Long Overdue Read online

  The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement (including infringement without monetary gain) is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in, or encourage, the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Long Overdue

  Copyright © 2014 by Tara Andrews

  ISBN: 978-1-61333-655-7

  Cover art by Tibbs Designs

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work, in whole or in part, in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Decadent Publishing Company, LLC

  Look for us online at:

  www.decadentpublishing.com/

  Decadent Publishing Recent Releases

  Her Sister’s Wedding by Jane Ainslie

  A Candle for a Marine by Heather Long

  Love Unlocked by Libby Waterford

  Mixing Mike by Megan Slayer

  Justice by Rebecca Royce

  Being Prince Charming by D.L. Jackson

  Two Dads for Christmas by Kate Richards

  Stroke of Midnight by Kelli Scott

  The Trouble with Memories by Eva LeFoy

  Beauty and the Brigadier by D.L. Jackson

  Truth or Dare by Elizabeth Morgan

  Hero Worship by Kimberly Quinton

  Lover Enslaved by Eva Lefoy

  Silk & Scorn by Cassandra Dean

  Broken Road by Alexa Bourne

  Long Overdue

  A 1Night Stand Story

  By

  Tara Andrews

  ~Dedication~

  To my wonderful husband for making this possible.

  Chapter One

  “I’m telling you, you need to call and arrange a date,” Melanie insisted.

  “Sex with a stranger, you mean?” With a dating service called 1Night Stand, the name spoke for itself. Not that Jill disliked dating services per se, but her experience with cyber matching left her rather disappointed.

  “No. To live a little.”

  “Live? You want me to meet up with some random man in a hotel? I’m likely to wind up some tragic headline. Desperate woman killed in her quest to get some.”

  “Don’t be crass.” Her friend shook her head, dismissing the concern.

  “Crass? This coming from someone trying to pimp me out.”

  “It’s not what you’re thinking. It’s very legitimate. Extensive background checks are done before any dates are set. Very safe, I assure you.” Spoken like the expert she wasn’t. Ever since her co-worker came back from Vegas, in love and swearing by the agency, Melanie had turned into a walking infomercial.

  Too bad Melanie’s happily married status prevented Jill from suggesting she give it a whirl. Where did it leave her? Oh, yeah, trying to get her friend to drop the idea altogether. “I’m fine. I don’t need another dating service.”

  They stopped at an intersection and waited for the light to change. The buzz of noise and the press of people reinforced the reasons she didn’t come down to the city often. She’d tried to get out of coming, but Melanie insisted.

  “I’m only trying to help and well….” The walk signal flashed and they moved with the crowd across the street. Once on the opposite corner, Melanie pulled her to the side. “Ever since Dickhead broke off the engagement, you’ve been trying too hard to find a Mr. Right to replace him. But…” Melanie glanced in the direction they headed, as if weighing her words. She turned back, her mouth set with determination. “He’s not going to care, Jill. Okay? You could marry Bradley Cooper today, and he wouldn’t notice.”

  The truth of the statement stung in her heart and in her eyes. She wanted to be angry, but some part of her knew her pride spurred her to even the score.

  Melanie touched her arm. “I’m sorry for saying it like that. Come on.”

  They walked half a block before Melanie stopped in front of a café window and peered inside. “Like clockwork,” she mumbled.

  A chill ran down Jill’s back, igniting a sense of dread. She didn’t want to see what waited for her, positive it’d be unpleasant. But curiosity won, and she turned her head.

  Her ex-fiancé sat across from a beautiful woman, smiling and holding her hand on the table between their coffees. They were deep into a conversation. Deep into each other.

  Blinded by tears, Jill reached out and took the card Melanie offered her.

  ***

  Almost three weeks from the day her friend sprang reality on her, Jill stood outside the Castillo Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, unable to move her legs, or draw a large enough breath, or even believe the moment arrived.

  In hindsight, maybe she shouldn’t have rushed to fill out the form while emotionally charged. Sleeping on her answers first might have been a prudent idea. Perhaps she’d have provided a little more detail in describing her perfect man, other than someone who doesn’t screw around. No telling what awaited her, with so much wiggle room.

  A trio of tourists exited the hotel. The movement snapped her out of her trance. She walked into the lobby, imagining herself as Alice going down the rabbit hole. It all worked out for her, didn’t it?

  Her grip tightened on the handle of her overnight bag. She’d debated whether to pack one at all. What kind of message did it send? I’m here for the sex, baby. Let’s get it on. It seemed rather over-eager. Although, the idea of leaving the next day in the same clothes screamed a little too much of walk of shame for her comfort.

  Besides, choosing not to carry a purse, she needed someplace to put her pepper spray.

  She located the VIP elevators per the instructions provided. A uniformed employee pressed the up button for her. The elegance of the act made her realize she’d been so focused on each step, she’d walked through the lobby of one of the most luxurious hotels in the world without noticing a single detail. The elevator doors slid open and left her no time to consider the décor.

  Her heart thudded. If she was going to walk away, it was now or never.

  The employee held the door open, waiting for her to step inside. He offered her a slight smile and raised a brow.

  Move forward or turn back?

  Chapter Two

  Blake rested his forehead against the cool window glass, watching the activity on the busy streets far below as the minutes ticked past seven o’clock. Had she backed out? Hell, he’d come close. Not like he needed anyone’s help in getting laid.

  Tonight was different, though.

  The previous month, he’d met Jackson Castillo at a charity dinner at his hotel in Las Vegas. After they’d shared a few drinks and good conversation, Jackson recommended 1Night Stand.

  Intrigued, Blake dropped his guard enough to follow through. Not for the sex the name implied, rather because his new friend hinted at Madame Evangeline’s unique ability in finding exactly what a person needed. And Blake needed more.

  The soft hum of the elevator kicked on.

  He lost interest in the street below and turned from the window to face the in-suite elevator lobby, ready to greet the woman Madame Eve sent his way.

  He tried to ignore his doubts, unsure he’d be able to give more than a one-night stand even if it worked out as he hoped.

  Yet, he’d agreed to it. Still waited.
<
br />   He refused to turn out like his father, alone and as mean as they come. Blake stood, rooted in place, his position by the window offering him the advantage of seeing his date before she became aware of his presence.

  Blake released a breath. Not a blonde. Good. He had nothing against blondes, his history teemed with them. But he wanted different, and every element counted. A slight red tint threaded into the light brown of her hair. The neckline of her dress dipped to show enough cleavage to be tantalizing, yet respectable at the same time. When she took a couple of small steps forward, the hem swayed around her knees, bringing his attention lower. So far, so good.

  Funny how his breath quickened waiting for her to notice him. Then she turned. Definitely pretty. She…. “Jill?” Holy shit. It can’t be Jill Malone.

  She stopped in her tracks. “Blake Anders?” Her eyes widened; color flooded her face.

  Blake gaped. How odd for him to be at a loss for words.

  Once students at the same college, he and Jill had shared a few classes, and he’d dated her roommate for a couple of semesters. He may not have known her well, but he remembered breaking up with the roommate when he started thinking he’d rather be dating Jill.

  Without a word, she spun around and headed back toward the elevator.

  “Wait.” He hurried to catch her before she pressed the call button. She glanced over her shoulder at him, her brown eyes flashing unease. Despite Jill’s reluctant reception, he wanted to kiss Madame Eve for her intuition. “Don’t leave. I can imagine this isn’t what you expected, but I’m glad to see you.”

  Jill swallowed past the lump in her throat. In the scheme of things, it might have been worse. If she were to be matched to someone she knew—had known, whatever—why not Blake Anders? Few of her classmates had been immune to the charms of the it guy back in college. Ogling him from afar with the countless others, losing her train of thought when he walked by, and noticing when he entered a room. When he started dating her roommate, she became quite acquainted with the green-eyed monster. How sad, lusting after a guy who didn’t pay her the slightest attention.

  Yet, after so many years, he remembered her name. Surprising.

  Last year, Celebrity News awarded him the Hottest Bachelor title. The magazine featured a six-page photo spread of him with supermodels clinging to his muscular arms.

  What’s not hot about a guy who owns an airline and is gorgeous to boot? God, he must be so disappointed to see her, of all people. He’d only have to crook his finger to win any woman he wanted. Come to think about it, why on earth did he engage a dating service? “I think there’s been some sort of mistake,” she managed.

  “But, we’re here. And I don’t think it’s a mistake.”

  Of course, he’d be polite, while wondering what happened to the size zero, with extra-large breasts, he ordered. “I don’t know.” She shook her head and swore disappointment flashed across his face. “I’ll be honest; I am not comfortable.”

  “And let me be honest. I’m looking forward to an evening with you.” Ooooh, smooth. Then again, she didn’t expect less, given his tabloid reputation. Still, her legs felt a little less stable.

  She faced him. What really went on in his head? “You don’t find it strange that you know me?”

  His killer smile set off butterflies in her belly and a warning bell in her mind. “No. In fact, it makes sense.”

  “Why is that?”

  “Because I used to wonder about you. A lot.”

  Jill forgot to breathe. Forgot almost everything. Did he say…?

  “Didn’t you ever wonder about me?”

  Jill exhaled. “I’m taking the Fifth.” His smile grew. She shook her head, recognizing dangerous territory. “I’m still not sure.” Not sure she’d measured up. Not sure she’d survive with her heart intact.

  “Stay for a drink.”

  She wavered at his low-voiced offer. Dammit, he’d become even more handsome than she remembered.

  She needed to think about the situation for a minute. Alone. She hadn’t expected to know her date, even remotely. Familiarity took the safety of anonymity away, leaving her vulnerable. Even more so because of who he turned out to be. What if she spent the night here—with her old crush—and it broke her heart to leave? “I need a minute. Where’s the bathroom?”

  Blake studied her for second. Good luck trying to read her thoughts. Her mind spun in a kaleidoscope of scenarios.

  “Through here.” He led her right into the bedroom with its king-size bed centered against the wall facing her. Oh, mother of…. Could it get any crazier?

  Avoiding Blake’s eyes, she hurried past him into the open bathroom. As soon as the door clicked behind her, the overnight bag hit the floor. She dug the phone from the front pocket and brought up Madame Evangeline’s number.

  Must be a mistake. You could not have matched me to Blake Anders. Am I in the wrong place? She clicked send then sat down on the closed toilet to wait for the reply. What an exciting evening this turned out to be. Alone in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet. Sexy.

  The phone vibrated with Madame’s quick response. Why mistake? Is he not good enough for you?

  A laugh escaped. That was the last thing she thought. But how to explain to the Frenchwoman—who she imagined as drop dead gorgeous and more Blake’s usual pursuit—her being here must be a letdown for him. Despite his assurances, doubts still plagued her. Not that. I didn’t expect to know my date. Send.

  “Jill? Are you all right?” Blake’s rich voice invaded her temporary refuge.

  Great. He’d likely heard her laughing to herself and he’d think her nuts. If he didn’t already. After all, he knew she contacted 1Night Stand. No telling the impression that gave him. “Yes. I’m fine. Be out in a second.”

  The phone vibrated again, and she jumped. That was then, this is now. No mistake. Have fun, darling.

  That was then? How did the matchmaker know she referred to the past? Weird. One clear thing though, whether she decided to stay or leave, she still had to face the man on the opposite side of the door.

  In the bedroom.

  After taking a deep breath, she emerged. Blake stood in the middle of the room waiting for her. The huge bed served as a fantasy backdrop. Hands in the pockets of his dress slacks, his white Oxford open at the neck and in stark contrast to his dark hair, he seemed to fit in with the lavish furnishings.

  “Are you staying?”

  Why beat around the bush? Jill didn’t know at what point within the last ten seconds she reached her decision, but she nodded. If she didn’t take this opportunity—this gift—she’d regret it for the rest of her days. Madame Eve matched her to Blake Anders, a man she once had a major crush on. Further, the man in front of her was a better, hotter, version of the college kid she’d known. Such a chance came once in a lifetime.

  “Good.” He strode toward her, his gaze intense. When inches separated them, he stopped and removed the overnight bag from her grasp. The warmth of his touch and the slide of skin on skin, slow and deliberate, made the contact more personal than it should have been. He pulled the bag from her limp fingers and dropped it to the floor at their feet. “Let’s get something out of the way.” Delicious anticipation ran through her at the intention evident in his voice.

  When he cupped her face, her gaze dropped from his stunning blue eyes to his perfect mouth. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him. At a sound much like a moan, she looked back up into his eyes. A moment passed between them, a silent request and permission granted before he lowered his head to hers.

  The warmth of his lips brushed against hers, first one way then the other. His soft breath feathered along her skin, igniting an ache to lean in, to demand more. Instead she held her breath, afraid to move. Afraid to do anything to end the gratifying pressure of his lips pressed against hers. Then she breathed and all too soon he pulled away.

  When she opened her eyes she found him searching her face. His expression a little too serious, too deep. When
his touch slid away from her cheeks she thought, with a pang, he experienced second thoughts. But then his arms banded around her and pulled her against his body. His mouth covered hers with less tenderness and a lot more purpose.

  After a brief moment of disbelief, she gave herself over to the nerves, excitement, and desire battling for dominance. Desire pulled ahead when he deepened the embrace. His tongue circled once, twice, and then pulled on hers between his lips. Achy heat hit her right between the legs. She may have whimpered. Hoped not. She grasped his arms and responded with an intensity that matched his. All too aware of the hard length of him pressed against her belly, proving he did want her to stay.

  This is what she signed up for; the crazy hot passion of a sure thing. The freedom of knowing there was one inevitable, no excuse necessary ending to the evening served as an aphrodisiac. She wrapped her arms around his neck, willing to let things progress along. But he broke away and the blazing, dream-come-true kiss ended.

  Jill met his gaze. Her cheeks ignited with the thought of her behavior, hyper-aware of the wetness in her panties and the lingering heat in his gaze.

  “Now maybe we can relax. Let’s have a drink, all right?” He stepped back, releasing her, taking his warmth with him.

  Relax? Was he kidding? He sent her hormones into an uproar and expected her to relax? “A drink?” Her own voice sounded weird to her, husky. She tried to clear it with a delicate cough.

  “Yes, a drink. Unless you want me to throw you on the bed now and have my way with you?” He gave her a crooked grin as he delivered the playful challenge.

  Yes.

  The answer in her eyes pleased him to no end. Then her expression changed, the desire dimming. He turned and gestured for her to lead the way.

  Out of the bedroom.

  While he slid behind the wet bar, she moved away to walk the perimeter of the room. Their kiss had left him a little edgy and way too hard. He needed space to give his body time to catch up to the idea of delayed gratification. However, the scent of her perfume stayed with him, rendering the physical distance between them useless.