Damaged

By A.N. Hennessy

To Averianna Brooks true love is like a mythical creature, it just doesn't exist. Needing an escape from what most would consider a living hell, she leaves the place she has always called home to move to Atlanta where she is determined to rebuild her self-worth with her long time best friend.
Home holds too many bad memories along with a certain person she wishes to never see again. All she wants is a fresh start, a new atmosphere, and a new city away from the horribletimes her life once held. In an effort to save herself from any unforeseen pain that she desperately wants to steer clear of, Averi vows against anymore relationships.
But will all that change after a chance meeting with Damian Cole, a well known business mogul to a chain of hotels and resorts with a deviant and damaged past of his own? Unable to stop thinking about his wickedly good looks and his crystal blue eyes, she wonders if she will ever meet him again. When fate brings her slamming into a familiar pair of sapphire eyes, things seems to take a turn, developing into a deep desire that neither one of them saw coming. Can Averi and Damian overcome their hurdles together and repair their damaged pasts enough to fall in love? Or will the past come back to haunt them? They say love conquers all or does it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.N. Hennessy
• Release date: May 27, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310232794

Book preview

Damaged

Damaged

A Novel

A.N. Hennessy

Damaged

Copyright © 2013 by A.N. Hennessy

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manor whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events or real people are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, and resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Editing services provided by KMS Editing

Cover Art by Mae I Design and Photography

Dedication

To my beloved sister, Courtney. Not only was she my sister but she was my best friend. Life becomes hard when a special person’s life is taken, and it becomes even harder when that life is taken wrongfully by the hands of another person, a person that was supposed to love you unconditionally, to cherish you and love you through sickness and health. But that wasn’t the case. Monsters seem to be able to hide behind some very well made masks. And because of that monster my life has changed dramatically forever, and it’s no longer the same not having that special person here.

Courtney (aka, Chip), I can’t begin to express how much I miss you or how hard it was writing this story. There were so many times I wanted to pick up the phone and call you to ask for your input on an idea, but then I remembered you’re no longer with us. I know you are probably by my side everyday watching over me, but it’s not the same. I want you to be able to smack me in the back of the head when I say something stupid, I want to witness your perfect smile that I am so jealous of when I do something to make you laugh, but most of all I want to be able to hold you and tell you how much I love you, and what an awesome sister you are. It is unfair that you were taken from us the way you were, and I wrote this story to bring awareness to domestic violence and how sever it is.

Domestic violence comes in many forms, and most of the time none of us even know it’s happening. Many women stay because they are either afraid to leave, or like my sisters case, they don’t want to be alone and are unaware of the dangers behind the threats. There is a way out and there is someone out there meant for you, to love you the way you deserve to be loved, to make you a stronger person. Not bring or beat you down.

Chip, I hope you are proud of the book, and I want to thank you for giving me silent encouragement to complete it. The story has only just begun, but I hope you continue to stay by my side and help push me through to the end. I am now blessed with a beautiful guardian angel and every time I think of that gorgeous smile not only does it bring tears to my eyes but it puts a smile on my face.

I love you forever and always Chip. Until we meet again, keep throwing that ball for Halo!

Acknowledgments

I want to give a big thank you to Erika, Kiesha, Amy, and Angie for sitting and talking to me for hours on end about this book. Some would call us insane for talking about all the characters like they are actual everyday people we speak to on a regular basis—to me they are—and together I guess we are all a little insane. I still love you all no matter your craziness level.

A huge thank you goes out to my special girls Kristina and Missy at KMS Editing. Y’all spent endless hours insuring Damaged was perfect and I couldn’t possibly thank either of you enough for helping me along in this process. You ladies are fantastic, and I look forward to working with you on my other projects. So on to the next!

Regina, from Mae I Design and Photography, you are simply amazing! I think that’s the best word to use. I could throw in a few other fabulous adjectives to describe you but I don’t want to give you too big of an ego :) I have said it once and I’ll say it again, You are truly blessed at what you do. You were able to take a picture and make it art. I couldn’t have picked a more talented graphic designer and I look forward to all the other covers you will design for me.

To all my beta readers, thank you for your words of encouragement and thoughts on Damaged. This is a very special book to me and I appreciate your time reading the story and the suggestions you gave.

Writing has always been a love of mine and it wasn’t until recently that it became a huge part of my life. It has been a major escape and the best form of therapy I could ask for. Now, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else, well, besides spending time with my herd of Great Danes. To which I owe a thank you to as well. Bless their over sized furry hearts. They have set at the foot of my bed or at the end of the couch looking at me with wondering eyes trying to figure out what in the hell that square machine is sitting in the lap they normally reside in? Cypress, Adonis, Damon and Azlan, you will forever hold a special place in my heart.

The deepest thank you of all goes to my family. They have been my biggest support system and know of all the pain and emotion I have went through writing this book. This story came to life after a tragic loss in our family and together we have all suffered the devastation but we managed to hold strong and supported my efforts in making this story come to life.

Mom, you are the best there is and you have been through more than one person ever should. You are the most caring and generous person I have ever met and I’m not just saying this because you’re my mother. They say God will never give you more than you can handle, and if that’s so then he must know how strong of a person you really are because at times the weight of the world was on your shoulders. I love you like crazy and I just want to say thank you for always being here for me!

To my beyond amazing husband and kids, you three are my rock. Zac, there are absolutely, positively no words to say how thankful I am of you or how much I love you. You have cheered me on through this emotional process and have listened to a lot of crazy talk on my behalf. I wish there were more men in this world like you because everyone deserves to feel the love that you have for me. There is no way I could have done this without you. Because of you, fairytails do come true!!! I love you so much Puddin Puffin.

Alexyss and Zayson, I am sorry y’all had to start picking up after yourselves because mommy was on the computer writing. I promise the world isn’t coming to an end. But I do want to say thank you for all the extra help around the house and for keeping the noise level down when you saw the computer in my lap. However, Zayson, you need to work on that buddy. You don’t have to yell when I’m only two feet away. You crazy child ;) But most of all I want to thank you two for simply being you and making me laugh uncontrollably when I needed it the most. I could have done without the arguing though. Let’s work on that as well.

To the rest of the family that has been by my side...Thank you! I couldn’t ask for better people to call my family and I love you all.

Chapter 1

It’s a late Saturday night when we pull up next to my apartment complex. Rain is pouring from the sky by the gallons, the droplets pounding down with such force that it sounds like golf balls are smashing into the car.

You go on in and get the movie started. I’ll park the car and be in shortly. That is, if the rain doesn’t beat me to death first, Zane laughs, patting his large hand against my shoulder.

Well, on my behalf, try to survive, I giggle as I open the door and dash through the pouring rain for the understated entrance of my building.

Sopping wet, I brush my hair back from my face as I enter the elevator to ride the short distance to my floor. All the while I’m thinking back to how much fun I had tonight with Zane, how needed it was. I honestly couldn’t begin to remember the last time I had a good time or even laughed. It was long overdue, and I was in dire need of a well-deserved hangout in the company of great people.

After finding my keys that always seem to disappear into that black hole that I know has to linger at the bottom of my bag, I unlock the door. While entering my apartment, I remove my drenched coat and hang it on the hook near the door. Upon turning on the light so I can get the movie and popcorn started before Zane comes up, something out of the corner of my eye catches my attention. My heart hammers fiercely in my chest and I instantly cringe. Seated on the couch and looking at me with a killer scowl is Brantley, my boyfriend—ex-boyfriend.

His face is marred with a deep anger that scares the living hell out of every inch of my being, causing every drop of blood that should be pumping through my arteries to dry up, leaving me shaking, weak and clammy. Just a simple fierce scowl is enough to stop me, or anyone for that matter, in their tracks. My fight and flight mode kicks in, and it’s an instinct that has become unfortunately all too familiar to me.

When it came to our relationship, I am the scared and defenseless little rabbit being sniffed out and hunted down by the much larger, ferocious, and starving big bad wolf. He looks as if he’s going to rip me to shreds, tearing my scared, hunkered little body limb from limb. I am near the door.

RUN, screams my innermost thoughts, but I can’t.

I am rooted to this spot, halfway between the open door and my couch where Brantley is seated, with his eyes blazing so hot they are searing through my flesh. I swear I can feel the burn. God, please give me the strength to finally stand up to him and not be the scaredy-cat wimp I normally am.

Last night I had come home late from work covered in dog hair and wanting nothing more than a hot shower and my bed. Instead, I walked through the front door to Brantley on top of someone that I had thought was a friend, fucking her brains out on my couch. I was mortified, embarrassed, and humiliated all at the same time.

How could he?

How could she?

I could understand more on his part, but Brittany...I didn’t understand on her behalf and I didn’t want any explanation either. Brittany and I had been good friends since the first day of college and we talked every day. I have been less than lucky in the boyfriend department. I am starting to believe that I should just become celibate and refrain from all men in general.

Brantley had finally seen me standing in the doorway to my apartment, or had at least finally decided to acknowledge my presence, but he never slowed his pace. My presence only seemed to help the situation as he climaxed, staring straight into my bewildered eyes.

I ran for my room, and within minutes he was coming through the door, pulling up his pants. I sat motionless on the edge of my bed, trying to burn the revolting images that were now permanent pornographic portraits hanging in my mind. The good boyfriend that he was offered me putrid words, saying he would never have slept with my friend if I hadn’t been such a bitch the night before. He told me that I got what I deserved, and that if I didn’t start giving it to him when he wanted it then I should just get used to seeing him screw other women.

Right then, it all came together – he was a misogynist, and we were over. Something I should’ve mustered up the courage for and ended a long time ago.

But now, for some ungodly reason, the devil is here again—in my apartment—without company this time, thankfully. I can seriously vomit all my stomach contents right in the middle of my living room floor right about now. I have hated anyone in my life, but I truly hate the man that is sitting uninvited on my couch. I would have to write my own dictionary of words to describe how much he disgusts me and how sickened, revolted and fed up I feel.

Averi, where the fuck you been? Didn’t I tell you I didn’t want you going out with Zane? Brantley shouts, snapping me out of the disgusting remembrance of last night. I now hate myself for ever giving him a spare key.

You are not my owner, Brantley Wayne McAllister. Didn’t I tell you last night that we’re no longer together? Get the hell out! I shout back. Nervous and weary of his reaction, I take a step closer to the door. Oh dear Lord, protect me from this demon that should be burning in hell, not sitting on my couch.

You can’t breakup with me. You need me. Without me you’re nothing.

The hell I can’t. I can be myself without you, which in return makes me a much happier and stronger person. You should have thought about me dumping you before you turned into an evil monster, and before you stuck your dick into someone else, I rage, angrier than ever, and mentally give myself a pat on the back for my brazenness. Now please, give me my key and leave. Pointing to the door, I hold out my other hand for the key, becoming unnerved by the mask-like stare that is caging me in.

Come on, Stinker, you don’t mean that. You know no one else will want you. I’m all you got. Now get over here, sit down like a good girl, and I will forget about you going out with Zane. He pats the spot next to him, but there is no way I can be seated near him. I don’t even want him in my apartment.

No, I state firmly. "I am not your Stinker. I hate that damn name, and I’m not your little chew toy, Brantley. I have had enough of your shit, so please leave." My voice shakes with my bold words and I bite my lip, hoping I didn’t over step the boundary and hoping he can’t smell the fear that is pouring off of me in waves.

Brantley’s eyes damn near burn with fire as he stalks towards me before stopping a few feet away and laughs. Well, well. Look who put their big girl panties on this morning, he snarls while sidling closer. I take another step back. What’s wrong, Averi? You scared? The evil in his voice sounds like something straight out of a horror movie, and I try to swallow the lump in my throat while silently praying that lightning will strike him dead this very instant.

Brantley, please—will you just leave? The room passes me in a blur as he lunges, and I am pushed helplessly against the door, pinned at the throat by his huge Sasquatch-sized hands.

You piss me off, he growls through clenched teeth. "There has never been anyone that can piss me off quite the way you do. As I shake and tremble under his grasp, I beg my body to turn into Jello or pudding. Hell, piss would be fine, as long as it would puddle me at his feet and out of his hands which are firmly clasped around my throat. You know, if you were a good little girl like you should have been and did what I had said, then we would never have these kinds of problems." As he speaks I feel his nails dig into my flesh, making me wince from the pain. I’m positive the sting surging through my neck is from the vessels bursting due to the gripping force he has clamped around my throat. I can barely breathe.

I’m sorry—please, let go—you’re hurting me, I beg in gasps, grabbing onto his forearm.

No, you’re not, he hisses scornfully.

A sudden burst of bravery explodes within me as I’m holding onto his forearm. With all my strength, I bring my knee up, connecting it to his crotch. He wails out in pain, releasing my throat immediately as he cups his manhood and slumps over.

Breathing heavily, I run down the hall to make my escape to the elevator, but his pain doesn’t last long enough for me to make my getaway. He comes after me, clutching a handful of my hair and pulling me until I fall backwards into his chest. Where are all my neighbors when I need them?

Got ya, Stinker. He smiles darkly, leading me back to my apartment. My brain is plotting all sorts of escapes, but my mind just can’t keep up with all of the demands from the higher power. I am literally scared to death and terrified for my life. Latching onto the doorjamb before he goes through, I dig my nails as far into the wood as I can. Let go, Averi… he sings, sounding thrilled. This is all just some sick and twisted game to him. I honestly believe that he is the spawn of Satan himself.

No! I yell fearfully, trying to literally sink my hands into the wood for some sort of leverage before he drags me further inside. At least I am in the threshold where someone might see or hear me screaming and come to my rescue.

He shakes his head back and forth in a scolding manner. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Averi, your choice. He reaches to unclench my hands from the doorjamb, making his arm only inches from my mouth, and without thinking of the consequences, I sink my teeth into his forearm.

Hard.

Until I taste blood.

Ouch! You stupid bitch! he screams.

I should’ve thought this through more thoroughly before I did it, but fight mode stepped in and took over, not giving me time to think of the outcome. All I needed was a moment to get away or at least long enough for Zane to get here.

Brantley clenches his fist, furiously pissed-off now, and slams it into the side of my face. Punching me with every bit of power in his body, pain rushes through my jaw, and I taste more blood in my mouth, but this time I know it’s not his — it’s mine.

You brought this on yourself. You stupid cunt, he screeches, hitting me again, connecting with my eye this time. I reach out to grab at the pain, and all I feel is the slick blood that trickles down my face. I stumble as a dizzy sensation takes over my entire body.

As I stumble, I feel a sharp jolt in my stomach that takes my breath from my lungs, causing me to cough and gasp for air. The pain is so strong that little fuzzy black dots float in my vision. I don’t even know how many hits I take through his whole murderous rage. I become woozy and slightly incoherent. All I can remember is hearing Zane’s screams as I hit the floor.

Blackness takes over my world and my hearing becomes muffled before I no longer hear anything at all. Just my own thoughts that play like a sad movie that no one wants to watch.

The last thirteen months of my life have been anything but pristine. Idly, my run-of-the-mill radar has me wondering what I ever did to deserve the devious and dreadful road my life has traveled down. I am stuck at a dead end and I ponder which wrong turn I made that led me here. How or what do I need to do in order to find my way back to where I need to be? I have never been the reticent shy girl huddled in the corner, too afraid to speak. I am outspoken and well put together.

That all seemed to change with him.

He wasn’t always this way, but that doesn’t change the fact of who he is now or how he has treated me the last year we have been together. It seemed to just get worse as the days wore on, but no matter what, I still stuck by him until realization finally sunk in.

He was someone who never loved me and someone who never cared if I was in pain. I miss how he used to be; sweet, caring, funny, playful, and always in a good mood. He did on occasion become a little hateful; a sudden spike in temper, but nothing I thought was out of the ordinary. Until one day, it was like he just snapped and there was no going back. I tried to make excuses and even thought it was my fault.

As much as I wanted to at times, I couldn’t force myself to leave. I’ve always been that girl that was there when you needed her, a true friend when you needed someone to talk to; someone to confide your secrets to without worry and I felt like he needed me. That was until he started making me feel like the lowest living life form on the planet.

There is no one out there that deserves to be in a relationship with a Brantley, and it sickens me that he has affected who I am as a person. I was the kind hearted girl trying to make everyone else happy; putting their needs and wants before my own. In the end, no matter how kind you are to others, it doesn’t mean that your goodness will rub off on them. I can’t help but let myself wallow in my own self-pity at this moment in my screwed up life, hoping that soon, maybe—just maybe— it will turn for the better.

Chapter 2

The drive to Georgia wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I’m finally here and I’m alive, no thanks to all the wallowing of my stupid flashbacks and unrealistic daydreams. It was only a three and a half hour drive. However, I’m exhausted with an exception of being excited to see my best friend, Stacy Maddox. I haven’t seen her in over three months, and now I’m going to be living with her.

We have been best friends since grade school and always did everything together. Stacy moved to Atlanta after college when she was offered an internship at one of Atlanta’s preeminent architectural firms. She has always had her life planned out, and I envy her for that. She’s never been the one to take crap from anyone, unlike me. But that has changed, and from the 215 mile distance I already feel different. Stronger might be what I am feeling. I’m just glad to be getting a fresh start away from all the chaos back in Tennessee and starting over in a new city with my best friend.

Stacy is on the porch of her duplex when I pull into the driveway, waving her hands in the air frantically like I wouldn’t see her. I get out of my candy blue Mustang GT, and it seems that the moment my feet touch the ground I am in Stacy’s arms being squeezed.

How was the drive? she asks, still not letting me go. Oh my gosh, I have missed you so much. I can’t believe you are here.

Long and grueling...I didn’t think I could get here fast enough. It feels like years since I’ve seen my dear friend, and I can’t believe we’re now back together. She has always been like the sister I never had. Well, close enough in age to count anyways.

Did you fit all of your stuff in that car? She looks at me, puzzled.

Yes.

I brought all my clothes and the basic essentials, but I wanted to keep it simple and easy. I would have been fine leaving with just the clothes on my back, as long as I was away from Maryville.

Well, c’mon, let’s go catch up. Stacy grabs my hand with a big, happy smile and leads me inside.

We sit and talk for a while, discussing everything that has happened. It’s an uncomfortable discussion, and Stacy seems to notice and takes the dreary conversation and turns it around into something more pleasant. She tells me about her place of employment, Slaton Architecture & Design, and from what I can gather she loves her job.

So, have you had any luck finding a job yet? Stacy asks as she walks to the kitchen to get another bowl of the spaghetti she made. I seriously don’t know where she puts it all. I would have to work out for hours a day if I ate like her. But yet she remains beautiful with her slim hourglass figure and wavy chestnut brown hair and amber colored eyes. She always looks amazing, even in a pair of ripped up jeans and a t-shirt covered in paint.

No, not yet, I yell to ensure she hears me. I sent out a few resumes online, but I haven’t heard anything.

I am a veterinary technician, which is my dream job. I love all animals, big and small. Getting paid to be around them every day is just an added benefit. Taking care of creatures that are so defenseless and non-judging always makes my day better no matter how troublesome it is. I know it’s a job that won’t make me rich by any means, but being happy and caring for animals…that makes my heart grow in so many ways and is undoubtedly better. Adamantly, I’d rather be surrounded by tons of furious barking and meowing smelly animals than one hypocritical, judgmental, lewd person any day.

I hope to go apply for some more Monday, I waver as she walks back into the living room and slumps back into her spot on the sofa.

We sit and talk a little longer before we decide to go unload my bags and take them to my new room. Stacy’s duplex is spacious, and just the right size for the two of us. The living room is open to the kitchen and beautiful with the pale aqua blue walls with gold and cream accents. There are beautiful landscape paintings hanging on the walls and the theme is continued into the kitchen with a beautiful glass and copper tile backsplash under the mahogany cabinets. Down the hall are three bedrooms and a bathroom that is directly across the hall from my room.

Sorry, your room’s a little bare. I haven’t gotten around to decorating it yet...but now that you’re here you can do whatever you want.

Thanks, Stacy...it looks great to me. But I’m not a decorator.

Well, I’m going to hit the sheets. I’m sure you’re exhausted. It’s not a fun drive from Tennessee to Georgia in rush hour traffic. Tomorrow we can go shopping and I’ll show you around. Stacy smiles happily at me.

Sounds great, and thanks for letting me stay here. It’s going to be like old times, I tell her with a big grin on my face.

I put a few of my things away before I retire for the night. It’s so good to see Stacy. I’ve missed her so much since she’s been away. There has been so much that has happened back home that I want to forget, and Stacy is the perfect person for the job.

I lie awake, thinking about how my new life in Georgia is going to play out, and idly wonder if there will ever come a day when I find true love. No way, I redirect my thoughts. Clearly it doesn’t exist. Look at what kind of relationship I just got out of. Focusing on my career, saving money for my own place, and staying away from all men…yep, that’s what I need to do. I close my eyes and let sleep take me.

I wake to blazing light pouring in through the windows and heating my face. It’s too bright, too hot, and I just want to go back to sleep.

Why didn’t I close those darn curtains? I moan to myself, rolling away from the bright light. It quickly hits me where I am. I jump up with a smile on my face and head towards the bedroom door, excited and eager to get the day started with Stacy. As I go down the hall I see that she’s up and already dressed.

Morning, Averi. Go get dressed! You slept forever.

What time is it? I ask, feeling like it’s still way too early to even think about anything besides my pillow.

Almost ten, and we have tons of shopping to do.

Ten o’clock? She says that like it’s a sin to sleep in that late on a Saturday.

Okay...give me fifteen minutes.

I take a quick shower and decide on a pair of my favorite faded, ripped up, straight legged jeans with a flirty, sheer white sleeveless shirt that gives you a small glimpse of bare skin underneath. Matched with my brown leather knee high boots and the look is complete. I don’t have time to blow dry and straighten my hair, so I wear it wavy. With a handful of mousse, I scrunch it into big loose golden waves over my shoulders. A little eye shadow, mascara, and I’m ready to go. When I reach the living room Stacy looks at me with an obnoxious glare.

What? I ask, looking down at myself, feeling like I forgot to do something.

You kill me. Fifteen minutes and you can look like that!

I give her a big grin. Shall we put our shopping skills to the test and buy us a hot new wardrobe? Maybe later we can have Jennifer and Caleb over.

Oh, that is a great idea, but right now I’m having caffeine withdrawals. Let’s go get some coffee before I turn into an ogre. There’s a Starbucks not too far from here.

In the car I admire my new surroundings. The tall buildings are a different setting than I am use to. Trees and open rolling hills is my normal landscape. Stacy rambles on about everything we are going to do today, and I try to pay attention, but I am lost in this vast new setting. It doesn’t take long before we pull up outside the coffee house, and traffic is crazy. Cars are buzzing down one side while a traffic jam from a broken down vehicle is on the other side. People are honking their horns as if that will magically repair the car and move them on their way. It's madness.

What do you want? I’ll run in and grab it so you won’t have to wait on a place to park.

An espresso macchiato. Thanks, Averi.

I jump out of her Lexus and head into Starbucks. A small line is forming in front of the counter, so I wait patiently and look around at all the people in my new city. Everyone here seems to really enjoy Starbucks. It’s a busy little coffee shop, and oddly enough I like it. It’s completely different from what I’m used to. Of course I had a Starbucks back home, but it didn’t conquer the hustle and bustle of city life.

Glancing around, I take notice at how fast-paced everyone is. It’s almost like they’re stuck on fast forward. Then my eyes come to a grinding halt with my heart ramming into my breast bone. Sitting at a table not too far from the checkout counter is the most drop-dead gorgeous sight of a man that I have ever laid eyes upon. I suddenly feel light-headed as my stomach gets this weird fluttery sensation and my palms become somewhat clammy.

He’s wearing a light blue button-down shirt that fits snuggly against his toned body. The pale color is strangely replicating his extraordinarily bright blue eyes that I can plainly see from across the room, along with a dark navy tie that matches his slacks and suit jacket that is draped across the back of a chair.

He has inky black hair that flows over his forehead in shuffled disarray that is sexy as hell. I scan my database for an image of anyone that may remotely come close to this devastatingly handsome man, but end up with none. He is perfect. With pallid blue eyes and hair as dark as night, it gives him a wickedly hypnotic look that is uncanny and swoon worthy.

I continue to wistfully stare in his direction as the line inches closer. I should seriously be arrested for eye-raping this poor man in the middle of a crammed Starbucks.

Surely that has to be a crime.

He’s working on his laptop with an expression of deep concentration that makes me smile like an idiot. And of course he would choose the exact moment that I’m grinning like a circus clown to glance up, making direct eye contact with me.

Shit, caught in the act of ogling like a fool.

He must have felt me secretly running my hands through that glossy black hair while nibbling on that full pink bottom lip. Rather than being ashamed and highly embarrassed, I’m too mesmerized by the Adonis sitting just a few feet away that has all my lady parts kicking into gear, making me a hot mess.

He gives me the most alluring smile that in return makes his eyes smile. Even the teenage girls behind me notice him, whispering and giggling about how hot he is, along with a few other things that teen girls shouldn’t know about. I am fixated, and it feels like the whole world has stopped and we are the only two people left on the planet. The giggling teens behind me vanish along with all the other busy bees in the coffee shop. It’s just me and him. Alone.

Ma’am? A voice breaks my trance, reminding me of where I am. I’m next in line, and I don’t know how long the guy behind the counter has been trying to get my attention. I want to say, ‘Sorry, I was distracted by the mouth-watering eye candy to your right,’ but I flush with embarrassment instead. I wonder if Starbucks boy noticed my inappropriate inhibitions.

What can I get for ya? the boy asks with a thin smile that shows off his shiny braces.

Um...I need a medium Espresso Macchiato and a small Cinnamon Dolce Latte please, I say, faster than intended. I can’t think straight. All I can think or see are those blue eyes.

Damn him for looking at me.

Subtly, I chance a glance at Mr. Gorgeous to appease my sudden naughty appetite to see that he’s still watching me...intently.

Wow! The devil that starts with a B never looked at me like that. Our relationship was merely all about him. The worst two years of my life.

That’ll be $8.64, the barista boy interrupts my thinking again. I reach in my purse to pay for the coffees, only to find no wallet. Oh shit, it must have fallen out. I quickly scan the floor with no luck of seeing it. It must be in Stacy’s car. Damn it! Nope, this isn’t embarrassing at all.

Uh...sorry but can you give me a second? I left my wallet in my car.

Ma’am, I would love to stand here and admire you all day, but we’re pretty busy. He points to the long, growing line behind me. Really? Do that many people like Starbucks? Their coffee is good and all, but really, it’s not that good.

It’s on me, says a deep, smooth, southern voice that runs like silk through my ears, creating a cluster of chills that slide across my skin. I turn to the devastatingly deep voice and instantaneously become a mess of hot goo.

There he is, standing next to me, so close a crisp and spicy smell showers my nostrils. It’s absolutely divine.

Thank you, I manage to say in a voice I don’t even recognize. I am lost, momentarily dumbfounded in a lap of amnesia. Nothing this gorgeous exists in Tennessee, and I find myself gawking at his beauty. Hopefully it’s not noticeable.

So, do you make a habit of going into coffee shops to catch the attention of random men in order to get them to buy your coffee? Because last I checked that’s what women do in a bar. A smoldering grin plays on his lips while he passes a gold card to Starbucks boy.

I caught his attention? My insides begin to melt and I feel weak at the knees. They could seriously buckle at any minute. How sexy would that be— me falling flat on my face in front of this mound of perfection.

He stares at me patiently, waiting for me to say something, and all the while I notice how smooth his skin looks, and how perfectly sculpted his pink lips are. God did a number on this man. You would think it would be a sin to be so beautiful. I know that’s not the manliest word to use, but it’s the only one to accurately describe him.

No, but that’s a thought, I choke out finally with a flirty smile.

Here are your coffees, ma’am. Starbucks boy passes me the cups with a big flirty grin of his own.

Thank you.

This time tomorrow, I’ll have it waiting for you. He winks at me, making me blush.

Mr. Gorgeous shifts his weight a little. His blue shirt pulls tighter with his movement, giving me a closer inspection of how amazing the body is that’s hidden underneath. I shift uncomfortably, squeezing my thighs together at the intense heat flaming in my core. The hint of his cologne combined with a hint peppermint is enough to set me ablaze.

Are you with someone? he asks, looking around as we walk off to the side of the counter and out of the way for the next caffeine deprived junkie in line.

It’s obvious someone is with me. I did get two coffees after all. I don’t need the one I just purchased—Mr. Gorgeous purchased—I haven’t been to the gym in almost two weeks, so the calories from this heated beverage is sure to make its way straight to my hips. Wait, what was his question?

My best friend. She’s waiting for me outside—parking is terrible. Thanks again for the coffees. I owe you one.

Well, let’s start with a name then. I’m Damian. He holds out his hand. I take it after shifting around the coffees, feeling a tingle surge through my entire body from the warmth of his soft hand.

Averianna Shay Brooks, I reply fast and disorderly. What the hell? Why did I say my full name? I sound like a complete moron! My dad and my brother are the only ones to call me Averianna, and that’s when they’re mad at me, and I threw in my middle name in to top it off… can you say idiot? My nerves are a jumbled wreck, piling on top of each other like a freeway pileup. This man is doing things to my insides that have me worried I might not live to enjoy my calorie-filled latte.

He crooks those luscious pink lips in a potent way, arching his thick brows which leaves his eyes wide open for all to see. I think he just realized I’m a huge dummy. I mean, who gives their full birth name when simply asked for their first name? Me. The nervous sketchy fool that can’t think straight around a libidinous creature, that’s who.

Averianna, he whispers as if taste testing it. That is a beautiful name.

Thank you. Please...just call me Averi. My dad and brother are the only ones who use the whole thing. I feel the uncontrollable blush that sweeps over my face. I bet I look like a circus clown without the twisted grin.

I happen to like the sound of Averianna. So add me to that list of people who call you by your full name, he replies deeply. Do you live nearby?

A blazing look appears on his face that heats every one of my pores with small explosions. Is it just me or did it get really hot in here? I swear I feel like I’m cooking from the inside out. Does this happen to every woman within his proximity? I’m certain it does. I briefly scan around us to