Southern Hospitality

by Sally Falcon

  “You were a quicker study than I was,” Tory returned, luxuriating in the feel of his skin under her hands as she ran them over his shoulders. “I was still trying to get up the courage to face you again after writing that terrible letter.”

  “Reading that had to be one of the worst moments of my life. You’d done your usual disappearing act, and I had to be in Texas.” He punished her by raining kisses over her face. “I don’t remember anything about that trip except wanting to get back here as fast as I could.”

  “Logan?” She traced her finger over his collarbone and down the center of his chest, her eyes following the movement of her hand.

  “Mmmmm?”

  “Do you think we could continue this somewhere a little more comfortable? I’m not sure how much longer my knees are going to hold out.” Leaning to the side, she inspected the floor to the side and behind him. “And you’re going to catch cold in a very interesting place, since your towel seems to have slipped.”

  He tried to look thoughtful, but his gaze strayed to where his fingers were toying the thin strap of her teddy. “Does this mean I have permission to rip this delightful garment off your enticing body?”

  “Is that any way to treat your investment?”

  Logan didn’t bother to answer. He surged to his feet, taking her with him. In a flash of movement, he had them on the bed, pressing Tory into the mattress with the weight of his body. Propping himself up on his elbows, he caged her between his arms. “You’re still overdressed.”

  “I’m sure a little Yankee ingenuity will take care of that,” she returned and reached up to pull his head down to kissing distance. He didn’t need any further encouragement.

  All the teasing was forgotten as his mouth claimed her lips. The desire that had been shimmering beneath the surface, blossomed into life. Logan seemed determined to taste every portion of her body, trailing kisses from her neck to the valley between her breasts. She arched into him, impatient to ease the ache that was beginning to build inside her.

  She gloried in the feel of his body pressing against hers, running her hands down his arms to his waist. Impatiently, she grasped his hips, pressing herself into the heat of his desire. The touch of his lips against her bare breast forced a moan of delight from her throat. She hadn’t been aware of his clever fingers pulling the satin and lace from her body. Twisting beneath him, she murmured his name over and over as he pulled the garment free and tossed it over the side of the bed.

  He couldn’t resist her pleas. His legs pressed hers apart, settling himself in the feminine valley. With a slow, measured movement he entered her inner warmth. Raising his head, he watched her expression as he moved to complete their union. Neither of them moved, savoring the moment of commitment between them.

  The tension was building, growing stronger. Logan began to move slowly, his tempo increasing with each movement. She wrapped her legs around his hips to deepen the thrust of his body, straining to reach some unknown goal. He rewarded her efforts by bending to tease the taut peaks of her breasts with his mouth. Crying out his name, she could feel herself spinning out of control.

  Clinging to Logan, she tried to control the sensations, but it was too late. She was soaring toward completion, delicate tremors moving through her that suddenly transmitted themselves to the man holding her. Together they scaled the ultimate height of their passion and love.

  The recovery was slow. Tory cradled Logan in her arms, wondering if she’d ever be able to move again. She savored the weight of his satiated body, stroking her hands over the damp skin of his back. He rubbed his head against her shoulder in response.

  “Now that I have you at my mercy, I have another proposition for you,” he murmured against the soft skin of her neck.

  “What’s that, sweetheart?” she asked lazily, brushing his hair back over his ear before running her hand over his shoulder. “Ouch. Why did you pinch me?”

  Logan levered himself onto his elbow, but bent to kiss the wound he’d inflicted. “I needed to make sure I had your attention. This is important.”

  “All right,” Tory said petulantly, but she had trouble keeping her lips from curving into a smile. She sat up, leaning back against the headboard and folded her hands primly beneath her breasts. When Logan’s eyes seemed to stray, she asked, “Now who isn’t paying attention?”

  He quickly pulled the sheet over their bodies, covering any further distraction for both of them. Plumping up the pillow, he leaned back as well, pulling Tory into his arms. She went willingly, snuggling her head into the crook of his shoulder.

  “So, what’s this proposition?”

  “It has to do with Boston,” he said hesitantly. When she didn’t respond, he continued, “I think the best solution is six months in Boston and six months in Little Rock.”

  His voice seemed strained. Tory sat up to see his expression.

  “If that’s what you want. Did you think I’d refuse?”

  “I wasn’t sure how you’d react to being carried off to a den of Yankees.” He continued to watch her closely, seeming suspicious of her acquiescence.

  Draping herself over his chest, she pressed her lips to his in a fleeting kiss. “I’m sure there’ll be some consolation for my sacrifice.”

  “That can be arranged,” he agreed, smiling against her lips.

  “See, we can compromise when we put our minds to it,” she murmured, exploring the line of his jaw. “If Proserpina could manage it, so can I.”

  “Proserpina?” Logan drew back suspiciously. “What does mythology have to do with living in Boston?”

  “When Pluto kidnapped her, he fed her a pomegranate,” Tory explained, resting her chin in the center of his chest. She continued her story with a grin. “She was forced to spend six months of the year above ground with the humans, and six months in Pluto’s kingdom of He—”

  Her words were cut off as Logan flipped her onto her back, pressing her into the mattress. He stopped her laughter with a fierce kiss. “I’m the one who ate the sausage biscuits, which are probably better than pomegranates any day. So, who’s going to be spending six months where?”

  “Winter in Arkansas and summer in Massachusetts. We’ll arm wrestle over the other seasons,” she promised before linking her arms around his neck.

  “Are you sure, Tory? I want this to work.”

  Tory looked up into his earnest face, her eyes glowing with love and confidence. “This is an equal partnership with both of us working together. We’re two parts of a whole. Besides, just think of all those Yankees I can corrupt.”

  “From now on this is the only Yankee you’re going to practice your southern wiles on,” Logan growled.

  “Yes, dear,” Tory promised, knowing she never had to worry about losing her independence again. She had something much better, a marriage based on mutual need, love, and understanding. Together they could do anything.

  About the Author

  Sally Falcon spends her days as a librarian working with library computers stuff and databases. Her “evil twins” are responsible for writing romantic comedies. Sally Falcon uses the contemporary setting and takes advantage of the places that she had lived around the country. Sarah Eagle goes back in time to Regency England. Ms. Eagle has been nominated for Best Regency Comedy by Romantic Times and by the Colorado Romance Writers.

  Her love of old movies, travel and history have helped a great deal in creating her stories. Currently she’s exploring the world of mysteries and Steam Punk. She also contributes to the Novelist, Inc. writer’s group monthly newsletter. She has BS in Education from Bowling Green State University and an MLS from University of South Florida.

  Look for these titles by Sally Falcon

  Coming Soon:

  Stolen Kisses

  A Forever Man

  Remember the Night

  When a new business partner appears in Kati’s diner, it’s not just the broccoli that’s steamed.

  Kane and Mabel

  © 2012 Sharon DeVita
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  Kati Rose Ryan lives in the small town of Libertyville, Missouri, taking care of the diner her irresponsible brother left her to run. When a “friend” of her brother shows up at the diner, Kati is immediately suspicious. Her brother Patrick’s friends are nothing but thieves and freeloaders and she’s had her fill of them.

  She fully intends to throw no-good Lucas Kane out on his ear. Until Lucas tells her that her brother lost his half of the diner to him in a poker game, and Lucas is her new partner.

  Furious that her brother could be so reckless and irresponsible to gamble his half of the diner away, Kati does everything in her power to get rid of Lucas. But, Lucas isn’t budging. In fact, he intends to stay in Libertyville until he can prove to Kati that he doesn’t just want to be her partner in the diner, but in life, as well.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Kane and Mabel:

  “Can I help you?”

  He lifted his head and Kati found herself staring into the most glorious blue eyes she had ever seen. He was more attractive up close than she’d anticipated. Her mouth grew dry as his gaze slowly swept over her, from the top of her unruly auburn curls, across the white blouse and past the faded jeans to linger on her tattered sneakers.

  A smile twitched at his mouth. “A little more coffee would be nice.” He lifted his cup to her and Kati glared at him. Another freeloader, she knew it! If she started waiting on him and serving him free food, she’d never get rid of him.

  Yanking the cup out of his hand, Kati stormed behind the counter and grabbed the pot left over from breakfast. Sloshing some cold coffee into his cup, she returned to the booth and banged the cup down in front of him. Tapping her foot impatiently and trying not to stare at him, she waited while he took a sip.

  “This coffee is terrible,” he announced, and Kati reached out and snatched the cup out of his hand.

  “Since you don’t want any more of my coffee, perhaps you’ll tell me what you do want?”

  One black brow rose and his eyes danced merrily. “Do you treat all your customers so courteously?” he asked casually, pausing to roll up the sleeves of his shirt.

  “Listen, Mr.—”

  “Kane. Lucas Kane.” He held out his hand and Kati stared at it as if it were a snake ready to strike. Her eyes caught a flash of something on his arm. A tattoo, that much she knew for sure. She tried not to stare, but her curiosity got the best of her and she squinted, trying to make out the words.

  “Born to Raise Kane,” he drawled slowly, and Kati’s startled gaze flew to his. Her breath caught unexpectedly and she felt annoyance streak through her.

  “Mr. Kane,” she said sharply. “I have work to do, so if you don’t mind, would you please state what your business with my brother is, so that I can get on with my business?”

  “Ahhh, my business. Well, Mabel…” Leaning back against the booth, he inclined his head to study her from a different angle.

  “My name’s not Mabel,” she snapped, a little off balance at the way he was looking at her.

  He frowned in obvious confusion. “Who’s Mabel?” he inquired, and Kati ground her teeth. Just because the diner was called Mabel’s didn’t mean there had to be a Mabel. That was the name of the diner when she purchased it. She bought the place from a man named Bruno, and he’d never seen hide nor hair of anyone named Mabel, either. Everyone in town knew who really owned the place, so there didn’t seem much point in changing the name. Besides, new signs cost money, money better spent elsewhere, not that she intended to explain all of that to him.

  “Would you please state your business?” Kati demanded, her patience sorely strained.

  He smiled pleasantly. “I guess you could say my business is your business.” Kati narrowed her eyes to stare at him suspiciously.

  “What the devil are you talking about, Mr. Kane? I don’t have time to play guessing games with you.”

  “Call me Luke.”

  “I’ll call you a lot more than that if you don’t hurry up and tell me what you want!” Kati threatened, trying to ignore Bessie who was waving frantically from the kitchen.

  He lifted his finger and beckoned Kati closer. Puzzled, but anxious to learn what he wanted, she leaned down so he could whisper in her ear. “You know,” he said softly, his warm breath fanning her hair, “you are mighty testy. Perhaps you should try meditating. Maybe your karma is out of whack!”

  Jerking upright, Kati glared at him, not at all amused by the mischief in his eyes. “What do you want?”

  “Food,” he said simply. “But after that coffee, I don’t know if I should risk it. I’m not too fond of food poisoning.”

  “Food poisoning!” Kati bellowed, glaring at the man. How dare he insult her diner. “I’ll have you know the food in here is excellent. Not that you’re going to get any of it!”

  Southern Hospitality

  Sally Falcon

  In this battle of North vs. South, love is the true winner.

  When Northerner Logan Harrington meets Southerner Tory Planchet, sparks immediately fly. Forced to leave his beloved Boston for the South—Arkansas, no less—Logan has no idea what Tory sees in the place. His assignment to write about the Rally Car circuit is preposterous, and he has no problem letting everyone, including Tory, know it.

  As far as Tory’s concerned, Logan Harrington can’t leave town fast enough. From the tip of his blond head, to the bottom of his polished shoes, he screams arrogance. How could her father possibly know his family? And if Logan expected her to be a sweet Southern magnolia blossom, he was sorely mistaken. In fact, with her, he’s going to get a taste of Southern Hospitality he’ll never forget.

  This book was previously published by Kismet Books in July 1990.

  eBooks are not transferable.

  They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

  11821 Mason Montgomery Road Suite 4B

  Cincinnati OH 45249

  Southern Hospitality

  Copyright © 2012 by Sally Falcon

  ISBN: 978-1-60928-987-4

  Edited by Heather Osborn

  Cover by Kim Killion

  All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Original Publication by Kismet Books: July 1990

  First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: March 2012

  www.samhainpublishing.com

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  About the Author

  Look for these titles by Sally Falcon

  Also Available from Samhain Publishing, Ltd.

  Copyright Page