K. Bromberg - Slow Burn

Contents

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

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Epilogue

Sweet Ache

About the Author

Copyright

Chapter 1

My sensations are dulled by the alcohol. And I am so okay with that. Okay that Ive had enough to drink so that for the first time in six months, the ache that hits me with the memories isnt as sharp.

I look around and try to focus on everythingthe abundant flowers, the welcome chill from the ocean breeze, the pair of high heels abandoned in the cornerbut all I can think about is how beautiful and happy Rylee was tonight. And my mind keeps recalling what my sister, Lexi, looked like on her wedding day. The words she said to me, her laugh ringing out above the guests as Danny made his toast to her, the smile on her face as the future stretched ahead of them.

Stop it, Had. Dont ruin a perfect night. You deserve to celebrate your best friends wedding without feeling guilty.

But I cant stop thinking about that other wedding, although the details are starting to fade in my mind. And I so badly want to remember every little detail about her. I need to be able to tell my niece, Madelyn, about how her mom loved to stand in the rain because she wanted to catch it on her tongue, how she ate pizza backward because the crust was her favorite part, how she loved to face the opposite way on the swings so we could give each other high fives. There are so many things I fear Ill forget.

And so many other memories from the past year that I wish I could.

Well be back in the morning, miss, to pick up the tables and chairs and the lot.

The caterers voice pulls me from my melancholy thoughtsthoughts that dont belong after the sheer beauty of todays wedding. I turn to look at him, words choking in my throat.

Not a problem. Beckss voice startles me. I didnt realize he was out here on the deck, but Im so glad he answers because, between the alcohol and the memories, Im in no shape to respond coherently. The housekeeper, Grace, will be here at ten to let you in.

I finish the rest of my drink as the caterer thanks Becks. Then I turn around on unsteady legs to face him as he steps out of the nights shadows into the light of the full moon. And it must be a mixture of the heady emotions of the day and my lack of sobriety, but my breath catches when I meet his eyes.

Its just Becks, boy-next-door handsome as usual dirty blond hair spiked up at the ends, aqua blue eyes so light the night makes them seem transparent so why in the hell are parts of my body suddenly on alert?

I dart my tongue out to my tingling lips as he leans a broad shoulder against the post of the trellis and stares at me, head angled to the side, shirt unbuttoned at the collar, and bow tie hanging loosely around his neck. I hear the ice in his glass clink as he shifts to set it on the table beside him, but his eyes hold steadfast to mine.

You okay? That slow, even drawl of his breaks the silence. I nod my head, still not trusting my voice, still trying to figure out why all of a sudden there is this tension between usthis electric energythat has never been there before. Sure weve flirted harmlessly since we met through our best friends, Rylee and Colton, but this is different. And I cant quite put my finger on whats changed, not sure if I even want to.

Maybe its the fact that right now, face shaded with darkness, he looks a little dangerous, a little mysterious, a lot more the bad-boy type I usually fall for. Hes always struck me as more of a good guy, a down-home country type. But somehow the mixture of moonlight and night shadows brings out another side of him Ive never envisioned; he looks edgier, more the wilder type I waste my time on, get my heart broken by, have a hard time resisting. That has to be why Im feeling a sudden attraction.

So if I know the reason, why is my drunk mind still wondering what hed taste like? What his hands would feel like as they run up my inner thighs? How the slow, even tone of his voice would sound as he loses control?

The silence sparks between us, only interrupted by the distant roll of ocean waves. I draw in a breath and shake my head again. Im okay, I say, and laugh, trying to avoid the questions I dont want to answer. Just drunk and enjoying the feeling.

Feeling is most definitely a good thing, he says, straightening up his tall, athletic frame and taking a step toward me, but, City, I think its best if I get you to bed before it starts to not be a good feeling.

I smile softly at his use of the term of endearment. He gave me the nickname City the first night we met in Las Vegas, back before my life had been torn apart by Lexis death. It feels like a lifetime ago when in reality it has only been a year since the unexpected overnight trip with Rylee and Colton to the city of sin where the two of us flirted, first acknowledged the attraction we felt but have never acted on. I close my eyes and remember the carefree feeling I had that night. Id called him Country to tease him about that laid back demeanor of his, so opposite from everything I usually find appealing. And yet as he sat there in the Las Vegas nightclub, the clubs lights flashing over his face while he called me City in return, I caught myself wondering just what Beckett Daniels would kiss like.

The question floats through my mind again. Forget about it, Montgomery, I tell myself as I go to place my hand on the railing at my back and miss by a mile, causing him to chuckle, low and soft.

Chills light a path over my skin, and I cant help the giggle that falls from my lips as my mind wanders to other things Id rather be feeling right now. Other distractions I could use to shake the bittersweet emotions weighing me down.

Christ on a crutch! Why didnt I think of it earlier? Going to bedespecially someone elsesis most definitely a good idea.

Thatll fix it. Always has, these past six months. Ill just go grab my keys and my cell, call Dylan or Pete and let them know Im on my way over. Ill let whoever is the first to answer know that Im feeling a little sexually festive tonight. Ill use one of them to try to forget; feel a little less, by feeling a whole lot more.

Something funny?

I cover my mouth with my hand but cant stop myself from snickering. Just feeling a little festive, is all. And the giggle returns as I think of Lex and how she used to say that women are not sluts, just sexually festive. And tonight? God, tonight I just want to be that. I dont want to think. I dont want to care. I just want to escape a bit from my thoughts.

Festive, huh? he asks, eyes appraising me and full mouth tugging up at one corner.

Yep! I nod my head. Time for this girl to carry this party to another location, Country. I start to walkwell, stumble. Shit! How the hell am I going to drive? I keep walking, hand running across the wall to help steady myself.

Nice try, Haddie. Did you forget that the limo brought you here? I have to drive you home.

Crap! I try not to falter. Well, I guess Im taking your car, then, I say as I keep walking away from him.

Thats funny, but, uh, youre in no shape to drive. His voice calls out to me, and the amusement in it pisses me off. Youre not going anywhere, festivities or not.

Like hell I am. I toss over my shoulder and keep walking toward the house. Just leave me alone, I yell in my head. Dont go all alpha on me now when all I want from you is slow and steady because Im way too drunk and way too needy to see in him what Im attracted to.