Jared had seen the concern on Hope’s face when they’d talked about that. She’d told him she was scared to leave the ranch, but if that was what was necessary, she would do it because she was ready to build a life with Jared. She could compromise.
And compromise she would, he was sure of it. But not about that. He’d told her that where they lived wasn’t important to him. Family made a home, not the house, not the county they resided in. None of that mattered as long as there was family.
They’d talked about Derrick, about getting him adjusted to living with Hope, to spending more time with her. Jared didn’t worry that Derrick would have a problem. The only issue he seemed to be having right now was not spending time with Hope. When she wasn’t around, Derrick wanted to know why.
“Sir, that’s … uh … that’s not what I came to talk about. Although, that’s… Yeah. I’m glad Hope talked to you.”
Jerry lifted his thick eyebrows, clearly waiting for Jared to continue.
Jared cleared his throat. “Sir, I would like to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage. With your blessing, I would like to ask Hope to marry me.”
MERCY WAS PISSED. She couldn’t find Hope, and she needed her sister to make a decision. After looking in the barn, the stable, even the main house, she couldn’t find her anywhere. Now, as she jerked the door to the sales office open, Mercy came to an abrupt stop, the words she’d just heard echoing in her head.
I would like to ask Hope to marry me.
“Shit … uh … sorry,” Mercy fumbled, staring at her father. The use of the S word generally got a rise out of him. He did not like his daughters to curse, but Mercy hadn’t been able to help it.
Jared turned to look at her, grinning like a fool.
“Clearly I interrupted… I didn’t … uh…” Mercy turned to go.
“Did you need something, girlie?” her father asked.
Mercy stopped with her hand on the door. “I was lookin’ for Hope. I haven’t seen her all morning. Have you seen her?”
She peered over her shoulder at her father. He was shaking his head.
“Okay, cool. I’ll just … go somewhere else.”
And that she did. Mercy darted out the door, grinning like Jared had just asked her to marry him. No, she hadn’t found Hope, and she still needed to talk to her, but suddenly, Mercy could think of other things that needed to be taken care of first. She’d let Jared find her sister.
Until then, Mercy would…
She glanced over at the building where Cody worked on some of their equipment.
Nope. She would go anywhere but there.
A KNOCK SOUNDED on her front door, and Hope forced herself up to her feet. She hated this time of the year. Hated that the flu had been going around and clearly she’d gotten it. She kept waiting for the damn fever and body aches that came along with it, but it had been nearly two weeks now, and the only symptom she’d had to deal with was this damn nausea and vomiting.
Seemed everything made her want to puke.
Another knock. “Coming!” she called out.
Hope grabbed her toothbrush and quickly removed the foul taste from her mouth, fighting her stomach again. She’d known someone would come looking for her because she should’ve been working. She only hoped it wasn’t that damned fool, Rusty, because she was pretty sure he’d given her the flu. He’d been sick with it for a week, then Dallas had gotten it. Then Lane. Only made sense that she was next.
“Hope! Are you okay?”
Hope stopped halfway to the front door.
Jared?
Crap. She did not want him to see her like this.
Forcing her feet to move, she made it to the front door and unlocked it before heading for the kitchen.
“Hey.” He sounded concerned.
Looked it, too, the way he was watching her.
“You probably want to stay back,” she warned. “I think I’m contagious.”
“You’re sick?”
“I think it’s the flu.”
“Do you have a fever?” He came to stand by the table, his hands resting on the back of the chair.
“Not yet. But I’m sure that’s next. I’ve been … nauseous.”
“How long’s this been goin’ on?”
She shrugged, pulling a glass from the cabinet. “Couple of weeks.”
Jared’s warm hands came down on her shoulders as he pulled her back against him. He pressed his hand to her forehead, then turned her around to face him.
Hope pressed her hand to her stomach. She needed to eat something. Usually, if she ate a little bit, it helped.
“Honey,” he said, tilting her chin so she had to look up at him.
“I’m warnin’ you, Jared. I’m probably contagious.”
“I’ve had the flu before, Hope. There’s generally a fever associated. Chills, body aches.”
“Vomiting,” she told him helpfully.
“Did you get a flu shot?” he asked.
She nodded. “But that was back in September or somethin’. I’m sure it’s worn off by now. Or this is probably one of those millions of strains they can’t prevent.”
When she looked up at him again, Hope saw that Jared was smiling. “What? You really should probably not touch me. I don’t want Derrick to get this.”
His grin widened, and Hope was beginning to think he’d lost his mind.
“Hope?”
“Hmm?”
“I don’t think Derrick’s gonna catch what you have.”
“He had the flu shot?”
“Yes, but…”
Hope frowned.
Jared leaned in closer. “Baby, I think you’re pregnant.”
Her eyes widened as she stared back at this man. A million things started running through her head at once. She replayed the last couple of weeks, thought about the many times she and Jared had had unprotected sex—ever since their accidental incident in the bathroom nearly two months ago. They hadn’t used condoms since because … well, because Hope couldn’t get pregnant.
Could she?
Jared was still smiling.
“I don’t think that’s—”
He put his finger over her lips so Hope quieted.
“Before we get into that and before I run up to the drugstore and grab a pregnancy test for you, there’s actually a reason I came over here.”
“To see that I really do have the flu?”
Jared chuckled, but as Hope watched, he went down on one knee right in front of her, pulling a box from his pocket and opening it. His expression turned serious, but there was so much love in his eyes she felt herself tear up.
“Hope, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I already spend every waking moment thinking about you. I dream about you, dream about this life we have together. I don’t want to be away from you any longer.” He smiled. “Derrick is driving me crazy, honestly. He talks about you all the time. Wants to know why we can’t go on another date, a longer one next time. When I tell him you’re working, he insists that he’s a real cowboy and wants to go to work with you.”
Hope was crying now. She couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down her face.
“I love you, Hope. I want more than anything for you to be my wife. Marry me. Make me the happiest man on the planet.”
He seemed to be waiting expectantly.
Hope cupped his face with her hands, nodding as the tears dripped onto her arms.
After sliding the ring over her finger, Jared was up on his feet, his arms around her, holding her to him as he crushed his mouth to hers. Hope sighed, kissing him back, her heart full to bursting. After all, she’d warned him. If he got the flu, it was his own fault.
When he finally pulled back, he was smiling again.
“Oh, and when I went to ask for your dad’s blessing,
he told me it was up to you if you wanted to hire me.”
Her eyes widened. Oh, shit. She hadn’t talked to Jared about that yet. She’d wanted to see what her father thought. She still needed to talk to her sisters.
Jared chuckled. “I want to be where you are, Hope. Wherever you and Derrick are. That’s home for me.”
His hand went to her stomach, warm and gentle. Hope stared down at it, at the small but beautiful ring on her finger. She still couldn’t believe that this man had fallen in love with her. And he’d done it despite the fact that she was as stubborn as they get.
Jared Walker was definitely a keeper. He’d made all of her dreams come true.
“Now, what d’ya say I run to town and grab that pregnancy test?”
All of her dreams.
♥▫▫▫▫♥▫▫▫▫♥
I hope you enjoyed Jared and Hope’s story. This book has been a long time coming. From the minute I introduced Jared, I knew he would be a huge part of the Walker family.
Jared is a crossover novel, the second book in the Coyote Ridge and the Dead Heat Ranch series. Coyote Ridge is a spin-off of my Alluring Indulgence series and if you haven’t read about the seven Walker brothers, I highly suggest that you do. And if you haven’t yet met the other Lambert sisters, you should. You can find out more about Dead Heat Ranch and Alluring Indulgence, including which books I’m working on.
Want a simple, fast way to get updates on new releases? If you’re in the U.S., you can also sign up for text messaging - just text NICOLE to 64600 or fill out the form here. I promise not to spam your phone. This is just my way of letting you know what’s happening because I know you’re busy, but if you’re anything like me, you always have your phone on you.
If you want to see what’s going on with me each week, sign up for my weekly Hot Sheet! It’s a short, entertaining weekly update of things going on in my life and that of the team that supports me. We’re a little crazy at times and this is a firsthand account of our antics.
And last but certainly not least, if you’re interested in getting monthly updates and announcements, you can sign up for my monthly newsletter.
And, as always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you’ll be able to leave an honest review as this is the best way to share your thoughts about the book with others.
♥▫▫▫▫♥▫▫▫▫♥
By Nicole Edwards
The Alluring Indulgence Series
What’s hotter than a Texas cowboy? Seven Texas cowboys.
All with a heart of gold and a sexy, devious side.
Kaleb
Zane
Travis
Holidays with the Walker Brothers
Ethan
Braydon
Sawyer
Brendon
The Austin Arrows Series
The Austin Arrows know what it’s like to be the best in the NHL. They’ve been there.
Now they just need to figure out how to get back.
The SEASON: Rush
The Club Destiny Series
Come see how hot these powerful men and their lovely ladies can get.
All from the comfort of the infamous Club Destiny.
Conviction
Temptation
Addicted
Seduction
Infatuation
Captivated
Devotion
Perception
Entrusted
Adored
The Coyote Ridge Series
The Walker brothers started it, but it ain’t over yet.
Curtis
Jared (series crossover)
The Dead Heat Ranch Series
Love cowboys?
Love smokin’ hot cowboys and the sweet, sexy cowgirls they love?
Come on in and stay a while.
Boots Optional
Betting on Grace
Overnight Love
Jared (series crossover)
The Devil’s Bend Series
Sexy is just the beginning for these down home cowboys.
Add in a little country music, some big dreams and you’re in for a ride.
Chasing Dreams
Vanishing Dreams
The Devil’s Playground Series
Come hang out at Devil’s Playground - the hottest nightclub in Las Vegas, Dallas and New York!
This is a spin-off series from Southern Boy Mafia, featuring those who work at Max Adorite’s nightclub, Devil’s Playground.
Without Regret
The Pier 70 Series
A day on the lake... who knew it could get this hot? This is a m/m series.
Reckless
Fearless
Speechless
The Sniper 1 Security Series
The Kogans and the Trexlers are in the business of protecting those who need to be protected.
And their motto is: Protect... by any means necessary.
Wait for Morning
Never Say Never
The Southern Boy Mafia Series
Everybody loves a bad boy!
Beautifully Brutal
Beautifully Loyal
Standalone Novels
Just to spice things up a bit!
A Million Tiny Pieces
Inked on Paper
Writing as Timberlyn Scott
A little bit sweeter...
Unhinged
Unraveling
Chaos
Naughty Nice Holiday Novellas
Because naughty holidays can be oh so nice
2015
Because Naughty can be oh so Nice®
Acknowledgments
I have to thank my family first, for putting up with my craziness. From my sudden outbursts when I think of something that needs to be added or when I question why one of the characters did what they did, to the strange hours that I keep and the days on end when I’m MIA because I’m under deadline or just engrossed in a story… Y’all are incredibly tolerant of me and for that, I am forever grateful. I love you with all that I am.
My street team – The Naughty & Nice Posse. Ladies, your daily pimping and support fills my heart with so much love. You are a blessing to me, each and every one of you.
My beta readers, Chancy and Denise. Ladies, I’m not sure thanks will ever be enough. However, not only are you the ones who catch the weird things and ask the bigger questions, you’ve both become my friends and you keep me going.
My copyeditor, Amy. Punctuation and grammar… well, that’s not my strong suit. But it is yours and you are truly remarkable at what you do. You simply amaze me and I am so glad that I found you.
Nicole Nation 2.0 for the constant support and love. This group of ladies has kept me going for so long, I’m not sure I’d know what to do without them.
And, of course, YOU, the reader. Your emails, messages, posts, comments, tweets… they mean more to me than you can imagine. I thrive on hearing from you, knowing that my characters and my stories have touched you in some way keeps me going. I’ve been known to shed a tear or two when reading an email because you simply bring so much joy to my life with your support. I thank you for that.
Keep reading for an excerpt from:
Kaleb
Alluring Indulgence, #1
Nicole Edwards
Erotic Romance
Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 13, 2013
Two neighbors and long-time friends come face-to-face with their forbidden fantasies in this sizzling ebook from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Nicole Edwards.
Zoey Stranford might’ve had a crush on the sexy boy next door since middle school, but she’s a woman now, and that crush has turned into a full-blown case of lust.
So why is it that at twenty-nine, her libido decides to ramp into high gear and the only thing she can focus on is the intensely sexy, scorching hot boy next door who is definitely not a boy anymore?
The only problem is that Zoey and Kaleb have been best friends for as long as she can remember. Not to mention, Kaleb and his brothers are working on buying Stranford land to build a new resort, and she’s more than a little hesitant about his intentions.
Kaleb Walker has had his eye on Zoey for close to twenty years, but never before has he considered taking their friendship to the next level, no matter how many fantasies he’s had about her over the years. That doesn’t explain why Kaleb is hell bent on having her—in as many ways as possible.
Kaleb finds himself in a precarious situation. His brothers have nominated him to pursue Zoey’s father about purchasing the land needed to get their new resort off the ground. Finding out that Carl Stranford is on the brink of foreclosure and Zoey might just lose her house and the land, Kaleb now has to convince her to put aside her pride and let him help her.
It doesn’t take long before the flames start burning bright and hot, and the two of them burn up the nights and the days as they explore each other’s forbidden fantasies. But can their friendship survive a business transaction or the new friends with benefits clause? Or will they realize that they’ve been overlooking something much deeper that’s been right in front of them all along?
Chapter One
“Are you fucking kidding?” Kaleb could barely make out his youngest brother’s words as Zane doubled over in laughter.
“Hell no. I’m dead serious. Sawyer was standing on the side of the road, holding up a sign that said Will Work for Sex. I shit you not.” Kaleb finished pouring his coffee before taking his mug back to his desk, dodging Zane in the process.
Hello? This was Sawyer Walker they were talking about, so Kaleb shouldn’t have been all that surprised really. But he’d been hard-pressed to keep his jaw out of his lap as he drove past his brother standing shirtless in the glaring Texas sun, wearing jeans and shit kickers while standing on the side of the road holding up the damn sign. To top it off, there was a truck full of women pulled over talking to him.
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