Double Dare

By Rhonda Lee Carver

Zoe has a problem and his name is Lieutenant Jagmeyer. Zoe Carmichael has one true love—work. But a satisfying career doesn’t sate her desire for steamy Lieutenant Jagmeyer, a career military firefighter. He’s as anti-relationship as she is, if not more. She sees in him the perfect opportunity for a night of bliss. Jag is given orders to protect the colonel’s daughter who’d received a death threat. He wasn’t into glorified babysitting, but up for a promotion, he’d bend this one time. Then he meets Azalea “Zoe” and he feels the seams of his career snapping one by one. Unless...he can keep his zipper up and his one-night stand with her a secret.

Zoe wants seconds. With Jag on her radar, she sets out to seduce him, only to find that he does more than tickle her fancy. When the walls start to fall at the speed of a jet, neither can resist the fiery temptation.

Is Jag willing to give up everything he’s worked for to allow Zoe in his heart? Will Zoe love a man who bleeds military colors?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rhonda Lee Carver
• Release date: Mar 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311927811

Rhonda Lee Carver

Suffering from years of hopeless romantic notions with sexy, sassy heroines and bad-ass heroes taking residence in her mind, Rhonda decided to write, bringing the stories alive. With baby on hip and laptop on the other, and a couple of years later, Rhonda has published seven eBooks with a handful of spicy love stories waiting for the final touches. When Rhonda isn’t crafting edge-of-your-seat, sizzling novels, you will find her with her children, watching soccer, watching a breathtaking movie, traveling to exotic places, doing (or trying) yoga, and finding new ways to keep her smile bright. Rhonda thrives on making her readers happy. She believes life can be a challenge, but reading is a place where one goes to get away. Everyone deserves romance—one page at a time...

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Double Dare

2014 Rhonda Lee Carver

Copyright © 2014 by Rhonda Lee Carver

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States

Dedication

To my family

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold

or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person,

please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did

not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your

favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard

work of this author.

CHAPTER ONE

ZOE CARMICHAEL SIPPED her beer as she watched her friend and coworker, Darlene, toss back a tequila shot.

"Okay, are you going to tell me why you’re finding solace at the bottom of a shot

glass? You can talk to me, and my support comes without a hangover." Zoe had never seen Darlene so distraught.

Darlene gave her head a quick shake. You being here with me is enough support. You’re going to keep me from getting into trouble tonight with one of these hot men.

Zoe knew her friend teased—at least she hoped, but the more she thought the less she was certain of anything. Darlene didn’t seem her chattering self. Tonight they’d attended the dinner party given in honor of the Major General’s retirement and on their way back to their hotel room Darlene decided she wanted to stop at the bar and chill out.

Feeling overdressed in evening attire, Zoe tugged at the mid-thigh hem of her dress. She’d be more comfortable in a pair of jeans and T-shirt in the casual setting, but hopefully they’d be out of here after their drink.

She scanned the hangout from where she sat at the bar, counting at least twenty military men, some in uniform and some not, who wore beer goggles. All the physical signs of sexual tension etched their expression and the only thing missing were the words Danger, I’m horny across their forehead. They’d probably been overseas, or maybe they were fresh out of boot camp. Either way, she’d steer clear.

The bartender placed another cold bottle of beer in front of Zoe. She pushed it away. One was enough. I didn’t order this.

Compliments of the man at the end of the bar.

Zoe followed his nod. Sitting five stools down, the man held up his beer in greeting. She knew his type and she wasn’t interested. Tell him thanks, but no thanks.

Don’t mind her. Darlene took the bottle and placed it in front of Zoe. Tell the man she said thank you.

The bartender smiled, gave Zoe an understanding wink and left the unopened bottle.

Zoe twisted on the stool and glared at Darlene. I’m not interested in another beer and I’m definitely not interested in making new friends.

Darlene flicked a not-so-subtle glance down the bar. Why not? Dark hair, handsome face, nice body. What’s not to like?

One more drink and he’ll be under the barstool instead of on top of it. I like my men sober.

It’s only a drink, not an invitation for sex. Darlene waved a hand in the air and her giggle brought the attention of several nearby patrons.

Zoe knew Darlene was right, at least in a small way. Teetering on the uptight side of the fence, Zoe kept a rein on her actions. Always had. She knew too well how adding liquor to a sexual dry spell made smart people turn stupid. If she fell off the celibacy train, she didn’t want the experience lost in an intoxicated haze. There wasn’t anything wrong with being random-penis shy. She’d rely on her instincts to know when the time, or man, was right.

Movement in the corner booth, past Darlene’s shoulder, caught her attention again. The dim lighting didn’t help much, but every so often, she caught a glimpse of a muscled arm, sharp jawline and a booted foot. She had an odd sensation of being watched. Her curiosity sparked. Did she know him? She didn’t think it was possible.

Ask the guy for a dance already. You know you want to. Darlene flipped a thumb in the direction of the mysterious patron. You deserve some fun.

I’m not here to socialize. Zoe dragged her gaze away from the partially hidden stranger.

Come on, hun. We’re away from home. No one will know if you sample some brawny-shouldered, military hunk. Darlene laughed.

That’s not what I’m worried about— A clammy hand on her shoulder made her jerk. She slowly turned, looking up into a pool of green eyes and charming smile. Damn, she knew she should’ve sent the beer back.

He leaned closer and said in slurred speech, Hi, I’m Hunter. Zoe pulled back until she felt the edge of the bar dig into her side. She was getting a buzz from his breath alone. What’s your name, doll?

No, it’s not Doll. Zoe shot a glance over his shoulder where Darlene smiled impishly. At least someone found this funny.

Would you like to dance? Hunter lost his balance, sending his hand from her shoulder to the back of her neck.

I’m sorry, but these heels are killing my feet. She attempted to shrug his hand off her body, but instead his fingers slipped lower to the small of her back. Zoe didn’t want to be rude, but she also didn’t like being touched by a stranger—a drunken stranger at that.

Come on, Zoe. Live a little, Darlene urged.

Zoe shot her friend a shut-up-or-die glare. Planting a smile on her face, Zoe let him down

with a skilled delicacy. I’m afraid I’ll have to beg off tonight. But thank you for considering me. His mouth slid into a frazzled frown, and with a sloppy salute, he shoved off. Darlene, you’re bad. Very, very bad. Zoe shook her head, feeling her cheeks burn. Light a match and the man would catch fire.

His lips are nice. I bet he has all sorts of hidden talents. Darlene watched Hunter walk away, licking her bottom lip. Her friend didn’t have an ounce of modesty.

He’s so drunk I bet he can’t even feel his lips, let alone use them.

Honey, you know I love you, but you’re not getting any younger. You keep turning down the propositions, eventually they’ll stop coming. Darlene’s full lips thinned. Risk and fun would put that body of yours to good use.

Hey, I’m all about risk and fun. Didn’t I just film the ultimate documentary on the trials and tribulations of military trainees? Zoe pushed away her half-full bottle of beer. Didn’t I participate in a few of the physical drills?

Wow, Zoe, you want your medal now or shall I gift wrap it and send it to you in the mail?

Keep the medal, smartass. Zoe sighed as she smoothed a tendril of hair behind her ear.

I’m busy with work and that’s the way I like it. Darlene hiccupped and rubbed her nose. Zoe placed a hand on Darlene’s shoulder and gently squeezed. Ready to leave?

You’d miss all the excitement not dancing with the man you’ve been eyeballing since we got here.

Zoe faked a sniffle. Damn, I’m heartbroken.

This is your last night here, Zo, and you know what they say, everything’s bigger in Texas, including a man’s tool. Wouldn’t you like to find out if it’s true? Darlene wiggled her thin eyebrows.

My question is, who did the research to find out if men are bigger, uhh, down there, in this state?

Beats me, but I’d have volunteered. And from my own experience, size does matter and I haven’t been disappointed with Texas yet.

Zoe laughed. She shouldn’t encourage Darlene’s wit, but the girl had a point. I’ve been here for six weeks and I haven’t tested the theory on size. Why start now? The corner booth drew her like a magnet and she couldn’t keep her gaze away.

Come on, honey. You can’t tell me being stuck on a military base surrounded by virile, sweaty men dressed in uniform didn’t tickle your nether regions in the slightest. Darlene fanned her face as if the mere thought made her slick and bothered.

Darlene, I don’t mix business with pleasure. In fact—

In fact, you don’t mix business with anything and that’s why you’re the loneliest woman I know. Darlene fluffed her blond hair and her features softened. You know I only want happiness for you, and I can see you’re not happy. I’m not suggesting you rush and have sex with the first penis you come across, but enjoy life a little. Let’s face the facts—a year without sex makes you a second-time virgin, doesn’t it? Do you even know if your parts still work?

Yes, my parts still work. Maybe. "Okay, it’s been too long, and there are times I miss a

man’s touch, but sex is like riding a bike. Once you’ve ridden, you never forget how to ride. It’s not about when you took your last ride, but has everything to do with the bike you choose to climb on. I haven’t found one that’s suits my taste."

When you start comparing sex and riding a bike it’s a clear sign you need some entertainment. A hint of understanding glazed her eyes. I know you’re afraid but it’s time you let your guard down some and dip your foot back into the water. What happened to getting married, having a couple of kids? That used to be a dream of yours, until you allowed life to take over.

Okay, you’re getting sentimental. Have you been watching Oprah? It’s time we leave. Zoe grabbed her purse and started to slide off the stool when Darlene’s words stopped her.

You know I’m right. You block intimacy because you’re afraid.

Zoe chuckled. Afraid? Of what?

Afraid you may actually find Mr. Right and have to break down the wall around your heart, maybe even realize there’s more to life than making films.

Darlene wasn’t holding back. She never did. Tonight she layered it on thick.

Wrong. If, by chance, the man you refer to would come along, he would never ask me to give up my career, hence his perfection, Zoe stated affirmatively.

I didn’t say Mr. Right would ask you to give up anything. But there is a chance, as slight as it may be, you’d want to.

This isn’t an issue I can prove, now is it? Zoe said. Frustration grew.

I smell fear, Darlene teased. I dare you to ask the man lurking in the shadows for a dance.

You’re daring me to ask a stranger to dance? Zoe laughed. What would that prove?

It wouldn’t prove a thing, but maybe it’ll give you a taste of what you’ve been missing. Darlene’s eyes gleamed and her red tinted lips curved. Go ask him.

I’m not a whiz kid by any means of the word, yet I think men who choose the hideaway booth are sending a message, ‘leave me the hell alone.’

Excuses, excuses... Darlene clicked her tongue.

Fine, if I dance with him for one song then can we get out of here? Zoe laid her purse back down and rubbed her temple with the pad of her thumb.

One dance, my ass. You wish it were so easy. Three dances, and ask him to walk you to your hotel room. Darlene ordered another shot.

The verbal exchange was building into a bet and Zoe’s interest grew. She never walked away from a challenge, as long as she stayed in control. I’m not a damsel in distress. I can walk myself to my room. Two dances and leave it at that, she countered. Two dances, no problem. She glanced across the room. What if he turns me down?

Then you’ll admit being wrapped up in your career is a danger for your future and take a needed vacation where steamy men walk around nude drinking wine from a woman’s stiletto.

Zoe turned on the stool, planning her move. She could come right out and ask him to dance. Or she could get to know him first, ask a couple of questions, and break the ice. Darlene, if this guy is a real slimeball, the bet is a no-go.

Are you considering giving up? I can call and make the vacation plans for you if you’d like.

Don’t start reaching for your phone yet, Zoe said confidently. Unless it’s for cab service to take you back to the hotel.

CHAPTER TWO

ZOE HADN’T PICKED up a man in, well, ever, but she’d give it one helluva try. If, by chance, she struck out, then she’d lose the bet. Not so bad. She’d take a vacation—after her next documentary, which started tomorrow. She wondered if places existed where naked men drank wine from a shoe. It’d be comical to watch if nothing else.

She wasn’t going to lose the bet, though. Losing was a foreign word.

Zoe slid off the stool and gained her bearings in her slinky heels. She gave her hair a quick shake and a finger comb. With a deep breath, she moved in for the kill.

As she headed in the direction of the booth with the furtiveness of a kitten, she tugged the

hem of her skirt farther down her knee. She wondered if she should be pulling it the opposite

direction and showing more leg. This was