Last week we announced that Jennifer Probst’s All The Way is our Romance of the Week and the sponsor of thousands of great bargains in the Romance category: over 200 free titles, over 600 quality 99-centers, and thousands more that you can read for free through the Kindle Lending Library if you have Amazon Prime!
Now we’re back to offer our weekly free Romance excerpt, and if you aren’t among those who have downloaded All The Way, you’re in for a real treat:
in its Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged!
And here, for your reading pleasure, is our free excerpt:
“Ouch. Stephen, that hurt, you devil.”
The little boy screeched in delight as his pudgy fist came away
with a few strands of red hair. Miranda rubbed her scalp where
her new bald spot lay. “Manda, do it again!”
She shook her head and swung him high in her arms. “Don’t
think so, flirt. If that’s how you show affection for a girl, you’re
gonna be in some trouble.”
He kicked his feet and laughed as he played the familiar game
of airplane. “Fly me, fly me!”
The doorbell rang, and Miranda made a landing noise as she
settled him against one hip. “Come on, flirt. Daddy’s here to pick
you up. Said you were going to the zoo today.”
“Aminals!” he shouted. “Daddy said I could see the lion in
The Wizard of Oz.”
“That’s right. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my.” She grinned
and threw open the door. “And here’s your—oh, my God!”
“Oh my God,” the toddler boy mimicked.
Gavin took one look at the toddler perched on her hip and
grew pale. “Oh, my God.”
Silence fell between them as they glanced at one another, and
Miranda tried to gather her wits. She knew writing the column
had been a risk. With Gavin’s massive ego, she bet he thought she
wrote it in the hopes he would contact her. Still, revenge had been
too sweet to ignore.
But she’d never expected him to show up on her doorstep.
“What are you doing here?” She moved her head away as
Stephen reached for another red curl. “How did you find me?”
Gavin’s gaze never left the boy’s face. His voice came
out ragged. “I needed to talk to you. We never finished our
conversation.”
Miranda snorted. “No, you just can’t handle a woman walking
away from you. I was finished with the conversation. I think you’d
better go.”
She tried to shut the door but he blocked it with the toe of his
leather shoe. “We have a lot more things to discuss.” He studied
the toddler. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Stephen must have sensed the growing tension and let out a
cry. She spoke softly. “You’re upsetting him. I don’t have time for
this right now.”
Gavin’s olive skin seemed to grow a shade paler. He propped
himself up against the edge of the door. “I’m a little upset myself.”
“Look, if you have a problem with the review, take it up with
my editor. Every word was valid and—what’s the matter?”
He ran one hand through his hair. Oaky brown strands
flopped across his forehead. “Can I sit down for a minute?”
She opened her mouth to tell him no, but he moved through
her apartment and settled on the sofa. Odd, he looked almost sick
as he stared at the toddler. Almost as if…
Understanding dawned. He thought Stephen was hers! The
humor of the situation put her back in a good mood. Good. He
believed she had a husband tucked away in the back room and
a full, happy life. The faster she got him out of here, the better
off she’d be. He’d never bother her again. His monstrous ego
probably shuddered at the thought she’d moved on without him.
“Are you happy?”
Miranda sucked in her breath as she caught the look on his
face. Raw hunger. As if he wished the child was theirs. But of
course, she was imagining things. Gavin told her many times he
didn’t want children. Another reason she’d never told him the
truth or tried to contact him.
She opened her mouth to tell the truth but the doorbell rang.
Miranda took a deep breath and let Andy in. “Hey, sorry I’m
late, but Laura’s dance class ran over— Oops, didn’t know you
had company.”
“Gavin stopped by to discuss a few things.”
Andy gave him a nod, then crouched and held out his arms.
“Come here, buddy.”
The toddler ran toward his father and flung himself into the
embrace. Andy swung him up, the look of fatherly pride gleaming
in his eyes, but she made sure not to glance back. “You better get
going if you want to have enough time at the zoo.”
“Was he any trouble?”
She absently rubbed her head and grinned. “Of course not,
he’s an absolute angel.”
Andy laughed. “You’re a great liar. Come on buddy, time to
see the animals.”
“Aminals! Bye, Manda.”
She gave the child a kiss and shut the door behind them. Then
slowly turned around.
Electricity pulsed and crackled through the air. One very tall,
very pissed off male rose from the couch and closed the distance
between them. She watched in fascination as he stopped right
before her. His jaw clenched with tension. “You should have told
me.”
Her eyes widened. “You come storming into my apartment,
make the assumption Stephen is mine, and you’re mad at me?
You didn’t even give me a minute to tell the truth.”
He frowned. “You know what I thought.”
“What’s the matter, Gavin? Did you really believe I’ve wasted
the past few years waiting for you to contact me again? Sorry to
disappoint you, but I’ve moved on with my life. Now get out.”
“Soon. Why did you do a review on my family’s restaurant?”
She moved away and walked into the kitchen. Grabbing the
kettle with unsteady fingers, she filled the pot with water and
flicked on the flame. “All of my reviews aren’t planned. I do many
impromptu visits.”
He followed. “Why do I have an idea you didn’t plan to write
up Mia Casa until our encounter?”
Miranda focused on her soothing ritual. She took down a
box of green tea bags, hoping the magical healing qualities of the
herbs soothed her. One delicate teacup embroidered with roses
clicked on the small plate. Sugar, milk, lemon. The tea set was an
antique find in a second-hand shop and came from royalty. She
liked to imagine a queen sipping the brew with ladylike restraint,
her emotions firmly in check as she relaxed within the constraints
of tradition.
God, how she longed to be that person. God, how hard she’d
tried to change. “Does this really matter? What do you really
want, Gavin?”
“I want you to do another review.”
She removed the kettle and poured. Fragrant puffs of smoke
rose from the cups. She picked one up and handed it to him. “I
see.”
“Your column was personal. Not up to your standards, Red.
You always talk to the owner after a review to see if he or she
had any comments, especially if you decide not to recommend
the restaurant. You’re usually fair, but you didn’t write one decent
comment about Mia Casa.”
“I liked the bread.”
He snorted. “I understand you wanted revenge. But your
review can hurt my family, and they have nothing to do with
the mess I made out of our relationship. I need a fair deal. Do a
second visit, unscheduled.”
Her will shook, then stilled. He was a master at closing a deal
and getting what he wanted. He rose up from the ranks at demonic
speed, and became the top closer for a valid reason. He never
took no for an answer. Even now, she fought her natural ability to
surrender, and allow herself the pleasure of his approving smile,
or the flash of satisfaction in his eyes. He was Dom material down
to the bone, and she refused to play the game any longer. This
time, he’d never get what he wanted. It was the last shred of pride
left, and she’d be damned if she showed any weakness.
“No.”
He blinked. “No?”
She placed her teacup on the table. “I’m not doing a second
review. I’m sorry it will affect your family, but I was fair, impartial,
and I told the truth.” She quenched the tiny flicker of guilt and
soothed herself with the knowledge she followed the basic
regulations of rating a restaurant. Showing Gavin a lesson was just
an extra perk in the process. “I told my readers I never tried the
dessert. I called to speak with your head chef and get his comment.
Talking with the owners is not a necessity, and doesn’t make or
break a review. My motto is clear. I never do second reviews. Our
business is concluded—on all matters. If you’ll excuse me, I have
a number of things to do this afternoon. You know the way out.”
She took the cup from his hands, set it on the counter, and
walked away. A rush of triumph raced through her. She was free.
This time around, her old love was not in control, and it probably
drove him crazy.
Andy was right. Revenge was sweet.
She stood by the door, ramrod straight, but he didn’t move. Just
leaned his hip against the island with a casual laziness. Miranda
knew better. He seemed to assess his options with lightning speed,
before settling on his new path. “Wanna know how I felt when I
saw you with Andy’s son?”
“Don’t.”
“What I was really mad about is how I felt at the idea of you
having a child with another man. I hated it.”
Numbness overtook the anger until she felt limp. Her voice
was toneless when she finally answered. “What we had wasn’t
real. It was just sex.”
He pushed away from the counter and crossed the room.
“You’re wrong, Red. That’s what I wanted to believe. Hell, I wanted
to believe it so bad I traveled a thousand miles across the globe
to prove I didn’t love you. Nothing worked. I made my money,
accomplished my goals, and tried to be happy without you.” He
paused. “But I never was. When Pop called and asked for help, all
I could think of was the idea of running into you again.”
“You expect me to believe you took three years to realize you
love me? Why didn’t you fly home immediately after you came to
this startling conclusion?”
“It wasn’t like that. We were at a crossroads, and I didn’t want
to interfere with your own goals.”
“Very convenient.”
“It’s the truth. You were off to study at the culinary. I had just
scored a partnership. I completely panicked and made the biggest
mistake of my life.”
She snorted. “Yeah, so big you jet-set around the world, being
miserable.”
He seemed to think over her statement, and a misty longing
edged his voice. “Most of the time, yes. But I decided to take
some time off and travel to India. Everything started to crystallize
there.”
“You went to India?”
He nodded. “I was taught a different way of life. I learned
I’d been trying to find myself on the outside, but I needed to find
out who I was on the inside. I didn’t track you down because I
thought it was too late.”
“Right.”
He groaned. “I have a feeling you don’t believe me, but I
never expected this to be easy. I didn’t want to come barging into
your life again, Red, when there was a good chance you’d already
forgotten me. Gone on with your life.”
“I have, Gavin. That’s the whole point to this conversation.
Unfortunately, it didn’t stop you from cornering me in the
restaurant, or leaving after I asked you to go.”
“Because I knew it wasn’t over the moment you looked into
my eyes.”
The tears were trapped deep inside, but she refused to let
them surface. Instead, she faced him with a deep calm. “You’re
too late.”
“I don’t believe that.”
He stepped in front of her and laid both palms flat against
the wood, trapping her head in between them. She let out a soft
whoosh as the air left her body—faced with his full power. His
warm breath struck her lips, a delicious mixture of whiskey and
mint.
Miranda realized he was still in control.
The gleam in his eyes reflected a knowledge he affected her
in the most primitive way possible and intended to use it to his
advantage. The spicy scent of him teased her senses. She decided
the best way to play the scene was flippant. “Seems we’ve been
here before, huh? Me, Tarzan. You, Jane. Simply charming.”
His lower lips quirked. “You always were a hellcat, Red. I
never knew whether to strangle you or drag you to the nearest
bed. The latter proved more pleasant.”
She smiled sweetly. “I wouldn’t do a second review if you
offered me a million dollars. I wouldn’t do a second review if I
was sick, and dying, and you were the only man to help me. If you
were the last man on Earth standing between me and a nuclear
bomb blast I wouldn’t—”
“I get the message. You won’t do the review. Fine, I’ll change
your mind later.” He ignored her outraged squeak and continued.
“Time to take the first step, sweetheart. I’m going to prove your
body hasn’t forgotten me, even if you want to deny your feelings.”
Her heart thundered and skipped like Derby day. “Arrogant,
aren’t we? You were good, babe, but not good enough to span
three years. I’ve had better.” Did her nose grow longer from her
lie?
He lifted her chin up, forcing her to face him. Grim resolution
shot from blue-gray depths. His body heat was almost tangible,
tempting her to surrender and reach out to touch him. “Ouch.
That’s gonna make me up my game. But I want more than your
body. There’s been an empty ache in my gut from the day I walked
away from you. I searched Godforsaken places to fill it and I never
got close. Until now. I want another chance, Miranda. I want to
know how you changed and who you are. I have eight weeks to
prove myself again and I’m not wasting another second.”
He closed the inch of space between them by pressing solid
muscles against her curves. His head lowered. Carved lips stopped
inches from hers, and his breath rushed across her trembling
mouth. “Tell me what you want, baby.”
The familiar command took her back. Nights of naked skin
and sweat and orgasms. She gasped at his cruelty. “Damn you to
hell.”
His hands slid down her body to link her fingers within his.
“Already been there.”
His mouth stamped over hers.
I’m not going to respond. I’m not going to respond. I’m not going
to—
The mantra pounded over and over as his lips skated gently
across hers. She steeled herself for the invasion and vowed to
fight, but it never came. As if he had all the time in the world to
re-discover her taste and texture, his mouth skimmed…pressed…
retreated…until an unconscious moan rose from her throat and
her fingers tightened around him.
Never changing the force of his teasing kiss, he returned the
pressure of her fingers, squeezing, then slowly unlacing as he broke
contact of skin against skin. One thumb massaged the sensitive
flesh of her palm, then stroked upward to press into her thudding
pulse point. Her hand flexed, and every inch of her body jumped
to life. Her nipples rose against the cotton of her shirt. Denim
brushed against denim as he shifted his weight. His belt buckle
scraped against her lower belly, and caused a rush of liquid heat
to pound between her thighs. Her lips parted under the delicious
persuasion of his, but still he held back, tracing the corners of her
mouth with the tip of his tongue.
She ached for an intense strength she could fight. Instead,
he snared her with a delicate heat that promised her a world of
sensation, as if he knew her body would always welcome him
back.
She tilted her head and allowed him access, but he ignored
her request. Suddenly she gazed into an ocean of heat, burning
with a demand and hunger. “You have to say the words, Miranda.”
The silky command raked across her ears. “Invite me in.”
Her hips arched upward. He was a real life vampire, seducing
her to opening her window so he could bring her pleasure and
steal her soul. “No.”
The game continued. His teeth nibbled on her bottom lip,
then soothed with his tongue, always refusing to kiss her the way
she needed. One foot nudged her legs apart so he could angle his
hips more intimately against hers. The hard length of his erection
settled between her thighs. His hands stroked each finger with a
completeness that told her he would give as much attention to
other parts of her body. Parts that ached for him. Drugged up with
bliss, she moaned and reached for him.
“Is this what you want?” he murmured.
She shook with rage and passion and wanting. “I hate you.”
He buried his hands in her hair. “I know.”
“Yes.”
With a muttered curse, his mouth came down on hers. His
tongue plundered the seam of her lips and re-staked his claim.
The taste of him drove her mad for more as he explored and
conquered every slick, satiny corner of her mouth. She gave him
free access and met each thrust of his tongue with her own. Her
breasts were crushed against the muscled wall of his chest. The
gentle teasing turned into an inferno. His hips rocked against hers.
She arched and demanded more.
“Let me touch you.”
She didn’t need to say the word. In a moment, her shirt was
unbuttoned and parted. A deep-seated groan rumbled from his
chest at her lack of a bra, and then his fingers stroked her swollen
flesh.
“Gavin!”
“I know, baby, I know.” One thumb raked across the ruby
crest and he lowered his lips to take her in his mouth. He bit and
licked, pushing her closer into a seething pit of sensation.
“I’ve thought about you like this,” he whispered. “Every
night climbing into bed I dreamed of touching you, hearing you
cry out in pleasure.” He nibbled on her neck as his hands lifted
her breasts and rubbed her nipples. “Let me show you how much
I need you. Let me make love to you and you’ll see we belong
together. You’re safe with me, sweetheart, I swear it.”
I love you, Gavin, I love you…
He’d left before, and he’d leave again. Was she so weak-willed
and pathetic she’d allow him to repeat the same move three years
later?
Her skin chilled as if steeped in ice water. Slowly, she reached
out and pushed against his chest. He looked up.
“Nice try. But a good screw still won’t make me do a second
review.”
“We were always better than a good screw and you know it.
Don’t try to deny the connection we have.”
She twisted her lips. “Orgasms don’t make a connection,
Gavin. I’ve moved beyond that now. Maybe it’s time to up your
game.”
He jerked back. Torment shone briefly in those eyes, then
disappeared. “God, what happened to you? How did you become
so cold?”
She calmly buttoned her shirt. “I was taught by the best.”
He cursed and rubbed his forehead. “I deserved that, I guess.”
She didn’t answer, just leaned against the door and watched
him.
“Do you know what karma is, Miranda?” He let out a
humorless laugh. “In India they believe karma is the result of your
past lives and actions. You re-connect with people who you’ve
known before.”
He glanced over but she refused to answer.
“Karma is like destiny. When two people discover each other
from past lives, they form a deep connection. Three years ago I
was only willing to have an affair. I’d decided I wanted more from
my life than to run the family business, settle down, and have
children. I craved freedom, and I thought that came with money
and power. Maybe before if I had stayed, I would’ve ended up
hurting you in a different way. Because I wasn’t ready. Now I am.”
He reached out and pushed back a stray curl from her face. “I
want a chance to show you the man I really am. I want a chance
to make it up to you.”
Her lower lip trembled. The memory of those weeks after he
left still bruised at a touch. The loneliness and fear. The knowledge
she was alone and hadn’t been good enough. Was never good
enough. “It’s too late.”
She waited for his final acceptance. His hand dropped away.
He opened the door and paused. “You’re wrong. You’re going to
welcome me back into your bed. You’re going to trust me again.
Because it’s our karma.”
Then he left.
…