Ooh, she had a little country flair to her. The way she drew out the e in me, told him she wasn’t from California. Mm, he liked that too.

“Naughty girl, who said anything about open-mouth kissing?”

He was rewarded with a deep blush and a shy smile. “I just assumed.”

“Or you were hoping.”

She giggled, and rolled her eyes. “Oh shut up, and kiss me already.”

A slow grin went across his face before he took her chin in his fingers and slowly lowered his lips to hers. When Lucas’ lips touched Fallon’s, he swore his whole body caught on fire. She slowly moved her hand into his hair, bringing him closer, so their bodies molded together. When she slowly parted her lips, he drove his tongue into her mouth, sweeping and swirling his tongue with hers. He had never kissed a girl with such passion, never put his whole self into it, never felt the so-called sparks. With Fallon, he did.

When they parted, only for air, she smiled sweetly up at him.

“So my secret is safe?”

Lucas was still stunned as he nodded. “Oh you are safe with me baby girl. Come here.”

Lucas wrapped her back up in his arms, kissing her senseless, excited for the future that was before them. Yeah, after a kiss like that, he was looking at the future because he knew he had just found The One.

Chapter 1

Nine years later……

Fallon Parker’s feet hurt.

Bad.

Her decision to wear a brand new pair of black Kate Spade ankle boots on the night of the Assassins’ holiday party would haunt her for weeks. She wanted to look cute though ─ she knew she would be seeing a lot of customers and some of her friends, so she had to dress to impress. Wearing a high-waisted black pencil skirt with white lacy shirt, she knew she had done that.

Even if her feet were killing her; it was the price of fashion.

Fallon tried to walk lightly as she made her way around the bar to look over the crowd of 500 that had gathered at the Luther Arena to celebrate the New Year. The party was in full swing; not only was the crowd celebrating the New Year but also the run for the Stanley Cup. The Assassins were doing great from what Fallon was told, not that she cared.

Those days were over.

All Fallon cared about now was that the sponsorship was perfect between Rocky Top Wines and the Assassins. For the most part it was. Rocky Top Wines had its own level in the Luther Arena AND a restaurant. But what Fallon really wanted was a cellar in the arena, somewhere customers could pick up a bottle of their favorite wine for the after party at home. It was her dream, and she was working hard to make it a reality.

Fallon slowly leaned against the bar, sipping on her own glass of the company’s Chenin Blanc. It was one of her favorites, going down smoothly as she took in the scenery of the arena. The team colors, purple and black, covered every inch of the arena. People moved around her, buying bottles and getting refills of their favorite wines as Fallon watched and answered any questions anyone had.

God, she loved her job. Being surrounded by wine all the time?

Who could ask for more?

A smile broke across Fallon’s face when she spotted one of her dearest friends. Of course, Elli Adler was dressed to impress in her floor length black sparkly dress. Her beautiful brown hair was in an intricate updo and her makeup was done up to the nines. No one would ever be able to tell that Elli had just had a baby two months ago. No matter how many times Fallon told her that, Elli still didn’t believe it but it was true. Elli was beautiful. She was also the team’s newest owner, which made her the center of attention that night. Elli wore a full smile as she wrapped her arms around Fallon, hugging her tightly.

“Now I know you’ve been here at least an hour! Why am I just now seeing you?” Fallon teased as Elli rolled her eyes.

“You know I gotta go around sucking up to people! You become the darn owner and everyone wants a piece of you!” Elli said as she talked with her hands, “Plus, why am I gonna come on over here to my favorite wine bar when I can’t drink?” Elli asked with an annoyed look.

Fallon stood there for a moment, confused. Was she missing something? “Huh?”

Elli slowly nodded her head, “Shea knocked me up again!”

Fallon’s mouth dropped as Elli just shook her head. “You just had Shelli two months ago!”

“I know! He’s on me like white on rice! I swear he’s gonna have me pregnant for the next three years!”

They both shared a laugh at that. If Shea Adler, the Assassins’ captain, had his way, he probably would. “Well the good thing is that your kids will be like me and my sister. We are 10 months apart and the bestest of friends.”

“Yay.”

Fallon laughed as Elli just looked over at the wines longingly. “Oh come on, I know you’re excited.”

A small sweet smile went over Elli’s face as she said, “I am, but it’s gonna suck the next couple months with him being gone all the time.”

“I thought he was quittin’.”

“He said he will when this baby is born, but I know he won’t. He loves it too much and who am I to ask him to quit?”

Fallon was green with envy as she listened to Elli talk about her perfect relationship with her hunky, gorgeous husband and perfect baby girl with another on the way. Fallon couldn’t be happier for Elli. She loved Shea and baby Shelli, but Fallon wanted it all.

Why couldn’t she find her Shea Adler that wanted to impregnate her all the time?

“So when is this big wine party?” Elli asked, bringing Fallon back to reality.