In Too Deep (Into You, #1)

by Julie Olivia

But I put my heart and soul into that house.” “Well, even that beautiful house couldn’t save your relationship, I’m afraid.”

Lesson to all ladies: Love is a lie. Men will find some way to seek out other women. Let’s all just get dildos and call it a day.

“Who is Cameron Kaufman?” Mom asks, returning to her haphazard vegetable cutting. “I think he’s the guy they just promoted?” It’s a question more than a definitive answer. “I don’t know. It says ‘creative director’ in his signature, but I definitely didn’t meet with a dude named Cameron.”

So, I do what any semi-logical pet-owner would do: I punch the guy that yanked my dog.

but I’ve demolished some Sex & the City this weekend.” “Big and Carrie’s love is to die for,” she swoons. “Too complicated.” I scrunch my nose. “Give me Charlotte and Harry’s any day. He’s goofy, and you can tell it’s true love through and through.”

Who the hell does Grace clearly-not-Sherlock Holmes think she is?

“Most people call me Cam,” I correct. But then she opens her damn mouth again. “I prefer Cameron,” she says, shrugging, then turning on her heel to leave. This woman is going to make me lose my mind.

I like a confident man. I like a man that puts me in my place, and I like fighting him for it.

It’s like a constant battle between forcing him to see that my design decisions are inarguably the correct ones and the tick-tock of my dry spell timer wanting nothing more than to have him push me up against a wall.

“You think we could be friends?” he asks. “I don’t really have a lot of those.”

“Do you want to meet for lunch today?” I ask. A slow smile spreads over Grace’s full, pink lips. She is beautiful.

Three weeks of her teaching me how to manage. Three weeks of me teaching her how to be a team player. And three freaking weeks of us being nice to each other. Let’s see how long this actually lasts.

I have no clue what she’s trying to show me because I don’t care about a single thing except my fingertips against her skin and feeling every single motion she makes.

“But this”—she gestures between the two of us—“can’t happen.” “Right,” I say, putting the car in park and turning it off. “Right, of course not.” The silence of the night surrounds us; the only thing I can hear are crickets. But then, something happens. The entire moment shifts. Before I can process it, Grace grabs my collar and pulls me to her. Our mouths meet and my body lights on fire.

For the entire car ride, I’ve been building up this idea of The Little Mermaid in my head. Ariel is a no-nonsense, see-the-world type of girl that’s taking what’s hers. I’m going to find my legs, too. I’m going to best this ocean of emotions. I’m going get with the prince one day. I’m going to do—Cameron?

A grin lights up his face, and I know it’s for me. He’s all for me.

“Do you want me to fuck you, Grace?” The words send shivers down my spine. I know I’m wet. I know how bad I want him. “I think you want it more than me,” I lie. “I’ll make you eat those words.” “Or maybe something else?” “Get inside,” he demands.

“Tell me you want it,” he urges. His voice is gruff. “I need it.”

“Do you want me to call you ‘boss’ next time?” I whisper. “Mmm,” he groans, placing his head in the crook of my neck. “You’re an absolute fox, do you know that?” “It’s the red hair, isn’t it?” “It’s absolutely everything, Holmes.”

My phone buzzes and I fumble for the unlock. There, in the sender line, in big bold, beautiful letters is the name I so desperately want: Grace Holmes.

“You’re a ridiculous person.” “Yes, but I’m your ridiculous person.”

“You’re the biggest chance I’ve taken in years,”

“Hey, Holmes.” I shake my head in disbelief. “You’re here,” I say. “I’m here.” “And you brought me a giraffe.” “You bet your ass I did.”

“Holmes, I hate commitment. I hate change. I hate pretty much anything that’s going to turn my world upside down. But I don’t hate you.” “Charming.” “Let me finish, damn it.” I smile and nod. “Go on, then.” “I’m not asking you to marry me right now,” he says. “But one day I will. And I’ll mean it. I want the dogs by the fireplace and the kids with the coloring books. I want you.” “I love you,” I say.