I Never Let You Go
Page 24
Kate hops up on the counter where I had just been sitting and reaches over, snagging a piece of ranch-covered pasta out of the bowl, and I swat at her hand. And she has the nerve to talk about health code violations. “So, how’s married life, sis?” she asks, shoving the food in her mouth.
My lips turn upward. “Married life is good. No, it’s great. It’s about time good things started to happen for us. Things are going well with the company; construction on the new outdoor learning facilities at Central is about to begin. Finn’s friend from Seattle finally moved out here to help him out. He’s actually supposed to swing by today. You know, he just moved to a new place and doesn’t know anyone, so be nice to him.”
“Can you carry this?” I hand Kate the pasta salad bowl and reach into the fridge, grabbing the plate full of burger fixings. Kate and I make our way out to the rest of the gathering.
“Yeah, fine, whatever, I’ll be on my best behavior. Hopefully, he’s nicer than my asshole of a new neighbor. God, I can’t stand him. He’s such a jerk. I just tried to be nice, and he totally bit my head off.” I watch the way she talks about her new neighbor. There is an unexplained hunger that fills her eyes. She might say that she doesn’t like him, but I can see right through her facade. I might just need to go over there and check him out for myself. I know I’m a married woman and have no interest in anyone else besides Finn, but this way I can see who this man is that has my sister all in a frenzy.
I set the plate down on the table where Kelsey and Dani sit with Haylee across from them with Emme sitting on her lap.
“Emme, you need to try to sit still, sweetheart. Mommy is running out of room on her lap.” Both Dani and Haylee are in full bloom as Zach says with their stomachs. Haylee sweetly tucks a curly lock of Emme’s hair behind her ear while attempting to readjust her. Emme doesn’t stop squirming, so Haylee sets her down on the ground.
“Go run and get Daddy, Em.” Emme’s cute little smile beams at the mention of Zach. I watch Emme run over to where Zach, Kyler, and Finn stand. Zach scoops Emme up into his arms, and she wraps her little arms around his neck. I notice an additional guest. Oh, I didn’t even know Jaxon had arrived. He must have snuck in the back.
Finn’s gaze meets mine, and he smiles. Leaning over to Jaxon, he points in our direction, and they make their way over.
“You,” my sister spits out as they approach. Umm, how does she know him? I’m confused since this would be my first time officially meeting him. The backyard goes silent as Kate’s raised voice breaks everyone from their side conversations, turning their attention to the commotion.
“You.” His voice is gruff, the type of deep voice that is enough to turn any woman’s insides to liquid.
“What the hell are you doing here?” My sister crosses her arms, the little spitfire she is. She looks like she’s ready to fight. Finn steps out of the way between the two of them and pulls my back to his front.
“What is happening right now?” he whispers.
I lean into him as we both don’t take our eyes off the scene in front of us. “Umm, I’m not sure, but I think things just got a whole lot more interesting.”
I Never Planned On You
Book 1 in the I Never Series
A Brother's Best Friend Romance
I Never Expected You
Book 2 in the I Never Series
A Friends to Lovers Romance
I Plan on Forever
An I Never Series Wedding Novella
I Never Let You Go
Book 3 in the I Never Series
A Second Chance Romance
I Never Knew Love ‘til You
Book 4 in the I Never Series
An Enemies to Lovers/Single Dad Romance
Coming November 2020
Ruined Promises
A Forbidden Boss/Employee Standalone
Coming 2021
The Sweetest Sin
A Menage Romance
Coming 2021
Reading is one of Lauren’s favorite pastimes. Her favorite author is Belle Willis. Some of you may have heard that name before and if you haven’t here’s a little bit of back info. Belle Willis is the pen name of fictional character, Maddey McClain, from the BTU Alumni Series created by Alley Ciz. The books mentioned in this story are based on the stories in the BTU series.
Learn more about Alley and the BTU Alumni Series - https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B07XM11YDW
You may have noticed I made an appearance in my own book. The book that Lauren is reading by Stefanie Jenkins is a current work in progress. Add The Sweetest Sin to your goodreads TBR - https://bit.ly/THBtbr
1.Never Let Me Go – Florence + The Machine
2.Sugar – Maroon 5
3.Lost Without You – Freya Ridings
4.Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
5.When We Were Young – Adele
6.Harder Than Easy – Jack Savoretti
7.Happier – Ed Sheeran
8.The Reason – Hoobastank
9.Piece by Piece – Kurt Hugo Schneider, Sam Tsui, Kirsten Collins
10.Just A Fool – Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton
11.Still Falling For You – Ellie Goulding
12.I Won’t Give Up – Christina Grimmie
13.We Both Know – Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw
14.Goodbye to You – Michelle Branch
15.Drowning – Chris Young
16.If By Chance – Ruth B.
17.High Hopes – Kodaline
18.The Winner Takes It All – Meryl Streep
19.In Love Again – Colbie Caillat
20.Sad Song – We The Kings, Elena Coats
21.Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
22.Over You – Ingrid Michaelson, A Great Big World
23.Better Than Love – Griffin House
24.I Will Always Love You – Dolly Parton
25.Against All Odds – Phil Collins
26.Stone Cold – Demi Lovato
27.Skyscraper – Demi Lovato
28.Dreaming with a Broken Heart – John Mayer
Acknowledgements
Amanda: You are the Jensen to my Jared. You earned every word of your dedication. There were moments when I honestly thought this book would not happen but there you were talking me off the edge, reminding me that I didn’t turn in my paperwork, sending me gifs or joking about Prince Phillip’s dick. You’ve been there for all seven version of this book and I hope the final version does your man justice. Thank you for being my best friend in the book world and real life. In case anyone missed the dedication, Finn Reynolds is yours.
Alley: First I need to say thank you for letting me borrow Belle Willis and the rest of the BTU gang. I had a thought and you were like “or...” with an evil smile. You have been there when I needed your brain, vent, or just be silly to discuss our love of Grant. I’m so glad to be able to call you one of my besties and that you gave me my harem of U of J men - yeah, I put that in writing because it’s true. Now let’s go have a binge watch session of the Flash and drink coffee to celebrate our latest book babies in the world.
Ashley: I don’t even know how to say thank you to you. There are honestly not enough words in the English language to express my gratitude to you and your friendship. All I can say is thank you for falling in love with this series and for sticking by me being an emotional terrorist. I wish I could be saying “Surprise!” you’ve been made a character but you know I can’t keep secrets from you. Thank you for never judging me when I throw out silly book ideas and for still being my friend after our reading the we are the champions moment. Don’t worry, when your man Cooper gets out of line, I’ll send him to the Principal’s Office.
Jen, Carmen & Margaret: Thank you for being such huge rocks in my life whether it is listening to me rant, making me laugh, celebrating victories or helping with inspiration. I’m lucky to have you and your families in my life. I can’t wait to discuss this book at our next DWL/SWL Book Club.
Nikki: I’m so thankful that Ashley brought you into my life. Thank you for always being there for a smile or a laugh when I need it. I’m ready to write our book together when you are...see it’s written in print, so it must happen now.
My Beta Readers: Alley, Amanda, Ashley, Claudia & Dana. Thank you for reading Lo and Finn in rough shape and still being my friend. Your feedback helped made them who they are today. A shout out to Dana for finally being on #teamlo.
Travis: I wrote this book during a very uncertain time in our lives and without you, this book would not have happened – or well not yet, at least. Thank you for everything you do. While you are traveling, I hold down the fort as supermom but during this quarantine, you have taken the role of superdad. Thank you for knowing when I needed a break from life and taking the boys fishing at the pond or for a bike ride. I love you.
Lily Collins & Nathaniel Buzolic: As is tradition, even though you both will most likely never see this, I have to thank you for being the perfect muses for Lauren and Finn.
My promo team: Thank you for helping get the word out for my books.
Talk Wordy to Me: Thank you for being on this wild journey with me. I loved every moment of teasing ya’ll while working on this book. I can’t wait to do it again with the next book. *Insert every evil smile gif.*
Sandra, Katey, Clara, Kate and the ladies of Give Me Books Promotions: This is my behind the scenes team. You guys helped make this release happen! I can’t thank Kate with Ya’ll That Graphic from easing my anxieties of rebranding and creating this gorgeous cover. Speaking of the gorgeous cover, Lindee, you are such a doll to work with. Thank you for these amazing photos of Anthony & Alyse.
Last but certainly not least, the reader: Thank you for taking a chance on me. It doesn’t matter if this was your first book of mine you picked up or my fourth, your support means the world to me. I have so many stories still to share and couldn’t do it without you. Also, thank you for always keeping me “tears of my readers” glass always filled.
Stefanie Jenkins writes contemporary romance and lives in Surf City, North Carolina with her husband and two sons. Born and raised in Maryland, Stefanie brings her favorite parts of her hometown to life in her books. She is a coffee addict, wine connoisseur, hockey fan & lover of all romances.
Follow Stefanie on Social Media:
Facebook Reader Group – Talk Wordy to Me
Website
E-newsletter Sign up