One to Save

by Tia Louise

  “Looks like you came back from Saudi a happy man.”

  He shakes his head. “I never went back to Saudi. That’s what made me a happy man.” I wait as he signals the bartender. A scotch neat for him, vodka rocks for me. “Have you met Mariska?” he watches me as he sips the amber liquid.

  “I haven’t, but she’s very beautiful.”

  “I asked her to marry me.”

  That almost makes me drop my drink. “Et tu, Brute?”

  “Yep,” he grins again. “Me too.”

  “I go away and everything falls apart.” Taking a long sip of vodka, I watch as he chuckles. He’s so fucking happy, I can’t believe it. Stuart does not chuckle. Only now it seems he does.

  “So what brought you back? I thought you loved Paris.”

  “Oh, I do love Paris.” I take another, longer drink, finishing off my vodka as my mind races to find a suitable answer. I can’t say the truth: Armand asked me to move in with him, and I caught the first flight home.

  “Even the City of Lights gets old after a while.” It’s not very good, and I can tell he doesn’t buy it. “And Mom’s not getting any younger.”

  Stuart accepts that lie a little better. “Well, I’m glad you’re back. It’s good to have the family together again.” He pats my arm. “Come over and meet Mariska.”

  “Mmm,” I nod, giving him a little wave. “Let me get a fresh drink.”

  He strolls away, and I turn and flag the bartender down. “Vodka rocks.” I slide a tenner across the counter. It’s an open bar, but tipping ensures better service. I’ll need a few more of these if I have to deal with all the love going around.

  Taking my drink, I turn my back to the bar and notice a tall, slender specimen of male waiting beside me. He orders a vodka rocks, and I quickly assess him. Dolce & Gabbana suit, fatigue-green and stainless Tag, light scruff on the cheeks. Interesting. Stepping back, he catches my inspection and pauses. I lift my chin and own it. After the house I grew up in, men don’t intimidate me.

  Apparently, I don’t intimidate him either. Even more interesting.

  He exhales a laugh, revealing nice white teeth. “Are you here for the bride or the groom?”

  “Hmm...” I realize I’m not sure how to answer that question. I’m equally acquainted with both. “Groom, I guess.”

  “You guess?”

  “I’m friends with both, but I knew Derek first.”

  “Ah,” he nods.

  “You?”

  “Bride.” Then he hesitates, taking a sip of his drink. “Actually, no, that’s not right. I guess my answer is the same as yours. Only in reverse.”

  He looks out at the dance floor where the happy couple hasn’t stopped slow-dancing since they arrived. Something wistful is on his face, and I can’t resist.

  “You have a history with Melissa?”

  Blinking hazel-green eyes back at me he seems to wake up. “We were childhood friends. It’s unexpected to see them all married.”

  “I’m never getting married.” Good god, Amy, over-share much? Looking down at my drink, I realize it’s nearly empty. I’m more relaxed than I realized.

  My companion doesn’t skip a beat. “Is that so?” he chuckles. “And what are you? Eighteen?”

  Irritation burns in my chest. Treating me like a baby is not a good idea. “I’m twenty five, and I guess that’s a compliment?”

  “Baby,” he exhales, turning back to the bar.

  “Old man,” I say, waving at the bartender and ordering another.

  “Old man?” The guy turns to the side and leans on his elbow facing me. “You think ordering another is a good idea?”

  “I can outdrink you any day of the week.” No idea what I’m doing right now.

  He gives me a player’s grin. “I’m a lawyer.”

  “So you’re an asshole who’s about to be outdrunk by a baby.”

  Something flickers in his eyes. It’s a spark I’ve seen before, and it usually leads to naughty places. “I haven’t played drinking games since college.”

  “Is that fear I’m hearing?”

  “Line ‘em up.”

  He slides a hand to his waist, moving his suit coat back to reveal a trim physique. Yes. Something naughty might be just what I need to get the funk of Paris off me. It is a wedding, after all. Isn’t everyone supposed to hook up?

  “I have a better idea,” I say, waving to the bartender again. “We’ll take the bottle.”

  The well-tipped server is happy to oblige, and I grab it, two glasses, and my black clutch. “This way, lawyer.”

  A small billiards room is off the main ballroom, and it’s completely empty. The reception party is focused on the room where the food, drinks, and band are located. Striding into the cozy, dim-lit space, I place the full bottle of vodka and two slim glasses on a tall table with two bar stools.

  “Do you play?” he asks, stepping over and sliding the cue ball across red felt.

  “Not billiards.” Cracking open the bottle, I pour two glasses mid-way. “You’re up.”

  Stepping to the counter, he lifts one. “Skal.” With a clink, he slams the entire contents back.

  “Swedish?” My eyes only pinch a little as I do the same.

  “No, I only figured if we’re shooting vodka, we should keep it real.”

  I’m pouring another drink feeling looser than ever. “So if you’re not Swedish,” I glance up and give him a playful wink, “Where is home? Here in Wilmington?”

  “Chicago.” He takes the glass, openly letting his eyes run all over my body. A warm tingle follows his inspection.

  “I don’t believe it,” I say, sliding the fur off my shoulders to give him a better look.

  “Why?” He moves a bit closer. “Too conventional?”

  “Chicago is where I live now.”

  “Now?”

  “I spent the last year in Paris.”

  His eyebrows rise. “The City of Love?”

  “I prefer City of Lights.”

  “Right.” He’s even closer. Close enough that I can smell the fresh linen scent of his cologne. “You don’t do love.”

  “I do other things.” It came out as more of a purr than I’d intended, but I’ll go with it. I feel good, and I want to bury my face in his delicious scent while I tangle my fingers in those caramel-brown waves.

  A pause. Our eyes hold each other’s a moment. “What’s your name?” I ask.

  “Marcus.” I like it. Marcus the lawyer. “What’s yours?”

  “Amy.”

  “Pretty.” Unexpected warmth simmers in my stomach. “What’s your game, Amy?”

  The sound of his voice saying my name is a delicious vibration under my skin. What’s my game? It could mean anything, but I go with the less provocative interpretation.

  “International trade and finance.” I push my lips out just a bit over the S sound, allowing my eyes to stay on his mouth. It’s a nice mouth, and I love the feel of scruff against my bare skin. “I’ll probably focus on PR now that I’m home.”

  He’s not backing down, and a shimmer of excitement moves through my stomach. “Are you experienced at PR?”

  “Why don’t you find out?” My voice has gone a little lower. It’s enough for him.

  Another step forward, and our bodies are touching now. He’s warm, and that crisp linen fills my senses. Large hands slide up my hips, and I close my eyes, dropping my head back for him to kiss me.

  He trails his lips lightly up my skin, more taking in my scent than tasting me. It makes me wet. When he reaches my jaw, he pulls a little nibble in his teeth, and a noise comes from my throat.

  “You’re good at this,” I whisper, finding his eyes.

  “I like surprises.”

  “Surprises are one of my two favorite things.”

  His hands span my lower back, lifting me onto the stool, before his mouth covers mine. The slits in my skirt allow easy access to my center. His lips force mine open, and our tongues curl together. It’s not frantic and g
rasping, it’s controlled and confident. He tastes like cinnamon and expensive vodka, and I feel his erection pressing against my thigh. It’s fantastic, strong and demanding. Another shiver moves through me as my fingers quickly unfasten the buttons of his shirt. I’m enjoying this too much for a random.

  “Are you cold?” He breathes against my skin, tracing a burning trail to my ear. He pulls the top between his lips, and my insides clench.

  When I reach the bottom button of his shirt, I slide my hands down the front of his pants between us. “I’m ready to know you better.”

  Stepping back, he loosens and removes his tie, tossing it on the table. His shirt is open and untucked, and his lined chest makes my mouth water. Eyes dark, he returns to me and pushes my sleeve down my shoulder. I shrug it off and allow him to unfasten my bra.

  “Mmm,” he rumbles, cupping my breast and rolling my nipple between his fingers. “You are a naughty girl.”

  “I think I’m a lucky girl.” My voice cracks with desire as he pulls the dark bud between his lips giving it a hard suck that shoots electricity straight between my legs. More wetness. God, this is going to be good.

  “I think I’m the lucky one.” He kisses back up to my neck, scuffing my skin in a delicious way.

  I’ve managed to get his pants unfastened, and I slide one hand down his cock, curling my fingers around it. Damn, it’s thick. “Why don’t you get lucky then?”

  A rustle of pockets, and I help him open the foil wrapper. Our mouths reunite, and I push my breasts against him as he slides on the condom. Light chest hair tingles my nipples, and I’m heady with lust, anticipating the feel of him stretching me. Large hands return to my ass. I hold my breath a moment before he moves my thong and pushes inside.

  “Oh,” I exhale at the same time he mutters a “Fuck me.”

  Marcus lifts me off the seat and thrusts harder, going deeper. My legs are around his waist, and I arch so our moving bodies massage my clit. If we were controlled before, we’ve given in to flat-out carnal enjoyment now. It’s crazy and reckless and wild.

  He slams my back against the wall, and he’s hitting me hard, rocking us both in perfect rhythm. Sizzling electricity vibrates my veins and pleasure snakes up my thighs.

  Here it comes, my mind whispers. “Oh, god,” I gasp as my orgasm grows hotter with each thrust.

  “Harder,” I beg, and he complies. Again and again, he pushes into me until he groans in my ear. He’s coming, and the noise of his climax pushes me over the edge. All at once the tidal wave bursts, flooding me with ecstasy.

  “Oh, yes!” I cry as the orgasm quivers in my thighs. It’s one of the best I’ve had in a while.

  “God, you feel good,” he groans against my neck, giving me two more deep thrusts as I ride out the aftershocks of pleasure, my insides tensing around his cock.

  A few more movements, and we’re on the way down. He’s still holding me securely in his strong arms and I like the way he feels.

  My insides immediately recoil at that thought. “To the bride and groom,” I laugh, pushing against his shoulders.

  He eases back, holding the condom as he pulls out, lowering me to my feet. I avoid his eyes as I straighten my top. Protection trashed, he fastens his pants as I straighten my thong and grab my clutch. I don’t have time to mess around. I’ve got to get the fuck out of here now.

  “I’d like to have you for breakfast,” he says, turning to me with a cocky smile. I’m annoyed that it thrills my insides.

  “Tempting.” I give him a wink.

  “Are you staying in the hotel? I’m on the tenth floor.”

  “I’m actually here with my mother. She’s at a B&B, so I need to be sure she has a way home.”

  I’ve made it to the exit, vodka bottle and glasses forgotten. He follows me into the ballroom and pauses. “Check on her. I’ll head up and order us some wine. See you in a few?”

  “Sure.” Stepping forward, I kiss his cheek. He captures my lips briefly, and I curse the damn flutter in my stomach.

  “Room ten-sixteen.” He holds my eyes then. His are deep hazel-green, and I refuse to acknowledge they’re damn sexy. He is a random.

  “Ten-sixteen,” I nod. “Got it.”

  He heads toward the lobby, and I only briefly hesitate before turning on my heel and making my way to where Sylvia stands chatting with Stuart and Mariska. I’ll meet them, say goodnight, and get back to the B&B. In the morning we’ll be gone. No shitting where I live.

  Surprises are nice, but my second favorite thing? Running.

  * * *

  Missed the story of what happened to Sloan? Keep clicking for an Exclusive Sneak Peek at One to Protect!

  Curious about Slayde? Keep clicking for an Exclusive Sneak Peek at One to Love, and see he and Kenny changed each other’s lives!

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  Thank you for reading!

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed One to Save! Derek and Melissa are the center of the “One to Hold” world, and it’s always wonderful to be back in their heads.

  The idea for this book came after several readers noted their favorite Hero’s tendency to keep secrets from his fiancée. Melissa has been through a lot, and I wondered if she would be strong enough to hold Derek’s feet to the fire and make him treat her like a partner and not a child. Looks like she was!

  I hope you enjoyed all the moments in their journey. I hope you were surprised, I hope you swooned, and I hope you even shed a tear. Most of all, I hope you felt the love between these two great characters.

  Up next, I can’t wait to dig into Amy and Marcus’s tale. Amy is as playful as Patrick, but as resistant to settling down as Stuart. Marcus you already know. #SexyLawyer Crashing these two together promises to be FUN!—all around the city of Chicago. Be watching for it mid-June!

  As always, let me know what you think of my books! Email me your thoughts, feedback, what you liked—even what you didn’t like! I really like hearing from readers.

  You can write to me at allnightreads@gmail.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiaLouise!

  Finally, if you enjoy my books, I hope you’ll leave a short, sweet review on Amazon and/or wherever you purchased this book! Reviews help indie authors more than you know.

  Thank you again for spending time with me. I hope to hear from you soon!

  Stay sexy,

  <3 Tia

  Books by Tia Louise

  NOTE: All are stand-alone novels. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, books are not intended for readers under the age of 18.

  One to Hold

  (Derek & Melissa)

  Derek Alexander is a retired Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field. Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.

  W
hen the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their "one week stand" only complicates matters.

  Because she'll do everything in her power to get away from the past, but he'll do everything he can to hold her.

  eBooks on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play| Kobo | ARe

  Print copies on Amazon | Createspace | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

  Audiobooks on Amazon | Tantor.com

  * * *

  One to Protect

  (Derek & Melissa)

  When Sloan Reynolds beats criminal charges, Melissa Jones stops believing her wealthy, connected ex-husband will ever pay for what he did to her.

  Derek Alexander can’t accept that—a tiny silver scar won't let him forget, and as a leader in the security business, he is determined to get the man who hurt his fiancée.

  Then the body of a former call girl turns up dead. She’s the breakthrough Derek’s been waiting for, the link to Sloan’s sordid past he needs. But as usual, legal paths to justice have been covered up or erased.

  Derek’s ready to do whatever it takes to protect his family when his partner Patrick Knight devises a plan that changes everything.

  It’s a plan that involves breaking rules and taking a walk on the dark side. It goes against everything on which Alexander-Knight, LLC, is based.

  And it’s a plan Derek’s more than ready to follow.

  eBooks on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo | ARe

  Print copies on Amazon | Createspace | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble

  Audiobooks on Amazon | Tantor.com

  * * *

  One to Keep

  (Patrick & Elaine)

  There’s a new guy in town...

  “Patrick Knight, single, retired Guard-turned private investigator. I was a closer. A deal maker. I looked clients in the eye and told them I’d get their shit done. And I did...”

  Patrick doesn’t do “nice.”

  At least, not anymore.

  After his fiancée cheats, he follows up with a one-night stand and a disastrous office hook-up. His business partner (Derek Alexander) sends him to the desert to get his head straight—and clean up the mess.