Will he be the last Barrington bachelor left standing?

Unlucky in love, Manhattan attorney Alana Thomas has to face the facts: Mr. Right doesn’t exist. The only one who ever came close was Drew Barrington. Now the international motorcycle legend is back in town...and ready to fan some serious flames. Tempted as she is, Alana knows that breaking her no-dating rule with the sexy playboy rebel could also break her heart.

A family crisis brought Drew back to the United States. But hooking up with the woman he has always fantasized about could make this a homecoming to remember. From glittering city penthouses to a sprawling Long Island estate, Drew pursues Alana with a passion that gradually melts her defenses. Together, can they rewrite the laws of love?

“What?” she questioned him. He simply smiled. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You’re a beautiful woman.”

Alana cleared her throat. “Thanks.” She sat coyly with her eyes cast downward as she fiddled with the handle of her bag!

“Oh, now you’re shy?” Drew teased.

“Whatever, Drew!” Alana pulled the door handle to get out.

Drew grabbed her arm to stop her. When she turned, he leaned toward her and kissed her lips. At first Alana didn’t move, but Drew refused to let go. Pulling her closer, he kissed her again and continued kissing her until she kissed him back. Drew slid his hand behind her head and deepened the kiss. Her hand rested on his chest. When Drew finally released her, he had to catch his breath.

Alana sat back for a moment. Drew sat back as well, giving her a moment to collect herself. Alana licked her lips, which made Drew smile.

“I need to catch my train.” Alana stepped out of the car.

“Have a good day.” Drew’s eyes followed her up the escalator and onto the platform before he took off. He was getting closer.

Dear Reader,

I hope you will enjoy getting to know the feisty Alana Tate and the handsome rebel Drew Barrington. Have fun taking this journey around the world as their love affair unfolds.

Alana has always been a hopeful romantic until her latest beau dumps her via text message. Now, she’s losing hope about one day finding her prince. She makes up a list of rules to protect her heart. However, Drew Barrington has never been the kind of man that plays by the rules. Just when it seems he’s successful in breaking down the barriers to her heart, an old flame returns to town. And she’s got her eye on him along with a career opportunity of a lifetime.

Find out if the rebel player can be tamed, if the old flame can reignite Drew’s fire or if Alana will finally get her prince. Enjoy the ride!

Ciao,

Nicki Night

NICKI NIGHT is an edgy hopeless romantic who enjoys creating stories of love and new possibilities. Nicki has a penchant for adventure and is currently working on penning her next romantic escapade. Nicki resides in the city dreams are made of, but occasionally travels to her treasured seaside hideaway to write in seclusion. She enjoys hearing from readers and can be contacted on Facebook, through her website at nickinight.com, or via email at NickiNightwrites@gmail.com.

Riding into Love

Nicki Night

www.millsandboon.co.uk

This book is dedicated to my Hero, Les Flagler.

Thank you for sharing me with my passion.

Acknowledgments

As always, I must start by giving honor to my Lord

and Savior Jesus Christ for the gifts and blessings he has given to me. Now, for everyone else who has been an integral part of this amazing journey: my editorial team, Glenda Howard and Shannon Criss, thanks so much for investing in me. To my agent Sara Camili, I hope this “marriage” lasts forever! To my author-girlfriend, Zuri Day, and my fellow Harlequin Kimani Romance writing sisters and brothers, thank you for your acceptance. I love being a part of this amazing network. To Brenda Jackson, Beverly Jenkins, Donna Hill and Jacqueline Thomas, thank you for always being the wonderful women that you authentically are. I adore each of you. To my street team, thank you for helping me spread the word. To LaSheera Lee, thank you for your professionalism. You rock! To Les, my boo, my friend, my hubby and my biggest cheerleader, thank you for being fantastic. To my kids, Les, Milan and Laila, you are my inspiration. I hope I impress you. To my siblings, my gals, readers and book clubs nationwide, thanks a gazillion! Where would I be without your support? I dunno! Bryant Carrington, thank you so much for helping make this story authentic with all the super cool information about the world of motorcycles and racing. I sure hope I didn’t leave anyone out. However, if I failed to mention your name, please know that I thank you and love you, and that you rock!

Ciao!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

About the Author

Title Page

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

Alana stormed into Payne, Tate and Associates, the law office she now shared with her best friend, Cadence, marched into her personal office and slammed the door behind her. Tossing her purse and laptop bag on the chair, she paced, her hands parked on her hips as she tried to control her heaving chest. She mumbled inaudibly before a light tap followed by Cadence’s cautious entrance brought her out of her personal rage fest.

Cadence quietly walked in and closed the door behind her. “What’s gotten you so uptight this morning? You blew through here like a tornado.”

“I can’t believe he did this!” Alana waved her cell phone in her hand before snatching her bags from the chair and placing them on the large cherrywood desk. She flopped into the chair.

“Who did what?” Cadence sat in one of the two chairs facing Alana’s desk.

“James!” Alana sucked her teeth. “Can you believe that jerk broke up with me by text! By text!” she yelled. Her voice cracked. “Such a freaking coward! He said he can’t do this anymore. He needs space. I smothered him too much.”

“That’s horrible.” Cadence reached for Alana’s hand.

Alana sighed. “Things have changed between us recently. I don’t know what happened.”

“Alana! You didn’t tell me that.” Cadence’s hand went to her heart.

“I know. That’s why we didn’t show up last Sunday for the dinner you and Blake had to celebrate Hunter and Chey’s engagement. He was supposed to show up at three. By six, he still hadn’t returned my calls or responded to any of my texts. I was so pissed that I wanted to throw my phone but decided he wasn’t worth the deductible I would have had to pay to get it replaced if it broke. I didn’t hear from him until ten that night. I was furious.” Alana’s hands were balled into fists.

“Ten o’clock! Are you serious?” Cadence stood. Now she paced. “That—”

“Exactly!” Alana pounded her hand against the desk and stood too. “I said to him, ‘Listen, Jackie,’ which you know is my code word for jackass, and I lit into him so bad he was quiet for, like, a full minute before he spoke again. All his idiotic behind had to say was sorry. No viable explanation. Nothing! After being together for almost a year, I deserve more than just a weak apology.”

Cadence’s mouth opened, but she said nothing. She closed it again, shook her head and folded her arms across her chest. Alana raged on about all of the follow-up arguments they’d had for the remainder of the week.

“Did you respond to the text?”

“I left him a nice-nasty message. If he can’t be man enough to end our relationship face-to-face or at least pick up the phone, then he was never man enough for me anyway. He just needs to lose my number and my address and forget my name.” Alana sat back down. She placed her elbows on her desk and rested her head in her hands. “I’m done. I don’t even want to date anymore. I think I’ll just put a band on my finger and tell any man who tries to hit on me that I’m married. I don’t even want to be bothered.”

“Oh no!” Cadence rounded Alana’s desk and sat on it. She gripped Alana by the shoulders and looked into Alana’s dejected eyes. “No matter what happened, you were always the one to remain hopeful. You always said your knight was out there waiting for you somewhere and you didn’t mind rolling with a few frogs to find them because you knew he’d be worth it.”

“I said that?” Alana chuckled.

“Yep. Always twisting up clichés to make your point, but I get it. I listened to you when you told me to keep living and practically pushed me on Blake.” Cadence snickered. “And now, look, we’re getting married.”

“Well, I was wrong. I’m sick of these damn frogs. Screw that knight. If he is so worth it, then why do I have to swim through all this filthy pond water to find him?” Alana clucked her teeth. “He needs to come find me, shoot! I’m done, Cay,” Alana said, calling her friend by the nickname she’d given her years ago.

“You can’t be done. What if your prince is next?”

Alana craned her neck and looked at Cadence incredulously. “What the hell did you do with my best friend? Surely you aren’t Cadence with all this ‘keep hope alive’ talk.”

“I’m serious, Alana. Don’t shut down. I did the same thing and it wasn’t fun. I buried myself in work to keep from being lonely, but the more time I spent alone, the more I thought about all that things that went wrong with Kenny and me. I’d gotten over him but didn’t get over the feeling of failing in my relationship. That’s why I avoided dating. When I listened to you and started dating Blake, it was as if I started living again—laughing again. Trust me. That’s not what you want. As outgoing as you are, you’d go completely crazy.”

Alana put her head down. Both were quiet for several moments. “I don’t know. This hurts so much. I thought he was the one, Cadence. I can’t go through this again anytime soon. I’d love to have what you’ve found in Blake, but I’m starting to believe that’s not for everyone.”

Cadence hugged Alana, pulled back and searched her eyes. “You want the truth?”

Alana looked forlorn. “Sure. Why not?” She sighed.

“You fall for men very hard and fast. You have so much to offer the right man, but you have to learn to ease into relationships. Otherwise you scare men off. Save it for the right one. He’ll deserve it and he’ll appreciate you.”

Alana breathed deeply and blew out an exasperated breath. Cadence was right. She hated to think of the number of men who’d left for the same exact reason. “So I need to be a little more discerning with my heart, huh?” Feeling raw, she chuckled timidly.

Cadence tilted her head sideways and nodded.

“I’ll think about it. I still believe I need to take a break.”

“Fine! Take a short one,” Cadence offered. “And then get back out there and keep on living just like you told me to do.”

“If I do get back out there, I’m going to keep my feelings at bay. If this next frog doesn’t deserve my love, I’m keeping it on lockdown. Also—” Alana held her finger up as if she’d just received an epiphany “—I won’t give him any of the good fruit! Not unless he proves himself worthy. This way, great sex won’t cloud my judgment. James was great in bed...” Alana closed her eyes and moaned.

“Uh...” Cadence interrupted Alana’s apparent moment. “I’m still standing here!”

Alana blushed and laughed hard. Cadence joined her and they could hardly stop themselves.

“See what I mean? Good sex will warp the mind, girl.” She chuckled some more. “And lastly, I need to steer clear of known players. I think I’m intrigued by the idea of snagging a player. James was a player at first, and I’m willing to bet that other women had something to do with the fact that he went missing without an explanation.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Yep, that’s it! I’ll take some time for me and get back into the game. No falling too hard too fast, no sex and no players. That should save me some heartbreak. No man will ever be able to say that I’ve smothered him again.”

“Good! Now, how do you feel?”

“I still feel horrible.” Alana frowned. “I’ll get over him—eventually. We actually had fun together.” Alana looked at the clock on her desk that was a gift from a client. “We’ve got work to do. These clients can’t represent themselves.”

“You’re right.” Cadence lifted herself from Alana’s desk and headed for the door. Just as she was about to walk through, she turned back toward Alana. “Oh, are you going to be free this Saturday?”

“I guess.” Alana shrugged.

“Great! Then you can come by. Blake told me this morning that Drew will be in town this weekend and he and Hunter are thinking about having a get-together for Drew’s birthday. Shall I count you in?”

Alana forced a smile as Cadence departed but didn’t answer. The last thing she needed after this unofficial breakup with James was to be in the same room as the most flirtatious Barrington ever. Drew was an international player. Alana had witnessed his techniques up close for years. She had even entertained his advances and dated him for a short stint, which didn’t end well. They made better friends. Admittedly, she enjoyed his flirting, but it was time for a change. Alana was done kissing frogs—especially gorgeous ones who were allergic to commitment and so skilled in bed that they could render her deaf and dumb.

Alana was also tired of heartbreak. Right there in her office, she made a personal vow to be more protective of her own heart. She wasn’t breaking her rules for any man—especially not Drew Barrington.

Chapter 2

“Hey, Ma!” Drew yelled as he strolled through the first floor of his parents’ spacious home on Long Island’s Gold Coast. “Ma, I’m home! Pop, where are you?”

“Drew, is that you?” Joyce came down the stairs as fast as her middle-aged legs could carry her. “Happy birthday, baby boy!”

“Thanks, Ma!” Drew wrapped his arms around his mother, lifted her off her feet and swung her around. He planted a big kiss on her forehead. “Where’s Pop?”

“I’m right here, boy!” Floyd carefully made his way down the winding staircase, taking one cautious step at a time.

“What happened to you, Pop?”

“Pulled another muscle at the gym trying to keep up with the young boys,” Joyce said.

When Floyd reached the landing, he gave Drew a bright smile and shook his hand and then pulled him in for a hug. “Happy birthday, son! Are you staying for a while this time?”

“A few weeks. I’m heading back to Europe in February to train for the first race of the season in March.”

“Oh, good. I can see more of my baby. I wish I knew you were coming. I would have had something here for you. I sent you a card. Did you get it?”

Drew nodded as Joyce headed toward the kitchen.

“Let’s have a nice breakfast. I just bought some sage sausages. I know how much you love them,” she said.

“Oh yes!” Floyd clapped his hands together and rubbed them greedily.

“Just one for you, Floyd,” she warned, pointing her finger at him. “You need to watch that blood pressure of yours. It’s been running high lately.” She directed her last sentence to Drew.

“How are you feeling, Dad?”

Floyd waved away their concern. “I’m just fine. I could still lay you out if I needed to.” Floyd put up his fists, bobbed and then weaved.

Drew looked at his mother with his brows raised and laughed. “Don’t worry, old man. I won’t put you to the test.”

“Stop teasing your father, boy. Let him think he’s still got it.” She winked at Floyd. “Well, actually he does,” she said, sauntering toward the counter.

Drew scrunched his nose. “That’s too much information.” They all laughed. “Ma—” Drew walked over to where his mother stood and placed his hand on her shoulder “—you always cook for me when I come. This time, I’d like to treat you and Dad to breakfast. Let’s go. I’ll drive.”

“No!” Floyd and Joyce said at the same time.

“I’ll drive,” Floyd offered.

“Yes. Let’s take your dad’s truck. My heart would be in my throat by the time we got to the restaurant if you drove. I wouldn’t be able to swallow my food.” Joyce went toward the foyer. Floyd was on her heels.

Drew scrunched his face again. “I don’t drive that fast.” Both Joyce and Floyd stopped walking to look at Drew. “What?” Drew asked incredulously.

Joyce peered at him over the rim of her glasses. “We won’t talk about that, sweetheart. Let’s go have a nice breakfast. I’m glad you’re here—in one piece!” The two of them snickered and Drew shook his head, chuckling at his parents.

He’d always had a penchant for speed, which is why he chose the life of a professional motorcycle racer over becoming an attorney.

The sanitation crew had plowed a narrow path down his parents’ winding block, but once they made it to the main streets, the roads were clear. Within ten short minutes, they had reached one of his father’s favorite restaurants for breakfast. Even at the early hour, the place was packed. Once they were served, conversation continued to flow without interruption.

“I’m thinking about buying a place in Manhattan.”

“Save your money and take the guesthouse. No one has used it in years.”

“Thanks, Ma, but I prefer the city and I need my own space.”

“Yeah?” Floyd said, taking in a forkful of pancakes. “What about your house in Brooklyn?”

“The dude I’m renting from wants to sell the place this year and even though I’m hardly there, he asked if I was interested in buying it. I’d rather buy in Manhattan. I plan to look at a few places while I’m here.”

“Will you spend more time in the States?” Joyce asked.

“It’s possible. I’m thinking about making some changes in the next few years.”

Floyd put his fork down. “You’re going to quit racing?”

“No.” Drew reared his head back. “Not yet. You know I just signed a new two-year contract with the Delgado team. I’ve been wondering what life after racing would look like for me. I want to begin preparing for that transition. There are a lot of options.”

Floyd nodded and picked up his fork. “I can understand that, and I’m glad to see that you’re thinking more about your future.”

“I was hoping you were quitting. It’s so dangerous. I worry about you so much. I can’t even watch those races on TV,” Joyce said. “Every time I hear about a crash, I cringe.”

Drew smiled and placed his hand over his mother’s hand. “There’s nothing to worry about, Ma. Don’t forget, I learned from the best.” He looked at his father and smiled.

“I’m always going to worry about you. You and your brothers with your adventurous spirits have given me fits over the years.”

“We get it from Dad!”

Floyd shrugged, unable to deny Drew’s statement. They got their proclivity for adventure from him, a biker himself.

“Have you thought about settling down? All this traipsing across the globe and high-speed races don’t leave much hope for grandkids. You don’t want to be old and lonely, do you? Both Hunter and Blake have managed to find nice girls.”

“I may get old, but I don’t think I’ll ever have to worry about being lonely.” Drew rubbed his chin. His father laughed, but his mother shot a narrow-eyed glare his way. “I’m just kidding, Ma. I’ll settle down one day—just not today.”

Drew paid the tab, but they stayed and talked for a while longer. They left the restaurant and he spent a few more hours with them before heading back to his place to change for a night out with his brothers. They were meeting at Blake’s condominium. As he dressed, he responded to various calls and texts from friends, mostly women wishing him a happy birthday. A few even offered to help him celebrate. One sent him a message with a picture of her lying across the bed with the words Happy Birthday written across her bare breasts. That gave Drew a laugh as he reminisced about the week he’d spent with her in Valencia, Spain, during the fall. The daughter of a Spanish dignitary, Lucia loved adventure as much as he did. She always made time to see him when his work brought him to her homeland, but his casual rendezvous with her was over.

Donned in all black with a fresh haircut and a sparkling diamond in his ear, Drew headed for Blake’s place. During the ride, he actually thought about calling Lucia. It wouldn’t take much for her to hop a plane and meet him for a birthday rendezvous. However, he had already planned to take care of a lot of business during his stay in New York and she would certainly be a huge distraction. He silently applauded himself for always being one to know his priorities. Occupied with all the thinking he’d done about his women and his plans, Drew made it to Blake’s in no time. One thing he did decide was that it was definitely time for some changes.

The snow crunched under Drew’s tires as he drove into an available space. He pulled his coat together at the collar, hopped out the car and ran to Blake’s door. Drew heard music and several voices and assumed his cousins were partying with them. Eager to get the night started, he rang the bell several times to pierce the chatter.

Blake swung the door open and, before Drew could say a word, the crowd behind Blake yelled, “Surprise!”

“Oh!” Drew’s hand covered his gaping mouth as he reared back. He bent over laughing. Hunter hugged Drew and then Blake pulled him in for a hug. Drew made his way through the crowd, greeting his guests. “Wait!” Everyone stopped and set their focus on Drew. “Does this mean we’re not going out?”

Blake swatted him on the head. “The party is here, fool.”

Drew sauntered over to the bar and grabbed a bottle of cognac and held it in the air. “Then let’s get this party started!”

The guests cheered. Hunter cranked up the music and Drew started dancing right where he stood. Cadence went up to Drew, danced with him for a moment and then hugged him, wishing him a happy birthday before heading back to dance with Blake. Still holding his bottle, Drew continued through the mass of folks, hugging, chatting and giving high fives.

Someone pulled his arm. Drew turned around to his ex Stacey, who attended prep school with the brothers before becoming a Wall Street executive and moving to the same complex as Blake.

“Stacey?” Drew said unbelievingly.

“Yep! I haven’t seen you in years. You’re looking good.” She nodded her approval.

“Thanks.” She smiled wide as Drew looked her over from head to toe, pleased with how well her curves filled her little black dress. He lifted her arm and twirled her around. “You’re looking pretty damn fine yourself, lady. What’s up with you these days?”

“I’m well. I’ve watched some of your races.”

Drew lifted his brows. “Really? That’s cool.”

They danced for a few songs as more guests arrived. When Hunter opened the door and Alana appeared in the doorway, Drew’s focus shifted instantly. Alana arrived alone. He watched as she walked in and embraced Blake, Hunter and Chey before walking off with Cadence. He admired her silky-straight hair as it gracefully framed her face and flowed below her shoulders. He watched her hips sway under her electric-blue dress and allowed his eyes to roam over her legs concealed in black stockings to the sexy pair of high-heeled riding boots. He imagined how sweet she must have smelled, remembering what type of fragrances she preferred. Drew continued to watch as she and Cadence disappeared behind the wall separating the kitchen from the living room and wondered if she had noticed him. Suddenly, he wasn’t so interested in Stacey’s whereabouts in recent years. He didn’t want to be rude, so he continued dancing and chatting with Stacey, but Alana had stolen his focus.

Chapter 3

Alana tried to act as if she hadn’t noticed Drew, but who could miss that smooth, caramel skin; those dreamy, hooded eyes; broad shoulders; and slim waist wrapped in mysterious black. She had taken all of that in and more on her walk from the front door to the kitchen, including the fact that he was dancing with a pretty woman.

At first, Alana wasn’t going to come, but Cadence kept calling to make sure she did. Besides, she had never been a homebody and was bored sitting at her place, alone. Her only sister, Adriana, lived in Chicago and her parents were busy socialites with plans of their own.

Alana grabbed the tray that Cadence had asked her to get and followed her through the crowd to the table with the food. Cadence made room for the additional trays and Alana put hers down. She turned and bumped right into Drew.

“Hey, Drew! Happy birthday!” she cheerfully yelled over the symphony of voices, laughter and music. Alana gave him a friendly hug as if his sexy aura had no effect on her. Drew pulled her in tight and released her slowly. She tried not to swoon from the masculine scent of his cologne or the feeling of his taut chest against hers. Alana cleared her throat and stepped back, adding space between them.

“Thank you.” He licked his lips and Alana wanted to touch them.

“Are you having a good time?” she asked.

“I’m having a great time now that you’re here.”

Alana twisted her lips. “You’re such a flirt.”

“I’m serious.” He stared directly into her eyes. “You know we always had fun.”

“That’s true.” Alana withdrew her hand from his, just realizing that he was holding on to it. “Well, enjoy yourself. I need to go back and finish helping Cadence.”

“We’ll talk later?”

Alana smiled and walked away.

After she had assisted Cadence refreshing the food and beverages, she got a drink and parked herself in a chair on the opposite side of the room from where Drew stood entertaining guests. It was obvious that he was being his usual self as those he was talking to were holding their stomachs, laughing. He always had wild tales for the guys. The song changed and the woman Drew had been dancing with when Alana first arrived ran over to him and dragged Drew to the dance floor. For the next three and a half minutes, she gyrated against him, flipped her hair and bent over, giving him a wide-ranging view of her backside. A crowd formed around them, cheering them on. Drew looked like he enjoyed every minute of it.

The song changed again. This time it was one of Alana’s favorites. She stood and started dancing, singing along with the artist. Lost in her own musical euphoria, Alana swayed to the beat with her eyes closed. She felt a pair of hands on her waist and opened her eyes to find Drew dancing in front of her.

Drew leaned close to her ear. “Can I have this dance?” His low, husky tone sent shivers down her back.

Still dancing, Alana shrugged. Drew took her by the hand and led her to the center of the living room where Blake’s coffee table usually sat. Together they danced song after song until both were glistening with sweat. His sexy moves taunted her, reminding her of the few intimate encounters they shared in the past. He was as skilled at dancing as he was at making love. The room felt warmer and that wasn’t just because she was burning calories. Drew’s presence caused enough heat to spark global warming.

“I really need a break,” Alana panted, but when she tried to leave, Drew pulled her close to him and kept dancing. Laughing, she gave in and danced until the chemistry between them sizzled and threatened to catch fire, consuming the two of them in front of the entire room.

Alana finally peeled herself away from his magnetism, leaving him on the dance floor. She had to. Being so close to him was getting the best of her. In the short amount of time it took her to grab a bottle of water and chug half of it down, the woman whom Drew had been dancing with earlier had sidled back up to him. A sly grin played on her lips, but little did she know that Alana was grateful to be able to get away.

It was well into the night before the party began to thin out. Alana eventually found out the name of Drew’s old friend, who remained by his side almost until the end. Alana, Blake, Cadence, Chey, Hunter, Drew, Stacey and a few others sat comfortably in the living room laughing and joking around. The ladies had removed their shoes and sat on the couch and the floor. Stacey sat so close to Drew that a toothpick wouldn’t have fit between them. She stretched her lean frame over Drew during every exaggerated laugh, finding everything that he said funnier than anyone else in the room had. It was almost sickening. Alana wondered if anyone else had noticed, but she wouldn’t dare make mention of it. Despite Stacey conspicuously throwing herself all over Drew, Alana continued to catch the penetrating stares he cast her way—so intense that she stopped looking in his direction all together.

Stacey could have Drew for all Alana cared. Entertaining him would challenge all of Alana’s new rules and could only lead to the despair that she wanted to protect herself from. Still, she felt a twinge of jealousy.

Alana stood. “Cay, let me help you clean up before I head home.”

“Oh yes. Thanks!” Cadence stood.

It wasn’t Alana’s intention, but that broke up the party. Everyone else got up to help clean. Blake turned up the music as they carried ravaged food trays and empty liquor bottles to the kitchen. Drew stood and Stacey followed his lead.

“Sit down, Drew. It’s your birthday. You don’t have to clean up.”

“That’s very nice of you, Cadence, but I wouldn’t feel right sitting here watching everyone else work.”

“I’ll help too,” Stacey said, and finally pitched in.

Drew grabbed a garbage bag and Stacey started filling it with cups and plates that people had left behind. Blake took down the decorations and Hunter and Chey folded up the tables.

Within a short time, the men were moving the furniture back into place, making Blake’s condo look like his home again.

Alana headed to the coat closet. Drew was on her heels and Stacey was on his. Alana figured that would allow her a clean break. She needed to put as much distance between her and Drew as possible.

“Bye, guys!” Alana hugged everyone. “It was nice meeting you, Stacey.”

“You too.” Stacey’s smile was unconvincing.

“Blake, don’t forget we have a board meeting next week,” Alana said, referring to The New York Association of Attorneys, a professional organization she, Hunter and Blake were members of.

“Oh yeah. I’ll be there. I’m still trying to get your friend here to join.” Blake pointed a thumb in Cadence’s direction. She rolled her eyes at him.

“That won’t happen! It’s just not her thing,” Alana teased. “Are you coming, Hunter?”

“I’ll be there,” he replied as he helped Chey into her coat.

“Great. Oh, Dr. Smell Good.” Drew began playfully calling Chey that when he first tried one of her fragrant skin-care products. “Don’t forget about my body scrub. I’ve already used up the last one you gave me. It was amazing.”

Chey chuckled. “I’ll send some with Hunter next week.”

“Thanks, girl. That will be perfect. I’ll send the money back with him.”

“Good night, all. I’m pooped and I need to get these boots off. The balls of my feet feel like I’ve been walking on hot coals.” Alana grimaced.

“That’s from all that sexy dancing,” Drew said, and winked.

Alana looked at Drew sideways and shook her head. Everyone laughed, except Stacey.

Blake and Cadence saw everyone to the door. Alana held her gloved hand over her pashmina to keep the frigid air from reaching her neck as she hastened to her car.

“Alana!” At first, Alana didn’t hear Drew calling her. By the time she turned to respond, he was already approaching. “Hey, Drew. What’s up?”

“I was going to walk you to your car.”

“What about your friend?”

“Stacey? She’s in her car.” He dismissed any notion that there was anything deeper. “She lives nearby. She’ll be fine.”

“Oh. Okay. You don’t have to walk me. I’m parked right across the street—see?” Alana pointed to her car. “It’s cold out here.”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to.”

That statement gave Alana pause. She swallowed hard but kept up her stride. “That’s nice.” Drew accompanied her across the street and waited for her to get in and start the car. Alana lowered the window. “Thanks again, Drew. You really didn’t have to do this.”

“Listen—” Drew said and Alana’s stomach tightened.

“Yeah?”

“I’m home for a few weeks. We should hang out.”

“Sure. I’ll tell Cadence to set something up. She’s become quite the planner since she and Blake got together.”

“I meant just you and me.”

“Us...together...without anyone else around?”

“Just you—” Drew pointed to Alana “—and me.” He pointed to himself.

Alana temporarily lost the ability to form a reasonable thought. She couldn’t say what was really on her mind, which was hell no! Buying a few moments, Alana took a deep breath.

“Listen, I know you just broke up with your dude.”

Alana promised to get on Cadence’s case for announcing her breakup to the world.

“I figured it would be good to hang out.”

Alana hated that Drew was so charming. His eyes and those plump lips beckoned her. She remembered her rules.

“Sure,” she said. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Cool. Call me when you get home so I’ll know that you arrived safely.” Drew stepped back from her driver’s window.

Alana smiled and, as she drove off, she noticed Stacey still sitting in her car, watching their interaction. She’d only said yes to Drew to avoid an awkward situation, but she had no intentions of going out with him. He was the main person she wanted to avoid. If fact, he had had his chance when they dated before. He hadn’t taken it seriously. She’d had fun flirting with him over the past few years. Everyone assumed they would become an official item, but that never happened.

No sex and definitely no commitment-phobic players like Mr. Drew Barrington, she thought as she drove away. She already knew what Drew was like in bed and if any man had the ability to throw her off her game by way of incredible sex, Drew was certainly one of them. Also, Alana saw how Drew relished the attention Stacey lavished on him at the party and surmised that nothing had changed with him. “Good luck, Stacey. He’s a slippery one,” she said aloud. A player like him was hard to resist but could never be trusted.

Chapter 4

Drew reminisced about the way Alana had arrested his attention when she arrived at Blake’s house the other night as he danced with Stacey. He remembered how her lips curled when she smiled, and those long sexy legs hidden beneath smooth stockings. Then, he envisioned Alana driving away at the end of the night. He had wanted to go with her for a nightcap. She intrigued and scared him at the same time, challenging his player status by causing him to desire her. Admittedly, he’d worked hard to avoid being caught up when they had dated before, because he couldn’t imagine leaving her behind while he traipsed across the globe and he couldn’t expect Alana, as dedicated as she was, to walk away from her profession.

Drew picked up his cell phone to call her and paused as his finger hovered over her name. Tossing the phone aside, Drew shook his head. What was he doing? Barrington men didn’t chase women. Picking the phone back up, he called Hunter instead.

“What’s up, Drew?” Hunter answered.

“Not much. Got any plans? I keep hearing about this new restaurant and lounge downtown on Atlantic. Let’s go check it out. I’ll have you home at a decent time so you can get your rest. I know you and Blake have a busy week coming up with this new case.”

“That sounds good, but let me check with Chey first. I think she had something planned.”

“Oh.” Blake mentioning Chey made Drew think of Alana. He wondered what she was doing. “Hey, don’t let me impose on your plans. You’ll just have to take me there before I leave in a few weeks. It will be your treat for making me wait. Ha!”

“It’s always my treat when I hang out with you.”

“Well. You are the oldest.”

“Yeah. Whatever, lil brother.”

“Alright, Hunt. I’ll catch up with you later. Tell Chey I said hello.”

“Cool.”

Drew put his phone aside and sat back in his black leather recliner. He looked around the four-story brownstone and noticed for the first time how barren that space felt. He’d purchased the home right after he had signed his first multimillion-dollar racing contract but only stayed there during the off-season. He spent most of the year at his homes in England and France, where he resided from March through November. Europe offered him a number of conveniences. Most of his races took place there. His time spent in the States was split between Brooklyn and his parents’ sprawling home on the north shore of Long Island. He had inherited his proclivity to acquire interesting homes from his parents, who enjoyed dabbling in real estate as well.

Drew thought about calling Blake but figured he would also be spending this cold afternoon cozied up with his bride-to-be. Suddenly, he felt like the odd man out. He reached out to his cousin Lance, but the call went to voicemail. His other friends were scattered across the States and abroad, leaving him no more local options. The thought of calling Stacey came and went so fast it could have been a figment of his imagination. Drew looked at his phone, huffed and dialed Alana’s number once again.

“Hello, Drew. How are you?”

“Well. Weren’t you supposed to call me and let me know you got home safely?”

“That was two days ago.”

“Well, you didn’t call.”

“You’re too much. So what’s up?”

“Nothing. Are you busy today?”

“I’m in for the afternoon. Why?”

“How about dinner?” he asked. Alana didn’t respond right away. “Hello?” Drew looked at his phone to make sure that the call hadn’t dropped and that she was still there. “Did you hear me?”

“Thanks for asking, but I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

It was Drew’s turn to be silent. He couldn’t think of any reason why going to dinner with him would be unwise. “Why not?” His confusion splayed across in his tone.

Alana sighed. “I just... It’s not a good time.”

“Since when has that made a difference?” Drew tried to keep his disappointment out of his voice.

Alana waited a beat before responding. “I’m sorry, Drew. I just can’t go. I hope you understand.”

“Sure,” he said, even though he didn’t.

“Take care, Drew.” Alana hung up before he could answer.

“What the hell just happened?” Drew asked aloud.

Unaccustomed to rejection, he was puzzled by her snub. Women didn’t turn him down. Even after their rendezvous, Alana had never refused to hang out with him. He tried to come up with a sensible explanation, but after tossing several scenarios across his mind, he still couldn’t figure out why she’d brushed him off. Then he thought back to Friday night at the party. Had he done or said something to Alana to offend her? He couldn’t recall and he hadn’t been intoxicated enough to forget.

Drew got up from his recliner, grabbed his coat and the key to his newest SUV. Casually, he rode through residential streets of his coveted Clinton Hill neighborhood until he hit DeKalb. After driving a few blocks, he pulled up near the entrance of a crowded sports bar. Preferring not to be alone, Drew went inside, ordered a beer and settled right into the midst of the rambunctious crowd taking in the football game playing on several flat screens throughout the bar, which resembled a sports fanatic’s recreational haven. NFL and college team paraphernalia covered the walls to the point where you could hardly see the wood panels. Sturdy tables stood erect in the center of the restaurant, flanked by green leather stools.

The Panthers rise to the playoffs had both excited and pissed off the hard-core New York fans that frequented the place. Collectively they weren’t happy about the fact that neither their Jets nor the Giants made it to this point in the playoffs. The spectators cheered, cursed and joked about the plays being made. Drew joined in the fare, making fast friends. The camaraderie helped him forget about his earlier rejection. However, when the game was over and the chicken-wings-and-fries-eating crowd thinned out, it all came crashing back to him.

Drew wasn’t quite ready to go home to all that quiet. Instead, he maneuvered down Atlantic Avenue to the Conduit, hit the Belt Parkway and found himself sitting in front of Alana’s condominium in Long Island. Drew could tell she was surprised from the look on her face when she opened the door.

Drew stood before her, ignoring her perplexed expression while taking in the curves behind that tank top and sweatpants she wore. As casually as she was dressed, she still looked sexy enough to Drew to elicit a slight response from his groin area. Distancing himself from her allure, he refocused. He needed to understand what happened on the phone earlier.

Drew tilted his head to the side. “Did you actually say no to me?”

Chapter 5

A horn blew and Alana looked at her watch. Cadence and Blake were right on time. Ever since Cadence had told her about the evening’s plans, Alana had been overcome with giddy merriment. She had stopped by her favorite boutique on the way home from the office to pick up the perfect outfit. Tilting left and then right, she now assessed her attire in her dressing-room mirror. Satisfied, she trotted down the steps in her spacious townhome, grabbed a full-length mink from the front closet and threw it across her arm as she headed out the door. She was so excited she barely felt the cold. It was as if her strapless jumpsuit were enough to shield her from the frigid air.

Alana could hardly believe she was on her way to a movie premiere and exclusive after-party. The lead was played by Christian Jacobs, her all-time-favorite actor, whom she thoroughly enjoyed fawning over. She knew he was married but wondered if his wife would allow her to give him a kiss if she got close enough. Alana laughed aloud at herself as she headed up the walk.

Alana whistled as the driver walked around and opened the door for her.

“We’re traveling fancy tonight,” she said as she ducked her head inside.

Her next words caught in her throat when her eyes landed on Drew reaching a hand in her direction to help her in. She hadn’t thought to ask if Drew would be joining them when Cadence had invited her to the premiere. Nervous bursts of energy erupted in her stomach.

Alana cleared her throat and fixed a smile on her face. “Hey, Drew. How are you, Blake?” Her smile faded. “Cadence.” She greeted her friend stiffly, upset that she hadn’t given her prior notice—even a text—about Drew. Alana gave Cadence the eye, a look that was code for we’ll talk about this later.

Cadence sunk into her shoulders just a little and smiled guiltily.

Drew. Alana took a breath and feigned another smile in his direction as the driver took off. Wasting no time, Drew slid over next to Alana.

“I know you received my many messages.” He stressed the word many. She’d left all his calls and texts unanswered since the day he showed up at her door.

“I’ve been really busy.” Though the interior of the car was already dim, Alana averted her eyes as she spoke.

“All lies!” Drew exclaimed.

Alana whipped her head in his direction. She couldn’t believe he called her a liar—even if she did just tell a blatant untruth. Drew sported a wide Cheshire grin. Alana shook her head, glad that he was teasing.

“What’s wrong? Do my good looks and charming personality make you uncomfortable?”

“Oh please!” She rolled her eyes. Both Blake and Cadence snickered.

“So why are you avoiding me?”

“I’m not avoiding you, Drew,” she lied again. “I’m a busy girl.” Another excuse. The night he showed up at her door, she’d told him that she wasn’t feeling well in order to get him to leave. It worked. When he left, she’d laughed, tickled by how baffled he was at her refusal to go out with him. Drew was so unaccustomed to rejection that he couldn’t comprehend the reality of that situation. He had still looked confused as he walked away that night.

“Okay. I’ll accept that...this time.”

Alana took a deep breath and turned to Blake. “Thanks so much for inviting me. This is so exciting. I don’t think I’ve actually been in the midst of celebrities before.”

Before Blake could respond, Drew jumped in. “You’re welcome, but you’ve been around me thousands of times so what would be different about tonight?”

“Wait! This wasn’t Blake’s doing?”

Donning a proud smile, Drew shook his head. “I invited all of you. This is what I called you for, but you wouldn’t answer.”

“Well, then, thank you, Drew.” Alana stopped there. She didn’t want to make a big deal about her excitement now that she knew that this was Drew’s doing. His ego was big enough without her efforts.

“Is anyone else joining us tonight?” Alana asked. She felt like she’d been duped into a double date. She noticed how unusually quiet Blake was. It was obvious that she was the last to know all the details about the evening’s festivities and she was more than a little annoyed.

When the car pulled up in front of the theater on Broadway in the heart of the theater district, Alana was the first to get out. She didn’t even wait for the driver to open the door. She stood to the side until all the others climbed out of the car and then hung back to walk behind them at a distance. Alana was determined not to look like she was on a date with Drew. But, gentleman that he was, Drew gestured for her to walk ahead of him. Taking quick steps, she was on Blake’s heels, creating as much space as possible between her and Drew. Excited spectators stood behind stanchions, screaming and snapping pictures with everything from high-quality cameras to cell phones. Alana was too busy focusing on how far she was from Drew to enjoy the celebrity treatment. She assumed those onlookers would end up deleting their pictures of her once they realized they didn’t know who she was.

Under the bright lights inside the theater’s lobby, Alana noticed how ruggedly handsome Drew looked in his well-fitting tuxedo. She also noticed how women stole glances, smiled coyly or winked at him. He took it all in stride with the charm of a skilled player.

A stunning gentleman with sharp facial features and long, dusty blond hair spotted Drew, raced over and swallowed him up in a bear hug. Drew introduced the fellow as his friend and new Delgado team member. He was also the brother-in-law of one of the actors in the film, and the person who had invited Drew to the evening’s festivities.

“Follow me,” Sean said, leading them inside the theater. His French accent made it hard to understand what he said at first.

Drew and Sean chatted cheerfully as they walked down the aisle. Sean waved them into a row of seats near the front. Excitement bubbled inside of Alana as she recognized all the celebrities around her, mingling, talking and finding seats. She felt like a little girl on her first trip to Disney World. People whom she’d watched on big and little screens for years smiled, nodded and even waved as she made her way to their seats. She forgot about avoiding Drew until he plopped into the seat next to her.

The lights flickered, indicating that the movie was about to start. The cast entered the theater from the stage doors on either side of the screen. People cheered. Alana actually held her breath to keep from screaming when Christian Jacobs entered, made eye contact, smiled and nodded before being seated with his cast members along the front row. He had been within twenty feet of her. She wanted to fall into her chair but had too much poise to allow that to happen.

The lights went out. The screen lit up and music filled the theater. Alana put her hand to her chest and exhaled. This was certainly a night she’d never forget.

When the movie was over, they were ushered to their limos and taken to the private after-party at an enclosed rooftop venue overlooking Lexington Avenue. Alana was a born and bred New Yorker with a few well-established corporate connections, but she had never heard of or seen this place before. Alana looked around in awe at the all-white walls, furniture and carpet. As the place filled up, she wondered how the floor stayed clean. Several crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling and sparkled in their reflection against the wall of windows that boasted a magnificent view of New York City’s famous, glistening skyline. Servers in black bottoms, white shirts and white gloves passed champagne and canapés throughout the room.

Blake, Drew, Cadence and Alana found a comfortable spot to sit, eat the canapés and sip their champagne as they took in views of the skyline. They talked about how great the movie was and how lucky they were to have been able to see it before it hit theaters the next day. Music flowed and Alana was finally relaxed enough to really begin to enjoy herself. She still worked to keep her distance from Drew no matter how many times he parked himself by her side. She made sure her body language clearly told him to stand back.

Applause started as a low rumble and expanded until everyone in the room stood, clapped and cheered while the cast entered. Alana’s breath caught for the umpteenth time that night as Christian and his stunning fellow cast members entered the room. All of them looked more exquisite in person than they had on the screen. Christian’s wife was also stunning. Alana wanted to ask where she’d gotten her shoes and figured it was probably in another country. They went through the crowd slapping high fives, giving hugs and laughing as they greeted and thanked their guests and supporters, including Alana, Blake and Cadence.

Christian approached them and took Drew’s hand. He pointed as recognition hit him. “You’re Sean’s buddy, right?”

“Yeah.” Drew’s smile was charming.

Christian pulled him in for a hug. “I saw you race last year in Qatar. A few of us came out to root for Sean.”

“I remember.”

“Good times!” Christian said. “You’re on the same team now.”

Sean walked up.

“Yep.” Drew nodded.

“Now I don’t have to worry about him beating me!” Sean said, laughing.

“We’ll be at a few of your races this year. I look forward to seeing you again and more partying, of course.” Christian raised his brows and smiled as if there was a lot more to the idea of parties.

Surprisingly, Alana felt a slight pang of jealousy ball in her stomach. She looked away.

“Let me introduce you to my people,” Drew said. “This is my brother Blake, his fiancée, Cadence, and my...a good friend, Alana.”

Alana didn’t miss Drew’s pause and wondered what he meant to say.

They all smiled and shook Christians’s hand. Immediately after Alana shook hands, she and Cadence headed to the bathroom. Inside, she released the giggles that she’d held inside so she could remain poised in front of Christian and Drew.

“We shook Christian Jacob’s hand,” Cadence squealed.

“I can’t believe it,” Alana said. “I can’t even believe we are here with all these celebrities just chilling out like regular folk.”

Cadence refreshed her lipstick in front of the mirror. Alana examined her makeup and decided that her lips were in need of freshening as well. Cadence put her lipstick in her evening bag and stared at Alana.

“What?” Alana asked.

“Did you hear Drew pause when he was introducing us to Christian? What was he about to say?”

“I don’t know. I don’t want to know and I don’t care.”

Cadence cast an unbelieving stare. “And I don’t believe that.”

“I don’t have the time, tolerance or patience for Drew. I told you. I’m done with players.” Alana returned her attention to her lips, looked them over and put her lipstick back in her purse. She turned to Cadence and raised her brow. “And why didn’t you tell me that he was coming? Imagine my surprise when I realized he was the one responsible for tonight.”

“They asked me not to say anything.”

Alana narrowed her eyes at her even more.

“He just wanted to hang out with you and this was the perfect opportunity. You’ve been avoiding him the whole time he’s been home and he can’t seem to understand why.”

That almost made Alana feel bad, but when she thought of protecting her heart, she refused to allow herself to be caught up in his web and brushed off that slight feeling of guilt. “You’re my friend, Cadence. You should have said something.”

“I’m sorry. They made me promise.” Cadence pouted. “You forgive me?”

“Hell yeah! I’m having a good time!” Alana shooed her. “Now let’s get back to this party.”

Cadence paused just as they were about to walk out of the bathroom. Turning to Alana, she pointed. “Now that you know he really wanted you to be here, stop avoiding him. You’ve been doing it all night.”

Like a scolded child, Alana tilted her head. “You have to be careful with men like Drew. I can’t afford to let him charm me like a wild snake. Next thing you know, I’ll be looking for my panties and wondering how my dress ended up in the chandelier. He’s a wild one!”

Cadence looked at her for a moment before she burst with laughter. The ladies rejoined their party and had a blast meeting some of the celebrities they admired the most. Alana especially enjoyed the relaxed vibe.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Drew handed her a flute of champagne. He was at her side once again.

“Yes. This entire night was incredible. Thanks,” she said sincerely.

“I’m glad.”

Giving him the lukewarm shoulder, Alana moved to the music but didn’t continue the conversation. She assumed that Drew wasn’t going to ask her to dance again since she kept declining his offer each time he asked. They stood on the sidelines watching Blake, Cadence and the rest of the partygoers cut the beautiful white rug. She smiled as she scanned the room, trying to burn this night into her memory. Who knew if she’d experience something like this ever again?

When her eyes swept across the room once again and landed on her ex James, who was staring right back at her, she almost choked. Where had he come from? She hadn’t seen him all night. Who was he with? Not that she cared—anymore.

Taking Drew by the hand, she dragged him to the dance floor and pulled him close. Drew looked at her suspiciously but danced with her anyway. Cautiously, he placed his hand on her waist. Alana stepped closer, shifting his hands to her backside, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Drew’s head reared back in shock and he smiled. She didn’t. She was too busy watching James in her peripheral vision. Alana wanted him to know that she had moved on. Finally, James turned away, peeling his glare away from Alana and Drew, but then he planted a slow, soft kiss on the cheek of the woman next to him. She tittered. He looked back at Alana and grinned. She knew she shouldn’t but leaned in anyway. When her lips connected with Drew’s, her stomach tightened. Drew took that kiss as an invitation to go deeper and kissed her with so much hunger right there on the dance floor that he left her breathless. Alana felt as if she had been transported to another place. When they opened their eyes, Cadence and Blake were staring at them.

Chapter 6

Drew showed up at Alana’s house early Saturday morning with a breakfast spread. He came for answers. She wasn’t getting away this time. Drew rang the bell and knocked. When she finally opened the door, she scowled. Drew threw his head back and laughed.

“At least I bought breakfast,” he said, holding up the bags in his hands.

Even in a robe, scarf and furry slippers she looked stunning to him.

Alana stepped aside and Drew entered her home. She led him to the kitchen.

“Thanks. Give me a moment to get dressed. I’ll be right back.” She darted out of the kitchen.

Drew had set up the table with bagels and flavored spreads from Panera Bread and Starbucks coffee.

After a while Alana entered the room, looking completely refreshed. Her hair hung along the side of her face to her shoulders. She wore jeans and a fitted T-shirt that said I Don’t Sweat, I Sparkle. She still had on her furry slippers.

Alana removed utensils from the drawer and then plates and mugs from the cabinet and joined Drew at the table. It wasn’t until she poured and sipped her coffee that she finally spoke.

“To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” Before he could answer, she started again. “By the way, you’re going to have to stop doing that. I don’t usually open the door for people when they show up without calling first.”

“I have some questions for you.” Drew studied her, trying to figure out what could be going on in that beautiful head of hers. “What happened? What changed?”

Alana huffed, dropping her shoulders. She took another sip of coffee. “Nothing happened.”

“Oh, something happened.” Drew stood. Suddenly he had too much energy coursing through him to sit still. “We used to hang when I came into town. Now you act as if you don’t want to be bothered. You avoid my calls. I invite you out for an amazing evening and you ignore me half the night. Then, all of the sudden, you pull me to the dance floor and kiss me, but when we leave, you don’t say another word to me. What the hell, Alana? What’s all of this about?”

“What does it matter?” Alana stood and walked over to the sink. “It’s not like we’re dating or anything. Why do you care?”

Drew sat back down. She was right. He started to question himself for even coming over. Alana wasn’t his girlfriend. She didn’t owe him any explanations. Why did he care?

“I’m sorry. That was mean.” Alana joined him at the table again. “I’m having a hard time trusting men right now. Whatever it was that you and I shared, it didn’t end well. Besides that, I just broke up with someone so my wounds are somewhat fresh.” She looked up toward the ceiling and breathed deeply. “I’ll be completely honest—I thought things would have been different between you and me, but when your ex came back into the picture, you cast me aside.” Alana shrugged and fingered the rim of her coffee cup pensively. “I acted as if it was no big deal...but that stung.”

Silence ensued, allowing Drew to absorb the weight of her feelings. He hadn’t realized how he’d affected Alana. He cared as much about her now as he did before, but he always assumed that their relationship had been a casual one. Drew knew then that if Alana was to ever trust her heart with him again, he needed to prove himself.

“When James came along,” Alana continued, “I thought I’d found everything I was looking for. Our relationship started out great.” She paused for a moment. “Then things changed... And now, a year later, he’s gone. He actually broke up with me by text.”

“What?” Drew’s brows creased. “What kind of grown man breaks up with his woman by text? How old is this jackass?” Despite the hand that Drew had previously played in mincing Alana’s heart, he was genuinely annoyed by James’s juvenile act. Now he understood Alana’s behavior a little better. He felt a need to lighten the atmosphere. “Were you robbing the cradle?”

Alana laughed. “It’s pretty ridiculous, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Please don’t tell me that was the guy at the premiere the other night.”

Alana straightened up. “What guy?”

“You’re such a bad liar. Now I know why you suddenly wanted to dance with me.” Drew shook his head. “That’s why you kissed me.”

“Drew, I—”

Drew held his hand up. “Don’t bother. I’m the master at this game and I don’t miss much. I saw him way before you did.”

“You did?”

“So you admit it? That was him.”

Alana tucked her bottom lip into her mouth and looked down.

“He’d been watching you from the time he walked in with his chick. I know her. She’s a talent scout. It seems you didn’t notice him until the end of the night and that’s when you pulled me into your little game. You wanted him to think you moved on.”

Alana nodded.

“Don’t get all shy on me now.”

“Jeez, Drew!” Alana rolled her eyes. “You’re right. Everything you said was right.”

Drew laughed. Alana blew out a breath. They sat in silence for a while.

“Do you still care about him?”

Alana twisted her lips and stared pensively into space. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

Drew looked at her in that intense way he’d become accustomed to doing, studying her as if he were trying to see inside of her. She turned away. Alana may have perceived it as scrutiny, but Drew found more to admire about her every time he set eyes on her.

“Is this why you’re avoiding me?”

Alana’s face became serious. She stood and began carrying the empty plates to the sink. Drew followed behind her. When she turned to go back to the table, she ran right into him.

“Answer me.” He wasn’t letting her get away again. “And tell the truth.”

Alana closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly. “I needed time. Dating wouldn’t be good for me right now.”

“I didn’t ask you to be my woman. I asked you to dinner.”

“I know, but...”

“But what? I don’t understand.”

“Drew! You’re not good for me.”

He reared back. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Listen. I don’t have any luck with relationships.”

Drew opened his mouth and Alana held her hand up.

“Let me finish. Yes, I enjoy hanging out with you, but I don’t want to subject myself again to what happened between us. I’m done with players and casual dating.” Alana threw her hands up, punctuating her sentence to show how finished she was with those concepts. “I want more than that and I don’t believe you’re capable of more so I’d rather not waste our time. I really need to work on myself right now.”

Drew held his hands up in surrender. “Okay. I can understand that.”

He had other things to say as well, but didn’t want to make promises that he wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep. He’d heard the same story from many women before, but this was the first time that it felt like a blow to his gut. Alana didn’t want to be bothered with him and he found that troubling. But what could he do when he was about to be on the road for the next nine months? He’d gotten the answers he’d come for, but despite that he wanted to kiss her again, like he had on that dance floor. He had suspected she was up to something, but he’d still sensed the hunger in her kiss and proudly left her with swollen lips.

Alana leaned against the counter and traced imaginary circles. “So now you know. It’s not anything personal.”

“That’s cool.” Drew watched her fingers, unable to take his eyes off her.

The atmosphere became tense and their conversation turned laborious.

“When is your first race?” Alana folded her arms in front of her but didn’t look at him as she spoke.

“Beginning of March.”

“Where?”

“Qatar.”

“Oh. Wow.”

“Yeah. I’ll be heading there next week to get ready.”

“How does a motorcycle racer prepare?”

Drew welcomed the change of subject but still wished he could somehow convince her that things were different with him now. “By working out and practicing certain skills.”

“What kind of workout?”

“Well, arm, leg and core strength is important when it comes to handling the bikes, but bulk is not very good because it adds weight. There’s a delicate balance. We schedule track days to practice. You should come to one of my races someday.”

“But you don’t race in the US, do you?”

“Sure we do. We have one at a track right outside of Austin in April. It would be cool if you came to a race overseas. That is, of course, if I’m not too horrible to hang with.”

Alana pressed her lips together and swatted at him.

Drew laughed. “You’d like it. I’ll get you your own hotel room so you don’t have to worry about ending up in my bed having casual sex or something like that.”

“Drew!” She swatted him again. This time she missed completely.

After a few beats of silence, Drew exhaled. “I better get going. I’ve got training to do today. I need to work off all the bagels I’ve been eating since I’ve been home. Those are sure to slow me down on the track if I’m not careful.”

Drew headed to the door, with Alana following behind. He reached for the knob, stopped and turned back toward Alana, studying her eyes again. She looked away. He continued watching her, willing her to look at him again. Finally she did. Their gaze connected and he felt the air swirling on the inside of his chest.

“Alana.” His voice was lower, a little huskier than he intended.

“Yes, Drew?”

Her words felt like a soft feather against his ear.

“You think I’m not capable, but I am.”

At first, Alana looked puzzled, but when Drew closed in on the space separating her from him, realization flashed in her eyes. Drew touched her hand. Heat passed through him, starting in his finger and settling in his core. He could tell by the slight shudder that she’d felt it too.

Before she could protest, he lifted her chin and softly placed his lips on hers. When she didn’t resist, he kissed her again. She hadn’t moved so he snaked his arm around her waist, pulled her closer and devoured her mouth. An intense hunger surged through him and he held her even closer. Drew kissed her as if she were a long-lost love whom he was in jeopardy of losing once again. Backing her up to the wall, he pressed himself against her. When he felt her hand splayed across his chest, he went even deeper, kissing her so passionately that his body began to respond. Heat pooled in his groin and he quickly released her, staring at her closed eyes and kiss-swollen lips.

Breathlessly, Drew said, “I’m coming back for you.” He didn’t know what compelled him to say that.

Drew needed to leave right away before he lost control. Tearing himself away from Alana, he walked out realizing that he was more affected by her than he ever cared to admit.

Chapter 7

Drew’s kiss and sudden exit left Alana confused.

“I’m coming back for you?” she said aloud, repeating Drew’s words and wondering what they were supposed to mean. Instinctively, she touched her lips and realized she was still breathing heavily. Drew’s kiss made her feel weightless.

Alana shook her head, attempting to shake off the hold that Drew’s kiss had on her. If Drew thought he was going to end up in her bed, he was mistaken. She was going to put a stop to him showing up at her house unannounced, as well. She didn’t want to be rude, but she needed to get that message across to him.

She tried to convince herself that his advances weren’t welcome and that his touch had no effect. Yet, he was stirring up a hunger in her that felt potentially explosive. His presence was a threat to her resolve.

Alana headed back to the kitchen to clean up the plates from her and Drew’s impromptu breakfast. She also thought about Cadence keeping Drew’s invitation a secret and grabbed her cell phone.

“Pick up the phone, lady.” Alana tapped her nails against the countertop as she counted the rings. Just when she thought the call would go to voicemail, Cadence picked up.

“Hey!”

“You have some ’splainin’ to do, Lucy!” she said in her best Ricky Ricardo impression. Alana had picked that up from watching I Love Lucy reruns with her mother. She had always loved Ricky’s heavy accent. “I was just thinking about the other night. I don’t like being ambushed!”

“Ambushed, Alana? Really? I told you Drew asked me not to say anything.”

“What’s with him?”

“He was afraid you wouldn’t go.”

“Since when is he afraid of anything?” Alana sucked her teeth and waved her hand, dismissing the notion.

“Never mind that, missy. How about you explain that tongue duel that the two of you seemed to have gotten lost in at the after-party! Your entire mood changed after that. You even avoided me at the office yesterday and then you left early so I never had a chance to interrogate you. What’s going on?”

“I wasn’t avoiding you.” Alana smiled sheepishly, even though Cadence couldn’t see her.

“Hello!” Cadence said after a considerable pause.

“James was there.”

“What? Where?”

“At the party. I didn’t realize it until just before I pulled Drew onto the dance floor. Do you know that fool looked at me, turned to his date, kissed her and looked back at me again? That’s when I—” Alana lowered her voice “—kissed Drew.”

“Come again?”

“Ugh! That’s when I kissed Drew.” Alana’s voice reached its full volume.

“Alana!”

“Don’t scold me, Cay, please! I didn’t know what to do. It was stupid. I know. We can be so intelligent in life, but relationships will reduce us to a pile of senselessness.” Alana grabbed a handful of her own hair and grunted. “You’re not the only one who wanted answers. Drew showed up at my door this morning. He just left a few minutes ago.”

“No way!” Cadence sounded shocked.

“Yep. Get this. Drew spotted James staring at me all night. I didn’t even know he was there until the party was almost over. Drew sensed that something was up so I admitted that James was my ex. That was so embarrassing!”

“Wow!”

“Yeah. I know.”

“I have a question and I want you to be completely honest with me, Alana. Do you still have feelings for James?”

“No. I’m over him. The kiss was a bad idea. I wanted to show him that I had moved on also, but now I have to deal with Drew.”

“What do you mean?”

Alana started pacing. “Before he left, he kissed me again, told me he was coming back for me and then walked right out. I stood there dumbfounded for a few moments before I even locked the door.”

“Whoa! Maybe that was payback for the other night.”

“Here’s the problem. When his lips connect with mine, my brain stops working. I can’t pull away. I can’t believe I just said that aloud, but it’s true. It’s like...I can feel every nerve in my body.”

“Are you falling for him again?”

“No! Drew Barrington is the last man that I would allow myself to fall for. I told you, I’m done with his kind—with him, period. Besides, he spends most of his time in Europe. A relationship would never work. I wouldn’t even waste my time.”

“Sometimes we can’t control who we fall for.”

“Humph. Until I’m ready to get back in the game, I’ll stick to my rules. I want someone accessible. Not someone who just wants to flirt, have sex and then walk away for months at a time. I deserve more.”

“You’re a great woman and your prince is out there somewhere.”

“Please! No more frogs!” Alana whined and both of them laughed.

“Hey, I can’t promise that!” After a few more moments of laughter, Cadence said goodbye.

Alana finished cleaning up the kitchen and got ready to run her Saturday-afternoon errands. As she headed to her bedroom, her cell phone rang again. Assuming it was Cadence calling back, she ran to the kitchen to grab the phone. Perhaps she had left something unsaid. When Alana saw James’s number, she stopped walking and stared at her display.

What does he want? “Hello?” She was going to let the call go to voicemail, but her curiosity got the best of her.

“Hey!”

“Fancy hearing from you. What’s up?” She was collected and proud about it.

“It was nice seeing you the other night. You looked great.”

“Thanks. What can I do for you, James?” Alana shifted her stance and placed a hand on her hip.

“Listen... I’m sorry about the way things went.”

Alana continued to her room and flopped onto the bed. “I just wish you would have picked up the phone or told me face-to-face. I think I deserved more than a text.”

James was silent for a few moments and then said, “I guess that wasn’t the best way to do it.”

“Well. It’s done now.” Alana wanted to tell him not to do the same thing with his current girlfriend. She also wanted him to know that she was over the whole thing and the best way to do that was to remain unaffected. “Take care, James. I wish you the best.” She thought that telling him to have a good life would make her seem bitter.

“Alana!” She heard James yell just as she was about to end the call.

“Yes?”

“Maybe we should meet so we can talk.”

“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary.” It’s too late. Alana ended the call.

This interaction was confirmation for Alana. James had been a walking red flag that she had blatantly ignored, but she was no longer upset with him. In fact, she was grateful for the lesson. She would only give her all to the man who proved he deserved it.

Despite her proclamation, Drew’s words still taunted her throughout the rest of that day.

I’m coming back for you. She recalled his husky voice when he’d said those words and a slight shiver squiggled down her spine.

Chapter 8

Despite the erratic weather across the States this February, Austin was holding at a comfortable sixty degrees. Clear blue skies stretched over the landscape like a canopy. Drew was able to keep the slight bite from the occasional breeze from getting to him with a light leather jacket and riding gloves. The dry ground was perfect for a day at the track. Drew’s morning workout had him energized.

“Ready to ride?” Drew’s teammate Sean asked as he stepped out of The Charlotte—a boutique hotel that Drew preferred during his visits to Austin. It offered a little reprieve from the fuss of the larger hotels. The two shook hands.

“Ready.” Drew beamed. He knew just what he wanted to work on today. Drew was in his element. He pictured himself tightly hugging the track’s sharp turns, leaning so close to the ground he could reach out and touch it. Many relished the speed. Drew enjoyed the other aspects of racing that challenged him the most, like mastering treacherous curves, where skill and technique ruled.

“Sir?” The young valet brought Drew out of his visions of racing grandeur. Drew handed him the ticket, held his face high to catch the cool breeze passing by and scanned what he could see of the city’s urban landscape.

There was something about Austin that he appreciated, though he wasn’t sure what it was. It had the charm of the south with a cool vibe. It was a hot spot for music lovers of all types. Night offered every possible option to indulge in whatever one was in the mood for. What Drew loved for sure was the fact that Austin was a race-loving town. Just beyond the city’s borders was America’s only MotoGP track—a US home for the best and fastest racing in the motorcycle world. He wondered if a city boy like him could actually live there.

The valet arrived in Drew’s rental. As they drove, the landscape changed from tall buildings jutting toward the sky to cozy neighborhoods and roads both wide and narrow that wound their way through expansive greenery to their destination.

Drew parked and jumped out of the car with Sean by his side. Scores of riders, from novices to professionals, poured into the massive space that spanned over twenty acres with 3.4 miles of racing track, seating for 120,000 fans, an amphitheater, a soaring observation tower and a grand plaza with a promenade featuring retail and concessions shops.

They met the rest of the crew at the entrance. Adrenaline had already begun to pump through Drew’s veins. Track days were like long tailgate parties. Music blared from the speakers throughout the stadium, beer flowed, groupies dressed scantily and motorcycle lovers relished in their element.

“Hey!” A lean man with long, slick hair pulled into a low ponytail greeted the team with high fives and brief hugs. His Argentinian accent was thick.

“Antonio! My man!” Drew greeted him and the rest of the team. He was fond of his former team member, who still raced with Hiroshi. He’d taught Drew a lot about technique.

Gary Hayden walked up just as they were about to enter the building. Continuing the greetings, Drew offered him a cool and distant hello, void of all the enthusiasm he exhibited with the other racers. It was obvious that Gary wasn’t his favorite person and for good reason. Drew knew he was likely to see him there. The two had fallen out with one another years ago when they had raced in the same division. Since then they cordially kept their distance whenever their paths crossed. Fortunately, they were never on the same team, which would have forced them to set their differences aside. That would have been hard for Drew since Gary wasn’t a very likable guy, and his competitive nature extended way beyond the track. Gary had ultimately crossed the line when he had actively pursued Jade Donnelly, Drew’s ex-girlfriend, while she and Drew were still together. She had been the one woman that Drew had considered marrying. Drew and Gary had almost come to blows the time Gary had openly flirted with her right in Drew’s face before one of their races. Drew’s anger almost cost him third place.

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