Something in the Way: A Forbidden Love Saga: The Complete Collection

by Hawkins, Jessica

  Mateo patted her on the head. I had no doubt he was thinking about his own sister, whom he hadn’t seen since they’d been separated as kids.

  Manning nodded at Mateo. “You asked me if it was wrong to defend your sister the way you did? If you’re a bad kid?”

  Mateo put his hand back on the table, blinking at the ground. “Yeah.”

  “You’re not,” Manning said. “You’re a man, and a good one, aren’t you?”

  A good man. Chills rose over my skin. It was like watching Manning tell his younger self that there were great things in his future, and that he deserved them.

  Mateo was pensive a moment. He was a smart kid, and we’d always treated his past with respect. We didn’t want to cover it up or sugarcoat it or try to erase it. It hadn’t always been the easiest route, but it meant we could have these conversations with him now. Mateo nodded. “I want to be.”

  “Don’t let your past threaten what’s ahead of you, Mat.” Manning’s already powerful gaze intensified as he met my eyes. “We all make mistakes, but it was your mom who taught me that only I could decide whether to move forward as a coward or as a man. It’s up to you to make the same choice.”

  * * *

  After lunch, we sat around the picnic table in the front yard with empty plates and full stomachs. Mateo played a game on Manning’s phone while Henry watched, rapt. The dogs surrounded us, hoping for scraps, as Manning sat across the table from me with Madison in his lap.

  “You can’t leave that girl alone for five minutes, can you?” I asked. I’d been ready to put her down for a nap before lunch, but Manning had insisted I wait until he went back to work so he could spend time with her.

  “Don’t worry, Birdy.” He reached across the table, holding his palm face up. “You’re always number one in my eyes.”

  I waved him off but took his hand. He pulled my arm taut until I was forced to stand. “What do you want?” I asked with a laugh.

  “Come over here.”

  I released his hand and switched from my side of the picnic table to his. “Better?” I asked.

  “You have no idea.”

  I smoothed pesky frown lines from between his eyebrows. Was he still thinking about what Mateo had said? We hadn’t been trying to hide Manning’s history considering the crime had gone down in Big Bear, but I’d hoped enough time had passed that people wouldn’t make the connection, or if they did, that they’d have the decency to keep it to themselves.

  “I’m going to call the school in the morning,” I said, checking to make sure the boys were still glued to the cellphone.

  “What’s the school going to do?”

  “I don’t know but it makes me so mad that someone would go around spreading rumors about us—”

  “Not us,” he said. “Me.”

  “I’ll start with the principal’s secretary—”

  “Grace?”

  “Yes, Grace. She’s a relentless gossip.”

  “Yeah, she is.”

  “I mean, come on. You can kill a man with your bare hands?” I shook my head. “Ridiculous. Who would say such a thing?”

  Manning kissed Maddy’s cheek. “Someone who wants the whole town to know how dangerous I am, I guess. What do you think, Mads? Is Daddy scary?”

  She smiled. “Daddy scary. Daddy kiss.”

  “You’re not scary,” I said. “Not even close.”

  Manning shifted Mads to his other side to put an arm around me. “Lake?”

  “Yeah, Bear?”

  “Don’t call the school.”

  “Why not?”

  “It’s just a rumor. If people want to think I’m dangerous, let them.”

  I frowned. A lot of his early life, Manning had thought of himself as a bad person. It’d taken me years and a great deal of heartbreak to get him to see that wasn’t true. I hoped Mateo’s recent introspection didn’t have Manning questioning his own past. “You’re a good man,” I told him.

  “Yeah, but we don’t need that getting out.”

  “What are you talking about?” I asked, drawing back to look at him.

  He had his eyes on Madison, and they were filled with pure adoration. I realized then that he hadn’t even finished his second sandwich. There were still a few bites on his plate, not to mention a small pile of chips. Only one person had ever held Manning’s attention long enough that he’d forgotten to eat. Well, now there were two of us. That was the power this little girl had over him.

  The kind of power that would make a man do crazy things.

  But exactly how crazy?

  I gasped, leaning back to point at him. “Manning Raymond Sutter.”

  “Lake Dolly Sutter.”

  “You started the rumor, didn’t you?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, but the corner of his mouth twitched.

  “You went to Grace and everything.” I gaped at him. “But why?”

  He shrugged, picking a chip off his plate to toss it in his mouth. “Why do you think, Mama Bear?” He pressed his lips to the side of Madison’s head, swaying with her. “Who’s going to wander into these woods knowing there’s a big, bad bear waiting?”

  Our protector. Our great and apparently dangerous bear. My Manning. I didn’t know what to say. “I can’t believe you,” I teased.

  He shrugged. “I want to make sure people know.”

  “What people?”

  He responded swiftly and without mercy. “Fucking boys.”

  I burst out laughing, even though hearing Manning curse in front of the kids was nearly enough to shock me into cardiac arrest. Even Mateo looked up from his game.

  “She’s two,” I said.

  “Have to start young. Do you see this little girl? She’ll drive the world crazy with her mom’s blue eyes.”

  It was true that Madison, a black-haired, blue-eyed Daddy’s girl was bound to cause us some trouble. “Good thing she has you and two brothers.”

  “Plus a badass mom who can drive a stick,” he said. He pulled me back against his side as I laughed. I had to admit, I enjoyed driving a manual now, and not only because it reminded me of the life-changing moment I’d found out I was pregnant with Henry.

  I ran my hand up Manning’s back, over the tattoo on his shoulder, which had grown by many stars. “You’re something else, you know that?” I told him.

  “You too, Birdy. Give me a kiss.”

  “Oh—hang on,” I said, digging my hand into the back pocket of my jeans. “I’ve got something for you.”

  He lowered his mouth to my ear. “That right, Mrs. Sutter? What’re you keeping in your pants for me?”

  “Not that,” I said, bumping him with my shoulder. I took out a tin of Candy Kisses lip balm I’d found in some old boxes my mom and dad had brought on their last visit. I smoothed it on as Manning watched, flicking his tongue over his bottom lip.

  “That the good stuff?” he asked. “The one I’ve been asking about for years?”

  “Watermelon.” I leaned into him, looking up into his eyes. “Happy anniversary of the day we met twenty-five years ago.”

  “Happy anniversary, sweet girl. You know you make me the happiest man alive.”

  “Show me how happy. Kiss the watermelon right off my lips, Great Bear.”

  And he did.

  * * *

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  Recommended Reading: For more romance, angst, and steam, try the Slip of the Tongue series now. Read a sample next or download all 3 standalones free in Kindle Unlimited.

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  READ FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

  Right Where I Want You

  "An intelligently wri
tten, sexy, feel-good romance that packs an emotional punch…” (USA Today's HEA) A witty workplace romance filled with sexual tension and enemies-to-lovers banter.

  Download Now in Kindle Unlimited

  SLIP OF THE TONGUE Series

  Slip of the Tongue (#1)

  "Addictive. Painful. Captivating. Tumultuous. Juicy. Sexy. Slip of the Tongue is an authentic, raw, and emotionally gripping must read that I just loved. A highly recommended favorite of mine.”—Angie's Dreamy Reads

  Her husband doesn’t want her anymore. The man next door would give up everything to have her.

  Sadie Hunt isn’t perfect—but her husband is. Until Sadie finds herself in the last place she ever expected to be: lonely in her marriage. When rugged and sexy Finn Cohen moves into the apartment across the hall, he and Sadie share an immediate spark…

  Slip of the Tongue is a forbidden romance that can be read as a standalone or as book 1 in the Slip of the Tongue series.

  Download Now in Kindle Unlimited

  THE FIRST TASTE (#2)

  “The First Taste is a delicious read that will have you craving seconds. I promise!”—Kim Karr, NYT Bestselling Author

  Andrew Beckwith has already devoted his life to one girl—his daughter, Bell. As far as he’s concerned, she’s all he needs. Amelia Van Ecken is an independent, smart, and savvy businesswoman who doesn’t have time for sex, much less love. Andrew and Amelia are complete opposites, but on one thing they agree—relationships are overrated. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be rated X. Because when sharp-tongued Amelia and stubborn Andrew cross paths, sparks fly—and burn.

  The First Taste is a sexy, single dad romance that can be read as a standalone or as book two of the Slip of the Tongue series.

  Download Now in Kindle Unlimited

  Yours to Bare (#3)

  "Sensual, evocative, and spellbinding.”—K.L. Kreig, USA Today Bestselling Author

  Halston’s journal is the one place she can be herself—as long as she can tie it up and put it away when she’s finished. But when a sexy stranger in a coffee shop undoes the bow, he becomes determined to find the mysterious girl behind the words.

  Yours to Bare is a sensual artist-muse story can be read as a standalone or as book 3 in the Slip of the Tongue series.

  Download Now in Kindle Unlimited

  STRICTLY OFF LIMITS: A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE NOVELLA

  Alexandra James gave up her spring break for an offer she couldn’t refuse: a week-long job that would earn her enough money to buy her way out of a broken heart. But if she thought her new boss would let her off easy because he’s her father’s best friend, she couldn’t have been more wrong…

  Download Now in Kindle Unlimited

  * * *

  ALSO AVAILABLE FROM JESSICA HAWKINS

  White Monarch Trilogy

  “Exciting and suspenseful and sexy and breathtaking.” (USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Rowe)

  A cartel princess is caught between two feuding brothers who share only one thing—a desire for her. Start this enemies-to-arranged marriage romance now on Amazon:

  Violent Delights

  Violent Ends

  Violent Triumphs

  * * *

  THE CITYSCAPE SERIES

  The Cityscape Series is the compelling story of a forbidden love affair. Start the completed trilogy Maryse’s Book Blog called “emotional” and “fantastic.”

  Olivia Germaine has the perfect life—but something is missing. Handsome playboy David Dylan awakens a passion that she thought she’d lost a long time ago. But can she keep their combustible lust from blowing up the life she’s built—and her marriage?

  The Cityscape Series is a forbidden love trilogy.

  Get it on Amazon

  * * *

  EXPLICITLY YOURS SERIES

  (Download the first book free!)

  “Pretty Woman meets Indecent Proposal in Explicitly Yours, a provocative series that’ll leave your heart racing.”—Louise Bay, USA Today Bestselling Author

  Lola Winters doesn’t think she can escape her life as a waitress— until she receives a shocking proposition from a sexy stranger. Wealthy businessman Beau Olivier wants Lola for a night, and in order to get her, he’s willing to make her dreams come true.

  But what if one night isn't enough, and Beau isn’t ready to say goodbye in the morning?

  Explicitly Yours Series on Amazon

  * * *

  Something in the Way Series

  “A tale of forbidden love in epic proportion… Brilliant” (New York Times bestselling author Corinne Michaels) Lake Kaplan falls for a handsome older man — but then her sister sets her sights on him too.

  Listen to the story in audio, performed by Zachary Webber and Andi Arndt

  Something in the Way

  Somebody Else’s Sky

  Move the Stars

  Lake + Manning

  Preview: Slip of the Tongue

  Her husband doesn’t want her anymore. The man next door would give up everything to have her.

  Sadie Hunt isn’t perfect—but her husband is. Nathan Hunt has her coffee waiting every morning. He holds her hand until the last second. He worships the Manhattan sidewalk she walks on. Until one day, he just…stops. And Sadie finds herself in the last place she ever expected to be. Lonely in her marriage.

  When rugged and sexy Finn Cohen moves into the apartment across the hall, he and Sadie share an immediate spark. Finn reveals dreams for a different life. Sadie wants to save her marriage. Their secrets should keep them apart, not ignite a blistering affair. But while Sadie’s marriage runs colder by the day, she and Finn only burn hotter…

  Slip of the Tongue can be read as a standalone, or as book one in a series. Read chapter 1 next or download now in KU:

  Slip of the Tongue (Book 1)

  Slip of the Tongue Boxed Set

  1

  The man who just stepped out of 6A doesn’t notice me staring. He shakes out his honeyed-brown hair like a boy after a bath and wipes his temple with his sleeve. He rolls his neck. Watching him, I feel like an intruder in my own apartment building.

  It’s the jingle of Ginger’s dog tags that makes him look over. He tilts his head, studying me. “Hello again.”

  I squint. The sixth floor has never been well lit. Warm light bathes the beige walls and a carpet the color of dead leaves. I let Ginger pull me down and across the hall. She wants to smell this new person, and I want a better look. When we make eye contact, my heartbeat snags as it might for a new lover. Because he isn’t familiar. I don’t know him. “Sorry, have we met?” I ask.

  He doesn’t respond, as if he’s waiting for me to go on, but it’s a pretty straightforward question. I’m not sure where to look—his soulful green eyes, or a bottom lip that sticks out like his default expression is a pout. He licks it with an easy smile and once again, I’m staring. “I must’ve mistaken you for another neighbor,” he says. “Just moved in yesterday. You’re 6B?” He points to his chest. “6A.”

  I stick my coffee thermos under my arm and shake his paw of a hand. He then ruffles Ginger’s polished-penny red fur but watches me. And I forget that just moments ago, I was sad. Lonely. Confused. Now, I’m still a little confused, but not in the way that makes my brain and chest hurt.

  “Welcome to the building.” Since I’m already behind schedule thanks to this unplanned dog walk, I tug the leash. “Let’s go, Ginger.”

  “If you wouldn’t mind,” he says as I continue to the elevator, “can you point me in the direction of a good breakfast spot? Something hearty.”

  I glance back. His back is arched, his large hand spread over his stomach. The corner of his mouth is quirked. He’s kind of a hunk, and I think he knows it. I contain my smile, even when I realize it’s my first genuine one in days. “There’s a diner on the corner.” I begin to sweat, my hands in my gloves, my neck under my scarf. I hadn’t planned to be indoors this long. His expression is eager, though, like he’s asking an old friend fo
r help. “Don’t be scared off by the smell. It’s good.”

  “Which corner?”

  “Lexington.” Ginger whines. I shouldn’t even be standing here. I’m verging on late for work. Suddenly, though, that seems less important than welcoming a new neighbor. “We’re headed downstairs. I’ll show you.”

  “That’d be great.” He heads past me down the hall to get to the elevator first, where he pushes the button. Ginger and I catch up as it arrives, and he holds the door open for us. The space feels small with him in it. He’s big, one of those guys who could jump and knock his head on the ceiling of the subway. One of those guys who can make the whole city feel small.

  He glances up at the digital numbers, his hands stuck in the pockets of his hoodie.

  “Won’t you be cold?” I ask, eyeing the thin material.

  “Nah. My heater’s busted. It won’t turn off. It has to be over eighty degrees in my apartment.”

  I had the opposite problem when I moved in. It shouldn’t make me smile to remember that, but trying to stay warm can be fun when it involves a ridiculous amount of cozy blankets and endless, stovetop hot chocolate.