Prologue
Veronica
“What’d you say your name was?” It probably wasn’t the best time to ask. The simple fact that I had to break a pretty heavy kiss to ask should have held me back.
But it didn’t. And now this very gorgeous stranger pulled back to look me in the eye. At least his features masked what he was obviously thinking - that I was an idiot.
“Hayden.”
Hmm. “Hayden…”
It may have been the alcohol in my system finally making an appearance, but I like it. The way it sounds, the way it rolls off my tongue. Can a name be sexy?
Yes, it can, and I’d argue that fact against anyone. My eyes close as his lips slam back into mine. My hands are up around his shoulders, my fingers roaming over his luscious blonde hair.
I drive myself away from him, once again breaking our grasp as we move further into the house. With his arms still enclosed around me, I let him lead the way.
This was the first time I’d ever gone back to someone else's place. I’d always been extra cautious about the situations I got myself into, like most women. But this wasn’t California, I didn’t have my own place, and I wasn’t about to bring him home to my parent’s house.
I couldn’t think of anything more awkward. I desperately needed my own place!
With my back against his chest, he had all the access he could get. His nose rubs up the side of my neck, his breath making my skin prickle and the hairs rise.
My handsome stranger, Hayden, releases me completely as we stumble into a bedroom. The bedside lamp is already on, casting a soft glow over the room. His hand captures mine and spins me back around to face him. He moves so fast, gripping underneath my thighs and lifting me up, only to throw me back down on the bed.
Hands grip my wrists and drag them out as far as they can stretch. His knee nudges between my legs, pushing them as wide as they will go. It’s a sensual feeling, being spread eagle without an ounce of panic. I moaned at the feel of his heavy body pinning me down, holding me in place.
More than anything, it was his authority - his dominance - that was turning me on more and more. He knew what he wanted, and he was taking it. His kisses are fevered and urgent, but also tender. I’ve never been with someone like him, he’s a refreshing mix of hot and cold, sweet and sexy. His lips travel along my collarbone and down my chest, following my sternum beneath the valley of my breasts.
Never have I given up control in the bedroom, not even to a steady boyfriend. But in walks Hayden and I’m ready to kneel at the door blindfolded.
One hand leaves my wrist to rip open the front of my blouse. My chest heaves as I gasp from the movement. His hand moves to the front of his jeans, to the buckle of his belt, and swiftly pulls it free.
“I’m sorry I’m going so fast.” He apologizes but makes no attempt to slow down. That’s good because I don’t want him to. I need fast, if I’m being honest, I need faster.
The second his jeans are unbuttoned, his hard rod springs free.
Using both hands, he pushes himself up. He towers over me, his eyes on the task at hand - getting me out of my skirt and panties. His eyes sparkle with excitement as the material slides down my legs, leaving me completely bare from the waist down.
I watch his next movements closely, his hand gripping his dick and sliding it through my slick folds. As the head brushes against my swollen clit, a shiver rolls through me.
Slowly, he positions himself at my entrance and thrusts his way forward. Once fully seated, he wastes no time. His hips roll for a second time, and I buck my hips to meet him halfway.
Lifting my legs to wrap around his waist, my hands make their way up his chest. I have to lean up to reach his shoulders, but once they’re in my grasp, I tug until he gets my hint. Hayden’s body follows mine as we fall back onto the bed.
I take hold of his chin and steer it towards my lips.
Every thrust. Every kiss. Every touch. It’s like a scene from my dreams.
“You’re the girl of my dreams.” In a haze, he whispers against the shell of my ear.
“You don’t even know me.”
“I know enough…”
“I don’t know if I believe you.”
“You don’t have to. Sooner or later, I’ll convince you.”
1
Veronica
“I’m so glad you guys are back together, and hopefully this time it sticks,” I tell Katie with a genuine smile and a side hug.
“I know; I really do love him. I don’t know what was running through my head.”
“Well, the next time it happens, I am snagging that boy away from you. He is just too good to be true.”
“There is no way I’d let that happen. But I’ll be sure to look after him this time around.”
“How are things between you guys, anyway?”
She didn’t need to answer; she was radiating with happiness.
“He’s been perfect. Everyone already knew that we were going out, so it was an easy transition from ‘friends’ to in a relationship.”
“At least I’m out of your hair now, you won’t have to worry about me crashing at your only alone-slash-sexy space any longer. I mean, he does live with his sister, your best friend. That can’t be comfortable for anybody.”
I’m so thankful she let me crash here while I was vacationing but after the phone call with my boss last week, I knew I needed someplace more permanent.
It was official, I was back in Aurora indefinitely. Or at least until I found another job.
“Oh my god, I can’t believe I didn’t tell you! Ellie’s moved in with Michael. Well, she was staying there most nights anyway, so I didn’t see her all that much, but yeah, it was the buzz at the wedding reception. Plus, with the baby and everything… it just made sense, I guess.”
I’d thought for sure that it would’ve been Gabby who would’ve had the next announcement, after all, it was her wedding. Surprisingly none of the others are there just yet, although I have no doubt the next proposal won’t be too far in the future - especially with Ellie three months along.
I still can’t believe it.
I’m only a few years older than my cousin, but it’s crazy that her friends are already starting to settle down. It’s not the age that worries me, it’s that I’m older than them and they have their shit together better than I do. What worries me even more, I’m the most put-together person I know.
All my friends? They’re still in college, or they’re out partying every night and running late for their shift at Taco Bell the next day. Katie’s friends put mine to shame, but I still love them - they’re quirky.
And of course, that thought brings my mood down.
While over in California, I’d met an awesome couple of chicks, we’d have been well on our way to becoming close friends. Now, I may never see them again. Cali was a long way away...
“Hey, where were you by the way?” Katie pulls me back.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, where did you disappear to at the Christmas party?”
Shit.
My mind frazzles as I try to think quickly on my feet. I’m supposed to tell my cousin that I didn’t hang around her party because I went home with some random guy? I feel like that answer should be a ‘no’. When Katie swings around to look at me head-on, I know I’ve taken too long to answer.