Chapter 4Reborn At Thirty-Five

His tone was mocking. In a place like this, pulsing with music and desire, what else could a woman approaching a group of young men want?

I ignored him and met Lucas's gaze.

"Lucas," I said, my voice steadier than I felt. "About my offer the other day. Is it still on the table?"

This time, Lucas didn't respond with the same instant eagerness. His dark eyes studied my face for a long moment.

"Are you sure this time, Audrey? This isn't just another impulse?"

I nodded. "I'm sure."

"And one more thing. I'm divorced. It's Ms. Thorne now."

A slow smile spread across his face as he pushed his tongue against the inside of his cheek. In one fluid motion, he reached out, grabbed my arm, and pulled me into his lap.

I was instantly enveloped in his scent, a clean, masculine energy that was both overwhelming and intoxicating. His body was firm and well-defined, the muscles of his chest solid beneath my palm.

He took my hand, his voice a low murmur against my ear. "You have to be sure, Audrey. Because this time, once you buy, there are no returns."

He leaned in closer, his presence suddenly powerful, almost predatory. And for the first time in what felt like an eternity, my dead, silent heart gave a strange, fluttery beat.

On pure instinct, my hand went up, my fingers curling around the back of his neck.

I kissed him.

His lips were warm and soft. After more than a decade as a housewife, I had almost forgotten what this felt like. A single kiss was enough to ignite a fire I thought had long since burned out. If we hadn't been in a crowded bar, surrounded by people, things would have escalated very, very quickly.

Lucas cupped the back of my head, his thumb stroking my cheek as he gently licked the corner of my mouth.

"Wow, Audrey," he whispered, his breath hot against my skin. "You're good. I almost lost control."

His friends stared, their jaws on the floor. The one who had mocked me earlier just stammered, unable to form a single word.

I tossed a wad of cash on the table for them to enjoy their night.

Then I took Lucas by the hand and led him straight to a hotel.