The Barrington Brothers are here! Meet Blake...

Trust doesn’t come easily to senator’s daughter Cadence Payne—especially after her disastrous engagement. Dating is no longer at the top of her to-do list, no matter how persistent fellow attorney Blake Barrington may be. Yet the sexy, notorious lawyer makes a very convincing argument. Cadence is almost tempted to give in...until Blake’s implicated in a scandal and hires her to defend him!

Little by little, Blake is getting past Cadence’s defenses and giving a whole new meaning to attorney-client privilege. But days and nights spent in close proximity prove dangerously distracting. If Blake loses this case, his career, Cadence’s reputation and their romance will all be in jeopardy. Can he convince her to believe in him despite her fears—or is he gambling with his future and her heart?

Even if she wanted him, which he knew she did, it was too soon for the likes of Cadence.

He would play her way. She was worth it.

Neither of them spoke at first. Facing each other, they held hands.

When Blake could no longer stand being that close to her without touching her, he pulled her face to his and kissed her. Then he placed his hand in the small of her back and pressed her body against his. Their tongues danced at a slow, warm tempo. As if a fire had been lit under them, the heat intensified and the pace of their kiss increased until the rhythm they created pounded in his chest. His hands roamed her body. She purred. Cadence’s hands found their way to the back of his head and pulled him in. Time passed. When they finally forced their lips apart, they were gasping. Collapsing into each other, they held on until their heartbeats returned to a manageable rhythm.

If last night’s kiss was explosive, then tonight’s kiss was reminiscent of a nuclear blast.

Dear Reader,

I’m excited to share my debut novel, Her Chance at Love, with you. As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, I adore stories that remind us that love is still very much alive. On this journey, you’ll meet the first of the three sexy, accomplished Barrington Brothers.

Cadence Payne, like many of us, declared that she was done with men for a while. Then Blake Barrington came along and jolted her dormant sense of desire to life. Besides being a gorgeous lawyer, Blake has a tendency to push the envelope in sexy and daring ways—like when he took Cadence to the sensually enticing restaurant Sex on the Table on their first date!

Cadence isn’t sure if she should completely let go and trust this man with her heart—especially after a scandal breaks and he’s right in the middle of it.

Find out how Blake intends to win Cadence over and prove both his innocence and his love. I hope you are truly intrigued!

Happy reading!

Nicki Night

Her Chance at Love

Nicki Night

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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 where 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.

This book is dedicated to my shero, Eva Daniel,

who is now cooking with the angels.

Acknowledgments

A few years ago, I attended my very first RT Booklovers Convention and was determined to return one day as a romance author on the other side of that signing table. By the time I left my hotel, story ideas for handsome heroes and spirited heroines were pouring into my soul. It was as if a portal had opened up! My author-girlfriend Zuri Day gave me an amazing boost of confidence, and when she told me, “You can certainly do this!” I then took my ideas, the gift that God had blessed me with, and my laptop and started writing.

In 2014, I returned to RT Booklovers Convention armed with proposals, trained pitches and juicy tidbits about the stories that flowed through me. You could only faintly—very faintly—imagine my absolute delight when Glenda Howard suggested that I email her my proposal and the first three chapters of my story. Now I’m here...writing acknowledgments for my very first romance novel.

There’s a long list of folks that I want to thank for being instrumental in this journey, starting with God. Father, I give You ALL the glory! Zuri Day, you sassy Caribbean Queen, thank you for your vote of confidence. Glenda Howard, thank you for taking a chance on a girl from Queens with big dreams. Brenda Jackson, thank you for your friendship and for imparting so much wisdom on me during our lively lunches! Tony Dunlop ESQ, thanks for helping me keep the legal aspects of this story authentic. Donna Hill, my friend, my romance idol, thank you for taking the time to read my baby and for giving it your stamp of approval. To Harlequin’s entire Kimani Romance team, thank you for your role in bringing Her Chance at Love to life. To the love of my life, Les, and my entire family, thank you for sharing me with my passion and believing that I can accomplish any crazy thing I set out to do. To the book clubs and readers, thank you for embracing me!

To everyone, as my bestie, Renee Daniel Flagler, would say, “Always #DreamEnormously!”

Ciao darlings!

Your friend,

Nicki

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

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

Chapter 32

Copyright

Chapter 1

“You haven’t had sex in how long?” Alana Tate shrieked.

Cadence Payne recoiled as her eyes darted around the bustling coffeehouse and then landed on the shocked wide-eyed expression on her closest friend’s face. She couldn’t believe how loud she had just said that. “Alana!” she chided, embarrassed for both of them.

“Don’t Alana me!” she said, still speaking at the same volume that she had just used to let everyone in proximity know that Cadence hadn’t had any in a while. “What are you waiting for? Please don’t tell me you’re still pining over that loser Kenny. I thought you were over him!” she said, referring to Cadence’s ex-fiancé, Kenneth Dalton. “I still can’t believe he married that woman so soon after you two broke off the engagement. Jerk.”

“Shh!” Cadence waved her hand at Alana, urging her to lower her voice before the entire coffeehouse ended up knowing all her business. “It has nothing to do with Kenny,” she found herself whispering, then rolled her eyes and sighed. She knew Alana meant well, but she needed to reel her in before she went too far. Shaking her head, she took a sip of her chai latte. “I just haven’t found anyone that I’m interested in dating, let alone sleeping with.”

“That’s because for the past six months you’ve dated your job. With the time you’ve put into working, there’s no room for anything else.” Alana gave her a pitiful look. “You need to get out more.”

“Well, once I make senior counsel, then maybe I’ll have time for a date or two.” Yeah, right. She hoped her statement would be enough to get Alana off her back—even if she didn’t believe it herself. Cadence was hurt when Kenny abruptly ended their engagement. Not only did the breakup severely bruise her ego, but also she didn’t know love could hurt so badly. Then Kenny poured salt into her already wounded heart when he married another woman a few short weeks after. Cadence stood, indicating that it was time to go. Grabbing her empty cup, she started for the trash can, and then headed for the door. Cadence wanted to get out of that place and away from their topic as quickly as possible, adding distance between her and the notion of dating anyone. Alana was fast on her heels.

“You’re coming with me tonight!” Alana declared.

Cadence suddenly stopped walking, causing Alana to crash into her from behind. Clucking her teeth, she shook her head and started walking again. “Where are you going now?” she asked, digging in her oversize purse in search of her car keys.

“The NYAA mixer.”

Cadence spun around with her hands up in protest, “No!”

Alana took in a breath and exhaled. “I know you don’t like those kinds of gatherings, but you need to get out and meet some new people.”

Ignoring Alana, Cadence clicked the car alarm and slid into the driver’s seat. Alana sat next to her, on the passenger’s side. The last place she wanted to meet someone was at a mixer full of pretentious lawyers. They reminded her of high-profile cattle calls where arrogant men waltzed around in their tailored suits trying to one-up each other with their dossier of accomplishments, while the women shamelessly put their pedigrees and other things on display for all to see. Her last ill-fated relationship was with a lawyer. Needless to say, that was not a match made in anybody’s heaven.

Cadence never did fare well at these types of events. A self-proclaimed horrible networker, she shied away from them as much as she could, which is why she never joined the New York Association of Attorneys. She didn’t feel comfortable in the presence of these groups. Besides being somewhat of a loner, she was also the daughter of a senator and had experienced more than her share of inauthentic relationships. Now she just tried to avoid them at all costs.

Without another word, Cadence pulled off and headed back toward her home in Garden City.

“Cadence!” Alana yelled, turning toward her in the passenger seat. “I know you hear me talking to you. It will be fun. We don’t have to stay long. Besides, I’m on the board of the local chapter, so I have to at least show my face.”

“No, Alana! I’m not going.”

Alana grunted. “You really should give it a try. I’ve made so many great connections.”

“I have all the connections I need. My dad is a senator, remember?”

“Your own connections...” Frustrated, Alana shook her head. “Besides, it will be good for you to meet some of the members and see how we do things. You really should consider joining. You’d be a great addition.”

“I’m doing fine on my own. You know social groups aren’t my thing.”

“It’s a professional organization, not some social club.” Alana blew out an irritated breath. “Well, you owe me anyway! Come tonight and we can call it even.”

Cadence nearly slammed on the brakes. “Owe you for what?”

“Dragging me to your annoying cousin’s party.”

“Oh...that.” Cadence sighed, casting her eyes sideways. She had to admit, that event was a disaster. She’d felt obligated to attend because it was family but didn’t want to go alone, so she’d lugged Alana along with her promising that she’d make it up to her.

“So, yeah. You owe me.” Alana smiled, sitting up in her seat as if she’d just won a prize.

Cadence cut her eyes. “I still didn’t say I was going.” Alana turned toward Cadence and stared.

Cadence’s resolve collapsed as she pulled the car to a park in front of Alana’s condominium. “Okay. I’ll go.”

“Yay—” Cadence cut Alana’s celebration off with a narrowed eye and a pointed finger. “What?” Alana drew the inquiry out.

“I’m not staying more than an hour. So when I’ve had enough, you have to leave with me.”

“Trust me. You’ll have a blast.” Alana leaned over and hugged her friend. “I’m driving, so I’ll pick you up at six. We have to get to midtown before seven and I want to be sure to get a close parking spot.”

Cadence looked at the green digital numbers illuminating the dashboard. “It’s five thirty now! I have to get home, shower and find something to wear.”

“See you at six,” Alana reiterated with a huge smile, ignoring Cadence’s alarmed expression as she exited the car. “I have to get there early. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.” She slammed the door and then leaned over, gesturing for Cadence to roll down the window. Sticking her head in, she said, “Now that I’m getting you out, the next thing we need to do is get you a man so you can get laid.” Alana howled at Cadence’s twisted lips. Cadence rolled the window up on her and pulled off, watching Alana continue to laugh through her rearview mirror.

Chapter 2

Blake Barrington looked at his brothers and shook his head. Both Hunter’s and Drew’s backs were bent as they held their stomachs, roaring at Blake’s expense. At first, Blake tried not to be taken in by their antics, but couldn’t help himself and eventually folded and let loose his own contained laughter.

That was the third woman in the past fifteen minutes that had practically thrown herself at Blake’s feet. He wondered if his brothers were trying to prank him and actually ran his hand across his back as high as he could to make sure they hadn’t posted any crazy signs. The last woman was the weirdest of all, approaching him by taking his hand in hers and kissing the back side. When she lifted her eyes to meet his, Blake wasn’t sure if the dark shading over her lip was moisture from a drink or a real-life mustache. However, when he looked down at the spirally coils springing from her ample cleavage, he realized his vision wasn’t failing him. From the looks of it, this woman had a robust supply of testosterone. Instinctively, his hand went to his chest and he thought about the fact that she had more hair on hers that he did on his.

“Enough already,” he chided his brothers, who continued to laugh uncontrollably. Drew’s eyes glistened and he fell into a coughing fit. Hunter had to pound him on the back a few times. Blake shook his head and called the waitress over and ordered another round.

When Drew was able to regain his composure, he straightened his back, wiped his tears and breathed deep. “Sorry, bro. I couldn’t help myself. Your Sasquatch radar is obviously on the blink. I wish you could have seen your own eyes when they landed on her mustache.” Drew fell into another fit of laughter.

“Don’t worry, man—” Hunter placed a reassuring hand on Blake’s shoulder “—big brother will show you how it’s done,” he said, picking up the snifter of whiskey the voluptuous barmaid had just placed on the counter. Passing one glass to each brother, he said, “Cheers,” and lifted the blend in the air for a toast before throwing back a healthy sip.

They had met at the trendy lounge early enough to share a drink together before the NYAA mixer started. Hunter and Blake had followed their father’s example of becoming attorneys. At twenty-nine, Hunter was the oldest with Blake trailing him by eleven months. Drew, the baby of the crew, was two years Blake’s junior and the rebel of the family. Despite acquiring his JD, he opted to pursue his passion in the world of motorcycles instead of practicing law. His championship races and award-winning designs graced the pages of the most popular motorcycling-enthusiast magazines.

Taking notice of the growing crowd, Blake looked at his watch. Throwing back his last sip of whiskey, he winced at the favorable burn and placed the glass back down on the bar. “We should get going.” Blake led the brothers through the dimly lit lounge down to the lower level, where the mixer was actually taking place.

Nodding at a few familiar faces along the way, Blake narrowed his eyes in search of other members of the board. He had recently been elected as a director on the executive board to replace his predecessor, who had just resigned due to relocating. Their father had always told them to be sure to rub elbows with the right people. It certainly helped him become a judge. After taking in the scene and surveying the women, Blake took a seat next to his brothers at the bar.

“Who’s that?” Drew’s eyes were stretched wide. Blake’s and Hunter’s eyes followed his line of sight. When they noticed whom Drew was inquiring about, simultaneously they reared their heads back.

“Stay away from her. Ask Blake,” Hunter said.

“Her name is Mandy, and it took me six months to get her to stop randomly showing up at my door with lingerie on under an overcoat.”

Drew raised his brow. “You must have really put it on her,” he said, smiling and resting his back against the bar.

“Actually, no. I was dating her friend and she had obviously shared a few details with her about our...eh...encounters. Once we stopped dating, that’s when Mandy started showing up talking about how much she’d heard about me and wanted to experience a few things for herself.” Blake angled his back toward Mandy, who seemed to be walking in their direction.

“Is she a lawyer, too?” Drew asked.

“Yeah, but she just joined the organization,” Hunter added.

“Wow. All those brains and she’s still crazy. Ha!” Drew slapped his leg at his own remark.

“Yeah. That’s why I’ve sworn off dating other lawyers. It’s not cool sleeping with a woman and the next morning you find yourself sitting on the opposite side of the negotiation table and your clients are at war with each other,” Blake said, thinking of a similar encounter with the last attorney he dated.

“That’s just awkward,” Drew said, raising a brow.

“Yeah. And it’s happened more than once,” Hunter added.

“Whoa!” Drew raised his fist to his mouth as the brothers joined together in laughter once again.

“Hey, Blake.” Alana rose on her toes to give Hunter a friendly hug before turning to his brother. “Hey, Hunter, Drew,” she acknowledged, and hugged them, too.

After Alana’s greeting, Blake zoned out. Well, it wasn’t entirely his fault. It was the goddess who stood immediately behind Alana that had captured his attention and momentarily rendered him deaf and mute.

Alana reached behind herself and pulled the woman to her side. If she hadn’t looked so disinterested, Blake would have made his intentions clear right then and there, but, sensing her attitude, he decided he’d let things play out before making his move.

Shaking his head, Blake jumped back into the conversation. He was almost annoyed with himself at how he’d let a single look at this beautiful woman throw him off guard.

“What did you say your name was?” he asked the woman, holding his hand out to shake hers. A bland smile spread across her beautiful heart-shaped lips—one that told him she really wasn’t interested in being here. Despite the lack of enthusiasm, she managed to spark a rise in him that he hadn’t expected.

“Cadence Payne.”

Her soft voice caressed Blake’s ear ever so slightly, giving rise to several parts of him, as if she’d teased him with an actual touch. Blake was caught in the sheer femininity of it. It actually took him a moment to respond. “Beautiful name. Pleasure to meet you, Cadence.” Blake brought the back of her hand to his lips and kissed it gently and then flashed what he hoped was a winning sexy smile potent enough to put a dent in that attitude of hers.

“Pleasure,” she said dryly, and pulled her hand back.

This one had a hard exterior, Blake concluded. He wasn’t worried about that. He’d never had a problem breaking through women’s exteriors before, no matter how tough they tried to be. Women often melted under the Barrington brothers’ influence. The brothers were hot commodities, and had even been featured in a special issue of one of the local magazines as some of the most eligible bachelors in the greater metropolitan area.

“So, how has it been going so far? Has our speaker arrived?” Alana asked, rising to her toes to look over the crowd.

“Not that I know of,” Blake responded, still looking at Cadence, who had been trying to avoid his stare.

“Okay. I’ll check it out. Be right back.” Before Blake or Hunter could reply, Alana was off through the crowd, mingling, smiling and waving at familiar faces in the distance.

Instead of following her, Cadence took a seat at the far end of the bar. Blake took her aloof demeanor as a sign to let her be for just a while, but there was no way he was going to let her leave there without getting her number.

“Are you done?” Drew said as he and Hunter grinned.

“Huh?” Blake said, realizing their eyes were on him awaiting a response. “What?”

“He asked, ‘are you done?’” Hunter yelled over the noise of the growing crowd.

“What do you mean?”

“Are you done lapping her up with your eyes, man?” Drew laughed. “She doesn’t seem interested.”

“What?” Blake grunted. “Not interested in me!” He feigned surprise as if Drew’s assessment was completely ridiculous. “Dude, do you know who I am?” he asked, touching his chest in disbelief. “I’m Blake Barrington! You better ask around,” he teased. Hunter and Drew dismissed him with waves of their hands.

“Well, she doesn’t seem to care,” Drew responded. “Seems like she’s got a bit of an attitude anyway. Do you know if she’s an attorney also?”

“I know she is,” Hunter answered.

Blake’s head spun in his brother’s direction based on his response. “You know her?” He wondered what he may have missed during the introductions when he had been arrested by her pouty lips, nice hips, caramel skin, perfect breasts and long legs.

“You know her, too,” Hunter said, holding his finger up at the bartender for another round. He nodded, confirming her acknowledgment before turning his attention back to Blake. “That’s Senator Payne’s daughter. I’ve never actually met her up close and personal, but I know that face.”

Blake’s shoulders slumped in disappointment upon finding out that she was also an attorney. He’d been serious when he’d vowed to stop dating women in the same profession. It never worked out for him. He even wondered how he’d never run into her before. New York City was a crowded metropolis, but many of its circles ran small.

“Hey!” The high-pitched shriek snatched his attention away from his thoughts about Cadence.

Before he could fully turn himself around, he felt the softness of a woman’s body pressed up against the back of him. The familiar, sweet essence of lilies wafted from Jasmine Lee’s almond skin. He found himself smothered in her arms as she closed them tightly around him.

“What’s up, baby?” Jasmine said, turning him around, grabbing him by his cheeks and then pulling him down to her—right into her full, indulgent baby-pink lips.

The unexpected interaction put him on Pause and he found himself wondering if Cadence had been watching. Jasmine was a brazen flirt, and he’d already made up his mind to give Cadence time to unwind before he zeroed in on her. Jasmine’s greeting could affect his chance of getting closer to Cadence.

Blake pulled away, but Jasmine grabbed his hand, which he retracted as politely as possible. Hunter was carrying on the conversation. After her overbearing greeting, Blake had yet to focus on a single word that she’d said, though his eyes were involuntarily drawn to all of the cleavage that had been stuffed inside her pink blouse.

“I need to take care of a few things. I’ll see you around, Jasmine,” he said, taking his chance to escape, leaving Jasmine to his brothers. He went in search of Alana to get some details on her friend before making his move.

Blake was stopped several times as he tried to snake his way through the thick crowd in an unsuccessful attempt to locate Alana. Several minutes later, the music lowered and lights flickered on, brightening the room. Blake turned in the direction where Don Shaver, the president of NYAA, had just cleared his throat to welcome the guests and began to introduce the board members in attendance. Blake made his way to that side of the room, temporarily aborting his mission. He’d have to obtain details on Cadence later. When his name was called as the newest addition to the board, he pasted on his most charming smile and stepped in line with his fellow board members.

Once the introductions had been made, the officers blended back into the crowd as Don introduced the speaker for the night, who happened to be Blake’s mentor, Congressman William Banks. By this time, the crowd was so thick Blake couldn’t find Alana. Making it back over to where his brothers were posted at the bar, he looked over Drew’s shoulder in search of Cadence and found her gone.

Congressman Banks’s voice boomed over the crowd and he recited an anecdote that Blake had heard many times. Sighing, Blake realized he wouldn’t accomplish his mission of making a move on Cadence this night. He wanted to hear whatever his mentor had to say but would be sure to find Alana and get the details on Ms. Cadence later.

Chapter 3

Cadence arrived at the office a half hour early, just as she had for the past few months. At twenty-eight, she had her heart set on becoming the company’s youngest woman to make partner. Snagging the current open position of senior counsel would put her on track for making that happen in record time. She was putting in all the extra effort that was necessary to secure this promotion. Even though she wasn’t much of a people person, she made a concerted effort to be more engaged with her coworkers.

As early as it was, her eyes were already strained and tired from going over documentation from the case she was working on. Cadence placed her palms on her cherrywood desk and pushed herself up. As she stood, she brushed off the front of her pin-striped slacks, heaved a deep breath and headed through the desolate office toward the break room.

Popping a French vanilla K-Cup into the coffeemaker, she leaned back against the counter as she listened to the machine hiss against the quiet backdrop of the empty office. Cadence crossed her arms over her chest and recounted the items on her task list. Her latest case was a doozy. Not so much because of legal aspects. That she could handle. The client, on the other hand, was a handful.

Richard McLennan was a young spoiled rich brat that never knew a day of hard work in his life. He was unsuitably left to run an accounting firm he’d inherited as a result of his father’s sudden death. Recently, he’d been doling out sexual harassment settlements like federal income tax payouts after April 15. Cadence, along with the company’s board, had been advising him to focus on the business rather than his employees’ “assets.” Unfortunately, the young know-it-all was convinced he had everything under control, despite the new claims being filed on a weekly basis. Cadence knew that if the media caught wind of this fiasco, the company would suffer a serious blow to its image.

The hiss of the coffee machine settled as the last drops of brew gurgled into Cadence’s mug, capturing her attention. Adding French vanilla creamer to deepen the flavor, she closed her eyes and sniffed, taking in the rich aroma. Just as she was about to take a much-desired sip, Kerry Cooper’s nasal voice sliced right through her indulgent moment.

“Morning, Cadence,” Kerry purred like a slick feline. Cadence’s stomach contracted and she discreetly rolled her eyes.

Standing straighter, Cadence spread her lips into a tight smile and turned to face her colleague. “Good morning to you, Kerry,” she said with what she’d hoped came across as a polite nod of her head.

Kerry pranced into the break room, sporting a sly smile, and stepped dangerously close to Cadence before grabbing a K-Cup of her own. “Guess who I had dinner with last night?” Kerry sang.

Who cares? “Who?” Cadence asked, immediately taking a sip of her scorching coffee in an effort to hide the scowl that threatened to take hold of her lips.

“Richard McLennan.” Kerry raised her brows as if dropping the name gave her a big win.

Cadence paused mid-sip, feeling heat rise from her belly. Did you sleep with him, too? Instead of the curt words she wanted to say, she opted for something a little less cheeky. “He seems like your type.” Cadence tilted her head and smiled pleasantly, enjoying the questioning look and narrowed eyes glaring back at her. Though her head was filled with questions and she felt like a knife had been lodged in her back, she refused to let Kerry get a rise out of her. “Chat with you later,” she said cheerfully. Exiting with a glide, she could feel Kerry’s eyes boring into her back.

Once she got into her office, she dialed Alana on her cell phone.

“Do you know what that woman did this time?” she poured into the phone without giving Alana a chance to say hello.

“It’s too early for this. Hold on and let me close my office door.” The line went silent for a moment and Cadence could hear the door shut. “Okay. I’m back. What on earth happened?”

“She had dinner with my client!”

“Shut the front door! Isn’t that a conflict of interest?”

“Not necessarily. As long as nothing substantive about the case was being discussed, there’s no problem with it. You know that.”

“Well, it should be.”

“I know, but it’s not like she’d admit to anything anyway. She’s clearly up to something. Ever since she found out that I was also in the running for senior counsel, she’s been slithering around this office trying to rile me up one way or another. I don’t trust her as far as I could throw her.” Cadence paced circles around her desk.

“How did you find out?”

“She just told me.” Cadence pivoted, her breathing escalated with every step. She plopped down on the front of her desk and took a deep breath. “You should have seen the devious smile on her face.”

“Who else was there?”

“Just us.”

“And what did you say?”

“That he seemed like her type, and I sauntered my behind out of the room with a winning smile.” Cadence chuckled.

“Ha! That’s right, my lady. Never let ʼem see you sweat! Sounds like you could probably use a drink after work. Why don’t you meet me in that lounge over by Seventh and Twenty-Third?”

Cadence frowned. She really could use the drink, the company and a dose of her best friend’s humor, but when she thought about how much work she had ahead of her, she knew she’d have to decline. Reasons for saying yes and no volleyed in her mind.

“Come on! I can tell by your silence that you’re probably thinking of an excuse to tell me why you can’t come. We all have a lot on our plates,” Alana said as if she had read Cadence’s mind. “We all need a break sometimes, Cay. Come let down your hair. I won’t keep you out too late.”

What else could she tell her? “Aw, what the hell! I’ll be there.”

Alana’s piercing squeal caused Cadence to pull the phone away from her ear. “I promise it will make you feel a little better.” Cadence shook her head, chuckling at her friend. “Oh. I forgot to tell you,” Alana said. “I’m meeting a few folks from the organization there, also. They’ll arrive around seven. We have to hash out some details for our next mixer. You and I can meet right after work so that by the time they show up, if you want to head home, you can, but you are more than welcome to stick around. It shouldn’t take long for us to handle our business. Please don’t say you won’t come because of that.” Cadence could hear the pleading in Alana’s voice.

“Okay.” She dragged the word, stretching out the response. “See you at six.”

“Yeah!” Alana squealed again.

Cadence cringed and then she heard a light tapping at her office door. “I gotta run. See you later,” she whispered into the receiver.

“Blake will be there,” Alana added just before she disconnected.

Cadence acted as if she hadn’t heard what Alana said, but her core tightened slightly at the mention of Blake’s name. “Come in,” she caroled, rounding her desk as she headed back to her chair.

Adam Benjamin, her direct boss and one of the partners whom she held in high esteem, stuck his head in her door. “Morning, Cadence.”

Cadence stood, offering a polite nod and smile. “Morning, Mr. Benjamin.”

Adam looked behind himself before entering her office completely as if he was sneaking around. “I just want to say you’re doing a great job. Keep up the good work.” He clasped his hands. “You never know who’s watching.” His friendly smile warmed the atmosphere.

Cadence dipped her head. “Thank you, sir. I’ll keep that in mind.” Out of all of the partners at the firm, Adam had always managed to make Cadence feel welcome, in a sincere and professional kind of way. Had the decision of making her senior counsel been solely up to him, she would have had the position already. Unfortunately, it took more than Adam’s approval.

Cadence should have been elated about Adam’s surprise drop-in. Despite the enlightening fact that he had let her know she was on their radar, she couldn’t keep her mind from slipping back to what Alana had said before she ended their call. “Blake will be there.” Why would Alana say that? Why should I care? She had to admit to herself that despite his apparent arrogance and obvious playboy ways, he was absolutely gorgeous.

Cadence saw him staring at her from across the bar the other night, but when all those women—beautiful, voluptuous and ultrathin women—continued to pour all over him, she decided she probably wasn’t his type. She found herself a corner and stayed holed up in it until Alana was ready to go.

“Blake will be there.” Alana’s voice replayed in her head and tingling sensations that had long since become unfamiliar to her came rushing back with fervor. She felt like a teen with a secret crush—one that would have to remain undisclosed. He was an attorney. She remembered her vow to stay away from his kind. Furthermore, with her limited dating history, she wasn’t equipped to handle a real-life playboy. She needed to keep her heart at a safe distance.

Chapter 4

When Cadence finally looked up at the clock, it was well past two in the afternoon. She blinked and moved her eyes toward the glass clock on her desk. She hadn’t moved from her chair in hours. Twisting her head, Cadence tried to work out the kinks that had settled in her neck and shoulders. Then she stood, raising her arms over her head for a quick stretch.

“Come in,” she said in response to the urgent rapping at her office door.

The nervous look on the office assistant’s face caused the kinks that she had just worked out to stiffen in her shoulders. “Uh...Cadence...we have an—” Amy Fisher’s mouth formed as if she was going to say issue, but before she could get it out, Richard McLennan came stumbling through Cadence’s office door.

Immediately, Cadence was on her feet. Before she could catch herself, she’d released an audible gasp at the sight of her disheveled client. If his reddened complexion and tousled hair didn’t leave her questioning what the heck was going on, then the huge shiner adorning his right eye certainly raised its own barrage of questions.

“Richard!”

“Cad...” Richard cleared his throat as he staggered toward her. “Cadence! I want that tramp arrested!”

Cadence quickly rounded her desk, catching Richard just before he fell into the back of a chair.

“Richard! Look at me,” Cadence ordered, wiggling his chin to get him to look directly at her.

His focus wandered aimlessly as he tried to talk. “She socked me right in the eye!” The words tumbled out of his mouth before he hiccuped. “I’m suing her for every dime she’s got,” Richard slurred, and Cadence’s senses were assaulted by the strong odor of coffee and whiskey that permeated the air around him. She assumed he’d started his day with a couple of hot toddies.

“Amy, get him a cup of black coffee and meet me in the conference room.” Cadence snaked her arm under Richard’s and guided him out of her office through a sea of inquisitive stares from coworkers, and into the conference room. Richard, a crumpled mess, had been mumbling all along the way.

Once she successfully planted his sinewy body in a chair, Cadence took a deep breath, once again taking in the sharp odor of whiskey that wafted from his mouth. She paced a few times as she tried to gather herself before asking her next set of questions. She couldn’t believe what she was witnessing.

Amy scurried into the room with a steaming cup of black coffee and tried to get Richard to drink some. His head bobbed as if he had no control of his neck. Amy had to support his chin to get his mouth to the rim. Tipping the cup, she got him to swallow a few sips before placing it down on the sturdy mahogany table.

Cadence sent Amy to get Adam so she would have another attorney in the room before she began asking Richard questions. She was at least thankful that he’d begun to calm down a little. He had stopped mumbling incoherently and was now drinking the coffee on his own.

Cadence jerked when Richard slammed the cup against the conference table. “I need another cup!” he barked.

Amy was just about to enter the room, but instead nodded at Cadence, exiting swiftly toward the break room.

“What’s going on here?” Adam’s voice bellowed as he entered the room. Rearing his head back at the sight of the large purple-and-black ring surrounding Richard’s eye, Adam looked back and forth between Cadence and Richard. “What the hell happened?”

“That tramp.” Richard cleared his throat. “She socked me in the eye.”

“Tell me who and why,” Adam said.

Cadence stood next to Richard, arms crossed, awaiting his answer.

“Victoria Kelly!” Richard said, slamming his hand against the table and then flashing a look as if he thought this was ridiculous.

Cadence closed her eyes, shook her head and sighed, recognizing the name as one of the employees that had filed a recent sexual harassment claim against him. “Tell me exactly what happened, Richard,” she said calmly, taking a seat next to him.

Adam shook his head and sat, also. Once again, Cadence tried her best to keep her composure and remain stoically professional as Richard gave an absurd account of how he’d simply brushed against the backside of an employee from whom he’d been warned to keep his distance. In addition, as he said, one thing led to another and, before he knew it, she’d wound up her arm and unleashed a blow that connected directly to his right eye. After that, he ran out of the office, jumped in a taxi and headed straight to the law firm.

“When I get back to that office, I’m going to fire her so fast!”

“Okay. Rich. Calm down.” Cadence was speaking softly while her eyes were on Adam, whose brows were still tightly knit as he nodded his head. “How about you get some rest and I’ll take care of everything.” Cadence was sure his claim wouldn’t hold water in light of all of the recent filings against him, but her job was to try to do all she could for her client. Right now she needed to get him calm and sober.

“I’ll call for a taxi. Go home and get some rest, and then after that we can get started filing your claim.”

“Whew!” Richard held his forehead. “Thanks, Cadence. I knew you would handle it.”

“Cadence always does,” Adam added proudly. Cadence smiled for the first time since Richard came barreling into her office.

“Don’t go back to the office today, okay, Richard? If you need anything, I’ll have Amy call and have your secretary send it to your house.

“That won’t work.” Richard threw his hands up in the air.

“Why not?” Cadence looked confused.

“Victoria is my secretary, remember?”

“No worries, Rich. We’ll see that you get what you need.” Cadence assured him.

Just then, Amy walked back in with another cup of coffee. Richard, finally settled, took the cup, nodded halfheartedly before he began drinking.

Adam got up from the table and patted Richard’s back. “You’re in good hands, Rich. Take it easy and we’ll get everything under control.”

Rich simply nodded.

“Cadence, can I speak to you for a moment?” Adam motioned for Cadence to follow him into the hallway. Adam looked back in the room before speaking. “You need to get to the bottom of this right away. Once you’re sure he’s home and settled, get over to that office and see how far this has gone. See what you can find out. We need to handle this as quickly and quietly as possible.”

“Yes, sir.”

Adam cast her a hopeful glance before heading back to his office. Cadence watched his long legs sweep across the floor in quick strides as she avoided going back into the conference room for just a few more minutes. She took a deep breath, dropped her shoulders and straightened her back, bracing herself for the task at hand.

There was no telling how this would all play out. She knew that meeting Alana for drinks after work wasn’t likely to happen. Alana would understand. What Cadence found surprisingly disappointing was the fact that she wouldn’t get to see Blake tonight. Even if she knew she wasn’t his type.

This new fiasco with Richard would eat up a considerable amount of Cadence’s time. The progress she’d made earlier in the day would mean nothing now that she had to shift her focus and try to clean up his latest mess. She made sure he’d made it home safely before she prepared for the trip to his company to get answers.

The display on her cell phone lit up as it shimmied around her desktop. She’d put off calling Alana to cancel their plans for the evening long enough. Cadence sighed and picked up the phone.

“Hey, girl,” Cadence said.

“What’s the problem now?” Her lackluster greeting apparently put Alana on alert.

“I can’t even begin to tell you. My sleazebag client managed to dig himself an even deeper hole. I won’t be able to meet you tonight.”

“Aw, Cadence!”

“I know. I’m so sorry, but there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

“Okay. Duty calls. Handle your business, chica! We’ll catch up.”

“Thanks! Now I’m off to clean up this sleazebag’s—I mean, my client’s—mess.”

“Wow, is that how we address our most valuable clients these days? I wonder if the partners would take issue with that.”

Cadence’s head popped up at the sound of Kerry’s voice, which sounded more like fingernails on a chalkboard.

Cadence bit back what she really wanted to say. “Eavesdropping, are we?” Cadence replied and forced a smile.

“You need to let me at her one of these days,” Cadence heard Alana say as she held the phone to her ear.

Cadence smiled on the inside, remaining cordial and professional on the outside for Kerry’s benefit.

Despite the fact that Cadence was still obviously on the phone, Kerry sauntered the rest of the way into her office and planted herself on the edge of the desk. Silent moments passed as Cadence stared at Kerry, taken by her rudeness. Kerry tinkered with the picture frames on her desk.

Another beat passed. “Can I give you a call back?” she asked Alana politely.

“Getting the picture,” Alana obliged. “Handle your business, my friend. We can chat later.”

“How can I help you, Kerry?” Cadence asked.

Fingering figure eights along the desktop, Kerry took a moment to respond. “I see that your client has gone rogue.”

“I guess you can say that.” Cadence busied herself gathering the documents that she’d pulled together for her visit to Richard’s office. “But soon it will all be under control.” She stood, hoping Kerry would get the hint and leave her office.

“Perhaps I could help,” Kerry offered.

Cadence smiled, once again biting back the words she preferred to say. “I think I can handle this on my own.”

Kerry pouted. “Oh. That’s too bad. I figured you’d appreciate my assistance.” She slid down from Cadence’s desk. “I thought you were a team player,” she said as she sauntered toward the door. “It would be a shame if the partners got the impression that you weren’t.” Slowly, she turned away, tossing the words “Good luck” over her shoulder.

Standing rigid, Cadence felt her insides grow warm. She fought to keep her cool. Kerry was always able to get under her skin, but she refused to let it show. Closing her office door, Cadence took several deep breaths to rein in her temper. Then she reasoned with herself that Kerry was just trying to rattle her competition and, although she could probably acquire some dirt on her, she vowed to earn a clean win, allowing her merit and work ethic to garner the position she coveted. She wasn’t going to fall prey to Kerry’s ways. Then she remembered that Kerry had bragged about hanging out with Richard the night before, which made her wonder if she had anything to do with what happened at his office today. Shaking off the anxiety brought on by those thoughts, Cadence stuffed her documents into her bag and moseyed through the office with her head held high.

Meeting Alana and seeing Blake would have been a great way to cap such a disastrous day, but unfortunately, that would have to wait. Right now she had business to take care of and a position to fight for. This was another testament to the fact that she had no room in her life for dating anyway.

Chapter 5

Blake had successfully proved that he was a jack-of-all-trades as he helped get things set up for the mentoring organization’s annual career fair. The organizers seemed technically inept and after several attempts to hook the computers up to the university’s Wi-Fi system, he jumped in and saved the day.

Blake and a few other NYAA members had volunteered their Saturday to help young high school and college students with their résumés. Now that the laptops were set up and most of the folks who’d signed up to help out had arrived, it was almost time to tackle the long line of students waiting to get their résumés evaluated and typed.

From the looks of things, they weren’t going to be leaving anytime soon. He had to call on some members to bring in additional recruits. Alana had promised that she would rally a few extra hands on her own. The fruit of her labor was yet to be seen as Blake anxiously awaited her arrival, hoping she’d bring at least five more volunteers with her.

What he really wanted to know, but didn’t dare ask Alana during their phone conversation, was if her friend Cadence would be coming along. He still hadn’t had a chance to work his charm on her but couldn’t seem to get her off his mind. Despite the fact that this volunteer effort would offer him little time to focus on wooing Cadence, he was determined to make some kind of move. He refused to let her get away again without at least getting her number.

“Blake!” Sandy Grove, one of the other volunteers, yelled. “This thing is not printing.”

Blake trotted over to the station where they had set up several printers. “Let me see,” he said, checking all the connections. “Everything looks good over here, Sandy. Did you make sure that you selected the right printer?”

“What?”

Blake shook his head at the sheepish grin she flashed at him. “You have to go into the control panel and add the one you want. Did you do that?”

“No! I figured after all of that tinkering you did, it would just happen.” She snickered.

Blake chuckled. “Scoot over,” he said, gently shoving her to the side.” Blake tapped on the keys for a few seconds. The copier clicked and the document came sliding out. “There you go.”

“Blake, you’re cute and smart!” Sandy giggled.

“Gee. Thanks, Sandy,” Blake said sarcastically and shook his head at her.

“Now, don’t get a big ego,” she said, nudging him on the arm.

“Blake!” someone else called from across the room. He dropped his head.

“You’re being summoned again.” Sandy sang and laughed once more.

“Coming.” Blake jogged in the direction of the call. This time, the organizer needed him to help another vendor set up.

When Blake was done, he looked across the room, hoping the backup volunteers had arrived. The fair would be opening in minutes and the lines were now snaking around the corner, as he was told. The vendor thanked him and he shot back across the university’s gymnasium to the other side.

Alana had arrived, and as she’d said, she had seriously rallied the troops. She had at least ten more volunteers with her.

“Alana!” Blake leaned in and wrapped her in a grateful hug.

“Did I do well?” she asked, presenting the folks she brought along with a sweeping gesture.

“You did very well.” Blake was especially appreciative of the fact that she’d brought Cadence along. Blake waved a general greeting to the group but kept his eye on Cadence, flashing his most brilliant smile. “Welcome and thanks, everyone. Just give me a moment and we will get you all set up as fast as we can. Did you all bring laptops?” The crowd collectively affirmed by nodding their heads. Some lifted their laptops in the air. “Great.” Blake clapped his hands together, but before he could show them where they needed to be, he heard his name being called again through the PA system.

The frenzy had heightened. With minutes left, representatives from recruitment companies, other businesses and vendors lined the perimeter of the gymnasium, scurrying to prepare their tables for the throngs of students outside of the double doors.

Blake helped yet another vendor gain access to the university’s Wi-Fi, showed the organizer how to do it for the umpteenth time and headed back to make sure his group was ready to go.

While he was gone, Alana had taken charge finalizing the setup. She had the custodians pull out a few more tables. A total of five six-foot-long tables were lined up in two rows with three volunteers set up at each table. She had also set up table signs that said, Résumé Services Sponsored by the NYAA.

“Let’s do a test run to make sure all of you are connected to the printer correctly.” Alana stood addressing their group as if she were conducting a symphony.

“Thanks, Alana!” Blake pulled her into another friendly hug.

“You know I’ve got your back. Everybody printing okay?” Alana asked.

“I’m getting an error message.” Cadence said.

Before Alana could respond, Blake had run to her side. “Let me help you out.” Once again, with a few clicks, he had her all set up and her test page was sliding out of one of the printers set up behind them.

Blake trotted over to retrieve the printed page and brought it back to her. “There you go,” he said, making a point to graze her hand as he handed it to her. The slight touch sent heat surging through him. He seized her with his eyes and allowed his gaze to linger. Cadence turned away first, but not before Blake made his point. He could tell by the slow way she dipped her eyes that he’d affected her, too.

As Blake walked away, he couldn’t help the quick groan that escaped his throat. He had to remind himself to remain focused, though it would be hard, since he still smelled the sweet scent of her perfume, which now permeated his nostrils. He wished he could capture the way it mixed with her scent and recall it at his will.

Blake looked at his watch. The doors would be opening in less than a minute. “Okay. Is everyone up and running?” The group responded with a collective yes. “Great! We are ready to go.”

Seconds later, the doors opened and students from all backgrounds poured into the gym, filling the space with their wide-eyed excitement. Immediately, all fifteen volunteers were busy helping to proofread, evaluate and rewrite résumés and offer career advice in response to the many questions the eager students asked.

It was quickly determined who served best in certain capacities, and the group made the necessary adjustments to keep the flow of traffic moving. Alana’s hands moved like lightning across the keyboard. She and a few others who typed fast focused on retyping résumés that required major editing. Cadence and Blake were really good at helping the students put their skills into words. They began to help those students who needed assistance with sprucing up their job descriptions.

With so many people seeking their help, the morning blazed by. Blake hadn’t realized how hungry he was until his stomach growled right in the middle of telling a young woman how to reword her administrative skills. Her endearing eyes bore into him the entire time he spoke and she smiled sheepishly when it was time for her to speak. When they were done, he typed in the last of her changes, printed the résumé and bid her good luck with a professional handshake.

As much as he loved the attention from women, he was never one to take advantage of a young starry-eyed girl. Politely he sent her on her way. As she made her way around to the vendors’ tables, she kept looking back at him.

His stomach growled again, reminding him that it was time to eat. He stood before another student took the seat in front of him. “You guys hungry?”

“Yes” rang out at various pitches.

“We can take turns going to get something to eat or I can just run and grab something for all of us.” Blake looked out over the line of folks that never seemed to cease. “Things don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. How about I go get something for all of us? I could use some fresh air.”

“That’s probably the best idea,” Alana confirmed.

“So what do you say? Pizza? Sandwiches?”

“Pizza is probably easiest,” Cadence said.

When she spoke, it was like music to Blake’s ears. He agreed just because she made the suggestion. “Pizza it is!” he said before anyone else could offer any other suggestion. “I’ll grab a couple of pies with a few different toppings.” Blake paused a moment, not wanting to seem too anxious. “Cadence, would you like to ride with me? I could use some help picking toppings.”

Cadence seemed to stiffen. It took a moment for her to respond. Alana’s back straightened and she turned to see how Cadence would answer. When she finally said yes, Blake realized that he’d been holding his breath.

Chapter 6

Cadence needed Blake to help her climb into his big shiny pickup truck. He handled her so gently she had to tighten her body to keep it from shivering under his touch. She almost couldn’t believe that she had agreed to go with him. Maybe it was because the side of him that she’d witnessed today made her want to get to know him better—even if she didn’t think she was his type. She noticed the special attention he paid to her—the way he held her hand just a bit longer than necessary, the way he softened his tone when he addressed her and the fact that she constantly caught him stealing glances at her.

Before today, Cadence pegged him as just another arrogant lawyer—a gorgeous arrogant lawyer. After watching him in action helping out the organizers and working so diligently with the students, she started to draw new conclusions about him. It took a special person to even volunteer time for a cause such as this. She loved the way he always seemed to have everything under control.

Now Cadence allowed her eyes to follow him as he rounded the truck, after helping her in like a gentleman. As she watched him, she recalled eyeing his beautifully masculine hands as they skillfully moved across the keyboard as he typed out résumés. She remembered the way the muscles in his back strained against his shirt when he leaned over to pick up a box of paper to refill printers. The majestic rise of his chest when he stood to talk to people painted a glorious picture in her psyche. Several times she had to force herself to look away and focus on a student or her laptop in an effort to clear her mind of him. She liked the way he operated. All of it was topped off with an incredible dose of swagger that made her want to swoon.

When he climbed in on the driver’s side, she turned her head to look out the window. Those visuals continued to flood her mind as she sat next to him in his truck. Being so close to him in such a small space made her skin grow warm on the surface. Shifting in her seat, she almost felt as if she couldn’t handle the pressure of sitting near him and having to stare into those dark mysterious eyes of his. Cadence could drown in the abyss of his dimples. She imagined sticking her tongue inside of them. Where did that thought come from? It embarrassed her, as if he could hear what she was thinking. Cadence looked down at her fumbling hands and chuckled.

“Did I miss something?” Blake inquired.

“Huh?” Dang it. Why did he have to speak? The deep sultry purr of his voice gave her pause. She was so lost in the soothing rumble that she hadn’t even heard what he said.

“I thought I heard you laugh. I was wondering if I missed something.”

“Oh. No.”

A beat passed. Then another. Neither of them moved. Cadence was caught in the smoky gaze he cast her way, hooking her like a fish. Then he smiled again, flashing pearly-white teeth lined up in a neat row framed by full beautiful lips. Blake licked his lips, and his smiled curled up on one side. The sexy grin woke up feelings in Cadence that she thought she buried months ago. His dimples sank into his cheeks and once again she felt the urge to stick her tongue in them.

Cadence cleared her throat and sat up straighter in her seat before looking around the interior of the vehicle as if she was taking it all in. “Big truck you have here.” She closed her eyes. Those words didn’t sound right. She tried to think of something else to say. “I wouldn’t have pictured you in a truck like this.”

Blake sniffed out a small laugh. “What makes you say that?” he asked as he put the pickup into gear and backed out of his snug parking spot.

“I don’t know. I just figured you’d be more of a luxury-car kind of guy.”

“Judging me, are you?” he teased.

“No. Not at all.”

Blake grinned. “I can’t fit my bikes into those cars.”

“You ride?” Cadence asked, and regretted the words the second they came out of her mouth.

Instead of answering right away, Blake let her question simmer, looking as if he was trying to suppress a naughty grin. “Why? Do you like riding...” He let his partial inquiry hang in the air. “Bikes?” he finally added.

“Blake!” Cadence called him on the innuendo and they both burst out laughing.

“You set yourself up for that one,” Blake said, still laughing.

“I realized that.” Cadence shook her head. Now that his focus was on the road they swiftly covered, she could steal glances. She paid special attention to the lines of his profile, the neat edge of his goatee and the jut of his strong chin.

“To answer your question, yes. I really enjoy my bikes.”

“Wow! Bikes as in plural, huh?”

“Yeah! My brothers and I are quite the adventurous types. We usually use my truck to haul our bikes, ATVs, Jet Skis, you know. Right now I’ve got my eye on a cruiser.”

Cadence wasn’t quite sure what he meant by a cruiser but just assumed it was another type of motorcycle. Those things were excessively dangerous for her liking. She didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes as he talked about what appeared to be his favorite pastime.

“You ever ride?”

“No!” she practically sang, shaking her head as if the thought of her riding was completely absurd. “I’ve never even been on a scooter.”

“Maybe I could take you for a ride one day.”

“Thanks, but no thanks!”

Blake just laughed. “There’s a pizza shop right up here. What should we order?” he asked as he cut a left on Hempstead Turnpike.

“I think three pies should do it. We can do a cheese pizza, one with pepperoni and one with some kind of veggies,” Cadence said.

“That’s cool. That way, we’ll have everyone’s tastes covered.”

Blake and Cadence continued to make small talk as they ordered and waited for the pies. Once they were back in the truck, a companionable silence settled between them. He managed to get the same prime parking spot next to the entrance of the gymnasium.

Blake turned off the engine, but instead of getting out, he simply sat back. Cadence wondered for a second, trying to figure out why he wasn’t moving.

“Cadence.”

Dang it! Every time that man called her name, it did something inexplicable to her. “Yes?” Her voice was mousy. She cleared her throat and tried again. “What’s up?”

“I’d really like to get your number.”

“Really?” Cadence’s brows scrunched. She knew she was picking up signs, but she really didn’t believe he’d be interested in her for any reasonable length of time. She remembered the sexy women that poured all over him at the mixer. She wasn’t interested in casual sex or other meaningless relationships, so why bother wasting either of their time?

“Why do you seem surprised?”

“I...well...” She paused for a moment, getting her thoughts together. She didn’t want to come across as harsh. “I’ve got a lot on my plate right now and...”

“Do you eat?”

“What?”

“You’re about to tell me about how you don’t have time to go out, but you have to eat, right?”

“Yes.” She let the word out slowly, narrowing her eyes at him. She knew where this was going. Blake wasn’t taking no for an answer. It was obvious that he was probably used to getting his way with women.

“So don’t worry about making time. Just let me treat you to a nice meal.”

Cadence released a sound that started like a grunt but ended like a chuckle.

Blake pulled out his phone tapped the screen a few times before speaking again. “You eat on Fridays, right?”

Cadence nodded her head. “Yes. Blake.”

“Okay. So wait until about eight o’clock next Friday night to have your dinner. I’ll pick you up and bring you right back so you can continue tackling all that stuff you have piled up on this plate you’re talking about. Now, what’s your number?” he said, holding his phone up, waiting to tap in the information.

Cadence obliged, giving him her number.

“See, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Blake teased. “I’m dialing you so my number will be in your phone. Store it now.”

Cadence shook her head again. “You’re pushy!” she teased back.

“Come on. Let’s get these pizzas inside,” Blake said as if he was giving her an order, before trotting to the passenger side to help her out of the truck.

The same tingling sensation that crept across her skin the first time he touched her returned when he took her hand. Cadence slid down, landing in the small space left for her between the car door and Blake’s body. At first, Blake didn’t move. He kept her there, sandwiched between him and the vehicle. Cadence narrowed her eyes at him and with a sly grin he stepped aside, grabbed the boxes of pizzas from the back and led the way inside.

Cadence knew then that there was no way she’d be able to go to dinner with him next Friday night. There were far too many reasons why she simply shouldn’t. Blake was a playboy and an attorney—two things that she tried her best to avoid at all costs. Most important, she wasn’t about to be caught up with the type of man who casually ran through women. She’d just have to ignore all of the sensations that managed to belie the best of her virtuous intentions when he was around and save herself the heartache.

Chapter 7

Blake stood and stretched his long lean body toward the ceiling and then twisted his torso from one side to the other. The day was finally coming to a close. He and the other volunteers had just helped the last of the remaining students. His mouth was dry and his wrists were sore from typing for the past nine hours. As he looked around, other volunteers were also stretching, twisting and shaking their limbs after hours of sitting. Vendors were packing up their booths, getting ready to hit the road.

The two slices of pizza he had for lunch had long since worked their way through his system and now his stomach rumbled as if there were a wrestling matching going on inside him. He looked over toward where Alana stood chatting with Cadence and smiled. He found himself wondering what they were talking about. Remembering the time he’d had alone with Cadence earlier made him smile. As tired as he was after such a long day, he didn’t want it to end. Actually, he didn’t want to see Cadence go. He now had her number and plans for dinner, but with her scent lingering in his nostrils, he decided he hadn’t had enough of her for today.

Blake shook his head, not believing his own thoughts. Did he want more of Cadence? That truth intrigued him because he couldn’t understand what it was about her that drew him in like a magnet. He was a Barrington brother. They had their pick of women. Many threw themselves at the brothers all the time, so why was it that he couldn’t seem to get this one out of his mind?

Since the first day he laid eyes on her, he’d been absorbed by thoughts about her. Cadence seemed like a challenge, but he’d had women who played hard to get before. Unlike the others, he wasn’t interested in conquering this one as a challenge just to prove that he could before moving on.

Blake heard his name and turned in time to see the organizer heading his way. He wanted to see what the gentleman had to say, but he didn’t want to lose sight of Alana and Cadence.

Jeff shook Blake’s hand. “I can’t thank you enough for all of your help, man.”

Blake nodded. “You’re welcome.”

“Hey, listen, you and your team were great. I’d like to talk with you more about some of our other programs, maybe pull you in to speak to our students sometime.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Blake was sincerely interested in hearing more, but as he looked around, he saw that Cadence had packed up her laptop and slipped her purse onto her shoulder. He didn’t want her to leave before getting another chance to talk to her. Blake turned his attention back to Jeff. “Send me some information. I’d be happy to work something out.”

“Great!” Jeff shook Blake’s hand harder, smiling and nodding his head appreciatively.

Blake looked past him and saw Alana and Cadence heading for the door.

“Jeff, I need to run. Shoot me an email and we’ll set something up.”

Taking off in Cadence’s direction, Blake called out her name. He had to repeat it several times over the noise of chatter, packing tape and tables and chairs being dragged across the floor. Catching up with them right at the door, Blake opened his arms and pulled Alana into a bear hug.

“Thanks for always pulling up the rear.”

“Oh, Blake, please. You know I always come through.”

After squeezing Alana in that friendly embrace, he turned his attention to Cadence. “Thanks for coming with me for the food run earlier.”

“Sure.” Cadence just smiled and nodded.

“I can’t get a hug?” Blake asked, drawing his cheeks down into a pout.

Cadence cast her eyes heavenly, shook her head and stepped into Blake’s waiting arms. When Blake fastened his arms around her, he sucked in a delicate whiff of her natural scent mixed with her floral perfume. Instinctively, his eyes closed and his gut tightened. The soft feel of her cool supple skin was almost intoxicating. After letting his embrace linger, he reluctantly pulled himself away. His earlier thought returned. He wanted more of Cadence.

“Let me take you ladies to dinner. It will be a token of my appreciation for all your hard work today. You have to be hungry. I know I’m starving.”

“Of course you can take me to dinner! I say no to drugs, not food!” Alana said. They all chuckled before turning their attention toward Cadence, who had yet to respond to Blake’s invitation.

Cadence’s response was already etched into her face. Blake could see it. His knotted stomach also felt it. “Not to—”

“Come on, Cadence!” Alana cut into her objection before she could get it all out. “You just said you were hungry,” Alana blurted. Cadence stretched her eyes at Alana and cut her a sharp glare. Alana dismissed Cadence with a wave and turned her attention to Blake. “Where are we going to eat? She didn’t drive, so she’s riding with me.”

Cadence tossed her hands up in defeat. “I guess I’m going to have dinner with you two.” She cut her eyes back toward Alana. “Next time, I’ll bring my own car.”

Alana smiled and winked at Cadence before turning her attention back to Blake. “Don’t mind her. She’s just a homebody. Sometimes I have to practically drag her out of the house.”

“You like Asian fusion?” Blake directed his question toward Cadence.

“Sure,” she said, with mock enthusiasm.

“Let’s go to Asia Moon on Franklin,” Blake suggested. “It’s not too far from here.”

“Oh yes!” Alana said. “I could use one of their martinis.”

“Okay. Let me grab my stuff and close things out over here. I can meet you there in about—” Blake looked down at his watch and mumbled as he calculated “—twenty minutes?” Blake waited for the two of them to nod their approval before turning and jogging back to the table where his laptop still rested. Thankful for Alana’s insistence, he felt like jumping in the air and clicking his heels. Because of her, he’d have another few hours to work his charms on Cadence.

One way or another, he was determined to break through that shell that Cadence had erected around herself. He snickered when he thought scandalously about what he’d find on the inside—all puns intended.

Chapter 8

“Now you owe me!” The words shot out of Cadence’s mouth like cannonballs. She jammed her seat belt into the slot, sat back and folded her arms.

Alana snickered. Cadence glared at her and Alana fell into a fit of laughter as she maneuvered the car out of the lot. “Stop acting like you don’t want to go to dinner with that man—that fine man!” she sang.

“It’s really not a big deal.”

Alana slammed on the brakes, forcing Cadence’s body to jerk forward. “Girl! It’s me! Don’t sit here and act as if you don’t find him attractive. He was all over you today.” Alana shook her head, looked both ways and continued driving.

“No, he wasn’t.” Cadence rolled her eyes, pressing back her smile.

“Please! Cadence wants pizza, we all have to eat pizza,” Alana said, waving a hand in sweeping gestures. “Wanna come with me to get the pizza, Cadence?” she said, pulling her voice down a couple of octaves to mimic Blake. “He looked at you like you were his lunch. Let’s not even mention the hug before we left. I thought he would never let you go.”

Cadence turned her head to face the passenger window so Alana wouldn’t see her blush. “You’re exaggerating,” she finally said, once the burn in her cheeks subsided.

“I don’t know why you are playing games. You haven’t had a man in over half a year and here comes this tall drink of refreshing spring water, flowing from a crystal glacier. No. Scratch that! A fine specimen, complete with multiple degrees and the body of a god. He’s the perfect catch. I can’t believe you want to just toss him back in the water like he’s some ugly catfish!”

Cadence cut her eyes at Alana’s overzealous description of Blake. “If he’s so great, then why don’t you date him?”

“Blake is off-limits. I used to date his brother,” she said matter-of-factly.

“What? You didn’t tell me that. Which one?” Cadence didn’t hide her surprise. “I thought I knew all of your boyfriends.”

“Drew. It wasn’t serious. We went out a couple of times.”

“Oh.” Cadence held her smile on the inside, happy to hear that her friend wouldn’t possibly be interested in Blake. “I don’t like playboys, and besides, I doubt I’m his type. My boobs aren’t large enough to choke me when I lie down, and I don’t speak bimbo.”

“Ha! Those brothers attract all types. He’s a good catch and he gives back to the community. In fact, they all do. That’s what I like about them.”

“I can see that.”

“Blake is very active in this organization that mentors young boys. He’s always taking them out and doing things with them. It’s really cool. I think it helps to keep him grounded.”

Cadence quietly pondered what Alana had just said. She admired people who gave back.

“Plus, he seems to be genuinely interested in you. Just give it a chance. You never know what can happen.”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’m just not ready to date.” She’d gotten over Kenny, but not those feelings of rejection. The last thing she wanted was to get her hopes up about someone who probably didn’t take a woman’s feelings seriously. He may have been a reasonable humanitarian, but he was still a man who appeared to be a playboy.

“Well, you may not be ready for him, but I know for sure that he’s ready to get to know you a little better.”

“What makes you say that?” Cadence tilted her head, eager to hear Alana’s response.

“Ever since the mixer, he’s been asking about you.”

“You didn’t tell me that.” Cadence rose in her seat and then sat back, hoping she didn’t appear too anxious.

Alana shrugged as if it was no big deal.

“We’re here.” Alana peered over the dash to get a better look at the front of the restaurant. “That’s it right there. I’m sure there’s more parking in the back. I’ll pull around.” Alana whipped the car into the lot and pulled into the first available spot. “This is probably the closest we are going to get. It looks crowded.”

The ladies checked their faces in the visor mirrors and headed inside. Alana stood on her toes, craning her neck over the crowd in search of Blake, while Cadence discreetly scanned the restaurant with her eyes. It didn’t appear that Blake had arrived yet.

“Let me see how long the wait is going to be,” Alana said.

Cadence followed Alana as she snaked through the thick crowd toward the hostess. Their wait would be about forty-five minutes and the women figured that would work since Blake had yet to arrive.

“Can I take your name?” the young hostess asked Alana.

“Ah.” She paused, looking at Cadence for confirmation. Cadence shrugged. “Sure. Alana. Party of three, but our third party is not here yet.”

“Okay. You said Alana, right?” the woman asked, and Alana nodded. “Will you be dining with Mr. Barrington this evening?”

Cadence and Alana exchanged surprised glances. “Yes, we will. How’d you know?”

Offering up a pleasant smile, the hostess said, “Oh, Mr. Barrington called ahead, so we were expecting you. Follow me,” the hostess said with a nod, grabbing several menus and leading them through the loud bustling restaurant to a room set aside for private events. They were seated at a table for at least eight people and the hostess placed a menu at each setting. Turning to them, she smiled and nodded again. “I’ll send your waiter right over. Mr. Barrington and the rest of your party should be with you shortly.”

“Thank you,” Alana said to the woman politely before turning to Cadence. “How the heck did Blake manage this?” she said, referring to the fact that they were seated immediately despite the long wait.

“I don’t know, but I’m glad we don’t have to wait the whole forty-five minutes. I thought about leaving but, realizing that it’s a Saturday evening, every other restaurant will have a similar wait.” Cadence couldn’t help glancing around as she anticipated Blake’s arrival.

“Yeah, but Blake didn’t offer to treat us to those restaurants. Ha!” Alana teased.

“Thanks, Kim,” Blake’s voice sounded off just outside of the room where Alana and Cadence sat.

Cadence turned around so fast she almost gave herself whiplash. She hoped Alana hadn’t noticed her eagerness because she sure wouldn’t let her live it down.

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