Slade (Joanna Blake Singles)

by Joanna Blake

  I kissed my way down her back, over her cute little dress and the stretchy leggings she wore underneath. I paused to take a nip of her heiny and smiled as she spun around.

  To find me on my knees in the middle of the kitchen.

  I smiled at the shocked expression on her beautiful face. Her eyes were confused. Until I pulled out the box.

  And opened it.

  Then she slapped her hand over her mouth, leaving a bit of organic oat flour behind. I smiled tenderly as I opened the box. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the rock inside it.

  I’d gone all out, with one big-ass diamond.

  “Slade…”

  “Will you marry me, Jenny?”

  Her voice was barely a whisper as she said yes. She nodded as tears ran over her cheeks. It cleaned up most of the flour but not all of it.

  I was grinning as I swept her into my arms, kissing her soft lips, flour and all.

  “I can’t believe it.”

  “Can’t believe what?”

  My Jenny was still crying, still soft and sweet in my arms as I wiped off her lovely face.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to be Mr. Cakes.”

  STOP!

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  Pincushion Press

  Acknowledgments

  Credits:

  LJ Anderson, Mayhem Cover Design

  Just One More Page Book Promotions

  Pincushion Press

  About the Author

  Thank you for reading Slade! If you enjoyed this book please let me know on by reviewing and on and Goodreads! You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, or you can email me at: JoannaBlakeRomance@gmail.com

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  Other works by Joanna Blake:

  BRO'

  A Bad Boy For Summer

  PLAYER

  PUSH

  GRIND (Man Candy Trilogy Book One)

  HEAT (Man Candy Trilogy Book Two)

  DEEP (Man Candy Trilogy Book Three with extended epilogues)

  Go Long

  Go Big

  Cockpit

  Hot Shot

  Stud Farm (The Complete Delancey Brothers Collection)

  Torpedo

  Cuffed

  Wanted By The Devil (Devil’s Riders)

  Ride With The Devil (Devil’s Riders)

  Trust The Devil (Devil’s Riders)

  Hunter (Joanna Blake Singles)

  COMING SOON:

  The Continuation of Mason and Cain’s stories from Cuffed

  The fourth book in the Devil’s Riders Trilogy

  Turn the page for excerpts from Joanna Blake's Cuffed, Cockpit, Go Long, GRIND, BRO' and A Bad Boy For Summer.

  Cuffed Excerpt

  I went inside and took a look around. The bar was nearly empty. They must have been closing up when the bike went up in flames. Everyone had taken off after that.

  Everyone but the staff.

  I saw Mason with his hand resting possessively on a girl’s shoulder. She sat at the bar, her arms wrapped around her protectively. I could only see her profile but even that was enough to stop me in my tracks.

  All thoughts of murder flew from my head.

  The girl was beautiful.

  Not just a little bit pretty, or cute, or even sexy. She was fucking gorgeous. With long, wavy, light brown hair, and a delicate profile with a nose that was just the slightest bit turned upwards. Her figure looked slim and athletic, but with curves in all the right places.

  She turned to look at me and my breath stopped. My heart seemed to pause, waiting for my mind to catch up with my eyeballs, which felt like they were bugging out of my damn head.

  She was a Goddamned angel.

  Even in this smokey juke joint, with the dim lights and neon beer signs, I could see her eyes.

  They were the brightest, deepest blue I’d seen in my life. And I was a fan of staring at the sky, or I had been when I had less shit to worry about.

  This was the blue of ten thousands skies.

  She blinked and I came back to myself. The girl might have the face of an angel but right now she was part of a crime scene. If she worked here, she most likely knew the killer, or at least served him a bucket of wings.

  Which meant under my rules, she was part of the problem. The fact that I had such a strong reaction to her only pissed me off. Why the hell work here with all the criminals when she could be plastered all over billboards and magazine covers?

  Because she was one of them. The enemy. The ones who had killed Danny.

  Remember that, Conn.

  I forced myself to ignore the hot pulse of lust that was throbbing in my belly and crossed the bar. I flashed my badge and pulled out a tiny note pad. Yeah, I was old school in that way too.

  “Name.”

  “They already interviewed me.”

  “Not you.”

  They exchanged a glance and Mason stepped in front of her.

  “She ain’t got nothin’ to do with this, DeWitt.”

  I let myself steal another look at her. Her huge eyes were looking down at the ground. Her juicy bottom lip was caught between Chiclet white teeth. I squinted at Mason and asked again.

  “Name.”

  “It’s okay, Mase.”

  She cleared her throat and Mason sighed heavily, stepping aside. I was once again struck by the girl’s absolute physical perfection. And the nervous look in her eyes.

  Good.

  She should be fucking nervous. I wasn’t going to go easy on her because she was stunningly beautiful. Or young. Or scared.

  I realized belatedly that the girl looked more than scared. She was frightened out of her mind. That made me want to tell her that everything would be okay. That I would take care of everything for her.

  I frowned, disquieted by the swirl of protective and animalistic urges that she was causing. Unwanted urges, dammit.

  “Casey. Casey Jones.”

  Her voice was soft and sweet, stirring something even warmer inside me. But something felt off. It felt like a lie. Maybe it wasn’t her real name. I leaned against the bar, musing over how young she looked.

  Too young for me.

  The thought caught me off guard. Now where the hell had that come from? Completely out of left field. Not only was it true, but I certainly didn’t date criminal trash.

  I glanced at Mason who was frowning at me, a worried look on his face. He cared about the girl, that much was obvious. I had a moment of pure animal jealousy, wondering if he was screwing her.

  Why I cared, I had no fucking idea.

  But I did. I cared a lot.

  I gave Mason a hard look.

  “Is she your wife?”

  “No.”

  “Girlfriend?”

  He shook his head and some of the tension left my body. I felt a strange relief that made no sense at all. I should not give a damn one way or the other.

  But I was almost friendly as I nodded to Mason.

  “Then you have to step away, Mason. Sorry.”

  “I’m responsible for her, dammit!”

  Well, that was unexpected. Maybe she was his kid. I looked at her again. Hmm, no. He wasn’t that much older.

  Unless he had a kid at fourteen.

  “Is she your child? Relation?”

  He shook his head. I glanced at the girl, my eyes skimming over her graceful curves. She really was perfect. She looked like one of those girls in those sexy bra commercials.

  Lush and young and desirable. />
  And way too clean and innocent to be in a place like this. But she wasn’t innocent. At the very least, she was a prime witness.

  “Is she underage?”

  “I’m old enough to work here. I don’t serve drinks.”

  I felt something hitch in my stomach at that. Damn, she was young. Not even twenty-one.

  I definitely shouldn’t be having the sort of thoughts I was having. Thoughts about touching her. Kissing her. Taking her to my bed and tangling up the sheets.

  No. I should not be thinking any of that, dammit. And not just because she was involved in a crime.

  Not just because she was so young either.

  She was one of them. The people who had killed my partner.

  I’d just met the girl. Never before in my life had I taken one look at a female and thought- I would like to hold her all night.

  Not just all night either. I had a crazy feeling I’d like to hold her a lot longer than that.

  Well, fuck.

  Cockpit Excerpt

  I licked the sauce off my fingers, watching Jenny work. Feldon had been right. This place did have the best barbeque south of the Mississippi.

  But the amazing ribs were not half as good as the view.

  Sweet Jesus, Jenny was finer than what I'd conjured up in my imagination. Her legs were just as long as I remembered but the rest of her was... different. She'd filled out even more, keeping that hourglass shape that drove me nuts last time we'd met. And then some.

  She was a brick house.

  And I would love to have a visit inside. Hell, not a visit. I wanted to take up permanent residence.

  Too bad she wasn't as happy to see me as I was to see her.

  I frowned, rubbing my face. I had to wonder why that was. Maybe she'd asked around about me... Yeah, that would do it.

  I had quite a reputation amongst the Marines.

  But I was a reformed man now. Or I would be, if she gave me another shot. I tilted my head, wondering why she was here. Again. Off another base.

  My eyes got wide. I must be an idiot. She was either a military groupie or had a family member in the service. Just... which one? Husband? No. She wasn't wearing a ring and she didn't strike me as the cheating type. Parent? She wasn't that young.

  It wasn't falling into place for me. Sweet little Jenny was a mystery. I would figure it out though. And I would make her mine. Or at least soften her up enough to take another crack at it.

  If she was a groupie, I didn't care. There were women who had a thing for soldiers, officers in particular. I'd convert her to a one man woman. Just like she'd done to me, the first time I saw those emerald eyes of hers. Hell, if she let me, I'd stick to her like glue.

  If she was... related to someone... or an Army brat... well, I might be in bigger trouble than I realized.

  I might have to contend with a big brother or a daddy, whoever the unlucky bastard was. I tried to imagine having a daughter that looked like Jenny. It would be hell. Especially since she did not seem to know her effect on men.

  And she was innocent enough to work in a place like this and think she wouldn't be dealing with a hard dick or twelve every damn minute. I started getting upset just thinking about it. This was no place for a sweet girl like her. It wasn't safe.

  I was going to have to protect her. I'd see her home each night, starting tonight. Hopefully, back to my place.

  To my bed.

  And that's all there was to it.

  I watched as she 'accidentally' spilled a glass of water on a customer. I grinned. He must've said something cheeky to her. So, maybe she could take care of herself.

  Didn't mean she didn't need backup.

  And I was just the man for the job.

  She went behind the bar and picked up a huge box of empties. I was across the room in a flash. I was grinning as I tried to take the box from her.

  "I got this sweetheart."

  "Let go!"

  "What? Why? No need to trouble your pretty little arms."

  "My what?"

  Oh boy. Her eyes were green fire as she wrenched the box out of my hands and flounced into the back. I followed her, a little less confident than I'd been a few minutes ago.

  "What's wrong, sweetheart? What got you so riled up?"

  She spun around and hissed at me. Like a pissed off kitty cat. I leaned against the door and grinned. I liked kitties. Especially gorgeous ones like her.

  "I need this job, Jagger! Don't ruin it for me like you-"

  I straightened up. This was not regular grade anger. This was a bonafide grudge.

  "Like I what?"

  She scowled at me mutinously.

  "Nothing."

  I smiled again.

  "Well, if it reall is nothing, when are you going to let me take you out again?"

  "How about never?"

  "Oh come on sweetheart, we had a good time together, didn't we?"

  She looked like she was about to cough. Or choke. Her eyes were wide, practically bulging, as she seemed to struggle for air. I was about to get her a glass of water when she burst out laughing.

  And kept laughing.

  She laughed so hard she had to bend forward and rest her hands on her knees.

  I stopped smiling.

  "What's so damn funny?"

  "You are Jagger. I'm surprised you even remember me with all your floozies."

  "I don't have any floozies."

  I glanced at the heavens, expecting lightning to strike.

  "Well, not anymore."

  She just looked at me. I could see I'd hurt her somehow. I didn't like that.

  Not one bit.

  "Come on sweetheart, let's talk."

  "I can't. And don't call me that."

  I raised an eyebrow at her.

  "You can't talk? You're doing just fine."

  "No, I mean not here. I'm not supposed to... fraternize."

  "Says who?"

  She sighed.

  "My boss, that's who."

  Go Long Excerpt

  "How do you like our campus so far Kyle?"

  Kyle smiled benignly at my mother. He looked as innocent as a choirboy. Meanwhile, under the table his foot was brushing mine. I wasn't sure if it was deliberate until he did it again. I scowled at him as he oozed charm and good will. All false of course.

  I wasn't fooled.

  "It's the most beautiful I've ever seen. And the students have been... very friendly."

  He grinned at me pointedly and popped a bite of food into his mouth. He made it clear he was talking about me as his foot caressed mine again. I kicked him and he nearly choked. I smiled serenely as my father pounded his back.

  Kyle glared at me as he wiped his mouth.

  I gave him a look that clearly said 'two can play at that game.'

  "Thank you Coach."

  "Make sure you chew your food, boy. Can't lose you before the season starts!"

  I put my chin on my hand and smiled sweetly. I knew more about sports than most men. But Kyle didn't know that. I intended to milk it.

  "Daddy, isn't it unusual to put a walk-on on the team?"

  "Hardly ever happens at this level. But Kyle here is an unusual young man."

  "He is?"

  "He's unnaturally talented on the field Bellie. His military training had a lot to do with it, but some people are just naturals."

  "Bellie?"

  Kyle's eyes were glowing mischievously. I could have screamed. My plan to control the conversation had completely backfired. If he started calling me 'Bellie' I would lose it. I really would.

  "That's what we call our little girl. Did you know they actually pay her to attend school? She had a full ride of course, but they actually give her a stipend and all sorts of administrative jobs for extra money. She has career academic written all over her."

  I groaned inwardly. Did he have to make me sound like a cross between a 12 year-old and a grandma? That's what I was really. Kyle was right when he called me Miss Priss. Just a little girl who ac
ted like the biggest, most responsible, boring goodie two-shoes ever to walk the face of the-

  Kyle was staring at my breasts. Not just staring either. He licked his lips and made an appreciative grimace. Like he couldn't stand being this close to me and not touching me.

  I coughed, nearly spitting out my mashed potatoes.

  He was touching me with his eyes. It was practically foreplay! I tried to ignore him but it was too late. A hot pool of lust had settled in my belly. I crossed my arms, realizing my nipples were hard. I jumped up, knocking over my glass of iced tea.

  Thankfully it was almost empty.

  "Bellie! Are you alright?"

  "Just- chilly. I want to grab a sweater."

  "Alright but come right back and we can clear the table."

  "Yes, mom."

  I practically ran from the room. I could feel Kyle's eyes boring into my back. I heard him ask where the restroom was and excuse himself.

  Argh!!! He was following me!

  I ran for my bedroom and started to slam the door but he caught it with the flat of his hand.

  "Where are you running to... Bellie?"

  He was grinning at me like the cat that ate the canary. I had the sudden urge to smack the smug look off his handsome face. His eyes slid over my body, even more blatantly than before. I grabbed a light cardigan, angrily pulling it over my arms. I buttoned the center of it.

  "Don't call me that!"

  He just shook his head, leaning against my doorframe.

  "Why not? You know I can still see those perfect tits of your, Bellie. Your nipples are practically poking a hole through that sweater."

  I gasped.

  "My father will hear you!"

  He grinned.

  "No. He won't."

  He stepped into my room and I stepped backwards until my back was against the wall. He loomed over me, saying nothing.

  Then he ran his hands over my shoulders, deliberately brushing my breasts with his forearms.

  "Did I do that to you, Miss Priss?"

  I opened my mouth but no words came out. He was making me confused dammit! And he had done this to me... without even touching me, I was aroused like never before.