Nailed - Opal Carew Page 0,22

life and interests. Charming her until River thought Tia would swoon. The waitress came by and filled their glasses again, then took away the empty bottle. Kane ordered another round of drinks. Two more Mango Tangos and a scotch—aged a ridiculous number of years—on the rocks for him.

“Kane, I don’t mean to be rude,” River finally said as Kane sipped his scotch, “but Tia and I were enjoying a girls’ night.”

“Of course. I’ll finish my drink and leave you to it.”

“Oh, no,” said Tia. “Do you really have to go?”

River sent her a sharp glance and Tia just grinned.

He downed the rest of his drink, then took Tia’s hand and kissed it. At the look of enchantment in her eyes, River was afraid Tia would float away on a cloud. Then he leaned toward River and his fingers glided through her hair as he cupped her head, easing her closer. Before she could protest, his lips captured hers. Her body failed her, refusing to pull away when she ordered it to. Then she melted into the kiss. Breathing in his musky aftershave. Luxuriating in the strength of his arms as they slid around her.

The ache became unbearable. A yearning so intense it terrified her.

Then he released her. His knowing eyes searched hers … and he smiled.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card and pressed it into her hand.

“Call me if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.” She tossed the card on the table.

The confidence shining in his eyes didn’t waver.

He turned to Tia. “It was nice meeting you, Tia.”

“The pleasure was all mine,” Tia said with a wide smile.

He turned and walked away.

“Tia, stop staring at his butt.”

Tia giggled. “Why? It’s such a fine butt.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what he did after popping your cherry, but hon, you are crazy not to take him up on his offer.” She watched Kane disappear around the corner. “A man like that is hard to find.”

River sighed. “Is that all we’re going to talk about now?”

“No, of course not.” Tia picked up the discarded business card and slipped it into her purse.

River chose to say nothing about it. They enjoyed the rest of the evening without another word about Kane … until they asked for the bill. Kane had arranged to pay for the whole thing. And when they stepped outside, there was a limo waiting to take them home.

“No way,” River said. “We can take the bus.”

“But it’s raining,” Tia complained, taking River’s arm. “And I’ve never been inside a limo. Come on. For me?”

River relented and climbed into the car with Tia, half fearing Kane would be inside.

He wasn’t.

River settled into the soft, supple leather seat. She could imagine Kane sitting beside her, totally at home in the luxurious vehicle.

The driver dropped Tia off first, and then pulled up in front of River’s apartment building. He opened the car door for her, then rushed ahead to open the glass door to the building.

“Thank you,” she said as she stepped inside.

When she reached her apartment, she kicked off her shoes and slumped down on the couch.

If only Tia had understood. After Kane had “popped her cherry,” as Tia had put it, he’d then stolen something much more valuable from her.

First year of college—Spring semester

River opened her eyes to the soft sunlight glowing through the drawn curtains. Kane was behind her, his arms around her, holding her snug to his body from head to toe.

Oh, God, that had been the most incredible experience of her life. Kane had made her ascension into womanhood a wonderful, life-changing event.

She turned in his arms and rested her head against his chest, listening to his rhythmic heartbeat. He stroked her hair from her face, his fingers brushing lightly across her cheek then over her temple. Her skin tingled at his touch.

She gazed up at him and smiled timidly, suddenly feeling shy. “You’re awake.”

His expression was somber. Her chest constricted.

“What’s wrong, Kane?” Had she done something to upset him?

“Last night … I wish you’d told me.”

She leaned her face against his chest again. “It’s not important.”

He rolled her onto her back and pinned her with his gaze.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

His tone wasn’t accusing. In fact, the way he looked at her—his eyes filled with concern—made her feel protected and cared for.

“I didn’t want you to think I was a freak.”

His expression turned puzzled.

“Why would I think that?”

“Have you met any girls here who are still virgins?”

He grinned. “Well, I haven’t