Sinful (Restless Nights) Read online

  Sinful

  By

  Mila Elizabeth Brenton

  Table of Contents

  Sinful

  Table of Contents

  Acknowledgements

  Synopsis

  Chapter One: Avery

  Chapter Two: Jace

  Chapter Three: Avery

  Chapter Four: Jace

  Chapter Five: Avery

  Chapter Six: Jace

  Chapter Seven: Avery

  Chapter Eight: Jace

  Chapter Nine: Avery

  Chapter Ten: Jace

  Chapter Eleven: Avery

  Chapter Twelve: Jace

  Copyright

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  A giant thank you to Brandy L. Rivers for your suggestions, your beta reading, and for being my personal cheerleader. To Gayle for all your time proofing and editing, thank you, thank you. You ladies are amazing.

  Synopsis

  Professionally successful with a busy life, Avery Davis had little to complain about. Living her dream, she should have little to long for, but love is a complication that had her questioning what she thought she knew of herself. Pining over a married man who lives across the country, is a position she never thought she’d find herself in.

  What will come of her heart if she can’t get Jace Evans out of her mind?

  Jace struggles with a marriage on the edge as his mind constantly wanders to the woman that not only miles, but morals separate him from. No longer able to simply sit back and wonder if their connection would be as strong in person as it is online, he devises a plan. One that will finally bring him face to face with the one person he believes could be everything that has been missing from his rocky relationship.

  Blurring the line between right and wrong, the sparks fly until the most important question is finally asked.

  --I could tell my mind to let my heart decide how this moment would play out, and yet the words slipped whisper soft from my lips.

  “What about your wife?”

  Chapter One: Avery

  Where Your Sins Stay Secret

  My heart did that all too familiar flutter. The ding from my computer announced I had a new message. Sure enough it was him. Jace Evans. I let out a soft breath before I opened the chat window.

  Jace: Miss Davis, are you still mad at me?

  I smiled at the use of my last name. Was he trying to be cute?

  Me: I wasn’t seriously mad, Mr. Evans. Just surprised.

  It’s not that I don’t like surprises per se. Flowers and jewelry are great. However a man I met through an online literary group and now spent most my nights chatting with, though we had never actually met in person, playing match maker? Yeah, that was not a surprise I was on board with.

  Me: See, this is the issue with chatting online, it’s hard to convey tone.

  Jace: What do you suggest? So I don’t think you’re mad in the future.

  Me: Just don’t give my info to your friends and if you really want to, ask me first.

  Jace: Fair enough, so how was your day?

  Like an idiot, I found myself smiling at the computer screen. It was such a normal question, but the last year or so of talking online with him and it seemed and felt like he truly cared what I had to say, or how my day had gone.

  Me: It was good. The same as always, super busy.

  Jace: What kind of masterpiece are you working on now?

  Me: Ha, it’s hardly a masterpiece, but it’s looking pretty fantastic in my opinion.

  Jace: You don’t give yourself enough credit. I love your work.

  Me: Aw *blushing*

  Jace: Haha, so are you going to tell me what you’re working on?

  Me: Nope.

  Jace: Avery, were you writing dirty stuff today? ;)

  Me: Lol, maybe. That, and it’s barely a twinkle in my eye right now.

  Jace: Hmm

  Me: Whatever, what about you?

  Jace: Same as yesterday. Editing.

  Me: Ah, the bane of our existence.

  Jace: Pretty much.

  The night wore on and I regretted the end of the conversation. My gaze drifted to the message I had received from Jace’s super hot best friend. It had been the catalyst to the “are you still mad at me?” question.

  I truly wasn’t mad. Though as crazy as it was, I was a little hurt that he’d so easily passed me off to his friend.

  Was it ridiculous? Absolutely!

  Stupid girl, I called myself nearly every time after messaging with Jace. The man I looked forward to talking to every night had given my info to his friend, who shamelessly hit on me through freaking Facebook. Cole seemed like a nice enough guy, and yes, he was hot, assuming the profile pictures were actually of him.

  I shook my head, letting the situation go. Jace was trying, I guess, in his way to help two of his friends hit it off. Only I didn’t want Cole, because as ashamed as I was of my emotions and feelings, I wanted Jace. Who was married. Thank God miles separated us and an in person meeting was nowhere in the future. I had rules and morals, and yet I was reduced to a giddy teenager when I talked to him.

  I had to continually remind myself that I was a twenty-seven year old adult.

  Making sure to save my file one more time, I had written way too much today to risk not saving my manuscript again, I shut my laptop and headed for bed. I knew there was an inappropriate smile on my face. Somehow I couldn’t shake it. Flipping off the lights, I headed to my bed with my eReader and a new book boyfriend to keep me company.

  My days were always so busy, and reading was like research for me. Plus, when you need a break from your reality, there is nothing better than a good book. You can test the theory and quote me on it. I guarantee when you find a book you can get lost in you will realize there is nothing better.

  ****

  In the following weeks I prepared for one of my dreams to come true. I would be attending a Romance Novel Convention. Even better, it was being held in Vegas. My days were busy writing my heart and soul into my new novel and my evenings were still dedicated to a man who lived over 3,000 miles away.

  I fielded a few more attempts from Cole during that time and found that I actually liked the guy as I got to know him. My heart never pitter pattered, but he was still fun to talk to.

  ****

  Did I mention I hate flying? Yeah, well I do. It’s such a pain, so I made the courageous decision to drive my directionally challenged ass to Vegas from my hometown of Novato, Ca.

  The drive had been long, and I swear the lady shouting at me from my GPS was about to tell me to just take whatever damn road I wanted, all because I didn’t listen to her a few times. In my defense, what good is a road trip without music? Blaring music that is. Perhaps she didn’t like the random collection. A little bit of country and little bit of rock, and well, everything in between.

  I sighed as I pulled up to the valet at the Blackstone, where the convention was being held. The stress of driving all day was released with the heavy sigh and quickly replaced by a more excited breath of pure awe.

  I’d never seen a place more overwhelming, more amazing, more glitzy or more overindulgent. I was ready to have some fun. The valet gave me a knowing smirk as he took in my face.

  “Welcome to the Blackstone. Is this your first time staying with us?”

  I smiled as I stepped from my SUV and grabbed my purse. “It’s my first time in Vegas.”

  The valet attendant, Mark, according to the silver name tag on his black suit jacket, smiled even brighter. “Well, welcome to Vegas. Where your sins stay secret.”

  Chapter Two: Jace

  Crossing States And Blurring Lines

  I felt lik
e a crazy stalker. The sweat was gathering on my palms, making them slick. I wiped them down my thighs. I was thankful the material of my jeans was dark enough not to show the sweaty palm prints. I watched the vehicles pull up to the front of the resort, waiting for her to show up. My breath caught when a dark haired beauty rounded the back of a charcoal SUV. She was smiling and laughing at whatever the bellboy had just said. My gaze tracked her every movement as she entered and headed to the front reception desk to check-in. It was now or never, and to be completely honest with myself, I was turning into a total chicken shit.

  What the fuck was I supposed to say to her? Oh hey, Avery, I know this looks bad, but yeah, I have a thing going on here in Vegas this weekend, so I booked the same hotel I knew you would be staying at.

  Yeah, that wouldn’t sound stalkerish at all. Plus, if I couldn’t get my shit together and I continued to ogle her like I was doing right now, I would look like a possible adulterous bastard, since I had yet to tell her about Gemma leaving.

  I blew out the breath I’d held way too long and moved toward her. As if the universe was pushing me forward only to hold me still, she turned and caught my gaze. Reflective blue eyes held me captive. I stood there like a pussy and simply stared at her. Her eyes were the most unusual shade of blue and gold. The gold ring that seeped into the deep icy blue captured me. Her arched brows rose and her pouty lips parted to say something, but no words escaped.

  “Ms Davis?” The receptionist tried to draw her attention.

  Avery didn’t look away, but muttered, “Just a second.”

  Her movement looked nervous as she took a step towards me. Her head tilted and the corner of her mouth lifted in a sexy smirk. “Jace?”

  My pulse jumped at hearing that intoxicatingly sinful voice of hers for the first time, while my cock twitched as she said my name. I had to hold back a groan. My name sounded too damn good slipping from her lush lips.

  “Hey.”

  Lame, jackass.

  She laughed lightly and closed in on me. Ah fuck, she even smelled good. Honey and citrus.

  “What are you doing here?”

  I fumbled for an answer that would explain the very strange semi-coincidence that had us meeting in the lobby of her—well our—hotel.

  “I am not stalking you.”

  Way to go. I shook my head, and she looked at me like I was as crazy as I sounded.

  “My buddy decided to get married and I’m the best man so… yeah, I’m here for a wedding.”

  “What’s wrong with you?” she asked, her smile returning.

  I sighed. Jesus, if she only knew the amount of things that were wrong with me. “It looks weird,” I offered.

  “Only because you’re acting weird. So, you’re here for a wedding? And you just happen to be staying here?” she asked, her voice etched with curiosity.

  “Well, not exactly. I knew the convention was being held here and I figured since we’re both in Vegas it would be fun to actually meet. I didn’t think it would be so awkward.”

  Or that I’d be so damned blown away by seeing you.

  She shook her head and laughed again. “You mean you didn’t think you would be so awkward?”

  I smiled, she was right and quick to make light of my behavior. Her quick wit had always made me smile.

  “Ms. Davis?” the receptionist called to her again.

  “I need to finish checking in.”

  “Dinner?” I asked.

  She tilted her head at me again.

  “How about dinner? You’ve been driving all day. Do you want to have dinner later?”

  “Sounds fantastic. What time?”

  “How about 7:30?”

  “Perfect.”

  “What room are you in?”

  She smiled. “I don’t know yet.”

  I followed her back to the irritated receptionist so she could get her keycard. Looking down at the black card, she said, “1022.”

  “I’ll be by at 7:30 to get you.”

  Chapter Three: Avery

  Something Born Of Romance Novels

  Jace Evans, the man I had been thinking about every night for the past year had stood in front of me and seemed so nervous. Which was weird, the man had no need to feel nervous or self conscious or whatever had him stammering like that. He was gorgeous sex appeal in a six foot frame. His hair was the color of warm chocolate just like his eyes which were sinfully delicious orbs of promise. A promise I had to keep reminding myself was not for me.

  He has a wife.

  He has a wife.

  He has a wife.

  I repeated the mantra as I moved around my room to get ready for dinner. I’d been too shocked and excited to ask where we were going. Meaning I had no idea what to wear. Even with my mantra on repeat I ended up in a black dress and heels.

  I blew out an anxious breath as I looked in the mirror. The dress wasn’t fancy, though it was strapless and clingy. I pulled a light grey cropped shrug on and mulled over the results. It could be casual but could be a little dressier depending on where we went to dinner. The question was heel or no heel? I stared at my pair of glittery Guess flip flops and then down at my super cute peep-toe pumps.

  This is not a date. He has a wife.

  I started to toe off my heels when he knocked. I knew it was him. It was 7:30 and I wasn’t expecting anyone else.

  Still wearing the heels, I made my way to the door and flung it open with a smile.

  “I am almost ready.”

  Jace arched a brow and I could swear I felt heat radiate from his gaze as he gave me a none too subtle once over.

  He has a wife! The thought rang loud and clear as I swallowed hard in an attempt to relieve my suddenly very dry throat.

  “You look ready to me,” he managed.

  “Well, that depends on where we’re going.”

  He arched a brow. “Why?”

  I pointed to my feet. “Because I need to know what shoes to wear.”

  A wicked grin pulled at his lips. “Stick with the heels.”

  So help me, I smiled.

  Jace opened the door to the Twisted Forest Grill. It was a beautiful restaurant. Most of the interior walls were made of deep paneling and large glass panes that depicted forest scenes in lightly frosted tones. A large fountain and pond graced the waiting area, and at every turn I was greeted with greenery. It was an enchanted forest among the desert.

  “This place is beautiful,” I whispered as the hostess led us to our table.

  “I hear the food’s amazing too.”

  After a few minutes of perusing the menu then placing our food order, Jace and I fell into a comfortable back and forth. It felt like I’d known him my entire life and not just through a computer screen.

  “So,” he started, “what are you working on?”

  I smirked at him. “That’s always your first questions. I’m surprised it took so long for you to ask tonight.”

  He shrugged. “I’m curious about what you’re writing.”

  I took a sip of the rich wine he’d ordered, and sat back in my seat.

  “Is that what this is about? You wanting to turn my novel into a screenplay? Is that what this dinner is? An attempt to loosen me up to the idea?” The thought hurt, but I tried to cover it with an emotionless tone.

  He made a grunting noise and set his fork and knife down, forgetting about the forty dollar porterhouse and leveling his eyes on me.

  “Give me a little credit, Avery, of course it’s not. I just want to know what you are working on.”

  I arched a brow at him, but smiled. “All right. I am about a third of the way into the final Crimson Heart Novel.”

  “So you decided for sure? This is the end of the series?”

  I nodded. “Yep, it’s come full circle and the characters have had their stories told.”

  Jace’s phone vibrated loudly from his pocket, it was the third time in the past twenty minutes. I picked up my fork and speared a tortellini. “You should probably get that,�
� I said before taking my bite of food.

  His eyes traced the movement as my lips wrapped around the fork. I swore I saw heat flash in his liquid eyes. I reminded myself once more that it was not okay to take pleasure in those moments.

  “I know who it is,” he muttered as he fished his phone from his pocket. A flustered smile twisted his lips as he read the screen. “It’s Cole.”

  My brows arched. Not who I expected it to be. Jace punched in a quick text and set the phone aside.

  “Everything okay?” I asked.

  “Yep, it’s just Cole being himself.”

  I tilted my head and asked, “Oh?”

  “First, he was flipping me shit about not being at James’ pre-bachelor Bachelor party. Then he had a string of questions about you and what we were doing.”

  My curiosity flared and I had to ask. “What does he want to know about me?”

  Jace gave a wry smile and shook his head. “Don’t worry about it.”

  I sat forward bracing my elbows on the table and folding my hands so I could rest my chin on them. “Now that makes me want to know all the more what you two are saying.” As if to punctuate my words his cell buzzed again with a new message.

  Jace grabbed his phone and groaned lightly. “Fine, he said: you’re missing out. Well maybe not, I’d rather hang out with a hot chick than all this sausage.”

  I laughed and he continued.

  “You seriously need to get your ass over here. At which point I texted back that we were having dinner and I wasn’t going to ditch you to go hang out with them.”

  I smiled. It was a sweet gesture, but I felt weird that he was ditching his friends to have dinner with me. No matter how much I was enjoying myself.

  “Then he says some other stuff…,” He trailed off and that caught my full attention.

  “What stuff?”

  Jace squirmed. “It’s kind of a dickish statement….” My brow cocked. He sighed and handed me his phone so I could read it for myself.

  Cole: She’s not as hot as her picture, is she? Oh shit, is she hotter than her pictures? Just bring her with you and I’ll decide where she fits on the hotness scale.