Fearless (Book Two, Nashville Nights)

By Cheryl Douglas

Lexi Brooks lives life on her terms. She’s a strong, successful woman, who sure as hell doesn’t need a man to make her life complete. She’s got a thriving real estate business, bank, and freedom. She’s ready to have fun, travel, and indulge in a few flings along the way to keep things interesting. Marriage, kids, commitment? Not her thing. But will a sexy ex-cop throw a wrench in her plans?

Josh Cooper knows all about calculated risks, but when it comes to a woman he wants a sure thing. Someone who’s ready to settle down and have kids. Too bad Lexi isn't that woman. She's sexy, smart, head-strong, and they're totally in sync in the bedroom, but she isn't willing to settle into a life of domestic bliss. Or is she?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cheryl Douglas
• Release date: Mar 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476476674

Cheryl Douglas

Cheryl Douglas is a USA Today bestselling author who kicks back in the country, surrounded by farm land and nature. Her life revolves around family, country music, travel, caffeine, chocolate, and deadlines.Visit Cheryl at www.authorcheryldouglas.com

Book preview

Chapter One

I want you, Josh. Lexi slipped a hotel key card into his breast pocket and licked her lips. We’re both single, consenting adults. Why not have a little fun tonight?

Josh had a million reasons why giving into temptation would be a bad idea, but when she looked at him like that, he couldn’t remember a single one. Lexi, you’re my boss’s sister-in-law. Not to mention the fact that Trey and Sierra are two of my best friends.

She shrugged her shoulders and pressed her body against his as the band started playing another ballad. So what’s your point?

The laughter died in his throat as he watched her toss that mass of golden-blond waves over her shoulders, showing off a strapless gown that stretched to contain her full breasts. We’re both in the wedding party. I think it would be in poor taste to leave early, don’t you?

Her blue eyes danced with amusement. I’m not worried. Trey’s been waiting for this night for five long years. She inclined her head toward the couple in question. Don’t you think he’s dying to get my sister alone?

She whispered the last words suggestively and the blood pounding through his head rushed south. You know this is a bad idea.

She flattened her stomach against his arousal and grinned. Why’s that?

It might make things awkward between us.

She threw her head back and laughed.I have a feeling it would be anything but awkward, Josh.

He groaned when she licked her lips. You know what I mean. We’re friends and I don’t wanna mess with that.

She drew her bottom lip between her teeth. I’m not worried; are you?

He knew he should be worried; her proposition was dangerous. He had spent most of his life living on the edge. Maybe one more walk on the wild side wouldn’t hurt. No! Thinking like that would interfere with the future he had spent the last several years planning. He had laid a solid foundation, now it was time to follow through.

I’m sorry...

She glared at him. You can’t be serious. You’re turning me down?

It’s not because I’m not attracted to you. She could feel his arousal; she knew she was making him crazy. It’s just that I’m not looking for a one-night stand. I’m looking for a real relationship. You know that.

She held her hand up. Don’t even go there. You know I don’t do relationships. I’m just looking for a little fun. She looked around at the other men on the dance floor. And I’d prefer it be someone I know instead of an anonymous stranger.

He grabbed her upper arms. Are you saying if I turn you down that you’re going to sleep with someone else tonight?

She extracted the key card from his pocket. You leave me no choice. A girl can’t survive on sex toys and fantasies.

He clenched his jaw in frustration. He was a cop who’d moved through the ranks quickly because he was able to read people, tell when they were bluffing. Unless he was out of practice, she was dead serious. I can’t let you do that.

She flattened her palms against his chest, pushing him away. Just watch me.

Josh had spent a lifetime developing self-control, both personally and professionally, and he had to muster every shred of his hard-fought discipline to watch her walk away.

He clenched his fists and headed for the bar. Double shot of Jack Daniels, he told the bartender. Drinking wasn’t part of his strategy, but sticking to his plan was getting more difficult by the minute.

Trey’s best friend and manager, Luc Spencer, stepped up to the bar beside him. His eyes followed Josh’s to the dance floor. Now that is one sexy lady.

Josh grunted as he watched Lexi slip into the arms of another man. The guy was too slick. Too handsome, too well dressed, too damn interested in picking up where he’d left off.

It looked like you two were getting pretty close on the dance floor. Did you say something to piss her off? Luc asked.

He threw back half of the glass of amber liquid and waited for the welcome burn before responding. Yeah, I said no.

Luc shook his head and tapped his ear as though he were trying to clear a stubborn blockage. I’m sorry, did I hear you right? You said you turned her down?

Josh nodded before emptying his glass. He tapped the heavy crystal against the bar top and beckoned to the bartender. You heard me right, man.

Uh, have you noticed the woman looks like a freakin’ swimsuit model?

Josh chuckled. Believe me, I’ve noticed.

Luc held his empty beer bottle up to the bartender. You’re not the only one who’s noticed. Every guy in the place has been checking her out all day. I can’t believe you turned her down. Luc muttered his thanks to the bartender as he claimed another bottle. What’s the deal, man? Are you quitting women?

Josh rolled his eyes. Hardly. I’m just looking for a specific type of woman.

Luc laughed. I guess gorgeous, smart, sexy, and fiercely independent doesn’t fit the bill, huh?

Man, I’ve been livin’ the bachelor life ever since my divorce. That was almost ten years ago. I’m getting tired of it.

So you do want to get married again?

Yeah. He traced his finger around the rim of the glass. I made a lot of mistakes with Ashley, but I was so damn young when we got married. Not to mention the fact that I was a cop, SWAT, no less. That meant always being on call, anytime, day or night. It wasn’t easy on her or my boys. That’s why I took the job as Trey’s head of security when he offered. I was ready for a change, ready for some stability in my life.

Your twins must be what, fifteen or sixteen now? Luc asked, tipping the bottle to his lips.

Yeah, they’re sixteen this month. He sighed. I wish I’d been there more while they were growing up. Every other weekend just wasn’t enough.

Luc slapped him on the back. Hell, from everything I’ve heard, your boys idolize you, man. One wants to be a cop and the other a martial arts instructor, right?

Josh smiled. Yeah, Jay’s working on his black belt in karate now.

Luc nodded. Cool, how long before he’s a third degree black belt like his old man?

It’ll be a few more years.

His boys were the best thing that ever happened to him. His time with them just reinforced the fact that he was ready to try again. He wanted another chance to be the kind of husband and father he should have been the first time around.

Luc scanned the crowd. Just the fact that your kids wanna be like you says a lot about the kind of father you are. You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself.

Josh raised an eyebrow. Sounds like you’re speaking from experience? You’ve never really talked about your parents or your childhood.

My parents were pretty self-absorbed. My dad was a career politician, and let’s just say he cared a hell of a lot more about getting the votes than he did about his family.

Sorry, that must have been rough.

He shrugged. That’s life, right? Taught me not to make the same mistakes they made.

Does that mean you have no interest in getting married or having a family?

Hell no.

What about Marisa?

Marisa Turner was Trey’s younger sister and made no secret of the fact that Luc was the only man for her. Josh learned that the hard way.

Luc shot him a look. I should be asking you that question. I walked into Jimmy’s bar a few months back and you were there with my ex-girlfriend. Got to admit, I wanted to kick your ass that night.

Josh laughed. So why didn’t you?

Might have somethin’ to do with the fact that I would have been flat on my back inside a minute. He raised the bottle to his lips. Don’t think I didn’t think about it though.

I was outta line, man. I’m sorry. He tapped his glass against his friend’s bottle. You had every right to kick my ass.

Forgiven and forgotten, buddy. Tell me, how did you and Marisa hook up that night? Luc asked.

Josh followed Luc’s eyes. He was watching Marisa. She was laughing and talking to a man who looked like he would be more than willing to take her up on any proposition she might be inclined to make tonight. Poor bastard. Luc still had it bad for his ex.

We were both there with Trey. He wanted to leave early and asked me to make sure Marisa got home. We just started talking, and she told me it was over between you two because you couldn’t make a commitment. She said she was ready to get married, settle down. It seemed like we might be looking for the same thing, ya know? Anyways, it became pretty obvious after a few dates that it wasn’t going anywhere. We decided we’re better off as friends.

I don’t know why the hell she’s so obsessed with the idea of getting married. He shuddered. Man, that’s just not for me; I’d be miserable.

It may not be my place to say this, but you look pretty miserable right now.

He glanced back at Marisa and sighed. I’m not gonna lie. I love her, but I can’t give her what she wants.

Josh nodded toward the man who was now dancing with Marisa. Maybe he can.

Are you trying to piss me off?

Just trying to keep you from making a mistake.

He raised his empty bottle to the bartender. Forget about me. Tell me why you want to do this whole marriage and kids thing again. Are you a glutton for punishment or what?

Josh declined the bartender’s offer of another drink. I don’t know. I guess I’d like to be half the father my old man was to me. I’d love another shot to get it right, ya know?

Luc nodded. You’re not too old to start over. How old are you, forty?

He was forty, but watching Lexi cozy up to a man at least ten years his junior made him feel like an old man. I’m running out of time if I want to be able to keep up with a toddler. Hell, they’ll be outrunning me.

Luc laughed as his eyes travelled back to the dance floor. I guess that’s why you’ve sworn off women who are only looking for a good time, huh?

You got it.

Damn shame, though. He took a long swig of beer. I can understand why you’re begging off, man. I think a lady like Lexi might be a hard habit to break.

That’s exactly what scared him. He had a feeling one night in Lexi’s bed may de-rail all of his carefully laid plans, and he couldn’t waste precious time having a fling with a woman who made it painfully clear she wasn’t interested in a long-term commitment.

Luc laughed and inclined his head toward the dance floor. Don’t worry; it looks like she’s already moved on.

Josh glared at Lexi and her dance partner. What are you talking about?

She just slid something into his pocket; I couldn’t tell what it was though.

Josh had been trained to control his emotions, practice discipline, restraint, and only strike when he needed to protect himself or someone else from harm. He stepped away from the bar.

Luc grabbed his arm and laughed. Hey, don’t forget those hands are lethal weapons. The poor guy wouldn’t even know what hit him.

Josh clenched his fists. Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he knows what hit him and why.

He heard Luc’s laughter ringing in his ears as he stepped onto the dance floor. He tried to remind himself that he was at his boss’s wedding, a very public wedding no less. The last thing he needed was for his boys to see his face plastered all over the Internet tomorrow morning.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm the surge of rage that flooded his body when he watched junior slip a finger under Lexi’s chin and tilt her head up until their faces were mere inches apart. He was moving in for the kiss and Josh was moving in for the kill.

He grasped the man’s shoulder. I don’t think so, buddy, he said quietly. This dance is over.

Who the hell do you think... The man looked up, way up. Shit, are you her boyfriend?

Josh glared at him. I’d suggest you get the hell out of here while you still have the chance.

He swallowed convulsively. Yeah, okay, sorry. I didn’t mean to, I mean, I didn’t know...

I said take your hand off her now, he whispered.

He held his hands up as though he had been scorched. Okay, I’m leaving. Sorry, man, sorry.

Wait, Josh said. Hand it over. He held his hand out, waiting for the key. He looked around as though he was waiting to be rescued. I don’t know what you’re talking about.

The lady slipped something in your pocket. Hand it over, now.

He reached into his pocket and handed over the card before speed walking out the front door.

Josh turned the card over in his hand. You gave him your business card?

Lexi set her hands on her hips and glared at him. Yeah, he’s a contractor. I’m a real estate investor. I thought I may be able to use him on my next project.

Don’t count on it, he mumbled.

He wasn’t a jealous man. Hell, he’d never been possessive of a woman in his life, not even his ex-wife. Yet this woman made him wary of any man who even looked at her too long. This was crazy. He was an expert at controlling his feelings, so why was he feeling so out of control tonight? He wanted to blame the alcohol, but he was a big guy, two drinks weren’t even enough to wet his whistle. No, it was definitely the woman, not the booze that was affecting his ability to think clearly.

Who the hell are you to tell me who I can and can’t work with?

He knew she was right. Lexi was strong, independent, and successful. She had built an impressive real estate portfolio in a relatively short period of time, and she certainly didn’t need him or anyone else interfering with the way she ran her business. Still, he couldn’t help but wonder about all of the other contractors she was doing business with on a daily basis. Was she taking any of them home at night? He hated the thought that she might. Hated even more that he cared so much.

Look, I don’t want to argue with you, Lexi.

She stared at him. You came over here because you thought I invited him back to my room, didn’t you?

What if I did?

You sonofabitch. She pushed against his chest. You really thought I’d go to bed with another man tonight?

He grabbed her wrists and pulled her toward him. He was grateful the song was slow and he could conceal her struggle by locking his arms around her. You’re making a scene, sweetheart, he whispered in her ear.

I couldn’t care less. She gave up the struggle and leaned her head back to look him in the eye. Answer my question.

Fine, he said, through gritted teeth. I thought you were pissed at me and you gave him your room key to get even with me. Are you satisfied?

She reared back. You really think so little of me?

He knew he was in trouble. It wasn’t often, if ever, he’d seen Lexi lower her defenses. It’s not that, Lex. He stroked her cheek and cursed when his finger came away damp. He had never seen Lexi cry, not even when her sister got married.

You’ve known me for years. You’ve been friends with my sister and Trey since college. Are you’re telling me you think I’ll just go to bed with any man who shows me a little attention?

God, no; that’s not what I meant. You were the one who said...

I said that because I wanted to make you jealous, piss you off, get some kind of goddamn reaction out you. You’re like this statue; you don’t react, you don’t get mad, and you never lose control.

I’m feeling pretty out of control now. He lowered his head. He was reeling from the riot of unfamiliar sensations rolling through him. She was right; he prided himself on maintaining control. His life and the lives of the people around him were at stake if he didn’t maintain a clear head.

She reached up to stroke his face. It’s okay to let go sometimes.

He clenched his jaw, trying to rein in his frustration. I can’t.

I’ve wanted you for so long, she whispered. Make love to me tonight. Please.

He groaned as he grabbed her hand and led her outside. She asked him to let go, but she had no idea what she was getting into.

Chapter Two

Lexi’s hand shook as she slid the key card in the door. She had been waiting for this moment for so many years. The first time she met Josh Cooper, she was a junior in college and he was newly divorced with two boys to raise. He was living in Tennessee and she was in Arkansas. He was thirty-two; she was only twenty-one. They were at different stages in their lives, so she managed to convince herself it was nothing more than sexual attraction, a scratch that needed to be itched. Yet as the years passed, she began to fear it was more than that.

Even though they only saw each other a few times a year, she couldn’t get him out of her head. She found herself comparing every man she dated to Josh, and they all came up short. The man she’d been engaged to briefly during her senior year reminded her of all the reasons men like Josh were so rare.

She and Josh had developed a deep connection in recent years, she counted him among her closest friends, but there were some things she couldn’t share, even with him. He, on the other hand, was an open book. He shared all of his hopes, dreams, and plans for the future with her. She knew she couldn’t give him what he needed. But selfishly, she wanted this time with him before she let him go to find the woman of his dreams.

Hey, you okay? he whispered, closing the door behind them. You’re not having second thoughts are you?

She shook her head, struck speechless by the concern in his eyes. On the outside, he was the quintessential tough guy, from the scarred knuckles to the bulging biceps, but beneath the façade, he was the gentlest, most compassionate man she had ever known. He was an amazing father; she knew his sons were his whole world. She also knew he wanted another chance to be a dad and she admired and respected his decision, but she also knew it would end their friendship. She seriously doubted his future wife would be open to the idea of him talking to or even texting a woman he’d had sex with.

How ‘bout a bottle of wine? he asked.

She nodded. She’d been so nervous at the wedding she’d barely been able to eat or drink anything. That would be nice.

He picked up the room service menu and scanned the wine list.

She watched him as he turned his back and picked up the phone. He still had the broad shoulders of the football player he used to