by Whitley Cox
Mitch’s shoulders relaxed. Why had they been tense? “Taking a page out of Liam’s book? Love is for suckers?”
Zak shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Something like that maybe. Just taking a breather.” Finally, he dropped his gaze down to Mitch, the intensity of his stare was unnerving. “Adam can’t say this because Paige is his ex-wife and it would come across as possessive. Plus, what he and Violet have right now is good, and I know he wouldn’t want to fuck that up. But I can say it.”
Say what?
Zak’s mouth crooked up into a lopsided grin. “I’ve been watching you for the past several minutes. Your reaction to Paige on stage is visceral. You’re attracted to her.”
Mitch shrugged, hoping his demeanor came across as cavalier. “She’s beautiful, not going to deny that.”
Zak nodded. “That she is. She’s also hurting. She’s in a lot of pain. So just tread lightly if you’re going to pursue her. She deserves to be happy. We all do. But just be careful, she’s been through a lot.”
Mitch’s back straightened and he pushed himself up to his full height, squaring off with the big muscly man. “We all have. I lost my wife. I lost my father. My daughter lost her mother. I don’t need a lecture, or a warning. If anybody knows to tread lightly, it’s me. I’m allowed to think someone is attractive, be attracted to them without immediately asking them for a date, or jumping into bed with them. I’m a grow-ass man, not a fucking teenager. I have some fucking self-control”
Oh fuck.
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
He could just hear Melissa, his late wife’s words echoing in his brain. She loved Shakespeare. Loved quoting it and reading it. She’d dragged him to many a play in their years together, swooning over the costumes and sonnets. She came by it honestly though, she was an English Lit major and had only just started teaching at the University of Arizona when they met.
God how he missed her.
Zak’s dark red hair glinted like brick-colored helmet in the warm July sun. They were all in Magnolia Park, celebrating the 4th of July by enjoying the Arts Council of Seattle’s Art in the Park. Jayda, Mitch’s six-year-old daughter had just performed on stage with her dance class, and before that Violet, Mitch’s sister and her boyfriend Adam, Zak’s brother had performed. All the Single Dads of Seattle were sitting on the grass with their children, enjoying beer, food and the afternoon sun. This was what summers were made of. Friends, food and festivities.
The two men simply stood there, staring at each other. But finally, something passed behind Zak’s blue eyes and his face split into a grin. He reached out and slapped Mitch on the back. “All right then. Good chat.” He nodded at Mitch’s camera. “Best get back to work there, camera jockey, before your muse runs off stage.” Then he spun around on his heel and sauntered his big frame back to the cluster of blankets and single fathers and children, all while earning more than a few ogles from female admirers.
Mitch fought the urge to flip him the bird, and instead turned back to his camera and the captivating woman on stage. He started snapping photos again, the camera—and Mitch—loving the way Paige’s body gracefully moved about the floor. She used her hands and arms in a way he’d never seen before, at least not in contemporary dancing, or in North America. It was reminiscent of his time spent in Bali, photographing the Balinese dancers, decked out in heavy makeup, gold and tapestry. Where had she learned to dance like that?
He couldn’t remember Violet ever doing such moves and he’d been watching his sister dance for years.
Paige leapt across the floor and fell to her knees. She was close to where Mitch stood down on the grass near the edge of the stage. Her head popped up and they came face to face. She stared into his eyes, into his soul. He knew he should smile, encourage her to dance, let her know he enjoyed her performance, but he couldn’t.
He was stunned.
Stunned by the lone tear that slipped down her cheek and the pained expression on her face. She really was dancing with every emotion right out on the surface for all to see.
As if acting of its own volition, his finger pressed down on the button and he took a picture. That must have snapped her out of whatever moment she’d been having, because her eyes left his and dropped down to his camera. Mitch followed her gaze, then glanced back up at Paige, but she was gone—standing at the front of the stage, bowing to the roar of applause from the audience. Mitch let the camera swing down around his neck and began to clap as well.
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Xoxo
Whitley Cox
Acknowledgments
There are so many people to thank who help along the way. Publishing a book is definitely not a solo mission, that’s for sure. First and foremost, my friend and editor Chris Kridler, you lady are a blessing, a gem and an all-around amazing human being. Thank you for your honesty and hard work.
Thank you, to my critique groups gals, Danielle and Jillian. I love our monthly meet-ups at Starbucks where we give honest feedback and just bitch about life. You two are my bitch-sisters and I wouldn’t give you up for anything.
Andi Babcock for her beta-read, I always appreciate your attention to detail and comments.
Author Jeanne St. James, my alpha reader and sister from another mister, what would I do without you?
Megan J. Parker-Squiers from EmCat Designs, your covers are awesome. Thank you,
My Naughty Room Readers Crew, authors Jeanne St. James, Erica Lynn and Cailin Briste, I love being part of such a tremendous set of inspiring, talented and supportive women. Thank you for letting me learn, lean on and join the team.
My street team, Whitley Cox’s Curiously Kinky Reviewers, you are all awesome and I feel so blessed to have found such wonderful fans.
The ladies in Vancouver Island Romance Authors, your support and insight have been incredibly helpful, and I’m so honored to be a part of a group of such talented writers.
Author Cora Seton for your help, tweaks and suggestions for my blurbs, as always, they come back from you so sparkly. I also love our walks, talks and heart-to-hearts, they mean so much to me.
Authors Kathleen Lawless, Nancy Warren and Jane Wallace, I love our writing meetups. Wine, good food and friendship always make the words flow.
The Small Human and the Tiny Human, you are the beats and beasts of my heart, the reason I breathe and the reason I drink. I love you both to infinity and beyond.
And lastly, of course, the husband. You are my forever. I love you.
Also by Whitley Cox
Love, Passion and Power: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 1
Love, Passion and Power: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 2
Sex, Heat and Hunger: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 3
Sex, Heat and Hunger: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 4
Hot and Filthy: The Honeymoon
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 4.5
True, Deep and Forever: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 5
True, Deep and Forever: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Book 6
Hard, Fast and Madly: Part 1
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 7
Hard, Fast and Madly: Part 2
The Dark and Damaged Hearts Series Book 8
Quick & Dirty
Book 1, A Quick Billionaires Novel
Quick & Easy
Book 2, A Quick Billionaires Novella
Quick & Reckless
Book 3, A Quick Billionaires Novel
Hot Dad
Lust Abroad
Snowed In & Set Up
Quick & Dangerous
Book 4, A Quick Billionaires Novel
Hired by the Single
Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 1
Dancing with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 2
Upcoming
Saved by the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 3
Living with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 4
Christmas with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 5
New Years with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 6
Valentine’s with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 7
Neighbours with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 8
Flirting with the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 9
Falling for the Single Dad
The Single Dads of Seattle, Book 10
Lost Hart
The Harty Boys Book 2
About the Author
A Canadian West Coast baby born and raised, Whitley is married to her high school sweetheart, and together they have two beautiful daughters and a fluffy dog. She spends her days making food that gets thrown on the floor, vacuuming Cheerios out from under the couch and making sure that the dog food doesn't end up in the air conditioner. But when nap time comes, and it's not quite wine o'clock, Whitley sits down, avoids the pile of laundry on the couch, and writes.
A lover of all things decadent; wine, cheese, chocolate and spicy erotic romance, Whitley brings the humorous side of sex, the ridiculous side of relationships and the suspense of everyday life into her stories. With mommy wars, body issues, threesomes, bondage and role playing, these books have everything we need to satisfy the curious kink in all of us.
You can also find me here
Website: WhitleyCox.com
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