Hand Me The Reins — Vanessa Vale

Bought in an auction by a shy baker? No problem.

Pretending to be her boyfriend for her sister's wedding? On it.

I can pretend all day long because I'm Thatcher Manning, the guy who doesn't do relationships.

I'll give a woman a wild romp. Hell, I'll give her anything. Anything but my heart.

I decided a long time ago I'd never get serious with a woman.

The fact that I'm leaving town in a few months only cements that decision.

But then Astrid has to get under my skin. She hands over the reins in bed -- and out -- and now I'm catching feelings. The kind you can't fake.

Trouble is -- I wasn't playing for keeps. Now, that's a problem. A big one.