Leland guffawed. “That sounds like my Hannah. When she finds what she wants, she’s like a little terrier. She never lets go. It’s nice to meet you, Will. I hope you enjoy the party, you two. Simply everyone is here.”

They spent the next half hour greeting the guests—a delicious selection of Manhattan’s weird and wonderful. Will hadn’t even flinched when Brandy, who was really cross-dressing Randy, fingered the collar of his button-down shirt. She couldn’t blame Randy. More than once she found herself brushing up against Will just to feel those hard muscles underneath.

They finally made it over to Anne Marie and the gang. “I wanted to officially introduce you to the people who are really responsible for the great show tonight. This is Anne Marie, our assistant director of design. She keeps me on track and pretty much runs the business side of things.”

“Pretty much?” Anne Marie snorted.

“True. She runs the business.”

Hannah pointed to her other favorite person in the world. “Kayleigh handles all the press, along with Anne Marie. She’s a publicist who does a million other things, as well. She was the stage manager giving the orders tonight.”

“My bark is worse than my bite.” Kayleigh winked.

“Ha! Don’t scare poor Will away,” Hannah playfully admonished.

“The captain doesn’t look like he scares easily,” Kayleigh said suggestively.

Will shook his head.

Hannah chose to ignore the flirting. She knew Kayleigh was just giving her a hard time.

“And this guy is Jesse.” Her friend stuck out his hand to shake Will’s. “He answered the ad for an intern eight months ago, and none of us are sure how we lived without him before that. He has forgotten more about fabrics and textiles than I will ever know. And he’s a mean pattern maker. I’ve never met anyone better.”

“She likes to make us sound good,” Jesse countered. “And the reason we’re all here is because she’s got an imagination bar none, and she is a design genius.”

Hannah made an unladylike noise. “That is so not true. Now who’s being over the top? Trust me, none of this would work without the whole gang. I can be a tyrant at times, but they put up with me.”

She noticed no one came to her defense about the tyrant remark. They obviously hadn’t forgotten her numerous breakdowns over the past few weeks. She tried not to let the pressure get to her, but she didn’t always succeed.

“It’s great to meet you,” Will said to her team. “I don’t know much about this world. In truth, I don’t know anything, but I’ve been listening in on conversations all night. Everyone seems excited about the show.”

“Thanks,” the three said in unison.

“You better get back out there and circulate. Your fans await,” Anne Marie encouraged her.

“Hannnaaah.” Larisa Malone always elongated her name. The shrill voice sent a painful sting through Hannah’s chest. Dressed in leather from head to toe, false eyelashes and garish red lipstick, the other woman looked more like a drag queen than Randy did. “You are quite the surprise, aren’t you? How does it feel?” The words might sound like a compliment but the tone was vicious.

Hannah poked Anne Marie when she noticed a sneer on the woman’s face.

“Oh, Larisa, tomorrow morning they’ll be on to someone else. Are you ready for your show on Thursday?”

“Of course. I have quite a few surprises up my sleeves.”

She glanced over Hannah’s shoulder and waved. “Oh, my, that’s Justin T. I was so surprised to see him at your little show. He usually only makes an appearance for the great designers. I must tell him how delicious he was in that last movie he made.”

“That one is a piece of work.” Will scratched his head as Larisa left. “She reminds me of the women who play bridge with my mother. None of them ever has a kind word about another person and they also have sticks up their— Oh, sorry.”

Hannah smiled. “Oh, don’t be. You have her pegged. And as a result, you’re my new hero.”

Before Will could answer, Christopher Kline appeared. “Doll, great show.” He was Leland’s lover and one of the most influential chefs in New York City. Every restaurant he owned turned to gold.

She hugged him. “Thank you.”

He glanced up at Will and gave him a once-over. “Leland didn’t lie. You did find yourself a real man.”

She teased him back. “Behave.”

He waggled his eyebrows. “That is not how I roll, Hannah, love. Oh, and did you hear the gossip from the Hags in the corner? Such jealousy about you, the hate spews like a river of lies. That means you are on top, my sweet. Leland says you killed, so watch out for the claws.”

Hannah peered over his shoulder. The Hags, as everyone called them, were three women who had tried to design their own lines, only to fall flat on their faces. So instead of going back to the drawing board, they became online fashion critics. Their site didn’t have a single nice review but they had a huge following. Unfortunately, people seemed to eat up their wickedness. They wore too much makeup and their clothes were meant for women twenty years their junior. Hence, their name.

“I guess it would be too much to hope they’d give me a pass.”

“My darling Hannah, sometimes your naïveté brings such a lightness to my cold, dead heart. Don’t worry. You know how it works. The more they hate you, the more everyone else will love you.”

“I suppose,” she grumbled.

“Now you two run off and get some food. Leave those sorry wannabes to me. I have a bit of juicy gossip that might just lead them off your scent.”

Before he left, he blew her a kiss and nodded to Will.

Will guided her to the dining area that had been set up banquet style. “I didn’t realize the fashion business was so cutthroat,” he said.

“It’s the worst, really. I’m lucky Leland invited a lot of my friends, too, who are really sweet. But he has to include some of the others because to snub them is a big faux pas.”

“I always feel sorry for people like those women and the one who came up to you before. They obviously have no self-esteem if they have to beat up on others to make themselves feel better. They are no better than the bullies on the playground.”

She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek again. “You really are my hero.”

“Let’s go eat,” he said, changing the subject. He seemed to be uncomfortable whenever she tried to compliment him. “I don’t know about you, but that modeling is hard work.”

They stood in front of the food table and she was surprised when Will ate a big plate of sushi.

He caught her watching him.

“What?”

“I’m sorry. I seem to have all these misconceptions about marines. I assumed you were more of a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy.”

He shrugged. “I’ve been stationed all over the world, and I’ve learned to eat whatever is available. And honestly, most anything is better than what you get in the mess hall. Or my mom’s cooking. I love her, but she has never belonged in a kitchen. As for the meat and potatoes, I never turn down a good steak.”

“Well, I’m one of those crazies who is allergic to wheat, white rice, shellfish and dairy,” Hannah admitted. She loved food, but had learned long ago that her body had specific needs. Her allergic reactions varied from rashes to her throat swelling so badly she couldn’t breathe. “So I eat a lot of protein and vegetables and fruit. None of which are here.” The table was laden with sushi, dim sum and all types of puff pastries filled with a variety of meats and shrimp.

Will put his chopsticks down. “Do you want to get out of here and find something else to eat? Is that okay, since it’s your party?”

She was starving and alone time with Will didn’t seem like such a bad idea. The crazy day and several nights of no sleep sent her into zombie mode. She wasn’t sure how much longer she could hold up the pretense. “The bathroom is near the entrance—if anyone asks, that’s where we are headed.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He covered her hand in his and pulled her through the crowd.

A few seconds later they were out in the hallway with hopefully no one the wiser. “That was much easier than I thought it would be.” Hannah’s shoulders dropped about an inch.

Will laughed. “I caught a few people staring and whispering. They’re probably thinking the worst.”

Hannah grabbed a clip from her purse and put her hair back up in a loose ponytail. She was already more relaxed now that she didn’t have to impress the denizens of the fashion world. “My guess is they’re jealous. How would you feel about a steak?”

“Like I said, I never turn one down.”

AFTER THEIR MEAL at the steak house, Will escorted Hannah to her studio. It was only a few blocks away and she wanted to walk off the calories she’d eaten. As far as he could see, her body was perfect. Every time she brushed against him at the party he had to control his libido.

She’d warned him, been so worried about how he would view her friends. They were definitely eccentric, but many of them were good people. Will’s instincts when it came to judging people had never steered him wrong. Besides, she should hang out with a group of marines on a Friday night. That was some weirdness.

“You suddenly seem really far away,” Hannah said.

He squeezed her hand. “I’m right here.”

“I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to thank you for everything you’ve done today.”

“Hannah, I told you earlier. I was happy to help. And tonight, well, I’ve had a great time.”

“Me, too.” She smiled up at him sweetly.

That grin was a like a light directed straight to his blackened soul. There were times the past two years when he wondered if he would ever feel joy again. Throughout dinner he found himself relaxing and even laughing at times. Hannah did that to him and he feared he could become addicted to her quite easily.

She stopped in front of a five-story building. “This is me. It’s been a long day, but I was wondering if you would come upstairs. There’s something I want to give you.”

He paused as he tried to figure out what she meant.

“Uh, that sounded so lurid. I promise I have no—uh, you know, on your body…uh. Yeah. Do you want to come up?”

“Sure. It’s hard to say no to an invitation like that.” Though Will had to admit, he wished she did have designs on his body. At the very least he wanted to deeply explore the kiss they shared earlier in the night.

Inside the building he was surprised to see her name across a door on the first floor, but she led him to a freight elevator.

“That’s my studio. I rent out the rest of the floors as loft spaces. We have a cool view of the Hudson on the back side of the building.”

“You own the building?”

She smiled. “I inherited it from my grandmother, along with an apartment on the Upper West Side. I sublet that one, too. I like being close to work because I never know when a creative binge is going to happen so I moved into the penthouse here. Plus, I’m not really a west-sider. My parents are, but not me.”

Will knew enough about Manhattan real estate to understand that was a pricey neighborhood. She must have come from a wealthy family.

“Were they at your show tonight?”

“Who?” The elevator opened and they entered her apartment. Everything was white and she hadn’t lied about the view. The lights flickered across the river.

“Your parents. Were they at your event this afternoon?”

She laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “My parents are mortified by my choice of profession.”

Will was surprised. “You can’t be serious. I thought people with money like that loved clothes.”

She dumped her bag on a coffee table in front of a long sectional couch. Except for a giant flat-screen hanging on the wall it was the only thing in this part of the loft. He could see a filmy curtain in the back that separated her bedroom from the rest of the area. A fridge and a microwave were the only appliances in the kitchen.

How does she cook a meal without an oven or a stovetop?

Will didn’t have a home, except for his parents’ house. Financially, it made no sense to have a place of his own—he was in the U.S. Marine Corps and he lived wherever they sent him. He never accumulated much in the way of belongings because of his travels. But Hannah hadn’t seemed one to like a sparse lifestyle. The clothing at her show was colorful and fun. He wasn’t sure what he expected but it wasn’t this.

“Most of them do love clothing. My family is from old money. My mother has a stylist who buys everything she wears. I’m not sure she’s ever stepped foot in a department store or even a boutique. The clothes and the jewels all come to her. And my dad, well, he lives to work. My mother has all of his clothes made by the same tailors who seamed my grandfather’s clothing.”

Slipping off her heels, she tossed them on the floor near the bar in her kitchen.

He stifled the urge to pick them up and put them where they were supposed to go. Will had a thing about order. Rafe called him OCD, but his friend wasn’t much better. Most of the marines he knew liked to keep their belongings tidy. It was a part of the lifestyle. They never knew when they’d be called into action.

“Wow! Talking about my parents just sucked the life right out of the room.” She motioned to the couch. “Go have a seat. I’ll be back in a minute.”

While it was only ten-thirty, Will had dated enough to know a minute to a woman was often a half hour in man time. He flipped on the television and turned the volume down low. He watched the end of the news and then switched to see a documentary on the National Geographic channel.

“Oh, I love that movie, except for that poor wildebeest who doesn’t see the lion coming.”

Will turned to see her in drawstring pajama bottoms and a long-sleeve T-shirt. Her hair had been pulled up into a fluffy ponytail. He liked that she was comfortable enough around him that she probably would have dressed the same as if he weren’t here. Though, if she was trying to seduce him she was doing a great job. Her natural beauty was like lightning striking his body with pure heat.

If she were trying to seduce you, she would have worn something sexier.

She handed him something soft.

“It’s a scarf. I made it for my brother, Tyler, for Christmas. But I noticed you didn’t have one and it’s supposed to get really cold the next few days.”

Will unraveled the scarf. It was tightly woven, but incredibly soft. “What about your brother?”

She sat down on the L of her couch next to him. “I have several months to make him a new one.”

“Thank you. It’s beautiful and that you made it makes it even more special.”

Her smile lit up her face and he could feel that light sear through his heart.

“I wanted you to have it. I like the idea of you having a part of me wrapped around you.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “I can’t believe that came out the way it did. I meant since you were so incredible today… I give up.” She covered her face and shook her head.

Will’s heart felt as though it beat double-time as he reached up and pulled her hands away from her face.

“You never have to be embarrassed with me.” He touched her cheek gently with the back of his fingers. Her skin was so smooth. It took all of his resolve to keep from hauling her into his lap. “I should get going.” Those words were tough to say but he was doing his best to be a gentleman.

Her lips formed a straight line. “I forgot you have a job to go to tomorrow morning.” She touched his hand. “I’ve kept you out late and—”

“Hannah, stop. It’s only eleven and I do want to stay. Trust me I do. But you’ve had a really long and eventful day. I saw you hiding the yawns during dinner.”

“Oh, no, and here I thought I was being so clever with my napkin. I haven’t slept for a couple of days. So much was riding on this show. But, and I know how this makes me sound, I don’t want to be alone. Can you stay, just for a little while? We can watch the documentary and I have popcorn and beer or wine. And maybe some cheese and bottled water. I eat out a lot.”

“I figured as much when I saw your kitchen. I’m happy to stay if you aren’t too tired.”

“Stay right there.”

She ran off to the kitchen and returned with some beer and a giant bowl of popcorn. She scooted in next to him and he slipped his arm across her petite shoulders.

Less than ten minutes later Will had to save her couch by grabbing the bottle of beer out of her hand. She’d fallen asleep.

When he shifted to put the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table, she fell into his lap. He grabbed a pillow to put between her and his thighs, praying that she didn’t feel the sudden bulge when she’d touched him there.

Will pushed the tiny tendrils that escaped her ponytail away from her face. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

Now what the hell am I going to do?

HANNAH OPENED HER EYES to find the television was on. She yawned and noticed she was lying on her sofa pillow, which was on top of two strong thighs.

Will.

Great. I fell asleep.

Turning her head, she glanced up to find an amused look on his face.

“Hey.” That whiskey voice got to her every time.

She sat up and tugged the pillow from his lap. “Okay, I’m mortified. I can’t believe I did that.”

“You had a good excuse.” He stood and stretched. His shirt lifted enough she caught a glimpse of his hardened abs. The lower region of her body reacted instantly. “You were right about the documentary. It was great.”

His next words would be about him needing to leave. He’d be polite and obliging but she wasn’t ready for that yet. The man was so handsome that part of her wondered if he was a hallucination. If he were a dream, she would make the most of it.

“Will? I don’t ask men I just met to stay overnight.”

“I was heading out.” He was so earnest.

Hannah made a bold move without even thinking about it. She quickly stood before him and placed her hand on his chest.

“Um, you misunderstood. What would you think of me if I told you I want you to stay? That I want to do naughty, dirty things to your body. That I—”

Before she could say another word his lips captured hers, his tongue begging for entrance as it teased her lips. With the lightest touch his knuckle outlined her jaw.

Her hands lifted his shirt so she could run her palms up and down the muscles beneath.

Will moaned when she touched him and he twined her hands up around his neck so that her body was flush against his, her breasts rubbing against his hard chest. There was a strange sense of coming home, almost as if she could feel her body binding to his.

His hand moved behind her head and he loosened her ponytail. “Your hair is like wavy sunshine.”

Her hair was her arch enemy but now wasn’t the time to talk about that.

When she glanced up, the need in his eyes stole her breath. He wanted her as much as she did him.

“Hannah, are you trying to seduce me?”

“If you think I’m just trying, then I’m obviously not doing it very well. I’ll race you to the bedroom,” she said as she took off in a dead run, sliding across the floor in her socks.

“Hey, you cheated.”

“It’s only cheating if there are rules and there are no rules tonight, Will.” She slipped off her clothes and he did the same. A few seconds later, they watched each other from opposite sides of the bed. Naked. His cock was at attention and Hannah wondered at the length and width of him.

A slight panic engulfed her. He was so big.

Before she could think too much about it, she climbed on the bed and sat on her knees in the middle of it. Will mirrored her. Even in the dark, she could see two circular scars below his right shoulder. There were also burn marks on his left shoulder. The pink tissue was tight and angry-looking. With one finger she touched him lightly.

“What happened?”

“Bomb and sniper in Baghdad.” The pain in those words struck her. Though somehow she knew he didn’t want her sympathy.

She couldn’t imagine everything he’d been through. The horrors he had seen and the pain he must have experienced with his injuries. Her every instinct wanted to protect him from harm, to soothe his pain.

“Hannah?” Will was watching her carefully.

She would have to work harder to hide her emotions from him.

“You know I’m just using you for your body, right?”

He chuckled. “You don’t see me complaining.”

She had a feeling he didn’t do much smiling and if she could bring a little lightness to his world, well…

His hand slid down her arm.

She took his hand and put it on her breast over her heart and wondered if he could feel the speed of the beating there. His thumb grazed the nipple, causing it to harden. When he replaced his thumb with his tongue, Hannah sucked in a breath.

Still sitting on her knees she arched back and cried out when his teeth gently nipped her. Continuing to tease her, his hands went to work on the rest of her body, eventually inching down to her heat.

Her breath coming in tiny pants, Hannah separated her knees to give him access. She needed him to touch her there, to relieve the tension building in her body.

He didn’t disappoint. He turned her so that her back was too him and her butt on his thighs. The length of him was underneath her cheeks. He rubbed her sensitive nub with extraordinary speed and pressure.

“Yes,” she cried as he brought her to orgasm.

“Will,” she screamed. He didn’t let go. Three more times he brought her to the peak until her body was hot liquid.

Once again he shifted her so that she faced him. Hannah lifted herself and slipped his cock inside her. His deep moan caused a flurry of excitement. She bounced up and down, riding him hard. He met her thrust for thrust. Hannah threw her head back as Will sucked in a nipple. Every time his tongue rasped against her, there was the feeling she was becoming unglued. Her body shuddered with another orgasm and her heat tightened around him.

“Hannah,” he moaned as he pounded her even faster and then released his seed.

His arms tightened around her and they kissed, both of their bodies shuddering with tremors.

This man was everything.

“That was—”

He kissed her again. “Yeah. It was,” he said as he nuzzled her neck.

Hannah was spent and happier than she’d been in a really long time.

There were lovers in her past. She’d even had great sex. Well, she’d thought it was great until tonight. Will had taken her to a whole new level. A cool February draft from the windows sent goose bumps down her arms and legs.

“You’re cold. Let’s get you under the covers.”

“I’m fine,” she protested, not wanting to move just yet.

His hands cradled her face. “You’re cold. I can feel you shivering.” He lifted her off him and then pulled the sheets and comforter back on his side of the bed. They slid into the pocket he made and she had to admit this was better.

As he warmed her against his chest, she smiled.

“This part is always kind of awkward.” She laughed.

“Why do you say that?”

She lifted her head so she could see his face. “I don’t know. You’ve just made crazy, carnal jungle love, losing all inhibitions, and then, it’s over. Everything is quiet and you’re searching for something to talk about.”

Hannah wished she hadn’t said it, but her mouth was always jumping ahead of her brain.

Will tugged her hair gently. “Well, if you give me about five minutes we can get straight back to that—what did you call it? Carnal jungle love?”

“Five minutes? Really? Wow. What are we going to do until then?”

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