Stacy Claflin's Blog, page 22

A Cool New Tool For Authors!

Are you an author who wants to show off your amazing book cover, but you lack the design skills to throw something together?

I’ve definitely been there, and that’s why I’m so excited about Book Brush’s newest feature – Instant Mockups!

The best part? It’s super easy and the images are gorgeous!

Have a peek at what I created in just minutes:

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Aren’t those gorgeous? And all I needed to do was click a few buttons!

The Only Things You Can Take (A heart-wrenching romance)

Where do you turn when the love of your life dies? To the one person who understands… his best friend.

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Sutton Scott has her entire life mapped out—getting her degree, marrying her longtime boyfriend Kade, then having three kids, a cat, and a dog.

Anchor Jones is scorned by love and has no desire to tie himself down like his lifelong friend Kade. He has his sights set on adventure.

Until one night when the unthinkable happens. Kade dies in Sutton’s arms. With their worlds shattered, Anchor and Sutton turn to each other. Feelings intensify, but so does guilt. The attraction can’t be denied, but then Sutton reveals a secret that changes everything. He’s jolted, conflicted. Maybe falling for her was a mistake. Or maybe it was the best decision he ever made.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google

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Excerpt

Sutton

Warm, sticky blood drips onto my face, splattering near my eye. I reach to wipe it away, but my arm feels twenty pounds heavier.

I’m moving so slowly.

My head hurts. Bad.

The ground is on my right, beneath me. I’m sideways, held in place by the seat belt digging into my shoulder.

How did I get here? I can’t even tell whose car I’m in. It’s too dark. The little light I see is from outside. Headlights. Maybe a street lamp.

Another spattering of blood drips on me. From the driver’s seat.

From his seat.

Everything comes back to me in a dizzying flood.

I gasp for air. “Kade! Are you okay?”

Silence.

I reach around for the overhead light. It’s out of reach. I’m sideways.

The driver’s seat is empty.

“Kade!” My voice is shrill, my heart about to explode from worry. “Kade!”

I reach toward where he should be, but he’s not there. He doesn’t seem to be anywhere. I need to find him. My entire body hurts, but it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is finding Kade.

Got to get loose. I grope for the seatbelt button. It won’t push, won’t free me. Stuck! I pull, squirm, but the belt won’t loosen.

Oh! Kade keeps a pocket knife in the glove box for emergencies. This is definitely an emergency.

My fingers fumble, but I manage to open the box. The knife falls. Somehow I catch it before it slides out of my reach. I manage to pull out a blade without hurting myself further. Then I cut the seatbelt.

I crash against the window below me. My shoulder hits first, then my head, making my ears ring.

Where’s my purse? I need to call for help. It’s not on the floor—or I guess, the car door, since that’s what’s on the bottom now. I can’t find it anywhere.

First I’ll find Kade, then worry about making a call.

I force myself to stand, then I scramble over the seats and to the driver’s side window, which is shattered. The broken glass slices a deep gash in my arm as I start to climb through. Cringing, I try to ignore it. I’m halfway out of the car, and look around to get my bearings.

A streetlight shines about twenty feet ahead, casting a light glow on the asphalt. Another car is near Kade’s, but it’s completely flipped over. They had to have hit us. It’s hard to remember.

I still don’t see my boyfriend.

“Kade!” My voice sounds foreign, and it echoes around me in the too-quiet night. “Kade!”

Why isn’t anyone answering? Where is everyone? There’s another car. Maybe other people from the graduation party.

“Help!”

More silence.

I want to scream at the top of my lungs, but it won’t do any good. I just need to find Kade. He must need my help.

As I pull myself through the window, my hand slips in something, and I slide.

Rip!

My new dress, the one Kade picked out for me, is ruined. I’ve slipped in blood that soaks into the fabric and onto my side.

It’s not mine. Must be Kade’s.

My chest tightens. Squeezes the air from my lungs.

Where is Kade?

Something primal takes over, and I vault out of the car and jump down to the pavement. Pain shoots through my feet because I’m wearing heels. An ankle twists and I crumple to the ground.

But I don’t care about me or my injuries. The only thing that matters is finding Kade.

“Kade!”

Someone mumbles something.

I stumble toward the voice. It’s coming from the other car. Not Kade, but it’s someone who’s hurt.

But not Kade.

My throat closes up. I kick off my pinching shoes and hurry toward the muttering.

It’s a guy in his forties, wearing a red Hawaiian shirt, hanging halfway out of the crushed car. He’s not from the graduation party, like I thought.

“Help… my wife… please.” He stares at me with almost empty eyes. “My wife.”

Then I notice he has a cell phone in his hand. I grab it from him. “I’m calling for help!”

“My… wife.” He closes his eyes.

“Hold on!” My voice is even more shrill now. I make my way to the other side of the car as I fumble to find the emergency numbers without having to deal with his password.

The phone is ringing.

When I get to the other side of the car, what I see makes my stomach lurch. I’ve never seen so much blood in my life. Not even in slasher films or the gory lifeguard training videos.

A horrible odor hits me. I turn around and retch.

The emergency operator is talking on the phone.

I wipe my mouth and struggle to find my voice. “There’s been an accident.” My voice barely comes out louder than a whisper. I try to speak louder. “A bad accident. People are dying!”

The woman on the other end asks me some questions. I answer as best I can, but I don’t even know where we are. Need to find the street signs. I stumble away from the car and down the street. There, on the corner, I spy two signs. “Near the corner of Third Avenue and West Spruce Street. Hurry!”

“Stay on the line. What’s your name?”

Didn’t I already tell her? I struggle to swallow air. “I need to find my boyfriend!”

“Sutton, stay with me.”

I knew I’d told her my name. “Hurry!”

Then I drop the phone without ending the call. I limp back over to Kade’s car as fast as I can. He has to be near it. And he has to be in better shape than that couple. I can’t bear to think of anything happening to him.

We’ve already promised to marry each other after college. Agreed on three kids, a dog, and a cat. We’re going to grow old together. But before all of that, we have an action-packed summer to get through. We’re going to celebrate the year between high school and college with a backpacking trip, beach parties, and even a week building houses for the poor.

“Kade!”

I make my way around to the other side of his car.

Then I see him.

My knees nearly give out on me, but I run toward the person I love more than any other. “Kade!”

Shards of broken glass dig into my soles, but I don’t care. He’s lying on his side, sprawled halfway on the road and halfway on the grass. Not moving.

Hot tears sting my eyes worse than the broken glass in my feet. I call out to him, not sure I’m actually making sense.

It feels like forever, but I finally reach him. I crumple to the ground, put my fingers under his nose.

He’s not breathing.

Yes, he is. Warm air tickles my finger!

“Kade!” I wrap my arms around him and brush his black hair from his face. Some of it sticks to his forehead—his bloody forehead. “Kade, I’m here. It’s Sutton.”

He mumbles something, but I can’t make it out.

“Kade, I love you. Talk to me!”

His eyelids flutter.

I kiss his cheek. “I’m not going anywhere, babe. I’m right here.”

“My head hurts.”

I kiss his temple, getting blood on my mouth. “There was an accident. Paramedics are on the way.”

“My back.” He gasps for air.

“Help is coming.” I kiss his lips.

Kade mumbles again.

“Stay with me.” My voice cracks. I’m barely holding myself together, but I have to. For him. “We have to get ready for the backpacking trip, remember?”

His eyelids flutter again, then he opens them. “I’ll always love you.”

My heart sinks at the finality in his tone. Tears blur my vision. I blink them away. “Don’t do this! Don’t say goodbye.”

“You made my life worth living.”

A lump in my throat prevents me from responding.

“Enjoy the trip for me. I love you.”

“Kade, no!”

He closes his eyes.

“No!”

His breathing sounds like a whistle.

“Wake up!” I kiss him all over his face. “Wake up, please! I love you too!”

Kade takes a shallow breath. Then another.

“Kade!”

I wait for another breath. Wait some more.

Sirens sound in the distance.

“Help is here,” I whisper in his ear.

He still hasn’t taken another breath.

“Hang on, Kade!” Tears stream down my face, mixing with his blood. “Breathe!”

He doesn’t.

I press on his chin, forcing his mouth open. Then I plug his nose and breathe into his mouth. Once, twice, three times.

Tires squeal, stopping behind what’s left of the car.

“Sutton? Kade?”

I turn to see Anchor, Kade’s best friend. His eyes widen and his face pales. Then Anchor’s date shows up next to him. She covers her mouth with her hands and cries out.

“Sutton?” Anchor falls to his knees next to me. Tears shine in his eyes as he stares at Kade. “Is he…?”

“He’s gone.”

Anchor leans over and gives Kade mouth-to-mouth. Then he looks up at me with a wild look in his eyes. “This isn’t working!”

I collapse, then bury myself against Kade’s chest for what will surely be the last time. Choking on violent sobs, I realize my world will never be the same. My heart shatters into smaller pieces than the window glass.

I know I’ll never recover.

The ambulance is now here. But it’s too late.

My Kade is gone.

***

Anchor

The medics are here now, but Sutton is still clinging to Kade, blocking them.

Pushing aside my own grief, I grasp her arms. “Sutton, we have to let them work on him.”

She turns to me, her expression like a zombie. “He’s gone.”

I tighten my grip slightly and pull her away from Kade. The medics move in and start CPR.

“Kade’s gone.” Sutton shakes, her big brown eyes wider than I’ve ever seen.

I pull her close and hold her tight. “Maybe they can bring him back.”

She shakes even harder. “He said goodbye. I told him not to!”

“Shh.” I rub her back and swallow the lump in my throat. In a way, I’m glad she’s here to comfort. It gives me something to focus on—something other than the fact that the guy who is more brother than friend is lying in front of me. Dead.

He’s dead.

The reality of it crushes me. Forces the air out of my chest.

I’m only vaguely aware of Sutton’s tears soaking my silk shirt. I continue rubbing her back and force myself to look at Kade again.

One of the medics calls it.

It’s official.

My best friend, my brother, is gone.

There’s nothing more anyone can do for him.

His parents. Someone has to tell his parents. His sisters. They shouldn’t hear it from a cop. I need to tell them. I’m like a second son to them.

How am I going to manage?

Somebody’s talking to me. She sounds so far away.

“Anchor.” Ella waves her hand in front of my face. “They’re going to take Kade away.”

I sit up and clear my throat. “Sutton, we need to let them take him.”

She bolts upright. “No!”

“Sutton…” My heart breaks for her.

It breaks for me.

Mostly for Kade, who will never live to do all we have planned.

Sutton throws herself on top of Kade and sobs.

I can’t take it any longer. My floodgates explode and I cry harder than I ever have in my life. This is a hundred times worse than when Sparky died.

How will I get by without my best friend? We’ve been causing trouble together since before we were out of diapers. I don’t know life without him. There isn’t life without my brother.

Ella puts her hand on my arm. “Let’s take Sutton to your car.”

“Right.”

She helps me up, then I help Sutton up. Sutton struggles against me. I don’t blame her. The last thing I want is to leave Kade right now. To have strangers take him away. Then they’ll leave him alone on a slab. A cold, metal slab. All alone.

I hand Sutton over to Ella, then turn around and throw up.

After I wipe my mouth, I turn to them and notice a long gash in Sutton’s dress. It runs just below her chest down to her waist, exposing her underwear. I slide off my suit jacket and help her into it. It perfectly covers her side.

Somehow, the three of us end up back at my car. Sutton’s back in my arms, still sobbing. I lean my head against hers and cry along with her, my tears soaking her now-messy updo.

I wish it were me being loaded onto the ambulance. Kade’s the one with his whole life mapped out. He’s going to spend part of his summer volunteering to help the poor…

Was. He was going to. Me? I was just going to laze around and enjoy having no summer homework for once. Selfish bastard. Why am I the one alive?

Ella’s talking again. She’s nice, but I wish she’d go away.

“Anchor,” she says. “The medics want to look over Sutton.”

Then I remember the gashes on her face and arms. Blood all over her powder-blue dress. How much of it was hers, and how much was Kade’s?

Sutton’s still sobbing into my chest.

I wipe my tears and clear my throat. “Sutton, are you hurt?”

She looks up at me. “Kade’s dead. Of course I’m hurting!”

I lick my lips. “I mean physically. The medics want to look at you.”

“Don’t leave me!” She pleads with her eyes.

“I won’t.” I guide her in the direction of the ambulance. She stumbles, limps. Sutton is barefoot and glass is spread all over the road. Without a word, I scoop her up.

“What are you doing?”

“Helping you out.”

Fire lights in her eyes and she starts to say something, but then she leans her head against my shoulder and goes limp in my arms.

“If it makes you feel better, I wish it was me. Not him.”

She looks back at me, her mouth gaping. “Don’t say that. He wouldn’t want you to say that.”

I frown. “He’s the better person.”

“He would disagree.”

We reach the ambulance before I can respond. I set her on her feet, and one of the medics helps her to a bed.

“Don’t leave me.” Sutton reaches for me.

I throw a questioning glance to the medic. He nods, giving me permission to join her.

The body bag is on the other bed. I feel like throwing up again, but I hold myself together for Sutton. Kade would want me to. In my mind, I see him smiling at me in thanks.

I’ll never see that smile again.

Why wasn’t it me?

I stand between Sutton and the body bag, hoping she doesn’t see it. She grabs my hand and answers the medic’s rapid-fire questions in a monotoned voice. All I can think about is the long black bag behind me. More specifically, what’s inside.

Who’s inside.

My stomach lurches again. I swallow down the bile and focus on Sutton.

“You’re going to need stitches,” a paramedic tells her. “We have to take you to the hospital. Then there will be more questions about the accident.”

Sutton turns to me, her eyes shining with tears. “Can he come with me?”

“I’m sorry, no. But he can meet you there.”

Tears spill onto her face.

“I’ll call your mom.” I help her back into my jacket and take a deep breath. I also need to talk to Kade’s parents, but I don’t tell Sutton.

“Can you meet me there too?”

“If you want me to.”

She nods quickly, then grimaces and puts her hand on her temple.

I turn to the medic. “How long do you think it’ll be before they let me see her?”

“Hard to say. She’s going to need a lot of stitches.”

“Okay.” I turn to Sutton and squeeze her hand. “I’m going to drop off Ella, then I’ll meet you at the hospital.”

“And you’re going to call my mom?”

I nod. I’ll have to call her before I break the news to Kade’s family.

“We’ll take good care of you,” the paramedic assures Sutton.

She doesn’t look convinced.

I squeeze her hand again. “I’ll see you really soon. You’ll be okay?”

Sutton swallows, then nods. “As much as I can be.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you there.” Then I whisper to the medic not to let her see the bag.

Ella’s pacing outside. “Is everything okay? I mean, Sutton’s not hurt, is she?”

“Just needs stitches.”

“She’s lucky.”

That’s up for debate, but I don’t say anything. We head back to my car. “I have to call her mom, and I need to tell Kade’s parents before the cops do.” I glance around at the officers swarming the scene now. We pass Kade’s car, and I notice his side is almost completely caved in. His side window and the windshield are completely shattered.

I shudder.

Ella sighs. “I don’t know how anyone survived that.”

I can’t bring myself to answer. All I can think about is what Kade must’ve been thinking. Did he know he was going to die? Sutton said he told her goodbye, so he must have.

My heart breaks even more than it already has. I clear my throat, determined not to shed any more tears for the time being. I need to be strong for Kade’s family.

“What do you want me to do?” Ella asks.

I want her to go away. I hardly know the girl, but we decided to go to the post-graduation party together after we both got dumped. Our stupid exes cheated on us with each other. We went to the party together to spite them. Now she’s the one helping me through the worst night of my life. It’s not like she’s a bad person. She’s sweet enough. But I don’t want an acquaintance, not even a nice one,  with me right now.

“Anchor? Let me help.”

“Okay.” I draw in a deep breath. “Call my parents and let them know what’s going on. They’ll know what to do.”

“Sure. Or you can call them, and I’ll drive. Do you want me to? I’m not sure you’re really up to it.”

I shake my head. Nobody drives my baby. I’ve only even let Kade drive her a few times, and I’d trust him with my life.

Ella frowns. “Well, if you change your mind, just let me know.”

“Right.” Like that would ever happen. I climb into the driver’s seat and start the car. She purrs to life and I turn on the headlights.

Kade’s broken, mangled car lights up.

Everything crashes down on top of me. I punch the steering wheel. Again and again. The horn blares a few times. Tears blur my vision. Anger and heartache choke me. I scream at the top of my lungs. I scream and I scream.

I’m never going to see Kade again. Never be able to call him in the middle of the night for our ridiculous conversations that only make sense to us. He’ll never pull another prank on me and laugh until he can’t breathe. We’ll never do anything together ever again.

Graduation doesn’t mark a new beginning. It marks the end of everything.

A hand rests on my arm.

I struggle to breathe. Ella didn’t ask to be here through this with me. I turn to her. “I’ll take you home.”

She shakes her head. “I’m going to take you home. You need to let me drive.”

I can’t argue with her, so I climb out and hand her the keys. I don’t know why I took them out. I’m just not thinking straight.

Ella starts the car and turns to me. “I know how much the car means to you. I’ll be careful.”

“Thanks.” Guilt stings me for wishing she’d go away.

Now it’s time to make some calls. Do I call Sutton’s mom first, or my parents?

I call Sutton’s mom because she’ll want to head to the hospital to see her daughter. Plus, I need her there in case it takes me a long time at Kade’s house.

Never have I dreaded a conversation more than right now.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook | Google

Christmas in July: Kindle Unlimited Romances (Today Only!)

Got KU?

All the ebooks are Christmas-themed clean contemporary romance and in Kindle Unlimited. Put your subscription to use and discover new authors to read at any season. 

Click the image to be taken to the event:

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Featured in this holiday reading event is my book Bayside Mistletoe …

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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 novella 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.

AMAZON

Excerpt

Judy Rivera tightened her new scarf and watched the snow fall outside. Though she hated the cold, the fat flakes sent a wave of excitement through her. It was nearly Christmas—her favorite time of year. She hurried out of the apartment she shared with her sister, nearly forgetting to lock it.

One of her neighbors waved and wished her a merry Christmas. She returned the greeting then raced to the main door. As soon as she stepped outside, the gust of cold air hit her face. Several snowflakes brushed against her cheek, melting right away. It was starting to feel a lot like Christmas.

She made her way to the parking lot and started her car. On the radio, President Carter was giving a speech. Judy turned the dial until she found a station playing festive music, then she turned up the volume for the short drive. It never took long to get anywhere in Enchantment Bay, Oregon, and it took even less time today. It seemed almost everyone else was staying off the road to enjoy the snow. Judy would have, too, but she had final exams coming up. Then just two more quarters and then she was a college graduate.

She smiled, just thinking of it. A college graduate. She’d be the first woman in her family. Her mom was thrilled, but her dad was pestering her about getting another degree. Her MRS degree. Dad was far more concerned about Judy getting married and having someone take care of her than he was her career plans. She loved him to death, but boy was he old-fashioned.

The snow was already letting up by the time Judy pulled into the diner’s parking lot. She tried to ignore the disappointment as she cut the engine. It wasn’t sticking to anything yet. The flurry might just be a fluke.

She grabbed her bag from the passenger seat and held her head high. It was just as well. She didn’t need the distraction, anyway. These final exams were important. She’d managed to keep her GPA high throughout her entire college career, and she was on target for her highest scores yet.

The cold chill hit her as soon as she opened the door, so she tightened her scarf again. She took in the diner’s new look with colorful Christmas lights lining the roof and a big wreath on the door, then she quickly ran inside. It was even more festive there with a giant Christmas tree and tinsel covering the walls. Let it Snow blared from the speakers. She found her friends at a booth near the back underneath a row of decorative stockings that hung on the wall.

Judy took in the sights of the diner as she walked over to her friends. Tinsel and colorful Christmas lights hung from walls and the air smelled of the freshly cut tree next to the register.

Amy and Nichole both looked up from a Sears catalog and offered smiles and greetings as Judy settled in.

“Do you know what you want for Christmas?” Amy asked. “We’re trying to figure out what to get people.”

Judy thought for a minute. “What I really want is a Walkman, but that’s too expensive to ask of you two. Maybe a Rubix Cube.”

Nichole flipped through the pages. “I’m trying to find the sweater Loni Anderson wore in an interview the other day. I need it!”

They discussed gift ideas for a few more minutes before Judy pulled out a textbook.

“Did you see the size of those flakes?” Amy asked after a while. “We’re going to have a white Christmas!”

“Don’t get your hopes up.” Judy played with a strand of her waist-length hair. “They’re already starting to disappear.”

Amy frowned. “You’re such a spoil-sport.”

Nichole hugged herself. “Actually, I think she’s the bearer of good news. Do you think the snow is really going away?”

“Go back to Texas,” Amy teased. “We Oregonians happen to like the snow. It’s magical.”

“It’s freezing.” Nichole looked out the window and shuddered.

They debated back and forth as Judy focused on her studies. Before long, they ordered some food. Her stomach growled at the thought of fries and a burger.

When their meals arrived, they shoved aside their books and notes then dug in, sharing holiday plans.

“I can’t wait to get back home.” A dreamy look came over Nichole’s face. “I’m going to lie in the sun and get rid of this permanent chill.”

“Have fun with that.” Judy popped a fry in her mouth. “I’m going to build a snowman family with my sister. It’s our tradition.”

Amy sipped her milkshake. “And I’m going with my family to chop down our tree. It’s going to be so much fun.”

“You two are so weird.” Nichole snickered. “I’m going to the beach and getting a tan. When I come back for next quarter, everyone else will be white as the snow but I’ll have a nice sun-kissed glow.”

“That’s just wrong.” Judy shoved her empty plate toward the edge of the table and grabbed her notebook. “Plain wrong.”

They all laughed.

“You guys going to the winter dance?” Amy asked. “Eric and I have already picked out our outfits. He wanted bell bottoms, but I finally convinced him that those are on the way out. He doesn’t want to let them go.”

“Good for you. I’m definitely making Dave go.” Nichole beamed. “He dragged me to Oregon for college, so he can’t complain about anywhere I take him.”

They both stared at Judy.

She squirmed in her seat. “I’m not going solo to another dance.”

Amy pouted. “Then ask someone. It’s not like you have to marry your date.”

Judy shook her head.

“You could at least try saying hi to a guy,” Nichole said. “That would help. It’d be a start.”

“I need to study.” Judy flipped the pages of her book and tuned out her friends as they discussed guys they thought would be a good match for her.

After a few minutes, they got bored with her ignoring them and also turned back to their studies.

Thank goodness. The last thing Judy wanted to think about was love—and that included a platonic date to the annual winter dance.

Nichole dropped her pen on her notebook and stared behind Judy. “Who is that fine specimen? I’ve never seen him in Enchantment Bay before.”

Amy gave her a sideways glance. “Don’t you have a boyfriend?”

Nichole nodded, not taking her attention away from whoever had just entered the diner. “Doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the sculpted art of male beauty. And this one… Wow!”

Judy tried not to pay attention to them, but then Amy gasped.

“What?” Judy looked up.

“Don’t look!” Amy’s eyes widened.

Judy twisted around. Her heart jumped into her throat the moment she saw him.

“I said, don’t look!” Amy whisper-yelled.

Judy’s breath hitched and her heart skipped a beat, then pounded like a jackhammer.

Gary Hunter stood at the front door. He didn’t just stand, he held himself like a man. He’d cut his long hair short and had the start of a beard, or he was badly in need of a shave. Either way, he was ten times more gorgeous than the day he’d broken her heart.

Her heart shattered all over again.

“Turn around, Judy!” Amy tugged on her arm.

Judy couldn’t pull away. Gary Hunter was back in town. She’d thought he’d left for good.

“Tell me everything,” Nichole said. “This has to be a fantastic story.”

“Judy!” Amy climbed over to her side of the booth and turned her head back to the table. “Don’t give him another thought.”

Nichole rested her chin in her palm. “You have history with him?”

Amy made cutting motions in front of her throat. “Let’s focus on our exams.”

Judy struggled to breathe. She may not be looking at him, but the image of the new Gary Hunter was permanently burned into her mind.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon

New Release: Mermaid’s Heart (Dark Sea Academy)

When Marra’s powers start growing, no one at the Dark Sea Academy can—or will—help her learn about her new abilities.

From what she can find, modern answers are entwined with a terrifying ancient legend. If the lore is true, her destiny is far more tragic than her present problems. And she doesn’t know if she can change it.

Or if she should even try…

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This is the second part of the Dark Sea Academy trilogy, and if you haven’t read Mermaid’s Song, you’ll want to do that first. The following description contains spoilers for the first book. 

What’s the point of being a princess if the whole kingdom hates you?

Being a royal should make my life easier, but it only compounds my problems. When my father, the new King of Valora, succeeded the beloved King Tiberius, many of his subjects believed he killed my uncle just to gain the throne. His new policies only make the people hate him more.

Just my luck, they transfer their loathing onto me.

Even my best friend and my boyfriend aren’t enough of a buffer, and I’m continually fending off verbal, and sometimes physical, attacks.

That’s when my powers start growing…

When no one at the academy can—or will—help me learn about my new abilities, I begin to research them on my own. Modern answers seem to be entwined with a terrifying ancient legend. 

If the lore is true, my destiny is far more tragic than my present problems. And I don’t know if I can change it.

Or if I should even try.

Grab it now: Amazon

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If you haven’t read the first book in the series, start with Mermaid’s Song .

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I live a double life—and it’s about to tangle me in its net.

I’m Marra Ayers, a mermaid pretending to be human. Or at least, I was. It’s over now that my uncle died, making my dad the new king of Valora. My parents are dragging me away from the life I love to our undersea kingdom. And to make matters worse, everybody hates us.

My parents send me straight to the Dark Sea Academy, where the building is creepy and the students are worse. The dean pairs me with a student to show me the ropes.

I get stuck with Bash, who’s one wrong move from being expelled, and showing me around is his latest punishment. He’s as gorgeous as he is arrogant. And an incredible guitarist, as it turns out. Not that it matters. We can’t stand each other, and when my orientation is over, we’ll go our separate ways. Good riddance.

Whispers and glares greet me at every turn, and the most popular girl has it out for me. My first night, she tries to kill me. Then, bloodied and bruised, I run into Bash. And this time, he actually seems to care…

He keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me this crooked smirk. Kind of makes me forget how irritating he is. 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.

Amazon

Read the first chapter here.

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Indigo Bay Second Chance Romances: 6 Heartwarming Beach Reads

Looking for a beach read? Check out the Indigo Bay Second Chance Romance series. These sweet romance will take you away to a small town on the South Carolina coast where love is in the air this summer. The six books can be read in any order. https://buff.ly/2Yiyil1 

The Indigo Bay series continues with six new books in the spinoff Second Chance Romance series. Come fall in love with the small beach town that started it all…

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Apple Books
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Google Play

Apple Books
Amazon
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Kobo

Apple Books
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Kobo
Google Play

New Release: Mermaid’s Song (Dark Sea Academy #1)

I live a double life—and it’s about to tangle me in its net.

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I’m Marra Ayers, a mermaid pretending to be human. Or at least, I was. It’s over now that my uncle died, making my dad the new king of Valora. My parents are dragging me away from the life I love to our undersea kingdom. And to make matters worse, everybody hates us.

My parents send me straight to the Dark Sea Academy, where the building is creepy and the students are worse. The dean pairs me with a student to show me the ropes.

I get stuck with Bash, who’s one wrong move from being expelled, and showing me around is his latest punishment. He’s as gorgeous as he is arrogant. And an incredible guitarist, as it turns out. Not that it matters. We can’t stand each other, and when my orientation is over, we’ll go our separate ways. Good riddance.

Whispers and glares greet me at every turn, and the most popular girl has it out for me. My first night, she tries to kill me. Then, bloodied and bruised, I run into Bash. And this time, he actually seems to care…

He keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me this crooked smirk. Kind of makes me forget how irritating he is. 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

99c for a Limited Time OR read free in Kindle Unlimited!

Excerpt

The door opens, and in comes the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen. My heart actually skips a beat. If I was on land, my mouth would go dry. This guy is the physical embodiment of masculine perfection with slightly wavy black hair hanging just over his ears, piercing blue eyes, and just the right amount of facial scruff. 

He doesn’t even look my way. Just glances at the dean. “You called for me?”

“Yes.” She still doesn’t pull her attention from the paperwork. “Take Marra Ayers to her room.”

Now he glances my way, then looks me over—head to … fin. Kill me now. My heart is going to explode out of my chest. I can’t think. Those eyes. He lifts a brow, and with just that one gesture, I swear he dissolved me into a puddle—if that were possible at the bottom of the Pacific. 

He flips his hair, and as his arm moves I realize just how muscular he is. “The Marra Ayers?”

I need to say something. My voice has fled. I nod like an idiot.

The guy lifts his other brow and kind of twists his mouth. I can’t tell if he’s impressed or couldn’t care less. He turns to Mrs. Middlebrooks. “I assume she’s in the Royal School.”

“Yes, Bash.” She flips a paper. “It’s all in her paperwork.”

Bash. That has to be the most perfect name ever.

What is wrong with me? Why am I mentally falling all over myself because of this guy? He’s just a merman in Valora. I’m going back to land and focus on track, college, and … what’s his name? Think! 

Bash does that thing with his mouth again. “Come on, princess.”

I rise. “You can call me Marra.”

“Whatever, princess.” He whips around and goes into the hallway.

I hate that I like him calling me that. Doesn’t matter, anyway. Once he takes me to my room, our paths probably won’t cross again. The tattoo peeking out from his tighter-than-necessary shirt tells me that much.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon

Read the 1st chapter here.

Christmas in July: Snuggle up and fall in love with these holiday romances…

Why wait for December to settle in for a clean Christmas romance?

Click the image below to be taken to the event:

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Included in this event is my book Seaside Christmas, a heartwarming opposites attract romance.

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He can’t stand her. She thinks he’s crazy. Will their feelings stay etched in permanent ink?

Cruz Hunter has always stuck out in his small hometown. Now that he’s covered in tattoos, the residents peg him as even more of an outcast. It seems like the whole world is against his dream of opening a local tattoo parlor.

When he finally finds the perfect place for his new business, Cruz discovers a pastor and his daughter have already bought it. The only thing more irritating than the change in his plan is Talia, a beautiful and feisty argument in a dress. Cruz would like nothing more than to have her out of his life and his mind, but for some reason, she’s the only thing he can think about.

If Cruz and Talia can stop arguing long enough, opposites may do much more than attract.

Amazon

Excerpt

The snow glistened in the sun and crunched under Cruz Hunter’s boots as he walked toward the building that would soon be his.

“It’s perfect, yo.” He turned to Jake, his younger brother. “Wait until you see it up close.” This road had yet to be treated, so they had to park and walk a block.

Jake tightened his scarf. “Almost looks like a church.”

“It was—a long time ago. Then it was a restaurant before being abandoned.”

“It’s going to take some work.” Jake squinted.

“Not too much, dude.” Nothing was going to crush Cruz’s enthusiasm today. The old, brown building with peeling paint and weather-worn wood paneling was going to be his—just as soon as he signed the papers. “Mostly just the outside. It’s gonna be perfect for my tattoo parlor.”

“Well, you know I’ll help as much as I can.” Jake didn’t sound convinced.

“Don’t judge it ‘til you see the inside.” Cruz pulled up a leather sleeve and scratched his newest tattoo, the feet of a dragon which was part of a much larger work going up most of his arm.

“I won’t,” Jake promised.

Cruz’s pulse raced with each step as they neared the building. There wasn’t a person alive who could convince him it wasn’t the most beautiful building in existence. He’d wanted to open his tat shop for as long as he could remember, and with Kittle Falls being such a small town, it had taken a lot of work to convince the town council to even consider giving him permission to open a shop. They finally conceded when he found a property at the edge of town where no tourist would ever accidentally stumble upon it.

“It looks pretty cool,” Jake said. “How are we going to see inside?”

“Windows, man. Ever heard of ‘em?” Cruz laughed and gave his brother a playful shove.

“You mean those fancy glass things some buildings have?” Jake joked.

They finally reached the property line. Cruz took a deep breath, taking in the sight. “Isn’t she beautiful?”

“Um…”

Cruz stared at the solid structure. “You see hard work and a building as aged as old man Kittle himself—”

“Who’s long been dead,” Jake added.

“But I see opportunity. A dream fulfilled.” Cruz stared at the building a moment longer. “You ready to see her up close?”

“That’s why I’m here.”

Cruz took a step forward, but froze when the front door opened.

“Ghosts?” Jake asked.

Cruz held his breath, not sure of the answer. “Maybe it’s our lucky day,” Cruz said. “If the door’s unlocked, I can give you the grand tour.”

A slim, middle-aged man wearing black slacks and matching shiny shoes stepped out onto the porch. He appeared to be speaking to someone inside. A beautiful blonde about Cruz’s age, wearing a blue dress under a long, thick winter coat stepped out.

Jake turned to Cruz and arched an eyebrow. Cruz shook his head.

“What’s going on?” Jake whispered.

“I ain’t got nothin’.” Cruz took a deep breath of the chilled early-December air.

“Building inspectors?” Jake asked.

“Maybe.” Cruz frowned, watching the duo. They acted like they owned the place.

Finally, the guy closed the door and locked it, stuffing the key into his jacket pocket.

Cruz exchanged a worried glance with his brother as irritation set in. Something wasn’t right. He stepped forward, meeting the two of them at the bottom step.

“Greetings,” said the man. He smiled warmly at Cruz.

Cruz didn’t respond.

“Are you a neighbor?” asked the girl.

“You could say that,” Cruz said. “Who are you?”

The man smiled and held out his hand. “My name’s Pastor Allen Tisdale, and this is my daughter, Talia.”

She smiled sweetly and extended her hand, also.

Cruz flicked his head in acknowledgment, but ignored their extended hands. “What are you doing here?”

Jake stepped forward, taking Allen’s hand. “Excuse my brother. I’m Jake Hunter, and he’s Cruz. You must be new to Kittle Falls. Welcome.”

“Thank you,” Allen said. “Talia and I have bought this building. I understand it was a restaurant for a decade or so, but we’re going to restore it to a church.”

Cruz stared at him, unable to find words. That was probably a good thing, considering the words he would have chosen.

“You bought it?” Jake said, stepping closer to Cruz. Jake undoubtedly expected Cruz’s notorious temper to flare any moment.

“Yes, and we couldn’t be more thrilled.” Allen smiled kindly. “We’ve both had a challenging time with my wife’s recent passing, and this project is just what we need. That and a fresh, new start.”

“I’m sorry to hear about your wife,” Jake said, inching closer to Cruz. Soon, he’d be standing in front of him.

“You actually bought it?” Cruz asked. “Or you’re looking into buying it?”

Allen pulled out the keys. “We just picked these up from our realtor.”

“Laura Hoffman?” Cruz asked, clenching his fists.

“Yes. You know her?” asked Allen.

Cruz’s nostrils flared. “She’s the only one in town. And a backstabber, too.”

Talia stepped closer to her dad, tilting her head. Her gaze lingered on Cruz. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” Jake said. Then he turned and whispered to Cruz, “We’ll find you a better building. I’ll help.”

Cruz wanted to break something. Not only had Laura lied to him, so had the entire city council. After everything he’d gone through to get the approval—had it just been a farce? To shut him up? Kittle Falls was his town, too. He had every right to open a business anywhere he wanted. And he’d even been willing to go to the outskirts of town to keep the old fuddy-duddies happy.

“Is your brother okay?” Allen asked Jake.

“We thought he was going to buy the building,” Jake said.

Cruz spun around and marched down the road, not trusting his mouth. He knew it wasn’t Allen or Talia’s fault, and he didn’t want to take his rage out on them. He’d never been so angry in all his life, and now understood the expression ‘seeing red.’ That was exactly how he felt—his anger had overtaken every sense. It was all he could see, smell, feel, hear, and taste.

Cruz stormed toward his brother’s car, only vaguely aware of his brother speaking to the Tisdales. He wished he had his motorcycle, but he’d left it at Jake’s place knowing these back roads would be icy and dangerous. Now all he wanted to do was ride over to the city council and give them a piece of his mind.

Or had it been the realtor acting alone?

More than likely, they had decided this together. Everyone knew Cruz was going to buy the old church building. Why hadn’t Laura given him a heads up?

Cruz glanced back, seeing his brother still speaking with Allen and Talia. He pulled out his smart phone and found Laura’s number. It went to voice mail.

“Avoiding my calls, I see. Why didn’t you tell me the pastor was looking at—no, purchasing—the building? Did you think I couldn’t handle it? Because I could. What I can’t deal with is being lied to. Just be straight with me, that’s all I ask.” He hung up before he said something he’d regret. The last thing he needed was to say something inflammatory while being recorded.

He climbed into Jake’s car and slammed the door. His brother was still over there, chumming it up with the people who had crushed his dreams. Not that anyone would be able to keep Cruz Hunter down for long. He would find another building if he couldn’t find a way to get the church building—and he knew that was a long shot, considering Laura had managed to find a pastor to purchase and restore it. The city council had to love that.

Did he have any of their numbers? He scrolled through the long list of contacts, but didn’t see any. He’d mostly dealt with them in person and over email. Email. That was it. He went over to his email app and found the last discussion with them.

He wrote out the angriest, most vehement letter he could. It was ugly enough to make a grown man cry and a foul-mouthed sailor blush.

The driver’s side door opened and Jake sat, closing his door. “I know you’re upset, but that was kind of rude.”

“I don’t care.” He deleted the email for the same reasons he’d kept his voicemail to Laura short.

“They’re both really nice, and they didn’t even know anyone else was looking at the building.”

Cruz glared at his brother. “I can’t deal with niceties now. I’ve never been so furious in my entire life, and that’s saying something. Walking away was the best I could do.”

Jake nodded. “I get it, but it’s not their fault. I’ll help you find someplace else, okay?”

“That was the only place! It took me this long to get the city to agree to the church, and then they turned on me.”

“I know it’s hard to see now, but you can’t really blame them for giving it to a minister who wants to restore the building rather than someone who wants to turn into a tattoo shop.”

“I’m not an idiot, Jake. I get it. But I still have every right to punch something. Like Laura’s windshield.”

“Want me to take you to the club? They have a punching bag in the weight room.”

Cruz narrowed his eyes. “Just take me back to your place, yo. I need to go for a long ride on my bike. Gotta clear my head before I do anything else.”

“Swear your fist won’t meet anyone’s skin?” Jake asked.

Cruz glared at him.

“Just checking.” He turned the key in the ignition. “We’ll figure something out. If you want me to talk with the council, I will.”

“You have enough on your plate.”

“Hey, anything you need—I’ll help. I hope you know that.”

“Don’t get mushy on me,” growled Cruz.

Jake pulled onto the main road, which had been sanded and cleared of snow. “I’m serious. You’re more than a brother—you’re my best friend.”

“Should we pull over and sing ‘Kumbaya?’”

Jake snorted. “Never change, Cruz.” He turned up the radio. A popular song from their teen years played. “Remember when we used to sing this together?”

“Yep.” And that was the last thing Cruz wanted to think about. He, Jake, and their younger sister, Sophia, would dance around the house belting out the words. Sophia would usually use a hairbrush or flatiron as a microphone, but the two brothers would use anything. It had almost been a contest to see who could find the craziest object.

“Sophia actually sang it better than this girl,” Jake said.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“How come you don’t ever want to talk about Sophia?” Jake asked.

“You’re going to bring that up now?” Cruz fumed. “I’m already holding back from destroying something. I don’t want it to be your face.”

“Have you even visited her grave?”

“It’s not the time! Shut it.”

Jake turned off the music and they rode the rest of the short drive in silence.

Why would his brother bring up Sophia now? Was this Jake’s idea of good timing?

They pulled into Jake’s driveway. Cruz got out and slammed the door before Jake had even come to a complete stop. He headed for his bike and pulled his helmet onto his head harder than necessary.

The front door opened and Tiffany stepped onto the porch, waving. Her belly stuck out from the coat she obviously couldn’t zip up. “I made fresh cookies. Want to come in, Cruz?”

He took a deep breath. “Can’t. Sorry, Tiff. Next time?”

It was time to clear his head, and he certainly couldn’t vent his anger in front of his expecting sister-in-law. She was already having a rough pregnancy and was supposed to avoid stress. He threw himself onto his motorcycle, started it, and waved before driving away.

~~~

Talia Tisdale shook her head as the two brothers drove away.  “Can you believe him? Storming off like that.”

Her dad patted her back. “I wouldn’t be happy about being lied to, either. Also, a hope deferred makes the heart sick.”

“True.” That reminded Talia of her own recent disappointments. “I can’t believe the realtor did that to him. She seemed so nice.”

“I don’t understand it myself.”

“Maybe we can do something nice for him. I don’t know what, but something to cheer him up.”

He shivered. “I like the way you think, but let’s get in the car first. I don’t know how you can wear a dress today.”

“All my warm stuff is still in boxes. I didn’t expect snow in California.”

“I tried to tell you when we were packing that the northern part of the state is chilly in the wintertime. And the locals keep saying this is going to be an especially harsh winter.”

They got into the car and he started it. “Do you want to eat at home or stop in somewhere?”

“I’m too way too tired to cook tonight.”

“Me, too. I saw a deli not far away. Does that sound good?”

“Sure.”

They drove just a few minutes before her dad pulled into a parking spot.

“I don’t think I’m going to get used to everything being within a ten-minute drive from any given point,” Talia said.

“It’s quaint, and I think we’ll adjust soon enough.”

Talia already missed their old suburb, which felt like a big city compared to this place. She missed her friends, but most of all, she missed her mom. She sighed.

AVAILABLE AT:

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New Release: Take On Me (An Alex Mercer Thriller)

A traumatized girl wakes in the hospital with no memory of how she got there. Or of anything else. Her only thought is to find the one person she remembers—her Uncle Alex.

When the authorities contact Alex Mercer, he rushes to the hospital. He’s surprised to find it’s his cousin Ayla. Shocked to see the condition she’s in. Stunned to learn her parents are missing.

Alex welcomes her into his home, and the family rallies around her as she tries to recover. But progress is slow, and for every step forward, she backslides. Compounding the problem is the mounting evidence that none of this was an accident. And the answers to the mystery are locked in her fragile mind.

Ayla is scared she’ll never remember. Even more frightened she will—and she won’t like what she recalls. But when she comes face to face with the worst memory of all, she realizes so much more than her history is at stake. And it might be too late to do anything about it.

AVAILABLE AT:

Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo

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Excerpt

Everything had been quiet so long. Too long. Something wasn’t right. It had to be a trick. But even if it was, Ayla needed to try and make an escape. She tugged on both sides of the blindfold. It was not only super tight, but it wouldn’t even budge. It had been glued to her hair and scalp.

She’d have to get away with it on.

Ayla tried to pull the fabric up and then down, but it was so tight. Scratchy. It hurt, but she’d gotten used to it. Kind of. She definitely wanted it off. But that would have to wait. Especially if she could leave.

She felt around the shag carpet. Her finger bumped the dinner plate and the fork on it made a really loud noise. Ayla held her breath and froze in place. Waited.

Nobody came.

She released her breath and felt around again—this time, not so rushed. Part of the carpet was soggy. She didn’t want to think about why. He’d made her stay in the room for so long and hadn’t let her leave for anything.

Fresh air would be so nice. She held on to that thought as she felt around some more. Just carpet. The shaggy kind like her grandparents had had when she and her parents had traveled on a plane to visit their house, back when Grams and PopPop were still alive.

Ayla pushed aside thoughts of them. It usually made her heart hurt thinking about never seeing them again, and now it was so much worse. Tears stung her eyes, and she blinked them away as best she could with the tight fabric.

She crawled on her hands and knees, breathing heavily. Her left knee ached, but it was nothing compared to her throbbing cheekbone and mouth. Or her arms from when she’d been shoved into the small trunk of that car.

The thought sent a shiver down her spine. Goosebumps formed, hurting where she had cuts and bruises.

Was her mom okay? The last time she’d seen her had been in that trunk. Well, not seen. They’d already been blindfolded. But she’d been there. Mom had held her close and whispered for her to stay strong. Said not to give up—if she didn’t give up, she’d survive.

The words were supposed to have helped, but they only scared her. Could she be strong? How long would she have to keep going without giving up?

Mom kept saying that over and over during the bumpy ride. That and how much she loved Ayla.

She bumped into a wall and pulled herself from her thoughts. No, it wasn’t a wall. She pressed her palm on it. It felt like a door. Her heart pounded as she reached up. Higher…

A knob, cold metal. And it jiggled.

Her pulse pounded in her ears. Ayla waited for it to stop. She needed her ears more than ever because of the blindfold. Once she could hear again, she twisted the knob. Slowly. Once it went as far as it would go, she paused.

Read more….

Trilogy Cover Reveal: Dark Sea Academy

The Dark Sea Academy: Where the building is creepy and the students are worse.

Coming this summer! Pre-order them today to be the first to read the heart-pounding, page-turning series as the books go live.

COVER REVEAL:

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I live a double life—and it’s about to tangle me in its net.

I’m Marra Ayers, a mermaid pretending to be human. Or at least, I was. It’s over now that my uncle died, making my dad the new king of Valora. My parents are dragging me away from the life I love to our undersea kingdom. And to make matters worse, everybody hates us.

My parents send me straight to the Dark Sea Academy, where the building is creepy and the students are worse. The dean pairs me with a student to show me the ropes.

I get stuck with Bash, who’s one wrong move from being expelled, and showing me around is his latest punishment. He’s as gorgeous as he is arrogant. And an incredible guitarist, as it turns out. Not that it matters. We can’t stand each other, and when my orientation is over, we’ll go our separate ways. Good riddance.

Whispers and glares greet me at every turn, and the most popular girl has it out for me. My first night, she tries to kill me. Then, bloodied and bruised, I run into Bash. And this time, he actually seems to care…

He keeps looking at me with concern in his eyes while giving me this crooked smirk. Kind of makes me forget how irritating he is. 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.

PRE-ORDER BOOK #1 TODAY:

Amazon

New Release: Sweet Complications – #BeachRead

He can have any woman he wants… except her.

NFL quarterback Dylan Manley’s life revolves around his career and the fame associated with it. He’s only back in Indigo Bay to help with a fundraiser in memory of his best friend. But then finds he has to work with Brooke—the one person who has always made him trip over his own feet.

Brooke Davenport is a far cry from the girl next door who left town years ago. Focused on her political aspirations and still recovering from the loss of her doting brother, she wants nothing more than to return to DC for good. But first she has to get through the fundraiser with Dylan, who she blames for her brother’s death.

When a family emergency pulls Brooke’s parents out of town, the success of the fundraiser depends on Brooke and Dylan. He’ll do whatever it takes to show her he’s a new man, but every attempt only makes him look worse. If he can’t make things right, he’ll lose her forever.

AVAILABLE AT:

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Excerpt

She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry for the things I said at Sweet Caroline’s. It wasn’t fair. Or true.”

Relief washed through him. “Really? So, you don’t think I’m all brawn and no brain?”

“I mean it. I was insensitive. The thing is, I’m used to being hard-lined and direct at work. It’s the only way to get things done. But this isn’t politics, and you’re…” Her voice trailed off.

He leaned forward.

“You’re a friend.”

Ouch. Well, it could be worse. She could see him as an ex to leave in the dust, or…

“You’re also a good person. I know that.” She drew in a deep breath. “You’ve always looked out for Evan, for both of us. For anyone you care about.”

Her gaze lingered, as did the silence between them.

Dylan swallowed. Should he tell her he cared about her? Was she waiting for him to say it? Or was it too soon?

Brooke pulled out her phone and scowled at it. “And it isn’t just that. Things at work are really stressing me out.” She looked back up at him, her eyes shining.

His heart leaped into his throat. He wanted to jump up and wrap his arms around her. Instead, he scooted closer and put his hand on top of hers. It was so soft. She smelled so good, too. Like a field of wildflowers.

“I could lose my job, and there isn’t anything I can do about it.” Her voice cracked. “And I didn’t do anything, either. Somebody’s making me look guilty to cover their own tracks.”

“What? Are you serious?”

She tugged on her ponytail and nodded. “DC is a vicious place to work.”

He squeezed her hand and resisted the urge to hold her in his arms. “Is there anything I can do?”

“No.” She blinked and a single tear ran down her cheek.

Dylan couldn’t take it anymore. He wiped the tear away. “Let me secure the rest of the auction items so you can deal with this.”

“You’d do that?”

He nodded.

“Even after the things I said to you?”

“You didn’t mean them, right?”

She shook her head no. “It was the stress talking.”

“Then let me take this burden from you.”

Brooke held his gaze, her mouth gaped just slightly like she was going to say something. Or like she wanted him to kiss her. Did she?

He wanted to feel her sweet lips on his. To stop thinking about the past kisses and experience the real thing again.

She didn’t say anything.

Dylan took that to mean she wanted the same thing. He leaned forward.

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