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Chapter One

Angelica stood in front of Briggs’s Ocean Club in Newport Beach, staring up at tell-lit palm trees that flanked the entrance Her heart ha here involved a certain walk of sha

But now that she was here, her knees felt watery and the butterflies in her stoed astretch of road So as she ai males around her office would scratch this itch just fine? She ht even fall in love, make some babies, have a life

Except she didn’t want that kind of life

Putting a hand to her stomach, she drew a deep breath

She’d finally adan Reyes, a six-five god who looked like he ran black opsblue eyes, le just thinking about licking a line straight up his jaw

Despite her self-confessed need, she re he could be inside For whatever reason, she couldn’t make her feet move

She didn’t really have ti job as an accountant in a big firm that kept her insanely busy She should just show some sense, head back to her apartet some rest Besides, her stilettos pinched like hell She wasn’t used to dressing up like this, showing a ridiculous ae And she ay out of flirting practice

Yet her feet wouldn’t move backward, either

Her life had beco to shake things up she thought she o mad

A sudden offshore breeze gave her a sht for the doors She wanted this for herself, if only for one night

And Reyes was the man she wanted

Taking a deep breath, she lowered her chin and crossed the foyer threshold, her black sequin clutch held tight to her side

The hostess ss’s Ocean Club Can I help you with your reservation this evening?”

The club had a variety of venues, including an upscale restaurant, a huge bar and lounge, and an outdoor patio, as well as live

Angelica waved a hand to the left, indicating the lounge, and the hostess smiled and nodded She e, noisiest part of the club: the bar

As she walked down the five steps, she quickly scanned the tables and long, polished oak bar, but Reyes wasn’t there

She picked a stool at the end nearest the stairs, and perched

The bartender ain”

“Hey, Marcus”

“You haven’t been here in a while” A concerned frown followed “How’s your mom?”