Once Upon a Bad Boy--A Sometimes in Love Novel
Page 33
“I won’t always be around,” Sadie warned. “I’m a star in high demand now, if you haven’t heard,” she teased, keeping her voice light, but still making sure he knew where she stood.
“Not a problem. Clark and I will here,” he promised. “Ready to welcome you home.”
“That sounds good to me.” She beamed. “Actually, that sounds perfect.”
“I do have one more question.” He cocked a grin at her.
“Oh?” Sadie reached for him, placing a hand over his heart. “Lay it on me, bad boy.”
Bo’s fingers caressed her chin, his touch light as a bumblebee’s wings as he tipped her face up to his. “Marry me, abeja. Let’s start our new life together, you and me, right here.” He brushed his nose against hers. “Our own place. Our own little world.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This story is about fate, or at least, the possibility of fate. Considering all the various moving parts that had to connect, all the pieces that had to slide into place to lead me to write this story … yeah, I’d like to think there’s a good chance fate exists. I know for a fact my editor, Jennie Conway, was a gift from the writing gods. If I made a wish list of all the things I hoped for in an editor, Jennie, the result would be you. Thank you for working so patiently and diligently and compassionately with me. You took the garbled ball of threads I delivered and helped me weave them into a story I am proud of. Thanks to my copy editor, Christa Soule Desir, for taking the time to balance craft with heart. The whole team at St. Martin’s Press has been a joy to work with, and I appreciate all of you. To my agent, Pamela Harty; knowing you are there when I need you is priceless, thanks for being in my court.
Like the girls in my stories, I’m blessed to know some amazing women, including my Golden Heart© classes, the Mermaids and Rebelles (hello, pocket friends!). Virtual hugs to my sprinting buddies Kari Cole and Alyson McLayne. No matter how we say we’re going to do better next time, those deadlines always creep up on us. Lots of love to my Portland Midwest peeps, including my Sunday writing crew Melanie Bruce and Clara Kensie. Extra special thanks to Lynne Hartzer for making me feel so loved by checking in to see how things were going and surprising me with the most incredible writing weekend survival basket. Thanks to Ricki Wovsaniker, who spent the days trapped in her house during the polar vortex beta reading this story. Your critiques are always thoughtful and insightful Ricki, and I’m lucky to know you. A very heartfelt thanks to Katherine S. Lopez for providing a sensitivity read. I am grateful for your time and deft insights Kathy, and I’m thrilled I was your re-introduction to the world of romance!
Cheers to my Reading Lush Facebook group. You are the best virtual drinking buddies and it’s a treat to hang out with my Lushes! Thanks to everyone who chimed in on my “research” questions ranging from the age of first kisses to nicknames for grandparents. Shout-out to my #8isgreat class at the gym, including my trainers James and Tim (who combined provided the inspiration for Sadie’s trainer, Jim). I am grateful to the friendly faces I see every morning: Kat, Brenda, and especially Christine. Thanks for keeping me coming back and being so supportive of my writing, ladies! Also, a note of thanks must be given to Khai, a fabulous massage therapist. Many a writing-induced kink has been worked out under her talented hands.
Thanks to my mom for her unflagging enthusiasm. Much love to my daughters, who are each their own unique brand of awesome and amazing and who exhaust and exhilarate me on a daily (often hourly) basis. Love and thanks to my husband, who celebrated the moment I reached the end of this book by bringing home a bottle of white wine for me … and a bottle of red for himself. Hugues, your unwavering love and support is everything.
And finally, to my Readers. I’m lucky you’re here, reading my work. Maybe fate led you to this book. Maybe you need this story. Whatever brought you to turn these pages, I’m glad you’re here. Thank you.
Don’t miss the Sometimes in Love series!
Available now from St. Martin’s Paperbacks
Also by Melonie Johnson
Getting Hot with the Scot
Smitten by the Brit
Praise for the Sometimes in Love series
“Bursting with humor and heart … An enthralling fling from a notable new voice in romance.”
—Booklist on Getting Hot with the Scot
“Fun, smart, and supersexy; a great debut from a writer to watch.”
—Kirkus on Getting Hot with the Scot
“This enjoyable tale gently pokes fun at romance clichés while giving romance readers what they’re looking for.”
—Publishers Weekly on Getting Hot with the Scot
“Reckless love is crazy addictive—and being called lass makes you feel all tingly.”
—Cosmopolitan on Getting Hot with the Scot
“Fun, sexy, and delightful!”
—New York Times bestselling author Julie James
“Unabashedly sexy and romantic!”
—USA Today bestselling author Kate Meader
“A wild romp, a ton of fun, and a new addition to my favorite’s shelf!”
—New York Times bestselling author Christina Lauren on Getting Hot with the Scot
“Witty, sexy … Melonie Johnson is an addictive new voice in contemporary romance.”
—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After earning her Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago, Melonie Johnson—aka #thewritinglush—taught high school English and Theater for several years. An award-winning author and a two-time RWA Golden Heart® finalist, she writes smart and funny contemporary romance and moonlights as an audiobook narrator under the pseudonym, Evelyn Eibhlin. She lives happily ever after with her husband, two redheaded daughters, a dog that’s more like a small horse, and a pair of hermit crabs. She is the author of the Sometimes in Love series which includes Getting Hot with the Scot and Smitten by the Brit. Visit her online at www.meloniejohnson.com, or sign up for email updates here.
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CONTENTS
Title Page
Copyright Notice
Dedication
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
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Acknowledgments
Also by Melonie Johnson
Praise for the Sometimes in Love series
About the Author
Copyright
This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.
Published in the United States by St. Martin’s Paperbacks, an imprint of St. Martin’s Publishing Group.
ONCE UPON A BAD BOY
Copyright © 2019 by Melonie Johnson.
All rights reserved.
For information address St. Martin’s Publishing Group, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
ISBN: 978-1-250-19307-0
eISBN: 9781250193087
Our ebooks may be purchased in bulk for promotional, educational, or business use. Please contact the Macmillan Corporate and Premium Sales Department at 1-800-221-7945, ext. 5442, or by email at MacmillanSpecialMarkets@macmillan.com.
St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / June 2019