by L. B. Dunbar
“It’s okay, Uncle Tommy,” the woman said. “They’re only talking.”
“Well, we all know where talking can lead.” His knuckles met his neck and he scratched at the hint of hair under his jaw. The sound traveled to me, and a thrill tickled over my sun-heated shoulders. His pouty lips crooked in one corner as I sensed him teasing the girl. It was obvious he knew her secrets. “But seriously, he’s on vacation. He doesn’t need a groupie and some wannabe—”
“Excuse me?” I interjected, attempting to make my voice as knife sharp as his but failing miserably as he removed the aviators. Two deep set circles of coal returned his focus on me and the will to breathe escaped me. He stole my breath, literally, as he’d noticed the scarf. There was no way he couldn’t, but he kept his eyes pinned to mine.
Out of respect, I told myself.
To hold me prisoner, my mind whispered.
Take me, I foolishly screamed, and then the deepest blush I’ve ever experienced crawled over my skin, prickly, tickly, tingly like the tiny tap of a million feet. I shivered again. The motion snapped his attention and he turned away.
“Tommy, this is…” the young mother paused. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Edie,” I said, holding out my hand while the other fingers found security in touching the fabric just above my ear. “Edie Williams.”
“This is Tommy Carrigan. He’s the band’s manager.” She turned to look up at him over her shoulder, her smile affectionate. “He’s a giant teddy bear when he isn’t acting like a grumpy eagle.” She pouted as she spun back to me.
“Don’t be ruining my reputation before I make an impression, sweetheart,” he teased with a hint of Southern drawl, his eyes redirected to the pool but his shoulders loosened a little. Oh, he’d made an impression all right. A deep one, right between my thighs just from the sound of his voice.
Then I noticed my hand still lingering in the air, waiting for him to reach out and shake mine. When he didn’t, I awkwardly lowered it, fussing with my scarf one more time.
“Don’t mind him,” the woman said. “By the way, I’m Ivy. Ivy Everly, and I’m happy to meet you.”
Her smile put me at ease. For some reason, I was just as pleased to meet her.
Funny how a random introduction changed everything.
(L)ittle (B)lessings of Gratitude
There are always so many people to thank, but first and foremost I want to thank you, the readers, who have found a new love in the older romance – seasoned romance – we call ourselves. I knew writing a tale about men over forty (and women, for that fact) might not be for everyone, but I’m tickled silver it’s been good for so many.
An extra shout out to Shannon, of course, for another wonderful cover and Jenn for impeccable edits. Also, to Karen for her extra eyes. Hugs to Mel for being an amazing cheerleader and support, and content editor extraordinaire. I’m so grateful for all of you in my life.
Additional hugs to the silver-and-ink in my life who still has mostly black hair but sexy scruff of salt-n-pepper AND to the four children we created together. Always love you all the most.
About the Author
www.lbdunbar.com
L.B. Dunbar loves the sweeter things in life: cookies, Coca-Cola, and romance. Her reading journey began with a deep love of fairy tales, medieval knights, Regency debauchery, and alpha males. She loves a deep belly laugh and a strong hug. Occasionally, she has the energy of a Jack Russell terrier. Accused—yes, that’s the correct word—of having an overactive imagination, to her benefit, such an imagination works well. Author of over two dozen novels, she’s created sweet, small town worlds; rock star mayhem; MMA chaos; sexy rom-coms for the over 40; and intrigue on an island of redemption. In addition, she is earning a title as the “myth and legend lady” for her modernizations of mythology as elda lore. Her other duties in life include mother to four children and wife to the one and only.
Table of Contents
Other Books by L.B. Dunbar
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Epilogue
More by L.B. Dunbar
Keep in touch with L.B. Dunbar
Nibble of After Care
About the Author