by Sharon Kleve
“The hunky Mr. LaCroix is here. I wasn’t sure if you were up to seeing anyone after what Ines told you.”
“You can send him back. I won’t ever turn Remy away.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ll be sure to put in ear plugs if things get too hot and steamy back there.” She laughed and hung up before I could respond.
The sight of Remy made my heart spring to life. He was dressed in faded jeans and a flannel shirt that I had the urge to remove and run my hands slowly over every inch of his extraordinary body.
“If you keep looking at me like that…well…I’m going to do something about it.”
“I’d like that.” Remy pulled me close, sliding his hand up my back to my neck and into my hair. He buried his fingers in the soft strands of my hair and gently coaxing me back, he deepened the kiss, licking softly into my mouth. Using the hand wound loose in my hair to angle my head, he deepened the kiss. Enticing me. It was all the invitation I needed, and my hands tightened my grip on his hips. Remy’s low growl of satisfaction slipped through his lips an instant before the firm thrust and retreat of his tongue. I clutched at him, pressing closer. It wasn’t enough. Not for either of us.
“We should go upstairs?” Remy’s made it a question, not a demand.
“Yes.” I handed him the key to my apartment. “I’ll meet you up there. I have to tell Delia I’m leaving.”
He shook his head. “I came here to tell you something, but one sensual, steamy look from you, and I forgot.”
I giggled. I didn’t know I had a sensual, steamy look. “What did you want to tell me?”
“I figured out who broke in.” He continued before I could tell him my news. “My uncle recognized them from the photo. Remember the potion you gave me for the poachers? Well, it was those two bozos. I’m not sure why they would want your computer, though.”
I stroked his cheek and ran my lips across his. “I can fill in the blanks on the computer, but first things first,” I whispered and stole a quick kiss. “I’ll meet you upstairs in five minutes.”
“Make it two, my sweet.”
Just then, Delia stepped into the back room. “Sorry to bother you, but a bus full of really excited tourists arrived, and they each want a reading from Priestess Ambrosine.” She looked back and forth from Remy to me and then left us alone.
“You better go. You don’t want to disappoint the tourists.” Remy said and then added. “We have all the time in the world.”
“Thank you.” I kissed Remy one more time before he left out the back door.
Remy stopped by each night, and we either went out or Remy cooked for us at my place. He left each night, and we hadn’t finished what we started days before.
The police hadn’t been able to locate Bernard Thomas or Jean Prosper yet so Remy was keeping a close eye on me. I personally thought that Bernard was hiding from his mama and Ines. When they got ahold of him, he’s was going to wish he’d never set foot in my shop.
Two weeks later, Officers Roy and Jackson walked into my shop and stepped up to the counter where I was ringing up a customer. “I’ll be right with you, officers.”
“No hurry,” Officer Roy said and looked around the shop.
The customer left, and I came around and met them in front of the jars of dried frog legs. “I’ll give a discount if you buy a dozen or more,” I offered.
Officer Jackson cringed, and Roy laughed. “No thanks. We’re here to inform you that the two suspects from the robbery have turned themselves in and confessed. Well, actually they were brought in by two very angry older ladies. They also brought in the laptop, but unfortunately, they damaged it beyond repair.”
“What did they do to it? Are you sure it can’t be repaired?”
They both looked uncomfortable, but Roy spoke up. “Yes. It’s in pieces. They said they tried to break into it. They’re not too bright and I don’t think they understand how computers work. They thought to break into a computer meant breaking it apart.”
“Got it. Can I still have it back?”
“No, not yet. They will have to stand trial. The computer is evidence until the case is closed.” Both officers took one more look around and then left.
A huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.
My cell phone rang as I sat to relax for a moment in one of my lounge chairs. “Hello.”
“Ambrosine. I’m glad you answered. How are you? I know things have been rough the last few days,” CeCe said in a rush.
“I’m good. Remy is really good…” We both giggled. “And the police have the jerks in jail. My laptop is toast, but I can deal with that. How are you?”
“Well…that’s why I called. Leontel and I are giving our relationship another try. We’ve been out on two dates, and we had a great time. It was like when we first met—fun, exciting, and Leontel’s been sweet and loving.” She paused. “We’ve decided if we want this to last we need relationship counseling. We start our sessions next week.”
“Oh CeCe, I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Thank you. We’ll do lunch next week. And yes, I will eat lunch.”
We both laughed and hung up.
Before I could dial Remy and tell him all my good news, Ines popped into the shop towing a very tall, older gentleman with her.
“Hello, Priestess Ambrosine. I have such spectacular news.” Excitement radiated off Ines in huge waves.
“I love specular news. Can I get either of you a cup of tea?”
“No, no. We don’t want you to go to any trouble,” Ines said then she turned and beamed at the gentlemen beside her. “This is Adolphe Martin, the man I told you about that I met at the Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge.”
I shook Adolphe’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you and tea is no trouble at all. Give me a minute, and I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time. We’ll occupy ourselves.” Ines giggled like a young girl.
Adolphe leaned down, hugged, and then kissed Ines.
Love is wonderful. That got me thinking, was it my love potion that brought them together? Either way, you can’t force love, even with a spell. All you can do is give it a nudge.
I walked back out with a tray filled with a teapot, cups, creamer, and sugar. “Please sit down and relax.” I motioned to a small sitting area. Adolphe poured tea and after we each took a sip, Ines giggled again.
“I can’t sit here another minute and not tell you.” Adolphe took Inesʼs hand in his. “Adolphe proposed. We’re getting married.”
We all jumped up and hugged. “I’m so happy for you two. That is wonderful news.”
“I’ve never met a more wonderful, giving person than Ines. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together,” Adolphe said.
Ines grabbed a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “I love you so much, Adolphe.”
“I love you, too. Now, we have many more people to tell. We’ll get out of your way, but I hope you will come to our wedding.” Adolphe smiled.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Ines hugged me again and then they left.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Three weeks later
As a surprise to Remy, I was going to make dinner that night—a very special dinner. I searched the Internet for easy, romantic recipes because I’m not the best cook, and came up with cast-iron cowboy steak, sweet potato casserole, and warm fudgy pudding cake for dessert. Remy usually arrived around six o’clock. I had three hours to prepare, and I’d need all of it.
“Hey, Delia. Do you mind closing up alone tonight?”
“No. Justin cancelled our date. Butthead.”
“Sorry.” I gave her a one-armed hug.
“My sister says she knows the perfect guy for me. I might give him a try.”
“Good for you. See you tomorrow.”
“Bye,” Delia said.
The wine was breathing on the table, the steak was ready to cook, the sweet potato casserole had twenty more minutes to cook and the dessert was don
e when Remy knocked on the door.
“Hi,” he said and swept me up into his arms. “I’ve missed you.”
I tucked my nose into his neck and breathed in his scent. “You smell good.”
“If I’m not mistaken, I smell sweet potato and chocolate.” Remy let me slip from his arms. When my feet landed, he tucked me under his arm.
“You have a great nose for food. It just so happens, I’ve made dinner for us.”
He tilted my face up, and dropped a kiss on my lips. “You cooked for us?”
“Yes. I hope you like it.”
“Oh, I will.”
I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. I molded my mouth to his, enjoying the sweet taste of him. This wasn’t just about passion anymore, or at least not for me. All of a sudden, I needed him to know how I felt about him. I stepped back and stared at his handsome, kind face. “Remy?”
“Yes?” He tilted his head, and a puzzled look crossed his features. “Is something wrong?”
“Nothing, but everything if you don’t feel for me, the way I feel for you.” The words flowed out of my mouth.
He stepped closer and ran his fingers through my hair and tilted my face up to his. “How do you feel about me?”
“I love you,” I whispered.
“Oh, Ambrosine. I love you, too. You are my life, my love, you are my everything.”
He cupped my face in his hands and kissed me, gently and sweetly, until I felt the tears begin to flood my eyes. I’d never known anyone as wonderful as Remy, as kind and as caring.
Remy had my heart, now he would have my body.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Nine months later
The wind whipped through my hair as we sped through the swamp in Remy’s fan boat. The night couldn’t have been more perfect. There was a full moon that lit up the sky filled with sparkling stars, and I was with the man that held my heart in the palm of his hand. And for the first time in my life, I trusted someone—Remy—to care for it and keep it safe.
Remy slowed and then stopped the boat, and we floated in silence. Beetles was having the time of his life riding in the fan boat. Remy bought him a doggy life vest, and he looked so darn cute strapped in it.
“Come here.” Remy opened his coat and held out his arms, and I walked into his embrace. His warm body engulfed mine and I held tight and listened to his steady heartbeat.
A pair of alligators wrestled in the shallow waters by the shore, one trying to show dominance over the other. They were beautiful animals.
Remy tilted my chin up to look at him. “I love you, Ambrosine, with all my heart.” He removed a sparkling diamond ring from his pocket. It shone brighter than the stars in the sky above. “Will you marry me, be my wife, and best friend?”
It didn’t take a priestess to see my future in Remy’s eyes—it just took faith. “Oh yes, yes. I love you, Remy. Forever and ever.”
Redheads really do have a heck of a lot of fun!
ABOUT SHARON KLEVE
My personal inspiration for writing Redheads Have More Fun came from the loved ones I’ve lost to Cancer. My father, Norman Shoemaker, succumb to a rare form of Cancer when I was a child. I lost my grandfather to Prostate Cancer, grandmother to Leukemia and a good friend to Pancreatic Cancer.
Sharon Kleve was born and raised in Washington and currently lives on the Olympic Peninsula with her husband.
Sharon is a multi-published author of contemporary romance. She loves romance. She loves reading romance, living romance, and especially loves writing about romance. She gets no greater feeling than watching her characters come alive in each other’s arms. Most of all, she loves giving her characters the happily ever after they deserve—with a few bumps and bruises along the way.
One of her favorite things to do is pick up a new book and sink into the story, immersing herself in the emotions between the characters. She hopes to inspire her readers the same way her favorite authors have inspired her.
When not writing, she can usually be found either curled up in her recliner with her cat and a good book, or in the kitchen baking sourdough bread or bagels.
Email Sharon here
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Redhead Dead by Jennifer Conner
Romantic Suspense
CHAPTER ONE
“You need to work less and party more.”
Aiven tried not to roll her eyes at Sara’s suggestion. She didn’t get to the top of her field in plant chemical biology by being a ‘party girl.ʼ Aiven eyed Sara over the rims of her glasses and pushed them higher on her nose. She knew Sara had semi-good intentions, but the woman drove her a little crazy trying her- to get her to ‘let her hair down and get drunk.ʼ
Why would Aiven want to go out and get drunk when she could stay after hours and look at plant specimens under a microscope?
“Come on…pleasseeee?” Sara dragged the words out in a long whine.
“Why do you want me to come with you?” Aiven barely held onto her frustration.
“It’s been a rotten week, and I need some fun. My boyfriend broke up with me, and that creepy guy Seth down the hall keeps trying to ask me out. I’m not that desperate. It’s all these things.”
“Is one of those things that Becky bailed out offering to drive you to the club tonight?”
“Well…yes. But you know, I’ve wanted to get you out to Sphere. I’ve asked you how many times?”
Aiven cut in as Becky fought to remember, “Once, you’ve asked me once, and now it’s twice.”
“Let’s not make it three times. If you come out tonight and drive to the Sphere, I swear I will never bother you again.” Sara’s begging smile was plastered on her face.
“Look at me. I have jeans on and an old T-shirt under my lab coat. Nothing even close to what I can wear to that upscale club. Besides, isn’t Sphere a place where you have to be chosen by the front door people to even go inside?”
Sara waved a dismissive hand. “I know the guys that are on tonight. It won’t be a problem no matter how you look.” She stopped and bit her lip. “I didn’t mean it like that. Come on, I have am orange dress in my locker, and I’m sure that we’re close enough in size that it will fit you.”
“You’re not going to leave me alone once you get your way, are you?” Aiven pushed back from her desk as Sara shook her head. “Where is this dress? Do you know how long it’s been since I have even worn a dress?”
“I don’t find that hard to believe, but, it’s like riding a bike—not something you will forget.” Sara tugged her along and out of the lab.
Aiven stared at herself in the full-length mirror in the lab’s changing room. She’d taken a quick shower and traded out her glasses for contacts. She was also surprised when Sara offered to do her hair and loan her some makeup. Sara combed Aivenʼs long red hair and put it in a Forties-style coif on the top of her head. The dress was snug. Really snug. Even though the two women were about the same size, Aiven had many more curves.
Aiven ran a hand down the side of her dress and tugged in an attempt to make it a little longer. No such luck.
“Are you ready?” Sara asked in an enthusiastic tone.
“Like getting ready for a root canal,” Aiven muttered under her breath.
When the two women pushed through the doors of Sphere, the music and noise assaulted Aiven’s ears. Bright strobe lights bounced off the walls, and the vibration from the beat of the music could be felt underfoot. Aiven wanted to cover her ears but what twenty-four-year-old would be that much of a prude? Maybe she would stay fifteen or twenty minutes and then convince Sara to catch a cab home so she could leave.
“Wow, the club’s busy tonight!” Sara shouted over the techno music.
�
�Yes, and green plants are multicellular eukaryotes of the kingdom Plantae,” Aiven said forcing herself not to yell.
“I love this song too!” Sara exclaimed as she bopped her head along with the thump of the beat. “Let’s get drinks,” Sara motioned toward the bar.
Sara waved at the bartender. He came closer, and she shouted, “Hey, Charlie!” She gave him a sexy smile. “How about the same old?”
“Martini?” he asked.
“Make it two. I told a co-worker that I would buy her a drink for driving me here tonight.” She looked over at Aiven. Aiven caught she used the words ʽco-workerʼ and not ʽa friend.ʼ Aiven knew she didn’t fit in with this crowd or even with most of the people at work. She was ‘all brain’ as her ex-boyfriend said. She could relate to plant leaves and a beaker much better than human beings.
“Sure you did.” He winked at Sara. “Two martinis it is.” Charlie moved off to pour the drinks.
“Are you going to dance?” Sara asked.
“No, go ahead,” Aiven said. She thought it was her lucky day when a woman got up from the bar just as she finished her sentence. “I’ll sit here and wait for the drinks.”
“That doesn’t sound like much fun, but suit yourself.” Sara shrugged and then wiggled off, blending into the sea of sweaty bodies on the dance floor.
The bartender mixed the drinks but was distracted by another couple and set the glasses down. Aiven watched the dance floor until the bartender finally returned and placed the three drinks in front of her. He shouted, “That will be twenty-eight dollars!
“Twenty-eight?” Aiven looked over her shoulder at her now M.I.A. co-worker. She sighed and started to pull cash from her purse.
A deep voice behind her said, “Don’t worry, I got it. While I was at it, I ordered one for myself.”
Her gaze traveled up the tall male torso standing next to her. Did they really make guys who looked like this? The man was well over six-feet tall with dark hair and blue eyes. Dark brown hair that looked like he’d just run his hands through it. His black shirt stretched over his muscled chest. Damn handsome.
