Spotlight: The Cowboy's Mistletoe Truce by Lily Love

Series: Mistletoe Kisses Series

Release: November 1, 2024

Genre/Tropes: Sweet/Clean Holiday Romance; Small Town; Holiday; Cowboy; Business Rivals; Fake Dating; Grumpy/Sunshine

Can a fake engagement with my rival save my Christmas and melt his Grinch-like heart?

Veronica never expected to rope her business rival into a fake engagement. Elijah never imagined he'd play along with the town's Christmas fanatic. But when a snowstorm and a white lie collide, they find themselves in an arrangement that's shaking up more than just the snow globes in Passion Pointe.

Veronica:

I thought I had it all figured out. A thriving business in my charming small town, and a long-distance crush on my pen pal who made my heart skip a beat with every letter. But when he shows up in town engaged to someone else, my perfectly planned Christmas crumbles faster than a stale gingerbread house.

In a moment of panic, I blurt out that I'm engaged too—to Elijah, of all people! My long-time rival and the last man on earth I'd ever consider dating. Now I'm stuck in a fake engagement with the Grinch of Passion Pointe, all to save face in front of the man I thought I loved.

There's just one problem: pretending to be in love with Elijah is starting to feel less like a chore and more like a Christmas miracle. Between stolen glances under the mistletoe and a truce that's heating up faster than spiced cider, I'm beginning to wonder if the spirit of Christmas has more in store for us than I ever imagined.

Elijah:

Christmas in Passion Pointe? No thanks. I had my escape all planned out until a freak snowstorm grounded every flight out of town. Now I'm trapped in a winter wonderland with tinsel-covered memories I'd rather forget.

To make matters worse, Veronica, my business rival and the queen of Christmas cheer, has roped me into playing her fake fiancé. All I have to do is endure a few weeks of holiday madness, and that prime piece of real estate I've been eyeing that she snagged is as good as mine.

Or so I thought. I didn't count on Veronica's infectious holiday spirit melting my icy resolve. Or how our pretend kiss under the mistletoe would leave me wishing it was real. Now I'm wondering if expanding my ranch is worth giving up the sweetest gift of all—a chance at love with the woman who's been right in front of me all along.

'The Cowboy's Christmas Truce' is a heartwarming, clean romance featuring a Christmas-loving heroine and her Grinch-like rival turned fake fiancé. Set in the charming small town of Passion Pointe, this story of fake dating and holiday magic promises a season of discovery, warmth, and unexpected love. With a cowboy hero learning to embrace the Christmas spirit, witty banter, and sweet mistletoe moments, this book delivers a joyful happily ever after that will leave you believing in the magic of the season. If you enjoy slow-burn tension, rivals-to-lovers, and a love that overcomes all obstacles, this book is your perfect holiday treat!

Excerpt

The room falls silent again. I take advantage of the moment to slip out, the cool night air a welcome relief from the tension inside.

As I walk, my mind wanders to Veronica. Sweet, vibrant Veronica, with her endless enthusiasm for all things Christmas. I've lost count of how many times I've wanted to ask her out over the years. But every time I get close, something holds me back.

It's not just the ranch, though that's part of it. It's the nagging feeling that I'm not good enough. That I can't protect the people I care about. I couldn't save my parents, and now I'm on the verge of losing their legacy. How could I ever be worthy of someone like Veronica?

Before I realize it, I'm at the edge of our property, near the fence line I share with Veronica's ranch. A flash of movement catches my eye, and I spot her walking with a man I don't recognize. They're laughing, heads bent close together, and something twists in my gut. Jealousy, I realize with a start.

I'm about to turn and leave when a pretty brunette approaches them. She throws her arms around the man, planting a kiss on his cheek. "Noah! There you are!"

Noah. The name strikes a chord. Isn't that Veronica's pen pal? The one who used to live in the old Miller house down the way before they sent him away to live with his grandparents? I step closer without realizing it. She's been talking about this dude for years, but I’ve never seen him here in person before.

I watch as Veronica's smile falters, her body language shifting from relaxed to tense in an instant. Before I can process what I'm seeing, she spots me and waves me over.

"Elijah! There you are honey!"

Honey? What the--

As I approach, confusion clear on my face, Veronica grabs my arm and pulls me close. Her touch sends a jolt through me, and I have to remind myself to breathe.

"Noah, Sarah, this is Elijah. My fiancé."

My brain short-circuits. Fiancé? What game is she playing?

"Play along," she whispers fiercely in my ear. "Please. I'll do anything."

Against my better judgment, I slip an arm around her waist. The familiar scent of lavender and vanilla that I've always associated with her envelops me. "Nice to meet you," I say, hoping my voice sounds steadier than I feel.

Noah's eyebrows shoot up. "Fiancé? Wow, Roni, you didn't mention that in your emails."

"Oh, it's a recent development," Veronica says, her laugh high and nervous. "Right, sweetie?"

I nod, still trying to wrap my head around what's happening. "Very recent."

"Well, congratulations!" Sarah gushes. "You two make such a cute couple."

"Thanks," I manage, tightening my grip on Veronica as I feel her start to tremble. "We're very happy."

The conversation continues, but I'm barely listening. My mind is racing, trying to figure out how I ended up in this situation. One minute, I'm worrying about losing the ranch, and the next, I'm pretending to be engaged to the woman I've secretly had feelings for since high school.

As Noah and Sarah say their goodbyes, promising to catch up more later, Veronica maintains her grip on me. It's only when they're out of sight that she lets go, sagging against the fence.

"I'm so sorry," she says, not meeting my eyes. "I panicked. I just... I couldn't let him see how pathetic I am."

"Pathetic?" I repeat, incredulous. "Veronica, you're one of the strongest people I know."

She looks up at me then, surprise clear in her eyes. "You don't have to say that. I know you probably think I'm ridiculous, pining after some guy I've only known through letters."

I shake my head, wondering how someone so brilliant could be so blind. "I don't think you're ridiculous. I think you deserve someone who appreciates you. Someone who's here, not just words on a page."

"Someone like you?" she asks, a hint of a challenge in her voice.

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About the Author

Lily Love is the Clean Romance pseudonym of USA Today Bestselling Author Deidre – Ann Anderson. She is a simple lady who loves Romance where sweet meets funny.

Lily Love lives in Canada with her husband in their own little love fortress. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, designing random covers, playing video games or watching a good Hallmark movie. She enjoys reading just about anything with romance, or suspense, and having a chat with friends and family.

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Spotlight: Ascension of the Pack by Heather G. Harris

Publication Date: Nov. 1, 2024

Power. Revenge. Destiny. The Queen of Werewolves is ready to claim them all.

My best friend’s wedding was cancelled and she was arrested. With some smoke and mirrors we got her back, but an emergency called me home before I could get my revenge for her maltreatment.

Jimmy Rain, vile alpha werewolf and power-hungry coward, thought he could attack my stronghold while I was distracted. Big mistake: knowing that Jess is safe, now I’m gunning for him. No more games. He’s about to learn why the sentient seat of power crowned me Queen of Werewolves. I’ll stop at nothing to destroy him ... permanently.

But there’s more at stake than taking down a rival alpha: I need to secure the future of my pack, and that means pulling off a heist to reclaim an ancient magical artefact. There’s one problem: it’s sitting in a dragon-shifter’s hoard and she won’t give it up without a fight.

Prophecies, betrayals and rival alphas stand in my way – but I’ll tear through every one of them. My destiny is calling, and this time I’m answering.

No more Miss Nice Queen.

Don't miss this werewolf shifter series if you like humour, heart and a strong heroine with a slow burn, loyal-beta fade-to-black romance.

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About the Author

Heather is an urban fantasy writer and mum. She was born and raised near Windsor, which gave her the misguided impression that she was close to royalty in some way. She is not, though she once got a letter from Queen Elizabeth's lady-in-waiting.

Heather went to university in Liverpool, where she took up skydiving and met her future husband. When she’s not running around after her children, she’s plotting her next book and daydreaming about vampires, dragons and kick-ass heroines. 

Heather loves to travel and once spent a month in Thailand. Thai food remains a firm family favourite. It goes without saying that Heather is a book lover. She grew up reading the likes of Brian Jacques and Anne McCaffrey.

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Spotlight: Count Their Graves by Jennifer Chase

Publisher: Bookouture

Publication Date: October 30, 2024

Pages: 362

Genre: Crime Thriller

A wind chime sways a sweet melody above several pairs of shoes neatly laid out on the welcome the mat: two large pairs, and three small. On the door frame, a perfect crimson handprint, the color of blood…

Out on her morning run, Detective Katie Scott is stopped in her tracks when her service dog, Cisco, alerts her to something. Weaving through the towering pine trees, Katie is horrified to find a little girl alone in the woods, dressed in a white nightgown. The child sobs into Katie’s arms. She’s unharmed, but clearly traumatized. Scooping her up, Katie follows the trail to a large farmhouse. But what she finds there rips the air from her lungs: one, two, three, four bodies laid out side by side, all in matching pajamas.

The Banks family were attacked in their sleep, but how had the little girl trembling in Katie’s arms escape with her life? What twisted monster would do such a thing, and why leave no trace but a single bloody handprint on the doorframe? Katie vows to find answers for this sweet child who has lost everything and everyone.

Working night and day to piece together why this innocent family were targeted, Katie thinks she has her first lead when she discovers the family were under witness protection. Had they seen something they shouldn’t? Was the aim to silence them forever? Questions are still spinning in Katie’s mind when another family is discovered dead in their beds on the other side of Pine Valley.

With the entire department stretched to breaking point with an unprecedented body count and trace evidence stacking up, it’s going to take everything Katie has to track this twisted killer down. But as she closes in on her target, it’s clear someone close to Katie is keeping a deadly secret. How many more innocent lives will be lost before she can bring them to justice?

Excerpt

Katie stumbled forward onto her knees only to discover a little blonde girl with curly locks, dressed in an oversized white nightgown. The lace sleeves were longer than her tiny arms. Katie also noticed red spots splashed across the front and down the sleeves: blood.

“Good boy, Cisco,” she said, petting the dog, concerned by their discovery.

Turning her full attention to the little girl, she said, “What are you doing all the way out here, sweetheart?” She looked around to see if there was someone else, but it was deserted. There was nothing to indicate why the girl was outside. No footprints. No toys or pieces of clothing. It was as if she had been dropped here.

The sleepy-eyed girl appeared to be about four years old. “I’m cold,” she barely whispered as she shivered.

“Are you hurt?” said Katie as she looked for any injuries. The girl’s skin was icy, as if she had been out in the elements for a while—possibly a few hours. “What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Em… Emily,” she said.

“How did you get here?”

“Mommy brought me…”

A chill ran down Katie’s spine.

“Okay, Emily. Stay here with Cisco and I’ll be right back. Can you do that for me?” Katie wanted to pick the girl up, hug her, and take her to safety, but she needed to assess the area first. Security was her priority and then getting the little girl to safety.

The little girl nodded. Her blue eyes stared at Katie as she pet the dog. It was a look that Katie wouldn’t soon forget. The pure innocence struck her soul.

Katie stood up and unzipped her hoodie and then wrapped it around the little girl. The cool morning air hit her as she was now dressed in just a tank top. She pulled her weapon, still scanning the area. There was a farmhouse and barn down below the ridge and she assumed that was where Emily lived. There weren’t any other homes within view and most were likely several acres away.

Had the little girl ventured out without anyone knowing? Did the mother really leave her here? Or was there something terribly wrong?

Katie didn’t want to move Emily yet until she knew for sure that everything was safe on the property.

“Cisco, you stay.”

The dog instinctively downed next to the little girl. Emily’s small arms wrapped around the dog’s neck as she snuggled up against him for warmth.

Katie looked around and felt that, secluded in between trees, they would be safe until she could quickly search the area. Reaching into her pocket, she made sure her cell phone had a strong signal—which it did.

“Good boy, Cisco. Bleib… Wache…” She told Cisco to stay and guard the little girl. Her dog’s training words were in German, meaning stay and watch. Katie didn’t need to repeat herself because the dog knew what to do, but somehow it made her feel better. She hated leaving them alone, but it was the best way to proceed under the circumstances. By the time help arrived, it might be too late. She needed to report to dispatch exactly what was going on so that backup wasn’t blindly going into a potentially dangerous situation.

After taking one last look at Emily huddled with Cisco, Katie moved to the edge of the trail and began slowly making her way toward the backside of the house. She wondered how Emily got up the hill; there wasn’t dirt or mud on her gown.

Watching for any movement, Katie carefully stepped down the incline until she was on a walkway leading to the front of a modern farmhouse. There were unusual scrolled architectural details along the rooflines and windows that made it seem to be a custom build. Katie stopped and listened. The wind had died down and she felt the temperature had risen a few degrees from when she first began her run. Even though it was still cool, her skin was warm and clammy. Adrenalin was pumping, making her arms and legs strangely prickly and a bit shaky. She maintained her focus and continued to press forward. With her gun directed out in front of her, she kept moving, expecting anything.

There was a pickup truck and a minivan parked in the semicircle driveway, giving the impression that someone was home. The front of the farmhouse had a large porch with white wicker chairs and colorful pillows. There was a porch swing on one end and potted plants lined up side by side at the other. A cheerful welcome mat said, “Home Sweet Home.” A wind chime hung on the left side of the door and gently swayed a melody. There were several pairs of shoes carefully placed to the right side of the mat. By Katie’s quick assessment, there were two adults and three children that resided in the home.

The front door was wide open. Droplets of red spattered the porch and the entrance inside. Concentrated smudges were around the doorframe as if someone had tried to steady themselves.

“Hello?” she called out, watching her surroundings.

Nothing moved. No sound came from indoors. Katie’s senses were on hyper-alert. Everything seemed more vivid and louder than usual.

She cautiously stepped over the threshold and peered inside. The large open plan made it easy to see the living room, dining room, and kitchen in a quick scan. There were several photographs of the family—and she saw tiny Emily with an older boy and girl. Everything looked neat and orderly. That’s what made the bloody hammer lying in the middle of the floor so horrifying.

Katie stood surveying the room for a moment, taking a deep breath. It seemed that the bloody hammer had been dropped there. There were droplets of blood marking a path to the front door. There were no obvious signs of a struggle—no broken items, chairs overturned, or shelves spilled.

Katie turned and could see that the two main doors of the barn just across the open area were standing wide open. She wasn’t sure if it was instinct or fear that drove her, but she backed out of the house, careful not to disturb anything, and watchfully headed for the barn. Everything remained still and eerily quiet.

Katie kept to the sides of the barn and inched her way slowly to the opening. Her ears pounded. Her breathing shrank to shallow gasps. Staying low, she entered the building. It wasn’t a livestock barn, but rather a type of workshop and storage facility. Katie scanned the interior, taking everything in. Slowly lowering her weapon, she dropped to her knees in misery, only inches from the stagnant pools of blood on the ground in front of her. Barely registering what she saw, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the four bodies of a man, a woman, and a young boy and girl neatly lined up next to each other, still dressed in their pajamas.

– Excerpted from Count Their Graves by Jennifer Chase, Bookouture, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

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About the Author

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.  

She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. 

Her latest book is Count Their Graves.

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Spotlight: Crescent City Carnage by Mel Harrison

Mel Harrison’s new standalone novel in his award-winning Alex Boyd spy series, “Crescent City Carnage” (October 22, 2024), takes special agent Alex Boyd and his wife Rachel Smith on another thrilling hunt after only a day into their long-awaited vacation to New Orleans. When the couple goes to join their good friend and colleague, Simone Ardoin, they discover she was brutally murdered. Simone’s well-connected parents, longtime residents of New Orleans, are devastated by the tragedy and implore both Alex and Rachel to work with the New Orleans police to find her killer.

The city is infamous for its laissez-faire attitude, as well as its corruption. Nevertheless, Alex must work with the city’s cops to break the case. He draws immense support from the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Office in New Orleans. Identifying the killer is one thing, but locating him proves more complicated than anticipated. Is the killer just lucky? Or does he have an inside source who is helping him stay one step ahead of the cops?

The more Alex and Rachel delve deeply into the case, the more they discover that New Orleans is a unique city full of its own traditions, family ties, and way of life. But the clock is ticking. They need to capture the killer before he disappears forever.

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About the Author

MEL HARRISON: After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in Economics, Mel Harrison joined the US Department of State Foreign Service, spending the majority of his career in the Diplomatic Security Service. Over the next 28 years, he served in American embassies as either a Special Agent/Regional Security officer or Economic Officer in Saigon, Quito, Rome, London (twice), Islamabad, and Seoul. While in Islamabad, as the Senior Regional Security Officer, he won both the State Department Award for Valor, and its worldwide Regional Security Officer of the Year Award. Following government retirement, Mel spent ten years in corporate security and consulting work with assignments often taking him throughout Latin America and the Middle East. Mel met his wife, Irene, while both served in Quito. Irene, a Foreign Service Management Specialist, and Mel married in Rome, beginning their lifelong love of travel and all things Italian. They now reside in Florida.

Spotlight: A Garland at Bitterbark Creek by Tammy Mannersly

Publication date: November 5th 2024

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

He’s found a new home with her family while his own holds secrets to her past…This heart-wrenching 300+ page rural romance novel will have you gasping and keep you guessing as mysteries unravel, and as Jack and Sophie discover whether their love for one another can survive the deepest of wounds and darkest of betrayals.

Had it not been for her cousin’s wedding, Sophie Wendall would never have returned to Bitterbark Creek—her aunt and uncle’s idyllic farm-stay on the outskirts of town. Twenty years ago, tragedy stole everything from her including her memory, leaving only secrets and lies. Now that she’s back, there are just two things on her mind: to find out the truth of what really happened to her that day at the dam and to steer clear of the wicked Garland family and their charismatic son—the boy who broke her heart.

Jackson Garland is one of the few people who know what really happened to Sophie all those years ago, but he’s terrified of sharing the truth. To do so would jeopardize his happy sanctuary and newfound home at Bitterbark Creek. Upon reconnecting with Sophie, he realizes that while her extended family may have accepted him as one of their own, she’s going to take a little more convincing. Although he tries to charm and distract her to keep his secrets safe, it isn’t long before he’s at risk of falling under her own tantalizing spell.

As children, their love for one another kept them close until a car accident took one life and hatred tried to steal another. But dark truths can’t be hidden forever when ghosts from the past step into the light. Might the revelations be too daunting for them to handle? Or will Jack and Sophie finally put aside their family history and let love guide them into a future together?

A GARLAND AT BITTERBARK CREEK is about heartbreaking loss, rediscovering love and the healing ability of forgiveness and acceptance. If you love reading the novels of Mandy Magro, Alissa Callen, and Rachael Johns, then you will adore this heartfelt, second chance love story by award-winning author, Tammy Mannersly.

Excerpt

“I think I’ve found your competition for the bouquet.” Jack’s warm breath tickled the fine hairs on Sophie’s neck as he leaned closer.

Her heart raced at the sensation, but she kept her eyes on Dale and Camille. “Wrong again.”

“Not interested in walking down the aisle yourself?” He sounded surprised. “I thought things had been pretty serious with you and Mason?”

She spun back to him. How did he know about her ex? Realisation quickly dawned on her. “Laura told you.”

“We talk. Like I said, I’ve missed you, Soph.”

She caught a sadness in his eyes that mirrored her own feelings. Unable to hold his stare, she glanced back over his shoulder again, the tip of her nose just missing his. “That’s not an excuse to stick your nose in my personal business.”

“Why did you break up with him?” It was only a whisper.

Sophie risked a glance his way. Prickles of excitement flashed through her at his nearness. Yet she didn’t want to tell him the truth. “What’s that got to do with anything?”

Jack shrugged half-heartedly. “I didn’t believe what Laura told me.”

The breeze shifted and Sophie caught the sharpness of his cologne, the citrus of his shampoo. It was an addictive scent. She licked her lips. “Mason and I just had different priorities,” she explained firmly.

“That’s what Laura said.” He sounded unconvinced. 

And he wasn’t you, Sophie thought, hoping that wasn’t written all over her face.

As the stirring song reached a crescendo, she found her gaze tangled in his, trying to decipher his thoughts. It wasn’t until Jack raised his hand and swiped a coarse fingertip lightly across her cheek that the spell broke.

“Eyelash,” he said huskily.

Sophie blinked several times and pulled away. What was she doing? This was still the same boy who broke her heart. She couldn’t just allow herself to be lured back under his spell. He wasn’t to be trusted. None of the Garlands were.

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About the Author

Tammy Mannersly is an award-winning Australian author frequently praised for her heart-warming stories full of romance, dedicated friendships, and stunning Australian locations. All her books ensure a great Happily Ever After and a love story that will sweep you off your feet. Tammy has a Bachelor Degree in Creative Industries majoring in Creative Writing from Queensland University of Technology. She lives on the coast near Brisbane, Queensland and loves to write about her favorite Australian destinations.

You can find more information about Tammy and her work on her website: www.tammymannersly.com or by visiting:

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Spotlight: We Never Kissed by Lia Fairchild

Publication date: November 5th 2024

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The spark between Ava and Alex, her brother’s best friend, was always undeniable. So, Ava spent her life wondering why Alex had never claimed her lips.

Torn between loyalty and desire, Alex always kept Ava at a distance, leaving her to stand on the sidelines, watching him go through women faster than a beating heart.

No longer able to ignore the pull toward Alex, Ava drops everything in her life—including her boyfriend—to finally try to make things work between them. But surrendering to their deepest desires could ruin everything, including the fragile fabric of a shared family history.

Excerpt

“Ava, this is my family, too, and I’m not leaving until I know they are both all right.”

My eyes glossed over then, not only from the promise that left me speechless but at thinking about the prospect of losing either one of them.

“Oh, God, Ava. I didn’t mean… They’re both going to be fine. I know they will.” His arm slid around my shoulders as we left the building and walked onto the dimly lit pathway that wound around the hospital.

Alex kept me distracted by asking me questions about the show I was in, how long I would keep dancing, and about my new boyfriend, Mark. Surprisingly, he didn’t give me his usual third degree about a guy I was dating, but instead of being relieved, I felt disappointment wash over me. 

We checked our phones constantly as we walked, and eventually, found a bench to sit on. I didn’t hesitate to lean against his strong shoulder and accept the comfort he offered. At some point, I must have dozed off because both of our phones pinging startled me. Glancing at the time, I saw I’d been out for almost two hours while Alex held me. 

We both read the group message from Sammy, alerting us Cass was not only awake but out of the woods. Little Dax’s vitals were strong, and there was a picture attached. A sob of release shot from me. “Thank you, God,” I whispered as Alex pulled me into a hug. For some reason, I was crying harder than when I got there. 

“Hey, it’s okay,” Alex whispered against my hair, one hand behind my head, the other pressed into my lower back.

So many emotions combined with the fact that being this close to Alex was both overwhelming and comforting. I allowed myself a few more minutes before I reined myself in. When we pulled apart enough that I could look him in the eye, I said, “I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot. This is wonderful news.”

“Stop it. You’ve had a long night, Ava. You’re entitled.” 

I gave him a heartfelt, “Thank you” and then before I could stop myself, “I don’t know what I would have done without you—”

“Don’t… Please, don’t make me out to be something I’m not.” Guilt laced his tone.

“How can you say that? I don’t know why you do that to yourself, Alex. You’re an amazing man…”

He pinned me with his dark gaze, drawing me in. We stayed that way, our breathing heavy, for several long beats. His thumb brushed the wetness from my cheek before both hands took hold of my face. “God, Ava, why…”

His words barely registered. I couldn’t make sense of them with how intensely he stared at me. My heart felt like it was going to explode. “What…?”

He still had ahold of my face, and he pulled me closer, leaned down until his lips were a breath away. “I’ve tried so hard, Ava. Dammit, I’ve tried…”

When his lips brushed against mine, I gasped and pulled back, my gaze narrowing on him. “Are you fucking serious right now?” All the times I dreamed of kissing this man, and he does this now…when I’d just entered a serious relationship, and I was still reeling from Cass’s accident. I rose from the bench, steeling myself so I wouldn’t start crying again. “I have to go…”

Alex didn’t try to stop me, didn’t say a word. Thankfully, mine and Cass’s family members filled the waiting room, and even when we visited Cass, Sammy, at least, was in the room. I stayed until the sun rose, and with a heavy heart at not being able to hold my new nephew yet, I arranged for my flight back. 

I was in line at the security check when I heard my name being called. I turned to find Alex speed-walking toward me. “Is everyone okay?” I said in a rush before he even reached me. 

“Fine. Everyone is fine.” He paused a moment to catch his breath, as if he’d run all the way from the parking lot. Then he surveyed our surroundings. I was in line between a teenage girl and a couple speaking what sounded like Dutch. I wasn’t about to get out of line so whatever he came to say would have an audience.

“I fucked up?” he said, one hand in his pocket, the other roughing through his messy head of thick hair. “I know you’re pissed at me, and you have every right to—”

“Don’t tell me about my feelings, Alex. You can’t even manage your own.”

The woman must have known some English because I caught a smirk before she turned away.

“I know.” He shook his head, his face wrecked in desperation. “It can’t be shitty between us, Ava. Please, just say you forgive me so things can go back to the way they were.”

Yeah, because things were so freaking great before. What choice did I have? Alex was part of our family. He was Sammy’s best friend. We all had history you don’t just forget about and move on. I pulled my lips under my teeth and stared at him. Dammit, I couldn’t lose this man no matter what was or wasn’t between us. So, I said the only thing I could. “Okay.”

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About the Author

Bestselling author Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who become their own heroes. 

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two.

Look for updates on her and her books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lia.fairchild.author/ or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild.author?fref=ts

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