Love Collides (Fate's Love #3)
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Authors: L.A. Cotton
L. A. Cotton
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Edited by Jenny Carlsrud Sims of
www.editing4indies.com
Cover designed by Natasha Snow of
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Fate’s Love Series
Fate’s Love
Love’s Spark
Love Collides
Chastity Falls Series
Loyalty and Lies
Salvation and Secrets
Forget what hurt you,
But not what it taught you
~ unknown
I was in hell. No, that didn’t do justice to the level of wrong going on inside of my body.
How much did I drink last night?
My eyes squinted around the unfamiliar room as I tried to stop the spinning in my head.
Where the fuck am I?
The room smelled of beer, sweat, and… sex! And then I felt him.
All
of him, pressed against my ass, ready for round two, or three, or four… it was all a little sketchy.
Fuck
!
Think,
Jameson, think. There was a party... Yes, Livy's party, at that cute little pizza place. And skating at that psychedelic mindfuck-a-rama, and then shots. Lots and lots of shots.
My stomach lurched
. Who was there? Think, dammit. Sharn and her boyfriend, Liv's friends, Ethan... oh shit, that means...
"
Morning, gorgeous. Ready for round four?" a husky voice said from behind me. Warm lips pressed against my shoulder.
Fuck, fuckety, fuck
. I groaned, covering my eyes with my arm
,
clenching my thighs together, trying to ignore
his
effect on me
.
That deep husky voice was like my own personal screwed-up version of kryptonite...Left me breathless and weak-kneed and made me want to avoid him for all eternity.
His arm snaked around my naked hip and dragged me back into his solid chest. "So? Are we doing this or what?"
Somewhere in my hungover-fogged mind, my senses caught up with me and I managed to wriggle free, rolling to face him. "Do I still look wasted? Because I'm pretty sure this-" I motioned to him and me, "only happens when I'm drunk. And right now? I'm as sober as a damn judge. So pass me my clothes and call me a cab."
He laughed, pushing himself off the bed, and proceeded to throw my clothes at me. After managing to half dress myself, I rolled out of bed and tried my best to stay upright, all the while avoiding his piercing stare.
"Cab's here," his voice cloaked me trying to lull me back to him and my body fought against the pull. He just stood there, pointing at the door opposite his bedroom door over on the other side of the hallway, with a smug grin on his face as if he knew exactly how he affected me.
Why does he have to be so good looking? Stop looking at him. Stop...Jameson. STOP.
Trying to reclaim some shred of dignity, I smoothed my dress down and walked past him with my head held high and my best so-we-just-fucked-now-fuck-off smile plastered across my face.
"See you around," he called after me.
Not likely.
Kade Ford was a mistake I definitely wouldn't be making again… Not for a third time
.
…Two years later
~ Staci ~
"Holy shit, Livy. You look stunning." My eyes bugged out as I took in my best friend's bride ensemble. "Ethan's going to die."
She laughed, running her hands down the made-to-fit gown. "Hopefully not. I want a wedding night first."
"Damn right, you have to put that Victoria’s Secret lingerie to good use," Sharn added without so much as a hint of laughter while she sat statuesque.
"You three are like dogs in heat. I'm lucky if we have sex once a week now that we have Bray. Being a mom is amazing, but it kills your sex life."
We all turned to stone-faced Amber, as she carried on applying Sharn's make-up with precision.
"Which is why I won't be having kids for at least another five years," chimed Lou, causing the rest of us to burst into fits of laughter.
Livy, her sister, Lou, and I were ready. Livy's best friends—Sharn and Amber—were taking a little longer. Since when did bridesmaids take longer to get ready than the bride? I was already growing restless in the sage green, floor-length cocktail dress Livy had us all wear. That, and the fact they’d stretched my hair in an unnatural way, causing my scalp to pinch.
"You okay over there, Staci? You look a little uncomfortable." Livy sat delicately on the chaise next to me.
"Nothing I can't handle for your big day. Are you ready?"
A slow smile broke across her face. "I'm ready." Her love for Ethan radiated off her in waves.
There had been a time, back in college, when I thought Livy was like me. Damaged...broken. But it turned out she just needed eight years and a near escape from death for her head to catch up with what her heart already knew—she was in love with Ethan Shaw. I knew there was no happily ever after out there for me. Hell, I wouldn't even want it if there were. Once bitten, never again...that was my motto.
Amber and Sharn were done, finally, and the five of us helped Livy into her shoes before heading down to the foyer just off to the side of the ceremony room. I followed at the back, trying to perfect my I-hope-this-smile-doesn’t-give-away-how-much-I-hate-weddings smile.
Once we reached the foyer of the grand hotel, people started yelling out orders and poking and prodding Livy, who just smiled graciously. I deduced they were organizing the wedding party for the big walk down the aisle. I'd missed the rehearsal dinner, only flying in last night, so there was no practice run for me. I was just to do as instructed. Nothing more, nothing less.
A man prettier than me on a good day started pairing people up and demonstrating the appropriate aisle walk—as if we needed to be told how to fucking walk, for Christ's sake. The whole thing seemed unnecessary, but I just gritted my teeth and forced a smile.
"Miss Jameson, you shall be over here behind Miss Macer and Mr. Smith." Mr. Pretty tried to pull my arm, but I yanked it away swiftly and motioned for him to
show
me.
Ethan's little brother, Mason, stood up front, looking all kinds of cute in his tux. He was going to be a heartbreaker in a couple of years, for sure, with those big browns and killer smile. I was too busy fumbling with the sweetheart neckline on my dress to notice the hand catching mine. "Well, isn't this going to be interesting?"
Fuck, fuckety, fuck
.
I turned to Kade and shot him my best nice-to-see-you-in-your-fucking-dreams smile.
"You shouldn't look at me like that, Jameson. That look will get you into trouble."
Oh, my...
My stomach clenched, but thankfully, Mr. Pretty announced it was time to move into position. I tried to focus on the sound of the piano drifting into the foyer and not Kade's hand holding mine. His skin touching mine.
I risked a sideways glance at him. The bastard looked all kinds of delicious in his tailored tux, matching his jet-black hair to perfection. He looked like sex-on-a-damn-stick, and I silently vowed to lay off the strong liquor tonight. It had been too long since I’d gotten any, and with Kade looking like that… well, let’s just say, my resolve wouldn’t last long.
~
Three and a half painful hours later, it was finally time to party. Don't get me wrong; the ceremony was beautiful and the meal was so good that I almost licked the plate, but I just didn't
do
weddings. I think it was the structure, the expectation, and the execution of it all. I was more of a free spirit and preferred to live by one schedule. My own.
Downing my glass of sparkling wine, I grabbed Lou's hand to head to the dance floor. It was time to shake what Momma gave me, but Lou's hand yanked me back. "What are you doing?" She looked at me, annoyance written all over her pretty face.
"Hmm, dancing?"
"They haven't had the first dance yet. No one can dance before the bride and groom."
I dropped into the seat defeated. Didn’t that old tradition go out the window years ago? It was almost nine, for Christ's sake—time to get the party started.
Lou shook her head incredulously at my obvious annoyance at waiting. "Hey, it's not all bad. You get to dance with Kade. He's dreamy in a totally I'd-rock-between-the-sheets kind of way."
I almost choked on the wine I'd just sipped.
You don't know the half of it.
"Please, the guy's arrogant and so cocky that he refers to himself in the third person. Who does that? And he has permanent sex hair."
"I have permanent what?"
Fuck
.
Lou laughed under her breath. "Staci was just saying you have nice hair."
"Not as nice as mine. Right, bro?" Russ, Lou's fiancé, added dryly, and Lou nudged him in the ribs, stifling her laugh.
"Whatever you say, man." He looked at me and extended his hand. "We have to dance. Bride's orders."
I blew out an exasperated sigh, my hand hovering over his. Electricity literally snapped between us. "Well, if the
bride
says, then I guess I'll do as I'm told."
Kade's face cracked a smug smile, as if to say 'oh, you'll do as you’re told, all right,' and his hand curled around mine. The electricity ran up my arm, causing me to shudder.
Knock it off.
I chastised myself for letting him get to me.
The other groomsmen found their bridesmaids, and we all made our way to the checkered dance floor. Livy looked so pleased with herself; I shot her a discreet scowl. She was the
only
person who knew about my brief history with Kade Ford, and that was only because she tricked it out of me after one too many tequilas last year.
Kade wrapped me in his strong arms and started swaying us to the music. "You look so damn fuckable in that dress."
My head snapped up to meet his hooded stare. He looked like he wanted to devour me.
Shit, Jameson... PULL IT TOGETHER.
I gave Kade my best fake smile and said, "Does that line actually work, Ford? Because I've heard better."
The smug smile he was wearing slowly transformed into a lazy grin only making him sexier—if that was possible.
He dipped his head into the crook of my neck and whispered against my skin, "Maybe, but have you ever
had
better?"
The guy was a walking, talking jerk. I'd known some douches in my time, but Kade Ford was—and always would be—douche canoe number one. The kind of douche that left a mark, but a douche nonetheless.
I pulled away, forcing him to meet my eyes. Slowly and precisely, I said, "Well. Let’s see. There was Sam; he rocked my world, twice. Travis could make a girl moan with just his tongue; I learned that one a few times." I felt Kade tense against me, his jaw set. "Jonty. Oh, he had all the right-"
"What kind of fucking name is Jonty?" he hissed through gritted teeth, and I laughed; I couldn't help it. I had him by the balls—stone-hearted Kade was jealous.
He looked torn, his face screwed up with tension, and I waited, knowing something eye-roll worthy was about to leave his lips.
He leaned into me, his arms gripping me ever so slightly tighter, until we were nose to nose, his breath caressing my face. "Jonty might have had the moves but could he keep you up all night long? Could he make you scream his name so loud the neighbors complained?"
Okay, that might have been true. Just once...maybe twice.
Kade's eyes sparkled with something. Lust. Desire. Need?
Not likely
. I shut down the thoughts as he said, "It will
never
be as good as it is with me."
And like a bucket of ice-cold water, I was ripped from the sexual tension between us and reminded of why I'd never touch Kade Ford. Again.
Ever.
~
An hour later, I was restless.
"Who are you staring at?" Livy's voice asked over my shoulder.
I turned from my spot at the bar and pulled her into a hug. "Just people watching. Congratulations, for like the fiftieth time. It was a beautiful day."
"It was, wasn't it," she replied, wriggling out of my arms. "Are you okay? You seem a little off."
I forced a smile. "I'm just tired from all the smiling and mingling."
"Are you sure you can't stay the whole week? We don't leave until Thursday. It'd be great to spend some time with you."
"I can't. My flight is Monday. I'll only be gone a month this time, though. I'll try and visit for your birthday."
Livy squeezed my hand and nodded, turning her attention to Ethan, who had clasped his arms around her waist. “A dance with my wife?” She looked at him like he hung the moon. “Of course.” Her eyes narrowed at me. “Don’t you dare leave without saying goodbye.”
Holding my hand to my heart, I mouthed, “Promise.”
I watched Ethan lead his wife to the dance floor and refocused my attention. Kade was across the room, his arm draped casually around an unfamiliar girl. His fingers grazed the curve of her tits, and he flashed me a cocky grin.
Bastard.
He was trying to push my buttons, and get me to play his game. And for all of my better judgment, it was working.
Refusing to give him the upper hand, my eyes quickly scanned the room.
Bingo.
I maneuvered my way through the round tables and reached my destination. “Hi, Zac, was it?” I batted my lashes at the handsome guy standing in front of me.
“Yeah. Staci, right? What can I do for you?”
I shimmied up to him, giving him my best seductive smile. “How about a dance?” I glanced back toward the bar to see if Kade was watching. He was.
Game on.
“Umm, sure.” Zac’s eyes bugged out as if he’d won a prize, and I almost felt bad for using him like this.
His body tensed as I lowered his hands to my waist, and my arms clasped around his neck. Zac stood much taller than I did, even in my skyscraper heels. The whole thing felt totally unnatural, but as I watched Kade’s jaw tense and his eyes flash with jealousy, I realized it was worth every fumbled step and awkward moment enveloping us.
“So, you’re not local?” Zac’s breath against my hair pulled my attention off Kade.
“Nope. Born and raised in Kaplan, Louisiana.”
“Never been. I'm kind of a home bird."
I pursed my lips and forced a smile. "I'm kind of a mover."
We danced the rest of the song in silence while I lay my head against Zac's hard chest. He was a nice enough guy but not
my
type. There was something in his eyes. They were soft, as if he'd want more. Something I couldn't give.
I thanked Zac for the dance and excused myself. Kade's eyes followed me as I weaved through the hordes of guests mingling and enjoying the celebrations. I could feel his cool blue eyes burning into my back, urging me to turn around. And when I did, my jaw fell open. Kade winked in my direction, dipped his head toward the blonde wrapped around him, and claimed her lips.
Kade Ford, one; Staci Jameson, zero.
~ Kade ~
The blonde purred into my mouth causing my whole body to cringe.
Fuck
. I hadn't meant to kiss her. Now she would be hanging off me for the rest of the night. It was
her
. Staci. The tiny blonde firecracker was getting under my damn skin. She was making me act like a fucking lovesick puppy, kissing random girls to make her jealous.
I tried to end the kiss, but as I pulled back, the blonde's hands gripped me tighter.
Perfect.
Now, she was marking her territory. Chicks loved that shit; it made them feel like they had the power or something.
Yeah, not happening.
"Ca- Cas-"
"Cadence, it's Cadence," she said, finally coming up for air.
Cadence was hot. No denying that. Her tight little body was working the dress she had squeezed into—nice rack, pert ass—and she was more than up for it. There was just one problem...she wasn't Staci firecracker Jameson.
I made some excuse about needing to piss and left Cadence with her friends. I needed to calm down and come up with a plan B.