I hold the book to my chest and squeeze my eyes closed at the sound of his silky voice before I muster up the courage to turn and face him. Something I should not have done because—holy crap—he’s still freaking gorgeous. My heart soars at the sight of him, and my palms become sweaty.
“Speaking from experience?
“I’m not that old. I have no idea if Mr. Shakespeare was speaking from experience,” he counters.
I try not to smile at his joke.
“Word around town is you’re back.”
“Irene Beckett has a big mouth.”
He nods. “In this case, Miss Mary Beth let me know you’d be here today for the ceremony.”
We fall silent for a moment, awkwardness filling the large space.
“We worked hard on reopening the library. I wouldn’t have missed the ribbon cutting.”
Everett looks around. “It came out really nice.”
“It did.”
“Especially the Ravenal wing upstairs. We make a good team, Graysin.”
I force myself to stand steady under his intense gaze.
“Thank you for letting me name the second floor in my sister’s honor.”
“I wouldn’t have had it any other way.” Everett holds my gaze, his jaw locking up. “We should—” He motions to the doors.
“Yeah, let me shelve this book, and I’ll be right out.”
He dips his chin, and I watch his back as he steps out onto the front porch of the library.
A few minutes later, I join him in front of the throng of residents as the mayor gives an eloquent speech and cuts the ribbon, officially reopening the Havenwood Falls Town Library.
After the clapping and cheering, we all head to the town square to kick off Founders Day.
Callie bounces over to me with my duffel bag. “Change and be prepared to win.”
A snort falls out of me at her excitement and scary competitiveness. Suddenly, her eyes focus on something over my shoulder, and her face pales. I turn and take in the extremely sexy man that has stolen her focus from me.
“He’s hot. In a pirate kind of way. Who is he?” I ask, sliding my gaze back to her.
“Ronan Bishop,” she whispers. “I have to . . . um . . . be right back.” She stumbles and runs off in the direction of her store.
Frowning at her reaction, I look back over my shoulder at Ronan. He’s watching Callie run away with a cocky, dark edge to his expression, before he begins to slowly follow her. For the briefest of moments, I consider chasing after her, but it’s apparent there is history between the two that needs sorting out, and I shouldn’t be in the middle of it.
My gaze drifts over the crowd of people until my focus is pulled to the middle of the square like it’s being tugged there. My body instantly becomes aware of Everett’s presence. Air catches in my throat, and I take in a sharp breath when I notice he’s wearing a tank top and athletic shorts. Green eyes pierce mine. My heart crawls up my throat like it wants to escape. Our gazes fasten to one another’s, unable to look away. Like magnets, we walk toward one another, only stopping when we’re a sliver away.
“Need a partner?” he asks, the question feeling as if it’s edged with a double meaning.
“Mine just ran away,” I barely manage.
“A few months ago, mine did, too,” he replies.
I toe the ground. “Did she come back?”
“She did.”
“For you?”
“For the coveted honor of winning the Plate Painting in the Park contest.”
I try to hide my smile. “Sounds like a sad story.”
Everett’s hands cup my cheeks. “Graysin, our story is just starting. If you’ll let it.”
I meet his eyes, staring into the depths of them, because regardless of the secrets and lies between us, Everett Weston is home. And some secrets, like love, we keep even from ourselves.
“In this story of ours, what would chapter one be titled?” I ask.
“I found you.”
We hope you enjoyed this story in the Havenwood Falls series of novellas featuring a variety of supernatural creatures. The series is a collaborative effort by multiple authors. Each book is generally a stand-alone, so you can read them in any order, although some authors will be writing sequels to their own stories. Please be aware when you choose your next read.
Other books in the main Havenwood Falls series:
Forget You Not by Kristie Cook
Fate, Love & Loyalty by E.J. Fechenda
Old Wounds by Susan Burdorf
The Winged & the Wicked by T.V. Hahn & Kristie Cook
Coming soon are books by Lila Felix, R.K. Ryals, Belinda Boring, Heather Hildenbrand, Stacey Rourke, and more.
* * *
Watch for Havenwood Falls High, a Young Adult series launching in October 2017.
* * *
Immerse yourself in the world of Havenwood Falls and stay up to date on news and announcements at www.HavenwoodFalls.com. Join our reader group, Havenwood Falls Book Club, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HavenwoodFallsBookClub/
Acknowledgments
There are so many people to thank who made this one possible. So, if you’ll indulge me . . . .
To my husband, Dave, and daughter, Maddison, thank you both for loving me and sharing your time with the characters and stories I write. This is my dream, but it wouldn’t be complete without you both.
Kristie Cook, thank you for your critique and edits, but most importantly, for allowing me to be part of Havenwood Falls. For trusting in me to be one of your authors and to bring your world to life. I hope I’ve done it justice. I adore you, and I’m so glad to call you a friend in this industry. #PurplePig
To all the authors who’ve allowed me to play in this world and with their characters, and for their ongoing collaboration, love, and support on this journey, I thank you: E.J. Fechenda, Susan Burdorf, Kallie Ross, Morgan Wylie, Kristen Yard, Amy Hale, Lili Felix, Michele G. Miller, R.K. Ryals, Cameo Renae, Heather Hildenbrand, Belinda Boring, AnnaLisa Grant, J.L. Weil, Amy Miles and Stacey Rourke. #TeamHF
A special thank you to Kristen Yard, for allowing Ada and Roman to play and be evil together. Love to Shari Anderson, for sharing all her love for Colorado with me.
Sarah Hershman, and the team at Hershman Rights Management, thank you for your ongoing love and support. Rick and Amy Miles, and the entire Red Coat PR team, thank you for allowing me to be part of the author family. Regina Wamba at Mae I Design, thank you so much for the perfect cover! Again. Liz Ferry at Per Se Editing, as always, thank you for coming into my life and polishing my stories so they shine. You always have my back, a kind word, and the best interests of my characters and stories at heart.
A HUGE thank you to Randi’s Rebels. Y’all are the best reader group a girl could ask for.
Thanks to my family and friends, I love you all.
To the readers, as always, thank you for reading my stories.
Thank you for continuing to take chances on me and the stories I write.
Thank you for trusting me with your imagination.
I’m honored to be part of your literary world.
About the Author
Randi Cooley Wilson is a bestselling author of paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance books. Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts, where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation, she moved to California, where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.
Randi makes stuff up, devours romance books, drinks lots of wine and coffee, and has a slight addiction to bracelets. She currently resides in Massachusetts with her daughter and husband, and their fur baby.
Visit randicooleywilson.com for more information about Randi or her books and projects. Download the DAMNGARGOYLE app to keep up to date on all things Randi Cooley Wilson.
Follow Randi on the following social media outlets:
Twitter: @R_C
ooleyWilson
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Covetousness: A Havenwood Falls Novella Page 12