tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30339335359501480632024-03-05T14:47:40.668-08:00Suzannah Daniels ~ AuthorAuthor of the WHISKEY NIGHTS series and PERFECTLY ALBE, NA contemporary romances, the DANGEROUS Trilogy, upper YA contemporary romance, VAMPIRE'S BANE, upper YA paranormal, GHOSTLY ENCOUNTER, a YA paranormal romance, and VIKING'S EMBRACE, an adult historical romance.Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-27984820655744059092016-06-17T20:30:00.000-07:002016-06-17T20:30:14.514-07:00Cover Reveal for SHAMAN'S CURSE, Vampire's Bane #2<div style="text-align: center; margin: 0 auto 15px;">
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<p><strong>Shaman’s Curse </strong><br><strong>Suzannah Daniels</strong><br>(Vampire’s Bane #2)<br>Publication date: June 2016<br>Genres: Dystopian, Paranormal, Young Adult</p><blockquote><p>Maylin Kavanagh is on a mission.</p>
<p>After escaping the Warwick Vampires, she’s sworn that the only thing that can stand between her and reaching St. Louis for the next phase of The Program is death itself.</p>
<p>Determined to discover her purpose, her allegiance is with the human race. But the humans aren’t the only ones who want her.</p>
<p>Creed’s people claim that she’s the key to their prophecy and the cure for their curse. So why did he try to kill her?</p>
<p>And if that weren’t enough to ponder, she fears the vampires will hunt her—not for her blood, but for revenge.</p>
<p>As Maylin tries to find her place in a world filled with the supernatural, she realizes it’s not always easy to recognize the lies from the truth, the friends from the enemies. And maybe the hardest thing of all is being able to reconcile her head with her heart.</p>
<p>But it’s a fight for survival, and Maylin intends to win.</p>
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<p>Author Bio:</p>
<p>Suzannah Daniels has had an affinity for words for as long as she can remember. She grew up in North Georgia with four brothers, so she learned at an early age to admire snakes and motorcycles. When she wasn't pestering her brothers, she could usually be found reading or writing.</p>
<p>She is the author of the Whiskey Nights series (new adult contemporary romance), the Dangerous Trilogy (young adult contemporary romance), Vampire's Bane (young adult paranormal), Ghostly Encounter (young adult paranormal romance), and Viking's Embrace (historical romance).</p>
<p>Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband of twenty-nine years. Her children live nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix named Achilles, a Basset Hound named Annabelle, and a Shih Tzu named MooMoo.</p>
<p>Visit her website at www.SuzannahDaniels.com.</p>
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<a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> / <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6434142.Suzannah_Daniels" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzannah-Daniels/366971616695887" target="_blank">Facebook</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/SuzannahDaniels" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-68619892930648722972015-12-18T06:01:00.000-08:002015-12-18T07:17:14.061-08:00Cover Reveal for BETRAYED, Whiskey Nights #4<div style="text-align: center;">
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<strong>Title: Betrayed (A Whiskey Nights Novel)</strong></div>
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<strong>Author: Suzannah Daniels</strong></div>
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<strong>Cover Reveal: December 15, 2015</strong></div>
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<strong>Release Date: February 9, 2016</strong></div>
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Paxton Mayfield and his brother, Cade, have a bad habit of falling for the same woman. In the past, their antics gave new meaning to the term <i>sibling rivalry</i>.<br />
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But now that Cade has tied the knot, can Pax finally find a woman who loves <i>him</i>?<br />
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Jessica Beacham has only loved one man—Paxton Mayfield. She would have gladly given up her college scholarship to stay in Creekview if he would have just given her a sign, but instead of telling her to stay, he ended the relationship.<br />
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Distraught and lonely, she was comforted by his brother.<br />
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Seven years have passed since that fateful day. When Paxton receives an unexpected phone call, he soon finds himself face-to-face with the one woman he swore he’d never speak to again.<br />
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He abandoned her. She ripped his heart out. Can they overcome their feelings of betrayal and restore their trust in each other?<br />
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BETRAYED is the fourth book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series. Since each book focuses on a different couple, they can be read as stand-alones, but many readers may prefer to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.
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Suzannah Daniels has had an affinity for words for as long as she can remember. She grew up in North Georgia with four brothers, so she learned at an early age to admire snakes and motorcycles. When she wasn't pestering her brothers, she could usually be found reading or writing.
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She is the author of the Whiskey Nights Series, a new adult contemporary romance series, Perfectly Able, a new adult contemporary romance, the Dangerous Trilogy, a mature young adult contemporary romance trilogy, Vampire's Bane, a mature young adult paranormal series, Ghostly Encounter, Book One of the Ghostly series, a young adult paranormal romance/adventure, and Viking's Embrace, a historical romance.<br />
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Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband and her college-aged daughter. Her son lives nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix, a Basset Hound, a Shih Tzu, and a sweet, little kitty.
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</div>Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-7571698436571209152015-12-10T07:17:00.000-08:002015-12-10T07:17:55.077-08:00Come See Me in Kissimmee--Authors in the City Book Signing on March 12, 2016<div style="text-align: center;">
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Authors in the City </div>
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Romance Book Signing </div>
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March 12, 2016</div>
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The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center </div>
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Kissimmee, FL</div>
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You are cordially invited to attend the third annual Authors in the City romance book signing, hosted by<a href="http://www.stephaniesbookreports.com/"> Stephanie's Book Reports</a>. The signing will be held at The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Join 70 plus Romance Authors in Florida for this awesome event! Author list is subject to change at any time.<br /><br />The event schedule is as follows:<br /><br />11:00 AM - Check-in begins. Skip the Line and Bloggers have first priority checking and entry.<br /><br />11:30 AM - Bloggers & Skip the Line winners allowed in signing room<br /><br />12:00 PM - Signing doors open to ticket holders<br /><br />4:00 PM - Signing ends.<br /><br />6:00 PM - Dinner (All Day ticket holders)<br /><br />7:00 PM - Awards/<a href="http://bit.ly/CITC-US">Christmas in the City</a> Check Presentation (All Day ticket holders)<br /><br />8:00 PM - The Great Gatsby After Party (All Day ticket holders)<br /><br />Tickets: Tickets will be on sale Nov. 27, 2015 - Dec. 24, 2015. Sale prices reflected below<br /><br />Signing Only - $10<br /><br />Sighing PLUS After Party - $50<br /><br />Purchase tickets: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-in-the-city-kissimmee-fl-tickets-17191916485"> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-in-the-city-kissimmee-fl-tickets-17191916485</a>.<br /><br />Hotel: We have rooms reserved in a block for Authors in the City starting at $159/night at The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.<br /><br />Reserve your room: <a href="https://resweb.passkey.com/go/AuthorsintheCity">https://resweb.passkey.com/go/AuthorsintheCity</a> One night stay deposit required.<br /><br />Extras:<br /><br />If you're flying into Florida and need a shuttle to the hotel Mears Transportation is the best and easiest. Also we have a small discount for Disney, Sea World, and Universal tickets. <br /><br />Reserve here: <a href="https://www.hello-usa.com/tickets/ac16/index.asp">https://www.hello-usa.com/tickets/ac16/index.asp</a> <br /><br />Ticket Holder Giveaway:<br /><br />All persons purchasing a ticket for Authors in the City will be entered into our Annual Ticket Holders Giveaway. One winner will win a signed paperback from each author attending the day of the book signing. A minimum of five Skip the Line winners will be drawn to enter the signing room 30 minutes before the signing starts. <br /><br />Winners will be picked via Random.org and emailed prior to the event so arrangements can be made for the paperback winner to collect their books and Skip the Line can arrive early enough for checking in.<br /><br />Special Holiday Ticket Giveaway:<br /><br />One winner will win a signed photograph of Cover Model Jase Dean for those that buy their tickets during the sale period. The photo is also signed by Furious Fotog Golden Czermak who took the shot. <br /><br />Links:<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://www.authorsinthecity.com/"> http://www.authorsinthecity.com</a><br />Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorsinthecity"> http://www.facebook.com/authorsinthecity</a><br />Attendees Facebook Group: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATICAttendees/"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/ATICAttendees/</a><br />Blogger Facebook Group: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/AITCBlogs/"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/AITCBlogs/</a><br />Host Blog: <a href="http://www.stephaniesbookreports.com/"> http://www.stephaniesbookreports.com</a><br />Host Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/StephaniesBookReports"> http://www.facebook.com/StephaniesBookReports</a><br />Host Readers Group: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SBRReadersGroup/"> https://www.facebook.com/groups/SBRReadersGroup/</a><br />
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-26260444383102353072015-11-08T08:50:00.001-08:002015-11-08T08:54:47.751-08:00Have you started the Whiskey Nights series yet? Excerpt of WASTED, Whiskey Nights #1<div style="background-color: color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Have you started the Whiskey Nights series yet? I mean, who doesn't love a charming bartender?</div>
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WASTED, Whiskey Nights #1, excerpt:</div>
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She remained in place, watching me like a rabbit eyeing its predator. “Come here,” I urged her softly. “Damn, Lex, just let me hold you.”</div>
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“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”</div>
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“That’s the best freaking idea I’ve had in a long time.” I tugged her wrist again. “We can talk about all the other shit tomorrow, but tonight, I want you beside me. I want you in my arms. No talking before daylight. Tonight, I just want to be with you.”</div>
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Her features reflected the indecision that warred within her.</div>
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“Please, Lex. I need to be with you.” I gently tugged her wrist again, and this time she succumbed, stretching out beside me, her cheek against my chest.</div>
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Pulling her against me, I kissed her forehead and stroked her back.</div>
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When she splayed her hand across my chest, her small palm resting just above my heart, I covered it with mine and gave it a gentle squeeze. Her lips brushed against my skin, the soft flutter of an angel’s kiss. Contentment filled my soul, and I closed my eyes, savoring every detail about her, her touch, her scent, her soft breathing. If I could spend every night of my life going to sleep with Lexi in my arms, I’d be a happy man.</div>
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<a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/whiskey-nights-series.html" target="_blank">Buy </a>now! </div>
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-72255682168986373422015-10-04T00:31:00.001-07:002015-10-04T00:31:39.658-07:00IGNITED, Whiskey Nights #2, is on sale for 99¢ through October 6, 2015! IGNITED, Whiskey Nights #2, is on sale for just 99 cents through October 6! You can find purchase links on my <a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/whiskey-nights-series.html" target="_blank">website.</a><br />
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.Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-19457023684578078792015-08-13T12:32:00.002-07:002015-08-13T12:38:57.777-07:00DECEIVED, Whiskey Nights #3, Releases in Five DaysIn five more days, DECEIVED, Whiskey Nights #3, will be released!<br />
<br />
<b>Blurb:</b><br />
<br />
<span id="freeText13548634529437065935" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><em>DECEIVED is a new adult, contemporary romance recommended for adult readers due to mature content.</em><br /><br />A hotel room.<br /><br />A blindfold.<br /><br />An invitation that goes horribly awry.<br /><br />Now that Seren Flanagan has graduated from college and returned to Creekview, Tennessee, she’s getting reacquainted with her old high school friends, including Cade Mayfield. She had a crush on him in high school but lacked the courage to act on it.<br /><br />Luckily, she’s not the same shy girl who used to admire him from afar. Knowing what she wants, she sets a plan in motion to capture his attention by inviting him on a trip to Ireland.<br /><br />But things don’t always go as planned—a lesson that Seren will soon learn the hard way.<br /><br /><em>DECEIVED is the third book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series. Since each book focuses on a different couple, they can be read as stand-alones, but many readers may prefer to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.</em><br /><br />WHISKEY NIGHTS SERIES ORDER<br />Wasted #1<br />Ignited #2<br />Deceived #3 (coming August 18, 2015)</span><br />
<br />
<b>Excerpt (from a scene in an Irish pub):</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It
looks like we order at the bar. What do you want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
wiggled out of her jacket, shrugging her shoulders in the process. “Surprise
me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
took her coat and laid it in the empty booth seat across from us, and then, I
removed mine, too. After ordering, I grabbed our drinks and slid in beside
Flanagan, knowing that I should’ve sat on the opposite side but unable to help
myself. “I ordered you a nut brown ale,
and I got a stout,” I said, setting our glasses down. “No fruity drinks. I
think you’ve already met your quota for Pear Martinis this year. These were
brewed locally.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Forcing
me to step out of my comfort zone?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yep.”
I cupped my palm around the glass of stout. “I also ordered us a couple of
steaks. The meat’s delivered from a local farm daily. How’s that for fresh?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A
steak sounds so good right now,” she said, fluttering her eyes closed like she
was already imagining the taste. She glanced at my glass. “Let me try yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
put my arm around the back of the booth, just behind her shoulders, and pushed
the glass in her direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
took a tiny sip and wrinkled her nose. “That’s really strong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Come
on, Flanagan,” I goaded. “You didn’t even get enough to taste. Drink up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
took a bigger swig, daintily wiping her mouth with her napkin when she was
done. “Whew!” She shook her head rapidly as if the taste lingered. “That’s
still really strong.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
chuckled, lifting the glass to my lips and taking a long drink. The taste was
much different than my usual beer, and while I didn’t like it quite as well, I
decided to reserve my judgment for when I finished.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Try
yours,” I suggested, nodding toward her glass. She took a small sip. Then,
seeming satisfied with that, she took a longer drink. “Much better.” She held
the glass to me. “Here, you try it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There
was something magical about being in an entirely different country, surrounded
by total strangers in an unfamiliar setting. It could almost make me feel like
I was someone else entirely, like all the shit that had happened in my life
didn’t apply here, like for a little while I could escape my own reality, my
own shortcomings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
knew I shouldn’t unless I was prepared for all the consequences. Once I crossed
the line, there was no going back. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
damn she was sexy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
I’d been thinking about it ever since she sat down beside me in the bar a few
months ago when she’d returned to Creekview for good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
tried to think about all the ways this could go wrong. And if I screwed things
up, I could lose our friendship, something I cherished. Maybe the best thing
that I could do for Flanagan right now was to leave her alone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I was selfish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
I wanted her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">And
I didn’t have the strength to resist her, not here, not now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
think I <i>will</i> try your drink,” I said
softly, accepting the glass from her and setting it back on the table without
drinking from it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
gave me a strange look, her lips parting in surprise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
arm slid from the back of the booth to her shoulders, and I gently pulled her
toward me. With my free hand, I cupped her cheek, my thumb resting near the
corner of her mouth. I leaned down, pausing when I was mere inches from her
face. Her eyes widened, and her chest rose as if she had sucked in a small
breath and held it. She licked her lips, and I was aroused by her innocent
gesture. I watched her. Her eyes closed, her long dark lashes fanning over her
cheek. Her skin was soft and smooth as my thumb arced lightly across her face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Damn,
I couldn’t wait another second. I lowered my lips to hers, delivering the
softest of kisses. Then, my tongue teased her lips, begging her to open to me,
so that I could taste her, something I had deprived myself of for far too long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
nutty flavors of the ale melded with her sweetness, a tantalizing concoction that
permeated my brain with pleasure. Her hand squeezed my thigh, bringing me the
satisfaction of knowing that she was enjoying our kiss every bit as much as I.
When I deepened the kiss, a soft moan emanated from her throat, and her hand
slid higher, gripping more tightly as if she needed something to hold on to.
The effect had my entire body standing at full attention. How the hell had I
stayed away from her this long?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Forcing
my thoughts away from fears that had become my own personal barrier, I
concentrated only on her. Reluctantly ending the kiss, I pulled away slightly
and found her deep sapphire eyes focused on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
the best damn ale I ever tasted,” I said softly, well aware that her hand still
rested on my thigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
didn’t even get enough to taste,” she whispered, mimicking me. “Drink up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-22286963044361859332015-06-14T06:38:00.001-07:002015-06-14T06:38:32.018-07:00WASTED, Whiskey Nights #1, is only 99 cents for a limited time!WASTED, Whiskey Nights #1, is on SALE for a limited time!<br />
<br />
WASTED is a new adult, contemporary romance recommended for adult readers due to mature content.<br />
<br />
It all started with sex on the beach…the drink, not…you know.<br />
<br />
As a bartender, Mason Cambridge often charmed beautiful women who ordered up cocktails on his shift. It was part of his job after all, and he needed the tips—badly.<br />
<br />
When Lexi Swafford plopped her pretty little tail down on the bar stool, Mason offered her a drink. He had no idea that he would soon be working with her or that he’d be letting her room with him until her new apartment was ready.<br />
<br />
In fact, once Lexi Swafford landed in Creekview, Tennessee, life as Mason Cambridge knew it would cease to exist…because after a night of drinking away the agony of his loneliness, one touch from her would change everything.<br />
<br />
WASTED is the first book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series. Since each book focuses on a different couple, they can be read as stand-alones, but many readers may prefer to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.<br />
<br />
WHISKEY NIGHTS SERIES ORDER<br />
Wasted #1<br />
Ignited #2<br />
Deceived #3 (coming 2015)<br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8000001907349px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">To stay updated on my new releases, join my email list: <a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/join-email-list.html">http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/join-email-list.html</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNKqA0bU56iCPGSiPmChe8mqqCTth4hwsJkdE176hBbwLPrhai-c4tQNJ87UGTA9hSA5ttpmp_Q-Rxv1R_mncNv2wRmlDGYAqopLBBGkEXcEnq6im-QJGCBBkbdbyGL06qiVJohr35Gri/s1600/Wasted.99.cents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLNKqA0bU56iCPGSiPmChe8mqqCTth4hwsJkdE176hBbwLPrhai-c4tQNJ87UGTA9hSA5ttpmp_Q-Rxv1R_mncNv2wRmlDGYAqopLBBGkEXcEnq6im-QJGCBBkbdbyGL06qiVJohr35Gri/s320/Wasted.99.cents.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-51992215463136080642015-05-22T10:36:00.003-07:002015-05-22T10:56:37.852-07:00WASTED, Whiskey Nights #1, Read Chapters 1 and 2<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Chapter1"></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdYScwlvw_ea6Y7TxNnO4SBJcwoIOBIo8dISC9Nn0w4jLE_eiwwxMQhg1lQzFomnS81Wg6N7qDJ96h_ZrKjNT0zRhhprdjulD6bG-7q7BLqMLphgwDkyp2DFR1d_OB6HK52ZbY_KywnsV/s1600/WASTED-SUZANNAH-DANIELS-GOODREADS-WEBREADY-COVER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdYScwlvw_ea6Y7TxNnO4SBJcwoIOBIo8dISC9Nn0w4jLE_eiwwxMQhg1lQzFomnS81Wg6N7qDJ96h_ZrKjNT0zRhhprdjulD6bG-7q7BLqMLphgwDkyp2DFR1d_OB6HK52ZbY_KywnsV/s320/WASTED-SUZANNAH-DANIELS-GOODREADS-WEBREADY-COVER.png" width="206" /></a></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Chapter 1</b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Sex on the Beach<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Mason<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
want Sex on the Beach?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
beg your pardon?” Her large, dark eyes focused on my face as she glanced up
from the glowing screen of her cell phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
grinned. “The drink, not actual…you know. Sex on the Beach is today’s
two-for-one special.” I motioned toward the framed chalkboard hanging on the
wall with the daily special neatly printed in fluorescent colors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh.”
Her lips curved into a smile once she realized she’d misunderstood me, not that
I wouldn’t be willing to give her both, the drink and the sex. There weren’t
any beaches in Tennessee, but hell, I’d be willing to drive over to the coast.
“Sure,” she agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was early yet, and there weren’t many people sitting at the bar. I clicked my
tongue and pointed at her. “Be right back with the best Sex on the Beach you
ever had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moving
over to the liquor, I filled a glass with ice and poured in all the
ingredients, resulting in a drink the color of a sunset. I added a lemon wedge
on the edge of the glass, tossed in a maraschino cherry, and poked in a straw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
set the glass in front of her, and her plump red lips encircled the straw as I
patiently waited on the verdict.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pushing
silken tresses the color of dark chocolate over her shoulder, she straightened
on her stool. “You’re right. That is the best Sex on the Beach I ever had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
victorious smirk shot across my face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
also the only one I’ve ever had,” she added, looking way too smug as she cut
her eyes at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
shrugged a shoulder. “Still counts.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Moving
down the bar, I picked up an empty glass, wiped the bar clean, and stuffed a not-too-shabby
tip in my pocket. Spanky Dewberry, my manager as well as the owner of Spanky’s,
came out of his office and walked briskly toward me. He was a short man with a
wide girth. As he strode down the main aisle that separated two sections of
tables and approached the bar, I waved. “Hey, Spanky, what’s going on?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
smoothed a wrinkled hand over the shiny bald spot on the top of his head and
combed his fingers through the white tufts of hair that sprang out on the lower
half of his scalp. “I see you’ve met Lexi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
pointed to the only patron sitting at the bar. “This is Lexi?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Upon
hearing her name, she stood and held out her hand. “Lexi Swafford.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
shook her hand, noticing that it was soft and warm. “Mason Cambridge. Nice to
meet you, Lexi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Likewise.”
Her pouty lips curved into another smile, and her straight white teeth
contrasted dramatically against her deep red lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
turned to the owner. “Your bartender was just trying to convince me that he
could give me the best Sex on the Beach I ever had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He
tries to convince all the ladies of that, but they ain’t buying what he’s
selling.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Spanky,”
I protested in mock horror, “how can you do that to me? Besides, she’s already
admitted that I did give her the best Sex on the Beach she’s ever had.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Only
because I have nothing to compare it to,” she interjected, holding her finger
in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Spanky chortled as he leaned against the bar.
“Y’all can work it out later. Lexi’s gonna help out with the bar, so I need you
to teach her everything you know about bartending.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh.”
I was a little surprised, not that he asked me to train her because I trained
all the bartenders and bar backs, but I hadn’t realized he was hiring. “You got
it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
turned to Lexi. “You can start as soon as you finish your drink, or you can
wait until tomorrow. Your call.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ve
got nothing better to do. May as well start tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If
y’all need anything, holler. I’m going back to the office.” He waddled away.
“Oh, and the drink’s on the house,” he called over his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank
you!” Lexi called, taking another sip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“She’s
in good hands, Spanky.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
waved an acknowledgement without turning around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So,”
I drawled out, turning my attention back to Lexi, “it looks like it’s me and
you tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
didn’t know when you crawled out of bed this afternoon it was going to be your
lucky day, did you?” Her sexy lips smirked. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No.
First, Sex on the Beach, and now I have someone to scrub the floors and haul
the ice. I think I’m in love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Again?”
a male voice asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We
both looked up as one of Spanky’s regular patrons grabbed a seat a couple of
stools down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hey,
bud, what’s going on?” I leaned over and bumped fists with him before turning
to Lexi. “Lexi, this is James Hawkins. Everybody calls him Hawk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hi,
Hawk.” She shook his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lexi.”
He nodded a greeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Hawk’s
a firefighter here in the great city of Creekview. So if you ever catch a
skillet full of bacon on fire and accidentally throw a pitcher of water on it, he
can help you out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And
you’re speaking from experience?” Lexi asked me, her daintily plucked eyebrows
arched in question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hawk
chuckled. “Let’s just say there’s a reason Spanky doesn’t let him in the
kitchen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah,
he doesn’t want to waste my winning personality on chicken fingers and cheese
sticks.” I picked up a coaster, tossed it in the air with a spin, and let it
land on the bar in front of Hawk. “You want your usual?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yep.
You know me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
grabbed two bottles of beer, positioned the cap of one bottle just below the
other, and slammed one bottle down on the bar to pop the cap off the other.
“You are pretty predictable.” I set the open bottle of beer on the coaster in
front of Hawk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How’d
you do that?” Lexi sat up a little straighter as she took notice, her brow
furrowed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh,
no.” I waved my hand at her. “If you want to know my secrets, you have to share
yours.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your
secrets aren’t <i>that</i> interesting.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Then
why do you want to know them?” Amused, I awaited her answer, but she abandoned
her question and went back to sipping her drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
she didn’t take the bait, I turned my attention back to Hawk. “So how many cats
have you rescued this week?” I asked, propping my arms against the bar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No
cats, which is a good thing since I’m highly allergic to them. It’s actually
been pretty quiet. Put out a brush fire and responded to a few wrecks, none of
them too serious.” He took a long swig of his beer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So
basically you’ve been watching movies and working out?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Pretty
much. I’ve been off the last couple of days, but it’s back to work tomorrow.
Got a bunch of kindergarteners coming by for a tour.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
laughed at the thought of Hawk being overwhelmed by dozens of kids asking a
million questions. “You better prepare yourself,” I warned. “Why is the fire
truck red? Can I drive it? Why is a fire hot? How do you fill your truck up
with water?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hawk
took another swig and set his beer on the coaster. “Or my personal favorite: My
mom said she wants to date a fireman. Will you go out with her?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A
kid actually said that?” Lexi asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh,
yeah. They have no filters.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Well,
what did his mom look like?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
don’t know, but based on the kid….” He scrunched his face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So
what you’re trying to say is he was one of the ugliest kids you’ve ever seen?”
I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That
wasn’t exactly what I was trying to say, but it would be an accurate
statement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
mean,” Lexi admonished us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
pointed to Hawk as I looked at Lexi and shook my head. “It’s not like he told
the kid he was ugly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
frowned. “Guys are so….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh,
like you’ve never seen an ugly kid.” I spotted other customers walking toward
the bar, and I grabbed a couple of coasters and spun them in their direction. “Ladies,
how are y’all today?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“We’re
fine, Mason. You?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The
only way I could be any better would be if I’s on that side of the bar having a
drink with you two lovelies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
serving their drinks and ordering their food, I walked back over to Lexi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
almost finished,” she assured me. She took another sip. “I rarely drink, so I
didn’t want to drink it too fast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Rarely
drink? And you want to be a bartender?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Drinking’s
not a requirement,” she shot back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Hawk
drained the rest of his beer as he stood, pushing the stool back with his
movement. “Lexi, when it comes to Mason, you’ve got to give as good as you
get.” He set his empty bottle down and fished money from his pocket. “Keep the
change.” He nodded at me, and then pivoted around and faced Lexi. “Guess I’ll
see you around?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll
be here.” She gave him a smile and watched as he walked out of the bar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
ready?” I asked, drawing her attention back to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
ready.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
she entered the bar area, I admired her tight-fitting jeans and her snug
jersey-style tee shirt. I went over some of the bar back duties, like washing
glasses, cleaning the bar, restocking items, and replenishing garnishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So
how long have you been bartending?” she asked as she sliced lemons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For
about six years. Spanky gave me a job as a bar back when I was eighteen. After
a few months, he let me start bartending.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How
did you know that’s what you wanted to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
glanced at her profile as she concentrated on the lemons. Her dark hair was
pushed behind her shoulders, and her softly rounded cheeks made her seem young,
though I imagined that she was probably older than she looked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
not that I wanted to do it.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I just needed a job, and
over the years, I’ve figured out what people want. So I give it to them, and
they give me a good tip.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“And
what do they want?” Her hands stilled, and she studied my face as she waited on
my answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Most
of them just want someone to talk to, somebody that they can tell how their day
went or talk about their problems. Basically, they just want someone who will
listen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“If
they’re with someone else and they’re in deep conversation, then they may want
nothing more than someone who can give them service when they need it and get
their drinks right. I like to keep things interesting by adding a little flair
like the trick with opening the bottles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“When
you’ve done it long enough, you get a feel for how to treat each customer, and of
course, we have a lot of regulars, so that takes the guesswork out of it once
you get to know them. The bottom line is they have to leave feeling better than
they did when they got here, and I don’t mean from the alcohol.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
went back to cutting lemons. “So you have to know how to read people?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
definitely have to be a people person if you want to make good tips. If you
come in here scowling because you’ve had a crappy day, you’re gonna drag them
down with you, which will definitely affect your tips.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Business
picked up, and I trained Lexi on as many things as I could. Since Sex on the
Beach was our daily special, I taught her how to make one, and every time one
was ordered, I let her fix it. We were pretty busy for a Thursday night, and by
the time we closed and got everything cleaned and stocked, we were both
exhausted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“My
feet are killing me,” Lexi complained as she sat down at the bar. “If I had to
carry one more bucket of ice….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
plopped her share of the tips down on the counter. “You have to look at it like
this: the more ice you carry, the more tips you’re making.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
hard to remember that when the pain is so intense it’s shooting up my legs.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
sat on the stool beside her. “Give me your foot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“What?
Why?” She shook her head. “There’s no way I’m giving you my foot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Why?
Does it stink?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
smacked me playfully on the arm. “No, it doesn’t stink.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
have ugly feet? Crooked toes? Warts?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
patted my leg, motioning for her to lift her foot and rest it on my thigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Fine,”
she said, finally obeying, “but I’m keeping my socks on.” I untied her shoe and
removed it, letting it drop to the floor. She wore black socks with pink polka
dots, and I cradled her small foot in my hands as my thumbs stroked the bottom
of her foot, working small circles over the surface.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
moaned in delight. “That feels so good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“So
you still want to be a bartender?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
never wanted to be a bartender.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Spanky
kidnapped you, tossed you over his shoulder, and forced you to work for him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Of
course not.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
waited for her to elaborate, but instead, she closed her eyes, enjoying the
massage. “Ow,” she screeched, jerking her foot and laughing. “That’s the best
kind of hurt.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
lightened my hold and grinned as she relaxed her foot again. “Not the <i>best</i> kind,” I countered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is
that why you do well in tips?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Is
what why?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Because
you flirt and charm the ladies?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
chuckled, amused by her assessment. “I told you that you have to be a people
person to do this job well.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
switched feet, and I removed her other shoe and massaged her foot. She groaned
as I worked the pain out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Maybe
you should’ve been a massage therapist,” she said with her eyes closed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
comment amused me. She wasn’t the first woman to tell me that I was good with
my hands. “So do you live around here?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
used to. My father was transferred when I was twelve. I always told myself that
I would move back one day. I just graduated from college a few months ago, so
here I am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
stopped stroking her foot and glared at her like she was crazy. “You graduated
from college and you came here to get a job as a bartender?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not
exactly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
wouldn’t be at the bar long. Nobody spent all that time and money going to
college, so that they could bust their ass serving people behind a bar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How
long have you been back?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
just rolled into town today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
already got a place to live?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No.
I’m staying at the hotel down the street until I can find something.” She
straightened up and pulled her foot out of my lap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Standing,
I retrieved her shoes and handed them to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
tried to find a one-bedroom apartment before I came, but I didn’t have any
luck. I thought it might be easier once I got here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Housing
around here is a little tight right now. They opened that new customer service
center on the edge of town. The place is huge, which is good because they’ve
brought a lot of new jobs to Creekview. The downside?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They’re
attracting people to the city and housing is being snatched up like free beer
at a frat party?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Exactly,
which is good for the bartending business.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“But
bad for someone who’s just rolled into town hunting an apartment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They’re
building some new apartments near the customer service center, but I don’t
think they’ll be ready for a few more months. You can probably call them, though,
and get yourself added to their waiting list.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“They
have a waiting list?” I could hear the disappointment in her voice as she
realized getting an apartment might not be as easy as she thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
what I hear from my customers, and believe me, I hear just about everything
here: who’s sleeping with who, who got in a knock-down drag-out, who filed for
divorce, etcetera, etcetera. Gossip spreads faster than the warmth from a swig
of whiskey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll
have to check it out in the morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
know, I just happen to be looking for a roommate. If you want to stay with me
while you find a place or while you wait on one of those new apartments, you’re
welcome to. The rent’ll be cheap, and I might even throw in a foot massage here
and there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A
foot massage, huh?” She cocked her head in thought. “That’s mighty tempting.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
just a thought.” I scanned the bar one more time to make sure everything was in
perfect order. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll
keep that in mind.” She stood up, and we both scooted our stools up to the bar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Fishing
my cell phone out of my pocket, I asked her for her number, dialing it as she
told me. It started ringing. “Now, you’ve got my number. Call me if you want to
move in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thanks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Let
me tell Spanky we’re leaving, and I’ll walk you to your car.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
walked briskly toward the office, knocked on the door, and popped my head in.
“Hey, Spanky, I’m fixing to walk Lexi out. You ready to leave?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
kids go on. I’m going to stay a little while longer.” He took his glasses off
and laid them on the desk. Then, he leaned back and folded his arms behind his
head, his chair squeaking with the movement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Okay
then. See you later.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“See
ya.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I met Lexi back at the bar and walked her to
her car in the dimly lit parking lot. “See you tomorrow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thanks,
Mason.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“For
what? Sex on the Beach?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It
wasn’t very good, but I do appreciate your effort.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
chuckled at her unexpected response. “Ouch.” I playfully pushed her shoulder. “You
know it’s okay to admit you like being on the beach with me,” I teased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Are
you one of <i>those</i> guys?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
don’t know who <i>those</i> guys are, but I
can guarantee you that I’m not one of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
grunted. “We’ll see about that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
only thing I knew as well as bartending was women. I studied her face. Her eyes
were concealed by shadows, and I wondered what guy had broken her heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Clenching
my jaw, I slightly shook my head as a realization hit me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
probably was one of <i>those</i> guys.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="Chapter2"></a><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Chapter 2</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Devil’s
Handshake<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lexi<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
alarm went off promptly at eight o’clock. I’d wanted to take a steaming bath
when I’d gotten back to the room last night, but since the room’s cleanliness
wasn’t quite up to par for me, I’d opted for a shower, instead. After settling
into bed, I’d propped my computer across my lap and searched online for the
apartment complex Mason had mentioned. The idea of being in a brand new place
that hadn’t been occupied previously appealed to the OCD side of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
making a quick phone call, I arranged an appointment with the apartment manager
for a walk-through of the model apartment. I showered and dressed, and then I
packed my things and checked out of the hotel. An hour and a half later, I
pulled into the gravel parking lot and parked in front of a modular building the
complex was using as a makeshift office.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">An
attractive woman greeted me from behind a desk, her gray roots marring her
well-groomed appearance. Upon seeing me, she pasted on a bright smile and
rushed around the desk as if a celebrity had just sashayed into her little
corner of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
must be Lexi,” she said, making the handshake last a little longer than normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
am.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
Lisa. I talked to you on the phone. So you’re interested in the one-bedroom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Follow
me.” She exited the office and navigated her spiked heels carefully through the
large gravels until we crossed the parking lot and walked through the main
entrance of the apartment building. A small lobby neared completion, and we
turned into a hallway, passing unpainted sheetrock. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Approaching
the first door, she wrapped her hand around the doorknob and paused. “All the
floor plans for the one-bedrooms are identical. I think you’ll find it spacious
and comfortable.” She pushed the door open, and I followed her into a decent
sized living room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
listened to her as she moved from room to room, touting all the benefits. The
apartment was more than adequate, even though I would have preferred a few
upgrades, such as granite. Following her back to the office, she pulled out a
drawing of the finished complex and pointed out the clubhouse and pool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How
long before it’s finished?” If it wasn’t too long, then the wait would be a
minor inconvenience in exchange for an apartment that had never been occupied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“About
four months.” She sat ramrod straight in her black suit, her hands clasped
together, resting on the desk. “Would you like to complete an application?
We’re filling up fast.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">My
decision was already made. “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Shuffling
through one of her desk drawers, she pulled out the form and pushed it across
the desk. She grabbed a pen from a black ceramic coffee cup, clicked the top,
and handed it to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’ll
go ahead and add you to the waiting list. Once your application is approved,
I’ll notify you, and if you like, we can give you updates via text or email.
Just mark your preference on the application.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
form was fairly brief, which I appreciated. I quickly filled it out and passed
it back to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">She
handed me a business card. “I’ll give you a call either today or tomorrow and
let you know whether it’s been approved. If you have any questions in the
meantime, give me a call.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
will. Thank you.” I shook her hand and left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
had some time to kill before my shift started at Spanky’s. I’d been thinking
about Mason’s offer to room with him until my apartment was ready, and while it
would be a bit awkward, it seemed like the easiest solution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pulling
over into a strip mall parking lot, I grabbed my cell phone, took a deep
breath, and dialed his number.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
phone rang several times, and I had decided he wasn’t going to answer when I
finally heard his hoarse whisper over the speaker. “Yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Mason?”
I could tell I had woken him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yes?”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sorry
to bother you. It’s Lexi.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lexi,
hey,” he said, his voice perking up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Are
you still looking for a roommate?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
am. You need a place?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
went and looked at that apartment complex you told me about yesterday, and I’m
on their waiting list. They said it would be about four months. You care if I
stay there until my apartment’s ready?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Not
at all. When do you want to move in?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Would
now be too soon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
chuckled gruffly. We quickly agreed on the price, and he gave me directions to
his apartment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ten
minutes later, I knocked on his front door. When he pulled it open, the first
thing I noticed was his bare chest, nicely muscled with a sinuous tribal tattoo
that flowed over his left shoulder and down his arm and the side of his torso. Despite
his disheveled appearance, he was still devilishly handsome. He ran his long
fingers through his silky hair, and it fell back into place, brushing against
his shoulders. An endearing grin shot across his face, and dimples softened his
angular cheeks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
move fast, don’t ya, love?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
smiled, unable to stop my perusal from dipping to the V lines that disappeared
into low-riding jeans. “Being homeless is an amazing incentive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
held his hand out, and I shook it. “Congratulations, we’re now officially
roommates.” Opening the door wider, he waved me in. “Welcome home.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
started to pick up my suitcase, but he stopped me. “I’ll get that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank
you.” Waltzing into the apartment, I looked around. It was fairly nice in an
extremely masculine way. The walls were bare, but the furniture was stylish,
even if it was coated in a light layer of dust. A bar separated the kitchen
from the living room, and an assortment of liquor bottles filled the top of the
refrigerator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Your
bedroom’s across the hall from mine. It’s an en suite. Do you have furniture?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
followed him down the hall, his bare feet silent against the carpet. “No, I’ll
have to buy some.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“There’s
a furniture store about a mile from here. They have a decent selection, and the
prices aren’t too bad.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Mason
entered my bedroom and set down my suitcase. He motioned toward a door.
“Bathroom’s in there. You’ve seen the living room and the kitchen. There’s a
half bath in the hallway, and a washer and dryer just off the kitchen. Feel
free to look around. I’m going back to bed. I can still catch a nap before my
shift.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Thank
you, Mason. I appreciate this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No
problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
went to his bedroom and shut the door behind him, leaving me the freedom to
explore. The bathroom was simple but clean, the closet spacious. I went to the
kitchen and poked around in the cabinets, which only had the bare minimum, a few
canned goods and some crackers. The refrigerator was stocked with beer, a
carton of eggs, condiments, assorted juices, a lemon, and miscellaneous
sandwich stuff. An outdated loaf of bread lay on the counter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Picking
up random bottles of liquor from the top of the fridge, I read the labels,
amazed at his vast selection of rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila, and the list went
on and on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
washer and dryer were tucked in a closet, a row of nearly-empty wire shelves
over them. I found a small utility closet beside them, which held an iron and
ironing board, a broom, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, and a bucket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">With
plenty of time before my shift started, I decided to check out the furniture
store. I found it easily, and Mason’s assessment had been accurate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
quickly decided on a sleigh bed in deep mahogany with a matching dresser and
nightstand. After selecting a lamp, I paid for the furniture and set up
delivery for the following day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pleased
with my selection and glad to have that task crossed off my list, I went back
to the apartment and realized that I didn’t have a key. I knocked on the door,
hoping that Mason was awake by now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
pulled the door open almost instantly, and I was a little disappointed that he
was wearing a shirt this time. “My bad.” He pulled a loose key out of his
pocket. “I forgot to give you this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
dropped the key in my palm, and I immediately put it on the ring with my car
keys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Guess
I’m official now.” I entered the apartment, and he closed the door behind us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
was fixing to make myself a drink,” he called from behind me. “Want me to show
you how while I’m doing it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
drink before you go to work?” I asked, surprised. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“It’s
just one drink, and if we split it, it won’t even be that much alcohol. Come on.”
He passed me and went to the kitchen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Interested
in seeing what he was concocting, I trailed along and leaned against the
kitchen counter as he started grabbing the appropriate ingredients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
explained each step as he made it, and when he finished, he poured us each some
in a glass of ice. “Normally, it’d be garnished with a lime wedge, but I’m a
little short on limes at the moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
drink was an odd mixture of sweet and tart. “What’s it called?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Devil’s
Handshake.” He turned and began putting all the ingredients up. “You like it?”
he asked over his shoulder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah,
it’s smooth, isn’t it?” I took another drink, wanting to associate the flavor
and texture with the name of the drink. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“That’s
the egg white. Although, when we’re making drinks at Spanky’s, we use powdered
egg whites, so we don’t have to worry about salmonella.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“How
many drinks do you know how to make?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
turned and shot me a grin. “A bunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do
you ever mess any up?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
cocked his head and raised his eyebrows, looking at me as if I were insane.
“No, I never mess any up. I pride myself on delivering the best damn drink
possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Like
your Sex on the Beach?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Exactly.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
drained the rest of his drink in one long gulp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
want to ride to work with me?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
would,” he answered with a lopsided grin, “but I have a date tonight.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Oh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
put his glass in the sink. “And don’t wait up for me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I
wasn’t planning on it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“See
you at work.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
left the kitchen, and I sipped my drink until I had finished most of it.
Pouring the rest out, I loaded our dirty dishes in the dishwasher and wiped off
the counter before heading to my room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
unzipped my suitcase. After hanging up my clothes and neatly arranging my extra
pairs of shoes in the closet, I unpacked my makeup in the bathroom. As the time
for my shift approached, I finished getting ready and drove the short distance
to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I arrived, Mason was already behind the bar, charming customers and whipping up
drinks. I had a few minutes before my shift started, so I took a seat at one of
the small, empty tables in the dining area and watched him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Since
it was Friday, patrons lined up along the bar, talking and laughing and
ordering quite a few drinks. Their eyes focused on Mason as he tossed bottles
behind his back, catching them in the opposite hand. He twirled tins and spun
bottles, and I quickly found myself mesmerized by him. He was more than just a
bartender. He was an entertainer, and the patrons loved him. No wonder Spanky
spoke so highly of him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
it was time for my shift to start, I immediately began stocking. My muscles
were sore from carrying buckets of ice the previous day, but the bar was
buzzing with activity, and I didn’t have time to dwell on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
daily special was draft beer, and Mason put me to work filling icy mugs while
he handled the cocktails. While I wiped the counter, I heard shouts and
whistles coming from the customers. I turned to see Mason with a row of glasses
lined up on the bar. He had several tins stacked into each other and poured
five different shots at the same time, the liquid landing in the glasses in a
rainbow of colors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Transfixed,
I stared at him. Having spent four years in college, I’d been to my share of
bars and parties, but I’d never seen anyone do that little trick. When he
finished, the buxom blondes sitting in front of him clapped voraciously. They
loved him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
my shift was over and Mason delivered my part of the tips, I quickly crammed
the money in my purse and left. My feet ached, and knowing that my furniture
would be delivered mid-morning the next day, I wanted to get some sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at my apartment, I took a hot shower, helped myself to a throw blanket and a
pillow from the couch, and curled up on the floor of my bedroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Sleep
came pretty easily, and in a matter of minutes, all conscious thought slipped
into nothingness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I heard a thump in the middle of the night, my eyes flew open. I lay still,
breathing quietly while I waited to see if I heard it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A
muffled string of slurred expletives drifted down the hall. I jumped to my feet
and listened at the door—more mumbling. Grabbing my robe from the closet, I
wrapped it around me, tied the belt, and peeked out my bedroom door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Shit,”
Mason muttered, followed by another thump.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
opened the door wider and ventured into the hallway, walking toward the source
of the noise. The apartment was pitch-black, so approaching the end of the
hall, I groped the wall, searching for the light switch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally,
my fingers found it, and I flipped it on about the same time that Mason plowed
into me. His arm wrapped around my waist, though I wasn’t sure whether he was
trying to steady me, him, or both of us. The strong scent of alcohol hung heavy
in the air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Dammit,”
he whispered as he stumbled forward, tried to straighten up, and fell backwards
instead, bringing me with him as we landed on the floor in another thud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
could feel my breasts pressed against his hard, muscular chest as his arm still
held me firmly against him. His head was tossed back, his chin jutting in the
air, a deep rumble of laughter reverberating through his torso.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
lifted his head and looked at me, his lips still curled into a grin. His eyes
were the color of whiskey, which, considering he reeked of alcohol, seemed
fitting. “Sorry, roomie,” he slurred. “What was your name again?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lexi,”
I ground out between clenched teeth as I scrambled to get off him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
released a cry of pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Realizing
that I’d accidentally kneed him in the groin, a flood of heat exploded in my
chest and torpedoed up my face. “Sorry,” I mumbled, relieved when my knees firmly
hit the floor and I could push myself to my feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
attempted to raise himself up on his elbows, failing miserably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
maneuvered behind him, slipping my hands beneath his arms, and tried to give
him enough leverage to sit up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">It
worked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Can
you stand?” If not, then he’d just have to sleep in the hallway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
a lot of fumbling and with my grip firmly on his arm, he finally stood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“You
didn’t drive, did you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“No.
I never drink and drive. My friend owns a caxi tab.” He stumbled a few steps.
“A caxi tab.” He shuffled forward again. “A caxi….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“A
taxi cab,” I supplied, gripping his arm tightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Yeah.”
He pointed his finger in the air. “One of those.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
pushed his door open and flipped on the light. With his arm draped across my
shoulders, we staggered into his bedroom. He lurched across the floor and fell
onto his unmade bed. Relieved to be free of his weight, I straightened and
swept my eyes across the room. It was sparsely furnished with a bed and a chest
of drawers. Some change, a photo, and an empty glass sat on a small table,
which served as a nightstand. “You okay?” I asked, turning my attention back to
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I’m
good.” He never opened his eyes, but a slight wave of his hand seemed to motion
to me that I could leave. My eyes turned back to the photo, and letting my
curiosity outweigh my discretion, I walked over and picked it up. A beautiful
girl looked at me, her smile wide and her mouth slightly parted as if she were
laughing. Mason hugged her to him, his profile facing the camera as he gazed at
her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Realizing
I was invading his privacy, I quickly put the photo down and walked toward the
bedroom door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Lexi?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
didn’t know whether I was more surprised that he said my name or that he
actually remembered it. I turned back to him. “Yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">He
opened his eyes and smiled, a flash of dimples in his cheeks. “You remember how
to make a Devil’s Handshake?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
hoped he wasn’t about to order one. I didn’t know how much he had drunk while
he was out, but the last thing he needed was more alcohol. “I think so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Good.
Tomorrow, you can look forward to a Sloe Comfortable Screw.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
assumed that was the name of another drink. As I watched the roguish grin
spread across his handsome face, I realized that I’d shaken hands with the
devil today, but it had nothing to do with an alcoholic beverage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-80610929660980355722015-04-14T05:05:00.000-07:002015-04-14T05:05:12.533-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Title: Vampire’s Bane<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Author: Suzannah Daniels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Genre: mature young adult paranormal fantasy/romance/action & adventure/post-apocalyptic
Expected Release Date: April 14, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cover Designer:</span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Louisa Maggio @ LM Creations</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hosted by: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://ambersupernaturalandya.blogspot.com/p/lady-amber-tours.html">Lady Amber's Tours</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A lethal sword.
A dangerous mission.
A seventeen-year-old girl finding her way in a world that is nothing like she remembered.
When Maylin Kavanagh’s parents surrendered her to The Program, they swore it was for her protection. After being confined in a small underground cell for nearly two years, she is finally released.
But the world has changed.
Most of the populace has been wiped out by a deadly disease, and the rules of society have regressed. But that’s not the worst of it. When her group is kidnapped by a band of rogue vampires, Maylin realizes the decline of the human population has brought other races to the forefront—races she never knew existed. And now they’re all battling for survival and power.
In his father’s absence, Thane Warwick must lead his people. He has two priorities: find his father and find humans who can supply blood to his tribe. Immediately intrigued by his latest captive, he becomes interested in Maylin for more than just her blood, but he soon discovers that he must make a choice between his father and her.
Despite their attraction, Maylin and Thane each have an agenda, and only one can be the victor.
<i>VAMPIRE'S BANE is the first book in the VAMPIRE'S BANE series. While it does end at a natural turning point in the heroine's journey, it is an ongoing story, and not all questions will be answered. You will need to read this series in order.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2lq6KnC_9LPBWmKsxT2cJ4p1L5u01-mEaEJhxzi076VFEaipdxQqHsa99Mz_0oFL6P6YaXGNfGp9ULD8LtrshrO9dkixfgytu1CAHJjYEz31kom-sf2XpTRCRq2Pf8_6ztGoK856Uek/s1600/Suzannah+Daniels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2lq6KnC_9LPBWmKsxT2cJ4p1L5u01-mEaEJhxzi076VFEaipdxQqHsa99Mz_0oFL6P6YaXGNfGp9ULD8LtrshrO9dkixfgytu1CAHJjYEz31kom-sf2XpTRCRq2Pf8_6ztGoK856Uek/s1600/Suzannah+Daniels.jpg" height="200" width="170" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Suzannah Daniels has had an affinity for words as long as she can remember. She grew up in North Georgia with four brothers, so she learned at an early age to admire snakes and motorcycles. When she wasn't pestering her brothers, she could usually be found reading or writing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She is the author of the Whiskey Nights series and Perfectly Able (new adult contemporary romances), the Dangerous Trilogy (mature young adult contemporary romance trilogy), Viking's Embrace (an adult historical romance), and Ghostly Encounter (young adult paranormal romance/adventure).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Currently, she lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her husband and her college-aged daughter. Her son lives nearby. The family pets include a Lab mix, a Basset Hound, a Shih Tzu, and a sweet little kitty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Pre-Order Links:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amazon US: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Bane-Book-ebook/dp/B00UPPRZ30/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1426794597&sr=8-6&keywords=suzannah+daniels" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">http://www.amazon.com/Vampires-Bane-Book-ebook/dp/B00UPPRZ30/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1426794597&sr=8-6&keywords=suzannah+daniels</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Amazon UK:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vampires-Bane-Book-ebook/dp/B00UPPRZ30/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1426794618&sr=8-4&keywords=Suzannah+Daniels" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vampires-Bane-Book-ebook/dp/B00UPPRZ30/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1426794618&sr=8-4&keywords=Suzannah+Daniels</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Author Links: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Goodreads Link: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23499821-vampire-s-bane" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23499821-vampire-s-bane</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Facebook Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzannah-Daniels/366971616695887?ref=hl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzannah-Daniels/366971616695887?ref=hl</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Twitter: @SuzannahDaniels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Website: <span style="color: #1155cc;"><a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/" target="_blank">www.SuzannahDaniels.com</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Teaser from when Thane and Maylin first meet:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I said ‘enough.’” The man strolled calmly toward us. As he reached the soft glow of the fire, I realized that he was tall, his body lean and muscular. He didn’t look nearly as old as I had first guessed. His height and authoritative voice disguised his youthfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Thane, surely you realize we’re hungry and there are so few of them left,” my captor implored in a soft Irish lilt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“So you’ll solve our problem by killing them?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I won’t, but….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even though he still gripped my head, I took advantage of their distraction and snaked my gun across my waist, pointing the barrel between my side and left arm. I squeezed the trigger, sinking a bullet into my captor’s stomach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He grunted and hissed air out between his teeth, but his grip never lessened. How was it possible that gunshots seemed to have little effect on him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In seconds, the one they had called Thane gripped my wrist, the sudden movement knocking the gun from my hand. He shoved my captor away from me and contained me with one arm wrapped around my body like an impenetrable band of iron.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: red;">Thane chuckled softly over my head. “Let’s not underestimate this one.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-54909894829568581492014-10-04T16:42:00.000-07:002014-10-04T16:42:21.799-07:00Congratulations to the winners of the WASTED Cover Reveal Giveaway!Congratulations to the following winners in the Cover Reveal Giveaway for WASTED! I would like to thank everyone who entered. I sincerely appreciate your support! <3<br /><br /><b><u>$10 Amazon Gift Card</u></b><br />Kay Sharpe <br /><br /><b><u>WASTED Necklace</u></b><br />Jennifer Ingman<br /><br /><b><u>Five Signed Bookmarks</u></b><br />Maureen McKenzie<br />Amanda Vinson<br />Marcie Heath <br />Shannon Cole <br />Melissa StickneySuzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-27831133591674164852014-09-16T09:24:00.000-07:002014-09-16T09:24:43.024-07:00Giveaway and Cover Reveal for WASTED! Plus Excerpt!It's time to reveal the cover for WASTED, a new adult contemporary romance and the first book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series! Plus, there's a GIVEAWAY! Check out <a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/">www.SuzannahDaniels.com</a> for your chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card, a WASTED necklace, and one of five signed WASTED bookmarks! Hurry! The contest is running for one week only!<br />
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<strong>PREORDER LINKS:</strong></div>
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Amazon: <span class="Object-active" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT145_com_zimbra_url" style="color: darkgreen; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wasted-Whiskey-Nights-Suzannah-Daniels-ebook/dp/B00NCG0LCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410219267&sr=8-1&keywords=suzannah+daniels+wasted" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer;" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Wasted-Whiskey-Nights-Suzannah-Daniels-ebook/dp/B00NCG0LCG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410219267&sr=8-1&keywords=suzannah+daniels+wasted</a></span></div>
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B&N: <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT146_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wasted-suzannah-daniels/1120323133?ean=2940046148367" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wasted-suzannah-daniels/1120323133?ean=2940046148367</a></span></div>
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iBooks: <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT147_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/wasted/id916315822?mt=11" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/wasted/id916315822?mt=11</a></span></div>
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<strong>BLURB:</strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">It all started with sex on the beach…the drink, not…you know.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">As a bartender, Mason Cambridge often charmed beautiful women who ordered up cocktails on his shift. It was part of his job after all, and he needed the tips—badly. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">When Lexi Swafford plopped her pretty little tail down on the bar stool, Mason offered her a drink. He had no idea that he would soon be working with her or that he’d be letting her room with him until her new apartment was ready.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">In fact, once Lexi Swafford landed in Creekview, Tennessee, life as Mason Cambridge knew it would cease to exist…because after a night of drinking away the agony of his loneliness, one touch from her would change everything.</span><span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT148_com_zimbra_url" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer;"><a class="actionLinkLite" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22743319-wasted#" style="background-color: white; color: #215625; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><br /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">WASTED is a new adult contemporary romance recommended for adult readers due to mature content. <span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">WASTED is the first book in the WHISKEY NIGHTS series. Since each book focuses on a different couple, they can be read as stand-alones, but many readers may prefer to read them in order for maximum enjoyment.</span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A muffled string of slurred expletives drifted down the hall. I jumped to my feet and listened at the door—more mumbling. Grabbing my robe from the closet, I wrapped it around me, tied the belt, and peeked out my bedroom door.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Shit,” Mason muttered, followed by another thump.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I opened the door wider and ventured into the hallway, walking toward the source of the noise. The apartment was pitch black, so approaching the end of the hall, I groped the wall, searching for the light switch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Finally, my fingers found it, and I flipped it on about the same time that Mason plowed into me. His arm wrapped around my waist, though I wasn’t sure whether he was trying to steady me, him, or both of us. The strong scent of alcohol hung heavy in the air.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Dammit,” he whispered as he stumbled forward, tried to straighten up, and fell backwards instead, bringing me with him as we landed on the floor in another thud.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I could feel my breasts pressed against his hard, muscular chest as his arm still held me firmly against him. His head was tossed back, his chin jutting in the air, a deep rumble of laughter reverberating through his torso.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He lifted his head and looked at me, his lips still curled into a grin. His eyes were the color of whiskey, which, considering he reeked of alcohol, seemed fitting. “Sorry, roomie,” he slurred. “What was your name again?”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Lexi,” I ground out between clenched teeth as I scrambled to get off him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He released a cry of pain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Realizing that I’d accidentally kneed him in the groin, a flood of heat exploded in my chest and torpedoed up my face. “Sorry,” I mumbled, relieved when my knees firmly hit the floor and I could push myself to my feet.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He attempted to raise himself up on his elbows, failing miserably.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I maneuvered behind him, slipping my hands beneath his arms, and tried to give him enough leverage to sit up.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">It worked.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Can you stand?” If not, then he’d just have to sleep in the hallway.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">After a lot of fumbling and with my grip firmly on his arm, he finally stood.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“You didn’t drive, did you?”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“No. I never drink and drive. My friend owns a caxi tab.” He stumbled a few steps. “A caxi tab.” He shuffled forward again. “A caxi….”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“A taxi cab,” I supplied, gripping his arm tightly.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Yeah.” He pointed his finger in the air. “One of those.”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I pushed his door open and flipped on the light. With his arm draped across my shoulders, we staggered into his bedroom. He lurched across the floor and fell onto his unmade bed. Relieved to be free of his weight, I straightened and swept my eyes across the room. It was sparsely furnished with a bed and a chest of drawers. Some change, a photo, and an empty glass <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT149_com_zimbra_date" style="color: #336699; cursor: pointer;">sat</span> on a small table, which served as a nightstand. “You okay?” I asked, turning my attention back to him.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m good.” He never opened his eyes, but a slight wave of his hand seemed to motion to me that I could leave. My eyes turned back to the photo, and letting my curiosity outweigh my discretion, I walked over and picked it up. A beautiful girl looked at me, her smile wide and her mouth slightly parted as if she were laughing. Mason hugged her to him, his profile facing the camera as he pressed a kiss to her temple.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Realizing I was invading his privacy, I quickly put the photo down and walked toward the bedroom door.</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Lexi?”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I didn’t know whether I was more surprised that he said my name or that he actually remembered it. I turned back to him. “Yes?”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">He opened his eyes and smiled, a flash of dimples in his cheeks. “You remember how to make a Devil’s Handshake?”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I hoped he wasn’t about to order one. I didn’t know how much he had drunk while he was out, but the last thing he needed was more alcohol. “I think so.”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Good. <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT150_com_zimbra_date" style="cursor: pointer;">Tomorrow</span>, you can look forward to a Sloe Comfortable Screw.”</span></div>
<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"></span></strong><div style="text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">I assumed that was the name of another drink. As I watched the roguish grin spread across his handsome face, I realized that I’d shaken hands with the devil <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT151_com_zimbra_date" style="cursor: pointer;">today</span>, but it had nothing to do with an alcoholic beverage.</span></div>
</div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-62084045581407020782014-06-24T17:43:00.000-07:002014-06-24T17:43:39.072-07:00What's new?I'm currently working on a new series, which will be new adult contemporary romance. It will be a spin off from PERFECTLY ABLE and will begin with Mason Cambridge's story. Right now, my intention is for a series of stand-alone novels, meaning that readers won't have to read them in any particular order. They will share the common setting of the fictional town of Creekview, Tennessee. I'll have more details soon!Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-11821002991534959592014-01-26T07:27:00.000-08:002014-01-26T07:27:36.518-08:00DELIRIOUS is coming Feb. 7! Read the prologue now!DELIRIOUS, the third book in the DANGEROUS Trilogy (mature YA contemporary romance) will be released on Feb. 7, 2014! I'm so excited! I love Stone and Dara, and they've been so much fun to write!<br />
<br />
I want to give you a sneak peek of DELIRIOUS, but there are *SPOILERS* if you haven't read DANGEROUS and DEVIOUS yet. DANGEROUS is currently only 99 cents, so if you haven't already met Stone And Dara, what are you waiting for? <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
PROLOGUE</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">One Year Anniversary of Stone and Dara’s Engagement<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Dara<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
we lay on a soft blanket in the moonlight, I gazed at Stone’s profile as he
admired the thousands of stars that had been sprinkled in the night sky like
glitter in a puddle of ink. Our fingers entwined as he reached for me, and I
found the warmth of his hand comforting. At one time, I would have thought it
impossible for me to love anyone as much as I had loved Granny, but as I
watched him, I knew that our romance would be one of the greatest love stories
ever lived. My heart filled with emotion so potent, it was tangible, and I
could feel it as it pumped through my body, a feeling of euphoria more
addictive than any I’d ever experienced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
had asked him once to make love to me in a moment of weakness, and he had
refused. It was after Granny’s death, and when the darkness of that difficult
time released me from its tendrils, I loved him even more. On the surface,
Stone could seem self-absorbed, but I’d seen the other side of him, the side
that was usually locked away, the side that would put my needs, even when I
couldn’t see them myself, above his own desires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’d
thought about that night many times during the last few months. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
wanted Stone. I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anything. I squeezed his
hand, and he turned toward me, propping himself up on his elbow. Smoothing an
errant strand of hair from my face, he whispered, “Happy anniversary, babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Happy
anniversary,” I whispered. My heart thumped in my chest, and it amazed me that
as long as we’d been together, he still had this effect on me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">He
watched me silently, soothing me with his touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
gaze flitted to the willow tree behind him, silhouetted in the moonlight, and I
thought about the first time we’d come here. I loved that tree, and as I
watched its dangling branches sway in the gentle breeze, I knew that was where
I wanted to be married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Cupping
my cheek, he kissed me tenderly as if I were his most prized possession and I
required the gentlest of care. It was one of my favorite things about Stone, the
way he always made me feel safe, cherished, loved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Overwhelmed
with the need to touch him, I lifted my fingers to his recently shaven face,
admiring the smoothness of his skin, the contours of his cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Stone,”
I whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
darkness cast shadows on his face, but I knew he was watching me, waiting for
me to finish. Bringing my hand to his lips, he brushed a kiss into my palm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
swallowed, reluctant to continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“What
is it, Dara?” he asked softly, and I could detect a hint of worry in his voice
at my hesitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Will
you make love to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Stone<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Damn.
She had no idea how much I wanted to. But I knew Dara. And the one thing I
wanted more than making love to her was to marry her, have a family with her.
She was my forever, and I didn’t want to screw it up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I
will,” I whispered, “if you marry me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I’m
going to marry you, Stone, just as soon as we graduate from college.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I
can’t make love to you until you marry me.” That was something I never thought
I’d hear myself say, and I had to grit my teeth to make sure I didn’t take it
back. She pursed her lips together, and the corners of her mouth tilted down in
a frown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“You’ve
made love to plenty of other girls,” she said, her tone carrying a hint of
aggravation. “We’ve been engaged for a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You don’t want me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Hell,
Dara. You have no idea how badly I want you, but you’re not those other girls.
You mean something to me. You mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everything</i>
to me. And I’ve screwed up too much shit in my life. I will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> take that chance with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Please,”
she whispered. “Just once.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
laughed, slightly amused because she had no idea what making love to her would
do to me. “There’s no such thing as just once. Once we start having sex,
everything changes. And what if you get pregnant?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“We
can use protection.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I
won’t risk it. I won’t risk having something happen that you’re not ready for.
If you’re not ready to marry me, then you’re not ready to make love to me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
nodded slightly, placing her palm against my chest. “I know you’re right. I
don’t want you to be, but I know you are.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
touched my lips to hers because I understood. I’d wanted her since the first
day that she came to work at the bookstore and teased me with those pink
sparkly lips. Damn, I’d wanted her then, and I’d wanted her nonstop ever since.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I knew Dara as well as I knew
myself, and she was the one person that I could push aside my own temptations
for. I had to do what was best for her because I was terrified that if I did
what was best for me, I’d lose her forever. Part of me thought that perhaps I
was insane for not taking her up on her offer, but I was focusing on our
future. I may not be getting instant gratification, but I was playing this game
for keeps. And nothing was more important to me than winning the heart of Dara
Golding forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Here,
I have something for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
sat up and rummaged through my backpack, pulling out a thin box wrapped in
shiny white paper and topped off with a dainty, pink bow. Handing her the gift,
I pulled a flashlight out of my backpack and turned it on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
sat up, her plea to make love momentarily forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“What
is it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Open
it and find out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
carefully removed the bow and unwrapped the box. Lifting the gift from the
soft, black velvet interior of the box, Dara dangled the silver heart pendant
from her fingertips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Look
at the heart,” I instructed her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
shined the light on the pendant, so that she could read the inscription. “Stone
and Dara,” she said softly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Now
flip it over.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
obeyed and read the inscription on the back, “Delirious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“That’s
how you make me feel, Dara.” She looked at me, and I cupped her cheek in my
palm, the emotion of all the things I felt for her rushing to the surface. “I
want you to wear this necklace, and when you do, I want you to be able to reach
up and feel the shape of the heart, to know how much I love you. I want you to
feel the smooth surface with your fingertips and imagine me caressing your
skin. I want you to feel the weight of it against your chest and imagine my
palm resting over your heart, feeling its erratic beat from my nearness. I want
you to remember <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Stone and Dara </i>because
from now on, it’s you and me, for as long as I live. I want you to remember the
word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">delirious </i>and to know that no
matter where I may be, I’m thinking of you because you’re my world, and I’m so
in love with you that I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">am</i> delirious.”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
took the necklace from her, and she held up her hair while I fastened it around
her neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Lunging
toward me, she wrapped her arms around me and whispered, “It’s perfect, and
I’ll never take it off. I love you, Stone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I
love you, too, baby. And I promise you that one day, after I’ve made you my
wife, I’m going to make slow, intense love to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
leaned back and looked in my eyes, fingering the pendant. “That seems so far
away.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
grabbed her, and she squealed as I lay back on the blanket and pulled her on
top of me. “Then we’ll have to make up for it on our honeymoon. Until then, I
can think of other ways to have fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">And
I kissed her in the moonlight, my hands roaming her body as I reveled in my
delirium. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-34788872633107819492013-12-11T16:51:00.001-08:002013-12-11T16:54:48.867-08:00Perfectly Able - Chapter 2My last post includes the first chapter of PERFECTLY ABLE (PERFECTLY ABLE is a new adult contemporary romance intended for readers 17+ and is available on Amazon.). Here's the second chapter:<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter 2<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ava<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I squirmed as a balmy breeze swept
across the deck and the trees rustled around us. He looked at me with such
intensity that it almost seemed if I told him the truth, he’d hunt down the
last guy I dated and either beat the crap out of him or pelt him with
marshmallows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, there was a third option. He
could see things the same way Jack had seen them, which was why I was terrified
that if Ridge knew the truth, he’d clothe that glorious body of his, pack up
his belongings, and start walking, never to be heard from again, just like Jack.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I groaned inwardly. It angered me that
I had allowed the last guy I dated to affect me so deeply. Jack wasn’t his real
name, but I didn’t even want to think his name, let alone have it pass from my
lips. So I decided to give him an appropriate nickname, Jack, a shortened
version of jackass. And he was a jackass. In the end, I’d found out the hard
way that he didn’t know the first thing about loving a woman. It’d been a
painful revelation, and one that was necessary for me to realize that he didn’t
deserve me. So if I knew all of that, why did I still allow him to make me feel
this way? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I had been meeting challenges head-on
since I was sixteen, giving me five years of practical experience. But I
supposed when it came to relationships, a whole new kind of insecurity seeped
into my soul. Gone was the cocky, overconfident girl that I had become in all
other realms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My eyes fell to his magnificently
carved body. His biceps flexed as he repositioned his arms, and he was still
watching me, waiting on me to tell him what Jack had done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It doesn’t matter. He’s long gone,” I
said, shielding my eyes from the sun, so that I could see him more clearly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He had a strong jawline, and as he
stood before me, I couldn’t deny that I wasn’t immune to his bronzed, muscular
body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His brown hair was relatively short
with streaks of blond, indicative that he’d probably spent a lot of time
outdoors this summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So what do you do?” I asked, hoping to
shift the conversation to more pleasant topics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, I just graduated from college a
few months ago.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He walked toward me,
sitting on the side of the chaise lounge, just inches from my feet. My body
stiffened and a wave of self-awareness swept over me. I bent my knees slightly,
giving him a little more room at the end of the lounger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What was your major?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Electrical engineering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So if I needed someone to change the
light bulbs in my apartment, you could help me out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He laughed. “Yeah, I think I could
handle that.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Good to know.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I was an intern at an engineering
firm, and I was fortunate enough to get hired on after I graduated.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran his fingers through his hair, which
was quickly drying, and the movement caused his muscles to ripple into action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sounds like you’ve got it together.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Meticulous planning. That’s the key,”
he said, turning to look at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I agree that planning is important. Just
make sure you remember to be spontaneous every now and then. We wouldn’t want
you to be boring and predictable.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He laughed then. “Have no fear, Ava. I
may be a bit predictable because once I set a goal, I don’t stop until I’ve
accomplished it, but no female has ever accused me of being boring.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He stood, his red swim trunks riding
low on his hips. My line of vision rested on his well-defined abs. “I’ll be
right back,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I didn’t respond, just watched the
graceful display of muscle and sinew as he moved. As I watched him, I wished
things were different. I wished that Jack hadn’t deflated my confidence. Perhaps
I was even angry with myself for allowing him to do it. But it didn’t matter. Knowing
that I shouldn’t let a guy affect me that way wasn’t enough for me to keep it
from happening. That had been part of the reason that I’d wanted to come here
alone. I wanted to get over this hump, gain my confidence back, and tackle
life, but being here with Ridge all week would keep my insecurities at the
forefront of my mind, impeding any progress that I’d hoped to make. I lowered
my head into my palms. I needed to dig deep and find a way past this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you feeling okay?” he asked as he
stepped back onto the deck and shut the door behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah. I’m fine,” I replied, lifting my
head and pasting a smile on my face. I noticed that he had his phone in his
hand. “Did you get a signal?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He glanced down at the phone. “No. I
just wanted to access my calendar.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh. Still planning, I see,” I joked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah. Old habits….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He sat back down on the side of the
chaise lounge near my feet and punched the keys on his phone. “So do you have
any goals, Ava?” he asked, without looking up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You mean other than stringing up my
sister and her friends for putting us in this awkward situation?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He grinned. “Guess at this point, you’re
stuck with me for an entire week.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Guess so,” I agreed. “You’re stuck
with me, too. Still doesn’t keep me from plotting ways to torture her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I know what you mean. Kelsey has
aggravated the shit out of me over the years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve
fantasized about getting even for all of the pranks she’s pulled. Knowing her,
she’d just aggravate me that much more. Having one, little sister is bad enough.
I can’t imagine having two.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, sometimes it can be a pain, but
we actually get along pretty well, considering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">London was definitely going to get an
earful from me. Having expected to be totally alone, I hadn’t even brought my
makeup. Part of me thought that I shouldn’t care, but what girl wanted to be
stranded with a gorgeous guy and no makeup?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It certainly didn’t help my confidence level any.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even though he had no Internet access,
he scrolled through his phone, and it crossed my mind that Ridge was the type
of guy who could easily become a workaholic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The soft chirping of crickets lulled
me, replacing my carefully constructed wall of vigilance with the tempting
notion of relaxation. I watched Ridge, who exuded confidence and ease around
me, even though he’d never laid eyes on me before today. Envy slithered into my
belly as I wished I could be so comfortable around someone of the opposite sex.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He moved then, his thigh brushing
against the tip of my shoe. My body went rigid, my breath frozen in my lungs. I
knew I was overreacting, but that didn’t prevent the spasms of panic that shot
through my veins. Instinctively, I scooted my feet closer to me, needing more
than a mere modicum of distance between us before I could even begin to regain
control of my emotions. I breathed in deeply, hoping that I was being
inconspicuous. The last thing I needed was for him to stare at me like I was
going to have a seizure or something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Inwardly, I cursed myself. It was
beyond ridiculous that I had allowed Jack to bring me to this point. But no
matter how much one side of my brain told me that it was absurd, the other side
was telling me that I wasn’t good enough for someone like Ridge, that he would
never find me desirable. So yet another internal battle began.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I took another deep breath, exhaling
slowly. Refusing to fall prey to my traitorous brain, I forced myself to
rekindle the conversation. “So you’re training for a triathlon?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He looked away from his phone, his
hazel eyes focusing on my face. I could tell I’d gotten his full attention with
a subject that interested him. He shifted on the end of the lounger, facing me.
I concentrated on slow, even breathing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes,” he said in a smooth, deep voice.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I watched his pronounced Adam’s apple
as he spoke. My gaze traveled lower to his well-defined pectoral muscles, lower
still to his washboard abs. He was definitely male, and that made me giddy and
nervous all at once.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Will this be your first one?” I tamped
down the uneasy feelings that prickled along my spine, refusing to succumb to
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes. I watched a video online about a
competition. It was a triathlon that consisted of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile
bicycle ride, and a 26.2-mile run that has to be completed in seventeen hours. Can
you imagine doing all of that back to back?” His eyes met mine, but I didn’t
answer. “So, anyway, in the video, the triathletes are pushing themselves to
get across the finish line before time’s up, and as they near it, crowds of
people are lined up along the side of the street cheering and holding out their
hands. But it was the look on the triathletes’ faces that caught my attention. To
know that they’d pushed themselves both mentally and physically to the brink of
their boundaries and were still triumphant. If I could feel that kind of energy
and emotion from a video, imagine what it must be like to be there. Imagine what
it must be like to cross the finish line, to hear the crowd cheering you on. As
soon as I watched it, I knew that was going on my list. I want to feel what
they felt.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He grinned. “It sounds kind of cheesy
when I say it like that, doesn’t it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I smiled and a little bit of my anxiety
melted away with his words. “No,” I whispered, not expecting my voice to sound
so strained. I cleared my throat. “I understand exactly what you mean.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He looked at me a little surprised. “You
do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m glad somebody does. Most of my
friends can’t understand why I’d want to go through such torture.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It is torture.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He straightened his back and looked at
me hard. “You say that like you’ve done it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did I?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I repeated the last bit of conversation in my head. Crap. I hadn’t
intended to say anything. Since when did I let my guard down around a guy for
even a moment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried to decide how I’d
play it off because I knew that beginning a conversation like this would lead
to places that I didn’t want to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I couldn’t lie about it now. I’d just
have to go with it. “We have something in common, Ridge. I know exactly what
you’re talking about because I competed in a triathlon about a year ago.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’ve already completed a triathlon?”
he asked, leaning forward like I’d just gotten a whole lot more interesting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes, I completed it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He exhaled loudly. “You just let the
air out of my big bag of macho.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A smile pranced on my lips as I watched
his face deflate and his shoulders slump. Even though I knew he was joking,
there was something humorous about such a manly man being shamed by the
thoughts of a female completing such a physical contest before him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“If it makes you feel any better, I
missed the deadline by eleven seconds, although I did complete the course.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He lifted his head. “No shittin’?
Eleven seconds?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pursed my lips and nodded. “Eleven
lousy seconds. Do you know how many times I’ve replayed that over and over in
my head, trying to decide what I could’ve done differently to cross the finish
line on time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That seriously sucks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Tell me about it.” It had sucked, and
I’d never forget the overwhelming feeling of defeat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My goal is to complete it in less than
twelve hours. I think I can do it faster than that, but since it’s my first
one, I’m not sure what to expect.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I closed my book, completely engaged in
my conversation with Ridge. “I have no doubt that you’ll make it,” I said,
meaning it. I hadn’t even known him a full day, but it was quite obvious that
once Ridge Sutherland decided to do something, he didn’t release it from his
sights until he had accomplished it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You should try it again,” he suggested.
“I’m sure a lot of people who don’t make it the first time come back and
conquer it on the second try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I should,” I agreed. “Have you ever
given up on anything on your list?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He shot me a look of disbelief, a
steely resolve in his amber eyes. “Failure is not in my vocabulary. If
something makes it on my list, it’s going to happen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You make it sound so simple,” I said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It is.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His confidence wasn’t unfamiliar to me.
In fact, I shared his level of confidence in most of my activities, but there
were times when it seemed to slip. Times like now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“If I add <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">swim with Ava by the end of the week</i> to my list, guess what you’re
going to do?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A strange mixture of excitement and
fear welled in my chest. I wanted to swim with him, but contrary to his
philosophy, it wasn’t going to happen. “Laugh at you for failing?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sweet, sweet Ava. I think I just
explained to you that I never fail.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you issuing a challenge?” I asked,
unsure of his intent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you offering one?” he asked, his
brows raised as he awaited my answer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Part of me wanted to say “yes,” but the
other part had no desire to provoke Ridge into doing something that could
possibly lead to disappointment for both of us. I should end this conversation
now. I should remember how things ended with Jack, and…damn him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes,” I blurted before I overthought
things, before I chickened out, before he could change his mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A wide grin spread across his face. “Challenge
accepted.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was already second-guessing myself. What
had I done?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just made the conscious
decision to give this guy a reason to talk to me all week. Why? Because I
wanted him to want something from me. He was handsome and ambitious and sweet,
and I strongly suspected that the two of us had a lot in common. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But I also knew that I had just set him
up for failure. Not that I personally thought failure was that big of a deal. To
me, failures were a chance to learn, to grow, a chance to take a step back and
decide if another alternative was the better choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Maybe that’s what scared me the most.
Maybe Ridge would decide that there were better alternatives to me. Even for
something as simple as a swim partner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He brought me out of my insanity by
asking a question. “Why don’t you change into your swimsuit?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I smirked. “You didn’t think it was
going to be that easy, did you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He winked. “Can’t blame a guy for
trying.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I watched the ripple of muscles as he
stood up and walked over to the rail. “Hey, did you notice this canoe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s bright red. How could I have
missed it?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He turned and grinned at me. “Well, I
don’t know, but I didn’t see it until now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Women are more observant than men.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Has that been scientifically proven or
are you making it up as you go along?” he asked, grinning at me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s just my own observation.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He laughed. “Then who am I to argue?
Besides, I’ve made a few observations of my own, one of them being that men
rarely win when it comes to arguing with women. So I don’t do it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Smart man.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned back towards the canoe. “You wanna
go for a canoe ride with a smart man?” Leaning on the railing, he looked over
his shoulder at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You think I’m going to fall for that
trick?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how that works. You get me
in the middle of the lake in a canoe, and then, you accidentally tip it over,
which leaves me having to swim to shore and leaves you proclaiming your victory.
Um, no, not gonna happen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He chuckled. “That is a good plan, but
it wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. I just thought it might be fun. I haven’t
ridden in a canoe since middle school. When’s the last time you rode in one?”
He gazed out over the lake as the water lapped softly against the bank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Never.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Like ever?” he asked, turning back to
look at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I shrugged my shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Man, we’ve got to do something about
that this week. You won’t have the proper cabin-on-the-lake experience until
you get in that canoe and paddle out to the middle of the lake. And if you’re
worried about me tipping you over, I’ll stay here while you go, but seriously,
you’ve got to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Not today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What are you waiting for?” he asked, a
twinkle of mischief in his eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I like to take my canoe rides in the
middle of the night with some cinder blocks, a few feet of rope, and a dead
body.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.7pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A crooked grin shot across his face.
“Guess that’s my cue to move on. I need to run, anyway.” He picked up his phone
and glanced at the time. “I should be back in a couple of hours or so.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wasn’t sure why he found it necessary
to fill me in on his schedule. We were just two strangers who happened to be
staying in the same cabin. “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once he went inside, I began to breathe
easier. Before the incident, I wouldn’t have given a second thought to going
for a swim or a canoe ride with him. But now, things that I once did without
thought required me to summon courage, to cling to bits and pieces of positive experiences
in my mind and remember that I was the same girl I’d always been, to beckon the
confidence that was still within me, although now it seemed to lurk in the
recesses of my soul, just out of my reach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Frustrated that I had allowed my mettle
to suffer at the hands of Jack, I cursed myself for the tenth time today. I had
hoped to come to terms with how I felt about him this week, deal with it, and
move on. No man should have this kind of power over me. No man should be
allowed to make me feel so damn inadequate. I knew that. I did. Now, if I could
just get my brain to agree, to stop sliding in thoughts that would make me
think otherwise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I opened the book in my lap. The main character
was dealing with worse situations than I was, and I desperately needed to
escape my own world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">***<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I awoke to a tap on the shoulder.
Startled, I sprang into a sitting position, only to realize that it was
twilight and Ridge was standing over me with a huge grin on his face. My book
slid out of my lap and thudded against the deck flooring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Sorry, I contemplated on whether I
should wake you or just leave you alone, but I thought you might be getting
hungry.” He offered me a plate with two slices of pizza. “Besides I thought it
might be nice to watch the sunset.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You cooked?” I mumbled, running the
back of my hand over my mouth, hoping I wasn’t drooling all over myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah. My skills in the kitchen aren’t
quite as good as they are over a grill, but I can usually handle frozen pizza.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I took the plate from him, and he
handed me a bottle of water. “Thank you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He smelled clean, and I realized that
he’d already showered. How long had I been asleep?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ridge took a seat at the picnic table,
facing me in a dark green tee shirt and khaki shorts. His feet were bare. “So
you ready to go for a swim?” he asked, right before he bit into a slice of
pizza.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Is your plan to wear me down by asking
me every five minutes?” I asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Considering you’ve been out here
snoring for a good three hours or so, I’m not sure how you came up with your
theory.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You haven’t even been back for three
hours,” I accused. Had he?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, I did stay gone a lot longer
than I had intended, but I’ve been back for three hours and five minutes. And
you’ve barely budged.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You were watching me sleep?” I asked,
horrified, hoping he was only joking about the snoring comment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s not like I snuck in your bedroom
or anything. I mean, you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> out on
the deck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wanted to slink down into the chaise
lounge and become part of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I was starting to wonder if you had passed
out drunk. I don’t know anyone who could sleep on a lounger that long.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t normally drink,” I said, and
then took another bite of pizza. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I guess that rules out that you were
up all night having a party.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was up all night, but unfortunately,
a party had nothing to do with it. I rubbed my eyes and exhaled. “I just
haven’t been sleeping well lately.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He took a drink of water. “I know the
perfect cure for insomnia,” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What’s that?” I asked, almost
desperate enough to try anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He motioned toward the lake with his
thumb. “A nice, long swim. It relaxes the mind and exhausts the muscles.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Has it even been five minutes?” I
asked, referring to the last time he asked me to go for a swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Hey!” he exclaimed, pointing at me. “I
didn’t ask you if you wanted to go for a swim. I merely pointed out that it was
a great way to cure insomnia. But now that you brought it up, I’ll go for a
swim with you, if you want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay?” he asked, surprised. “That was
way easier than I expected it to be.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Swim out to the middle of the lake and
wait for me there,” I ordered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let me guess. You’re gonna deliver
some cinder blocks that you want me to hold for you until morning, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I giggled at the thought. “Maybe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the sun dipped below the tree line
and exploded into massive streaks of pink and orange and yellow, I watched
Ridge as he looked out over the lake. He had a strong profile, and I found his
chiseled jawline extremely appealing. We sat in silence, drinking in the beauty
and peacefulness of this place. I suspected that if I had been alone this week,
the cabin would’ve contained all the special healing powers I had been hoping
for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The moon rose into the night sky, a
silver ball suspended in the inky blackness. Its reflection glistened on the
surface of the lake, rippling with the movement of the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After several minutes of silence, Ridge
finally rose. “I’m going to bed. I want to get an early start on running. Oh,
and in case you get any ideas, I’m going to lock my door.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I smiled into the darkness. “Good
night, Ridge.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-21855778925623881552013-12-09T08:17:00.002-08:002013-12-09T08:17:38.881-08:00Perfectly Able - Chapter 1Previously, I posted a teaser from Chapter 1, but I thought I'd go ahead and post the entire chapter. PERFECTLY ABLE is a new adult contemporary romance intended for audiences 17+. So here you go....<br />
<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter 1<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ridge<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I slid the key in the doorknob and
turned it. This vacation couldn’t have come soon enough. I was still aggravated
with my boss after his little stunt yesterday, and I’d just spent a forty-five
minute drive with my younger sister, Kelsey, and her best friend, Brandy, both
of whom talked nonstop the entire time. I was relieved that they had finally dropped
me off at the cabin. Until they came to pick me up next week, I was completely
and utterly alone, not one soul to get on my nerves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pushing the door open, I immediately
caught sight of the huge lake that glistened just beyond the wall of windows at
the back of the living room. Leaving my luggage and groceries on the front
porch for the time being, I entered the room, drawn by the majestic beauty of
the lake and the solitude that I craved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t move,” a soft, sultry voice
informed me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ignoring her command, I spun around in
search of the voice’s owner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I said don’t move,” she repeated, and
just to prove her point, she extended her arms, the barrel of her pink .38
revolver daring me to snub her instructions again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Holy sh**,” I mumbled, throwing my
hands in the air. “Don’t shoot, babe.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She motioned toward me with the gun,
her long, blond hair swaying with the movement. “Don’t call me ‘babe’.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay.” <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psychotic lunatic. </i>“Unfortunately, I didn’t catch your name.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I kept my eyes on the girl, afraid that
if I looked away for even a second, I’d be shot by a girlie gun. D***, my
friends would never let me live that one down, not that it’d matter if I
actually died.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My captor looked to be in her early
twenties, and her red tank top hugged her body like a second skin, falling just
short of reaching her low-rise jeans. The resulting gap revealed a narrow strip
of flat abdomen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If I weren’t under duress at the
moment, I might spend a little more time noticing that she was sexy as h***, but
considering my current predicament, I chose to concentrate on finding a way out
of this precarious situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She looked nervous, like maybe she
didn’t know what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Put the gun down,” I said softly,
keeping my voice calm and even as I took a step toward her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She lifted it even higher. “What do you
want?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wanted a lot of things, and at the
top of the list was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to be left the h***
alone.</i> This was my vacation. No crazy people allowed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Taking another step toward her with my
hands out in a conciliatory manner, I tried to gauge whether I could grab her hand
before she could get a shot off. “I’m supposed to be staying here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t come any closer,” she warned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her eyes darted toward the window, and
when they did, I lunged forward and grabbed her hand, forcing it and the
revolver into the air. I spun her around, her back against my chest, and put
her in a chokehold while simultaneously ripping the gun from her grasp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She shoved her elbow into my stomach,
and I grunted in reaction to the sharp pain that exploded from the point of
contact. I tightened my hold on her neck and tucked the gun into the back of my
pants, freeing my other hand to snake around her body and pin her arms down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Calm down,” I whispered in her ear.
She was panting heavily and writhing like an alligator taking down its prey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let me go,” she demanded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I will,” I agreed, “as soon as you
calm down.” She smelled good, a tropical scent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Who are you?” she demanded. “What do
you want from me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m just a guy trying to take a d***
vacation and train for a triathlon. I don’t want anything from you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why are you in my cabin?” she shrieked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I exhaled heavily in her ear. “I could
ask you the same thing.” Why was she in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">my</i>
cabin, the cabin that I was supposed to have all to myself for an entire week?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My sister’s friend arranged for me to
stay in this cabin,” she explained.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When did you get here?” I asked,
loosening my hold on her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Last night,” she answered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I didn’t see a car out front. When are
you supposed to leave?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My sister wanted to borrow my car. I’m
supposed to be picked up next Sunday.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What the h*** was going on? Her story
was identical to mine. Kelsey had wanted to borrow my car, and it was her
friend, Brandy, who had arranged for me to borrow her parents’ cabin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Who’s your sister?” I asked as
theories began formulating in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“London.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The name sounded familiar. “Who
arranged for you to stay in this cabin?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Brandy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I chuckled in disbelief. “We’ve been
duped. Brandy’s also the one that arranged for me to stay in this cabin—by
myself.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I released her, and she spun around and
looked at me. “You know Brandy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I nodded. “She’s my sister’s best
friend.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pulling her gun from the waist of my
jeans, I opened the chamber and spun it around. “No bullets?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her brow furrowed. “I have bullets.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I handed her the gun. “And the emperor
has new clothes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I fished my phone from my pocket, I
watched her check the chamber herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I had bullets.” She stared at the open
chamber, astounded. “What’s going on?” she asked, tucking the gun in her
waistband and looking way too sexy as she crossed her arms over her voluptuous
chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I started to dial Kelsey’s number only
to realize that I had no signal. “S***.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What’s wrong?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t have a signal. Do you have a phone?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, but it won’t do you any good,
either. I tried to use it last night, and I had no bars.” She studied me
intently. “So who are you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">H***, where were my manners? For some
reason, having the barrel of a pink gun aimed at me had impaired my social
skills. “I’m Ridge Sutherland, and it appears that Brandy and my little sister,
Kelsey, are being devious.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Kelsey’s your sister?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yeah, you know Kelsey?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ve met her a few times.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I assume that you’re not in a
relationship,” I said. “No boyfriend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Husband?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Nope. I’m single.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I laughed at my stupidity for falling
so completely for their trickery. “That’s what I thought. I think what we have
here,” I said motioning back and forth between us, “is a clear case of
matchmaking by my annoying little sister and her best friend. This isn’t the
first time that they’ve pulled something like this.” I thought about almost
getting shot. “But it will be the last.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her mouth dropped open, and she quickly
closed it again. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I had no idea.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I figured as much.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I motioned toward the door. “There’s gotta be
a cabin rental office around here somewhere. I’ll just go see if I can find one
or maybe a landline.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A flicker of emotion crossed her face,
but before I could decipher what it was, she pasted on a smile. “I understand
if you don’t want to stay here with me, seeing how I almost shot you and all,
but there’re three bedrooms. It wouldn’t be terrible if we both stayed here
this week, would it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can stay out of
each other’s way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A pang of guilt spread across my chest.
“I didn’t mean to offend you. I just figured you wouldn’t want to stay with a
total stranger.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, you may be a stranger, but
you’re Kelsey’s brother. So you’re not really a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">total</i> stranger. Kelsey’s a real sweetheart, so I assume that you
must be a decent guy. Otherwise, I don’t think Brandy would’ve left me alone
with you. Although, it would’ve been nice to have known ahead of time, before I
pulled my gun out.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Agreed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Why don’t you stay?” she asked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“If you’re sure….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She smiled again, and her mood seemed
to lighten. She held her hand out to me. “I’m Ava Nottingham.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I shook her hand, noting how warm and
soft and small it seemed in mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Nice to meet you, Ava. I guess I need
to bring in my things and find me a bedroom.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She pointed back towards the living
room. “I took the master bedroom at the end of the hall. There’s two more, but
the first bedroom on the right has a spectacular view of the lake.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“First bedroom on the right it is.” Stepping
out on the porch, I gathered up my duffel bag and the plastic bags from the
grocery store. I dropped the food off in the kitchen and went in search of the
bedroom that Ava had suggested. The door was open, and I tossed my duffel bag
on the bed as I walked to the huge picture window to absorb the view. Ava was
right. The view was spectacular.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunlight glinted off the surface of the
lake, and I was eager to start my training for an upcoming triathlon. I’d been
swimming in the lap pool at the gym, but I wanted to experience swimming in
open water. I quickly shut the bedroom door and changed into my swimsuit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After grabbing the flip flops and beach
towel that were stuffed in the bottom of my bag, I dropped the flip flops to
the floor, slid my feet in them, and went to find Ava. I found her bent over,
putting groceries on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, and I caught myself smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I didn’t mean for you to put the
groceries up,” I said, although I certainly had no complaints.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She stood up and twisted around,
surprised to find me standing a few feet behind her. Her hand flew to her chest.
“You scared me,” she said breathlessly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She pushed loose strands of golden hair
from her face and tugged at the hem of her tank top, lowering it back into
place. Her eyes locked on my bare chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m going for a swim. You wanna go?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She opened her mouth as if she were
going to speak, but quickly shut it. She shook her head. “No, you go ahead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you sure?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She pursed her lips and nodded, her
eyes darting up to meet mine and then falling back to my chest. “Yeah.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Okay. Here, let me help you finish
putting up the groceries.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began
pulling items out of the bags and found a white envelope with my name scrawled on
it. “What the h*** is this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Opening the envelope, I found a letter,
and I read it out loud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-pagination: none;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ridge and Ava,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By
now, I guess the two of you have met. Don’t be mad. Just relax and have a fun
week. Ava, just so you know, London took your bullets. Believe me when I say,
both of you will thank us later.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love,<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kelsey, London, and Brandy</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Just as I thought,” I grumbled,
turning my attention back to the groceries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I guess we can kill them later,” Ava
said, folding it back up and tucking it back in the envelope. “For now, we may
as well make the best of it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“May as well,” I agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we had emptied all of the plastic
bags, I picked up my towel. “Come on out if you change your mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ava smiled. “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The water refreshed me as I walked into
the lake, although the mud at the bottom squished between my toes giving the
experience a little bit of a yuck factor. I scanned the width of the lake, wondering
in which direction I should swim. After a few minutes of warming up my muscles,
I finally decided to just plunge ahead, not too far away from the shoreline,
and swim until I became winded. Then, I’d turn around and hopefully be back at
my starting position before I became too fatigued. I figured on twenty minutes
each way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I practiced my breathing technique and
my stroke, as my hands sliced through the water. I knew that it would be much
different during an actual triathlon because I would be surrounded by other
swimmers. After several minutes, I slowed, allowing myself the luxury of
catching my breath and scanning the coastline to see how far I’d gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I turned around and forged ahead, back
toward the cabin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I approached the shore, I spotted
her. Standing on the back deck in her jeans and sexy, red tank, she shielded
her eyes from the sun and leaned against the railing, scanning the water in my
direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hadn’t planned on an audience, and I
frowned, aggravated with my sister for putting me in this predicament in the
first place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Water sluiced down my body as I walked
toward the shore, taking deep breaths. Standing in two feet of water, I leaned
over and propped my hands on my knees, allowing myself a few moments of rest. Fish
nibbled at my toes, and I started moving again, making my way to my towel and
flip flops on the edge of the shoreline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I slid my feet into my flip flops and
toweled my hair dry, leaving it in disarray. My fingers pushed through the
short strands, and then, I dried my torso and arms, flipped the towel over my
shoulder, and made my way back to the cabin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She watched as I approached the steps
that led to the deck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Are you hungry?” she asked, pulling
her hair up into a ponytail and fastening it in place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Maybe a little bit. You?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let me rest a few minutes, and I’ll
fire up the grill. Do you eat hot dogs?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She nodded again. “I’ll get everything
ready.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And before I could respond, she
had disappeared into the house. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I plopped down at the picnic table, my
body facing away from the tabletop. Gazing at the lake, I noted the tranquility
as water pooled at my feet. I was aggravated at Kelsey and Brandy for ruining
the week that I had dedicated to training and organizing my game plan, so that
I could succeed at the triathlon. Planning was an essential part of meeting my
goals. Looking at Ava all week wouldn’t be difficult, but that had both good
and bad consequences. It was obviously good because what guy didn’t enjoy
looking at a beautiful female. It was bad because I had a very specific purpose
for coming this week, and it had nothing to do with women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Standing, I kicked my flip flops off
and crossed the deck, the freshly-stained planks of wood warm against the soles
of my feet. I uncovered the grill and ignited it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A few minutes later, Ava reappeared
with everything necessary for our meal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I can cook them if you want,” she
offered, brushing a loose tendril of hair from her face. I caught myself
watching the gentle movements of her fingers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I forced my eyes to the grill. “I got
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set the plate on the side shelf
of the grill and placed the wienies over the fire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She watched me silently, wringing her
hands. Then she said softly, “I’m really sorry about pulling my gun on you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I gazed at her. “No harm done. I’ll let
my sister carry the blame for that one.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We don’t have to eat together if you
don’t want to,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I may not have planned on company this
week, but I wasn’t a total a**. “I definitely think we should eat together. I
mean we did just wrestle each other. We should be able to make it through a
meal with no problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A hint of a smile crossed her lips, and
I had the distinct feeling that she was relieved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Besides, how am I gonna hear you
compliment my mad grilling skills if we aren’t eating together?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I winked at her, hoping to smooth things over
in case I’d sent her the message that I didn’t want to be here with her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So you’re the Grill Master?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ve mastered several skills. Grilling
just happens to be one of them.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her eyelashes fanned across her cheek
as she coyly shifted her line of vision from me to the deck boards around our
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I turned my attention to the grill,
using a fork to turn the wienies. “So you know I have a little sister, and I
know you have at least one sister. Any more siblings?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I have two sisters. Daisy’s the
youngest. She’s eighteen, and she just graduated from high school. London’s in
college, and she’s twenty. Do you have other siblings?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Luckily, no. You see how much trouble
Kelsey is. I’m not sure I’d survive another sibling.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With the smell of the grill wafting
through the air, I turned off the gas and removed the wienies. “Hot dogs are
served.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I carried the plate to the
picnic table, where Ava had arranged the drinks and the condiments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I loaded two hot dogs with all the
trimmings and sat across the table from her. “So what do you do, Ava?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She squeezed a thin line of mustard
down the middle of her hot dog. “I’m a real estate agent.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So if I wanted to buy a house, you
could help me out?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Yes.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her eyes lifted to mine, and I noticed
they were the color of blue topaz. She wore no makeup, but with her natural
beauty, she didn’t need any, and I imagined that if she had worn makeup, I
wouldn’t have noticed the smattering of faint freckles that dusted her nose,
which for some unknown reason, I found hot as h***.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Good,” I said, concentrating on our
conversation, “because once I cross <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete
a triathlon</i> off my list, the next item is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">buy a house</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her lips weren’t quite as plump as I
usually liked them, but they were shapely and I found myself staring. She
puckered them into a frown and pointed at me. “You have a list?” she asked, her
eyebrows arched in question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Doesn’t everybody?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She laughed in disbelief. “No. Most
people our age don’t know what they’re gonna eat for supper, much less when
they’re gonna <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">complete a triathlon</i> or
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">buy a house</i>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Well, most people do have some kind of
goals. I just write mine on a list and keep them in my wallet, so I can look at
them every day.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I would’ve never imagined you as a
list-maker.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She took a bite of her hot
dog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And why’s that?” I asked as my curiosity
piqued.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She swallowed. “I guess because I would
picture a list-maker with a pocket protector and glasses.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her gaze fell to my bare chest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Now how do you know I don’t own a
pocket protector?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Do you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The corners of her mouth tilted up. “There’re
some things a girl just knows.” She looked me in the eyes. “So why <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i> you keep a list?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Because a lot of successful people
write their goals down and look at them every day.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tapped my temple with my fingertip. “It
keeps you on track by keeping the things that you want to accomplish in your
mind.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ah,” she said, grinning as she took
another bite of hot dog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Go ahead. Laugh,” I taunted. She hadn’t
been the first woman to make wisecracks about my lists, but I didn’t care. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’m not laughing,” she countered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But you <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">are</i> smiling,” I accused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She lowered her gaze to her hot dog. “Yes,
but it’s because I’m….”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Because you’re what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amused?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Humored?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I watched her, waiting
for her response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shyly, she lifted her eyes to mine. “Impressed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Impressed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>H***, now she had me totally off-guard. I was
used to my girlfriends thinking it was some kind of an odd quirk, kind of like
my acute aversion to liars. And maybe it was, but….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I would say that you, Ridge
Sutherland, will live life to the fullest. You won’t spend one minute wishing
you’d done anything differently because you know what you want, and you’re
going for it. That’s impressive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was flabbergasted. I ran my palm
across my chest as I stared at Ava Nottingham. She had just amazed the hell out
of me. “D***, a woman who gets it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A smile broke across her face, reaching
the depths of her azure eyes. Looking at me thoughtfully, she asked, “So what
else is on your list?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Just the usual stuff. It’s anything
that I’m determined to accomplish, any goal or activity, like buying a house. I
really do need a real estate agent soon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let me know when you’re ready, and
I’ll hook you up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I held my hand across the table. “It’s
a deal.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She slipped her hand in mine, and we
shook on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We fell into a comfortable silence, and
after we had finished eating, Ava stood up and said, “You’re right. You do have
mad grilling skills. I really liked your wienie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her face turned bright red, and then she collapsed
back down on the bench and facepalmed. “No, I did not just say that,” she
whispered to herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I laughed. “Don’t worry. I don’t kiss
and tell.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She groaned. “I am so embarrassed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Don’t be.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shifted the conversation in hopes of easing
her discomfort. “I’m already wearing my swimming trunks. Why don’t you put on
your bathing suit and go for a swim with me?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She froze. “Uh, n-no,” she sputtered. “I
need to clean up this mess.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ll help you clean up. Then we can go
for a swim. You did bring a swimsuit, didn’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I did, but I think I’m just gonna
catch up on some reading tonight. Thanks, anyway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I stood and put the condiments back in
the plastic bag, while she closed up the remaining hot dog buns. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You can go ahead.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She motioned toward the lake. “I’ll get
this.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No, it’s okay. I’ll help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I got it, Ridge. You should go ahead
and swim.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I watched her, wondering if this was
one of those times when a woman just wanted to be left alone. Finally deciding
that it must be, I released the bag of condiments. “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I reached the lake, I waded out
waist-deep and dove in, my body gliding along just beneath the surface. I
kicked powerfully, propelling myself rapidly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I replayed our conversation over in my head,
hoping I hadn’t somehow offended Ava. Failing to come up with anything, I
decided that it was the fickle ways of women and brushed it from my mind. I had
a triathlon to complete, so I swam harder, concentrating on my goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I returned to the cabin a half hour
later and found Ava sitting in a chaise lounge on the deck reading a book. Her jean-clad
legs were crossed at the ankle, and from the bottom of her tennis shoes, her
feet appeared small, at least in comparison to my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“How was your swim?” she asked as I sat
at the picnic table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Awesome. How’s your book?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It sucks.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It does?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She nodded, her sky-blue eyes peering
at me over the top of the book. “The main character’s boyfriend just died.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ouch. Succumbed to a disease?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Injured in a car wreck?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Devoured by a man-eating shark?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“She killed him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“That’s not good.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Actually, that’s the good part. He was
an a**.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Then why did you say it sucked?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Because she got caught.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I chuckled, thinking maybe I should
thank London for taking the bullets. “Remind me not to piss you off this
week.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I scanned the scenery. “There’re
way too many places here to dispose of a body.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She lowered the book to her lap,
shooting me a mischievous grin. “It’s good for a man to feel a little fear.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Should I sleep with my door locked
tonight?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her smile widened. “You should sleep
with your door locked every night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I’ll add that to my list.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her laughter tinkled through the late
summer air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I toweled off my chest and arms, and I
could feel her watch me. When I looked at her, she quickly diverted her
attention back to her book.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So why did you come here this week?” I
asked, sliding my body around and sitting down backwards at the picnic table,
so that I could towel off my legs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t know. To meditate, I guess. Think
about things, about life, about what I want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did you just break up with your boyfriend
or something?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She sat up a little straighter and
stared at me. “Why would you say that?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I don’t know. You’re a beautiful girl
who’s secluded herself in the middle of nowhere and who’s fantasizing about
killing off men.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He wasn’t officially my boyfriend. We
had just dated for a while.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Ah,” I said. “Let me guess. He was an
a**.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“You’re very perceptive.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Not really. Most all girls say that
about guys they’ve dated.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her laughter floated through the air
again, and I decided I liked the sound of it. “Good point.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I flung my towel over the railing to
let it dry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“So what did he do to you?” I asked. “You
need me to kick his a**?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She shook her head. “All joking aside,
I don’t really like violence.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I could fling marshmallows at him with
my slingshot.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The corners of her mouth tilted upward.
“That could be fun.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I grew more serious. “So, what did he
do?” I heard myself asking again, wondering why in the h*** I cared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-90882959736466232692013-12-01T08:16:00.000-08:002013-12-01T08:16:23.221-08:00Teaser from PERFECTLY ABLE, Chapter 1Here's a little teaser from Chapter 1 of PERFECTLY ABLE:<br />
<br />
“How was your swim?” she asked as I sat at the picnic table.<br /> “Awesome. How’s your book?”<br /> “It sucks.”<br /> “It does?”<br /> She nodded, her sky-blue eyes peering at me over the top of the book. “The main character’s boyfriend just died.”<br /> “Ouch. Succumbed to a disease? Injured in a car wreck? Devoured by a man-eating shark?”<br /> “She killed him.”<br /> “That’s not good.”<br /> “Actually, that’s the good part. He was an a**.”<br /> “Then why did you say it sucked?”<br /> “Because she got caught.”<br /> I chuckled, thinking maybe I should thank London for taking the bullets. “Remind me not to piss you off this week.” I scanned the scenery. “There’re way too many places here to dispose of a body.”<br />She lowered the book to her lap, shooting me a mischievous grin. “It’s good for a man to feel a little fear.”<br /> “Should I sleep with my door locked tonight?”<br /> Her smile widened. “You should sleep with your door locked every night.”<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF_VfMFbLYIWDlpiVfo1rj8nRsLDrcUyXirEPejSFEtYOc70TOtC9AcX31Erseo3x5goiRzvopwSxTMfon64MEnk0dUCn-uft5C5WB6BTxtu5Z9LJiXuNpH4DX8pL5sfL8OkF5g_FB9LZ/s1600/Perfectly+Able+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPF_VfMFbLYIWDlpiVfo1rj8nRsLDrcUyXirEPejSFEtYOc70TOtC9AcX31Erseo3x5goiRzvopwSxTMfon64MEnk0dUCn-uft5C5WB6BTxtu5Z9LJiXuNpH4DX8pL5sfL8OkF5g_FB9LZ/s320/Perfectly+Able+Front+Cover.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-1925490399960134982013-11-26T11:20:00.000-08:002013-11-26T11:20:37.731-08:00PERFECTLY ABLE Releasing Soon!<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
PERFECTLY ABLE, a new adult contemporary romance will be releasing soon! It is intended for mature audiences 17+. Here's a little teaser....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV0i_knm2CotLpuwcqk4Jn3W-PTJcHBNbZyPyDGAKjBzKJM_l3JrAnphFOT2TsTjG9fklRxc6cQTIYdnLN4WMvQyhjueyNIthujaV5LlEGRlMGKxSYoWHh-7xoqAxZekVZIyKXyA4Bh5i/s1600/Perfectly+Able+Graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihV0i_knm2CotLpuwcqk4Jn3W-PTJcHBNbZyPyDGAKjBzKJM_l3JrAnphFOT2TsTjG9fklRxc6cQTIYdnLN4WMvQyhjueyNIthujaV5LlEGRlMGKxSYoWHh-7xoqAxZekVZIyKXyA4Bh5i/s320/Perfectly+Able+Graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-86505851505957819702013-10-16T20:31:00.001-07:002013-10-16T20:31:45.788-07:00Bootiful Halloween Giveaway!Happy Halloween! Enter to win eBooks of GHOSTLY ENCOUNTER, a YA paranormal romantic adventure, and DANGEROUS, a YA contemporary romance on my website, <a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/">www.SuzannahDaniels.com</a>!Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-19990749197633573582013-09-18T09:09:00.000-07:002013-10-16T18:52:02.685-07:00Readers Make All the DifferenceI received an email this morning from a reader:<br />
<br />
"I just finished the first two books in your Dangerous trilogy. When will the third one come out? I really enjoyed the relationship between Stone and Dara and can't wait to read more!<br />
<br />
Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful story!"<br />
<br />
Why is this such a big deal to me? Writing is my dream. I put my heart and soul into my novels, and my mind constantly churns with bits and pieces of conversations between my characters. Let's talk about the DANGEROUS Trilogy in particular. I love Stone and Dara, like seriously love them. They're my creative babies. So when a reader takes the time to send me an email to let me know that he or she has enjoyed my novels and my characters, you better believe it means a lot. Thank you to all my readers, and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to send me an email or leave a review. I sincerely appreciate it! <3Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-87478500732650649882013-08-28T10:40:00.000-07:002013-08-28T10:40:22.773-07:00DANGEROUS is only 99 cents on Amazon and B&N!That's right! For a limited time, you can grab a copy of DANGEROUS for only 99 cents on Amazon and B&N. The sequel, DEVIOUS, is available now for $2.99!<br />
<br />
Amazon US: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-1-ebook/dp/B00C0EJC7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377706813&sr=8-1&keywords=suzannah+daniels">http://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-1-ebook/dp/B00C0EJC7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377706813&sr=8-1&keywords=suzannah+daniels</a><br />
<br />
Amazon UK: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dangerous-1-ebook/dp/B00C0EJC7Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377706847&sr=8-2&keywords=suzannah+daniels">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dangerous-1-ebook/dp/B00C0EJC7Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377706847&sr=8-2&keywords=suzannah+daniels</a><br />
<br />
B&N: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerous-suzannah-daniels/1114910571?ean=2940016275888">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerous-suzannah-daniels/1114910571?ean=2940016275888</a><br />
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-69453255407947668062013-08-22T10:48:00.003-07:002013-08-22T10:48:58.413-07:00DEVIOUS (Dangerous #2) is now LIVE on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords!Woo hoo! DEVIOUS, the follow-up book to DANGEROUS, is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords! I want to send an incredible thank you out to everyone for your support! <3 Stone and Dara's story continues....<br />
<br />
Amazon US: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Devious-Dangerous-2-ebook/dp/B00EP7E72Q/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377192730&sr=8-6&keywords=suzannah+daniels">http://www.amazon.com/Devious-Dangerous-2-ebook/dp/B00EP7E72Q/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1377192730&sr=8-6&keywords=suzannah+daniels</a><br />
<br />
Amazon UK: <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devious-Dangerous-2-ebook/dp/B00EP7E72Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377192801&sr=8-5&keywords=suzannah+daniels">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Devious-Dangerous-2-ebook/dp/B00EP7E72Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1377192801&sr=8-5&keywords=suzannah+daniels</a><br />
<br />
Barnes & Noble: <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devious-suzannah-daniels/1116617332?ean=2940148429661">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/devious-suzannah-daniels/1116617332?ean=2940148429661</a><br />
<br />
Smashwords: <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/349894">https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/349894</a><br />
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-71884701519551700302013-07-30T11:27:00.000-07:002013-07-30T11:27:24.910-07:00Teaser Tuesday! Here's a teaser from DANGEROUS!Teaser Tuesday! Here's a little teaser from DANGEROUS, a YA contemporary romance. (The teaser mentions vampires, but there are no vamps in the story.) DEVIOUS, the follow-up book, will be released on Aug. 22. <br />
<br />
Dara's POV: <br />
<br />
“What was that about?” I thundered at Stone. Other than the confrontation between Chance and Stone, the day had been a smashing success. Everyone had left except for the two of us. It would be dark soon, and the Fourth of July parties would be gearing up for fireworks before long.<br /> “What?” he asked innocently as he leaned against the kitchen counter.<br /> I rolled my eyes. “You know what.”<br /> “He’s lucky my fist didn’t connect with his face,” Stone muttered.<br /> “Seriously?” I asked, my hands on my hips, staring at him as if he were an unruly child.<br /> He closed the distance between us and hovered just above my face. “Seriously.”<br /> “So your parents taught you to behave like a caveman?” I asked, angry with him for his dramatic display of testosterone earlier.<br /> “Better a caveman than a yellow-bellied coward.”<br /> “Who are you calling a coward?” I asked.<br /> “The guy who left notes on my motorcycle warning me to stay away from you.”<br /> I stared at him in disbelief. That didn’t sound like something that Chance would do. Of course, there had never been another guy in the picture since Chance and I had started dating, not that Stone was exactly in the picture.<br /> “I have the notes at home to prove it,” he continued. “I say you can make up your own mind as to whether you want to be with me or not.”<br />I knew that Chance wanted to get back together, but would he have actually contacted Stone?<br /> “On whether I want to be with you? Half the time you won’t even speak to me. What makes you think I would want to be with someone like you?”<br /> I could see the flicker of emotions cross his face. His crisp, blue eyes seemed to dim the instant the words tumbled from my mouth.<br /> He inched closer to me. “Because I can feel it,” he whispered, his fingers splaying across my hips as he pulled me to him. “The way your breath quickens, the way your pulse races, the way your heart beats like the wings of a hummingbird. The way your lips softly part as if they’re waiting for me to do this.” His lips touched mine as one hand moved to the small of my back, and he pressed his chest against me. He kissed me gently at first, but then he nibbled at my lip and his tongue slipped into my mouth. I wasn’t just being kissed. I was being devoured. My heart hammered against my ribcage, and before I knew what I was doing, my arms were wrapped around him, pulling him close, kneading his flesh. I could feel the hard, lean muscle beneath his shirt. <br /> Forgetting that I was supposed to be angry with him, I hugged him to me more tightly as if I couldn’t get close enough. What was it about him that made all coherent thought flee from my mind?<br /> I pushed him away. “You know what you feel?” I didn’t wait for him to answer. “You feel my astonishment that you really are as conceited as you warned me about. You’re not as badass as you think you are…but you definitely got the conceited part right.”<br /> “Ouch.” He grinned, unperturbed, rubbing his exquisite jawline with his thumb and forefinger. “And I thought I was supposed to be the vampire. Be careful, Dara. Your fangs are showing.”<br /> I turned my back to him and retrieved my messenger bag from the hook on the wall. “Guess you’re the one that needs the garlic necklace.”<br /> He walked up behind me as I was fishing my car keys out of my bag. I didn’t hear him approach me from behind, but his fingers brushed across the nape of my neck as he swept my hair to the side and his fingertips gently caressed the exposed skin. “What makes you think I want to ward you off?” <br /> I swirled around to face him, my ire rising. “I don’t know, Stone. Your unpredictable behavior?”<br /> “Most girls admire my spontaneity.”<br /> “Spontaneity is not necessarily a bad thing, but when you’re drooling on me one minute and ignoring me the next…I can’t deal with that, Stone.”<br /> “Drooling? Seriously, Dara? I do not drool.” Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-24912500075747438142013-07-25T18:20:00.000-07:002013-07-25T18:20:45.296-07:00Teaser from DEVIOUSSo DEVIOUS is expected to release on August 22. How about a little teaser straight from the beginning of Chapter 1?<br />
<br />
Stone's POV:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“She
didn’t come.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Her
voice was nothing more than a whisper brimming with dejection, and I glanced up
from my seat on the couch as Dara knelt at my feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
laid her cheek against my knee, and I smoothed wisps of soft, blond hair away from
her face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I searched for the words that
would ease her pain and brighten her spirits, but somehow I knew they couldn’t
detract her from the betrayal and disappointment that had seeped into her soul.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Anger
boiled within me, and I took a deep breath, attempting to retain my
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dara was my world, and as much
as I wanted to think there was no way in hell I would let anyone hurt her, some
things were out of my control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
covered her face with her palm, and her slender shoulders began trembling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hated to see her cry, and my hands
instinctively reached for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This
was not what I had planned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How
often does a girl turn eighteen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had wanted
Dara’s birthday to be special, and I thought I’d done a pretty good job,
considering it was the first birthday party I’d ever thrown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now, I felt like I had failed her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
urged her up from the floor and pulled her into my lap, tucking her face into
my neck and muffling her sobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said
nothing, just held her, stroked her, soothed her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When
she finally quieted, I scooped her in my arms, stood, and then set her on the
couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ll be right back.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
kicked a plump, pink balloon out of my path and went to find my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the last eight months since Dara and I had
agreed to date exclusively, my mother had grown to love Dara almost as much as
I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom agreed to have the party at
our house, and she took it a step further by insisting that we have the whole
thing catered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had decorated our
living room in pink and white streamers with a boatload of matching balloons,
some filled with helium and some drifting along the hardwood floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As
I had watched Dara walk the last guests, Crimson and Scarlet Cruze, to the
front door, I thought she was happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
was obvious now that she had pasted on a smile and laughed with her two best
friends in an effort to hide what she was really feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
rammed my hand in my hair, wishing I knew how to make her world right again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My
mother was in the kitchen, wrapping plastic around leftover food.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
briefly explained the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“I’ll
take care of everything here,” my mom assured me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
bent down and kissed her on the cheek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Thanks, Mom.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grabbed a pink
mint off the plate in her hands and popped it in my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Have I told you how awesome you are?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“You
might’ve mentioned it a time or two, but moms never get tired of hearing
it.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She finished pressing the plastic
on the edge of the plate and shooed me with her hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Now go take care of Dara.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
joined Dara on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I know what
you need,” I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and hoping to lighten
her mood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“You
need a motorcycle ride with one extremely good-looking guy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The
corners of her mouth tilted upward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well,
let me know when you find one, and maybe I’ll give it a try.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I
stood, pulling her to her feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“As luck
would have it, I didn’t have to look very far.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">She
glanced over her shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Where is
he?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t see him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“Be
nice, Dara Golding, or I won’t let you rev my engine.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-34776724049488058362013-07-11T04:06:00.000-07:002013-07-11T04:06:44.877-07:00DEVIOUS Cover Reveal!I'm excited to reveal the cover for DEVIOUS, the follow-up book to DANGEROUS, a young adult, contemporary romance featuring Stone Hamilton, a motorcycle-riding bad boy with a soft spot for Dara Golding. The anticipated release date for DEVIOUS is August 22, 2013.<br />
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Add it to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17792614-devious">Goodreads</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17792614-devious"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfz8w-gSOPXnK8e4qgrbxCLNOzHREKMcC-Pbd-NAuPfHw1E3U58M8nU7buBqK-AThYf_HkQ-_V98QNe_ayEj9kH1ukjsh7wu04POWiTPGHhRq6WYCMyL6-jcUM7DUowbWa6W0Ju_F0UoA/s320/Devious+Final+Front+Cover.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3033933535950148063.post-26482058324737701562013-05-30T16:01:00.001-07:002013-05-30T16:01:40.218-07:00DANGEROUS -- ONLY 99 CENTS!DANGEROUS is on sale on Amazon and B&N for just 99 cents! Hurry! It's a limited time! Read an excerpt on my website: <a href="http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/dangerous.html">http://www.suzannahdaniels.com/dangerous.html</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpzFAwvdy2WKY9boOdYK4blM4za7ylXYALwfK-YJZvtehjXIzBy0NgpsopNc0AoJzIpn1IqvspjUpsXgXYqkdBnTJGZ1Nd9z8Q6xzD2_XJ4CLxzikZgGDAodBObnW7W8fnrHjGs0sm-XL/s1600/Dangerous+99+cents+sequel+summer+2013+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDpzFAwvdy2WKY9boOdYK4blM4za7ylXYALwfK-YJZvtehjXIzBy0NgpsopNc0AoJzIpn1IqvspjUpsXgXYqkdBnTJGZ1Nd9z8Q6xzD2_XJ4CLxzikZgGDAodBObnW7W8fnrHjGs0sm-XL/s320/Dangerous+99+cents+sequel+summer+2013+final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Suzannah Danielshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02312058071116559384noreply@blogger.com0