Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 15

He broke her heart. She never moved on. Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

Judy Rivera has kept busy with college life, but she never forgot Gary Hunter. She’d really thought he was “the one” but was obviously wrong—she hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day he walked out of her life. When he walks back into it, more gorgeous than ever, she’s shocked. And embarrassed. Her only recourse is to pretend not to notice. And then not to care.

Gary Hunter hasn’t stopped regretting the day he stormed away from Judy after a stupid argument then moved out of state. When he returns, hoping they might work things out, he finds her more confident and beautiful than ever. When he sees her in the arms of another man, he fears he’s too late. But he’s determined to win back her affections.

Little does he know her date is the least of the obstacles they have to overcome.

(This is the story of the Bayside Hunter parents.)

Bayside Mistletoe is a timeless second-chance romance set in an era before cell phones and laptops. Get swept away in nostalgic Christmas magic and enter a decade long gone, where lifestyles were simpler and love was every bit as complicated—and equally as wonderful.

Kindle | Other Retailers

He broke her heart. She never moved on. Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

Judy Rivera has kept busy with college life, but she never forgot Gary Hunter. She’d really thought he was “the one” but was obviously wrong—she hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day he walked out of her life. When he walks back into it, more gorgeous than ever, she’s shocked. And embarrassed. Her only recourse is to pretend not to notice. And then not to care.

Gary Hunter hasn’t stopped regretting the day he stormed away from Judy after a stupid argument then moved out of state. When he returns, hoping they might work things out, he finds her more confident and beautiful than ever. When he sees her in the arms of another man, he fears he’s too late. But he’s determined to win back her affections.

Little does he know her date is the least of the obstacles they have to overcome.

(This is the story of the Bayside Hunter parents.)

Bayside Mistletoe is a timeless second-chance romance set in an era before cell phones and laptops. Get swept away in nostalgic Christmas magic and enter a decade long gone, where lifestyles were simpler and love was every bit as complicated—and equally as wonderful.

Kindle | Other Retailers

He broke her heart. She never moved on. Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

[image error]

Judy Rivera has kept busy with college life, but she never forgot Gary Hunter. She’d really thought he was “the one” but was obviously wrong—she hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day he walked out of her life. When he walks back into it, more gorgeous than ever, she’s shocked. And embarrassed. Her only recourse is to pretend not to notice. And then not to care.

Gary Hunter hasn’t stopped regretting the day he stormed away from Judy after a stupid argument then moved out of state. When he returns, hoping they might work things out, he finds her more confident and beautiful than ever. When he sees her in the arms of another man, he fears he’s too late. But he’s determined to win back her affections.

Little does he know her date is the least of the obstacles they have to overcome.

(This is the story of the Bayside Hunter parents.)

Bayside Mistletoe is a timeless second-chance romance set in an era before cell phones and laptops. Get swept away in nostalgic Christmas magic and enter a decade long gone, where lifestyles were simpler and love was every bit as complicated—and equally as wonderful.

Kindle | Other Retailers

[image error]

He broke her heart. She never moved on. Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

[image error]

Judy Rivera has kept busy with college life, but she never forgot Gary Hunter. She’d really thought he was “the one” but was obviously wrong—she hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day he walked out of her life. When he walks back into it, more gorgeous than ever, she’s shocked. And embarrassed. Her only recourse is to pretend not to notice. And then not to care.

Gary Hunter hasn’t stopped regretting the day he stormed away from Judy after a stupid argument then moved out of state. When he returns, hoping they might work things out, he finds her more confident and beautiful than ever. When he sees her in the arms of another man, he fears he’s too late. But he’s determined to win back her affections.

Little does he know her date is the least of the obstacles they have to overcome.

(This is the story of the Bayside Hunter parents.)

Bayside Mistletoe is a timeless second-chance romance set in an era before cell phones and laptops. Get swept away in nostalgic Christmas magic and enter a decade long gone, where lifestyles were simpler and love was every bit as complicated—and equally as wonderful.

Kindle | Other Retailers

[image error]

He broke her heart. She never moved on. Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

[image error]

Judy Rivera has kept busy with college life, but she never forgot Gary Hunter. She’d really thought he was “the one” but was obviously wrong—she hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day he walked out of her life. When he walks back into it, more gorgeous than ever, she’s shocked. And embarrassed. Her only recourse is to pretend not to notice. And then not to care.

Gary Hunter hasn’t stopped regretting the day he stormed away from Judy after a stupid argument then moved out of state. When he returns, hoping they might work things out, he finds her more confident and beautiful than ever. When he sees her in the arms of another man, he fears he’s too late. But he’s determined to win back her affections.

Little does he know her date is the least of the obstacles they have to overcome.

(This is the story of the Bayside Hunter parents.)

Bayside Mistletoe is a timeless second-chance romance set in an era before cell phones and laptops. Get swept away in nostalgic Christmas magic and enter a decade long gone, where lifestyles were simpler and love was every bit as complicated—and equally as wonderful.

Kindle | Other Retailers

[image error]

He broke her heart. She never moved on. Can the magic of Christmas bring them back together?

[image error]

Judy Rivera has kept busy with college life, but she never forgot Gary Hunter. She’d really thought he was “the one” but was obviously wrong—she hadn’t seen or heard from him since the day he walked out of her life. When he walks back into it, more gorgeous than ever, she’s shocked. And embarrassed. Her only recourse is to pretend not to notice. And then not to care.

Gary Hunter hasn’t stopped regretting the day he stormed away from Judy after a stupid argument then moved out of state. When he returns, hoping they might work things out, he finds her more confident and beautiful than ever. When he sees her in the arms of another man, he fears he’s too late. But he’s determined to win back her affections.

Little does he know her date is the least of the obstacles they have to overcome.

(This is the story of the Bayside Hunter parents.)

Bayside Mistletoe is a timeless second-chance romance set in an era before cell phones and laptops. Get swept away in nostalgic Christmas magic and enter a decade long gone, where lifestyles were simpler and love was every bit as complicated—and equally as wonderful.

Kindle | Other Retailers

[image error]

Christmas Reads to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

Looking for the perfect story to cuddle up with next to the fire and get lost in? These 9 reads will sweep you away into snow-filled, tinsel-decorated places and times to help get you in the mood for Christmas...

[image error]

Click below to learn more about each individual book. The image below is only a preview of some of the books.

[image error]

FREE until 11/18 – The Perfect Death

[image error]

A deadly cover-up. A haunted house. Returning home might be the last thing she ever does.

Kenzi Bannon left her painful childhood behind for the glitz and glamour of California. But when her estranged sister commits suicide, she’s forced to return to her abandoned family house. Unexpectedly made guardian to her grieving teenaged niece, Kenzi becomes increasingly convinced her sister’s death was murder.

Devastated by shocking evidence proving Kenzi’s theory, the pair scour the ramshackle house for clues. But when eerie sounds echo through the hallways and the real killer comes after them, she must work fast to unmask the true culprit.

Can Kenzi and her niece get justice for her sister before they follow her into an early grave?

Pick it up free today through 11/18/20

Excerpt

Perspiration beads on my forehead. I wipe the dampness away and twist the AC knob, but it does no good. The cracked window will have to be enough to ensure I don’t arrive overheated.

A red face and sweat-soaked clothes never make a good first impression.

Fanning myself with the first fast food wrapper I grab, I check my makeup. So far, so good. But the venue is still twenty minutes away. An engagement party, I think. Something like that. My date is Dan … or is it Dave? Dax? I can’t remember. I’ll have to check my notes at the next stoplight.

I’m in luck—yellow light. I stop even though I totally could’ve made it and pull out my phone to check the deets from my supervisor’s text. Dayton. My date’s name is Dayton. Much cooler than Dan or Dave. Not quite as edgy as Dax. Hopefully his face will match his name, or at least be enjoyable to look at. And we’ll be going to his twin brother’s engagement party. I’ll be there to keep his family from asking about Dayton’s own relationship status, or rather, the lack of it. Should be a fun afternoon—lots of good food and drinks at the very least. I have the best job on earth.

Honk!

Oops. I put down my phone, wave a quick apology, and hit the gas. If I can make all the remaining lights, I can be there in ten minutes and hopefully cool down in the building before meeting my date.

Thankfully, some clouds have started to creep across the sky. With any luck, they’ll find their way over to the sun and stay there for a while. I really need to fix my air conditioning and stop spending my money on other things first.

Mental note—set aside some money for that when I get my next deposit.

Not that I’ll remember. As soon as I step out of this sweltering car and into a building with cool air, I’ll forget all about it. I’ll end up spending my AC money on a new dress, shoes, or whatever ad shows up next on my phone. I’m always a sucker for something cute to wear.

At long last, I make it to my destination.

An apartment building? That can’t be right. I double-check, and it’s the right address.

Tap, tap.

I turn toward the door. Standing next to my car is an extremely tall guy in a tux with slicked-back black hair and a dusting of a beard. He smiles, and my heart leaps into my throat.

Please be Dayton.

I give him my best grin, grab my purse, and step out into the sun—it’s actually cooler than in my car. But that’s hardly what catches my attention. I’m glad I picked my highest heels because this guy is well over six feet tall. Even with my stilettos, I don’t reach his shoulders.

“Are you Mackenzie?”

He even has a smooth British accent.

Shoot me now.

I hold out my hand. “You can call me Kenzi. You’re Dayton?”

“Yes.” He takes my hand as he nods. “Pleasure to meet you, Kenzi.”

So much better than a Dave or a Dan. Or a Dax.

“The pleasure’s all mine.” I glance over at the dwelling. “Is the engagement party a small family affair?”

He shakes his head. “No. This is just a meeting place. I thought we’d arrive together.” He steps to the side and gestures toward a shiny black convertible. I have no idea what model it is, but it looks foreign and oh-so-expensive.

My breath hitches as I look back and forth between him and the work of art. I don’t usually drive with my dates. In fact, I never go anywhere alone with a client, even though the company I work for thoroughly vets each one. But it’s hard to say no to a ride in that car.

Not being alone with them isn’t corporate policy. It’s my thing. Plenty of my coworkers do it all the time, and there’s seldom a problem.

Dayton chuckles, pulling me from my thoughts. “I assure you, my motives are pure. When the party’s over, my family will think something’s up if we don’t leave together. I’ll throw in a tip if you arrive with me.”

I hold back a laugh. He wants to pay me to ride in his car? I must be dreaming. And crazy not to just go with it.

I pat my purse. “Okay, but just so you know, I’m packing.” I’m not actually, but he doesn’t need to know that.

He nods. “Let’s go. It’s only a few blocks away, anyhow.”

My heart sinks. It would’ve been nice driving clear across LA in that car with this hot British guy.

Dayton holds the door for me. The supple leather seat, like the rest of the vehicle, is luxurious. Too bad this isn’t a real date. Oh, well. I’ll enjoy myself regardless.

He climbs into the driver’s seat and starts the engine. It’s almost too quiet to hear. Then he turns to me. “Any music you prefer?”

“I’m not picky.”

He turns on a top-twenty song and pulls out of the spot. “So, this is a little awkward. I’m not used to hiring fake dates.”

“You might be surprised how common it is.” I pull down the visor and check my makeup. Everything is still perfect.

“So, people hire you all the time to get their families off their backs?”

“For all kinds of reasons.” I put the visor back. “This is one of the more common reasons. But sometimes I’m just a fake friend instead of a date. Whatever the occasion, I show up to make it a good time for my client.”

“Isn’t that odd?”

“Not really. People are lonely, you know? Everyone puts their best life on social media, but nobody sees the bad days, the reality of life.”

He frowns. “That’s sad.”

I lift a brow. “Is it? You’re doing just that.”

Dayton shakes his head. “I’m all about my business. I don’t want to be burdened with a relationship or anything that goes along with that. Much less getting engaged.” He shudders. “But my mother and grandmother are relentless. So are my aunts and sister.” He sighs. “They just don’t get it. I heard about your company and thought I’d give it a try.”

“Well it’s not my company, but hey, I get it. My family doesn’t get me, either—at all. That’s why I’m here in Cali. The more space, the better.”

“Where are you from?”

“Near Seattle. I’m sure you’ve never heard of the town.”

“Probably not.” He pulls into the parking lot of one of the most expensive hotels in the area.

My mouth drops open as I stare. I’ve only been here for an event once, and it was one of the best fake dates I’ve been on.

Dayton parks and then turns to me. “How does this work? We just walk in and start acting?”

“It’s up to you, really. Anything specific you want from me? A name you want me to go by? A pet name, maybe? Is there anything about your family or you I should know?”

He chews on his lower lip with a distant look in his eyes.

I give him my best smile. “Hey, no worries. I’ll just follow your lead. We’ll get through this night together, honey.”

The corners of his mouth twitch as he meets my gaze. “Sounds fabulous, love.”

My pulse races at that. I’m so glad this is a fake date. Did I already think that? I don’t want a relationship any more than he does. Being tied down sounds awful. He does make the prospect seem moderately appealing though, I have to admit.

He reaches into the back, pulls out a corsage, and slides it onto my wrist. Then he starts to say something, but hesitates.

“What?” I ask.

Dayton rubs his scruff and glances back again. “Would this be too much?”

Before I can respond, he reaches back again and pulls out a black rectangular jewelry box.

“This.” He opens it and clears his throat, revealing a necklace with a large pink jewel in the center and with diamonds running up the length of it.

I’m speechless. He wants me to wear that? It looks like real gems.

Dayton removes it from the box gingerly. “It’s a pink diamond, and possibly over the top, but would you mind saying it’s a gift from me? For the anniversary of our meeting?”

I just nod. This is crazy. Especially considering last night, where my date was at a redneck bar and I was singing karaoke with my client’s drunk grandma. How have I gone from that to this in less than twenty-four hours?

Relief washes over Dayton’s face. He slides the necklace around my shoulders, brushing his silky sleeves across my face, then clasps it. I get a whiff of a mouthwatering cologne. Then he leans back and looks me over before smiling wistfully.

“Is everything okay?” I ask.

He nods. “I just … it almost makes me think—never mind. We’d better get inside. We’re already making a fashionably late entrance. Hopefully, that doesn’t bother you.”

I clear my throat. “It’s all up to you.”

“Perfect.” He looks behind me at the building and gives me a forced smile. “Let’s do this.”

Once outside the car, I loop my arm around his and walk as close as I can without tripping over him. He holds open the door for me, then we quickly find the banquet room, which is decorated with more flowers than I’ve ever seen in one place—even more than some fancy-schmancy weddings I’ve been to for work. The room is filled with well-dressed party-goers and a live band plays off to the side.

I start to loop my arm around his again, but he takes my hand and threads his fingers through mine. And I try to ignore how incredibly soft his strong hands are.

A group of women swarm us, and guessing by their ages, they’re his mom, grandma, and sister. They all have the same dark hair as Dayton and similar features. They talk over each other and introduce themselves to me.

I get into character and go with the flow, answering all their questions and looking over at my date lovingly. He returns the gesture and kisses my cheek several times.

The women pull me away and shove a glass of white wine into my hands while continuing to question me. Dayton throws me an apologetic glance. I give him a smile and sip my drink. This is what I get paid for, so I don’t mind. I go with it, making up the best answers I can, imagining what Dayton’s fiancée would say, if he had one.

After at least twenty minutes pass, they finally let me be. I step back and take a deep breath. Hopefully, they’re well convinced this sham is real.

Dayton waves to me from across the room, surrounded by a group of men—one of whom has to be his brother. They could almost be twins. Oh, wait. They are.

I head over, when my phone vibrates in my purse. Ugh, I thought I turned off calls and alerts. Whatever. At least it isn’t ringing.

Dayton makes eye contact as I near.

I flash him my best grin, wrap my arm around his waist, and snuggle close as I join the group. “Hi, sweetie. Are you having fun?”

“Of course, darling. Let me introduce you to everyone.”

I smile at each person as he says their names. Halfway through, my phone buzzes again. It’s weird, because I don’t know who would be calling me. My bestie is also out on a fake date, so she wouldn’t call.

Dread runs through me. What if something’s wrong? If Misty’s fake date turned dangerous? It rarely happens, but it does on occasion. Hence why I don’t make a habit of getting into cars with clients.

I meet Dayton’s gaze. “I need to use the ladies’ room.”

“Of course. Do you know where it is, love?”

“I’ll find it.” I hurry out into the hall as quickly as I can in these heels. Before I reach the door, my cell vibrates yet again.

Something is definitely wrong.

My heart hammers as I dart behind a small potted tree and dig for my phone.

The missed calls aren’t from Misty. They’re from an unknown caller, but I recognize the prefix. It’s from Seattle. One of my relatives? A spam call? But why would they keep calling?

It vibrates again. Same number.

I accept the call. “Who is this?”

“Is this Mackenzie Brannon?” asks a feminine voice.

“Maybe. Who are you?”

“I’m Natasha Bradley, attorney-at-law. Are you Mackenzie?”

“Yes.” My stomach knots. “And whatever it is, I didn’t do it.”

“No, no,” she says quickly. “Nothing like that. I’m an associate of Claire’s.”

I throw my head back and groan. Something to do with my sister. Should’ve known when she said attorney. “Why are you calling me?”

Natasha clears her throat. “I’m afraid I have some bad news, Mackenzie.”

“Kenzi. Everyone calls me Kenzi.”

“Okay. Are you sitting?”

I lean against the wall—that’s going to have to do. “Yes. Lay it on me.”

“Claire’s dead.” Natasha’s voice wobbles. “Suicide.”

It feels like a slap to the face. “What? Are you sure?”

“Unfortunately.” Her voice cracks and she sniffles. “I’m so sorry to have to tell you this over the phone. It’s such a shock to all of us here. I’ve been dealing with everything myself up to this point, which is why I’m only now calling you.”

I press my back harder against the wall. Claire’s dead? Killed herself? That’s impossible. She’s a successful lawyer—or was. Perfect family, house, the works. “That doesn’t make any sense. My sister had everything going for her.”

Natasha blows her nose on the other end of the line. “I know. Just this morning, she was telling me about Ember’s upcoming art show, sure she would win.”

Ember—another reason Claire wouldn’t off herself. Her daughter. She has to be, what, fifteen now? Yeah. Ten years younger than me. My niece is closer in age to me than my sister is … was. Claire lived for that girl.

“Are you still there?” Natasha’s voice brings me back to the present.

“Yeah.” I clear my throat and nearly drop the phone. I’m shaking. And freezing.

“Can you drive over? We need to go over her Last Will and Testament.”

“Me? What about Richard?”

Natasha clears her throat and speaks in a quieter voice. “She gave me strict orders to go over this with you and not him.”

“What?” I exclaim. “Are you sure?”

This is insane. I haven’t spoken to Claire in five years—since our dad passed away—and she chose me to handle this? Instead of her husband?

“Yes. When can you be here? An hour? Two?”

I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “You do realize I’m in LA, don’t you? And I’m working.”

“Are you able to fly up? This is important.”

“Can’t afford a plane ticket at the moment.”

“You don’t understand,” Natasha insists. “This is urgent.”

“Why?” It’s a struggle to keep my voice calm. “She never needed me when she was alive!”

There’s a moment of silence. “Claire left Ember to you.”

“What?” The floor seems to disappear from under me. “You must be reading that wrong!”

“We talked about it extensively when putting this together.”

“Why would my sister spend so much time thinking about this when she had everything going for her?”

“It’s smart planning. If you had a family, you’d understand. And besides, it’s clear she was planning for this day.”

Something seems fishy to me, but I don’t know about the legalities of any of this. “Why didn’t she leave Ember with Richard?”

“He’s her stepfather, not her biological dad.”

As if that’s supposed to explain Claire leaving the care of her daughter to her estranged sister who she never approved of.

I struggle to find words. “I know he isn’t the sperm donor—that man has never met Ember. But Richard’s been there since she was two or something. I’m sure she thinks of him as her dad. She can’t possibly remember life without him. And besides all that, Ember doesn’t even know me!”

“Well, Claire wanted her with you.” Natasha’s tone is sharp. “If you can’t make it up here, we can do this over a video call. Is now a good time?”

Everything spins around me. “No! I told you I’m at work. And besides, I need some space to take everything in.” My mind races. “Are the police looking into the possibility of murder?”

“Murder? That’s crazy.”

“It makes a lot more sense than my sister taking her own life.”

“We’ll video chat in one hour.”

“I can’t do that.”

“I’ll text you the information for the video call. In the meantime, you need to figure out if you’re going to move here or bring Ember there with you.”

She has to be kidding.

But she’s not.

Pick it up free today through 11/18/20

The post FREE until 11/18 - The Perfect Death first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

Mermaid’s Song: Read for FREE today!

Book #1 of The Dark Sea Academy is now available for FREE everywhere!

[image error]

My life as I know it is over.

And no, I’m not being dramatic. I’ve been living as a human, but now I have to return to my mermaid roots because my dad is the new king of Valora. As soon as we arrive, he sends me to the Dark Sea Academy. Whispers and glares greet me at every turn. Students accuse my dad of killing the previous king, his brother.

My first night, the most popular girl tries to kill me. I barely escape, only to run into Bash. He’s older and one wrong move from being expelled. Also as gorgeous as he is arrogant. For some reason, he keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me a crooked smirk. Almost makes me forget all my problems.

But I can’t let myself get side-tracked by him. I won’t. If I’m to survive the academy, I need to focus on staying alive. Unfortunately, that means relying on Bash—and he’s a distraction that could very well cost me everything.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon Apple Nook Google Play Kobo

Mermaid’s Song is the start of a page-turning young adult mermaid trilogy that features gripping supernatural drama, heart-pounding action, and angsty romance. It’s written by Stacy Claflin, a two-time USA Today bestselling author.

Purchase it today to start this trilogy with thrilling new lore that will have you flipping through the pages to find out what happens next.

Excerpt

Chapter 1

The wailing won’t stop. It’s growing louder by the moment.

I grope at the things on my nightstand, knock a few items to the floor. When I finally find my phone, I manage to silence the shrill alarm.

Fatigue squeezes me. Did I get any sleep? I’ll have to open my eyes to find out.

Seven-thirty.

No! I overslept. Why today? I fling off my covers then scramble out of bed, almost crashing to the floor because of the tangled blankets. Halfway across my room, I trip over a shoe. Then my backpack. Nearly slam face-first into the corner of my desk.

Mom’s right. I really should pick up this mess I call a bedroom.

This isn’t how I want to start today. There’s too much on my calendar to be running behind so early. Big track meet. Spanish test. Something else. Can’t remember what, though. The history project? No, that’s not it. Oh, right. College applications. I have to get those tedious things submitted.

My phone trills an upbeat tone.

A text this early? Only my best friend would reach out at this hour. I glance at the screen. Yep, it’s Ivy. I read her message on my way to the bathroom.

Ivy: Marra!! Emma says Roman likes YOU!

The proclamation is followed by a bunch of hearts and kissing emojis.

I nearly drop the phone into the toilet. Roman Lewis likes me? The hottest guy in school? She has to have gotten her signals crossed. Like a bad game of Phone we used to play as kids—when someone purposely changes the message as it travels around the line. Admittedly, it was usually me.

Not this time. Someone is messing with me now. My heart races faster than my mind as I wash my face. No way Roman likes me. It’s a cruel joke. There are tons of prettier girls to pick from. More popular ones. Sure, I’m the school’s best runner. The trophies along my walls prove as much.

But nobody cares about track.

My phone rings.

Don’t be Roman.

It’s Ivy.

Relief washes through me. I accept the call.

“Marra! You saw my message. Why didn’t you reply? Can you believe this?”

I take a deep breath on the way to my room then dig though my closet for something to wear. Something cute, just in case she’s right about Roman.

Even though she’s not.

“Hello? Earth to Marra.” If Ivy were here, she’d be waving her hands in front of my face. Thankfully, she isn’t.

“Where did you hear that rumor?” I hold up a lacy teal top that brings out my eyes.

“Straight from Roman’s best friend’s sister.”

I hold back a groan. Definitely a bad game of Phone. “Doesn’t sound promising. I’m not going to hold my breath.”

I choose the shortest skirt allowed by the school dress code. I hate wearing skirts.

“It’s Roman Lewis!” Ivy squeals. “He likes you.”

“Doubtful. And besides, I have important things to think about today. Like that track meet and filling out the rest of my college applications. I hardly have time to think about him.” I put my phone on speaker to get dressed.

“Don’t remind me. The things are driving me crazy. You still applying for Princeton?”

“Harvard.” I zip the skirt.

“Think you’ll get accepted?”

“I’ll only know if I apply, and that isn’t likely to happen if I’m distracted thinking about Roman.”

“You know, you two could always fill out the applications together.” She sighs like that’s the most romantic notion on earth.

I hate to admit I like the way she thinks, so I change the subject. “How are things with Jackson?”

“We’re gonna break up.” Ivy’s tone sours. “It’s just a question of who dumps who.”

“That bad?” I peer into my vanity mirror and bemoan my hair, which is sticking out in every direction. Too late to wash it. “What happened?”

“We never text anymore, and when we talk, it always ends up in an argument. Always. Last night, we fought about who would make it into the Super Bowl. How lame is that? Maybe you can talk Roman’s best friend into dating me.”

“You make it sound like Roman’s my boyfriend. It’s not going to happen.” I pull my hair into a bun. Still messy, but at least it looks like I meant it that way. “And besides, maybe you can work it out with Jackson. You like him too much to give up so easily.”

“Let’s talk at school. Mom’s on my case to get out the door.”

I glance at the time. Definitely running late. “Okay. See you there.”

We end the call, and I apply some eyeliner. I don’t know why I try. With my strawberry blonde hair, super pale skin, and freckles, there’s no way Roman even knows I’m alive much less has any interest in me. There’s nothing interesting about me.

Why did Ivy have to say anything about it? Now that’s all I’m going to be thinking about.

I add some mascara and lipstick. Not really much of an improvement.

Knock, knock!

“I’m almost ready!” I rub in my foundation. Should’ve done that first. I suck at this. Ivy would be so disappointed.

“You want me to make you a green juice, hon?” Mom calls.

“Yeah, thanks!” I’m glad she’s offering to help instead of chewing me out for running late.

I finish getting ready, stuff my books into my backpack, then head downstairs. And I’m thinking about Roman Lewis instead of the track meet. I need to think about that. And the Spanish test. My applications too. I need to forget about him. How ridiculous—Roman and me. As if that’d ever happen.

I skid to a stop in the kitchen.

My dad is sitting in his place at the table, sipping coffee. Should’ve left hours ago. He nods at a cup filled with green juice. “Sit, Marra.”

His tone sends a shiver down my spine. It’s made worse by the fact that he’s here and not at work.

Mom’s eyes are red, like she’s been crying. She won’t look at me, which makes me think she doesn’t want me to know how upset she is.

My heart skips a beat and I try to figure out what’s wrong. I hold out hope that it isn’t too bad, and I pretend not to notice her. “Can this wait? I’ve got a Spanish test today and my track meet this afternoon. College applications when I get home.”

Dad’s brown eyes look yellow for a second before turning back. Maybe I imagined it. He sets down his mug. “We need to talk now.”

I nearly choke on my juice. “Why?”

Mom sits at her spot, keeping her gaze down. Dad stares at me.

“Sit.” Dad has such an air of authority. His eyes narrow, but not like he’s mad. Just warning me.

Pulse pounding, I sit. My brain scrambles to figure out what they’re not telling me.

“Nobody’s sick, are they? You’re not dying, are you?” I glance back and forth between the two of them. There’s no way I can handle losing someone else. I look at the empty chair and my heart aches. “What’s going on?”

Mom and Dad exchange a look. One of those looks parents give each other when there’s bad news. I wish they’d just tell me what’s wrong. Is one of them going to die? My throat closes up. I don’t want to lose either one of them. Sure, we have our differences, but I can’t live without them. I can’t.

Dad reaches across the table to take Mom’s hand. She looks away and blinks quickly. He places his other on top of mine.

I break out into a cold sweat. “Who’s dying? Is it me?”

He gives me a kind smile. “Nobody, sweetheart.”

It takes me a moment to realize what he just said. I look between them again. “You’re not sick? I’m not?”

They both shake their heads. Then exchange another look before Dad clears his throat. He gives me an apologetic glance, but his eyes shine with excitement. “We’re moving back to Valora.”

There’s no way to describe my shock. To say someone yanked the air right out of the room wouldn’t do it justice. I can’t blink. Can’t speak or even breathe.

Mom scoots closer to Dad but keeps her gaze on me. Her eyes are definitely red. “Your … your—” She turns to look at him. “I can’t do this. You tell her.”

Dad turns to me. “Your Uncle Tiberias is dead.”

I haven’t seen him in years, but the news guts me. When I was little, he was my doting uncle. My mind flashes back to the moment I found out my younger sister Aria had died in the car crash. I struggle to breathe.

My dad says something, but I have no idea what.

Not only have I lost my uncle, but this affects every other aspect of my life too. I can forget about Roman, college applications, and getting a track scholarship. We’re moving to Valora.

I shake my head, and tears blur my vision. “No! I’m not moving back there.”

Dad frowns. “We don’t have a choice.”

“Can’t we just go to the funeral and come back?” I plead with my eyes, despite knowing the answer. It isn’t that simple. But there has to be a way out, and I’ll find it.

“With my older brother dead, I’m the new king of Valora,” Dad says. “There’s no avoiding it. And besides, we already missed the funeral. Not that we’d be welcome for it, anyway.”

I jump from my seat. “But you said we’d never have to go back! You promised!”

Mom wipes her eyes. “We never expected Tiberias to die so young.” Her voice cracks. “It’s a shock to everyone.”

I struggle to find a loophole. Then I realize the big one. “But Dad was banished! We can’t return. We can’t!”

He shakes his head. “We have to. Despite my differences with Tiberias, I’m the new leader now. My banishment is lifted.”

“I’m not going.” I dig my heel into the ground.

Dad gives me a sympathetic glance. “It doesn’t work that way. You’re next in line after me. You’re now the new heir to Valora’s throne.”

“No.” I step back, shaking my head. How can they throw all of this at me at once?

Mom gets up and wraps me in a warm embrace. “I know it’s a shock. But that’s where we belong. We aren’t meant to live on land.”

“I’m doing just fine, thank you very much. Yes, I’ll miss Uncle Tiberias. But I haven’t seen him since I was a kid, and I have my life here.” I step back and glare at Dad. “In fact, I’m doing so well that I’m going to get another track medal this afternoon. Then I’m going to Harvard. Notice how none of my plans involve an underwater city? Not one.”

Dad rises. “You’ll get a better education at the Dark Sea Academy than even at an Ivy League school. You’ll have far more opportunities as the king’s daughter. And you’ll be able to use your real gifts. Ones that don’t involve legs.”

“I’m not going anywhere!” I grab my backpack and run out of the house.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Google Play | Kobo

The post Mermaid's Song: Read for FREE today! first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.

3 Small Town Romances ~ 99c Limited Time

Three full-length sweet romance novels by a USA Today bestselling author.
Over 750 Amazon reviews on the individual titles.

[image error]



[image error]

These full-length sweet romance novels are set in the charming California beach town of Kittle Falls. Follow the Hunter brothers as they make their way back to their hometown and find the loves they couldn’t elsewhere. You’ll find heartwarming romance, suspense, laughs, tears, and even an old mystery if you join them on these adventures.

These novels are part of a series of contemporary sweet romances. Each book is a standalone.

The Hunters Collection contains three full-length novels:

Seaside Surprises: Tiffany hopes to pick up the pieces of her life in Kittle Falls. She soon catches the eye of Jake Hunter, but he has secrets of his own…

Seaside Heartbeats: In the small beach town of Kittle Falls, Lana and Brayden both have other things on their minds than dating. But as they team up to search for answers to a 160-year-old mystery, they can’t help but fall for each other…

Seaside Dances: Jasmine wants nothing more than to focus on her dream career, but what will she do when Zachary Hunter knocks her off her feet?

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google

The post 3 Small Town Romances ~ 99c Limited Time first appeared on Stacy Claflin, Author.