Their spark is burning hot...

Betrayed by love in the past, Nya Lowe has vowed to steer clear of future heartbreak. But when she sees her deceitful ex at a party, she does something totally out of character and puts the moves on sexy San Diego firefighter Tyler Johansen. Her payback plan backfires when her counterfeit “boyfriend” starts breaking down her defenses...kiss by sizzling kiss.

Tyler risks his life every day, but he isn’t ready to gamble with his heart again. Yet ever since the sultry photographer kissed him, all he wants is to keep Nya in his arms. As they stoke the flames of a dangerous desire, a suspicious fire and near-fatal collision raise the stakes for them. Will they both be burned again? Or can they trust each other enough to turn their pretend romance into a forever love?

“Tell me you felt nothing,” Tyler said. “Tell me you felt nothing, and I’ll leave.”

Tyler watched her, his breath stopping in his chest. He suddenly realized that he couldn’t breathe until he heard her response. What if she told him that she’d felt nothing?

But she didn’t. Instead, she sighed in frustration and turned back to the door.

Vindicated, Tyler placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her. Then he placed a finger under her chin and forced her to look at him.

Slowly, Nya met his gaze, her eyes glistening beneath the house lights. Damn, she looked so darn kissable.

So irresistible.

Tyler slipped his hand around her waist and pulled her against him. A soft sigh escaped her as her body landed against his. The feel of those breasts against his chest... He wanted her.

“Seems you need me to kiss you again in order for you to give me an answer.” He paused, ran the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “So I’m going to do that. And then I want an answer.”

Dear Reader,

It’s been so much fun writing about sexy firefighters that I have to wonder why I haven’t done this before! I know how much you love connecting stories, so you’ll be happy that Nya and Tyler get their love story here.

Perhaps this scenario sounds familiar. You’ve searched high and low for love, and been disappointed time and time again. So now you’ve given up. You’ve been hurt too many times to believe that the possibility of love really exists for you.

That’s where Nya is. After one too many hopeless dates, she’s decided to take a hiatus from dating altogether. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. Suddenly Tyler comes into her life, throwing her dating hiatus into a tailspin. What do you do when your brain and heart aren’t on the same page...and the chemistry is off the charts?

I hope you enjoy the heat between Nya and Tyler!

Kayla

Flames of Passion

Kayla Perrin

www.millsandboon.co.uk

KAYLA PERRIN has been writing since the age of thirteen and once entertained the idea of becoming a teacher. Instead, she has become a USA TODAY and Essence bestselling author of dozens of mainstream and romance novels and has been recognized for her talent, including twice winning Romance Writers of America’s Top Ten Favorite Books of the Year Award. She has also won the Career Achievement Award for multicultural romance from RT Book Reviews. Kayla lives with her daughter in Ontario, Canada. Visit her at kaylaperrin.com.

For Sharon,

You’ve been waiting patiently for your Mr. Right.

But don’t worry. You know what they say...

When you least expect it, he’ll appear.

And he will definitely be worth the wait!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Copyright

Chapter 1

Nya Lowe gazed across the lavish hotel reception hall and nearly choked on the shrimp appetizer she had just plopped into her mouth. Her heart began to beat rapidly, and a chill slid down her spine.

Oh, God, tell me that is not Russell!

As she watched that familiar swagger and saw that overly cheerful smile, Nya’s stomach sank.

Russell Ewing.

Russell Ewing, the man who had taken her to a restaurant to publicly dump her, when she’d been fool enough to believe he was going to propose.

The man she couldn’t get over, no matter how many bad dates she went on.

Turning abruptly, Nya hurried the few steps over to the bar, where she squeezed herself between the wall of men gathered there. Hopefully, Russell hadn’t seen her.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asked her almost immediately.

“Um...” Nya reached into her purse. “I’ve got this drink ticket.” Each attendee at the gala to celebrate the launch of the Ocean City Firefighters’ Calendar had received two drink tickets. “Can it get me a White Zinfandel?”

“Of course.”

As Nya watched the bartender pour her drink, she became aware of the fact that her breathing was all but nonexistent. It was as though Russell had sucked all the air out of the room.

She glanced over her shoulder and felt a spurt of panic. Russell was heading in her direction.

Even worse, there was a stunning, curvaceous woman on his arm. A woman Nya recognized. Topaz Gem—clearly a pseudonym—was the lead actress whom Russell had cast in his independent film.

Were they a couple?

“There you go,” the bartender said, and Nya was grateful that she needed to turn her attention back to him.

Nya was tempted to down the wine and promptly purchase another one. Then she asked herself, Why are you letting Russell get to you?

It was likely that she could go the whole evening without even running into him. There were enough attendees at the gala that two people could never even cross paths.

She glanced over her shoulder again. And her heart just about imploded. Not only was Russell heading in her direction, his eyes connected with hers.

He smiled.

Nya took a liberal sip of her drink as her brain scrambled to figure out what to do. Should she simply walk away?

Walk? Heck, she wanted to run as fast and far as her four-inch heels would take her.

But running would make her look like a coward. Or worse, it would make her look like she was still hung up on Russell.

Russell waved, making it clear that she’d lost her chance to flee. There went her plan of pretending that she hadn’t seen him.

Nya swallowed. Darn it, she wasn’t prepared to talk to him. She wasn’t prepared to make nice with Topaz Gem, either, who was clinging to him as if he were Denzel Washington. She had never liked Topaz, who had overtly flirted with Russell after she was cast in the film. Nya had feared that Russell had crossed the line with her but had never had any proof. Now, however, she had to wonder if Topaz had been the reason behind their breakup...

Oh, God. He’s getting closer! What was she going to do?

No particular plan in mind, Nya found herself trailing her fingers down the arm of the man beside her. Stunned, his gaze whipped to hers.

Nya looped her arm through his. “Just go with it,” she whispered.

The man, whom she now recognized as one of the firefighters featured in the calendar, narrowed his eyes in confusion.

“Baby,” Nya purred moments before Russell reached her. “It’s not polite to ignore me for so long.”

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s okay, I forgive you.” And before he could say another word, Nya eased up on her toes, snaked a hand around his neck and pulled his head down. And then she kissed him.

She kissed him brazenly, despite the fact that they were in public. Her tongue forced his lips open, then slipped into his mouth. As she made out with this stranger, Nya was aware of just how delectable his lips were. Not to mention how amazing his muscular body felt pressed against hers.

Kissing him with the kind of passion reserved for the bedroom, Nya strummed her fingers along his neck. She could feel the man’s surprise in the way his athletic body had tensed, but soon, he gave in and kissed her back.

Breaking free of him with an exaggerated moan of desire, Nya eased back. She shot a glance to her right, and yes! Russell was standing right there, staring at her with an unguarded look of surprise.

“Oh, hi,” Nya said breathlessly. She placed her hand on the firefighter’s chest, whom she now recognized to be Tyler Something-Or-Other. When he’d come into the studio where Nya worked to be photographed, she’d thought he was especially attractive.

Everyone was there tonight to celebrate the launch of the calendar, which Sabrina, her best friend and exceptional photographer, had created. The Ocean City Fire Department had been thrilled with Sabrina’s final product, and the fund-raising gala they’d thrown had been going remarkably well.

Until Nya had seen Russell.

“Good evening, Nya,” Russell said. His eyes flitted from Nya to Tyler.

“Wow,” Nya said, her tone bright, “it’s been a long time.”

“A year and a half,” Russell said.

“Since we broke up,” Nya said. “But it’s been a year and two months since we last saw each other. Not that I’m counting.”

“Something like that.”

Nya did her best not to glare at him. Instead, she concentrated on trying to prove to him that she had moved on. “Russell, I want you to meet Tyler. My boyfriend.” The smile on her face was so fake that it hurt, but she’d be damned if she would let Russell feel any sense of power over her. He may have broken her heart, but he was going to see that she was over him.

Russell extended his hand to Tyler. “Tyler. Good to meet you. I’m Russell Ewing.”

“Tyler McKenzie,” Tyler said, pumping Russell’s hand. “Firefighter.”

“Yep, he’s a firefighter,” Nya gushed.

“Ah,” Russell said. “A firefighter. One of our city’s first responders. I salute you.”

Topaz’s eyebrows shot up. “Yes! You’re November. I saw your picture. Very sexy.”

“That’s me,” Tyler said.

“I didn’t quite recognize you out of your uniform,” Topaz went on.

Nya’s eyes widened with alarm at the way Topaz’s eyelashes fluttered. Was she flirting with her pretend man?

Nya held on to Tyler a little more proprietarily. Topaz had already stolen one man of hers, and she wasn’t about to let her sink her teeth into her new fake boyfriend, as well.

Russell also didn’t look happy.

“You remember Topaz,” Russell said, snaking his arm around her waist.

“Topaz,” Nya said, without an ounce of enthusiasm. “Good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” Topaz replied, barely able to force a smile on her face as she spoke. The tension only made it more apparent to Nya that Topaz had been involved with Russell while they’d been dating.

Nya wanted to ask her how long she had been sleeping with her boyfriend, and if it had started the moment Russell had cast her for his film. But she didn’t bother. She was over Russell. All she wanted now was for him to know it.

“Russell and I are dating!” Topaz announced. “A little over a year and a half now.”

“More like a year and a few months,” Russell said, then chuckled uneasily.

Year and a half! Russell had definitely been cheating on her!

“Oh, right,” Topaz said, catching on. “A year and a few months. We were working together and couldn’t deny our attraction.”

Not wanting to hear another word, Nya turned to the bar and began to search in her purse for her second drink ticket. She needed another alcoholic beverage, and fast.

Nya ordered a vodka tonic and promptly took a liberal sip.

When she turned around and tuned in to the conversation again, Russell was asking, “So how long have you two been together?”

“Not too—” Tyler began.

“Six months,” Nya interjected. “Six amazing months.” Six months ago was the last time Nya had contacted Russell, foolishly asking if they could once again work on their relationship. He hadn’t told her that he’d been involved with Topaz, but he had told her that she needed to move on.

“Great,” Russell said. “I’m glad you’re happy.”

“We’re very happy,” Nya said, and placed a hand on Tyler’s chest.

Feeling a jolt of heat, she withdrew her hand. And took another sip of her drink.

“Listen,” Russell began, “I’m glad I ran into you. I finally finished the film. And the premiere is this Friday night. I would love for you and Tyler to come.”

“You finished it?” Nya asked. “Wow.” It was bittersweet. She had been working with Russell on the film, wearing many hats as he’d been trying to produce his first feature. Their breakup had meant the end of her involvement on the project, one she’d believed in.

“Yep,” Russell said. “And it’s time to introduce my baby to the world.”

At Russell’s statement, Topaz leaned into him, and Nya wanted to roll her eyes. He’s not referring to you, dimwit.

Instead, Nya also moved closer to Tyler, taking his hand in hers. “I’m really happy for you, Russell,” she said in a sweet tone. “But I’m sorry. I’m busy Friday night. Tyler and I have plans.”

Tyler, who up until this point had been mostly silent, suddenly spoke. “Actually, that dinner fell through.”

Nya’s eyes shot to his. “Honey?”

“We can make it to Russell’s screening.” Then he faced Russell. “What time will it be?”

Nya wanted to elbow him in the ribs. What was he doing? Yes, she had kissed him without warning, but surely he must have figured out that she was playing a role. All she wanted him to do was look hot and stay silent.

“Seven o’clock,” Russell said. “And there’ll be an after party, as well. At The Diamond Club.”

“Ooh, one of the best hot spots.” Tyler leaned in close and kissed Nya on the temple. “We’ll be there.”

Russell beamed. “Excellent! It’s a great film, if I do say so myself.”

“What’s the film about?” Tyler asked.

“Struggling alcoholic with an abusive past finds herself and redemption,” Russell answered.

Nya cleared her throat. “Sweetie,” she began, an undeniable edge to her tone. “Are you sure Friday night’s engagement dinner is canceled? Because when I spoke to Jennifer, she said she was only waiting on confirmation from her brother.” Turning to Russell, Nya explained. “Jen’s brother is on the East Coast, and he’s working on a huge ad campaign and isn’t sure he’ll be able to leave town. But he’ll know by tomorrow. Which is why we can’t confirm with Russell,” Nya went on, looking at Tyler now. “Knowing Keith, he’ll be on a flight early Friday morning to make sure he gets here. I’m sure it will go ahead, as planned.”

Tyler was shaking his head even before she was finished with her story. “Nope,” he said. “I spoke with Dave. He told me it’s definitely canceled. Keith didn’t want to be rushed, so they decided to put off the dinner. Jen doesn’t want to have the dinner without him being there. After all, he’s the only family she’s got left.”

Nya could smack Tyler. Truly, she could. Why was he throwing a wrench into her well-executed excuse? Wasn’t it apparent to him that she was trying to avoid Russell? Weren’t firefighters supposed to save people? Didn’t he see that she needed saving?

For some crazy reason, Tyler seemed determined to beat her at her own game.

He winked at her. Then he looked at Russell. “We’d love to come.”

Resignation swirling in Nya’s gut like black tar, she faced Russell. “All right, then. Since the dinner is canceled, we’ll be there.”

Russell clapped his hands together. “Excellent.” Then he reached into his jacket pocket and produced two tickets. “Here you go. These will get you into the premiere.”

Tyler took them. “Thank you.”

“I’m the lead actress,” Topaz said to Tyler. “It’s my first big role.”

“Great,” Tyler said. “I look forward to it.”

With a nod, Russell said, “We’d better continue making the rounds. More people to see.”

“Don’t let us stop you,” Nya said, her fake smile still plastered on her face.

“Good to see you again, Nya.” Then, finally, Russell turned and walked away. Topaz turned, casting a lingering glance at Tyler as she started walking off with Russell.

The nerve!

The moment they were out of earshot, Nya turned to Tyler. “What did you think you were doing?”

“Tyler McKenzie,” Tyler said, offering her his hand. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Nya glared at him. “I know who you are. I work at the photography studio with Sabrina.”

“Ahhh, that’s right.” He snapped a finger. “That’s why you looked familiar.”

“Nya,” she told him, a little hurt that he didn’t remember her. “Nya Lowe.”

“Now that we’ve been properly re-introduced, are you going to kiss me again?” Tyler asked.

Her face flaming, Nya forced in an even breath. Then she felt a measure of disgust. “You men. You’re all the same.”

Tyler chuckled. “Excuse me? You kiss me, then you look at me like I’m some sort of creep?”

“Don’t you have a fiancée?” Nya asked. She remembered that he had mentioned his fiancée during the photo shoot and had dashed her hopes of dating him in the process.

“I did,” Tyler said. “It ended about four months ago.”

“Oh,” Nya said, feeling stupid. “I see. I—I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be sorry.”

“That was my ex-boyfriend, and I needed someone,” Nya explained.

“Happy to help.”

Tyler grinned at her, a smile that was both charming and disarming. But still Nya wasn’t impressed with his antics. “Obviously, you had to have realized that I was trying to escape Russell. Yet you accepted an invitation to a film I clearly don’t want to go to. You’re a firefighter. Don’t firefighters rescue people?”

Tyler chuckled. “I’ve never quite had to rescue anyone in exactly that manner before...”

“You know what I mean,” Nya said.

“You laid one on me without any explanation. If you wanted help, shouldn’t you have just asked instead of kissing me?”

“You’re right,” Nya conceded. “Obviously, you had no clue what I was doing, and I’m sorry for the way I handled things. It’s just, suddenly he was there, and I panicked.” Nya paused, realizing that she was doing too much talking. “The problem is, you created a bigger mess for me by telling Russell that we’ll go to the screening of his film.”

“Or, what I’ve actually done is give you another opportunity to drive your point home.”

“How so?”

“You clearly want to prove to this guy that you’re over him. So why don’t we get dressed up on Friday night and go to the movie premiere? After that, there’ll be no doubt in his mind that you’ve moved on.”

Nya’s stomach fluttered. Just what was Tyler proposing to leave no doubt in Russell’s mind? A night of hot kisses and close embraces?

“As much as I appreciate your willingness to help out,” Nya said, “I’m going to refuse.”

“Oh.” Tyler’s eyebrows rose, and a confused expression passed over his face.

“What?” Nya asked. “What’s with that look?”

“It’s just...I thought you kissed me because of your ex, but maybe that’s not why at all.”

“Excuse me?”

“I thought you used me to get to your ex, but maybe you were actually using your ex to get to me.”

Chapter 2

Tyler didn’t know why he was toying with Nya. But then, no strange woman had ever just kissed him out of the blue. Tyler was a hot-blooded male. When a woman as sexy as this one kissed you, you wanted more.

But given the look on her face right now, it was clear that the last thing on her mind was kissing him again. Those beautiful lips had parted, and indignation was flashing on her face.

“Excuse me?”

Tyler knew he should retract his statement, but even her anger was incredibly sexy.

“Maybe kissing me had nothing to do with your ex.”

“You must be out of your mind.” Nya’s eyes blazed. “Of course I wasn’t coming up with an excuse to kiss you. I was desperate, and you were there.”

“Ouch,” Tyler said. Her words stung more than he expected.

“Sorry,” Nya said immediately. Closing her eyes, she exhaled sharply. “I didn’t mean to sound so callous.”

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been kissed—then insulted,” Tyler said, still trying to keep the mood light. He wanted her at ease, because he still wanted her around.

“I didn’t mean that.” Nya groaned. “I’m sure women enjoy kissing you. Just not me.”

“Double ouch.”

“Can we please stop talking about this? I keep saying the wrong thing.” Her chest rose and fell with another sigh, something that made Tyler’s groin tighten. Nya was wearing a black formfitting dress with a low scoop neck that revealed the beautiful mounds of her breasts. Did she have any clue how delectable she looked?

“It’s just,” she went on, sounding frazzled, “seeing Russell tonight has thrown me for a loop. I really don’t want to talk about him anymore.”

Tyler had no interest in talking about Russell, either, but he wasn’t ready to be done with Nya. She was stunning, and her kiss had stirred a desire in his gut that had long since been repressed. Oh, he definitely wasn’t ready to be done with her. He wanted to take her out on Friday night, make her forget this Russell character for good.

“I don’t want to talk about the guy, either,” Tyler said. “But don’t you want to quash his effect on you once and for all?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s clear he still gets to you.”

“Not because I’m hung up on him.”

“The problem is,” Tyler went on, “if you don’t go to the premiere on Friday night, he’ll know he still has power over you The power to make you upset, or afraid...or to simply get under your skin. Why don’t you flip the script on him?”

“Flip the script?” Nya asked.

“Yeah.”

* * *

As Nya looked up into Tyler’s dark eyes, she wasn’t altogether concentrating on what he was saying. She was distracted by the fact that he was the definition of smoking hot. A firefighter being smoking hot...how appropriate was that?

“Russell is completely full of himself,” Nya said. “He’ll always feel he has power over me.”

“Especially if you avoid the event on Friday night.”

Tyler turned to the bar and took a pull of his beer. His blazer jacket slid back as he moved, giving Nya a glimpse of his physique beneath his white dress shirt. Damn, the man was fine. Even with clothes on, she could see that his body was well sculpted.

There was no doubt that he was exactly her type. And kissing him...she’d felt her body warm in all the right places.

Which was exactly why she couldn’t go out with him on Friday night. After her last disastrous date, Nya had finally decided to go on a dating hiatus. Indefinitely. She’d examined her behavior and realized that she’d been going about trying to find love with a sense of desperation. Which of course had led to disaster.

The problem was, Nya didn’t really know any other way to go about dating than to jump headfirst into a relationship. So she’d sworn off dating and was now trying to get to a place where she could accept being happy on her own.

Nya had analyzed why every relationship she’d had since Russell—and including her relationship with Russell, for that matter—had ended badly. And the glaring reason why things didn’t work out was because Nya went for looks first, character later. If a man looked good and sounded smooth, Nya fell for him like a fool.

And Tyler had the kind of looks that could have her brain cells going on strike. So Nya didn’t even want to put herself in the path of temptation.

She tried another tactic. “Obviously, you’re a very attractive man. And you were gracious enough to...to kiss me back...and go along with my ruse. But a man as attractive as you must have several women vying for your attention. I don’t expect you to give up a Friday night for me when you can spend it with someone you want to. I’ll come up with a reason why we can’t go to the film. You know what, it doesn’t even matter if I have a reason or not. It’s not like I have to answer to Russell.”

“Then it’s going to look like you’re chickening out,” Tyler said matter-of-factly. “Russell’s going to know you made up an excuse not to see him again, and he’ll see right through it. He’ll think you’re still hung up on him.”

Nya felt a spasm of fear. She wished Tyler would stop saying that, because it was the one thing that was weakening her resolve.

“I can see that the truth is getting to you,” Tyler went on. “And trust me, that’s how guys think. You went to the trouble of kissing me to make a point to him. Seems as though it would be rather foolish to abandon the plan now when we can drive the point home on Friday night.”

Nya bit her inner cheek as she thought. She hated to admit it, but Tyler had a point. Russell was that kind of guy. Even when he’d dumped her, he’d rubbed salt in her wound by saying that she would never find another decent guy because she was too clingy.

He had been right about her not being able to find another man, but the part about her being clingy? Nya wasn’t clingy, and he had hurt her deeply when he’d said that.

And still, she had foolishly reached out to him during a time when she had been weak and needed a sexual fix. She had remembered only the good times between them and forgotten the hurt. It was her selective memory that had led her to call Russell nine months earlier when she had been lonely. She’d invited him over, telling him that there would be no strings attached, that she just wanted him for one night. He’d come over, and they’d made love. But in the morning, Russell had humiliated her by telling her that the sex hadn’t meant anything. And that he knew in his heart she wasn’t the woman for him.

The memory left a bitter taste in her mouth, even now. She knew that it shouldn’t matter to her what Russell did or what he thought, not after the callous way he had treated her. The week before he’d dumped her, he’d played things up with her, being even more romantic, not arguing with her over the little things, and telling her he wanted to surprise her.

She had been surprised, all right. And then she had run out of the restaurant in tears.

There were far better ways to break up with someone. Heck, she would have appreciated a text more. But after dating for two years and talking about moving in together, talking about his plans as a director, and her being there to support his every dream, it had stung for him to—without warning—shatter her world.

Russell was clearly a pig. Even when he had slept with her that one night, he had obviously been involved with Topaz. Which meant he had been cheating on Topaz, as well. The arrogant jerk believed he was God’s gift to women.

Nya looked up at Tyler. Gorgeous, tall, sexy as hell... She knew that her kiss with Tyler had gotten to Russell. She’d seen the surprise in his eyes. Russell was the kind of guy who wanted to feel that he had one-upped you and left you devastated.

“It’s no doubt he was flaunting Topaz to get to me,” Nya muttered, glancing away.

“What was that?”

Nya faced Tyler. “Topaz. I always suspected that she was sleeping with Russell while we were together. And just now she pretty much admitted it.”

A look of utter confusion came over Tyler’s face, and he shook his head. “Clearly, Russell’s missing a few screws.” His eyes roamed over Nya from head to toe, leaving her feeling flushed. “For him to dump someone like you...” He made a face.

Nya swallowed. “Thank you,” she said. “You’re very kind. Why do you even want to do this?”

“I have a sense of adventure,” Tyler said. “And I happen to be free on Friday night. Movie premiere, a swanky after party. At least we should be able to have a good time.”

Nya regarded Tyler with more than a modicum of suspicion. Did he really want to go to the premiere for the adventure?

Whatever his reasons, it was clear that Tyler was going to insist that they go. And how could Nya insist that they not? After all, she’d brought this situation on herself.

“Okay,” Nya said. “We’ll do this.” And she would play it up for Russell’s benefit, because she wanted him to know that he hadn’t crushed her forever. Russell would be jealous just thinking about how hot things were with her and Tyler between the sheets.

Oh, he would regret how he had treated her.

“I can pick you up at five, if that works for you,” Tyler said. “Take you to dinner first.”

Dinner first? The mere suggestion caused Nya’s stomach to flutter. Sheesh, this wasn’t a real date.

“Why don’t you call me at the studio on Thursday?” Nya suggested. But she knew that she would not be going to dinner with him. She didn’t want to give him the wrong impression. “On Thursday, I’ll be able to have a look at my schedule and make plans then. Sometimes I have to stay late if Sabrina’s got a booking.”

Tyler nodded. “Sounds like a plan.”

“All right.” Nya placed her hands on her hips, not sure what to say. “Talk to you later, then.” She lifted her drink from the bar, downed the rest of it and walked off in search of Sabrina. She had a headache and wanted to leave.

Chapter 3

The next morning, besides waking up with a headache, Nya was overcome with a profound sense of embarrassment. Had she really kissed a virtual stranger in public last night?

She sat up in bed, and reality settled over her like a wet blanket. No, she hadn’t had a nightmare. And she couldn’t even claim to have been influenced by alcohol. She had kissed Tyler McKenzie, all right.

“What was I thinking?” she asked herself. It was completely unlike her to have done something so spontaneous and reckless. How foolish of her to try to prove anything to Russell.

“You utter idiot,” she mumbled. No wonder Tyler had baited her with the comment that she had been looking for an excuse to kiss him. What girl past high school would do something so juvenile to get back at a boy who’d dumped her?

Despite the throbbing pain in her skull and the desire to lie in bed for another couple of hours, Nya threw off the covers and stood. The tile floor was cold beneath her feet, jolting her awake.

She had a mission today. And that mission was to apologize to Tyler and cancel their fake date for Friday night. For some reason, Tyler had pressed the idea of going out with her, perhaps just for the entertainment value of seeing what would happen next. But Nya would not be attending the screening with Tyler or anyone else.

A night of sleep had driven home the point that proving something to Russell simply didn’t matter. She was over him, and she had been petty and immature to even try to make a point to him. It was just that she’d been alarmed to see him at the event and had had a knee-jerk reaction. But she was over it now.

Nya showered, which made her feel better. Then she got dressed. Along with her resolve to stop dating and become comfortable being on her own had come a change in attire. Her sexy outfits were in the back of her closet, and she’d opted for jeans and sensible skirts coupled with conservative blouses. Her dresses now went well past the knee and weren’t too low at her cleavage.

No point in attracting the wrong kind of attention.

And the flats she wore these days were far more comfortable for her ten-minute walk to the studio than the heels she used to wear. Not to mention the fact that wearing flats had allowed her to walk to work much more, which had contributed to her twelve-pound weight loss over the past few months.

Nya didn’t know if Tyler was working at the firehouse today, but luckily Sabrina, who had met sexy firefighter Mason Foley months ago and was still dating him, could relay a message to Tyler. It was Wednesday. There was still time to cancel their date for Friday night.

Nya stopped at a local coffee shop a block over from the studio, where she worked as Sabrina’s receptionist and secretary. She got a large cappuccino for herself and a large caramel latte for Sabrina. The single-serve coffee brewer in the studio’s kitchen was nice, but there were days when a girl needed something stronger, and this was one of them.

Minutes later, Nya was at the studio. It amazed her that the place looked almost exactly as it had before the fire, only better. Five months ago, fire had raged through the lower half of the studio when Sabrina’s father’s wife, Marilyn, had thrown a Molotov cocktail through the front window. Consumed with jealousy and anger toward Sabrina, who had been the product of an affair, Marilyn hadn’t wanted Sabrina reaching out to her children—Sabrina’s half siblings—and had tried to get rid of her. Just last month, Marilyn had pleaded guilty to attempted murder and had been sentenced to fifteen years in prison. She’d been given a lighter sentence for admitting her guilt.

The community had rallied around Sabrina, perhaps in part because of the media attention but also because of Mason’s status as a well-respected firefighter. People donated their time and their products and got the studio reconstructed and renovated in four months. The interior now looked better than before, with a more modern feel, new marble flooring and an exit door in the back that would allow for easy escape if there was another fire. Mason had seen to it that the building would never be a possible death trap again.

Sabrina was a workaholic, and Nya was certain that she would find her already in the office. Sabrina lived in an apartment right above the studio, which had largely been untouched by the fire. She was at work earlier and earlier these days, because business had tripled after the firefighter calendar project.

But as busy as Sabrina was, she was definitely making time for love with Mason.

The front door chimes sang as Nya unlocked and opened the door. It was just before nine-thirty, and the office opened at ten, so Nya left the Closed sign in the window.

“Hey,” she called out.

When Sabrina didn’t reply, Nya made her way down the hallway that led to the studio in the back. Opening the door, she found Sabrina at her desk in front of her giant Mac computer screen—exactly where Nya expected to see her. Her hair was piled in a loose bun, and she was still wearing her pajamas.

“Morning,” Nya said.

Sabrina turned, her eyes registering surprise. Then she pulled the earbuds out of her ears.

“Morning,” Sabrina said with a warm smile.

“How long have you been up?”

“I came down just after seven.”

“Ouch.” Nya winced.

“I’ve got to get those pictures together from the Miller wedding before they come in later this week.”

“You’ve got time,” Nya said.

“Not when more work keeps piling up,” Sabrina countered. “If I don’t keep on top of it, I’ll be buried fast.”

Nya walked toward her, extending the cup tray as she did. “Yours is on the right. A large caramel latte with soy milk.”

Sighing happily, Sabrina lifted the coffee from the tray. “Thank you. I need this today.”

“You’re welcome.”

Suddenly, Sabrina eyed Nya suspiciously. “Everything okay?”

“Sure. Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Well, for one thing, you’re bringing me a large latte. You always do that when you want something.”

“I’m offended,” Nya huffed. And to prove that she didn’t want anything, she changed the subject. “Did you spend the night with Mason at least? Or did you send him home because you had to get up early to get to work?”

“Oh, he was here,” Sabrina said, and a smile danced on her lips. “But he had to work at seven. So he was up early. Which worked out, because I needed to be up early, too.”

“Good. I’m glad you’re not putting work before your man.”

“Definitely not. Now that I’ve found Mason, I’m not about to take him for granted. But it does mean a lot less sleep.” Sabrina sipped her latte. “So I definitely appreciate this.”

“Nothing like a strong jolt of java to get you started for your day.” Nya sipped her own coffee and drew in a deep, satisfied breath. Wow, did she ever need this. Between thinking about the encounter with Russell and the kiss she had planted on Tyler, she hadn’t gotten nearly enough sleep.

Wandering around to stand behind Sabrina, Nya looked at the photos on the screen. Once again, Sabrina had captured some elegant photos that this couple would cherish.

“Those are beautiful,” Nya said. “Oooh, the ones at the pier... I love them. Especially that one.” Nya pointed at the screen. In this particular photo, the bride’s veil was flowing in the wind, and the camera had captured it beautifully.

“Thank you.”

“You just keep getting better and better,” Nya said.

Nya had begun toying with photography in her spare time. But she hadn’t dared to tell Sabrina about her newly piqued interest.

“Everyone loved the calendar,” Nya went on. “That picture of Mason, with his chest glistening, was particularly sexy.”

Sabrina grinned. “It’s possible I put a little more effort into his photos.”

“Speaking of Mason,” Nya began cautiously, “I do have a favor to ask.”

Sabrina flashed her a knowing look. “I knew it! You always bring me my favorite latte when you want something.”

“Am I that transparent?”

“Only to me. What do you want? And what could it possibly have to do with Mason?”

Sighing, Nya sank into one of the two chairs opposite Sabrina’s desk. “Remember I told you that Russell showed up at the gala last night?”

“How could I forget? He’s the reason you left early.”

“Well, I need you to talk to Mason. Tell him to tell Tyler McKenzie that the date for Friday night is off.”

Sabrina blinked a couple of times as she stared at her with a quizzical expression. “Okay, maybe I need to drink this coffee first, because I’m not making sense of what you’re telling me.”

Nya sipped her coffee before continuing. “Something happened last night. Something I didn’t get a chance to tell you. It’s no big deal, and clearly it was just a reaction to seeing Russell.”

“Still confused,” Sabrina said.

“When I saw Russell last night, he was heading toward me with Topaz. You remember Topaz?”

“The woman he cast in his film. The one you suspected he was sleeping with.”

“Yes,” Nya said. “Well, seeing Topaz on his arm...I kind of freaked out.”

“What does any of this have to do with Tyler?” Sabrina asked.

“Because I did something really stupid. When Russell was walking toward me, with Topaz practically all over him, I panicked. I didn’t know what to do, and all I could think about was the last time I’d spoken to Russell and how he’d humiliated me and acted as though I’d never get over him...” Nya knew she was rambling, and Sabrina’s look of confusion grew more intense. “I was at the bar to get a drink, and when I saw Russell, I—I just turned to the guy next to me and started kissing him.”

“What?” Sabrina’s eyes were bulging.

“I know, it was completely crazy.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa,” Sabrina said, holding up a hand. “Are you telling me you kissed someone randomly? Literally just laid one on some guy at the bar? To what? Make a point to Russell?”

“Saying it like that makes me sound incredibly stupid. I wasn’t thinking. I just acted. Worst of all, it turns out that the man I kissed was that sexy firefighter, Tyler. He played along with the kiss...perhaps a little too well. Now Tyler and I are supposed to go to the film premiere on Friday night, but I don’t want to go. I can’t. And that’s why I need Mason.”

Sabrina drank more coffee. “There are a lot of blanks you’re not filling in for me, but that’s okay. Let’s start from the beginning. What film premiere?” But before Nya could answer, Sabrina continued, “Ohhhh. You mean Russell’s film? He finally finished it? And the premiere is on Friday night?”

“Yes. The world premiere is on Friday night, followed by an after party, and he said he wants me there. Probably just to rub his success in my face.”

“Why did you say yes if you don’t want to?”

“Russell produced two tickets and gave them to Tyler. I tried to decline, but for some reason Tyler told him we’d be there. Probably as a bit of payback for me kissing him the way I did. I didn’t want to force the issue and keep refusing when Tyler was pretending to be my boyfriend.”

“So you didn’t just kiss him. You guys pretended to be a couple.”

“There was no plan. As I said, it just happened. But the last thing I want to do is go to Russell’s movie premiere, and God only knows why Tyler wants to go. Maybe he actually wants to see the film, or just wants to go for the experience—”

“Or he wants to spend more time with you.”

The words caused Nya to swallow her breath and hold it. Did he? He had certainly kissed her back as though he’d been interested, but she had specifically told him to play along. Still, there had been undeniable heat between them as they’d shared that kiss.

Which was exactly why she didn’t want to go out with him on Friday night. Not now that she’d sworn off dating.

“I don’t want to spend more time with him,” Nya said, trying to push the memory of Tyler’s mouth out of her mind as she met Sabrina’s eyes again. “You know that I’ve sworn off dating for a year. It’s been four months, and I’ve been going strong with my commitment. I’m not going to waver. So can you please have Mason tell Tyler that I won’t be going on Friday night? Considering they work together, it shouldn’t be any trouble for him to pass the message along.”

“You sure you don’t want to go?” Sabrina asked. “Aren’t you curious about the film?”

“I can watch it whenever it’s released on DVD,” Nya said. “I just can’t stomach the idea of spending a night watching a project that Russell and I started working on when we were dating. It’s not about being hung up on him. It’s about not wanting my past to keep invading my personal space.”

Sabrina shrugged. “Sure. I’ll ask Mason to tell him.”

Nya’s shoulders drooped with relief. “Thank you.”

Sabrina’s eyes suddenly bulged. “Oh, heck. I’ve got to get some clothes on.” She jumped to her feet. “And take a quick shower before my ten o’clock appointment.

Nya also stood. “You’ve got twenty minutes.”

As Sabrina hurried out of the studio, Nya inhaled a deep, calming breath. She could finally de-stress. Mason was going to talk to Tyler and cancel the date.

And Nya could get back to enjoying her intentionally single life.

Chapter 4

“So?” Mason began, his eyebrows raised. “What’s going on with you and Nya?”

Tyler, Mason and the other firefighters had just returned to the firehouse from a vehicle fire on the Pacific Highway. An SUV had collided with a minivan, and the SUV had caught fire. Thankfully, they’d been able to get the woman and her son out of the car alive, but badly burned. It had been a scene of chaos and fear, after which the mood among the firefighters at Station Two had been dour. So it was an odd time for Mason to be bringing up the subject of Nya.

“Why are you asking me about Nya?” Tyler asked as he began to remove his turnout jacket.

“Sabrina,” Mason said. “I just checked my phone, and I missed a call and a text from her. She said she needed to convey an urgent message about your date with Nya on Friday night. Nya wants you to know that she’s canceling.” Mason flashed him a confused look. “I didn’t even know you knew Nya.”

Tyler hung his jacket on its hook, then began to take off his boots. So Nya was trying to cancel on him. After all the great points he had made about why they should go to the screening?

Tyler wasn’t about to let her off that easily. In fact, all last night he had remembered the shock—then excitement—when she’d kissed him.

“I met her last night,” Tyler said. “Well, I met her again I should say. Obviously, I met her when I went to the studio for my shoot.”

Tyler felt two strong hands press into his shoulders from behind then heard Omar ask, “Are you talking about that beautiful woman you were kissing last night?”

Mason’s eyes widened with surprise. Tyler tried not to show any reaction, though he hated that Omar had blurted that out. But what did Tyler expect? Firefighters were family, and families always teased each other about personal matters.

And when it came to women and dating, Omar was the biggest devil’s advocate. He seemed determined to keep some kind of score and to prove to everyone else that he could get any woman he wanted.

Omar had probably been waiting for the right moment to bring up last night’s incident, but the morning had been unusually busy with the carbon monoxide call, and now this vehicle fire on the freeway. But Omar had been standing next to him at the bar when Nya had suddenly kissed him. One minute, Omar was pointing out to Tyler a woman that he hoped to go home with. The next, Tyler was making out with Nya in the middle of the bar.

“What about you?” Tyler asked Omar. “Did you hook up with that woman you were checking out?”

“Forget about Omar,” Mason said. “He’s always getting action. You, on the other hand...you were kissing Nya?”

“Hell must have frozen over,” one of the other guys said, and a few of them started laughing.

“Very funny, guys,” Tyler said, and told himself not to be annoyed. The subject of his love life—or lack thereof—always brought about jokes. Yes, he had stayed with Carol months after their relationship had all but died—and the guys had known it—which was why they acted as though he was completely hung up on his ex. Was it really wrong to have tried to work things out with Carol after investing years with her?

Omar would definitely say yes. Had it been his relationship, he would have left a long time ago and found a new woman to keep him warm.

“You think every time I get some action I come here and gossip about it like a schoolgirl?” Tyler asked. “A real man knows how to keep certain things to himself.”

There were some “Ooohs,” and another firefighter elbowed Omar in the ribs playfully.

“Hey,” Omar began, “I know how much you all enjoy the details. That’s why I share.”

Tyler turned away from Omar and met Mason’s curious gaze. “Did you actually take Nya home for a one-night stand?” he asked, giving Tyler a look that said he would be less surprised if he had been abducted by aliens last night.

“What—you think it couldn’t happen?” Tyler countered.

“Hey, if you’ve finally put Carol in the rearview mirror...” Mason patted him on the shoulder.

“Oh, come on,” Tyler protested. “Not the Carol lecture again.”

“We wouldn’t give you a hard time about Carol if you’d actually date other women,” Omar said. “You broke up how long ago?”

Tyler cut his eyes at Omar, who seemed to believe that if he wasn’t chasing tail every day, then he was abnormal. Guys like that couldn’t understand that it made sense to take some time for yourself after breaking up with a fiancée.

“Four months is not ancient history,” Tyler said. “Besides, Carol has nothing to do with the equation. As for Nya,” he went on, facing Mason again, “it was quite the interesting experience.”

“Tell me you didn’t blow it,” Omar said.

“Don’t you have a morning-after call to make to the woman you were with last night?” Before Omar could respond, Tyler snapped his fingers and said, “Oh, I’m forgetting. You probably didn’t even get her name.”

There were more “Oohs” and laughter from the guys.

“So you like Nya?” Mason asked, looking hopeful.

Tyler noticed that not only did Mason have a hopeful expression, but so did the other firefighters standing around him, as well. “Since when did my love life become so interesting to you all?”

“What love life?” Omar asked, and laughed.

“We’ll see what you have to say on Saturday morning,” Tyler retorted. Though his interest in Nya had nothing to do with competing with Omar’s scoreboard.

“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Tyler went on, “but I’m hungry. What’s on the menu for today?”

“Fajitas,” Mason said.

“Awesome,” Tyler said, and began to walk down the hallway that led to the common room. “I’m starving.”

In the common room, Omar and the other firefighters headed to the couches surrounding the television. Mason stopped beside Tyler, who had not joined them yet. “So, what am I supposed to tell Sabrina?”

Tyler took a few steps back into the hallway so that he and Mason could have some privacy. “Tell Nya the date’s still on.”

Mason looked intrigued. “What actually happened last night?”

Tyler told him, and when he was finished with his story, Mason was grinning from ear to ear. “Wow. She just laid one on you like that? That’s crazy.”

“Tell me about it. But I liked it. Man, she’s beautiful. And spunky. I definitely want to see her again.”

“All right. I’ll tell Sabrina.”

“Thanks. Though it’s not a real date. Apparently, Nya’s ex made a movie, and he invited us to the premiere on Friday night. I told her I’d go with her and continue playing her boyfriend to make sure that her ex knows she’s over him.”

Mason raised his eyebrows. “And how are you gonna make sure that happens?”

“Look, all I care about is getting to hang out with her again. See where it goes. So I’ll be damned if she cancels on me. You make sure to tell Sabrina that the date is still on. No ifs, ands or buts.”

* * *

“Let’s see,” Nya said as she perused the calendar on her computer screen. “There’s been a cancellation for Friday at 4:45 p.m., so I can get you in then if that works for you. As I said, that’s only a last-minute consultation, and you’ll have to see if Sabrina will be able to work with you and your schedule.”

The woman on the other end of the line thanked Nya profusely.

As Nya hung up the phone, a smile touched her lips. Business certainly was booming. The woman said she was willing to work her date around whenever Sabrina was available. Which spoke volumes about Sabrina’s popularity. At this point, Sabrina had bookings well over eighteen months in advance.

It was amazing what a little bit of publicity could do for a business. Nya knew that soon enough, Sabrina might need some help taking photos. It wasn’t the reason why she had started tinkering with photography, but she wondered if she could take some classes and get to be good enough where she could be a true partner in the business.

It wasn’t something she thought would happen anytime soon, however. She wasn’t delusional. But sometime in the future, maybe in a few years, who knew?

Hearing the sound of Sabrina’s sandals clicking against the floor, Nya turned to face her as she entered the front reception area. “I just booked you a four forty-five appointment on Friday night. It’s just a consultation, and hopefully it won’t take more than half an hour. Sorry to book an appointment so late, but the woman was desperate. If you need me to stay, I can go over packages with her and her fiancé.”

Nya relished the idea of staying late. Not just because she wanted to become more involved in the business, but also because it would give her the perfect out for her date with Tyler.

Just in case he had given Mason a hard time about it. If he had, now she could honestly say that she had work and didn’t think she would have enough time to get ready.

“We’ll see how it goes on Friday, but you could always do the consultation if you like. You know the packages I sell, and I’m sure you’ll have no problem talking to them about it.”

“I do have a feeling that the couple wants to meet you,” Nya said. “I can be here to help out, though. And to learn from the best,” she added with a smile.

“The truth is, you might not have the time.”

Nya stared at her, not understanding. “What do you mean?”

“I have a message for you from Mason. Well, I guess from Tyler, actually.”

Nya swallowed. “You do?”

“Mason talked to Tyler, and Tyler told him to tell you that the date is still on. He’s not canceling.”

“What does he mean he’s not canceling? He can’t just make an executive decision and expect me to go along.”

“Guess he wants to see you again.”

“He wants a few laughs at my expense.” Nya groaned. “What is wrong with that man? I’m already embarrassed enough by what I did last night. He doesn’t have to rub it in.”

“I’m kind of surprised you actually don’t want to go out with him.”

As Nya met her friend’s eyes, she knew why Sabrina was confused. Nya had been such a hot mess when it came to men over the past year and a half that she supposed her sudden break from dating was hard to believe.

“I meant it when I said I want to take time to become happy with myself. Ultimately, that’s what I was missing when I was dating man after man. I have to be happy with myself. I can’t find happiness in the arms of a man.”

“Yet you kissed Tyler.”

“Because Russell was right there. What was I supposed to do?”

Sabrina eyed her, a hint of amusement on her face. “Not kiss a guy and expect him to not want more.”

“You think he wants more?” Nya asked, panicked. “Is that what he told Mason?”

Sabrina didn’t answer right away, and again Nya felt a sense of panic. Did she see something mischievous in Sabrina’s eyes? Did Sabrina know something and was now trying to gauge her attitude before revealing it?

“Is that what he told Mason?” Nya repeated.

“Relax,” Sabrina told her. “Tyler didn’t say that. At least that’s not what Mason said to me.”

“Oh.” Nya shuffled uncomfortably in her seat. “Well, that’s good.” She wondered why she felt the slightest hint of disappointment.

Did she really have to wonder? Obviously, Tyler was hot. She had taken a self-imposed vow of no dating, but that didn’t mean that her attraction to men had died. It just meant that she was making sure to watch her behavior, as opposed to reacting spontaneously.

“I don’t know, Nya. You’re different. It’s hard to figure you out. A guy like Tyler... I figured he would be right up your alley.”

And he was. Which was the problem. What worried Nya about going out with him was the fact that Tyler was the type of man who could make her forget her vow. And she didn’t want to be sidetracked.

“What’s to figure out?” Nya asked. “Like I said, I’m taking a break from dating.”

“Mason did tell me to tell you that Tyler is one of the good guys.”

Nya swallowed. The words intrigued her...and yet she didn’t want to be intrigued. “You’re not telling me that Mason’s trying to play matchmaker now?”

“Just passing along a message. Something to think about.”

“Damn, I shouldn’t have kissed Tyler. He seriously expects me to go on the date Friday night? Not a date. You know what I mean.”

Sabrina gave her another amused look, which irritated Nya. Sabrina was the one who had told her that she needed to slow down when it came to dating. Now it appeared that, just because Sabrina had been bitten by the love bug, she had suddenly lost her objectivity.

“Mason was adamant. He said that Tyler’s not letting you out of it. Obviously, no one can force you to go. But why not go?”

“Looks like I don’t really have a choice,” Nya said glumly. “I used him—shamelessly—so it seems I have to deal with the consequences of my own behavior.”

“It’s just one evening. And who knows...?”

Nya gaped at Sabrina. “I can’t believe you’re saying that. You, of all people. You’re the one who was forever telling me that I needed to slow down when it came to relationships.”

“What can I say? I guess I have a bit of a soft spot for firefighters these days.”

A dreamy expression came over Sabrina’s face, and Nya knew that her mind had gone to the land of love where she and Mason lived. It was good to see her friend all gushy over a man.

“In fact, Mason and I have a solution to make Friday night not so awkward, if you’re concerned about going out with Tyler when you don’t really know him.”

“What’s that?”

“Mason was wondering if you could get two more tickets to the premiere. For us.”

Nya’s stomach lurched, and she thought she might be sick. “You want me to call Russell and ask him for two more tickets to the event?”

“I’d love to see the film. And hey, if Mason and I are there at the event with you and Tyler, it’ll be like four friends getting together.”

“Or a double date.” The idea mortified her. “You really want to see the film?”

“I was always interested in it when you first started working on it with Russell. So yeah, I’m curious. Besides, it’ll be an excuse to dress up and hang out with my man. Get him hot and bothered and then take him home...”

At least Sabrina’s words made Nya chuckle. “Wow, Mason really did unleash your inner sex goddess, didn’t he?”

“I have to say, I’m happier than I’ve ever been.”

“I believe it.”

Sabrina’s happy expression morphed into frustration when her stomach grumbled. “And I’m also hungrier than I’ve ever been,” she said. “This has been a crazy morning, but I’ve got half an hour before my next appointment. I’m gonna run out and get a bite to eat. Think about what I said, okay? Mason and I would love to go to the premiere. If it’s not too much trouble for you to contact Russell.”

Nya watched her friend disappear through the front door, wondering how things had escalated so much.

The ringing phone distracted Nya from her thoughts, and she got back to work.

Fifteen minutes later, the phone had stopped ringing, so Nya opened up her email. She still knew Russell’s email address, as it hadn’t been hard to forget. She logged on and typed it in.

Then she paused, not sure what to write.

As the minutes ticked by, she wondered why this was such a hard task. “Get a grip, and get over it.”

She drafted Russell an email, asking if two more tickets were available for the event. And as she did, she started to feel better about things. Instead of seeing Friday night as a double date, she started to see it as an opportunity to be with her best friend. Having Sabrina there would lessen the pressure and make it less like a date between her and Tyler. She certainly didn’t have to stick by Tyler’s side when there were more people there. Tyler could hang with Mason, and she could hang with Sabrina. If Russell was nearby, Nya would make sure to play lovey-dovey with Tyler, but otherwise she could hang with Sabrina.

Yes, it was a great idea to have Sabrina and Mason go along with them. Plus, if she was asking Russell for more tickets, he certainly couldn’t believe she was still hung up on him. It was more proof—she hoped, anyway—that she was firmly over him.

Nya sent the message off to Russell as Sabrina breezed back in. She looked harried.

“You really ought to take an hour for yourself. Have a proper lunch, unwind a bit.”

Sabrina shook her head as she sipped the last bit of orange juice from a plastic cup. “I don’t have the time.”

“You know you have to slow down sooner or later. You don’t want to disappoint Mason.”

Sabrina, who had already passed the reception desk en route to her studio, paused to look over her shoulder. “Oh, Mason’s far from disappointed.” She winked.

As her friend disappeared, Nya couldn’t help feeling a slight sense of wistfulness. Not since Russell had she felt a true electric charge for someone, that sense of excitement and fulfillment that Sabrina was experiencing now.

And despite Nya’s resolve to say single, there was a small part of her that still craved that sense of belonging to someone.

There was still a part of her that craved finding Mr. Right.

Chapter 5

“Sabrina Crawford Photography,” Nya said into the receiver.

“Nya?” came the male voice.

Nya’s heart spasmed at the sound of the deep, sexy voice on the other end of the line. “Speaking.”

“Hey, Nya. It’s Tyler.”

Nya felt a tingle in her belly, which she instantly hated. Why couldn’t she turn off her attraction to him?

“Oh, hi,” she said, keeping her voice flat. “How are you?”

“I’m great. It’s Thursday, so I’m calling to finalize the details for tomorrow as planned.”

As planned... He was obviously forgetting that she had tried to cancel the date. But she didn’t bother to mention that, saying only, “Right.”

“Mason told me that you were able to get two more tickets for him and Sabrina.”

“Yep. The more, the merrier, I guess.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” Tyler said. “I have been all week.”

Nya’s skin flushed, but she told herself not to read into Tyler’s words. First and foremost, tomorrow night was about making it clear to Russell that he hadn’t ruined her life forever. Even if Tyler was looking forward to spending more time with her for other reasons, Nya was determined to ignore her attraction to him. She had to change her ways, and not be the same woman she had been for so long.

“If nothing else, it will be an interesting evening,” Nya said. “I hope the film is good.”

“Mason was saying that we could all maybe meet for a quick bite—if your schedule allows.”

“Actually,” Nya began, “there’s a four forty-five appointment coming in, and I’m not sure when Sabrina and I will get out of here. Might be closer to five thirty, which means dinner will likely not be doable. If the film starts at seven, we’ve got to be getting there by six thirty to park, get good seats. So we’ll have to pass on dinner.”

“Good point,” Tyler said. “There’ll probably be food at the after party, anyway.”

“Knowing Russell, he’ll have the works.”

“Can I pick you up?” Tyler asked. “I think that makes the most sense.”

Nya wanted to object, but then she realized she would be protesting too much. What was she going to do—drive to the theater and fight for parking just to make a point? “Sure,” she said. “That’ll be fine.”

“What’s your address?”

Nya hesitated, not because she didn’t want to give him her address, but because she was suddenly remembering how this story had played out in her past relationships. The guy would pick her up for their date then take her home. Head upstairs with her. It all led to moving too far too fast.

Was she setting herself up for that exact scenario right now?

But she told him her address nonetheless. “I can be downstairs at six fifteen, if that works for you.”

“That’ll work.” Tyler told her. “See you then.”

* * *

Later that day, Nya had the firefighters’ calendar open to November and the picture of Tyler. Wearing only his turnout pants and suspenders, Tyler was standing in front of the engine truck. One arm was extended above his head and resting on the truck. His magnificent chest was exposed, showing off his muscular pecs and washboard abs. He was one helluva sexy man.

Nya lifted her smartphone and took a picture of the picture.

“Is that the calendar?”

Nya quickly closed the calendar. Then she whirled around to face her friend. “Sabrina. I didn’t hear you.”

“That’s a sexy picture of Tyler,” Sabrina said, coming to stand around the front of the reception counter, where she placed her Canon 5D camera. “I thought you weren’t interested.”

“I—I’m not,” Nya stuttered. “I—I was just looking at the calendar again. Checking out your amazing work.”

“And you took a picture of Tyler’s photo because...?”

“Because...because I told a friend in Texas about him, said he’s exactly her type. And she wanted to see a picture.”

Sabrina gave her a doubtful look, but didn’t press the issue. “Can you please call Dan Silver? Tell him we’re going to have to rebook his appointment because I have another appointment in fifteen minutes?”

“Of course.”

Sabrina took a moment to stretch her body, leaning backward, then letting her body fall forward. Nya stood and picked up Sabrina’s camera. By the time Sabrina was rising and pushing her hair out of her face, Nya snapped a photo of her.

Sabrina threw her a curious gaze. “Hey.”

“You’re always taking everyone else’s picture,” Nya said. “It’s about time someone took yours.”

As Sabrina approached her, Nya checked out the photo on the screen. She’d caught Sabrina in a completely candid moment, and she looked beautiful. Sabrina’s hands were in her hair, her eyes gazing ahead. The photo was gorgeous in its simplicity.

“Let me see that,” Sabrina said, extending her hand.

“Don’t delete the picture,” Nya pleaded. “I think you look beautiful.”

Sabrina’s lips were twisted in doubt as she took the camera. But her eyes quickly filled with wonder, and she actually smiled. “That’s a great picture.”

Nya smiled proudly. “I told you.”

Just as the door chimes sang and a harried-looking man came rushing in, the telephone rang. Nya answered it, and Sabrina tended to the customer.

Once Nya was off the phone, she emailed the photo of Tyler to herself, then accessed it on the computer. Knowing that Sabrina would be busy with the customer for a while, Nya quickly punched in a web address Sabrina knew nothing about.

Within seconds, the pale blue-and-pink swirls on the background of the page loaded, along with the page’s logo.

No More Casual Hookups!

Support From Friends Who Care.

Nya had found this site accidentally while on a lark searching the web for support groups for people who were swearing off sex. One night, after a few glasses of wine, she had decided to see whether there were other people out there like her.

Lo and behold, there were. She’d found this support group for people who were renewing vows of celibacy in an effort to find love.

Some were born-again virgins, which of course Nya didn’t completely understand. You were either a virgin or you weren’t. But she did get the sentiment. Psychologically, they were refreshing their spirits and their sexual beings, saving themselves for marriage.

Nya wasn’t saving herself for marriage. Her self-imposed celibacy was about reconnecting with herself, finding joy in her own skin, and escaping from the feeling that she needed to be with a man in order to be happy.

Nya hadn’t told Sabrina about this site, because she felt silly about it. There were live chat forums, and there were private messaging options. She’d read some of the forum discussions and had found other people who’d gone through similar experiences. Women and men who had jumped into relationships with hope, only to be hurt. People who wanted to forgo relationships and concentrate on being happy with themselves.

Nya had joined more out of curiosity, because she was surprised that such a group even existed. But she found herself signing on at least once a week to discuss how the week had gone and whether she had been able to withstand the temptation.

Nya had created a username then had started interacting with the group. Even though she’d done so more out of curiosity, she found that they understood her and truly were a source of support for her.

THEONLYWAY, the site’s administrator, was logged in. Nya had never come on and not found her logged in. While the members didn’t give any identifying information about themselves, Nya figured that THEONLYWAY was unemployed, independently wealthy or far too invested in this site to allow herself a personal life.

Within a few seconds of logging in, there were hello messages coming at her from various members who were online. FOOLMEONCE was a male. NOMOREHEARTBREAK, ANDBRAINSTOO and RESPECTME_1 were females.

RESPECTME_1: Hey, MAKING_ACHANGE! How r u?

MAKING_ACHANGE: Feeling stressed. Just need some support from you guys as I’m dealing with an awkward situation.

THEONLYWAY: What’s going on?

Nya glanced over her shoulder, fearful that Sabrina might appear. But she knew that Sabrina was busy with her appointment, which would give her the time she needed to get support from her online friends.

Nya loaded the picture of Tyler, then cropped it to obscure his face.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Recently met this guy. Exactly my type. I think he’s interested, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to resist him.

THEONLYWAY: You want to end up devastated again? That’s what will happen if you get involved with this guy. I promise you that.

Nya frowned. THEONLYWAY was hardcore when it came to remaining celibate. For her, the only way to happiness was to abstain from sex until marriage.

RESPECTME_1: No doubt as to why you’re tempted! The sexy firefighter? But don’t let a hot bod keep you off track! You’ve been celibate for five months, which is awesome. Did you sign up for a course in photography yet?

Nya had shared with the group that she was interested in photography, and they’d enthusiastically told her to pursue courses in part to distract herself from dating, but also as a way to find herself and concentrate on her passion.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Not yet. But I plan to. Soon.

NOMOREHEARTBREAK: Be careful! The hot ones always break your heart.

ANDBRAINSTOO: Yeah, I remember guys like that. Hot and bothered and wanting to get in your pants. Hot guys like that are used to women throwing themselves at them. They’re not used to hearing no. I’d stay away!

FOOLMEONCE: Not all attractive guys are heartbreakers. But I agree, don’t let yourself get sidetracked.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Thx.

RESPECTME_1: Things with Bill are going well. Four months and he hasn’t pressured me for sex. Says he’s willing to wait.

As the forum members began to write congratulatory responses and supportive messages for RESPECTME_1, who was a born-again virgin saving herself for marriage, Nya shot a glance over her shoulder again. She didn’t want Sabrina to catch her in this chat group.

MAKING_ACHANGE: Great to hear, Respect! He sounds like a keeper.

RESPECTME_1: Who knew I’d give up sex and actually find love?

MAKING_ACHANGE: Hate to do this, but I gotta go. At work. TTYL.

As Nya signed out of the chat room, she again felt a little silly that she was even taking love advice from a group of strangers online. She had signed up on a whim, and hadn’t truly expected to interact with anyone, much less make any meaningful connections. But she had. She liked these people, even if she didn’t truly know them.

Nya was happy for RESPECTME_1, who’d had too many sexual partners and more broken relationships than a person should at the age of twenty-eight. She had decided to swear off sex until marriage—it had apparently worked for her. Nya didn’t plan to take her own vow that far, but what she hoped was that the next man she got involved with sexually would be the man she married.

And she held no illusions that that man would be Tyler.

Chapter 6

“What to wear?” Nya asked herself Friday after work as she perused her closet. She had bypassed all of her current outfits and was now searching the back of her closet, where she had discarded her sexier outfits. She needed to look good for the premiere tonight. Only an item from the back of her closet would do.

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