New Teaser-Matt and Kate’s Story!
The first book in the Still Harbor series, is Matt and Kate’s book. I ADORE autumn, so I purposely set the book around Halloween. Still Harbor is a town that’s not as small as Red River, but not a city either. It’s a place with big front porches and a tight-knit community. For three women who always dreamed of having a family, and never truly having a home, it’s the perfect place to settle.
Kate’s a woman with a past and a lot of secrets. She also has a thing against cops-and Matt’s just the guy to prove her wrong. She’s defensive and wary, but she has reason to be. She’s also very protective of her daughter, Janie for good reason…
This teaser is when they’re about to go out on their first date. It’s not really a ‘date’ because she thinks the only reason they’re going out is for the fundraiser she’s organizing…of course, Matt has other plans ;-). He also had no idea she had a kid…and when three little girls answer the door, the poor guy has no idea what he’s gotten himself into ;-).
“I just want to be clear,” she began softly. “I’m not looking for anything other than a donation. And I can tell you’re surprised that I have a daughter.” Her head was tilted back so that she could look at him squarely in the eye. And did she have a stare, glittering eyes and firm chin. But he wasn’t a liar. Never had been.
But there was something about her. Something about her that hinted at a courage, a vulnerability that tugged at him. Her eyes sparkled with challenge, defiance, and…disappointment. Like she had thought he was different. And for the briefest of seconds he wished he could be.
He cleared his throat. “So only one is yours?”
Kate surprised him by smiling. And he found himself smiling in return. And then looking at her mouth. She was not what he’d expected. And his attraction to her was only increasing instead of diminishing. And that should have sent off some warning bells.
“Yes. The little girl with glasses, Janie, is my daughter. I adopted her. There is no father, no husband, no anyone,” she said softly, but in a voice that was filled with conviction. Slightly defensive. And she took a step toward him, and hell if she wasn’t openly challenging him.
He stared at her, speechless. Impressed. She made him think of all the good women in his life. The ones that had sacrificed and loved him. She made him think all the naïve thoughts he’d once had about people when he was little. Before he learned how horrible people could really be. Her expression reminded him of himself-when he’d defiantly look up to his father, hoping for acceptance, but bracing himself for the worst.
He swallowed, hard. “Why didn’t you introduce me to your daughter?”
Her eyes narrowed. “I read the expression on your face. I saw the shock and I have no intention of introducing my daughter to someone that won’t be around tomorrow. Don’t worry, I’ve gotten used to it. I also know that I’ve had to choose my…friends wisely. I don’t put up with crap from people, so if you want to donate, it will be greatly appreciated. If you were after something else, and now want out that’s fine too. Just don’t waste my time and don’t bother acting all charming if you’re just after a quick screw, I don’t work that way,” she said backing up abruptly.
Matt grabbed her hand, finding his voice, his conviction. “Don’t do that. Don’t assume that I’m like everyone else.” He didn’t know what the hell he was doing, or what he was promising. But he didn’t want to be that guy she was describing. And he didn’t want to say goodbye to Kate.
So, what to you guys think?? When I have a release date, I promise I’ll let you know. Be sure to check out the new page dedicated to Still Harbor.
Tags:Kate and Matt,Still Harbor book 1,Teaser
