Mia

The ghosts of her past had done it again. They’d wrapped themselves around Mia’s wrists like handcuffs, preventing her from enjoying herself.

She twirled her empty glass of orange juice at the breakfast table, eying Keys, who sat as far from her as was possible. Her pulverized heart felt like someone had taken a mallet to it in the night.

From the second she and Keys stepped into their room last night, until breakfast today, an entire snowbank of icy awkwardness seemed to engulf them. Yet, dancing last night had been so fun. She and Keys had flirted so hard she thought her panties would incinerate. And, Keys was an amazing dancer. His moves were smooth and practiced. He could easily compete on one of those television dance competitions.

But then, when we got back to the room, I reminded him of my ‘rules’ — no sex and no fooling around. Who am I kidding? I’m so horny I could burst into flames. And, Keys is hot, hot, hot.

He hadn’t so much as glanced at her this morning. Right now, he was engaged in an animated conversation with Dante and Heat about some topics she couldn’t quite catch at her end of the table.

They laughed a lot, whacked the table with their palms, and generally seemed to be enjoying themselves.

“Beach party tonight,” Zander, who sat to her right, said.

“Huh?” Mia said, dragging her gaze away from Keys.

“There’s a beach party tonight,” Effie, who sat on her left, chuckled.

“Oh. That sounds fun,” Mia said, glancing at the blue sky, white sand beach, and turquoise ocean through the open window behind Effie. Her attention drifted back to the far end of the table.

Keys and Heat stood and slapped each other on the back, laughing and smiling.

Mia twisted her cloth napkin. I guess those two made up. Now I’m the outsider.

Keys seemed to give her a side-eye, but she couldn’t quite tell. A gush of heat swirled through her body, however, indicating that maybe, just maybe, they shared a whisper of a connection.

“Yo, Zander,” Keys called, pointedly avoiding her.

“Whassup?” Zander said, rising to stand.

“Me and the boys, here, are going to hit the bars. You want to join us?” Keys said.

“Yeah, dude,” Marcos said, pushing away from the table. “Bro bonding is on the menu for the day. We’ve got a few Jeeps reserved. We can off-road it later.”

“Bros and hoes,” Noah said. “That’s where Elijah, me and Sam are headed. Are you in, or what?” He grinned at Zander.

Zander turned to Effie. “Do you mind? I’ll only partake in the libations, not the ladies.”

“What?” Effie’s forehead crinkled into concern. “I trust you. Go have fun with your crew. I’d enjoy a ladies’ day.” She proffered her lips for a kiss, which Zander willingly gave her.

Their kiss curdled Mia’s insides. Envy sliced through her.

“Bros and hoes,” Heat repeated. “I like that idea.”

Mia frowned at Keys. Is that what he’s got in mind? Bros and hoes?

That’s when Keys finally met her gaze. He seemed to convey something like, “You’re not putting out, I may as well get my needs met.”

Mia jerked her gaze away from him. Fine. I guess I set him up for this. A pair of arms circled her from behind, startling her out of her discontent.

“Let’s go out for Girl Time,” Gia said. “Who wants to spend time with all those losers?”

“Hey!” Marcos said. “I’m not a loser.” He turned to face her, tipped her chin up, and planted a juicy kiss on her lips.

Augh! Everyone’s in love except me. A sense of loneliness surrounded Mia like a brick wall. She considered the waves outside, wondering if she should go it alone for the day and give in to the isolation choking her heart.

“No, sweet thing, you are definitely not a loser,” Gia said when she and Marcos had untangled. “I just meant the rest of them.” One of her infectious laughs burbled up from her throat. “We’ll catch up with you at the party tonight. We’ll stop in town and get some supplies since you all will be useless to remember what to get once you get your drink on.”

“Here,” Dante said, striding toward them with his wallet in his hands. Once he stood in front of Gia, he fished out several large bills and handed them to her. “Thanks for doing the shopping.”

“And, thank you, Daddy, for paying for the supplies,” Gia said, an evil glint to her eye.

“Daddy? What? No,” Dante said, shaking his head. “I only…”

Gia chuckled. “Just kidding, boss. Better your money than mine. Besides, I need some of those fancy cowboy boots they make here in Mexico. What are they called? Botas picudas mexicanas?”

Kennedy sauntered toward them. She hooked her hand around Dante’s elbow, and said, “You mean the ones with the five-foot-long toes? Do it! And wear them at the next gig in San Francisco.” She laughed.

“I’ll need more cash.” Gia held out her hand to Dante.

“You get paid enough to buy the factory that makes the boots,” Dante said, scoffing. He leaned toward Kennedy, kissed her lips, and said, “See you tonight, babe.”

“Later, sweetheart,” she said, swatting him on the backside as he walked away.

Watching their display of obvious affection, a twisting knife sensation pulverized Mia’s heart. I’ll never have that. Not with all my rules. Maybe I should loosen up a little. She turned her head, and her gaze collided with Keys.

He stood, several yards away, studying her with a sober, serious expression.

A pulse of heat and energy flared between them. Then, Keys broke the connection, said something to Heat, and they both laughed.

Mia’s cheeks flamed. Are they talking about me?

“Ready?” Gia said, draping her arm around Mia’s shoulders.

“Sure thing,” Mia said, too brightly.

“Then, let’s do this. We’ve got a car with a driver at our disposal. What do you say we get out on the water on a sailboat?” Gia began guiding her away from the dining area.

“That sounds really nice,” Mia said, thinking a day on the ocean might snap her out of her bad mood. “Let me grab my bag, and I’ll meet you in the parking area.”

Their “sailboat” turned out to be a two-hundred and fifty-foot long superyacht called the Alesia V. A wonder in ocean-faring architecture, the yacht had fine-grained polished teak wood throughout, from the dining areas to the private lounges, Turkish rugs, king-sized beds with Egyptian linen and more. After their tour of the yacht by a handsome guy named Julio, Mia and Gia settled down on white leather deck chairs while looking out at the endless sea.

Sipping a glass of Chardonnay, Mia’s mind kept tripping back to Keys, wondering what he was doing to entertain himself.

Gia lifted her bottled water to her lips, took a swig, and said, “So. Has Keys been behaving?”

Mia answered her by blushing hard enough to melt steel.

“I guess that’s a no,” Gia said, lifting one eyebrow.

“It’s so complicated, Gia,” Mia said. She set her wine glass in the laminated white well between the seats.

“Nothing’s complicated with Keys, girl,” Gia sighed, stretching her long legs across the seat. “He’s a hit it and forget it kind of guy.”

“I don’t know,” Mia said, her gut twisting into a knot at the thought of Keys with all those women. “We went snorkeling yesterday, and then we kissed. I’ve never had a kiss that hot. It was pure magic. I’m kinda into him.”

“Come on,” Gia said. “I don’t mean to burst your bubble, but Keys has more experience than fifty exotic dancer dudes throughout a lifetime. Of course, he’s a good kisser. The guy screws women every night we’re on the road. He and Heat are man-whores. He’s been that way ever since Sarah.”

“Who’s Sarah? Heat brought him up the other night, and Keys lost it. Dante had to cool him down with threats.” Mia picked up her sunscreen and squirted some into her palm. She spread a second coat on her legs.

“Yeah. That’s Fearless Leader for you. He’s always putting out fires between those two.” Gia took another swig of water. She eyed Mia speculatively. “I’m not saying don’t have a romp with Keys. I’m sure he’s as good at screwing as he is at kissing. But don’t expect more than that. Sarah did a real number on him. Broke his heart, broke it some more, then stomped on it, and lit it on fire for good measure.”

“Ouch,” Mia said, her heart twisting for Keys. “A few years ago, I went through a pretty rough breakup, too.”

Gia nodded. “Sorry to hear that.” She lifted her gaze to the horizon and grew silent.

Mia waited for her to speak again.

Gia finally broke the silence by saying, “Keys was head over heels in love with Sarah. Completely gobsmacked. He even asked her to marry him.”

A stranglehold of jealousy grasped Mia’s heart and wrung it hard.

“But Sarah was a black widow. She could have had the world. But, no…she wanted to control and manipulate Keys. She treated him like shit.” A sneer formed on Gia’s face. “I hated Sarah. We all did. She almost ruined his friendships with the rest of the band, she was so bitchy and controlling. Finally, after a gazillion torturous breakups, she dumped him, and he never took her back. She tried, though. I think to her it was all a power game. She liked to toy with him to see how far she could push him.”

“That sounds awful,” Mia said, thinking of her and Darion.

“It was. We all suffered. Keys is a good guy at heart. And, talented as fuck. But, after the breakup, he lost himself with easy lays and loads of illegal substances. He’s cooled it with all the drugs, I think, but he still gets drunk. Anyway…” Both eyebrows lifted on Gia’s forehead, and she pinned Mia in place with her sharp-eyed gaze. “Don’t get attached to anything with Keys. He won’t commit. There have been so many girls who thought they were ‘the one,’ but he shoots them all down. Believe me—they’ve tried to get to him through me more times than I can count. All you get is one fun night and a shitload of heartache with that dude.”

Mia reached for her wine, desperate to change the topic from Keys and his babe binges. “I see.” She paused for a minute. “What kind of supplies do we need for the party tonight?”

Gia nodded as if agreeing with the topic change. “Oh, you know…top-shelf tequila.” She let out a guffaw. “That’s about it. Honestly, that’s what I would have suggested a year ago and been happy. Now, it’s water, cola, or a soda for me now that I’m sober. But, let’s see.” She tapped her forefinger against her lips. “We probably need snacks for everyone to sop up the alcohol in their guts.”

“Why didn’t you ask one of the butlers to gather everything?” Mia said.

“Good call. I’m sure they can come up with something good to nibble on. I’ll give them a call when we’re back to shore. They’re already handling the plates and silverware. And, they’ll have paper cups for the booze and so on—probably embossed with gold. Hidden Shores is pretty ritzy with an exclusive clientele. Oh! Have you seen Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost wandering around?” Gia’s face lit up.

“No, really?” Mia said, sitting forward. I’ve been too obsessed with my roommate to notice anything.

“Yes! I’m too chicken shit to say anything to them, but I saw Dante talking to them on the beach. He’ll talk to anyone. His ego is so big he levels all playing fields. No one is above him in the pecking order of the world. In fact, he probably intimidated Scarlett.” Gia laughed. “Anyway, back to supplies. Dante has this tequila that he loves. You can only get it in Mexico. Kennedy pulled me aside and asked me to get it for him as a surprise. Hence, we’ll scour the streets of Cancun to find some.”

The day progressed with Mia’s thoughts continually returning to Keys and his battered relationship with Sarah. I know the feeling. I’m not too keen to start a relationship with anyone, either. Thoughts of him scoring with another woman continually slapped her mind. But, the surge of heat that flooded her body whenever she thought of Keys told her she wanted him, even if it ended badly. It’s been so long since I’ve been with a man I wonder if I’ve forgotten what to do.

By day’s end, her mind was so wrenched with conflicted emotions that she wondered if she could even handle seeing him. She said goodbye to all the other women and exited to her room.

She found Keys sitting on the balcony, staring out at the ocean. Plagued with uncertainty, she timidly crossed the suite and stepped down the stairs to the balcony. “Hello, Keys,” she said, perching at the edge of the wooden deck chair next to him.

He didn’t look at her. “Hey,” he said. A different pair of sunglasses than he’d been wearing perched on his nose. He clutched a bottle of water in his hand. His long legs, covered with blond hair, ending in bare feet, were stretched out on the slats.

“Did you have a good day?” she said, eying his sexy legs.

“Not really. You?” He glanced at her, allowing her to take in his bruised expression for a split second.

She frowned. “What happened?”

“Nothing. Nothing happened. That’s why it wasn’t a good day,” he said, scowling.

“What did you try to do that didn’t happen?” she said, knowing full well she fished for information.

His jaw shifted to the side, and he gave her a vicious-looking side-eye. “What do you think I tried to do?”

His words stabbed her heart. “I don’t know. You were with Heat,” she said, suddenly wanting to be back home in her safe apartment.

“Hence, I was out partying all day, and I scored some pussy, is that the implication?” Keys said snidely.

A blast of anger shot through her. “Look, you’re the one who created the reputation. Of course, I thought that. Why wouldn’t you go do whatever it is you do with Heat?” she said, waving her hands wildly. “The woman you’re rooming with isn’t putting out, so why not enjoy the day?” Tears pricked the back of her eyes.

He turned to face her, but his shades hid his eyes. “I didn’t score with anyone. I didn’t even try. I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

She blinked like a moronic head-case. He couldn’t get me out of his mind?

“I didn’t even go off-roading with the guys. I came back here after lunch. Trevor’s pissed, but that’s his problem.” He tipped his head back and drained his water. Then, he overhanded the plastic bottle into a waste-can near the tub. “Score!” he said. “At least I can do that.”

“You’ve been here all day?” she said, her mind whirring. I could have been back here with him instead of thinking the worst all day?

“That’s what I said.” He removed his sunglasses and tucked them in the case in his shirt pocket.

Mia directed her attention to the sky, trying to calm her temper. The beginnings of a beautiful sunset formed along the horizon, giving the sky a look of magic.

“Are you going to the beach party?” Keys said.

“I don’t know. I’m not in the best mood at the moment. I’m not feeling very social.” She frowned. “I thought of hiding up here. But then Gia will hunt me down.”

Keys snorted. “You know it. Sometimes she’s a pest.”

“Oh, I adore her. She’s a great friend. We had some good talks today.”

“Yeah. Now that she’s sober, she’s good to talk to,” Keys said.

Mia nodded. “And, you should have seen the sailboat we were on. It was a two-hundred and fifty-foot-long superyacht. Next time we all vacation, we should simply stay on the yacht,” she said, forgetting her sour disposition for a minute.

“That sounds nice,” Keys said, eying her with an expression that did all sorts of things to her insides. “I could handle a couple of weeks on a yacht with you. Then, you wouldn’t have to worry about what I might be up to. Because the only thing I’d be all up inside was you.”

Mia inhaled sharply as the flames from this statement licked her soul. “For the record…I thought about you all day, too.” She licked her lips.

Keys’ Adam’s apple bobbed up and down in his throat. “Did you now?” His eyes visibly changed from a broody sulk to a smoldering blaze.

“Yes,” she said, meeting his intense green eyes.

He reached across and brushed his knuckles against her arm. “What do you say we forget the shitty day and go have some fun on the beach?”

“Why not? Just give me a sec to clean off the day and change my clothes,” Mia said, suddenly full of jitters.

“Take your time,” Keys said, with his wolfish smile in place. “I’ll be out here thinking about you removing your clothes.”

She couldn’t stop the grin that formed any more than she could stop the blush that spread up her neck. Quickly, she scurried into the bathroom to shower and shave her legs to silky smooth. That done, she wrapped a towel around her body to head out into the suite and choose something to wear tonight.

Her steps faltered when she found Keys on the bed, propped on pillows, his legs crossed at the ankle, watching her every move.

“I’ve got a great imagination, girl, but I’ll bet the real thing is even better than what my mind can concoct. I’ll bet you with your hands all slick with soap, caressing yourself in the shower is so fucking hot…” He let out a groan. His wicked smile sliced through any protest she might make.

“You’ll still have to dream because I’m not letting you watch.” She sorted through her closet, selecting a gold silk dress with tiny blue flowers on it. The dress wrapped around her torso, revealing skin at the waist, leaving one arm bare and the other arm fully concealed. One of her favorite summery dresses, the garment flowed down her body, with one leg revealed and the other sheathed by ruffles.

“Be right back,” she said, fluttering her fingers at him. She snatched a pair of lacy panties but no bra. This dress didn’t require a bra.

“I’ll be waiting,” he said, his grin spreading wide.

Her hands shook as she donned the garment in the roomy bathroom. She brushed her long hair to sleek perfection, applied some mascara, and dabbed lip gloss on her lips. Then, taking a deep breath, she sashayed out the door.

“Fuck. Me,” Keys said, sitting upright. “You look fucking fantastic.” He threw his legs over the side of the bed and scrambled to his feet. “It’s going to be hard to adhere to your rules tonight, darlin’. You have to know that. You either want to give me a coronary and be done with me or…” He waggled his eyebrows. “Maybe you have something else in mind.”

“We’ll just have to see which way the wind blows, won’t we?” she said, smiling sweetly.

“As long as it keeps blowing, I’m fine with that,” he said. He took her hand and kissed it. “I’ve died, haven’t I? This is the afterlife, and I’m with an angel.”

“I hope you haven’t died. We have a lot of living to do yet,” she said boldly.

“We do, we do,” Keys said sagely. “Let’s get started.” He reached for her hand, laced his fingers with hers, and led her out the door.

As Mia and Keys joined the rest of the group, an enchanting, romantic sunset filled the sky, casting golden and ruby hues. The sand gave way beneath her feet as Mia trekked across it. A full moon rose, illuminating the crashing waves.

Mia wanted to skip along the sand, or jump for joy, or burst into song. She hadn’t felt this free in a long time…maybe ever. The night felt utterly magical.

A pounding bass beat filled the air from hidden speakers. A bar had been set up on the beach, staffed by several Hidden Shores waiters and waitresses, wearing shorts and crisp, white shirts. They each had their hands clasped behind their backs, appearing to wait for instruction.

Dante, Zander, and Marcos busied themselves with building the bonfire.

Kennedy and Effie sat on a log chatting.

Heat, Noah, Elijah, and Sam practically drooled when they looked at her.

Keys flashed a dangerous-looking glare at all of them, and they backed away, like a pack of dogs schooled by their alpha.

“Damn, girl! You look hot!” Gia said, wandering toward Mia and Keys. “She outshines you by a mile, you idiot,” she said to Keys. “You couldn’t change your clothes, too?”

“What would be the point? I’d never come close to matching her beauty,” he said, drawing Mia close with an arm around her shoulder.

Mia threw her arm around Keys’ waist.

Gia’s eyebrows lifted, and she studied Mia, seeming to say, “are you sure you know what you’re in for? Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Mia put out her hand and waved away any concerns. All I want to do is have fun and let go into the moment.

“Okay, ready, Marcos?” Dante said.

“Ready.” Marcos stretched his arm out and flicked a long-necked lighter.

A whoosh sounded as the kindling burst into flames.

Marcos leaped backward. “Dude, how much lighter fluid did you add?” he said to Dante. He held his forearm in front of him and inspected it.

“I might have overdone it,” Dante said sheepishly.

“Do I still have eyebrows left?” Marcos said.

Dante peered at him. “Yep, still there.” He slapped Marcos on the back and grinned. “Would I scorch off your eyebrows? My drummer would tan my hide.”

“Oh, I’d be down for a hairless giant for a week or two,” Gia said, snaking her hands around Marcos’ neck. She pulled him down for a kiss.

Dante cupped his hands around his mouth. “Who’s ready for the first shots of top-shelf tequila?”

Mia joined the rest of the group in a cheer.

“As long as it’s alcohol-free, I’m down,” Gia said, pumping her fist in the air.

One of the waiters began deftly lining up tall fluted glasses side by side along the bar. He picked up one of the bottles of tequila Gia had purchased earlier, now fitted with a pouring spout, and poured the golden liquid into each flute. Then, he carefully balanced shot glasses on the rims of the tall glassware. Next, he took a stack of large beverage glasses and poured a squirt of liquid from what looked like a Jagermeister bottle into each crystal glass.

Heat yelled, “Jager-grenades!” and started chanting, “Pour, pour, pour!”

Everyone took up the chant.

The waiter tipped the stack of glassware horizontally and poured the Jagermeister into each balanced shot glass without disturbing one or spilling a drop. When he got to the end of the row, he flicked his hand, and the shots tipped into the taller glasses in succession with a tinkling sound.

Mia and the others cheered.

The other waiters hustled to set the Jager-grenades on trays and move through the crowd, letting each person take one.

Keys plucked two glasses off a tray and handed one to Mia. “Here’s to magic, gorgeous.”

“Here’s to magic,” Mia said, lifting her Jager-grenade. She hadn’t done shots in a long time. At the same time as Keys, she tipped her head back and downed the tequila. It burned when it hit the back of her throat, causing her to splutter and choke. “Oh my God,” she said, embarrassed, as she lifted her free hand to her face.

“The first one’s always the hardest,” Keys said, snagging two more shots. “This one will go down nice and easy.”

She eyed him warily. “If you say so.”

“Trust me,” he said, a wicked glint in his eye. He handed her the shot. “Ready?” he said, holding his aloft.

She clinked her glass to his. “Here goes nothing.” She tipped her head back again and tossed the liquid into her mouth. Keys was right. This one went down much smoother.

“Good girl,” Keys said, grabbing her hand. “Let’s dance.”

They joined other couples, all dancing around the bonfire. The bonfire had turned into a righteous blaze, cascading into the sky.

A couple of other hotel guests approached Mia and Keys. “Is this a private party?”

“Look around,” said Keys. “I don’t see any walls do you?” He lifted Mia’s hand and spun her in a pirouette.

She laughed, her spirits soaring. The two shots were already making her head spin.

The new guests wandered off, snagging Jager-grenades from the tray of a waiter.

More guests showed up until the party turned into a throbbing mass of people, all partying to the pounding rhythm booming through the speakers.

A waiter snaked through the crowd, and Mia grabbed two more shots. “Here,” she said, thrusting one at Keys.

“Someone’s feeling bold,” he said with a laugh. He took the shot and threw back his head, draining the little glass.

Mia smiled and tossed her drink into her mouth. This shot hit her hard, and her limbs melted. She went with the sensation, giving into the giddy feeling. Crooking her finger, she beckoned Keys to lower his head to hers.

“Yeah?” he said over the din of conversation and laughter.

She pulled him to her and kissed him hard. When she released him, a cocky smile curved the corners of his lips.

“Is that how we’re playing it, Miss Song?” he said.

“Maybe it is,” she said, giving a saucy toss of her head.

He seized another shot glass from a waiter, hooked his free arm around Mia’s waist, and tipped her backward.

She let out a yelp.

Supporting her with his arm, he poured the Jager-grenade into the hollow of Mia’s neck, dropped the glass into the sand, and slurped the tequila. When he’d sucked it all into his mouth, he began to lick and nibble her neck.

Fiery sensations throbbed between her legs. “Oh, Keys, what are you doing to me?” she groaned.

“Foreplay, if I read your signals right,” he said. He tipped Mia’s chin up and dropped his mouth to hers.

Without hesitation, she yielded to the kiss, letting her tongue tangle with his.

All around her, a din of noise added to her intoxication. Lit by the many torches placed in the sand, people talked and yelled. The music blared. Waiters brushed past. And she found herself utterly consumed with Keys’ mouth on hers. She wanted to get closer, even closer to him. Still kissing him, she guided his hands around her rear and jumped up, hooking her ankles around his hips. Oh, God. He’s so hard.

Keys fell on his knees into the sand, kissing her intently amid all these people.

She ground against his erection, so turned on, she thought she might come through all these layers of clothes. Finally easing back, she stared into his smoldering gaze.

He brushed her hair back from her face. Then, his hands behind her back, he eased her down into the sand and spread his body over hers. His mouth teased a trail of kisses along her mouth, her jaw, her throat, and her collarbone.

Eyes closed, her head fell to the side, overcome with the deliciousness of it all. When she opened her eyes, her gaze met Gia’s, a few yards away. Is she shaking her head at me? Zander, who sat behind Gia on a log, burned a hole in her head from his gaze. A wave of self-consciousness rolled through her. When have I ever been this wanton? There are people everywhere.

“Not here,” she whispered to Keys. She snaked her fingers into his soft hair.

“What, beautiful?” he said, lifting his head from her collarbone.

“I’m, um…I’m getting sand in my hair,” she said, feigning an excuse.

“Then, let’s get you out of the sand.” He straightened his arms, climbed to his feet, and extended his hand to her.

She took it and let him tug her upright.

Gripping her hand tightly, he lurched toward the waves which crashed on the shore several yards away. “Let’s go for a swim. You and me. Alone.”

“Not so fast. Let’s dance,” someone to Mia’s right said, grabbing her free hand.

Mia braked her gait and turned to see Zander. “Uh, sure, Zander.”

“Yeah, Keys. Let’s dance,” Gia said, coming up on his other side.

Mia and Keys drew apart, yanked by others’ hands. Her head swam as a wave of alcohol intoxication flooded her system.

“I’ve barely seen you all week,” Zander said as he danced her away from Keys.

Mia craned her head to find him.

Gia had tugged him several yards away. It looked like she was giving him an earful.

“How’s it been going?” Zander said.

“Great. It’s been great,” Mia said, still trying to catch Keys’ eye.

Someone else reached for her arm. “Mia,” Heat said, twirling her in a pirouette. “Dance with me.”

Key will kill Heat if he sees him dancing with me. Mia swirled away and ran straight into Dante.

“Hey,” Dante said. “Care to dance?”

It seemed like everyone was conspiring against Mia and Keys…everyone except her body. Every cell in her system yearned to get back to Keys and finish what they started.

“No, thanks, Dante,” she said, hoping she sounded polite. She shoved her way through the packed bodies, all gyrating to the throbbing beat. Finally, she spied Keys’ tall body ahead. She forced her way toward him. “Keys!” she called.

His head whipped around. “Mia!” He extended his hand to her.

She seized it and let herself be pulled through the crowd until they broke free. “What was that?”

“Total cock-block is what it was. Are you okay?” He ducked behind a white cabana, pulled her close, and placed his hands on either side of her face.

His eyes glittered as he gazed at her, sending swirls and shivers shooting through her core.

“I want you,” he said.

“I want you, too,” she said.

“Let’s finish what we started, yeah?” Without waiting for an answer, he lowered his lips to hers.

Now, at last, she could get what she wanted. And, the only thing she wanted was Keys.

Thankful for her inebriated state of uninhibited courage, Mia stood on her tippy toes to deepen the kiss with Keys.

She opened her mouth to yield to him, letting their tongues wrestle. Their hungry lips devoured one another. The taste of him—tequila and heat—added fuel to the fire burning inside.

Could a kiss really feel this good? With Keys, everything was lightning and thunder… volcanoes and hurricanes, blasting past her resistance.

Keys broke the kiss first. “Let’s take this somewhere private, so we don’t get interrupted,” he said, his eyelids heavy with lust.

“Yes,” she breathed.

He seized her hand, and they jogged toward the lobby, stumbling and laughing, away from all the judging eyes of their friends.

Inside the elevator, Keys backed her against the wall. He nibbled her lips. His mouth trailed kisses along her tender skin, sending shivers through her like he’d set a match to gasoline.

The elevator dinged, and she pushed him backward, out of the lift and into the hall. Her hands fumbled with his shirt, dragging it over his head. Then, her exploration of skin and muscle, heat, and desire continued. She took greedy gulps of air, savoring the masculine smell of Keys. She raked his back with her fingernails.

He welcomed every touch, every taste. His warm hand slid inside the long slit of Mia’s skirt, finding the wetness between her legs.

She let out a moan.

Caressing and touching, they staggered toward their room.

Keys managed to find his keycard, sliding it in and unlocking the door.

They lurched inside the room, peeling clothes away as they maneuvered their way toward the huge bed.

Once they stood at the edge of the mattress—Keys in his boxers and Mia in her lacy underwear—she placed her hands on his solid chest and pushed.

He fell back on the bed like a snow angel, limbs spread wide, laughing. “I knew there was a tiger in there somewhere.” He wriggled up to the head of the bed, propping pillows under his torso. “Come and get me, tigress.” The look on his face was pure primal lust.

She let out a growl and flexed her fingers like claws. A fleeting thought, like a cloud in the wind, fluttered through her brain. When was the last time you had sex with anyone besides your vibrator? She couldn’t remember, didn’t care. Dating anyone since Darion hadn’t been high on her priority list.

“I’ll be like your virgin,” she said, crawling on the bed and settling between Keys’ legs.

“I like the sound of that,” Keys said.

“It’s been a while,” she confessed.

“Not a problem. This all seems new to me, too.” He grinned.

“You’re just saying that,” she said.

“Not kidding. Everything about being with you is new and fresh. How about we both be virgins?”

She scoffed. “You’ve got too much experience for me to fall for that.”

“No, no, let’s pretend. I can be the guy who has read a lot of porn and watched a lot of videos, but I never actually did it before.” He chuckled.

“What, you bought a sex library and spent the last couple of years studying every book on the shelf?” She stroked his powerful legs with her palms.

“Absolutely. I had to be thorough for when the right woman came along.” He placed his hands on her thighs.

“The right woman?” Even though her brain was muzzy with the haze of drink, those words sounded lovely.

“Isn’t that what the songs say?” In his beautiful, throaty voice, he sang, “When the right one…when the right one comes along, oh, oh, oh, oh.”

Her heart burst from her chest like a unicorn set free to prove its existence. For years, she’d been convinced she’d never feel this way…that opening to someone meant inviting pain and abuse into her life again.

“You’re funny,” she said, smiling back at him. Her gaze flitted to his groin, landing on one fine erection. “Let me see…” She slid her fingers under his waistband. “Let me see what you’re packing.”

“All for you, sweetheart. Virgin territory, here.” He folded one arm behind his head.

The corners of her lips quirked. “You with your vast library of knowledge.”

“There’s knowledge, and then there’s experience. With you, every experience, every touch feels brand new,” he said in such a throaty voice, she almost believed him.

A flicker of insecurity wound its fingers around her throat. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to believe she wasn’t being compared to ten thousand others. Don’t go there. Don’t compare. Just take what he offers. This is for fun, right?

Taking a deep breath, she tugged at his boxers, urging them down his hips, and oh, my, god. Could a guy’s penis be this amazing? Long and thick, lined with veins, it looked like something an artist might have sculpted.

But, then, vulnerability clawed its way to the surface. For a second, she thought of closing down, not letting him see her this raw, this open…

As if sensing her distress, he murmured, “Don’t go away, angel. Stay with me.” He studied her with a softness she’d never glimpsed in him.

“You caught me,” she said, reeling herself back into the room. “I feel so open with you right now. It’s a little overwhelming.”

“I get it. Me, too. Let’s be overwhelmed together.” His hot gaze sliced through her fears. “Do with me what you will. I’m yours for the taking.”

“Oh, god.” Her head fell back, and she stared at the ceiling, searching for the courage to continue. Okay. Okay. Seize the moment, girl. For tonight, at least, let go and let him in. Taking a breath of courage, she raised her head and met his unflinching gaze. “I’m going to be the best lover you’ve ever had.”

His eyelids lowered and pure, one hundred percent, undiluted lust stared back at her. “Of that, I have no doubt.”

She urged his boxers from his legs and flung them across the room. Then, she lowered herself between his legs, taking his penis in her hands. “What do you like, Keys? Do you like this?” She let her tongue trail along his throbbing veins.

“That works,” he said in a strangled voice.

She nuzzled his tight balls with her nose, breathing in his musky smell. “What about this?”

“Uh-huh,” he said.

She raked her nails along his thighs and licked the crease of his legs.

“Yeah,” he said. “That, too.” His hands landed on her head. He massaged her scalp with unhurried fingertips, inviting relaxation.

Her tongue lapped along his length. She wrapped her hands around the base of him and took the soft head into her mouth.

He let out a long, “Ohhh.”

Waves crashed outside the window, lit by a half-moon. A warm breeze wafted inside the room from the balcony.

Everything about this moment felt perfect like the universe had split open, revealing a crack through which she could crawl and experience something far greater than the cloistered fear she’d lived in for far too long.

Embraced by the beautiful moment, she licked, and she sucked. She caressed, and she stroked.

Keys moaned and bucked his hips. Finally, he said, “If you don’t climb on and ride me, I’m going to come. And I want my first orgasm with you to be deep inside.”

Her core surged with heat and desire. “How can I resist that invitation? Where’s a condom?”

“Suitcase. Side pocket.”

She scanned the room, finding the suitcase open on the other side of the bed. Sprawling across the bedding, she felt for the side pocket.

Keys’ feet found her backside. He moved them along her rump.

She paused for a moment. “That library where you studied. Where did you learn to use your feet like that?” she said, savoring the warmth.

“Using Feet as Pleasure Tools,” he said. “Chapter twelve.”

“You’ve mastered that chapter,” she said, as he massaged her muscles.

“I’m a good learner. I’ve never had the opportunity to practice,” he said.

“Come on, Keys,” she scoffed.

“I mean it. I get to try new things with you. Now get up here and climb on before I come all over the bed.”

Her fingers found the pocket, and she unzipped. The side pocket was filled with condoms. She plucked a few free. Cherry flavored. Chocolate flavored. Un-lubed. Ribbed. Lubed. Sheesh. He’s got plans to be busy this week. She decided on a “Ribbed for her,” one and scrambled back between his legs.

“I missed you,” he said.

“I missed you, too,” she said, chuckling. She tore open the packet and spread the latex over Keys’ length. Then, she crawled on top of him.

His eyes glinted with desire, matching her own.

He reached down to grab his erection, moving it up and down her folds.

She gasped.

“You like that?”

“Yeah,” she breathed.

Unhurriedly, he took his time as he stroked her, up and down, up and down.

“Are you done torturing me yet? I need you inside me,” she cried impatiently.

He let out a low, sexy chuckle. “Easy, princess. I like taking my time with you.” He fit his tip right at her opening and gripped her hips. “Slide down at your leisure.”

She eased along his thick length, welcoming the sting of her resisting muscles.

“Oh, yeah,” he said, adding a moan of exclamation. “Your sweet little pussy is so tight. Like a virgin.” He chuckled. “Ride me hard, sweetheart. Let go onto me.”

Flooded with pleasure, she began to rock against him.

He reached out and played with one nipple, and flattened the back of his other hand against his lower abdomen so he could flick her clit as she rocked.

Her climax built like the waves outside the window, getting higher and higher. “Keys!” she cried as she milked the length of him with pleasure. “Oh, Keys.”

A feral, lion-looking grin spread across his face. “Fuck, that’s hot.”

When her orgasm subsided, he let go into her, squeezing his eyes shut and crying her name.

After he’d finished, she collapsed on top of him. Her head swam with the alcohol—but her body felt on fire. And all those nice things he’d said to her—about how everything was new with her and feeling overwhelmed. She wanted to believe it but knew it was only the liquor and lust talking. Tomorrow they might forget this ever happened. He might rush off to his next conquest, having scored with her.

Bit by bit, as Keys’ breathing slowed, she fastened the locks around her heart. Finally, fatigue got the best of her, and she drifted off to sleep. But not without tucking tonight’s experience into a secret vault so she could take it out and replay it. Because surely, an experience like this one would never happen again.