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  She felt a rush of giddiness bubbling up. His voice was warm and sincere and she remembered it all too well. She felt nineteen again, only instead of being in a dorm room, she was in a car. In his car, with him sitting next to her and his sexy voice was not asking this time, but telling her what he wanted. Reality could wait a little longer while she wrapped herself up one last time in this wonderful fantasy.

  “Whose home?” she teased.

  “My home, your home, our home, wherever you lead, I’ll follow,” he said without reservation. Her eyes began to get glassy. She had waited for so long for him to say such words, for her to hear them, to believe them, and it didn’t disappoint.

  When she didn’t answer, he took another quick look at her. After noting her pensive expression and watery eyes, he gently placed a hand on her knee. “Look, I know I’m doing a complete one-­eighty from what I said after New Year’s. Holly told me how you helped Amanda with her scheme. I jumped to all the wrong conclusions and I’m sorry about that. You’re under no obligation.”

  It was all too much, too much to hope for. But he was here, saying and doing all the right things. And his hand on her leg burned like a branding iron.

  “Your home,” she murmured and watched his hand as it gave her knee a little squeeze, then slowly began to move back and forth up to her thigh as he sped up to get them there.

  She wasn’t sure where they were going or what to expect when they got there. It was strange to think about how she had spent years obsessed with him but really knew so little about him. If his car was any indication, she imagined their destination would be some sort of outlandish mansion. And she wasn’t entirely wrong. They ended up in the exclusive Northwest Hills, but his contemporary two-story house was far from the most ostentatious on the block. There was no other flashy car vying for attention in the garage, but there was a golf cart.

  “We’re home,” Tyson announced with a grin, and Dani felt another rush, this time of pure adrenaline.

  The house with its open floor plan was neat and spotless, courtesy of a maid ser­vice, if she had to guess. But there wasn’t much by way of decorating. Most of the walls were bare, with the exception of a large flat-­screen TV in the family room. There was also a sectional couch and two recliners with a coffee table in the family room, but the formal living room was barren. So was the dining room. The kitchen had a table and a set of four chairs that looked like they’d never been pulled out, much less used. On the counters sat nothing more than a toaster, a coffeemaker, and a worn old football of all things. But all the wide windows presented spectacular views and provided great natural lighting.

  “You’re really an exhibitionist.” She noted the lack of curtains. “Ever heard of window treatments?”

  He gave a laugh. “When I was getting back into shape after rehabbing, I didn’t see all that much daylight. After a while it got to me. I don’t think I ever fully recovered.”

  She wandered over to the door leading to the backyard. A wide cobblestone patio fed a path over to the enormous pool with a high cascading waterfall and what had to be a fifteen-­foot slide built into the side. The water was crystal clear and the landscaping meticulously maintained. And there was a single piece of furniture, an oversize round lounger, big enough to act as a bed, complete with cushioned pillows. It was as if he lived here, but didn’t.

  “Can I get you something to drink?” he asked her from across the room. “I’d give you the tour, but there’s not much to see. I don’t entertain much anymore.”

  “You host events all the time.”

  “Not here. This is my inner sanctum.”

  So that explained it. She kicked herself for not thinking of it on her own. His wasted days were behind him. And in exchange for peace of mind, he really had forced himself to become a loner.

  “I pretty much bought it as an investment,” he added. “For when I start a family. It needs a woman’s touch for sure.”

  Dani began to worry her lower lip. He already had a family, at least the beginning of one, and because of her, he didn’t even know it. What seemed reasonable and justified at the time now felt the ultimate in selfish. She didn’t want to think about it now. One more night wasn’t going to matter.

  “But . . . but the pool looks great,” she stammered to get them off the subject. “That slide see any action?”

  “Yeah, in rehab I really developed this thing for water. Would you like to go for a swim?” he asked with the beginnings of a most devilish grin.

  “I didn’t bring a bathing suit,” she saucily replied.

  His eyebrows rose in invitation and he took a step in her direction. “This place is pretty private. I never wear one.”

  “Maybe later.” She took a step toward him as well. “I can think of better reasons for taking off my clothes.”

  “Are we really going to do this?” He took his turn with another step, his look beginning to smolder.

  “What’s the matter, you afraid you’re going to get called for a false start?” Dani teased as she took her step.

  “Hmm. You’re worried that I might start before the snap. But in case you hadn’t heard, I have remarkable stats with third-­down conversions.” Even when it was at his expense, he loved her wordplay. He drew closer. “I don’t like to have to turn over the ball.”

  “I think if anything, you may go down by contact,” she sassed from nearly an arm’s length away.

  “This may be the only time in history a roughing the passer call gets declined.” He grabbed her around her waist and pulled her in until she was stopped by the wall that was his chest. Dani stuck her hands in his back pockets and gave his butt a squeeze. His lips brushed hers, once, then twice, and his tongue coaxed her mouth open. It was soft, it was warm, and then he delved inside.

  “If you call time-­out, I’m going to face-mask you.” She giggled when they came up for air. She pulled the skully off his head and tossed it on the counter.

  “You should be way more concerned about holding.” He took her hand and led her purposefully through the house to the staircase. He graciously bowed, allowing her to go first. Then he playfully spanked her all the way up the stairs in an effort to get her moving faster, with her squealing, “Excessive celebration!” When they reached the top and after one more opened-­mouth kiss, he scooped her up into his brawny arms, eager to get to the really fun part, which included watching her face as she came undone.

  He effortlessly carried her down the hallway, past three empty bedrooms and into his own before setting her down. He drew her into his arms again and took several steps backward to get them closer to the bed, with each step giving her another kiss, his lips sliding soft and warm over hers. They stopped at the foot of the bed and he wove his hands into her hair, tilting her head up to look into his eyes.

  “I’ve waited so long for this,” he breathed, his mouth sweeping along her jawline. “A lifetime.”

  She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt in the effort to bring him closer. “Me too. It’s always been you.”

  They separated long enough for him to unbutton her blouse, which he accomplished with little deft flicks of his fingers. He peeled it off her shoulders, bunching up the material as he did so, until it reached her wrists and pinned her elbows to her sides. Feathery kisses that started at her throat moved leisurely down to the tops of her breasts, which were heaving within her bra. He took a minute to nuzzle her until he felt her begin to pull against the restraint with fervent frenzy. He released her and she pulled her arms free of her shirt while he quickly removed his own. Together they reached for his pants and with his hand over hers they undid his buckle and pulled his belt free of its loops and tossed it aside. She reached for him and unbuttoned his jeans and he grabbed her hands again to stay her, pulling them up to place them on his chest. He let them go, and she wrapped them around his neck as he whispered, “Not so fast this time, gorgeous. I wa
nt to get it right.”

  He slowly finishing disrobing her, so gentle with his touch this time; the difference in it brought tears to her eyes. He was unhurried, savoring every caress and inch after inch of her already feverish skin until she was bare. Then he lifted her, and as she wrapped her now-­naked limbs around him, he sat down on the edge of the bed, settling her on his lap. He looked into her eyes like he was recommitting them to memory. He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek. She broke the stare with a blink, then took his hand and kissed the tip of every finger, deliberately, to satisfy his call for them to pace themselves.

  He held up his hand and she did the same until their palms met. He slowly closed his fingers, webbing them into hers. Then he pulled her to him again, and the light smattering of chest hair created exquisite friction against her already taut nipples. She couldn’t hold back the moan or the involuntary wiggle-­like grinding of her sex against his still denim-­covered prominent and increasing bulge. He groaned at the sensation and each of their hands tightened while holding the other’s.

  He lifted her again and deposited her on the bed, then quickly ran into his bathroom to retrieve a condom. He returned with a corner of the condom wrapper between his teeth, unzipped his pants, and finished removing them. He was better than she ever remembered. From the top of his head to the soles of his feet was pure excellence. He was toned and ripped and magnificent.

  “Wait,” she squeaked.

  He halted, dropped the condom into his hand, and his face instantly fell. She had changed her mind. His heart pounded in his ears.

  “I want to look at you,” she said in full appreciation, and suddenly he regretted insisting they take their time. He could feel himself throbbing while he indulged her with several flexing poses. He heard her exaggerated sigh and joined her on the bed.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he breathed in her ear, and his lips nipped at her neck.

  She had called him beautiful once, a long time ago, and through the buzz of her arousal, she recalled it. She lost all equilibrium, stuck between the past and present. But this time the roles were reversed. He was the one in complete control and she was the one wishing they could turn back the clock. But the words he spoke sounded as heartfelt as when she had said them, as was the look.

  “Please,” Dani whispered feverishly.

  “Please, what?” Tyson leaned on an elbow and looked down upon her as his fingers began a sensual tracing in the cavern between her breasts. Back and forth he stroked and coaxed. “Tell me what you want, Dani.”

  I want you to love me. I want you to not hate me for the secret I’m keeping from you.

  “Touch me, Tyson,” she murmured, blinking away building tears, “everywhere.”

  Even the way he fondled her was perfection. His hand cupped her breast with the same execution and precision as he gave his game, only there was no rush to let anything go. When he did release them, it was to move down her belly. By the time he reached her pulsating core, she was sure her skin was sizzling. He shifted and bent her knees, settling between her legs, and he spread them farther apart.

  His scruff teased the inside of her thighs. That alone was enough to send her back arching. And then he kissed her, dead center. His tongue repeatedly brushed over the bud that stood guard to the entrance of her soul and she was soon dripping with nectar. She could hear his words of encouragement to give in and let go. It was too much, emotionally as well as physically, and she couldn’t stop the surge of passion and love from building until she cried out his name repeatedly and squirmed in rhythm with him. He held fast onto her legs as she convulsed against his mouth. He felt her finally go limp and he kissed his way back up her now-­glistening body. He left her momentarily. In a daze, she heard the ripping of foil and through dilated eyes watched him roll the condom over his solid erection, barely able to lift now-­languid arms to beckon him back. All her words were nothing more than breathless pants and mews.

  “I hate to sound selfish, but I wanna see if I can make you do that again,” he said huskily as he took her back into his warm embrace. She weakly placed her arms around his neck and pulled him to her kiss as he sheathed himself to his hilt inside her.

  ONCE ALL THEIR PENT-­UP DESIRE was finally sated, Dani fell asleep cradled in his arms. A few hours later, long after the sun had set, she awoke to the sound of snoring. At first she believed she was having just another one of her recurring daydreams. His deep heavy breathing nearly lulled her back to sleep. But then he rolled over, taking her with him, an arm still wrapped around her, and her eyes flew open wide.

  She was in bed with Tyson. Not in some sleazy motel, but his bed. And this time, by the way he still held her tight, neither one of them was making an escape. Her dreams and reality had finally merged, and she was still reeling (although maybe that was thanks to her first, well several, orgasms that had nothing to do with batteries). Now Dani fully understood what all the fuss was about. The only man she’d ever been with had been well worth the wait. Dani untangled herself and leaned on an elbow to watch him as he slept.

  He was absolute perfection, even in the half-­dark. Better than the untamed college boy ever was, because now he had so much life experience. She couldn’t decide if he really looked better with his eyes opened or closed. In sleep, he appeared adorably innocent, but she was well aware of the royal blue glimmer safely tucked away behind his eyelids. Even the way he snored was endearing. His lips were slightly parted and she fought back the urge to lean over and kiss them, for fear of waking him and breaking the spell. She wasn’t done admiring him, free of having to worry that he might catch her. She didn’t think she would ever get enough. But once he joined her in the waking world, she would once again be faced with what she had done.

  This hadn’t been about mindless sex or making up for lost time. Not for him. It had been about pleasure and connection and caring. It showed in every stroke of his hand and brush of his lips. By the time he was done she knew the true meaning of making love. She felt an overwhelming wave of guilt and remorse wash over her. She thought she had done everything right, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. It wasn’t like she lived a separate life. After he had tossed her to the curb and she began to raise Brendon without him, she’d been justified in keeping him away. During most of her pregnancy she hadn’t even been able to find him. She had thought about trying to at first. But he had fallen off the grid entirely. She remembered waiting with bated breath for the news of his demise, certain that he would eventually self-­destruct. But she could tell in a glance once he returned that he had broken free of the vices she’d held against him, no matter how she tried to convince herself otherwise. Not even a shadow of the man she had been with that night remained. And she’d been afforded every opportunity to do the right thing.

  Who was she kidding? From the moment she heard his name at homecoming she had begun to weave her web of deceit. It disgusted her with just how well she had adapted to it, persuaded by ­people around her who had no problem lying. Do what you have to when clawing your way to the top—­that had been the mantra of many of those who, much like herself, were determined to succeed. She had assuaged her conscience by believing that’s what was necessary to get ahead, until she got reacquainted with the gentleman who had done it through honesty, generosity, and hard work, after having hit rock bottom no less.

  As Tyson actively pursued her and began to piece it all together, Dani had no choice but to keep digging the hole deeper. And now, when she should be savoring the ultimate happy ending, she would lose it all. If she didn’t act quickly, Brendon would soon be old enough to understand that she had robbed him as well. That thought was more than she could bear.

  Tyson began to stir, his arm blindly reaching out for her. She scooted over and cuddled up next to him, not wanting him to wake fully and see the tears in her eyes. His arm wrapped around her again and he exhaled.

  “Bella,” he murmured drows
ily, his hand drifting down to settle on her bottom, giving it a pat. She wondered fleetingly if he was dreaming he had scored a touchdown.

  If she was going to stop the lies she would have to start with herself. That college nickname had never slipped from his lips except for once, when he confronted her with the knowledge that he knew who she was. He never used it again, respecting her wish to be called Dani, the name she had switched to as part of her grand plan.

  The hand on her behind began wandering gently, up and down her back at first. She watched in captivation as the blanket that covered them began to slowly rise just below his waist. She reached beneath the blanket and tentatively stroked, then wrapped her hand around him. He groaned and shuddered and throbbed from inside her closed fingers, filling her hand with the lusty mixture of silk and steel. He pulled her up to meet his sleepy kiss and she released him to bring her own arms around his neck, now clinging to him in both passion and desperation, silently praying the night would never end, before the need overtook her.

  Adding to the long list of bad decisions, she returned to the scene of the crime and her original sin. She made uninhibited and unprotected love with a very groggy Tyson Palmer.

  CHAPTER 18

  THE NEXT TIME Dani woke up, she was alone. The sun was up and it was the makings of what would be the fourth consecutive day of unseasonably warm weather for winter. The temperatures had been in the eighties all week, and this day looked like it wasn’t going to be an exception. It was already bright, also one of the things she liked best about her time in Austin. Back at home, February was usually nothing but snowy, dreary, or cold, often all three. But she’d better get used to it, because she would soon be heading back, this time to stay.

  Dani sat up in bed, all her mixed feelings rising once again to the surface. She took a minute to scold herself. She’d made a mistake, okay, lots of them. That was going to end today. She owed it to Brendon and Tyson and her family. But mostly she owed it to herself. At first she was going to wait until after one last game day. It would be unfair to come clean and distract him with such an explosive revelation when he was getting ready to play the biggest game of his career. But if she was taking anything away from what she learned from Marcus, it was that nobody deserved to live in chaos. What Tyson had taught her was that whatever followed after she came clean, she could handle it as long as she took it one day at a time and walked a path of truth and honor.