I smiled again, this time I noticed Nick looking across the table in my direction. His gaze was intense, there was something about it. It was intense, intimidating, sensual, but charming all at the same time. Stop it Tessa. Said my subconscious. You two couldn't even bare to be in the same room with one another a few weeks ago. Stop you do not find him attractive. I kept thinking that telling myself this would help me...but it didn't. He moved his index finger along the rim of his glass, I every so often would catch his bright green- gray eyes look in my direction. I looked down at my hands which were cupped together in my lap. Stop it Tess! "I'll help you clear the plates." His mother said to his father, after we ate. They both stood up and took the plates into the kitchen. Leaving me alone with him. Crap. Tessa Erickson is a beautiful, single, twenty-six year old woman who works for a big named company in New York City. All was great in her life, until she got partnered with a tall, well dressed, exceedingly handsome, arrogant, flirtatious playboy named Nicolai Piercy. Who also happens to be the son of the man who owns the company Tessa works for. As they deal with their own personal problems inside the office and outside, will they begin to see eye to eye, will the way they feel towards each other ever change and will Tessa end up falling for The Billionaires Son? So read along as Nick and Tessa deal with the struggles of life and love. Cover created by: kikiceleste_ Rated PG-13: (Strong language, sexual situations)

As I feel her touch I can't help but smile and relax. I felt calmer now as I move slightly and turn around to face her. She looks up at me and I lace my arms around her body so our bodies are pressed against each others. "I love you." I say. She looks at me surprised and then smiles. "I love you too.", "I don't think that I say it enough." She touches my cheek and then lowers her hand again. "Well...each time you say it to me is special." I grin and kiss her. Months have passed since Tessa Erickson and Nicolai Piercy have met. Since then...they got engaged but when many surprises come their way it changes things for the couple. As they deal with lies, secrets, love, and loss-will the two of them stand by each others sides through it all and have a new start in life? ~*~ Cover created by: kikiceleste_ Rated PG-13: (Strong language, sexual situations)

I put everything away and head outside. "Hey." Tess gives me a smile as I smile back and kiss her gently. Then I kiss Ava on the top of the head and sit down in a chair across from them. "How was it out?" She asks. I rub the back of my neck and nod. "It was alright." I shrug. She gives me a look and sets down her phone. "What's going on?" "It's nothing, I just don't feel too good." I lie as I look down at the ground and Jackson, one of our dogs comes up to me. I scratch him behind his ear as I feel Tessa's gaze still on me. "What aren't you telling me?" She asks. I sigh and look at her. "Tess, I would tell you if something was wrong. I'm fine." I clear my throat and Ava jumps off Tess' lap and comes over to me. I pick Ava up and set her on my lap as she lays her head on my shoulder. "Fine. I'm going to go make dinner." She says and gets up as she heads inside and shuts the patio door. Ava yawns and I rub her back and sigh again as I watch Tessa walk off. I had no idea how to bring this information up to her. ~*~ You've been along for the ride that is the hectic life of Tessa and Nick. Now read along as they deal with marriage, parenting, and deep secrets that even they couldn't have been prepared for. *DISCLAIMER* THIS STORY CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE AND SOME EXPLICIT SEX SCENES AND OTHER STRONG CONTENT THAT MAY BE BOTHERSOME FOR SOME READERS

Ariana Jacobs and her mom are struggling to make ends meet everyday because of the death of her father, which is how she starts working as a maid for this rich family. As luck would have it, the family just happens to be Zack's. The school's richest bad boy, all the girls want him and all the boys want to be him. An arrogant player that only cares about himself. Ariana can't stand him, but she has no choice because she needs the money. Zackary Kingston is used to getting whatever he wants. He has never met a girl that doesn't want him until Ariana. She seems to despise him even though she knows nothing about him. She doesn't throw herself at him like the rest of the girls, which is sort of refreshing. He hasn't dated until the one girl he let in managed to break his heart. So now he's more interested in letting a girl in his pants than in his heart. Most are gold diggers anyways. So he needs to not let Ariana get to him. That shouldn't be hard for a player like him. Right?