by Tamie Dearen
“Michelle!” She sat up in bed, her mind alert with excitement.
“What?” Steven rubbed his sleep-heavy eyes. “What about Michelle? Is she here?”
“I just realized Michelle would be perfect for your cousin, Evan.”
He stared at her until understanding dawned on his face. “I see I have work to do.” He threw back the sheet and gazed at her with a wolfish grin. “I’m going to drive all thoughts of my cousin from your mind.”
And he did.
The End
From the Author
Her Best Match was my first book and is still near and dear to my heart. I wrote and shared it, chapter by chapter, with my friends and family, who laughed when they recognized many of the characters, including my two daughters. My husband complained that I killed him off fifteen years ago, but he is truly my romantic inspiration for Steven Gherring.
If you enjoyed the story, I hope you will take a moment to leave a short review so other readers like you will enjoy The Best Girls Series.
When you subscribe to my newsletter, you can download free books, including The Best Is Yet To Come, a short prequel from Steven Gherring’s point of view. Subscribe to TamieDearen.com and get your free books!
Find out what happens to Anne and Steven next, in Best Dating Rules, where Emily Best meets her match!
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Read the fun story of Steven, Katie, and Gary as they go on a SWEET ADVENTURE!
Watch as Katie overcomes her fears and falls for her boss’ best friend.
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Excerpt from Best Dating Rules
Determined to call the doctor and make an appointment as soon as lunch was over, Anne pushed the food around on her plate to make it appear emptier.
“Anne?” All the levity disappeared from Steven’s voice. “What aren’t you telling me?”
She felt the blood drain from her face at his words and the severity of his tone.
“Nothing. Nothing, I just… uhmm… I was trying to remember something.” She rose from the table, scrambling for an excuse. “I remember what it was. I forgot to mail our RSVP for the wedding. You know Sam and Tanner’s wedding? I’ve got to get it in the mail before it’s too late.”
“Anne!” Steven rose from his chair and pinned her with his glare. “Stop avoiding my question. What is it?”
“Nothing. I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was just...”
She watched in confusion as the sides of the room turned black and closed in on Steven’s face. Then she saw the floor coming toward her. Then she saw nothing.
Forcing her heavy eyes open, Anne gradually focused on Steven’s worried face.
“You’re in an ambulance. Stop trying to push the mask off your face. It’s oxygen.”
An ambulance. She was going to the hospital. She had to tell him—he couldn’t find out from the doctors. He’d be so angry. She struggled to speak, her words muffled by the mask.
“She’s trying to say something,” Steven told the paramedic. “Can she move the mask?”
“Sure, we can take it off for a minute.”
How could she break the news to him? Her eyes filled with tears, and she sobbed out the words.
“I th-think it m-may be cancer.”
“No, sweetheart, no.” He soothed her, pushing a stray strand of hair off her face. “It’s not cancer. It’s probably not a big deal. Maybe it’s appendicitis.”
“No. M-my mother died from it—stomach cancer. And now I have the symptoms. I didn’t want to tell you...”
“No! That’s not it. You have something else wrong with you. It’s not serious.” His brows creased, and his jaw flexed.
“But, my mom...”
“No! It isn’t cancer!” He blinked rapidly and rubbed at his eyes. “It isn’t—it can’t be. Not now, when I’ve only just found you. It can’t be that...” He kissed her all over her face, saying, “No, no, no, no...”
Anne sobbed even harder and grasped his neck in desperation. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to do this to you.”
“Stop. You didn’t do anything, and we don’t know anything. We’ll just do tests and see what the doctor says. It’s going to be okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”
Anne knew the words he repeated to comfort her were his futile attempt to convince himself.
Continue reading Best Dating Rules…
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Tamie Dearen lives in Texas with her incredibly romantic husband and two dogs. She hates dusting and exercising and loves anything musical or artistic. When she's not writing books, you might find her playing with her grandkids or drilling on someone's tooth.
Contact Tamie on her website at TamieDearen.com.
Special Thanks
God gives us unexpected gifts that keep on giving. My pot-luck (heavy on the luck) college roommate, Katherine Dinsdale is one of those gifts. She's talented and funny, and she’s an amazing author. When I started writing, Katherine not only encouraged me, but also did some point-by-point editing, with corrections and suggestions for improvement. I've learned so much from Katherine, and not just about writing. She's one of the kindest, most giving people I know. Thanks, Katherine! You're the best!
Acknowledgments
Undying thanks to all my early readers: Nancy, Heidi, Alyssa, Emily, Wesley, Kay, Mom, Courtney, Sarah, and Carol. Your encouragement kept me going, and some of you even took the time to mark mistakes for me. I’m also indebted to Avery, who edited and formatted and worked to put this book online for her computer-challenged mother. And most of all, I need to thank my sweet husband, Bruce, who calls himself a writer’s widow. He inspired me with romance, acted as primary reader and consultant, and battled jealousy as I spent endless hours, late into the night, in an intimate affair… with my computer.
Books by Tamie Dearen
Sweet Romance
The Best Girls Series:
Sweet Adventure
Her Best Match
Best Dating Rules
Best Foot Forward
Best Laid Plans
Best Intentions
Sweet Romance
A Rose in Bloom
Restoring Romance
Cherished by the Cowboy
Sweet Adventure
Sweet Inspirational Romance
The Billionaire’s Secret Marriage
The Billionaire’s Reckless Marriage
The Billionaire’s Temporary Marriage
The Billionaire’s Alternate Marriage
The Billionaire’s Bodyguard
Limitless Sweet Billionaire Boxed Set
Christian Romance
Promise of Love
Promise of Hope
Promise of Faith
The Alora Series
YA/Fantasy
Alora: The Wander-Jewel
Alora: The Portal
Alora: The Maladorn Scroll
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