Hannah starts laughing, breaking into a skip, too. “We’ll need more space.”
Fair point. I hadn’t thought of that. “So I’ll extend the cabin.”
Hannah stops, tugging me and Alex to a stop with her. “Maybe we could use this to pay for the building work.” She pulls something out of her pocket and holds it up. The heart-shaped yellow diamond ring.
“Oh my God, that’s one huge rock.” Alex reaches to pluck it from between her fingers, but Hannah quickly retracts her hand. “Hey, I want to see,” Alex whines.
“We don’t need that,” I say quietly as I look at the ring, forcing my lip not to curl.
Hannah smiles, breathes in, and walks to the curbside. Looking down into the drain, she holds the ring above it and releases on a little rush of breath.
Alex gasps and dashes over, looking down the grate. “Why would you do that?”
“It’s just a piece of junk,” Hannah says, turning to face me. We gaze at each other for a few moments, both our smiles growing until we’re grinning at each other.
“You two need to see another kind of doctor.” Alex trudges over, shaking her head. “You nutters.”
Hannah laughs as she runs at me, throwing herself into my waiting arms and wrapping every limb around me. I feel absolutely no pain. All I feel is untold happiness, contentment, and best of all, Hannah’s peace radiating from every inch of her perfect form.
She squeezes me to death before pulling away and looking down at me, her smile dizzying. Then she gives me the kind of kiss that puts all our previous kisses to shame. Because this one…this one has acceptance in it.
And as ever, it leaves me breathless.
Acknowledgments
There are a few significant milestones I have when writing a new story. There’s the initial rush of excitement because I’m about to create a whole new world with new characters. There’s always a point when I question if I’m writing a pile of dog shit. There’s the point when I have a mild panic attack because I’m already tens of thousands of words in, and I haven’t even gotten started. There’s a point when I smash my fist on my desk with a whoop because an unplanned plot twist just came out of nowhere and it’s frigging brilliant. And then there’s the end when I sit back, smile, and crack open a bottle of wine.
Okay, so if you know me, you’ll know that I’ve probably drunk a few crates of wine in the time it’s taken me to write a book. But that final bottle? That one’s the best.
Leave Me Breathless followed my usual writing routine. It took me to all the places I usually go and then some. It manifested in my mind for months before making it to the page, and once I started, I couldn’t stop. I hope when you start reading, you can’t stop.
I can’t tell you how much I adore letting my imagination play out on the page for you to read. It’s the most incredible journey, from an idea to hearing your reactions when you read my words. So many people play a part in that journey, and they all deserve a brand new thank-you with each novel of mine that’s published.
First and foremost, my gorgeous agent, Andy, who is an absolute rock. The amazing people at my publishing houses, Grand Central and Orion. My fabulous editors, Leah and Victoria, whose input is invaluable and makes my stories the best they can possibly be. My Rockstar publicist, Nina, who is there for me day and night. Literally. My social media team at Rocket, especially Joe, who is one adorable bundle of happiness and excitement. Love ya, Joe! The girls who look after the fan pages, Lisa P, Bongo, Patty, and Lisa S. I think you guys know more about me than I do! And finally my two girls, Zoe and Ava, who do all the things I cannot do when I’m lost in my imagination.
Without you all, I would still write my stories, yes, but I know for damn sure that no one would ever get to read them. Thank you all for everything you do to get my stories out there and keep the JEM world alive.
JEM x
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About the Author
Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in the Midlands town of Northampton, England, where she lives with her husband, boys, and a beagle. She is a self-professed daydreamer, a Converse and mojito addict, and she has a terrible weak spot for alpha males. Writing powerful love stories and creating addictive characters has become her passion—a passion she now shares with her devoted readers. Her novels have hit bestseller lists for the New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times, and various other international publications and can be read in more than twenty-four languages around the world.
You can learn more at:
JodiEllenMalpas.co.uk
Facebook.com/JodiEllenMalpas
Twitter @JodiEllenMalpas
Praise for
Jodi Ellen Malpas
The Protector
“Readers will love this book from the very beginning! The characters are so real and flawed that fans feel as if they’re alongside them. Malpas’s writing is also spot-on with emotions. 4½ stars!”
—RT Book Reviews, Top Pick
“A joy to read…This is the first book I’ve read from Jodi Ellen Malpas, but she has become a favorite in one read.”
—Night Owl Reviews
Gentleman Sinner
“Malpas’s sexy love scenes scorch the page, and her sensitive, multilayered hero and heroine will easily capture readers’ hearts. A taut plot and a first-rate lineup of supporting characters make this a keeper.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A magnetic mutual attraction, a superalpha, and long-buried scars that are healed by love. Theo is irresistible.”
—Booklist
“Filled with raw emotions that ranged from the deepest rage to utter elation, Jodi Ellen Malpas wove together an incredible must-read tale that fans will certainly embrace.”
—Harlequin Junkie
With This Man
“Super steamy, emotionally intense.”
—Library Journal
“The raw emotion and vulnerability is breathtaking.”
—RT Book Reviews
“Unpredictable and addictive.”
—Booklist
“Devoted fans of Jesse and Ava will eagerly devour every word from this book.”
—Harlequin Junkie
The Forbidden
“A brave, cutting-edge romance.”
—Library Journal
“A gut-wrenching tale full of passion, angst, and heart! Not to be missed!”
—Harlequin Junkie
Also by Jodi Ellen Malpas
This Man Series
This Man
Beneath This Man
This Man Confessed
All I Am: Drew’s Story (a novella)
With This Man
One Night Trilogy
One Night: Promised
One Night: Denied
One Night: Unveiled
Standalones
The Protector
The Forbidden
Gentleman Sinner
Leave Me Breathless Page 39
