by Calista Fox
She wished Madeline hadn’t gone back to the sheriff’s office. Though the dispatcher wanted to stay abreast of the situation, she wasn’t calling anyone at the diner to share news. Which likely meant there was no news to report, but still… If Madeline had stayed, she could have immediately shared any new information, had she gotten word from Conner Jenkins about what was happening outside of town. If that was where the sheriff’s posse was still located.
The sun set and twilight descended upon Wilder. Then dusk settled in and Ginger’s nerves were so frayed, she dropped her fork on her plate and pushed it aside. The pensive group surrounding her didn’t help her plight any. Even the reverend had a worried look on his face.
Ginger resisted the urge to bit her nails as the time passed. When the table had been cleared and the small talk had died, she thought she’d go half out of her mind agonizing over whether or not Ryan was okay.
Finally, Jack gave her a smile and said, “Just hang tight, darlin’. I’m sure—”
“Oh my God!” she suddenly shrieked as she leapt to her feet, knocking over her chair. “There’s Ryan.” She’d caught a glimpse of him out of the window.
Without a second thought, she ran out of the diner and raced across the street. She launched herself into his arms again, the way she had earlier. Only this time, it was out of sheer relief.
Though he held her tightly, he winced. She pulled back. “What is it? Are you hurt?”
Panic seized her insides. He’d changed into jeans and a long-sleeved, button shirt in burgundy. The tense look on his face dissolved as he gave her a sexy grin.
“I’m just fine, sweetheart. ‘Specially now that I’m looking at you.”
“Tell me seriously,” she implored, tears flooding her eyes. “Are you okay?”
“Few cuts Dan already cleaned up and bandaged for me. Nothing worth a trip to the emergency room, I assure you.”
She breathed a sigh of relief and swiped at the fat drops rolling down her cheeks. “What happened?”
The others had filed out of the diner and gathered around.
Ryan said, “Our thieves have been apprehended. One shot in the leg, thanks to the sheriff. The other went down a bit easier. Tackled him.” He winked at Ginger.
More tears flowed and she flung her arms around his neck again. He held her tightly as everyone congratulated and thanked him. When he finally let go of Ginger, he said, “I already typed up my report. I’m ready to call it a night.”
“Yeah,” she said. “Me too.” Her nerves were shot, after all.
The group dispersed, leaving Ginger and Ryan on the sidewalk. He lifted her hands to his mouth and kissed the backs of them. Then he asked, “Willing to take in a stray, sweetheart?”
Her heart melted. She sniffled from her crying jag, but managed to say, “If it’s of the six-foot-two-inch, Adonis-like variety.”
Ryan chuckled.
In a more serious tone, Ginger added, “I know I said I couldn’t do this. I don’t know how I’d survive it if something happened to you. But the truth is… I can’t be without you either way. So, yes. Come stay with me.”
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her passionately, right there on Main Street for everyone to see.
When they came up for air, she said in a breathless tone, “Everything you do is so over the top, Ryan Bain.”
He grinned at her. “Liked the flowers, did ya?”
“That bouquet is one for the Wilder history books.”
“And what about the card?”
She pulled away. “Oh darn it. I never got the chance to read it. What’d it say?”
He gave her a coy look as he told her, “I know we agreed to not make any premature declarations, but Ginger Monroe, I am very much in love with you—and felt compelled to tell you as much on that card. And in person.”
Her insides lit up brighter than a Wilder night sky on the Fourth of July. She couldn’t contain her smile. Or her feelings. “And I am very much in love with you, Ryan Bain.”
“Well, then. I guess it doesn’t matter what anyone has to say about me kissing you on a street corner.” And he did it again—much to Ginger’s delight.
About Calista Fox
Calista Fox in a multi-published, award-winning author of contemporary, suspense and paranormal erotic romances. She began her professional fiction-writing career in 2004, following a successful career in PR, where she specialized in writing speeches and Congressional testimonies. Her books have received rave reviews and she is also the recipient of a Reviewers Choice Award for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Novella.
Calista is a member of Romance Writers of America and two of its Phoenix Chapters, Desert Rose and Valley of the Sun Romance Writers. She has served on the Board of Directors, been the newsletter director and chaired the annual Golden Quill Contest for the Desert Rose Chapter. She is also a member of Passionate Ink, RWA’s erotic romance chapter. In addition, Calista gives presentations and workshops on writing novellas.
Calista attended college on a Journalism scholarship and has worked on newspapers as an editor and reporter. She holds degrees in General Studies and Communications. Calista lives in Arizona, but travels frequently to places like Mexico, Europe, San Diego and Washington, D.C. She has traveled the country by Lear Jet, always with her laptop in tow, and is a spa aficionado!
Calista welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Calista Fox
Backseat Mistress
Body Scenes 1: Stroke Me
Body Scenes 2: Melt Me
Body Scenes 3: Seduce Me
Body Scenes 4: Claim Me
Devil’s Kitchen
Devil in Texas
Forever in Her Eyes
Jaden’s Wicked Witch
Thunder and Lightning
Until Jake
Print books by Calista Fox
Better with Age anthology
Passionate Peridot anthology
Ellora’s Cave Publishing
www.ellorascave.com
Adonis in Texas
ISBN 9781419942204
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Adonis in Texas Copyright © 2012 Calista Fox
Edited by Briana St. James
Cover design by Irene Adler
Photos: Fotolia.com and Dreamstime.com
Electronic book publication August 2012
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