Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiancé: A Strong Family Romance Companion Novel
Page 11
“Hmm.” He stepped closer, and she leaned against the bathroom counter with nowhere to go and no desire to be anywhere but here. “I could teach you a thing or two about romance … novels, that is.” His lips turned up in an appealing smirk.
“Could you now?” She held on to the countertop for support. It was either that or throw her arms around his neck and let him teach her exactly what he knew about romance. She guessed it might be a whole lot more than she knew. “Are you a big-time heartbreaker, Mr. Strong?”
He chuckled at that and eased in even closer. His chest brushed her arm and her breath hitched. “I’m not, actually, but I’ve read my share of romance novels.”
“Liar,” she threw back at him, grinning. “There was not a stitch of romance on that Kindle app. Pages and pages of business, marketing, and religious books. The most exciting thing I found on page fourteen was finally a Clive Cussler novel.”
He chuckled. “You caught me.”
“What am I going to catch you doing?” She was flirting as hard as she’d ever tried.
His eyebrows lifted.
The bedroom door swished open, and Heath wrapped his arms around her and swept her behind the half-open bathroom door so whoever had come in couldn’t see them. Her breath whooshed out at the thrill of being so close to him. Her arms automatically wound around his lower back, and she pressed in even closer. Heath smiled down at her, and she could feel his heartbeat going almost as fast as hers.
Hazel attempted to calm her heavy breathing and listen to whoever might be coming in now. “Are there no locks on these ruddy doors?” she whispered.
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Her Christmas Wedding Fake Fiancé
By Jennifer Youngblood
Hearing the ringing of the doorbell, Colin took brisk strides toward the door, the hard soles of his dress shoes clicking sharp tones against the wide-planked floor. Judy, the receptionist from the cleaning company, had called a few minutes ago, letting Colin know that the owner of Dust Busters would be stopping by. He could tell from the trepidation in Judy’s voice that he’d upset her. Now that his anger had cooled, Colin felt guilty about going off on the older woman. Still, he was pleased to see that his phone call had gotten the attention of the owner. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
He opened the door, steeling himself up for another confrontation. His jaw went slack as found himself staring into a set of bright green eyes, fringed with thick, dark lashes. His gaze flickered over the woman. Was she the owner? He hadn’t given any thought to how the owner would look, but he hadn’t expected her to be bombshell beautiful. At first glance, he’d thought her tall, but realized she was wearing heeled boots that gave her a good six inches. She was petite and curvy with long curly hair, tipped with blonde highlights. Her smooth, unblemished skin had a radiant glow. His gaze was drawn to her full cinnamon-colored lips. She thrust out her hand. “Hello, Mr. O’Brien. I’m Sofia Reed, the owner of Dust Busters.” Her tone was brusque … a little put out, maybe that she had to take time out of her day to deal with this matter. Well, it had taken time out of his day too. When you hired a cleaning company, especially one highly recommended, the assumption was that they would behave like professionals.
He reached for her hand, jolted by the spark that ran through him when their skin touched. Her delicate hand had a surprisingly strong grip.
Her eyebrow cocked in a question. It was then that he realized he was still holding her hand. He cleared his throat, releasing her hand. “Thanks for coming,” he said as he stepped back and motioned for her enter.
“Of course,” she said automatically, tightening her hold on her purse strap slung over her shoulder. Her voice had the husky edge of a faint Latino accent. He tried to pinpoint her ethnicity. She was part Hispanic. Her light eyes pointed to European heritage, as well.
She launched right into the conversation. “I understand you wish to speak to me about some difficulty that you had with your cleaning crew.”
“Yes.”
She eyed him in a challenge. “Would you mind telling me your version of the story?”
He rocked back, his jaw muscles pulling taut. “My version?” He didn’t like the insinuation in her tone.
She lifted her chin. “Yes.”
His brows darted together. “What did your workers tell you?”
“Before we get into that, I’d prefer to hear your take on what happened.”
It was startling how quickly the scalding fury resurfaced. First, Beverly. Then, the maids. Now, this woman. Colin was starting to feel like all members of the opposite sex were out to get him. Straightening to his full height, he took abrupt, jerky steps into the kitchen with Sofia following behind him. He stopped beside the island and motioned at the open jam jar and the stacked slices of bread atop a napkin. “I got home from work early and came in here where I discovered them making lunch.”
“That’s your story, and you’re sticking to it, huh?” A hard amusement shimmered in the depths of Sofia’s eyes, washing them with a golden hue.
Colin flinched. “I beg your pardon.”
She gave him a superior look. “No begging necessary.”
The gall of this woman was astounding! His voice took on the sharp edge of a knife. “I don’t know what you’re playing at here, but I don’t find it amusing.”
She clutched her purse, looking him in the eye. “I was wondering the same thing. What’re you playing at?”
The hair on the back of his neck rose. “I’m not the one with the defunct employees.”
Her face turned red. “For kicks, let’s say that the events happened exactly as you describe—”
“Of course, they happened as I described,” he shot back. Colin didn’t know if he should be impressed or appalled at Sofia Reed’s insolence. “Are you accusing me of lying?” Colin couldn’t remember the last time anyone dared speak to him in such a condescending way.
She held up her hands. “I’m not accusing you of anything. I’m only trying to get to the bottom of the situation.”
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About the Author
Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.
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cami@camichecketts.com
www.camichecketts.com
Also by Cami Checketts
Strong Family Romance
Don’t Date Your Brother’s Best Friend
Her Loyal Protector
Don’t Fall for a Fugitive
Her Hockey Superstar Fake Fiance
Don’t Ditch a Detective
Steele Family Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
The Stranded Patriot
The Committed Warrior
Extreme Devotion
Quinn Family Romance
The Devoted Groom
The Conflicted Warrior
The Gentle Patriot
The Tough Warrior
Her Too-Perfect Boss
Her Forbidden Bodyguard
Georgia Patriots Romance
The Loyal Patriot
The Gentle Patriot
The Stranded Patriot
The Pursued Patriot
Jepson Brothers Romance
How to Design Love
How to Switch a Groom
How to Lose a Fiance
Billionaire Boss Romance
Her Dream Date Boss
Her Prince Charming Boss
Hawk Brothers Romance
The Determined Groom
The Stealth Warrior
Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance
Risking it All
Navy Seal Romance
The Protective Warrior
The Captivating Warri
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The Stealth Warrior
The Tough Warrior
Texas Titan Romance
The Fearless Groom
The Trustworthy Groom
The Beastly Groom
The Irresistible Groom
The Determined Groom
The Devoted Groom
Billionaire Beach Romance
Caribbean Rescue
Cozumel Escape
Cancun Getaway
Trusting the Billionaire
How to Kiss a Billionaire
Onboard for Love
Shadows in the Curtain
Billionaire Bride Pact Romance
The Resilient One
The Feisty One
The Independent One
The Protective One
The Faithful One
The Daring One
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescued by Love
Reluctant Rescue
Stone Cold Sparks
Snowed-In for Christmas
Echo Ridge Romance
Christmas Makeover
Last of the Gentlemen
My Best Man’s Wedding
Change of Plans
Counterfeit Date
Snow Valley
Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley
A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley
Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley
Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley
Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley
Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley
Other Books by Cami
Seeking Mr. Debonair: Jane Austen Pact
Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact
Saving Sycamore Bay
Oh, Come On, Be Faithful
Protect This
Blog This
Redeem This
The Broken Path
Dead Running
Dying to Run
Fourth of July
Love & Loss
Love & Lies
Cami’s Collections
Steele Family Collection
Hawk Brothers Collection
Quinn Family Collection
Cami’s Military Collection
Billionaire Beach Romance Collection
Billionaire Bride Pact Collection
Billionaire Romance Sampler
Echo Ridge Romance Collection
Texas Titans Romance Collection
Snow Valley Collection
Christmas Romance Collection
Holiday Romance Collection