CHAPTER ONE

RILEY

“I’m not saying you have to bang the next hot guy who walks through the door, but at least consider going home with someone tonight. It’s your last night as a single woman. You gotta live it up, Riley.” Kendall clinks her glass against mine and chugs the rest of her lemon drop martini.

“I am living it up by being at this nightclub with you the night before my engagement announcement and wearing this slutty dress.” As soon as I finish the last of my rum and Diet Coke, Kendall grabs my wrist and tugs me back out onto the dance floor.

“You should wear slutty dresses more often. You look hot.” Kendall’s auburn ponytail swings as she dances to Beyonce.

Not a soul here would guess my best friend is a sweet kindergarten teacher during the day, and a dirty-talking, slutty-clothes-wearing party girl at night. We’ve got the foul mouth in common, but when it comes to the rest, we’re total opposites.

We became instant friends the moment she walked into my new sports performance center, Boston Strong, and signed up for my Pilates classes four years ago.

If it wasn’t for Kendall, Rowan, and Jackson, I wouldn’t have a life outside of work. I’ve never been a social person. Not even in high school. I ran cross country, thriving on the time by myself, the wind on my face, my legs taking me away from nothing and leading me still toward nothing.

“Riley. As soon as that rock weighs down your finger, your life is going to change. Some for the good, some for...”

She doesn’t need to finish the sentence. We both know what’s going to happen once Jackson and I announce our engagement tomorrow and get married in two months. His mother and her crew—who all signed an NDA because that’s what one does when they work for the Bankeses—have already been working on our June wedding. I’ve had zero input, which I’m totally on board with.

If I had my way, we’d elope. Or better, go to the town hall, sign a piece of paper, and be done with it. I love Jackson and he loves me but...that’s not why we’re getting married.

Lydia Bankes and her entourage have a weekend-long engagement party planned for us. Or rather, for Jackson. But mostly for her and her husband. I met Lydia and Sebastian Bankes once at an upscale restaurant in Boston. They hardly paid any attention to me. And I’m okay with that too.

Sebastian did most of the talking—business, of course—and kept it directed toward Jackson while Lydia and I sat as silent partners who were meant to be seen and not heard.

Jackson had warned me that was how it was going to be, and I really didn’t mind. Better to be mute than to have to fake niceties to people I don’t know and who have no desire to get to know me.

I have tonight to be simply me before I turn into Mrs. Bankes.

I’m sure one of the many reasons Jackson’s parents have no desire to get to know me is because I have no pedigree. I’m an only child who lost her mother to complications of pneumonia when I was ten and whose father was away more than he was home, driving trucks across the country to keep a roof over our heads and food on our table.

While I don’t have a college degree, I did run cross country for a Division 1 school until I couldn’t afford my tuition bill my senior year. My father’s back injury meant he couldn’t drive for six months, which also meant there was no way to pay the mortgage on our trailer and no money to buy groceries unless I dropped out of school and got a job.

Kendall takes my hands, snapping me out of my sad trip down memory lane, and forces me to dance with her. She grinds her ass into a stranger behind her, not caring about his hands on her hips. Lately, she’s been going through men faster than a tornado ripping up a trailer park.

She’s wild and carefree, while I’m the one who wants the relationship, the commitment, the kids, the house, and the happily ever after. Not that I’ll admit it.

Jackson can provide me with most of my dreams. The ones he can’t, he gave me permission to pursue on my own. I don’t feel right about it though. We’re not going into this marriage blind, just...hopeful. Hopeful that what he wants out of it and what I want out of it works. That our open communication and our genuine trust and honesty with each other will prevent us from turning into his parents.

I can tell the instant the rum makes its way to my brain when my body isn’t repulsed by some stranger grinding his front to my ass while we dance to Usher. But I’m not that far gone.

“I’m gonna get some water. Want a drink?” I holler over the music to Kendall.

She shakes her head in time with her hips and continues to dance, so I work my way through the throngs of dancers and somehow come out on the other end of the dance floor unscathed. The bar is three people deep, but I see a slight opening and work my way through the crowd of people congregating around it.

When the bartender notices me, I ask for water. He tosses a bottle over the head of the guy in front of me, but I’m too packed in to raise my hand to catch it.

Someone tall reaches over my head and catches the bottle. Instantly, I’m swarmed by his heat, his scent. Soap and wood. Earthy and clean. I lift my chin to the towering stack of testosterone hovering over me. If I wasn’t cocooned on either side of my body by drunks, I’d surely have fallen on my ass.

“Is this yours?”

Tall and commanding, he possesses a presence that draws my eyes like a magnet, an undeniable charisma that must leave hearts fluttering in his wake. His shoulders are broad and powerful. A chiseled jawline, adorned with a hint of well-groomed stubble, frames lips that seem poised to unleash both dirty innuendos and intimate whispers.

“Thank you.” I lift my arm and reach for the water bottle.

The man keeps it above my reach and moves backward away from the crowd. If I want my water, I have to follow. Which I do. The sea of people seems to part for him as he backs up into a more open space. A rakish smile curves his lips, igniting a spark of mischief that dances like firelight in his stormy gray eyes.

“Not drinking tonight?” The rich timbre of his voice can soothe a wounded heart and promises unforgettable nights. I’m not sure which I’m craving right now.

“Not anymore.”

He studies me with interest and I glance over to the dance floor, seeking out Kendall. She’s too caught up in her dance partners to notice me.

I return my attention to the dark-haired Adonis in front of me. “Thanks, um, for my water.”

The corner of his lip quirks. “You’re welcome. Are you here alone?”

I shake my head. “No.”

The beautiful man nods and takes a step back. “I apologize for overstepping.”

Gorgeous and manners? “Oh. No.” I wrap my hand around his forearm. At least, I think it’s his forearm. It’s huge and solid. Maybe his bicep slid down his arm? Or maybe he’s wearing a prosthetic under his leather jacket. “I, um. I’m here with a girlfriend.”

“She left you alone?”

“Not exactly.” I chuckle. “I was dancing and needed a water break. Besides, I’m more than capable of being out on my own.”

His eyes rake my body up and down and I feel my nipples pebble. Damn this tight, slutty dress. There’s no way he doesn’t notice.

“Looking like this?” His eyebrow quirks. “You’re a lamb among wolves.”

“A wolf, are you?”

This time, his lips grow into a full-fledged smile. “You could say that.”

“And am I in danger of being eaten by you?” I feel my cheeks redden as soon as the words slip past my tongue, realizing the double entendre. The mystery man is enough of a gentleman not to call me on it.

We stare at each other for a few moments, the thump of the music vibrating through the soles of my high-heeled boots, until he finally breaks the spell. “A table opened up in the back. Care to join me for a drink? Water or something stronger?”

He takes my elbow and guides me to a quieter corner in the back, not waiting for my reply. Not that I’m about to turn down the offer to be in his company. The man is gorgeous. Thick with muscle, yet trim like he takes care of his body and doesn’t just chest press trucks in his spare time.

“Is this okay?” He offers me the seat with my back to the wall and a view of the bar while he takes the one that puts his back to the room.

In all the suspense books I’ve read, the guy never takes the seat with his back to the door or the crowd. Granted, those are detectives, police officers, security teams, or mafia heroes who are protecting the heroine or are on the defense for their own lives.

My hottie stranger does the opposite, which tells me he’s not looking for anyone. If anything, he wants to avoid people.

“Do you come here often?” I scrunch my nose. “Sorry. That sounded like a cheesy pick-up line.”

He chuckles. “I haven’t been here in years.” He doesn’t say it with a sense of nostalgia. There’s a slight edge to his tone, but I can’t pick up on it with the music beating through the bar. It’s not as loud in our secluded corner, but we do have to talk loudly to hear each other.

“Are you from around here?” Again with the edge to his tone.

I shake my head and finish my water. “No. First time to Providence.”

“Are you here for business or pleasure?”

Great question. I roll my bottom lip between my teeth and let out a deep sigh. “I guess a little of both.”

“You don’t sound too excited about the pleasure part.”

I let out an unladylike snort. “Pleasure would be an added bonus. Not sure if that’s going to happen.”

I bite my lip again. My mouth needs a backspace key. It’s not like I’m stupid drunk and spilling all my secrets, but the three rum and diets have me loose lipped.

“Are you here for business or pleasure? Or do you, um, live around here?” Hell, if he’s a local, I need to run. Fast. Like, a super-fast getaway.

Sexy Man loops his finger around the neck of his beer bottle and swirls it a few times while he studies me. “Business but hoping for pleasure. And no, I don’t live around here.”

My heart picks up its already erratic pace in my chest. He could be the answer to crossing an item or two off my bucket list. Propositioning a man who is way out of my league is not something I’m used to. I inwardly snort. Propositioning a man period is not something I’m used to.

Tingles of pleasure between my thighs have me squirming in my seat. If I’m going to maybe-possibly-hopefully-I’m-not-sure sleep with this sexy hunk of a human being, I should at least know his name.

“What kind of business do you do, mister...”

“Walker.”

I rest my chin on my hand and tap my cheek with my finger. “Is that your last name or first?”

“First.”

“Hm.”

“What’s with the hm ?”

I lift my shoulder and don’t miss how his stormy eyes caress my bare arm. “It’s not a common first name is all.”

“Would you rather my name be John or Dave or Bill?”

“You’re definitely not a John, Dave, or Bill.”

“Meaning?” He sets his bottle down and mirrors my pose.

“Meaning you’re too...” I wave my hand through the air. “Too you to have such a plain name. No offense to the Johns, Daves, and Bills out there.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment?”

I nod. “Most definitely. Do you have a last name, or do you go by Mr. Walker?”

The easy-going smile drops for a split second before it’s back on his face. “My last name isn’t as exciting.” His lips turn into a panty-soaking smile. “Now that you know my name, it’s only fair I know yours.”

“Riley.” I hold my hand out across the table, and instead of shaking it, he brings my knuckles to his lips and places a soft kiss on them. “Oh,” I sigh.

“Riley. Is that your first or last name?”

I stare at our joined hands. His is huge. Masculine. I don’t have dainty hands, but they’re dwarfed in his. I blink back my lust and roll my tongue up from the floor.

“Um. My last.”

“Really?”

I tear my gaze away from our hands and meet his eyes. “Yeah. I hate my first name. I was a tomboy in school. I still am, really. Everyone calls me by my last name.”

“What’s your first?”

I laugh. “Not a chance in Hell.”

“Come on. It can’t be that bad.”

“It’s not bad. It’s just...it makes me sound like an old lady. It’s a family name, otherwise I would have legally changed it when I was eighteen.”

“Aren’t old-fashioned names back in style?”

“Yeah, if you’re a toddler. Not if you’re thirty.”

“Helga?” I shake my head. “Prudence? Olga?”

I can’t help my rum-induced giggle. “No, no, and no.”

“If I guess it, will you tell me?”

“No.”

“That’s not fair. Millicent? Ester? Ursula? Gertrude?”

“Stop.” I can’t help my laughter. “Why do you know so many repulsive names? No offense to anyone who’s been doomed with them, of course.”

“Exactly. No offense to them, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of your name.”

“Says the man who won’t tell me his boring last name.”

He opens his mouth as if to argue and closes it again. He leans in closer, and his words whisper across my cheek. “Your name could be as heinous as Satan sitting on a mountain of shit, and you’d still make it sound like the most sexual, erotic sound coming off my tongue.”

Shivers shoot down my spine and my arms, and once again, my nipples are on full attention. Walker’s gaze dips to the protruding buds poking the blue satin of my dress before returning to my face.

“Tell me more about you, Riley.”

His deep, sexy words are still rumbling through my ears as I tell my body to chill the heck out. “Um, not much to tell. I own a sports performance facility in Boston. We offer free skills sessions and physical therapy for kids who don’t have insurance or need financial support. We have a gym and physical therapists on staff. I’m finishing up my certification to be a nutrition coach.”

“That’s a lot to tell. Are you a physical therapist as well?”

Shame still manages to work its way into my veins, even though deep down I know I have nothing to be ashamed of. “I went to school for exercise science, but I...” There’s no need to give Walker my entire sob story. “I taught Pilates, dance, and yoga when I was in school and a couple of years ago got interested in all things nutrition. The science of food really interests me. I believe it’s an important part of recovery as well.”

“Exercise and nutrition are two of my three favorite things as well.”

My eyes can’t help their direction, studying all the muscles visible even through his sweatshirt. “What’s your third?”

He rubs his chin and pierces me with his stormy eyes. “Let’s just say, anything and everything to do with the human body. Mostly, the giving and receiving of pleasure.”

Pure, raw lust lodges itself in my throat. I reach for my empty water bottle and pick at the label as I try to come up with a response.

“What do you like to do in your spare time?” he asks like he didn’t just say the sexiest thing ever.

I release the bottle and rub my hands up and down my thighs. I’m not usually nervous around men. Granted, I’ve never been in such proximity to a man like Walker. He oozes sex and confidence.

“I’ve been swamped with my gym so there hasn’t been any free time since forever.”

“But if you did have a moment or two, how would you spend them?”

In my dream world, I’d go to a tropical island, sit in the sand with a fruity frozen drink in one hand and a book in the other. Since that’s never going to happen, I go with the more realistic. “I like to work out, read, go for hikes. You?”

“Same.”

I roll my eyes. “You can’t keep copying what I say. Tell me something fun about you.”

“There’s not a lot of time for fun in my schedule.”

“And when there is?”

He contemplates for a moment before he says, “Last year I went skydiving.”

“Really? I’ve never even thought about taking the plunge. Is that something you always wanted to do?”

The flirting smile drops, and he shakes his head. “Metaphorically.”

I scrunch my nose. “Meaning?”

“That’s a story for another day.”

I respect his answer. It makes him more attractive. There are layers to Walker beyond the physical.

The DJ plays another Eminem song and I dance in my seat. “Do you want to dance?”

“I’m not big on dancing.”

“So why did you come here?”

“Cocktail Cove used to be a decent place to have a drink. Didn’t know most of the inside was now a dance club, otherwise I would have found another place to grab a drink.”

“So why did you stay?”

“I saw the most gorgeous blonde in an electric-blue dress on the dance floor and my feet refused to move. It wasn’t just her curves, it was her smile, the sway of her hips, her big chocolate eyes that had me ordering a beer and watching her legs, her hips, her face.”

I. Am. Done. My panties are officially ruined.

“Lucky her.” Stupidstupidstupid.

“She could get very lucky if she wants.”

His meaning is clear, even though I’ve never done this before. Have I been hit on by attractive guys? Sure. But never has the chemistry been so hot. Never has anyone looked at me like I’m the only woman in the room, in the world. Like he wants to eat me whole and never let me leave.

Kendall’s encouragement from earlier comes ringing back in my ears. This is what tonight was supposed to be about. Sowing my wild oats one final time. I’m not cheating on Jackson. He’s out doing the same thing. Once we enter our mutually agreed upon marriage of convenience, I won’t be able to go out and pick up a stranger at a bar.

This could be my only chance to...

I curl my bottom lip between my teeth. I can’t take things as far as I’d like, even if my future may be doomed if I don’t.

Walker surprises me again by easily transitioning from flirty to casual conversation while my blood pressure and heart rate continue to rise. He’s not pushy, not too forward. Just enough to let me know where he wants this night to go.

“What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done, Riley?”

God, I wish I had another drink. Liquid courage and all. I go back to picking at the label on my water bottle. I want to go home with Walker. I want to feel his hands on my body. I want to get lost in all the sexual promises his eyes are giving me.

“The wildest thing I’ve ever done is...contemplate going home with this incredibly gorgeous, sexy, enigmatic guy I met at a bar.”

Walker is so close I can feel the growl in his chest. Smell his clean, earthy scent.

“Contemplate?” He dips his head so our faces are only a breath apart. “Pros and cons. Start with the cons.”

I lick my lips and he does that growling thing again. “Cons. He, uh, could be a serial killer. An ax murderer. I could end up in a million pieces in a dumpster.”

His growl turns into a chuckle. “Watch a lot of crime shows, do you?”

“No. But a girl can never be too cautious.”

“Is that the only con?”

“That’s the glaring one. Or he could hurt me. I’m tough, but I’m not into getting beaten.”

“Noted.”

Good lord. What the hell does that mean, and why doesn’t it scare me?

“Anything else?”

I tilt my head and stare at his lips, so close to mine, and shake my head.

“Pros, Riley?”

Hell. The way he says my name. I squeeze my thighs together. “The potential orgasm.”

“There’s no potential about it.”

“Oh.”

“Exactly. How many can you handle?”

“Orgasms?” He nods. “I...you mean like more than one?”

“Is one all you think you’d get?” He rubs his nose along my jawline and inhales deeply. “Sounds like that would be a con.”

Nose to my skin. That’s the only place he touches and I’m on the brink of reaching my first orgasm of the night.

“Riley.” Kendall’s voice shakes me from my near peak and I snap my head up. Like a proud mom, she’s wearing the cockiest grin as she glances from Walker to me. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend ?”

Walker leans back and holds out his hand to Kendall. She takes it and doesn’t release it. Stupid jealousy stirs in my chest as I watch her take in Walker’s muscles, his gorgeous eyes, and the light scruff on his face. I can’t tell if she’s jealous I found him first or if she’s going to suggest a threesome. Not my thing. Kendall? Yeah, she’s done it before but with two men. She’s not one to share.

“Walker.” He squeezes her hand, then releases it and drapes his arm across the back of my chair.

Melting. I’m totally melting.

She grins like she just won the billion-dollar Powerball jackpot. “What are your intentions with my best friend, Walker?”

“Riley is contemplating a few things right now,” he says so casually.

My face burns with embarrassment. It shouldn’t. This is what Kendall wanted for me tonight. It’s what I wanted too. Sort of.

“And what would that be?” she asks him, instead of me, and crosses her arms, which only pushes up her impressive rack even more.

To Walker’s credit, he doesn’t even drop a looksie. Nope. His grin is stuck on Kendall’s face like he’s amused—and possibly impressed—with the conversation.

“I think that’s a discussion you should have with Riley, not me.”

And here I thought he’d go all caveman on me. Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded. But deferring to me is another layer he’s offering. Respect. He wants to do things to my body, not hurt me, and still respects my decision. At this point, I’m fair game. He can take me any way he wants.

“Riles? What do you want?”

Now this is getting embarrassing. The heat of the moment between Walker and me is kind of ruined, yet I feel the amusement coming off Walker.

“I’d like to get to know Walker some more.”

“How much more?”

“Kendall.” I chuck the empty water bottle at her.

She plants both hands on the table and her boobs nearly fall out of her dress. To Walker’s credit—again—he pretends not to notice.

“Do you have any sexually transmitted diseases?”

I choke and Walker instantly replies. “No.”

I’m a little embarrassed I asked about a serial killer possibility instead of an STD. Not smart.

“Are you married? Girlfriend on the side? Engaged?”

Shit. I didn’t ask that either. My stomach twinges with guilt. Technically, I’m not engaged. Yet. And technically, Jackson and I aren’t boyfriend/girlfriend.

“No. No. And no.”

“Do you have a criminal record?”

“Other than a speeding ticket when I was twenty-three, squeaky clean.”

“Only one?”

Walker’s top lip lifts. “Been pulled over a few times, but only the one ticket.”

“What does ‘No’ mean?”

“No.”

“Safe word?”

“For me or Riley?”

Kendall glances at me and smiles. “Both.”

“We’ll figure it out if necessary.”

“Any kinks we need to be aware of?”

“ We ? I don’t share.”

“Possessive. I like that for Riley.”

“Okay. Enough.” I stand and push myself in front of Kendall, keeping my back to Walker. I lower my voice, hoping he can’t hear us over the loud music. “I love and appreciate you, but you can stop now.”

“I’ve been watching you two for the past ten minutes. He’s totally one hundred percent enchanted by you.”

“Enchanted? He wants to get laid.”

“No. Trust me. It’s more. I feel good mojo. Your vagina deserves a good ram session. Hell, the testosterone coming off that man, I’d say your vagina is about to get ruined. In the best of ways.”

“Kendall.”

She lowers her voice so I can barely hear her. “Do it, Riley. All the way. You deserve this. He can give you what Jackson can’t. What Jackson wants you to have.”

Guilt washes over me. It’s deceitful. It’s not me. But I want it so much. Not just the sex, the...

“Riley.” She cups my face and forces me to look her in the eye. “You’ll never see him after tonight. No one will know. You’re giving up so much. Do this for you. ” She steps back and turns her attention to Walker. “Normally, I love to watch but I’ve got my own fun planned. Do you live close by?”

“I’m here on business.”

“Perfect.” Kendall lifts her brow in approval. “Where’s your hotel? Or you two can get another room at the Holiday Inn.”

Yeah, ‘cause nothing says a sexy one-night stand like the Holiday Inn.

“I’m staying at The Beatrice.”

“Who?”

Walker lifts a brow in my direction. “Another classically beautiful name.” I roll my eyes and shake my head. It’s fun keeping my name from him. I like that he keeps guessing. “It’s a block away. If Riley chooses to leave with me, I’ll be sure she makes it to wherever she wants to go. Safely.”

“Okay, kids. I’ll leave you to it.” Kendall gives me a hug and whispers in my ear. “Fuck the shit out of him, Riles. I’m so jealous and happy for you at the same time. I want all the deets in the morning.” She pulls away and points her manicured finger at Walker. “You do anything to hurt her, I’ll cut your dick off with a dull knife and shove it down your throat.”

Instead of being insulted by Kendall’s threat, he grins. “I’m glad she has you as a friend.”

She cocks her head to the side and nods. “Damn. If only I saw you first.”

“No offense, but it wouldn’t have mattered. I saw Riley on the dance floor with you and a swarm of dickless douchebags and nothing could take my eyes off her.”

“Well, shit. Now I’m going to be fantasizing about the two of you while I go home with one of the dickless douchebags.” Kendall gives my hand a squeeze and saunters back onto the dance floor.

“Opposites attract, I take it?” Walker’s front is to my back and his hand rests on my hip.

“She’s mostly all talk.” It’s her defense mechanism so she doesn’t get hurt again. Her bitch mode scares off most men, and the ones who are brave enough to pursue her usually get eaten alive. Control, that’s what she needs after the pain she endured for so long.

“Do you want to leave this place? With me?” he adds.

I nod, and he trails his fingers down my arm until our hands are locked and guides me toward the door.

“Do you have a coat?”

“It was a quick walk from our hotel so we didn’t think we’d need them.” Which was pretty stupid. April in Rhode Island is still cold. But Kendall didn’t want to ruin the look of our slutty dresses, and we were already warm from the Tito’s we drank in our room.

Walker shrugs out of his leather jacket and holds it out for me. “Put this on.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Riley.”

He covers my shoulders with his coat and the warmth of his body heat still permeates it. I slip my arms in the sleeves and stand still as he zips me up. We’re toe-to-toe and when the zipper reaches my chin, he tips my face up with his thumb.

“I’m going to kiss you now.”

“Okay.” I lift my face to his and open my mouth.

His eyes are filled with lust, and I anticipate him pushing me up against the wall and attacking my mouth with his. I want him to. Desperately. But Walker surprises me by placing a gentle kiss on my lips. He lingers for a few moments, breathing me in, before he pulls away.

Our eyes lock, our breath mingles in the cold air, and my heart hammers in my chest. How the hell did the most tame, sweet, gentle kiss make me want to rip his clothes off and have his babies?

Because right now, I’ll do anything he asks. Even if it tears me in two.