Hayden Sinclair has it all: a job she loves, supportive friends and a drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend. She should be happy—and she should say yes when Luc proposes marriage. But one thing stands in her way: Sawyer Underwood, her impossibly sexy ex, who disappeared almost a year ago.

When Sawyer returns, he has one goal in mind: to win Hayden back, and away from his long-hated rival, Luc. Sawyer’s willing to do anything it takes, and he’ll use all his powers of persuasion to convince Hayden that he’s the man for her—especially in the bedroom. But Luc’s not willing to give Hayden up without a fight!

As the two men battle for Hayden’s affections, she is torn between them. If only they could reach a compromise—then maybe she wouldn’t have to choose…

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Rivals for Love

Eve Vaughn

Contents

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter One

Luc leaned back in his chair and gave Hayden an assessing stare. “What’s the matter, Hayden? You’ve barely touched your dinner. Is the salmon not to your liking? I’ll have the server return it to the kitchen.”

Hayden moved a stalk of asparagus across her plate, her appetite long gone. She put her fork down and pushed her dish away, giving up all pretense of eating. “The food is fine. I guess I’m not as hungry as I thought.”

Luc raised a dark blond brow. “Are you sure? You haven’t eaten enough to sustain a bird. You know what happens if you don’t eat properly.”

As a Type 1 diabetic, she was diligent about her diet, but she couldn’t force herself to eat when she wasn’t hungry. “The soup was plenty. Besides I had a large lunch.” She offered him a small smile. “Really, I’m fine.”

A slate-gray gaze roamed her face, seeming not to miss a single nuance. Luc had a way of looking at her that made Hayden squirm in her seat, just as she was doing now. Damn if her panties didn’t get wet whenever he turned that penetrating stare on her. “Perhaps you’d like to leave? We can have coffee at my place.”

She grinned. “Only coffee? When was the last time we went to your penthouse for just coffee?”

He threw back his head and released a throaty laugh, a wonderfully rich sound that made her heart do flip-flops. “What can I say? I can’t help myself whenever I’m around you. And perhaps one day I can convince you to make our relationship more permanent.”

Hayden turned her head away, unable to meet his gaze anymore. This was the one topic between them that was a constant bone of contention. They’d only officially been dating for four months and already, Luc had brought up the subject of marriage more than once. Her best friends Shayna and Julia thought she was crazy for not jumping at the chance to be Mrs. Lucien Montgomery-Lambert III—after all, not only was Luc filthy rich, he was drop-dead gorgeous.

“Luc…” She couldn’t finish her statement. Maybe her friends were right about her being a fool for not taking the opportunity presented to her.

“I’ve heard all the arguments before, your biggest concerning the amount of time we’ve been dating. We’ve been friends longer though, and it doesn’t matter if we dated a week or even ten years, I’d still feel the same. Furthermore I believe my feelings are reciprocated.”

Hayden nibbled on the inside of her bottom lip, still not making eye contact. If she told him what was really holding her back, it would only hurt him. She did have strong feelings for him, but how could she explain what was going on inside her mind when she barely understood it herself? “Luc, any woman would be lucky to have you as a husband, but I’m just not ready to take that step. Please try and understand.”

Luc reached across the table and grasped her hand. “Look at me, Hayden.” Despite the softly spoken words there was no doubt in her mind it was a command. He could be autocratic when he wanted to.

With a sigh she raised her lids to meet his stony gaze.

“It’s him, isn’t it? You’re still not over him, are you?”

Hayden didn’t bother insulting his intelligence by pretending she didn’t know what he was talking about. “That was nearly a year ago. I’m with you now.”

“That isn’t what I asked. You still think about him, don’t you?”

“Why are you bringing this up?”

“Because I think I have a right to know what I’m up against if I’m to win you heart, body and soul.”

There was so much passion in his voice and touch, her insides churned out of control. Something just felt right being here with him like this, yet she couldn’t bring herself to say the words. More than anything she wanted to tell him that he already had her heart, but the words remained stuck in her throat.

He narrowed his eyes. “Say something, dammit.”

She touched her stomach as it tightened in knots. Her heart pounded a tattoo within her chest. Hayden opened her mouth, then closed it again, stalling to find the right thing to say without further exacerbating the situation. “I don’t know what you want me to tell you. I’m happy when I’m with you, and I think we feel right together.”

One brow flew up. “I sense a ‘but’ in there somewhere.”

“There is no but. That’s it.”

His lips tightened to a thin white line, and his nostrils flared. “I see.” Luc released her hand and signaled to their server who must have been hovering nearby because he appeared seemingly out of nowhere.

“Yes, Mr. Montgomery?”

“I’d like the check, please.”

“Right away, sir.” The server bowed his head in acknowledgement before hurrying off.

A half smile tugged the corner of Hayden’s lips. It was amusing to see how people scurried to do Luc’s bidding. Not very long ago she wouldn’t have thought about stepping foot in a restaurant like Mirabella’s, where there were no prices on the menu. It was far too expensive a place to afford on her salary. She especially never envisioned being on the arm of Lucien Montgomery-Lambert III, one of the most eligible bachelors in D.C. But he’d chosen her. She was never sure what it was about her that had caught his eye, but he’d pursued her with a relentlessness that took her breath away.

It wasn’t that she suffered from low self-esteem, but men like Luc usually dated women from their own backgrounds and race who had more money than sense, or at the very least looked like supermodels. She was a social worker who’d been told on several occasions that she was cute—never beautiful, except by Luc and her ex.

She flinched for a moment as her ex-lover crossed her mind. She was happy with Luc, so why did Sawyer still invade her thoughts?

“You’re doing it again.” The low timbre in his voice brought her head up. His eyes darkened as he shot her a narrow-eyed glare.

She lowered her head, shame eating at her. The night was officially ruined. “Maybe I should take a rain check on that coffee.”

His mouth thinned briefly but he didn’t say anything else as he helped Hayden out of her chair. The car ride back to her place was silent and tense. She wanted to say something to assure him he was the one she wanted to be with. Something told her he wouldn’t be in the mood to listen.

Expecting him to drop her off in front of her house, she was surprised when he parked his car in her extra parking space and shut off the engine.

She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “You’re coming in?”

The muscle in his jaw flexed. “I think we need to get a few things out in the open, don’t you?”

Her heart plummeted. Maybe he planned on breaking up with her. He didn’t say anything to indicate one way or the other and frankly, it frightened her a bit. She’d never seen him this way: calm on the surface but simmering with fury beneath it. And what was worse, there probably wasn’t a thing she could say to soothe him.

As she attempted to unlock her front door, her fingers trembling, Luc took the keys from her and completed the task in smooth, fluid motions. He placed his hand on the small of her back and gently guided her inside.

The door had barely been closed and locked before he turned and took her by the forearm with more force than she was used to. “I know I came in to talk, but I’m not really sure words will do when action is probably best.”

Hayden didn’t get the opportunity to ask him what the hell he was going on about before he yanked her against him to cover her mouth in a bruising kiss.

Luc always had a bit of a rough edge whenever they made love, which she secretly enjoyed but felt embarrassed to admit. This time, however, was different. He seemed hell-bent on possessing her as if to teach her a lesson of some sort. She should have fought the brutal possession he’d taken of her mouth but instead, Hayden found herself melting into him.

She sighed into his mouth, making way for the forceful entrance of his tongue. Luc dug his fingers through her hair, holding her head still as he dominated her. Pressing his body flush with hers, he grinded his cock against the juncture of her thighs.

Hayden managed to turn her head away, breaking the tight seal of their lips, finally making it possible for her to breathe. After one sweet gulp of air, his mouth latched on to hers again, this kiss no less powerful. To her utter shame, her nipples pebbled beneath the satiny material of her dress. She wasn’t wearing a bra, something her lover took full advantage of. Luc cupped her breasts, squeezing and shaping them in his palms, sending her closer to the edge of insanity.

Moisture pooled between her legs, soaking her panties. Her pussy contracted in her arousal. She was as hot and horny for him as he was for her. Nothing mattered right now except how he made her feel. When she attempted to wrap her arms around his neck, Luc grabbed her wrists in one muscular hand and pinned them above her head, all while his tongue explored the recesses of her mouth.

With his free hand he continued to play with her breasts through her dress, pinching her nipples in turn until they were so tight and sensitive, Hayden thought she would scream. The musky scent of his cologne tickled her nostrils, making her senses reel and strengthening her need for him. Luc was an animal, nipping her tongue and bottom lip between his strong white teeth—hurting her almost. Just when it seemed he’d never end the kiss, he raised his head to stare at her with a lust and intensity that sent a shiver of desire and fear racing through her body, like a dull ache that left her wanting more. Her pulse raced out of control, and her breath came out in short huffs.

“Do you love me?” His voice was soft and steady, but there was an underlying layer of steel telling her this wasn’t a rhetorical question.

Hayden had never said the words, never thought she’d had the right to under the circumstances, but in this moment she couldn’t deny him even if she wanted to. Finally, moistening her lips with the tip of her tongue, she nodded. “Yes.”

“Say it,” he growled. “Tell me you love me.”

“I…I love you.”

“Say, ‘I love you, Luc.’”

“I do.”

His eyes narrowed, and he caught her chin between his thumb and bent index finger. “Say the words. I want to hear them.”

She sensed a desperation within him. Guilt assailed her. She’d driven him to this; it hadn’t been intentional. Hayden had warned him, but he wouldn’t let things be. Now she realized she’d have to make a choice. Could she finally let go of the past and give her heart truly and deeply to someone new—risk getting hurt all over again?

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she hesitated for a moment to listen to her heart. Was this the right thing? Hayden opened her eyes again to see him staring still, his features pinched as if nerves were starting to get the better of him. She’d never seen him like this before—nervous. It wasn’t an emotion she would associate with such a powerful man. That she could bring him to such a pass frightened her a little. This was it. She could no longer keep him hanging.

“I love you, Luc. With all my heart.”

He released a breath. Something that looked a lot like relief entered his intimidating gaze. And while he relaxed his stance some, Luc didn’t release her hands, keeping them imprisoned above her head. “Oh, baby.” He lowered his head again but this time, instead of kissing her mouth, he grazed her jaw line with his lips. Hayden tilted her head back, sighing with contentment. She’d meant it and was glad she’d said it. It was like a big weight had been lifted off her shoulders and now all was right with the world again.

Luc showered kisses on her face and moved to her neck, pausing long enough to suck on her skin—hard. She knew exactly what he was trying to do, leave his mark. It was an act of possession that should have made her angry, but damn if that didn’t turn her on even more. Thankfully her skin was dark enough that it wouldn’t be that evident unless someone was really examining her.

“Easy,” she said with a laugh, trying to soothe whatever demon had taken hold of him.

“No.” He nipped and licked her flesh as if he couldn’t get enough. “Not until there’s no doubt in your mind who you belong to. You’re mine,” he murmured against her heated skin.

“I belong to you,” she moaned.

“And don’t you forget it.” He caught her earlobe between his teeth.

A gasp at the sharp little bite escaped from her lips, bringing heat to her sensitive tissue. But he immediately soothed it by running his tongue along its curve. Luc grabbed the front of her dress and before she knew what he was up to, he ripped it down the front.

“Luc!” This was her best dress from one of her favorite designers. People didn’t get rich in Hayden’s line of work, so she was careful with her money. She’d saved for weeks and still was only able to purchase it when it had gone on sale at a sizable discount.

“I’ll buy you a dozen more.”

She would have protested—after all she was quite capable of taking care of herself—but his mouth had already clamped on one of her nipples, cutting off all train of thought. It was hard to stay angry with him when he was doing the most incredible things to her body.

Licking, laving and sucking on the turgid peak until Hayden didn’t think she could take anymore, Luc continued to hold her and her hands captive. She wanted so badly to touch him, run her fingers through his silky blond tresses and hold his head against her breasts, but he wouldn’t let her. Hayden instinctively knew Luc wouldn’t easily relinquish any control he had over her in the midst of his savage seduction.

He slid his hand down the center of her body, not stopping until he reached her hot wet core. The tiny black thong she wore was drenched, and her juices wet her thighs. He touched her body in ways no decent girl should want, but she did. She desperately wanted those roaming fingers inside of her. Craved it!

Sensing that need, Luc raised his head, a mischievous grin curving his lips. “You want it bad, don’t you, baby?”

She panted. “Yes. You know I do.”

Luc gripped the edge of her panties and pushed them down her hips until they pooled at her feet. “Step out of them.”

Hayden obeyed without hesitation. She would do anything to feel him inside of her.

His fingers bit into her thighs, making her gasp. “You’re so fucking sexy. Do you know that? I knew I had to have you when I first saw you. I bided my time and waited to make my move. And now that you’re mine, I have no intention of letting you go. You belong to me!” Luc practically growled his last words before wedging his hand between her legs. “Spread those thighs for me—yeah just like that.” Hayden slid her feet apart, granting him the access he sought. “That’s it, baby, let me see that pretty pussy.” He slid his finger along her damp lips and chuckled. “You’re already wet for me.”

She looked down to see what he was doing, and a whimper escaped her throat. Hayden knew it was a trivial thing, but the sight of his pale hand against her dark skin created such an erotic contrast a shiver raced up her spine.

Luc brushed her clit with his thumb and circled it. “So beautiful, so juicy. Mine. This is all mine. Tell me who this pussy belongs to.”

His constant need to establish ownership over her body should have annoyed Hayden but instead, it turned her into a quivering mass when he went all alpha on her. “Yours. It’s your pussy.”

“Damn right,” he muttered, releasing her wrists and falling to his knees. Without warning he pressed his mouth against her pussy, giving it a deep kiss. He captured her clit between his teeth and nibbled the blood-engorged nubbin, sending concurrent waves of pain and pleasure through her body. As he teased her clit with his mouth, Luc slipped another finger inside her channel.

She dug her fingers through his blond locks, shaking her head from side to side. He was going to drive her insane with his masterful mouth and fingers. Knots formed in her stomach, and her knees threatened to buckle when her climax hit. Her grip tightened in his hair. “Luc, I’m coming!” An explosion tore through her body as waves of pleasure pulsed in her pussy.

Luc lapped at the fluids, seeming to relish every single drop. “You’re delicious.” Running his tongue along her slit, he teased her highly sensitized flesh until she could barely think.

Just when Hayden didn’t think she could take anymore, he rose and unbuckled his pants. As he slid them and his boxers down muscled thighs, Luc revealed his cock. It was beautiful. His length was longer than average, with the right amount of thickness to make her mouth water in anticipation. Unable to help herself, she reached out and ran her fingers along his rigid dick.

His shoulders shook. “Keep that up, and I can’t promise to be gentle.”

She slowly ran her tongue along her top lip. “Maybe I don’t want you to be.”

A groan broke from his lips. “Damn, you’re going to be the death of me, woman.”

Cupping her ass, he lifted her into his arms. “Wrap your legs around me and hold on, sweetheart, because I don’t intend to let go.” There was something in the way he’d said it that made Hayden realize he wasn’t simply talking about a sexual position.

Wanting nothing more than to have him inside of her, she obeyed his command as he fitted her over his cock. Eager to be fucked, she wiggled her hips at the feel of his dick at her entrance.

With one powerful surge, he slammed into her so deeply, Hayden could have wept. The sensation of being stretched by his thickness sent shudders of delight rippling along every single nerve in her body. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head as she savored the feel of him pressed so tightly against her, their bodies joined as one. Burying her face against his neck, she moaned. “Luc, please.”

“Oh, yeah, baby, that’s exactly what I intend on doing.” Anchoring her against the wall, he moved deeper still then pulled back and shoved into her again. Hayden attempted to move with him, their rhythm awkward at first, but after a few strokes they moved together in perfect sync.

They were one, and nothing felt more right in that moment. This was how things were meant to be. Hayden and Luc. Luc and Hayden. So why in the back of her mind did she get this nagging sensation? Quickly shoving it away, she concentrated on the need to be taken by him and the wicked sensations coursing through her being. Grinding against him, she dug her nails into his flesh. “More!”

Giving in to her demands, Luc increased the pace, driving into her harder and faster. With each thrust, her back hit the wall. She’d be sore in the morning, but she didn’t care. Hayden needed this so badly; it would be tantamount to torture if she didn’t get it. Squeezing her eyes tight, Hayden gave in to the hunger and the passion burning deep inside of her. When Luc stopped moving, she opened her eyes. “Why…why did you stop?”

His slate-gray gaze contained something feral and raw, making her gasp. “Tell me you want me.”

“I want you.”

He shoved his dick into her so hard Hayden gripped him tighter so as not to lose her balance. “Tell me you need me.”

As forceful as his command was, she could still hear the hint of uncertainty underlying his words she’d caught earlier, breaking her heart just a little. She wanted nothing more than to ease his mind and assure him of how much he meant to her. “I need you.”

Luc drove into her even harder than the first time, making it hurt a bit, but something shameless within her loved his roughness.

“Tell me you love me.”

“I do. I love you.”

“And don’t you fucking forget it. I want you to keep your eyes open and know that it’s me making your pussy pulse and tighten around my cock—me who will never desert you.” And with that, he continued on his quest of dominance, leaving no doubt in her mind exactly what he was up to. Plowing into her like a man on a mission, he sent her crashing into another powerful climax.

“Luc! Yes! Baby, yes!”

His hold on her tightened. “Shit!” His body shook while he ejaculated in her. “Mine!”

After a few moments to catch her breath, Hayden unwrapped her legs from around his waist, letting them fall limply, his semi-erect cock slipping out of her pussy in the process. Luc swiftly hooked his arm beneath her knees and carried her down the hallway to her bedroom.

Once he gently laid Hayden down in the center, he slid next to her and positioned her on her side so her back was curved against his chest and his cock nestled against her ass. He stroked her hip with his fingertips. They remained silent for several moments before Hayden broke the comfortable quiet.

“That was pretty intense.”

He kissed her shoulder. “I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“Not really. I…I kind of liked it, but is this what I’ll have to go through every time you feel insecure?”

He stiffened. “What are you talking about?”

“You were rough tonight, which I don’t mind so much as the reason behind it. Not only that, you demanded I tell you I love you. I’ve never given you reason to doubt me.”

“Oh? So you mean when you get that far-off look in those big brown eyes of yours, you’re not thinking of him?”

“I’m with you now, Luc, and I love you.” She rolled over to face him and stroked the side of his face. He really was gorgeous. It was hard to believe this big blond hunk who was a catch by most women’s standards wanted her. Hayden pressed a kiss against his lips. “Don’t doubt it, okay?” She snuggled against him as a delicious drowsiness flowed through her. “You’ll be leaving for Paris in a few days, so let’s just enjoy our time together until then, all right?”

He grunted in answer, but Hayden was too tired to analyze his response.

Long after Hayden had gone to sleep Luc remained awake, stroking her back. God, he loved this woman. It scared the shit out of him that he could care for one person as much as he did her. For so long he believed love was as fictitious as the Loch Ness Monster—something written about in silly romance books for bored housewives. Yet here he was, with one woman who had quickly become the center of his universe. It was difficult letting go and admitting his love for anyone, considering the emotion wasn’t something he had much experience with. But Hayden made it easier.

Had he been asked a couple years ago if he could see himself with someone like her, the answer would have been a resounding no. He lived in a world where all things superficial mattered and for a while, he’d gone along with the status quo. Not because he was a follower, but because he was resigned. Everyone had a price and as long as a person had the proper connections and enough money, nothing was off limits. And he had plenty of both, more than enough to make his mundane existence bearable.

Luc’s faith in people wasn’t particularly high, and his trust wasn’t given lightly. It wasn’t because he was necessarily unhappy with the way things were going with his life, it was simply how things worked in his circle—until Hayden came along. She was everything a man in his position would never consider for a long-term commitment. Hayden didn’t have the right pedigree, hadn’t gone to the right schools, or was even the right color, yet none of it mattered.

He grazed her skin with his fingertips, reveling in its softness. Luc nuzzled his face against the crook of Hayden’s neck, inhaling deeply. He could easily get high off her sweet scent, mixed so enticingly with his.

From the moment she’d crossed his path, he’d thought of nothing more than possessing her. To be fair, at first he had only wanted a quick, no-strings affair, but the more he’d gotten to know her, Luc realized she was the kind of woman who made a man want to do and be better. She inspired and supported him and loved with all her heart. Hayden was definitely a keeper, and he intended to hold on to her for dear life.

Molding his body against her back, he held her close, listening to her breathe. Nothing felt more right than having her in his arms, and he fully planned to keep it that way.

Chapter Two

“I don’t know what the hell you’re dragging your feet for, girl, but if you don’t marry him, I will.” Julia stuffed a large forkful of salad in her mouth and continued talking. “And furthermore, if you don’t accept his proposal soon, you’ll lose him.”

Hayden sighed, moving her food around on her plate. Her weekly lunch date with her two closest friends Julia and Shayna wasn’t going as she’d wanted it to. She’d hoped they would give her some insight to her dilemma, but instead they were telling her something she’d already figured out for herself. Her girlfriends never minced words, and it didn’t seem like today would be any different.

She’d long since lost her appetite when the conversation turned to her love life. As much as she loved Julia and Shayna, who were more like sisters to her, it was hard to put into words exactly what she was feeling without either of them accusing her of being nuts. “I know. He’s a catch. I should jump at his offer, but we’ve only been dating for four months.”

Shayna pursed her lips, making the dimples deepen in her pretty dark chocolate face. “That’s a bullshit excuse, and you know it. The man has been pursuing you for several months. If you want to be technical, a couple years. Besides you were friendly with each other before you started dating, so how much longer do you need? Luc is not only fine as hell, he’s filthy stinking rich. Hayden, he’s Oprah rich. And he wants to marry you. Girl, if I were you, I would be crying ‘Thank you, Jesus’ over and over again while doing back flips.”

She knew what her friends were like. They held nothing back, and it had always been that way since they’d bonded their freshman year in college. Today however, their advice was doing her no good. In fact it had the opposite effect of what it usually did. She was even more conflicted than before the lunch began.

Hayden, folding her hand beneath her chin for support, released a deep sigh. “You’re right. Luc is perfect, but it’s not because of his wealth, name or even his looks. He’s considerate, protective, generous and everything I could ask for in a man, but…”

“But what, girl?” Julia threw her hands in the air as she rolled her eyes. “You just said the guy is perfect. There shouldn’t be a but.”

Hayden was careful to choose her next words because she was sure no matter how she put it, neither one of her friends would understand. “You’re right, he is great. Right now.”

Julia adjusted her wire-rimmed glasses on her nose and fluffed her bangs. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Hayden nibbled her bottom lip, buying some time as she searched for the correct words. “I felt the same way for Sawyer once. He was thoughtful, attentive and very easy to talk to. He’d call me every night before I went to bed just to wish me sweet dreams. Not to mention, my heart raced when he was near. And you see how that ended; without the courtesy of a phone call. I don’t know if I can go through that again.”

Shayna raised a brow. “Maybe you should have thought about that before you started dating Luc.”

Hayden flinched at her friend’s blunt assessment, which was nowhere near the truth. She’d done nothing but agonize over taking a chance with Luc. But for every reason she’d come up with to turn him down, he’d come back with several reasons why she should go out with him, wearing her resistance down to nothing. “Luc is a hard guy to say no to, and I was attracted to him. He was a balm to my bruised ego. Besides, I was free. Sawyer had already made it clear he wanted nothing further to do with me.” Bitterness welled in her chest, almost making it hard for her to breathe. Hayden switched between bouts of anger and sadness when she thought of her ex.

Shayna’s other brow rose. “Are you saying you were using Luc to get over Sawyer?”

Hayden shook her head. “You know me better than that. Luc was my friend, and my feelings for him grew the more time we spent together. I never expected to fall in love with him after the way Sawyer abandoned me. And it scares the hell out of me.”

“Why?” Julia asked before taking a sip of her sparkling water.

“Because I’m scared of investing myself in another relationship where I’ll end up getting hurt.”

Julia scooted her chair over just enough to slide her arm around Hayden’s shoulder and pull her closer. Concern etched her attractive mocha face, drawing her eyebrows together. “Sounds like you’re already invested, sweetie. Forget about that jerk Sawyer. If he was a real man he would at least have had the decency to end things face to face, instead of disappearing the way he did. Don’t compare a terrific guy like Luc to that jackass.”

Hayden shrugged out of her friend’s embrace, not wanting to be coddled. “I hear what you’re saying, but my brain can’t seem to grasp the concept of how one day things are going great and then boom—it’s over, without the benefit of knowing why. And when—” Hayden broke off, folding her arms across her chest, and stared off into the distance, remembering the last conversation she’d had with Sawyer. He said he’d be back. Liar. She cursed her stupidity for hiring a private detective she could scarcely afford to find him.

Though she and Luc had been on friendly terms when he’d become a huge contributor to the nonprofit she worked for, their friendship had grown by leaps and bounds in that dark period. When Hayden had finally decided she wouldn’t mope anymore over her heartbreak and would move on with her life, she gave in to Luc’s persistence, if for nothing else than a diversion to the lonely nights spent crying in bed.

Luc had been there for her every step of the way, encouraging and making her smile. He’d show up at her house with takeout and her favorite movies on DVDs. They’d stay up hours just talking. And some nights he’d take her out on the town to keep her entertained. He’d become so much more to her than she originally thought upon their first meeting: an uptight businessman who took things way too seriously. Around her he was different, and Hayden had liked what she saw.

What she hadn’t expected was to fall for him just as hard as she had for Sawyer. Sawyer was like her other half, which Hayden had believed she could only feel for one man. She’d never told her friends the real reason why she started dating Luc because she didn’t want them to think she viewed him as second best. That simply wasn’t true, yet there were a lot of unresolved emotions welling through her.

“And when what?” Julia prompted.

Hayden shook her head. “Nothing. I guess what I shared with Sawyer still shadows my life. I try not to let it, but every now and then he still creeps into my thoughts.”

Shayna frowned. “You don’t mean to tell us that you’re still harboring feelings for a man who just up and left without a word?”

Hayden lowered her head, seeing no reason to deny it. “I didn’t say that.”

“Well it’s certainly what you implied.”

Heat surfaced to her cheeks. She felt as if she had been stripped bare and was being examined by a bunch of men in white coats. “Feelings are not like water. You can’t just turn them off at a tap. Don’t get me wrong, I care deeply for Luc.” She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “I love him, but I can’t help that I loved Sawyer too. So I’d think you two would understand my apprehension over accepting Luc’s proposal. Nothing is permanent. That’s a lesson Sawyer taught me.”

“But Sawyer is gone, girl, and you’re going to have to move on.” Shayna reached across the table and placed her hand over Hayden’s. “Look, I know it hurt when you didn’t hear from him and never got your closure, but you have an awesome man who would give you the moon if he could. Do you really want to risk losing him just because you believe yourself to still have feelings for a man who didn’t think enough about you to even tell you it was over?”

In her heart, Hayden realized her friends were only trying to be supportive by steering her toward the path they believed best for her, but she couldn’t shake the memories of the one who got away. Something just didn’t feel right, and she didn’t know if it ever would be again. How was it possible to be deeply in love with one man but still not be over another one? “You’re both right. Maybe I’m just being a big chicken. Luc has been nothing short of wonderful to me, but I can’t shake the feeling that he deserves more than what I can give him.”

Julia sat back and gave Hayden a long hard stare. “What the hell are you talking about? Didn’t you just say you were in love with him?”

“Of course I am, but it doesn’t mean I’m ready to take the next step, at least not until I figure out my feelings for Sawyer. I think if I could just see him one last time I’ll be able to move on. I should hate him for what he’s done, for all the sleepless nights he’s caused. The trust that I once gave freely now has to be earned. He did that to me. But I don’t want to be one of those bitter women who let past relationships rule my life. Luc is great and I love him as much as I did Sawyer, but as crazy as it sounds my feelings for Luc, regardless of how strong they are, don’t ease the ache of Sawyer’s abandonment.”

Shayna squeezed her hand. “That’s just the fear talking. Why don’t you try to find Sawyer? Tell him off one good time and then, you can say, ‘Sayonara, dickhead.’”

Hayden lowered her head in case her expression gave anything away. She should have known her friends would pick up on her hesitancy.

“You’re not telling us something.” Julia surveyed her with dark narrowed eyes, giving Hayden that I-see-right-through-you look.

They’d probably find out eventually. She might as well get the grilling over and done with. “I found him.”

“What?” her friends squawked simultaneously.

“I found him a few months ago. I’d hired a detective—used my savings, actually, to pay for it, but I tracked him down to a house in Connecticut.”

“And?” Shayna prompted.

“His housekeeper said he wasn’t seeing visitors. When I told her to tell him it was me, she wouldn’t budge and slammed the door in my face. I went back later, but she then told me he specifically said I wasn’t allowed in. So there. That’s my answer. And before either one of you start, I didn’t tell you about it because frankly, I didn’t want you to read me the riot act.”

Julia snorted. “Well you’re going to get it. Are you crazy? Chasing after a man who’s made it clear that he no longer wants you?”

Shayna nodded her head in agreement. “I have to co-sign with Julia on that one. Maybe you do think you need closure, but it doesn’t look like you’re going to get it. It’s time for you to move on.”

Hayden knew her friends meant well, but the blood pounded in her ears, and her patience was wearing thin at being told how she should feel. “Did either one of you hear what I just said? I’d love to move on with Luc, but it’s complicated. Do you really think I want to be torn this way? And why is it when my love life is up for discussion, the two of you armchair quarterback on what I should or shouldn’t do, when neither of you are in the position to judge me?” Her voice steadily rose with each word as she tapped her fingertip against the table to emphasize her point. “Especially when both of you go through men like they’re going extinct. Yes, I know it’s over and Sawyer is probably never coming back, and I know what he did was foul. But I don’t want to hear the lectures. I don’t want to hear about what an asshole he is, either. What I need is for my friends to listen and be supportive.”

Shayna’s and Julia’s jaws dropped, both staring at her like she’d grown another head. Hayden couldn’t blame them. Her outburst was uncharacteristic because she hated confrontation and avoided saying things she thought might hurt people’s feelings. And she certainly didn’t make a habit of snapping at people.

Hayden knew she needed to step away from the situation before she said anything else she couldn’t take back. She pushed her chair back and stood abruptly, grabbing her purse. “Excuse me. I need to go to the ladies’ room.”

Hayden hurried to the bathroom to put some distance between her and her friends. Needing some privacy, she entered a bathroom stall, closed the door and perched herself on the edge of the toilet seat.

Shit. Her friends probably thought she was a first-class bitch after the way she’d gone off on them. Hayden felt bad she’d gotten personal about their dating habits—something completely uncalled for.

What bothered her most about her relationship situation was not being able to know for certain how she felt for someone who was no longer in her life. She hated the idea of being one of those wishy-washy women who didn’t know her own mind. Hayden’s mom had raised her to be strong, independent and confident in the decisions she made in life. Yet this dilemma wasn’t one she could fix so easily.

There were only two routes she could take. The first option was to break things off with Luc. It would be the fair thing to do. The second was to stay with him and resolve to forget all about Sawyer. Besides, she loved Luc and ached at the thought of losing him, as well.

Digging in her purse, she pulled out a black velvet Harry Winston ring box and opened it. Inside was a five-carat canary yellow diamond engagement ring surrounded by white baguettes that probably equaled another two carats. Though Luc had given it to her a couple weeks ago, she still refused to wear it until she could give him an answer. Hayden hadn’t wanted to keep it, but Luc insisted she did until she came to a decision. It would be so easy to slide that ring on her finger, but the anxiety would return, twisting her stomach in knots, holding her back. With another sigh, she snapped the box shut and slipped it back into her purse. When he flew home from Paris was when she’d give him an answer, either yes or no. He deserved that at least.

She extracted her glucose meter from her purse and quickly pricked her finger. After placing a drop of blood on the tester strip, she placed it in the meter and waited a few seconds for her results. She caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Her blood sugar was low, a sign that she needed to eat more carbs. From the time she was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of four, she’d been very diligent about her health, taking insulin shots three times a day. She’d managed to stay in good health but had a tendency toward hypoglycemia causing her blood sugar to dip dangerously low. She’d do better, she promised herself.

Hayden took a few more moments of quiet reflection before heading out the stall and stopping in front of a mirror to repair her makeup. Shayna and Julia were whispering to each other by the time she returned to the table.

Shayna offered her a hesitant smile. “You okay?”

Hayden nodded as she took her seat. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up like that. And I had no right to attack you two the way I did.”

Julia waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Don’t worry about it, girl. Sometimes we can be a couple of nosy bitches.”

Shayna sucked her teeth. “Speak for yourself.”

Julia rolled her eyes. “Anyway. It wasn’t our place to tell you what you should do with your life, and we certainly had no right to tell you how you should feel. And you’re right, sometimes we say more than we should instead of just listening. You gotta admit though, your love life is pretty damn exciting. It’s better than a soap opera.”

Hayden shook her head with a laugh. “Believe me, I can do without the drama. I’ll take boring any day over this.”

Julia reached over to pat Hayden’s hand. “Understandable. I don’t know about the brat over here,” she jerked her thumb in Shayna’s direction, “but truth is, I’m a bit jealous.”

Hayden blinked, surprised at her friend’s statement. Both her friends were attractive, successful and never lacked male companionship. Before either Sawyer or Luc had come into her life, they’d teased her for being such a homebody. “Really? Jealous? Of what?”

“Why wouldn’t we be? Even though he’s a dickhead for what he did to you, Sawyer Underwood was one fine piece of ass. And, girl, if he hadn’t been yours, I would have screwed him until his dick fell off. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm.”

Shayna made a gagging sound. “Julia, must you be so graphic?”

“I only speak the truth. Besides being sexy as hell, he wasn’t exactly in the poor house either. But then after he pulls his disappearing act. Bam! You land another ultra-hottie like Luc. Of course any red-blooded woman would be a bit envious. I don’t know how you’re feeling and I won’t pretend to, but whatever your decision, I have your back.” Julia took one of Hayden’s hands in hers.

Shayna took the other. “Me too, sweetie.”

Hayden appreciated having the two of them in her corner. Perhaps getting her feelings out in the open was her first step toward healing. There were so many things she’d kept bottled up inside for so long. Things she’d lied to herself about but no more. From now on she intended to live her life for today and not dwell on past hurts. She owed it to herself—and Luc.

Chapter Three

Sawyer sat in his vehicle after pulling up in front of Hayden’s house, gripping the steering wheel of his SUV so tightly his knuckles went white. His body shook, and nerves hit him with the likes of nothing he’d ever experienced before. He knew suffering and pain—had been through hell and back—yet nothing frightened him more than the moment he’d prepared himself for, for the past several weeks.

Reclaiming his woman.

Her car was parked in her space in front of her townhouse, which meant she was home, yet he couldn’t find it in him to get out of his vehicle and walk to her door. What could he say to make things right? He couldn’t fool himself into believing she’d simply fall into his arms just because he wanted her to. Too much time had passed—so much hurt and pain suffered. And that was only on his side. Knowing how sensitive Hayden was, he knew her hurt was tenfold. That he’d caused her heartache flayed at his soul.

Hell, had the roles been reversed, he too might have had trouble welcoming her back with open arms. But he needed to hold on to the belief that they belonged together.

Closing his eyes, he leaned against the leather interior of his front seat and let his mind drift back to their first encounter, nearly two years ago. It had been at one of the charity functions his business liaison had roped him into attending—said it would be good for the company’s image.

Sawyer didn’t consider himself to be like the majority of people attending these types of events, who needed to make a big show about donating. He preferred to give in private, like providing books and computers for schools in the inner cities, sending underprivileged kids to camp and making sure the local food banks were supplied with whatever they needed. He hated attending these phony functions because they were full of fakes who pretended to care and only gave just enough to not make themselves look cheap.

At the event, he was on his third glass of champagne and sorely wished he was home watching the Wizards game. Paige, his date, was making one catty comment after the next, tempting him to give her cab fare and telling her to get lost. The only reason he’d asked her out in the first place was because it amused him to be seen with one of the women who wouldn’t have given him the time of day when he was growing up. But Paige McKellar of the D.C. McKellars didn’t have a pot to piss in and could no longer afford to turn her nose up at him. Her family’s name still sort of meant something in this city, which got them into events hosted by the D.C. elite. It was no secret, however, that she was looking for a rich husband to provide the lifestyle she’d grown up in. Unfortunately for Paige, her father had made several bad investments that had the McKellars living in genteel poverty.

Paige flipped a lock of auburn hair over her shoulder and tilted her nose in the air as if she smelled something bad. “Hmph. It looks like they let anyone in these functions nowadays. Uh, look at that dress. It was so two seasons ago. Those shoes are obvious knockoffs and her hair…hmm, but perhaps she is the charity. Goodness knows her people are always asking for handouts.” The redhead shuddered, as if the sight of this woman was an assault to her senses.

It was on the tip of Sawyer’s tongue to tell her to shut the hell up until he caught sight of the object of Paige’s derision. His champagne glass was halfway to his mouth, but he paused as his breath caught in his throat. His heart began to pound a tattoo within his chest.

Stunning.

There was absolutely no other way to describe the woman. If she wasn’t wearing the latest designer gear and her shoes were cheap as Paige had gone out of her way to point out, he didn’t notice. A woman like her didn’t need it. She wasn’t drenched in flashy jewelry like a lot of the women in attendance. Sawyer found the ostentatious displays tacky considering the type of event this was. The mystery woman shined brighter than any of the rich matrons around her, however.

She stood head and shoulders above the rest as far as beauty. An asymmetrical off-the-shoulder peach gown showed off a wealth of flawless dark brown skin while skimming lush curves. There was nothing indecent about the dress itself, but she had a body made for sinning. No amount of clothing could hide those full round breasts, a derriere he’d only seen on video vixens and a tiny waist he could probably span with his hands. She had the perfect hourglass figure.

Her hair, which appeared to be in several small locs, was pinned up in a loose bun, revealing a long, swanlike neck. As perfect as her body was, her face was quite lovely, as well. She had an untouched beauty that wasn’t overdone by too much makeup and artifice. Her nose was wide yet feminine, which suited her heart-shaped face. She possessed large dark eyes framed by lashes that seemed to go on for days, full shapely lips, and the most adorable dimple in her left cheek he’d ever seen.

She wore only gloss and eyeshadow, but that was all she needed. Her face was already stunning, but when she smiled, not a single woman in the room could touch her. It made him want to claim her for his very own. This woman was a true goddess. And he decided right then and there he wouldn’t leave tonight without finding out who she was.

Sawyer now knew the cause of Paige’s malicious comments. She was jealous of this woman, and who wouldn’t be?

The mystery lady’s face was animated as she spoke to her companion. Who was he to her? A friend or a lover? The very thought of it sent an emotion akin to jealousy coursing through him. Sawyer couldn’t tear his gaze away from her if he wanted to. And the more he watched her, the more he hated the man she spoke to. He didn’t recognize the guy, but he’d find out soon enough who he was.

“Sawyer, are you listening to me? I’m getting quite annoyed that you’re ignoring me.” Paige tugged his jacket sleeve, bringing his attention back to her.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”

She pouted, giving her the appearance of a spoiled child rather than the sexy effect she was probably going for. “You’re not paying any attention to me. Why are you staring at that woman over there? I didn’t realize you liked that type.”

Sawyer raised a brow. “And what type might that be?”

“You know.”

“Actually I don’t. How about you spell it out for me?” He took a sip of his champagne and watched her through narrowed eyes.

Paige went bright red, but she lifted her chin defiantly. “You know very well what I mean.”

“Black women? Is that what you’re trying to say?”

Paige lowered her gaze. “I’m not having this discussion with you. And if you continue with this vulgar line of conversation, I’m going to have to leave.”

Sawyer smirked. She was so typical of the rich people he’d gone to school with. Making little digs was okay at other people’s expense as long as they weren’t called on it. “You were the one who brought her to my notice in the first place, but since you find this line of conversation so distasteful, I’m not stopping you from leaving. As a matter of fact…” He dug into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He extracted a hundred-dollar bill and handed it to her. “I’m sure this will be enough cab fare to get you home.”

Page looked down at the money as if she’d never seen anything like it before. Her mouth gaped open. “You’re joking right?”

“I’ve never been more serious in my life. I’d hate to think I’m keeping you here if you don’t want to be.”

“B-but I didn’t mean it literally. As your date, the least you could do is extend me the courtesy of your attention instead of giving it to some random black woman.”

He flared his nostrils in distaste. Sawyer wasn’t the most politically correct guy himself, but bigotry was not something he tolerated. “Careful, dear, your inner racist is showing.”

Paige crossed her arms over her narrow chest, indignation marring her face. “I’ll have you know that I attended an Obama fundraiser.”

Sawyer barely managed not to roll his eyes. “Well, that certainly proves you’re not a bigot.” He didn’t have the patience or the inclination for this back and forth with her. The sooner he got her out of his hair, the faster he could find out who the mysterious beauty was. Fishing through his wallet, he yanked out another large bill and handed it to her. “Do us both a favor and get lost.”

Her eyes narrowed to blue slits of ice. “You son of a bitch. My father was right. But I suppose that’s what I get for slumming. You can take the boy out of the trailer park, but you can’t take the trailer park out of the boy.”

A smile of pure amusement tugged the corners of his lips. “Oh, so that’s why you had your hands down my pants on the way here? Enlightening.”

“Vulgar,” she muttered before storming off in a huff, her façade of sophisticated socialite slipping.

As vulgar as she claimed him to be, she obviously had no problem taking his money. But as soon as Paige was out of his line of vision, he scanned the room for the object of his curiosity. She’d moved from the spot where he’d last seen her standing. Scanning the room to see where she had gotten to, he finally located her in the middle of a chat with Lucien Montgomery.

Sawyer would be damned if he allowed that son of a bitch to get a leg up on him with this woman. He was probably only interested in a fling anyway. People like Lucien didn’t mingle with the lower order unless they could get something from them, a lesson he was fully aware of.

As a waiter walked past him, he placed his nearly empty champagne glass on the platter and headed toward the couple chatting rather intimately at the moment. Sidling up to them, he gave his rival only the briefest of nods, not caring if he barely escaped being rude, and turned his attention on his prey.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, but the lady and I have some unfinished business to take care of, so if you’ll excuse us, Montgomery.” Without waiting for a reply from either, he gently grasped her elbow and led her away. He didn’t bother looking back at Montgomery, nor did he care to see the other man’s reaction.

She attempted to pull away after a few steps, seeming to get over her surprise. “What’s going on? We have no unfinished business.”

Sawyer chuckled. “Of course we do.”

She opened her mouth but nothing came out, as if she was at a loss for words. Sawyer took advantage of her bemusement, propelling her out of the ballroom away from the rest of the party attendees. If he had his way, he would have kept going until they were outside, in his car and continuing on to her place where he could slowly peel her out of that dress clinging so enticingly to her body. But she stopped abruptly.

“Wait a minute.” She snatched her arm out of his grasp and raised one perfect, arched brow. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

He grinned. “Using the direct approach. Is it working?”

She furrowed her brows in apparent confusion. “This must be some mistake. I don’t know you.”

Sawyer’s gaze locked on to her lips—those full, kissable-looking lips he was dying to taste. Fuck, how would he get through the rest of the night without keeping his hands to himself? “There was no mistake. You’re exactly the woman I’ve been looking for. And as far as not knowing me, that’s easily rectified. Sawyer Underwood.” He held out his hand. “And you are?”

She took a step back as her tongue darted out to lick her lips, a move that made his cock stir. “Hayden Sinclair.” After staring at the offered hand for several seconds, she hesitantly placed her hand in his.

His fingers encircled hers, and a jolt akin to an electric shockwave shot through his entire body.

Hayden gasped, looking down at their connected hands before snatching hers away. Slowly she backed away.

“Don’t go. You felt it too, didn’t you?”

She looked around as if staking out an escape route. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, I think you do. When I first laid eyes on you, I realized you were someone I needed to know. Have dinner with me.”

Hayden nibbled on her bottom lip for a second before nodding. “When?”

“Tomorrow night, if you’re free.”

“I don’t have any plans.”

Sawyer smiled. It was refreshing to meet a woman who didn’t play games. He whipped out his BlackBerry. “Your number?”

She rattled it off before letting out a nervous laugh. “This is crazy.”

“It would have been even crazier had I let you walk away without finding out your name. Who was that gentleman I saw you talking to earlier?”

Her frown returned. “What gentleman?”

“Grayish hair, medium height.”

“Oh, that was Mr. Gundersen. He and his wife are big contributors in our organization. He has a son with special needs, and it’s a cause near and dear to his heart.”

“And Montgomery? How do you know him?”

She took a step back and gave him a narrow-eyed stare. “You’re sure asking a lot of questions, considering we’ve just met.”

Sawyer laughed, realizing he was probably coming off as a major stalker. “I’m sorry. I just want to see what I’m up against. You can’t blame a guy.”

Hayden relaxed her stance, and the smile and cute dimple returned to her face. “I wouldn’t have accepted a date with you if I weren’t single. And not that it’s any of your business, but Mr. Montgomery and I were discussing him contributing to the organization I work for.”

Sawyer wasn’t fooled into thinking that Hayden’s pretty face and body had nothing to do with Montgomery’s interest in donating to her cause, but he decided to keep his comment to himself. “I’m sorry about that. I can be a bit pushy at times.”

She laughed. “I’ve noticed. Be happy you’re cute, or else you would have gotten a face full of pepper spray.”

Sawyer found himself grinning from ear to ear. “So you think I’m cute, huh?”

Hayden giggled. “Don’t press your luck, buddy. Look, I have to make a presentation in about ten minutes, and then I plan on leaving. This really isn’t my scene, but I have to do it for my job. My boss was supposed to be here, but she’s come down with the flu.”

“What type of presentation?”

“I work for a non-profit that assists the mentally and physically challenged. We supply funding and aid to find housing for people with disabilities. Our organization also sets them up with programs that will teach them a skill to earn a living and live independently. It keeps a good number of people out of shelters and off the streets. And a lot of times, it gives people a sense of pride to be able to contribute to society. Unfortunately, because of their conditions, it’s sometimes easy for other people to write them off, but all they really want is to be given a chance.” As she talked, her eyes lit up and her face grew animated with enthusiasm, showing Sawyer that this simply wasn’t just a job to her, but her passion. It was refreshing to meet someone who wasn’t all lip service.

“I never realized there were non-profits for this kind of thing.”

“Yes, there are quite a few out there in other cities as well. And in time we’ll expand, but for now we do the best we can. The best part about the job is seeing how happy the participants in the program are. There’s this guy, John, who has Down Syndrome and lives with his sick mother. We found him a job working in a mail room for a law firm. He takes so much pride in his work, and he’s so effusive in his thanks to the program because now he can help his mother with the bills and can buy her gifts. He’s such a sweetheart, and I—” She broke off with a laugh. “I’m sorry. I get a little carried away when I talk about my job. My friends look at me like some kind of weirdo when I do.”

The more Hayden talked, the more Sawyer liked her. “I don’t mind at all. In fact, you’ve piqued my interest. It sounds like a noble cause. I’d love to help out. How can I make a contribution to your company?”

Her smile widened, showing off that adorable dimple. “That would be mighty generous of you. I mention how people can donate during my presentation.”

“Sounds good. Is there anything else you need to do after this?”

“No. After my little speech, I’m outta here.”

“How about coffee?”

Her dark eyes twinkled with amusement. “You’re persistent, aren’t you?”

Sawyer shrugged. “When I see something or someone I want, I go after it.”

Hayden gave him a half grin before turning around and heading back to the ballroom. She hadn’t answered him about the coffee, but that was okay. He wasn’t going anywhere. And he didn’t. He watched, enraptured, as she spoke. She was so regal standing on the podium, speaking with energy and heart to the audience as she had earlier with him. She didn’t read from index cards or off a teleprompter. It didn’t feel like a speech at all, but as if she was talking with friends. Sawyer noticed he wasn’t the only one intrigued by her easygoing style of relaying information. Every now and then she’d smile, and her eyes would soften as she spoke of the people her non-profit helped, leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind of her sincerity.

Sawyer had been at a handful of these functions before, but he couldn’t remember a time when a speaker had held his attention the way Hayden did. By the time she finished, Sawyer had to weave his way through several people interested in talking to her. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Montgomery making his way toward Hayden. Sawyer was too determined to let her slip from his grasp and quickly led her off, this time without protest.

They did have that coffee and dinner the next night. In those two dates he learned everything he needed to know about her. Besides being beautiful on the outside, she was on the inside, as well. She was one of those people who truly cared about others, as demonstrated when she spoke of her job so passionately, her volunteer work and her mother. By the third date he knew he was in love. After dating for nearly a year he’d planned to propose, but then fate bitch-slapped him upside the head.

After this grueling year, he thought he could do the noble thing and let her go, hoping she could move on and find love again. But he couldn’t do it. She was his, and he had every intention of fighting for her.

With renewed determination, Sawyer got out of his car and walked to her door. His leg ached a bit, as it normally did when he overtaxed himself.

He rapped on the door, ignoring the doorbell. After a few moments with no answer, he raised his fist to knock again when the door was yanked open.

Hayden’s mouth fell open and her eyes widened. Color drained from her face, leaving her chocolate-tinged skin ashen. “What are you doing here? What do you want?”

“You.”

Chapter Four

This was her nightmare come true. After all this time, what the hell was he doing here? Her mouth formed words, but nothing came out. She couldn’t move and the longer she stared, she came to the realization this wasn’t a dream.

He raised a russet brow. “Are we just going to stand here, or am I allowed in?”

Again the words stuck in her throat. Finally after staring at him for several more moments to discern whether she should slam the door in his face or not, Hayden stepped back, giving him a wide berth to enter. When Sawyer walked past her, however, he brushed against her.

Whether he’d done it on purpose she couldn’t be sure, but Hayden sure as hell didn’t appreciate being touched by him as if he had the right. He’d lost that privilege when he left without a word of explanation.

Closing the door, she took a few seconds to gather her composure. For the past year she thought about what this moment would be like and what she’d say to Sawyer. Now that her thoughts were a reality, she had nothing. She wanted to be angry, rage at him for the hurt he’d caused, for the tears she’d shed. But all she felt was numb.

Hayden silently led him to the living room, her arms wrapped tightly around her body. “Have a seat.” She plopped on the recliner, not waiting for him to sit.

Sawyer took a seat at the far corner of the sofa closest to her. Those dark green eyes she’d once spent hours getting lost in stared at her intently, making Hayden squirm. “You’re as beautiful as I remember.”

The nerve! Did he think he could come back in her life, compliment her and think all would be forgiven? She narrowed her gaze just enough to let him know she wasn’t interested in his pretty words.

He raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m sure you’re probably wondering why I’m here.”

She folded her hands in her lap and clenched them tight. “The thought did cross my mind. But let’s get something straight here: I only let you in because I’m owed an explanation. Once I get it, leave.” Hayden wanted to scream and rage at him for the way he’d callously discarded her, but she was completely numb as she tried to figure whether he really sat before her. Words cleaved on her tongue but nothing came out, and her gut twisted with so many emotions whirling through her body. The carefully rehearsed speech she’d reserved in her head over these past several weeks wouldn’t come.

He reached over, almost if he was attempting to offer some sort of comfort, but Hayden flinched away. Sawyer dropped his hand with a sigh. “I’m not really sure where to begin.”

“The beginning is always a good start, like how you told me you had to take care of an emergency and never returned.”

“You have every right to be angry with me.”

Hayden narrowed her eyes. “Ya think? Gee, how gracious of you.”

Sawyer clenched his fists at his sides in frustration. “You’re not making this any easier for me, Hayden.”

“What did you expect? That I’d jump for joy at your return, and all would be forgiven?”

“You’re right. I thought—well I guess it doesn’t matter what I thought.” He seemed so uncertain, a bit awkward even—a far cry from the self-assured man she remembered him to be. What had happened this past year to change that? He was still as gorgeous as she remembered, still tall and broad-shouldered with the rugged good looks that could have graced the cover of GQ. Yet there was something different about him. On the surface not much had changed, but upon closer inspection, there were new lines around his eyes and mouth. They bespoke of hardship of some sort. Sadness lurked in his gaze that had never been there when the two of them were together. Something was definitely off, but Hayden didn’t want to voice her observation, lest she showed him she actually cared. He didn’t deserve her concern, not after what he’d done.

As the silence stretched between them, her impatience grew. She threw her hand up, gesturing him to get on with it. “Well?”

“I’ve missed you.”

A jolt went through her at his soft whisper. What the hell was wrong with her? She wasn’t supposed to still melt at the sound of his voice. Unable to hold his gaze any longer, Hayden turned her head away. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what? Say what’s in my heart? I’ve rehearsed what I’d say to you a thousand times and I sat outside for almost an hour wondering if I even had the right to walk up to your door. But I realized that you deserve to be told what happened.”

Anger boiled over. She turned her head to glare at him. “What I deserved was for you to not take off without a word. I deserved to not be turned away when I went to see you, because no way did I think the man I loved, the man who professed to love me, would treat me the way you did. Was I just someone to amuse yourself with? Did you have a good laugh behind my back all this time when you were away?” By the time she’d finished, tears ran freely down her face. All the hurt of the past year came pouring out, and she couldn’t stop it. Hayden thought she was past this, but apparently not.

“Oh, baby. Please don’t do that. I can endure almost anything, but I can’t stand to see you cry.”

Before she even saw him move, he stood up, and she was yanked from her chair into his arms. She pushed at his chest, resisting his embrace, but he held on. The suffering she’d endured was back with a vengeance, and the cause of it had the nerve to touch her.

Hayden pounded her fist against his chest and then again. She pummeled him, all while releasing body-shaking sobs. Sawyer, to his credit, simply took it while still holding on. The fight slowly drained out of her. She tilted her head to look him in the face. “Please let me go.”

He pulled her closer, rocking her back and forth. Grabbing a fistful of Sawyer’s shirt in each hand, she pressed her head against his chest as she sobbed out her anguish. This bastard wasn’t worth her tears, yet she couldn’t stop crying.

Sawyer stroked the back of her head. “Baby, I’m so sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing by staying away, and I all did was make an even bigger mess.”

Sniffing, she raised her head. “How in the world could you possibly think it was a good thing leaving me and not saying why? Do you have any idea what was going through my mind? I didn’t know if you were dead or alive. I remembered your sister lives in Connecticut, but I had no idea where. So I hired a PI and discovered that not only were you alive and kicking, but you didn’t want to see me. You turned me away like an unwanted door-to-door salesman. There’s absolutely nothing you can say that can justify what you did.” Finding the strength she didn’t have earlier, Hayden managed to pull herself out of his arms and turn her back to him. Taking a deep breath, she injected as much calm into her voice as she could muster, not wanting him to see the turmoil within. “Look, it’s all water under the bridge. A lot has happened since you left and you don’t need to explain anything to me.”

Strong hands gripped her shoulders and forcefully turned her back around. “Yes I do! I can’t walk out the door without telling you there wasn’t a day I didn’t think of you while we’ve been apart.”

She snorted. “Could have fooled me.”

“Listen to me.”

Pursing her lips, she contemplated digging her heels in, but part of her wanted to hear what he had to say if for nothing else than to be able to finally move on. “Fine. Say what you have to say and afterwards, leave.”

“Okay. Maybe we should sit back down. My leg aches from time to time if I push myself too hard.”

A frown pulled down the corners of her mouth. “Your leg? What’s the matter with it?”

He gestured to the couch. “Do you mind?”

She shook her head. They resumed their seats, Hayden on the recliner and Sawyer on the end of the couch. He stretched out his long limbs. “Ah, that’s better.”

“What happened, Sawyer?”

He grimaced. “The muscles knot up from time to time, but gets better when I rest it for a bit. It kind of ties in to what I wanted to tell you. Do you remember when I told you I had to leave town to take care of an emergency?”

Hayden nodded. They were supposed to go out for dinner that night, but he’d called. He’d seemed distracted on the phone so she hadn’t pressed, assuming he’d fill her in when he could. Sawyer had assured her he’d be back by the end of the week. It was the last time she’d heard from him. “Yes, I remember.”

“My emergency was a family issue, which I had every intention of telling you about when everything was taken care of. Emily had called in tears. She was frantic. Apparently Jessica had left her for two days straight without so much as a phone call. I had to go to her.”

“I see.” Sawyer took his responsibility as big brother seriously; it was one of the things she’d admired about him.

“Mind you, I’d had a series of meetings that day and didn’t leave the office until six, so it was close to midnight by the time I even got to New York. I was tired and close to falling asleep behind the wheel, so I pulled off on the nearest exit to get some coffee. Apparently I wasn’t the only one tired that night. I might have taken my eyes off the road for a second to read the sign that pointed to the nearest convenience store. It was in that second I got hit by an oncoming vehicle. The impact sent my car swerving off the road and over the guardrail.”

A gasp escaped her lips, and her hands flew to her mouth. Hayden’s heart plummeted to her feet as she visualized the scene in her mind. A wave of horror and concern roiled through her stomach, making her shake. “Oh my God, Sawyer. How badly were you hurt?”

His lips twisted in a sardonic curl. “You can say it took a year from my life. The accident left me with a broken arm, a few busted ribs, and my left leg was shattered. I was in a coma for a week and when I woke, I didn’t even know who I was.” He lifted the hair that was artfully styled to reveal a long white scar across the top of his forehead. “I got this little souvenir when they had to do emergency surgery to relieve the swelling on my brain.” He yanked up his left pant leg to the knee to reveal a series of red angry gashes and deep scars. “This is from the accident and several surgeries to reconstruct the bones. I have metal rods in my leg now. Guess I’ll never get through airport security again without some effort.” He laughed without humor.

Hayden wanted to be sick, but not from disgust of the scars. The feeling stemmed from learning what he’d suffered through. It put a new twist on things she hadn’t expected. All the hate and anger she’d used to wrap around herself like a shield slowly ebbed away. She nearly reached over to touch him but stopped herself. She clasped her hands tightly on her lap. “Why, Sawyer? Why didn’t you tell me?”

He winced at seeing her pull away from him. “Like I said, when I woke, I didn’t know who I was for a couple months. My sister would visit me, but I didn’t recognize her. The doctors said something about the head trauma being the cause. My memory returned one morning, just like that. It wasn’t a dramatic event like television movies of the week would have you believe. And you know what my first thought was of?”

She shook her head wordlessly, her heart beating hard within her chest at the implication of his words. All this time, when she’d been convinced that he’d wronged her, he was suffering too?

“You. I thought of you. I wanted to call you, but the doctors didn’t hold out much hope that I’d be as mobile as I once was even with surgery and rehab. All I could think about was how I left you as an able-bodied man and then coming back to you as half a one. I couldn’t do that to you.”

She ached for him, but it didn’t excuse how he’d left her to wonder about what happened to him all that time. “Don’t you think that choice was mine to make?”

“And I knew you’d probably stand by me, but I believed you deserved so much better than I could give you at that point. And the accident had left me so damned depressed. I was moody and snapping at everyone. I wasn’t myself. My business partner, Jared, was ready to body-slam me. I even had Emily in tears a few times.”

“You still should have told me. I had a right to know.” She pounded her fingertip into her palm to emphasize her words.

Sawyer nodded. “I know that now. I faced the prospect of never walking again without aid. There had been talk in the beginning of actually amputating my leg because of the extensive damage. I was a mess. I figured I was doing you a favor by staying away.”

She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “What changed your mind? I mean, why did you decide to come now if that was your thought process?”

“Again the answer is you. It was when you came to visit and I had the housekeeper turn you away. Mrs. Weathers was really put out that she had to send you away. Told me I ought to be ashamed of myself and that there were tears in your eyes. I realized then what a bonehead I was being. The last thing I’ve ever wanted to do was cause you to cry or hurt you. Even though I believed I had your best interests at heart, I was being a selfish bastard. I should have told you what happened.”

Hayden swiped a tear as the heavy burden of sadness weighed down on her for everything she and Sawyer had shared. A deep hurt tore at her chest, almost making it impossible for her to breathe. If only he would have told her, she would have helped him heal, stood by his side when he’d needed her. But she was in love with another man now and wouldn’t turn her back on him just because Sawyer decided he was ready to tell his story. Too little, too late. “Yes you should have.”

“I know, baby. And it was that realization that made me fight to get back to where I am now. I worked harder during rehab, pushing myself until I almost undid all the progress accomplished. I fought and clawed to get back to the same physical condition I was in before the accident. There may still be days when I’m reminded I’m still mortal, like today,” he said, patting his leg, “but my injury doesn’t bother me most of the time. I can still do everything I did before. My goal was to be the man you deserved.”

Hayden stood, unable to take another moment of this. Why now, when she had finally moved on? “You’ve got to know we can never go back to the way we were. I’m…I didn’t know what to think when you disappeared. I waited months, and I never heard from you. And now, I’m with someone else.” The words sounded rushed, even to her, but she couldn’t allow him to think she was still free. She’d made a commitment to Luc—had declared her love for him and meant it. Yet now Sawyer was here to blow up the life she’d managed to piece back together after he’d already destroyed it by making the decision to stay away.

Sawyer pushed himself up and walked to where she stood, his mouth tightened in a thin white line of determination. “How long have you been with this man?”

She wrapped her arms around herself as she nibbled her bottom lip. Once she told him who she was with, he’d flip. There was no love lost between Sawyer and Luc. But why that bothered her Hayden couldn’t quite pinpoint. “A few months, officially. But I’ve known him for a while.”

He inched closer, crowding her space. Hayden would have moved away if she didn’t think he’d follow her. “And how do you feel about him?”

She lowered her lashes, avoiding eye contact. “I…I’m in love with him.”

“You loved me too. At least you did before I left. Did I kill that love?”

Hayden shook her head wildly, still refusing to meet his gaze. Her mind was muddled with confusion from him being so close to her and reminding her of the love she’d felt for him. “Please don’t. I can’t deal with this right now.”

“Can’t deal with the fact that you still have feelings for me? Don’t bother denying it. You have an expressive face.”

Hayden brought her head up, her eyes narrowed. She stepped closer and stood on the top of her toes until they were nearly nose to nose as she poked her finger into his chest. “You can’t just come in here after all this time and expect things to be the same as they were. I’m sorry that you’ve suffered. I really am, but the fact remains you chose to stay away because you didn’t trust in my love. If you had, you would have told me when you could instead of leaving me to wonder what I’d done for you to treat me like shit. I should have been there for you, but you shut me out.”

He reached for her, but Hayden flinched away. “I know, baby. I messed up. If I could I’d change it all, but I’m here now, and I’d hoped—”

“That once I knew the truth it would fix everything?”

“I was hoping.”

She shook her head. “Sawyer…I told you. I’m with someone else now. I can’t hurt him.”

“But you’ll hurt me instead?”

Hayden cocked her brows in amazement at his gall. “Are you kidding me? You were the one who left me. I didn’t date for months.”

“If you haven’t been with this new guy for long, how can you profess to love him the way you loved me?”

Again she poked him in the chest, annoyed and hurt that he’d question her feelings. “You’ve got a lot of nerve, Sawyer. I loved you. Cried over you and made myself sick with worry, thinking about you. How dare you stand there and question what I felt? How long did you expect me to wait around for you? I’m entitled to a life too. I never set out to fall for anyone else, nor will I apologize for it.”

“But apparently you did. I just can’t accept it after what we shared. Do you remember our first real date? Not the one where we went out for coffee at the charity function or meeting at the diner but—”

Hayden rolled her eyes and cut him off, finishing what he’d started. “When you came to my door with a bouquet of flowers and a huge box of chocolates? Yes, I remember. Why bring that up now?” She finished as emotionlessly as she could.

Sawyer opened his mouth then closed it, seeming at a loss for words. A pregnant pause fell between them before he continued. “Because every memory we made was precious to me. I didn’t know you were a diabetic, and I thought I’d ruined my shot with you, but you were so nice about it. But the date got worse, didn’t it?”

Hayden stared at him unmoving, almost hating him again for dredging things up that should stay buried. Nonetheless the memory of their first date crept into her mind. Sawyer had apologized profusely for the remainder of their date, an outdoor concert on the mall. Unfortunately torrential rains had broken out on what was supposed to be a sunny day, soaking them to the bone and abruptly ending the event and ruining the picnic lunch he’d packed.

Hayden could tell Sawyer was annoyed at how bad things had gone, but he still managed to keep her laughing. They had a good time, going back to her place where they’d spent hours talking. With every hour that passed between them that night, Hayden had fallen a little more in love with him. “This isn’t fair and you know it, Sawyer.”

He continued on as if she hadn’t spoken. “Everything seemed to go wrong that day, but we still had a good time, didn’t we?”

Hayden flared her nostrils. “Don’t make me hate you, Sawyer.”

“You might not admit it, but we did. It was how our relationship was, Hayden, no matter what we did. Or when things didn’t go as planned it didn’t matter. Because we had each other.” He reached out for her, but she took a step back.

She held up her hands. “Don’t touch me.”

Sawyer began to pace, digging his fingers through his hair, his agitation evident. “I did a fucked-up thing, but what got me through my rehabilitation was knowing the two of us were meant to be together. I thought about your smile and how you seemed to appreciate the little things more than the expensive presents. I loved the way your face lit up whenever you looked my way. You didn’t care about my background or think less of me because of it. And when we made love, every time was like the first time. So I refuse to believe you can feel half as much for anyone as you did for me.”

Hayden’s heart squeezed in her chest—memories hit her at every angle. She didn’t want to go down this avenue with him again after she’d finally picked up the pieces of her life. “You have no right to come here and make me out to be the bad guy because I moved on.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do, but I won’t sit back idly while you go on about some other guy when I know the two of us belong together. Who is he?”

Hayden crossed her arms over her chest. “Who I date is none of your concern.”

“Who is he?” he demanded through clenched teeth.

She raised her chin defiantly. “Luc.”

Sawyer stiffened as his brows flew together. “What did you say?”

She licked her lips. “I said—” she spoke a little more firmly, “—that I’m with Luc.”

“Montgomery?”

“Yes.”

She’d never actually seen the color drain from someone’s face until now. Sawyer went ghost-white. He stared at her as if she had grown a second head. “Lucien Montgomery-Lambert the Third?”

“Yes.”

As his face regained color it turned a deep shade of red like steam would come out of his ears. “Funny the two of you would end up together when I told you he wanted to get in your pants, yet you always insisted he was just a friend.”

She refused to be lectured by him. She’d done nothing wrong and wouldn’t be made to feel as if she did. Hayden pursed her lips. “He was. And now he’s more. Not that I owe you an explanation. You and I are no longer together.”

“So he finally got you,” he said, more to himself than to her. “You know, Hayden, you never did answer my question.”

She sighed with weariness. “And what question is that?”

“Did you stop loving me?”

“You were gone for a year. Was I supposed to pine over you for the rest of my life?”

A smirk curved his lips as he took a step closer.

Hayden took a step back but found herself trapped between Sawyer’s body and the coffee table. She ignored the seductive masculinity of his scent and how his being so close to her affected her equilibrium. “Look, Sawyer, you said what you needed to, and it’s time for you to go.”

“It was a yes or no question. All you had to say was that you stopped loving me.”

She turned her back on him, unable to look at him anymore and not remember the way he used to hold and kiss her—how they used to laugh and the way they were before he hurt her. “You’re making this harder on yourself, Sawyer. I love Luc, and there’s no place for you in my life.”

Sawyer grabbed her shoulders and turned her around to face him again. “I can’t accept it—won’t accept it, until you tell me you don’t love me anymore.”

Hayden shook her head, unable to get the words out.

He tightened his grip on her shoulders and brought her against the hard wall of his chest.

“No! I don’t love you anymore,” she yelled at the top of her lungs, hoping he believed her even though she herself was uncertain.

He gripped a handful of her hair to hold her head still. “Yes you do.” It wasn’t so much a kiss as it was a claiming of sorts. The once gentle lover she knew was gone, and in his place was a man determined to have what he wanted. Her.

Hayden balled her fists and beat at his chest, yet Sawyer absorbed every blow. If she hurt him, he didn’t indicate with even a flinch. Instead he gripped her hair tighter, yanking her head back. She gasped more from surprise than pain. Taking advantage of her parted lips, Sawyer slipped his tongue into her mouth in a hungry exploration.

She whimpered against his sensual assault, willing her knees not to get weak or her body not to melt against his. As hard as she tried, the balled fists became splayed hands on his chest, and she found herself leaning in to him. A familiar heat stirred within her, traveling from the tips of her toes through every single nerve ending in her body. Her pussy clenched and unclenched, and moisture wet her inner thighs. Hayden wanted to fight him, tell him this was wrong, but it seemed as if that part of her brain had shut down.

As if sensing her surrender, Sawyer released the grip he had on her and slipped his hands down her back, caressing her spine as he went, until he cupped her ass. He hauled her into his arms, positioning his erection against the juncture of her thighs. “That’s it, baby. Move that sexy body against mine.”

Without hesitation, she did as she was told, grinding her pelvis against his. Gone were the reasons for why this was wrong in so many ways. But her body seemed to be on auto-pilot. She twined her arms around his neck and writhed against him. Every part of her body came alive at his touch. A slow burn of pleasure started in her pussy and worked its way to the pit of her stomach then traveled to her head, making her dizzy with lust.

Sawyer lifted Hayden off her feet and carried her the short distance to the couch and took a seat, forcing Hayden to straddle him. He slipped his fingers through her hair again and tugged, exposing her throat to his seeking lips. Sawyer nibbled and kissed her now-heated flesh as he slid his cloth-covered cock against her pelvis. In the back of Hayden’s mind, she knew she should put a stop to this, but the more he touched, kissed and caressed her, coherent thought flew out the window.

Gripping his forearms she wiggled against him in an attempt to relieve the exquisite ache between her thighs. Her nipples pressed painfully against the inside of her bra, and any minute she thought she’d burst into flames.

Caught up in the wondrous sensations flowing through her body, she didn’t realize Sawyer had eased his hands beneath her T-shirt and undid the front clasp of her bra. He plucked at her nipples until they were so sensitive she cried out.

“Like that, baby? I remember how you loved when I played with these babies. I also recall how much you liked me to suck on them. Do you want me to put my mouth on them?”

Her only response was a whimper. She didn’t trust herself to speak even if she could.

“Yes, you want it just as much as I do.” He raised her top, exposing her bare breasts to his gaze. He ran his tongue over his lips, as if he was anticipating a tasty meal. “Beautiful. God, I missed these. Missed you.” Cupping her swollen globes in his palms, he lowered his head and took one distended nipple into his mouth. He sucked gently at first but the tugs of his mouth grew more urgent. He grazed his teeth over her tender flesh, making her hiss with pleasure-pain.

Hayden dug her fingers through his hair, arching her back and offering herself to him. His touch awakened sensations long forgotten, and she loved every second of it. She groaned his name.

He raised his head, his passion-glazed eyes connecting with hers. “Say my name again.”

“Sawyer,” she released on a sigh.

“That’s right, baby.”

She tugged his head toward her breast, needing the attention she knew he could provide. Sawyer returned his attention to her other nipple, nibbling on the tight little button, teasing her until she thought she’d come right then and there from simply the stimulation of her breasts. It was unreal how her body went up in flames at his touch.

He licked, laved and suckled on each breast in turn before he lifted her off him. Sawyer pushed her back to the couch and was on top of Hayden before she realized how she got there. He brought his mouth down on hers again, but this time she was ready for him. Her tongue met his, swirling around his, tasting him. She’d forgotten how good he tasted—like mint, a fine-aged wine and a flavor that was uniquely Sawyer, how his kisses made her knees weak. An incredible heat filled Hayden making her feel as if she’d melt into a puddle at his feet.

She yanked his shirt from the waistband of his pants. The need to feel his bare skin beneath her fingertips was an urge Hayden was too weak to resist. She scored her nails down his back.

He inhaled sharply. “You little vixen. Wanna play, do you?” He bit her on the neck and sucked hard, a pain so exquisite she nearly swooned. His wildness turned her on like no aphrodisiac could.

Hayden bucked beneath him, silently begging for more, unable to find the words to say what she wanted. “Oh, Sawyer.”

“You have no idea how I lay in bed every night and dreamed of being with you like this.” He moved down her body, planting kisses as he went, hastily undoing her jeans and yanking them off with her assistance. He then slipped a finger inside her panties. “What have we here? You’re soaking wet. Is this all for me?”

Hayden caught her bottom lip between her teeth, moaning in her need.

“You want it, baby.”

“Yes.”

“You want me to eat your pussy?”

“Yes. Please, Sawyer. I need it.”

“And you know I could never deny you anything.” With a growl, he pushed aside the crotch of her panties instead of taking them off. He eased his middle finger inside her damp heat, sending a quiver through her entire body. Hayden raised her hips to meet the thrust of his finger as it surged forward.

“So wet. I almost forgot how tight this little pussy is and how it gripped my dick…and how it tasted.” He dipped his head and ran his tongue along her slit, never stopping the motion of his finger slipping in and out of her.

Hayden grasped his shoulders, mashing her pussy against his face. When he sucked her clit into his mouth she thought she’d explode. An incendiary heat ripped through her body. The harder he tugged at her sensitive little button, the closer to the edge she got. Sawyer pushed another finger inside her channel, fucking her in earnest now.

Her juices gushed, and a tingling that had begun in her core shot through her central nervous system. She was so close. “Oh, God!” Tears streamed down her cheeks at the intensity of the experience.

Sawyer didn’t simply eat pussy. He devoured it. Consumed it. Conquered it. She was helpless to resist against such a skilled master. He slurped, sucked and nibbled her like a man starving.

And then it came. No mere orgasm, this, but something like a nuclear explosion detonating within her, leaving her shattered. She convulsed uncontrollably, her nails digging deeper until they broke skin. Sawyer continued to lap her cream, not seeming to miss a single drop.

He raised his head, with a half grin tilting his lips. “Now tell me Luc makes you feel this way.”

The mention of Luc’s name was like a bucket of ice water thrown on her. Hayden gasped in horror at what she’d done. “Get off of me.”

Sawyer frowned. “What’s the matter? You enjoyed this just as much as I did. I don’t want to hear that you love Luc when you can react like that with me.”

Hayden pushed against his shoulders in an attempt to free herself. Shame and embarrassment swept through her. How could she have fallen into his arms so easily when she’d desperately tried to firm her resolve against him? Tears weren’t far away, but she refused to let him see them. “I won’t discuss him with you. This shouldn’t have happened.”

“Like hell! If I hadn’t brought him up, I’d have my cock buried in this sweet pussy right now, and don’t you dare deny it.” He cupped her still-hot sex to emphasize his point.

She shook her head vehemently as if to block out his words, even though deep down she realized he spoke the truth. “I can’t do this with you right now. Get off me and leave.”

“No. I’m not going anywhere until we talk this through.”

“There’s nothing to talk about. I made a mistake. I told you, I’m with Luc. I shouldn’t have let you do this to me.” She wiggled from beneath him and managed to swing her legs off the couch. Once her feet hit the floor, she took off down the hall and into the bathroom. She slammed the door and locked it before sinking to the floor. Hayden hugged her knees against her chest and squeezed her eyes tightly shut.

The knob flicked back and forth followed by a thundering knock. “Hayden, open the door.”

“No. Sawyer, please just go away. I can’t do this right now. I just can’t.”

“If you don’t open this door right now, I’ll break it down. You can’t tell me you don’t have feelings for me after what happened. And if you do, you’re a liar. Come out, and let’s discuss this like adults.”

Hayden knew he’d do it too but she couldn’t bring herself to face him voluntarily. “Sawyer, if you care for me even a little bit, you’ll leave right now. I screwed up, and for that I’ll never forgive myself. Please let me be.” If she faced him right now there was no guarantee she wouldn’t fall back into his arms. She willed him to go away so she could deal with what happened on her own.

She heard a loud sigh on the other side of the door. “Perhaps you can’t deal with it now, but you’ll have to deal with it eventually. I’ll see you around, Hayden, and I hope you know, I don’t intend to give up until you’re mine again.”

“I have a choice in the matter, contrary to what you believe.”

“You keep thinking that. Like I said, I’ll be in touch.”

Once the sound of retreating footsteps could be heard, Hayden released a sigh she didn’t realize she’d been holding. What had come over her? She wasn’t a cheater. Yet she had writhed, moaned and clawed at Sawyer like a bitch in heat. What kind of woman was she, and what would she tell Luc?

Oh, God, Luc. He’d be furious and probably break up with her. And she couldn’t blame him a bit. The onus lay at her feet.

She loved him yet, as proven by what happened in her living room, she still had feelings for Sawyer. Hayden had never been more confused in her life, and it came to her that she’d probably end up losing them both.

What had she done?

Chapter Five

Luc flexed his fists and clenched his jaw as he waited for the phone to pick up. Where the fuck was she, and why wasn’t she answering? Hayden was usually home by now, and today wasn’t one of the days she did volunteer work. This was the sixth time he had called. Jesus Christ, he felt like a stalker.

In all his thirty-six years, he’d never worked as hard to be with a woman as he did with Hayden, and not for the first time, he had to ask himself if she was worth it. The answer was clear within seconds: she was. And he had no intentions of letting her go.

When the answering machine picked up, he raised the phone to hurl it across the room until he heard a beep followed by a frantic, “Hello? Luc, are you there?”

Taking several deep calming breaths, he brought the phone to his ear and tried to inject as much normalcy into his voice as possible. “Hayden.”

“Luc? I’m sorry I didn’t answer sooner. I just got back in from a run.”

“This late at night? You usually run in the morning.”

“I needed to clear my head. I wasn’t expecting your call. It’s gotta be around four in the morning there.”

“Almost, but not quite. I had an early night, and now I’m up sorting through some paperwork.”

“You work too hard, Luc.”

“Perhaps if I had a wife and kids at home, that would be incentive enough for me to slow down.” His attempt at humor seemed to fall flat when he was greeted with silence. “Is everything okay?” He gripped the phone tighter when there was still no answer on her end. “Still there?”

A soft sigh greeted his ear. “Yes. I’m fine.”

“You don’t sound fine. What’s going on? Is something the matter?”

“I love you.”

As pleasing as it was to hear her utter those words, Luc knew something was going on. She sounded distressed and slightly agitated. “And I love you too, honey. Now tell me what’s going on, or I will take the red eye out to Ronald Reagan tonight and come over.”

“Your business meeting—”

“Can be rescheduled. Haven’t you figured it out yet? There’s nothing more important to me than you, and if something is bothering you, it bothers me.”

“I don’t think we can talk about this over the phone. Maybe when you get back from Paris…” She sounded uncertain, even a bit distracted. What the hell was going on?

“Hayden, you have three seconds to tell me what’s wrong, or I guarantee I’ll be on the next flight out of France.” He could have sworn he heard a sniffle. Was she crying? Alarm set in. “Baby, if we love each other, we should be able to tell one another what’s on our minds.”

“Sawyer is back in town.”

Luc could feel the color drain from his face. He held on to the receiver so hard, it was bound to snap from the pressure he applied. Son of a bitch. His heart raced, and his lungs tightened, making it difficult to breathe. This was the moment he’d feared since he and Hayden began dating. It was one of the reasons why he’d recently pushed so hard for their engagement. He didn’t want to take the chance of that bastard coming back and making trouble. Hayden belonged to him now. He was the one who’d wiped away her tears when Underwood left without the courtesy of a goodbye. It was him who had been a friend when she’d needed one. And he was the one who had claimed her heart after that asshole had callously discarded it.

Hayden was his woman, and he had no intention of letting her go without a fight. In the back of his mind, Luc figured there was always a possibility of Underwood’s return, but to be faced with it now when he was thousands of miles away and unable to do anything about it soured his gut. “And you found out how?”

There was a pause on the other end of the phone. For a brief moment, he thought she’d hung up until he was met with a soft sigh. “He came to see me.”

His grip tightened on the receiver until his knuckles went completely white. “And?”

“And we talked. He told me why he’d been away. The rest, I’d rather tell you when I see you again, okay?”

There was a hitch in her voice, a slight hesitation maybe. Something told him he wouldn’t like to hear the rest of what happened. In fact, he didn’t want to. “Fine. I should be home by Wednesday. I’ll take you out.”

“Are you sure?”

“I haven’t seen or held you in over a week. What’s not to be sure about?”

“I don’t know. I guess I just…Luc?”

“Yes?”

“I love you.”

Was she trying to convince him or herself? His heart pounded. Something definitely wasn’t right. Hayden sounded upset, but without him being near her, there wasn’t a hell of a lot he could do about it. His manhood dictated that he demand she tell him everything that had gone on between her and Underwood, to book a flight that night and go to her house with the furies on his heels. But his heart—it couldn’t take the possibility of losing her when he did know. Closing his eyes against his weakness, he released a deep breath.

No one ever told him that love would hurt so much. Not even the cold union between his parents had prepared him for this ache.

“Luc? Are you still there?”

“Yes, honey. I’m still here. I love you too. Look, I need to go over some paperwork, but I’ll be in touch. Looking forward to our date. Wear something red; that color always looks good on you.”

“I will.”

“It’s probably getting late over there, so I’ll let you go. See you when I get back. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

Luc replaced the receiver before he could utter another word. Raking his fingers through his hair, he walked over to the balcony of his penthouse that gave him a perfect view of the Paris city life below him.

What the hell was wrong with him? He’d never allowed any woman under his skin as he had with Hayden. She was a fever in his blood and every second he wasn’t with her, he ached. Had he known the effect she’d have on him, he would have run in the other direction when he first laid eyes on her. That was an impossibility, however. She was a sunflower in a field full of weeds. He noticed the animated way she spoke with her hands, how her eyes twinkled as she talked. She wasn’t his usual type, but Luc had found himself drifting over to her, wanting to know her name at the very least.

He let out a deep breath as the memories taunted him.

The moment she’d turned those big brown eyes in his direction, Luc was a goner. In an attempt to keep his cool, he’d engaged her in conversation about the organization she represented, taking his time to veer the conversation toward something a bit more personal. He wasn’t sure what the plan would be beyond that, but Luc never got the chance to figure out because that bastard, Underwood, had swooped in and led Hayden off without a by-your-leave.

Had he not been intercepted by a business associate, he would have followed them, but instead he’d watched as they walked away—as she walked away. At first he believed his annoyance sprang from the fact that it was Underwood who’d pulled that stunt. After all, there wasn’t anything special about Hayden beyond his initial interest. At least that’s what he thought. But as days passed the memories of her scent, the way her lips curled when she smiled and the way the light shone in her eyes still burned in his memory. Even dating some of the most beautiful women in the city didn’t chase away thoughts of her. Somehow within the time he’d conversed with Hayden, a connection was made. Yet when he had finally admitted it to himself weeks later, he found he was too late. She was already dating Underwood and seemed happy.

His old nemesis had struck again, and under any other circumstances he would have gone after her—all being fair in love and war. But once he’d befriended Hayden by taking an interest in the organization she worked for, and realized how happy she actually seemed, Luc backed off as he waited for Underwood to screw up.

Luc pressed his head against the window pane, ignoring the chill of the cool glass as his heart beat like an off-beat metronome. He wished Hayden was here with him now so he could hold her and make love to her until she thought of no other man but him. His thoughts drifted back to how they’d begun.

Luc’s prayers were answered in the form of his rival’s disappearance. He’d learned about it in one of the business magazines that announced Underwood’s second-in-command would be in charge during his sabbatical. Though the article didn’t go in-depth on why, it briefly touched on the fact that Underwood hadn’t been seen in weeks at the time the article was written. Luc had been able to read between the lines, however.

He immediately checked in on Hayden, who was of course devastated. And Luc had been there for her every step of the way—had even encouraged her to find him to get her closure. Only when she had accepted that it was over between her and Underwood did he make his move.

Hayden had been hesitant about his advances at first, yet he was persistent and that spark they’d had upon their first meeting was reignited and more. He’d never made love to a woman where every part of him was engaged, heart, body and soul. She filled his every waking thought and his cock jumped to attention from the mere sight of her. But everything wasn’t a bed of roses for them. Luc lived in constant worry that her ex would return, and it made him a little paranoid and a lot jealous.

If Underwood thought for one second he could waltz back into Hayden’s life as if he hadn’t left her shattered, that son of a bitch had another think coming. Not only did Hayden belong to him now, Luc had no intention of letting her go. Not ever.

Hayden wanted the earth to open up and swallow her whole. She clutched the phone long after Luc had hung up, not registering the angry beeping that signaled the receiver was still off the hook. Sawyer’s visit haunted her, leaving her confused. Hearing Luc’s voice hadn’t helped with that. Her heart told her she loved him. But love as she’d come to understand it wouldn’t have allowed her to do the things she had with Sawyer. Love would have made her see sense, would have made her send her ex away, wouldn’t have allowed her to melt when Sawyer wrapped his arms around her.

How was it possible to love someone so much that it felt as if a piece of her was missing when they weren’t around, yet still think of another? Or was it love at all? Was it possible she only believed herself to be in love? Luc and Sawyer were, after all, the best lovers she’d ever had. Neither one better than the other, just different. Where Sawyer was gentle yet thorough, Luc was forceful and insatiable. Both men left her more than satisfied. Was it all just really great sex?

Hayden wasn’t sure how long she stood in the center of the room contemplating her dilemma, but coming out of her trance, she noticed the digital clock on the end table. It was almost ten o’clock. The run had helped a bit, but Luc’s call put her back at square one.

There was only one person who could put things into perspective for her. She replaced the receiver and picked it up again before punching in the first number on her speed dial. She shifted her weight from foot to foot while the phone rang and finally breathed a soft sigh of relief to hear the soothing sound of her mother’s voice.

“Hello, sweetheart. I’m glad you called. I was starting to worry.”

Hayden spoke to her mother nearly every day. Though they lived in different states, they remained extremely close. Growing up, it had just been the two of them and, as cliché as the saying goes, her mom really was her best friend. Hayden could always tell her anything and wasn’t judged.

Diana Sinclair was one of those rare people who actually listened when people talked and not just pretended to while waiting to get a word in. Hayden adored her mom and tried to be more like her every day.

“I’m sorry I hadn’t called in a few days or returned the message you’d left last night, but things were a bit hectic.”

“You’re calling me at ten o’clock at night, and while I don’t mind, you usually don’t call this late. Plus I haven’t heard from you in a bit, so tell me what’s going on.”

Hayden wanted to burst into tears. She wished her mom was there beside her, stroking her hair and assuring Hayden everything would be okay. “Oh, Mom. I don’t know what to do.”

“Lay it on me, honey.”

“Sawyer’s back in town.”

“The jackass who left without a word and made you cry for a month straight?”

“That’s the one. He, uh, paid me a visit.”

“I see.”

“I know what you must be thinking, but it turned out so much worse than you can imagine.” Hayden ended up telling her mother about the conversation she’d had with Sawyer and even what had happened afterwards. She of course spared her mother the more graphic details. Once she was finished, she took a deep breath and waited for her mom to speak.

“Wow.”

Hayden knew her mother wasn’t one to force her opinion on people, but she was hoping for more of a reaction. “That’s it? Wow?”

“That’s a bit of a tale. Do you believe him?”

The question was a reasonable one, but it made her defensive. “I saw the scars.”

“Have you told Luc?”

Hayden nodded and then remembered her mother couldn’t see her. “Yes. I told him Sawyer paid me a visit, but nothing beyond that. He’s in Paris on business right now, and that’s not the kind of thing you tell your boyfriend over the phone when he’s thousands of miles away.”

“I see your point, but you’ll have to tell him eventually.”

She released a deep sigh. “I intend to when he gets back. What I don’t understand is how could I have done what I did with Sawyer and still love Luc?”

“Matters of the heart can be complicated. And perhaps what you did with Sawyer was the closure you’d been looking for.”

Hayden bit her bottom lip. She wished it were that simple. If she could shut all residual feelings she had for him off, then she wouldn’t be in this predicament.

“You are over him, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered.

“Oh, sweetheart. Luc will be so hurt.”

“I know, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt him when he’s been so good to me. But he deserves the truth. I’m sure it will be over between us once he finds out. I’m disappointed in myself, and I’m sure you are as well.” Fresh tears scaled her eyes.

“No, sweetie. I could never be that, just worried. Do you want me to come up? I have some time off owed to me, at least four weeks. Just say the word and I’m there.”

“That’s okay. Besides, I thought you planned on banking your leave so you and Bernice can take that Mediterranean cruise you’ve been dying to go on.”

“That’s still a ways off, and it would be a two-week cruise at the most. Anyway, my child is my priority, not a cruise I could take at any time.”

Hayden was tempted to take her up on that offer, but she didn’t want to subject her mother to weeks of misery. “I appreciate the offer, but no thanks.”

“Are you sure? When you’re upset you don’t eat properly, and you know what happens when you skip meals.”

The truth was, she hadn’t been, eating only when she remembered or grew lightheaded. She crossed her fingers, glad her mother couldn’t see her. “I am.”

“Hayden Marie Sinclair, I want you to fix yourself something to eat before you go to bed. I haven’t been your mother for thirty years without being able to tell when you’re fibbing. Don’t make me call your friends and have them monitor you.”

Hayden rolled her eyes.

“And don’t roll your eyes.”

Sheesh, did the woman have ESP? “Yes, Mom. I promise, I’ll take better care of myself.”

“Good. You’ll keep me posted on what happens?”

“Of course. Mom?”

“Yes, baby?”

“What should I do if Sawyer tries to contact me again?”

“That’s the tricky part. Only you have the answer to that question. Do you want to see him again?”

“No. Yes. I mean, I don’t know.”

“Sounds like you and Luc are going to have more to talk about than what happened during Sawyer’s visit.”

The sinking feeling in the pit of Hayden’s stomach told her that her mother was right.

Chapter Six

“I’m not sure if I want to wear a long ball gown, but I would like a tiara with real diamonds. My friends would be pea-green with envy. Mom is going to take me to New York, where we’ll have a fitting at Valentino. Can you believe that? Me, in an original Valentino? People will be talking about my party for months. It’s going to blow Janna Morton’s sweet sixteen out of the water,” Emily practically squealed, as teenagers seemed wont to do.

Sawyer tried his best to follow his sister’s conversation, but every once in a while all her words seemed to meld into a series of pops and buzzes. As more time passed it was like listening to any adult in the Charlie Brown cartoons speak: waah waah waah waah. Emily didn’t seem to notice; she went on about what her upcoming sweet sixteen party would be like. It wasn’t for another four months, but she and her mother were already making plans. Regardless of the venue, it would cost him a pretty penny—not that he minded. Emily was basically a good kid, if a little spoiled, and Sawyer had no problem getting his kid sister whatever she wanted within reason.

Emily’s boarding school was closed for the week for spring break. Even though he was delighted she’d chosen to spend the week with him rather than her friend, he figured it was mainly because she was still concerned for his wellbeing. She’d been his own personal Florence Nightingale during his recovery. It was quite amazing she had such a kind heart for someone raised by one selfish parent. He grimaced as he thought of his stepmother, whom he could barely stand being in the same room with.

As much as he adored Emily, this wasn’t the best time for a visit, but he hadn’t had the heart to tell her no. So here he was, escorting her for a third night straight to keep her amused. What he really wanted was to be with Hayden and talk some sense into her, to prove to her that the two of them belonged together. There was no way she could respond the way she had with him and no longer have feelings. What was worse, she was with that bastard Montgomery—a thorn in his side since they’d attended the same exclusive private school.

It tore at his gut to know Montgomery was the one who’d been holding Hayden and loving her in a way Sawyer had only dreamed of this last year. He wanted to feel betrayed at how easily she could go from him to his rival. Out of all the men she could have sought solace with, why did it have to be that guy? It only firmed his resolve to win her back.

Emily waved a hand in his face. “Hey, are you listening to me?”

Sawyer blinked, shaking his head to clear his mind of thoughts that were better left for later. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. Of course I was listening.”

Green eyes rimmed with blue eyeshadow narrowed. “Then what did I say?”

“Something about a diamond tiara.”

“That was like ten minutes ago. I was talking about a theme to my party. That will determine what I’ll wear.”

“I see. I thought you were going to have a prom theme.”

Emily sighed with apparent exasperation. “You really weren’t listening, were you? If you were, you would have heard me say Tisha Williams is having a prom theme for her party. I can’t have the same theme as her. I’d be a laughing stock.”

“And heaven forbid if that happens. You’ll become a pariah on MySpace.”

Emily crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. “So not funny. Besides, MySpace is so five years ago. Everyone is on Facebook now.”

Sawyer chuckled. “My mistake. Facebook then.”

“This isn’t a joke, Sawyer. It’s not every day a girl turns sixteen, and you did promise me I could have anything I wanted. Since you’re paying for it, I would have thought you’d be interested in knowing where the money was going. Of course Mom wants a few outfits for the event and an allowance for party expenses. She says if she’s going to be chaperoning, she has to look her best.”

Sawyer grimaced. His dislike for Emily’s mother was no secret, but he decided to bite back the scathing retort on his tongue. It didn’t surprise him Jessica was making this about her. “It’s one night, for God’s sake. What exactly would those expenses entail, and isn’t the allowance I send her every month enough?”

Emily giggled. “You know how Mom is. She blows through that allowance by midmonth and spends the rest of the month badgering the trustees for more. Anyway, she’s talking about a spa treatment and the works.”

“And what would said spa treatment involve?”

“Well, she wants to go to this spa in Palm Springs for a few days.”

“As in California.”

“Only one I know of.”

“The hell she will. You tell your mother…no, never mind. I’ll give her a call later.” Part of him resented the hell out of Jessica for the way she used Emily to squeeze every penny she could have out of him. The main reason for the dislike of his “stepmother” was her contribution to the destruction of an already dysfunctional family situation and the way she couldn’t get it through her head that he found her completely resistible. Once his father had been sent to prison for tax evasion, she’d set her sights on landing him, since Sawyer had become wealthy in his own right.

As much as he despised Jessica, she was Emily’s mother, and he wouldn’t put his sister in the middle. Taking a deep breath to calm down, he pasted a smile on his face and willed himself to listen to the rest of his sister’s chatter. He really did enjoy spending time with her, under any circumstance.

“How about a movie theme? You’re a movie junkie, aren’t you?”

She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Oh! That sounds like a great idea. I could get someone to film me and some friends acting out scenes from famous movies, and there can be a red carpet and paparazzi. It will be like people are attending a movie premiere or an awards ceremony, where we can give out real awards as prizes. I love it. You’re the best, Sawyer.”

He smiled indulgently at his sister even as the sound of a cash register went off in his head. This party was getting more expensive by the second. “Let’s hope you remember that the next time you get upset with me. But as for this party, there’s still plenty of time for planning. How’s school coming? If I remember correctly, report cards should be mailed out soon, and I expect my copy. You know the deal: no honor roll, no party.”

She stared at him as if he’d grown a second head. “Have I ever made anything less than an A? Except that one time, but I swear that teacher was out to get me. And to answer your question, school is good. I can’t wait until the summer for cheerleading camp, and I’m sure Mom can’t wait to get me out of her hair. Can I still visit you for a couple weeks this summer?”

“Of course.”

She reached her hand across the table and patted his hand. “Good. Someone needs to take care of you.”

He raised a brow. “And what makes you think I can’t take care of myself?”

Emily rolled her eyes heavenward as she tossed a strand of her dark red hair over her shoulder. “Oh please, you have more baggage than an air carrier.”

“I see, and you’ve come to this conclusion how?”

“Well, you did mope around the house for a year, driving me and Mom crazy and all because you couldn’t give Hayden a call. Heck, I was ready to call her myself if I didn’t think you’d mess with my allowance.”

Sawyer narrowed his eyes. “And what do you know about it, miss?”

“I know you were crazy about her. The times I’d seen you two together, the two of you were barely able to keep your hands off of each other—drove Mom crazy, by the way, but any dummy could see the two of you were really in love. I mean, I know you were trying to do the noble thing and all, but that had to be the dumbest decision ever.”

It was bad enough he’d had this lecture from Jared, his close friend and second-in-command at his company, but to hear it from a fifteen-year-old was a bit much. “This is a little over your head. You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“The heck I don’t. You can’t pull one over on me.” She wagged her finger, sounding slightly offended. “I was there when you were making everyone who crossed your path miserable, all because you were too afraid to tell Hayden about the accident. From what I know of her she’s super cool, and something like that wouldn’t have bothered her.”

He knew that now but didn’t need to be reminded of his stupidity. “I don’t think this is a conversation I’d like to continue.”

“And I think it’s really mean of you for not allowing me to keep in touch with her,” Emily went on as if he hadn’t said a word. “She said I could call her any time I wanted. And she was nice. Much nicer than any of the skanks you used to date.”

“That’s enough, Emily.”

She pouted, but didn’t reply when the waiter came by their table to enquire about desserts. Emily ordered the crème brûlée and Sawyer an Irish coffee. When the server was gone, she continued. “Thanks for taking me out tonight. I know I sprang my visit on you at the last minute, but I’m glad to be here with you.” She smiled, revealing even white teeth he’d paid to get straightened. His sister had the ability to annoy in one minute and melt his heart in the next.

Sawyer returned her smile, reaching across the table to take her hand and give it a little squeeze. “I’m glad you’re here too, kiddo. Are you sure you don’t mind going straight home when we leave here? I have an early morning meeting I can’t postpone.”

“It’s Wednesday night. I don’t expect you to spend your every waking hour entertaining me. I’m sure out of the five hundred channels you have, I’ll find something to watch. Or I can browse through your extensive DVD collection. It’s nice that you’ve taken me out for dinner every night since I’ve been here, but not necessary.”

“I’ll tell you what—I can duck out after my meeting tomorrow, come home and take you shopping.”

“I’m not going to say no to shop…ping.” Her gaze slid somewhere over his shoulder as her voice trailed off.

His eyebrows shot up. “What?”

“I know I haven’t seen her in about a year, but I’m pretty sure that’s Hayden being seated by the host, and she’s with a real hottie. Small world, isn’t it?”

Sawyer stiffened. This was one of the most popular restaurants in D.C. and was crowded even on the weekdays, but what were the odds Hayden would be here, as well?

“What does her companion look like?” Before the words were even out of his mouth he already knew the answer.

“He’s got dark blond hair, and he looks really intense. Real dreamy in a ‘corporate raider’ kind of way.”

“I think you need to lay off the romance books, kid.”

“Aren’t you going to go over there and say hello?”

“We’ll finish our desserts first and go by their table on the way out.” What he really wanted to do was storm over to their table, grab Hayden and take her away somewhere secluded where he could fuck her until she realized she belonged to him. He could feel his blood pressure rise but knew it wouldn’t be good to cause a scene in a place like this, especially with Em around. He didn’t want to turn around and see them together because that would raise his frustration level. His heart tightened within his chest, and he willed himself to remain seated.

Emily frowned, eyeing him with apparent concern. “Sawyer, are you okay?”

“Yeah.”

“There’s a vein throbbing in your forehead. Are you sure you’re all right?”

The waiter’s return with their dessert saved him from giving the harsh retort he’d had on the tip of his tongue, one she didn’t deserve. Now if he could only make it through this course without committing bloody murder, he’d be okay.

The expression on Luc’s face was grim as Hayden spilled the details of her encounter with Sawyer. Her stomach had been tied in knots as she’d waited for him to pick her up tonight. She wasn’t sure what to expect from him, but from the second she opened the door, he was on her, not giving her a chance to speak. Their clothes were on the floor within minutes, and he’d carried her to the couch and took her with a force that still had her reeling. It made her wonder what kind of woman she was that she could so easily go from one man to another.

Afterwards she was too dazed to speak, even after a quick shower and redressing. The car ride to the restaurant was silent and tense, and by the time they were seated, Hayden’s nerves were on edge. As soon as the waiter had taken their drink orders, the words came tumbling out. She was unable to stop until he knew exactly what had happened. She left nothing out, not what was said, what she’d done and what she’d allowed Sawyer to do to her. There was no glossing over events to make her look more favorable in his eyes. She’d laid herself bare and finally caught her breath when it was all out.

Luc stared across the table at her in stony silence, the muscles in his jaw flexing. His eyes darkened from a stormy gray to a near pitch-black. Why wasn’t he saying anything?

“Say something.”

“What would you like me to say?”

“I don’t know. Yell at me. Call me names. Anything is better than silence.”

“If I called you a whore, would that make you feel better?”

She flinched more at the dead calm of his tone than from the actual word itself. “No.”

“So what would be the point of calling you names? It would change nothing, and it certainly won’t change the fact that the two of you almost fucked.”

Hayden lowered her head, unable to hold his stare. Shame flowed through every outlet of her body. “No, it wouldn’t.” She reached down to pick up her purse and opened it. After digging around for a few moments, she pulled out the ring box and placed it on the table. “I guess it’s only fair that I give this back.”

Again his jaw muscles flexed, and Hayden sat in tense silence waiting for his response. It felt like a piece of her was being torn apart, and she only had herself to blame.

“Keep it.”

“But…you’ll want to return it.”

“I said keep it.”

“I don’t understand.”

He raked his fingers through his expertly styled dark blond waves. “I should walk away and never look back. Most men would, but I’ve seen the writing on the wall from the start. You were never over him. Oh, you may have fooled yourself into believing you were. But I could see it in your eyes when you didn’t think I was looking. He was still on your mind.”

She closed her eyes against his words because they were the truth, searing at her already wounded soul. Hayden could only nod. “I never meant to hurt you.”

“I hurt myself. I knew you still had feelings for that son of a bitch, but I wanted you, and God help me I still do. Tell me, Hayden, how do I compare to your ex-lover?”

She lifted her water glass and took a sip to ease her parched throat. “I’m not sure what you’re trying to ask me.”

“You claimed to love me. Yet you’re still not over him. Who do you love more?”

There was an ache in her chest that hurt. The last thing she’d ever wanted was to cause anyone pain, but at the very least she owed Luc the truth. “I don’t really know how I can answer that. The reasons I thought I should hate him flew out the window when he told me what happened. It doesn’t excuse his not telling me as all that time went by, but I at least understand.”

Luc slammed his fist on the table, showing the first sign of real emotion since she’d confessed. “He fucking deserted you. There’s no excuse. The second he knew who he was, he should have been on the phone with you. Does he know how much you cried until you made yourself sick, or how your friends had to force you to eat because they were worried sick about you, all the weight you lost? What about that?”

“So if the roles had been reversed, you would have done things differently?”

“Hell if I know. I don’t deal in hypothetical scenarios. I’m all about reality and the reality is, you and I are together now, and he had no right to come between us. It was his decision to stay away and now he’ll have to live with it.”

“Are…are you saying you don’t want us to break up?”

His lips tightened briefly. “No. Do you want to?”

She shook her head. Relief flooded her, even though her guilt didn’t dissipate. It was selfish as hell, but she didn’t want to lose him. “What now?”

“We’ll play it by ear.” A brief silence passed between them before he spoke again. “I was invited to a weekend house party by some old school friends. They live out in Charles County on a large estate. I’m allowed to bring a date. It’s a relaxing weekend of horseback riding, croquet, cards and swimming. The ladies usually go on shopping excursions, and the men hunt. Saturday there is a big formal dinner. It’s usually an interesting weekend. I’d like you to come with me. It’s a week from this coming Saturday. I think we’d have a good time.”

It amazed her how easily he could switch the conversation as if she hadn’t just admitted what she’d done, but she was willing to go along with it. The truth of the matter was, as long as he ignored the wedge that was slowly being driven between them, it gave Hayden that much longer to hold on to him. There was, however, a nagging voice in the back of her head that said she was simply delaying the inevitable, that she was being unfair to him by staying in this relationship. But the chance of being with Luc for the weekend was an opportunity too tempting to resist. It would give them the chance to reconnect and help her make up her mind once and for all.

She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “Would we have our own rooms, or would we share one?”

“I’ll leave that up to you, but you know what I’d choose if it were up to me.”

She lowered her lashes. Hayden wanted it too, but didn’t think she had the right to say the words out loud. The server came by to take their orders, saving them from the tension that still flowed thickly between them. Once he was gone, conversation didn’t pick up. Hayden didn’t know what to say, and Luc didn’t seem inclined to talk.

“Hayden!” Her name was practically squealed by someone who sounded suspiciously like a teenage girl. She looked to see a tall, lanky teenager with shoulder-length red hair and deep green eyes that reminded her a great deal of someone else’s.

It couldn’t be. What was Emily doing here?

“Emily?”

“Yes! I saw you when you guys came in. I wanted to come over and say hi, but Sawyer said we could say hello on the way out.”

“Sawyer?” Luc practically spat the name.

Hayden glanced around the restaurant in search of Emily’s brother. “He’s here?”

“Yep. He’s just settling the bill. You look great, by the way, but you always did. Guess what? I’m going to have a huge sweet sixteen party in a few months, and it’s going to be the talk of the town. I’ll have to send you an invite.”

Hayden caught Luc from the corner of her eye looking as if his head would explode at any second. “Uh, Emily, this is Luc. Luc, this is Emily, Sawyer’s sister.”

Luc nodded in greeting. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” The teen grinned at him before turning her attention back to Hayden. “So I’m in town for the rest of the week. School’s out for spring break, so I decided to visit Sawyer. I’ll be in town until Sunday. Maybe the two of us can go out for lunch or something.”

“I don’t see why not.”

Luc grunted. He didn’t say anything, but the furious way his fingers tapped against the table made his displeasure evident.

“Good evening, Hayden.” Sawyer walked over to their table with the arrogance of a man on a mission. He slipped his arm around Emily’s narrow shoulders, his dark green gaze never leaving Hayden’s face.

Her heart sped up within her chest. “Hi, Sawyer.”

“Montgomery.” Sawyer acknowledged the other man’s presence without bothering to glance in his direction.

“Underwood.” There was that dead calm quality to Luc’s voice that told Hayden if she didn’t diffuse the situation quickly, things wouldn’t end pretty.

“So, Emily was telling me about how great her sweet sixteen party will be. It sounds like a lot of fun.” Hayden tried to include the young girl in the conversation as a way to keep things civil.

Sawyer smiled. “Yes, she intends to put me in the poor house.”

Emily popped her brother on the chest playfully. “Like that’s going to happen. You have more money than you know what to do with. And I invited Hayden, by the way.”

Sawyer raised a brow. “Did you now?” He shifted his gaze back to Hayden. “You sure you want to subject yourself to a room full of teenagers and crap music?”

“Don’t you mean rap music?” Emily asked.

“Nope. I think I had it right the first time.”

“Ha! It’s better than that snooze-worthy stuff you listen to.”

Hayden couldn’t suppress her giggle. The interaction between brother and sister had always brought a smile to her face.

Luc, however, did not seem amused. Another grunt came from his direction.

Emily leaned down and gave Hayden a quick hug. “I gotta run to the ladies’ room, but I’ll give you a call about a lunch date.” She turned to her brother. “I’ll be waiting for you in the lobby when I’m done.”

“Okay, kiddo.”

When the three adults were left alone, the sick feeling in the pit of her belly returned.

Sawyer looked down at her, his intense stare seeming to miss nothing. “You look beautiful tonight, Hayden.” His voice had dropped an octave when he complimented her, and damn if she didn’t tingle from head to toe. She squirmed in her seat.

Luc chose that moment to speak up. “How’s business, Underwood? I can imagine it must be hard to get into the swing of things, considering how long you’ve been away.”

Hayden didn’t miss the implication of those words. “Luc,” she hissed in a warning tone.

Sawyer shrugged, seeming undaunted by Luc’s subtle barb. “When you have good people in your employ, the transition isn’t so bad.”

A half smirk tilted Luc’s lips. “I have to hand it to you for being gone for so long. I’d be a bit worried. After all, one has a way of losing something important if they take that chance.”

Hayden kicked Luc’s shin beneath the table. She refused to let them do this in public. He flinched, but his gaze remained unwavering on Sawyer.

Sawyer’s nostrils flared. “Or have it stolen from them.”

Hayden was no dummy. They were talking about her and she would not let them discuss her as if she were some kind of object. “Okay, that’s enough, you two,” she said through gritted teeth.

“Stolen or otherwise, I say if someone isn’t man enough to hold on to what’s supposedly his, he doesn’t deserve it.”

Her breath hitched in her throat. “Cut it out.”

Ignoring her, Sawyer narrowed his eyes and advanced toward Luc. With a smirk Luc stood, almost welcoming Sawyer’s sign of aggression. Hayden realized if she didn’t intervene, the two of them would come to blows.

Hayden stood up, but Luc took her by the forearms and moved her behind him. The two men faced off, looking every bit as if they would swing on each other. “You two are making a scene and I swear to God, if either of you start fighting I’m walking out of here and not looking back.”

For a second she thought Sawyer wouldn’t listen; instead, he gave Luc a cutting stare over her shoulder. “Fine, I’ll leave the two of you alone…for now.” Sawyer moved toward Hayden, but Luc blocked the other man’s path to her.

Luc’s nostrils flared. “Leave before I shove your teeth down your throat, Underwood.”

Sawyer’s eyes narrowed. “I’d like to see you try.”

As if out of nowhere, an older gentleman in a tuxedo whom Hayden recognized as the maître d’ appeared. “Is everything all right, gentlemen?” His eyes darted nervously from one alpha male to the next.

Hayden intervened. “Everything is fine. They were just saying goodbye. Right, guys?”

Sawyer cast her a smoldering look that promised this wasn’t over before turning on his heel and walking off.

Luc started to follow him, seeming to have every intention to finish what had been started, but Hayden grabbed his arm. “Please don’t. Let’s just enjoy dinner, okay?”

He looked as if he would have liked nothing more than to rip Sawyer’s head off, but finally, he sat down.

By the time the meal had come, Hayden had lost her appetite, but she forced herself to eat. It could have been cardboard for all she tasted. Luc stared at her broodingly throughout dinner, and she knew when they left she’d be treated to another brand of his forceful seduction. And God help her if she didn’t want it.

Chapter Seven

Hayden was well aware she was playing with fire by agreeing to a lunch and shopping date with Emily. But the teenager had sounded so excited when she’d called, and Hayden didn’t have the heart to disappoint her. After Sawyer had left the table, Luc barely said a word, even when Hayden tried to engage him in conversation. It was pretty much the same on the drive home. When she’d invited him inside, he’d led her straight to the bedroom, where he had taken her several times throughout the night.

It was nearly dawn when Luc was done with her, leaving her body aching from the pleasure-pain he’d unleashed on her body. It was only the need to shower and dress to go to work that had gotten her out of bed. After a quickie in the shower, Luc dressed and left with the promise to call later.

Guilt assailed her once she was alone again. She didn’t know where they stood, and by the way Luc had acted, he didn’t seem sure either. One thing was certain; their lovemaking was still as explosive as ever. It left several nagging questions in her mind, such as the fairness of allowing her relationship with Luc to continue and how it was possible to react to two different men the way she had. Now as she sat in a downtown bistro waiting for Emily to show up for lunch, her misgivings continued to grow.

“Hayden!” She looked up to see Emily coming her way, waving her hand enthusiastically.

A groan rumbled from her throat when she saw Sawyer in tow. This was so not good. As the two made their way toward the table, Hayden stiffened. This was supposed to be a lunch between her and Emily. It was unreasonable of her to think he wouldn’t drop her off, but believed he’d stay outside. She hoped he didn’t use his little sister to engineer this meeting.

Emily slid into the booth across from Hayden, her grin wide. “Sorry I’m late, but Sawyer didn’t trust me to take the Metro by myself, even though I’ve ridden it several times.”

Sawyer slipped into the space next to his sister, his gaze fixed firmly on Hayden. “By yourself being the operative word. How have you been, Hayden?”

“Since you saw me a day and a half ago? About the same. I didn’t realize you’d be joining Emily and me for lunch. I thought this would be just for the girls.”

He raised a thick russet brow. “So I take it I’m not welcomed?”

Heat rose to Hayden’s face. Why did he have to stare at her with those sexy bedroom eyes? She could barely think straight with him in such close proximity. “I didn’t say you weren’t welcome, just that I didn’t expect you to join us.”

“I see. Would it be a problem if I did?”

Hayden shrugged, trying to project a nonchalance she didn’t quite feel. “Since you’re already here, there’s not a lot I can do about it, is there?”

A smile curved his sensual lips and his eyes twinkled with amusement. “Not really.”

“Oh, Sawyer, stop teasing Hayden.” Emily shook her head at her brother. “He isn’t joining us. He just wanted to come in to say hello. He’s meeting Jared for lunch down the street.”

Hayden released a deep breath of relief. There was no way she would have gotten through a meal with Sawyer sitting across from her without saying or doing something she regretted. Pasting a smile on her face, she returned her gaze to Sawyer. “Well, in that case we won’t keep you. Besides, I’m sure you wouldn’t be interested in what a couple of girls have to talk about.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Everything about you interests me.” He had the audacity to run his tongue across his full bottom lip, as if he was eyeing a particularly tasty treat.

A shiver shimmied up Hayden’s spine, making her look away from his intense scrutiny. “Don’t,” she croaked, her body beginning to tremble in awareness of his. Sawyer’s scent, the cologne that used to drive her crazy, drifted to her nostrils. She knew if he didn’t leave soon, she’d end up making a fool of herself.

Thank God Emily was sitting next to him, because the teenager frowned. She most likely sensed the tension between the two adults. “Sawyer, stop teasing her. You’ve said hi and now you can go.”

Sawyer continued to stare at Hayden until their eyes collided once more. There was no mistaking the intent in that heated green stare. He still wanted and meant to have her. The problem was, she doubted she had the will to resist him. Thoughts of Luc infiltrated her mind, causing her heart to beat faster and harder inside her chest.

Hayden gave Sawyer a lingering look, silently pleading with him to leave. After another moment of uncomfortable silence, he finally eased out of the booth. He dropped a kiss on the top of Emily’s head and advanced in Hayden’s direction, making her recoil.

Sawyer pulled back as though remembering himself. “Can I speak with you a moment, Hayden?”

She stiffened. What could he possibly have to say? They’d done all their talking. “You have a captive audience. What did you want to talk about?”

“Walk with me outside.” The words were spoken lightly enough, but there was just enough steel underlying them for Hayden to realize it was more than a mere request.

She crossed her arms over her chest. “That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Just a few minutes of your time is all I’m asking.”

“You didn’t ask, you ordered me to go outside with you. Besides, we’ve already discussed everything that needed to be said.”

He cocked a brow at her, seeming slightly taken aback at her resistance. “Perhaps you did, but I’ve still got plenty to say. So we can talk about it outside or we can do it here, but just so you know, the wall has ears.” His gaze quickly darted to Emily and then back to Hayden.

Wanting to dig her heels in and refuse, Hayden glanced across the table to see Emily taking more than a casual interest in their conversation. Whatever Sawyer wanted to say probably wouldn’t be appropriate for a fifteen-year-old. And since he put her in a spot, she had a few choice words for him, as well. Grimacing, she eased out of the booth. “I shouldn’t be too long, Emily.”

Emily waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. “Don’t worry about it. Take your time. I’ll order our drinks. What would you like?”

“Unsweetened ice tea, please. Thanks, Emily.”

“Not a problem.”

Sawyer turned to his sister. “Give me a call when you two are done, and I’ll swing by and pick you up.”

Emily smiled with her usual good humor. “Okay, now shoo.”

Hayden wrapped her arms around her body as she followed him outside.

Sawyer leaned against the restaurant wall, giving her a casual perusal with a penetrating gaze that missed nothing. “You don’t have to look like you’re going to your doom. I won’t bite.” He grinned, showing perfect white teeth. “Unless you want me to.”

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “Did you ask me to come out here for stale jokes? Because if that’s the case, I don’t have time for them or you.”

Hayden had every intention to turn around and go back inside, but Sawyer caught her wrist. “Don’t go. Please.”

Yanking it away from him as if she’d been singed, she took a step back. “I shouldn’t have come out here.”

“Why? What do you think will happen in daylight on a busy sidewalk? Look, I wanted to bring you out here to apologize.”

That got her attention. Cocking her head to the side, she gave him an assessing look. “Oh? And what exactly would you be apologizing for?”

“For everything.” He released a deep sigh. “I haven’t handled this situation well, and I seem to keep screwing up where you’re concerned. It’s just…”

“What, Sawyer?”

“I keep telling myself I should let you go, allow you the happiness you deserve. But my heart keeps telling me I should be the one to make you happy—that we belong together. Look, I know you don’t want to hear it, but I love you, Hayden, and I doubt I’ll ever stop.”

At least they agreed on this. She didn’t want to hear it because it would bring back feelings she’d tried desperately to suppress. “Sawyer—”

He held up his hand to halt her words. “Wait, let me finish. I have every intention of winning you back.”

Hayden folded her arms across her chest, annoyed at his presumption. “I’m not some damn prize at a carnival. I’m a human being with feelings, and I have a say on who I end up with.”

“Maybe so, but you could have ended this all with just one little sentence.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What?”

“That you don’t love me anymore. You couldn’t say it then, and I dare you to say it now.”

“I don’t have time for this. Goodbye, Sawyer.” She shot him one last glare before turning around and heading for the restaurant door.

His laughter trailed behind her. “Still can’t say it, can you?” he called out, but didn’t follow her inside.

By the time she returned to the table, Hayden’s nerves were on edge.

The teenager gave her the once-over. “Everything okay?”

Hayden nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

“Was my brother harassing you?”

“Um, no.” She picked up her glass of tea and took a large gulp, grimacing at the bitterness. She put it down and occupied herself with putting artificial sweetener in it.

Emily pursed her lips, not looking a bit convinced. “You sure?”

“Huh?”

Emily waved her hand in Hayden’s face. “Hey, earth to Hayden, are you in there?”

“Uh, yeah. I’m sorry, what did you say?”

“I was asking you about what my brother said to you out there. He was sure acting antsy. I think he still has the hots for you. He couldn’t stop talking about you on the way home Wednesday night.”

“Somehow, I doubt your brother would appreciate this line of conversation.”

The teenager grinned mischievously. “But he’s not here. Besides, if I didn’t know better, I’d say maybe you still like him too. Which makes me wonder; who was that hunk you were having dinner with when we saw you?”

“Let me rephrase that last sentence. This conversation isn’t something I really care to get into.”

“Why? Were you and that guy serious?”

“Emily.” Hayden injected as much authority into her voice as she could to let the young lady know she meant business.

It was too bad the kid had a hide thicker than a rhino’s. “I don’t see what the big deal is.”

“The big deal is that up until last week, your brother hadn’t bothered to contact me. I’ve moved on with my life, and it’s something he’ll have to accept.”

Emily wiggled her brows with a smirk. “Moved on with the blond hottie?”

God save her from teenagers who knew too much for their own good. “Yes,” Hayden sighed.

The smirk disappeared. “There’s no chance of you and Sawyer getting back together?”

“Look, I won’t lie to you and say I have no feelings left for your brother. A part of me will always care about him, but too much time has passed. I can’t go back to the way things were. Okay? You’ll just have to take my word for it. And I’d really appreciate it if we could change the subject.”

A pout dropped Emily’s lips, and she lowered her lashes as if to hide the disappointing gleam Hayden had caught in her eyes. “I see. I guess…I’d hoped…I mean when I saw the way you guys looked at each other at the restaurant, I thought maybe there was a chance the two of you would get back together. I know you don’t want to talk about this, and I swear I won’t bring it up anymore after I’ve had my say. Okay?”

Hayden really didn’t want to hear what Emily had to say, but there was probably no stopping the stubborn teen once she’d started. “Fine, say your piece, but then we’re closing the subject.”

Emily nodded. “Look, Hayden, I like you a lot. You’re really nice and more importantly, you make my brother happy. He’s probably told you what his life was like growing up. I may be just a dumb kid, but even I could see when he was with you, you made him happier than he’s ever been. He never smiled so much as when he was with you. You made him happy. He was even nice to my mom, and that’s a rarity. And I think because he loved you so much, he thought he was doing you a favor by letting you go. He—”

Hayden snorted. “Yeah, he said as much. Some favor that turned out to be.”

“You said you’d hear me out, Hayden.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Go on.”

“I admit he was a bonehead for not getting in contact with you all that time, but it was because he loved you so much that he thought he was doing the right thing. As misguided as that may be, I understand and I hope you don’t hold it against him.”

“But you forget I’m with Luc now.”

“And do you love him like you loved my brother?”

She looked Emily in the eyes. If the kid was looking for honesty, she’d give it to her. “Yes.”

Emily furrowed her brows. “I don’t understand.”

“Neither do I.” Emily was wise beyond her years. But it wasn’t an age-appropriate conversation, and Hayden had said enough as it was. “Now can we change the subject, please?”

“Okay,” Emily agreed without much enthusiasm.

They stared at their menus trying to figure out what they wanted, only exchanging a few pleasantries here and there. Hayden hadn’t meant to dampen the kid’s spirits, but some things were better left alone. After a few more minutes of awkward silence, Hayden put her menu down with a sigh. “You know, there’s nothing that really catches my attention on this menu. You don’t seem that interested either.”

The teenager placed her menu aside. “Not really. I actually had a big breakfast. Look, Hayden, I have the tendency to stick my nose in matters it doesn’t belong, so I’m sorry if I offended you.”

Hayden reached across the table and patted Emily’s hand to reassure her. “Don’t worry about it. Tell you what, since neither one of us has much of an appetite right now, how about we just skip to the shopping.”

Emily perked up again. “I’m down with that.”

Once Hayden paid for their drinks, they strolled down the sidewalk lined with stores of all sorts. Until one particular shop caught Emily’s eye.

“I’ve got to try on that dress!” She grabbed Hayden’s hand. “Let’s go in.”

“Okay, but slow down. I don’t think that dress is going anywhere.” Hayden laughed as she was dragged into the store.

Ten minutes later Hayden sat outside the dressing room waiting for Emily to come back out. “Did you get lost in there?” she called.

“Just give me a minute. I just need to zip up.”

Hayden stood up and walked toward the door Emily was behind. “Need any help?”

“I uh…think I got it. Then again, could you come in?”

“Sure.”

Hayden opened the door just enough to let herself in the dressing room in case someone walked by.

“So what do you think?” Emily twirled around.

Hayden crinkled her nose. The dress looked a bit grown-up for a fifteen-year-old, clinging to her body like a second skin, but she felt it wasn’t her place to tell Emily. The teen could figure it out for herself. “What do you think?” She took the diplomatic route.

Emily looked at herself in the full-length mirror before yanking the hem down. “Well, it’s a little shorter than I thought it would be, but all the girls are wearing dresses like this.”

“But you attend a private school. Don’t you wear a uniform?”

Emily groaned in response. “I’m not in school all the time. Besides, Mom thinks I should stop dressing like a teeny bopper. She says I would get more boys’ attention.”

Hayden had only met Emily’s mother once and had deduced the woman had more Botox in her face than sense in her head. It was a wonder she’d produced such a well-grounded teen like Emily. “Sweetie, I think the way you dress is just fine. It’s cute, contemporary and age-appropriate. Besides, any knucklehead who’s only interested in you because you wear outfits like this,” she grasped one of the spaghetti straps of Emily’s dress, “isn’t worth your time.”

“I guess you’re right. I just figured…since I’m turning sixteen it was time for me to dress a little more grown-up.”

Hayden patted Emily’s shoulder and smiled. “Trust me, when you’re my age, you’ll be wishing you were fifteen again. These are the best years of your life, so enjoy them. Life is a marathon, not a fifty-yard dash. Enjoy being a kid.”

Emily leaned over and gave her a quick hug. “Thanks, Hayden.”

Hayden returned the hug. “Any time, kiddo. How about I wait outside while you change, and then I’ll take you to this shop a couple blocks away with outfits that I know you’ll love. And on our way there, you can tell me all about this sweet sixteen party you have planned.”

At the mention of her party, Emily’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. Ten minutes later they were off to the little boutique Hayden knew was popular with teenagers around the area. The entire way there, Emily chatted about designer dresses and a movie theme and who she intended to invite. Ah, the resiliency of youth. Hayden envied her the ability to jump from one topic to the next without giving the previous one another thought.

Hayden was glad to have the distraction of Emily’s company to take her mind off her own issues with Luc and Sawyer, though there were moments when her thoughts would drift to the two men. She wasn’t kidding when she’d told the teen she didn’t understand her own feelings. With deeper introspection she finally admitted to herself she had feelings for both men. And it scared the crap out of her that she couldn’t figure out whom she loved more.

“Okay, you’ve barely said a word throughout the entire meal. And a series of grunts doesn’t count as conversation. So spill it,” Jared Campbell, his business partner and good friend, observed.

Sawyer took another bite of his steak and ignored the lead in. He didn’t feel like telling the other man what was on his mind because it would open up wounds he didn’t want to deal with.

“You can’t shut me out, man. I’ll badger the hell out of you until you tell me what the deal is. If I would have known you’d sit there not saying anything, I would have had lunch by myself.”

Sawyer took his time chewing his steak and then taking a sip of his beer before answering Jared. “What the hell is this? Are we chicks where we have to tell each other what we’re thinking?”

“No, man, but we are friends, and if something is bothering one of us, I’d think we’d be there for each other.” Jared almost sounded a bit hurt, making Sawyer feel like an even bigger jackass than he already was.

Jared and he had been friends since they met up in college. The two had been inseparable to the point where some of their friends began referring to them as Ebony and Ivory, with his being white and Jared being black. The two men had remained friends even after graduation. When Sawyer had developed new software that sought out computer viruses and actively inoculated them, Jared had been his go-to guy. Sawyer had the funds and the product knowledge to start his business, but Jared was the numbers guy and had a killer business plan. He wouldn’t have become a success without the other man, and his company certainly wouldn’t have survived his year-long hiatus had Jared not taken over the reins and saw that everything ran smoothly. He owed his friend much more than a shitty attitude.

“Sorry. I am being a bit of an ass, aren’t I?”

“Ya think?” Jared smiled, showing he held no grudges. “Wanna talk about it?”

“Not really, but I might as well.”

“Does it have anything to do with Emily’s lunch date?”

“That obvious, huh?”

“I told you it wasn’t going to be easy to get back into her good graces. What did you expect? Messing up is one thing, but messing up with a sista? Ha! I don’t envy you, man. I can’t tell you all the times I’ve been in the doghouse with Alise, and I didn’t do anything nearly as bad as what you did.”

Sawyer’s shoulders sagged. “You think what I did was so bad she’ll never forgive me?”

“Love’s a funny thing, man. I think it’s possible there’s a chance for you two, but like you said, she’s seeing Montgomery. And from what you say, he’s not going away without a fight. That’s another complication, so you have to ask yourself, is this woman worth all this?”

Sawyer didn’t have to think about it. The answer was as plain as the nose on his face. “Damn straight. But you know, it kills me that out of anyone she could have ended up with, it had to be him.” His hands clenched to fists when he thought of that arrogant asshole who thought he walked on water.

“You gotta let that go. High school is over, and you’re both adults now.”

“But you have no idea what it was like for me back then. I think if I didn’t have sports, I probably would have been more of an outcast than I already was. He made it a point to never let me forget that I wasn’t a trust-fund baby and that I’d grown up in a trailer park. He and his cronies did their damndest to make me miserable.”

“But you still managed to make a few friends, so it couldn’t have been all that bad. You never struck me as the type to give a damn about what other people thought, so why did you allow this one guy to get under your skin?” And there lay the dilemma. Why did Montgomery bother him so damn much? Even before Hayden had come on the scene, they could barely stand the sight of each other. Both having made successful careers for themselves, they had run into each other at charity events and fundraisers where the barbs flew. And now that fucker had the one thing that meant the most to Sawyer, and he couldn’t stand it.

“Guess it was because he seemed to know which buttons to push. I don’t know what she sees in him. If it was anyone but Hayden, I’d say it was the money, but I know she’s not like that. I suppose some women would think he’s a good-looking guy, but his personality sucks. It doesn’t make sense why she’d put up with that prick.”

“Maybe she sees a side of him you don’t. Who knows? But the question remains, what are you going to do about it?”

“I gotta get her back, man.”

“But ask yourself this: if she was with anyone other than Montgomery, would you still want her?”

“Of course I would! What the hell kind of question is that? Shit, I’d want her back if she were with you.”

Jared chuckled. “I think Alise would have something to say about that. But I was just making sure you wanted her for the right reasons.”

“I want her because I’m in love with her. She’s just…I knew when I first laid eyes on her she was someone special. It didn’t matter to her that I’d grown up in a trailer park, that my parents had won the lottery and lost their minds. She didn’t care about my money and all the things I could buy for her. The one time I offered to help her out with her bills, she cussed me out. She actually cares about other people and doesn’t just pretend to in order to make herself look like something she’s not. Hayden is everything I could ever hope to find in a woman. I made a huge mistake when I thought I could let her go.”

“But what if she’s happy with Montgomery?”

“I don’t see how she can be when she still has feelings for me. I know she does.” Sawyer was as certain of it as his own name. Why else would she melt against him so easily, cling to him when his arms were around her, and respond to him so beautifully if that weren’t the case?

“So what will you do in order to get her back?”

“Whatever it takes, my friend. Whatever it takes.”

Sawyer was careful to keep conversation light on the drive home. He decided not to go back into the restaurant when he’d picked Emily up, choosing to meet her down the street. He couldn’t trust himself around Hayden because if he saw her again, there’d be no guarantee that he wouldn’t pull her in his arms. Even thinking about her now had his cock straining within the confines of his pants. She looked so lovely today with a top just low enough to see the tops of her creamy chocolate breasts.

He remembered the nights when he’d lain between her thighs as he suckled on her pert little nipples until she cried for mercy. He’d give anything to be there right now.

“What do you think, Sawyer?” Emily’s inquiry brought him out of his silent musings.

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Emily sighed with exaggerated patience. “I said I wouldn’t mind staying in tonight. We could order pizza and watch movies or something.”

“Burned out already? I would have thought you’d want to go out every night.”

“It doesn’t matter, as long as we get to hang out.”

Her comment brought a smile to his face. Sometimes his baby sister gave him hope that the youth of today wouldn’t fuck things up when they were finally in charge. “Sounds like a plan. Anything other than a romantic comedy though. I’d like to keep my dinner down.”

“Ha ha, very funny. If more men watched those types of movies they’d know what we women thought.”

“I could probably watch a thousand chick flicks and never know what women think. That’s a complication that will always remain a mystery.”

Emily giggled. She leaned over and flipped the channel on the radio to something that sort of sounded like music, but Sawyer couldn’t be sure.

“What the hell is that?”

“It’s one of my fav groups. Boys Don’t Cry.”

“They should be called Boys Who Don’t Take Singing Lessons.”

“Are you kidding me? They sound awesome.”

“Only if you’re wearing earplugs.” He reached over and flipped the radio off. “Let’s enjoy the silence for the rest of the ride home, shall we?”

Emily leaned back in her seat. “Fine with me.” She was quiet for about a minute before she started up again. “So why didn’t you get out of the car when you picked me up?”

He gripped the steering wheel tighter, knowing he’d have to be careful lest this conversation veer in a direction he wasn’t comfortable taking. “I didn’t want you to feel rushed.”

Emily sucked her teeth. “That’s a bogus excuse. If I wasn’t ready to go, I wouldn’t have called. I know you’re probably going to tell me to mind my business or that I’m too young, but do you plan on pursuing Hayden?”

“You’re right; you are too young for this conversation, and you should definitely mind your business.”

She slumped further in her seat with a pout. “I hope I never fall in love if it makes people act this insane.”

“That might be a good idea.” If he would have known love would be like this, Sawyer would have run the other way.

Chapter Eight

Hayden tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. An incredible heat spread through her body. Her nipples puckered against the flimsy material of her nightie, and sweat beaded along her skin. Strong firm hands slid up her thighs, inching slowly toward her damp heat.

She opened one eye at first, and then the other. “Luc!”

He pushed her back down on the bed. She knew he had a key to her house, but he rarely used it and never this late at night. It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him what the hell he was doing here, but when she felt the warmth of his breath against her pussy, all coherent thought flew out the window.

Luc eased his index finger inside her panties and immediately found her clit. He circled it, making her gasp. “You’re already hot for me, aren’t you, baby?”

She could only nod.

“Do you want me to put my mouth here?” To emphasize his words, he pushed the crotch of her underwear aside and pinched her clit. With her feet planted on the bed, she raised her hips to his touch. “So hungry for it, but I want you to say it. I don’t want there to be any doubt about what you want.”

“I want you.”

“I know you do, baby.” Grasping the edge of her undergarments, he slid them down her thighs and legs before settling between her thighs. Luc captured her labia between his lips and sucked hard, as if he were trying to devour her.

Hayden whimpered, wanting more. She needed to feel his tongue, his fingers and cock inside of her. She wanted it all. Craved it. Couldn’t live without it. Reaching down, she slid her fingers through his blond locks and grinded her pussy against his face.

With a chuckle, he raised his head. “Easy, baby. We have the rest of the night.” And with that he parted her slick folds. “You’ve got a pretty pussy. Did you know that?”

She wiggled her hips. “You tell me that every time.”

“’Cause it’s the truth. How could I not love this pussy? It’s like rich milk chocolate with a creamy pink center.” With one broad swipe of his tongue, he licked her from the top to the bottom.

“More. Please, Luc, don’t tease me.”

“Liked that, didn’t you?”

“You know I did.”

“How about this? Tell me what you feel when I do this.” He pushed two fingers into her channel to the hilt.

She hissed at the delicious ache, arching her back. Hayden loved the way he knew just how to touch her, how hard she liked it. “Oh, God. Yes.”

“No, sweetheart. The name’s Luc, not God. But I’ll be whatever you want me to tonight.” With his fingers still buried deep inside her cunt, he captured her hot little button between his teeth, nibbling and teasing it to the point of near pain. Finally, when she didn’t think she could take anymore of his sensual torment, he captured her clit between his lips and sucked as if he couldn’t get enough.

Hayden gripped his head tighter as she fucked his face, bucking uncontrollably, unable to get enough of the wicked delights of his mouth and fingers. When he pushed a third finger inside of her, stretching her pussy, she went spiraling toward her climax. “Luc! Luc! Luc!” she chanted over and over again. “I love you. Love you so much,” she panted.

He raised his head then. “And don’t you ever fucking forget it.”

“That’s funny. Especially when I know for a fact you’re in love with me.” A voice came from her doorway.

Hayden gasped in shock. Striding into her bedroom without a stitch of clothing was Sawyer. She’d forgotten that he too had a key to her house and she’d never asked for it back. That he would show up now with her and Luc in the middle of something so intimate should have pissed her off, frightened her, worried her even. But instead…she was even more aroused than she’d ever been.

She fully expected Luc to feel the complete opposite; however, he slowly sat up and eyed the other man. “She loves me too.” Luc’s words were softly spoken, nothing like his usual aggressive stance. What the hell was going on?

Sawyer halted at the bed. “I know. So what are we going to do about it?”

Luc moved behind her and reached around, opening her pussy wide as if for Sawyer’s inspection. “Well, she does have more than one hole. I don’t see why we couldn’t…”

Sawyer grasped his cock and began to stroke himself, pumping his cock from root to tip. He looked like a Greek god standing there in his naked glory, and damn if she didn’t want him.

Hayden couldn’t speak if she wanted to. She was too hot to form words. Her body hummed with desire.

Sawyer caught her with his deep green gaze. “Is this what you want, baby?”

Luc lowered his head and nibbled the sensitive flesh of her neck. “Say you want it. Tell me how badly you want both of us sliding in and out of this tight, sexy body.”

Without waiting for her answer, Sawyer joined them on the bed, moving between her legs and positioning himself. She almost came right then and there in anticipation.

Luc tweaked her nipples, pulling them until they couldn’t stretch any further. Sawyer gently parted her pussy lips and dove in, his tongue stabbing forward.

“You like this, baby?” Luc clamped down harder on her diamond-hard tips.

“Yes.” She gasped the word, barely able to get it out through breathless pants.

Sawyer ate her pussy like a man on death row savoring his last meal. The sensation of Luc’s hands on her breasts and Sawyer’s tongue and mouth on her pussy was too much for her to take. She knew it wouldn’t be long until she exploded. It was as if the men had planned this all along, by the way they worked her body as a team. Their hands were all over her body, leaving not a single inch of her unexplored.

Another orgasm went ricocheting through her body, leaving her weak against their sexual ministration. She was going to go insane. Feeling like a much-loved fuck toy, Hayden allowed the men to position her on her side. Luc spooned her body from behind, and Sawyer pressed himself against the front of her.

Their cocks, hard and angry, rested against her entrances. Her pussy clenched and unclenched so painfully with her need that she could barely stand it. Sawyer gently kissed her on the lips. “Are you ready for this, baby? Ready for us?”

She could only nod.

Luc nipped her shoulder with a playful bite. “Once you go through with this, there’s no turning back.”

Hayden didn’t want to look back, only go forward with the two men she loved. “Take me.” Ready to accept them into her body, the screeching sound of an alarm jarred her awake.

Hayden sat up in bed, looking around in bewilderment. She was drenched in sweat, and she was all alone. Her nipples grazed painfully against her nightshirt, and she almost cried in frustration. Daylight peeped through the Venetian blinds. It had been a dream.

A goddamn dream. One that left her confused and horny. She rolled off the bed and headed toward the shower. Was her dream trying to tell her that she wanted them both? Knowing how much the two men hated each other, she knew it would be a cold day in hell before that happened.

Hayden quickly undressed and stepped under the spray of the shower, welcoming its sting. She couldn’t have them both. She’d have to choose one. But how could she when her heart cried out for both men with equal fervor? Someone was going to end up getting hurt, and she had a feeling that someone would be her.

“Okay, what the fuck is your problem? You have that poor mouse of a woman you call a personal secretary afraid of her own shadow, and you’ve been barking orders at everyone this morning as if you’ve become dictator of your own little country. What gives?” Natalie DaSilva, Luc’s legal advisor and one of the few people he called friend, eyed him with shrewd violet eyes.

“Don’t start, Nat. I’m not in the mood.”

“Well you better get in the mood, or you’re going to have a full-fledged mutiny on your hands. You’ve always been an asshole, but you’ve been even more of one lately. Does it have anything to do with your lady love?”

Luc continued to look through the documents concerning one of his company’s newest acquisitions, although he didn’t actually see a goddamn word. How could he with Natalie nagging him, and when she was right. As usual. With a frustrated growl, he tossed the papers aside and stood up. He walked over to the window and shoved his fingers through his hair in aggravation. “I think I’m going to lose her.” There. He said it. The very thing he feared the entire time they’d dated.

Luc cursed his weakness, but the deep ache that had gnawed at him for so long could no longer be held in.

“What do you mean you’re going to lose her? You two actually seem to be in love. And the way you two look at each other is absolutely barf-inducing. So what’s happened to change that?”

“Sawyer Underwood is back in town, and he wants her back.”

For once, his outspoken friend who was never shy in sharing her opinion was silent. It wasn’t like there was a whole lot that could have been said about the situation anyway. Deep down he knew it would come to this. A face-off was coming, one he didn’t intend to back down from.

To be fair, Sawyer had had a tough time with his accident, but it wasn’t Luc’s fault that he had been too much of a coward to let Hayden know what had happened. Had the roles been reversed he didn’t know if he would have been able to stay away that long. Hayden was almost an obsession to him. She’d basically admitted to almost fucking the other man, and even after that he couldn’t let her go. Where was his pride?

And out of all the men he had to compete with for Hayden’s affections was the one guy who’d been a thorn in his side growing up. Even after graduating from the prestigious prep school they’d both attended, it was as if there had been some unspoken competition between the two of them: who dated the hottest women, who had the nicest cars, who was the bigger success. On paper Luc had surpassed Underwood by miles, but some would say that everything Luc had was because of who he was and not because of any hard work done on his part. Sawyer, on the other hand, was lauded for his efforts of creating his multi-million dollar software empire from the ground up. Experts predicted he was well on his way to making it a billion-dollar company. He was the shining star of the business world.

Since Luc had known him, it seemed that Sawyer Underwood could do no wrong, whereas Luc was just a ruthless, cold son of a bitch who had more money than feelings. It was okay, though. As far as labels went, Luc had accepted it—reveled in it, even—until Hayden, who saw so much more in him. The thought of letting her go was as incomprehensible as not breathing.

“What are you going to do about it?” Natalie asked after several silent moments.

Luc glanced out the window, keeping his back to her. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to hold on to my woman.”

“But what if she decides she prefers him?”

He tightened his lips until they went numb. “Way to look at the bright side.”

“Well, you have to examine all possibilities, don’t you? From what I heard through the grapevine, before his disappearance, they were close to getting engaged.”

“And you know that how?”

“When one of the city’s most eligible bachelors is spotted downtown checking out engagement rings, it’s bound to work its way through the grapevine.”

“I didn’t realize you paid much attention to the gossips.”

“Not really, but a girl hears things. So have you two talked about it?”

Luc turned to face her then with narrowed eyes. “Tell me again how this is any of your business?”

“It became my business when you started walking around the office like an asshole extraordinaire.”

“I should fire you,” Luc muttered.

Natalie looked at her nails, not seeming the least bit worried by his threat. “I suppose you could, but we both know I’m the best, and Lucien Montgomery-Lambert the Third won’t settle for anything less. Besides, even if you did, you wouldn’t get rid of me as your friend and a good friend will always tell you what you need to hear and not what you want to.”

“Oh, and what is it that you think I need to hear?”

“That you need to stop being such a cold bastard. It’s getting old.”

He flared his nostrils as his heart rate spiked in agitation. Had it been anyone else, he would have long since kicked the person out of his office. He felt the muscles tighten in his jaw. Luc flexed his fists at his sides and took several calming deep breaths before responding. “Love twisting the knife, don’t you? Being that I’m such a cold bastard, perhaps we should keep the conversation to strictly business matters.”

“You see, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. You hide behind this asshole façade so people can’t see that you’re just as human as the rest of us. You go into jerk mode as a defense mechanism to mask the hurt.”

“Where’d you get that from, Dr. Phil?”

“Don’t get flippant with me. I don’t need a degree in psychology to see what’s right in front of my face. You use sarcasm when you’re nervous or unsure about something. You clam up when someone tries to get close to you. And you act like a super prick when you’re hurting.”

“Are you finished?”

“Not by a long shot. Let me guess, when you discovered Sawyer was back, you went all ‘me Tarzan, you Jane’ on her, didn’t you? You tried to stake your claim to her the only way you knew how. And I’d also put money on the fact that you’ve been ultra possessive as well. Hayden has a heart big enough to put up with that kind of bullshit, but I don’t think even she will continue to put up with it for long.”

Luc flinched as each of Natalie’s verbal arrows hit its mark. He hated that she had stripped him bare and saw him—really saw him. And he especially hated that she was right.

He knew he could be a dick, but he knew of no other way to be. There were very few people he could be himself around. There were times he wished he could let go and laugh at a silly joke, or just smile for the sake of smiling. But from an early age, there were high expectations he had to fulfill, a grand name he’d needed to live up to, and obligations came before anything else. The pressure to be the best at everything, mingle with the right people, and succeed was a cross he bore for as long as he could remember.

It didn’t help that his father, whom he only saw mainly when it was time to campaign, could care less about him beyond not being an embarrassment to the family name. His father, a U.S. senator, only viewed Luc as an extension of himself and never let his son live down anything he considered a failure. Edward never raised a hand to Luc; he was much too subtle for that. No, he punished Luc by withholding affection or praise. One icy stare from his cold gray eyes made Luc push himself even harder.

Amalie Lambert, his mother descended from French royalty—as she liked to remind anyone who’d listen—hadn’t been much better. Her biggest concern was her show dogs and having the biggest and best of everything to lord over her frenemies. Luc was often an afterthought and even when she did remember she had a son, she could barely remember his name. By the time his father retired from public office, his parents had given up their pretence of a marriage. His mother had gone back to France, where she lived comfortably off her divorce settlement and allowance Luc sent to supplement her alimony. Edward was currently on wife number five. Even as an adult, Luc wasn’t close to either of them.

Even the so-called friends he’d once surrounded himself with were full of shit. He knew very well that most of them would drop him like flies if he wasn’t who he was. Even they’d had expectations of him. It got to the point where the armor he’d erected around himself had become a way of life. He didn’t know how to be any other way.

With a resigned sigh, Luc returned to his desk and plopped down into the soft leather chair. He rested his head in his palms. “I’ve never been more scared of anything in my life. I don’t want to lose her, but I’m going to push her away if I keep this up.” The raw honesty almost hurt. He’d never opened himself like this before, and he wasn’t sure he liked the vulnerable way it made him feel.

Natalie walked over to his desk and began to rub his shoulders. “There you go. See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

“It was harder than you can imagine.”

“It gets easier, my friend. Let Hayden know how you feel. Show her your softer side. I know it may be difficult at first, but if you truly love her, let her know how much. Fighting for her doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be Cro-Magnon male all the time. Sometimes it just involves being open.”

“She may laugh in my face.”

“I seriously doubt that. Besides, she doesn’t strike me as the type. If you want your woman, you have to pull out all the stops.”

A smile touched his lips. He was glad that Natalie was the kind of friend who never gave up on a person, even when they deserved it. He leaned into her massage, closing his eyes. “Tell me again why we never ended up together?”

She laughed. “We tried dating, remember, and we realized we made better friends. Besides, it never would have worked out because I love pussy just as much as you.”

He chuckled. “Oh yeah, forgot about that.” Not long after their short-lived relationship, she’d come out to him. He admired her for having the courage to live life on her own terms.

She kneaded away the knots in his back. “So what’s your next move?”

“I’m taking her to Todd and Eileen’s for the weekend.”

Natalie snorted. “You mean snoozapalooza? Seriously?”

“Well, Todd’s a pretty decent guy, and he does run one of my companies. It’s become a bit of a tradition for me to attend their annual do. Hey, weren’t you invited?”

“Yeah, but I have something better to do that weekend, like watching paint dry.”

“It’s not that bad.”

“They have fox hunts, for Christ sake. If that’s not pretentious, I don’t know what is, especially when Eileen brags about her donations to the freakin’ Humane Society. I mean seriously.”

“But you will accept the invitation this time around.”

“And why should I?”

“Because you’d be doing a favor for your dear friend.”

She stopped massaging him. “What kind of favor?”

“Todd was on pretty good terms with Underwood and has invited him before, so he may show up too. He never has before, but I’m not leaving that to chance. I want you to run interference for me. Make sure I get as much alone time with Hayden as possible.”

“And what’s in it for me?”

“I won’t give your cell phone number to Alicia.” Alicia Ryan was a one-night stand for Natalie who wouldn’t go away. A reporter for The Washington Post, Alicia had a knack for showing up wherever Natalie was.

Her mouth fell open, and her eyes narrowed to an icy glare. “You’d give my number to the woman who thinks Glenn Close’s character in Fatal Attraction was misunderstood? Cruel, man.”

“So what do you say?”

She grunted. “Fine. But I swear if I have to sit in a room full of snotty bores talking about their latest cosmetic surgery, I’m going to barf.”

Luc laughed. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Chapter Nine

Shayna eyed Hayden’s outfit with a critical eye. “Definitely not.”

Hayden looked to Julia, hoping for an ally. Julia shook her head. “You’re not getting any help on this end. That dress is cute…if you were someone’s grandmother. That’s the fifth dress you’ve tried on, and they all look so matronly. Why don’t you try that black one me and Shayna picked out?”

“Because I’m quite capable of choosing my own outfits. And that thing you guys call a dress would barely cover anything.”

Julia threw her hands up in the air. “Well, duh. That’s the point.”

Hayden was still resistant. She knew this weekend meant a lot to Luc and didn’t want to do or wear anything that would cause him embarrassment. “This is hardly appropriate. I’m attending a formal dinner, not auditioning for a rap video.”

Shayna held out the outfit in question. “The dress we picked is very appropriate. I’m sure there will be women there wearing much less. Here. Give it a shot.”

Hayden took the dress and walked into the dressing room. “Fine, I’ll try it if for nothing else than to get you two to shut up.”

“We love you too, sweetheart. Now stop being such a Debbie Downer and try the damn dress on,” Shayna called from the other side of the door.

Hayden slid off the dress she wore and placed it back on the hanger before carefully slipping into the onyx sheath. The material hugged her body like a second skin, but it wasn’t too tight, moving with her. The shimmery material felt like silk against her skin. This wasn’t something she would have typically chosen for herself; it was short, coming to midthigh, and showed off more skin than she was normally comfortable with. As she turned to look at herself in the mirror, a gasp escaped her lips. The dress fit like it was made for her. It was a one-shoulder silhouette with an open kimono-style sleeve. A rhinestone-accented clasp resting at her shoulder held the dress up. She whirled around, examining herself at every angle.

“What the hell are you doing in there? Are you going to show us or what?” Julia hammered on the dressing room door.

“I’m coming.” Hayden tugged the hem down to cover more of her thighs but as she walked, it rode up again.

When she stepped out of the dressing room, Julia whistled. “You look hot!”

Hayden stuck her tongue out at her friends. “I know. You guys should take a picture.”

Shayna groaned, rolling her eyes heavenward. “Lord, we’ve created a monster. Don’t forget we’re the ones who picked the dress out.”

Hayden ran her hands over her hips and twirled around. “Yeah, but I’m the one who’s wearing the hell out of it.”

Julia laughed. “You sure are. You’ll be a hit at your party.”

Shayna nodded her approval. “There’s only one more thing you’ll need to make this look perfect and that’s the right pair of shoes. I’m thinking four-inch Louboutins, black, with a strap around the ankle.”

Hayden shook her head. “As if I had Louboutin money. It’s bad enough this dress will set me back for weeks.”

Shayna waved her hand dismissively. “You could borrow mine. We wear the same size.”

Hayden raised a brow. “You’re willing to part with a pair of your designer shoes?”

“Don’t get it twisted, sweetie. I said borrow, not that you could have them.”

“Still, you are very possessive of your shoes,” Hayden pointed out. “Actually I’m not sure possessive is the right word. More like obsessive. You put off paying your rent to buy a pair of Manolos because you didn’t want to miss a sale.”

Julia laughed. “Yeah, I’m shocked too. Remember the time we went to that jazz club? You almost beat some poor girl down for stepping on your Jimmy Choos. I never thought I’d see the day you’d part with a pair of your babies.”

“If it were legal, she’d probably marry her shoes.” Hayden burst out laughing.

Shayna rolled her eyes. “Okay, you can knock it off, you two. I’m not that bad. And anyway, I don’t see anything wrong with appreciating fine footwear. I’m a delicate flower; therefore I deserve the best.”

Julia snorted. “Spoken like a true princess.”

“Anyway…” Shayna turned back to Hayden, ignoring Julia’s dig. “That dress will have all the guys’ heads turning your way when you go for that weekend getaway.”

“Yep, especially Luc.” Julia nodded her head in agreement.

“He’s the only guy I’d be interested in. I won’t care about anyone else at that party.” The thought of the weekend getaway made Hayden a bit uneasy. She had no business going with Luc when everything was up in the air the way it was, but she intended to make the best of it.

“So why do you sound as if you’re going to your execution instead of a fancy party? Aren’t you excited about this trip? You’ll be rubbing your elbows with high society.”

“That’s really not the draw for me. Most of Luc’s friends are kind of stuffy and only like talking about their latest big-ticket purchase. It gets old pretty quick.”

“It didn’t seem to bother you before,” Shayna noted.

“It doesn’t really. Whenever someone starts talking about their latest investment, I just tune them out, smile and nod politely until they’re finished. Excuse me, I need to change.” Hayden went back into the dressing room and examined herself in the mirror again. She desperately wanted this weekend to go well and to make Luc happy. With all she’d put him through lately, he deserved it. What would he think about this dress? Goosebumps lined her body as she thought about him, his hands roaming over the bare parts of skin the dress didn’t cover.

Closing her eyes, she ran her hand over her midriff. She could almost feel his breath on her neck, his body pressed against hers and his lips against the side of her face. A quiet moan escaped her lips as she imagined his large hands palming her breasts, squeezing them until her nipples were hard. Hayden squeezed her thighs together to temper the ache within her core.

Those hands were all over her body now, her stomach, breasts, ass, legs all at once. All at once? Another pair of hands crept into her imagination; they were slightly more tanned and calloused. Both pairs of hands worked her body.

She opened her eyes with a groan. Now wasn’t the time to wish for things she couldn’t have.

A tap on the door startled her back to reality. “Hayden? Did you get swallowed in a hole in there?” Julia called.

Heat scorched her cheeks in her embarrassment, and she thanked God they couldn’t see her. “Uh, I’ll be out in a second. This dress is a bit tricky getting off, and I don’t want to rip it.”

“Okay, we’ll be waiting for you up front.”

“Thanks! I’ll be out in a second.” Hayden took several deep breaths before carefully removing the dress and returning it to the rack. She then slid back into her jeans and blouse before heading out with the dress in hand.

Once their shopping expedition was over, the three of them went for lunch to one of their favorite diners. It was halfway through the meal when Shayna finally veered the subject down a path Hayden wasn’t thrilled to go down. “Okay, girl, spill it.”

Hayden toyed with her Cobb salad, pushing the lettuce around her bowl. “It’s nothing.”

“Yeah, if it was nothing, you wouldn’t be sitting there playing with your food and looking like someone kicked your puppy.” Shayna reached over and touched her arm. “I know Julia and I have the tendency to be nosy, and maybe we sometimes give our opinions when you don’t particularly need them, but we do care. Tell us what’s going on, girl. Please?”

Hayden had already told them about Sawyer’s return, but she didn’t tell them everything. It was difficult to relay how she felt when she wasn’t sure herself, but they were her girls. After taking a deep breath, she told them the entire conversation she’d had with Sawyer and what had happened during their little “chat” and their subsequent meeting at the restaurant when she’d been dining with Luc.

For once they listened without interruption, and when she was finished they still didn’t speak.

“I’ve fucked up big time, and I don’t know how to fix it. I think if Sawyer hadn’t returned, I could have gone on pretending I no longer had feelings for him. I believed I could fully commit to Luc, because he’s been better to me than I deserve. Now I’m not so sure.”

Shayna pushed her plate to the side and placed her elbows on the table, steepling her fingers beneath her chin. “But how do you feel about Luc?”

“As crazy as it sounds, I’m in love with him. And when I try to think about which one I love more, I can’t do it. Even the thought of being without either one of them…just hurts.”

“But you were without Sawyer for almost a year, so I’m sure you can cope.” Julia had a matter-of-fact way of pointing things out, but in this case it didn’t help.

“That’s just the thing. I think I merely existed without him, not really living.” There. She said it. It was something she’d been holding in for so long she felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Julia crinkled her nose, her bewilderment apparent. “Sounds a little dramatic, don’t you think?”

Hayden raised a brow. While she loved her friends dearly, she wouldn’t let them diminish what she felt just because they didn’t understand. “Dramatic? I can’t eat or sleep properly. This is basically all I’ve thought about lately, and it makes me ill to know that I’m hurting two great guys. Dramatic is how you’d describe someone who gets off on being in the center of drama they created. I never set out to fall in love with two men, and if either of you think this is easy for me, you both can bite me.”

Shayna reeled back as if she’d been slapped. “Whoa, I’m sure Julia meant no offense. No one is saying your feelings aren’t valid. It’s just…neither one of us has been in a situation like this.”

Julia nodded. “Yeah, sorry if I hurt your feelings. I should have chosen my words more carefully, but eventually you will have to make a decision.”

“Don’t you think I know that? Why do you think this is so hard for me?” Hayden could feel herself growing testy, so she took a few calming deep breaths. She knew her friends meant well, but how could they help when she was still trying to make sense of everything?

“But if you’re with Luc and still thinking about Sawyer, does that mean you love Sawyer more?”

Hayden shook her head. She wished to God it were that simple. “That’s not what I’m saying at all. I…whenever Luc isn’t near, I miss him too. When he was in Paris, he was all I thought about. The feeling was just as intense.”

“Until Sawyer came back and did the damn thing.” Shayna laughed.

Hayden released an exasperated sigh. “I didn’t realize my love life was a source of amusement to you.”

Shayna gave her a sheepish grin. “Sorry. It’s just I’ve always had a soft spot for Sawyer. Not only is he fine as hell with those dreamy green eyes, he’s a really nice guy, and you were happy with him.”

“And Luc makes me extremely happy as well,” Hayden added, wanting them to fully understand her dilemma.

Julia pursed her lips as she rolled her eyes. “Exactly. Luc is the shit. And, Shayna, might I point out that Sawyer abandoned her for nearly a year without a word.”

Hayden flinched at her friend’s bluntness.

Shayna threw her arms up, signaling frustration. “Because he was in a terrible car accident. And the guy was depressed. Give him a break. You’re always so unbending. People screw up. That’s what second chances are for.”

Julia narrowed her eyes. “I’d like to break his neck for hurting Hayden. Anyway, she’s been very happy with Luc. Not only is homeboy hotter than Sawyer with his Ralph-Lauren-model looks, he’s rich. He’s Oprah rich.”

Shayna snorted. “Please, girl, there is no comparison between the two. Team Sawyer all the way.”

Julia folded her arms over her chest. “Team Luc.”

Hayden silently prayed for the Lord to give her the strength not to wring both of their necks. “Are you guys kidding me? You two sound like a couple of teenagers discussing who’s the hottest hunk in the latest Disney movie. Newsflash: this isn’t some teen drama, it’s my life you’re discussing.”

“I was just putting it out there that if you have to choose, you can’t go wrong with Luc.”

“She’d be much better off with Sawyer,” Shayna piped in.

Hayden rubbed the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache coming on. Next time, she vowed to keep her problems to herself. Her friends weren’t making things better with this back and forth. “Look, could you two cut it out for a moment? Ultimately the decision is mine to make, and right now neither of you is helping.”

Shayna and Julia fell silent. For several moments, none of them spoke. Julia was the first to speak up. “Not that I’m telling you how to feel, but I think you and Luc have a good thing going. I know you loved Sawyer, but you were a mess when he disappeared. You had us worried for a while, you were so despondent. But then Luc was there for you, and he made you laugh and smile again. Your glow was back, and the sparkle in your eyes had returned. And everything was Luc this and Luc that. When you introduced us, it was clear to see the man was crazy about you. Remember when I had that house party and you brought him? He didn’t have eyes for anyone in the room but you. He wouldn’t leave your side, and he always seemed to find ways to touch you. That man has it bad, and you were happy. So that’s why I’m firmly in his corner.”

“Well,” Shayna leaned in closer to Hayden, “that’s nice and all, but Sawyer was a total sweetheart, and he wasn’t so standoffish. And you two were always laughing and happy together. Not saying that you and Luc weren’t happier, but Sawyer just seemed more of a people person. It seems like Luc tends to hold himself apart from other people, as if he was better than them.”

Hayden had to interject there. “He’s reserved, yes, but it takes him a while to warm up to new people. Besides, he’s not like that with me. When we’re together, he’s warm and attentive and…” Heat flushed her cheeks as she thought of just how demonstrative Luc was when they were alone.

Julia smiled with a hint of triumph. “Looks like Sawyer isn’t the only one who knows how to do the damn thing.”

Shayna rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

“Are you two finished yet?”

Contrition etched their faces. “We’re sorry.” They spoke in unison.

Hayden sighed and offered them a smile. She couldn’t fault them for being them. “It’s okay. You two don’t know any better, so I forgive you.” She poked her tongue out at them.

Julia threw her roll, which landed right in the middle of Hayden’s forehead. “Oops, I didn’t know any better.”

Hayden picked up the offending piece of bread and lobbed it back toward Julia. Unlike her, however, Julia ducked, and the roll ended up hitting a patron walking by. She covered her mouth in horror, while Shayna and Julia seemed as if they were having a hard time holding in laughter. “Sir, I am so sorry.”

The gentleman grunted in response before walking off.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe I did that.” Though Hayden was mortified at what she’d done, the sight of her friends trying to cover their mirth made her lose it. They all looked at each other and burst out laughing. She had to wipe away a tear before she could get herself under control. “Thanks, guys, I think I really needed that. Even though you two are still pains in my ass.”

Shayna winked at her. “We aim to please, darling.”

A brief silence fell over the table before Julia spoke. “So what now?”

“Now?” Hayden sighed. “Now, I’ll just make the best out of this weekend with Luc…since it’ll probably be our last together.”

“Why would you do a crazy thing like that? I thought you loved him,” Julia demanded.

“I do, and it’s because I love him that I have to let him go. He deserves someone who can give him their complete devotion, someone who doesn’t have feelings for someone else.”

Shayna reached across the table and gave Hayden’s hand a squeeze. “Maybe that’s not the most ideal solution. I mean, you know who I’d pick if it were up to me, but just enjoy the weekend and don’t go into it with ideas of breaking things off. Have fun, and things will run their course, I’m sure.”

That was probably the most sensible advice Hayden had received so far. Why not? She’d go to the outing and have a good time. What’s the worst that could happen?

Hayden flipped through channels, not really seeing what was on the television screen before her. The conversation she’d had with her girlfriends earlier still burned in her head. Maybe they were right, and she’d know what she wanted after her weekend with Luc. While she wasn’t crazy about the idea of spending time with him amongst a bunch of strangers, it would still be nice to have a weekend around him to gain some insight on where she wanted to take their relationship.

With a frustrated sigh, she switched off the television and tossed the remote aside. It wasn’t quite the time she usually went to bed, but she wasn’t in the mood for television or reading. Hayden went through her nightly toiletry routine, checking her blood sugar levels and giving herself an insulin injection. Again her levels were on the low end, and she made a mental note to mention it to her doctor the next time she had an appointment.

Once in bed, she waited for sleep to take over, but it didn’t come. She tossed and turned, tried different positions and fluffed her pillows several times. After nearly an hour of trying to get comfortable, Hayden was about to get out of bed when her phone rang. Since it was after nine she knew it couldn’t be a telemarketer, so she reached for the phone receiver on her nightstand.

“Hello?”

“Hello, gorgeous.”

She stiffened at the sound of Sawyer’s voice and she wished she’d checked the caller ID before answering. “What do you want, Sawyer?”

“I think you already know the answer to that question. I warned you I wouldn’t give up so easily.”

Hayden refused to fall for the bait. “I meant, why are you calling?”

“To wish you goodnight, of course. Remember when I did that every night we didn’t spend together? Or when I was on the road? Hearing your voice got me through those lonely nights spent in a hotel room.”

Hayden remembered those nights well. They’d talk for hours, and most times it was stuff they’d already discussed, but it didn’t matter because just hearing the sound of his voice had been a great comfort to her. “Yes. I remember, but that was also when we were together, Sawyer.”

“We could be again.”

“I think we’ve gone over this, and it’s kinda pointless to keep at it. It’s over between us. Goodnight, Sawyer.” She had every intention of hanging up when a song began to play on the other end of the line. Hayden slapped her hand over her mouth to hold in her giggles as she remembered how that particular song had become theirs. It was Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.”

They’d been dating for a month at that point and had just finished watching a movie. Neither one of them wanted to call it a night, so Sawyer had suggested they go shoot some pool. When they arrived at the bar, they discovered it was karaoke night. Hayden had dared Sawyer to take the stage, which he did. It was one of the most hilarious experiences in her life. It turned out Sawyer was tone deaf, and the song didn’t sound anywhere close to the original—or human, for that matter. But he was a natural showman who got the audience going. Hayden had laughed until her belly hurt and from then on, whenever that song came on, she thought about Sawyer and how much fun she had with him.

“I could always sing this to you if you’d like.”

Hayden chuckled. “Not a chance. Let’s leave it to Otis, shall we? I’d prefer to keep my eardrums intact.”

“Aww come on, I didn’t sound that bad.”

“That’s right, you sounded worse.”

“But you said I was cute trying.”

She sighed. “Yes. You were very cute.” This took her back to the days when they were still together and how easy it was for him to bring a smile to her face. It was no wonder she was so conflicted, particularly when neither guy seemed willing to back off. “Look, Sawyer, I need to go.”

“Don’t, please. Not yet. I can’t tell you how many sleepless nights I’ve spent just wanting to call you but not having the courage to. Just give me a couple minutes.”

“I’ve got to go, Sawyer. Goodbye.”

“Wait. Just a couple minutes, please. If you’re being honest with yourself, Hayden, you’d realize you don’t want this conversation to end either. Do you?”

She hesitated for a moment before answering. “Fine. I don’t. Are you happy? But it doesn’t matter because Luc—”

“Don’t mention that name. Not tonight. I still don’t understand what you see in that guy. He was supercilious bastard when we were teenagers, and it doesn’t seem like much has changed as we’ve gotten older.”

Hayden could only imagine how Sawyer felt, but she wouldn’t let him put Luc down. “Don’t you dare talk about him like that. He’s a kind, decent man, whether you choose to believe it or not. You two are more alike than you think.”

Sawyer snorted. “I doubt it. Just tell me three reasons why you think you love this guy?”

“He’s considerate, sensitive, handsome, smart, passionate—”

“I said three things,” he growled.

“Don’t ask the question if you don’t want to hear the answer, Sawyer. Look, I know what you’re getting at. You wonder how I could love someone as deeply as I did you. And I ask myself the same thing, but I can’t help the way my heart feels. I am in love with Luc.”

“But you love me too.”

Hayden saw no point in denying it, but she wouldn’t acknowledge it either.

There was a slight pause on the other end of the line before he spoke. “Come out with me this weekend.”

“I have plans. Look, it’s getting late, Sawyer. I need to get some sleep.”

“Are you taking care of yourself? Eating properly?”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, Mother.”

He chuckled, not seeming a bit put out by her comment. “Good to hear, honey. Enjoy your weekend, Hayden. I’m sure it will be…interesting.”

She didn’t bother asking him what he meant by that, although she wasn’t sure she wanted to know. “Thank you. Goodnight, Sawyer.”

“Goodnight. I’ll be seeing you.” He hung up before she could say anything else.

Once she replaced the receiver on its cradle, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling she had about this coming weekend.

Chapter Ten

Hayden was pleasantly surprised at how well the day was going. All the weekend’s events for the getaway were supposed to begin with a late lunch around two, so Hayden had taken off from work that day. Luc picked her up midmorning and decided to take the scenic route.

Hayden leaned deeper into her leather seat with a sigh. “I’m really looking forward to spending the weekend with you.”

Luc took his eyes off the road briefly to steal a glance at her. “Oh yeah? You seemed a bit uneasy about it earlier.”

“I decided I was being silly. Besides, how could I not enjoy myself when I’m with you? Luc, I love you.” It was so important to her that he knew it and felt her sincerity. No matter what the future held for them, she needed him to know that.

Luc took one hand off the steering wheel and captured one of hers, bringing it to his lips and dropping a light kiss across her knuckles. “And you know how I adore you.”

Her skin tingled where his lips had touched, and her heart sped up. “You’re such a charmer.”

He looked over and winked. “Only when the companion is as lovely as you.”

She giggled. “Well, you’re no slouch yourself. In fact, maybe I should be a little worried.”

He raised a dark blond brow. “Oh? Worried about what?”

“That I may have to fight off all the women trying to get close to you.” There was no doubt that Luc was a good-looking man who garnered more than his fair share of female attention, but he always seemed so unaffected by it.

“It won’t matter what any other woman there thinks of me because I’ll only have eyes for one.”

“Oh? And who might that be?”

Luc’s sensual lips curved into a smile. “Well she’s got big brown eyes, nice smile, great body, and she snores in her sleep—snores like a big hairy lumberjack.”

Hayden burst out laughing. “I do not!”

“Who said I was talking about you?” Luc chuckled.

She gave him a playful punch in the arm. “Take it back. I do not snore like a hairy lumberjack.”

“I didn’t say that. I said a big, hairy lumberjack.”

“If you don’t take it back, I will tell everyone that you kissed my teddy bear Pookie.” He’d won Pookie for her at the carnival her job had sponsored to raise money for the cause.

“Now that’s hitting below the belt. I only kissed him because you said you wouldn’t kiss me if I didn’t kiss him first. Sheesh, I have one indiscretion with a stuffed animal, and it becomes Beargate. Okay, you don’t snore like a lumberjack…a buzz saw maybe, but not a lumberjack.” He looked at her again with a big grin on his face.

Hayden loved when Luc let his guard down and showed the side of himself he didn’t often show to others. “Don’t think you’re off the hook because you smiled at me.”

“But you like my smile.”

She grinned back. “Yeah, I do.”

The rest of the ride they laughed and joked with each other, making Hayden wonder what she’d been so worried about in the first place.

When they arrived at the Baxter Estate, Hayden was a bit intimidated by how large the house and grounds were. Todd and Eileen’s home had twelve bedrooms, a forty-car garage, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool with heated Jacuzzis next to each and a kitchen that was the size of the entire first floor of Hayden’s tiny townhouse. There were three formal dining rooms, as well as a ballroom and bowling alley and movie theater that seated fifty people comfortably. The mansion was something straight out of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.

Eileen was gracious enough to give Hayden the tour as they were one of the first to arrive. Hayden was truly in awe. Luc held her hand throughout their walkthrough and at the end, he brushed his lips against her ear. “Just say the word, and I’ll buy you a house just like this one, or even bigger if you’d like.”

She’d giggled. “I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with a place even half this size.”

As the rest of the day progressed, other guests began to trickle in. But Luc stayed by her side, eliminating some of her nervousness. Most of the people there weren’t as bad as Hayden thought they’d be, although there were a few who did seem a little put out by her presence, but nothing was said. One woman in particular, a redhead named Paige, had actually glared at her, and Hayden couldn’t for the life of her figure out what she’d done besides be alive to warrant such a look. It was something she shrugged off. Whatever the woman’s problem was, it was exactly that. Her problem, not Hayden’s.

When it was time for lunch, Luc took her aside. “I have a special surprise for you.” He left her for the first time since they’d arrived, but he was back within minutes with a picnic basket in one hand and a blanket slung over his arm.

“What’s this?”

“Our lunch.”

“Aren’t we having lunch with everyone else?”

“Not today. We’ll have the rest of the weekend to see everyone else. Come on.” He held out his hand, which she took, and Luc led her outside. Instead of eating on the terrace as she thought they would, he led her across the estate until they made it to a clearing in the woods.

He set the basket down and laid the blanket out then turned to her with a smile, gesturing to the ground once it was set up. “My lady.”

Hayden couldn’t keep the grin off her face. “You planned this?”

“I called in a favor. I wanted to have you to myself before all the festivities began.”

She took a seat on the blanket, tucking her sundress around her thighs. “I didn’t realize this would be such a big ta-do.”

“It is. Usually it’s not really my thing, but Todd and I have been friends since we were in grade school together. And we stayed pretty close. He’s CEO of one of my companies. Eileen has a PR firm in the city; she represents some major sports teams and some local celebrities. They’ve been good friends over the years.”

“They seem nice. I was a little nervous about coming here.”

Luc tilted his head as he stared at her. “Why would you be nervous?”

“I thought I’d feel out of place, that someone would look at me and say I didn’t belong.”

“No one would do that unless they wanted me to deal with. Besides, Todd and Eileen, for all their old-money backgrounds, are both pretty down-to-earth people. They wouldn’t allow any guests to be disrespected in their home.” Luc opened the basket and pulled out two plates, a bottle of wine and glasses. He handed her one of the glasses and uncorked the bottle. “Try this.” He poured a small amount into her glass.

Hayden took a sip. It was dry with a hint of sweetness, just as she preferred her wine; the flavor seemed to burst on her tongue. “This is very good.”

“More?”

She held out her glass. “Please.”

“It’s from my vineyard in France.”

Hayden raised a brow. “I didn’t know you had a vineyard. Why have you never told me about it?”

“My fingers are in several pies, but the vineyard is special to me. Not many people know about it. My great-grandfather started it with just an acre of land and a dream. He made it into one of the most prosperous ventures in France, passing down all he knew to his son. Unfortunately my grandfather’s offspring were only interested in the profit that they could make from it. When he died, they nearly ran it to the ground.”

“And now?”

“Well, I’ve done my best to bring it back to its former glory. You see, my mother and her siblings were offered a large sum to sell, and they took the money and ran. Not too long ago I was able to purchase it.”

“What compelled you to buy it back?”

“When I was a little boy, I’d spend my summers there. My grandfather…” He broke off as if it was difficult for him to get the rest of the words out. He frowned.

Since she’d known Luc, he wasn’t one to easily open up, so Hayden waited for him to finish, not wanting to lose this chance of gaining more insight into who he was.

Luc took a deep breath before continuing. “He was the only one who actually seemed to give a damn about me. My visits to the vineyard were some of the happiest times in my life.” He paused to give her a crooked grin. “Didn’t know I could be this sentimental, did you?”

“No, but I like it. I know you don’t talk about them, but won’t you tell me about your parents?”

Luc’s forehead crinkled, signaling his consternation. For a moment she thought he’d ignore her, but instead he lowered his head and continued to talk. “My mother and father are distant cousins; far enough removed that they wouldn’t make mutant children, but close enough to keep the bloodlines pure.”

Hayden winced at his harsh assessment but remained silent.

“It was an arranged marriage of course. Once I came along, I guess that’s when they stopped pretending to give a damn about each other. Mom only showed real emotion when it came to her prized Pekinese, and the senator only seemed to take notice when I didn’t live up to the family name or during campaign time. The one time I complained about my father’s lack of attention…well, let’s just say it put me off of wanting to get close to anyone for a long time.” For a moment his gray eyes glistened with the suspicious sheen of tears. This was the most human she’d ever seen him, and it made her love him a little bit more.

Wanting to offer some comfort, Hayden reached over and touched his thigh. “Oh, Luc. I’m so sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize. You didn’t do anything to be sorry for. It’s not your fault that my sires would never win any awards for parenting skills.”

“You make me want to cry that you had an upbringing like that. I grew up without a father; he died before I was born. But as you already know, Mom and I are extremely close. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t feel loved. I wish you would have felt that too.”

“Guess it wasn’t my lot. Look, I’m not trying to play on your sympathies, but—”

“I never thought you were. I’m touched that you felt comfortable enough to share this with me. This is the side to you I’ve always known was there. I just sometimes wish you’d let other people see the Luc I know.”

“It’s hard for me to open up, especially when I’ve grown up not knowing who liked me for me or who simply wanted to be around me because of who I am. I know most people think I’m a cold bastard, and I’ve done nothing to disabuse them of the notion. Hell, I’ve cultivated that persona at times, but I don’t want to be that way with you, Hayden. I’m laying my cards on the table right here and now. I’m in love with you, and I don’t intend letting you go without a fight.” He reached out and grazed the side of her face with the back of his knuckles. She leaned into his touch with a sigh.

Her resolve to be fair and end this melted away slowly. How could she walk away from him when he made her feel this way?

Luc plucked the wineglass from her hand and placed it along with his to the side. He pulled her across his lap and swooped down to capture her lips. His kiss was hungry and seeking. It didn’t ask for permission. It simply took. And she liked it.

Digging his fingers through her hair, he gave it a tug. “Open up for me, sweetheart. I’ve been dying for a proper taste of you all day,” he muttered against her mouth.

Hayden parted her lips just enough to allow his tongue entrance. He tasted of wine, mint and something uniquely Luc. She allowed him to explore every crevice of her mouth, leaving no part unexplored before she made demands of her own. Thrusting her tongue forward to meet his, she gave as good as she got. Her body was on fire for him. Her nipples pebbled to painful tightness, and her pussy pulsed. It felt so good to be in his arms and at this moment, she couldn’t think of anywhere she would rather be.

Wanting to be closer, she pressed her breasts against the hard wall of his chest. “Luc.” She moaned his name when she broke the tight seal of their lips to catch her breath.

“I want you,” he growled.

“Out here?”

He pushed the straps of her sundress down her shoulders and kissed her neck, taking little bites and nibbles along her heated flesh. “Yes, here.”

Hayden was nervous and excited over the prospect of taking such a risk with Luc. “But aren’t you worried someone may come along?”

“These are private grounds. No one will come out here. Everyone is probably having lunch now and getting thoroughly drunk. Enough about them. I want you.” Luc pressed his lips against the hollow of her neck.

Hayden latched on to his forearms as a moan escaped her lips. “What about lunch?”

“I have more pressing needs than food. See what you do to me, woman?” Luc grasped her hand, placed it against his chest and slid it down the center of his body until she cupped the large bulge in his slacks.

The sudden need to please him took over. She pouted with mock concern. “Oh, I see what you mean. I guess I’ll have to do something about it.” Wiggling off his lap, she moved to her knees in front of him as she fumbled with the zipper on his slacks.

Luc caught her wrists, halting her. “Baby, if you don’t take it easy, I won’t be able to control myself.”

She met his steely gray gaze. “Maybe I don’t want you to.” Within their depths was something she didn’t normally see or associate with a man of Luc’s drive and confidence: uncertainty. It only firmed her resolve to continue on. Using the element of surprise, she planted her hands on his chest and gave him a hard shove, forcing him to his back. Hayden straddled him and pinned him down by the shoulders. “I have you where I want you now.”

He chuckled. “I’m at your mercy, sexy lady.”

Leaning over, she kissed his jaw line and slid her lips along the lower half of his face until she reached his lips. Hayden ran her tongue over the seam of his lip. When Luc attempted to capture her tongue, she pulled back. “Uh uh uh. I’m in charge here.” It was a heady turn on to have this big powerful man beneath her at her complete mercy. Her pussy pulsed with need for him.

She brought her lips down on his again, taking charge of the kiss and catching his bottom lip between her teeth. Hayden reveled in the feel of control surging through her. They both knew that if he wanted to, Luc could easily overpower her, but the fact that he didn’t made her want to make this encounter as pleasurable for him as possible. Threading her fingers through his blond hair, she continued to nibble, lick and suck on his lips, loving the way he groaned into her mouth.

“Mmm, you taste so good,” she whispered against his lips. Hayden lifted her head to give him a wink before sliding her body down the length of his, not stopping until she was eye-level with the erection threatening to burst the seam of his pants. With hurried movements she undid his belt and made quick work of freeing his cock. Once free, it sprang forward, hard, long and thick, an absolute thing of beauty. She circled her fingers around the base and gave the silk-textured head a swift lick before raising her head to catch Luc’s reaction.

His eyes were shut tight, and his breathing was ragged. It was obvious to her he was trying to hold on to the last bit of his control. Hayden wanted him to totally lose it. She rimmed the helmet-shaped top with the tip of her tongue. His taste was raw, a bit salty with a hint of sweetness and tinged with musk, a flavor rivaling the finest of wines. She loved the sense of power it gave her to make this beautiful man shiver with desire for her. Being outside as a gentle breeze grazed her skin and knowing somewhere in the back of her mind there was the slightest of possibilities of them being discovered was an added turn on. She’d never thought of herself as an exhibitionist, but being here with Luc made things just seem right.

Luc practically growled his need, encouraging her to continue on. She took him in her mouth slowly, tightening her lips around his shaft as she moved her head lower, sliding her tongue along his hardness as she went, stopping until his cock touched the back of her throat. Relaxing her muscles, she swallowed another couple inches.

“Holy shit!” he cried out and grabbed clumps of her hair as he bucked his hips, sending his dick even deeper into her mouth.

She stilled, taking time to adjust before pulling back until his rod was nearly out of her mouth. She moved down almost to the root and repeated the motion slowly at first before picking up speed.

His hands tightened in her hair. “That’s it, honey, suck my cock. Just like that. Feels so good, baby.”

His words encouraged her to suck harder, faster and to take him deeper. Luc fucked her mouth, grunting with each thrust. Hayden couldn’t get enough of his taste, musky, manly and addicting. Releasing the grip she had on his cock, she cupped his balls in her palm and squeezed them lightly, molding and caressing them.

“I’m going to come!” He tried to pull away, but Hayden grasped his hips, holding him in place and clasping her lips around his dick, refusing to let go. She wanted all of him. “Baby—I aaahhh!”

A rush of his hot seed flooded her mouth. Hayden swallowed as much of his essence as she could. He jerked and writhed beneath her.

“God, Hayden. What are you doing to me?”

She went up and down on him several more times before releasing his cock with a decisive wet pop. Moving over him, she gave him a long deep kiss. He caught the back of her head, this time pushing his tongue against hers, dueling in a passionate dance. Finally, her lungs burning, she twisted her head away to gasp for air.

Hayden raised her head with a grin. “Did you like it?”

He returned her smile. “Do you need to ask?” He raised his hips, pressing his hard cock at her core.

She raised a brow. “Already?”

“This is what you do to me. I loved your mouth on me, but now I want some pussy. Yours.”

Licking her lips, Hayden rolled away from him to slip off her panties before straddling him again. “I think that can be arranged.”

Luc sat grasping her hips. “But I’m not letting you have all the fun this time around. I want to play too.”

Hayden lifted the hem of her sundress as she impaled herself on his thick shaft. Their collective sighs of relief mingled at their joining.

“So good. This is my pussy. So tight, so wet, made just for me. You know what, sweetheart?”

“What?” She gasped the word out.

Releasing her hips, he pulled down the bodice of her dress, freeing her breasts. “I want to suck on these lovelies while I fuck you.” And to underline his point, Luc dipped his head to capture one nipple in his mouth.

She clasped his shoulders, throwing her head back as the delicious sensations of his ministrations swirled through her body. Luc suckled and nibbled on each nipple in turn as they started to move together, their bodies moving in time with each other.

All Hayden could think of was how good it felt to have him inside of her. This weekend was so much better than she thought it would be.

Rage coursed through every vein in his body. He wanted to scream, stomp his feet and beat the hell out of someone, namely Montgomery. How dare that motherfucker touch his woman so intimately, put his mouth and cock where only Sawyer’s belonged. And the worse offense: giving Hayden a look of total abandon.

It sliced through him like a knife to see them like that, with Montgomery’s cock buried in the pussy he himself had spent hours in. How was it possible for her to be in love with him, yet look like she couldn’t get enough from his rival? He wanted to walk away, tear his gaze away from the scene unfolding in front of him, but damn it, he couldn’t. His feet wouldn’t work.

It was by pure luck he was here at all. He’d had no other plans this weekend besides working on new software he’d developed. He’d run into Todd downtown a couple days ago when he was dining with his financial advisor. Todd was one of the few people from his school days whom he called friend. Though the other man was old-money like a number of his former classmates had been, he was genuinely a nice guy.

Todd mentioned the weekend getaway and had invited him along, which Sawyer would have declined had he not mentioned who would be there. At the mention of Montgomery’s name, Sawyer’s interest had been perked. Casually he’d asked if Montgomery would bring anyone with him, which Todd confirmed. That sealed it for him. There was no way he would let his woman spend the weekend with another man, especially Montgomery.

Unfortunately he’d gotten a later start that day than he intended. He’d wanted to be there before Hayden arrived, but a minor crisis had him going into the office. It set him back a few hours but he still managed to make good time, getting there when lunch was about to be served. To his annoyance however, Hayden and Montgomery were nowhere to be found, although it had already been confirmed they were on the premises.

Both host and hostess were vague on their whereabouts. Feeling frustrated, Sawyer decided to take a walk on the grounds. He would have turned back and headed toward the house when he reached the woods, but something made him continue on. As he got deeper into the woods the sound of voices made him quicken his step. When he’d made it to the source of the sound, his heart fell to his feet. Montgomery was on his back and Hayden was bent over him, her thick lips wrapped around his dick. She bobbed her head up and down on Montgomery’s cock as if she couldn’t get enough.

So enthralled in each other, they didn’t notice he was there. Stepping back, he shielded himself behind a large oak tree so they wouldn’t notice him. Several emotions swirled through him at once. He clenched his fists in anger. His body shook with it. That was his woman. That bastard had his hands all over her, and she was enjoying every bit of it. It should have been him. The jealous rage burning within the pit of his stomach made him shake. Yet beneath those layers was something else. The hurt and the sadness both stemmed from the fact that he believed that there was no way Hayden could have felt as strongly for his nemesis as she did for him. But seeing her in the throes of passion with another man brought questions to his mind. It challenged everything he’d believed in. How could she react to him so openly and honestly and give herself to someone else with such wild abandon? It didn’t make sense.

As he stood there trying to make sense of the scene unfolding before him, another unexpected feeling hit him. Desire. Despite it all, seeing Hayden like this made his cock stir, hardening until it pressed painfully against the inseam of his jeans. Sawyer rubbed his crotch to relieve some of the ache. The only thing that did was make him even harder. Never taking his eyes off the two lovers, he undid the button of his jeans and unzipped them before reaching into his boxers.

Hayden was practically swallowing Montgomery whole, and he remembered when she had done that to him. Her ass was in the air. What would happen if he walked over there and grabbed her hips and shoved his cock in her tight cunt? Jesus Christ, he was depraved for even entertaining that thought. He wouldn’t share and especially with Montgomery, yet he couldn’t walk away. Sawyer had to temper his breathing as his heart rate spiked and his body grew warm. Before he realized he’d even done it, he eased his cock out of his boxers and stroked himself from root to tip, watching and wanting. Hayden’s big brown eyes were passion-glazed, her lips kiss-swollen, and her beautiful chocolate skin was flushed with desire—gorgeous.

When she climbed on Montgomery’s dick and he pulled her dress down to reveal her scrumptious-looking brown globes tipped with blackberry-colored nipples, he thought he would shoot his load right then and there. So beautiful. He stroked himself faster as the two lovers began to move. Sawyer barely realized that his hand moved in time to their rhythm. What if he were to approach them now? The thought sent him over the edge. He cried out as his come spilled over his hand. Moving behind the tree, he stilled, sure they’d probably heard him. Shit. Shit. Shit.

He felt like the biggest pervert of all perverts in that moment. What kind of sick bastard was he to get off on something like that, especially when one of the participants was the woman he’d vowed to spend the rest of his life with? Quickly he shoved his now partially hard penis back into his pants and zipped up. He had to get the fuck out of here and have a drink. Several drinks.

Not daring to look back, he hurried out of the woods and found himself running as if the devil himself was on his heels. He didn’t stop until he reached the house. When he walked back inside there were still several guests sprawled around the day room enjoying their lunches and drinks. Sawyer made a beeline to the bar, not bothering to chit-chat with anyone. Once he had a scotch in hand he took a seat in the corner away from the rest of the group, brooding over what he’d witnessed and his reaction to it.

So caught up in his silent musings he didn’t notice when he was joined until the cloying scent of an overpowering perfume drifted to his nostrils to assault his olfactory nerves. The scent was familiar, and for some reason he associated it with something unpleasant.

“Didn’t know you would be at this kind of get-together.” Paige’s voice had the power to annoy on most days, but now when he wasn’t in the fucking mood to hear her high-pitched squeak it was even more irritating.

Taking another healthy chug from his glass, he didn’t bother looking in her direction. “Why is that? I did go to school with Todd.”

“I’m aware of that. It’s just…you don’t seem like their type of people. Well, I meant—”

“I know exactly what you meant. I’m just trailer trash to you, right? No need to sugarcoat it.”

“So you plan to hold what I said in anger against me? I know I shouldn’t have said it, but you weren’t acting very gentlemanly that night.”

Sawyer downed the rest of his drink and stood up to get another from the bar, completely ignoring Paige. He should have known he wouldn’t be lucky enough that she could take a hint and leave him the fuck alone.

She wrapped her scarlet-tipped nails around his arm. “Wait. Can’t we forget about that silly incident and start over?”

“Start over? What exactly are we starting over when there was nothing between us to begin with? Didn’t you come here with a date anyway?”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Michael and I are just good friends. He asked me to come with him this weekend, and I didn’t have anything better to do. Lucky that I ran into you.”

Sawyer wasn’t fooled for a minute. If the Michael she referred to was Jared Ratner, it was common knowledge that his family’s company had recently filed bankruptcy and Michael himself was on the cusp of losing everything because of some bad investments. If he and Paige were dating, it was clear the redhead would dump him as soon as she could find some rich sucker to take care of her. He’d heard that the octogenarian billionaire she’d been engaged to had the bad manners of dying before she could get him down the aisle. If she thought her looks could make him forget what a cold spiteful bitch she was, she was even dumber than he’d previously believed.

“I see. So you’re willing to look past my unfortunate background because my money spends just as well as anyone else’s?”

Her face turned beet-red. “You don’t have to be so crude.”

“Not crude, honest.”

“Well I thought you’d want to try a woman with a little more refinement than some of your past choices.”

The little bit of patience Sawyer had been holding on to snapped. He knew exactly what she was referring to and didn’t appreciate it one bit. “Not a chance, doll.”

“You can’t be serious. You’re turning me down?” She laughed as if she couldn’t believe anyone would reject her.

Could she be anymore stupid? “Let me make this clear for you so you know exactly where you and I stand. If we were the last man and woman on earth, the human species would end with us. Go try your charms on another eighty-eight-year-old.”

Paige’s mouth fell open, giving her the appearance of a fish.

Not bothering to wait for a response, Sawyer brushed past her. It wasn’t in him to be deliberately hurtful to anyone, but Paige was one of those people who didn’t know when to shut the hell up. God, he needed that drink. The image of Hayden and Montgomery still burned in his mind. How would he get through the remainder of the weekend after seeing them together in that way?

After getting his second drink, he decided he didn’t want to return to the day room. He strolled outside to the patio, only to stop in midstride as Hayden and Montgomery were heading inside, giggling like a couple of teenagers. Hayden had a freshly fucked glow, and damn if it didn’t make his dick stir. They didn’t notice him until they got closer and they both stopped. The color slowly drained from Montgomery’s face, while Hayden looked as if she wanted to faint.

The three of them stared at each other for what seemed like several minutes, although it was more than likely only a few seconds had passed. It was Hayden who finally broke the silence.

“Sawyer? What are you doing here?”

He focused on Hayden, who squirmed beneath his gaze. “I was invited.”

Montgomery’s nostrils flared. “I really should talk to Todd about being more careful of who he invites to these things.”

Sawyer laughed. “Funny, I was thinking the same thing.” He would have liked nothing more than to smash the glass he held in that son of a bitch’s face.

“Can you two stop acting like a couple of dogs growling over a chew toy?” Hayden was clearly irritated, as indicated by her tone. The annoyance was also in her beautiful gaze, but it was that look of worry in her big brown eyes that stopped him from doing just that.

Instead of following his impulse, he glared at his rival, sending a clear message. Any time, motherfucker. And then to Hayden he smiled. “Guess I’ll be seeing you around, Hayden.” He turned on his heel to leave but something, he couldn’t explain what, made him turn around and send one final parting shot. “Did you know, there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman in the throes of passion? You’re no exception, my dear.”

Montgomery looked as if he wanted to charge, but Hayden placed herself in front of him.

Sawyer walked away then, though it killed him to leave them alone. This was definitely going to be an interesting weekend.

Chapter Eleven

There’s nothing more beautiful than a woman in the throes of passion. Those words reverberated in her mind over and over again. The way Sawyer had delivered that statement left no doubt in Hayden’s mind that he’d seen them in the woods. She should have been mortified because part of her felt as if she’d betrayed him, even though she had no reason for feeling that way. And yet another part of her was secretly turned on by the idea of him watching her get off. If she had known he was watching, would she have continued riding Luc’s dick? As hard as she tried she couldn’t rid herself of the carnal thoughts plaguing her where Luc and Sawyer were concerned, wanting them both at once.

Hayden now wished she’d opted for her own bedroom, because there was no way she could think clearly with Luc in such close proximity. With Sawyer sleeping under the same roof, it was doubly awkward. Thankfully Luc had been sidelined by one of his business associates, which gave her this time to herself.

As she paced back and forth in her bedroom, she made a mental list of pros and cons of each man, trying to decide who made her happiest. When she’d been with Sawyer, he was fun and made her laugh all the time. He showed her not to take things so seriously and with him, she could let go. Sawyer was the kind of guy who would bend over backwards for anyone who needed him. Then there were the times when they’d spend all day and night in bed making love until neither one of them could move. He always left her satisfied.

She found herself smiling at the memory of one of several of their unforgettable dates. Sawyer had surprised her with two months’ worth of free ballroom dancing lessons because she was huge fan of Dancing with the Stars. She’d been so excited about her lessons and that Sawyer didn’t mind being her partner.

The class was taught by a husband and wife team who were former champions on the ballroom circuit. They had to be particularly patient with Hayden and Sawyer, mainly because of Hayden’s two left feet.

Hayden giggled as she thought about one night in particular. She must have stepped on Sawyer’s toes at least ten times.

“Uff!” Sawyer grunted and closed his eyes in obvious pain.

“Oh, my God, I’m so sorry.” Hayden felt awful for Sawyer’s poor feet. And that he was so good-natured about it made her even guiltier.

“It’s not a big deal.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead for reassurance.

“I’ve got to be the most rhythmless black woman on the planet. Guess Soul Train won’t be giving me a call any time soon.”

“You’re too hard on yourself, hon. No one expects you to get it right away.”

Hayden groaned. “But this is our fifth lesson. I should have picked this up by now. My cha-cha looks more like ca-ca. Maybe I should just observe for a bit, and I’ll pick it up better.” Her gaze wandered to a little old lady who’d come as many times as they had. She always came alone and often had to do the moves by herself. Sometime one of the instructors danced with her, but for the most part she was solo. “Sawyer, why don’t you ask that lady to dance? Everyone else has a partner. I bet it would make her day if you asked to partner with her for a while.”

Sawyer looked over his shoulder at the older woman and then back to Hayden. “Are you sure you won’t mind?”

She cupped the side of his face. “Of course I won’t. Besides, I think she’s a much better dancer than me.”

He pressed another kiss on her lips. “Okay. I’ll ask her.”

“I’ll go stand on the other side of the room.” Hayden watched as Sawyer approached the lady, and they spoke. An expression of delight crossed the woman’s face. Sawyer partnered with her for three dances. They smiled and laughed and chatted as they danced. It was clear to Hayden that Sawyer had made an admirer of his newly acquired dance partner. Hayden’s heart nearly burst with love for her man.

At the end of the class, Sawyer brought the woman over.

Her arm was threaded through Sawyer’s, and she wore a huge grin on her face. She held out her hand. “Name’s Penny. And you must be Hayden. You’re a lucky gal.”

Hayden shook Penny’s hand and shot a smile in Sawyer’s direction. “Nice to meet you, Penny. And I am, lucky. Thank you.”

“No, thank you for lending me your young man tonight. I felt like I was back at the military ball in ’36. I was eighteen and had a figure to die for. Not that you could tell now.” She chuckled. “It’s where I met my husband, Fred—he looked so handsome in his dress blues. He was a great dancer, that one. We’d always wanted to take ballroom dancing lessons, but he passed away last year, God rest his soul. He wouldn’t have wanted me to sit around the house pining though, so I signed up for these classes. Tonight was the first night I’m glad I did. Brought back some great memories.”

Hayden and Sawyer had ended up making a friend that night, and for the remainder of their lessons, Hayden was happy to share Sawyer with Penny. She still kept in touch with the sweet little lady to this day, who was still as sharp as a tack at ninety-two-years young. Sawyer had also been in contact with Penny, but she knew he’d lost touch when he’d disappeared.

Remembering the year he’d left her brought Hayden crashing back to the present.

Her thoughts then drifted to Luc. He was generous without being flashy about it. She liked how fiercely protective he was when he cared about something. Luc had opened her up to new experiences. They always had fascinating conversations. Hayden was in complete awe of him at times, at how smart, how sophisticated and smooth he was. Luc seemed to love everything about her, and he made her proud to be on his arm. His forceful nature often left her breathless, and their lovemaking was explosive. It was different from Sawyer’s in that he often took without asking permission, yet somehow he always knew what she wanted. And it was no less satisfying. He made her toes curl and pussy wet with just one heated glance from his slate-gray eyes.

There weren’t many negatives she could think of for either man and it brought her back to square one. Hayden was so engrossed in her thoughts she didn’t realize someone had knocked on her door until a persistent banging registered. It was time for dinner, and she dreaded going downstairs.

She wondered if it was Sawyer because Luc would have entered without knocking. A knot formed in the pit of her stomach. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door, bracing herself for whoever was there. To her surprise it wasn’t Sawyer. Instead a tall, willowy brunette with pansy-colored eyes and raven hair that flowed to her back stood on the other side. She could have been a supermodel with her looks, towering over Hayden’s five-foot-seven frame by at least five inches. Hayden recognized the other woman immediately as Natalie DaSilva, a top attorney in the city and a friend of Luc’s.

Hayden had met Natalie a couple times and while the gorgeous brunette was friendly, she was a bit distant. Hayden hadn’t been sure what to make of her, especially now that the other woman was smiling at her.

“Hi, Hayden. I thought I’d come by your room to see if you wanted to walk down to dinner together. I was downstairs earlier but had to run back up to my room to get something. Besides, Luc was pacing the sitting room like a caged tiger waiting for you to join him.”

“Oh. So Luc sent you to get me?”

“Not really. He didn’t say so in so many words, but I figured if he came to get you, neither one of you might make it to dinner.”

Her cheeks flamed. “Well, uh…I…”

Natalie threw her head back and let out a throaty laugh. “I’m just teasing, dear. Actually I had another purpose for coming to your room. Do you mind if I come in?”

“Sure.” Hayden stepped back to allow Natalie inside and gestured to one of the antique Queen Anne chairs in her room. “Please have a seat.”

“Don’t mind if I do.” Natalie even walked like a model; if she didn’t have the brilliant legal mind she was known for, Hayden would have said she was in the wrong profession.

Hayden took the chair opposite of Natalie. “What can I do for you?”

Natalie cocked her head to the side and gave Hayden a long assessing stare, making her feel like a specimen under a microscope. “I guess I’m still trying to figure you out.”

“Figure me out?”

“I’m still trying to decide if you’re as sweet as you seem, or if you’re the devil in disguise.”

That threw Hayden for a loop, but she refused to be intimidated. “Excuse me?”

“I think you heard me perfectly well, Hayden. But let me rephrase my statement so that we’re clear on what I want to know. What game are you playing with Luc?”

Hayden furrowed her brow at Natalie’s bluntness. “Not that what’s between me and Luc is any of your concern, but I’m not playing a game with him. You have no right to come in here and interrogate me. You need to leave.”

“I beg to differ, sweetie. It is my concern because he’s my friend. And if you fuck with my friends, you’re fucking with me. You have the poor guy not knowing if he’s coming or going. Are you just stringing him along? Trying to get what you can out of him?”

With Luc and Sawyer both here, Hayden knew things could only end badly. It shamed her to know she was hurting them, even if it wasn’t what she’d set out to do. Unable to meet Natalie’s steady violet gaze, she lowered her lashes. “In a way, I am.”

“You are?” Natalie’s surprise was evident in her tone.

Hayden nodded. “Not to get anything out of him. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.”

“Then why?”

“Because I didn’t realize letting him go would be so hard.” Tears stung the backs of her eyes. The last thing she wanted to do was break down in front of someone she barely knew, but her nerves were on edge.

“Explain, please.”

“I love him so much and after Sawyer…I didn’t think I’d feel that way about anyone again. But I fell for Luc. It was kind of hard not to. I know a lot of people see him as some cold, calculating businessman, but he’s so much more than that. I knew I was in love with him the night he helped me out serving turkey dinners to the homeless for Thanksgiving. He’ll kill me that I told you this because he claims he has a reputation to think about, but he was so good with everyone, especially the children.” A smile touched her lips as she remembered Luc swinging a little girl in his arms. When she’d caught him, he’d almost seemed a bit embarrassed, as if it wasn’t okay to show one’s softer side.

“My time with Luc has been everything I can dream of, but when Sawyer returned…” She let out a humorless laugh. “I don’t know why I’m telling you all this. It’s none of your business.” Hayden turned her back on the other woman.

“Maybe not, but I care about Luc. He’s one of the few people I call friend, and I refuse to see him hurt.”

Hayden rounded on the other woman, more than a little ticked. “And you think I do? No, don’t bother answering that.”

Natalie sighed. “Look, Hayden, I didn’t come in here to fight with you. I really care about Luc. He loves you, giving you the power to hurt him. For my peace of mind, just tell me that you’re not playing games with my friend.”

Hayden gave the other woman a long, hard stare. There was no denying the sincerity in Natalie’s tone. She released a sigh. “I don’t want to cause Luc pain any more than you want me to. But I’m in the predicament of being in love with two men, knowing the only fair thing to do is back away from both of them before I hurt them any more than I already have.”

“And knowing Luc, he’s not making the walking away part easy for you, right?”

Hayden hastily swiped away a tear that escaped the corner of her eye. “Yes.”

“I see.”

“Do you? If you do, then help me make sense of this.”

Natalie was silent for long time, forcing Hayden to look up and see why. There was that look again. When Hayden thought the other woman would just keep staring, Natalie’s features softened to that of concern. “Sounds like you’re in a hellava spot, hon. You know, Hayden, I was prepared to come in here and read you the riot act, but I believe you’re sincere. Can’t say I envy you.”

Hayden snorted. “Well, I never asked to be put in this situation. It just happened.”

“I understand. I can’t tell you what to do because it appears you’re hurting just as much as Luc, but maybe having Sawyer and Luc near will help you make up your mind.”

“Or it could confuse me even more.”

“Yep, it could do that as well, but don’t make any hasty decisions, okay? Why don’t you go wash your face and repair your makeup? I’ll wait for you out here, and we can go downstairs together.”

“Okay.”

Hayden took her time in the bathroom, dreading the idea of being in the same room with Sawyer and Luc. She was Luc’s date this weekend, so she owed it to him to stay by his side for the duration of the next couple days. But it wouldn’t be easy. When she stepped back into the room, Natalie was waiting for her as promised.

Natalie offered her a big smile. “You look good. I really like that dress. It makes your skin glow.”

The green wraparound dress was one of Hayden’s favorites, and it usually gave her a confidence boost when she wore it. “Thank you. I’ve had it for ages, but this is one of those timeless styles that never gets old.”

The brunette’s gaze slowly roamed Hayden’s body from head to toe. “You’re right. You wear it well.”

There was something in the way the other woman looked at her that almost made Hayden think she was checking her out. No. She had to be imagining things. “Thank you.”

“I hope the two of us can be friends, Hayden.”

Hayden smirked. “After you wanted to chew me out?”

Natalie laughed. “Well, I can be a little overprotective of my friends at times. But you know what? I like you, Hayden, and even though Luc is my friend first, us women have to stick together, ya know?”

“I guess.” Hayden wasn’t sure what to make of Natalie, but she had no reason not to take her at face value. Besides it was nice knowing there was someone else at this function she could talk to.

“Don’t sound so thrilled about it.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to come out like that. I would like it if we were friends. So let’s get going before someone sends out a search party for us.”

Dinner was an excruciating ordeal for Luc. There were three smaller tables set up in the ballroom with a smorgasbord of food set out for the guests to eat buffet style. It didn’t help matters that Paige McKellar had taken a seat at their table. Her inane chatter drove him up the wall on a good day. To make matters worse, Underwood also chose to be seated with them.

Though the food looked delicious, he couldn’t taste a thing. He was too busy watching Underwood watch Hayden and Hayden trying to avoid Underwood’s eye contact. Whenever he attempted to engage her in conversation, he could tell she was far away. His plans for a perfect weekend with his woman had quickly turned into a nightmare. Although he’d anticipated Underwood being here, Luc didn’t really think through how much it would affect him seeing the other man here and Hayden’s reaction to him.

Luc thought if he opened himself up to Hayden it would secure his place in her heart. Everything had been going just how he’d intended with the picnic lunch. She had seemed impressed at his thoughtfulness. And he’d revealed things to her that no one else knew. And though he didn’t set out to fuck her, as soon as she touched him, all coherent thought flew out the window.

He was so sure they’d shared something special in the woods; in fact he knew they had, yet every so often he caught her stealing glances at Underwood. The situation was frustrating him and in most cases he would have walked away. He didn’t do aggravation. But he loved her too much. Did that make him weak? These vulnerable feelings weren’t something he was used to, but when he looked at Hayden he was firmly under her spell.

Underwood’s taunt didn’t sit well with him. Not one damn bit. But it wasn’t for the reasons that he should have been upset. His nemesis had obviously seen them in the woods. Luc had only to look into the other man’s eyes and know that he had. What bothered him was that it didn’t bother him as much as it should have. It almost excited him in some sick way to know they’d been observed. Was it perhaps because then Underwood could see that Hayden was his and his alone? He wasn’t sure. Maybe he’d always been an exhibitionist and didn’t know about it. These thoughts were immediately pushed away again. He had no business going down that road. Least of all at Hayden’s expense.

He took another bite of his steak and forced himself to chew and swallow. Needing to touch her, Luc reached over and placed his hand on her thigh. She immediately laced her fingers through his, almost as if she was reassuring him in some way.

Underwood’s eyes practically burned a hole in his head, and Luc returned his own challenging stare.

“So, Luc, I haven’t seen you in such a long time. You missed the Foxes’ get-together last week. I thought you’d put in an appearance,” a voice cooed from across the table.

He turned his attention to the person who’d addressed him and barely stopped himself from rolling his eyes. Paige McKellar was someone he barely considered an acquaintance but within the past few years, she seemed to ingratiate herself into any conversation he was in the middle of at the social functions they both happened to be at. They’d gone to the same schools together, but because he was a few grades ahead of her, they had barely interacted.

In her warped mind she acted as if they were old friends because they shared some of the same social connections. At best he found her annoying. Yes, she was beautiful, in a television game-show-model kind of way, but her irritating personality overshadowed that.

“I don’t have the time to attend every function I get an invitation to.” He hoped that would be enough to shut her up, but instead she took it as an invitation to keep talking to him.

“Oh, well you missed a really good time. They had a live band and everyone danced and had a good time. At their next do, you owe me a dance.”

“I’m sorry, but there’s only one woman I’m interested in dancing with.”

“Oh?” She turned her gaze toward Hayden, who stiffened at his side.

“Do I know you?” Paige gave Hayden a look that was condescending at best.

Hayden raised her chin as if to show she wasn’t intimidated by the other woman. “I doubt it.”

“Oh, but you look so familiar. Maybe you were a waitress at one of the parties I attended?”

There was no doubt in Luc’s mind that Paige’s inquiry was meant as an insult, and it was on the tip of his tongue to tell her to go to hell, but Hayden spoke first. She smiled at the redhead. “I haven’t been a waitress since college—years ago. I never would have guessed you were that much older than me.”

A muffled laugh could be heard from somewhere around the table. Luc bit the inside of his lip to hold in his own chuckle.

Paige seemed put out that her barb not only didn’t seem to hit the mark, but that she was given a taste of her own medicine. Instead of letting it go, she tried a different tactic. “And you know Luc how?”

“We met at a charity function.”

The redhead narrowed her eyes before glancing in Underwood’s direction. “Now I recognize you. You were one of the charity cases. I see you’ve made out quite nicely.”

Again Luc’s retort was halted as Hayden got in before him.

Anyone within hearing distance would have been a fool to think Paige’s comments were innocent. Luc could see that Hayden knew it, though the brief consternation that crossed her face was gone in an instant. “I think I made out quite nicely. Thanks for noticing. And maybe if you’re lucky, you’ll make out for your charity as well.”

“I was there as an invited guest, not as a charity case.”

Hayden frowned. “Oh, I’m sorry. I was so sure someone like you would have been there as a representative of the socially inept, or maybe people with personality disorders. Sometimes my boss likes to bring one of the people our organization helps to garner more donations. My mistake.”

Paige sputtered as her face turned beet-red.

Luc bit down on the inside of his cheek so hard he nearly drew blood to prevent his laughter. Other table occupants weren’t so subtle. He’d never been more proud of Hayden than he was in that moment. She may have been one of the sweetest people he knew, but she didn’t take anyone’s shit. He admired that about her.

Natalie jumped into the conversation. “Looks like you and Hayden have something in common, Paige.”

The redhead rolled her eyes. “I seriously doubt that.”

A grin curved Natalie’s lips and her eyes gleamed. “Of course you do. She works for a non-profit that takes charitable donations, and you take donations from the highest bidder.”

Paige’s face nearly matched the color of her hair.

Luc winked at Natalie for saying what was probably on everyone’s mind. He, however, probably would have been more scathing in his comments had Hayden and Natalie not beaten him to the punch.

He was pleased with the way Hayden held her composure under extreme bitchiness. It was no wonder he was crazy about her. His gaze collided with Underwood’s and for a split second, there was a look of understanding. They’d both been outraged at Paige’s nastiness but proud of Hayden. And then there was something else in Underwood’s eyes when he glanced at Hayden again. That look conveyed a wealth of meaning and spoke of a depth of feelings that matched his own. Dealing with one’s rival was tough enough, but discovering that person matched the intensity of your feelings was even harder.

This changed the face of the game.

Chapter Twelve

Hayden was avoiding him. Sawyer was sure of it. Whenever she saw him coming she went in the other direction, as if she was afraid to be near him. It didn’t help matters that every time he attempted to approach her, either Luc or Natalie would magically appear by her side. His whole purpose in even coming this weekend was to see her, talk to her and convince her she was with the wrong guy. But it didn’t seem that he’d get the opportunity, judging from the way things were going. As frustrated as he was, Sawyer refused to give up. Eventually he’d get her alone; all he needed to do was bide his time.

He could have forced the issue and asked to speak to her while she was flanked by her “bodyguards.” However Sawyer wasn’t sure that he wouldn’t end up knocking Montgomery’s teeth in. So out of respect for his hosts and Hayden he held back, watching and waiting. He saw her by the pool with Natalie, then with Luc by the stables. By the time the evening rolled around and it was time for the formal dinner, Sawyer was so on edge it felt as if he’d explode.

Unlike the previous dinner, everyone was seated at one large rectangular table in the formal dining room. Unfortunately he was seated on the other end of the table from Hayden. He wouldn’t be able to talk to her without shouting and making an ass of himself. It wasn’t as if he could speak because once he saw her, his mind went blank.

He already thought she was a beautiful woman, but tonight she was absolutely breathtaking. He, along with a handful of the other men there, couldn’t stop staring at her. Sawyer was torn between throwing his jacket over her and shielding her body from other lustful gazes and going over to Hayden, tossing her over his shoulder and carrying her off to a private room to fuck her senseless.

Hayden wasn’t the most scantily clad woman at the dinner; she just wore her dress better than all of them. The emerald-green mini dress rode up her shapely thighs as she was led to her seat by Montgomery. Her outfit clung to her body, showing off her curves to perfection. It was sleeveless on one side to reveal her beautiful brown shoulder he wanted to press his lips against. Her hair was pinned on top of her head, making him want to free it from its confinement and dig his fingers through it. Though Hayden carried herself with confidence, she seemed to lack the awareness of her full natural beauty among a room full of women with too much makeup and plastic surgery. He loved the way her dark skin glowed with health, and he wanted desperately to touch her all over.

“If you stare any harder you may bore a hole into the poor woman.” Natalie took the empty chair next to him.

Sawyer stiffened, in no mood to hold a conversation with the brunette, particularly when she’d been cock-blocking him since he’d gotten here. He’d never had a problem with her before this weekend. As a matter of fact, she had been one of the people who had always been nice to him at school. They probably could have been friends, but she’d been so close to Montgomery he couldn’t trust her one hundred percent. Over the years when they saw each other at local functions, they were still cordial. But now he wasn’t even in the mood for that.

Sawyer made a concerted effort to ignore her, looking straight ahead of him. It was bad enough Paige was two seats away from him and her shrill voice could be heard over every person’s at the table, but he didn’t need Natalie rubbing his nose in the fact that Hayden was seated next to the wrong man.

Natalie didn’t seem bothered when he didn’t answer. Instead she laughed. “I don’t blame you for watching her, though. She is quite lovely. I’d make a play for her myself if she weren’t with Luc.”

He looked at her then, with a narrowed gaze. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression of someone who gives a damn about what you have to say.”

She laughed again. “I’m not the bad guy here. No one is.”

“Oh, yeah?” He grabbed his water glass and swirled the ice around, if for no other reason than to keep his hands busy.

“Yes. Look, the truth is, I came this weekend as a favor to Luc. But honestly, I’m not sure if my being here is doing the three of you any good. You guys are only postponing the inevitable.”

Against his better judgment, he took the bait. “What are you talking about?”

“You and Luc are on a collision course. Have been since we were back in school. It doesn’t help matters that you both obviously love the same woman. You two need to hash out your differences, and then the three of you need to have a serious discussion like adults.”

Who the hell did she think she was, Dr. Phil? He didn’t need someone playing amateur psychologist with him. “You speak as if you know what you’re talking about when you don’t.”

She shrugged. “I have eyes. And it doesn’t take half a brain to see that the three of you are miserable. You guys can smile and pretend like everything is okay but we all know it isn’t.”

Sawyer slammed his glass on the table with a bit more force than he intended, drawing a few pairs of eyes in his direction, one of those being Hayden’s. When their gazes connected, her gloss-coated lips parted slightly on a gasp. Montgomery leaned over and whispered something in her ear, causing her to break the eye contact she’d established.

He seethed inside as the other man’s lips were so close to the delicate shell of Hayden’s ear that it almost seemed as if he was kissing it. She threw her head back and let out a throaty laugh—that wonderful laugh of hers that always made his heart skip a beat. He would have given anything in that moment to be the one beside her, close enough to inhale her scent and be the one she whispered intimately to.

Sawyer returned his attention back to Natalie. “What do you think will happen after this little talk? That the three of us can have a happily ever after? That Montgomery and I will come up with some arrangement—I have her one week, and he has her the other? No dice. Now if you don’t mind, I’d rather we ended this conversation, which I never wanted to have in the first place.”

Natalie released a sigh. Whether she would have said anything more or not would remain a mystery, because the servers appeared with their first course. Sawyer barely tasted his food as he stole glances at Hayden from time to time. He tried not to make it obvious, but knew he was failing miserably. Natalie thankfully didn’t say anything else to him, but the guy next to him couldn’t shut the hell up. He grunted his responses, barely missing the point of rudeness. Whenever Hayden would look in his direction, she’d squirm in her chair, and then she’d look away quickly as if she’d been caught doing something she shouldn’t. At least he wasn’t the only one who wished he was anywhere but here. It only strengthened his resolve to get her alone. And he would. Some way. Somehow.

The meal seemed never-ending. Seven courses, and Hayden couldn’t remember a thing she’d eaten. Not that she’d consumed much of what was put in front of her. People spoke to her and she was sure she responded in some form or other, but she couldn’t remember what was said. She could feel the tension emanating from Luc, who she noticed barely touched his meal either. Being in the same room with them and feeling the way she did was just too much. By the time coffee was served, her head was throbbing.

Hayden excused herself as soon as the dessert plates and coffee mugs were taken away. The guests dispersed in their own little groups.

Luc seemed reluctant to let her out of his sight. “We could take a walk around the grounds, if you need to get away from everyone.”

She shook her head. “No. My head is killing me, and I think I’d like to lie down for a minute.”

“Then I’ll come with you.”

Hayden placed her hand on his chest. “No. I don’t want to take you away from the activities.”

Luc’s lips thinned, his unhappiness evident. “How can I enjoy myself if I know you’re not feeling well? I’ll go upstairs with you.” He took her elbow and led her out of the dining room.

When they were out of earshot from the other guests, Hayden pulled away from him. “No, Luc. I need to be alone.”

“Away from me, you mean?”

His insecurity hurt her, because she was the cause of it. “That’s not what I said.”

“But you didn’t have to. Fine, go lie down, but I’ll be up to check on you in an hour.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I’m not going to argue about this, Hayden.”

She nodded, knowing it was pointless to argue with Luc when he was in alpha mode. The sooner she could be alone, the faster she’d be able to clear her head. “Okay.” Impulsively she stood on her tip toes to kiss him on the cheek, but Luc turned his head just as her lips were about to touch his skin, and she found herself in his embrace. He held her to him, his mouth covering hers in a long, hard, almost desperate kiss. When he finally released her, Hayden was panting heavily to catch her breath.

“A little something to think about while you lie down.” He walked away before she could respond.

Hayden trudged up the spiral staircase, her heart heavy. As this weekend progressed she knew what she needed to do. It killed her to even think about it, but it had to be done. She was so caught up in her thoughts she bumped against someone as they passed, nearly knocking her off balance.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t see you standing there.” The high-pitched voice sounded unfortunately familiar. It belonged to the woman who had been glaring holes into her since her arrival and had insulted her at dinner. She wasn’t sure what the other woman’s problem was, but she wasn’t in the mood to deal with the bullshit. Hayden supposed the other woman was looking for some kind of reaction, which she wouldn’t be getting. It was a waste of energy.

“It’s okay.” Hayden had every intention of continuing on, but the redhead didn’t want to leave well enough alone.

“Thanks for being so understanding, sweetie. After all, the hallway is dark, and you blend right in to it.”

Hayden halted midstep. There were no lights on in the hallway, but it wasn’t that damn dark. This bitch was asking for it. Hayden wasn’t a violent person, had actually never slapped another person in her entire life, but she was sorely tempted to at this moment. It wasn’t that she’d never faced bigots before, but Hayden’s tolerance level for anything other than having a lie-down right now was at an all-time low.

She whirled around to face her adversary. “What’s your problem? I don’t even know you.”

The redhead crossed her arms and looked down her long patrician nose at Hayden as if she’d smelt something particularly bad. “Of course you wouldn’t know who the McKellars are. Why would you? It’s not like you socialize in the same circles I do. Just because you’re Luc’s flavor of the month, don’t go getting above yourself.”

Had she stepped into a time warp and was back in 1953? Who the hell did this woman think she was? It was on the tip of Hayden’s tongue to tell the racist bitch to fuck off, but something clicked in her head. She’d overheard some of the women gossiping, and the subject of Paige McKellar had come up.

Hayden hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but it wasn’t as if the women were bothering to keep their voices lowered. It had been as if they’d wanted everyone to hear the redhead’s business. From what she could remember from the snippets she’d heard, Paige’s father had made some bad investments and had recently filed bankruptcy. And since then Paige had been throwing herself at every single man in the city with a substantial bank account, and some who were still married.

Apparently she’d been engaged to a man who was nearly ninety years old, but he’d died before the wedding, and his kids had made sure she didn’t get a dime in the will. Now she was here this weekend with someone she was hoping to hook in her snare, but had been flirting shamelessly with any man who’d give her any attention. The women had laughed at how sad and pathetic she was.

Hayden had actually felt sorry for the poor woman, but no more. It was no wonder people made fun of her behind her back. She belonged on Keith Olbermann’s “Worst Person in the World” list. Paige McKellar was probably a puppy kicker.

“Oh, yeah, Paige McKellar, right? You’re the one everyone has been laughing about this weekend. I’m surprised you’re even wasting your breath on an insignificant nobody like me. Shouldn’t you be spreading your legs for some rich old man instead of wasting your time with me?” Hayden didn’t know where that had come from, as she hated confrontation, but she was no pushover.

Even in the dimly lit hallway she could tell Paige’s face had gone the color of her hair. “Y-you-you bitch!”

Hayden rolled her eyes heavenward. “Please. Is that all you’ve got? I’ve been called worse by better, dear. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have something better to do than stand out here talking to you.” She turned on her heel and headed for her room. It was a relief to finally be inside the sanctuary of her room. Hayden kind of wished she’d requested her own room instead of sharing one with Luc. She usually enjoyed sleeping next to him, but last night had been a tense affair with both of them tossing and turning, neither speaking.

She produced two aspirin from her purse and popped them before flopping on the bed, not bothering to take off her dress or heels. All she wanted was the escape of sweet oblivion and the peace that came with it. Within minutes of her head hitting the pillow, she was out.

Hayden didn’t know how long she’d been asleep, but she woke with a start when she felt a hand on her back. Her head was turned away from the door. She initially assumed it was Luc, but the scent of the cologne told her otherwise. Not wanting to roll over, she lay perfectly still. If she pretended to still be asleep, maybe he’d go away.

“I know you’re awake, Hayden.”

With a sigh, she rolled away from him and sat up. Sawyer sat on the edge of the bed, looking as if he had every right to be there.

“What are you doing in here? This is mine and Luc’s room. And I’m sure you don’t want to be here when he comes.”

“Should I be trembling from that threat? Anyway, the last time I checked he was talking to our host about some business-related issue. They seemed to be in earnest about it, which gives us the chance to have the talk you’ve been putting off all weekend.”

Goosebumps shimmied along her spine. Hayden was filled with fear at the prospect of Luc seeing them together and excited from being close to Sawyer. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, nor do I know why you’re in here.”

“Like I said—to talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

“I think there is. We have a lot of unfinished business.”

Hayden scooted off the bed and stood up to put some distance between them. She couldn’t trust herself with him so near. “No we don’t. Sawyer, I don’t know why you’re pushing the issue. What happened to you was tragic, but at the end of the day, it was your choice to stay away.”

He rose to his feet, as well. “You claim to have such deep feelings for Montgomery, what about me? Remember when we were together, you claimed you loved me?”

She was insulted that he’d even question her sincerity. “I did love you!”

“And now you’ve stopped just like that?” He stalked toward her, his green gaze never wavering from her face.

“I loved you, Sawyer, but that was another time. I’m trying to move on with my life, and I can’t do that if you keep…I just can’t do this, okay? You’ve got to leave. Luc will be up any minute.”

Hayden stepped backwards, but he continued to advance until her back hit the wall and he pressed himself against her. Sawyer planted his palms on either side of her body, effectively trapping her. “Interesting. You’re dancing around the subject. It was a simple yes or no answer. So let’s try this again, shall we? Have you stopped loving me? I’ve asked the question several times now, and you haven’t been able to give me a straight answer any of those times. You know what you have to say in order for me to leave you alone, but you can’t, can you?”

Hayden caught her bottom lip between her teeth and looked away from him. She ached for him, yet she couldn’t say the words. Not when she felt exactly the same way when she was in Luc’s arms. “Please go.”

Sawyer caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look at him. “Say it, Hayden. Tell me you don’t love me anymore.”

She raised her chin and looked him square in the eye. “Okay. I don’t love you.” The lie burned her throat.

He narrowed his eyes. “You don’t seem so convinced yourself. Say it again.”

“I’ve already said it.”

“Then you should have no problem saying it again.”

She turned her head away from him, feeling as if she was being ripped apart from the inside. “I don’t.”

“You don’t what, Hayden?”

“Love you,” she whispered.

Sawyer smirked. “I know you do, sweetheart.”

Unable to look at him, she injected as much firmness in her voice as she could muster. “Just go, Sawyer.”

His lips tilted into a smile of smug satisfaction. “I warned you, I wouldn’t give up. Perhaps you need another reminder of what it was like between us.” She tried to turn her head, but he held it firm as his lips descended on hers. “Open your mouth for me, sweetheart. Let me taste you.”

Hayden pressed her lips together, not wanting to give in, but her traitorous body responded to him. Her nipples tightened, and her pussy pulsed and tingled with need. Heat seared along her nerve endings and more than anything, she wanted to throw her arms around him and surrender to that delicious warmth.

Sawyer wasn’t deterred, however. He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips and nipped her bottom one with his teeth, causing her to gasp. Taking advantage of her slightly parted lips, he slipped his tongue inside her mouth and slowly perused every crevice and contour. He lowered his hands, reached around and cupped her ass, bringing her flush with his erection. Sawyer grinded himself against her, making her so hot she wanted to weep. The last of her resolve slowly ebbed away.

This was wrong. Dead wrong. But she couldn’t stop, didn’t want him to. Tightening his grip on her rear, he lifted Hayden off her feet. “Put your legs around my waist, baby.”

Unable to think coherently, she did just that, wanting to be closer to him. His cock rested along the juncture of her thighs. Her black lace thong was soaking wet, and she thought she’d die if she didn’t get some relief.

When Sawyer merged his mouth to hers again, she was ready for him. Their tongues dueled and twined around the other, fighting for supremacy that neither would win. Hayden dug her fingers in his hair and pulled, holding his head against hers. He pressed her harder against the wall, rubbing against her, squishing her and dominating her. But she wouldn’t let him have it all his way. She writhed and wiggled to be closer to him, needing this more than she needed air.

She couldn’t remember when Sawyer had ever been this forceful, and she loved every bit of it. She felt as if she’d melt into a puddle as her body burst into an incendiary blaze, threatening to scorch them both. The incredible heat that seared through her body had her shaking with pleasure. The feel of him beneath her fingertips was so familiar, and she knew they had always been meant to come together like this again. But Hayden didn’t mind. She needed this as much as he did, had been fooling herself that she hadn’t missed being with him this way. Finally when her lungs felt as if they’d explode, she ripped her lips away from his, gasping for oxygen.

Sawyer would not be denied, however. He chased her lips, capturing the bottom one between his teeth and sucking hard before releasing it and burying his face in her neck. “You have no idea what it’s been like this weekend, watching and wanting you. I have to have you. Right now.”

Her only response was a whimper. Hayden couldn’t muster the strength to tell him no. She wasn’t sure she wanted to. Sawyer moved his hand between their bodies. Her dress was so short, it was already hiked around her waist, so all that stood between him was her thong. Instead of pulling it down, he ripped the flimsy material and stuffed it in his pocket, leaving her bare and vulnerable. She should tell him to stop, that they couldn’t go any further, but the words wouldn’t form.

Hayden didn’t know when he unbuckled his belt or unzipped his pants. Only when she felt something smooth and round at the entrance of her pussy did she realize, but she still didn’t push him away. She was too caught up in the delirious sensation rolling through her. She wanted this. Needed it.

“There’s no turning back, now. You belong to me. You always have.”

“Yes,” she croaked with a passionate reply as he surged into her, hard and deep. He lodged his cock so far inside her pussy it almost felt as if they were one unit. The sensation of her sex being stretched so hard by his thickness nearly sent her to her peak right there. Sawyer’s cock was a little longer than average, but there was nothing ordinary about its thickness. God, she missed this.

He stilled for a second, as if giving her a chance to adjust to his girth, while he rained kisses over her face and neck. “So fucking tight, so hot and wet. This is my pussy, Hayden. Mine. You belong to me, always have and always will, and I’m not going to fucking let you go.” He withdrew his dick almost until he was out and then slammed back into her. “Do you understand, Hayden? You’re mine,” he growled through gritted teeth as he thrust into her again. “Mine.” And again. “Mine.”

He slammed her against the wall each time he pushed into her, and all Hayden could do was hold on for the ride. She clawed his back, even as she strained to get closer to him still. Their lovemaking was raw and fast, neither one of them speaking after those initial first minutes. A primitive need within her had been awakened, the desire to be claimed and taken.

Hayden moved her hips with his, matching the rhythm he’d set, her heels digging into his back. Right now her mind was too cluttered to think of anything other than the pleasure he gave. She was so close. Sawyer, as though sensing this, pressed his lips against the heated part of flesh where her neck and shoulder met. He licked and kissed it before biting down and sucking so hard she knew there’d be a mark later on. She cried out to this sensual branding. It sent her over the edge.

“Sawyer!” She came apart then, spiraling to a peak so intense she nearly blacked out.

Sawyer grunted, speeding up the pace of his movements before howling his own release. “Oh, God, Hayden. Mine. You’re mine, Hayden.” He exploded inside of her, filling her with his seed.

Hayden would have crumpled to the floor had he not been holding her up, her head lolled to the side like a rag doll’s. Sawyer caught her lips yet again, this time in a playful kiss, nipping and teasing her with his playful pecks. “I love you so much, Hayden. Tell me there’s a chance for us. Tell me you want to be with me and only me.”

The moment was officially ruined. It was like a bucket of ice water had been thrown on her face in the middle of a particularly sexy dream. “Oh, my God. What have we done?” She unwrapped her legs from around him, but Sawyer held her tight. “Let me go, Sawyer. This shouldn’t have happened. Luc—”

Jade green eyes darkened until they almost looked black. “You can say that after what we just shared? Mention his name?”

“Sounds to me like the lady can’t make up her mind about who she wants. By the way, my dear, how’s the headache?”

Hayden’s heart plummeted to her feet at the deadly calm tone of Luc’s voice. Looking over Sawyer’s shoulder, she noticed him sitting in one of the Victorian chairs by the door. How long had he been there?

She pushed Sawyer away, this time successfully. Her mouth opened and then closed, meeting Luc’s mocking gray gaze. She had no defense for her actions, and there was nothing she could say or do to make this situation better. Tugging her dress down to give her some semblance of respectability was all she could do.

Sawyer was the first to recover. He stuffed his dick back into his pants and fixed his clothing as if he didn’t have a care in the world. As if he hadn’t just fucked her against the wall. “Enjoy the show?”

Luc’s jaw muscle flexed, his expression giving nothing away. “Immensely.” He uncurled himself from the chair to stand. “Couldn’t leave well enough alone, could you, Underwood? Couldn’t stand to see that she was happy with me.” Luc advanced toward the two of them with murder in his eyes, but his attention was focused on Sawyer.

Sawyer shrugged with a smirk on his face. “She was mine first, and I’d say she prefers me, as I’m sure you just saw.”

“But I saw her first, you son of a bitch. You yanked her away from me and were gone before I had a chance to do anything about it, so if she belongs to anyone, it’s me.”

Hayden knew if she didn’t do something they’d come to blows. She put herself in between the two of them. “Stop it, you two. If you’re going to be mad at anyone, be angry with me. This is all my fault.”

Sawyer literally picked her up by the waist and set her out of his way. “This is between me and Montgomery.”

“This involves me too, and I’m not going to let you guys fight over me as if I’m some prize to be won. I’m my own person, and my biggest regret is that I didn’t have the courage to tell the two of you how I really felt.” Tears streamed down her face unheeded. Hayden knew this had to come out eventually, but what she hadn’t realized was how much it would hurt. It felt as if her soul was being rent in two.

This seemed to stop both men in their tracks. Luc turned his steely gaze toward her. “Oh, and exactly what is that, Hayden? Because I’d really like to know. I’m beginning to wonder if this wide-eyed innocence of yours is genuine, or whether you’re a master manipulator.”

His words cut, but they were no less than what she deserved. “I never meant to hurt either one of you. Luc, I thought Sawyer was the love of my life, but then he left me and there was a void in my heart that I never thought would be filled again. But you did, and I fell in love with you.”

She saw Sawyer stiffen next to her. “So what you’re saying is that you love Montgomery, even though you just let me take you against the wall like a wh—” He stopped himself before he could finish, but his words made her flinch nonetheless.

“Watch your mouth, Underwood.” Luc advanced on him again.

This time Hayden stood in front of Luc. “Both of you just stop it. I never wanted it to be this way. I swear. As I was saying, I fell in love with you and my feelings are sincere, but I never stopped loving Sawyer either, and I wished I would have told you when I knew but I was so scared of losing you.”

Luc’s nostrils flared. “Scared of losing me or my money?”

She gasped at his cruelty. In all the time they’d been together, she’d never asked him for a dime. “I won’t even dignify that with a response.” She turned to Sawyer. “I never stopped, Sawyer. I love you both and no amount of agonizing over it and weighing the pros and cons is going to change that. I’ve fought these feelings for so long, but I’m tired of lying to myself and not being upfront with either of you. I’m in love with two men. Equally. And I can’t choose.”

Sawyer shook his head. “Well you can’t have us both. It doesn’t work that way.”

A sob escaped her lips. “I know, which is why I can’t be with either one of you. I never meant for this to happen. I’m sorry. So sorry.”

Both men were silent for a moment, looking as if they were trying to make sense out of what was going on. Hayden could barely make sense out of it herself, but telling them how she felt was a huge burden off her shoulders.

Sawyer was the first to react. “So this is it?”

She nodded, trying to stave off the body-shaking cries she knew were coming. Unable to remain in the same room with them, she ran into the bathroom and locked the door behind her. She quickly cleaned herself up, her mind set on what she needed to do next. After washing her face and cleaning off the scent of sex still clinging to her thighs, she walked back into the room again. Both men were gone, but she hadn’t expected them to be waiting for her. Grabbing her suitcase, she pulled out a pair of jeans capris and a T-shirt.

Once dressed she headed down the hall to Natalie’s room, hoping the brunette would have come upstairs by now. Thankfully the other woman answered the door on the second knock.

“Hayden, what’s the matter, sweetie? You look like hell.”

“Natalie, I don’t mean to impose on you, and I know we don’t know each other well, but do you think you could give me a ride home?”

“Is everything okay? What about Luc?”

“I doubt he’d care. We’re officially over.” The tears she’d been holding back broke through like a flood stream.

“Oh, you poor dear.” Natalie pulled Hayden into her arms and held her tight. “Don’t cry, everything will be okay.”

Even in Hayden’s emotional haze, she knew that wasn’t true. How could anything be all right without either Sawyer or Luc in her life? Even if she did finally tell them the truth, Hayden knew the hardest part was yet to come. Living without them.

Chapter Thirteen

Hayden was dog-tired when she got home from work that night. She’d gone in early to play catch-up because a couple of her colleagues had left the organization, and she had to pick up the slack. It was nearly ten o’clock by the time she’d walked out of her office. Not that she minded; working the extra hours over the past couple of weeks had been what she needed to get her mind off the heartache. She’d heard from neither Luc nor Sawyer since she’d left the party that night.

She was sorely tempted, however, to call them both just to hear the sounds of their voices, but knew it wouldn’t be fair to either of them. The nights were the hardest though. She’d lie in bed, unable to get to sleep thinking about them both and how she’d royally screwed up. It was even worse when she finally slept. That dream would come, the one where the three of them were together. Both men would lovingly hold her in their arms, and she was free to love them both. And each time, she’d wake up in tears, her heart heavy, knowing it could never be a reality.

They’d eventually find someone else and that part really hurt, even though she had no right to feel that way. They deserved to be happy at least. Maybe she’d buy herself a kitten or a puppy. Something that would love her unconditionally and provide her with companionship. It wasn’t as if she planned on getting involved with someone else anytime soon, or maybe not at all for that matter. The love she’d shared with both men was so intense she doubted it could be duplicated. And if it could, she wanted no part of it.

Hayden hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast, but she wasn’t hungry. She was feeling a bit weak, and her blood sugar was probably low, but the thought of food made her stomach roil. Flopping on the couch, she didn’t bother turning on the television. As her eyes drifted shut, the phone rang. Not having the energy to raise her head to look at the caller ID, she grabbed the phone off the receiver. “Hello?”

“Hayden Marie Sinclair. I was about two seconds away from driving up there to see if you were still alive. I’ve called you, sent emails, left messages and even checked your Facebook page which didn’t seem to have any activity for the past couple weeks. Why haven’t I heard from you? What’s going on with you?”

“Mom, I’m so sorry. I meant to call, but I’ve barely been home. I’ve been working fourteen-hour days lately and—”

“You couldn’t spare a few minutes to call me? Baby, you know I worry about you, and I’m not going to take that work excuse as an answer. When we talked last week you sounded different as if something happened. You were hurting.”

“How did you know?”

“A mother knows these things. But I didn’t press because I figured you’d tell me on your own time. But I can’t wait anymore. Tell me what the matter is.”

Hayden should have known she couldn’t hide anything from her mother. “I knew this would happen, but it’s even worse than I thought it would be.”

“What, sweetheart? Tell me.”

“It’s over. Between me and Luc. And Sawyer. I told them I couldn’t be with either of them. How can I when I love them both so much? Is there something wrong with me? Is it even possible to love two men at the same time, with the exact same intensity?”

There was silence on the other end of the line and for a second Hayden thought her mom had hung up.

“Mom?”

“I’m still here, sweetie.”

“Say something. Tell me everything is going to be all right, that I’ll get past this, because it’s killing me. I can’t sleep, can’t eat, I wake up and go through the motions every day not really living but doing just enough to stay alive. I feel even worse than I did when Sawyer disappeared.” Tears stung her eyes. God, she was tired of crying. Just when she didn’t think she had anymore tears to cry, they showed up out of the blue. She’d be sitting at her desk in the middle of the most mundane of tasks, and the water works would begin. She was a mess.

“I wish I had the answers for you. I really do, but I’m not the best one to give you advice on the subject. Are you sure things are finished with you and them?”

“As sure as I know my name.”

“What happened exactly?”

Hayden sat up, repositioning herself on the couch. “I already told you I had unresolved feelings for Sawyer. I’d been lying to myself all this time that I could get over him and love Luc exclusively like he deserves. But every time I saw Sawyer, I realized I couldn’t do it. I tried to tell Luc, but it was like he didn’t want to hear it. And to be honest, I didn’t try telling him hard enough because I was afraid of losing him.”

“Sounds complicated. So how did it reach this point?”

Hayden twirled one of her locs with her index finger as she spoke. “Luc invited me to a weekend getaway to some friends of his. Apparently they have some huge party every year. I thought maybe if I could get this time alone with Luc, I’d have a clearer idea about what I wanted.”

“Didn’t work out that way?”

“No. Sawyer showed up.”

There was a gasp on the other end of the phone. “I thought those two hated each other. I wouldn’t think they’d have many friends in common.”

“I thought the same thing, Mom. But he was there nonetheless, and it was hard to concentrate with him watching me and Luc the entire time. I tried to avoid him, but he caught up to me eventually. I won’t go into details, but something happened and Luc caught us.”

“Oh, no. Sweetheart.” Her mom’s understanding sympathy nearly sent Hayden to another bout of tears, but she managed to hold back.

“Yeah. I thought they were going to kill each other, and that’s when I told them that I love them both. They weren’t happy about it, but I didn’t expect them to be. After they basically left me alone, I begged for a ride home from one of the other guests I’d gotten friendly with. I haven’t heard from either one of them since.”

“And has being away from them brought some clarity to the situation?”

“Yes. The time away from them only makes me miss them both even more. And I want them both so much it hurts. Does that make me a bad person? Is it possible for someone to be in love with two people at once?”

“We’ve gone over this before, honey. You’re not a bad person and yes, it’s very possible to be in love with two people at once.”

Hayden wondered at the confidence with which her mother said that last part. “You sound so sure.”

“I am.”

There was something in her mother’s voice that made Hayden pause and wonder if there was more to what she was being told. “How?”

Diana didn’t answer at first. It seemed like a minute had passed before she did. “I’ve lived long enough to know certain things.”

The words were cryptic and did nothing to satisfy Hayden’s curiosity, but she decided to let it drop. If there was something her mother wanted to tell her, she would eventually. Deciding to change the subject, she released a deep sigh. “I just wish I knew how to stop hurting. I knew I had to let them go because they deserved to find someone else who wasn’t so confused. But I get so jealous of them being with someone else. And I hate myself for feeling this way.”

“Don’t, honey. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel that way.” Her mom sounded as if she was on the verge of tears, which sent Hayden over the edge. They were sympathy criers. When one of them hurt, so did the other.

A long silence followed as they wept together.

Diana was the first to speak. “Baby, I promise it will get better. It won’t happen tomorrow, or maybe even next month, but it will. In the meantime, I hope you’re taking care of yourself. How are your blood sugar levels?”

Her readings had been pretty low lately. This afternoon it had been low enough that she didn’t need her insulin shot. There was no way she’d tell her mother this however. “They’re fine. I’m eating when I can.”

“Only when you can? That’s not healthy. Before you go to bed tonight, make sure to fix something to eat. Knowing how you get, you’ve probably skipped meals. Have you lost weight?”

Her clothes were a bit looser than they had been before. That was yet another thing she wouldn’t disclose to her mother. “I don’t think so.”

“Hmm, do I need to come up there?” Concern laced her mother’s words.

“Mom, I’ll be fine, I promise.”

“Okay, sweetheart. You know how I worry about you.”

Hayden was grateful knowing her mother was in her corner. It made some of the heartache slightly easier to bear. “I know, Mom.”

“Sooooo, someone’s birthday is coming up.”

Hayden groaned inwardly. “There’s really nothing significant in turning thirty-one.”

“If you’re my baby, it is. What would you like for your birthday this year?”

“Nothing. I don’t even think I’m going out for my birthday. I’m going to curl up with a good book, maybe even soak in a nice hot bath.”

“You sound like an old lady. Might as well purchase ten cats now.”

Hayden groaned. “Come on, Mom, it’s not that serious. Besides, I was thinking of buying a cat.”

“Lord, tell me you’re joking.”

“’Fraid not. I’ve always wanted one of those all white Persian cats. I’d name it Snowy.”

“And on that note, I think I’ll leave you to get some rest.”

Hayden giggled. “Come on, it’s not that bad.”

“If you say so, dear. I’ll let you go now, but I expect a call tomorrow. Okay?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

When she clicked off the phone, Hayden felt a little better. Her mom always knew exactly what to say. She didn’t have a chance to dwell on her conversation before the phone rang again.

“Hello?”

“Girl, where have you been? Julia and I have been trying to get in contact with you. We haven’t heard from you since you sent that email about you cutting things off with Sawyer and Luc. What the hell happened?”

Hayden really wished she hadn’t picked up the phone. Not that she minded speaking with her friends, but Shayna had a way of getting things out of Hayden she wasn’t ready to share. “Hey, Shayna. I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch; it’s been a rough few weeks with work and all. And about that email, I really don’t want to get into it now. I still need time to think things through, okay?”

Shayna paused before answering. “I’m here for you if you want to talk about it, okay?”

“Sure. So what’s up?”

“Julia and I wanted to take you out for your birthday.”

She was touched that they wanted to celebrate her birthday, but Hayden knew she wouldn’t be very good company. “Aww, that’s sweet of you, but I don’t think I’m in much of a going-out mood. I’d planned to stay in that night.”

Shayna didn’t miss a beat. “Um, you say that as if I gave you an option. Your birthday is the Friday after next, the perfect time for going out. I won’t argue with you about it. We’re taking you out even if J and I have to come over there and kidnap you. Understand?”

“Ha! You’d have to find me first.”

“Come on, Hayden. Don’t be a killjoy. You know how wild we get on each others’ birthdays. It will be a lot of fun. And it will help you get out of that funk you’ve been in.”

Hayden smiled. They did have a good time when they got together, but she wasn’t up for it. “I don’t know…”

“Just say yes. You won’t regret it. Besides, there’s this new restaurant downtown that has out-of-this-world crab cakes. Every entrée on the menu is ridiculously expensive; in fact, I don’t even think the appetizers are less than twenty bucks. But we got you covered, girl. We’ve already put in reservations, so there. That’s why you can’t say no.”

“Oh, I don’t want you guys to go through the expense of that. Please don’t.”

“Too late. It’s already set up. Just say you’ll come.”

“I guess I can’t say no after all that.”

“Nope. I’ll call you later to firm up details. Just out of curiosity. How are you feeling, hon?”

“I’ve been better, but thanks for asking.”

“Well I’m here if you need me.”

“Thank you. And thanks for not pressing the issue.”

Shayna released an exasperated-sounding sigh. “Well, I’m not that insensitive.”

“I know. But thanks all the same.”

“You just take care of yourself, okay?”

“Will do.” Hayden hung up then and closed her eyes and prayed for a dreamless sleep.

It was past eleven at night before Luc got off the phone on a conference call to Sydney, Australia over one of his company’s recent acquisitions. He was relieved to hang up the phone. He’d have to fly over there in a few weeks, and he was actually looking forward to it. At least then he’d be too busy to think of the sight of Hayden getting nailed against the wall. Her head was thrown back in ecstasy as she held on tight to Underwood. The expression on her face when she was on the verge of orgasm was one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen.

He swiveled back and forth in his chair as he played the scene in his mind over and over again.

Whether they had planned it or not, he wasn’t sure at first until the afterwards, but his first instinct when he’d seen them was to pull the two of them apart and beat the shit out of Underwood. But something kept him inside the room. He thought if he sat there and watched, he’d shame them both when they realized he was there. But it hadn’t turned out how he’d planned. Luc hadn’t expected to be aroused seeing them like that. It was like watching an erotic piece of living art. But in this one, the woman in question was the woman he’d wanted to marry. And the man he’d hated since high school.

Luc ground his teeth. Hayden and Sawyer. Seeing them was like an emotional hurricane.

A whirlwind of feeling had hit him watching the two—anger, betrayal, hurt, pain. But the arousal had thrown him for a loop and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Was this what Underwood had meant by that comment he’d made to them? Is that how the other man had felt?

What killed him the most was despite catching her in Underwood’s arms, he couldn’t hate her, nor did he stop loving her. Deep down he’d known she still had feelings for the other man, but he’d been kidding himself to think he could be the only one in her heart. It still didn’t stop him from wanting her for himself. The only solution he could think of was dating someone else, but even the mere thought of being with another woman disgusted him. He doubted he’d ever find someone like Hayden. What the hell was wrong with him? He should be furious and cursing her name; after all, they were still technically together when he’d caught her. Didn’t that make her a cheater?

Despite her betrayal, he loved her still, loved her with everything in him, but he had to face the fact that it was over. Luc wanted to hate her—should have hated her, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. If he would have known love would be like this, he would have run as fast as he could when he saw it coming his way. And if what had happened at Todd and Eileen’s didn’t confirm it, the engagement ring he’d given her that she’d sent back to him by courier did. It still sat on his bureau as a painful reminder of what could have been.

Refusing to agonize over his dilemma a second longer, he prepared himself to go home but saw the stacks of messages left on his desk from his PA. He figured he’d look through them to see which ones Francine could handle to save him the trouble of doing it in the morning. One of the final messages caught his eye. It was from a Julia Landis. That name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it. If he couldn’t remember who she was, the message certainly caught his attention: Urgent, please call, it’s about Hayden. Call at anytime.

He wasn’t sure if he should crumple the message and toss it in the waste bin or just ignore it, but within seconds he was grabbing the phone and dialing the number on the paper.

“Hello?” a sleepy-sounding voice answered.

“I’m sorry to call so late, but the message said anytime.”

“Who is this?”

“Is this Julia?”

“Yes. Who’s this?”

“Lucien Montgomery.”

“Oh, Luc. Hi.” She seemed wide awake now. “Thanks for calling.”

“Your message mentioned something is the matter with Hayden.”

“Well, nothing is the matter really, but her birthday is coming up, and Shayna and I are throwing a little get-together for her at Antonio’s. Heard of it?”

He’d taken some clients there, but he wasn’t sure why Julia called him. He and Hayden were done. “I’m familiar with it. But why are you telling me? You’re her friend. I’m sure Hayden has told you we’re no longer dating.”

“I’m calling because I’d like you to come. Hayden has been miserable, and I think you’ll be just what she needs to cheer her up.”

His heart raced, but he was cautious in his response, not wanting to appear too eager. “Did she say that?”

She hesitated for a moment. “Not in so many words, but it’s obvious she misses you. Won’t you please come? It would mean so much to her.”

He’d be a fool if he accepted. “No.”

“Oh come on. It would mean so much to Hayden.”

Luc wasn’t a masochist and wouldn’t put himself on the line to be hurt again. “What part of no didn’t you understand?”

“The N and the O part.”

He could hear the smile in her voice, but he was unmoved at Julia’s attempt at humor.

“I need to go.”

“Wait! Can I at least give you the details in case you change your mind?”

“I seriously doubt that, but if it will get you off the phone, go ahead and give them to me.”

Julia rattled the information off, while Luc absently wrote it down on a note pad.

“Okay. I got it. Now, I’m hanging up.” Luc didn’t bother waiting for a response before doing just that.

He cursed himself for being such a fool, but the chance of seeing her again even for one more time was just too much of a temptation to resist. This could either be the biggest mistake of his life or the first step to winning her back.

Chapter Fourteen

Hayden had been nauseous and dizzy all day and really wanted to cancel on her friends tonight, birthday or not, but that part of her that hated disappointing people wouldn’t let her do it. It took forever to find something that didn’t practically fall off her body. She had lost a lot of weight in the past few weeks, and it wasn’t flattering. She’d tried to eat, but her appetite was nonexistent. And when she forced herself to get something down, she got sick.

She ended up finding a pair of black slacks that had been snug on her a month ago and an off-the-shoulder black silk blouse. The pants fit perfectly with room to spare. She’d force herself to eat tonight if it killed her. Her blood sugar was dangerously low, and her health wasn’t something to play with.

She arrived at the restaurant right on time. The maître d’ led her to a private room that had to have cost her friends a pretty penny. To her surprise, a couple of her coworkers were there, along with her boss and her mom. “Mom!” She ran into her mother’s arms. “You didn’t tell me you’d be up here!”

Diana laughed, giving Hayden a kiss on the cheek. “Had I told you, it wouldn’t have been a surprise. Happy birthday, baby.”

“I’m so glad you’re here.” She didn’t want to let go of her mom. Hayden missed her so much. She wanted to cry, but managed not to. The last thing she wanted was to make a spectacle of herself in front of her guests.

Her mother pulled away and eyed her with shrewd brown eyes. “Look at you; you’re so thin. What have you been doing to yourself?”

“I’ve been eating. At least, I’ve been trying.”

“Well, we’ll fatten you up tonight. And I insist. I’m going to make sure you eat every single bite on your plate. And that’s including an appetizer, soup, entrée and dessert.”

Hayden rubbed her belly in preparation, feeling an appetite for the first time in weeks. Just having her mom near made things better. “Sounds like an awful lot of food.”

“And you’ll eat every bit of it, young lady.” That tone was one Hayden was very familiar with.

“Yes, Mom.”

“Happy birthday, girlfriend.” Julia rushed over and gave her a hug. “Are you surprised?”

Hayden returned the hug, surprised and pleased to see her loved ones in attendance. “Yes. I didn’t know this dinner would be such a big deal. And to think I wanted to cancel on you guys.”

Shayna strolled over and slung her arms around Hayden’s shoulder. “Girl, after all the trouble we went through to set this up, you better not have. And if you had, we would have tracked your butt down and dragged you here. Happy birthday, hon.”

“Thank you, guys, for everything. It means a lot to me to have the people I care about here to celebrate my birthday.” Everyone except the two people who held her heart. But for the sake of the people who were here, she intended to have a good time.

Hayden sat beside her mother. Shayna and Julia sat directly across from her, both women insisting the other seat next to her remain empty. They were up to something, and she couldn’t figure out what.

Everyone was laughing and joking, having a good time. And by the time appetizers were served, Hayden was in the mood to eat. She was just about to taste her mini crab cakes when Shayna squealed like she’d just won the lottery. Her gaze was fixed on the room’s entrance.

The fork fell out of Hayden’s hand when she saw Sawyer come striding into the room. What was he doing here?

He stopped next to her seat and handed her a small gold-wrapped gift box. “Happy birthday, Hayden.”

Her tongue cleaved to her throat. She couldn’t speak if her life depended on it.

“Sawyer, I’m so glad you made it.” Shayna grinned like a loon.

Julia, however, looked as if she wanted to be sick.

It was clear to Hayden going by previous conversations that Shayna invited Sawyer. But that didn’t explain Julia’s expression unless…No. There was absolutely no way of that happening, as well. It couldn’t.

Hayden remained speechless as Sawyer took a seat next to her. “You look beautiful tonight, but then again, you always do.” He looked over to Shayna. “Thanks for inviting me.”

Shayna’s smile widened. “No problem. I knew Hayden wouldn’t want to celebrate her party without you.”

Hayden dared to glance over at Sawyer, and her heart pounded. It had nearly been a month since she’d seen him, but he was just as handsome as she remembered. His wavy russet hair was cropped a little closer to his head, and he seemed a bit thinner as well, but still had the power to make her pulse race.

And then she remembered their last night together. Shame washed over her. She quickly looked away, still unable to speak. What could she say? Thanks for showing up, but my feelings for you and Luc haven’t changed? I want you both? Yeah, that would go over well.

She looked to her mother for guidance. Diana only shrugged, looking as nonplussed as Hayden felt.

“Sawyer…I’m surprised you came.”

He moved until his face was only inches from her, as if he was about to kiss her. “I’m surprised to be here, but this is your special night.”

She moistened her suddenly dry lips with the tip of her tongue. “I missed you. I’m glad you came.”

He held out his hand as if he were about to reach for her but stopped, obviously changing his mind. “Maybe we can go somewhere afterwards and talk?”

“I-I don’t know.”

“Think about it.” He gave her a wink before sitting back in his chair.

Shayna leaned across the table, her smile wide. “When you didn’t show up right away, I was concerned you wouldn’t make it.”

“Thanks for inviting me.” He leaned over to greet Hayden’s mother. “Ms. Sinclair, you look lovely this evening.”

Her mother nodded. “Please, call me Diana. And thank you, Sawyer. How are you? Hayden told me you’d had an accident?” Her tone was reserved, as if she was waiting to see how everything played out before she could warm to him.

Sawyer’s lips tightened briefly as he nodded. “Yes. Other than the occasional ache, I’m much better, thank you.”

“That’s good to hear. Well, enjoy yourself tonight.”

He turned his green gaze on Hayden and fixed her with an intense stare. “I think I may do just that.”

Julia’s “Oh crap” drew Hayden’s attention. Julia’s gaze was fixed on the entrance.

Hayden looked over to see Luc walk inside with gift in hand. Another small gift-wrapped box. As he made his way in, he froze. He’d spotted Sawyer.

The appetite Hayden thought she’d had earlier was now gone.

Luc threw an accusatory look in Julia’s direction and then one in Hayden’s. Thank God her mother was there, because she always seemed to know how to handle most situations.

Diana stood up and walked over to Luc. They’d only met on one other occasion. “Luc, it’s so good of you to come. Why don’t you take my seat? I’ll take the chair across from Hayden.” While her words were friendly, there was the same hint of caution she’d had with Sawyer.

Her mother ushered him to her seat, not waiting for Luc to respond. When he sat next to her, Hayden wanted the floor to open up and swallow her whole. Hayden knew her friends’ hearts were in the right places, but she wanted to strangle both of them.

She could practically feel Luc seething, his rage simmering just below the surface. “Hayden, I realize it’s your birthday, but I’ve discovered that I can’t stay.” He placed a small rectangular box decorated with red wrapping paper on the table, placed a light kiss on her cheek and stood up.

Hayden didn’t want him to leave, but she understood. It was hard enough for her to be in the same room with him and Sawyer. She could only imagine how he felt. Biting her lip to hold back a cry, she could only nod her understanding.

Sawyer snorted. “Typical. Walk away when things don’t go your way.”

Hayden groaned inwardly. “Sawyer, don’t do this. Not here. Not now.”

Luc fixed his narrowed gaze on Sawyer. “What did you say?”

Sawyer sneered. “You heard me. Run away like the coward you are.”

Hayden slammed her palm against the table. “You two, quit it now.”

Luc’s fists clenched to his sides as he sent a quick look her way before turning to Sawyer. “Coward? I’ll show you a coward. You’ve been asking for this for a long time.”

“Bring it.”

Diana jumped in, speaking in the tone that had frightened Hayden when she was a child. She meant business. “Both of you cool it. If you can’t act like civilized human beings, then you can leave. This is my daughter’s birthday celebration, and I won’t have either of you ruin it.”

It was too late. The night was already ruined for Hayden. She stared at her men with a numbness that prevented her from moving or even speaking. All she could do was ache that it had come to this. An immense pain swelled within her chest, making it difficult to breathe. It was her fault they were at each other’s throats.

Luc and Sawyer looked at her before turning rage-filled faces back to each other. Luc jerked his thumb toward the door. “Outside. Now.”

“With pleasure, you son of a bitch.”

When the two of them stormed out of the room, every single guest at the table seemed at a loss for words. It was then Hayden was galvanized into action; if someone didn’t stop them they’d probably end up killing each other. She raced after the two men, hoping to separate them. As she believed herself to be the reason for their fighting, she hoped she could bring an end to this—make them realize that they should be mad at her and not at each other.

By the time she made it outside, the first punch had been thrown. She screamed as she saw Luc’s fist connect with the side of Sawyer’s face. But Sawyer countered with a blow of his own, catching Luc in the eye.

“Luc! Sawyer! Stop it; you’re acting like a couple of Neanderthals.” Hayden screamed. They ignored her and continued to tussle. Fists flew, and blood was drawn. A small crowd gathered, with someone threatening to call the police.

Hayden stepped forward with the intent of breaking them apart. And the wave of nausea that she’d felt earlier returned full force. Her body began to shake, and she couldn’t stop. Her tongue seemed to be stuck to the roof of her mouth. She vaguely heard voices in the background, but none of them made sense. She thought she heard her mother calling her name, but she couldn’t turn her head. Why couldn’t she stop shaking? She felt her eyes roll to the back of her head, followed by the sensation of falling.

Then, nothing.

Sawyer had never felt so helpless in his life. What was taking the doctor so long, and why hadn’t they heard anything yet? He would have gone to Hayden’s mother to offer some type of comfort, but she clearly wasn’t in the mood to be consoled by him. He looked over to Montgomery sitting in the corner with a swollen eye and busted lip. There’d be a nice shiner there in the morning. Sawyer would have smirked if it didn’t hurt so fucking much to move his lips.

There was no doubt he looked as much of a mess as his adversary did. Who would have thought Montgomery would have such a strong left hook? He wasn’t sure who’d gotten the better of whom, and right now it didn’t matter. Not with Hayden lying unresponsive on a hospital bed. He had wanted to ride in the ambulance with her, but Diana had made sure that didn’t happen. She’d told him and Montgomery to stay the hell away and even as she paced the floor, she managed to throw the evil eye their way.

He felt like such an ass. It was her birthday, and he’d let his emotions get the better of him, but he was in so much pain he didn’t know how else to channel his anger. This past month had been tough. It was worse than the year he’d spent away from her. At least then, he thought he was doing the right thing by staying away. But this…he wasn’t sure what to make of it. She claimed to love him, but Montgomery too. He wanted to hate her for it, but he couldn’t stop loving her. He cursed himself for being all kinds of fool. Yet if Shayna hadn’t called him, he probably would have found a way to get in contact with Hayden. And seeing her being carted away in the ambulance had made him realize how much he didn’t want to lose her again. Hayden was a part of him, and he knew he’d have her on any terms rather than lose her altogether.

It would tear him apart to share her, but if that was the only way he could have her, then so be it. He shot another glance in Montgomery’s direction. He had to admit, the other man looked as miserable as he felt. It finally dawned on him that Montgomery was hurting too. He didn’t want to think of his enemy in those terms, didn’t want to acknowledge the other man’s feelings, but there it was.

He must have paced the floor so many times, he’d made tracks on the tile. Just as his patience was at its end, a doctor walked into the waiting room and over to Diana. Sawyer was at her side in an instant, not wanting to miss a single word that was said. Luc was on his feet as well, along with the few other guests who’d been at the party.

Diana grabbed his forearm. “How’s my baby?”

“Your daughter suffered a seizure from hypoglycemia. When she was brought in her glucose level was thirty-two. We have her on an IV drip to get her levels back up, but unfortunately she’s now in what we call a diabetic coma.”

Sawyer’s heart sank at the word coma. He could feel the color drain from his face. When he heard that word, he thought of her being in a cold, hard hospital bed for weeks and possibly months. And then there were some people who never woke up from them. The very thought of Hayden in that state scared him more than anything he’d ever experienced. “How long will she be like that?”

The doctor turned his serious gaze in Sawyer’s direction. “There’s really no telling with these things. Could be a couple hours or even a couple weeks.”

“Is there a possibility that she won’t come out of it?” Montgomery asked, his face etched with lines as if he’d aged ten years upon hearing the news.

“There’s always a possibility, but the good news is that she was brought to us right away, and we’re better able to get her stabilized. I’m confident she’ll recover.”

Diana wiped a tear from her cheek. “May I see her?”

“Yes. Briefly.”

Sawyer wanted to see her, as well. “I’m coming too.”

Montgomery stepped closer. “So am I.”

Diana glared at them both and placed her hands on her hips. If looks could kill, Sawyer knew he and Montgomery would be dead. “You two stay away from my daughter until you can act like adults. I don’t know what possessed you guys to act like a couple of street thugs and frankly I don’t care, but get your acts together.” She turned her back to them and focused her attention on the doctor again. “Could you take me to her now?”

“Follow me.”

Sawyer wanted to follow them. Every instinct in his body told him to, but he didn’t want to upset Hayden’s mother more than he already had.

“Uh, Sawyer, Luc.”

He turned to see Shayna and Julia standing by him, both with puffy eyes and tear-stained cheeks. It was Shayna who had spoken.

Sawyer raised a brow, waiting for one of the women to speak.

Shayna started. “We’re really sorry for what happened. I feel like this is my fault. I shouldn’t have tried to play matchmaker.”

“Me either.” Julia hung her head. “The thing is, we each had our own belief on who was best for Hayden without taking her feelings or yours in consideration. I called you, Luc, not knowing Shayna had invited Sawyer. We only wanted our friend to be happy. She’s been so sad and we thought…”

Had these two not meddled, maybe the night would have turned out differently, but he and Montgomery had been on a collision course to this night since they were kids. It had only been a matter of time.

Surprisingly Montgomery was the one to answer. “Don’t blame yourselves for something that would have happened with or without your interference. We’re just lucky the police didn’t decide to arrest us. The newspapers would have had a field day with that.”

“We really are sorry. And you have our promise that we’ll stay out of whatever is going on between the three of you. Scouts’ honor.” Shayna held up three fingers in a Girl Scout salute. “We’re going to the cafeteria to get some coffee. Do you guys want anything? Some coffee maybe?”

Montgomery stuck his hands in his pockets. “No thanks. I’m hoping I’ll be permitted to see Hayden. You two go ahead.”

Sawyer shook his head. “Thanks, but no. I appreciate the offer though.”

When the two women left, Sawyer was left facing his adversary. They stared at each other silently until Sawyer could no longer hold back the chuckle he’d been keeping in.

Montgomery scowled. “What the hell is so funny?”

“You look like hell.”

The other man’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t look much better yourself.”

He raked his fingers through his hair. “You’re probably right. Look, there’s no point in beating around the bush anymore. You and I need to talk.”

“I agree.”

“Cafeteria?”

“No, too many people. I think the chapel should do.”

“Let’s go.”

Even more so than the fist fight they’d had earlier, this talk was a long time coming.

Chapter Fifteen

Luc never thought he’d be in the same room with Underwood without wanting to beat the shit out of him, but he was. The desire to fight was gone, and all he could feel was a deep sadness, something he hadn’t allowed himself to feel for a long time. This was something he couldn’t fix by buying another company, making another million, or even working eighteen-hour days. He had to face facts; he was in love with a woman who loved him and another man.

Thankfully the chapel was empty, providing them with the privacy they required. They sat in a back pew in case someone else came in and wanted to light a candle up front.

Underwood shifted in his seat, his discomfort evident. “So are we going to talk, or sit here for the rest of the night?”

Luc shrugged. “Okay, if you’re looking for straightforwardness here it goes. I love Hayden. I’ve tried to stop, but I can’t. When I thought I’d lose her tonight…” He shuddered. “I’m not going to back off. She says she loves us both, and I have to believe her. I thought I was strong enough to keep away from Hayden, but I’m not. I need her. She’s my world. When she looks at me, I know she doesn’t see my name or my fortune. She just sees me and loves me, warts and all.”

Sawyer wanted to argue and scream that Luc couldn’t possibly love Hayden the way he did, but every single word the other man had spoken could have been his own. It was exactly how Sawyer felt, but he still wasn’t quite ready to relent so easily. “Yet you accused her of wanting your money.”

Luc flinched at the accusation. “I was hurt and wanted to lash out. I’m not proud of myself for that, but let’s not get holier than thou here. You were the one who almost called her a whore. For that I should kick your ass again.”

Underwood grunted. “Yeah, I’d like to see you try. How’s that shiner, by the way?”

He didn’t need this. Luc stood up, prepared to leave. Underwood grabbed his arm. “Wait. I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. Look, like you I was angry and said some things I shouldn’t have. Don’t go yet. I think this is one of the first times we’ve been in the same room together when we weren’t ready to tear each other from limb to limb.”

A smile touched Luc’s lips. “Guess you’re right. Although this isn’t the first time.” He sat back down, with a heavy sigh.

Underwood scratched his head before comprehension dawned. “Ah, yes. We were fourteen. And you were chosen to show me the ropes. We actually got along that first week.”

Luc rubbed his chin, trying to remember when they’d first met before it came to him. “Yeah, I suppose we did. You weren’t so bad at first.”

“What the hell happened? Oh, yeah,” Underwood snorted. “You basically told all your little friends that I was trailer trash, and that just about killed any chance I had at making friends.” There was a wealth of bitterness in the other man’s voice. It was hard to believe he’d still be holding a grudge after all this time, although Luc had some bones to pick of his own.

He wasn’t prepared to let Sawyer off the hook so easily. In Luc’s opinion, Sawyer was equally as guilty of what he was accusing Luc of. “Odd, because that’s not how I remember it. I recall a certain someone calling me a spoiled rich boy who thought he was God just because his father was a senator. And if I’m not mistaken, you also said no one really liked me but they were too afraid to say what they really felt.”

The other man scowled. “I only said those things after you started rumors about my family and honestly, I never really outright said that.”

Luc snorted. “Bullshit. I never said anything about your family. Not until you started up on me.”

Sawyer shook his head vehemently. “No. Not how it happened. I was only agreeing when someone else had mentioned it. Trust me, there’s nothing that I would have said behind your back that I couldn’t say to your face.”

“If that were the case, I heard plenty of things you were saying behind my back.”

“I have no reason to lie about that. We had plenty of run-ins where neither of us was shy to say what was on our minds. Look, from my perspective, I was the new kid in a hostile environment. The minute I stepped foot on the school’s premises, I knew I didn’t belong. Hell, if my uncle hadn’t recommended me for admission, I never would have gotten in, no matter how much money my parents had. I didn’t have a clue who you were and what your name meant, and you seemed like an okay guy.”

Luc crossed his arms over his chest, seeming unconvinced. “Oh, you seemed to know who I was well enough when you started talking shit.”

“Like I said, someone else had said it first and I only agreed, but after you gave me a hard time. Honestly, when we first met, you seemed cool and I thought the place wouldn’t be so bad if everyone else was like you. But the joke was on me, huh? While you were supposedly showing me around, you were talking crap about me to your friends, mocking the way I spoke and my family. Some of your more obnoxious friends called me ‘trailer park boy’ whenever I walked by. And you were the ring leader. I hated you then.”

Luc uncrossed his arms and leaned forward. “So you made it a point to antagonize me throughout the rest of our days in school. It seemed like every activity I participated in there you were, mocking me. You were a pain in my ass.” Though he was loath to admit it, Luc had resented that things had come so much easier for Underwood than him. Though the two were evenly matched in most things such as sports and academics, it always seemed that they came easier to the other man than they had for him who had to work that much harder to stay on top. He’d resented the hell out of the prick who seemed to take pleasure in tormenting him every time he’d bested him. Several times angry words had nearly ended up physical violence.

Even after he’d graduated with his BA in Business and Masters from Princeton and Yale respectively and then gone on to build his empire, Underwood was still the bane of his existence, the wunderkind of the technology world. To add insult to injury, when several of Luc’s companies had needed system updates, it was Underwood’s products that he’d used. His software had been the best for the money. And as much as it galled him to use Underwood’s services, he was a businessman and no matter how he felt about his adversary, he wouldn’t cut off his nose to spite his face.

And then there were the girls. By the time they were in their junior year, neither of them seemed to have a shortage of female attention. Luc freely admitted whenever he saw Underwood with a girl, he went out of his way to steal her away, if for no other reason than to irritate the other guy, whether he felt something for the girl in question or not. But his rival wasn’t innocent either. There had been many times when Luc had shown interest in someone only to have Underwood ruin it in some way, shape or form. It had been a game to them. None of those girls had mattered. Until now.

Luc clenched and unclenched his fists. “So I suppose all those poor little rich boy digs were just your way of being friends.”

Underwood shrugged. “You started it.”

“Interesting. How about thinking back for a second. When did I ever call you trailer trash? Like you, if I wanted to say something I would have said it to your face.”

“Don’t sit there and pretend you never said anything negative about me.”

“I’m not. I’ve said plenty—to you directly. You’re saying this rivalry started between us because I called you and your family trailer trash, when it was you who started in on me. Do you think I didn’t know what people thought about me? How people look at me? You say I was always surrounded by cronies, but I can count on one hand how many friends I actually had and have fingers to spare. Most of them only hung out with me for the Montgomery-Lambert name and the fortune and to see what they could get out of me. When you started at Worthington Prep, I found it actually nice to let my guard down around someone who didn’t seem to give a damn about my family’s name or who my father was. And then you turned out to be worse than the rest of them.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No? It was you who started talking garbage about me. Not the other way around. And I ask you again, when did I ever call you trailer trash? I’ve called you many things, but that was never one of them.”

A look of confusion crossed Underwood’s face. He scowled, his brows furrowing together as if he was trying to remember. “You must have.”

Luc raised a brow. “Did I?”

“Jackson Mantooth took great pleasure in telling me what you thought about me. He said—”

“Hold on. You went on the word of someone else instead of asking me about it?”

“Why shouldn’t I? Jackson was one of your guys. Why wouldn’t I believe him when the two of you were always hanging out?”

“Again, your memory was at fault. Jackson Mantooth and I were hardly friends. He was a hanger-on and the biggest instigator in school. I couldn’t stand him. I never told him to get lost because his father and mine played golf together. My father was all about maintaining connection.”

For the first time in their conversation, Sawyer seemed uncertain. “But he said…”

“I can only imagine what he said because he filled my ear with a lot of colorful things you said about me. And if we’re all about being honest here, I thought…I don’t know, that maybe we could be friends. Stupid stuff, huh, considering how you seemed to love getting under my skin?”

“Not that anything ever seemed to get to you.”

“I had practice.”

Underwood looked flustered. “Okay, so I can’t remember when you ever called me trailer trash, but you always made a point of telling me that I didn’t belong.”

“Because it got a reaction from you. I freely admit I can be an asshole sometimes. But yeah, I never would have called you the other thing, because you seemed sensitive about it when we met.”

“And why did you never go there? Even after I made all those poor little rich boy jokes?”

Luc released a deep breath. “Your comments bothered me, but I suppose it was true more or less. And in a twisted way, I kind of respected you for having the guts to say to my face what others never did. My parents aren’t exactly what you would have called hands-on. I was raised by nannies and tutors as far back as I can remember.”

He paused, hesitant to continue because it was hard for him to open up and show other people that he actually had feelings too. To leave himself exposed to anyone didn’t come easy for Luc. He took a look at Sawyer to gauge the other man’s expression. Sawyer was quiet, looking on with an understanding that surprised Luc. It helped him to continue. “The only time my father took interest in me was when he was up for election or if he was sponsoring a bill and needed photo ops with the family. Oh yeah, and of course when I wasn’t living up to the name. My mother was of the ilk that children should be seen and not heard. To be quite honest, I don’t think she said a word to me unless it was through my caretakers until I was about ten. But they made sure in some way, shape or form to let me know that failure was not an option.”

Luc paused, wondering how much he should reveal. What the hell? It was time to get this off his chest. He’d been holding it in long enough. “Since they set themselves apart from other people, it’s how I’ve been conditioned to be. There was only one time I told my father how I really felt. It was my thirteenth birthday. I didn’t even get a pat on the back. My father was heading out to some little function, and my mother was in France on a shopping excursion. I confronted him then. It was the first and last time I cried. I’ll never forget how he looked at me. As if I was lower than…he basically told me to suck it up and to be a man. Then he seemed to get the bright idea of taking me with him. I was excited. I never got to spend time with him and do the typical father-son type things. The function he took me to was basically a sex party. Yes, the good senator had secrets. He thought it would be a good idea to lock me in a room with one of the entertainment.” Bile rose to his throat as the memory of that night came flashing back. He’d tried to suppress it over the years, but to this day it haunted him and at times gave him nightmares. It had changed him to the man he was today.

Underwood’s eyes narrowed. “Entertainment?”

“One of the high-class hookers in attendance. Before he shoved me in a room with her, he told me to make him proud. To make a long story short, I had no clue what I was doing. She basically did most of the work but by the time she was done, I threw up. Needless to say, my father wasn’t pleased and had a few choice names for me. That was probably the day I never looked at him the same again. All I had was my name, so I acted the part. It seemed to please my parents and as long as I achieved at the level they expected me to, I was left alone. It’s hard for me to get close to people when the two people who are supposed to care for you the most don’t give a shit.” Luc was disgusted to even remember it and hoped that he’d never have to again, but something told him this needed to be out in the open if he and Sawyer were to find some common ground. His family life hadn’t been as perfect as he’d projected in the past. Hell, if anything, he was probably more fucked up than a lot of people out there.

“I’m sorry.”

Luc flinched at the other man’s sincerity. It wasn’t something he was used to in dealing with others. “I didn’t tell you this to get sympathy. Just stating facts. So basically when you started running your mouth about me, well, I did what I did best. I slipped into the role of Lucien Montgomery-Lambert, big man on campus, son of a senator, heir to the Lambert fortune. It was easier that way to deal with you. You seemed to take pleasure in poking at me and making fun of ‘spoiled rich kids,’ as you put it. Was it any wonder some of my so-called cronies teased you?”

“Well, you dished it out as often as I did.”

“In my mind it was retaliation, plain and simple.”

“I didn’t realize.” Underwood raked his fingers through his hair. “And here I thought…well if we’re having confession time, then here’s my side of it. I came from nothing. My parents barely had a pot to piss in. My dad was basically a good guy, but he was more of a dreamer than a doer. He had one get-rich-quick scheme after another, and my mother, God rest her soul, put up with him in the name of love. When Dad bought the winning lottery ticket, everything happened so fast. We moved out of the trailer park and into a huge house, and we started living the good life. It was all gravy in the beginning. I had everything a kid could want, the latest gadgets, designer clothing and tickets to sporting events.”

“But there was a downside. My parents started arguing more because my father got the idea that since the family was rich, we should rub elbows with the upper echelon of society. Dad would criticize Mom for her lack of class. Mom started drinking, and Dad started cheating. My home life had become a nightmare. It didn’t help matters that I had to go to a new school. I only got into Worthington Prep based on the recommendation of one of my mom’s distant relatives who needed an infusion of cash in his business.” Sawyer let out a humorous laugh. “We were such a fucking joke.

“So on top of my family splitting at the seams, I was in a school full of kids who were born into the lifestyle of the rich and famous. I was insecure and when I believed you were trying to put me down, I guess it kind of drove me to show you that I was just as good as you. It didn’t help matters when my dad left my mom for a woman who was only five years older than me. And of course when he was sent away for tax evasion, you guys really had a field day. I just channeled all my anger and hurt into making you as miserable as I felt. I probably went a little overboard.” He shuddered, as if the memories were too much for him.

Luc hadn’t realized how tough it had been for the other guy. It seemed he and Sawyer had more in common than he could have imagined. They both had to be strong under extreme circumstances. And it hit Luc that so much time had been wasted over foolishness. They probably could have nipped their beef in the bud had they been mature enough to talk about it in the first place, but instead their rivalry had escalated to this. They were both grown men of thirty-seven acting like a couple of kids. “We were both jackasses it seems.”

Underwood nodded; the depth of his gaze held contrition. “All this time wasted. But aren’t we back at square one? I mean, we’ve fought over girls before, but let’s be honest with each other. None of them meant a damn thing. Hayden means everything to me, and when she makes a full recovery, I don’t intend to back down.”

Luc felt a tightness in his chest. “I’m not either. This month apart from her has been torture. Hayden is…I doubt I can love anyone the way I love her and even if I tried, anyone else would simply be a substitute.”

“She loves us.”

“I know. I’ve tried to make sense of it, but I suppose it is what it is.”

“I have a solution.”

Luc laughed without humor. “What? Share her?” He took one look at Underwood’s face and nearly choked. There wasn’t even a hint of laughter in the other man’s eyes. “Are you serious?”

“It’s not something I would have envisioned for myself either, but why not? There are a lot of nontraditional relationships. I think we can make it work. It would make her happy. And since neither of us is willing to back down…Look, Luc, I’d rather share her than lose her.”

It wasn’t lost on Luc that the man he’d called enemy for so many years had addressed him by his first name for the first time since they’d met. Even thinking of being without Hayden ripped at his soul and as much as the idea made him wary, he had to agree. “How would something like this work? I mean would I date her every other day and vice versa?”

Sawyer shook his head. “I was thinking we would both see her as much as we want when we want. Living together, going out together, loving her together.”

Luc scooted away from Sawyer. Though he’d let go of the animosity, he wasn’t sure what was meant by the loving part. “I’m not into other guys.”

“Neither am I, you bonehead, but I’m not talking about doing anything with you, just to Hayden. At the same time or perhaps taking turns. You know, maximize her pleasure.”

In his college days he had done the threesome thing, but with two women. And he didn’t care a tenth as much for those women as he did for Hayden. What Sawyer was asking was impossible. “That’s…crazy.”

“Crazy enough to work. Look, it’s not like this is an idea that just popped into my head and now I’m all gung-ho about it. I’ve given it some thought.”

“Even when you still hated my guts?”

“Yeah, even then. I love Hayden far more than I thought I disliked you. Can you say the same?”

Luc narrowed his eyes. “If I didn’t love her, I wouldn’t be here.”

“Exactly. I know it may be awkward, but I think we can make this happen for her sake. And I gotta admit when I saw you and Hayden together, it was fucking hot. Maybe I’m depraved for admitting it, but it turned me on watching her being pleasured and giving it back. I want to see it again.”

Luc cut his gaze away as heat blazed from his neck to his cheeks.

“You felt that way too when you saw me with her. I noticed it in your eyes. You looked exactly how I felt when I saw you two in the woods. Admit it.”

Heat scorched Luc’s cheeks, and he knew his face was beet-red at having to admit something he’d been afraid to say for the fear of being thought of as a pervert. “Okay. Yes. I did. But that doesn’t necessarily mean I want a ménage.”

“I’m not over the moon about it myself, but for her, I’ll give it a try. What do you say?”

“I’ve already said it. You’re crazy. It’s not always going to be a bed of roses. There may be times I’d want her to myself and I’m sure you will too.”

“You travel a lot for your business, as do I. Plus I have to go to Connecticut quite often to check in on my sister. God knows what her mother would get up to if I didn’t. So there will be times when it’s just me and her and just you and her. And if one of us needs some alone time with her, I’m sure we can make some arrangements.”

“But what about our houses, our lives. Functions? Whose date would she be?”

“We’ll work something out.”

Luc wasn’t certain this could work. In his mind so many things could go wrong. “You sound so sure about it.”

“The only thing I’m one-hundred-percent sure about is wanting to be with Hayden, in any way I can. If that makes me a fool, so be it. Whatever you decide, I won’t walk away from her again. Never.”

Luc thought over his options. What was he fighting so hard against when the ultimate goal was being with Hayden? And as Sawyer pointed out, there would be times when he would have her to himself. “If that’s the only way I can keep her and it makes her happy, I don’t think I have much choice in the matter. But there could be another problem.”

“And what would that be?”

“Hayden may not go along with the idea.”

A smile curved Sawyer’s lips. “Well, I guess we’ll just have to be very convincing.”

Chapter Sixteen

“I want to go home, Mom. How many more tests do I need to sit through before they release me? I feel better.”

Her mother patted her hand, an indulgent smile curving her lips “You’ve been out for nearly forty-eight hours. The doctors were concerned when your blood sugar level wasn’t rising fast enough. They just want to hold you for another night of observation and when we get you home, I’m staying with you for a week to make sure you take better care of yourself. I’m a registered nurse; I should have seen the signs. You didn’t look well, but I thought it was—”

Hayden didn’t want her mother to blame herself. If anyone was responsible for her being here, it was herself. She knew her condition could grow serious if she didn’t take proper care of herself. She felt guilty as hell that her mother would take this so hard. “Mom. I won’t let you blame yourself when the responsibility was mine. I have a medical condition, and I didn’t take care of myself like I should have. If anyone is to blame it should be me.”

“But I’m your mother. A mother is supposed to know these things. I guess I was so concerned about your other drama I didn’t pay as much attention to the warning signs as I should have. I should have come up to see you the minute I knew you were having problems.”

“Mom, I wouldn’t have asked you to do that.”

“I know. But you’re my baby, and I’d do anything for you. You’re all I have, and I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come out of the coma. I’ve been in the medical field for years and have seen the worst case scenarios, and I was so scared.” Tears welled up in her mother’s eyes, causing shame to wash over Hayden. The last thing she ever wanted to do was make her mother worry like this. She’d been so caught up with what was happening with Luc and Sawyer she hadn’t taken her mother into consideration.

“I’m sorry for putting you through this.”

Diana wiped a stray tear away. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Just don’t ever let it happen again. Like you said, you have a medical condition, but it can be managed, and you can live a healthy and long life like anyone else as long as you take good care of yourself. Luckily this incident shouldn’t have any long-term effects on you as long as you continue to maintain a healthy diet, exercise and keep your stress level down.”

Hayden flopped back against her pillow with a hard sigh. “The first two I can do. The last part, I’m not so sure about.” She didn’t want to get worked up again. It was part of the reason she was in a hospital bed with an IV in her arm. That Luc and Sawyer had showed up to her party gave her hope that they still cared about her, yet it filled her with despair that she could have neither one of them. Not without someone getting hurt. She already had their fight on her conscience; she couldn’t be responsible for any further unrest between them.

“You’re going to have to find a way. Didn’t you used to take up yoga?”

“I did until the old instructor left to go on a spiritual pilgrimage. The new instructor wasn’t as patient and expected everyone to get every move right away. It’s why I took up jogging.”

“Maybe you should try a new gym.”

“That’s a thought, but the closest gym to me besides the one I’m already a member of is forty minutes away from my house. I guess I could buy some instructional tapes.”

“Sounds like a plan. When you’re discharged we’ll go out and get some tapes. I’ll even try it with you. And we have to take you to a hair salon and get you in to see a loctician right away. Your roots are noticeable.” Her mother reached over and gently tugged on one of Hayden’s locs.

She gave her mom a sheepish grin. “I’m a complete mess. I had an appointment with Theresa a few weeks ago and cancelled, but I haven’t been in the right frame of mind to reschedule.”

“You have such beautiful hair, honey. It would be a shame if you let it get out of control.”

“I know, I’ll do better. It’s just been a weird month.”

“Well, give me Theresa’s number and I’ll call her for you. We’ll make a day of it. We’ll go to a spa and get the total package treatment. It should be fun.”

Her mother rocked. Hayden didn’t know what she’d do without her. “But I have so much work to do. When I’m released, I’ll need to go back to work.”

“Don’t worry about that. I talked to your boss who said you can take all the time you need. They’ll manage, and I think you need a few days off. Your body has suffered significant trauma. You need to rest, and I insist.”

“Are you saying that as a nurse or my mother?”

“Both.”

“Thanks, Mom. It will be nice to have you around.”

“And when you get out, I’m going to make your favorite dish, salmon casserole.”

“Sounds yummy, but you’ve already done so much, Mom. I really appreciate it, but you don’t have to go all out for me like this. Just having you here is nice enough.”

Diana leaned over the bed and kissed Hayden on the forehead. “You’re my baby, and that’s what mothers are supposed to do. So it’s no trouble at all. Besides, I’m going to put some meat on your bones by the time I leave.” She paused, and caressed Hayden’s cheek with the back of her hand. “I love you, baby.”

Tears swam in Hayden’s eyes. Her mom was truly her best friend. “I love you too, Mom.”

They lapsed into silence. The quiet was dangerous because it was in that time she thought of Luc and Sawyer. Since she had woken up, she didn’t ask about either of them although she was dying to. The only mention of them had been from Shayna and Julia, who’d come by the hospital to beg her forgiveness for their interference. They had both basically said they were sorry for getting involved in matters that weren’t their business. Beyond that, she didn’t know what was going on with Luc and Sawyer. Even though she didn’t expect either one of them to visit, it still hurt.

Unable to hold it in any longer, she asked the question that had been plaguing her. “Mom? Luc and Sawyer…are they all right?”

Her mother compressed her lips, her expression not a happy one. “Yes. Those two knuckleheads are going to be okay besides a couple of bumps and bruises. They’re lucky they weren’t arrested for creating a public spectacle. I guess having money will get you out of a lot of tough spots.”

Hayden was alarmed at the prospect of either man possibly facing jail time. “The police showed up?”

Diana nodded. “Someone from the restaurant must have called them. A place like that has its reputation to think of. I’m sure they didn’t appreciate the thug-like behavior those two displayed, and I gave them both a piece of my mind when they showed up at the hospital the night you were brought in. They wanted to see you, but I didn’t think it would be a good idea. I didn’t want them causing another commotion in the hospital and upsetting you more than you already were.”

“You should have told me. I thought they didn’t care.”

“I was going to wait until your discharge. I’m sorry if you think I should have told you right away.”

Hayden sighed with resignation. Even if they had come to visit, she was better off leaving them alone. She was tired of hurting people, particularly the two men she loved more than life itself. “I guess it doesn’t make much of a difference. It’s not like anything will come of it.”

“You never know. When I saw them later that night after coming out of your room, they were speaking civilly with one another. It almost seemed like they were getting along.”

“Sawyer and Luc? Not a chance.”

“I’m serious. Sawyer was smiling at something Luc said. I had to do a double-take myself.”

Hayden sat up in her hospital bed. She winced a bit when the IV needle in her hand dug deeper in her skin. “You’re kidding, right?”

Diana held up her right hand. “If I’m lying I’m flying, and you don’t see any wings sprouting from my back, do you?”

“That’s pretty incredible, considering they haven’t gotten along for years and neither one of them will say why. Well, at least something positive has come out of this mess.”

“Maybe it doesn’t have to end there.”

“What are you talking about, Mom? Of course it does. I can’t be with them both.”

Diana took a deep breath and again took Hayden’s hand. An earnest expression crossed her face. “Because I think there’s something I should tell you. I never thought I’d ever have this conversation with you. But then again, I never realized how much alike the two of us are.”

“What do you mean, Mom? What is it?”

Her mother nibbled her bottom lip before speaking. She always did that when she was nervous or agitated about something. “Do you remember when you were younger? Uncle Harry and Uncle John?”

Hayden furrowed her brows, wondering why her mother was bringing this up after all this time. “Yes. They’d always remember my birthdays and all the major holidays and bring me gifts. I was sad when they stopped coming around.” She’d been seven when the men she called uncles had disappeared with no explanation.

“If you’ll remember, they were both residents at the same hospital I’d taken my first nursing job at. The three of us became pretty close. Although it was a rarity for the doctors to get so close to any of the nursing staff, we just hit it off. Everything was platonic in the beginning. But the relationship somehow evolved.”

Hayden’s curiosity was more than a little piqued. Her mom couldn’t be implying what she thought. “What?”

Diana released Hayden’s hand and folded hers in her lap, eyes downcast. “There are a lot of things I tried to shield you from when you were younger because I didn’t think you’d understand, but I think you’re ready to hear this.”

“Hear what? Mom, why are you stalling? Just tell me.”

“I ended up driving them away because I didn’t have the courage to be honest about my feelings.”

“I don’t understand. Did you love one and not the other, and they were both in love with you?”

“Not quite, it’s a bit more complicated than that.”

“You were always laughing and smiling when they were around. I’d never seen you so happy.”

“Because they made me happy. Even though we started out as friends—nothing more, nothing less—it became considerably more.”

“I’m not sure I follow.”

Her mother held up her hand to silence Hayden. “I’m getting to that part. It started off innocently enough. John and I would still spend time with each other when Harry worked, and vice versa. They both knew about it so there was nothing underhand about it, but eventually it started to feel that way.”

Hayden still didn’t follow. “Why, if it was innocent?”

“In the beginning I was oblivious to the fact that either of them saw me as more than a friend. I guess as a single mother, I didn’t think they saw me in that way because when a lot of men found out I had a child, they’d run in the other direction. Not that I ever regretted your existence for a second. I was just content to be their friend because I enjoyed their company. One night Harry and I were hanging out, and he kissed me. He was so sweet.” A smile touched her mother’s lips.

“So you two started dating.”

“Not at first. We kind of put it down as one of those things and stayed in friend mode for a while, but eventually we slowly eased our way to something more. Things got a bit complicated when John decided to declare his feelings for me. At first I was a bit overwhelmed because I didn’t really know how to handle the situation. Here were two handsome, accomplished men who were interested in me. I knew it could damage our friendships if I dated either one of them, but I did.”

“But they knew about it, right?”

“I told myself they did, but it was only to push down the guilt of seeing them both.”

Hayden was surprised to hear about this side of her mother, who she’d always believed to be as honest as anyone came, but Hayden withheld judgment. “But they eventually found out?”

“For a little while they were both in the dark. Both of them believed I was just friends with the other. But like I said, we all used to hang out together, and eventually they began to wonder why I didn’t want us to go out as a group. I couldn’t take it anymore and broke down and told them.”

“And how did they take it?”

Diana let out a humorless chuckle. “Surprisingly well in that neither of them strangled me to death. They were hurt of course, and I hurt because I’d caused them pain. And there was nothing I could do to make it right because by that time, I was deeply in love with them both. They wanted me to choose, and I couldn’t. How could I choose when I loved them both? I basically told them I wouldn’t, and it was best we kept our relationship on a professional level.”

Hayden’s heart went out to her mother, knowing how she had felt having her heart split in two by two men. “Mom…”

Diana brushed away a stray tear. “I know. I was foolish. I think if I would have been honest with both of them in the beginning, I could have avoided hurting them. I still haven’t been able to forgive myself for what I did to them, and I’m not sure if I ever will.”

“Oh, Mom. Why didn’t you ever tell me any of this?”

Her mother bowed her head. “Because I’m ashamed that my actions hurt two really great guys. Besides, it never seemed appropriate until now.”

“But there’s a huge difference between your story and mine.”

“True, but maybe you can find a way to make it work if you talked to them and told them how you feel.”

“Luc and Sawyer can’t stand the sight of each other. Maybe they had some kind of temporary truce, but I can’t believe they’d agree to being amiable about dating me at the same time. And even if they did, I don’t think it would be fair of me to expect that of either of them.”

“But that would be their decision, honey. There are a lot of nontraditional relationships out there that seem to work. The key ingredient is love. The point of me telling you this story is to underline that you’re not a bad person for feeling the way you do. And it is possible to be in love with more than one person at the same time. Maybe in another time, another life, things would have been different for Harry, John and me, but it simply wasn’t in the cards. You, on the other hand, there might still be something there to salvage with Sawyer and Luc.”

This was one of the many reasons Hayden loved her mother. Her honesty. Her mother didn’t skirt around issues or avoid topics because it made her uncomfortable like some parents did. She always laid everything out on the table bare bones, and Hayden appreciated that. “I doubt it, but thanks for being so understanding and thank you for sharing your story with me, Mom. I gotta know, though, how did you manage to get over them?”

“I never did. I’ve lived with it for the last twenty-three years. It hurt a lot at first. I think if it weren’t for you, I might have curled up in a ball and just refused to go on anymore. But I took one day at a time and eventually, the hurt lessened a little until it was just a dull ache. I took comfort in the fact that they moved on with their lives. John got married and has a few children and has a practice of his own. Harry took a job up north as chief resident. The love is still there, but the wound did eventually heal. And yours will too, baby.”

Hayden smiled, feeling lucky to have made such a deep connection with her mother. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Of course.”

“Is that why you remained single all these years?” Diana Sinclair was still a very attractive woman and at forty-seven, she looked like someone half her age. Her still trim and shapely physique garnered her second and even third looks from men when she walked by. It always puzzled Hayden why her mom didn’t date much.

“It’s one of the reasons. I guess I’m picky. When you’ve experienced a love like I have, you won’t want to settle for anything less. I guess they kind of spoiled me for other men, but that’s okay. We loved enough to last a lifetime.”

“You sound like a cheesy romance novel.” Hayden laughed.

Her mother chuckled in response. “I suppose I do. But at least it put a smile on your face. It’s good to hear you laugh, sweetie. Things may seem bleak now, but I promise you it will get better. And who knows, maybe this chapter in your love story is closed for now, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the story is over.”

“I won’t hold my breath.”

Her mom smiled in response, but didn’t say anything.

Hayden really appreciated her mother sharing such intimate details of her life with her, but in a way, it made Hayden feel worse knowing that she too might have to resign herself to a loveless existence.

Chapter Seventeen

A wave of melancholy swept over Hayden when she arrived home from the airport. It was always a tearful goodbye whenever she and her mom parted. Maybe it was time for her to start looking for jobs down south to be closer to her mother. It wasn’t as if she had much to stick around the D.C. area for. She did love her job, but she could find another job she loved. Her house was in an area that hadn’t been too affected by the real estate crisis, and it shouldn’t take too long to sell. And she could always come up for a visit every now and then to see her girlfriends.

The more she thought about it, the more the idea appealed to her. She loved the laid-back pace of the south, and she knew of another non-profit similar to the one she worked for not too far from where her mother lived. She could actually make that work.

It was just too hard being in the D.C. area with the constant reminder of either Sawyer or Luc. She couldn’t drive past a building or a landmark without associating it with one or the other. She’d put on a brave face for her mother and for the most part, she’d enjoyed the time they’d spent together this past week. But her heart was still heavy.

Hayden dropped her keys on the coffee table and noticed the red light was flashing on her answering machine. She walked over to the device and pressed the button.

“Hayden, this is Luc. When you get a chance, please give me a call. We need to talk.”

She froze. That was the last thing she expected. He was probably checking on how she was doing after her release. Debating whether she should call him back or not, she waffled for a few minutes before deciding to go for a run to clear her thoughts.

She changed into her track suit and sneakers and left her house. Hayden ran four miles, two going and two coming back. When she returned home, it was to find the light blinking on her answering machine again.

“Hayden, this is Sawyer. I don’t know if you’ve spoken to Luc yet, but if you could give me a call that would be great. You can most likely reach me on my cell.” Beep.

Luc? She’d never heard Sawyer refer to Luc as anything other than Montgomery. What was going on here, and how would he know that Luc had called? She stalled for more time and hit the shower because she wasn’t sure whether to open this can of worms again. She’d already hurt both men enough, and if she contacted either of them, it could very well start the cycle again.. When she was finished she cleaned her house from top to bottom to give herself something to do and take her mind off the phone calls she’d received.

By the time she was finished she was bone-tired, but it was too early to go to bed, so Hayden curled up on the couch with a book from one of her favorite authors and a bowl of fruit salad. She was halfway through the first chapter when the telephone rang. Tensing up, she glanced at the caller ID.

Luc.

It rang several times before she decided if she’d answer or not. Picking up the receiver, she took a deep breath before speaking. “Hello?”

“Hayden. I’m glad I caught you. I called earlier, but when I didn’t hear back from you, I wasn’t sure whether you’d gotten the message.”

Her chest tightened at the sound of his voice. She remembered the deep dulcet tone and shivered. It was hard to move on with her life if the ones she was trying to move away from wouldn’t let her. Hayden needed to remain firm in her resolve to stay away from Luc and Sawyer, which meant no more phone calls. “I got the message. I’ve just been busy.”

“I see.” He paused. “How are you doing? I wanted to come by and visit in the hospital, but your mother didn’t think that would be a good idea. I didn’t want to go against her wishes.”

“My mom can be a bit overprotective of me at times, but she means well. I’m fine, though. Thanks for asking.”

“Have you been taking care of yourself? Have you been eating properly?”

She was flattered he still cared enough to ask. “Yes. My mom was here with me for the week and saw to that. And I’ll be sure to take better care of myself. I don’t ever want to go through something like that again.”

“It scared the hell out of me. I never felt so helpless in my life.” Anguish underlined his every word, tearing at Hayden’s heart. She missed being in his arms so much she ached. But it was a futile desire. Nothing good could come of it. Not while she was still in love with Sawyer, as well.

“I’m better. Thank you. Look, I appreciate your call, but I really need to go. I have things to?”

“Wait. That isn’t the only reason why I called. I wanted to apologize for how I acted at your birthday. It was your special day, and I behaved abominably. Although I have no right to ask your forgiveness, I hope you will.”

Hayden closed her eyes, gripping the phone tighter. “I’m not angry about what happened, just sad. I’m aware that there’s never been any love lost between you, and maybe what happened on my birthday may have happened some other time. But I was the catalyst for that happening when it did, and I don’t want to be in that position again. And I can’t stop feeling the way I do about both of you, so I think the best solution all around is to make a clean break.” It felt like she was cutting her own arm off to say it, but it needed to be said, no matter how soul-wrenching it was.

“Can you do that though? With the way you feel?”

“I have to. To see the two of you fighting killed me. Maybe some women would get off on seeing two men fight over her, but I’m not one of them. Believe me, there’s nothing exciting about seeing two people I care about beat each other to a pulp. I felt every single hit, you know.”

“Don’t,” he groaned.

“Don’t what? Tell you how I feel?”

“I’m sorry.”

Her heart was laden with sadness. “There’s no need to apologize again. I really have to go, Luc. And please, don’t call me again. It’s for the best. And in time maybe you can find someone who will love you exclusively as you deserve.”

“What if I don’t want anyone but you?”

“You can’t mean that.”

“I do. Like you, I can’t turn off my feelings at will. I’ve tried, but that’s not happened. Besides, after being with you, I know any woman who’d follow would simply be a poor substitute for you.”

“You feel that way now. But in time you might change your mind.”

“Hayden, I’ve never been surer of anything in my life, and I know I’ll never come close to feeling the same way about anyone else.”

He wasn’t making this easy on her. “Luc…”

“I need to see you. Let me give you the birthday celebration you deserve, to make it up to you for being such a jackass.”

She shook her head even though she knew he couldn’t see her. “That wouldn’t be a good idea.”

“Please.”

Her resolve wavered. The need to see him was stronger than her sense of what was right and wrong. But the image of Sawyer flashed through her mind. “We’d only be prolonging the inevitable.”

“If that’s how you feel, then what do you have to lose by giving us this one last night together?”

Her heart beat faster as she temporarily lost her ability to function. “Luc, I can’t.”

“One night. I promise if you never want to see me again afterwards, I’ll respect your wishes.”

Saying no was on the tip of her tongue, but the part of her that wanted so badly to see him wouldn’t let her get the words out. “Just one night?” She found herself whispering, even though she was the only one in her house. Hayden wished her will was stronger where Luc was concerned.

“Yes.”

“When?”

“Tonight.”

“But I—”

“Unless you have plans. I know this is short notice.”

She felt like a marshmallow for caving so easily. Hayden silently cursed her weakness for that man. “No. I don’t. Where should we meet?”

“My penthouse. Let’s say eightish?”

“Okay.”

“Good. See you then.”

The phone buzzed in her ear, signaling that Luc had hung up before her brain could function properly again. Slowly she replaced the receiver back on its cradle. Hayden groaned. She had to be a glutton for punishment. Why did she agree to see him when she knew things would go badly?

And what had Sawyer’s message meant? Should she call him back? Hayden agonized over her dilemma for several more minutes before getting off the couch. She only had a couple hours to get ready and to get to Luc’s place.

Hayden hopped into the shower again even though she’d only had one a half hour before. Mainly to eat up the time so she wouldn’t be sitting around worrying herself to death over what would happen when she saw Luc. She wasn’t going to kid herself that something wouldn’t happen between them if he touched her. He was an addiction in her blood.

When she finished her toilette, it took her nearly a half hour to figure out what she wanted to wear. Luc didn’t mention anything about taking her out, so she settled on a denim mini-skirt, a black scoop-necked blouse and a pair of high-heeled sandals. She wore her locs loose, letting them fall to the middle of her back. Luc liked her hair this way, but she told herself it wasn’t for him. She only put on a minimum amount of make-up—some mascara and lip gloss. When she was finally satisfied with her appearance, it took another fifteen minutes to psyche herself up to go there. There was a battle waging within her, the angel and the slut. The angel told her to leave well enough alone and allow Luc the chance to forget about her. Then the slut wanted to damn all consequences as she remembered how good it felt to be with Luc, near him, being held by him, to laugh with him and be made love to by him.

The slut won.

All through the car ride to Luc’s she’d contemplated turning her car back around, but her need to see him kept her going. She told herself it would just be this one time, and then she’d walk away. The security guard let her in immediately to the gated parking lot. Luc must have called ahead to inform them she was coming.

Her nerves were nearly shot by the time she stood in front of Luc’s door. Hayden trembled as she brought her hand up to ring his buzzer. She didn’t have long to wait before the door was practically ripped open.

Luc stood on the other side. The first thing she noticed was the discoloration around his eye. He must have had a hell of a shiner. It was barely noticeable, but she still winced from thinking of how it must have hurt when he first got it. Other than that he looked good. The pair of khaki pants weren’t tight but they hugged his muscular thighs and lean hips. His buttons on his crew-neck shirt were undone to reveal the thick patch of dark blond hair that matted his chest. The short-sleeved shirt showed off his toned biceps to a tee, making her gulp.

“Hayden.” He opened the door wider and stepped back. “Please come in. Dinner’s nearly ready.”

“I didn’t know we were going to have dinner. I don’t think I’ll do it that much justice. I had a pretty big lunch with my mother earlier.” She walked past him into the hallway.

“That’s okay. Eat what you can. You look beautiful, by the way.”

There was something different about Luc and she couldn’t quite put her finger on what that was. He seemed more…relaxed. She was confused because she expected him to be as tense as she was. The last time they’d actually seen each other hadn’t gone well. Maybe she was looking a gift horse in the mouth. “Thank you.”

Placing his hand at the small of her back, he guided her to his living room, where she halted in midstride. Sawyer sat on the couch, seeming to be at home. Did they lure her here so they could throw her off the balcony for all the trouble she’d caused them? She turned to look at Luc, whose expression gave nothing away. “What the hell is going on? What’s he doing here?”

Sawyer stood up and walked over to her. “I wanted to see you too.”

Hayden looked from one man to the other, trying to figure out what was going on. That these two were even in the same room without killing each other was a wonder in itself.

Sawyer moved closer until he was inches away. “I figured if we told you I’d be here, you wouldn’t come.”

She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

Hayden drank in the sight of Sawyer, missing nothing from the fading bruise on his chin, his tight jeans and button-up shirt that had the first three buttons undone. Balling her fists at her sides to prevent herself from throwing her arms around him, she remained rooted to the spot.

Luc took her by the elbow and led her to the dining room. “Why don’t you have a seat, babe? Smells like dinner is ready. Sawyer, why don’t you fix Hayden a drink?”

Sawyer nodded. “Will do.” He turned and headed toward the bar.

Once Luc seated her, he patted her on the shoulder. “I’ll go get our meal.”

Hayden was dumbfounded. What the hell was going on? Luc and Sawyer were acting as if they were old friends. Did she wake up and find herself in an alternate universe? Even if they called a temporary truce or whatever it was, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to happen. It wasn’t too late to get the hell out of here while both men were distracted.

She probably should have left, but deep down she didn’t want to. Her greedy little heart ate up the fact that she was here with the both of them and they weren’t fighting. She didn’t know what had happened that made them get along, but curiosity to find out what would happen next kept her planted in her seat.

Sawyer returned with a glass of red wine for her. And Luc rolled out a cart with three plates.

“What’s going on?”

Luc placed a plate in front of her. “Hope you like it. It’s crabmeat-stuffed tilapia, baby spinach sautéed in garlic, and mashed sweet potatoes.” He put a second plate in front of Sawyer, who’d taken the seat on the left, and then another plate on the setting to her right before taking a seat. “I know seafood is your favorite, so I hope you like it.”

Hayden looked at her plate with awe. “You cooked this?”

Luc chuckled. “That would have been a disaster for us all. No, my chef did. I just heated it up and put the food on plates.”

“But…why? Why all this?”

Sawyer placed his hand on hers. “To make up for the birthday dinner we ruined.” He took the cloth napkin beside her plate, unfolded it and then placed it on her lap. He then took her fork and dug into her fish and held it up to her mouth. “Here, try it.”

She didn’t understand what was going on, but at this point Hayden didn’t think it mattered. Besides what woman wouldn’t want to be fed by two sexy-ass men? She opened her mouth to accept the food.

She chewed slowly, savoring the tasty morsel. “It’s good.”

“Here, try some of the potatoes.” Luc took his eating utensil and scooped up a forkful of the orange concoction. Again Hayden opened wide.

Sawyer and Luc took turns feeding her a bit at a time. By the fourth round a familiar heat crept along her body, hardening her nipples and making her pussy wet. There was something very sensual about being fed, especially by two sexy men. Half the contents on her plate were gone before her senses came back to her.

Luc was on the verge of feeding her some spinach when Hayden held up her hand. “No more.”

He raised his brow. “Full.”

“Yes. I mean no. I’m not taking another bite until you two tell me what’s going on. Since I’ve known you, you guys have hated each other, and at my birthday dinner you basically beat the hell out of each other. I doubt you would have stopped if I hadn’t collapsed. Now you’re acting like old chums, and feeding me as if it’s the most natural thing in the world? What’s up with this sudden about-face?”

Luc put his fork down. “It’s simple. Sawyer and I have decided that neither one of us is willing to let you go. We’re going to share you.”

Chapter Eighteen

Hayden shook her head from side to side in an attempt to clear her ears. She couldn’t have heard Luc right. Share her? “Um, come again?”

Sawyer brushed her arm with the back of his knuckles. “It’s simple. You love the both of us, right?”

Hayden could only nod, not trusting herself to speak.

“And Sawyer and I love you.”

She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. “But I don’t understand. How can you two go from enemies to getting so chummy you’re both willing to be with me? This makes no sense.”

Luc cocked his head to the side and gave her a long, assessing look. “Does the idea of being with the two of us repulse you?”

It didn’t. In fact, the very idea of it had her body temperature soaring. The three of them together had featured heavily in her dreams, but she’d dared not think it would happen. “No. But that doesn’t answer my question. What happened between the two of you?”

Sawyer chuckled. “I know it seems like a surprise that Luc and I are even on speaking terms right now and trust me, if someone would have bet me that he and I would actually come to some understanding and even be friends, well, I would have laughed in their faces. But Luc and I realized that we loved you far more than we believed we hated each other. When we both showed up at the party, I could see how much this thing between us affected you. Maybe I didn’t believe it until that very moment that you did love the two of us. I’d been fighting that notion for a long time because I honestly didn’t think it was possible. Then Luc showed up. And I lost my mind. I was jealous and angry and scared that I’d lose you to him even though you’d already told us both it was over. You see, even though I stayed away for a few weeks, I knew I’d find my way back to you.” He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, his green gaze brimming with love.

“Me as well. I think if Julia hadn’t invited me to your birthday dinner I would have found an excuse to see you. And like Sawyer, I knew your true feelings from the way you looked at me and then at him. I could see you were hurting because I was too. And you collapsed…” He shuddered, clenching his fists in his lap as if the very thought of it caused him a great deal of pain.

Hayden’s heart tightened in her chest. She reached out and touched his arm. “Oh, Luc, I’m fine now.”

He nodded as if he couldn’t get the words out. “I know that now, but when I saw you taken away in an ambulance, I vowed I’d do whatever it took to be in your life, even if it meant turning a blind eye to you seeing Sawyer as well. I had no pride left where you were concerned.”

Hayden was humbled they loved her so much to want her no matter what. She’d felt unconditional love before from her mother. But nothing this intense. This was a love so deep that it physically hurt to be without the person you loved. “And I never wanted either one of you to feel that way, which is why I backed away from both of you. I never asked to fall in love with two men, but I did. And I saw no other solution, even though I have to confess that it’s probably been one of the toughest months in my life. I couldn’t stop thinking about either one of you.”

Luc nodded, his expression solemn. “I think it was a tough month for all of us. So anyway, after your mother told us off as we both deserved, Sawyer and I knew it was time to hash out our differences. And you know what the funny thing was? We’ve hated each other all these years for stuff that we thought was said and our own stupid perceptions and prejudices. Turns out had we not listened to the people around us, we could have been friends. Sawyer’s actually not so bad.”

Sawyer laughed. “Damning me with faint praise?”

Luc’s lips tilted to a lopsided grin. “Hey, it’s a start.”

“I suppose you’re not so bad yourself.”

Hayden was taken aback by their playful banter. She never thought she’d see the day when these two got along. “So now you two are friends?”

Sawyer placed his hand on Hayden’s shoulder. “We’re not saying that we became instant best friends. It doesn’t work like that. There are still years of acrimony to get past, but we’ve formed a respect for each other and we’ve made the steps towards friendship. Luc and I, we realize, have far more things in common than we do differences, even if we did come from different backgrounds. The biggest similarity is our love for you. And I think through you, we could someday become good friends. What are your thoughts?”

She pushed away from the table and stood up. “This is all a lot to process.” She began to pace the floor. Hayden wanted to jump up and down and scream yes, but she had her reservations. It was one thing to be in a relationship with one man, but both? Would she be able to please them both and give them equal time without the other being jealous? While the idea of being with them both excited her, she still had reservations.

Both men stood and each took one of her elbows. “How about we take this conversation to the living room? Would you like your wine?”

Hayden shook her head as she followed them out of the dining room.

“Have a seat.” Sawyer gestured to the cream leather couch.

Hayden wrapped her arms around her body, shaking her head. “No. I’m fine standing. I have a lot of nervous energy to burn, I guess.”

Luc perched himself on the arm of the chair and Sawyer remained standing a few feet away from her, thankfully giving her the space she needed. Both men remained silent as she thought through what they were saying. The prospect of being with them thrilled and worried her. In what capacity would they share her? One thing Hayden did know for certain was that she wouldn’t play coy and pretend this wasn’t what she wanted. She’d agonized over this for far too long to push them away again. She didn’t want to be like her mother, too afraid to try for love and miss out on her one chance to grab her happiness with both hands. She did have concerns however.

She nibbled her bottom lip. “When you two mention sharing, I didn’t understand. I mean…would I date you on rotating weeks or days?”

“No,” Luc answered. “We agreed that that wouldn’t be a satisfactory arrangement. What we propose is cohabitation.”

“What?” She moistened her lips with the tip of her tongue. This was definitely not what she had in mind, but the possibilities were infinite. They seemed so sure, and every time she tried to think of a reason why it wouldn’t work, nothing came to mind. Perhaps it was because she wanted this too. Why the hell was she fighting so hard?

“I know it sounds crazy, but this isn’t a fling for either one of us. And you’re the kind of woman who will want family down the road. You deserve those things. I know it’s not a traditional situation, we’re proposing that we find a house together where the three of us will live. I’ll keep the penthouse mainly for entertaining business associates. And Sawyer will keep his house for when his sister visits. She’s young and probably won’t understand the situation at first, so when she’s older he’ll explain it to her. In the meantime, you will marry one of us, so that you’ll have the protection of one of our names. It would simply be a piece of paper for legality issues but you’ll be committed to the both of us. And we’d live together.”

Hayden tilted her head to the side. “Like a family?”

Luc inclined his head forward. “Of sorts. I’m not proposing this happen right away. We’ll give you all the time you need to adjust to the idea of the three of us living together. No matter how long it takes. And of course Sawyer and I need to work towards being better friends to make this transition easier for us as well before we take the step of cohabitation.”

“And what about children?” she managed to croak out. “How would that work? I mean, you’re both well known in the business arena. What would people think?”

Sawyer stepped closer. “I’ve long since stopped caring about what other people think. You’re still young, Hayden, so we have time for children when we all mutually agree we’re ready. Maybe a few years down the line. And when there are kids, Luc and I will raise them all as our own. For legal reasons, the children in the eyes of the law will carry the name of your husband.”

She furrowed her brows. “Even if I’m married to you and Luc is the biological father and vice versa?”

Luc stood and strode behind her until his pelvis was flush with her rear. “I think what Sawyer is trying to say is that it won’t matter who fathers the children as long as they’re yours. We’ll love them as our own no matter what.”

Her mind was officially blown. What could she say to all this? It seemed like the two of them had everything figured out. “I don’t know what to say. I mean if we’re all living together, do I spend one night with you and another with Sawyer…I…”

Luc brushed his lips against the side of her neck, sending waves of delight coursing through her body. “Of course there will be times when I’ll want you all to myself and likewise for Sawyer, but I think we can make this work. Let us show you.” Luc ground his erection against her ass, tightening his hold around her waist. Pushing her hair aside, he ran his tongue along the shell of her ear, tracing its contour before catching the lobe between his teeth, giving it a quick nip.

Hayden gasped her surprise and pleasure. Unable to help herself, she leaned against the hardness of his body. Her body went up in flames, but what made the moment even more intense was that she maintained eye contact with Sawyer. His green eyes darkened to nearly black as he moved until he was directly in front of her.

Cupping her face in his large palms, Sawyer lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers, gently at first. He caught her bottom lip in his mouth and sucked and tugged. Hayden found herself wrapping her arms around his neck, needing to taste him and get familiar again with the taste that was uniquely him. Sawyer’s rough, wet tongue delved into her mouth, tasting of mint and wine. He deepened the kiss, devouring her like a man starved. She returned his kiss with the same passion and fervor, her tongue pushing against his. Her fingers itched to touch him all over.

He fitted his mouth more firmly over hers, taking charge and stealing her breath away. When it felt as if her lungs would explode, Hayden tore her mouth from his, gasping for precious air. Something registered in her brain that if she didn’t pull away now, she’d forever be lost to the power of their sexual persuasion.

Before she allowed her reasoning to slip completely away, she pushed against Sawyer’s chest and attempted to pull herself from Luc’s vise-grip. However neither man seemed willing to release her. In fact, Luc circled her waist with his hands and held her firm against him. He kept his mouth level with her ear. “You’re not going anywhere.”

She raised a brow at his boldness. Damn. His forcefulness was one of her weaknesses, but that didn’t mean he could have it all his way. “Oh, you think not? You can’t keep me here if I want to go.”

He nipped at her earlobe. “Of course we can’t. You’re free to go if you’d like.”

Her breathing came out in stilted pants. “I can’t go anywhere if you don’t release me.”

Sawyer’s eyes twinkled with mischief. Hayden didn’t trust that look one bit. “Let her go, Luc.”

Luc sucked on the tender part of her skin where her neck and shoulder met. “Must I?” he murmured, in a lazy drawl.

“Yes. What kind of gentlemen would we be if we didn’t allow the lady the option to leave?”

“I suppose you’re right.” With an exaggerated sigh, he released her.

Sawyer took two steps back. “If you’d like to leave, you’re free to go.”

“Just like that?”

Sawyer nodded. “It’s what you wanted, isn’t it?”

Hayden hesitated. “Uh, yeah.” She remained rooted to the spot.

Sawyer grinned. “Aren’t you going?”

She nodded, wordlessly.

Luc gestured to his left. “There’s the door, sweetheart.”

“I’m going.” Still she didn’t move, testing them to see what they’d do next. She had no intention of leaving, and she had a feeling they knew it. She wanted them too much—loved them too much to just walk away.

Sawyer chuckled. “You know, Luc, I don’t think she wants to go anywhere.”

“I do, it’s just…”

Luc pressed his body against her back again, gripping her shoulders. “You’re over-thinking this, dear. Trust me, this wasn’t an easy decision for Sawyer or me either. We know you’re basically a good girl at heart, and you’ll have misgivings about the morality of what we’re doing. But you don’t want to walk away because of how we make you feel, and how you make us feel is the same reason we can’t either. Give us a chance. Let us show you how good it can be between us.” He reached around to turn her head enough for their lips to meet.

He pushed his tongue past her lips in an aggressive act of possession. Hayden went up in flames at the taste of wine, mint and spices on his tongue. She was thankful to have the hard support of his body against her because her knees threatened to give out on her.

Sawyer dropped kisses on her neck and slowly made a path with his lips down the center of her chest. Grasping her top, he yanked it up, exposing her bare midriff. Going to his knees, he circled her navel with the tip of his fingers and lightly ran his hands over her belly, leaving a trail of heat wherever he touched. His touch was slow and sensual. There was nothing overtly sexual about it, but Hayden burned with need for more.

Luc was not content to remain a silent onlooker. He yanked her shirt up further. “Lift your arms.”

Hayden’s mind was in too much of a fog to do anything other than obey, allowing him to take off the top and toss it aside. Instead of unfastening her bra as she anticipated, Luc pushed the straps off her shoulders before firmly placing his hands over them and massaging her. “How do you feel? Tell me what it feels like to have us both worshiping your body—loving you.”

“I…” She couldn’t form a coherent thought if her life depended on it. “Umm.”

Luc chuckled softly, taking a nip at her shoulder. Grasping a handful of her locs, he gave her hair a hard tug, forcing her head back. He took advantage of her parted lips and covered her mouth again with his, dipping his tongue in her mouth and just as quickly retreating. “You taste so good, baby. And we’ll do anything you want, but you have to tell us.” He caught her bottom lip between his teeth and bit down just enough to produce a delicious pressure. “Got it?”

Hayden would have nodded if he didn’t have such a tight grip on her hair. Licking her lips before answering, she managed to answer in the affirmative. “Yes. Please.”

His grin was positively devilish. “Oh, we intend to, sweetheart. Tell us what you want.”

She moaned. “Touch me.”

“Where?” Sawyer demanded, halting his tender exploration.

“All over.”

Luc looked down. “You heard the lady. Let’s give her what she wants.”

Sawyer grinned, showing even white teeth. “With pleasure.” Gently he touched her ankles before slowly sliding his hands up the length of her legs and inside her thighs, stopping just before he reached her pussy.

Hayden whimpered in frustration. “More. I need it!”

Sawyer wedged his hands between her thighs, prying them farther apart. “Open up for me baby, yes, just like that. Plant your feet shoulder distance apart and lift your skirt so I can see how bad you’ve been.”

Hayden only hesitated for the briefest of seconds and did what she was told.

“Mmm. Someone’s been a bad girl.” Sawyer let his finger glide over her cloth-covered pussy, drawing a gasp from Hayden’s lips. Thank goodness Luc was holding on to her because she didn’t think her wobbly legs would continue to support her if he continued on this path.

“What?” Luc nuzzled her ear. “Why have you been a bad girl? Are you wearing those skimpy underthings you’re fond of?”

Sawyer pinched her labia through her panties. “Oh yeah she is. Red lace thong. I think she knew she was going to get fucked.”

“Oh, God!” Hayden’s eyes rolled in the back of her head. The dirty talk was driving her crazy. She’d thought it intense just being one on one with either of them, but being here like this with both of them was slowly pushing her toward the edge of all reason and making her so hot she thought she’d explode.

Luc released his grip on her hair and shoulder before circling her torso and covering her breasts with his palms. “He can’t help you now, my dear. Not when you came here dressed to tempt. Do you know when I opened my door and saw you with this short-as-hell mini showing off your beautiful brown legs…and your shirt giving a hint of these beauties,” he gave her breasts a hard squeeze, “I was hard-pressed not to throw you on the ground and fuck you right then and there. Nice and rough how you like it, sweetheart.”

Hayden never thought words could bring her to the point of orgasm, but here she was, trapped between two of the sexiest men to walk the earth, and they’d barely touched her. Their alpha attitudes and fuck-talk had her body throbbing with need. She wiggled her bottom against Luc’s erection in an attempt to ease the burning ache of her arousal. She felt she’d die if she didn’t get some relief.

“Take off her underwear, Sawyer, and tell me how wet she is.” Luc played with her breasts, catching her hardened nipples through her bra, squeezing and rolling them between his thumb and forefinger. He buried his face against her neck and took a chunk of her flesh in his mouth, sucking hard. Luc bit down and then sucked and licked it some more. There’d be a mark tomorrow, but she didn’t care. All that mattered in this moment was how good his dominant ministrations felt.

Sawyer hooked his thumbs inside the waistband of her thong and slid it down her legs. “Step out of them. That’s it, baby. Now the other.”

She looked down in time to see him hold the g-string up to his nose and inhale deeply. “Mmm, smells good. I think I’ll need to further examine the source of this scent.” Sawyer took her leg and lifted it over his shoulder. He then pushed his nose against her slit, taking a hearty whiff.

“Tell me about it,” Luc practically growled.

“She smells heavenly. And her cunt lips are puffy and slick with her juice. Hayden wants it bad. Don’t you, baby?” Sawyer’s sensual whisper demanded a response.

She reached down to part her sensitive folds, wanting his mouth on her. Craving it.

Sawyer looked up at Luc. “See how bad she wants it?”

“Do it. Eat her pussy. I want to hear her moan.” Luc’s words were stilted, as if he too was having trouble talking. At least she wasn’t the only one who was skating on the edge.

Sawyer pushed her hands away. “Let me.” He flicked her clit gently at first before circling it over and over again. Just when she thought she couldn’t take any more of this sexual torture, he slowly sucked it into his mouth as he eased his middle finger into her wet channel.

“Oh, Sawyer. God yes.”

Luc unhooked her bra and yanked it off. The cool air against her naked nipples made her shiver. He pinched the taut tips to the point of pain, but coupled with the sensation of Sawyer’s mouth on her pussy, Hayden was pushed closer to her peak.

“Tell Sawyer to eat your pussy like he means it, Hayden. Beg for it.”

Hayden writhed against Sawyer’s face. “Eat my pussy, please, Sawyer.”

Luc tweaked her nipples even harder. “Scream it.”

“Eat my pussy! Yes!”

Her passionate pleas seemed to egg Sawyer on as he shoved another finger into her damp heat and ravenously licked and sucked her pussy to the point of desperation. It seemed as if he couldn’t get enough of it, and she couldn’t get enough of him.

So close. Hayden was almost there.

Luc let go of the vise he had on her nipples, only to capture one in the wet cavern of his mouth and mold her other breast in his hand. It was just enough to send her spiraling to one of the most intense orgasms she’d ever experienced.

“Sawyer! Luc!” Her legs trembled and went numb. Luc maintained a firm grip on her but did not lift his head from her breasts, sucking on each peak in turn so hard, she thought she’d pass out from the heightened sensation of it.

Sawyer didn’t seem to be in any hurry to relinquish her pussy either. He removed his fingers to replace them with his tongue. He pushed his tongue in and out of her, mimicking a cock, going as deep as he could go.

Hayden was putty in their skilled hands. Both men continued to work her body like musicians with a fine-tuned instrument. They knew just where to touch her and exactly how hard and soft she wanted it. Sawyer was slightly gentler than Luc, but not by much. The combination was a heady experience that sent her barreling to yet another screaming climax. Unable to stand any longer, she collapsed against Luc’s sturdy build.

With one last long lick, his tongue sliding from her clit to the crack of her ass, Sawyer finally finished with her. He pressed his lips against her pussy in a deep kiss before slowly making his way to his feet. He brought his mouth against hers.

The taste of her on his tongue titillated her taste buds and sent her senses soaring. It was slightly tangy, sweet with just a hint of spice. He drew back and glanced at her through hooded eyes. “So good. But then I knew you would be.”

Luc raised his head from her breasts to give her a long deep kiss of his own.

Hayden weakly returned it, completely spent.

When Luc broke off the kiss she continued to sag against him. She thought that was it, but he swung her up in his muscular arms. Hayden’s head fell against his chest, not quite registering anything besides the sensation of floating. She sighed in contentment when he placed her in the center of his large four-poster bed. Hayden stretched her body in a feline manner, showing off her curves at their advantage to entice them. She felt energized and wanted more. “I hope you guys don’t plan on going to sleep yet.”

Luc chuckled, yanking his shirt over his head to reveal his toned pectoral muscles dusted liberally with dark blond hair. “Ready for more?”

Hayden licked her lips suggestively, making eye contact with each man in turn. “Oh yeah. A lot more.”

Chapter Nineteen

Luc maintained eye contact as he undressed. He quickly discarded his clothing in jerky movements, eager to join his woman on the bed. She looked so beautiful—her breasts bare, her nipples hard and swollen from where he’d sucked them. Her skirt was hiked to her waist, and her legs were bent at the knees and parted to reveal the slightest glimpse of tempting pink pussy. He couldn’t wait to run his hands over all that sexy dark chocolate skin.

Hayden leaned over as if to undo her sandals.

“Leave them.” Luc grasped his cock, stroking it as he drank in the sight of her.

From the corner of his eye, he could see Sawyer nodding in agreement. He wouldn’t in a million years believe he’d be in a situation like this, sharing his woman with another man. Luc had several reservations in the beginning and even before this dinner, but seeing how Hayden exploded in his arms made his cock harder than it had ever been. Having Sawyer with them added an element to the sex that surprisingly he liked.

He refused to examine the hows and whys though. Luc had spent most of his life analyzing stuff to death. For once he was going to let loose and go along for the ride, and that meant giving Hayden the maximum amount of pleasure possible. The scent of her arousal drove him insane with need. His gaze slid along her body as he continued to rub his cock from root to tip.

Sawyer was the first to join Hayden on the bed, sliding next to her. The other man cupped the side of her face, guiding it until their lips met. Heat surged through Luc as he watched their tongues touch and twine around the other. Sawyer slid his hand along Hayden’s arm, slowly moving it up and down before palming one of her blackberry-tipped globes.

Luc couldn’t take another second of simply observing, no matter how hot the scene made him. He eased himself behind Hayden and pushed her heavy locs aside. With trembling fingers he caressed the smooth expanse of her back, making a trail up and down her spine, committing its contours to memory. Her skin was so soft and welcoming. He knew if he didn’t have a taste he’d lose his mind with need. Luc pressed his lips on her back, making a trail in a downward path, stopping only when he reached the top of her well-formed ass.

Grabbing her by the hips, he growled, “On your knees.”

Hayden was slow to obey, earning her a smack on her delectable derriere. Luc liked the way her ass wiggled when he spanked it, so he did it again.

“Oh!” She moved to her knees, panting.

Luc got to his knees, positioning himself behind her. He spanned her throat and brushed his lips against the side of her face. Sawyer moved to the front of her and proceeded to roll her nipples between his forefingers and thumbs.

Hayden whimpered and wiggled. “Yes, Sawyer, just like that. I love it when you touch me like that. It makes me so hot and wet. More. Please. Luc, give me what I need.”

Luc lowered himself onto his back and situated himself until he was looking directly at her wet cunt. Reaching up, he grasped her hips. “Spread your knees further apart and lower your pussy on my mouth.”

Hayden gripped Sawyer’s shoulders for balance and squatted until her pussy lips rested a millimeter above his lips. A soft moan whooshed from her lips when his tongue skillfully eased along her slit. She smelled amazing and tasted even better. He knew he’d never be able to get enough of this woman. The sweet tangy flavor of her on his tongue was enough to drive any sane man crazy.

Hooking his arms around her thighs, Luc brought her lower. He wanted her to come on his face, coating the lower part of his mouth, and he knew exactly how she liked it to obtain that goal. He captured her clit in his mouth and sucked hard and aggressively, loving the way Hayden couldn’t keep still. Her little gasps and moans were adorable. They egged him on, causing him to suck harder, making her little jewel swell in his mouth. Her juices flowed as she got wetter by the second.

He wasn’t going to stop until she reached her climax.

Sawyer gripped her chin, forcing her dark brown gaze to his. God, she was beautiful in her heightened state of arousal, her sexy-as-sin body shivering all over with passion. “Do you like that, baby?”

She moaned in response. “You know I do. Can’t get enough of it.”

He was almost jealous seeing Luc work his tongue in and out of her pretty pussy, but he managed to push it down. He’d already had his taste and he’d have more later. Remembering this was all about Hayden’s pleasure kept him focused. “Tell me how it feels to ride his face. Tell me how hot and wet you are right now, to feel his tongue inside that juicy little cunt of yours.” When she released another moan, Sawyer leaned forward and ran his tongue along her bottom lip in a gentle caress. “Tell me.”

“So good.” Hayden moved her hips in rhythm with Luc, who looked to be pulsing his tongue in earnest into her tight channel. “So hot. Want more.” Her words were slurred, and her eyes rolled to the back of her head as if she was on the cusp of her orgasm. He adored her honest passion and the way she held nothing back.

Sawyer smirked. “It makes my dick so hard seeing you get off. See what you do to me, baby?” He took her hand and guided it down the center of his chest, not stopping until she touched his erection.

She looked down and licked her lips at the sight of his hardness, as if anticipating a treat. Hayden ran her tongue over her lips again, sending images in Sawyer’s head of how good it would feel to have them wrapped lovingly around his member. She ran her fingers along his dick. “You’re so thick. And long.” She whispered the words almost to herself before releasing another moan, now wiggling her hips even more as Luc continued to eat her out like a man possessed.

Sawyer shivered as Hayden rubbed her thumb over his cock head. Inhaling sharply, he willed himself to remain calm; otherwise, he’d yank her off Luc and thrust himself into her hot hole. When she circled his dick with her fingers he nearly lost it right then and there. She gripped him lightly at first, as though testing the weight of his cock in her palm. His breathing became shallow as her grip tightened. Sawyer closed his eyes on a groan, her hand slowly moving along his turgid length. “I love touching you. Mmm. Tell me what you want.”

“That’s it, baby, stroke my dick nice and slow. Yes, like that.”

Her moves grew bolder as she went on. Her fist moved from root to tip. Sawyer opened his eyes to see her licking her luscious lips. Again he imagined those lips around him. This time however, he refused to fight the urge to have exactly that.

“Time to try a new position.” Sawyer took her hand away from his cock, grasped her waist and lifted her off Luc. “On your hands and knees, baby.” He positioned himself on his knees in front of her, his dick level with her mouth. Gripping his cock, he slowly guided it inside the warm cavern. He was careful not to thrust forward as he wanted to at the feel of her sweet tongue running along his cock, stroking and loving it.

Sawyer lightly grasped the sides of her head and slowly pumped, careful not to go too deep and letting Hayden set her own pace.

“Mmm.” Her loud moan made him open his eyes.

Luc was on his knees behind her, his face buried in her cunt. She pushed back on Luc’s face in rhythm of her bearing down on his cock. Each time she sucked him in, she got closer to the base, nearly swallowing him. Sawyer dug his fingers deeper into her hair. He was so close, but he didn’t want to come in her mouth. Sawyer wanted to save it all for her tight pussy.

When he tried to pull away, however, her lips clamped on his shaft like a vise, and she sucked on him faster and with more fervor. “Jesus Christ, Hayden. You’ve got to stop.” Though he said this, his hands remained in her hair.

Hayden’s only response was to groan. It seemed the faster she sucked him off, the more insistent Luc’s ministration became, causing a chain reaction.

She let out a muffled scream. Her body shuddered, signaling orgasm. The vibration of her lips around his cock pushed Sawyer to his own completion. Hayden swallowed his come before releasing the hold she had on his cock and lapping at what she’d missed. Sawyer fell back on his haunches, his breathing ragged. Hayden collapsed, her lower body resting on her thighs.

Luc sat back, a satisfied grin curving his lips. “Now for the real fun to begin.”

Hayden lifted her head to look at Luc. “More?”

“Oh, yes. This is only the beginning.”

Hayden could feel her eyes rolling in the back of her head—yet again. Luc stretched out on the length of the bed, pulling Hayden with him, spooning her. He held on to her, kissing the back of her neck, allowing her body a moment to recover from her explosive climax.

Sawyer moved until he faced her, pressing the front of his body to hers. He pressed a gentle kiss on her lips and stroked her face. “You’re so beautiful.”

She closed her eyes, reveling in their touches—Luc, from behind, stroking and kissing the back of her neck and shoulders, and Sawyer caressing her face, then gently cupping her breasts in his palms. No words were spoken, and Hayden allowed herself to just feel. Her already wet pussy tingled with need. The feel of their mouths on her sex had been mind-blowing, but she needed more. She couldn’t think of anything she wanted more than to join with her two men to make this moment complete.

Throwing her hand back, she clasped Luc’s thigh and used the other one to stroke Sawyer’s hip. “Make love to me,” she sighed.

Sawyer smiled. “Thought you’d never ask.” He moved his palm down her body to her core, finding her clit and fingering it.

Luc released his hold on her before rolling off the bed. “Be right back.”

Even though he couldn’t have been gone for a minute, she missed him. A sigh of contentment crossed her lips when he slid behind her again.

Luc kissed her shoulder and slid his hands down her back until they cupped her bottom. He kneaded her ass like dough. She pushed back against him. Sawyer leaned forward and caught her gasp in his mouth when Luc parted her cheeks and ran his finger along her anal ring. He rubbed his finger around the puckered hole, lightly circling it and then completely taking his digit away. Then he returned it with something slick and cold.

She groaned in Sawyer’s mouth as he sucked on her tongue. Luc pushed his fingers past the tight muscles, sliding into her ass gently at first. Her body shivered in anticipation of what was to come. Sawyer deepened the kiss while Luc continued to finger her ass, pulling it out and sliding more lube into her orifice, readying her ass for his cock. She had enjoyed the pleasure of anal sex with both men before and could barely wait to be filled by Luc’s wickedly thick, hard cock again.

Sawyer continued to devour her mouth with his while his fingers found her pussy. He slid his fingers along her slit before stuffing two of his long digits into her. Hayden tore her mouth away from his to cry out.

“Yes! Please!” She grabbed on to his ears and held. Two sets of fingers worked her like a finely tuned instrument, one in her pussy and the other in her ass. Luc slipped another finger in her rear and she pushed back. “God, yes! Luc. Take my ass.” Hayden was so close to another climax her body shook from head to toe. Before she could completely lose herself again, Luc slipped his fingers out of her only to replace them with something larger and thicker. She stiffened momentarily.

Luc brushed his lips against her nape. “Relax, sweetheart. Push back on my cock.” He surged forward, getting his broad cockhead past the entrance. Hayden gritted her teeth. It was a tight fit, but Luc stilled, giving her a chance to adjust to his size. “That’s it, baby, take it.” He slowly pushed deeper, one delicious inch at a time until her ass was stuffed to the hilt with his cock.

Hayden wiggled, wanting more than anything to move, but Sawyer gripped her thigh, stilling her. “Hold on, baby. I got something else for you.” Pulling his finger from out of her sex, he grasped his cock and fit it against her entrance.

She lifted her leg up just enough to accommodate him. Like Luc, he slowly thrust into her a little at a time. The sensation of being filled with two cocks at once was nothing she could have ever imagined. Nothing could have prepared her for this. Her dreams didn’t come close to the reality. It wasn’t the physical part that overwhelmed her as much as the emotional aspect. That these two men, whom she loved so deeply were willing to forgo a chance at being with women of their own, touched her far deeper than anything ever could. It made her love them both even more. She had been kidding herself when she thought she could live without either of them. Now that she had them both, she intended to hold on to them for dear life and love them until the day she died.

Tears stung her eyes. “I love you, Sawyer and Luc, so much. Please make love to me.”

They began to move slowly at first, stopping and beginning again as they attempted to find their rhythm. Hayden pushed her hips front to back, moving with her men. Sawyer gripped her thigh and raised it higher, surging deeper. Luc, not to be outdone, slammed deeper into her ass, causing a sensation that hovered on the line of pleasure and pain.

Finally after several more strokes, each man worked in tune with the other, as one pushed in, the other pulled out, creating a back and forth that sent her senses spiraling.

“So good,” she moaned.

Luc leaned over and sucked on her earlobe. “Like this, Hayden? Like having your ass and pussy stuffed with our cocks?”

“God, yes.”

Sawyer bent his head to take her bottom lip between his teeth and nibbled on the sensitive flesh. As they moved inside of her, their hands roamed her body, leaving no part of her unexplored.

All of her senses were engaged. She was so close and instinctively she knew this orgasm would be more intense than anything she’d ever experienced before. Yet she didn’t want to come. Hayden wanted this moment to last as long as possible—Luc and Sawyer working together as one unit.

It was almost as if they read her mind because Sawyer lifted his head with a slight frown on his face, and Luc’s caresses stopped.

Green eyes darkened. “Don’t hold back, baby.” He slammed into her. “Don’t ever hold back from us.” Another thrust. “Ever.” He began to pound into her.

Luc dug his fingers into Hayden’s shoulders and pumped just as furiously into her rear. They punished her pussy and ass.

She squeezed her muscles around their cocks, sucking them deeper still. “Luc! Sawyer! Yes!” The flame that they had been building within her was now a full-blown inferno. A tremble started in her toes and worked its way up to her legs to the pit of her stomach and through her chest and arms, until she shook all over.

Luc’s fingers tightened in her skin. “That’s it, Hayden. Let go. Come for us. Let us hear your scream.” They thrust even harder and faster into her, making Hayden totally come apart. Just as she knew it would be, her climax was earth-shattering. Stars danced before her eyes, and she nearly passed out from how hard she came.

“Ahhh! Luc! Sawyer!”

Her orgasm seemed to cause a chain reaction because Sawyer released a primal yell of his own before his seed filled her pussy. Luc buried his face against her neck as he shot his load into her.

Hayden couldn’t move, think or barely breathe. It was one of the most explosive sexual experiences she’d ever had, and she was happy to have shared it with the two men who’d captured her heart.

None of them spoke for several moments. Sawyer’s arm was thrown around Hayden’s waist and Luc’s around her hip. As the haze in her head slipped away and she could think coherently, an emotion so overwhelming took over. She cried out.

Sawyer raised his head. “Baby? What’s the matter?”

Tears stung her eyes. “I love you two so much. I just…just love you.” She rested her forehead against Sawyer’s chest with sobs shaking her upper body.

Luc stroked her back. “Then why are you crying?”

“B-because, I never thought it would be like this. I dreamed about it, but I never dared think it could happen, that the two of you love me this much. It’s humbling.”

Sawyer wiped a tear away. “When we thought we’d lose you it was our wake-up call. We love you, Hayden, and intend to spend the rest of our lives making you happy.”

Luc gently turned her to face him and brushed his lips against hers. “Yeah, what he said.” He grinned, showing the side of himself that he rarely let others see. That he let his guard down around Sawyer gave her hope that this could work.

Hayden cupped the side of his face. “I love you.” She turned her head to look at Sawyer. “I love you. And I promise the both of you, that no matter what happens, my feelings will never change. Whatever time we have together, I’ll cherish.”

Sawyer raised a brow. “You make it sound like this will all end.”

She moistened her lips. “I know you both have the best intentions, but I’m afraid that one day, one or both of you may realize you’re being cheated, that—”

Luc placed his finger over her lips to stop her words. “You’ve got to know that we could never feel that way. You’re worth more than you know. And if it takes the rest of our days to prove it to you we will. I know you have your reservations, but we’ll take this slow and let you set the pace. But know this. We’re not going anywhere. You’re stuck with us for the long haul.”

Another tear slipped from her eye as she looked at each of them in turn. Sawyer, her sweet, gentle lover with just the right touch of forcefulness when the situation called for it. And Luc, dominant and stoic to the core. Words couldn’t express how deeply she felt for them. A grin tilted her lips. “Promise?”

Epilogue

“Watch it, Sawyer. You almost stepped over our baby.” Hayden rushed over and scooped Snowy off the floor.

He rolled his eyes in exasperation. “You spoil her. Is it healthy for her to be that fat? And that spawn of Satan is not my child.”

Hayden covered Snowy’s ears. “Don’t listen to Daddy. He’s just cranky because his football team was creamed today.” She placed a kiss on top of her “baby’s” head.

Snowy mewed in response, rubbing her furry head against Hayden’s chest before shooting a glare in Sawyer’s direction.

Sawyer glared back. “I swear she hates me.”

“Snowy doesn’t hate you. She’s just moody. Right, baby? Let Mommy get you something to eat.” She carried Snowy into the kitchen with Sawyer following. Hayden placed the pure white Persian cat on the counter and searched the cupboard for some tuna.

“That’s part of the problem. You’re always feeding her.”

Hayden laughed, pulling out Snowy’s bowl. “She’s a growing kitty. I don’t want her to go hungry.”

“Like that’s going to happen,” Luc said as he entered the kitchen. He wore a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, looking very much at home in his casual duds. A year ago, she knew for a fact he wouldn’t have been caught dead in jeans, regardless of whether they were designer or not.

But in the past year, Hayden and Sawyer worked on getting Luc to not take things so seriously. It had been like pulling teeth at times, but eventually he loosened up and was often smiling for no particular reason. It still took him a while to warm up to people he didn’t know, but he’d come a long way.

It was amazing what good friends the two men had become. It hadn’t all been a bed of roses in the beginning; there had been some tension and even a few arguments, but eventually when they both saw that Hayden didn’t favor one over the other, it seemed to relax them and in turn their friendship grew. She’d often encouraged the men to hang out together and after a while, it didn’t require any coaxing on her end for the two of them to go to sporting events or do guy things together. The two of them had developed a mutual respect for each other.

After several months passed with things still going well between the three of them, they’d broached the subject of living together. Hayden had jumped at the opportunity. She saw no point putting off cohabitating when she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with them.

They’d surprised her with the house of her dreams two months ago. Hayden couldn’t be happier, waking up in their arms every morning.

Hayden frowned at Luc. “Don’t you start picking on poor Snowy too. She’s not fat, it’s just her fur that makes her look plump.”

Luc glanced at the cat, whose face was now buried in a bowl of tuna. “Yeah, and she has a lot of meat under all that fur too.” He looked over to Sawyer. “Does she still think we’re the cat’s parents?”

Sawyer snorted. “Yeah, even though that fur ball of evil won’t tolerate anyone around her except Hayden.”

Luc shrugged. “Well you were the one who said we should buy her that thing last Christmas.”

Hayden placed her hands on her hips. She was tired of them picking on her poor cat who never did anyone harm. “Would you two stop picking on my poor baby? She’s really sensitive you know?” Although she tried to be stern with them, there was no way she could really be mad at either one of them.

Luc walked behind Hayden and wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the side of her face. “I think maybe you baby the cat so much because you want the real thing. I think we should do something about that.”

Sawyer grinned, moving to the front of Hayden. “Hmm, I like the sound of that.” He ground his pelvis against the juncture of her thighs. Her panties got wet from the contact.

“A baby? I thought we’d wait for a little bit longer?”

Sawyer cupped the side of her face. “Why wait when it’s what we all want? The ceremony is in a couple weeks. We are officially moved in to our house now since we unpacked the last box this morning. All you have to do is stop taking the pill.”

The thought of carrying their child made her heart flutter with love. They’d decided that she would marry Luc in a civil ceremony to afford her the protection of his name, even though in their hearts she would belong to them both. And later they planned a commitment ceremony for the three of them. Plans were already underway, and Hayden was busy with the arrangements and guest list.

Her mother would be attending with her new husband, Dr. Harry Watanabe, whom she’d reconnected with several months ago. The other attendees would be Shayna and Julia, who were still noisy and loud but two of the best friends she could ever have. Emily also insisted on coming. The three of them had not intended to tell her about their relationship until she was old enough to understand, but it was the teenager who’d actually confronted them about it. Sawyer, not wanting to lie to his sister, was candid about his nontraditional relationship, which Emily seemed to accept with the resilience of one so young.

Hayden sometimes had to pinch herself, fully expecting to wake from a dream. She never would have thought that one person could experience so much happiness, with two loving men who coddled and saw to her every need.

She smiled and kissed each one in turn. “Okay. Let’s do it. Let’s make a baby.”

Luc turned her around and whirled her around the kitchen. But instead of putting her back on her feet, he tossed her over his shoulder and headed out the kitchen and strode toward the staircase.

“What are you doing?” She laughed.

Luc chuckled. “We might as well get a head start.”

Sawyer followed closely behind, his grin wide. “I couldn’t agree more.”

About the Author

Eve has enjoyed creating characters and making up stories from an early age. As a child she was always getting into mischief. So when she lost her television privileges (which was often), writing was her outlet. Her stories have gotten quite a bit spicier since then! When Eve isn’t busy writing, feeding her pizza addiction or plotting to take over the world, she spends her free time reading, baking, traveling and spending time with friends and family. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her family. She loves to hear from her readers. Eve can be contacted through her website, www.evevaughn.com, or through her Yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/evevaughnsbooks/.

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ISBN: 978-1-4268-9027-7

Copyright © 2010 by Eve Vaughn

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