My boy Jared had been going on for weeks about his childhood friend. Some chick named Kat that was moving here from Arizona. Why anyone would want to move here was beyond me, but her dad was here, supposedly, and she was coming to live with him.

The way Jared talked I imagined some timid little thing afraid of her own shadow. The way he made it seem like he'd spent their summers together protecting her from everything. I didn't really have time for that type; they usually just got on my nerves. Always afraid to try new things!

Jared was dying to bring her to meet the crew when she landed, and I wasn't too jazzed about it, but it was his deal, so whatever.

"So, Colt I was thinking."

"What were you thinking, Jared?" I tightened the front wheel of the beauty I was working on.

"Why don't you give Kat the job as receptionist. You haven't found anyone to fill the position so far, and I think she would be perfect."

"I don't know man, the way you talk, I'm not sure she would fit in here."

"You won't know until you try, come on, what'll it hurt?"

"Let me think about it, okay? I'm not making any promises." I wiped the oil off my hands as I looked over my handy work.

"Good enough. Thanks man, I just knew she would be perfect."

"You got the hots for this chick?"

"Who, Kat? Nah, she's like my sister man. I just feel I have to look out for her, ya know?"

"Okay, I hear you, when's she coming again?"

"She'll be here in a couple days; I'll bring her around either way for you guys to meet her."

"Sure, Jared, I'll get back to you before then. If anything, I can always give her a trial run."

He trotted off with a grin, so I'm pretty sure he thought it was a done deal, but we'll see. Like I said, I don't have time for timid little girls.

My crew was a rough and rowdy bunch, and I'm the only refined one in the bunch, but I'm no prince.

Yes, we needed a receptionist. The last one was trying way too hard to get slept with, and I never defecate where I eat, so she had to go. If I'd been remotely interested in hitting the skins, then I might've broken her off a piece before sending her on her way, but nah.

I'm not as disordered as I sound, at least, I tell myself I'm not. I come from a refined family that has money, prestige, and the whole nine yards, but for some reason around year sixteen, I decided to break out.

I said back off to the preppy schools, and Harvard medical that was glaring me in the face, and I decided to pursue my own joy.

Thankfully I have a father who backs his kids above all else, or my mom would've guilted me into doing some thing that would've made me miserable for the rest of my days.

***

Now it's Monday, and Jared is supposed to be bringing this chick by any minute for a meet. I still wasn't sure about this, but Jared's a friend, so what can you do?

I heard his hog pull up outside and got up to go out there, because no one entered the inner sanctum unless they were part of the crew.

Jared was walking ahead of...something.

His face broke out in a sappy grin when he saw me.

"Colton, this is Katarina."

I watched her disinterestedly as he made the introductions, and before extending my hand for her to shake.

Her hand was soft and small in mine with a slight tremble, and I wondered what happened to make the little swan so nervous already. Granted my look put fear in grown men, but she was here with one of my men, so she shouldn't be afraid.

Whatever, I didn't have time to placate some scared little virgin afraid of her own shadow.

"Katarina."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Lyon."

I looked at Jared with a raised brow. I hope he knew what he was doing bringing this lamb into the Lyon's den. I couldn't make out much of her body because her tiny frame was shrouded in a hoodie that looked three times too big, and her legs were encased in I guess...skinny jeans, and her feet shoved into what has to be the oldest pair of chucks I've ever seen.

"Nice to meet you, Katarina, how are you enjoying your move so far?"

She blushed, this chick was way too timid. I hope she isn't one of those retiring types who cries at the drop of a hat or at raised voices because my guys will eat her alive, what was Storm thinking?

"So Jared tells me you're interested in the job."

"Yes sir."

"I'm up here, Katarina, look, if you want to work around here you're going to have to do better than this. These guys are rough customers, and some of the people we build for are even worse. Not to mention the people you have to deal with on the phone, so you're gonna need to up your game."

I saw Jared give her a nudge before she picked her head up and looked at me.

"Can you handle that?"

"Yes...uh, ahem, yes sir, yes, I think I can."

She threw her shoulders back and lifted her head, and behind her eyes there was some kind of war going on.

I guess I was asking her to go against her nature. Okay, Jared was my boy, and she was his friend, so for him I'll give her one week, or two at the most to get her bearings. If I noticed that she wasn't working out, then I would let her go, friend or no friend.

"You can start tomorrow. Come around eight, so I can show you the ropes. It shouldn't be too hard.

We have a spread sheet set up in the system already, and our ordering system is organized, so all you need to do is keep track of what's going out, and how much we need to replace every week.

All special orders go through me, no exceptions. If you have any questions about anything come to me, and anyone bothers you, same deal. We clear?"

"Yes sir."

"And knock off that sir, I only like women I take to my bed to call me that." Her face almost exploded with her blush.

Jared was grinning like a jackass as he led her out of the office to show her around. I heard the murmur of the guys' voices as they greeted her, so I guess Jared had warned them of her titmouse attitude because there were no lewd remarks floating back to my ears.

She might be timid, but those eyes,...yeah, those eyes, if she didn't have the most amazing eyes.

***

KAT

***

I wasn't quite sure what to make of Jared's boss. He's... I don't know...very intimidating, with his six foot three frame, bulky biceps covered in tattoos, and his chest well defined in his tight black T—shirt. He left me feeling confused, and I guess... hot?

I've never felt these things for anyone, not a real—life person anyway. I blushed just thinking about my guilty pleasure, my dark secret, the thing that made me burn.

The part of me that has to remain hidden lest people think of me as a freak, or more of one anyway. Jared was all excited about me working here, but I don't know, I'm not sure what working with Colton Lyon day after day would do to my equilibrium.

***

COLT

***

Jared showed her around introducing her to the boys who seemed on their best behavior for a change. I hope he knew what he was doing for real. He'd pushed so hard for me to give her a chance, but she seems... not one to fit in here.

I heard a commotion outside my office, and I heard some rather colorful comments coming from the guys, shielded as humor of course, but I knew who had just shown up even before my door was opened.

"Who is she?"

"What do you want, Jennifer, I told you to stop coming by here like this, unannounced."

"Oh come on, Colton, we're old friends, so why can't I just drop in?"

"Because I don't want you here. That ship has sailed, so please move on."

"You know, you really should be much nicer to me. I might have some new customers lined up for you."

She tried putting on her sultry act, yeah okay, that just left a bad taste in my mouth.

"Not interested."

That got her attention since she was a mercenary little money grubbing woman, and it was hard for her to believe that everyone wasn't ruled by money, as she was.

"What...what do you mean. You didn't even hear me out..."

"If these people are friends of yours then I'm not interested in them, or their business, now get out I have to work to do." I turned back to the papers on my desk as she flounced out of the office in high dudgeon.

Outside the door I heard her repeat her question, as to who Katarina was. Crazy psychotic woman would be jealous of anything female, even a teenage girl who hid her body in men's clothes.

"Step off, Rossetti."

That was Jared in protective mode, and he'd better be, because Jennifer would eat his little rabbit for breakfast.

I was about to get up and go intervene, but I changed my mind. If she was going to fit in here, then she'd have to learn how to protect herself.

After Jared returned from running her home I called him into the office. I had a few questions I needed answered.

He was still all smiles and excitement, which led me to believe, there was more going on with them than he was saying.

"What's up, Colt, you wanted to see me?"

"Yeah come in and sit down."

I studied him as he sat across from me, and his relaxed posture as he slouched in the chair.

"You sure she can handle working around here, Jared, this place is not your everyday run of the mill office."

"Don't worry man, she'll be fine, just let her get settled in and she'll be a great asset I promise."

"Why're you so into this girl? I thought you weren't interested like that."

"Nah man, she's like my kid sister, it's just, she's had a hard time lately, and I just want to look out for her, ya know. We've always been tight. Our fathers are like brothers man."

"Okay, if you say so. I heard you getting into it with Jennifer before, how'd that go?"

"Seriously, what did you ever see in that tarantula bro, she's like toxic."

"Don't I know it. You think if I knew she was schizo I would've gone there? You know these women, they show you one face when they wanna get their hooks into you, and then when you least expect it they turn into blood sucking leeches."

"Did she scare your little friend?"

"Nah, Kat's not as much of a wimp as you seem to think, she can hold her own..."

"Coulda fooled me..."

"That's just for now until she finds her way, but trust me, Kat's an okay chick, and she knows bikes."

"What do you mean knows bikes?"

"She used to work on my first ride with me in the summer when she'd come to visit. I even taught her to ride when she was like fourteen."

"So, what's her family situation, and why isn't she in school?"

"She finished high school, and she's taking some time off before college."

There was something there. The way he shifted his body when I asked changed his whole persona. What could be the issue with school?

"Alright man, if you're sure, then we'll give it a shot. How's she getting here in the mornings?"

"I'll bring her until her truck is ready. Her old man and mine are still working on it, and it should be another week at the most."

"As long as she has a ride."

I let him go since there was nothing more to discuss, and plus I had things to do. I had clients coming in later to pick up their staff, and two new bikes to get started.

I put her out of my mind for the rest of the day as I went about my busy schedule. A bike shop was a noisy—ass place with men doing six different things at once while calling out to each other for different parts and tools.

At end of day we went our separate ways, since it was a Tuesday, riding day was usually the weekends unless we had something special lined up. Most of my guys had families that they needed to get home to.

That was one of my only stipulations. That any man with a family had to put in the time, because if you neglected your family I couldn't expect anything good, so you had to show me that you were man enough to man up.

I paid my guys a better than decent wage because I could afford and because they deserved it. Any one of them knew they could come to me at any given time for help because that's how I roll. Some of the wives even called me when their men weren't doing their things. I have a mother and two sisters, no one in my crew was screwing over his old lady on my watch.

If a dude wasn't holding up his end of the bargain, and he couldn't be talked into seeing the error of his ways, then he was out.

Thank God we'd only had to do that twice, but a couple of lawyers in the crew were good at getting those women what they needed for them and their kids out of the scumbags, so it was all good.

Women weren't cast out just because their men were out. Once a part of Lyon's Crew you were family, man, woman and child.

My phone rang just as I was about to climb on the back of my Dodge Tomahawk V10 bike.

"What's up mom?"

"Is that any way to answer the phone son?"

"Hello mother, how are you today?"

"Smart, are you coming to dinner or not?"

"Is today Tuesday, and did you not make my favorite roast and potatoes?"

"You know I did, Colton, now what time shall I expect you?"

"How does seven thirty sound? That'll give me enough time to get cleaned up."

"Sounds lovely dear. Are you bringing anyone?"

"Like I've told you every time you've asked that question since I was twenty one, no, now stop pushing. When I meet someone, you'll be one of the first to know."

"That doesn't make sense. My friend Charlotte, you remember Char, you know she likes to dabble with the cards though she shouldn't, well anyway, she swore to me that you were going to meet the girl of your dreams today."

"Sorry to disappoint you and Madame Laveau, but no such luck."

"I don't know why I listen to Char in the first place, her predictions never hardly ever come true, though there was that time..."

"Mom, if you want me to be there sometime this millennium, then you're gonna have to let me go. You can regale me with stories of Char's sorcery over dinner, okay beautiful?"

"Oh alright, you didn't defile your body any more since I last saw you did you?"

"Mom..."

"Okay—okay, it's just I despair of what you'll do to yourself next, and please for the sake of my sanity be careful on that death trap you like to get around on. I don't know what's wrong with that perfectly nice Volvo I got for your last birthday."

"I'm not a sixty year old virgin..."

"Colton Anthony Lyon, you watch your mouth."

I could hear the laughter in her scolding, good old mom, you gotta love her she never gives up.

"See you soon beautiful."

I rang off and went home. It promised to be a long night at the Lyon's dinner table, mom took her friend Char's words as gospel, and she will nit pick me to death about every female I met today.

If she only knew that the only female I met today was a timid little thing that I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

***

I was ready for her the next day at seven thirty. I'd spent way too much time last night dwelling on her, and how she would fit in here, not to mention, trying really hard not to picture her face every time mom mentioned Char's predictions.

I could be a mean person when it comes to my business, and if this chick turned out to be a thin skinned broad who cries and gets emotional at the drop of a hat, then she was fired.

I'm extremely nervous. It's my first day on the job and already I'm dreading it. The work shouldn't be a problem. I'm kinda smart, so taking orders and putting them into a computer spread sheet should be easy enough, but Jared hadn't told me his boss was so...male.

Then again Jared doesn't know my little secret, no one does.

"Kat, you sure you want to do this so soon. Why don't you give yourself some time?"

"It's okay, dad, I need to stay busy. Don't worry about me, Jared will be there, so I'll be fine."

"If you're sure, I just don't want you to think you have to work. I can give you an allowance until you decide what you want to do."

"Thanks, dad, that's sweet, but I'm cool. Now eat your breakfast and get to work."

"Yes ma'am, you know you don't have to do this everyday. I can always grab a bite at the diner on the way."

"It's no trouble, dad, stop worrying."

"So, how's this new boss of yours, he seem like a nice guy?"

I took my time answering. I knew because of what had happened in Arizona everyone felt they had to shield me from everything, but I didn't want them to. I was wounded yes, but not broken, and I fought very hard not to be that person.

"He seems nice enough, dad, it's just answering phones and keeping track of supplies and stuff like that, no biggie."

"I could probably get you on part time down at the station as a filing clerk or something, just for the summer, until..."

"Dad, I'm fine, so stop worrying about me. I'm okay, I promise."

"Okay, Kat, I'll back off, but if things change, then you let me know right away."

"Okay, dad." I kissed his cheek as I heard Jared outside.

"You tell that scamp to be careful with you on that death trap, or I'll have his hide."

"Yes sir." I left the house before he locked me in my room to keep me safe from the big bad world.

"Hey, Jared."

"Morning, Kat, you ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

I climbed on the back of his custom made bike, and the legs of my baggy trousers almost covering my ballet flats.

I loved the feel of the wind on my face as it rushed by, the freedom I felt on the back of a bike; it felt like I could just fly away from it all.

We got to the bike shop way too soon, and Jared left me to go in by myself as he sauntered off to the shop in back.

My palms were sweating, and I felt sick.

Get a grip Kat he's just a guy. Just don't pay any attention to his arms or his tattoos or his face, just don't look at him.

"You plan on hanging around out here all morning, Sloane?" I almost jumped out of my skin, where had he come from?

"No sir...uhI mean no, Mr. Lyon."

"Colton, my name is Colton, and I believe I told you about talking to the ground when addressing me."

God, does that mean I have to look at him, not good. I lifted my head and hoped for the best.

Well hell, didn't the man wear anything other than muscle shirts How's a body supposed to breathe around all that hotness.

Down girl he's way out of your league.

I took a deep breath and tried again.

"Colton, I'm ready to get to work if you'll just show me where to start."

Good, my voice didn't crack or anything.

He turned to lead the way into the office, and I got a look at his buns. God, was there anything about the man that wasn't perfect?

And how had I forgotten that I would be working this close to him. Please, God, let him spend most of his time in the shop, and not cooped up here in this office with me. I wouldn't last a week.

"Something on my ass?" Oh god, kill me now, the worlds hottest man had just caught me staring at his ass. My mortification knew no bounds.

***

"Oh, no, Uhmmmm, I wasn't looking at your...uhmmmm, my mind just wandered there for a minute."

He kept going, and dropped it, thank God. I shrugged my shoulders trying to keep the too large suit jacket from falling off of me.

I'm sure I looked a sight. I hated it, but I needed it, so baggy clothes and drudgery had become my crutch since the incident, and it was hard to give them up.

The fact is, I hadn't really felt alive in a long time, until yesterday when I first laid eyes on Colton Lyon. A part of me that I had believed died at callous hands came back full force without warning.

Now all I had to do was keep my head on straight and stop obsessing over his hot body and those to die for tattoos.

"This will be your desk, and mine's through that door, so you'll have the place to yourself mostly since I'm usually in the shop working, or on the showroom floor."

"No one comes in here when I'm not around. My guys already know this."

"I run a tight ship, no slacking off. You get an hour lunch, and your hours are nine to five, unless I need you to stay a little extra for some reason. That shouldn't happen too often, but it could happen. You know your way around a computer?"

"Yes sir...uh I mean, Mr. ... Colton."

It's not my fault that I was a stuttering, blushing mess. For crying out loud, you should see him. He's standing with his arms folded, which only makes them seem more built, legs braced apart, biker boots, tight black tee stretched across his chest with a picture of a naked Betty Boop on the front.

His tats are dark and sexy, and they cover one forearm and run up to his neck. So there!

Even my thoughts are exhausting.

He sighed, as though I was a trial. Whatever big boy, try being on my end of things.

He finished showing me around the office, and doling out instructions with his highbrow accent and elocution in total contrast to his bad boy looks.

"You got all that?"

"Yes, I believe I do."

***

The first half of the day was a snap.

I uploaded the orders from the sheet he'd given me, placed calls to suppliers as he'd instructed, and fielded calls for new orders.

Seems everyone wanted a Colton Lyon original. True to his word he was only in and out sparingly, but each time was worst than the last.

Like now, sweat made his T—shirt stick to his body, and he looked a little flushed I guess from the heat in the shop, and the way he was drinking that bottle of water, eeeeeeek.

"What is it now?"

"Huh, what?" Oh, merciful heavens, please tell me he didn't just catch me ogling his junk, but what did he expect, walking around here in those tight jeans,... that hid nothing. Didn't that hurt, to stuff all that in there?

"You've been staring at me with a blush on your face for the last five minutes, Sloane, you got a fever or something?"

"Yeah, I've got a fever alright." Of course I mumbled that under my breath. The man was going to be the death of me, no wonder I kept spazzing out. Did he have to wear that cologne?

"What was that?"

"Nothing, nothing at all, sir, just getting back to work here, lots to do." Please take your package and exit far left, I need a damn cigarette and I don't even smoke.

I turned back to the computer screen before he opened his mouth, and he almost gave me heart failure.

"Am I fucking you?"

Say what now?

"Uh...no?" Was my new boss hitting the pipe?

"What did I tell you about that sir thing?"

Gulp.

"Sorry, I'll try to remember."

"See that you do."

Would you get out of here already before I combust? The big guy upstairs must've been listening, because he made an exit not long after.

Jared brought me lunch which I ate at my desk, because I found that the last person had made a mess of the files. Not that anything was missing, it's just that there was no real order to anything.

Around two the phone rang, good, break up the monotony.

"Lyon's Place, how may I help you?"

"Where is Lyon?"

"Excuse me?"

"Lyon, the quack that runs that outfit over there, where is he?"

"Sir, how may I be of service? Mr. Lyon is rather busy at the momentª"

"Listen girlyª"

"No, you listen. I don't know who you are, and quite frankly I don't care, but your telephone manner leaves much to be desired."

"Now either you speak to me in a civil tone, or I'll be hanging up on the count of five. One, two, three, fourª"

"I'm almost there little missy, we'll just see about this." He hung up the phone.

Oh, my first day and I'm gonna get canned. Who was that?

Damn, when will I learn to keep my big mouth shut? Jared was going to be so pissed.

Not long after, I heard the same gruff voice outside the door, followed by a few others, namely Colton's.

My stomach was in knots, and I had to throw up.

"Marcus, what’s wrong?"

"Fight's not with you, Lyon."

"You have a beef with any one of my staff, on my property, the fights with me Grimaldi."

"I want to talk to little missy with the big mouth."

"What's this about, Grimaldi?"

"You learn how to build a decent bike yet?"

"Listen, we've been going back and forth with this for the last year. If you don't like my work, then there's nothing I can do for you, but you're not going to come here and harass my people."

Maybe I should get out there before things get out of hand. Colton was beginning to sound frustrated. I took a deep breath and walked to the door. I had to fortify myself before opening it.

I opened the door to Colton, Jared, and a couple of the guys, Tommy and Pete among them.

"Hey, you the one I spoke to?"

Okay, he did not look anything like his voice sounded, and he was dressed like a refined gentleman while he spoke like a ruffian.

What was it with the men in this town not being what they seem?

I wasn't quite sure what I'd done to set him off, so I decided to play it safe.

"Yes sir, I think I am." He looked me up and down with a sneer.

"Well now, you're just a little itty—bitty thing, not much to you at all."

"Was there something I could help you with?"

"There it is, that same snooty tone she used on the phone, that how you running your business these days, Lyon?"

Chances are I was going to be fired anyway, so whatever.

"Fact of the matter is, you were obnoxiously rude, Mr. Grumpy. If you want respect, then you first have to give it."

"Excuse me young lady, do you have any idea who I am?"

"Marcª"

Again Colton tried to intervene, but I beat him to it, enough is enough.

For the past three months or so I've been playing the coward. Just because life had thrown me a curveball, didn't mean I had to roll over and play dead, and I'd be damned if I was going to play the coward here like I had in Arizona.

"Listen, Dragon heart, I don't really much care who you are. From the looks of you, you have money, and maybe that's why you think you can get away with treating people just any old way, but your money doesn't mean squat to me, so why don't you take your money and your pompous attitude and go fuª"

"Katª"

" Sloaneª"

Jared and Colton cut into my resignation speech before I could get to the good part.

Suddenly there was a burst of raucous laughter as Mr. Grumpy bent double in laughter.

"You've got the contract, Lyon." He held his hand out to Colton as he almost choked on his laughter.

Colton looked from him to me and back again before shaking his head and taking the hand.

I have no idea what had just happened.

"Back to work, show's over, and that means you too, Sloane."

I turned and escaped back into the office.

***

COLT

***

I waited 'til only Jared and I were left in the hallway, and Marcus had gone off to the showroom with the guys.

"She's not at all what she seems, is she?"

"Nope!"

"What is going on, Jared?"

"You'll just have to wait to find out."

God, she'd just landed me what could be my most lucrative deal. A contract I'd been after for a year now, and a deal that will have my bikes all over the world.

"Tell me something, Jared, is she going to turn my place upside down?"

"Nah...well not in a bad way anyhow."

I looked at him full on with the do not play with me glare.

"What am I in for?"

"All I will say is that it's good to see some of the old Kat again, after what those guys did to herª"

He stopped short and cut himself off. I felt a burning in my gut as my fists curled.

"What're you talking about?"

"Tt's not my story to tell..."

"Somebody hurt her?"

Why was I so angry at the mere thought? I looked towards the door she'd just gone through. What was going on here?

"I can't tell you man. It's up to her who she tells, but just know it was a bad scene, and she came out of it okay, but... it was bad."

I somehow found myself following her into the office, never mind that the man I've been trying to pin down for the last year was even now waiting for me to conduct business. The type of business that could keep me and the boys busy for the foreseeable future, not to mention make a load of money, and get our bikes recognized worldwide, along with a whole lot of other perks.

Jared had hinted at something sinister in her past, and foolish or not, I had the need to see her, and to make sure she was okay.

She was back behind the computer, her eyes glued to the screen in concentration, or she was giving a good impression of concentrating anyway.

I took the time to study her, and I saw that she had her hair pulled back in a tight bun with two pencils sticking out of it. The ugly gray suit jacket looked like a box on her small frame as she hunched her shoulders.

When she looked up I was caught once again by the unparalleled beauty of her eyes. They were a deep indigo blue, without a speck of black. More than that, the thing that made them shine were the whites, and there was no blemish, no redness, nothing.

Just clean, clear whites, like a baby's.

I could get lost in them, or maybe not.

She flicked her eyes my way and back down again, hunching her shoulders even more.

"What do you have to say for yourself, Sloane?"

"Uhm..." She bit her lip and hung her head.

"Sorry?"

"Why do you phrase every thing like question?"

"I didn't know I was doing that si ... I mean, Colton."

"You want to tell me what went on with you and Grimaldi?"

"The gentleman was a little unpleasant..."

"Tell it like it is, the old guy is a rude person. What I want to know is what you did that caused him to offer me a deal that he's been waffling on for almost a year.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing."

She sure could do innocent well. If I hadn't heard her light into him then, I would've sworn she was a timid little thing, but I'd gotten a glimpse of the fire inside her.

"Didn't I tell you if anyone bothered you, you were to come see me?"

"Uh, well, he got here too fast for me to do anything."

"Don't let that happen againª"

The phone rang and interrupted me.

Just as well because I was running out of staff to pick at as an excuse to stay.

Why I should want to, was beyond me. The girl, even though she had amazing eyes, dressed and acted like someone's grandmother.

That is, when she wasn't spitting fire like a hellcat.

"Yes ma'am, he's right here...Katarina ma'am...no ma'am it's my first day...yesterday."

I heard my mother's squeal from across the room. I walked over to take the phone before she said God knows what.

"I'll take that."

She handed over the phone with a frown.

Mom tended to have that effect on unsuspecting people.

"Momª"

"She's the one Colton, Char was right, I can't wait to tell her, when can I meet her..." She went on and on not letting me get a word in edgewise.

"Mom, no, not going to happen now. Why were you calling?"

"The annual Memorial Day barbecue picnic. You have to remind the guys. I sent out the invites but not everyone got back as yet, and I need the numbers. I also need to know if there are any special dishes I need to prepare. You know Linda became a vegetarian last year, and I just need to stay on top of things, so everyone's taken care of. Now tell me about Katarina, is she as sweet as she sounds?"

"We're not having this conversation, mom."

"Oh, I get it, she's right there. Never mind we'll talk later, and I want all the details. Whee, a new daughter, I can't waitª"

"Gotta go, mom, working here."

"Okay, son, talk to you later." I hung up before she could start in again.

"If that lady calls here do not divulge any information, or she'll know your whole history in ten seconds flat trust me."

I hated the fleeting look of sorrow that flashed across her face.

"I have to get back."

"Kay."

I walked away wondering about the hint of pain in her eyes. There was something there, and I wanted to know what it was. If I didn't get some answers real soon, then I'd just beat that out of Jared.

***

KAT

***

She'll know your whole history in ten seconds flat. What a depressing thought.

I'd been feeling a little giddy then. I'd gone from facing imminent termination, to landing the boss a lucrative contract, something I still didn't quite understand but knew it was all good.

Though I did think grumpy old man was crazy. Colton came into the room sucking up all the oxygen, and I'd sent up a silent prayer of thanks that I'd get to bask in his glow for yet another day.

Then came the phone call. Obviously it was his mother, and she sounded nice enough if a little nosy, so I could so see the truth in his words.

She talks a mile a minute, and she trips from one topic to the next before you can catch your breath.

I settled back into work for the last couple hours until it was knockoff time. Jared was all excited when he came to take me home. I barely heard, or understood, a word he said since I was too busy being bummed that Colton was nowhere in sight.

"So you're going to go right?"

"Huh, go where?"

"The Lyon's barbecue, didn't you hear a word I said?"

"No, not really."

"Colton's parents, every year they have a Memorial Day barbecue slash picnic, and you have to come. Everyone's going to be there, even your dad drops by sometimes if he's not working."

"I don't know, I mean no one invited me... plus that's only, like, five days away, and I didn't bring anything suitable to wear to something like that."

I looked down at the butt ugly suit and nurse Ratchet shoes I was now wearing.

"Come on, Kat, it'll be fun, and I'll be there, so nothing will go wrong."

"I don't know, Jared..."

"At least think about it okay."

"Sure, I'll think about it, but no promises."

"No problem, let's get on the road. I have a hot date lined up for tonight."

"You're such a dog, Jared, who is she this time?"

"New chick, you know the chicks dig me, sexy beast."

"Yeah okay, whatever floats your boat, at least you got the beast part right."

"Whatever, smart ass."

He put me in a playful headlock just as Colton turned the corner.

"See ya later boss."

Jared called out as we walked pass.

Didn't he notice that look on Colton's face? Talk about shooting daggers with your eyes. It's a wonder I wasn't an ember. And why was he looking at me like I betrayed him. I hope guy hadn't changed his mind about the deal.

That night I called my mom for our nightly chat. My mom is my sounding board whenever my mind becomes overcrowded.

"So how's the new job sweetie, you like it?"

"It's fine, mom, pretty easy, but guess what. So this guy calls today and he's as rude as you want to be, he just rubbed me the wrong way you know, so I kinda let him have itª"

"Wait a minute, you did what?"

"I put him in his place, next thing I know he's showing up there."

"He didn't hurt you, did he baby?" I hated the panic in her voice.

"No, mom, let me tell you. So anyway, turns out he's this Uber rich old coot with the manners of a wildebeest, but guess what, he gave the boss a contract to supply him with bikes for all his ventures and apparently there are a ton of them."

"Like, he works with Hollywood and racing circuits here, and in Europe, among other things. He said he liked my style, and that's why he finally decided to give Colton the contract."

"Colton, ooh....... first name basis already, is this Colton handsome?"

"Mom... that's what he wants to be called."

I won't be telling you about the sir conversation.

"Are you having fun, baby?"

"I'm fine, mom, promise."

"You'd tell me if something was bothering you, right?"

"Yes, mom, besides, dad's here, everything's fine. I like my new job, and Jared's there which makes it easier. My truck's almost ready, so I should have a little more freedom soon. Right now I'm pretty much stuck in the house, but that's cool. Not much to do around here anyway... wait a minute mom, someone's on the other line."

I put her on hold and clicked over.

The number didn't look familiar, but it was local.

"Hello?"

"Hello, is this Katarina?"

"Uh, yes?"

Why did this voice sound familiar, and not, at the same time?

"This is Elena Lyon, we spoke earlier today."

"Oh, hi."

Why the heck was Colton's mother calling me? Please lady, don't ask me any leading questions, please, please, please.

"I bet you're wondering why I'm calling when we've never even met. I got your number from Jared, he's such a good boy. Anyway I'm calling to invite you personally to our annual barbecue picnic on Monday. I know it's short notice, but I didn't know about you until today, so you can't refuse."

"I won't take no for an answer, besides there's nothing else to do in this town on that day. Everyone comes to my little get—togethers, and you'll have a great time, great food, nice company; what more can you ask. Besides, it'll be a great opportunity to meet the wives of the guys you work with, so it'll be wonderful."

"So I'll see you at about one, we like to start early, and make a whole day and evening of it. If you need a ride that's okay too. I can certainly arrange that for you, so we're set then, yes?"

"Uh, sure, okay." Geez, the lady's a steamroller. I hurried her off before she had me agreeing to God knows what, and for some unknown reason, my heart was beating unusually fast.

"Mom, can I talk to you later?"

"Sure baby, everything okay?"

"Yeah, everything's fine I just have to do something."

I hung up with my mother and fell back against the bed. A barbecue picnic with people, and from the sounds of it, lots of people. No wonder my heart was beating out of sync.

What a way to throw yourself into deep end Kat. Oh well, you can't change your mind now and offend the boss's mother, so it's sink or swim time.

***

ELENA

***

Ha, my son thinks he can outsmart me, good luck with that. The boy has always been a bit too brainy for his own good, but nothing beats a mother on the hunt for a daughter—in—law and grand babies.

Shoot, Stacy had already declared herself out of the running since her and Em had been trying for years without success, and she refused to try artificial insemination, and Carol was nowhere near ready.

Anyway, my girl Char might be a crackpot but she knows her stuff. My son had the nerve to lie to me repeatedly over dinner last night, he'll pay for that.

'No, mom, I didn't meet any girls today.'

Ha, he's been telling that same lie for ten years now, so I wonder how on earth he got his reputation as a cad if he wasn't meeting girls.

Of course he doesn't know, that I know about such things, but women talk, and some of the things I've heard about my one and only baby boy are not fit for mixed company. He's his father's son after all.

Well, according to Jared this Katarina is young in years but very smart, we'll just wait and see. She sounded sweet as pie on the phone, and I hope I'm not disappointed when we finally meet.

***

KAT

***

I went in the next day wondering if his mom had said anything to him about the invite. All night I tossed and turned like a crazy person, thinking about things I hadn't let cross my mind in quite some time, like what should I wear.

I got cold bumps just thinking about it. It had been a while since I'd worn anything other than a gunny sack, my protective shield.

I'm coming to realize that it's silly. In my head I know that, but it's getting the rest of me to go along with it that's the problem.

Oh well, if push comes to shove, I can always wear one of dad's old flannel shirts and some sweats. Classy Kat.

Well if my biggest problem was what to wear, then I'd say I was making progress. A few months ago just the thought of being out in public surrounded by all those people would've sent me into shock.

I heard voices coming from the game room. That's the room the guys hung out in, and ate or played pool and video games, when they were having down time.

There was even a kids' corner, and when I'd asked Colton about it, he'd told me in his gruff way 'chicks got things to do sometimes, so their old man brings the kid in, and we take turns watching over the little tykes.'

I went down to the room to see what was going on, since I'd done my morning's work and was bored out of my mind. I get into trouble when I'm bored.

The men were having some sort of powwow, it looked like, because everyone was here. Colton stood in front of them giving out orders for some upcoming riding event.

The way he stood with his arms folded across his muscular chest, and his legs braced apart as he looked down at his men like a king with his subjects, did something to me.

It might sound weird, but I wanted to worship at his feet. I'd never seen a more beautiful human being in my life. Too bad he would eat me for breakfast and keep going.

Men like him didn't fall for girls like me, if only. He turned that piercing green gaze on me as if sensing my scrutiny, my inner turmoil.

His eyes traveled up and down my body before settling once more on my eyes.

"Something on your mind, Sloane?"

Eeek, I just soiled my panties.

I should start charging him for those. A girl could only go through so many panties before she ran out.

"Well!"

He hardly speaks, but he sure does get his point across. I think one of his hard glares is worst than a shout.

"Going back to work, sir."

Oh, I remembered the sir thing too late as I made a bee line for the office.

I could hear the soft drone of his voice as he continued speaking to the men before there was a line of footsteps tromping back to the shop.

It wasn't long before the door was opened and you know who came in.

Working here, take your sexy eyes and bitable ass on down the hall thank you very much.

"What are you thinking about now?"

"Uh...excuse me?"

I hate this stupid bun. If I wore my hair down, then I could hide behind it, but with my hair pulled back like this he could see my blush.

"You're blushing again, do I make you nervous or something?"

I was shaking my head before he was through, and why was that? I'd just realized that he didn't make me nervous at all, and in fact this whole place made me feel safe. I had no doubt it was because he was here. Weird.

Funny, I hadn't even thought of it until now, but my dad and Jared were the only two males I'd been able to spend any time around without going into panic mode.

The thought made me smile, maybe, just maybe, I was healing.

***

COLT

***

What is she smiling about now. I think Jared sold me a lemon, I just can't figure out what is the issue. When she isn't blushing like a medieval virgin, she's tearing into someone or smiling for no reason.

"Are you trying to make me crazy?"

"No sir...uh...uhm... nope."

She shook her head again.

"I'm going to start tallying up those sirs and hold them for future payment. Now was there something you needed before?"

"No...ahem...no, nothing."

She is one strange duck, and now her voice sounded like she was strangling.

Where is Jared, I'm gonna kick his ass. His 'little sister' was driving me nuts, and she kept me up all night wondering about her, that's not my style.

Besides, I don't have time for some little wilting flower with split personality disorder, or whatever.

"What's going on with you and Jared?"

Real smooth Lyon, why don't you just drag her by her hair into your lair.

"Jared, like what?"

Good, she didn't seem to pick up on the undertone of pissed off in my voice.

One of the reasons I'd been up all night was because of that little byplay I'd witnessed between those two yesterday.

"Forget it, I'm in the shop." I turned and left before I made an even bigger ass of myself.

I don't know why she was getting to me, she wasn't even my type. Except for those eyes of hers she didn't really have anything going for her, and she wore her hair like an old school marm. Her clothes were less than anything approaching attractive, and she is nuts.

Not a very enticing combination, so why was she the only thing I could think of for the last twenty four hours?

Instead of going to the shop, I decided to go for a ride and clear my head. There was no point in staying around here with her so near, and I wouldn't get anything done anyway.

I was gone for about an hour before I felt it was safe to return. I'd done some thinking while I was gone, and I'd realized that part of my problem was Char's stupid prediction, which made no sense because I don't believe in that shit anyway.

So there was really nothing like a blooming attraction, or anything going on, just the power of suggestion I guess.

I turned the corner and almost had a heart attack. She was standing on the seat of a power bike holding onto the handlebars while my crew stood around watching her.

I didn't run, or yell, or make any fast movements. I didn't want to scare her, and make her fall. She flipped herself over the bars and back into the seat in a seated position.

That's when I moved forward, well when my legs finally worked anyway.

The crew was whistling and applauding while she grinned the biggest fucking grin I had ever seen on her face behind the helmet.

Everyone grew quiet when they saw me coming, and some of the men started to scatter.

"Off." She climbed off the bike, removed her helmet, and placed it under her arm. She had her head down, biting into her lip no doubt.

I'm sure she expected me to lash out at her, and though that had been my first inclination, I wouldn't take her joy away like that, neither would I embarrass her in front of the men.

"Good job." Fuck, the smile on her face when she lifted her head rivaled the sun for brightness.

"Don't you clowns have better things to do?" I turned to the men who were brave enough to hang around.

"Yes, boss." They grinned as they walked away, giving Kat more praise as they left.

"Come with me." I turned and headed to the office, Kat behind me chattering away like a magpie.

I held my shit together until we got to the office. I opened the door, and waited for her to precede me, then closing it I pushed her back against it.

"You ever pull a stunt like that again, and I'll tan your little ass you hear me?"

"What...I...you, but you said."

"I know what I said, it was a nice stunt, but not for you."

"But why? You don't say anything when the guys do it."

How could I explain it to her, when I couldn't explain it to myself? All I know is that the thought of her being hurt made my blood run cold.

"I'm really careful, Colton, promise, you don't have to worry, and I wear all my protective gear see."

She showed me the arm and knee pads she wore over yet another ugly ass suit.

She seemed so fucking happy, unlike her usual withdrawn self. How could I take that away from her?

"Isn't there anything else you like as much, anything safer?"

I was caving, but how could I put out that light in her eyes?

"No, not really."

There she goes with that soft little girl voice again.

I studied her for a moment. The kid had very little to make her happy it seemed like, so it wouldn't be right to take this away from her too, but damn couldn't she find a safer hobby?

And why do you care, Lyon? thought you weren't interested! I ignored the annoying voice in my head as I looked at her.

"Okay, I'll make you a deal. If you want to do these stunts, then you'll have to wait until I'm there to make sure you're safe, okay."

"I don't want to take you away from stuff, I'll be careful I promise." She wouldn't look me in the eye as she blushed.

Damn this girl was some kinda shy.

"Take it or leave it, Katarina, either I'm there or you don't do them."

"Fine, I'll only do them when you're here."

She actually pouted, and it was cute as hell. I guess that ride was a waste of time because she was once again planted firmly in the forefront of my mind.

***

COLT

***

The rest of the afternoon went by without my little daredevil pulling any more stunts, and I stayed out of her way as much as possible because she was just confusing the hell out of me

I wanted to knock some of the guys' heads together for letting her do that shit, but that would only raise a lot of questions. And since there was no real boss, or an underling divide, these nosy fucks wouldn't think twice about sticking their noses in my damn business.

Don't let anyone fool you that women were the only ones who did that shit, men are some gossiping shit heads. All I needed was for them to get wind of me sniffing around the flying nun, and my life would be hell. I still haven't cornered Jared as yet to give him a piece of my mind, but I'll get to that soon enough.

At knock off time I made myself scarce. I certainly didn't need another replay of yesterday's little interlude between those two, little sister my ass.

The next couple days were uneventful thank God. I stayed away from the office as much as possible, and no one was the wiser because we were knee deep in bikes.

Grimaldi, once he made up his mind, was a no nonsense kind of guy. He'd already ordered ten bikes, and that was just a drop in the pan, so no one wondered why I was spending more time in the shop and less in the office.

As if having her plaguing my ass all the time wasn't enough, my mother was up to something, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it could be.

Whatever, it wouldn't be the first time she was being sneaky about some shit, but usually I'd have a hint because she couldn't keep a secret to save her life. This time, nothing, but she was all sugary sweet and smiling all the damn time, and that shit scares the crap out of me.

Dad's answer was that her and the hen pack must be planning somebody's life for them. That's what he thinks her and her busy body hen pack, as he calls them, get up to.

He better not let her hear him, or it will be his ass. Mom takes her book clubs/hen pecking sessions seriously.

I caught glimpses of Sloane here and there in another one of her horrendous get ups. Seriously, each one was worst than the last if that were possible.

Friday's was puke green, I kid you not. And I wanted to say something but refrained. The guys, for some strange reason, were taking it easy on her with the jokes. Usually my boys would've picked her carcass clean like a condor on carrion but, nothing. I guess because of Storm.

I made it to the weekend with my sanity in tact, but not seeing her Saturday and Sunday was a pain in the ass. I missed the fuck out of our little skirmishes, and that pissed me off.

I'd only known her a week, so why should she take up so much space in my head? other than to wonder what hair brained scheme she was getting up to that would break her fool neck.

***

It's BBQ day. Of course mom has dad and I running our asses off fetching her last minute shit. I think we must've bought every available bag of ice in Greenville.

"Colton, aren't you going to go get ready for the BBQ?"

"Mom, seriously? I just got through running like fifty last minute errands, so can I please just catch my breath before I have to go back out there in this heat?"

"Sorry for your suffering son, but we don't have time for your little drama today, chop—chop. Everyone will be here soon. You don't want to be all sweaty and cranky when your friends get here do you?"

"Geez, mom, they're not twelve."

"Don't argue with your mother, and go get dressed. You'll feel better after you do."

What was the point of arguing? I turned and headed for the door.

On my way back to my place I realized that I hadn't thought of Kat in a few hours. Maybe because I was feeling guilty for not inviting her. After all, everyone else from the shop will be there, so there was no reason not to have invited her.

I wondered what she was doing today, since the whole town would be in my parents' backyard, and the guilt intensified. Oh well, it was too late now anyway.

I took a shower and threw on some jeans and one of my tees, arms bared and tats well displayed. One swipe of my hand through my hair was enough, since the shit never stayed the way I brushed it anyway, let it do its thing.

The party wasn't in full swing when I returned, but it was well on its way, and the smell of grilling meat permeated the air as voices rang out with laughter and conversation.

I loved this shit, my friends and family together having a good time. Now all I needed was a cold beer and a cool place to sit before mom started running my ass again.

I found Jared and some of the guys in a huddle, talking shop.

"Don't you freaks know how to relax and unwind? It's a party, leave work alone."

"Bro, that design you did for the Grimaldi racing bike is killer, that shit is gonna blow everything else out the water."

"Get a girl, bro, I thought you had a date for this thing?"

"The girls dragged her off somewhere, like, ten minutes ago."

"Probably doing the initiation ceremony and teaching her how to fry Jared's ass."

"Shut up, Pete." Jared elbowed him, as most of the crew except Jared started to scatter to look for their women.

I hopped up on one of the picnic tables mom had set up and looked around at all the beautiful people. My eyes caught something... new!

"Who the fuck is that?"

"Who?" Jared looked around like he couldn't see the hot as fuck woman across from us. Her back was turned, but if her front looked anything like her back, then damn.

Her ass was mouth watering, tight and high and round and...fuck, I had a hard on, and don't get me started on the hair, it was wild and thick and fucking gorgeous falling to the top of her ass.

"Shit who is she?" With my luck she'd be here with some unworthy prick.

"Who, man?"

"Carol's friend." I pointed with my beer to where my sister was talking to the dish.

Jared turned in my little sister's direction.

"Who, Kat?"

She turned at that moment, and my fucking world shifted.

Fucking Char and her fucking tea leaves.

Well, I couldn't find a good enough excuse to get out of coming to the BBQ, so by Sunday evening, yes the last minute, I found myself in the nearest town shopping, something I used to love, but haven't had any interest in for a while.

Everything seemed foreign as I perused the shops, like I'd forgotten how it was done. The last sales girl wasn't much older than I in this one place, and she was super helpful.

She was all about body structure and what looked best on which frame, but I just needed a pair of jeans and some chucks, that's all.

Instead, I left the place with some dressy cargo pants in dark blue, a white sleeveless silk tee, and three inch spike heeled wrap around sandals. When I tried to argue that the shoes weren't suitable for a BBQ, Susan, the helpful shopper, told me the outfit wouldn't work with anything else.

So that's how I ended up at a BBQ packed with strangers, dressed like an idiot. Or at least that's how I felt before everyone started complimenting me on how great I looked, starting with my dad whose mouth had dropped open on first seeing me.

"Kat, you in there?"

That was his brilliant exclamation when I came down the stairs, and it had gone a long way to making me feel good.

He'd gushed and made me do the turning thing until I'd begged him to stop, and of course I still wasn't brave enough to drive to a strange place alone, so he offered to take me and pick me up afterward, cool.

When I first arrived I almost didn't get out of his cruiser. No one warned me it was a mansion, holy... Dad's flannels would've so been the wrong choice.

The place was huge, and gorgeous and...freaking spectacular. There was glass everywhere and spirals and turrets and flowers and birds and what the heck?

"Hi, chief, what you bring me?"

I looked around and saw what I thought was a little girl coming towards my dad, until I got a good look. She must be my age but she was tiny, like me, and she had the most infectious smile on her face.

"Hi, Carol, give us a hug."

She hugged him like they were long lost friends.

"Carol, this is my daughter Katarina, Kat, this is, Carol Lyon, your boss's sister."

She squealed loud enough to alert Washington, and I soon found myself in her arms as she hopped up and down.

"Heels, heels."

I tried to alert her to the fact that she was one step away from breaking my neck, but when I looked down her heels were higher than mine.

"Finally, we meet, I've been your surrogate sister while you were away."

"See you later, chief, we'll save you a plate."

"You'd better."

He got back in the cruiser shaking his head and smiling as the human dynamo dragged me away.

"Bye, dad, thanks for bringing me."

I waved him off as she chattered non stop, hopping from one topic to the next without taking a breath.

All I heard was 'we have got to do something about your hair', and the next thing I knew we were in a bathroom three times the size of my bedroom, my bun was loose, and she screamed loud enough to deafen ten people.

"All this hair and you did that to it, shame on you." She got out curling irons and hair spray and goop and went to work.

"Hi, I'm Katarina."

"Yeah, I know, we met already."

She looked at me like I'd hit my head.

"Yes but when, ten minutes ago, or ten years ago?"

"Oh, that, mom says I never met a stranger." She giggled as she attacked my hair with the hot iron.

When she was through with that she started in on my eyes. I don't know what smoky sexy meant, and wasn't sure I wanted to, but I must say, the end result was amazing.

I hardly recognized myself. My hair, after having been restrained for so long, was wild and free and dare I say, gorgeous. She'd done something that made my eyes look wider and dreamy, and I don't even want to think about it. All I kept thinking was I hope Colton will be here, and why wouldn't he, it was his family's BBQ after all.

I didn't stop to think why he was the first thought I had, or why I got so excited at the thought of him seeing me like this. I just knew I wanted him to.

We went outside and she dragged me off to a picnic table alone while she gabbed on and on about everything under the sun, girl was a talker.

Jared came by and said hi and gave my look a thumbs up, and he almost made me cry when he whispered welcome back Kat in my ear before heading off and leaving me with Carol.

"Shouldn't I go find your mom and introduce myself?"

"Oh she'll be out soon, she's primping. At least I hope that's what she's doing. Where's my dad?"

She got us some juice as she pointed out different people to me, most of whom I knew I wouldn't remember.

Suddenly I felt nervous butterflies in my stomach, and then I felt it, that heat on the back of my neck when someone is doing more than looking at me. Somehow I knew, before I turned, who it would be.

***

COLT

***

"Fuck me..."

"Dude, you okay?"

Jared was giving me the beady eye like he thought I was about to keel over from heat stroke any minute, and I just might, but not from the heat of the sun.

"I'm going to kill you."

"Dude!" He backed up from me like I'd lost my mind. Fucking lemon my ass, he'd sold me a fucking thoroughbred disguised as a nag. I should be happy, right, somehow I wasn't though. If she had all that going on, then why the fuck was she hiding under those butt ugly suits?

"Start talking Jared, and make it good, who the fuck is Katarina Sloane?" I gave him my signature glare to let him know I meant business. I wanted to know what the fuck was going on, and I wanted to know now.

First I needed one more look at her. Fuck she was hot, and I noticed others noticing it too, fuck this.

"Later, we'll talk later." I left him dumbfounded as I headed towards her.

"Hi, Carol. Bye, Carol,... let's go."

"Colton..."

My sister yelled after me as I pulled Mata Hari behind me towards the house. We were going to need privacy for this.

ELENA

**

"Daniel, I've got a yard full of people out there waiting."

"They'll keep, get back here."

"What, again, what the heck doc you been smoking trees again?"

"It's legal, babe."

"I know, but the kids..."

"The kids, they've probably been smoking it while it was illegal. I mean your daughter talks a mile a minute without taking a breath and is always smiling. The oldest is two braids away from being a hippie, and have you seen your son, half the boy's body tells a story."

"Excuse me, but if I remember correctly, you were the one who said 'let the kids make their own way, let them be happy doing what they like'."

"I'm not complaining, I'm just saying, our kids are weed heads."

"They are not."

"How did we get off track? Bring that sexy ass over here. Aww my little girl still blushes."

"Stop it." He's so bad.

"I'm not sexy anymore, I'm getting old."

"Babe, are you serious, I've been looking at your ass for over thirty years, and it just keeps getting better, nice tight ass."

My face is on fire.

"Oh what the hell, make it quick."

It's not like I didn't know he likes seconds. My guy has never let me down in over thirty years.

"Hooyah, ride 'em cowgirl." He's such a freak.

***

Half an hour later I was relatively decent with a permanent smile on my face, so hopefully no one will know what I'd been up to, except my nosy kids. I'll just have to avoid them for a little bit.

"Char, when did you get here, and why didn't you call me?" My best friend was coming up the stairs as I was going down. Thank God I'd left Daniel in the shower when I did, crazy man.

"Just got here and no one seemed to know where you were, but then I noticed your hunka husband was missing and put two and two together. You two still make me sick."

"Jealous bitch."

We kissed cheeks and clasped elbows as we headed back down.

"So, remember I told you about the new receptionist at Lyon's Place, and how she met Colton the same day you said he'd meet his wife, well I invited her here today. I have no idea what she looks like, but she sounds sweet as pie. A little young, but what the heck, I got married when I was her age."

"Now Char, when you meet my new daughter in law, not one word about the wedding. You know how these kids are today, jittery about everything."

"Meanwhile you've already got the color scheme picked out eh, Elena."

"No, no, that's the girl's right, and I will not be my mother in law. I will let her have the wedding of Her dreams, but I do have the venue picked out." Char laughed her ass off. I know the perfect place.

***

KAT

***

"Where are we going in such a hurry?"

"You don't talk until we get out of sight of all these people."

Did he realize that he was more than a foot taller than me, and that his legs ate up more space than my stumps?

Wait a minute, why wasn't I screaming in fear? My heart was beating fast, yes, but not with fear only with excitement.

I looked at his forceful arms as he pulled me along behind him, his fuck awesome hair, and that lick of flames that climbed up the side of his neck.

Well damn, a nice pair of silk panties toasted.

I thought we were headed to the house, but he pulled me around the side out of sight of the others and pushed me up against the wall.

"What's this?"

Oi, he covered one of my breasts with his hand. I crossed my legs and started rubbing them together like a cricket. What! I couldn't help it, he was being all masterful and shit.

"What the fuck, Sloane, what are you doing?"

"Nothing." I sounded like a strangled sheep.

What do you expect, I just came on myself and now he's doing that scowling face thing with his eyes glaring at me, and oh merciful heavens I'm going to combust.

"Air, air, I need air."

"Babe, seriously, we're outside, how much more air can you possibly need. Now stop fucking around. What, is, this?"

"What's what?"

"The clothes, why the fuck you been coming to my place looking like Broom Hilda, when you're walking around with the body of a fucking bombshell. You trying to fuck with my head?"

"No, no, absolutely not...if you could just... your hand." I pushed my breast harder into his hand, and he gave a little squeeze and then let go.

Nooooo.

"Sorry, shit, didn't even realize I was doing that shit."

Well spare me your full attention for the next five minutes before you kill me.

"Now answer me, why the disguise?"

"It's not a disguise per se, I just... I'm not ready to talk about it."

"Talk about what, what's going on?"

"Sir, I just saidª"

"Fuck it, I warned you."

That's all the warning I got before I was crushed against his chest, feet off the ground, and his junk right where it did the most good...for now.

His tongue was in my mouth, and those humongous hands of his had a hold of my ass and were kneading. I purred, he growled, I came.

"Eeeeeeeekk."

"Fuck, Angel, I can't fuck you out here, too many people."

"Huh?" My head was foggy and my limbs felt like jelly.

Oh shit, I was riding his ridge right here out in the open, for anyone to come along and see, and my hands were pulling fistfuls of his hair as I rubbed my heat against him.

Wow, way to break out of your shell Kat.

I climbed down off his pole and tried to fix myself.

I am in so much trouble.