Free One Reckless Night by Stephanie Morris Page A

things were.”

    Bayleigh glanced away briefly, pain darting through her heart. “I know.”

    She looked back at him and tried not to flinch at his impassioned stare. How would she ever
    keep up with this dynamic man?

    “Do you really think a relationship between us would be such a bad thing?”

    Bayleigh hesitated. “It’s complicated.”

    “It always is.”

    Bayleigh glanced around. The other couples were gone. Her nerves spiked. Alone time with
    him could be dangerous.

    “What would be so bad about dating me, Bayleigh?”

    “Who said there would be anything bad about dating you?”

    She blinked when she realized what she said. “Um…what I meant to say is we would make a
    mistake if we were to act upon these…desires. It could be disastrous.”

    “Says who?”

    Bayleigh rubbed her temples. This was difficult to deal with when her body wouldn’t
    cooperate. Her mind was saying no while her body screamed yes. “I’m sorry, Dane. I’m just
    confused about all of this. I’ve never been in this situation before.”

    “Neither have I Bayleigh, and I have to admit I’m nervous as hell. Not enough to walk away
    without trying though.”

    “Who says I’m walking away?”

    Amusement filled his expression. “Your actions.”

    Bayleigh couldn’t negate the fact. In the last two weeks she had avoided Dane in every way
    possible. It was with good reason. Every time she saw him she wanted him more. Even now she was
    fighting the temptation of his body. He was like her mama’s carrot cake. The more she fought the
    craving of a slice the more she wanted one. Only one serving of Dane wouldn’t be enough. She
    already knew he was addictive. If she gave into him she would never be able to get enough. The idea
    alone scared her.

    “What would be so bad about dating me?”

    Bayleigh stared at Dane with wide eyes. “Nothing, Dane. I’m more worried about the fallout
    when the relationship doesn’t work out.”

    He frowned. “We’re not even together and you already have us broken up?”

    Bayleigh realized her statement sounded negative. She sighed. “I’m not ready for a
    relationship with you right now, Dane.”

    Dane laughed. “I think I’m offended by your response. Care to tell me why you’re not ready
    for a relationship with me?”

    “Because you are distracting, demanding, high-maintenance—”

    Dane put his hands up. “Stop, Bayleigh. I’ve heard enough.” He exhaled slowly. “And I
    thought we were friends.”

    Bayleigh reached out and touched Dane. “We are, which is why I don’t want to give it up. I
    don’t want to hurt you or vice versa. My track record with relationships isn’t good but my friendship
    with you is.”

    Dane gave her a confused look. “Who says we’ll lose our friendship?”

    Bayleigh groaned, pulling away from him. “Dane, please.”

    He shook his head before moving closer to her. “No, Bayleigh. I gave in two week ago but
    not tonight. You are worth fighting for.” Dane smiled. “As well as we know each other’s wants and
    needs, how could it go wrong?”

    When his hand landed on her thigh, she tensed. He had barely touched her but her body was
    ready, anticipating his next touch.

    “We will be good together, Bayleigh. Admit it.”

    He leaned closer, slowly, giving her time to pull back but she didn’t. She didn’t want to.

    * * * *

    Dane heard Bayleigh gasp when he place a soft kiss on her neck. He hid his smile when she
    relaxed into him, resting her hands on his biceps.

    “Because Bayleigh, I don’t think one night was enough between us. We deserve so much
    more,” he whispered against the soft spot behind her ear. Her breathing became shallow as she

    clutched his arms. He trailed teasing kisses along her jawline, down her neck to the smooth skin
    where her neck and shoulder met. Bayleigh shuddered against him.

    “I can prove it,” he murmured, before lifting her into his lap.

    Her legs straddled his, bringing her into