Ask Me Why: An Enemies to Lovers Standalone Romance

by Harloe Rae

  I clear my throat. “Ma’am, I’m not interested.”

  “Excuse me?” she says as her eyes widen. “Ma’am? That’s what you call a grandmother. Do I look old to you?”

  The dial on her annoying meter cranks up a few notches. I’m not stupid enough to fall into her trap, but still bite my tongue to keep the insults from barreling out.

  I quickly scan her pinched face, covered with powdery shit likely meant to hide her age. I was trying to be polite by using a respectful term, but she’s clearly not the type. I rub my forehead while blowing out a breath, frustration already building like a storm cloud.

  “I mean no offense,” I grind out between clenched teeth, “but I’m spending the evening solo. Cheers.” I raise my bottle in a lame-ass salute.

  The yappy broad huffs and rolls her eyes. It seems she might spit more crap my way, but then her attention darts to a man across the room. She eagerly slips off the stool, nearly spilling her drink with the jerky movements. She glances back at me, shooting daggers from her eyes.

  “Asshole,” she shoots over her shoulder before sauntering off.

  Good fucking riddance.

  I lift the nearly empty beer to my lips, but a burst of laughter interrupts me.

  “Wow. You sure know how to pick ‘em. How are you still single with suave moves like that?”

  “Not you too,” I mutter without turning around, recognizing the raspy voice immediately. “Was the entire female race set on driving me fucking crazy?” My chin tilts skyward as I silently ask for patience… or a fucking break. Neither will come for me.

  “Would it kill you to be nice?” Addison rests her arms against the bar next to me.

  I puff air through my clenched teeth. “Most likely. And I was nice. I called her ma’am.”

  “You know girls hate that,” she shoots back. “It’s a dig more than anything and makes us feel old. Might as well call her a raging bitch or wrinkled hag.”

  “Those names seem more appropriate. Thanks,” I chuckle but there’s no humor behind it.

  “Don’t start, Trey. You know I’m right.”

  “I’m not saying shit. Just thinking I might use those instead.”

  “You’re impossible.”

  “That’s the point.”

  “What-ev-er,” Addison singsongs while glancing around. “Where’s Jack?”

  “Still at the shop.”

  “Burning the midnight oil?”

  “In more ways than one. Had a rough day.”

  She tilts her head and gives me a once-over. “You too?”

  “Don’t I always?”

  “Meh, I suppose. You’re always a grump so it’s tough to tell the difference.”

  “And here I thought we were exchanging pleasantries.”

  “You and pleasant will never go together.” Addison hitches a thumb over her shoulder. “Running off that lovely lady is a prime example.”

  I grunt and shake my head. “She deserved it for being so desperate.”

  She snorts and elbows me. “Why are you such a dick? All that handsome is going to such shameful waste. You need to find someone to treat right.”

  Peering at Addison, all toned limbs and tan skin, I consider a quick fuck after all. I grip the cool bottle, picturing her soft flesh giving in to me.

  “Why haven’t we ever—”

  “No way. I know that look,” she says. “I see you give women those bedroom eyes every Friday night only to watch them turn cold the following morning. I haven’t fallen for them yet and I don’t plan to start.”

  Just like that, our breezy banter slams to a halt. Tension strains my shoulders after being cut off. Again. What is it with chicks bulldozing me tonight?

  Having Addison call me out does nothing to help my mood, but it’s no surprise she sees straight through me. Although I’ve known her since kindergarten, it still pisses me off. Moments like this make living in a small-town suffocating. There’s nothing and no one new around here. I know useless shit about everyone from Garden Grove, whether I want to or not.

  I roll my neck and restore my typical look of indifference. “I never get any complaints. Your loss, Addy.”

  Addison shakes her head. “So fucking cocky. I ain’t giving you any ass, but how ‘bout another?” She asks and gestures to my beer.

  I grumble, “That’d be great,” without looking back at her.

  Addison just stands there so I give in and glance over. Her arms are crossed as she raises a slim brow my way, seemingly waiting for…

  “Please,” I grit. The irritation from earlier whooshes in my ears and I’m ready to get gone.

  Right after this drink.

  She snickers and says, “That’s better. We’ll make a gentleman of you soon.”

  “Don’t hold your breath, ma’am.”

  Addison gasps and flames rise in her hazel eyes.

  Before she digs into me, I add, “Chill out. I’m just fucking with you. But seriously, get back to work. I’m thirsty.”

  “You really are an asshole,” she says while patting my cheek with more force than necessary. I’m sure she’d love to slap the shit out of me but won’t risk getting in trouble for it. She shakes her head and turns away, strutting off to serve other waiting customers.

  My eyes lock on her swaying hips, losing myself in the rhythm of her movement for a moment. No harm in looking, right?

  Sweet-smelling perfume wafts in as the abandoned stool next to me shifts slightly.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  The notes are soft but rise above the booming noise in the space. The feminine lilt of her voice snakes around before I feel a twisting in my gut. I quickly shove that fluffy shit away. My jaw ticks while I ignore her heavenly scent closing in around me.

  “Don’t even bother,” I growl loud enough for her to hear.

  “Excuse me?”

  Disbelief colors her voice and I can’t help swiveling toward her.

  Holy shit.

  Bottomless blue eyes greet me, sparkling with fierce emotion. The glittering sapphires are hypnotizing, the type of pull any man would fall victim to.

  Except me.

  Want to read more? One-click now!

  LASS: A friends to lovers standalone

  She’s the one I’ve been saving myself for.

  Addison Walker is every fantasy I never dared to believe in.

  Moving to this town was already monumental.

  Finding her removes any lingering doubt.

  She’s bold and vibrant.

  Beautiful and confident.

  Far too good for the likes of me.

  Luckily, I’m not good at avoiding temptation.

  But is she?

  My desire is growing beyond control.

  I’m done watching on the sidelines.

  When opportunity strikes, I eagerly take advantage.

  Signing on the dotted line before thinking twice.

  The repercussions cross my mind far too late.

  When she swiftly sticks me in the friend-zone, there’s not a damn thing I can do about it.

  Addison is just down the hall—might as well be miles away.

  Every lingering glance drives me to the edge of sanity.

  She speaks to my deepest cravings like a siren.

  Our chemistry blurs every line.

  This battle seems impossible to win.

  Yet my determination doesn’t wane.

  It only takes one night to change everything.

  After all, I didn’t wait all this time to settle for less.

  Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

  —

  MISS: A second chance standalone romance

  The boy she loved is gone. The man I’ve become doesn’t deserve her.

  Delilah Sage was the first girl I loved, my first for many things, but that’s only the beginning. She was a warm embrace after especially hard nights, offering comfort where there was only pain. Delilah kept me from sinking and I promised her forever. I should hav
e known better.

  I ruined the only good in my life. Now all I have is regret, constant and relentless. My need for Delilah hasn’t faded after all these years. She’s the only woman who understood me. There’s no moving on from that. I’ve accepted my fate of being alone. This is what I deserve.

  Until I’m handed a second chance—whether I want it or not. A job brings me back to the small town I swore would stay in my past. The memories and mistakes are waiting to greet me. I try to keep my distance, but Delilah has always been my weakness. One look won’t hurt. How quickly I forget she’s impossible to resist.

  After all, letting her go was never my intention.

  Read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

  —

  Redefining Us

  A standalone friends to lovers, military romance.

  In order to truly save him, I need to redefine us.

  Xander Dixon was my best friend.

  Loyal and dependable.

  A brave warrior.

  A permanent presence in my life until that fateful day he boarded a plane headed overseas.

  Xander’s unwelcome silence haunted me for three years…

  Until he suddenly resurfaces.

  Blinded by misplaced fury.

  Trapped in a pool of darkness.

  Unable to escape the perpetual pain.

  Though it would be easy to walk away, I refuse to give up on him.

  I want to know his misery and torment, so I can rescue him.

  Then Xander will finally be mine.

  Free with Kindle Unlimited!

  —

  Forget You Not

  A standalone sweet second chance, military romance.

  I didn’t believe in love at first sight until Lark stood before me.

  Pretty sure I would have married her on the spot.

  Too bad fate had other plans.

  Duty called and I had to answer—no matter the consequences.

  There wasn’t a chance for goodbye, but I’d never forget her.

  Time has a way of creating change—but only on the surface.

  Even after all these years, I know Lark is mine.

  I belong to her just the same.

  The moment I see her again, it’s a done deal.

  All I’ve got to do is convince her this is forever.

  She can push but I’ll only pull harder.

  I’m not letting our second chance slip away.

  Free with Kindle Unlimited!

  —

  Watch Me Follow

  A stalker, double virgin romance.

  Creep. Freak. Crazy Eyes.

  I’ve heard it all.

  Over the years, they’ve slammed me with every demeaning name in the book.

  Their taunts warped me like a steady stream of poison.

  Anger replaced anxiety as I started believing the cruelty spat my way.

  Until she showed up and changed everything.

  Lennon Bennett is pure innocence—warm sunshine breaking apart my stormy existence.

  She’s everything good and maybe I can be too.

  For her. With her. Because of her.

  Lennon doesn’t know I’m beckoned closer with each breath.

  She isn’t aware that I’m completely consumed with her.

  It’s become my sole purpose to protect her, by any means necessary.

  But if she discovers the depth of my obsession, it will be the end of me.

  So, I remain in the shadows.

  Waiting. Watching. Wanting.

  She’ll be my first. My last. My only.

  Free with Kindle Unlimited!

  Well, I’m still a little shook up from this one. How about you? I’m not sure another story will ever impact me quite as deeply. But those are the best kind. Thank you very much for taking the journey with me. Fingers crossed that Brance didn’t make you too mad and was able to redeem himself. Hopefully Braelyn spoke to like she did to me. And we can all smile over the adorableness that is Oliver James. I feel like I always say this after a release, but Ask Me Why is truly my favorite.

  First and foremost, I need to give a ton of gratitude to my outstanding husband. He continues to be the most patient man I know, especially when I’m nearing a deadline. If it wasn’t for him, I couldn’t do this author gig. I’ll never be able to express how much he means to me. Above all else, he’s an amazing father to our rambunctious toddler.

  To all the bloggers, reviewers, and readers—THANK YOU! I’m well aware how many fantastic books are available. For you to choose mine means more than I can properly describe. Without you, the life of authors would be extremely challenging. Because you picked up a story and offered precious time to read, everything is brighter. Thank you for making a difference. Please know how much I truly appreciate it!

  I have an epic group of ladies who work hard behind the scenes to keep me going. Words cannot express how much I owe to them. Talia, Jacquelyn, Kate, Sunniva, Renee, Melissa, and Lauren—I wouldn’t be able to publish without you!

  A huge thank you to all my wonderful author friends who offer endless encouragement and support. I always feel the love from these ladies! Heather, Michelle, Nicole, Leigh, Annie, Tia, Suzie, Victoria, Ella, Logan, Lauren, Maria, KK, Amie, Renee, Parker, and many more—thank you for just being there when I need a solid shoulder to lean on.

  A super special virtual hug to Keri, KC, Megan, Cindy, Shauna, Autumn, Crystal, Tijuana, Sarah, and Vanessa. You’re all lovely and generous and fantastic peeps!

  I owe so much to Candi Kane from Candi Kane PR. She’s been handling my releases for almost a year and I’m not sure how I ever managed prior. Now I have the greatest marketing and promotional services around. You’re such a boss and I love you. Thank you so very much for all you do!

  Thank you to all the ladies of Give Me Books. I’ve been working with you guys for almost two years and you always provide amazing release services. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

  Having genuine friends in this business is difficult to accomplish and I’m blessed to be part of several groups that keep my author heart happy. THANK YOU Book Babes Forever, Boston Babes, 60K in 30 days, Do Not Disturb Book Club, and KU Explosion.

  THANK YOU to BookCoverKingdom for the GORGEOUS cover. As always, you amaze me.

  Thanks to Eric Battershell, the very talented photographer who shot the perfect image of Drew. Thank you for giving me a beautiful cover photo for this story.

  For my Hotties, the bestest reader group an author can ask for. I’m so thankful to each one of you for taking this journey with me. I appreciate you more than words can describe. Thank you for being dedicated to me and our bookish community. I love our special place on social media!

  Harloe’s Review Crew, thank you so very much for wanting to read and review my words. Somedays, I still pinch myself. I appreciate you going above and beyond to support and promote me during releases. I’m eternally thankful to all of you!

  A huge thank you to Stacey from Champagne Book Designs for making the interior of Ask Me Why look its absolute greatest.

  And last but certainly not least, a huge shout out to YOU for reading Ask Me Why. It’s the greatest feeling in the world knowing you chose my book out of so many to read. I mean, wow. I appreciate you so much. Please know that! Just continue loving books and reading for me, okay? You’ve made me a very, very happy author!

  One last thing? If you enjoyed Ask Me Why and want to do me a huge favor, please consider leaving a review. It really helps others readers find my books!

  Harloe Rae is a USA Today & Amazon Top 100 bestselling author. Her passion for writing and reading has taken on a whole new meaning. Each day is an unforgettable adventure.

  Harloe is a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after. When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.

  Harloe is the aut
hor of Redefining Us, Forget You Not, Watch Me Follow, GENT, MISS, LASS, and Ask Me Why. These titles are available on Amazon.

  Find all the latest on her site

  Subscribe to her newsletter

  Join her reader group, Harloe’s Hotties

  Follow her on:

  BookBub

  Amazon

  Goodreads

  Facebook Page

  Instagram

  Book & Main