She sighed, taking his hand as her gaze took in the kitchen, and she nodded him back to the table. “Come on. Let’s eat while dinner is still warm.”

  He got two bowls down and brought them to the table. He sat and ladled two scoops into his bowl. It might have been canned, but the delicious scents circled him, making him realize just how hungry he was. Of course, tasting the soup on Heather’s tongue first sort of cinched the deal.

  “Dad never wanted me learning the business.”

  The spoonful stopped halfway to his mouth. “What?”

  “Yup. Mom left us the year I was born.” She spooned some of the soup for herself. “Dad and I struggled for a few years. He was never very good at keeping a job, but he was determined to keep us together.” She paused, looked him in the eye. “That meant being part of his game.”

  His smile came for her as she used his term for their lifestyle.

  “Then he sent me to college, thinking I would somehow divert.” Her laugh had him falling deeper. “But my first semester ended when I convinced my economics professor that I was his new assistant…”

  “And then what?” he asked from the edge of his seat.

  “And stole a year’s worth of tests.”

  “Who ratted you out?”

  “How did you know?”

  Dominic shrugged. “I know your dad. He always plays a smooth con. With him as a teacher…” he shook his head. “Someone had to have given you up.”

  “It was a guy I was dating.” She took a bite of the soup. “I’ve had very bad luck with men.”

  “Wait, you’re like twenty-five, right?”

  “Oh, no.” She waved her spoon his way. “We are not going to compare ages. My experience might be a bit shorter, but in five years, I’ve broken off three relationships.”

  “How does that mean this could…or couldn’t…work?”

  She grinned. “Down to the last, my dad considered them all bad boys. And by bad, he meant honest. And let’s face it, boring.”

  “Ahh.” He placed his spoon in his empty bowl and pushed it away. “So you think I’m a good guy.”

  “Oh, I know.”

  Dominic knew a challenge when he heard one. He was tired of dancing around this attraction they both felt. And he sure as hell wasn’t interested in hearing about her past lovers—boring or not.

  Now, it was his turn to show her just how good he could be.

  Chapter Six

  Heather’s eyes widened as he rose from the table.

  Holy moly, it was all her fantasies since her libido awakened at the age of fourteen rolled up into one, ultra-beautiful man who was coming toward her, reaching for her.

  Her hand came out—of its own accord, really—and gripped his. He pulled her up and backed toward the door, taking her with him. Her heart pounded. “Nic—”

  “Shh,” he whispered as they reached the stairs and he led her up. “I didn’t know being thrown back in with you was going to wreak so much havoc.”

  He pulled her down the hall at a slow, leisurely pace, walking backwards toward his room until he bumped to a stop against the door. His hands came out and tunneled under her hair “So soft. I knew it would be.”

  “You did,” she said in awe that he would even have had such a thought.

  Then he kissed her, his lips on hers—so easy, so natural. It sparked a need in her, something she hadn’t felt in a long time, something she’d avoided since her last break-up—desire. Heather pressed herself against his long, hard body. Her leg rose as that resurrected desire had its way with her and forced her to get as close to him as possible, and she could feel evidence of his arousal at her center.

  He took her lead, lifting her, and she wrapped her legs at his waist. He nibbled at her bottom lip and traced his tongue along the opening of her mouth. She opened to him and circled his head with her arms. She could hardly think, didn’t want to. “Nic.”

  In an instant, he stripped her bare, from the t-shirt he’d lent her to the buttons at the waist of her black slacks. They slid down without any help and pooled at her feet. She frantically worked his shoulders from the sweater then undid the buttons of his shirt in record time.

  “Fast.”

  “Yes,” she answered. “Hurry.”

  She didn’t want any second thoughts getting in the way of what was about to happen. No matter that he might be trying to prove something to her right now, she knew he was a good guy. If given the chance, he’d come up with some reason they shouldn’t have sex in this moment.

  But then he was naked. They were skin on skin, every touch heightened by the look of lust in his eyes. He gripped her waist, laid her back onto the bed, and covered her with his incredible body—shoulders that were built as she’d suspected, a slim waist that narrowed to his bold cock and muscled legs.

  She let her hands roam over him, felt the supple play of his muscle beneath smooth skin, and wanted. More than anything else, she wanted and found his knowing, satisfied gaze on her.

  “Yes.” He spread her legs until the stretch reached her thighs and her wet heat felt the cool air of the room. “Pretty,” he said. One word before he thrust into her, so deeply her eyes slid closed on the tension that filled her body.

  He rocked into her, over and over until she was saying his name on every breath. Her world zeroed down to one point, one endless climax as the bulls-eye. And Dominic shot with fair accuracy until every nerve in her body sang his praises and an orgasm ripped through her.

  She shuddered with each new thrust. The man was insatiable. His lips covered and sucked her nipple into his mouth. And she reached down, over his thigh, and cupped him.

  Dominic jerked, his length sliding into her as far as he could, and every muscle in his body tightened as he came. His hands on her waist, his lips at the pulse on her neck. Heather relaxed under him, and threaded shaky hands through his hair.

  “Wow.”

  He hummed a response, making her grin. She crossed her ankles behind his back as the weight of him pushed her deeper into the mattress. She trailed fingers over the moist skin of his back and kissed his forehead, the only place she could reach at the moment.

  As he came out of his stupor, his lips began a new adoration of her skin, kissing her breasts and shoulders, up her neck to the sensitive spot behind her ear. He lulled her into a shallow sleep and a world where fathers didn’t fake their deaths, and…and hell, world hunger was obliterated. She smiled at the thought.

  “I like that.”

  She opened her eyes to him. “What?”

  “Your smile.”

  Nerves sank into her stomach. “What are we going to do now?”

  Dominic lifted himself from her small frame and disappointment unexpectedly rolled through her. But he merely pulled a throw blanket from the bottom of the bed over them and laid on his side next to her.

  “Your dad is in Las Vegas,” he said. “I think we should go there. As soon as the snow clears, anyway. Plus…”

  “What?”

  “I’ve had one last con planned for months. I could use a second.”

  Something inside her soul shifted, and it was as if all the gears locked into place. “You want to do a con with me?”

  “Yeah,” he said. “I would be honored if you’d help me out.”

  Her grin came an instant before she pummeled him. His arms automatically circled her and his laughter was an invisible security blanket. All along she’d thought she would have to quit. She’d never worked a con alone before. Now she wouldn’t have to.

  “We’ll be like…Bonnie and Clyde.”

  “No.”

  She snorted a laugh. “Right. Well, not exactly. The Kray brothers!”

  “Double no,” he said, pinning her down. “Definitely not like the notorious crime bosses of London’s East end. Give me a break.”

  She giggled. “Okay. Okay. That would make what we just did a little weird.”

  His hand cupped her rear, squeezed it, then rubbed small circles. “It’s still…something, though, isn’t it?”

  She felt bad for him in that moment. “Robbing the cradle?”

  He moaned. “You grew up, though, Heather.”

  “Yeah, I did.” She grinned at him. “Let’s go to Vegas.”

  She didn’t know how in hell this crazy thing between them would end, but she was more than willing to find out.

  ~*~

  A flutter of excitement hit Heather as she walked through the lobby of the MGM in Las Vegas. They were like royalty pulling all the stops, dressed to the nines and drawing the attention of everyone in shouting distance. Dominic had told her appearance would be everything at first.

  “I can’t believe I’m actually here,” she whispered.

  He wore the most gorgeous tux and seemed even taller and more handsome than when they’d run into each other in his small town in Idaho. Of course, she was wearing the most amazing Vera Wang gown and heels that were to die for and shimmered like the ocean on a windy day.

  She grinned.

  “You gonna be okay? You’re not going to stroke out on me or anything, are you?” He seemed amused by her zealous flare, but she didn’t care if she made a complete fool of herself. She’d always wanted to come to Vegas.

  “I am great.”

  “Your dad will be here in four hours.” Dominic squeezed her hand as they stepped into the elevator. He pressed the close button cutting off another couple who was waving for them to hold the elevator and dragged her into his arms. “There, that’s better.”

  He kissed her as if he hadn’t in years when really it had merely been hours since they’d woken in each other’s arms. His soft lips worked over hers, convincing her to open to him. And she did, encouraging him with another stroke of her tongue. The entire week had been an unexpected honeymoon of desire and need.

  She was so afraid of the ending. And she was well aware it would. Relationships always did.

  “Stop thinking,” he whispered as he turned her, lifted her and pressed her into the wall.

  His mouth trailed down her neck and back up to her mouth where he devoured any reservation.

  Live for the day.

  She refused to think about tomorrow. Ever since she’d reunited with Nic, she didn’t want to consider moving on. He made her heart flutter, her stomach jump. And right now, he was making pulses throb in places wholly inappropriate for an elevator.

  Softly, she touched his face, framed it with unsteady hands. The passion he’d incited died down. The elevator dinged its arrival at the penthouse.

  “We should have gotten a room closer to ground level.”

  “I like the view up here.”

  She rolled her eyes. “But we’re here to make money, not spend what little you have.”

  “Don’t worry. You’ve got it covered.”

  She laughed, walked through the entry and laid her purse on the table that had a huge vase of peonies. Heather turned to him and crossed her arms over her chest. “You want to go home, don’t you? And have a home to go to?”

  He tilted his head, thinking about her question then loosened the tie at his neck. “I want you to come with me.”

  “Ha!” She laughed as a funny hopeful feeling blossomed in her chest. But she squelched it with a shake of her head. “You don’t want me. Besides, I’m not ready to quit.”

  Dominic stepped up to her and started pulling pins from her hair.

  “Hey.” She jerked her head back.

  He pulled another pin and her hair fell. He was weakening her resolve.

  “You need a home base.”

  She opened her mouth to negate that truth.

  “Just think about it. We had a few great days at my home. It could be your home, too.” He tunneled his competent hands into the length of her hair and made her sigh. All those thoughts of home she’d had while being in Idaho came swarming back.

  Her dad had betrayed her, and she still didn’t know why.

  “I don’t know, Nic.”

  “You don’t have to.” His grip tightened, her chin rose, and he planted a long, sultry kiss on her mouth. “I’m going to get my house back, one way or another. It’s yours, just like I am, whenever you need it.”

  “What?” Disbelief rang through that one word, but a pounding on the door interrupted her revelation. She looked from Dominic to the foyer as he slid his hands free of her hair and softly kissed her cheek.

  “Be right back.”

  She was stuck to the floor in shock, when a moment later, her dad came through the door.

  “Dad?” Even though she knew he was alive, seeing him still brought a strong ache to her heart. “You’re early.”

  “The crap tables were boring me.”

  She smiled. “They always did.”

  Dad laughed and came for her, wrapped his arms around her. “I just wanted you to be safe and happy.”

  His explanation struck her at the heart. “I don’t care about your mistakes, Dad. I can handle a few losses.”

  “I’m getting old, honey.” He took her hand and led her into the living room.

  Dominic followed them then passed through to the kitchen. “Either of you want a drink?”

  “Please,” she answered. “So, Dad, what are you going to do?”

  “I was thinking about fishing.”

  Heather laughed out. “Oh, that’s rich. Jack Slate, fishing.”

  “Well, I heard of this sweet little town in Idaho that has a river that runs through it.”

  Heather’s heart stopped and she quickly turned to Dominic. “You—? This is crazy,” she exclaimed, turning back to her father. “You burnt down a home that was perfectly fine in order to get out of the game. You lied to me to do it—”

  “I had to.”

  “Oh, sure.” She blew a raspberry. “All part of the con, right, Dad?”

  “Well, you wouldn’t have gotten the insurance money—not for the house or me, if you’d known.” Her dad’s eyes twinkled. “You’re a horrible liar.”

  “I am not!” She looked from her dad to Dominic. Suspicion grew. “Nic, what’s going on?”

  A nervous feeling hit her. Her dad had died and she hadn’t felt abandoned. Now, all of a sudden, she had a feeling it was her, all alone over here.

  Dominic set his glass tumbler down and crossed to her. There was uncertainty in his eyes. Nerves, like her own, which made her feel better. He took her hands and lifted them to his lips. Her heart filled at his affectionate gesture.

  “Without knowing it, I’ve waited for you, Heather. We click—”

  She nodded and blinked back an unexpected swell of emotion.

  “I—”

  “What?” she asked.

  He wasn’t just uncertain, he was fumbling. “I’ve never told anyone I loved them.”

  Her heart fell, tumbled, actually.

  “You’re strong and capable.”

  “Wow.” She nudged him. “You really know how to flatter a girl.”

  “You’re honest and sincere.”

  She snorted. “That’s a first.”

  His smile took her breath away. “Will you have me?”

  From the corner of her eye, she could see her dad waiting with bated breath.

  “It’s too late,” she said and saw his face fall. She leaned in and brushed her lips on his.

  Then pressing her cheek to his, she whispered, “I think I’ve had you all along.”

  About the Author

  Thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, won’t you please take a moment to

  leave me a review at your favorite retailer? Thanks! Beth Rhodes

  ~*~

  Beth Rhodes is a wife, mother, friend, and lover. She lives with her Army husband and their six children at the base of the mountains in Colorado. She loves the cold, coffee, camping, and sunshine.

  Her stories are full of life, family, and love. You can find her reading just about any genre of romance, but her favorites are fast-paced suspense, where life is on the line and love is the only saving grace. She wants a book that makes her heart pound and her pulse race.

  Beth is a member of Romance Writers of America, Pikes Peak Romance Writers, Colorado Romance Writers, and International Thriller Writers. She is signed with Entangled Publishing and Boroughs Publishing Group.

  Follow me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Bethanne_writes

  Friend me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/beth.writes

  See what inspires me on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/bethwrites

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  Coming in December 2015

  Outside the Lines

  Book Two of the Love Beyond Reason Series

  Prologue

  November

  He shattered her guilt with a touch.

  His breath was hot on her neck, his hands soft at her sides, gripping her hips and pulling her forward. His mouth worked her over, warm lips pressing softly against hers, nibbling, tasting.

  And she gave. She gave without thought, without hesitation. Desire raged through her and flattened her resolve, her good sense.

  He brought his hands to her face, traced her brows, and ran a finger along her cheek to her jaw. A smile came to his face—the square jaw and full lips. The dimple on the right that appeared at the most unexpected moments. His laughter had been just as startling, just as thrilling.

  Her heart pounded.

  She wanted him.

  With shaking hands, she began to unfasten the long row of buttons down the front of his soft, flannel shirt.

  Her choice. No regrets.

  But he covered her hands. “We don’t have to do this.”

  “I want to.”

  He hesitated but a moment then dug strong fingers through her hair and massaged her scalp. His eyes shone, the twinkle in them as familiar as the night sky. And then he pulled her close, tucking her into the crook of his arm as he kissed her—slow and easy. As if they had all the time in the world.

  She wished for more than all the time in the world.

  When his hands lifted the edge of her shirt and came to rest on her skin, her wish was granted. It was her turn, her turn for everything. She wanted it all. She wanted him.

 

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