by RM Alexander
She drew in a deep breath. The future. Something can be done about my future.
Pushing to her feet, she stepped out of the clinic and headed out to the stables, pretty sure she knew where Alex would be.
Nugget whinnied in the pasture as she approached, and Cami stuffed a hand in the fitted jean jacket. “Here you go girl, a cube of sugar for you.” The horse took the treat without hesitation from the outstretched hand. She patted the horse’s neck. “Alex come this way girl?”
The horse snorted as she worked the sugar cube, and footsteps fell behind Cami, catching her attention. She turned.
Alex tilted his head, eyes shadowed by the rim of the Stetson. “Looking for me?”
She nodded. “What’re you doing?”
“Thinking about taking Tradewind out for a bit, then go home. Needing some time.”
She toed the ground, studying the dirt as it scoffed on top of her boot. “Got some time for me?”
“Don’t I always? Why would that change?”
“Because I’m a royal pain, and you’re tired of dealing with my emotional constipation.”
Alex guffawed. “A royal pain, yes, tired of you, never. What is it?”
Tucking fingertips into the tight pocket of her jeans, Cami kept the gaze trained to the ground below. “People have been saying, for years, that we belong together. You’ve been saying it recently, and even more recently, I was thinking maybe we’d be missing out on something if we don’t try. I would be missing something if we don’t give it a try.”
He stepped forward, eagerness washing over his face.
“I think I finally realized, I’m in love with you. Probably have been for a long time.”
“When did you realize this?”
The gruff whisper yanked on her heart and she shrugged, the lump in her throat larger. You’re going to make me work for this? “Maybe on the ride to Michigan. Maybe during, or after, that tornado. Probably after. Seeing how you went in there and worked to save those people. I don’t know. Maybe I always knew, but I guess there’s a reason – "
Alex grabbed her waist, broad hands natural along the curves of Cami’s body, and pulled her to him. She dropped her head back, willing and waiting as their mouths met, arms wrapping around his neck, fingers rubbing along the short strands of hair. He squared his body, her leg sandwiched between his legs.
The kiss ended sooner than Cami was ready, and she looked up to him. He smiled. “Our first official kiss.”
She nodded. “Amazing,” she whispered, glanced away only to be stopped by a strong hand.
“Don’t look away from me. Don’t be embarrassed. I’ve daydreamed about this moment for too long. And, amazing doesn’t begin to cover it.”
She didn’t need a mirror to know her cheeks flushed a pretty pink. “No, it doesn’t.”
“Can I kiss you again?”
She nodded, and closed her eyes, waiting to be washed away in love, every day, for the rest of her life.
THE END
Author’s Note:
The decision to write a story which took place at a tiger sanctuary was an easy one for me. I’ve always been an animal lover, as far back as I can remember. But as a teenager, I visited a sanctuary group who traveled with a handful of cats to educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals. I was bitten by a bug. The love for the tigers has since become a passion of mine, one I once wished to have addressed with a sanctuary of my own. That dream never came to be, but the passion remains.
The horrific reality of the exotic animal trade is nothing less than heartbreaking. Every year, hundreds of animals are trafficked to private owners who do not have the knowledge or the means to care for animals who shouldn’t be in captivity at all. They declaw the cats – something that can cripple the animals – don’t feed them properly, or leave them in small, inadequate cages. And that’s the cats who are “lucky”. Others are abused and tortured, in ways we can’t imagine.
If this story touched you, and you want to learn more about sanctuaries throughout the United States who try their best to help these animals, please check out some of these listed here. You will see real cats, learn their stories and more about the sanctuaries who try to protect them. And while this is not an endorsement of any kind, and by no means a complete list, I do believe the work they do is important.
I urge you to make donations if you can.
Thank you for reading The Right One.
The Wild Sanctuary
Tiger Haven
Oregon Tiger Sanctuary
Turpentine Creek
The Exotic Feline Rescue Center
Big Cat Rescue
Thoughts of gratitude:
I give thanks first and foremost to God. All the glory goes to Him.
I want to thank my husband and children for putting up with the long nights, and sometimes busy days. Without their love, patience, and cheerleading, I’d never have gone the distance. I love you with all my heart!
I want to thank RM & JM. Your undying love and support mean more than I can ever put into words. Thank you for being there through the good, bad and ugly.
To TA. You're the sister I never had, and my BFF. Love ya girl!
Thank you family and friends. Much love to you all!
TJ Loveless, I am so grateful for our continued partnership. For all the late night sounding board sessions, advice, pointers and all out laughs, this journey wouldn’t be the same without you.
Thank you to Stephy Destiny. You are an awesome PA and I am so grateful for all your hard work and friendship. You can’t know how much easier you make this job!
Joely Bogan: Thank you for help with the tour. You’re awesome!
Thank you to my readers and fans. You are all awesome, and your support still boggles my mind. Thank you!
A huge shout out to the Sweet / Clean Romance group – It’s such an honor to have met you all. I love all the support and encouragement taking place in our group every single day.
Thank you, Linda Kage, for the wonderful cover art. I look forward to working with you again.
Thank you to my ARC readers, who suffered through the remaining typos, blunders and misspellings.
If I forgot to mention you here, please know, it’s only because I’m trying to put this down on paper. You are not forgotten in my heart.
OTHER BOOKS BY RM ALEXANDER
Matter of Choice
AN AMAZON BESTSELLER
Some promises can’t be kept.
Shannon Winters’ picture perfect marriage is in shambles after a car accident left her husband an amnesiac. The commitment to vows he doesn’t remember making keeps her fighting while covering up the parade of other women and a spectacle of bad behavior. Her career as owner and manager at a successful boutique hotel alongside the Hudson River is a refuge, but, at thirty-seven years old, what she craves is the bond to be repaired.
Even twenty years after high school, Triston Keyes continues to be haunted by memories of the girl he’d lost, the only woman he’s ever loved. When he meets Shannon during a vacation, Triston finally has the chance to apologize. It’s the only hope he has if he ever wants to fall in love with anyone else.
Sparks rekindle between them, and Shannon struggles to find a reason to stay true to a broken marriage which is quickly crumbling as she gravitates towards the forgotten love.
Until her husband pleas for her to come back.
But when the depth of betrayal is revealed, Shannon must choose her vows-and her beloved hotel-or remain true to her heart; while Triston must fight to keep the past from catching up to his future.
Both know nothing is a matter of luck, but a matter of choice …
What people are saying about Matter of Choice:
"I loved every single dramatic twist it threw at me." Amazon Reader
"I loved this book so much it had me in tears both sad + happy! The characters + storyline are great + it will soon have you hooked! Would definitely recommend it + it gets a 5* rating off
me!!" Amazon Reader
"A well written, emotional story that reels you in and doesn't release you until it's done!" Amazon Reader
Get your copy now on Amazon!
Veil of Secrecy
Book One of the Shadows Trilogy
Rachel Brackett arrives in Sullivan, Montana with simple goals: relocate, settle an estate, and manage her own antique store. Her parents and friends back home called it running away. That’s just fine with her.
Rachel’s curiosity leads her into the forest, and she finds creatures who know more about her ominous heritage than she does. The creatures only exist in nightmares – grotesque mutants and shapeshifters. They seek vengeance for hideous crimes in genetic engineering, and Rachel is the prime target for retribution. While Rachel searches for the truth behind the family she never knew, a bounty hunter stalks her every move. Only Leonardo, a figure shrouded in the shadows, offers protection. A were lion with the perfect blend of human and feline features. Terrifying. Impossible. Alluring.
When Rachel’s home is ripped apart and a friend attacked, it’s clear there is no safe haven. She is no longer running from her past, but trying to survive to make it to her future.
Available now on Amazon, Nook, and Kobo!
COMING IN LATE FALL, 2014
DARK CROSSINGS BOOK #2 OF THE SHADOWS TRILOGY
Continue to follow Rachel Brackett, Leonardo, and the Torrents in the second novel of the Shadows Trilogy.
REAL YOU
A new clean romance of the rich and famous.
COMING IN SPRING 2015
REVELATIONS
The final chapter of the Shadows Trilogy