by RC Boldt
While he did, indeed, love her ass, that wasn’t all that he loved.
Soon she’d know that he loved her more than anything in the world.
* * *
“Twelve more minutes, y’all!” Kane’s drawl rang out where they were gathered on the deck. “Who’s going to kiss this big hunka stud?” He grinned, running a hand down over his firm pectorals, gaze settling on Noelle who stood chatting with her.
“Noelle? You feel like givin’ me some sugar to kick the New Year off right?” the Texan offered.
She couldn’t resist snickering at her coworker, watching with amusement as Noelle’s lips parted to respond but was promptly interrupted.
“No.” Heads swiveled to where Foster stood, beer dangling from the fingers of one hand, the other in the pocket of his dark khaki pants.
Kane’s eyebrows nearly hit his hairline. “Oh? Are you her spokesperson now, Fos?”
She watched as Foster held Kane’s stare, the two men doing that silent communication thing they often did.
Finally, Kane shrugged with an easy smile. “No worries, Noelle. Some other time, perhaps.” With a wink, he walked off to, likely, harass someone else.
Foster muttered something under his breath, turning to toss his now empty beer in one of the large trash bins nearby. Lately, the crease between his eyebrows was more pronounced, and it bothered her.
“You okay, Fos?”
His eyes met hers, the strain of worry outlining his face as he gave a curt nod. “Just concerned about Hendy’s whereabouts.” He gave her a brief, forced smile before he walked off to join the others.
“Ten minutes!” someone hollered.
Shit. She had to do this now. It’s time, she thought to herself frantically.
Turning, she found Lawson, their eyes immediately meeting; the sweet, intimate smile he gave her nearly melted her right then and there. She crooked her finger, gesturing for him to come to her. Grinning, he excused himself and made his way over to where she stood, now alone as Noelle had moved off to join the other women.
“You beckoned?” His voice was husky, deep as he lowered his head for a quick kiss.
“I did.” Inhaling a fortifying breath, she looked up into those light blue eyes of the man she’d come to love. “Two things.”
Watching her with curiosity, he inquired, “One?”
“I love you.”
His features softened, his lips parted. “I love you back.” Pause. “Two?”
Unbuttoning her cardigan, she tossed it to the nearby chair, and when her hands went to grip the bottom of her shirt, she saw the alarm mixed with confusion on his face. Pulling it up and over her head, she tossed it to the chair, smoothing her hair down.
It took him a moment to realize why she had removed the two articles of clothing. But when he read what was printed on her black tank top, she knew that the memory of the expression on his face would be one she’d recall for years to come. It said:
I love Laws.
EST. Since the day I saw him.
—Lee Briggs
His entire face lit up when he read it and he immediately set his beer down before beginning to quickly work at the buttons of his shirt.
“Six minutes!”
She strained for a glimpse of what was written on the undershirt he wore beneath the button down. Finally, when he tugged both sides of his button down shirt apart, a small laugh escaped. Because beneath that was a graphic T-shirt which said:
I you to marry me!
“Four … three …”
Stepping closer to her, he pulled a simple, bezeled set diamond ring from the pocket of his pants. “What do you say? Feel up to it?”
“I think my shirt says it all.” Reaching up to cup his face, her thumb smoothed over his bottom lip, brushing against the goatee bordering it. “Love me for the rest of my life, Briggs?”
He scoffed, making a face. “Hell, no.” Expression sobering, his eyes had the slightest sheen to them. “I’ll love you for an eternity, Lee. For an eternity.”
“Two …”
“Then, in that case …”
“One …”
“Yes,” she whispered her answer just before his mouth came crashing down on hers, one of his hands sliding around to the back of her head, threading through her long hair. It was a kiss filled with passion, love—one filled with such emotion that it nearly took her breath away.
“Happy New Year!”
And as they were surrounded by their friends celebrating the beginning of the New Year, she found herself somewhere she never would have expected to be.
In the arms of a man whom she loved with all of her heart—who loved her back.
In the midst of friends who were her family.
In a life she was actually living—and embracing—wholeheartedly.
Langley—Lee—Ford was officially amongst the living again.
* * *
Murphy’s military law #26: War is like love. To triumph, you must make contact.
Langley’s take: I’m thinking that last part should be changed to read, “you must lay siege”. Because I feel like that’s basically what Lawson did.
Lawson’s take: Oooh, Lee, now that sounds downright medieval. Might I lay siege later on tonight and plunder your dungeon, milady? I’ll take your laughter as a firm ‘yes’.
THE END
I’d love to hear what you thought about Lawson and Langley’s story. If you would be so kind as to leave a review, it would be appreciated beyond words. And if you send me an email at [email protected] with the link to your review, I’ll send you a personal ‘thank you’!
O
THER BOOKS
If you enjoyed Lawson and Langley’s story in Laws of Attraction, be sure to check out the other books in RC Boldt’s Teach Me series:
Wildest Dream (Teach Me, Book 1)
Hard To Handle (Teach Me, Book 2)
Remember When (Teach Me, Book 3)
Coming December 6, 2016 …
Out of Love
They say that all’s fair in love and war …
Foster Kavanaugh, former Navy SEAL, knows what it’s like to be the top dog, the man in charge, the one calling the shots. Now that he’s running his own security consulting firm, not much has changed.
Except for the curvy blonde he hired as his office manager.
Noelle Davis has been through the damn ringer. Swearing off men after escaping a toxic relationship, she’s grateful for a new start; new job included. Of course, her job isn’t tranquil and calm. Quite the opposite, in fact. Because her boss is the most infuriating man on the planet.
And, not to mention, sexy as hell.
Foster has limits. Rules. No attachments allowed because he doesn’t do love. Except that Noelle Davis somehow foiled that plan, took a red pen to his list of rules. With her smart mouth and quick witted banter, he finds the woman was somehow beginning to creep past his defenses.
When circumstances put Noelle in a perilous position, the first person to come to her rescue is none other than Foster Kavanaugh. She gets to see the man in action; not as her aggravating boss, but as her protector. As the man who would stop at nothing to ensure her safety.
The same man who makes her want to reconsider her self-imposed embargo of men, the man whom she wants to get to know now that she’s seen another side of him. The man who makes her want … more.
But more just isn’t possible when you’re out of love … or is it?
Click here to add Out of Love to your Goodreads bookshelf: https://goo.gl/1GAvcX
A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book would have never been possible if it weren’t for the following individuals (in no particular order):
My former coworkers, the ladies I’m proud to call my friends and still laugh about our teaching shenanigans. I’m sure you’ll notice some familiar stories within these pages.
Heather K., my soul sister. You’re always there to support me, regardless of how many miles separa
te us. I consider myself beyond lucky to call you my friend.
Lynn for letting me shove manuscripts at you to look over and critique. You are the best and I thank UNF for uniting us years ago!
Sarah M., for being my cheerleader from the start of this journey. Love you!
My husband, for being my … well, my everything.
My readers! The fact that I actually have readers is just … incredible!! Thank you for choosing to read these books. Without your support, your sweet emails and reviews, none of this would be possible. I am forever grateful.
Sarah, my Australian BFF. Seriously. I don’t think I could’ve made it this far without you. Thanks for letting me vent and brainstorm ideas with you. When we do finally get together, it’ll be go-time. I love you. Long time. ;)
Emma P., the stars aligned perfectly to bring us together! You have become such a wonderful friend. Thank you for everything you do!!!
Boldt’s Beach Babes—you ladies are the most stellar individuals! I am grateful for your support and help spreading word about my books. I love you all!!
All the book bloggers out there who took a chance on a new author and have been so wonderful to me! I could never manage to truly show my gratitude for all of your support. Please know that the time you take to read and review my books and/or do promo posts is much appreciated.
Ms. Melissa at There For You Editing for helping to fine-tune this book and my book blurbs. And for telling me I’m actually a good writer when I feel like I suck at it.
Ms. Robin at Wicked By Design for creating such gorgeous covers … again and again!!
Ms. Stacey at Champagne Formats for being so awesome, answering my 4.578 trillion questions and having such a quick turnaround!
My parents for making me. It was the highlight of your life, I’m sure. Now, you can go ahead and admit I’m your favorite. I won’t tell my brother. Promise.
To all who have served and continue to serve in our military, I salute you. My books might gloss over much of what you do on a daily basis (and insert some hot sex in the mix, too) but I am ever so grateful for your courageousness and sacrifices. Thank you for fighting for the freedoms many of us take for granted on a daily basis.
