She stroked his hair with both hands. “What do you mean? You aren’t having second thoughts, are you?” She could feel him slipping through her fingers already. It wasn’t fair. She knew they should have taken things more slowly. She shouldn’t have spouted her feelings so carelessly. She wished she could take the words back.“No one has ever loved me before. Not really. Not for who I am. Maybe for what I could give them, but not for me.”Her breath caught. She was so glad she couldn’t take the words back, because she meant them. “I love you for who you are, Eric.” She hugged him closer. “I do.”“Last night when I was delirious with pleasure it was easy to believe. Now…” He looked up at her. The loneliness in his blue eyes stole her breath. “I’m sorry. I should learn to keep my mouth shut.”“So when you were delirious with pleasure you believed that I love you, but now that your head’s clear, you don’t?”“I don’t know. I want to believe it.”“I guess there’s only one thing to do in a situ
He was that transparent, was he? She was right. They would have other nights. Days. Evenings. Mornings. Afternoons. Hopefully, a lifetime full of them.“Let’s go take a shower,” she said.Eric lifted his head about an inch off the pillow but couldn’t muster the strength to open his eyes and look at her. “Together?”“Unless you have a better idea.”“It’s a great idea. I just don’t think I can stand.” He dropped his head back on the pillow. “You wore me out, woman.”“Awww, poor baby. Did I ride my cowboy too long?” she asked, grabbing the cowboy hat from the bed and squashing it on his head.He grinned. “I’m not complaining.”“Perhaps if you hadn’t insisted that you had a six-shooter.” She giggled and ran a finger down his limp cock. Eric doubted it would ever work again.“I should have stopped after three.”“You lasted over half an hour that last time.” She rose on one arm, knocked his hat back, and looked at him. “Seems my theory was correct.”“I’m surprised I came that last time. I d
“I have never had a prank work on Sed,” Eric said. “I don’t even bother to try anymore.”“It would be awesome to get him. Just once,” Jon said.“Yeah,” Eric agreed. “He’s too f**king cool for his own good.”“You guys are so bad,” Rebekah said, shaking her head at them.“You could help us get him, Rebekah. Sed would never suspect you,” Jon said.“No way. In case you forgot, Sed’s my boss.”“I’m your boss too,” Eric said.“So you’re f**king Eric in the hopes that you’ll get a raise?” Jon laughed. “I knew she had some ulterior motive.”“Nope. I’m f**king him because he gives me fantastic orgasms.”She looked at Eric and smiled. Eric’s heart turned into a big puddle of mush. “I’m going to make you come so hard later,”he whispered.“Why not right now?” she whispered back.She reached into her pocket and pulled out a little controller. The slender plastic wire disappeared down the front of her pants. He examined the controller. It was the one that went to the butterfly-shaped clit stimulat
The store manager paused before their folding table. “Are you two ready for this? There’s been a line through the mall all day. They started lining up outside the doors last night even though the temps are subzero.”Sinners’ fans were awesome and more than a little crazy. Eric glanced over his shoulder, relieved to see their head of security, Mitch, watching in case some awesome fan got a little overexcited.“Let them in,” Trey said. “Let’s hope they don’t kill us when they realize Master Sinclair isn’t here.”“Or Sed,” Eric added.“How did he get out of this?” Trey asked.“Hell if I know.”There was an ear-shattering cacophony of excited squeals overlaid with roars of masculine approval. The first of their fans hit the table with enough force to send CDs scattering.“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” the first pair of girls in line screamed in unison. They looked like they spent all their parents’ money at Goth World.“What’s your name, sweetheart?” Trey asked to the blond
“Okay, forget the mermaid. I’ve got a better idea.” Ten minutes later, Rebekah was wearing a French maid’s uniform and had Eric naked with his wrists tied to the headboard with silk scarves. She took her feather duster and lightly flicked it over his chest. He laughed and tried to escape her tickling by sliding sideways across the mattress. And he’d wondered why she’d insisted on tying him down. “Monsieur, you are so dirty. Hold still, please.” She feather dusted under his arm, and he tried to climb the headboard with his back. “No, no, stop,” he gasped. “Tickles.” “My, my, such dirty ribs.” When she tickled his rib cage, he tried to push her away with one large foot but was laughing too hard to follow her evasive moves. “Don’t hurt your arms,” she said. “Do you want me to untie you?” He shook his head, trying to catch his breath. “Then hold still.” He bit his lip and watched her through half-closed eyelids. Damn, he looked so sexy when he did that. She flicked her feather dust
Eric jerked on the scarves cutting into his wrists. Next time Rebekah wanted to tie him up, he’d insist on borrowing restraints from Jace. His skin was raw. “Get your hands off me,” Rebekah shouted in the corridor. “Rebekah?” Eric called. “Oh f**k, baby. You aren’t wearing any panties,” Jon said. “This is your final warning,” she said. Eric yanked harder on the scarves. “You better not be touching her, Jon!” “Watcha gonna do about it, Eric?” There was a loud thud. “Rebekah?” Eric called, his heart thumping with panic. She appeared a moment later carrying a huge chef’s knife. Eric’s heart skipped a beat. “Did you kill him?” She closed the door and smiled. “Do you see any blood?” she asked, holding up her clean knife. She approached the bed and started sawing on one scarf. “Jon messed with the wrong girl. My brother taught me how to defend myself.” As soon as she freed one arm, Eric grabbed Rebekah around the waist and pulled her onto his lap. He squirmed, trying to find her sl
Rebekah tilted her head back for a kiss, which Eric gave eagerly. When they drew apart, she patted his butt before returning to work. He watched her until she was out of sight and then turned to find Sed grinning.“What?”“Nothing. Just happy for you.” Sed clapped him on the shoulder and directed him toward the tour bus.Eric was happy for himself as well. There was still one thing that continually ate away at him though. It was past time that he spilled his guts to Sed. Sure, Sed would be pissed for a while. He might even hit him, but it had to be better than this constant cloud of darkness hanging over his subconscious for almost three years.“Sed?”“Yeah?”“Sed, there’s something I need to tell you about me and Jon.”Sed’s head swiveled, and his eyes were the size of saucers. “You and Jon? No f**king way.”It took Eric a few seconds to realize why Sed was so shocked. “Ew. No, not that. Shit, where did that come from?”Sed released a long breath through pursed lips. “Sorry. Now that
“This is more important.”Brian climbed to his feet. Standing in the aisle, he dialed his wife and fidgeted with a chain hanging from his belt loop as he waited for her to answer. His features softened the second he heard her voice.“Does this mean…” he said. His bright smile could only mean she’d affirmed their suspicions. “When?” He bit his lip. “July? I can’t wait that long.” He shook his head and chuckled. “God, I want to hold you right now.” He swallowed hard and noticed that the entire band and Rebekah were staring. He pressed on one eyelid with his fingertips, turned on his heel, and disappeared into the back bedroom. As soon as the door closed, Rebekah turned to look at Eric.He smiled slightly and mouthed, “Are you okay?”She nodded. Sure, she’d never know the joy of telling the man she loved that he was going to be a father, but she was happy for Brian. She knew how much he wanted a baby.“This sucks balls,” Trey grumbled. He slid off the table and shut himself in the bathro
Ava gave Hannah an arch look. “Besides I know how damn good the man looks in chaps?"“Smartass. But really, what’s the point after Chase’s meltdown last night?”Her heart seized, thinking about how Chase had lost it on live TV. She’d wanted to jump through the screen and drag him off to comfort him. Assure him that not every wreck would have the same outcome as Ryan’s. Assure him she’d be there for him no matter what.“I know you can hear me, Ava, so stop ignoring—”“Ssh… They’re giving the injury report on Dirk.”The camera cut to an interview with the head of the sports medicine team. When he finished detailing the bull rider’s injuries, the announcer asked his opinion on Chase McKay’s comments about mandatory safety helmets. The doctor looked directly into the camera and said, “Helmets save lives. Period.”The camera returned to the main announcers. Their on-air banter circled to rider standings on tour and current matchups with bulls for the final round. When the list of the fifte
Ava gave Hannah an arch look. “Besides I know how damn good the man looks in chaps?”“Smartass. But really, what’s the point after Chase’s meltdown last night?”Her heart seized, thinking about how Chase had lost it on live TV. She’d wanted to jump through the screen and drag him off to comfort him. Assure him that not every wreck would have the same outcome as Ryan’s. Assure him she’d be there for him no matter what.“I know you can hear me, Ava, so stop ignoring—”“Ssh… They’re giving the injury report on Dirk.”The camera cut to an interview with the head of the sports medicine team. When he finished detailing the bull rider’s injuries, the announcer asked his opinion on Chase McKay’s comments about mandatory safety helmets. The doctor looked directly into the camera and said, “Helmets save lives. Period.”The camera returned to the main announcers. Their on-air banter circled to rider standings on tour and current matchups with bulls for the final round. When the list of the fifte
“After a few years, we started having you boys and… Well, my life was busy. Good. Happy. But I never forgot about that sweet baby boy I held in my arms for one short hour. Not a single day went by that I didn’t wonder about him. Pray his life was good. Pray he was loved.”*****Gavin’s eyes were on the shot glass he rolled between his fingers.“So I was shocked when your Aunt Kimi confronted me after your grandpa Jed died. She said one night Jed was loopy on pain meds and he told her that my father told him that I was pregnant. My father bragged to Jed I’d rather give the baby up than have it raised in a godless home as a McKay. Which was a total lie, but Jed must’ve believed it. After Kimi told me that, I finally understood why Jed never liked me and why he refused to live with us.”“Aunt Kimi never told Uncle Cal?” Chase asked.“No. But she told your Aunt Carolyn.”Gavin said nothing.“When did you tell Dad?” Ben asked gently.“Right after Quinn and Libby got back together.” She loo
Quinn? Yes.Ben? Yes.His folks? Absolutely.And probably any other McKay relation he called.They were just that way. They might fight like cats and dogs, but when it came down to it, family was everything. And he would do everything to reclaim his place in his family.“Chase?”“I’m here. Just figuring the logistics. If I leave now, I can be there by noon tomorrow. Is that early enough?”“You’re really not gonna compete in the final round and you’re coming home?” Ben said with total shock.“Hard to believe, but yeah. I’ve realized there are more important things than those eight seconds I spend on the back of a bull. I ain’t gonna be the one who lets Mom and Dad down.”Ben was very quiet.“What?”“You have changed. I’m looking forward to seein’ you. Drive safe.”Immediately after Chase hung up he called Elroy.“You’d better not be calling me to bail you outta jail, McKay,” Elroy barked.“Good morning to you too, sunshine. I’ll keep this brief. I have a family emergency in Wyoming and
“Me.”“And who are you?”Gavin took a deep breath. “I believe I’m your son.”****The crowd roared behind him, ready to party at the PBR on a Saturday night.Chase braced himself. The PBR’s newest female reporter, a fiery redhead named Lissa, stuck the microphone in his face as soon as he cleared the contestant gate. He’d been expecting it since he’d avoided an on camera interview last night. To ensure his cooperation, the cameraman blocked him in. Bastard.“We’re here with Chase McKay after that amazing ninety-one point ride on Devil’s Due. Congratulations, Chase, that’s gotta feel good to be back on top.”He focused on the woman and not the camera. “It does. Especially after an extended break and such a poor showing in Dallas.”“Tell us about the ride.”“Well, Devil’s Due is an ornery little cuss and highly unpredictable, so I wasn’t sure if he’d go into spin mode tonight or hopscotch around. Luckily I was able to stay with him no matter what he did.”“So the past few weeks you’ve b
“Okay. Thanks.”“And if that doesn’t work? Go with plan B.”Her mother, businesswoman extraordinaire, always had a backup plan. “And what is that?”“Track him down, tie him up and force him to listen to reason. It helps if you’re naked. And holding beer.”“Ah, Mom. I don’t think that will work.”“It sure did with your dad. Good luck, sweetie, keep in touch.”Ava packed her bag and booked a commercial flight to LA.“Why am I so nervous?” Ava asked Hannah, two days later.“I’ll tell you what I think after the audition.” Hannah straightened Ava’s miniskirt for the third time.“That’s not helping my nerves.” She tried not to think that Chase would know exactly what to say to her to calm her down. The door to the conference room opened and a long-legged blond strolled out. “We’re ready for you, Miss Cooper.”Ava squeezed Hannah’s hand and followed Corporate Casting Barbie into the conference room. Well, at least this production company didn’t have the clichéd casting couch. Ava chose the c
“No. And here’s fair warning: that is not a topic of discussion. With you. Or anyone else.”“Never thought I’d be happy to hear you say ‘no comment’ and mean it. Warms the cockles of my cold PR heart, McKay.”“You’re a riot. What else?”“The PBR is picking up your transportation expenses. You’re in New York now?”“Yeah.”“I can’t get you to Wichita directly—”“Book me into Omaha. I left my truck there. I’ll drive to Wichita.”“Done. What day you wanna leave?”“Today. As soon as possible.”Ava stared at him with shock.“The event isn’t for another couple days.”“I’m aware of that. But there are other things I need to take care of first.”Elroy sighed. “Fine. Contact me when you get to Kansas. And I don’t gotta remind you no press unless you’re escorted by a PBR media liaison.”“I get it. I’ll keep in touch.”“Good.” Elroy hung up.Chase returned to the bedroom and picked up his bag.“You’re leaving? Just like that?”“Yep.”“No discussion. No yelling, no hashing it out?”“What is there
Evidently he hadn’t realized she’d set up a goddamn camera in their room either.He hit the pause button, his head spinning, his gut churning, his thoughts focused on one awful thing.Betrayal.Yes, he knew she’d been taping all the fucking time, but he had no idea she’d been making a goddamned movie. The whole time they were together. To think he’d invited her to share his experiences on the road. He froze. Wait a second. He hadn’t invited her. She’d invited herself. Offering a convincing argument about wanting to see real life outside her poor, privileged upbringing.But Chase sure as hell hadn’t encouraged her to creep around, sticking that camera in everyone’s face. Capturing their private moments. Having no shame in using them for her own gain. For a woman who claimed to hate the intrusion of paparazzi, she’d become damn good at acting like one of them. She’d promised him she wouldn’t show her home movies to anyone.A new thought chilled his blood. Did Ava have footage of Ryan’s
“So I’ll think of you whenever I wear it.” Like I’ll ever stop thinking of you. Ava tried really hard not to cry, but a couple of tears slipped free. The last man who’d given her jewelry had been her grandfather.“Ava?” Chase tipped her face up. “Ah, hell. Don’t cry. I told you that you can take it back.”She made a sound half-laugh, half-sob. “No way am I taking it back, McKay. It’s beautiful. Perfect. I love it. Thank you.”The guardedness in his eyes vanished. “You’re welcome.”Chase paced in the hotel room, glaring at his phone. He hadn’t minded that the fucker hadn’t worked at all yesterday, since he and Ava had spent the whole day in their room, most of it in bed after they’d returned early in the morning from the penthouse.Dammit. He needed to access his email. Nothing was showing up on his phone. And he’d been in such a hurry to get away from the sorrow in Nebraska he’d accidentally left his laptop in his truck at the Omaha airport.His gaze landed on Ava’s computer on the de