Ruined by the Pirate Read online

  Noel took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Well.” He leaned over, retrieving whatever had ended up on the ground, then fisted his hands on his narrow hips. “I had the feeling something was up, but I thought she was angry I’d been away so long. I never expected she’d dump me.”

  Cindy folded her hands, unsure of what to say. Cars inched past, leaving parking spots and exiting the garage. The whoosh of a plane taking off sounded in the distance.

  “Would it help to say I’m sorry?” She rearranged the bracelet jangling on her wrist and smoothed the smudges off the heart charm. “This is supposed to be a good day.”

  “It is a good day. Give me your hand.” He took her right hand in his. “This is now yours.” Noel slipped a ring on to the ring finger of her right hand. “You’ll enjoy it more than I will. Diamonds aren’t my style.”

  Despite the cloudy day, the diamond gleamed. Her heart lodged in her throat. The ring wasn’t just any piece of costume jewellery. It was Sophie’s engagement ring. “I can’t take this.” Cindy grasped the band and pulled. “I—this isn’t mine.”

  Noel placed his hand on hers, stilling her movements. “Yes, Cindy Lou, you can because it’s mine to give to you.” He hooked his fingers under her chin. “She didn’t want it any longer and I can’t wear it, so it’s yours. You’ll cherish it.”

  She stared at the diamond for a pregnant moment. Yes, she’d cherish it. She’d cherish anything from Noel. Foolish as it sounded, she’d been more than a little infatuated with him since she was a little girl. When he’d left for boot camp, then Vietnam, a tiny part of her had died and gone along with him.

  The tears she’d held back slipped down her cheeks. She’d meant to be so strong, but he managed to get under her skin with just a smile.

  “Hey.” He cupped her chin. “If I learned nothing else over there, it’s that tomorrow is never guaranteed.” Noel wiped away one of her tears with the pad of his thumb. “I can’t say I’m not sorry she dumped me this way. Things probably wouldn’t have worked out, but I sure as shit wish Sophie had had the balls to tell me herself in person.”

  “You don’t mean that.” Cindy scooted closer to him. “You two were the perfect pair.” Saying the words out loud hurt.

  “I am far from perfect and I’m positive Sophie and I wouldn’t have had a future together. What she wants is now nothing like what I want.” Noel tapped her nose with his index finger, like he had when she was a child. “I’m not sorry and I’m not surprised. Sophie can’t handle things when the shit hits the fan. She wants the easy way out. I just hope the poor asshole knows what he’s gotten himself into.” He kissed her ring finger. “This looks better on your hand, like it’s supposed to be there.”

  She touched his cheek, loving the scratch of day-old whiskers against the tips of her fingers. “Thank you.”

  “That’s why you have it now.” He tilted his wrist. “My watch says it’s nearly seven. Why don’t we get out of this parking garage? Are you hungry? I’m starving. We could grab a late supper and talk.”

  “Sure.” She cleared her throat. “Why don’t you drive?”

  Noel offered his hand. “Yeah?” He helped her off the trunk of the car, but didn’t back up. The hem of her dress caught on his jeans leg, exposing most of her thigh. She wriggled to cover herself up, but he stopped her again. “Been a long time since I’ve seen something so sexy.” He smoothed the fabric, palming her thigh on the way down. “A long time.”

  His lips parted and his breath warmed her skin. The musk of his cologne wrapped around her, enveloping her in his strength and masculinity. She placed her hands on his chest. His pulse thrummed under her hand. If she bounced on the balls of her feet, she’d be able to kiss him. His words came back to her. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. Then she’d take her chance today.

  Cindy licked her bottom lip then captured his mouth in a kiss. Noel hummed and curled his arms around her waist. He tightened his grasp, holding her flush against his body. His erection jabbed into her stomach. Heat from him radiated along her nerve endings. His tongue tangled with hers. Feeling bold, she sucked on his tongue and ground her hips on his thigh. If they hadn’t been in the middle of the parking garage, she’d gladly have helped him initiate her trunk lid.

  Noel pulled away first. A predatory look filled his brown eyes. “Get in the car.”

  Cindy shrank away from him. Maybe the kiss hadn’t been nearly as electric as she’d thought.

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  About the Author

  I always dreamed of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line.

  I earned a BA in education at Kent State University and currently hold a Masters in Education with Nova Southeastern University.

  I love NASCAR, romance, books in general, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, and my menagerie of animals.

  Email: [email protected]

  Wendi loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.totallybound.com.

  Also by Wendi Zwaduk

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  Must Be Doing Something Right

  My Immortal

  You’ll Think of Me

  Tangled Up

  Careless Whisper

  Please Remember Me

  What Might Have Been

  Ever Fallen In Love

  Someone Like You

  Love Remembers

  When You’re With Me

  Sunshine of Your Love

  Firelit Magic

  Clandestine Classics: The Phantom of the Opera

  Treble: Savin’ Me

  Switch: Still the One

  Bound to the Billionaire: Play to Him

  Whip It Up: Honey and Decadence

  Lasso Lovin’: Tying One On

  Heart Attack: Over My Head

  Haunted By You: Miss Me Baby

  Wanton Witches: Candlelit Magic

  Totally Bound Publishing