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SERENDIPITY’S FINEST REISSUES!

LOOK WHAT’S COMING!

Welcome back to Serendipity, where fate, fortune, and love are destined to meet.

My follow-up to Serendipity … Serendipity’s Finest is a previously published, small-town series where three siblings struggle to live up to the reputation of their respected police chief father, and uncover family secrets and find love along the way. 3 full length novels and a novella coming soon!Guess what’s coming?Welcome back to Serendipity, where fate, fortune, and love are destined to meet.

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PREORDER NOW:Serendipity’s Finest

RELEASE DATES

PERFECT FIT – 8/4
PERFECT FLING – 9/8
PERFECT TOGETHER – 9.29
PERFECT STRANGERS – 10/13

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Starting with … PERFECT FIT 

She’s a small town girl.
He’s got a restless spirit.
Can their hearts bridge the gap?

Michael Marsden’s adoptive parents gave him a family, but Serendipity never felt like home so he fled to Manhattan, where he’s an undercover cop with a reputation for skating the rules. But when his police chief father steps down to fight a serious illness, Mike returns home to fill his dad’s by-the-book shoes.

Serendipity hasn’t changed much but there’s one familiar face from the past that he never expected to see—Officer Cara Hartley. She’s the only woman that ever made him consider giving up his lone wolf ways.

Cara is determined to keep a professional distance from her new boss, the one night stand she never forgot. But hearing Mike’s deep, sexy voice ignites memories of how he set her body on fire. It isn’t long before their red-hot chemistry tempts them to cross a dangerous line both personally and professionally, leaving Cara hoping for a future where she can have it all.

But when Mike’s long-absent biological father returns, the fragile bonds that could have kept him in Serendipity threaten to snap. And Mike must face his past if he and Cara are to have any kind of future.

Will Mike realize he fits perfectly in Serendipity, with Cara, or will he choose to walk away?

Note: You wanted more Serendipity? NYT bestselling author Carly Phillips delivers! Welcome to “Serendipity’s Finest”, a spinoff series featuring three siblings navigating careers and love in the shadow of their beloved police chief father, mom’s Sunday pot roasts, and a small town they’ll never quite manage to leave behind.

*Modernized and re-edited!

PREORDER NOW:Serendipity’s Finest

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The Carly Phillips Bookstore is live!

Why buy from the store?20% off everything during launch month! (Ltd Time)eBooks – original couples & exclusive coverspaperbacks – original couples & exclusive coversmulti-book ebook box sets (now exclusive to the store only)signed books (stamped options for both eBooks & paperback)exclusive print editions of the short stories you’ve been asking for!option to add a stamped signature: “Happy Reading! xo Carly Phillips” on both ebook and printCome check it out today!Carly Phillips Bookstore

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KOBO ~ KINGSTON GIVEAWAY!

I have an amazing SURPRISE GIVEAWAY for you this week:

A KOBO Clara 2E eReader
&
8 KINGSTON FAMILY eBooks on Kobo.

Enter Here

 Good luck and happy reading!

xo Carly

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Just One Fling is finally here!

Winter has a secret and it’s not just that she’s pregnant with the billionaire bad boy’s baby! Read to find out what!

What Reviewers Are Saying:5 star rating5 star rating5 star rating5 star rating5 star ratingCarly Phillips has done it again, she made me fall in love with these characters, and I did not want to let them go. Winter and Harrison are a match made in heaven! daisynijs85, Bookbub 5 star rating5 star rating5 star rating5 star rating5 star ratingThose Dare men never seem to disappoint! I also really enjoyed the suspense aspect of the story and the twists and secrets that came out! There was never a dull moment! Judging from the epilogue, Zach’s story is going to be a doozy, and I cannot wait for it!!JenJenBookFan

 Take care and happy reading!

xo Carly

Book InfoOrder now:AmazonApple BooksNookKoboGoogle PlayAmazon PrintB&N PrintAudiobook: Coming June 13th!

Narrated by Jason Clarke and Samantha Cook

Amazon AudioAudible

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Just One Fling: Sneak Peek!

Harrison Dare stepped into the ballroom at the Meridian NYC Hotel which was heavily decorated for Halloween. He scanned the room, telling himself he was admiring the décor and not looking for the elusive woman he couldn’t get out of his head.

Winter Capwell, a brilliant reporter, and a sexy siren in one delectable package. They’d met at his company’s Hampton offices this past summer for an in-depth interview with the K-Talent Productions team. The sparks had been immediate and hot.

He hadn’t felt that kind of connection with anyone before. Not even with Sharon McNally, his one-time girlfriend, a woman with whom he thought he’d had a future. Instead she’d used him for his Hollywood connections, betrayed him, and taught him the value of no emotional entanglements.

He shook off those memories and returned to thinking about Winter. They’d tried to keep things professional but their chemistry had been too strong to ignore. Add in the fact that she’d asked him many personal questions, and since they’d spent so much time together, in bed and out, a part of him felt like he’d revealed things to Winter, the woman, not the reporter.

He knew better, of course, and had kept his head when answering, giving her the practiced answers necessary to keep his privacy.

For a man who liked no strings, Winter had seemed like the ideal woman. She hadn’t been interested in a relationship any more than he had and they’d agreed to a casual relationship while she was in the Hamptons interviewing his team this past summer.

It was perfect.

She was perfect.

A hookup that was nothing more than a warm body in his bed. He told himself she would satisfy a need, the same as any other female he’d been involved with in the past. Except Winter had quickly become more, and Harrison didn’t know what to make of that.

True, his siblings were settling down, all but Zach, but Harrison had ruled out marriage and kids for himself. Any thoughts of having his own family had been derailed by the girlfriend he’d hoped to propose to. Sharon had no problems with the notion of using the casting couch to secure better roles despite having a serious boyfriend at the time.

Winter had come into his life and she’d been an unexpected treat but he’d kept to the plan and their time together came to an end when the interview had. These days, Harrison’s production work kept him busy as did his large family, most of whom would be here tonight.

With a groan, he looked around the room. Since Winter was nowhere to be found, he focused on the event itself. The Kingston and Dare families used any excuse to raise money for charity and tonight was no exception. The funds donated would go to Future Fast Track for foster children, the charity Aurora, married to Harrison’s brother, Nick, had founded to help kids about to age out of foster care.

The event was full, the entry fee and plate cost were high, and the décor was elaborate thanks to Harrison’s sister, Jade, the event coordinator for the Dare family Meridian hotels. Keeping with a spooky theme, onyx and purple linens covered the tables. The centerpieces consisted of black pumpkins and white skeleton heads surrounded by long twigs, purple feathers, and similar-hued flowers. His sister had outdone herself tonight.

“What’s got you looking like a proud papa?” Dash Kingston, lead singer of the band, The Original Kings, strode up to him, holding one-year-old son, Freddie in his arms.

“Proud brother. I was just admiring Jade’s talent,” Harrison said, adjusting his bowtie. No matter how many parties and award shows he attended, he still hated the feeling of being strangled by the damn thing.

“You’re looking uncomfortable,” Dash said with a smirk. “Who are you supposed to be or is that penguin suit just a way to avoid putting on a costume?”

“Bond. James Bond,” Harrison said in a practiced British accent. He let his gaze skirt over the other man’s jeans and Original Kings band t-shirt. “What about you?”

“I’m Dash Kingston, rock star,” Dash laughed, knowing he was bending the rules by going as himself, and clearly not giving a damn. His sister, Aurora, wouldn’t give him too much of a hard time. “And this is Freddie Mercury. Give the crowd a wave,” he said to his son.

The little boy with his mother’s green eyes, his father’s dark hair, and famous dimple in one cheek waved a chubby hand.  He gripped a blow-up guitar in the other and kept knocking Dash in the head with it.

“Good job!” Dash grinned indulgently at the young toddler. “Freddie pulled off his mustache, earlier. Didn’t you, little man?”

Harrison shook his head and laughed. “Freddie’s the greatest rock star ever,” he told the boy, a deliberate dig at Dash, both because his son wouldn’t understand and that’s how his and Dash’s friendship rolled.

Dash frowned at Harrison and moved the guitar that had bopped him in the nose. “Let’s go find your mom.” He leaned in so Freddie couldn’t hear. “Cassidy’s dressed as Madonna’s character from some 80’s movie. She’s hot.” He chuckled and moved the guitar away from his face again. “Talk to you later, Bond.”

The boy banged his plastic instrument against his dad’s head as they strode away.

“He’s a good father,” Asher’s familiar voice said, his brother sneaking up beside him.

“He is.” Harrison turned to his oldest sibling, who wore a pair of Levi’s and a black mock turtleneck.

Knowing his Asher was the most serious of them all and the least likely to dress up, Harrison took an educated guess at his costume. “Steve Jobs?”

Asher nodded.

Their family had agreed to surprise each other tonight and no one knew what anyone else was wearing. Since Jobs, Apple’s co-founder, was known for sporting that same outfit day in and day out, it wasn’t a hard guess. The Apple CEO had once been quoted as saying he owned over one hundred Issey Miyake black turtlenecks.

Asher gave Harrison a once over. “Bond?” he guessed.

Harrison grinned. “Who else?” Knowing Asher wouldn’t be here alone, Harrison glanced over his brother’s shoulder in search of his fiancée and hopefully her side-kick.

“Winter and Nikki stopped at the restroom. They’ll be here in a few minutes,” Asher said.

Harrison opened his mouth to protest but Asher shook his head. “Don’t bother. We both know you’re looking for Winter.”

Caught, Harrison clamped his mouth shut.

“She came by tonight so the women could help each other with their costumes,” Asher said.

“Of course.” The women weren’t just, as close as sisters, Harrison thought. They were sisters. And the news had been the secret that had been eating away at Winter during Asher and Nikki’s engagement party over Labor Day weekend.

When Winter finally admitted her relationship to the Bettencourts, Harrison had understood why Winter had been so preoccupied that night. Why she’d had too much to drink and no doubt why she’d ended up in Harrison’s bed again. After they’d agreed the end was… the end.

“There they are.” Asher raised a hand, capturing his fiance’s attention.

Nikki waved back but Harrison only had eyes for Winter, entranced by her beauty. A little black dress hugged her curves while black heels accentuated her long legs. Legs he’d had wrapped around his waist and wanted there again.

He bit back a groan, staring instead at her beautiful features, her eyes covered by dark-tinted, black-framed sunglasses. Her dark, shoulder-length hair was pulled back with a comb on one side, revealing a multi-strand pearl necklace with a diamond brooch against her soft skin.

Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s reincarnated.

He drew in a sharp breath, causing Asher to chuckle.

“Fuck you,” Harrison muttered, sliding his gaze to Nikki. It was safer to look at his brother’s fiancé. It would give his sudden hard-on a chance to subside before the women crossed the room.

The sisters had obviously planned to coordinate because Nikki was also dressed as Holly Golightly from the movie but unlike Winter’s dressy outfit, Nikki opted for the bedroom scene costume. She wore a sleepshirt on top, tasseled earrings, and an eye mask pushed up on her forehead. On her feet, she’d slipped on pink, fuzzy bedroom slippers.

No doubt Asher would be escorting her home to remove that nightshirt as soon as they could politely escape. Considering Harrison wanted to do the same to Winter, his guess was beyond an educated one.

The women made their way across the increasingly crowded ballroom and walked up to them. Nikki slid into Asher’s waiting arms, snuggling against her fiancé.

Facing Harrison, she grinned up at him. “Hi, Harrison.”

He kissed her cheek before turning to … “Winter.” He smiled, his gaze lingering on hers as he did his best not to ogle her sensual curves.

“Harrison.” She looked him over, her emerald gaze darkening, telling him he wasn’t the only one affected. “Are you going to a premiere afterward or is this your costume?” she asked in a husky voice.

He gave her a mock bow. “James Bond at your service.”

She let out a laugh. “Oh, I love that.”

He did his best not to preen under her admiration. “You two ladies look gorgeous.” But his pulse only ran fast for one of them.

Nikki laughed. “It’s fun. I’m not surprised you know who we are, being an actor and all.”

He inclined his head. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic.”

“But not everyone knows the movie by name. I’ve been asked a few times already,” Nikki said.

A few seconds of silence followed, during which Nikki’s gaze shot from her sister to Harrison.

“Asher, would you come with me to get a drink?” she not so subtly asked her fiancé.

“Of course. Anyone else want something?” Asher asked.

“I’d love a club soda, if you don’t mind?” Winter’s hand went to her stomach and Nikki’s expression turned to one of concern.

Harrison narrowed his gaze, also worried. “Are you okay?”

“I didn’t eat much today. I’m just a little lightheaded.

“Still?” Nikki’s lips turned downward in a frown. “Okay well, we can grab you some appetizers, too. They might help. Be right back.” Nikki and Asher walked towards the bar across the room and Harrison decided to use the time alone with Winter.

“Is that all that’s wrong? Lack of food?” He’d hate it if she was sick.

She nodded. “I think so. That and stress,” she admitted.

Given her life lately, he understood. “How have you been, really?”

She drew in a deep breath and exhaled, then propped her sunglasses on top of her head.

Harrison studied her more closely, seeing now that her porcelain skin was pale.

She blinked as her eyes adjusted to the lack of dark lenses. “That’s so much better than staring into darkness.” She tipped her head towards an empty corner of the room. “Let’s move over there to talk.”

Understanding she wanted privacy for this conversation, he grasped her elbow and led her to where she’d indicated.

“Anyway,” she said, once no one was walking past them. “I’m okay. It helped that the DNA test came back quickly, and Nikki and Derek were understanding.” She pulled her lower lip between her teeth and he withheld a groan, wanting to taste those plump lips himself.

“I’m glad they took it well,” he said.

She nodded. “They did. Mostly. Derek was upset I didn’t come clean as soon as I grew closer with Nikki but I’m learning he’s protective of his sister.” She stepped back and leaned against the wall.

“Understandable.” Nikki had been through a lot and that was before the sister-revelation.

“But they both get why I waited. I was looking out for Nikki. First the scandal, then the engagement. It never seemed like the right time. And I didn’t want to burst her bubble with life-altering news.”

The reminder of the engagement party had her blushing because that was when they’d indulged in a repeat of the summer. Something he couldn’t regret and he hoped she didn’t either.

He and Winter hadn’t spoken for a couple of weeks but the minute she’d walked into the room, he’d sensed something was bothering her. Knowing how independent and capable she usually was, he’d sensed a vulnerability underneath that typically strong journalistic exterior.

He’d asked her what was bothering her but she hadn’t been in a talking mood. He’d volunteered his Hamptons home for the party and they’d wound up naked in his bed. He’d intended to find out what was wrong in the morning, but when he’d woken up, Winter was gone.

Harrison had taken the hint and left her alone. Until the bombshell news broke.

 She drew a deep breath and let it out again. “I’m just grateful I have family now.”

Her soft smile did something weird to his insides. Jesus. She got to him on so many levels, Harrison thought. Sex was easy. Emotions … just fucking weren’t. He’d shut his down after Sharon had hurt him but Winter had dug in deep. Though he’d tried to get her out of his head, hitting the bar his brother, Zach, owned and going out with the guys in search of fun and women like he had in the past, his dick hadn’t been interested.

Because other women weren’t Winter.

“I’m happy for you,” he said. Coming from a large family – four adult siblings from his father and mother, and another four with his father and Serenity, his former nanny, he knew the importance of having people in his corner.

He hadn’t appreciated what he had when he was younger. After he’d graduated high school and before leaving for college, he’d been discovered by a talent agent while hanging out on a movie set courtesy of a friend’s father. Going across the country had appealed to him because home was chaotic. He had four young siblings and he needed space and quiet to figure out who he wanted to be. He wasn’t shallow but the Hollywood lights had beckoned. He’d loved the life… until it grew old and he missed his family.

“Thanks.” Winter smiled but she appeared tired. There were dark circles she’d tried to hide under her eyes and it was obvious the wall held her up. He hoped Nikki and Asher returned quickly with food.

“What about the senator?” he asked, keeping the conversation flowing. “Have you heard from him since you told him who you were?”

She winced. “And trashed his marriage and chances for the presidency?”

Harrison touched Winter’s shoulder, offering comfort. “You didn’t cause any of that. He had the affair and his wife did the rest. You just told your truth.”

She nodded. “I appreciate you thinking that way. And Harrison, thank you for checking in… you know, after it all happened.”

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.” In fact, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her and wondering how she was holding up under the strain.

“We’re back!” Nikki and Asher strode up to them. Nikki had appetizer plates in her hands while Asher held the drinks.

“Oh, good. Winter, here.” Nikki held out a plate to her sister. “This is tea-smoked duck, whatever that is.”

Winter’s eyes opened wide and she shook her head. “No thanks.” Her pale face turned even whiter. “I’m really not feeling well. I need to go home.”

“I can take so you two can stay,” Harrison offered, placing a hand under her elbow for support.

“No. I –“

“I’ll go.” Nikki cut Harrison off. “Nobody wants to get sick with anyone but family or a good friend around.”

Harrison tried not to be offended by the comment, knowing what Nikki meant.

“We’ll take her,” Asher said. “My driver is waiting.”

“No!” This time, Nikki’s voice rose. “You stay. Your family is here. Let me handle it.” She patted Asher’s shoulder and turned to her sister. “Come on. I’ll get you home, make you toast and jelly …” Her voice trailed off as she led Winter away.

Concern filled Harrison as he watched them walk off. He glanced at his brother. “What the hell was that about?” he asked.

Asher lifted his shoulders, looking as confused as Harrison felt. Nikki had seemed determined to get her sister out of the room.

“Women,” Asher muttered and Harrison agreed.

#

Winter had taken one look at the duck, smelled the hors d’oeuvre, and needed to get away. She rushed to the Ladies’ Room, Nikki right behind her. Thank goodness the outer area was empty. At the sink, she turned on the cold tap and placed her wrists beneath the running water. The cold sweat and nausea began to pass.

“Are you okay?” Nikki put a gentle hand on Winter’s back.

“Yes. Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just needed some air.” She shut the faucet and picked up the hotel monogrammed paper towel and dried her hands, tossing it in the trash.

Turning, she faced her sister.

“Are you sick?” Nikki asked.

“I don’t think so.” Winter hadn’t lied to Harrison when she’d told him the same thing. “I didn’t eat a lot today and I skipped lunch. And the food we nibbled on while dressing didn’t do much to fill me up. That’s all.”

“Really.” Nikki studied her, hands on her hips. “Then what was your excuse the other morning when you bailed on our coffee date because you were exhausted and not feeling well?”

“I –“

“Was exhausted and not feeling well,” Nikki finished for her.

Winter lifted her shoulders in a half-hearted shrug. “I didn’t realize it was becoming… a thing.”

Nikki patted the lounge chair beside the one she’d settled into and Winter sat down. “Maybe you need to go for blood tests? See if anything is going on? You’re nauseous, tired…”

Hearing the list, Winter nodded. She’d been busy finishing writing and turning in an article that was due and stressing about the upheaval she’d caused the man who was her father, not to mention worried about Nikki and Derek despite their assurances they were fine.

Winter hadn’t had much time to think about herself or how she was feeling. Now that she gave her issues serious consideration, she realized there were other symptoms.

“What is it?” Nikki asked into the silence.

Winter swallowed hard. “Well, I’ve gained some weight because this little black dress is a lot tighter than I remember,” she said, wishing she could loosen the material. “And my boobs hurt,” she admitted.

“Holy shit! Winter, could you be pregnant?”

She sat up straight and stared at her new sister, suddenly aware the symptoms she was experiencing could point in that direction. “I … I’m on the pill.” She rubbed her suddenly throbbing temple. “But I had strep before your engagement party and was on an antibiotic the week prior.” She thought back and tried to remember. “I think I was still taking it the night of the party… and I slept with Harrison but we used protection. I know we did.”

“You drank. A lot. Are you sure?”

She nodded. “But if the pill was ineffective because of the antibiotic and condoms aren’t one hundred percent. Oh God,” she moaned.

She peeked through her hands as she faced her half-sister, who at twenty-one-years-old, was more perceptive than Winter was at twenty-four. “I wasn’t just busy with work and my crazy exploding life, I was in deep denial.” She began to breathe too rapidly, the all too likely possibility settling in.

“Okay so forgive me but I have to ask. If you are pregnant, are you sure it’s Harrison’s?” Nikki’s squinted eyes and apologetic expression said it all.

Winter nodded. “There’s been nobody since … I can’t even remember right now. Definitely, before I ever met Harrison.” Which made her moan again because her potential baby daddy? He didn’t want kids at all.

She’d asked that very question during their interview session where she’d channeled her inner Barbara Walters in asking uncomfortable questions her audience would want to know the answers to.

“What do you see in your future? You come from an extremely large family. Is that what you want, too? Lots of kids?” Winter had asked.

He’d laughed, showing off those sexy dimples. “Oh, hell, no. I have four adult siblings and four younger ones. I grew up in a loud, busy house. I’ll take my single life of peace and quiet, thank you.”

She swallowed over the bile threatening to rise in her throat.

“Come on.” Nikki stood, grasped Winter’s hand and pulled her to her feet.

“Where are we going?”

“To your place but we’re stopping at a drug store and buying a few home pregnancy tests, first.”

At the same moment, the bathroom door opened and a group of women walked in, laughing and talking loudly. Any further personal conversation would have to wait.

“I can do it all myself,” Winter told Nikki. “No need for you to miss the party. You’re all dressed up and everything.”

Nikki rolled her eyes. “I know you’re accustomed to doing things alone, but get used to me being around. I wouldn’t leave you now if you paid me to go.”

Winter managed a smile and gratitude filled her. The last thing she wanted was to find out whether or not she was pregnant by herself. She just wouldn’t have thought to ask her new sister to stay.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

There was a chance she wasn’t pregnant… The stress surrounding her was real. She had her biological father trying to talk to her and the press attempting to interview the former senator’s illegitimate daughter. If it turned out Winter was carrying Hollywood’s Hottest Playboy’s baby, there would be no place for her to hide.

Book InfoPreorder now:AmazonApple BooksNookKoboGoogle PlayAmazon PrintAudiobook:

Narrated by Jason Clarke and Samantha Cook

Amazon AudioAudible

The post Just One Fling: Sneak Peek! appeared first on Carly Phillips.

Just One Fling – Chapter One

Winter Capwell stepped into the penthouse, where she was meeting with Nikki and Derek Bettencourt, her heart pounding hard in her chest. She was about to reveal a secret she’d been keeping since she moved into Nikki’s building. Now it was time to come clean, and Winter was nervous as hell.

Asher Dare, Nikki’s fiancé, opened the door to the apartment he and Nikki shared, but Winter’s gaze went directly to the siblings waiting for her. Nikki, with her long, dark hair, and Derek, his hair a touch lighter, shared similar facial features. Including the green eyes that met Winter’s gaze, a hue so like her own.

“Hi, Winter. What’s going on?” Confusion etched Nikki’s face, along with concern.

Winter didn’t blame her. She and Nikki had spent a lot of time together after the former model had returned from Asher’s Eleuthera home, where she’d stayed after a devastating scandal. That had been where a twenty-one-year-old Nikki had coupled with Asher, the billionaire owner of Dirty Dare Spirits and the Meridian Hotels. But in all their time walking Winter and Nikki’s dogs, meeting for coffee, and getting to know each other, Winter had never hinted at hiding a secret. One that included Nikki and her brother, Derek.

Before Winter could answer, Asher spoke. “Winter asked to talk to you both privately, so I’m going to leave you alone. I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

“No, stay,” Winter said. If she’d learned anything about Nikki, the younger woman could handle Winter’s news but would want all the support she could get to process the information.

Nikki looked from her fiancé to her brother, who shrugged, obviously as lost as she was.

But Asher cut Winter a look that warned her if she hurt his fiancée, she’d answer to him. Nothing surprising there. It didn’t matter what Winter revealed, Asher would look out for Nikki, making it easy to see why she’d fallen for the brooding, protective man. Though Winter preferred his more light-hearted, sexy brother, Harrison. But now was not the time to think about her hot summer fling.

Asher rested his palm on Nikki’s back, and she leaned into him, proving Winter’s instinct correct in asking him not to leave.

“Let’s sit,” Asher suggested, for which Winter was grateful.

Her legs were trembling as much as her insides. He led them into the overly large family room, and they all chose their places, Asher and Nikki on one end of the soft, taupe-colored suede sofa, Derek in a black leather club chair.

Winter took the opposite end of the couch and tried to relax, but her leg bounced up and down, nerves consuming her.

“Okay, time to talk,” Derek said. “What’s happening here? Why did you need to see us?”

Nikki tilted her head. “Winter?” she asked, clearly wanting answers, too.

Winter swallowed hard and met their curious stares. “I wanted to tell you this a while ago, but first came your… scandal,” she said to Nikki, hating to bring up such a painful time. “And then the break with your parents. Then you and Asher got engaged, and I didn’t want to ruin your happiness. There was never a good time.”

Placing a hand over her stomach, Nikki drew a deep breath. “We’ve grown close, Winter. The fact that you’re a reporter made me uneasy at first, but you promised me you had no interest in me or my family as interview subjects.”

“And I don’t,” Winter rushed to reassure her. “But I do have another kind of interest.” She glanced down at her manicured nails, studying them instead of facing the duo just yet. “I’m just going to lay out the truth, but bear with me while I explain.” She rubbed her hands on her black leggings, gathering her courage. “Here goes. I moved into your building on purpose so I could meet and get to know you.”

“What the fuck?” Derek exploded, protective of his younger sister.

“You’d better keep going with the explanation,” Asher said, his jaw clenched tight, his hands clasped around Nikki’s.

God, Winter almost wished she had someone who cared enough to bolster her now. But that wasn’t the life she’d been given, and despite this news, it had been a good one so far. 

“I was raised by my mother. No father in the picture. My mom always told me she didn’t know who he was, and because we were such a tight unit, I let it go. Mom was independent, and I was okay not knowing. Then…” She pulled in a much-needed breath. “About a year ago, Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly before she died, she told me who my father was.”

It wasn’t easy to speak over the lump that rose in her throat whenever she talked or thought about her mother. They’d been so close, and the loss had been, and still was, devastating.

They sat in wary silence, waiting for Winter to continue.

So she did. “After the funeral, I was alone, and I couldn’t stop thinking about what my mother had told me. By then I was a reporter, and my desire to prove who my father was outweighed my mom’s wish for me to leave things alone. I started with one of those ancestry tests, just to see if it revealed anything. It came back, connecting me to…” She looked from Derek to Nikki. “Both of you.”

“Holy shit,” Asher muttered.

“I need to think,” Derek said, running an agitated hand through his hair.

Nikki blinked. “Wait, Derek. Remember that Christmas we bought each other one of those ancestry tests? We knew Mom would have a fit, so we sent them to your friend’s house and took them there?”

Derek nodded, and his furious expression eased a bit as memory lit his eyes. “Our mother wouldn’t want anything out in public or online that would call attention to our father, the senator, or impact his potential run for the White House.”

Yes, Winter knew all too well how badly Collette Bettencourt wanted to be First Lady and how far she’d go to make that happen.

“The test came back with the information we already knew about our ancestry, and I forgot all about it.” Nikki removed her hand from Asher’s grip and waved it in the air as she spoke, growing more excited as she recalled the connection to Winter’s story.

Derek leaned forward. “I checked off the boxes that would notify me if someone signed up who was related to us. But a couple of years later, my email was hacked, and I had to get rid of the account. I re-signed up for as many places as I could remember, but I forgot about the ancestry site.” He shook his head in wonder.

“But your names were listed,” Winter said.

Derek ran a hand through his hair and groaned. “And you

found us. But I still want a DNA test as proof.” 

“I figured you would.”

Derek’s demand wasn’t insulting. Winter wanted the same thing.

“I have a friend who’s a pediatrician,” he went on. “I’ll ask him to pull strings and get it rushed through the lab.”

She couldn’t expect to announce she was the illegitimate daughter of Senator Corbin Bettencourt, who represented NY State in the US Congress and hope to be immediately believed.

And she wasn’t finished with her story, either. “Umm, there’s more.” She figured she might as well air all her dirty laundry at once.

Derek placed his arms on his thighs and groaned. “Let’s hear it.”

She sighed because the story didn’t paint her mother in the best light, but they deserved to know. “As you already figured out, my mother and your father had an affair. It was after you were born, but before Nikki,” she said, looking at Derek. “Mom knew the senator was married. From what she told me, he never made any promises, and she didn’t ask for any. When she found out she was pregnant, she had every intention of raising me on her own. But your mother found out.”

Winter swallowed hard, deciding to leave out how Collette discovered her husband’s mistress was pregnant for another time. “She confronted my mother, swore her husband’s slut wouldn’t ruin their political aspirations, and paid her to have an abortion.”

Nikki gasped, but Winter forged on, needing to purge herself of the information and see what the siblings chose to do afterward.

“Obviously, my mother didn’t have the abortion but did keep the money. She moved from New York to a small town in Maine and raised me there. And that’s it in a nutshell.”

Silence settled over the room as everyone processed Winter’s words and she held her breath, worried about what Nikki and Derek would think of the mother Winter had loved.

What Winter found most interesting was that neither Nikki nor Derek questioned that their mother would do such a thing. Given the fact that Collette Bettencourt had belittled Nikki for not living up to her expectations while manipulating her daughter to do as she wanted, perhaps it wasn’t a shock.

Nikki had cut ties with her parents after they’d ignored her in public, humiliating and hurting her badly. It worried Winter that their father was capable of such cruel behavior, making her wonder if she wanted to get to know the man.

“Assuming your story is true, and I believe it probably is, what do you plan on doing with the information? The revelation could bring down a politician and create a massive scandal,” Derek said, his gaze on Winter’s.

“Which you and Nikki, especially Nikki, have had enough of.” Winter blew out a long breath. “I never had any intention of hurting either one of you. I just wanted to know my family because the truth is, I have none.”

She forced herself to meet Nikki’s gaze, only to see her half-sister’s eyes were glassy, and she stared at Winter as if trying to work through all she’d learned.

Winter bit down on the inside of her cheek. “I’ve gone back and forth on whether I want to know my father. I’m aware of how badly your parents have treated you,” she said to Nikki. “And you told me how you were manipulated into an engagement.” She shifted her attention to Derek.

“It’s not exactly a secret,” he muttered.

Winter nodded. “Would it be a problem for either of you if I confronted them? Once we had the test results back, I mean.” Though she asked them both, she couldn’t tear her gaze from Nikki’s. “You’re my friend,” Winter said, her voice plaintive because she liked Nikki. “I don’t want to lose you.”

What Winter really wanted was to gain her as a sister, but it was up to Nikki whether or not she wanted that, too.

“I feel the same way about you. I can’t say this is easy to digest, and I agree with Derek. We should get proof.” Nikki pulled her hand from beneath Asher’s and rose to her feet. “I want you to know, no matter what the results show, I believe you think we’re half-sisters. And if the samples match and you want to confront my parents, I understand. I needed to do the same thing.”

Nikki’s words eased the weight in Winter’s chest, and the next thing she knew, Nikki was hugging her despite not knowing for sure if they were related.

#

One week later, the test confirmed Winter’s mother’s claim. Three days after that, Derek and his fiancée, Jessica Cavanaugh, invited Winter to Jessica’s house for dinner, along with Nikki and Asher, so they could get to know one another better. They were curious about Winter’s mother and how Winter had grown up. Despite the preexisting friendship, the evening began awkwardly, but by the end of the night, they were laughing and had made a start toward becoming a family.

And the next weekend, Winter, with her new brother and sister by her side, showed up at their father’s home with the DNA test in hand. The senator had broken down and cried when he found out he had another daughter. Collette, on the other hand… to say she hadn’t taken the news well was an understatement. First, she’d been shocked and in denial. When faced with the DNA test results, she’d begun to scream and yell that everything she’d worked for would be destroyed and all because Winter’s bitch of a mother hadn’t done as she’d promised.

She’d actually gone after Winter, attempting to attack her physically, until Derek had grabbed his mother around the waist and pulled her back. The senator stared in shock. Nikki yelled at her mother to calm down and discuss things like a rational human being. Finally, when nothing would make Collette stop her ranting, Winter had left with Nikki. Derek stayed to try and talk sense into his mother.

By the time Winter had walked into her apartment, she’d seen for herself how weak her father had been and seemingly still was. He’d called her later, having gotten her number from Derek, and had been full of apologies for not knowing about her. For letting Collette rule his life.

Winter didn’t know what kind of relationship she’d ultimately have with the man who, on paper, was her father. Nikki wasn’t speaking to either parent. Derek was also done with their antics. And yet Winter was still curious about Corbin Bettencourt.

#

Rise and shine , America. I’m Erin Sawyer , and this is our political news of the week wrap-up. New York Senator Corbin Bettencourt has resigned his seat in the US Senate and stepped down from politics to, in his words, focus on his family.

His resignation comes after the revelation that he sired an illegitimate daughter he claims to have known nothing about. His wife, Collette Bettencourt, allegedly paid off her husband’s mistress to have an abortion. Instead, legal secretary Juliana Capwell, now deceased, took the money and raised her daughter far from DC in New Westminster, Maine. DNA tests have proven the senator’s daughter, freelance reporter, Winter Capwell’s, claim.

The former senator has already filed for divorce from his wife and moved out of their New York home. According to a source who preferred to remain anonymous, both Bettencourts are said to be estranged from their children, Nicolette and Derek, and the former senator has yet to bridge the gap with his newfound daughter. And now for the latest budget dispute on Capitol Hill…

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Narrated by Jason Clarke and Samantha Cook

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Just One Fling: Preorder Giveaway

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It was just supposed to be a fling.
Now she’s having his baby.

Freelance journalist Winter Capwell knows all about billionaire Harrison Dare’s bad-boy reputation—her upcoming article is in part about him.

His all-pleasure, no-commitment rule worked well for her, too. Until fate changed everything.

Harrison Dare never wanted a wife or kids. His incredibly large family provides all the siblings and children he needs. Besides, no woman has ever tempted him to give up his bachelor lifestyle.

Until the mysterious and sexy Winter entered his life.

But when someone comes after the woman he loves, he will stop at nothing to protect her and make her his. For good.

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Just A Little Hookup – Chapter One

Chapter One

“See anything you like?”

Jessica glanced from the larger-than-life poster featuring photos of the bachelors up for auction at tonight’s charity event to her best friend, Avery, who wore a knowing smile. 

Jessica shrugged nonchalantly. “Twelve gorgeous single men up for auction.  What’s not to like?”

“Let me be more specific,” Avery said, as other guests strolled along the adjoining tables near them, filled with items up for silent auction. “Is there anyone in particular you’d like?”

Jessica knew which bachelor Avery was alluding to. Dark-haired, green-eyed Derek Bettencourt, her secret crush since she was a teenager. He was also her older brother Ben’s best friend and business partner. If that little detail didn’t make him off-limits, there were two other very legitimate reasons why her attraction to him would never be reciprocated. 

One, she wasn’t his type at all. 

And two, he’d only ever treated her like a second little sister.  

Unfortunately, her infatuation with the man was stronger than ever.

“I am not bidding on anyone tonight,” she insisted, finishing off her third glass of champagne for the evening and enjoying the pleasant buzz she was feeling. She’d already supported the charity in other ways . . . the per-plate fee for attending and even bidding on a few silent-auction items that interested her. 

“No?” Arms crossed over her chest, Avery tapped her chin thoughtfully with her finger, a devious look twinkling in her eyes. “You know, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to get a little payback.”

Jessica tipped her head in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“Remember that summer our senior year when Derek blabbed about us sneaking out of the house and going to that party where we got drunk and stoned?”

Ten years had passed, but it was hard to forget any of the painful, humiliating things that had happened that last year of high school. Or the party they’d stupidly gone to, thinking that being around the cool kids and doing the same stuff they did would make them fit in. They never had—all because they were the chubby chicks none of the popular girls wanted to be seen with. 

Instead, she and Avery had been the target of ridicule on a regular basis. At least they’d had each other.

“He didn’t really blab,” Jessica said, automatically defending Derek, since he’d been the one they’d called for a ride home from the party. “I mean, it wasn’t his fault that my mother overheard him telling my brother what we did.” Which resulted in her being punished for her antics.

“Still, you spent two weeks grounded and doing ridiculous chores, which meant you missed out on being with me at the lake house for the rest of the summer.”

The yearly vacation with Avery had been the one thing she’d been looking forward to, and her mother had known it. “Yeah, that part sucked.”

“Just saying,” Avery teased. “You could put him to work around your new place. Make him paint the fence or trim the hedges . . . shirtless. Watching all that sweat drip down his chest and into the low waistband of his shorts as he labored away on your . . . shrubbery.”

Jessica’s face flamed at the hot, sexy images of Derek now emblazoned in her mind, even if she knew Avery was just trying to play matchmaker in her own not-so-subtle way. “Okay, you can stop now. It’s not going to happen.”

As much as she’d enjoy having Derek’s undivided attention for a weekend, it would also be nothing short of sheer torture. Ogling but not being allowed to touch.  

“Jessica!” a female voice called out.

She turned around to see Faith Dare approaching. Jessica had been introduced to Faith through her brother’s friendships with the Dare siblings, and the other woman was becoming one of Jessica’s best Curvy Girl Couture customers.

Jessica took in the red sequin mermaid-style gown Faith wore, the one Jessica had designed especially for her voluptuous curves and fuller figure. “You look amazing.”

“Don’t I, though?” Faith asked with a laugh and did a little spin that made her long, blond hair fall around her bare shoulders. “You outdid yourself with this custom dress. I was lucky that Jason let me leave the house tonight,” she said of her hunky husband. “He took one look at me and got that seductive gleam in his eyes. It’s been like that all evening, so it’s going to be a very good night when we get home, if you know what I mean.”

Jessica loved seeing Faith’s elevated confidence. Making women like herself feel beautiful in their own skin was all she’d ever wanted and why she’d created her own fashion line for females who loved their curves, which she sold in her boutique and online.

“By the way, the desserts you made for this evening were to die for,” Jessica said, complimenting the other woman right back. Faith ran her own successful business, Faith’s Sweet Treats, which were incredible.

“Oh, my God,” Avery cut in with a little orgasm-like moan. “I need those cheesecake brownie bars in my life on a daily basis.”

Faith laughed. “Thank you. I was thrilled when Aurora asked me to cater the desserts. Hasn’t she done a fabulous job with this event?”

“Yes, she has. It’s impressive,” Jessica replied, glancing around the grand ballroom located in the Meridian NYC hotel, an upscale establishment owned by the Dare family. There were at least one hundred guests who’d attended the charity event, hosted by Aurora Dare—another woman connected to the Dare family by marriage—whose nonprofit, Future Fast Track for foster kids, would benefit from the influx of donations tonight.

It was a charity Jessica had a personal attachment to, since she’d been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome as a teenager. Knowing that she might not be able to have kids of her own as a result of PCOS, she’d already considered the possibility of adopting or fostering a child one day. 

An announcement came over the speakers that the bachelor auction would be starting in thirty minutes, and after finishing up their conversation with Faith, Jessica and Avery headed to the ladies’ room to freshen up. 

She was still enjoying her happy, tipsy state as they walked into the lounge—complete with velvet-cushioned chairs, couches, and mirrored vanities—until she heard a familiar, grating voice drifting from the adjoining partitioned area, where the bathrooms and sinks were located. The running water indicated someone was washing their hands.

Jessica stiffened, immediately knowing who the voice belonged to. Her high school nemesis, Claire Sutherland. The rich mean girl who’d made her life miserable back then, and the catty woman who still had an air of entitlement about her now. Not to mention, she’d once been Derek’s fiancée—a fact that left an unpleasant taste in Jessica’s mouth.

Her stomach gave a little twist, and when Avery mouthed to her, Do you want to go?, Jessica shook her head and stepped up to one of the mirrors. She hadn’t had any contact with Claire yet this evening, but now that they were in the same space, she refused to let the other woman run her off.

She wasn’t that insecure teenager any longer. Jessica had done a lot of growing and self-reflecting since graduating high school, even if Claire had not. Ten years later, and Claire was still shallow and judgmental. Though to your face, she tried to pretend she was all sweetness and sugar, her real self eventually showed through. Jessica had been the target of Claire’s teenage cruelty, but she refused to let the other woman intimidate her now.

The water shut off, and then came the sound of paper towels rustling, as Claire continued to speak. “If Derek refuses to take my calls or answer my texts, winning him at this bachelor auction for an entire weekend will definitely get his attention. I know he’s upset about what . . . happened, but I just need the chance to make it up to him.”

Jessica couldn’t ignore that slight pang in her chest when she thought about Derek and Claire having been together. That had been a tough pill to swallow, and she couldn’t imagine what Derek had seen in the other woman beyond the physical—though at least he’d come to his senses eventually and ended their engagement. Clearly, Claire wasn’t taking the breakup very well, even though it had happened well over six months ago. 

Jessica pulled out her lipstick just as Claire’s best friend, Peyton, spoke.

“How do you think he’ll react when you tell him you’re taking him to our ten-year high school reunion so you can flaunt the fact that you snagged yourself a billionaire?” the equally mean girl asked.

“He doesn’t need to know that last part,” Claire said dismissively. “And he won’t have a choice in the matter once I win him and he’s mine for a weekend. I can’t show up without him.” She sounded desperate.

In the mirror, Jessica exchanged a glance with Avery, who rolled her eyes at Claire’s dramatics.

“Well, you could show up without Derek,” Peyton said. “But considering you’ve told most of our friends that you’re getting back together with him and you’ve already RSVP’d, adding him as your plus-one, yeah, it would look bad if you arrived solo.”

“It’s not going to happen,” Claire said resolutely. “Once I win him at tonight’s auction and we spend a weekend together, he’ll realize that I made a silly little mistake and I’m perfect for him.”

“Both of your mothers will be thrilled if you reconcile. After all, they’re the ones who wanted you two together in the first place.”

Avery made a gagging motion with her finger in her mouth, and Jessica stifled a laugh. From what she’d learned from her brother, Derek’s ambitious mother had wanted her son married into another influential family and had gone so far as to orchestrate the relationship. Though Ben had never divulged what silly little mistake had prompted Derek to break things off.   

“Exactly. At least—” Claire stopped abruptly as they came around the corner, belatedly realizing that they weren’t alone.  “Oh, hey . . . hi, Jessica.”

Jessica didn’t miss the way the other woman gave her formfitting gown a flagrant once-over, her quick sneer intended to make Jessica doubt herself. But even Claire couldn’t put a dent in how confident Jessica felt in the sexy gown she’d designed—one that accentuated her breasts and hips and made her feel like a million bucks. Like she’d thought earlier, she had come a long way since high school.

“Hi, Claire. Peyton,” Jessica replied, not bothering to turn around, though she could see both women behind her in the mirror.  

“I don’t suppose the two of you are going to our ten-year reunion next month?” Claire asked, knowing that they’d most likely overheard the conversation she’d just had with Peyton. Before Jessica or Avery could reply, Claire waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, you’re probably not going. I know you don’t have the greatest high school memories.”

The other woman’s tone was sugary sweet. As if she felt bad, when in reality, Claire was the reason for their crappy experience. While most people might have grown up in the past ten years and apologized for their behavior, Claire wasn’t that person. She still wore that air of superiority like a designer dress. 

Jessica dropped her lipstick into her purse, snapped it shut, and finally turned around. “Actually, I have no desire to go. I have nothing to prove to our classmates.” Unlike you, she wanted to add, but knew it was implied, considering Claire was trying to shore up her appearance by winning Derek tonight. “Besides, I already keep in touch with anyone who matters to me.”

Claire’s eyes flashed with something akin to anger. “Or maybe you don’t want to go, knowing that Derek, your teenage crush, will be there with me?” Her expression turned smug.

Unfortunately, Claire knew Jessica’s secrets. Like most young girls, she’d made the mistake of writing her thoughts and dreams in a notebook, including her infatuation with Derek—which Claire had stolen and used to embarrass her—in school and on social media. It was no shock that Claire would use the dig now as an attempt to divert them from the fact that they’d just overheard Claire’s plan to buy Derek. So if he did go to the reunion with her, it wouldn’t be of his own free will.

At least that knowledge gave Jessica a small bit of pleasure.

Ignoring the snide remark, Jessica kept her composure and gave Claire a tight smile. “No matter who you end up going with, I’m sure you’ll have a great time.”

She and Avery walked out of the lounge, and Jessica didn’t realize just how tense she was until Avery touched her arm and said, “Take a deep breath. You’re better than her. We both are and you proved that in there.”

Jessica did as her friend suggested and pulled in a long breath, then let it out slowly.

“And just for the record,” Avery said, “Claire doesn’t have to be the one to win Derek tonight.”

Jessica blinked, letting that thought settle inside her, but ultimately, she shook her head. “Nope.” Snagging another glass of champagne from a passing tray, she squared her shoulders as they walked toward the staging area where the auction would be held. “I’m not going to stoop to her level and get into a bidding war over a man.”

What did they say about famous last words?

Book Info Preorder now:AmazonApple BooksNookKoboGoogle PlayAmazon PrintAudiobook:

Narrated by Conor Crais and Samantha Cook

Links coming soon, audio releasing April 25th

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Serendipity – Chapter One

Chapter One

Nicolette Bettencourt woke up and reached for her cell phone. She set the ringer and notifications on silent at night and checked her email and texts first thing in the morning. As soon as she turned on her phone, the messages and notifications popped up so fast she couldn’t keep up.

Ethan Barron sped down Main Street in his hometown of Serendipity, New York, with one thought only. You can’t outrun your past. He ought to know. He’d tried hard enough.

He was still trying, if buying the old Harrington estate under a corporate name counted. But he had his reasons. It was one thing to let his brothers know he’d returned. He didn’t mind allowing the rest of the town time to squirm, wondering who’d purchased the town landmark from the SEC auction block. Ethan hoped the fate of the previous owner wasn’t a bad omen for him. He’d like the next phase of his life in Serendipity to be better than the last.
Ten years after taking off, he was back to face his past and make amends, if such a thing was possible. So far, his younger brothers weren’t interested in any family reunion he had to offer. His recklessness had destroyed their lives, and he’d compounded his mistakes by leaving town—and leaving them to social services. They weren’t ready to forgive.
Understandable.

He was still working on forgiving himself.

Nash and Dare were adults now, but Ethan owed them, and he intended to prove they could count on him for the duration. Hopefully then they’d come around. And he’d be waiting, no matter how tough the road or how long it took. Buying the most prominent house in town was his first step. Evidence that he’d made something of himself and proof he was putting down roots, no longer the selfish ass who’d caused more trouble than he cared to remember.

As he approached the turn to the house he’d only been living in for three weeks, he noticed a woman standing on the grass beside the long driveway. He turned and slowed to a stop, then climbed out of his Jaguar, another concession to his success.

He walked toward his visitor, taking her in at a glance. The woman had shoulder-length blond hair and, even in the heat of summer, wore a dark pair of denim jeans and a collarless but clearly expensive jacket. Hearing his approach, she turned toward him, her eyes shaded by large black sunglasses masking her face. He didn’t recognize her, yet a flicker of something he couldn’t name passed through him.

“Anything I can do for you?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No. I was just taking a walk.” Her soft voice touched a memory deep inside him, but it was gone just as quickly.

“Well, this is private property.” He cocked his head toward the main road, hoping she’d take the hint.
He wasn’t in the mood for small talk with strangers. Although this well-put-together female definitely sparked his interest, he wasn’t here for anything but family and setting the past right. No distractions. Not even sexy overdressed ones. In his experience, those kinds of women were the most dangerous.

She lifted her glasses, and her golden eyes seared him straight through to his soul as she held his gaze for a long, deliberate moment. Like she was judging him.

“Yep. Still an arrogant ass,” she muttered, her previously mellow voice now pissed off and angry.
Familiar.

She slipped the sunglasses back in place, squared her shoulders, and headed down the road, turning her back on him just as he’d intended.

“Wait,” he called after her, the word coming out like a direct order.

“I’m not your damn yo-yo,” she tossed back over her shoulder and kept walking.

But he couldn’t let her go. “I said wait.” He took a quick jog to catch up with her and grabbed her arm.

“What?” she snapped and jerked her arm back, annoyed.

He inclined his head, unsure what had come over him. “Do I know you?” he asked, the answer niggling somewhere in the deep recesses of his mind.

“You tell me.” She lifted her glasses, this time perching them on top of her head, giving him a full view of her face and features for the first time.

Soft creamy skin with a hint of freckles, golden-brown eyes, and a perfect nose. Her pulse beat hard at the base of her throat, giving life to the memory hovering just out of reach. Another hot steamy day, him on his motorcycle, her in her cheerleading outfit, walking from school to the house he now called home.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered as more memories slammed into him.

He’d offered her a ride home that day. No one had been more shocked than him when she’d taken it. Instead of driving up the hill, he’d taken her behind an abandoned building in town and kissed her senseless. He’d wanted more, but she’d rejected him.

He was right. He couldn’t outrun his past.

“So you do remember,” she said, her tone clearly challenging him.

He inclined his head. “The princess from the mansion on the hill,” he mused out loud.

She placed one hand on her hip. “What does that make you as the new owner? Prince Charming?”

So word had gotten out after all. He should probably thank his housekeeper, Anna, for that. She’d come with the house, needed the job, and didn’t like him at all. She provided him with all the gossip he didn’t want to know about the town of Serendipity and its inhabitants. She talked nonstop while she worked. Of course she’d tell the prior owner’s daughter who had bought their home.

“Well?” his trespasser asked, drawing him back to the present.

Ethan grinned. He liked her spunk and couldn’t help but laugh. “I don’t remember you being a wiseass.”

She raised a delicate eyebrow. “Maybe that’s because you didn’t know me all that well,” she said in the haughty tone he remembered.

“And whose fault was that?” He deliberately baited her, the memory of her rejection surprisingly strong after all these years.

Awareness and definite remembrance flickered in her gaze. He was struck by how those amber eyes still provided an open window to her soul. When he was younger, he’d been captivated, mesmerized by how pure and untouched she appeared compared to the girls he normally hung around with. Girls with a harder edge, willing to give it up to anyone but especially to him because he had a reputation for being bad and had no problem living up to it.

She’d been different. Special. Another reason her rejection had stung so badly.

Looks like I’m facing another unresolved piece of my past, he thought, disgusted with himself for still caring.

Although to be fair, she’d only been sixteen and a good girl at that. No way would she have put out for anyone, let alone him.

She shifted on her high-heeled sandals.

Uncomfortable or restless to leave? Ethan chose the former. He’d like to think he’d gotten to her—the same way she’d gotten to him. Inside his skin just as she had way back when.

She flipped her glasses back onto her face. “Okay, I think we’re finished reminiscing. You go home to your place.” She gestured up the hill. “I’ll go back to mine.”

“And where would that be?” All he knew of her family now was that her father was in jail, and her mother lived on the other side of town, a comedown for a woman with her attitude and former wealth.

He hadn’t known the princess was back here at all. Apparently, Anna had chosen to omit that bit of information.

“I’m renting a place over Joe’s on Main.” She tossed her hair in a way that indicated her new digs were no big deal.

He knew better. Joe’s was the local bar where guys like Ethan used to hang out. But he knew not to pity her.

“Interesting,” he said instead.

“What is?” She pursed her glossed lips.

Definitely not a deliberate move but seductive nonetheless, and he longed for a hot, wet taste. Wondered

what might have been if she’d given in to temptation all those years ago.

But this was now, and her question still hovered between them. “It’s interesting how the mighty have fallen.”

No pity, just truthfulness, he thought and held her gaze, not backing down.

She raised her chin a notch. “Like I said, you don’t know me at all.”

“Then fill me in.”

She exhaled a puff of air and paused. Probably trying to decide how much to reveal, a feeling he understood too well.

“I came back for a fresh start,” she said at last. “I’ll be opening an interior design business in town. What about you?”

He shrugged. Easy enough question. “I own a weapons software development company.”

Her mouth opened, then closed again.

“Nope, didn’t end up in jail after all,” he said, catching the shock that had registered on her face.

“I didn’t think—”

He folded his arms across his chest. “Yeah, you did.”

The first hint of a smile pulled at her lips. “Okay, so maybe I would have thought that, but you buying this house gave me a clue you’d turned things around.”

A hint of admiration touched her voice, and though he appreciated the sentiment, he didn’t deserve it. He’d still screwed up a lot of people’s lives. But recent years had been better. He’d gone to college on the Army’s dime and put his affinity for computer simulation gaming to good use. After two tours of duty overseas, he’d ended up working at a military base Stateside in the management information system department doing software-related work and dabbling in his own development work on the side.

Upon graduation, he’d taken a job with Lockheed but had chafed under their restrictions. He turned independent contractor, picked up a few contracts that enabled him to support himself, and within a few years, he’d perfected a system that revolutionized the capabilities of the country’s next proposed fleet of military jets. He’d sold his system to the government, netting him a small fortune and enabling him to buy her old house.

None of which she’d care about. “And what were you doing here?” he asked, moving the subject away from himself.

They both knew he meant the land, the property, and specifically, her old home.

She swallowed hard. He had no doubt the subject was a painful one. “I came to look,” she admitted. “To remember.”

He nodded in understanding. Her family’s fall from grace couldn’t be easy for her, yet she’d come back.

Maybe they had common ground after all, he thought, finding a more than grudging respect for this woman and her strength. She was right. He hadn’t known her then. Didn’t know her now either, but suddenly, he wouldn’t mind rectifying that fact. If he had the time or energy to invest in someone who wasn’t family-related.

He didn’t.

“Look, I really need to get going,” she said. “The heat’s killing me. I only meant to take a short walk through town. Next thing I knew, I ended up here.”

As if on cue at the mention of the sweltering weather, he caught the bead of sweat trickling down her throat, her chest, disappearing between the swells of her breasts, visible beneath the silk top she wore under her jacket.

He swallowed a groan. She was dangerous, all right. But he couldn’t let her walk back in those ridiculous shoes, and she’d overheat in the damn clothes. “Come on. I’ll give you a ride back to town.”

She shook her head. “I appreciate it, but—”

“It’s hot as hell, and I’d bet my last dollar your feet are killing you. So come on.” He waited for a deliberate beat. “Unless you’re afraid to be alone with me, princess?”

Her breath caught in her throat, and a slow but knowing smile tilted her lips. “You know I’m not.”

That quickly, they were back ten years, and he was daring her to climb on his bike. And she had. She’d been afraid of him, and he knew it, but she’d accepted the challenge, and he’d never felt anything like it.

He wanted to experience that same rush again. Wanted to feel her arms wrapped around him and her body pressed against his, trusting him to keep her safe. But most of all, he wanted to feel her fingernails digging into his skin—and not because they were riding a motorcycle. He remembered thinking that if the bike had gotten her that worked up, he could only imagine what she’d be like during sex. He’d wondered if she’d scream when he pounded into her and made her come. Hell, he’d been so hard for her on the ride, he’d barely been able to see straight to drive. He’d tried to ease the ache she’d caused. And of course she’d turned him down for that.

He couldn’t deny she affected him still.

He turned toward the car before she could notice. “Come on and I’ll drive you home.”

“One question first.”

He gritted his teeth and glanced over his shoulder. “What?”

“Do you even remember my name? Or am I still just that spoiled princess to you?”

Oh, he remembered. He just liked “princess” better. But from the determined look on her face, his answer mattered.

As if he’d forget. He’d taken a philosophy class his senior year in high school. The perky cheerleader had also been in that class, one of the few sophomores there. They’d been given an assignment to explore the meaning behind their names. For once, he hadn’t cut class, and he’d been there the day she’d had to discuss hers. Her name had everything to do with unquestioning belief and complete trust. Something that no one had ever had in him. Ironically, he couldn’t remember what the hell his name meant, but he recalled hers.

“Well?” She tapped her foot impatiently.

He shook his head and let out a groan. “Get in the car . . . Faith.”

* *

Faith Harrington bit down on the inside of her cheek. So Ethan remembered her name. Dammit. She had been looking for an excuse not to take the ride. Any reason to avoid being in an enclosed space with a man who was too sexy for words. If his bad-boy persona had awed her as a teen, this new-and-improved adult version—too long jet-black hair and all—took her breath away. Not that she’d let him know. Faith was finished letting any man have the upper hand.

But she’d take the ride. Her feet ached in her heels and were probably swollen from her unexpected walk.

She’d avoided her childhood home since her return to town a few weeks ago, but she’d been drawn back today. For what, she didn’t know. Maybe she thought she’d try to see how she’d missed the signs that the father she’d adored had been another person entirely?. He’d bankrupted the rich and the working class alike.
He’d duped everyone he came into contact with. Including his daughter.

His betrayal had ripped a hole in Faith’s heart the size of New York State—then her ex-husband had driven a Mack truck right through it, destroying everything that was left. She was free now and had been for the past six months—from her father, whom she’d disowned, and from Carter Moreland, whom she’d divorced. She wanted nothing to do with either one. Instead, she’d returned home to figure out who in the world Faith Harrington really was.

She blinked into the afternoon sun. Ethan still waited, reminding her that apparently she was a woman who found the onetime rebel an extremely sexy, desirable man.

Uh-oh.

She lifted her chin a notch and strode past him, heading for the car. He beat her there, opening the passenger door for her to get inside. She made the mistake of glancing into his heated gaze, disarmed by the banked desire she saw there, and blinked in shock.

“Don’t look so surprised,” he said, misunderstanding her reaction. “I picked up some manners since you saw me last.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “As I recall, you had good manners back then too.” When he’d taken her home, he’d helped her off the back of the bike, ignoring her mother’s disdainful glare.

Ethan shook his head. “I’m sure my mother would have been happy to hear that,” he said wryly.

But she caught the hint of sadness in his tone and couldn’t let the moment pass. “I’m sorry about what happened to your parents. It was an awful tragedy and a senseless accident.” One that had rocked the entire town.

Until today, she didn’t know what had happened to the eldest brother. She couldn’t deny she was glad to see he was back and in one piece. Even if he was now the owner of her childhood home.

“Thank you.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “But they shouldn’t have been on the road that night at all.” He shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat. “You getting in?” he asked, annoyance in his tone as he gestured inside.

She recognized a subject change when she heard one and slipped into the sports car. The sleek black Jag with its deep red interior suited him. Big and imposing while dark and brooding at the same time.

He slammed her door, walked around to the driver’s side, and joined her, placing his sunglasses on his face and turning on the ignition. The air conditioner hit her full force, and she let out an involuntary moan of relief.

She didn’t know what had possessed her to walk here on a scorching ninety-degree August day.

He raised his sunglasses for a moment, a knowing smile lifting his sexy lips. “Hot?” he asked.

She couldn’t mistake the dual implication or the amusement in his rich brown eyes.

“Very,” she said, knowing her words were a distinct tease yet unable to control the banter that seemed to come too easily with him.

He shook his head, slid his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose, and pulled the car onto Main Street. He drove confidently with one hand on the wheel and the other on the stick. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his big, strong hand cupping the shift.

“You can drop me off outside Cuppa Café,” she said in a voice she barely recognized. She pointed at the coffee shop on Main.

“Suit yourself.” He eased the car into the open spot in front of the store, idling the engine.

She turned to face him. “Thanks for the ride.”

He slid an arm over the back of her seat. “My pleasure, princess.”

“Not anymore,” she muttered under her breath. Because what he’d said earlier, about how the mighty have fallen? He was right. In more ways than he could possibly imagine.

“I guess I’ll be seeing you around.” She reached for the door handle and climbed out of the car.

She headed into the coffee shop, needing space and air that didn’t include Ethan’s musky scent and the sensual awareness he inspired. Ten years ago, he’d tried to steal more than a kiss, making her desire things she’d had no business yearning for at sixteen. Making her want him in a way that surpassed anything in her previous experience. Little did he know that his kiss had meant everything to her—even as she’d known she’d been just another girl he’d tried to add to his list of conquests.

But that was then. Now she was an adult, fully aware of the meaning of her body’s response to him. But she was also at a crossroads and would be better off focusing on figuring out who she was.

Book InfoPreorder now:AmazonApple BooksNookKoboGoogle PlayAmazon PrintBarnes & Noble PrintAudiobook preorder:

Narrated by Pippa Jayne and Eric Michael Summerer

AudibleAmazon Audio

The post Serendipity – Chapter One appeared first on Carly Phillips.

Just Another Spark – A Just One Spark Short Story, is finally here!

Dear Readers,

JUST ANOTHER SPARK, A Just One Spark Short Story, is finally here!

I’m so excited for you to read Dash and Cassidy’s steamy continuation story!

What early reviewers are saying:

Dash and Cassidy Kingston, holy hotness, these two have got all the Sparks going on with this short novella. I love catching up with prior characters. Still bringing the hotness factor and the love, Carly gave us a sweet, flame-building near Valentines Day treat!! Don’t miss the chance to catch up on this daring rock star and his forever love, true love is forever and these two have it all! Niseyb67, Bookbub

This is only a short story, but Carly still brings all the feels to their story. There is no doubt that Dash and Cassidy have a strong, unbreakable love, and that their chemistry and spice still burn HOT. FIVE SPARKLING STARS Ria – Reading Is Our Satisfaction3012, Bookbub

Reacquaint your heart with the passionate romance of Dash and Cassidy. From yearning hearts to tempting attraction, will their fiery love story survive the drama of life? A sweet and spicy follow-up to Just a Spark. Isha C, Bookbub

Just Another Spark

He’s a rock star wanted by millions.
She’s a wife willing to fight for their love.

Rock star Dash Kingston is finishing the last leg of his band’s U.S. tour. Exhausted and ready to be home, he can’t wait to see his girl. Time zones, show times, and the demands of his career have made married life harder than expected. Even knowing the rock star life wouldn’t make their relationship easy.

Cassidy Kingston thought she was ready to handle being married to a man idolized by women everywhere. She believes in their love even though the separations when the band is on tour can be torture. But the paparazzi and media don’t make their time apart easier and the gossip headlines hit her harder than they should. She trusts her husband even if she misses him like crazy.

When rumors surface that Dash is seeing someone, what’s a girl to do? Surprise her husband and remind him of what he’s been missing. Except you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

Stands alone but if you want to read Dash and Cassidy’s full story:

Just One Spark Book InfoGet your copy today!Just Another Spark book infoAmazonApple BooksNookGoogle PlayKoboRead the first chapter here:Just Another Spark Chapter One

I hope you enjoy!
xo Carly

The post Just Another Spark – A Just One Spark Short Story, is finally here! appeared first on Carly Phillips.