Swaggered: Blue Collar Boys, #3

By Carol Rose

New contemporary romance by the author of the bestselling romance "Always". Ms Rose, author of Smooched(Blue Collar Boys, Bk 1) & Scrumptious(Blue Collar Boys, Bk 2), now offers Swaggered(Blue Collar Boys, Bk 3):

Tyler Thompson can’t believe his luck when long-time crush Amanda Sinclair proposes marriage. In Las Vegas for his brother’s wedding, he and Amanda share a sexy, hot night of post-marital bliss before she wakes up, shocked to find herself naked and married to Tyler. So caught up in having his passion returned, he hadn’t realized how drunk she was.

Although she’s been drawn to serial-dater Tyler for a long time, Amanda’s determined not to get involved again with a cheater. She’s sickened to realize just before her annulment hearing that she’s pregnant with Tyler’s baby and must remain married to him at least until it’s born. Amanda doesn’t know that Tyler gave up other women six months before, having fallen for her. After a troubled childhood, the Thompson family had adopted Tyler as one of their own children, but—although a fun, laughing man—he still has unsettled issues with his dark past.

Their passion pulls at them, but will a baby bring these two together? Can he Tyler make peace with the mother who abandoned him and convince Amanda that he no longer has any interest in any other woman?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol Rose
• Release date: Aug 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310589423

Carol Rose

Carol Rose is an award-winning author of contemporary romances. She has written twenty-five books, including Always and Forgotten Father. Her books have won numerous awards, including a final in the prestigious Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award. Carol is an active member of the North Texas Romance Writers. A frequent speaker at writers’ groups and conferences, she has taught workshops on characterization and, creating and resolving conflict. She works full time as a therapist. Her husband and she married when she was only nineteen and he was barely twenty-one, proving that early marriage can make it, but only if you’re really lucky and persistent. They went through college and grad school together. She not only loves him still, all these years later, she still likes him—which she says is sometimes harder. They have two funny, intelligent and highly accomplished daughters. Carol loves writing and hopes you enjoy reading her work.  www.carolrosebooks.com www.twitter.com -  carolrose@carolrosebooks https://www.facebook.com/carol.rose.author  

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Tyler woke slowly, swimming up from unconsciousness, aware of sunlight from somewhere, playing against his closed eyelids. He never woke up well and he’d learned to let it happen in increments. As he surfaced against the heaviness pulling him back to sleep, he became conscious of a comfortable bed under him and the warm pressure of—

A soft shriek close to his left ear, swiftly followed by a gasp, snapped his eyes open. He was always blurry at this point, but he immediately recognized a few things. He was in a barely-familiar hotel room...in Las Vegas, he thought, for his brother Noah’s wedding to Natalie...and a very warm and sexy Amanda was in bed with him.

A very naked, sexy and agitated Amanda was in bed beside him, now holding a sheet clutched to her beautiful chest like a shield.

Oh. My. God! Tyler, wake up! Her brown eyes squinted against the light.

I’m awake. I’m awake. He struggled to pull himself upright against the pillow, blinking as his brain waves shifted.

Tyler! Amanda moved on the bed next to him, bouncing the mattress.

He stuck out a hand. Can you just sit still for a moment and stop yelling, so I can wake up?

No! She did say this in a more moderate tone, however, bending to cradle her tousled head in her hands, her shoulder-length brown hair sticking out in odd directions. What are we doing here? Oh-my-god, oh-my-god. My head is killing me and I think I’m going to be sick.

Looking around his side of the bed, Tyler found a waste basket. Here. Use this.

Are you crazy? she moaned, throwing her legs off the bed, the sheet still clutched to her chest. I’m not throwing up right here in front of you. I need the bathroom.

Coming more fully awake, Tyler couldn’t help grinning. If you’re planning on taking that sheet with you, you should be aware that I think I’m naked under here. You might get to see my morning glory, if you get what I mean.

Amanda shrieked again softly, throwing her hand up to blinker one side of her vision as she continued climbing out of the king-sized bed. Don’t come over here!

I’m not going anywhere. He tucked his hands behind his head. Take the sheet if you want it.

Suddenly, she stopped tugging at the sheet and stood next to the bed with her right hand shielding her eyes from seeing him and her left hand lifted in front of her. She seemed frozen.

In a jerky movement, she stuck her left hand out in front of him, turning to glare at Tyler. Tell me what’s on this hand. There is—there is a ring on my finger! Look at this!

Yes. He blinked, still trying to clear the sleep fog from his brain. Yes, there is.

Tyler couldn’t help grinning.

Looks like a wedding ring to me, Honey. Reaching out, he rolled forward on the bed to take her outstretched hand in his as much for the contact as anything else, he studied the rock on her third finger. Nice one, too.

A ring with a huge rock!

He looked down at the ring. I don’t know. I don’t think it looks over-sized. It’s what? About two carats?

What! She looked at him in shock, snatching back her left hand.  

Tyler! I. Am. Not. Married! she shrieked and then cringed, holding her head, saying in a whisper, At least I wasn’t yesterday.

He shoved his hand behind the wrinkled sheets. If she’d noticed, he wore a matching band on his finger. Looks like you are now.

Tyler met her stricken gaze, his stomach plummeting at the look in her fine brown eyes as apparently the reality of their actions sunk in. In that moment, he knew Amanda didn’t feel as excited as he did about their marriage. Even the $15,000 ring didn’t brighten her eyes.

She clutched her midsection then and started dragging again at the sheet. With awkward moments that were hampered by her trying to pull the tucked-in sheet from under the cover on the bed, she lurched backwards. Finally, she wheeled around awkwardly, the sheet winding around her delicious body.

Girl— He cleared his throat. Girl, just go to the bathroom. You don’t have anything that I haven’t seen. That one stricken look on her face told him the road was rocky ahead and he knew better than to say how recently he’d seen the gorgeous curves under her sheet.

Just then, Amanda moaned again, stumbling back a few steps as the sheet came free. Turning she ran to the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her.

Trying to ignore her retching sounds like a gentleman, Tyler got off the bed and started searching for his clothes. He didn’t think she wanted to come out to find him sprawled naked on the bed. Despite her clear distress at the wedding ring on her finger, he grinned at the thought of it. Set up identical to the one he’d checked into two days ago, this was Amanda’s room. He hadn’t been wasted when they headed back here for fun time and her stuff was scattered around the room.

In a far corner, he found his boxers, while his jeans had ended up straddling a chair by the table.

After pulling on his jeans, he went over to the closed bathroom door. Leaning in, he thought he heard her sniffling. Amanda, honey. Are you okay?

The bathroom door opened rapidly and he straightened, unable to stop the smile that spread across his face. Even like this, hungover with her hair messy, he loved waking up to Amanda.

No, she snapped, her brown eyes bloodshot and damp. I feel like hell. Is there some water out there? My mouth is dry and my head is pounding.

Sure. Let me get you some. He went over to the mini-fridge, pulling out a bottle of water.

Having staggered out of the bathroom with the sheet still wrapped around her like a toga, Amanda sank down on the foot of the bed. She took the bottle he handed her, cracking it open and taking a swallow.

Tyler stood watching her, not sure what came next.

Heaving a shuddering breath, she met his gaze like a woman facing up to her mistakes. Did we, uh, spend the night together? I remember—

Knowing the road ahead would probably be rocky, he squatted down next to her. Yes. Yes, we did.

Amanda closed her eyes as if to gather herself. I don’t remember...everything, but...this wasn’t a platonic sleepover, was it?

No. It wasn’t. It didn’t do much for a man’s ego that she seemed so shattered by the fact.

Opening her eyes, she started slowly shaking her head. I wasted my college years. I spent all my time studying and working.

He couldn’t help smiling at this. What? Why?

If I’d partied more, I would have built up more of a tolerance to handle alcohol. Amanda stared ahead of her, her face locked in self-recrimination.

He lifted his head to her accusing glare, volunteering, There’s a marriage license over on the table.

Her head snapped in the direction of the table and she gulped in air. No. Oh, no.

Leaning forward, Tyler looked at her in concern. Amanda?

Who’s...? Who does it say I married?

Standing up, he went over to the table, lifting the stiff legal document decorated with elaborate printed flowers. Tyler turned back to her, knowing his disappointment and hurt probably showed on his face. You really don’t remember?

Just tell me! She wailed softly, her hand bracing her head as if she thought it might fall off.

You know who. Me, Amanda. You married me. We are...married. It had been pretty much one of the best nights of his life, but he clearly couldn’t say that to her at this moment.

Jumping up, she clutched at her stomach again, wailing, This can’t be happening! I can’t—we can’t— I need to—

Watching in concern, he saw her lunge again toward the rest room in her makeshift toga, pausing only to snag her purse from the low chest that held a television.

Tyler watched her. Honey, are you hyper-ventilating? Do you need a paper bag to breathe into?

Slamming the bathroom door behind her, Amanda reached over to turn on the sink faucet, letting the water rush out to cover any noise before she knelt on the cold tile floor in front of the toilet and retched into the ceramic bowl, fumbling in a frenzy to raise the seat. In a few moments, she lay back on the hard floor, promising heaven she’d never over-drink again. When she could think again—her stomach no longer wrenching inside her for the moment—she groped for her abandoned purse and gingerly fished out her phone.

She’d never done such a stupid, insane thing in her life. Married! And to a sexy, hot, man-whore like Tyler?! What was wrong with her? Why did she keep getting with men who couldn’t be faithful to one woman? After the last debacle, she’d promised herself she’d pick a better man next time. A man who knew not to drop his pants for every woman he met. Not a guy like Tyler.

Fumbling to find the phone icon, she scrolled past her brother’s number and those of her parents, shuddering at the thought of confessing this to her family—God, she’d not only gotten blind drunk, but when in that condition, she’d apparently married a sexed up, hotter-than-a-man-should-be, outright dog.

Tyler. Random snatches of memory floated into her brain then—the two of them lost in panting, straining...terrific sex. Amanda closed her eyes in shame, the memories spilling through her head. She’d ridden him like the stallion he resembled. And she’d really, really...really enjoyed doing it.

After years of giving him hell for sleeping with everyone from a college professor to a woman he’d met at a convenience store, she’d let herself get into the condition where she’d actually married him. Not just had sex with him, which would have been more acceptable considering the sex dreams she’d had about him before.

And he’d certainly lived up to those...

Bella? she whispered into the phone cradled in her hand when the call connected.

At the other end, her friend asked, Amanda? Is that you? You sound funny.

Still lying on the cold tile floor with the water running in the sink, her vision blurred as immediate tears flooded her eyes. Oh, Bella. I’ve done something really stupid!

Girl, are you okay? Bella’s voice sharpened. Are you in the hospital? Or did you get kidnapped in Sin City and sold into slavery?

She swiped at her eyes, No. It’s worse than that.

If she’d just followed through with those hot dreams and had hungry, hot sex with him, that would have been one thing, but she’d married the dude.

Okay. But you have your phone and you’re still alive, right? This was said in a bracing tone her friend hadn’t used with her—hadn’t ever needed to use with her.

Bella, I’m married! The confession came out in a wail as her voice rose.

What? You’re what? To who? Did you meet someone? It was almost an accusation. I’ve always said when you actually fell, you’d do it in a big way. I can’t believe I don’t get to be your bridesmaid.

I didn’t meet someone new. And this is not a good thing. She couldn’t keep the exasperation out of her voice. I...I married...Tyler.

For a flash of a second, she remembered his hand cupping her breast, teasing her nipple until she’d whimpered. Amanda gulped in a breath, forcing herself to focus on her current dilemma.

Tyler? Her friend sounded perplexed. The big, good-looking blond guy you work with? The brother of the guy who’s getting married in Vegas?

Yes. Amanda looked at the ceiling and wondered if she could will herself to die at this moment. She felt that bad. This wasn’t the first time she’d gotten involved with a man who couldn’t keep his penis out of every available vag, but she’d never married one before.

Tyler? The sexy man-whore you’ve been talking about for...I don’t know, years?

She emitted a sound between a sigh and a sob.

Holy crap! Bella said, the full picture apparently sinking in for her. Amanda, what were you thinking? Haven’t you been down this road before? I mean, not married or anything, but...wow.

I don’t know what I was thinking! I wasn’t thinking! Her voice rose.

Calm down. Calm down, honey.

Waves of regret and self-recrimination drowning her, Amanda said, He called me that! Honey! Oh, God, what am I going to do?

You’re going to breathe— her friend instructed.

That’s the same thing he said!

Amanda, it’s okay. It’s okay. This isn’t the end of the world, Bella soothed.

Trying to get hold of herself, she took a steadying gulp of air and focused on what her friend was saying.

Don’t lose your shit now. Remember, you’re the calm one. When your brother fell off his motorcycle and had to be hospitalized, you were the one who helped your folks hold it together. When Brad turned out to be cheating with that other girl, you handled it. You got your shit together and dumped him. You were smart. You’re a competent, skilled woman. You run that architectural salvage yard office with hardly a lift of your finger.

Amanda took another breath, trying to calm herself. You’re right. Of course, you’re right. I’ve just...never done...anything this stupid before.

Bella’s tone was bracing. Well, then you’re due. We all do crazy things sometimes. It’s part of being human. You’re smart, but you sometimes fall off the path.

Staring glumly up at the bathroom ceiling, she responded. I sure as hell did this time. A family is in my long-range plan, Bella. You know that. I want to get married someday and do the kids and white picket fence thing, but not with someone as unsteady and unreliable as Tyler. No matter how sexy he is. Not with him! I promised myself not matter how hot the guy is, I’m never again getting with someone who is incapable of being faithful! I’ve been with that kind of slimy guy twice before.

Even if Tyler was entrancing to kiss and his broad chest and tight abs felt delicious under her hands...

Amanda’s gulp turned into a sob. He’s not the man for me, but I married him!

Okay... Fortunately, her friend continued, this can be fixed. I imagine, all it will take is a lawyer, some money and a visit to a judge to get your mistake annulled.

Yes. She loved Bella. Having gone to college together—and bonded over chemistry exams—they’d become the best of friends. An annulment. That—that’s right.

So you just need to get yourself packed and take the first flight back here. I don’t know if—if your...husband—wants everyone to know what you guys were up to last night, but I’m sure he’ll go along with whatever story you come up with about missing the wedding. It was for this afternoon, wasn’t it?

Yes—but— Amanda closed her eyes. I think the first thing I need to do is throw up again.

Okay, Bella responded. Do whatever you need to do. Call me later.

After finishing kneeling before the porcelain god, Amanda flushed the toilet and turned to the sink to rinse out her mouth. She washed her face, careful not to meet her own accusing gaze in the mirror, and then turned off the faucet. Hell, she’d really done it this time. This was so not like her. Yes, she had picked bad, stupid, unreliable guys before, but she’d never been foolish enough to marry one.

After she turned off the water, she paused, listening to hear if any sounds came from the room. Maybe Tyler had left. She had no idea of his M.O. at this stage in an encounter and this clearly wasn’t just a sexual indiscretion. She’d never had a one night stand herself. Random sex with a stranger just hadn’t seemed worth the possible consequences of disease or death, no matter how hot the random stranger might have been.

Of course, Tyler was no stranger. And they’d done more than wrinkle the sheets a few dozen times...they’d gotten married.

Firming her mouth into a straight line, she anchored onto the determination that had gotten her through sticky moments. Maybe she hadn’t done the walk of shame, but she’d had her share of stupid moments. Witness Brad and Mike. She chose not to focus on these, but various episodes of bad judgment rose into her brain. Some of the guys she’d dated had ended up being real losers.

Tyler wasn’t a loser, but his morals were very different than her own, even if he was a big, good-looking blond dude. Really good looking and hot and sexy and fun....

Amanda drew in a slow breath, dragging her thoughts away from their night together. Hell, why couldn’t she remember the wedding, since she remembered the wedding night so clearly?

Again hoisting the sheet toga that she’d dropped inside the bathroom in her haste, she stood for a moment with her hand on the knob, trying to gather herself. It was hard to be dignified when totally naked, except for a sheet. Maybe he wouldn’t still be there, she reminded herself, opening the bathroom door.

She stepped into the hotel room, glad that her face usually didn’t give her away—and there he was in the flesh. He still wore his jeans, but he hadn’t put on a shirt, leaving his very attractive, lightly furred chest bare. It was a broad chest, damn him, and all she could think about for a moment was running her hands over it again.

Bad, Amanda. Bad!

Couldn’t you find your shirt? she snapped, her dark hair fluffed around her face. 

Tyler grinned at her. He should have expected this. Amanda’s go-to response to overwhelming situations tended toward the grouchy side.

Well, good morning to you, too, he drawled, leaning back against the rumpled bed. He’d had a thing for her for a long damned time and she was clearly upset about their marriage, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t going to enjoy this a little. He’d given up resisting her six months ago. He definitely had a thing for the dark-haired vixen in front of him.

He’d slept with women before, but he’d never even had the thought of marrying before.

Sorry for hogging the bathroom. I—I guess we both got pretty drunk last night. She wrapped her toga sheet more firmly around her body, her gaze narrowing as she looked at him. You don’t look like you feel all that sick.

No, not really. He knew his gawking at her now might bring out more of the beast, but he couldn’t help it. Seeing competent, smart-mouthed Amanda in an awkward moment was strangely endearing.

Oh. Her mouth twisted in an unamused smile. I can see this isn’t all that uncommon for you. You probably drink every weekend.

Correction. he suppressed his grin. This is very uncommon for me.

Crossing the room briskly, she shoveled through her suitcase. Over her shoulder, she said, This situation is kind of a mess, but it can be unraveled.

Uh, he shifted to face her as she continued rifling through the case. What do you mean? What do you have in mind?

She looked up at him. People get married. They can get unmarried.

Tyler studied her. She was beautiful and she’d been tempting him out of his mind for years. He hadn’t said anything before last night, but he’d come to conclusion that he cared for Amanda. Maybe even