Staring at my reflection in the floor-length mirror, I’m amazed by how Hawaii has transformed me into a completely different person. I look and feel... better than I can ever remember feeling. I’m wearing a sea green sleeveless wrap dress that clings to my body. The color makes my eyes look light and my sun-kissed skin look even more golden. If I’m going to spend my final night drinking alone in a bar, I might as well do it in style, I figure. My cheeks are flushed with a healthy glow. From the sun. From the lingering high of yesterday’s surfing rush. From the hot gaze of Mr. Alpha, who’s probably long gone, thank God. On his way back to his loving wife in Stamford or wherever. I feel for her though, if he’s coming on to total strangers on his business trips. I can’t stand that type of man, even if he was hot AF. Those burly shoulders. The dark look in those blue eyes. The sneer of that perfect mouth. All I can say is that I’m very glad I was able to resist him. It’s my third and last night in Waikiki. I’ll be back in Austin by tomorrow night, so this is my last chance to make the most of Hawaii. My plan is to spend the evening watching the sunset on the patio with a glass of wine or two. By myself. Which can’t really be helped. It’s fine. I’ll get some dinner, listen to some live music and drink in the view, all on the company credit card. I had seven dinner invitations, all from men at the conference, who did what they always do. Check me out and hit on me, seeing me as a less competitive distraction. I politely declined and visualized my corner office with its view of the Empire State Building, with them as my coffee boys. There’s something even more special about the open-air beach bar in the evening. The sun is going down, an orange blaze on the horizon, casting its fiery glow across the water. People gather on the beach to watch the sunset every night in Waikiki, which I love. Torches are perched on the sand around tables and there are festoon lights hanging from the timber frame over the bar. With the view of the setting sun, the gentle roar of the ocean and the warm breeze across my skin, it doesn’t matter that I’m dining alone. This place is paradise. I’m a little miffed to see that there are no free tables. And no free bar stools. It’s fine. I can order a drink and sit out on the sand for a while until something becomes available. The bar is busy, crowded with people from the conference making the most of their last night by buying endless rounds for their packed tables. I smile and wave to a few of them but ignore their hollers to join them. I’ve just managed to order a large glass of white wine when two spots free up at the end of the bar. I make my way over, slide onto one of the bar stools and take a de ep sip of wine, feeling the icy tang relax me. From this end of the bar, I’ve got a great view of the ocean and the beach. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun dip beneath the waves. A few stars are already out. My phone vibrates in my bag. I pull it out. My sister’s name lights up the screen. “Hey, Sky.” “Hey, sis!” Skylar is sort of half-yelling and I can hear music in the background. She must be out somewhere. Which makes the conversation easy to predict. “How’s freaking Hawaii?”
We spoke a few days before I left for my trip. She always sounds upbeat, but her highs can mask some pretty devastating lows. If it’s taken a few drinks for her to call me, I know what sort of day she’s having. “It’s so beautiful here, Sky. You’d love it. The color of the water is unreal.” I describe everything, down to the particular shade of the ocean, the way the waves foam up on the sand, the room service, and I give her a quick overview of the conference. Even Lucas gets a mention. Anything to take her mind off whatever’s going on in her life right now. Her last boyfriend dumped her around six weeks ago and she’s been having trouble getting auditions and gigs. Until Sky makes it big and can afford to have her own adventures, I’m living this for both of us. “I’m so proud of you, Dust. It sounds incredible. You deserve all of it.” She’s in auto-pilot mode, saying the right things, but her voice sounds hollow. I hear her order another beer. “What’s up?” I prompt, pressing my fingers to the bridge of my nose. Here it comes. I already know what she’s going to ask, and I already know I’ll help her. I always help. But the timing’s not great. “Nothing... I just...” “Tell me.” “Oh, you know, it’s just the usual. Things are tight at the moment.” ‘Tight’ is code for everything has turned to shit. Sky doesn’t ask for money unless she’s desperate. In fact, she never really asks. She tells me how she’s struggling and waits for me to offer. That’s the usual pattern. Might as well cut to the chase. “How much do you need?” “I hate to ask, Dusty. We’ve just had the bills come through and this month they’re way more than we expected. The hot water heater broke and my car needed some r epairs. I thought we had a handle on things, but I haven’t had a gig in a while, so we’re relying on Mom’s money and it’s not going far.” Skylar’s a musician. A hugely talented one. But she doesn’t make a lot from the handful of gigs she gets each month. It’s unfair that someone with her talent hasn’t been snapped up by a major record label yet, but the fact that she’s as good as she is almost makes it worse. If she wasn’t anything special, it’d be easier to acc ept defeat and focus on a nine to five. But she’s so damn good, it seems wrong to give up. She just needs her big break. If I can help her find it, I will. “How much, Sky?” “A thousand?” she mutters quietly. “Only if you can spare it.” Things must be bad. Usually it’s just a couple of hundred here and there. Mom will be working her cleaning jobs, and Sky will be waitressing and busting her ass trying to get work, but some months it just isn’t enough to support them both. A familiar knot of guilt twists in my stomach. The last thing I want is for them to have to move. It’s our home, even if we’ve been renting for years. And Austin is getting more expensive by the day. I don’t even know where they’d go if they had to move out. From the outside, it must look to them like I have the perfect life. With my sublime view of the beach and a chilled glass of wine in my hand, maybe I do. But despite my job and its decent salary, my financial situation isn’t exactly secure. I’m still on entry-level money with a massive student loan to r epay every month and an apartment that has stretched my budget more than was sensible. Once I landed my job, I decided I needed my own space. I was manifesting when I signed the lease, trying to positive-mindset my way into being able to afford it, hoping the universe would come through. I’m due for a salary review next month. I’ll get a raise, I’m determined. But at the moment, the apartment is a huge drain on my paycheck, especially when I’m bailing out my mom and sister every month or two. “I’m sorry, Dust. I wouldn’t ask unless we had no other option.” “It’s absolutely fine.” I take a de ep breath and do my best not to exhale too heavily. “I’ll transfer the money now.” Skylar doesn’t hide her relief. “Dusty, you’re the best. Thank you so much. I’ll pay you back, I promise.”
“When’s your next gig?” “I’ve got one in two weeks. I’m trying to get one at the Blue Lounge but Billy says they’re fully booked for the rest of the month. For me, he might make an exc eption.” “Really?” “He’s... yeah. We’re sort of... together now.” This is not good news. Billy is as slimy as they come. I have no doubt he’ll be using my sister, promising her things he won’t deliver on. Playing with her hope. “Be careful, Sky. Billy’s no good.” “He’s fine, Dusty. He’s good to me. He wants to help me get more visibility.” “Just... please, Sky. Be careful.” “I’m always careful.” Which does nothing to reassure me. “When do you get back?” “Tomorrow.” “Have a great rest of your trip.” “I will. Have a good night, Sky. Be safe.” Ending the call, I open up my banking app and transfer the money to my mom’s account, just to make sure Sky doesn’t spend too much of it tonight when she’s not thinking straight. But I text her to let her know it’s there. I don’t want her stressing too much. “Another glass of wine, miss?” the bartender asks. “Yes, please.” I pull out the company credit card and lay it on the bar as the bartender goes to get my drink. Someone sits on the bar stool next to mine. Someone big. I look up to see... very blue eyes. Oh no. It’s him. Mr. Alpha Freaking Swagger. “Hey, gorgeous.” His slow, barely-there grin hits me... there... where I can feel a soft, warm pulse. Holy hell. How does he do that? He’s not wearing his suit tonight, just a pair of dark gray pants and a white cotton button-down shirt that probably costs more than my entire wardrobe. The man is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous. Fate, for once, has dealt me an ace. “Hey, Ace,” I r eply, not sounding nearly as breathless as I feel. Ace? I’m already feeling the effects of the glass of Pinot Grigio I practically chugged. He grins at my greeting. “You’re still here.” “Still here,” I confirm. “I was hoping I’d run into you again.” His voice almost sounds like a purr, edged with panty-melting bass notes. Get a grip! I’m trying not to react to him but it’s impossible. He exudes power. Confidence. I’m practically floating in the cloud of testosterone he’s emitting. It’s like breathing in a pure, uncut aphrodisiac. I can feel my heartbeat in the most intimate place imaginable. Yikes. The bartender delivers my wine and Casanova slides my company credit card toward me, saying to the bartender, “Put the rest of our tab on my room, please. 700. And I’ll have a scotch on ice.” “Yes, sir.” He’s more handsome than any man I’ve ever seen. He has a strong, straight nose, a sharp jawline and thick, well-cut dark hair. I’m slightly in awe that anyone could be this good-looking. “It must be difficult for you,” he comments, that low, smooth rumble like velvet. “What do you mean?” “Trying to have a quiet drink when every man in the bar is watching you.” “Are they?” I glance around. “Of course they are. Where’s Surfer Boy?” “Who? Oh, he left for the North Shore after he gave me that lesson yesterday.” “Well, that’s good.” Ace’s blue gaze roves slowly over my face, like he’s drinking in the details of me. The bartender serves his drink and he loosely holds his glass. His hand is tanned and strong-looking. His grip must be punishing. And there’s no ring on the crucially important finger. Not even a tan line.
Don’t even dream of being relieved, girlfriend. “What’s the accent?” he drawls. “Let me guess. Texas.” “Is it that obvious?” “It’s not a hard one.” “I guess that’s true.” Most people figure out I’m from Texas within the first five minutes of meeting me. He holds eye contact much more easily than I do. I feel myself blush. The way his clothes fit him hint at a powerful chest and an impressive build. The top two buttons of his shirt are undone, revealing a light pelt of chest hair. I’ve honestly never been in the presence of chest hair before. My father checked out early. And I was always too busy studying and working to hang out with random men. Broad, hair-dusted chests are new to me. My hands itch as I imagine running my fingers over the textures of him, to see what all that solid muscle would feel like. This is completely unlike me. I’ve never had a reaction like this to a man in my life. Damn it, girl, pull yourself together! I take another gulp of wine. He’s ridiculously sexy. And he’s tuning in to some buried female instinct that’s—right now—waking up. Against my will, my body feels like it’s opening to him like a flower seeking sun. “I was hoping you might do some more surfing this afternoon.” That lethal smirk again. His eyes never leave me. “I enjoyed watching you.” “I was a disaster for all of it but the last thirty seconds.” “It’s not easy getting a ride on your first try.” Is it me or did he just say “ride” with a dark, dirty promise behind it? God, I’m so bad at this. I don’t even know whether he’s flirting with me or not. Whenever I’ve been hit on in a bar before, I usually make polite conversation for two-point-zero seconds and then get the hell out of there. But I’m pinned to my seat. The way he’s looking at me... it’s like he’s put some kind of sex-spell on me. Every alarm bell in my head should be ringing. He’s too good-looking, too charismatic, too sure of himself to be anything other than trouble. But I can’t move an inch, even if I wanted to. The thought of his muscular thigh accidentally rubbing against mine is ke eping me locked in place. “I’m definitely not cut out to be catching rides,” I tell him. Oh my god. Stop talking. I feel myself blush, so I do my best to steer the conversation back to safe territory. “Have you surfed before?” “Once or twice. In California.” His eyes are an unusual shade of de ep, dark blue. “It was a long time ago but I do remember it was a life-changing experience. Is this your first time in Hawaii?” “Yes.” “Where are you from in Texas?” I don’t know why I do it. We’re playing games, maybe. I want to ke ep him guessing and protect a small distance between us before I completely lose control. Because I get the distinct feeling I’m going to. “Dallas. Born and raised.” “Had the best barbecue of my life there once.” He’s almost wistful for a few seconds. “So, you’re here for the conference?” “Yeah. I’m pretty new to my company, but they said it would be a good opportunity for me to learn more about how the industry works.” “And have you?” I pick up a cocktail umbrella that he removed from his drink and start twirling it between my fingers. I need a r eprieve from the intense eye contact with this man, who’s already proving to be an absolute threat to my self-control. “The workshops have been great, really interesting, and it’s been good to push myself out of my comfort zone.” “Where is your comfort zone?” He manages to spin the phrase into something absolutely filthy-sounding. Definitely not being chatted up by the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen at a beach bar in Hawaii.
Damn it, Earl! I gently bite my lip and Ace watches me do this. “Uh, well, at work, I guess. That’s where I spend most of my time. But being here has really opened my eyes to all the things I still have to learn.” He’s watching my face and I feel myself blush again at the insinuation. I do have a lot to learn. Not just about work, but about... everything else. More than this god-like man could possibly know. But something about the way he’s looking at me makes me feel like he does know. Almost like he can read my mind. He could teach me. “You’re not here for the conference?” I ask him. “No. Not directly.” “On vacation?” “Not quite. I had a meeting about an investment fund I just bought.” Bought? Then again, this doesn’t surprise me. The man radiates wealth. “So, you’re like a slightly hotter version of Warren Buffett, then?” “Slightly hotter? Damn, Tex. You know how to ke ep a man’s ego in check.” I laugh and take a long sip of wine, concentrating on how good the coolness feels as it slips down my throat. Anything to extinguish the fire this guy is igniting in my body. He’s relaxed and in the moment. It’s possible that he does this a lot. That fact alone should possibly be a huge red flag, but a part of me feels like there’s a lot more to him than I’m giving him credit for. He’s got a quiet, simmering d epth that’s intriguing me. Usually, I would already have politely excused myself by now, but tonight I’m in no rush to get back to my room. “So you weren’t leading any of the 101 workshops, then?” I definitely would have noticed him. His eyes dance with mischief. “If I’d known you were in the 101 workshops, Tex, I would have been first in line to sign up.” I smile despite myself. “You’re smooth, Ace. I’ll give you that much.” He gently bumps his shoulder against mine. “Is that all you’ll give me?” “Yes. Because you probably wouldn’t even remember me if you saw me again. I don’t mean at breakfast tomorrow, I mean like if we ran into each other again on the street or something.” “Steady on, Tex. We just met and already you’re inviting me to breakfast? I’m assuming that’ll be room service.” “Very funny.” I blush. “I was just wondering whether you’d recognize me som eplace else, that’s all.” “Of course I would. You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.” I laugh. “Now you’re really laying it on.” “It’s true.” His eyes have barely moved from mine since the moment he sat down. They roam slowly over my face, lingering on my lips. I feel the heat as his gaze drops to my collarbone, grazing my skin, then lower, to my breasts, and back up again. It’s as though a current of electricity follows his gaze, channeling itself straight to my core. Every single nerve ending in my body is standing on end. “Absolutely fucking stunning, in fact.” His crude delivery gets me instantly, shamelessly wet. Oh Jesus, if this man can get my blood pumping just with his eyes, how would his hands feel? His tongue? His n — “There, I think I’ve got you memorized now,” he drawls. “Don’t go committing any crimes. There’s no way I’d be able to lie if the cops got you in a lineup.” “Right. I’ll do my best not to break any rules tonight.” “I said don’t commit any crimes. I didn’t say anything about breaking a few rules.” His husked teasing gives me goosebumps. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you that life’s too short to play by the rules?” “Actually, I’ve found rules have gotten me exactly where I need to be so far.” I really need to stop talking. I sound like some prim schoolmarm. “Well, you need to get over that, Texas. You don’t get anywhere in business by playing it safe.”
“Maybe you’re right.” “Of course I’m right. Tell me one wild and crazy thing you’ve done lately. I bet you can’t.” “I surfed yesterday,” I point out. “Okay. Now how about career-related risks.” I think about it for a few seconds. “I bet on myself by leasing an apartment I can barely afford, to motivate me to work like hell so I’ll get a raise. Does that count?” He gazes into my eyes for a few seconds and there’s a note of empathy there, maybe over my pathetic backstory. “Yes,” he finally says. “It does count. And I’m impressed. Betting on yourself is the hardest thing to do.” “Yeah. But there are no guarantees.” “Nothing in life comes with guarantees.” I sip my wine. “Well, I’ll guarantee one thing,” I nod toward the men behind us who are getting louder and more drunk by the second. “In only a few short years I’m going to be the boss of people like them. I’m on a fast track.” My grit seems to amuse him. “Is that right?” Ace signals to the bartender who promptly brings us two more drinks. I’m wondering at this point if I should refuse another drink before my barriers are completely obliterated. “I should probably n —” “Oh no you don’t, Texas,” he cuts me off. “You can’t leave me sitting here alone. One more, then we can call it a night if you want.” “I’ve got an early flight,” I lie. “Me too.” I can tell by the quirk of his perfect mouth that he’s lying too. Our eyes lock again and this time I don’t look away as the flutters in my stomach melt into a pulsing heat that spreads and concentrates. Holy hell. My body feels warm from my knees to my navel. He’s so damn gorgeous. And he’s perc eptive. He’s reading that I’m considering... him. A hot one-night stand with this prime specimen of A-list manhood. I mean, come on. He’s hot as hell and obviously doing well for himself. He’s also got the smug charisma of a man who knows he’s a beast in bed. Considering I’ve never been in a bed with a man—beast or no beast —I shouldn’t know this. But, somehow, I do. Our thighs are almost touching. The heat between us is insane. Would it be so bad if I gave in to what my body is telling me to do? One night. No strings attached. I’ll never see him again. I want to do it. I want to cash in my V-card with him. In reality, the last thing I need is to complicate this trip by getting laid by a total stranger. Ace might not be like any other guy I’ve met, but he’s still just working the charm offensive. Everything he’s telling me could be bullshit. Even if it was, why do I still get the feeling I’d have no regrets about spending the night with him? Because he’d be rough. Those big, manly muscles would be hard and so would n — Stop drinking, you fool! I drag my eyes to the skyline behind him that’s now flecked with stars. “One day when I’m CEO of my own company, I’m going to come back here and stay in the penthouse suite,” I say, maybe more to myself than to him. “Just so I can look at the ocean view and remind myself of where it all started.” His fingers entwine with mine and I let him do this. His hands are warm and strong, just like I imagined. “Do you want to see it now? It would be a shame not to get a taste of what you’re working toward before you leave.” “I’m sure it’s already booked. I heard one of the people at the check-in desk this morning say the hotel was at capacity.”
“It is occupied.” His eyes flash mischievously. But then he says, “Probably one of those rich asshole billionaires who founded his own young, hip startup company where they sit on yoga balls instead of chairs and have lunch breaks over ping-pong and kombucha.” “Exactly.” Maybe it’s the wine, but it takes me a few seconds to figure out he’s describing himself. Billionaire? Something about the way he hasn’t broken eye contact sets off another wave of those butterflies that are currently taking flight inside my stomach. I stare into his eyes as I say it. “He’ll think he owns the world and can get whoever he wants.” He leans closer, whispering a low murmur close to my ear. “What he wants right now is to peel that little dress off the most stunning girl in Hawaii and get a taste of how wet she is for him. Are you wet for me, Texas?” And at his mention of the word wet, my pussy softens and tingles and my panties get even wetter. I can feel my pulse inside and I have never, ever been this turned on in my life. “Are you trying to tell me you’re in the penthouse suite, Ace?” “Excellent deduction skills, Tex. You’re definitely CEO material.” Sure, the effect he’s having is doing ridiculous things to my body, but that doesn’t mean any of this is a good idea. There’s no way this can be anything more than a one-night thing, no matter how good-looking he is. I’m from Texas and he’s from... somewhere else. Okay, there’s no sign of a wedding ring but that doesn’t mean he’s not either a player or in a relationship with someone else. “Are you married?” I ask him point blank. “No. Of course not. Are you?” “No.” “Are you in a relationship?” he asks me. “You mean besides with my 24/7 job? No.” “Me either.” He blinks and... damn him. He really is beautiful. “Now that we’ve got that out of the way, there’s nothing stopping us.” No, nothing but the fact that he’s a total stranger I’ve known for a total of one hour. But what the hell. As Emma loves to point out, my first time doesn’t have to be all rose petals and romance. It could just be about giving in to insane chemistry. And we definitely have that. “The view from the penthouse is pretty good,” Ace murmurs, reaching forward and skimming my cheek with his lips. “I think you’ll like it.” My pulse leaps at his touch as his whiskey-scented warmth skims the skin of my neck. He slides off his stool and gently pulls me by the hand. “Come with me, gorgeous. You don’t have to stay. Entirely up to you. I’ll give you the grand tour, and I happen to have a complimentary bottle of champagne I hadn’t gotten around to drinking yet.” That would be a bad idea. I hesitate, biting my lip. If I don’t go for it with a man who’s making my temperature sizzle, when am I ever going do it? I’ve got to be the lamest 23-year-old virgin on the planet to even be questioning this. And I’m tired of wondering what “this” feels like. One night. I’ll finally cash in my V-card and get on with my climb up the corporate ladder, newly enlightened and ready to take the world by storm as an experienced no-longer-a-total-ice-maiden sex goddess. I let Ace pull me by the hand, into the lobby of the hotel and straight toward the elevator.