Tangled Vows (Willow Brook Falls #3)

1. Shayla

1

SHAYLA

“ W ho wants shots?” I called out, swiping my clutch from the table. It was girls’ night, so we drove into the city to have some fun and unwind after a long week. I’d been waiting all month for this, and now that I'd finally found a new job, I wanted to celebrate.

“Me!” Brynlee and Haley called out in unison.

“I’m good,” Delilah said, motioning to her half-full glass.

My attention shifted to Melody who also hadn’t finished her first drink yet. “I’m trying to pace myself,” she explained, holding up a hand. She’d spent most of the last year and a half nursing her son—and subsequently abstaining from alcohol—so she was going easy on the drinks.

Blake, Brynlee’s younger sister, turned down the offer as well since her drink was almost full.

“I’ll take one,” Emily called as I slid out of my chair.

“Four shots, coming right up!”

Sidling up to the bar, I pulled my card from my purse and waited for one of the bartenders to appear. After a couple minutes with no sign of life behind the bar, I leaned across the lacquered top, looking left and then right. The pretty young woman serving drinks at the other end of the bar was talking and laughing with customers and completely ignoring this side of the bar. I craned my neck, leaning over further to see what held her rapt attention. I nearly toppled over the bar top when my eyes landed on the three gorgeous men with whom she was engaged in conversation. My mouth fell open as I took in their hulking forms. Broad shoulders, thick, muscled arms, and square jaws for days. Though they sat perched on barstools, I could tell they were well over six feet tall.

One man in particular caught my eye. His baseball cap was pulled low on his head shielding his eyes from any onlookers, the ends of his hair curled beneath it around his neck and ears. Dark stubble covered his granite jaw, and he seemed more reserved than his companions, slowly sipping from a tumbler of amber liquid while the others chatted animatedly with the bartender. It was as though he was trying to blend into the background, a feat that was wholly impossible with his powerful frame and chiseled features. I was instantly intrigued.

“What can I get you?” I startled at the sound of a masculine voice, and my gaze shot to the man now standing across the bar from me. He was the other bartender who’d served us earlier, just back from his break if the vague scent of cigarette smoke clinging to him was any indication. I placed my order and handed over my card.

While I waited for our drinks, I slid my gaze back to the man in the hat, sucking in a sharp breath when my eyes collided with his. He was looking straight at me, and though the upper half of his face was hidden in shadows, I could feel his stare warming my skin. He held my gaze as he gently swirled the liquid in his glass.

“Here you go,” the bartender announced, breaking the hypnotic hold the other man had on me. I took my card, slid it back into my clutch, and grabbed the shot glasses. Returning to the table, a tingle of awareness slid up my spine, and I chanced a glance over my shoulder. He was watching me. Leaning back in his chair, his arm resting casually on the bar, he sipped his drink as though I were a show he couldn’t tear his eyes away from.

I blushed and scurried to my seat, preening under his attention. It was silly, really. I’d sworn off men for the time being, having been burned one too many times. They were nothing but trouble, and I had a bad track record for attracting the worst of them. Honestly, a man’s interest in me should be considered his first red flag.

Sighing, I settled into my chair and passed out the shots. “Cheers,” we said as we clinked glasses and downed the liquid. Warmth spread from my belly and out to my limbs. A few more of these and I’d forget all about Hottie McStranger sitting at the bar.

“Shayla,” Brynlee whispered, leaning forward across the table, “that man at the bar keeps looking at you.” Her eyes flicked in the direction of the man I’d been admiring only moments ago. I tried—and probably failed—to look casual as I peered over my shoulder. The corner of his lips turned up as he took another draw from his tumbler. My skin flushed as he watched me over the rim of his glass.

“Holy hot guys, Batman. He can’t take his eyes off you,” Haley gushed, growing giddy at the prospect. My cheeks flamed, and I ducked my head to hide my flustered smile.

“He’s way out of my league,” I proclaimed, wishing I had another drink. I wasn’t insecure—at least not anymore—but this man could be an underwear model.

“Whatever, you’re a total babe,” Emily announced. She was met with a chorus of agreements from the rest of our table.

“You should give him your number,” Melody said, giving me an encouraging smile.

“No way. I don’t approach guys.” It was true. I let them come to me. Less chance of getting rejected that way. My confidence had recovered significantly since leaving my toxic ex, but it wasn’t indestructible. “Besides, I’m on a man ban, remember?”

“I’d break my ban for that ,” Haley mused, fanning herself dramatically.

“Isn’t it your turn to get the next round of drinks?” I asked in a sad attempt to distract her. She chuckled and slipped out of her seat.

“I hear congratulations are in order,” Melody announced, and I was grateful for a change in subject.

A huge smile split my lips, all thoughts of the man at the bar dissipating. I had finally landed my dream job.

I only wished I hadn’t needed my father’s help to get it.

The newly created entry-level position paid slightly more than my previous job at the college, had a better benefits package, and was closer. I had to drive forty minutes into the city, but it still wasn’t as far as the university which only employed me part-time. This was a full-time position, and I was thankful to have it. Even if it was with the same company my father worked for.

He and I didn’t have the best relationship, and I still harbored a lot of animosity toward him from my parents’ divorce. I was trying to leave the past in the past for the sake of my sanity, but there was still a lot of hurt there. Shaking away those thoughts, I reinforced my smile and offered my thanks.

“When do you start?” Delilah asked.

“In a couple weeks. I have to begin meeting with the players to assess their individual needs before all the preseason madness starts.”

“And the team never had a dietician before?”

“Nope. It’s only their third season and up until now, they didn’t have the funding for it. According to my dad, they’ve made a lot of changes this year to try to level up. They’re ranked dead last in the entire league.” I winced. Hopefully my work with the players would help them turn things around. All the top teams employed full-time dieticians because they recognized elite athletes needed proper nutrition to improve strength and performance. That was where I came in.

I filled my friends in on more details about my new position as we sipped our drinks and nibbled on some appetizers Haley had ordered while she was at the bar. After another round of shots, I slipped away to the ladies’ room. The dimly lit hallway was empty, the muffled sounds of the music playing overhead the only noise in the otherwise quiet corridor. After using the facilities, I checked my reflection in the mirror, tucking a rogue piece of hair into place and reapplying my lip gloss.

Satisfied with my reflection, I pushed through the door and immediately slammed into a brick wall. I let out a breathy “oof” as a masculine grunt echoed around me. My hands came up to brace against the solid wall of muscle, and my fingers curled into the soft fabric covering a rock-hard chest. “S-sorry, I didn’t see you there,” I mumbled, stepping back to regain my balance. I looked up to find intense hazel eyes searing into me, and suddenly I couldn’t breathe. The man from the bar stared down at me, his hooded gaze drinking me in.

“It’s you,” I gasped, and his shoulders stiffened. Shit, I sounded like a stalker. “I mean, I saw you at the bar earlier.” I tried to play it cool like I hadn’t been salivating over him and his companions, but my mental faculties were a little sluggish from the shots.

“Is that so?” The corner of his lips quirked up, and just that bare hint of a smile had me melting.

I nodded. “Have I met you before? You look familiar.” Now that I was looking at him up close, I recognized his features but couldn’t place where I’d seen him before. He studied me for a moment, like he wasn’t sure how to respond.

“I doubt it. It’s my first night in town.” He wasn’t from around here, and that only intrigued me more. Perhaps he was just visiting or here on business. That thought sent a little thrill skittering up my spine.

“How do you like it so far?” I asked, my voice a little breathy.

“I’m enjoying the,” he began, his gaze sliding down my body, “Southern hospitality.” Heat spread from the top of my head to the tips of my toes at his slow perusal, and my nipples puckered against the lace of my bralette. His eyes lifted to mine again and he leaned in, flattening his palm against the wall behind me. He towered over me. His warm, masculine scent filled my nose, and I fought the urge to close my eyes and inhale deeply.

I might have sworn off men for the time being, but one little fling wouldn’t hurt, right? I’d never done the one-night stand thing before, and maybe that was the problem. Maybe throwing myself headfirst into relationships was what doomed them from the start. If I had a casual hookup with a hot stranger, that could keep me satisfied for a while. Besides, he was probably only here for a short time. I’d never have to see him again. Even if he stuck around for a while, what were the chances I’d run into him after tonight? It wasn’t like I lived here. Willow Brook Falls was over half an hour away.

I didn’t know if it was my desperate libido, the liquid courage flowing through my veins, or his intoxicating presence, but I took a chance and did something brazen. Pressing my hand to his chest, I arched toward him and said, “Perhaps I could show you around.” His eyes darkened at the offer, and his gaze dropped to my lips as my tongue darted out to wet them. He was close, so close I could smell the whiskey on his tongue, and I desperately wanted a taste.

“Hmm.” He hummed in approval, the low sound rumbling from his chest. I felt the vibration all the way to my core. Damn, he hadn’t even touched me yet, and I was ready to beg him for more. “I think I’d like that.”

Mere inches separated us, but I was waiting for him to close the distance. My head felt dizzy, and I wasn’t sure if it was the effects of his close proximity or the alcohol. All I knew was I wanted him closer. I wanted his skin on mine and his hands in my hair.

He watched me beneath hooded eyes as he lifted his hand to cup my jaw. His thumb brushed against my lower lip. I closed my eyes, ready to let him devour me right then and there.

His fingers tangled in my hair, and he crushed his lips to mine. I opened to him immediately as he angled my head to deepen the kiss. It was desperate and demanding, but I met his tongue stroke for stroke. My back hit the wall, and he pressed his body to mine, trapping me against him. A thrill shot up my spine at his possessiveness and the impropriety of making out with a stranger in public. I groaned when his rock-hard length pressed into me.

He pulled back, his heated gaze roaming over my features and settling on my kiss-swollen lips.

“What do you say we get out of here?” he asked. My breath hitched as my galloping pulse hammered in my chest. Was he serious? I’d never been bold enough to go home with a stranger before.

Before I could think twice about my response, I drew in a ragged breath and said, “Yes.” His eyes darkened, and he grabbed my hand, pulling me down the hall toward the bar. He tugged his hat lower on his head as we burst out of the hallway, and my gaze immediately went to our table. Haley caught sight of me first, and her mouth fell open. She nudged Brynlee and pointed to where the gorgeous stranger led me through the crowded space toward the front entrance. Every head at our table turned and took in the sight. I pointed to him with a big, cheesy grin on my face and waved them goodbye. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to find several messages in the group chat.

Haley: Get it, girl!

Brynlee: OMG you’re leaving with him?!?!?

Emily: Hot Damn

Melody: So you skipped asking for his number and went straight to going home with him? #bossmove

Delilah: Make sure you share your location with us!

Delilah had a good point. I probably needed to make sure someone knew my whereabouts since I planned to leave with a man I'd just met. So, I dropped a pin that would allow them to track me and slipped my phone back into my pocket just as we hit the front door.

A car service was already waiting for us when we got outside. He held the door open, and I slid into the cramped back seat, scooting over to make room for him. He rattled off our destination as his large hand curled around my thigh. I sucked in a breath and pressed my legs together. He smirked and tightened his hold on me, his pinkie toying with the edge of my shorts. I wiggled in my seat, silently begging him to slide his hand higher. He never did, instead spending the short ride to his hotel torturing me.

The elevator was empty when we stepped inside. He swiped his key card and pressed the button for the penthouse. Damn, he must’ve been a high roller. Nervous energy hummed through my veins as the doors slid closed. He removed his hat and tucked it into his back pocket before shaking out his hair and running a hand through it. It fell across his forehead in a mass of perfectly tousled waves. How did men do that? They could put zero effort into their appearance and still look irresistible.

He turned and caught me watching him, and the corner of his lips twitched. Then his hands were on me, gripping my hips as he backed me against the wall. Those full, sensuous lips dropped to mine, skimming over them briefly before trailing over my jaw and down my neck. I gasped as his hands found my ass, and he squeezed. A moan escaped me when his tongue darted out to taste my skin.

The elevator dinged and suddenly he pulled away, leaving me in a haze of lust and unfulfilled need. He gripped me by the hand and led me to his room. Once inside, all bets were off. We barely made it through the door before he was kissing me again. I tugged at his shirt, ready to see him bare, ready to see the hard muscles I felt when I ran into him. He yanked it over his head and tossed it onto the floor, giving me only a second to take in the sculpted perfection of his chest and abs. He was magnificent. Michelangelo couldn’t have carved a more perfect specimen out of stone. He resumed his exploration of my mouth and I opened to him, welcoming him in.

Reaching for his belt, I froze when music began to play. The sound of Kelis’s “Bossy” blared from his pocket accompanied by the unmistakable buzz of a cell phone.

“Shit,” he hissed and pulled it out, silencing the call before tossing it onto the entry table. “Where were we?” he asked playfully, gripping the hem of my shirt. It was barely over my head when his phone rang again. He stiffened, every muscle in his body going taut. He looked toward the phone buzzing on the counter, his brow knitted in concern. “I need to get that,” he said without sparing me another glance. Picking it up, he swiped his finger across the screen and pressed it to his ear. “What’s wrong?” he asked, moving further into the suite. All I could hear was his muffled voice, but I couldn’t make out anything he said. I stood there, unsure what to do. I didn’t want to invade his privacy, but I couldn’t help but wonder if everything was okay. Whatever it was sounded serious. I couldn’t exactly leave because he still had ahold of my shirt. So I just had to wait for him to finish his call and come back to me.

When he returned, irritation creased his brow. His gaze slid briefly over my body, and his jaw tightened as a pained look flashed across his face. He quickly glanced away as though he couldn’t bear the sight of me. Thrusting out his hand, he handed over my shirt, refusing to look at me again. My stomach sank, and I swallowed hard. I didn’t have a perfect, flawless body. There were stretch marks marring my stomach and hips, and my belly wasn’t flat, something my flowy top had camouflaged—a little too well, apparently—but I was comfortable in my skin. At least I had been before tonight.

Hurt and regret settled heavy in my chest, and I fought back the urge to cry. Taking the wadded up bundle of fabric from his hand, I waited for him to speak. When he did, it felt like a punch to the gut.

“You need to leave.”

My chin wobbled as long buried insecurities bubbled to the surface. I hurriedly threw my shirt over my head and yanked open the door as tears welled in my eyes. I didn’t even know this guy, yet his rejection stung like none had before. I called for the elevator and when it arrived I rushed inside, frantically pressing the button for the lobby. The doors finally slid closed just as the first tear slid down my cheek. I collapsed against the wall, burying my head in my hands.

I hated that I'd let someone else make me feel inferior. I hated that someone had the power to dismantle the self-esteem I'd fought so hard to regain over the last few years. It only took one look and four words to completely undo all the progress I’d made.

The elevator reached the first floor, and I swiped the moisture from my cheeks before stepping into the lobby. I pulled my phone from my pocket, prepared to call for a ride. Maybe my friends were still at the bar and could swing by to pick me up. My face heated with mortification at the thought of explaining what had happened to them. Maybe I could tell them I’d changed my mind. I was lost in my thoughts when a clerk stepped in front of me.

“There’s a car waiting for you, Miss.” He motioned to the front entrance where a taxi idled.

“I think you have me confused with someone.” I stepped around him, pulling up my contacts.

“The gentleman in the penthouse called to have it arranged for you,” he offered with a gentle smile. “Everything is taken care of. All you have to do is give them the address.”

“Right,” I said, letting out a heavy sigh. “Thanks.” At least he had the decency to get me a ride after kicking me out of his hotel room. It was probably the only decent thing he’d done his entire life.