a towel on the edge of the soaker tub and took a seat. The bathroom was just as elaborate as the rest of the room. The same colors accented this room but instead of dark wood, a cream tile covered the floor. Hayden closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing mind. Caroline’s scent still surrounded him. It made his mouth water and his length creep back to its hardened state. He couldn’t explain the feelings that clouded his brain. He felt fulfilled, content, eerily at peace. All because of a sexual encounter with Caroline? It seemed that he had won his own bet. He had gotten her to like him. But now, he was upping the ante. Love. Could he get her to love him? Did he love her? He was in deep, and he had no idea how he was going to swim to safety. He hung his head in his hands. Confusion wasn’t a strong enough word to define the chaos waging war on his feelings. All he knew was that a beautiful woman was waiting for an encore. Love could wait, but his cock didn’t have the same will power.

***

Caroline awoke to the sun streaming in through the windows. Relaxed and content, she stretched out, feeling the soft sheets cool against her skin. She stopped mid-stretch when her arm hit something warm and a grumble carried from beside her. “Watch where you’re flinging your limbs.” Hayden’s grumpy voice called out. He rubbed his face with his hands and turned on his side. Even first thing in the morning, he was perfect. His blue eyes were bright, his skin warm and soft, his voice extra raspy. The facial hair that seemed to have grown over night was a sexy addition to his overall appearance. “You’re dangerous when you sleep, you know that?” His voice tickled something inside her. 49

The Only Exception “What?” She had no idea what he was talking about. “I’ve been kicked, smacked, pelted, and punched, all within a few hours.” She was a little horrified. “Don’t worry. Bruises will heal. What won’t heal is the rug burn I have on my ass.” He made a painful face and rubbed himself underneath the blanket. She looked over to the brown furry rug. Sometime in the few hours sleep they got the two of them had managed to make their way to the bed. Of course they took the opportunity to test the mattress before they drifted back to sleep. She had climbed on top of him and for a second time, and she had been able to get away with controlling the action. With her finger firmly placed on her clit, she rode him until they both came whispering each other’s name. The fireplace was still going but now that the sun was out, the room didn’t have quite the same appeal. It had lost some of its sexiness. In the light of day reality had set in. Last night had been a serious lapse in judgment. How could she have caved? She had sex with a coworker during a work-endorsed function. “Oh, God!” Caroline jumped out of bed. “What time is it?” She realized she didn’t have any clothes on when Hayden’s eyes scanned her body from head to toe with a devious look in his eye. “We’re late.” He looked behind him to the digital alarm clock on the bedside table. “It’s eight-thirty. We still have half an hour before we have to meet the group.” Today was the scavenger hunt. She scrambled to find her clothes. They lay crumpled on the floor by the fireplace, right where she left them when she dropped them from her body one article at a time during her sexy strip tease. “Don’t worry about today. You’re going to be my partner. We’re going to scavenge and survive in the wild and kick the other team’s ass.” “Partners? How do you know we are going to be partners?” What did he have up his sleeve now? “Let’s just say I arranged for us to be paired together.” His devious look was no less sexy in broad daylight. “Why would you do that?” She struggled with his motives. As far as she was concerned, before this trip Hayden wouldn’t have been caught dead in her presence, but now he was arranging for alone time. “I wanted to spend time with you.” The sincerity in his eyes glowed. “I wanted to get to know you.” 50

Gina Gordon This was too much to believe. In an attempt to discount what he was saying, she changed the subject. “Where’s my thong?” she asked in a huff, flapping her arms against her body. “Uh, over there.” Hayden motioned over to the chair. Then she remembered. Just the memory of the lace being ripped from her body sparked a nuclear explosion between her legs. She slid on her jeans, minus the underwear. “Please come here.” He sat up in the bed. Outside she could hear the hum of a snowmobile. “Caroline?” She huffed and slid on her bra then stomped over to the bed and sat beside him. The beige sheet was rumpled around his waist leaving his chest bare. The trail of hair that she loved so much disappeared underneath. His voice broke her concentration. “When you’re done ogling.” Caroline quickly shot her eyes to his face but instead of being horrified, she smiled at being caught. Why was he not running away from her? She didn’t understand. She knew what people thought of her. It saddened her to think that Hayden thought the same. “Do you think I’m a bitch? Most people think I’m a bitch.” “Does that surprise you?” One of his eyebrows lifted with his question. “I guess not.” She shrugged. “Caroline,” he placed his palm against her cheek and tilted her head up to meet his. “I see you.” She didn’t understand how three words could have such an impact. How three words could shed another layer of her armor. “You’re fun and confident. Not nearly as bitchy as everyone says you are, not to mention, your pretty spectacular moves.” She sighed and lowered her head. The universe was playing a cruel joke. She finally found the man who could bring her to orgasm— the fact that she stopped him before she came was irrelevant—and he wasn’t her knight in shining armor. He couldn’t be. He stroked her cheek. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” She shook it off. “Just nervous about today.” “Don’t worry, babe. I told you I’m a master outdoorsman.” She watched his face tighten, but just as quickly, he went back to his sexy grin. “We’ll be fine. Just concentrate on kicking Sidekick One and Two’s asses.” Caroline inhaled quickly. “You know I call them that?” “Everyone does.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Come on. Let’s go get you some underwear.” 51

Chapter Nine

The sun was shining and the wind had settled. It was a perfect day for scavenging the wilderness. As perfect as minus twenty degrees could be. Hayden and Caroline had piled their gear into a black truck driven by Joel and were now on their way into the white abyss. Snow covered almost every inch of ground. The terrain dipped and sloped all around them. Trees, brush, and rock provided some change in scenery, but ultimately there was nothing. Not a building or driveway. Caroline tensed. The reality of the situation now settling in. “Are you sure this thing is safe?” A few times, she had to dig her own vehicle out of the snow, and that was in the city. “Won’t we get stuck?” “This vehicle was made for expeditions in the Arctic. I think it can handle a little Canadian winter.” Joel chuckled to himself. Caroline looked over at Hayden, who grabbed her hand. That simple gesture made her stomach flutter. He was trying to keep her 52

Gina Gordon from freaking out. A slight tingle of fear ran up her spine, but it had nothing to do with the fact that they were going to be stranded in the wild. She didn’t know where her relationship with Hayden was headed. Did she even want a relationship with him? The truck stopped in a clearing and Joel jumped out. “Are you ready?” Hayden asked. Where this sweet side came from she had no idea, but she liked it. “Not really.” For the last five weeks, she had tried to psych herself up, but now that the day had finally arrived, she didn’t know if she could persevere. “Come on, it’ll be fine.” He cupped her cheek with his palm. “Like Joel said earlier, we have the radio to call if things get hairy.” She shook her head and followed him out of the truck. Trees lined the edge of the clearing. They had a cooking pit but no food. She imagined food would be one of the items they had to hunt for. Caroline looked up, only a few clouds in the sky. The sunny forecast wasn’t bright enough to melt the snow, but enough to make the terrain less frightening. Straight ahead there was a hole in the snow bank. She couldn’t imagine what that was for. As they unloaded their packs from the truck, Joel lifted a couple of chairs out of the bed. Along with the chairs, they were armed with sleeping bags, blankets and a tarp. Everything else they would need to survive the night was to be found in the surrounding forest. Joel handed them the map. A big circle marked the location of the site. Within their immediate vicinity, four Xs marked the spots where they would find their treasure. Before he left, Joel gave them a crash course on their site and what was expected. “You’ll find everything you need to get through the night hidden around the camp. A hint,” he pointed toward the large spruce tree. “That’s north.” He headed to a giant hole in the snow bank. “This is your shelter.” “The hole is our shelter? You expect us to sleep in a hole?” Caroline complained. “Your body heat will warm up the space.” Hayden looked over at Caroline and wiggled his eyebrows. Joel must have caught his little gesture and added with a disgusted look on his face, “Too much body heat could cause the shelter to crack.” “Just great. As if this isn’t bad enough, let’s add suffocation by igloo to the list.” 53

The Only Exception “A quinzhee,” Joel corrected her. “A what?” Caroline had never heard such a word. “A quinzhee is a shelter that’s made by hollowing out a pile of snow. It’s not an igloo.” He approached the hole. “We have constructed these to stay in place so you don’t have to worry about a cave in. Even excessive body heat won’t be a problem.” He stared down Hayden. Again with the macho display’s of manhood. Although, Caroline wasn’t exactly innocent here. She did leave Hayden to sit with Joel. Joel continued with his instruction, “You have the radio,” he held it in his hand, “but only use it for emergency situations. The point is to survive the night on your own.” “We got it.” Hayden grabbed the radio from Joel and clasped his free hand around her shoulder. He pulled her tight, one more gesture of reassurance but Caroline knew it was more a show of dominance than anything else. With the radio in hand, he turned and walked back toward the truck. They were fine. They had a radio. Help, if they needed it. So why are you freaking out? With Hayden gone, Joel sidled closer. “Caroline, everything is going to be fine. Remember, I am here to rescue you if you need me.” He gave her a quick wink and headed back to the truck. The tires spun in the snow before he drove off, the crunch of the snow under the tires, the only sound in the woods. “What should we do first?” she asked. It was pathetic, but Caroline really had no idea what to do first. “Let’s check out this shelter that won’t cave in on us.” Hayden pulled her hand and jerked her forward. He eventually let go to crouch down and enter the man-made shelter. “Pretty small,” he yelled from inside. “We won’t be able to stand up.” He crawled out and brushed some snow off his pants. “I didn’t plan on spending too much time on my feet anyway.” “Is that all you think about?” She laughed. He grabbed her in his arms. “When I’m around you? Yes. That’s all I can think about.” “So then we’re going to die out here.” Hayden grabbed her face between his hands, his gloves scratchy against her skin. “Caroline, chill. We’re going to be fine. Help is just a radio away.” “You’re right.” She took a deep, calming breath. 54

Gina Gordon “Go and get our packs. We can set up our sleeping bags then we can start to look for our supplies.” It’s just like learning a new dance, she thought to herself as she strutted over to the fire pit. It’s like starting a new career. Doing a strip tease for a virtual stranger. You will survive this night. She picked up one of the packs and flung it over her shoulder. You can do this. Caroline chanted her new mantra all the way back to the quinzhee.

***

Hayden held the map in his hands, wondering why this last item was so difficult to find. Their last stop was to the East, and the rock hill that housed the item was nowhere to be found. Until now, the hunt had been easy. Over the course of three hours, they had brought dry firewood, matches, and a bag of food back to the campsite. “I think we need to go that way,” Caroline called out from behind him. “I know where we’re going.” He pulled at the straps of his backpack. He was a Boy Scout, for God’s sake. He should know how to use a compass. The comments from the peanut gallery were not appreciated. Especially from the one who didn’t even want to be out here. “Are you sure?” she whined. He turned around quickly. “Yes, Caroline. I’m sure.” Hayden knew he was being a little short but he couldn’t help it. “I’m only asking because I could have sworn we passed this rock thingy on our way to find the food.” She pointed to the flat surface. “I remember because I would have given anything to sit and rest for a couple of minutes.” She bent over and rested her hands on her thighs. “Maybe we should turn back.” “Look, I know where we’re going.” He brought the map up and pointed to it. “We just need to—” Hayden felt the color drain from his face. His eyes widened. He shifted the map in his hands forty-five degrees then hung his head. From the corner of his eye, he saw her straighten. “Are we going the wrong way?” Caroline shrieked. “I might have turned the map around accidentally. We’ve already been to this spot.” “I—” Before she could even finish her sentence he spat at her. 55

The Only Exception “Do not say I told you so.” He regretted his tone immediately. “Wow, you hate being wrong, don’t you?” He expected her to continue freaking out but instead, she called him on his behavior. “I wasn’t wrong.” He brought his temper down a few notches. This wasn’t her fault. It was his fault. It was always his fault. She chuckled. “What would you call it then?” “It’s just a small miscalculation of our location. Easy fix.” He hoped. She looked so innocent standing there, the reflection of the sun in the snow glistening around her. She looked like an angel—an angel with eight inches of black Gore-tex and goose feathers covering her entire body. Her brown hair peeked out from her toque. “Since we came all this way for nothing I’m going to take a rest on this rock.” Caroline strutted to the rock formation and sat her perfect bottom down on the flat surface. “Come and sit with me.” “We don’t have much daylight left. We really need to go back.” “Just for a minute.” She patted the spot beside her. Caroline was supposed to be the one freaking out. Not him. He crossed the crunchy snow and sat on the rock beside her. It was cold underneath his ski pants but appreciated. He leaned back letting the bottom his backpack rest against the rock, relieving some of the weight. She grabbed his hand. “It isn’t a big deal that we went the wrong way, you now.” “Yes it is.” She had no idea. Losing daylight. Getting lost in the woods. There were so many things that could happen in this type of situation. He should have known better. “We have the radio if we need it. And I trust you to keep us safe.” “I shouldn’t be trusted,” he mumbled. “Hayden what’s wrong?” She reached over and turned his face toward hers. “Is there something else going on?” He sighed heavily. He hadn’t thought about the incident for so long. Not until he found out he would be coming on this retreat. Then all the bad memories came flooding back. “You can trust me. I trusted you not to blab about my party girl image.” “I told you I wouldn’t tell anyone.” He looked at her hoping she knew he meant that. “I know. If you have something to say I won’t tell either.” Her sincerity sparkled in her eyes. Eyes that told him he could trust her. Eyes that told him he could fall in love with her. He shook his head. 56

Gina Gordon He could just drop the subject. There was no reason for her to know his secrets. They weren’t dating. They weren’t a couple. They were co-workers who just happened to have rockin’ sex. Great sex. The best sex of his life. But one sweet look from her and it all came pouring out. “I was a Boy Scout. I loved it so much that when I got older I became a leader.” He let go of her hand and leaned forward, the heaviness on his back now not the only thing weighing him down. He clasped his hands together, letting them dangle between his legs. “There’s just something about being outdoors. I feel at peace.” He looked around. The awe of nature never ceased to amaze him. “It’s the most natural thing in the world.” Hayden lowered his head unable to make eye contact while he recounted his horrific memory. “One time on a winter overnight with my group, I got lost.” The curses and yells of his troop echoed in his head. Even after all these years. “We couldn’t set up the camp in time. To top it off, there was a snowstorm. It was unexpected, but that’s the point of Scouts, to be prepared for the unexpected. We weren’t. Because of me. My group had to survive the night with barely any shelter. One of my kids got frostbite so badly that he almost lost his foot. I was ousted from the group. The parents couldn’t trust me anymore. I didn’t blame them.” “It’s not your fault there was a snowstorm, Hayden.” Caroline’s sweet voice soothed him. “The snow is about the only thing that wasn’t my fault.” “It was a mistake. You can’t carry that around with you forever.” She grabbed on to his hands and squeezed, trying to reassure him, make him feel safe. Just like he tried to do in the truck earlier that morning. “Yes I can. And now that I’ve gotten lost again, I’m putting you in danger. I can’t let that happen. I can’t let you get hurt, I would be”— he stopped himself. He had already told her too much. “What? You would be what?” He had his head down so she leaned over and turned her head trying to look him in the eye. It wasn’t the time or place to tell her how he felt. That after last night, it wasn’t just lust he was feeling. After last night, his heart had gotten involved. “All this time you’ve been trying to reassure me and you were freaking out yourself.” She sighed sweetly and squeezed his hands a little tighter. “I’m fine.” There was no need for him to go any deeper. “We better get going. I’m sure you’re hungry.” 57

The Only Exception “I am a little hungry.” She nuzzled a little closer. “But what I’m craving isn’t back at our campsite.” Suddenly her hand was palming his crotch. Immediately he reacted when she began to caress him through his ski pants. Caroline slipped off her gloves and placed them on the rock. She blew her hands to warm them before she unzipped his pants and stuck her hand inside. “Are these long johns?” She giggled. “Very sexy.” Her hand searched under the elastic waist. “Too many layers,” she blurted out when she realized that she had to penetrate his boxers as well. Caroline left her seat on the rock and crouched in front of him. She shrugged out her backpack and let it fall to the ground. Using both hands, she pulled him through the holes in the fabric of his clothing, giving herself better access. The biting cold singed his sensitive skin. “It’s too cold. My cock is going to freeze.” “I know a way to keep it warm.” She lowered her head and swallowed him in one gulp. He was covered from tip to base by her warm, wet mouth. “Caroline,” he whispered. She slowly pulled away from the base, sliding her lips up his shaft while her tongue flicked at the underside. When she reached the head, she released him and licked the base, trying to get at his balls that were hiding behind the fabric. “This tastes much better than canned food.” Her breath tickled his shaft. Caroline swirled her tongue around the head, while her hand pumped in circular motions. “Shit!” She felt so good. Hayden looked down at her working away on his cock. Her breath was visible from the cold, and with every exhale, the white vapor surrounded him, then disappeared into nothing. Without warning, his own hunger set in. “I’m not particularly looking forward to eating canned food either. I can’t wait for dessert.” She looked up at him confused. “They sent us dessert?” He grabbed her chin between his fingers. “You’re dessert.” Caroline rushed up and captured his lips. “Come in my mouth,” she whispered. “I always liked eating my dessert before dinner.” Her eyes sparkled in the sunlight that was quickly disappearing behind them. 58

Gina Gordon He pushed her head down and she sucked him back down her throat. Hayden could no longer feel the cold. The warmth of her mouth spread through his body like a brush fire, fast and furiously. It only took a few more pumps to set him off. She moaned as she swallowed his seed. A sound of enjoyment—as if his cum was the most delicious thing she had ever tasted—echoed around him. Caroline released him and tucked him back in his pants. It was much harder to do than taking him out. “You didn’t have to do that.” Their eyes locked when she looked up. “I know. I wanted to. It wasn’t fair that you were the only one who got to eat something sweet last night.” Her smile beamed. That alone provided more light for them to keep searching for their treasure. “You don’t have to worry about disappointing me, Hayden.” She held her hand against his cheek. “I trust you.” Caroline had no idea how much those words meant to him. Luckily, Hayden still had a chance to redeem himself.

59

Chapter Ten

They both made sure to follow the map in the correct direction this time, and they made their way back to camp. Caroline stood at the bottom of a large rock formation, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest. Unfortunately, it looked like they saved the hardest for last. The package was covered in blue tarp and sitting inside a small hole in the rock some twenty feet in the air. Snow covered most of the rock but the more she surveyed the area, the more she realized that getting to the top might not be such a daunting task. “I’ll go up there,” she offered. “Absolutely not!” Hayden seemed adamant, but she wasn’t going to let him win. There were enough ridges in the rock for her to wiggle her way to the top. “I’m smaller and more agile. I can fit into that hole a lot easier than you can.” “That may be, but it’s too dangerous.” Hayden looked from side to side. “Look around us. The ground dips on two sides and there’s 60

Gina Gordon bound to be a spot that is hollow just waiting for one of us to fall through.” He was right. The terrain was the worst they had encountered. Aside from the snow being twice as deep, the steep drop scared Caroline half to death. “I’m going,” he said firmly. Without giving him time to follow through with his decision, Caroline bolted for the rock formation. She slipped one foot inside a groove and grasped on to a lip of grayrock that jutted out from the snow. With all the strength she had, she lifted herself up. About a foot away, there was another ledge and then another lip for her to place her hand. She climbed, higher and higher, without a moment of hesitation, the confidence in her grip on the rock a result of the perfect purchase. With her gloves, she clung to the snow-covered rock with ease. “See.” She risked a glance down at Hayden. “Please be careful.” Out of the corner of her eye, she could see him pacing around. She liked the fact that he cared for her. He was willing to risk himself for her safety. But she wasn’t the type of girl to let him play the big, bad hero. He circled around and gave her instruction. “Just keep moving. Whatever you do, don’t stop. You need the momentum to keep you moving forward.” She listened to his advice and she climbed, farther and farther up the rock. “Caroline, you’re almost there. You just need...shit!” She whipped her head around and watched as Hayden slid down the snow into a gully. “Hayden!” He was right. Only his worry was for the wrong person. He should have been worrying about himself. Caroline tried to climb down the rock but she froze. She didn’t realize how far she had climbed until she looked down. She hugged the rock. This was exactly what she was afraid of, dangerous terrain and the possibility of getting hurt. She heard Hayden groan and immediately a jolt of courage raced through her body. He feigned confidence for her sake, and now she had to do the same for him. She forced herself down the rock, lowering her body groove by groove. She fell to her knees at the mouth of the hole, stomach in her throat, and peered over. Hayden sat cross-legged, calm, cool, and collected. 61

The Only Exception “Are you all right?” she cried. “You’re too concerned about me. You need to watch out for yourself too.” “Better me than you down here.” “How do we get you out?” Caroline wasn’t the most prolific outdoorswoman, but she knew enough to know that they might be screwed. There wasn’t a rock, lip, or patch of frozen snow anywhere for him to grip. “Here, grab my hands. Maybe I can pull you up.” He tried to jump up and grab her hand, but he ended up pulling off her glove and taking it with him. She just wasn’t strong enough. “I need you to go back to camp.” He couldn’t be serious. Out here, he could freeze. “I’m not leaving you. I’m just going to use the radio and call for help.” Caroline reached into the side pocket of her jacket then remembered that she gave it to Hayden on their way back from their detour. He held it up and waved it in her face. “Hayden. Use the radio and call for help.” “We don’t need to.” He slid his backpack off and rummaged through it. “I have some rope in here. All we need to do is—” “Rope?” Caroline whispered. Hayden looked up at her, realization set in his stare. “Where is the rope, Caroline?” he asked. “I…I…” After listening to his story, after learning of his worst nightmare, she had just made it a reality. “I might have taken it out when you asked me to find your utility knife.” “And of course you didn’t put it back.” Hayden let out a heavy breath. Caroline braced herself for his anger but it never came. “You need to go back to camp. Get the rope and I can get out of here no problem.” “I’m not leaving you here,” she screamed. “Just use the radio.” They had an out. She didn’t understand why he wouldn’t use it. “Just go back and get the rope. Please, Caroline, if you do that, everything will be fine.” “O...Okay.” She gave him one last look before she bolted back to camp. Her legs carried her faster than she could have imagined. It felt like only seconds had passed when she broke through the clearing and entered their camp. She raced to the quinzhee and found their packs. The rope was in his just as he told her. In no time, she was back at the hole ready for his instruction. “Caroline, take the rope and wrap it around the tree over there.” She nodded her head and did as he asked. Her heart raced and she 62

Gina Gordon gasped, forcing air into her lungs. That run took more out of her than she expected. “Now throw both ends down here to me.” “Okay.” When the rope was secured around the tree, she lowered the ends down the hole. Hayden grabbed on and began to pull himself up, using the wall of the hole as a stepping ground. When he was half way up he slipped and fell back down to the bottom. “Hayden!” “It’s okay. I’ll try again.” He did, but this time, Caroline grabbed on to both ends of the rope and pulled with all of her might. She pulled and pulled—wishing she had both gloves on her hands in order to get a more firm grip on the rope—until she saw his head peeking above the edge. With a few more heaves he was up and over. His body spread out on the snow. “Thank God,” she whispered. She crawled over to him and pulled the toque off his head, inspecting for cuts and scrapes, pushing his damp hair away from his forehead. She patted his body from head to toe making sure he wasn’t hurt. Watching him slide down that hole, she would have traded places with him in a minute. The thought weighed heavy on her mind. “I’m fine.” He pushed her hands away, but wouldn’t meet her gaze. She cupped his face and lowered her mouth to give him a kiss. Her hand stung against his cheek from the cold. Before her lips touched his, she was surprised by the sudden movement of his arm. His hand grabbed on to her wrist and jerked it away. “What did you do to your hand?” he bellowed. “What?” What was he talking about? Maybe he hit his head. She held it up and eyed the burn that spread across her palm. It wasn’t the cold that stung. Instantly, pain shot through her hand like a bullet. She hadn’t noticed it when she grabbed the rope. Adrenaline—fueled by the need to see Hayden safe—had taken away all sense of pain. “Let me see.” Hayden reached for her hand. His heavy breath brushed her palm before he set his lips on her skin with a kiss. Caroline winced. “It’s fine.” He gave her a stern glare. She didn’t know why she bothered lying. Her palm was raw. Layers of skin had been rubbed off by the friction of the rope leaving a pink wound. It looked as bad as it felt. 63

The Only Exception She tried to pull her hand away but felt a sharp pain in her shoulder and grimaced. Helping haul him up, she strained her muscles. For the first time, she really noticed how much she had let her body deteriorate in the last few years. Although she still danced for fun, her body wasn’t as strong as it used to be. “I’m glad that was me. I don’t know what I would have done if—” “Shhh...” She cupped his face despite the sting, and forced herself not to wince. “We’re fine and we didn’t even have to use the radio.” “I’m going up that snow bank. We’re going to need whatever is under that tarp.” Hayden pulled himself up and onto his feet. “Hayden, you probably should take it easy.” “I’m fine, Caroline. I should have gone up there in the first place.” He pointed his finger at her. “Don’t move from that spot.” He climbed up the bank and she held her breath the entire time. Worry and fear took over while she waited at the bottom. If she was a nail biter, she would have chewed hers down to the cuticle. It was good thing that he did climb the bank because their treasure was a battery-powered lamp, something they were going to need very soon. Caroline looked up in the sky. Dusk had fallen. They found their treasure just in time.

***

Before he made dinner, Hayden had cleaned up her hand and bandaged her palm. The first aid kit had the essentials to clean and dress her wound, but she would need further attention when she got back to the lodge. Caroline dropped her spoon into her bowl. “Who would have thought that you could make beans taste so good? I’m so full.” “I’ve had a lot of practice.” He shoveled his last spoonful into his mouth. “So what do you think all of this has to do with teambuilding?” Caroline said, suddenly remembering that this excursion was for work. Hayden had done a perfect job of distracting her—first with sex and then by scaring her silly. But more importantly, it was the little things. The touch of his hand on hers when he tried to soothe her nerves, the care he took when he nursed her aching hand, and the ease with which they conversed, as if they were old friends. Old friends turned lovers. Hayden looked as though he was really considering his answer. “If we were never put in adjoining rooms, we never would have talk64

Gina Gordon ed. If we never talked, we never would have gotten to know each other. If that was the case, you wouldn’t have been so inclined the save me back there.” “True. If I still thought you were a jerk I might not have gone back for the rope.” She flashed him a smile. For as much as she liked what was happening between them, she had to be realistic. It was one thing to have sex, but eating by firelight under a sky with too many stars, that was dangerous territory. “Why don’t you go and get settled. I’ll clean up here.” She never would have pegged Hayden as the domestic type. “Are you sure you don’t need any help?” “Nah. I’ll be five minutes.” He winked at her. “You can be in charge of the sleeping arrangements.”

65

Chapter Eleven

Caroline walked the twenty feet to the shelter in the snow. She couldn’t believe she was actually going to sleep in a hole. Inside, the battery-powered light gave off just enough light to see what she was doing. Caroline slid off her weatherproof pants and jeans. Her thong followed. She unzipped her hoodie and pulled off her undershirt then bra. Their sleeping bags lay over a tarp and insulated blanket. She huddled inside for warmth. She had decided over the beans that she was going to thank Hayden properly for taking care of her. By no means was it a selfish gesture to offer herself to a smokin’ hot man that would no doubt pay attention to every part of her body. It was also a way to distract from their growing connection that seemed to pop up out of nowhere. With sex she could control the way she responded to Hayden. It was the only way to try and keep her distance. Once she was back in the real world she could resist Hayden as a distraction. 66

Gina Gordon But was he really a distraction? The more time they spent together, the more her feelings for him changed. Caroline liked him. When they were together, she felt more than just the friction. For the first time—the only time—sex was more than just two bodies fitting awkwardly together. There was emotion, passion, ultimate pleasure. No matter how much she tried to deny it, he gave her pleasure like no one else. Caroline had stopped herself from coming, unable to let go. Realistically, she was unwilling to let go. If she did, that would mean she couldn’t just let him get away. She needed to keep herself in check. She was heading for disappointment. Hayden only wanted Caroline’s body. Caroline the dancer. She thought back to her past. After moving to New York City, Caroline was chosen for the Martha Graham Dance Company and toured the United States for years as a professional dancer. Men loved that about her. That was the only thing they loved. A dancer could bend and contort into impossible positions. They were flexible and limber and never in one place for too long. She quickly learned that the fantasy was all they wanted. After a while, Caroline believed that she was nothing more than leotard and ballet slippers. She would never forget the day she was told she needed surgery to repair the damage to her ACL. A surgery that would change the course of her career—and by change the course, she meant end it. Caroline refused to let her new life suffer the same consequences. She had let the image of being a dancer consume her until she was left with nothing. She wouldn’t make that mistake again. She wouldn’t let her occupation be the only thing that defined her. Caroline reached into her bag and pulled out her battery-operated lover. Hayden seemed to be turned on with her using it before. Why not a second time? She hoped with a few tricks up her sleeve, it would distract him from noticing her hesitation. He would be back any minute. She slid out from the sleeping bag, piled two blankets underneath her, and wrapped two around her body. Caroline lounged against the wall of the shelter, the blankets protecting her from the cold snow walls. She positioned the blankets so that the edges just covered her breasts. She made sure that one edge covered her pussy, leaving her bent leg visible. She had waited only a few minutes when Hayden finally poked his head inside. “You’ve been just as busy in here.” His eyes blazed as he crawled into their living quarters. 67

The Only Exception “I thought you deserved a reward for all your hard work.” She twisted her hair and played with it over one shoulder. “I completely agree.” He was on all fours making his way closer to her body, his puffy jacket rustling with every step. Despite only having to take a few strides to meet her, the predator seeking its prey analogy was not lost on her. “What exactly do I get to do with this reward?” His voice was rough, like his desire had etched away at his vocal chords. “Anything you want.” Except making me come. “Imagine the possibilities.” He rested just beside her body and leaned in. His face stopped just an inch away from hers. “What do I want first?” She leaned closer for a kiss but he pulled away. Hayden used his nose and nudged the blanket from her breast. He sucked the exposed nipple into his mouth. He nibbled for a bit, then used his nose to nudge the other edge of the blanket away. This time her pussy peeked out from under the cover. The cold breeze from the entryway of the quinzhee whispered across her bare skin. He attacked the other nipple, already hard and aching for his touch. Caroline threaded her fingers through his thick hair and pulled him closer to her body. The irritation to her palm distracted her, but only for a minute. She was going to have to remember to save her hand strength for when she needed it the most. He turned his face and kissed the palm of her hand exactly where the bandage covered her wound. “It’s fine. It doesn’t hurt.” It was a lie but it appeased him. He nodded then returned to her breast. Bites turned into kisses, which turned into licks, which turned into long laps of his tongue. Hayden ended with a kiss as he worked his way down the middle of her body, the stubble on his chin and cheeks tickling her skin. Caroline jumped when he flicked his tongue in her belly button. He dropped lower and blew on her sex. Slow bursts of warm air tickled her folds. She brought her hands up to her breasts and tweaked at her nipples. Hayden stared up from between her legs and watched with hungry eyes as she played with the hard beads. She lifted her pelvis and skimmed her folds along his face. He read her signal, wrapped his arms around her legs, and pulled her toward his mouth. He lapped at her clit while his two thumbs penetrated her hole. Just as she suspected, she was on the edge in no time. Tension build68

Gina Gordon ing steadily in her stomach. Heat rolled like waves over her body, forming tiny beads of moisture on her skin. Despite the immense pleasure, Caroline was torn, too afraid of what letting go might do to her. She reached over and grabbed her vibrator. When he saw it, he stopped his ministrations and grabbed it out of her hand. “Not this time.” He chucked the blue dildo on top of his pack three feet away. “I need it,” Caroline wailed. She heard the fear in her own voice. “No. You don’t.” He nipped at her mouth. “I’m more than capable of making you come. I can feel it on my tongue. You’re close.” “Hayden...” She wasn’t going to beg. But she had a feeling that she was going to need a very sexy excuse to get him to give in. “I want you to fuck me with it.” “I would much rather fuck you with my own cock.” This time he smashed his mouth down on hers, his tongue probing the seam of her mouth. With every swipe she opened just a little bit more until he broke through and thrust his tongue inside her needy mouth. She could taste her arousal, thick and sweet, on his tongue. His kiss loosened up something inside her. Her shoulders relaxed and her arms dropped to the sleeping bag, but just as she lost herself in the intensity of their kiss, he pulled away. “What are you afraid of?” His words came out through disjointed breaths. Was he really trying to be philosophical while they were in the middle of foreplay? She shook her head but didn’t answer. Instead she leaned forward trying to distract him, but before she covered his lips with hers, he blurted, “I can see that you hold back.” She tensed. No other man ever pegged her behavior. Maybe because she never had to work so hard to hold back before. “I—” He rested his finger under her chin. “Don’t think about where this is headed. Don’t think about work and the consequences of our actions. All I want you to think about is how many times you’re going to come.” “Oh, I want to. I want to with—” You. She couldn’t bring herself to say the word out loud. “Then let it happen, Caroline.” The sound of her name rolling off his tongue was all she needed to remind her why she caved in the first place. “I’m going to make my way down your body again,” he whispered. “Then I’m going to feed on your pussy. If I have to stay 69

The Only Exception down there all night, I will. I won’t stop until you come.” He traced his tongue over her lips. Her pussy spasmed. “Relax.” Hayden did exactly as he had promised. He slid down between her legs, his moans the only sound in the dark wilderness. “I love your pussy.” He nuzzled his nose into her folds. “So soft and smooth. I love that you’re bare.” Hallelujah! she screamed in her head. The pain she endured having a Brazilian every month had finally paid off. “And you have a freckle right here.” He used the tip of his tongue and flicked at her skin just below her pelvic bone on the right side of her body. The next thing she knew his hands found hers and he laced their fingers together. He went back to work on her sex, and this time, he went for broke. Caroline thrashed and lifted her pelvis in appreciation. It was like his tongue was made for her pussy. She squeezed his hands with every sharp burst of enjoyment. She couldn’t keep denying herself. Especially since she had no idea when the next man would appear, let alone a man who could make her come. Any other person would jump at the opportunity to experience pleasure. But not Caroline. She was too focused on her future. Enough with the reservations. Enough with the tiptoeing around her pleasure. To hell with it all! If this was going to be the last night they spent together, she was going to embrace all it had to offer. Hayden admired her as he licked. She was clean-shaven. Not a mark or blemish on her skin. Her pussy lips were pink, now turned a deep rose from the state of her arousal. They were tight and even and opened up to reveal heaven. Her clit peeked out, desperate and needy for his gentle touch. In short, she had the most beautiful pussy he had ever seen, and he wanted it all to himself. She jerked under his tongue. With each spasm her hands clenched around his. She looked a little less tense than their previous encounters, but he could tell she couldn’t let go. He didn’t know the reason, but it didn’t matter. He just needed to make sure he did everything he could to help her along. He pulled one hand away, but left his other for her to grasp. He probed her hole, first with one finger then a second, until they were both buried inside her. She was so wet and slippery. He loved the he could make her this hot. He pumped his fingers a couple of times while his tongue lapped at her clit. 70

Gina Gordon “Tell me it’s me that makes you so wet.” “It is you.” She pushed her head back against the wall of the shelter and arched her body. He repeated his simultaneous lapping and pumping. “Do you like how I make you so wet, Caroline?” “Yes,” she gasped. Her body shook. “I love hearing you say my name.” Her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths. “What else do you love, Caroline?” She whimpered, the sweetest sound, the most satisfying sound, He continued his attack on her pussy in between his words. “Do you know what I love? I love the way you feel around my cock.” He hoped to build the tension so high that she had no choice but to burst. “Your pussy tugs on my cock and it’s impossible not to blow my load. I want that, Caroline.” She moaned. “I want to feel that again, but I want to be the one to give it to you this time.” He brought his mouth back down to her pussy. “Is that what you want?” Caroline moaned again. This time louder. She was ready. Hayden pumped his fingers in a steady rhythm, not fast, not slow. He rubbed his tongue back and forth over her clit. Then his tongue moved faster and so did her breathing. Her hand squeezed tighter, and tighter. Within a few seconds, the walls of her pussy shook. She screamed, low and guttural. He hoped the animals wouldn’t mistake her groans for their own mating call. He continued to play with her flesh until her spasms lessened. With his lips and tongue now covered in her juices, he kissed his way up her body. Caroline lay limp against the wall, a conflicted look on her face. When they were face to face, she used both hands to cup his cheeks. Hayden loved her warmth; he loved the shiver that shimmied up his body with the simplest touch. Even despite the rough gauze that caressed one cheek. Even more than being inside her. She kissed him furiously. It distracted him from noticing that she slid her hand between her legs. Until she winced, her lips peeling away from his as she grasped her bottom lip with her teeth. Only this time she was in pain Her ripped away from her mouth and looked down. Her bandaged hand was trying desperately to rub at her clit. He pulled her hand away. “This is a sign. You’re no longer allowed to pleasure yourself.” 71

The Only Exception Her eyes widened. “Ever?” He chuckled. “Not ever but at least whenever I’m around. I’m not going to let you steal my thunder anymore.” Her eyes traveled up and down his body while she slithered her tongue across her bottom lip. “Take off your clothes.” She gave him a wide smile. “You’re not nearly naked enough for my liking.” “As you wish.” Hayden pulled his sweater and t-shirt over his head, then worked on his boots and jeans. Once he was naked, he leaned over into his bag and pulled out a condom. When it was in place, he pulled at her legs and laid her back flat on the sleeping bag. “Do it again, Hayden.” Her voice caught in her throat. “Make me come again.” Hayden knew that slow and steady won the race. He centered himself, keeping his excitement at bay though he wanted nothing more than to take her hard and fast. The opening of the shelter let in a gust of wind. He covered her body as best he could to block the cold air. His position put them face to face. He rode her body with control and concentration. Caroline brought her knees up toward her chest and gripped his bottom with both hands, pulling him farther inside her with every thrust. She opened her eyes again, watched him. He let his tongue sweep across her lips then nibbled along her neck. When he returned to her stare, he couldn’t ignore the look in her eye. Although silence had settled between them, her expression told him all he needed to know. Gone was the hardness, the stern glare than he had come to expect. Instead she was open, relaxed, all his. She offered more than just her body, she offered her trust. Something he would not take for granted. With any luck, he wouldn’t have to wait much longer for her to give him her heart. “Caroline,” he whispered. She shook in his arms. “Oh!” He knew she was close by the pulsing of her cunt around his cock. She breathed in short, shallow breaths, whispering a chorus of oh-my-God’s. He couldn’t get enough of her lips. He kissed her again. “Hayden?” He looked her in the eyes. “Fuck me. I need you to fuck me.” Without a second thought, he pulled out and flipped her over onto her hands and knees. She yelped at his sudden movement. He didn’t 72

Gina Gordon have much room to maneuver with the low ceiling, but he plunged inside her pussy and with full force took her from behind. “Mmm...” Her moans wafted toward him. She pounded back as hard as she could. “You’re going to come again,” he demanded. “I don’t think I can.” “You can. You will.” He reached around and found her clit with his fingers. “It’s too much Hayden.” She rested on her forearms, her head hanging down. “You’re too much. Too good.” “Show me how good I am.” He rammed her harder still. “I’ve wanted to blow from the first push inside you. You do that to me, Caroline.” “Ahhh...” she quivered. “Caroline,” he whispered closer. This time he whispered it in her ear, “Caroline.” She broke apart underneath him. Not a second after she tipped over the edge did he explode, hard and fast. It seemed as if one hundred jets of cum filled the tip of the condom. When he pulled out, Hayden pulled her against his body and they lay on the sweaty blanket. He pulled one end of the sleeping bag to cover them up. They laid in silence, her back pressed against his chest, their bodies slick with sweat. Hayden listened to the beat of his own heart—it pounded in his ears—wondering how he was ever going to forget this night.

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Chapter Twelve

“Will I ever get to see you dance again?” Hayden’s arms squeezed tightly around her. Caroline let out a defeated breath. His voice hadn’t lost any of its sexiness in the few minutes they had been lying in silence under the warmth of the sleeping bag, her back to his chest, the heat, and sweat cocooning them in pleasure. But Hayden had decided it was time to talk. His exhale against her neck answered his own question. “I guess that’s a no.” The sex had been out of this world, but at this moment, Hayden had positioned himself inside her barrier in more ways than one. With his arms wrapped tightly around her, Caroline itched to run. “Let’s not confuse what it really is,” she said softly. One of them had to talk about the reality of their situation. “You’re attracted to the dancing. I get that.” She was glad they were not facing. She didn’t think she could look him in the eye when she spoke. 74

Gina Gordon “I think we have something special here.” He laid his cheek on her hair, the muscles of his jaw working as he spoke. “I would like to see you outside of the office.” “It won’t work, Hayden. After a while, you’ll realize that the dancer isn’t all she’s cracked up to be.” It had happened so many times before. “Let me save us both the trouble.” “Why would you think that?” He pushed himself up and rested on his elbow looking down on her. She could feel the frown on his face. “Look at me.” With his other hand he smoothed the damp hair from her forehead. She shook her head. This was not the time or place, or the person, to be having this conversation with. “Did someone break your heart? She giggled. It was instinctive. “It isn’t funny.” His tone was strict, like he couldn’t stand her laughing at herself. “I haven’t had my heart broken.” Although after this weekend, she might finally experience a broken heart. “I used to be a dancer.” “I can tell.” “A real dancer. Professionally.” She finally turned her head and looked up at him. “When I graduated from high school I went straight to New York. I wasn’t going to stop until I made my dream come true.” She sighed. “I auditioned for the Martha Graham Academy and got in. I moved into the Martha II program and eventually the Company. I toured the U.S. and even made my way to Europe a couple of times.” “I had no idea.” “Not very many people do. I don’t like to dwell on it.” If she did, she would drive herself to the loony bin. “I know what men think. They see the fantasy. Once they realized the fantasy really isn’t what they expect, they take off.” “I’m not looking for a fantasy.” She wanted to believe him so badly but she couldn’t help the snort that escaped. “Every opportunity we’ve had together you made it known how much you liked watching me dance. Face it, you want Caroline the dancer.” “Caroline the dancer just happened to get me to notice a side of her I never knew existed. It isn’t all I see.” “Oh really, what is it you see?” Don’t get your hopes up. He waited a moment before he spoke. Probably trying to think of the best way to cut her loose. “Was I the first man to make you come?” 75

The Only Exception He should have thought a bit more. “Oh my God, that’s what you’re thinking about?” She tried to pull away from him but he forced her back against his body. Arrogant ass— “Stop freaking out! Just answer the question.” His arm came around and held her in place. Caroline huffed and puffed but knew he was too strong to overpower. She settled back into his body but remained tense in his hands. “Fine! You were the first man that I didn’t have to help in order to make me come. Does that make you happy?” “Why?” “Why what?” She didn’t want to have this conversation, let alone have it be this confusing. “Why was I the first man?” “I don’t know.” This was taking a turn for the worse. His questions were crossing a line. And if she were honest, she didn’t really know the answers. “Yes you do. Tell me.” “Really, I don’t know.” He lay back down beside her. She shouldn’t have yelled. When she turned to face him, he looked just as confused, just as tense as she felt. Caroline had no right to be defensive. From the very beginning, she knew Hayden had been sincere. She could see it now too. Being out in the wilderness was like a dream. They were in their own protective bubble. Reality could wait until tomorrow. For now it was just the two of them and the truth. “I feel different with you.” He let out a hard breath. “You tried to stop it. Why did you do that?” “I didn’t want it to be you. I didn’t want the man I’ve been waiting for my entire sexual life to be you. It’s like the universe is playing a cruel joke. My one rule in life is to not mix business with pleasure. I learned that lesson once before. And then you come along. I held out hope that my knight in shining armor would be the one to come and break me. But it’s you.” He frowned. She hadn’t meant to say it that way. “I’m sorry. I didn’t—” “It’s okay, Caroline. I understand. I don’t think either of us expected this.” “It just won’t work out. It’s too complicated.” Hayden let out a long, slow breath. “Well, at least I can sleep at night knowing that I conquered territory no other man could penetrate.” 76

Gina Gordon “Literally.” They both laughed. The smile on his face warmed her insides. Caroline could only imagine the sense of accomplishment he must have felt. Men and their egos. Impossible things to understand. But after a minute or so, Hayden’s smile faded. “What happened? Why are you stuck in the ad world when you’re obviously so talented”?” “After so many years of dancing my body couldn’t take it. One day my leg extensions weren’t as high. Football players aren’t the only ones who get ACL tears. I needed surgery. But once you go under the knife, your stock as a dancer plummets.” “So you came home?” “Yes. I came home and regrouped. I went to college, got a job at Barnes and Miller and I haven’t looked back.” “But dancing is still your favorite thing.” “Yes.” She looked at him again. “I know what it’s like to lose something you love.” Just like he did. “Yours is a lot more life changing.” “I wouldn’t say that. We were both screwed by circumstances we couldn’t control. You couldn’t control the weather and I couldn’t control the tear in my knee.” She stared at him, and his eyes told her he wanted more from her. He confirmed that when he said, “So where do we go from here?” Such a simple question with what used to have a pre-determined answer. But after three days with Hayden, the answer was now blurred.

77

Chapter Thirteen

Back in her room, Caroline packed her clothes. It was over. She had survived the outdoors and the entire retreat. And won the competition, no less. She and Hayden arrived back at the lodge to find out that Neil and Jack had run into some trouble—of the bear kind. They were fine, but had forfeited. It was now time for her to make the trip back home to reality, where the lines of life were crisp and defined, where the city air kept things in perspective. She thought back to the quinzhee and the talk she had with Hayden just before Joel arrived to bring them back to the lodge. She knew it was for the best, telling Hayden that they didn’t have a future. He was falling for the fantasy. Whether he believed it or not. At least there was one positive about the trip. Caroline learned that she could be herself and it wasn’t the end of the world. She had mended fences with her co-workers and, hopefully, her working environment would be a pleasant one from now on. At least with Sidekick One and Two. She chuckled to herself. She would probably have to stop calling them that now that they’d had a heart to heart. 78

Gina Gordon She piled her bags outside the door to her room then made one last walk through making sure she had packed all of her belongings. From now on, working with Hayden would be a completely different story. How was she going to stop herself from imaging his hands on her body? Or envisioning his hard length buried so deep inside her that she thought they would remain fused forever. What about her dreams? She didn’t have to dream the last three nights because she’d been with the real thing. Would they return? How was she ever going to forge a relationship with someone else if Hayden clouded her mind and haunted her dreams? Too many questions to consider. But she did have a long car ride ahead of her to solidify some answers. With her boots and jacket on, she slung her bags over her shoulders and made her way down to the lobby. At the reception desk, she returned her key card and inquired about the rest of her co-workers. They’d checked out. Hayden had left without saying goodbye. What else should she have expected? With a heavy heart, she turned, but before she could make her getaway, Miles Vernon appeared. “What did we learn this weekend, Ms. Carlson?” He was dressed in jeans and a black sweater. She didn’t think she would ever get used to seeing him in such casual clothes. “Good morning, Mr. Vernon.” “Miles. I think after the last four days, a first name basis is only appropriate.” She blushed. “I want to apologize again, sir, I mean Miles. I shouldn’t have had so much to drink and I revealed way too much about—” “Caroline?” He was always interrupting. As if he knew when to cut her off before she rambled on and made things worse. “I think the five of us going on this trip was the best move I’ve ever made as a boss. I think the four of you have worked out your differences and I don’t think any of you will hesitate to ask the other for help.” “I think you’re right.” She could actually see herself having a civil conversation with her co-workers around the water cooler or in the lunchroom. Four days ago, she would have laughed at herself for thinking such a thing. “You didn’t answer my question.” He shoved his hands in the front pockets of his jeans. “What have you learned?” Caroline had learned a lot about herself. Not only professionally, but personally. She knew that it wasn’t the end of the world if she let 79

The Only Exception her guard down. It would take her a while to really open up but at least she would no longer have the burden of trying to be someone she wasn’t. She looked Vernon over. On second thought, maybe she could get used to his casual attire. He didn’t look so stuffy and corporate, and he was so much easier to talk to. “I learned the Neil and Jack aren’t complete idiots.” “That’s exactly what I hoped to accomplish this weekend,” he chuckled. “Do me a favor. Before you leave, wander up to the little room on the stilts.” “I’ve actually already seen it. It’s beautiful.” “Yes but I think seeing it today might be a little different.” He smirked like he had a secret. “Just remember to take a look. Please?” “Okay, I will.” Her boss knocked on the desk. “All right then. I’m out of here. I will see you at work. Take the day tomorrow and recover. We’ll all start fresh on Tuesday.” “Thank you, Miles.” He nodded and walked away. Without even turning back, he yelled, “Don’t forget to do what I asked.” Caroline had no idea what could be so important in that room. But she was about to find out.

***

In the cabin on stilts, brunch was set up, the flowers had been placed in the middle of the table, music was playing, and a bath had been drawn. The suite had been decked out to the nines with the intent of seduction. Hayden only had to wait and hope that Caroline would obey Vernon’s order. Neil and Jack had left without him. He had every intention of leaving with Caroline. After they went their separate ways this morning, he realized that he didn’t want to cut ties. He wanted more. Much more. It wasn’t until his bag was packed that he realized just what her bartender friend had been trying to tell him. Let Caroline be Caroline. The words repeated in his head. He thought the bartender was nuts. It wasn’t until she disclosed her past that he put together the pieces. It wasn’t until he was separated from her that he realized what it meant. Hayden fiddled with the flower arrangement in the middle of the table. His nervous hands shook. Maybe he should check the bath again. Add more bubbles, maybe. He wandered into the bathroom. 80

Gina Gordon Caroline had spent her life living up to a fantasy. And now she spent her time living a double life. A double life that made her feel comfortable and safe. A life that kept the pain and disappointment away. Caroline wasn’t a fantasy. Caroline wasn’t an uptight office bitch. It was easy to let those things cloud reality. It was easy to let her weave those perceptions than to actually take the time to figure out who she really was—she was perfect. She knew disappointment and loss. She knew the emptiness he felt inside. But most of all, Caroline knew who she was and what she wanted. She held out for nothing short of perfection. Maybe that’s why she made it so difficult to get to know her. Only someone who took the time to cut away her armor deserved the chance to love her. He swirled his hand in the warm water testing the temperature. Not too hot. It hit him this morning in the shower that by not giving in to her pleas, by finally allowing her to let go, Hayden saw her. Really saw her. And she had let him. That had to mean something. She’d said so herself. She’d been waiting all along for her knight in shining armor to break her. And that’s exactly what he did last night. He only hoped he was right. Because if he wasn’t, it was all for nothing.

***

Caroline walked up the steep steps for a second time. With her travel bag slung over her shoulder and her purse in hand, she maneuvered herself up the tiny staircase. When she opened the door, music greeted her. Then she noticed a small table with a white linen tablecloth. Flowers sat in the middle and two silver domed plates were perched on either side. The scent of Christmas flooded her nostrils again and the warmth from the fireplace heated the tiny room. Her stomach lurched. The first thought she had was that Vernon had set this up. What if Laurie was right? What if he was a pig and just wanted time away from his wife? But then Hayden sauntered out of the bathroom and that lurch in her stomach turned to butterflies. He looked good wearing khaki cargo pants and a long sleeved t-shirt. Too good. “You came.” He almost brought her to her knees with his smile. “Yeah. I was curious as to why it was so important for me to come up here before I left.” She couldn’t have asked for a better surprise. 81

The Only Exception “Then Vernon did his job.” He gave her a sly grin. “You told him to tell me to come up here.” “Yes, I did. I wanted to surprise you.” Hayden approached the table and removed the silver domes. The plates were filled with pancakes and bacon and sausages, fresh fruit and maple syrup. Her mouth watered. “I was afraid that if I asked, you wouldn’t come.” “Why am I here?” Caroline looked around the room again. “I don’t understand.” “Let me explain it to you.” He walked closer and held out his hand. Caroline dropped her bag and purse on the ground and closed the door behind her. She wiggled out of her boots then she took his hand and let him lead her over to the table. “You were right,” he started. “That night I saw you at the club, I did want the fantasy. When I first decided to pursue you, I had every intention of breaking you. But not in your terms. I wanted to be able to say that I weaseled my way into your pants. My ego wanted you badly.” Hayden was confirming the thing she feared most. He wanted the fantasy. Only the fantasy. Caroline didn’t realize she had dropped her head until his fingers pulled her face up to meet his. “I was a chicken. I let everyone around me tell me that you weren’t worth the energy. I put aside my feelings for you. I did have feelings for you, from my very first day on the job. I wanted to know you—everything about you—not just your beautiful body and face.” Tears welled up in her eyes. This was so dangerous. She was a moment from giving her heart away for the very first time and breaking the only rule she ever had. “Last night I fell in love with you.” Cue the tears; they rolled down her cheeks in huge drops, leaving trails in their wake. “I fell in love with the way you snort when you laugh. The way you get drunk and tell inappropriate sex stories to your boss.” Caroline giggled. “I love the confidence you have with your own body and yes, with the way you dance. You make my cock twitch with every movement your body makes. I can’t help it. But that isn’t all you are.” He pulled out the chair and sat her down, kneeling on the ground between her legs. “I want to be the exception to your rule. The only exception. Because I don’t want you to have to break it ever again.” She turned to him and when their eyes met, she knew. Caroline knew that he would fight her on the decision to cut their ties. She 82

Gina Gordon knew that he wouldn’t let go and would pursue her even when she continually turned him down. She knew because at that moment she was staring into the eyes of her knight in shining armor. Maybe the universe wasn’t so cruel after all. “Caroline?” This retreat had been mandatory. She had never expected to become friends with her co-workers and, most of all, she never expected to fall in love. Something inside her had broken down the minute Hayden had entered her room in secret. She just wasn’t willing to acknowledge it. “The only exception.” Caroline leaned in and rested her forehead against his, “I like the sound of that.” She suddenly remembered that everyone else had already begun their trip home. She tensed. “Wait! Everyone left you. How are you going to get home?” “I had planned on going home with you. If you’ll have me.” “Oh, I’ll have you. Again and again and again—” He grabbed her upper arms and slammed his lips down on hers. For a knight in shining armor, this kiss certainly wasn’t rated for Disney. No. She knew this knight had a whole lot of dirty up his sleeve.

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Biography At a young age, Gina knew she wanted to share her stories with the world. It wasn’t until she picked up her first romance novel that she knew how those stories would take shape. Her characters demanded hot and steamy sex. Great sex! And lots of it! Gina, a self proclaimed happily ever after junkie, loves spinning contemporary tales of knee-bending first kisses, unconditional love and super-hot love scenes. When she isn’t lost in her own world of romance, Gina spends her time reading, baking cupcakes or catching up on celebrity gossip. Gina lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and lovable dog. Visit Gina Gordon at http://www.ginagordon.net

Other Books by Gina Gordon

Her Five Favorite Words Wicked Ride The Only Exception His Five Favorite Lines