Red Hot Lovers: 18 Contemporary Romance Books of Love, Passion, and Sexy Heroes by Your Favorite Top-Selling Authors

by Milly Taiden

  “Where else do you tip him?”

  “He runs last-minute errands for me out of school hours.”

  “What kinds of errands?”

  “Picking up cars, Rocky’s food, my groceries, flower shops. Small ones I don’t have time to get to.”

  “I was wondering how you get done so much.”

  “I wouldn’t be able to if not for the people I can trust who work for me.”

  “You’ve only been in town a month. How do you know so many people and who to trust?”

  “I mingle too. Just a bit differently than Dan, and mostly during working hours.” He winked.

  “Speaking of Dan, how’s the house-hunting going?” I asked.

  “Very well.”

  “So you’ve met with him?”

  “No.”

  “Then how can you be looking for houses?” I asked.

  “Online. T, I really want to surprise you, and if I say anything, I’ll fail. So please let me try to do this. And I’m still waiting for a few work contracts to be signed.”

  “What if they don’t sign them?”

  “Then I’ll have to find another way to make money.”

  Adrian didn’t sound too concerned, so maybe I shouldn’t have been either. But the last thing I wanted was for his contracts to fall apart and for him to need to move away. Eric brought our water, and Adrian slipped a bill into his palm.

  “Two more in half an hour,” he said to Eric, and then leaned in closer. “How’s your dad?”

  “He’s doing much better. Thank you for all your generosity. My mom said she’ll stop by as soon as she can get away from the hospital. With the trip canceled and guests to notify, she just hasn’t had time.”

  “Tell her to take her time,” Adrian said.

  “Thank you, Mr. Reed.”

  After Eric left Adrian turned back to me.

  “What trip did they cancel?” I asked, cocking my head to the side.

  “They were going to renew their vows on their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary when Larry, Eric’s dad, had a stroke.”

  “That’s so sad.”

  “He’s doing much better,” Adrian said, refolding the napkin in front of him, “but it just goes to show how you we never know how much time we have left on this earth.”

  “I know what you mean.” I lowered my head, thinking about my dad.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t meant to make you upset.”

  “You didn’t.”

  “These things make me wonder how much time we have. Did you ever think you’d remarry after Dan?”

  “Wow. Uhm, no, I never thought about it, except that it was always out of the question.”

  Adrian’s eyes dimmed.

  “I just never had time or a reason to think about it seriously,” I added lowering my hand to his.

  “But it’s not out of the question, right?”

  “Adrian, if you’re proposing—”

  “I’m not,” he assured me. “And if I were, I guarantee you it would be way more romantic than this.”

  “You’ve thought about it?”

  “Yes, for twenty years.”

  Oh.

  “Adrian, it’s only been two weeks—”

  “T, relax. I promise I’m not proposing, nor do I mean to make you feel uncomfortable. I just want to understand you, appreciate you, know you, and definitely not freak you out.”

  “Well, then, if I have to be honest, I thought about marrying you a long time ago. But since Dan and the kids, there was simply no room in my mind to think about things like that. Besides, look how successful I’ve been at marriage.”

  “Ah, so you’ve not only lost hope but also blame yourself.”

  “I didn’t know how to fail until it was too late. It really hit me hard because I was so committed. And I haven’t had a chance to hope again until you showed up. But honestly, Adrian, I don’t think I could go through it again. I don’t think I could ever live through a second failed marriage. People live together for decades, happily, without being married. I… I don’t think I’d believe the vows that have failed me once.”

  “How can I give you hope again, T?”

  “I don’t think you can. I think for me it takes time and patience.”

  “So, there is hope?”

  “No, Adrian. I really don’t think I could do it again—ever. Especially with you. I couldn’t bear it if I ever failed you. Please understand.”

  His shoulders lowered and I knew I’d hurt his feelings. But just as quickly he picked up his gaze and with a sincere smile said, “I’m trying to understand you, T. And I wish there was something I could do to restore your faith. For what it’s worth, please know that you could never fail me.”

  “I’m sorry, but my decisions need to fit into not only my life, but also my family’s.”

  “Which means you’re thinking about everyone else around you before yourself.”

  “Shouldn’t I? I’d already brought so much disruption to their lives.”

  “When it comes to your kids, you absolutely should. But you need to let your heart heal as well. You need to stop blaming yourself.”

  “It’s more like guilt, you know, for the kids. But I know they’re better off this way, and so am I.”

  Adrian’s gaze flew to the bar where Dan ordered another drink.

  “I think you’re right, T. While I believe your kids should have their father in their lives, I think you made the right choice. I couldn’t live with someone who had broken those vows either. But I couldn’t live without faith. I wouldn’t be here if I had lost hope. And I’ll be here until I see you gain it back as well.”

  I let out a sigh of relief and leaned my chin on my hand, staring at Adrian.

  We spent the next hour talking and laughing, catching up on the little things in life. Being in the same room with both Adrian and Dan was actually easier than the awkwardness I’d imagined. In fact, it felt liberating to know Dan wasn’t fussing over me. For once, his frivolous attitude was a bonus. Isabelle and Tyler gave us the space as well and hadn’t left the dance floor since I sat down.

  I listened to him speak about his work, tight deadlines and executive decisions. His life appeared to be so organized and different than what I’d imagined.

  “You’ve changed. What have you done to the spontaneous and frivolous Adrian that I knew?”

  “He grew up.”

  “Yeah, he did.”

  “T, I can still be spontaneous. I just choose my timing a bit better now.”

  “So what would you do now if the timing was right?”

  “That’s a loaded question, T.”

  “Why?”

  “Do you really want me to get down on my knees under that table and show you?”

  Oh! I wanted to say yes, but I was afraid that with my permission, he’d actually do it.

  “You wouldn’t…” My voice halted when his hand grazed down my thigh, dragging my dress upward until his fingers touched my naked skin. My eyes grew wider, watching his pupils dilate the higher the tips of his fingers drew.

  “Okay, okay, you would.” I felt the swell between my legs pool in my panties. The delicate touch, here in public, where anyone could catch us, stimulated my needs.

  “Want me to stop?”

  “Yes and no.” My heated breaths quickened as his palm grasped my inner thigh underneath the long tablecloth, his fingers nearing my dampening panties, gently stroking over the sheer fabric. “But you probably should.” I swallowed. My heart was beating so hard I feared the flushed color of my skin would soon betray me.

  “Yeah, I should, because there’s nothing I want than to hear you scream my name the next time you come, T.”

  I wanted that so badly too. In fact, I was sure it wouldn’t take much for me to do so. Adrian gently removed his hand, asking, “How are you getting home?”

  “We agreed to call a cab.” We both looked toward the bar where Dan had already downed that drink and was clinking a shot with the blonde. My face
fell. Why couldn’t he slow down?

  Adrian’s cheeks tightened.

  “I’ll drive you both home. We’ll drop Dan off and then we’ll get spontaneous.”

  Did he even realize he just planned to be spontaneous? I chuckled inside.

  “If you drive him, then we won’t have the proper introduction between the two of you I was hoping for tomorrow.”

  “Sometimes we have to play the cards we’re dealt. Don’t worry about tomorrow yet. I have a feeling Dan will be curing a huge hangover and not remembering much of tonight.”

  It was almost eleven at night, and if I wanted more alone time with Adrian, I knew I had to start getting Dan out the door, otherwise he wouldn’t leave until morning.

  Isabelle and Tyler finally strolled back to our table.

  “Tired out, twinkle toes?” I asked.

  “Never. I could dance all night,” Tyler said.

  “Yes, you could, babe. If that cramp in your back hadn’t kicked in, I’m sure we’d be last off that dance floor. So, how are you two doing? Remember me? From the bar?” Isabelle’s attention drifted to Adrian.

  “The protective friend.” He kissed her hand, and she almost squealed. Isabelle wasn’t used to the European ways, and Adrian’s high-class gestures made him that much more attractive.

  “Isabelle.”

  “Adrian.”

  “This is my husband, Tyler.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Both men shook hands, and I could tell that with time they could become friends. While I chatted with Isabelle, they found a common love of soccer.

  Dan had never made it back to his seat, which had me worried. At one point I saw him shuffling his feet sideways from one end of the hall to Amanda’s table. He exchanged a few sentences there before heading back to the bar.

  “I’m gonna use the restrooms.” Adrian kissed me on the cheek and stood up.

  “Do you mind if we head home right after?” I asked.

  “Of course not. I’ll be right back.”

  As soon as he left, I slouched in my chair. Whatever essence I had when he was with me had left the second Adrian walked away.

  “You’ve got it bad.” Isabelle nudged my side.

  “Yeah, I do,” I said in a dreamy voice. “I should find Dan. Adrian’s gonna drive him home and then drop me off.” I left out the part where we might end up together for a while longer afterwards.

  “Are you trying to mix Coke with Mentos?” Isabelle asked.

  “What?”

  “Come on, Mia. You know how Dan gets after he drinks. Poof.” She opened both her hands at the same time, imitating an explosion. “You put those two together in one car and you’re asking for trouble.”

  Had I underestimated Dan’s ability to accept Adrian? Technically I hadn’t introduced them yet. And perhaps Dan would have been kind to Adrian when sober—the problem was, he’d been soaking in his drinks tonight like a dry sponge.

  “I gotta go find him.” I shot off my chair and searched the hall. Dan wasn’t anywhere near the bar, nor close to the washrooms. I stopped by each table until I finally returned to ours.

  “No luck?” Isabelle asked, her concern reflecting mine.

  A commotion sounded from the hallway near the coat check, and we both turned at the same time. I should have known what was going on immediately, but I chose to believe my ex-husband was done with his old ways. The loud brawl raked through me like nails on a chalkboard. With Isabelle and Tyler on my heels, I rushed toward the front.

  In the hallway, a group of people blocked my view of the brewing argument.

  “No one dances with my wife like that,” Dan slurred.

  A few women backed away as their spouses and significant others tried to shield them.

  “Dan, you need to calm down. This is a family event,” Adrian said.

  I pushed through the crowd, squeezing between the large men blocking my way. Adrian stood on the left. His cheek was reddening every second, and I assumed Dan had blessed him with his fist.

  “Come on, fight back,” Dan taunted with his fists up, swaying on his feet. From the look of it, it wouldn’t take much effort to pin Dan to the floor. His promise to take it easy tonight had flowed down his throat along with the alcohol the moment he’d stepped in the hall.

  “Dan, stop it.” Rage boiled inside me.

  “There she is. C’mere.” He stumbled toward me. The smell of his breath hit me before he reached me and I cringed back. He grasped me around my waist, gripping more of my dress than I would have normally allowed.

  Arguing with him was pointless. It would only aggravate him, and since I really wanted him out of here and not causing any more trouble, I had to comply with his hands now wondering over my ass. One look at Adrian and I knew he was about to lose his cool as well. His lips formed a straight line, and I pleaded with my eyes for him to stay back.

  “Let me get you home. Come on,” I said, pulling Dan away from the crowd. Somewhere behind me, I felt Adrian’s constant presence. I held Dan under his arm. He leaned on me with all his weight, and if it weren’t for my Pilates training, I doubted I’d be able to hold him up.

  “One more dance,” Dan said. “You haven’t danced with me tonight.”

  He twisted me to turn back to the hallway and lost his balance. Dan slipped, dragging me down with him.

  If there was one embarrassing moment in my life that would stand out, then this was definitely it. Using the wall for support, I crawled back up and brushed myself off before looking down to my moaning ex-husband. Apparently on the way to the floor Dan had hit his jaw on the coat-check counter, splitting his chin open. And once I saw the blood spewing down his shirt, I knew my evening had just turned from bad to a nightmare.

  The room spun and my vision blurred. My heart hammered against my chest and my lungs constricted. My gaze found Adrian, who seemed to be moving toward me in slow motion, and then everything faded to black.

  CHAPTER 17

  “T, open your eyes. Are you all right?” Adrian asked.

  A cool breeze brushed against my thighs, and my back sank into a slightly uneven cushioned seat. Soft music was playing somewhere in the distance. Above me was a low upholstered ceiling with dimmed lighting. I was lying down in the back seat of a car. The door was open, and my feet rested against Adrian’s chest.

  “What happened?” I asked.

  “Dan’s chin and vasovagal.”

  The memory of my ex-husband pulling me down to the floor flashed through my mind, along with the crowd around us and their shocked faces. I wasn’t sure how I was going to live this one down. It had taken so long for the rumors to stop after I’d been publicly humiliated by Dan when he’d cheated. Amanda had ensured everyone knew exactly how it had happened. I so didn’t want to go through that again.

  “Where is that son of a bitch? I swear I’m going to kill him!” Everything inside me told me to go find Dan and rip into him, but Adrian’s restraining grip on my feet held me in my spot.

  “I know you’re upset, T. But you don’t want to confront him about it now. Trust me. Better to wait until he’s sober. Besides, Isabelle and Tyler drove him home.”

  Sober, my ass. I was so done with Dan’s bullshit; he should have seen the consequences of his actions coming from miles away. “Good. I swear I don’t want to see his face until fucking pigs and cows fly together.”

  Adrian grinned from above me.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I haven’t heard you swear in over twenty years. It sounds sexy.”

  I chuckled and looked up at the car ceiling. It figured Adrian would find a way to ease my fury. “Please tell me something more embarrassing than Dan’s show happened after we’d left.”

  “I heard Amanda had toilet paper stuck to her butt when she came out of the bathroom.”

  That did help. I just wished I had seen it.

  “And her dress got caught in her panties, putting her ass on display.” He snickered. “Or so I heard.�
��

  “No! Really?”

  “There were whispers about cellulite and Grandma’s underwear.”

  “Now you’re lying. I can tell.”

  “How?”

  “Because I know you.”

  “OK, but the toilet paper part was true.”

  “Thank you. I really needed a laugh.” Just imagining Amanda’s embarrassment put a smile on my face. Miss High Society had to have some sort of weakness, right?

  I sighed. “I doubt anyone could have outdone Dan’s little fit, though. Man, was he ever out of it.” I shook my head. A gust of wind blew through the car and swiped against my ass. Since I had a dress on and my feet were lifted against Adrian’s chest, he had a perfect view of my goods.

  “I like that color on your cheeks,” he said. “You’re looking better, T.”

  I slowly lowered my legs and adjusted my dress. “Did you peek?” I asked.

  “Of course.”

  And I knew he was lying again. Adrian would have never taken advantage of me that way.

  He scooted in beside me in the back seat of the car, completely encasing me in his arms. Leaning against him, I wanted to stay in the safety of his hold forever.

  “I’d love nothing more than to make out with you back here, but it doesn’t feel quite right, given what happened a few minutes ago.”

  “That was so bad.” I lowered my head. “I can’t believe Dan did that. Just when I was hoping the three of us could actually spend time together in the same room.” Did that mean we couldn’t?

  “Does he refer to you as his wife often?” Adrian asked.

  “Not when he’s sober. I should have paid more attention at the hall. I should have stopped him from drinking.”

  Adrian’s phone buzzed. He checked the screen but didn’t say anything. “T, you’ve done nothing wrong. He’s a grown man who needs a good slap across his face to remind him of what he has. After tonight, he’ll at least have a small reminder on his chin about the harm too much drinking can cause. Tyler just texted me he’s getting stitches. They drove him to the ER before going home.”

  “I hope that needle they poke through his skin hurts like hell.”