First Love Second Chance

by Kira Blakely

  Indeed, I know now what I’m supposed to do.

  I’ve made my decision.

  And after the party to celebrate the launch of Landers Innovations’ newest software on Friday, I’ll tell Nathan.

  ***

  “So, how does it feel to be attending a party as a guest and not as someone assigned to cover it?” Mattie asks.

  Frankly, I forgot she was going to be here.

  “Good,” I answer. “Wait. You’re not going to write that down, are you?”

  “No.” She gives a wave of her hand. “I just wanted to know how you felt.”

  “Well, it feels good.”

  “I should say so.” She gives my arm a nudge. “I still can’t believe you’re going out with Nathan Landers. And that you didn’t tell me.”

  “Sorry,” I tell her half-heartedly. “It wasn’t official until recently.”

  “Ah, so it’s official now, is it?”

  I shouldn’t have said that. “But—”

  “Don’t worry. I won’t put that on paper. Consider it my send-off gift.” She gives me a wink before waltzing off. “Enjoy the party.”

  Enjoy? I’m not sure I can.

  As I glance at Nathan, who’s on the balcony upstairs right now talking to some corporate executives, I can’t help but feel nervous. As our eyes meet, I force a smile.

  Relax, Sam. Everything will be all right.

  “It is Sam, isn’t it?” a woman asks from behind me.

  I turn my head, surprised to see Casey Rockford. “It’s Samantha, actually, but yes, I suppose you can call me Sam.”

  In spite of what happened, I’m not really mad at her. It wasn’t her who tried to grab my camera, after all.

  “Casey.” She reaches out her hand. “I guess I want to say I’m sorry I acted the way I did before. It wasn’t nice of me.”

  I shake my head as I shake her hand. “Don’t mention it.”

  “And I want to congratulate you,” she adds.

  “On what?”

  “I’ve seen the way Nathan looks at you. It’s the way I used to dream he’d look at me. I guess we’re not really meant to be. But the two of you seem to be.”

  “Thanks.”

  I never thought I’d see the day when I’d hear Casey Rockford say those words. Actually, I never thought she’d talk to me.

  “You’re not so bad,” I tell her.

  “You think?”

  “I’m sure you’ll get your own man someday.”

  I don’t know why I just said that. Maybe I actually like her?

  “Thanks. I was actually thinking of traveling. You know, go to places where I’m not so well known.”

  “Good idea.”

  “Oh, and by the way, Denise isn’t my friend anymore. I figured out she’s only after my money.”

  “I’m glad you did. Next time, be more careful in choosing your friends.”

  She nods as she looks at me. “I think I’ve learned. In fact, I think I’ve made a good choice this time.”

  I smile.

  “Can I join you ladies?” Nathan asks as he approaches.

  “Actually, I was about to leave,” Casey says, leaving.

  She’s probably still uncomfortable being around Nathan.

  “Strange,” Nathan says. “She used to be chasing after me. Now, she’s running away from me. I wonder why.”

  “Maybe she just grew up.”

  “The two of you seemed to be getting along well.”

  “I don’t see why we shouldn’t,” I tell him. “Past is past. And she’s not so bad.”

  “By the way, I have someone I want you to meet.” He taps the shoulder of the man behind him. “Sam, this is…”

  “Grant?” I ask.

  I can’t believe it’s him. He’s wearing a suit now, but I still recognize him.

  “Wait. You and Grant know each other?” Nathan and I ask at the same time.

  Grant chuckles. “Yes, Sam and I met each other a few days ago while she was camping.”

  “You better not have laid a finger on her,” Nathan warns.

  “Of course not.” Grant turns to me. “And Nathan here went to college with me.”

  I blink. “Really?”

  “After college, he joined the Army. I went to study in London. I’ve been going back and forth, though. Now, I’m back for good.”

  “I see. Small world.”

  “Small world, indeed,” Nathan agrees. “I actually asked Grant to be my VP, you know, but he’s decided to start his own company.”

  “That’s great news.”

  “I’ve decided to support him. Oh, and I was thinking I’d lend Abby to him.”

  “Lend Abby?” I frown. “She’s a person, Nathan. Not something you own.”

  “What I meant was that I’d let her be Grant’s assistant while he’s starting his company. Not that I don’t want her working for me anymore. On the contrary, it’s because she’s so efficient that I’ve decided to let her help him.”

  “And have you asked her if she wants to help him?” I ask.

  “I have, actually, and she doesn’t mind.”

  Well, Abby’s not really one to complain.

  “But what about your assistant? Without Abby, who’s going to—”

  “Set up my meetings and appointments? Make sure everything goes according to schedule?” Nathan finishes the sentence for me. “Don’t worry. I’ve found someone new.”

  “I see.” I turn to Grant. “I’m sure you’ll love Abby.”

  Grant nods. “She sounds wonderful.” He whispers in my ear, “Have you talked to him yet?”

  “No,” I whisper back.

  “Well, good luck.” He leaves with a grin.

  “Care to tell me what that was about?” Nathan asks, clearly jealous.

  “Don’t worry,” I assure him. “I’ll tell you after the party.”

  Chapter 19

  Meant to Be Wild

  “So, what exactly did you want to tell me?” Nathan asks as he takes off his jacket, draping it over a chair.

  I sit on the couch, taking off my shoes since my feet have started to hurt.

  Thank goodness the party is over, but now it’s time for the more serious part of the evening, the part I’ve been dreading.

  Possibly one of the biggest conversations of my life.

  I take a deep breath. “I’ve—”

  “Oh, before that,” Nathan interrupts as he pours himself a glass of Scotch. “How did you and Grant meet again?”

  I frown. “We met while I was camping.”

  “Ah. So, he still loves the outdoors.”

  Another deep breath. “Anyway, I was about to say I’ve made my decision.”

  He takes a sip from his glass. “Go on.”

  “I’ve decided to work for the Seeker,” I tell him. “I was thinking I’d tell Henry tomorrow.”

  “Well, it’s good that you finally made up your mind. How did you make your decision?”

  “Just knowing that it’s what I’ve really dreamed of.”

  He nods. “I’m sure you’ll do great. I’m happy for you.” Even though he’s supportive, I can hear the tinge of sadness in his voice.

  “And there’s one more thing.”

  “Yes?”

  “I’ve decided to trust you.”

  His eyebrows crease. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m saying working for the Seeker isn’t goodbye. It’s something I’m doing for me but I want you to know it doesn’t mean I don’t want to see you anymore or anything. After all, I love you, Nathan Landers.”

  He stops in the act of bringing his glass to his lips.

  “You know, when I first saw you, I thought you were like a wild animal. Untamed. I thought I could tame you, but then, I realized I don’t really want to. I want you as you are. I don’t want you in a cage. You don’t want me in a cage either, do you?”

  He sets down his glass and walks over to me.

  “I’m just going to spread my wings, but that doesn�
��t mean—”

  I don’t finish because Nathan’s mouth is suddenly on mine, robbing me of breath and words.

  Afterward, he looks into my eyes as he strokes my cheek, and at the warmth I see there, my heart stops.

  “Nathan?”

  “I don’t know what you’ve done to me, Sam, and God help me but damn, I love you.”

  And he kisses me again. Fiercer this time.

  He loves me.

  It takes a while for the confession to register, but once it does, I feel my spirit soaring, joy welling in my chest as my heart races.

  Nathan loves me.

  I kiss him back just as fiercely, placing my hands around his neck.

  He wraps his arms tighter around me, pressing his body against mine.

  I feel his heart beating furiously.

  And I feel something else throbbing.

  Both of them are mine.

  Thrilled with that knowledge, I lead Nathan to the bedroom. He seems surprised that I’m taking the lead this time, but he follows eagerly.

  Once there, I pull down the side zipper of my gown, then slip it off, letting it fall to my ankles. I slip out, holding his gaze as I take off the rest of my clothes, unfastening my bra and then my panties that are already wet, tossing them away. Somehow, I’m no longer shy.

  I belong to him now.

  “Damn, you’re beautiful,” he says, placing his hands on my waist.

  I take his hands, kissing each palm, then place them on my breasts.

  “And I’m all yours.”

  Again, our lips meet, his hands cupping my swollen breasts, his thumbs pressing against my pert nipples.

  My hands go to the buttons of his shirt, popping them off one by one. Then I slip his shirt off and work on his belt next. And his zipper.

  His pants fall to his knees and I cup his crotch, stroking the bulge I feel there, delighting in how it quivers and arches against my hand.

  “Shit,” he mutters as he pulls his lips away, planting them on the side of my neck as he, too, reaches between my legs to stroke my sex.

  My knees shake. Still, I part my legs, letting him stroke as much as he wants and letting him slip a finger in.

  I gasp. “So good.”

  It’s too good, in fact. I can’t keep stroking him, grabbing his shoulders instead to keep myself from falling as my knees melt.

  He puts me on top of the bed, kissing my breasts, the soft curve of my belly, the insides of my thighs, my knees and then finally, my sex.

  And it’s no ordinary kiss.

  “Spread your legs wider, love,” he orders.

  I obey, moaning and fisting the sheets as his wicked tongue plunders.

  “Remember.” He stops to hold my gaze. “You can spread your wings as much as you want, but you’ll spread your legs only for me.”

  “I promise.”

  I never intended to do so for anyone else, not since the day I met him.

  He’s the only one who can make me feel this way.

  I feel ensnared and yet so free, every fiber of my being alive and buzzing with excitement.

  As the tip of his tongue teases my clit, I cry out, and when it enters me, I come undone, my whole body trembling with the force of my release.

  He’s the only one who can bring me to such heights of pleasure.

  And he knows it. He’s wearing that devilish grin as he takes off his boxers.

  As always, the sight of him fully erect leaves me stunned.

  This time, though, I plan to do more than just admire the view.

  I leave the bed, kneeling in front of him and taking his cock in my hand, wrapping my fingers around him.

  Mine.

  “Sam?”

  I don’t answer, proceeding to do something I’ve never done before.

  I lick the tip of his cock then all the way down the length, tracing every vein. Then I take him slowly inside my mouth, sucking.

  Nathan moans, his body trembling. “Shit.”

  His fingers become entwined with my hair as he pulls. I keep moving, my fingers biting into his ass, my lips holding him captive.

  How do I know what I’m doing? I don’t.

  I just know I want to please him, and I know I’m succeeding based on what I’m hearing, each moan and curse vibrating through me.

  Suddenly, he pushes me away, lifting me off my knees and leading me back to the bed.

  When I throw him a questioning glance, he cups my sex, still hot from wanting him.

  “I’d rather come in here. Don’t you think?”

  I nod. “Go on, then. Don’t hold back.”

  He doesn’t. Quickly, he enters me, pounding into me.

  I cling to him, squeezing him. “Harder.”

  I want him to go wild.

  He bends me in half, his massive cock plunging into my very core.

  God. Oh, God. It’s so good…

  God!

  Again, pleasure takes over and this time, his body trembles with mine, his groans echoing my moans.

  When it has subsided, he pulls out and drags me into his arms. We lie still, gasping for air.

  When I can move again, I prop myself up on an elbow and look at Nathan’s face, his cheeks still flushed, his eyes still dazed, his lips curved into a smile of contentment.

  Mentally, I snap a picture of it, committing it to memory.

  No matter how far apart we are, I know that image will bring him closer to me.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” he asks.

  “Nothing,” I say, resting my head on his chest just above his heart.

  No matter where I go, his heart is my home, as mine is his. Knowing that, we both can run wild and wander free.

  No one and nothing can tame us.

  Billionaire’s Claim

  Book 1 of the Billionaire’s Protest Series

  When a buy-out brings me face-to-face with Bonnie Calhoun, it looks like she’s been waiting for me since college.

  Could this be my second chance?

  Her nipples are hard the second she opens the door.

  She tries to hide her true desire, but it’s too late.

  Only problem is, she thinks I’m still the same old playboy.

  Is it possible to show her that I’ve changed?

  Chapter 1

  Bonnie

  I stepped out of the shower with a towel wrapped around my torso. It pinched my skin, sticking to my body like saran wrap, and I might as well have been an ancient mummy ensconced in a pyramid tomb. I felt dazed, my mind fraught with conflicting emotions, like I was having an out of body experience. This couldn’t be happening to me. I had definitely seen better weeks.

  My cellphone rang, tripping me out of my dream-like state. I crashed back into reality with a jolt. Unknown number.

  “Bonnie Calhoun,” I barked into the phone, wedging it between my ear and my right shoulder.

  “It’s Nell. Do you seriously not have my new number saved?” My best friend Nell sounded like she’d just taken a bite of pizza and was in the middle of chewing it.

  “It’s your new number. No, I haven’t had the time,” I said as I rolled my eyes, yanking my closet door open to look for something to wear.

  “Haven’t had the time? It literally takes two seconds to do.” Nell was still chewing, and her voice was muffled as she spoke. It was putting me on edge for some inexplicable reason.

  “Oh God! Will you please just stop eating while you’re on the phone, Nell?” I said, pulling out the dress closest to hand. A chiffon floral summer dress with spaghetti straps. I’d have to go bra-less for this one.

  “How long has it been since you got laid? Jesus!” I could hear the smile in Nell’s voice as she spoke. She’d have her answer if she saw me now, with my exhausted eyes and skinny arms. I had always been skinny, but now I looked like I hadn’t eaten for a couple of days.

  “Don’t even bring that up. I can’t even… right now,” I stood in front of my full-length mirror, staring at myself with the phone
still wedged between my ear and shoulder. I was using my hands to hold the towel together.

  “You sound stressed,” Nell said, sarcastically.

  “It’s happening, and you won’t believe who came forward with an offer,” I explained distractedly, still staring at myself. My normally bright blue eyes looked worried, my long blond hair fell in a limp damp bunch around my shoulders. A trim was long overdue, but I didn’t have the brain space to think about that right now.

  “What do you mean it’s happening? You mean you’re selling the company?” I had finally managed to pique Nell’s interest and her voice had suddenly reached a high-pitched decibel. I breathed in deeply, I didn’t want to have to say the actual words. I didn’t want to have to acknowledge that this was all real.

  “Yeah. We can’t handle the losses anymore,” I said, turning away from the mirror. I couldn’t bear to look at myself as I spoke about it. My life and blood… the sweat and tears I had put into building the company from scratch. Nobody except my mom, and maybe Nell, had believed that I could do it. That a twenty-three-year-old fresh graduate could start a tech firm and be successful. And all those fuckers were right. Now I was the one left begging with open hands for a big-shot company to come along and buy it so that I could pay off the loans and the money I owed the banks. At least this way, I wouldn’t lose everything.

  “Who is it?” Nell asked, snapping me out of my self-pity.

  “Who is what?” I asked, not understanding the question.

  “You said I wouldn’t believe who’s made an offer. So, who is it?” she said again.

  I had to breathe in, prepare myself for saying the words. “Preston and Son,” I said in a near-whisper, trying to trick my brain into thinking that I hadn’t said the words. Fool.

  Nell gave a loud laugh of disbelief, the kind of laugh that would have escaped my lips, too, if I was in her position.

  “Preston and Son? You mean, Nash Preston’s family? Are you kidding me?” Nell just about screamed into the phone. She wasn’t buying it. Just like I didn’t buy it when I saw the email six days ago. The very reason why I re-read it like a hundred times.

  “Not kidding. Not something I would kid about, and get this, Nash Preston has finally taken over,” I said, walking over to the bed, where I had flung the dress earlier. I really needed to get dressed and out of the house if I was going to make it to the dinner my employees had organized. Well, soon to be ex-employees.