Convince Me (Tidal Collection Book 1)

by Chelsea McDonald

  Convince Me

  Tidal Collection, Book 1

  Chelsea McDonald

  Convince Me

  Copyright © 2021 Chelsea McDonald

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form without written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either products of the authors’ imaginations or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Artwork by © Pretty Little Design Co.

  Editing by Amanda Williams

  Disclaimer: The following story contains sexual situations and strong language; it is intended for adult readers only.

  Contents

  Convince Me

  Prologue

  1. Veronica

  2. Hayden

  3. Veronica

  4. Hayden

  5. Veronica

  6. Hayden

  7. Veronica

  8. Hayden

  9. Veronica

  10. Veronica

  11. Veronica

  12. Hayden

  13. Veronica

  Epilogue

  Epilogue

  Need another romance hit?

  Or check out these other titles by Chelsea…

  Convince Me

  Veronica is free-spirited, impulsive and down on her luck. After being fired from her job in California, she has no choice but to move cross-country back to her parent’s house. With no job, no house and no boyfriend, there’s nothing holding her back from taking life by the balls. It’s at that moment she meets Hayden...

  Hayden is a big softie and a closet optimist, but remains a complete hard ass around the office. Being made a junior partner at the law firm, he’s risen to the top of his game. He loves what he does, but only wishes he had someone to share his success with. And then he meets a sassy little blonde by the name of Veronica.

  Come along for the ride as a self-assured alpha male goes after what he wants. Will she fall into his arms willingly or will he have to convince her?

  Spice Guide: When sparks fly, will a flame ignite? Of course it will, because I just can’t resist. Sit back, relax and cozy up with this fiery romance.

  Prologue

  Veronica

  “What’d you say your name was?” It probably wasn’t the best time to ask. The simple fact that I had to break a pretty heavy kiss to ask should have held me back.

  But it didn’t. And now this very gorgeous stranger pulled back to look me in the eye. At least his features masked what he was obviously thinking - that I was an idiot.

  “Hayden.”

  Hmm. “Hayden…”

  It may have been the alcohol in my system finally making an appearance, but I like it. The way it sounds, the way it rolls off my tongue. Can a name be sexy?

  Yes, it can, and I’d argue that fact against anyone. My eyes close as his lips slam back into mine. My hands are up around his shoulders, my fingers roaming over his luscious blonde hair.

  I drive myself away from him, once again breaking our grasp as we move further into the house. With his arms still enclosed around me, I let him lead the way.

  This was the first time I’d ever gone back to someone else's place. I’d always been extra cautious about the situations I got myself into, like most women. But this wasn’t California, I didn’t have my own place, and I wasn’t about to bring him home to my parent’s house.

  I couldn’t think of anything more awkward. I desperately needed my own place!

  With my back against his chest, he had all the access he could get. His nose rubs up the side of my neck, his breath making my skin prickle and the hairs rise.

  My handsome stranger, Hayden, releases me completely as we stumble into a bedroom. The bedside lamp is already on, casting a soft glow over the room. His hand captures mine and spins me back around to face him. He moves so fast, gripping underneath my thighs and lifting me up, only to throw me back down on the bed.

  Hands grip my wrists and drag them out as far as they can stretch. His knee nudges between my legs, pushing them as wide as they will go. It’s a sensual feeling, being spread eagle without an ounce of panic. I moaned at the feel of his heavy body pinning me down, holding me in place.

  More than anything, it was his authority - his dominance - that was turning me on more and more. He knew what he wanted, and he was taking it. His kisses are fevered and urgent, but also tender. I’ve never been with someone like him, he’s a refreshing mix of hot and cold, sweet and sexy. His lips travel along my collarbone and down my chest, following my sternum beneath the valley of my breasts.

  Never have I given up control in the bedroom, not even to a steady boyfriend. But in walks Hayden and I’m ready to kneel at the door blindfolded.

  One hand leaves my wrist to rip open the front of my blouse. My chest heaves as I gasp from the movement. His hand moves to the front of his jeans, to the buckle of his belt, and swiftly pulls it free.

  “I’m sorry I’m going so fast.” He apologizes but makes no attempt to slow down. That’s good because I don’t want him to. I need fast, if I’m being honest, I need faster.

  The second his jeans are unbuttoned, his hard rod springs free.

  Using both hands, he pushes himself up. He towers over me, his eyes on the task at hand - getting me out of my skirt and panties. His eyes sparkle with excitement as the material slides down my legs, leaving me completely bare from the waist down.

  I watch his next movements closely, his hand gripping his dick and sliding it through my slick folds. As the head brushes against my swollen clit, a shiver rolls through me.

  Slowly, he positions himself at my entrance and thrusts his way forward. Once fully seated, he wastes no time. His hips roll for a second time, and I buck my hips to meet him halfway.

  Lifting my legs to wrap around his waist, my hands make their way up his chest. I have to lean up to reach his shoulders, but once they’re in my grasp, I tug until he gets my hint. Hayden’s body follows mine as we fall back onto the bed.

  I take hold of his chin and steer it towards my lips.

  Every thrust. Every kiss. Every touch. It’s like a scene from my dreams.

  “You’re the girl of my dreams.” In a haze, he whispers against the shell of my ear.

  “You don’t even know me.”

  “I know enough…”

  “I don’t know if I believe you.”

  “You don’t have to. Sooner or later, I’ll convince you.”

  1

  Veronica

  “I’m so glad you guys are back together, and hopefully this time it sticks,” I tell Katie with a genuine smile and a side hug.

  “I know; I really do love him. I don’t know what was running through my head.”

  “Well, the next time it happens, I am snagging that boy away from you. He is just too good to be true.”

  “There is no way I’d let that happen. But I’ll be sure to look after him this time around.”

  “How are things between you guys, anyway?”

  She didn’t need to answer; she was radiating with happiness.

  “He’s been perfect. Everyone already knew that we were going out, so it was an easy transition from ‘friends’ to in a relationship.”

  “At least I’m out of your hair now, you won’t have to worry about me crashing at your only alone-slash-sexy space any longer. I mean, he does live with his sister, your best friend. That can’t be comfortable for anybody.”

  I
’m so thankful she let me crash here while I was vacationing but after the phone call with my boss last week, I knew I needed someplace more permanent.

  It was official, I was back in Aurora indefinitely. Or at least until I found another job.

  “Oh my god, I can’t believe I didn’t tell you! Ellie’s moved in with Michael. Well, she was staying there most nights anyway, so I didn’t see her all that much, but yeah, it was the buzz at the wedding reception. Plus, with the baby and everything… it just made sense, I guess.”

  I’d thought for sure that it would’ve been Gabby who would’ve had the next announcement, after all, it was her wedding. Surprisingly none of the others are there just yet, although I have no doubt the next proposal won’t be too far in the future - especially with Ellie three months along.

  I still can’t believe it.

  I’m only a few years older than my cousin, but it’s crazy that her friends are already starting to settle down. It’s not the age that worries me, it’s that I’m older than them and they have their shit together better than I do. What worries me even more, I’m the most put-together person I know.

  All my friends? They’re still in college, or they’re out partying every night and running late for their shift at Taco Bell the next day. Katie’s friends put mine to shame, but I still love them - they’re quirky.

  And of course, that thought brings my mood down.

  While over in California, I’d met an awesome couple of chicks, we’d have been well on our way to becoming close friends. Now, I may never see them again. Cali was a long way away...

  “Hey, where were you by the way?” Katie pulls me back.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, where did you disappear to at the Christmas party?”

  Shit.

  My mind frazzles as I try to think quickly on my feet. I’m supposed to tell my cousin that I didn’t hang around her party because I went home with some random guy? I feel like that answer should be a ‘no’. When Katie swings around to look at me head-on, I know I’ve taken too long to answer.

  “I just didn’t feel up to it, so I headed home early. It was lovely though, I couldn’t believe that was the same bar that we drink at.” I quickly pull the boxes of cereal out of the bag and turn to the pantry. The Pharell Williams song ‘Happy’ blares suddenly, Katie’s ringtone.

  I release the heavy breath I’d been holding. Evan seriously could not have better timing. I peek over my shoulder to see Katie’s shit-eating grin as she turns, cellphone in hand, to walk out of the kitchen.

  A massive wave of relief washes over me as I continue to unpack Katie’s groceries. There’s no need to make ripples where there doesn’t need to be any.

  I don’t even have the excuse of being drunk, I’d only had two glasses of champagne.

  I’ve had one-night stands before, but I’m really not a one-night stand kind of person. The last five guys I’ve slept with were all guys I’d been in relationships with. I know the appeal of avoiding commitment, but at the end of the day I like to cuddle, and you can’t do that with an empty bed.

  No matter how many times you try, it’s just not the same.

  I’d decided to take a hiatus from dating only weeks before I left California. Who knew Aurora, Illinois, was where all the good men were at - I certainly didn’t. If I had, I might not have left in the first place.

  Actually, that’s not true. Maybe I just would have visited more often.

  I grew up in Aurora with my four brothers. Living amongst all that testosterone, Katie was like a surrogate baby sister. After high school, I needed to get away, and I thought of no better place than the sunny west coast.

  I’m still unsure if not giving Hayden my number was a good idea or not. We’ll most likely never see each other again, but… my mind still wonders. What if?

  2

  Hayden

  “Mr. Carmichael, are you okay?”

  I draw my attention back to Nellie, who stands in my office doorway with a concerned look on her face. I must have really been zoned out to warrant Nellie’s concern. She’s well-known as the office hardass. I clear my throat before smiling over at her.

  “I’m fine, Nellie. Thanks for checking in.”

  “Frank said these need to be filed?” She hands me a thick manila envelope with a roll of her eyes.

  One peek at the documents inside and I know what it is - something I’d been expecting to show up all morning.

  “Great. Thanks.”

  She lingers at the door as I continue pursuing the contents. “Is there something else?”

  “I’m concerned. You’ve been so distracted lately. That’s not like you.” Her face pinches in uncertainty, probably worried about speaking out of turn.

  “I promise, there’s nothing to worry about.”

  “If it’s nothing to ‘worry about’ then it must be a girl. Who is she? It’s not Jenny in HR, is it?”

  I crack out a laugh at the look of utter disgust on the seventy-year-old woman’s face. I suppose her reaction is valid. Jenny from HR is a handful, a stuck-up bitchy handful that we all make a game of avoiding.

  “Not that it’s any of your business, but yes, it is a woman that has my mind so occupied. And no, it’s not Jenny.”

  “If you need any advice, my cubicle is always open.” She sends me a wink before turning to leave.

  I wouldn’t even know where to start…

  I slept with a woman, now I can’t get her off of my mind?

  I had mind-blowing sex with someone I just met and now she’s all I can think about?

  Is it possible to fall in love at first sight because I think it might be.

  Veronica.

  Who is Veronica? And why the hell had I never met her before now?

  While sipping my coffee, I pull out my phone and open up Facebook. There has to be a record of her somewhere. Just because I don’t know who she is right now, that doesn’t mean I can’t learn.

  I type in ‘Veronica’. I don’t know her last name, but I’m hoping that won’t matter. If she was at the party last night, that must mean that we share at least one mutual friend. I scour through the results as they load up.

  The top result is a page for a supermodel, I think.

  Next result, I click on, but the only photo I’m able to view is one of a small dog bounding through a field. I understand sharing photos of your pets, but I’ll never get why people use them as profile pictures. Three friends in common, both of whom I only faintly know.

  There’s gotta be a closer match.

  Hmm… moving on.

  It’s the third result where I strike gold. Veronica Hall.

  It’s her. But her account is set to private, hiding everything but her picture and our mutual friends. Two; my mom’s veterinarian Lucas and-

  Oh, this is good.

  I send Veronica Hall a friend request and close the app. For all I knew, she may not even remember my name and if she does, who knows how long before she responds.

  No, I need to see her in person.

  Now.

  I press a button on my office phone that connects me to my assistant. “Nellie, would you mind coming in here for a moment?”

  I could just ‘bump’ into her. Surely, that’s innocent enough. It’s not a practical plan, but it’s better than asking Nellie for her address and just showing up on her doorstep.

  “Yes, sir?” We’ve worked together for years, the woman is in her seventies and yet she still calls me ‘sir’. I hate that, but she’s insisted numerous times.

  I gesture for her to enter the room as I stand from behind my desk and move around it. At this moment, I’m not her boss, I’m Veronica’s future soulmate. Whether anyone else knows it yet is not my concern.

  “How do you know Veronica Hall?”

  3

  Veronica

  “Lane!”

  “Darlin’. I’ve missed you since you moved out west, to the big city.”

  If he had any idea where I act
ually lived while I was out in the big city, he wouldn’t be calling it ‘the big city’. Some parts of L.A. are more dump than suburb.

  “Well, guess what? I’m back for good.”

  “Really?” Lane pauses what he’s doing, which was wiping down the bar between us. He gives me a funny look, a mixture of confusion and scrutiny. “What’s made you do that?”

  I second guess my impulsive instinct to lie. Lane is one of my oldest and closest friends here in Aurora. I didn’t want to lie, but I also didn’t want to see that look on his face, the pitying one.

  “I was fired. I didn’t have much choice about moving back. Apparently living on your own is only for people who can afford their bills.”

  “You back with your parents?”

  “For now. As soon as I get a job, I start saving to find my own place. Which brings me to my next point, you know of anyone hiring?”

  “Really? This close to Christmas? I don’t think so darlin’.”

  “I was afraid of that.” I chew on my bottom lip as I ponder the situation. “Who runs the library now?”

  “Still Mrs. Cassini. You’re not thinking about trying to get your old job back, are you?

  “Hey! That was the best job I’ve had thus far.” We both let out a laugh at the shenanigans that we used to get up to.

  We both started ‘working’ at the library in lieu of after school detention. As it turned out, I was a good little assistant, and it was a good fit. As soon as Lane’s time was served, the library more or less kicked him out. But me? I got offered a part-time position.