by A. J. Pine
“Jamie.” It was only his name, but the way she said it spoke volumes.
His name was on the door, and hers was inside on the tap. He’d see it every day, even when she wasn’t around, though he hoped she and her friends would still hang out on weekends, even if it meant stealing her for a private meeting or two in his office every now and then. It wasn’t just her name on the tap. It was her whole essence tattooed on his heart. He didn’t know how to say these things to her, had spent so many years trying to get it right. The crack in her voice and the way her hands gripped his now told her he finally had.
Jeremy took some silent cue Jamie didn’t know he’d given him and poured the two of them a pint of Chandler’s.
“Thanks, man,” Jamie said, and Jeremy only nodded before leaving them alone behind the bar.
Jamie raised his beer in a motion to toast, and Brynn picked up her glass as well.
“Thank you, B, for bringing me to the game tonight. To the next ten years,” he said.
He watched the happy tears pool in her eyes as she smiled.
“And ten years after that,” she added.
They both sipped, and as they set their glasses down, Brynn licked the foam from her upper lip.
And then, like they weren’t in a crowded bar with a growing audience, Jamie took her face in his palms and kissed her before she could say anything else. At the taste of his tongue meeting hers, those fireworks erupted in his stomach as his heart slammed against his chest.
“Whoa,” Brynn whispered against him.
“I think I need to see you in my office,” he said with a chuckle. And he led her toward the door, finishing their toast silently in his head.
To all the years to come with the one by his side who almost got away.
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Acknowledgments
Thank you to my agent, Courtney Miller-Callihan, for falling in love with Jamie and Brynn’s story when it was nothing more than a three-paragraph proposal. You had faith in this story from inception, and that’s the best kind of encouragement. Thanks to my fabulous editor, Karen Grove, for joining me on my foray into a new category of romance and for sprinkling your magical editing fairy dust all over my words. I’m so lucky to work with you!
I have the best critique partners who are also the best of friends. I’m hoping that in the not too distant future we can speak via Facebook stickers only. [Insert dino sticker here.] Lia Riley, Megan Erickson, Natalie Blitt, and Jennifer Blackwood, you inspire me and keep me moderately sane. I love you and your words.
S and C, your snuggles and huggles are the best writing fuel. And life fuel. Mommy loves you.
And always, thank you, readers. I’m living a dream that you make possible, and I’m forever grateful.
About the Author
A.J. Pine writes stories to break readers’ hearts, but don’t worry—she’ll mend them with a happily-ever-after. As an English teacher and a librarian, A.J. has always surrounded herself with books. All her favorites have one big commonality—romance. Naturally, her books have the same. When she’s not writing, she’s reading. Then there’s online shopping (everything from groceries to shoes) and a tiny bit of TV, where she nourishes her undying love of vampires and superheroes. You’ll also find her hanging with her family in the Chicago ’burbs.
Connect with A.J. Pine and find out more about upcoming books at AJPine.com.
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Also by A.J. Pine…
If Only
What If
I Do
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