Excerpt of Don't Go by Alexa Riley

Not wanting to make the walk to the subway, I have the doorman wave me down a cab. He motions to me a second later, and I run out, jumping in as quick as possible, yet still getting a little wet. The door shuts and I pull out my compact and see my mascara has run a little. Apparently the waterproof I'm testing isn't holding up so well. I'll need to add that to my list.

I lean my head back, letting my eyes fall closed for just a second. I stayed up way too late reading last night, and I know I'm going to feel it for the rest of the day. I wish I liked coffee like the rest of the world. It would be wonderful to have something wake me up on a day like this. Maybe I could try some hot cocoa for a sugar rush.

My eyes pop open when someone slides into the seat next to me.

"Hey, buddy, this one's taken!" the cab driver shouts.

I'm frozen as I focus on the man who's sitting next to me. I can't even find words. Time has gone by, but I'd never forget his eyes. They stare at me, and he seems to have the same reaction. My heart starts to pound. Silence falls between us for only a beat before he speaks.

"Take her where she needs to go, then drop me after." He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet. He hands the cab driver a stack of bills and the driver looks at them before pulling away from the curb.

I'm still shocked that I'm sitting next to Henry. Part of me wants to jump out of the cab. Another part of me wants to pretend that I don't care. That this is a happy accident and I've moved on.

Before I can react to him being in the cab with me, his mouth is on mine, taking me by surprise. His full lips press against mine as his hands go to my hair in a possessive hold. His tongue pushes into my mouth demanding entry, and my body obeys, giving him what he wants.

All the time that separated us falls away, and I melt. His mouth makes love to mine, and for a single moment I give in to what I've longed for, for over ten years.

But as all dreams do, this one comes to an end, and I realize what's happening. Reality falls around us, and I push against his chest, breaking our kiss, then smack him right across the face. I take myself by surprise at the action, but I don't apologize. I can't believe I really just did that.

The sting of the slap lingers on my palm, and damn it, Henry smiles at me, making me want to smack him again.

He's even more handsome than I remember, and I don't know if that makes me hate him more or less. My eyes begin to water as all the suppressed feelings I've had for him come rushing forward.

"Don't," I snap.

"God, I've missed seeing your face," he says, ignoring my words.

He reaches out, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. I stare at him, still shocked to see him. How is this even possible? The one person in all of New York I wanted to avoid is sitting beside me in my taxi. The man I've dreamed about for years. The man who shattered my heart and made me never trust any man again. I'm a twenty-eight-year-old virgin thanks to him, and I want to scream at him, but instead I get lost in his eyes.

"I've missed you," he adds, and a tear slips down my face. I swipe it away as fast as I can, hating that I gave him that. I don't want him to know he has this effect on me.

To my shock, the taxi stops, and I see I'm at work. I jump out, hoping to get away, but he follows suit, chasing after me.

"Kory! You're not getting away from me again. I can promise you that," he yells from somewhere close behind me, but I move faster, pushing through the doors of my building. I scan my ID card to get through and hit the elevator button. He keeps calling my name, and panic rises in my chest. I push the button over and over like it will make the elevator come faster. I've got to get away from him.

Too many emotions are pushing forward and I just need distance. I feel like I can't breathe.

"Kory!" he barks again. I glance over my shoulder to see a security guard pushing him back. The elevator doors finally open and I flee inside, pushing the button for my floor. When the doors close, relief floods me.

I can't believe what just happened. I fall back against the elevator wall. My pounding heart finally starts to calm as I reach my floor. I take a breath, trying to get myself together. I step off the elevator and head for my office, then drop off my bags at my desk before heading for the lab. I want to get lost in my work and not think about Henry Osbourne.

Henry.

The man I've dreamed about so many nights. The only man to ever turn my head. The only man to ever take my heart.

I try to forget about the incident, but my mind keeps going back to him. That kiss. How long have I wanted to know what it would feel like for his lips to meet mine? God, I'm ridiculous. How am I twenty-eight and just having my first kiss? It's pathetic. What happened to being strong, Kory? I scold myself. Maybe I've been lying to myself all this time. I bet he's had hundreds of kisses. The thought makes my stomach roll with nausea.

I hate the idea of him kissing other women. In school all the girls wanted him, and they complained about how he never dated. I think it's part of the reason why it drove them crazy that he asked me to the prom. Not only was he set to be one of the richest men in the world, but he ignored all the girls. Except me. It made me feel special, and for a short time, I let that feeling take hold.

I should've known it was too good to be true—the most popular and most handsome boy in the school giving me attention.

A throat clears, making me looks up from what I'm doing. Henry leans against the doorjamb, as casual as can be. As if he owns the place.

I stand up and my mouth falls open. I'm shocked at how he got in here. Everyone needs to be cleared and have a name badge. Or so I thought.

"What are you doing in here?" I demand.

"You're not running from me anymore