by Jean Oram
Through a throat tight with gratitude, she whispered, “Thanks.”
“What are friends for?”
She tipped her head back, feeling such a rush of love for him she wanted to kiss him, to make him as happy as he always made her. “We’re a damn fine team, Officer Malone.”
The room around them faded and Amber leaned in, her lips an inhalation from his. Adele sang about warm embraces, the words weaving their way through Amber’s mind, seducing her. Until, abruptly, she blinked and jerked back, causing them to stumble into the couple behind them.
She’d almost kissed her best friend. She turned away, breaking their embrace as she lifted her fingers to her lips.
Life had almost gotten incredibly messy.
Attention on the dance floor pivoted to the couple beside them, where an engagement ring was being held out as an offering for Mandy, who promptly laughed and fell into her man’s arms.
Amber swallowed her jealousy, happy for her friend.
“Mandy,” he said, “you have been my best friend since the day you walked into gym class, threw your gorgeous hair over your shoulder and told me you’d race me to the top of the rope.”
Scott whispered in Amber’s hair, the heat of his body warming her back. “You have been my best friend since my first day in Blueberry Springs, sixteen years ago.”
“Valentine’s Day.” She tipped her head to watch him over her shoulder. That made today an anniversary.
“I had no valentines, as the new kid, and you stayed in during recess to make me a card.” He wrapped his arms around her, squeezing her tight. “I still have it, you know.”
“You do?” She didn’t know whether to wiggle out of the embrace or enjoy its strength. But if Russell saw them, she knew it wouldn’t be okay. It shouldn’t be okay, period. The problem was, it felt as though this was what she’d been missing for months.
She turned in his arms, her hands drifting over his shoulders until they were nested in the short hair at the nape of his neck. Shivers ran down her spine and her heart rate picked up its pace in anticipation.
No. This wasn’t cool. It might feel right in this moment, but they were friends. She was living with someone else. Someone good. This was merely her insecure side wanting someone who would validate her.
Scott had to remain nothing more than a friend.
Lowering her arms, Amber gave him a playful shove, her heart breaking when he seemed to take it in stride, his own smile as false as her own. His eyes grew dark as his attention drifted to someone behind her, his right hand moving lightly to his holster.
She turned slowly.
Russell.
He’d come.
“Am I too late to dance with my babe?” Russell asked with a grin, his head cocked.
Amber launched herself into his arms.
The End
Want to read more about Amber, Russell, and Scott? Check out Vodka and Chocolate Drops! Their story continues in a full-length novel!
* * *
Turn the page to find out more about Blueberry Springs & some fabulous billionaire reads that contain Jean’s usual humor as well as unexpected romantic twists …
What did you think of these short stories? Should Nicola have spoken up? Is Mandy too hard on herself? Did Amber choose the right man?
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XO
Jean
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The Blueberry Springs Collection
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Read, dream, laugh, and love …
Sweep-you-away small town sweet romances by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jean Oram.
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Book 1: Whiskey and Gumdrops (Mandy & Frankie)
Book 2: Rum and Raindrops (Jen & Rob)
Book 3: Eggnog and Candy Canes (Katie & Nash)
Book 4: Sweet Treats (3 short stories—Mandy, Amber, & Nicola)
Book 5: Vodka and Chocolate Drops (Amber & Scott)
Book 6: Tequila and Candy Drops (Nicola & Todd)
Companion Novel: Champagne and Lemon Drops (Beth & Oz)
Blueberry Springs Series Starter Box Set (Books 1-3)
Audio
Champagne and Lemon Drops
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XO,
Jean
Acknowledgments
Writing a book is not a one-person adventure and I turn to others for assistance with critiquing my story lines, editing, proofreading, and more. To my ladies who make my work all it can be—thank you!
Special thanks for this set also goes to Evelyn Adams, author extraordinaire for NOT voting for the title ideas I had for this boxed set and for pulling the title ‘Sweet Treats’ out of thin air. Thanks girl! As well, thank you to my Jeansters for not letting me fall back on a lesser title and for voting for the one that fit best—Evelyn’s. XO
Another shout out to my Jeansters—this one goes to (new author) Anne Welch who suggested Adele’s Make Your Feel My Love as Amber and Russells’ song. My Jeansters came up with tons of great song ideas as usual—thank you! I love hanging out with you.
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About the Author
Jean Oram is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who grew up in an old schoolhouse on the Canadian prairie. She didn't realize she wanted to write until one day she sat down, giggling, and declared, "I'm going to write a novel!" And she did. But this isn't it. That one was kind of a disaster because she didn't even know how long a novel should be, but she learned a lot and had fun. You can discover more about Jean and her hobbies—besides writing and chasing her two kids and various pets around the house and the great outdoors—on her website: www.jeanoram.com.
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Thanks for reading.
XO
Jean
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Thank you for reading.
XO
Jean
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