Page 1

Seven years earlier…

“What the…” I say, stepping into my apartment hallway after my shower.

I adjust the towel wrapped around my hips as I start to follow the trail of discarded clothing leading to my bedroom door.

Skirt.

Blouse.

Bra.

Panties.

And I can feel the excitement stir below my waist when I know I’m going to find my favorite brunette beauty on the other side of the door.

“Emily,” I say, pushing my door open. “What are you doing?”

“Waiting for you,” I hear her voice reply in the dark. When she flips on the bedside lamp, I can finally take her in.

Completely bare, save for a pair of red high heels.

“Fuck, Em.” I’m across the room in seconds, my towel dropping as soon as I start climbing on the bed to descend on her. “What the fuck did I do to deserve this?”

She runs her finger up my throat before resting it under my chin, turning me to face her. “We still need to celebrate you, Knox.”

“All it took was getting drafted first overall to earn this, huh?”

Emily leans up to kiss me as she slowly lets her legs drift open. “Let me show you how proud I am of you, baby.”

With my last coherent thought, I grab the box of condoms I keep in my nightstand.

There’s no way in hell I’m letting her leave my bed tonight.