Loneliness. The pain doesn’t simply go away with time. It’s been years, and they tell me I need to move on. But I can’t.
Blame and regret are my constant companions. Until I see him in the spotlight and everything changes. Night after night, I watch him dance. Thinking about him.
What he’d feel like.
What he’d taste like.
And now that I know, I want him even more.
And maybe…just maybe, he might want me too.
But not yet.
Not before he knows he’s more than a pretty face. Not before he knows what he means to me. I need him by my side.
The two of us.
Together.
Austin
Why can’t I forget him? His hands touching me. His mouth on mine. Kissing me. Rendering me mindless.
Breathless.
Every night I lay awake burning for him. Dreaming. Thinking. Needing him.
No—I don’t. I don’t need anyone.
I lie.
I want him.
I want more. I am more. He’s seen that, and now here I stand with my dream on the horizon. All I need to do is take that first step. Trust him.
Trust myself.
Rhoades begins immediately where Austin, Book one, left off
This was a lovely follow up to the novella we got introducing us to Austin – not just a dancer in Man Up – and the mystery man who fancies him. We got a good build up with Austin and, the now named, Rhoades with their flirting and then the passion that exploded in the private room. But now, with this book we get a steady slow burn to their relationship that lends well to their romance.
I loved that we got Rhoades POV in this one because I was so interested in him. We got glimpses of his demeanor through Austin but I wanted to know Rhoades and I wanted to see Austin through his eyes.
I admit I was expecting these two to give in a heck of a lot faster than they did but I really enjoyed the slow burn. I loved that Rhoades, with all his hot and passionate want for Austin, was able to truly listen to what Austin was saying and do as he asked. He is a true gentleman and his backstory is heartbreaking. To know how long he has been alone was enough to make him a gem in my eyes but I fell hard for him as he fell for Austin.
Austin, goodness boy are you a stubborn one. I get it, you are guarding everything that you are and that you have but sometimes I wanted to smack you upside the head the way any good mother would. Rhoades never once exhibited what you kept accusing you of an while I can admire you standing up for yourself, you kinda did it way to much when it came to Rhoades.
For me, the slow burn was so slow that when we finally get them together, the payoff wasn’t as satisfying. I think I was just over Austin putting up so many walls and being so damn wishy washy when it came to Rhoades. You can’t tell the dude to stay away and then pout when he does. You can’t tell him to not touch you but maul him if he breathes the same air as you do. The fight on Austin’s end of the attraction wore me down and I was ready for their HEA. I am happy they got it but that was exhausting.
I will say though, Frankie and Aaron have me intrigued. I am a sucker for the redeemable asshole and I think that describes Aaron but also doesn’t scratch the surface. Frankie deserves a prince and I hope he gets it.
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