Page 7 of Ruthless Love

But a few weeks ago, instead of jolting awake in a cold sweat, my heart pounding and my body tangled in my sheets, he was there, wrapping me into his arms. In the moment, I’m safe. The gorgeous stranger across the street became my hero by doing nothing more than slipping into my subconscious. Proof positive that there are upsides of my stalking. Now, the three hours I do manage to sleep each night are solid.

Felicity’s rambling continues until her head nearly explodes when she details appointment after appointment. My reassurance does little to stop her from a full-blown freak-out. “But you’re double-booked for five hours today. Five. Hours!”

“Don’t worry. A quick stop for a dozen Red Bulls and a pack of adult diapers, and it’s like law school all over again.”

“What?”

“Kidding,” I say, but there’s only silence. “Too soon?”

When I sense Felicity is speechless, unheard of for a lawyer, I decide to let her off the hook.

“First and foremost, don’t panic. Second, I checked my schedule, and I’m only double-booked because Mr. and Mrs. Fairborn both want to see me before they go on leave, and they need to understand I’m not a wishbone. Send them both a message to get together, figure it out, split my time, and keep that baby locked and loaded in her belly for as long as possible. Got it?”

“Yes, Ms. Banks.”

“Ooh, let’s only do the whole Ms. Banks thing in front of witnesses when I’m grilling them like a steak during their depositions. Otherwise, call me Evie.”

“Yes, Ms.— I mean, Evie.”

“Thanks, Felicity. Be there soon.”

I slide the strap of my purse over my shoulder, grab my key fob, and lovingly carry the box of cherry and white chocolate chip muffins to the car. With my garage door up and my car in gear, only one thing stops me from peeling out of the neighborhood.

A buck-naked neighbor. Because dreams really do come true.

I kill the engine and make my way to my driveway, headed toward his house, because that man has the gravitational pull of the sun.

Blinking in disbelief, I see the man of my dreams. At least, he’s taken center stage in a good number of them for the past few weeks, but he’s never been as hot as this.

My stare takes over as he strolls down his driveway, naked and beaming. I give myself a light pinch. I’m definitely awake.

His handsome face leads down to squared shoulders and buff arms that look as though his workout includes bench-pressing cars and refrigerator lifts. Every inch of his chiseled chest and ripped abs are tight and tanned, and my smile grows at the sight of not one tan line.

As my exploration veers south of the equator, any remaining doubts evaporate. The man is a living god, and losing myself in the sight of him is something I could take my time soaking up.

All. Day. Long.

He seems to be making a pass at possibly the oldest resident in the development, shouting after her when the obviously blind woman with zero sex drive passes him by.

In an act of bizarre desperation, he shouts, “Pose with a nude model. One dollar. Today only.”

Oh, I’ve got your dollar.

So, not only are my assumptions right about the way he makes his money, but times must be really tough if he’s soliciting the Crypt Keeper in broad daylight.

My eyes are still locked on his mouthwatering physique when I realize he’s now staring back. Before I can look away, he takes a flamboyant bow, turns to give me a shot at his rock-hard backside, and heads for his front door. And, my God, that man’s ass is evidence he works hard for his money. He should probably up his rate.

The gust of wind that slams his door shut nearly clocks him in the ’nads, and an opportunity is thrust upon me. I grab a blanket from the back seat of my car and race to the hunky hooker’s rescue.

Chapter Five

AUSTIN

My full moon flashes the little baker girl as I turn my head. I grin, seeing her own sweet smile looking back at me.

Graciously, she holds up a throw blanket. “I always keep one in my car for emergencies. Or naked models strapped for cash.”

“Thanks.” I tug the soft throw around my waist like a makeshift apron and make a knot with the corners as I study her eyes. Their bright blue is offset by a gorgeous blush rising up her cheeks. “My lock isn’t working.”

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