She came by looking super-hot in her yoga clothes. Somehow, I managed to restrain myself from grabbing her, so we could eat.
She mmm’d in approval. “You didn’t lie. This is amazing.”
After we finished dinner, I said, “I have a surprise.”
Her eyes sparkled. “What?”
“We have to drive there.”
My legs twitched with excitement as I drove us to the animal shelter where Allana volunteered. Lily had told me which one it was, but only after drilling me about my intentions. After the yoga incident, she wasn’t going to provide the info without a good reason from me. When I told her, she agreed it was a great idea and wished me luck.
Allana peered at me with confusion. “What are we doing here?”
“Getting you a puppy,” I announced.
Her blue eyes widened, the excited look that always sent blood rushing to my cock.
“What? My landlord doesn’t allow dogs.”
“I know, but since I own my house, I can have one at mine. Your dog can live there. You’ll be happy since you can have an animal like you’ve always wanted. And I’ll be happy since I’ll get to see more of you at my place.”
She gave me a practical look. “A pet’s a huge responsibility, not one to be taken lightly.”
“I had dogs growing up. I loved them. I could never have one with my schedule, but between the two of us, we’ll be around to take care of him. Or her.”
“But you’re going on tour,” she said. “For three whole weeks!”
The hitch in her voice gave me hope that she’d miss me as much as I’d miss her. “Move in with me. Or stay at my place as often as you wish. Mi casa.” I reached into my pocket and handed her a key. “Es tu casa.”
She stared at the silver object in her hand and I feared I’d overplayed my hand. When she peered up at me, her eyes shone with tears. Ugh, I’d never get the hang of reading people. I thought for sure she’d love this, but she was crying. Did I fuck it up?
“You’re sure about this?” she asked.
“Of course. I want to be with you, Allana. This tour is killing me,” I confessed. “I want to get it over with and come back to you. Because I love you.”
She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “You want me to move in with you and bring my pets? Including a new dog?”
“Yes.” Was I pushing her? “If this is too much, tell me to back off.”
Her eyes sparkled with joy. “Of course not.” She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. When she pulled back, she said, “Tell you what. Why don’t we keep this idea open for when you return from your tour? I’ve been practically living at your place, anyway. It would just be a matter of giving some notice to my roommate and moving my stuff—and my pets—in.”
It wasn’t a no, but leaving the future open. “I can live with that.”
“You know I love you, too.” She touched my cheek. “But I don’t want to rush things and have it blow up. Moving in together is a big adjustment. Having a dog is another huge responsibility. You’re nervous about the tour, just as I’m preoccupied with the studio. Let’s move forward one step at a time, so we don’t take on more than we can handle.”
“I hadn’t thought of that.” I grinned. “Genius plan.”
“Oh, Mike.” She shooed. “It’s just being practical.” She opened the car door and bounded out the seat. “Come on. I want to show you all the animals inside. There are dogs, cats, a miniature pig…”
“A pig?” I echoed. “No pigs, please.” I laughed. “I have a feeling our house will be overrun by animals if you move in.”
“Our house,” she repeated. “I like the sound of that.” Her lips widened with a brilliant smile. “And then they’d be our pets, not just mine.”
I pulled her body to mine, squeezed her ass, and then I winked. “Yes. One big, happy family.”
* * *
Author’s Note
I hope you enjoyed Mike and Allana’s story in BLAZE.
Book seven is next, COMBUST. If you’ve read previous books in the series, you’ll be reacquainted with many of them, such as Nike and Maya. If not, I recommend you read SMOLDER and FIRE to get the most out of the next book.
Read more about COMBUST!
Be sure to sign up for my newsletter, so you don’t miss any new releases, which are often released at a discount! New subscribers also receive a free read.
www.lisacarlislebooks.com
Acknowledgments
As always, I am so grateful to everyone who helps make each book possible. Huge thanks to my fellow authors, critique partners, editors, beta readers, ARC readers, Street Team, and you, the reader! Thank you for spending time with me in these worlds with characters I love.
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes and independent heroines. For much of her professional career, she’s written non-fiction — but she’s discovered writing romance is the most fun. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and the Romance Reviews.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She served in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan, backpacked alone through Europe, and lived in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s now married to a fantastic man, and they have two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
Visit her website for more on books, trailers, playlists, and more:
Lisacarlislebooks.com
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Also by Lisa Carlisle
Underground Encounters Series
Smolder
A novella that starts the series
I’m a firefighter. He’s a vampire.
What happens when fire meets ice?
We all lead double lives in a way. Only the most trusted are allowed into our private space. When my reality and fantasy worlds collide one night, I end up in danger.
I never thought a gym crush could be deadly…
All I wanted was an escape from reality. Being a firefighter can be stressful and I unwind at an underground goth club. I can forget about being on call for danger, and just be Nike, a woman who likes to lose herself in music and dance. But when I spot the guy I fantasized about at the rock climbing gym, he discovers my secret.
Michel has a darker one and a connection to a world I never knew existed. My life is threatened and I have to choose whether to go with Michel. How do I find a way out of this nightmare that doesn’t end with me getting burned—or worse, sucked dry by a vampire?
Smolder is a novella that starts the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps and discover a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.
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Fire
A Night Owl Reviews Top Pick!
“I don’t want to spoil the story but let me say this… you NEED to go and read this, NOW!” ~ 5 Candles from Satin Sheets Romance.
Maya Winters, a firefighter, heads out on Halloween to dance at her favorite club. A man with haunting eyes watches her from the back of the club. He’s just her type–a dark, brooding bad boy. She feels their connection, but thinks it’s merely physical attraction.
Despite being the new owner, Tristan Stone avoids people in the underground goth club due to his curse. But when he spots a woman dancing alone surrounded by an unusual glow, he must discover who she is and what gives her the radiating power.
While they work together to understand their connection, passion ignites, leading to danger. And the heat could
send their world up in flames.
Fire is book 2 in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.
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Ignite
A Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reads Top Pick!
We all have secrets.
Some so closely guarded for the safety of ourselves—and others…
Lily won’t consider a permanent relationship. When she meets the singer of a rock band at an underground nightclub, she’s disarmed by his sensual voice and mischievous good looks. After an icy introduction, Lily warms up to Nico’s charms.
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She can’t—but must keep an emotional distance. No one would understand her furry little secret. It could be dangerous. Especially during the full moon.
Yet, she might be the one in danger…
Ignite is the third installment in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles.
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See the Underground Encounters series page for the full list!
When Darkness Whispers
The Romance Reviews Top Pick!
Some memories are better left forgotten...
Haunted by an unclear past, biologically enhanced Marine, Eva Montreaux, can't be distracted from her mission. With American servicemen being brutally murdered on the island of Okinawa, it's more than priority. It's critical. But when her investigation brings her face to face with Marcos Delacruz, it triggers memories. Ones she lost. Memories that somehow include him.
Marcos Delacruz has tried to forget the woman who left him with nothing but empty promises. Even now, three years later, Eva doesn't seem to express any guilt over breaking his heart. In truth, she seems to barely recognize him. This deployment has been challenging enough with too many restless spirits haunting the island. But when his own investigation forces him to cross paths with her once more, Marcos discovers there may be a deeper truth.
With the number of murders climbing rapidly and the rising need to track the murderer across the tropical island, Eva struggles to reclaim what she lost. But the island holds darker elements--a serial killer. One that doesn't appear to be human.
Thrust into a world she can't escape, Eva must discover a way to stop a murderer from destroying anyone else's future, but how can she succeed if she can't even remember what role Marcos played in her past?
When Darkness Whispers is full of paranormal romantic suspense you won't want to put down! Go undercover with a supernatural team into a world of vampires, gargoyles, shifters, demons, and ghosts. If you like haunting mystery, spine-tingling suspense, and Japanese mythology, you'll love When Darkness Whispers!
"Wow If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would... Suspense, Mystery, and Thrills all in one book." ~ Book Nook Nuts
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Meet your perfect match this Saturday night—or your perfect match for the night.
The eclipse of the red Supermoon sends crowds into Boston for an evening hyped up for a night of passion, one not to be missed. Boston police officer Larissa Riley wants nothing to do with the media-driven event, but her friend convinces her they need to move past the bombings at the Boston Marathon, which still affects them both. They visit a new gothic-themed club where Larissa is disturbed by the attractive stranger eying her.
Roman, a gargoyle shifter and commander of the Stone Sentries, patrols from the rooftop of a club on the night of the eclipse. The Supermoon bodes danger and he puts all his sentries on watch. When a blast of dark magic soars past him, he searches for its origin and fixes on a brunette. Something about her is different, demanding all senses be on high alert. Is she dangerous? Or is she in danger?
Deciding a night with a hot stranger would be good for her, Larissa invites Roman back to her hotel, unaware he is surveilling her. The night takes a dark turn as secrets are uncovered and danger moves in. Her beloved city is under attack. Larissa must decide who to trust before all is lost, including the fate of her closest friend.
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The Romance Reviews Top Pick!
Few have ever dared to cross the boundaries--until now...
With a quarter century of burning hatred between the inhabitants of the Isle of Stone, Kayla knows all too well it is forbidden to cross boundaries. But that doesn't keep her from being sorely tempted.
Drawn to discover the secrets beyond the tree witches' forest, Kayla is intrigued by the talk of unconventional rock concerts in gargoyle territory.
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With plans to seduce the pixie-like female, Mason spent several nights keeping a watchful eye on his prize, unaware she's not just a passing visitor. But when he discovers she's a tree witch, an enemy to his entire kind, Mason knows that anything between them would be forbidden. No matter how strong the temptation...
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Knights of Stone: Mason is the first book in a shifter paranormal romance series with a Highland touch and a hard hit of rock romance. If you like hot men in kilts, dark paranormal thrills, and forbidden love, then you'll be hooked by the Highland Gargoyles Series!
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Chateau Seductions, a Paranormal Erotic Romance Series
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Antoine Chevalier harbors a secret. Born a gargoyle shifter, he wants nothing more than to cultivate his art. His hard work pays off the night he completes his greatest sculpture. But the excitement of his accomplishment doesn’t last.
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Blaze: Underground Encounters 6 Page 21
