Empty Net

Tate knew he was good-looking. He shouldn’t have any problem finding someone, but it still bothered him. He wanted a relationship like his parents had. He wanted to find that special person, the same special person his dad had in his mom. He wanted to find her like his dad had when they were young. He wanted to love only her for the rest of his life. He wanted to have a son, so he could teach him how to play hockey. Tate wanted everything while he was young, just like his parents. Was it too much to ask?

Apparently it was in Nashville. The women he met were either not interested in him or too independent to actually want anything more than a one-night stand.

Just like the Brunette Beauty.

Even though he knew he should just let her go, he wished he could see her again. She was definitely attracted to him. She had made it obvious many times throughout the night. But what if it was the alcohol that fueled the attraction? Or maybe she was embarrassed because she didn’t have one-night stands? Whatever it was, he would make it right if he had the chance. He had even asked the woman at the hotel’s front desk if they would tell him her name. She wouldn’t divulge that, of course; she probably thought he was a stalker.

Tate shook his head. He had to straighten out or he would drive himself insane.

He had to.





Chapter 3


Audrey was beginning to hate Ann Frances Bridal Boutique. She had been there nine times in the past week, and Fallon still hadn’t made a decision. It was driving Audrey insane. How hard was it to pick a dress when Fallon basically looked great in anything? Plus, Lucas didn’t care. He just wanted to be married to her, so why was Fallon putting them through this?

Audrey leaned back into the plush chair and let out an aggravated sigh. Not only was she in a pissy mood about dress shopping, but she hadn’t heard from Levi in six days. She was really starting to believe that she never would, and she wanted him back.

She was lonely.

But was that the only reason she wanted him back? Was it because she was lonely or because she really did miss him? Yeah, she had thought about Levi often, but that was when something of his was missing or when she knew he was supposed to be there. If she were honest with herself, she’d admit that she hadn’t really missed him, as a person, but missed his presence. She missed the feel of strong arms wrapped around her in bed. She missed making dinner and eating together. She missed watching TV with him, or talking on the phone. She missed those things, the relationship aspect of it all, but she didn’t miss Levi. It was weird because before, she’d always missed him when he left her. But this time the person she really missed was Blondie.

Oh, how he stayed on her mind. The night they shared was on replay 24/7. It was hot and perfect. He took such care, such time with her. His lips were soft and warm along her skin. There was so much of him for her to play with. He was so big. Everywhere. The feel of his rough hands along her smooth skin had her fanning herself as she sat up straighter in the chair.

Man, he was smoking. Her panties were getting wet just thinking about him.

Luckily, to take her mind off Blondie, Fallon came out in one of the dresses she was deciding between. Audrey moved her hair behind her ear as she watched her sister step up on the dressing room platform and look at herself in the mirror. The dress was a masterpiece. It was Audrey’s favorite of the two. Made completely of lace, it fit Fallon like a glove. It was tight at the bodice and around her hips before it widened into a full skirt. The bodice came around her neck as a halter, but the underpiece went right above Fallon’s breasts, still giving her a little bit of cleavage. But it was the back that made the dress for Audrey. It dipped all the way down to the top of her bottom, and showed the whole of her back. Plus, the bridesmaid’s dress they chose to go with it was gorgeous.

“I like it,” Fallon said with her hands on her hips.

“But …?” Audrey supplied.

“But I don’t know if I want to go with the innocent, sweet lace thing. It’s not really me, ya know?”

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