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  The corners of his lips turn up just a bit, like he knows he’s getting to me. As I force my body to sway to the slow music, I can’t keep my eyes off his plump lips. When his tongue glides across his bottom lip, wetting it, something inside of me takes over and I lean in, pressing my needy mouth against his.

  His hands that were grasping my hips move upward, fingers tangling into my hair as he deepens the kiss. I can taste the beer on his breath and it mixes with his strong, sweet scent, causing my head to feel like it’s floating away from my body. I wrap my hands around his neck while our bodies continue to move to the beat of the music. With every brush of his tongue, with every nip his teeth deliver to my bottom lip, my head gets further and further away. I’m not thinking about anything other than taking him back to my place for the night where I can forget all my troubles and get wrapped up in only him.

  I pull away and our eyes lock, both of our chests heaving from the kiss. “You want to get out of here?”

  He offers up a cocky grin. “Where we going?”

  I play coy by pulling my eyes away and shrugging. “My place…that is, if you want to.” I bite my bottom lip, waiting for his answer.

  His callused hand lands softly on my jaw, tilting my head back until my eyes meet his. “Are you sure?”

  I can’t keep my smile from forming when I look into his dark eyes that have a fire burning behind them. “Absolutely.”

  The whole ride home, my stomach is in knots and my heart is pounding. I don’t know if I’m nervous or excited. This isn’t the first time I’ve brought a guy home after drinking, but this is the first time I’ve brought this guy home. A guy who had a thing for my best friend. Quickly, I wonder if Vesper would mind, but then I think of how happy she is with Liam and dismiss the thought completely.

  I park my truck and climb out just as Tyler pulls up behind me. He shuts off the lights and climbs out, slowly closing the distance between us. He grabs me by the hips, pulling me against his body as he presses my back against the bed of my truck, his lips finding mine. His tongue slides into my mouth and I thrust my fingers into his thick, dark hair, pulling him closer.

  His right hand slides down my hip, holding firm at my thigh as he picks it up and pulls it over his hip, where I feel his hardness press against my core. A soft moan escapes my lips, causing him to break the kiss.

  “Are we going to take this inside or am I going to have to fuck you in a parking lot against the side of your truck?” His dark eyes seem to gleam in the darkness, and his cocky grin is back in place.

  “I’ll take it any way I can get it,” I joke.

  He lets out a soft laugh and rolls his eyes. “Show me your apartment, Amy,” he demands in a hushed whisper.

  I push him away by placing both of my palms on his chest, then turn and walk toward the building with him closely following along behind me. Peeking over my shoulder, I see the darkness of his eyes growing more intense as he slides his hands into the pockets of his jeans, like he doesn’t trust himself to keep his hands to himself.

  I quickly let him into the building, then lead him into the elevator. When he’s standing inside, I reach out and press the button for my floor. I lean against the wall, secretly checking him out. My eyes start on his boot-covered feet, then move up his tight Wranglers and gold belt buckle to his red flannel shirt. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, showing off his tan, muscular forearms.

  “Keep looking at me that way and I’m not sure we’ll make it to your apartment,” he drawls in his deep Southern tone.

  I bite my bottom lip to keep from smiling. “I won’t mind, but my neighbors may not be too happy if they try to get on the elevator,” I tease.

  The elevator dings and the doors open before he can reply.

  I step out and walk down the hallway to my apartment. Taking my keys from my purse, I unlock the door and step inside the kitchen. I drop my purse on the table and when I turn around, Tyler is already directly in front of me. He pulls me against his chest in the blink of an eye, his lips finding mine as he picks me up by my ass and places me on the table. My legs automatically wrap around his hips, pulling him closer.

  His lips move quickly with my own as his hands massage my thighs and hips, then work their way higher to my waist, pushing my shirt out of his way. His hands aren’t the only ones that are greedy. I’m desperately needing to run my fingers over his abs. I want to feel each defined muscle as it hardens with my touch. My hands pull his shirt loose as they make their way up over his belt. I gasp when I finally find his warm, soft skin under his shirt.

  He breaks the kiss, his dark eyes meeting mine as he pulls my shirt over my head and tosses it to the floor. He licks his lips as his eyes take me in. I take a deep breath that makes my chest rise and my breasts press together. Almost like he can’t stand looking at me without touching me, he leans in and presses his lips to the swell of my breast while his hands get to work on unclasping my black lace bra. He kisses and licks and gently sucks his way down to my exposed nipple, causing a loud gasp to escape from my lips.

  My fingers thread into his hair, pulling, but also keeping him right where he is. I need his touch. I need him, so I can forget the awful way I was feeling earlier. I need him, so I can forget everything except for the way he causes my body to buzz, the way he makes my legs shake with need, and the way he leaves goosebumps prickling my skin after he’s run his hand across it.

  He removes his mouth from my chest and sweeps me up off the table in one swift motion. “Where’s your bedroom?” he asks as he carries me through the living room with determination painting his expression.

  “Through there,” I nod my head toward my door in the hallway we’re now walking through.

  He pushes through the door and softly drops me onto the bed. As I scoot my way up the mattress, he stands there, watching me as he slowly unbuttons his shirt.

  I lift my hips to push my jeans down my legs, but he shakes his head. “That’s for me to do. I want to unwrap you like you’re the toy I’ve been begging for, and it’s Christmas morning.” He tears his shirt from his chest, exposing his massive tan chest and climbs his way up my body, pressing his growing erection against my thigh as his lips find mine once again.

  My eyes flutter closed as he kisses me deeply and passionately, his hands pushing my jeans away from my body. I can’t do anything but lie back and enjoy the pleasure he’s bringing to my body as he kisses his way down my neck, chest, stomach, and finally to the junction between my legs.

  His hands massage my ass and hips as his mouth works me over. I feel like I’m on a rollercoaster and the only thing I have to hold on to is the sheet beneath me. He pushes me to the edge before pulling away and leaving me begging for more.

  “Tyler, please,” I beg, fisting the sheet with both hands.

  “Are you begging already, Amy?” He sounds amused. “I’m nowhere near done with you, baby.” He runs his tongue between my folds once again, causing me to jerk with the sensation. “There’s nothing that’s going to pull me away from you until you can’t move another fucking muscle.” When the last word leaves his lips, his mouth is back on me, tongue flicking against my hard nub as he slides his fingers deep inside my core.

  I wake in the morning with a big smile on my face just from remembering last night. I force my eyes to open, straining against the sun shining brightly through my window, watching as the dust dances around like glitter in the early morning light. I pull the sheet tighter around my body and roll over. My heart stops when I find the empty spot next to me. He must have left after I had fallen asleep. I feel a heavy sigh leave my lips as disappointment washes over me. But why? I’ve never been the clingy type. In fact, I usually prefer when a guy leaves without me having to ask. The awkward walk of shame has always been my least favorite part of a hookup. At least this way, I don’t have to worry about asking him to leave.

  I pull the sheet up over my head and sigh, wishing I was happy about this, and completely confused as to why I’m not.
Am I wanting something more with Tyler? I mean, I hardly know the guy. Not to mention, he had a thing for my best friend at one point in time.

  I groan when the alarm clock goes off at my side, meaning it’s time to stop thinking about Tyler and the things we did, and get up and go to work. I toss the sheet from my naked body as I roll back to my side to turn off the annoying beeping that’s coming from the clock.

  Chapter Three

  I pull up to the clinic an hour later. I’m surprised to see that Vesper is already here. I climb out of my truck and walk inside, the bell above the door ringing as I enter.

  “Good morning,” Vesper says from behind the counter. “I’ve already turned on all the computers and shut off the answering service for the day.” She smiles, proud of her achievements. “But the coffee I saved for you, because you make the best!” She points toward the corner that holds the coffee pot for anyone who wants it.

  I laugh and shake my head, dropping my stuff next to the counter and making my way across the room to start up the coffee. “So, what did you do last night?”

  “Nothing much. Liam and I had a quiet dinner at home, then snuggled on the couch and watched a movie. I ended up passing out and he carried me to bed. I think I’m really overdoing it lately with all these jobs I’ve managed to pick up.”

  “Sounds like you need a vacation,” I say, as the door opens. I turn around to find Liam walking in.

  “Who needs a vacation?” he asks, making his way to Vesper behind the counter. He quickly presses his lips against hers before turning to face me.

  “Vesper. She’s basically working three jobs. You should do something romantic and sweep her off her feet on some luxury vacation.” I wink at him as I pass him by, taking my place beside her.

  Vesper laughs shyly. “Are you kidding me? I don’t have time for a vacation. I have a clinic opening, I have work here, and I’m still training the new vet at the ranch. No way can I afford to take off right now.”

  I bump my shoulder against hers. “That’s exactly why you need a vacation. Go away and take some time for yourself. I mean, have you two even started planning your wedding yet?” I look back and forth at the both of them with wide eyes.

  “Not yet…you know, things have just been crazy busy lately.”

  Liam places his forearms on the counter and leans in. “I think Amy has a point, Vesper. Let’s take some time off. You need some rest and relaxation, and we can start planning our wedding, because you know how impatient I am. I want to call you my wife as soon as possible.” He gives her a flirty smile, his blue eyes shining with love for her.

  For only a second, a ping of jealously washes over me. I wish I had that in my life—someone who looks at me and radiates love, rather than someone who’s just interested in a random hookup.

  I take a deep breath and push it all away. I shouldn’t be jealous. This is my best friend. I should be happy that she’s found her other half.

  Vesper leans into Liam, and I get the feeling she wants to talk privately, so I slip through the swinging door, into the back. I flip on the light and lean my back against the wall, needing to give myself a mental pep talk.

  My stomach hurts from the acid bubbling inside. Jealously is an ugly thing. But what am I supposed to do? Vesper has the perfect life. She has a career she loves, she’s about to marry a rich, good-looking man who loves her, and she has friends and family who would do anything for her.

  I, on the other hand, am completely alone other than having Vesper. My mom is drunk every day and would probably starve to death if I didn’t feed her. I can’t find anyone to love, settling for one-night stands instead. And I’ve only recently realized that it’s not my job I love—I’ve just loved spending my days hanging out with my best friend who’s not always going to be able to be here.

  I really need to find what makes me happy in life. I need to grab the bull by the horns and find myself. Maybe if I find my rightful place in life, the whole love and relationship thing will fall into place. Or at least, maybe I wouldn’t be so worried about it.

  When I hear the bell above the door ring again, I walk out to find Vesper alone, going through the appointment book.

  “Where’d Liam go?” I ask, stepping up to her side.

  “He had to get back to the ranch. Something about an important video chat meeting.” She rolls her eyes, dismissing his absence.

  I pull up my stool and take a seat, my mind immediately going back to how I can make my life better. What kind of career should I try to start? Obviously, something I can afford. I don’t have a lot of time between working here and taking care of my mom, so going back to school isn’t an option.

  “Hey, what’s going on? You seem sad,” Vesper says, drawing my attention back to the here and now.

  I shrug. “I’m…” My sentence drops off.

  “What?”

  I look up into wide eyes that hold nothing but worry.

  “It’s nothing,” I mumble, not wanting to tell her I’m unhappy here.

  “Amy, I know something is wrong. We’ve been best friends forever. I can read that expression like a book. Now, tell me what’s going on.” She pulls up another stool and takes a seat, waiting for me to open up.

  I take a deep breath. “Okay, but before I do, I need you to know that none of this has anything to do with you. In fact, I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  She nods once with her brows pulled together in confusion. “Okay.”

  “I just…I’m not happy, Vesper. I’m so jealous of you and I hate myself for it, but I don’t know how to change what I feel. I mean, you have everything. You have your dream career, family, you’re about to get married. And I have…nothing. My mom’s, well, you know. And this…” I look around the clinic and sigh. “Being a receptionist isn’t my dream job.”

  “I thought you were happy here?” She’s not offended, just concerned.

  I shrug one shoulder. “I am. I mean, I was. But it turns out, I enjoyed this job because I loved getting to hang out with my best friend. But now you’re gone a lot with the new clinic opening, and I find myself dreading coming to work. I hate having to sit here while Dr. McStuffy talks down to me. I want a dream job of my own, you know?”

  She nods. “I completely understand, Amy.” She looks a little sad, but then a wide smile spreads across her face. “So, what’s your dream job? What do you want to do?”

  I roll my eyes. “It’s not that easy, Vesper.”

  “Why isn’t it? You’ve got a degree in business. You can basically open any business you want. What’s your dream?”

  I laugh and think it over, opting to play along. “I want to open my own coffee shop and bookstore. How fun would that be? I mean, we don’t have either in town. We have restaurants for coffee, and the nearest bookstore is the big chain store that’s a forty-five-minute drive from here.”

  “That’s a great idea, Amy. Why don’t you do that?” Excitement leaks from her every word and she’s nearly bouncing in her seat.

  “How am I supposed to do that? I mean, I don’t even have the credit needed for a business loan.”

  Her smile grows. “I bet I know a rich guy who would give you the money in a second. You wouldn’t even need a loan.”

  I stand, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. “No. No way.” I straighten my shirt and jeans, needing something to distract me. I move around behind the counter, straightening things where I can.

  “What? Why?”

  “You’re never supposed to borrow money from friends, Vesper. No way could I take your money. I mean, what if something comes up and I’m not able to pay you back?”

  “It’s not my money, Amy. It’s Liam’s, and he has plenty to spare. We can do this the right way. We’ll even set up a specific payment amount and a due date if you want.”

  I shake my head. “I don’t know, Vesper. I mean, that’s a lot to ask. Not to mention, I don’t even have a location.”

  She bounces up to me, placing her hands on my
shoulders and narrowing her eyes on mine. “Just think about it, Amy. Please? You’re my best friend, and I want you to be happy. This,” she motions around the room, “is my dream, not yours. Let us help you.”

  “I’ll think about it,” I say, pulling her in for a hug.

  Spending the day working with Vesper is fun—just like it used to be. It makes me sad thinking that tomorrow she’ll be back at the other clinic and I’ll be stuck with the new vet. When the day’s over, we both head out at the same time. I stand by the door while she arms the alarm and locks the door.

  “Please promise me that you’ll think about it, Amy.”

  I laugh. “I said I would. But if I do decide to take you up on this offer, please let me talk to Liam about it. I want to do this right. I want to find a location and have a whole presentation. I don’t just want to walk up to him with my hand out. Okay?”

  “Whatever you want.” She smiles and gives me a quick hug. “Also, I know you loathe talking about this, but I emailed you a list of free or low-cost rehabs for your mom. I hate to say this, but she’s dragging you down, Amy. If you can’t get her to get help, you may need to cut ties with her for your own sanity.”

  I nod. “I know.” I press my lips together and swallow down all the negative feelings bubbling up my throat.

  “I love you. I just want you to be as happy as I am.” She rubs my shoulder before stepping around me, heading for the new SUV Liam bought her.

  I watch her drive off before I move to get in my truck. I turn over the engine and drive through town. I already know the perfect location of my future coffee shop if I choose to take Vesper up on her offer. I drive down Main Street and park the truck on the side of the road, directly in front of the empty building.

  I look out the window at the brick building, gazing into the dusty windows. A surge of excitement washes over me and I can’t refrain from allowing myself to dream about it. I climb out of the truck and walk up to the window. Cupping my hands around my eyes, I lean in to look inside the building. It’s dark, but I can make out a faint outline of a counter in the back. Already, I can picture the front of the store packed full of tables. I can see the way I’d design it, putting the bookstore area in the back by the counter.