Seduced by Mr. Right, 2
Barbara Ryan is a woman of unwavering independence who longs for a soulmate to fulfill her dream of a traditional family. The last man she expected it to be was the commanding, overbearing detective who keeps meddling in her life, stirring her body and emotions in unexpected ways.
Detective Adam Sinclair sees beyond the irresistible young woman’s tough exterior. He recognizes her true nature: sensuality, goodness, and vulnerability. After three years of holding back, Adam is determined to break through Barbara’s barriers to claim her heart, body, and soul.
When Barbara trusts the wrong man, Adam must intervene and persuade her that relying on others doesn’t make her weak, but is a blessing to embrace.
Excerpt:
Barbara Ryan, a successful business owner who liked being in charge of her own life, nuzzled the warm, sexy neck of the man who’d become her favorite antagonist, Detective Adam Sinclair. The groom’s sexy partner was the bossiest man she’d ever met, and too damn attractive. He made her body sizzle every time he focused his attention on her, which seemed more often since the night of their friends’ engagement. For the three years she’d known him, he’d driven her crazy with his arrogant authoritarianism. Still, at this moment, she wanted nothing more than to surrender to him her most guarded possession—her virginity.
Adam wore an elegant black tuxedo that fit his hunky body to perfection. He smelled of light masculinity. She wore a formal, floor-length, off-the-shoulder pink gown. They’d played maid of honor and best man within the wedding party of their dearest friends.
Wrapped in Adam’s powerful embrace, they danced in the low-lit reception hall beneath a glittering ball of lights. Her arms were around his neck, and her breasts pressed against his solid and distinct pectoral muscles. A euphoric haze enveloped her. Or it could be the champagne. She lost count of the glasses she’d consumed at this festive event. Daniel and Amanda had gotten married a few short hours ago and were on their way to their happily-ever-after.
“You’re not letting me lead,” Adam grumbled as he attempted to direct their sway to the slow, sensory love song the band played on the stage nearby.
“I’m sorry.” She stumbled in her attempt to give him control.
Adam leaned back and gave her a crooked brow while his arms held firm. “You’re sorry?”
She chuckled, as shocked by her uncharacteristic submissiveness as he seemed to be. “Is it so surprising that I might want to give up a moment of control?”
He snorted and pulled her back against his chest. “Yeah, it is.”
The corner of his mouth pressed against her temple, and the soft whiskers of his mustache caused a tingle to rush down her neck. It wasn’t a kiss, but more like an affectionate caress with his face. If the bulge poking her in the stomach was any indication, he shared her response to their closeness, at least in the physical sense.
“Adam?”
“Barbara?”
“Am I such a bitch that you think I wouldn’t enjoy someone else taking charge once in a while?”
He groaned. “Interesting question. Let me think about this for a minute.”
She yanked on the back of his thick, wavy chestnut hair. “I’m trying to be serious.”
He slipped his big hand beneath the few wispy strands falling from her fancy updo to cradle the back of her neck. His hand was large and warm—and sexy. An exciting shiver shot down her spine. Never had they touched this much.
“You’re not a bitch. I think you want people to think you are with that sassy mouth,” he said without looking at her as they continued to sway to the sultry song.
“If that’s true, it’s unintentional. I want to be loved like everyone else. Why would I want people to think I’m mean?”
He leaned away again, but left his hand on the back of her head, thumbing her cheek. “I’m no shrink, but maybe you’ve been hurt and don’t want to let yourself be vulnerable.” He shook his head. “I haven’t figured you out yet.” He chuckled. “It’s on the agenda, though.”
A thrill shot down her core. “You want to figure me out?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
“I guess not, but I think you know me well already. We’ve known each other for quite a while.”
“Well, there’s knowing someone in the social sense, and then there is a more intimate level of understanding. That’s the one that intrigues me.”
Her skin prickled with goosebumps upon listening to his deep, husky voice. “What about you? Why must you always be in charge?” She lifted her palm in front of his face. “Don’t answer that. I already know.” She wrapped her hand back around his neck. “You’re a cop. Giving orders comes second nature to you. That’s why I’ve always considered lawmen off-limits. No bossy cops for me.”
“Your best friend seems to be happy with her cop.”
“Well, Amy is sweet. Any man would be fortunate to have her. Your partner is one lucky man, if you ask me.”
Adam laughed. “I agree with you. He’s blessed. She is sweet. She made a beautiful bride today.” He cleared his throat. “I shouldn’t tell you this, but when I first met her, I told Daniel I thought she was cute and feisty.”
She giggled. “I bet that went over well.”
“He warned me off, and it wasn’t a timid command.”
A wave of dread washed over her. “If Amy is your type, I’m probably not.”
He pulled her tighter. “I didn’t say she was my type. You’re bold and a ball-breaker, but there’s a lot to admire about you.”
“Really?”
“Oh, yeah. But I guess I’m out of the running since I’m a bossy cop.”
She pulled on his earlobe. Of course, he’d have to ruin the thrill of his admiration with a smart-ass remark.
He chuckled.
The music turned to a faster song, and he took her hand, pulling her off the dance floor. “Let’s go back to our table. I’m thirsty.”
Her Aunt June and Nicki’s father, Judge Hamilton, shared their table. They leaned back in their chairs like a pair of teenagers who’d been caught making out. She and Adam sat down and shared a knowing look. He grinned. Love was in the air, it seemed.
“You guys looked good out there dancing,” Aunt June said.
“She led me around the dance floor like a pro.”
Barbara elbowed him in the ribs. “I did not.”
Judge Hamilton grinned at Aunt June and then winked. A thrill shot through Barbara’s heart. It would be wonderful if these two fell in love. Both had been alone for a long time. Aunt June was fifty years old and never married.
Judge Hamilton was fifty-three and had been a widower for ten years.
The waitstaff circulated with another tray of champagne flutes, and everyone at the table took one. Barbara downed her champagne in one gulp.
“That stuff is so good you might not realize how strong it is,” Adam warned. “I think you should switch to something nonalcoholic before you make yourself sick.”
“See what I mean? You’re bossy.”
He raised his hands and rested back in his chair. “Suit yourself. I’m just watching out for you.”
She looked into his cobalt-blue eyes and read the sincerity in his words. “I know.” She bumped his shoulder with hers. “I’m done. No more alcohol for me.”
“Thank you. I don’t want to have to carry you to your room. Not that I couldn’t.” He snickered. “I’d just rather not.”
A mild wave of dizziness washed through her head. Water would have been the wiser choice. She glanced at her watch. It was midnight. The bride and groom had departed hours ago. They were driving to Orlando to catch a cruise ship the following day for their honeymoon.
“Did Nicki already leave?” She looked around and didn’t see her friend, who’d brought a casual date. Nicki had confessed that he was more a friend than a boyfriend, someone who could be her plus-one.
Like Barbara, Nicki had yet to find her Mr. Right.
Barbara looked at Adam and mentally shook her head. He was more than she could manage. No domineering cops, she reminded herself. That didn’t mean she couldn’t enjoy a fling with the man. Would he be game if she asked him to take her virginity? Well, a girl could not afford to be shy these days. She’d soon find out the answer to that question.
- Series:
- /series-seduced-by-mr-right/
