Final Surrender by Jennifer Kacey

stiffened at her examination. He didn’t like his scars and sure as hell didn’t want her pity. He ground his teeth together to keep from saying something mean.
    She clasped her hands tightly in front of her, but he kept his hand extended toward her. If he knew her at all, social graces would dictate she at least withstand a handshake. He arched an eyebrow, tilting his head the slightest bit.
    It only took one shaky breath and a small step forward before she placed her hand in his.
    “Mr. Waters, how…nice of you to come.” Her voice was hollow and impersonal, but it was her eyes that changed. They had started an intoxicating blue, like an electric current flowed behind them when she first turned around.
    “My pleasure,” he replied, noting her eyes were now like ice. The blue of a frozen ocean devoid of life stared back at him. Her hand shook though, just the slightest bit as he slowly worked it up and down. Her hands were chilled, but he could see the faintest rosy color fill her cheeks as he tightened his grasp on her hand ever so slightly.
    Her plastic smile faltered as she tugged her fingers free a little too quickly. Interesting . So maybe she was just as affected by their meeting as he was. Only time would tell what had changed with her since he last saw her walking out of his apartment.
    Clay wondered if Mark could feel the tension in the room as the silence stretched on. Evidently he could, as he cleared his throat.
    “Angela, why don’t we get some coffee and we can all go upstairs and talk?” Mark asked, holding an arm out for her to lead the way.
    “Coffee sounds great, but let’s talk in the conference room. I’ve got a lot of questions and the sooner we get started…” she hesitated for just a moment until she looked Clay square in the face, “…we can get the interview over with.”
    She was already getting ready to put him out on his ass.
    He probably deserved it, too.
    She moved past him, making sure to avoid all contact. The air moved and he could smell her. Intoxicating as ever, he thought as he turned to watch her go.
    Mark shrugged at him, following her down the hall.
    Clay stood there, running a hand through his hair, down to the back of his neck. She was hotter than he ever imagined and colder than he expected. Surely she couldn’t hold what happened when they were younger against him. Could she?
    They were just kids. Did she really still hold a grudge for what he said? What else could he have done? What could he have offered her then? What could he offer her now, for that matter?
    But he remembered. He remembered every moment of their one night together. Watching her walk away, it all came flooding back. He closed his eyes and could feel her come apart in his arms.

Chapter Six
    Ten Years Prior
    Anxiety of prom heated up the gym, which was filled with nervous teenagers. He vaguely remembered his own prom. It was nothing special.
    He had been standing just inside the door, watching her for nearly a half hour. She captivated him in her evening gown and he nearly growled every time hands attached to some asshole’s arm crowded close to her backside. Her date looked more than ready to dance horizontally, and he was more than ready to perform a seriously needed medical procedure, a prick-ectomy.
    The only thing keeping him in check, other than the occasional sneer he allowed himself towards her fellow classmates, was Angela. She looked distracted and a little sad, and he hoped seeing him would change the evening for her. Coming had been a huge what if on his part. He told himself, if she didn’t want to see him, he could deal. Truth was, it was more than just his pride on the line. His heart was involved which terrified him.
    He knew the moment she saw him standing across the gym.
    Khaki pants and a simple plain black T-shirt stretched across his big, broad chest adorning his hard body. He stood with his arms crossed in front of him, brooding.
    He was a warrior and looked it. Dark skinned