Chapter 1: Introduction
Anna swiped left. Again. And again. The dating app was supposed to be a treasure trove of eligible bachelors, but so far, it had only delivered a parade of shirtless gym rats, selfie-obsessed dudes, and one guy who had posed with a tiger at a zoo. She sighed, setting her phone down on the kitchen counter. She was a sucker for a man in glasses, but this was getting ridiculous.
Just then, a sharp knock echoed through her cozy apartment. She jumped, startled, then grinned when she caught sight of her reflection in the window.
A man's knock always managed to get her heart racing, even if she knew who it was. Especially when she knew who it was.
Anna swung open the door to reveal Brennan, leaning casually against the frame, his arms crossed over his chest. His tattoos peeked out from beneath the sleeves of his worn leather jacket, and his hair was rumpled in that way that made him look like he'd just rolled out of bed. Which, knowing him, he probably had.
"Brennan," she said, stepping aside to let him in. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
He grinned, flashing a set of straight, white teeth.
"Just checking in on my favorite nerdy girl. Miss me?"
Anna rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I was just about to go on a date, actually."
Brennan's eyebrows shot up. "Seriously? With who?"
She gestured to her phone on the counter. "Some guy from that dating app. Paul, I think his name is."
Brennan scoffed, stepping further into the apartment. "And you're actually going on a date with him? Anna, really?"
Anna bristled slightly at his tone. "Why not?
I'm looking for something serious," Anna said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "And besides, you're not exactly known for your commitment issues."
Brennan chuckled, running a hand through his hair. "Fair point. But even if you're dating seriously, you won't be able to resist me, Anna."
She raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And why's that?"
He took a step closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "Because you want me, Anna. You've always wanted me.
And no matter who you're with, or how many dates you go on, that won't change." Brennan's voice was low, almost a whisper, but it sent a shiver down Anna's spine. He was right. She did want him. Even though she knew she shouldn't.
Anna took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "You're delusional, Brennan. I'm not falling for your charms again. I have a date tonight, remember?"
He smirked, taking another step closer. "Yeah, I remember. With who? Some guy named Paul?" He said the name like it was a joke.
" Listen, Anna, I don't care who you're dating. You can't resist me. You never could."
He reached up, slowly untucking his shirt from his jeans. Anna watched, her breath hitching in her throat as he pulled it over his head, revealing his muscular torso, covered in intricate tattoos.
"Brennan, what are you doing?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He took another step closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "What does it look like I'm doing? I'm seducing you, Anna. And you're letting me."
She should have stopped him.
She should have told him to leave. But all she could do was stare, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum. She couldn't resist him. Not when he looked at her like that. Not when he was so close she could feel the heat radiating off his body.
Brennan reached out, his fingers gently brushing against her cheek. "Anna," he murmured, his voice a low rumble. "You know you want this. You know you want me."
She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. "Brennan, I... I can't.
I have a date tonight," she whispered, her voice weak even to her own ears.
Brennan's hand cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her bottom lip. "You're not going to that date, Anna. You're going to be right here, with me."
Before she could respond, Brennan leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a fierce, hungry kiss. Anna's eyes fluttered closed, her body melting into his as she wrapped her arms around his neck. His kiss was demanding, insistent, and Anna found herself responding in kind, her tongue tangling with his as she kissed him back with a desperation that matched his own.
Brennan's hands roamed over her body, tracing the curves of her hips, the swell of her breasts, as if he couldn't believe she was finally his.
Anna's brains seemed to short-circuit as her body took over, her hands exploring the hard planes of his chest, the ridges of his abs, the warmth of his skin under her fingertips. She gasped when he slipped his hands under her shirt, his fingers brushing against the lace of her bra, and she arched into his touch, wanting more.
Brennan broke the kiss, his lips trailing down her neck, nipping at her sensitive skin and making her moan.
Anna's head fell back, giving him better access, and she could feel the vibration of his low hum against her throat. "You taste so fucking good, Anna," he murmured before capturing her mouth again, his hands sliding up to cup her breasts.
Anna squirmed, her nipples hardening under his touch, and she let out a soft whimper when he pinched one through the fabric of her bra. Brennan chuckled against her mouth, the sound dark and sexy. "You're so fucking responsive, Anna.