KissingtheMaidofHonor

aSecretWishesnovel

RobinBielman

AlsobyRobinBielman

YoursatMidnight

WorththeRisk

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the
author ’simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Anyresemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersons,
livingordead,iscoincidental.

Copyright©2013byRobinBielman.Allrightsreserved,includingtherighttoreproduce,distribute,
ortransmitinanyformorbyanymeans.Forinformationregardingsubsidiaryrights,pleasecontact
thePublisher.

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EditedbyWendyChenandStacyAbrams
CoverdesignbyJessicaCantor

EbookISBN978-1-62266-088-9

ManufacturedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

FirstEditionMay2013

The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the
following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Polo, Minnie Mouse, Splenda, “I Wanna
Dance With Somebody,” Polaroid, Jockey, “Moves Like Jagger,” Velcro, Five Guys, Band-Aid,
ESPN,FourSeasons,Jacuzzi,FrostedFlakes,TheProposal,Tiffany&Co,EpiPen,007,GQ.

Tomymom,forfillingmylifewithkindness,unwaveringsupport,friendship,andmostofall,love.

Andtomydad,whoalwaysmademefeellikethemostimportantpersonintheroom.Imissyou,but

knowyou’relookingdownonmeandsmiling.

ChapterOne

Desperate times called for wishing wells. Lucky for Sela Sullivan, her hometown of Cascade,
Oregon,hadone.ForthepastfortyyearsthepeopleofCascadesworethatfivetimesoutoften,the
“guardianofthewell”wouldgrantthewishifthewisherpaidaprice.

Suggestedoffering?Aquarter.Selaheldfourinhersweatypalm,hopingtoimproveherfifty-fifty

chances.

Shesatontheedgeoftheroundtablewishingwellandlookedoutoverthecliffattheblue-gray

ocean. Procedure also indicated she wait until the sun’s first dip behind the horizon. This plan of
actioncamefromherbestfriend,Vanessa,whosewishforthemanofherdreamshadcometruenota
monthafterdroppingherownfourtokens.

Sela’swishincludedaman—butanentirelydifferentfocus.
Bythelooksofthedescendingsun,shehadfive,maybetenminutestogooverthewishinherhead.

Therightwordingwascrucial.She’dheldthesamegeneraldesireinherheartforthelasttenyears,
butthistimethingsweredifferentandcalledforahigherpower.Thistimeshe’dbeface-to-facewith
theman,andshecouldn’tignorehimnomatterhowmuchshewantedto.

“Wishes don’t go stale, do they?” she said into the cool May air. Maybe she’d better come back

every day for the next month, just in case. She’d head to the bank tomorrow for a few rolls of
quarters.

Andsinglehandedlyfundthetown’sFallFlingifthat’swhatittook.Everyoneknewthecoinsinthe

fountainwerecollectedbythecitycontrollerandusedfortheannualevent.

Sheknockedherrunningshoesagainstthestonebaseand,lettingoutadeepbreath,willedtheview

from the bluff to calm her overactive nerves. And it worked. Until her best friend’s—and bride-to-
be’s—voicecutintothesilence.

VanessaWatterssighedlikeshe’djustrunfivemiles.“Man,Idon’trememberthathillbeingsobig

thelasttimeIwasuphere.”Shebentatthewaistandputherhandsonherthighs.“Youdidn’tdropthe
quarters,didyou?”

“Notyet.Andsincewhenareyousooutofshape?”
“SincebetweenworkandtheweddingplansIhaven’thadanyextratimetoexercise.”Shewaved

herhandintheair.“I’mgoodnow.Howareyou?Youreadytodothis?”

“Soready.”Selaslidoffthewell,turned,andpeereddownintotheopening.“ShouldIspeakintoit

oracrossitorwhat?”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Whatmattersisthatyoubelieve.Yourheart’sgottobeinitoritdefinitelywon’t

work.Oh—”SheputahandonSela’sarm.“Andmakesureyoudropthecoinsallatthesametime.

That’swhatIdid.”

“Eyesopenorshut?”
“Definitelyshut.”
Sela leaned against the jagged stone, stretched her right arm over the well’s opening, and closed

hereyes.Asmallgustofwindblewthestrandsofhair,whichalwaysescapedherponytail,intoher
face,butsheignoredtheirtickle.Andsherefusedtobelievetheunsettledaircurrentsmeantanything
negative.Thewindwasnottryingtotellhertoblowoffthisfoolishness.Thewishingwellworked,
dammit.IthadworkedforVanessa,anditwouldworkforher,too.

“I wish…I wish for Luke Watters to keep his distance from me as much as possible and for our

interactions to be kept to a minimum.” She opened her hand and let the quarters fall through her
fingers.Onlyaftertheyclinkeddidsheopenhereyes.

Tenyearsagoshe’dwishedforherbestfriend’sbrothertofalloffthefaceoftheearthintoafiery

pitofeternalpain.Atotallyappropriatewishforafifteen-year-oldgirlwitharuinedreputation—and
aruinedheart.Afterthat,onceshe’dgainedalittletimeandmaturity,she’dsimplywishedtonever
see him again. And except for a brief glimpse five years ago when he’d come home for his dad’s
fiftiethbirthdayparty,herwishhadbeengranted.

She waited for the ground to shake or the well’s deity to issue some sort of echo up the well’s

chamber to let her know her wish had been accepted, but all she got was silence. She turned and
lookedatherbestfriendwithraisedeyebrows.

Vanessasqueezedherhand.“I’lltrytohelpasmuchasIcan.”
ThatwasthelastthingSelawanted.ItwasbadenoughthatVanessawaspresentforherwish.“No

youwon’t.Thisismyproblemandyouaregoingtoenjoyeveryminuteleadinguptoyourwedding
withoutworryingaboutme.Asyourmaidofhonor,Ideclarethatanorder.”

Vanessaleanedagainstthewellandzippeduphercream-coloreddownvest.Pairedwithherblack

leggingsandshiny,long,blondhair,shecouldeasilybeonthepagesofasportswearcatalog.“You
know,mybrother ’sprobablyforgottenallaboutthatkiss.Ireallythinkyouneedtojustmoveon.”

Easiersaidthanremotelyaccomplished.Selacouldn’twipethehumiliationfromhermemoryeven

ifshewerebrainwashed.“Soyou’vesaidahundredtimes.Butyouweren’tthere,Ness.”

The Valentine’s Day Kissing Booth flashed in her mind. How the green of the baseball field

matched the green of Luke’s eyes. The varsity players had a booth every year before the season
startedtoraisemoneyfortheteam.She’dwaiteduntilitwasLuke’sturnandthencutinline,giving
thegirlbehindherafive-dollarbilltokeepherhappy.

“Youwerehisbestfriend’slittlesister,See.Andhislittlesister ’sbestfriend!Plus,Lukewasajock-

asswhokissedatonofgirlsthatday.Trustme,yourswasnothingspecial.”

Some weird sound—a combination of an irritated huff and a nervous chuckle—came out of her

mouth.“Gee,thanks.Thatmakesmefeelawholelotbetter.”Shetoedarockwithherscuffedshoe
andsentitsoaringoverthecliffwithakick.

“YouknowwhatImean.”Vanessabumpedhershoulder.“Mybrotherdidn’tmeantohurtyou.”
“Buthedid.”
EventhoughsheandLukehadarguedandmadefunofeachotherbecausehewasthejockandshe

wasthenerdysciencegirl,she’dstillhadahugecrushonhim.Ithadstartedwhenshewasnineandhe
waselevenandhe’dtossedherhishomerunbaseballafteragame.He’dhithomerunsbefore,andhit
atonafter,butthatdidn’tmatter.Itwasthefirsttimeaboyhadgivenhersomething.Thefirsttime
he’dnoddedatherlikehereallynoticedher.

She’dneveradmitit,butshestillhadtheballtuckedawayinadrawerinherbedroom.
The day of the Kissing Booth, she’d forgotten all about how they mixed like oil and water. How

theybaitedandridiculedeachother.Shewassecretlymoreinlovewithhimthaneverandwasgoing
toshowhimthatshemightbeasophomore,butshewasjustasmatureastheseniorgirlshedated.
She’dmarched up tothe booth, handedover her five bucks,and then wrappedher arms around his
neck.

He’d smiled at her. His know-it-all smile that said he’d make sure her first kiss—damn him for

knowingthat—wasoneshe’dneverforget.

Everything around her had faded to nothing when she’d leaned in, pressed her lips to his, and

pouredherentireheartandsoulintothekiss.Shewasn’tsurewhattoexpect;shejustwantedtoprove
she could kiss equal to, if not better than, anyone else. But wonderful sensations immediately
bombardedher.Theirmouthsfittogetherperfectly.Thegentleglide,thewarmthofhistouch…she’d
almoststoppedbreathing.Neededhisair.Soshe’dcoaxedhislipsapartandlethertongue—

“Stopthinkingaboutit,”Vanessasaidinhersecond-grade-teachervoice.
Selasighed.“Fine.You’reright.It’sinthepast.”Onlyshestillcouldn’tquiteforgivehimorgetthe

scathingwordshe’dsaidaloudoutofherhead,alwayswonderingthroughoutadulthoodiftheguy
shewaswiththoughtherlipswereascoldandmushyasacorpse’s,too.

But worse, once Vanessa had heard what happened, she’d cornered Sela and demanded the truth:

DidSelareallyhaveacrushonherbrother?BecauseVanessacouldn’thandleitifshedid.Selahad
saidofcoursenotandpromisedVanessashedidn’thavetoworry,becausesheneverwantedtoseeor
talktoLukeagain.Andshe’dmeantitatthetime.

Butnow,sometimes,whenshesawsomethingaboutLukeinthemediaorhisfamilytalkedabout

him,herheartwouldskipthatfamiliarbeatandshefeltlikealiar.

“Comeon.I’llbuyyouahotchocolate.”Vanessalinkedtheirarms.
Selablinkedawayhermemories,swallowedthebadtasteinhermouth,andfellinstepbesideher

best friend. “Okay. Besides, it’s not like he’ll be here more than a few days anyway. With his busy
photographyscheduleandall.”

Vanessastayedunusuallyquiet.
“What’s wrong?” Crap, she hadn’t meant to say anything to hurt Vanessa’s feelings. She really

sucked as a maid of honor. Here she was thinking about herself and worried about something that
happenedforeveragowhensheshouldbefocusedonthebiggestweddinginCascadesinceMr.and
Mrs.Watters.

Fromthismomenton,shesworeshe’dbethebestmaidofhonorever.Theonlythingonhermind?

Vanessa.Andshe’dstartwiththebachelorettepartynextweekend.

“He’shere,”Vanessasaid.
Selatrippedoverarockandalmostfaceplanted.ShesteadiedherselfwithahandtoVanessa’sarm

andslowedtheirstepsdownthesteepdirttrail.“What?”

“Hegotherethismorning.Hedecidedhewantstobearoundforallthepre-weddingfestivities.”
Irepeat:Bestmaidofhonorever.Vanessadeservednothingless.ShewasthesisterSelaneverhad.

Besides, festivities with the guys, not the girls, right? Although if she knew Luke, he’d dote on
Vanessatobesureeverythingwasperfectforher.

Hemighthavebeengoneforthepastnineyears,butgrowinguphe’dalwaystakenhisbig-brother

roleseriously.AndaccordingtoVanessa,hestillcalledandtalkedtoallthreeofhisyoungersisters
regularly.

Sheplastered a happysmile on herface. She could bearound Luke. She’djust keep her distance.

“That’sgreat.Iknowhowmuchyouguyshavemissedhim,”shefinallysaid.

“There’soneotherthing.AnditonlyjusthappenedsoIcouldn’thavetoldyouanysooner.”
AlumplodgedinSela’sthroat.Herfriend’sworrisomevoicesoundedworsethanthedrillatthe

dentist’soffice.“DoIneedtograbanotherfourquarters?”

“Maybemore.”
“And all you’ve offered to buy me is a hot chocolate? Throw in a cookie dough cupcake from

Crem’sandyoucantellmeIhavetowalkdowntheaislewithLuke.”

“YouhavetowalkdowntheaislewithLuke.”
Selastumbledtoastop.Sheswalloweddownthestringofcursewordsbeggingtobesetfreeand

insteadsaid,“Luckyhim.”Becauseinthatinstant,shedecidedtheonlywayshe’dgetthroughthiswas
toshowLukeWattersthatshehadn’tgivenhimasecondthought.

VanessaturnedandputherhandsonSela’sshoulders.“What’sgoingoninthatheadofyours?”
“Nothing.”Selagaveheraquicksmile.“Thisissupposedtobeoneofthebesttimesofyourlife

andI’msorryIwassocaughtupinmyownstupidfeelings.I’mfinewiththis.Allthatmatterstome
ismakingyourdayspecial.”

“Thankyou.”Vanessadroppedherarms,tuggedSelabacktoherside,andtheycontinuedwalking.

“Thatmeansalottome.Hayden’sbestmanisn’tgoingtomakeitbackfromhistourintheMiddle
Eastafterall,andsoLukeissteppingin.”

Maybe after a few strategic walks around her dog, Beckham, Luke would step in something else.

Shit.ShereallyhatedthatthoughtsofLukehadherthinkinglikearebuffedteenageragain.

“What did Hayden finally decide? Cummerbunds or vests?” She loved that Vanessa was anything

butabridezilla—especiallywhenitcametoheradorablefiancé.

“Vests,”Vanessapracticallycrooned.“Helooksamazing.”
AwaveofhappinesscameoverSelaastheyreachedtheircars.Nothingwasmoreimportantthan

love, and seeing Vanessa so enamored with Hayden gave her hope that one day she’d find her own
soulmate.

“Bytheway,”Vanessacontinued.“Ireadyourlatestcolumn.Itwasbrilliant,asusual.Ihadnoidea

thescentofdoughnutsturnedaguyon.”

Shegrinned.NoonebutVanessaknewshewasthewomanbehindthewomen,life&lovecolumnof

Cascade’s local newspaper. Her latest post, “How To Sniff Out If He’s Marriage Material,” had
spurredalotofdiscussion.

“Glazeddoughnutsandcheesepizzacanleadtolotsoffunbetweenthesheets,”Selasaid.
“Youaresonotgoodformydiet.”
“Next week’s has nothing to do with food.” She unlocked her car and purposely kept the topic to

herself.SheknewitdroveVanessacrazy.

Vanessacockedherheadasifshewerewaitingformore.“Fine.Don’tevengivemeahint.”
“Thatisahint.”
Vanessapfftted.“Youamazeme,youknowthat?Longshiftsatthehospital,thenhoursinfrontof

yourcomputer.”

“Thanks.”Asurgeofpridewelledinsideher.ShelovedworkingasanRNbutwaspassionateabout

writing, too. Hours spent researching and coming up with fun topics to help the single women of
Cascadeknowtheyweren’taloneintheirpursuitofhappilyeverafterwerethehighlightofherbusy
weeks.Herfanbasewasgrowing,andwithitshehopedthenoticeofalarger,moreinfluentialnews
source or magazine. More than anything, she wanted her anonymous gig to get picked up by a
nationalpublication.

“Oh,andNess?”Sheleanedoutthedriver ’ssidewindow.“Thanksforcomingallthewayuphere.I

knowI’veputyouinsortofaweirdposition.”

“Everything is going to be okay.” Vanessa paused at her open car door. “You’ll see. My brother

doeslikeyou,youknow.”

“What’snottolike?”shetossedback.Besidesherkisses,thatis.
HerchestconstrictedlikeitalwaysdidwhentheshockedlookonLuke’sfaceflashedthroughher

mind.Hermostembarrassingmomenthadbeenverypublicandshestillhadahardtimereconciling
that. Even though she’d kissed plenty of guys since, and the boyfriends she’d had would never
complain,apartofherstillworriedaboutbeinghumiliatedalloveragain.

But she’d get through this. She’d keep herself busy with maid of honor stuff, enjoy the wedding

day,andthenLukewouldleavetownandshe’dforgetallabouthim.

Forgoodthistime.

…

LukeWatterslettheicy-coldoceanwashoverhisfeet.Hecouldstandinthesoft,wetsandforhours
watching the placid tide roll in and out. The question was whether or not he’d ever get back in the
water.

Thequestionpissedhimoff.
One accident, and fear had taken up residence inside his head. He’d always lived on the edge,

startinginhighschoolwithmountainbikingandhanggliding;nothinggavehimabiggerrushthan
outdoorsportswithahintofdanger.He’dtakenthatpassionwithhimtoPrinceton,joinedtherowing
team,butjumpedateveryotherchancetoparticipateinoutdooradventures.

When it came time to pick a career, he followed his other passion—photography. Combining the

two was a no-brainer, and now his photos glossed the pages of national magazines, newspapers,
blogs, and books. His closest friends were pro surfers, skiers, mountain climbers. He traveled the
world,datedwomenwiththesamefearlessmentality.Hislifewasexactlywhathewanted.

Untilsixweeksago.
He stepped forward and took a slow, deep breath, letting the salty air fill his lungs. The beach

stretchedabandonedoneithersideofhim.Alone,andstillhefeltlikeachickenshit.

Six weeks ago he was in Tibet on an expedition with a pro kayaker shooting pictures of him

negotiatingsomeoftheroughestriverrapidsintheworld.Lukeneededanoverheadshot,sothey’d
constructed a makeshift bridge over one of the largest rapids. The bridge hadn’t held and Luke
crashedintothewater.

The river had ravaged his body and tossed his six-foot frame around like he weighed nothing.

Thankstothenumerousbouldersinthewater,he’dsufferedthreebrokenribs,apuncturedlung,deep
cutstohistorsoandthighs,andaconcussion.Itwasamiraclehistravelcompanionshadpulledhim
outalive.

“Thereyouare!”
HeturnedtoseehissisterVanessatrudgingthroughthesand,hereyesnarrowedonhim.
“Momsentmetomakesureyou’reokay,”sheadded.“It’stimeforbrunch.”
The truth was, he was not okay. But he had no plans to tell his family or anyone else about his

accidentorhowhenowfeltlikehecouldn’ttrusthimself.Hismomworriedenoughabouthimand
histravels.Ifsheknewwhathadhappened,she’dlookhimstraightintheeyesandaskhimtostop.
Andthewayhisinsidesweretwistedatthemoment,hemightagree.

Lukewrappedhisarmaroundhislittlesister ’sshoulders,happytokeephisinjuriesasecretandthe

spotlightonthewedding.“I’mfine.Justhadn’trealizedhowmuchImissedthisview.”Andhehad.
Somethingaboutthepeacefulnessofthebeachhereremindedhimthiswouldalwaysbehome.

“Youshouldcomeseeitmoreoften,then.”
Hechuckled.Sincegettinghomeyesterdayhismomandsistershadonlyremindedhimofhisfive-

yearabsenceadozenorsotimes.“Hey,you’vegotmeforthenextthreeweeks,sozipit.”

She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed. He ground his teeth together and forced

himselfnottoflinchatthepain.“I’msohappyaboutthat,”shesaid.

“Me, too.” If he had to get injured, he couldn’t have picked a better time. Being home to help

photographhissister ’sweddingfromhisownpersonalperspectivewasalwaysintheplan,butnow
he could fully recuperate and be around to participate in so much more. As much as he thrived on
travelandexperiencesawayfromsmalltownlife,hehadmissedhisfamily.

“Mom’smadeallofyourfavoritesthismorning.”
Heclosedhiseyesforamoment.Hismomknewfoodwasasurewaytogethimtostickaround

andhehadnodoubtthatforthenextfewweeks,she’dtrytonegotiateanothervisitoutofhim.The
thoughtpleasedasmuchasworriedhim.“Weshouldheadback,then.”

Theywalkedsidebysideupthebeachtowardthehousehisparentshadownedsincebeforehewas

born. His sisters had moved back in after college and his parents couldn’t have been happier. His
familyhadbeenoneofthefirsttoliveinCascadeandhisgrandfatherhaddonatedconsiderablyto
growing the town. There was a Watters Avenue and Watters Center for the Performing Arts. The
Watters Public Library. And the Watters name adorned at least half a dozen more establishments in
somesmallercapacity.

WhileproudtobeaWatters,Lukehadleftforcollegewithoutasecondglanceandwithnoplansto

returnonapermanentbasis.Hewantedtomakeanameforhimselfonhisown,anidentityseparate
fromhisupbringing.

“Youweren’tkidding,”hesaidastheysteppedthroughtheopenFrenchdoorsandintothedining

room.Despitethecooloceanbreezeusheringthemin,hegotagoodwhiffofcinnamon,butter,and
hismom’sspecialty,DutchBabies.Heeyedalltheplattersoffoodandthensnaggedoneofthethin
trianglepancakes,carefulnottospillthepowderedsugarontop.

Vanessagiggled.
“What’ssofunny?”
“Iknewyou’dgraboneofthose.”Shepickeduptwoherself.“ThinkI’llgofindHaydenandbring

himone.”

“He’srightbehindme,”Luke’smomsaid,carryingatrayofblueberrymuffins.
The rest of the family filed in and in less than five minutes they were all sitting around the table

withplatesfulloffood.TheonlypersonmissingwasTeague,hisyoungestsister.Shewasstudying
abroadandwouldbeflyinghometobeabridesmaidjustintimeforthewedding.

“So,Hayden,”Lukesaidtohisfuturebrother-in-lawinthesternestvoicehecouldmuster,“youdo

anythingtoupsetmylittlesisterandI’llpersonallyseetoitthatyousufferbodilyharm.”

“Luke!”Vanessasaid.
Silverwareclattered,buthewasn’tsurewhose.Hismomgasped.Hisfathershookhishead.
Luke grinned. “I’m kidding.” He reached across the table to fist bump Hayden. “I wasn’t around

whenyouguysweredating,soIdidn’tgettogiveanybig-brotherthreats.”

“No worries, man,” Hayden said. “I promise to take good care of her.” He clasped hands with

Vanessaatopthetable.

“Iknowyouwill.”LukeconsideredhimselfagoodjudgeofcharacterandHaydenwasexactlythe

kind of man he would have picked for his sister—loyal, family-oriented, didn’t take himself too
seriously.Itwouldbeniceknowingtherewasanotherguyaround,hethoughtashelookeddownthe
tableathisdad—especiallysincehisparentshadagedsincethelasttimehewashome.

“Hey,everyone.SorryI’mlate.”
Luketurnedhisheadinsurpriseattheinterruption.Hebarelycaughtsightofawomanassheflitted

behindhim,butshesmelledlikeflowers.

She bent and gave his sister Erin a hug, moved to his mom next, rounded the table to give an

affectionatekissonthecheektohisfather,ashouldersqueezetoVanessa,andanotherkisstoHayden.
Thenshelockedeyeswithhim.

Andheinstantlyslippedbackintime.Somethingfamiliarinherhazeleyescalledtohim,andonly

when she moved her gaze away did his stare drop to her full mouth. He gulped. Her lips were the
perfectshadeofpink.

“Hi,Luke,”shesaidbeforequicklytakingtheemptychairattheoppositeendofthetable.
“Hi…”
Vanessalaughed.“OhmyGod,Luke.You’resuchadork.That’sSela.”
SelaSullivan?Hisbestfriend’slittlesister?Holycrap,she’dgrownuptobeevenmorebeautiful.

Besidesthemouth,hereyessparkled,herhairfellinlong,tawny-coloredwavesdownherback,and
herformfittingyellowsweaterwithtinypearlsforbuttonsandfadedbluejeansdefinitelyaccentuated
herass-ets.

She’dbeenathorninhissidegrowingup.Lovedtoannoyhimandalwaysarguedwithwhateverhe

said.Hecrackedasmallsmilerememberinghowhe’denjoyedknockingheroffherpedestalatime
ortwo.She’dbeentoosmartforherowngood.Thoughonarareoccasionshe’dbeenfriendly.

Toofriendly.
Hell,itallcamefloodingback.Thekissingbooth.Thewayherlipshadmoldedagainsthisbetter

thananyothergirl’s.Theflyonhisjeanshadstrained.He’dgotteninstantly…“Oh,hey,Sela.It’snice
toseeyou.”

She replied with a closed-mouth smile that looked forced. Did she remember the last words he’d

saidtoher?Youkisslikeacorpse,he’dannounced.Thenshovedherawayandproceededtoaddafew
moreadjectives.She’dturnedandran,butnotbeforehesawabig,fattearrolldownhercheek.

What was it his sister and her friends called him and his baseball buddies? Oh yeah, a jock-ass.

He’ddefinitelybeenonethatday.Despitetheirdifferences,itkilledhimthathe’dhurtherinfrontof
somanypeople,butherbrotherShane—hisverybestfriend—hadbeenstandingrightthere,andso
he’dhadnochoice.Hecouldn’tletanyoneseehowshe’dreallyaffectedhim.

“Thislooksamazingasalways,Paula,”Selasaid,breakinghimfromhistrainofthought.
“Thankyou,sweetie,”hismomsaid.“We’regladyoucouldjoinus.”
OvertheyearsVanessahadmentionedSelaonceortwice,andthelasttimethey’dtalkedatlength,

Vanessahadtoldhimshewashermaidofhonor.Butinallhonesty,he’donlylistenedwithhalfan
ear,sohehadnoideawhatshewasuptonow.Wasshemarried?Probablynot,sinceshe’darrived
alone.

Heeyedherhandsastheybusilyloadedherplatewithfood.Nothingonherringfinger,butshedid

wearaseriesofthinbandswithdifferentcoloredstonesonthemiddlefingerofherrighthand.He
wonderedifitwassomethingspecial.

“AreweallsetforWednesdaynight?”Vanessaasked.
“Yes.” Sela forked a piece of scrambled egg before putting the utensil on the side of her plate.

“Seveno’clock.”Shereacheddownandasecondlaterhadasheetofpinkpaperinherhand,which
shegavetoVanessa.“Here’sascheduleofeverythingcomingup.”

Vanessa read the list and then beamed at her friend. His mom winked at Sela. Organization had

never been one of Vanessa’s strong suits, and it warmed him that Vanessa had not only Mom but a
friendlookingoutforher,too.

“What’shappeningWednesday?”heasked.
“Dancelessons,”Vanessasaid,thecornersofhermouthstillspreadwide.“Forthewholewedding

party.”

Lukechokedonhiscoffee.“Why?”He’dbeentooneotherwedding,andhecouldn’trecallpaying

much attention to the wedding party. Weren’t the only people who really mattered the bride and
groom?

“Afraidyou’vegottwoleftfeet?”Selaasked,afamiliarringofoppositioninhervoicebeforeshe

lookeddownandstuffedfoodinhermouth.

Oh,he’dtakethatchallengeanddanceringsaroundher.“Iguessyou’llfindoutonWednesday.”He

leanedbackinhischairandcontemplatedthetwothoughtsnigglingathim.Wouldhebeabletomove
well enough on the dance floor to hide his still-healing body? And why the hell was he looking
forwardtotangoingwithhisbestfriend’slittlesister?Shanewouldriphimanewoneifhemessed
withSela.

He kept his mouth shut the rest of breakfast, listening to the women talk about all the upcoming

weddingfestivities.Selaneverlookedhiswayagain,butshedidcastaffectionategazesonhisfather
and Hayden. She talked and laughed and seemed more a part of the family than he did. Despite the
guiltthathehadn’tbeenhomeinfartoolong,hecouldhavewatchedheralldaywithouthardship.

A sharp pain sliced through his middle and he reflexively pressed his forearm across his upper

abdomen.Thestabscameoutofnowheretoremindhimhisbodywasn’tbacktonormal—thathewas
weak.

Thephysicaluneaseletupquickenough,butthementalanguishlingered,alwaysthereintheback

of his mind. Could he get back to the job he loved without hesitation? He had an assignment the
secondweekofJune—aproskierinChile.Themountainstherewereknownforavalanches.Hisown
safetywasn’ttheonlyconsideration.Theathletesandcrewcountedonhimtohavetheirbacks,too,if
necessary. Worse than something happening to him again would be his freezing in response to
someoneneedinghishelp.

Lukegulped.Forthenextfewweekshe’dfocusongettinghisstrengthbackwithdailyrunsonthe

beach, light weights, and a healthy diet. His doctor had recommended meditation and yeah, he’d
scoffedattheidea,butifhedidn’tkeepanopenmindhemightnotfullyrecoverasquicklyashe’d
like.BecauseafterVanessa’swedding,hehadnomoreexcuses.

HeglancedatSelaagain.Afewyogaposeswithherwoulddefinitelymakehimfeelbetter.

ChapterTwo

Sela let out a pained sigh and read the e-mail from her editor for the tenth time. Stella hated the
women,life&lovearticleshe’dsentinyesterdayfornextweek’scolumn.Actually,hatemightbetoo
kind a word. Since when was a discussion of a woman’s “number” taboo? Since Stella had gotten
dumpedbyherlatestboyfriend,that’swhen.

Stellahadn’texactlycomeoutandsaidthat,butitwasdefinitelyimplied.AndnowSelahadtwenty-

fourhourstowriteanewcolumnorStellawouldfillherspotwithsomethingelse.

Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem. But she was due at the hospital for a twelve-hour shift in

thirty minutes, followed by another one tomorrow, and then dance lessons in the evening. That left
herasmallwindowofopportunitytonight.

“LookslikeI’llbechuggingthecoffeelater,Becks.”
Beckham’slittleYorkiebodywriggledinherlap,andhetiltedhisheadup.
“Don’tlookatmelikethat.”Shepushedawaythecoffeecuponherdeskjustasaterriblethought

struckher.

WhatiftherejectionhadnothingtodowithStellaandeverythingtodowithher?Maybeshewasn’t

as good a writer as she thought. Or worse, maybe she didn’t have any more interesting advice to
offer.Ifanyonelookedatherownlovelife,they’dseeshedidn’twritefromexperience.

Shewrotefromtheheart.
Her head hit the desk. Beckham scurried off her lap, in tune to all her emotions and obviously

figuringsheneededsomespace.Allthegreatcolumnideasshe’doncehadseemedtowhittleaway
andallshewantedwastocallinsickandstayinbed.AknotthesizeofColoradolodgedinherthroat.

Shecouldn’tletthissetbackdrainhercreativityandconfidence.She’dwrittendozensofcolumns

forStellawithsuccess.Sowhatifonehadhitthewrongnote?

Butthatmeantthisnextarticlehadtobebeyondgood—atopicthatwouldknockStella’sdesigner

boots off. She stood and paced around her bedroom, crossing back and forth over the first rays of
daylight streaming in through the window. She needed some new inspiration. Vanessa’s wedding
invitationleanedagainstherpencilholder,andinthenextinstant,Lukepoppedintoherhead.

Helookedevenbetternow,ifthatwaspossible.Shemighthavethoughthimajerk,buthe’dalways

been an attractive jerk. Sitting with him at brunch, Sela had noticed everything when he wasn’t
looking.Hislightbrownhairwasshorter,andshe’dbethenevercombedit.Hisfacewasabitmore
angular,likehe’dlostsomeweight.Andthesculptedstubbleonhisjawline?Annoyinglysexy.

Butwhatgottoherthemostwasthisfeelingshehad—thatsomethingwasn’trightwithhim.The

fireandsparkinhisunfairlygorgeousgreeneyeshaddwindled.Andthewinceshecaught,withhis

armacrosshismiddle,meantpain,butVanessahadn’tmentionedanythingtoheraboutaninjury.

Whatevershethought,though,itdidn’tmatter.Lukedidn’tmatter.Nottoher.Andshe’dtakenthe

firststepstoprovingthatbynotengagingwithhimaftershe’dslippedintoheroldwaysandstupidly
teasedhimaboutdancing.

That was it! She’d write a column titled something like “How to Dance Your Way Into a Guy’s

Heart.”SheploppeddownatherdeskandsentStellaane-mail.She’dhavethenewcolumntoherby
Thursday morning—it was crucial she have one extra day for research. Did they have any stock
photosofacoupledancing?AndP.S.Shewassorryaboutthebreakup.

Shethrewonherscrubs,tiedherhairbackintoaponytail,huggedandkissedBeckham,andheaded

outthedoor.“IWannaDanceWithSomebody”playedinherheadallthewaytothehospital.

Seven hours into her shift, Sela slid her tray down the hospital’s cafeteria conveyor belt for a late
lunch.“Hey,Georgette,”shecalledoverthecounter.“Gotanyleft?”

“Beenwaitingforyou,”Georgettesaid,herwrinkledhandliftingaplateofhomemademacaroni

andcheese.“Thebottomofthepanisalwaysthebest.”

“Yes, it is. Thank you.” She inhaled the scent of sharp cheddar cheese and her stomach leaped in

anticipationofthecheesygoodness.

Georgettemetherattheregister.“Hey,what’sgoingon?”
Selasighed.“There’snokeepingsecretsfromyou,isthere?”SinceSela’sfirstdayatthehospital,

Georgette had adopted her as one of her own and been available whenever she was upset about a
patient.

Georgetteledhertoatableandtheysatintheemptycafeteria.“Talk.”
“It’sthislittleboy,”Selasaid.“He’sgotastaphinfectionandmaylosehisleg.”Shetookabiteof

herpasta.“He’sasoccerplayer.”

“Likeyouwere.”
Sela nodded. Her mom still had all her jerseys—she was always number three because it rhymed

withtreeandshe’dlikedtoclimbthem.

“It’samazingthethingstheydowithprostheticstoday,”Georgettesaid,hertonegentle.
“Iknow.Itjusthurts.IwishsobadlyIcouldmakehimbetter.”Sherubbedatthecornerofhereye.

“Thingsarehardenoughforkidstodaywithoutanaddedchallenge.”

Georgette’swarmhandcoveredhers.“Youmakepeoplebetterallthetime,Sela.Don’tyouforget

that.”

A customer walked in, drawing Georgette’s attention so Sela couldn’t ask what she meant. The

doctorsmadepeoplebetter,nother.

Afewmorebitesofmacaroniandcheeseliftedherspiritssome.Howdidfooddothat?
Butthensheglancedacrossthecafeteriaandhermoodhittheskids.Heatracedupthebackofher

neck.Lukestoodatthecounter,charmingthepantsoffGeorgette,ifshewasreadingtheblushonthe
olderwoman’sfaceright.Whatwashedoinghere?

As if sensing her eyes on him, he turned his head in her direction. With the grace of an

inexperiencedteenagersufferingacrush,Selacockedherheaddownandputherhandflatontheside

ofherhead,elbowonthetable.Shedidnotwanttotalktohimandifhehadnoticedher,maybehe’d
getthehint.

Severalsecondstickedbyuntilthesuspensewastoomuch.Shekeptherchindown,herfingerson

herforehead,andventuredapeek.

He stood halfway between her and the exit, a wrapped sandwich in his hand, his attention on the

speckledtilefloor.Hisawkwardstancedidsomethingfunnytoherstomach,andshealmostleaped
outofherchairtoseeifhewasokay.No.He’sjustindecisive,shethought.Hehad noticed her and
couldn’tdecideifheshouldsayhello.

Lethimfigureitout.Shegotbacktohermacandcheese.
Butshedidangleherchairawayfromhimincasehehadn’tseenherandshewasdreamingupthis

wholescenario.Hereallyhadabothersomeinfluenceoverher.Andifheweren’tblockingtheexit,
shewouldhavemadeaquickgetaway.

“Sela?”
Crap. “Luke? Hi.” She dropped her arm and lifted her head. Only to be gobsmacked by a pair of

greenthunderstorms.

“Ididn’tknowyouworkedhere.”
“Surprise.”
Herockedfromsidetoside,andthentheswaylandedhimintheseatacrossfromher.“MindifI

joinyou?”

She minded a lot. This was the farthest thing from her wish. She didn’t want to be in close

proximity to him any more than she had to. His messy brown hair, five o’clock shadow, and good
manners—even if the manners were obviously forced—were a lethal combination. She forgot all
abouthismeanwordsandrememberedhowtheypracticallygrewuptogetherandwasn’ttheirteasing
andone-upmanshipsomeofherbestmemories?OhGod,shecouldnotfallbackintolikinghim.Any
romanticnotionswouldruinherfriendshipwithVanessaandlabelhertheWorstMaidofHonorEver.

“Iwasactuallyjustleaving,”shesaid.Shehadtogetaway.Seeinghimonhertermswasonething,

unexpectedlyquiteanother.

“Wait,”hesaid,catchingherarmasshepushedbackherchair.“Areyouokay?”
Hisquestiongotunderherskin.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’mnot?”
“You look upset.” He rubbed his hand along his jawline. “The usual sparkle in your eyes isn’t

there.”

Oh,no.Hewasnotgoingtostartbeingniceandnoticingherdifferentlynow.Notafterallthistime.
“Icouldaskyouthesamething.Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Heshifteduncomfortably.“Iaskedyoufirst.”
Sheleanedforwardwithherelbowsonthetableandnoticedforthefirsttimeapinkscaralonghis

hairline.Somethinghadhappenedtohimanddamnifshedidn’twanttoknowwhatitwas.Thenurse
inherreallyneededtocarelessaboutpeople.

“Apatientofminehasaninfection,andI’mworriedabouthim.”
“Him?” He said the word as if he genuinely cared and wanted further explanation. Which only

confusedhermore.Hissincerityandconcernwaslikewavingagiantwhiteflagandofferinghera

dozenredrosesatthesametime.

She needed to get the hell out of there, but her good manners told her to finish the conversation

first.“HisnameisLiam.He’ssevengoingontwenty-seven,athletic,tellsthebestknock-knockjokes,
andhemightlosealeg.”

“That’s rough. It’s a good thing kids are pretty resilient though, right? And he’s lucky to have

someonelikeyouinhiscorner.”

“Right.”Selashookherheadatthecompliment,andhermoodliftedonceagain.Lukedidn’tsayhe

was sorry. He didn’t pity her or her patient. Somehow he understood that those things didn’t hold
muchweightinthepediatricwing.Perseveranceandhopedid.

Lukestudiedher,hisgazefartoounnerving.
“Iknowsomethinghappenedtoyou,”shesaid,breakingthesilence.Shedidn’twanttotalkabout

herself. But she was curious about him and she couldn’t slide her butt off the chair to leave. For
medicalreasons,sheneededtolendanear.Strictlymedicalreasons.

Liar.Ifshethoughtaconversationaboutwhatpainedhimwoulddistractherfromthinkingabout

whatitmightbeliketokisshimagain,shewassorelymistaken.

“Andhowdoyouknowthat?”Hislighttoneindicatedhe’deitherresignedhimselftotellingheror

hewasgoingtotryanddismissitasnothing.

“A feeling.” Without her permission, the corners of her mouth lifted and in response she got a

sexy-as-all-get-outsmileinreturn.“PlusIsawyouwinceatbrunchandyou’vegotafairlyfreshscar
here.”Shereachedahandupandalmosttouchedhistemplebeforetouchingherownhairlineinstead.

“Guess there’s no denying it.” His gaze moved somewhere beyond her shoulder before settling

backonher.

Shecrossedherarmsoverherchestandwaited.
Whenhedidn’tcontinuerightawaysheadded,“Youcantrustme.”Shehadnoideawherethatcame

from.Trust?He’ddemolishedanyhopeofherevertrustinghim,yethereshewasofferingit?The
onlyreasonshecouldthinkofforsayingsuchastupidthingwasbecausehiseyeshadsoftenedand
hisverynicemouthremainedinafriendlyposition.

Damn,buthewasapaininherass.Withsubtleforce,sheslidclosertotheedgeofherseat,ready

to take her leave immediately after he shared what had happened. Her stomach knotted at her quick
consideration of him, and she looked toward the counter. Georgette stood there with an impossibly
widegrinandbothhandsinthethumbs-uppositiononeithersideofherface.

Sela swore to avoid the cafeteria for the next week. Possibly out loud, because Luke said,

“Pardon?”

Sheshookherhead.“Nothing.Sodoyouwanttotellmewhat’sgoingonornot,becausemybreak

isalmostover.”

Luketuggedathiscollareventhoughitlookedperfectlyloose.Thetwotopbuttonsofhislong-

sleevedgreenPoloshirtwereinfactopen,andSelahadtodraghereyesawayfromhissmooth,tan
skin.Itwasn’tevensummeryetandhewassunkissedasifhe’dspentthelastmonthoutdoors.Which
heprobablyhad.

“Iwasheretosee…”Hepausedandtookaslowbreath.“IwasheretogetachestX-ray.”

“You’vebeenhavingchestpains?”shewhispered,herheartsqueezingatthethought.Thiswasnot

partofherwish.Shedidn’twanthimtosuffer.Onlywantedhimtostayaway.

“No. Some shortness of breath and fatigue. I punctured a lung a few weeks ago.” His shoulders

relaxedlikeaweighthadbeenlifted.

“Onanassignment?”
“Yeah.Fellintosomerapidsthatdecidedtotossmearoundlikeabeachballbetweenboulders.”
“Oh,Luke.”Again,shealmostreachedouttotouchhimbutsnatchedherhandbackjustintime.Her

faceburned.“Howmanybrokenribs?”

“Three.”
“Anyotherinjuries?”
“Aconcussion.Someprettybadabrasions,afewneedingstitches,”hesaidmildly,buthishandshad

chokedhissandwichtodeath,theclingwrapmangled.

“Andyourfamilydoesn’tknow,dothey?”
Hecutaquickglanceoverhershoulderagain.“No.AndI’dliketokeepitthatway.”
Selaglancedatherwatch.SavedbythehandsofMinnieMouse,thankGod.Becausethesurestway

to get her to forget about her wish was to a) let Luke’s accident reel her in to keep an eye on him,
givenshewasapparentlytheonlyonewhoknew,andb)believehisconfidinginhermeanttheywere
friendsallofasudden.

Sheshovedhermacaroniandcheeseathim.“I’vegottago.Trythis.It’sreallygood.”
Withoutaglancebackshetookofffortheexit.Shecouldn’tletwhathadjusthappenedinfluence

hertoforgetwhatLukehaddone.Guyslikehimknewalltherightwordsandalltherightmoves,and
shecouldn’ttrustthathewouldn’tmakeafooloutofheragain.

Thistimethestakesweregreater.ThistimeshehadadutytoVanessaandifshestayedfocusedon

thewedding,she’dgetthroughthenextfewweekswithoutahitch.

Shewouldnotfalterinhermaidofhonorresponsibilities.Nomatterwhatthebestmansaidordid.

…

Lukedownedhisbeerand,ratherthanlookathisbestfriendsittingacrossthetable,tookinthesights
oftheCrown&AnchorPub.

Miltstillpoureddrinksfrombehindthebar,hismannersurlyasever,buthislongevityinCascade

had reached national-treasure status, so no one complained. The only other thing Luke recognized
weretheteamphotosonthewalls.Hishighschoolbaseballteamhadbeenstatechampiontwoyears
inarow.Lookingatthepicturesnow,anunexpectedstabofnostalgiadimmedhissourmood.

“Saturday, dude. You. Me. And the waves at Seascape Beach,” Shane Sullivan said. “We haven’t

surfedtogetherinforever.”

“Appreciatetheoffer,butIcan’t.”ThetideatSeascapewasfierce,andhehopedShanedidn’tsee

himshiver.Hefistedhishandsathissidesandwishedlikehellthethoughtofwaterdidn’tscarethe
shitoutofhim.

“Weddingcrap?”Shaneraisedhiseyebrowsandhisforeheadcreasedinsympathy.
Thankful for the excuse, Luke nodded. “And I’m enlisting your sorry ass to help me with the

bachelorpartyonSaturdaynight.”

Shane’sexpressionbrightened.“Boozeandbabes,myfriend.That’sallweneed.”
Lukecouldgetonboardwiththat.Heleanedbackagainsttheleatherboothandflexedhisfingers.

Those two B words sounded like the perfect prescription to help chase away the pity party he had
goingonwithhimself.

ButthenanRNinlightbluescrubswitheyesthatsparkledlikeshinynewpenniesandamouththat

beggedtobekissedflashedinhismind.

What the hell had he been thinking when he told Sela about his accident? He hadn’t been able to

ignore her—hadn’t been able to stop the words from tumbling out of his mouth easier than he’d
thought they would. Warmth and compassion radiated off her in waves and they’d hijacked his
resolve.

“CanIgetyouboysanythingelse?”thewaitresssaid,bumpingherhipagainstthetable.Hergaze

fellonShane.

“Thatdepends.Areyouonthemenu?”Shaneasked.
Luke rolled his eyes. Shane worked fifty-hour weeks as a project engineer, but when it came to

women,he’dneverhadtotryveryhard.Probablybecauseofhisone-liners.

The waitress, a pretty blonde wearing a white shirt, short pleated skirt, and black-rimmed

eyeglasses,laughed.“IfIwas,whatwouldyoudowithme?”

Shaneleanedforwardandpulledthepenfrombehindherear.Thenhetookherhand,turneditpalm

up,andwrotesomething.“Ifyoureallywanttofindout,callmeandI’llgooverthedetailswithyou.”

Shelaughedagain,likeshehadnointentionofcallinghim,andsaid,“I’llberightbackwithyour

check.”

“I’masuckerforthesexyschoolgirllook.”Shanesmirkedandputhishandsbehindhishead.“So

bachelorparty.I’mprettysureSelatoldmethegirlsaregoingoutSaturdaynight,too.”

“Oh?”Aspikeofinteresthadhimsittingtallerinthebooth.Wouldboozeandbabesapplytothem

aswell?Andwhydidthatbotherhim?

“Yeah.They’reheadedtoanewMoroccanrestaurantfordinnerandthenbarhopping.”Shaneput

his elbows on the table and lowered his voice. “I was at Sela’s the other day and saw a few of the
thingsshebought.Youthinkwehavedirtyminds?SheisgoingtoembarrassthehelloutofVanessa.”

“Sela?” He couldn’t imagine her doing anything too crazy. In high school she’d mostly had her

nose in a book, and when she did take part in the action, it was only from the sidelines. He’d often
sneakpeeksather,though,curiousaboutwhatshe’ddoifhehauledherawayfromhersafetyzone.

“Mysisterisn’tasinnocentasyouthink.”
Lukenarrowedhiseyes.“No?”
“On second thought, don’t think about that.” Shane squinted. “You’re thinking about that. Dude.

She’smylittlesister.”

Right.Shewasoff-limits.Andsincewhendidhethinkaboutherthatway?
“Andyoucalledhercorpselipsorsomethinglikethat,”Shaneaddedwithawrysmile.
Lukeinwardlygroaned.Hehadn’tthoughtaboutthatdayinalmosttenyearsandnowtwiceinthe

pasttwodays,he’dbeenremindedofhisjuvenilebehavior.Andhisshame.Heregrettedthewayhe’d

treatedhermorethananyotherindiscretioninhighschool.Butwhenaguyistakencompletelyby
surprise—byhisbestfriend’slittlesisterofallpeople—hesaysanddoesshittoprotecthimself.

“Yourememberstufflikethat,butnotthenameofthatplaceupnorthIcalledandaskedyouabout

lastmonth?”LukewantedtogiveVanessaandHaydenaweekendgetawaytoabedandbreakfastin
Washington as a wedding present. Shane had taken a girl there last summer and raved about it, but
thencouldn’trecallthename.Lukedoubtedherememberedthenameofthegirl,either.

Shaneshrugged.Thewaitressdroppedtheircheckonthetable.“Haveagoodnight,”shesaid.Then

she tilted her head in Luke’s direction, looked him straight in the eyes, and added, “You be sure to
comebackandvisitsometime.”

He cracked up. The invitation was obviously to get Shane’s goat, and it did. The muscles in his

friend’sjawticked.Shanethrewmoneydownonthetable,enoughtoletthewaitressknowhedidn’t
takeherslightpersonally.Lukematchedit,andtheybothstood.

“I’llseeyouthisweekend,”Shanesaid.
“Lookingforwardtoit.”Lukeslappedhimonthebackandtheyheadedtotheircars.
An hour later, because he’d decided to take a few detours around Cascade to see if anything had

changed,heparkedandtookthewalkwayuptohisparents’house.Hewelcomedthechillintheair,
thesmellofbrineandearthandhoneysuckle.Thescentluredhimaroundthehouseandontothedirt
pathwayleadingtothebeach.

Hiswholelife,he’dsteppedalongthisnarrowdividebetweenshrubsthatbloomedflowersallyear

round. When he was little, he’d dragged his dump trucks. As he got older, he brought his boogie
board,thensurfboard.Andnotlongafterthat,girls,whosesofthandsslippedintohisroughoneand
whoseemedeagertofollowhimwhereverhemightlead.

Themomenthesetfootinthewideexpanseofsandsofterthansugar,hetookoffhisshoestofeel

as well as remember his youth. No other beach he’d visited—and there had been dozens—matched
thisone.

Avisionofagirlinawhitesundress,thebodicetight,theskirtlongandflowing,thesunsetting

behind her, danced in his mind. Sela…at a family party his parents threw a few weeks after
graduation. He hadn’t talked to her the rest of his senior year, both of them keeping their distance.
And he hadn’t talked to her that night, either. Over the summer he’d had glimpses of her with his
sisters,butshe’dnevernoticedhim.

Hisbreathhitched,hismemoriesofthentanglingwithhismemoryoftoday.Todayhe’dtalked to

Sela and shared something he swore not to tell anyone outside of work. Was it because she was a
nurse?Hedidn’tthinkso.Somethingaboutherreachedrightinsidehimandpluckedoutthedetails,
the genuine layers beyond the superficial. She was present—rooted in the moment with him—not
thinking about anything else. And people didn’t do that anymore. They multitasked, even when
speakingwithsomeone,theirmindracingaheadtothenextthing.

ButSelalistened,herinterestinhimearnest,andheknewhecouldtrusther.Shehadn’tneededto

sayit.

Thesandbeneathhisfeetturnedhardandwet.He’dreachedthesurf…andreachedadecision.Sela

hadn’tcrossedhismindinyears,butsinceSundayshe’dtakenupspaceinhisheadandhewantedto

apologizeforhowhe’dtreatedherallthoseyearsago.Heowedherthat.

Keepinghisdistanceafterwardshouldbeeasy.Hell,thelastthinghewantedwasherplayingnurse

nowthathe’dactedlikeagirlandpracticallycriedonhershoulder.“Pansy,”hemuttered.Ifhecould
kickhisownass,hewould.

No more, though. No more sharing crap. He’d take all the pre-wedding and wedding pictures

Vanessawanted,focusonhealinghisbody,andthedayaftertheweddingreturntohislife.

ChapterThree

Worsthumpdayever.

First,Sela’salarmclockhadforgottentosetitselfandshearrivedatworktwentyminuteslate.Late

equaledalecturefromhersupervisor.Second,onthewaytoVanessa’shouse,she’drunoutofgas.
Shanehadtoldherweeksagotogetthegaugecheckedafterhe’dcometohelpherwhenshe’dgotten
stuck on the side of the road. She’d nodded and added it to her list of things to do ATW—after the
wedding.

Hercarcurrentlyresidedinano-parkingzoneonWhiteSailsRoad.Butbecauseshedidn’twantto

belate,shedecidedtotakeherchancesandhopeshedidn’tgetaticket.Herthumbhadhitchedhera
ridetoVanessa’s,anactionshestillhadnoplanstoshare.Ifanyoneknewshe’dhitchhikedratherthan
calledforhelp,she’dgetanotherlecture,andoneadaywasplenty.Itdidn’tmatterthattheylivedin
Cascade,thesafesttowninOregon,andthatsweet,gray-hairedMatildaWitt—Tildietoherpals—had
beenherGoodSamaritan.Thechancethatapsychostrangerpassingthroughcouldhavepickedher
upwasallanyonewouldfocuson.

Nowhereshewas,standingintheWatterses’kitcheninherscrubsbecauseshehadn’thadtimeto

gohomeandchange.

Oh,andshesmelledlikehandsanitizertimestwenty.
“Check it out,” Vanessa’s younger sister Erin said. She slapped down a yellowed piece of paper

withgreasysplotchesonit.

Next to Erin and her wavy, shoulder-length brown hair, bright blue eyes, and bronze cashmere

sweaterdress,SelafeltlikeCinderellaeonsbeforetheball.

Sheliftedherelbowsoffthegranitecountertop,buttherestofherwearybodycontinuedtolean

againstit.Shepickedupthepaperandsmiledasshereadtherecipe.“Youfoundit.”

“Finally.”Erinbouncedupanddown.“Weareabsolutelygoingtowinthisyear.”
“You’regoingtowin,”Selacorrected.“I’mjustthesidekick.”WhenJudgeBrewer ’sgranddaughter

—and Erin’s nemesis since middle school—Candace “Candy” Brewer got bored and started “The
ChocolateGames”twoyearsagoandtoldErinshehadaboutasgoodachanceofwinningasErin’s
cat,Rover,hadofactuallybarking,Erinhadtakenthechallengeandvowedtowintheonlinebaking
competition.

Thepasttwoattemptshadn’tworkedoutverywell.
SoSelatoldhershe’dhelpoutthisyear.WhatwasonemorethingonheralreadyfullMayplate?
Selascootedaroundthekitchenislandandploppedontoastool.Erintookthespotnexttoherand

said,“We’vegotaweektogetitin.”

“Getwhatin?”Lukeasked,strollingintothekitchenandgivingaquicktugonhissister ’shair.
Erinswipedherarmathim,catchinghisshoulder.“Wouldyouquitdoingthat?Itdrivesmeupthe

wall.”

Lukepulledabottleofwateroutofthefridge,ignoringhistwenty-three-year-oldsister,andthen

stoodacrossthecounter.HissweatyT-shirtclungtohisbroadchest;hisfacewasjustshyofpink.

Sela’s first instinct was to ask if he was okay before she caught herself. He’d obviously been

running,andsheshouldn’tcarethatjustyesterdayhe’dsaidhewasshortofbreath.“Youdoknowwe
haveadancelessoninafewminutes?”

Heraisedaneyebrow.“WorriedI’vewornmyselfout?”
“WorriedI’llbeyourpartnerandyoustink.”
“Ithinkyou’vegotusbothcovered.”Hetooknoteofherfrown.“Itisyouthatsmellslikeliquid

sanitizer,isn’tit?”heteased.

Shedroppedherheadintoherhand.“Goaway.”
“DonotpickonSela,Luke,”Erinsaid.“Ineedher,andifyouscareheraway,IsweartoGod,I’ll

putasnakeinyourbed.”

Helaughed,butSelaheardtracesofdiscomfort.“Theydon’tbothermeanymore.”
“Bullshit,”Erinsaid.
Luke quirked up one side of his mouth, possibly in challenge. It was hard to tell for sure, since

she’dangledherheadtocountthecrumbsonthecountertop.

“Sowhatareyoutwogettinginto?”Lukedownedtherestofhiswater,thentossedthebottleover

hisheadwhereitlandedforthreepointsintherecyclebin.

“TheChocolateGames,”Erinsaid.
“Whatisthat?”
“Ifyouwerehomemoreoften,you’dknow,”Paulachimedin,enteringthekitchenandgrabbing

twocoffeecarafesnearthestove.“Tenminutesuntilgroovetime,”shetossedoverhershoulderas
shedancedoutoftheroom.

“It’s an annual Memorial Day chocolate competition,” Erin said, wiping her hand on the counter

liketherewasasmudge.“Bestchocolaterecipewins.It’sdoneonlineonCascade’sblog.”

“Cascadehasablog?”
“Yes.Thecitycouncilmanagesitandlotsofdifferentpeoplepost.ForthelastweekinMay,Candy

BrewerhastheleadcolumnforherChocolateGamesandpostsalltheentrieswithapictureofthe
finishedproduct.Thetownvotesforthetopfivefinalists.Thosechosenmaketheirrecipeforapanel
ofjudgestotasteandthentheypickawinner.”

“Thisisyourrecipe?”LukepickedupthepieceofpaperattheexactsametimeSelaputherarm

down,andtheirhandsbrushed.

Tinglesracedupherarm.HereyesmetLuke’sandforabeatshe’dsweartimeforgottotick.
He looked at her quizzically before dropping his gaze. Sela watched him read the recipe,

wondering what the heck he was thinking. And feeling. She hadn’t imagined the electric shock, had
she?Orworse,beentheonlyonetofeelit?

“Ditchthemarshmallow,”hesaid,handingthepapertoErin.

“What?”Erinexaminedtherecipelikeshe’dmissedsomethingveryimportant.
“Add bacon instead.” A wry smile took hold of his mouth and he twisted his torso, his arms up,

elbowsout.

The movement pulled his shirt tight across his chest and back, and defined muscles introduced

themselves. Sela’s mouth went dry. New tingles erupted, this time in places they had no business
being.Shecouldn’tpullhergazeaway.

Heclearedhisthroat.
ShepluckedtherecipeoutofErin’shands.“Sincewhendoyouknowanythingaboutbaking?”She

rereadtheingredientsandremindedherselfhowmuchshelovedErin,notLuke.

“Idon’t.Butifyousubstitutebacon,you’llwin.”
“Chocolateandbacon?”Erinshookherhead.“Thatjustsoundswrong.”
Orveryright,Selathought.Iftheycombinedthetwo—arguablyman’sandwoman’sfavoritefoods,

respectively—they might create something orgasmic. The tastes and scents were a pretty deadly
combination.

“Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Bacon Bars” did sound much more interesting than “Chocolate-

ChocolateChipMarshmallowBars.”

Butshesaid,“Idon’tknow.”Mostlybecauseiftheydecidedtotryitshedidn’twantLuketohave

thesatisfactionofknowingithadbeenhisidea.

“Don’tknowwhat?”heasked.“Thatbaconmakeseverythingtastebetter?”
“That’snottrue.”Selatuckedthehairthathadfallenoutofherponytailbehindherear.
Lukecrossedhisarms.“Youwanttobet?”
Selahuffedandwavedhimoff.“Don’tyouneedtotakeashowerorsomething?”
Heleanedforwardonthecounter,armsstretchedinfrontofhim,andlookedrightather.“Bacon

eventastesgoodintheshower.”

“Unbelievable,”Erinsaid.“Whatisitwithmenandbacon?”
Seladidn’tsomuchasblink.“Itmakesguysthatbragaboutitfeelmoremasculine.”
Luke tossed his head back and laughed. He had a deep, sexy laugh and Sela found herself trying

veryhardnottosmile.SheturnedtoErinandwhispered,“Haveyouevertriedthetwotogether?”

Erinshookherhead.“Butwhathavewegottolose?Itsoundsinteresting.Wecouldatleasttryit

thatwayfirst.”

“Let me know when you’ve made them and I’ll take the picture for you.” Luke headed out of the

kitchen,onehandrubbinghisside,asmallfrownonhisface.

“Thatwouldbegreat.Thanks,bro.”
Selagrippedtheedgeofthecounter.Lukewasonlysupposedtotakephotoshavingtodowiththe

wedding.Justbecausethey’dbeennicetoeachotheratthehospitaldidn’tmeantheyshouldspendany
moretimetogetherthannecessary.Shecouldn’ttrustherselfaroundhim.Andwhatifsomeoneelse
noticed?

Hehadsomenerve,shedecided,confidinginherofallpeopleabouthisaccident.Thereasonshe

hadn’t gotten to sleep until two a.m. last night? Visions of the two of them playing doctor. Only he
wasn’tinanypainwhatsoever.

Thisphysicalreactiontohimsetherteethonedge.Cutyourselfsomeslack,Sela.Anywomanwho

lookedatLukewouldthinkhewashot.

“Comeon,let’sgetreadytorumba,”Erinsaid,thankfullyoblivioustothefactthatthelastthingshe

wantedtodowasdancewithLukeWatters.

Wastheresuchathingasarunawaymaidofhonor?
Notthatshe’deverdoit.Vanessameanttoomuchtoher.TheentireWattersfamilydid—minusthe

six-footbaconlover.ShefollowedErinintothelivingroomandmentallykickedherselfforgiving
Lukesomuchthought.

Fifteenminuteslatertheweddingpartystoodintwolinesdownthecenterofthelivingroom,guys

ononeside,girlsontheother.Thefurniturehadbeenpushedaside,theOrientalrugrolledup,the
hardwoodfloortheircanvas.

Thedanceteacherdemonstratedthestepsfortherumbaonemoretime.The“one-two-three-four”

keptreplayinginSela’sheadevenwhenherfeetwerestillandsheshouldbelisteningtoinstructions.
Thecountinghelpedkeephermindoffherbiggestobstacle—Luke.

Hesmelledshowerfresh,lookedAll-Americanhandsomewithhisclean-shavenface,andmoved

muchmoregracefullythanshe’dexpected.Sure,they’dstumbledafewtimes,buthe’drightedthem
withease,hisstronghandsgentleandsure.ShethoughtbacktotheKissingBoothandhishumiliating
words to remind herself he wasn’t always nice. But staring at him now, his eyes warm, his hold
tender,itwasgettingharderandhardertousethatexcusetokeepherdistance.

…

Luke didn’t see the point of learning choreographed dance steps, but it made his sister happy, her
smileandlaughcontagious,andhefoundhimselfenjoyingevenhismissteps.

Hispartnerdidn’thurtmatters,either.Pairedwiththebeautifulmaidofhonor,hegavesilentthanks

forhisnewroleasbestman.Ifhe’dhadtowatchSeladancewithsomeoneelse,hemighthavegone
insane.

Adisconcertingthoughthedecidednottoexaminetooclosely.
“Remember,thebasicstepisoneofthemostbeautifuloftherumba.Soifnothingelse,sticktoit,

andthedancefloorwillbeyours,”theinstructorsaid.

LukepeekedatSelaoutofthecornerofhiseye.Theslightimperfectionsinherprofilemadeitthe

mostfascinatinghe’dseen.Withhisphotographer ’seyeheimaginedshootingherfacefromdifferent
anglesandindifferentlightingandhadafeelingeverysingleonewouldsparkbeautytoathousand
differentbeholders.Shemightbeagirlfromhishometown,buttherewassomethingaboutherthat
wasworldly.

Sheturnedherhead,catchinghimintheactofstaring.Hedartedhisattentionaway.
“Nowlet’sstepintotheclosedpositiononceagainandbegin,”theteachersaid.
He brought Sela a hairbreadth away and looked down. Under thick, long eyelashes, she met his

gazeandawaytheywent.

Atfirsttheymovedrigidly,fightingthenaturalrhythmoftheirbodiesliketheystillneededtobattle

tokeepthingsnormal.Butasthemusiccontinued,theirmovesmeltedintoafluidswayofhipsand

torsosandLukecouldn’tthinkofanywhereelsehe’dratherbe.Heforgottokeepcountinhishead,
theirbodiesmovingnaturallyasone.ThelinescreasingSela’sforeheadinconcentrationvanished,
herfeaturessoftened,andherbodyrelaxedasshefollowedhislead.

“Closeyour eyes andfeel the movement.Let the music guideyou,” the teachersaid softly as she

wovearoundthedancefloor.

Luke waited for Sela to shut her eyes. Christ, she was pretty. The woman made scrubs look sexy.

ButitwaswhatshehadontheinsidethatsuddenlymadehismouthdrierthantheSaharaDesert.

She didn’t only care deeply for Vanessa; she cared about Erin, too. Hell, she looked out for his

familymorethanhedid.Andhisfamilylovedherforit.Hesawitontheirfaceseverytimeoneof
hissistersorparentslookedather.Whichwaswhyheneededtostopthinkingaboutherinanyway
otherthanShane’slittlesister.

Her eyes fluttered open. “You can wipe that smug look off your face. You’re not that good of a

dancer.”

“No?” Without missing a beat, he spun them around, their steps in perfect tandem. An invisible

stringkepttheminharmony.TheflushofSela’scheekskeptenergyhummingthroughhisveins.Her
enchantingcomplexionspurredhisstaminatonewheights,andhedidn’twantthemusictoend.

Hereyesnarrowedandherlipspursed,andLukeimaginedshe’dmuchratherhaveaswordinher

handsotheycouldfenceinsteadofmovewitheachother.

“Youknowwhattheysayaboutshow-offs,don’tyou?”shesaid.
“Tell me.” He twirled them away from the others, his fingertips increasing the pressure on her

shoulderblade.

“They’recompensatingforsomethingelse.Usuallysomethingsmall.”Hergazedippedbelowhis

waistastheybothsteppedback.

Helaughed,alittlemorecarefullythanhehadinthekitchen.Forthesecondtimeinthelasthour

she’ddonewhatfewwomencould—raisehishacklesinthemostengagingway.ButthisbolderSela
hadnoideawhoshewasmessingwith.Heslowedtheirtempoandverydeliberatelyrotatedhiships
withunhurriedconfidence.

“Sweetheart,there’snothingsmallaboutme,”hewhisperedwhentheycametogether.“Andifyou

needproof,I’dbehappytoshowyou.”

Sela’seyeswidenedandshetookawrongstep,breakingtheirperfectcadence.Hekeptholdofher

andquicklygotthembackontrack.Ballinyourcourt,hethoughtwithasmile.Damn,therumbawas
fun.

“I’llgrabmymagnifyingglass.”Hergrinliftedtooneside.
Herwordsandexpressionhithimrightinthegutlikethebestjokehe’deverheard,andherealized

that,forthefirsttimesincehisaccident,hewasn’tmentallyfatigued.

Beforehecouldofferawittyreply,themusicstopped,andLukesilentlycursedthetiming.
Theteacherclapped.“Welldone,everyone.Readyfortheopenposition?”
Luke was ready all right. But for an entirely different position that didn’t include company.

Everyonedroppedtheirarmsandtookastepbackfromtheirpartners.Hewelcomedthedistance—
the dangerous detour his thoughts had taken was unbidden. Since when did he flirt with Sela? And

fromherknitbrowstoherpursedpinklips,hecouldtellshewasthinkingthesamething.

Hispulsespikedthesecondhishandstouchedheragain.Atleastthistimetheymovedawayfrom

eachother,armsswingingout.Selakepthergazeontheotherdancers,andhefollowedsuit.Buteven
withouteyecontact,theymovedwiththekindofsensualfluiditythatledstraightfromthedancefloor
tothebedroom.Hell,iftheymovedwiththiskindofchemistryhere,hecouldonlyimaginehowhot
itwouldbeinbed.Imaginingisallyou’llbedoing.Thiswashissister ’sbestfriendandShane’slittle
sister. The girl his parents loved like a daughter. He couldn’t let his lust screw up any of those
relationships.

“Not bad,” Vanessa said when they swung away from their partners at the same time and nearly

collided.

“You, too.” Happy for the distraction, he was about to suggest a change in partners so he could

dancewithhissisterwhensharppainstabbedhiminthechest.Hetriedtomaskthediscomfortlikehe
usuallydid,buthisshouldersinvoluntarilyhunchedandhegrimaced.

“Luke,” Sela said, her voice soft and knowing. She took the lead, drawing him close. “You’re

hurting.”

“No,”helied,hisregretattellingherhissecretbarrelingbacktothesurface.
“Luke.”
Notwantingtodrawattentionwithanargumenthesaid,“Alittle.”
The fiery spark in her eyes dissolved into something no less unnerving—tenderness. “Why don’t

wetakeabreakandyoucangetsomepictures?”

Whyhadn’thethoughtofthat?“Goodidea.”
Theyrumbaedoffthemakeshiftdancefloor.HeleftSelabehindandheadedtotheguestbedroom

for his camera. He considered heading right out the front door to get some fresh air, but then he’d
havetoexplainhimself.

Okay, so maybe his five-mile run had been two too many, but he needed to feel back to himself

again.ThechestX-rayhadshownnosignsofextrafluid,andhislunghadexpandedbacktonormal.
The doctor said he could resume his normal activities, albeit with caution. Luke’s normal MO was
zero to seventy, not zero to forty, and it sucked that he had to dial back. The finish line seemed so
damnfarawaythateverymuscleinhisbackclenched.

Hehadthreeweekslefttobegoodasnew.HisgiginChilerequirednoless.
Kickingdoubtoutofhishead,hegrabbedhiscamera.
ThefirstpersonhesearchedforwhenhegotbacktothelivingroomwasSela,buttherewasno

signofher.HetookshotsofVanessaandHayden,bothsetsofparents,Erinandherpartner—afriend
of Hayden’s from college—and the other two couples rounding out the wedding party. His nerves
settleddown,thecamera’slensasoothingbalmtohisemotions.

Photography made him forget everything but his subject. He should have thought to use it as a

remedy sooner. Sela did think of it. Did she know it was more than just something to do besides
dance?Thatitdistractedhimfromhispain?

Keeping his camera in place, he sought her out again. He found her leaning against the room’s

archway,aglassofwaterinonehand.Hezoomedinonthesmoothplanesofhercheeks,theripeness

ofhermouth,theaffectioninhereyes.ShewatchedVanessaandHaydenasiftheydancedonwater.

Betweentheswaysofthedancers,hesnappedherpicture.Whenshelookeddirectlyatthelens,he

froze.He’donlyjustgottenreacquaintedwithher,butshehadawayoflookingatpeoplelikethey
mattered.

Evenbroken,hemattered.

…

“I’mworried,”Vanessasaidrightafterthedancelesson.

Sela sagged against the wall, extreme tiredness settling into her muscles. She wanted to go home

and write her column and fall into bed at a decent hour, but she didn’t see that happening anytime
soon.Especiallysinceshedidn’tknowhowshewasgettinghome.Ortobemoreexact,howshewas
gettingtohercarwithoneofthoseredjugsofgasoline.

“About?”
“Haydensteppedonmyfootsixtimes.”
“What? You guys looked amazing. And this was only one lesson. We’ve got two more.” Sela

rubbedherhandupanddownherfriend’sarm.“He’llbeaproafterthat.Noworries.”

“You’resure?”
“Positive.”
“Okay.Berightback.”Sheskippedaway,insearchofherfiancé,Selaguessed.
“You look exhausted,” Paula said to her, passing Vanessa and putting a tray of finger sandwiches

downonthecoffeetablenexttoplatesofstuffedmushroomsandpastasalad.

“Twolongshiftsinarow,butI’vegottomorrowoff.”
“Comeeatsomething.”
Selasatonthecouchandpickedupacucumbersandwich.“Thanksforfeedingallofus.”
Paulasmiled.“Youknowit’smypleasure.I’llberightbackwiththecoffee.”
“Sounds good.” She shut her eyes, thankful for a quick moment alone, but a beat later the couch

dipped.

“CanItalktoyouforasecond?”Lukewhispered,startlingher.
Goodthingshe’dfinishedherglassofwaterorshewouldhavetosseditalloverhim.
“No,” she said. Talking was a bad idea. When she talked to him her body responded in ways she

didn’tlike.Thingsliketinglesontheoutsideandfluttersontheinside.

“Seriously?”heasked.
Didhehavetositsoclose?Shedidn’tanswer,insteadputtingherglassdownandgrabbinganother

sandwich.Eggsaladthistime.Herstomachgroanedinappreciation.

“You only need to listen.” His seductive voice really should come with a warning label. And he

practicallybumpedhissideagainsther,grabbingastuffedmushroomandpoppingitintohismouth
likeherpersonalspacehadplentyofroomforhim.

“Can’t.” Sela had never thought about slugging someone, but she wanted to hit Luke. Push him

away.Tellhimtokeephisdistance.Onlythatwasn’treallytrue.Shewantedtofistherhandsinhis
crewneck black waffle shirt and pull him tight. Bury her nose in the crux of his neck and hope that

maybehe’dholdherinhisarmsandletherstaythereforawhile.

“Because?”heprompted.
Sheturnedherhead.Bigmistake.
Hewassoeffortlesslyhandsome.Andhiseyestwinkledwithfunandmischief,notseriousnesslike

themensheusuallydated.Thoseguysdidn’ttugatherfoolhardyside.Theydidn’ttemptherbeyond
a night or two of good conversation and companionship. She stayed safe with them. Her heart, her
insecurities,remainedtuckedaway.Sinceshe’dlaideyesonLukeagain,he’dchurneduptoomuch
emotion and far too much desire. He offered a chance to be uninhibited, to try new things. Back in
highschool,he’dbeenthatguy.Theonetoseteverygirl’sheartaflutterbecausehewasdaringand
fearless.

“Sela?”hesaid,hisbrowsfurrowed.
Sheblinkedawayherwaywardthoughts.“Because…”Becausewhenthey’ddancedshe’dlikedit.

Becausewhile he’d neveradmit it, shesaw that he wasvulnerable, too. “BecauseI don’t really like
you.”Thatoughttomakehimkeephisdistance.

“Liar.”
“Excuseme?”
Lukegrabbedherhandandpulledherup.“Comeon.”
“Whatareyoudoing?”Shetriedtoyankherhandfree,butheheldtight.Histake-chargeattitude

gaverisetoarestlessfeelinginsideher.Shewasn’tsureifshelikeditorhatedit,butmaybefinding
outwouldn’tbesobad.

“Gettingyoualone.”
Onsecondthought,itwouldbeverybad.Whydidhewanttogetheralone?Whatcouldhepossibly

wanttotellherthatwassoimportanthehadtodragherawaylikeacaveman?

Thatdamnedwishingwellhadobviouslymisheardherplea.
“Hey.Iseverythingokay?”Vanessa.Selaturnedherheadasherbestfriendstrodetowardthem,her

concernedgazeonSelafirst,thenherbrother.

“Fine,” she said, pulling her hand back. She edged away from Luke and sat back down. The last

thingshewantedwasforVanessatobeconcernedabouther.Everythingwasfine.

Hayden followed on Vanessa’s heels. Then Hayden’s parents and Erin and Paula and…her ride

over,Mrs.Witt?

Selaletoutadefeatedsigh.Thatcouldn’tbegood.
“Tildiestopped by,” Paulasaid, looking rightat Sela with anamused look onher face. Mrs. Witt

zeroed in on her, too, but at least she mouthed sorry. “She brought us an apple pie.” Paula put the
dessertonthecoffeetable.

“Oh, and she wanted to know if the hitchhiker needed a ride anywhere,” Paula added, her tone

playful.ButSelaknewifitwerejustthetwoofthemintheroomshewouldhavereadhertheriotact.

Alleyesturnedtoher.
“I…Iranoutofgas.”
“Again?”Vanessasaidbeforecrackingup.“Andyoudidn’tthinkyou’dgetcaught,didyou?”
Sheletasmileslip.“Italmostworked.”

“Areyoureadytogo?”Mrs.Wittaskedinhergenialgrandmothervoice.“Idon’tliketobeouton

theroadpastnine.”

“Actually,”Lukepipedup,andherheartbatteredtheinsideofherchest.Itwasonethingtotease

herwhenitwasjustthetwoofthemorwithoneofhissisters,butquiteanothertodoitinfrontofa
crowd.“Selajustaskedmeforaride,andItoldherI’dbehappytogiveherone.”

ChapterFour

“Mymaidofhonorisnotgettingonthat.”

Luke rolled his eyes at Vanessa. She’d been hovering over Sela since they’d walked out of the

livingroomandintothegarageandnowsheplannedtospeakforher,too?“IthinkSelacandecide
forherselfwhatshewantstodo.”Hetossedasidethemotorcyclecoverandgrinneddownathisbike.
Itlookedexactlyhowheremembered.Sincehe’dmovedstraighttoLAaftercollege,hehadn’thada
chancetotakeitwithhim.

Lukeranahandoverhishead.Hehadn’tbeenontwowheelsintoolong,andheneededthis.This

firststeptosomethingmorefoolhardyanddangerous.ThefactthathewantedtoridewithSelawasa
bigmistake,buthecouldn’thelphimself.Hewantedtoseeherreaction.

“Comeon,Sela.”VanessaputahandonSela’sarm.“Iknowyoudon’twanttodothis.”
Selashrugged.“It’sokay;I’mfine.Gobackinside.I’lltalktoyoutomorrow.”
“Yousure?”Vanessahalfwhispered.
“I’msure.Forgetaboutmywish,”Selawhisperedback.“Thiscouldbeusefulmaterial.”
Wishes?Material?Whatweretheytalkingabout?
ShehuggedVanessaandthenstudiedhisbikewithfarmoreinterestthanhe’danticipated.“Ifyou

thought this would bother me,” she said as soon as Vanessa stepped out of earshot, “you thought
wrong.” Hands on her hips, a gleam in her eye, her full lips were puckered as if she were
contemplatingblowingakisstohisbike.Thelookknockedhimoffbalance.

“Youeverbeenonamotorcycle?”Hepulledhisgazeawayandsearchedthegarageforhelmets.
“No.”Shemovedclosertothebikeandreachedouttoslideherhandalongtheseat.
“Butyou’vewantedto?”Damnifthatdidn’tsurprisehim,buttheintensityinherinterestcouldn’t

meananythingelse.

She quirked a smile and continued to caress the bike, her fingers trailing over the handlebars.

“Maybe.Youhaven’triddenherinalongtime.”

Hisgrointightened.No,hehadn’triddeninawhile.“Her?”
“Itisashe,isn’tit?Iheardallguysthoughtoftheirtoysasfemale.”Sheroundedthefronttireand

glancedupathimfromunderthoselong,darkeyelashesofhers.

Hegulpedandignoredthesexyyetinnocentwayshemoved.“Whotoldyouthat?”
“Shane.”
And just like that he was cured of any improper thoughts. His best friend’s little sister was

forbidden.Alwayshadbeenandalwayswouldbe.

“Hismountainbikeisn’tthesamething.”

“No.Hedoesn’tneedanenginetofeelmanly.”
Lukelaughed.“Whenwasthelasttimeyoufeltaman,Sela?”
She choked and nearly knocked over the motorcycle when she faltered. Luke rushed to the other

side,readytoputhisbodybetweenthebikeandtheconcretefloor.He’dsavedforanentiresummer
workingasanadventureguideafterhisjunioryearofcollegetobuythebike,anditwasstilloneof
hismostprizedpossessions.Heappreciatedthathisparentsdidn’tmindittakingupspace.

“Noneofyourbusiness.”Hercheeksturnedabrightshadeofpink.
“Sonoboyfriend,then?”Heshouldnotbefishing.Notbeaskingpersonalquestions.
“You ready to ride this thing or what? I didn’t follow you out here to talk. I followed you for a

ride.”

Hethoughtaboutteasingherwithexactlythekindofridehecouldofferbutinsteadhandedherone

of the extra helmets. The last time he’d had a girl on the back of his bike had been five years ago.
They’driddenupthecoast,foundasecludedspottogethorizontal,andstayedfriendsafterward.A
goodtime,nothingmore.Exactlyhowhelikedit.

“I’malwaysready,”hesaid,andthenrealizedthemainhitchinhisplan.Selawouldbewrapping

herarmsaroundhim.Herwarmbreathwouldrestonthebackofhisneck.Maybeheshouldtakehis
rentalcarafterall.

Butthesecondsheputonherhelmet,heknewhecouldn’tdothat.Hereyessparkled,andherchest

roseandfellwiththekindofanticipationLukerecognizedwell.

Shewantedtobealittlereckless.
“Nooneisalwaysready,”shesaid.“Sometimesthingshappenthatyouneversawcomingandyou

havetofigureouthowtodeal.”

Hellifherwordsdidn’tringtrue.Hisaccidenthadtakenhimbysurprise,andhehadn’tbeenready

forthefeelingsofself-doubtandfearitleftbehind.

Lukeblinkedawaythoseuncomfortableremindersandsteeredthebikeoutofthegarageanddown

thedriveway.Thecoldnightairdousedthewarmthrisingupthebackofhisneck.

“Hangonasec,”hesaid,usingthekickstandtokeepthebikeinplace.Heranbackintothegarage,

foundhisoldleatherjacket,andbroughtittoSela.“Putthison.That’snotgoingtokeepyouwarm
oncewestartmoving.”Henoddedatthethinblackcoatsheworeoverherscrubs.

“Thanks.” She slipped her arms through and zipped it up. She could add another person in there

withherifshewantedto.

He smiled. Her petite frame reminded him she may talk tough, but she was about as soft as they

cameontheinside.Heputonhishelmet,hoppedonthebike,andwatchedheroverhisshoulder.

Shetookadeepbreathandstraddledtheseatbehindhim.Handsonherthighs,shesaid,“Ready.”
“Youmightwanttoholdon,daredevil,ifyoudon’twanttoflyoffthebackthesecondwetakeoff.”
Her pennies-from-heaven eyes argued for a moment before she wrapped her arms around him.

Withhertightagainsthisback,herhandsclaspedandpressedbelowhisribcage,hestartedthebike.

The nearest gas station was too close to give him the ride he wanted with her, so he went down

SeascapeDriveinstead.Awayfromtownandtowardthelongstretchoftwo-laneroadthatoffereda
freepassforexceedingthespeedlimitandglimpsingmoonraysovertheocean.

Sela’s grip on him tightened, but she didn’t protest. With her acquiescence, adrenaline pumped

throughhisveins.Herelishedtheairrushingpasthim.Thiswasexactlywhathe’dneeded.Certainty
andcontrolfilledhischestforthefirsttimesincehisaccident.

Thebeautifulwomanbehindhimdidn’thurt,either.
Lukehadafeelingshewasgrinninganditcausedthecornersofhismouthtoliftinsatisfaction.He

didn’twanthertoaffecthim,butdamnifshehadn’tfromthesecondhe’dlaideyesonheragain.

Sheshiftedsothatherchinsatonhisshoulder.“Thisisawesome!Canyougofaster?”
He’dgoasfastasshewanted.
Theyraceddownthehighway,theopenroadvoidofotherdrivers.Helaughedtohimself.Onlyin

thesmalltownofCascadewouldhefindtheroademptyatnineo’clockatnight.

Whentheytooktheturnaroundasharpbend,heleanedhisbodyintothecurve.Selaleaned,too,

her instinct and body mechanics on par with his. Thoughts of continuing their pace and driving to
Washingtoncrossedhismind.Wouldshestealawaywithhimforafewdays?

“Weneedtoturnaround,Luke,”sheshouted.
Therewasregretinhertonebutalsoenoughconvictiontocutintohismusingsandknocksome

senseintohim.Shanewouldkickhisassifhefoundouthislittlesisterwasonthebackofhisbike.
Hissisterswouldberatehimiftheyknewthecrazythoughtsgoingthroughhishead.They’dalways
madeitclearthattheirfriendswereprohibited.AndSeladefinitelystoodatthetopofthatlist.

He nodded but slowed his speed to enjoy the sensations of the cold fresh air in his face and the

warmbodyclingingtohisback.

Thebrightlightsofagasstationcameintoviewwaytoosoon.
“I’llberightback,”shesaid,oncebothfeetwereontheground.Shepulledoffherhelmetandran

herfingersthroughherhair.

Hewatchedtheguyinsidethegasdepotgiveheramile-widesmilewhenshewalkedin.Nodoubt

sheinstilledthatkindofresponsefrommostofthetownspeople.She’dgrownuphere,too,andthe
town loved her. Having a home in Los Angeles when he wasn’t traveling, Luke didn’t run into
familiarfacesveryoften.Hehadn’trealizedhowmuchhemissedthosefriendlygreetingsuntilnow.

Aminutelatershehadagascontainerinherhandandwaswalkingtowardthepumpbesidehim.

Shepulledthenozzleandputitintheplasticjug.“Bytheway,donotthinkIlikedthatbecauseofyou.
Iwouldhaveacceptedarideonamotorcyclefromanyone.”

“Huh?”
“Youlookveryhappywithyourself.”
“Andyouthinkit’sbecauseyouhadagoodtime?”
Thepumpclickedoff.Sheputitbackandthentwistedthecaponherone-gallonrescue.Withatilt

to her head that did crazy things to his pulse, she seemed to be assessing him like she could read
everyideahe’deverhad.

“Youwouldn’tletmedrivetomycar,wouldyou?”sheasked,ignoringhisquestion.
“Thinkyoucanhandleallthispower?”
“Hasanyoneelse?”
“You’dbethefirst.”Andforsomereason,helikedthatidea.

She smiled. “Good. Hold onto this.” She tucked the gas under his arm, put on her helmet, and

straddled the bike like she’d done so a hundred times before. “Oh, and you might want to hold on
tight.”

Once in position with her nestled quite nicely between his legs, she glanced over her shoulder.

“Thankyou.”

Lukeknewthosewereverycommonwords,buthecouldn’trememberhereversayingthemtohim

before.Hewantedtoreplyitwashispleasure,butthesimpleanswergotcaughtinhisthroat.There
was nothing ordinary about the attraction he had for her and he needed to do away with niceties
beforehedidsomethingreallystupid.

Likekissher.
DidsheremembertheKissingBoothandtheillwordshe’dspoken?
Hequietedtheirritationthatwoveinsidehimbyleaninghisheaddownandwhisperinginherear.

“Let’sseewhatyou’vegot.”

Thebikelurchedforward,andhealmostdidfallofftheback.
“Sorry!”shecalledout.
“No…”Bythetimehesaid“problem”she’dsmoothedouttheirrideandmaneuveredontotheroad

withoutfurtherincident.

Clouds floated across the moon. He breathed in the salty air and the floral scent of her skin. The

humofthebikethroughtheresidentialstreetsprobablywokeuponeortwooftheelderlyfolk,butit
wouldn’tbethefirsttimeLukehadbrokenthetown’sunwrittencurfew.

Sela parked behind her car. For a beat she sat there, her shoulders slumped. Luke recognized the

posture, since he’d experienced it plenty of times himself: letdown. Without thinking, he lifted his
armstowraparoundher,butshehoppedoffbeforehecouldmakecontact.

“Notbad,MissSullivan.Yougotushereinonepiece.”
There were lots of reasons why he should stay on the bike and speed away without further

conversation,buthehatedallofthem.HestartedtolifthislegovertheseatwhenSelapushedhim
backdown.

“Icantakeitfromhere.”Sheexchangedherhelmetforthegasolinecontainerinhishand.
“I’m sure you can, but what kind of gentleman would I be if I left you alone on the side of the

road?”

“Donotplaythatchivalrycrapwithme.WebothknowtheonlythingIneedtoworryaboutatthis

timeofnightinthistownarethenosyneighbors.”

“Does Mrs. Finnegan still patrol?” The seventy-something great-grandmother had been the first

femalepoliceofficerinCascadeandeventhoughshe’dretiredyearsago,she’dalwaystakenitupon
herselftokeepaneyeoutfor“riffraff.”

“Sheneverleavesherhousewithoutbinocularsaroundherneck,awaterguninherpocket,anda

mug of hot tea in case a stakeout is required.” Sela poured the gas into her tank. “Last month she
turnedinMr.Baxterforpeeingonatree.”

Lukeraisedhiseyebrows.
“Onhiseighty-fifthbirthday,noless.”

“There’sneveradullmomentaroundhere,isthere?”He’dmissedallthequirksofhishometown.

GrowingupinCascade,he’dnevermindedtheattentiontheolderfolkspaidtohimandhisfriends.
He knew if by some chance he needed something and his parents weren’t around, any number of
townspeoplewouldbetheretohelp.

Selaranherhandsdownherscrubpants.“Nope.”
Theystaredateachotherand,forseveralchargedseconds,Luke’sbloodpumpedwiththekindof

energy he normally only felt when on assignment. He’d taken in Sela’s warm eyes, incomparable
mouth, and attentive, caring nature several times over the past few days, but tonight something had
changed.He’dglimpsedawomanwithadaringside,andhellifthatdidn’tturnhiminsideout.

“IguessI’llseeyouaround,”shesaid,shiftingandopeninghercardoor.
Reactwiththesamenonchalance,hetoldhimself.Sheobviouslywasn’tasaffectedbytheirrideas

he’dbeen.She’dgottenherthrillandalreadymovedpastit.

“Yeah.”
He stayed where he was until she’d made a U-turn. Back to the gas station to fill up her tank, he

guessed.Hertaillightsvanishedaroundthecornerandherevvedthebike.

He’dgivenherherfirstmotorcycleride,andshe’dgivenhimsomeofhisconfidenceback.Nota

badwaytoendtheday.

Butsincewhendidagirlstirsomuchemotioninhim?
Sincenever.

…

Seladidn’talwaystrusthere-mail—especiallywhenshesentonethatincludedakick-buttcolumnshe
wantedtoseeStella’sreactionto.

TheofficesoftheCascadeGazettesatinthemiddleoftownbetweencityhallandCrem’sBakery.

Selawavedtothefirst-floorcubicleoccupantsasshemadeherwaytothelargestaircaseinthecenter
of the substantial, open space. The renovation orchestrated by Shane’s architecture firm was finally
complete,andshemarveledatthetransformationfromacold,grayofficetoanupscaleexpanseof
glassanddarkwoodwithrichshadesofyellowandgreenaddedforcolor.

Shetookthestairstothesecondfloorandwovearoundthelargerexecutiveworkspacesuntilshe

reachedtheofficeofStellaMuloway,editorextraordinaire.

Throughtheglassdoor,Selasawherworkingatherdesk,eyesnarrowedathercomputerscreen,a

smileonherfacelikeshe’djustuncoveredasecret.Selaknocked.

Stella pushed her red-rimmed eyeglasses up and waved for her to enter. Her smile widened and

Sela’sshouldersrelaxed.Stelladidn’tgiveawayexpressionslikethatunlesstheyweredeserved.

“Goodmorning,”Selasaid.
“Morelikegreatmorning.Ilovedyourcolumn.Iwasjustreadingitagain.”Stellaliftedhercoffee

mug.“Ithinkit’syourbestoneyet.”

“Really?” Sela sat in the upholstered chair across from her desk, even though what she really

wantedtodowasjumpupanddown.

“Absolutely.Thesinglewomenofthistownaregoingtohangoneveryword.”

Selaleanedbackinherseat.“Wow.Thankyou.”
“Whateveryoudidthistime,keepdoingit.”Stellaputherelbowsonthedeskandslippedclasped

handsunderherchin.

IfStellawantedhertospillwhatshe’ddonedifferently,she’dwaitforever.Shehadnointentionof

sharingwhathadsparkedhercreativity:Luke.Shedidn’tevenwanttoadmitittoherself.Butdancing
with him last night, riding on his motorcycle and feeling invincible, had done insane things to her
head.Thepersonshe’dwishedforsolongwouldstayawayfromherhadwormedhiswayinsideher
thoughtprocessesandmadeherbetter.

No,notjustbetter.Gutsy.
“Whoishe?”Stellasaid,cuttingintohermusings.
“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”ThankgoodnessStellacouldn’tseeherfoottapping.
“Riiight.ButI’llletyoukeepyoursecret.Fornow.”Sheshuffledsomepapersonherdesk,drawing

Sela’seye.

“What’sthat?”sheasked,noticingapictureofLukealongsidesomecopy.
“We’rerunningapieceonLukeWatters.Hometownheromakesitbigacrosstheglobe.Haveyou

seenhim?Ihearhe’sridiculouslyhot.”

Sela’s stomach back flipped. “Yeah, I’ve seen him.” And you heard right. “What does it say there

aboutagirlfriend?”Sheleanedoverthedesk,thewordcatchingherattention.

“He’sdatedprofessionalathletes,models,anAustralianactress,butitseemsourMr.Wattershasno

desiretobetieddown.IfIwasn’tstillgettingovermyex,I’dlovetobeupcloseandpersonalwith
him.”

It didn’t surprise her that Luke wasn’t boyfriend material. He probably thought The One was a

climbupMountEveresttophotographahikerorasailaroundtheworldtophotographaboater.

Her palms perspired, though, thinking that there were probably two dozen other women in town

whowouldliketosinktheirteethintohim,too.Asmuchasshedidn’twanttobearoundhimmore
thannecessary,shedidn’twantanyoneelsearoundhim,either.

That didn’t make her jealous. It made her considerate of what little time he had to spend with his

family.

Liar.
Someoneknockedontheofficedoor.Selaturnedtoseeoneofthecopyeditorspokeherheadin.

“Sorrytointerrupt,butweneedyou,Ms.Muloway.”

“I’llberightthere.”
Selastood.“I’mreallygladyoulikedmycolumn.”
“Anyideasonwhatyou’llwritenext?”Stellasteppedaroundthedeskandwalkedwithhertothe

door.

“Acouple.”Inspirationhadhitearlier,thankstoLuke’sleatherjacket.She’dforgottentogiveitto

himlastnightandfoundBeckhamcurleduponitwhenshe’dpaddedintoherkitchenforcoffeethis
morning.

“Excellent.Ilookforwardtoreadingit.Nicework,Sullivan.”
“Thanks.”

Sela’scellbuzzedonherwayoutoftheGazette. She pulled it from her bag and noted the phone

number.“Hey,Mom.”

“Hi,sweetie.Howareyou?”
“I’m great. How’s Maui? Have you gotten lei’d?” She waved to a fellow writer and then pushed

opentheglassdoorofthebuilding.Sunshinewrappedinacoolspringsleevegreetedher.

“SelaElizabethSullivan!”
“Mom.I’mtalkingaboutthosebeautifulflowersyouweararoundyourneck.Sheesh.YouandDad

mustbehavingagoodtime.Happydaybeforeyourthirtiethanniversary,bytheway.”

“Thank you.” She let out an audible breath and Sela smiled. “How is everything going with the

wedding?”

“Good,Ithink.WehadadancelessonlastnightandVanessaandHaydenlookedamazing.”
“That’swonderful.Thehospital?”
“Fine.”
“Yourbrother?”
“He’sgood,too,Mom.Everythingisokayhere.Noworries.”
Anothersighcameacrossthephoneline.“Well,thereasonI’mcallingisbecauseyourfatherandI

havedecidedtoextendourtripanotherweek.”

Sela stepped through the entrance of Crem’s. She shrugged off her jacket as she walked to the

counter.Asusual,severalpeoplewaitedinline.“That’sterrific.Youguysarehavingagoodtime.”

“Yes.AndyourdadintendstospoilmefurtherwithastayonKauai.We’llbehomeonthefirst.”
“Enjoyit,Mom.You’reaveryluckywoman.”Shehopedtoonedayhavewhatherparentshad—a

love unmatched. Her dad doted on her mom like they were still teenagers and her mom gave back
withequalmeasure.

“I’mgoingtotryShanenext,butifImisshim,pleasetellhimhelloforus.”
“Willdo.”ShesmiledatMrs.Witt,whopassedbywithamuffininherhand.“I’vegottogo.I’m

nextinlineatCrem’s.”

“Haveacinnamonsconeforme.”
“Okay.’Bye.Loveyou!”
“Loveyou,too.”
She stuffed her cell into her purse and eyed the pastries in the case. She always had a cinnamon

scone.Todayshe’dtrysomethingdifferent.

“Whodoyoulove?”amanwithadeep,sexyvoiceaskedoverhershoulder.
Her entire body warmed up like she’d been put in the bakery’s oven. Tingles traipsed down her

spine.She’dbeensooccupiedwithherphonecallthatshehadn’tnoticedwhohadsteppedupbehind
her.

Luke.Justthinkinghisnameseteverynerveinherbodyonalert.
“Noneofyourbusiness,”shetossedbackwithoutturning.
“What is my business?” He stood too near. His breath tickled the back of her ear. The other ear

wantedequalattention.

“LastIheard,photography.”Sherubbedtheaffectedear.

“LukeWatters.Isthatyou?”CandaceBrewerstrolledrightuptohimandwrappedherskinnyarms

aroundhisshoulders.

“Hi,Candace,”Lukesaid,hisvoicevoidoftheplayfulnessfromsecondsbefore.
Selainwardlygrinnedandmoveduptoplaceherorder.
A few minutes later she had a cup of coffee—with cream and enough sugar to make her dentist

cringe—andaspiced-appleoatmealmuffin.Herfirstbiteintothebreakfasttreatgarnereda,“Mmm.”

She almost echoed that sentiment when Luke sat down across from her. Without invitation, his

presencethrilledher.Heworealong-sleevedbluewaffleshirtthatstretchednicelytoaccommodate
his broad shoulders and chest. His face was clean-shaven, revealing a handsomeness that was
seriouslyunkindtotherestofthemalepopulationandmadeitdifficultforhertobreathenormally.
She’d better come up with a plan. Something to keep her traitorous body from turning a hundred
shades of want every time she was near him. Maybe if she pictured him with crooked teeth and a
mullet…

“Somethingwrong?”hesaid.
Yes.Youaretoogood-looking.“No.Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Heliftedhiscoffee.“Neededmymorningcaffeine.”Hereachedoverandbrokeoffapieceofher

muffin.

“Imeantwhatareyoudoingatmytable.”
“Keepingyoucompany.”Hepoppedthebiteintohismouth.“Ipeggedyouforablueberrygirl,but

thisisgood,too.”

The idea that he’d pegged her anything catapulted goose bumps down her arms. She broke off

anotherpieceandgaveittohim.“Don’tyouhaveanythingbettertodothismorningthanbugme?”

“Sela.Isthatanywaytotalktomeafterlastnight?”
“Shh.”Shecastaquickglancearoundthebakery.Mrs.Wittwaspretendingtoreadthenewspaperat

thetablenexttothem.Themayorandhiswifebothwaggledtheirfingersather.Candaceloomedby
the condiments table, adding way too many packets of Splenda to her drink. “Don’t you remember
howthistownlovestoknoweverythingabouteveryone?Andyou,Mr.HotshotPhotographer,areat
the top of the list right now. Once your story hits the newspaper, you can kiss your temporary
freedomgood-bye.”

Lukeslantedhischindown,buthiseyesstayedrightonhers.“You…”Hisvoicedroppedadegree

ortwoonthevolumescale.“Neverdidliketodrawattentiontoyourself.”

“Andyoulikedtodoitallthetime.”
Hesmirked.“Attentioncanbeagoodthing.”
“It can also be very bad.” She slouched down in her chair, hoping no one had been listening too

closely.

Somethingflashedacrosshisface.Amusement?Interest?Desire?Herbodywentonhighalert.This

mutualwhateveritwascouldnotbeinvestigatedfurtherinthemiddleofCrems!

“Idon’tknow.Sometimesbeingbadcanalsobeverygood,”hesaid,soundingallsortsoftempting

anddangerous.

Hadheforgottenabouttheirkissbackinhighschool?WasVanessarightandhehadn’tgiventheir

lip-lockasecondthought?

Then,herbraunhooked.
Out of the freaking blue, the front clasp popped open. Like he’d commanded it to with his

annoyinglyseductivevoice.

ThiswasnottheuniversetellinghertothrowherconcernsandinhibitionsasideandtakeLukeup

onhisveiledoffertobebadwithhim.They’dbeenbadlastnight.Andshewasdonebeinganything
withhimfortherestofhisvisit.

Thiswasareasontogoshoppingforanewbra,thatwasall.
Shecrossedherarmsoverherchestandprayedhedidn’tnotice—
“You’reblushing,”hesaid.
Dammit.“Ithasnothingtodowithyou.”Shereacheddownandpulledherlaptopoutofherbag,

hopinghe’dgetthehintthatshehadthingstodoandhe’dleave.Thenshecouldracetotherestroom
tofixherbra.“It’swarminhere.”

“So is this what you normally do on your days off from the hospital?” He glanced at her laptop.

“Andhowdidyouknowaboutthenewspaperarticle?It’sscheduledtorunonSunday.”

Shoot.Howdidsheanswerthat?Lukemighthavetoldherhissecret,butshehadnoplanstoshare

anyofhers.“Don’tyouhavesomebachelorpartyplanningtodoorsomething?”

“I’mgladyoubroughtthatup.Idon’tknowthefirstthingaboutputtingonetogetherandthought

maybe we could join you girls. I mentioned it to Vanessa and she said I needed to check with you.
Shane’sincludedsoitwouldbeagoodchanceforusalltobetogether.”

Ifherbrotherknewthekindsofthoughtsshewashavingabouthisbestfriend,hewouldnotwant

themtogether.“DiditsoundlikeVanessawasokaywithit?”Bottomline,ifitmadeVanessahappy,
shewouldn’targue.“AsMOHit’smyjobtobackupwhatevershewants.”AndifthatincludedLuke,
she’dmakethebestofit.

Hisbrowfurrowed.“MOH?”
“MaidofHonor.”
“Actually,shesortofpanickedatfirst.ButthenHaydenwalkedintotheroomandhereallyliked

theidea.Ipromisedwewouldn’tgetinthewayofanyspecificplansyouhave.Shanesaidyouhad
somethingsinmindforVanessa,andI’mallformakingitanightshewon’tforget.”

AkillerheadachestartedatSela’stemple.Sheranacoupleoffingersalongherforehead.Thetown

wishingwelldidnotgrantwishes.Itgrantedtrouble.ThemoretimeshespentwithLukethemoreshe
worriedhermaidofhonordutieswouldslipbecauseshe’dbedistractedbyhisfriendliness.Andhis
smile.Andthoseeyes…

“Okay,”shesaid,hopingthathe’dgetupandgonow.Shereallyneededtofixherbra.
Luke sat taller and grinned, but the pleasant curve of his mouth lasted only a second before he

pursedhislipsasifinpain.Thequickchangeinhisexpressionkilledher.“Areyouallright?”she
asked.

“Fine,”hesaid,histoneclipped.Hepickeduphiscoffeeandstood.“I’llseeyouSaturday.”
“Okay.”Shealmostshouted,“Takecare,”tohisbackbeforerememberingnooneelseknewabout

hisinjury.

Hewasobviouslymadathimselfforsharinghissecret,ifhisquickdeparturewasanyindication.

Maybethatwasthewaytokeepherdistance?Askabouthisinjuryandhopehedecidedbeingaround
herwasn’tworththeriskofhisaccidentcomingout.

It could work, and she needed something to work since her wish had failed so spectacularly.

BecauseonemoreminuteoffeelinglikeLukewasthelastpersonshecouldaffordtogetcloseto,but
the first person she wanted to know better than she knew herself might lead her to do something
foolish.

ChapterFive

SelaputthelastsmallvaseonthetableofthesemiprivateareaoftheMoroccanrestaurantandstudied
herhandiwork.Filledwithshort-stemmedredandpinkroses,thejewel-embellishedvasesshe’dmade
lastnightlookedperfect.Thecoucheswithoversizedpillowsintonesofgoldandcranberrylooked
ultracomfyforsitting,andshehopedpeopleusedthePolaroidcamerasshe’dborrowedfromShane
totakeinstantpictures.

“Ican’tbelieveyou’remakingmewearthis,”Vanessasaid,returningfromtheladies’room.
Sela adjusted the small veil headpiece on her best friend’s head. “You look gorgeous.” Her cap-

sleeved,shortdarkbluesheathdresslookedstunning,too.

“Ilookobvious.”
“As it should be. And I’m telling you right now it’s going to get worse as soon as we leave the

restaurant.Sojustgowithit,okay?Youonlyhaveoneofthesethings,andit’smyjobtomakesure
we’reonourworstbehavior.”

Vanessagaveherthepuppy-dogeyes.
“Sorry.Thosearenotgoingtoworktonight.Tonightwe’regoingtobealittlecrazy,andthere’s

nothingyoucandoorsayaboutit.”

“Justrememberwhatgoesaroundcomesaroundanditwillbeyourturnoneday.”Vanessasmiled.
“I’melopingwiththemanofmydreamsandnottellingasoul.”
“Whatthehell?”
Selaspunaround.Shane’seyeswerewide,andhismouthwassetinagrimline.
“You’reeloping?Withwhatsonofabitch?I’mgoingtokillhim,”Shaneadded.
“Iwasjustmakingconversation.Chillout.”Sheplayfullypushedherbrotherinthechest.“Andmy

lovelifeisnoneofyourbusiness,anyway.”

“Yourlovelifeisdefinitelymybusiness.Afterthelastguyyoudatedturnedouttobearealjackass,

thenextguyyou’rewithhastohavemyapprovalfirst.”

“Don’tberidiculous.Icantakecareofmyself.I’m…”Shestopped.LukeandHaydenapproached

and she really didn’t want to have this discussion in front of them. Erin and Vanessa’s other
bridesmaidsfollowedrightbehind.

NomatterhowhardshetriednottolookatLuke,shecouldn’tstopherself.Heworeanuntucked,

button-downbeigeshirtwiththesleevesrolleduptohiselbows,jeans,andanup-to-no-goodsmile.
“Hi,”shesaid.

“Hey.”Whenhisgazestayedcaughtwithhers,herpalmsgrewdampandherpulsehightaileditto

unsafeterritory.

“Thanks so much for coming, everyone,” she said and turned away from Luke to talk to anyone

else.

Afewminuteslater,theirwholepartyhadarrived.Selachattedandlaughedandpickedupacamera

tosnapafewpictures.

“I’minsulted,”Lukewhisperedfromoverhershoulder,takingherbysurprise.Shegulpedbefore

turningaround.

Andwishedshehadastuffynoseandblindersonbecauseupclosehesmelledmintyandmanlyand

lookedgoodenoughtoforgetherself.“Afraidsomeoneelsewilltakebetterpicturesthanyou?”

Helaughedlikethatwasthemostridiculousthinghe’deverheard.“No.Iwantedtobeyourfirst

subject.”Hepressedhisshoulderagainsthers,liftedherarmsosheheldthecameraoutinfrontof
them,andthenpressedthesideofhisfaceagainsthercheek.“Saycheese.”

Thestubbleonhisjaw,thewayhetouchedherwithfamiliarityandwarmth,thecloseproximityof

his mouth to hers, teased her heart into thumping with wild abandon. He had to feel it. She could
barelytakeabreath.

Hishandengulfedhersandhisfingerhitthebuttontosnapapictureofthetwoofthem.
Thesecondafterthecameraflashed,shepulledaway.“Insultremedied.”
“Yes, but I think something else ails me now.” He fanned the instant photo for a moment before

puttingitonthetable.

“Myturn!”ErinwrappedSelainahugfrombehind.
Gratefulfortheinterruption,sheputherhandsonErin’sarmsandheldtight.Luketookthepicture

andbeforehecouldsayordoanythingelse,Selasteppedaway.Shewilledherhearttoslowitstempo
andrubbedthespotonhercheekwherehisstubblehadmadecontact.Awaiterstoppedbyandaskedif
theywerereadytogetstarted.Shenoddedandmadesuretositattheoppositeendofthetablefrom
Luke.

Large platters of roasted chicken and lamb with honey sauce were served. Bread overflowed.

Couscous topped with shrimp kabobs and vegetables, olives and lemons arrived. Spicy scents
mingledwiththesteamfromthehotdishes.Butthebestpartwaseatingwithherhandsandteasing
Shanewhenhedroppedfoodinhislap.

SelacaughtLukestaringatherseveraltimes.Hetalkedtothepeoplearoundhim,buthisattention

kept darting to her. She watched him, too. She wanted to skim her finger across his bottom lip.
Delicately,andnotsodelicatelyglidebitesofthespicyfoodintohisopenandwaitingmouth.Heat
rushedupherbody.Shedownedherglassofwaterandfocusedontheflowersonthetable.

Twobellydancersinbeautifulcostumesshimmiedovertotheirtablewhenthey’dfinishedeating.

Thewomenencouragedeveryonetogetupandsoontheywereallswivelingtheirhips.Withmusic
comingoutofwallspeakersandcastanetsinthedancers’hands,vibrationsflowedthroughSela.She
relaxed.Herlowerbodymovedinacircularmotionwhileherarmsswayedwithfluidity.

Onceagain,hergazeclashedandheldwithLuke’s.Severalfeetseparatedthem,butshe’dswearshe

could feel him touching her. She couldn’t take her eyes off his—he seemed to be soaking in much
morethanherattempttobellydance.

Herthoughtsracedbacktotheirdancelessonandhowthey’dmovedtogetherinperfectharmony.

Themusicstopped.Sheshuthereyesandcollapsedbackontothecouch.
Vanessacoziedupnexttoher.“Thatwassomuchfun.Thanksforpickingtheperfectrestaurant.”
“Thenight’sjustgettingstarted,”shesaid.“Readyfordessert?”
Originally,whenSelahadorderedapeniscakefromCrem’s,she’dalmostgivenMeredithCrema

heart attack with the X-rated request. But when Sela enlightened her to the goings on outside of
Cascadewhenitcametobacheloretteparties,Meredith’swrinkledfacehadsplitintoawidegrinand
shesaiditwouldbeherpleasuretomakethecockamamiecake.Nopunintended.

“Whatareyousmilingat?”Vanessaasked.
“You’llseeinaminute.”Sheflaggeddownthewaiterandaskedhimtobringoutdessert.
AfterLukehadleftthebakerylastThursdaymorning,she’dimmediatelyaskedtoseeMeredith.No

waycouldshehaveapeniscakenowthattheguyswerejoiningthegirls.Meredithdidn’tevenblink
andsaidshe’daddapairofboobs.She’dbeenontheInternettogetideasandknewjustthedesign.

OncewordgotoutthatSelawasthepersonwhocorruptedsweet,littleoldMeredith,she’dnever

heartheendofit.Butforsomereasonthatdidn’tbotherherasmuchasshethoughtitwould.

Thewaiterputthecakeinthecenterofthetable.
“OhmyGod,”Erinsaid.“Thatisperfect.”
VanessaandHaydenlaughedloudenoughtoturnheads.Selasighedinreliefthatshe’dgottenthe

reactionshehopedfor,andthenletoutthelaughterrisinginherthroat.

Luke picked up a camera and took a picture of the cake. Then he turned the camera on her. Sela

hatedhavingherpicturetaken.Itrankedrightuptherewithfillinghercarwithgasandgoingtothe
dentist.ButthewaggishsmileatthecornersofLuke’smouthmadeherforgetherdislike.

SelahadtoldtheguystheyhadtositattheirowntablewhentheywenttotheCrown&Anchor.She
hadthingsplannedforVanessathatshedidnotwanttheirinputon.However,becausesheknewmen
thrivedoncompetition,shehadonegameforbothVanessaandHaydentoplay.

She and the girls sat in a large, raised corner booth of the pub. Sela waved to Kagan and the

waitresshurriedover.

“Happy Bachelorette Party,” Kagan said. “You ready to start things off with a little surprise Sela

organized?Loveyourpinkboa,Vanessa.”

Vanessa pulled the boa back and forth across her shoulder blades. “Bring it. Can’t be more

embarrassingthanthispeniscandybraceletI’mwearing.”Sheletgooftheboaandliftedherarmto
showKagantheediblephallicjewelry.“Thereisareasonforthis,right?”

Selanodded.“There’sareason,andyou’llgetitsoon.Firstweneedsomethingtodrink.”
“I’monit,”Kagansaid,turningandstridingaway.
“Theseareforeachofyou,”Selasaid,handingoverpink“Ido”favorbags.
Thank-yousrangoutandErintookthehonorofpullingeverythingoutforalittleshowandtell.

She’dhelpedSelaputthemtogetherandhadbeenanxioustosharethegiftseversincethey’dleftthe
restaurant.

“We’vegotediblefingerpaints,bodyshimmerlotion,bathsalts,apenis-shapedlollipop,aHumm

Dinger pleasure ring—” Erin paused and looked around the table. “It’s not worn on your finger,

ladies.Andmypersonalfavorite,handcuffs.Imightevenusethesetonight.Didyouseethatguyatthe
endofthebar?Holysmokinghotness.”

Selalookedtowardthebar,buthergazehitabrickwallwhenitlandedonherownpersonalholy

smokinghotness.LukeraisedhiseyebrowsasifhecouldseealltheR-ratedfavorslineduponthe
table.

Shewhippedherattentionaway,justintimetoseeKaganreturnwiththepinkpeni-magnumsquirt

guns.Selahadstoppedbythebarearlieranddroppedofftheeight-inchpenis-shapedgunsandasked
thattheybefilledwithtequila,Vanessa’sdrinkofchoiceifshehadto.Andtonightshehadto.

“Whatisthat?”Vanessashrieked.
“Ahardgunloadedforaction,”Selasaid,takingonefromKagan.“Openwide.”Sheaimedthegun

at Vanessa’s mouth. This first time would be easy, since Vanessa’s mouth was already opened in a
giantO.

The bride-to-be took it in stride and drank down the alcohol, only choking once. “What’s wrong

withshotglasses?”

“They’re boring,” Erin said, high-fiving Sela and then putting everything back into her gift bag.

“Let’semptythesebabiesquickandstartroundtwo.”

Amidstgigglesandjokesaboutaguy’s“size,”theyemptiedtheirgunsintooneanother ’smouths.
“Thisisfromthosetwoattheendofthebar,”Kagansaid,noddingtowardtwogood-lookingguys

andputtingapitcherofbeerdownonthetable.

“Tellthemthankyou,”Erinsaid,wavingintheirdirection.
“Oh,Ilovethissong.”Vanessamovedhershouldersbackandforth.“Comeon.Let’sdance.”She

pushedSelaoutoftheboothanddraggedhertowardthedancefloor.

One gun of tequila and her best friend lost all signs of shyness. Sela glanced over at the guys,

wonderinghowmuchlongerHaydencouldstayaway.

Probablyawhile,giventhatagirlwaslyingontheirtable,Lukewaspouringsomekindofgold

liquidintoherbellybutton,andShanewasdrinkingitup.Haydenandtheotherguyscheeredhimon.

ThesecondVanessa’sheadturnedinHayden’sdirection,Selagrabbedherandhauledherbackto

theirtable.Timetogetalittleattentionoftheirown.

“Everyonetakeoutyourlollipop,”Selasaid.“We’regoingtoplayagame.”
“Yum.Watermelon,”Erinsaid.“Iwonderhowmanylicks—”
“Exactly.” Sela pulled the wrapper off her strawberry-flavored candy. “This is a game where we

racetoseewhocanfinishtheirsuckerfirst.Nobiting.Onlylicking.Andweneedtodoitinaway
thatgetssomeoftheguysinherenoticing.”

“Ican’t—”
SelapushedaglassofbeerinfrontofVanessa.“Drinkthisandthenyoucan.I’lljoinyou.”Sela

tookafewgulpsofthepaleale.OutofthecornerofhereyeshelookedinLuke’sdirectionagain.A
different girl was lying down and exposing her stomach. Something sparkled, probably a piercing.
Theguysseemedmesmerizedbyit.

“Ready,set,go!”Selaputhersuckerinhermouth.
It took less than a minute for the two guys at the bar who had sent the pitcher of beer to notice

somethinggoingonattheirtable.Theysaunteredover.

“Wecouldn’thelpbutnotice—”
“Thatwe’rehavingasuckingcontest?”Erinsaid.
Vanessaandtwootherofherbridesmaidschoked.Theguys’eyeswidenedbeforetheybothbroke

outingrins.

“Mymoney’sonyou,”oneofthemsaid,unabletotakehiseyesoffErin.
Sela wondered if he was the hottie Erin had set her sights on earlier. Last year Erin had been

dumped by her college boyfriend of three years—he’d cheated on her and told her he’d stopped
lovinghermonthsbeforetheybrokeup.Theheartbreakhadwreckedherfaithinmen,andeversince,
she’dtreatedtheoppositesexlikeshehadnodesireforanythingofsubstance.Selahadafeelingit
wastoprotectherselfandhopedErindidn’tletoneguyruinherforanotherchanceatlove.

“What’sgoingonhere?”Haydensaid,bumpingthetableandshoulderingtheirmalecompanyout

oftheway.

Selasighed.Somuchforseparatepartiesnow.“Howaboutascavengerhunt?”Shepulledthelists

forbothofthemoutofherpurse.“Fromnowuntilweleave,VanessaandHaydenhavetotryandget
theseitemsanddothetasks.Thepersonwhoaccomplishesthemostwinswhateverheorshewants
fromtheother.”

“Couldyoustopdoingthat?”HaydensaidtoVanessa.“It’sverydistracting.”
Vanessapulledthelollipopoutofhermouth.“Sure,baby.”
“What’sonthelist?”Lukeasked.
Sela jumped. She’d known he was standing next to her; his arm had grazed the back of her neck

whenhelaiditacrosstheraisedbooth.Butshe’dbeentryingherdamnedesttofocusonHayden,so
thequestionsurprisedher.

“They’re identical but specific to male or female. Meaning on Vanessa’s list it will say a pair of

boxershortsbutHayden’swillsayaG-string.”

Lukeleanedoverhershoulderandshefoughtthecompulsiontoturnherheadandputherlipson

something besides her lollipop. “It also lists a condom, five men’s business cards, an empty shot
glass,dancingonatable,anobjectthatunintentionallyresemblesthemaleanatomy…”

SelaturnedthelistoverandhandedittoVanessa.“Timestartsnow.Goodluck,youguys.”
Haydentookhislistandputhishandouttohisbride-to-be.“Howaboutadancefirst?”Aslowsong

pouredoutofthespeakersandherheartsighedwatchingVanessameltunderHayden’sadoringgaze.

ShescootedoutoftheboothtoletVanessaleaveandbumpedrightintoLuke’schest.Hesteppedto

theleft.Shemirroredhismove.Anervousgiggleslippedfreeofhertightsmile.Nowhewasmaking
hernervous?Shit.

They stood toe-to-toe, her concentration on the neon beer sign on the wall across the room as

Vanessaslid out. ThenErin. Sela movedback into the boothand scooted alongthe vinyl seat. Luke
sidled right in beside her. She turned, hoping to strike up some wedding talk with one of the other
girls,buttheboothwasempty.

Everyonehaddesertedher.
ExceptLuke.

Sheranhersweatypalmsdownherblackpants.Shereallywantedtoknowwhatshe’ddonewrong

inthislifetohavetheonemeaslywishshe’daskedforsocompletelybackfire.

“Whatyou’vedoneformysistertonighthasbeenreallygreat.She’sluckytohaveyou.”
Crapity,crap,crap.Hewasnotallowedtotalknicetoher.“Youdon’tneedtothankme.Don’tyou

wanttojoinShaneatthebarorsomething?”

“Barsreallyaren’tmyscene.”
Selapickedupthebeerpitcherandfilledhercup.“Couldhavefooledme.Youlookedratherhappy

withthebellythinggoingonafewminutesago.”Shetookasip.

Lukepickeduponeofthesquirtguns,laughed,andputitbackdown.“Youwatchingme?”
“Don’tflatteryourself.IhadmyeyeonHayden.”Sortof.
“Iwasstrictlythepourer,Sela.Makingsuretheotherguyshadfun.”Hepickedupthepartyfavor

bag.“WishI’dknownabouttheparaphernalia.What’sinhere?”

Shegrabbedthebagandhelditoutofreach.“Girlstuff.”
“I love girl stuff. Show me.” He reached across her and damn if his arm wasn’t long enough to

wrenchitfreefromherhand.

“LukeWatters,donotlookinthatbag.”Shetwistedandbroughtherlegupsothatherkneetouched

histhigh.

His eyes darkened. “What if I do? Seems to me the best man and maid of honor shouldn’t hide

thingsfromeachother.”

“That’sridiculous.Whydoyouevencarewhat’sinside?”Shestretchedforit,buthisarmspanwas

likeanOlympicathlete’s.

“I’m curious what’s made your cheeks so red. Your brother told me you have a dirty mind and I

didn’tbelievehim.”

“He—”
Kaganstopped at thetable. “Hey, how’sit going with thedrinks? You good?”She cast a friendly

smileatLukelikesheknewhim,andSelarememberedShanetellingherhe’dmetLukeforabeerthe
othernight.

“CanIgetashotoftequila,Kagan?”Selasaid.
“Makeittwo.”Lukeheldupthepeacesign.
Selafeltanythingbutpeaceful.“Shanedidnotsaythattoyou.”Therewasnowayhe’dtalkabout

hertoLuke.Therewasnoreason.UnlessLukebroughtherup?

Herinsidesdidapleasantchurnattheidea,whichreallyaggravatedher.ShecouldnottrustLuke.

Shecouldnotcompletelyforgivehimyet.

He’druinedherfortherestofhighschool.NoguyhadwantedtokissCorpseLips.Ifonlyzombies

hadbeenaspopularthenastheywerenow.

“Hedid.Soshowme,MissSullivan,whatdoyouconsiderdirty?”

…

Luke handed Sela the bag. He didn’t want to upset her, only ruffle her feathers. She looked damn
adorablewhenshewasruffled.

Shehesitatedbeforetakingit,andhisadmirationforhershotup.Shewantedtowinthissituation,

not have him basically surrender. He remembered that, even as a teenager, she had fought her own
battlesandhatedanysortofinterferenceorconcession.

“Thankyou,”shewhispered,puttingthebaginherlap.
Hisgazemoveduphertorso.Thetoptwobuttonsofherwhitecardiganwereundoneandhecould

justmakeoutapinkbraunderneath.Pairedwithblackpantsthatfithertoperfection,shewasevery
guy’snight-timefantasy.EverymanintheCrown&Anchorhadcheckedheroutwhentheywalked
in.Luke’shandshadfisted.He’dwantedtopunchsomething.Orsomeone.

“YouknowIcouldveryeasilygrabthatbagthere?”Lukenoddedacrossthebooth.
“Fine.Youwanttoseewhat’sinthebag?I’llshowyouwhat’sinthebag.”Shedumpedthecontents

onthetable.“These?”Shepickedupthehandcuffsandlookedhimstraightintheeyes.“TheseI’dlike
touseonyourightnow.”

Aww, hell. The fire in her eyes matched the fire burning inside him, and he wanted to throw her

over his shoulder and take her somewhere she could use them and anything else she wanted.
Especiallytheediblefingerpaints.

Hetuckedastrandofhairbehindherear.“I’mallyours.”
TheirgazeslockedandforalongbeatLukewonderedwherehermindwasat.
Then at the exact same time, their eyes narrowed and they cracked up. “You remember?” she

whispered.

“Youarrestingmewhenwewerekids?Yeah.”
“I’mthesheriff,”Sela’seight-year-oldselfhadsaid.“Andyou’reunderarrest.”
“Whatareyouchargingmewith?”ten-year-oldLukealwaysasked.
“Stealing.”Shewouldreachforhiswrists.
“I’mallyours.”
Shehadhandcuffedhimandledhimto“jail,”wherehe’dsatontheswingintheyardandwatched

her march over to her brother. He’d smiled. He and Shane had let her play with them and be the
sheriffbecauseshewassadthathissistershadbeeninvitedtoabirthdaypartyandshehadn’t.

“Hasanyoneevertoldyouyoureyesturnthewarmestshadeofbronzewhenyoulaugh?”heasked

hernow.

“Wh-What?No.”Sheblinkeddoubletimeandtwistedaway.
Thewaitress,thesamegirlfromtheothernightwhenhe’dmetShaneforadrink,droppedofftheir

shots.“LetmeknowifIcangetyoutwoanythingelse.LookslikeVanessaisscoringapairofboxer
shorts.”Shenoddedtowardthedancefloorbeforehurryingaway.

“Noway.Thatwasfast,”Selasaid.
Sureenough,someguywaswavinghisJockey’sintheairabovehisheadandpointingtohischeek

withhisotherhand.Vanessagavehimaquickpeckandtheboxerswerehers.Thecrowdonthedance
flooreruptedincheersandapplause.

“Youshouldbeoutthere,”hesaid.
“Yeah.”
“But?”

“Butthisisn’treallymyscene,either.”Shewatchedhissisterwithloveandadmirationandapiece

ofhisheartwasforevercaptured.

VanessaandSelahadmorethanyourordinaryfriendshipandhewaseternallygratefultoSelafor

that.

“Sowhatis?”heasked.
Herbrowscrinkled.
“Your scene?” Despite knowing he should stay as far away from her as possible given the

inappropriatethoughtsinhishead,hecouldn’tstopthepulltogettoknowherbetter.Tofindoutwhat
madehertick.Whatshewantedoutoflife.

“Ready?”sheasked,ignoringhisquestionandslidingoveroneoftheshots.Sheputtheitemsback

intothegiftbagandthenreachedforherownglass.

Heputhishandonhers.Aninstantrushofwarmthspreaduphisarmandfannedouttoeveryinch

ofhisbeing,leavingnospotunmarked.Shetippedherheadandlockedthoseincrediblegolddepths
onhim.Didshefeelthesameunnervingresponse?He’dtouchedmanywomenandnoonehadever
hadthiseffectonhim.

“Idon’twantthedrink,”hesaid.
She gulped. Her eyelids fluttered closed. The tiny space between their bodies crackled with

temptation.

“Dude,” Shane said, slapping his hands on the table. “You don’t need to keep my sister company.

Getyourassouthere.There’sthisgirlwhonotonlytiescherrystemswithherteethbut—”

“Gotit,”Lukeshouted,realizingthemusicandconversationsinthebarhadgottenlouder.Healso

slippedhishandoffSela’s.“I’llbeoverinaminute.Selawasjustabouttotellmesomething.”

Shanesalutedthemandleft.
“You’remybrother ’sbestfriend,”shesaid,tuckingherhandsunderherlegs.
“Iknow.”
“You’re also the guy who…” She paused and shook her head. “You’re also my best friend’s

brother,andIthinkyoushouldgojointheothersnow.Idon’tneedyoubabysittingme.”

Lukeheardthehesitationinhervoiceanddamnifhedidn’twanttocallheronit.Butshewasright.

Shane would see red if he got involved with her. Especially given he was only in town for a short
time. And how would Vanessa feel if he told her he was attracted to her best friend? Did the same
rulesthey’dmadeasteenagersapplynowthattheywereadults?

“Answer my question and I’ll go.” He inched toward the edge of the booth to give her some

breathingroom.

“Youfirst.”Sheraisedherchinindefiance.Damn,sheturnedhimon.
“Answermyownquestion?”
Sheshrugged.“Youstartedit.”
“Okay.OnaSaturdaynightIliketostayin.OrderChineseandwatchamovie.”
Sheranherfingeralongtherimofhershotglass.“You’vejustcompletelyblowntheimageIhave

ofyou.”

“You’vegotanimageofme?”

“Shit.Ididn’tmeantosaythatoutloud.Ithinkthebeerandtequilaarestartingtotakeeffect.Ijust

meantthatwithyourcareer,youseemlikesomeonewhodoesn’tliketositstillforverylong.”

“You’reright.Idon’t.Buteveryoneneedssomedowntime.”Hestaredatherprofileandrakedhis

handthroughhishair.“Yourturn.”

Sheletoutasigh.“Iliketowrite.Andthat’sallI’msayingsoyoucanjustkeepmovingthatway.”

Sheshooedhimtowardleavingthebooth.“AndmakesureHaydenhasagoodtime.”

“Youstillliketohavethelastword.Okay,Ms.Writer,I’llgomingle.Don’tdoanythingIwouldn’t

dowhileI’mgone.”Hestood.

“Pfftt.Don’tgivemeasecondthought,”shehalfshouted.
“Iwon’t,”helied.
“Good.”Shelookedsomewhereoverhisshoulderandherlipsstretchedintoasmilethatmadehis

legsweak.

Heturnedtoseewhohaddrawnherattention,butintheseaofbodieshecouldn’tbesure.Dammit.

Hehadtogetoverthisinfatuationwithher.Therewastoomuchatstakeifhedidn’t.

ChapterSix

“Who knew I’d make money tonight, too,” Vanessa shouted over the thumping dance music. Her
headpiecewasmattedtohersweatyhair,hercheekswereflushed,andSelahadneverseenhersmile
somuch.

Haydendancedoverandtwirledher.“It’smyturn,”hesaid,pickingupherarmandbitingoffthe

restofthecandyonherbracelet.

VanessahadmadetwentybuckswithSela’sSuck-For-a-Buckgame.Foronedollar,willingmales

gottoremovethecandyfromherbracelet—withtheirteeth.Haydenhadbeenatrooper,enduringthe
attentiontoVanessa’swrist.

He kissed his way up her arm and then planted one on her mouth. Sela moved away but kept

dancing.AcrosstheroomshecaughtsightofLukeandShanetalkingwithKaganandanotherpretty
girlSeladidn’tknow.

“Wantapartner?”amanasked.
She turned. It was the quieter of the two guys who had bought them the pitcher of beer. His eyes

werefriendly,hisdancemovesnice.“Sure.”

“I’mTroy.”
“Sela.”
Hesteppedalittlecloser.“It’snicetomeetyou,Sela.”
They danced and made small talk. She tried to keep her eyes on him, but every few seconds her

gazedartedtoLuke.Thesamegirlstillhadhimengrossedinconversation.

“Youthirsty?”Troyaskedafteracoupleofminutes.
“Iam.”Shefollowedhimoffthedancefloorandtothebar.Miltgavehiscrooked,grouchyhalf

smilebeforeheturnedasharpeyeonTroy.

“WhatcanIgetyou?”Miltasked.
“I’ll have a tequila sunrise,” Sela said, winking at Milt. He knew exactly what she drank and she

appreciatedthatheplayedalong.

Troyputatwentyonthecounter.“I’llhavewhateveryou’vegotontap.”
MiltnoddedandSelaspunaroundsoshecouldleanagainstthebarandwatchthebusypub.Vanessa

and Hayden were still dancing. Erin and Troy’s friend were dancing. The other bridesmaids had
founddancepartners,too.

“Youknow,”Troysaid,“wewenttohighschooltogether.”
Herstomachsank.“Wedid?”
“I was a year behind you, so we didn’t know each other, but I knew who you were.” He grabbed

theirdrinksandhandedSelahers.

CorpseLipscame flooding back. Her knees almost buckled. The reason people knew her in high

schoolwasbecauseofthereputationLukehadgivenher.ShedownedherdrinkandaskedMiltfor
another.

“Okay.”Shedidn’tknowwhatelsetosay.Shehatedthatsomethingthathappenedsolongagocould

stillpierceherheartandmakeherhandsshake.

“Wewereinanatomytogether.”
Shetapped her foot.“Really? I lovedthat class. What areyou doing now?”Desperate to veer the

conversationawayfromhighschool,shehopedhelikedtotalkabouthisoccupation.

“IjustmovedbackfromBoulder.I’maparamedic.”
Hershouldersrelaxed.“Wow.I’minthemedicalfield,too.IworkasanRN.”Shelookedalittle

closerathim.Hewascute.Friendly.Shewishedshefeltevenahintofattractiontohim.

“Iknow;Erintoldme.You’reatCascadeGeneral?”
Shenodded.Miltputdownherdrinkrefill,andshetookasipthroughthetinystraw.
Troy’sarmbrushedhers.“I’llkeepaneyeoutforyouifI’mthere.”
“I’dlikethat.Infact,ifyougivemeyourcellphoneI’llprogrammynumberin.”Itwastimeshe

tooktheinitiativeinhernonexistentlovelife.“Ihopeyou’llcallmesometime.”

“Babe,thereyouare.”
SelasputteredinherdrinkasLukewormedhiswaybetweenherandTroyrightasTroywasabout

tohandherhisphone.“Theweddingpartyneedsyou,”Lukeadded.

Sheopenedhermouthtotellhimwheretoshoveitbutnothingcameout.Babe?Washedrunk?She

pushed him aside and looked at Troy. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I guess I’m
needed.”

“Noproblem,”Troysaid,glancingatLuke,andSelacouldseehethoughtLukewasmorethanjust

ameddlesomepain.“I’llcatchyoulater.”

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheraspedonceTroyhadwalkedaway.
“Didn’tShaneevertellyounevertogiveyourphonenumbertoaguyinabar?”
“Howdidyou…?”Sheletoutabreath.“Shanetaughtmealotofthings.”Sheturnedfullyandfaced

him.“Likehowtokneeaguywho’sbotheringme.”

Lukemovedcloser.Herbreathhitched,butshestoodherground.
“Comeon.Dancewithme?”hesaid,hisvoicesoftandapologetic.Heputouthishand.
Shehesitatedforasplitsecond,thentookit.“Ithoughtyoubargedinonmyconversationbecause

ofsomethingwedding-related.”

The crowd parted for them as if Luke were some kind of god. She maybe ogled his very nice

backside.

Theyreachedthecenterofthedancefloorintimeforaslowsong.Lukeputonehandonthesmall

ofherbackandgentlyclaspedherhandwiththeother,armsup,inatraditionaldancepose.

“Idid,”hesaid.
Shehatedthatthewayhemovedarousedeverynerveendingandquickenedeverybeatofherheart.

Nomatterhowmuchhermindyelledhewasstillajock-ass,whenheheldherlikethis,whentheir

bodieswereonlyahairbreadthaway,everyuglythoughtinsidehermeltedaway.Hisgentleyetfirm
hold and ardent gaze spoke of devotion and safekeeping, and she wondered if he realized what he
mightbecapableof.

“Whatisit?”ShelookedaroundforVanessaandsawherbackatthetablewithErinandtheother

girls.SheimmediatelytriedtobreakfreeofLuke,buthepressedhercloser.Theirbreathsmingled.

“Mysisterisfine.”Hespunhersoshe’dhavetocranehernecktoseeVanessa.
“Thishadbetterbegood.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Orwhat?”
“OrImaynevertalktoyouagain.”
“Icanthinkofseveralthingswecoulddobesidestalk.”
“Luke. Stop. You cannot say things like that to me.” She pulled away, but her feet only took one

slowstepbackatatime.

He ran a hand across his forehead. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He inched closer. “But my

interruptionwaswedding-related.Iwantedtodancewiththebeautifulmaidofhonor.”

Her legs shook. If she were hearing his tone right and reading his expression right, that was an

honest I’m interested in you compliment. She turned in search of Vanessa. Or Shane. Was anyone
watching them? If she and Luke kept up this careless tap dance, she feared she’d do something to
irrevocablyhurtherfriendshipwithVanessa.

“MovesLikeJagger”cameoverthespeakersandbeforesheorLukecouldsayanythingmore,the

weddingpartypiledontothedancefloor.Thankyou,Maroon5.

For several beats she danced with Vanessa and Erin and let the music take over her body. The

tensioninherneckrelaxed.Thecrowdswallowedher,andshewasn’tthemaidofhonororShane’s
littlesister,shewasjustagirlonthedancefloor.Untilsheturnedandfoundherselfrightupbeside
Lukeagain.Dammit.

Theirbodiesweren’ttouching,butshe’dswearhisvibrationsflowedthroughher.Nomatterhow

muchshedidn’twantittobetrue,nomatterhowmuchhe’dhurtherfeelings,nomatterhowmuch
shemighthurtVanessa,shelostherselftohimwhiletheydanced.

Lukedidn’tmissabeat,andshematchedhimmoveformove.Aslowsmileplayedalonghislips.
Shestoppedthinkingandsangthewordsinherhead,enjoyedtherhythmandthemelody.Witheach

step,Lukecounteredlikethey’ddancedtogethertothissongahundredtimes.Itreallywasn’tfairthat
hewasgorgeousandagooddancer.

Someonebumpedhisshoulderandthehappinessonhisfacedisappeared.Toanyoneelseitmight

mean irritation at the body contact, but she had a feeling it was more than that. The jolt had sent
anothersharppainthroughhim.Shereachedouttoputherhandonhischest.

Vanessa grabbed her arm before she made contact and swung her around. Sela peeked over her

shoulder,butLukehaddisappearedintotheseaofbodies.

Shefoughttheurgetofollowhim.

…

“Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”

Lukescowledathisbestfriend.“Havingadrinkofwater.”
Shane leaned against the bar and looked at him like he was a dumbass. Which he no doubt was.

ThankGodVanessahadgrabbedSelawhenshedid.Thestabofpainstung,butSela’ssympathyhurt
more. What an idiot he’d been to tell her about his accident. He didn’t want her fawning over him
becausehewashurt.

“Youknowthat’snotwhatImeant.Whatthehellareyoudoingwithmysister?”
“Relax.Wewerejustdancing.”
“Thatwasnotjustdancing.Youwereundressingherwithyoureyes.”
LyingtoShaneneverworked,sohewentwiththetruth.“ItwaseithermeorthatJoeSchmoover

there.” Luke nodded toward the guy who’d almost gotten Sela’s phone number. He hadn’t taken his
eyesoffher.“Ifiguredwithmeyouknowshe’ssafe.”

“Safemyass.What’sgoingonwithyoutwo?”
“Youthinksomething’sgoingon?”ThencouldhepleaseexplainittoLuke?Thewomandisarmed

him with such ease he didn’t know what to make of their relationship. Her position with his family
shouldhavehimrunningintothePacific,notintoherpersonalspaceeverytimehehadthechance.

“She’smysister,Luke.Ifyoudoanythingtohurther,youknowI’lltakeherside.”Shaneknocked

himwithhisshoulder.“AfterImessupthatpretty-boyfaceofyours.”

“I’mnotplanningondoinganything.We’refriends.”
“Doubtful.Shecan’tstandyou.”
“That was a long time ago.” Luke downed some more cold water. The pain in his chest had

subsided,buttalkofSelabrewedadifferentsortofache.

“Are you dense?” Shane asked. “She’s only putting up with you because of the wedding. Girls

rememberalltheshitguysdidtothemwhentheywereyoung,andyou,myfriend,embarrassedher
infrontofalotofpeople.Iheardhercryingthatnight,butwhenItriedtocomforthershebeggedme
tojustforgetaboutit.That’stheonlyreasonIdidn’tsayanythingtoyouthenextday.”

The apology Luke still hadn’t given Sela sprung to mind. Would it even matter if he said he was

sorry?Betteryet,ifhekeptittohimself,hecouldstewinhisregretandberemindedthathehadno
placeinherlife.

“You’reright.We’renotfriends.IjustwantedtobeniceforVanessa’ssake.”
“Well,keepittoaminimum.Ifyou’retoonicetohershemightstarttolikeyou.Andwebothknow

that’sabadidea.Vanessawillsurviveifthetwoofyoudon’tgetalong.”

Yeah,butwouldhe?
“Hey,”Kagansaid,bumpingShane’ship.“I’moffinten.Yourofferstillstand?”
Shanerosetohisfullheightandpuffedouthischest.“Absolutely.”
KaganglancedatthefloorthenbackatShane.“Great.I’llseeyouinafew.”
Lukecrackedup.“Careful.You’reabouttoburnaholethroughherbackwithyourstare.”
“Couldyoudomeafavor?”Shanesparedhimaglance.“IwassupposedtogiveSelaaridehome.

Thinkyoucandoitforme?I’lloweyouone.”

“Whathappenedtousstayingawayfromeachother?”Thelaser-sharpfocusShanehadjustputon

Kagan?Nothingcomparedtotheattentionhe’dkeptonSela.Whichmeanthereallyneededtokeep

hisdistance.

Rightnow,shewasdancinglikeshewastheonlyoneintheroombutsmilingatthosearoundher

likeshewouldn’tbestandingtherewithoutthem.Hewonderedifshehadanycluehowengagingshe
was.

Her gaze captured his, like it seemed to do whenever too much time had passed without

acknowledgment.Helookedaway.Ifhehadanyhopeofforgettingtheinfluenceshehadoverhim,he
hadtokeephiseyesoffher.He’dcrossedthelineearlier,unabletohelphimself,andhecouldn’tdoit
again.

“Nowthatwe’vehadourlittletalk,Icantrustyou,”Shanesaid.
“Iwon’tletherwalk.How’sthat?Butmaybesomeoneelsecangiveheraride.”
“Dude.You’regivinghertheride.You’llbeinthecarwithherfor,like,fiveminutes.Ithinkyou

cansurvivethat.”

Lukeinwardlysighed.ShanethoughtSelawassafewithhimwhenthecompleteoppositewastrue.
“Fine.I’llmakesureshegetshomeokay.”
Tenminuteslater,heregrettedthosewords.
In the confines of his rented Audi, the floral fragrance on her skin teased him each time she

squirmed.Hereveryshiftmadehiszippertighter.Ifshewouldjustsitstill,hecouldconcentrateon
theroadandnotthewayhercardigangapedopeninherefforttogetmorecomfortable.

“Doyouthinkyoucouldstopfidgeting?”hesaid.
“Couldyoudrivefaster?IthinkI’mgoingto…”Sherolleddownthepassengerwindow,leanedher

headout,andthrewup.

Lukeveeredtothesideoftheroadandslammedonthebrakes.“Areyou—”
Sheslowlyturnedbackaround.“I’mreallysorry.Itjusthitmesofast,Ididn’tknowwhattodo.”
“Areyouokay?Peoplenormallywaituntilthecarhasstoppedsotheycanopenthedoor.”
Her head lolled to the side and her glassy eyes and trembling lips hit him upside the head with

shame.Shewipedthesleeveofhersweateracrosshermouth.“I’mnotnormal,”shewhispered.

Tiehishearttoapoleandshootarrowsatit.That’swhathersoftvoiceandwoundedexpression

didtohim.Hereachedintothegloveboxandhandedheratissue.

“You’reright.You’renot.You’re…”
Sheflungthedooropenandvomitedagain,savinghimfromsayingsomethinghehadnobusiness

voicing.Whenfinished,shebentforwardandcoveredherfacewithherhands.“Thissucks.”

“Ididn’tthinkyouweresodrunk.”
“I didn’t think so, either,” she said, straightening up. “But I did drink way more than usual.” She

closedthecardoor.“Ihatetotellyouthisbutthere’sMoroccanfoodthatsmellslikebeerontheside
ofyourcar.”

Helaughed.Heenjoyedthatshecouldmakefunofthesituation.“Thinkit’ssafetoputthecarin

drive?”

“Sure.What’stheworstthatcanhappen?NowthatIknowprotocol,I’llshoutawarningtostop.”
“Ididn’tmeantosoundlikeajackassthere.Sorry.”
“That’sokay.I’musedtoit.”Shegavehimalittlesmilethatsaidfortherightperson,she’dmake

everythingrightinhisworldevenwhenherswasalittleoff-kilter.

“Dealtwithalotofjackasses,haveyou?”
Sherolledhereyes.“Oneinparticularstandsout.”
“Goodtoknow.”
Shelookedoutthepassengerwindowandsilencefilledthespacebetweenthem.Lukewatchedher

absentlyplaywiththeringsonhermiddlefinger.Threetinysilverbands,eachwithsmall,different-
coloredstonesthatcoveredthecircumference.

“Thosehavespecialmeaning?”heasked.
“Yes.”Shedidn’tbudge,saveforthefingersmovingthejeweledbandsbackandforth.
“Weretheyagift?”Hestoppedforaredlight.“IturnonWestWay,right?”She’dgivenhimher

address and quick directions when they’d gotten in the car, but he couldn’t remember which main
roadtotake.

“Notoyourfirstquestionandyes.”
“That’sallIget?”heteased.
Shesighed.Aloud,surrenderkindofsighthatcinchedthegrowingknotinhisstomach.“Eachring

istorememberapatientwhopassedaway.Thestonesarebirthstones.TherubyoneisforJohnny.He
waseight.ThesapphireoneisforCelia.Shewasfive.AndthediamondoneisforBrendan.Hewas
eleven.”

He could say he was sorry, but Sela had probably heard enough of those. “That’s a nice way to

rememberthem.Thanksfortellingme.”

“Youtellmesomething,”shesaid.
Atthatmoment,he’dtellher…“Anything.”
“Idon’tcarewhatitis.Justtalk.”Hereyesshut,shebroughtonekneeuptoherchest.
Lukewasn’tsureifherrequestwastogethermindoffthekidsorbecauseshefeltlikeshemight

throwupagain,butitdidn’tmatter.He’ddivebackintothewaterifithelpedmakeherfeelbetter.

Hesuckedinabreathatthethought.Selahadsomehowwormedherwayintohisheadandeasedthe

fearlingeringthere.Couldhejumpintheoceanjustlikethat?

Ifshewerewaitingforhim,hecould.
Shit.Heneededtostopthinkingofherasacure.Shewastemporary,adistractionhehadnoplans

tomakepermanent.Justbecausesheknewhissecret,andjustbecauseshe’dseenhimathisweakest
andseemedtothinknolessofhim,didnotmeanheshouldpursueanythingfurtherwithher.

“A meat-eating sponge was recently discovered deep in the ocean off Monterey Bay. It’s called a

harp sponge because it looks like a harp turned on its side,” he said. “It’s got Velcro-like barbed
hooks at the end of its limbs that snare crustaceans as the current carries them by. Once caught, the
spongeenvelopsitsfoodinathinmembraneandthendigestsitslowly.”

Selastayedquiet.Motionless.Hewonderedifshe’dfallenasleep.
“Iunderstandtheylikebaconbest,”headded.
Shechuckled.“Theymustbemale.Keeptalking.”
“They actually have both male and female characteristics. And they don’t discriminate when it

comes to their love life. They have tiny swollen balls at the tips of their branches that hold sperm

packets.Theballsreleasethepacketsintothesurroundingseawaterandothernearbyspongescatch
the packets on their branches. The sperm works its way from the packets into the other sponge to
fertilizeitseggs.”

“Wow,sexwithouttouching.Imaginethat.”
Lukegulped.He’dratherimaginelotsoftouching.StartingwithSela’smouthandworkinghisway

down.

Her eyelids lifted. “You turned right on West Way when you should have turned left. I wondered

whatwastakingsolong.”

Hewonderedwhenshe’dsabotagedhispeaceofmind.
“Guessit’struewhattheysay,”sheadded.“Mensuckatdirections.”
“Idon’tthinkyou’reinanypositiontocriticizemydriving.”HemadeanillegalU-turn.Thedigital

clockonthedashboardsaidtwelvetwenty-one.TheentiretownofCascadehadfallenfastasleep.

“Onlystatingthefacts.”Sheputherlegdownandyawned,thenpulledonherseatbeltandstretched

herbackbyleaningforwardandrollinghershoulders.

Theinnocentstretchcatapultedhisthoughtsbacktotouching.
“You’veneverdriventhewrongway?”
“Nope.Nowstoptalking.Myheadhurts.”Shecurledupandrestedagainstthedoorpanel.
Hadn’t she just asked him to keep talking? Her position and the quiet in the car reminded him of

picking up her and Vanessa from a concert in Portland when they were younger. She’d looked the
samethen,exhaustedfromanightoffun,andjustlikethathewassnappedoutofhisinfatuation.He
wouldn’truin her innocence.Because as sureas he was thathe’d take athousand more pictures, he
wassureSeladeservedsomeonebetterthanhim.

His plan had always been to live carefree and spontaneous until he was in his thirties. Only then

wouldheventuretofindsomeonetosettledownwith.Hisparentssetagreatexampleandonedayhe
wantedafamily.Butattwenty-seven,hehadalotmoresinglelivingtodofirst.

HepulleduptoSela’sbuildingandturnedofftheengine.Hestudiedthetwo-storystructurewitha

smoothconcreteexterior,pillarsoneachsideoftheentryway,andovergrownfoliagethatwrapped
aroundthecornerestablishment.Itlookedinviting,aplaceanyonewouldbeluckytolive.

“We’rehere,”hesaid.
Shedidn’tstir.Andnowthathe’dcuttheengine,heheardatinysnore.
“Sela?”Hegentlynudgedher.
Shewasdeadtotheworld.Agrinbrokeontohisfaceashegotoutandopenedherdoor.“Sela?”he

repeated.Whenshedidn’tanswer,hescoopedherup,ignoringthestabofdiscomfortinhisside.She
instinctivelywrappedherarmsaroundhisneckandburrowedherheadintohischest.

“Mmmm,”fellfromherlips.
Hecursedunderhisbreath.Didshehavetofeelsodamngood?
Leaning down, he grabbed her purse and gift bag, shut the door with his hip, and strode up the

walkway.Theglassfrontdoortoherbuildingwaslocked,butjustashewastryingtofigureouthow
to get her keys from her purse without putting her down, a middle-age man with a dog opened the
door.“Fellasleep,”Lukewhispered.Themannodded,andLukecoollyglancedatthemailboxesto

findherapartmentnumber.

Hetookthestairs,needingtogetridofthepent-upenergymakinghismusclestense.Shewiggled

againsthimandhellifhedidn’tlikeit.Hewonderedwhatshewouldthinkifsherealizedwhatshe
wasdoing.Ormaybeshedidandthiswasherideaoftorture.

Ittooktwotriestoopenherfrontdoorafterhe’dleanedagainstthewallforleverageandfished

outherkeys.Heflippedthelightswitchandalmostfellonhisasswhensomesmallcreatureattacked
hisankle.Ityappedandgrowledandpretendedtobeferocious.Lukelookeddownatthetinyballof
furandchuckled.Thethingprobablyweighedfivepounds.

“Easythere,tiger.Icomeinpeace.”
“Becks?”Selamuttered.“It’sokay.”
Lukedidn’tknowwhataBeckswas,buttheassaultonhislegstopped.That’swhenhegotagood

lookatthetinydog.Andthedoggotagoodlookathim.Afterafewsecondsofstaringateachother,
his—orher—tailwagged.

Selagrewheavierinhisarms,herbodygoingintodeep-sleepmode,andhedebatedwithhimself

on where to put her. The slipcovered couch in front of him looked comfortable enough, and the
gentlemanlythingtodowouldbetolayherthereandleave,butcuriosityledhimdownthehallway.

Thedogfollowedclosebehind.LeaveittoSelatopicktheworld’ssmallestguarddog.Lukecould

palmitandtossitlikeafootball.

Her bedroom surprised him. He liked the light blue walls, upholstered headboard, and beach

photographsonherwalls.Butherking-sizebedwasarumpledmess,herdeskwasdisorganized,and
clotheslitteredthefloor.Theneat,organizedSelashepresentedtotheworldwasanythingbutinher
privatedomain.Thecontradictiondidfunnythingstohisstomach.

Seeingblacklacepantiesandamatchingbraonthefloordidnot-so-funnythingstootherpartsof

hisanatomy.

Helaidheronthebedandwasabouttocoverherwithherwhitedowncomforterwhenhenoticed

she’dgottensomethingonhersweater.

Walkaway,dude.Thisisn’tyourproblem.Gohomeandtakeacoldshower.
Lukepulledoffherboots.“Sela?”Noresponse.“I’mgoingtoundressyou.”Hemovedasidethe

hair around her face and rubbed the pad of his thumb across her cheek. “Sela, sweetheart, can you
hearme?”Stillnoresponse.Hewatchedherchesttomakesureshewasbreathing.

Apainfulrelieffilledhimwhenherchestroseandfell.Evencomatose,sheturnedhimon.
He pulled down her black pants and took off her sweater. Any red-blooded male would look, he

toldhimself,ashetriednottonoticeherpinkpush-upbraandmatchingunderwear.Thedogbarked.

Perfecttiming.Hepulledthecomforteruptoherneckandpickedupthelittlething.Itsquirmedin

hishandswithexcitementandlickedhisface.BeforeheputitonthebednexttoSela,he’dtakeitfora
quickwalkoutside.

“Sweetdreams,”hewhispered,andthenturnedtogoinsearchofaleash.
Nodoubthisdreamswouldbeanythingbut.

ChapterSeven

Lukelimpedintothekitchen.Asix-milerunafterlittlesleephadkickedhisass.Hischestfeltbetter
thanithadinweeks,though,hisbreathingfinallylesslabored.Buthislegswerealreadysoreasshit.

“Well, if it isn’t the star of the Sunday paper and blog,” Erin said, sitting at the counter with her

laptopopen.

Hismomstoodbesideher,acrossbetweenagrinandscowlonherface.Hehadn’tseenthatlook

sincehe’dcomehomefromthestatechampionshipbaseballgame.He’dhitthewinninghomerun—
andthecatcherwhogotinhisfaceafterthegame,pissedthatLukehadknockedhimoverathome
plate.

Luke grabbed a bottle of water and sat on the bar stool across from them. “What are you talking

about?”

Erinturnedhercomputersohecouldseethescreen.
Thebanneratthetopoftheblogpagesaid,C

ASCADE

APTURES

IVING

MALL

LACE

,andhad

apictureofthecoastline.Lukewonderedwhohadtakenthephoto.Itdidn’tdotheirlocationjustice.
Theheadlineonthepostread,HometownHeroLukeWattersDancesNightAwaywithSelaSullivan.

“This is Cascade’s blog?” He noticed the side column had mention of The Chocolate Games, the

bakingcontestErinandSelawereenteredin.

“Yes,Sherlock.”Erinshookherhead.
Hescrolledthroughtheblog,keepinghisexpressionblank.Hismomandsisterstaredathimlike

he’d committed a major sin. This was another reason why he’d wanted to leave Cascade—while he
didn’tmindbeingthecenterofattention,hedidmindwhenitcameatthepriceofhisprivatelife.He
knewbeingaWattersinCascadeequaledgoodintentionsonbehalfofthetown,butsometimesthose
good intentions did more harm than good. The post went on to describe the “wedding party of the
century’s”escapadesattheCrown&AnchorbutfocusedmostheavilyonhisandSela’sinteractions,
goingsofarastoimplytheywereanitem.ThewriterincludedapictureofLukedancingwithSela.

Erinspokefirst.“Ithoughtyoutwodidn’tlikeeachother.”
“Wedon’t.”
“AndItoldyouifyouscaredSelaawayI’dputasnakeinyourbed,andsohelpme,Iwill,”she

added.

“Youweretherelastnight.DiditlooklikeIwasscaringher?We’rejustbeingfriendly.It’sstrictly

aweddingbargain.We’vemadeanagreementtogetalongforVanessa’ssake.”

“There’sgettingalongandthenthere’s getting along,” Erin countered. “Sometimes there’s a fine

linebetweenhateand,uh,like.ItriedtohookherupwithTroybuthesaidhegottheideathetwoof

youweremorethanfriends.”Shetookbackthecomputer.“Mom,doesthislooklikefriendstoyou?”

“Picturesdon’talwaystellthetruth,”hesaid.Butthatonedid.Whoevertookithadcapturedthelust

inhiseyes.

His mom scrutinized the computer screen before she took careful stock of his poker face. “You

knowwhatIthink,”shesaidinaneventone.“IthinkofSelalikeadaughteranddon’twanthergetting
hurt.”

“Exactly!”Erinliftedoffherbarstool.
Interestinghowitneveroccurredtothemthathemightgethurt.Hisheartwasn’tmadeofsteel.
“IhavenointentionofhurtingSela.Wemayhavegottenalittlecarriedawaylastnight,butitwon’t

happenagain.”

“Makesurethatitdoesn’t.”Hismomgotupandcamearoundthekitchenislandtoputanarmon

hisshoulder.“Iloveyou,honey,butyouhaveawaywithwomenI’mnotsureyou’reawareof.And
it’snotonlySelayoucouldhurtbutVanessa,too.”

He seriously had to start heading straight to the shower after his run. He was too damn old for

lectures.“Gotit.”

Erintossedhimthenewspaperthatsatonthecounter.“NicearticleintheGazette,bro.Andnextto

Jane,you’llgetalotoffemaleattention.”

Jane?
The Life section of the paper carried a picture of him surrounded by professional surfers at the

NorthShoreInvitationalinOahu.ThefeatureincludedhisyoungerdaysatPrincetonandcovereda
greatdealofhistravelsoverthelastfiveyears.Vanessa’sweddingroundedoutthepiece.

Whenhefinishedreadingit,hisinterestmovedtothewomen,life&lovecolumnonthesamepage.

Thearticletalkedaboutwomendancingtheirwayintoaman’sheart.Dance was used both literally
andfigurativelyandwasatotalcrock.Thewriter—“Janeis a real single girl living in Cascade”—
didn’tknowwhatshewastalkingabout.

“Womenactuallybelievethisstuff?”heasked.
Erin huffed. “If you’re referring to Jane, meathead, then yes. She knows exactly what’s going on

insideaman’shead.”

“Idon’tthinkso.”Heglancedatthearticle.“Mendon’tthinkdancingisanemotionalexpression.

They’rejusthopingtheydon’tlooklikefoolsonthedancefloorandwouldmuchrathershowtheir
partnermovessomewhereprivate.”

“Really?” Erin put her elbow on the counter and a hand under her chin. “So your getting carried

awaylastnightmeant—”

“Nothing.Aguycanalsodancetobecourteousbecausehe’sinapositionthatrequiresit.AllIwas

thinkingaboutwasstoppingatFiveGuysandgettingaburgerandfriesonmywayhome.”

“Janewroteanarticleaboutmenandfoodlastweek—youshouldreadit.”
“WhoisthisJaneperson?”Hefoldedthenewspaperandpusheditaway.
“Nooneknows.Janeisn’therrealname.”
“Sowhatareyouuptotoday?”hismomasked,puttingawaythedishes.
“ThoughtI’dtakethebikeoutandheadtoNeptune’sforacrabcakeburger.”

“I haven’t been there in forever.” Erin closed the lid on her computer. “You’re on some burger

kick,bro.”

“Wanttojoinme?”
“Can’t.I’vegotathing.”Sheslidoffherbarstoolandcamearoundthecountertokisshischeek.

“I’llcatchyoulater.”Shegavethesameaffectiontotheirmom.“’Bye.”

Lukeeasedoffhisbarstoolandtossedhiswaterbottle.“I’llseeyoulater,Mom.”
She closed a cupboard door and turned. “It’s really nice having you here, honey. Thank you for

stepping in as best man and helping your father stay calm. Seeing his first daughter get married is
moreemotionalforhimthanhe’slettingon.”

“Iwouldn’twanttobeanywhereelse.”Hemeantit.Beinghomethepastweekhadbeenbetterthan

he’dimagined.

Thefogdidn’tkeepdinersawayfromNeptune’s.Nestledbetweenanurseryandsurfshopalongthe
Oregon Coast Highway, it was famous for its clam chowder and cornflake crusted shrimp, not to
mentionthecrabcakes.

Luke stood just outside the entry doors in the long lunchtime line. Flyers for the Fourth of July

paradeandpie-eatingcontestdecoratedthewindows.HeandShanehadenteredthecontestafterhigh
school graduation and gotten their asses whooped by just about everyone else. Drinking beer
beforehandhadn’tbeenthewisestdecision.

“Hey, bro,” Shane said, coming up behind him. “This is exactly what I needed today. Thanks for

calling.”

“Sure.” Luke needed it, too. Being around Shane reminded him of his place. The guy was like a

brothertohimandthatwasmoreimportantthangettingsomethingoutofhissystem.Somethinghe
hadn’trealizeduntillastnighthadbeenstewingsinceadamnkissinakissingboothtenyearsearlier.

“Somysistergothomeokaylastnight?”ShanenoddedtosomeonecomingoutofNeptune’switha

take-outbag.

Luke cleared his throat. “Yeah.” After he’d walked her dog, he’d put it on the bed with her. He

couldn’trememberthelasttimeasleepingwoman’sbeautyhadmadehimwanttocrawlinbesideher
andneverleave.He’dfeltherquietbreathsinhischest,inhisshoulders.Beautifuldidn’tcomeclose
todescribingherheadonthepillow.Thesecondhe’dheadedhome,hisbodyachedforher.

“Great.Ioweyouone.”
“Youcanbuylunch.”
Shanesmiled.“Icandothat.”
“How’d your night go?” Luke asked, needing to talk about anything but Sela in order to rid the

brickloadofguiltsittinginhisgut.

“NotthewayI’dhoped.TurnsoutKagandidjustwantaridehome.She’ssendingmeallsortsof

mixedsignalsanddamnifthatdoesn’tmakemewanttofigureherout.”

Lukeshookhishead.“Thatisnotnormalforyou.”
“Iknow.ButwhenI’maroundhersomethingweirdkicksin.”Shane’sbrowknit.“IthinkImight

actuallylikeher.Youknow,maybeasafriend.”

“Youknowwhatthatmeans,don’tyou?”
“Dude,don’teventhinkaboutgoingallSigmundFreudonmeorI’llhavetodropyourass.”
“Likeyoucouldtakeme.”Lukenarrowedhiseyesathisbestfriend.
Once.They’dgottenintoitoncebackinhighschoolandraisedtheirfists,butbeforeapunchwas

thrown, Sela had stepped between them. He couldn’t remember what the hell the problem had been,
butallofasuddenherememberedthelookonSela’sface.She’dlookedathimwithpanic,likeshe’d
crumbleifhegothurt.

“Youwanttofindout?”Shaneteased,bumpingLuke’sshoulder.Hard.
Thesurprisemovesentadullpaincrisscrossingthroughhisdiaphragm.Hegrimacedandheldhis

breathforamoment.Thankfully,Shanedidn’tseemtonotice.

“Hey,youbusyTuesdaynight?”Shaneasked.
“I don’t think so.” Luke moved up in line until they stood just inside the restaurant. The smell of

seafoodreplacedthesmellofseaair.

“I’minabaseballleagueandwe’vegotagame.We’redownaplayerandcouldusearinger.”
Hisstomachtwisted.ThelasttimeLukehadplayedballwasduringhisfreshmanyearatPrinceton

in an intramural league. It wasn’t the lack of practice that bothered him, though. He wondered how
swingingabatwouldfeeltohisribs,hislungs.

“I’dloveto,”hesaid,ignoringhischickenshitbrain.Enoughtimehadpassedthatheneededtopush

hisbodyinanewdirectionandbaseballofferedthat.He’dstretchlikeapansybeforehandandbesure
tostretchafterward.

“Great.Sixo’clockatWattersField.”
“Iknowwhereitis.”
“You’ll remember a lot of the guys. It’ll feel like old times.” Shane’s cell phone rang and he

glancedatthescreen.“I’vegottotakethis.”

Luke nodded and watched him step away. Though foggy, the ocean was still visible across the

highway.Hezeroedinonthesurf,thewhitecapscallingtohim.Thelastofthegraywhalesmigrating
toBajamightbeoutthere.Asighthenevertiredofseeing.

…

Selapulledthecoversupashighastheywouldgo.Shedidnotwanttowakeup.Notyet.Notwhen
herheadpoundedharsherthanthewavesatSeascapeBeach.Butthentinycaninefeettap-dancedon
herhead.Sheslippedthecomforterdown,andBeckhamlickedherface.

“Okay,Becks.I’lltakeyouout.”Shepushedupwithagroan.Herclothesfromlastnightwereatthe

footofherbed.Huh.Shedidn’trememberputtingthemthere.Sheglanceddownatherbody—brand-
newpush-upbraandpanties.Whywasn’tshewearingherpajamas?

Apricklingsensationraceddownherspine.Herbodygrewmelty.Melty!
Oh,God. It allcame flooding back.Throwing up out thecar window. Throwingup out the door.

Herembarrassment.Luke’ssoothingvoiceandstoryaboutspongessettlinghernervesandcalming
herstomachandlullingherintosleep.She’dpassedoutbythetimetheygottoherapartment.

She remembered him lifting her out of the car and gulped. His body had been warm; his corded

muscles had made her feel safe. She’d tucked herself against his chest and wanted to stay there
forever.Asoundhadcomeoutofhermouth.Dammit.She’dpurred.

Then!ThenLukehadundressedherandputherinbed.
Shefellbackuntilherheadhitthepillow,andshecoveredherfacewithherhands.He’dtakencare

ofherandseenherhalfnaked.Hercheeksflamed.

Becksbarked.
She rolled out of bed, picked her robe up off the floor, and padded to the front door. Crap. He’d

alsoseenherverymessybedroom.Noonesawherverymessybedroom.

Withthanksthatthesunhadyettopeekoutfrombehindtheclouds,SelaledBeckstohisfavorite

tree.Whentheygotbacktoherapartment,Vanessawaswaiting.

“Thereyouare.I’vebeenworried.Itriedyourcellacoupleoftimes,andwhenyoudidn’tanswerI

decidedtocomeover.”Vanessazeroedinonherface.“Youlookterrible.”

“Thankyou.”Selaledtheminsideherapartmentandploppeddownontothecouch.Becksjumped

intoherlap.

A killer headache the size of Mount Hood throbbed like a sonofabitch. She tried to relax her

forehead.

“Areyouhungover?”Vanessa’sshockedtonegratedoneverynerveendingaboveSela’sshoulders.
“Couldyoutalkalittlequieter?Ithinkmyheadisgoingtofalloff.Andtoansweryourquestion,

yes,IthinkIam.”Hereyesfellshut.Ittookwaytoomuchefforttokeepthemopen.Plus,theglare
cominginthroughthecrackinhercurtainsthreatenedtosplitherbrainintwo.Nowsheunderstood
wherethatsayingcamefrom.

SheheardVanessagetupandimaginedhermovingtothekitchentogetsomeaspirin.“Youarethe

bestdrunkever.Ihadnoideayouwerethatintoxicated.Youdidn’tevenacttipsy.”

“WhatcanIsay?I’mgood.”
Thecouchdipped,andVanessatookherhandtoputtwotinypillsinit,thenputaglassinherother.

Seladownedthepills.

“Youneedtoopenyoureyes,See.Icouldhavejustpoisonedyou.”
Shekepthereyesclosed.“Poisonsoundsprettygoodrightnow.Putmeoutofmymisery.”
VanessatooktheglassandSelahearditlandonthecoffeetable.“Yeah,well,that’ssortofwhyI’m

herethismorning.”

Sela’seyesflewopen.
“Youshouldgetyourcomputer.”
“Why?”
“You need to see the Cascade blog post for today.” The concern wrinkling Vanessa’s forehead

promptedherintoaction.

She stood and fought the urge to crawl rather than walk back to her bedroom. Every step sent a

sharp pain through her skull. She tightened her robe and faltered when she got to her bedroom
doorway.

Vanessastoodinhertinykitchenwhenshereturned.“Thiswasyourlastlittlecoffeethingie.”She

heldupthetinyone-cupdisposablecoffeethingiebeforetossingitandsteppingtowardSela.

“Thanks.”Selagrabbedtheofferedcupofjavaandsatatthekitchentable.“ItakeitI’mnotgoing

tolikethisblogpost?”Sheopenedherlaptopandtappedherfingersacrossthekeyboard.

“Ididn’t.”IfSelawerehearingVanessa’stoneright,she’dbeenupsetaboutthispostallmorning.
Wordsgotstuckinherthroatthesecondshesawthebloganditsstupidpictureandheadline.She

glancedupatVanessa.“Thisisridiculous.”

“Isit?Youguysdidlookprettyintoeachotheronthedancefloor.”Vanessacrossedherarmsover

herchest,tiltedherhead,anddroppedherchin.

“Igotcaughtupinthemusic,that’sall.”
“Sela,”Vanessasaidinherteachervoice.“Inthatpictureyou’relookingathimlikeyouwanttorip

hisclothesoff.And…”ShegotupwithBecksfollowingonherheelsandpulledthenewspaperoutof
herbag.“Thisisthebestcolumnyou’veeverwritten.”

“That’swhatStellatoldme,too.”Thediscomfortinherheadlessenedasthecornersofhermouth

lifted.Huh.Maybesmilingwasthecureforheadaches.Sheliftedthepaperoffthetableandturnedto
herarticle.Andtherehewas.God,shecouldnotgetawayfromhimanywhere.

“You can read the article on Luke later. What I’m getting at is that column is so flipping good

becauseofmybrother.Ifyoureadbetweenthelines,it’sobviousourdancelessonhadsomemajor
influence.”

“Okay.You’reright.ButnoonebesidesyouknowsI’mJane,sonobodywillbereadingbetween

anylines.”

“Areyoucrushingonhimagain?”ShewatchedSelacarefully.“Truth.”
Her body was. Without a doubt. But she fought the attraction in her mind. If she thought she was

enoughtomakeLukestayinCascade,shemighttry.Butwasn’thejustdoinghisfamilydutyuntilhe
couldleaveagain?Hisflirtingdidn’tmeananythingmorethanfun.

FunwithhimcouldcostheralmosteverythingimportanttoherinCascade.Namelyhisfamily.
“Maybe.Alittle.”Shesighed.“He’seitherforgottenorputasidewhathesaidtohumiliateme,andI

can’tstopfeelingthings,Ness.”Shetookherfriend’shandacrossthetable.“ButthelastthingIwant
isthisweighingonyou.”

VanessasqueezedSela’shand.“Iknow.But,See.You’remyverybestfriendandhe’smybrother.

And I can’t deal with the possibility of you getting hurt again and preparing for my wedding at the
sametime.”Shepulledback.“You’realsothemaidofhonorandhe’sthebestman.Ifanythingwere
to cause you guys to be weird with each other, it’s going to be obvious to everyone. The town is
alreadytalking.”

“You’reright.”
“You’ve been an amazing maid of honor and you accepted even though you knew you’d have to

deal with Luke. And I love you for that. But now I’m asking you to remember your wish and keep
your distance. I think it’s best for everybody. Luke isn’t staying in town. He’s only here because of
me.”

Selanodded.Emotioncloggedherthroatandittookheraminutetospeak.
“No more worries about me, okay?” She waved her hand in the air. “You and your parents and

sistersmeantheworldtomeandIcangetalongwithyourbrotherjustenoughtomakethiswedding

thebestever.Webothwantyourweddingandthedaysleadinguptoittobeperfect,sowe’vegotthe
mostimportantthingincommon.”

“Thankyou.”
Theystood.“Youdon’thavetothankme.”Selawrappedherinahug.“NowIneedtotakeashower.

IsmellliketheCrown&AnchorandMoroccanfood.”

“Yeah.Youdo.I’llcallyoutonight.”
“Later,gator.”Selawavedgood-byetoVanessaandonceshe’dclosedandlockedthedoor,sagged

againstit.

Beckslookedupatherwithatilttohislittleheadlikehewastryingtofigureherout.
ShekneweverythingVanessasaidwasright.Thisweddingwasahugedeal.NotjusttotheWatters

familybuttoallofCascade.AndSelahadnorighttojeopardizethat.

ChapterEight

Liamwasn’tgettingbetter.DaysliketodayremindedSelahowfragilelifewas,howimportantfamily
was.Liam’sparentsandoldersisterweredistraught,yetsofullofloveandhopethatitwasallLiam
saw.“Knock,knock,”he’dsaidtoherthismorning.“Who’sthere?”she’dreplied.

“Mae.”
“Maewho?”
“Maebeyoucouldsneakmeinahotfudgesundae?”
Shehad,andthegrinonhisfacelitupthehospitalroomwithsuchpuredelightthatshe’dalmost

forgottentheirsterilesurroundings.NowshestoodintheWatterses’kitchenandcrumbledbaconinto
asmallbowl.Fiveminutesearlier,Lukehadgottenhomefromahikeandpoppedinforadrinkof
waterbeforegrabbingapiecehotofftheskilletandthenhittingtheshower.

He’dlookedalittletiredandSelahadalmostflungherarmsaroundhim.Shewassogratefulhe’d

survivedhisinjuries,thathegrewstrongereveryday.Thathehadallhislimbsandnolong-lasting
repercussions.

“You’resupposedtocrumble,notdecimate,”Erinsaid,steppingbesideher.
“Sorry.Youdonewithyourbowl?”
“Justneedtomixinthechocolatechipsandbacon,uh,bits.”
Selapickedupherporkgrinds.“Let’sdoit.”
Theycombinedalltheingredients,pouredthebatterintotwosquareglasspans,andhigh-fived.
“Ifthejudgesgivepointsforsmell,youtwohavegotitinthebag,”Lukesaid,comingbackinto

thekitchen.

“Thanks,bro.Youaroundtotakepicturesoncethey’vecooledandwe’vecutthem?”Erinasked.
Hepulledonapieceofherhair.“Yougotit.”
Sheswattedherarmathimandgrowled.
HeturnedtoSelaandpointedatherscrubs.“You’vegotsomethingrightthere.”Selalookeddown

andLukeliftedhisarmup,catchingherunderthenosewiththesideofhisfinger.“Gotcha.”

“You…”Selapursedherlipstogetherandshookherhead.
“Mewhat?”Hemovedaroundherandtookanappleoutofthefridge.
YoulooktoogoodforwordsandsmelllikeheavenandIwanttorunmyfingersthroughyourhair

andpressmybodyagainstyoursandaskyoutodothingstomenoonehaseverdonebefore.

“You’reannoying.”
“That’sthebestyou’vegot?”
Selasatatthekitchenislandandleanedonherelbows.“Howlongdothebarsbake?”Sheignored

LukeandlookedatErin.

“Eighteentotwentyminutes.”Erinloadedthesinkwiththeirdirtydishesandfilleditwithsoapand

water.

Lukesatontheothersideofthekitchenisland.“Didyouguysknowthewishingwellisstillupat

thetopoftheWildwoodTrail?”

“Ihopeyoudidn’tdropanyquartersinit.Itdoesn’twork,”Selasaid.
Erinturnedfromthesinkandputherhandsonherhips.“Sayswho?”
“Saysme.Imadeawishnottoolongago,andIsweartheoppositehascometrue.Isstillcoming

true.It’slikethewishingwellgodislaughingatmeeveryday.”

“ItworkedforVanessa,”Erinsaid.
LukelookedatSelawithtendereyes.Heglanceddownatherhands.Shewastoyingwithherrings.
“Wasthewishaboutapatient?”Histonematchedhiseyesandeverythinginsidehersoftened.
Why,ohwhyhadshesharedthemeaningbehindherringswithhim?Onlyherfamilyandclosest

friendsknewhowspecialtheywere.

“No.”
The house phone rang, saving her from having to explain further. Erin wiped her hands on a

dishtowelandpickeditup.“Hello?”

“Youfeelingbetter?”Lukewhispered.
Wouldhestopbeingsonice?“Yes.And,uh,thanksforgettingmehomesafeandsound.”Warmth

spreadupthebackofherneck.

“Didyouknowyousleeplikethedead?”
“So I’ve been told. Sorry about the whole getting-sick thing.” Her gaze dipped to the floor. She

neverthoughtshe’dhearherselfapologizetoLukeWatters.

“Noapologynecessary.Besides,ifIhadn’tdrivenyouhomeImightneverhavegottentoseeyour

pink—”

“Vanessaneedstotalktoyou,Sela,”Erininterrupted,wavingthephonebackandforth.
SelanarrowedherwideeyesatLuke.Shealmostleapedoverthekitchenislandtowipethegrinoff

hisface.Instead,shegotupandcrossedthekitchentopickupthephone.

“Hey,Vanessa.What’sup?”
“I’m stuck in a faculty meeting and I can’t leave. Hayden is stuck at work, too, and we were

supposedtomeetatCrem’sforonelastcaketasting.Ireallyhatetoaskyouthis,butdoyouthinkyou
couldgooverthereandgivethefinalgo-ahead?Icompletelytrustyourtastebudsandyouonlyhave
todecidebetweenthetwoflavorswewerestuckon.Andtruthfully,I’dbehappywitheitherone.So
really,it’sjustaformality.”

“Slowdown,Ness.Can’tyoujustreschedule?”She’dplannedtofinishthebakingandheadhometo

workonhernextcolumn.“TenThingsToDoAlmostBare”listedordinarythingstodoaroundthe
housewhilewearingnothingbutonearticleofclothingleftbehindbyaguy.Selaneededtofigureout
afewmoreactivitiesthatwouldmakeamanstopwhateverhewasdoingtowatch.

“No.Meredithisgoingoutoftowntomorrowandwon’tbebackuntilrightbeforethewedding.”
“You’resureyouwantmetodothis?”Sheglancedaroundthekitchen.ErinandLukeweretrying

tobalancespoonsontheirnoses.Shelaughed.

“It’snotfunny,”Vanessasaid.
“Sorry.Iwasn’tlaughingaboutthecaketasting.OfcourseI’llgoforyou.Comingtoyouraidis

part of the maid of honor code and I’m happy to do it. I mean come on, eating cake? It’s a no-
brainer.”

“Then I hope you don’t mind if I make one more teensy tiny request. Or rather, it’s Hayden’s

request.Hereallywantsaman’sopinionsoIthoughtifLukewasn’tbusy…”

“Hangon.He’srighthere.I’llputhimon.”Gowiththeflow,Selatoldherself.Theybothwantedto

makeVanessahappy.Sheturned.“Luke?Vanessaneedstotalktoyou.”

“YoucantellherI’min.Erinjusttoldme.”
“Iwould’vegone,butI’vegotadate,”Erinsaid.
“Cuteguyfromtheothernight?”sheasked,onlyalittlejealousthatErinhadadateonaMonday

night.

“Yep.We’regoingtoseethatnewMattDamonmovie.”
Selaputthephonebacktoherear.“Youstillthere,Ness?Lukesaysnoproblem.”
“I’vesaiditathousandtimesandI’llsayitagain.You’rethebest,See.Thankssomuchfordoing

this.”

“I’llcallyoulaterwithmychoice.”Shehungupandtookadeepbreath.Shehatedtoadmitit,but

chocolateandbaconsmelledreallygoodtogether.ShealsohatedtoadmitthatcaketastingwithLuke
didn’tsoundhalfbad,either.

“IthinkCrem’sclosesatseven,soyouguysbetterheadovernow,”Erinsaid.“Icanfinishhere.”
“Let’sgo.”Luketossedhisapplecore.“I’lldrive.”
Selagrabbedherpurse,huggedEringood-bye,andfollowedLukeout.
TheygottoCrem’safewminuteslater.Lukeparkedonthestreetandhurriedaroundthehoodto

openthedoorforher.Shehadnoideawhatthatwas about and told her quivering stomach to chill
out.

ThetinybellsonthedoorofCrem’schimedastheyentered.
“Hey,youtwo,haveaseatatoneofthetablesandI’llbewithyouinaminute,”Meredithsaidfrom

behindthecounter.

“Vanessacalledyou?”SelaaskedandMeredithnodded.
Sitting on the same side of the table, Luke grazed her arm. Every time they touched, even

inadvertently,acurrentofwarmthspreadthroughherbody.Shescootedoverherchair.Ifshehadany
hopeofkeepingthingsonanevenkeelbetweenthemsheneededtoavoidbodycontact.

Meredith arrived at the table carrying a tray of cake samples. Enough cake samples for three

weddings.

“IthoughtVanessahadnarroweditdowntotwo,”Selasaid.
“Pssh. She picked the most boring ones, and I could tell Hayden was only going along with her.

Let’sseewhatyoutwothink.”

Aloudclattersoundedfromthekitchen.Followedbyawoman’svoice.“Meredith,canyoucome

backhere?”

“Well, shoot,” Meredith said. “Okay, listen quickly. This is red velvet with chocolate buttercream

frosting.” She pointed to a sample. “This one is a marble cake with white chocolate buttercream
frosting.Nextiswhitechocolatecakewithacreamcheesefrostingorabuttercreamfrosting.Thisis
butterrumcakewithcreamcheesefrosting,andlastwehavecarrotcakewitheitheracreamcheese
or buttercream frosting. In the middle here”—her finger moved to the center of the tray—“are the
fillings—raspberry,dulcedeleche,strawberry,lemon,vanilla,andfudge.Gotit?Good.I’llbeback
inafew.”

“Shelostmeaftervelvet,”Lukesaid.
Selagiggled.“Yeah.Shedidwhipthroughthatprettyfast.Let’sjusttastethemandseewhatwelike

best.Itdoesn’treallymatterthetype,right?”

“Sounds like a plan to me.” Luke sat up taller. He picked one of the chocolate cake squares and

turnedtoher.“Openwide.”

“Whatareyoudoing?”Shegrippedthearmsofherchairandleanedback.
“Feedingyou.”Hisgreeneyeswereclearandbrightandthesmilethatplayedaroundhismouthhit

herlikeatwo-tonbagofsugar.Sweetanddeadly.

“Why?”
“Idon’tseeanyforks,doyou?Andthiswayisalotmorefun.Unlessyou’rechicken?”Theplayon

hislipswidened.

“Oh,I’mnotchicken.”Sheputherhandaroundhiswristandhelpedguidethecaketohermouth

forthefirstbite.Chocolateexplodedinhermouthandsliddownherthroat.

Hewatchedherchew,hiseyesonhermouth,andholycow,thedesireshesawnearlyliftedheroff

theseatandintohis.

She returned the attention while he chewed his piece. When he was finished, he had a tiny bit of

chocolate at the corner of his mouth. Since Meredith clearly also forgot the napkins, Sela took the
libertyofwipingitawaywiththepadofherthumb.“Youhadalittlechocolatethere.”

His eyes locked on hers, dark and tempting. She wanted him to pull her close. Let her taste the

sweetnessofthechocolateonhislips.Shewantedsomuchwiththismanthatitscaredher.Hercheeks
surely matched the strawberry filling, so she looked away and picked up the carrot cake. “Open
wide.”

Hislipsgrazedherfingertipsashetookabite.She’dneverfedanyonebeforeanditfeltforbidden.

Erotic. She chewed the inside of her cheek to keep from making a foolish sound, then with a
tremblinghand,broughtherhalfofthecakesampletohermouth.

Luke’s pinched eyebrows and scrunched nose wiped away the inappropriate thoughts in her head.

“Thatwasawful,”hesaid.

“Youcan’ttellmeyou’veneverhadcarrotcakebefore.”
“I’ve had it. I just forgot how much I didn’t like it. Whoever thought putting carrot together with

cakewasprobablysomemomwhowantedherkidstoeatmorevegetables.”

“Here,chaseitdownwiththis.”Shepickeduponeofthewhitecakesandshovedthewholepiecein

hismouth,smearingfrostingabovehislipandonthetipofhisnose.

Itwashardtotellthroughhismuffledprotest,butshethoughtsheunderstoodhimtosay,“Youare

goingdown,”atthesametimehepickeduptheredvelvetandsmasheditagainsthermouth.

Shereachedforanothersquare,butLuketookherwristandsheletgo.Shemanagedtoflicksome

frostingathim,though,thensputteredandgiggledatthesurprisedlookonhisface.Hebroughther
handtohismouthandlookedlikehewasabouttolickherfingerswhenMeredithclearedherthroat.

They both composed themselves immediately, dropping their arms and sitting up straight like

they’d been caught for misbehaving by the teacher. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Luke
woreasmirk.Herinsidesmelted.

“Looks like you two are doing just fine without me,” Meredith said, one hand on her hip, a few

morewrinklesacrossherforehead.

“Everythingokayintheback?”Selaasked,wipingherhandacrosshermouth.
“Fine.”Meredithplacedtheforksandnapkinsinherotherhandonthetableandturnedthecaketray

sotheremainingsampleswererightinfrontofSelaandLuke.“I’llletyoufinishtherestoftheseand
bebackwithcoffee.”

“Thanks,”sheandLukesaidatthesametime.
WhenMeredithhaddisappearedaroundthecounter,Selasaid,“IthinkImayhavesnortedfrosting

upmynose.”

“Isthatwhatthatsoundwas?IthoughtMrs.Witt’spighadgottenloose.”
Selagasped.“Youdidnotjustcomparemetoapig.”
“No.Icomparedyoursnorttoanoink.”
“Andyou’reanexpertonpigsoundsbecause?”Shesquaredhershoulders,readytosparwithLuke

untilshewon.Hemightthinkhecouldbestherlikehehadsomanytimesinhighschool,butshewas
oldernow.Wiser.Lessintimidatedwhenshewasn’tthinkinghowgorgeoushewas.

Heleanedcloser.“BecauseIliketoplaydirty,”hesaid,hisvoicelow,husky.
Shefalteredforasecond,herbodyreactingtohisnearnessandwordswithuncharacteristicneed.

ThemoretimeshespentwithLukeWatters,themoreshecouldn’tfighthispull.“Orittakesoneto
knowone.”

Aclosed-mouthsmileappeared.Heleanedbackandcrossedhisarmsoverhischest.“Imayhave

beencalledapigonceortwice.”

“Irestmycase.Nowhowaboutwetastethesewithmorecivility?”Shemaybegoingwiththeflow,

butsheneededtodoitfromasafedistance.Shecouldn’tletVanessadown.Nottonightandnotforthe
next two weeks. The thought of anything coming between her relationships with Vanessa and the
WattersfamilyhurtworsethanthehumiliationLukehadcausedhersomanyyearsago.

Meredithreturnedwithcoffee—Godblessher—andmorenapkins.SheandLuketastedtherestof

thesampleswithbarelyaglancebetweenthem.Whenthey’dnarroweditdowntotheirfavorites,she
calledVanessatogetheragreement.VanessacalledHaydenandconferencedhimin.Thebrideand
groom were thrilled with the choices and made their selection, thanking her and Luke for being so
helpfulandsupportive.

Caketasting,Seladecided,waswortheverycalorie.

…

Luke wasn’t ready to drive home only to say good-bye to Sela. When Erin had mentioned the cake
tastingtohim,he’dthoughtanailthroughhisfootwouldbelesspainful.Whatguylikestogotaste
cake?Beertasting,thatwouldbeadifferentstory.ButwhenErinhadsaidSelawouldbegoing,he
immediately agreed. Time spent with her had become his favorite activity in Cascade. She took his
thoughtsoffhishealingbody,offthejobsloominginthenot-too-distantfuture.

Shetookhispainaway.
“Mind if we walk for a few before heading back?” he asked once they’d stepped back onto Main

Street.

“Sure.”Shezippedherjacketandflippedupthecollarbehindherneck.
Hestaredatthesmallpatchofskinvisibleunderherchinandwonderedhowshe’drespondifhelet

hislipsglideoverherpulsepoint.Woulditracethewayhisdideverytimehethoughtabouttouching
her?

“Luke?”Herconcernedtoneknockedsomesensebackintohim.
Yes,sheseemedtoenjoywhateverthehellwasbouncingbackandforthbetweenthem,butitdidn’t

matter.ShewasShane’slittlesisterandhadn’thepromisedhisbestfriendhe’dkeephishandsoff?
Nottomentionhismotherhadmadeitplainhowshefeltaboutthetopic.

“Sorry.”Heshookoffherallureandstartedwalking.
The town hadn’t changed much in five years. The stone and brick buildings were distinct and

friendly. Shop lights and tall lampposts illuminated their stroll. Planter boxes overflowed with
greenery.Restaurantsbustledwithactivity,thesmelloftheseanevertoofaroff.Ifhelistenedclosely
enough,hecouldhearthetide.

“You’veprobablybeentosomeincredibletowns,”Selasaid.“Doyouhaveafavoriteone?”
“Aside from Cascade, I’d have to say Wengen, Switzerland. The village hosts the Ski World Cup

everyyearandisbreathtaking.Panoramicviewseverywhereandthere’sonespotwherethesunsets
overcragsandwaterfallsthatisbreathtaking.”

Sheletoutadeepsigh.“Soundsbeautiful.”
“Haveyoudoneanytraveling?”
“Notoutofthecountry,butIreallywantto.”Shegavehimthebackofherhead,herobservations

onthestorewindows.“Oneday.”

“Ifyoucouldpickanywheretogo,wherewoulditbe?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Ithinkyoudo.”
Hereyesmethisforabriefmomentbeforeshelookedaway.“Ireland.”
He nodded and smiled to a passerby. “It’s a great place. I’ve got a friend in Dublin. He can drink

anyoneunderthetable—andImeanthatliterally.”

“I had a pen pal from there when I was younger. She sent me postcards and I always told her I’d

visitsomeday.”

“Youwill,then.”TheyturneddownClifdenStreet.“Walkonthepier?”
“Okay, but then I do need to get back.” She pulled her jacket tighter. “I don’t walk down here as

muchasIshould.It’ssoprettyatnighteventhoughit’schilly.”

Lowintheblacksky,themoongrinned.Starstwinkled.Lukefoughttheurgetoputhisarmaround

hertohelpkeepherwarm.Notthatshewascomplaining.He’dneverheardacomplaintfromher.At
theendofthepier,thered-and-whiteawningoftheice-creamshopblewintheoceanbreeze.

“RememberthetimeyouandShanewereskateboardingdownhereandyourwheelgotcaughton

somethingandyoufellfacefirstandneededstitchesunderyoureye?”

“That’sright.”Heabsentlyrubbedhischeek.“I—”
“Lied like a jock-ass and told everyone you’d been hit by a pitch because you were embarrassed

you’dfallenoffaskateboard.”

“Hey,Ihadareputationtouphold.”
Thewindblewstrandsofhairthathadescapedherponytailintoherface.Shebrushedthemaway.

“Areputationthatmatteredmorethananyoneelse’s.”

Wasthatadig?Didsheremembertheasshe’dbeentoherattheKissingBooth?Hewasaboutto

ask,abouttooffertheapologyheshouldhavegivenalongtimeago,whenshesquealed.

“Oh!Didyouseethat?Ashootingstar.Ihaven’tseenoneinforever.”WithSela’sheadtitledback,

eyesonthesky,Lukewishedhehadhiscamera.

Oneworddescribedwhathesaw:unforgettable.
Shedroppedherchin,stoppedwalking,andshuthereyes.“Whatareyoudoing?”heasked.
“Makingawish.Shh.”
Rightnow.Rightnowhecouldstepforwardandkissher.Apologizewithoutwords.Wouldherkiss

bethesameonethathadrockedhisteenageworld?Orwoulditbebetternow?

Heforcedhimselftostepback.Shewasdrivinghimgoddamncrazyandforthesakeofeveryone

involved,hehadtoputastoptoit.

“Youdone?”heaskedwithimpatience.
Hereyesflewopen.“Yes,I’mdone.”Herclippedtonealmostmatchedhis.
“Great.Let’sgetoutofhere.”
Shestayedquietandkeptupwithhisbriskpaceonthewalkbacktothecar.OnceinsidetheAudi,

shesaid,“DidIdosomethingtoupsetyou?”

“No.”
“Okay.”
His hands gripped the steering wheel. Just like that, she trusted him. Trusted his answer without

argument.Nootherwomanhadtreatedhimwiththatkindoffaith.

Shefishedinherpurseforsomethingashepulledontothedriveway.“IthinkIleftmykeysinthe

kitchen.I’lljustcomeinreallyquicktograbthem.”

Quietfilledthehouse.Heflippedonthelightswitchinthekitchen.Abignotesatatopacovered

platteronthecounter.Makeuslookgood,bro,itsaid.Followedbya:P.S.Baconismynewboyfriend.

“I forgot about these,” Sela said, pulling the foil off the plate. “God, they still smell good.” She

lookedupathimandgaveamischievoussmile.“Ithinkweneedtodoonelasttastetest.”

And just like that she wiped out his ill mood. But with the house apparently empty, he needed to

tread lightly or he’d put her over his shoulder and carry her back to the guest bedroom. Damn the
consequences.

Henoddedandopenedadrawertoretrieveaknife.Shetookitandcutoneofthebarsinhalf.He

noticedshegavehimthebiggerone.

“TowinningtheChocolateGames.”Sheheldupherhand,theybumpedcookies,andate.“Oh,is

thatgood.”Shelickedherfingers.

Andalmostcausedalandslideontheledgehestoodon.Hestartedtodomultiplicationproblemsin

hishead.Thatshouldcurehislust.Hehatedmath.“It’sthebacon.”

“Okay,fine.Thebaconwasagooddecision.Gograbyourcamera,andI’llgettheseready.”She

tweakedthetowerofbars.“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”

Hisfeettomove.“I’llberightback.”
Shehadnoideathatshemadehimforgethimself.Theweddingwaslessthantwoweeksaway.How

the hell was he going to survive Sela for thirteen more days? Only one way—by having her. He’d
witnessedthedesireinhereyes.Woulditreallybesobadiftheyactedontheirmutualattraction?If
theycouldhandleit,Vanessa,Shane,andtherestofhisfamilyshouldbeabletoalso.

Orbetteryet,maybenooneneededtoknow…
“Here,”shesaidwhenhegotback.“Ihadtoeatonemore.”Shehandedhimanotherbarhalf.
“Youaregoingtokillmewithasugarhigh.”Theirfingerstouchedwhenhetookit,andshepulled

herhandbacklikeshe’dbeenshocked.

Theelectricitydidn’tonlyflowoneway.Damn,itgotharderandhardertokeepthingsplatonic.
“There are worse ways to go,” she said, stepping away from her handiwork and giving him a

reprieve.“Doesthatlookphotoworthy?”

“It’sacookiebar.”
“So?Ifitlooksgoodenoughtoeat,thenitusuallyis.”
Thatwasthelaststraw.Heputthecameradownandstrodetowardher.Eveninherscrubswithher

hairwavierthannormalfromthedampaironthepier,shelookedathousandtimesgoodenough.

Hereyeswidened.“Whatareyoudoing?”Sheputahandonhischestbutdidn’tprotesttoomuch,

consideringhemovedherbackwitheaseuntilherbutthitthewall.

“SomethingI’vewantedtodosinceyouwalkedintobrunchmyfirstmorninghomeandItookone

lookatyourpinklips.”

“Luke.”Abreathlesspantslippedbetweentheobjectsofhisdesire.
Eventhroughhisshirt,herpalmfloodedhisbodywithheat.Heputonehandonthewallaboveher

head.“Yeah?”

“Wecan’tdothis.”
“Whynot?”Ifshegavehimagoodanswer,he’dbackoff.
“Because…”Sheblinkedrepeatedly.Conflict.Desire.Risk.Hesawitallandimaginedshesawthe

same.“Becauseyou—”

“Hello?”hismothershouted.“Anyonehome?”Thefrontdoorshutwithathud.
Lukeranahandunderhischinandbackedaway.Selaquicklymovedaroundhimandgrabbedher

keys.

Niceofhismomtogivethemsomewarning.Unlessshewasclueless,whichshewasn’t,shesaw

hisrentalcarinthedrivewayandSela’scaronthestreet.

“Inthekitchen,”Lukecalledback.Funny,hismomneverwouldhavegivenhimthiscourtesywhen

hewasyounger.

“Whatsmellssogood?”hismomasked,hisdadrightbehindher.
“Smellslikebacon,”hisdadsaid.
Selarolledhereyes.“Hi,Paula.Hi,Reed.Thesearethechocolate-chocolatechipbaconbarsErin’s

entering in the Chocolate Games. Luke was just about to take some pictures, and I was on my way
out.”

Lukepickeduphiscamerasohe’dhavesomethingtodobesideswatchSelaleave.
“Don’trushonouraccount,”Luke’sdadsaid.
She’snot,Lukethought.She’srushingoutonmine.

ChapterNine

“Whatareyoustaringat?”

Selaflinchedandalmostfellofftheedgeofthebleacherseat.“Nothing.”
“Youaresuchaliar,”KaylaEllissaid.“You’restaringatLuke’sbutt.Iwouldbe,too,ifIwasn’t

alreadymarried.Heisonefinespecimenofaman.”

“Heis,right?Ishouldn’tfeelguiltyforthinking—”
“Aboutseeinghimnaked?No,notatall.”
“Kayla!” Sela bumped her pregnant friend’s shoulder, careful to be gentle. “That is not what I’m

thinking.”

“Wow,youarethequeenofliarstonight.Youmustreallylikehim.”
“Idon’tlikehim.Heisathorninmysidethatwon’tgoaway,that’sall.”Selamovedhergazetothe

outfieldandawayfromhomeplatewhereLukecurrentlystood.Shewantedhimtostrikeoutandhita
homerun.Shewasseriouslymessedup.

Moresosincehe’dalmostkissedherlastnight.He’dthoughtshekissedlikeacorpsethelasttime

theytried.Whywouldhewantarepeatperformance?

“Asexythorn,”Kaylasaid.
Hewas.“I’mdoomed.”Seladeflated,herelbowslandingonherknees,hershoulderssagging.
“Idon’tthinkso.Dannywantedtofixhimupwiththisgorgeousteacher—shewasMissOregonor

something—lastweekendandLukesaidhewasn’tinterested.”

Selasatup.“Really?”
KaylaputahandonSela’sleg.“Asusual,you’renotgivingyourselfenoughcredit.Didyousee

that?”Kaylanoddedtotheside.

“Seewhat?”
“Lukejustpeekedoverhisshoulder,andhewasnotlookingatme.”
Luke swung the bat and hit it over the center fielder ’s head. He ran around the bases, stopping at

second.Otherwives,girlfriends,andfanssittingafewrowsdownthebleacherswhistledandcheered.

“The thing is, he’s only in town until after the wedding. I’m not that kind of girl, Kay. I can’t do

somequickiethingandthenwatchhimleave.”Shesighed.“ButthebiggerissueisShaneandLuke’s
family. I’m worried about what my brother will say. And even if our intention is just to have some
fun,whatwouldLuke’sparentsthinkofmeiftheyknewwe’dhookedup?Paulaislikeasecondmom
tome;Idon’twanttodisappointher.Anddon’tevengetmestartedonVanessa.”

“Okay, I get it. But life is short. Sometimes you have to live for today and not worry about

tomorrow.”

Tearsprickedthebacksofhereyes.Didn’tsheknowthat.Todayatworkshe’dfoundoutLiam’s

staphinfectionwasn’trespondingtotheantibioticsandtheinfectionhadspread.

“Hey! What’s got you two looking so serious?” Erin said. “This is baseball. There is nothing

seriousaboutbaseball.Here.”ShehandedKaylaaseatcushionandsatdowninfrontofthem.“Istole
thatfromCandyBrewerwhenshewasn’tlooking.”

“One,thankyou,”Kaylasaid.“Andtwo,donotletmyhusbandhearyousaybaseballisnotserious.

He’llgiveanhour-longspeechaboutwhyitis.”

“IcanhandleDanny.We’vegotabiggerissuetodealwith.”
“Wedo?”Selasaid,asinkingfeelinginherstomachthatitconcernedherand/orthewedding.
“Don’tfreakout,okay?”ErinlookedrightatSela.
Crap. “O-kay.” She stared down at the field. Luke crossed home plate. He grinned and high-fived

thenextbatterbeforeglancingherway.Herstomachfluttered.

“There’sapollupontheCascadeblog.”Erinsnappedherfingers,thenmovedherhandinacircle

infrontofherface.“Hello?”

SelatorehergazefromthefieldandgaveErinherundividedattention.
“It’saboutyouandLuke.Seemsyouandmybrotherareasexcitingtotalkaboutasmysisterand

herwedding.”

“Howcanthatbe?”sheasked,mortified.Shedidnotwanttotakeanyofthelimelightawayfrom

Vanessa.

“Dancinginbars.Moonlitstrolls.Thetownisplacingbetsonwhetherornotthetwoofyouwillbe

inlovebyweddingday.”

“Oh my God.” Sela covered her face with her hands. “It’s all been completely innocent. This is

crazy.Whoputupthepoll?I’mgoingtohavehimorhertakeitdown.”

She would not let Luke ruin her reputation again. Did the townspeople really think she was

gallivantingaroundwithhiminsteadoffulfillinghermaidofhonordutiesandworkinghertailoffat
thehospital?

“We’veonlyagreedtogetalongbecauseofthewedding,”shecontinued.“I’mputtingupwithhim

becauseofVanessaandbelieveme,that’snoeasytask.”

Erin squeezed Sela’s arm. “Slow down, sister. I can fix this. And, uh, remember it is my brother

we’retalkingabout,somaybeeaseuponhowpainfulthisisforyou.He’snotthatbad.”

He wasn’t bad at all. That was the problem. But better for Erin to think Sela still didn’t like him

much.“I’msorry.You’reright.IjustfeelbadaboutdrawingattentionawayfromNess’sbigday.She
mightdenyit,butshe’senjoyingallthefuss.”

“Sherarelyreadstheblog,sochancesareshedoesn’tevenknow.”
“What’sthepollask?”Kaylasaid.
Erin cleared her throat. “‘Will Luke Watters and Sela Sullivan be hit by the Love Bug or will

attractionfizzleforthemaidofhonorandbestman?’LastIchecked,theLoveBugwasleadingwith
sixty-onepercentofthevotes.”

“Oh, the baby just kicked.” Kayla rubbed a hand across her belly. “I wonder if that means he

agrees?”

“Doesn’tthistownhaveanythingbettertodothangossip?”Selaasked.
“Apparentlynot,”Erinsaid.“WhichishowIcanhelp.I’llcauseadistraction.”
Sela watched Luke run out to third, his team taking the field. Shane stood at first and Danny

stretchedatthepitcher ’smound.“How?”

“Oh,youknowme.I’llthinkofsomethinggossip-worthy.”
Asliverofreliefcutthroughher.ShehatedtoputErininthispositionbutknewherfrienddidn’t

mindstirringthingsup.

“Isubmittedourrecipe,bytheway,somakesuretospreadthewordtovisittheblogandvotefor

us.”

Selasqueezedhertemples.“Great.NoweveryonewhogoestovotefortheChocolateGamescan

voteonmylovelife,too.”Herdaycouldnotgetanyworse.

“Ooh!”severalspectatorssaidfromthebleachers.
“Whathappened?”Selajumpedtoherfeet.Someonewaslyingonthegroundathomeplate.Two

other players hovered over him. She searched the field for Luke but couldn’t find him. Without
thinking,shetookoffdowntheconcretestairs.

“Hegothitprettyhard,”thecatchersaid,hismaskinhand.
“Luke?Dude,youokay?”Shaneasked.
Sela’s breath got caught in her throat. Her heart skidded to a stop. “Let me see him,” she said,

pushingtheguysasideandkneelingdown.

Hegroaned,thankGod,soSelaknewhewasconscious.Dirtcoveredonesideofhimandhisarms

werewrappedaroundhismiddle.

Sheimmediatelyworriedabouthislungs,hisribs,hiseverything.Anewinjurycouldcompromise

hisrecoveryfromtherapidsaccident.

“Luke?”Awarethatshehadanaudience,shefoughttheurgetobrushthehairoutofhisfaceand

cuphischeek.“Areyouokay?Canyousitup?”

Hiseyesflutteredopenandlandedonherbeforemovingtotheplayersloomingabovethem.Faster

thanshewouldhaverecommended,hegottohisfeet.

“I’mokay,”hesaid,brushinghishandsdownhissweatpantsandacrosshischest.“Thatwasone

hellofahit,Pierce.”

“Sorryaboutthat,”Piercesaid.
“No worries, man.” He glanced at Sela. “Who called for a nurse? This isn’t Little League. I can

handleacollision.”

Shewasn’tsurewhattomakeofhiscoldtoneanddisposition.Hewasnotokay.Shecouldseeitin

hiseyes,inthetinyglowerhetriedtohide.Butifhedidn’twantherhelp,shewouldn’tgiveit.She
turnedandwalkedaway.

Hecaughtuptoherafewsecondslater.“Hey,canItalktoyou?”
Thewinceofpainwasthereinfullforcewhenshetwistedtofacehim.Shecrossedherarmsover

herchest.

Lukeplacedhishandonherbackandledheraroundthedugouttoasecludedareaofthebaseball

field.“Sorryaboutthat.”

“That?”
“Fortalkinglikeajerkbackthere.Iwasembarrassedandhandleditpoorly.”
Shechewedherbottomlip,notsurehowtorespond.Itbotheredherthathehadspokenthatway,but

sheunderstoodwhyhehaddoneit.

“I think I might need medical attention.” Luke took her hand, for comfort or support, she wasn’t

sure.

“Noshit.”
“Idon’twanttogotothehospital.”
“That’sstupid.Comeon,I’lldriveyou.”Shesteppedaroundhim.Herheartbeatwiththesamesick

thudsthatalwaysdrummedwhensomeoneshecaredaboutwashurt.

Dammit.ShecaredaboutLuke.
“Howaboutyoudrivemehomeandtendtomeyourself?”heasked,hisvoicebacktothewarm,

friendlyLukeshe’dtriedtostopthinkingsomuchabout.

“I’mnotadoctor,Luke.Youneedadoctor.”
“I need you, Sela. Not a goddamn MD who will want to run tests and keep me overnight for

observationandothershitI’vehadenoughof.Ifyoudon’twanttohelp,fine.I’lldrivemyselfhome.”

Shestopped.Ineedyou.SelathewomanorSelatheRN?Shedidn’tmuchcareatthemoment.Ifshe

didn’thelphim,she’dregretitlater.“You’resureit’snotlifethreatening?”

“I’msure.”
“Okay.Letmejusttellsomeonewe’releaving.”
Lukestayedquietontheridetohishouse.Headjustedtheseatbeltsothepieceacrosshischestsat

under his arm and low on his abdomen. His breathing faltered a time or two when he took a deep
breath.Tinybeadsofsweatdottedhisforehead.Shepushedthebuttonsohiswindowrolleddown.

When they got to his house, he moved a little slower than usual up the walkway. She didn’t say

anythingbutnevertookhereyesoffhim

“Let’s keep this to ourselves,” he said, leading her through the brightly lit kitchen and down the

hallwaytotheguestbedroom.

“Youknow,momsaren’ttheenemy.Theygenerallyliketohelpwhenoneoftheirchildrenishurt.”

Thekitchensmelleddelicious—Paulahadsomethingcookingintheoven—soshecouldn’tbetoofar
away.

“Notthistime.”
“Orlasttime.Maybeyoushouldtellher?”
Heshotaglareoverhisshoulderanddidn’tanswer.Withacontrolledhand,hequietlyopenedthe

guestbedroomdoor.

Notathinglookedoutofplaceintheroom.Noclotheslyingaround,nounmadebed,nosuitcase

withphotographyequipmentspillingout.

“Jeez,areyouneat,”shesaid.
Lukeflippedonthebedsidelamp,lendinganadditionalglowtothecannedlightingintheceiling.

Hesatdownontheedgeofthebed.“Yeah,andyou’renot.Atleastwhereyousleep.”

That’sright.He’dbeeninherbedroom.Shefeltherselfblushandwasgladhisheadwasdown,eyes

onthefloor.

“Hey,”shesaid,reachinghissideasplitsecondlater.“Tellmewhathappened.Ididn’tseeit.”
“IwascoveringhomeonacrazyplayforthesecondoutwhenPierceranmedowntoscore.He

collidedwithmysideandknockedthewindoutofmemorethananything.”Helookedup.“Buthis
cleatcaughtmerightundertheribs.”

“Let’stakealook.”Shewasgladsheworeherscrubs;ithelpedmakeherfeellikeshewasstillon

the job. She had to look at Luke like a patient and not a warm-blooded, sexy man with a gaze that
crushedher.

She lifted his T-shirt over his head. His sweats sat low on his hips, giving her a perfect view of

smooth, rock-solid skin and muscle—except in the places he wasn’t. Her breath caught. One, two,
three…scars bisected his abs, two his chest, and gave him a hard, real-man edge. The fresh clip,
renderedbyPierce’scleat,waswidebutnottoodeep.Bloodpooledaroundtheedges.Bruisingwould
probablyshowuptomorrow.

“Don’t move,” she said. She went into the bathroom, ran a washcloth under warm water, and

grabbedalargeBand-Aidandantibioticointment.

Lukeflinchedwhenshepressedtheclothtohisskin.“Youdon’tneedstitches,butyoumightwant

toskipanyphysicalactivitytomorrowsothisstartstohealproperly.”

He watched her work, his silent regard igniting a flurry of restlessness deep in her belly. She

thoughtaboutlaundryandbananasandotherthingsshedidn’tlike,tryingtokeephermindoccupied.
With gentle hands she cleaned him up and dressed the wound. Then without her permission her
fingerssmoothedoverthelargestscar,theoneonhischest.Themuscleunderneaththeraised,pink
skintensedbeneathherhand.

“Thisisfromyouraccident,”shesaid.
“Yes.”
“Theothers,too.”
“Yes.”
“Canyoupleasetakeadeepbreathforme.Ineedtobesureyoucandothat.”
Hischestroseandfellwithoutanyhintofdifficulty,relievingtheknotofworryinthebackofher

throat.Butwhenthebreathheexhaledfannedoutagainstherneck,tinglesspreadoverthebacksof
herarms.

Shetookastepback.“Feelanysharppainwhenyoudidthat?”
“No.”
“Good.Andyouneverblackedoutwhenyoufell,right?Yourheaddidn’thittheground?”
“Uh…Idon’tthinkso.”Thecornersofhiseyescrinkledandlinescreasedhisforehead.
“You don’t think so? Luke, if you have another concussion, that’s very serious. That’s why you

neededme,isn’tit?Youweresmartenoughnottodriverightafterbumpingyourheadagain.”

“I’msmartenoughtoknowthatwhenabeautifulRNisaround,Ishouldtakeadvantage.”
“You think I’m…” She hesitated. He’d spoken brusquely in front of a crowd, reminding her she

shouldn’t trust him. “You think because you know how to sweet talk that it excuses your behavior?
Thisisn’tsomethingtotakelightly.”

“I’llbefine.”Hepushedbacktoleanagainsttheheadboard.
Shecrossedherarms.“Areyoudizzyatall?”
Heshookhishead.
“Nauseous?”
“No,NurseSullivan.”Thatdamnslow,lazysmileofhisappeared.
“Don’tgetcutewithme.”
“YouthinkI’mcute?”
“Errgghh.No.Ithinkyou’restubbornandannoyingandyou’veruinedmynight.Thankyouvery

much.”Shepacedaroundtheroom.“Where’syourcellphone?”

“Leftitatthefield.”Heyawnedandsloucheddownuntilhisheadrestedonapillow.
Inthatmoment,helookedlikealittleboyandeverythinginsideherturnedtomush.
She sat on the bed beside him. “Luke, you can’t go to sleep. Not if there’s a chance you’ve got

anotherconcussion.I’llcallErinandmakesureshebringsyourphonehome.I’mgoingtocallyou
everycoupleofhoursandyou’regoingtoanswer.”Shegrabbedtheblanketfoldedatthefootofthe
bed and covered him with it. “Everyone at the baseball field saw you take a hit, so it’s common
knowledgeyougothurt.”

Heputhishandonherarm.“Butnooneneedstoknowthedetails.”
“Right.That’swhyI’mgoingtocallyoutobesureyou’reokay.Butifyoudon’tanswer,Iwillcall

your mom and tell her the truth and let her deal with you. Got it?” She hated this idea of keeping
somethingfromPaula.Butshe’dkeptoneLukeWatterssecret,sowhatwasonemore?

“Didyouknowyoureyesturnthisamazingshadeofmahoganywhenyougetfiredup?”
Thatwasthesecondtimehe’dsaidsomethingabouthereyesthatliquefiedherinsides.Noonehad

evercommentedonhereyesbefore.Probablybecausenooneangeredherasmuchashedid.“I’m
going to find your mom and tell her you’re home.” She stood. “Please, Luke, if you start to feel
worse,gotothehospital,okay?”

“Iwon’tfeelworse.”Heheldupahandtostoptheprotesthesawcoming.“ButifIdo,I’llgotothe

ER.”

“Thankyou.”Sheputherhandsinscrubpockets.“Goodnight.”
“’Night.Andthanks,”hesaid,histonefilledwithgratitudeandgenuineappreciation.
Sela stepped into the hall and leaned against the wall. Feelings of worry and safekeeping and

possessionfloodedher.

Shedidn’tjustcareaboutLuke.Shewasfallingforhim.

…

ImagesofSelaswirledinLuke’shead.

Hesteppedoutoftheshoweranddriedhimselfoff.Glancingathistorsointhemirror,hefelther

handsonhimwithsuchclarityhisbodyachedtofeelthatgentlenessagain.Evenathisweakest,she
caredforhim,andnooneinhisadultlifehadevertreatedhimwiththekindoftendergenerosityshe
did.

Granted,he’dbeeninjury-freeuntilnow.

Therun-inlastnighthurtworsethanLukehadleton.Hecouldn’tadmittoSelathatinhisalready

weakenedstate,thecollisionstunglikeamother.Hedidn’twanttoadmitittohimself.

Ifhethoughtaboutthewomenhe’dgravitatedtointhepast,hecouldn’timagineanyofthemtaking

thekindofcareshehad.Inhisworld,relationshipswereartificial,onlyskindeep.

Whichwashowhe’dlikedit.
Thismorning,though,themanstaringbackathimlookeddifferent.Feltdifferent.Anddamnifthat

didn’t screw up whatever the hell he thought he was doing in Cascade. Being away from the job to
recuperateandbewithfamilywasonething.Tohavethekindofunwelcomethoughtsaboutawoman
thatmadeamanweakwasanentirelydifferentthinghewishedwouldgoaway.

Selahaddrivenhimcrazylastnightwithherphonecallseverytwohours.Theoneattwoa.m.with

hergravellybedroomvoicehadbeentheworst.Hissweatshadsproutedatentthatwouldn’tquit.

Thehospitalwouldhavebeenlesspainful.
Helefthisnewcutbandage-freeandpulledashirton.Jeansfollowed.Todayheplannedtograbhis

camera,hop on hismotorcycle, and headout of town totake some pictures.He needed space from
Cascade,neededtogethisheadbackinphotographyandforgetaboutthisphysicalvulnerabilitycrap.

Hiscellphonerang,andforasecondhepausedtothinkaboutwhetherornottoanswerit.Lifting

thephoneoffthenightstand,hetooknoteofthecaller ’snameonthescreen.

“Hey,Simon,”Lukesaid.SimonBaumwashisbusinessmanagerandtheonlypersonbesidesthe

crewinTibetwhoknewabouthisaccident.“Howareyou?”

“ThingswouldbealotbetterifIheardfromyouonceinawhile.”
LukeknewheowedSimonanupdate,buteverytimehe’dpickedupthephonetocall,something

stoppedhisfingersfrompushingthenumbers.“It’sbeenbusyhere.Ihadnoideaaweddingtookup
somuchtime.”

“Thattellsmeshit,Luke.Howthehellareyoufeeling?”
TheonlyanswerSimonwantedtohearwasthatLukefeltgreat.Whichhedid—eightypercentof

thetime.Hehadtendaystoworkonthetwentypercent.“Ifeelgood.”

“GoodenoughforChile?They’reexpectingyouintwoweeks.Andthey’vebeenhavingonehell

ofawinter.”

Lukepeered out thebedroom window. Darkclouds filled the sky,but not asingle leaf moved on

anyofthetrees.SpringtimeinCascadeoftenbroughtrain,butnothingstrongenoughtopreventhim
fromhittingtheroadforafewhours.

“I’llbegoodenough.Noworries.”
“ESPNwantsyoutheweekafterinAustraliafortheAustralianOpenofSurfing.ShallIconfirm?”
Luke’s throat clamped shut. The backs of his ears itched. Simon had asked for confirmations a

hundredtimesandLukehadneverhesitatedtoansweryesbefore.

“Luke?”
“I’ll get back to you on that.” Luke’s gut told him to give Australia some thought, to take things

slowly.Heflexedthefingersofhisrighthand,theoneSelahadbrieflyheldlastnight.Hertouchhad
madehimfeelahellofalotbetterandhewasn’tsureifhistakingthingsslowlymeanthisphysical
recoveryorseeingwherethingsmightleadwithher.Chilehadbeenbookedbeforehisaccident,but

newassignmentscouldbeathisleisure.Hehadplentyofmoneyanddidn’tneedtoaccepteveryjob
thatcamehiswayanymore.

“Areyoufuckingkiddingme?”Simonasked.“Youare,right?”
“I’vebeenworkingnonstopforthepastfiveyears,Simon.I’menjoyingtimeoffandmightwantto

enjoysomemore.”

“Whoisshe?”
“Excuseme?”
“Thegirlwho’sgotyoustayinginoneplace.Shemustbesomethingprettyspecialforyoutoonly

considerAustralia.”

Lukeranahandthroughhishair.“There’snogirl.”
“Bullshit.Butdon’tletmeconvinceyou.Youneedtofigurethatoutforyourself.WhenwillIhear

fromyou?”

“Within the week.” He grabbed his camera bag, opened the bedroom door, and headed to the

garage.Heneededfreshairbeforehechoked.

“Fine. Take a look at your e-mail once in a while, too. I’m getting tired of waiting for your

replies.”

“I will. Talk to you soon.” He hung up and was on his bike and racing down the coast in five

minutes.Hehadnosetdestination.Heonlyneededtogetoutoftownandfindsomethinginteresting
tophotograph.

Dreary weather combined with the middle of the week meant a quiet ride. Once he’d cleared

Cascade,thetensionthrummingthroughhisveinssubsided.Fewerhousesandbusinessesdottedthe
coastline. Longer views of the sea kept him company. After a half hour he was damp from the
moistureintheair,buthedidn’tcare.

Upaheadhenoticedtwocarspulledovertothesideoftheroad,onewithitshazardlightsonand

hoodopen.Heslowedasaprecaution,butthecloserhegot,recognitiondawned.Thecarintrouble
wasSela’s.

The second car had obviously stopped to help, and a man was looking under her hood. He

shouldn’tstop.Heshouldpretendhedidn’trecognizeherandkeepgoing.Lukeneededtoclearhis
headandseeingSelawascounterproductivetothat.

Butwhenshesteppedoutofthecarwithherarmswrappedaroundherself,hecouldn’thavepassed

byevenifaherdofbuffalowaschasinghim.

Sheturnedhiswayashepulledupbehindthem.
Inblackleggingsandathick,loosegraysweaterthatfelljustpastherhips,shelookedbeautiful.

Hertawnyhairwasdown,andhewantedtorunhisfingersthroughit.Herlipswereslightlyparted
andhewantedtokissthem.

“Luke?”
Hepulledoffhishelmetandputitonhisseatbeforesteppingtowardher.“AndhereIthoughtIwas

inforaSela-freeday.”

Shescowledandwheeledaround.“Ben,sweetie,Iknowit’sjustthegastankagain,butthankyou

fortakingalooktobesure.Couldyougivemearidetothenearestgasstation,please?”

Ben,sweetiehithisheadonthehoodwhenheliftedup.“Oh,sure.Itwouldbemypleasure.”
TheonlypleasureBenhadcomingwasaridebacktowhereverhe’dcomefrom.Alone.Theguy’s

eyesbuggedoutofhisheadwhenhesawLukeputanarmaroundSela.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Sheshruggedoutofhishold.
“Icantakeitfromhere,Ben,”hesaid.
“You’reLukeWatters.”Ben’svoiceshook.Poorkid.Helookedtwenty-one,maybetwenty-two,and

wasabouttomisshischancewithSela.

“Nicetomeetyou.”Lukeputouthishand.ToBen’scredit,hehadastronggrip.
“You,too.”Ben’sgazeswungtoSela.“Sela?”
ShemovedbesideBen.Okay,soheshouldhaveopenedwithsomethingnicerthanSela-freeday.
“I’ll just grab my bag out of the car and go with you, Ben. I’d hate to trouble you today, Luke.

Thanksforstopping,though.”

Benclosedthehood.“Cool.Let’sgo.”
“Notsofast.Selacan’tgowithyou.”Lukeleanedagainstthecar.
“Shecan’t?”
“No.Thishashappenedbefore.Severaltimesinfact.Andtheonlywayshe’sgoingtolearnisifshe

walkstothegasstation.”

Selalaughed.“Youthinkyou’resocute.”
Heraisedhiseyebrows.“Didn’twegooverthatlastnight?”
Bencoughedandlookedlikehejustrememberedhehadaveryimportantappointment.“Youwere

withhimlastnight?”

“Yes,but—”
“Andyou’verunoutofgasbefore?”
“Yes,but—”
Sweetiesuddenly didn’t look so sweet. “I’m going to go and let you two figure things out. Good

luck.”Benjumpedinhiscarandtookoffwithoutaglanceback.

Lukepushedawayfromthedriver ’ssidedoor.“Comeon.”
“I’mnotgoinganywherewithyou.”Sheputherhandsonherhips.“Whatareyoudoingouthere

anyway?”Asmallrayofsunshinepeekedthroughthecloudsandcastawarmglowaroundher.

“I could ask you the same thing. Why haven’t you gotten your gas gauge fixed? You’re lucky I

camealongwhenIdid.Benisnotthesortyouwanttogetinacarwith.”

Shecrackedup.Everytimeshelaughedhefeltstronger.“Benisthemayor ’sgrandsonandabout

themostdecentboyinCascade.Hewasdoingagooddeed.That’sall.”Shemovedaroundthehoodto
thepassenger-sidedoor,openedit,andpulledouthershoulderbag.“I’llseeyouaround.”

Hestoppedherwithahandonherarmbeforeshegottoofar.“IimpliedIwouldn’ttakeyoutothe

gasstation.Ineversaidanythingaboutnottakingyouwithme.”

Sheshiveredbeneathhistouch.“Whereareyougoing?”
“Not sure. Thought I’d get out of town to take some pictures and forget about anything wedding

relatedforawhile.”

“I’m wedding related.” She turned and looked up at him under long eyelashes and bright, twin

poolsofgoldthatscreamedachallenge.

“Foryou,I’llmakeanexception.”
“Howniceofyou,”shetossedback.“ButIfeelliketakingawalkafterall.”Hergazedartedtohis

bike.

“Suityourself.”Hesteppedaway,pickeduphishelmet.
A loud clap of thunder sounded from over the mountains, followed by another. Sela pressed up

againsthisbackhalfabeatlater.

“Onsecondthought,anothermotorcycleridemightbefun,”shesaid.“Ifyouthinkit’ssafeinthis

weather.”

“Youalwaysplayitsafe?”Hegaveherhishelmet.“Wait.Letmerephrasethat.Doyouwanttoplay

itsafe?”God,hehopedshesaidno.

Sheshookherhead.“Butyouneedahelmet,too,Luke.”
“Iagree.Soourfirststopisthebikeshopjustdowntheroad.”
“Okay.”
Thistimewhenshegotonthebike,shewrappedherarmsaroundhismiddlewithouthesitation.She

putherchinonhisshoulder.“Readywhenyouare.”

Oh,hewasready,allright.
They took a few minutes at Pete’s Cycle Works, Sela charming the tattoos off the guy behind the

counter.Theroadwastheirsafterthat,theemptyhighwayanopeninvitationtoadventure.Theydrove
for quite some time before Luke decided to veer away from the coastline and head toward the
mountains.

Selawrappedaroundhisbackkeptapermanentsmileonhisface.Shewassoftbutstrong,andhe

wishedhecouldseeherface.Hehadafeelingsheworeasmile,too.

Afterafewmilestheycameuponsomegreatrockformations.WhenLukespottedacoupleofguys

ontheturnoutintheroadgearingupforaclimb,heknewhe’dfoundtheperfectphotoop.Hepulled
over.

“I’mgoingtograbafewshotshere,”hesaidtoher.Heglancedup.Cloudsfilledthebetterpartof

thesky,shaftsofsunlightthinning.

“I’ll watch. Or, uh, walk around a little.” Sela put her helmet on the ground. She pivoted and

meanderedaway.

“Idon’tmindyouwatchingme.”Hell,shewasprettywhenshelookedoverhershoulderathim.“I

mightevenletyoutakeafewpicturesifyouwant.”

“Really?”Shewalkedtowardhim.“Youwantmetohandleyourequipment?”
He stirred behind his zipper. Sela Sullivan was flirting and like everything else where she was

concerned, surprising the hell out of him. “I want you.” He was done, but she kept looking at him
expectantlysohefiguredhe’dscrewedupthatannouncementandadded,“Tohavefuntoday.”

Shetookthecameraoutofhishands,steppedback,andaimeditinhisdirection.“I’veneverbeena

verygoodphotographer,butI’vealwayswantedtotrysomethingthis…”Shepeekedfrombehindthe
lens.“Size.Seemslikethebigger,thebetter.Oratleastthat’sbeenmyexperience.Smile!”

“You’vehadalotofexperience?”

“Oh,yeah.”
Lukesmirkedandtookthelenscapoffthecamera.“Mighthavebetterluckwithoutthis.”
“I wondered why I couldn’t see you.” She pressed the correct button, at least, and took Luke’s

picture.Aclose-upthatheestimatedincludedhalfhisfaceandhalfoftherockbehindhim.

“Myturn.”Hetookthecameraandsnappedonephotoofherafteranother.
Shereachedanarmouttopushhimawayandputherhandinfrontofherface.“Ihategettingmy

picturetaken.Stop.”

Hedidn’trightaway.Heenjoyeddrivinghercrazy.Morethanonesnapshotcapturedeverythinghe

knewtobetrueabouther:shewasgorgeousontheinsideandout.

“I’mgoingtoaskthoseguysgettingreadytoclimbifIcantagalongforafew.Waithere?”
“You’renotgoingtoclimb,areyou?”Worryranginhertone.“BecauseIdon’tthinkit’sagood

ideawithyoustill—”

“We’llsee.”HeturnedtogobeforeSela’sconcernunnervedhimfurther.Dangerhadbeenpartof

whatattractedhimtohisoccupation,butmaybeitwastimetoscaleback.

“Luke.”Shetouchedhisarm.“Pleasebecareful.”
“Iwill.”Morecarefulthanhe’deverdreamedofbeing.Becausetodayhehadawomanwaitingfor

himwhomeantsomething.

ChapterTen

“I’m not complaining,” Sela shouted. “But I can’t feel anything in my fingers.” She pressed her
elbowsintoLuke’sside,hopingthatwouldhelphertohangon.Ifthebiketookonewrongturndown
therain-drenchedroad,shemighttakeawrongturn,too.

Lukeslowedandpulledovertotheside.Lightdrizzlehadturnedintoafull-blownstormwithina

matterofminutesandcaughtthemoffguard.

“Ithinkweshouldfindsomeplacetostaythenight.Itdoesn’tlooklikeit’sgoingtoletup,”hesaid.

“Andwe’restillagoodtwohoursfromhome.”

Selashiveredagainsthim.“Ooo-kkk-aaayy.”Shewantednothingmorethantogetdryandwarm.
Afewminuteslater,LukestoppedatabedandbreakfastcalledtheBaxterInn.Itcouldhavebeen

calledtheBatesMotel,andshewouldhavestillrunforthefrontdoor.Lightsblazedinsidethequaint
houseandthesmelloffirewoodtickledhernose.

Luketookherfrozenhandandledherdownthedarkandverysoggypathtotheporch.Oncethere,

theytookofftheirhelmetsandputthemonabench.

Thestormmadeitfeellaterthanitactuallywas,thelargegrandfatherclockintheentrywayofthe

B&BchimingfivetimesassheandLukestoodtheredrippinglikewetdogs.

“Hello?”Lukecalledout.
Selatriedtostopherteethfromchattering,butitwasnouse.Shewrappedherarmsaroundherself

andbouncedupanddown.Luke’spainedexpressionsaidhewishedhecouldhelp,buthewasjustas
waterlogged,hisclothesclingingtohistrim,muscledbody.

“Ohmygoodness,”saidapetitewomanwithwhitehairandbigblueeyes.HerapronsaidW

ORLD

’

EST

RANDMA

.“Lookatyoutwo;youmustbefreezingtodeath.Comeinandstandbythefire.”She

motionedforthemtofollowherintoalargelivingroomwhereflamesblazedinthefireplace.

“Thankyou,”sheandLukesaidatthesametime.
“Looks like you got caught in this unexpected storm,” the older woman said. “I’m Millie.” She

extendedherhand.“MyhusbandCharlieandIowntheinn.WhatcanIdotohelp?”

“Wewerehopingyouhadaroomortwoavailable,Millie,”Lukesaid.“We’reonamotorcycleand

didn’tplanverywell.”

“Ihavearoom.”Millietriedtobesly,butSelacouldtellshewassizingthemup.Whentheolder

woman’s gaze landed on Luke’s hands, Sela had a feeling the owner was searching for a wedding
band.

Thethoughtmadeherstomachclench.
“We’lltakeit,”Lukesaid.HeputhisarmaroundSela.“Right,sweetheart?”

LukemusthavenoticedMillie’ssilentinquiry,too.NotthatitwasanyofMillie’sbusinesswhether

theywereacoupleornot,butitseemedshepreferredthingsuncomplicated.

“Right,”Selasaid,plantingafrozensmileonherface.
“Followme,”Milliesaid.SheheadedtowardthefrontdoorandSelathoughtshewasgoingtotell

themtoforgetit,butthensheadded,“Thehoneymoonsuitehasitsownprivateentrancearoundthe
corner.”

Lukealmostfaceplanted,trippingoverhisownfeet.Sela’seyesbuggedoutofherhead.
“Thehoneymoonsuite?”Lukechokedout.
“Yes.”Millietookthemdownandaroundtheporchtoasmall,secludedsittingarea.“Breakfastis

servedouthereatnineo’clocksharp.There’saspaceheaterjustthere.”Shenoddedinthedirection
of two upholstered chairs and a round iron table. “You’ve got your own bathroom with a sunken
Jacuzzitubandtheonlyking-sizebedinthehouse.Nocable,butcellservice.”Sheunlockedthedoor
andflippedalightswitch.

With a dark hardwood floor, cream-colored fur rugs, four-poster bed, fireplace, two oversize

chairsandottomans,andaseparatebathsuite,itrivaledtheFourSeasons.NotthatSelahadstayedat
theFourSeasonslately.Orever.

For a split second Sela envisioned Luke carrying her over the threshold—until a series of curse

wordsfilled her head.This might possiblybe the worst thingto happen sincethe Kissing Booth. A
nightalonewithLukeinthisluxurioushoneymoonsuiteterrifiedher.Lukeseemedtoagreebecause
shecouldswearsheheardhimsay“shit”underhisbreath.

“Dinnerinanhour.Potroast,potatoes,andvegetables,servedinthemainhouse.”Milliesmiledat

them.“WelcometotheBaxterInn.”Sheturnedtogo.“Oh,there’reextratowelsinthecloset,andI’ll
sendCharliehereinafewminuteswithsomethingwarmforyoutodrink.”

Thedoorclosed,andSelalookeddownatthefloor.Herjawwastheresomewhere.
Lukesteppedintothebathroom.“Whydon’tyoutakethefirstshowerorbathorwhateveryouwant

todo.”Hecameoutholdingabig,fluffywhiterobe.“There’sanotheroneofthesebehindthedoor.
Givemeyourwetclothes,andI’llaskCharlieifhecanthrowtheminthedryer.”

How did he sound so calm? She couldn’t speak. If she did, he’d know how rattled she was. She

noddedandstumbledintothebathroom.

Firstthingshedidwaspulloffhershoulderbag.Thankgoodnessshe’dboughtthewaterproofone.

Sheundressedandputherleggings,sweater,andsocksontheflooroutsidethebathroomdoor.Luke
hadhisrobeon,andsheflashedonbeingwrappedinitwithhim.Sheshutthedoorandhitherhead
againstit.Twice.

“Youokay?”hecalledout.
“Fine!”Sheslippedoffherpantiesandbra,laidthemonthecounter,andhoppedintotheshower.

Rightnowshejustneededtogetwarm.

Sometimelateraknockonthebathroomdoorstartledherandhereyessnappedopen.
“Ihopeyou’resavingmesomehotwater,”Lukesaidthroughthedoor.“Unlessthisisaninvitation

to—”

“I’mdone,”sheshouted,notlettinghermindgothere.She’dbeendoneforawhilebutcouldn’tget

herbodytomove.Thewaterpressureandtemperaturewereperfect.Plus,ifshewerebeinghonest,
shewashidingfromLuke.

Asshesteppedoutoftheshower,hercellphonerang.Shewrappedherselfintherobeandfished

thephoneoutofherbagwithoutbotheringtoseewhowascalling.“Hello?”

“Sela!OhmyGod.Wherehaveyoubeen?I’vetriedyouahundredtimes.Ismybrotherwithyou?

Mrs. Witt ran into my mom at the market and she said she’d talked to the mayor ’s wife and the
mayor ’swifehadtoldMrs.WittthatBenhadsaidhesawyououtsideoftownandtriedtohelpwhen
youranoutofgas,butLukeshowedupandsaidhe’dtakecareofit.Sothatputmealittleease,but
nowit’ssixo’clockandourdancelessonisinanhourandI’dlikethemaidofhonorandbestmanto
behere.”

SelawonderedifVanessa’sstudentsglazedoverlikeshedidwhenVanessatalkedamileaminute.
Thenthefogclearedand—crap!TonightwasWednesday.Dancelessonnight.
“You’renotgoingtobehere,areyou?”Vanessaaskedwhenshehadn’tanswered.
“I’m sorry, Ness.” She sat on the edge of the tub. “We got stuck in this storm, and I’m not really

surewhereweare,butwethoughtweshouldstaythenight.Iforgotallaboutourlesson.”

Vanessastayedsilent;theonlysignshewasstilltherewasthesoundofherbreathing.Selabither

bottomlip.Hard.Thethingshe’dswornnottodo,she’ddone—letVanessadown.Herstupidwishthat
Luke keep his distance was an epic fail. And her heart was really pissing her off because she liked
Luke.Alot.Morethanalot.Eventhoughherheadtoldhershewasafool.

“Reallysorry,”Selasaidagain.She’dsayitathousandtimesifnecessary.
“Areyoukeepingyourword?”Vanessaasked,hervoiceconcerned,curious.Maybealittleangry.
Selaslidoffthesideofthetub.Ouch.“Yes.”
Anotherknockonthebathroomdoor.“Sela?Yousureyou’reokay?You’retalkingtoyourself,”

Lukesaid.

“I’monthephonewithVanessa.I’llbeoutinaminute.”
“Areyouhidinginthebathroom?”Vanessaasked.
“Howdidyouknow?”Shepushedupandwipedthesteamoffthemirrorwithherrobedarm.Her

hairlookedlikeawet,knottedmess.

“I’veknownyoupracticallyourwholelives,See.NowtellmeIdon’tneedtoworryaboutthis.”
“You don’t need to worry.” Sela scored a comb and travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste from a

drawer.“Okay?”

“Sela, I’m getting married in eleven days. And as an almost married woman, I’ve decided not to

overanalyzethings.Ifyoutellmeyou’regood,I’llbelieveyou’regood.”

Selacombedherhair.“So,uh,whatareyougoingtotelleveryone?”
“Wereyounotlistening?Mrs.Wittalreadyspilledthebeans.ButI’llputeveryone’smindsatease

thatyou’rebothfineandwillbebacktomorrow.Youwillbebacktomorrow,right?”

“I’vegottheafternoonshiftatthehospital,soyes.”
“Okay.I’lltalktoyoulater.’Bye.Loveya.”
“Love you, too.” Sela hung up, called her neighbor, and asked him to take care of Becks, then

double-checkedthetieonherrobebeforeleavingthebathroom.

“I think your hot chocolate might not be so hot anymore,” Luke said. He’d started a fire and the

flamescastawarmglowaroundtheroom.Hiseyesmovedoverherlikehe’dneverseenawomanin
arobebefore.

Her breasts ached. Warmth unfurled in the pit of her stomach. “That’s okay. Did Charlie take our

clothestodry?”Shesatattheedgeofachair.

Lukedroppedhislegsofftheottomanandsatforward.Hisrobegapedopenandshegotapeekat

hischest.“Hedid.Healsobroughtussomecleanclothes.”Lukenoddedtowardthebed.“There’sa
generalstoreacrossthestreetandMilliesentsomeonetopickupacouplethings.”

“Thatwasreallynice,buttheyshouldn’thave.AndIdidn’teventhinktoaskhowmuchitistostay

here.”

“Don’tworry;Itookcareofit.”
“No,Luke.I’llpaymyhalf.”Thefirelightdidreallynicethingstohisfacesoshelookedaway.
“Absolutely not. It was my idea to stay overnight. And my idea to take you with me today.” He

paused,andSelaglancedathim.“I’msureIcancomeupwithawayforyoutothankme,though.”

Shejumpedupandgrabbedsomeclothes.“I’ll,uh,bequickandthenthebathroomisallyours.”
The Oregon sweatshirt was soft and warm and the sweatpants comfortable, although big enough

that she had to roll them over at the waist several times. At least she was covered. The robe had
shoutedintimacy,familiarity.Itcouldfalloffherbodywithonequicktug.

Ashivercoursedthroughherbody.
Inaheartbeat,ifLukeasked,she’dshedwhateversheworeonherbody.Hergirlhoodcrushhad

morphedintofull-blownlust.Shepacedaroundthebathroomandblewoutalongbreath.Maybeshe
justneededtokisshim.Getthatoutofhersystem.AndifindeedhehadforgottenabouttheKissing
Booth,thenshecouldmoveonandnevergiveit—orhim—asecondthought.

She left the bathroom with her bag and boots and no clear idea what the night might bring. “All

done.”

“Thanks.”Hestoodandgrabbedhisclothes.
Selakeptherheadcanteddown,hereyesonthegrainsinthehardwoodfloorassheputherbagon

thebed.Lukestopped,liftedherchinwithhiswarmhand.Shelostherselfinthegorgeousgreenwells
ofhiseyes.

“Ididn’tmeantomakeyounervousbefore.I’llbeaperfectgentlemanwhilewe’rehere.”
Shewantedtosay,Don’tbe,butsimplynodded.
Hisgazefelltoherlips.Neitherofthemmoved,buttheirbreathinghiccupped.SheknewLukefelt

thechemistrybetweenthemasmuchasshedid.Kissmeandputmeoutofmymisery.Hehoveredso
close.Allhehadtodowasbenddownand—

“I’ll only be a few minutes,” he said, dropping his hand and moving around her. The bathroom

doorclickedandshecollapsedontothebed.

Nomanhadevertiedherinsuchknots.She’dknownbeingVanessa’smaidofhonormeantbeing

aroundhim.Butshecouldneverhavepredictedthatnearnessintensifyingintoaburnforhimthatwas
aspowerfulasitwasunsettling.

Rollingover,shepulledherlaptopoutofherbag.She’dplannedonfindingsomeout-of-the-way

spot to write today, like a little coffeehouse where she could get her caffeine fix and spend a few
hoursalone.Nowshe’dhavetotryandfinishhercolumnwithoutbeingdistractedbythegorgeous
maninthebathroom.Shepressedfartherupontothebedsoshecouldlieonherstomachandread
whatshe’dalreadywritten.

Ladies, wearing nothing but one article of clothing your guy has left behind is freeing, sexy, and

whenheseesnothingcomesbetweenyouandhisT-shirt,tie,jacket,orwhatever,he’llbestandingat
attentioninnotime.Togethimtherequickertrythese…

1.Tellhimyouwanthisopiniononthenewpairofshoesyoujustbought.He’llscoffuntilhe

seesyouinnothingbuthistieandhighheels.

2.Askhimtopaintyourtoenails.Itdoesn’tmatterifhe’sterribleatit,itwillbefunwatching

himtrywhenallyou’rewearingishisjacket.

3. Do karaoke. Thekaraokechannel.com can turn your laptop into a singing machine and

whetherornothisbeltstaysinplaceisuptoyouasyoubeltouthisfavoritesong.

The bed dipped, and Luke’s body heat and shower-fresh scent wrapped around her. She quickly

closed her laptop and turned. He wore a long-sleeved navy blue T-shirt and gray sweatpants and
lookedmouthwateringlygoodashecombedhisfingersthroughhisdark,wethair.“Hey.Ithinkit’s
dinnertime.Shouldweheadtothemainhouse?”shesaid.

“Not yet.” He scooted closer. His hand on her shoulder stopped her from rising. “There’s

somethingIneedtodofirstorI’mgoingtogoinsane.”

Hisbrilliantgreeneyesdidn’tjustlookather,theyseemedtolookinsideher—agazethattouched

herheartandclaimedeverypieceofit.Shestaredbackforachinglylongseconds,wonderingwhat
hewasthinkingbeforesheglancedathismouth.Itwassovery,veryclose.Allshehadtodowaslift
slightlyandhislipswouldbehersagain.

Hebrushedthebackofhishandacrosshercheekandpulledbackslightly,asifgivinghertimeto

reconsidertheirposition.Desirerushedthroughherathissweetness.

“Doit,”shesaid.
Thenextthingsheknew,hismouthwasonhers.
Andshedidn’thesitateforasecondtokisshimback.Herarmswentaroundhisneck.Heshiftedhis

weightandhishandsmovedtoherwaist.Sheshouldpushhimaway.Stopthisbeforeheremembered
howawfulshekissed.Butshedidn’t.Becauseheseemedtobeenjoyingthekissasmuchasshewas.
Hedidn’tpullaway,didn’trecoilandwipethebackofhishandacrosshislipsindisgust.

Quite the contrary. He moaned and deepened the kiss. His body pressed hers into the bed. What

startedasaslow,carefulexplorationturnedhotandunyielding.Thenafterawhile,itslowedagain,as
ifLukewantedtosavoreverysensation.Shedidn’twanthimtostop.Shedidn’twantthisdreamto
end.

Sheranherfingersthroughhishairandpulledhimtighter.Hetastedlikemintandhotchocolate

andwhateverhewasdoingwithhislipshadhertoescurling.Shekissedhimwitheverybitofpassion
shehadinsideherandmatchedhisexplosivepace.Herbodyhummedwithoh-so-welcomequivers.

She was so caught up in kissing him that when he eased away, she sighed to catch her breath. A

blushspreadoverherentirebody,shewassure,whenhelookeddownatherlikeshe’drockedhis
world,too.Thankheaven.

Hisforeheadtouchedhers.“I’msorry.”
Herelationburst.Allthewarmsensationsswirlinginsideherstopped.Afterakisslikethatagirl

wantedtohearwordsofdevotionoratleastacomplimentorplantodoitagain.Onceagain,he’d
ruinedtheirkiss.

“Don’tbe,”shesaid,keepinghertonelight.“Weobviouslyjustneededtogetthatoutofoursystem

andnowthatwehave,wecanforgetiteverhappened.”Sherolledawayandgottoherfeet.

“That’snot—”
“Saveit.”Sheheldupherhand.Herskinheatedandpressurebuiltbehindhereyes.Sheneededto

getthehelloutoftheroomandgetsomefreshair.“I’mabouttofaintfromhungersolet’sgoeat.”

Lukerose,watchingherlikeahawk.“Youdon’twanttohearwhatIhavetosay?”
“No.Idon’t.”

…

Luke woke Thursday morning with his arm slung over a soft, warm body. Shit. He’d crossed the
invisible barrier he promised he wouldn’t. He lifted his arm and carefully scooted back. Sela’s
gorgeousface,relaxedinsleep,herhandstuckedunderhercheek,mightbethebestthinghe’dever
wokenupto.He’dhappilylieinbedalldaystaringather.Thisclose,thetinyfreckleunderherleft
eyekilledhim.

Lastnighthe’dwantedtoapologizefortheKissingBooth,butshehadn’twantedtohearit.Andhe

couldn’t blame her—his timing had sucked. The kiss last night had blown his mind and then he
decided to say sorry. Not one of his better moves. But there was no way she misinterpreted his
reactiontoher.Hell,he’dpouredhimselfintothatkisslikeaguyinlove.

Aweightheavierthanananchornosedivedfromhisthroattohisgut.
The heady sensations left over from the kiss had hovered around them all evening. If not for the

otherinnguests’conversationsatdinner,thetensionmostdefinitelywouldhaveledtomorekissing.
Butbythetimethey’dreturnedtotheroom,she’dthrownupawallandsaidshehadworktodoon
hercomputer.He’dtriedtocatchapeek,butshewouldn’tlethim.

Shestirredandletoutasoftbreath,bringinghimbackfromhisthoughts.Hestirred,too,dammit.

Everythingshedidturnedhimon.Notjustbelowthebelt,either.Shestimulatedhismindinwaysthat
unnervedhimandhewantedtospendthedaywithher.

Fromthebrightnessintheroom,heguessedthesunwasshining.Theyshouldtakeadvantageand

exploretheirnewsurroundingsratherthanrushbacktoCascade.

The sound of rustling on the porch drew his attention and he sat up. A light tap on the door

followed. Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, he noted the time and decided to wake his
sleepingbeauty.

“Breakfastishere.”Hebrushedthehairoffhershoulderandgaveagentlenudge.
Hereyesflutteredopenandsherolledontoherbacktostretch.Hisheartstoppedwiththeinnocence

and splendor of her morning wake-up. When the corners of her mouth lifted—how he deserved a

smilelikethathehadnoidea—hisheartkickedinagain,doubletime.

“It’snine?”shesaid.“Ican’trememberthelasttimeIsleptuntilnine.Didyousleepokay?”
“Idid.BetterthanIhaveinawhile.”Huh.
“Yourlacerationlooksbetter.”Sheeyedhisbarechest.
Helookeddown.“Yeah.Hadsomegreathandstakingcareofme.”Hegotupandthrewhisshirt

overhishead.“Let’seat.”Ifhedidn’tmoveawayhe’dpounceonherandaftertheirkisslastnight,he
neededtotreadlightly.

“Howareyoufeelingotherwise?”sheasked,followinghimouttotheirprivateporch.Hervoice

rangraspierthannormal.Good.Hehopedhishandscommenthadaffectedher.

“Better. Stronger. Not far from a full recovery.” Being with her, he could conquer anything.

Nothinghurtwhenshestoodnearhim.

Lattice covered with ivy surrounded their dining area and sunshine peeked through the slats. The

coolairsmelledfresh,clean.Whoeverhaddroppedoffbreakfasthadalsoturnedonthespaceheater.
Luketooktheseatfarthestawayfromthewarmairflow.HewantedSelatobecomfortable.

“Wow.Thislooksamazing.”Sheliftedthelidoffthesecondplateandhandedittohim.
HeeyedthickFrenchtoastwithpowderedsugarandslicedbananasandseveralslicesofbacon.He

grinned.“LookslikebaconispopularatB&Bs,too.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Couldyoupassthesyrup,please?”
They ate in happy silence. Unrushed. He tried to watch her on the sly, but she caught him several

times.

“What?”shefinallyasked.“DoIhavepowderedsugaronmynoseorsomething?”
“Orsomething.”
Shethrewherclothnapkinathim.“Luke.It’srudenottotellsomeonewhenthere’ssomethingon

herfaceorinherteeth.”

He caught the napkin. “You look great. I was just thinking this is probably how you looked in

college. Sweatshirt, sweatpants…” He leaned to the side. “Bare feet.” With lavender nail polish that
wassexyashell.

“Oh.”Shechewedthecornerofherlip.
“SoIwasthinkingwecouldrentmountainbikesanddosomeexploringaroundheretoday.What

doyousay?”

“Shoot,Icompletelyspacedout.I’vegottobeatworkbyone.”Shetidieduphermessandstood.
“Wait.”He grabbed herhand before shewent back into theroom. “Call insick. Play hookie with

me.”

Shelookeddownattheirhands.Hehadn’trealizedit,buthisthumbwasstrokingbackandforth.He

watchedherswallow.Howeverstupiditmightbe,hewantedmoretimealonewithher.Helikedhow
hefeltwhentheyweretogether.Helikedhearingherlaugh,lovedwhenshemadehimlaugh.Thebest
therapy,he’dcometodiscover,wasSela.

“Luke.”
The best way to get her to agree, he’d also discovered, was to provoke her. “Come on, Miss

Goody-Two-Shoes.You’veneverditchedadayinyourlife.Whatareyouafraidof?”

“I’mnotafraid.I’mresponsible.”Shepulledherhandback.“AndIhavetooditchedbefore.”
“NameonetimeandI’llletyouoffthehook.”
Selalookedaroundtheporch,searchinghermemory,Lukeguessed.“Ican’tremember,butIknow

Ihave.”Helovedthatshedidn’tjustmakesomethingup.

“Doesn’tcount.Guessyou’reminefortheday.”Hegottohisfeet.
Surrender,anticipation,andahintofwickednesscrossedherexpressionbeforesheforcedafrown

inhisdirection.Hebitbackalaugh.Ifshewantedhimtothinkthisbotheredher,fine.Buttherewas
nodisguisingtheglintinhereye.Shemightgetawaywithplayingthegoodgirlwitheveryoneelse,
buthesawthroughtothewomanwhowantedtobreaktherules.

“IcanpretendI’mfeelingundertheweather,butIneedtomakesureIcangetsomeonetocoverfor

me.LetmemakeaphonecallortwobeforeIsayyes.”

“Fair enough. While you do that, I’ll pop into the house and talk to Charlie or Millie about bike

rentals.”Heleanedforward,anunconsciousdesiretokisshergood-byegrippinghim,asiftheywere
a married couple. He pulled back, mortified, and thankful she’d already half turned and missed his
gesture.

Still,ashewalkeddownthemainporch,hecouldn’tstopthegoddamnsmileonhisface.
Fakeillnessaside,whateverthehellSelahad,she’dinfectedhim.Bigtime.

Aroundoneo’clock,whentheyparkedtheirbikesonabluffoverlookingthePacificandsatdownto
thepicniclunchMillieinsistedtheytake,LukecheckedoutSela’sperfectrearendforthehundredth
time.She’dledthemupthemountain,happyasaclamfortheposition,unawarehehadthebestview.

“Lookslikewe’vegotturkeywraps,”shesaid,onherkneeswithherbacktohimandpullingfood

out of the insulated bag. “Fruit salad, and”—she looked over her shoulder—“giant chocolate chip
cookies.Icouldgetusedtothis.”

Socouldhe.
“What’snextontheweddingto-dolist?”Lukeasked.IftheykepttothetopicofVanessa’swedding

andtheirduties,he’dstayfocusedonthat,insteadofhowmuchhewantedtokissSelaagain.

Sheunwrappedhissandwichandhandedittohim.“Saturdaywe’reputtingtogetherthefavors.”
“We?”
“Don’tworry.It’sjustthegirls—yourmom,Ness,Erin,andme.That’sthelastbigthing.Thenit’s

little stuff Vanessa has to do and the rehearsal dinner.” She crossed her legs and took a bite of her
sandwich.“Ican’tbelievemybestfriendisgettingmarriednextweekend.”

EvenchewinglookedsexywhenSeladiditsoheturnedhisattentiontotheocean.Thestormhad

leftnothingbutblueskyandwavesdottedwithsurfersinitswake.Sunbathersbravedtheuppersixties
temperature,too.

“Haydenwantedmythoughtsonaweddingpresent,”hesaid.
“Really?Whatdidyoutellhim?”
“Sorry. Sworn to secrecy. You’ll have to be surprised like everybody else.” He forked a piece of

honeydewoutofthebowlandputitinhismouth.

Herlipsformedthemostkissablepout.“Youhavetotellme.”

“Nocando,sweetheart.”
Lukewasn’tsureifthe“sweetheart”or“no”causedthequirkinoneeyebrowandthesquaringof

hershoulders,buteitherway,shehadhisinterest.

“Ipromisenottotellanyone.”
Heshookhishead.“Mylipsaresealed.”
“WhatifIunsealedthem?Wouldyoutellmethen?”Sheneverbrokeeyecontactassheputdown

hersandwichandcrawledcloser.

Holy shit. He’d tell her anything she wanted when she looked at him like that. “What exactly are

youimplying?”

“Ithinkyouknow.”
“Ineedyoutospellitoutforme.”Hedidn’twanttoassumeanything.
“I’drathershowyou.”Shestoppedjustshyoftouchinghim.
Luke loved that she’d decided to take the initiative this time, but the idea that she only wanted

information from him quelled the desire burning through his veins. “I’m all for showing, but first
let’stell.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”
“I’ll tell you what I told Hayden and then you tell me if you still want to brush those lips against

mine.”

Shenarrowedhereyes.“Whosaidanythingaboutkissing?”
“Takeitorleaveit.”Ballinhercourt.Hehopedshemadetherightplay.
Forabriefmomenthergazedippedtohismouth.“Okay.Tellme.”Shesatbackonherhaunches,

givinghimsomemuch-neededbreathingroom.

“Haydentoldmetraditionally,thegroomgiveshisbridejewelry,butthathewantedtobedifferent.

ItoldhimthestoryofhowwhenVanessawasyoungshehadthisinfatuationwithplantingtreesand
even now she has her students buy a seedling in honor of a person or event every year.” Luke
stretchedhislegsoutinfrontofhim.“She’skepttrackofallhertrees.Itoldhimtofindthefirstone
Vanessaplantedandhaveaknottiedaroundit.”

“Tyingtheknot,”Selawhispered.
“Right?”Lukesaid,excitedshegotit.“Vanessa’sneverbeenintomaterialthings,butagesturelike

thatwouldmeantheworldtoher.”

Hergazemovedtothebladesofgrassbetweenthem.Lukewatchedherswallowwitheffort,asif

emotionchokedher.“Youareaseriouslyawesomebigbrother.”Shelookedbackintohiseyes,lifted,
andstraddledhislap.“Andthat’sthemostromanticideaI’veeverheard.You’reright.Vanessawill
loveit.”

Lukedidn’tdaremoveamuscleasshesettledagainsthim,herhandsnowonhisshoulders.“Ihave

mymoments.”

“I’dsayso.Thanksfortellingme.”
“Sure.”
Sheleanedinsohermouthhoverednexttohisear.“Istillwanttobrushmylipsagainstyours,”she

saidsoftly.“Youready?”

Hemovedonehandtoherwaistwhiletheothercuppedthebackofherhead.He’dbeenreadyand

waitingforherhiswholelife.

Theykissed.Andkissed.Andkissedsomemore.

ChapterEleven

Worstmaidofhonorever.

Besides her own family, Sela cared more for the Watters family than anyone else. Since getting

backfromherovernightstaywithLuke,though,shedidn’tknowhowtoactaroundthem.She’dlied
toVanessabykeepingwhathadhappenedbetweenherandLuketoherself.AndVanessahadbarely
spokentoheraftermissingtheirdancelesson.

“Hellooo?”Vanessasaid,bringingherbacktoSaturdayafternoonandthediningroomtableather

bestfriend’shouse.“Yourbagisoverflowing.”

She looked down. Sure enough the small, silver linen drawstring pouch had maxed out on heart-

shapedmints.“Thanks,Ness.Imusthavezonedforaminute.”

Vanessa’s eyebrows shot up. Great. Her best friend could read her better than anyone. Sela felt

guiltyforshirkinghermaidofhonorduties,butVanessamusthavesensedtherewasmoregoingon.
ProbablybecausesunshineflowedthroughSela’sveinseverytimeshethoughtaboutthekissesshe’d
sharedwithLuke.

Whentheywerethroughhere,she’dcomecleanaboutLuke.Withguilttuggingatonehalfofher

heartandhappinesstheother,shewasabouttogocrazy.

“Howmanyofthesedowehavetomake?”Erinasked.Shesatafewseatsawayandstillworeher

pajamas.

“Fivehundred,”Paulasaid.“Soquitslacking,”sheteased.
Judgingbythesuppliesstillfillingthetable,Selaguessedtheywereaboutthreequartersoftheway

through.Sheaddedmintstoapouch,pickedupapinkribbonwithatinysanddollarattached,andtied
thepouchshut.Repeated.

“Thought you ladies might like a snack,” Vanessa’s dad said, carrying in a tray of cheese and

crackers,grapesandapples.

“Reed,darling,youreadmymind,”Paulasaid.“Thankyou.”
Lukefollowedrightbehind,makingSela’shearttripoveritself.Hissmiletraveledacrosstheroom

just for her. When Erin looked up from making a favor, his focus turned to his sister. He pulled a
pieceofherhairandmadeafaceashemovedaroundthetable.

“Whatintheworldisthatonyourpajamas?”Lukeasked.
“YouhaveaproblemwithHelloKitty?”Erinsaid.
“Hellowho?”Hecontinuedaroundthetable,slowinghisstepwhenhegotbehindSela.
She wanted to touch him so badly, the tips of her fingers tingled. He took a sharp inhale, like he

wanted to breathe her in. She dropped the linen pouch she’d just filled and heart-shaped mints

scatteredalloverthefloor.

“Dammit,”shemutteredandcrawledbeneaththetabletopickthemup,vaguelyawarethatErinhad

saidsomething.

Lukealmostbumpedherforeheadashebenttohelp.“Hey.”
“Hi.”
“We’vegotanaudience,soI’llmakethisquick.CanIseeyoulater?”Hegatheredsomemintsinhis

hands.

Selablinked.“What?”Shestillhadn’tprocessedeverythingthathadhappenedbetweenthem.
“Youheardme.”
Apairofmen’stennisshoesappearedbesidethem.“Needsomehelp?”
“Ohno,that’sokay,Reed.”SelaleanedawayfromLukeandscoopedupthelastfewhearts.“Ithink

that’sallofit.”SheavoidedeyecontactwitheveryoneasLukestoodandshegotbackinherseat.

ReedandLukestayedtoeatandjointheconversation.TheytalkedaboutVanessa’ssecondgrade

classandErin’sobsessionwithrealityTVshows.TheytalkedabouttheyoungestWatters—Teague—
andherstudiesabroadandloveofanimals.

“Remember when Teague won a fish at the Fall Fling and was so happy when she brought it

home?”Vanessasaid.“ShenamedhimHurricanebecausehelikedtoswimincircles.”

“Iremember,”Erinsaid.“Andthenshewentnextdoortoplayandhediedandyou,bigbrother,”

Erinsaid,pointingatLuke,“wentbacktothecarnivalandspentliketwentydollarstowinheranother
one.”

“AndshegothomebeforeLukedid,”Vanessasaid,“andwehadtokeepherawayfromthebowl

untilLukegotback.”

“Iseemtorecallthatfishlivingalongdamntime,”Lukesaid.
“It did. You’ve got the magic touch.” Erin tied a ribbon around the pouch in her hands and then

threwitatLuke.

Thethrowsurprisedhimandwhenheswiveledtocatchit,hegroaned.Hiseyesshutandhismouth

twisted.Everyonestoppedwhattheyweredoingandlookedathim.

“Luke?”Paulasaid,concernanduneaseinhertone.
“Shit.”HisgazedartedtoSelaandshewishedshecouldrushtohissidetoholdhishand.
“Issomethingwrong?”Paulaasked.
“No,”hesaid.
“Luke.”Paulastretchedouthisnameandusedhertell-me-the-truthvoice.
Hefidgeted.“Nothingthat’smoreimportantthantheseweddingfavors.”
Silence filled the room, and no one moved. Every member of the Watters family contemplated

Luke,waitingforfurtherexplanation.

Finally, he took a deep breath and told his family about Tibet. About his fall into the rapids and

abouthisinjuries.Selakepthereyestrainedonhimthewholetimesothatwheneverheglancedather
he’d find someone who wouldn’t judge or tell him to stop doing what he loved. His fearless, wild,
adventurouspersonalitywasoneofthethingssheadmiredmostabouthim.

Plus,hisphotographsreallywereamazing.Hesharedapieceofhimselfineverysingleoneand

broughtthemostspectacularimagestolife.

“You’rereallyokay?”Paulaasked,kneadingherhandsatopthetable.
“Yes.Andyoudon’thavetoworrybecauseI’vegotmyownpersonalnurselookingoutforme.”

HecastaquickglanceatSela.

“Youknew?”VanessaandErinsaidatthesametime,shockandatwingeofdisappointmentintheir

voices.

“Idid.Weranintoeachotheratthehospital,andLuketoldmewhyhewasthere.”Shenotedthe

hurt in Vanessa’s and Erin’s eyes and moved her regard to Paula. “I was happy to be his sounding
board,sincehewasn’tyetreadytosharewhathadhappenedwithyouguys.”

“Thankyou,”Paulasaid,gratitudeetchedinthelinesaroundhereyesandmouth.
“Ofcourse.”Shealmostaddeditwasherpleasure,butthencaughtherself.Shedidn’twanttoeven

considerwhateveryonethoughtaboutherrightnow.Theyallstared,andshefoughttheurgetodrop
the party favor in her hand so she could duck under the table again. Could they see how enamored
withLukeshewas?Andhowguilt-riddenshewasaboutthat?“So,Ness,whatdidyoudecidetoget
Haydenforaweddinggift?”

Talk about the wedding resumed and the mood lightened—at least on the surface— with a

discussion of the watch Vanessa bought for Hayden and their honeymoon. Out of the corner of her
eye, Sela peeked at Luke. Unshaven, his hair mussed in that sexy way of his, he made her stomach
quiver.

He gave her a mischievous look. The same one he’d worn before he kissed her at the bed and

breakfast.

Withonlyahandfuloffavorsstillneedingtobeassembled,PaulaandReedexcusedthemselvesfor

adinnerdate.TheytookturnshuggingLukebeforetheyleft.

“IalmostforgotabouttheChocolateWars,”Erinsaid,droppingapouchonthetablelikeitwasa

hotpotato.“Berightback.”

Silencefilledtheroom.Lukefiddledwithagrape.Vanessaconcentratedonafavor.
Erin plopped back down and opened her laptop. “I swear to God if we didn’t make it, See, I will

neverbeabletofaceCandaceCandywhackerBreweragain.”

VanessaputherarmaroundErin.“She’sgotnothingonyou.”
“True, but she drives me crazy, and she’s so full of herself.” Erin pressed a few keys on her

keyboard.“Andsheneverhasanythingnicetosayaboutanyone.OhmyGod!”Shelookedupfrom
thescreen.“Wedidit.We’reinthetopfive.”

Selastretchedacrossthetableforahigh-five.“Thegameisalmostyours.”
“Youbetyourassitis.”Erintypedfuriously.“I’mcommentingandthankingeveryonewhovoted

forus.”

“What’sthat?”Vanessaasked,squintingtowardthecomputerscreen.Sheputdowntheribbonand

sanddollarshewasholding.

“What’swhat?”Erinsaid.
“That.”Shepointedatthescreen.“There’sapollaboutSelaand—”
“Howaboutweorderpizzaandhaveagirl’snightin?”Selastoodandslammedherhandsonthe

table.ShehadtomakethingsrightwithVanessabeforetheygotworse.

“Holdon,”Lukesaid,gettingupandmovingtowardthecomputer.“Whatkindofpoll?”
“It’s nothing.” Erin, bless her heart, closed the laptop. “See, I’ve got another pair of Hello Kitty

jammiesI’llhookyouupwith.”

“Sold.” Sela put the final touches on the last wedding favor. She rubbed her hands together and

crackedaknuckle.“I’llcallmyneighbor,andhe’llbringBecksovertohisplace.”

Itwasn’tuntilSelapulledherphoneoutofherpursethatshenoticedbothLukeandVanessahadleft

theroom.

Sela tiptoed down the stairs and headed to the kitchen. She couldn’t sleep. After coming clean to
Vanessa—abouteverythingwithLuke—hermindwouldn’tshutoff.

Vanessawasn’thappy.Shewasn’tunhappy.Shedidn’tknowwhattobe,she’dsaid.Shewasworried

aboutthewedding—andSela—anddidn’twantanythingtointerferewithwhatwassupposedtobeone
ofthehappiestdaysofherlife.SelaagreedandpromisedthatfromnowonnothingwithLukewould
getinthewayofhermaidofhonorduties.

She grabbed a box of cereal, milk out of the fridge, a bowl and spoon, and plopped down at the

kitchenisland.FrostedFlakesoughttostoptheracketinherhead.Atleastwhilesheatethesugary
comfortfood.

Whenahandbrushedasidethehairatherneckandlipsgrazedthespotjustunderherearlobe,she

shiveredandalmostchoked.

Luke.
“Hello,Kitty.MindifIjoinyou?”
Sheglancedatherpajamasbeforeglancingathim.Low-slungsweatpants.That’sallhehadon.He

reachedforabowlinthecupboardandthesinewedshapeofhisbackacceleratedherheartrate.When
heturned,shecouldn’thelpbutstareatthemusclesonhischestandabs.

“Seesomethingyoulike?”
Hergazesnappedtohiseyes.“Justnotinghowwellyou’rehealingfromyourbaseballaccident.”
Hetooktheseatbesideher.“That’snice.IbetthetownspeoplewouldcallthatinfavoroftheLove

Bug.”

Fromtheneutralsoundofhisvoice,shehadnoideaifhethoughtthesituationfunnyorirritating.
“Youwenttotheblog.”Shedroppedherforeheadintoherhand.
“Hey.”Heturnedherbarstoolsotheirkneesbumped.“Itdoesn’tbotherme.”Heleanedforward

andtouchedhisnosetohers.“Ievenvoted.”

Shepulledsideways.“Youdidnot.”
“Youtellingmeyouhaven’t?”Heleanedbackwithaboyishsimperthatundidherattempttokeepa

straightface.

“Howdidyouvote?”
Hetracedafingerdownherarm.“I’mallforhavingyouasmylovebug.”
The fluttery feeling between her thighs that started the second he’d walked into the kitchen

intensified.

“Youprobablydon’trememberthis,”hestarted,andherpulseraced.Sheknewwhathewasgoing

tosay.“ButI’vebeenremindedofsomethingIsaidtoyouandIwanttoapologize.”

“Apologize?”Holycrap.Apologize?
“Yeah.Ithappenedmysenioryearonthebaseballfield.Duringtheteam’s—”
“Kissingbooth.”Embarrassmentcrawledupthebackofherneckthinkingaboutit.
Henarrowedhiseyes.“Youremember?”
“Itwasthelastthingyousaidtomeuntilacoupleofweeksago,Luke.Andit’ssomethingafifteen-

year-oldgirldoesn’tforget.”

“I’msorry.”Hegentlytookherhand.
Sincehe’dstartedthisconversation,shewantedtofinishit.Onceandforall.Thenshewantedhim

tostoptalkingandshowherwhathedidwithlovebugs.

Apartofherwantedtoyankherhandback,allthehurtfeelingsbubblingtothesurfaceagain.But

theotherpart,thepartthatknewLukenow,didn’t.“SorryIremember,orsorryforsayingit?”she
asked,keepingherhandput.

“I’msorryforsayingit.”
“I’mjustcurious,”shesaid.“WherewasyourapologybackwhenIreallyneededit?”Sheshivered,

remembering the repulsed look on his face. “You shoved me away and said the meanest thing
anyone’seversaidtome.Ifitweren’tforVanessa’swedding,Iwouldn’tbeanywherenearyou.”

Luketookadeepbreath.“You’reright.Ishouldhaveapologizedthen,butIcan’tchangethetiming,

so I hope you’ll give me the benefit of the doubt now, especially given the past couple of weeks
together.I’vereallylikedbeingwithyou,Sela.”

Thesilkytoneofhisvoicewasprettyconvincing.Aswastheflareofheatinhiseyes.“Wasitthe

truth?Wasmy…?”Shepausedanddroppedherhead.“Wasmykisssobadthatitsickenedyou?”

Heliftedherchin.“No.Itwasn’ttrue.Youwereagreatkisser,Sela.Stillare.”
Shestumbledoutoftheseat.“Thenwhydidyousaythosethings?”
“BecauseIdidn’tknowwhatelsetodo.Youwere—you are my best friend’s little sister. I wasn’t

supposedtoenjoykissingyou.”Hegulpedandhisgazesliddowntoherneckwhereshewassurehe
couldseeherrapidlybeatingpulse.

Selacoveredherfacewithherhands.Shehadn’tseenthiscoming.Somethingwarmandniceand

unfairspreadthroughher.He’dlikedtheirkiss!Hisconfessionmadeherhappy—andscaredshitless.
It was easy to hold a grudge against him when he’d done something horrible to her. It would be
impossibletoeverfallbackonthatnow.

Withaslowandgentlemotion,Lukepriedherhandsfromherface.“I’msorry.”
“Youalreadysaidthat.”
“Thistimeit’sforwhateverI’veapparentlydonetoupsetyounow.”Onecornerofhismouthlifted.

Thenhedidsomethingsounexpected,yetsothrilling,thatshedidn’tcareaboutanythinginthepast.
Hethrewheroverhisshoulder.

“Luke!Whatareyoudoing?Putmedown.”Shesquirmed.Herpajamaswerethinandhisbodywas

warm,andflurriesofexcitementzingedaroundhermiddle.

“Iwillwhenwegettothebedroom.”

“HowdoyouknowIwanttogothere?”
Hestoppedoutsidethebedroomdoorandslidherdownthefrontofhisbody.Asheheldhertight

againsthim,shefelthowmuchhewantedher.“I’lltakeyouwhereveryouwanttogo,Sela.”Hislips
crashedagainsthers,fierceanddemanding.Possessive.

Shekissedhimback,seekingtorelieveherownpent-updesire.
Lukepulledback.“I’vespenthoursimaginingwhatitwouldbeliketobewithyou.Iwanttokiss

thatgorgeousmouthofyoursuntilithurtsandthenIwanttokissyouinalltheplacesnooneelse
getstosee.”Hesteppedbackwardthroughthedoorway,extendedhishand.“Sodoyouwanttocome
in?”

“Ido.”

…

LukedialedSimon.SincebeingwithSelalastnight,somethinginsidehimhadchanged.Ratherthan
have his fun and move on, he wanted more fun. With her. They’d stayed up all night so he could
worship her body the way she deserved. But they’d also talked and laughed and for all his world
travels,he’dneverhadabetternight.

“Luke,tellmeyou’reshittingme,”Simonsaiduponansweringthephone.
So he’d gotten Luke’s e-mail. “I’m not shitting you.” Luke paced back and forth on the sidewalk

outside Sela’s apartment building. He looked up, tried to pick which window was hers, then stared
acrossthestreetatthebeach.Fogsatonthewater,thetendrilsreachingtowardhim,beckoning.

“HowlongcanIexpectthisbrainglitchofyours?”
“I’monlypassingonAustralia.Iknowwe’vegototherthingslinedupforJulyandAugust.Letme

knowwhatcomesinbeforethat.”

Simonletoutaloud,sufferingsigh.“DinneratTheFarmwhenyougetbackfromChile?”
“Absolutely.Justnotsurewhen.”HeplannedonreturningtoCascadebeforeheheadedtoLA.
“Donotletthisweddingbullshitgotoyourhead,”Simonsaid.“Weddedblississhort-livedandin

yourcase,thatcouldbeveryexpensive.”

“Saysthehappilymarriedman.”
“Hey,Imarriedup.Iwasn’tstupid.”
Lukechuckled.“Listen,Iappreciatetheconcern,butyoudon’tneedtoworry.I’vegotnoplansto

honeymoonanytimesoon.”

“Speakingofmybeloved,she’syellingforme.I’lltalktoyousoon.”
“Yougotit.”HeendedthecallandpressedthebuzzerforSela’sapartment.Hetightenedhisholdon

thebrownpaperbaginhisarm.

“Hello?”Onewordandhismusclesgrewtaut.
“Hey, it’s Luke. I’ve got a special delivery.” She didn’t know he was coming and he hoped that

enticedhertolethimupevenifshewasbusy.

“Lukewho?”
Hesmiledlikeadamnteenager.“Luke,omigod,Luke,don’tstop,Luke.Ringabell?”
Thedoorbuzzed.

Selastoodoutsideherapartmentdoorwhenhegottoherfloor.Onehandonherhip,theotheron

thedoorframe,herhairinloosewaves,shestolehisbreath.

“Noonebetterhaveheardyoudownthere,”shesaid,grabbinghisshirtandpullinghiminside.
He answered that brash welcome with a kiss. When they parted, all the steam had left her

expression.Herfeaturessoftenedandshesighed.“Hi,”shesaid.

“Hi.”Thetinyfurballhe’dencounteredthelasttimehewastherejumpedathisshins.
“Becks,that’senough.”Selapickeditup.“Sorry.Heusuallykeepshisdistancefromstrangers.”
Lukeruffledthetopofthedog’stinyhead.“We’renotstrangers.HemetmetheothernightwhenI

broughtyouhome.”

“That’s right.” She twisted and stepped to the couch, but he caught the pink bloom in her cheeks.

“Sothisspecialdeliveryyouspokeof.It’sinthebrownbag?”ShesatwithBecksatherside.

Her laptop was open on the coffee table, a newspaper and other personal papers strewn beside it.

Otherwisethelivingareadidn’thaveathingoutofplace.Herbedroomflittedthroughhismind.He
planned on seeing it again. Maybe she’d give him a fashion show with some of the lingerie he’d
noticedonthefloor…

“Iwashopingyoumightbehungry.”Hetookthespotbesideherandopenedthebag.“Ibrought

youMama—”

“You brought me Mama Gumbos?” She practically hiked Becks over the coffee table in her

urgency to get her hands inside the bag. “I think I love you.” She lifted out the large container of
shrimpgumbo.“There’sonlyone.You’renoteating?”

Lukelaughed.“Youcan’tseriouslyeatthatwholethingbyyourself?”
Shescrunchedhernoseandtiltedherheadwhileshesatback.“Uh,maybe.”
“Ithoughtwecouldshare,butbyallmeans,ifyou’rethathungry,it’sallyours.”Hepulledoutone

oftheplasticforksandhandedittoher.

She peeled the lid off the gumbo and forked a piece of shrimp. “Come here,” she said, so he

scootedcloser.“Yougetthefirstbite.”

Sela.Feedinghim.Sodamnhothewassurehistemperaturereallydidrise.Theytookturnswith

theutensil,sometimestakingtheirownbites,sometimessharing.Shetookcarewhenliftingthefork
tohismouth.Hemighthavedeliberatelydroppedfoodontoherchestsohecouldhelpcleanitup.

When they’d finished, he picked up the newspaper, the women, life & love column catching his

attention.Thisweek’shadtodowithbeingbareorsomething.“Youreadthisstuff?”hecalledacross
theroom.

“Whatstuff?”sheasked,dumpingtheirtake-outintothetrashcaninthekitchen.
“ThiscolumnfromsomewomannamedJane.”
Herbodystiffenedandhereyeswidened.“Umm.”Shehurriedbacktothecouchandsat.Lukehad

thefeelingshewantedtograbthepaperoutofhishands.“Sometimes?”

Hetosseditbackonthecoffeetable.“Ifeelsorryfortheguyswhodateher.Thinkshehasthem

signarelease?Anythingyousayordocouldshowupinmycolumn.”

The color drained from her face. “I have no idea.” She glanced at the paper. “But probably not.

That’swhywriterschangethenamesofthoseinvolved.Youknow,toprotecttheiridentities.”

“Seemslikeawasteofnewspaperspacetome,butapparentlyErinthinksthisJanepersonknows

everything about men. That why you sometimes read it?” He scooted closer to her. “Because you
know,incaseyouhaven’tnoticed,IamamanandI’dbemorethanhappytoansweranyquestions
youmighthave.”

Shestraddledhislap,looselyputherarmsaroundhisneck.“I’mmuchmoreagirlofaction.”
Hecuppedherverynicebottom.“Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”
“Howaboutaswim?”
Shedidn’tmeaninanyswimmingpool.Shemeanttheocean.Onceagaininamomentofweakness,

he’dtoldherhisfearofgettingbackinthewater.Ofbeingstrongenoughnotonlyforhimselfbut
for others. Yes, he’d come a long way the past few weeks, but hell if his heart wasn’t racing faster
thantheriverthatputhiminthisposition.

Hestudiedhergold-medaleyesandwantedtobeherchampion.Shestaredback,herfamiliarfloral

scentmixingwiththepluckinesshe’dcometoadmire,tocrave.AnotherreasonforleavingCascade
flitted through his mind—nothing in the small town challenged him. His last name meant no
adventureoropposition,or,hell,excitement.Butthatwasn’tthecaseanymore.Selaofferedzealand
passionandabuzzsothoroughlyintoxicatinghequestionedwhyheeverwantedtostayaway.

“We’lltakeitslow,”shesaid.
“Idon’thavemybathingsuit.”
Shetookaquicklookatthewindow.TheonlythingLukesawwastheglowfromthestreetlamps.
“Iknow.Guesswe’llhavetoskinny-dip.I’mhopingthatwillkeepyourmindonotherthings.”She

gavehimawickedsmilethatwipedawaythefeeblepartofhisegothathadbeenpissinghimoff.If
shewasdaringenoughtoskinny-dip,hesureashellcouldgethisassbackinthewater.

“IthinkImightbeabletohandlethat.”
“Good.”Sheleapedtoherfeet.“Let’sdoit.”
“You sure this is for me?” He stood and watched her disappear down the hall. “You sound pretty

ampedupabouttheidea.”

“Okay,”shesaid,returningwithtwobeachtowelsinherarms,“somaybeI’vealwayswantedtogo

skinny-dippingandI…”Shestoppedinfrontofhim.“Iwanttodoitwithyou.”

Hecuppedhercheek.“I’llbesuretomakeitmemorable,then.”
Sheleanedintohishand.“Iknowyouwill.Nowlet’sgobeforeIchickenout.Thewaterisgoingto

befreezing,butI’mdeterminedtogetusbothinthere.”

Theylockedtheapartmentandcrossedthestreettothesmall,desertedbeach.Thefogswallowed

them,makingitdifficulttoseeveryfar.HetookSela’shandandtrudgedthroughthesand,thesound
ofcrashingwavescallingtothem.Thesaltyairchurnedeagernessandtrepidationinsidehim.

“Youdon’thavetosqueezemyhandsotight.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”
Heeaseduponhisgrip.
“I’mareallygoodswimmer,Luke.Youdon’thavetoworryaboutme.I’veswaminthesewavesa

hundredtimes.AndIknowyou’reagoodswimmer.RememberthatLaborDaybackinhighschool
whenwewerealldownatSeascapeBeachandsomegirlgotstuckprettyfaroutandstartedwaving
herarmsforhelp?Youbeatthelifeguardoutthereandhelpedgetherbacktoshore.”

He’dbeencalledaherothatday.Thegirlsonthebeachhadpaidhimextraattentionafterward,and

theguyshadgivenhimcrapforbeingashow-off.“Iremember.”

“Themind-and-bodyconnectionisprettypowerful.Thinkyoucandoitandyouwill.”Sheletgoof

his hand and jogged ahead. She turned, kept up a backward pace, and pulled her sweater over her
head.“Lastoneinisarottenegg.”

Lukegavechase.Hegottothewater ’sedgeandthrewthetowels.Selashimmiedoutofherjeans.

Hetossedhisshirt,yankedoffhispants.Sheshiveredassheslippedoutofherpantiesandbra.He
heard her teeth chatter while he shucked his boxers. They eyed each other for one quick second
beforeshetookoff.

Followingherintothewaterwasn’tahardship.Theonlythoughtinhisheadwasstayingcloseto

her.Wrappinghernakedbodyaroundhis.Thelowtidehelpedhisentrance.Herperfectcurvesand
hersquealsassheswamdeeperintothefreezingwaterhelpedridhimofanyapprehension.

BeforeLukeknewit,theoceanreachedhiswaist.Hischest.Raggedbreathsranginhisears,buthe

blamedthecoldtemperature,notanynegativeemotion.Becausetheonlythinghefeltatthemoment
waselation.

Hismusclesflexedwithconfidence.Hekickedandrowedhisarmswithease.Asthewavesrushed

athim,sodidfaith.Andlove.

HelovedSela.
Lovedhersmileandherlaugh.Lovedthewayshecaredforothersandlovedthewayshemadehim

feelalive.

Sheswamcloseenoughforhimtograbher.Shefastenedherlegsaroundhiswaist,putherhands

onhisshoulders.Theebbandflowoftheoceanwaveskepthimonhistoes.

“Youdidit,”shesaid,theprideinhervoicefillinghisheart,hissoul,hisbeing.
“So did you.” Then he kissed her. Hot, hard, without fear. She kissed him back. Sweet sounds of

abandonslippedfromherlips.Hedovehistongueinsidehermouth.

Herarmswentaroundhisneck,andshepressedherbodytighteragainsthim.Aw,hell.Hewanted

tothrustsomethingbesideshistongueinsidehernow.Shewiggled.Hegrewpainfullyhard.Feeling
the smile on her lips—knowing the power she had over him, no doubt—lifted the corners of his
mouth and for a second they caught their breath. But only a second. Because he’d lost all control
where she was concerned and his mouth captured hers again. His hands moved to her ass, molding
hercloser,positioningherjustrighttoslidehislength…

Theybothgroaned,butthensheliftedherheadandsuckedinadeepbreath.
“I…”Shepaused,herlipstrembling.Somethingnewshoneinhereyes.Affection?Love?
“You?”He’dneverlethimselfcareenoughaboutawomantowanttohearthewords,butrightnow

hewantedSelatosayshelovedhim.

“I need to get back before I freeze to death.” She pushed off and splashed him in the face. “Race

you.”

Lukeletherwin.Heletherhavesomespace.Thetowelsdidlittletostaveoffhowcoldtheywere,

sotheyranbacktoherapartment,clothesinhand,laughtertheonlysoundfallingfromtheirlips.

Whentheygottoherbuilding,Selaheldherfingeruptohermouth,signalingforhimtobequiet.

Theytookthestairstwoatatime.Sheusheredhimintotheapartmentfirst,shutthedoor,andturned.
Asmilebloomedacrossherface,prettierandnaughtierthananyhe’deverseen.Hispulsejackknifed.
Histurnforadeepbreath.

“I need a hot shower.” She walked past him, dropped her towel and clothes, and looked over her

shoulder.“You’rewelcometostayforaslongasyou’dlike.”

Hedroppedhistowelandfollowedher.

ChapterTwelve

SelaleaneddownandplacedagentlekissonLuke’scheek.“ComeeatbreakfastwithmebeforeIgo
towork,”shewhispered.

His eyes opened, but otherwise he stayed perfectly still lying on his side. The tanned skin of his

shoulderstoodoutagainstherwhitesheets.Shewantedtokisshimthere,too,butthatwouldleadto
morekissingandmoretouchingandmore…everything.

“Youmademebreakfast?”Hisraspymorningvoicesoundedwaytoogood.
“I…Idid.”Shesteppedbackfromthebedandmotionedwithherfingerforhimtofollow.
Alazy,sexysmilecurledhismade-for-sinmouth.“Okay.”
Helookedpictureperfectsittingathertinykitchentableinnothingbuthisblackcottonboxers.
“Omelets are my specialty,” she said, taking the seat across from him and cutting into her egg,

spinach, and cheese creation. In truth, omelets were about the only thing she knew how to make.
“Toast,too.”Shepassedhimapiece.

Henoddedandputaforkfulofomeletinhismouth.Herlegbounced.Shepressedherhandtoher

kneetomakeitstop.

“Notbad,NurseSullivan.”
“Thanks.” What was her deal this morning? Why was she so nervous? Was it because last night

whenshe’dsuggestedtheyskinny-dipitwastodistracthimfromtalkofJane?

Ding.Ding.Ding.
He’dturnedthetableswhenthey’dgottenbacktoherapartmentanddistractedherallnightwithhis

handsandmouthandtongueandohGod,whatifhereadhernextcolumn?Whatifherealizedhewas
“Joe”andshewasinlovewithhim?

I love him. She’d almost let it spill out of her mouth last night before she’d caught herself. She

didn’twanttoscarehimawaywithwordsshewasn’tsurehewantedtohear.

AndwhatdidthatmeanforhercareerasarealsinglegirllivinginCascade?Sheshookherhead.

She didn’t need to solve everything this instant. While getting dressed this morning she’d been
decidedly confident about that—live in the moment, she’d told herself. Don’t push Luke away by
tellinghima)shewantedtohavehisbabiesandb)shewrotethat“wasteofnewspaperspace”inthe
CascadeGazetteandthesinglewomenofCascadelovedher—orratherJane—forit.

“What’swrong?”Lukeasked,breakingintoherdeliberations.
“Nothing.” She glanced at the digital clock on the stove. “I just hadn’t realized how late it was. I

need to get going,” she lied. She stood and grabbed her bag and coat. She’d clean everything up
tonight.“I’llcatchyoulater.”

“Wait.”Hecaughtheraroundthewaist.“Thanksforbreakfast.”Hekissedher.Allsoftandgentle.

Likehecherishedher.

Yep.Definitelynotgoingtoblowthislastweekbytellinghimanythingtopushhimaway.
“Sure,”shesaidandracedoutthedoor.Howhadsheletthishappen?Howhadsheletherheartget

involved?

Atfirstshe’dbeenluredbythevulnerablesidehe’dsharedwithheratthehospital.She’ddefyany

girl not to be smitten with that. Next had been the banter that turned from annoying to playful to
flirtatious.Thescorchinglooksacrosstheroom.He’dhelpedherbemoreadventurous,andshehad
helpedhimgetoverhisaccident.Theconnectivitybetweenthemhadsnappedherwarinessandmade
heruncontrollablycrazyabouthim.

Sheopenedhercardoorandclimbedin.Butthekickerwashisapologyandhowhe’dadmittedto

feelingsforher,too.

None of this made any difference, though, because it was all only temporary. He’d be gone next

week,returningtohisworldtravelsandworldlywomen.Hehadn’tsaidanythingabouttheirfuture
becausetherewasnofuture.They’dsimplyfilledavoidineachother ’sliveswhilehewasintown
forVanessa’swedding.WhentheIdo’sweredone,sowerethey.

Acouple of hourslater, she worethe heartbreaking reality ofillness on hershoulders like bags of
bricks.Slumpedinherseatinthehospitalcafeteria,shestaredatthechickennoodlesoupGeorgette
hadthrustinfrontofher,barelyabletoslideitdownherthroat.

“Don’t make me force-feed you,” Georgette said from across the table. “I hate doing that. Had

enoughpatientsinmydaythatneededspoon-feeding.”

Selawipedthebackofherhandunderhereye.“It’snotfair.”
“You’re right. But the last thing that boy would want was his favorite nurse starving herself with

grief.”

“Doesitevergeteasier?”Liam’spassingthismorninghurtworsethantheothers.Maybebecause

they’dbondedoversoccerandjokesandicecream.Ormaybebecausehe’dbeensomentallytough
thatshebelievedhe’dbeatthestaphinfection.Butonceithadspreadtohisbloodstreamandthenhis
lungs,hislittlebodyhadn’tbeenstrongenoughtofight.

“No,”Georgettesaid,puttingthespooninSela’shand.“Notonthepediatricfloor.”
“Ican’tgethismom’ssobsoutofmyhead.Howdoesaparentsurvivethelossofachild?It’snot

supposedtoworkthatway.”SheforcedherselftotakeabiteofthesouptoappeaseGeorgette.

“No.It’snot.”
“Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking choosing this occupation. I hate seeing what a life-

threatening illness does to a family. I feel so helpless. And so often the parents blame themselves
whenthere’snothingtheycouldhavedonedifferently.”

Georgetteputahandonherforearm.“You’redoingthisjobbecauseyou’refullofcompassionand

cheerfulness and something else I’ve rarely seen in my sixty-plus years—accessibility. You’re
friendly and easy to talk to, Sela, and trust me, that is the greatest gift you can give to someone
grievingforalovedone.”

Selagulped.Liam’smomhadthankedherforherkindnessandcare,buttheregardhadbeenhard

toswallow,sinceshetoofeltresponsibleforlosinghim.

“StopfeelingguiltyandbelievewhatIjustsaid,”Georgetteadmonished.“YouthinkIdon’tknow

what’sgoingoninthatheadofyours?Iwasanurseforthirtyyearsandtrustme,thesooneryoutuck
it away, the better you and everyone around you will be. I know that sounds harsh, but you’ve got
otherpatientsrelyingonyou.Nowtakefivemorebitesofthatsoupandthengetbackupstairsanddo
whatyoudobest.Helppeople.”Georgettepattedherelbowandwalkedaway,herkindwordseasing
theknotinSela’sstomach.

Asheartbreakingasitsometimeswas,Selalovedworkinginthehospital.Shemightevenloveit

morethanwritinghercolumn.

Whatshedidn’tlovewasthinkingaboutlosingsomeoneclosetoher.UntilLukehadarrived,she’d

playeditsafewithguys.Shedatedmenwhoworkedinofficesandthoughtdinnerandamoviewas
adventurous.Luke’sjobputhimindangerallthetime.Recklesswashismiddlename.

Afewweeksagohe’dalmostdied.
She’dfallenforherdreammanbutneverunderstoodtherealityofthepainthatcouldcauseuntil

now.

…

The doctor gave Luke the okay to do whatever he wanted. Not that Luke would have let a different
reportholdhimback.Butknowinghislungswerestrong,hisribsrepaired,hisendurancealmostat
100percent,sethismindatease.

Heleftthedoctor ’sofficeandmedicalbuildingandjoggedacrosstheparkinglottothehospital

lobby.HetextedSela.Buyyouacoffeeinthecafeteria?I’monmywaythere.

Herreplycameaminutelater.Whyareyouhere?Iseverythingokay?
I’msufferingfromacrushandneedtoseeyoutofeelbetter.Hewalkedacrossthelobbyandtook

theelevatordownonefloor.

Donotbecutewithme.
I’mfine.Cleanbillofhealth.Let’scelebrate.Heexitedtheelevator.Withnopatientroomsonthis

floor,thehallwaystoodquiet.

I’mhappytohearthat,butI’mnotreallyinacelebratorymood.I’lltryandpopdownifIcan.
Hefalteredandstoppedmidstride.Whathappened?
LostLiamtoday.
If he knew Sela like he thought he did, this devastated her. His throat grew thick, and he couldn’t

swallow. He leaned against the wall, staring at the floor. That kind of loss made his injury seem
juvenile.

I’llwaitforaslongasittakes,hetextedback.
She didn’t make him wait long. “What are you doing in the hallway?” Her dull eyes and sallow

complexionwrenchedhisinsideslikeatrailoftwistedmetalacrossaroadway.

“Seemedlikeagoodspot.”Hetookherinhisarms.
Shehuggedhimback,herbodygraduallyrelaxingagainsthis,tensionleavinghershoulders,her

chinburrowingintothecruxofhisneck.“Yousmellgood,”shesaid.

“Youfeelgood.”
“Ontheoutside.”Shesteppedbackandlookedupathim.“I’mnotthebestcompanyatthemoment,

butI’mgladyouwaitedforme.”

“There’snowhereelseI’dratherbe.”
A middle-age couple passed by. A handful of hospital employees in scrubs. They nodded to Sela,

butshegaveonlyacursorysmileinreturn.

Sounlikethewomanhe’dcometoknow.Herdefenseswereup,andhewantedtobetheonetotake

away her troubles. “Come with me.” He took her hand and led her back to the lobby and out the
slidingglassdoorsintothelate-afternoonsunshine.Awayfromtheantisepticinteriorofthehospital,
thecoolspringairofferedachancetotakearefreshing,deepbreath.Hesatdownwithheronabench
inthetinyrosegardenoffthemainentrance.

Theyfilledthewoodslattedseathiptohip.Shelaidherheadonhisshoulder.“Ican’tstayouthere

long,”shesaid.

Lukeclearedhisthroat.Hedidn’tnormallygivespeeches,buthecouldn’tstopthepulltosaysome

things to her. “I know you’re hurting right now and nothing I say will make much difference, but I
thought you should know you live more consciously than anyone I know, and I can guarantee that
madeLiam’sfamilygrateful.”

Selatwistedtolookathim.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
He turned, too, and held her hand. “You live with an awareness that most people don’t. This

connectedness with the things and people that exist around you. You don’t just go through the
motions.Youresonatecompassionandunconditionallove.”

Atearrolleddownhercheek.Lukebrusheditawaywithhisthumb.“Youcan’tkeepbeingniceto

melikethis.”

“I’maniceguy.”
“Whothrivesondangerandmakeshislivingputtinghimselfinhigh-risksituations.”
Ahh.Nowheunderstoodthewatchfulwayshelookedathim,theslackinherhand.HeandLiam

hadbecomeapartofherlifeatthesametimeandnowLiamwasgone.

Goddamn, he was selfish. He hadn’t considered how his job might affect her. Hell, he hadn’t

thought one ounce of this thing through. When the L word had popped into his head last night, he
hadn’texactlybeensurprised.Everytimehewaswithher,heappreciatedhislifemorethantheday
before. But that didn’t give him the right to add those deep grooves to her forehead or muddy the
brightnessinhereyes.

Forhersake,heneededtotakeastepback.Thelastthinghe’deverwantedtodowascauseherany

morepain.TheKissingBoothhadbeenmorethanenough.

“It’s who I am, Sela. But when I’m out in the field, I’m part of a team and we take every safety

precautionnecessary.”

Shenodded.
His cell phone rang. He ignored it, too caught up in her long, damp eyelashes to move. Say

something,Sela.Tellmeyouwantmetotakedifferentkindsofpictures.Hell,tellmeyouwantmeto

stay.

“Goaheadandanswerit.Ineedtogetback.”Shestoodwithaweaksmilethattookhisfeelingsfor

herandmagnifiedthemtimesathousand.Itkilledhimtoleavehersoupset.

Heglancedathisphone.TheGazette.He’dbeenplayingphonetagwiththeeditorialdirector.The

paperhadsomefollow-upquestionsforanotherpiecetheywererunningtomorrow.“Yousure?”

“I’msure.”Shekissedhischeekandwalkedaway.

…

“You are breathtaking,” Sela said to Vanessa as her best friend stood on the platform in the bridal
shop.“Haydenisgoingtoswallowhistongue.”

Vanessastaredintothefull-lengthmirror.Thesimplebutsexychiffon,short-sleeveweddinggown

madeherlooklikeaprincess.

Paulasniffledandpattedthecornerofhereyewithatissue.
“Mom,donotcry,”Erinsaid.“Ifyoucry,we’llallstart,andyouknowhowmuchIhatecrying.”
“Ican’thelpit.Mydaughter ’sgettingmarriedthisweekend.”
SelaputherarmaroundPaula.“HowaboutacinnamonsconefromCrem’s?Mytreat.”
“I’dloveto,butIneedtodash,”Paulasaid.“Onelastmeetingwiththecaterer.”ShesqueezedSela

andblewkissestoVanessaandErin.“Loveyou,girls.”

“Loveyou,too,”VanessaandErinsaidatthesametime.
Paulawavedgood-byeasVanessasteppedintothedressingroomtogetchanged.
Selaranherhandalongthedresseslinedupagainsttheboutique’swall.She’dnevergivenmuch

thought to the style she’d like to wear one day, but this morning she smiled at the beaded trims on
severalofthegowns.

“You’vebeenlookingwaytoohappylately,”Erinsaid,bumpinghershoulder.“Andmybrother ’s

beenmysteriouslyabsentfromhome.Hmm.Iwonderifthere’sacorrelation.”

“Ihavenoideawhatyou’retalkingabout.”Selahadn’tspokentoLukesinceyesterdayafternoonat

thehospital.

“That’s okay. The whole town knows what I’m talking about and the latest poll percentage is in

favorofit.”Erinpulledouthersmartphone.“Ihaven’tcheckedthismorning,though.Hangonasec
andI’llgiveyoutheup-to-the-minutereport.”

“Youguysready?”Vanessaasked,slinginganarmaroundbothofthem.
Thingswithherbestfriendmightnotbeperfect,butafterSelahadrushedoverlastnighttolistento

Vanessa vent about the seating chart, they’d talked some more. Liam had come up first. Then Luke.
Thenlove.Vanessa’s.NotSela’s.ShehadkeptafewMOHbraincellsandknewbetterthantoadmit
she’dfalleninlovewithherbestfriend’sbrother.

The sun peeked from behind big, puffy white clouds and red camellias filled most of the planter

boxesalongMainStreet.SignsfortheupcomingFourthofJulyfestivitiesdecoratedwindows.The
slightmorningchillintheairdidn’tdiminishthesmellofcoffeeandbakedgoodsastheyapproached
Crem’s.

“Uh,Sela,”Erinsaid,notlookingupfromherphone.

“Well. If it isn’t the Three Musketeers,” Candace Brewer said, stopping in front of them and

drawingErin’sattention.Herdarkeyes,however,werezeroedinonSela.

“Hi,Candace,”Selasaid.
“I’m surprised you’re out and about this morning,” Candace said. “I mean if it was me I’d be so

embarrassed.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”SelaaskedatthesametimeErinpulledherasideandsaid,“There’s

somethingnewonCascade’sblog.”

“Oh,it’snotonlyontheblog,”Candacesaid,handinghernewspapertoSela.“It’salsointhelife

section.Haveaniceday.”Withhernoseintheair,shescootedpastthem.

“Whyisshesorude?”Vanessaasked.
Sela’s stomach did a nosedive as she opened the newspaper. Whatever Candace was referring to

couldn’tbegood.

Erinextendedherarmoutinfrontofthepaper.“Don’t.”
“It’ssomethingaboutLukeandme,isn’tit?”SelaglancedatVanessa.“I’msorry,Ness.”
Vanessagaveatight-lippedsmileandshrugged.
Sela flipped to the correct page. The headline read, Luke Watters’s Risky World of Sports

Photography. She read the first few paragraphs. Luke’s recent injuries were no longer secret. The
sportswriter wrote about Tibet, the aftermath, the fact that every time a sports photographer packed
hisgear,hecouldbeacasualtyofhisoccupation.

Howhadthisgottenout?DidLukeknow?
Yes.
“‘Thepotentialforinjuryonassignmentisanuncompromisingfact,’LukeWatters,twenty-seven,

saidabouthisprofession.‘ButIapproachmyworkwithahealthycombinationofconsiderationand
awe.There’snoplaceelseI’dratherbethantravelingtheworldandcapturingprofessionalathletesin
extremeconditionsthatmostpeoplewillonlyeverseeinphotographs.’”

Noplaceelsehe’dratherbe.Selastumbledtoabenchandsat.She’dknownthatallalong,hadn’t

she?Butseeingitinprintmadeitreal.ShewasvaguelyawareofVanessaandErinflankingheron
eithersideandreadingoverhershoulders.

“‘Stayingfocusedontheactionhelpskeepmeoutofharm’sway,’Watterssaid.‘Mostofthetime.’”
The article switched gears to the Watters family and how they’ve been influential in Cascade’s

growth,Vanessa’sweddingandhisbestmanduties,and…

When asked about his love life, Watters said, “There are beautiful women all over the globe,

includinghereinCascade.Theycandefinitelyhelpwiththestingofincidentsonthesidelines.”

“‘AndhometowngirlSelaSullivan?’thereporterasked.‘RumorhasityoumaybethenextWatters

tosettledown.’”

Selaworriedherbottomlipandracedtoreadthenextparagraph.
There’snosettlingdownwithSelaSullivan.
Herheartclobberedtheinsideofherchest.Tensionnearunbearablefloodedherlimbs.Thebackof

herthroatchafedandburned.Shesqueezedhereyesshut.God,thisfeltfamiliar.

Ten years ago he’d embarrassed her at the Kissing Booth, humiliating her with “Corpse Lips.”

Todayhe’ddoneitagain.He’smadesurethewholetownknewshe’dbeennothingbutanothernotch
onhisbelt.

“Doeitherofyouhaveanax?”sheasked.
Erinjumpedup.“What?”
Somehow,Selafoundthestrengthtostand.Vanessalatchedontoherarm.“I’vegotthis,sis.Would

youmindgoingtotownhallandpickingupthemarriagelicenseforme?”

“Uh,sure,”Erinsaid,herfacescrunchinglikeshe’djusteatenalemon.ThenshehuggedSela.“I

know we’ve said we’d help each other hide a body, but it doesn’t apply to family members, you
know.”Asmallsmilecurledherlips.

“Yourbrotherissafe,”Selasaid.“Trustme.Idon’tplanoncomingwithinahundredfeetofhim.”

SheglancedatVanessa.“Exceptatthewedding,whereIwillbethebestmaidofhonorever.”

“Okay,then.Butdon’tdoanythingIwouldn’tdo.”
“What on earth do you need an ax for?” Vanessa asked, whirling them around and walking away

fromthegroupofbabblingladiesstrollingoutofCrem’s.

“I’mgoingupWildwoodTrailanddestroyingthewishingwell.”
Vanessachuckled.“That’syoursolution,huh?”
“Youhaveabetterone?”
TheyturnedthecornerandVanessasteeredthemtowardanotherbench,thisoneoffthebeatenpath

andhiddenfromMainStreetbyatreetrunk.

“Ido.ButfirstIwanttosayI’msorry.”
“Forwhat?”SelashiftedsoherheadcouldlayonVanessa’sshoulder.Sheneededashoulder.
“Fornotbeingallthatsupportivewheremybrother ’sconcerned.”
“Don’tbesilly.I’msorryIdraggedyouintomywishinthefirstplace.AndI’mreallysorryabout

theattentionwe’vebeengetting.”

“Youlovehim,don’tyou?”
Sela twisted the tiny bands around her middle finger. She wouldn’t keep anything from Vanessa

everagainandwantedherbestfriendtoknowhowshereallyfelt.“Yes.”

“Thenyoushouldtellhim.”
Sela sat up. “Did you not read the article? Why would I embarrass myself even more? He’s got

womenlinedupallovertheworld.”

Vanessa turned and took her hands. “The reason I haven’t been super supportive is because I’ve

beenafraidLukewilltakeyouaway.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“You’venevergottenoveryourcrushforhim,andwhenIsawthewayhestartedtolookatyou…

Well,Iworriedthatifthetwoofyougottogether,he’dsweepyouoffyourfeetandtakeyouaway
fromhere.Awayfromme.Totalbadmoveonmypart.BecauseIwantyoutobehappy,See.Iknow
youloveCascade,butyou’vealwayssaidyouwantedtoseetheworld.

“Selfishly,Idon’twanttoloseyoutomybrother.Butworse,I’dbeacrappybestfriendandlittle

sisterifIstoodinthewayofwhatcouldbetruelove.Honestly,nothingwouldmakemehappierthan
thetwoofyoutogether.”

ThechirpofhercellphonestartledSela.SinceshehadtoreplayVanessa’sadmissionoveragainin

herheadbeforeshecouldformulateanywords,shepulledthephonefromherpurse.Luke.

Sheignoredit.
“Well,Ithinkit’ssafetosayI’mnotgoinganywhere.Atleastnotwithyourbrother.Apartofme

alwaysknewIwouldn’tbeenough,butitwasfunwhileitlasted.”

Vanessaputahandonherarm.“Thingsaren’tover.Tellhimhowyoufeel.”
“No.”Thewordfellfromherlipssimpleandquiet.“Agirlcanonlysuffersomuchatthehandsof

oneboyandLuke’smadeitprettyclearwhereIstand.Twice.

“Ipromisenottoletthisaffectthewedding,though,okay?Youarenottogiveasecondthoughtto

Lukeandme.”SelawrappedVanessainahug.“Iamsohonoredandexcitedtobeyourmaidofhonor
andthesenextfewdaysaregoingtobespectacular.”

“Thankyou.”ShepulledSelaupandtuggedheralongthesidewalk.“Nowlet’sgoshopping.”
“Forwhat?”
“Anewdressthatwillblowmybrother ’smindattherehearsaldinner.”
Selacametoahalt.“Ialreadyhaveadressandhaveyounotbeenapartofthisconversation?”
“It’scalledrevenge,See.”ShethreadedherarmwithSela’s.“Justthisonce,I’mtakingsides.My

brother ’scommentdeservesnoless.”

BythetimeSelawalkedthroughherapartmentdoorafewhourslater,Lukehadcalledortextedsix
times.Hewantedtotalk.

A part of her wanted to talk, too. So badly. She couldn’t have completely misread all of his

emotions. The tender way he touched her, the insatiable way he’d made love to her. But that didn’t
changethewordsprintedinblackandwhite.

ShecollapsedontothecouchandpickeduptheremotetowatchTV.Beckscuddledinherlap.After

scrollingthroughseveralchannels,shefoundoneofherfavoriteromanticcomedies,TheProposal.

Aknocksoundedatherdoor.Shepressedmuteonthetelevisionandstayedstillandquiet.Becks

did,too.Sheseriouslyhadthebestdogever.

Anotherknock.“Sela?It’sLuke.”
Howhadhegottenintoherbuilding?She’dthoughtthepoundingwasoneofhernosyneighbors.

Shestillstayedput.

“Sela.Please.Ireallyneedtoseeyou.Ifyou’reinthere,pleaseopenup.”
Herheartpounded.Twopleasescombinedwithhisdeep,caringvoicewasahardcombinationto

fightoff.

Shestruggledtostaystrongandnotlethispersistencechangehermind.Ifshelethimin,she’dlean

intohiseverywordandforgetaboutthehurthisinterviewhadcausedher.

“Sela?”
Tears pooled in the backs of her eyes. She bent forward, then forced herself back. His amazing

words from yesterday played against those she’d read this morning. How could they be from the
sameman?

She’dneverknow.Becausetherealitywashe’dbegoneafterthewedding,andhe’dneverpromised

hermorethanfunwhilehewasintown.

Sheheardhisfootstepsretreat.Piecesofherthumpingheartbrokeandsplinteredrightalongwith

them.

ChapterThirteen

LukestoodoutsideLuigi’stocatchhisbreath.Thecrispnightairclearedhislungsmuchbetterthan
thestuffyrestaurantsthey’dbeenprogressivelyvisitingduringtherehearsaldinner.

Tonight,Cascade’srestaurantrowhadbeentakenoverbytheWattersandFosterfamilies,out-of-

townweddingguests,andspecialfriends.Lukeleanedagainstaplanterboxandcheckedthebattery
onhiscamera.This“unofficial”jobmightbehismostchallengeyet,as,accordingtoVanessa,hehad
tophotograph“anyoneandeveryonewhomatters.”

TheonlypersonwhomatteredtoLukewantednothingtodowithhimanymore.
God,howhe’dmissedher.ThepastfourdayshadbeenhellwithSelaavoidinghimandfindingany

excusetokeepherdistance.Thisevening,she’dstayedjustoutofreach.

Shaneslippedfromtherestaurantandsidledupbesidehim.“Dude,Ineedyourhelp.”
“What’stheproblem?”
“Kaganisinthereandshelookssohot.”
“Bringheraglassofwater.”
“Shutup.”Hepushedhimintheshoulder.“I’mgoingoutofmymind.”
“Youtellingmeyourcharmisn’tworkingonher?”
“Crazy, right?” He ran a hand through his hair. “She only wants to be friends. I said, perfect—

friendswithbenefits.Shesaidwhenpigsfly.”

Normally, Luke would laugh his ass off, but his best friend looked genuinely upset. “So set your

sightsonsomeoneelse.It’snotliketherearen’totherwomeninthistownwillingandeagertobeat
yourdisposal.”

“Speakingofthat.”HeeyedLukeupanddown.“Youknow,Ireallyshouldshutyouup,givenwhat

you’vedonetomysister.”Hemadeafistandrubbedhisotherhandoverit.“Mybabysister,youass.
Ithoughtwewereclearonthis.”

LukestaredatShaneanddidn’tknowwhattosay.Whathadhedonebesidesfallinlovewithher?
“Ever since that article came out, she’s been moping around. Even winning the Hunger Wars or

ChocolateGamesorwhateverit’scalledwithErinhasn’thelped.Whatwentonwithyoutwo?Imean,
Iknowyouagreedtosomekindoftrucewithherbecauseofalltheweddingstuff,butitwasmore
thanthat,wasn’tit?”

Thatdamnedarticle.WhenLukehadconsentedtomeetwiththeeditorialdirectortoanswerafew

morequestions,hehadn’tbeenpreparedforhisaccidenttobemadepublic.Ittookhimbysurprise
andpissedhimoff.TheEDhadbeenonthejobforfivemonths,atransportfromAtlantawhohad
donehishomework.

Onthedefensiveatfirst,Lukemayhavealienatedtheguy.Butthenherealizedthatthepeoplewho

matteredalreadyknew—andtheystillhadfaithinhim.Theydidn’tthinkhimanylesscapableandit
didn’tmatterwhatanyoneelsethought.ThankstoSelaandthewayshemadehimfeel,hedidn’thave
anythingtobeashamedof.He’drelaxedandtoldtheEDthat,buttheguyobviouslydidn’twantanice
storyaboutalocalboycominghomeandfallinginlove.Theguywantedtostirupsomecontroversy.

He’d taken Luke’s words out of context and didn’t let Luke finish his responses. Luke knew the

second Sela read There’s no settling down with Sela Sullivan, she and others would interpret it the
wrong way. He’d gone on to explain to the reporter how there was no settling down because he
wantedtoexploretheworldwithher.Haveadventureswithher.Makealifewithherthatwasfarfrom
ordinary,whethertheystayedinCascadeorlivedsomewhereelse.

“I’ve tried to talk to her,” Luke said. “But she’s ignoring me. I was misquoted in that article. The

truthis…”Helookedathisfriendforalongmoment.“ThetruthisI’minlovewithyoursister.”

Shanescratchedthestubbleonhisjaw.“Likefornow?Orforforever?”
“I’mthinkingforever.”Lukeliftedthecamerastrapbackoverhisheadincaseheneededhishands

todefendhimself.

“Shit,dude.”Shanegrippedtheedgeoftheplanterbox.“Thisisbad.Reallybad.”
Lukegulped.He’dknownShanedidn’tapproveandhell,hecouldn’tblamehim.Littlesisterscame

withastaythehellbackwarninglabel,didn’tthey?

“Notreally.”Lukeloosenedhisshirtcollar.“Yoursister ’smadeitclearwhereIstand.IjustfeltI

owedyouthetruth.Restassuredshe’llsettledownwithsomeaccountantordoctorandhavethewhite
picketfencerighthereinCascade.”

Itstungthatsherefusedtotalktohimaftereverythingthey’dshared.Butifshewantedtobelieve

theworst,letherbelievetheworst.Itwouldmakehisleavingeasier.Forher.

“That’sjustit.Sure,shewantsthat,but—”
Vanessasteppedoutoftherestaurant.Sheheldabouquetmadeoutofbowsandribbonsthatshe’d

usedduringtheweddingrehearsal.Hersmilelitupthestreet.OnherleftarmwasTeague,hergrin
infectious.OnherrightarmwasSela.Herbeautifulsmileknockedhimcompletelyoffbalance.

He’dnevergetoverhersmile.
“Luke!Takeapictureofus,wouldyouplease?”Vanessaasked,hervoiceamelodyheimaginedall

brides-to-bepossessedthenightbeforetheirwedding.

“Sure.”Hepushedofftheplanter.
Thegirlspressedtogether.Lukefocusedonaclose-upandsnappedthepicture.
“Letmegetonemorewithyouoverhere.”Hemotionedforthemtostandinfrontoftheplanter

boxofredflowers.

Sela’sbarearmbrushedhisasshesteppedaroundhim.Hedrewinabreath.Sodidshe.Theyboth

froze,butasplitsecondlaterVanessahadtuggedSelabesideher.

ThegirlshuggedasLuketookacoupleofshots.Morepartygoersexitedtherestaurantbehindhim,

animatedconversationintrudingonhisthoughts.

Thetight,sleevelessblackdressSelaworelookedamazingandhewantedtotakehersomeplace

privatetotellherso.

Vanessakissedhischeek.“Thanks.”
Teaguekissedhisothercheek.“You’rethebest.”HelookedatSela.Hergazeflewtosomewhere

overhisshoulder,atinynodtheonlyacknowledgment.

Hewatchedherwalkaway.
“Youhavetotellher.”
LukehadforgottenShanewasstillstandingthere.Heturnedhisattentiontohisfriend.“How?She

wantsnothingtodowithme.”

“Hell,Idon’tknow.YouknowIavoidsentimentalstuff.ButIwantmysistertobehappyandyou

makeherhappy.”

“How do you know that?” Luke nodded to some cousins from Michigan. Looked like the entire

partywasmovingontothenextrestaurant.

“She just gave you the come get me look.” Shane patted him on the shoulder. “Jesus, for a guy

who’sgotwomenfallingathisfeetallovertheworld,youareclueless.”

Becausehe’dneverpaidcloseenoughattentiontoawomanbefore.He’dnevergottenfartherthan

thelet’shavefunlookandthathadalwaysbeenhowhelikedit.

“NotsureIshouldputalotofstockintowhatyou’resaying,consideringthesource.”
“Uptoyou.Butrememberwhobeatyouforpromking.AllbecauseIknowhowtoreadwomen.”

Hetookasoberingbreath.“Here’sthedeal.You’rethebestguyIknow.Yeah,itfreaksmeoutalittle
thinkingaboutyouandmysister,butIcouldn’taskforanyonebetterforher.Untilafewdaysago
she’dbeenbouncingaroundtownlikeadifferentpersonandI’mguessingthat’sbecauseofyou.I’ll
forgiveyourtransgressionifyoumakemeapromise.”

IttookLukeaminutetoanswerbecausesomestupidemotiongotstuckinhisthroat.“Okay.”
“Thinkaboutmakingyourhomehere,atleastpartofthetime.”
Lukehadalreadythoughtaboutthat.“Done.”
ShaneslunghisarmaroundLuke’sneck.“Great.Nowlet’sgoeatsomequesadillasandfindmea

woman.”

Theywalkedintotherestaurantandsplitup.Lukehadpicturestotakeandbehindhiscameralens

hecouldthinkbetter.HisplaneleftforChileintwodays,buthisheartwouldbestayinginCascade.
Hehadtofigureawaytoensureitssafekeeping.

Withthehiredphotographerdoingaproperjob,Lukeenjoyedgatheringpeopletogetherforfun

and candid shots. Vanessa and Hayden dazzled guests with their energy and constant focus on each
other.Luke’sparentslaughedandtouchedeachotherlikeyoungpeopleinlove.Sela’sparents,too.
Hecapturedthosemomentsnumeroustimes.

Whenhefinallyfoundtheonesubjectthatconvincedhimtherewasmoretolifethantravelingthe

globetakingpictures,hisfingerstingledwithnervousenergy.

Sela threw her head back and laughed. He focused on her profile and snapped a picture. She

coveredhermouthwithherhandandwhisperedsomethingtoErin,thenliftedonebareshoulderand
rubbedherchinagainstit,hergazealmostreachinghim.Heclicked.Andclicked.Andclicked.Every
moveshemadeenthralledhim.

Luke roamed around the room, his eye behind the camera, until he got close enough to hear her

conversation.Thesoundofhervoicedidcrazygoodthingstohim.

“Ladies?Apicture?”heasked,unabletokeephisdistanceanylonger.
TheygatheredaroundSela,andLukehadtoconcentrateongettingeveryoneinthepicturewithher.

Themomentafterthecameraflashed,thetravelingmariachibandseparatedhimfromthegroupof
women.Boisterous“saluds”soundedfromthebar,andVanessalinkedherarmwithhistosteerhim
towardanotherpartoftherestaurant.

Dammit.He’dbeenasecondawayfromtalkingtoSela.Helookedoverhisshoulder.Shewatched

himthroughthecrowd,herlipsslightlypartedlikeshewasabouttomouthsomething.Heraisedhis
eyebrowsrightasalargemanblockedhisview.

Athousandobstaclescouldstandinhisway.BeforeheleftCascadehe’dtellSelahelovedher.He

justneededtomakesureshebelievedit.

…

Sela looked around Crem’s at all the happy faces and swallowed the thickness in her throat. She
bumpedVanessa’shipandsqueezedherhand.“Ican’tbelieveyou’regettingmarriedtomorrow.”

Vanessa squeezed back. “I can’t either. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me.

Wishmeluck.”SheletgoofSela’shandandsheandHaydenwalkedtothefrontofthebakerywhere
Meredithhadsetupatablewithchampagneandtoastingglasses.

Mr.andMrs.Fostergreetedthemwithhugsandkisses.Thefoursometurnedtotheirstandingroom

onlyguests.

“Thankyouallforcomingtonight,”Mr.Fostersaid.“Iadmitwhenmywifedecidedtomakethisa

progressivedinner,Ihadmydoubts.Buttherestaurantshavebeenamazinglysupportiveandthefood
topnotch.SoI’dliketothankthemfirstandforemostformakingthisanightwewon’tsoonforget.”

Cheersandapplausesounded.Afewwhistlesandwoots.
Acameraflashed.SelawilledherselftokeephereyesonMr.Foster.
IfsheevenglancedinLuke’sdirection,she’dlosewhatlittlewillpowershehadleft.She’dmissed

himsomuchthesepastfourdays.

“I’dliketothankPaulaandReedforwelcomingusintotheirfamilyandhostingtheweddingon

theirpropertytomorrow.Istoppedbyearliertodayandletmetellyou,it’sgoingtobespectacular.”

Selaclappedalongwitheveryoneelse.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught movement. Luke. He appeared to be inching closer with

sidestepsmeanttobenonchalant.Afewmorezigsandzagsamongthecrowdandhe’dbeatherside.

Crap.Shehadnowheretogo.Apropermaidofhonorwouldn’tmissasecondofthespeeches.
Andifshewerehonestwithherself,shedidn’twanttomissbeingclosetohim.She’davoidedhim

allnight,caughtbetweenherdesiretobewithhimbeforeheleftforChileandherpride.

Asusual,herheartandheadwereatoddswitheachother.
Crem’semployeeswovethroughtheroompassingoutsmallglassesofchampagne.Sheaccepted

oneandthenfocusedbackonMr.Foster.

“Hayden. Vanessa.” Mr. Foster put a hand on his son’s shoulder and looked adoringly at both of

them. “There’s a quote I like to recite. It goes ‘there is no more lovely, friendly, and charming

relationship,communion,orcompanythanagoodmarriage.’”Hepaused,lookeddownatthefloor,
andpursedhislipsbeforeresuming.“ForalmostthirtyyearsI’vebeenblessedwithagoodmarriage.
Ahappymarriage.Loveisn’talwayseasy,butitissimple.Respecteachother.Bekindtoeachother.
Listen.Knowyoucanspeakfreelyandtheotherpersonwon’tjudge.Andmostimportantly,Hayden,
rememberthesetwowords:you’reright.”

Everyonelaughed.
“Vanessa,”Mr.Fostercontinued.“Wecouldn’thavepickedamorewonderfulgirlforoursonto

fall in love with. Thank you for making him happy.” He kissed Vanessa’s cheek, then raised his
champagne glass. “To Hayden and Vanessa. May their life together be full of romance, laughter,
and…”HelookedatMrs.Fosterandtheybothsaid,“Children.”

“Here!Here!”echoedaroundthebakery.
Selatookasipofherchampagne.Shewipedahandunderneathhereye.
“Hey,”Lukewhisperedinherear,hisbreathticklingherneck.“Youokay?”
“Fine.”
“Nicespeech.”Hestoodcloseenoughthattheytouched.
Sheranbloodpressurenumbersthroughherheadtodistractherfromhisbodyheatandbeachand

barsoapscent.Onetwentyovereighty.Onefortyoverninety.Eightyoversixty.“Verynice.”

“Youlookbeautifultonight.”
“Luke.Please.”Shecouldn’tdothis.Wordslikethatafteraspeechlikethat.Shewantedthings.Big

things. Forever things. And Luke wasn’t the forever kind of guy. He wasn’t the shout-it-from-the-
rooftopsguyeitherandwasn’tthatwhatshereallywanted?Amanasgutsywithhiswordsashewas
withhisactions.

“Pleasewhat?I—”
“Shh,”shesaid.“Yoursister ’sabouttotalk.”
Hurryup,Vanessa.
VanessaandHaydenlinkedarmsandsurveyedthebakery,loveandexcitementplaintoseeontheir

elatedfaces.Vanessabeamedatherfuturein-lawsasshethankedthemandtheguests.“Nextwewant
tothankourbridalparty.Ifyouallwillcomeuphere,wehavesomethingspecialforeachofyou.”

SelatookquickstridestoreachVanessa.Haydengaveouthandleddarkwoodencases—pokerchips

sheguessedfromthesizeandshape—andVanessahandedoutsmallblueTiffanybags.

“Thankyou,”shesaid,huggingVanessa.
“Openthem,”Vanessasaid.
A collective sigh sounded from Sela and the other girls when they pulled out small silver heart

pendantnecklaces.

“I hope you’ll wear them tomorrow.” Vanessa clasped her hands and brought her elbows to her

sides.“Thankyouforbeingthebestbridesmaidsever.

“Lastly,wewanttothankyou,MomandDad.”Vanessaraisedherflute.“Youhavemadethisdream

ofminecometrue,andIloveyousoverymuch.Cheers.”

“Cheers!”Selaandtherestoftheroomshouted.
Afteronemoresipofherchampagne,Selaputitdown.Sheranherfingersoverthependantand

liftedthechainsoshecouldwearit.

“Allowme.”Lukebrushedherhairtothesideandoveroneshoulder.Hisfingertipsleftatrailof

tinglesandsheshivered.Hishands,bigandstrongbutgentle,liftedthenecklace.Withoutthinking,
shetiltedherheadtotheside,exposingherneck.

Hisfrontmadecontactwithherback.Hismouthhoveredatherearlobe.Herbodymeltedagainst

his.“Doyouknowhowharditisformenottokissyourighthere?Orhere?”Hiswordsscorched
herskinashislipsmovedfromhereartohercollarbone.

Hedrapedthenecklacearoundherneck.Sheheldthependantinplaceonherchestwhileheworked

ontheclasp.Heseemedtobehavingdifficulty,soshetiltedherheadforward.

“You’vegotmeshakinglikeaschoolboy,SelaSullivan.Ithinkaboutyoueverysecondofevery

day.Iwanttostripyououtofthisdresssobadlyithurts.”

Oh, God. She wanted that, too. But it didn’t change anything. The simple fact remained he was

leavingtownaftertheweddingandwhoknewwhenhe’dbeback.Heletgooftheclasp.

She tugged slightly on the pendant to be sure it was secure and spun around. “Thank you,” she

whispered.

Heangledhischindownanddamnifshedidn’tforgetshestoodinaroomwithseventy-fiveother

peoplewhenshelookedintohisemeraldeyes.“Canwegosomewhereprivateandtalk?”heasked.

“I…Ican’t.”Shesteppedback,hernervesscatteringinahundreddifferentdirections.
“Look,I—”
“Sela!” Paula approached with lines etched around her eyes and mouth. “We need you. Dan’s

brotherJimishavingdifficultybreathing.”ShetookSela’sarm.

“Didyoucall911?”sheasked,followingrightbehindPaula.
“Wedid.Anambulanceisonitsway,buthelooks…Helooks…”
“Likehe’sabouttoburst,”Selasaid,findingJimsittinginawoodenchairagainstthefrontwallof

Crem’s.Onehandpulledatthecollarofhisdressshirt,itchinghisneck,theotherwasbracedonhis
knee.Hiswifestoodbesidehim,hereyeswidewithfear.

ToomanypeoplewerehuddledaroundJim.“Luke?”Selasaid,andheimmediatelyknewwhatshe

wantedbecauseheclearedpeopleaway.

ShekneltinfrontofJim.“Itlookslikeyou’rehavinganallergicreactiontosomething.”Hisface

wasbeetredandswollen.

“I’mhabbingdithicultybeething,”Jimsaidbetweengasps.
“Canyouopenyourmouthforme?”sheasked.
Sure enough, Jim’s tongue had swelled. She undid the top buttons of his shirt. His chest was red,

too.“Thishasneverhappenedtoyoubefore?”

Jimshookhishead.
“Okay, Jim, just relax as much as possible. You’re having an anaphylactic response, probably to

something you ate.” She looked up at Paula. “Can you find out if anyone has an EpiPen on him or
her?”

“EpiPen,”Paularepeated.
“Yes.”SelatookinJimagain.“Anyabdominalpain?”

Henodded.
“These are all normal symptoms of anaphylaxis and once the paramedics get here and give you

epinephrine,you’llstarttofeelbetter.Hangintherejustalittlewhilelonger,okay?”Shesqueezedhis
arm.“Thisisn’talife-threateningreaction,andyou’llbebreathingeasiersoon,Ipromise.”

He blinked through puffy eyes. Sela glanced around. Luke had engaged most of the onlookers in

quiet conversation. She couldn’t find Vanessa and Hayden and closed her eyes in thanks. Better that
theyenjoyedtheendoftheirpartythanbeworriedaboutJim.

“Howisthispossible?”Jim’swifeasked,wringingherhands.
Sela cast what she hoped were sympathetic eyes at Jim’s wife. “Allergies can happen at any time.

There’softennorhymeorreason.Foodallergiesaren’tascommoninolderadults,butithappens.
Didhetakeanynewmedicationthisevening?That’salsoatrigger.”

“NotthatIknowof.”
Jimshookhishead.Hescratchedhisupperarm.
“NoEpiPens,”Paulasaid,rushingback.
“That’sokay,”shesaid.“Theambulanceishere.”Redlightsflashedoutsidethewindow.“Youdid

great,Jim.”

TheparamedicshurriedintoCrem’sandtookover.Jim’swifegaveherabighug.“Thankyou,”

shesaid.Anddamn,thatfeltgood.Tobethepersontohelp,tokeepJimcalmandbreathing,toputthe
smilebackonhiswife’sworriedface.

Sela backed away and bumped into someone. She didn’t have to turn around to know who. The

magnetismbetweenthemwouldn’tletupnomatterhowhardshetried.

“Nicework,”Lukewhispered.
“Thanks.”
“He’llbeokay?”
Touched by the concern in Luke’s voice, she turned around. Everything he’d told her about his

accident,andtheunspokenthingsshe’dfiguredoutforherself,flittedthroughhermind.Herstomach
clenched.Everytimeshethoughtabouthisinjury,orpossiblefutureinjuriesonthejob,herinsides
buckledandherheartphysicallyached.Ifanythingeverhappenedtohim…

“Hey.”Heliftedherchin.“Areyouokay?”
Sheblinkedawayherworries.“I’mfine.AndJimwillbefine.Ihavetogo.”Shetwistedanddashed

outofCrem’s.

“Sela,wait.”Lukefollowed,butshedidn’tstop.
Herheelsclick-clackedalongthesidewalk.Thesoundsofpeopleandemergencyinstrumentsand

funandlifequieteduntilsheroundedthecornerandallsheheardwasthepoundingofherhearton
theemptysidestreet.Shestoodstill.

Luke’swarmhandslandedonhershoulders.Sheleanedbackagainsthischestandfeltthetempoof

hisheart.

“I came to a realization tonight,” she said. “I love being a nurse more than I love being anything

else.”

He wrapped his arms around her and stayed quiet. Her body softened, dissolved into his. In this

position,hisfronttoherback,shecouldtellhim.

“I’mJane.I’mthesinglegirllivinginCascadewritingaboutloveandlife,andIthoughtIwantedto

writeforanationalpublicationoneday,butIdon’t.Idon’twanttohidebehindapersonaanymore.I
don’twanttobethisgirlandthatgirl.Iwanttobeme.”

Luke’sbreathinghitched.“Iloveyou.”
Shespunaround.“What?”
Hiseyesshonewiththekindofsparklereservedonlyforfairytales.“Iloveyou.”
“Buthowcanyou?Yousaidyoudidn’twanttosettledownwithme.”
“That was taken out of context. What I meant was, with you, I’m not settling. I’m on the greatest

adventureofmylife.”

Herlegsshook.“Youcan’tloveme.Yourjobisdangerousandyoudon’tlivehereandyouhave

womenalloverthesidelines.”

One corner of his mouth lifted into a sexy smirk. “Again. Taken out of context. I never said

anythingaboutme.AlthoughwhenImentionedCascade,Imeantyou.Athleteshaveaccidentsallthe
time, too, you know, and trust me, a woman would much rather give some TLC to a professional
athletethanaprofessionalphotographer.”

Iwouldn’t.
Butthiswastoomuch.Shestartedtohyperventilate.
“Sela?”
Shewavedherhandsinfrontofherandtookafewverydeepbreathsin.Out.God,howsheloved

him back. But could she stay behind when the chance always loomed that he might not come back?
Couldshelivelikethat?Wonderingandwaitingtohearhisvoice?

“I’msorry,Luke.”
Heregardedherwithsuchintensityittookeverythingshehadtoadd,“Please,justletmego.”

ChapterFourteen

“Youmaykissthebride.”

Lukeclickedhiscamera.Underthelargewhitecanopy,theoceaninthebackdrop,greenerywith

white,red,andpinkrosesdecoratingtheplatform,theunscriptedceremonypicturesmightbesome
ofhisbestworkyet.Overthepastfewweekshe’ddiscoveredheenjoyedtakingstaticphotosasmuch
as he did those in motion. Athletes on the go gave him an adrenaline rush, but the challenge of
catchingthatonepreciousmomentinaperson’sexpressiongavehimsomethingmore—fulfillment.

VanessaandHaydenbrokeapart,guestsrosetotheirfeet,thepianoplayerhitthekeys.Lukeputhis

camerabackaroundhisneckandwatchedHaydentuckVanessa’sarminhisfortheirwalkdownthe
aisle.

HetookastepforwardandcamefacetofacewithSela.Hesmiled,turned,andgaveherhisarm.
Shelookedstunninginapalepinkstraplesschiffongownwitha,whatdidErincallit,sweetheart

neckline.Hedidn’tcarewhatitwascalled.Itaccentuatedhercurvesbeautifully.

They’dbeenciviltoeachotherallday,puttingVanessaandtheweddingbeforetheirrelationship.

Anditwasarelationship.Themostpassionate,interesting,importantrelationshipLukehadeverbeen
in,andheplannedtoproveittoherlaterdespitewhatshe’dsaidtohimlastnight.

They walked down the white runner, sparks skittering on his arm where they touched. The cool

oceanbreezepickedupherfloralscentandfilledtheairwithherfragrance.Hetookadeepinhale
throughhisnose.Guestssmiledatthem,lightlytouchedtheirarmorshoulder.Selaseemedrelaxedin
hishold,herbodycontenttobenexttohis.Gratitudefilledhim.

Sandstretchedoneithersideofthemwhentheyreachedtheendoftheaisle.Totheirleftwasthe

giantreceptiontent,totheirrighttheguestswho’dstartedtomingleafterrisingfromtheirceremony
seats.Theywentstraight,throughtheFrenchdoorsofhisparents’housetogatherwiththerestofthe
weddingparty.

SelaflewatVanessathemomenttheywereinsideandembracedherwiththekindofaffectionthat

made Luke’s heart swell. “Congratulations, Mrs. Foster.” Then Sela hugged Hayden before turning
backtohim.

Hertwinklingeyesandslightlypartedpinklipsmadehispulseleap.Theurgetokissherthreatened

every ounce of control he had left. Even though it had been days since they’d kissed, he could still
tasteher.Andhewantedmore.Somuchmore.

Screwit.WithVanessaandHaydendistracted,hesteppedforward,broughtherflushagainsthim,

andkissedher.

She kissed him back before pushing him away. Her eyes wide now, the twinkle turned to flames.

Herchestroseandfell,matchinghisownraggedbreathing.Hereyelashesflutteredasshecomposed
herself.Shelookedlikeshewasabouttosaysomethingwhentherestoftheweddingpartyfiledinto
thelivingroom.

Forthenexthourtheyposedforpictureswithoneofthehiredphotographers.Beingontheother

sideofthelenswasn’thisfavoriteplace,buthecarriedon.

NottoodifficultwhenSelastoodinthesameshot.
Theweddingcoordinator,atall,dark-hairedwomanwhohadtheuncannyabilitytobescarceone

momentandthenpresentthesecondshewasneeded,clappedherhandsandannounceditwastimeto
headintothereception.

Asplanned,theyassembledoutsidethetentandwaitedforthebandtoannouncetheirentrance.Sela

stoodquietlybesidehimwithherhandsathersides.Hetouchedhispinkiefingertohers.Shedarteda
sidewaysglanceathistorsoandreturnedthegesture.

Babysteps,Luketoldhimself.
Each coupled bridesmaid and groomsman entered the tent one at a time in front of them. “You

ready?”heasked,justbeforeitwastheirturn.

“I’mready.”
Thebandleaderannouncedtheirnamesthroughhismicrophone.
Luketookherhand.Hewantedeveryonetonoticethemandcontinuetospeculateastheystrodeto

theperimeterofthedancefloortojointheothers.

Both sets of parents were invited inside next. With the wedding party in place, the bandleader

mentionedsomethingaboutmarriagesmadeinheavenandthensaid,“Andnowforthefirsttime,I’d
liketopresentMr.andMrs.HaydenFoster!”

VanessaandHaydenenteredtheroomtocheersandapplause.Theytooktothedancefloorfortheir

firstdance.

Largecrystalchandeliershungfromtheceiling.Stringsoftinywhitelightsfannedoutfromeach

one,lightinguptheroomwithawarmandfestiveglow.Lukeliftedhiscamerafromaroundhisneck
andtookpicturesofVanessaandHaydenastheystartedthewaltz.

“Thosedancelessonsreallypaidoff,”LukesaidtoSela.
“Theydid,”sheanswered,adreamytoneinhervoice.
When the waltz music died down and the percussive rhythm of the rumba started, that was the

weddingparty’scuetojointhebrideandgroomonthedancefloor.Lukeputhiscameradownonthe
nearesttableandtookSelainhisarms.

They didn’t immediately fall into an easy routine. Luke sensed Sela holding herself back, not

givingintothemusic.Orhim.Hebroughtherclose,whispered,“Relax,”andfinallytheyfellintothe
sensualmoves,theirhipsrotatinginperfectsync,theirstepsfluid.Lukestareddeepintohereyes.She
staredback,andheforgothimselftothemusicandthecoupling.Helosttrackoftheotherdancerson
thefloor,thehundredsofguestssittingatroundtables.Hisonlyconsiderationwasthemostbeautiful
womanintheroom.

Forwardandback,sidetoside,hetookherwithhim.Whenheguidedherfromtheclosedtoopen

positionandthentwirledher,hersurprisedsmiletookhisbreathaway.

“Whatwasthat?”shesaid,alittlebreathless.
Damnhewashappyhewasn’ttheonlyoneaffected.“AlittlemoveIthoughtI’dthrowinthere.Nice

spinonyourpart.”

“Thanks.ThrowinadipnexttimeandImightbeimpressed.”
“Isthatachallenge?”
“It’swhateveryouwantittobe.”Herwiggletookonaspicierflairandheatspreaduphisbody.
Heflickedhiswristandspunhertohisright.“Why,MissSullivan,areyouflirtingwithmeagain?”
“Again?”Shealmostgrazedhischestonthereturntotheneutralposition.“I’vebeendoingmybest

tokeepyouatarm’slength,Mr.Watters.”

“Andwhyisthat?Alittlecommunicationandwecouldresumeallthefunwe’vebeenhaving.”
Shekeptupashequickenedthepacejustabeat.“Funisn’tallit’scrackeduptobe.”Hershoulder

bladetensedunderhisfingers,andheregrettedhischoiceofwords.

Sela was much more than just fun—hell, she knew that. He’d told her he loved her. But today he

meanttokeepthingslight.Hedidn’twanttoscareherawayagain.“Ah,butit’sagreatstart.”

“Towhat?”
“More.”Hetwirledheragain,broughtherbacktohischest,andthenbecausehenevercouldresist

achallenge,leastofallfromher,dippedher.

Hereyeswidened,herlipsparted,thetinyheartnecklaceVanessahadgivenherslippedaroundher

neck.

Applausesoundedfrombehindhim.Hescoopedherupwitheaseandlaunchedrightbackintothe

one-two-three-fourstepsthey’dlearnedtogether.

“Lookslikewe’vegotsomefans,”hesaid.
Shechuckled.“Show-off.”
“Waituntilwedothechickendance.Thenyou’llreallyseesomemoves.”
Herfull-blownlaughtermadehisheartsmile.
“Weinviteeveryonetocomeonuptothedancefloor,”thebandleadersaid,themusicchangingtoa

TopFortybeat.

Within a minute the dance floor filled with young and old alike. Given his family’s history with

Cascade,everyonewhohadbeeninvitedhadshownup.Theentiretownhadprobablyshutdownin
honoroftoday.

“MindifIcutin?”Shanesaid,comingupbesidethemandwinkingatLuke.ShanestoleSelaaway,

movingintothecrowdwiththeirarmsraisedandbodiesswaying.TheyjoinedErin,Teague,anda
coupleofHayden’sfriends.

Lukesteppedbackoffthedancefloorandretrievedhiscamera.Hesurveyedtheroomtobesurehe

wasn’tmissinganimportantphotoop.AndtomaybecatchsightofSela.

“Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethatdancejustnow.”Hismombumpedhisshoulder.
“Iknowwhatyou’rethinking,andItakebackmyoriginalhesitancewithdancelessons.”
“That’snotatallwhatIwasthinking.”
“YouandDadlookedprettydamngoodoutthere.Don’tthinkIdidn’tnoticeyoutwo.”
Hismomexhaledandchuckledatthesametime.“Youaresofullofit.Theonlypersonyounoticed

wasSela.”

Lukestayedquiet.SincetheirconversationaboutSelaweeksago,hehadn’tmentionedanything.
“She’snotsurewhattodowithyou,youknow.”
“I know.” He saw the struggle in Sela’s cheeky expression one moment and elation the next. But

tonighthe’dputanendtothat.Tonighteveryonewouldknowthetruthabouthisfeelingsforher.He
pushedasidethepossibilitythatshewouldrefusehimasecondtime.

“Vanessatoldmeyou’vegotaplantoremedythat.Itwasniceofyoutoaskforherapproval.”
“Itisherday.”
“Andyourlastchance.”
Heturnedtohismom.She’dalwaysbeenabletoreadhim,alwayscalledhimonhiscrapwhenhe

was younger. This time, though, she wasn’t reprimanding him but rooting for him. Her warm tone
andbrighteyesdidn’tdoubthecouldpullthisoff.

“Thinkshe’llgoforit?”heasked.
“Thatalldepends.”Hismombrushedhistuxedojacket,straightenedhisvest.
“On?”
“Onhowwellyousellit.ButifwhatIsawonthedancefloorisanyindication,Ipredictyou’llland

rightwhereyouwanttobe.”Hismomkissedhischeek.“She’saluckygirltohaveyou.Andyou’rea
luckymantohaveher.”

“Luke!”Erinshoutedfromthedancefloor.
Hismomwalkedawaywithasmileonherfaceashegavehisattentiontohissister.
“Getyourassouthereandbringthatcamera.Shanetriedtobreakdanceandjustsplithispants!”

…

Selarubbedtheblisteronherfootandcursedheroccupation.Sheneverworeanythingbutscrubsand
athleticshoessoitwasnowonderherheelshadrubbedherskinraw.

Vanessahadtoldhertowearthepinksatinpumpsaroundherapartmenttobreakthemin,butshe’d

forgotten. She’d also told her to wear waterproof mascara and she’d forgotten that, too. As of late,
she’donlyhadonethingonhermind—Luke.

Helovesme.
Herkneeshadwobbledwhenshe’dfirstlaideyesonhimtoday.Hewasincrediblyhandsomeinhis

tuxedo. The crisp black suit, silver vest, white shirt—her very own 007. His hair had gotten longer
overthepastfewweeksbutwasGQcombed,hisfaceclean-shaven.She’dwantedtocrawlinsidehim
andstayforever.

Maybe the blister was a blessing in disguise. It gave her a chance to sit by herself and think. The

roomsmelledlikeaflowershopandlookedlikeacastleballroom.Tall,gorgeoustopiariesmadeof
silverurnsfilledwithredrosesandstephanotisstoodonallthetables.Hundredsoftinywhitelights
twinkled, and giant sandstone planters overflowing with ivy and pink and white roses decorated the
outeredgesofthetent.

Thesalmonandfiletmignondinnerhadmeltedinhermouthlikebutter.Conversationamongthe

weddingpartyhadflowed.Luke’skneehadbrushedhersonmorethanoneoccasion,andeverytime

herpulserompedthroughherveins.

He’d told funny stories about his travels while they ate. Reminisced with his sisters about their

childhood.Selahadn’tbeenabletotakehereyesoffhim.Hemightbearockstarinthephotography
world,butathomehishumblenessandaffectionforhisfamilyprovedhimtobeamanofdepthand
gratitude. She had never realized until tonight that behind his stoicism was someone who lived to
makeadifferenceinotherpeople’slives.

She’d never acted on impulse until the past few weeks. Never been bold enough to jump on a

motorcycleorskinny-dipintheocean.He’dgiftedherwiththesethings,andshe’dneverforgetit.

“Maidofhonorsarenotallowedtositalone,”Vanessasaid,ploppingdownbesideherandshaking

Selafromherthoughts.

“Andbridesarenotsupposedtobewithouttheirgrooms.Where’sHayden?”
“Bathroom.Iwasjusttherebytheway,andIreallycouldhaveusedyourhelp.Doyouknowhow

harditistopeewhenyou’vegottoholdupallthismaterial?”

Selalaughed.“Sorry.Findmenexttime.”
Vanessaletoutadeepbreathandlookedovertheseaoftablesandpeopleandlightsandflowers.

“Youknow,thisisthefirsttimeI’mabletolookaroundandtakeitallin.”

“It’sprettyspectacular,”Selasaid.
“Yeah.”Vanessaputherelbowsonthetable,herchininherhands.“Itis.”
TheysatinsilenceforafewminutesandgladnessfilledSela.Shelovedthatafteralltheplanning

andhoursspenttogethergettingreadyfortoday,thetwoofthemcouldenjoysomepeaceandquiet
together.Thismightbethemomentsherememberedbestofall.

“It’salmosttimetocutthecake,”Vanessasaid.“Smooshornosmoosh?”
“Well,IsuggestyouletHaydenfeedyoufirstsothathecan’tretaliate,andIsaysmoosh.Thenyou

cankissitoffhim.”

“Oh,Ilikethatidea.HaveItoldyoulatelywhatanawesomemaidofhonoryouare?”
“Youcouldtellmeonemoretimeifyoureallyneedto.”
Vanessaturned,putherhandsonSela’sshoulders,andsaid,“Thankyouforbeingthebestfrienda

girlcouldaskforandamaidofhonortoputallothermaidsofhonortoshame.”

Selahuggedher.That’sallshe’dwanted,wasn’tit?Tobethebestmaidofhonorpossible.
“Comeon.”Vanessastoodandledhertowarddessert.“Let’sgetthiscakebusinessoutoftheway

soIcantossthebouquetandthengetoutofherewithmyhusband.”

Sela took one look at the cake and her mind raced back to the tasting with Luke at Crem’s. The

playfulness,thetinglesthatshotupherarmwhenhismouthgrazedherfingertips.

“I’mthinkingmaybeIcouldfeedyouyourpiece.”
Startled by the husky sound of Luke’s voice in her ear, Sela jumped, but kept her attention on

VanessaandHayden.“Luke.Donotsneakuponme.”

“Ididn’t.Youwerejustlostinthought.Thinkingaboutanythinginparticular?”
Shenudgedhimawaywithherelbow.Heknewdamnwellwhatshewasthinkingabout.“Keepyour

distancewiththecake.”

“I’llskipthecake,then.”

Ohmy.Howonearthwassheevergoingtogetoverhim?“Shouldn’tyoubetakingpictures?”She

watchedHaydenputthefirstpieceofcakeinVanessa’smouthwithoutadropoffrostingoutofplace.

“Goodidea.”Heswitchedtophotographermode,snappingpicturesandanglingforthebestshot.
Vanessa took a huge piece of cake and smeared it all over Hayden’s mouth. The guests whooped

andhollered,allinfavorofVanessa’sdisplay.Haydengrabbedheraroundthewaistandpulledher
closeforakiss.Shedidn’tprotest,kissingherhusbandbackandlaughingatthesametime.

Selasteppedawayfromtheaction.
“Hey.Whereareyouslinkingoffto?”Erinasked,handsonherhips.
“Justtheladies’room.”
“Oh.Okay.Don’tbetoolong.”
“Won’tbe.”Sheturnedonherpainfulheelsandtookoffforthehouse.
Onceinsidetheguestbathroom,sheshutthelidonthetoiletseatandploppeddown.
Her shoulders fell and her chin dropped. How was it possible to be so happy for her best friend

whilesomiserableforherself?Asmall,gold-scallopedframewithapictureofLuke,Vanessa,Erin,
andTeaguesatonthemarblecountertopnexttothesink.Sheflippeditover,thenburiedherfacein
herhands.

“Theacheinyourheartwillgoaway.Theacheinyourheartwillgoaway,”shemuttered.
Someonepoundedonthedoor.
“Sela.Getyourbuttouthererightnow!”
Shejumpedupandopenedthedoor.“Whatisit?What’swrong?”Vanessa’surgenttonescaredthe

crapoutofher.She’donlybeengoneafewminutes.Whatcouldhavehappened?

Vanessa took her hand. “You know that year we watched the Emmy’s and the lead actress winner

wasinthebathroomwhentheyannouncedhername?”ShedraggedSelaoutofthehouseandback
towardthereception.

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Yourattendanceisrequired.Likenow.”
“Did I win something?” Sela scrunched up her nose. She didn’t know about any prizes being

awarded.Mustbesomethingthebandhadplanned.

Vanessagaveaquicklookback.“Yes.Yesyoudid.”
The second she walked through the flaps of the tent and saw Luke up on stage, her stomach

plummetedtoherfeet.HiseyeslockedonhersasVanessaledhertothedancefloor.Shefeltevery
othereyeatthereceptiononher,too,andtriednottoshake.

Heheldapieceofpaperinonehand,amicrophoneintheother.
“Nowthatthemaidofhonorishere,itlookslikeIcanstartmyspeech.”Luketurnedhisgazeon

thehundredsofguests.“Thankyouallforcomingtoday.Iknowitmeanstheworldtomyparentsand
sistertohavefamilyandsomanyfriendssharethisspecialoccasionwiththem.WhenVanessatold
meIneededtogiveaspeechasthebestman,IhadmydoubtsastowhetherIcoulddoitjustice.But
theninspirationhit.AbeautifulinspirationthatI’llgettoinaminute.”

Selagulped.Lukeshineduponstage,likethebrighteststarinthegalaxy.
“First,I’dliketotakethisopportunitytosaywhatanextraordinarydayit’sbeen.Mom,Dad,you

reallyoutdidyourselves.LetshavearoundofapplauseforPaulaandReed.”

Luke glanced at his piece of paper. “Next, I’d like to acknowledge that both sets of parents have

done an excellent job raising two amazing people. Vanessa, you are gorgeous inside and out and
Hayden is a very lucky man to have you. Hayden, I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our
familyandknowyou’lltakegoodcareofmysister.

“Totheushers,it’sbeenapleasuregettingtoknowyou.Tothebridesmaids,youlooklovely.Erin

and Teague, you are especially appreciated. Thank you for everything you’ve done to make this a
specialtimeinVanessa’slife.”

HiseyesscannedthecrowdandthenlandedbackonSela.“Thereisonebridesmaid,however,who

Ineedtoaddresspersonally.WithVanessa’spermission,IhavesomethingI’dliketosaytothemaid
ofhonorinfrontofallofyou.”Heletgoofthepaperinhishandsoitfloatedtothestagefloor.“And
Ididn’tneedtowriteitdownbecauseitcomesstraightfrommyheart.”

Sela wobbled, butterflies filling her head. She was pretty sure everyone could see her heart

practicallypoundingoutofherchest.

Hearit,too,sincetheroomhadgonedeadsilent.
“Sela.”OhGod.Justhernameonhislipsandshewasagoner.“Ididn’tdorightbyyoutenyears

agowhenIliedandsaidsomeawfulthings.Thetruthwasyourkissknockedthewindoutofme.It
stilldoes.AndIdidn’tsetthingsrightwhenmywordsweretwistedinarecentnewspaperarticle.

“Thetruthiswhenwetouchit’sbetterthananythingI’veeverknown.WhenI’mwithyou,it’slikea

tidalwave—widespreadandoverwhelmingemotioncrashesovermeandIwantnothingmorethanto
putasmileonyourgorgeousface.

“Youchallengemeandexciteme.Youmakemewanttoputdownroots.Youmakemewanttobea

betterman.ThebestmanIcanbe.Iwanttobeyourfavorite‘goodmorning’andyouronly‘good
night.’”

Atearslippeddownhercheek.
“I have fallen madly, deeply in love with you, and I hope you don’t mind that I included most of

Cascadeinmydeclaration.”Hehandedthemiketothebandleader,jumpedoffthestage,andheaded
towardher.

Joy, surprise, and elation collided inside her and more love than she’d ever imagined pulsed

throughherveins.

Amidst applause and shouts of good wishes, she met Luke in the middle of the dance floor. He

kissedherlikenooneelsewasintheroom.

“Damn you’ve got an irresistible mouth,” he said, coming up for air. That mischievous gleam

sparkledinhisimpossiblygreeneyes.“Youshouldholditagainstmemoreoften.”

She laughed and followed him as he tugged her out of the reception, his hand firmly wrapped

aroundhers.Behindhersheheardtheannouncementforthebouquetandgartertosses.Gratefulthe
weddingmarchedonwithoutahitch,shehurriedtobealonewithLuke.

Hetookhertothedirtpathwaythatledtothefrontofthehouse.Shrubsfilledwithyellowflowers

oneithersideofthenarrowwalkgavethemsomeprivacy.

“I have something for you,” he said, letting go of her hand and pulling a box out of his pocket.

“I’vehaditforafewdays.”Heopenedtheboxanddroppedaringintoherpalm.Thethinbandwith
aquamarinestonesmatchedthestyleoftheothersshewore.

Emotionchokedher.
“IaskedoneofthenurseswhenLiam’sbirthdaywas,”hesaidwithwarmthandcompassion.
Selasliditon.“Luke,it’sperfect.”Shelookedup.“Youhavenoideahowmuchthismeanstome.

Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.”
“Youknowwhatelseisperfect?”Shetracedafingerdownanduptheinsideofhisvest.
“God,Ihopeyousayme.”
Thecornersofhermouthlifted.“You.”
Hetookherhandandkissedherknuckles.“Doesthatmeanthere’sayouandme?”
“Definitely. I love you. I love you so much.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed

along his jawline. “We’ve got some things to figure out, though. For starters, I’m scared, Luke.
Scaredthatyou’llgethurtagain.ButIknowlifeisshortandI’dratherspendtherestofmineloving
youthannot.”

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthatandI’vegotafewideas.”God,shelovedthewayheheldherclose.

Hecouldthrowoutanyideahewantedandshe’dagreefromthisposition.“First,I’mthinkingabout
openingastudiohere.WattersPhotography.”

Shepulledbackslightly.“Really?Areyousure?”
“ImademyescapefromCascadewhenIneededto.AndI’vemadeanameformyself,awayfrom

anyfamilyinfluence.Butnowmyworldiswhereyouare.Thesunwakesandthemoonsleepswith
you.HomeisyouandIhavemissedithere.”Heliftedhishandsohisthumbgrazedhercheekandher
heartdidajig.

“Whatelseareyouthinking?”sheasked.
“Well,whenItravelforagig,there’softenamedicalprofessionalincludedaspartoftheteam.It

wouldn’tbeoneveryjob,butI’mallforacertainnursebeingatmysidewheneverpossible.”

Selabouncedupanddown.“Thatwouldbefantastic.”
Lukelaughed.“I’mgladyouthinkso.”
“I’ve got something to tell you, too, but you have to promise to keep it a secret.” She glanced

around to be sure nobody was lurking in the bushes. In a small town like Cascade, and gossip a
favoritehobby,Selacouldn’tbetoosure.

“Afraidsomeone’seavesdropping?”Lukewhispered,cantinghisheadsohislipsgrazedherneck.
Flutterseruptedinsideher.
“I’mpassingJaneon,”shesaidsoftly.“ToCandaceBrewer.”
“Interesting,” Luke said in a gentle tone before smiling and adding, “You know what this means,

don’tyou?”

Sheshookherhead.
Lukescoopedherup.Shegiggledandonceagainputherarmsaroundhisneck.“Itmeansyouare

allmine,MissSullivan,andwhateverdaring,crazy,naughty,inappropriate,wildthingsyouwantto
do,I’mallyours.”Hekissedherthen,slowandsexy,andthewordsVanessasaidtoherthatdayatthe

wishingwellfloatedthroughhermind:Your heart’s got to be in it, or it definitely won’t work. Sela
thankedherluckystarsthatthewishingwell’sguardianknewherhearthadalwaysbelongedtoLuke.

CASCADEGAZETTE

Extra!

July7

LukeWattersandSelaSullivancaughtintheactagain,thistime

duringtheFourthofJulycelebration.

Thetwosomecan’tseemtogetenoughofeachother.

Cananengagementbefaroff?

Rumorssayawinterweddingcouldbeintheworks.

Otherssaythetwoplantoelope.

Whatevertheydo,restassuredyou’llreaditherefirst.

Inothernews…DidyounoticeShaneSullivanandacertainwaitress

gettingcozyduringthefireworksdisplay?Towhichwesay,friends

our*ss.

Acknowledgments

Hugethankstomyawesomeeditor,StacyAbrams,whoscoopedmeupandmademehers.Iamso
blessedtowriteforyou.YouknowIstickforlife,right?

Thankyoutomyfantasticassociateeditor,WendyChen,whoknewexactlywhatIneededtomake

thisstorybetter.It’ssuchapleasureworkingwithyou!

Thankyou,JulieGardner,forreading,supporting,talking,laughing,andlistening.Yourfriendship

means the world to me. To my fellow Entangled author, the funny and wonderful Samanthe Beck,
thankyouforyourkindwords,yoursmarts,andyourincrediblesupport.Iwillforevertreasureyour
friendship. To another fellow Entangled author, Hayson Manning, thank you for reading my first
draft and falling in love with Luke, for giving me feedback in just the right places, and for always
makingmelaughoutloud.Youareagemandyourfriendshipisapreciousgift.

Many thanks to the whole Entangled gang, in particular my publicists, Tara Gonzalez and Kym

Roberts,andtheincrediblegroupofauthorswhosesupportisunmatchedandtrulymakesmefeela
partofsomethingspecial.

Thank you Stella Balogh and Jennifer Jovis, the winners of my Goodreads “Name a Character”

giveaway. Stella Muloway and Mrs. Witt (Tildie) are two characters made so much more special
becauseofyourinput.Thanks,ladies,foryoursupportandkindness.

Thank you Leilie Javan, MD, for answering all of my medical questions—and being a great

cheerleader.Iappreciateitverymuch.

Really, there are no words to do this next thanks justice. Hugs, kisses, and special thanks to my

husbandforhisamazingsupport,love,andconfidenceinme.Youaremyhero.

Andtoeveryonewhohasreadmybooks,thankyou,thankyou,thankyou!

Mwah!

AbouttheAuthor

RobinBielmanlivesinSouthernCaliforniawithherhighschoolsweethearthusband,twosons,and
crazy-cuteminiLabradoodle,Harry.Whennotattachedtoherlaptop,shecanalmostalwaysbefound
withhernoseinabook.Shealsolovestorun,hike,anddiphertoesintheocean.Writingisadream
cometrue,andshestillpinchesherselftobesureit’sreal.Sheisalsotheauthorof

WorththeRisk

and

YoursAtMidnight

fromEntangled’sEverAfterline.

Visitheronline:

robinbielman.com
Twitter@RobinBielman
Facebook.com/robinbielman
Goodreads.com/robinbielman

Findyour

Bliss

with

RealMenDon’tQuit

byColeenKwan

His warm breath stirred the hair at her temples. “I’m uncontaining right now.” Lifting his hand, he
brushedthebackofhisfingersacrosshercheek.“Andallbecauseofyou.”

Hisfeatherytouchhadhertingling.Shegulped,amazedhecouldaffecthersomuchwithsolittle.

Thesparkinthedepthsofhisblackeyeshintedhewasexperiencingthesameresponse.Sheleaned
back,moisteningherlips,waitingfortheinevitable—forhimtolowerhisheadandkissher.

Buthedidn’t.Instead,hetrailedhisfingersthroughherhair,liftingthestrandsonebyone.“Your

hair…I’ve been racking my brain trying to find the right description for it. It’s like fire and
marmaladeandcranberry.Sosoft,too…”

His caress transfixed her, the sight of him fondling her hair more erotic than she could have

imagined.“Um,mostpeoplejustcallmecarrottop.”

“Huh.Thatdoesn’tdoyouanyjustice.”
Hetangledhisfingersaroundthebackofherhair,tippingherfaceup.Hegentlyskimmedhislips

downthelengthofherexposedneck.Shecaughtherbreathashotsensationsrolledthroughher,the
feelofhislipsexcitingher.Withhisbodypressingupagainsthersandhisfingerstwinedthroughher
hair, she was at his mercy, but instead of using his advantage, it seemed he wanted to tease her,
tantalizeher,controlherandthesituation.

Shewasn’tusedtothemancallingtheshots.Ifithadbeenanyoneelse,shewouldhavetiredofthe

gameandtakenover.ButLukewasdifferent.Withhim,itwasexcitingtoallowhimtheupperhand.
Ashecontinuedhisleisurelyexplorationofherneckandearlobes,shefeltherselfmelting,givingin
tohim.Shecoastedherhandsoverhischestandshoulders,achingforhismouthtocrushhers,but
willingtolethimsetthepace,fornowatleast.

Using his hips, he nudged her into a better position and wrapped his free arm around her waist,

bringing the full length of his body against hers. She traced the outline of his torso, relishing the
tautnessofhismuscleuntilherhandsrestedonhiships,theurgetopullhisshirtoutofhiswaistband
almostirresistible.Lukelickedtheundersideofherjaw,thewetflickdrawingagaspfromher.

“What are you doing to me?” she whispered, her desperation growing, her rules against making

outnowadistantmemory.“Thewayyou’renuzzlingmyneck,Icouldswearyou’reavampire.”

He chuckled, mouth still nestled against her throat. “Tyler, you have a very kissable neck. It’s

enoughtoturnanyoneintoavampire.”

Shesqueezedhiswaist.“Ihaveotherkissableparts,youknow.”
Straighteningalittle,hegazeddownather,eyesbrilliantasjet.“AreyoutellingmewhereIshould

kissyou?”

“Onlyifyou’relookingfordirections.”
“Angel,I’mnotlost.I’mtakingthescenicroute.”

Findyour

Bliss

with

HisReluctantRancher

byRoxanneSnopek

DescastacautiousglanceatZach’sexpression.Maybeitwasokay.Sosheknewmoreofhishistory
thanshewascomfortablewith.Thatdidn’thavetomeananything.Hewasjustaniceguywhocould
usealittlecomfortandLordknewshecouldstandsometensionrelief.Butitwasn’ttoolate.They
weren’tinvolved.Therewasnoreasontheycouldn’tstillhaveagoodtimetogether,withoutanyone
gettinghurt.Maybeitwastimetotestthewaters.

Sheclosedherlaptop,pushedherplateaway,andstoodup.“Comewithme.”
Herubbedahandoverhisface.“Whereto?”
“Justshutupandfollowme,okay?”Shesmiledandtuggedhissleeve.“Noarguments.”
He seemed empty after his outburst and he trudged after her wordlessly. She led him to the barn,

wherehe’dshownherthekitten.

Butwhentheyreachedit,shenolongerrememberedwhatevershe’dbeenthinkingofwhenshefirst

grabbedhishand.Sheslammedthedoorbehindthem,thenshovedhimtothewallandpressedherself
tightlyagainsthisbody,holdinghishands.

Hiseyeswidened.“Des,”hesaid,hisvoiceraspy.
“Shutup,cowboy.”Keepinghereyesonhim,sheslowlybroughtherlipstohis.Theinstantthey

touched,shefeltaquakerunthroughhimandpassintoher.Atsunamiofsensationsroaredoverher,
his lips, cold from the outdoor air, then warm, then hot. His tongue, sending sparks up, down, and
sideways.Hisarms,sostrong,hisembracewideenoughtoholdevenagirlwho’dneverletherself
be caught. She felt the connection between them like a lightning bolt, shared knowledge, desperate
fellowtravelersdownalonely,rockyroad.

Zach kissed, she thought dimly, like a starving man, grabbing and enjoying and remembering

againstthedaywhenthefeastwasgoneandhewenthungryagain.

Damn,damn,damn!Whatwasthis?Desstruggledtoslowherbreathing,butitfeltsogoodinhis

armsthatshepushedwhateverthatmightmeantothebackofhermindandreveledinthewarmthof
hisembrace.

Shehadnoideahowlongtheystoodthere,neckingliketeenagers,tastingandtouchingandteasing.

Butshecouldhavestayedforever.

Findyour

Bliss

withthesenewreleases…

DesirebyDesign

byPaulaAltenburg

Eve Doucette is thrilled to finally have landed her dream job of designing Halifax’s new City Hall.
Thatis,untilahandsomearchitectsweepsintotowntocommandeerherblueprints.MattBrisonjust
wantstodohisjob,butthensparksflybetweenhimandhisnewcolleague.Beforetheyknowit,their
alreadyshakyfoundationmightbeabouttocomecrumblingdown…

TemptingCameron

byKarenErickson

For Cameron McKenzie, resident good girl Chloe Dawson has always just been his younger sister
Jane’s best friend. It isn’t until Jane’s wedding that Chloe reappears in his life—and the beautiful
womannowtemptshimbeyondreason.Chloe’salwaysdreamedofafuturewiththedark,brooding
Cam, so she makes him an offer: one sweet summer romance with no strings attached. This good
girl’sreadyforanadventure—onethatjustmightlastalifetime.

FallingforHerFiancé

byCindiMadsen

DanielleandWeshavebeenbestfriendssincecollege,andsowhenWesneedsadateforhissister ’s
wedding and Dani needs a partner for her company’s retreat, they devise the perfect plan: a fake
engagement to get through both events unscathed. But neither expects the feelings that develop.
Puttingtheirfriendshiponthelineisdangerous,butsoispassingupachanceattruelove…

Document Outline

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
CASCADE GAZETTE
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Find your Bliss with Real Men Don’t Quit by Coleen Kwan
Find your Bliss with His Reluctant Rancher by Roxanne Snopek
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