by Robin Hill
He’s so damn cute when he gets worked up. I’d love to let this play out, but I can’t wait another minute, nor can I help the grin that gives me away.
“What?” he asks, narrowing those beautiful green eyes at me. “What’s that look for?”
Ten years ago, my godson got sick, my best friend bailed on me, and my hotel lost my reservation. It was the best day of my life.
It’s funny how things work out, isn’t it?
I move Darian’s hands from my arms to my belly. “I told you. You’re too late.”
And as Morrison—the other Morrison—would say,
This is the end, beautiful friend.
This duet was four years in the making. Four years. That’s over two million minutes. And I spent every waking one of them with a couple of characters who came to me in a dream. They’re real to me. My friends and family would say too real. But I know you get it, so thanks for that.
To my early readers who’ve been waiting (and waiting and waiting and waiting) for this release, I wanted to give you the best conclusion I could, and I think I’ve done that. Thank you for being patient. Except for Heather R., who wasn’t.
To my new readers, there are so many stellar books out there to choose from—many from authors you already know and trust—so it means the world that you took a chance on me. Thank you.
To my team of pros, I’m so lucky to have found you. You bent over backwards for me and I won’t forget it. To Mariana, whose beautiful painting not only graces the cover but also hangs in my home; my cover designer, Robin, who took said painting and turned it into the book cover of my dreams; my proofreader, Marla, who happily accepted my ETA of “as soon as I can get it to you,” then proceeded to knock it out—meticulously—over a holiday weekend; my formatter, Angela, who accepted the same crazy ETA and my ridiculous instructions; and especially:
To Renee, my editor, my savior, my sounding board, my voice of reason, and my selfless, generous, talented, beautiful friend. The words “above and beyond” are too weak to explain what you do for me. Honestly, if this wasn’t your acknowledgement, I’d just text you for a better phrase. You treat this duet and these characters as your own, and sometimes I think you know them better than I do. Which I guess makes sense since you’ve read it more than I have. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
To Dee, my Miami guru and friend. I’m so glad I finally got to meet you in person. Thank you for all you do for me and for the indie community in general. I (we) appreciate you.
To my biggest supporters who go out of their way to share my book babies: Nadine K., Nadine A., Deanna, Júlia, Halle, Sarah S., Erica, Char, Diann, and especially Heather R., Malene, and Zilpha, whose enthusiasm gives me life. Thank you so much! <3
To the “blog girls” from Maryse’s Book Blog (my home away from home), especially Amy, bev, Cheryl, Ela, Grey, Jan, Jean, Jenn, Judy, Kooloo, Leslie, Lisa A., Melinda, Michele G., Michelle S., Nay, Paula, Stephanie, Tasha, Tessa, and of course, Maryse, our fearless leader. I haven’t been able to visit the blog or participate in the forum as much as I would like lately, but knowing you’re all there for me to escape to is invaluable. Thank you for being the best book buddies a girl could ever want.
To my author tribe, especially Nicky F. Grant and Heather Bentley, who give endless support and let me vent without judgement. Love you and can’t wait to see you next week! Don’t forget the handcuffs.
To my Mermaids from Robin Hill’s Books, Boys, & Booze. I have THE BEST readers group on Facebook! Hey, it ain’t bragging if it’s the truth, right? You guys make every day an adventure. Thank you ALL so much for supporting not only me but also each other. A special shout-out to Merman Kyle, my awesome AF brother-in-law, who’s embraced his merman status without reservation; Donna, my partner in crime, who keeps us full on tacos and drunk on tequila; and these twenty-five (most active) loud mouths who never shut up: Amy, Carla, Catherine, Charlene, Constance, Diann, Grey, Halle, Jaiden, Jen, Joanne, Júlia, Julie P., Kim, Lisa S., Lynette, Malene, Maria, Marissa, Michele, Nay, Pam, Phyllis, Terrill, and Zilpha. We’re Not Your Mama’s Readers Group™
To Terrill, my official book buddy (and one of my earliest supporters), who lets me talk candidly about books (and everything else). I miss books and I miss you!
To Emma, my person. I’m not going to get sappy this time, because it’s noon and I’m sober. Thank you for all of the things, including, but not limited to, our shared “interest” in naked torsos, hot cops, LP, and Weezer videos; for making me beta read for you against my will, listen to endless sultry voice narrators, and comb the internet for sexy boys; for getting all up in Frankie and Darian’s business; and for holding my hair. A special thank you for hogging the entire month of May (*rolls eyes*), thus forcing me to release in April. I may be cursing you at the moment, but by June, all will be forgiven. I love you and I’ve got you.
To Stephan for not strangling me. I promise, now that it’s over, I’ll start doing all the things that made you fall in love with me, like putting on pants and showering. I appreciate your unwavering support of me and these characters. After four years, they’ve become real to you too. But don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul that the cemetery scene still makes you cry. Nor will I share the video. I love you. XOXO
And finally, to Josh Duhamel. Please quit stalking me.
Robin Hill spends 75% of her day writing, 30% reading, and a good 25% hanging out with her husband whilst simultaneously stalking random people online. She’s terrible at math. She loves wine. Coincidence? Maybe. She also loves The Doors, the Browns, cheeseburgers, and Josh Duhamel.
Robin hides out at her Texas Hill Country compound with her husband and their little poodle princess, Alice Malice.
For updates, sign up for her newsletter, join her Facebook group, Robin Hill’s Books, Boys, & Booze, visit her Website, or stalk her online: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads.
Table of Contents
DEDICATION
PLAYLIST
WAITING FOR THE SUN, PART TWO
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
EPILOGUE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
