

Sweet Spot

Book One in the Summer Rush Series

Cheryl Douglas

Copyright © by Cheryl Douglas

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Sweet Spot © 2016 Cheryl Douglas

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# Chapter One

Tenley woke up to a pounding headache and a ringing phone. Bad combination, especially when the alarm clock read 2:12 a.m. Who is stupid enough or desperate enough to call me at this hour? Only one person she could think of.

"Hello," she grumbled to the unknown caller, guessing it was her ex. When all she heard was heavy breathing, she said, "Speak or I swear I'll--"

A raspy chuckle made her sit up and take notice. Definitely not her dirtbag ex. He didn't even sound that hot when he was half-asleep.

"Come on, now. You'll what? And remember, you don't wanna be nasty to the man of your dreams."

She rolled her eyes, knowing he wouldn't be the man of her dreams even if he had a face and body to match that panty-drenching voice, 'cause she'd stopped dreaming about men a long time ago. Not that she was into women. She just wasn't into being screwed around, and men who promised they were her dream man usually turned out to be her worst nightmare.

"Who is this?" she demanded, squinting into the darkness. These damn headaches are going to be the death of me.

"I'll give you one hint. I can do things with my tongue that'll make your eyes roll back in your head. You just got a taste of that tonight."

She pulled the phone away from her ear. Was this guy for real? He didn't sound hammered, but she knew lots of guys could drink a mickey and still sound as if they'd just gotten off work.

"Look, buddy, I think you've got the wrong number."

That made him pause. "What's your name?"

"None of your business."

She was too smart to give some random drunk her name, even if he did have a sexy, gravelly voice that reminded her it had been way too long since she'd had a hook-up. For all she knew, he could be a psycho stalker who called up women, hoping they'd tell him their name and address, then dropped by and slashed their throats while they slept.

Okay, maybe she'd watched a Law and Order marathon and was getting carried away, but still, she didn't know this dude and wasn't telling him jack.

"How about if I tell you my name?"

"What makes you think I'd care?"

He laughed. "You're a real firecracker. I like that."

"I'm glad you're amused, but I have to get some sleep." He was probably one of those underwear models with abs of steel and an ego as big as his junk.

"Are you sleeping alone?"

She rubbed her eyes. Did he seriously just ask me that? "Again, none of your business."

"I'll take that as a yes. That's a shame."

"Not really. I choose to sleep alone. I'm a blanket hog. Besides, my battery-operated boyfriend is a lot less trouble than any man." Okay, why the hell had I told him that?

"Honey, if you need one of those to get off, you've been dating the wrong men."

"Are you saying I wouldn't need one if I were dating you?"

She was right about the ego. She couldn't help but wonder if she was right about the size of his junk too. Her best friend and roommate, Stacey, claimed it wasn't the size but if they knew how to use it. But Tenley knew she only said that because most of her boyfriends could wear a jock under their jeans and still not impress anyone.

"No way. Not only would I keep you satisfied, I'd make sure you never wanted another man."

It was her turn to laugh. This one was a seriously delusional mofo if he believed that. "Uh, I hate to disappoint you, but there isn't a man alive, no matter how..." She cleared her throat. "Well-endowed who could keep me happy forever."

"That sounds like a challenge. I like challenges," he purred.

"If you like challenges so much, start training for the Boston Marathon, 'cause you're wasting your time on me."

"What do you do?"

"Stand on the street corner waiting for my Prince Charming to rescue me."

He laughed, which was a welcome change. Most guys were stupid enough to believe her when she told them she was a hooker. Some had even offered a few hundred bucks if she'd show them a good time. Maybe this one was worth a few more minutes' amusement.

"Come on, I'm serious. What do you do?"

"Kick ass." That was the truth. Okay, maybe not the literal truth, but she showed other women how to kick ass, should the need arise. "When I'm not making Pink Panties for all my girls." He probably didn't know that was a cocktail, and she wouldn't tell him she was a mixologist at her brother's bar at night, and a kickboxing instructor by day.

"Now I'm really intrigued."

"You're asking all the questions. How 'bout answering a few for me?"

"I'm an open book, baby. Ask away."

Tenley knew that usually meant he'd told the same lies so many times they rolled off his tongue, but she was willing to play along. "What do you do?"

"I'm a pitcher."

"A pitcher?" She sat up straighter, propping her pillows against the vintage iron headboard her roommate claimed was shabby chic. She thought it was rusty crap, but since she didn't care, she let her do her thing with their fugly little shoebox apartment. "Oh yeah? Double-A, Triple-A--"

He laughed. "Pro."

"Shut up." With two older brothers, she'd been obsessed with sports since she could walk and knew every pitcher in the majors. "You're lying your ass off."

"Do you kiss your mama with that mouth?"

She glared at her phone as if he could see it. "You don't like it, you can always hang up."

"Nah, I'm gettin' into this."

"Just don't think you'll be gettin' into me." She decided it was best to let him know upfront their harmless flirtation would never get him where he thought it would. Even if he was a pro ball player.

He chuckled. "You are too much."

"So, what's your name?" She expected him to tell her he was a closer that had just been called up from some farm team.

"Rowan Nixon."

"No way." Not that she would know what Nixon's voice sounded like. Sure, she'd seen him do the occasional interview, but she hadn't committed the all-star starter's voice to memory.

"Only one way to find out for sure if I'm telling the truth," he said, sounding amused. "Meet me for a drink tomorrow night."

"Can't, gotta work." Though she would regret that if this guy really was who he claimed to be. Her brother would go crazy when she told him Rowan Nixon had drunk dialed her and asked her out.

"Where do you work?"

"You first. What was your win-loss record last season? Or wait, how about your E.R.A?" He could just be a fanatical fan who'd memorized Nixon's record, but the chances were in her favor that she'd trip him up if she questioned him about his career.

"Twenty wins, five losses. Two point five six E.R.A."

Hmm, he answered that without hesitation. "What about your last contract?" Since that was public knowledge and obscenely large, any serious fan would know the answer, but she was running out of ways to trip him up. "How much and for how long?"

"Two hundred and seventeen million over seven years."

Damn. Right again. "Where were you born?"

"Toronto."

"Uh-huh. Where'd you go to college?" He'd earned a business degree at Duke while there on a scholarship.

He laughed. "Duke. Now you have to answer a question for me."

She had to admit, he sounded legit. "You answer one more for me first. Are you drunk? Is that why you're wasting your time talking to some wrong number you won't even remember tomorrow?"

"Trust me, I'll remember you."

The way he said that almost made her believe him. When she realized this headache wasn't going to go away without a little help, Tenley reached into her nightstand for her pain meds and dry-swallowed. "You didn't answer the question. Are you drunk?"

"I tipped a few with the boys tonight."

"Who did you mean to call?"

"Some hot redhead I met tonight."

At least he was honest. She liked that. "Are you disappointed you got me instead?"

"Hell, no. This is the most fun I've had talking to a chick in ages. So will you fill me in now?"

"Depends on what you want to know."

"What's your name?"

She almost believed that she really had Rowan Nixon himself on the other end of this line. Could it really be him? Not that she'd ever lose her shit and go all fan-girl on him. He probably got enough of that. She still wasn't a hundred percent convinced he was who he said he was though, so she still had to play it safe. "Tenley."

He chuckled, making her frown. "That's different. Like you. I like it. You know you sound like one of those phone sex operators, right?"

She couldn't help but smile. Score one for sleep and a hot, dry room.

"Tell me what you really do... for a living."

Since she suspected he'd never believe her anyway, she said, "I teach kickboxing."

"Shut the fuc--" He cleared his throat. "I mean, for real?"

"Yup."

"Okay, now I gotta meet you."

She was warming up to the idea of a face-to-face meeting as crazy as it sounded. If he was lying about who he was, he wouldn't have the kahunas to show up and admit it, would he?

"What was that shit about pink panties?"

He wasn't that drunk if he remembered the drink reference.

"I'm a mixologist too." She rolled her tongue in her cheek, wondering if he'd know that was just a fancy name for a bartender who specialized in mixed drinks.

"Cool. Where?"

Score one for the man. She didn't have to explain it to him.

"My brother has a bar on Peachtree." Since there were plenty of bars on the street, he'd have to do his homework if he really wanted to find her with just that information. Make 'em work for it had always been her motto.

"Were you serious about the kickboxing thing?"

"Yeah, why?" She always got defensive when people thought she was lying about her job. Just 'cause she was only five three and a buck twenty soaking wet, everyone assumed she wasn't a threat. But those who crossed Tenley learned the hard way that it was a big mistake to underestimate her.

"How long?"

"Eight years."

"How old are you?"

This dude wanted to know more about her than the last three guys she'd dated combined. "Twenty-eight."

"Old enough." He chuckled. "That's good, real good. Gimme your stats."

"My stats?" She heard the ice in her voice. If he asked her cup size next, she was hanging up.

"Not like that. Hair, eye color, tats, stuff like that. I want to be able to recognize you when I see you."

"Why don't I just send you a selfie?" She was joking, of course, but that gave her an idea. "Hey, why don't you send me a selfie so you can prove you are who you say you are?"

"What? You think I'm lying?" He sounded amused instead of offended, which was good. She hated guys who took themselves too seriously. "Sure, why not? But only if you promise to do the same."

What could it hurt? "Your number was blocked. Why?"

"Not on my cell. I'm on my home line, and I don't want some crazy chick I met in a bar looking me up."

"Smart."

"Okay, gimme your cell number."

Since he already had her home number, she assumed it couldn't hurt. She rhymed off hers, reaching for the phone on the nightstand. "Okay, I'm waiting."

"If I am who I say I am, will you go out with me?"

If this really was Nixon, she'd have his babies. Not really, but she'd definitely consider sleeping with him. "Maybe."

Playing hard to get only made them want you more, or so her mother claimed. Not that she practiced what she preached. Judging by the slew of "uncles" she'd had while growing up, Tenley had to face facts. Her mother was easier to get into than community college.

She waited for her phone to ping with his message before she hit the light next to her bed. Holy shit, it really was him! And he wasn't wearing a shirt. The cynic in her wondered if he could have pulled the image off the net, but it looked as though he was leaning up against a headboard with a pillow propped behind his head. Probably not the kind of photo a professional athlete would have posted online.

God, he was gorgeous. At six two, two twenty, he was in amazing condition. The colorful tattoos decorating his arms and back were sexy, but nothing could distract from those piercing green eyes.

"Okay, your turn," he said.

Ugh. Now she had to send him a pic. She'd worn a tight black tank and drawstring shorts to bed. She didn't have on a lick of makeup and her long, black hair probably looked like a rat's nest, but what the hell? Tenley figured if he saw her at her worst and still wanted to hook-up, he'd be stoked when he saw her done up. If he bailed after seeing her sans makeup, it was his loss.

Still, she fluffed her hair a little and ran her tongue across her teeth before adjusting the neck line of her tank. Her boobs were her best asset, or so she'd been told. Might as well put the girls to work for me.

She snapped the pic and sent it before she could change her mind. "Sent it," she muttered and held her breath while she waited for his reaction. She heard his phone ding and wanted to crawl under the bed and hide in case he thought she was hideous.

"Holy shit," he whispered. "Is that really you?"

"No, I snuck into my roommate's room and made her pose for me." Dumbass.

She never fished for compliments since she'd adopted the belief it was none of her business what anyone thought of her, but for some reason, she cared what he thought. And she hated that.

"Now you've gotta go out with me. You can't tease me like that and just say no."

"How am I teasing you?" Okay, now she was fishing.

"Let's just say the face matches the voice. And if the lower half of that body is anything like the upper half, I need to see more. A lot more."

"Don't you have a girlfriend or something?"

She probably should have asked that sooner. She could have sworn she saw him at some fundraiser with a blonde hanging off his arm a few months ago. Of course, she could have been his flavor of the week for all Tenley knew.

"Not anymore. She cheated on me."

"Oh. Too bad." She couldn't believe any woman would be stupid enough to cheat on him. Not only was he sexy, but he was at the top of his game professionally, and he routinely volunteered his time at the local kids hospital if there was any truth to the article she'd read.

"Not really. I was done with her. Besides, if I was still with her, I wouldn't have called you."

"True." Tenley didn't know if she should track the girl down to thank her or to demand she tell her what was wrong with the man who seemed too perfect to be trustworthy.

"So you said you're working for your brother tomorrow night?"

"Yeah."

"What time do you get off?"

"When the place closes." Her brother couldn't keep decent staff. But she didn't mind filling in when someone quit. She needed the money since the kickboxing club where she worked still paid her hourly and couldn't guarantee a certain number of hours each week.

"You said you teach kickboxing too? Where?"

She'd already told him a lot more about herself than she intended to. "A girl has to have some secrets, big guy. I gotta get some sleep now. Long day tomorrow."

"You mean you have to go to work during the day and at night? Shit, I'm sorry, Ten. If I'd known that, I wouldn't have kept you on the phone."

"No worries." At least the headache was almost gone. "If you really want to make it up to me, you can get me tickets to the home opener." That wasn't for three months, so it's not like she expected him to keep his promise, even if he agreed. By then she'd be a distant memory.

"Done."

She was tempted to thank him, but figured she should wait to see if he came through first. "Night, Rowan."

"Wait."

"What?"

"I'll see you tomorrow night," he said.

"I told you I have to work--"

"I know what you said. But I'll still see you tomorrow night."

He didn't ask where she worked, but he'd find it if he wanted to see her badly enough. If he didn't, oh well.

"Whatever you say." She knew better than to get her hopes up. That only led to disappointment.

# Chapter Two

"I can't believe you're gonna hunt down some chick you drunk dialed last night, man. That's some weird shit."

Who the hell was my kid brother to talk? He'd done some pretty weird shit himself.

"Take a look at that and tell me you wouldn't hunt her down." Rowan flashed him the pic Tenley had sent last night.

"Man, she's hot," Reese said, lunging for the phone. He swiped his finger across the screen to make sure there were no more pictures of her before he handed it back.

"Told you."

Rowan reached for a piece of the pizza his brother had ordered. He'd be glad when the painters were finished at Reese's place so he could move back home. In spite of the fact that he liked to keep in shape, Reese ate garbage all the time and was a bad influence on anyone around him. Thankfully, Rowan wasn't in training right now, so he could afford to indulge a little. He just didn't want to develop any bad habits that would hurt his game.

"I'm coming with you," he said. "I gotta see her for myself."

Rowan scowled at him. A wingman was the last thing he needed when he met Tenley, especially since his brother and most of his friends were pigs who wouldn't hesitate to make a play for her the second he turned his back. Reese thought that just because he was a fitness model, whose pretty face was plastered in magazines across the country, every woman he met wanted him. Sadly, most did, but somehow Rowan knew his brother wouldn't be Tenley's type.

"Just remember she's mine." Rowan wasn't usually territorial with women and he sure as hell didn't have a right to stake his claim on one he'd never met, but he needed to put his brother on notice or he'd think she was fair game.

"Why don't we let the lady decide for herself which one of us she wants?"

"Keep talkin' like that and you can pack up your shit and get out of my house."

Reese grinned. "You'd throw your own brother out in the street because of some chick you've never even met?"

"Yeah." And he didn't want to analyze what that said about him. "So consider yourself warned."

Reese tipped his beer back, a smile playing on his lips. "This is gonna be fun."

"Screw you."

"Where does she work?"

"Don't know yet." Admitting she hadn't been willing to tell him where she worked made Rowan sound like a loser, but if Reese planned to tag along, he'd find out soon enough. "All I know is she's a bartender at her brother's bar... on Peachtree."

"That narrows it down, right?" Reese said. "Shouldn't be too hard to find her."

"Yeah."

Rowan pretended to watch sports highlights while he fought the urge to pick up his phone again so he could catch a glimpse of that beautiful face. He'd already looked at it too many times, and he was starting to creep himself out. She was just a girl. A girl with bright blue eyes, full lips, perfect white teeth, big...

"What else do you know about her?" Reese asked, his eyes fixed on the TV screen.

Rowan still hadn't told him the best part. "She's into baseball, believe it or not."

"Ah, man, don't tell me she's a groupie?"

"No. Definitely not." Rowan knew a groupie would never have talked to him the way she did. They were all too eager to please and do anything he asked. They sure as hell didn't tell him they weren't into relationships before refusing to tell him where they worked.

"How do you know?" Reese asked, looking wary.

Sure, he'd been burned by his ex, but that didn't mean Rowan was a sucker for any pretty face and rockin' bod. He could tell a gold digger or ball groupie from a mile away. "She's a kickboxer. Teaches, in fact." To him, that was the hottest thing about her. It meant she was a serious athlete, like him. Dedicated to staying in shape and committed to her sport.

Reese let the air seep between his teeth. "Nothin' better than that to get a girl ripped."

"I know." One of the unisex gyms Rowan had trained at years ago had a kickboxing class for women, and they had better bodies than most of the fitness models he'd dated over the years.

"You sure she doesn't have a boyfriend?" Reese asked. "Hot little piece like that, workin' in a bar, she must have guys coming on to her all the time."

That was the part that concerned Rowan the most--her other job. He was a selfish SOB who hated to share. The thought of some filthy drunk ogling the woman sharing his bed didn't sit well. And Tenley would be sharing his bed. He had no doubt about that.

"She said something about an ex." One who hadn't been man enough to keep her satisfied.

"Ugh." Reese made a face while he reached for the remote. "You don't wanna be her rebound. She'll start crying about how it was a mistake and she still loves the other guy and wants him back. Who the hell wants to hear that?"

Rowan was confident Tenley wouldn't have any regrets after sleeping with him, but just to appease his brother, he said, "I got the feeling she dumped him, not the other way around."

"All right, well, I'm gonna hit the shower before we head out," he said, getting up.

"Sit your ass down," he warned. "I'm going first. You always use up all the hot water."

"Yeah, you go first," he said, lunging across the couch for Rowan's phone when he stood. "Good idea. I'll just send a quick text to Tenley to let her know I'll be there--"

"Give me that thing," Rowan growled, snatching the phone from him.

Maybe I'll bail while he's in the shower. I can't trust him not to embarrass us both.

***

An hour later, they were walking into the first bar when Reese nudged his brother's arm. "Jackpot, my man."

Damn. Tenley was even more beautiful in person. She had dark hair that fell in soft waves almost hitting her waist, but it was wrapped around her neck, falling down one side to reveal a colorful back piece right above the leather belt tucked through her low-rise jeans. The black tank top with chains threaded through the front, barely covering her ample cleavage, had probably hidden the tattoo when she put it on, but every time she leaned over the bar so a patron could give her a drink order, it rode up.

Rowan weaved through the crowd and stood just behind the row of people circling the bar, waiting to give her their drink order. Another girl was working the other side of the oval-shaped bar, but he couldn't even tell the color of her hair. All his attention was fixed on Tenley.

A sparkly silver eagle was spreading its wings across the abdomen of her shirt, drawing his eye to her breasts, which were spectacular. It had been a long time since he'd seen a rack like that on such a tiny little thing, unless they were fake. Judging by the way they moved when she reached above her head for a glass, he didn't think so.

"I need a drink," Reese said, edging his shoulders between two pretty girls. They smiled, parting for him before they spotted Rowan as a buzz started moving through the crowd.

He knew people would soon start asking for autographs and posing for selfies with him, which was the last thing he wanted. Tonight, he just wanted to be a regular guy meeting a girl he liked for the first time.

"Slow down," Rowan said, grabbing the back of his brother's shirt and hauling him back. "The lady's busy. Give her a minute to get caught up before you start barking orders at her."

Reese's lips twitched as he slid a look at Rowan out of the corner of his eye. "What makes you think she wouldn't wanna serve me first?"

Rowan knew from the way his lips curled that he wasn't talking about a drink, and hearing him talk about Tenley like that made him want to knock out all of his perfect teeth.

"Go over there and find a table before I beat your sorry ass," Rowan said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder. "I'll get us a couple of beers."

"Sure, man, whatever you say."

Reese was a pain in the ass who pushed him further than anyone else would ever dare to, but he'd go to the mat for him every time and the son of a bitch knew it.

Rowan waited until the crowd thinned out before he claimed one of the stools the girls had vacated after getting their drinks. He watched her move with confidence, mixing drinks while talking and laughing with customers. He loved her smile, the way those full, pouty lips tipped up just enough to make you wonder if you were the butt of a joke or if she was going to let you in on it.

When their eyes finally connected, he grinned, knowing she was shocked to see him. He knew she thought he was lying about who he was, though he had no idea why someone would claim to be him. Some days he didn't even want to be Rowan Nixon.

"Hey, Row." She opened and closed her mouth before shaking her head as she laughed. "It really is you."

"In the flesh." He leaned over the bar as a couple of guys stood behind him, breathing down his neck. They were either waiting for a drink or an autograph. Either way, he didn't care. "You don't seem as slammed as you were a couple of minutes ago. Can you take a break?"

A tall, good-looking guy with black hair and a half sleeve walked behind the bar. Rowan curled his hand into a fist when the dude wrapped his arm around her shoulders and whispered something in her ear, making her laugh.

"Rowan, this is my brother Walker. He's a big fan."

Her brother. Good, it was safe to breathe again. "Nice to meet you," Rowan said, extending his hand.

"You too, man. I have to admit I didn't believe Tenley when she told me you called her last night."

"May have been the best mistake of my life." Rowan bit his lip as his eyes trailed over her body. Then he remembered her brother was standing right there. If some guy looked at his little sister the way he was looking at Tenley, he'd have knocked him out. "So you're into baseball?" he asked Walker.

"Yeah. I used to play some ball in college too. Thought about getting back into it, you know, in a men's league, but this place keeps me pretty busy."

"I can imagine." The place was packed, and since it was a Thursday night, Rowan could only imagine what a Friday or Saturday would be like. "Nice place." It wasn't like some of the dives his buddies dragged him to. Walker had to have dumped a lot of money into his place.

"Thanks, man. I like it." He laughed. "I used to blow my whole paycheck in places like this, so I figured I'd try being the guy on the other side for a change, collecting the money instead of handing it over."

"Smart. You mind if I steal your sister away for a few minutes?"

He glanced at Tenley, probably trying to get a read on whether she wanted to go. "No problem. I'll cover for her."

Rowan looked over his shoulder for his brother, who already had a blonde sitting on his lap and a beer in front of him. Not that he was surprised. Reese had a way of getting everything he wanted in record time.

"Thanks." Rowan shook Walker's hand again. Something told him he'd want to make an ally of this man if he wanted to date his gorgeous sister. "Nice meeting you. Anytime you want tickets to a home game, let me know. I'll hook you up."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

Rowan slid a card with his number across the counter. "Call any time."

"Cool, thanks." Walker pocketed the card. "Take your time, Tenley. You haven't had a break since you got here."

She smiled before nodding, and reached for Rowan's hand as she led him outside. "Well played. My brother likes you already."

Mission accomplished. "Where are we going?" he asked, tugging on the small hand tucked firmly in his.

"I don't know about you, but I'm starving. I came straight here after a class, and I didn't have time to eat." She pointed at a diner down the street. "You wanna walk or hitch a ride with me?"

His jaw dropped when she pointed at a Harley. "That is not your ride."

"Uh, yeah, it is."

Imagining her riding that thing was hotter than hell, but Rowan couldn't help fearing for her safety. He'd been riding since he was sixteen, thanks to his old man, but he'd never dated a girl who rode. He didn't know how he felt about it.

"Let's just walk." His Hummer was parked a few spots away, and the idea of getting her alone in a dark, enclosed space appealed to him, but as much as he wanted to kiss her, he wanted to talk to her first, get to know her better, so she wouldn't think he was only after one thing.

"Sure."

"Your brother seems like a nice guy." By comparison, his seemed like a jerk, and he was glad she didn't have to meet Reese yet. Especially since he knew, despite his warnings, Reese would make a play for her.

"He's the best," she said, smiling up at him.

She was wearing four-inch heels and just grazed his nose. Good thing we'll be spending a lot of time horizontal. "You guys are close then?"

"Yeah."

"He your only sibling?"

"Nope. I've got two older brothers and no old man. Believe me, dating wasn't easy when I was a teenager."

"What happened to your father?" They stopped at a red light, waiting to cross the street, and he could see the play of emotions cross her face. Whatever had happened, she clearly still held a grudge against him.

"He bailed on us," she said, shrugging. "Said he wasn't cut out to be a family man. Too bad it took him three kids before he realized that, huh?"

"I'm sorry, Tenley." His mom died of cancer when they were young. He didn't know what they would have done without their dad. He was their rock. "What about your mom?"

She rolled her eyes, a bitter laugh slipping through her lips. "What about her?"

"She still in your life?"

"When it's convenient for her, which is code for when she wants something."

He heard a world of hurt in those few words, and for the first time in a long time, he felt his protective instincts kick in. "That sucks."

"It is what it is. I don't waste time feeling sorry for myself. I've got it better than a lot of people."

He loved her attitude. She wasn't looking to throw herself a pity party even though life had clearly dealt her a few hard blows.

"So how'd you get into kickboxing?" he asked as they crossed the street.

"Walker. He said I couldn't date until I learned to defend myself." She smiled at the memory. "Turned out most boys weren't all that interested in dating a girl who could kick their ass, so I still didn't get many dates. I suspect my brother knew that would happen."

He laughed, thinking he'd gone to some crazy lengths to protect his little sister too. "Well, I doubt you can kick my ass, so how're you gonna scare me away?"

She seemed to consider her options before she said, "The jury's still out on whether I want to scare you away. If I do, trust me, it won't be a problem."

Her warning sounded cryptic, making him wonder what kind of secrets were lurking behind those gorgeous blue eyes.

He opened the door of the diner for her, not at all surprised when the few guys tucked into a corner booth turned her way. Fortunately for them, they noticed Rowan soon after and looked away.

"What'll you have?" she asked, scanning the overhead menu. "They make a great meatball sandwich. They melt this smoked mozzarella on it." She licked her lips. "Mmm, it's making my mouth water just thinking about it."

Watching her lick those plump lips was making his mouth water... and his mind wander. I bet she could do amazing things with that mouth.

When he realized she was waiting for a response, he tore his eyes from her face and glanced at the board. "I'm not all that hungry. I had pizza before we got here."

She laid her hand across his stomach and grinned when she pulled it away. "Just wanted to make sure you weren't getting soft. You've got to be on your game come spring training. There's a lot riding on this season. High expectations for you guys."

He smiled back, appreciating that she felt comfortable enough to tease him. He was so used to women who pretended to be what they thought he wanted in order to impress him, he'd forgotten what it was like to be with a real woman who was comfortable in her own skin and didn't feel the need to sell herself.

"Don't worry, baby. I'm back at it soon. When training starts again, the diet will have to be tight too."

She nodded before gesturing to the board. "You have to eat something, or I'll feel like a pig eating in front of you."

He was glad she wasn't the type to order a salad and call it a meal. She was an active woman with a healthy appetite. He liked that, especially since he ate thousands of calories a day when he was training. "The chicken wrap looks good."

"It is." She walked up to the counter, smiling at the older woman wearing an ugly beige-and-brown uniform. "Long day, Rosa?"

"You know it, girl. Tiffany called in sick again, so I had to do a double."

"I don't know why Donald doesn't just fire her ass."

"Probably 'cause he's--" She glanced at me, blushing. "Never mind."

Something told me old Donald was giving Tiffany preferential treatment for a reason.

"Rosa, this is my friend Rowan."

He didn't know how he felt about Tenley referring to him as her friend. He had no right to expect more since they'd just met, but he definitely didn't intend to get stuck in the dreaded friend zone with this girl.

"Nice to meet you, Rosa," he said, offering her his hand.

"You too." Rosa winked at Tenley. "So what can I get you two tonight?"

"I'm going to have the meatball sandwich, and Rowan will have the chicken wrap."

He wasn't used to women ordering for him, but something told him this girl was used to taking care of herself and everyone else too.

"Anything to drink?" Rosa asked.

"Just a bottled water for me." Tenley looked up at him. "You?"

"Same."

"You got it," Rosa said, ringing up our order.

Tenley reached into the pocket of her jeans and grabbed a few bills before he stilled her hand with his.

"I got this," he said, frowning at her.

He didn't know what kind of guys she'd been out with--ones who'd let her pay for her own food and left her unsatisfied in bed, apparently--but that wasn't happening when she was out with him.

Rowan paid the bill, then slid a ten across the counter to Rosa and stuck another ten in the plastic container for some children's hospital.

Tenley smiled at the gesture. "You do a lot for charity, don't you?"

He attended a lot of events when he felt it would help the cause and volunteered at a children's hospital. He knew how blessed he was to be making a good living doing what he loved, and he never forgot it.

He shrugged before turning toward the front door when a couple of loud guys walked in. "I do what I can."

"Well, well, if it isn't the sexiest little barkeep I know," one of the guys said with a lecherous grin as he stumbled toward Tenley.

Rowan stepped in front of her, putting his hand out to stop the guy from falling into his chest. "Hey, back up, buddy."

Tenley curled her hand around Rowan's bicep. "It's okay, Row. They're regulars."

He didn't care who they were. If they didn't stop looking at her as if they were gauging how long it would take to get her out of her clothes, he was gonna knock them both out.

"Hey," the guy with long hair said, peering around his friend's shoulder. "This your boyfriend, Tenley? He's some big-ass dude."

Tenley chuckled. "No, he's not my boyfriend, Chuck. Just a friend."

There was that word again. Rowan was beginning to hate that goddamn word.

Rosa pointed the two men toward a table. "Sit down before you fall down, boys. I'll be there to take your order in a minute."

The fact that Rosa didn't seem appalled by their inebriated state told Rowan she dealt with a lot of drunks after hours.

"How late is this place open?" he asked Rosa.

"We close at two." Rosa rolled her eyes. "We get the worst of them after midnight."

"You're not here alone, are you?" Rowan asked.

"No, the cook's in the back." She hooked a thumb over her shoulder. "But poor old Barry's not much good. He's got a bum leg and a bad ticker. He really should retire, but he needs the money."

Rowan knew what that was like. His father had been an outboard marine mechanic all of his life and still wouldn't have been able to retire if Rowan hadn't paid off his house and bought him a new car a few years back.

"You ever need backup and you don't want to call the police," he said, passing her one of the non-descript cards he'd given Walker, "you call me." Even if he was out of town, he had a lot of friends he could call to restore order.

She held the card between her fingertips. "What kind of business are you in? Security?"

Tenley laughed. "No, he's a ball player."

"That's where I know you from," buddy with the long hair said, snapping his fingers. "Nixon, right?"

"Right." Rowan rolled his eyes when they started snapping pictures of him with their phones. "Just give me a call when our food's ready, Rosa. We're gonna snag a table."

He grabbed Tenley's hand and led her to the back of the restaurant, then he slid into a booth across from her. "You have to deal with tools like that all the time?" he asked, gesturing to the two men.

"Comes with the territory," she said, sounding too nonchalant for his liking.

He knew she could handle herself, but he didn't want her to let her guard down, especially with guys like that. In his opinion, the ones women underestimated could be the most dangerous.

"Let's talk about something else. Like why you're here," she said.

He appreciated her directness but wasn't quite sure how to respond. Before he could, his phone beeped. Reese. WTF, man? Where r u? Rowan was surprised he'd even noticed he was gone. Took Tenley to get a bite. Be back soon.

"Sorry about that," he said, setting the phone on the table.

"Hook-up later?" she asked, raising an eyebrow as she stole a glance at the phone.

Some dumbass must have burned her bad. "Would I be here with you if I was hookin' up with someone else later?"

"I don't know," she said, folding her arms on the tabletop. "Would you?"

Before he could defend himself, Rosa appeared with a plastic tray containing their food.

"You didn't have to bring it to us," he told her, reaching for it. "I told you I'd come and get it."

Rosa put her hand on Rowan's shoulder, smiling at Rowan. "This one's a keeper, honey. Not like that last loser you were going out with."

Rowan was torn between asking about the last loser and not wanting to think about her with another man. Finally, curiosity got the better of him as he set her plate on the table. "Is that the guy you mentioned on the phone last night?"

"Yup." She unscrewed the top of her water before taking a long pull.

"What happened?" He knew he shouldn't pry, but he needed to know what he was up against. If this guy was going to make it hard for her to trust again, he wanted to know the whole story.

She took the foil off her sandwich before digging in. "Same old, same old. I didn't have enough time to spend with him. He said he was getting lonely--code for horny as hell--so he found someone else. Only he didn't bother breaking up with me first."

"Sorry, baby. That sucks." As his brother's warning rang in Rowan's ears, he watched her closely for any sign that she was still hung up on her ex. He really hated himself for letting Reese mess with his head.

"Whatever," she said, rolling her shoulders. "Not like I was gonna marry the guy or anything."

Having a man cheat on her would have been a serious blow to most women's egos, but Tenley seemed to take it in stride. She was either more resilient than most, or she'd built a wall so strong no one was busting through it.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked after she'd taken a bite of her sandwich. She reached for a paper napkin from the dispenser on the table and wiped her chin. "Do I have sauce on my face or something?"

"No." He shook his head, tearing his attention from her to focus on the food in front of him. "Just trying to figure you out."

She laughed. "Good luck with that."

# Chapter Three

Tenley couldn't believe it was closing time and Rowan was still there. His brother had stumbled out with some hot blonde over an hour ago, but he hung back... watching her. If she wasn't so turned on, she might be creeped out by the attention. But one look at this guy, and she was good to go. And not just because he was some hotshot pitcher and hometown hero. He was just that good-looking.

Of course Tenley had no intention of sleeping with him any time soon, 'cause she knew if she did, she'd never see him again. And she wanted to prolong this, have a little fun with him first.

"Rowan taking you home?" Walker asked, unlocking the cash drawer.

"No, I brought my bike."

He scowled. "It's raining. You're not taking that thing home."

Her brother hated that she rode a Harley, even though he did too. He said he could handle it but she couldn't. Tenley routinely told him where he could shove his opinions about gender roles and equality.

"Watch me."

"Oh yeah?" He crooked a finger at Rowan, smirking when he got up and walked toward the bar.

"I don't give a shit what either one of you say. I'm riding the bike." Normally Tenley would have been apprehensive about riding her baby on slick pavement, but her brother had just convinced her it was worth the risk.

"Would you mind giving my sister a ride home, Rowan?" Walker asked. "I would, but I've got another hour or so of work and she has to teach a class in the morning."

"Sure," he said, pulling his keys out of his pocket. "You ready, Ten?"

"Thanks for the offer," she said, reminding herself it was her brother's fault he'd made it in the first place. "But you don't have to do that. I have my bike here."

Rowan glanced out the front windows, frowning. "Uh, you can't ride your bike in this. I'll take you home."

"I can, and I will," she said, reaching under the counter for her purse and helmet.

Who the hell were these thugs to tell me what I could and couldn't do? I'd do whatever I wanted to, and they'd stand back and keep their mouths shut if they knew what was good for them.

"I got this," Rowan said to Walker when Tenley's brother grabbed her wrist.

"You got this?" she asked, glaring at Rowan. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Rowan sighed heavily while Walker rolled his eyes and walked away. "You can't ride your bike in weather like this, and you know it."

Tenley bit the inside of her cheek before glancing outside. Any other night, she would have agreed with him, but if she backed down now, it would seem as though she was submissive, and she was anything but that. "What do you know about it?"

"I've been riding for years, beautiful." The look he gave her implied he was talking about more than just motorcycles.

The sexy bastard was trying to wear her down, and she was ashamed to admit it was working. "Is that so?" She folded her arms under her breasts. "That makes you an expert?"

He stepped closer, totally invading her personal space, while he backed her against the corner of the bar. "Yeah, I'd say that makes me an expert."

"Why do you care so much what I do?"

He seemed to consider the question for a minute before he said, "No idea."

At least he was being honest. "I really don't mind riding the bike home," she said, thinking it was worth one more shot before she caved.

"Yeah, well, I mind." He grabbed the helmet from her, grinning to melt her resolve.

It was those damn dimples that finally did her in. If not for them, she would have told him where to shove that helmet. "Fine. I guess I can hitch a ride with my roommate in the morning."

"You have a roommate?" he asked, threading his hand through hers as they walked to the door.

It was weird for her to feel safe and protected with a man. Probably because most of the guys she'd dated were only tough when they were packing, but Rowan's hands were strong, skilled, and gentle all at the same time.

"Yeah, we work together at the kickboxing studio."

"Male or female?" he asked, quirking an eyebrow at her before opening the door so she could precede him through it.

"Female. Why?"

"Just curious."

"She works the front desk at the club," she explained. "That's how we met. She was dating my brother Walker for a while, but that didn't work out. I warned her it wouldn't. I love my brother, but he's a real player." She didn't know why she was confiding in him. She only knew that she wanted to get to know him better, which meant letting him get to know her.

He opened the passenger door of his shiny black Hummer and waited until she had her seat belt fastened.

"Your mother raised you right," she said, smiling. "I didn't expect you to be such a gentleman." Something flashed in his eyes, and she immediately wished she could retract those words. "Sorry."

"No worries." He tossed her helmet into the backseat. "My mother didn't really raise me though. My dad did."

"She wasn't a deadbeat like my old man, was she?" His jaw tightened, and she realized she'd put her foot in her mouth again. Suddenly her size six shoe felt like a ten.

"No, she died."

"I'm sorry, Rowan." She touched his cheek, savoring the feel of his stubble against her palm. "I didn't mean--"

He leaned in and grabbed the back of her head while sweeping his tongue inside her mouth. He didn't hesitate or ask permission. He just saw what he wanted and went for it.

Definitely my kind of man.

Tenley wrapped her free arm around his neck, pulling him closer as she moaned into his mouth. Damn. If one kiss got her this hot, she'd been relying on her plastic partner for too long.

"Damn, girl," he said, resting his forehead against hers while they both caught their breath. "One more kiss like that, and I'll have to take you back to my place instead."

She wouldn't object either, which was exactly why she should hold out. She wasn't looking for a relationship, but she wanted a little more than a pump-and-dump with this guy.

She patted his muscular chest, smiling. "Let's save that for another night. Assuming there will be another night?"

"You better believe there will be, baby. You and me, we're just getting started."

***

After another scorching kiss and promise to call, Rowan left Tenley wanting more, which she was sure had been his intent. She wasn't the type of girl to sit by the phone, wondering whether a guy would call, but she had turned the ringer up on her cell before she left the apartment. Just in case.

"I still can't believe you met Rowan Nixon," Stacey screeched as she slammed on the brakes to avoid running a red light.

That was the reason Tenley hated driving with her roommate. She got too easily distracted.

"Is he as hot in person as he is on TV?"

"Hotter."

When they met, Stacey was looking for a BFF and Tenley was looking for a roommate. They'd agreed to share an apartment as long as Stacey didn't expect Tenley to share her feelings and shit. She wasn't into that. She suspected it was because she'd grown up with two brothers who told her to suck it up every time she cried.

"You gonna do him?" she asked, glancing Tenley's way.

"I don't know," she said, reaching into her bag for one of the bottled waters she'd stashed there that morning. "Maybe. We'll see how it goes."

For all Tenley knew, he could have moved on already. Maybe he'd been expecting her to invite him up last night, and when she didn't, he'd decided to write her off. She told herself she didn't care. But she did care. More than she wanted to.

"Does he know you're working for your brother again tonight?" Stacey asked, pulling into the parking lot of their workplace. "Maybe he'll stop by and bring some of his friends."

Tenley wasn't the only one who liked athletes. Stacey did too, but she wasn't as careful about guarding her heart as Tenley was. Every time she banged one, Stacey was convinced he was the one and ended up crying in her Corn Flakes at breakfast, making both of them wish she'd learn her goddamn lesson already.

"He didn't ask what I was doing tonight, and I didn't tell him."

Stacey was prone to over-sharing, thinking that because a guy wanted to get in her panties, he also wanted to know every move she made. Tenley kept telling her that if she held back a little more, they might stick around longer. At least that had been her experience.

"Why not?" Stacey asked, trying twice to back the car into a spot before she gave up and pulled in. "Don't you want to see him again?"

"Sure, but if I don't, it won't be the end of the world." She got a little knot in her stomach when she thought about never seeing Rowan again, which was crazy since she didn't break down over guys. Not anymore.

"Liar," Stacey said, getting out of the car.

Tenley's cell phone rang, prompting Stacey to duck her head back in to sneak a peek at the screen before she answered it.

"Oh, it's him. I wanna hear!"

"You're gonna be late," Tenley said, glancing at the time. Since she didn't have a class for thirty minutes, she could afford to kill some time.

After a bit of grumbling, Stacey stomped off, leaving her to answer Rowan's call in peace.

"Hey," she said, waving to a couple of guys crossing the parking lot, headed for the studio.

"Morning, sexy. Just wanted to make sure you didn't need a lift to work."

Damn, that was sweet. She didn't want him to be sweet. She wanted him to be an ass so she wouldn't like him so much. "No, thanks, I hitched a ride with Stacey. Sitting here in the parking lot, in fact, getting ready to go in."

"Busy day?"

"I've got a few classes. How about you?"

"I'm just taking it easy. I still work out, but the hard-core training won't start for a bit." After a brief pause, he asked, "So, uh, what have you got goin' on tonight?"

"Working for Walker."

"I figured as much." He sounded disappointed. "You work for him every weekend?"

"Yup, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights." If she wanted to hook up with anyone, which she hadn't lately, it had to be Sunday through Wednesday night.

"You mind if I stop by with a few buddies?"

I wouldn't mind seeing that sweet ass of yours again. "Suit yourself."

"What time do you start?" he asked.

"Nine."

"You need a ride home from work? Maybe we could grab a bite before you have to head in tonight?"

She wanted to see him again, but she didn't know if she should. She usually preferred late-night hook-ups, not real dates. Too many of those could start to feel like a relationship. "Uh..."

"What's wrong? You don't wanna see me again?"

If she blew him off now, she'd never see him again. Rowan wasn't the kind of man who had to beg a woman for anything. "I do."

"Then what's the problem?"

She could tell he was pissed she wasn't jumping at the chance to spend more time with him. Probably because he usually had girls lining up for a chance to sleep with him. That was one line she didn't intend to join.

"I meant what I said, Rowan. I don't do relationships."

He chuckled. "Is that what you think I want?"

"So you just want sex?" Normally she'd be okay with that. But this time, for reasons she didn't want to dissect, it made her feel kind of dirty.

"I didn't say that."

"Then what the hell do you want?" He was confusing her, and she didn't like it. She preferred to lay her cards on the table and liked men who weren't afraid to do the same.

"I don't know. I'm still figuring that out."

"Well, until you do figure it out, maybe we just should keep our distance." She waited for a response, but when none came, she slid her finger across the screen, disconnecting the call.

Well, that's the end of that. So why didn't she feel relieved?

# Chapter Four

I shouldn't even be here. That was what Rowan kept telling himself after Tenley's stance on the phone that morning. Yet there he sat, with four of his buddies--two of them already hammered and the others well on their way--while stealing a glance at her every chance he got.

He hadn't told them why they were there, only that he'd found a new bar worth checking out, so when his buddy Ace said, "I gotta tap that," in reference to Tenley, Rowan nearly lunged across the table.

"Shut the hell up, dumbass."

Ace looked shocked. "What's your problem, man? You got a thing goin' with that hot little bartender? All you had to do was say so. But since when do you mind sharing?"

Ace was right. Rowan rarely cared whether the girl he was with was dating other guys, but Tenley was different. The way he felt about her was different. He couldn't stop thinking about her, which was seriously messed up and way out of character for him.

"Since now."

The waitress returned to refill their drinks, saving Rowan from having to answer any more stupid questions.

"Do me a favor?" Rowan asked the waitress.

She smiled, resting her hand on his shoulder. "All you have to do is ask, handsome."

"Ask Tenley to come over here when she gets a break?"

She pouted. "What do you want with her when you can have me? I'm a sure thing. Tenley's far from it."

Which meant Tenley wasn't promiscuous. He liked that. He knew it was a double standard, but he couldn't help the way he felt. Knowing she was selective about the men she slept with only made him want her more.

"No offense, but she kind of ruined me for all other women," he said, low enough so only she could hear him. He meant it as a joke to soften the sting of rejection, but it felt too true for him to be able to laugh it off.

She fanned her face, grinning. "I'll never understand you guys. You chase that girl around like her honey pot's sweeter than all the rest. Don't get me wrong, I know she's hot. I'd do her if she was into girls, but if you get her for even one night, you're one damn lucky man."

That just reinforced what Tenley had told him. One night, maybe two, and she'd have had her fill of him. The odds weren't in his favor, but that didn't stop him from wanting to take his chances.

Rowan stood, stepped away from the table, and inclined his head so she would do the same. "You said lots of guys are after her?"

She rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't believe some of the shit they pull to try to get her attention. Buy her drinks, leave their numbers with the waitresses, some even wait for her in the parking lot."

Rowan didn't like the sound of that. "She ever bite?"

"She seems pretty stand-offish with most of them. But she did go out with some car salesman after she broke up with her last boyfriend."

He stole a glance at Tenley, who was shooting daggers at him. She probably thought he was hitting on the waitress just to piss her off. He was willing to do just about anything, but he wasn't sure if flirting with another girl was on the list yet.

"So what do you think it would take to get her attention?"

"She seems to like guys who don't come on too strong. She's pretty skittish, from what I can tell."

"Yeah, I got the same impression." Normally taking a step back wouldn't be a problem for Rowan, but somehow, with her, it was. "Well, thanks for the advice...?"

"Maura."

He was pretty sure she'd told them her name when she announced she'd be their server for the night, but he'd been too distracted watching Tenley to notice anyone or anything else. "Thanks, Maura."

"No problem." She patted his chest. "I'll send her your way when she gets a minute."

"Thanks." He didn't even know if Tenley would want to talk to him after that phone conversation, but he wasn't walking out of there until he at least tried.

"Hey," Walker said, coming up behind him. He shook Rowan's hand before nodding at their table. "Nice of you to come back with the boys."

"I didn't think I should just sit here by myself like a loser all night and leer at your sister," he joked. "That might be weird."

Walker laughed, shaking his head. "You sure you wanna waste your time with my sister, Rowan?"

"Why not your sister?" If anyone could convince Rowan this was a bad idea, Walker could. And maybe that was what he wanted--someone to give me a reason to walk away and pretend he'd never met her.

"She's a real ballbreaker."

Rowan smirked. He'd guessed that within the first five minutes of talking to her. Yet he'd still showed up to meet her. "What else?"

"Sometimes I think she hates men." Walker chuckled. "Not that she doesn't have reason. First our old man, then her ex--" His face turned a ruddy shade under his tan. "Uh, I should get back to work. We're slammed tonight."

"Wait," Rowan said, grabbing his arm. "She say anything to you about me?" Jesus, now he felt as though he was back in middle school, trying to get the attention of the girl he'd been crushing on but was afraid to talk to. He was turning into a lame-ass pussy over this woman.

"Not really, but she came into work in a foul mood. You two get into it?"

"Yeah, something like that."

Before Rowan could explain, he saw Tenley heading toward them, looking fit to kill in a pair of tight black jeans, black high-heels, and a skimpy red top that showed off her Cs and cut abs to perfection. Man, he was getting turned on from just looking at her, and judging by the way heads were turning, he wasn't the only one.

"You wanted to see me?" she asked Rowan, planting her hands on her hips. "I don't have a lot of time." She gestured to the crowd of people around them. "As you can see, we're pretty busy tonight."

His friends were checking her out, tipping their chairs back, licking their lips, and looking her up and down, lingering a little too long. He'd deal with them later. Right now, he had bigger problems, like figuring out how he was going to wipe that scowl off her beautiful face.

"I'll leave you two alone," Walker said. "I got you covered, sis. Take a few."

She glared at his back as he walked away, obviously displeased to be given an out when she hadn't asked for and didn't want one.

Glancing over her shoulder when one of Rowan's so-called friends made a grab for her, she said, "Do that again, and I'll bash your skull in with that beer bottle."

Rowan grabbed her hands and pulled her forward so that she collided with his chest, out of their reach. "You really done with me?"

Her breath hitched as her eyes searched his. "I don't know. You done with me?"

"Hell no. Not even close."

He lowered his head, craving another taste of those sweet lips. They were covered in some cherry gloss, which he would probably be wearing when he pulled away. But he didn't care. Thrusting his hands into her hair, he delved deep, sweeping his tongue over her lips before she finally opened, granting him unlimited access.

Her hands snaked up his back before one found its way into his hair. Her tight little body was pressed firmly against his, generating an unmistakable reaction from him. But she didn't seem to mind as her tongue warred with his, giving as good as she got.

"Come on, Row. You're gettin' me goin' here," Ace grumbled, making the other guys laugh.

They finally broke apart, and Rowan nipped her puffy lower lip one more time, unable to tear himself away. He should apologize for losing it like that in her workplace, but he couldn't pretend he didn't like the idea of all the other guys who'd been hitting on her realizing she'd made her choice.

"Let me drive you home again?"

She smiled before touching her swollen lips with her fingertips. "I have my bike. And it's not raining tonight."

"Don't you have a car?"

"Nope. Don't need one." She hooked her thumbs in the belt loops of his faded jeans, drawing him against her body as his arms encircled her waist. "Don't tell me you're going to give me grief about Pearl too?"

"Pearl?" he asked, barely suppressing his amusement. "You named a badass Harley like that Pearl?"

"Shut up," she warned, planting her foot between his legs to let him know that one knee lift was all it would take for her to lay him out. "I happen to like that name. For my high school graduation my brothers gave me pearl earrings. It was the first really nice gift anyone ever gave me. Why? You got a problem with the name?"

"No, but I do have a problem with the thought of you ridin' that thing in all kinds of crazy weather. You have to promise me if it's raining, you'll call me to pick you up." Not that he wouldn't already be parked out front at quitting time to make sure she didn't plan to do anything reckless. "Say it." He tugged on her chin to encourage her to form the words. "Say 'I promise, Rowan.'"

She tried to hide her smile by pulling her full lips into a straight line, but he knew she was amused. "What are we doing here?"

"Breaking all our rules, apparently. You don't do relationships. I don't get protective about a woman I just met. Yet here we are on the verge of... something." He knew if he tried to nail her down or define it, she'd run as far and as fast as she could.

"You do make me want to break the rules," she whispered, brushing her lips across his. "And that's bad, very bad."

Felt pretty damn good from his perspective. "If you won't let me drive you home, will you call me when you get home, just to let me know you're all tucked into bed, safe and sound?"

"Did I say I was going home?" she asked, frowning. "I don't think I did."

He was tucking her hair behind her ear when she said it, making him reflexively tug on the silky strands instead. "Where the hell are you going at two in the morning?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" She grinned. "Gotta get back to work, Row. I'll see ya later. Maybe."

He grabbed her wrist before she could get away. "Tell me where you're going or I swear to God I'll close this place down waiting for you." He hated the things he was saying, the way he was feeling, but he couldn't let her walk out of this place tonight and into some other dude's arms. It just wasn't gonna happen.

She stroked his face, smiling. "Just got a call from my roomie. Apparently, there was a gas leak in our building, so we can't go back until tomorrow at the earliest."

At least she had a legitimate reason for not going home tonight. That made him feel marginally better. "So stay with me tonight."

"Yeah right."

"I'm serious." Rowan thought of his brother sleeping in his guest room. He'd like nothing more than to wake up to the sight of Tenley wearing a T-shirt and nothing else. The bastard.

"Thanks for the offer, but I already told Walker I'd crash at his place tonight. He knows we just met, and he wouldn't be too happy if I told him I was going home with you."

Rowan got that. He was an overprotective big brother too. "Fine, but you can still call me when you get to his place, can't you?"

She glanced back at the table where his rowdy friends were downing another round of shots. "Don't you have to drive those guys home?"

"I can shove them in a cab." Which had been his intent if Tenley agreed to let him drive her home. "They won't know the difference in an hour anyhow."

She grinned. "I can't believe I threatened to smash a beer bottle over Ace Phillips' head. What the hell was I thinking?"

His friend may be a Golden Glover, but he could still be an ass sometimes. "You were thinking you don't like some drunk guy grabbing you. If you hadn't put him in his place, trust me, I would have."

She tipped her head to the side. "You're the jealous type, aren't you?"

"Usually? No. With you? It seems all bets are off."

Rowan hoped she would appreciate his honesty, especially since he didn't see any reason to lie about something that was painfully obvious. He was jealous when he saw other guys checking her out. He needed to protect her, to know she was safe. If she thought that made him the wrong man for her, he'd just have to figure out a way to convince her otherwise.

"You're crazy. You do know that, don't you?"

"Crazy about you, baby." He stole one more kiss before she managed to wiggle out of his grasp. "We're gonna head out soon. Make sure you call me when you get in."

She clicked the heels of her shoes together while saluting him with a sassy smile. "Yes, sir."

Smartass woman, he thought, watching her walk away. I'm in all kinds of trouble with this one.

***

Rowan was lying in bed, on the verge of falling asleep, when she finally called. He answered on the second ring. "Hey, babe. Why're you getting in so late?"

She sighed. "You have the sexiest voice I have ever heard."

He sat up straighter when he realized her words were slurred. "You've been drinking?"

"We did some shots after we closed up." She giggled. "I don't usually partake since I have to take Pearl home, but since Walker offered to drive, I thought what the hell, right?"

"Hmm." At least she was with her brother. That made him feel better.

"What's wrong? You don't approve?"

He wasn't a big drinker, usually because he was either playing or in training. But he'd spent too many years seeing his buddies make asses of themselves because of the bottle... or blow promising careers because they got in too deep and couldn't get out.

"It's your call, Ten. I can't tell you what to do. Just be careful. I've seen the way some of your so-called customers look at you, like they're just waiting for you to let your guard down."

The thought of someone slipping something in her drink or waiting for her outside of work after she'd had a few too many, made Rowan want to make good on his threat to wait outside so he could make sure she got home safely. If anything happened to her, he'd have to kill somebody.

"You're sweet to worry about me." She sighed. "Have I told you how sweet you are?" Air seeped through her lips before she giggled. "I probably shouldn't say that to a big, tough guy like you, should I? You don't wanna be sweet, right? You wanna be badassssss."

She was cute when she was drunk. And since she was safe and sound at her brother's place, he could laugh at her antics.

"You are a badass." Apparently, she was content to ramble until she fell asleep, which was fine by him. He could listen to that sexy, raspy voice all night. "But you're also sexy and sweet and smart and..." She sighed. "Just everything. You're everything I ever wanted, Row."

He smiled, knowing she wouldn't remember a word of this in the morning. Still, it was nice to hear.

"I want you, you know," she said. "I want to be in your bed when you--"

"Don't say that." He was thirty seconds away from jumping in his truck and tracking her down. While he'd never take advantage of her in her current state, it would be nice to hear her whisper those things while she was straddling him. Fully clothed, of course.

"Why not? It's true. Tell me you want me too."

"You have no idea." But for the first time in a long time, he wanted more than a physical relationship. Too bad he'd picked the wrong girl for that.

"I bet you're good in bed." She sighed. "You are, aren't you? You always make sure your lover is satisfied first?"

He'd assumed that was a given until he heard some of his buddies talk about hooking up with random women and how they didn't care if it was good for her, unless they planned to see her again. He really needed to find new friends.

"I try." With her, it wouldn't require much effort. Just kissing her gave him some idea how responsive she was.

"I don't usually have a hard time resisting men, but I can tell you're gonna be trouble."

"Why would you have to resist?"

He knew there was a lot about Tenley he didn't know yet, and his instincts told him there was a lot she wouldn't want him to know. She was cautious about how much she shared, and a woman didn't get that way by accident. She'd been burned.

"It's complicated."

"I've got nowhere to be." It wasn't fair to ask her to share when she was under the influence, but since she wasn't likely to tell him her life story while she was sober, he had to take advantage of the opportunity.

Her voice was small, almost timid when she said, "I watched men wander in and out of my mother's life."

"That must have sucked."

"I hated it. I hated her for putting us through that."

"That's understandable."

He knew if they were face to face, she probably wouldn't have been able to open up to him, so for the first time, he was grateful he couldn't touch her. As much as he'd love to hold her, he sensed Maura was right--Tenley spooked easily.

"Her boyfriends were pigs, always leering at me, especially when I turned thirteen and started developing." She sounded more clear-headed now, as though thoughts of her childhood were enough to sober her up.

"Did they ever try anything?" He knew she had two older brothers to protect her, but they were presumably teens at the time. No match for full-grown men with wandering hands.

"No, but they said things they shouldn't have, which made me feel dirty. I got my brother to install an extra lock on my bedroom door so whenever I was home alone with my mom and one of her men, I locked myself in my room and didn't come out. Not even to eat. I always said I had homework. I think they were happier to have the place to themselves anyhow."

"At least you were safe," he muttered, thinking it must have been brutal to grow up that way.

"We lived in a trailer. Did I tell you that?" She laughed uncontrollably, though he couldn't see the humor in her story. "I know what you're thinking--trailer park trash, right?"

"No, I wasn't thinking that." There was nothing trashy about this woman. She was strong, resilient, and incredibly brave as far as he was concerned. "Where you live doesn't define who you are." He'd lived in tiny apartments and run-down houses growing up. Now he lived in a big-ass house surrounded by acres of land. He was still the same person, just with a different address.

"Really? Where do you live?"

He'd always been proud of his house, since it was a result of his hard work and determination to succeed, but hearing Tenley's story just reminded him of the disparity in the world. He didn't feel so good about his life of excess anymore. The big house and toys were great, but they weren't the most important thing. Having someone to share it with, maybe someone like Tenley, was the ultimate goal.

"Before you ask me where I live now, you should ask me where I lived growing up. We're not that different. Our lives aren't that far apart, you know." He wanted her to know that she could tell him anything, that he would never judge her, no matter how harshly she judged herself.

"Really?"

"Really. I had a younger brother and sister. Like I said, my mom died when I was young, and the old man was blue collar, through and through. He did the best he could to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table, but we had to grow up when our mama died. We were pretty much on our own after that. It wasn't his fault. He had to work to support us."

Rowan rarely opened up about his childhood, mainly because he knew a lot of people had it worse than he did. Sure, his mother had died when they were young and that sucked, but they still had their dad and each other. They didn't end up in the system or homeless, like a lot of kids who lost a parent.

"I really like you," she whispered. "Talking to you makes me feel good."

"I feel the same way, baby." The more he learned about Tenley, the more he wanted to know about her. She yawned, making him smile. "You should get some sleep. You have to work in the morning, right?"

"Ugh. Yeah, I do."

"Take a couple of aspirin and drink a couple of glasses of water before you go to bed. It'll help." When she promised she would, he asked, "You think you can get away for lunch tomorrow?"

"Um, I should be able to. I have classes at nine, eleven, and three. So maybe around twelve thirty?"

"Perfect." He would have rearranged his schedule if he had to, just to see her. "Text me the address, and I'll pick you up."

"Rowan?"

"Yeah, baby?"

"I'm glad you stopped by tonight."

"Me too." I smiled. "Sweet dreams, beautiful. I'll see you tomorrow."

# Chapter Five

Tenley was questioning whether she should call Rowan and cancel their lunch date when Stacey approached the front desk. She bumped hips with Tenley, grinning.

"Where'd you crash last night, girl? Please tell me it was with Rowan." She rounded the desk and took up her post in the high swivel chair. "And if it was, I want every single detail. Don't even think about leaving anything out."

"I stayed with Walker," Tenley said, tucking her phone into the pocket of her hoodie.

"Huh." Stacey tried to appear unaffected as she asked, "How is your brother?"

Tenley hated that her roommate was another one of Walker's casualties. She was a good girl who gave her heart too freely. She'd tried to warn Stacey about her big brother, but she was convinced she'd be the one to change him. Ha! Tenley didn't think a woman alive could convince her brother monogamy was the way to go.

"He's okay," she said, retying her ponytail. "Busy with work, as usual."

"Yeah, I haven't seen him in here lately."

Which told Tenley she'd been looking for him. She didn't like to get all up in her friend's business because that would make hers fair game, but she couldn't let her waste any more time expecting Walker to come around. Sometimes Stacey had to be reminded she wasn't put on this earth to be some man's doormat. Even if said man was Tenley's brother.

"Girl, you need to forget about my brother. I love him and all, but trust me when I tell you he's not worth your time."

"It's just been hard to get him out of my head." She sighed. "I didn't think it would be. I mean, I knew going in that he didn't want a relationship and it was fun while it lasted, but--"

"You thought he'd change his mind and decide he wanted more?" She'd heard that same story too many times. Both of her brothers were players, and the women they dated thought befriending Tenley would help their cause. They soon found out she couldn't care less.

"Something like that. I know it's dumb. How many times did you warn me, right?"

"You're a beautiful girl. Guys ask you out all the time. You need to go out with one of them and forget about Walker."

"Maybe I should go out with your other brother," she teased. "That might get Walker's attention."

"I don't think so." Tenley honestly didn't think Walker would care, but her brothers subscribed to the "bro code." If one of them hooked up with a female, she was off-limits to the other.

"Look who just walked in," Stacey said, sounding a little breathless.

Judging by her reaction, Tenley thought it might have been one of her brothers until she turned to see Rowan walking toward them. He looked badass in faded jeans, motorcycle boots, a tight black T, and colorful ink snaking up his powerful arms.

"Hey, gorgeous," he said, bending to kiss Tenley's cheek. "How're you feeling today?"

She knew he was referring to her hangover, which the aspirin and water hadn't prevented. "I've been better. In fact, I was going to call you about lunch. Maybe we should make it another time? I'd be lousy company today."

Stacey cleared her throat, reminding them she was there. Tenley watched Rowan's eyes travel to her, and she waited for the usual reaction. She was a petite blonde with baby blues and natural Cs. Most guys got one look at her and forgot about every other woman in the room. Apparently, Rowan wasn't like most guys though. His eyes didn't linger on Stacey for more than a few seconds before he returned his attention to Tenley.

Huh. Score one for him.

"Rowan, this is my roommate, Stacey."

He smiled, accepting her outstretched hand when she stood. "It's nice to meet you, Stacey."

"You too." She bit her lip, winking at Tenley. "I've heard a lot of good things about you."

Tenley scowled at her, not wanting Rowan to know they'd been talking about him. She wanted to play it cool, to let him believe that he was an afterthought to her, though the airplay he'd been getting in her head was a little disturbing.

"Good to know," he said, smirking with a sidelong glance in Tenley's direction.

"Are you still working out?" Stacey asked, waving at a regular who asked her out every other month. "If so, you're welcome to join us."

"I'll be back at it hard core next week, getting ready for spring training," he said, ignoring his cell phone when it buzzed. "But I prefer to work out at home when I can. Thanks for the offer though."

Stacey gave her roommate an approving look. She knew how much Tenley liked when a man didn't treat his phone as his most important appendage. "Any chance you'd cop us a couple of tickets to your home opener?"

"You're a baseball fan too?" Rowan asked.

"Definitely."

"You got a boyfriend?"

Tenley didn't know where the hell he was going with this, but if he was smart, he'd think twice before hitting on her roommate right in front of her. It's not like she owned the guy. But her roommate? Come on, that had d-bag written all over it.

"Uh no," Stacey said, sounding hesitant as she stole a glance at her friend. "Why?"

He chuckled, obviously sensing the reason for her hesitation. "I thought you might like to meet a friend of mine. Ace just broke up with his girlfriend, and he's been moping around--"

"Ace Phillips?" Stacey asked, unable to hide her excitement. "Your second baseman? You really think he'd like me?"

Tenley nearly groaned, wanting to bang her heavy head on the counter. Why couldn't Stacey learn that the only way to keep them coming back for more was to play it cool and act as if you didn't care?

"Why wouldn't he like you?" Rowan asked, looking amused. "You're a beautiful girl. And if you're a friend of Tenley's, I know you wouldn't go all fan-girl and start stalking him."

"Do women really do that?" Tenley asked, ashamed on behalf of her gender. "Stalk you guys?"

"You'd be surprised," Rowan said, laughing. "I had to have gates and a security system installed at my house. And I've had my unpublished number changed three times in the last year and a half."

"Bitches be crazy," Stacey said, making us both laugh.

"So is it okay if I give my buddy your number?" Rowan asked Stacey. "If you guys hit it off, maybe the four of us can go out for dinner?"

"I'd love that." Stacey groaned when the phone rang, cutting her off. "Sorry, guys, duty calls. It was nice meeting you, Rowan."

***

Since Tenley didn't want to be cooped up in a restaurant and wasn't very hungry, they'd grabbed some sandwiches at the deli and headed to the park for lunch.

"Your roommate seems nice," Rowan said when they were sitting on a bench, watching a young mother push her twins on the swings.

"She is," Tenley agreed, unwrapping the cream-cheese-and-lox bagel she'd ordered. After taking a bite, she set it back in its wrapper. Since she burned so many calories every day, she could get away with eating more than most men, which was why Stacey made her pay for two-thirds of their grocery bill. "But she gets in over her head with guys sometimes."

"How?" Rowan took a huge bite out of his sandwich--rye bread topped with a chicken breast and veggies.

"She was dating my brother not long ago and--"

"Walker?"

"Yeah."

"Shit. He won't be pissed that I'm trying to set her up with my buddy, will he? I don't want any trouble with your brother."

"Trust me, he'll probably thank you. He thinks Stacey's a sweetheart, but she got way too serious for him. She started getting territorial, wanting to know where he was going, who he was with, why he didn't call..." She shrugged. "I told her that would never work with him, but she didn't want to listen."

"So he cut her loose?" Rowan polished off the first half of his sandwich even before she'd taken a second bite of hers.

"Yeah. I've warned her against coming on too strong, especially with guys like my brother. In my experience, the best way to play it is to come off like you don't care."

"Is that your strategy?"

She realized she'd said too much when he stopped eating to stare at her, waiting for her answer. To buy herself some time, she took another bite of her sandwich and took an inordinate amount of time to chew and swallow. "What makes you think I have a strategy?"

"It's pretty obvious you try to keep guys at arm's length. Is it because you don't want to get too close, you're afraid of getting hurt, or just because you want them to think you don't care?"

"I don't play games," she said emphatically, more than a little offended he would think she was anything other than a straight-shooter. "You'll know exactly what's on my mind, whether you like it or not."

"Good to know." They ate in silence for a few minutes before he asked, "Ever been in a serious relationship?"

Tenley knew this question would come eventually. It always did. But she was never prepared to answer it. She hated lying, especially to Rowan, but the truth was too risky. "We've all had our hearts broken, haven't we? I'm no exception."

"In other words, you don't want to talk about it?"

Smart man. "Something like that."

"Will you tell me someday?"

"Maybe." Never.

"You ever think about what it would be like to have that life?" he asked, his eyes drifting back to the young mother who was now standing over her toddlers as they played in the sandbox.

"Kids?" Her eyes drifted to the flash of gold on the other woman's finger. "A husband?"

"Yeah." His blue eyes were bright with curiosity as his gaze lingered on Tenley's face. "Ever thought about it?"

Once. "Not really. I don't think I'm cut out for that life." In fact, I know I'm not. "How about you?"

"No, I'm not looking for a husband either." Rowan grinned when she elbowed him in the ribs. "Kids might be nice though."

"You're not going to tell me you're one of those big, tough guys who turns to mush when you see a baby, are you?" And why did she find that prospect sexy as hell?

"Guilty as charged," he said, raising his hand. "My little sister has a two-year-old, and I'm like putty in her pretty little hands. Anything she wants, she gets."

She leaned her shoulder into his. "Aww, isn't that sweet?"

"Don't tell anyone," he teased. "I--"

"Tenley? Is that you?"

She turned to see a customer she'd hooked up with a couple of times approaching, wearing a sharp suit and shades. She'd always thought he was sexy in a button-up, conservative way, but compared to Rowan, he just looked... vanilla. While Rowan was double chocolate fudge with sprinkles.

"It's great to see you," Andrew said, leaning in to kiss Tenley's cheek when she stood to greet him. "It's been a while." He glanced at Rowan, who'd stood as well. "Hi."

"Hey," Rowan said, giving him a quick once-over.

"Rowan, this is my friend Andrew. He's a regular at Walker's place."

Regular might have been a bit of a stretch. He'd come in once a week since they met two months ago. That was one month after Matt the asshat cheated on her, and she had been looking for someone to soothe her bruised ego. Andrew was the perfect man for the job. They had a good time together, in and out of bed, and neither one of them had had any expectations.

"Nice to meet you," Andrew said, shaking Rowan's hand as he narrowed his eyes. "You look familiar. Have I seen you at the bar?"

He's clearly not a sports fan, Tenley thought.

"I doubt it," Rowan said, slipping his arm around Tenley's waist. "I just started going there recently. Though I do intend to spend a lot more time there now."

His meaning was clear--he wanted to keep an eye on her. She resented that he thought he had the right to "stake his claim" as if she were his for the taking.

Taking a subtle step away from him, she cleared her throat and smiled at Andrew, who looked confused by the interaction. "You haven't been in lately. Been busy with work?"

Andrew and his sister each managed one of their father's luxury car dealerships, which he claimed was more fun than other work since exotic cars were his passion.

"Yeah, I've tried calling you though." His gaze drifted to Rowan. "I guess I don't have to ask why you didn't call me back."

She didn't want Rowan to get the impression their arrangement, whatever it was, was already exclusive, so she touched Andrew's arm. "Sorry, I've been swamped too. Why don't I give you a call in a day or two? Maybe we can grab some dinner?"

"I'd like that." He grinned before leaning in to kiss her again. "I'll talk to you soon. Nice to meet you," he muttered to Rowan before walking away.

"What the hell was that?" Rowan demanded, planting his hands on his hips before turning to face Tenley. "You make a date with another guy while you're out with me?"

His voice carried, and he'd already attracted the attention of a few kids playing with their parents and an elderly couple walking a small dog on the path, though he seemed oblivious.

"Would you please keep your voice down?" She was used to dealing with aggressive men, which meant she didn't back down. Ever.

"Why would you want to go out with that loser?"

"You don't know anything about him."

Tenley knew it was his stupid male pride talking, but she hated people who made snap judgments. She'd had people looking down on her all her life. First because she was "trailer park trash," and later because she struggled in school and fell in with the wrong crowd. She'd developed a thick skin and rarely cared anymore if people stared at her ink or trash-talked behind her back, but once in a while, someone said or did something to set her off in defense of a friend. Like now.

"Fine. You tell me what's so great about him. Did he give you a few mind-blowing orgasms and--"

"I'm done," she said before storming off. Not only was he making a scene, but he was making her feel as though she owed him an explanation. It took her back to another man and another time she'd rather forget...

"Tenley, wait," he said, jogging to catch up with her.

Thankfully she was wearing running shoes and the studio was only a couple of miles away, so she kept walking. She didn't need him to give her a ride. She didn't need anything from him.

"I'm sorry, okay? I shouldn't have said that."

Her pace slowed, but she didn't stop. She heard his footsteps cease. He was clearly waiting for her to give in, but she turned to face him, walking backward instead. "No man is ever going to disrespect me again, Rowan."

# Chapter Six

Rowan was taking his frustrations out on the heavy bag when his brother walked into his home gym, eating an apple.

"Hey," he said, straddling the weight bench. "What's up?"

"What does it look like?" Rowan said, pummeling the bag.

"Looks to me like you need to get laid."

He glared at him. "When are the painters gonna be done at your place?" He braced his hand on the bag as he caught his breath. "I'm getting sick of looking at you."

"I thought you were going out for lunch with that hot little bartender," he said, tossing the apple core into the wastebasket in the corner.

"I did." Reaching for the water bottle he'd tossed aside, Rowan said, "But we kind of got into it."

Reese chuckled, lying back and eyeing the weight on the bar before hoisting it over his head. "Why am I not surprised?"

Rowan watched him do ten reps, wondering if his brother was right. Maybe he should stick to one-night stands. "She made a date with some dude right in front of me." He knew he wasn't wrong to be pissed about that, but he should have been mature enough to take it up with her when they were alone and he'd calmed down.

"Seriously?" Reese asked before doing another set. "Guess she was trying to send you a message, huh?"

Rowan would have agreed, but he knew how to read women. Tenley was definitely into him. "Anyone else and I would have said she was doing it to make me jealous. But Tenley isn't into games. She's a straight-shooter." And he loved that about her.

"So why do you think she did it?" Reese struggled with his last rep, so Rowan moved closer to spot him.

"I don't know." He thought about what had led up to it. He'd slipped his arm around her waist, trying to send a message to her friend that they were together. Maybe that had set her off. "We were getting along great. Then some jerkoff shows up and she turns on me."

"You didn't go all bat-shit crazy on her, did you?"

His brother knew him better than anyone. Reese knew Rowan got jealous when he was really into a woman. Which wasn't often.

"What would you have done?" Rowan asked, reaching for a towel to wipe the sweat off his forehead. "Kept your mouth shut and let her--"

"I wouldn't have acted like I owned her, and I'm assuming that's what you did." Reese sat up, rolling his eyes when his brother didn't respond. "Of course that's what you did. Isn't that what you always do? You're such a dumbass."

He'd fought with his last girlfriend plenty because they were both jealous hotheads and didn't trust each other. Turned out he'd been right not to trust Elle since she cheated on him.

"This girl's different," Rowan said, sinking onto the leg press machine. "She's not like Elle."

"But you treated her like she was."

"Yeah." Rowan barely knew Tenley. They'd only been out a couple of times, shared a few kisses. He sure as hell didn't have the right to assume he was the only guy she was seeing. He knew that, but when he thought about her with someone else, it made him crazy. "So what do you think I should do now?"

"Is she working tonight?"

"No."

"Perfect. Go to the bar and talk to her brother. You said he seems like a pretty cool guy."

"He is, but how is Walker going to help me--?"

"Who knows her better than he does, right?"

"I guess." Rowan considered his kid brother's advice, wondering if it would make her even more upset if he talked to Walker behind her back. She hadn't been very forthcoming about her past, but after a couple of pseudo-dates, he didn't think he had the right to expect to know her secrets. "You think she's hiding something from me?"

"I think you're paranoid because of what happened with Elle," Reese said, moving on to the universal gym. "Not all girls are gonna screw you over, you know. Though why you'd wanna get tied down with just one is beyond me."

Rowan was thirty. He'd been single a long time, had more than his fair share of women, and he couldn't shake the feeling it was time for something more serious. He thought about his recent conversation with their old man...

"Dad said something to me recently. He said losing Mom nearly killed him. Had it not been for us, he wouldn't have survived it."

Reese swallowed, looking as affected by those words as Rowan had been. "What's your point?"

"Don't you ever want to feel like that about anyone?"

"And risk losing them?" he asked bitterly. "No thanks, I'll pass."

It hit Rowan suddenly, like a sledgehammer upside the head. That was the reason his brother was still single. He didn't want to risk falling in love because he was afraid of losing someone who meant everything to him, the way they'd lost their mom when they were kids.

"What happened to Mom," Rowan said, his head down. "It was a fluke, man. Most people don't die in their thirties."

"But some do." Reese put himself through his usual paces, barely breaking a sweat.

"You can't go on being afraid, you know. Mom wouldn't have wanted that for you."

"I'm not afraid of shit," he said, breathing between reps as he moved on to pull-ups.

Reese was pretty fearless when it came to most things. He'd gone skydiving, rock climbing, white water rafting. Hell, he'd even driven his buddy's race car at death-defying speeds and lived to tell about it. But he'd never been in love, and Rowan been too self-absorbed to ask why. Until now.

"Why haven't you ever gotten serious with anyone?" Rowan asked, thinking about the dozens of beautiful women his brother had introduced him to over the years, women who would have done anything to be Reese's one and only.

"Don't need the hassle," he said, reaching for a clean white towel from the stack Rowan's cleaning lady kept on a shelf in the closet.

Rowan made his way over to the water cooler. "Maybe you'd be happier," he said as he filled and drained a plastic cup before tossing it in the trash. "You wouldn't be drifting like you are. Mad at yourself and the world."

"What the hell are you talking about?" he asked, looking at Rowan as though he suspected his brother was high. "Where is this coming from?"

"You're so cynical. Down on women, your profession, your neighborhood, everything. Everything sucks. You ever consider maybe you're the problem?" Rowan didn't want to be cruel, but somebody had to call Reese out. As his best friend and brother, he was the logical choice.

"Worry about your own life," Reese said, tossing the sweat-drenched towel at Rowan. "I've got mine under control."

Rowan reached for his phone when it buzzed, hoping it would be Tenley. No such luck. "Hey, Ace. What's up, man?"

"I just got off the phone with your girl. Is she as hot as she sounds?"

That was when he remembered he'd texted Ace when he and Tenley were at the deli, suggesting he call her roommate because he thought they might hit it off. The beautiful blonde was just his friend's type.

"Yeah, she's hot. You guys getting together, or what?"

"Yeah, tonight. You and Tenley wanna come?"

"Uh, I don't think she would wanna see me right now."

"Uh-oh, what happened? I thought you were really in to her."

Rowan rarely talked to his friends about the girls he dated, but Ace got him the way few other people did. Ace knew he was ready to find a good girl and stop chasing tail.

"Apparently some other dude's just as into her," he said, clenching his fist as he paced the gym, remembering her interaction with the guy in the park.

"That's no surprise," Ace said, laughing. "I'm sure lots of guys are into her. She's a rocket, man. Not to mention where she works. She must get hit on all the time."

"Yeah, but it happened right in front of me, and she didn't blow him off." Rowan raked a hand through his damp hair. "In fact, she was the one who suggested they get together for dinner next week."

"So you're thinking she might be another Elle? If so, better you found out now, right?"

"No, she's not like that," he said, thinking about his ex and how different she and Tenley were. Elle was flirtatious. She fed off attention from other men and got off on Rowan's reaction. Instead of instigating a fight, Tenley had walked away.

"How can you be sure?"

He headed down the hall to the bathroom, planning to take a shower. "I knew right off Elle was bad news. Hell, she dumped her boyfriend to get with me. I ignored my gut 'cause she was so hot. I won't make that mistake again."

"So where do things stand with you and Tenley? You think you'll see her again?"

Rowan closed the bathroom door, leaning against it. "I want to."

"You gonna call her?"

"I don't know. I might give it a couple of days, let her cool off." He considered his brother's advice. "Reese thinks I should talk to her brother, try to get a feel for where her head's at before I get in too deep. What do you think?"

"Might not be a bad idea," Ace conceded. "If you think she's worth the trouble."

"She's definitely worth it. No question about that."

***

Walker was slammed when Rowan walked into the bar that night, yet he still made his way over and shook Rowan's hand. "Hey, man. Good to see you again. My sister isn't in tonight, if you're looking for her."

"Yeah, I know. I was hoping I could talk to you if you've got a minute." Stupid question. It didn't look as though the poor guy could spare a second, much less a minute.

"Uh, sure," he said, looking around. "Let me ask one of the girls to bring a couple of drinks back to my office. What'll you have?"

"A Corona's good." Rowan knew he shouldn't be drinking at all, since he'd be training mode again soon, but since he wasn't sure what to expect from his discussion with Tenley's brother, he went for it.

Walker had a quick word with the waitress who'd filled Rowan in on Tenley during his last visit before he led the way to his office. As he closed the door to the dimly lit, spacious office, it was clear the room had been soundproofed because Rowan could finally hear himself think.

"So what's up?" Walker asked, sitting behind his imposing mahogany desk as he pointed at a black leather chair across from him.

Before Rowan could respond, the waitress tapped on the door and poked her head in. "I've got your drinks here, boss."

"Great, bring them in, Maura."

They both accepted their drinks, saying "Thanks" in unison before she winked at Rowan and left the room.

"So, uh, about your sister..." What can you tell me about her? When Rowan realized how stupid that sounded, he began questioning his sanity for coming here at all.

"What about her?" Walker asked, tapping his beer bottle against Rowan's. "Is she giving you a hard time already?"

Rowan could tell how protective Walker was of his little sister, so he knew he'd better be willing to take the blame if he expected any help from Walker. "We kind of had it out today." He tipped his bottle back while Walker did the same. "I overstepped. It was all on me."

"And let me guess... my sister let you have it?"

"Yeah, you could say that."

"What happened?"

"We ran into a friend of hers while we were having lunch in the park. Actually, he's a customer of yours. Sounded to me like they'd been out together a few times--"

"Andrew," Walker said, scowling. "He's the only one of my customers she's ever dated. She knows how I feel about my employees mixing it up with the customers, so she usually steers clear, but I guess this guy wore her down."

"What do you know about him?" Rowan knew he was overstepping again. He had no right to ask about the other men in Tenley's life. They hadn't even slept together yet, and after the way she'd left him hanging today, he wasn't sure they ever would.

"He runs one of his daddy's car dealerships," Walker said, looking disgusted. "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Wouldn't know how to do a hard day's work if his life depended on it."

Walker and Rowan obviously had that in common--they were no strangers to hard work and had no respect for anyone who was. "Doesn't seem like Tenley's type."

"I wouldn't have thought so either," Walker said, shaking his head. "But maybe she was ready for something different."

"Different how?"

By the way his blue eyes flashed with regret, Rowan guessed he'd said more than he intended to. "Let's just say she's hooked up with some losers over the years. After the last one cheated on her, she said she was done with men, but this Andrew guy somehow convinced her he wasn't like all the rest." He shrugged. "I don't think she's serious about him. They've gone out on a couple of dates at most."

"Has she said anything to you about me?" Rowan could almost hear Tenley screeching in his ear, warning him to back the hell off, but that didn't stop him from asking. "I know this may sound like a stupid question, but you think she's into me?"

Walker laughed, raking a hand through his short dark hair. "Man, that's tough to say. Wasn't all that long ago she swore she'd never go on another date again."

"Why is that?" Seemed like an extreme statement for a beautiful young woman to make, even one who had been burned one too many times.

Walker sighed. "If you grew up in our house, you'd understand."

"That bad, huh?"

"Let's just say we didn't have the best role model growing up. Our mother was--is--pretty messed up, and Tenley didn't want to follow in her footsteps."

"So she hasn't dated a lot?" Rowan found that hard to believe. Sweet and innocent weren't words he'd use to describe Tenley. If that had been his perception, he never would have pursued her. A girl like that would never be able to handle the groupies and lifestyle that came with his career.

"I didn't say that. She's dated, but she's..." Walker checked his Omega. "Man, I'm sorry, but I've got to get back out there."

Before Rowan could stand to shake his hand, someone tapped on his door and popped her head in.

"Walker, Brendan said you were back here." Tenley stared at Rowan, her eyes narrowing as she threw open the door. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Busted," Walker said under his breath as he rounded the desk. He kissed the top of Tenley's head as he passed her. "We can talk later. Go easy on him, sis."

"Like hell I will," she muttered, slamming the door as she glared at Rowan. "I'll ask again. Why are you here talking to my brother?"

He leaned back on Walker's desk, crossing his arms. "You wouldn't talk to me. What choice did I have?"

Rowan wasn't big on backing down, not even when he knew he should. So he stood his ground, preparing to let her tear a strip off of him because he deserved it. If she'd gone poking around in his life, asking other people questions she should have asked him, he would have been pissed too.

"You could have taken a hint and backed the hell off," she said, stepping closer. She was too small to be intimidating, even though he knew those little feet and hands could be lethal weapons to someone who wasn't trained in self-defence. "Who do you think you are, insinuating yourself into my life like this? I barely know you. And what's more, I'm not even sure I want to know you!"

She had every reason to resent him, but that didn't mean he was going to let her write him off that easily. "There's something between us." He waited, daring her to challenge me. "You feel it; so do I. So when I saw you flirting with that guy in the park today, I got pissed."

"You had no right to. We're just friends."

Rowan wasn't sure whether she was talking about him or Andrew, so he asked, "You really gonna go out with him?"

"Why not?"

"Why waste precious time with him when you could be spending it with me instead?" He wasn't arrogant. He just knew a good thing when it was staring him in the face, and he suspected she did too.

"You're so full of yourself," she said, rolling her eyes. "What makes you think you're so much better than him?"

"I didn't say I was better. But I'm more your speed." He knew she'd have more in common with him than with a guy who wore thousand-dollar suits every day and got weekly manicures. "You can't deny that." When she didn't try, the light bulb went off. "That's the problem, isn't it? He's a safe bet. I'm not."

"I don't have time for this," she claimed, turning toward the door. "I need to talk to my brother, then get out of here."

Before she could turn the knob, Rowan wedged his body between her and the door. "That's it, isn't? The last guy cheated on you, and you think I will too?"

"Don't feel sorry for me," she said, trying to side-step him.

"Can you just give me a second?" he asked, feeling pathetic for having to work so hard. "I won't even touch you." He raised his hands in supplication  though he was dying to use his mouth to convince her since he was sure pretty words would fail him.

"Fine, say what you have to say so I can leave."

He knew if she really wanted to leave, she wouldn't stay to hear him out. He took that as a promising sign. "The truth is my last relationship kind of messed me up."

She looked wary, her eyes raking over him. "You look fine to me. That chick you were banging the night you called me would probably agree."

"Maybe I've been doing what you do," he said, testing her, hoping she wouldn't retreat further. "Sticking to safe bets, people I know can't hurt me."

"I don't know what you're talking about." She paced the small room. "And I really don't have time for your psycho-babble. I've got real problems."

He wanted to hear more about those problems, but that would never happen until she believed she could trust him. "If I'm not too invested, it won't bother me if she walks away."

The flash of light in her eyes when she looked at him told Rowan she got it. She got him.

"But seeing you walk away today did bother me, Ten. In fact, it bugged the shit out of me." He stepped closer, daring her to let him. "That's how I knew you weren't a safe bet." His breath was fanning her face, but he was keeping his promise. He wasn't touching her. "You're dangerous. You think the same of me."

She let out a ragged breath, shaking her head even though the truth was in her eyes. "No."

"You want me, and that scares you because it's been a long time since you've wanted someone. I mean, really wanted them." He knew exactly how she felt. Hell, he could read her mind right now because he was thinking the same thing she was. Bail or risk it?

"No." The word came out as a broken sob before she cleared her throat and shook her head furiously. He didn't know if she was mad at him for backing her into a corner or at herself for showing some real emotion, but her vulnerability only made him want her more.

"No you don't feel it or... no you can't take a chance on me?"

"I can't. I won't."

She tried to be so strong all the time. He wondered if she ever let anyone in, aside from her brothers.

"Then this is the end of the road for us?" He'd never felt such loss over something he'd never really had.

"It has to be," she said, looking as disappointed as he felt. "Maybe if we'd met some other time--"

"Sssh." He didn't want to hear her excuses. If she couldn't be with him, the reasons didn't matter. "It's okay. You don't owe me an explanation. I mean, we barely got started, right? Hell, we haven't even slept together."

But he knew that didn't make what he felt for her any less real. He'd slept with some women dozens of times and felt nothing when he said good-bye to them. But with Tenley, everything felt different.

"Good luck next season." She tried to smile, but it never reached her eyes. "I'll be watching you kick ass on that mound."

Sure, she would--on the TV screen, from her comfortable sofa. Where her heart wasn't at risk. Where Rowan couldn't touch her and she couldn't touch him. Where it was safe.

"Thanks." He reached the door, and he felt her chest brushing his back. She may have just been anxious to leave, but he preferred to think she wanted the same thing he did. He turned and cradled her face, remembering his promise not to touch her. "One more kiss."

She responded by thrusting her hands into Rowan's hair and plastering her tight little body against his. Their tongues danced, both of them getting hotter with every stroke, and he knew if he didn't get the hell out of that room, he'd take her right there on the desk.

"Gotta go," he panted, tearing his lips from hers. "While I still can..."

# Chapter Seven

"This can't be," Walker said, pacing his penthouse. "How the hell did this happen?"

He turned on their older brother, Brant, and glared at him. Brant, not one to be intimidated, glared right back.

"Don't blame me!" Brant shouted. "I'm just the messenger! If I had my way, that bastard would be in jail for the rest of his life after what he did to Tenley."

The bastard Brant was referring to was Tenley's ex-fiancé. The man who'd tried to take her life. According to the prosecutor who'd put him away, Justin had paid his debt to society, and now he was getting out early for good behavior.

She thought she'd have more time to live her life, more freedom. But her sentence came early. Eighteen months early. Now his period of incarceration was ending, and hers was just beginning. She knew he'd come after her. His last words still haunted her. A threat promising it would never be over, that he'd never let her go.

"He can't come within fifty feet of her," Brant said. "And he's still on probation. He'll have to check in with his probation officer for the next--"

"Are you even listening to yourself?" Walker asked, throwing his arms in the air. "You think this son of a bitch gives a goddamn about some restraining order? You're a cop, Brant. You know those things aren't worth the paper they're written on half the time."

Brant was an undercover cop who busted drug dealers. He looked the part with his bulging, inked biceps, faded jeans, leather jacket, biker boots, and black bandana. No one would question whether he was a legit member of the motorcycle gang he was currently trying to infiltrate.

"Well, it's all we've got," Brant said with a worried glance in his sister's direction. "Besides, she's not as defenseless as she was back then. She's got a gun, and she knows how to use it. I made sure of that."

Tenley loved going to the shooting range with her brother, but the thought of putting a bullet through someone, a man she'd once loved no less, scared the hell out of her. "I'll be fine," she said, trying to assure them as well as herself.

Not looking convinced, Walker said, "Maybe you should stay with me for a while until we can figure out what he's got planned. This building has twenty-four security and--"

"I won't be his prisoner," she said, thinking of the dark days when he'd made her just that. "Not anymore."

Brant's eyes softened before he pulled her into his strong arms. Ever since they were kids, these two guys had been her lifeline. She knew she wouldn't be as brave as she was if she didn't know they had her back, that they'd lay down their own lives to protect her.

"You don't have to be," Brant said fiercely and kissed the top of her head. "Because I swear to God if he comes after you again, I'll hunt him down like a dog, and this time I will kill him."

Last time it had almost come to that, but she'd convinced Brant to let the law handle Justin.

She just assumed her ex would get more than seven years for kidnapping and threatening to kill her. But he'd cut a deal. It seemed like a lifetime ago when the prosecutor proposed the plea deal that would allow Tenley to avoid testifying at his trial.

She thought she'd have more than enough time to banish the ugly memories, but she still woke up screaming and thrashing, begging for her life and feeling as though her hands were bound while his threats echoed in her ear.

"What's this I hear about you having a new boyfriend?" Brant asked, holding her at arm's length. "Are you really dating Rowan Nixon?"

"Not anymore." It had been five days since she'd heard from him. He'd probably forgotten about her by now.

He glanced at Walker. "I thought you said they were together?"

"Last I heard they were," Walker said, shrugging. "But how the hell should I know? She doesn't tell me about her personal life."

Because her brothers were overprotective and didn't think anyone was good enough for their baby sister. Except Rowan. Walker had made it clear he thought he was good enough. Probably because he was angling for front row seats to his next game.

"I can't think about that now," she said, hoping they wouldn't ask questions she couldn't answer. Like why she'd pushed Rowan away without giving him a chance. She'd been asking herself that question ever since she watched him walk out of her brother's office.

Her safety would always be more important to Brant than her love life, or lack thereof, so she asked him, "Do I need to take any special precautions?"

"For starters, you can take my Mustang," Walker said. His "spare" car was the classic car he'd lovingly restored because he'd obsessed over it as a teen and believed he'd never be able to afford one. "It's safer than the bike. Plus, your ex doesn't even know I own that car, so he wouldn't know to look for it."

Tenley loved her bike and the sense of freedom Pearl promised every time she straddled her, but Walker was right. She wouldn't feel safe out in the open like that, where any maniac with a grudge could have a clear shot at her.

But she knew how much he loved that car. "Are you sure?"

"You're more important to me than a set of wheels," he said, as though he could read her mind. "Take the car."

"It's not a bad idea for you to think about staying here," Brant said, leaning on the arm of Walker's leather sofa. "Just for a little while."

"I don't want to turn my whole life upside down." She knew she'd have to make some concessions, but he'd already taken too much from her. "I'm staying at the apartment with Stacey. Besides, I can't leave her there alone knowing he's out there. He might come looking for me, and that would put her in the line of fire." At least Tenley had a prayer of defending them if her ex showed up on their doorstep. Her friend was defenseless.

Walker seemed to consider that before he said, "You could both stay here."

Brant chuckled. "You'd want your ex-girlfriend staying here with you?"

"She wasn't my girlfriend." Walker swiped a hand over the dark stubble on his jaw. "She was a hook-up."

"Oh?" Tenley said, deciding to test him. "Then it won't bother you that she's dating Ace Phillips."

Walker's jaw dropped. "Shut the hell up! Since when?"

Huh, so he wasn't as immune as he pretended to be. Interesting. "Less than a week, I guess. But they've been together almost every night. I think he's spending the night at our place tonight. Which reminds me, can I crash here? They can get kind of loud."

Walker's neck was corded as he folded his arms. "Are you telling me she's sleeping with this guy already?"

"Why should that bother you, Walker?" Brant asked, tongue in cheek. "You said she was just a hook-up."

"It doesn't bother me. Why the hell would it bother me?"

Brant and Tenley refrained from laughing as they watched their brother stalk down the hall and slam his bedroom door.

"He took that better than I thought," Tenley said, sinking into the couch cushions and kicking up her feet.

***

Tenley sneaked into the apartment early the next morning, hoping to grab a quick shower and change her clothes before work without having to run into the happy couple.

She liked Ace and she thought he was good for Stacey, but she always got the feeling he was sizing her up, trying to figure her out, and it made her uncomfortable.

"Hey," Ace said, making her jump as she closed and locked the door.

"Shit, you scared me," she said, her hand to her chest. "Why're you up so early?"

"I like to train first thing in the morning," he said, raising his coffee cup. "I was going to whip up some eggs. You want some?"

Her stomach was grumbling, but she wasn't sure breaking bread with one of Rowan's best friends was a good idea. "I have to get ready for work."

"Stacey said you guys didn't start 'til nine." He glanced at his watch. "It's only six thirty. That's why I let her sleep. You have plenty of time. Come on, join me. I hate eating alone."

The lure of freshly brewed coffee finally convinced her. She sat on a stool at the breakfast bar between the small dining area and kitchen, watching him whip up scrambled eggs for himself and a cheese omelet with toast for her.

"So why'd you screw my buddy over?" he asked, tossing a tea towel over his shoulder.

She should have seen that coming. "Is that what he told you?"

He passed her a cup of coffee with sugar, milk, and a smile to soften the blow. "He didn't have to tell me anything. I've known him a long time. When he gets all quiet and broody, I know there's a reason."

"And it's usually a woman?" she asked, adding another teaspoon of sugar to her steaming brew.

"No, it's rarely a woman. But this time, the pieces fit," he said, stirring his scrambled eggs in a smaller skillet. "He was psyched about meeting you, then all of a sudden he doesn't want to talk about it. It doesn't take a genius to figure out something went wrong."

"If he doesn't want to talk about it, what makes you think I would?" She could tell Ace was the kind of guy who didn't pull any punches, so she felt comfortable calling him out.

He grinned. "I can push you. I can't push him. There's a good chance he can kick my ass. You can't."

She didn't appreciate being underestimated, but not many men could stand their ground against Ace Phillips. Even with years of kickboxing under her belt, she still wouldn't stand a chance. Not that a guy like Ace would ever go toe-to-toe with a woman. She could already tell he was too much of a man for that.

His smile slipped, and he tipped his head toward the door. "Since you didn't come home last night, can I assume there's someone else?" When Tenley didn't respond, he said, "Don't worry. I won't tell him. I wouldn't do that to him."

"I spent the night at my brother Walker's place."

"Ah, yeah, this brother I keep hearing so much about." His lips were drawn tight as he set two loaded plates between them.

"Stacey's talked to you about Walker?" Tenley couldn't believe she'd talk to her new boyfriend about her ex-boyfriend. What was she thinking?

"Just in passing." He shrugged, trying to play it off as if it didn't matter. "She mentioned something about you working for him."

"Then you know they dated?" she asked before popping a bite of cheese-laden perfection into her mouth.

"Yeah, she said something about it." He looked wary, as though he were holding his breath. "She said it wasn't serious though. Was it?"

Tenley thought about Walker's reaction when he'd found out Stacey was sleeping with someone else. "Um, I don't think so." When someone tapped on the door, she gasped, her eyes widening. "Who could that be?"

"Relax," Ace said, resting his hand on her shoulder. "It's just my training partner. We're going to hit the gym."

He walked to the door and checked the peephole before he opened it.

Tenley swore softly when she saw Rowan walk in. Ace couldn't have warned me?

"Hey," she said when Rowan's eyes landed on her.

"Hey," he said softly, looking as uncomfortable as she felt.

"I'm just going to get changed and say good-bye to Stacey," Ace said. "Be right back."

She gestured to the coffee pot on the counter across from her. "Coffee's hot. Help yourself."

"Thanks."

The sight of his broad shoulders in a tight gray T-shirt made her heart thump erratically. If she'd had half a brain, she would have screwed him senseless before she sent him on his way. At least then she would have had memories instead of worthless fantasies.

He turned to face her, taking in her skinny jeans, black tank top, and ballerina flats. "You're up early. I thought you don't start 'til nine."

"I just got in." She sipped her coffee as she waited for his reaction. Testing him was cruel, but she wanted to know if he'd care that she may have been with another man last night.

"You just got in?" He leaned back against the counter, bringing the mug to his lips. "From where?"

At least he wasn't jumping to conclusions. "I spent the night at my brother's." She tipped her head toward the bedrooms. "Thought I'd give those two a little privacy."

"I asked Stacey why they don't just spend the night at Ace's place. You know what she told me?"

Tenley wasn't sure she wanted to guess. "No. What?"

"She told me that she doesn't like leaving you alone. She said you have wicked nightmares. What's that all about?"

Stacey hadn't known her when Justin was a part of her life, and since Tenley didn't talk to anyone outside of her family about her ex, Stacey had assumed she'd suffered from night terrors since childhood, and she let her believe that.

"Who knows why people have night terrors?" she asked, tearing her gaze from his. "It's a mystery, right?"

"Is it?" His eyes locked on hers as though he could hear what she hadn't said.

She cleared her throat, desperately hoping he'd be willing to change the subject. "So how've you been?"

"I've been better." He took a sip of coffee. "You?"

"Same." With a fork, she pointed at the skillet. "There're some eggs left over. Help yourself."

"Did you make them?" he asked with a smirk.

"No, your friend did."

He shrugged. "They should be edible then."

"And if I made them, they wouldn't have been?" she asked, trying to hide her smile.

"I didn't say that." He scoured the cupboards until he found a bright pink plate that made him grimace. "Seriously?" He held it up. "You expect me to eat off this thing?"

"What's wrong? Does it threaten your masculinity, big guy?"

He chuckled before dumping the rest of the scrambled eggs onto his plate. "No. Nothing threatens my masculinity."

As her eyes trailed over his muscular body, she realized he was right about that. He was all man. No doubt.

He slid his phone across the counter. "You wanna take a picture? Make it last?"

He was so full of himself that she had to laugh. But she was glad he wasn't making things awkward. After their last meeting, she wasn't sure what to expect when or if she saw him again. "I'll pass, thanks."

Rowan watched her watching him as they both brought forks to their mouths slowly. It was obvious they were both hungry, but not for eggs.

"I figure we should clear the air," he said. "Since your friend is dating mine, we'll probably meet up like this from time to time. Might as well be civil, right?"

"Sure." She'd been preparing for this role her whole life--pretending everything was fine when it wasn't. "Why not?"

"You still seeing the sleazy car salesman?" he asked, his gaze on his plate.

"I was never really seeing him." She polished off her last bite of food before moving to the counter. She piled the dirty dishes into the sink and added soap to the mix while submerging her hands in the hot water. "Just a few dates." More like hook-ups, but she wouldn't tell him that.

Rowan's chest was suddenly pressed to her backside, his arms curling around her as his empty plate disappeared into the water. She swallowed before holding her breath, questioning what he might do or say next. He was hard. Everywhere. She wondered how long it would take him to lose those shorts and whether they could be quiet enough to keep it from Ace and Stacey.

"What are you doing?" she asked when his hands settled on her hips, his lips nuzzling her neck.

"Thinking maybe we could keep it casual."

Casual sex? Any other time, she would have jumped at the chance, but knowing her ex could be waiting downstairs made her hesitate.

"Unless you're not into it?" Even before she answered, his hands were working the button and zipper on her jeans. "If not, just say the word."

No. It was playing on her lips, but she couldn't make herself say it, even though she knew she should. Her life was already too complicated without adding a lover to the mix.

Her only response was a sharp intake of breath when he slipped a hand inside her black lace panties. He took that as a green light. She leaned back into him, needing the support of his big body when his fingers teased her. Circling, probing, thrusting...

"Oh God, Row..."

"Sssh," he whispered, kissing her neck. "We don't want them to know, do we?" He leaned forward, using his free hand to shut off the tap when the water reached the edge of the sink. "We can keep this just between us. That's the way you want it, isn't it?"

She felt as if she should say something, but she couldn't. All of her focus was centered on the wicked things he was doing with his fingers. He slid his thumb back and forth, the movement hypnotizing. She bit her lip and shuddered as the momentum built.

"Yes... don't stop..." She rolled her head around like a bobblehead, dropping her chin to her chest as her breath came in short, ragged gasps. Heedless of the water and soap dripping from her hands, she curled them around his neck, into his hair, and thrust her breasts out when he tweaked her nipple through the thin cotton.

Finally, wave after wave rolled through her. He slowly stroked her back to sanity, every part of her body still pulsating.

"I got you all wet," she said, grimacing as she set her hands on the counter, trying to steady her legs.

"I could say the same."

Tenley laughed, dropping her head as she tried to get her bearings. Before she could, they heard Ace walking down the hall, whistling.

Rowan cleared his throat while pulling Tenley's tank down to cover her open jeans.

She felt him turn away from her, using his big body to block hers.

"You ready to get out of here?" he asked Ace. "We're running late."

"Yeah, sure. See you later, Tenley."

"Yeah, later." She looked over her shoulder just in time to see Rowan wink at her before he closed the door.

"I think I'm in love," Stacey said, stretching her arms overhead as she walked down the hall.

Tenley tried to discreetly button and zip her pants, but Stacey was on to her.

"What're you doing?" she asked, wearing her shit-eating grin.

"Nothing."

"Yeah, right." Stacey headed to the fridge and took out one of the fruit-and-yogurt concoctions she pre-made for breakfast. "You've been up to something." Her gaze slid over Tenley. "And since Rowan just left, I'm betting it had something to do with him."

Tenley watched her reach into the drawer for a spoon as her heartbeat slowly returned to normal. "You're imagining things again." She turned toward the soapy dishes in the sink, hoping her friend would give her a pass just this once.

Stacey rested her elbow on the counter where Tenley was working, the bowl halfway to her lips as she grinned. "You had him, didn't you?" She grimaced before straightening. "Please tell me it wasn't on the counter."

"Shut up," Tenley said, shaking her head. "We just messed around a little, that's all."

"But if we hadn't been here, you can't tell me you wouldn't have taken him back to your bedroom and let him have his wicked way with you." Stacey sat on a stool before digging into her breakfast.

"I thought I was done with him," Tenley said, trying to make sense of what just happened and where that left them. Would he call her later? Did she want him to? Or did he just sense she'd needed a little help taking off the edge and thought he'd lend his expertise?

"How could you be done with him when you haven't even done him yet?" Stacey asked, rolling her eyes.

"I told you what happened with him in the park, then later in my brother's office. I thought that was it, that we wouldn't be seeing each other again."

"I'm not going to ask what happened here today, but I'm assuming whatever it was made you question whether you're really over him?"

"Over him?" She laughed, but it sounded brittle and hollow. "You make it sound like we were dating for years. I barely know the guy."

"You've followed his career for a long time," Stacey reminded her. "It's like you knew him even before you met him."

"Hardly. I only knew what I'd read about him and seen on TV. Sure I watch every game, but that's not the same as knowing the guy."

"So let me ask you this," Stacey said, pointing her spoon at Tenley. "You were into him even before you met him. You've told me dozens of times how hot you think he is."

Something she now regretted saying. "And your point is?" She set the dishes in the drying rack before immersing the skillets in the water.

"Now that you know him, do you think there's more to him than you thought there would be?"

She was asking Tenley whether he was a bonehead athlete or a real man of substance. She remembered the stories he'd told her about the way he'd grown up and the stories she'd shared with him about her childhood. He may have been a jealous jackass in the park and crossed the line by going to see her brother, but he wouldn't have done those things if he'd just been looking for another hook-up.

"Rowan is a good guy."

"Then why'd you cut him loose?"

Though Stacey was one of her few girlfriends, she couldn't confide in anyone about Justin. Tenley's conscience reminded her that Stacey was putting herself in harm's way just by living with her and deserved to know she could be in danger, but she didn't want to make her paranoid. Justin would be out to get her. Not Stacey.

"I'm not interested in a relationship right now." She'd told Stacey the same thing a hundred times, so it should come as no surprise. But for the first time in a long time, she'd found a man she could imagine committing to, and the threat of her ex lurking around every corner was making that impossible.

"I don't believe you," Stacey said, scraping the last of the yogurt from her bowl before rounding the corner to plop it in the water. "You're into Rowan. You can deny it all you want, but I saw the way you looked at him when he left. You want more of whatever he gave you this morning."

"Doesn't matter what I want," she said, unable to deny the truth. "Starting something with Rowan would be a huge mistake." Especially now.

# Chapter Eight

Ace and Rowan jumped off the treadmills when Ace asked, "Are you gonna tell me what happened between you and Tenley this morning, or are you gonna make me guess?"

Ace had managed to outpace Rowan all morning because his mind was back in that apartment with Tenley. He wanted to hear her make those sexy sounds all over again, this time while she was in his bed.

"Nothing happened," Rowan said, using the towel around his neck to wipe the sting of sweat out of his eyes.

"Yeah, right," he said, grinning. "I know the look a woman gets when she's satisfied, and Tenley had that look in spades by the time we walked out the door."

"Mind your own business," Rowan said, reaching for his water bottle.

"Just tell me this," Ace said before tipping back his water bottle. "You back with her or what?"

Rowan wished he knew. Even after what happened that morning, he still didn't know whether he had the right to call her again. Which he was dying to. "I don't know, man."

"Don't you think you should find out?" He gestured to Rowan's phone, which he'd stacked on his shirt before stepping on the treadmill. "Text her. Call her. Whatever. Just find out if she wants to pick up where you left off before you started acting like an ass and scared her off."

Ace had read Rowan the riot act after he told Ace what had happened with Tenley, and after a few days of licking his wounds, he had to admit his friend was right. If some woman he'd just met had acted the way he had, Rowan would have written her off too.

"I don't want to make the mistake of coming on too strong again." He hated second-guessing himself. He usually knew exactly how to handle women based on what he was angling for: sex or something more. But Tenley was a complete mystery to him. Which only made him want her more. "I think I'll give it a day or two before I--"

"Big mistake," Ace said, shaking his head. "You gotta strike while the iron's hot, man. A girl like Tenley doesn't sit at home waiting for a guy to call her. She's too busy living her life. And since that life includes a bar and a gym, it's only a matter of time before she meets another dude who makes her forget all about you."

Damn. He couldn't risk that. Rowan grabbed his phone, and his fingers hovered over the screen. "Damn." He wiped more sweat off his forehead. "What should I say?"

Ace chuckled and Rowan knew he was getting off on watching him squirm.

"Just tell her it was good to see her today. See if she responds."

That seemed harmless enough. Rowan fired off a text, holding his breath to see if she'd respond right away. After a minute passed, he cursed himself for being an impatient idiot. He set the phone on a nearby chair while he refilled his water bottle from a cooler in the corner.

Ace grinned when the phone vibrated, letting him know he had a message. "She says you blew her mind."

"Gimme that," Rowan said, grabbing the phone from him. Looking at the screen, he couldn't hide his smile as he read her words over and over. Goes both ways, he replied.

"She's good for you," Ace said, smirking. "She makes you work for it, keeps you guessing. You need a woman like that."

No, what he needed was stability and a girl who could make him feel secure in what they had. He knew Tenley wasn't likely to be that girl, but he'd give anything if she could be.

"I don't want to play games," Rowan said, gripping his phone. "I want..." He was almost afraid to say it. "I guess I'm ready for a girlfriend again."

"And you want it to be Tenley." Ace nodded. "I get that. She's hotter than hell. But it seems she's got a lot going on." He tapped his index finger against his temple. "Maybe too much."

"Are you saying she's too smart for me?"

Ace laughed. "Well, there is that. But that's not what I meant. I get the feeling she's been through the emotional wringer with men. Could be impossible to break through those barriers, buddy."

As they walked to the showers, Rowan said, "Giving up doesn't feel like an option. I tried that, remember? And I'm not gonna lie. I've thought about her every goddamn minute since I walked out of her brother's office that night."

"Then there's only one thing you can do," Ace said, gripping Rowan's neck. "Make her see you're not like all the rest."

***

Rowan didn't text Tenley to let her know he was going to pass by her work that night, but he was pissed when he saw her favorite regular sitting on a stool at the bar, chatting her up as she mixed drinks for her other customers.

"Shit," Rowan muttered, stopping just inside the entrance. Ace and his brother turned to look at him, waiting for some explanation. "It's the guy from the park. The one Tenley dated."

Reese gave Andrew a quick once-over, taking in his lean build and yuppie clothes. "Doesn't look like much of a threat to me. I don't know what you're worried about."

"Did I say I was worried?"

Walker spotted Rowan from across the bar and made his way toward them. His gaze strayed to Ace briefly, but he smiled when Rowan offered his hand. "Good to see you, man," Walker said, slapping Rowan's shoulder while clasping his hand. "When I didn't see you around for a while, I thought my little sister had blown it with you."

"What's the deal there?" Rowan asked, nodding toward the bar. "Has he been hangin' around much lately?"

"No," Walker said. "Tonight's the first time I've seen him in a few weeks."

"Good to know," Rowan said, nodding when Tenley finally caught his eye. She smiled and waved, easing the knot in his stomach as he introduced her brother to Ace and Reese.

"Ace," Walker said, clenching his jaw, "I hear you're dating Stacey. I hope you're being good to her. She's a real sweetheart."

"Yeah, she is," Ace said, obviously sizing up his competition. "You don't have to worry about me. I'll treat her right."

Walker looked as though he wanted to say more but returned his attention to Rowan instead. "You guys can snag that table," he said, pointing at one near the dance floor, with a gold reserved sign on it. "I keep it open in case some of my friends pass by."

"Thanks, man."

"Sure, no problem," he said, glancing at Ace one last time. "I'll send a waitress over to take your order."

"What the hell was that about?" Reese asked Ace once they were seated. "I was just waiting for the pissing contest."

"Tenley's brother is Stacey's ex," Rowan explained. "Tenley said it wasn't serious, but I don't think Walker likes the idea of Stacey hooking up with our boy here." Rowan grinned as he slapped Ace on the back.

"I don't give a shit whether he likes it or not." Ace glared at Walker's back as he faced the bar, talking to his sister. "He's going to have to get used to it."

"You're really into this chick, huh?" Reese asked, scrolling through the updates on his phone.

Ace chuckled. "You've seen her. Can you blame me?"

Stacey was hot, but Walker was right. She was a sweetheart too. Rowan hoped his best friend realized that and wasn't treating her like just another groupie.

"Don't make the same mistake Walker did," Rowan warned his friend. "Taking her for granted. A woman will only put up with that for so long."

Before Ace could respond, Maura passed by to take their drink order, flirting with all of them in turn before she put a little swing in her hips as she walked away. Probably wasn't sure who'd be covering the bill tonight and wanted to hedge her bets by coming on to all of them to ensure a good tip.

"She's definitely the hottest girlfriend you've ever had," Reese said, watching Tenley pass out drinks while laughing and chatting up her patrons. "I know you've dated models and actresses and shit like that, but this one's the real deal. You can tell there's nothing fake about her."

"Except she's not Rowan's girlfriend yet," Ace said, grinning at his friend.

"You think that leaves the door open for me?" Reese asked Ace as though Rowan wasn't even there.

His brother was just messing with him, but Rowan wasn't in the mood. Especially since he had to watch that loser from the dealership trying to get her attention while she tried to do her job. "Unless you want to go to work with a black eye tomorrow, I'd keep my mouth shut, little brother."

"Oh, okay, tough guy," he said, rolling his eyes with a laugh as the waitress returned with their beers.

"I'm just gonna hit the washroom," Rowan said, standing. "Be right back."

Ace grabbed Rowan's arm. "Don't do anything stupid. You just got her talking to you again. Let's keep it that way."

"Don't worry. I've got this." Of course Rowan had to make a pit stop at the bar just to let her friend know he had his eye on him. "Hey, beautiful," he said, winking at her.

To his surprise, she leaned over the bar to kiss his cheek. "This is a nice surprise. You guys had nothing better to do tonight?"

"It occurred to me you hadn't officially met my brother yet." Rowan hooked his thumb over his shoulder. "It's not like you're missing much, but still, pass by if you get a minute."

"I definitely will," she said, smiling. "Uh, Andrew, you remember my friend Rowan, don't you?"

Friend. Ugh. There was that goddamn word again. But since she probably would have used more colorful language to describe him a few days ago, Rowan wasn't going to complain.

"Hey," Rowan said, nodding at him.

Normally when he sized up his competition, he was on the mound getting ready to do battle. In that case, he knew if he lost, he'd walk away with hurt pride, but at least he'd get another chance to make it right. If he lost Tenley to this guy, he had a feeling the loss would be immeasurable.

"Hey," Andrew said, reaching for his drink. "I'll be back, Tenley. Gotta make a call."

She was trying to keep a straight face as she wiped down the bar with a damp rag. "I'm impressed, Row. You really have learned your lesson, haven't you?"

"What do you mean?" He took the stool Andrew had left as he pushed his girly drink aside.

"You held your temper even though you looked like you wanted to take his head off."

He reached across the bar for her hand. "I'm that transparent, huh?"

"I appreciate that you didn't go bat-shit crazy and make a scene when you saw me with him," she said, resting her elbows on the bar as she leaned in. "That shows me you're maturing."

He laughed before stealing a quick kiss, just to test the waters. They seemed warm. "What a difference a week makes, right?" His smile faded when he thought about how miserable he'd been during that time. "It may sound stupid, but I missed you."

"It doesn't sound stupid," she said, her gaze lingering on his lips. "I missed you too. I guess I didn't realize how much until I saw you in our apartment this morning."

He grinned, remembering their time together. "I'm glad I was able to remind you that life with me can be a hell of a lot more fun than life without me."

"I'm getting that," she said, looking down at their joined hands.

Customers were circling the bar, but the two other bartenders seemed to have things under control, so Rowan asked, "Can we hit the reset button, Ten? You know, start over. Pretend that stupid fight never happened?"

She sighed as her eyes drifted to the door. "I'd like to, but my life is kind of complicated right now. I should probably fill you in before you decide whether you want to risk getting caught up in my drama."

He couldn't imagine anything she might say that would deter him, but he asked, "How about getting together after work tonight? My brother's back at his place now, so we could head back to my house. Just to talk."

"I'm supposed to work until close." She glanced at her brother, who was standing at the door and talking to the bouncer. "But let me see if Walker can let me book out a few hours early. I've been pulling a lot of overtime lately, so he owes me."

"Cool." Rowan gripped her chin. He knew he probably shouldn't kiss her at work, but he couldn't help himself. "Let me know."

***

Tenley seemed nervous as they rolled up Rowan's drive, but he took her hand and kissed it, hoping to put her at ease.

"You okay?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Yeah, it's just..." She wiped her free hand on the leg of her jeans. "Your house is really nice."

He didn't know if his house was intimidating or the chat they were about to have was making her anxious, but he didn't waste any time finding out. He cut the engine and rounded the truck to help her out.

She laughed as she took his hand. "I think you're the first guy to ever open a car door for me."

"Then you've been dating the wrong guys," he said, slipping an arm around her waist as he led her up to the ornate wood doors. "Maybe you've finally found the right one."

Tenley's smile took his breath away when she whispered, "Maybe I have."

He deactivated the alarm while she slipped out of her high heels. She sighed as she dug her toes into the Persian carpet in the foyer.

"Wow, this place is gorgeous," she said, looking around wide-eyed as he hit a panel that flooded the main floor with light. "It doesn't look like a bachelor pad. Are you sure you live here alone?"

He smiled as he took her hand and led her into the gourmet kitchen, which opened to the sunken family room. "Positive. But my ex was an interior designer, so I let her have her way with the place when I bought it."

"Is this the ex who cheated on you?" she asked, jumping up onto one of the bar-height chairs at the center island.

"Yeah, but I try not to let that color my opinion of the house." He shrugged. "She may have been a bitch, but she had good taste."

"Was she a bitch?" Tenley asked, propping her chin in her palm. "Or are you just bitter because she broke your heart?"

Rowan stepped between her legs, resting his hands on her hips. "She didn't break my heart. She hurt my pride. There's a difference."

"I guess there is," she said, setting her hands on his shoulders. "I was glad to see you tonight. I couldn't stop thinking about you after what happened this morning."

He slipped his hands under her hair, circling the back of her neck. "I couldn't stop thinking about you either." He chuckled. "Thank God I wasn't on the mound today. Those batters show no mercy, especially when I'm distracted."

"I like that I distract you," she said, licking her lips.

He groaned, leaning in to taste her moist lips. "You keep distracting me like that, and I'm going to get killed out there. Just might have the worst season of my career."

"I'm not worried," she said, wrapping her arms around his neck. "When you put your mind to it, you're the best in the game."

Her faith in him warmed Rowan in places that had been cold for a long, long time. "Thanks, babe." But he'd brought her here to talk, not make out, so he gestured to the stainless steel fridge. "You want something to eat or drink?"

"Maybe just a water?"

"Sure." He pointed at the brown leather couches facing each other in the large family room. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll be right in."

Since he wasn't sure whether she'd had a chance to eat at work, he made a platter of fruit with cheese and crackers and brought it in to her, along with a couple of bottles of water.

"Thanks," she said, tucking her legs under while reaching for a stem of grapes.

"My pleasure." Rowan realized he liked taking care of her, tending to her needs. Other women expected that from him, so he resented it. But Tenley was used to taking care of herself and wanted nothing from him, which only made him want to do more for her.

She grabbed a couple of cheese squares and popped one in his mouth.

"You seem nervous," he said, noting that her gaze kept darting around the room. "You sure you're okay?"

She took a deep breath before taking a sip of water. "There are some things about me you need to know before we take this any further."

His heart was suddenly hammering, and he didn't know why. Maybe because he didn't want her to give him a viable reason for ending this before they'd explored how far it could go. "Okay."

"I've been engaged before." She peeked up at him beneath a veil of long, dark lashes, obviously waiting for his reaction.

Rowan opened his mouth, then closed it again before running a hand over his head. "Okay, uh, wow. That's not what I expected you to say." He wanted to know everything about the guy who'd been stupid enough to let her get away, but he could tell this wasn't easy for her. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Do I want to? No. Do I have to? Yes." She ran her thumb over the faint scars peppering his knuckles. "You see, he was in prison. He's out now, and my brothers and I have reason to believe he might come after me again. That could put you in harm's way too, if you're involved with me. So it's only fair that I tell you."

He couldn't believe she was worried about him when her own safety was on the line. "Why was he in prison?" He held his breath. Something told him he wasn't going to like the answer, but learning her deepest, darkest secrets was more important to him than anything.

"He kidnapped me. Held me hostage. Threatened to kill me." Her voice was so soft, barely above a whisper. "He would have gotten away with it too if my brother hadn't figured out where we were."

Rowan didn't realize his whole body had tensed until she withdrew her hands from his.

"Did I shock you?" she asked.

He swallowed, trying to appear calm while his whole body was coiled tighter than a spring. "He held you against your will?" It was difficult to even process that thought, much less imagine what that bastard had put her through.

"I told him it was over, that I didn't want to marry him after he accused me of cheating on him. He responded by abducting me at gunpoint. He said I had promised him 'death do us part,' and he intended to make sure I upheld my end of the bargain."

Rowan pulled her close when she started trembling. He knew she was tough, but in his arms, she felt small and fragile. And he wanted nothing more than to protect her.

"It's okay, baby," he whispered, brushing his lips over her hair. "Take your time. We've got all night."

The tears streaking her beautiful face when she pulled back to look him in the eye nearly did him in. "I thought I was going to die. He took me to an abandoned warehouse, somewhere he was sure no one would find me. He held me there for days, bound and gagged. He gave me water every now and then, but no food."

Part of him wanted to know how far he'd taken the torture, but the other part of him feared retaliating on her behalf if he found out. Rowan owned a gun and knew how to use it, but he knew doing so would end not only his career but any chance of a future with Tenley.

"You said your brother finally found you. Walker?"

She shook her head and dropped her forehead against his chest. "No, Brant. He's a cop."

Knowing she had someone on the right side of the law to watch her back made him feel better. "How long was this son of a bitch in prison?" Rowan knew no matter how long they'd locked him up, it couldn't have been long enough if he was out now, free to terrorize her again.

"Seven years," she said, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand.

"When did he get out?"

She looked him in the eye. "I just found out the night you went to see Walker at the bar. I think that's why I blew up at you. I was so freaked out when Brant told me Justin was out. I went to tell Walker and found you there and it..."

He pulled her into his lap when she lost the words, shaking her head as she took a deep, shuddering breath that made his heart ache.

"I get it." He kissed her damp cheeks. "I get it."

"Do you?" She touched his jaw, brushing her palm over his stubble. "Do you really? You'd be crazy to want to get involved with me. Justin's dangerous, and even though I have a protective order, my gut tells me he's not done with me yet."

"He's a coward," he whispered fiercely, burying his face in her hair. "Any man who could hurt a woman is a coward. And he's deluding himself if he thinks he's going to get close enough to hurt you again. I'll make sure of that."

"I carry a gun," she said, glancing towards the foyer, where she'd left her oversized purse. "And I know how to use it. Just in case."

He hated to think of her having to resort to those measures to defend herself, but knowing she had access to a weapon made him feel better. "Good. I'm glad to hear that."

Rowan nuzzled her neck, inhaling her intoxicating scent. He never imagined being this close to a woman as sexy as Tenley and wanting nothing more than to hold and protect her.

"Brant insisted. After what happened with Justin, he said he wasn't taking any more chances with my safety. So we go to the shooting range together at least once a week, just to practice."

"Could you get any hotter?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood. "Not only can you kick ass, but now I find out you're packing heat?" His hand trailed up her firm thigh. "You realize you're my fantasy girl, right?"

"More like a nightmare, I'm guessing," she muttered, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Hardly." He curled his hand around her cheek. "The nightmares Stacey mentioned--"

"Oh God. Stacey!" She sat up suddenly. "I haven't told her about Justin yet. I don't want her to be alone if he shows up looking for me."

"Relax." He kissed her forehead. "She's not alone. Ace was going to pass by there after he left the bar. He said he was pretty tired so he'd probably just crash there. If it would make you feel better, I can text him in a bit just to be sure."

"Thanks," she said, flattening her hand against her chest. "I have to tell Stacey about Justin now that he's out. I don't want her to be blindsided in case he tries to get information about me from her."

"Uh, would you mind if I tell Ace? He should know so he can keep an eye on her too."

She nodded slowly. "Tell him. I'd feel better knowing she has someone looking out for her. Stacey's a sweet girl, but completely defenseless. I keep trying to convince her to take my beginner's class, but she says she's uncoordinated and would just make a fool of herself."

Rowan didn't know if she was trying to change the subject, but he had to ask again. "The nightmares...?"

"Courtesy of Justin," she said, staring at a framed photo of Rowan with his brother and father on the mantel. "I talked to a therapist after it happened. My brothers made me. But it didn't help with the night terrors or headaches. I still get those every so often."

"You get headaches?" he asked, brushing his thumb against her temple.

"Migraines," she said, closing her eyes. "They're usually triggered by stress. I've been getting them a lot more lately."

"How about now?" he asked, his brows knitting with concern. "Do you need me to get you something?"

"No." She smiled as her hands circled his face. "I'm good now. In fact, I feel a lot better now that I've told you about Justin. But are you sure you don't want to bail on me now that you know about my psycho ex?"

"I'm not going anywhere." He kissed her with more tenderness than he'd ever shown anyone.

"I'm glad," she said, resting her head in the crook of his neck. "Because I really like having you around. You make me happy, and I haven't been really happy in a long, long time."

Rowan curled his arms around her. He could see her happiness being of paramount importance to him from now on. "It's getting late, baby. Stay here with me tonight."

"Um, I don't think that's a good idea."

As much as he wanted her, there was no way he would take advantage of her when she was emotionally and physically drained and feeling vulnerable after sharing her past with him.

He kissed her temple. "Just curl up beside me and let me hold you. That's all I'm asking. What do you say?"

She looked up at him, her eyes haunted as she whispered, "Okay."

# Chapter Nine

When Tenley woke up the next morning with Rowan's big, muscular body circling her and his erection probing her backside, she knew it was time to take matters in to her own hands. He'd been a perfect gentleman all night, offering comfort and support when he knew she needed it. But she was more than ready to take their relationship to the next level.

Her hand drifted beneath the gray duvet as she rolled onto her back. She watched his long eyelashes flutter against his cheek as her hand circled his semi-hard shaft.

"Good morning," she whispered, pressing her lips to his ear.

He chuckled, tightening his grip on her. "It is now." He sucked in a breath when she upped the tempo. "What're you doing?"

"Pleasuring you like I've been wanting to since you sent me that selfie." Her eyes glided to his headboard, and she imagined him leaning against it, his chest as bare as it was now, while he talked to her on the phone for the first time.

She peppered his hard chest with kisses. "I couldn't believe it was really you. If I were the kind of girl who got off on fantasizing about men, you'd have been my go-to fantasy even before we met."

"Is that so?" he asked, propping one hand behind his head as he watched her shift down his body, trailing her mouth over his six-pack. "I like knowing that I fuel your fantasies, 'cause you sure as hell fuel mine."

"Really?" she asked, crawling between his legs. "Do you ever think about me, you know, when you're alone?"

He groaned when her tongue circled him before she took him in her mouth.

"Baby, I've been thinking of you almost non-stop since we met." His eyes drifted closed as he arched his back while threading a hand through her hair. "Goddamn that feels good."

Tenley loved pleasuring him, knowing that she could make this tough guy feel weak and defenseless. She focused intently on his gratification, taking as much satisfaction as she was giving from the sound of his labored breathing. She worked him over slowly and thoroughly before he finally grabbed her arms, putting a halt to her single-minded attention.

"It's not gonna go down like that, Ten. Not this time."

He laid her out beneath him, treating her to a sexy grin before he slowly made his way down her body. His broad shoulders spread her legs as he trailed his calloused hands, followed by soft kisses, all over her skin.

She held her breath as she watched him, wondering if this would be the beginning of the end for them. Once he'd had her, would he be satisfied, or would he want to keep seeing her? Would it take weeks or months for him to get his fill of her? She knew it couldn't last forever. Nothing ever did. But she hoped they would have a little more time to enjoy each other before he decided to move on to his next conquest.

His tongue flicked over her core, and she bit her lip, trying to hold back. As he eased two fingers inside of her, thrusting deeply, she gripped the sheets, trying to maintain some control. His eyes darted to hers while he lapped at her as though satisfying her was his life's mission.

"Rowan..." His name rolled off her lips while her entire body clenched, the energy building until her heart was pounding and her legs were quivering as she tried to remember how to breathe.

His self-satisfied smile made her chuckle as he reached into the nightstand for a condom.

"Don't look so proud of yourself. It's been a while for me."

Without responding, he rolled the condom on and threaded his hands through hers, pinning her to the mattress. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

She swallowed, trying to read his expression. He looked intense, as though they were on the verge of something more than sex and he wanted her to understand what it meant if they took that next step.

"I think so," she whispered.

"I don't think I'll be able to do casual with you, Tenley. Just so you know."

His hardness was probing her, teasing her with the promise of the pleasure he could deliver. But she wasn't stupid enough to think he was saying things he didn't mean in the heat of the moment. He was asking her if she was ready for a real relationship with him and silently warning her to think it through.

"I'm not very good at relationships. For obvious reasons." She knew she didn't have to remind him of her ex-fiancé, but the harsh truth was her ex would always be with her, making it difficult, if not impossible, for her to trust another man.

"What we have is different," he said, lowering his body. He thrust his hands into her hair, tipping her face up to meet his. "I'm nothing like him. I would never hurt you. You know that, don't you?"

She nodded slightly. She believed he would never hurt her physically. Emotionally? That was another story. She already felt things for this man she had assumed she'd never feel again, and that scared the hell out of her.

He was a professional athlete. Someone who's career who could take him to another city halfway around the country at a moment's notice. And this was her home. Her family, her brothers, and best friend were here. She could never leave.

He brushed his stubble over her cheek as he whispered, "I'm falling for you. Hard."

Her arms circled his powerful back, and she felt his heart thudding against her chest. He was nervous as he waited for her to respond, and it reminded her that she wasn't the only vulnerable one in this situation. He was putting his heart on the line too, trying to trust her even though he'd been hurt before.

"I'm falling for you too." She brushed her lips against his neck as she closed her eyes for fear of a tear slipping down her cheek. Tenley wasn't a crier. In fact, last night was the first time she'd cried in years, but something about Rowan made her want to bare her soul to him, and she wasn't sure she liked it.

"That's all I needed to hear," he said, positioning his body so they were perfectly aligned. "That you feel it too."

His eyed captured hers as he entered her slowly. She was transfixed, feeling more in tune with him than she'd ever felt with anyone. Given their powerful attraction, she'd expected fast and hard, but what he gave her was slow and thorough. He made love to her as if he... loved her. His kisses were deep and passionate, his tongue tangling with hers as they spoke without words.

His big hand ventured south. His fingertip dragged along her lips before circling her neck, then closing over her breast. The pad of his thumb created a delicious friction over her taut nipple as she shuddered, raising her hips to meet his.

Rowan raised his body above her, his powerful arms supporting his weight easily as his eyes trailed over her. She felt as though he were memorizing every inch of her, drinking her in as if he couldn't get enough. No man had ever given her the attention he did. Most were too concerned about their own pleasure to worry about hers, but Rowan made her feel as though the only thing that mattered to him was satisfying her.

The build was slow this time, but no less intense as he coaxed another orgasm from her, kissing her through it until she reached a blinding peak of sensuality that made her want to crawl inside him.

"Jesus, Rowan..."

Her teeth grazed his shoulder as she tried to cope with the barrage of sensations assaulting her. It wasn't just physical. It was emotional too, almost as if his soul were looking directly into hers. When they finally erupted together, he collapsed on top of her, his body still taut before she felt him relax. She stroked his back with one hand while running the other hand through his cropped, dark hair and wiping the perspiration from his forehead.

He tried to laugh, but it came out as a broken sound instead, as though he was still fighting for breath. "Damn, girl. You nearly did me in."

When he would have climbed off of her, she did something she never thought she would--closed her arms around his neck and held him tight. She whispered in his ear, "Thank you."

"For what?" he asked, his lips against her ear.

"For making me feel safe. I needed that." More than she'd realized.

"Making you feel safe is my job now," he said, smiling to soften the words. "And I take my work very seriously."

Tenley didn't want him to feel responsible for her, but she loved that he cared. "I'm not your problem," she said, feeling the need to regain some of the ground she'd lost when she surrendered to her feelings for him. "And I can take care of myself."

He rolled onto his side, propping his head in his hand as he looked down at her. "I'd never consider you a problem, Ten. Being with you is a privilege. And I feel honored that you trusted me enough to let me in last night."

"And again today?" she joked, trying to add a little humor to a conversation that suddenly felt too real.

"Seriously," he said, flattening his palm against her stomach. "I know that couldn't have been easy for you, and I just want you to know that it means a lot to me."

She bit her lip, wondering how to respond. She was used to deflecting when a guy talked about his feelings, but she didn't want to do that with Rowan, so she was left confused and uncertain.

"I'll be right back," he whispered before heading to the bathroom, presumably to deal with the condom.

When he returned, he studied her, looking concerned before he laid down beside her. "Tell me what you're thinking." He ran a fingertip over the crease between her eyebrows. "You look so serious, as though you have the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"I kind of do," she admitted. "Not only is my ex out of prison, but you're in my life now, and I'm just trying to process it all."

"I get that." He leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. "But you don't have to figure us out. We'll work out the kinks over time, I'm sure."

He made it sound so easy, but in her experience, relationships were anything but easy. They were messy and complicated and often scary.

"Do you want to tell me about him?" When she looked away, Rowan said, "You don't have to, but--"

"I met him in high school," she said, fixating on the wall-to-wall windows facing the south side of his expansive property. "He seemed like a good guy at first. A little misguided, maybe. But he had a tough upbringing, just like I did."

"So you could relate?"

"Yeah, I guess."

She smiled when he threaded his hand through hers, and she knew that was his way of lending his support as she talked about another trying time in her life. She felt as though that was all she did with him--whine about her past. That was so unlike her, since she rarely complained about anything. She'd learned a long time ago that life didn't owe her a damn thing she didn't have the guts to earn.

"He was my first real boyfriend. I'd slept with guys before, but he was the first person to really care about me." She remembered how attentive Justin had been at the start of their relationship, when he was still filled with hope about the kind of future they could have. "He was a musician, in a garage band all through high school. They were convinced they were going to make it big."

"Sounds like every kid who can play a guitar. They're all gonna be superstars, right?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"When did you two get engaged?"

"Right out of high school." She sighed. "Brant was living on his own by then, already working as a cop, and Walker got a football scholarship out of state."

"So it was just you and your mom at home?"

"And whatever man she'd shacked up with." Admitting how promiscuous her mother had been was embarrassing, but she didn't want to hide anything from him. Either he was going to accept her, warts and all, or he wouldn't. Either way, she had to know for sure.

"I bet you couldn't wait to get out of there, huh?"

"That's why I agreed to marry him, I guess." She wasn't proud to admit she'd been looking for an out and Justin provided it. She wanted Rowan to see her as a strong and independent woman who could stand on her own two feet, which she was now. But she hadn't been then. She'd just been a scared kid who wanted someone to be there for her.

"That's understandable," he said. "Sounds like he was a little lost too. You helped each other."

"Yeah, but things went downhill when the band broke up and he realized making it in the music business wasn't going to be as easy as he thought. Before long, I was out busting my ass, trying to keep a roof over our heads and food in the fridge, while he laid around all day feeling sorry for himself."

"How long did that go on?"

"Too long." She was ashamed to admit she'd stayed with him longer than she should have. Long after she'd stopped loving him and knew the relationship was over. But she had been scared. Scared to leave him. Scared to be on her own. Scared of what he might do when she told him it was over.

Rowan pulled her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin as he stroked her hair. "But you got out, babe. That's all that matters. He's out of your life, and he can't hurt you anymore."

He wasn't asking any more questions about what had happened during the final days of their engagement or whether her fiancé had been abusive, and she was grateful. She wasn't ready to talk about that. In the past twelve hours, she'd already told him more about that period of her life than she'd told a therapist during their first several sessions.

After kissing her forehead, he said, "Why don't you grab a shower while I make us some breakfast? Do you have to work today?"

"Not until this afternoon," she said, glancing at the clock behind him. It read 8:12, which meant she could hang out a little longer, unless he had somewhere else to be. "Do you have to train this morning?"

"That can wait 'til this afternoon. Our trainer takes weekends off, so it'll just be me and Ace anyhow. And since he's probably still with Stacey--"

"Oh my God!" she said, sitting up as she flattened her hand against his chest, pinning him to the mattress. "Did you text him to make sure he was staying with her at our apartment?"

"He did," Rowan said, smiling as he drew her in for a kiss. "I love how much you care about other people."

"I'd never forgive myself if something happened to Stacey because of me." She didn't have many close friends since she tended to keep people at arm's length, but her roommate had broken down most of her walls, working her way into Tenley's heart without even trying.

"Nothing's going to happen to her or you," he said fiercely. "I can promise you that."

Tenley tapped his chest as she slid to the edge of the bed. "You sound like you do on those TV interviews when you talk about getting in the zone. I always thought you were so sexy when I heard you talk like that."

He gripped her waist before she could get out of bed. "That's just my work. Sure, I take it seriously and I want to win. But this is my life, and there's a hell of a lot more at stake here than money and accolades."

"I know. Thanks for saying that." She touched his cheek, appreciating that he cared enough to let her know that what was happening between them mattered to him. Maybe even more than what happened when he was on that mound.

She felt his eyes on her as she walked away, so she looked over her shoulder and winked at him. "Feel free to join me in the shower."

***

Reese called out after slamming the front door, reminding Rowan that he needed to get his key back.

Scrambling to find his pants so he could meet Reese in the kitchen instead of inviting him into the bedroom, Rowan swore softly. He didn't think Tenley would want him to know they'd slept together, and guarding her privacy was more important than answering to his little brother.

"Gimme a minute!" Rowan yelled, realizing he'd have to cross the room to grab a pair of sweats from the drawer.

Reese rounded the corner at the same time Tenley opened the bathroom door. Stark naked and dripping wet. Shit.

"Whoa--" Reese said, pretending to cover his eyes, but not before he took a good long look at Tenley.

She squealed, slamming the door.

"Son of a bitch," Rowan said, glaring at him. "Who do you think you are, letting yourself into my house like you own the goddamn place?" Holding out his hand, he said, "Give me my key back. Now!"

Reese grinned as he tossed the key at his brother. "That is one seriously sweet piece of ass, brother-man. Nicely done."

"Shut the hell up."

"What's the problem?" Reese asked, leaning against the doorframe. "Not as good as you thought she would be?"

Rowan gritted his teeth, reminding himself Reese was family, so he couldn't beat him senseless. "She's perfect. And mortified, thanks to you. Now would you get out of here so I can put some pants on?"

"Sure, I'll start breakfast."

"No one asked you to stay for breakfast," Rowan called after him.

He was sure that was exactly what Tenley would want, to sit across the breakfast table from the stranger who'd just seen her naked...

# Chapter Ten

After the initial shock and embarrassment of being caught in her birthday suit by Rowan's brother wore off, Tenley quickly warmed up to Reese. He was hilarious, making sport of ribbing his brother, which she thought was cute. Her brothers had a similar relationship and she felt at home with them, as though she were part of their inner circle.

"Wait 'til the old man meets her," Reese said, sliding a stack of buttered toast in Tenley's direction. "He'll be all over you about settling down."

Tenley smiled at Rowan's reaction. It was the first time she'd ever seen him blush. "Your dad wants you to get married?" she asked, gripping his thigh under the table.

"He wants more grandchildren," Rowan said, rolling his eyes. "A grandson, specifically. One he can take to ball games. Now that he's retired, he has way too much time on his hands."

"You said your sister has a daughter, right?" she asked, looking from Reese to Rowan.

"Yeah, but the guy she was engaged to left her just after Marley was born," Reese said, sounding bitter as he snapped a piece of crispy bacon in half. "She should have known better than to have a kid with him if you ask me. He's always been a loser."

Rowan shrugged. "It wasn't our call, man. You know that. Brit makes her own decisions."

Alternating between bites of toast and forkfuls of scrambled eggs, Reese asked, "Your brothers ever try to prevent you from getting mixed up with some dirtbag, Tenley?"

She glanced at Rowan, who was frowning at his brother, before he said thorough clenched teeth, "Last warning. Mind your own business."

"Hey," Reese said, raising his fork as his gaze traveled between them. "What the hell did I say?"

"Nothing," Tenley said, offering Reese a reassuring smile. "Um, yeah, my brothers have always been pretty protective of me." More so now.

"So are they giving you a hard time about this guy?" he asked, nodding toward Rowan. "'Cause I wouldn't blame them if they were. Trust me, I've known him all my life. Nothing but trouble."

She laughed when Rowan scowled at Reese and said, "Why don't you go eat breakfast at the diner and leave us the hell alone?"

"You're supposed to go with me to see Dad today, remember?" Reese asked. "We're gonna take him out for lunch."

"Shit, I forgot about that," Rowan said, checking his watch. "And I've got to train with Ace this afternoon."

"It's okay," Tenley said, touching his arm. "Go grab a shower while I clean up here. If you could just drop me at home before you go and see your dad that would be great."

"Why don't you bring her along?" Reese suggested. "You know Dad would love to meet her. After that last gold digger you hooked up with, he's started questioning your judgment."

Tenley was sure Rowan could read the panic on her face when she said, "Um, I don't think we're there yet, Reese. Meeting each other's parents is a pretty big deal, and your brother and I haven't known each other all that long."

"Oh yeah, sure," Reese said, shooting a look at Rowan. "Sorry, I didn't mean to overstep."

"What else is new?" Rowan asked as he stood, tossing his napkin on the table. "I'll be back in a bit, babe. If this guy gives you a hard time, feel free to throw him out. It won't hurt my feelings in the least."

But she was worried she had hurt Rowan's feelings by refusing to meet his father. She knew that family was important to him and his dad had clearly been a better parent than her mom had ever been, but she wasn't ready to take on the role of his 'official' girlfriend just yet.

When they heard Rowan close the door to his bedroom, Reese leaned back in his chair, studying Tenley. "I know this is none of my business, but are you really into him, or are you just having fun?"

She didn't think having fun would be possible in her current state of mind, but being with Rowan did make her forget about her troubles for a while. "Things are complicated, Reese." She understood his concern for his brother, especially after Rowan's last relationship, but she wasn't going to bare her soul to a stranger. "Just know that I like your brother a lot."

"Way to evade the question." He crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "You're beautiful, smart, tough, and from what I can tell, cynical. You've been burned before?"

She didn't want to talk about Justin, but she wasn't willing to shut Reese down either. If she was going to continue seeing Rowan, she wanted to be on friendly terms with his brother. "My last boyfriend cheated on me, so I know what Rowan is going through. It isn't easy to put yourself out there again after you've been hurt."

"No, it isn't." He sighed, shaking his head. "He's a really good guy, Tenley. He'd give the shirt off his back to a friend in need, and I know he may come across as this badass who doesn't give a shit about anything or anyone, but that couldn't be further from the truth."

"I can see that he's a good guy," she said, thinking about how good he'd been to her in the short time they'd known each other. "And you don't have to worry. I have no intention of hurting him." If I can help it.

"Did he tell you about what happened to our mom?"

She nodded, offering him a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry. I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you, growing up without her."

"The old man really stepped up," Reese said, rubbing his jaw. "I don't know what the hell we would have done without him." He smiled. "Rowan always promised Dad that if he ever made it big, he'd take care of him. And he made good on that promise. Before I started making real money, Rowan got his first decent contract. He worked like a beast, trying to be the best he could be for spring training and the whole time, he had his eye on the prize."

"Making the team," she said, knowing how hard it must have been for him to achieve that goal with so many talented men vying for the same spot.

"Yeah." Reese chuckled. "The only thing that mattered to him was being able to do right by Dad. He was finally able to buy him a house and a car, which allowed Dad to retire. I've never seen my brother happier than when he handed Dad those keys."

Damn, if she hadn't already been falling for him, that story would have convinced her. "That's so nice."

"He'd never tell you that himself. He doesn't like to take credit for any of his good deeds. I just thought you should know the kind of man you've got a chance with."

"I'm not going to take him for granted or use him, if that's what you're worried about." Tenley felt Reese's love and concern, but she wasn't offended by his subtle warning. She would have felt the same way if she saw one of her brothers falling hard for a woman and she couldn't figure out her intentions.

"I'm just not sure that I've seen him as hung up on a woman as he is on you." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "That means you could be the best or worst thing that ever happened to him, depending on how this plays out."

"And that scares you?"

"Hell, yeah. I don't want to see him get hurt. After what went down with Elle, he swore off women for a while."

Tenley wondered about the woman he'd been with the night he drunk dialed her. "Except for hook-ups?"

"Well, yeah," Reese said, smirking. "He is a guy."

She nodded, understanding perfectly. She'd grown up with two guys just like Rowan, who'd had no problem separating love and sex.

"What kind of bullshit has he been feeding you?" Rowan asked, curling his arms around Tenley from behind.

She jumped, laughing self-consciously when she realized he'd probably overheard part of their conversation. "Hey, I didn't hear you come in."

When he kissed her neck, she closed her eyes, inhaling the spicy scent of the same body wash she'd lathered herself with in the shower.

"Sorry," she said, standing. "I promised to clean up, but Reese and I got to talking."

"No problem," Rowan said, stacking the plates. "I can take care of that."

In spite of Rowan's protests, Reese and Tenley both helped with the clean-up, and they were all out the door twenty minutes later. On the short drive to her apartment, they talked about music, alternating between different radio stations until they all found songs they liked.

They were laughing as they pulled into her parking lot, but her amusement died when she spotted a black car with tinted windows parked at the curb in front of her building.

Obviously Rowan noticed it too because he jumped out of the truck, telling his brother he was going to walk Tenley upstairs.

"You think it's him?" Rowan asked, leaning in close to Tenley as he gripped her hand while they both tried to get a look at the person or people in the running car.

"I don't know," she said, her heart hammering. She knew so little about Justin's life now. She didn't know if he had friends on the outside or whether he'd kept in touch with any of the people they used to know when they were a couple.

She practically sprinted to the door. "I just want to get upstairs and make sure Stacey's okay. I didn't see Ace's car in the parking lot. Did you?"

"No," he said, shooting a look over his shoulder. "But maybe they're out together."

Tenley hoped so. She didn't want to think of her friend being alone and caught off guard if some stranger came to the door looking for her. Her hands were shaking as she tried to fit her key in the lock.

Rowan took them from her, whispering, "Relax, babe," as he unlocked the door and ushered her inside.

"Hey, you two," Stacey said, smiling at them from her post on the couch where she was painting her toenails. "What's up? Did you have fun last night?"

"Uh, yeah." Rowan kissed Tenley's cheek when she sagged against him with relief. "It was great. You want me to stick around for a bit, Ten? I can text Reese and tell him to come up."

"No." She patted his solid chest as she came down from the adrenaline high that had propelled her up three flights of stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. "I'm okay now. I need to talk to Stacey, and you need to see your father."

"You said you're working at the studio this afternoon?" he asked, looking as though he'd rather stay than leave as he reached behind him to grip the doorknob. "Then at the club later?"

"Yeah, I have classes at one, three, and five. Then I'll be heading to the club 'til close."

"I'll pick you up at closing time."

"You don't have to do that. You need your sleep."

"Making sure you're safe is more important to me than sleep," he said, lowering his voice when Stacey shot them a curious look. "Don't argue with me about this. I won't sleep until I know you're home safe and sound. Unless Ace plans to stay with Stacey again. Then you can come back to my place."

"No." It wasn't that Tenley didn't want to spend another night in his arms. She did. More than anything. But she couldn't afford to get too comfortable in his posh home. If she did, she'd feel like Cinderella at the stroke of midnight when they eventually broke up and she had to return to her own modest digs. "I have an early class in the morning."

He frowned. "You're closing at the club and opening at the studio? What the hell? So you're only going to get a few hours  of sleep?"

She rolled forward on her toes and kissed him. "You're sweet to worry, but I'm just filling in for a friend tomorrow. Don't worry. I'll come home and take a nap before I have to go back to the bar. I promise."

He sighed, looking as though he wanted to argue, but eventually, he pulled her into a fierce hug instead. "Just be careful, okay? And text me when you get to the club and the studio. Promise?"

"I promise."

"Okay, see you later, Stacey." He waved at her before he gave Tenley one last kiss, and she closed the door behind him.

"Wow, looks like things are getting serious between you two," Stacey said, wiggling her eyebrows.

"I could say the same about you and Ace," Tenley said, trying to deflect as she sank down next to her on the couch. "I hear he stayed here again last night."

"He did," Stacey said, grinning. "I'm really into him. I'm just worried about scaring him off the way I did Walker, ya know?"

"I wouldn't worry about that," she said, making a mental note to talk to Rowan about his friend so she could figure out whether he and Stacey were on the same page in their relationship. "I love my brother and all, but Ace seems a lot more mature when it comes to the whole male-female thing."

"Oh, speaking of guys," Stacey said, reaching for a slip of paper on the end table. "One called for you earlier. He didn't want to leave his name or number, but I took down the number on the call display, just in case you recognized it."

She looked at the local number, wondering if that meant Justin was living in her zip code. "What did he say?" she asked, trying not to panic.

"He just wanted to know if you were here. When I said you weren't, he wanted to know when you'd be back. I said I had no clue but could give you a message for him. He said he'd call back later."

Tenley didn't give her number out to random guys, and those who called her always called on her cell, not her landline. But since their number was published and in her name, it would be easy enough to find. That, and their address. Damn it. She should have thought of that sooner, but when they moved in, Justin was still in jail and she had no reason to live in fear. What a difference a couple of years made.

She thought of the car she'd spotted downstairs and realized she couldn't put off telling Stacey about Justin any longer. Her friend had a right to know that living with Tenley may be putting her in danger. She would hate to lose her as a roommate, but she wouldn't blame her if she decided to bail.

"So, um, if you have some time, I need to talk to you about something."

Stacey re-capped her nail polish and set it down. "This sounds serious. Is everything okay?"

"Not really," Tenley admitted, hugging one of Stacey's favorite floral pillows.

"It's not about Rowan, is it?" she asked, glancing at the door Tenley had locked. "You guys seemed so tight when he dropped you off."

"It's not about him," she said, trying to find the words that had come so easily last night when she was telling Rowan her story. "It's about my past. There's a lot I haven't told you."

"Okay," she said, turning to face Tenley. "What is it?"

"You know I've never really been into relationships," she said, tracing a pattern on the faux suede couch. "I mean, I've had plenty of hook-ups and I've dated a few guys for a while, but I've never really been interested in getting serious with anyone."

"Yeah, I've wondered about that," Stacey said, tucking her legs under her. "Did someone really do a number on you, or what?"

"Something like that," she admitted, knowing what she was about to tell her would shock and terrify her. "I was engaged before." She ignored her look of surprise, determined to continue before she lost her nerve. "Right out of high school."

"Wow, I had no idea," Stacey said, laying her hand on Tenley's knee. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's not something I'm proud of," she said, thinking how much shame she still felt regarding the first and only man she'd ever given her heart to. "He was a bad guy. A really bad guy."

"Did he hurt you?" she whispered, her wide eyes fixed on Tenley's.

She swallowed her fear and met her friend's gaze. "He kidnapped me. And he, uh, threatened to kill me, Stace."

She clapped her hand over her mouth. "Oh my God! What happened? Where is he now? Rotting in jail, I hope."

Tenley was still emotionally exhausted from telling Rowan the whole story and didn't think she could do it again, so she simply said, "It's a long story. Bottom line, he's out of jail now. And I have reason to believe he might come after me again."

Stacey glanced at the cordless phone on the coffee table. "Do you think he's who called you earlier?"

"It might have been. There was also a car I didn't recognize parked outside of our building when I came in. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but the windows were tinted and--" The air rushed out of Tenley's lungs when Stacey threw herself at her, hugging her tight.

"It's going to be okay," she whispered. "You have people who love you and would do anything to protect you. We're not going to let him hurt you again. Ever."

Tenley had never had a friend like Stacey, one who put her safety first. Who thought of her before she thought of herself and the danger this put her in. "Walker offered to let us stay with him for a while, if you want to. I know it might be awkward, given your history with him. But it's a secure building and..." Tenley tried to read Stacey's expression as she contemplated her proposal.

"I don't think so," she said, shaking her head. "How would I explain that to Ace?"

Stacey was right. Her current boyfriend probably wouldn't appreciate being told she was shacking up with her ex, even if there was a legitimate reason. "Then maybe you should think about staying with Ace for a little while?"

"No, it's too soon for that. Besides, I'm not leaving you all alone here. You'd be a sitting duck if that bastard came looking for you."

"I can defend myself," Tenley assured her. Stacey knew she carried a gun and could handle herself in close quarters combat. "It's you I'm worried about. What if Justin comes when I'm not here?"

"You really think he'd do that?" She rolled her lip between her teeth. "But isn't there some kind of protective order? Doesn't he have to stay away from you?"

"He does, but that doesn't mean he will." Justin had never been big on following the rules, and she imagined seven years in prison had made him even more averse to obeying authority. "Brant said he'd try to patrol our area and put the word out to his buddies on the beat, but he can only do so much. He can't watch our backs twenty-four, seven."

"That's why you parked Pearl." Stacey sighed. "I should have known something was up when Walker lent you his car. He loves that car."

"He didn't want me to take the chance of riding her," she admitted. "I hate that I'm changing my life so much, living in fear of a son of a bitch who's already taken so much from me, but what choice do I have, right?"

Tenley was stronger than she'd been back then: mentally, physically, and emotionally. But experience had taught her that no one was a match for a madman wielding a gun while threatening the lives of everyone she loved if she didn't succumb to his demands.

"How did Rowan react when you told him?"

"He's concerned, obviously. But he never made me feel like it was my fault." That had been her underlying fear all along... that he would think less of her for being stupid enough to agree to marry a man who would do those things.

"It's not your fault," Stacey said, sounding appalled. "God, don't even think that."

Tenley was glad she'd told her the truth. Coming clean felt better than she thought it would, especially since the people she'd confided in were offering her support she hadn't even realized she needed.

"Enough about him," Tenley said, pressing her fingertips against her temple when she felt the threat of another headache. "I just wanted you to know so you could be more cautious. Now that you know, let's talk about something else. Like Ace. How's that going?"

Stacey smiled, but she couldn't help noticing she didn't light up the way she used to when they talked about her brother. Tenley hoped, for her sake, that she'd given up on Walker. She'd hate to think Stacey was letting her feelings for him influence her relationship with a guy who really seemed to care about her.

"He's great. Really," she said, gripping Tenley's hand when she narrowed her eyes. "I should thank Rowan for introducing us. It's been a long time since a guy has made me a priority in his life. It's nice."

Since she was Tenley's best friend, she had to ask, "But is he the right guy, Stace?"

"I want him to be." She closed her eyes, then took a deep breath as she stared straight ahead at the blank TV screen. "I keep trying not to compare Ace to your brother, but I can't help myself. What the hell is wrong with me? I have a great guy in my life, and I'm wasting time thinking about a man who never gave a shit about me."

"I don't know that I'd go that far," Tenley said, thinking about Walker's reaction when he learned Stacey was seeing Ace. "I think my brother cared about you as much as he's cared about anyone. But it just wasn't enough. You wanted, needed, and deserved more than he could give."

"Right," she said, sounding resolute. "And that's why I need to forget about him and focus on what I have with Ace. Because he really could be everything I've ever wanted."

Tenley thought of the way she felt when she was with Rowan as she sank back against the cushions, still gripping one of the handmade pillows Stacey loved. "Does he turn you on? Does he make you feel like you can never get enough of him?"

Stacey sat back beside her, shoulder to shoulder, her feet stretched out on the coffee table as she wiggled her freshly painted lilac toes. "He's hot. There's no question about that. The sex is great."

"But?" Tenley tipped her head to look at her friend. "Don't even tell me there isn't a but, girl. I know you too well."

"Ugh." She groaned, rolling her head back. "What is wrong with me? Why can't I just be happy with what I have instead of wanting something more?"

"What more do you want?" Tenley asked, nudging her shoulder. "More orgasms? More oral?"

Stacey giggled, blushing. "No. Not more like that. I just want..."

"Tell me." Since Tenley had already told her deep, dark secret, she wanted Stacey to feel free to tell her anything.

"I want him to make me feel the way Walker did when we were together."

She hadn't realized it until right that second, but her big brother had really done a number on her best friend. She was going to have to smack him upside the head the next time she saw him.

"Maybe you'll find someone who will make you feel that way," Tenley said, sincerely hoping she would. "It could be Ace isn't supposed to be your forever guy. Maybe he's just the one who's supposed to make you believe it's possible to forget about Walker."

"Maybe," Stacey said, reaching for her hand. "Promise you won't tell Walker I've still got a thing for him?"

"Your secret's safe with me, hon." Always.

# Chapter Eleven

"Your brother tells me you've got a new girlfriend," their dad said when Reese stepped outside to take a call.

They were dining at their father's favorite restaurant, a little hole-in-the-wall Italian joint in their old neighborhood with lasagne that reminded them of their mother's cooking.

"Reese has a big mouth," Rowan muttered, reaching for his water glass.

"Does that mean you're not going to tell me about her?" he asked, drawing his bushy gray eyebrows together as he folded his arms over his barreled chest.

"We're taking it slow," Rowan said, hoping that would be enough for him to take the hint he didn't want to talk about it. He'd thought of Tenley every minute since he dropped her off, but he wasn't ready to talk about his feelings for her. Not even to his old man, who'd always been his sounding board.

"Is that because you're afraid of getting hurt again?"

Rowan knew he was referring to his relationship with Elle, which seemed like a blip on the radar screen compared to his feelings for Tenley. "Putting yourself out there is never easy, Dad. But you wouldn't know that since you refuse to date." Rowan felt guilty when a flash of pain crossed his face before he looked away. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have--"

"It's okay," he said, raising a calloused hand. "You have nothing to apologize for. You're right. I don't have any right to tell you boys how to live your lives when I don't have much of a life myself."

"Do you ever get lonely?" Rowan asked, feeling guilty that he couldn't spend more time with his dad. He had a group of friends he played cards and watched sports with, but he wondered if that was enough now that he no longer had work to keep him occupied.

"Sometimes, but when you find the love of your life at eighteen, it's hard to imagine ever finding another woman to take her place, son."

His gut twisted when he thought of the kind of love his parents had shared. His father had sat by her bed during the grueling treatments, holding her when she cried out in pain and crying on her shoulder when she finally slipped away. Rowan had never seen him as broken as he was the day they had to say their final good-byes to her, and he'd always felt they lost a part of their dad that day too.

"Maybe you could find a different kind of love," Rowan said, hoping that was possible for the old man. He didn't want to see him grow old alone, feeling miserable because the best years of his life were behind him. "It may not compare to what you had with Mom, but that doesn't mean it couldn't be good."

"A widow moved in just down the street from me." His weathered cheeks turned a ruddy shade as he cleared his throat. "I met her at a neighborhood potluck a few weeks back. She asked me to a movie."

"And?"

He shrugged. "I don't know if I should go. I like her. I mean, she seems like a nice lady, but I--"

"Dad, I know you loved Mom. We all know that. But she wouldn't want you to stop living just because she's gone. You devoted your life to raising us, but we're all grown up now. It's time for you to focus on your own life."

"Then you think I should go out with her?" he asked, stroking his white goatee. "I don't know, son. What the hell do I know about dating these days?"

"I doubt things have changed that much. Women are still women, Dad. They like flowers, candy, dancing, nice dinners, and sappy movies." He chuckled, thinking of Tenley. "They even like it when you open their car doors for them, I think."

"Okay, I'll think about it. So I've told you what's going on with me. Now it's your turn. Tell me about this new lady in your life."

Since Reese still had his phone to his ear as he paced the sidewalk, Rowan knew it would be a few more minutes before they could order.

"What can I tell you about her?" He grinned, thinking a dating service wouldn't have been able to find a woman better suited to him. "She's into kickboxing. She loves sports, especially baseball. She works part-time as a bartender." He laughed when his father's jaw dropped. "I haven't told you the best part. She rides a Harley named Pearl. Oh, and she carries a gun." Not to mention the colorful ink decorating her back... that he wanted to trace with his tongue every time he caught a glimpse of it.

"Shut the hell up."

Rowan grinned. He knew his dad would think Tenley sounded perfect for him, which was why he'd hesitated to tell him about her. He didn't want him to get carried away. Especially since he didn't know her story. Nor could he tell him.

"I'm serious," Rowan said.

He glared at Reese when he came back into the restaurant, both because he'd bailed on them to take a call and because he'd outed Rowan to their old man. He would have told Dad about Tenley eventually. When the time was right. But he would have appreciated being the one to decide that.

Reese rubbed his hands together when he reclaimed his seat. "Sorry about that, guys. So what'd I miss?"

"I was just filling Dad in on Tenley. Thanks for telling him about her, by the way," Rowan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Hey, no problem," Reese said, grinning. "If we're talking about your personal life, it means we're not talking about mine, right?"

Rowan rolled his eyes. "You're an ass, Reese."

***

Before her shift started, Maura told Tenley her brother wanted to see her in his office.

"Hey, Walker," she said, tapping her knuckles on the door before popping her head inside. "I heard you wanted to see me. What's up?"

"I was about to ask you the same thing." He pointed at the chair across from him. "Come in and close the door."

"What do you need?" Tenley asked, tossing her purse on the chair beside her.

"What the hell do you think?" he asked, sounding edgy. "I want to know if you've heard from him."

She thought of the car parked outside her apartment, the caller who hadn't left a message, and the hang-up from an unknown caller as she left the gym a couple of hours ago. "Not exactly."

He frowned, leaning forward as he rested his forearms on the desk. "What the hell does that mean? Either you've heard from him or you haven't. Which is it?"

"A few things have happened, but they may all be coincidences. I'm probably just being paranoid." At least that was what she wanted to believe. "But I don't want you to worry about me. I can take care of myself."

"That's what you said the last time," he said, slamming his fist on the desk. "And you almost got yourself killed!"

Tenley wasn't used to having her brother blow up at her. They had their disagreements, just like all siblings, but they usually kept their tempers in check. Probably because they'd grown up with a mother who went off without much provocation.

"I'm sorry," he said, running a hand through his dark, disheveled hair before reaching for a crystal highball glass filled with amber liquid. "I didn't mean to shout at you. I'm just worried about you, sis."

"I know you are." She leaned forward and touched his forearm. "But you don't have to be. I can better defend myself now. Between the second dan and the gun, I can--"

"I do feel better now you've earned your second-degree black belt," Walker said, running a hand over his face. "And I know you won't stop there. But what if he catches you off guard? What if you don't have time to react before he grabs you?"

She understood her brother's concern. She would feel the same way if someone who'd tried to take his life was walking the streets again, but Tenley didn't want to live in fear. She wanted to believe that she was stronger than she'd ever been and able to fight back, if the need arose.

"Have you talked to Stacey about the two of you coming to stay with me?"

"Yeah, but she's not into it," she said, trying to read his reaction. "She doesn't think Ace would like it."

"Who gives a shit whether her new boyfriend likes it?" he asked, cutting his hand through the air. "Her safety is on the line here too."

"Walker, do you have feelings for Stacey? Is that why you want us to come and stay with you? So you can maybe reconnect with her?" She'd never asked her brother that because she hadn't considered it a real possibility until now.

He looked at her as if she were high before he laughed. "Are you crazy? I had my chance with that girl."

"And you blew it." Even if Walker couldn't see it, Tenley could. Stacey loved him, and he'd treated her like he'd treated every other girl. In her opinion, that could prove to be a mistake that haunted him for the rest of his life.

Without denying her claim, he asked, "So things between her and Phillips are getting serious?"

"He spends almost every night at our apartment." She felt a modicum of guilt when he reached for his drink. "So I guess you could say that."

"He better treat her right." He drained his glass before slamming it on the desk. "She deserves a man who can give her everything I couldn't."

Stunned, Tenley watched her brother walk out of the room. She wondered if Stacey was the only one who'd fallen hard in that relationship.

***

After picking her up from work, Rowan was quiet on the drive back to Tenley's place, so she felt compelled to tell him the truth. "You didn't have to pick me up tonight. You're not responsible for my safety."

His eyes were dark as his hand curled tighter around the steering wheel. "Some sick bastard might be out to get you. You really think I'm going to let him come at you again?"

Tenley was causing everyone in her life undue stress, and she hated it. She was used to taking care of herself, and it had been years since she let herself feel like Justin's victim. This had to stop. Now.

"Take me home."

"I am," he said, looking confused.

"My home."

"No, Ace texted me to let me know Stacey's spending the night at his place since you'll be at mine."

"But I won't be at yours." Between her brothers and Rowan, Tenley felt like a fifteen-year-old whose parents still hired a babysitter when they stayed out all night. "I'll be at my place. So kindly take me home."

He scowled as the light turned red and he was forced to slam on his brakes. "Come on, babe. My bed's bigger than yours. I'll never be able to stretch out in that thing."

Since hers was only a double, he was probably right. But since she didn't intend to share, she didn't see the problem. "I'm going home alone. To sleep. I assume you'll be doing the same."

Tenley didn't want to think about what he might do if he didn't go home. Or who he might do if she pissed him off enough.

"What're you talking about? We're spending the night together."

"No, we're not." She didn't mean to come off as an ingrate, but she didn't want a man in her life who thought he could call all the shots. She'd had that before, and one of them had almost landed in the morgue. "I need to be by myself. To think."

He turned into my parking lot, his eyes casing the place for any suspicious-looking vehicles. "What do you have to think about? And why the hell would you want to be alone when you know you're in danger?"

"We don't know that," she said, trying to be reasonable. "All we know for sure is that my ex is out of prison. For all we know, he could be on a Greyhound headed east."

"He's still on probation."

"How do you know that?" she asked, turning to face him when he pulled into a parking spot near the front door and cut the engine.

"Your brother told me."

"You talked to Walker again? When?"

"Not Walker. Brant."

She stared at him, trying to decide if he was messing with her. "You don't even know my brother."

"I do now," he said, shrugging. "He passed by my place tonight. We had a beer, got to know each other better."

Tenley couldn't believe what she was hearing. Shouldn't she be the one to decide when it was time for the guy she was dating to meet her family?

Reaching into her purse for her migraine medication, she asked, "How did that even happen?"

"What's wrong?" he asked when she reached for the water bottle in one of his cup holders and downed the pill.

"Migraine. Now you answer my question."

She was starting to see the familiar spots dancing behind her eyelids and suspected it wouldn't be long before she blacked out. She wanted to do that in the privacy of her room, without Rowan hovering.

"I called Walker at the club. He gave me Brant's number. For the record, your brother seemed glad I called. He's relieved you have someone like me looking out for you when he can't."

"Someone like you?"

He obviously realized he was testing her patience because he shrugged, trying to play it off. "You know, someone who can take care of you."

"Listen to me carefully." Tenley leaned in even though her vision was starting to fail her. Pretty soon everything would be hazy. "I can take care of me," she said, thrusting a thumb at her chest. "I don't need you or Walker or Brant acting like my goddamn bodyguard!" She threw the door open and almost did a face-plant on the pavement when everything went from gray to black.

Rowan grabbed the back of her shirt, hauling her back in the truck. "Wait right there." His voice was filled with concern. "Do not move a muscle, Tenley. I mean it."

She knew he was pissed. She was too. But as far as she was concerned, she had good reason. He didn't.

Rowan inched her door open and put her arm around his neck before lifting her and cradling her body against his.

"I can walk." Though she wasn't sure that was entirely true. Walking when she couldn't see two feet in front of her had always posed a challenge.

"Would you just relax?" he asked, sounding frustrated. "I know you don't want to let anyone take care of you. I get that. But for Christ's sake, you can't even see to walk. Am I right?"

Instead of dignifying that with a response, she released a weak breath and rested her head against his shoulder, surrendering. For now.

"Keys?" he whispered when we were outside of her third-floor apartment.

"In my purse."

Since her purse was slung over her shoulder, Tenley felt him reach inside it, which was no easy task while he was using the wall to help support her weight. He finally fit the key in the lock and lowered her body to turn the knob and push it open. Once they were inside, he kicked it shut.

"I'll be fine now," she murmured, grateful he didn't feel the need for lights as he carried her down the hall to her bedroom. "You can go."

"Yeah, nice try." He laid her on the bed, then pulled off her boots and tight jeans, which was no easy feat since she wasn't much help.

Tenley was left wearing her bra, a racerback black tank, and black G-string, making her wonder what he thought of her attire. She cracked an eye open, but the meds still hadn't worked their magic. She couldn't see much of anything yet.

"Where are you going?" she asked when she heard him cross the creaky hardwood. Even though she'd told him to leave, she had to admit she was nervous about being left alone now that she had a full-blown migraine that had left her temporarily sightless.

"Just to get you some water and a cold cloth," he whispered. "I'll be right back."

Tenley tried hard to stay awake, but fatigue got the better of her. Her last thought as she drifted off to sleep was thankfulness that Rowan was there.

***

She woke up to the smell of coffee... the only thing that could have coaxed her to open her eyes.

Tenley could feel his presence even before she saw him. He was watching her, trying to decide if she needed him.

"Hey," she said, pushing her hair out of her face as she tried to sit up.

Then she noticed the tray on the small chair in the corner of her room. He'd made her pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. Damn. If he kept that up, she'd be head over heels in love by the end of the week.

"Hey, yourself," he said, his lips quirking when she snatched the coffee from his hands. "Feeling better?"

"Much, thanks." Unlike some people who suffered from migraines, her headaches thankfully didn't put her out of commission for days. "I'm sorry if I was a bitch last night, Row. I--"

"Food first," he said, reaching for the tray. "Then we'll talk."

"I know we didn't have the stuff for this," she said, gesturing to the loaded plate. "You went to the store?"

"Yeah, just a quick trip. I couldn't sleep, so I waited 'til sunrise, then headed out."

She looked at the other side of the bed, which didn't look as though it had been slept in. "Where did you sleep last night?"

"On the couch," he said, brushing her hair out of her face with a tender caress that made her melt just a little.

"I'm sorry. That couldn't have been comfortable." She offered him a strawberry dipped in cream, which he declined, claiming he'd already eaten. "You could have slept in here. I know the bed's not very big, but it beats the couch."

"You were pretty clear about not wanting to sleep with me last night," he said, obviously trying hard not to look hurt as he raised a broad shoulder. "I was trying to respect your wishes. Besides, I wasn't sure if you felt nauseated from these headaches, so I left a bucket by your bed and tucked you in." He pointed at the half-open door. "I left the door open though, just in case you needed me."

Her eyes focused on the empty bucket by her bedside because she was afraid if she looked at him, she would tear up like a wuss. Damn. No man had ever cared for her the way he did, and instead of thanking him, she kept giving him a hard time.

"That was really sweet of you," she said, fearing her voice would crack. "Thank you."

"No problem." He watched her eat for a few seconds before he said, "Ten, you lose your sight with these headaches? I don't have to tell you that could be a real problem."

Tenley knew it made her vulnerable, but since it was a condition she couldn't control, she tried not to dwell on it. "I don't get them all that often anymore, and I don't always lose my sight. Just sometimes." She wasn't sure that made him feel any better, but she hoped so. She knew her headaches just gave him another reason to worry about her, which was the last thing she wanted.

"What does your doctor say?" he asked, handing her back the coffee he'd set on her nightstand when he gave her the breakfast tray. "Can't he give you something stronger, or do something to prevent the goddamn vision loss? I'm not gonna lie, that's scary as hell."

"Imagine how I feel," she joked, hoping to ease his fears. When he didn't even crack a smile, she curled her hand around his. "Hey, millions of people suffer from migraines. I'm not the only one."

"Have you ever had one come on while you were teaching a class? Or how about driving? Is it even safe for you to be doing that?"

"Of course it is." She toned down the bite in her response, reminding herself he was asking because he cared. "And to answer your question, it's only happened once. Most of my students have been with me for a while, so they know I suffer from migraines and understand if I have to excuse myself or cut a class short."

He closed his eyes, tipping his head back. "Jesus, woman. I'm not sure I've ever met anyone stronger or more fearless than you, and I hang out with professional athletes who routinely get hit by ninety-seven mile-an-hour fastballs."

Tenley loved that he thought of her that way, but if she was being completely honest with him and herself, she'd admit she walked around wearing a mask most of the time. She tried to be fearless. Every day she got up, looked herself in the mirror, and told herself she wouldn't let that bastard win. He wouldn't rob her of her freedom or the chance to live a normal life, but that was exactly what he was doing because as much as she'd grown to care for Rowan, she was still trying to keep him at arm's length. That wasn't fair to either of them.

"I hated feeling weak and scared," she admitted, forcing herself to take another bite of the breakfast he'd so thoughtfully prepared. "And that's exactly how I felt for a year after it happened. I was afraid of my own shadow. I looked around every corner, slept with the light on, and..." She reached for the small glass of orange juice and took a sip to coat her dry throat. "My gun under my pillow."

"I don't blame you for feeling that way," he said quietly. "Anyone would."

She loved that he didn't judge her or try to take away her pain. He seemed to understand that he couldn't, but he could help her just by listening when she needed to talk. "So one day I woke up and decided enough was enough. I wasn't going to live that way anymore. He'd wasted too much of my life already. He wasn't getting any more."

"I admire that," he said, shaking his head slowly. "And I understand it. I know that you don't want to live the rest of your life worrying about what this guy may or may not do to you now that he's a free man again. In fact, I spent most of the night thinking about just that."

"Really?" To her surprise, she'd cleaned her plate by the time he took the tray from her with a satisfied smile. "And? Did you come to any conclusions?"

"Yeah, I did." He set the tray on the floor before reaching for her hand. "I decided that I need to trust you. I need to trust your judgment and intuition. I need to believe that you'll call me if you need me..." He frowned. "You will, won't you?"

She framed his handsome face with her hands, knowing he needed the reassurance. "You'll be the first one I call. I promise."

"Okay," he said, releasing a shaky breath. "Then I'm going to try to let this go. It won't be easy because it scares the shit out of me when I think of something happening to you, but I'll try to respect your boundaries."

"My boundaries?" She thought that was a strange way of putting it, though she appreciated the sentiment.

"Yeah, whether you realize it or not, you're not prepared to let anyone get too close. And I understand that now. I thought my ex did a number on me, but that was nothing compared to what yours did to you. It makes sense that you'd be a little gun-shy." He grimaced when he realized what he'd said, swiping a hand over his face. "Poor choice of words, sorry."

She laughed to let him know that he didn't have to walk on eggshells around her. "You're right." She fisted her hand in his black T-shirt so she could pull him closer. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she just held him for a minute, letting his strength reinforce hers. "I guess I didn't realize I was so guarded until I met you. The other guys I've dated since Justin didn't really matter, so I never questioned whether I was willing to let them in. I mean, sure, my last boyfriend--if you can call him that--cheated on me, but I honestly didn't give a shit."

Rowan chuckled, making her smile as he pulled back to look into her eyes.

"But with you, I want to let my guard down. I want to let you in. It may take a little time though. Are you okay with that?"

"Hell, I don't care how much time it takes." He outlined her heart with his fingertip, his head bowed as he watched his hand. "Just so long as you understand this is what I'm aiming for. Not part of it. All of it."

Tenley feared he could see her heart pounding as his meaning settled in. He wanted her all in. Ready and willing to fall in love with him. Maybe not today or tomorrow. But eventually.

"Okay," she whispered, sinking her hands into his hair as she drew him in for a kiss. "Understood."

# Chapter Twelve

Since Tenley had a rare day off, she decided to tag along with Rowan and Ace to train. But she was shocked to see her brother walk in shortly after Rowan's trainer started putting them through their paces.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, crossing her arms as Brant approached. "How did you even know I'd be here?" If he told her he was having her followed by one of his well-meaning cop friends, she was going to slap him upside the head.

"I texted Rowan earlier to ask if you guys wanted to meet for coffee, and he said you two were headed here."

"So what? You're friends with my boyfriend now?"

Brant grinned, nudging her shoulder with his as he watched two of his favorite ball players trying to outdo each other on the indoor track. "Is that what he is, sis? Your boyfriend?"

"Shut up. I don't know what he is. Exactly."

"But you want him to be your boyfriend?" He looked at her out of the corner of his eye, shaking his head in disgust when her only response was a shrug. "It's okay to admit it, you know. I'm pretty sure he wants the same thing."

"I don't like you meeting up with him and texting him behind my back. It makes me feel like you guys are conspiring to keep me under lock and key."

"If only I could," Brant muttered.

Something about the way he said that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. "Have you heard anything?"

"No, and that's what bothers me." Brant said. "He's been laying low ever since he got out. I can't help but think that's because he's planning his next move and wants to catch us off guard."

Her stomach roiled in protest as she considered the possibility that her brother might be right. "He's been away a long time. Maybe he's decided his freedom is more important than getting even with me."

Because getting even with her was exactly what he'd promised to do as they led him out of the courtroom in handcuffs. Even if it was the last thing he ever did. Which meant he was willing to trade his life for the chance to make her pay. Or at least he had been back then. Maybe he'd changed. If she were the type to pray, she would have prayed for that.

"We can only hope," Brant said, watching Rowan and Ace through the tempered glass as their trainer stood on the sidelines with a stopwatch. "But I want to hear more about you and Rowan. How'd you guys meet?"

"You mean he didn't tell you?" She thought her brother would have fired questions like missiles when he and Rowan met.

"Rowan led with the most important business we had to discuss--your piece-of-shit ex. After that, he talked about his work and we watched a hockey game."

"So a little male bonding, huh?"

Tenley wasn't sure how she felt about Rowan getting so friendly with her brothers. She understood that they had a lot in common--namely their compulsive need to protect her--but if things went south with Rowan, could she trust her brothers to take her side? She knew when it really mattered, they'd always have her back, but they subscribed to this stupid "bro code" when it came to their buddies, and she could easily see Rowan becoming a part of their inner circle. Which would leave her out in the cold.

"Something like that." His mouth tipped up in a half-smile. "I gotta say, the guy seems perfect for you. I don't have to tell you that you have a hell of a lot in common."

"I know."

As she watched Rowan, the man who'd been the object of her fantasies more than a time or two before they met, she realized fate was either a cruel bitch for introducing her to a man she could never have or she had decided to make up for the unfortunate hand she'd been dealt in the parent department.

As her thoughts drifted to Mommie Dearest, she asked, "Have you heard from Mom lately?" That was code for "Has she hit you up for money this month?"

"No." Brant folded his arms, scowling. "And I told her until she gets rid of that loser she's dating, I don't want to see or hear from her."

The loser of the day was a registered sex offender who liked to hang around high schools and ogle the freshmen. Mom sure knew how to pick them. "How long do you think that'll last?"

"Until she needs something."

They all knew the drill. When their mom was down and out, which was usually the end of every month when the utility companies threatened to cut her off again, she called one of them, begging for mercy. She was smart though. She usually took turns so they couldn't claim she was playing favorites. Ha!

"I hear that," Tenley said, her exhaustion with her routine bleeding through into her tone.

Brant put his arm around her neck and pulled her close as he kissed the top of her head. "Hey, so we got shitty parents. But at least we have each other, right?"

And she was beyond grateful for that. She didn't know what the hell she'd do without her brothers.

"Yeah," she said, tweaking his stomach before she pushed him away. Tenley loved to tease Brant about getting soft, especially since he worked out like a maniac and had that coveted eight-pack most men only dreamed about. "Now that you know all about my love life, what's new with yours?"

Brant used his job as an excuse to keep women at a safe distance, claiming he couldn't afford that kind of liability. If the motorcycles gangs he infiltrated or dealers he busted knew he had a pretty little wife or girlfriend waiting at home, she'd be a target. Anything to get even with him. But Tenley didn't buy it. He had people in his life he loved, herself included, and no one had ever come after them to get even with Brant, so she assumed he was just full of it and didn't want to be bothered putting time and energy into a relationship.

"Corrie is back in town," he said.

She stared at him, trying to get a read on his emotions. Corrie was the girl he fell in love with in high school, but she'd gone away to college and left him reeling. Tenley wasn't sure he'd ever really recovered from his one and only heartbreak.

"How do you know that? She called you?"

"Hell no." His jaw was tight when he said, "I ran into her at the store. Apparently, she's staying with her parents until she finds a place of her own."

"So she's back for good?" Corrie had been the big sister Tenley had always wanted, and she couldn't deny she was excited about the prospect of her and Brant reconnecting.

"Yeah, apparently her marriage didn't work out." A ghost of a smile played across his lips before he said, "Isn't that a shame?"

"I didn't even know she was married." She slapped his arm. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Not something I like to talk about," he said, staring ahead. "Or think about."

"How did you find out?" She didn't think her brother was the type of guy who kept tabs on his ex.

"Her parents told me."

"You still keep in touch with her parents?" Tenley thought she knew everything there was to know about Brant and Walker, but they'd both been keeping secrets: Walker with his feelings for Stacey, and Brant with his connection to his ex's family. What else were they hiding?

"Yeah, sure." He shrugged. "They were like family when Corrie and I were dating. Why would I cut ties with them just 'cause she was stupid enough to marry some dirtbag who could never love her the way I did?"

Brant seemed as shocked by his claim as Tenley was because he muttered, "Gotta hit the john," and walked away, leaving her staring after him wondering why she hadn't realized before that her brother was still in love with his ex.

***

After a quick coffee at a local café, Brant bailed on them, claiming he had an errand to take care of before work.

"What's wrong?" Rowan asked as Tenley watched her brother leave.

"He just told me his ex is back in town."

"And?" Rowan asked, reaching for his water bottle. "Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

"I don't know yet."

Tenley thought about the girl she'd known. Corrie had loved Brant with all her heart, claimed she'd do anything for him. But that was a long time ago, and unlike Brant, she'd moved on with her life and presumably forgotten all about him.

"Corrie and Brant dated all through high school," she explained. "She was a real sweetheart, and her parents loved Brant like he was their own son. He really needed that strong male influence in his life. Corrie's dad was a cop, and I think that's what made Brant decide to join the force."

"Huh." Rowan leaned back in the booth. "So what happened?"

"I wish I knew."

Their breakup had seemed so abrupt to Tenley, as though it happened overnight, but Brant later told her they'd been having problems for a while, though he wouldn't say what they were. She suspected it had something to do with the fact that Corrie got scholarship offers out of state and because he was immature and jealous, Brant was worried he'd lose her if she went away to school.

"You and Corrie were close?"

"Like sisters."

She smiled, thinking of all the little things she wouldn't have done without her--like go to her junior prom. Because Justin wasn't into that shit, as he put it. She wouldn't have gotten into kickboxing because she'd been intimidated by the studio, where everyone seemed like a pro. But Corrie took the beginner's class with her, and they both got their white belts at the same time. Corrie didn't take it any further, but her encouragement had changed the course of Tenley's life.

"I've missed her." She didn't even realize how much until Brant told her Corrie was back in town and that he'd seen her.

"So call her. Pay her a visit. Just 'cause she and your brother aren't together anymore doesn't mean you guys can't be friends, right?"

Tenley knew Brant wouldn't mind if she resumed her friendship with his ex. He'd never been that petty. Even after Corrie left town and he was reeling, he told Tenley she had no reason to hate her. He claimed if his sister should be mad at anyone because of their breakup, it was him.

"You really think I should?" she asked, wondering if Corrie's parents still lived in the same century home on the tree-lined street that always made her long for a real home like they had.

"Sure. Why not?"

"I don't have her number anymore. Brant said she's been married and divorced, so I'm not sure if she goes by her married or maiden name. I'm not even sure what she does for a living."

"Do you know where she's staying?"

"With her parents."

"So look them up."

He made it sound so simple, but how would Corrie feel if Tenley showed up on her doorstep after so many years of silence? They were strangers now. And maybe she wouldn't want anything to do with Brant's family. Too many bad memories?

"I don't know," she said, swirling the ice cubes around her iced coffee with the straw.

"What's the worst thing that can happen? She tells you it was nice to see you, but she's trying to move on with her life and doesn't need any reminders from her past? Would that be so terrible?"

"I guess not." The girl Tenley knew had been sweet and kind and wouldn't hurt anyone's feelings if she could help it. So unless she was a completely different person, Corrie would find a way to let her down easy. "Okay, maybe I'll pass by and see if she's home this afternoon."

"Good for you," Rowan said, smiling. "Then will you come by my place? I know you don't have to work at the club tonight, so you could bring an overnight bag. I'll grill some steaks and even let you pick some sappy girly movie if you want."

She laughed and shoved his shoulder, which was like ramming her hand into a brick wall. "I don't watch girly movies, smartass. Give me an action flick where they blow shit up any day."

"Okay, is it too soon to tell you I'm in love with you?" Rowan asked, half-laughing.

Their eyes met, and she knew he realized he'd caught her off guard. He's only joking. Or at least she thought he was. He couldn't possibly love her so soon. Could he?

"I, uh, just meant that you and I are perfect for each other," he said, reaching for her hands as though he were afraid she might bolt. "I was just telling my old man that earlier today, that I've never met someone so right for me."

Tenley couldn't deny she and Rowan seemed to have a lot in common. Her brothers liked him, and even though she claimed other people's opinions didn't matter to her, theirs did.

"I just don't want to rush into anything," she said, hoping he wouldn't be offended. "I love hanging out with you, but I went from being dead-set against relationships to being in one. And it seemed to happen before I even realized I'd changed my mind about wanting it to happen."

She didn't know if she was making any sense, but his indulgent smile told Tenley he got her. That was the thing about Rowan. She didn't have to tell him what she was thinking or feeling. He just seemed to know. And that was scary and comforting at the same time.

"I get that," he said, bringing her hand to his lips. "No pressure. Really. I can take this as slow as you want to as long as I'm confident we're moving in the right direction."

Before she could respond, his cell phone, which was sitting on the table, buzzed. A picture of a stunning redhead with bright green eyes flashed across the screen. He quickly hit the ignore button but couldn't ignore the question lingering in Tenley's eyes as easily. Who the hell was that?

He chuckled as he sat back, releasing her hand. "Okay, that was awkward."

"Was it?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "It'll only be awkward if you don't tell me who she is."

He rubbed his forehead, though nothing could erase the worry lines that call had etched there. "She's, uh, the girl I was with the night I called you by mistake."

Tenley thought of the things he'd said to her when he thought she was that girl, and it wasn't hard to imagine the things he'd done to her that night. Jealousy was foreign to her. She usually didn't care what the guys she dated did, or who they did, for that matter. But this was different. Rowan was different.

"You're still seeing her?" she asked, trying to keep the bite out of her voice so he wouldn't know how jealous she was of a woman she'd never met.

"No, of course not," he said, looking affronted. "Jesus, Ten, how can you even ask me that? She was a hook-up, nothing more."

"And she called you because she wanted to hook up again?" Why else would she have called?

"I don't know why the hell she called," he said, shrugging. "What difference does it make?"

It made a huge difference to her, but she couldn't tell him that without seeming insecure and pathetic. She was always lecturing Stacey about playing it off like she didn't care, yet she was having a hard time taking her own advice when she really did care about the guy in question. She suddenly had a better understanding of how Stacey had gotten herself tied up in knots over Walker. Feelings were a tricky bitch to control.

"Did she leave you a message?" When the screen indicated she had, Tenley asked, "Aren't you going to check it?"

He slid the phone across the table. "Why don't you check it since you seem so concerned about it?"

He was testing her, but she wasn't sure if he was trying to decide whether she trusted him or whether she cared enough to be jealous, which made deciding how to respond difficult.

"That would be an invasion of your privacy," she said, trying to sound reasonable, though she was sorely tempted to grab the damn phone and find out what the green-eyed monster wanted with her man.

"Only if you did it behind my back," he said, his eyes darting from her to the phone. "You're doing it in front of my face. Because I told you to." He pushed the phone closer. "I have no secrets from you. Go ahead, find out what she wants."

Tenley debated with herself for a full three seconds before she picked up the phone and read the voice mail message. She could almost hear her sultry voice as she read, "Hey, Rowan. It's Sharyl. I had an amazing time the other night. I was hoping you'd be free again tonight? Call me when you get a chance."

Rowan raised an eyebrow as she slid the phone back to him. "Now you know. Feel better?"

"No." She bit back an angry retort, reminding herself she had no reason to be pissed off. He hadn't done anything wrong. Nor had the other woman. As far as Sharyl was concerned, Rowan was a free agent, and maybe in his mind, he still was.

He smiled as he reached for his phone and typed a quick text. She was dying to ask whether he'd responded to her invite, but she had too much pride to ask. Thankfully she didn't have to because when it became obvious she'd taken a vow of silence, he sighed and flashed her the phone.

His text read, Thanks for the invite but I have a girlfriend now.

"You do, huh?" she asked, feeling as though she could finally breathe.

"Don't I?" he asked, looking only mildly concerned.

"Yeah, I guess you do." She rolled her shoulders back. Even though she didn't have a class today, she considered passing by the studio to work off some of the tension. "I just hope I don't scare you off with all this crazy."

He laughed. "I wouldn't worry about that. In case you've forgotten, I can get a little crazy too."

She smiled as she remembered his reaction in the park. "Yeah, I guess you can."

"So why don't I drop you at your building so you can pick up the car?" he asked, tossing a few bills on the table before reaching for her hand to pull Tenley to her feet. His hands circled her waist, his lips meeting hers. "Go see your friend Corrie. But don't forget to pack an overnight bag while you're at home. I want you in my bed tonight."

Any other guy, and she would have objected to being told what to do instead of asked, but she was quickly learning that fighting her feelings for Rowan was a waste of time and energy. She was going to try going with it instead and see where that led her. Hopefully it wouldn't lead to the one thing she'd been trying to avoid--trouble.

# Chapter Thirteen

Tenley was nervous when she showed up on Corrie's parents' doorstep later that afternoon, but when she saw her old friend's face light up at the sight of her, all of her reservations melted away.

"Oh my God," Corrie said, throwing her arms around Tenley. "I can't believe it's really you."

"How've you been?" Tenley asked, hugging her back with equal enthusiasm. She prided herself on not being a girly-girl, but seeing Corrie again made her want to jump up and down and squeal a little. Okay, a lot.

She picked up a strand of Corrie's long, silky hair. It was still natural brown with gold highlights and a wave most women relied on irons to perfect. "You're even more gorgeous than I remember."

"Same goes," Corrie said, her eyes filling with tears as she gripped Tenley's hands. "Look at you. All grown up. God, you were what, sixteen when I left? I can't believe I even recognized you." She laughed, stepping back so Tenley could enter. "Get in here. I want to hear all about what you've been up to."

"Are your parent's home?" It suddenly occurred to Tenley she should have picked up some pastries from the café as a peace offering for barging in with no warning.

"They're playing golf," Corrie said, waving dismissively. "They won't be back for hours."

As Corrie led her through the main floor, passing the parlor and formal dining room before they arrived at the kitchen, Tenley realized the house had been renovated in recent years. But they'd maintained all of the character and charm, making it feel as welcoming as she remembered.

"Can I get you a cup of coffee?" Corrie asked, gesturing to a stainless steel machine sitting on the counter that looked as if it could do everything except wash dishes. "It also makes iced coffee, iced tea, hot chocolate, tea--"

"A water would be great, thanks. I just came from the café." Wanting to get a feel for how Corrie was feeling about her brother these days, Tenley added, "I was there with Brant and my..." She was still getting used to the idea of calling Rowan her boyfriend, but at Corrie's questioning look, she blurted, "Boyfriend. I was there with Brant and my boyfriend."

"Oh, that's nice," Corrie said, looking slightly perplexed by her hesitation.

Tenley watched her pull two bottles of water from the fridge before she piled some homemade cookies on a plate. One thing she remembered about Corrie's parents' house was there was always a well-stocked cookie jar because her mother loved to bake.

"Thanks," she said, when Corrie passed her the water. "So, um, Brant told me he ran into you at the store. Was that weird?" She was dying to know everything: why Corrie and her brother broke up, what she'd been doing since she last saw her, what she did for a living, why her marriage ended, but most importantly, whether she still had feelings for Brant.

"I don't know if I'd call it weird exactly," Corrie said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I knew there was a good chance I'd run into him now that I'm back. I guess I just expected a little more time to prepare for it."

Tenley knew how she'd react if she ran into her ex in the grocery store--she'd drop him like a sack of potatoes, then run like hell. But Brant wasn't a beast who'd tried to take Corrie's life.

"So how was it?" Tenley asked, wondering if she was pushing too hard.

"It was nice," Corrie said, closing her eyes briefly. "He's not the boy I left, that's for sure. He's all man now."

Brant was big and burly with tats and piercings. Most would say he was scary looking, but that was just part of his professional persona.

"Do you ever think about him?" Tenley asked, reaching for a cookie and hoping she wasn't coming off as nosy.

"Of course I've thought about him." She took a sip of water. "How could I not? He was a big part of my life for a long time. And since he's remained close with my family, I've heard about him over the years."

"He told me you got married." Tenley wanted to hear all about the man who could have made Corrie forget about what she'd had with Brant, but she wasn't sure she had the right to ask.

"And divorced," she confirmed with a rueful shake of her head. "That's why I've come back here. To start over."

"I'm sorry." When Corrie looked at her, Tenley said, "Not that you're back. I'm thrilled about that. I'm just sorry about the divorce."

"Thanks." She covered Tenley's hand with hers. "It wasn't easy, but it was time for both of us to move on before we ended up resenting each other."

"So what do you do now?" she asked, feeling she'd poked around in her love life enough for one day.

"I'm a therapist," she said with a smile. "Marriage and family counseling. Which I guess is kind of ironic, since I couldn't make my own marriage work."

"You're doing what you always wanted to do." She was proud of her friend even though she'd had nothing to do with her accomplishment.

"I am." She smiled. "I love my work. It's really the only thing that's gotten me through these past couple of years."

Tenley wanted to ask what that meant, but she assumed Corrie would open up when she was ready. This visit was about reconnecting with an old friend, not interrogating her or making Corrie question her motive for visiting.

"Are you starting your own practice here?"

"Actually I'll be joining an existing practice. There's only one other therapist, and he plans to retire in the next couple of years. If all goes well, I can take over for him."

"That's great." Tenley looked around the cozy kitchen, smiling at the positive sayings posted on the stainless steel refrigerator. Life is Good. Count Your Blessings. Corrie's mother had always been a glass half-full kind of person. While their mother had always been glass empty... because she drank everything in it. "It must be nice to be back home."

"It is," Corrie said, smiling. "But I'm anxious to get my own place. It's weird living with my parents after being on my own for so long."

"Have you got any places lined up?" she asked between bites of cookie.

"Yeah, I'm just not sure if I want a house or condo."

Tenley thought about telling her about the condos available in Brant's brand new building, but she didn't want to push her luck. "How's your family?"

"They're great. If you can believe it, my little sister's married with a baby on the way. Jessica and her husband are living in Fresno."

"Good for her." Corrie's sister was Tenley's age, but she'd gone to a fine arts high school, so they only knew each other casually through Corrie. "Is she still an amazing artist?"

"She's even better now," Corrie said, beaming with pride. "She has paintings in galleries all over the country."

"That's wonderful." She was happy for Jessica, but they were the same age and Jess seemed to have her life all figured out while Tenley was still struggling to keep it all together. She was a little jealous.

"But enough about me and my family," Corrie said, tipping her head. "I want to hear about you. What about this boyfriend? Is it serious?"

"We haven't been dating long, but I like him. A lot." Since she didn't know if Corrie followed baseball, she didn't bother to tell her about Rowan's profession.

"And how is Walker?" Corrie asked, her eyes brimming with tears. "God, I haven't seen him in years. I've missed him almost as much as I've missed you." She reached across the table to give Tenley a one armed-hug as she sniffled. "God, look at me. I'm such a mess. I'm sorry, honey."

"It's okay." She wanted to know why she got so emotional when she thought about the past, but if they could rekindle their friendship, Tenley was sure she'd tell her in due time. "Walker is Walker. You know him. Still a player."

"And..." She cleared her throat. "What about Brant? Is he still a player too?"

Tenley don't know how she knew her eldest brother had had more than his share of women since they split, but since Corrie had asked her a direct question, she couldn't lie. "He hasn't met anyone like you, that's for sure."

"Is he happy?" she whispered, looking at Tenley through damp lashes. "Because I want him to be happy. He deserves that."

Was he happy? He loved his work. Had a great condo. A sweet ride. Great friends who were like his brothers. There was never a shortage of women in his life. But was he truly happy? Tenley didn't know, which probably made her a lousy little sister.

"He has a pretty full life," she said, knowing that didn't answer her question. "He rarely has any down time."

"His work must be dangerous." At Tenley's questioning look, Corrie said, "My dad filled me in. He retired almost four years ago, but he said Brant was one of the best undercover cops they had on the drug task force. He even got a job offer from the FBI, but turned it down, huh?"

Tenley thought it was strange that Corrie's father had been keeping her apprised of her ex-boyfriend's career, especially since she'd been married at the time. "Um, yeah. His work is dangerous. Even more so now that he's infiltrating biker clubs. But he knows what he's doing. I have to trust that." She smiled. "Otherwise I wouldn't be able to sleep at night."

"And how's your mother?" Corrie asked, giving her a sympathetic smile.

"You know her," Tenley said, trying to keep the bitterness from her voice. "She'll never change."

"Never is a long time, hon. You never know."

Tenley knew. But she'd let Corrie hold on to her illusions that people like her mother could change. "I guess I should get going," she said, glancing at her watch. "It's getting late, and Rowan's making me dinner tonight."

As they stood, Corrie asked, "Rowan? That's the new boyfriend?"

"Yeah."

"When I ran into Brant in the store, I asked about you," Corrie said, putting her arm around Tenley. "He told me that you're teaching kickboxing now. I'm so proud of you, sweetie." She laughed. "If I'd kept up with it, who knows, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid to jog after work."

She wanted to tell her friend that being a marital artist didn't make you fearless, just better prepared. "You should pass by the studio where I work." She turned to face Corrie when they reached the door. "I teach a beginner's class. From what I remember, you were a natural."

"That might be fun," she said, nodding. "I've been looking for a new hobby since I moved back to town."

"Here," Tenley said, reaching into her purse for a card. "This is where I work. Stop by any time. The first class is free."

"Thanks," she said, turning the card over in her hand.

"Do you have a pen?" she asked, rummaging through her purse for one. That was how Corrie spotted the gun.

"Oh my God! Why do you have a gun?"

Since she didn't want her to worry, Tenley tried laughing it off. "You know Brant. He thinks everyone should bear arms. It makes him feel better, so like my American Express card, I never leave home without it."

Corrie frowned as though she didn't buy that story, but she reached into the hall console table to grab a pen without asking any more questions. "Here you go." She handed it to Tenley along with the card.

She jotted her cell number on the back and passed them back to Corrie. "Call me anytime. I'd love to get together for dinner if you're not too busy with work and looking for a place."

"I can always make time for you," she said, hugging Tenley. "And I'll text just as soon as you leave so you'll have my cell number too."

"Cool," she said, slinging her purse over her shoulder as Corrie walked her out onto the porch.

Corrie grinned when she spotted the classic Mustang. "Oh wow, I bet Walker is green with envy. I remember how much he wanted one of those when we were kids."

"Actually, this is Walker's," she explained, opening the car door. "I'm just borrowing it for a while. My real ride is a Harley named Pearl." Tenley winked at her before she slipped her sunglasses into place.

Corrie laughed as she gripped the porch railing. "I love how fearless you are."

Not fearless, Tenley thought as she slipped into the driver's seat and checked her rear-view mirror. Just really good at pretending.

# Chapter Fourteen

Tenley and Rowan were working side by side in his kitchen, with her chopping vegetables for the salad while he seasoned the steaks, when he asked, "How did it go with Corrie this afternoon?"

When she looked up at him, her smile made him feel as if he'd been sucker-punched. That was when he realized he hadn't been off the mark when he claimed to be falling in love with her. He was falling hard and fast, and he couldn't help but wonder whether she felt it too. Or was he delusional to think that a girl who'd been through as much as she had could ever learn to love and trust completely?

"It was so good to see her again. Thanks for encouraging me to go."

He'd do just about anything to see her light up like that, even if it meant pushing her out of her comfort zone once in a while. "I'm glad it went well."

Rowan reached into the fridge for another bottled water for himself and a bottle of wine to refill her glass. Now that spring training was approaching, he'd traded the alcohol for water, and he felt a hell of a lot better for it.

"I got the impression she still has feelings for Brant," she said, tossing the salad in a large stainless steel bowl before reaching for the eggplant and zucchini they intended to grill. "Though that may be wishful thinking on my part. I've never seen him happier than he was with Corrie." She sighed. "They were so good together."

"Kind of like us?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her after he topped up her glass.

She tipped her head back, smiling at him. "We are pretty good together, aren't we?"

"The best." He dropped a kiss on her lips as his way of telling her that this was shaping up to be the best relationship he'd ever had. Though he didn't have a history of long-lasting or healthy relationships to compare it to.

As though she'd been reading his mind, she said, "You told me about your last girlfriend, the one who cheated on you. But what about the others? Any other serious relationships in your past?"

"Not really. Baseball's been my life for a long time now. That doesn't leave a lot of time for relationships. Soon I'll be training several hours a day again and the press will be all over us for interviews about the upcoming season. After winning the division championship last year, expectations are high for us this year."

The start of a new season meant he'd be working almost every day and on the road more often than not. He hated the thought of leaving her, even for a few days.

"Duty calls, huh?" she asked, faking a smile. He could already tell the difference between a real smile and a forced one. When it was real, those gorgeous blue eyes of hers sparkled like sapphires, making him hope what they'd found could last.

"Yeah, my agent's been on me about some endorsement deals too," he said, reaching into the salad bowl for a slice of cucumber. "I really should look those over. See if anything grabs me."

Rowan was pretty selective about the products he endorsed, which drove his agent crazy because it meant a smaller paycheck for him. Most of the athletes he worked with would slap their names on anything for a six- or seven-figure payday.

"I get the feeling money doesn't really motivate you," she said, arranging the veggies on a platter.

"It doesn't really." He looked around the kitchen, which was bigger than some of the places he'd lived in when he was growing up. "I have more than enough already. Of course, in my position the arm takes a hell of a beating, so you have to invest, you know, plan for the day when your body can't take the abuse anymore."

"Have you thought about what you'd like to do when you retire?" she asked, carrying her wine and the vegetable platter outside while he grabbed the steaks and cooking utensils.

"Maybe get into coaching." He couldn't imagine giving up the sport he loved. It was one of the two things that still got his blood pumping. That and Tenley.

She grinned when she plopped down in a lounge chair and put her feet up, flashing him those tanned, toned thighs in a pair of faded jean shorts.

"Damn," he said, turning on the barbeque and closing the lid. "How the hell am I supposed to keep from burning our dinner with you looking so sexy?" He leaned over to kiss her, trapping her between his arms.

"We could always put dinner on the back burner and have dessert first," she said, watching him with hooded eyes as his hand trailed up her leg.

"Baby, I'm gonna need all that protein for fuel." He flicked his tongue over her earlobe before tracing the shell. "Given what I have in mind for you."

"You're such a tease," she whispered breathlessly as he pulled away.

Rowan tried to distract himself by cleaning the grill, but the blood pumping south encouraged him to get this dinner over with in record time so they could get on to that dessert she'd promised him. "You ever think about opening a martial arts studio?"

Tenley slipped the oversized sunglasses perched on her head into place over her eyes as she tipped her head back to enjoy the early evening rays. "I'd love to someday if I can scrape together enough money. But right now, Walker still needs me at the club."

"Speaking of your brother," Rowan said, wondering whether he'd misread the signals when Walker met Ace. "Are you sure he's okay with me setting up Stacey and Ace? I sensed some tension from him when I brought Ace to the club."

"Honestly?" she asked, turning her head to watch him. "I think my brothers may be as messed up as I am when it comes to relationships and commitment."

"That's reassuring," he muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing." He shook his head, feeling like a coward for not telling her the truth--that he was disappointed she still considered herself inept when it came to love and intimacy. Rowan knew they still had a long way to go, but he felt as though they'd come a long way in a short time and had hoped she felt the same way. Apparently not.

"How about the truth now?"

He should have known she'd call him out for trying to evade her question. "You were telling me about Walker," he said, trying to distract her. "You think he still has feelings for Stacey?"

"Yes. Now about you and me..."

That got his attention. After setting the meat on the grill and closing the lid, he turned to face her. The growing knot in his stomach told him he should have thought twice before opening this can of worms.

"What about us?"

"You know I think you're great, right?"

"Just stop right there," he advised, raising his index finger. "Because I sense a but coming next, and I really don't want to hear that shit tonight." He was getting frustrated that she seemed determined to keep putting up roadblocks while he was prepared to barrel full steam ahead.

"Rowan." She stood, walking toward him before slipping her arms around his waist. "I want to be honest with you. Always. If I told you that I wasn't scared of this thing between us, I'd be lying, and I won't do that to you."

He knew he should appreciate her honestly, especially since so many of his previous girlfriends had lied to and deceived him, but the truth was hard to hear, especially since he wanted nothing more than for her to tell him she had no reservations or fears about them moving forward.

"So tell me what I can do to erase your fears," Rowan whispered, lowering his head until his lips were grazing her neck. "Just say the word, and I'll do it."

"Just keep being you." She gripped his chin and turned his face toward hers so she could look him in the eye. "I'm pretty sure you're the best damn man I've ever met. I feel more for you today than I did yesterday, and I'm pretty sure I'll feel even better about us by tomorrow. But it may take me some time to catch up to you. I hope that's okay."

He feared that was her way of telling him that while he may be falling in love with her, she wasn't there yet and didn't know when she would be. "Sure. It's all good, baby."

Pumping the brakes sounded like a lousy idea to him, but what choice did he have?

***

Tenley's eyes widened when Rowan walked into the room with a whipped cream dispenser after inviting her to get naked and wait for him.

"What do you plan to do with that?" she asked, fisting the sheets as her eyes darkened with lust.

"You promised me dessert," he said, shaking the can. "I'm collecting on that promise."

She rolled her lower lip between her teeth while raising her arms above her head, thrusting out her full breasts. "I didn't realize you intended to feast on me."

"Most definitely." Since he was in training, he was all about eating clean. But tonight, he planned to get very dirty.

Rowan set the can on the nightstand before reaching for the button on his jeans and peeling them off slowly. Her tongue circled her kiss-swollen lips, making him even harder. He watched her watching him as he lifted his T-shirt, exposing the six-pack he'd worked so hard for. He was working out so he could be in top shape for the sport he loved, but the look in Tenley's eyes reminded him of all the other benefits of going hard in the gym.

"What about those?" she asked, her eyes darting to his black boxer briefs while she tipped her legs open. "Aren't they coming off?"

His erection was already straining to break free, so he hooked his thumbs in the waistband, giving her a cocky smile when the evidence of his arousal became even more obvious. "You like what you see?"

"You have no idea how much," she whispered, her voice hoarse.

He had some idea. No other woman had ever turned him on the way she did, and he hoped the feeling was mutual. She set him on fire in the sack. But the fact that she could light him up outside of it had him convinced she was the one.

"Hold on," he said, his eyes flicking to the iron posts decorating his headboard. "And don't let go."

She sucked in a sharp breath but did as she was told. Rowan knew that wasn't easy for her. Tenley was used to giving orders, not taking them. But the fact that she trusted him with her body gave him hope that she would one day trust him with her heart too.

He climbed on top of her, supporting his weight with his hands as he looked into the most breathtaking blue eyes he'd ever seen. He could read everything she was thinking and feeling in those eyes: trepidation, excitement, anticipation. He claimed her mouth, even more turned on by the fact she couldn't touch him the way he knew she wanted to.

He had a pair of handcuffs in his nightstand for occasions such as this, but given Tenley's history, he couldn't imagine using them. At least not until he was one hundred percent certain that she trusted not only him, but his feelings for her.

"You're gorgeous." He'd told her before, but it had never been truer. With her disheveled dark hair spread over his crisp white sheets and her face flushed with excitement, she looked like the perfect combination of angel and devil. His fantasy come to life.

"So are you," she said, her eyes hungrily tracing his chest before dipping to his erection, which he swore grew bigger and bolder from her attention.

He grabbed the whipped cream while she raised her hips, trying to make contact with the part of him she'd confessed was her very favorite. He hoped in time she would learn to love his heart even more than his body, but he would take what he could get. For now.

Rowan leaned back, resting his weight on his calves as he took her in. She was humming with eagerness. He held the pointed tip above her taut nipples, licking his lips as he imagined how good she would taste combined with the sweet, creamy treat.

"We're going to get your sheets all sticky."

"It's okay," he said with a half-smile. "We would have anyway."

After drawing a perfect circle around each of her rosy nipples, he leaned down and lashed the swirl with his tongue until she moaned, arching into his mouth. He licked her clean before drawing a line down her tight stomach while air seeped through her teeth.

"Jesus, Row..."

He knew he was driving her crazy, but not half as crazy as she made him. This girl had been teasing and tantalizing him since the day he laid eyes on her, and he wouldn't relax until he had some assurance that she wasn't going anywhere.

He took his time licking her flushed skin, drawing circles and figure eights with his tongue until she was spotless... and breathless. He glanced at her hands, wrapped around the brushed iron. Her knuckles were turning white, giving him some hint as to how much she wanted to touch him.

"Hmm," he murmured, pretending to consider his options as his eyes mapped her beautiful body. "Where should I use this next?"

"Oh God, please..." she cried, gyrating her hips. "Don't torture me. I can't wait to feel your mouth on me."

She wasn't the only one who was anxious. He was already salivating.

He tilted the star-shaped point so it was mere inches from where she wanted it most, and she whimpered before biting her lip to control the sound. But she couldn't hide anything from him. He could see how much she wanted him. He could smell it in the air, clinging to her skin, and he couldn't wait to taste it.

The sound of the dispenser filled the silence while the cream gathered, covering all of the delicate skin he couldn't wait to kiss and lick.

"It's cold," she whispered, her eyes locking with his.

"And you're melting it."

This woman turned him inside out, making it hard to remember his own goddamn name sometimes, and he knew they'd only scratched the surface. He would soon be so lost to her there'd be no way out. But he wasn't looking for an out. He was looking for a way in. Her heart. Her life. Forever.

"Please..."

Her quiet plea did him in because he knew how hard it was for her to acknowledge she needed anyone or anything. The fact that he made her feel weak and needy and desperate, just as she made him feel, pointed to progress. But not enough. Maybe by the end of the night after he'd worshipped every inch of her body, erasing every bad memory the worthless bastard who'd touched her before had imprinted, maybe then she'd admit she needed him in her life.

He lashed at her with his tongue, revelling in her taste and the sound of her cries as he nipped gently before devouring her. Within seconds, her entire body was trembling as she thrashed, trying to hold on while letting go.

Kissing the inside of her thigh, he made his way up her stomach, pressing open-mouthed kisses on her warm, sticky skin. "Sweetheart," he whispered, pressing his lips to her ear. "Are you on the pill?"

Her eyes widened in stunned silence while he reached for her hands, then kissed the insides of her wrists. "Yeah. Why?"

Rowan knew this would be a huge step in their relationship if she'd let him forgo the condom tonight. It would convey a level of trust he craved, but he didn't want to pressure her. It had to be her decision.

"Tenley," he said, framing her face with his hands as he looked into her eyes, "I'm clean. I swear to you. We get tested every year. I've never had sex without a condom, but with you..." He dropped his head to her shoulder, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I want to feel as close to you as I can get. I want you to feel me. I want to fill you..." He nipped her shoulder. "I want to be a part of you."

Her palms pressed into his shoulders, and at first he thought she was pushing him away.

She sighed. "I want that too."

"Are you sure?"

He'd never do anything that made her uncomfortable, but this was as big a deal for him as it was for her. He'd dated more than a few women who'd hinted at getting pregnant with his baby. The fact that he was willing to take Tenley at her word about the pill sent the message that she didn't have to prove anything to him. He believed in her and what they had.

"Positive." She kissed him passionately, tangling her tongue with his while their bodies found each other.

"Last chance to change your mind," he said as he probed her, waiting for her to seal the deal.

She did with a thrust of her hips and a wicked gleam in her eye. He held her hips as he inched into her, fighting the urge to thrust into her hard and fast the way he wanted to.

"Don't hold back."

The last thing he wanted was to hurt her in any way, but his body took over while his brain short-circuited at her quiet command. When he was fully seated inside her, he had the good sense to stop for half a second to make sure she was okay. Her nod of assurance answered the question he hadn't asked.

"You don't have to worry about me," she said, sensing his hesitation. "I'm good."

Though a part of him wanted to unleash all of the pent-up hunger that had built while watching her all night, imagining all of the things he wanted to do to her, he forced himself to ease into it for fear of hurting her.

Seemingly frustrated with the slow build, she lifted and pivoted her hips, drawing him deeper. She got that naughty little sparkle in her eye that said, game on, as she clenched him so hard he swore from the intensity. He finally pinned her hands above her head and gave her exactly what she wanted. Hard and fast.

He filled her completely, but nothing could compare to the way she filled him. She made him feel whole, complete, in a way he never had before. Not even winning a championship could make him feel the way making love to her did. Because that's exactly what this was. Even though she made him lose control, he was still making love to her, saying with his body everything she wasn't ready to hear him say with words. He loved this girl, and he wanted to tell her and show her the only way she would let him.

"Oh..." Her breath was coming in short bursts, and she squeezed her eyes shut.

He could tell she was close when he commanded, "Open your eyes. Look at me."

She did as he asked, and as she came apart with his name on her lips, he saw everything she was too afraid to say. She was falling in love with him too. He knew it. He could sense it in the way she let go with him, feel it every time she touched him or looked at him. Her smile told him he made her happy, and making this girl happy was suddenly the most important thing in the world to him. For every time she'd been sad and scared and frustrated, he wanted to make her smile.

She was still pulsating, unintentionally clenching him in her tight heat, and he couldn't take any more. Rowan groaned as he flooded her while kissing her, pouring everything he had into her, wanting her to take all of him while giving all of herself to him.

I love you. The words were burning the tip of his tongue, but he bit them back, breaking the kiss while their hearts seemed to beat as one, letting him know they were in sync, whether she was ready to admit it or not.

"Wow," she said with a half laugh when they finally broke apart. "That was incredible."

He curled his hand around her face, his eyes lingering on hers long enough to convey his adoration before he whispered, "You're incredible, baby."

# Chapter Fifteen

Spending the night at Rowan's, in his arms, waking up to breakfast in bed, made Tenley feel safe, secure, loved. And it had been a long time since she felt those things. Hell, if she were being honest with herself, she'd have to admit she'd never felt those things.

Safety and security were never words she could associate with her home life when she was growing up. As much as her brothers loved her and tried to take care of her, they were just kids themselves, trying to figure out how to deal with the unfair hand life had dealt them.

And her brief engagement made her feel more insecure and uncertain than she'd ever been.

But with Rowan, everything was different. He was different. He made her feel different. She wasn't the same woman she'd been before she met him. He made Tenley feel free to be herself, and she pushed fear to the back of her mind as she embraced this newfound feeling of happiness and possibility instead.

When she walked into their apartment the next morning, Tenley was greeted by a huge bouquet of flowers that instantly made her smile. Ace must have given them to Stacey.

While she tried not to get caught up in her friend's love life, Tenley was glad Stacey had finally met a man who appreciated her for the incredible person she was. Even if it meant Walker had to go on punishing himself for not realizing it sooner.

"Hey," Stacey said, looking up from her eReader. "I don't have to ask how your night was. Those came for you about an hour ago." She smiled. "Beautiful, aren't they?"

Tenley couldn't deny she was surprised. Rowan didn't strike her as the kind of guy who would buy flowers for no reason. But then, neither did Ace.

"Wow," she said, walking slowly toward the massive bouquet of assorted blooms. "He must have called these in before I woke up, or when I was in the shower." She picked up the pink card and read the message--You're Beautiful--before setting it back down with a smile. "This is a first."

"What is?" Stacey asked, tucking her legs under her as she set her eReader down and reached for her coffee.

"Getting flowers," Tenley said, sitting on the chair while Stacey hogged the couch.

She frowned. "No one has ever given you flowers before?"

"Nope." Tenley guessed she just wasn't the kind of girl who made a guy think she'd appreciate romantic gestures. Though she certainly appreciated this one.

She fired off a quick text to Rowan. Thx for flowers. Beautiful. Her fingers hovered over the screen before she finally added a little heart emoji. God, she was getting so sappy.

Stacey's expression was thoughtful when she finally looked up. Tenley didn't have to ask what she was thinking. She just knew.

"Don't," she warned, knowing her friend was going to tell her how perfect she and Rowan were for each other.

"What?" she asked, all wide-eyed innocence. "I was just thinking how nice it is to see you happy for a change."

Tenley frowned, wondering if she'd wasted every day since they met being miserable. She didn't think so, but maybe Stacey saw things more clearly from the outside looking in, than she did. "For a change? What does that mean?"

"I couldn't figure out what had happened to make you so sullen most of the time. Now that you told me about your douche of an ex, I get it. But the way you've been since you met Rowan..." With a slight shake of her head, she said, "I don't know. I've just never seen you like this. I like it. I hope the new Tenley sticks around for a while."

She would as long as Rowan was in her life, but there was no telling how long that would last. It was still too new to assume it would last. Forever was a word she'd stopped using a long time ago. Nothing lasted forever. Especially love and marriage.

Tenley's cell buzzed, and she could have sworn her heart stopped beating when she read Rowan's response: What flowers?

"Are you sure those flowers are for me?" she asked Stacey, without looking up from her phone.

"Yeah, the delivery guy said they were. Why? Rowan didn't send them?"

She shook her head slowly, knowing if Rowan hadn't sent them, only one other person would have. Godammit! She was never going to be rid of that monster. Just when she thought she was finally getting her life back on track, he came back to remind her she'd never really be rid of him or free from her past.

Tenley's phone rang, and Rowan's face flashed across the screen. She considered hitting Ignore. Not because she didn't want to talk to him, but because she didn't know what to say. He'd be concerned, just as she was, but she didn't want to feed his paranoia while trying to quash her own.

"Hey," she said, trying to sound relaxed. "I just left your place. Admit it. You can't get enough of me."

"Who the hell sent you flowers, Tenley?"

She could hear the tension in his voice, could almost see him pacing his massive great room with the high ceilings and light filtering through the wall-to-wall windows. But she had no doubt he was ignoring his breathtaking view. He was too busy worrying about her, which was the last thing she wanted.

"Are you jealous?" she asked, trying to play it off as insignificant, though they both knew the flowers meant Justin was sending her a message. He wasn't going away.

"This isn't a joke! You think that bastard sent them, don't you?"

"Let's not jump to conclusions," she said, forcing a smile that she hoped he could hear. "It could have been my other boyfriend."

"This isn't funny! Maybe you should call Brant and tell him--"

"No!" Her brothers were already worried sick about her. She didn't want to add fuel to the fire. "No," she said, her voice softening. "They've got enough on their plates. I don't want them to worry about this. I'm sure it's nothing."

"You don't believe that any more than I do." When she didn't respond, he sighed. "Baby, just make sure your doors are locked. Keep your eyes open when you step outside, and make sure you're armed at all times. I'm picking you up from work tonight."

"But--"

"No buts, Tenley. I'm picking you up from work."

Before she could argue, he was gone. She scowled at the phone, hating that Justin was once again calling the shots, forcing her to live in fear of him.

"Are you okay?" Stacey asked gently.

She growled, covering her face with her hands. "I don't want to talk about that son of a bitch I was engaged to. I want to talk about something else. Anything else."

"How about the fact that Ace asked me to move in with him? Do you want to talk about that?"

Tenley gaped at her friend, feeling a little as though the rug had been pulled out from under her. "Seriously? But you guys haven't been seeing each other that long."

She knew it didn't take Stacey long to decide a guy was "the one," but she usually turned out to be wrong. And she'd never made this kind of commitment to anyone. Tenley couldn't believe she was actually considering it.

"He told me last night that he's falling in love with me," Stacey said, smiling. "Can you believe that? He actually said he loves me."

She didn't know what had happened in Stacey's past that made her crave love the way most people craved fresh air and water, but Tenley was sure there was a story there. One she may never hear. "Of course I can believe that. You're easy to love."

"Thanks." Stacey set her empty mug on the table before raking her hand through her long, blond hair. "He said it makes sense since we spend all of our time together anyhow."

They had been together almost every night since they started dating, but making it official required a huge leap of faith. Especially so soon.

"I just want you to be happy," Tenley said, trying to choose her words carefully. "You know that. But maybe you should take your time with this one, Stace. Don't rush into anything."

"I hear what you're saying," she said, nodding. "But when am I going to get another chance with a guy like Ace? Someone who actually says he loves me and wants to commit to me?"

Tenley still thought that, at twenty-seven, she had plenty of time left for marriage and babies, but Stacey didn't see it that way. She wanted stability in her life. Stability she assumed only a man could provide apparently.

"I can't tell you what to do," Tenley said, trying to be the supportive friend Stacey had always been to her. "If Ace makes you happy and you're sure you're ready, then go for it."

"But I don't want to leave you high and dry." She worried her bottom lip. "Especially now, with your ex--"

"Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself." A part of her would be relieved if she didn't have to worry about Stacey getting caught in the cross fire if she wasn't there when Justin came calling. Tenley would never forgive herself if something happened to her friend.

"You say that," Stacey said, nudging the leg Tenley had propped up on the coffee table with her toe. "And I know you're a tough chick. But you're no match for a madman with a gun, sweetie."

"Trust me," she said, standing. "My Glock is a match for just about anything life throws at me."

***

Tenley was surprised when Andrew walked into the bar that night. He'd made himself scarce lately, and she'd assumed it was because he'd lost interest in her. Judging by the way he looked her up and down, with his eyes landing on her cleavage before her face, she'd thought wrong.

"Hey," she said with a tight smile. "The usual?" They were slammed tonight, and she didn't have time for small talk.

"Sure," he said, unbuttoning his dark suit jacket before claiming the last seat at the bar. "Can you take a break?"

One look around should have answered that question. The place was so packed she expected the fire department to show up and slap them on the wrist for violating code.

"Not any time soon," she said, passing him his drink of choice... a chipotle grapefruit margarita.

"That's okay," he said before taking a sip of his drink. "I can wait."

She didn't want to encourage him to stick around, but she should explain to him that she was seeing someone now and wouldn't be available for that dinner he kept texting her about. She'd always replied with a two-word response: Sorry, busy. But it wasn't fair to let him go on thinking she was interested when she wasn't and never would be.

Five minutes after Andrew claimed a table and told her to come find him when she could, her brother slipped behind the bar. "You can take a break, if you want," he said. "I can cover for you."

Her eyes drifted to Andrew as she removed her black apron with a sigh.

"What the hell is he doing here?" Walker asked, frowning. "If he's giving you a hard time, I'd be happy to kick him out on his arrogant ass."

"It's fine," she said, curling her hand around his forearm to ward off trouble. "I can handle him."

Andrew was chatting up the waitress when Tenley approached, so he didn't even notice her until she'd slid into his booth.

"Oh, hey," he said, grinning at her. "You finally got a break."

"What can I get you, Tenley?" Maura asked.

"I'm fine," she said, shaking her head. "I'll just grab a water in a bit. Thanks."

Andrew reached for Tenley's hands. "So how've you been?"

"Um, fine," she said, trying to withdraw her hands without making this any more awkward than it had to be. "You?"

He frowned but slid back in his seat, putting a respectable distance between them. "I've been okay, I guess. I've missed you."

She wasn't sure where that was coming from since they'd never had that kind of relationship. They'd hooked up a time or two, but it was just that--a hook-up. Neither one of them had thought it was exclusive.

"Busy with work?" she asked, trying to figure out how to let him down gently since he clearly didn't intend to make it easy for her.

"Always."

Glancing at the bar, Tenley knew she'd have to rescue her brother soon. He could draw a beer or pour a glass of scotch or vodka, but not much else. Thankfully, he was a better manager than he was a bartender.

"So about your text messages..."

His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the door. "Yeah, that's why I came in. Hoping we could firm up our plans for dinner."

She'd been remiss in not having this conversation with him sooner apparently because he was under the mistaken impression they were still seeing each other. "Here's the thing, Andrew." She rubbed her thumb against her palm as he fixated all of his attention on her, making her even more uneasy. "I think you're a great guy. But I'm, um, kind of seeing someone."

"Who? Please tell me it's not that guy." When he gestured toward the bar, Tenley followed his gaze and cringed when she spotted Rowan.

Rowan may have been talking to Walker, but his eyes were locked on her... and her companion. He didn't look happy, and she knew if she didn't wrap this up soon, he'd be over to do it for her.

"Rowan and I have gotten close," she confirmed, trying to find a diplomatic way to tell Andrew he wasn't interesting enough to hold her attention. Hell, compared to Rowan, he was a snore. "So, um, that's why I'm not seeing anyone else right now. I hope you understand."

"No, I don't understand," he said, shaking his head as though she was speaking a foreign language. "I don't understand how a girl like you, who claims to trust no one, could go for someone like that. You think I don't know who he is? He's a professional baseball player, for Christ's sake. He's probably got women in every city! You really think he's going to be faithful to you?"

She didn't care what Andrew thought of Rowan or their relationship so long as he understood what they'd had was over.

"I have to get back to work," she said, sliding out of the booth. "I'm sorry things didn't work out the way you wanted them to, but I'd still like to be friends." It was a perfunctory offer and they both knew it since they'd never really been friends. He didn't know much about her, nor did he seem to want to. And the feeling was mutual.

"You're going to regret this, Tenley," he said, grabbing her hand so she couldn't walk away. "I can give you things he can't. The life you could have with me--"

"Uh..." Like that's ever gonna happen. "I've got to get back at it. Have a good night, Andrew," she said, extracting her hand from his before turning and quickly making her way toward the bar.

"What the hell did he want?" Rowan asked as soon as she approached.

Tenley barely resisted the urge to sigh. She was dead on her feet and really didn't need this shit tonight.

"I'd like to know that too," Walker said, popping the top off a beer.

"Yeah, well, this isn't the time or place for this conversation," she said, smiling at one of their regulars. "I need to get back to work."

# Chapter Sixteen

When that asshat was still sitting in the same booth half an hour later, watching Tenley, along with every short skirt in the place, Rowan decided it was time to set him straight.

"What do you want?" he asked, glaring at Rowan when he walked up.

It must be the liquid courage talking, Rowan thought, because surely this little weasel wasn't stupid enough or brave enough to call him out. "What the hell do you want, that's what I want to know."

"I want Tenley." He licked his lips as he leered at her. "Again."

Rowan felt his heart rate accelerate. "You expect me to believe you slept with Tenley? Come on, we both know she has better taste than that."

He gave Rowan a once-over, sneering. "I thought she had good taste, but that was before I found out she was hooking up with you too."

He was going to throttle this loser! "First of all, Tenley's my girlfriend, not a hook-up, and second of all, there's no goddamn way she slept with you."

Andrew downed the contents of his glass before pulling a money clip out of his pocket. He peeled a couple of bills off the top and slipped them under his empty glass. "You don't believe me?" He shrugged. "Ask your girlfriend. Assuming she'll tell you the truth. If not, I just might have some proof here for you." He pulled his phone out of his pocket and slid his finger across the screen.

"If I were you, I'd get out of here before I break both your legs."

He chuckled while getting to his feet. "I guess that's Tenley's speed these days. Brawn instead of brains. But that can't last forever. She'll come back to me when she realizes what a good thing we had."

Rowan's fists were clenched tight as he watched him walk away. He never instigated street fights because of the inherent risk to his career, but this guy deserved to get his teeth knocked out. He was seriously considering doing just that when Walker slapped him on the back.

"Sit down, man. I don't want any trouble here tonight."

Rowan closed his eyes as he slid into the booth, reminding himself this was Walker's place of business. He had to respect that, and him, enough to keep his temper in check.

"What did he say to make you look like you wanna tear his head off?" Walker asked as he slid into the booth across from Rowan while Maura cleared and wiped down the table.

"Anything to drink, boys?" she asked.

"Not for me, thanks," Walker said.

"No, thanks, Maura," Rowan muttered before taking a few deep breaths to try to rein in his rage. He clasped his hands in front of his face, resting his elbows on the table.

"So tell me," Walker said, spreading his hands. "What did he say?"

"You don't want to know." If it were his sister, Rowan wouldn't want to hear another guy spewing lies about her.

"Try me."

Rowan glanced at Tenley, who looked uncharacteristically nervous as she watched them while taking a customer's order.

"He told me he and Tenley had a thing," Rowan said, cracking his knuckles.

"Yeah, but you knew that. So what's the big deal?"

"He said they hooked up." Rowan narrowed his eyes as his gaze traveled from Tenley back to her brother. "That's not true, is it?"

"How the hell would I know who she's slept with, man?" Walker asked, looking uncomfortable. "We don't talk about shit like that."

"Then it could be true?" He didn't know why the thought of that dirtbag touching Tenley made him so crazy, only that it did.

"You'll have to ask her, Rowan. I'm not getting involved."

***

Rowan hated that he even had to ask Tenley this question, but he couldn't let it go. He curled his hand around the steering wheel when they stopped at a red light. "The car salesman says you were banging him. That true?"

They'd already been to her place to pick up an overnight bag and were headed to his house. He'd waited as long as he could to ask the question that had been eating at him most of the night. Instead of laughing at the absurdity of it, Tenley looked out the window. Which probably put Rowan's blood pressure into the danger zone.

"What happened before we met doesn't really matter, does it?"

It shouldn't, but this did. Tenley had led him to believe she'd just had a couple of casual dates with the guy. When he went off on her that day in the park, she made him feel like an idiot for blowing it out of proportion. But if she'd actually slept with this guy...

"This matters. Did you or did you not sleep with him?" He knew he was pushing her too hard, but he just wanted a goddamn answer. The right one.

"It's none of your business," she said, crossing her arms as her chin jutted out.

"None of my business?" He couldn't believe this shit. "You can ask me about anyone I've slept with, and I'll tell you. I have nothing to hide. Can you say the same?" He needed to feel that he could trust her, that she would never lie to him, especially after the hell his ex had put him through.

"Everyone has a right to their privacy, Rowan. You don't get to know every guy I've ever slept with, and I wouldn't even think to ask about your sexual history." She checked her watch. "Hell, if I did, we could still be sitting here when the sun comes up."

He gritted his teeth, trying to ignore that shot. He wasn't innocent, nor had he ever claimed to be. He liked women. He liked sex. But he'd never cheated on or lied to any of them, and right now, he got the feeling Tenley was doing just that--lying to him. And he hated it.

He pulled into an empty parking lot a few blocks from her apartment, needing to have this conversation while they were face to face, without distractions. "Just tell me whether or not you had sex with this guy."

"I already told you..." She clenched her jaw, spitting out the words. "It's. None. Of. Your. Business."

"That's how you wanna play it? Fine." He threw the truck in drive and hammered the gas.

"Stop this goddamn truck!" she screamed, gripping the door handle.

"Tenley, just--"

"Stop it! Or I swear to god I'll jump out."

Judging by the wild look in her eye, he feared she might. "Look, we'll go back to my house and talk this out," he said, slowing the truck as he stopped to check for traffic.

"I'm not going anywhere with you!"

Before Rowan could stop her, she'd jumped out and was running down the street in her ridiculous heels. Since it was a busy street, he couldn't very well creep along beside her, trying to reason with her. So he did the only thing he could--sped ahead and pulled into the next driveway to block her path. He knew things had gotten way out of hand already, but there was no way he was letting her walk home alone in the dark, knowing her ex could be after her.

He rolled down his window as she approached, expecting her to at least stop, but she walked right around his vehicle, forcing him to jump out.

"Dammit, Tenley, will you listen to me?" he said, reaching for her arm.

"Get away from me!"

Angry tears were streaming down her face, streaking her makeup, and he still wasn't sure he understood what the hell he'd said or done to get her so worked up.

Just his luck, a cruiser pulled up to the curb and a cop jumped out. "Is there a problem here, miss?"

"There won't be once he leaves," Tenley said, drying her face with trembling hands.

"You been drinking tonight, sir?" the cop asked Rowan, stepping closer, on the verge of invading his personal space.

Thankfully, Rowan hadn't even finished the beer Walker had given him, so he wasn't worried about being impaired. What he was worried about was letting Tenley walk away from him in this state.

"Just half a beer, officer," Rowan said, deciding honesty was the best policy. He might be able to smell the alcohol on his breath if he got any closer.

"Is he your boyfriend?" he asked Tenley.

When she didn't respond, Rowan frowned at her. "I am," he told the cop, wondering what the hell she was thinking to let that question go unanswered. "We just had a little disagreement. Sorry to trouble you. We'll get back in my truck and be on our way."

"No, we won't," Tenley said, shifting her body so the cop stood between them. "I told you I'm not going with you, and I meant it."

The cop narrowed his eyes, looking from Rowan to Tenley. "Sounds like you best be on your way," he said to Rowan. "Maybe you two can work this out tomorrow when you've both had a chance to cool off. Or not. I don't know. But the lady doesn't want you bothering her tonight."

Rowan clenched his fists at his side, knowing he had no choice but to follow his orders. If there was one thing he hated, it was taking orders... from anyone.

"Miss, can I give you a ride somewhere?" the officer asked, turning to face Tenley.

"Home, please." She pointed at Rowan's truck. "But I have a bag in his truck. I need to get it."

"I'll get it," Rowan said, grinding his teeth as he took a few steps back toward the truck.

"Hold it," the cop said, his voice sounding more urgent. "Let the lady get it."

He was probably concerned that Rowan would haul out a gun and start firing if he let him reach into the vehicle. He really couldn't blame the guy, given all the shit he had to deal with on a daily basis.

"Fine," Rowan said, raising his hands as he stepped away from the truck. "Be my guest, Tenley."

She didn't even look over her shoulder as she grabbed her bag and headed for the cruiser.

Rowan stared at the cruiser as it pulled away with his girl in the backseat. What the hell just happened?

***

Tenley was still fighting back tears when she walked into the apartment, and as luck would have it, Rowan's best friend was curled up on her couch with a sleeping Stacey in his arms.

"Hey," he whispered. "Rowan just texted me. You okay?"

She just wanted to go to bed and pretend this miserable night had never happened. "No, not really."

His eyes landed on the chair as he said softly, "Sit down. Talk to me, girl. What the hell happened between you and Rowan tonight?"

She wasn't even sure. She just knew that she and Justin and had been fighting the night he abducted her. He'd accused her of sleeping with another man and became enraged when she denied it. Tonight brought back bad memories, and even though she hadn't expected it, her past and present had merged in a terrifying mirage that took her back to the worst day of her life. She'd started having flashbacks, and for a split second, she looked at Rowan and saw Justin. She would have jumped out of a moving vehicle to get away from him if she had to.

Tenley sank into the chair, leaning her head back as she stared at the dingy white ceiling.

"Rowan told me about your ex," Ace whispered, running his hand through Stacey's hair. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

Ace was looking at her with so much tenderness and understanding that she was on the verge of tears again. "I'm sorry. I'm not usually so emotional." She choked back a sob. "In fact, I never cry."

"It's okay to cry sometimes," he said, looking sympathetic.

"You want to know what happened tonight." She sighed, crossing her arms. "I'm not even sure I know myself. Rowan got mad. He gave me the third degree about this guy I slept with, and I lost it." It really was as simple and as complicated as that.

"Why'd you lose it?"

"It just reminded me of..." She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the barrage of painful memories. "The night Justin--"

"Does Rowan know that's what happened?"

Tenley wasn't even sure she could face Rowan after her outburst. She still couldn't believe she'd let some cop bring her home because she didn't feel safe being in the same car with Rowan. A man who just last night had made love to her so tenderly he'd made her feel worshipped.

"No." She bit her trembling lip, suddenly noting that wasn't the only part of her body trembling. Her hands were trembling too. She felt as though she was shaking all over, from the inside out.

"You need to talk to him, honey. He'll understand."

She shook her head, unable to imagine what she would say, how she would find the words to tell him she was still broken, still damaged, all these years later. "No, he won't. How can he, Ace? I don't even understand it myself."

"Have you talked to someone about this? A therapist?"

Tenley nodded. Her brothers had insisted she see someone for a full year after it happened. Even though she still suffered migraines and night terrors, she'd convinced herself those were the only lasting effects. What a joke. Tonight brought it all back as though it just happened yesterday, reminding her that she would never really be free of Justin. He, and their relationship, would haunt her for the rest of her life.

"Maybe you should consider making another appointment with him or her tomorrow to talk about what happened tonight." He shrugged when she looked at him. "It couldn't hurt, could it?"

"She died."

"What?"

"My therapist died."

Tenley had been shocked when she heard the vibrant forty-three-year-old mother of three had been killed in a car accident on her way to work. She heard about it on the news even before the office called to tell her. She'd never found another therapist after that, even though her brothers told her she should.

"Jesus."

"Yeah, I know." She thought of calling Corrie, but the idea of opening up to another professional, even if she was a friend, was terrifying. Reopening all those old wounds she thought had healed felt like taking a step backward instead of forward.

Stacey shifted in Ace's arms, and Tenley watched him brush a strand of hair off her face. Her heart ached because as much as she loved her friend and wanted her to be happy, she didn't think she could ever have what Stacey had found with Ace--a healthy, normal relationship.

"She told me you asked her to move in with you."

"I know it seems soon, but I want her with me every minute." He smiled. "Does that sound crazy?"

Tenley shook her head. Up until tonight, there had been moments when the idea of living with Rowan hadn't seemed so far-fetched. "No, it doesn't. She's a good girl. Please do right by her; that's all I ask."

"I will. I promise."

She didn't know why it was so easy for her to trust him but not Rowan. Maybe because with Ace, it wasn't her heart on the line.

"She doesn't want to leave you, you know," he said.

Tenley looked at her best friend, thinking how lucky she was Stacey had wormed her way into her life, around her guard, making Tenley love her even though she rarely admitted it.

"She would have eventually. I've always known that. Stacey was looking for love." She tucked her legs under her, reaching for the chenille throw on the back of the chair to cover herself from chin to toes. "It was only a matter of time before she found it."

"She thought she found it with your brother, I think."

Shit. She did not want to talk to Ace about her brother's feelings for his girlfriend, or her feelings for him. It was messy and complicated, and Ace seemed like a good guy who deserved a simple and straightforward love.

"Tell me the truth, Tenley. Does he still have feelings for her?"

There was no easy way to answer that. She had her suspicions, but she didn't know for sure. Walker was a tough read, especially when it came to matters of the heart. He tried to protect himself, just like she did.

"I don't know. You'd have to ask him." She had no doubt Ace would confront Walker. Two strong, stubborn men in love with the same woman going toe-to-toe? Tenley hated to think what might happen. "Not that I'm suggesting that."

"What are you suggesting?" He looked at Stacey. "I don't want her past to ruin the future she could have with me. But I don't want to be her second choice either. You know?"

"I'm not sure that it matters how Walker feels about her. I think the only thing that matters is how she feels about you. I love my brother, but he had his chance, and he blew it. It's your turn. Yours and Stacey's."

He smiled as though he appreciated the sentiment. "My buddy's a good guy too. I think he's ready to settle down, whether he's willing to admit it or not. He wants someone he can count on, someone who'll love him even when he's being an irrational hothead." There was a beat of silence before he asked, "Do you think you can be that person?"

"I don't know. I never expected Rowan." She thought back to that late-night phone call that changed everything. "He's made me feel things I haven't felt in a long time."

"Have you ever felt this way?" he asked. "Honestly?"

She shook her head slowly, scared to imagine what losing the only man she'd ever really cared about would feel like. "But I'm scared to hurt him. I'm not sure I can be what he needs."

"You could try."

"What if I fail?" she asked, meeting his intense gaze.

"There are worse things than failing, hon."

"Like what?" At the moment, she couldn't think of any.

"Being so shut off from the rest of the world that you never put yourself out there."

***

Tenley woke to a man hovering over her, and she screamed loudly enough to wake the dead, or at least the neighbors.

"Sssh," a familiar voice whispered. "Tenley, it's me. It's Ace. You had a nightmare, honey." He pulled her into his arms, rubbing her damp hair as she tried to remember how to breathe.

"Stacey?" she croaked, wondering why he'd come, instead of her best friend, to comfort her.

"I told her I wanted to make sure you were all right."

"Thanks," she murmured when he handed her the bottle of water she'd left on her nightstand. "I'm sorry I woke you guys."

"Don't worry about us. You okay?"

She felt terrible, but she didn't want to worry him any more than she already had. "The nightmares are fewer and further between now," she said, as though that somehow made the shock of waking up to a raving lunatic more palatable.

"That's not what I asked." He fixed the pillows behind her head and set her back to rest on them. "Are. You. Okay?" He'd turned on the hall light, presumably before he came into the room, and it cast just enough light for him to look into her eyes.

"I will be." She took a sip of water. "I just need a few more minutes before I can fall back to sleep."

"Was this because of what happened tonight? Your flashbacks?"

"Probably. And the stress of knowing that Justin's messing with me again."

"What do you mean he's messing with you?" Ace demanded, his eyes conveying his suppressed rage. "What's he done?"

"Nothing, really." She was trying to downplay it, but judging by his fierce expression, it wasn't working. "Honestly, I can't even prove that it's him doing these things. It just seems like quite a coincidence, since everything started after Justin got out of jail."

"Tell me what's happened."

Since Rowan already knew, she didn't see the harm of filling in his friend. "There've been a few hang-ups on my cell, calls here from a guy who didn't want to leave a message, a suspicious car parked outside my building, flowers--"

"Jesus," he said, raking a hand through his dark hair. "Isn't your brother a cop? Can't they do something about this?"

Brant would be all over Justin if she went to him with this, but legally, she suspected his hands were tied since they couldn't prove Justin had done anything wrong. "He's probably just trying to scare me."

"Yeah, well, it's working, isn't it?"

It wasn't easy for her to admit to being scared. She prided herself on being fearless, which was a crock. She had plenty of fears. Most of them circled around what her ex would do to her if he got his hands on her again.

"I'll get through this," she said, reaching for Ace's hand. "Please don't waste any more time worrying about me."

He brushed a strand of hair off her face. "I can't help it. Somewhere along the way, I started thinking of you as a friend, and I always look out for my friends."

She appreciated the sentiment, but his loyalty really lay with Rowan. If she was no longer dating his friend or Ace was no longer dating Stacey, their connection would cease. Just like so many other friendships in her life had waned when the other person realized she could be distant, wasn't into bitchfests, and rarely picked up the phone unless she had to. She was a lousy friend. She still couldn't figure out why Stacey put up with her.

"Well, I appreciate that. But you don't have to look out for me."

"Is that your polite way of asking me to back off and mind my own business?"

Tenley glanced at the clock and noted she had to wake up in three hours. "No, I'm telling you to go back to your girlfriend so we can all get some more sleep."

"Okay." He leaned in and kissed her forehead. "But call if you need anything, okay?"

She grabbed his hand before he could leave. Embarrassed as emotion welled up in her throat, she whispered, "Thanks for coming in to check on me."

"Any time."

# Chapter Seventeen

Rowan was beating on the heavy bag in his home gym when Ace let himself in.

"What do you want?" he grunted. He was already dripping with sweat, but refused to stop. After the night he'd had with Tenley, he knew this was the only thing that would make him feel better.

"I want to know why you're here instead of over at Tenley's, trying to make up for what happened last night."

He glared at his friend out of the corner of his eye, still punching the bag as though it were the enemy. "What the hell did I do? Aside from asking the girl whether she slept with some dou--"

"Why should you care who she's slept with? You've been a player since the day I met you."

Rowan couldn't deny it, so he punched the bag even harder, adding a roundhouse kick for good measure.

"I hate this guy." Imagining the car salesman's face on the bag, he hit it hard enough to break the skin on his knuckles, which was stupid, given how important his hands were to his livelihood. "He's an arrogant ass who thinks he's better for Tenley than I am."

"Is that what's bothering you?" Ace asked, jumping on the treadmill. "Maybe you think that too, huh?"

"Screw you." By the time Rowan stepped away from the bag, he was breathing so hard he had to rest his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

"If you didn't, you wouldn't give a shit whether she's slept with him or not. You'd be able to let it go."

Rowan hated that Ace was right, so he fought back with the only ammunition he had.  The truth. "I'm not the only one who can't let go. Don't think I don't know you're scared shitless that Walker is going to decide he wants Stacey back and that'll leave you out in the cold."

He grabbed two water bottles from the mini-fridge and threw one at Ace. He'd hoped it would hit him, but with Ace's reflexes and a Golden Glove to his name, he caught it instead. Figures.

"Let's stay focused on your problems," Ace said, pressing a button to speed up the treadmill as he broke into a jog. "I can't believe you haven't busted that guy's head open by now."

"Who're you talking about? The car salesman?"

Ace rolled his eyes. "Man, you need to get over that shit. She doesn't want him. She wants you. Though I have no idea why."

Rowan glared at him as he tipped his water bottle back, draining half of it before he reached for a towel to wipe the sweat off his face before it stung his eyes.

"You need to trust her, buddy."

He let Ace's warning settle in while he sank against the wall, sliding down it when his legs felt too weak to support his weight. "I do trust her. I don't trust other dudes." Tenley was a gorgeous woman who had guys coming on to her all the time. Rowan had to figure out how to deal with that... or risk losing her. If he hadn't already.

"The only one you shouldn't trust is that son of a bitch who's been messing with her mind."

"Her ex." He drained the rest of the bottle before throwing it against the wall. The pathetic crackle as it hit the drywall gave him no satisfaction. He wanted to break something. Preferably someone else's bones.

"Why haven't you tracked him down?"

Rowan had been asking himself that same question as he tried to fall asleep last night. He kept circling back to killing him with his bare hands when he thought about what he'd done to Tenley, but he assumed the part of his brain still responsible for rational thought had put the kibosh on the idea of going to see Justin before he could act on it.

"I'd probably kill him."

Ace laughed as he slowed the treadmill so he could continue talking. "Yeah, well, I can't let you do that. You're too important to the team. The Skip would kill me if I let that happen. But you can put the fear of God into him so he doesn't mess with your woman anymore."

Rowan didn't want to damage his relationship with Tenley any more than he already had, so he looked at his long-time friend and hoped Ace had it in him to tell the truth, no matter how much it hurt. "I'm assuming you talked to her last night, since you stayed at their place. Is she done with me or what? I want the truth, Ace."

"The truth? What happened last night wasn't even about you, man." He jumped off the treadmill and headed for the elliptical, but not before wrapping a clean white towel around his neck. "It was about her ex. Flashbacks."

Flashbacks? It killed Rowan to think he'd reminded her of him in any way.

"Apparently, her ex had been accusing her of sleeping with some dude when he lost it and decided she didn't deserve to live anymore."

Rowan got a cramp in his stomach that he knew had nothing to do with how hard he'd trained. "Shit."

"Yeah. I think she'd been trapped in a car with him at the time too."

That made sense since Tenley said he'd taken her to some abandoned warehouse. Rowan dropped his head into his hands, cursing himself for being such an insensitive ass. Ace was right. It didn't matter who the hell she'd slept with before they met. The only thing that mattered was making sure he was the last man to share her bed.

"You can fix this, you know," Ace said, watching Rowan. "Let this coward know that you're not messing around, that you'll tear him apart if he goes near her again." Ace smirked. "I'll go along, just to make sure you don't actually do it."

He knew his buddy was right. He should have paid this guy a visit as soon as he found out what he'd done to Tenley. He reached for his phone and fired off a text to Brant. "Her brother must know where we can find the guy. He's been keeping an eye on him."

"You think he'll tell you?" Ace asked, raising an eyebrow. "He is a cop, right?"

"He's Tenley's brother first," Rowan said, confident he would give him the information he needed. "A cop second." He tossed his sweat-stained, bloody towel at Ace before peeling the tape off his bleeding hands. "You should take your own advice. Forget about Walker and just focus on what you have with Stacey."

"I was thinking about that on the way over here," Ace admitted. "I think you're right."

"I'm always right, dumbass."

"Not always," he said, rolling his eyes. "When it comes to women, you're as thick as a brick. You were running around in circles for that cheating little golddigger for months, then you finally get a shot with a girl like Tenley and you manage to screw everything up... twice." He held up two fingers before rapping his knuckles against his temple. "Over the same goddamn guy who doesn't mean a thing to her."

"You sure about that?" Rowan asked, still trying to quash the uneasy feeling that lingered whenever he thought about Tenley and the guy who'd come before him.

"A hundred and ten percent."

Rowan nodded, knowing he could count on Ace's word. His cell phone chimed with an address. He chuckled as he read Brant's warning to Ace: Don't do anything stupid. I don't want to arrest you.

"So what are we waiting for?" Ace asked. "Let's make sure this clown knows he messed with the wrong girl."

***

Rowan stood outside the dingy motel room, his hand raised to knock on the door when Brant pulled up in a non-descript black truck.

"Hey," he said, jumping out. "Glad I caught you before you went in there."

Rowan wandered over and introduced Brant to Ace before he asked, "What're you doing here? You didn't trust me to keep it together?"

"No, I didn't." He gripped Rowan's shoulder. "Look, man, I think you're a good guy. And I also happen to think you're good for my sister. But the last thing she needs is more drama in her life."

"Meaning?" Rowan asked, quirking an eyebrow.

He'd come here for a fight, but not with Brant. So he sure as hell hoped he didn't plan to get in his way. 'Cause one way or another, he was going to teach Tenley's piece-of-shit ex a lesson he wouldn't soon forget.

"I know dirtbags like this," Brant said, gesturing toward room 709. "Deal with them all the time. They talk tough, but when push comes to shove, they cower like pussies. Then they call us when somebody gets sick of their shit and beats the hell out of them."

Rowan heard his warning loud and clear. If he laid a hand on this guy, he'd press charges. Which would put his career, not to mention his relationship with Tenley, in serious jeopardy. He wasn't even sure where they stood. He'd texted her to check in, hoping he'd get the chance to apologize face to face, but she had yet to respond.

"I hear what you're saying."

"Do you?" Brant put his arm around Rowan as he led him away from the building. Only a few cars were in the lot, but when a middle-aged guy wearing stained jeans and a wife-beater shirt stepped outside to have a smoke, Brant clearly wanted to widen the gap. "I get how you feel. Believe me, when this all went down, it took everything in me not to blow his brains out."

Rowan took a deep breath, trying to imagine if he would have shown the same restraint had he been a part of Tenley's life back then.

"But I didn't. You know why?"

"You didn't want to lose your job?" Rowan knew cops weren't well received in prison. Even a tough guy like Brant would have a rough time surviving on the inside.

"I didn't want to lose my sister." When Rowan frowned, rubbing his forehead as he tried to make sense of what he was saying, Brant explained, "She'd already been through enough. Seeing me go away would have done her in. I have no doubt about that."

"She's stronger now," Rowan said, praying that was true. After last night, he didn't know what she was thinking or feeling, and that uncertainty was killing him.

"Yeah, but she needs stability to continue to heal from this." Brant gripped his shoulder, looking him in the eye. "She needs a man she can count on to be there for her. Not a hothead who's gonna go off at the slightest provocation."

Rowan's eyes drifted to his best friend, and he knew Ace was thinking about what had gone down between him and Tenley last night. Brant's warning almost made him wonder whether he'd talked to his sister about last night's fiasco. Or maybe the cop who drove her home had filled him in. Either way, he seemed to know things Rowan wasn't proud to admit. Even to himself.

Everything he said made perfect sense. Rowan was a master at controlling himself on the mound, practicing patience until he could capitalize on his opponent's weakness. But with Tenley, he was the one feeling weak and vulnerable, and he hated that.

"I hear you," Rowan said.

"You sure?" Brant stepped back, folding his arms as he gave Rowan a hardened look that he was sure made his suspects cower in fear during interrogations. "I'm telling you that it would break my sister's heart to see you get led away in handcuffs for putting this guy down. No matter how much he might deserve it."

Rowan inhaled deeply, trying to find an ounce of the control he was so famous for.

"I'm not suggesting you back off." Brant pointed at the window of Justin's room. "Tell him you'll break both of his legs if he comes near Tenley again. Just don't make good on that threat today."

He nodded slowly, considering his options. "Yeah, okay."

"I mean it," Brant said, thrusting a finger in Rowan's face. "You hurt her, and you'll answer to me. I've been watching her go through the motions for seven years, pretending she was fine when I knew she wasn't. It killed me to know she was living half a life because some asshole robbed her of the ability to trust someone."

When Rowan would have said something, Brant raised his hand. "But I saw her with you, and it was like she'd come alive again. And I can't tell you what that does for me." He flattened his hand against his chest, the movement pulling his black jacket back enough to reveal the piece strapped to his waist. "I feel like I'm finally getting my little sister back, thanks to you."

Ace, who was standing behind Brant, gave Rowan a half-smile to let him know he was there if he needed him.

"But I'm not going to lie to you. Life with Tenley won't be easy," Brant said. "Especially in the beginning. There will be setbacks while she tries to figure out how to let someone back into her heart and her life. It's been a long time since she's done that, and given how it turned out, I don't think you can blame her for being scared."

"You talked to her, didn't you?" Everything he said led Rowan to believe he knew what happened last night.

"I just came from her place. She was miserable because of the fight you guys had. She's beating herself up, questioning whether she's ready to be in a relationship at all. She thinks she's too messed up and you'd be better off without her."

"That's bullshit."

"I know that, but I'm not the one you have to convince. She is." He nodded toward the motel room. "Don't waste too much time on this loser. Say what you've got to say, then focus on what really matters--making things right with my sister."

Rowan extended his hand, and he pulled Tenley's brother in for a half-hug. "Thanks, Brant."

"You can thank me with tickets to the home opener," he said, grinning.

"Done."

Ace and Brant shook hands, and they watched him walk toward his truck before Ace asked, "You ready to do this?"

It was suddenly clear to Rowan--he didn't have to waste any more time or energy worrying about the guys who wanted to take Tenley away from him, one way or the other. He had to worry about driving her away with the kind of shit he pulled last night.

"Yeah, I'm ready."

As soon as Brant's truck pulled out of the lot, they walked up to the door.

"What if he doesn't answer?" Rowan asked, raising his hand to knock.

Ace grinned, leaning his back against the brick wall between Justin's door and his neighbors'. "We kick it in."

"What if he's not here?" Rowan asked, scanning the parking lot. No vehicles were parked outside his room, but since he'd just gotten out of the joint, he assumed he couldn't afford one.

"We wait," Ace said, shrugging. "He's got to come back sometime. Right?"

Rowan didn't want to wait. He wanted to see Tenley. But he couldn't walk away until he'd faced the son of a bitch who tore her life apart.

He was surprised when the door flew open a few seconds after he knocked.

"Hey, you're late," Justin said, his smile slipping when he realized they weren't the company he'd been expecting.

Rowan stuck his foot in the doorway before he could close the door. He pushed him back while Ace slammed and locked the door, in case Justin was stupid enough to think he could run.

"Hey," Justin said, looking from Rowan to Ace. "You're ball players, aren't you? Phillips and..." He snapped his fingers. "The pitcher... Rowan Nixon, right? What the hell do you guys want with me?"

"You call my girlfriend again"--Rowan stepped toward him--"you'll wish you were back behind bars, where there are guards to protect you."

Justin looked as Rowan thought he would. The remnants of a good-looking guy lingered behind unruly dark hair, yellowing teeth, dull green eyes, and pasty skin. He appeared to be in decent shape. Probably because working out was the only thing that kept him from becoming someone's bitch on the inside.

"What're you talking about, man?" he asked, looking nervous as his gaze jumped from Rowan to Ace, who was guarding the door in case Justin tried to make a run for it.

"Tenley."

Rowan watched the shift in his demeanor at the mention of her name. He went from nervous to scared spitless in the span of a second. He could practically see his heart thumping beneath his thin cotton shirt.

"You and Tenley?" His Adam's apple bobbed repeatedly. "Shit. I didn't know."

"Yeah, well, now you do." Rowan stepped closer, forcing Justin's back to the wall. "The phone calls stop." He slammed his hand against the wall next to the smaller man's head, making him flinch. "You or one of your buddies park outside her place again, and I'll blow your tires out, then I'll beat the shit out of you."

"I want in on some of that action," Ace said, folding his muscular arms across his chest. "That's not goin' down without me, man."

Rowan hooked a thumb over his shoulder. "You hear that? My buddy wants a piece of you too."

Justin's eyes were wide as he clenched his hands at his sides, preparing to defend himself. What a joke. If they unleashed on him, he wouldn't know what hit him.

Rowan and Ace both grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and Ace had done time straight out of high school, almost losing out on his one and only shot at the big leagues because of a car accident that took the life of his girlfriend's twin brother.

"You scared?" Rowan asked, leaning in close enough for Justin to hear him whisper. "You should be. You should be as scared as Tenley was when you had her holed up in that warehouse like a caged animal, begging for her life. You sick bastard!" He slammed his fist into the wall beside Justin's head, making him jump. "I should break you the way you tried to break her."

"That..." Justin licked his dry lips before clearing his throat. "That was a long time ago. I'm a different person now."

"Oh yeah?" Ace asked, scowling at him. "Then why've you been hanging around her place calling her... sending her flowers?"

"I just wanted her to know I'm sorry about everything that happened."

Rowan didn't believe him for a second. If he was sorry, he could have apologized in court.

"You're a lying sack of shit," he said, grabbing the front of Justin's shirt. "You were trying to scare her. Well, let me tell you this--I'll give you reason to be scared if you don't stay the hell away from her. You don't get where I am without making a lot of friends along the way, friends who would do just about anything for me." He didn't have to spell it out. Justin may be spineless, but he wasn't stupid.

Judging by Justin's expression, Rowan was surprised he hadn't pissed his pants by now.

"Have I made myself clear?"

Justin nodded vigorously.

Rowan pulled him forward, then slammed him back against the wall hard enough to make his teeth rattle. "This is your one and only warning. You come near the woman I love again--you call her, send her flowers, a text, email, any contact whatsoever--and you'll be the sorriest son of a bitch alive. Is that understood?"

"Yeah, man, yeah," he said, raising his hands in surrender. "I got it. I hear ya. Tenley won't have to worry about me again, I swear."

"You violated the terms of your probation," Rowan said, smirking. "I might just have to call your probation officer." He still couldn't believe he'd been stupid enough to do that, especially knowing Tenley's brother was a cop.

"I'm not going back to the joint," he said, his gaze darting wildly around the room. "I'll kill myself before that happens."

"Aw, what a shame that would be. One less loser taking up space." Ace crooked a finger at his friend. "Let's get out of here, Row. We've wasted enough time on this piece of shit."

Rowan couldn't agree more.

# Chapter Eighteen

Tenley felt guilty for asking Corrie to come to her place instead of making an appointment at her office, but the thought of stepping into another therapist's office made her break out in a cold sweat. After she'd spilled her guts about what happened with Justin all those years ago and how she felt that was connected to the fight she'd had with Rowan last night, Corrie simply stared at her, processing it all.

"I guess I just needed a professional opinion," Tenley said, her hand trembling as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Am I even ready to be in a relationship? Will I ever be?"

"People who've been the victim of a violent crime never forget what happened to them. It becomes a part of who they are, whether they want it to be or not."

She nodded, knowing that single event had changed the course of her life forever.

"But that doesn't mean they can't go on to have happy, fulfilling lives in spite of it."

Until she met Rowan, Tenley had been so focused on survival, she hadn't considered whether she was happy. "I want to be with Rowan, assuming he still wants to be with me."

Corrie smiled. "But?"

"I'm worried that stuff like this will keep happening. That he'll say or do something to trigger me, and I'll go off on him for no reason."

"Based on what you told me, you didn't exactly go off on him for no reason. I think your anger was justified, given he was trying to pry into a part of your life that really was none of his concern since it happened before you two met."

"I just want to be normal." The words sounded weak, almost foreign on her tongue.

Corrie chuckled, shaking her head. "Since I'm here as your friend, not your therapist, I can tell you this--normalcy is an illusion. No one is 'normal,'" she said, air-quoting the word. "Besides, who would want to be normal? That's boring."

Tenley appreciated Corrie's attempt to make her feel better, but a boring life sounded pretty damn good to her. "I'm just sick of all the drama. I'm tired of looking over my shoulder, being suspicious of everyone, unable to let my guard down or let anyone in."

"I agree there comes a time when you have to take a chance and trust someone. Even if it's scary."

"I thought I trusted Rowan." She bit her lip, considering what she just said. "I do. I do trust him, but I'm afraid I may have too much baggage to make him happy."

"It's not your job to make him happy. It's your job to make yourself happy."

"What do you mean?" She always assumed people in relationships tried to make their partners happy. That was the foundation of a good relationship, wasn't it?

"Does seeing Rowan happy make you happy?"

She loved seeing him smile and hearing his laugh. She loved to watch him work out with his trainer, knowing he was in the zone. She couldn't wait to be in the front row at his next game, watching him do what he loved most... assuming she got the chance.

"Sure."

"Don't you think he feels the same way, that all he wants is to see you happy?"

"I guess so." I know so.

"So just focus on making Tenley happy," Corrie said, reaching for her hands. "And let Rowan focus on making himself happy. Two people who are content and enjoying their lives usually make for a pretty compatible couple when they're focused on getting their own needs met and not relying on their partner to meet all of their needs."

Everything she said made sense. If Tenley didn't have to rely on Rowan to be her everything, a committed relationship didn't seem as scary.

"The most important thing," Corrie said, "is that you go on being the strong, independent woman you were even before you met him."

"I don't feel very strong sometimes," she admitted, lowering her head.

"I'll let you in on a little secret," Corrie whispered. "Neither do I. It's part of being human, I think."

Hearing someone like Corrie, who seemed so self-assured, tell her she wasn't a complete mess made Tenley feel so much better about the odds of her relationship with Rowan going the distance.

"So you really think Rowan and I can work this out?" She reached for the now-tepid coffee she'd made when Corrie arrived.

"If you love each other," she said hesitantly. "If you allow him to be there for you, to support you. If you're willing to be honest with him when you're scared and vulnerable, or when something happens to trigger a bad memory." She reached for her own coffee. "I guess I'm asking whether you're willing to let this man be your best friend, Tenley. Your rock."

Was she willing to let someone get that close to her? Closer than Justin had ever been, even before he hurt her? The alternative was to go on living alone, afraid to get hurt again. She didn't want that, not when she could be with Rowan instead. "I think I'm ready for that."

Corrie took a sip of her coffee before standing. "Then my work here is done." She pulled Tenley into a long hug when she stood to walk Corrie to the door. "Just remember that I'll always be here for you, as a friend, whenever you need to talk."

"Thank you so much," she whispered, squeezing Corrie hard. "You have no idea how much you've helped me."

When Tenley opened the door, she was shocked to find Rowan standing on the other side.

"Hey," he said quietly, as though he was uncertain what her reaction would be.

"Hi, Rowan." She gestured to Corrie. "This is my friend Corrie."

"I've heard a lot of great things about you," Rowan said, extending his hand with a smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"You as well," she said, clasping his hand between both of hers. "Well, I know you two have a lot to talk about, so I'll be on my way. Call me later, Tenley?"

"Of course."

They waited for Corrie to step onto the elevator before she invited Rowan inside.

"I hope you don't mind that I stopped by without calling first?"

She wanted him to kiss her, hug her, something to let her know he still cared. After last night, she had no idea what he was thinking or feeling. For all she knew, he could be here because he was man enough to tell her face to face that it was over.

"No, it's no problem." She gestured to the cups on the table. "I just made a fresh pot of coffee for me and Corrie. Would you like a cup?"

"No, thanks."

She hated that they were acting like polite strangers instead of two people in love. Even though they hadn't said the words, Tenley knew she loved Rowan. She just prayed he felt the same way about her.

"Do you want to sit down?"

"Sure."

He walked toward the small sofa and took a seat near the middle, forcing her to sit right next to him. She supposed that was a good sign.

"I'm sorry about last night," she said, feeling awkward even mentioning it. There was no way he'd be able to forget it, but she wished she could.

"I'm sorry," he said, reaching for her hand. "It's none of my business who you slept with before you met me."

"It was a rough night for me," she admitted, running her thumb over the faded scars on his knuckles. "And a rough day today. But thanks to Corrie, I have a better understanding of what happened and what I can do about it."

"I want to hear all about it," he said, his eyes zeroing in on her mouth when she licked her lips. "But first I should tell you about my run-in with your ex."

"What?" She immediately thought of Andrew before realizing that wasn't the ex he was talking about. "Justin?" She could barely say his name without feeling nauseated. "How? Where? When?"

"Brant told me where I could find him." He smirked. "But he made me promise I wouldn't beat him senseless. Believe me, it took a hell of a lot of restraint not to do just that."

"What happened?" She couldn't even imagine Justin going up against Rowan. He would cower in fear of a real man. He liked bullying little people, namely women.

"Let's just say I'm confident he won't be bothering you again."

She released the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and hugged him. "Thank you. You didn't have to do that, but thank you."

"I did have to do that." He pulled back and tucked her hair behind her ear before his thumb brushed her cheek while his other hand curled around her jaw. "The days of that bastard terrorizing you are done, Ten. As long as there's breath in my body, I promise he'll never hurt you again. No one will hurt you, not if I can help it."

She'd spent so many years learning how to defend herself, developing her strength and wit, but hearing that Rowan was in her corner, that she could always count on him, made her feel even safer than the gun that had become her constant companion.

"I believe you."

"I never thought I'd feel this way," Rowan said hoarsely. "But something about you just does it for me."

She smiled at his choice of words. "Nice to know I do it for you. The feeling's mutual."

"I'm not just talking about the sex, though that's incredible." He grinned, making her heart stutter. "I'm talking about..." He shook his head as though he was searching for the right words, but they eluded him. "The fact that I fall asleep thinking about you. I wake up thinking about you. I think about you in the shower. I get my bell rung when I'm sparring with Ace because I'm thinking about you."

She couldn't help but laugh at the picture he painted, knowing full well his best friend wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of his distracted state. "I think about you all the time too."

"But it's more than just thinking about you." His eyes landed on hers, and she knew whatever he was about to say could be a game changer for them. "I want to be with you all the time. I want to come home to you. I want to wake up next to you. I want to curl up and watch TV next to you."

She swallowed, trying to make sense of what he was suggesting. "It sounds like you're talking about living together."

"It may sound crazy, since we haven't known each other that long..." He looked adorably uncertain when he said, "But...dammit... I love you."

It wasn't the romantic declaration most girls probably hoped for, but she wasn't a roses-and-poetry kind of girl. She was tattoos and motorcycles... like Rowan. She was sports highlights, cold pizza, and beer... like Rowan. She was working out hard and playing harder... like Rowan. God, he was right about them being perfect for each other.

"I love you too."

His kiss crushed her, but not with its intensity. With its tenderness.

"I know what I want, Ten. You with me. All the time."

"Before I answer that, we should talk about what happened last night." She wanted him to know that she hadn't slayed all her demons yet. "I had a flashback when we were in your car and you started--"

"Ace told me." He shook his head. "I'm so sorry I stirred up all those bad memories, baby. I'm even sorrier that I reminded you of that bastard in any way."

Rowan was as far removed from Justin as a man could be. The only thing they had in common was a penis.

"I can't promise I'll ever be able to forget what happened with Justin," she admitted, thinking about what Corrie said. "There may be times when I wake up in the middle of the night screaming because I'm back in that warehouse--"

"And I'll be there to hold you," he whispered, pulling her into his arms. "To tell you that everything's gonna be all right. Because it will, babe." He slipped a finger under her chin, tilting her head back so she could meet his eyes. "As long as I have you, I feel like there's nothing I can't do, nothing I can't take on. I want you to feel the same way."

"I do." She'd never felt stronger than she did when she was with Rowan. "I've spent so many years alone because I thought a relationship would make me weak. But you just make me feel stronger, better..." She smiled. "More invincible, and that's a pretty great feeling."

"Does that mean you'll move in with me?"

Since she was pretty sure Stacey intended to take Ace up on his offer, she'd either have to find a cheaper place or a roommate, but that wasn't why she wanted to move in with Rowan. She wanted to move in with him because she couldn't get enough of him. She couldn't imagine not wanting to be with him every possible minute, but she had to ask. "Are you sure you won't get sick of me?"

He leaned back as a slow smile spread across his handsome face, then he kissed her. "I'm not worried about that."

"I'll take over your closets and drawers, you know." That was a total lie. She wasn't a girly-girl with tons of clothes and shoes. She just wanted to scare him a little.

"I'm okay with that," he said, nuzzling her neck.

"You know you'll have to do all the cooking, right?"

He was already popping the buttons running down her shirt. "Sure, no problem." He popped the front clasp of her bra and made her gasp when his thumb and forefinger closed over her nipple.

"I'm paying my own way."

"Tenley," he warned, wrapping his huge hand around her ribcage. "I don't want your money. Keep it. In fact, moving in with me means you can give your brother notice that you won't be working for him anymore. You don't need to be working two jobs, running yourself ragged."

She sat up straighter, shifting to face him. "Are you telling me to quit my job?" 'Cause that was not going to fly.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You think I'm that stupid? I was merely suggesting it. Now that we're gearing up for another baseball season, our time together will be seriously limited. When I am home, I don't want you to be at work."

His argument was rational, but she had a feeling he had an ulterior motive for suggesting she quit the bar. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the guys who come in there and ask me out, would it?"

He trailed his lips down her neck, and she forgot why she was calling him out.

"Maybe," he admitted before his tongue flicked over her ear, and she shuddered. "Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a Neanderthal who doesn't want other guys coming on to my girl. Happy now?"

Her arms circled his neck as tears filled her eyes. With anyone else, she would have been embarrassed by the display of emotion, but not with him. "Am I happy now? Honestly? I'm happier than I've ever been, Rowan."

# About the Author

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# Other Books by Cheryl Douglas

Now Available - Nashville Nights

Shameless

Fearless

Ruthless

Reckless

Relentless

Heartless

Hopeless

Careless

Nashville Nights Next Generation

High Stakes

Trade Off

Holiday Homecoming

Game On

Burn Out

Fast Track

Time Out

Face Value

Blown Away

Breathless

Imagine

Starting Over (Single Title)

Music City Moguls

Stone Cold

Envious

Forbidden

Haunted

Jaded

Hero Worship

Texas Titans

Strike Out

End Zone

First Down

Cheap Shot

Fast Break (Holiday Novella)

Wild Card

Free Agent

Going For It

Possession

Starkis Family

Deacon

Damon

Tiana

Kara

Darius

Catia

Steele Brothers

Ryker

Nex

Steele Brothers Christmas

Seb

Brody

Kane

Gabe
