Fade: Fighting Fate, #3

By Maree Green

Amy Benson has lived her whole life portraying the perfect daughter her parents expect her to be. With a high profile attorney father and an upper end realtor mother, image means everything, and Amy has worked hard to not disappoint.
Although painfully aware of her parents' unhealthy obsession with social standing, she still believes, underneath it all, they love her more. But when her high-standing boyfriend suddenly dumps her for not 'giving it up', and her parents start demanding she do whatever it takes to get him back, she begins to think otherwise…

Daniel Stephenson is a United States Marine, and as far as he's concerned, he has his life all mapped out. With an unexpected amount of free time suddenly up his sleeve, the plan is simple. Spend a long overdue summer with his mother and twin brother before deploying overseas.
What he hasn't planned for is the douchebag his brother seems to have become of late, or the girl said douchebag just dumped.

Love is the last thing either Amy or Daniel expects to find over the long summer, but after the difficulties they've both faced over the years, it's an unexpected bonus they're happy to accept.
Until Fate decides to interrupt…

They both know love isn't always supposed to be perfect and easy, but between parental disapproval, brotherly contempt, and career commitments, how do you decide if you should keep on fighting or just give in to fate?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Density Lane Press
• Release date: Oct 19, 2016
• ISBN: 9780992501549

Maree Green

Maree Green is an author of sweet and sexy New Adult and Contemporary romance, and romantic suspense. Her books contain a fairytale quality for those who love stories about strong female characters who are simply a little down on their luck and want their knight in shining armor—or at least a hot guy in a rock star's tour bus—to swoop in and give them the HEA they deserve. When she's not writing, she can be found working with her husband on their property, looking after a menagerie of animals, and exploring as many creative challenges as possible.

Book preview

Fade

A Fighting Fate bonus novel

By Maree Green

Copyright

Copyright 2016 Maree Green

Published by Density Lane Press in 2023

Fade

The Fighting Fate series

Revised edition

Originally published by Maree Green in 2016

ISBN 9780992501549

This e-book 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 are reading this e-book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite book retailer and purchase your own copy.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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Chapter 1

Amy

With one last appraising look at my reflection, I straightened my shoulders and turned for the door. I was sure my mother couldn’t possibly find fault with my appearance this time. I’d been meticulous, choosing what I was wearing carefully.

As I slowly navigated my way down the stairs, I took a deep breath, making sure I had the mandatory pleasant expression on my face.

Mom lowered the papers she was reading as I walked into the room, her gaze scanning me from head to toe. I tensed the second I saw her eyes narrow with scrutiny. After nineteen years, you would think I’d be used to it. Apparently not.

Honestly, Amy, she said, her eyes rolling with exasperation. Are you really going to wear that?

I looked down at the pair of designer jeans and pale pink silk blouse I was wearing and blinked. I should’ve known better.

Yes? I said, now uncertain.

She huffed and shook her head a little. If you don’t start making more of an effort, that boyfriend of yours will start looking elsewhere.

Looking down at my six-hundred-dollar pair of kitten heels, I pressed my lips together, not willing to confess I thought my boyfriend was already looking elsewhere.

Meeting her gaze again, I gave her a reassuring smile and fluffed my hair like she’d taught me. It’ll be fine. I better be going or I’ll be late.

She gave me a curt nod and redirected her attention back to her papers. I guess I was dismissed.

Climbing into my practically brand-new Porsche 911 convertible—a horribly ostentatious graduation gift from my parents last year—I drove toward Ryan’s house.

Once on the road, I tried to distract myself from how distant Ryan had seemed with me lately. And the way his gaze seemed to be roaming when other girls were around. And the disappointment I saw every time I wouldn’t let him go past second base.

Sighing, I turned the music up louder and tried to sing along to the song I barely knew.

My stomach fluttered, making me feel sick. I tried to pretend I had no idea why, but I knew it had everything to do with the knowing look he’d given me when he specifically told me his mother was out of town for the night.

Pulling into his drive, I climbed from the car and locked it, throwing my keys into my bag as I walked to the front door.

I’d hoped to take some time to compose myself and make some sort of plan before I knocked, but before I’d even taken a breath, the door swung open, and I was suddenly faced with a grinning Ryan.

My heart stuttered. That smile was always my undoing.

Hey, you, he said, reaching for me and pulling me hard against him.

Hi, I murmured, wrapping my arms around his neck.

Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to feel. I actually loved the way he felt against me. I loved the warmth, the feeling of being close to someone, feeling wanted . . .

His hands moved over my body, sliding over my ribs until his thumbs were brushing the undersides of my breasts. It felt nice. It did. It was just that I knew he wouldn’t want to stop there. I hated the anxiety that rushed over me at the thought. I wanted to be able to enjoy his attention, let myself relax under his touch, but the worry over how he was going to react when I said no made my stomach clench.

I heard the door close behind me as his lips claimed mine. He kissed me slowly, softly, his tongue moving gently over my lower lip, making the unease inside me fade a little. I exhaled and melted against him a little more.

Ryan chuckled, his warm breath making my lips tingle. Smiling, I opened my eyes. I loved this side of him. This was the Ryan I fell for when we’d first gotten together four months ago.

Taking my hand, he gave me another little kiss before smiling down at me.

Come on, he said, pulling me toward the stairs. I’ve got a surprise for you.

The unease quickly crept back in. I’d never been up to his room before. It was something I’d always tried to get out of, but the way he was smiling at me made me want to please him.

I allowed him to lead me up the stairs, and he paused at the first door to give me another gentle kiss before opening it and guiding me inside.

I gasped as I took in the room. There had to have been at least two dozen candles placed around the room, casting the room into a soft, yellow glow, and in the middle of the far wall was a queen-sized bed, sprinkled with red and pink rose petals.

Blinking, I took it all in while Ryan’s fingers brushed soft, teasing circles on my hand.

Wow . . .

I didn’t know what else to say. It was truly beautiful.

Pulling me into him, Ryan kissed me slow and deep, a passionate kiss that made my insides flutter.

I heard the door close and felt him moving me across the room.

You are so sexy, Amy, he murmured against my lips. You have no idea how much.

He pulled me even harder against him, and I suddenly found myself being laid out on the bed with Ryan on top of me. Panic sprang up inside me. I couldn’t do this. I wasn’t ready.

A voice inside my head growled, telling me to look around. He’d gone to so much trouble to show me how much he wanted me. We’d been together for four months, for crying out loud. I should be ready for this.

Forcing myself to relax, I let him kiss me until my mind was practically obliterated. I concentrated on the feel of his hands, the way it made my skin tingle. That was good, right?

My blouse slowly crept upwards, exposing the white, lacy bra I’d put on for this exact purpose. Ryan moaned. The sound actually gave me a little thrill. Okay, that was good. Thrill was good.

The sensation of my bra loosening had my little celebration coming to an abrupt halt. Shit.

No. This was okay. I could do this.

I felt my bra peel away from the clasp between my boobs, my mind suddenly very aware of their nakedness.

Of course, they’d been naked for Ryan before. Once. But that one time hadn’t ended well, and as I lay there this time, I had the feeling it wasn’t going to end much better tonight.

No. I couldn’t think like that. I had to give this a chance. Give Ryan a chance.

Clenching my hands in his hair, I pulled him into me, kissing him deeper. Ryan made some little noise of appreciation, then slid his hand over one of my boobs, pinching my nipple, making me flinch from the unexpected twinge of pain the action brought.

I thought nipple tweaking was supposed to hurt in a good way?

He did it again, obviously mistaking the little noise that had escaped me as a moan of pleasure instead of the pain it really was.

Oh, my God. I was so bad at this. Why couldn’t I just tell him it hurt? That I didn’t really like it?

I was so grateful when his hand left my boob, I didn’t comprehend it was traveling south until I felt the button on my jeans snap open and heard the sound of the zipper.

Just relax.

I could do this.

I broke the kiss, trying hard to compose myself. Stop? Go? Shit.

Ryan kissed my neck, his lips soft and gentle, making me even more indecisive. His fingers teased my stomach, drawing soft, swirling, invisible lines just above the lace on my panties.

His thigh pressed between mine, parting my legs even more, then his fingers crept into uncharted territory, breaching that delicate line of defense that seemed to have worked so far in my life.

But it appeared my panties weren’t up to the challenge this time. Ryan’s fingers moved lower, his kisses becoming firmer, his breath coming faster.

Shit.

I couldn’t do it.

Ryan . . .

He moaned, sucking on my earlobe, but he didn’t stop.

Turning my head away from him, I pressed against his shoulder with one hand and clasped the wrist of the exploring hand with the other.

Ryan, stop, I said, a little firmer this time.

He didn’t.

Come on, Amy. I promise I’ll make it good for you. Just relax.

His words didn’t help. I pushed harder at his shoulder and pulled at the hand delving inside my panties.

Ryan, I can’t. I’m not ready. Please, stop, I said, my voice betraying me with emotions.

He pulled back to look at me, anger flashing in his eyes when he saw I wasn’t going to back down.

Are you fucking serious? he snapped.

Grabbing my hand, he forced it against his crotch.

Do you feel this, Amy? This is the fucking hard-on you’ve given me for the last four months. You fucking owe me.

I watched him shove his way off the bed and lurch to his feet. Scrambling, I quickly snapped my bra back together and pulled my blouse back down to cover myself up.

I’m sorry, Ryan. I’m just not ready. Please, just give me time.

I flinched at the hatred in his gaze when he turned around to face me. I’m not doing it anymore, Amy. Either you fuck me now, or we’re done. This is bullshit. He stabbed his hands through his hair. I’ve been patient, goddamn it! I’ve been waiting for you to be ready for four fucking months! Do you have any idea how much it hurts to be in a constant state of fucking arousal and not able to do a damned thing about it?

I sat up straighter and blinked at him.

Do you? he barked. "Well, let me tell you, then. It fucking hurts a lot. And you don’t even care. You won’t do anything to help me. All you care about is yourself and what you fucking want—or what you don’t want."

Ryan— I choked, not exactly sure what I wanted to say. What could I say to that?

Ryan shook his head and reached for the doorknob. I’m done, Amy. Get your stuff and go home. I’m going out.

With that, he threw the door open and stormed out.

The first of my tears fell as I sat, frozen, listening to the sound of his retreating footsteps on the stairs.

Chapter 2

Daniel

The sun was just breaking over the horizon when the bus finally reached the outskirts of Sacramento. The ride from San Diego had been long and painful, but it was going to be worth it. I was damned well going to make sure of it.

Thanks to the United States government, with its political dramas and sudden cutbacks in the defense department, I now had close to twelve weeks’ leave up my sleeve, and I planned on making the most of it.

Unlike my other platoon buddies, who’d volunteered to take the unpaid leave, whose plans included getting wild and loose for the entire twelve weeks before we deployed to Australia, I was planning on spending the summer with my mom. The first one since my parents split when I was thirteen.

Yeah, I know. Six years was a long time, but I had my dad and his super fucked-up need to control everyone and everything to thank for that one.

I had him to thank for a lot of the shitty things that happened with the split, really. Like his awesome idea to separate me and my identical twin brother, Ryan. Because what else do you do when your ex-wife’s lawyer states she’s entitled to half of everything? That’s right, you choose to be an asshole and take it literally. Then you do whatever you can to make life as difficult for her as possible. Like deny her the right to take the son she left behind out of the state. Even back to her home across the other side of the country for a vacation. Ever. Pretty nice of the old man, huh?

As the bus rolled to a stop, I grabbed my duffle bag and stepped out into the north Californian sunshine. Having never been to Sacramento before, I was relying solely on Google’s help to get me where I needed to go. I didn’t know if that was wise or not, but I hoped she was going to be kind to me. If she was, it looked like I only had six more blocks to go.

Setting off at a brisk pace, I tried to shake off the nervous energy that was starting to seep into my veins. It had been almost two years since I’d seen Mom, and almost three since I’d seen Ryan, and the lapse in time only seemed to make the small path that acted as our memory lane even narrower, but to me, it was still a sweet path nonetheless. The small amount of time I got to spend with her each year had been like a salvation to me when I was growing up, and I’ll always cherish the memories we created. But this time was going to be different. We were coming together on our own terms. And it felt good.

Walking up the drive, I smiled when I saw the front door swing open and Mom step out still wearing her robe and slippers. She squealed and rushed forward, barely giving me time to put my duffle down before she was wrapping me in a bone-crunching hug.

I laughed. Hi, Mom.

She pulled back and cupped my face in her hands. I can’t believe you’re finally here. I barely got a wink of sleep last night, I was so excited.

I shook my head at her, but I was smiling just the same.

Now come inside and let me make you some breakfast, she said, pulling me by the arm.

Who was I to argue with that?

Scooping up my bag again, I followed her inside, taking in the surroundings as I went. I was a little surprised to see traces of me and my life quite literally everywhere I looked.

There were pictures of me from every year at school hanging in the hall, action shots of me in combat training on the mantle, a montage of me at Jiujitsu, covering every belt I’d earned, right up to the black belt I’d received in my senior year, and many more I never even knew existed.

Dad send you all of these? I asked with surprise, nodding my head in the direction of a bunch of photos from last year’s graduation.

She looked up from the pot she was filling in the sink and smiled. It took some persuading, but yes.

Hmm, I mumbled as I wandered around the dining room.

Sounds of footsteps had me looking up to see Ryan, my twin brother, coming down the stairs. He’d obviously only just woken up because he was rubbing his eyes like they weren’t quite working yet, and his hair was sticking up in a dozen different directions.

He smirked when he reached the bottom of the stairs and saw me. Hey, Brother. You just get here? he said, coming over to give me a hard hug and a thump on the back.

Yeah. Five minutes ago, I said, thumping him back.

I watched him pull back, his eyes drifting down to my chest. Jesus, man. What the hell have you been doing? You’re huge.

Glancing down at my twin, I did a quick comparison. Ryan obviously worked out. He was by no means puny, but all the hard training and twenty-mile runs I did every day had made me more defined and probably slightly bigger than him.

I laughed. It’s called discipline. You should try it some time.

Ryan’s eyebrow snaked up and he smirked. It was obviously something he did a lot because he sure had perfected it. It made me want to smack it off his face.

And miss out on all the fun? No way, man. You can have your discipline. I’m quite happy with the way I’m doing things. I watched him turn and wander into the kitchen. Coffee?

Don’t touch the stuff, I said, frowning. I didn’t like the air of superiority he had going on. It was kind of annoying. Like, a lot.

He gave me his award-winning smirk again. Really? he asked, like it was the stupidest thing he’d ever heard.

I didn’t bother answering him. Instead, I turned to Mom, who was busy pulling things out of the fridge. What can I do?

She looked at me with surprise. Oh . . . you can get the bacon going, if you’d like?

My frown deepened. I didn’t like the way it surprised her to have someone offer to help.

I glanced at Ryan, my annoyance with him going up yet another notch. The little leech obviously didn’t ever bother.

I bit my tongue.

Now, as I pulled the rashers of bacon apart, I wondered if I would’ve turned out to be like Ryan if our positions had been reversed and it’d been me who’d come to live with Mom instead. I liked to think I wouldn’t have, but it scared me to think it might’ve been a possibility.

Throwing the bacon into the pan, I looked up at Ryan. He was watching me with the same damn smirk on his face. I was ready to wipe it off.

So Dad tells me he offered you an internship this summer, I said, watching the smirk slip clean off his face.

I’d heard all about what Dad had offered, as well as the fact that Ryan had blatantly refused. It was fucking stupid on Ryan’s part. Dad may have been a useless father, but his company was huge, and internships there were eagerly sought after and sparingly given. It would be a good opportunity for him.

Yeah, I don’t take bribes, Ryan said distastefully.

Mom straightened and gave Ryan a level stare. Ryan . . .

I watched him sneer. Whatever, Mom. You know I’m right. I’m not going to be the old man’s charity case.

I blinked at Ryan’s words. Charity case? I wasn’t quite sure what that was about. The old man certainly didn’t give handouts. To anyone. If he’d offered Ryan an internship, it was because he thought he had the brains.

You’re not a charity case, Ryan, Mom said, interrupting my thoughts. Your father thinks you’ve got what it takes to work in his company.

Picking up his coffee, Ryan smirked at Mom and made his way toward the stairs. Later . . .

I gawked at his retreating figure before turning back to Mom. Does he always speak to you like that?

She gave me a look that I knew meant she wasn’t prepared to answer me. I wish he’d just stop being so stubborn and take the damned internship.

Turning back to the pan, I pressed my lips together. I wanted to tell her just what I thought of Ryan’s attitude, but I knew it wasn’t my place to say. She did the best she could under the circumstances she was given. She gave Ryan everything she could, but Ryan was an adult now. It was up to him to learn how to become a man.

Chapter 3

Amy

The whole twenty-four hours since I’d left Ryan’s had been a wash. I’d gone from feeling devastated, to depressed, to pissed off, to relieved, then back to devastated all over again.

If I were to be honest with myself, I think I was in shock over the fact that Ryan had broken up with me solely because I wouldn’t sleep with him. I mean, I knew it happened, but I was pretty sure the guy usually made up some other reason and wasn’t so blatant about it.

Sitting on my bed one whole day post dumping, I still wasn’t sure how I felt about it. One part of me was telling me it was a good thing. If he couldn’t see all the good things about me that were worth sticking around for, then he wasn’t worth my time.

But another part of me was telling me that I just hadn’t tried hard enough. That I should’ve been more accommodating.

A knock on the door brought me out of my head, and I looked up to see Mom standing in the doorway.

"Really, Amy. Are you going to be sitting around like some sort of sloth for the whole day? You could be helping me with the plans for the dinner party tomorrow night. It’s about time you learned the finer details when it comes to hosting. It’s not as easy as I make it look, you know," she said, sighing as she brushed the hair off her shoulder.

Now, I’ll need Ryan here by seven o’clock sharp to help your father greet the guests, so can you please at least do me the favor of passing that on.

I flinched at hearing Ryan’s name. I’d forgotten about the dinner party. This was not going to go down well.

Mom paused, her eyes narrowing as she stared me down. What? she said dangerously.

I swallowed. Uh . . . Ryan and I kind of broke up.

Her eyebrows shot up, and she sucked in a harsh breath. What!

I pressed my lips together, waiting for the explosion.

It was as quick as flicking a switch. Her jaw clenched, and her eyes narrowed into tiny little slits. No, she said sternly. You will not do this to me, Amy. I have already told the Fitzgeralds that Ryan will be here. You know how interested they are to do business with Universal Management. Ryan was their way in. What do you think it’s going to do to my image if he’s not here after I told them he would be?

She took one hand off her hip to point her long, manicured finger at me.

I swear to God, Amy, if you ruin this for me, you can forget Paris this Christmas. I mean it.

I sat staring up at her, a lump growing in my throat. I really wasn’t good enough for anyone, was I? Why couldn’t I just make them happy? What was I doing that was so wrong?

Racking my brain, I tried to figure out how to fix everything. I knew I’d promised her that Ryan and I would be there, but how was I supposed to make Ryan come when he didn’t want to be anywhere near me?

Mom’s sudden shriek had me flinching as she began storming toward my closet. Throwing the doors open, she thrust the garments roughly to the side, dresses falling in clumps to the floor as she went.

Pulling a slinky red dress off its hanger, she threw it on the bed, then grabbed me by my upper arm and yanked me to my feet. It’s time you grew up, Amy. Stop dressing like a child with your jeans and god-awful tank tops and be the woman Ryan needs you to be. It’s no wonder he broke up with you. I’ve been telling you for weeks the kind of man Ryan is going to become needs a proper woman. Now put the damned dress on and go apologize. Grovel on your hands and knees if you have to. I don’t care. You do whatever it takes to get him here tomorrow night, or don’t bother coming home!

I gasped, my heart hammering with a slight panic as I watched her stomp out the door.

What the hell was I supposed to do? I tried so hard to make Mom proud of me, but nothing ever seemed good enough. Just once. That’s all I wanted. One time where she would look at me and say, I’m so proud of you, Amy.

Glancing at the dress she’d left on my bed, I wondered if it was that easy. Was that all it was going to take? For me to put on a sexy dress and apologize?

Ryan’s angry face flashed in my mind. No. It was going to take a lot more than that. I was going to have to give him my body to get him to Mom’s dinner party, and I wasn’t sure if I could.

I thought of how proud Mom would be if I managed to get Ryan back. The need for her approval made my chest ache. I had to at least try.

Chapter 4

Daniel

Are you sure you’re okay with me going out tonight? Mom asked for the third time.

I laughed. It’s fine, Mom. I’m just going to head to bed early anyway. The bus trip is finally catching up with me. It wasn’t. But I wanted her to be okay with going out just the same.

Okay, then, she said, exhaling lightly. We’ll do something tomorrow. Grabbing her keys off the hook, she giggled. See you in the morning.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Ryan stepped out from the kitchen. Finally! I watched him pull his cell from his back pocket and start tapping the screen. It’s booty call time. He grinned and glanced up at me. Want me to tell her to bring a friend?

My brother was seriously a dick. For the first time in my life, I hated the fact that we were identical. Knowing people could mistake me for him pissed me off. Nah, thanks, man. I’m good. I’m going to hit the sack soon.

Ryan lifted one eyebrow in amusement. Are you sure? These girls are a sure thing, man.

I bit back a sharp reply. "Yeah, I’m sure, man. You have a good time, though," I said, pushing myself to my feet and heading for the stairs. I wasn’t really that tired yet, but I could force myself to go to sleep if I had to. And I really had to get away from Ryan.

Taking a long, hot shower, I forced my muscles to loosen and relax until I was sure I was languid enough I would definitely fall asleep.

Going back to the room Mom had put my things in, I threw on a pair of boxers and climbed into bed, fleetingly wondering why there were flower petals all over the floor, before I quickly drifted off to sleep.

I woke to the feeling of the bed dipping beside me. Over the years at military school, I’d painstakingly trained myself to remain still if woken. That way, I could hopefully give myself time to assess what was going on before anything disastrous happened.

Lying there, I quickly tried to gather my wits. The first thing I noted was that it was still somewhere in the middle of the night. Then I noted the scent. Female. Sweet. It was nice. I wondered who she was.

I felt the comforter being pulled back, then soft, warm skin brushing against mine. Her hand gingerly touched my chest, her fingers hesitantly moving over the contours of my pecs.

Ryan must have ignored my decision and told the girl he’d been calling to bring a friend after all. Well, it was either that or the girl refused to come without a friend. I wouldn’t put it past my brother to ignore my wishes just so he could get a piece.

The girl moved closer, her body pressing more fully against mine. She was so soft and warm, and her breath sent little tingles of pleasure over my skin every time she exhaled. I knew I should tell her to leave, but it’d been so long since I’d been with a girl, I was having trouble denying myself this one pleasure.

Her fingernail lightly drew across my chest, an accident I was sure by the way her breath paused for a moment, but the thrill it gave me caused an involuntary groan to escape me.

Deciding it was futile to feign sleep one second longer, I inhaled and moved like I was rousing. Fuck it. If she was willing to give it, why not go with it?

She burrowed a little closer to me, her smooth leg rubbing against mine. Letting out a soft groan, I slid my hand onto her lower back and pulled her more firmly against me, rolling a fraction so I’d have better access to her lips if she’d let me kiss her.

The little gasp she let out, followed by some sexy-as-hell breathy panting, had me tightening my hold on her.

I slid my hand up her spine while I rolled a little more, my other hand finding the curve of her hip.

The second I discovered she was topless, my control vanished. Pulling her fully against me, I took her mouth. I didn’t consume her like a starved man. Something told me that would’ve been a mistake. Instead, I slowly drank her in. Tasted her. And damn if she wasn’t the sweetest thing.

Without breaking our kiss, I rolled us until she was underneath me, careful to keep my weight off her tiny frame. Slowly, between kisses, I opened my eyes. With the moonlight filtering in through the gap in the curtains, I could just make out her features.

I froze, gazing down at her. She was gorgeous. Stunning.

I disliked the thought of thanking my brother, but I sure as hell would this time.

Don’t stop, she breathed, splaying her hands across my shoulders and pulling me back down.

I licked her bottom lip, already drunk on the taste of her. Gently, I caressed her silky skin, running my hand over the predominant bone on her hip, up over the contours of her ribs, cupping the small mound of flesh on her chest.

She stilled under my touch. I kissed her slower, deeper. With the gentlest touch I could conjure, I brushed my thumb over her nipple. She gasped, her eyes popping open with genuine surprise. I did it again and she moaned, arching up to kiss me again.

Oh, God, she whispered against my lips. That feels so good.

I was positive my cock had never been so goddamned hard. It damn well ached, it wanted her that much.

I’m so sorry, she murmured between kisses. I shouldn’t have said no.

My head tried to process the words she was saying, but the way she felt under my touch was making it so damned hard.

I thought I wasn’t ready, she breathed against my ear as I kissed her neck.

I wanted to lick her nipples. They were obviously very sensitive. I wanted to feel her squirm underneath me as I ran my tongue over them.

Please say we’re not done, she whispered, gripping my shoulders tighter as I licked down her chest. I can do this now. I promise. This feels right. You feel so good . . .

My need to get to her nipples took over. I had no idea what she was saying. The words seemed to be jumbling up inside my head. Carefully, I ran the flat of my tongue over one nipple.

Her back arched instantaneously. Oh my God! Ryan!

I paused. The fogginess of my brain sensing something wasn’t right.

Oh, please don’t stop. It feels so good, she panted out. You were right. I know that now. Please forgive me.

I squeezed my eyes shut. What the hell was going on? Did she really just call me Ryan?

She dug her fingers into my skin. "I don’t want to lose you, Ryan. Please. I know I shouldn’t have turned you down. I just wasn’t sure I was