Prologue

PROLOGUE

AUSTIN WENTWORTH

14 YEARS AGO

I was lost in thought as the driver made his way through Chicago's evening traffic toward the steakhouse where I was meeting my brother Carter. When the car finally stopped outside the building made from old dark brick, I pulled out my wallet to tip the driver.

"Thank you, sir. Have a good evening."

"Thank you for the ride."

I could hear my nervous tone as I stepped out onto the sidewalk. This was my last night in the city before I was to fly home to Galveston. My older brother and his wife, Caroline, loved living in Chicago, and I saw the appeal. It was a beautiful city, but the cold weather here wasn't for me. I preferred the heat, but not necessarily south Texas.

Carter was twenty years older than me, and at forty-two, staying in Chicago had been his form of rebellion against our highbrow, Texas oil family. He'd agreed to go into the family business if—and only if—he could go to school where he wanted. Not where Jasper and Mary Ann Wentworth had planned for him to go. So, he picked Northwestern, met Caroline, and decided to stay. Another rebellious move, even though they badgered him relentlessly about moving back home.

I was planning my own rebellion, and that's why I needed to talk to him alone. We all loved Caroline, but she was too much sometimes. I needed Carter on my side for the impending shit storm when I dropped the bomb on them. And what I planned to do would keep me out of their reach for a long damn time. I refused to become another Wentworth Oil office casualty. I wanted more out of my life than what would end up a loveless, almost arranged marriage to another Texas socialite, and two point four kids to carry on the Wentworth name. There was no way Jasper and Mary Ann would allow me to live my life as a gay man.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as the car pulled away, so I stepped out of the doorway to check the message.

Carter: I'm running late. Have a drink at the bar, and I'll be there soon.

Me: Okay. Just got here.

Pocketing my phone, I entered the restaurant and was met by a pretty young woman about my age with long, dark hair and even darker eyes. She blinked at me before the smile spread across her face. Lowering her gaze, she tucked her hair behind her ear, then glanced up at me through impossibly long lashes. Unfortunately, I had that effect on women, but she wasn't my type. So, I pasted on the cordial smile my mother had trained me to wear.

"Good evening. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, ma'am. Under Wentworth. But my brother is going to be delayed. Would it be a problem to push it back until he got here?"

Her smile returned as she scanned the designer clothing I hated and nodded enthusiastically. "I can do that."

"Great. I'll just wait at the bar, if that's okay, ma'am."

"Cassidy," she purred. "My name's Cassidy."

I nodded once. "Thank you, Cassidy. I'll be at the bar."

Pasting on another forced smile, I looked away and scanned the area. A couple of barstools that remained unoccupied, but the one closest to the wall held more appeal because I recognized the man sitting there. As my smile stretched across my face, I wasted no time claiming the spot.

Shrugging off my jacket, I folded it neatly, shoulder to shoulder, and took a seat on the leather-covered barstool. The air filled with the familiar scent of an expensive men's cologne that made my dick stir. It had notes of juniper and seawater and was the most boner-inducing fragrance I'd ever come across.

And I had a thing for the man who wore it. The very same one I'd been crazy about for years.

Shifting on my stool, my gaze went to the handsome older man sipping his amber-colored drink. I took in the side view of light hazel eyes rimmed in long, dark lashes that I'd dreamed about. His sharp, chiseled jaw with a day's worth of stubble caused my heart to beat a little faster. If I were being honest, I'd admit that I'd fantasized about him quite a bit. And when he turned and looked at me, all bets were off. He was the man of my dreams.

Greer turned to appraise me with a knowing smile, making my breathing a little raspier than normal. I was no longer Carter's kid brother. I was more. And his appreciative smile and long assessing gaze that took in my face, my sharp jaw, and my lips said he knew it. And he looked pleased to see me.

"Well, hello there. It's good to see you, Austin."

I smiled and held out my hand to shake his. "Hello, Greer. It's really nice to see you."

He shifted on his stool toward me, then looked momentarily at my hand before sliding his into mine.

When he touched me, a warm sensation started in my hand before heading straight into my pants. I looked down at where our skin made contact and, for the briefest of moments, I wondered if his lips on mine would have the same effect. Would he taste like I'd imagined?

Would kissing him cause an electrical current to run through me, making me want things I knew I shouldn't? He was my much older brother's best friend, and old enough to be my father. But that didn't stop the tidal wave of longing and desire I'd carried for him for years. And at that moment, I didn't think anything could.

Greer didn't let go as he looked into my eyes, making me lose track of time. I'd always been attracted to him, and if the way he looked at me was any indication, he was feeling it, too.

"Want a drink?"

I felt my face heat as his words registered in my lust-addled brain. That's what he reduced me to every single time I was near him.

"Uh, yeah," I said, clearing my throat and pulling my hand from his. "I'll have a stout."

He smiled like my choice of beverage answered an unasked question, then turned back toward the bartender, where he raised a hand to get his attention. I took a breath and righted myself on the stool. His familiar cologne filled my nose again, and I wanted to rub up against him like a cat. I wanted his scent all over my skin for as long as possible.

The close confines of the bar caused my thigh to line up with his, igniting an entirely new wave of scorching desire and need through every cell in my body. No man had ever caused this kind of fire in me. And it was dangerous as fuck.

"I'm surprised you're still in Chicago. Carter mentioned you were getting ready to take your spot at Wentworth."

"I have some things to discuss with him. What are you doing here alone?"

Sweeping my gaze toward the entrance, I needed a break from looking at him. He was so goddamn handsome and being this close made me want to do filthy things with him.

Looking back, I watched his lips curl around the cool crystal edge of the glass. He sat the glass down, then turned to smile playfully at me. "Having a drink with you."

I grinned back at him and probably stared too long. But this time, he didn't look away, and it was my turn to talk. "So what's new with you, Mr. Rowan?"

His eyes sparkled, causing my breath to hitch. Greer held so much goddamn erotic power over me with just a single look. "Well, being awarded an NFL franchise is new."

My eyes widened at this statement. "That's amazing. Here in Chicago?"

"No," he chuckled. "Portland, Oregon. Carter hadn't mentioned it?"

"Not specifically. He knew you were in talks with the league and the owners. But you know Carter's more of a hockey guy. You're living his dream, you know."

That sexy half grin slowly spread across his jaw, making me itch to brush my fingertips across his stubble. At forty-four, he already had some gray in his beard and painted artfully through his thick dark hair.

"There's no reason he can't pursue one. You boys have your trust funds and as much money as I do."

I huffed out a breath, thinking about the life plan I'd already set into action.

"What?" Greer asked, gently bumping his shoulder into mine. I had to take a deep breath to keep from jumping him. Did he know what he did to me?

"Jasper and Mary Ann would hate that." Turning back to him, I looked into his eyes. "It would be so beneath their high fucking standards."

The bartender chose that moment to set my beer in front of me. l thanked him before taking a long pull to settle the growing unease. Talking about my parents' expectations always brought on feelings of resentment, followed by anger for so many things.

Greer grunted quietly in understanding, then leaned over to bump his shoulder along mine again. The combination of the gesture and his closeness made my heart beat a little faster.

We sat there in silence for a while, our shoulders so close that I could almost feel the heat radiating off his skin. His cologne intoxicated me and continued to feed my addiction to him.

Taking a drink of my beer, I knew I had to let this fantasy of him go. But I'd give myself tonight to pretend he wanted me as much as I wanted him. And tomorrow, I'd leave and put him behind me.

Greer leaned over against my shoulder. "I understand the pressure they put on you is hard to deal with. And I hate how they choose not to consider that you might want something different out of life. Unfortunately, that's the downside of being part of a family with a net worth in the billions. It's not for the weak. But you're strong, Austin." He paused, causing me to turn to look at him. We were so fucking close. "If you ever need anyone, I'm here for you. For whatever you might need."

There was no way I could keep my eyes off him. He was giving me ideas I shouldn't be having about him, because as far as I knew, Greer was straight. Wasn't he? So I licked my lips and nodded.

"Thanks," I murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.

His eyes remained locked on mine, and I wanted to say there were so many things I needed from him that had nothing to do with money or my parents. They were all about me and my attraction to him.

When he finally turned his attention back to his glass, I allowed my eyes to roam over his face. The sexy as fuck laugh lines around his eyes deepened every time he smiled. And that beautiful smile seemed to be his default expression.

I'd always had a thing for older men, and Greer Rowan had captured my full attention from the moment we met five years ago.

"Carter didn't mention when you were leaving town. He usually keeps me up to date on his favorite brother."

Why would he be interested in knowing about my life? I knew I was smiling like a fool.

" Only brother," I corrected. Then I couldn't stop myself. "You like keeping tabs on me, G?"

His smile appeared both pained and breathtaking, but for the briefest of moments, it turned heated when he stared at me for a moment too long. When he leaned closer and dropped his tone into the husky one that caused chills to ghost over my body, I almost shivered. "Probably more than I should. Do you want me to, Austin?"

Fuck yes. "Depends," I replied, without looking away. Even I could hear my flirtatious tone.

His smile was dangerous as fuck. "On what?"

"On exactly what you'd want to know."

His stare held me in place, this time looking as if he were warring with himself over what to say.

"Maybe I want more than I..."

Searching my face for something, it didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for. Time stood still when he slid his warm palm onto my thigh. My chest pounded as he wrapped his fingers around the underside and squeezed. I swallowed sharply and froze, hoping like hell this was a sign he might want me as badly as I wanted him. As he tightened his hold, I tried not to come in my pants. I was a hot-blooded twenty-something living on a Greer Rowan-induced hair trigger.

Feeling bold, I ran my palm over his thigh, then up a little further to graze his growing bulge. Greer closed his eyes and hummed when my pinkie rubbed at his growing erection, currently trapped behind his zipper.

For once in my life, I wished my brother would not show up.

"What do you want, Greer? In all the years I've known you, you've never been unable to finish a sentence."

He smiled but didn't let go or move away. "Maybe it's what you do to me. You intoxicate me, make me feel things."

Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Carter making his way around the bar, and quickly withdrew my hand from his thigh. Greer stiffened his spine and removed his hand from me. I closed my eyes, hung my head, and drew in a shuddered breath. I'd never dared to show how I felt about him.

But he'd started it, and I was going to offer to finish it when the time came to leave tonight.

"I'm sorry," he mumbled in a pained breath. "I shouldn't have done that. But I lose control when you're..." Greer cut off his sentence and sighed just as Carter laid his right hand on his shoulder, then the left one on mine.

My brow furrowed as the weight of his confession slipped from his face. I watched as his entire demeanor changed, leaving me wondering if I'd imagined it all.

"Two of my favorite people," Carter said. "What's going on, guys?"

I forced away an aggravated smile and tried to shake off missing Greer's palm on my thigh. "Nothing. Just talking a bit."

Swiveling around, I stood and hugged my brother, hoping to buy myself some time to get myself together. No one unhinged me like he did. "Good to see you, Carter."

He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tightly. The twenty-year age gap between us made us look more like father and son than siblings. "You, too. I've missed you, little brother."

I clapped him on the back, then went to sit again. Chancing a glimpse at Greer, his usual friendly expression was back as he looked at my brother.

Carter appeared embarrassed as he rubbed his stubbled jaw. "Shit. Did I forget? I thought you had something to do tonight."

Greer smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, I did. I was just telling Austin it got canceled. I just stopped by to have a drink."

Carter put his hand on Greer's shoulder. "Then you can join us for dinner."

Greer chuckled, then fixed his eyes on me. God, he had to stop looking at me like that. Or maybe he didn't.

"I don't want to interrupt. I know time with him is precious."

"You're not interrupting," I said. "It'll be nice to catch up."

I could see his hesitation, but he didn't look away from my face. "Are you sure?"

The weight of the question felt as if he were asking something else.

"Positive," I replied. "I'd really like to finish our conversation."

"You heard him, Greer," Carter added. "I'm anxious about what he has to tell me. It'll be good to have you here."

Giving in, he ran a hand over his chiseled jaw. "Okay. You guys get the table, and I'll take care of this," he said, pulling out his wallet to settle the bar tab.

I reluctantly put some distance between us. Confusion, want, and need all swirled through me simultaneously as I followed my big brother. If he hadn't shown up at that moment, would Greer have confessed his feelings for me? And if he had, how would I be able to handle a separation from him?

"We're going to need to add one more to our reservation," he informed Cassidy, resting his hand on my shoulder.

"Yes, sir. That's no problem."

She guided us to a quieter area in the back of the restaurant where we could talk without any interruptions. I took a seat opposite Carter and picked up the menu, trying to compose myself. All I wanted was to glance around and find Greer. I resisted as long as I could because I was sure it would only take one look at me for Carter to know how I felt about his friend.

Failing at my attempt to use self-control, I glanced up to find Greer as he moved quietly toward us, weaving between tables with confidence and ease. I drank in his handsome face and set jaw, but when he closed the distance and locked eyes with me, I couldn't look away. With a self-deprecating smile, he took the seat between us.

Fucking hell. I was even more of a goner now than before. All I wanted was to experience a night with him, and by the way he'd reacted earlier, he wanted the same thing.

Carter picked up the conversation. "So, catch me up. Have you finalized everything for the team?"

"Yes," he replied. "We'll be moving everything to Portland in a few months. We're hoping to have the expansion draft set up for early spring, before the Combine. I have a head coach in mind, and there's a junior quarterback I want at Stanford."

I listened while they continued to talk. Every time Greer glanced at me and shifted in his seat, his knee brushed against mine. All it did was convince me we were on the same page.

Carter's phone buzzed on the table, catching his attention. He checked the caller ID before picking it up. "Sorry, guys. I'm going to step out and take this. It's time sensitive, or I'd wait until tomorrow. Be right back."

He pushed his chair back and got up, searching for a quiet place to take his call. Anticipation and desire filled me when I looked at Greer. He was concentrating on his highball glass when I interrupted his thoughts.

"I'm leaving tomorrow," I said. "And I was hoping maybe you'd spend the night with me at my hotel."

Greer's head shot up, and his brows rose. But there was no mistaking his interest when his eyes locked onto mine. His expression said he was surprised and shocked at my boldness. But the desire in his gaze was encouraging.

"Austin--"

I stopped him. "Don't say you're too old for me, Greer. I'm not a kid, and I'm not asking for a commitment. All I want is one night to explore whatever this insane attraction is between us." I ran my hand over his thigh again. "I just want to spend some time with you."

He stared at me for a moment too long, obviously conflicted. My skin tingled at the thought of dropping to my knees for him. He glanced over his shoulder in the direction Carter had walked, then back to me.

Picking up his glass, he took a swallow before placing it down on the table. I watched his long fingers wrap around it and wondered if he'd use that same grip on me.

"Why would you want to waste your time with me, Austin?"

His question and my dirty thoughts caused me to shift in my seat. Calmly, as if I were unaffected by his hesitation, I looked him in the eyes. "I think we both know the answer to that. You haven't stopped touching me since I sat down next to you at the bar. So, maybe I should be asking you what you want?"

Greer ran a hand over his jaw, and I could see the worry in his eyes pleading with me. He was torn, so I squeezed his thigh to remind him I was serious.

"I can't seem to help myself when I'm around you. There's a physical need to put my hands on you, and I don't understand why."

He lifted his glass again and downed the rest of his drink. Reaching under the table, he covered my hand with his and squeezed as we stared at one another.

"Have you ever been with a man?" I whispered.

He shook his head slowly, and I could understand his apprehension. "I'm not afraid of the possibility, if that's what you're thinking. But I don't understand this pull I only feel with you. I've tried to ignore it for a long time, but I'm not sure I can anymore."

I couldn't contain the smile that grew wider with every beat of my heart. "I can help you figure that out. It doesn't have to mean anything."

That might have been the biggest lie I'd told myself or anyone else, because it did mean something. He meant something to me. But I didn't want to scare him off.

I leaned forward just a bit, making sure his eyes were on me. "I really want to kiss you. But we'll take things as they come."

Greer smiled softly, then sat back in his seat. He released a weighted breath, then nodded slowly. "Yeah, okay. Maybe. Where?"

My heart pounded so hard I could hear it in my ears as desire blazed through me like a forest fire during a drought. "Peninsula Grande. Room 1521."

He smiled. It just so happened to be one of the many hotels his billionaire family owned.

Humor glinted in his eyes. "Thank you for your patronage."

"Yeah, well. The Waldorf was full," I lied.

Greer's laughter erupted from him and rolled through me, making me grin like a fool again.

"Such a smart ass."

We grinned at one another as Carter returned to the table. He took in the two of us as he sat down and placed his napkin in his lap.

"What am I missing here?" my brother asked, his eyes shifting back and forth from me to Greer. The amusement on his face meant we'd done a decent job of hiding this thing between us.

"Austin's being a smart ass talking about the Waldorf."

My brother chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, he's good at that."

The server arrived and took our order. I settled on the Porterhouse, but had no idea what they ordered. My job was to keep myself together to tell my brother my news. And when the server walked away, Carter turned to me. "So, what did you want to tell me?"

Glancing at Greer, I focused my gaze on Carter. After our little confession, I felt lighter. "I've decided I'm not going to work at Wentworth."

His brow furrowed. "What do you mean you're not going to work for Wentworth? Mom and Dad are okay with that?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. I don't really care."

My brother smiled at me, then glanced at Greer. "What are you going to do?"

I could hear the amusement in his voice. Carter might flip his shit when I told him, but that was okay. I was prepared. But before I could get it out, our server returned with our salads. I waited and glanced at Greer to find a very amused smirk spread across his face.

It wasn't difficult to read their expressions. And it wasn't hard to see they both thought I was being a petulant rich kid who wanted to rebel. That wasn't a wrong assumption.

Carter picked up his fork and started in on his salad, but before he could take the first bite, I blew him out of the water. "I've joined the Navy. I report to OCS in Rhode Island next week." I paused, then added, "For twelve weeks."

Carter stared at me, his mouth hanging open and fork suspended in the air. Greer released a strangled cough, drawing my attention to him.

"Are you serious, Austin?" Greer asked, disbelief in his tone.

"Yes. I'm going to OCS. And I'm considering the SEAL program."

Carter's fork dropped to his plate, making a loud noise when it landed. The commotion drew my attention from the man I wanted and back to my brother.

I couldn't read his expression. It was a mix of concern and disbelief, with a hint of something that looked like pride. Placing my fork on the table, I sat back and looked at my brother. "Carter, I can't spend my life behind a desk. I don't want a corporate job. That's not me. I want to do something meaningful with my life."

"But a SEAL, Austin? Do you know how dangerous that job is?"

I smiled and nodded. "Yes, I do. This is not an impulsive decision. The recruiter has laid it all out there, and I've been training for quite some time. Even competed in a few Iron Man Competitions to test myself." I stared at my brother, waiting for his reply. When it didn't come, I finished. "I've made up my mind. I'd appreciate my big brother's support."

His eyes went wide, and I watched as they glassed over. "You'll always have my support. I was just hoping you'd stay in Chicago with me. But no matter what, I've got your back."

"Even with Mom and Dad?"

Carter nodded as his gaze softened a little more. "Yeah, of course. Have you told them?"

I smiled. "No. I wanted to tell you first." I chuckled, then grinned. "I'll tell them this weekend—right before I leave."

My brother smiled, then laughed. "I'm proud of you for standing up for what you want, little brother."

I glanced over at Greer, who was moving the greens around on his plate. His brow was furrowed as he looked down at it.

"Thanks, Carter. I'm excited about it."

As I picked up my fork, Greer's question surprised me. "If you changed your mind, is there an option not to go?"

I looked up into the concerned eyes of the man I had lusted after for so long and shook my head. "No. Why would I? What could possibly make me change my mind?"

We stared at one another for what felt like a long moment but was probably only seconds. Greer nodded, but his raised brow said we'd be talking about this again. "Be careful, Austin."

"I will. And thank you for tonight. It's definitely made things easier." I motioned toward Carter, as if I meant him. But Greer knew what I was referring to.

After dinner, I stood and hugged my brother. "I'm going to get going. I have an early flight, and I want to see a friend before I leave."

When Carter released me, I turned to shake Greer's hand. He pulled me in for an embrace. "I'll be waiting," I whispered before he released me.

"I'll be there soon."

Turning to Carter, I hugged him once more. "Thanks for supporting me." My eyes began to tear up.

"Always, little brother. Always."

I clapped him on the back, then picked up my coat and headed for the door, leaving them both at the table.

The smile that spread across my face could not be contained. I was going to spend the night with the sexiest man I'd ever met. The one man who I'd dreamed about since I was seventeen years old. The only man I'd let fuck me until I couldn't see straight. And if I were lucky, he'd let me sink into him, too.

I laughed at the thought as the car I ordered pulled up. Sliding into the backseat, I couldn't help but marvel at how much my mood had changed since my arrival a couple of hours ago. Greer Rowan did that to me, and I couldn't wait to get him in my bed and worship him with my mouth and body. I wanted to blow him in the shower and have him press my naked body to the glass window overlooking Chicago as he fucked me hard from behind.

I wanted his hands all over me. I wanted to feel him for days.

When I finally got to my suite, I stripped off my clothes, jumped into the shower, and prepped myself for him. I didn't think Greer would really let me fuck him, but I was going to be ready either way. I wanted this night to be perfect, because it might be the only one we got.

Nice and clean, I applied a little cologne and lubed up a plug I kept in my bag. I sucked in a breath as I stroked my cock with my left hand as I pushed the plug in with my right. The sensation was almost more than I could take, and when I shifted it to graze my prostate, I almost came. Thank fuck my refractory period was short.

"Fucking hell, Greer. Hurry the fuck up."

I clenched around the silicone and let go of myself. Relief was on the way. Tonight, I wanted him to own my orgasm and me for the time we had together. Maybe if all went well, we could meet up when I was stateside. But I wouldn't let myself think that way yet.

Smiling, I dropped the towel to the floor, then pulled on some gray sweats to wait for Greer.