Walking toward him, I recognize the format and grunt.
“Jackson Spearman,” I protest.
“That’s my name,” he answers, tapping the first question.
I take it away from him and read it out loud.
“Nicknames?” I ask
“My family calls me Jack. My wife calls me wise-ass, insufferable, and the love of my life,” he answers with a wink.
“How would you like me to call you?”
“Jack, but if we’re in bed and you happen to be tied to it, you should definitely call me Mr. Spearman.”
“Favorite food?”
“I still love Rueben sandwiches, but I’ve developed a taste for sushi.”
“Meow,” Ramen protests and jumps on the table.
“You’re still my number one, sweetheart,” Jack says, scratching her chin.
“Hobbies,” he says and smirks, “my wife.”
“I’m your hobby?” I protest.
“I like to do you over anything else,” he says with a voice that melts me and makes me wet.
But as usual, I go from horny to sensitive within seconds. I sniff when I read the question, how do you drink your coffee? In the mornings, with my wife.
“Babe?”
“Stupid hormones,” I complain.
He takes the paper. Then pulls me into his lap and continues reading. “Do you have any children? We’re expecting twins, ten weeks and we’ll have two lively boys.”
“I can’t wait to meet them,” I tell him, touching my round belly.
We haven’t chosen their names yet. There’s a list, but we’re still not sure which are right for them. We might have to wait until we meet them.
He bends and kisses my belly and says, “We can’t wait to meet you.” Then, he kisses me. It’s a slow, deep, toe-curling kiss. “Thank you for coming into my life.”
“I love you, Jack. Thank you for being patient with me.”
“Thank you for being mine,” he retorts.
THE END
Dear reader,
Thank you so much for reading, Maybe Later. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I know, it’s totally different from what I write but I put as much heart and soul on this baby too.
So , one of my favorite movies of all times is You Got Mail—the second being Sleepless in Seattle. Nora Ephron is one of my favorite story tellers. She’s my writing idol. For a couple of years, I’ve been wondering what it’d be to write a modern tale of You Got Mail. Thankfully, I raised a Nora Ephron fan, that’d be my oldest, Paulina.
We’ve been talking about it for months. On my corkboard I have several notes with titles and ideas for books. One of them is Maybe Later a virtual romantic comedy. And back on January while I chatted about all the free time I had since I didn’t plan on releasing a book until May, we looked at Maybe Later and boom, we plotted it right away.
Jack and Emmeline became real and I adored both from the beginning. I always slip a few funny lines in between my books. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could write an entire manuscript where I’d be unleashing my wit. I confess, I laughed while I wrote every word and line.
After you finish the book, and if you enjoyed it. Please, do me a big favor and leave a review. Let other readers know about it and spread the word. I love to hear from readers, so please don’t hesitate to email me
Thank you much. Love you all,
Claudia ♥
Until I Fall
I hope you enjoyed Maybe Later, keep reading for an extended excerpt of my bestselling military romance, Until I Fall, and one of my favorite friends-to-lovers romance, Found.
Aspen
I gave my heart to a Navy SEAL.
He took it with him to his grave.
Eleven years later, ignoring the yawning void is as automatic as breathing. Working brutal hours, dating a comfortably commitment-phobic guy, hanging with my best friends. Anything until exhaustion—or an extra glass of wine—claims my consciousness.
My neighbor’s handsome, enigmatic son invades my comfort zone.
He says he’s a tattoo artist. But Anderson Hawkins’ piercing green eyes, mastery of the short answer, weird schedule, and military ink tell a different story.
His touch ignites a long-dead flame inside me. A flame I’m afraid to examine too closely, even as I’m drawn to its heat.
Anderson
I retired from Delta Force
Now I work at a high-intelligence security agency
But working undercover isn’t the adrenaline rush it used to be.
For one thing, my Mom’s illness shifted my priorities to finding a way to save her. For another, her neighbor next door, whose prickly defenses belie the unflinchingly caring heart underneath, has slipped under my skin. Now my mission is to convince her it’s safe to unlock her heart. Because I’m ready to give her mine.
Note: This contemporary romance contains a wary, overworked doctor who’s a military widow in every way but name, an ex-military hero accustomed to treading dangerous ground, brought together by a few unexpected twists and turns—and maybe the machinations of a cute dog.
Read it today
* * *
Until I Fall
Scarlett: Where are you?
I sigh as I see a group text from Scarlett and Brynn appear on my screen.
Me: Heading home, you?
Brynn: We’re going to Johnny’s. Do you want to meet us there?
Me: Nope, I have a test tomorrow. Unlike you two geniuses, I have to study so I don’t flunk.
Michael: What have I told you about texting and walking?
I halt, gasping as I read Michael’s text. My lips spread into a wide smile thinking of him, how I miss his crystal blue eyes, his boyish grin and…I sigh. He’s so far away from me, and neither one of us has plans to visit the other until next Christmas.
Me: Many, many …
My heart beats faster, stopping me from typing. I narrow my gaze at the phone, then look up. I find him right in front of my apartment, sauntering toward me. He’s here. Slipping my phone inside my lab coat, I rush to meet him.
“You’re here!” I jump into his arms, my legs hugging his waist, my hands cupping his face as I make sure he’s here—with me. It’s been so long; I can’t believe he’s here. The exhaustion disappears, who needs caffeine? His touch energizes me, that spark of ours is all I need to come back to life. “Why didn’t you call me? I’d cut class for you.”
“Keys,” he demands. He kisses the corner of my mouth. “You look cute wearing that white coat, Doc.”
I hand them over, anxious to be inside my place.
“You can’t call me that yet. It’s going to take years for me to become one.” I nibble his neck. He growls while fidgeting with the lock. “Take us to my room.”
“Where’s the scaredy-cat?”
“Scarlett and Brynn went to one of the bars near campus,” I groan. He’s got to be kidding me. Asking for his sister just as we’re about to have sex. Is he for real?
“Good, we have a few hours to ourselves. I love my sister, but I hate when she interrupts.”
I can’t agree more; my bestie is wonderful until she turns into the third wheel. “Nothing like the present, then. To my quarters, my soldier.”
“I’m not a soldier, and you’re too bossy tonight. I should spank you.” He squeezes my ass with one hand, burying the other between my curly hair, bringing his mouth down to mine.
He kisses me slowly; tasting me for the first time, deeply. Our tongues dance, soothing our souls after all the time we were apart. My fingers grip the back of his neck, I release his waist, lowering myself off him. Suddenly it hits me, why he’s here. Like a sharp stab right in the center of my heart—he’s going on a mission.
“You’re leaving?” He stays quiet, pressing me harder against his body and taking my lips again. I push him away gently. “For how long?”
“You know I can’t say anything, Aspen.”
I lean my head against h
is chest, listening to his heart. His beat slows like mine. My arms go around his waist and we stay like that for several minutes. Remember the pact. You not only agreed to love him as a man, but to understand who he is. He’s a SEAL. He lives to serve his country, to defend our freedom. A selfish part of me hates it. The rest understands that without men like him, the world would be a scarier place. Men like my fiancé are the ones who keep this country free. Still, I miss him when he’s away. I fear something bad might happen during those missions.
After several minutes, and once I make my own peace, I straighten my spine, pushing down the fear, the panic, and everything that he doesn’t need from me. He needs a woman who will love, support, and accept him. Most of all, he needs me to wait for him while he fights for everyone. I release him. My hands slide down his chest, gliding down to the hem of his shirt, pulling it off his body, and leaving his well-defined torso bare.
Pressing my hands to his tanned skin, I’m ready to face him with a broad smile and willing to spend the next… “How long are you here for?”
“Less than twelve hours,” he announces, shedding my white coat and growling. “Fucking gorgeous.” He stares at my short sundress, his eyes filled with lust.
“Why didn’t you call?” I help him undo his belt and fidget with the buttons of his jeans.
“My fiancée has a small problem.” He brushes a kiss across my forehead.
“She does?” A grin tugs at my lips. “What is this problem you’re talking about?”
“You worry as soon as I tell you I have a mission.” He caresses my wrinkled forehead, kissing my nose and cheeks.
“Why do you look so gorgeous tonight?” he whispers nibbling my ear. “Hot date?”
“I had a presentation earlier, I could only change my shoes after the class.” Lifting my leg, I show him my light blue converse. The heels are in the trunk of my car. “My hot dates are only with this hot Navy SEAL who’s leaving soon. And only when he’s not saving the world.” I slowly slide his pants and boxers off; his thick cock springs up as it’s released from the plaid fabric. Pressing my lips against his naked chest I trace a line down to his dick, lifting my gaze I lick my lips enthusiastically.
“I want to taste you,” I beg, kissing the tip and holding it with both hands first. Opening my mouth, I take him in deep, bobbing twice before I suck the head. His legs tremble. He grasps my hair, pushing himself in deeper. My tongue swirls around his length as I release him, and give him a knowing smile. He’s at my mercy. “Why are you quiet?”
“Worried about leaving you with graduation approaching and all the wedding preparations. I’m also praying that we grow old together.” He breathes. “These have been the best four years of my life.”
The air in the room disappears, my lungs have trouble working. No, I can’t let him start his “if I don’t come back” talk. I hate when he does this. I take him again, he has to forget about tomorrow and stay with me for the next twelve hours. It’s only us for the night.
“Fuck, we can’t.” He stops me, his lids heavy and his breathing shallow. He takes his boots, socks, and everything off. “I need to be inside of you before we do other things, baby. I haven’t had you in a long time.”
He bunches the skirt of my dress up, running a hand over my soaking underwear and rubbing my needy heat. “Promise to make it up to you later.”
His hand moves away. I gasp, thrusting my hips desperately for release. Those blue eyes are promising me that I’ll have the time of my life. I take a step back, waiting for his next move. He shoots me a heated glance, his hands propped on his hips and his expression loving. He reaches for me, trying to pull me into his grasp.
I open my mouth but snap it as I hear “Papa Don’t Preach.” Squeezing my eyes for a few seconds, I wait until the call goes to voicemail. It only takes a second for it to start ringing again. “Dad,” I exhale, searching for my lab coat, and fishing for my phone. “Hey, Dad.”
“You haven’t called me, where are you?” I stare at the ceiling, praying for strength. I adore my father, but his constant need to control me drives me insane. “You have only two jobs to do, well no, three. Go to school, get good grades and call me, so I know you’re safe.”
I take two deep breaths, winking at Michael. “Sorry, I was famished when I got home and forgot to call.”
“It doesn’t take much to dial my number and let me know you’re safe, Aspen,” he chides me. “Your mother and I are disappointed in you. Where are you?”
My eyes shift to the floor; he’s not going to be happy. “I’m safe, in my apartment with Michael.”
“Why is he with you? This relationship is too codependent!”
There he goes, insisting that we’re codependent and should see other people. My father hates the idea of me marrying so young. He doesn’t understand that Michael and I are meant for each other. We don’t need to date other people. “Well, Dad. He’s here because sometimes he has a day off and travels to Houston to spend it with me.”
“That’s not healthy.”
“It’s normal when two people are engaged but live in different cities.”
“Don’t you get sassy with me, young lady.”
“Yes, Dad.” I roll my eyes.
“Are you planning on coming home for Christmas?”
I meet Michael’s eyes.
When is he coming back?
Are we still planning on having a few days together in San Diego?
That’s a discussion for another day. “We’ll talk about winter break later.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Going to visit my fiancé matters.”
“We’ll see, Aspen.”
I sigh, my eyes close for a few beats. Why is he so difficult? “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Please, do. I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you too, Dad.”
“It’s as if he knows I’m close to you.” He sighs, biting the words. I bet he’s as frustrated as I am. “He hates me.”
You’re screwing his daughter, of course, he’s not a fan. I keep that part to myself. “No. He worries about me and asks that I call him when I have a late class. Dad doesn’t hate you.” I want to beg him to stop. I’ve had enough of my father’s words. “Can we forget about him? We don’t have much time together, Michael.”
“Marry me?” He takes my left hand pressing it against his chest.
I pull it out of his grasp, showing him the solitare ring he gave me almost a year ago. “I believe we already went through this ritual. But we could reenact what happened after I said yes.”
I slip off my dress, his mouth parts as his chest heaves—subject forgotten. To assure he won’t mention Dad again, I snap open the pink bra letting my boobs spill out. I grin as his eyes widen, almost falling at the sight.
“Bed,” I order. “We’ll loosen you up in bed and then…you’ll see. Tonight is ours. I bet it’ll be a few months before we can be together again.” My heart slows with those words, why did I have to remind us that we’re going to be apart for a long time?
“I love you, future Mrs. Reynolds.” He lifts me, gently settling me in the middle of the bed, pushing my legs open. “Still on the pill?”
“Of course!” My father would kill me if my boyfriend knocks me up before the wedding. “I’m not ready to have your babies, yet.”
“Wrap your legs around me.” He positions himself right at my entrance, searching for my gaze. Love is all I see, my heart swells at the sight of his loving stare.
“I love you,” he mutters as he sinks into me. “You okay?”
No, I don’t want you to go.
“Perfect,” I lie, smiling at him. “Please, don’t be gentle. Not this round.”
He pulls out and thrusts in hard. My hips match the rhythm as he plunges inside me faster, harder. He cups my left breast, flicking the nipple with his playful tongue. He continues with his ministration. Faster. Harder. Deeper. The energy between us increases, the build up inside me is too much. My body quivers as I explode f
rom the inside out. His speed increases, thrusting three more times before he stops, his limbs shivering and his mouth yelling my name.
“I love you with all my heart, Mike. Promise you’ll come back to me, baby.”
He presses together his lips, closing his eyes.
My heart speeds up, the fear etched in his features sends goose bumps all over my skin. He needs to be okay, he’ll come back.
He lowers his head and kisses my neck. “Always. I’ll always be by your side,” he murmurs, kissing the tear that slides from the corner of my eye. “Be brave, and wait for me.”
“Always.”
Found
All I’ve ever wanted was for someone to choose me.
My mother didn’t.
My father didn’t.
The beautiful boy next door, who grew up to marry me, didn’t. Neither did the next man with whom I thought my heart was safe.
Back in the Bay area, three thousand miles from New York City, I can start fresh. Become one with the sea again, rise or fall on the tide of my own choices. But on the first day of my bright new life, the darkest shadows of my past follow me through my office door.
The two men whose names are definitely not on my five-year plan.
If I let it consume me—my need for one man, my love for the other—the darkness will swallow me whole.
I can’t let that happen.
Not again. This time, the waves of emotion crashing against my heart won’t drown me. This time, I get to choose my happy ending.
You’ll love this breathtaking friends-to-lovers contemporary romance.
* * *
All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. ― Abraham Lincoln
Scott
“What are the three words that best describe you?” the reporter on the other side of the line asks after I disclose the projected revenues for the next quarter.
I stare at my phone and pinch the bridge of my nose, thinking. There are more than three. Committed, resilient, stubborn, impatient, quiet, reserved … I drum my fingers on top of my desk searching for the best words to use in this case.
Maybe Later Page 24
