“I can’t believe this is happening to me,” I said.

I heard Monica sigh over the phone. “He was no good for you, sweetheart,” she said. “I never liked him, anyway. Douchebag.”

“He is such a douchebag!” I agreed.

The douchebag in question was my ex-boyfriend, Jake. We’d met on my first day of college at freshman orientation, where we happened to find ourselves sitting together by virtue of a one-letter difference in our last names, mine being Wildmon and his being Wildman. He told me to call him “Wild Man.” At first I’d thought it was funny. Now I only thought it made him sound like even more of an asshole.

I’d never been intimate with a man before, having been stuck in a lengthy awkward phase during my high school years. I’d resolved that that would change once I left home. I never expected it to change as quickly as it did, though. Jake’s piercing blue eyes, wicked smile, and lean, swimmer’s body had left me a flustered, sweaty mess while a professor lectured us on the new challenges we’d face living in dorms and adjusting to campus life. We’d gone to bed on our second date. With nothing to compare it to, I couldn’t have told anyone whether the sex was particularly good or not, but I knew I wanted more of it.

Jake and I had been inseparable, and I’d been looking forward to introducing him to my mother and new stepfather over Thanksgiving break. And then the morning we were due to fly to Los Angeles Jake told me he wasn’t going. He was going to the Hamptons, instead. With his girlfriend.

His other girlfriend. Oh, and by the way, we were done. Now I was in baggage claim at LAX, alone, waiting for my driver to show up.

“You really had no idea, Kelly?” Monica asked me.

“I don’t even know who that other bitch is,” I said. “He was pulling a hell of a game on me.”

“At least you’re out of there for a few days,” she said. “It’ll be good for you to put some space between you and the campus. You’re home now.”

“It’s not really home anymore,” I told her. “We’re going to my stepfather’s house, and I’ve never even met the guy.” My mother had engaged in a whirlwind romance almost the minute I’d flown off to college, and she and the new guy had gotten married on a weekend trip to Las Vegas. I didn’t begrudge her the romance; she’d been alone for a long time after my father had left us, back when I was in grade school. I did wish she’d have introduced me to the guy first, though. A drunken 3:00 am phone call from her at a casino telling me I had a new stepfather wasn’t the way I’d have picked to get the news.

“You’ll have to invite me down there for Christmas,” Monica said. “I’ve never been to Malibu. Maybe you’ll run into Brad and Angelina at the grocery store.”

“Do they even live in Malibu?” I asked. My new home was in a small town just north of Los Angeles where the rich and famous had their houses on vast estates that probably cost as much as some small countries. I’d been there once or twice to have dinner at one of their fancy restaurants when my mother and I were feeling flush, but otherwise it wasn’t a place I’d spent any time.

“Who cares?” Monica asked. “But it sounds like a good place for you to find a new man. Do like your mom and get one with some money. And a nice big dick.”

“Monica!” I protested. I could feel my cheeks flushing red.

“What?” she laughed. “The best way to get a guy out of your system is to get a new one. You don’t need to marry him. Just have some fun. You won’t even remember what’s-his-name when you get back to school.”

“Jake,” I said.

“Oh, for god’s sake. I knew what his name was. The point was to forget about him.”

I laughed. “I’m sure going to do that as soon as possible. Oh, wait, I think I see my driver.” Near the sliding doors that led into the taxi area a tall man stood in a black chauffeur’s uniform. He held a white signboard with “WILDMON” printed across it in block letters.

“Your driver,” Monica laughed. “Look at you. Your family’s been rich for a month and you’ve got a driver now.”

“Shut up,” I said.

“I’m teasing,” Monica said. “Call me later. And try not to fuck the driver.”

“I’m not going to…” I started, but she’d already hung up. I sighed and clicked the phone off, then walked over to where the man with the sign stood. “I think that’s me,” I said.

“Kelly Wildmon?” The driver was an older man with gray hair and a British accent. It was such a stereotype I almost had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. I wondered if Mary Poppins was going to be the nanny.

“That’s me.”

“Then I am indeed here for you. My name is Trevor. Shall we proceed to the car?”

I smiled, still trying not to laugh. “We shall.”

Trevor led me to a reserved parking area where a black Lincoln town car waited. “I’m surprised it’s not a limo,” I said.

“If the car is not suitable, I can arrange a limousine for you.”

“Oh, god. No,” I said quickly. “It’s not like that. I just figured all rich people took limos everywhere. Sorry. A lot of this is new to me. The only person that’s ever driven me anywhere was my mom, and that was in a used Hyundai.”

A smile creased Trevor’s lips. “My apologies. Some of my clients can be

a bit…particular…about what kind of vehicle they might be seen in.” “You mean they’re total bitches?”

Trevor put a hand to his chest as if he were shocked, but I saw a twinkle in his eyes. “I’m quite sure I didn’t say that, Miss Wildmon.”

“And I’m sure I didn’t hear it.” I smiled at him. “Call me Kelly, by the way.”

“If you insist.”

“I do insist. Let’s get out of here.”

Trevor pulled the car out of the maze that was LAX and we were on the Pacific Coast Highway heading north a few minutes later. It was late afternoon and the sun was just beginning its descent toward the ocean. “So tell me about my new stepfather,” I said to Trevor. “What’s Evan like?”

“Mr. Hammer is…how shall I say?”

“A rich asshole?” I asked. All I knew about Evan Hammer was what I’d read after typing his name into Google. He’d made a small fortune by inventing some piece of software that made computers run faster, and had since retired to dabble in investments and real estate.

“Not at all,” Trevor said. “I might say he is a man accustomed to getting what he wants. He is a genius, certainly, and that quality has served him well in his endeavors, but what made him truly successful is the fact that he does not take ‘no’ for an answer.”

I’d picked some of that up by reading about him. A couple of the bigger software companies had wanted to buy his technology outright, for more money than I could even imagine, but Evan Hammer had insisted on licensing it instead so he could retain ownership. That decision alone meant he would be set for life. He did the same with his investments. You either took his price or he walked away.

“Sounds like he drives a hard bargain,” I said. “That is certainly one way of putting it.”

We reached Malibu and Trevor turned the car down a narrow road that led up into the hills. He stopped outside a metal gate, where a guard sitting in a small booth looked us over, and then pressed a button that opened it. “Nice security,” I said.

“Mr. Hammer appreciates his privacy.”

“I guess so.” The car continued up the road and I nearly gasped when I saw the house we were heading for. House was probably the wrong word. It was a mansion, three stories tall and all in white with gold trim, with marble columns in front. It was probably as big as the entire neighborhood I’d grown up in. “My god,” I said. “How big is that thing?”

“Fifty-three rooms,” Trevor said. “It is quite impressive, is it not?” “I’m not sure ‘impressive’ is the word I’d use,” I said. “It looks like somewhere a king would live.”

“I’m sure Mr. Hammer would find that amusing,” Trevor said. “Because he thinks of himself as a king?”

“Because the average king could not afford this estate,” Trevor smiled.

He stopped the car near the entrance and held my door open as I got out. I suddenly felt incredibly underdressed. I’d worn sweat pants and an old sweater on the plane, choosing comfort for flying rather than looking good. I wasn’t even sure I’d packed anything that would be appropriate here. Jeans and t-shirts didn’t seem like they’d cut it, but I didn’t have an evening gown tucked away somewhere.

Trevor carried my suitcase into the house, and I had to stop to gape once we were inside. The foyer itself was huge, like a hotel’s, with a large spiral staircase that led up to the next level. Paintings that were probably priceless lined the walls. “This place is incredible,” I said.

“I’m sure you will become accustomed to it,” Trevor said. “We have prepared a room for you on the second floor that I hope you will find suitable, but please let me know if you’d like to move. The dining area is to your left. Dinner is not until this evening, but I’m sure the chef can prepare you something if you’re hungry. The infinity pool is in the back, should you

care for a swim.”

“What’s an infinity pool?” I asked.

Trevor smiled. “I won’t spoil the surprise for you. I’m sure you’ll find it quite impressive.” He handed my suitcase to another man in a white uniform who took it and started upstairs. “Would you care for something to drink?” Trevor asked. “I can offer you soda, juice, champagne…”

“Champagne? I’m 18.”

“Well, I shouldn’t think to tell anyone if you won’t.”

I laughed. “You know, I’ve had a long day. I will have a glass of champagne. I thought you were just the driver, though? You serve drinks, too?”

“In fact, I am the butler. I perform many duties here, as Mr. Hammer sees fit.”

“Got it,” I said. “Is my mother here? I’d like to say hi.”

“I’m afraid Mrs. Hammer is in Paris on a shopping expedition. She will return tomorrow.”

“Oh,” I said. “She didn’t mention that.”

“It was something of a last-minute affair,” Trevor nodded. “In any case, I will fix that drink for you. Shall I bring it to your room?”

“Bring it out back,” I said. “I think I’ll take a swim in that ‘infinity pool’ you’re so proud of.”

“Very good,” Trevor smiled. “I do believe you will like it.”

I found my room upstairs, which looked as if it had been decorated for a princess. It had the first canopy bed I’d ever seen in real life, a queen-sized affair in white with enough lace to trim half a dozen dresses. I laid my suitcase out on it and looked through my clothes. I’d only packed one bikini, and it was a little smaller than I’d have chosen for anyone other than Jake to see me in, but I’d packed it before the breakup and hadn’t thought to replace it. In the end I decided it wouldn’t matter much. There was nobody here I was afraid of seeing a bit more of me than I’d otherwise like. It wasn’t as if I was going to a public beach.

Trevor met me outside with a glass of champagne balanced on a silver tray. I felt his eyes move over my body ever so briefly, but then they snapped back to attention. I had to suppress a small smile. Jake wasn’t getting any more of this body, but I sure as hell wasn’t dead yet. If a man as old as Trevor couldn’t resist taking a peek, I shouldn’t have any trouble with guys my own age.

I sipped the champagne and tried to figure out what was so “infinity” about the large pool. It was a good enough size, but it wasn’t until I looked from another angle that I saw it. Evan Hammer’s house was high in the hills with the backyard facing the Pacific Ocean. From the right angle, the edge of the pool appeared to fade into the ocean. It was impossible to tell where one ended and the other began.

I hadn’t realized I was gaping at the view until I heard a new voice from behind me. “It’s impressive, isn’t it?” I was so startled I nearly dropped my champagne. Turning, I saw a young man with dark hair, sparkling green eyes, and a chiseled body that suggested he was a big fan of eating right and working out. He wore a pair of blue swim trunks and I could just make out a bulge that suggested he was packing something large down there.

“Oh,” I said. “Sorry. I’ve just never seen a view like that before. I’m Kelly.”

“I thought you might be,” he smiled.

“We haven’t actually met,” I said. “Are you Reid or Riley?” Evan Hammer’s twin sons were both in college at Stanford, but it didn’t surprise me that at least one of them had come down for the holiday as well.

He cocked his head at me, smiling mischievously. “Neither,” he said. “I’m Evan.”

I nearly did a double-take and my eyes drifted down to his rock-hard abs again. “You’re kidding.”

He laughed. “I’m really not,” he said, extending a hand. “Evan Hammer.” I shook his hand, feeling his firm grip against my own. “Kelly,” I said.

“Kelly Wildmon.”

“Good to meet you,” he said, looking into my eyes. “You look just like your mother.”

I felt my knees going a bit weak and my cheeks starting to flush. What on earth was I thinking about? Evan was easily twice my age and married to my mother, but damned if he wasn’t hot. “I was…” I started. “I was just going to take a swim.”

“So was I,” he smiled. “After you.”

I turned and stepped into the water, eager to get away before he saw me blushing. What was I going to say if he realized how turned on I was? I’d probably die of embarrassment.

Evan stepped into the water as I swam to one end of the pool. The water was warm, at least 80 degrees, and felt refreshing on my skin after a day spent cooped up on an airplane and then on the car ride here. I put my elbows back on the side of the pool and looked up at the sky, feeling the warm sun on my face. This really was paradise. It was hard to believe this was where I lived now. It felt more like some kind of hotel resort that would have cost a small fortune per night.

“I usually do a few laps,” Evan said, bobbing in the water. “Do you mind?”

“Of course not,” I said. “Do whatever you normally do. I’m just going to enjoy the water.”

Evan kicked his legs and began doing a freestyle stroke toward the end of the pool. I couldn’t help but watch as his powerful arms propelled him through the water. He looked like he’d been swimming all his life, and as he did a racing turn at the end of the pool I started feeling a heat between my legs. Good god, I thought. What am I thinking?

Evan did ten more laps and I was finding it more and more difficult to keep my eyes off of him. Finally he stopped midway through the pool and took a position opposite my own, elbows on the side of the pool. “That feels good,” he said. “I like to get in here at least once a day.”

“That explains your body,” I blurted out, and immediately my cheeks went red again. “Oh, sorry. I mean, it’s just that you’re obviously in pretty good shape.”

“Good enough that you mistook me for one of my sons?” He smiled. “I don’t mind. It’s nice to know I haven’t lost it yet. You were probably expecting someone old and frumpy?”

“I’d seen your picture online,” I said. “I just thought it was Photoshop or something.”

“It’s all me,” he said. I saw his eyes flicker over my half-submerged breasts and suddenly wished I’d worn something a little more conservative. Then again, if we’d been in a different situation, I’d definitely have wanted him to look. If he weren’t my stepfather, I might have taken Monica’s advice and jumped on top of him by now.

“Are your sons here?” I asked. “I’d like to meet my new stepbrothers.” “Riley and Reid will be here tomorrow afternoon,” he said, and I caught

him looking at my breasts again. “I’m afraid it’ll just be us tonight.”

“I see,” I nodded. “Well, that’s okay. We’ll have the whole place to ourselves.”

He looked into my eyes from across the pool. “We can do whatever we want, can’t we?”

I felt a wave of heat wash over me. Did he mean we could watch something on television, or…something else? But then he stretched. “Well, I should go get changed. You’ll join me for dinner, I hope? I hate eating alone.”

“Of course,” I said, watching as he climbed out of the pool. The bulge in his swim trunks looked to have grown several sizes from when I’d seen it before. Was that just because the trunks were wet and clingy now, or could it be…my question was answered as he turned away and I saw the outline of his cock. He was hard! My bikini had obviously had the effect I’d wanted it to; it had just had it on the wrong person.

Evan took a towel from a rack near the pool and began drying off. I couldn’t help but sneak another look at his swim trunks while he dried his hair. He was definitely packing a monster down there. I’d thought Jake had been big, but he’d been my only lover and I’d had nothing to compare him to. Evan looked like he was playing in a very different league.

“I’ll see you later, then,” Evan said, turning to go. Part of me wanted him to stay, but the other part was glad he was going before he had a chance to notice that my nipples had grown painfully hard and were straining against the thin material of my bikini top. But his eyes ran across me one more time and I saw a twitch of a smile at the edge of his perfect mouth. He had noticed. I felt like I was going to die of embarrassment. But then again, he had smiled. Maybe he liked what he saw.

Was that a good thing or a bad thing?

After a halfhearted swim I went upstairs to change, eventually settling on an old t-shirt and a pair of loose-fitting jeans I’d brought with me. It seemed like an outfit that wasn’t likely to get me into trouble, which was what I wanted. It was what I thought I wanted, anyway. There was another part of me that wanted Evan to see me, lay me down on the dinner table, and have his way with me. I struggled to put those thoughts out of my head as I watched television in one of the rooms downstairs, but every time I thought I was back in control of my thoughts my mind drifted back to his swim trunks and what I’d seen hiding under there. Could he really be as big as I imagined? And what was wrong with me that I couldn’t stop thinking about it?

After a few hours Evan came and found me on the couch. He’d changed into khaki slacks and a blue polo shirt that hugged his torso just enough that I could make out his athletic build. “Dinner is served,” he smiled.

I followed him into the dining room. The wooden table there was long enough that it could probably have sat twenty people, but he’d prepared only two place settings right next to each other, one at the end of the table and the other just to its right. Two covered plates sat on fancy cloth placemats. “Is it just us?” I asked.

“I sent Trevor and the chef home for the night,” he said. “I thought we might enjoy having a little time to get to know each other.”

So it was just us in the house. Nobody would know if anything happened; the staff wouldn’t have anything to gossip about. Why was I so happy about that?

I took the seat adjacent to the head of the table and Evan lifted the plate’s cover for me. He’d made steak with a side of grilled vegetables. I could smell garlic and spices; if he could cook like this, I didn’t know why he had a chef on staff. “It looks wonderful.”

“Thank you.” He sat down next to me and uncovered his own tray. “I should have thought to ask how you like your meat. Let me know if it’s too rare for you.”

“I like it rare,” I said. He watched as I cut into the steak and took a bite. “It’s good.”

“I’m glad you like it.” He cut himself a piece of steak. “So tell me about yourself. We’re family now, after all.”

That was right; we were family. I struggled to keep my thoughts clean. “Well, you know I’m in college, of course.” I gave him a quick rundown of what I was studying and that I was on the soccer team, although we weren’t all that good.

“What about boys?” he asked with a smile. “Anybody special caught your eye?”

“Well, there was one,” I said. I started to tell him about Jake, how he’d been my first love, and how he’d broken my heart. Before I even knew what was happening, I realized I’d started to cry.

Evan moved his chair closer to mine and put his hand on my arm. “There, now,” he said. “You’re right, he really does sound like a douchebag.”

“He is a douchebag,” I laughed through my tears. “Monica said…well, she said I should try to meet someone else while I’m down here. I’d get over him quick if I just…you know.”

Evan smiled. “I think I do.” Then he leaned forward and kissed me on the lips.

Shivers ran down my body when I felt the heat of his lips against mine.

His lips parted slightly and so did mine. A moment later I felt his tongue, and one of his hands cupping my left breast through my t-shirt. My nipples responded immediately, threatening to cut through my bra.

I pulled back. “We really shouldn’t,” I said. “You’re my stepfather, for god’s sake.”

He stood up and pulled me to my feet, putting his arms around my back and drawing me close. “Your friend was right. You need a good, hard fuck,

but I can’t bear to think of you with some stranger.” He caressed my cheek with the back of his hand. “Come here.”

He leaned down and kissed me again.

Any thought I had about how wrong this situation vanished.

I wanted him.

I wanted my stepfather now.