Friend and Lover
Page 10
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” she asked. Did he detect uncertainty in her voice?
He stood back and she sauntered into the room, taking a seat on the sofa. “What are you watching?” she asked.
He couldn’t remember. All his thoughts were of her and what her presence meant. Did he dare hope it meant what he wanted it to?
When he didn’t answer, she looked up at him and he saw the question in her eyes. “Is this a bad time?”
Hell, no, he thought. “No,” he said. “What are you doing here, Paige?” He was tired of games. He needed to know how she felt. He needed to know what she wanted from him.
“You promised to spend New Year’s Eve with me, remember?”
He remembered. He also remembered that it was supposed to be a double date. “Where’s Fine?”
She fixed her eyes on him. “Dexter’s history.”
He wanted to pull her into his arms, but he forced himself to wait. “I don’t have a date, either. So I guess that means a double date is out, then.”
She smiled. “Like you said, three’s a crowd. I guess it’s just you and me.”
Reed pointed to the television screen. “And Times Square.”
“They don’t count. It’s just you and me, Reed. Nobody else counts,”
He understood she was telling him that her father was no longer a factor in the equation. “Are you sure?” he asked, fearful to let hope fill his heart, only to have it dashed at some later time.
Paige stood and wrapped her arms around his waist. The bulkiness of her coat was a barrier he wanted removed. “I love you, Reed Lewis,” she said into his eyes.
His heart felt as though it would explode. “You do?”
“I do.”
Reed pulled at the sash of her coat. “Then why don’t you take this coat off so we can ring in the new year the right way?”
Paige grinned at him and he felt all his insecurities fade away. “I’ll take it off at midnight,” she said.
“I can’t wait that long.”
She moved a step back from him. “Look at the television, Reed. Ten—nine—eight—”
Reed watched as she undid button after button with her countdown. When she reached one, the coat dropped from her shoulders to the floor.
Hot damn! he thought. She was wearing the granny gown.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Author Bio
Angela Benson is the award winning and bestselling author of fourteen novels, two novellas and a non-fiction writing book. Her most recent print work is Delilah’s Daughters (Avon, 2014). Her next print book, The Summer of Me, will be released by Avon in early 2015. Angela holds degrees from Spelman College, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. When she’s not writing, she can be found on the campus of The University of Alabama where she is an associate professor of educational technology. While you’re waiting for Angela’s next print title, be sure to check out her backlist recently released in eBook format. Join Angela on the web at http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBensonBooks or http://www.AngelaBenson.com.
Other Titles by Angela Benson
Sweet Passion Contemporary Romance Series
Friend and Lover
http://www.angelabenson.com/friendandlover.html
“. . . a sham engagement between two longtime attorney friends leads to the real thing just in time for New Year’s Eve in Angela D. Benson’s funny and engaging ‘Friend and Lover’.” —Library Journal
The Nicest Guy in America
http://www.angelabenson.com/thenicestguyinamerica.html
Angela Benson, a veteran romance writer, has earned her “stars and bars” with this sensational, subtle and sensual battle of the sexes. —Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick! 4.5/5 stars
The Way Home
http://www.angelabenson.com/thewayhome.html
“ . . . with THE WAY HOME, [Angela Benson] emerges as a writer of great depth, sensitivity, and unparalleled talent.” —Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick! 4.5/5 stars
Bands of Gold (coming August 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/bandsofgold.html
Christina’s ambition has taken her to the top of her profession, but new employee Jackson makes her wonder if she’s sacrificed too much for her success.
For All Time (coming September 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/foralltime.html
"FOR ALL TIME will touch every woman's heart with its pathos and passion as Ms. Benson takes a heartrending look at the stark realities of marriage after the honeymoon is over." – 4 stars –Romantic Times Magazine
Between the Lines (coming October 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/betweenthelines.html
"BETWEEN THE LINES is author Angela Benson's latest romantic confection, with the heady flavor of an Amaretto Liqueur and the rich sensuality of smooth, sweet cream!" – 4 stars –Romantic Times Magazine
Genesis House Inspirational Romance & Family Drama Series
Awakening Mercy, Book 1, Genesis House Series
http://www.angelabenson.com/awakeningmercy.html
“Ms. Benson paints a fine picture of the trials of a couple who must rely on their faith to make a go of a relationship in this 4-1/2 star read. She is just as compelling a writer in Christian romance as she is in contemporary.” —Affaire de Coeur Magazine
Abiding Hope, Book 2, Genesis House Series
http://www.angelabenson.com/abidinghope.html
“Christy Award nominee, Benson, continues the momentum she established in Awakening Mercy as she explores the lives of Shay and Marvin Taylor, the founders of Genesis House. . . Benson is a leading author of African American romances and Christian fiction, and her insight into God’s impact on our lives make her work a requirement for growing collections.” —The Library Journal
The Amen Sisters, Book 3, Genesis House Series
http://www.angelabenson.com/theamensisters.html
“Christy Award nominee, Benson, continues the momentum she established in Awakening Mercy as she explores the lives of Shay and Marvin Taylor, the founders of Genesis House. . . Benson is a leading author of African American romances and Christian fiction, and her insight into God’s impact on our lives make her work a requirement for growing collections.” —The Library Journal
Enduring Love, Book 4 (coming November 2014)
http://www.angelabenson.com/enduringlove.html
When she left, she took his heart with her. Now he wants to get it—and her—back.
Single Title Inspirational Family Drama
The Summer of Me (coming January 2015)
http://www.angelabenson.com/summerofme.html
The nationally bestselling author of Delilah’s Daughters and The Amen Sisters returns with a moving story about a single mother who discovers the woman she can be in one unforgettable summer.
Delilah’s Daughters
http://www.angelabenson.com/delilahsdaughters.html
"...instead of Samson’s secret, it’s Delilah’s that threatens to destroy the spiritual foundation she and her late husband, Rocky, build for their three daughters...Delilah’s Daughters is a captivating story from the beginning to the breathtaking end." 4.5 stars (out of 5 ) — Romantic Times Magazine
Sins of the Father
http://www.angelabenson.com/sinsofthefather.html
Sins of the Father is a powerful story of revenge, betrayal, and forgiveness. Benson uses three-dimensional characters to prove that regret, shame and hatred can give way to acceptance, forgiveness and love. The storyline will surprise you while the outcome will increase your faith in God. If you love reading about real life issues, this is a book that will keep you glued to the pages. –Real Page Turners
Up Pops the Devil
http://www.angelabenson.com/uppopsthedevil.html
"Angela Benson writes a commanding and enthralling story on the power of salvation and how temptation works to unravel it. . .Benson’s writing is fluid and demonstrates her ability to incorporate biblical principle
in everyday living." – RAWSISTAZ Reviews
Showers of Blessings, a novella in A Million Blessings
http://www.angelabenson.com/amillionblessings.html
Assistant pastor Ronnie has a shameful secret: he's a compulsive gambler. And just when it seems he's run out of luck, he finds salvation in a miraculous win. But nothing can keep Ronnie from recklessly betting his family's future. His only way out is through renewed faith–and a desperate act of redemption.
Nonfiction
Telling Your Tale: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook
Telling Your Tale Workbook: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook
http://www.angelabenson.com/tellingyourtale.html
“[Benson’s] writing advice is constructive and sincere; writers would be well-advised to follow her advice and practice their craft by completing the exercises in the book.” —WritersWrite.com on Telling The Tale (first edition)