The walk of shame.

Ah, yes, there’s nothing quite like shamelessly letting yourself be dragged off to a storage closet by a younger man to really put the cherry on top of your humiliation sundae. It’s been a long, slow trip to the bottom, but I’ve finally reached my limit. After spending the night with Christopher Fellows, and slinking out of his apartment in the wee hours of the morning, I have no choice but to take a serious look at myself. It’s time for a change. A real life overhaul, full of self-development, healthy living, and all that other stuff that’s supposed to be good for you. And what better way to find yourself than with a vow of celibacy and a trip to Belize? The way I figure it, if you’re going to get your act together, you might as well begin with a tropical jaunt to paradise to start your transformation off on the right foot.

What could possibly go wrong?

*Please note this novella has been previously released in the Feel the Heat Anthology.

Look, I get it, I’m not asking for miracles. I might be a closeted hopeless romantic, but I’m also a realist. I don’t need fireworks. I’m not asking for magic. Of course, my date won’t be Prince Charming. All I’m asking for is a pleasant night out on the worst single day of the year. That’s not exactly shooting for the stars, now is it?

Apparently, it is.

Because not only am I stuck with the date from hell, but the fates don’t think I’ve suffered enough, so why not seat me next to my secret crush. Trauma surgeon, Xavier Knight, is the most gorgeous man alive, and completely out of my league. An unobtainable, impossible dream that makes my heart pound whenever he gets close. Fantastic. Now he’ll bear witness to my humiliation.

Ah, life, you really know how to kick a girl when she’s down.

I’m trapped in the Uber ride from hell with the most despicable man on the planet.

He might be something to look at, but he’s soaking wet, ornery and has an attitude I don’t appreciate. I’m willing to overlook the flaws to be civil and the bigger person, but he has the gall to suggest his interview for some boob job fellowship is more important than my court case. Some nerve, right? I can’t be rid him fast enough.

It’s twenty minutes of my life. I’m a public defender so I can certainly handle him. Twenty little minutes and I’ll never see him again as long as I live.

Yeah, right.

Apparently, fate hates me.