YOU GIVE LOVE A GOOD NAME By Jennifer Apodaca

From SUN SAND SEX Anthology

Chapter One

 Four Months Earlier

      Lexie backed up as the bride threw the bouquet, trying to stay out of range.

     She stopped short when her shoulders hit a hard male chest. She jerked in reaction and nearly lost her balance. Large, warm hands settled on her bare arms to steady her. From behind her, a low voice chuckled and said, "Ducking the bouquet? I thought you women were supposed to fight for it?"

     Recognizing the voice of the bride's brother, Nick Vardolous, she enjoyed the feel of his hands on her arms for a few seconds. It was just a little indulgence, perfectly innocent, she told herself. Then she turned, sliding out of his touch and smiled up at him. "The wedding planner doesn't catch the bouquet." He stood beneath one of the crystal chandeliers in his dark suit and Lexie was struck by how good looking he was. He had that hot Greek thing going on from his wavy black hair all the way down his six-foot frame. Strong bone structure showed off his incredible eyes, so light green that they sometimes took on a gold hue. Every time she looked into his eyes, she felt a little shock of lust jolt her system.

     "You deserve more than a bouquet for putting up with my sister and mom."

     She laughed. "It's my job, I get paid to handle the problems in weddings." The truth was she hated it, but she was stuck until her mom fully recovered from her heart attack and came back to work. She tore her gaze from Nick to look around and make sure everything was in order. "The bride and groom are leaving. I need to—"

     He touched her hand. Lexie felt the sensation run up her arm and down her spine. They'd flirted for days. She really liked Nick, but he was the client's brother, not a date.

     His gaze turned intense. "We'll talk later." He gently squeezed her hand then strode away to hug his sister and shake hands with his new brother-in-law.

     Lexie watched for a moment, thinking that in just a few days Nick had stirred a longing in her. Then she shook it off. She had work to do.

     An hour later she picked up the last box off the table, turned and almost yelped. "Hey Nick, I didn't hear you." She'd seen him talking to his family as they were all leaving, but she hadn't really thought he'd stay behind. What did he want to talk to her about?

     Nick reached out and took the heavy box from her. "You finished in here?"

     She headed out the door to the parking lot. "Yep. Your sister is officially married and off for her honeymoon, the hall is cleaned up and everyone lived through the experience." She stopped at her light blue Explorer and opened the rear door.

     Nick slid the box in.

     She smiled at him. "Thanks. I guess you're heading back to…whereever you came from?" Nick had told her his job kept him traveling but he hadn't been specific about what his job was.

     He shut the rear door and turned to look at her beneath the parking lot lights. "Leaving in the morning."

     Nodding, she said, "It's been nice to see you these last couple days. And thanks for carrying the box." She wondered if he really wanted to talk to her, or if he just used her as an excuse to avoid his family.

     "Lexie."
     His voice was soft and low, the kind of tone that made a woman pay attention. "Yes?"

     "Spend the night with me."

     She knew her eyes widened. "Uh, the night?" Stupid! She knew what he meant. But she didn't do stuff like that.

     Nick stood a couple feet away, watching her. "You're a sexy woman and I'm interested in you. I'm leaving early in the morning, but I can promise you an unforgettable night."

     He was so incredibly honest, and he stayed a respectful distance away. She liked that. She liked him. She wanted him, but she didn't do one-night-stands. She was so tempted, but no. "I can't, but thanks for uh…" she felt like an idiot and looked down at the black pavement. Thanks? Thanks for wanting to have sex with me? God.

     "Lexie."

     That was some voice he had. Repressing a sigh, she looked up. "No." She hurried around him to the driver's side door, fumbling with her key to unlock the door.

     Nick reached around her and took the keys from her, then beeped the door unlocked.

     Hot embarrassment crawled up her neck, but she forced herself to turn and face him. "I'm sorry, I just…"

     He smiled down at her. "I know what the word no means, relax. I'm just going to make sure you get in your car and lock the door. It's a habit from having a baby sister."

     God she wanted to be someone else, the kind of women who went home with a sexy man who made her feel desired and safe. He probably got women to go home with him all the time. That thought made her feel even worse somehow. She blurted out, "I'm not impulsive."

     He opened the driver's side door.

     She slipped past him and hoped the flush crawling up her neck and face didn't show. Holding her skirt, she climbed up to the driver's seat, bringing her eye to eye with Nick.

     He handed her the keys.

     "Thanks."

     "Lexie."

     He had to stop saying her name like that. It was seductive and made her want to crawl into his arms. She tried to keep her gaze focused out the front window of the SUV, but against her will she turned to look at him. "Nick."

     "If I was another guy…"

     He was trying to make her feel better. "But you're not."

     "No, I don't hang around in relationships. I'm a loner. But if I was looking for a relationship, I'd work hard to get you interested in me."

     He was seducing her with what if's, or maybe it was his honesty. "And if I was an impulsive woman…"

     His smile reached his eyes. "I'd be a lucky son of a bitch."

     She laughed. Nick was sexy, so easy to be around.

     Something flared his green-gold gaze. Then he leaned forward and said, "Ah, damn Lexie. I'm not going to be able to close this door until I kiss you." He put his hand on her shoulder then slid his fingers up to cup the back of her head.

     Warm excitement pooled in her stomach and her muscles softened in reaction. Nick leaned forward and kissed her. The touch of his mouth sent sensual shivers down her spine to curl deep inside of her. His hot breath tasted like wine from all the toasts. Putting her hand on his arm, she felt the hard ridges of his muscles.

     Felt the pulse of both their excitement.

     Nick shifted just enough and she opened her mouth, wanting him inside of her. Wanting to feel the rush as his tongue touched hers.

     Nick pulled back, breathing hard, and his green eyes warmed to a light-gold tone. "Time for you to go home, wedding planner."

     "But…"

     He shook his head. Determination hardened his features and his mouth lost the curve of amusement. "I'm not the sticking kind, and you're not a one-nighter. Go." He stepped back and shut the door.

     He was still standing there when she drove away.