What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 9)

by Kristine Cayne

  JC was pulled from her sight.

  The ambulance doors slammed shut, and so did her eyes. Consumed with agony and pain, Shayla slipped into shock. Pictures of John’s face floated through her consciousness like a wave of water. The memories of John’s laughter mixed with the sound of garbled voices and beeping monitors. Shayla drifted in and out of awareness, drugged by the morphine dripping through her veins. She was coherent enough to answer questions the nurses and doctors asked, but she talked to John as if he were right there in front of her. Shayla told him how much she loved him and needed him. She dreamed of their future. The scent of his skin drifted into the bitter taste of antiseptic.

  “Do you want more ice chips?” came a soft female voice.

  Shayla’s eyes clamped shut, heavy from sedation. She nodded and opened her mouth. The light touch of icy fingers coasted down her arm. The sound of crunching ice fused with the constant beep of monitors.

  “Can you open your eyes?”

  Shayla’s throat hurt when she swallowed. Her mouth felt dry like sandpaper. “More?”

  “You can’t have too many, you might throw up again,” Tracy warned, slipping a few small chips of ice into her mouth.

  A wave a panic hit her, accelerating her heart rate. She swatted at the bed in distress. “John? Where is he?”

  “I’m right here, baby.”

  “Am I dreaming?” Her lids flickered drowsily. She licked at her parched lips, trying to make them moist. Her eyes parted in slits, but only saw Tracy. “Where is he? I just heard him, didn’t I?”

  “He’s in the bed next to yours.” Tracy offered her a half of spoonful of cold water.

  “Hold on. I’m coming.” John groaned.

  Shayla couldn’t move her head, but she heard the crinkle of a plastic mattress as he maneuvered off his bed. “Hi, baby.”

  JC entered the room. “Hey, she’s up again.”

  Shayla stared at them blankly, foggy from pain meds.

  John stepped into her peripheral view, and her eyes opened wide. Her lip quivered as she caught a glimpse of him. “I’m not dreaming, am I?”

  John limped to the foot of her bed, dragging his IV stand, wearing a matching blue hospital gown. He looked scraped, bruised and tired. His warm, rough hand gripped her foot, squeezing and manipulating the arch as he waited for Tracy to get out of his way.

  Tracy set the styrofoam cup on the table tray, leading JC out of the room.

  He moved to her side, folding his hand over hers. “I’m not a dream. I’m right here.”

  Shayla’s chest felt tight and full. Tears of distress and relief leaked out of her eyes. She tried to sit up, but John gestured for her to stay put as he used the controller to slightly raise her bed.

  “Thank God you’re alive. I didn’t know if…”

  “Shh it’s okay.”

  He took a measurable amount of time adjusting into a sitting position at the edge of her bed. Even in her state of drug-induced euphoria, she saw he was in a lot of pain, but she reached for him, needing to touch him.

  His eyes were bloodshot and swollen. He kissed her soft and slow, acting as if she were a piece of fragile glass. “I’m fine, baby. Just banged up with a few broken ribs. You’re the one we were worried about. You hit your head pretty good and your arm’s busted up. You’ve got two plates and eleven screws in it, but the infection is under control now. Do you remember talking to me earlier?”

  “No. Was I awake?”

  “I’m not sure awake would be the right word, but you’ve talked a couple times.” His hands never left her skin, caressing as if he needed to touch her as much as she needed to feel him.

  “What happened? Where were you?”

  “I got tangled at the base of a tree halfway through the slide. The way my body got curled around the tree trunk left a gap in the snow and gave me extra space for air.”

  She couldn’t wait another second. “I love you.”

  A dark shadow etched across his face and he gripped her fingers tighter. He choked, fighting back a round of tears, but it was no use. They streamed down his face. John chewed on his lip. “I didn’t think I was ever gonna see you again, Shay. I love you.”

  Hindered by painkillers and a broken arm, Shayla stroked his face with her right hand, scratching her fingers through his beard.

  He bent carefully, and the taste of salt and medication filled their gentle kisses.

  “Does my uncle know?”

  “Oh, yeah.” John glanced around the room and Shayla’s eyes followed his. Three gorgeous bouquets of flowers filled a table.

  “I remember smelling flowers.”

  “My mom and Tom should be here soon, and they made sure you got the best care until they could be here themselves. We’re in a private room, and everyone talks about your doctor like she’s the best thing since sliced bread. And the nurses jump on command when she walks in the room.” John stretched, gingerly reaching for her cup to feed her more ice chips. “We’ve both had around the clock care with private nurses. They constantly take our temperature and blood pressure, and I’ve been offered assistance in the shower about half a dozen times.”

  “I bet you have. Nurses are probably lined up outside the door waiting for you to push the call button.” She squinted, moving her finger in a circle over his crotch. “This is mine.”

  A small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. John placed her hand over his heart. “Everything I am, everything I have, every breath I take, belongs to you.”

  Her chin crumpled. She jiggled his fingers and nodded. “A lifetime’s worth.”

  He searched her eyes. “You remember…everything, don’t you?”

  A weak laugh wisped from her lips as her eyes drifted shut. “I remember. Don’t think you’re getting out of marrying me, John Mathews. You’re stuck with me forever.”

  She felt his breath near her temple. “Forever.”

  Her brows knit as she sifted through her memories. “Was there a dog in here or did I dream that?”

  “That’s Cindy. You’ll meet her. She’s part of the ski patrol.” She felt a tremor run through him. “That dog saved my life.”

  In the middle of the night, Shayla woke up crying, gasping for air, and screaming his name.

  John came to her bed and carefully eased in beside her.

  Shayla lay nestled tight in the crook of his arm, releasing a shaky sigh of contentment. Her injured arm lay high across his chest on a pillow, and her leg hitched up over his hips.

  He smoothed back her hair and kissed her forehead, stroking the tension from her spine. “It’s okay. Shh. I’m right here.”

  Lying in his arms, meshed together as one, the magnitude of nearly losing him overwhelmed her. Shayla wept in the darkness.

  His subtle caresses urged her closer into his chest. But it wasn’t close enough.

  “It’s okay, baby,” he murmured.

  She arched and nudged, needing more of a connection. Words couldn’t convey the amount of love she carried in her heart for this man. She wanted more, needed more.

  John’s body turned warm beneath her, his arousal growing below her leg.

  Shayla maneuvered over him, straddling his hips being mindful not to hurt his ribs. She touched his face in the dark. John’s hands roamed over her hips and thighs. He laid the heel of his palm over her heart. She lowered her hand to his chest, feeling his beating heart. She lifted her hips and eased down onto him.

  They didn’t make love for pleasure. The intimate act went beyond needs and words. They connected as one in a bond of love that would last a lifetime.

  Epilogue

  Everyone gathered for breakfast at John and Shayla’s home in Las Vegas. They’d gotten married the night before at an intimate ceremony at The Little Chapel of Love, and they were leaving that afternoon to enjoy a short honeymoon on the beach in Hawaii.

  John and Shayla had searched a total of two days for a new home when Tess called to inform them that she knew of the perfect house, the home
John had been raised in.

  “Do you think they’ll notice?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t think so. Well—”

  “JC,” they said simultaneously.

  “She’s the master of April fools pranks.” John simmered a laugh, rolling his hand over her belly.

  Shayla laid her hand on top of his, following the circle. “It’s your fault,” she teased.

  “Me?” He pointed to himself, scoffing in innocence. “The hospital was your fault.”

  She blushed, but raised her brow, giving him a doubtful smile.

  “Okay. The Ranch Exit on the drive home was my fault.”

  Still unconvinced, she cleared her throat.

  “Okay, maybe it was the second Ranch Exit. That one I will proudly take full responsibility for.” He laughed.

  They strolled down the long hallway filled with family photos. John stopped to straighten a frame. The wall had just been repainted a creamy white, but Shayla insisted each picture be put back in its exact place. She loved the stories he told recanting each memory of his childhood, captured forever in a photo. Carrying on the family tradition, she’d already added several new pictures.

  Their family gathered in the kitchen.

  “We have a few pictures we wanted to share with you.” John handed his mom a small stack of photos.

  “Are these ultrasound pictures?” Tess’s blue eyes beamed and a surprised smile broadened across her face.

  Tracy and JC quickly moved in around her.

  “Yes. We wanted to surprise you.” Bliss rang in Shayla’s shaky voice.

  John wrapped his strong arms around her from behind, pulling her into his chest as he leaned against the kitchen counter. He kissed and nibbled on a sensitive spot behind her ear.

  Tess released a small gasp of joy, handing the first photo to Tom. Tracy and JC took the second one.

  “Awe. It’s a boy!” Tracy exclaimed. “Richard! Awe…you’re gonna name him after Dad? Congratulations!”

  More squeals of excitement followed from JC. “Can somebody tell me what’s what? Wait a minute, this one says Thomas.”

  Shayla’s eyes and nose stung as she watched a veil of pride wash over her uncle’s face. They shared a warm smile between them.

  “So is he gonna be Richard Thomas Mathews or Thomas Richard Mathews?”

  John and Shayla twisted to face each other. John kissed her cheek and rubbed her belly, a routine becoming habitual. “You tell them.”

  Shayla lifted her chin proudly. “It’s Thomas and Richard.”

  “Twins?” Rang in unison throughout the kitchen.

  “Hold on. Wait a minute!” JC squinted at her brother suspiciously. “Is this an April Fools joke?”

  About the Author

  For over twenty years, Beverly Preston has been married to Don, the love of her life. As her four children begin to venture out on their own, she’s left to shed a tear—for a minute—wonder what’s next in life, and embrace the feeling of empowerment that surely must’ve been wrapped in a present she received on her fortieth birthday. If Beverly isn’t at home riding her spin bike, you’ll find her spinning richly emotional and sinfully sexy romance stories. Also available by bestselling author, Beverly Preston:

  The Mathews/Clemmins Family Series

  No More Wasted Time

  Shayla’s Story

  The Perfect Someday

  Surviving Broken

  ~ More from The Mathews/Clemmins Family ~

  Series in early 2014

  www.beverlypreston.com

  Unforgettable

  The Gentleman’s Club Series

  Lacey Wolfe

  Copyright © 2014, Lacey Wolfe

  Publisher: Southern Girl Press

  Edited by Tara Chevrestt

  Cover art by Lacey Wolfe

  All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  www.laceywolfe.com

  Can an older man be everything Krista’s been looking for?

  Krista Michaels’ dating life has been non-existent since her divorce a year before. When her best friend steps in and declares it’s time for a night out at the newest May/December hang-out, The Gentleman’s Club, Krista enters a whole new world and lays eyes on a man who leaves her speechless.

  Neil Clark likes younger women and having a good time. Krista catches his attention right away, From their first conversation, he can tell she isn’t a woman to simply play with. One problem: Krista isn’t interested, or so she says. But Neil isn’t about to let her slip away.

  Krista’s heart and mind battle it out as Neil does his best to win her over. But they have one huge difference in what they want out of life, and Krista isn’t willing to give up her values, not for a man, not for money, not for love…

  Acknowledgements

  There are so many people in my life who help me each day. From those friends who sit and listen to me talk about writing and publishing, to those who give me advice. My editors who push me with each book to improve my writing. Behind me is a whole team and I’d be lost without them.

  A quick shout out to The Wolfe Pack, the best readers’ group out there.

  Of course, my family. I couldn’t not thank them. My husband who continues to support me with each book. He encourages me to keep trying, even when I think I want to give up. To my kids who let me write and tell their friends their mom is famous. It’s nice to be famous in their eyes.

  Chapter One

  Krista stared at the dimly lit building. From the outside, it looked like any other club. A square brick building with no windows. So why was her heart ready to beat out of her chest?

  She rubbed her sweaty palms across the cloth seat in the car and turned to her friend. “I feel like a loser. Like I’m coming here with daddy issues.”

  Jamie raised an eyebrow as she dropped her lipstick into her purse. “We’ve been over this so many times. No one here is going to think that. It’s a club for younger women who like older men and vice versa.”

  “Yeah, but—”

  “No buts. Older men are hot. Stop over-thinking and live a little. Now let’s go.” Jamie pushed her car door open without giving her another glance.

  Krista wasn’t sure about this. As she climbed out of the vehicle, she couldn’t help but wonder, what if this place only has old men—like old, old men. Not those hot fifty-year-old men you see in movies and such. But the wrinkly ones with canes. Not that there was anything wrong with that; they just weren’t her type.

  Jamie stood in the parking lot with her hands on her slender hips. “Come on, Krista, before all the good ones are taken.”

  Might as well go through with it since she was already here and dressed up. Krista jogged to catch up with her friend. At the entrance, a big man stood there in the classic get-up. Sunglasses, a black shirt, and tight jeans. He was hot and Krista wondered if she could stay out there with him because he looked more like her type.

  “Good evening, ladies. I need to see some I.D.” He held out his hand.

  She dug hers out of her wallet and handed it to him. He glanced at the I.D.’s, smiled, and gave them back.

  “Enjoy your evening.” He paid them no more attention and promptly spoke to the two women who had been behind her.

  Jamie looped her arm through Krista’s
and they were on their way to what felt like the unknown to Krista.

  Inside was dark as expected, but there was just enough lighting so she wouldn’t trip over anything. There were a lot of women there. Apparently her friend wasn’t the only one with a thing for older men.

  There was a small dance floor to her left, but it was mostly set up with various lounge areas. A contemporary feel flowed throughout with black leather sofas, red and white throw pillows, and chrome décor. The bar sat in the center of the room, and Krista was thrilled when Jamie led her in that direction.

  A female bartender, who was surprisingly dressed conservative in a white button down blouse, greeted them. “What can I get you?”

  “Two sex on the beaches,” Jamie said.

  “Suck up.” Krista leaned her back against the bar and glanced around. She didn’t see a man anywhere without a young, beautiful woman at his side. Next to the attached women, she felt like she was wearing a paper sack. Not a man looked in her direction. “I bet all the good ones are taken.”

  Jamie twirled a lock of her blonde hair as she checked out the men. “Why do you say that?”

  “With the amount of women in here, any man without one at this point must be a loser.”

  “Or he’s just waiting on the right woman.” Jamie winked.

  The bartender returned with their drinks. Jamie told her to leave the tab open.

  “Now what?” Krista asked as she picked up her beverage.

  “Let’s find somewhere to sit, drink a little to lighten our mood, and go from there. This doesn’t need to be planned out.”

  “This is so stupid.” Krista took a sip of her drink. “It feels like we’re waiting for some man to find us attractive and want to talk to us. It’s just weird.”

  Her friend sighed. “Live a little. Jeez. How well has it been working out with the men your own age?”