Slide (Boosted Hearts #3)

By Sherilee Gray

She’s forbidden fruit...but damn he wants a bite...

To block out a nightmare past, retired car thief and mechanic Adam Grady has chosen a life of complete denial. So when he agrees to one final job, the last thing he expects to find in the car he’s just boosted is his biggest temptation – his best friend’s little sister. Now he’s on the road trip from hell, and the sexy she-devil riding shotgun is determined to make him sin...

Lucy Colton’s specialty is burning bridges and epic mistakes, but now it’s time to sort out her life and get serious. Well, she will after succeeding in one final, reckless endeavor: seducing her long time crush Adam Grady. Forever might be off the table, but there’s a sizzling heat between them even he can’t deny. And she’s determined to test his limits.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sherilee Gray
• Release date: Feb 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9780473386085

Sherilee Gray

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn't writing sexy contemporary or paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other.

Book preview

Chapter One

Lucy Colton was a major screw-up.

This was not news, not to her, and not to her family. But this latest disaster…well, let’s just say she’d hit the bottom of the screw-up barrel. Though screw-up seemed like too mild a word for what she’d done. The only way from here was up, right? Then again, with the way her life was headed, her barrel probably had a false bottom and there was a whole new low waiting that she’d yet to sink to.

She jiggled her knee restlessly and stared out the window as the cab pulled up outside Colton Auto Repairs. Her brothers, Hugh and Joe, were both there, the hot LA sun glinting off the chrome bumpers on their trucks parked out front, like she knew they would be.

There was only one way her unexpected arrival would go, especially with the news she had to share.

Her stomach sank to her feet.

And because the powers that be obviously hadn’t finished playing fast and free with her life just yet, and couldn’t wait to dish up some whipped cream with the steaming pile of shit pie they’d been serving her lately—Adam’s truck was there, too.

Adam Grady was her brothers’ best friend and business partner. The guy was also an arrogant asshole, an unapologetic manwhore…and unfortunately for Lucy, the sexiest man she’d ever known. The man she’d always wanted—above all others. And worse, the man she’d fallen head over heels in love with when she was twelve years old.

Well, he hadn’t been a man then, not quite, but that wasn’t the point. The point was, no matter how hard she’d tried, she hadn’t been able to fall out of love with him. And, oh boy, had she tried.

In her numerous attempts to eradicate him from her heart and mind, she’d traveled down more than her fair share of…unwise paths. She wasn’t trying to shift the blame on him. How could she when Adam had no idea she felt the way she did? Even if he did, it wouldn’t make one lick of difference. No, her screw-ups were all on her. One hundred and fifty percent.

And despite her feelings for him, she’d given up on him a long time ago. Adam Grady didn’t do relationships. Had never been in one. Ever. The man was broken, she knew that much, and though it had taken her a loooong time, and a few botched attempts, she’d learned he did not want to be pieced back together. Not by her—not by anyone. He was content in his brokenness. Wore it like a favorite sweater—but one that smelled of mothballs and had frayed cuffs, and no matter how many times you tried to throw that stinker out, he kept pulling it out of the trash and putting it back on. He was a hopeless case.

Yep, Lucy had long since given up on anything happening between them. It just sucked that her heart hadn’t caught up with her head.

She stared into the garage, through the large, open roller doors, and drew in an unsteady breath.

Freaking wonderful.

Like she needed an audience for the shit parade about to take place. And Adam of all people.

The cab driver twisted in his seat. You getting out here or what?

She was about to tell him to keep on driving, to take her anywhere but there, but Joe was already striding toward her, a frown creasing his forehead.

Neat-o.

I’ll ah…get out here. She handed him some money and turned to look at her brother through the window, a fake as hell smile on her face when he yanked her door open.

What the hell are you doing here, squirt?

She flipped him the bird. Nice to see you, too, butt face.

Fake it till she made it—that was her new motto. Pretend her life wasn’t in a crumbling heap at her feet and give the crowd what they came for. Bags are in the trunk.

She ignored Joe’s questions and grumbles and strode for the main doors. She had to do this quick. Like tearing off a bandage. The news would sting for a second or two, then they could all get over it and move on.

Hugh, her eldest brother, was at the back of the workshop, under the hood of a car. His head swiveled on his thick neck when she walked in, brown gaze locking on her instantly. The big bastard had a sixth sense when it came to her, more parent to her than sibling.

He straightened, face momentarily lighting up. Lucy? What the fuck are you doing here?

But the light vanished, replaced by concern almost instantly, causing a lump to grow in her throat. You need to come up with something original. Joe’s already said that one.

Joe walked in at that moment, struggling with her bags, a scowl on his face. I’m fine, really. I wouldn’t want you to break a nail carrying your own shit.

She smirked. At least with Joe there she had a buffer. That’s why you’re my favorite brother.

What going on? Hugh rumbled. Is everything okay?

Um…

Joe moved up beside her, expression suddenly serious, and tugged on her hair. Luce?

She couldn’t take it. Forcing a snort, she rolled her eyes. Christ, when did you two turn into a couple of old mother hens?

Joe’s eyes narrowed. Shit.

Fine. How about you cut the cute bullshit? Hugh said, wiping his hands and walking over to join them. What are you doing here, Luce?

The smile on her face cracked, a nerve in her cheek starting to twitch. If she didn’t know it was physically impossible, she would swear there was a hamster running full speed on his tiny little wheel in her belly.

Fake it till you make it, remember?

If she didn’t brazen this one out, her brothers would get suspicious. They’d also run right over her and force her to spill her guts. If they learned the full extent of her stupidity, they’d lose their goddamn minds. Better they thought she was an uncaring, irresponsible delinquent than the ugly truth.

I quit, she said into the deafening silence.

One of her bags hit the concrete floor. You what? Joe barked.

I left school. I’m moving back.

Hugh stood motionless for several seconds then released a long breath, accompanied by a low growl that had the ability to start a mini tornado. You what?

Hugh, seriously. Joe already said that. She shook her head. Keep up, big bro. Her knees were locked so they didn’t see her shaking. Her thigh muscle started to twitch as well and she felt ill.

Now he looked concerned again. Why would you do that? Is something going on, something you haven’t told us?

She shook her head, the lump in her throat getting thicker. No, nothing’s going on, she lied.

Does it have to do with that asshole, your psychology professor?

No. Yes.

Hugh’s face went scary. Is he getting pushy? Trying to start something back up with you?

No, she lied again. Because it had everything to do with Daniel. Hugh knew she’d had an affair with one of her professors, that he’d lied to her, omitting the fact he had a family. Her brother had also confronted him, and things had gotten ugly. But Hugh didn’t know the full extent of what went on during that time, how bad things got, and she would do anything so he didn’t find out. Her brother was protective to the extreme, both of them were. If they found out what happened, they’d go after him again and this time would be a hell of a lot worse. They’d get into trouble and she couldn’t let that happen, not because of her, and not when they’d both finally found happiness.

Hugh’s brow furrowed, lips turning down. I’m not buying it, Luce. This doesn’t add up.

Why did he have to go and get all worried, why couldn’t he just lose his shit and be done with it? I just…I don’t want that anymore, any of it. So, I left.

He eyeballed her for so long she had to force herself not to start shuffling her feet.

He planted his giant paws on his hips. Lucy…

It was hard, but she held his probing gaze. It’s not him, I promise.

He let out a rough breath. Okay. So now what? You have no job. No college degree. No money…

I haven’t exactly worked it all out yet, but—

You haven’t worked it out?

Well, no.

He frowned, brows lowering. If you think I’m gonna keep paying for you to sit on your backside, you’re seriously mistaken.

Have I asked you to pay my way? His words hit like tiny daggers, each one slicing a little deeper. "I have money saved. You know I worked the whole time I was at school. I’m not here asking for a handout. You’re my brothers and I’m doing you the courtesy of keeping you in the loop."

You can’t be serious— Joe said.

I’m twenty-two years old. I don’t even owe you an explanation…still, here I am giving you one—

No, you haven’t, Hugh interrupted.

What? She curled her fingers into tight fists at her sides.

You haven’t given us an explanation, not really.

Her pulse started to speed up, the vein in her throat throbbing. It just…it wasn’t for me. Okay? I quit and now I’m home.

Lucy—

I’ll pay you back the tuition money, every cent.

Don’t want your money. I want you to tell me—

Can I use Joe’s old apartment or what? She was not having a deep and meaningful with these two. Not there. Not ever. Living above the garage wouldn’t be ideal, especially if she didn’t want her brothers hounding her for answers constantly, but right now her choices were limited. I’ll pay rent.

Hugh let out another long-suffering sigh. Even after all the irresponsible shit you’ve done—

The parties, Joe added.

She spun to Joe. Now hang on—

The fucking off to God knows where on summer break, with fuck knows who and not telling us where you are—

That was—

Getting arrested by campus police—

That was two years ago, and that wasn’t my fault, you know that.

But this is a whole new level even for you, Hugh said, ignoring her and Joe completely.

Lucy snapped her mouth shut. Ouch. That one cut the deepest. She wasn’t letting him see it, though. So, is that a yes to the apartment?

Shit. Hugh shoved a hand through his hair. Do whatever the fuck you want. That’s what you’ve always done, right, Luce? Then her eldest brother turned and walked out the door.

He got into his truck, started it up, and drove out. She turned to Joe.

He held up his hands and shook his head. I’m with Hugh on this one. Shit, I’m actually disappointed in you, Luce. Thought you had more brains than this.

Joe—

Take your shit upstairs to the apartment. I need to close up. He dug into his pocket and pulled out a bunch of keys. Removing one, he tossed it to her. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Then he walked away from her as well.

Lucy stood there for several seconds, staring after her brothers. She knew they’d be pissed, but she hadn’t been prepared for disappointed. That was so much worse.

Grabbing a couple of bags, she took them upstairs and let herself in. After dumping them on the bed, she moved to the window. Joe was out front. His girlfriend, Darcey, had driven in with her little brother, who she was now legal guardian for. Noah jumped out of the backseat, wearing a baseball uniform and a huge smile on his face. Joe said something that had the kid breaking down in hysterics.

Darcey was perfect for her brother. Lucy liked her a lot. She and Darcey actually had a huge amount in common, not that Joe would ever admit to that. Lucy had hoped they could get closer now she was home; Hugh’s fiancée, Shay, as well, especially as she was having a baby. But after the way both her brothers had just reacted to her quitting school, she didn’t see any big family get-togethers anytime soon.

Her bag was still slung over her shoulder and she slipped her hand inside, gripping the small leather volume of poetry at the bottom, worn and soft, in her fingers. Usually reading her favorite poets filled her up when she was empty.

But there was no filling the gaping hole inside her. She hadn’t opened the book in her hand for months, or any of her books.

After dumping her bag on the bed, she headed back down to get the rest of her things and immediately wished she hadn’t when she walked back through the garage door.

Adam was standing on the far side of the workshop, leaning over one of the benches, and whatever he was working on made the muscles in his forearms and biceps bunch and flex.

Don’t look at his muscles!

How long had he been there? Had he been standing behind her the whole time she spoke to her brothers? Just great. Effing wonderful.

She was about to back up and get out of there before he noticed her, when he turned toward her, that damn smirk he often wore—especially when she was in the vicinity—curving his sexy as hell mouth.

You weren’t going to sneak away without saying hello, now were you?

Good Lord. The dreams she’d had—of the day and unconscious variety—about that mouth. She mentally shook herself. How long have you been there? The words were out before she could zip her damn lips.

He straightened his long lean body, and it was hard but she managed to keep her eyes above his neck and not eat up every inch of him like she was desperate to. God, that feather tattoo on his neck was hot. Stop it, Lucy! How could you want to strangle someone and jump their bones at the same time? That was the question she’d been asking herself for the last ten years. But that’s exactly how she felt about the smug bastard in front of her. She’d love nothing more than to slap that smirk off his face—then drop to her knees and worship the impressive bulge currently straining the zipper of his jeans.

Long enough.

Her eyes shot up from his crotch to his now annoyed expression. Why he was annoyed she had no damn clue.

Her spine instantly straightened at the judgment she’d heard in his voice. "Well, whoopee for you. Do you have something to add? Anything my brothers forgot? Do you have the burning need to share your disappointment, your disapproval, at my irresponsible behavior as well?"

He shook his head then he was moving toward her. His movements were slow—hell, predatory. But instead of wanting to run like a frightened woodland creature, she wanted to stay right where she was, fall to her back, expose her throat, and let him devour her.

What is wrong with me? She knew better than to entertain those kinds of pointless thoughts. All they did was keep her trapped in a useless cycle of hope followed swiftly by inevitable pain. Either by his disinterest, his rejection, or seeing him with someone else. She’d experienced all of the above. More than once.

He stopped in front of her. Close. Too damn close. No.

She blinked up at him. No?

The irritation she’d seen in his eyes a second ago vanished, and the smirk returned. I have nothing to add.

She forced a snort. There’s a first.

He chuckled, low and dark and rough. And dear God, she felt it. Felt it right between her thighs.

His fingers went to her hair, resting on her shoulder, and he rubbed the strands between his fingers. I have to ask one thing, though.

He’d done the same thing four years ago, touched her hair like that. She’d never forgotten; remembered it like it was yesterday. She remembered the way he’d made her feel as well. Another reason she was a damn fool for wanting this man. I wouldn’t dream of stopping you.

Do you plan this shit out, or are you just naturally gifted?

It took her a second to process what he’d said, the way he was looking at her. He was back to pissed off, and had a growl to his voice that backed it up.

Naturally gifted at what?

At making people fucking crazy. Winding them up, infuriating them…getting under their goddamn skin.

She jerked back, tugging her hair from his fingers. The way he’d said it, it was obvious he didn’t just mean her brothers. Her heart did a volley of erratic pumps in her chest.

They argued a lot. A lot. And the kicker was, getting him all hot under the collar like this—though she still wasn’t sure what he had to be angry about—only made him sexier. All flaring nostrils, bright eyes, heaving muscles.

Angry Adam was hot, goddamn it. And that just pissed her off more.

Well, look at that. You did have something to add after all. Feel better now?

He shook his head again. Not really, no.

I fail to see how my being home affects you.

He was somehow closer, and she didn’t miss the tic in that strong jaw or the way he swayed even closer still.

His mouth flattened into a grim line. Baby girl, you fail to see a lot of things.

She blinked up at him. "What the hell’s that supposed to mean?" Their chests were almost touching, and the rough way he just said baby girl caused the relentless pulse between her legs to get stronger. She had a love/hate thing going on with that nickname. She knew he used it to put her in her place, to keep her at a distance. But the amount of times she’d lain in her bed, touching herself, imagining him above her while he said those words…

It happened more than she’d like to admit.

A rough sound slid past his lips. She shivered before she could stop herself. God, his boot was against her foot, their bodies plastered from knee to chest. What the hell is going on here?

He gritted his teeth. It means you—

His phone started up in his pocket.

Adam stilled, then looked down at her like he didn’t know how he got there. He took an abrupt step back, but that cool blue gaze stayed locked on hers, body stiff.

It means I what? Her voice came out husky, softer than she’d intended.

His fingers curled into fists and his jaw ticked again. She thought he might actually answer her, but instead he yanked his phone from his pocket.

Just…give your brothers a goddamn break. Last thing they need to be worrying about is keeping your ass out of trouble. Then he answered the phone, dismissing her.

She spun around before he saw how his words affected her, how much they hurt. Especially after the way he’d just pressed up against her, the way he’d looked at her. God, she’d actually thought he was going to…

Idiot.

Cutting off those thoughts before they could fully form, she bent to pick up her bags. There had to be something seriously wrong with her, wanting—shit, loving a man like him. But what could she do? Where Adam was concerned, the heart wanted what it wanted. Turned out her heart was insane and masochistic.

Adam was murmuring into his phone behind her, deep in conversation, and though she tried, she couldn’t help but sneak a glance over her shoulder before she straightened. His phone was to his ear—but his eyes…his eyes were locked on her butt. So engrossed was he in his ass ogling that he hadn’t even noticed her watching him watching her. The way the fingers of his free hand were curled into a tight fist, or the way his body was held so rigid, he looked carved from stone. Her gaze dropped and she sucked in a breath.

Or the way his cock was hard as iron, clearly outlined through his snug jeans.

She straightened, quickly looking away, and headed for the door, heart racing, head swimming, confused, turned on…

Mostly confused.

What was that? Had she stepped through some portal into an alternate universe? Because that had never happened before. Well, she assumed it hadn’t.

Had it?

Had Adam been getting as turned on as she did when they fought all this time? Did he…did he want her…like that?

No. Stop it, Lucy.

He was a guy. And not just any guy. He was Adam the manwhore Grady. An ass was in front of him so he looked at it. It could have been any random woman’s ass. Second nature to a guy like that, right?

After everything she’d been through lately, her grip on reality was more than likely compromised. She needed to focus on getting her life back on track, not lust after the surly, unattainable bastard downstairs.

That’s it. The end

No more thinking about Adam Grady.

Adam watched his best friends’ baby sister walk away, perked up ass swaying as she went, and his gut tightened, along with his goddamn jeans. He growled.

You still there? his cousin John muttered down the line.

Yeah, sorry.

So, you can do it? You’ll find her and bring her back to me?

This was a dumb idea, the worst, but the building excitement pumping through his veins at just the idea of doing this job for John made it impossible to refuse. I’ll find her.

If the fuckers that stole her have scratched her…if they’ve eaten in her…

Adam snorted. "You’re gonna stroke out, man. The car will be fine. She’s too rare to break down