“You lied to me?” He cocked his head, raising his eyebrows. She’d toyed with him that night in the bath. Said what she needed to say to entice him to stay. “So that marshmallow between the oatmeal cookies was all made up so you could have your way with me?”
After smoothing the front of her wedding gown, she took an oatmeal cookie from the tray and nibbled a bite. “I don’t know what you mean…” She tried to swallow. “I like…” Coughed. “Marshmallow and…” She devolved into a coughing fit that brought tears to her eyes. Finally, she shoved the cookie in his hand.
He held out a glass of champagne to her then brushed a crumb from the neckline of her gown. He’d married a little minx. One he needed to stay one step ahead of…most of the time. “You are so bad, Mackenzie Slater. Bad, bad, bad.”
She moistened her lips. “Not nearly as bad as you, Agent Slater.”
True. And, if he was lucky, she’d never know how bad he could be. Maybe even he’d never know.
Watching her walk away to join some guests, he laid the cookie on the discard tray. Truth be known—he didn’t like oatmeal cookies, either.
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Acknowledgments
Once again, there are a lot of people to acknowledge, because writing is not a career to be tackled alone. And, right here at the beginning, let me say that even if I don’t list your name, that doesn’t mean your advice and smiles haven’t lightened my writing load, not to mention my world as a whole. You are all appreciated.
First and foremost, to my wonderful family (who this book is dedicated to), thank you for all your encouragement, motivation, love, and laughter. You can’t imagine how much your words and actions have made me smile, giving me moments of belief that I can do this thing called writing. I appreciate everything each of you do for me. And love every time you make me laugh—no matter the topic. Always remember how much I love all of you! Now and forever!
Next, a giant thanks to all my readers. In this busy world, you have lots to accomplish with your time, and your money, so I’m touched that you chose to invest both in my book. I’m truly humbled by your choice. And, please know that, whether in person or by social media, I always appreciate hearing from you.
To Entangled Publishing’s fearless CEO Liz Pelletier, you are the thumb-on-the-pulse of all things publishing! Thanks for believing in me, my writing, and the Shades of Leverage series.
Then, there’s Robin Haseltine—my editor extraordinaire! You rock! Not only are you great at seeing past what I’ve written to what my book can be, but with just a few words you give me the tools to take my writing from good to great. And I truly appreciate how, with a single word of praise or a smiley face, you take the time to motivate. Thanks, big time!
A continuing high-five to my critique partners—Linda Gilman, Michelle Sharp, and Suzie T. Roos—who are always there for a quick read, brainstorming, fun writing retreats, and being a friend. Plus, Jeannie Lin, my go-to person on writing advice and how to keep my joy in writing; Megan Kelly, who keeps the MORWA CORE group on track for critiques; and all the wonderful authors I’ve met along the way, who answered my questions and shared their expertise.
Lastly, I hope everyone liked the first novel in the Shades of Leverage series and are excited for the next agent’s story. Until then, you might like to read one of my other novels, filled with self-confident heroes and the women strong enough to love them. After all, my heroes and heroines want you to read their stories, and I want to keep writing them.
Smiles,
Claudia Shelton
About the Author
Claudia Shelton thought she wrote mainstream when she began writing, but before long, a critique partner told her she sounded more like romance. Since then, she’s focused on happily ever after with a splash of suspense, always featuring Alpha males and the women strong enough to love them. Her advice, always remember that a warm cup of cocoa in the winter or a cool drink by the water in the blazing heat will make your day a little brighter. She is a two-time finalist in the Daphne Du Maurier (Unpublished) awards for excellence in mystery and suspense. Visit Claudia at: http://www.claudiawriting.com/
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Risk of a Lifetime
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