Reign: A Romance Anthology

by Nina Levine

  “It’s possible. I don’t think I’d put it past you. Isn’t that what you do?” His brow furrows. “Oh, sorry, I assumed being in the profession you’re in that you’d have a different woman in every town you visit and possibly more than one. That’s just my thoughts. If it’s not true, then please feel free to correct me.”

  Goddamnit! I can’t seem to stop the word vomit pouring from my mouth. That is, until his mouth lands on mine. My hands slide up his arms, taking in each tense muscle that moves until they lock around his neck, and I groan.

  Cole pulls back and stares down at me. “You’re not wrong, but you’re also not right. Yes, I do tend to have one-night stands, but I’m also faithful to one person when I’m in a committed relationship.”

  One-night stand. Those three little words are exactly what last night was.

  An ache forms in my chest.

  Hang on, I shouldn’t feel as though the world is ending. We were never anything. He was a one-night stand. That’s all it’ll ever be.

  Leaning up on my tiptoes, I plant one last kiss on his lips and step back out of his arms. When they leave my skin, a sudden pang of loss hits me, and a lump forms in my throat.

  Get a grip, Dylan.

  It was one damn night.

  Pull yourself together.

  I swallow the lump that’s formed and clear my throat. “Well, thanks for your help last night…and the rest.” I grab the end of a bunch of my hair and twirl it through my fingers, quickly turning back toward my bedroom.

  Cole’s warm hand gently catches my arm. “Hold up there, pretty lady. You can’t just brush me off like that.”

  “Why not? It was all pretend.” Though, what I felt last night was so not pretend. It was the start of something I’m not sure I’m ready for. Who in their right mind falls for the fake boyfriend? That’s the stuff for romance novels, and they’re simply make-believe.

  Cole pulls me against him again.

  My hands rest on his chest.

  “What if…” He trails off for a moment then continues, “What if…I don’t want it to end just yet? Can we still hang out? I’d like to get to know you better. Maybe even take you to your reunion so we can rub your success in their faces.”

  I laugh. “So, basically, you’re my rent-a-boyfriend?”

  Cole rubs his clean-shaven chin and then combs his fingers through his already tousled hair. “If that’s what you want to call me. Or I could just be a friend helping you out of a tough spot.”

  “Technically, I won’t be in a tough spot if I don’t go,” I state.

  “True, true. But how good would it feel, especially if the douchebag is there? Though, you may have to hold me back from punching the living hell out of him.”

  “Oh, my knight in tattoos to the rescue.” I laugh at how stupid that sounds, but it’s so right.

  “Isn’t it…knight in shining armor?”

  I shrug. “Usually. But given you’re covered in tats, it seems so much better. Because I just don’t see you wearing shining armor. You’re more of a leather-jacket-and-jeans kind of guy.”

  He chuckles and swoops down to kiss me. “You got that right, princess. I’m no knight. I’m the prince.”

  “Oh my…” Scarlett stumbles over her words, her mouth hanging open as I finish telling her about my night with Cole.

  It’s been about two days since he came to dinner at Mom’s, and I had to refrain from telling Scarlett until she and Vivian were together, because I didn’t want to repeat myself a hundred times.

  We meet for our regular lunch date that we have weekly, and I was busting at the seams to tell them what happened. Of course, I’d spilled everything to Charlie the following day at work. That girl reminds me of Pinky Pie from My Little Pony. She’s always so happy and bouncy. Sometimes it can be a little full-on, but she’s a great worker.

  “So, he wants to hang around for a while? When are you seeing him again?” Scarlett fires off the first round of questions. Vivian opens her mouth to follow with hers but then holds back, waiting for the answer.

  “It seems he does want to. I don’t know when I’m seeing him again. I haven’t heard from him. Do you think I should go to the reunion?”

  “Did he say he’d go with you?” Vivian asks.

  I think for a moment before answering, “Actually, come to think of it, I don’t recall that we ever got to a specific answer.”

  “Maybe going will put some of that bad history behind you, and for all you know, Luke won’t be there,” Scarlett offers.

  I stab the fork into my chicken salad and place it in my mouth.

  “Yeah, go, flaunt your successes to those who weren’t kind. Obviously, you must have had some friends in high school. I’ll go with you if biker boy doesn’t,” Vivian says.

  “So, you both think I should go?” A part of me wants them to say yes, but the fear of running into Luke wishes they would say no. How am I meant to move forward in life if I keep letting him hold me back?

  “I think it will be good,” Scarlett says as I glance at Vivian, who’s nodding.

  I groan. “Fine! I’ll go, but you have to come with me, Viv.”

  “I’m always up for a party; you know that.” She grins wickedly.

  “Okay, so next question. What am I going to do about Cole? Do I message him? Leave it and wait for him to contact me?” I feel like a fish out of water in this situation with Cole and me.

  “Wait,” they both reply in unison.

  “I’ll try. If he doesn’t contact me, then I’m going to put him in that column titled Waste of Time.” I laugh.

  “Give him a chance. Wait and see what the rest of this week brings,” Vivian says.

  As much as I want to give him a chance, I’ve been let down too much in the past, and the fear that takes hold is something that’s become like an old friend.

  15

  Cole

  “Wait…you’re telling me that my prank has somehow backfired and you went on a date with this woman?” Deacon lays back on my couch as if it’s his own with a beer in hand.

  I run my fingers through my hair and take a seat beside him. “Yeah. So, thanks for that.” I’d given him a rundown of everything that had happened since my appointment the other day, even up to the point where I left Dylan’s place the following morning when she had to head into work.

  “So, have you spoken to her since Tuesday morning?” he asks.

  I shake my head. “Nope. I’m not sure what I should do. She has the reunion this weekend, but she hasn’t asked me outright to go with her.”

  “Are you interested in the woman?”

  “I like her. She seems fun and is blindingly gorgeous. I’d like to get to know her better.”

  “Well, text or call. It’s been two days. She probably thinks you were just a one-night stand and now you’ve moved on. You know women; they can get all sensitive about these things. Did you say you’d contact her again?”

  “Yeah, I did,” I reply as I think of our final moments of interaction. I put my cup of water to my lips and take a large drink. The memory of her lips is ingrained in my mind. I want—no, need to know more about her.

  “Well then, what the hell are you waiting for? Reach out to her—or better yet, go see her at work. It’s not like you’ve got much going on at the moment, what with your temper getting you suspended for the next two races.” There’s the annoying tone I’ve been waiting for since the incident.

  “Yeah, but that dick had it coming. I wasn’t putting up with his bullshit anymore. But hey, you’re right; I’ll use this time to get to know Dylan.” Rising from my seat, I grab my cell off the kitchen counter.

  Do I text her or show up at her workplace?

  Workplace it is.

  “I’m heading out. Catch up later.”

  “Or you won’t.” He laughs as I head to the front door and take my motorbike key from the hook by the front door.

  I shake my head at him.

  He’s the one who’s going to be kicked
out on his ass soon if things with Dylan go well.

  Is this even a good idea?

  What am I thinking?

  She has my number too, so why didn’t I hear from her? Is she one of those that wait and see if the man will contact her?

  I push the door open and head up to her office, wondering if she’s busy. Glancing at my watch, it’s just after three in the afternoon. Pushing the door open, I find she has two clients waiting. Each of them turns to look at me. It’s not just any look, though. It’s one that says Here’s another sorry guy doing what his wife wants him to do.

  I pause.

  Dylan’s receptionist stands, and a brilliant, wide grin spreads across her face. “Hey,” she greets.

  Clearing my throat, I say, “Is Dylan free?”

  She chews on her bottom lip, stares down at her screen, then purses her red lips. “She’s booked heavily today. Do you want me to leave a message with her?”

  “No, it’s okay. I’ll catch up with her later. Thanks, though.”

  She smiles, and I exit the same way I came in. My heart slams against my ribcage at the thought of seeing her again. I can just imagine her in those sexy glasses. I have no doubt her receptionist will tell her I stopped by—or at least, I hope she does.

  I can’t wait to see Dylan again. The rope she has lassoed around me keeps dragging my thoughts back to her. The worry that was written all over her face when she told me about her ex makes me want to hunt that man down and hurt him.

  I hope he’s there this weekend.

  There is no doubt words will be spoken between the two of us.

  16

  Dylan

  “He was here?” I stare at Charlie.

  It’s finally the end of the day, and I’ve just sent my last appointment on his merry way. We’re going through the end-of-day paperwork when Charlie informs me Cole stopped by today.

  “Yep. He came in and asked to see you, but I told him you were busy. Have you spoken to him since he left your place?”

  “No.”

  “Well, you need to.” She’s right.

  “I don’t want to come across as some sort of stage-five clinger.”

  “Well, he came here to see you, so there’s no excuse now.” She shrugs, spins around, and files away the last of the paperwork. “I’m heading off. I’ll see you tomorrow. Message him, Dylan.” She’s out the door in minutes, and I’m left in silence.

  Heading to my office, I grab my cell and type out a quick text.

  Dylan: Hey, sorry I missed you today. It was chaotic here.

  My finger hovers over the send button. Just do it. He’s already made the first move.

  I hit send and begin packing up my things.

  Out on the street, I hail a cab and head back to my apartment with the plan of doing absolutely nothing tonight. Food, Netflix, and a heap of ice cream…that sounds like my ideal evening.

  As I climb from the cab, my cell pings, alerting me to a message. Pulling it from my bag, the grin that spreads across my face is illuminating, especially when I see it’s from Cole.

  Cole: I probably should have just sent a message instead of showing up. It’s your work. I was wondering if you’d made a decision about your reunion. I’d be happy to take you. Your rent-a-boyfriend is ready and willing to help out. LOL

  I laugh as I make my way up to my floor. Unlocking my door, I step in and drop my bag and keys at the door and reply.

  Dylan: Hey, at least I now know I’m not just some one-night stand. Haha. Or am I a one-week stand? As for my reunion, yes, I’ve decided to go, but of course, you don’t have to come. Vivian, my friend, said she would come with me.

  Cole: A one-week stand? Never heard of it. I like you, Dylan, and I’d really like to take you.

  My cheeks hurt from the grin that’s plastered across my face.

  He likes me.

  I feel like a schoolgirl who’s just been told her crush likes her. Damn, that’s going back a heap of years now. Luke was that person, and when someone told me he was interested in me, I literally fell off the chair I’d been sitting on.

  It wasn’t possible.

  I wasn’t the dating type of girl.

  Well, I didn’t think so.

  Every girl wanted to date him, yet he chose the quiet girl who had her nose in books instead of caring about what was the latest lip-gloss color everyone was wearing. I should have known it was too good to be true.

  Dylan: I like you, too. I’ll send you the details on Friday. You can pick me up, but not on a bike. A car is preferable.

  Cole: I can do that…for you.

  Dylan: Thank you. So, how was your day?

  Cole: The usual. When can I see you again?

  He wants to see me again before Friday?

  Dylan: I’ll see you on Friday.

  I chew my lip as I wait and see what he says.

  Cole: I want to see you before then. Tonight maybe?

  Before I can reply, there’s a knock at my door, and I jump at the sound. I place my cell on the table near the door and pull it open. My mouth drops. Cole’s standing there in his familiar black leather jacket, black shirt, and dark-blue jeans. If this is all this man has in his closet, I can totally get on board. The way his shirt hugs his muscles causes a stir deep in my stomach.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask, completely taken aback by his sudden appearance at my door.

  He shrugs and grins.

  I melt.

  “I was in the neighborhood and wanted to stop in and see my rent-a-girlfriend. Plus, I brought food.” He holds up a white plastic bag. “Should I stand out here and eat while you stand in there?”

  “Oh, sorry. Come on in. How did you know when I’d be home?” I move aside, and he strolls past me. His familiar woodsy scent tickles my senses, and instantly, my stomach clenches at the possibility of what’s to come tonight.

  “I took a guess. I figure you seem like a woman who likes to finish on time. So, I thought maybe five or sixish, and so I went for in-between. I guess I was right. When did you get home?”

  I follow behind him as he speaks and reply, “Not long ago, maybe five or ten minutes. I was standing here messaging you, then you were at my door.”

  Cole places the bag on the kitchen counter and pulls off his jacket. I simply stare and take in all of his movements. He’s so damn fine. Our eyes meet, and his lips curl. “Do I have permission to kiss you?” His voice is low and gravelly. He takes two steps and secures his arms around my waist, pulling me against him.

  I place a finger on my lips as though I’m thinking about his question. “Hmm…I’m not sure. That might lead to me not eating my dinner while it’s hot.”

  He throws his head back, and laughter pours out of him. “That’s a high possibility.” His head tilts down, and my knees become weak as his lips press against mine. My arms secure themselves around his neck. His kisses are warm and full of want. Our mouths dance, and I match every movement to his hungry ones. A small groan escapes me, and that is his signal for his arms to tighten around me. He pulls his head back, our breathing heavy. “Perhaps we should eat first.”

  I cock an eyebrow. “You mean actual food or something else?”

  “As much as I’d like something else, I’d hate for you to get hangry at me for not giving you actual food.” Reluctantly, I peel myself away from him, though one of his hands stays on my hip as I turn and pull out what’s in the bag. It smells divine.

  “Noodles?”

  “Yep, some of the best in New York.” The scent of the sauces makes my stomach rumble in anticipation.

  Cole chuckles. “I guess I made the right decision going with food first.”

  “I guess so.” I giggle.

  After we’ve plated our food, we head to sit on the couch. A comfortable silence settles between us while I take a mouthful of noodles. When I glance over at him, Cole’s eyes have changed. They’re now full of dark desire.

  “If I have to sit here and watch you suck those noodles through
your lips, I’m going to lose my damn mind.”

  “I’m not sure how else you expect me to eat them,” I laugh. “Don’t watch me eat then. It’s a little creepy.”

  “I can’t help it. You’re beautiful.”

  “And you’re a smooth talker.” I place another forkful of food in my mouth and suck up the last of the noodle hanging out.

  Cole rolls his eyes and grins. “Tease,” he mutters.

  “So, tell me, when are you racing again? I’d like to come and watch you in action.”

  He clears his throat and then says, “Well, right now, I’m suspended because I hit someone who asked for it.”

  I inhale some of the noodles, which causes a coughing fit. “Wait! What? You’re suspended?”

  Cole plays with his food for a moment before answering, “Yeah. The guy was being crude to a young woman who’s the girlfriend of another rider. We were watching the races when his vile words filtered around me, and I saw red. Before I could stop myself, I was laying into him. It took two security guards to pull me off the worthless excuse of a man. Not even his friends helped him—the pussies.”

  I swallow, not entirely sure what to say.

  So, I simply stare at him.

  17

  Cole

  She stares at me.

  Meeting her gaze, it’s like I’m staring fear in the face, and my chest squeezes. “Don’t look at me like that, Dylan,” I say. I hate the way she’s looking at me. She seems so unsure of it all now—and of me.

  She blinks and then goes back to twirling food around her fork. “Like what?” she rushes out, her voice is on the verge of high-pitched.

  “Like I’ve just spat in your cereal. The man deserved it.”

  “Oh, I have no doubt about that. Still, I wasn’t prepared to see you as a violent person. Sorry.”