Nothing exciting happens to someone like me. I live between the lines, only dreaming about breaking the rules. My chance at love disappeared the night I left home to escape my old life.
Eight years later, I never expected that “old life” to resurface in my bookstore.
Foster Wagner is the type of man most women would crawl through fire or broken glass to possess. And judging by the way he’s staring, that danger goes both ways.
I’m in trouble.
Note: Part Two will be released within the next few weeks.
OH
my God. Foster is standing inside my store. The bastard just bought
the most expensive item I have. What’s he doing here? Why didn’t
I say something? Coward. That’s what I am. A total loser for not
exerting myself. All those nights I spent staring at his
photo—dreaming about him—wondering what it would be like to see
him again. Hear his voice. And that face…
Well,
I can’t let Katie see me falling apart. I’ve had eight years to
get over that arrogant jock. I moved on a long time ago, right?
Finished college and opened my store. And I have a bright future.
After all, who would turn down a chance to marry a man their parents
picked out? I suck in a breath and open the door to my office,
putting on my best I-don’t-give-a-shit smile.
“You’re
still reading about sex clubs?” I’m surprised to find my best
friend planted in my chair. “I have a stack of receipts to scan.”
Katie
looks up. “Actually, I discovered something even more intriguing.
Have you ever heard of sugaring?”
“No.”
“Apparently
it’s a newer spin on an old concept sweeping the United States.
Young hot women seeking older, wealthy men.” She grins.
I
hope she’s being sarcastic. “Mistresses?”
She
nods. “Companions
is
the politically correct term now.”
“Oh,”
I say, wondering why different labels convince people things are less
diabolical then they truly are. “Sex for money.”
“In
some cases. Maybe you should see if a sugar daddy can take care of
that virgin problem.”
“I
don’t need financial assistance,” I remind her. “I just want a
night of mind-blowing sex, remember?”
“I’m
glad to hear that,” she says.
“What?”
“I
have a confession.” Katie stands up, looking guilty. About what
exactly, I’m afraid to ask.
“Remember
what I said about that college thing some of our sisters getting
involved with at that club?”
“Not
you?”
“Almost.”
I
let out a sigh of relief. “And?”
“I’ve
maintained friendships with some of the people who are still active
members. I wanted to help, Erin. I can’t live with the idea of
Thomas being your first. I know how much you hate him. So I called in
a favor and had that invitation sent to your house.”
I
gape at her, completely caught off guard. I guess everyone harbors
secrets. “Why didn’t you just say so?”
She
smiles. “I wanted to make sure you made an informed decision
without any influence from me. I want you to own this opportunity, to
be in control.”
“I’m
a virgin, remember? What do I know?”
Katie
laughs. “Technically yes, but you’ve done things, girlfriend.”
I
don’t know whether to take it as a compliment or insult. But Katie
doesn’t do anything half-ass, she’s gregarious. “Yes.” With
Foster. But I don’t want to discuss this right now. Not with him
only feet away. I need to think, alone.
“There’s a new order of books in the storage room that need tags.
Think you can handle it?”
“Erin?”
Mary is back.
“Is
everything okay?”
“Mr.
Wagner is gone, but .
. .”
“What?”
I stand. “Did his credit card get denied?”
“No.”
She shakes her head. “He told me he doesn’t like Poe and only
bought the books to meet you.”
Katie
clicks her tongue.
“I
think he was flirting with you.”
“No,
he was serious.”
“Do
you remember his full name?” I ask.
“How
could I forget?” She’s practically swooning. “Foster Everett
Wagner.”
“The
Foster Wagner?” As if I need confirmation. Eight years has only
blessed him with more ruggedly handsome features and a body most
women would crawl through fire or broken glass to possess. “Bastard.”
