Page 22 of Midnight Player

He lifted the book off the ground as if it were handspun glass. Then he noticed the handwriting inside the book cover.

He read the inscription.

I will always remember that you chose me. This weekend will live with me forever. I wish I was strong enough for your world. But know not a day will pass that I won’t think of you. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

And he sank onto the edge of the bed. Not strong enough for his world? Was that what she really thought? Was that why she’d turned him down? Because she didn’t think she fit?

Jake wanted to rage. He should have sat her down and talked to her more. But he’d been caught up in her, in the feel of her in his arms, that he’d forgotten a critical component. His life, for better and sometimes worse, was in the limelight.

And he should have told her he would protect her, shield her from the eyes of the media as much as possible if she wasn’t comfortable with it. Hell, half the time he hated it, but it came with the job.

He pulled up her author website on his phone. Then located the contact form. It was the only way he had to reach her.

Willa, I know you’re scared, but I will protect you with everything I am. Please call me when you get this.

And he left his number. He knew it might take a few days or weeks—if she responded to his message at all. He just had to be persistent and patient. She would call him. He had to believe that what she wrote in the book meant she wanted him just as much, but was scared. And then he went and signed up for her newsletter.

This way, at least, he could keep track of what was happening in her career. Perhaps if she posted about a book signing or an appearance, he could fly there and make her listen.

God, he had it bad. She’d changed his entire world in two nights. His heart beat for her now.

With a heavy heart, he did the only thing he could. He packed his bags and got ready to fly home to Philadelphia.

On the flight home that afternoon, he sat in a row by himself and read her book. Unlike the trip down, the flight home was one of quiet self-reflection for the team and staff instead of the party atmosphere.

And as he read, he glimpsed a peek inside Willa’s heart and mind, firming his resolve to make her his for all time.

Even though he knew it would take a miracle.

13

Willa was home for a week before she felt like she could emerge from her house without sobbing. She did what she always did when she was feeling low—she went toThe Eros Pit. If nothing else, she’d have a drink at the bar, and at least she wouldn’t be alone. Plus, she enjoyed the ambiance. It had been decorated to look like a gentlemen’s club circa 1890, with lots of black furniture and gray walls illuminated by golden chandeliers giving it a warm, intimate feel.

She was at the club for fifteen minutes before she realized coming here had been a grave mistake. She wasn’t ready to be around people, let alone scene with a Dom. The only man she wanted was lost to her forever. Fate was a cruel bitch.

“Willa, I must say you’re looking quite fetching this evening. Up for a scene tonight, love?” Ronan asked, his bass a deep, gravelly rumble.

Willa glanced at the big, beefy professional rugby player. He was only six-two, but with his massive muscles and barrel chest, he appeared bigger. His inky hair was shorn in a buzz cut. His blue eyes danced with mirth. This Dom was the life of the party and more alive than anyone she knew—except Jake.

Willa shook her head in refusal. “No, Sir, not tonight. I just stopped by for a drink.”

“Are you sure I can’t convince you?” Ronan eyed her up and down like a snack. Any other time, she would have been down for an evening with him. He was an inventive, passionate, pleasure Dom and excelled at oral.

“Yes. I’m sorry, Sir,” she winced, hating the disappointment that surfaced in his blue gaze.

“Another time then, love. Enjoy your evening.”

“You too,” she murmured to his retreating back.

And that was how her night progressed. She had three more Doms approach her before she figured it was time to call it quits. Jake wasn’t going to mysteriously appear at the bar.

She’d lost him. Because she was, in fact, an idiot. Now she knew what life without him would entail, and she would rather brave the media circus around him than live without him. It was her own fault. She’d been her own worst enemy because it had all happened so fast. He’d spun her head and her heart until she hadn’t been able to make heads or tails of things.

She tossed a few bills on the bar, ready to head home, don her pajamas, and break out the chocolate.

“Willa, a word, if you would.”

She turned and found Gabe Ryan in a three-piece charcoal suit, looking dashing, even with the sprinkling of gray at his temples. She thought the gray made him look distinguished. She swallowed her fear. She’d been respectful to each of the Doms she turned down, so she shouldn’t be in trouble. “Sure. What can I do for you, Master Gabe?”

---