Sarah Cass's Blog: Sarah's StoryLines, page 7

Chasing Perfection by M.S. Parker

I’d always been the type of woman who knew what I wanted and went after it, and it had been the same when I’d finally admitted to myself how I felt about DeVon Ricci. Once I got him, nothing had come between us, and I knew nothing ever would. When the CEO of Mirage Talent, DeVon Ricci, gets a mysterious visitor with surprising news, he’s forced into a position he’s never been in before. He’s given a choice between something new that will change his life forever and the first woman he’s truly ever loved and trusted. As secrets are revealed and lines drawn, will Krissy and DeVon be able to keep their happy ending?   * AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * iBOOKS * KOBO * M. S. Parker is a USA Today Bestselling author and the author of the Erotic Romance series, Club Privè and Chasing Perfection. Living in Southern California, she enjoys sitting by the pool with her laptop writing on her next spicy romance. Growing up all she wanted to be was a dancer, actor or author. So far only the latter has come true but M. S. Parker hasn’t retired her dancing shoes just yet. She is still waiting for the call for her to appear on Dancing With The Stars. When M. S. isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading- oops, scratch that! She is always writing * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE * TSU * NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP *

Cover Reveal: Ricochet by Jessica wilde

Title: Ricochet Author: Jessica Wilde Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: February 23, 2015 Fear. It’s the last thing I remembered. I was afraid. Afraid to fight, afraid to run… afraid to breathe. Then, everything had gone dark. As if life was finally hearing my pleas, my cries to end the torment. To end the fear. But even in the dark, I still felt it. I always felt it. My life had been a ricochet of one event leading to the next. Bouncing back and forth from good to bad. Happiness to despair. Hope to fear. My name is Arianna West. I’m stronger now. Steady. Alive. I can find a way to survive on my own. I can see what is coming for me. I can channel my fear into strength. Except… I didn’t see Jack. And Jack changed everything. For readers 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual content. I live in Morgan Utah with my husband, daughter, and dog, Kolo. I write as often as my active daughter will let me and my husband has the patience of a saint. I find inspiration from dreams, people I meet, and life experiences. When I write, I usually end up drinking one too many cans of Peace Tea, eating three too many Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks, and accidentally kicking my pup and best buddy, Kolo, too many times since he loves to sleep under my desk at my feet. I started writing as a teen, but my fear of the unknown won out every time and I threw everything out. After becoming a mother and deciding to stay at home to raise my beautiful little girl, I tried again when I couldn’t stop thinking of ideas. I loved every minute, every hour of sleep lost, and every character that came to life in my mind. It’s strange, but my favorite moments are when I have writer’s block because I can turn to my husband and find inspiration through him by just doing what we do best together. Talking, laughing, and just being in love. He doesn’t like to read, but he never stops encouraging me to keep going. Writing has become an important part of my life and every book has a special place in my heart.

Tuesday Tales – Ruthless – Stars, Stripes, & Motorbikes

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Ruthless. After writing over 500k last year, I took a little break for the holidays. I’m really happy to be back in Tuesday Tales.  This week I’m bringing you a little piece of my Memorial Day book in my Holidays in Lake Point series. Autumn is a local bike shop owner & her dad is a veteran of the Gulf War, who lost both his legs in the conflict.  Lincoln “Linc” is a veteran himself, having fought in Afghanistan. He’s from South Carolina, in town visiting a familiar face (Clay Ryley). He also lost his leg, but Autumn has no idea.  Anyway, through her dad’s conniving the pair are eating lunch together at The Midway: Rather than risk bringing it up again, he cleared his throat to get her attention. “Am I allowed to ask about you at all?” She pinched the edge of her lip between her teeth, her gunmetal blue eyes avoiding his gaze. After a moment, she nodded. “It depends on the question.” “You and your dad really get along.” Instantly, her features transformed into a brilliant and beautiful smile. All the confidence and life that had seemed to seep away at his question about Grady returned. “Dad’s the best. I actually chose to stay with him soon as he was mobile enough to take me back. He fought to get me back from that woman.” “That woman?” “My mom.” Autumn dismissed her mother with a wave of her hand. “I was always daddy’s girl. So after the war and the loss of his legs when she took off, and took me with her, I was a miserable brat. I think I made her happy to send me back here to New York.” Linc was taken aback by the bitterness in her tone, but since he didn’t know the history, he didn’t try to question it. “So I moved back with him when I was seven. It wasn’t easy, and it took us a while to figure out how to make things work. He opened the shop to keep himself busy, I took it over last year when he supposedly retired.” “He taught you everything he knew, then.” “You bet.” He grinned at the enthusiastic bounce she added to the statement. “So he was in the Gulf War when it happened?” “Yeah. He made it through most of the war just fine. His unit took the hit in January of ninety-one. On my fifth birthday, actually. Talk about sucky. Luckily he lived.” Flashbacks of the attack that had taken his own leg flickered through his mind. His fist clenched as he breathed through them at let them pass. It had taken him years to figure out how to not let them take over, although he couldn’t always control the occasional nightmare. He smiled and shook his head. “Two years until he took you in has to be some kind of record for losing both legs. Having you to fight for must have made all the difference.” “That’s what he says.” Their lunch arrived just then, and she dove in without another word about it. For several minutes they ate in silence. Just when he thought she might hold onto her silence in the same ruthless way she’d done at the shop, she spoke. “How long have you known Clay?” “We grew up together. A couple doors down. Well, as ‘couple doors down’ as you can get on a couple of small ranches. We both raised horses, I did junior rodeo with his sister. Our parents were close. Made us like family.” “Must’ve been nice.” She popped a fry in her mouth, eying him quietly. “I don’t picture you as a cowboy type, though. Clay is all cowboy.” “I didn’t stick to it, no ma’am.” Linc chuckled. “Clay’s family held onto it fierce, my daddy did too. So did my brother. I became interested in other things. Did my chores, but stopped doing rodeo and sold my horse to Calli before I joined the army. I think it’s safe to say I gave up the cowboy on that day.” “So you’re the black sheep.” “If you ask my momma right now she’d say yes. She’s mad I left town again. Her only respite is that I’m not overseas with a target on my back anymore.” “No, instead you’re driving around on a death trap, at least that’s what my grandmother always called them when she was alive.” She chuckled. “What does your mom think of them?” “Considering I did rodeo she’s not so concerned about the bike as she is about me driving places where there’s no cell service. I think she was concerned I’d be taken out by some made serial killer living in the middle of nowhere.” “Chilling theory. What if you were taken out by a serial killer in a seemingly pleasant, happy town. Or, better, the town isn’t as pleasant as it seems. There’s a massive conspiracy to feed those that wander through to some evil creature in the lake to keep it from destroying the entire world.” “Morbid.” “I know.” She wagged her eyebrows. “I’m totally evil myself, can’t you tell?” “You must be. With your hair, and those eyes, I’d liken you to a siren set upon the strangers to lure them in.” He leaned closer when her cheeks darkened under the compliment. “Only problem is, I don’t know if you sing.” “Nooooo.” She drug the word out in a giggle. “I shower sing and get yelled at for it. Can’t carry a tune in a bucket, but I can fix an engine in no time flat.” “Hey, that’s hotter than singing any day.” “You’re full of shit too.” “No, ma’am.” “So what would you do if you had wandered into my and my dad’s evil plan to chop you up into little pieces and feed you to our dog?” He grinned and pushed aside his plate. “I’d beg your daddy to let you do your worst. If I’m going to die, it could be worse than staring at someone like you.” “Oh my word I need to wear hip waders around you.” “The best compliments come from truth.” He laughed outright when she threw a fry at him. “What? You want me to stop?” “I’m starting to see the southern boy with all that charm you’re laying on thick. Do you realize the more you heap it on, the more your accent deepens?” “I hadn’t, no.” He was surprised now that she’d said something, he could hear the twang that had seeped back into his voice. Over his years in the army, the south had seeped out of his accent until he’d been told it was pretty neutral. It probably helped that he’d always been able to absorb accents well. “Huh. I hadn’t noticed.” “It’s because you southern boys are convinced all you have to do is turn on your charm and let your accent melt the panties of any nearby woman.” He smirked as he scooted his chair closer. “Did it work?” “It takes more than an accent and charm to melt these panties, soldier.” “Like I said—I do like a challenge.” “Then I really need to stop giving you one.”   *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!

COVER REVEAL: For the Record by Charlotte Huang

ABOUT THE BOOK Chelsea thought she knew what being a rock star was like . . . until she became one. After losing a TV talent show, she slid back into small-town anonymity. But one phone call changed everything. Now she’s the lead singer of the band Melbourne, performing in sold-out clubs every night and living on a bus with three gorgeous and talented guys. The bummer is that the band barely tolerates her. And when teen hearthrob Lucas Rivers take an interest in her, Chelsea is suddenly famous, bringing Melbourne to the next level—not that they’re happy about that. Her feelings for Beckett, Melbourne’s bassist, are making life even more complicated. Chelsea only has the summer tour to make the band—and their fans—love her. If she doesn’t, she’ll be back in Michigan for senior year, dying a slow death. The paparazzi, the haters, the grueling schedule . . . Chelsea believed she could handle it. But what if she can’t? BOOK LINK Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... ABOUT THE AUTHOR Charlotte Huang is a graduate of Smith College and received an MBA from Columbia Business School, which is clearly something every aspiring writer should do. When not glued to her computer, she cheers her two sons on at sporting events and sometimes manages to stay up late enough to check out bands with her music agent husband. Charlotte lives in Los Angeles and is the author of For the Record (Delacorte, 2015) Twitter: https://twitter.com/charlottexhuang Website: http://charlottehuangbooks.com/index.... Blog: http://charlottehuangbooks.com/tagged... Instagram: http://instagram.com/charlottexhuang GIVEAWAY 1 Winner will get the very first ARC of FOR THE RECORD, signed! Plus FOR THE RECORD swag. Ships in US only | Must be 13+ To Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Riding for Redemption by Bonnie R. Paulson

  Desperate to find her place in the world, Sara Beth dreams of applying for the Miss Wrangler Montana competition that tours with the rodeo circuit. Riding horses has become her anchor until a near fatal accident takes more from her than she’d ever willingly sacrifice. Determined to prove his business training, Johnny seeks out the Rourke family to call in an old favor. When he embroils himself in Sara Beth’s life, he has to prove they’re nothing more than friends. Seeking independence, both Sara Beth and Johnny lean on each other more and more, until love threatens their friendship. Will they seek out each other or be confused by their dreams?Can either of them leave their past and embrace their future? Add to your TBR list on Goodreads Buy on Amazon Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane. Follow on: Facebook / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter / Literary Addicts / Amazon Excerpt: Rosie bent at the waist to place herself directly in Sara Beth’s view. “Sara Beth? We know you’re not doing well.” She shook off Michael’s warning hand on her arm. Her voice rose an octave – okay, maybe two. “You don’t do anything but sit here and abuse your chair. I know it’s been three weeks, but come on, you have to try. You have to do something.” She slammed her hands on either of the armrests of Sara Beth’s chair. Disbelief warred with anger inside Sara Beth. Like Rosie had stolen her ability to breathe, Sara Beth panted louder and harder as she allowed Rosie’s words to enflame her always-present anger. “What would you like me to do, Rosie? Go for a ride? How about a run? I know! I’ll help you plant things in your garden.” Crossing her arms, Rosie stood, thrusting her hip out. “I’m sick of fighting with you. Michael and I just wanted to know if you needed us to wait until you got better for the wedding or…” She glanced at Michael as if seeking help on the phrasing. “Or if I don’t think I’m going to get better?” Sara Beth adjusted her gaze to watch the roving winds playing in the leaves along the maple trees at the edge of the property line. “I don’t care. If you wait until I’m better, you’ll never get hitched.” One more thing they’d be able to blame on her. Sara Beth could only imagine what they talked about when she wasn’t within earshot – which was all the time. They had to bemoan the fact that they had an invalid living under their roof. And the ever-present nurse who didn’t say much, even when sitting behind Sara Beth for hours on end. “Are you even doing the physical therapy? He comes out but I haven’t seen you doing anything, like trying to walk or… anything.” Rosie checked her watch, turning to glance toward the drive. “He’s supposed to be here any minute. Are you going to sit there and do nothing again?” But Sara Beth ignored her. She just shut down. Three weeks of Rosie’s constant nagging had worn Sara Beth down and she slipped into silence when she was done with her sister. Choking on emotion, Rosie coughed. “Can you talk to me? I need to know what you’re thinking.” And like every time when the sisters fought, Rosie started to cry. Sara Beth rolled her eyes – the only indication that she even acknowledged Rosie’s presence.

Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly

Synopsis    They’re out for your soul. And they don’t have heaven in mind… Willow knows she’s different from other girls, and not just because she loves tinkering with cars. Willow has a gift. She can look into the future and know people’s dreams and hopes, their sorrows and regrets, just by touching them. She has no idea where this power comes from. But the assassin, Alex, does. Gorgeous, mysterious Alex knows more about Willow than Willow herself does. He knows that her powers link to dark and dangerous forces and that he’s one of the few humans left who can fight them. When Alex finds himself falling in love with his sworn enemy, he discovers that nothing is as it seems; least of all good and evil. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY   ABOUT THE AUTHOR   Lee Weatherly was born in 1967 and grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. She lives with her husband in Hampshire, England, where she writes, goes on walks, tries out new recipes and has a cat named Bernard. L.A. Weatherly is the pseudonym for Lee Weatherly. You can follow her on Twitter at @LA_Weatherly WEBSITE: http://www.leeweatherly.com/index.html TWITTER: @LA_Weatherly GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show... FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/angel.trilogy –Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter 6 Winners will receive a Copy of Angel Burn by L.A. Weatherly. a Rafflecopter giveaway Book Trailer

COVER REVEAL: The Way of the Wombat by AdriAnne Strickland

Synopsis: Which Way would you follow? When Laz, a young wombat, goes from playing a game with his friend Kita in their idyllic tribal village to witnessing the nightmare of a Tasmanian devil attack, he reacts in the only way he can: he fights back. He accidentally kills a devil while trying to save his sister, but his sister is still taken captive. To make matters worse, the tribal elders banish Laz, Kita and Zeeg—the three youths who fought back—for failing to follow the way of the wombat. Frustrated and adrift, the three friends embark on a quest through red rocky deserts and deep eucalyptus jungles to discover their own way. With a cheerful koala warrior as a guide and a wise platypus as their trainer, they hope to survive long enough to find a legendary weapon that could save their tribe and Laz’s sister from the devils. But danger lurks around every tree… Find your own Way at WhomBatz.com!   Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Pre-Order Link: http://amzn.to/1rbLjKN About The Author: AdriAnne Strickland was a bibliophile who wanted to be an author before she knew what either of those words meant. She shares a home base in Alaska with her husband, but has spent two cumulative years living abroad in Africa, Asia, and Europe. While writing occupies most of her time, she commercial fishes every summer in Bristol Bay, because she can’t seem to stop. Her debut YA sci-fi/fantasy, WORDLESS, launched in 2014 from Flux Books. THE WAY OF THE WOMBAT is her first foray into the world of middle grade fantasy adventure. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, or over at her website. *~* Giveaway  Prize Ships to US Only. Must be 13+ To Enter 1 Winner will receive a finished copy of the The Way Of The Wombat: The Quest for Gray Ironbark and a WhomBat Thorn in their choice of color, red, blue or black. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Devil’s Lair by A.M. Madden

    The Devil’s Lair ~ A Back-Up Series Novella Devil’s Lair is on their first world-wide tour. Taking their antics across Europe, Asia, and Australia proves to be hilarious, exhausting, and very chaotic. Most of the time they feel completely out of their element, and they’re right. Tequila, groupies and a endless supply of condoms are replaced with…well, with a whole lot of different. Join them on their ‘Blow Our Minds World Tour’ and accept this V.I.P. pass to a behind the scenes look at Devil’s Lair as they travel the globe wreaking rock star havoc * AMAZON * BARNES & NOBLE * SMASHWORDS * Amazon Best Selling Author ~ A.M. Madden’s debut novel is Back-up, the first in The Back-Up Series. The series includes Back-Up, Front & Center, Encore and Backstage. A.M. Madden is a wife, a mother, an avid reader of romance novels and now an author. In Back-up she aspired to create a fun, sexy, realistic romantic story. She wanted to create characters that the reader could relate to and feel as if they knew personally. A self-proclaimed hopeless romantic, she loves getting lost in a good book. She also uses every free moment of her time writing, while raising teenage boys. A.M. Madden, Independent Author of the Back-up Series. * FACEBOOK * TWITTER * WEBSITE *

Tuesday Tales – Dance – Luck of the Cowgirl

Welcome back to Tuesday Tales!  This weeks prompt is Dance. My goodness I went on a “brief” break that ended up lasting almost two months!  So sorry about that, but words didn’t want to happen.  Nowadays I have a tight deadline, though. That means you get a peek into my first ever F/F story…that came about quite by accident because of two fascinating secondary characters from previous Holidays in Lake Point books that demanded their own stories. Calli Ryley is the sister of Clay Ryley (from Stalled Independence).  She’s a real certified cowgirl from South Caroline that’s got plenty of charm, but a painful past.  Deanna “Dee” Parker first showed up in Deep-Fried Sweethearts as a friend of Michaela’s. She was the town manager then, but a family emergency called her out of Lake Point for a while. In this scene Dee and Calli have been trying on old west clothes while trapped during a blizzard. It’s been a fun time and I’m super jealous of them.  So onto the scene: Three hours later, after they’d exhausted just about every outfit that caught their eye Calli tugged her boots back on with a bit of regret. The laughter from the afternoon kept her heart light enough that she wasn’t too sad. “I think at least three of those outfits are ones I’d like to take home. I don’t know how you expect to pick out just one at the shop when we’re able to get there.” “Shush. I don’t want to think about it. I want to move here just so I have an excuse to wear all of those outfits again.” Dee chuckled as she pulled on her cardigan. “I look damn good in a corset, if I do say so myself.” “You sure as shittin’ do.” Calli would have been embarrassed by her statement a few days ago, but she felt they’d become friends in the past couple of days. Sure, the physical attraction was still there and stronger than ever after this afternoon, but she’d proven she could be an adult despite the attraction. “I’m not the only one. Not that you needed one. What were you taken down, a whole inch? I had some extra to take off.” Dee was grinning despite her self-deprecation. “But now that my stomach is free, I’m starving. I swear I could eat five venison steaks right now.” Calli’s stomach growled at the suggestion. “I am too. Wonder what they’ll have on the menu tonight. I’m in the mood for some mashed potatoes.” Dee hooked her arm through Calli’s and led her from the large costume room. Within seconds they were out in the casino, which remained hopping despite the blizzard still raging outside. “I swear, half of these people weren’t here last night, how did they get here in this storm? This is crazy.” “I have no idea,” Calli admitted. “How about we grab some Hammy’s and order some food. We still have a few hours before the show tonight. Are you up for another round of song and dance?” “Another burlesque or an early bedtime listening to the blizzard? Gee, what a tough call.” Dee’s sarcasm was tempered by the laughter under her breath. “Women dressed in skimpy, corseted fashion, bawdy jokes and that amazing singer for the win, please.” Calli dropped into the chair across from Dee and nodded. “Sounds like a win to me. In the mean time I want to spend a few hours looking through that coffee table book. Now that Colton has told us the history of the town I want to take a closer look at those photos.” “Oh, me too.” Dee’s enthusiasm was interrupted by their waiter. Once their orders were placed, Dee leaned closer. “Did you see the picture in the lobby of the big bald guy with the Asian woman? Do you think that was the original owners first partner?” “Sounds like it, but I didn’t see that one yet. I did see the woman in pants.” Calli grinned at the idea of a woman back then in pants. “Bet that would’ve been me.” “Oh, easy. We have to ask Colton more about her. I think he said something about being Jane’s best friend, but he focused a lot on Jane and Cole.” “Wonder how long it will take them to clear the streets. I’d love to see more of the town itself. This hotel is fascinating, but after the stories I want to see more.” Calli sighed. “Then again, to do that I might just have to come back in summer when the chance of snow is far smaller.” “You couldn’t live here, you couldn’t handle all the snow, you poor delicate belle.” Calli blew a raspberry and tried not to bristle under the challenge. “I can handle anything. Doesn’t mean I have to like it.” Dee giggled, a bright delicate sound that soothed away any of Calli’s rising tension. The arrival of their beer and salads kept her from any further comments on Calli’s ability to handle winter or snow. After she’d made it halfway through her salad, Calli glanced over at Dee. “Would you really move here just for the clothes?” “I’d really move here, but not for the clothes. What I’ve seen of this town I like it. It’s scrappy. Life kicks it in the teeth, but it comes back fighting.” Dee quirked a brow at Calli. “You should be able to relate. You’re scrappy, too.” “Scrappy?” By the tone of her voice, Calli guessed she meant it as a compliment, but it sort of stung. Sure she was strong, but she wanted to be seen as more than that. “Either way, I could see myself living here. I know you could, despite the snow.” “Well sure I could. It’s a gorgeous area and there’s just so much land.” Calli let her gaze drift toward the wall, beyond which she knew was a fantastic view of the mountains. The extended winter would be a bitter price to pay, but she’d been in love since they had crossed the mountain pass into the valley. “I suppose with the right person, the winter wouldn’t seem so bad.”   *~* Hope you enjoyed it!  Click on the Tuesday Tales badge to see more excellent entries!!

The Winner Takes It All by Jennifer Dawson

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes | iBooks | Kobo Blurb For two stubborn people…  Corporate mogul Shane Donovan sees the ultra-cool, collected Cecilia Riley as an ice queen—even if he can’t deny that, on the surface, she’s a work of perfection his body can’t ignore. Forced to spend two weeks in the same house for his sister’s upcoming wedding, Shane senses that deep down Cecilia mirrors his need. And he’s determined to draw her into a sexy game that will melt away her reserve… Losing is not an option…  Career-driven Cecilia Riley has just enough free time in her schedule to head out of town for her brother’s wedding. But her agenda is thrown for a loop by the presence of Shane. Though his over-confident attitude leaves a lot to be desired, his insanely hot body has kept Cecilia up nights. Unsure what game Shane is playing, Cecilia takes the bait, bent on resisting him at all costs.    Link to Follow Tour:  http://www.tastybooktours.com/2014/09... Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Goodreads Series Link:  https://www.goodreads.com/series/1128...   Author Info Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later, they’re married and living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog. Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history. These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer, writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband. Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Rafflecopter Giveaway (Two Print bundles of the Something New series, including:  Take a Chance on Me and The Winner Takes It All) a Rafflecopter giveaway EXCERPT A cotton cloud. That’s what Cecilia felt like. A wonderful, fluffy, white cloud where nothing could hurt her. With the help of something called a Jägerbomb she forgot about her future, her lack of motivation, and her campaign. Forgot her father’s betrayal and her engagement to a man she didn’t love. Blissful relief. Nothing mattered except the country music pounding through her head, these women who’d taken her into their fold, and Jägerbombs. Fabulous Jägerbombs. When they’d arrived, she’d ordered her normal white wine, but Maddie and Gracie insisted this was better. Cecilia had to agree. The drink’s contents were a mystery, but she felt divine. Alert and alive. Ready for anything. She swung her arms around Maddie and Gracie, hugging them close. “Thank you so much. I never get to have any fun.” Gracie laughed. “There she is, the Ce-ce I know and love.” Maddie raised her glass. “Damn, I’m having a good time.” Sophie whooped, some of her margarita slopping over the sides as she took another gulp. Penelope shook her head, pressing a finger to her temple as though she was getting a headache. Since she’d volunteered to be designated driver she was dead sober while the rest of them were on the drunk side of buzzed. A song blared over the loudspeakers, the bass vibrating through her body as a country song came on. The dance floor shifted, the patrons moved into lines as they began an organized dance. Cecilia narrowed her eyes, watching the steps. “What’s this song called?” “‘Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),’” Gracie said. “I like it,” Cecilia said. Sophie grabbed her hand. “Let’s go dance!” She was so cute and small, Cecilia couldn’t help grinning and patting her on the head. Sophie scowled, batting her away. “I’m not a puppy!” “But you’re soooo cute,” Cecilia said in a voice that sounded nothing at all like her. Penelope grimaced. “Yikes, don’t say that.” Little Sophie balled her hands into fists. “I am not cute. I’m fierce.” Maddie gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek. “You are.” She winked at Cecilia. “She used to get me into so much trouble.” Cecilia was about to answer, but the dancers on the floor turned and clapped, then walked forward two steps before kicking out their heels, distracting her. How long had it been since she danced? Years of lessons perfected her technique as she’d worked relentlessly to obtain an acceptable level of poise. She’d danced at functions all the time, a nice waltz, gliding effortlessly around the room with some random partner, subtly leading when her companion didn’t know what he was doing. But had she ever just cut loose? Danced for the fun of it? The dancers took another turn, repeating the steps from before. The speakers blared the country song. She studied the dancer’s feet. She could do that. It was easy. Cecilia downed the rest of her drink, slamming the glass on the bar. “Let’s go.” Sophie, Gracie, and Cecilia made their way to the floor, leaving Maddie behind with Penelope to keep her company. Freedom sang in Cecilia’s heart in time with the music and alcohol streaming through her blood. For tonight, she had no responsibility. Nobody to approve or disapprove of her. Nobody to please. Tonight she could be whoever she wanted. People parted, making room for them as they fell into line. Cecilia studied the dancer’s feet stomping on the wood floor. It took four beats to figure out the pattern and two more to catch the beat of the song, and then she was off. All the years of practice paid off, because she took to the dance like she’d been born to it. Next to her, Gracie and Sophie stumbled, laughing as they missed steps. Sophie yelled over the song, clutching her hand. “Damn girl, how do you do that?” Cecilia laughed. “Twelve years of ballet and five years of ballroom dancing.” She spun, her head going deliciously dizzy, before she clapped. One song turned into another and the steps modified, but she’d always been a quick study and caught right up. The music washed over her, filled her up with the kind of happiness she hadn’t felt in so long she almost didn’t recognize it. She let go. Sweated. Laughed. And in that moment she was free. The song changed, slowing down in tempo, but before she could be too disappointed, a tall guy in a black Stetson grabbed hold of her waist and swung her into his arms. He fell into a quick tempo waltz that Cecilia glided into as though they’d been dance partners for years. Under the rim of his hat, he was quite good-looking with his tanned skin, high cheekbones, and full, masculine mouth. He didn’t make her heart beat fast like Shane, but his brown eyes were warm instead of cold, looking at her with interest instead of distrust. Big hands pressed into the small of her back. Lazy in his charm, he smiled at her. “Name’s Levi.” She thought about protesting. But why should she? It was just a dance. She relaxed into his embrace. “Cecilia.” He leaned down. Close enough the brim of his hat touched her forehead. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. You’re not from around here, are you?” She shook her head. “I’m from Chicago.” His hand slid tighter around her waist. “Well, Cecilia, you sure don’t move like a city girl.” It might be the best compliment she’d ever received in her life and she beamed at him. “Why, thank you.” “Hands. Off,” a deep, unmistakable voice said from behind her. “Now.” Heart lurching into a frantic beat, she craned her neck. It wasn’t the drinks making her delusional. Shane was really there. Big and mean, as though he was ready to pound the first person that crossed him. She shivered. “What are you doing here?” “Yeah,” Levi said, pulling her closer. “Back off, buddy.” Shane crossed his arms, his biceps rippling, pumping up before her very eyes to strain the fabric of his black T-shirt. “I’m going to give you to the count of three before I break every one of your fucking fingers.” She tried her best to work up some proper indignation over his behavior but couldn’t make it stick. Not with that twisted sense of female satisfaction warming her, going straight to her head and making her dizzy. He was jealous. Like, super jealous. Dangerously jealous. A giggle bubbled in her throat and she repressed it. That was wrong. Very wrong. The correct response was outrage, but damned if her body cared about that. Deep down, in that secret part of her, she was thrilled. Nobody had ever been jealous over her before. She looked at the guy, what was his name again? She searched her memory and finally remembered. “Levi, can you excuse us?” Levi let her go. “Is he your boyfriend?” She started to say no but Shane grabbed her arm. “Yes, don’t touch her again. Got it, buddy?” In surrender, Levi held up his hands. “Sorry, dude, we were just dancing. Maybe she shouldn’t move like that if you don’t want people to get the wrong idea.” Move like what? Shane grunted, gripping her arm tighter. “I’ll take it under advisement.” Cecilia blinked, finally coming back from her ego-drunk daze enough to allow feminism to take its hold. “Hey!” “Don’t test me, Cecilia,” Shane said, his voice hard. And then he had her on the move, practically dragging her toward the door. “Shane!” she yelled over the loud music, but he didn’t seem to hear her. He bulldozed past anyone in his way, striding with single-minded focus toward the exit. He pushed through the heavy barn doors and dragged her outside. Mild spring air hit her cheeks and the Jägerbombs rushed in her head. Danger and lust spiked the air as he stalked through the parking lot and around the corner to the side of the building. A couple was already there, locked in a hot embrace. He cursed, veered around them, and walked straight into the woods that lined the property. “Shane, what’s wrong with you? What are you doing?” Branches crunched under her feet as he pounded through the forest. When he came to a large oak, he pushed her against it, his expression thunderous. “What am I doing? What are you doing, Cecilia?” His gaze was predatory, exciting and scaring her at the same time. A strange and delicious cocktail of emotions that made her pulse beat fast and wild. “I was dancing!” “No shit,” Shane said, his stance aggressive. “Quite a show you were putting on there.” “I wasn’t putting on a show.” “The hell you weren’t.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Fuck, Cecilia, half the men in the place stopped what they were doing to watch you.” She waved a hand. “Don’t be absurd. You’re just jealous.” He stalked toward her, crowding her against the tree. “You’re damn right I’m jealous.” She blinked. “You admit it.” Big hands gripped her hips, holding her still. “It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?” Her breath quickened. He was so close. Closer than she’d ever thought he’d be again and she couldn’t resist the temptation of him. She ran her hands up his arms, bowing her back in offering. “Yes.”