Page 13 of The Big Scoop

The Pines were not only a special place to people living in Derby, but a special place to me. When I first came to this town, I spent a lot of time running through the trails and just sitting on my car watching the leaves and the branches.

It was peaceful, and after a long day of stressing out about my career, sitting down and feeling at one with nature was just what I needed.

And soon they’ll all be gone.

I balled up my fist and slammed it against the already dinged up hood of my old Camry. Compared to the Lamborghini I’d been riding in earlier—well, there really was no comparison.

“Harrison Night,” I said, smacking his name against my lips. “Fucking asshole.”

I don’t know what angered me more; the fact that Harrison was going to destroy the Derby town sanctuary or the fact that he’d almost made me his.

Word of this could never get out. I vowed right then and there to never even remotely mention what had happened between Harrison and me to Jeff, my parents, or anyone else in my life. If anyone found out, it would destroy my journalistic credibility. I could see the headlines now:

One-time wannabe reporter, Gwen Thompson, gives up life in the media for billionaire Harrison Night!

Ex-“Journalist,” Gwen Thompson, gave up her career in favor of being arm candy to New Hampshire’s most infamous playboy!

Ever think about mixing work with pleasure? Ask Gwen Thompson before you do!

I groaned and slumped back against the windshield and threw an arm over my face. I was still turned on, despite how miserable I was feeling. I guess that’s what happens when you get right up to the edge of orgasm and then deny yourself.

I thought about going home, running a hot bath, and finishing myself off before going to bed, but it somehow felt wrong. I couldn’t say exactly why, but it did.

“At least you got away from him when you did,” I whispered to myself. “God knows what else could have happened if you stayed.”

I could still feel his hands on me, his lips against mine, his fingertips against the skin of my thighs…moving up…up…up…

Fuck.

He was the first man to touch me there and it had felt amazing. I wasn’t going to lie to myself and pretend it didn’t. Within seconds I was ready to come. The man did know what he was doing, but that wasn’t surprising, given his reputation.

And I’d touched him down there too…

I closed my eyes as I remembered what he’d felt like…a warm, thick, hot rod of power and desire. He was hard for me, and he’d been that way since the moment he saw me. And again, I wasn’t about to pretend like that didn’t make me feel good.

I really wasn’t familiar with feeling desired like that, especially not by a man of Harrison’s caliber.

Mr. Night, Gwen, I reminded myself. Mr. Night.

As I lay there, reliving the moment we’d shared on the patio while simultaneously hating myself for almost giving myself over to such a scumbag, the definition of an evil capitalist, I was practically blinded by a pair of headlights that came around the corner like two spotlights.

Who’s this? I thought. Despite their popularity, not many people parked here by the Pines at night. I sat up and shielded my eyes as the car pulled up. I didn’t even need to see it to know who it was; I could tell by the sound of the engine.

It was Harrison.

And sure enough, his Lamborghini pulled in next to me. The engine shut off and Harrison stepped out, looking just as panty-wettingly handsome as he was this afternoon.

Get out of here now!

Thankfully, my body listened, and I was on my feet and tearing open the driver’s side door before I had a chance to second-guess myself. I knew that if I stayed, there was a good chance that I’d succumb to another round of Harrison’s professional charms. And that just couldn’t happen.

“Gwen!” he cried out. But I wasn’t stopping. I tugged the door open and moved to slide inside, but Harrison slid in front of me and blocked my way.

“Move,” I growled.

“Just wait—”

“Move!”

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