Rebel Maddox. A-list actor and grade-A alpha-hole.
Too bad I need him, almost as much as he needs me. His reputation is… well let’s just say scandalous doesn’t quite cover it. Rebel needs someone to clean up his reckless bad boy image.
But needing someone and wanting them are two very different things. And as his unsolicited publicist I’m about to learn this the hard way. Falling headfirst into a nude portrait of him isn’t exactly the best first impression. Good thing I’m not the one in the spotlight.
If I’m going to succeed, I need to keep my mouth shut and both left feet on the ground. Too bad I’ve never been very good at either. I’ll do anything to save my job. Well, almost anything.
Like Meatloaf said… I won’t do that. Or would I?
Dear reader: Welcome to the world of the A-List Rebels! If you like heat, humor, and angst you’ve come to the right place. HOWEVER, if you are triggered by content that deals with the subject and ramifications of assault this book may not be for you.
Misti Murphy is a sadistic b*tch who loves to emotionally torture fictional people. If she did that in real life she’d probably end up in prison or a psych ward so she prefers to create dirty talking alphas and the sexually frustrated women who fall into their beds. And if someone needs to be smacked upside the head before f*cking turns to love then that makes her very happy indeed.
She’s a huge believer in flaws making us human, and that not everyone likes bacon. She’s also addicted to chocolate and scared of the effects of the coming shortage. She swears like a f*cking trooper, and thinks that graphic smuttiness should be as real in fiction as it is in real life.
When she’s not writing she’s the perfect housewife and mother. Ha bloody ha! When she’s not writing she’s hiding in a cupboard with her kindle, scoffing chocolate, and stalking facebook.
The Shifting Fate Trilogy, an all-new reverse harem trilogy from Tessa Hale, is coming October 20th and we have the stunning covers!
Spark of Fate Book One Releasing October 20th It was supposed to be a fresh start. A completely blank slate in a place where no one knew about the tragedy that ripped her family apart six months ago. A tragedy Rowan can’t help but blame herself for. Now the only thing she wants is to blend in. To escape the house that has become more like a prison. Her new school is her only hope. Somewhere she can pretend she’s just like everyone else. Only Rowan doesn’t realize how unique she is. Holden is the first to recognize it, but he’s not the last. Rowan can’t explain the draw she feels to the guys who have found their way into her life. The way something seems to spark the first moment she touches each of them. How it almost hurts to walk away from them at the end of each day. Things are changing, from the ripple of power humming just below her skin to this new family she’s finding herself a part of. But not all of the changes are good. Someone doesn’t like the power Rowan is stepping into or the bonds she’s forming with the guys who have gifts as rare and strong as her own. And when the truth is revealed, it has the power to burn everything in its wake…
Caught between what should’ve been and everyone’s idea of who I should be, I had to find myself again. That was easier said than done with an interfering, overbearing family like mine.
I told myself I was done rescuing my irresponsible sister, but I didn’t expect flying across an ocean to help her one last time would lead to my own saving.
It was when I surrendered to desire and released my past that love taught me just what could come from letting go.
Getting lost in the pages of a book is Fiona’s favorite escape. Bouncing between YA, contemporary, and romantic suspense, Fiona writes about love because she believes the world needs more of it. Writing from the Pacific Northwest, Fiona can be found creating memories with her family, and daydreaming of her next story while wandering the aisles of local bookstores and coffee shops in the rain.
The Love Words, an all-new enemies-to-lovers small-town romance by Amy Alves, is available now!
Chloe Caldwell was my nemesis in high school. Or maybe I was hers.
I met Chloe during one of the worst times of my life and she called me out as the troublemaking, mischievous jerk I was. After eight years, she still hates me.
But I’m not some punk kid anymore.
I have a daughter to raise, a life to build. Unfortunately for Chloe, that life is in her hometown. The same small town she left years ago.
Now she’s back and to everyone else, she’s the same delightful, kind-hearted girl.
That’s not the Chloe I get.
No, I get the woman hell-bent on vengeance. Her attempts at putting me in my place only make me want to smack her sweet, sassy backside. I crave her salty attitude and angry jabs.
When our animosity starts affecting my daughter, a truce is formed.
Even if everything inside me is aching to explore her, possess her—I can’t. Because I know she would want it all. She’d want what I’ve never given to any woman before her.
She’d want all my love words.
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“Jess says you’re settling in well. I sometimes forget you lived here growing up, that this isn’t all new for you. Though, maybe it’s harder to adjust after staying away for so long? You know, when you were avoiding your past,” my new sister-in-law comments randomly. It’s the thing I love most about her—there’s no pretense with Emma. She puts her thoughts and feelings out into the world, uncensored and guileless.
I bite my lip and share an amused smile with Lauren. As Emma’s best friend, she’s hardly ever surprised by much the woman across from us says or does. Lauren goes back to looking over the volunteer schedule for the Little League baseball teams that need coaching help this summer.
I’ve been living in Landry for a couple of weeks, but prior to that, had been visiting more often lately, slowly re-establishing myself here. It was a bit of a test to see if moving back felt like coming home or self-inflicted torture. I was nervous and uncertain. As a confident nurse practitioner, these are two emotions I haven’t experienced in a while.
“Some things are new, but mostly it’s almost like I never left. Probably shouldn’t have stayed away as long as I did.” Like Emma, I was a conflict avoider. Introspective thinking usually comes from a place of deep feelings, and mine pointed toward deep discontent—with my job, where I was living, and what I felt was missing. My adolescent goals have changed over the years, but some still resonated. Like making Landry my home again.
Those old dreams changed because of one person. Well, technically two people.
“Because of the thing that happened that we don’t talk about? Or because of the Hades guy you’re always scowling at? Or wait, those are the same things, right?” Emma asks.
“Don’t worry, from what I’ve heard, no one talks about it anymore. It’s old news.” Lauren squeezes my hand, knowing the expansive reach of the Landry rumor mill. “I think it was over soon after it all went down, especially since you went off to college anyway.” It’s times like now that I remember how involved Lauren is with this town, especially considering she only moved here a few years ago. “But when Hayden moved back with his baby girl, alone, suddenly people were talking about the way he used to be. The young Hayden.” I raise my brows at her. “I mean, Hades. Sorry, forgot about our Taps drinking rule. He will always be referred to as ‘Hades’ when we drink here, even if he scowls at us for calling him that.”
Taps & Tapas is by far the most popular bar and grill in Landry, and not because it’s the only one with theme nights, a dance floor, and darts. It also has delicious food and usually great service. Even when it was Evan, Landry’s grumpiest bartender, serving our beverages.
However, now that Evan is off chasing his own goals, getting his degree, and living with his slightly crazy but adorable girlfriend, things have changed. Evan hired Hades to fill his place when he moved.
So, my previously favorite spot to drink, dance, and have fun with my favorite people is now a source of contention. Hades tainted another place in this town for me.
“The town is either tight-lipped or vague as hell about it. I need all the details about what happened and who we need to crush for whatever made you run off to college and go MIA for a while. Spill, girl. This one”—she jerks a thumb in Emma’s direction—“won’t talk. She says no one needs to know and that you’re putting it behind you. However, having a bit of a vindictive streak myself, I can tell you’ve got a dormant volcano in the emotional abyss where you push down the anger and pain. I’d like to be prepared for the impending explosion. Not that I think you shouldn’t have the explosion. Sometimes you need to blow up your life. Emma and I know that better than anyone. Moving back and facing your nemesis counts. I just don’t want to miss it. I also require the full story. It’s the teacher in me. Give me the full character arc—devastation to redemption. Avoidance to acceptance. Whatever it is—oof, one minute, ladies. I’ll be back.” Lauren shuffles out of the booth. “Don’t talk about anything interesting while I’m peeing.”
In her second trimester, Lauren is energetic, exhausted, emotional, and a whole slew of other traits her pregnancy intensified. Basically, it’s everything Lauren was pre-pregnancy but amped up a hundred percent.
A cold drink, dripping with condensation, slides in front of me right before I smell the hint of that fresh laundry and warm spice unique to one man I try to stay out of smelling distance from. I chuff the scent of Hayden Daniels out of my nostrils as he passes out the rest of the beverages to the ladies.
“Two non-alcoholic mojitos for the beautiful ladies with child and one spiked lemonade for the ornery pain in the ass. Enjoy.”
I promptly push the drink away.
“I want Ricky to bring me a new drink. I don’t trust this one.”
Did I order the spiked lemonade cocktail with the explicit intention of giving him shit? Yes.
Does that make me immature? Maybe.
Fine, it absolutely does, but I deserve to get a few digs in. If not to clue him in on my new “take no shit” attitude, but also to assert my stance on both how I feel about him and my dominance in this town. My town. He won’t push me out again.
“I work here, Princess. I wouldn’t risk my job by messing with your drink. No matter how tempting that may be.”
“See? That’s what I mean. I know you want to. You’ve done it before.”
He rolls his eyes.
“Done what? What did he do with your drink before?” Emma asks, eyeing hers skeptically.
“So glad you asked, Emma. He pissed in it. It wasn’t a drink, it was urine on ice.”
Shocked gasps surround me. Lauren’s timing returning to the table is excellent.
“Hayden, what the hell? Is that true?” Lauren gags a little.
“I was seventeen at the time and a shit. So yeah, probably true.” He turns to me, his expression bored. “Though, I wouldn’t have let you drink it. I was just messing around.”
“Yeah, you did that a lot. And my lips were on the straw, Hades. You didn’t stop me—I smelled it. That’s how I knew what it was. You laughed as I chucked it at you.”
“So dramatic.” He sighs. “First, I tried to say something, but you turned away the moment you snatched the drink from my hand. Second, I may have known about it, but it wasn’t my piss.” He continues despite my glare. “I mean, honestly, I was doing you a favor.” I gape, attempting to incinerate him with my eyes. “You learned an important lesson. You should never take a drink you’re handed. That drink could’ve been from any ill-intentioned asshole attempting to give you who knows what!”
“So, you’re saying my options were roofies or urine? That’s what you’re going with?”
“How concerned should we be about our beverages tonight, new guy?” Lauren asks. “If Evan were here, we wouldn’t need to be concerned about urine in our drinks. I’m texting him right now.”
“Oh, come on, Lauren, don’t text Evan. I know you’ve assigned yourself as his bestie or whatever, but he hired me—”
“Well, technically I hired you, Hades, and it seems there’s a reason Chloe here isn’t falling for your grinning, roguish, scruffy looks, and whatever forearm porn you keep flashing her way.” Oh God. Lauren, no, please stop.
“I don’t fall for assholes or their bullshit,” I confirm. There, that felt good.
“That’s alright, Princess. You’re not exactly my type either. I’ll have Ricky bring you a fresh drink. Just knowing you likely never took a drink from anyone else ever again is a win. Glad I could teach you a little something in the young, naïve”—he eyes me up and down—“perkier stages of your life.” He picks up the drink, raps the table briefly with his knuckles, and takes one step before I stop him. My fingers meet the sinewy forearm I’ve been trying not to stare at. Damn Lauren for drawing attention to his rough, roped, sun-darkened forearms.
“No. You don’t win. There are no winners in this situation. Unless it’s me.” His arm feels like steel wrapped in power and heat. What was my point, again? “I’m getting a fresh drink, and you are doing a piss-poor job—pun intended—justifying your teenage barbaric behavior. End of story.”
“Ah. But my life lesson stuck with you for eight years. That’s the goal, right, Teach?” He glances at Lauren. “You want your lessons to stick.”
“Okay, first, don’t call me ‘Teach.’ Only Evan gets to.” Lauren points a finger at him. “Second, he’s got a teeny, tiny point there, Chlo. But assholes still don’t get to win arguments at this table, so run along now. Oh, and I need pretzels. Emma? How’s your nausea today?”
“I’m good. The nausea passed weeks ago, but I didn’t want to say anything because you were still having a hard time and needed the companionable sympathy.”
I’m at a bar with two pregnant chicks. This first girls’ night out in Landry has gone a little differently than I pictured.
“Pretzels, a fresh drink for Princess, and a free forearm groping. Got it.” He looks pointedly at the hand still resting on his arm.
Well, shit, I’m still touching him.
I retract my hand like it had been burned.
He winks at me. “You’re welcome, babe.”
“No!” The deep sound reverberates from deep within me.
I glare at his broad back as he heads toward the bar.
“You can’t just shout ‘no’ at me anytime you don’t like something I do or say,” he calls out, not even bothering to fully turn around before disappearing into the kitchen. I catch a flash of his cocky grin right as the door swings closed.
“I don’t think you won that one, Chloe.” Emma offers a sad pat on the top of the fist I have pressed against the table.
She’s right but I say nothing. Hayden and I will either eventually get along or things will escalate.
Meet Amy
Amy Alves lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and two crazy cute kids. She is a romance-obsessed reader, a lover of wine and fuzzy socks, and a loather of laundry. She loves contemporary, paranormal, and rom com romance—her kindle always has a long list of books waiting to be read.
Amy writes contemporary romance with a hint of rom com fun. Tropes you can expect to see are: second chance, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, and fake relationships.
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My life has been a rollercoaster ride, consisting of both wonderful and horrifying moments. I was a child when Nico found me, resulting in my adoption by a woman who raised me alongside the Mayson children. They became my best friends and life was good until tragedy struck and I ran off to join the military. When I came home, everyone welcomed me with open arms. I was at an all-time low, drowning in my dark thoughts, unsure how to go on, until love saved me.
Rose:
Being on the run with a small child hasn’t been easy. I thought we’d finally discovered our safe haven in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. A relationship was the last thing on my mind, then I met Robert Kent, a wounded hero inside and out. While I tried to resist him, doing so was impossible, as if something greater than ourselves wanted us together. Our respective pasts made us kindred souls. When mine comes for me, I pray we’re strong enough to survive it.
Until Love is part of the Aurora Rose Reynolds’s Happily Ever Alpha World. If you loved Until Sage, then you will want to read Until Love.
Warning: Sweet, sexy and safe reads! Happily ever after guaranteed! This author writes what she likes to read. That means there will be instalove, OTT Heroes, and, brace yourselves, virgin characters at times. If none of those float your boat, you might want to find another book. If they do, you’re in the right place.
Under the banner of truce during the holy Spring Festa, four Chosen priests of the war god brutalized me, cut my throat, and dumped my naked corpse in a mass grave.
They plan to do the same to my entire clan.
The priests of the Hierarchy believed that was the end of me.
But Death loves me. And he’s giving me a second shot.
There’s a price I’ll need to pay, of course. Later. I have a plan for that, too.
First, I have unfinished business with my murderers. I need to save my family and protect my clan. And I burn for revenge. I’ll kill the four that took my life and threatened those I love.
They won’t die easy.
Warning: Raven Queen, Arise is a dark epic fantasy thriller. It contains material some people might find objectionable or triggering or evil. If you are sensitive to certain kinds of content, this might not be the book for you. Specific details can be found here: davereed.me/raven-queen-arise/
“Oh, my, my, my. I just read a very sweet hug of words, emotion and kindness. Dean the Machine and Tabitha Tyler are adorable.” ` Pineapples and Coffee Book Reviews
“What an absolute feel good read! I smiled throughout this entire book!!! Low in drama and high in love.” ~ Goodreads Review (Jessi)
Summer in the city heats up when the girl who got away moves in next door.
Dean “The Machine” is a South Philly legend. Much to the dismay of fans who still hound him, the broody former fighter walked away from his boxing career right before clinching another championship belt. Tight-lipped on his reasons for retiring, he’s busy trying to figure out his future when the past literally falls in his lap.
Tabitha Tyler, the fiery redhead who captured his teenage heart, is back in town and staying next door. Only now the girl that got away is all grown up and offering him a strings-free, summer fling. Dean knows better than to start something that will leave him flat on his back and seeing stars.
But there’s only so much temptation a man can take.
Kept away by the secrets that tore her family apart, sparkly filmmaker Tabitha is home for the first time in nine years. And her old friend and new hunky neighbor is just the distraction she needs. It’s the perfect relationship for her – one with an expiration date.
She’s got two weeks to convince him to cave.
He’s got two weeks to convince her to stay.
But when she refuses to let down her guard, Dean realizes that this time…he just might get knocked out for good.
Author’s note: A smokin’ hot, friends-to-lovers, opposites-attract love story in a close-knit South Philly neighborhood with a quirky cast of nosy but well-intentioned neighbors.
When I was eighteen years old, I took a surprise right hook to the jaw during an amateur match that sent me sprawling to the ground. Every boxer takes a bad one early in their career and learns something from it. I learned that I didn’t like having my head snapped back without warning.
But before that hook? I didn’t think you could take a punch that had you seeing stars.
That one made me a believer. I laid flat on my back that night in a world of pain, and the entire solar system spun around my face.
Tabitha Tyler falling into my lap at Benny’s Bar had me believing again.
One minute I was studying the screen, pissed off at the loud guy next to me. The next? A gorgeous redhead toppled into my arms. And even though I hadn’t seen her in years, the very second she aimed that shiny smile my way, I was nothing but a dazed teenager again.
“Of all the laps in this damn city, I had to fall into yours,” she said in her low, melodic voice.
I blinked at her. Blinked again. My mouth went dry as a desert. My body shivered with jittery nerves. I didn’t want to stare, could only take in quick glimpses of her—pale skin, freckles and delicate tattoos, dark red hair, those big brown eyes.
“Tabitha?” My voice came out strangled, like she was an illusion I couldn’t trust.
She winked at me. Tabitha Tyler, former head cheerleader and popular senior girl, the source of my long, hopeless crush, winked at me.
Stars exploded across my eyes. So did the planets, the moon, the sun. I wasn’t prepared to take a hit like this. Could only try not to let my jaw hang open at the shock.
“The one and only,” she said, still smiling. “Nice to see ya, Dean Knox-Morelli.” Her body shifted in my lap, wiggled around, and I learned the true meaning of the word willpower. “Although word on the street is you go by Dean the Machine now, and I have to say, that nickname is awesome. Is that what I should call you? Or something more formal like Mr. Machine?”
I was speechless.
“So…Mr. Machine it is, then?” She brushed her hair over her shoulder. I did not stare at the curve of her throat. “I like it. It’s formal. Respectful. Commands a certain amount of authority. Though I’ve known you for, like, a million years so maybe it’s a little weird. But this is South Philly. Who haven’t we known for our entire lives?”
An embarrassing memory floated up—a dozen exchanges like this one, in school hallways or walking down the street or after the support group we’d attended together. Tabitha talking to me as if she had no idea who she was—and no understanding of how I wasn’t deserving.
“Hi,” I managed to say. It was the one word I could rescue from the chaos of my thoughts.
She bit her lip, looking almost shy for a second. “Hi.”
A beat of silence passed between us. One where the door of a bizarre reality opened and I was just a regular guy at the local bar, sitting with his very pretty girlfriend in his lap. A girlfriend with bare skin warm against mine, the tips of my fingers grazing the top of her thigh, her smell of sweet oranges all around us.
“Not that I don’t appreciate you catching me, but uh…you can…you know…” Her eyebrow was lifted, teasing, and then her fingers pressed against my arms. The arms locked tight around her waist.
I cleared my throat and quickly released her. “I’m…so sorry. I don’t—”
She slid easily from my legs to the chair right next to me, her bare knees pressed against me in the crowded space. “One of my dreams has always been to fall into the lap of a famous athlete. I should be thanking you for making a girl’s dream come true.”
The solar system drifted across my face again. I felt like a fried circuit breaker.
Kathryn Nolan is an adventurous hippie chick and loves to write steamy romance. Her books are filled with slow-burn sexual tension, memorable characters, tons of heart — and are often set in wild and beautiful locations.
Kathryn started her writing career in elementary school, writing about Star Wars and Harry Potter and inventing love stories in her many journals. She blames her obsession with slow-burn on her similar obsession for The X-Files.
Kathryn is a wanderer at heart, and loves to spend her free time hiking, camping, and traveling in her camper van (“Van Morrison”) with her cute, nerdy husband and Walter, their rescue pup. Kathryn is a Philly girl who just moved back home after spending more than 8 years living in Northern California — and six months traveling across the country in her camper van.
That’s how long I’ve been waiting. Waiting for whatever it is that’s drawing me to the gorgeous young woman that Chloe has become to fade away. Some of my brothers would probably say that I’m pining over her bright emerald eyes. And maybe they would be onto something. Maybe I’ve been pining for her to notice me. Maybe I don’t want the deep-rooted need simmering in me to fade away even slightly.
No, there’s no maybe. What there is, though, is an off-limits neon sign attached to her.
Until now, her age helped me stay away, even though I’m not even four years older than her. But she’s eighteen now, and there’s only one reason left for me to keep my hands to myself. I respect her dad too much to touch his daughter.
But I’m only human, and goodwill can only get you so far.
CHLOE
I can see him watching me. Every time we’re around each other, his dark yet gentle gaze finds me. And then he tries his best to ignore me. Every time. It’s either that or my heart is toying with my common sense.
I’ve had a crush on Melvin since he rushed to my rescue three years ago, saving my sanity for sure, and maybe also my life.
But I’m not fifteen anymore, and my crush is morphing into something more. If only the fear of rejection wasn’t too strong to overcome. A more experienced woman might have been able to figure him out, but at eighteen, I’m just as inexperienced as I was three years ago. Yeah, quite pathetic.
There’s one thing I know. His body and face have been made for sin. Wide shoulders, broad chest, insanely chiseled abs, and messy dark hair that seems to call for my hands. And those full lips…
I might be a virgin, but my entire being knows what it wants when it comes to this glorious man. I just wish I was brave enough to do something about it.
C.M. Marin is an author of romantic suspense and contemporary romance.
She’s a small-town girl all the way. Quiet and nature are all she really needs… as long as there are books and a box full of assorted teas within easy reach!
She hasn’t found her own happily ever after yet, but she sure loves to write about falling in love and finding forever. With a touch of suspense, just the right amount of sexiness, and plenty of love, she writes books for every lover of romance around the world!
Alli has had almost no say in her life as the only daughter of a wealthy controlling attorney. She intends to reclaim her life by becoming a runaway bride now that she is being forced to marry. She had no idea who she would be fleeing to.
Cash Being the lead singer of a well-known band may be arduous. Especially after learning that his fiancée had decided against monogamy. Cash is now back on the market as one of the most eligible bachelors on the planet. But he doesn’t want any more one-night stands.
A chance meeting when they both needed to get away leads to either the next great love story or one epic heartbreak.
Jade Wilde is a coffee addicted mom of three with a passion for romance. With a full time, daily schedule, writing about fantasies gives her a chance to escape reality. Jade’s writing started as a side hobby and very quickly became a big part of her everyday life. The real estate industry doesn’t allow for a creative outlet but writing gives her the chance to express her creativity and imagination.
Best Man Forever is a friends to lovers steamy contemporary romance set in the fictional town of Shellington, Massachusetts.
Being in love with your best friend sucks.
Sarah Murphy is in love with her best friend Liam McGee, but Mr. Three-Month McGee sees her as his best friend and that is all — just as well because she wants forever not some three-month affair. That useless longing is as familiar to her as the need to be loved by all of the McGees, especially the matriarch Anna, who is the closest thing to a mother Sarah has ever known. Long ago, when Anna took her in, Sarah promised her that she and Liam were just friends. Breaking that promise could cost her everything.
When Liam discovers that Sarah’s now ex-boyfriend hurt her, put his hands on her, he sees red — and an opportunity — to truly take care of her. But the timing is all wrong. He never intended to make his move until he had something real to offer her, and he won’t be making decent money until he’s finished with his residency, still a year away. Being seen as Three-Month McGee never bothered him until now. He’s always known Sarah is too good for him. How can he prove to her that he is worth the risk — that for Sarah, he will be the Best Man Forever?
By the time Liam stood outside Sarah’s door again, carrying bags of take out and an overnight bag, something had shifted inside of him. He felt off balance. She was his best friend in the whole world. She knew everything about him but there was so much he didn’t know about her. He wanted to, he wanted to know everything, but he wasn’t sure she’d let him. Tightrope walking was a skill every ER doc learned well, or they switched specialties. Decisions had to be made quickly and not always with complete information. He had to trust his gut. Whatever she was going through, this was about her, not him, not them. He was going to be there for her, whether she liked it or not. She was his God dammit.
“Took you long enough.” She searched Liam’s face and his eyes. He’d been gone for close to three hours. “I see no signs of a fight and you come bearing food, so you’re forgiven.” Her smile was easy.
“Have you been resting?” Liam’s eyebrows drew together in worry.
“Yes doctor.” Her eyes danced. “I have been a good patient. Icing off and on.”
“I’m going to take care of you tonight.” It was a declaration. Liam put the food on the counter in the kitchen.
“I’m going to let you.” Sarah bit her lip. This was new territory for her, but she wasn’t a hypocrite. She knew exactly the advice she’d give one of her patients. She deserved to be taken care of by someone who loved her. It was scary though.
Their gazes met and held. Something was shifting inside her. Did he sense it?
“Thank you.” His eyes softened; he caressed her cheek.
She nodded, stepped away and went to snuggle back into the couch. Her cheek tingled and she reached up to touch it. Inwardly she sighed, exhausted. She’d loved Liam forever. Risking her relationship with the family though, that wasn’t going to happen. The McGees loved her, she knew that, but Liam was theirs by blood. If she and Liam ever really got together and it went south, she wouldn’t just lose him, she’d lose all of them. And it would go south, he wasn’t the long-haul type. Time to shove her lust back down into its little box and let him be a brother to her. She could use a brother tonight anyway, she supposed. She’d settle for it at least. Try as she might, she just couldn’t see him that way, never had. Sean, absolutely, but not Liam. He was Liam McGee and she was his. Even though he had no idea and it would do no good for him to know.
“That was a heavy sigh.” Liam brought her a plate of her favorite fried zucchini strips.
“You went to Joe’s. Thanks.” She took the plate and smiled at him, keeping her heart hidden. “How’d it go with Sean? You were gone longer than I expected.”
Liam settled across the couch from her, their backs were on the armrests and their feet touching in the middle.
“Interesting. We talked. A lot.”
Sarah’s eyebrows arched up.
“I know. Sean isn’t usually one for many words, but he had a lot to say.” He munched on the appetizer. His eyes twinkled and he wiggled his eyebrows. “Then we went to Pratt’s. Had a very few words there. Let him know we know where he works and we’d rather not have to visit him there, that kind of thing. Very satisfying.”
“Hmm. Should have known.” She kept her tone neutral. Not angry, not amused.
“Oh relax. Becca made us promise to be smart about it and we were.” He grinned at her. “She’s almost as fierce as you are.”
She stilled with a zucchini strip halfway to her mouth. “You think I’m fierce?”
“I think you’re a freaking force of nature, Sarah.” He was dead serious. “You’re just more quiet about it than some.”
Jaw hanging open, she gawked at him. That was how he thought of her? Impossible. She blinked at him. It wasn’t how she thought of herself at all.
I was raised outside of Ottawa, ON Canada and was lucky enough to have my horse in my backyard. The first thing I ever remember wanting to do was tell stories, but I was told that there was no money in it, so I moved on — to the incredibly lucrative career of elementary education. After taking a break from the work force while raising my boys, I returned (somehow) to work in securitized real estate: educating investors and keeping track of a lot of details.
I’ve lived in Massachusetts; Northern California; British Columbia, Canada; Southern California; and now Nevada. I love it here in Nevada and would really rather not move again for a long time. 2020 was an interesting year but what I’m most grateful for is that it allowed me to dive back into my passion for writing.
I’m blessed to be married to the love of my life and with our dog O’Malley we endeavor to live our best lives. I love to cook; you’ll see pictures of food all over my Instagram. I love dogs, horses, hiking, and writing. Nothing is more fun than when my characters misbehave requiring me to re-plot the rest of the book.
