Chapter 1

After my best friend's son caught me in a moment I could never explain, he decided to push his luck.

Even with my husband just a few feet away, he leaned in and whispered, "Elena, your husband is right outside. You better keep it down..."

1

"Natural energy for him, a total glow-up for her! Try it now and feel the spring in your step!"

I listened to the cheesy ad playing from a nearby stall. I glanced over at Lucas, my best friend's son, who had been staying at my place for a few days.

My name is Elena, and I'm a university professor.

They say women hit their peak in their thirties. At thirty, my needs were becoming more than I could handle.

My husband, Jeremy, was useless in that department. He lacked skill and stamina, yet he had the nerve to call me a slut for wanting more.

I finally reached my breaking point. I signed the separation papers and moved into a rented two-bedroom apartment.

Lucas was a student in my elective class. He had injured his foot playing basketball, and since his mom was away on business, she asked me to look after him.

He was a college athlete, tall and built like a tank. Even with his crutches, his muscular frame made my face flush every time I looked at him.

On an impulse, I walked toward a seafood vendor. I figured some fresh oysters would be good for his recovery.

I could feel his intense gaze burning into my back. It felt like he was tracing the shape of my body through my skirt.

I felt my legs tighten instinctively. I knew Lucas was watching me.

My face turned red as I asked the vendor to pick out the best ones.

While I waited, Lucas limped closer. I could feel his heat radiating against my back.

The sudden proximity made me shiver. I leaned back slightly, and our bodies brushed against each other.

My blood felt like it was boiling. My heart hammered against my ribs.

"That'll be twelve dollars," the vendor said, breaking the spell.

I quickly stepped forward to pay, putting distance between us. I heard Lucas let out a long, heavy sigh.

A spark of excitement lit up inside me. Was it possible he actually liked me?

It would explain why he was always staring.

I didn't say anything. I grabbed the oysters and walked away, with Lucas trailing behind me on his crutches.

When we got to my building, the elevator was out of order. We had to take the stairs.

Lucas said he needed to stop by the store for some Gatorade, so I went up to the apartment alone.

As I passed my neighbor's door on the seventh floor, I heard a very distinct sound. It was the sound of a woman lost in a moment of pure bliss.

To a woman as deprived as I was, those moans were like a match to a fuse. My desire was suddenly impossible to contain.

My body felt like it was vibrating in sync with the noise. I couldn't help but stop and listen.

Just as I was flushed with heat, a firm, muscular chest pressed against my back.

The cool touch felt like a lifeline. I instinctively leaned back into the solid frame.

"What are you listening to, Aunt Elena?"

The deep voice above me made me jump. I spun around, nearly gasping in shock.

It was Lucas. I thought he was at the store.

I was paralyzed with shame. Lucas let out a knowing hum.

"So you like listening to this," he whispered. "Are you lonely, Elena?"

I couldn't believe he was talking to me like that. I was so embarrassed I could barely think straight.

But the feel of his hard abs and his powerful body made my mind go to dark places.

He looked so strong. I wondered what it would feel like to be handled by him.

I tried to snap out of it. I blamed my neighbors for being so loud during the day.

Lucas noticed the change in my expression. He pressed even closer, his hot breath hitting my ear.

"You're burning up," he teased. "Tell me, were those oysters for me, or were you hoping I'd give you something in return?"