Nikki Sloane

It felt like he was everywhere. Inside my body, inside my mind, inside the deepest recesses

“You’re going to be a good little girl and do everything I tell you to, aren’t you?”

. I missed the guy I’d loved, but knew he was never coming back.

Once I flipped the light switch in his dining room, the chandelier warmed the darkness. This room was formal, elegant, and traditional

I was comfortable with both my space and others’. Some might even label me as the overly friendly, touchy-feely type. I was a confident woman, the kind of girl who ate weakness for breakfast and had no problem making the first move.

“Being around unfamiliar people,” he continued, “makes me uncomfortable. Honestly, sometimes it’s exhausting. I can deal with it when I’m at work or out at a job site, but then I need space afterward.” His hand tightened on the steering wheel. “Not to sound like a jerk, but most of the time I’d rather be alone.”

“Oh?” Interesting. “Let’s say hi before we start the tour.”

But he didn’t move. Instead, his gaze sharpened on me. “Why?”

What did he mean, why? “Because it’s polite?”

“Hmm, is that it?” His slight smile was teasing. “I’m sure the fact that he’s attractive has nothing to do with it.”

I played dumb as my gaze drifted back to the man. “Is he? I hadn’t noticed.”

“Right.” He laughed at my outright lie.

“That’s so cute. You think you can run from me.”

was flanked on either side by her parents. Beside her mother stood Clay, wearing a suit, thinner frames, and an unfortunate buzzcut.

“It was hot as hell that summer.” He flashed a rueful smile. “It grew back.”

“Thank God for that,” I teased. “When was this?”

“Hey,” I said quickly. “I wasn’t snooping. This picture is out in the open, and with your lack of hair in full view . . . I can’t not look at it.”