“I’ll try. I’m going to warn you, I will mess up. I’m not as strong as you. But I promise to try.”
“Hopefully our lives will slip into blissful domestic tedium, and they’ll move on to some other poor soul Someone that does something more exciting than taking the rubbish bags to the skip” he says while gently stoking my hair.
I can’t help but purr from how comfortable and safe he makes me feel. “You have no idea how many women would drool over a picture of you taking out the trash. A man that does housework is like finding a leprechaun. Match that with how sexy you must look doing it,” I say with a smirk. “I’d even buy that magazine and I have the real thing right here. Face it,.even when you’re boring, you’re gorgeous. Our press pals aren’t going anywhere.”
He sighs. “You’re right,” he says with disdain. “I promise they’ll let up eventually. But, it’s going to be a rough go of it until they do. After the last feeding frenzy, once they see me with one woman on a regular basis, you’ll be like blood in the water to them.”
“I guess we will just have to hide inside,” I say with a sigh. I run my hand along his thigh. “I wonder what on earth we’ll do to occupy ourselves. Can you think of anything?”
He removes my hand and places it on my lap. “Until the consultant checks you out, I think we’ll be watching movies and I’ll be kicking your ass at poker.”
“Consultant? You won’t sleep with me until you have my business plan analyzed? That’s not fair.” I’ve read enough English novels to know what he’s talking about, but I can’t pass up an opportunity to razz him.
“Don’t be cheeky.” He touches my chin and turns my face toward him. “Someone broke your heart, Lily. It’s my job to put it back together. We’re following all the rules until we know for certain your heart has healed. It’s not up for debate.”
I pout and stick my tongue out at him. “You always have to be so responsible, don’t you?”
He kisses me with a tenderness that reminds me why I’m on this plane. He loves me, and I’d be crazy to pass up another second with him. The next few hours go by quickly. I read and doze while Gavin goes back to work. I’m woken from a nap by a ding.
“We are making our final descent into London, Heathrow Airport,” the captain reports.
My heart races. This is a huge risk I’m taking. I hope I’m making the right call.
Gavin grabs my hand and whispers, “Stop worrying. This is going to be smashing. I told you—everything is better in London.”
Acknowledgments
Writing this has been quite a trip. Lily and Gavin’s story started with the crazy notion of two people getting together after their spouses died in a car crash. From there it took on a life of its’ own. It never would have gotten past the first chapter without the help of some amazing people.
My sister in law, best friend and writing partner Karin, you introduced me to these smutty books and got me hooked! Lily and Gavin would still be a crazy story in my head if it wasn’t for your inspiration to start writing. You have been my cheerleader, my name creator and the best sounding board. For everything you have done to support me during this adventure and in every aspect of my life, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Paige Randall, I’m so lucky to have you in my life and in my books! You push me in ways I’ll never be able to explain, and never let me settle. So much love to you!
Kimberly, this book would never have rereleased if you didn’t kick me in the ass and keep me on target! The best thing Facebook ever did was bring you into my life, and I’m grateful for your friendship and writing partnership every day.
Devon, my rock star editor! Together we managed to pull it off! I adored working with you. In order for someone to be able to edit Lily, she had to be just as snarky! You fit the bill to a T! You truly understood the characters and their wild adventure. I’m so proud of the work we did together! Drinks are on me!
Jesey, you were the first blogger to give me a chance and I’m so lucky, grateful and proud to call you my friend. Thank you for your endless support, through good times and bad.
A special shout out to the Schmexy Girls!!! For a group of women that I have never met in person, you have all become so near and dear to my heart. I can’t tell you how heartwarming it was to come back into the mix and have a home to come back to! Best group of women I’ve ever met! We’ve laughed and cried over so many books, I can only hope you love Gavin as much as I do!
I owe infinite thanks to so many authors that have provided guidance, council, and support for me through every stage of the writing/publishing process. Indie authors are some of the finest people I’ve ever met, and the author community is strong and supportive. Heather Hildenbrand, Amy Bartol, Georgia Cates, Corinne Michaels, CP Smith. I can only hope to pay forward the kindness you have extended to me!
Thank you to all the bloggers that have supported the release of this book. I may be new at this but I know that without you, the only people that would be reading my book is people I’m related to.
A special thanks to Angela Pratt, a woman I can always turn to!
Finally, a big thank you to my most wonderful dearest friends that cheered me on while I took on this insane idea of writing a book. Melissa, Mandela, Elise, Natalie, Sarah, Tracy and Sheryl. Who knows where this may lead. It’s been one hell of a ride so far!
When Fates Collide Page 38