TheBet-ARedHotValentine

ByTyLangston

Copyright2014by

MicheleVillery

CoverDesignbyMelodySimmonsofeBookindiecovers

SmashwordsEdition

ALLRIGHTSRESERVED

NoPartofthisbook

canbereproduced,scannedordistributedinanyprintedorelectronicform

withouttheauthor’spermission.

Thesestoriesareaworkoffiction.

Names,characters,

placesandincidencesareoftheauthor’s

imaginationandusedfacetiously.Anyresemblancetoanyactualpersonslivingordead,eventsor

locales,iscoincidental.

TableofContents

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

OtherStoriesinTheRedHotValentine’sDayCollection

ChapterOneThelongtimecouple

writhedwithpassionthroughtheirsatinsheets.

WhileChrisKnight’ssofthandsjourneyedtheirwaytowardthesmallofGabrielleTrent’sback,shegroanedwithpleasureatthefeelofhistouchagainstherdampenedskin.Theloveofhislifegave

intotheinevitableassheturnedherselftowardhim,lockingherblueeyesontohis.

Onthebrink,hisdescentbegan;hissteelgrayeyesneverwaveredfromtheirhungeredgaze.Whilehemouthedthewords,“Iloveyou,”hishandpartedhertonedthighs.

Chris’swollencockachedforher.“OhmyGod,Chris!”

shemoaned.Hismemberstrainedwith

desireatherentrance,itwassomethinghecouldnolongercontain.Inoneswiftmove,heplantedhimselfdeepinsideher.Thecouplerockedinunison.Theclosenessthetwosharedwastheonethingtheycherishedmostabouttheirrelationship.Witheachdaythatpassed,Chrisfoundhimselfmoreinlovewithhis

girlfriend.Theirpassionsconsumed

them,sendingthetwoofthemintoaviolentclimax

Desiregavewaytoexhaustion;exhaustiongavewaytobliss.

Severalminuteslater,Christookhimselfoutofherandfellnexttoherinasweatyheap.Asherakedhisshoulder-lengthbrownhairfromhisface,heglancedat

hisgirlfriendwithamischievousgrin.“WhooGabby,thatwas-”

Sheplayfullysmackedhimonhisshoulder.

“OhmyGod,Chris!ThatwasNOTsupposedtohappen!”

Chrislaughedaloudandwinkedather.“Baby,whynot?Wearecommittednow,aren’twe?Whatelsearewesupposedtodowhenwe

fight?”Gabriellelookedather

guywhocontinuedtolaugh.Theunapologeticsmirkhehadonhisfacewasenoughtomakeherwanttoslaphim.

“I’mstillpissedatyou!”Shequipped.

Turninghimselftofaceher,hecontinuedtolaughloudly.

“Overwhat?Whyareyoustillmadatthat?”

“Please,youknowwhy,Chris.”

“Gabby,myfansarewhatapartofwhatfuelsmyliving.”

Gabriellesighedasshepushedbackherlongblondecurls.Withherplumpbreastsfullyexposedsheleanedagainstthebedpost.

“Iknow.Tobehonest,it’snotthem.However,Idowonderifyouhavetogoas

farwithsomeofthemasyoudo.Iswearyouenjoytheattentiontheygiveyou.”

Smoothingouttheendofhercurls,heattemptedtoreassureherthattheflirtationswereapartofhisperformance.Nothingmore,nothingless.

“I’mnotgoingtolie.Itisflattering.Don’tyoulikeattention,babe?”Chrisaskedher

“Formystories?Sure.”“Okthen.Yougetting

acclaimforwritingaboutotherrockersbyreadersoryourpeersisnodifferentfrommeflirtingandsingingtoayoungfan.It’sajob.ThebandandIhavebeenblessedwithatremendousopportunitywithKnight’sArmorthatIwouldn’tchangefortheworld.”

Gabbylookeddownathis

slenderfingersastheycontinuedtoplaywiththeendsofhercurls.Withhisindexfinger,heliftedherchintowardhim,beforehecontinued.“Who’sherewithyounow,Gabby?”

“Youare.Igetit.Justtrynottoenjoyitsomuch,okay?”shetoldhimwithasmirk.

“I’malwaysgoingtobehereforyou.YouandIhavebeenthroughsomuchthatI

don’tunderstandwhyyou’dquestionthatafterallthistime.Iloveeverythingaboutyou.Fromthewayyousnore,tohowmynamesoundswhenitrollsoffyourtongue.YouwriteforRocklineMagazineforcryingoutloud.Thereisn’tanyonethatknowsmorethanyoudothatI’mdoingmyjob.Iwillsay,IdidthinkitwasfunseeingyousquirmabitwhileIwas

flirtingearlier,”heretortedwithanimpishgrin.

Shesmiled.“Asshole.”“Youarehometome.

There’sisn’tanyoneelseIwant.”

“No?”sheasked.“Nope,”Chrissaid.Gabriellechuckledasher

fingersbegantoplaywithhisfiveo’clockshadow.

“OkayRockstar,roundonewasyours.”

“Thatround?Baby,betweenthemandus,I’llwinthefuckingwar,”Christoldher.

Curious,Gabrielleputherhanddown.SheraisedhereyebrowsininterestoverChris’words.

“Yeah?Howareyougoingtodothat?”

Deepinthought,Chrispursedhislips.Gabriellehadnoideawhathewasthinking.

Momentslater,herboyfriend’strademarkgrin,spannedfromeartoear.

“I’llbetyouthatIcanseduceyou.”

Gabriellestartedlaughing.Shehadknownhimforyears.Theywerebestfriendsfirstbeforefinallybecomingacoupleoverayearago.Shehadobservedsomeofherboyfriend’spreviousattemptsatseductionwithothers,and

allhadfailedmiserably.Inheropinion,therewasn’talineChriscouldusethatwouldinstantlygetherintobed.Yet,it’dbeentertainingtoseehimtry.

“Yeahright.Whatanarrogantassyouare.Justbecausewe’retogetherandyou’reaninternationalrockstar,doesn’tmeanI’mgoingtodropeverythingandhavesexwithyouonthespot.

Keepdreaming!”“Betyoudo.Andwehave

todoitanywhere.”Gabrielleshookherhead

withaflatretort,“Idon’tthinkso.I’vebeenwithyouforawhilenow.I’mnothavingsexwithyouinthosevenues.Acoupleofthemaredisgusting.”

Chrisletoutanenormousbellylaugh.“Okay,someplaces,well,theyare,I

admit...Alittleinteresting.ButIguesswecankeepthistoourhotelroomorontheplane.”

“Hmm…joiningtheMileHighClubdoessoundintriguing,”shesaidtohimasshegotupandsatonthefootofthebed.Puttingononeofhisfootballjerseys,shecontinuedtotaunthimwhileshepulledherblondemassofcurlsoutofthejersey.“Okay

Knight,IbetyouthatIwon’tbackdown.Goaheadanddowhatyoudowithyourfans.It’llbefunseeingyoutrysomeofyourBSonme.”

“Waitaminute.WhatdoIwin?”Chrisasked.

Herblueeyessuddenlynarrowedwithaseriousgaze.Shelookedathimforseveralsecondsbeforeshetookinadeepbreath,herpetitebodyseemingtoinflatewiththe

weightofherproposal.“I’vegottagotoeachandeveryhomegamethattheNewYorkGiantshavethisfall.”

Chris’jawdroppedforamoment.Thiswasnewsindeed.Gabriellehatedanythingandeverythingthathadtodowithfootball.

“You’recatchingflieswithyourmouthopenlikethat,Chris,”Gabbyquipped.

“Holyshit!Youhate

football!”“Nokidding,”shesaid.“Evenwithabrotherwho

isaformerNFLprobowlplayer,Ineverunderstoodhowandwhyyouhatedthegamesomuch.”

Gabbysighed.“Maybe,it’sbecauseasakidit’sallI’dhearabout24/7.Areyougoingtomakemechangemymind?”sheasked.

Hisgrayeyeswerefullof

disbelief.Hehadtoaskheroncemore.“Allthehomegames?Everylastoneofthem?”

Shesaidwithasharpreply,“Youarenotdeaf.That’swhatIsaid.Helldidn’tfreezeover.”

Chriswaslaughingsohardthatheputhisheadfacedowninhispillow.Gabriellelookeduptowardtheceilingandrolledhereyesbeforeshe

continuedtopleadwiththealmighty.“Godhelpme,ifIdon’twin,thisfallwillbethelongestever.”

Lookingdownather,heleanedhisbackagainstthebedpostandtuckedhishairaroundhisears.

“Oh,thisisgoingtobesomuchfun!”hetoldher.

”OkayMr.Knight.You’resocreative.Tellme,whatdoIwin?”

Theendlessideasthatwouldappeaseherconsumedhim.Besidesfootball,shelikedthesamethingsashim.Buttherewasonethingthathehadneverdonebeforethatwouldtestthewatersofhisabilitiesifsheweretowin.

Hehadnevertakentimeoff.Notever.Writing,performing,cametohimlikebreathing.Histrademarksmileturnedsolemn.

“Hmmm.Letmesee.Ifyouwin,afterthistour,yougetmehomeforthenexttwoyears.”

Gabrielle’seyesnowwidened.Shehadneverknownhimnottobeperformingorrecordingsomething.“Really?”sheasked.

Chrisnodded.“I’lltakeacoupleofyearsoff.I’llbeChrisKnight,boyfriend,best

friend…hopefullyfuturehusband.Can’tyouseemedoingthelawnorfixingapipeinthebathroominthathugenewbeachhouseofours?”

“Nope,sorryIcan’t,”sheteased.“Doyouevenknowhowtouseahammer?”

Hecrawledtothefootofthebed.Hebegantoplaywithherpedicuredtoeswhileshetouchedthetopofhis

head.“Thehammerthatcounts?

Absolutely.”Hemovedclosertoherin

anattempttokissher.Shequicklyplacedherhandinfrontofhisface.

Sheyawned,crawlingpasthimtogetunderneaththecovers.“Oooh.I’mbeginningtogetsleepyafterallthatpoundingagainstyourhammer.Youknowhoney

thiswasabrilliantidea.Youshouldgetsomesleep.You’llneeditforallyourseductiontactics.Goodnight.”Sheturnedpromptlywithherbacktowardhissideofthebed.

Helookedatherwithablankstare.WhatinthehelldidIjustgetmyselfinto?

ChapterTwoAcoupleofnightslater,

ChrishadGabriellepickedupandflowntoVegas.Hisband,Knight’sArmor,waswrappinguptheWestCoastdatesoftheirtourattheMGMGrand.

Whilewaitingtolandattheairport,Gabriellebegantolookatanemeraldring

encircledwithdiamondsthatsheandChriscalled‘TheFriendshipRing’.Takingitoffherfinger,shereadtheinscription,‘Youaremyeverything.LoveChris.’

Gabrielle’sthoughtsspunaroundChrisandthatbet.Theloveofherlifewasbeautifulnotonlyontheoutside,butalsoontheinside.Asshereminiscedabouttheirpast,she

wonderedifshecouldactuallywinafterall.

ThetwoofthemmetyearsagoinasleepylittletowntheybothlivedincalledBedford,NewYork.Chriswasatalocalclubtryingoutforhisrecorddeal,andshewasafresh-out-of-collegeinternatthenation’shottestmusicmagazine,Rockline.Whenanotherreporteratthelastminuteoptedoutof

writingafeaturewiththeband,Gabriellesteppedinandwentontourwiththem.Herweeklyfeature,‘DiaryStories’ontheband’sdebuttour,notonlybecameacriticalsuccessforher,butalsosecuredKnight’sArmorasoneofthetopbandsintheworld.

Withmoresuccesscamebetrayals.FirstwithChrisfiringofhisoneofbest

friendsandmanagerwhostoleacoupleofmilliondollarsfromhim,followedbyGabrielle’sviolentrelationshipwithanex-boyfriend.TheclosefriendshipthatcultivatedbetweenChrisandherfromthesesharedincidentsturnedintomorethanshecouldhaveimaginedoverthelastyear.

Shediscoveredalotaboutherselffrombeingwithhim.

Strongintheworldofjournalism,whereyouneedatoughskin,Chrisshowedherthatitwasokaytobevulnerablewhensheneededtobe.Whenherexboyfriend,attemptedtore-enterherlife,itwasChristhatsheleanedonforsupportandsecurityduringahardemotionaljourney.

Asshecontinuedtolookatherring,herwishtoChris’

fanswasthattheycouldseethemansheloved.Oneofthesweetest,caringandmostgenerousmenthatwalkedtheearth,however,thepoormancouldn’tcookifhetried.

Shelookedoutthewindowandwatchedherplanelandandtaxitowarditsdebarkingspot.Waitingforhereagerlywastheband’sengineerandclosefriend,SamMarino.

Aportlymaninhislate40s,Sam,wasshortwithblackhairandbrowneyes.Pleasedtoseehisfriend,hisfacebeamedwithjoywhileholdingherhandasshegotofftheplane.

“Gabby,I’msogladyoumadeit!”

Knownforhisquickwitandmusicalear,Chrisandthebandreliedonhimimmenselywhenthey

recordednewmaterial.Constantlyaskedbyothergroupstohelpcrafttheirsound,SammadethedecisionyearsagoworkexclusivelywithKnight’sArmor.

Withherhairfeelingasifithadalifeonitsown,shesmiledatSamwarmlyassheletgoofhishandandbegantopullherlongmaneintoaponytail.“Thankyou,Sam.

Howareyou?”“Good.Realgood.Did

youhaveaniceflight?”“Suredid.It’sprettycool

notbuyingaticket,”shequipped.“GuessI’mstillgettingusedtoallofthis.”

”MydearGabby,you’llnevergetusedtoit.We’veallbeendoingthisnowforyearsandsometimes,youjusthavetowonder.”

“Aboutfans?”sheasked.

”Allofit.Thefans.Thetours,theCDsales.Thebloggersonsocialmediagivingtheiropinionsonthingstheyhaven’ttheslightestclueabout.Thekidswiththeircellphonecameraswhowanttobepaparazzisobadthey’rewillingtoinsultyoutoplacethousandsofdollarsintheirpocket.Don’tgetmewrong,thankGodChrisandthebandare

performingtogiveusthelifestylewehave,buttherearedayswhereIwonderaboutpeople.”

“Can’tchangepeopleortheiractions,butyoucanchangehowyoudealwiththem.WhatIloveaboutthebandishowtheywon’tplaytotrends.Theyarewhotheyareanddon’tapologizeforit.Aftercoveringalotbandsforseveralyearsnow,Ican

honestlysaythatKnight’sArmoristhemostauthenticbandoutthere.PeoplewillalwayswonderwhatmakesChrisandthebandtick.”

“He’samazingisn’the?”Samasked.

“Indeedheis.Iamthankfulforhimeveryday,”shesaid.

“Idotoo.Forhissheercompanyalone,”Samjoked.

Gabriellebegantolaugh

asthetwoofthemwalkedovertoablackSUVandgotin.

“Canyoukeepasecret,Sam?”sheaskedastheSUVspedawayfromtheairport.

“HemaytotrytokillmeifheknewIknewsomething,butIthinkIcantakehim,”Samquipped.

“Chrisisbettingmethathecanuseoneofhispatentedlinesthatheusesonfansto

getmeintobed,”Gabriellesaid.

Samlaughed.“Whatifhewins?”

Gabriellerolledhereyesatthethoughtofherpunishment.

“Igottagotoeveryfreakin’Giantshomegamethisfall.”

Samlaughedevenharder.“Itakeityoustillhatefootball?”

“Yep!”Shesmirked.“Whatifyouwin?”Sam

asked.“Hesaidthathe’dstop

touringforawhileandbeastay-at-homeboyfriend.Heevenmentionedthewords‘futurehusband.’”

Samlookedstunned.“Gabby,I’veneverknown

himtonotwrite,singorplay.Notforalongperiodoftime.Chris,atalltimes,isspilling

outhissoulwithabeer,notebookandaGibsonguitar.Areyousurehereallythoughtthisthrough?Idon’tknowifIcanseehimsittingidleathome.Rememberwhenhetriedtocookforyouthatonetime?”

Gabriellelaughed.“DearGod!Ithoughtourwholeblockwasgoingtogoupinsmoke.”

“Andthatwasonlyan

omelet,”Samadded.“Couldyouimagineifhemadeyouspaghettiorroastbeef?”

Gabriellethoughtaboutitbrieflyandlaughed.“I’mtooscaredtofindout.”

SamlookedoutthewindowandsawtheMGMGrandsignoutfrontofthecasino.TheSUVstopped.

“We’rehere,babe.”Thetwogotoutofthe

SUVandwalkedbackstage.

Friendsandlong-timeemployeesofthebandgreetedGabriellewithhugsandhandshakes.

Sambroughthertotheband’sdressingroomdoor.Openingit,GabriellesawChris’leadguitaristTateMastersonwhoappearedtobetalkingonthephone.SittingacrossfromhimwaskeyboardistEricRychert,drummerDaveOsborn,and

bassistRedmondCage,allskimmingthroughtrademagazines.

“Heygirlswe’rehere!”Samsaid.

Tateslammedthephonereceiverdownonthephone.Hetuckedhislongblond[A1]hairaroundhisears,hisblueeyesdancedwithjoywhenhesawGabrielle.“MySister!”heyelledashewalkedoverandgaveherahug.

Headingtowardthedoor,Samsaidtotheothers,”Gabby’shere!”

Withsurprisedexpressions,Dave,Redmond,andEricallgreetedandhuggedheraffectionately.Theywerelikebrotherstoher.Theyadoredher;sheadoredthem.Minuteslater,ChriswalkedoutofthebathroomwearingawhitetanktopwiththeNewYork

Giantslogofrontandcenteralongwithapairofbluejeansandsneakers.

Beforewalkingout,Sambeganlaughing.Gabrielleeyesnarrowed.

Chrisgrinnedfromeartoear.“What’supeverybody?ReadytogiveVegasashow?”

Samcontinuedtolaugh.Notknowingthatheknew,Chrislookedathislongtime

friendwithaconfusedlookonhisface.

“OhChris,thisislow,”Samsaid.

Chrisraisedhiseyebrows,feigninginnocenceashelookedaroundhimandbackatGabby..

“What’slow?”heaskedGabriellerolledhereyes.

Shewalkedovertoherpartnerandplantedakissfirmlyonhislips.Abruptly,

shebrokefreefromhim.ShelookedoveratSam.

“Sam,itsokay.”Samsmirked.“Yeah?”Chriswaswipinghis

mouthashecontinuedtolistentohisgoodfriendandgirlfriend.Hepretendedtohavenoideaofwhatwasgoingon.

Gabriellecontinued.“Definitely.Lethimplayallthelittlegameshewants.It’s

goingtobefuntosay‘no’toRocklineMagazine’sSexiestRockStar.”

Chris’eyesnarrowedwithconfusionatherandSam.Hetookadeepbreathandshruggedhisshoulders.

“WhatareyoutalkingaboutGabby?”heasked

Headingtowardthedoor,sheturnedandsmiledsarcasticallyatherbeau.

“That’saniceshirthoney.

Guys,haveagreatshow!”Chrislookeddownathis

shirtandflashedawidegrin.“Ohthisthing?”Chris

continued.“Youlikemyshirt,Gab?We’regoingtohavesomuchfunatallthosehomegamesthisfall.Justyouandme.”

Shecouldn’thelpbutletoutachucklebeforeshereplied,“I’mdyingtoseeyouwithahammerandnails

aroundthehouse.Letmeaskyou,doyouevenknowwhatapowertoolis?“

Hewalkedovertoherandwhisperedinherear.“Ifyoulike,I’llbemorethanhappytoshowyouwhatmydrillandhammercando…aftertheshow.”

Chriskissedhisgirlfriendontheforehead.Gabriellemumbledaninaudibleandwalkedoutthedoor.Chris

laughedloudlyashewatchedherwalkawayandheadtowardthesideofthestage.

ChapterThreeThesell-outcrowdloved

Knight’sArmorasmuchasthebandlovedperformingforthem.Theywereanenthusiasticandspiritedcrowdtosaytheleast.

Intheband’seyeline,theynoticedthatthisevening,thewomenwerelookingespeciallybeautiful.The

audiencehungonChris’everywordashewalkedalongacustom-builtcircularrampwithitssteelpathweavedaroundthecircumferenceofthetheatre.

Gabrielleadmiredherboyfriend’sperformanceasChrismadememoriesforhisfansbyholdinghandsanddancingwiththegirls..

DuringonefaninteractionoftheKnight’sArmorclassic

ballad‘NightMoves’,ChrismadehiswayovertotheleftsideofthestagerampwhereleadguitaristTateMastersonplayed.Henoticedoutofthecornerofhiseye,ayoungwomaninherearlytwentiestakingphotosofhimashewentpasthisbandmateandaroundtheramp.Slappingthehandsoffansalongwithway,hedecidedtoshocktheyoungwomanbystopping

rightinfrontofher.Paralyzed,theyounglady

stoppedtakingphotosandstaredattheleadsinger.

“Waitaminute!Waitaminute!”Hetoldthecrowdasthebandwentintoaninstrumentalversionofthesong.Thecrowderuptedathearinghimspeak.

Chrissmiledwithkindnessatthepetiteyoungwomaninfrontofhim.Stillmotionless,

hepulledheruponstageandtheaudienceroared.Nervous,theyoungphotographertoyedwithherlong,brownhair.HeroliveskincomplimentedthegoldKnight’sArmortanktopandbluejeansshewore.Tosubdueheruneasiness,heplacedonearmaroundherandpointedatthecamerashehadinherhand.

“Hi,howareyou.Whatdowehavehere?”heasked

Thewomanwasspeechless.Heronlyactionsweretonodinacknowledgement,wave,smile,andgivehimthecamera.

Thecrowdthunderedwithlaughter.“Mmmm.Okay?Itakeittherearesomepicsofmeinhere?”Chrisaskedher.

Feelingherfacegrowhotfromembarrassment,shetoldhim.“Yes.AndofTate.”

ThecrowdscreamedloudlyforTate,whosalutedtheyoungwomanandrestofthecrowdwithawave.

Chrislookedupathisgoodfriendandleadguitarist,thenpointedathim.“LookatMastersonwiththefans!Isupposethere’ssomepicturesinhereofRychert,OsbornandCagetoo?”heasked

Thefansnickeredandreplied,“No.”

“No?There’snopicsoftheminhere,baby?”Thewoman’sbreathbecameshallowasshelistenedtotheleadsinger’shuskyvoice.HerlargebrowneyeswereaswideassaucerswhensheglancedintoChris’eyes.Ittookeverythinginhertoopenhermouthtoanswerhisquestion.“No,youandTatearemyfavorites.”Shelookedoverattheotherguysand

flashedaweaksmileatthethree.“Sorryguys.”

Thescreamscontinuedfollowedbyalone,butaudiblemarriageproposalforRedmondCage.

Chrislaughedatthemarriageproposalwhilehetriedtofigureouthowtoworkthecamera.“WhileCagemullsoverhisweddingproposal,areyoutakingatleastgoodpicturesofme?”

Stillspeechless,thewomannoddedyes.

Despitethescreams,Chriskepttryingtofigureouthowtoadvancethecameraframes.

“Letmeseenow...Howdoyouadvancethisthing?”heasked

Withplayfulinterest,Chriswatchedherinstructhimonusingtheadvancebuttononthecamera’s

playbackmenu.Chriswasdefinitely

havingfunwithhisyoungfan.Thefactthatshewaseasyontheeyesdidn’thurteither.Outofthecornerofhiseye,hecouldn’thelpbuttoadmirethewoman’sslenderbodyandvoluptuousbreaststhatseemedasiftheyweregoingtospilloutandoverhertanktop.

Althoughhewasvery

muchinlovewithGabrielle,thesingerhadtoremindmyselfforasecondthathewasnolongerabletoactasifhewereakidinacandystore.

EnjoyingthepicturesofbothheandTate,heleanedoverandgaveherpeckonthecheek.“Thanks.babe.Iwishtherewereawaytoshowthesetoeveryone.Thesearegood.Hey,doyoumindifI

takeacoupleofpics?”“No,goahead,”she

replied.Whenhepointedthe

cameraattheaudience,thecrowdwentwild.“Saycheese!”hesaidashepressedtheshootbutton.Astheflashwentoff,helookedbackatthephoto,whichdidn’tturnoutsowell.“Whoa,shouldIhaveusedthatflash?”heaskedher.

“NoChris.Withthelightsonfromthisvantagepoint,it’llmakethepicturesdarker,”shesaid.

“Well,now.Let’strythisagain.”Pressingthenon-flashbuttonasthecrowderupted,Chrispointedthecameraattheaudienceandbandmembers,snappingframeafterframeforseveralseconds.

Whilethebandcontinued

toplayinstrumentally,Chriscontinuedhisflirtationswiththegirl.

“Okay.Let’sseeifitworkedthistime,”hetoldher.

Onthejumboscreen,thecrowdfollowedasChrisadvancedthecameraintothenextframe.Hesmiledinapproval.“Allright.Ididokaywiththisthing.HowdoyouthinkIdid?”

“YourpicsaregreatChris,”shesaidindisbeliefoverwhatwasoccurring.

Chrisgavethecamerabacktoher.“Yourpicsaregood.Verygood.Thanksforshowingthemtome.”

Heslowlybegantowalkbackuptowardthestagebutthenunexpectedly,heturnedandwalkedovertoheragain.“Waitaminute,youknowwhat?Canyoudomea

favor?”heasked.“Sure,”shesaid.“Canyoutakeapictureof

meandmygirlfriend?She’sneverbeenupherebeforeandshelovesthisshirtI’mwearing.So,Ithoughtthatsinceshewasbackstagetonight,it’dbenicetogetapictureofustogetherdoingwhatIdobest.”Heproppedanotherkissonthewoman’sforeheadandwinkedather.

Thegirlnoddedinapproval.

“Okay.”Thecrowderuptedwith

thunderousapplause.Fromthecornerofthestage,GabriellelookedatChrisinhorror.Chrissnickered.HemotionedforGabrielletocomeout.“C’mon,babe.”Standingonthesideofthestage,Gabriellefoldedherarmsandyelled,“No!”

“Ohc’mon,they’renotgonnabite.Everyone,thisismygirlGabrielle.C’mon,”hesaidwithawinkofhiseye.

Shemouthedthewords,“Ass!”

Chrislaughed.“Hereshecomes.”

Petrified,shewalkedonstage.Thethoughtofsomanyeyesonher,scaredhersenseless.Meetingherhalfwayupthestage,Chris

metherwithsecurityintowasfanswerebeginningtotugathiseverybodypartwhilehewalkedtheramp.

“Unreal!”Gabrielletoldhiminhisearasthetwoofthembothmadetheirwaybackdownthestepsandtowardthewoman

“Baby,sayhitoeveryone,”Hetoldher.

AllGabriellecoulddowaswavetotheaudience.She

alsowavedtothebandthatcontinuedtoplaydespitetheirleadsinger’sshenanigans.

“Okay,nowthatwegotthatallouttheway.Thisyoungwomanisniceenoughtotakeourpicture.”

Gabriellenoddedandsmiledattheyoungwoman.

“Great!Okay,ready?”Chrisaskedthegirl.

Thegirlenthusiastically

noddedyes.Chrisputhisarmaround

Gabrielleandproppedaquickkissontopofherhead.Thecoupleflashedasmileasthegirltookonephotoafteranotherofthetwoofthem.Whenthegirlfinished,Chriswalkedovertoher.“Okay.Howdotheylook?”heasked.

HenoticedthatGabriellehadquicklyfollowedhimandwaslookingoverhis

shoulder.Theaudienceandthebandbegantolaughhysterically.ChristurnedtoGabrielleandsmiled.“Youknowforsomeonewhodidn’twanttocomeouthere,yousuddenlyareallinterestedinwhat’sgoingonouthere,”hesnickered.

Gabriellenodded.“Yep.MayIseethose,hon?”sheaskedthewoman.

GivingGabriellethe

camera,thewomanletherandChrisseethephotos.“Nice”Hetoldthephotographerashelookedthroughthecameraimageswithpride.ShowingGabriellethephotoshetook,sheappearedimpressed.“Seebabe.Itookthese,”hetoldher.

“Thesearenice,Chris.Youknow,photographyisagoodhobbytolookintowhen

yougoonbreak.”Gabriellesaidwithawink.Chrisrolledhiseyesatherstatement.“Thinkofallthesightsyoucantakephotosofwhilewe’reonvacation.”Sheteasedasshecontinuedtolookthroughthephotos.

“Yourphotosaregreattoo,hon,”Gabrielletoldtheyoungwoman.

Chrissmiledatthephotographer.“We’lltakeall

ofthem.”Theyoungwoman

squealedwithjoy.“SureChris,I’llgivethem

toyou!”“Thanks!”Chrissaid.“Thankyou.They’re

great,”Gabrielletoldhergivingthewomanakisssmackdeadonthelips.

Chrisraisedhiseyebrowswithsurprise.

Gabriellewalkedupthe

stageandwavedgoodbyetotheaudience.Thecrowdapplaudedenthusiasticallyandsecuritybroughttheyoungwomanbacktoherseat.Chrisshookhisheadinamusement.HeturnedtoTate.“Man,didmywomanjustupstageme?”

Hisleadguitaristlaughed.“Shesureashelldid!”

“Tate,ifthishadbeenonTV,I’dbeoutofafreakin’

job,”hetoldhimandthecrowd.

“You?Allofuswould,”Tatesaid.

Chrislaughed.“Thenagain,that’smygirl.”

ChapterFourAfteracoupleofnightsof

realizingthathiseffortsthusfarhadbeenfruitless,ChriswasimpressedwithGabby’sabilitytosayno.

Hewassopassionatewhenitcametoher.Helovedeverypartofher.Hersmell,hertaste,andthewayshemovedbeneathhim.Tomake

love,allitwouldusuallytakewouldbeawink,nodortheslightesttouch.InthemiddleofoneoftheirVegasshows,Chriswenttochangehisshirtbackstagewhenashort-of-breathSamranovertohim.

“HeySam,what’sup?ChangingquicklywhileTate’sdoingasolo,”Chrissaiddryinghimselfoffwithatowelandgulpingthroughhalfabottleofwater.

Winded,Samasked,“Heyyourememberthatgirlfromtheothernight,theonethatyouweretakingpictureswith?“

Puttingonanewtanktop,Chrisnodded.“Yeah.”

“Wellshe’shere.ShehasthosephotosthatyouwantedofyouandGabby.”

Chrisgrinnedashesprintedtowardthestage.

“Ohcool.Whydon’tyou

justgetthemfromherandletherwatchtheshowbackstage?I’llbebacktotalktoheraftertheshow.”

“WantmetocallGabby?”AsChriswentbythe

woman,henotonlyrememberedhowGabriellekissedheronthelips,buthecouldnothelpbuttostillnoticehowbeautiful,theyoungwomanwas.Wearinganoutfitsimilartowhatshe

hadonacoupleofnightsprior,histhoughtsturnedtothewoman,thentoGabby...andsuddenlybacktohimself.Gabrielle’skisswiththeyoungphotographerbegantoplayoutinhisquickdaydreamwitharesultthathewasgratefulforwearingalongtankcoveringhisswellingmember.WouldGabbybeintoathreesome?Wouldshedoitforme?

Chrisacknowledgedthewomanbynoddinghisheadandsmiling.Shegrinnedbackfromeartoear.

“No.Don’tcallher.I’lltakecareofthismyself.Makesurethisgirlstaysbackstageok?”ChristoldSamashesprintedtothestage.Hecouldn’thelpbutwonderfortherestofthenighthowGabbywouldreacttoathreesome.

***Asthebandcontinued

theirshowattheMGMGrand,Gabrielledecidedskiptheevening’sshowtotalkwithherolderbrother,Tyler,viaphone.

Tyler,whowasalsooneofChris’bestfriends,askedhissisterontheotherendofthephone,“YouonlysawChrisplayoncesinceyou’vebeenthere?”

Lookingatthecalendar,sherealizedthathertimewasrunningoutquickly.

“IguesssoTyler.I’vebeenhereforaweeknowandhadnoclue.I’vebeenhangingoutwithmyoldfriendsatRocklineandordoingotherstuff.We’rehereforanothershowsoI’llprobablygotothat.I’llmakesuretohaveChrisandTatecallyou.You’remissing

somegreatgambling.thistimeout.”

“Areyoubreakingeven?Ihavetogoanyway.Ihaveadate.ItisValentine’sDay,youknow.”

“Shit!Itis?“Gabrielle’seyesopenedwide.“OhGod.ItotallyforgotitwasValentine’sDay.Andthisbetthing?Idon’tknow.Well,I’mactuallyaheadmoneywiseatthetables.Iwona

fewhandsofBlackjack,”shesaidassheplacedherhandoverhermouth.

“Bet?Whatbet?”Tylerasked.

“IthoughtI’dtoldyou.Trustme,it’sprobablybetterthatyoudon’tknow.You’dlaugh,”shetoldhimasshebegantoplaywithherhair.

Shecouldhearlaughterontheotherendofthephone.“Oh,thismustbegood…

spill,sis,”herbrotherpleaded.

“Chrisbetmethathecouldgetmeintobedwithoneofhistrademarkmaneuvers.”

Tylerlaughedhystericallyontheotherend.“OhmyGod.Hemustbehornierthanagoat.Hesucksathittingonwomen.Nodisrespect,sis.”

Gabbylookedatthephonereceiverandrolledhereyesat

herbrother.“He’ssweetwhenhe’shimself,notwhenhe’stherockpersonaeveryoneelseknows.Maybeit’sfunnybecauseyouandIbothknowhim.Ican’tbelieveIforgotitwasValentine’sDay.Ihavenoideawhatwe’regoingtodo.I’mgoingtolosethisbet.Iknowit,ifhehassomethingplannedfortonight.”

“Whathappenswhenyou

lose?”Tylerasked.“Ihavetogotoevery

Giantshomegamewhenfootballisbackonthisfall.”

SeveralsecondsofsilencewentbybeforeTylersimplysaid,“Wow.”

“Wow?That’sallyouhavetosay,Tyler?”

“Youhatefootball.Thisisgoingtoberoughforyou,”Tylersaidwithagiggle.

“You’renotevengoingto

supportme?I’myourlittlesister.WhatamIgoingtodo?Ican’tsaynotohimonValentine’sDay!”

“Ok,whathappensifheloses?”herbrotheraskedontheotherend.

“Hestayshomeforawhile.Notouring,nomusic,nothing.HebecomesMr.Stay-at-homeboyfriend.Heevensaidhehopedtobe…afuturehusband.”She

revealed.“What?He’saworkaholic.

Howdidyoumanagetogethimtodothat?”Tylerasked

“Ididn’t.Heofferedto,”shesaid.

“Gabby,helovesyou.Maybethisishiswayofsayingthatheisreadyforthatnextstep.Hereallysaidfuturehusband?”

Gabbypausedbeforesheanswered.“Yes.Hedid.”

“Idon’tknow,hon.Hethrewdownaheavycommitmentthere.”

“Hedidthatbecausehewasconfidenthe’dwinTyler,that’swhy.He’dneverstopworkingforthatlong.”

“Thenwhydidhecomeupwiththat?Outofallofthecrazythingshecouldhavepicked,hechosetheonethingthatpartofhimmostlikelywantedtodo.

Somethingtothinkabout,sis.Igottagetgoing.Ihavetopickupmydate.Talktoyoutomorrow?”Tyleraskedher.

Gabbytookadeepbreath,inhalingallthatherbrotherthattoldher.MaybeChrisdidwanttostopforabitandtakeabreak.MaybeTylerwasright.“Ok.Loveyou,bro.Havefun,”shesaid.

“Loveyoutoo.HappyValentine’sDay,”hesaidand

endedthecall.Puttingdownthereceiver,

shedecidedtounwindabitbeforeChriscameinaftertheshow.

Pouringsomewineinaglassthatwasonhernightstand,GabrielleleafedthroughsomeoldphotographsofherandChristhatthetwoofthemtooklongbeforehebecamefamous.Sprawledontopof

thebedindisorganizedchaos,GabriellepickedupanoldperformancephotoofChrisfromhistimeplayingattheBoweryClubintheirhometownofBedford,NewYork.

Gabrielle’sheartfilledwithjoyatthesightofthepicture.Thattimeseemedsolongagonow.Sheturnedthephotographoverandrecognizedherownscribbled

handwriting.Itread,‘Chris-2001,BoweryClubVIPshowcase,MeteorRecords.’

Itwasfromthefirstnightshesawhimperform.Greatinalotofways,butinfactforChrisitwasahorriblenight.Chris’oldgirlfriendandbackupsingershoweduptosingstonedoutofhermindandmesseduptheirshowcaseperformance.Gabrielle,justanintern,waslate;Chriswas

horribletonotonlyherbuttoeveryonethatnight.

Sherememberedthat,althoughhewasupsetandangryabouthowthenightwent,hewoundupapologizingthenextdayandeventuallybeingoneofthemostcharismaticandlovingpeopleshehadevermet.

Hislooksweresmoldering,thosegrayeyes,thelongbrownhair,the

athleticbuild.Hismovesweresocatlikeandintoxicatinglysensualthatfewmencouldreplicatethem.

Theirrelationshiphadalwaysbeensuchaphysicalonefromthetimetheytoldoneanothertheylovedeachother.Shewasimpressedshehadfoughtitforaslongasshehad.

Shechuckledatthe

thoughtoftheyoungwomanintheaudienceafewnightsago.She’dforgottenwhatitwasliketoseehimupclose.Hewasbreathtaking.

Likehepromised,eachnight,Christriedtoseduceherwithoutresult.Atleastthat’swhatshewantedhimtothink.

Walkingintothebathroomtotakeashower,shetookoffhersweatertorevealher

roundcurvesandporcelainskin.

Asshewalkedtothemirror,Gabriellebegantofreeherlongmassofblondecurlsfromtheponytail.Chrislovedhowherhaircascadeddownthesmallofherbackindifferentshadesofblonde.Thecurls,asshebrushedthem,theytransformedintoaseaofwaves.

Gabriellesetthebrush

down.Shelookedatherselfinthemirroroncemore.Turningtowardherside,shenoticedthathertummywasbecomingalittleround.

Surprised,sheraisedaneyebrow.ShehadbeeneatingalotlatelyandnotexercisingasmuchassheshouldduetoworkandmovingintoChris’newhome.Shetoldherselfthattripstothegymweredefinitelyinorderwhenshe

gothome.Assheundressed,her

mindcouldn’thelpbutthinkofherChrisoncemoreandthefactthatitwasValentine’sDay.Assheunzippedherjeans,hermindracedwiththoughtsofhimhelpingheroutofthem.

Theheatslowlycreptupherthighsasthoughtsofherboyfriend’sprotectivehandsaroundhersmallwaist

consumedher.Withherclothesalready

off,shewentovertothewaterrunningwarmintheshower,andjumpedrightin.

Littlebylittle,Gabrielle’smusclesrelaxedunderthewater’sveil.Shereachedforthebodywashthatwasintheshowercaddynexttoher.Pouringitontoherwashcloth,itslatherwasrich,relaxingandfulloflushscent.She

smoothedthewashclothalloverher,continuingtoinhaleitsessence.

Suddenly,shefelttwolargehandswrapthemselvesaroundherwaist…Forrealthistime.

“MindifIhelp?”Chriswhispered.Gabriellerolledhereyesatyetanotherattemptofseduction.

“Yes.But,I’msurethatyou’regoingtowhetherI

wantyoutoornot,”shesaidwithawink.

Givinghimthewashcloth,Chriscontinuedtomassagethelatherintoherbackandshoulders.“Mmmm.Feelsnice,”Gabriellemoaned.

Walkinginfrontofher,heputhisheadunderneaththerunningwaterrakinghishandsthroughhislongbrownlocks.

Heaskedher,“Doesn’tit,

babe?”Gabriellecouldn’thelpbut

watchthewaterrunoverhim.Dropletsglistenedoverhistonedmusclesanddownhisperfectlytannedsix-packabs.Witheveryfiberofherbeing,shebeggedherselfnottogiveintohim.Shehadbeenholdingupperfectly.Shehadtostaystrong.

Chrisslowlyturnedaroundtorevealhiscorded

backside.Withimpishintent,heseductivelytookthebodywashandpoureditalloverhisbody.Thesudsoutlinedeverymuscletoprecision.

Shewassoamusedattheattempt,shebegantoclapwildly.

Christurnedtowardher,lookingsurprised.

“Welldone,”shesaid.“Huh?”Chrissaid.“Agoodtrydear.

Especiallywhenyouturnedaroundjustnow,”Gabrielleadded.

“Gabrielle,IcameinherebecauseIknewyou’vebeenstressedoutlately.We’vehaven’tbeenspendingalotoftimetogethereither…I’mjusttrying-”Gabrielleinterruptedhim.

“Towinthislittlebet,”shecontinued.“Chris,I’mallset.Theshowerisallyours.

HappyValentine’sDay,babe.”

Takingthetowelfromtherackbehindher,,shedrapeditoverher,waltzingoutofthebathroom.

***Christurnedhisback

againtotheshower.Heletthewaterrinsehisthoughtsaway.Hehadnowbecomeafraidoflosing.Hewasn’treadytostayhomeanddo

nothing.Knight’sArmorhadjust

gottenbacktogetherafterabriefhiatusbeforethistour.HeandTate,bothassongwritersandasfriends,hadneverbeencloser.Infact,thewholebandwasnevertighterasaunit.Themorehethoughtaboutthefutureoftheband,themorehewashavingsecondthoughtsonthisbet.

Whentheybecameacouple,Chrismadeapromisetoherthateveryoneimportanttohimwouldcomefirst.Sincethebandlovedhim,theyhadindulgedhiminthoselongsongwritingsessionsandtheoccasionalafternoonwakeupcall.Woulditkillhimtostayhomeabitmore?Inseveralyears,hehadneverbeenhomeformorethanamonth

atastretch.Maybealongbreakwouldn’tbebad.But,therewas‘thepull.’Itwasalwaysdrivinghim,wantinghimtowritesomething,playsomething,andfixsomething.Lately,itwasstrongerthaneverbefore.Afraidthathewouldlosethemostcreativepartofhimbecausehewouldbeathome,thebetnowbotheredhim.

Hedidhaveonelastthing

thathecouldtryandthatwasinthelobby.Rinsingoffonelasttime,hecouldn’thelpbutwonderhowallofthiswouldgoover.

Itcouldmakethingsbetter,orhisrelationshipcouldbeover.Gabriellewasopen-mindedaboutmanythings;maybethislast-minuteValentine’sDaygiftwoulddothetrick.

Takingacoupleoftowels

fromthecaddy,hedecidedtogiveitago.

Wrappingonetowelaroundhimanddryinghishairwiththeother,hespedoutofthebathroomandquicklyputonjeansandat-shirt.

Puzzled,Gabbysatontheirbed,nowdressedinalarge,pinkterrybathrobe.

“Chris,it’slate.Iseverythingallright?”

“I’llberightback.Iforgotsomethinginthelobby.It’lltakeaminute.”

“Okay,hon,”Gabriellesaidsmiling.

Minuteslater,Chrisopenedthedoorwiththeyoungwomanwhodaysearlierhadtakentheirpicture.Gabriellecouldn’tbelievethatChriswouldbringastrangertotheirsuitesolate.

“Gabby,doyouremember

Nina?She’stheonethattookourpicstheothernightattheshow.Sambroughtherbackstagetonight.Shehasourphotosallprintedout.”

Stillsurprisedthathebroughthertothehotelsuite,shenoticedthatshedidhavethephotos.Shelookedupatherandsmiled.

“HiNina,howareyou?MayIseethem?”

Stillsilent,Nina’ssoft

handsoverlappedwithGabrielle’sasshegaveherthephotos.Gabrielleleafedthroughthemandsmiled.Theywerequitegood.Shedidn’tknowwhyChrisbroughttheyoungwomanuptotheroom,butshewashappythatboththepicsChristookandthepicsthatNinatookofthemcameoutsowell.

“Turnedoutgreat,Nina.”

Ninabeamedwithjoy.“ThanksGabrielle.Gladyoulikethem.”

GabbytouchedNina’sarmlightlyasshelookedupattheyoungwoman.

“Ohhon,callmeGabby,honestlywhenpeoplecallmeGabrielle,IfeellikeI’mabouttobescoldedbymylatemother.”

Ninachuckled.“Gladyoulikethephotographs,Gabby.”

“I’llputtheminmyscrapbookassoonasIgethome.ThesearebetterthananythingIwouldtake.”

“Waitaminute.WhataboutthephotosItook,Gabby?”Chrisasked.

“They’reokay,”Gabrielleteaseddryly.

Chrisrolledhiseyesathisgirlfriend“HeyNina,wouldyouliketostayforadrinkbeforeyouheadout?”

Nina’seyeswidened.“Sure!”

“Great,I’llberightback.I’mgoingtogetanotherglass,”Chrissaidleavingthetwowomenalone.

“Nina,areyouoldenoughtodrink?”Gabrielleasked.

Ninanodded.“Ohyeah,I’m22.It’sallgood.”Shesmiled.

Gabriellenodded.“Oh,okay.Callitthemotherin

me,Iguess.Youlookyoung.Can’tbetoocarefulnowadays.”

NinachuckledasshegotevenclosertoGabrielle.Sheheldherhand.“OhIknow.Peopletellmethatallthetime.Iunderstand.”

GabriellelookedatNinaholdingherhandandreleaseditnervously.“Dothey?Youareverypretty.”

“Thankyou.Soareyou.”

Gabriellesmilednervouslyasshewentbacktothebedandsatdown.Leafingthroughthephotographsthatwerestillonthebed,shereplied,“Thanks.SoNina,whatdoyouforaliving?”

Ninawenttothebedandsatdown.“RightnowI’mastudent.I’mstudyingphotography.”

“Areyou?You’llhavenoproblemfindingajobwith

picturesliketheonesyoutook.Haveyouthoughtaboutfreelance?ThemagazineIworkforisalwayslookingforgreatconcertpictures.”

Ninagrinned.“YouworkatRockline,right?YouwritetheUpandOutcolumnnow?”

Gabriellenodded.“YesIdo.Butbefore,Itravelledwithbandsanddidtourdiaryfeatures.Youshould

definitelysendaportfoliotomyboss.Vegashasalotofcoolclubswithsomerisingstars.Youcoulddoprettywellifyousetyourmindtoit.”

“ThankyousomuchGabby!I’lldefinitelydoit,”Ninasaidgivingherabearhug.Shecontinued.“YoureallythinkIcouldmakealivingatthis?”

Gabriellepulledaway

fromNinagently.Shenodded.“Oneday?Absolutely.Freelancefirst.Getyourfeetwet.”

Gabriellesawsomestrayhairsaroundtheyoungwoman’sface.Actingmotherly,sheusedbothofherhandsandsmoothedthemback,thenheldNina’sfaceinherhands.NinasuddenlyplantedakissonGabrielle’slips.

Kissingforseveralseconds,Gabriellecametohersensesandpulledback,leapingoffthebed.

“Um…ohmyGod!Idon’tknowwhatgotintome,”Gabriellesaid.

NinafollowedherasGabriellebegantopacethroughtheroom.“Gabrielle,it’sallright.It’sokay.”

“No.It’snot.Iapologize.Ijust…Idon’tknowwhatI

thought.Mymindisspinning.”

Stoppingherdeadinhertracks,NinacaughtuptoGabrielleandtwirledheraround.Sheheldherhand.“It’sokay.Iknewit.Iknewitfromwhenyoukissedmeafewnightsago.”

Gabriellearchedhereyebrow.“Knewwhat?”

“Thatyouwereintome.Christhoughtsotoo.”

Nina’sblueeyesflaredassheplayedwiththetieonGabrielle’sbathrobe.

“Idon’tunderstand.Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

Ninauntiedtherobeandopenedit.ShesmiledassheadmiredGabrielle’snakedframe.

”You’resobeautiful.Hethoughtit’dbegreatifweweretospendsometimetogether.Helikedhowyou

kissedmetheothernightattheshow.Hesaiditturnedhimon.Hethoughtit’dbegreatifwe-”

Gabrielleinterrupted.“Ifwewhat?”

“Okay,I’mback!God,I’msorry.IwenttotheotherroomtograbsomeglassesandrealizedthatIneededtocallSamandgooverafewthingsbeforeourlastshowtomorrow.Missmemuch?”

Heaskedashewaltzedintotheroomasifnothinghappened.

Gabriellewasfuriousassheclosedherbathrobe.

“Chris,mayIhaveawordwithyou?”

Chrisnodded.“Yeahsurebabe.Nina,hereisaglassforyou.Whydon’tyoustartwithoutus?We’llbebackinaminute.”

Ninatooktheglassfrom

himasheandGabrielleheadedintothebathroomandshutthedoor.

“What’sup?”heasked“Whatdoyoumean

what’sup?Whyisshehere?”sheasked

“Itoldyou,she’sbroughtusthephotos.Youhaven’tbeenattheshowsinafewdayssoItoldheritwasokaytocomeandtalktoyou.”

“Didyoureallyhaveto

bringherbacktothehotelroom?Icouldhavemetherbackstage.Couldn’tSamhavecalledme?Oreventakenthephotosfromher?”Gabrielleasked

“Itoldhimnotto.Thatwasmyfault.Sheseemslikeanicegirl.IthoughtthephotoswereaniceValentine’sgift.”

“Nicegirl?Thegirlplantedakissonmeandtold

methatyoulovedhowsheandIkissedtheothernight!”

“Idid.Ithoughtitwashot.Ifiguredthatsinceyouwouldn’tsleepwithme.Thenmaybeyouwould-”

Gabrielleplacedherhandsonherhipsassheinterrupted.“Wouldwhat?”

Hesitantly,Chrisreplied,“Sleepwithherandifyouwanted…metoo.”

“Iknewit!No!”she

shriekedasshehithimonthearm.Shecontinuedtoyell.“HolyshitChris!She’sachild!”

“She’snotachild,she’s22,”heretorted.

TearsbegantowellupinGabrielle’seyes.

“Andthatmakesitsomuchbetter?Howcouldyou!Howcouldyouwantmetosleepwithher?Howcouldyouwanttosleepwithher?

Aren’tIenoughforyou?”“Ofcourseyouare.Ijust

knowhowpassionateandphysicalyouareandsincewe’redoingthisbet,Iknowit’sbeenhardforyou.Withthewayyoukissedher,Ithoughtthatit’dbeokayforyoutosatisfyyourneedsinawaywebothcouldenjoytogether.”

“Youthoughtwrong!Ionlywanttobewithyou!”

Gabriellecried.“Someoftheguyshung

outwithheraftertheshowafewnightsago.TheysaidNina’salotoffun.Sheonlywantedyouandmetosharethisexperiencetogether.”

“LikeIsaid,Iloveyou!IonlywantyouChris.Ionlywanttomakelovetoyou.SomeValentine’sDaythishasturnedouttobe.Iwasallreadytogiveupthisbeta

littleawhileago.”“I’msosorry.Iloveyou.I

shouldhaveknown,”hetoldher.

“Damnstraight!Youshouldhave!”

Wipinghereyes,sheunderstoodwhyheproposedtheidea,butcouldn’tbelievethathe’dtakethisbetasfarashehad.

Walkingtowardthedoor,sheturnedtohim.“I’mgoing

toshowNinaoutandthenI’mgoingtobed.Idon’twanttoEVERhearaboutthisagainaftertonight.”

“I’msorryGab-”“GoodnightChris!”

Gabriellesaidslammingthedoorbehindher.

Withafakesmile,shewalkedtowardNina,andpolitelywalkedherout.SheaskedNinanottospeakofwhatChrishadproposedto

anyone.Ninareluctantlyagreedandleft.

Gabriellestayedintheotherbedroomthatnight,shecriedherselftosleep.Thisbethadgonetoofarforher.

ChapterFiveChrisandGabrielle

arrivedbackinLosAngelesafewdayslater.Thedriverhadtakentheirthingsintotheirsprawlingbeachsidehome.Waitingtogreetthemwithopenarmswasthefamily’sexecutivehousekeeper,Adele.

Outstretchingherarms,

Adelegreetedwithjoyfulglee,“WelcomehomeGabrielle.”AdelehadknownChrishisentirelife.Shewasashortbutstockywomaninherearlysixtieswithjet-blackhairandbrowneyes.BestfriendswithChris’latemotherSandy,Adelehadliterallybecomehissecondmother,raisinghimandhisyoungerbrotherRyanalongwithherownkids.

Adelewasecstatictoseebothofthem.Gabriellerantoherandhuggedthehousekeeperastightasshecould.AdeleletgooftheyoungreporterandgaveherakissonthecheekwhileChrisstoodsilentlybehindGabrielle.Hislipscurvedintoaweaksmile.Thehousekeeperknewimmediatelyfromhisexpressionthatsomething

wasn’tright.Sheslowlywalkedovertohim,wrappingherlongarmsaroundhischiseledtorso.

Liftingherselftohisear,sheaskedwithawhisper,“What’swrong,baby?”Chrisnoddedandmouthedthewords,“Tellyoulater.”

Adelenoddedandwinkedathim.Shewatchedhimwithsadness.

Themiddle-aged

womanwalkedthembothinsidetheirhome.SheputherarmsaroundGabrielletellingheraboutallthestuffshedidwhilethetwoofthemweregone.

“ThegardenerwreckedtherosebushesIplanted,Chris.”Adeleexplained.Chrislookedshocked.

“Allofthem?”heasked.

“Everylastoneof

them.IthoughtIwasgoingtocommitmurderonthatman,thankGodforGabby’sbrother,Tyler.Hefoundoutthatthemanapparentlyfedthemtoomuch.”

Chrisshruggedhisshoulders.

“IhavenoideaAdele.Ifyousayso.IletyouandGabrielledealwiththosebushes.You’veputalotofworkintothem,ifItouch

them,I’mafraidI’dkillthemtoo.”

“Well,Adele,ifIhavemyway,maybeChriswillbehomealotmoretolearnabouttherosebushes,”Gabriellesaid.

Chrisshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkso.Youwanttheremainderofthesebushesandflowerstolive?Don’thavemenearthem,”Hequipped.

“Ain’tthatthetruth!Themancanplaymusic,buthe’ssureashellnogreenthumb,”Adelesaidasshefollowedthemintothekitchen.ChrissmiledatAdele.“See…sheknows.Don’tyaDel?

“IthinkIknowyoubetterthanyouknowyourselfsometimes,”Shejoked.

“Yousuredo,”hesaid.“Ihadthedrivertake

yourthingsdirectlytothelaundry.Gotagreatmealplannedforthetwoofyou.Allyourfavorites!Meatloaf,mashedpotatoes,corn,applepie,”AdeleexplainedassheglancedoveratChris.“Howlongareyouonbreak?”

“Acoupleofweeks,maybelonger.Why?”

“Youmanywanttoworkoutwhileyou’reonbreak.Madecookies,candy.

Younameit,”shetoldhim.“IloveyouDel,”he

saidsmilingfromeartoear.Gabrielleturnedto

Adele.“Anyonecall?”sheasked.

“Justyourbrother,honey.Hesaidhe’dstopbytomorrowwithSam.”

“Wow,wehavethehousetoourselves?BetterenjoythiswhileIcan,”Gabriellequipped.Chris

laughed.“OhGabby,Iforgot,

youreditorcalled.HewantedtorunsomeideasbyyouforthenexteditionofRockline.”

Checkingherwatch,shebegantowalkoutofthekitchen.“Ohokay,bettercallhimnow.It’snearlyfiveontheeastcoast.I’llcalldadtoowhileI’matit.“

Withthetwoofthemalone,Chrisproppedhimself

uponthebarstoolthatwasnexttothecounter.Adelepulledupaseatacrossfromhim.Lookingtired,heplacedhishandunderneathhischin.

Tryingtoreadhim,AdelehadneverseentheexpressionthatwasonChris’sfacebefore.

“Okayspill,”shesaid.“WhatdidIdo?”Chris

asked.“Dowhatbaby?”Adele

saidsmoothingbackhishair.“IthinkImadea

horriblemistake,”headmitted

“Withwhat?”Adeleasked.

Hiseyeslookedsolemnasheexplained.“Gabby.Ican’tgiveherwhatsheneeds.”

“Ohstop,sheisperfectforyou.”Adelesaid.

“Youthinkso?”

“Iknowso.Chris,whereisallthiscomingfrom?”

“Abet.Afuckingbet,”hetoldher.

“Huh?”Adeleasked.“Okay.Now,I’mtotallyclueless.”

“Acoupleofweeksago,Gabriellehadcometoseetheshowaftershefinishedoneofherstories.I’monstagedoingmything

withacoupleoffemalefansandallofsuddenshemadatmeforflirtingalongthecenterstageramp.WearguedforawhileafterIgotoffstage.

“Didyoureassureherthatit’syourjobtoentertainthosefans?”Adeleasked

“Yeah.IdidofcourseIdid.Butit’snotlikeshe’sneverbeenaroundthisbefore.She’sarockwriter.

Sheknowshowweare.Weflirt,wehug,andwekissourfans.She’soneofthebestjournalistsinthecountry.Idon’tgetwhysheactedlikethat.”

“Howbadwasyourflirtingthatnight?It’sbeenacoupleofyearssinceI’veseenyouonstage.IhavetoadmitthatIevenblushedthenightIsawyouinPhillythatonetime.”Adelesmiled.

“Ohthatthingwiththebras?Hellthatwasnothing,”hetoldher.

Adele’seyesperkedup.Shelaughedasshebegantoremindhim.

“Youwrappedabraaroundyoureyesandwentintothefanpitwhereitwasnearlyamiraclethatyoudidn’tgetmolestedbyadozenofthosecrazyfansofyours.”

Chrislaughed.“Thatwasfun.”

“DoesGabrielleknowthatallofitisinfun?YouknowaswellasIdothatshehadanabusiveex-boyfriend.”

“We’vebeentogetherforoverayear,andbeforethat,friends.Howmanytimeshassheseenmeonstage?Idon’tthinkmyflirtingwastheproblem,”hetoldher.

“Thanwhatis?”askedAdele.

“Ithinkshewantsatraditionalboyfriend.Onethatcanleaveateightinthemorningandcomehomeby5pm.”

“Consideringthatshehadthatwiththeexanditfailedrathermiserably,Isincerelydoubtit.Giveitsometime;thetwoofyouwillworkthisout.Iknow

whenyouandtheguysfirstleftontour,shewasupcryingforhalfofthenight.”

Chris’eyessoftenedwithsadness.Hehadnoclueaboutthisuntilnow.

“Thenwemadethatfreakinassbet.Ishouldn’thavedoneit.Ijusthadtoone-upher.Then,tomakemattersworse,therewasthisgirlinVegaswhotooksomehotphotosofus.SowhatI

diddo?IproposedGabbyandthegirltohaveathreesomewithmesothatIcouldbewithGabbyandwatchGabbywiththiswoman.”

“Whatthehelldidyougoanddothatfor?”Adeleyelled

“IknowI’msuchanasshole!Iwantedtowinthebet.And,totrysomethingdifferent,”hesaidputtinghisheaddown.

“Abet?Whatbetdidyoutwomake?”Adeleasked.

“IbetherthatIcouldseduceherinthesamewayIflirtedwithfansonstage.Shebetthatshecouldholdmeoffforaslongaspossible.IfIwin,shewouldhavetogotoeveryGiantshomegame.Ifshewon,thenshegotmehomeafterthistour-whichisnow.Forawhile.”

Adelelaughed.“She’s

winning!Nowyou’rescared.Thatiswhat’swrongwithyou.Sheisbeatingyou.Wow!Chris,thatlastmovewasdesperate!”hissurrogatemothersaidasshecontinuedtoletoutahugebellylaugh.

“She’spissedandbarelytalkingtome.WhatamIgoingtodo?YouknowthatbandandIjustaregettingourfeetwet.Writing-wise,TateandIcouldn’tbe

tighter.”Christoldher“Sheletallofyougo

throughyourstuffwithyourexmanager.Andwriteandworkforallthosemonthsuntiltheweehoursofthemorningandneversaidaword.”

“Doyouthinksheshouldhave?”heasked.

“Consideringwhatanemotionalwhirlwindshe’sbeenthrough?Isureashell

wouldhave.Butthenagain,becauseIknowhowhardyouallworktoallowusalltohavewhatwehave.Iwouldhaveprobablyletyougoneon,too.Themusicisapartofyou.Shewouldn’thavewantedtotakethataway”

“ButDel,Istilldon’tgetwhyshewassoangrytobeginwith.She’sbeenaroundthisbefore.Sheknowsthereisonlyher.I

loveher.WhatdoIhavetodotoproveit?Tattooitonmyforehead?Smokeletters.IhavetoldheruntilI’vebeenblueintheface.”

“Maybeit’snotaboutthegirls.WhatcanyoudobesidesmusicChris?Whathaveyoudonebesidesmusicinthelast11or12years?Youwereinsuchabadplacebeforeyoumether.You’readifferentChristhanwhatwe

wereallarefamiliarwith.Iknowasyourfriend,Iamselfish,butIwouldn’tmindifyouhungoutandlearnedanewthingfromGabby’sbrotherorevenhungoutwithherdadfromtimetotime.Yousmilealotmorenowthanyoudidbackthen.It’stimetoenjoyyoursuccess,”Adeletoldhim

“Whataboutthemusic?Thesongsarejustflowing.

TheCDisdoingwell.Thistourissoldout.Ithinkweshoulddomoredates.”

“Keepwritinganddoacoupleofshowshereandthere.Createnewmaterialandexperiencelife.Themusicwillbetherewhenyoucomeback.It’snoteverything.Gabriellewon’ttellyou.SamandTatewon’t,either.ButIwill.It’stimeforChristianKnighttocomeout.

ChrisKnight,therockstarcanwatchonthesidelinesandmaybelearnathingfromusnormalpeople.ButChris,youwouldnotbegrapplingwithallofthisunlesstherewasapartofyouthatwantedtostayhomeandlearnaboutwhoyouareandwhatyouwantyourlifewithGabrielletobe.”

Chrislookedupatherandsmiled.Hekissedheron

theforehead.Asthetwoofthem

continuedtalking,neitheronerealizedthatGabriellehadbeenlisteningthewholetime.Shetriedtofightbackthesobsassheleanedagainstthewall.Hermindfilledwithregret.Shedidn’trealizehowmuchhewasstrugglingwiththisbet.Shecouldn’thavehimgivehiscareeruptemporarily.Besidesher,it

wastheonethingthatmatteredmosttohim.

ChapterSixGabrielledecidedatthe

lastminutetoinviteTylerandSamoverfordinner.BeingalonewithChrisandhavingapotentialargumentwassomethingshewantedtoavoid.Herolderbrotherwas,arecentlyretiredNFLquarterbackwithblondehairandblueeyes.Hesatatthe

dinnertablefillinginhissisterandChrisonallthelatestnewstheyhadmissedsincebeinggone.

“HowdidyourtryoutwithESPNgo?”Gabrielleaskedherbrotherwhilesheplayedwithherfood.

Adelehadputonafeast.Meatloaf,mashedpotatoeswithmushroomgravy,cornonthecob.Inbetweenbitesoffood,Tylerreplied.“Good.

I’llknowtomorrow.”Chrispiledaforkfulof

potatoesonhisforkbeforeheplaceditinhismouth;henoticedthatGabriellehadn’ttouchedherfood.Inanattempttobepolite,helookedoveratTylerandsaid,“Goodluck,man.Youknowyou’vegotthis.”

Tylersmiledathisfriendandreplied,“Thanks,Chris.I’llcallyouguystheminuteI

hearsomenews.”Gabriellecontinuedto

playwithherfood.Noticingtheuncomfortablesilencethatlastedforseveralminutes,ChrisattemptedtocontinuesmalltalkwithhisguestsandcomplimentAdeleoncookingagreatmeal.

“Adele,thismealisfantastic.Ican’tbelievehowmuchImissedyourcooking.Thankyou,hon,”Christold

herasAdeletookhisnowemptyplatefromhimandplacedapieceofpieinfrontofhim.

“You’rewelcomeChris.SohappythatyouandGabbyarehome.Thehouseissoemptywhenthetwoofyouaren’there.”

“Wemissedyou,too,Adele,”Gabriellesaidasshetookalongswigofherwine.

Chrishelduphishandsin

protestashelookedatthepie.“Pie?Oh,Ican’t.Notnow.”

“C’mon,youknowyouwantit,Chris.”Adeletoldhim.

“Yeah,youknowyouwantit,bro,”Tylerchimedin.

Chrisleanedbackandsmiled.Hepattedhisstomachproudly.“Honestly,Iamfull.Ican’t.I’vehadtwohelpings

ofeverything.Idon’tevenhaveenoughroomrightnowforwine.”

Gabrielleemptiedherglassasquicklyasshegrabbedhisdrink.“Well,I’llhavesomeforyouifyoudon’twantyours.”

Despitethesilence,Gabriellehadbeendrinkingheavilythroughoutthenight,drinkingthewineonthetableasifitwerewater.

Concerned,hegentlytouchedherarmunderneaththetableandwhispered,“Youokaybaby?”

Gabrielletoastedhim.Shenoddedyesandtookalongsipofwine.“Aaah,”shesaidasshecontinuedtosavorthetaste.“That’sgoodwine.Adele,whatkindisthisagain?”

“PinotGrigo.It’syourboyfriend’sfavorite.”

GabrielletippedherglasstoChrisandhiccupped.Alittleembarrassed,sheputherhandoverhermouth.“Oops.Excuseme,Chris,thisissomegoodshit,”shesaidwithasnicker.

Chriswasstunned.AswereTylerandSam.

Gabriellenearlypolishedoffthewholebottleofwinebyherself.ShelookedoveratAdelewhopickedupthe

bottlefromthetable.WhensheattemptedtotakeGabrielle’swinegoblet,Gabrielleslappedherhandaway.

“Ohno,Adele.Youcanputmyglassandthebottleback.It’sfine.”

Adelenodded.Shetriedtotaketheglassagain.Gabriellestoppedheronceagain.

AdelelookedatChris.Hediscreetlyputhishandup.

“Del,I’mfine.Don’tpayanyattentiontohim.”

Placingthebottlebackonthetable,Adelestood,lookingstraightatTylerandSam.

“Sis,I’mgoingtobringSamhome.Chris,I’llstopbytomorrow?”Tylertoldthem.

“Seeyoutomorrow,”Christoldbothmenastheyexited.

Finishingherremaining

glass,Gabriellereachedovertothebottleandpouredthelastofthewineintothegoblet.

Chrisglaredather.ForGabrielletodothiswasoutofcharacter.ShealsohadneverspokentoAdelethatwaybeforeeither.

“What’swithyouallofasudden?”sheaskedhim.

“Whydon’tyouputtheglassdownGabrielle,andeat

something?”Chrissaid.“Notveryhungry.Gota

lotonmymindtonight,”shesaidinsharptoneasAdelebegantoclearthetable.AsChrisbegantohelpthehousekeeper,Adelestoppedhim.“Talktoher,something’stroublingher,son,”thehousekeeperwhisperedtohim.

“DamnrightDel!”Gabrielleyelledasshe

overheardthetwotalking.Standingup,Gabrielle

bracedherhandsonthetable.“Youknow.I’mhis

girlfriend!Andforsomereasonhe’stellingyoumoreshitthanhecouldEVERtellsme.IthoughtyouandIwerebestfriends,Chris.GuessI’mnotoneofthetrustedonesafterall,”shecried.

Withthehelpofanothermaid,Adelefinishedclearing

thetableandwalkedintothekitchen.Chriswalkedovertohisgirlfriend.Hetooktheglassfromherandhurleditacrosstheroom.

“Whatthefuck!”Gabrielleyelled.

“Don’tyouevertreatAdele,likeyoujustdid!WhatthehellareyouthinkingactinglikethatinfrontofyourbrotherandSam?Whateverproblemyou

havewithme,youtakeitupwithme!”Chrisyelled.

“Well,well.NowthatI’vegotyourattention!”sheyelled.

“You’vealwayshaditGabby.Whatisgoingonwithyou?”heasked

“Youandme…maybeweshouldjustendthis.It’sobviousthatyoudon’twanttothisanymore.”

“Youmeanthisbet?”

Chrisasked.Gabriellebegantocry.

“No.Allofit!Youknowit’sbeenhardwatchingyouthesepastfewmonths.SayingnothingbecauseIknowhowmuchthemusicmeanstoyou.Iknowpeoplehavehurtyou.Istoodbyyoursidewhenyoufiredyourmanagerbeforethistourandthendealtwithallofmybaggage.Whatyoudidformeissomething

thatI’llbeforevergratefulfor.IloveyousomuchthatIcouldn’ttellyoutonotworkonanewCDorgoontourforalittlebit.Ididn’tknowwhattosay…”

ChrisrealizedthatAdelewasright.Hewalkedovertohertograbherhand.Gabriellepushedhimaway.“Andthisbet?Whatbullshit!Youweretheonetosaythatifyoulostyou’dstayhome

andnotdoanything.”“IknowIdid,”hetoldher.“Areyougoingtobeable

toit?You’refreakingoutoverstayinghomeismakingmewonderandthelengthsyouwenttotrytowin?Isourlovenotenoughforyou?”

“Ofcourseitwas.Itwasastupid,stupidthingtodo.ShewasprettyandIthoughtit’dbesomethingdifferentforustoshareandexperience.Iam

sosorry.Ineverhavedonejustnothing.Idon’tknowhowtositathome.Idon’tknowwhathitshowsareonTVorwhatmoviewonthebestpictureOscar.Mymindisalwaysbusy.Ialwaysneedtobedoingsomethingwhetherit’swritingorplayingmusic.Ihaven’tbeenjusthomeorhadnothingtodoforalongtime.WhatifthefansforgetwhoIam

whenI’mgone?WhatamIgoingtodo?Idon’tknowwhatI’ddoiftheyforgotme.”

Gabriellewipedthetearsfromherface.“You’rewritingandcreatingmusiciswhatmakesyou.Thatissomething,Chris,thatIwouldneverwanttotakeawayfromyou.I’dneverforgivemyselfforthat,”shetoldhim.

“Youshouldn’t.ThesearefearsthatIhavetoface.Ididn’twantto,butmaybeitwouldn’tbesobadtotakeabreak,”hetoldherstillappearingunsure.“I’vehadfourbacktobackhitCDs.Maybeit’sgoodformetowalkawayforabitandenjoymyself.I’msomuchbettersincewegottogether.Maybealittlelivingandspendingtimewithyouandyour

familywouldaddsomethingtomywritingandgivemesomemuch-neededtimetogettoknowyouandmyselfbetter.Allofyouneedmemorenowthanmyfansneedme.”

Gabrielleranintohisarms.Hepulledherawayandwipedhertears.Shecoveredhermouth.“I’msosorryChris,”shetoldhimsoftlyasshekissedhisforehead.

“Gabrielle,Iloveyou.Onlyyou.Thosefansmeannothingtome.Notinthatway.Youknowifyoueverwanttospendtimewithme,allyouhavetodoisask.”

“I’maskingyounow.I’dlikeavacationwithmyboyfriendandhopefullyfuturehusband.ImissChristianKnight.IsawglimpsesofhiminVegasandIrealizedjusthowImissed

him.”Chrissmiled.“Ijustdidn’t

knowhowtoloseatanythingeither.Losingisn’tsomethingthathappensnaturallytome,”hesaid.

“You’lllearnandfindthingstodolikeusnormalpeople,”shequippedbeforecontinuing.“It’llbedifferent,butit’llbegreattoseeyougotogameswithmyfatherandbrother.Iwanttobethat

friendthatyoucanstillconfidein.LikeyoudidwithDel.I’mhereforyou,goodandbadChris.Richerforpoorer….sicknessandinhealth.Iwouldliketobeeverythingtoyouifyouletme.

Chrisbegantosmile.“I’msorry.Ineverknewhowmuchallofthishasbeenbotheringyouorbotheringme.I’msorryIruined

Valentine’sDay,”hetoldher.“Thereneedstobea

balance.Whenwe’rehere,you’reChristian.Outthere,ChrisKnight.”

Chrisnodded,“Okay.”“BecauseIdidn’ttellyou

that,alotofthiswasbotheringme.Iamsorry.Ishouldn'thaveletyougoonthinkingeverythingwasokay.Ifsomethingisbotheringmefromnowon,

I’lljustcomeoutandtellyousothatwecanworkthroughit.I’llapologizetoDel,Samandmybrothertomorrow,”Gabrielleadded.

“IguessnowIgottagofindahobby.Maybebuyanengagementring,”Chrisquipped.

“You?Ihadbetterstartlearningfootballfundamentals.Wait;didyoujustsayanengagementring?”

Gabrielleasked.Chrislookedstunned.

“Yep.Gabrielle,willyoumarrymeafterthistourisover?Showmewhat’sit'sliketobeapartofcivilizationagainandawayfromtheTMZ’softheworld?”

Gabbynoddedthroughtears.“Yes!Yes,ofcourseIwill.Onlyifyoushowmefootball101.”

Chrislaughed.“Ipromise

thatIwill.Youknow,Icanrebuildcars,maybeI’llrestorethatoldCamarojunkerSamhasathishousecollectingdust.”

“You’llbeamazing.YoushoulddothatforSam.”

“IcanalsohaveDelshowmearoundthekitchen.”

“Ahhh…no.”Gabrielleshookherhead.

“No?Didn’tyoulikemyomelets?”

“Notifitnearlyburnsdownthishouseandhalfthestreet,”Gabrielletoldhim.Thetwoofthemheldhandsandwalkedupthestairs.

Stillalittledrunk,Gabriellestumbledasshewentupthestairs,startlingAdele.Thehousekeeperopenedupthedooracrackandpeeredouttomakesurethatallwaswellbeforesheclosedthedoor.

Stillonthesteps,ChrisandGabrielleleanedagainstthewall.Christriedunsuccessfullytopickherup,buttheirpassioncouldnolongercontainitself.

Chrisbentoverandbrushedhislipsgentlyoverhisgirlfriend’s.Gabrielle’smouthrespondedinkind.Shemissedthewarmtasteofhismouth,thefeelofhisskin.Shekissedthetipofhischin.

Chrisarchedhisneckasherkisseswentslowlydownhischest.Onebyone,thebuttonswentrollingdownthestairsassheunbuttonedhisshirt.Hisswollenmemberbrushedagainstherthigh.Unfazed,sheunzippedhispantsandpulledthemdown.Theonlythingtheysawwaseachother,histouchsentwavesofdesirethroughher.Hishungeredgazelocked

intoherasheunbuttonedandpulleddownherjeans.Liftingheruptoreachhim,herbodypleadedforhistoenterher.“Please”shebeggedasherlegswrappedthemselvesaroundhiswaist.Histipthrobbedatherswollenentrance.“Fuckme,fuckmenow.”Shebeggedthroughsobs.Hehadnevergivenupsomuchcontrolbefore.Hewasherscompletely.Inone

swiftmove,heliftedherupandglidedeveryinchofhimselfinsideher.“OhmyGod,Gabby!”hemoaned.Thetwomovedtogetherasone.OvercomebyTheBet.

TheEnd

OtherStoriesinTheRedHotValentine’s

DayCollection

QuarterbackSneakbyDesireeHolt

StacyHalliganhas

spentheradultlifefocusingonhercareer,choosingmenwithfarlesscarethanshe

doesherprofessionalpath.That’sprobablythereasonallofherrelationshipsendindisaster.Nowshe’ssenior

editorofthemagazinewheresheworksandshewasso

surethislatesthunkwouldbetheone.Whenhedumpsher,justbeforeValentine’sDay,whodoesshecomplainto,asalways,buthernextdoor

neighborandfriend,backupquarterbackMaxSullivan.

SheseesMaxasherbestfriend.Comfortable.Easyto

bewith.

Maxdoesn’tmindhangingoutwithStacybutinthethreeyearsthey’velivednextdoortoeachotherhe’shopedforalotmore.Nowheseeshisopening.Whenhe

offerstoputonablitzleadinguptoValentine’sDayto

maketheguyjealous,hehas

anulteriormotive.Hewantstoshowherhe’stheonesheshouldpick,becausehewants

Stacyforhimself.Hiscampaignincludes,chocolate,

flowers,littlegiftsandhopefully,reallyhotsex.Becausehe’dbeendying

forevertogetherintohisbedandkeepherthere.

Willthiswork?Heonly

hasuntilValentine’sDayto

findout.

http://www.desireeholt.com/

***IfYouDarebyAliyah

Burke

Whentwopeoplelostintheircareersarethrown

together,canpassionkindlelostsoulsandignitethe

flamesoflove?

JustinKappisonan

Alaskancruisewhenhemeetsawomanthatgivesthevacationanentirelynewoutlook.Fromthevery

beginningheknewshewassomethingspecial.Something

more.

KathrynMaynard,atopdivorceattorneyinVirginiaBeach,acceptsadarethat

putsheronanAlaskancruiseandrailpackage.Shewouldratherbeanywherebuthere,howeverthearrivalofanintenseman,changesthat.

Changesher.

WhenreunitedinVirginiaandJustinwantsmorethanshe'swillingtoallowherselftogive.Afterheleaves,sherealizeswhatisthemost

important.Willshetakethe

chanceanddareherhearttolove?

http://www.aliyah-burke.com/books/index.htm

***

RedneckRomeobyRandiAlexander

WhenGenevieveRiley

sneaksontotheO’Bannon

Ranchtoreturnastolenheirloom,theboyshe’dfalleninlovewithasateenager,NickO’Bannon,catchesherbeforeshecanslipaway.Theproblemis,he’snowabig,ruggedcowboy,andthosefeelingsfromadecadeago

resurface.Shecan’tconcentrateonanythingbutpickingupwheretheyleft

off.

Nickcan’tbelievewhathisdogscornered.Beautiful‘Jellybean’Riley,allgrownupandsexierthansin.Heneverknewwhattoreher

fromhislifewhentheywereteens,justastheir

relationshipwasstarting.Withtheheatradiating

betweenthem,heknowshecanseduceher,butcanhemakeherstaythistime?

http://randialexander.com/preview/red-hot-valentine-redneck-romeo/

***

TastesLikeChocolatebyGraylinRane

Viviana'sheartbreakand

betrayalbyherex-fiance'ispouredintohersculpting.

Whileworkingonastatueofpuremilkchocolate,shefindsherselftalkingtotheman

emergingaboutherhopes,dreams,anddesires.

Sprinklinggolddustoverhisstunningfinishedformmakeshisbodyglitterashecomestolifetakingherintohis

arms.Theirpassionignitesasideofhershe'dgivenupon,cantheysurvivethejealousyofherformerflametofind

love?

http://www.graylinfox.com/rhv-

tastes-like-chocolate/

***SweetIndulgenceby

ShylaColt

ThissexyshortwillhelpmakeyourValentine’sday

sizzle.

BornonFebruary14th,ChastityRobertshasnevertakenstockintheholidayfor

lovers.ButthisyearCupidhasalittlesomethingspecialuphissleeve.Outonthe

townwithherbestfriend,sherunsintothegreen-eyedmalewhokeepsherpantieswetandherthoughtsdirtyat

work.

EliColeisamanwhoturnsheads.Buttheonlywomanhehaseyesforis

Chastity.Aftersixmonthsof

hidinghisaffectiontoallowhertosettleintohernewrole,he’sreadytoindulgeinthesweetnessonlyherbodycan

offer.

http://www.shylacolt.com/books/

***

SweetSizzlebyJodiRedford

Valentine’sDay—thebane

ofRorySinclair’sexistence.Hardtoforgivetheone

holidayresponsibleforthesinglemostmoronicdecisionofherlife.Ifitwasuptoher,she’dskipanythingtodowithcupid,butwithher

businesspartnerhomesickwiththeflu,she’sstuck

deliveringabunchofcookiebouquetstoalocalfirehouse.Whoknows,maybeshe’llcureherValentine’sDay

neurosisandheatupthemattresswithahunkyfirefighter.Herplanof

donningsomeedibleundiesandgettingherfreakongoesupinflamesthoughthe

instantshestepsthroughthedoorsofStation5andspotsBennetJackson—themanresponsibleforherdecade

longValentine’sDayboycott.

Nomatterhowhardhe’s

tried,Benhasnevergottenovertheinnocentgirlhe

foolishlyletslipbetweenhisfingers.WhenRory

unexpectedlycrashesbackintohisworld,hefiguresit’shisonlyshotatrightingthewrongsofhispastandgettingherbackinhisbedandhis

life.Forgood.Unfortunately,shehasotherplans.Onesthatdon’tincludehim.He’swellawarethatshehasevery

reasontodespisehim,butifthere’sonethinghe’supfor,it’sachallenge.Becausethere’snowayinhellhe’slosingthewomanofhis

dreamsagain.Andthistimehe’spreparedtopullout

everydirty,sexy,andhotter-than-sintricktoconvinceher

tostay.

http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html

***TurnaroundbyCassandra

Carr

BeccaandJamesdon'tdate.Bothareintheirthirtiesandneitherhasfoundanyonetheyfeelispotentialspousematerial.Beccaattendsa"WeHateValentine'sDay"partyatalocalbarwhereJamesisbartending.Heknowsfromthefirstdaytheymeetthat

Beccaissomeonespecial,butBecca'smorecautious.JamessetsouttoprovetoBeccatherereallyarehappy-ever-

afters.

http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com

***TheBetbyTyLangston

MeetChrisKnight,lead

singeroftheinternational

RockBand,Knight’sArmor.He’ssuccessful,richandisin

deeplyinlovewithhisgirlfriend,Gabrielle.Gabrielleisamusic

columnistforRocklineMagazine.Herloveof

everythingmusicpalesincomparsiontotheloveshehasforherboyfriend,ChrisKnight.Whathappenswhentwopeopleloveeachothersomuch,butdecidetochange

therules?Thediceiscast,abetismade,howmuchwillthingschangebetweenthem?

Orwillitendthingsforgood?

http://www.tylangston.com

AKissFromaRosebyMichelPrince

JennaTurnerwasn’t

lookingforanythingbuta

quickbitetoeatwhenshemetthesexypeaceofficerMarcusPeterson.WhileJennahasalwaysbeensingularlyfocusedonhernextbigpromotionatwork,suddenlyshe’sdistractedbyalluringtextsfromMarcus.

Hisevocativewordsand

hernaughtyresponsesinvokeemotionsneitherseemreadyfor,andluckily,neitherhave

roomintheirbusylivestofollowthroughonalltheir

sexting.

Cantwocareerdrivenpeoplefindthetimetotaketheirrelationshiptothenextlevel?Orwillcareersandthepressuretoachievegoalscausetheendtoabudding

love?

http://www.michelprincebooks.com/

FallingforCupidbyChristinLovell

CupidValentine,a.k.a.

Coop,istheworstdivorceattorneyintheentire

Northeast.Ninety-eightpercentofhisclients

reconcilebeforethegavelhitstheblock.He'sdedicatedhislifetolove;yethe'snever

experienceditfor

himself...untilDaisy.

PlussizeDaisyandherbestfriend,Brad,madeapactwhentheywereyounger:iftheyweren'tmarriedbythirty,they'dmarryeachother.Twoyearslater,

they'velearnedthatlovehasmanyforms,andapassionate

loveisneededtohaveafulfillingrelationship.

ThepairconfoundsCoop.Hisjobhasalwaysbeentorepairrelationships,butwhathappenswhenhesuddenlyfindshimselfrootingfortheoppositeofallhestandsfor?Hedoeswhatanysmartcupidwoulddoandfliesaway.ButyoucanonlyescapeCupid'sarrowforsolong,evenifyou

happentobeCupid.

http://christinlovell.com/

TrueLove’sFirebySable

Hunter

WhilevacationingatacabinintheOzarks,Scott

Walker-Austinneurobiologist,getssnowed-inandhastoberescuedbylocal,LiaHouston.She

bringshimfood,helpshimfixhisheatandtriestogethiscarontheroad.Amonster

stormhasparalyzedthemountainandasshe’stryingtochainhiscartohertruck,ahugeice-coveredlimbfalls,crushingthefrontofherpick-

upandalmostflatteningScott.Ifshehadn’tmovedfast,he’dbeamemory–butthebraveactiononherpartcomeswithaprice,she’sinjuredandstuckwithMr.

Know-It-Alluntiltheweatherabates.Scottdoesn’tbelieve

inlove,muchlessloveatFirstSight.Sowhenhemeets

Lia,hewelcomestheattraction,butfightsthe

tendernesswitheverybreathinhisbody.JoinSable

Hunterasshechroniclestheirjourneyfromlusttolovewithalotoffireworksinbetween.Theymeetatthedawnofthe

NewYear,andbyValentine’sDaythefiresofTrueLoveareburningbright.

http://www.sablehunter.com

[A1]menareblondwomenareblonde