Prologue

Aubrey

FOUR YEARS EARLIER

Crashing my face into someone's manhood had never struck me as the ideal way to make a first impression.

The moment I lose my balance on the uneven garden ground, the world tips into chaos, and I find myself plunging head-first towards an unforeseen disaster. Just as I brace for a humiliating impact, strong hands catch me, halting my descent inches from a decidedly compromising position.

My heart races, cheeks burning with embarrassment, as I dare to look up, only to find myself staring into a pair of mesmerizing, blue eyes that seem to sparkle with amusement. His chiseled jawline is accentuated by the afternoon sun, casting a warm glow over his features, while the subtle scent of his cologne —something fresh and outdoorsy, reminiscent of sunlit pine forests—mingles intoxicatingly with the summer air.

"Always heard I had a magnetic personality, but this is a first.”

His voice is rich, laced with humor, a touch of something distinctly masculine that makes my stomach flip, and a hint of a midwestern accent that somehow makes the whole situation less mortifying. Despite myself, I can't help but let out a nervous chuckle.

"Sorry, I usually prefer introductions that don't involve potential concussions," I manage to say.

He helps me upright, his laughter soft and infectious and his hands lingering just a moment longer than necessary. "Well, if we're making introductions after such a memorable encounter, I'm Shane," he says, his voice barely carrying over Dua Lipa's ‘Levitating’ pulsing through the speakers.

He’s still holding onto my arms as if to ensure I've regained my balance. The warmth from his hands seeps through the fabric of my sleeve, and something about his touch makes my skin tingle in a way that has nothing to do with embarrassment.

I straighten up, smoothing down my Anthropologie sundress—perfect for a backyard barbecue if I could just stay upright in it— and brushing off my momentary clumsiness with as much dignity as I can muster. "Aubrey," I respond, offering a smile that I hope looks more confident than I feel.

His grin widens, those blue eyes twinkling with a mischievous light. "Nice to officially meet you, Aubrey. Though, let's aim for less dramatic encounters in the future, yeah?”

“Sounds good.”

He glances towards the bar. “And how about a drink while you recover from the trauma of nearly headbutting me in the family jewels?”

I laugh. “Sounds even better.”

As Shane guides me through the crowd with a light touch at the small of my back, the vibrant energy of the party seems to pulse around us. Contemporary beats fill the air, setting a lively soundtrack to the scene.

The event is my brother, Alton’s, girlfriend’s birthday. We’re at a big house in Chicago’s gold coast, the backyard packed full of people. Problem is, aside from my brother, I don’t know any of them. Shane, the handsome man whose grapes I nearly squished, is the first one I’ve met. And I haven’t really even met him.

The sun casts a golden glow over the gathering, illuminating faces alight with laughter and conversation. It's the kind of beautiful day that feels like a promise, one of those moments that's all about the here and now.

Shane ensures I'm steady on my feet before signaling the bartender. "You alright? What's your poison?"

"Um, a gin and tonic, thanks," I reply, still a bit flustered but grateful for the normalcy of the question.

He orders our drinks with a nod and a smile that's as easy as it is disarming.

As we wait, he raises an imaginary glass. 'To unexpected meetings and impeccable catches,' he toasts, the humor in his eyes sparking a laugh that brings a smile to my face.

The bartender quickly arrives, slipping drinks in both of our hands.

"Cheers to not meeting the floor face-first," I add, clinking my now real glass against his.

Taking the moment to really look at him, I'm struck by how the soft light plays across his features. Shane's not merely handsome; he possesses a captivating allure that feels somehow unfair in its perfection. His slightly long, well-groomed blonde hair catches the afternoon sun, glinting with hints of gold and inviting curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Those arresting blue eyes are framed by thick lashes most women would envy, and his jawline could probably cut glass. There's a ruggedness to him, complemented by the hint of stubble shadowing his jaw, giving him an edge that's both inviting and slightly dangerous. His broad shoulders and trim frame are accentuated by the casual way he lounges against the bar, exuding an aura of relaxed power.

And he looks familiar, too. Where have I seen this guy before?

As we sip our drinks, Shane’s gaze follows mine to where my brother is lost in his own world, dancing with Esmeralda. "So, apart from nearly getting intimately acquainted with me in the most awkward way possible, who do you know here?" he teases, his smile lighting up his face in a way that's both charming and devilishly handsome.

"Just my brother over there," I say, nodding in their direction. "And his girlfriend, kind of. She’s the birthday girl. Other than that, I'm pretty much a stranger in these wilds."

He laughs, a sound that seems to make the ambient noise of the party fade into the background. "Well, I'd say after today, we're on fairly close terms, don't you think? Not everyone gets to almost kiss my—" He pauses, the twinkle in his eye suggesting he's enjoying the moment. "—'junk' on our first meeting."

I can't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Is that how you usually meet people?" I ask, playing along.

"Only the special ones," he quips, his grin widening.

Curiosity getting the better of me, I lean in slightly. "So, who are you here with? Or are you another mysterious stranger gracing us with his presence?"

Shane's expression flickers, a brief shadow of evasion passing over his features. "Oh, just a few friends," he answers vaguely, deflecting with the skill of someone who's had practice.

His deliberate sidestep piques my interest even more, but I decide to let it slide for now. There's something magnetic about Shane, something more than the immediate physical attraction and his quick wit.

Shane breaks the ice with a cheeky grin. "How about we swap that awkward crash-landing of ours with something a bit more fun?" he suggests, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

For a split second, my thoughts veer wildly off-course, racing towards a conclusion that has my cheeks burning a shade of red I didn't know was possible outside of a paint swatch. The idea that he might be suggesting something far more intimate than our current setting allows sends a jolt of excitement mixed with panic through me, which is totally crazy, considering I just met the man.

Catching the sudden flush on my face, Shane's expression softens, his smirk broadening into a genuine, understanding smile. "I meant dancing," he clarifies, a laugh bubbling up from his chest. "But I'm flattered by where your mind went."

Feeling a mixture of relief and mild embarrassment, I play along, "Of course, dancing. That's exactly where my mind went," I lie, hoping my overenthusiastic response masks my brief lapse into fantasy.

Laughing off my moment of embarrassment, I take Shane's hand as we head to the dance floor. It's like the DJ's in on our little joke, switching tracks to ‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd. The song's catchy rhythm feels just right for shaking off the past and diving into something new.

As we find our rhythm, Shane's hand finds a place on my hip, a touch that sends a thrill of anticipation through me. This time, there's no room for misinterpretation, just the undeniable chemistry between us. His confidence is infectious, and under the canopy of twinkling lights, our earlier misstep fades into insignificance.

“You know, for someone who nearly face-planted into me, you've got some pretty smooth moves," he teases, his breath tickling my ear.

I laugh, the sound mixing with the rhythm around us. "Well, I had to make up for that first impression somehow. I figure a two-step is safer than a nosedive."

Shane's hand tightens slightly on my hip, guiding me closer. "I don't know, that nosedive was pretty memorable. But this," he spins me out and then back into his arms, "is definitely a better memory in the making."

Catching my breath from the spin, I can't help but retort, "So, you're saying I should fall into more strangers' laps? Is that the key to unforgettable introductions?"

He laughs, a sound that's quickly becoming my favorite melody. "Only if it's my lap. I'm a one-woman crash-landing kind of guy."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the world does indeed seem to narrow down to just the two of us.

"Is that so? Well, I'll try to keep my future falls exclusive to you then," I say, my voice playful yet sincere.

Shane's response is a grin that lights up his entire face. "Deal. But let's stick to the dancing for tonight. I think we're on to something good here."

And just like that, with each step and laugh, we're not just rewriting the evening; we're sketching the outlines of a connection that feels as thrilling as it is unexpected.

As the night deepens, the party shifts into a different gear. The hours have slipped by in a blur of fun, dancing, and laughter, Shane by my side making every moment fly. Alton, engrossed with his girlfriend Esmeralda, hardly notices my absence from his side, and I can't find it in me to feel guilty. The world outside our bubble seems inconsequential.

Sensing a shift in my energy, Shane catches my eye with a knowing look. "Need a breather from the chaos?" he asks, his voice a soft invitation amidst the raucous backdrop.

Grateful, I nod, following him as we weave through the crowd and into the quieter sanctuary of the house. The change of atmosphere is immediate, the muffled sounds of the party outside a stark contrast to the stillness within.

"Better?" Shane asks, his eyes searching mine in the dim light of the hallway.

"Much," I admit, the close quarters amplifying the tension that's been building between us all night.

It's Shane who breaks the silence, his voice low and laced with a flirtatious edge that sends shivers down my spine. "I've been pondering... perhaps this party is ripe for one more unforgettable moment."

Caught in the gravity of his gaze, I find myself moving closer, the air between us charged with anticipation. "I'm all for making memories," I whisper back, the distance closing with every word.

And then, as if pulled by the same irresistible force, we collide. The kiss is immediate, a clash of pent-up desire and unspoken promises, our hands searching, bodies pressing for closeness that the confines of a crowded room could never allow.

Laughing, breathless, and driven by a mutual craving for privacy, we stumble into the nearby coat closet, the door shutting with a soft click behind us. Here, in the pitch dark and the quiet, the world narrows once again to just the two of us, our kisses deepening, wild and unrestrained as we lose ourselves in the kind of connection that can only be found in the most unexpected of places.

"God, you’re fucking sexy.” Shane’s all grins as we pull the door shut, the soft rustle of coats filling the air as we kiss like wild.

“You’re just saying that,” I reply as his lips travel to my neck, tingles breaking out all over my body as he kisses me in more daring places.

“Now, I’ve already got you in the coat closet,” he shoots back, a wicked smile on his face. “Not like I need to butter you up.”

That gets a laugh out of me. “Good point.”

His hands move to my hips, his hardness pressing against my leg. I can’t believe what’s happening—am I really about to hook up with a guy in a freaking coat closet?

“You sure no one’s around?” I ask, his grasp taking the hem of my dress and pulling it up, exposing the light blue thong I have on underneath.

“You saw the place on the way in. All the guests are on the dance floor, the staff’s either working out there or slacking off.”

His words put me at ease. After all, this is a totally, totally crazy thing I’m about to do.

Then, when his hands fall onto my ass, giving me a squeeze, any doubt just magically floats away.

“Come here.” The words are formality, since he scoops me up by my ass, effortlessly carrying me over to a big table against the wall and setting me down.

He spreads my legs open, stepping between them. The light cotton of my dress whispers against my thighs, his calloused hands leaving trails of heat on my skin.

My hand falls onto his hardness and I sigh, my heart thundering against my ribs. The scent of his cologne mingles with desire, making my head spin with total excitement.

Who is this guy who could have such an effect on me? Is he too good to be true? Maybe he’s totally crazy.

Then again, hard for me to call someone else crazy when I'm the one about to get fucked in a coat room, trembling with anticipation at every brush of his fingers.

His touch falls onto my inner thigh, shutting up my oh-so-annoying inner monologue. I close my eyes, focusing on his warm, rough hand moving along my skin until he’s teasing my lips.

“ Fuck ,” I moan.

His fingertips barely graze my pussy, and I practically melt into a puddle beneath him.

"Please," I whimper, arching into his teasing fingers. "Stop torturing me."

"You call this torture?" His breath tickles my ear as his fingers dance along my entrance, then retreat.

I try to squirm closer, but his hand on my lower back holds me firmly in place.

"You're enjoying this way too much," I gasp, catching the devilish grin spreading across his face.

"Just wait."

The tip of his finger presses down on my clit with just the right amount of pressure, and I shake uncontrollably, electricity shooting through every nerve ending. "Holy shit," I whisper breathlessly, my nails digging into his shoulders as my body trembles with pleasure. The words escape my lips before I can even think about it, and I know I'm lost in this moment.

"God, you're killing me with those perfect circles." My breath hitches as another wave of pleasure rolls through me. "I can't—"

I lean forward against his shoulder, breathing in his scent. My fingers trace the hard muscles beneath his shirt.

"Like what you feel?" His voice drops to a gravelly whisper against my ear.

"Mmm. Just imagining what you'd feel like without this in the way." I tug at his shirt, my thighs trembling where they grip his hips.

"Dangerous thoughts, sweetheart."

"I know. I'm in so much trouble."

As his fingers continue their skillful dance, I realize that I don't care. I'm willing to risk everything for this man, this moment, and the pleasure that only he can give me. And as I moan softly against his shoulder, I know that I'm his completely.

Those rough hands, that strong, athletic body.... Who is this guy ? Some fitness buff? No normal man would be in this good of shape or read my body this perfectly.

Thoughts like that are blasted out of my head as his touch brings me closer and closer to orgasm, and then…

“Oh… fuck !”

My body feels like it’s coming apart at the seams. The pleasure rushes through me, lighting me on fire.

"God, don't stop." My breasts heave with each breath, my hips rocking against his skilled fingers. "Right there... just like that."

Another moan slips out as electric tingles spread through my entire body.

"You like that, don't you?" His hot breath tickles my ear.

"Yes... fuck, yes."

The orgasm fades, but the need within me doesn’t. It’s like a hunger that can’t be satisfied, a desire that only grows stronger. As if they’re not even under my control, my hands shoot to his belt and quickly undo it, pulling down his zipper with a sense of urgency. I reach into his underwear, my fingers wrapping around his thickness. He growls, a deep, primal sound that sends a shiver down my spine, clearly loving the way I’m touching him.

“Come here,” I say.

“So bossy.”

“Well, I’m a girl who knows what she wants.”

He steps nearer, pushing just enough for his head to graze my clit. A gasp catches in my throat—I'm still a little sensitive from the orgasm, every nerve ending alive and crackling with electricity, but Holy shit does it feel good.

He leans in. “Protection. Kind of forgot.”

Damnit. “I doubt you’ve got a condom stored away in this coat room.”

He laughs. “I like to be prepared, but that’s a little much even for me.”

“It’s fine,” I say. “I’m on the pill.”

“You sure that’s good for you?”

I can’t help but allow myself a small smile at how considerate he’s being about the subject.

“Yeah, it’s fine. Nice and reliable, you know?”

He chuckles. “Then no reason to wait any longer.”

“You’re right about that.”

I reach around, putting my hands on his firm rear. I can’t quite see it from where I’m seated, but going by how it feels, his ass is just as sexy as the rest of him. I grab his cheeks hard and bring him closer, his head spreading open my lips.

“You keep teasing me, and you might lose those balls.”

He laughs. “Sorry, just trying to savor the sight of the sexiest goddamn woman I’ve seen in my life sitting in front of me with her legs spread.”

I give him a playful slap on the shoulder, but I have to admit, he knows how to flatter.

Mercifully, he’s done teasing. He pushes inside of me just a bit, enough to stretch me out. The pleasure is instantaneous, tingles shooting from my pussy. He’s really thick and long, so much so that I wonder if he’s even going to fit.

But the foreplay worked. I’m soaking wet and he just glides right inside, slowly bottoming me out. Soon he is buried to the root and I glance down to take in the sight of his cock in me, filling me full.

He pulls back and pushes in again, gliding in so easily. The second thrust is all pleasure, my walls gripping him as he fills me again.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” he growls, leaning in and kissing my neck, nibbling my ear.

“You’re…you’re not so bad yourself.” I can barely speak the words as he thrusts into me again and again, the piece of furniture we’re on groaning back and forth, the coats rustling around us. He picks up his pace, driving in faster and faster, the soft, slapping sounds of flesh on flesh filling the air.

He takes hold of my outer thighs and holds me in place, bucking into me as hard as he can. I’m practically turning into pudding at this point, the pace and power of his strokes bringing me nearer and nearer to where I need to be.

“Come for me,” he says, his words a command. “I want to feel you come on my cock.”

His words are irresistible. And to make matters worse, he leans down and scoops my breasts out of the front of my dress, licking and sucking my nipples, giving me a whole other source of pleasure.

And that’s all it takes. Another orgasm rips through me, and this time he’s there to join me. He pushes hard and freezes buried inside, unloading deep within my walls. His muscles twitch, his cock pulses, and I focus on the sensation of his warmth filling me totally.

For a second, we’re one . It’s kind of crazy.

When the orgasms disappear, we’re left together, sweaty and smiling. He leans in and plants a kiss on my lips, one that makes it clear this was, just like with me, something a little more than a kinky fling in a coat closet.

“That was… kind of fucking amazing,” he says.

“You’re right about that.”

His gaze lingers on mine. My heart feels… warm .

What’s going on?

Before I can think too much about it, he slides his cock out of me.

“People might be missing us,” I say. “We should probably get back.”

“Yeah. Probably.”

We quickly dress, kissing long and deep one more time before leaving.

Emerging from our impromptu hideaway, clothes slightly askew and grinning like two teenagers who’ve gotten away with something, Shane and I can't help but share a look of amused complicity. The air around us crackles with the remnants of our shared laughter and the thrill of our closeted escapade.

Shane, with that mischievous twinkle in his eye, leans in, his voice a playful whisper. "You know, I've always had a thing for daring escapes. But I must say, our little detour there was... enlightening."

I swat at him playfully, my heart still dancing from our moments of stolen privacy. "Enlightening, huh? Is that what we're calling it now? Here I was, thinking we were just checking coats."

We adjust our attire, a silent agreement that what just happened was a delightful twist in our evolving story. Shane’s hand finds mine, a gentle but firm reassurance as we prepare to step back into the chaos of the party.

"And to think," I muse, giving him a sidelong glance filled with humor and a dash of daring, "we managed all that without causing a scene. We might just be the most discreet pair this side of the coat closet."

Shane's laughter joins mine, a sound that fills me with an inexplicable warmth. "Discreet? Us? If only the coats could talk, Aubrey. Though, I have to admit, this gives a whole new meaning to 'hanging up your hat.'"

As we make our way back into the party, our secret tucked safely between us, the night no longer feels just like another gathering. It’s transformed into a memory we'll both cherish, a reminder of the sparks that fly when spontaneity meets attraction, and how sometimes, the most memorable moments happen off-script.

***

I grin, typing in Shane’s number and firing off a text.

Good morning, Mr. Smooth Moves ?? Had fun crashing into you last night. Ready for round two tonight?

Three periods appear right away, letting me know he’s already about to send me a reply.

Morning, Miss Graceful ?? Last night was a blast. Can't wait for tonight. I've got something special planned

Oh? Do I need to dress up, or is my armor sufficient? ??

Just bring yourself. Though, a shield might not be the worst idea when falling for me ?????

Falling? I thought we agreed on a mutual stumble. See you at 8? Vino Veritas Wine Bar?

It's a date. See you there

The excitement’s been fluttering in my stomach all day, growing with each tick of the clock. Choosing my outfit feels like preparing for a little adventure, something casual yet chic that whispers of the laughter and sparks yet to come. Shane and I have been volleying texts back and forth since the party yesterday, each message a promise of the fun waiting in the wings.

But as the evening sky paints itself in shades of twilight, Shane's messages, once a rapid stream, dry up. Confused but still buoyed by anticipation, I shoot him a playful message:

About to head out. Better not make me dust off my detective skills to track you down ??

The silence that follows doesn't fit the pattern of our day's exchange. No witty comeback, no "see you soon."

I find myself at the bar, the buzz of conversations a soothing backdrop to my growing sense of unease. Perched on a stool, I order a drink, my eyes flicking to the door more times than I care to admit. Time, unkind in its passage, stretches each minute into an eternity.

Hey, I've arrived. Where are you?

Nothing. The air grows heavier, thick with disappointment. My phone, once a lifeline to him, now feels like a weight. Another attempt to reach out fizzles into the void, the stark "Message Not Delivered" flashing back at me, a modern-day message in a bottle returned to sender.

Each notification hits harder than the last, like tiny paper cuts to my pride. The wine tastes bitter now, nothing like the sweetness of last night's promises.

The truth seeps in, cold and unwelcome. He's blocked me.

The vibrant tapestry of what I thought was budding between us unravels thread by thread with each passing, silent minute.

The couple next to me laughs, sharing a private joke, and something twists in my chest. Just yesterday, that was me—caught up in the intoxicating possibility of connection. Heartbreak, that old, familiar foe, knocks softly at my door, a reminder of how swiftly joy can turn to sorrow.

Surrounded by the ambient noise of others' evenings unfolding as planned, I sit there, nursing my drink, a solitary figure adrift. The connection I felt with Shane, so full of potential and laughter, now seems like a trick of the light, fading into the shadows of what might have been.