The Bachelor's Promise (Bachelor Auction)
Page 21
“Sweetheart.” Aiden pinched her chin between his thumb and forefinger and turned her head toward the front. “This is your surprise.”
“Oh my God.” She gasped. Pressed her hands to her chest, directly over her pounding heart. “Oh my God, Aiden.”
“At least it’s not holy shit,” he drawled.
Sudden tears made her laugh sound waterlogged. “I can’t… It’s mine? This can’t be mine…”
But the gold, elegant scroll across the front of the huge, storefront window proclaimed this store—this gallery—hers. Rana Art Unlimited.
As did the photograph that was propped on an easel and illuminated by halogen lights.
A lion covered a wide chest and ridged abdomen. Strong shoulders formed the ears, and the mane melted over taut arms as well as the wall behind him. The paint, the man, and the wall were one in the photograph, a beautiful work of art.
The photo represented the most magical night of her life. Not only had the show been an absolute success and the onset of a successful career that continued to grow even three years later. But it had been the night she’d started her new life with the man of her dreams. Her prince from the fairy tales she’d long given up on.
Aiden had given her love, joy, security, peace, and acceptance. And now he’d bought this gallery for her. He’d made her dream come true.
Well, actually he’d done that the day he’d shown up at her first show and told her he loved her.
God, I love this man.
“Actually,” she rasped, “I’m not a Rana any longer. I’m a Kent.”
Aiden picked up her left hand and pressed his lips to the four-karat diamond ring cut in the shape of a blossom. “I love everything about you, Noelle. Including who you were and who you are.”
“I love you, too, Aiden. So much.” She turned and threw herself into his arms, amazed at the healing power of love and forgiveness. That prince she’d read about so long ago had nothing on her man. Her husband.
Her heart.
Did you love this Indulgence? Check out more of our category romance titles here!
Acknowledgments
To my heavenly Father, without whom none of this would be possible. Thank you for Your grace, Your love, and Your faithfulness. Each word is a gift from You.
To Gary. I love you more than words can say, and I thank you for your never-ending support. And the stuffed mushrooms, aka the perfect motivation. :)
To Debra Glass. Never has there been a time when you told me you couldn’t read or critique for me. Your generosity and heart are boundless, and I love you dearly for it.
To Jessica Lee and Dahlia Rose. This book wouldn’t have been finished without our challenges. Thanks to you two, I kicked word-count booty! LOL! I’m looking forward to writing more books with you.
To Loretta King Hicks. Thank you for lending me your name for such a lovely character. And for being my inspiration.
To the Saints and Sinners. You are such a wonderful street team, and I love hanging with you! You keep me laughing, and your support keeps me in a state of awe. Thank you!
To Tracy Montoya. The other day I sat back and counted how many books we’ve worked on together, and daaaang! We’re in double digits! I am honored to know you, work with you, and learn from you. Oh, and I have the hubby working on a logo for your Super Editor leotard and cape… I’m still trying to hunt down Loki’s staff that would go great with it…
About the Author
Naima Simone’s love of romance was first stirred by Johanna Lindsey, Sandra Brown, and Linda Howard many years ago. Well, not that many. She is only eighteen…ish. Though her first attempt at a romance novel starring Ralph Tresvant from New Edition never saw the light of day, her love of romance, reading, and writing has endured. Published since 2009, she spends her days—and nights—creating stories of unique men and women who experience the first bites of desire, the dizzying heights of passion, and the tender, healing heat of love.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bulletproof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically challenged bliss in the southern United States.
Come visit Naima at www.naimasimone.com.
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Prince Leo can’t believe he’s finally found Alicia Forkes, the woman he’s loved for years. Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him. In fact, she’s cursing him to hell and back for breaking her heart when they were teens. But he’s determined to prove he’s her prince charming––even if that means letting her go.
The Millioanire’s Gamble
a Mad, Bad Hamilton novel by Sarah Ballance
Wealth has a price. Everyone wants something from you. For one woman, that something was my DNA. One minute, she was kissing me like we were going to strip it down and go at it. And the next, she was ripping out my hair for a paternity test—and threatening to torpedo my latest deal. I don’t play these kind of games. And that damnably sexy woman with the alluring eyes and mistaken agenda is about to learn that the hard way…
His Heart’s Revenge
a 49th Floor novel by Jenny Holiday
A CEO in his own right, Cary Bell is competing for a major client with his boyhood crush. He’s never forgiven himself for betraying Alex Evangalista. But with his professional reputation on the line, he’s going to have to find his inner cutthroat if he wants his new company to succeed. Alex isn’t about to let his nemesis steal a client out from under him. It’s time to break Cary’s company—and his heart.
Wrecked
an Axle Alley Vipers novel by Sherilee Gray
Piper West is finally on her own, and it’s time to get crazy. Except that her overprotective big bro has enlisted his ex-cop best friend to keep an eye on his baby sister. But a searing-hot kiss with her hot, sexy, and scarred watchdog is just the game-changer she needs. Now Cole Black is caught up in a hunger like nothing he’s ever known, and he can’t get enough. Even though it can’t last. Even if Piper’s the one girl he’s not allowed to have…
Discover the Bachelor Auction series…
Beauty and the Bachelor
The Millionaire Makeover
Also by Naima Simone
Only for a Night
Witness to Passion
Killer Curves
Secrets and Sins: Gabriel
Secrets and Sins: Malachim
Secrets and Sins: Raphael
Secrets and Sins: Chayot