Burned: Gulf Coast Heat, #3

By SHE

The last person office manager Simone Walker expects to slam into is Charlie McAllister. If seeing him again weren't painful enough, her sexy ex-boyfriend announces he wants her back in his bed. She's been there, done that-and has the heartbreak to prove it, but that doesn't mean she hasn't noticed Charlie's swagger or the sexual chemistry flaming between them. She agrees to a no-strings relationship, but he's now playing for keeps with a passion that gradually melts her defenses. Will she ever be able to put aside her fear that he'll break her heart again?

For a man used to getting what he wants, an occasional fling has always been enough for Charlie McAllister-until he crashes into Simone's car. It's been thirteen years since he'd last seen her, and yet after one night, the full-figured beauty has the land developer reevaluating everything. Charlie doesn't believe in love. He just wants her for sexual pleasure. So why can't he keep her out of his bed...and out of his heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Writer S.H.E
• Release date: May 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781941342411

SHE

S.H.E is a girl with a delightfully wicked imagination, and a weakness for alpha men. Thank goodness she has one of those sexy creatures at home, providing all the hands-on experience she needs. S.H.E is an indie author who runs her own business and loves every exciting moment of her journey. Her ultimate goal is to create naughty tales that leave her readers breathless. S.H.E loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers. Come visit where you’ll find delicious updates on her next sexy tale, or you can email her at [e-mail]

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

This is the longest wedding reception in history.

Charlie McAllister couldn’t wait for it to end.

You look like you’ve lost your best friend.

He turned his head slightly and gave his father, Nicholas McAllister, a sheepish grin as he replied, I have.

They shared a chuckle before Charlie’s eyes strayed back toward the dance floor where his best friend, River Reed, was slow dancing with his new bride.

His father, a short stocky man, leaned in close, his deep voice an amused murmur as he said, Don’t look at it as losing a friend, look at it as gaining a cousin.

Charlie shook his head and couldn’t resist a grin. His best friend had married Samya Boyd, his first cousin. While the couple danced, she smiled adoringly up at River, their eyes locked as if they were the only two in the room. They were meant for each other. He hadn’t believed it then, but he definitely believed it now.

As he continued to watch the two, Charlie remembered the way he’d first reacted to the idea of River dating his cousin. His mind spiraled back several months as he recalled he hadn’t liked it at all. He knew River’s reputation and his fourteen-day rule when it came to women. Love ’em—then leave ’em. Immediately, he’d tried to put a stop to the budding relationship but Samya—who had always been a spunky kid—stood her ground and demanded Charlie stay out of it. Insisting she was no longer a little girl, requiring her cousin’s protection. Initially, that had been one hard pill to swallow. As an only child, Samya was the sister he’d never had, and it had never been easy. Three years his junior, she had been a ball of fire. Strong-willed, independent, and beautiful. Keeping the boys off the porch had never been an easy task, especially when dealing with a girl who refused to let any man tell her what to do, including Charlie. A groan slipped from his throat at the memories.

Quit growling. You have to admit they look good together.

He grunted and fell silent again, although his father was right. Samya made a beautiful bride in a long strapless gown. He was not at all surprised to see her sport her signature spiked hair, but for the occasion she had softened it almost to a platinum blond that set off the sparkling tiara headband atop her head.

Growing bored at watching the two, Charlie flicked his wrist and frowned down at an expensive watch peeking out from beneath the white cuff of the tuxedo shirt. You think if I leave anyone would notice? he muttered under his breath.

His father gave him a sidelong glance, his midnight brown eyes darkening in warning. Yes, your mother would.

Speak of the devil. Charlie sighed as he spotted the tall woman walking over to where they were standing beside the buffet table, a small camera swinging from a chain around her neck. She looked gorgeous in a teal pantsuit that matched the wedding colors.

Lovely, lovely! Melanie boasted with pride. I couldn’t have planned this day better myself. But that photographer... I had to give him a piece of my mind. As she moved beside her husband, she went on to explain the photographer had mentioned she was getting in the way of him taking the professional photographs he’d been paid to capture. Charlie didn’t bother to comment because his mother had been a bit of a photo hog, blocking perfect shots every chance she’d gotten.

While his father tried to tell her politely to stay out the way, Charlie stepped back slightly, hoping while they continued the animated conversation, neither would notice him if he slipped away.

No such luck.

He had only managed to put a little distance between them when his mother twirled around and said, Chuck, why aren’t you sitting at the head table with the rest of the wedding party?

I needed some air.

Not to mention one of River’s cousins—whom Samya asked to be a bridesmaid—had been making suggestive comments all afternoon. Paige was definitely a beauty, and he rarely backed down from a challenge, but she was more aggressive than he cared in the females he chose.

Women like her made him very afraid.

I think that one on the end likes you, his mother said as if she had read his mind.

Charlie dared to look over and saw Paige staring his way in interest, her tongue slipping out from between her lush lips. Instantly he shifted his eyes back to the dance floor and mumbled, Not my type.

Melanie McAllister frowned, hazel eyes narrowing with disapproval. I don’t know why not? She seems like a nice enough girl. I had a chance to chat with her in the ladies room. In fact, she asked me for all of your favorite dishes, said she’d promised to make dinner for you one evening.

Really? It was funny how they’d never had that conversation.

Yep, she was definitely scary.

He gave a rude snort. I think I’ll pass. Call him old-fashioned, but he believed men were supposed to be the aggressors.

His mother made a tsk sound. I don’t know what’s gotten into you, Chuck.

He groaned and looked to his father for help, who simply shook his salt-and-pepper head and was trying to keep a straight face.

So much for the McAllister men sticking together.

I’ve been really busy at work, he said by way of an explanation.

Work. Work. The rate you’re going you’ll have a heart attack before I get any grandbabies! She fumed.

Just as he’d thought. The wedding was going to have his mother going into a frenzy about the future of the McAllister family tree. He’d survived endless discussions in the past, but love and marriage was one conversation Charlie would rather avoid.

Thank goodness the music stopped.

An air of hushed anticipation spread among the guests as Samya and River stood in front of the microphone to thank their guests for coming. The interruption was just what he’d needed to plan his escape. While his parents listened, Charlie slowly backed away and headed toward the door.

Where are you going?

He stalled when he spotted Addison standing behind him. As Samya’s best friend she’d been the matron of honor.

Just going to the men’s room.

Addison gave a snort of disapproval before saying, Why don’t I believe you?

She looked so adorable with a hand propped on a large baby bump, he couldn’t resist a chuckle.

How much longer until the baby’s born?

Tossing her head, she sent a long mass of curls sweeping across her arm. Four weeks and don’t try and change the subject. The garter toss is one of the next things on the program.

No way! I fulfilled all my duties as the best man. I agreed to stay for dinner and I even gave the toast, but I want no parts of that. I really need to get back to the office.

It’s Saturday, she reminded him.

And your point is? he retorted.

Addison eased back so she wouldn’t have to tilt her head so far. Glaring up at him, she spat, "This is your cousin and your best friend’s special day. The least you can do is pretend to be happy for them."

"I am happy. Really I am. I just don’t like weddings or funerals."

Tough. She looped her arm through his and escorted him across the floor of McAllister’s Bar & Grill. Charlie was still in awe of the way the wedding planner had transformed a dark bar into the bright cheerful ambiance Samya desperately wanted with white linen tablecloths, teal bows and napkins, and fine china. He had insisted on giving her a reception at the beautiful Landry Hotel, but she’d wanted her first dance to be smack dab at the same spot her courtship with River had begun.

Instead of drawing a lot of attention by resisting a pregnant woman, reluctantly Charlie allowed Addison to lead him across the floor over to the head table. The other members of the wedding party were grinning and whispering as he returned. River’s groomsmen were other members of Cahill Beach Fire Station 3, as well as Jeremy, Addison’s husband, who was eyeing the two with amusement.

By the way, she whispered, pulling him in closer. I think Paige really likes you.

Really? How could you tell? Charlie replied sarcastically and accepted defeat.

He was in for a long evening.

* * *

Moments later Charlie was standing in the middle of the dance floor with a lace teal garter in his hand.

What the hell just happened?

He’d had no intention of catching it, so why was it in his hand? Everyone appeared pleased but him. The other single men were all cheering and laughing, while River pointed and gave him a look as if to say, Dude, you’re next. His mother was even standing off to the right, wiping tears of joy from the corner of her eye.

Great job, Chuck! Samya cried, amber eyes sparkling with mischief.

And the worst part about it, Paige had caught the bouquet.

Now the two of them were required to stand center stage while he slid the garter up her leg. Charlie muttered a few obscenities under his breath. How the hell did he get himself into these messes?

Paige sauntered back onto the floor in the teal gown as if on a runaway with poise and confidence before she took a seat on the chair. Gazing up at him, eyes dark, lips parted in invitation, it was clear she was enjoying the moment. There was no doubt she was a beautiful woman, just clearly not his type. Dress too tight. Excessive make up. Skinny. Charlie liked his women natural and most importantly, full-figured.

Don’t hurt ‘em Paige!

Whipping her head around, the long haired beauty gave someone to her left a saucy grin before her dark eyes were back on Charlie.

C’mere, she mouthed and his cock jutted against his thigh.

The deejay changed the music, Def Leppard started singing Pour Some Sugar on Me, and the guests howled with obscenities. Charlie glanced over at River again and gave him a look his buddy knew too well. I see you got jokes.

River held his hands up in surrender, then circled an arm around Samya’s waist. Charlie straightened as he discovered all eyes were on him. I better get this over with. Luckily for them, he liked nothing more than to be the center of attention.

If a show was what they wanted, a show they were going to get.

Charlie returned his attention to Paige and swayed to the beat of the music while lip-syncing the words to the song.

I’m hot, sticky sweet.

From my head to my feet.

He’d never had much rhythm and couldn’t dance to save his life, yet Charlie bobbed his head as he moved slowly around her chair with the dangerous grace of a panther ready to strike his prey.

Pour some sugar on me.

C’mon, fire me up.

When he finally stopped at her feet, he dropped down onto one knee.

Her eyes sparkled with approval.

The crowd roared as Charlie lifted her leg, then slowly slid her gown up allowing his fingers to caress her smooth skin.

A’ight now, she cooed, but he didn’t miss the tremor in her voice.

You ready for this? he whispered.

The question is... are you ready? she said, sliding her tongue along her lush bottom lip. Charlie felt his dick responding but forced himself to stay focused while he eased the garter over her cream pumps, and then slowly up a slender leg to her mid-thigh.

Keep going, she moaned, eyes glossing over with anticipation. The spectators were having a field day.

I got one better. Leaning forward, Charlie allowed his tongue to slide across her calf, and along her knee at a tortuously slow pace before reaching her outer thigh. With each touch, he felt the lovely woman quiver.

Don’t stop, she coaxed. You might like what you see.

Chuckling, Charlie swirled his tongue a few strokes longer, then without warning, he drew back and rose. The audience applauded, but he didn’t miss the look of disappointment on her face.

He helped Paige to her feet. She leaned in until her lips brushed his ear. If you’d kept going you would have discovered how wet you made me. With a salacious smile, she sauntered away, leaving him with an instant erection. Charlie was no fool. As soon as he’d lifted her dress, he’d smelled the sweet essence of her arousal and knew if he had traveled any higher he would have been ready to sink his fingers inside her heat.

The clinking of silverware hitting glassware was heard and increased as Chuck made his way across the bar and out the side door to the rear of the building. As he strolled to his office, he unloosened his tie, jerked it away, then reached up and released the top two buttons of the crisp white shirt. By the time he punched in the code, he’d shed the jacket to his tuxedo and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled to his elbows. As far as he was concerned the wedding was over, at least for him.

He walked around the desk and sat down on a large chair. He and Samya owned McAllister’s Bar & Grill together. While she was active in the day-to-day operations, he focused more on the books.

Charlie logged onto the computer and while he waited, he mentally counted the receipts for the evening. Closing the bar on a Saturday would be a big hit for business, but for his cousin he was willing to do anything, including having an open bar at her reception. In the morning she and River would be leaving for Barbados, and he would be running the bar while they were gone.

He was CEO and founder of Integrity Real Estate Development and was actually looking forward to a few days away from the office. But as his mother was always quick to mention, there was no way he’d be able to stay away, and with good reason. They were in the middle of working on the biggest development of the year.

His corporation had acquired the land of one of the worst apartment complex in the city. Whitegate Apartments had been located on the west side of Cahill Beach for three generations. With escalating violence and drug trafficking, the city rendered the complex uninhabitable. Almost two years ago, all of the residents were relocated and the units demolished. Next month, the development of a new housing community would begin.

Hearing footsteps, Charlie looked up from his computer to find a woman standing in his doorway. He went completely still. What are you doing back here?

I came looking for you. Paige stepped inside and shut the door behind her. Without another word she lowered the zipper of her gown with deliberate slowness before it finally fell in a whoosh onto the floor, revealing a sleek toned body that gleamed beneath the track lighting.

Damn! Charlie swore under his breath.

His eyes raked over her, taking in the skimpy lingerie, the flat belly, shapely ass, and the bra that did very little to contain her large breasts. A swift kick of lust socked him right smack in the groin.

With her eyes locked on his, Paige provocatively swayed her hips as she made her way across the room, her long dark hair swinging across her shoulders. I was hoping we could finish where you left off.

His heart rate quickened and his stomach muscles tightened. Is that so? He cocked an eyebrow. He’d never been one to fall for a pretty face or a beautiful body, and he was certain a woman that aggressive had very little more to offer him other than sex.

Then tell that to my dick!

C’mon don’t pretend like you didn’t notice me checking you out. I like what I see, and I know you do too. She slid her fingers along his desk and drew closer. Eyes locked. Lips parted, temptingly.

How do you know that?

He could tell by the smirk on her lips Paige knew she had his cock hard as a baseball bat.

Charlie’s mouth twitched as he leaned back in the chair, legs parted. The hard imprint of his erection was painfully obvious even from where she was standing. Where’s your man? There was no way a woman this aggressive and beautiful was single.

I don’t have one. I’m hoping, though, to change that. Paige licked her lips suggestively. Where’s your girlfriend?

Don’t have time for that.

With each step that drew her closer, his pulse drummed with a combination of anticipation and uneasiness.

Why not? she probed.

Charlie lifted his shoulder with a dismissive shrug and tried to appear unaffected. I work too many hours. No woman is going to put up with that.

The right woman can change all that, she purred and rounded his desk.

She wasn’t the first woman to feel that surge of confidence.

Paige rested her ass on the edge of his desk, and stood between his parted thighs. Do you like what you see?

Words weren’t required. His dick pulsing along the inside of his thigh was all the confirmation she needed.

What do we have here? she whispered.

He opened his mouth to speak, but Paige had already lowered onto her knees and was reaching for his zipper.

Charlie tensed when he felt her long nails sliding along his inner thigh. What are you doing? he asked as if he didn’t already know.

I’m getting ready to show you all the reasons why you need a woman like me in your life. She lowered the zipper, then closed her hand around the base of his hard penis. Oh my, what a beautiful sight. She breathed before her lips swallowed him.

Shit. He shuddered.

With eyes at half-mast, Charlie watched her head bobbing up and down at his crotch, her soft mouth working him like he was a Charm’s Blow Pop. He caught her watching him, smiling like a cat as she licked him, flicking the tip of her tongue across the head. Taking him so deep, he felt the head tickling the back of her throat before she drew back and teased him some more. The entire time she massaged at his balls.

You like that, handsome?

He sucked in a long breath. Damn right I like that.

Paige took him into her mouth again and curse words spilled from Charlie’s throat. She sucked hard and greedily. How could he be so lucky to have earned a blow job at his best friend’s wedding? Sliding lower, Charlie closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment.

That’s it... damn, you got skills.

Never one not to be in control, Charlie brought his hands up to guide her strokes, however, as soon as he touched her hair, Paige flinched, and whipped back. He looked down to find her staring at him, eyes narrowed with disapproval.

Uh-uh, don’t touch my hair, she scolded with a wag of her finger.

Have it your way, he replied with a wink, anxious for her to get back to business.

Now where was I? she cooed. Oh yeah... I was putting my name on your dick. When she swallowed his penis again, Charlie smiled and rested his head against the back of the chair. The last thing he wanted was for her to stop. Just to make sure he didn’t make the mistake of grabbing onto her hair again, Charlie raised his hands behind his head and then savored the moment.

Damn, he loved single life!

Paige suckled him faster, almost unbearably. Harder, then slower, her hands worked the length while her lips took him deeper again. Her lips and tongue were such a dangerous combination, she had him arching off the seat.

Oh shit! Paige, I’m about to come, he warned and yet she didn’t stop. Instead, she worked him greedily until Charlie gripped the arms of the chair and sprayed the back of her throat with his semen. Paige continued, drawing every drop out of him while he tremored in the chair.

Oooh-wee! he breathed followed by an exhausted chuckle. You have skills!

Paige drew back slowly—her smoldering gaze locked on his—as she wiped the corners of her mouth. You haven’t seen anything yet. Her smile promised much more to come.

Charlie grinned. I definitely look forward to finding out.

CHAPTER TWO

Are you ready?

Simone looked up from the bandages on the table into Dr. Lands’ silvery-gray eyes. Drawing a deep breath, she tried to calm her racing heart. Nodding, she replied, Yes, I’m ready.

Go ahead and look, he urged.

Slowly, she raised the handheld mirror and stared. The moment she saw her reflection, a gasp escaped her parted lips.

What do you think? he asked.

Simone looked at her plastic surgeon with tears in her eyes. Is that really my face?

He chuckled softly. Yes, my dear, it is.

Simone combed her long flat-ironed auburn hair away from her face and then ran a finger along her right cheek. Where there was once a large zig-zag scar that ran from her temple down to the corner of her mouth, was now a faint line.

Shaking her head with disbelief, she said, I don’t know what to say. Years of caking on concealer to hide the shameful scar had finally come to an end.

Just tell me you’re pleased with the results.

"Pleased? Oh my God! Thank you so much. I-I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you," she stuttered.

Her surgeon winked. That gorgeous smile is payment enough.

Blushing, Simone leaned over and gave Dr. Lands a huge hug of gratitude. Their three-year relationship had finally come to an end.

I’m going to miss you, but I can honestly say I’m happy I never have to see you again.

He laughed. Then if that’s the case, I don’t ever want to see you again either.

A few minutes later, Simone was walking down the hall of the hospital, feeling light in her black leather slippers. She still couldn’t believe the ordeal of the last five years was finally over. At the middle of the hall was a bank of elevators. She pressed the Up button and caught her reflection in the steel door. Tilting her face to the side, her smile widened. She wasn’t dreaming.

The doors opened and Simone found a tall attractive gentleman already aboard. While texting away on his phone, he glanced up. The second he spotted her, she noticed the double-take. Her first reaction was to drop her gaze and brush a lock of hair over her cheek.

Your scar is gone silly. He likes what he sees.

While stepping on-board, a huge smile curved his mouth, causing her insides to quiver.

Well, hello gorgeous, he said softly. Thank goodness her back was turned as she grinned generously. Nothing better than a handsome man to make her feel good about herself.

Hi, she said, blushing and noticed the way she was still brushing her hair over her scar.

It’s going to take some time to get used to.

Feeling slightly self-conscious, Simone pressed the button to the fifth floor.

You work here? he asked.

Looking over her shoulder, she shook her head and replied, No, visiting.

I’m Gabe, he said and extended his large hand. She turned and accepted it. Something jumped in her chest when their gazes connected.

I would love to take a big beautiful woman like yourself to lunch.

Blushing, her gaze shifted downward. I would love— she stalled as she eyed the wedding ring on his left hand. What would your wife say?

What she don’t know won’t hurt, he replied with a look that probably caused other women to swoon at his feet.

Not her.

Sorry, I don’t do married men. On cue, the elevator doors opened and Simone stepped off while saying, And you need to show your wife more respect. Men were all the same, she thought bitterly while she walked down the long corridor.

Dogs. Liars.

They say one thing but mean something else.

I’m going to love you forever.

In sickness and in health.

Bullshit.

As she blew out a breath of minor frustration, her mind reeled back to a time five years ago when she had first arrived on this floor. It was after eleven hours of surgery following a car crash. Her fiancé, Roberto Lopez, had walked away with a few broken ribs, bumps and bruises. She hadn’t been so lucky. When the other driver slammed into Roberto, the car rolled over into a ditch, slashing her face with shards of broken glass and knocking her unconscious. The fuel pump caught on fire resulting in third-degree burns on the entire left side of her body.  It had taken months of surgeries and rehabilitation to help her to walk again. In the beginning, Roberto had been right there by