Then I tucked it away, almost forgetting about it until today, when she found it in the box of mementos.
The door behind me opens, and I twist to find Harley wrapped in one of her ridiculous fuzzy blankets. She cuddles to my side, folding her arms and the blanket around my waist. “Thought for sure you’d be worn out and sleeping off a few bottles of champagne.”
She jabs my gut. “I didn’t drink that much. And I felt you get out of bed.”
“Sorry about that.”
“You okay?”
“Great.”
“Why are you standing in the freezing cold at one a.m., staring into the darkness?”
“Reflecting.”
She jerks at my answer, her expression growing thoughtful. “Reflecting? You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fucking perfect.”
“Then why so serious?”
“Not serious. That letter you found today brought up a lot of old memories.”
“Good memories?”
“Most of them. It is a reminder of why I was pushing so hard, crushing expectations, and delivering results. That letter and the words inside are the reason I am standing here with you. On the same day you planned our wedding. All of it started when that sixteen-year-old firecracker walked up to me and gave me a shot at beauty for the first time in my life.”
She sighs wistfully, squeezing tighter. “It’s ironic I found it today. I’d like to think it’s fate.”
I kiss her forehead and shift her to my front. The scent of her lotion fills the air and I inhale deep, enjoying the tranquility. She holds tight, giving me what I need.
After a few minutes, she breaks the silence. “Are you allowed to marry in your uniform?”
“You don’t want me in a tux?”
“Your time in the Marines has been a huge part of our story. Considering Talon, Ford, and Major are standing up with you, and if they can wear their uniforms, too, it will mean a lot.”
“Then that’s what we’ll wear.”
“I didn’t even ask you earlier. Did you have a nice day with the guys?”
“Yeah, obviously not as much fun as you.”
“Those women are crazy. But a totally cool and awesome kind of crazy.”
As suspected, when Robbie, Finn, and I returned to the house late afternoon, there was a party in full swing. Harley explained once all the major decisions were made and her fitting was done, it was time to celebrate.
Talon, Major, and Ford came home shortly after and joined the festivities. Rowan, Ginger, and Jewls crashed in one of the guest rooms. It was late when I finally got Harley to myself.
I learned that a tipsy and happy Harley loves to play dirty.
She tilts to face me. “I know it’s pitch dark, but can you picture our wedding out here?”
“I can.” Honestly, I didn’t know what these women would do with the back of the property. But after seeing the sketches they came up with, it all makes sense. “There’s one large flaw in your planning.”
Her eyebrows shoot up, and she purses her lips worriedly. “What is it?”
“With three open bars, there is no question some of our friends will end up ass over feet in the pool.”
She grins widely. “Actually, we covered that. I personally don’t care, but we’re putting a decorative barrier around the perimeter. If anyone bypasses, then it’s their risk.”
I brush my lips across hers. “Smart thinking.”
“It’s possible for me to come up with a smart idea once in a while.”
“Well, then I better get you to the courthouse tomorrow before you wise up and decide to ditch me.”
“Not a chance, I think I chose well for my first husband.”
I slide my hand into her waistband and slap her ass gently. “Just try to get away from me, see what happens.”
She giggles, cupping my chin. The beauty on her face is my undoing. The urge to feel her body against mine takes over.
“Go back to bed, baby. Get ready for me. I’ll be right there.”
Her eyes spark with desire. “Okay.”
When she’s back inside, I give the darkened landscape one more glance. Another memory crashes into my brain, this one taking me back to the beginning.
“Um, hi. Achilles, right?” A nervous voice sounded from behind, and I slammed my locker closed, expecting to see one of the snooty bitches vying for my attention. All the girls wanted to take a walk on the wild side, trying to land the bad boy of the school.
Instead, I faced the sweet, quiet, and extraordinarily pretty Harley Jacobs. She thought she was invisible, but I’d had my eye on her since the year before. One thing that kept me from making a move was the fact that her dad was a cop who now had a permanent place on my speed dial. My lips curled and I nodded, trying not to get hard at the blush on her cheeks.
“Yeah, people call me Ace.”
She scrunched her nose adorably. “I’m—”
“Harley Jacobs, know who you are.”
She stood straighter. “That makes this a lot easier. Ready for science?”
“You’re in a senior science class?’
“Yep!” The pop of her ‘p’ hit me straight in the dick. “Hand me your phone.”
On autopilot, I did as she asked and watched her type furiously. Her phone rang as she handed mine back.
“I’m in your favorites and will get your contact set up when we get to class.”
“Did I miss something?”
“Not yet, but if we don’t hurry, the class will start. It would suck to get the evil eye on the first day.”
I decided to play along, because this girl was adorable and made me want to reach out and tug her to my body. “Lead the way.”
She let out a little breath and slid her arm around my elbow. “There’s a concert this weekend downtown. Indie rock band that my dad and his partner are providing security. Want to tag along?”
At the mention of her dad, my body tensed. If she noticed, she didn’t let on, continuing to babble.
“I mean, we obviously can’t drink or anything, but it’s a cool little dive and Dad won’t mind.”
“Never been a huge fan of live music, but yeah, we can go.” Suddenly, nothing sounded better than taking a chance of listening to a shitty band if it meant spending time with her.
She beamed up at me and my chest constricted, feeling that brightness soak into my veins. A flash of something caught my eye, and I noticed her pink chucks.
“Cool shoes.”
The compliment shot that beam of brightness straight to brilliance.
“Thanks! I have an unhealthy obsession with chucks. My mom gripes when we have to replace them every few months. She always offers to buy me…”
The memory fades as I picture those two kids—who are now adults—side by side.
You’re a lucky motherfucker, my subconscious reminds me.
I head back inside to the woman in my bed that kick-started my life path all those years ago.
Lucky motherfucker.
A Little Something Extra
You are cordially invited to Girls’ Night at the Casanova Club
Something big is happening.
Something Harley never sees coming.
Find out what happens when Achilles sets up girls’ night with his biggest surprise yet.
* * *
Click here for an added Bonus Scene
Acknowledgments
There are a lot of people behind the scenes that keep me going, and when the time comes, help me prepare the roll out. Thank you to my editor, graphic designer, and the group of women that throw in your advice and wealth of knowledge to encourage me.
I always feel an enormous sense of gratitude to my family for supporting me in this crazy endeavor. It never gets easier and they stick by me with each release.
A special THANK YOU to you- the reader-for purchasing, downloading, and reading this book. Without your support this would not be possible. I love creating these characters and worlds th
at hopefully bring you enjoyment.
* * *
Happy Reading!
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For an author reviews are an essential part of helping spread the word of our work. As a reader, your reviews help other readers that may have similar interests. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a short review (or long if you wish). I would appreciate it!
XOXO!
About the Author
Ahren spent her formative years living in an active volcano. There her family made collectible lava art. She studied rock collecting at the Sorbonne in France. There she met the love of her life-her pet pig, Sybil. She returned to the states and started writing. She is happily married to a guy who used to live under a bridge, who she met while pole-dancing.
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Now, meet the real me. I grew up in the south and consider myself a true Southerner. Most of the special locations mentioned in my books are reflections of my favorite places. Living on the Florida coast, my family spends a lot of time at the beach, which is where I usually can be found with a book in my hand.
For more information on my books, please click here: Ahren Sanders
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Other Books by Ahren Sanders
Southern Charmers Series:
Pierced Hearts (Pierce & Darby)
Miller’s Time (Miller & Ashlyn)
Evin’s Fight (Evin & Poppy)
Surrender Series:
Surrendering (Raven & Declan)
Surviving (Raven & Declan Conclusion)
Salvation (Robbie & Ember)
Finding Our Way Series:
Finding Our Way (Bryce & Devon Novella)
Staying On Course (Bryce & Devon)
Finding Our Course - Collision Course Duet
Bennett Brothers Series (Each Can be Read as a Standalone):
Hotshot (Shaw & Bizzy)
Sexy Six (Nick & Grace)
Heartthrob (Mathis & Claire)
Standalones:
Reed’s Reckoning
Smokescreen
Finn
Trixsters Anonymous
Fat Cat Liar
Speed King (Men of Action) Page 34
