From NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a forbidden romance. The Secret is the first in the Single in Seattle series!
Vaughn is everything I’m supposed to stay away from. Sexy. Cocky. And famous.
Ultra-famous.
I grew up in a family full of wealthy celebrities. My father, Luke Williams, is the celebrity of them all. A superstar actor and producer, my father knows the downside of living in the spotlight. And because of that, he sheltered my siblings and me from everything Hollywood entailed. We didn’t attend premieres. We weren’t photographed. There were no friendships with other celebrities’ children.
The limelight couldn’t touch us.
But now, at twenty-five, I’m ready to start my life, working for my father’s production company in downtown Seattle–until Vaughn Barrymore walks through the door.
He can’t keep his hands off me. He’s completely forbidden, but I can’t help falling for the sweet, complicated man.
When–and it’s when not if–my family finds out that I’ve been keeping this secret, will I have to choose between the man I love and those who mean the most to me? Or, by some miracle, can I have both?
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Kristen Proby has published more than forty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion and Romancing Manhattan Series.
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two cats.
It should have been a routine investigation. Instead, DEA K-9 agent Adam “Deck” Decker watches in horror as one Denver hospital seems to be Ground Zero for overdoses of a new drug. Now Deck can only hope a certain icy, green-eyed ER doctor will help him and his canine partner track down the deadly source.
Dr. Tori Sampson has her reasons for not trusting federal agents, especially ones working for the DEA. But the rash of overdoses—including a heartbreaking case involving a teen—is alarmingly high. And the new opioid is not only extremely dangerous, it defies all the usual medical treatments. So Tori has a choice: work with the big, brawny, and annoyingly hot DEA agent…or watch more innocent people die.
Tori’s the only person who can help Deck break the case, and they’ll need to trust each other, no matter how high the tension and attraction sizzling between them runs. But with every question answered, they realize there’s something more behind these typical teen overdoses. There’s a pattern here, and a pattern can only suggest one thing. There’s a killer on the loose.
When he turned and locked gazes with her, her mouth went just a teensy, weensy bit dry.
In the examining room, she’d been concentrating on her patient, then she’d been so annoyed with Agent Decker that she hadn’t really seen him. There was no denying he brought out the fifty shades of animosity, but one thing was for certain: with his chiseled jawline, slightly cleft chin, and sexy as all-get-out five o’clock shadow, the man was about as handsome as it got. Hard not to admire his muscular physique, either. He must spend all his free time in a gym, lifting barbells and dumbbells and whatever other bells made a man’s body that way.
He closed his eyes, as if reciting a mental prayer. “Thanks, Doc.”
The last thing she wanted was gratitude from the DEA. The short-lived attempt to rein in her internal bitch flew out the window as the past came roaring back in a rush of emotion. Especially the distraught look on her dad’s face that fateful day.
“Don’t thank me,” she bit out. “I’m just doing my job. Maybe if the great and powerful DEA did its job, drugs wouldn’t be sold on every street corner in Denver, and Colorado’s opioid crisis wouldn’t be spiraling out of control.
Your friend is the third opioid overdose I’ve treated today, and the tenth this week. Three of those patients died. And that’s just on my shifts. I can’t speak to what happens when I’m not here or how many are dying before they even get to the hospital.” She blew out a breath and grappled for a calm she didn’t feel. “Whatever just hit the streets could be the beginning of something really scary, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. But you can.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but she cut him off. “And another thing.” She jabbed a finger at him. “This is my castle, not the DEA’s. If you ever come into my ER again, I’ll have you thrown out on your muscled ass.”
*****
Author Info:
Tee O’Fallon is the author of the Federal K-9 Series and the NYPD Blue & Gold Series. Tee has been a federal agent for twenty-three years and is now a police investigator, giving her hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement that she combines with her love of romantic suspense. When not writing, Tee enjoys cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and spending time with her Belgian Sheepdogs, Loki and Kyrie. Tee loves hearing from readers and can be contacted via her website https://teeofallon.com where you can also sign up for Tee’s newsletters.
My life seemed perfect until he came back to town. With his sights set on me, he’s ready to settle down and face any challenge. Fans of Briar U by Elle Kennedy will devour Our Best Shot by A.M. Williams, a small-town, forced proximity, hockey romance.
Our Best Shot
by A.M. Williams
Blurb:
Rory
On the outside, my life seems perfect. I have my friends, family, and quirky small town to keep me satisfied plus my secret writing career that’s done better than I ever dreamed. What’s not to love?
There’s just one thing missing. But I don’t know what it is.
At least until he comes back to town. The man I crushed on so hard in high school, I couldn’t talk in full sentences around him.
He’s back, he’s ready to settle down, and he’s set his sights on me, the wallflower.
Every time I turn around, there he is. He wants to know about me. And no matter how hard I try to ignore him…I can’t. He’s everything I wanted as a teenager.
And as an adult? I’m discovering that he’s the total package and is ready to sweep me off my feet.
Alex
Deciding to retire from my professional hockey career was easy. I miss my family, friends, and hometown. I crave a slower lifestyle so I can finally settle down.
What isn’t easy? Figuring out how to coach teenaged boys in how to play hockey and win over the woman I can’t stop thinking about.
I think about her constantly and am constantly finding ways to run into her ‘by accident’. I want to know everything about her, but she’s hesitant and I have my work cut out for me to convince her to step outside her comfort zone and date me.
But I’m up for the challenge. I’m ready to show her what being with me could be like and that she doesn’t need to be scared.
With outside forces working against us, can we get it together for our best shot at a happily ever after?
“You want to sit for a little while?” Alex asked, pointing to a bench just ahead of us and off the main path.
I nodded, hoping that the bench would be enough out of the way that people wouldn’t notice us sitting there and stop staring.
We settled in and I sipped my coffee, looking the park over.
Compared to the weekend before, the park looked totally transformed.
There were bright tents throughout the trees with local crafters and artisans, and loud chatter filled the air from people walking around.
“This festival looks no different from when I came as a kid,” Alex said, pulling my attention to him.
I glanced at him and watched as he looked over at what I’d just been looking at.
“Are you surprised? You know we like tradition here.”
Alex chuckled. “Not really. I guess since it’s been so long since I was here, that I expected something to have changed. But nothing has. The same tents, same vendors, same atmosphere.”
I made a noise low in my throat. “There are some new vendors. They’re just peppered throughout. Some ones you’re thinking of don’t come anymore.”
What I didn’t say was that some owners had died because of how old they were and their businesses closed. The town had to get some new life for the vendors, otherwise this festival would have dwindled.
“Still. This is the same. If I close my eyes, I bet I could recall where everyone is and the order of the games at the rink. I feel like no time has passed.”
I said nothing at first. Then I asked, “Are you happy to be here at least?”
Alex met my gaze and nodded. “I am. It’s weird how I didn’t think about so much related to town while I was gone. I came home for holidays and brief visits, but everything else was just background. But now that I’m here, I can’t help remembering coming as a kid with my mom and sister. Hanging with my friends before our games. And all the other shit that the town does throughout the year.”
I thought about what he was saying. I didn’t have any experience not coming to the town events, considering I went to college close by and returned to town the minute I could. I’d kept coming to everything, even throughout college.
Copyright 2022 @A.M. Williams
*****
Review:
I have to admit that a lot of my enjoyment of this book is because of that bookish high school girl hiding deep inside of me. Rory getting a second chance with the popular jock she had a crush on as a teenager is just so gratifying. It helps that Alex has grown into a well-rounded, stand-up guy so you totally get where she’s coming from. There are some moments that hearken back a little too much to those younger years with a villainous mean girl and a jealous ex that at times could be a little bit OTT. Overall, though, Williams delivers likable characters and an enjoyable trip to a satisfying HEA. I’m looking forward to what she brings us next.
*****
Author Info:
A.M. Williams is just a simple girl from the south that found herself living abroad. When she’s not annoying her cat or reading, she’s spending time with her husband and traveling as much as possible. She has a serious case of wanderlust and wants to go as many places as possible while she can. She loves Cheerwine, sweet tea, and North Carolina (eastern style) BBQ as well as those crystal clear waters on the North Carolina coast.
Already a worldwide success in mass market and trade paperback formats, Susan Mallery’s newest hardcover is an emotional, witty, and heartfelt story about a woman who takes a trip to California to figure out her life and get a break from her family…only to be reminded that life–and your children–follow you wherever you go. With a powerful mother/daughter relationship at its core, fans of Elin Hilderbrand, Susan Wiggs, Mary Alice Monroe, and Nancy Thayer will love this book.
Robyn Caldwell’s family is driving her crazy. There’s Harlow, her daughter, who’s engaged to a man she’s only known a short time and is rapidly turning into bridezilla. And her son, Austin, who would rather work with his dad’s family charter boating business than go to college. Her friend, Mindy, who’s playing with fire by contemplating an affair with her tennis instructor. And let’s not forget her ex-husband whose bad behavior has just crossed the line yet again.
Robin needs some time to catch her breath and figure out what her next step should be. So when her beloved aunt Lillian asks her to come to Santa Barbara for an overdue visit, Robyn jumps at the chance. Her aunt Lillian is working on settling her affairs and a distant relative is staying with her that stands to inherit the house. Trouble is the last thing Robyn needs, but she refuses to let her aunt be taken advantage of.
While staying in her aunt’s beautiful, quirky mansion and spending time in the Santa Barbara sunshine with the woman who’s like a mother to her, Robyn will see herself—and the people she loves most—with a bit more clarity. And it will push her to take chances she hadn’t dreamed of before.
But life has a funny way of following you wherever you go. What began as an escape soon becomes an unforgettable adventure…and Robyn is ready to dive in, feet first.
Robyn Caldwell picked up her glass of white wine and briefly thought about swallowing the entire contents in one gulp. Mindy’s statement was certainly gulp-worthy. But she knew pacing herself through lunch was the responsible thing to do. A lesson her friend had yet to learn.
“You are not,” Robyn murmured, because shrieking wasn’t attractive. Especially at “the club,” where their friends and frenemies were also enjoying Thursday’s lobster salad. The dining room was filled with forty or so women, all dressed in Florida chic—diamonds sparkling, gold or platinum charm bracelets clinking, necklaces resting on tanned and toned skin.
“I might,” Mindy Krause said, picking up her champagne. “He’s gorgeous.”
“Of course. He’s a thirty-year-old tennis pro. What else would he be?”
Mindy, a petite brunette who was six months from turning forty, sighed. “I need a Dimitri in my life.”
“You have a great husband. Payne loves you and the kids, and never has eyes for another woman. Why would you screw that up?”
“Payne would never know.”
“There aren’t any secrets in this town. Not in our social circle.”
Something Robyn had learned the hard way herself. She’d been blissfully unaware of her ex-husband’s affairs until a “friend” had oh-so-sweetly informed her.
“Maybe just some kissing,” Mindy mused. “I want a little Dimitri action. The fantasies make me happy, so imagine what the real thing would do.”
“The fantasies are safe. The real thing could destroy everything you have. Knowing you’ve cheated would devastate Payne.”
Mindy’s mouth formed a pout. “I never see him anymore. All he does is work.”
Robyn stared at her friend-slash-boss. “You two talked about how that promotion would be more work for him but that it would be worth it. You wanted this for him.”
“I didn’t know how much he’d be gone.”
The unreasonable statement grated nearly as much as Mindy’s whine. “This isn’t a good look for you,” Robyn murmured. “You’re changing the rules without telling your husband. That never ends well.”
Mindy dismissed the warning with a quick shake of her head. “I’m not worried. Besides, if he does find out, I can just move in with you.” She laughed. “You’ll soon have that big house all to yourself.”
“You have four kids,” Robyn pointed out. “If things go south in your marriage, I’d rather have Payne move in.”
“Well, that would get people talking.” Mindy held up her empty glass to the server. “More, please.”
The server obliged.
Mindy took another sip. “My sister called, swears she found a Thomas Pister chest in a tiny shop in Wales. It’s dirt cheap, so I’m afraid it’s a fake. She’s looking for someone to prove authenticity. Wouldn’t that be a find?”
“It would. I’d love to see it.”
Thomas Pister had built beautiful chests and cabinets in the late 1600s and early 1700s. His intricate designs with stunning inlays sold quickly and for huge amounts. Depending on the condition and the materials, a good-sized chest of drawers could go for sixty or eighty thousand dollars.
While Mallery’s newest is full of drama, it isn’t a heavy read. Instead readers are given a story perfectly balanced between hilarity and emotion, with plenty of growth and self-discovery. There’s a lot going on but it’s delivered in an enjoyable, light read that has characters you can root for.
Robyn, and pretty much everyone around her, is at a turning point – with her youngest now out of high school, she needs to decide what she wants to do with her life. When things get overwhelming at home, she heads west to take time to think . . . only it turns out not to be the quiet time away she expected.
I like that we get different sides. We have Robyn in her 40s plus her ex and their grown kids, all of whom have life-altering decisions to make. It’s messy and angsty but they manage to handle it with humor and moments of grace. And occasionally poor choices 🙂 It’s a delightful story about growing up, figuring out who you are & what you want, and the importance of family.
*****
Author Info:
SUSAN MALLERY is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—family, friendship and romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations,” and readers seem to agree—forty million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.
Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She’s passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two Ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as Mom.
Leo Morales never forgot his first love, but he never quite forgave her either.
When a twist of fate puts Leo in charge of a grant that could save Faith Fox’s struggling non-profit, his desire to assist her worthwhile cause barely wins out over his need to stay the hell away from her.
Faith swallowed her pride to request funds for her after-school tutoring center, but she had no idea her old boyfriend would be the one holding the purse strings. Now he’s insisting on a hands-on partnership—one that has her wanting even more hands-on attention.
With years of history between them, Faith and Leo will need to learn from the lessons of their past if they want to fall in love as the people they are today.
The award-winning Cinnamon Roll Alphas series continues with Tempting Fate, featuring the playful banter, steamy encounters, and sunny outlook that Sara Whitney’s readers have come to love.
Sara Whitney writes sassy, sexy contemporary romance novels packed with wit, heat, and heart. A 2019 Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award finalist, Sara worked as a newspaper reporter and film critic before she earned her Ph.D. and landed in academia. She’s a good pinball player, a so-so karaoke singer, and an expert TV opinion-haver.
In a funny twist of fate, Sara’s married to a divorce attorney, and she likes to think that her happily-ever-afters help keep their household in balance. She and her husband live in the Midwest surrounded by books, cats, and half-empty coffee cups. Keep up with Sara by subscribing to her mailing list here.
Can you find yourself in the midst of losing everything?
Levi
I could never be what my father expected of me. Content to run the family business wasn’t the life I saw for myself. I longed to serve my country, and it cost me more than my relationship with my dad. Now, as I recover from losing a limb, I smile through the pain. I pretend being alone doesn’t bother me. Make jokes to mask the anguish. But Mandy sees the truth and calls me out for self-sabotaging. That is one of the many reasons I find myself falling for her, despite her being my ex’s best friend…
Mandy
I beat the odds and built a life I love. I know it can be done. Therefore, I refuse to allow my patients to think otherwise. When I see Levi masking his pain, I know it will prevent him from accepting his new truth and overcoming it. By working with him, I guide him on the road to recovery… until his estranged father shows up. Will everything we have worked for so far be shattered in a single moment or will Levi finally stand up for what he wants. And what if what he wants, isn’t me?
Kaci runs on coffee, chocolate, and Oreos. She loves her book boyfriends with tattoos, muscles, beards, and a little dirty.
Kaci loves romance books and has been jotting down ideas since she was in high school and is now putting the ideas down on paper. She believes in satisfying, happily ever afters with a lot of steam on the way.
She was born and raised in Southwest Florida but is wholeheartedly a mountain girl. She has been reading as many books as she could get her hands on since grade school and loves to travel when she gets the chance.
Tragedy brought Bree back to her hometown with no plans to stay. Her brother’s best friend, Tony, doesn’t want her to leave. With a killer on the loose and Bree in danger, it’s up to Tony to keep her safe, then keep her in Whiskey Falls. Readers who enjoy Brynne Asher and Devney Perry will love this spicy, small town, brother’s best friend, romantic suspense.
Whiskey Home
Whiskey Falls, Book One
by Taryn Rivers
Blurb:
Tony
I promised to protect my best friend’s little sister—I didn’t plan on falling in love.
But when a murderer strikes in my county and she may be the next target, I can’t hold back anymore.
She doesn’t know it yet, but when this is over she’s here to stay.
If I can keep her alive.
Bree
A tragedy called me back to Whiskey Falls, but as soon as I take care of business, I’m out of here.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve been in love with Tony Kane since I was a child.
Or that I go weak at the knees every time I see him.
My family broke my heart, but he has the power to shatter it.
The patio door opens behind me, alerting me to Bree’s presence.
“Bree’s here. I gotta go,” I tell him.
“Watch your back,” he warns, not hiding the worry in his voice.
“You, too.” I hang up and turn around to find Bree rubbing the back of her neck with a resigned look on her face.
“She’s on her way, isn’t she?” I ask.
She winces and nods.
“Please tell me Colt’s with her.” I like Colt, and it’s obvious he cares for both women. Plus, he can handle himself and is one hell of a shot.
“No. Colt’s not with her. But she’s not alone.”
“You need to call her back and tell her to turn around. We barely have enough manpower to cover you, much less Sadie and whichever one of your friends she’s dragging with her.”
“It’s, um, well, it’s Killian,” she stammers. “He didn’t want her driving by herself.”
It takes a few seconds before I trust myself to speak. “Are you telling me Killian Cross is on his way here right now?”
She bites her lip and nods reluctantly.
“Exactly how many times has Cross asked you out?” I ask.
She wrings her hands together. “Twice. And it’s been months. We’re just good friends, not that it’s any of your business.”
I see red. “Not my fucking business? Are you high? Everything about you is my business.”
She backs up but it’s too late. In two steps I’m on her. I pull her to me and slam my mouth down on hers.
Instead of fighting it, her arms wrap around me. I fist her hair, and she gasps, giving me what I need to slide my tongue home. I bring her even closer, and she melts into me.
I pour everything I have into the kiss. If she won’t believe it when I tell her she’s mine, I’ll fucking show her and leave no room for doubt.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for two years, and all my frustration comes through. She moans into my mouth which spurs me on. I thought our first kiss couldn’t be beat, but this one blows it out of the water.
This kiss is everything. Heaven and hell, want and need, every ounce of my being focused on the slide of her tongue. I slow it down until our lips separate. I run my nose along hers then drop my hand down to her lower back and bury my face in her hair.
“This is why you’re my business. This proves you want me as much as I want you. Face it. You’re mine, and I’m fucking yours. Always have been. Always will be.”
I lean in and kiss the side of her lips. “Give us a chance, beautiful. It’s going to work out. I promise.”
Her entire face softens, and I think I have her. But then she blinks, and I see naked fear flash in her eyes right before she shuts down.
Fucking hell.
Copyright 2021 Taryn Rivers
*****
Author Info:
Taryn Rivers lives in central Arkansas with her extremely patient husband and her golden retriever, Patton. When she’s not writing, she’s kicking back with her husband at the lake, eating her weight in fried cheese curds and fish fry while visiting family in Wisconsin, or she’s guilting her children into coming to see her. She loves reading, coffee, wine, and her family, not necessarily in that order.
A vacation in Las Vegas with friends was going to be nothing but a good time.
When two of Samantha Nollins friends surprised everyone that they eloped, she was ready to party. After all, she was known to celebrate at all times, along with her bestie Nate Haddic. However, when they wake up the next day, their two friends weren’t the only ones who eloped!
Samantha and Nate immediately go to the courthouse, only to be told they need to wait ninety-days and try to make their marriage work.
There was nothing worse than two players who had to settle down. In order to keep their friendship intact, they created rules – which seemed easy enough.
First rule, no sex. This was a bummer, but there was no way they were cheating on each other, even if the wedding was fake.
Second, they had to visit each other more, which was no sweat off their backs.
Third, they couldn’t tell anyone. This was mainly because it was only ninety-days, why get anyone else involved?
Fourth was more because of the court order, but they had to take pictures of them together. This way, they could show the judge they tried, but it didn’t work.
Lastly, the most important role, was no falling for each other.
Samantha moved over to him and poked his shoulder in anger. “Now isn’t the time to admire the city. You ended a party where people, including me, were having fun. Then you decide to kiss the hell out of me like I was all you wanted. And now you pull back and tell me not to look at you like that. Do tell, how am I looking at you?”
Nate, being four inches taller, stared down at her. “Like you want something that’ll ruin everything.”
“Didn’t you kiss me?”
“We were playing the game.”
This made her laugh—and not the good kind. It was almost manic, like she couldn’t believe this was actually happening. What a lame excuse, blaming their chemistry on a game. “Are you serious?”
“As serious as our signed contract,” he said, a touch of bitterness in his tone.
She flipped her hair over her shoulder before putting her hands on her hips. “Don’t you dare act like this is my fault. Our sham of a marriage wasn’t something I forced on you. It wasn’t like I woke up in a committed relationship and celebrated the news. We’re in the same boat here.”
He huffed. “I know it’s not your fault we’re married.”
“Wow, you sound so sincere.” Her voice oozed sarcasm.
“It isn’t either of our faults,” he conceded. “But it was stupid for us to kiss for no reason. We need to follow the rules. I’m going to hold up my end of the bullshit bargain.”
If kissing her senseless was part of holding up his end of the bargain, she wasn’t sure she’d survive anymore of their marriage. Her lips were bruised at the way he’d devoured her. Her pulse was still racing over the excitement of feeling his hands on her.
*****
Author Info:
Erin Lynne is a romantic comedy writer who lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and kiddos. When she is not chasing after her boys, you can find her writing. She loves going on adventures with her family (theme park junkie), drinking champagne, and reading.
Join her on Facebook at Erin Lynne Romance Lovers and follow her at http://www.erin-lynne.com for updates on releases, thoughts to make you smile, and to sign-up for her newsletter.
Life is good. I have a plush job, supportive friends, and a close-knit family. When the new hottie at the office asks me out on a date, I think I just won the jackpot.
Until movie night with the girls leads me down a dark rabbit hole. Who is he? An innocent Google search about a handsome actor has my imagination spinning. Now I’m drowning, and I don’t want salvation. I want him.
But I already have the perfect man. This obsession might just ruin my life.
“Hot! Hot! Hot!” I juggle the hot cookie sheet between my mitt-covered hands. I seem to forget to buy new ones until I pull something from the oven and the heat seeps through the thinning fabric. Once the tray is safely on the stovetop, I pull off the offending mitts and set them aside. The sweet aroma of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies fills the apartment.
Where are they? I pick up my phone and check to see if I missed a message from the girls. Nothing. Only five after six. They should be here any minute.
My fingers hover over the messages button. Shaun’s name on the screen hypnotizes me and in a flash, I’m back in the pizzeria, just the two of us. I want to send him a message, so he knows I’m thinking about him. But maybe that’s too weird. I mean, we only met this week, and already it feels like whatever sparked between us the other night is barreling toward a raging inferno at critical speed. I shake my head and set the phone aside. No. I’ll wait for him to text me.
I mean he spoke to me at work yesterday, so there’s something there, right? Before the seeds of doubt can burrow into my soft, anxious brain, the doorbell rings.
Pushing thoughts of Shaun aside, I rush to open the door.
Lily and Maggie’s grinning faces greet me.
“I thought you forgot about me.” I pout and step aside.
They push past me and drop their bags on the table.
“Oh honey, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Lily turns with a cherry-lipped smirk. “You refused to dish on your impromptu dinner the other night.” She winks. “Was it the new guy?”
My face warms. Betrayed by my own body. I sidestep into the kitchen to get plates out of the cabinet. “His name is Shaun.”
“I knew it!” She bounces up and down. Today she’s sporting a cute pair of navy trousers and a warm, deep red cable knit sweater. Vintage, all of it, I’d put money on it. This girl and her classy style put us all to shame. “So,” she pushes, practically salivating, “What’s the deal? You two hook up?”
I avoid eye contact and set the plates down.
When my back is turned, Maggie chimes in. “Wait! Hold the phone. Who’s Shaun?”
Lily’s animated chatter sparks to life. “He’s the new Head of Marketing and a stone-cold fox. Oh my god. Seriously. So hot.”
Maggie’s expression vacillates between surprise and hurt. “Why am I only hearing about this now?”
“Jen’s holding out on us.” Lily pouts playfully and opens the Chinese food container with those perfectly manicured hands.
Maggie grabs a plate, but her gaze remains fixed on me while Lily starts doling out servings. Her piercing stare could level a grown-ass man. I wonder if she ever uses this glare on her bosses at Solus? She’s talked about her single bosses, Mr. Ben Statler and Mr. Evan Waldorf, but neither Lily nor I had the pleasure to meet them in person. But we knew all about their reputations as Mr. Grump and Mr. Sunshine thanks to Maggie. Judging from the pictures on their website, they fit those monikers perfectly as well.
We often tease her about snatching one of them up to which we’re immediately interrupted with an ever-growing laundry list of reasons why neither man is worth her time. For a personal assistant in a multi-million-dollar company, diminutive Maggie packs a mean punch with her purple and teal highlights and don’t-bullshit-me attitude. Most people find her cute and often make the mistake of treating her like one would an unruly child or rebellious teenager. That’s their first mistake. Now she turns her intense stare on me.
I exhale in defeat knowing I will get no peace until their curiosity is sated with every juicy detail. “Fine.”
We load our plates with our favorite assortment of foods and retreat to the small living room. I take the oversized chair while Lily and Maggie sit on the narrow couch. Between bites, I tell them everything from the moment Shaun collided with me in the hallway to his friendly greeting yesterday morning in the break room.
Their rapt attention is punctuated with random questions. At this point, I can’t tell whether they’re impressed or concerned by the speed at which this whole relationship is hurtling like a bullet train into the great unknown.
“When was the last time you heard from him?” Lily sets her plate on the coffee table, picks up an empty glass, and pours the wine I put on the table in preparation for movie night.
“Yesterday at work.” I ignore the urge to pull out my phone and skim through the messages again. “Should I text him?”
“Yes,” Lily responds just as Maggie says the opposite.
“No,” Maggie repeats. “Don’t push it. Let it play out.”
Lily looks torn. “I mean, it is moving fast but don’t be too distant. I know there are a lot of girls at the office who are dying to get their hooks into him.”
I groan at the uncertainty driving a wedge between my common sense and my desperation to make it work.
“Jen, you two will be banging by next weekend.” Maggie grins. “Then you’ll be all about Shaun and forget all about us.”
Lily nods, her curls bouncing and eyes wide.
“You know me. I would never put a guy ahead of my friends.” I smirk. “Even if he is handsome and charming.”
“I am glad you finally found someone worth investing time in.” Maggie pours herself a glass of wine. “Those last few were losers.”
I wave my hand as though trying to chase away any possibility of the horrific memories of the last handful of idiots I went out on dates with. “Can we not talk about it? You promised you wouldn’t bring up my shame.” I pour myself a glass. “Besides, your track record isn’t the best either there, honey.”
Maggie shrugs. “I’ve given up all hope of finding someone worthwhile.”
“It’ll hit you one day when you’re not expecting it.” Lily nods sagely.
“Don’t jinx yourself, Lily.” I chuckle.
She sighs wistfully. “Someday my prince will come.”
“Dude, you sound like a fairy tale princess, knock it off.” Maggie jabs her with an elbow nearly spilling Lily’s wine.
Lily sticks out her tongue, which Maggie mimics.
“Okay, children, can we watch our movie now?” I grab the remote on the stand and turn the power on.
“Yes, please.” Lily claps and pulls a blanket across her lap.
Maggie leans back and sips her wine. “Proceed.”
I turn on Prime and find the movie we agreed upon. Source of Destiny. A newish science fiction spin on the superhero genre one of my other coworkers, Mike from supply, recommended a few weeks ago when he overheard me and Lily talking about movie night. Once I find it, I hit play and settle back in my oversized comfy chair.
Movie night with the girls is my favorite night of the week. It’s relaxed and comfortable. Yeah, we banter and argue about stupid shit while drinking wine and watching ridiculous movies. Sometimes we even get in debates about how hot an actor is or how idiotic a plot turns out to be. But that’s half the fun of it. Nothing’s too serious and in the end, we’re just friends spending time together and having a blast.
“What’s this about again?” Maggie wrinkles her nose as the movie starts dark and ominous.
“It’s a superhero flick set in space.” Lily’s voice cuts through the increasing tempo of the music.
“Who’s in it?” Maggie asks.
“I have no idea.” I shake my head.
“Looks like a B-rated space opera.” Maggie giggles.
“Shhh.” Lily jabs her with a finger.
Twenty minutes into the film, and we’re all sucked into the action. Then it happens.
The villain reveals himself, and suddenly I can’t think of anything but how sexy he is. I shift in my seat and my body warms at the deceptively seductive monologue surrounding me. His dark charm. A sinful voice. It burrows beneath my skin. How is any of this logical? Getting all worked up over a fictional character.
I shove it aside and focus on the story. But as the film continues, I find myself cheering for the villain. He’s tortured and brooding…which does not make him a suitable candidate for a relationship, I remind myself.
The rest of the film passes in a blur of action and cathartic release. There’s obviously room for expansion with more films. I’m curious to see if there are more with the villain since he wasn’t defeated in this one.
“Well, that was interesting.” Maggie stands and carries dishes into the kitchen.
“How exciting!” Lily takes the empty wine bottle and puts it in the recycling can. “I wonder if they made a sequel.”
“Look it up.” Maggie’s voice carries over the sound of running water. She washes the dishes as I put away the leftovers.
“I’ll check it later.” I place the containers in the refrigerator.
We make quick work of cleaning up. Maggie and Lily grab their coats.
“Thanks for coming over, guys.” I open the door for them.
“Of course.” Lily hugs me. “See you on Monday.”
“Unless I don’t survive dinner with my family.”
“Oh, I forgot about that. Your place tomorrow, isn’t it?” Maggie wraps a scarf around her neck.
“Yeah.” I shrug. “It’ll be okay, as long as Mom doesn’t freak about the mashed potatoes and Dad doesn’t remind me for the twentieth time to install a security camera outside the door.”
“Awww, he’s just worried about you.” Lily grins.
“Your parents are being little shits,” Maggie adds with a wink. “Tell them to get over it. They’re in your house now.”
I shake my head. “Do you two want to run interference tomorrow for me then?”
Both girls shake their heads vehemently.
“I didn’t think so.” I laugh. “Good night.”
“Night.” Lily bounds down the stairs.
“Later, doll.” Maggie follows suit.
Once the door is locked, I grab my phone. No new messages. Damn. He’s probably busy getting settled in. I head for the bathroom and flip on the shower.
After a warm, aromatic soak, I curl up under the covers and open the internet browser on my phone. In the search engine, I type the name of the movie and add villain to the end of the proffered search. Enter.
In a flash of pixels, I’m sucked into his world and I want to know everything about him. I scan through the articles and see the character’s name, Captain Korbin Ransom.
I click on the IMDb listing, curiosity coursing through my every fiber, and find the actor’s name.
Nicholas Hughes.
Down the rabbit hole I tumble.
*****
Author Info:
Kirsten S. Blacketer is a multi-published indie author of both steamy historical and contemporary romance. When she’s not writing, she homeschools her two children and enjoys time with her family. In those moments of freedom, she devours romance novels while sipping a glass of wine. Age has only shown her that writing villains can be just as fun as heroes. Her next life goals are to write a New York Times Bestseller and one day have Adam Driver play a starring role in a film version of one of her books. A girl can dream, right?
Tragic stories are common in the ER but nurse Dani takes the blame for a toddler patient’s death personally, confirming her abusive father’s belief that she is inept. To prove her competency and redeem herself of overwhelming guilt, she volunteers for a humanitarian mission trip to Tanzania where she can focus on doing good.
Prior to leaving she meets the love of her life, Noah, who says he will wait for her. However, her mission partner/physician, Carter, is a surfer poster boy who has a thing for Dani. Noah’s gut tells him something about the picture-perfect doctor is off but the expedition goes on.
Weeks into her trip the mission is savagely attacked by rebels and Dani is a microsecond too late to prevent her coworker from a devastating injury but saves him from certain death…for now. More rebels are on their way and Dani escapes into the jungle with four lives who are now solely dependent on her for their very survival. The ultimate test of her competency has begun. Was the strike on the mission random or was she an unsuspecting dupe in a smuggling deal gone bad?
I have nothing left, I can’t go on. Her spirit was finally failing her. She had given it her all. “What now?” she cried out loud. She could feel hysteria closing in.
She had failed them, failed all of them and they would die just like Anna did. It was all up to her and she had let them down. They trusted her, just like Sarah did. Blackness started to encroach and this time she could not escape its mandatory invitation. Though the eternal darkness scared her, she welcomed the finality, the escape from her misery that it provided. She was ready to let go.
Saka’s voice beckoned her back as a small hand tugged at her shoulder. “No, no, no.” Over and over again was all she could say. She had no more in her. The thought that this was all for nothing was more than her spirit could bear. The child’s hand shook her a little harder pulling her back from her descent into nothingness.
“Miss Dani, look. Look.” Her head, weighted with the suffering of the last few days, was so heavy that Dani had to concentrate on lifting it to see Saka’s face. Eyes wide and questioning, he pointed and Dani’s eyes followed his finger as she raised her head. Through her tears of despair, she detected motion and wearily stood up as she reached for the gun on her waist. All her energy was directed at focusing her vision to identify the movement ahead. Using the back of her hand she wiped the wetness from her eyes.
Figures, men in the distance were staring in their direction, but not approaching. People. Her spirits soared, but then caution reeled her in. Are they rebels? Some of them were dressed in fatigues.Had they figured out the path she had chosen and waited to meet up with them here? She placed her hand on the pistol in her waistband; she could not afford to take chances. Backing up, she reached into the rickshaw for the AK-47 without taking her eyes off the approaching men. Slowly she lifted the lethal weapon firmly into both of her hands and stood in front of the stretcher and the children. Unlocking the safety, she positioned herself for the worst, she would not go down without a fight. Her finger closed in on the trigger.
“Kids, get behind me. Stay back.”
The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end as her eyes tracked the movement of the looming men and her arm muscles tightened. The heavy metal in her arms offered security, but she knew it would only be temporary. For several minutes she observed them as they started toward her. The closer they came, the more her fingers on the gun grew restless. Warily she watched them approach, her mind racing for options. Only moments ago she was ready to give up, but now she had to protect her helpless brood.
*****
Author Info:
The summer after high school graduation, Roni worked two jobs to pay for nursing school. During the midnight shift as a waitress, a charismatic young man at the counter flirted with her for hours as he consumed seven cups of coffee. Their first date was eventful enough to be a book itself! Forty years and two kids later, the love story continues. Just like her novels, life can’t be too simple, and you must make it an adventurous ride!
Her favorite place to write is in her hammock at their small Michigan cottage where she literally dodges the feeding hummingbirds while being serenaded by the lake’s loons. Besides writing, she loves hiking, biking, and antiquing. The pandemic has taught her to savor time with family and dear friends. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
A personal note from Roni – I love stories about average, everyday women who, when put to the test, kick ass! Tales of personal growth, whether it be physical, mental or emotional, are my passion. I love to read and write about your ordinary Jane (or Joe) who has the courage to stand up when it really counts. Hidden strength and integrity, rises from within to stand tall, correct injustices and protect others. What an inspiration! If ever put to the test, I hope I have what it takes.
“All the best heroes are ordinary people who make themselves extraordinary.” -Gerald Way
Romantic Reads and Such 