by Cathryn Fox
“Technically you’re not my Mr. July,” she clarified. “You’re not my anything.”
She wasn’t sure how he’d respond to that, but when he gave her a slow, inviting smile, her blood pulsed hot, and the room began to spin.
“I have a condition.”
Okay, that was unexpected. “A condition?”
“Yeah,” he answered. “I’m going to need you by my side during each and every promo event.”
She eyed him, wondering what he was up to. Steeling herself she asked, “Why?”
“Well, I understand my image is important to you, and to this campaign, so if I’m going to do this, then I’m going to need you with me to help me keep it clean.” Heat darkened his eyes and played havoc with her senses when he added, “You’re going to have to teach me good from bad…”
The way he’d said bad had shivers skittering down her spine.
“You’re a cop, you should know good from bad.”
His eyes held a teasing glint. “Sometimes bad is good, you know.”
“Bad is never good.”
A low rumble sounded in his throat. “So what do you think, Ally? Are we going to do this?”
Allison thought it over. Did she really have any choice in the matter? After all, the sole reason the last project manager had been fired was because she’d failed to do her job and keep Mr. June looking pristine in the public’s eye.
“Fine,” she said.
“One more thing.”
“Carter—”
“Just hear me out.”
Allison glared at him. “I’m waiting.”
“You have to let me show you that bad can sometimes be good.” His words were suggestive, and she didn’t miss the underlying innuendo or the promise lacing his words.
She hardly recognized her voice when she said, “I don’t think—”
“Come on, Ally.” He stepped closer and Allison found it harder and harder to breathe. “It’s the only way I’ll do this.”
Her mind raced as she thought things through. Honestly, did she really have any choice but to agree to his terms? She’d never find a replacement for him before the shoot this afternoon.
She gave a tight nod, convincing herself that she was only agreeing to his conditions for professional reasons, not personal ones. She had to think about the charity, the company, his image… This had nothing to do with the fact that she ached to be in his arms again, ached to feel his body move over hers, ached to feel him inside her.
“Nothing dangerous? Nothing illegal?”
The smile fell from his face, and she instantly hated herself for even suggesting such a thing.
“Hey, come on, do you even have to ask? You know I’d never put you in danger.”
Carter might be a fierce protector, and while he’d never put her in physical danger, she knew the real danger was to her heart.
“So do you accept my terms?”
She waved her finger back and forth between them, wondering exactly what he was up to. “What is this, Carter? What is it we’re doing here?”
“We’re negotiating. Officer Training 101.”
As she took in the self-satisfied look on his handsome face, it occurred to her that he was up to no good.
“You were always going to do it, weren’t you?”
His smile turned lethal as he gave a casual roll of his shoulder. “Of course, it’s for the kids.”
Allison groaned out loud, and as a knot twisted her stomach, she wondered exactly what she’d gotten herself into.
Chapter Two
Carter was miserable.
So damn fucking miserable that he couldn’t even stand himself anymore, and if he could kick his own ass, he’d gladly do it. Too bad it wasn’t physically possible. Then again, since he rarely played nice on the streets, he could think of a few select individuals who’d be happy to help him out in that department.
He adjusted his sunglasses and leaned against his patrol car, watching Allison move about with innocent sensuality. As she walked around him, checking the angles of the shot, his cock tightened. God, he missed the feel of her naked body moving under his, missed the feel of her warm, wet heat wrapped around him. Not to mention the seductive, mewling sounds his Ally Cat made when he entered her and pushed open the tight walls of her pussy.
Shifting restlessly in his boots, he resisted the urge to grab her when she crossed in front of him, plant a heated kiss on her mouth then take her back to his place where he could remind her just how good they were together, over and over again.
Looking for a distraction, he pulled the tangy scent of sand and sea into his lungs, but he still couldn’t seem to divert his attention. He noted the way the warm afternoon sun fell over her lithe frame like a halo. Some might think she was too good to be true, but he knew better. Everything about her was good, and by rights she was probably too good for him. But goddammit he loved her with everything he had in him. Couldn’t live without her, in fact, and planned to do whatever it took to get her back into his life again.
His gaze followed her as she shaded her pretty blue eyes from the sun and made her way over to the photographer. She spoke quietly to him while a seagull squawked overhead. Carter glanced out over the ocean in time to catch a cool breeze on his face, but it did little to calm the fire in his blood. Only a weekend with Allison cuffed to his bed would ease the ache inside him and help clear the fog from his addled brain.
Carter grabbed the cuffs in question from his back pocket then wiped his damp brow with his arm. Jesus, it was hot out. Moisture pooled on his bare chest, mingling with the oil they’d covered him in earlier, and he could feel his skin burn beneath the strong rays. But he didn’t care about any of that right now. All he cared about was Allison. He spun his handcuffs around his index finger and wondered how he’d ever let her walk out on him? How could he have been such an asshole?
Jesus, why couldn’t he have just gotten his shit together and done what she asked of him? Was it really so hard to keep himself out of trouble? Yeah, he supposed it was. Because it was in his nature to react first and ask questions later.
But if controlling himself and following protocol meant he could get her back, he’d damn well do it. He needed her in his life and in his bed, and wouldn’t settle for anything less.
She started toward him, and the swaying of her hips in that tight, sexy skirt of hers pulled his focus. She’d removed her blazer and wore a silk tank top that showcased gorgeous breasts and hard nipples. Nipples that he’d licked, sucked and nibbled in heavenly bliss. He groaned out loud as his body ached for her.
Allison angled her head, and as her glance met his, a flurry of emotions passed over her eyes. “You okay?”
Carter gave a casual shrug and hooked a thumb into the belt buckle of his uniform pants, pulling them a little lower on his hips. “I need more oil.”
With a nod, Allison signaled for Drake, but Carter gave a quick shake of his head.
Allison arched a warning brow, like she knew he was up to no good again. “What’s the problem, Carter?”
“The problem is, I need you,” he shot back.
Her brow narrowed, and he could hear her huffing over the surf as she stalked toward him. When she closed the distance between them, he spotted a flush on her cheeks, and he couldn’t help but think how sexy his Ally Cat looked when she was aggravated with him.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I need you to help me with the oil.”
She glared at him, incredulous. “I know. You just told me. That’s why I called for Drake. I’m sure he’d be happy to do it.”
“Actually, I’d prefer you to do it.”
She arched a curious brow. “Do you have a problem with Drake doing it?”
“Yeah, because he missed a few spots. And the last time you touched me, you never missed a thing.”
When he sent her a look of intimacy and promise, she said, “Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?” he asked, feignin
g innocence as his glance settled on her mouth.
A pregnant pause and then she spoke. “Nothing. Forget it. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Well, the sooner you grease me up, the sooner we can get out of here.”
She eyed him suspiciously. “You dragged me out of the office to babysit you on this shoot, and now you expect me to oil you up too.”
He gave a lazy shrug. “The oil wasn’t my idea. Your assistant over there thought I needed it. He mumbled something about me needing to look slick and suggestive because sex sells.”
Awareness flared in Allison’s face as her glance raced over his chest. “Yes, I suppose it does.” She surveyed the ground. “Fine, where is it?”
He reached inside the car and pulled out the bottle Drake had used on him earlier. He looked at the label before handing it to her. “You think they could have at least found something with a higher SPF. I’m literally cooking out here.”
Allison narrowed her eyes and crinkled up that cute little nose of hers. “You are looking a bit overdone.” She poked his skin. “We’d better finish the shots before you fry.” Hurrying things along, she poured a generous amount of oil on his chest and rubbed it in.
As her fingers traveled over his skin, desire slammed into him with the force of a well-aimed bullet, and his heart raced in response. Sexual energy arced between them, and from the look in her eyes and the color blooming high on her cheeks, he could tell she felt the pull every bit as much as he did. He could also tell how uneasy it made her but, Jesus, he missed the feel of her hands on him. Missed so much about her.
Striving for normalcy before he took her right there in the back seat of his cruiser, he cleared his throat. “Congratulations on the promotion, Ally.” Not only did she deserve it, it also gave him the opportunity he’d been searching for over the last four months. Since she refused to take his calls and avoided him at all costs, this gave him the chance to spend time with her, and he damn well planned to take advantage of it.
She stopped rubbing and her eyes snapped up. “Thanks.”
Needing to touch her, needing the intimate contact more than he needed his next breath, Carter reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
“It’s about time they recognized your talent and how hard you work for them.” He hated the bastards at her firm who kept the position dangling in front of her, hated the way they controlled their employees’ lives. But he didn’t make the rules, and since her career was as important to him as it was to her, he knew he had to be careful not to screw this up for her.
She gave him a warm smile that nearly stopped his heart. “That means a lot to me, Carter.” She eased backward, breaking their contact, and his hands fell to his sides. Her brow furrowed and her mouth opened like she wanted to say something else, but then she seemed to change her mind. With her professional demeanor back in place, she said, “I like the cuffs. You should keep them out for the next shot.”
She turned to leave, but he cupped her elbow and pulled her close. “I’m heading over to Harry’s tonight to shoot some pool. Join me.”
“I have to work—”
Carter made a tsking sound. “All work and no play…”
Her backbone went rigid, her eyes narrowing. “Well if I didn’t have to spend the afternoon watching over you, I would have gotten my work done.”
Maybe so, but they both knew she’d buried herself in her work after the breakup. Hell, who was he to talk. He’d done the same.
He pitched his voice low, refusing to take no for an answer. “Come on, Ally Cat. I’m sure the guys would love to see you.”
“I don’t know about that.” Sounding unconvinced she countered, “Last time I was there I walked away with all their beer money.”
Carter laughed. “You do play a mean game of pool. Maybe you can buy rounds tonight and make it up to them.”
A melancholy look moved over her face as she stared out over the ocean. She blinked dark lashes over deep, soulful eyes and momentarily seemed to be lost in thought. Carter stayed quiet, giving her time to think. He wondered if she was reminiscing about the guys, about their playful camaraderie. Wondered if she missed them every bit as much as they missed her.
“It might be in your best interest,” he pressed, not above begging. “You know, to keep me out of trouble.” That and he needed her near if he was going to advance his plan and show her that he was changing his ways. Sure he could tell her, tell her that he was going to become a by-the-book cop, like she’d always wanted, but she’d have no reason to believe him. He wanted to put their rocky past behind them and start fresh, and in order to do that he’d have to prove it to her through actions.
She arched a brow. “Since the name Carter and trouble are synonymous, that might be hard to do.”
“So you’ll come then?”
She shook her head and exhaled. “You always did know how to get to me, Carter.”
Oh yeah, and he planned to get to her again all right, over and over and over…
Chapter Three
After agreeing to meet Carter at Harry’s, a place where Allison’s father had taught her to play pool, she pulled into the parking lot, tamped down her nervousness and climbed from her car.
Draped in darkness, she tightened her cardigan over her silk blouse and listened to the music filter from the windows as she cut across the pavement. She looked past the old brick building that had stood the test of time, as well as the spray of salt water, and took in the bruised sky, awash with pink and purple as the summer sun settled over the ocean.
The majestic, privately owned cove provided a gorgeous backdrop to Harry’s Pool Hall, and while access to the water was prohibited after dusk, she couldn’t help but recall all the times she and Carter had sat on the rooftop deck, listening to the waves crash against the sandy shore.
Pushing those memories away, she turned her attention to the night ahead. She hadn’t seen the guys in a while, not since she and Carter had broken up, and she wasn’t sure what to expect when she walked through that door. Cops were a tight bunch, a brotherhood, and she feared they’d treat her with cool disdain after she’d broken up with one of their own.
She threw her keys into her purse and tossed it over her shoulder, then she wiped her damp palms on her jeans and perused the cars in the lot. Carter didn’t appear to be here yet. Probably a good thing. Because watching him at the photo shoot today had nearly done her in, and she still wasn’t quite ready to see him.
After spending the afternoon studying the hard planes of his body as he posed for the camera, shirtless no less, she’d had to take a cold shower in an effort to get her mind off him and try to forget about how delicious his hot flesh felt beneath her fingers. But when that failed to work, she’d had to resort to her favorite toy. It might have temporarily sated her, but it also left her craving the real thing.
But that would never happen because Carter would never change his ways, and she didn’t want to spend the rest of her life fighting over their differences.
Allison pushed open the heavy front door, and when all eyes turned on her, she went still. As her breath caught in her throat, she spotted Mike Keating coming toward her, his tree-trunk legs vibrating the plank floor beneath her. It was too dark to make out his expression, but when he wrapped his arms around her waist, picking her clear up off the floor to spin her in circles, she released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“About time you came back to see us,” he said after releasing her. He eased back to examine her and ran his fingers through his graying hair.
Allison laughed, her nervousness ebbing away. She gestured toward the pool tables in the back room. “Jeez, Mike. I didn’t think you’d be so happy to see me. After all, the last time I was here I walked out with your money.” Laughter erupted at the tables around them, but when the door pushed opened behind her, the place went silent and everyone went back to their beers.
“You always could hold your own with these guys. It’
s one of the things I love most about you.”
She didn’t need to turn to know it was Carter behind her. His low, sexy voice sent shivers skittering down her spine. She took a moment to breathe, and when she turned to face him and spotted a hungry look in his eyes—the same look she’d seen earlier that day at the shoot—it frightened her as much as it excited her.
She stared at him, and once again asked herself the question that had been plaguing her since that afternoon. Why had she agreed to come here tonight?
Perhaps it served as a reminder to them both just how wrong they were for each other. Or perhaps she really, really needed to see him again.
Carter placed his palm on the small of her back and guided her toward the bar. “Two beers, Phil,” he said, then in a sexy move that took her by surprise, he pulled her close, anchoring her body to his.
“Carter,” she protested, ready to inch away, but suddenly realized what he was doing.
Jesse Potter had stumbled up to the bar and was about to bump into her. Carter had simply eased her aside. Jesse plunked himself on the stool and slammed his glass on the counter.
“Nice to see you, Ally,” Jesse said through slurred speech.
Allison turned her head, and took in the man who drank as hard as he worked. “Nice to see you too, Jesse.”
“Jesse,” Carter greeted, adjusting himself onto a stool to settle her between his legs. As his strong thighs wrapped around her hips, emotions and sensations overwhelmed her, and all thoughts of Jesse were forgotten. Her entire body responded to Carter’s closeness, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do to hide the telltale hardening of her nipples. She tried to gather herself, but the fact that Carter’s mouth was inches from hers, and his warm breath was brushing over her flesh like an intimate kiss, certainly wasn’t helping matters.
As though moving of their own accord, her hands settled on his broad shoulders, and for a minute there it felt like old times. But when the door swung open and her good friend Madison walked in with Blaine, she extricated herself from Carter’s arms.