1. Bella

1

BELLA

R iver MacIntyre is the stuff of all my sweetest dreams, served up in a crisp suit. His smile is enough to turn my legs into jelly, and don't even get me started on his slightly salt-and-pepper hair or how his eyes seem to look at me like I'm the only girl in the world, or the only girl who matters, at any rate. This is the first time I've laid eyes on a man so glorious, and I want more.

Of course, the nine years between us makes this slightly forbidden, but I've always had the soul of a sinner and a taste for excess, so long as nothing I'm doing is hurting the world around me, I don’t care.

No, honestly, is it because he's older? According to some poorly designed websites, women like older men because they provide stability. Others claim it's evolutionary. Some even suggest it's because we mature faster than boys—news flash, internet, tell me something I don't know. But honestly, as I lean against a sturdy oak tree, watching River charm my spinster aunt, Cassidy Cole, it's clear as day. He's a living, breathing, GQ cover come to life. A dream, if you will, with a healthy side of unattainability.

It's not like I'm looking for anything serious. I'm twenty-two, with my whole life ahead of me. By next year, I'll likely be in Spokane, completing my training as a photographer. I also have plans to write a bestseller. But this summer, I'm in the mood to make a few memories I can carry with me. So, when he sees me looking and tilts his glass in my direction, I respond by biting my lower lip.

The setting is perfect.

My dad, Jonathan Carter, is known for legendary parties. They are always a whirlwind of polished boots, starched uniforms, and enough testosterone to power a small city. Being a high-ranking officer in the army, Colonel Carter knows how to throw a shindig that's equal parts disciplined and debauched. Tonight, the house is buzzing with the usual suspects—military personnel, family friends, and the occasional political figure thrown in for good measure.

Of course, River is years younger than Dad, but the two of them hit it off on one of his assignments. It's a sign of how free-spirited Dad is because I know River is one of his closest friends.

Come to think of it, Dad and I don't have all that many years between us. Mother still jokes about how Dad basically swept her off her feet when both of them were in high school, and she's still up in the air, although sometimes, he does do things that annoy her to no end.

As the music swells, my thoughts center on the present moment.

The crisp, cold beginnings of winter make this all the more like a fairy tale, if fairy tales had room for a touch of dark desire. Yellow lights are strung through the trees, casting a warm, golden glow over the snow-covered landscape. Long tables are laden with delicious food, from roasted meats to intricate desserts. The air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of a feast. A space has been cleared for dancing and there is a small stage set up for a band.

I push away from the tree once I see a group of my friends arriving. Moments later, I weave through the crowd, balancing a tray of drinks like a seasoned waitress, dodging elbows and boisterous laughter. The frosty air nips at my cheeks, but the warmth of the gathering keeps the chill at bay.

My best friend, Millie, waves at me excitedly. As I grin and approach her, River gets in the way, swinging his limbs with an effortless charm that should be illegal.

"Hey, you," he says, flashing that devastating smile once again. Up close, it's enough to make my heart explode. "How's it going?"

"Same old, same old," I reply, my voice miraculously steady. "You know how these things are—Dad's army buddies trying to out-brag each other, Mom's friends gossiping in the corner, and me playing hostess."

River chuckles throatily. A shiver runs down my spine as he touches my arm and speaks in a honeyed baritone. "Well, you're doing a fantastic job. Your dad's lucky to have you."

"Flattery will get you everywhere," I quip, rolling my eyes in mock exasperation. "But seriously, how have you been? Still fighting off the admirers?"

He laughs richly at that. "Only the persistent ones. But enough about me. What about you? Any exciting plans for the future?"

I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. Inside, my mind is squealing like a little girl who has just seen a white pony. River is interested in me! "Oh, you know, the usual. Finish my degree, maybe travel a bit. Nothing set in stone."

As we chat, I can't help but notice how the other women in the room steal glances at River, their eyes full of admiration and maybe a hint of jealousy. It's not hard to see why. With his broad shoulders and that infuriatingly perfect smile, he's a magnet for attention.

Just then, my dad strides over, a drink in hand and a proud smile on his face. "Ah, I see you've found my daughter," he says, clapping River on the back. "What do you think, River? Isn't she something?"

River's eyes meet mine, and for a split second, I think I see something there—something that makes my breath catch. "She's amazing, Colonel," he says, his voice softening. "You've raised a remarkable young woman."

Did you hear that, Bella? He called you a woman!

My dad beams, clearly pleased. "That she is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some colonels to impress."

As my dad walks away, River turns back to me, his expression unreadable. "Well, I should let you get back to your hostess duties," he says, his tone light but his eyes lingering on mine. "But save a dance for me later, okay?"

"Sure thing," I manage to say, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'll hold you to that."

As he walks away, I lean against a table, trying to catch my breath. It's just a dance , I tell myself. But with River MacIntyre, nothing is ever just anything.

"What was that all about? And don't even think about lying to me." A remark floats over my shoulder, making me smile and roll my eyes in unison. I wheel around and look at Millie. Her eyes are bright with curiosity. She's got her arms crossed in front of her chest like she knows I've been up to no good and means to get to the bottom of it. I shrug, trying to play it cool. "Nothing's going on. We just talked."

Millie's not buying it. "Uh-huh, sure. Because the way you two were looking at each other says ‘just talked’."

I roll my eyes again, but a smile tugs at my lips. "Okay, maybe there's a little something there. He did ask me to save a dance for him."

Millie smiles, but there's a hint of something in the way she does it. "Bella, you're a woman with a mind of your own, and you won't listen to reason until it smacks you in the face. Even if it did, you'd probably smack it back. But you do know there's a rumor about him, don't you?"

I quirk a brow at her.

She leans in, her voice dropping so no one can hear her except me. "River was involved in some scandal a few years back. Something about a high-profile affair."

Okay, I'm slightly intrigued. I settle my face into the best impassive expression I can make. "Really? Who was it with?"

Millie shrugs. "Nobody knows for sure, but it was a big deal. Makes him even more mysterious, doesn't it?"

I bite my lip, the curiosity gnawing at me. "What do you mean by a big deal?"

Millie's eyes sparkle with mischief as she glances around. "Rumor has it, it wasn't just any affair. She was married, and not just to anyone—a senator. They say she was infatuated with him, practically throwing herself at him during a charity gala. The paparazzi almost caught them, but somehow, he managed to keep it under wraps."

My mind races, picturing the scene–River, with his smoldering eyes and rugged charm, caught in a heated moment with a powerful woman. The scandal, the secrecy, the sheer thrill of it all, is enough to make me giddy.

"Do you think it's true?" I finally ask, my tone whispery.

Millie smirks and pushes an errant lock of hair behind her ear. "Who knows? But it explains why he's so guarded, doesn't it? Always keeping to himself, never letting anyone get too close. It's like he's hiding something…some dark, delicious secret."

A swath of goosebumps erupts on my forearm. The image of River as a forbidden lover, tangled in a web of passion and danger, is irresistibly seductive. It makes me want him even more.

"God, can you imagine?" Millie continues, her eyes wide with excitement. "Being the one who breaks through that tough exterior? The one who gets to see the real River?"

I swallow hard, my mouth dry. I know it's just gossip, but the possibilities are tantalizing.

As we talk, my attention falls on a fresh wave of guests. Marcus, another one of my dad's friends, walks in. I mutter under my breath as I watch him approach River and engage him in conversation. This place has become a gathering for hot, handsome, and incredibly responsible men, and I… I'm in the mood for breaking some unspoken rules.

Millie snorts as she follows my gaze. "Be careful, Bella. The heart is a tricky thing."

I grin, feeling a rush of excitement. "I feel like living dangerously tonight."

The music changes, signaling the start of a waltz, and just then, River appears at my side. He extends his hand, a charming smile playing on his lips. "May I have this dance?"

Millie says something about needing a drink and disappears tactfully, one of the many reasons she's a girl's girl. I love her endlessly.

I place my hand in his. "I'd love to."

He leads me to the dance floor, and as we start to waltz, I lean into him, relishing the closeness, the scents of pine and woodsmoke, and how his hand is curled protectively around my waist. "You look stunning tonight," he says, his voice warm and sincere. "That dress is beautiful on you."

I blush. "Thank you. You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

He chuckles, his grip on my waist tightening slightly as he guides me across the floor. "Only when I mean it. You're absolutely beautiful, Bella."

My heart races, but I do my best to play it cool—points for effort, at any rate. "You know, I've heard some interesting things about you tonight."

His eyebrow arches in curiosity. "Oh? Do tell."

I lean in, my voice playful. "Apparently, there's a rumor that you were involved in a scandalous affair a few years back."

He laughs, the sound rich and deep. "Ah, rumors. They do make life interesting, don't they?"

"Is it true?" I ask, looking up at him.

He meets my gaze, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I guess you'll have to dance with me again to find out."

This time, I don't have a reply. I'm too intoxicated.

It's not just what he says, it's how he says it. I feel like I've melted into a puddle, like everything else is a dizzy mess, and his arms are the only thing holding me together. The song ends, and he pulls me close, his lips brushing against my ear. "Thank you for the dance, Bella."

"Wait," I whisper back, tracing a circle on his chest tentatively. "Do you…do you want…" My words die in my throat.

"Yes?" His tone is low, sweet, thrilling.

"There's a little gazebo not too far from here. Would you like to walk with me?"

I half-expect him to refuse. Dad is inside the house, regaling guests with one of his many interesting war-time stories. We have the run of the place, but I'm not sure River shares my penchant for wild fun. To my surprise, he offers me a little nod. Minutes later, I walk away from the party, maintaining a respectful distance from him. My footsteps are light, and my heart beats quickly, knowing he's following me.

The gazebo is a cozy little spot, beautifully lit and slightly secluded from the main party. Twinkling fairy lights cast a soft glow over the snow-dusted structure, nestled among towering pines, their branches heavy with fresh frost. Icicles hang from the roof, glistening like diamonds in the soft light. Inside, plush blankets and cushions are strewn about. I sit down on one of the benches, the cold seeping through my dress.

"Mind if I join you?" River's voice breaks the silence, and I look up to see him standing at the entrance of the gazebo, his hands tucked into his coat pockets.

Heat erupts through me. I motion for him to sit. He joins me, and for a moment, we just sit there in comfortable silence, watching the snowflakes drift lazily to the ground.

"This place is beautiful," he finally says, his voice soft.

"It is," I agree, shifting so my face is turned to him. "It's like a little slice of magic."

River moves closer, his knee brushing against mine. "Bella, there's something I need to tell you," he says, his voice suddenly hoarse.

"What is it?" I ask, my breath catching in my throat.

He reaches out, gently cupping my cheek with his hand. "I can't stop thinking about you, ever since I laid my eyes on you at that party two weeks ago. And tonight…seeing you here, like this…"

I feel my heart racing, his words sinking into me like a sweet melody. "River…"

Before I can finish, he leans in, his lips capturing mine in a kiss. It's passionate and intense, filled with the longing that has been building between us. His hand slides to the back of my neck, pulling me closer as our mouths move in perfect harmony. I melt into him, my arms wrapping around his neck as I lose myself in the kiss. The rest of it happens just as it would in a perfect romance.

My hands undress him, and his find their way through the soft fabric of my dress, seeking until they touch the heated, wet spot that is aching for him. Moments later, his hardness is buried inside me, and I am on his lap, moving in tandem with his thrusts, whispering his name in his ear as his eyes burn into mine and his desire courses through me in a river of stiff, hot need. It is everything I thought it would be.

I orgasm faster than I ever thought I would. He calls out my name quietly as his thrusts become increasingly fast. My nails dig into his back, and I bite down on his shoulder as he joins me in tumbling over the edge. As he finishes, I hold on for dear life, raising my head so I can look into his eyes once more. They’re an ocean of midnight blue. Damn Millie for being right.

This is more than a crush. It's clear as day. This is the kind of thing you get to experience once in a lifetime. I smile slightly as he shivers in my arms. I'm not about to tell him what's going on in my head. That would ruin the intrigue of it all, make me seem needy and silly.

"What are you thinking?" he asks as he helps me climb off him and picks up my coat.

"Nothing." I smile and point to the house in the distance. "I'm thinking we should go back and get some food before it all vanishes."

He dips his head like a chivalrous knight. "Your wish is my command."

We get up, and River helps me put on my coat. He takes my hand so we can walk together, just for a little while. Once the house is close enough, we separate. I watch him go in first, to where my dad sits in the living room with his buddies from service gathered around him. He sees River approach and waves at him to come closer. I watch the two of them laugh about something.

I'm not okay with this being a one-time thing. His eyes land on mine, and he smiles. I think he feels the same way.