Take a Chance on Me

Chapter Seven



Sitting in the parking lot of Revival’s only motel, Maddie clutched the credit card tightly enough for the hard plastic edges to bite into her skin. In the hoopla of the week before the wedding, she’d forgotten about tucking the card into her gym bag to renew her membership.

At first, the discovery had seemed like a gift from God. But like most gifts from the heavens, this one had come with strings and unforeseen tests.

Mitch sat next to her. The hard and impenetrable quiet between them was a stony, almost tangible thing.

Outside, the sun blared too brightly against the asphalt parking lot as the temperature climbed steadily over the afternoon. Even with the air-conditioning blasting, her bare thighs stuck to the black leather seats of his BMW.

Another minute ticked by on the electronic display.

At a loss for how to tackle the elephant in the room, she trailed a path over the sophisticated electronic console. “Is this car a holdover from your lawyering days?”

The corners of his mouth turned down. “Something like that.”

They’d managed to keep up an affable front after the sinfully good-looking sheriff had driven away in his cruiser, and Mitch had driven her to the “local” Target, twenty miles away. As they’d roamed the various aisles, he’d broken the ice with his wicked charm and teasing attempt to seduce her back to his house. She’d lapped it up, enjoying every second, because she’d known it would come to an end soon enough.

Even lunch had been heartbreakingly fun as he’d presented numerous closing arguments to sway her. But the bad mood lurking under the surface had reared its ugly head when she’d offered him gas money.

She scowled. What was the big deal?

He’d driven her around practically half the day and taken his time, effort, and resources to help her. It wasn’t a cardinal sin to pay her own way, although he clearly didn’t agree.

On the ride to the motel, the tension grew as discontent stirred like a boiling pot waiting to spill over.

Why wasn’t she happy?

With the backseat loaded with Target bags, and five hundred dollars in her pocket from the cash advance she’d taken from the ATM on her way out the door, she’d accomplished exactly what she’d wanted. Except what had she really proved? That given a credit card with a healthy limit, she could take care of herself?

She stared out the window at the motel that would be her home until her car was fixed. Rundown and decrepit, the sign advertised color TVs and vacancies, with the V blinking at intermittent intervals. The parking lot was littered with the usual cars and pickup trucks pulled into neat little rows outside their accompanying doors. A carport decorated with multicolored tinsel housed a pack of Harleys. Maddie didn’t know if the odd touch made the place more ominous, or less. She pointed at the strange sight. “Isn’t it a little early for Christmas decorations?”

The air conditioner blasted from the vents, rustling the plastic from the backseat.

“Please reconsider.” Mitch’s words were soft, yet firm, as if he was fighting back a demand he couldn’t quite leash. “I don’t want you staying here.”

She fixed her attention on the lobby door. The vacancy sign winked mockingly. She clutched the credit card more tightly. “I can’t.”

He turned, shifting in his seat, his long legs hitting the console. “Why?”

She bit the inside of her cheek. Why was this so hard? It should be easy to walk away. For all intents and purposes, he was a stranger: leaving should be simple. Her gaze dipped down to the door handle. The hard lump of guilt sat like a rock in her stomach.

What kind of a person was she that she’d had an easier time walking away from her wedding than getting out of this car?

Next to her, Mitch waited; the air was tense with everything unsaid.

He was different from Steve in that way. If she’d had this conversation with Steve, he would have answered his own question already. She traced her index finger along the cool metal door handle.

If he bothered to even ask the question in the first place. She took a deep breath and expelled it slowly. “People have been taking care of me for so long, I can’t remember what it’s like to make my own decisions.” The confession surprised her. She hadn’t planned it.

“Go on,” Mitch prompted. That soft, low voice sent a shiver down her spine.

She craned her neck to look at him. The sun caught the dark gold of his hair, highlighting his warm skin and eyes. He was a beautiful man. He was rugged and powerful, a walking fantasy come to life, and he wanted her. Even more startling, she wanted him back, almost fiercely.

Maybe this was God’s idea of a practical joke. Or maybe it was just another test.

She swallowed past the tightness in her throat. She didn’t know what it was, other than not meant to be. “I need to take care of myself right now. To prove to my family and myself I can do it.”

“And you can’t prove yourself and stay with me?” Resignation slid into his expression.

The desire to change her mind rose swiftly, filling her chest. She bit her bottom lip hard enough to feel the sting of pain until she composed herself. “I’m sorry.”

“Why?” The word rasped across her skin like the blade of a dull knife.

Her throat closing over, she shrugged. “I don’t know why.”

For several long-drawn-out moments, he studied her. His eyes narrowed as though he was looking for something; then finally he gave a sharp nod. “Okay. I don’t like it, but I understand.”

A confusing mixture of unhappiness and regret washed through her. How she longed to be convinced. Ironic, considering her main gripe about Steve was that he’d never take no for an answer.


She lowered her lashes. “I guess there’s nothing else to say.”

“Oh, I don’t know about that,” he said, crooking a finger. “Come here.”

Her throat went dry, and her heart gave a thud. On instinct, she shook her head.

His expression turned ruthlessly intent. “Maddie, I’ve been thinking about that mouth of yours for almost twenty-four hours straight. You don’t think I’m going to let you go without touching you, do you?”

Had it only been one day? How was that even possible? It seemed as though a lifetime had passed since she’d run out on her wedding. “Um . . .” She swallowed hard and squeaked out, “Yes?”

A long pause filled with sexual awareness so thick it practically coated the air.

How did he do it, flip the mood? Only moments ago, she’d felt bereft, but with one wicked glance she’d forgotten everything dogging her.

“I’ll tell you what.” He smiled, and it was so filled with cunning that the fine hairs on her neck rose in anticipation. “Tell me you won’t regret it and we can end things right here with a friendly pat on the back.”

“I-I d-don’t know what you mean,” she lied, loving and hating the direction the conversation had taken.

“Do I need to spell it out?”

“No?” The word was a question instead of the statement she’d intended.

“You want to take care of yourself, right?”

She nodded, sensing a trap but unable to stop playing into his hands.

He leaned close, placing his elbow on the console, taking up every spare inch of breathing room. “You’re ready to ditch the good Catholic girl and start doing what you want?”

The strange mixture of lust and irritation he evoked pulled in her stomach. “Well, when you put it that way.”

The curve of his lips held a distinct sexual tilt. “If you get out of this car untouched, tell me you won’t lie in bed late at night and regret it. Tell me you won’t wonder and wish you’d done things differently.”

Her pulse hammered and her throat dried up, leaving her unable to breathe, let alone speak.

He stroked a path over the line of her jaw, and Maddie forced her eyes to stay open instead of fluttering closed from sheer desire.

Why did it feel like an eternity since he’d touched her? Even more troubling, why did his hands feel so right? The slightly rough pads of his fingers trailed down the curve of her neck, leaving an explosion of tingles coursing through her.

“And remember, Princess,” he said, in a deep rumble of a voice that vibrated through her as though he were her own personal tuning fork. “Lying is a sin.”

She gasped, sucking in the last available bit of air left in the car. “That’s a low blow.”

He gave a seductive laugh, filled with heat and promise and the kind of raw passion she’d always dreamed about. “I’m not above playing dirty.” A sly smirk as he rubbed a lazy circle over skin she hadn’t known was sensitive. “In fact, I think you prefer it that way.”

“I do not!” Her heart beating far too fast, she clutched at the credit card hard enough to snap it in two.

“Liar.” He slipped under the collar of her T-shirt to wrap a possessive hand around the nape of her neck. “I’m waiting.”

She gritted her teeth to keep from moaning. How did one man feel so good? Hot and sinful. Irresistible. She whispered, “For what?”

“My answer,” he said, inching closer. Their mouths mere inches away.

She swallowed hard. The truth sat on the tip of her tongue, and for once in her life, she decided to speak it instead of stuffing it back down. “I’d regret it.”

“Exactly,” he said, the word a soft breath against her skin. The pad of his thumb brushed over her bottom lip, sliding over the dampness until it felt swollen. Needy. “I can’t live with myself unless I’ve tasted this mouth.”

This was one regret she wouldn’t have to live with. Her anticipation was a hot rush, and everything stilled inside her.

Another brush over her lip. The roughness of his fingers was an erotic slide over the smoothness. Sensual.

He leaned in.

She waited.

His tongue flicked over her moist, ready flesh. Her nails dug into the palm of her hand, and she let out a frustrated squeak. She’d never wanted to be kissed more.

A hard nip of his teeth.

“Oh!” Surprise and lust mixed together. It heated her blood, making her pulse beat wildly in her throat, jolting through her nerves and sending them into rapid fire.

She’d never experienced this before, this kind of desire.

She wanted more. So much more. Wanted to force the raw, uncontained passion she’d read about but never experienced, to force his mouth to hers and wrap her body around him to feel the hard press of muscle and bone.

But she was too afraid.

So she balled her hands into fists to keep from reaching for him. The plastic cutting her skin was a harsh reminder of where this interlude would end.

His lips brushed hers. Nothing but a tease.

Her breath stuttered in her lungs. Do it. Please do it.

His gaze met hers, a blaze of heat. “I might never get to have you, but I’m going to make damn sure you never forget this kiss.”

“Yes,” she said, the plea in her voice making her cringe.

And then his mouth covered hers. So possessively arrogant that her head spun.

It was every fantasy she’d ever had and then some.

A fierce claiming. Carnal passion. Mad, crazy lust. Her mind went blank. She forgot everything and everyone but this man and the sensations rioting through her.

His tongue swept past her lips to tangle with hers. She moaned deep in her throat, a low primal sound.

He pressed closer, slanting his lips, angling deeper. Pushing her harder. He twisted her ponytail, coiling the thick strands around his hand.

He tugged hard enough that she jerked against him. The sting mixed with desire in her veins, sending her blood racing.

She forgot about propriety. Forgot about right or wrong. Forgot everything but wanting—no, needing more.

Her fingers uncurled, and the credit card slid from her grasp, falling to her lap. For the first time in as long as she could remember, she reached to grab what she wanted. Him.

Shifting in her seat, she pressed against his solid chest. Greedy, she snaked a hand around his neck and pulled him close. Not caring that it wasn’t like her, she took.

Harsh breathing filled the car as he yanked her closer.

The kiss grew wetter. Hotter. More demanding.

A low growl vibrated against her lips. He twisted her hair tighter, pulling until a sharp tug at the base of her neck sent a shiver of pleasure down her spine. She ached. Needing to relieve the pressure, she rubbed her breasts against his chest like a cat in heat.

He slipped a hand between their bodies and cupped one full, swollen mound. His thumb swiped over her nipple. She cried out, the sound captured by his mouth.

God help her.

He rolled the bud.

Her hips jerked, longing for friction. Aching for it.

He pinched the stiff peak. The pressure was hard enough to send stars flashing on her eyelids and searing desire low in her belly. Oh, yes, again. Please again.

He wrenched away.

God, no. Not yet. Mindless, she chased his heat, wanting him back, needing his mouth on hers, but he held her away.

“No!” The urgent plea so instinctual she couldn’t have stopped it if her life depended on it.

He grasped her shoulders. “It’s enough, Maddie.”


The words were more effective than a bucket of ice water. She ceased her struggle, and reality and sanity returned in a cruel rush. The hot sting of humiliation replaced the burn of passion.

His harsh expression softened. “Come on now, Princess. Don’t look at me like that.”

She bit her lip, her throat tight with embarrassment. What was wrong with her? She’d been shameless. “I’m sorry.” Her apology was automatic.

“No. Stop.” He let go of her shoulder and grasped her chin in his big hand. “You have nothing to be sorry about.”

She nodded, wanting to die of mortification.

He gentled his hold. “Believe me, you’re perfect. Too perfect.”

Then why? She pressed her lips together.

He stroked over her bottom lip, still swollen and wet from his kiss. She wanted more. The lust, low in her belly, demanded it. But she wasn’t going to be appeased. Nope, she needed to rein it in. Stuff it back down.

Needing distance, she straightened, pulling from his grasp.

He dragged a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have been so abrupt. You took me by surprise.”

“Sure,” she said, speaking past the lump in her throat. “I should go get the room.”

She grabbed the door handle, but before she could pull it open, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her back into the seat.

Why wouldn’t he let things be? She whipped around. “What?” Her tone was the snap of a whip in the quiet car as embarrassment turned to anger. “It’s time for me to go, Mitch.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw and his eyes flashed fire. “I stopped,” he said through gritted teeth, “because I didn’t think your inner good girl would appreciate being f*cked in a seedy motel parking lot in front of God and everyone.”

She froze at his blunt words. The confession should have satisfied her, but it didn’t. She wrenched her wrist free. “Do me a favor. Take care of your own demons. I can manage my inner good girl just fine!”

Not waiting for a response, she flung open the car door and jumped out.



What in the hell had happened?

Mitch stared after Maddie as she stomped across the sidewalk toward the lobby, her ponytail swaying in rhythm to the defiant swing of her hips. He had no idea what had set her redheaded temper flaring.

Didn’t she understand? For once in his sorry life, he was being a nice guy. He was protecting her.

It had taken a f*cking Herculean effort not rip off those too-big shorts, yank her on top of him, and impale her. And, Jesus, that mouth. Did she have any idea how hard it was to resist that needy, swollen, wet, intoxicating mouth? He’d never kissed a woman and questioned whether he could stop. Ever.

But in less than five minutes, Maddie had blown his control straight to hell. He’d had to stop, because if he hadn’t, he’d have taken her hot, eager little body with a ruthless, demanding lust and scared her to death. With his last remnants of sanity, he’d remembered she was practically innocent and pulled back. For her.

And now she was pissed about it? He shook his head. Women. Who understood them?

Sure, he appreciated her quest for independence, but he hadn’t meant it like that. He was only . . . He trailed off, watching her through the dirty window. He caught the movement of Maddie’s shadow as she talked to the lobby attendant. Her hand flew as she gestured, obviously responding to something he’d said.

Well, in retrospect, maybe he could have phrased it differently. But, hell, she had to cut him some slack—he hadn’t had an ounce of blood left in his brain.

Her ponytail bobbed as she planted her hands on her hips. Goddamn, he wanted her. After that kiss—that mind-blowing, cock-wrenching kiss—was he honestly going to give up and let her stomp off into the sunset?

No way. He was keeping her.

The unexpected thought sent ice through his veins. What exactly was he doing? Keeping her? For what? Nothing good could come from this situation. Maddie was a disaster waiting to happen, and he’d given up complicated women.

Gut instinct had once made him a shark of a lawyer, and even though it had been a while, it told him everything he needed to know: walk away. It had been twenty-four hours, not nearly enough time to do any permanent damage. In a couple of days, she’d be gone and things would return to normal. He’d forget about this momentary diversion and return to his numb, day-to-day life.

It was the smart move. The safe move.

He’d ignored his gut once and paid the price.

Maddie flew through the lobby door, her hands clenched into fists, her beautiful face scrunched in anger.

His chest squeezed.

She marched to the car, threw open the door, and plopped onto the seat.

Before he could speak, she banged her fists on the dashboard and let out a high-pitched scream, startling him.

“Jesus, Maddie, what the hell is wrong?”

“You want to know what’s wrong?” she yelled, pointing at the lobby door. “My stupid credit card has been reported stolen. They took it and now the jerk inside won’t give it back!”

Relief, strong and powerful, swept through him in a dizzying rush.

Screw safe.