Undeniable Read online

  Contents

  UNDENIABLE

  COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE INFORMATION

  Blurb

  Prologue

  1. Sophie

  2. Sophie

  3. Matt

  4. Sophie

  5. Matt

  6. Sophie

  7. Sophie

  8. Matt

  9. Sophie

  10. Matt

  11. Matt

  12. Sophie

  13. Matt

  14. Sophie

  Epilogue

  The End

  What to do now

  Books by New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig

  About the Author

  Aleatha Romig

  New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller

  COPYRIGHT AND LICENSE INFORMATION

  Copyright @ 2020 Romig Works, LLC

  2020 Edition

  ISBN e-book: 978-1-947189-60-7

  Cover art: Romig Works, LLC

  Editing: Printed Matter Editing

  Formatting: Romig Works, LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any informational storage and retrieval system, without the written permission from the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  2020 Edition License

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the appropriate retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Blurb

  Forbidden love...is undeniable.

  When she was younger, like all little girls, Sophie Hawkins believed in fantasies. She believed in happily-ever-after and that one day her prince would come. What made Sophie’s dreams a bit different was that the man of her dreams wasn’t a fictional prince but her best friend’s dad.

  Matt was handsome and nice, the kind of man every woman would want.

  Time passes, and through the years, Sophie’s reality changes, yet her attraction and memories of Matt Hamilton never fade. Where boys and men are concerned, Matt remains her gold standard.

  When his daughter was young, Matt Hamilton had it all: a family and success.

  With the ticking of the clock and changing of the calendar, seasons pass and situations adjust. Business success remains, but personally, his world changes…until the day fate sets the undeniable in motion.

  Sophie was a sweet little girl, his daughter’s best friend, and a ray of undeniable sunshine. That was before. Now she’s more. She is a grown woman.

  Who can deny the undeniable?

  Have you been Aleatha’d?

  Undeniable, part of the Indulgence series of stand-alone steamy stories, will heat your ereader and make you hot and bothered. Undeniable is a fun forbidden-love story that will whisk the reader away to a time when fantasies could come true.

  Dedication

  To everyone who never stopped believing in fantasies.

  Prologue

  Sophie:

  Years ago

  As the waves crash over the sand and shells, my eyes go to the man standing thigh deep in the water. I hold my breath as the ocean laps around his legs, each wave licking the hem of his bathing suit. He’s solid and unmoving as he stands watching over the sea. The salt-filled breeze blows his dark hair away from his face, revealing handsome features that I can't even begin to describe.

  His eyes are covered with sunglasses, yet I know their color—green like his daughter’s, like my best friend's.

  I don't understand his mood. It’s as if he isn’t watching a beautiful scene, as if he’s a million miles away instead of on the beach in the most amazing place I’ve ever been. I can’t keep my eyes off of him though I know it’s wrong. I'm too young to understand this kind of attraction, yet I'm drawn to him.

  I try to think of stories.

  Is it the way Cinderella felt when she saw Prince Charming for the first time?

  Jasmine, when she saw Aladdin?

  Maybe it's more like Belle when she met the beast.

  Mr. Hamilton isn't scary like the beast; however, there is something about the way I feel when I’m around him that makes me feel off-balance.

  He isn’t like the boys at Becky's and my school. He isn’t a boy. He’s a man, and for the first time that I can remember, I wish I were a woman. Though it doesn't matter. He doesn't even notice me. Why would he? I'm just a little girl, his daughter's friend.

  It's not as if I'm trying to feel different around him—I don't want to. After all, he’s my best friend’s dad. But Mr. Hamilton doesn’t look like a dad—not like my dad. My dad wears dark socks with his shorts and sandals. His legs are pale from working inside all the time. My dad tells stupid jokes and then laughs when no one else does.

  That’s what dads do.

  Becky’s dad doesn’t do any of those things.

  Shaking my head, I do my best to tuck the feelings away.

  No matter what we try, some memories never go away.

  Sophie

  I brush the lint from my black top and skirt. It's the same outfit I wear when I'm working at the Ritz’s upscale restaurant. Since event planning is my intended major, a teacher at my high school thought it would be a good idea to get some practical experience, plus she knew I needed the money.

  It must have worked because I'm starting university in less than a month.

  Though my grandparents are helping with my expenses, every little bit of extra money is a plus. That's why, after a one-to-six shift at the Ritz, I agreed to work this private dinner party. After all, private parties are events. My boss, Cindy, did the planning, but she's been great about letting me help with the organization.

  I was a little surprised when she asked me to help with this event—it isn't that large. But once I was here at this beautiful home, I was very glad she did.

  Now, at a little after midnight, absolutely dead on my feet and ready to slip out of these three-inch black heels, I can finally take a satisfied deep breath.

  "Good job, Sophie," Cindy says. "I knew when Mr. Hamilton asked for you, you'd do a great job."

  My tired mind deciphers her words. "What? He asked for me? You didn't tell me that."

  She grins. "I didn't need to. You said yes when I asked." She pats my shoulder. "Go on and go home. You have to be beat. Everything is wrapped up here. Do you need a ride?"

  I let my gaze move to the large windows overlooking the pool and deck. Imagining my grandparents’ house, all stuffy and covered in doilies, I long for the fresh air and sea breeze. "I should take a ride, but I think first I'll make sure everything is put away out on the deck, and then I'll call an Uber."

  "Are you sure? I don't mind driving you."

  I know my grandparents’ home is out of her way, and she is just being nice.

  "I'm good," I say with a smile. I really should buy a car, but I can't spare the cash. I need every cent for university and expenses. Since my parents died and I moved in with my grandparents, they have done their best. My grandpa even lets me drive his car, but it isn't right to leave them without one. I mean, they're old.

  What if something happened?

  "Here." Cindy slips me a roll of cash, and my eyes open wide. I can't tell how much
it is, but unless the bills are singles, it's more than I ever expected.

  She wraps her hand around mine. "It's your share of tips. It'll help you with that Uber."

  "Thank you."

  "No, thank you. You're a natural at this party stuff. After you graduate from university, maybe I can work for you."

  My cheeks lift higher, and I tilt my head. "Or you could hire me full time?"

  Cindy winks. "See you later."

  As I walk toward the open door, I feel that satisfied contentment of a job well done. The party went off without a hitch. Since I spent most of my time making sure the servers were doing their jobs and the cleaners were picking up the used glasses, plates, and silverware, I didn't get a chance to truly appreciate the home.

  Mr. Hamilton's home.

  When I was young—okay, a child—I had a friend whose last name was Hamilton. Becky Hamilton. Though I hadn't really gotten a chance to meet this Mr. Hamilton, I know he can't be the same one as Becky’s father. Becky and I grew up in a solid everyday neighborhood with hardworking parents. They could never afford a place like this. Besides, Hamilton is a common name. Heck, it’s even the title of a Broadway musical.

  Though Becky and I lost touch after I moved in with my grandparents, the thing I remember the most about Becky's family is her dad. I actually feel my heart clench at the memories. He was the dad that all the girls in the neighborhood lusted after.

  Maybe we didn't lust. I mean, do eight-year-olds lust?

  Just hearing the name Hamilton reminds me of how much I liked him. It isn't something a girl forgets. It is his image that comes to mind, the one from my memories, that I see in my dreams, the ones where I wake with my fingers in my folds and rubbing my clit.

  I know I'll probably never see him again, and besides, he's married, or he was. But for me he'll always be the gold standard. I will probably die a virgin because no one will ever be Matt Hamilton.

  Slipping out to the pool deck, I sigh, looking up at the multitude of sparkling stars.

  I can't imagine living in a house like this one. It isn't that my grandparents are poor—they aren't—but this is beyond my comprehension. The pool deck extends all the way to the edge of the bay. I'm sure it has a name—all the bodies of water do—but not a name most people would know. Even this piece of the ocean is private, only accessible to the few homes that grace its shores.

  I smile as the warm breeze blows the palm tree's fronds above my head. With only the faint-colored lights beneath the pool's water and what is shining through the large windows from the house, it's like the pool is a haven of peace. After the number of people who were served inside the house and out on the deck, the current solitude definitely is.

  It is with this little slice of freedom that I can't resist one last look at the property.

  I'm about to sink onto one of the cushioned chairs when a deep voice startles me.

  "Are you enjoying yourself?"

  My heart rate accelerates as I turn toward the voice. In the dimness, I can't make out all of the man's features, but I can tell he's tall with broad shoulders. His hair appears dark, and as he nears, so do his eyes, although there is a flash of green. Maybe it's the reflection of the pool's lights.

  "I-I'm sorry. I'm about to call for my ride," I say as I fumble for my phone in my purse.

  The man steps closer, and I wonder if he could be the host. As he nears, I take in his attire. The party was formal, and he's wearing a tuxedo. The tie is now loosened, and I can't stop my grin. It's a real tie, one he had to actually tie into a bow, not the clip kind boys my age would wear to a dance.

  "It's beautiful. Isn't it?" His voice fades into the sound of the soft waves on the shore as he stands with one hand in his pocket, looking out over the bay.

  Following his gaze, I nod. "It is. I would never tire of this as my backyard."

  His laugh rumbles, sending vibrations to my core. For only a moment I'm afraid he's making fun of me, but then he turns and extends his hand.

  "Hardly a yard. The water is paradise. Come see. There's a manatee getting closer."

  I do as he says. As his fingers encase mine, my steps momentarily stutter. There's something in his touch, warmth that shoots through me from my fingers to my toes. It’s like electricity.

  Shyly I raise my eyes to his, wondering if he feels it too.

  Instead of confirming or denying, he pulls me closer to the edge of the stone decking. Without letting go of my hand, he points with his other. "Look. See the ripples?"

  "I do!" I keep my excitement to a stage whisper.

  The water moves. The rays of moonlight no longer reflect, showcasing the large water mammal.

  "Oh, it's so big!"

  He turns toward me with a lopsided grin. "Words to a man's heart."

  I fight to pull my hand away, knowing that pink is filling my cheeks. "I meant the manatee. If I hadn't lived the last eight years in Florida, I would be petrified with one so close."

  He releases my hand and casually wraps his arm around my shoulder. "Then I wish you were new to the area."

  I try to swallow as I turn within his grasp, facing him. "You do?"

  "Yes, then you would be a damsel in distress, and I could protect you."

  "A true knight in shining armor?"

  His embrace of my shoulders lowers to the small of my back as he pulls me closer. "No, Sophie Hawkins, I'm not a knight."

  Sophie

  "Wait. How do you know my name?"

  My heart pounds against the buttons of his tuxedo as he brings my breasts crashing against his chest. "Because I've known you for most of your life. I've been waiting all night to get you alone."

  I stare up at his handsome face. I must be dreaming. Maybe it's my mind—I'm tired. I need sleep.

  "How?"

  He holds me out to arm’s length. "Look at me, Sophie, with those gorgeous blue eyes you had even as a child. Look at me. Tell me you don't know me."

  My lips disappear behind my teeth as I do as he says. The moon combined with the light streaming from the windows creates the only illumination as I stare up at Mr. Hamilton—dark hair and green eyes.

  He can't be the man in my memories, the one I've fantasized about. He'd be older now. This man doesn't seem older, not really. He is as sexy and dominating as I remember, even more so. His presence consumes me. I feel small in his embrace but not young.

  The pulsating between my legs tells me that I feel nothing like the child who used to idolize him. I'm a woman, a woman who wants my fantasies to become reality.

  "M-Mr. Hamilton? Matt Hamilton?"

  His lips move upward, revealing his million-dollar smile. As I gaze up into his handsome face, my body relaxes against his, fluid in his grasp, while conversely his hardens, his erection probing my stomach.

  I've never been with a man, nothing more than heavy petting. They all paled in comparison to my fantasies, but by the way my body is reacting, it knows the truth my mind has just begun to accept.

  This is Matt Hamilton, and he is my fantasy.

  My face inclines toward his. "How? Why?"

  Before he answers, one of his hands captures my neck and pulls me the few inches closer until our lips connect.

  Heat radiates from our kiss like lightning flashing through me, igniting streaks of fire from my lips to my toes and back again. It's like no kiss I've ever had. Matt takes and gives without concern for the future.

  Here, now. It's all that matters as I moan while simultaneously catching my breath.

  "I've dreamt about this," I manage to say. "Maybe I'm dreaming?"

  The hand from my neck moves possessively down my side, skimming the side of my breast. His touch is fire that doesn't burn but smolders.

  "Oh!"

  This isn’t a dream. Every nerve in my body is suddenly alive, and I want more. Maybe it is only one night, a fantasy, but as I squeeze my thighs together, I know that without a doubt, I want Matt Hamilton to be my first.

  And then I remember my childhood
friend.

  I take a painful step away from him, backing away from my every dream. "What about your wife?"

  He shakes his head. "We've been divorced for over five years."

  "So you're not...you're not married?"

  "I haven't been for a while, but I'd like to be."

  "Is there someone...someone you're seeing?" I ask.

  "I am seeing someone. I’d like to see more of her.” His smile grows. “I'm looking at her right now."

  Matt

  I can't believe Sophie is really here. I know people might think my obsession with her is wrong, but it isn't. I’ve been divorced for five years and she's an adult. She's eighteen, and I can’t deny my need to make her mine.

  She entered my heart as a child, a beautiful, fun-loving child. She was always so happy and upbeat. I loved the breath of fresh air she brought to our home. Her presence did more than make Becky happy; it lightened everyone around her.

  Becky's mother and I went through our problems—we even tried counseling with a sex therapist, Dr. Kizer—and over time, I forgot about the sweet little girl with the big blue eyes. I moved on with my life and my business. Things went well with business. It dominated my world. I've been extremely successful.

  My personal life side not so much.

  And then I stumbled across something about Sophie on one of my daughter's Facebook memories. I dug a little more and learned about the loss of Sophie’s parents and her struggles. It broke my heart to think of the carefree happy girl being sad.