Susan Stoker's Blog, page 3
August 24, 2022
It's a good day for free books 😃
Thank you all for your support of Desrving Alaska and The Refuge series. Believe me, I KNOW it's hard to start a new series. You want to finish hearing all about the guys and girls you already know and love. But I'm so happy with the reviews of the first book in this series. There are a lot more shenanigans to come! :)
But next up we return to Hawaii and the SEALs there. You've met Carly in the previous books in the series, and she's digging deep and finding the courage to get on with her life...with Jag. But of course someone doesn't want that to happen. (cue evil laughter here).
To help the wait seem not quite as long before Finding Carly comes out, I've got two free books for you this week.
The first is my own book, Shielding Aspen. This one is free in AU, CA, UK, and the US on all the platforms. If you haven't read any of the books in my Delta Team Two series, now is your chance. This deal won't last for too much longer, so be sure to pick it up now if you haven't already.
The second free book is from another one of my author friends. Chelle Bliss writes hot biker dude stories and she's letting me give you her book Wildfire for FREE. Check it out below!
I want to thank each and every one of you for reading my books. I'm truly grateful and overwhelmed with your support. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, I love what I write and I'm so happy that I've found "my" tribe who likes to read the same kinds of things I like to write.
I was watching the movie Speed on TV the other day and realized THAT Sandra Bullock in that movie is EXACTLY the kind of heroine I love writing about. The one who is in danger, but doesn't panic. Doesn't freak out. Does what she can to help, but still needs that assistance from the hero. And the line at the end? When she tells Keanu Reeves, "You didn't leave me...I can't believe you didn't leave me." GAH! My heart melts every time. (No wonder I went to see that movie 5 times in the theater back in the 90's! lol)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr_pv... (check out the 49 second-59 second mark. That's what I'm talking about!)
Anyway, thank you all for sticking with me and I hope to give you lots and lots more books!!
~Susan
But next up we return to Hawaii and the SEALs there. You've met Carly in the previous books in the series, and she's digging deep and finding the courage to get on with her life...with Jag. But of course someone doesn't want that to happen. (cue evil laughter here).
To help the wait seem not quite as long before Finding Carly comes out, I've got two free books for you this week.
The first is my own book, Shielding Aspen. This one is free in AU, CA, UK, and the US on all the platforms. If you haven't read any of the books in my Delta Team Two series, now is your chance. This deal won't last for too much longer, so be sure to pick it up now if you haven't already.
The second free book is from another one of my author friends. Chelle Bliss writes hot biker dude stories and she's letting me give you her book Wildfire for FREE. Check it out below!
I want to thank each and every one of you for reading my books. I'm truly grateful and overwhelmed with your support. I've said it before and I'll keep saying it, I love what I write and I'm so happy that I've found "my" tribe who likes to read the same kinds of things I like to write.
I was watching the movie Speed on TV the other day and realized THAT Sandra Bullock in that movie is EXACTLY the kind of heroine I love writing about. The one who is in danger, but doesn't panic. Doesn't freak out. Does what she can to help, but still needs that assistance from the hero. And the line at the end? When she tells Keanu Reeves, "You didn't leave me...I can't believe you didn't leave me." GAH! My heart melts every time. (No wonder I went to see that movie 5 times in the theater back in the 90's! lol)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr_pv... (check out the 49 second-59 second mark. That's what I'm talking about!)
Anyway, thank you all for sticking with me and I hope to give you lots and lots more books!!
~Susan
August 11, 2022
Read Deserving Alaska now! 📚
It's LIVE!
Deserving Alaska is finally LIVE!
This is the start to a new series were a group of former special forces guys open The Refuge in the mountains of New Mexico for those who have suffered from PTSD.
Book 1, Deserving Alaska, is Drake and Alaska's story. She's loved him forever, and when she finds herself in the worst situation a woman can find herself in, she calls on her childhood friend for help. Drake comes running and brings her back to The Refuge to heal. But, of course, the danger isn't over for Alaska...it follows her back to the US and Drake and his friends have to pull out all the stops to make sure she's safe once and for all.
This one is available on all the book platforms. I hope you love this new team as much as I do!
Read on!
~Susan
Deserving Alaska is finally LIVE!
This is the start to a new series were a group of former special forces guys open The Refuge in the mountains of New Mexico for those who have suffered from PTSD.
Book 1, Deserving Alaska, is Drake and Alaska's story. She's loved him forever, and when she finds herself in the worst situation a woman can find herself in, she calls on her childhood friend for help. Drake comes running and brings her back to The Refuge to heal. But, of course, the danger isn't over for Alaska...it follows her back to the US and Drake and his friends have to pull out all the stops to make sure she's safe once and for all.
This one is available on all the book platforms. I hope you love this new team as much as I do!
Read on!
~Susan
August 3, 2022
Listen to Deserving Alaska now! 🎧
Deserving Alaska in AUDIO is here!
As a reminder, I release the audio a week before the ebook. I do this as a "gift" to my audio listeners. Many many books never come out on Audio, and they miss out. Or they come out weeks to months after the ebook, and they have to wait. Because I am able to, I want to thank my audio listeners for being awesome, so I release it a week early.
I am also sending out paperbacks of Deserving Alaska ordered through my store this week too!
BUT...the ebook will be here before we know it (I mean, it's already August...how did THAT happen?!? lol)
I KNOW it's hard to start a new series. You don't know the characters yet, you aren't attached to them, and you're not sure if you want to start a series before all the books are out...well, to try to encourage you to get this one, here are a few things other have said about Deserving Alaska:
"Wow...I really have no words for how flipping amazing this book is. I absolutely could not put it down from the first page. This is such an incredible start to a brand new series!" ~Heather
"You won't be disappointed in DESERVING ALASKA. Stoker weaves a fantastic tale where love conquers all and the strong alpha males don't disappoint." ~Avid Reader
"It’s an engrossing and suspenseful romance that is sure to have you turning pages from beginning to end, leaving you looking forward to what’s coming next!" ~Catlou
"I absolutely loved this book, it had action, suspense, tragedy, kidnapping and rescue. Alaska and Brick are amazing together, two people who are helping each other heal. This is a great friends to lovers story that is so worth the read." ~Cynthia
I'm so relieved people are enjoying the book and I hope you all will too!
Again, the audio is out NOW, and the ebook will be live on Tuesday!
Stay safe out there. And cool (or warm!) Be kind, and treat people how you want to be treated.
~Susan
As a reminder, I release the audio a week before the ebook. I do this as a "gift" to my audio listeners. Many many books never come out on Audio, and they miss out. Or they come out weeks to months after the ebook, and they have to wait. Because I am able to, I want to thank my audio listeners for being awesome, so I release it a week early.
I am also sending out paperbacks of Deserving Alaska ordered through my store this week too!
BUT...the ebook will be here before we know it (I mean, it's already August...how did THAT happen?!? lol)
I KNOW it's hard to start a new series. You don't know the characters yet, you aren't attached to them, and you're not sure if you want to start a series before all the books are out...well, to try to encourage you to get this one, here are a few things other have said about Deserving Alaska:
"Wow...I really have no words for how flipping amazing this book is. I absolutely could not put it down from the first page. This is such an incredible start to a brand new series!" ~Heather
"You won't be disappointed in DESERVING ALASKA. Stoker weaves a fantastic tale where love conquers all and the strong alpha males don't disappoint." ~Avid Reader
"It’s an engrossing and suspenseful romance that is sure to have you turning pages from beginning to end, leaving you looking forward to what’s coming next!" ~Catlou
"I absolutely loved this book, it had action, suspense, tragedy, kidnapping and rescue. Alaska and Brick are amazing together, two people who are helping each other heal. This is a great friends to lovers story that is so worth the read." ~Cynthia
I'm so relieved people are enjoying the book and I hope you all will too!
Again, the audio is out NOW, and the ebook will be live on Tuesday!
Stay safe out there. And cool (or warm!) Be kind, and treat people how you want to be treated.
~Susan
July 27, 2022
Do you want to know how Alaska and Drake's story begins?
Are you all ready for Chapter 1 of Deserving Alaska?
Ok, it's not actually the first chapter. I'm sharing the prologue with you all. Alaska and Drake's story begins thirty one years ago when Alaska was in the third grade and Drake was in the fourth.
It continues through their childhood years, giving you a glimpse into their background.
As I've said earlier, Alaska has loved Drake since what seems like forever, and because this is a Stoker book, you KNOW they do actually start communicating and get back together (and dare I say, fall in love?), but it's HOW that happens that I hope will keep you glued to the pages. And of course, there has to be some sort of danger hanging over my characters head that they have to survive!
Anyway, I hope you're as excited about this new series as I am. I love the guys of The Refuge, and love that the series is set in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. The audio of Alaska and Drake's story comes out next week, and if you want a signed paperback or hardback, I've got them in my store as usual!
This week I'm headed to Louisville to the Knockout Book Bash and I'm super excited to see everyone there! I hope you aren't melting (or freezing if you're in Australia!) Hang in there!
~Susan
Ok, it's not actually the first chapter. I'm sharing the prologue with you all. Alaska and Drake's story begins thirty one years ago when Alaska was in the third grade and Drake was in the fourth.
It continues through their childhood years, giving you a glimpse into their background.
As I've said earlier, Alaska has loved Drake since what seems like forever, and because this is a Stoker book, you KNOW they do actually start communicating and get back together (and dare I say, fall in love?), but it's HOW that happens that I hope will keep you glued to the pages. And of course, there has to be some sort of danger hanging over my characters head that they have to survive!
Anyway, I hope you're as excited about this new series as I am. I love the guys of The Refuge, and love that the series is set in the mountains of Northern New Mexico. The audio of Alaska and Drake's story comes out next week, and if you want a signed paperback or hardback, I've got them in my store as usual!
This week I'm headed to Louisville to the Knockout Book Bash and I'm super excited to see everyone there! I hope you aren't melting (or freezing if you're in Australia!) Hang in there!
~Susan
July 15, 2022
ICYMI: I have book updates... 📚
Crazy Summer Times!
I got back from the Book Bonanza event earlier this week and next week I go camping, then head to the Knockout Book Bash event, then Mr Stoker and I head off for a weekend trip. WHEW! July is BUSY for me! (Then it's time to sit down and write another book! HA!) I hope YOU are having an amazing summer! (Or Winter if you're on the other side of the world from me!)
I appreciate all of you reading Searching for Elsie, you put it on both the USA Today Bestsellers list (#21!) and the Wall Street Journal bestsellers list (#5!). I couldn't do what i do without you, so thank you.
Coming up in less than a month is Deserving Alaska, the first book in my new series, The Refuge. I know, I know, another new series. It's hard to start something new because you don't "know" the characters yet, but I love the guys who started The Refuge so much. It's a place for anyone suffering from PTSD to come and unplug and relax. The first book has a friends-to-lovers story. Alaska and Drake were childhood friends who went their separate ways, and when Drake is hurt in combat, Alaska is there for him, and then when Alaska desperately needs a miracle, Drake doesn't hesitate to drop everything (and call in some favors), to get to her.
This week I ALSO have another FREE book for you. This one is on ALL the platforms and includes TEN free full length books. It will only be available for a short time, so be sure to pick it up now! (I'm hoping you've read MY story in the anthology (Securing Piper), but you might not have read the others, so it's an amazing deal!)
And as another small note...I put BAKER'S story up for preorder this week! Finding Jodelle will come out next summer. I know, I know, it seems FOREVER away, but keep in mind that you get EIGHT books between now and then, so I'm giving you plenty to keep you busy! :)
Enjoy your week. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.
~Susan
I got back from the Book Bonanza event earlier this week and next week I go camping, then head to the Knockout Book Bash event, then Mr Stoker and I head off for a weekend trip. WHEW! July is BUSY for me! (Then it's time to sit down and write another book! HA!) I hope YOU are having an amazing summer! (Or Winter if you're on the other side of the world from me!)
I appreciate all of you reading Searching for Elsie, you put it on both the USA Today Bestsellers list (#21!) and the Wall Street Journal bestsellers list (#5!). I couldn't do what i do without you, so thank you.
Coming up in less than a month is Deserving Alaska, the first book in my new series, The Refuge. I know, I know, another new series. It's hard to start something new because you don't "know" the characters yet, but I love the guys who started The Refuge so much. It's a place for anyone suffering from PTSD to come and unplug and relax. The first book has a friends-to-lovers story. Alaska and Drake were childhood friends who went their separate ways, and when Drake is hurt in combat, Alaska is there for him, and then when Alaska desperately needs a miracle, Drake doesn't hesitate to drop everything (and call in some favors), to get to her.
This week I ALSO have another FREE book for you. This one is on ALL the platforms and includes TEN free full length books. It will only be available for a short time, so be sure to pick it up now! (I'm hoping you've read MY story in the anthology (Securing Piper), but you might not have read the others, so it's an amazing deal!)
And as another small note...I put BAKER'S story up for preorder this week! Finding Jodelle will come out next summer. I know, I know, it seems FOREVER away, but keep in mind that you get EIGHT books between now and then, so I'm giving you plenty to keep you busy! :)
Enjoy your week. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.
~Susan
June 30, 2022
Read Searching for Elsie now 📚
It's HERE! It's HERE! It's finally HERE!
Searching for Elsie is finally live everywhere! This is the second book in the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series and this one has friends-to-lovers, a struggling, shy, humble single mom, a co-worker romance, an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective former military hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after. :)
Here is some of what listeners to the audio (which came out last week) had to say about it:
"I'm just in awe of this woman. I've been on some awesome rides through all her series and each series and story is unique in every way...especially her heroines." ~Karen
"This was another great story of overcoming obstacles, staying strong, and letting the universe bring you good things! Zeke was amazing, I seriously think he is one of my top 10 romance heroes; his sole focus was on Elsie and her son Tony, and all he wanted was what was best for them. He doesn’t push, or trick, or cajole, he is emotionally logical, though he is very passionate, and empowers Elsie, doesn’t take over for her." ~Dar
Thank you to both Dar and Karen and EVERYONE who reads/listens to my books and enjoys them! I hope Searching for Elsie won't be an exception!
Happy Reading!
~Susan
Searching for Elsie is finally live everywhere! This is the second book in the Eagle Point Search & Rescue series and this one has friends-to-lovers, a struggling, shy, humble single mom, a co-worker romance, an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective former military hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after. :)
Here is some of what listeners to the audio (which came out last week) had to say about it:
"I'm just in awe of this woman. I've been on some awesome rides through all her series and each series and story is unique in every way...especially her heroines." ~Karen
"This was another great story of overcoming obstacles, staying strong, and letting the universe bring you good things! Zeke was amazing, I seriously think he is one of my top 10 romance heroes; his sole focus was on Elsie and her son Tony, and all he wanted was what was best for them. He doesn’t push, or trick, or cajole, he is emotionally logical, though he is very passionate, and empowers Elsie, doesn’t take over for her." ~Dar
Thank you to both Dar and Karen and EVERYONE who reads/listens to my books and enjoys them! I hope Searching for Elsie won't be an exception!
Happy Reading!
~Susan
June 29, 2022
SEARCHING FOR ELSIE IS LIVE!!!
Get it in English, French, German, or Italian!
Friends-to-lovers, struggling, shy, humble single mom, co-worker romance, an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective former military hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after. 🙂
Searching for Elsie
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UCiUD0
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0983S6G3G
Amazon AU: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0983S6G3G
Amazon CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B0983S6G3G
Paperback: https://amzn.to/33hZJCT
Audio: https://tinyurl.com/2p8cnpz6
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sear...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=...
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/.../searching......
Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/2pcs9mnz
Auf Detusch: www.amazon.de/dp/B09NRT761S
In Italiano: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09QH31GKW
En Francais: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09QN8LSBV
Friends-to-lovers, struggling, shy, humble single mom, co-worker romance, an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective former military hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after. 🙂
Searching for Elsie
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UCiUD0
Amazon UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0983S6G3G
Amazon AU: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0983S6G3G
Amazon CA: www.amazon.ca/dp/B0983S6G3G
Paperback: https://amzn.to/33hZJCT
Audio: https://tinyurl.com/2p8cnpz6
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sear...
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=...
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/.../searching......
Google Play: https://tinyurl.com/2pcs9mnz
Auf Detusch: www.amazon.de/dp/B09NRT761S
In Italiano: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09QH31GKW
En Francais: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09QN8LSBV
June 22, 2022
Listen to Searching for Elsie now 🎧
Happy Mid-June!
I hope you are all looking forward to Searching for Elsie! It comes out NEXT WEEK! But more importantly, the AUDIO is NOW LIVE! EEK! So if you enjoy audio books, you can listen to it right this second! :)
I've described this book as a friends-to-lovers, struggling, shy, humble single mom, co-worker romance, former military hero, with an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after.
Whew!
The paperback and hardback are available in my online store, along with T-shirts, and I just put some new silicone cups in there too. Stickers, swag, and of course autographed books!
I have a week to relax before I head for the Women's Lacrosse World Cup tournament in Maryland to cheer on the Uganda Lacrosse Team! I've sponsored them and can't wait to meet these hard-working and deserving ladies! I hope you are all having a wonderful summer (or winter!).
Remember to always be kind. You have no idea what someone else is dealing with simply by looking at them.
~Susan
PS. If you haven't read the first chapter on my website for Searching for Elsie, it's there for you to check out! :)
I hope you are all looking forward to Searching for Elsie! It comes out NEXT WEEK! But more importantly, the AUDIO is NOW LIVE! EEK! So if you enjoy audio books, you can listen to it right this second! :)
I've described this book as a friends-to-lovers, struggling, shy, humble single mom, co-worker romance, former military hero, with an adorable little boy who loves his mama more than anything, a protective hero, strong friendships, small town shenanigans, a nefarious ex, a kidnapping (of course!), and a happily ever after.
Whew!
The paperback and hardback are available in my online store, along with T-shirts, and I just put some new silicone cups in there too. Stickers, swag, and of course autographed books!
I have a week to relax before I head for the Women's Lacrosse World Cup tournament in Maryland to cheer on the Uganda Lacrosse Team! I've sponsored them and can't wait to meet these hard-working and deserving ladies! I hope you are all having a wonderful summer (or winter!).
Remember to always be kind. You have no idea what someone else is dealing with simply by looking at them.
~Susan
PS. If you haven't read the first chapter on my website for Searching for Elsie, it's there for you to check out! :)
June 15, 2022
Read Chapter ONE of Searching for Elsie 📚
I'm back! Back home and settling in after my amazing trip! If you want to see pics, check out my facebook profile, I've been posting some of the best moments there.
But, more importantly, we are getting so close to Searching for Elsie being released! NEXT week the AUDIO is released! EEK! And in less than two weeks the ebook will release. It's time to share the first chapter, and you can find it on my website. At the end of book one, Searching for Lilly, Zeke had been pushed over his edge of control by a bar patron touching his Elsie without her consent. He ended up spontaneously kissing her.
Searching for Elsie starts out with Elsie having taken some huge steps back, not sure she can handle a relationship with our Zeke, but when she doesn't show up for work, Zeke gets worried and goes to check on her, only to find that she's sick. Really sick. And just like that, he's done giving her space. She needs him and he's all in. His vow that her life changed for the better when she met him was being put to the test, and he's not going to let her down.
I've got signed paperbacks available in my online store (along with a ton of other awesome stuff, T-shirts, swag, hardbacks) and I'll be mailing those out next week (before the ebook comes out). So if you're a paperback person, that might be an exciting option!
I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things now that I'm home from vacation, but I can't wait for you all to get this book in your grubby little hands! :)
Be safe out there everyone. Read on!
~Susan
But, more importantly, we are getting so close to Searching for Elsie being released! NEXT week the AUDIO is released! EEK! And in less than two weeks the ebook will release. It's time to share the first chapter, and you can find it on my website. At the end of book one, Searching for Lilly, Zeke had been pushed over his edge of control by a bar patron touching his Elsie without her consent. He ended up spontaneously kissing her.
Searching for Elsie starts out with Elsie having taken some huge steps back, not sure she can handle a relationship with our Zeke, but when she doesn't show up for work, Zeke gets worried and goes to check on her, only to find that she's sick. Really sick. And just like that, he's done giving her space. She needs him and he's all in. His vow that her life changed for the better when she met him was being put to the test, and he's not going to let her down.
I've got signed paperbacks available in my online store (along with a ton of other awesome stuff, T-shirts, swag, hardbacks) and I'll be mailing those out next week (before the ebook comes out). So if you're a paperback person, that might be an exciting option!
I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things now that I'm home from vacation, but I can't wait for you all to get this book in your grubby little hands! :)
Be safe out there everyone. Read on!
~Susan
June 9, 2022
Searching for Elsie Excerpt
She wanted Zeke. So much. Wanted to do more than steal kisses wherever they could.
While Zeke was camping with her son, Elsie had spent the night in his bed. Surrounded by his intoxicating scent, she took the opportunity to pleasure herself, breathing him in and imagining Zeke touching her the entire time.
“Here we are,” Zeke announced, bringing Elsie out of her own head. She looked through the windshield and saw they were at the Fallport Public Library.
“The library?” she questioned.
“Yup. Come on. Raid works here, he’s expecting us.”
Tony popped out of the back seat as Zeke came around to her side. He took her hand in his and leaned down so his lips were by her ear. “Trust me,” he murmured.
They’d had a talk about Tony’s love of reading the other night. He wasn’t interested in watching TV or playing video games like other boys his age, but could lose himself in books for hours. He’d been going through the selection of age-appropriate books Zeke had in his house at an amazingly fast pace.
Elsie had done her best to supply her son with enough books to keep him busy, but they didn’t have a lot of space in the motel. She also hadn’t had time to get to the library.
Tony practically bounced to the door and held it open for her and Zeke.
“Remember to keep your voice down inside,” Elsie warned, knowing her son had a tendency to get loud when he was excited.
“I will,” he said.
When they got inside, Zeke said, “Give your mom and me a sec, bub. The new releases in books appropriate for you are over there,” he said, pointing to a section not too far away. “See if there’s anything that grabs your interest.”
“Okay,” Tony said excitedly, taking off at a fast walk.
Zeke turned to her and said, “Before you get mad, let me explain.”
“I’m not mad,” Elsie interjected. “I should’ve brought him here before, or at least come in the morning before my shift, since I quit working for Edna. We even talked a little about getting him a library card, and myself too. I just haven’t thought about it since then.”
Zeke nodded. “Good to know. And there’s a little more.” At her questioning look, he continued, “You and I discussed how you don’t like that Tony’s by himself from the time he gets off the bus until you get home. Honestly, I don’t care for it either. So, I called the school district, and I learned there’s a bus that drops kids off two blocks from the library. And you know that Raiden works here. I talked to him as well…and he’s more than all right with Tony coming here after school instead of going home. Raid has to be here anyway, since it’s his job and all, and he said he’d watch over him until you came to collect him.”
Elsie could only stare up at Zeke in disbelief.
“Are you mad?”
Elsie closed her eyes and did her best not to cry.
“Else? Talk to me.”
She opened her eyes and blurted, “I want to kiss you right now.”
While Zeke was camping with her son, Elsie had spent the night in his bed. Surrounded by his intoxicating scent, she took the opportunity to pleasure herself, breathing him in and imagining Zeke touching her the entire time.
“Here we are,” Zeke announced, bringing Elsie out of her own head. She looked through the windshield and saw they were at the Fallport Public Library.
“The library?” she questioned.
“Yup. Come on. Raid works here, he’s expecting us.”
Tony popped out of the back seat as Zeke came around to her side. He took her hand in his and leaned down so his lips were by her ear. “Trust me,” he murmured.
They’d had a talk about Tony’s love of reading the other night. He wasn’t interested in watching TV or playing video games like other boys his age, but could lose himself in books for hours. He’d been going through the selection of age-appropriate books Zeke had in his house at an amazingly fast pace.
Elsie had done her best to supply her son with enough books to keep him busy, but they didn’t have a lot of space in the motel. She also hadn’t had time to get to the library.
Tony practically bounced to the door and held it open for her and Zeke.
“Remember to keep your voice down inside,” Elsie warned, knowing her son had a tendency to get loud when he was excited.
“I will,” he said.
When they got inside, Zeke said, “Give your mom and me a sec, bub. The new releases in books appropriate for you are over there,” he said, pointing to a section not too far away. “See if there’s anything that grabs your interest.”
“Okay,” Tony said excitedly, taking off at a fast walk.
Zeke turned to her and said, “Before you get mad, let me explain.”
“I’m not mad,” Elsie interjected. “I should’ve brought him here before, or at least come in the morning before my shift, since I quit working for Edna. We even talked a little about getting him a library card, and myself too. I just haven’t thought about it since then.”
Zeke nodded. “Good to know. And there’s a little more.” At her questioning look, he continued, “You and I discussed how you don’t like that Tony’s by himself from the time he gets off the bus until you get home. Honestly, I don’t care for it either. So, I called the school district, and I learned there’s a bus that drops kids off two blocks from the library. And you know that Raiden works here. I talked to him as well…and he’s more than all right with Tony coming here after school instead of going home. Raid has to be here anyway, since it’s his job and all, and he said he’d watch over him until you came to collect him.”
Elsie could only stare up at Zeke in disbelief.
“Are you mad?”
Elsie closed her eyes and did her best not to cry.
“Else? Talk to me.”
She opened her eyes and blurted, “I want to kiss you right now.”
