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Sweet Revenge

AStandaloneNovella

Publishedby:SuspensefulSeductionPublishing AllRightsReserved

Sweet Revenge anditsindividuallistingsareaworkoffiction Names,characters,businesses,organizations,places,events,andincidentseitheraretheproductofthe author'simaginationorareusedfictitiously Anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental

CoverArtist:SamanthaCole

ProofreadingbyFedoraChen,JulieBarney,andMalloryBlack

AIRESTRICTION:Theauthorexpresslyprohibitsanyentityfromusinganypartofthispublication,includingtextandgraphics,forpurposesoftrainingartificial intelligence(AI)technologiestogeneratetextorgraphics,includingwithoutlimitationtechnologiesthatarecapableofgeneratingworksinthesamestyleorgenreasthis publication

TheauthorreservesallrightstolicenseusesofthisworkforgenerativeAItrainingandthedevelopmentofmachinelearninglanguagemodels

Allrightsreserved Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedorusedinanymannerwithouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofthepublisherexceptfortheuseofbrief quotationsinabookreview Thisebookislicensedforyourpersonalenjoymentonly Thisbookmaynotbere-soldorgivenawaytootherpeople Ifyouwouldliketoshare thisebookwithanotherperson,pleasepurchaseanadditionalcopyforeachrecipient Ifyou’rereadingthisbookanddidnotpurchaseit,oritwasnotpurchasedforyour useonly,thenpleasereturntoyourfavoriteebookretailerandpurchaseyourowncopy Thankyouforrespectingthehardworkofthisauthor

Description

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

OtherBooksbySamanthaCole

AboutSamanthaCole

HerhighschoolbullyisthelastpersonAllondraDawsonwantstosee.

Once, she loved handsome, infuriating Weston Lockhart until he tried to humiliate her in front of their entire sophomore class.

Yearslater,whenAllierunsintoWest,hedoesn’trecognizeher.

It’stheperfectopportunityforrevenge

She’llmakehimcraveher,thenwalkawayandshatterhim.

Butteasingandflirtingbecomeseduction,andthepleasureistoodelicioustostop

Toolate,sherealizesshe’sfallingforhimagain.

Willhebreakherheartasecondtimewhenhelearnswhysheschemedherwayintohisbed?

Chapter One

Allondra Dawson tried to focus on what her chemistry teacher, Mr. Patel, was saying to the class, but her brain kept divertingtotheboysittingbesideher WestonLockhart akathecutestguyinthewholeschool,thesecond-stringquarterback andonlysophomoreonthevarsityfootballteam,andAllondra’scrush Sigh.

She’d beeninlove withhimfor over a year butonlydared to talkto himduringher tutoringsessions or unless he said somethingto her first. While she was a straight-Astudent, mathand science were her favorite subjects thatshe excelled in. Afteracingthefirsttwoexamsearlierintheyear,Mr Patelhadaskedifshe’dbewillingtotutorotherstudents Initially,she’d beenhesitant,butwhenWest,standingnearby,saidhecouldusetheextrahelp,Allondraimmediatelyacceptedtheposition.

Chemistry and world history were the only two classes they had in common. For the latter, though, the students sat alphabetically,soWest’sdeskwasonerowoverandtowardthebackoftheroomwhileherswasinthefront.Itwashardlya vantagepointforhertooglehimsubtly Butduringchemistry,hesatrightbesideher Shewasalmostalwaysthefirstpersonin theroom agoodthreetofourminutesbeforethebellrangsinceherEnglishclasswasonlyafewclassroomsdownthehall SheeagerlyawaitedWest’sarrival eachday.Asshe’dsettledintoher desk,pullingouther notebook,textbook,andpen,her gaze would dart toward the door whenever someone entered. Whenhe finallystrode into class tall, dark, handsome, and confident, with a boisterous laugh, adorable dimples, and charming personality Allondra’s heart pounded, and her mouth watered

Eventhoughtheywerethesameage,Westcouldeasilypassfor ajunior or senior Meanwhile,Allondra looked like she wasstillafreshmanoryoungerdespitegoingthroughpubertyattheageoftwelve.Despiteherbabyfat,herbrasizewasonly anA-cup,andshehadn’tgainedmuchheightyet.Her father wasover sixfeettall whileher mother wasfivefeeteight,soit stoodtoreasonshewouldeventuallyaddtoherfive-foot-twoframe.

She’dhadafewpre-teenandteenagecrushes,butthosehadbeenoncelebritiessheundoubtedlywouldnevermeet With West,hesatthreefeetawayfromher,andifbraveenough,shecouldreachoverandtouchhismuscularbicep

Butshewasn’tbraveenough.Shesuspectedsheneverwouldbe.Whatwoulditbelike,though,tobeWest’sgirlfriend?To bepopularandgoondateswithhim?Toeventuallymarryhimsomeday?

Sigh

Agirlcoulddream,right?

Thebellrang,joltingAllondrafromheruselessfantasyoversomethingthatwouldneverhappen.Sheknockedherbookoff thedesk,anditlandedwithaheavythudontheuglytiledflooraseveryoneelsegottotheirfeet.Beforeshecouldbendoverto retrieveit,Westpickedupthetextbookandhandedittoherwithasmileandawink.“Goodthingitdidn’tlandonyourfoot. Youcould’vebrokenafewtoeswiththat”

Anervoustitterescapedherasbutterfliestookflightinherstomach “Y-yeah Thanks”

Itappearedhewasabouttosaysomethingmore,butthenacheerleader,TessaJameson,grabbedhimbythearm.Shegave Allondratheevileyeandasneerbeforepastingonabrilliantsmilefortheusualtargetofherflirtation.“C’mon,West. Walk metomynextclass.IwanttotellyouaboutthepartyatmyhouseonSaturday.”HertonemadeitobviousAllondrawouldn’t beinvited notthatsheexpectedtobe

“Uh sure”Grabbinghisbooks,WestglancedatAllondra “Seeyoulaterinthelibrary?”That’swheretheyheldtheir

tutoringsessions.

Herheadbobbledashergazedroppedtothefloor,andhercheeksburned.“Um,yeah.Ofcourse.”

“C’mon,West Let’sgo”Tessatuggedonhisarm,andthen,momentslater,theywalkedoutthedoortogether Sigh.

Gatheringupherthings,Allondragotreadyforhernextdestination.Shewasn’tinarushsinceitwasherstudyhallperiod inoneofthelunchrooms,whereshewouldsitaloneanddoher mathhomework.Evenifthemonitorsletthestudentstalkin lowvoicesaboutanythingotherthanschoolwork,Allondrawouldn’tbeengagingwithanyone Shedidn’tbelongtoanyofthe cliques assigned to that room hell, she was barely friends with anyone in her entire class There were a few other wallflowers thatshe hungoutwith theywere all inthe school band butthatwas aboutit.NoBFFor someone she could sharehersecretsanddreamswith.Atleastshecoulddiscussthosethingswithher cousin,whoattendedanother highschool abouttwentyminutesaway,whereshewasanall-starvolleyballplayerwithmanyfriends.Despitetheirdifferences,thetwo girlshadbeenclosealltheirlives AllondrawouldgiveanythingtobeinthesameschooldistrictasSadie AsherAuntEmily wouldsay,theywerethickasthieveswhentheygottogether

ShynesshadplaguedAllondrasincefirstgradeafter twogirlshadbulliedher duringrecess,trippingher andmakingher fallflatonherfaceandbreakherglasses.Alltheotherstudentshadjustlaughed,andtheembarrassmentstillhauntedheryears later.Sincethen,she’dtriedtoavoidbeingatargetforfurtherbullyingbymindingherownbusinessandstayingoffthemean girls’radarasmuchaspossible

Insteadofapopularcheerleaderasshe’ddreamedofbeingwhileattendingelementaryschool,shehadn’tbeencoordinated enoughtodoasimplecartwheeland,instead,hadendedupasapiccoloplayerinthemarchingband.Onestudentamongasea ofothersinmatchingpurpleandgoldpolyesteruniformsthatwerehotanditchyashell.

Afterquicklystoppingatherlockertoswitchoutseveraltextbooksinherbookbag,sheheadedtowardthelunchroomand enteredthegirls’restroomacrossthehalljustastwojuniorswalkedout,gigglingandchattinglikebestfriends Alittlejealous andannoyedattheirperkiness,Allondrarolledhereyesandthenfoundherselfaloneinthebathroom.Sheapproachedoneof thesinksandstaredatherreflectioninthemirroraboveit.

Betweenhershortstature,flatchest,andbabyfat,therewasnowayanyonewouldbecaptivatedbyher.Shecravedabody thatwouldmakeboys especiallyWest standupandtakenotice Evenifshehadfemininecurvesinalltherightplaces,like Tessaandtheothercheerleaders,therewerehereyeglassesandbracestocontendwith Atleastshe’dsomehowavoidedbeing plaguedbyacne.However,withmud-brownhair thatlovedtofrizzinthehumidityandboringhazel eyes,Allondra couldn’t attracta teenage boyifshe stripped downnaked and proclaimed she was a slutto the entire school. Yeah, that was so not happening.

ShewouldlovetogooutonadatewithWestorevenoneoftheothercuteboysinherclassandexperienceloveandher firstkissbeforegoingtocollege Asitwere,she’dprobablystillbeavirginwellintohertwenties

TheSophomoreSocial,anannualdanceatHoldenHigh,similartothejuniorandseniorpromsbutnotasfancy,wouldtake placeinafewweeks,andAllondraalreadyknewshewouldn’tbeattending.Noneofhermaleclassmateswouldaskhertogo withthem, and there was no wayshe would go to the eventalone. Afew ofher single bandmates were goingtogether as a smallgroup,butshedidn’twanttowatchWestdancingwithwhichevercheerleaderorpopulargirlheinvitedtobehisdate ProbablyTessa. Gag!

Sheglancedatthepretty,antiquewatchheraunthadgivenherforherlastbirthday twominutesleftbeforethenextbell rang. She'd geta demeritifshe weren’tinstudyhall before then. Too manydemerits would result indetention something she’dnevergotten Allondrawasoneofthe“goody-two-shoes”girls,butthereweredaysshewishedshewasn’t Shewould lovetobeoneofthepopulargirls,butthatwouldprobablymeanshe’dhavetobeabully Itseemedlikeallthein-crowdwere exceptWest.Hewasalwaysnicetoher.Thenagain,asfarasshecouldtell,hewasnicetoeveryone.

Enteringoneofthestalls,shelockedthedoorbehindherandsetherbookbagonafold-downshelftokeepitoffthefloor. She thentookone ofthe paper seatprotectors froma dispenser andlaiditinplace.Excellinginbiologyand chemistry, she wasveryawareofwhatgermscouldbefoundinpublicrestrooms Pushingdownherjeans,shesquatteduntilshewasonlyan inch or two fromthe seat She wasn’t risking sitting on it, even with the protective paper between her skin and the cold

porcelain.

Onceshewasdonerelievingherself,sheusedafewsquaresoftoiletpapertocleanherself,tossedthewadintothebowl, andstood Asshepulledupherpants,thedoortothehallwayswungopenwithabang,andthreegirlsburstin,laughingand talkingloudly.

“Itoldyouhe’sadork!”

“Oh,Itotallyagreewithyou!”

“Can you believe he actually thought I’d go to the Sophomore Social with him? As if! I mean, come on Seriously? I wouldn’tbecaughtdeaddatingaloserlikehim”

Great. Allondra recognized their voices. StaceySt.James, AshleyCromwell, and MadisonFord cheerleaders, Tessa’s BFFs,andAllondra’soccasional tormentors ifshegotontheir radar.Sincethatwas thelastthingshewantedrightthen,she slowlyandsilentlypulledupthezipperofherjeansandwaitedforthetriotoleave,hopingtheywouldn’tnoticeherfeetunder thestalldoor Theywereinthesamestudyhallasherbutsatontheoppositesideoftheroomnearthebaseballplayerssothey couldflirtshamelesslywhenthemonitorsweren’tlooking Sincedemeritsaffectedtheirstatusonthecheerleadingsquad,they couldn’tbelateforclasses.Iftheywereontimeforthestudyperiod,Allondraprobablywouldbe,too,sincecrossingthehall andenteringthelunchroomonlytookthreeseconds.

“Ohemgee!Speakingofdorks didyouhearwhoWestisaskingtothedance?”

Allondrastiffenedatthementionofhercrush Shereallydidn’twanttoknow whohewastaking,especiallyifitwasthe stuck-upTessa.Maybeifshe coveredher ears,she wouldn’thear whoitwas. Okay, stop acting like a kindergartener, you twit. Grow up!

“Who?”

“You’llneverguess!Notinamillionyears!”

“Who,Stacey?Comeon!Dish,girl!”

“Are youreadyfor this?” There was a long, dramatic pause, and then, “Allondra fuckin’Dawson!Canyoubelieve that shit?”

Squealsofdisbeliefechoedoffthetiledwalls.Allondra’seyeswidened,andsheslappedherhandoverhermouthtokeep quiet Shehadtohavemisheardbutcouldn’tthinkofanyothergirlintheirclasswithasimilar-soundingname Therewasno wayWestwasaskinghertothedance Right?NotwhenhecouldinviteTessaoranyoftheothergirlswhohungalloverhim Oh, my God!Is he really going to ask me?

A split second of excitement about her dream come true was interrupted by, “What? Why the hell would he ask that nobody?”

Theinsultstung

“RyantoldmeWestisdoingitasajoke He’sgoingtoaskherandthenstandherup”

ThegirlscackledloudlyasAllondra’seyesburnedwithhottears.

“Oh,that’sfuckingawesome!Ihopehedoesitsomewherewecanvideoit.”

“Yes!Oh,myGod!Thatwouldbeperfect!”

Ajoke He’s doing it as a joke

Herbodytrembled,andshealmostsatdownhardonthetoilet,stoppingherselfjustintime.Shecouldn’tletthemknowshe wasthere.Notnow.Notever.

HowcouldWestdothattoher?Andinfrontofthewholeschool!She’dbemortified.

Thethreegirlscontinuedtobabbleforafewmoremoments,butAllondraonlycaughtbitsandpiecesovertheroarinher ears Her chinquiveredasshefoughttoremainsilentandholdbackthesobsthatwantedtoeruptfromher throat Ofall the peoplewhomightpullameanprankonher,shewouldhaveneverimaginedWestbeingtheonetodoit.ButRyanHayeswas West’sbestfriend.Ifanyoneknewwhohewouldinviteandwhy,itwouldbeRyan.Herheartcrumbled.

“C’mon,”Staceysaid.“Let’sgo.IfIgetanotherdemerit,I’llmisstomorrow’sgame.”

Chapter Two

The outside restroomdoor opened and closed again, with the threesome’s voices fading as they crossed the hall. When silencefinallysurroundedher,Allondra’sweakenedkneesgaveout She nearlyfell intothe toiletbutcaughtherselfintime, grabbingontothe nearbyshelfand,inthe process,knockingher bookbagtothe floor She didn’tcare aboutgettingdirtand germsonherbagsinceitwasn’tasbadashavingapiss-wetassfromtheunflushedtoilet.

The period bell clanged over the PA system, announcingthat all students must be intheir assigned classrooms, but she ignoredit.Shewasn’tgoingintostudyhallafterwhatshe’djustheard.She’dratherearnherfirstdemeriteverthansitinthe lunchroom,knowingStacey,Ashley,andMadisonweremostlikelytellingeveryonewhatWest’splanswere They’dstareand laughatherfromacrosstheroom,andshewouldsquirmundertheirscrutiny,unabletoescapeforforty-fiveminuteswhenthe bellrangagain.

A heavy, dull ache took up residence in her body, and a wave of nausea roiled in her stomach, drowning the earlier butterflies Tryingtokeepher sobs as low as possible incase someone enteredthe restroom,she leanedagainstthe wall as tearsscaldedhercheeksbeforedrippingontothefloor Thiswastheworstdayofheryounglife West’ssmilingfacebounced aroundhermindasitoftendid,butshenearlyvomitedattheimagethistime.

Howcouldshehavebeensowrongabouthim?Whywasheschemingtoplaysuchacrueljokeonher?Whathadsheever donetohimtodeservethat?Shetutoredhimallyeartoensurehepassedchemistryandneveraskedforanythinginreturn.Yet, makingheralaughingstockinfrontoftheentireschoolwashiswayofthankingher?Fuckthat!

Boyssucked Mostlikely,mendidtoo herfatherandunclesbeingtheexceptions Herdadwasthegreatestmansheknew, and she doubted there was another like himinher future. Someone who would treat her as if she were the most precious womanonearth.AllondrahadhopedthatWestwouldbethatmansomeday,butthatdreamhadjustbeenshattered.Herdestiny wasprobablytobeacrazycatladywholivedaloneanddiedavirginataripeoldage.Wonderful.

Longminutespassedbeforehertearsandsobsebbed Sheusedtoiletpapertoblowhernoseandwipehereyes Shockand hurtslowlymorphedintoanger Nowthatshehadaheads-upaboutwhatWestplannedtodo,shecouldshoreupherdefenses andcomeupwitharesponseforwhenheaskedhertothedance.Hopefully,hewouldn’tdoittoday.Thepainwastoofresh, andshe’dprobablyburstintotearsagainwhenshesawhimnext.

Howcouldsheavoidhim?Despiteonlyhavingtwoclassestogether,theyoftenpassedeachotherinthehallwaybetween periods Andthentherewasthetutoringsessionthatafternoon Theonlythingthatcametomindwasgoingtothehealthoffice andfeigningaheadache,stomachache,orheartattack.Something,anythingthatwouldconvincethenursetolether gohome. That would be another first. She hadn’t gone to the healthoffice for anyreasonother thandroppingoff paperworkfor her annualphysicalssinceelementaryschool.Sinceshewasrarelysick,otherthanseasonalallergies,herparentswouldn’tthink shewasfakingit Hermomwasn’tworkingtoday,soshecouldeasilycomeandpickAllondraup Thatwouldworkfornow, butshecouldn’tstayhomefortherestoftheschoolyear SheneededtotalktoSadie hercousinwouldknowwhattodo Gatheringherthings,sheexitedthestallandstaredatherreflectioninthemirroragain,takingashudderingbreathtostave offanother roundoftears andblubbering.Her eyes were redandswollen,andher cheeks were pale,soatleastshe looked sick.Withanyluck,thatwouldhelpconvincethenursetolethercallhermother.

Shequicklywashedher handsandthensplashedsomewater onher facebeforegrabbingafew paper towels While she wantedtoappearillforthenurse,shedidn’twantanyoneelsetoseeherlookinglikethat Itwouldjustgivethebulliesanother

reasontotauntandlaughather.Glancingather watch, she was surprised to see onlysevenminutes leftuntil the end ofthe period.Withanyluck,shecouldgettothehealthofficewithoutrunningintoanyone.

Opening the door, she hesitantly peeked out The hallway was empty except for one student running in the opposite directionfromherbeforeslidingtoastopinfrontofaclassroomandenteringit.Keepingherheaddown,Allondrasteppedout oftherestroomandheadedforthehealthoffice,miserygrowinginsideherwitheverystep.Thosegirlswereright shewasa nobodyandprobablywouldalwaysbe.

Five days later…

Allondratappedherpenagainstherthigh,waitingforthebelltoringsoshecouldgetoutofWorldHistorywithoutgivinginto theurgetolookoverhershoulderatWestsittinginthebackoftheroom.She’dmanagedtoavoidhimsinceshe’dheardabout his plantoaskher out.Atthehealthofficetheother day,sheusedagonizingmenstrual cramps as her needtogohome she wasinthemiddleofherperiod,soit’dbeenanideal excuse.Her mother wouldn'tquestionitsinceshe’dhadbadcrampsa fewtimesbefore Thankfully,thenursehadtakenpityonherandallowedAllondratogohomesinceshedidlooklikeshewas inalotofpain.Ifonlyithadn’tbeenfromabrokenheart.Theonlydownfall washer mother hadmadeanappointmentwith theirgynecologisttomorrowforanexamination.

It had been a rough few days for Allondra first, the mess with West and then finding out her father’s company was transferringhim,andtheywereallmovingtoDenveraftertheendoftheschoolyear Whileshecouldn’tcarelessaboutgoing to a new school, she hated the thoughtofbeingthree-quarters ofthe wayacross the countryfromthe restoftheir extended family especiallySadieandAuntEmily.

After her father had broken the news the other night, her aunt invited the two girls for a sleepover to create as many memories as they could in the short time they had before Allondra’s family moved. The two girls often spent weekend overnightsatAuntEmily’shouse,completewithpizza,movies,dancing,gossiping,andpaintingeachother’snails

Once her aunthad gone to bed, Allondra confessed to Sadie whatWest planned to do, and her cousin’s response, after threateningtokickhisass,hadbeensimple.“Whenheasks,justraiseyourchin,lookbored,andtellhim‘No,thanks.’”

They’devenpracticeditafewtimes,withSadiebeingWest.Allondrastillwasn’tsureshecouldpullitoff,butshereally didn’thaveanybetterideas.

She’dgottenoutoftutoringfortherestoftheyearafterusingtheupcomingmoveasanexcusethatshenolongerhadtimeto stayafterschooltohelpthegroup Mr Patelwasveryunderstandingandaskedthebackuptutortofillinfortheremainingfew weeks.Withthattakencareof,theonlytimeAllondrahadn’tbeenabletoavoidWestwasthetwoclassestheyhadtogether. Historywaseasiersincehesatfarawayfromher,butchemistryhadbeenexcruciating,tryingnottoglanceathimorburstinto tears.Whenever heaskedaquestionor triedtoengageher inconversation,she’dkepther answersshortor pretendednotto hearhim Unfortunately,ithadn’tseemedtodeterhimonebit

Yesterday, he’d beenstandingwitha few sophomores, includinghis friend Ryan, a short distance fromher locker. She hadn’t heard what they were saying but noticed West glancing in her direction. Ryan had followed his gaze and then said somethingthathadeveryoneinthesmallgrouplaughing,includingWest.Allondra’scheekshadburned,andtearsthreatenedto fallassheslammedherlockershutandspunaway Shethentookthelongwaytohernextclasstoavoidwalkingpastthem

Onlyfour weekstogobeforethelastdayofschool After that,shewouldnever havetoseeWestor anyofthemeanincrowdagain.Shewastornbetweenwantingtimetoflyandhopingitwouldslowdownsoshecouldhavemoresleepoversat AuntEmily’swithSadie.

Whenthebellrang,Allondrathrewherbooksandpenintoherbagandmadeabeelineforthedoor,managingtobethefirst oneoutoftheroom Shebreathedasighofreliefthatsheevadedthejerkagain Hurryingtoherlocker,shequicklyspunthe dialtounlockitandopenedthedoor

“Hey,Allondra.”

She froze atthe sound ofWest’s voice.Itseemed to have gottendeeper over the pastyear witheachpassingweek, and despitenotwantingitto,thedelicioustimbresentshiversdownherspine

Afteraquickglanceinhisdirection,shefocusedonsearchingforhermathbook.Shekepthertoneflatandherresponse short.“Hey.”

Heleanedcasuallyagainsttherow oflockersnexttohers,holdinghishistorytextbookandaspiral notebookagainsthis chest Allondradidherbesttocontrolherbreathingandblinkbackafewtearsthatwantedtowellup “Areyouokay?You’renottutoringthegroupanymore”

“I’mfine.Ijusthavetoomuchworkofmyowntodo.”Ittookeverythinginhernottolookathimagain.Maybeifshewere rude,he’dgoaway.

“Listen,Iwantedtoaskyousomething.”

Shit Here it comes You can do this Just like you and Sadie practiced “Yeah?What?”

She found her math book, stuck it into the bag, and put her history and Spanish books into the locker West hesitated, probablywonderingwhyshewasn’tgivinghimherfullattention.

“Um…Iwaswondering…uh…wouldyou…um…wouldyouliketogototheSophomoreSocialwithme?”

Allondraswallowedhardandbitherlip.Herheartsank.Untilhesaidthosewords,she’dprayedithadbeenafalserumor, but now she knew it was true She couldn’t stop herself fromglancingaround the hallway What she saw had her stomach roilingandherkneesquivering.Whilefreshmenandsomejuniorsstrodedownthehallway,chattingandseeminglyoblivious tothedramaunfolding,clustersofstudentsfromthesophomoreclasswatchedherandWestwithraptinterest.Somewhispered toeachotherwhileotherseagerlyawaitedherresponse.SeveralpointedtheirphonesatherandWest,clearlyrecordingthem whilewaitingforthebigjoketoberevealedandfortheshywallflowertobehumiliated Whateverhappenedinthenextfew secondswouldbethetalkofthetenthgradefordays,ifnotweeks

Hercheeksflushed,butsomehow,shefoundthecouragetotiltherchinup.SheusedaboredtoneasSadiehadinstructed. “No,thanks.”

Shecaughtaflashofshockinhiseyesbeforeshedivertedhergaze,slammedherlockershut,thenturnedawayandhurried throughthemassofstudentstowardhernextclass Behindher,gasps,murmurs,andafewcursesofdisbeliefreachedherears, butshe ignored all ofthem Alump formed inher throat, and she swiped her eyes, preventinga few threateningtears from falling.Heremotionsweresplitbetweenanguish,contempt,andtriumph.Shewasproudshehadn’tgivenWestandtherestof thein-crowdthesatisfactionofhumiliatingher.Now,ifshecouldonlygetthroughthelastfewweeksofschoolwithoutfalling apart,she'dbeokay.

Chapter Three

Twentyyears later…

“A

llie,werewereallythatdorkybackthen?”

Allie grimaced as she eyed the five-by-eight photographher cousinSadie McKenna held. The framed image was fromnearlytwodecadesagoandhadbeensittingonanendtablenexttoasofa,whichwasnearlyasoldbutstillinfairlygood condition. Both fifteen-year-old girls were grinning, each with an arm over the other’s shoulder. While Sadie had the appearanceofthecool,popular,athletic,andattractiveteenagershe’dbeenbackthen,Alliehadbeenanerdywallflower The photo had beentakenat the end ofher sophomore year at HoldenHighSchool, two weeks before she and her parents had movedtoDenver.

Atthetime,whileshe’dknownshewouldmissherAuntEmily,Sadie,andtherestofherrelativesinthearea,Allie had looked forward to startingover ina new school and makingfriends Anythingwould’ve beenbetter thanher time at HHS, beingtargetedbythemeangirlsandseeingthatbastardWestallthetime God,shehatedthememoriesofthosedays

Crestwood High School had been better than she’d hoped for. The rest of the summer had gone quickly with all the unpackinganddecoratingsheandherparentshaddoneattheirnewhouse.It’dtakenafewweekstosettleintothenewschool andfindacliqueshefitinto,butthroughitall,evenwiththousandsofmilesseparatingthem,hercousinhadbeenthereforher. They’doftentexted,Facetimed,andcalled,celebrating,commiserating,andsupportingeachotherthroughdifferentlifeevents ThatwaswhySadiewasnowhelpingAlliesortthroughherdeceasedaunt’spossessions

EmilyThurmanhadbeenher father’ssister,whileSadiewas relatedtoAllie onher mother’s side,butthe older woman hadtreatedthembothwiththesameamountofloveastheygrewup.She’dbeenwidowedatayoungageandneverremarried orhadanychildrenofherown,buteveryoneclosetoEmilyhadbeenfamilytoher,whethertheywereblood-relatedornot. SadiehadcriedashardasAlliewhenshe’dheardtheelderlywomanhadpassedawaytwomonthsago WithAlliebeingthe closestheir,mostoftheestatehadbeenlefttoheruponEmily’sdeath Theresthadbeenbequeathedtoseveralcharities “Iwasadork.YoubelongedinTeen Magazine.”

Sadierolledhereyes.“Youwere not adork justalatebloomer.Imean,lookatyounow you’refuckinggorgeous.Hell, mostofthepeopleatAuntEm’swakeandfuneral,whoweren’tfamily,hadnocluewhoyouwere.”

Itwastrue DuringthemonthsfollowingthemovetoDenver,Alliehadshotupandout,addingfiveinchestoherheightand twocupsizes toher breasts.Her babyfathadfinallyshiftedtowhere itenhancedher figure.Suddenly, she had cleavage, a narrower waist, and curvy hips. In other words, she’d become voluptuous. The chubbiness had left her face, showing off cheekbones and smooth, nearlyflawless skinthat more thanone of her friends had said they’d kill for over the years. The braceshadcomeoff,andherparentsallowedhertoditchtheglassesatsixteenandarrangedforhertogetcontacts Andnow, shedidn’tevenneedthosesincehavingLASIKsurgeryafewyearsago

Allofthosechangeshadcontributedtohergainingself-confidence,especiallywhentheboysstartedtonoticeandflirtwith her,butshe’dstillbeenabitintrovertedfortherestofherhighschoolyears.Whileshe’dmademorefriendsinColoradothan inNewYork,ithadn’tbeenuntil sheattendedcollegethather personalityhadtrulyemerged.Thankfully,her sororitysisters and a few mentors had helped draw her outofher shell After she’d pledged to Chi Omega atRidgeland University, she’d blossomed

Duringherthirdyearofcollege,afriendhadconvincedAllietodyeherhairarichauburnwithbeautifulhighlights,adding tohertransformationfromblahAllondratochicAllie.HermotherandSadiesaidthecoloringlitupherface,andshelovedit enoughtokeepitthatwayeversince Shewasacompletelydifferentwomanthantheteenagershe’dbeen,andsometimes,it seemedlikeheryoungerselfhadexistedinanotherdimension.Onesheneverwantedtovisitagain.

DuringAuntEmily’swake,manypeopleshe’dknownhadaskedwhoshewassinceshe’dbeenstandinginareceivingline withthefamily.Onceshesaidhername,mosthadgapedmomentarilybeforeregainingtheircomposureandofferinghertheir condolencesforherloss Itwould’vebeencomicalifithadn’tbeensuchasolemnoccasion

Bringingher attentionbacktothe taskathand,Allieglancedaroundthelivingroom She still hadsomuchtodoandno ideawheretobegin.ThankgoodnessSadiewasmoreorganizedwhenitcametohouseholdstuff.Allie’sofficewastidyand efficient.Herapartment?Notsomuch.

Sadiehandedherapieceofpaper.“Okay,here’syourlist.Callthecharitytopickupthepiecesoffurniturethatarestillin goodcondition,butyoudon’twanttokeep ThenarrangeforadumpstertobedeliveredbyFriday Iputthenameandnumber ofthecompanythatPete’sfriendowns Don’tforgettotellRichyou’rerelatedtous he’llgiveyouagooddeal Then,grab everythingontheshoppinglistwhilerunningyourothererrands.PeteandIwill beherewiththekidsfirstthingonSaturday morningtohelpgothroughallthecabinets,drawers,closets,basement,andthegarage.”

Allietookthelistfromhercousin,mentallyaddingafewotherchorestoit.Astackofdeathcertificatesinheraunt’sname hadtobemailedtocreditors,her healthinsurancecarrier,theSocialSecurityAgencyadministration, and the Departmentof Motor Vehicles. Emily’s life insurer had already been notified since that money had been used for the funeral, with the remaining amount mailed to Allie in the form of a check. Other death certificates needed to be delivered to the utility companies,thetown’staxoffice,AuntEmily’s bank,her financial planner,andher insurance agentfor the house andthe car stillsittinginthedriveway Sellingthefive-year-oldBuickwasonemorethingonanextensivechecklistofthingsAlliehadto do

“Areyouanyclosertomakingadecisionaboutwhethertosellthehouseormovebackhere?”Sadieasked.

Sheshookherhead.“Notreally.Partofmewantsto itwouldbegreattolivenearyouandtherestofthefamilyagain.I spoketomyboss,whosaidIcould easilytransfer to the Albanyoffice,butit’s sucha bigdecision.IlikeDenver and have friendsthere,but oh,hell,Idon’tknow Momsaidshe’dmovebackhereifIwantedto nottolivewithme,though She’d findanotherseniorlivingfacility ButifIwanttostayinDenver,thenshewilltoo Anyway,IhavefourweeksbeforeIhaveto gobacktowork.Hopefully,I’llknowbythenwhatIwanttodo.”

Betweenherannualvacationallowanceandalotofunusedpersonaltime,she’dbeenabletotakeafullmonthoffofwork todealwithheraunt’sestate.Thatwasaftertheweekshe’dtakentoflyinforthememorialservices,whichheraunthadprearrangedatsomepointwithalocalfuneralhomeandthechurchshe’dattendedmostofherlife

Sadiewrappedher armsaroundAllie ina comfortinghug “You’ll make the decisionwhenthe time is right I’ll support youeitherway.I’dlovetohaveyouandyourmotherbackhere,butyouhavetodowhat’sbestforyou.”Releasingher,Sadie grabbedherpurseandkeysfromthecoffeetable.“Allright.IhavetogopickupJayneandtakehertosoccerpractice.Callif youneedanythingelseorthinkofsomethingweforgot.”

“Iwill”

“Areyousureyoudon’twanttocomeoverfordinnertonight?”

Shewavedhercousinoff.“Yeah,butthanksanyway.I’llgrabsomethingatthehotel,thenstopatthesupermarketandpick upsomefoodonmywayheretomorrow.Atleasttherefrigeratoriscleannow.”It’dbeenthefirstthingthey’dworkedonwhen Sadie had arrived earlier Thank God the electric bills were on auto-pay, so it hadn’t been too disgusting to throw out everythinginthefreezerandfridgethat’dbeenthereforatleasttwomonthsbeforescrubbingtheinterior

AfterSadieleft,Alliecalledhermother,whopickeduponthesecondring.“Hi,sweetheart.Iwasjustthinkingaboutyou. How’sitgoing?”

“Okay,Iguess.Sadiewashereforafewhours,andwe’vemadeabattleplantoattackeverythingthatneedstobedone.”

“IwishIcouldbetheretohelp”Hermother,Brenda,hadtrippedandfallenlastweek,breakingherleftwrist Insteadof takinganothertripbackeastwithAllie,she’dstayedhomesincetherewould’vebeenlittleshecoulddoone-handed Allie’s

father,Patrick,haddiedafew yearsago.Since then,her momhadsoldtheir house andmovedintoanapartmentina senior livingcomplexwhereshehadplentyoffriendswhocouldassisther.

“We’ve gotitcovered Sadie is bringingPete, Jayne, and Mattover onSaturday, alongwithtwo ofMatt’s friends The boyscanhelpPetesortthroughthethingsinthebasementandgaragewhileSadie,Jayne,andItacklealltheclosetsandstuff.”

Mattandhisfriendswereallthirteenyearsold,whilehisyoungersisterwaseleven.Allieplannedtopaythekidsfortheir timeandthengetSadieandPeteagiftcertificatetoanicerestaurantorsomethingsincetheywouldneveracceptmoneyfrom her “Areyoustayingtheretonightoratthehotelagain?”

“AuntEmboughta new full-size mattress for the spare bedroomatsome point it’s still wrapped inthe plastic itwas deliveredin,soshemust’verecentlygottenit.Sheonlyhadthatoldbluequiltonit.Therearelinensinthecloset,butIdon’t know whenshewashedthemlast,soIranthemthroughthe laundryearlier.Tomorrow,I’mgoingshoppingfor a few things, andpillowsandacomforterareonmylist I’llsleepatthehotelagaintonightsinceit’stoolatetocheckout,butI’llstayhere startingtomorrow”

She’d flowninto Albanyyesterday, picked up the SUVshe’d rented, and drivento Holden, where she’d checked into a hotel notfar fromher aunt’shouse.WhileEmilyhadkepther homeclean,it’dbeentwomonths sinceanyonehadbeeninit. Allie had decided to waituntil she and Sadie could take a quickinventoryofwhattheyneeded and give everythinga good scrubbingbeforeshemovedinforthenextfewweeks Inadditiontothekitchen,they’dcleanedbothbathroomsearlier “Okay.Good.”

Shepacedthelivingroom.“Howareyoufeeling?How’sthearm?” “Better. Ididn’t need the painpills today. Tylenol was enough. Margie will be here inabout tenminutes to take me to lunch,sodon’tworryaboutme”

After a little more chitchat, theyended the call Her momhad suchwonderful friends inDenver, whichwas one of the reasonsAlliewaswafflingonwhethertomovebacktoHolden.Itwasn’tasifBrendacouldn’tmakenewfriends infact,she stillstayedintouchwithseveralfromwhenshe’dlivedinNewYork.

“Ugh.Youwon'tfigurethisouttonight,”Alliesaidaloud.

MakingsureshehadthelistSadiehadgivenher,shegatheredherpurseandthekeystotherentedToyota Twohourslater, therearoftheSUVwasstockedwithstoragetotesandbagsfilledwitheverythingsheneeded Arrivingatthehotel,shepulled uptothevaletparking,thankfulshedidn’thavetoemptythevehiclesincetheyhadasecurelotfortheirguests.

Whenauniformedyoungmanopenedthedoor,sheclimbedout.“IsthereaquietplacewithinwalkingdistancewhereIcan getagoodburgerorsomething?”

Thehotelhadanexcellentrestaurant,butitwaspricey Thirty-fivedollarsforacheeseburgerandfrieswastoomuch Holdenhadgrowntremendouslysinceshe’dlivedthere,andmostofthetowndidn’tseemfamiliartoheranymore Many new malls,shoppingcenters,officebuildings,housingdevelopments,andcondocomplexeshadbeenadded.Aminor-league ballparkhad beenbuiltonthe outskirts oftownand was now home to a AAteamaffiliated withthe Yankees. Her old high school was inthesameplace,butanother buildinghadbeenadded,doublingits size.There were still a few businesses she recognizedfromlongago,butthosewerefewandfarbetween

The valetpointed toward the end ofthe street. “Stayonthis side and go pastthe traffic light. Another halfblockdown, there’sagreatplacecalledtheCat&Fiddle.Thefoodisawesome,anditshouldn’tbetoocrowdedsinceit’sTuesday.”

“Thankyou.”Shetippedhimwhenhehandedheraclaimstub.

GlancingdownatherT-shirtandjeans,shefrownedwhenshesawhowdirtythey’dgottenthroughouttheday Smudgesof dustandgrimeweretoonoticeableforhertobeoutinpublic,sosheheadedintothehotelandtooktheelevatortoherroom

Thirtyminutes later, she was scrubbed cleanafter a wonderful spa-style shower and dressed inblackcapris, a celerygreenV-necktop,andblackcanvasshoes.Alightapplicationofblush,eyeliner,andlipglossenhancedherfacialfeatures.Her hair wasstill dampbutclippedintoamessyyetstylishknot.Itwassothickthatsheusuallyletitair dryfor awhilebefore blowingitoutunlessshewasinarush Whenthathappened,herarmstendedtoachefromholdingthedryerandbrushbythe timeshewasdone Puttingherhairupwastheeasiestoptiontonightsinceshewashungryandeatingalone

Itwasabeautifulmid-springevening,withatemperatureofsixty-eightdegreesaccordingtoaweatherapponherphone, sothewalkfromthehotelwasenjoyable,anditdidn’ttakelongtoarriveatherdestination.Itsatbetweenahairsalonanda small bookstore A hunter-green awning complemented the pub’s rich dark wood exterior Above that, an image of a cat playingafiddleandtheestablishment’snamewerecarvedintoalarge,decorativewoodensign.Theplacewasinviting,and hadshejustcomeacrossit,sheprobablywould’vechosentoeatthereevenwithoutthevalet’srecommendation.

Glancingupwardattherestofthebuilding,shenoticedwhatappearedtobefourfloorsofapartments.Itwasinanicearea andnottoofarfromthetrainstation,andshebrieflywonderedwhatthedowntownrentswereinHoldennowadays Themain streets had beenupdated over the years, and attractive lampposts, flower beds, and trees now lined the outer edges of the sidewalks.Olderbuildingshadbeenreplacedbynewerones,ortheirfacadeshadgottenfacelifts.Itwouldn’tbeahardshipto livethereagainifshedecidedtomoveback.

Openingthe door, she strode inand found the restaurant’s interior was justas pleasant cozyand welcoming. The valet had beenright Itwas quiet, althougha few customers were scattered amongseveral tables while others were sittingatthe long,elaboratebarthatseemedtobemadefromthesamewoodusedforthefrontfacade

Notwantingtositaloneatatable,Allietookastoolatthebar,leavingseveralemptyonesbetweenherselfandtwoolder menwatchingasportschannel onaTVabovetheshelves filledwithliquor bottles.Atthe far end,a lone bartender hadhis backtoherasheprepareddrinksforawaitingserver.Beyondthatwastheentrancetothekitchenandahallwaythatprobably ledtothebathrooms Oppositethebarweretwoopeningstoanotherroom,oneatthefrontoftherestaurantandtheotheratthe back.Shepeekedthroughtheclosestone,andtheroomappearedtobeanotherdiningarea.Itwasprobablyusedforpartiesor overflowonbusynights.

Asmallbarmenuwasproppedupinaholderinfrontoftheseatnexttoher,andshesnatchedit,hopingtofindsomething thatsoundedgoodenoughtoorder However,shewassofamishedthatshewouldeatpracticallyanything She’dhadbreakfast around8:30am beforeheadingovertoAuntEmily’sandnothingsince,exceptafewbottlesofwaterandagranolabarshe’d broughtwithher.

While she was perusingthe menu, a coaster slid across the bar and landed infrontofher. Adeep, rumblingvoice said, “Hi,welcometotheCat&Fiddle.CanIgetyousomethingtodrink?”

Hergazelifted,andherjawnearlyhitthefloorassheprayedhermindwasplayingtricksonher Holy shit!No, it can’t be Please, no

Butitwas. She’d recognize thathandsome yetdevilishface anywhere, evenafter all these years. WestonLockhart. Her formercrushandthesourceofateenagehumiliationthatstillstungalmosttwodecadeslater.Herheartsqueezedpainfullyat thememory.

Asmuchasshehatedtoadmitit,he’dagedwell Hewastallerthansherecalled hisshoulderswerebroader,too but thatwastobeexpectedconsideringthey'dbothbeenfifteenthelasttimeshe’dseenhim Hisjet-blackhairnowhadatouchof grayatthetemples,andhiseyeswerestillcobaltblue.Theywerepiercing,andittookamomentforhertorealizetheywere aimeddirectlyatherface,butshesawnosignofrecognition.Ofcourse,hewouldn’trememberher.Shedoubtedanyonefrom HoldenHighwouldsinceshe’dbeenfarfrompopularandleftafterthetenthgrade.

Whenhiseyebrowsinchedupward,shecouldn’tbringtomindwhathe’daskedher “Um,I’msorry Izonedouttherefora second.It’sbeenalongday.”

Asmile spread across his face, makinghimevenmore attractive. And damnit, he still had those adorable dimples she hadn’tforgotten.Shewould'veflirtedwithhimifhehadbeenanyotherman.Buthermemoriesofthepastsquashedthaturgein aheartbeat

“IaskedifIcouldgetyousomethingtodrink”

Alcohol.Yes,definitely.Sheneededsomethingtocalmtherangeofunwelcomeemotionscoursingthroughher.Glancingat thearrayofbottlesbehindthebar,shetriedtoconcentrateonthelabelsandforceherselftorelaxandactnonchalant.“AnoldfashionedwithFourRoses,please.”

“Comingrightup”Hepointedtoachalkboardhangingonthewalltoherright “Tonight’sspecialsarelistedthere Letme knowifyouhaveanyquestions”

Whenhe turned his backto her, grabbingthe bottle ofKentuckybourbonshe’d requested, her shoulders sagged, and her stomachroiled.Shemutteredthefamous linefrom Casablanca toherselfwithaslighttwist.“Ofall the ginjoints,inall the towns,inalltheworld,Ihadtowalkintohis”

Itwas kind ofsurprisingto find himworkingas a bartender. Notthatthere was anythingwrongwiththe profession, but he’dbeenonthevarsityfootballteamastheirsecondquarterbackinonlyhissophomoreyear.Eventhen,peoplehadsaidhe wasdestinedtobedraftedintotheNFLoneday.She didn’tfollow anysports andwonderedifhe’dgone proor not.Either way, how had he ended up workingina bar? As far as she remembered, he’d beena better-than-average studentinalmost everyclassexceptscience HeonlypassedchemistryinherfinalyearatHoldenbecauseofherhelp Andhowhadherepaid her?

Nope. Don’t go there.

Her onlysalvationrightnow was thathe didn’tseemto recognize her. Ifthere’d beenanyhinthe remembered who she was,Alliewould’vehightaileditoutofthepubwithoutabackwardglance Butthenshewould’velookedlikethefool he’d thoughtshewasinhighschool

Ugh! Stop thinking about that! Have a drink, get something to eat, and enjoy the view. Her gaze dropped to his wellformedassencasedinsnugblackjeans. No, don’t do that...ignore him, drink, eat, and then leave and never come back.

By the time he brought the old-fashioned over and set it in front of her on the coaster, she’d managed to build up her defensesandresolve Sheglancedatthespecialsboardandpickedthefirstthingthatcaughthereye “I’ll havethesun-dried tomatogrilledcheesesandwich,please.”

Shenearlybithertongueafterthatlastword. Why should I be polite to him? Because that’s how you were raised!Ugh!

Withanod,hesaid,“That’soneofmyfavorites.Homemadepotatochipsorfries?” “Um,thechipssoundgood Thanks”

“Noproblem”

Ashelefttoplaceherorder,hergazesliddownhisback,pasthistrimwaist,tothatfineassagain.Silentlycursing,she pickedupherdrinkandtookalargegulp.

Chapter Four

AsWesttriedtokeepaneyeonhisotherpatrons’drinks,hiswaitstaff,andthingsbeingsaidtohim,theprettyauburn-haired womanatthe endofthe bar keptstealinghis attention Themomentshewalkedin,he’dnoticedher She was abouthis age, maybe five inches shorter than his own six-foot-one Her shapely frame was toned but thick enough to garner his interest Skinnywomendidn’tdoitforhim.Theyneverhad.Evenasateen,he'dlustedafterthecurvaceousgirlsinschool andifthey weresmart,thatmadethemevenmoreattractivetohim.

Whenhe’dbeenabletostudythewomanwhileshe’dbeendecidingwhattodrink,hehadavaguesenseofhavingmether beforebutcouldn’tfigureoutwhereorwhen Therewasnowayshe’deverbeentohispub atleastnotonanightwhenhe’d beenthere becausehedefinitelywould’verememberedher.Holdenhadgrownthreefoldsincehe’dbeeninhighschool,and while he still knew many people there, plenty of residents were unknown to him now. Although, he was occasionally recognizedfromhisNFLdaysbystrangers.

There’d been a mid-western lilt to the woman's voice when she spoke, so maybe she was new to the area or visiting someone Butwhywasshealone?Someonethatdelectableshouldn’tbediningbyherself

Afterhetookherorderandwalkedaway,shepulledaniPadoutofherpurseandstartedreading.Itmustnotbeanything goodbecauseshefrownedseveraltimes.Everyonceinawhile,sheglancedinWest’sdirectionbutthenquicklyreturnedher attentiontothedevice.He hoped she wasn’tone ofthose customers who gotimpatientwhentheir meal wasn’tserved three minutesaftertheyorderedit

Outofthecornerofhiseye,Westobservedher,tryingtofigureoutwherehemightknowherfromandwhyshewasn’twith anyone. There wasn’t anythingwrongwitheatingalone people did it all the time at the Cat&Fiddle but a woman that beautifulhadtobebeatingguysoffwithastick.Hehadn’tseenaringonherlefthandorthefadedskincoloringthatsaidone hadbeenrecentlyremoved.Itwasoneofthefirstthingshecheckedfornowadayswhenaladypiquedhisinterest.

Owningapopular pubgavehimachancetomeetalotofwomen,butthatwasn’talwaysagoodthing Manycamethere searchingforaone-nightstand,aquickweekendfling,oraboyfriendtheywouldneedtohidefromtheirhusbands He’dfound thatoutthehardwayoncewhenheunknowinglyhookedupwithathirty-year-oldwomanwho’dforgottentomentionshewas marrieduntilafterthey’dgottendownanddirty.Thenextday,thecopsneededtointervenewhenherhusbandshowedupatthe restaurant,demandingtoknow whichbartenderhadfuckedhiswifeintheofficethenightbefore.Theguyhadstartedtearing upthebarwhenhedidn’tgetananswerandwaseventuallyarrested Yup NotWest’sfinesthour,butthathadbeenmorethana fewyearsagoandmadehimmorewaryofwhohegotinvolvedwith.

The days ofnot mindinga revolvingdoor full ofwomenwere longgone. West wanted what several ofhis friends had found someonehecouldspendtherestofhislifewith.He’dalwayswantedtobeafather,too,butnoneoftherelationships he’d had over the years had worked out There had always beensomethingmissing, but he’d never beenable to figure out what

Wanderingdownthebar,hecheckedeveryone’sdrinkbeforestoppinginfrontofher.“CanIgetyouarefill?”

Herglasswasalmostempty,andsheseemedsurprisedwhensheglancedatit.“Um,no.I’lltakeaclubsodawithatwistof lemon,thanks.”

HecouldgetthatwithoutsteppingawayfromherandquicklyfilledaCollinsglasswithice “I’msorry,buthavewemet someplacebefore?”

Her greeneyes widened a bit. “Uh...n-no. Idon’t thinkso. I’mfromColorado Denver. I’mintownsettlingmyaunt’s estate.”

“Oh,I’msorryforyourloss”

“Thankyou.”Sheseemedflusteredasifshehadn’texpectedhissympathy.

Hetossedanewcoasternexttotheold-fashionedandsetthenon-alcoholicdrinkonit.Forsomereason,hedidn’twantto walkawayyet. He was drawnto her like a mothto a flame. As he dried his hands ona nearbytowel, he said, “I’mWest Lockhart,bytheway Thisismypub”

Herbrowfurrowed “Really?Imean ”

Whenshedidn’tfinishthesentence,hediditforher.“WhyamIbartendingifIowntheplace?”Hesmiledandgavehera winkaschagrinfilledherprettyface.“Ididn’ttakethatasaninsultifthat’swhatyou’reworriedabout.Ilikeworkingbehind thebar,especiallyonquieternights.Itgivesmeabreakfromallthepaperworkthatgoesintorunningthisplace,andIgetto meetnewandinterestingpeople,suchasyourself”

Yup, he was flirtingwithher he couldn’thelp himself Somethingaboutthis womanintrigued him, and he didn’tknow whysincethey’donlymetlessthantenminutesago.Hell,hehadn’tevenlearnedhername yet.

Pinkstoleacrosshercheeks,andhiscocktwitchedatthesight.Hewonderedifotherpartsofherbodyblushedthatprettily whenshewasaroused.Morebloodrushedtohisgroinatthethoughtofhernakedinhisbed.Heshiftedhiships,thankfulthat thebarwashighenoughtohidehissemi-hard-onuntilhecouldgetitundercontrol

As hetriedtothinkofsomethingelsewittytosay,two dings resoundedfromthekitchen,alertinghimthather meal was ready.“I’llberightback.”

Get it together, Allie. Remember who this man is and how he tried to embarrass you in front of the entire school. Angerandindignationrosetotheforefrontofhermind,pushingasidetheattractionanddesirethathadbubbledupinside herwhenhesmiledandwinkedather Withoutadoubt,hewasflirtingwithher,somethingheprobablydidwitheveryadult femalewhowalkedintotheplace Whatwouldhesayifhefoundoutwhoshereallywas?Wouldhestillsmileandtalktoher, orwouldthathandsomefacefillwithdisgustatthememoryoftheplump,nerdy,four-eyedteenshe’dbeenbackthen?

But he doesn’t recognize you, girl. Wouldn’t it be fun to flirt, get him all hot and horny, then walk out without a backward glance? Get a little retribution for his attempt to humiliate you?

She’dneverbeenacockteasebefore,butsuddenly,theideawastempting Verytempting

As Westsauntered the lengthofthe bar toward her, carryingwhatappeared to be her dinner, she couldn’tdenythather mouthwatered,anditwasn’tbecauseofthefood.Hisgazewasfocusedonher,itsintensitymakingherwet.Sheforcedherself nottosquirmtorelievethesuddenacheofdesirepulsatingthroughherclit. Holy shit thebastardshouldn’thavethateffect onher,buthedid.Itwasmoreintensethananythingshe’deverexperienced.

Apairofone-nightstandsinherpasthadbothlefthersomewhatsatedyetlonely Thelessonlearnedwasthatshewould rather getdownand dirtywithher vibrator thansomeone she would never see again. She usuallywaited until after atleast three dates before she sleptwitha guy.There had beenseveral boyfriends duringandafter college,the longestlastingthree years, but they’d all eventually moved on for one reason or another. She’d ended the lengthier relationships after finally admittingthat,whileshelikedandpossiblylovedthosemen,shehadn’tbeen in lovewiththem Shehadn’tbeenabletosee herselfspendingtherestofherlifewithanyofthem

Maybeshewasdestinednever tomarry.Thethoughtsaddenedher becauseshe’dalways dreamedoffindingsomeoneto love,havechildren,andgrowoldwith.However,sherefusedtospendalifetimewithamanwithoutherwholeheartandsoul involved.Therewouldbenosettlingforher.Itwasallornothing.

Well,whateverherfutureheld,itcertainlydidn’tincludeWestonLockhart,butwhenhegrinnedashesetthefull plate,a napkin,andutensils infrontofher,shealmostwisheditdid Ifhewerestill theboyshe’dhadacrushonbeforehetriedto

embarrassher,thenmaybeshewould’vegivenhimachance,butrightnow,allshecouldthinkofwasgettingsweetrevenge.

The more the notionrattled around her mind, the more she liked it. He mightnotfigure outthatshe was exactinga little payback,butshe wouldknow,andthatwouldbesatisfyingenough

“Thanks.Mmmm,yummy,”shepurredbeforesheintentionallylickedherlips.ShealmostsmirkedwhenshenoticedWest’s interestedgazefollowhertongue.

Thesandwich did lookandsmelldelicious,andshepickeduponehalfandtookasmallbite.Hereyesroundedindelight whenthefirstmorselhithertastebuds Thecombinationofbriochebread,differentcheeses,andsun-driedtomatoesperfectly complementedeachother Accordingtothedescriptiononthespecialsboard,thecheeseswereGouda,Swiss,andColbyJack “Likeit?”Westaskedashesetaglasswithapieceofpaperinitonthebar presumablyhertab.

Nodding,shechewed,thenswallowedandusedher napkintowipeher mouth.“Likeit?Iloveit!I’ve never hadgrilled cheesewithanythingelseonitbefore,butthisisamazing.”

“Gladtohearit It’salwayspopularwhenwelistit MychefandIhavebeenthinkingofupdatingthemenu,andwemight putthatonitpermanentlyinsteadofhavingitasanoccasionalspecial”

“Youreallyshould.ThisisthebestgrilledcheeseI’veeverhad.”Itwasthetruth. Hisdimplesappearedagain.“Withthatendorsement,consideritdone.”Whenaserverattheotherendofthebarcalledhis name,WestpointedatAllie’ssandwich.“Enjoy.I’llbebackinafewtocheckonyou.”

Once again, her gaze strayed to his ass as he walked the bar’s length Flirtingwithhimdidn’t seemlike it would be a hardship.Hewasstilleasyontheeyes,butretaliationwasAllie’smainfocus.

Chapter Five

After fillinga few drinkorders for the waitstaffand thentendingto a foursome who’d satatthe bar, ithad takena little longer thanhe hopedbefore Westcouldreturntothe auburn-hairedbeauty Thankfully, she was still there whenhis Tuesday nightbartender,MaxAbrams,hurriedinfromthekitchensincemoststaffmembersparkedinthebuilding’srearlot

“Thanksforcoveringforme,boss.”Maxtossedhiscarkeysintoautilitydrawerbehindthebarundertherowsofliquor bottlesandsethiscellphonenexttooneoftheregisters.Normally,Westdidn’tlikehisemployeeshavingtheirphonesoutin view ofthecustomers.However,he’drecentlymadeanexceptionforMaxsincetheyoungman’smother wasinthehospital recoveringfrombrainsurgerytoremoveasmallcanceroustumor Iftherewasanemergency,oneofthenurseswouldcontact him,anditwaseasierforthemonlytohavehiscellnumberlistedtocall.

“Noworries.How’syourmomdoing?”

“Okay, Iguess, but tired. The biopsyresults came back, and it was as theyexpected, so for now, she doesn’t need the chemo,onlyradiation ThedoctorthinkstheyremovedallofitbasedonthelatestMRI Aphysicaltherapistgotheroutofbed thisafternoon,downthehallway,andbackusingawalker Shedidprettywell,butittookalotoutofher WhenIleft,shewas soundasleep.Ifallgoeswell,theymightreleasehertotherehabfacilityonFridayandstarttheradiationinafewweeks.”

Westpattedhimontheshoulder.“That’sgreatnews.I’msureshe’llbegladtogetoutofthehospital.Letmeknowifyou needanymoretimeofforsomeswapswithanyone.”

“Iwill,thanks Oh,andMomtoldmetothankyouforthesoup Sheateitall”AfterWest’ssuggestionwhenthey’dspoken lastnight,Maxhadstoppedbyaroundnoontogetacontainerofthesoupofthedaytobringtoher

“Probablysinceitwasn’thospitalfood.Gladshelikedit.”

Before letting Max take over the rest of the shift, West gave hima quick rundown on the customers sitting at the bar, whether they’dorderedfoodor not,andthestatusoftheir tabs.Oncethatwas all settled,hegrabbedabottleofhis favorite locallybrewedale,circledaroundtotheothersideofthebar,andsatnexttotheattractivewomanwhosenamehestilldidn’t know WhenMaxremovedhernow-emptyplateandaskedifshewantedafreshdrink,sheglancedatWestbeforepushingher club soda aside and orderinganother old-fashioned. Westhoped thatmeantshe was stickingaround for a while because he foundherfascinatingdespitenotknowinganythingabouther.

“Areyoudoneforthenight?”sheaskedhimasthebartendermixedherdrink.

“Yup Maxhadsomepersonalstufftotakecareoftoday,andIwascoveringuntilhearrived” “Thatwasniceofyou.”

Hesmiledandshrugged.“I’malwaysnice,um...”Hepausedandeyedher.“Younevertoldmeyourname.” Herbrowfurrowed.“Ididn’t?I’msorry,I’mAllie uh,AllieMcKenna.”

The name didn’tsound familiar atall, butthe more he studied her, the more he thoughtthey’d metbefore However, his mindwasblankonwhereandwhenitmighthavebeen Butthatdidn’tmeanhecouldn’tgettoknowhernow Heheldouthis hand,andshemethimhalfway.

“Well,it’snicetomeetyou,AllieMcKenna.Willyoubeinthearealong,orareyouheadingbacktoColoradosoon?” “Um,I’llbehereforafewweeks.Myauntwasabitofahoarder aneatone,butit’sathree-bedroomhouse,andIhave togothroughalotofstuff Youknow,figuringoutwhattokeep,donate,orsell”

WhenMaxsethernewdrinkinfrontofher,WesttoldhimtoputitonthehousebeforeturningbacktoAllie “Thatsounds

likeabigproject.Ihopeyouhavesomeonehelpingyouout.” Just not a husband or boyfriend or anyone who wanted to be one or the other.

“Mycousindoesn’tlivefar she’scomingoverthisweekendwithherhusbandandkidstohelpsortthroughsomethings”

“Well,that’s good. Letme know ifyouneed anything, like a dumpster or a storage unit. Thanks to this place, I’ve made connectionswithalotofpeopleindifferentbusinessesovertheyears.”

“Sofar,wehaveeverythingcovered,butthankyoufor theoffer.”Shesippedher drink,thenasked,“How longhaveyou ownedthebar?”

“Alittlemorethanadecade IwasafootballplayerincollegebutknewifIdidn’tmakeittothepros,orifIdidandgot injured,Iwouldneedsomethingtofallbackon,soIgotabusinessdegree.AndI’mgladIdidbecause,althoughIplayedfor two years withthe JacksonvilleJaguars as their backup quarterback, Igotsacked ina game bytwo guys twice mysize and landedonmyarmwrong.Toremyleftbiceptoshreds,”hepointedtotheoldinjury,“andthatwastheendoffootball.So, I eventuallytookthemoneyI’dsaved andboughtthis place whenthe original owner passed away His widow didn’twantto keepit Ikeptmostofhisstaffsincehe’dalreadymadeitasuccessfulbusiness”

He realized he’d told her waymore thanshe’d asked about for some reason, she was easyto talkto, eventhoughhe barelyknewher.“Anyway,that’sthelonganswertoyoursimplequestion.Whataboutyou?WhatdoyoudoinDenver?”

Shesmiled,andhisdickstirredatthesightagain.

“I’maCPA,”Allietoldhim,notwantingtorevealhertruecareerasaforensicaccountantwiththeDrugEnforcementAgency While not a gun-carryingagent, she worked inanoffice, trackingthe financial transactions betweendrugdealers and their suppliers.Thecartelsoftenlaunderedmoneythroughlegitimatebusinesses,anditwasuptoAllieandtherestofherteamto figureoutwhichones.

Thatwasn’ttheonlyhalf-truthshe’dtoldhimtonight she’dusedSadie’slastnametoavoidhavingWestputtwoandtwo together and realize Allie was the gawky teen he’d known as Allondra Dawson She’d learned from DEA agents who’d workedundercover thatthe more truthful youwere witha backstory, the less likelyyou’d slipup and blow your cover She neverthoughtthatinformationwouldcomeinhandy,butnowshewasgladshehadit.

She'dmanagedtosidestephisearlierquestionwhenhe’daskedifthey’dmetbefore,sothattechnicallywasn’talie.She'd be okay as long as no one from her youth or aunt’s funeral walked in and recognized her. That would be completely embarrassing

“Somepeoplethinkaccountingisboring,”shesaidwithashrug,“butIenjoymyjob”

“That’sallthatmattersthen,right?”

Heheldouthisbeerbottletoher,andshepickedupherglassandclinkedthemtogetherinanonverbaltoast.“Right.”

Theyflirtedandchattedforawhile theusualgetting-to-know-youstuffthatwasn’ttoopersonal andAlliehadtokeep remindingherselfthat,despitehowsweetWestwastohernow,ithadn’talwaysbeenthecase

Her gaze flitted fromhis beautiful blue eyes to his luscious mouthand backagainas he spoke. A five-o’clockshadow dustedhisjawandupperlip,andherfingersitchedtofeelthecoarsestubble.Hereallyhadagedwell.Whatwoulditbelike tokisshim?

Hmm Maybeshecouldtakeherrevengeastepfurtherandfindout Thatwoulddefinitelygethimallhotandbothered,and thenshecouldleavehimflat orhardasthecasemightbe

Shesippedherdrinkbeforenoticingit’dbeenrefilledagain.Wasthatherthirdorherfourth?She’dlostcountwhilethey’d beentalking,andmorecustomershadenteredwhileothershadleft.Howlonghaditbeensinceshe’dfinishedherdinnerand he’dsatbesideher?Anhour,attheveryleast.Despiteeatingearlier,shewasgladsheonlyhadtowalktheshortdistanceback tothehotelbecauseanicebuzzhadsettledinherbrain Glancingathisbeerbottle,shenoteditwasalsofresh

A few more drinks Some more flirting A kiss or two, and thenshe’d leave, lettinghimwonder where the night went

wrong and how he’d lost his chance with her. Would he lie awake that night, masturbating to dreams of her? Her nipples tightenedandherclitthrobbedatthethought.Shecrossedherlegsandtriednottomoanasthematerial ofhercaprisrasped againstthetinybud

“So, tell me,” he said, “why is such an incredible woman like you single? You’re smart, beautiful, funny I don’t understandwhysomeguyhasn’tsnatchedyouup.”

Oh, yeah, he was comingonstronger now. Without a doubt, he was thinkingabout fuckingher, and she had to admit to herselfthethoughthadcrossedhermind morethanonce Heck,morethanafewtimes

She smiled coylyand ranthe tip of her finger downhis arm, startingfromthe hemof his shirt sleeve, wrapped snugly aroundhisbulgingbicep,tothebackofhishand.Shehadathingfor “armporn,”andhehadthegoodsinspades.“Maybe I haven’tfoundtherightguyyet?”

“Well,that’sanabsoluteshame,Allie.ThemeninDenvermustbedeaf,blind,orgay.”

“Allthree-hundred-fifty-fivethousandandfivehundredofthem?”

Hiseyebrowsshotup “YouknowhowmanymenliveinDenver?”

Shelaughed.“It’sanestimate.Accordingtothelastcensus,oversevenhundredandtenthousandpeopleliveinDenver,so Isplitthatinhalf.”

“Offthetopofyourhead?Wow!Imayhaveabusinessdegree,butI’dstillhavetotakesometimetofigurethatoutorat leastuseacalculator AndIsureashellwouldn’thavebeenabletopullacensuscountoutofthinair I’mimpressed” “WhatcanIsay?I’manumbersperson.”

Heshookhisheadasacombinationofaweanddesirecrossedhisface.“You’reanincrediblewoman.”

“Youalreadysaidthat.”

“Itbearsrepeating”

Hisintensegazewasgettingherwet,andshealmostaskedhimtoturnupthepub'sairconditioningbecauseitwasgetting terriblywarminthere.

“Listen,”hesaid.“Areyoudoinganythingtomorrownight?I’mhavingsuchagoodtimetalkingtoyou,I’dliketotakeyou todinner.”

Shecouldn’tagreetothatbecause,afteranothernightinhispresence,shemightforgetwhyshewascomingontohiminthe firstplace Shewantedrevenge nothingmore

Leaningforward, she whispered inhis ear. “Is there any reason we can’t continue having a good time tonight? Maybe someplacealittlemoreprivate?”

Pullingbackabit,sheknewshehadhimwhenhelickedhislipsbeforeaseductivesmilespreadacrosshishandsomeface andthosedamndimplescameoutinfullforce “NoreasonthatIcanthinkof Infact,wecouldgoupstairstomyapartmentfor anightcapifyouwant”

“Youliveupstairs?”Shedidn’tknowwhythatsurprisedher.

“Yup.Iactuallyownthis whole buildingand the one nextdoor. The hair salonand all the apartments are rentals. Ikept threeofthemformyselfrightabovetherestaurantandbrokedownthewallsbetweenthem,makingonebigunit.”

Hewasdoingbetterfinanciallythanshe’dexpectedwhenshefirstsawhimbehindthebar notthatitmeantadifference eitherway.Moneywasn’twhatshewasafter.“Wow,I’dlovetoseeit.”

“I’dlovetoshowittoyou.”Henoddedatherglass,whichwasalmostemptyagain.“Wantanothertotakewithyou?OrI havesomewineandbeerupthere.”

She shookher head, knowingifshe had anymore alcohol, she mightthrow cautionto the wind and sleep withthe damn man “Actually,IthinkIshouldswitchbacktoclubsodaifyoudon’tmind”

“Notatall.” He flagged downthe bartender. “Max, a club soda witha lemontwist, and I’ll take another of these.” He gesturedtohisnearlyemptybottle.Itwasabrandshe’dneverheardof,whichwasn'tunusualsincesherarelydrankanybeer otherthanCoorsLight.

Openingherpurse,Alliepulledhercreditcardoutofherwalletandsetitnexttotheglassholdinghertab Afterdelivering theirdrinks,Maxprocessedherbillandgaveherthereceipttosign Shelefthimanicetipdespiteonlybeingchargedforthe

sandwichandoneold-fashioned bothofwhichWesthadserved.

Once that was done, West stood and helped her down fromthe pub-height chair. He threw twenty dollars on the bar, presumablyforMax,beforepickingupthefull glassandbottleandjuttinghischintowardthebackoftherestaurant “Ifyou don’tmindtakingthestairs,it’sonlyoneflightup.”

Beforeshecouldthinktwiceaboutdoingsomethingsooutofcharacter,shesmiledandsaid,“Noproblem.” “Great.C’mon.”

Chapter Six

AfterWestunlocked and opened the door to his apartment, he gestured for Allie to enter first. Alarge, openlivingroom, diningarea,andkitchencombogreetedherassheglancedaround Ashorthallwaytothelefthadthreedoorways,andanother totherighthadtwo Everythingappearedneatandtidy,andthedecorwasdefinitelymasculine Earthtonesmadeitwarmand inviting.Ahugeflat-screenTV,atleastsixty-fiveinches,wasflankedbyfilledbookcasesalongonewall.AnL-shapedcouch andtworeclinersofferedplentyofseating.Thediningtablecouldfitsixpeople,andthespotlesskitchenwasagourmetchef’s dream.

Movementoutofthecornerofhereyecaughtherattention Asleekblack-and-whitecatsashayedintotheroomandmadea beelineforWest,circlinghimandrubbingagainsthislegs.Hesethisbeerbottleandherglassonthecountertopbetweenthe kitchenandlivingroomandpickedupthecat,whichnuzzledhischinandneck.“ThisisMoe.Ifoundhimasastraykittenin the alleybehind the restaurant one night and was goingto take himto the no-kill shelter. But before the suncame up, he’d alreadydecidedIwashisowner”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”

Westsettheanimalbackonthefloor.“HemanagedtogetoutoftheboxIputinthebathroomwithatowelandclawedhis wayupandontomybed.Iwokeupwithhimcurledinaballonmychest,soundasleepandpurringaway.Ifiguredthatmeant heclaimedmeashisown.”ThecatyowledloudlyandstaredindignantlyatWest.“That’shis‘Whyhaven’tyoufedmedinner yet,slave?’meow Givemeaminutetotakecareofhim”

ThecornersofAllie’smouthliftedassheturnedaway,notwantingtoadmithe’dlookedadorable,cuddlingwiththecat Ugh. Don’t like him. Don’t think he’s sweet. Don’t do anything stupid, like hope you’ll see him again after tonight. Stick with the plan and then forget about him for the rest of your life after you walk out the door.

Shewanderedaroundthelivingroom,eyeingthemanybooks,photos,andknickknacksfillingtheshelvesoneithersideof theTV Collages ofmore photos hungonthe walls AllierecognizedWest’s parents and younger sisters inseveral pictures Althoughshe’dneverpersonallymetthem,they’dattendedallhishighschoolfootballgames,cheeringasloudlyaseveryone else.Afew actionphotos hadbeentakenduringgames,andshecouldseetheprogressionfromPopWarner up throughhigh school, theninto college, and finallythe pros. Inother images, he was muggingfor the camera withone or more people at various stages of his life. Aside from his sisters and parents, the others in the photos were probably friends, teammates, cousins,etc Noneappearedtobeawomanwhomayhavebeenagirlfriend

As the sound ofkibbles beingpoured into a bowl filtered infromthe kitchen, Allie stopped infrontofone picture and frowned. Itwas twentyyears old fromtheir second year ofhighschool and she recognized itatonce. Weststood inthe middle ofa large groupofaboutfortyteens,all soakingwetfromthe car washthat’dbeenorganizedtoraise moneyfor the SophomoreSocial Atone end ofthe group, she spotted herself, almostunrecognizable due to beingpartiallyhiddenbehind anothergirl’shead Alliecouldn’trecallhername

While glaringatthe photo, she ground her teethtogether. Tendays after the car wash, West had invited her to go to the danceashisdate.Whatcould’vebeenthemostthrillingmomentofherlifeuptothatpointhad,instead,beentheworst.Itwas still painful to thinkabout. Whenher familyleftHoldenbehind a few weeks later, Allie was relieved she would never see WestonLockhart again Of course, the gods of the universe had warped senses of humor since she was now in the man’s apartment

Spinningaround,shefoundtheghostfromherpaststandingacrosstheroom,staringatherwithunmistakabledesireinhis eyes.Hewassofuckinghandsomeandsweetnow,itmadehishighschoolbetrayalhurtevenmore.Redrageandundeniable lustcombinedwiththealcoholinhersystemintoafuriousmaelstrom oneshecouldn’tcontrolifshetried

No longer givinga damnaboutwhether itwas wrong, she stalked toward himand didn’tstop until she threw her arms aroundhisneckandslammedhermouthontohis.

Chapter Seven

WestgrabbedAllie’swaistandheldonashefalteredbackward,takingherwithhimandcrashingagainstthewall.Ittooka few seconds before he regained his balance and realizedshe was kissinghimlike no womanever had Moments earlier, he could’ve sworn he glimpsed anger in her expression when she'd turned around to face him But it disappeared so fast, morphingintodesire.Hadhebeenmistaken?She’dbeenonhimbeforehecouldsayasingleword,buttherewasnowayhe wasobjecting.

The kiss was wet, raw, dirty, and delicious. There was no hesitationfromeither ofthemwhenitcame to openingtheir mouthstolettheirtonguesbattleforsupremacy Shetastedfruityandspicyfromtheold-fashionedand,combinedwithherown unique flavor, itwas drivinghimoutofhis mind. It’d beena longtime since Westwas witha womanwho challenged him sexually,andhelovedit.Notthathewasremotelysubmissive hejustadmiredawomanwhowasconfidentwithherwants andneeds.

Alliewasall over him,urginghimonbyrubbingher chest,torso,andpelvisagainsthisasheleanedagainstthenarrow wall betweenthe foyer and kitchen Withone hand inthe thickstrands ofher hair, he ranthe other up and downher back, dippinglower witheachpass until he cuppedher full ass andsqueezed.She moaned andliftedher leguntil her knee rested againsthis hip, and he grasped itto keep itthere. As she ground againsthis hard length, the air around themcrackled with electricityandintensepassion,makinghimneedierthanhe’dbeeninaverylongtime.Hisbodyhummedwithdesire.Ifthey didn’tslowdown,hewouldcomeinhisjeans somethingthathadn’thappenedsincehewasateenager

He’dbeenabitsurprisedshe’dcounteredhisdinnerofferfortomorrownightwithoneofherown onethatdidn’tinvolve eatinganythingbuteachother.Neveramantolookagifthorseinthemouth,he’dreadilyagreedsincehehadn’twantedtowait anylongertogethishandsandmouthonher.Therewassomethingaboutthisbeautifulwomanthatdrewhimin.She sparked somethinginside him, and notmerelyina sexual way. Itsucked she was onlyinNew Yorkfor a few weeks, butWestwas determinedthatthiswouldnotbehisonlynightwithheruntilshereturnedtoDenver Beforeshelefthisbed,he’dmakesure theyhadplansfortomorrownightandeverynightafterthat Hewantedtoimprintheronhismemoriesandviceversaifthat werealltheywouldhaveaftershewasgone.

Hermouthlefthisandnuzzleditswaytohisear,sendingshiversdownhisspine.“Bedroom?”

West growled, dipped his knees, grabbed the backs ofher thighs, and lifted her. As he carried her to his bedroom, she wrappedherlegsaroundhishipsandnibbledonhisear Hekickedthedoorshutastheypassedittokeepthecatout Moewasn’tinvitedtothispussyparty.

Releasinghisgrip,heletherlegsslidedownhisuntilshewasstandingagain.Immediately,sheyankedhisshirtfromhis pants.Reachingbehindhishead,Westclutchedahandfulofthematerialandpulledtheshirtupandoff,tossingitaside.

Theirmouthsmetagain,butafterafewmoments,hepausedjustlongenoughtoremovehershirt Hedraggedhishandsup her bare arms, over her shoulders, and downher back, leavinggoosebumps intheir wake Her skinwas so softagainsthis callousedpalmsandfingers,andhecouldn’tstoptouchingherrightthenifhislifedependedonit.Hewantedtomapoutevery scrumptiousinchofherbody.

Shegraspedhisupperarms,turninghimafewsteps,thenpushedhimdownontothebedwhilesheremainedstanding.He leanedagainsthiselbows,takinginherbeautyandlettingitdrownhim Herfingerspoppedthefrontclaspofherbra,andher ample breasts bouncedwhennolonger bridledbythe garment He held his breathas she peeled the lacyemerald piece off,

revealingtwoperfectlydarkpinknipplesbeggingforhisattention.Westpalmedhisthrobbingerection,tryingtokeepitunder control atleastuntil he was inside her. Itcould be her mouth, pussy, or ass as longas her heatsurrounded his cock, he didn’tcarewhatorificesheallowedhimtofuck Hewantedtoexperimentwitheachone,findingwhatmadeher screamhis nameinecstasyassheclimaxed.

Westbithisbottomlipashewaitedimpatientlyforwhatevershewoulddonext.Allieclearlywantedtobeincontrol at themoment,andhewaswillingtolether for now.He’dtakeover whenthetimewasrightaslongashewasonehundred percentsureshewantedeverythinghewaswillingtogiveher Shedidn’tcomeacrossasacocktease,butifawomansaidno atthelastsecond,Westrespectedthat Yeah,itwouldbeexasperatingandhurtlikehellifshewalkedoutandlefthimwitha caseofblueballs,buthewouldneverforcehimselfonanyone.

Allieundidthebuttononhercaprisandloweredthezipperbeforepushingthegarmentdownherlegsasshetoedoffher shoes.Wearingonlyskimpypantiesthatmatchedthediscardedbra,shesteppedtowardthebed.Hisgazeroamedherbody,not lingeringtoolongononepart,wantingtocommitasmuchaspossibletohismemory

Asshestoppedbetweenhisspreadknees,shetappedone “Lift”

Whenhefollowedherorder,sheremovedhissneakeranddroppedittothefloor.Withoutwaitingforfurtherinstruction,he lifted the other legand lether repeatthe act. She moved closer, unbuttoningand unzippinghis jeans, givinghis achingcock some much-needed breathingroom. Leaningdown, she set her hands onthe bed oneither side of his hips, thenlicked and nibbledherwayuphishappytrailtohischest Herfingernailsscoredhisflanks,leavingthinredlinesonthetannedskin God, thewomanwasgoingtobethedeathofhimtonight,butwhatafuckingwaytogo!

Theflatofhertonguescrapedacrosshisnipple,sendingashiverdownhisspine.Moaningatthepleasurecoursingthrough him,Westthrusthisfingersintoherthickhairandheldherthere,encouraginghertoteasehimsomemore.Healmostshothis loadrightthenwhenshebitdownlightlyonthetautpeak Hisbrainwasmush nothingmatteredatthatmomentbuthowAllie wasdrivinghimtothebrinkofinsanitywitheveryhedonisticthingshedidtohim

Grabbingherass,herolledthemoveruntilhewasontopbeforepushingoffthebedandsheddingthelastofhisclothes. Free of its restraints, his cock slapped against his lower abdomen, almost painfully. He wrapped his hand around it and squeezeduntil he was sure hewouldn’tcomebefore hewas insideher.Heeyedher fromheadtotoe,thenzeroedinonher panties Thatlittlescrapofmaterialwastheonlythingstandingbetweenthem butnotforlong

“Takethoseoff,”hedemanded,hisvoiceroughwithwantandneed

Allieroseandslowlystrippedbeforekickingthepieceoflaceaside.Shestaredathiscock,makingitthrobharderinhis hand,andthendroppedtoherknees. Holy shit!

Pushinghishandaway,shelickedhisdickfromroottotip.West’seyesnearlyrolledintothebackofhisheadasheinhaled sharply Shewas abeautiful womantobeginwith Butseeingher downthere,lickingher lips as shegawkedathis erection likeshewasstarvingforit,stunningwastheclosestwordhecouldusetodescribeher

All thoughts fled his mind whenshe wrapped her hand and thenher lips around him. He was shocked his shakingknees didn’tgive outas she devoured him. Her tongue tortured himmomentarilybefore she tookhimto the backofher throatand swallowedaroundhistip.

“Fuck!”Hegraspedherhair “Don’tstop Oh,God,pleasedon’tstop Dothatagain”

Shedidittwicemore,thenbobbedherheadupanddownasshegavehimthebestblowjobofhislife.Withhishandonher head,heurgedhertoapacethatwasn’ttoosloworfast.Therewasnowayhewouldlastlonginthewetheatofhermouth,but hecouldn’tresistlettinghercontinueuntilheabsolutelyhadtostopher.

Alliescratchedhisbarehipwithhermanicurednails,leavingmoremarkshehopedwouldstillbetherefordaystocome Whenhewasmomentsawayfromorgasmandcouldn’ttakeherintenseministrationsanymore,hepulledheroffhim Her lipswerered,wet,andswollen gorgeous.

“Getonthebed,”hegrowled,releasingherandopeningthenightstand’sdrawer.It’dbeenawhilesincehe’dhadawoman inhisapartment,butthankGodtherewasstillaboxofcondomsinthere.Pullingoneout,henearlydroppeditwhenAlliegot to her feet, turned, and crawled onto the bed like a lioness, showinghimher ass and hairless, glisteningpussy He fucking lovedwhenwomenwerebaredownthere

“Stop,”heordered,andsheglancedoverhershoulderathim.“Spreadyourknees.Good.Nowstayrightlikethat.”

After tossingthe condomonto the bed, he bentover and clutched her hips. Usinghis thumbs, he spread her ass checks. “Dropyourshouldersandheaddown”

Whenshecomplied,shewasintheperfectpositionforhimtofeastonher.Herslitwasweepingalready,andheleanedin forataste,runninghistongueupitslength.

“Ah!Oh,shit,WWWWest!”

Hechuckledathowhisnamecameoutofhermouthlikeacombinationofawhineandaprayer “Likethat,huh?”

Notwaitingforareply,heplungedhistongueinsideher,fuckingherwithitbeforenibblingonherouterlips Shesquirmed closer,encouraginghimtoeather,andwhowashetodenyawomanwhoexpressedwhatshewanted?

Hermoansandpleasmixedwiththewetsoundsofhislickingandsucking.Takingachance,hemovedtothelittlerosette betweenherasscheeksandranhistongueoverit.Hersquealwassoloudthatheprayedhisneighborshadn’theardher.Her assholewastight,andhewonderedifanyonehadevertakenherthere Hopefully,hewouldbethefirstifshelethim,butfor now,hewantedtogetintohersweetpussy

Movingahandbetweenherlegs,hefoundherclitandrubbeditwithtwofingerswhileheretrievedthecondomwithhis otherhand.Usinghisteeth,herippedopenthepackageand,withaskillhedevelopedovertheyears,rolledthelatexontohis shaft.

“Please,West!Oh,pleasehurry!”

“Onmyway,sweetheart.Hangon.”

Grippingherhips,hepulledhertowardhim,bringingherheadbackup.Shebracedherselfashealignedthetipofhiscock withherentranceandtheneasedinside.Despitebeingwetandwilling,shewasalsosodamntight.Westclenchedhisjawand fixatedonwheretheywerejoinedashewithdrewandthrustinagain,gaininggroundwitheachpass

“Oh,God!”Allie’shandsclutchedthecomforter “More!”

Hegaveittoher,poundingintoherfasterandharderassherockedagainsthimintimetohispace.Tensionandanticipation racedthrougheverycellofhisbody.Thiswasbeyondsexforhim itwasmorelikeasacredexperience,unlikeanythinghe’d everknown.

Hercuntsqueezedhim,andheclosedhiseyes Flashesofcoloredlightsappearedbehindthelids Gasps,moans,groans, mutteredcurses,andthesoundsoffleshslappingagainstfleshfilledtheroom Perspirationslickedtheirheatedskin

Wantingtoseeherfaceasshecame,Westpulledout,grabbedherlegs,andflippedherontoherback.Hewasinsideher againwithinseconds,withhishandsoneithersideofherhead,supportinghisweight.Herlavishbreastsbouncedasherhips rose to matcheverythrust of his cock. Bendingdown, he kissed her, lettingher taste herself onhis lips and tongue. Their mouthsdueledfordominance,neitheronewinning

West couldn’t get enough of her Never before had a woman owned him mind, body, and soul as Allie did at that moment.

His orgasmbuilt,butherefusedtogoover until shewentfirst.Leaningonone hand,he broughtthe other toher clitand massageditwithshort,rapidstrokes.“Fuckingcomeforme,Allie.Takemewithyou.”

“Yes!Yes!”Shewrithedbeneathhim,hercriesofblissgettinglouder Tohellwiththeneighbors Hewantedtohear her screamhisnameatthetopofherlungs.

Herinnermusclesquiveredaroundhimsecondsbeforetheorgasmclaimedher.Hotfluidgushedfromhercore,coatinghis cock,theirlegs,andthemattress.“West!”

Hedroveintoheronce,twice,andthenathirdtimebeforehestiffenedandfollowedherintotheabyss Euphoriaflushed throughhimashiscumfilledthelatexbarrieruntilhewasfinallyspent

Westwasn’tawareofhow muchtimehadpassedbeforehecaughthis breathandhis braincamebackonline.It’d shortcircuitedonhim.Thewomanhadundonehiminawaynootherhad,andheprayeditwouldn’tbethelasttimeithappened.