by Croix, J. H.
When the light changed, Darren turned up the road and abruptly turned again onto an unfamiliar road. Before Risa could ask where they were going, he pulled into a driveway surrounded by trees. He stopped the car quickly and looked at her again. The electricity humming between them arced higher.
Risa’s eyes were locked into the heat of his chocolate gaze. Her pulse was off the charts.
“I think I’ve lost my mind, but I have to do this. You say the word, and I’ll turn around and drive you right to Trey’s place.” Darren’s eyes held hers.
She couldn’t have told him to turn around if her life depended on it. Instead, she slid across that handy bench seat and paused inches away from him. He lifted his hand and brushed a loose tendril of hair out of her eyes, his fingers sliding around her ear, shivers following. Never breaking eye contact, he slowly lowered his head until his lips met hers.
The first touch of his lips was soft—almost a question. The answer was a shock of sensation racing through her body, heat unfurling in a wave. She slid her hand behind his head, through the soft layers of his hair and tugged him close. Her mouth fell open and she dove into the most intense, devouring kiss she’d ever experienced. He traced her lips with his tongue, delving in with deep strokes, their tongues tangling. She pulled away to catch her breath. His lips blazed a heated trail down her neck. Her breath came in gusts against his hair. Hot shivers skated across her skin, and she shifted to get closer.
Suddenly, Darren pulled back. “We have to slow down,” he whispered.
Risa realized she was half in his lap. Her thoughts were a jumble. She looked into his eyes. Strangely, she felt like she’d known him for far, far longer than she had. The haze of passion began to clear in her mind. Whatever this was between them was a bit—too much. She carefully pulled away, her body protesting.
“Well,” she said, her voice thick with feeling. “I, uh…”
“Don’t know what the hell this is?” Darren offered helpfully.
She looked over at him, his eyes mirroring her uncertainty and dazed feeling. As startled and confused as she was, she felt an instant comfort with him. His eyes crinkled at the corners with his grin. She laughed and nodded. “Definitely not.”
Darren’s palm had been on her back when she shifted away and it remained there, a warm anchor.
Coming October 2015!
Tumble into Love (A Diamond Creek, Alaska Novel)
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Diamond Creek Alaska Books
When Love Comes
Follow Love
Love Unbroken
Love Untamed
A note about Susie’s story
Love Untamed reveals Susie’s brush with attempted date/acquaintance rape, an all too common crime. It is estimated that approximately 47% of rapists are known to their victims (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, 2015). In addition, it is estimated that 68% of all sexual assaults are unreported (RAINN, 2015). Of those that are reported, 98% of perpetrators will never spend a day in jail (RAINN, 2015). In writing Susie’s story, it would have been emotionally satisfying for her to experience justice, however that is remarkably unrealistic. The emotional and psychological pain and shame that victims carry can be devastating. If you or anyone you know has experienced date/acquaintance rape, there are resources for help.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: http://www.thehotline.org
1-656-4673 (HOPE)
National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
Confidential online instant messaging and online chat with trained professionals
National Dating Abuse Hotline (for teens and youth): http://www.loveisrespect.org
1-866-331-9474
National Center for Victims of Crime: www.victimsofcrime.org
1-202-467-8700
Acknowledgements
A bow to my husband who graciously listens to plot updates and continues to offer his talents to anything in need of a name. Once again, Laura Kingsley kept me on my toes with excellent editing and made sure I gave Susie and Jared the story they deserved. Many thanks to CT Cover Creations for my gorgeous cover.
Yet again…my readers! Wow, wow and wow! You are all so supportive and so gracious. I love hearing from each and every one of you! Thank you for taking a chance on my books and motivating me to keep writing. There are many more to come! xoxo
Author Biography
Bestselling author J. H. Croix lives in a small town in the historical farmlands of Maine with her husband and two spoiled dogs. Along with writing, she's had an eventful career as a clinical social worker. Her career in social work has been punctuated by sunrise bush plane flights to Alaskan villages and the occasional standoff with curious moose.
Croix writes sexy contemporary romance novels with strong independent women and rugged alpha men who aren't afraid to show some emotion. Her love for quirky small-towns and the characters that inhabit them shines through in her writing. The Bestselling Diamond Creek, Alaska Novels are set amidst the wilderness and stark beauty of Alaska, where she lived for over a decade. Come join her to find love on the last frontier!
