Connor Ken enters the back seat and gives me the stink eye through the rearview mirror. "You could have said it was none of my business rather than leaving me there." My chest rumbles with laughter, and I stare at his frowning face. "Is that why you're seated at the back?" He nods and crosses his arms. "Yup. I'm at the back, that means you're my driver today." When I don't respond, he gestures to the wheel. "Come on. Let's go. Aren't you hungry?" My stomach grumbling keeps me from giving him a witty remark, and when he raises a cheeky brow, I chuckle. "I will be nice to you because you're getting married soon. After your honeymoon, be prepared to meet a ton of work on your desk. You were of little help with this project." "That's because I was attending to other duties," he complains. "And I could say the same about you. Do you know how many meetings I had to attend because you threw yourself into the project and working with Evelyn? It was like nothing else mattered." It f
ConnorWhen I get there, I find Evelyn seated on a colorful-looking couch. Her hundred-pound fur baby, Bucky is sleeping beside the chair, but he senses me and wakes up, running over and tackling me with sloppy kisses.Evelyn laughs as I attempt to keep him from tackling me to the ground under his weight and the ferocity of his affection until she comes to bail me out."Sit, Bucky."He does and she pouts at me. "He loves you, you know. But I'll take him to one of the rooms, so he doesn't try to maul you again."As she walks away, my eyes take in her apartment; the decor and the whimsical items she bought when we went decor shopping suddenly make sense. Everything seems to fit perfectly, from a large candle that doubles as a lamp to the beautiful artwork on the walls that makes up her personal space.Evelyn returns minutes later and she stands next to me, whispering in my ear. "Now that you're in, how do we celebrate this achievement?"Chuckling, I lift the bag in my hand."I brought y
ConnorBy the time Evelyn got there, I didn't want to let her go."They smell so good," she sniffs. "You've done a good deed, Mr. Everest."Then she drops the bouquet, takes a step forward, reaches high, and places a kiss on my lips. It's a brief, sweet one that satiates and leaves me longing all at once."Do you want to stay and drink the wine with me?"I shake my head."I should let you sleep. Why don't we drink it tomorrow? I don't want it to interfere with your beauty sleep."After she puts the bottle in the kitchen and the roses in a vase filled with water, Evelyn follows me to her door."How do you like my apartment?" She asks, holding the door open with one hand.We're so close that the only thing I'm looking at is her lips. I'm lost... contentedly lost in them."Connor?""Hmm?" I refocus."I missed you too," Evelyn says before she puts her hands around my neck and touches her lips to mine. I give in immediately, my lips parting to embrace the kiss.My hands go around her waist
Evelyn."Are you nervous?" Connor asks."Hmm?" I look up from the thick file in front of me that I've been peering over for the past two hours.Connor reaches out to take my hand, and his thumb makes circles in my palm."Are you nervous? We have a day left. Less than twenty-four hours.""No. Why would I be? We've spent the entire day going through everything. Every step and line, and they've all passed the checklist," I respond confidently.I'm hoping that he buys it because my nerves are shot to hell, and I've been surviving on coffee and pure adrenaline."Good," he grins, "because you've done well. If you were working for me full-time, I would have given you a promotion. Why don't you come to work for me?"You know...I'd forgotten that I'm an independent contractor.That's how much time Connor and I have spent with each other working on the project for the past few months. We've been through a lot, from hating each other to pushing personal feelings aside so we could work, and now—
Evelyn"Chelsea?" Ken asks.Connor's ex.The stunning woman I met at that other party. Before meeting her, I had this weird feeling that I might be jealous if we ever crossed paths. When we did, all I could think about was how I couldn't give her a real piece of my mind because I didn't mean much to Connor then.We were faking our engagement.Then he said he was falling in love with me, and now, I feel untouchable."She's quieted down," he responds. "I doubt she'll be making any more trouble for us." He looks at me when he says us, and my heart flutters.Us.We're a real thing, and after tomorrow night, he might be my real fiancé."I can't wait," I whisper excitedly."How many reporters have you invited?" Connor asks."Three," Ken responds. "Two are more likely to cover and write articles in our favor, while the third is neutral.Connor gives him a thumbs up. "You've done well. You've earned a week off next month. Don't forget to send us an invite beforehand. Even if it's a small wedd
Evelyn"So fucking beautiful," Connor's hands unbutton my shirt, and I remove my hands from his hair so he can pull it off.My breast spills out of the demi black bra as he cups it, teasing my nipple through the fabric with his fingers.The friction does delicious things to me, and I lean back, hands on the desk, urging him to take more. When the clasps come undone, and the tip of his tongue touches my nipple, I gasp, and my shoulders shudder."Connor," I moan."I don't know why we've never done it here," he says breathlessly before doing the same to the other nipple. My head falls back, and I feel my pulse kick up a notch between my legs."I'd like to think of you, naked and wet, every time I walk into my office.""How will you concentrate?" I ask with a small laugh.He shrugs, and I feel his hand between my legs, touching me through the fabric of my pants. I shamelessly ride his hand, wordlessly begging for more.Connor kisses me as his hand undoes the zipper on my pants, and he pul
Connor"Have you seen Evelyn?" I ask Ken when I find him outside in the hall.The after-party is in full swing. The event was a success, and I'd promised to tell her something once I could get away from all the people.He shakes his head. "Nope. I'm looking for Mira, too. Her art gallery thing was supposed to have ended hours ago. If I find Evelyn, I'll let you know. Or I'll send her your way."I give him a thumbs up. "Thanks."Ken goes one way while I go the other. When I don't find her, I redirect my attention to the flower path to the right.I try calling her phone again and it makes the sound indicating that she's on another call.Who could she be talking to?Mira, maybe?Either way, I need to see her. I've waited weeks, and I can't wait for the main event to end so I could get some time alone with her.My hand goes into my pocket to make sure it's still there and I smile, patting it. The small box has everything I need, but all that's missing is the person in question.My heart i
Connor"I have to go, mom. The party isn't over yet. My boss must be wondering where I am now," Evelyn says.I turn away, blinking rapidly, and stride through one of the open doors into the hall of bright lights and a lot of chatter."Mr. Everest." I turn to see a reporter flashing a smile. "I've been looking all over for you."I put on a fake smile that irks me, but I swallow my irritation, reminding myself that my attitude will affect the articles that will come out tomorrow."Good evening," I respond."I'm with the Evening Times. Would you mind answering a few questions on the project that was unveiled this evening?""I have three minutes to spare," I inform him.His recorder goes on, and the small mic comes close to my face."Building a sophisticated piece of tech like the GloChange without word of it getting out must have taken a lot of effort. Can you tell us how you did that?"By faking an engagement with a contracted consultant and falling in love with her in the process, then
Felicia.The last week has been hectic for Collins. He's having to spend more time at the Donovan Security offices. He left the house before I even got out of bed this morning. Hopefully, we'll be able to see each other tonight as long as I don't get stuck here at the office.I've been working overtime as the deadline for our software release gets closer and closer. We are still ahead of schedule but only slightly. This is a crucial time because if anything major were to go wrong, it could throw us off schedule and delay the release.My team and I have been meeting daily. Going over everything at least twice. Making sure we haven't missed anything.Emotions are high, and right now, Dave is causing a problem."I don't see why I need to give up my office.""Because we need the room. We're trying to finalize the marketing plans and our backers.""I understand why it's needed. I just don't understand why I have to be the one giving up my office.""Ellen, would you mind stepping in here, p
Collins.When your phone rings in the middle of the night, it's hardly ever good news. I wake up and grab my cell phone."Carson?""Collins, we have an emergency. A guard has been shot. He was working a job on the Southbank. There was gunfire. Guy Sanders was taken to the hospital.""Damn. Okay. I'm on my way. Do you know how badly he's injured?""I don't know any more details. I'll meet you there. He's at Baptist."Also, now awakened and hearing half the conversation, Felicia asks, "Collins? Is something wrong?""There was some gunfire at a job. One of our guards has been taken to Baptist Hospital. He was shot. Carson is going to meet me there.""I'll come with you.""You don't have to, Felicia. You can go back to sleep.""No, Collins. I'm coming with you.""Okay, thanks, Felicia."I throw on some jeans and a blue hoodie and shove my feet into a pair of boots.I look around to see if Felicia is ready. She comes out of the bathroom, brushing her hair and then she pulls it into a ponyt
Felicia.I open my eyes and blink sleepily as I notice the soft sunlight as it filters into the room.I keep yawning, and I still feel sleepy because I didn't get much sleep last night. Collins was a wild man, an insatiable lover.I go to move, and my muscles twinge, muscles that I haven't used before. But then, I've never been taken so thoroughly and in so many ways. I shiver as I remember how demanding Collins was.I turn and look at the still-slumbering man in bed behind me. We're both lying naked on the bed. I look around for the covers and finally find them on the floor, with our clothes and most of the pillows.As my eyes dart around the room, I blush to the roots of my hair as I notice the chair askew and the table a few feet to the side of where it used to be.Collins meant what he said, and I have the sore muscles to prove it. Will I even be able to walk?As I turn to slide out of bed, I look around for something to wear. I spot my dress on the floor between the door and the
Collins.I walk over to our table and turn to Hunter and Rebel."We'll be going now. We enjoyed the event and learning about the sponsored charities. Hunter, Felicia and I will be contacting you later about working something out with MAP. Hayford and Donovan Security would like to get more involved.""That's great. Thank you, Collins."Felicia gives Rebel a hug. "I enjoyed meeting you.""As did I. I'm sure we'll see you at other events around town."Felicia turns toward me. "I'm a little confused. Don't we have another half hour before our driver gets here?""Our driver won't be picking us up tonight."I walk us to the front desk."We'd like a room for the night.""Certainly, is a king-size bed acceptable?""Yes, that's fine.""Any bags we can take up for you?""No, thank you."I sign for the room, and I'm given a key card."Room 302. Third floor."We get in the elevator, and I turn and look at Felicia with hungry eyes, but I don't touch her. If I do, we'll be having sex right here in
Felicia.It's the night of the Charity event, and I left work early. The hairstylist swept my hair up but left a few strands to curl and frame my face.I let them do my makeup as well, and my eyelids have a line of iridescent makeup that sparkles above my cat eyeliner. The song from West Side Story keeps playing over and over in my mind. 'I feel pretty, oh, so pretty...'I just hope tonight ends better than that musical.I'm dressed and waiting for Collins. He's running late tonight. There was an accident, and he's stuck in traffic. He said if he's too late, he'll send a car, but I'd rather wait for Collins to go with me."Felicia, I'm home. I'm sorry I'm so late—" Collins stops mid-sentence when he sees me in my dress."So, you like my dress?""Hot damn, do I like your dress? No, I freaking love it. You look gorgeous.""Thanks. I have your tux all set-out.""Shit, yeah, I better hurry."He takes a quick shower, and then I'm helping him with his dress shirt. His bow tie."Damn, you lo
Felicia.It's been over a week, and Collins hasn't acted any differently toward me. Maybe I overreacted. Everything else has been going well.At work, we're still ahead of schedule on the new software. And my uncle appears to be leaving us alone. The closer we get to completing all the testing, the more the excitement in the department builds.There's also a higher level of stress the closer we get to the go-live date in case anything goes wrong. It's like this every time we launch a new software, but it's still hard to get used to.This Friday night, Collins and I will be attending a charity event downtown. I vaguely remember my parents used to attend some of the bigger galas around town.My mother-in-law and Ellen both volunteered to go shopping with me. So, I meet the women here at the Olive Tree Mediterranean Grille and then Bonnie said we could walk to the different shops.When the women walk through the door, I wave them over."Were you able to find a parking spot, okay?""I lef
Collins.I frown as I drive to the office. Something is off with Felicia, and I don't know what it is.She's been acting differently for the last week. I think it started around the time of the cookout. Did someone say something to her that upset her?When I try to ask her what's wrong, she just shrugs and says nothing.Bullshit. Something is wrong. Why won't she confide in me? She always has before.Unless— unless I'm the problem? I mean, she really couldn't turn me down when I offered to marry her. She would have been crazy to turn down a cool five million and the stock shares. Let's not forget about the fucking stock shares. Suddenly, I'm feeling frustrated.Things were going so great. I mean, the sex is off the charts. But lately, when I take her, she's been closing her eyes. Does that mean anything?Hell, if I know. I slam my hand against the steering wheel. Who knows what's on a woman's mind? I sure as shit don't. Women!Then, I stop short. This is Felicia. And well, she's diffe
Felicia.On the ride back home, my thoughts are so jumbled. I overheard what Collins said to one of the guys at the cookout.I already knew how he felt about kids. One night after we got the backyard fixed up we were sitting out on the deck. We somehow got around to discussing children. Collins shuddered and said he wouldn't know what to do with a kid. He felt he was too immature to raise a child. He didn't think he'd be a good father. He was vehement.So, why did his remarks bother me today? It's not like we're really married. Well, we are, but it's temporary. This marriage will all be over in one year, and then we'll get a divorce.The sex has been so great. I've been sticking to our deal and just enjoying the pleasure we can give each other. In the back of my mind, though, I've allowed myself to believe that this could become a real marriage. How foolish. How naive.I sternly remind myself: this has an expiration date. In one year, it will be over.What guy wouldn't be fine with gr
Collins.Today, we're having a cookout at my mom's. We never found my dad's smoker, so we ended up buying a new one. Now, we're committed to having quarterly cookouts.Carson and I will man the smoker this afternoon. We started roasting the meat very early this morning. We cheated and hired somebody to watch the smoker for most of the day. The word went out, and all of my family and the Wild Riders were invited to the event.We've invited everyone we know. We had to get the tables out of storage and have them set up to hold all the food and covered dishes people would bring. We're expecting quite a crowd.I pick up Felicia from the duplex, and we head over to the cookout. When we pull up to the house, there are already numerous cars and motorcycles in the driveway and along the strip of land beside it. My parents' house is situated on a huge piece of private property near the river. There is ample parking.Felicia has a large container of potato salad. I explained that we provide the