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“I’ll think about it. I still believe I need to take a break.”
“Fine! Take a short one,” Cadence offered. “And then get back out there and keep on living just like you told me to do.”
“If I do get back out there, I’m going to keep my feelings at bay. If this next frog doesn’t deserve my love, I’m keeping it on lockdown. Also—” Alana held her finger up as if she’d just received an epiphany “—I won’t give him any of the good fruit! Not unless he proves himself worthy. This way, great sex won’t cloud my judgment. James was great in bed...” Alana closed her eyes and moaned.
“Uh...” Cadence interrupted Alana’s apparent moment. “I’m still standing here!”
Alana blushed and laughed hard. Cadence joined her and they could hardly stop themselves.
“See what I mean? Good sex will warp the mind, girl.” She chuckled some more. “And lastly, I need to steer clear of known players. I think I’m intrigued by the idea of snagging a player. James was a player at first, and I’m willing to bet that other women had something to do with the fact that he went missing without an explanation.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Yep, that’s it! I’ll take some time for me and get back into the game. No falling too hard too fast, no sex and no players. That should save me some heartbreak. No man will ever be able to say that I’ve smothered him again.”
“Good! Now, how do you feel?”
“I still feel horrible.” Alana frowned. “I’ll get over him—eventually. We actually had fun together.” Alana looked at the clock on her desk that was a gift from a client. “We’ve got work to do. These clients can’t represent themselves.”
“You’re right.” Cadence lifted herself from Alana’s desk and headed for the door. Just as she was about to walk through, she turned back toward Alana. “Oh, are you going to be free this Saturday?”
“I guess.” Alana shrugged.
“Great! Then you can come by. Blake told me this morning that Drew will be in town this weekend and he and Hunter are thinking about having a get-together for Drew’s birthday. Shall I count you in?”
Alana forced a smile as Cadence departed but didn’t answer. The last thing she needed after this unofficial breakup with James was to be in the same room as the most flirtatious Barrington ever. Drew was an international player. Alana had witnessed his techniques up close for years. She had even entertained his advances and dated him for a short stint, which didn’t end well. They made better friends. Admittedly, she enjoyed his flirting, but it was time for a change. Alana was done kissing frogs—especially gorgeous ones who were allergic to commitment and so skilled in bed that they could render her deaf and dumb.
Alana was also tired of heartbreak. Right there in her office, she made a personal vow to be more protective of her own heart. She wasn’t breaking her rules for any man—especially not Drew Barrington.
Chapter 2 (#ulink_ce34c4f1-8f27-5e0f-a361-d544c4f33b83)
“Hey, Ma!” Drew yelled as he strolled through the first floor of his parents’ spacious home on Long Island’s Gold Coast. “Ma, I’m home! Pop, where are you?”
“Drew, is that you?” Joyce came down the stairs as fast as her middle-aged legs could carry her. “Happy birthday, baby boy!”
“Thanks, Ma!” Drew wrapped his arms around his mother, lifted her off her feet and swung her around. He planted a big kiss on her forehead. “Where’s Pop?”
“I’m right here, boy!” Floyd carefully made his way down the winding staircase, taking one cautious step at a time.
“What happened to you, Pop?”
“Pulled another muscle at the gym trying to keep up with the young boys,” Joyce said.
When Floyd reached the landing, he gave Drew a bright smile and shook his hand and then pulled him in for a hug. “Happy birthday, son! Are you staying for a while this time?”
“A few weeks. I’m heading back to Europe in February to train for the first race of the season in March.”
“Oh, good. I can see more of my baby. I wish I knew you were coming. I would have had something here for you. I sent you a card. Did you get it?”
Drew nodded as Joyce headed toward the kitchen.
“Let’s have a nice breakfast. I just bought some sage sausages. I know how much you love them,” she said.
“Oh yes!” Floyd clapped his hands together and rubbed them greedily.
“Just one for you, Floyd,” she warned, pointing her finger at him. “You need to watch that blood pressure of yours. It’s been running high lately.” She directed her last sentence to Drew.
“How are you feeling, Dad?”
Floyd waved away their concern. “I’m just fine. I could still lay you out if I needed to.” Floyd put up his fists, bobbed and then weaved.
Drew looked at his mother with his brows raised and laughed. “Don’t worry, old man. I won’t put you to the test.”
“Stop teasing your father, boy. Let him think he’s still got it.” She winked at Floyd. “Well, actually he does,” she said, sauntering toward the counter.
Drew scrunched his nose. “That’s too much information.” They all laughed. “Ma—” Drew walked over to where his mother stood and placed his hand on her shoulder “—you always cook for me when I come. This time, I’d like to treat you and Dad to breakfast. Let’s go. I’ll drive.”
“No!” Floyd and Joyce said at the same time.
“I’ll drive,” Floyd offered.
“Yes. Let’s take your dad’s truck. My heart would be in my throat by the time we got to the restaurant if you drove. I wouldn’t be able to swallow my food.” Joyce went toward the foyer. Floyd was on her heels.
Drew scrunched his face again. “I don’t drive that fast.” Both Joyce and Floyd stopped walking to look at Drew. “What?” Drew asked incredulously.
Joyce peered at him over the rim of her glasses. “We won’t talk about that, sweetheart. Let’s go have a nice breakfast. I’m glad you’re here—in one piece!” The two of them snickered and Drew shook his head, chuckling at his parents.
He’d always had a penchant for speed, which is why he chose the life of a professional motorcycle racer over becoming an attorney.
The sanitation crew had plowed a narrow path down his parents’ winding block, but once they made it to the main streets, the roads were clear. Within ten short minutes, they had reached one of his father’s favorite restaurants for breakfast. Even at the early hour, the place was packed. Once they were served, conversation continued to flow without interruption.
“I’m thinking about buying a place in Manhattan.”
“Save your money and take the guesthouse. No one has used it in years.”
“Thanks, Ma, but I prefer the city and I need my own space.”
“Yeah?” Floyd said, taking in a forkful of pancakes. “What about your house in Brooklyn?”
“The dude I’m renting from wants to sell the place this year and even though I’m hardly there, he asked if I was interested in buying it. I’d rather buy in Manhattan. I plan to look at a few places while I’m here.”
“Will you spend more time in the States?” Joyce asked.
“It’s possible. I’m thinking about making some changes in the next few years.”
Floyd put his fork down. “You’re going to quit racing?”
“No.” Drew reared his head back. “Not yet. You know I just signed a new two-year contract with the Delgado team. I’ve been wondering what life after racing would look like for me. I want to begin preparing for that transition. There are a lot of options.”
Floyd nodded and picked up his fork. “I can understand that, and I’m glad to see that you’re thinking more about your future.”
“I was hoping you were quitting. It’s so dangerous. I worry about you so much. I can’t even watch those races on TV,” Joyce said. “Every time I hear about a crash, I cringe.”
Drew smiled and placed his hand over his mother’s hand. “There’s nothing to worry about, Ma. Don’t forget, I learned from the best.” He looked at his father and smiled.
“I’m always going to worry about you. You and your brothers with your adventurous spirits have given me fits over the years.”
“We get it from Dad!”
Floyd shrugged, unable to deny Drew’s statement. They got their proclivity for adventure from him, a biker himself.
“Have you thought about settling down? All this traipsing across the globe and high-speed races don’t leave much hope for grandkids. You don’t want to be old and lonely, do you? Both Hunter and Blake have managed to find nice girls.”
“I may get old, but I don’t think I’ll ever have to worry about being lonely.” Drew rubbed his chin. His father laughed, but his mother shot a narrow-eyed glare his way. “I’m just kidding, Ma. I’ll settle down one day—just not today.”
Drew paid the tab, but they stayed and talked for a while longer. They left the restaurant and he spent a few more hours with them before heading back to his place to change for a night out with his brothers. They were meeting at Blake’s condominium. As he dressed, he responded to various calls and texts from friends, mostly women wishing him a happy birthday. A few even offered to help him celebrate. One sent him a message with a picture of her lying across the bed with the words Happy Birthday written across her bare breasts. That gave Drew a laugh as he reminisced about the week he’d spent with her in Valencia, Spain, during the fall. The daughter of a Spanish dignitary, Lucia loved adventure as much as he did. She always made time to see him when his work brought him to her homeland, but his casual rendezvous with her was over.
Donned in all black with a fresh haircut and a sparkling diamond in his ear, Drew headed for Blake’s place. During the ride, he actually thought about calling Lucia. It wouldn’t take much for her to hop a plane and meet him for a birthday rendezvous. However, he had already planned to take care of a lot of business during his stay in New York and she would certainly be a huge distraction. He silently applauded himself for always being one to know his priorities. Occupied with all the thinking he’d done about his women and his plans, Drew made it to Blake’s in no time. One thing he did decide was that it was definitely time for some changes.
The snow crunched under Drew’s tires as he drove into an available space. He pulled his coat together at the collar, hopped out the car and ran to Blake’s door. Drew heard music and several voices and assumed his cousins were partying with them. Eager to get the night started, he rang the bell several times to pierce the chatter.
Blake swung the door open and, before Drew could say a word, the crowd behind Blake yelled, “Surprise!”
“Oh!” Drew’s hand covered his gaping mouth as he reared back. He bent over laughing. Hunter hugged Drew and then Blake pulled him in for a hug. Drew made his way through the crowd, greeting his guests. “Wait!” Everyone stopped and set their focus on Drew. “Does this mean we’re not going out?”
Blake swatted him on the head. “The party is here, fool.”
Drew sauntered over to the bar and grabbed a bottle of cognac and held it in the air. “Then let’s get this party started!”
The guests cheered. Hunter cranked up the music and Drew started dancing right where he stood. Cadence went up to Drew, danced with him for a moment and then hugged him, wishing him a happy birthday before heading back to dance with Blake. Still holding his bottle, Drew continued through the mass of folks, hugging, chatting and giving high fives.
Someone pulled his arm. Drew turned around to his ex Stacey, who attended prep school with the brothers before becoming a Wall Street executive and moving to the same complex as Blake.
“Stacey?” Drew said unbelievingly.
“Yep! I haven’t seen you in years. You’re looking good.” She nodded her approval.
“Thanks.” She smiled wide as Drew looked her over from head to toe, pleased with how well her curves filled her little black dress. He lifted her arm and twirled her around. “You’re looking pretty damn fine yourself, lady. What’s up with you these days?”
“I’m well. I’ve watched some of your races.”
Drew lifted his brows. “Really? That’s cool.”
They danced for a few songs as more guests arrived. When Hunter opened the door and Alana appeared in the doorway, Drew’s focus shifted instantly. Alana arrived alone. He watched as she walked in and embraced Blake, Hunter and Chey before walking off with Cadence. He admired her silky-straight hair as it gracefully framed her face and flowed below her shoulders. He watched her hips sway under her electric-blue dress and allowed his eyes to roam over her legs concealed in black stockings to the sexy pair of high-heeled riding boots. He imagined how sweet she must have smelled, remembering what type of fragrances she preferred. Drew continued to watch as she and Cadence disappeared behind the wall separating the kitchen from the living room and wondered if she had noticed him. Suddenly, he wasn’t so interested in Stacey’s whereabouts in recent years. He didn’t want to be rude, so he continued dancing and chatting with Stacey, but Alana had stolen his focus.
Chapter 3 (#ulink_9d6cc086-0311-5355-8140-2537518f772d)
Alana tried to act as if she hadn’t noticed Drew, but who could miss that smooth, caramel skin; those dreamy, hooded eyes; broad shoulders; and slim waist wrapped in mysterious black. She had taken all of that in and more on her walk from the front door to the kitchen, including the fact that he was dancing with a pretty woman.
At first, Alana wasn’t going to come, but Cadence kept calling to make sure she did. Besides, she had never been a homebody and was bored sitting at her place, alone. Her only sister, Adriana, lived in Chicago and her parents were busy socialites with plans of their own.
Alana grabbed the tray that Cadence had asked her to get and followed her through the crowd to the table with the food. Cadence made room for the additional trays and Alana put hers down. She turned and bumped right into Drew.
“Hey, Drew! Happy birthday!” she cheerfully yelled over the symphony of voices, laughter and music. Alana gave him a friendly hug as if his sexy aura had no effect on her. Drew pulled her in tight and released her slowly. She tried not to swoon from the masculine scent of his cologne or the feeling of his taut chest against hers. Alana cleared her throat and stepped back, adding space between them.
“Thank you.” He licked his lips and Alana wanted to touch them.
“Are you having a good time?” she asked.
“I’m having a great time now that you’re here.”
Alana twisted her lips. “You’re such a flirt.”
“I’m serious.” He stared directly into her eyes. “You know we always had fun.”
“That’s true.” Alana withdrew her hand from his, just realizing that he was holding on to it. “Well, enjoy yourself. I need to go back and finish helping Cadence.”
“We’ll talk later?”
Alana smiled and walked away.
After she had assisted Cadence refreshing the food and beverages, she got a drink and parked herself in a chair on the opposite side of the room from where Drew stood entertaining guests. It was obvious that he was being his usual self as those he was talking to were holding their stomachs, laughing. He always had wild tales for the guys. The song changed and the woman Drew had been dancing with when Alana first arrived ran over to him and dragged Drew to the dance floor. For the next three and a half minutes, she gyrated against him, flipped her hair and bent over, giving him a wide-ranging view of her backside. A crowd formed around them, cheering them on. Drew looked like he enjoyed every minute of it.
The song changed again. This time it was one of Alana’s favorites. She stood and started dancing, singing along with the artist. Lost in her own musical euphoria, Alana swayed to the beat with her eyes closed. She felt a pair of hands on her waist and opened her eyes to find Drew dancing in front of her.
Drew leaned close to her ear. “Can I have this dance?” His low, husky tone sent shivers down her back.
Still dancing, Alana shrugged. Drew took her by the hand and led her to the center of the living room where Blake’s coffee table usually sat. Together they danced song after song until both were glistening with sweat. His sexy moves taunted her, reminding her of the few intimate encounters they shared in the past. He was as skilled at dancing as he was at making love. The room felt warmer and that wasn’t just because she was burning calories. Drew’s presence caused enough heat to spark global warming.
“I really need a break,” Alana panted, but when she tried to leave, Drew pulled her close to him and kept dancing. Laughing, she gave in and danced until the chemistry between them sizzled and threatened to catch fire, consuming the two of them in front of the entire room.
Alana finally peeled herself away from his magnetism, leaving him on the dance floor. She had to. Being so close to him was getting the best of her. In the short amount of time it took her to grab a bottle of water and chug half of it down, the woman whom Drew had been dancing with earlier had sidled back up to him. A sly grin played on her lips, but little did she know that Alana was grateful to be able to get away.
It was well into the night before the party began to thin out. Alana eventually found out the name of Drew’s old friend, who remained by his side almost until the end. Alana, Blake, Cadence, Chey, Hunter, Drew, Stacey and a few others sat comfortably in the living room laughing and joking around. The ladies had removed their shoes and sat on the couch and the floor. Stacey sat so close to Drew that a toothpick wouldn’t have fit between them. She stretched her lean frame over Drew during every exaggerated laugh, finding everything that he said funnier than anyone else in the room had. It was almost sickening. Alana wondered if anyone else had noticed, but she wouldn’t dare make mention of it. Despite Stacey conspicuously throwing herself all over Drew, Alana continued to catch the penetrating stares he cast her way—so intense that she stopped looking in his direction all together.
Stacey could have Drew for all Alana cared. Entertaining him would challenge all of Alana’s new rules and could only lead to the despair that she wanted to protect herself from. Still, she felt a twinge of jealousy.
Alana stood. “Cay, let me help you clean up before I head home.”
“Oh yes. Thanks!” Cadence stood.
It wasn’t Alana’s intention, but that broke up the party. Everyone else got up to help clean. Blake turned up the music as they carried ravaged food trays and empty liquor bottles to the kitchen. Drew stood and Stacey followed his lead.
“Sit down, Drew. It’s your birthday. You don’t have to clean up.”
“That’s very nice of you, Cadence, but I wouldn’t feel right sitting here watching everyone else work.”
“I’ll help too,” Stacey said, and finally pitched in.
