Chapter One
The sound of the ocean waves breaking on the rocky shore echoed through the terrace. A warm breeze slipped through the open glass doors into the house, making her aware of the little bit of clothes she wore. A soft laugh escaped her lips.
Tori watched her reflection in the standing mirror, running her hands down the length of the seductive black-lace-and-mesh short slip she wore. She cupped her breasts. Her thumb and forefinger massaged her nipples until the tense tips poke through the thin material. There. Much better.
She walked to the nightstand next to the bed and pulled open the drawer. She smiled when she saw the pair of handcuffs sitting in the middle. Tori removed them and placed them on the nightstand. She planned to use them tonight—not on herself; on her date.
Oh yes, she had plans. Elite Classified had followed her special instructions to the letter. Tori didn’t have any lingering thoughts about using Vivienne’s invitation anymore¸ and she wasn’t worried that the exclusive dating service would find out she wasn’t her friend. Her heart pounded just imagining who Elite set her up with and what he looked like. Butterflies danced in her stomach.
Tori hoped he wasn’t only good looking, but also an excellent lover. After all, seeing him again would depend on how skilled a lover he was. Didn’t Elite say sexual compatibility was the way to a happily ever after? A total backward approach in her opinion. Though, she had to admit, it was the way to go. Why spend time going on dates before finding out the guy sucked at sex? This way she’d know from the get-go if she wanted to see him again.
She stared out the glass wall, admiring the view of the Pacific Ocean, and imagined how wonderful it’d be to walk along the shore. Tori took a deep breath, looking around the exquisite master bedroom, decorated in shades of white. Who would’ve known such a place existed? If it hadn’t been for the detailed instructions, she would’ve never found the secret tunnel entryway. Elite had outdone her request, she’d give them that.
The sound of a door closing brought her out of her thoughts. Oh my God. He’s here. Her pulse raced. Tori took one last look at the bedroom, running a hand over her head, smoothing down her hair. A wave of heat rushed through her body, making it tingle all over in anticipation of what was to come.
She moved toward the door and stopped in her tracks when a familiar pair of the most beautiful smoky-blue eyes she’d ever seen locked on hers. Her breath quickened. Tori slid her gaze down his tall frame, taking in the commanding way Jack filled the doorway. This isn’t happening. Please someone tell me this isn’t happening.
He leaned on the doorframe and crossed his arms. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Victoria Michaels.” His lips twitched into a lopsided grin.
“Tori,” she corrected. His hot gaze seared through her, making her aware of the clothes she didn’t have on. The see-through slip and the thong she wore left little to the imagination. She stood in the middle of the room pretty much naked, while her college crush—and nemesis—finished undressing her with his stare.
“Victoria,” he said.
Shit. All her reservations about using Vivienne’s invitation crashed into her mind. Of course this would happen. She should’ve known better when everything seemed too good to be true. What could she do now? A cold breeze gushed through the room, spreading goose bumps up her body. She cast her gaze down, realizing her taut nipples stabbed through the lace. She lifted her gaze to him, crossing her arms.
Jack quirked a brow, a wicked grin on his face.
Why was he smiling? “Jack, what are you doing here?”
Without removing his gaze from her, he said, “I should ask you the same thing, but we both know why we’re here.” He straightened to his full height and stripped off his jacket. He placed it on the accent chair by the door.
What was Jack doing? Was he trying to get comfortable? This was the nightmare Tori wished she never had. What had she ever done to deserve this? She’d wanted a night of hot sex, maybe a second date. But this?
“Right,” Tori said. This conversation wouldn’t go anywhere. She needed to get out here fast, get some fresh air. When she got home, she planned to crawl in her bed and stay in it all weekend long. Come Monday, she’d have forgotten this ever happened. Well, she hoped so.
“Give me a moment and I’ll be on my way.” Tori turned on her heel and headed for the bathroom. A strong arm snaked around her waist and twirled her back around, pulling her body flush against a warm wall of steel.
“Come on, Tori. We’re not in college anymore. It’s been years.”
She lifted her eyes at him, meeting his fiery gaze. “If you want an apology, fine. I truly am sorry for what I did to you.” Tori grasped his upper arms, fighting the need to feel their strength. She’d been in his arms once before and never forgot what it felt to be held by him.