You Save Me

By L.N. Chandler

When international business student Lilyana Quinn goes out on the town to celebrate her upcoming graduation, she encounters charming, sexy Jaxon Storm...the man who’s been the center of her fantasies for months. Despite her protests to the contrary, Lily finds herself drawn to the irresistible CEO. Jaxon has wanted Lily since the moment he met her. Desperate to get her to face her feelings and give him a chance, he refuses to take no for an answer.

When they enter into a tenuous yet passionate relationship, Lily is shocked at how quickly their bond grows. As much as she wants to be with him, she can’t break free from her abusive father. Unwilling to put Jaxon at risk, she tries to push him away. When he won’t go, she must decide to leave him or allow herself to trust him with her darkest secrets.

• Language: English
• Publisher: L.N. Chandler
• Release date: Mar 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311561589

L.N. Chandler

I live in Lattimore, N.C with my husband, two children, and adorable lab Abu. As an East Carolina University business major, creative writing was my favorite class. After my first book, "Sanctuary in St. John" I was addicted to writing romantic fiction. I love creating characters my readers can connect with.In addition to writing, I enjoy long walks, music, and spending time at the beach.

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YOU SAVE ME

Written by L.N. Chandler

Copyright © 2016 L.N. Chandler

This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance in persons, living or dead, places, events, or locales is coincidental. All characters in this work are fictional and are produced from the author’s imagination.

Cover art is designed by the author.

In memory of my sweet, precious, beloved Nanny Jackson.

Forever in my heart.

Prologue

June 3, 1994

I close my eyes listening to his footsteps pound on the floor as he stomps towards my room. The covers are pulled over my head and my breathing is fast but quiet. I try hard to stay perfectly still and not make a sound. If he thinks I’m sleeping, maybe he’ll leave me alone tonight.

"Lilyana!" he bellows. He’s mad again. I can’t help but tremble at the anger in his voice. Tears fill my eyes as my body shakes with fear. I try to make the tears stop. The guys would call me a crybaby if they saw me crying and hiding under my covers. But I can’t help it. They don’t know how bad it hurts. No one does.

I want my mama. But she’s gone. She died five days ago. That’s when the hitting started. My daddy was always nice to me before. I was never scared of him. But he’s not nice anymore. Now I’m always scared when he’s around.

The footsteps are closer now. My heart pounds with each step. He’s coming to get me. The door knob turns. I squeeze my eyes shut tighter. The bang of the door bouncing off its rubber stopper makes me jump.

"There you are you little whore" he snarls angrily.

I hear him coming and am helpless to defend myself. He jerks the covers off me. I can’t stop the scream of fear that escapes.

"Didn’t you hear me calling you?" he yells.

I look up at him with eyes full of fear. There’s no right way for me to answer. Whatever I say won’t stop what’s coming.

"Answer me, dammit! he yells as he grabs me by my hair and pulls me up close to his face. Did you hear me calling you?"

"Y--yes s-s-sir" I stutter.

My eyes want to cry but that only makes him angrier so I try to stop them.

"Then I guess I’ll just have to show you what happens to little girls that don’t answer their father when he calls their name."

He twists my hair tighter, grabs my arm, and pulls me from the bed.

"No Daddy...please. I’m sorry. I--"

"Shut up! I don’t want to hear your sniveling, whining excuses" he snarls as he glares down at me. He’s gripping my arm so tightly it will be bruised tomorrow.

"Da--"

My plea is brutally interrupted when he lets go of my arm to hit me in the back with his fist. He hits me hard enough to knock the breath out of me, effectively stopping me from talking.

"Now shut up and take your punishment." As he says this, he wraps my hair around his fist and starts pulling me from the room.

I barely manage to stop the scream of pain it causes but cannot stop the tears that begin rolling down my face. As he drags me down the hallway and the steps by my hair, I try to block the pain from my mind but it hurts. Really bad.

I don’t understand. Why is he so mean? I wish I could tell the guys how he hurts me, but Daddy says I’m a stupid six-year old and no one will believe me. He says it’s discipline because I misbehave and it’s nobody else’s business. If I talk, he’ll take me far away where no one knows us. I would have to leave the guys. They are my best friends in the whole world. I don’t want Daddy to take me away from them. So I have to keep it a secret.

Mama used to listen to all my secrets, but she’s gone now. I don’t have anyone.

Daddy has stopped walking but won’t let go of my hair. When he turns on the light showing me where we are, the screams I’ve kept inside echo off the walls.

Chapter 1

Eighteen years later...

Come on Kenz! We’re going to be late.

I’m coming! I’m coming!

She comes into the room hopping on one foot as she tries to slide on her other shoe. Quite an impressive task considering the foot she’s hopping on is encased in a four-inch stiletto heel.

Just stop and put it on Kenz. You’re going to fall and get hurt.

You were rushing me! I had to hurry up before you had a meltdown!

I didn’t realize all you had left to do was put on a shoe. I figured you were still standing in front of your closet naked looking for something to wear.

I’ll have you know I had already decided on what to wear. Thank you, Wiseass.

Yeah…but you always claim you know exactly what you’re going to wear. And you inevitably change your mind fifteen times. So…. I let my voice trial off as I smile at her. She knows I’m right.

So…. She mocks me in a sing-song, childish voice, making me laugh.

You look great, Kenz!

So do you Lily. Hot as hell actually. That dress is great on you!

I smile and turn in a circle giving her the full model spin making her laugh. It was an impulse purchase last week when she insisted on my presence during one of her infamous shopping sprees. It’s a fitted red halter-top dress that shows all my curves.

Come on girl…let’s go dance our asses off. She loops her arm through mine and after locking up we set off to meet our friends.

We step outside and look around for the driver scheduled to pick us up. After the week we’ve had, neither of us wanted to drive, so we called the service her parents use and scheduled a driver for the night. Kenzi spots him and we walk to where he is waiting.

Good evening, ladies.

Good evening, Niles.

We smile and hug him, making him blush. He has been our driver several times, and we’ve grown fond of him. He’s in his early forties and built like an NFL linebacker. Having Niles around is great when we are trying to get away from guys who can’t take the hint.

Are you ladies going to behave this evening?

Probably not is my response.

Hell no! is Kenzi’s adamant response.

Niles smiles at us and opens the door so we can climb in.

Then it should be a very interesting night. Where’s our first stop?

Pawley’s we say in unison earning another smile from him.

He returns to his side of the car, climbs in and we are on our way.

Pawley’s Front Porch is one of our favorite hangouts. The food is good and they don’t mind having large, loud college crowds.

Kenzi gets a call from her Mom and while they talk, I reflect on how unexpected her friendship was when we met five years ago.

In many ways, we are each other’s opposite. Kenzi is tall and lean. She’s 5’8" and has the look of a runway model. She has narrow hips and a 32B bust line.

I, on the other hand, am only 5’6". I’m not as lean as Kenzi and would never be mistaken for a runway model. Due to my passion for working out and Krav Maga, my body is toned and athletic looking compared to Kenzi’s willowy-looking frame. And of course, my hips aren’t quite as narrow and my bust line is a very full 32C.

I’m very fortunate that we share the same size 4 in clothes (unless the top is tight, then I’m too chesty for it) and size 8 in shoes. We share both equally. It’s a great way to have a very expansive wardrobe.

Kenzi has blonde, shoulder-length, straight hair that’s cut to curve and frame her heart-shaped face. She has beautiful green eyes that sparkle when she’s happy and turn a deep emerald green when she’s angry.

My long auburn tresses fall to the middle of my back. Its natural waves gives me volume when desired but isn’t so much it’s hard to manage. The few layers in it are designed to--hopefully--make my round face appear a little longer. My blue eyes are probably my best feature. Like Kenzi’s though, they are the windows to my emotions if I’m not careful. It’s a good thing I learned early on to mask my feelings.

Where Kenzi has beautiful classic features, I’m fairly plain in comparison. I’m okay with that. I know I’ve never been what guys consider a total babe like they do Kenzi. She’s always telling me that I underestimate myself. She’s a good friend that way.

For all our opposite traits, we get along exceptionally well. We met our first year in college at the University of South Carolina in Columbia when we were both trying out for the university’s dance team.

As freshmen, we were both extremely nervous. We had been invited to tryouts—which was part of the battle—but we still had to tryout and make the team. We hit it off the first day. We practiced together and in the end, both made the team and remained on it during our undergraduate years.

We only had two classes together the first semester. Once it was over, we made sure we coordinated our schedules so that our classes matched as much as possible. It was fairly easy to do since we were both business majors.

I spent so much of my time with her dancing, studying and hanging out that I eventually moved in with her into her off-campus apartment. My roommate and I had never really bonded. I think she was secretly glad to see me go.

The first year and a half was difficult for me since I had to take a part-time job to help pay my share of the rent. Kenzi’s parents tried to talk me out of it, insisting they didn’t mind helping me out, but I refused their generosity. I didn’t want a hand out. I wanted to make my own way.

Of course, I could have called my father, but that’s always a desperate, last resort. To say we don’t get along is an understatement. After my mother died when I was six, my father became a mean tyrant with no idea how to care for a vibrant, full-of-energy six year old girl. My happy childhood came to an abrupt halt. As I got older, things didn’t get any better.

So, I worked to make ends meet until my twentieth birthday when I received access to the trust fund my grandmother left me. It wasn’t enough to live off for the rest of my life, but it was enough to get me comfortably through college and then some—especially with the scholarship I worked my ass off to keep.

My father was furious when he found out the attorney for my grandmother’s estate contacted me directly rather than going through him. He tried everything to keep me from getting the gift she had left me. It’s fortunate Grams knew enough about her former son-in-law to make sure there was no way he could get his hands on the trust fund. Of course, I paid a price for accepting what was rightfully mine. He made sure of that.

Grams was my maternal grandmother. When I was younger, we were very close. Not too long after my Mom died, she had a nervous breakdown. She wasn’t around to save me from my father. No one was.

According to her attorney, Grams contacted him right after my mom died and made the final arrangements for her estate should something happen to her. When she died a few years after my mother, everything she owned was sold and the proceeds were placed in trust for me.

As much as I appreciate the money and the freedom it gives me from my father, I would much rather have Grams in my life. After Mom died and things went bad with my father, I desperately wanted to go live with her. When she had her nervous breakdown, any chance of that happening was gone. Maybe if my father hadn’t had the pressure of taking care of me, he wouldn’t have turned on me. If Grams had been able to help him, things may not have gone so wrong.

But they did and all the maybes and what ifs can’t change the past. Nothing can.

After having to rely so long on my father financially, the day I received access to the trust fund was a day I celebrated extensively. Not because of the money, but because there was no longer a need for me to rely on my father for anything. For the first time in a very long time, I felt a sense of freedom and relief.

Kenzi celebrated with me when I quit my part-time job. While she didn’t know all the details of my past relationship with my father, she knew enough to know that not having to depend on him for anything was an enormous relief for me. No one really knows the hell I lived through—my father made sure of that.

Mom really wants you to reconsider coming with us on our trip after graduation.

I look over at Kenzi, grateful she interrupted my line of thought. William Radford Quinn, my father, is not worthy of my musings.

I know she does, but I’d rather get settled into our new place and hopefully start a new job.

When we graduate in two weeks, Kenzi and I are moving to Charleston, South Carolina. Her parents have a condo near downtown and are insistent we live there while we work to establish our careers. Since they very seldom use the condo, they didn’t have to twist our arms.

You really should take some time off before you start work. You know that, right?

I smile at her. She’s tried several times to convince me to go with her and her family on their trek through the Caribbean islands after graduation.

No, I don’t. It’s a family trip. Besides, I’ve already made plans with the guys. Once they help me get us moved in, they’re staying to visit for a few days. I’ll be fine, Kenzi.

You’re always fine Lily. I’ll just miss you.

She gives me the infamous McKenzie Ashworth pout, which is usually how she gets her way. Good thing I’m immune to it.

I’ll miss you too. Time will fly and you’ll be back before we know it.

Not ready to concede defeat, she tries another tactic.

It’d be a great place to cash in that v-card of yours. You’d never have to see the lucky guy again. She nudges me with her elbow and gives me a cocky smile.

I laugh and roll my eyes at her. My virginity is something of a mystery to her. She doesn’t understand how I’ve managed to keep it for all of my twenty-three years. Explaining it to her is difficult and makes me feel foolish.

It’s just something else for which I should thank my father. Repeatedly calling an adolescent girl a whore does something to her psyche; or at least it did mine. Rather than dwell on that thought too much, I find a smile and direct it at Kenzi.

My v-card and I are just fine, thank you very much.

Whatever…you just don’t know what you’re missing.

She wiggles her eyebrows up and down suggestively. I laugh and we settle into an easy conversation about our impending graduation.

It’s hard to believe we’ll be graduating in two weeks. I’ll have my master’s in International Business and Kenzi will have her master’s in Business with a focus in marketing and advertising. We both started out as business majors. As classes progressed, we each found our own little niche.

Kenzi has accepted a position with an advertising firm in Charleston. Her father, a very wealthy investment banker in Columbia, has connections he used to help secure his daughter’s future. Of course, the firm will be lucky to have Kenzi. She’s brilliant and will be amazing in her role.

I have interviewed with several companies. My heart’s desire is for the position with a business consulting firm based in Charleston. Moss Consulting is the top business consulting firm there is, making a position there highly sought after. The firm is owned and operated by Erin Moss—perhaps the youngest, most admired CEO in all of Charleston. She had a dream after graduating college and worked exceptionally hard to make it happen. Now, at the young age of thirty, she is at the top of her profession. The firm provides business consultants to companies world-wide. Its reputation is exceptionally well-known and companies pay top dollar for its consultants.

I was stunned when an interview was granted. The trip to Charleston for the interview was eight days ago. They were impressed with my flawless GPA and the graduate business project on which I had worked my ass off. I was delighted to have received a call. The interview went very well, now I’m just waiting.

My father is connected well enough that he could have secured me a position like Kenzi’s father did for her. The difference is that even if he would consider helping me—which he would not—I wouldn’t accept his help. Ever.

Again, Kenzi rescues me from thinking about him. Remember our promise?

Absolutely! Drink and dance our asses off!

She laughs and I join her. We have finals starting next week, so this is our last night to blow off steam until our last exam is over. We’re meeting some of our friends for dinner then going clubbing for serious dancing and drinking. It should be a fun night.

____________________

Niles pulls up to Pawley’s. He opens our door. We step out and go inside and see several of our friends are already there and have gotten a table large enough to accommodate all of us.

Dinner is great. We drink and eat while sharing stories of our time at USC. We laugh until we cry. It’s kind of sad to think that in two weeks most of us will go our separate ways and may never see each other again.

After dinner, we decide it’s time to hit the dance floor. We decide to start at Trax—our favorite dance club. We like it because it plays a wide mix of songs. Whoever said variety is the spice of life was on to something. We like variety when we dance. It doesn’t hurt that the bar is great too.

Kenzi and I climb back into the car and tell Niles where we are going. As he’s pulling into traffic, my phone rings. I look at the screen and see Stacey’s face.

Hey Stace…what’s up?

Hey Lily. We thought we’d come for a visit. Will you be home?

No. Kenzi and I are out on the town tonight. Want to meet us at Trax?

No. We don’t want to intrude. We can come another time.

Shut up Stacey. Meet us a Trax.

You sure?

"Yes.

Okay. We’ll see you there.

I hang up and put my phone back in my tiny purse.

Is he meeting us?

Something in Kenzi’s voice catches my attention. She sounds reserved or maybe unsure--two things McKenzie Ashworth never is.

Yeah. You don’t mind, do you?

Of course not. Is he flying solo?

No. He said ‘we’ so I’m guessing Tucker is with him.

She doesn’t say anything, and I find it very odd. Kenzi always has something to say.

What’s going on Kenz?

What do you mean?

She tries to say it nonchalantly, and if I didn’t know her better, I’d let her get away with it. But I know there’s something going on between her and Stacey. I picked up on it the last time we all hung out. She’s not saying and even more surprisingly, neither is he. He tells me everything. Or at least he did.

Are you ever going to tell me what’s going on with you and Stacey?

Nothing. She tries to sound adamant, but she won’t look at me, so I know she’s holding something back.

Can you look me in the eye and tell me that?

She looks at me and for a second I think maybe she can. Just before she speaks, she closes her eyes and looks away.

The last time we were all together, we kind of….kissed.

I stare at her. They kissed? Stacey and Kenzi? And neither of them told me? Odd.

Please don’t be mad, Lily.

Mad? Why on earth would I be mad? I’m surprised she thinks I would be upset by it.

He’s…I don’t know…like a brother to you. I don’t want it to be weird for you.

It’s not weird for me Kenzi. I just find it strange neither of you mentioned it.

I don’t know. I just thought maybe I had breached some sister-brother thing.

She shrugs her shoulders and looks down at her hands. It’s unusual for me to see Kenzi unsure about anything. She’s always so self-confident and sure of herself. I reach over and take her hand.

Hey…it’s fine. Really. I’m not at all upset. Yes, Stacey is like a brother to me—all four of them are—you know that. But you are also like a sister to me. Just be careful. I don’t want you—or Stacey--hurt.

I know. We haven't talked since it happened. I don't plan on mentioning it unless he does. It wasn't a big deal, just something that kind of happened, you know?

I nod, even though I'm not sure how a kiss that didn't really mean anything and just kind of happened has Kenzi in knots. To anyone else, it wouldn't be noticeable. But it is to me. I won't push her to talk about it till she's ready though.

So are all of your brothers coming to graduation next week?

She chooses the perfect topic to distract me. My face lights with a smile when I think about the four guys in my life. Stacey, Nate, Ben and Tucker are like brothers to me. We have been friends since before kindergarten. I was an only child and a tomboy to boot. I solidified my bond with them after punching the preschool class bully in the nose for taking Tucker’s lunch one day. After that, they welcomed me into their boys’ only club. We have pretty much been inseparable since.

We all attended the same high school and graduated together. When it came time to decide on colleges, I was afraid we would all separate. They were the only people in my life close to me. The thought of moving away from them terrified me. For simplicity’s sake USC was the best choice for me. But that didn’t mean it was best for them. Having been all-star football players in high school, they had many scholarship offers. They could have chosen anywhere to go to school. When they told me they were all going to USC, I was so relieved I cried.

Of course, things have changed since they graduated two years ago. Ben and Nate have moved. Ben lives in Greenville, South Carolina where he’s a computer programmer and engineer. Nate lives in Beaufort, South Carolina where he’s a pharmacist. Fortunately for me, two of the guys stayed close. Stacey and Tucker live in Lexington County near Lake Murray where they own their own architectural firm. I’m proud of the success they’ve had so far. The company is growing quickly, so much so that Stacey says they’ve started the process of opening an office in Charleston. That makes me happy since being two hours away from them is the only thing making my upcoming move bittersweet.

Lost in my reminiscing, I realize I haven’t answered Kenzi.

Sorry. Yeah, I don't think wild horses could keep them away. They'll descend on us a couple of days early. Stacey's parents are coming too. I tried to tell them they didn't need to, but they were adamant.

Of course they were. You're like a daughter to them.

I smile thinking of Tom and Judy Killinger. If it had not been for them after my mother died, I may not have survived my father. When things got bad, I almost always went to Stacey and sought refuge in the Killinger home. For a long time, they didn’t know what was going on except that my father was drinking. I kept the bruises pretty well hidden most of the time. When that wasn’t possible, an excuse was always on the tip of my tongue.

The guys in my life knew almost nothing about the abuse. I worked hard to convince them it wasn’t a big deal and never told them how bad it really was.

Of the four guys, my strongest bond was with Stacey. We lived close to each other, and were the absolute best of friends. He knew a little more about it than the others--mostly because his house was my refuge.

One night after one of my father’s brutal drinking spells, Stacey found me, bruised and barely conscious, and carried me to his house. The next day, my clothes and other belongings were brought to me and I moved into the Killinger’s spare bedroom. I was fifteen.

When my father sobered up, he was furious. I just knew he was going to drag me back home, but by some miracle he didn't. Of course, he found every opportunity to make it known to me that he considered me an ungrateful brat who deserved every punishment he had ever doled out.

I’m not sure exactly what happened to make him let me stay, but whatever the reason, I’m glad. My body may not have survived many more beatings like that one.

Of course, in a way that only William Quinn can, he threatened me at every opportunity—especially the times he insisted on ‘visiting’ with me--against telling anyone about what happened in the privacy of our home. That was fine with me as long as he didn’t keep me from returning to the Killinger’s as soon as the visit was over. I had lied so long to protect him it was second nature.

As if knowing the path of my thoughts, Kenzi interrupts my flashback.

Have you heard from him? Do you think he’ll come?

No I haven't heard from him and seriously doubt he’ll be there. I’ve not invited him and hope he doesn't.

Lily--

No, Kenz I interrupt her. I don't want to talk about him. This is supposed to be a fun, carefree night. Talking--and thinking-- about my father will ruin that. Okay?

She thinks she’s helping by trying to get me to talk about my father. She and her father are very close, and she can’t understand why I am so adamant about not having a relationship with mine. Of course, if she knew the truth about the mighty William Radford Quinn, she would never speak about him again unless it was to curse his name. She’s very loyal.

Okay she acquiesces. Looks like we're almost there. Let's gloss our lips and get ready to party!

I laugh at how quickly her mood changed from serious to fun loving. But wanting to recapture the light heartedness of our evening, I do exactly as she suggests.

A short time later, we arrive at the club. As we climb out of the car, we see most of our friends from the restaurant are arriving as well. We make our way to the door, pay, and go inside.

Chapter 2

The music is loud and pumping. Kenzi and I make our way to the bar and order mojitos. We clink our glasses together and begin making our way to a large table. As our friends join us, we continue toasting and celebrating our impending graduation. The mood is festive and fun. When the song changes to an old eighties dance tune, Kenzi and I smile at each other and head to the dance floor.

Having been on the dance team together, it’s no surprise we love to dance. But dancing in a club is different from dancing on a team. One thing I absolutely love about Kenzi is that she loves to club dance as much as I do. Sure, we use some of the moves we learned with the team, but it’s still different. We don’t care if other people look at us when we dance—even when our moves are provocative. We dance for the pure, simple enjoyment of appreciating good music and shaking our bodies to the beat.

Where most of our friends require alcohol before getting loose on the dance floor, Kenzi and I don’t need liquid courage for that. We don’t really care what others think of our dancing. When we are in a club, it’s for our enjoyment—not theirs.

Four songs later we are standing side by side dancing to the beat as we watch a small crowd that has gathered in the middle of the floor. They are putting on quite a show. Kenzi gets my attention and lifts her hand mimicking taking a drink. I nod to let her know I understand and we head to the bar.

We get about halfway there when I see Stacey walk in, followed shortly by Tucker. I smile, glad they are here.

Then I see who follows Tucker and my heart drops to my toes. Of all the people they could have brought with them, why did it have to be Jaxon Storm?

There are Stacey and Tucker Kenzi yells into my ear.

I see them.

Come on lets--- She grabs my arm and starts pulling me in their direction then stops suddenly.

Oh shit! Is that who I think it is behind Tucker?

She looks at me with big eyes.

Yep.

Dammit! Why does he have to be with them? He doesn’t even live here.

She smiles wickedly at me. He’s hot as hell girl. Tell me again why it is you haven’t jumped his bones yet?

I roll my eyes at her.

Because, first of all, I don’t do the jumping bones thing—you know that. Secondly, I don’t know Kenz—he’s just too…intense.

Intense smense Lilyana Quinn.

I laugh at her made up word. It’s what Kenzi does when she thinks something I’ve said is bullshit.

He’s smoking hot. He looks at you as if he could devour you in one gulp. He has the serious hots for you. And if you’d stop fighting it, you’d see that you have the hots for him too.

Shut up Kenzi I say without heat.

She means well, but reminding me about the attraction I’m trying to pretend isn’t there doesn’t help.

Just saying, Lil. Think about it. She smiles over at me.

Before I can reply, the guys are standing in front of us. Tucker wraps me in a hug.

Hey sis! Are you behaving yourself?

So far, but don't expect it to last much longer.

He laughs, kisses me on the cheek and steps back. Stacey steps forward and hugs me as Tucker hugs Kenzi.

What made you guys decide to head this way tonight?

I hug him tightly. He kisses my cheek and steps back. I watch to see if he will hug Kenzi. After a brief hesitation he does. He steps back and smiles at her. She visibly relaxes. Hmmm....that's interesting.

Since when do we need a reason to come see you? he asks as he steps away from Kenzi.

I'm not saying you do. I'm just curious as to what brought you here tonight. It was pretty last minute.

It’s not a long drive from where they live, but because they are so busy with their new company, they don’t often come to downtown Columbia.

We found out this loser he gestures toward Jaxon was going to be in town and thought we'd drag him out with us.

Hey Jaxon. It's good to see you again Kenzi steps forward and gives him a quick hug.

It's good to see you too Kenzi. Are you ready for graduation?

Yes! If only I could get through exams! The next week is going to suck.

He laughs and looks at me. My heart starts pounding and my mouth goes dry. He is hot as hell, and dammit, Kenzi is right: I am so incredibly attracted to him.

Hello Lilyana.

Why does he say my name like that? Doesn’t he hear everyone else calling me Lily?

Hello Jaxon. I try to keep my voice even. The last thing I need is for him to know the affect he has on me.

What? No hug for me?

His voice is low and sexy. His silver-blue eyes have just enough of an I dare you to look to propel me forward.

Of course. I open my arms to give him a hug.

I expect it to be quick with very little touching—kind of like the brief hug he and Kenzi shared. But when Jaxon wraps his arms around me and pulls me to him, I feel it in every nerve of my body. He kisses my cheek and releases me.

It’s good to see you again.

When he steps back his eyes travel over me from head to toe. I feel my body heat in every place his gaze lands. Kenzi is right: it’s like he’s devouring me with one look. I don’t like the way it makes me feel. Even if I am attracted to him—Jaxon Storm is not my type.

Nice seeing you again too.

Then, in a daring moment, I give him the same once over he gave me--you know, to let him see how it feels. Tit for tat, right? I don’t rush while my eyes take in every gorgeous, sexy inch of him. Then, as if I’m totally unaffected by him, I meet his eyes, wink and turn to Kenzi.

Come on girl. They’re playing our song.

Forgetting all about getting a drink, I take her arm and pull her to the dance floor. I have no idea what song is playing, I just know that I need to put some distance between me and the way too sexy Mr. Storm.

What the hell was that Lilyana Quinn? she yells into my ear as we make our way to the dance floor.

What?

Knowing she won’t be fooled by my attempt at innocence, I don’t stop and avoid looking at her. She knows me too well. I can still feel the blush on my skin from mine and Jaxon’s visual assault on each other.

Don’t ‘what’ me! You know exactly what I’m talking about. You and Jaxon just ripped each other’s clothes off with your eyes!

I open my mouth to respond but before I get a chance, she’s speaking again.

In front of two of your brothers I might add! What were you thinking?

"What was I thinking? You do realize he started it, right? I was only returning the favor. He should know better than to look at somebody like that! Especially in public!"

"Lily, you should only look at a guy like that if you plan on following up on it. And you should never look at a guy like that in front of your brothers…ever!"

We’ve arrived at the dance floor. I turn around and face Kenzi. I look around her to where we left the guys. Tucker is talking to Jaxon. It doesn’t look like a very happy conversation. Stacey is glaring at him. Dammit. Why were they even paying me any attention?

I wasn’t thinking, Kenz. It pissed me off that my body responded to the way he was looking at me. I thought I’d give him a taste of his own medicine.

Yeah…well the next time you decide to do that, at least make sure no one else is watching. It was very….hot….and soooo not virginal.

She quirks an eyebrow at me as if she knows my thoughts about Jaxon Storm are as far off the virginal path as they can be.

Shut up Kenzi. I glance again in their direction and see Tucker still talking to him. I feel bad that my actions may be--at least in part--responsible for whatever Tucker is saying to him.

Maybe I should go rescue him. I take a step in that direction.

No! She grabs my arm. They’re too protective of you. Jaxon can handle himself. Let them work it out. Let’s dance.

I bite my lip indecisively. I don’t want to be the reason for what looks like an unpleasant conversation. I didn’t think about us having an audience.

Kenzi is right—my brothers are very protective.

Tucker turns and walks away and Stacey leans in and says something to Jaxon who nods as the two of them take off in the direction of the bar.

They seem to be fine, so I try to push the entire incident from my mind and turn my attention to dancing with Kenzi. As hard as I try not to, my gaze keeps returning to Jaxon as he and Stacey wait to order drinks.

What is it about him that gets me so out of sorts? There is no doubt he’s absolutely, positively drop-dead gorgeous—the epitome of masculine beauty. His approximate 6’2" height is perfectly proportioned to his muscular frame, complete with broad shoulders and chest that taper into a slim waist and flat belly. From the recent hug we shared, I know it’s all hard muscle. His jet black hair is shorter on the sides and back while the top is slightly longer and often times messy.

But I’ve been around extremely handsome guys before and never reacted to them the way I do to Jaxon Storm.

As if he feels my eyes on him, he turns and looks directly at me. Even from across the room, I feel the heat in his gaze. I tell myself to look away, but seem incapable of breaking the spell he has me under. Fortunately, Kenzi comes to my rescue.

Stop staring. You’re drooling, Lilyana.

Am not. I jerk my eyes to hers.

I hate it when she calls me Lilyana—it’s always when she’s trying to make a point or tell me something I don’t want to hear.

Not yet, but you’re close to it. If you’re that attracted to him, why not do something about it?

I told you. He’s too intense. And so not my type.

And exactly what is your type? So far, the entire time I have known you, you’ve kept every guy that shows an interest in you in the ‘friend’ category. You always find something about them that makes them not your type. Do you even have a type? Jaxon is handsome, successful, rich, and totally into you. How can he not be your type?

I scowl at her.

"Just because I don’t date a different guy every other week—like someone I know—doesn’t mean I don’t have a type. I’m not going to date a guy I only see as being a friend and nothing more. You’re right. Jaxon is all those things, so why on earth would he be interested in me? He’s only interested because I’m indifferent to his sex appeal."

Trust me. The look you gave him earlier was anything but indifferent.

I shoot daggers at her with my eyes.

Aren’t you supposed to be trying to help me?

I am trying to help you. I’m trying to encourage you to give an incredibly hot guy who is totally into you a chance.

Kenzi—

No, Lily. Just hear me out. You are a total babe.

I roll my eyes and she takes my hands in hers.

Stop it. You are. I don’t know what happened to make you think you are anything less than gorgeous. I don’t know who put in your head that you are unworthy of a guy like Jaxon Storm—or any other guy for that matter—but it’s just not true. Any guy would be lucky to have you.

I feel tears prick my eyes and literally will them away. This is something I’ve never talked with anyone about—not even my guys. I can’t go there with Kenzi. Not now and maybe not ever.

Kenzi, I--

Words fail me. I need to change the subject. It’s definitely too serious of a conversation to be having on the dance floor.

Let me say this, and I’ll drop it. You are hot. You are available. You have been attracted to Jaxon from the moment you laid eyes on him six months ago. Every time you guys are in the same vicinity, it’s electric. He’s very attracted to you. Whether you think he’s your type or not, give him a chance. If nothing happens, fine. But don’t rule it out before you even try. Okay?

I know there is no sense in arguing with her about it. She’s right--I have been attracted to him since the moment I met him. The problem is that I don’t want to be. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt. It’s very strong and powerful. It scares me and I don’t like it.

Rather than say that to Kenzi, I decide to agree with her so we can get back to the original purpose of our outing: carefree fun.

Okay. I’ll think about it.

Really? You will?

I laugh at the surprised look on her face.

Yes. Now come on. Let’s dance.

She laughs and drops my hands as we resume our dancing. After a couple of songs, Stacey, Tucker and Jaxon join us on the dance floor along with some of our other friends.

While we dance, it’s difficult for me to keep my gaze from drifting to him. Ever since Tucker introduced us six months ago, I’ve been unable to stop thinking about him—regardless of how many times I’ve denied it.

Considering he’s cousins with one my best friends, it’s surprising we hadn’t met before--especially given the amount of time I spend with Tucker and the guys. Of course, Jaxon is a few years older and attended a private out-of-state school. I vaguely remember Tucker mentioning his cousin Jax over the years, but our paths never crossed. Until six months ago.

An