Reed Hopewell is a lot of things to a lot of people . . .

To his parents, he’s the son who needs to get serious. To his friends, he’s the player they all want to be. And to his fans, he’s the hottest rocker in Charleston. But never has Reed been anyone’s hero-until the night he finds Hope.

Hope Dawson can count the number of men she trusts on one hand. Definitely not the guys she goes out with or the stepfather who treats her like property. She’d be out of his house tomorrow if not for the need to protect her little sister. But when things at home go from bad to worse, Hope has to act fast-and Reed is the only person she can turn to . . .

Excerpt

“So, you’re out here…with me. You wanted to thank me? I did what anyone would have done, Hope. No thanks necessary. I’m glad you’re here, actually. I needed to know that you’re doing well. And it seems you are. Very much so.”

She nodded, and licked her lips the way she had inside. Reed’s hands fisted inside his pockets as a fire began to burn so slowly inside of him. She shook her head, causing those deep waves of hair to ripple around her, and her scent reached his nose. She smelled freshly sweet, and also spicy all at the same time. He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes.

He opened them quickly as he realized she didn’t smell of cheap fruity perfume.

“Well, yeah. I guess I’m okay. I don’t actually want to be here tonight…I had to come. I’m actually supposed to be out with my friends, celebrating my birthday, but instead I’m here, and…” she trailed off, staring into his eyes.

Reed sucked in a breath. His voice came out low and strained. “It’s your birthday? Well, hot damn. Happy birthday, Hope. I hope your date gives you everything you want.”

There were those little confusion wrinkles again. “My date?”

Reed stared at her, the realization dawning on him. His hands slowly slid out of his pockets as he stared down at this girl who was his every fantasy he never even knew he had.

“Hope,” he said. His voice came out ragged and thick, emotion and unbridled desire were clogging his throat.

“Reed?” She stared up at him, and the expression he read in her eyes this time was a sexy combination of longing and bewilderment.

“Are you saying that guy in there isn’t your date tonight?”

Her eyes lightened and crinkled at the corners as she began to laugh. He waited, because although her laugh indicated so much, she hadn’t actually answered his question.

Finally, she looked him straight in the eye and lowered her chin almost shyly. “No, Reed. I don’t…I don’t have a date tonight.”

The mere inches between them disintegrated when he crashed into her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulled her into his chest as his mouth melted into hers.

It felt like he’d been waiting years to kiss her, to feel her body molding against his, to feel her hands tangling in his hair as they now were. The little surprised gasp that vibrated against his lips as he grabbed her only fueled his need to get as much of her touching as much of him as he possibly could.