Taming the Playboy (Dickerman/Moretti Novels)
Page 14
Growing up, he had been wild and rebellious. Being unruly made him the life of the party and the loose cannon of the Moretti gang. And as his grades slipped and his all star status on the soccer field was in jeopardy, reality kicked in. His UCLA days were spent studying and he graduated with honors three years later. Now, he spent his days as one of the most prestigious editors in Los Angeles.
Mackenna had been the girl next door growing up. He had chased her nonstop through high school. But the chase might have been more fun than the catch. They had been together for three months. And although it had been fun, Caleb couldn’t commit himself fully to the relationship. He had been honest with her. But she had told him it didn’t matter and that forever was something that happened slowly. She had agreed to an open relationship when he found himself pulling away. Almost daily, his mind wandered back to the days when Mark was in the hospital. The experience had been one of the worst of his life. But the gorgeous Dr. Jena Turner had been a bright spot in those dark days.
“Did you hear me?” Mac’s slurred voice broke through his fog and she laughed. Losing her balance, she fell into him. “Where were you just now?”
“Sorry.” He took a sip of his beer. “Why don’t you give me your drink and go sit down on the couch? Andi could probably use a friendly face. She looks a little nervous.”
His sister, Andrea, had moved to Los Angeles a few months prior and was doing her residency in oncology. After weeks of twisting her arm, she had moved into his guest room and Caleb loved having her close.
They were from a traditional family. After thirty five years, his parents were still happily married and that was exactly what he was looking for in a mate. Unfortunately, he knew Mackenna was not it.
He walked down the hallway toward his bedroom. He had to get out of his suit. He felt like it was choking him. The door to the bathroom opened and she walked right into his path.
He bumped into her hard and she stumbled backwards. Caleb grabbed her arms to steady her. As he looked up, their eyes locked. “Jena.” He breathed.
“Happy birthday, Caleb.” She blushed and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“I didn’t know you were here.” He did not let go of her arms and she made no effort to pull away.
“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Her smile lit up her face and Caleb tried to swallow around his heart, currently lodged in his throat and making it impossible to breathe.
“I miss seeing you. God, I think about you every day.” Her blush deepened so he kept going. “You are more beautiful than I remember.”
His hands ran up her arms and he gently pushed her back into the wall. They stood almost face to face. She was tall and tanned and her legs went on for miles. Her skin broke out in goosebumps under his touch.
Her breathing changed. “I missed you guys too.” Her voice was sensual and smooth.
He leaned into her, pressing his body softly against hers. When she didn’t push him away, he pressed harder. “You smell amazing.”
Her fingers wrapped through his belt loops and pulled him as close as she could. She knew he was dating. Layla had told her they were not serious but she had stayed away to allow Caleb to explore his feelings for Mackenna. The shots that Ryan had served her fueled her desire. She needed to make her feelings known before her courage was lost once more. She could feel his arousal against her leg and she longed to touch it. His face was so close. His blue eyes sparkled and his lopsided grin sent butterflies through her body. She shivered.
“It’s my birthday. Do I get to make a birthday wish?” He wiggled his hips against hers and her eyes closed.
“Yes.” She moaned.
“I want your lips. I stared at them for weeks and I have dreamt of them for months. I want to know what they feel like on mine.” His hand found Jena’s hair and pulled her face toward him. “Can I have that Jena?”
Mark cleared his throat and they flew apart. “I hate to interrupt. But Mac is drunk as hell and she has just announced to the whole party that your penis is pierced and you like some kinky shit. Any way you could come retrieve her? And please, for the love God, get that image out of my head?”
He looked at Jena and her eyes were wide. “I’m so sorry. I need to go handle this. Can I get a rain check?”
She nodded her head but stayed silent.
Caleb laughed as he passed Mark in the hall. “From now on, I expect you to call me sir.”
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Epilogue -3 months later
Acknowledgement
About the Author
Excerpt from Author : " Taming the Boy Next Door "
Chapter 1