by Layla Hagen
“Oh no. I knew it. Your dad gene has been unleashed.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
“Put the leash back on for another few years. Unless you can convince me otherwise.”
Now, see? Why in the ever-loving hell did I say that? I just gave him free rein to use his persuasion techniques on me, and I know for a fact I don’t stand a chance against half of them.
“Oh, sweetheart. If it’s persuasion you need, I can give it to you in spades.”
I gulp, as he wiggles his eyebrows. And so begins my downfall. With a wiggle of eyebrows and a sly smile.
“Alex, the man of the hour,” my brother Logan says, walking up to us. “You know what I’ve got to ask.”
Alex looks past Logan to where my nieces and nephews are huddled together, in the spot where Alex usually shows them his latest stunts.
“Yep. Duty calls,” Alex says. He touches his lips to mine, just barely, but his hand moves in little circles at the small of my back. It’s our newly developed secret language for, I want to kiss you until your knees go weak, but can’t in present company.
Well, I’ll be happy to report that even this chaste brush of lips makes my toes curl. God, this man is sex on a stick, I swear.
After Logan whisks him away, I head over to Sebastian and our cousin Landon Connor, who are chatting next to the gazebo.
“You two look like you’re plotting something,” I say when I catch up with them.
Landon clutches his heart theatrically. “Who, me and Sebastian? We’re always on our best behavior.”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, yeah. I know. Oldest brother syndrome.”
“Hey, I did convince the entire Connor clan to fly here for the anniversary. Doesn’t that earn me any points?” Landon challenges.
I cross my arms. “You’ve got some cheek, Landon Connor. I know for a fact that your siblings are looking for any opportunity to spend time with you, you undeclared workaholic. That probably tipped the balance in favor of them flying here more than your persuasion skills.”
Sebastian whistles. “Ouch. You got caught in Summer’s crossfire, cousin. If I were you, I’d run.”
Landon laughs. “Who says I’m undeclared? Workaholic and proud.”
Hmmm... Landon has been lonely for too long, and that’s just unacceptable. Such a waste of a hunk. And I’m not just saying this because he’s my cousin and I’m biased. Half of the single female adopted Bennetts eye him with thinly veiled interest. The other half doesn’t bother with the veil. That’s solid proof, right there. All our Connor cousins are single, which is a damn shame. To meddle or not to meddle? That’s the question.
Valentina waves at me, crossing the yard and stealing me from our brothers. She hooks an arm around mine as we traipse around. “So, how are we doing on that emotional blackmail plan?” I inquire. She and I agree Landon needs a swift—and very loving, of course—kick in the butt to get things... moving. Obviously that requires a lot of plotting.
“I’m making progress. Slowly, but surely. I think the first step is getting him out of that office, convince him he needs a longer holiday. After that, the sky is the limit.”
I grin. Val is smart. “I like that plan.”
We chat until my parents ask us all to come closer to where they’re standing, near the entrance of the house.
“I think they’re going to hold their speech,” I say, clapping my hands. I love my parents’ anniversary speeches. They’re always so full of wisdom, I feel like I should take notes or something. Valentina goes to look for her sisters, and Alex joins me with our daughter in his arms. And cue the heart flutter.
“What?” I ask, realizing he’s watching me closely.
“I like seeing you smile. I promise to give you a reason to look at me like that every day.”
“You already do.”
The yard falls silent as Dad begins to speak. His hand is around Mom’s shoulders, keeping her tucked into him.
“Thank you all for joining us today. It’s a special day for Jenna and me. We like celebrating like this, surrounded by the people dear to us. Our family has grown exponentially in the past years, and we couldn’t be happier. We’ve been pestering them to give us grandkids for a long time, and now they’re everywhere. Our children have been blessed to meet their soul mates. Ava, Nadine, Eric, Emilia, Victoria, Nate, Clara, Caroline, and Alex: thank you for being part of our family. Seeing our children so happy makes us happy, and we’re lucky to have you all. At every anniversary, I get asked at least ten times how Jenna and I made it so far. First, I have to thank my wife for putting up with me every day.”
I swear to God, Mom blushes. Dad kisses Mom’s hand, then holds it in his. He still looks at her like she can walk on water, even after all these years.
“He has his bag of tricks, you know,” she says. “Still makes me coffee every day.”
Dad nods thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t want to face you on a day you haven’t had coffee.”
Several people, myself included, laugh. Yep, Mom’s need for caffeine runs through the family’s veins. The laughter subsides as Dad continues.
“But Jenna and I weren’t married for so long without experiencing our own share of rough patches, so here’s my advice: Even when things are hard, hang onto each other. Don’t turn away or try to put on a brave face. If you’re lucky, the person at your side will also be your best friend. Don’t hide from them. Remember to tell them how much you value and respect them. You think they might know, but sometimes they just need to hear it. And don’t forget to laugh and love together.”
Everyone claps as Dad raises a glass to toast. In pairs, we all clink glasses with them.
The entire day, I feel like I’m walking on a cloud, surrounded by both my old family and my new one. When it’s time for Libby’s afternoon nap, Alex just sits on the bench under one of the enormous trees in my parents’ garden, and Libby sleeps happily on his chest.
I smile, shimmying close to my husband.
“She sure likes sleeping here,” he says.
“Takes after her momma. My girl sure picked a great napping spot.”
I kiss the top of Libby’s head before brushing my lips against Alex’s, soaking in all the love and warmth of this moment. I’m going to make him a happy, happy man for the rest of our days, using the same simple rules our clan lives by: laugh hard, love harder, and always look after each other.
Dear Reader,
This is the end of Summer and Alex’s story, and the last book in The Bennett Family Series. I will be writing about The Connor Family next, and the first book in that series will be out in May 2018. Please sign up HERE to my newsletter be notified about the release date for the book (you will also receive a FREE copy of my full-length romance Found in Us if you sign up. The retail price is $3.99).
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Other Books by Layla Hagen
The Bennett Family Series
Catch up with the Bennetts:
Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)
Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)
Book 3: Your Forever Love (Pippa & Eric)
Book 4: Your Inescapable Love (Max & Emilia)
Book 5: Your Tempting Love (Christopher & Victoria)
Book 6: Your Alluring Love (Alice & Nate)
Book 7: Your Fierce Love (Blake & Clara)
Book 8: Your One True Love (Daniel & Caroline)
Book 1 in the Series: Your Irresistible Love
Sebastian Bennett is a determined man. It’s the secret behind the business empire he built from scratch. Under his rule, Bennett Enterprises dominates the jewelry industry. Despite being ruthless in his work, family comes first for him, and he’d do anything for his parents and eight siblings—eve
n if they drive him crazy sometimes. . . like when they keep nagging him to get married already.
Sebastian doesn’t believe in love, until he brings in external marketing consultant Ava to oversee the next collection launch. She’s beautiful, funny, and just as stubborn as he is. Not only is he obsessed with her delicious curves, but he also finds himself willing to do anything to make her smile.
He’s determined to have Ava, even if she’s completely off limits.
Ava Lindt has one job to do at Bennett Enterprises: make the next collection launch unforgettable. Daydreaming about the hot CEO is definitely not on her to-do list. Neither is doing said CEO. The consultancy she works for has a strict policy—no fraternizing with clients. She won’t risk her job. Besides, Ava knows better than to trust men with her heart.
But their sizzling chemistry spirals into a deep connection that takes both of them by surprise. Sebastian blows through her defenses one sweet kiss and sinful touch at a time. When Ava’s time as a consultant in his company comes to an end, will Sebastian fight for the woman he loves or will he end up losing her?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
Book 2 in the Series: Your Captivating Love
Logan Bennett knows his priorities. He is loyal to his family and his company. He has no time for love, and no desire for it. Not after a disastrous engagement left him brokenhearted. When Nadine enters his life, she turns everything upside down.
She’s sexy, funny, and utterly captivating. She’s also more stubborn than anyone he’s met...including himself.
Nadine Hawthorne is finally pursuing her dream: opening her own clothing shop. After working so hard to get here, she needs to concentrate on her new business, and can’t afford distractions. Not even if they come in the form of Logan Bennett.
He’s handsome, charming, and doesn’t take no for an answer. After bitter disappointments, Nadine doesn’t believe in love. But being around Logan is addicting. It doesn’t help that Logan’s family is scheming to bring them together at every turn.
Their attraction is sizzling, their connection undeniable. Slowly, Logan wins her over. What starts out as a fling, soon spirals into much more than they are prepared for.
When a mistake threatens to tear them apart, will they have the strength to hold on to each other?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
Book 3 in the Series: Your Forever Love
Eric Callahan is a powerful man, and his sharp business sense has earned him the nickname ‘the shark.’ Yet under the strict façade is a man who loves his daughter and would do anything for her. When he and his daughter move to San Francisco for three months, he has one thing in mind: expanding his business on the West Coast. As a widower, Eric is not looking for love. He focuses on his company, and his daughter.
Until he meets Pippa Bennett. She captivates him from the moment he sets eyes on her, and what starts as unintentional flirting soon spirals into something neither of them can control.
Pippa Bennett knows she should stay away from Eric Callahan. After going through a rough divorce, she doesn’t trust men anymore. But something about Eric just draws her in. He has a body made for sin and a sense of humor that matches hers. Not to mention that seeing how adorable he is with his daughter melts Pippa’s walls one by one.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, but the connection that grows deeper every day that has both of them wondering if love might be within their reach.
When it’s time for Eric and his daughter to head back home, will he give up on the woman who has captured his heart, or will he do everything in his power to remain by her side?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
Book 4 in the series: Your Inescapable Love
*A steamy and swoony friends-to-lovers romance*
Max Bennett is a successful man. His analytical mind has taken his family’s company to the next level. Outside the office, Max transforms from the serious business man into someone who is carefree and fun. Max is happy with his life and doesn’t intend to change it, even though his mother keeps asking for more grandchildren. Max loves being an uncle, and plans to spoil his nieces rotten.
But when a chance encounter reunites him with Emilia, his childhood best friend, he starts questioning everything. The girl he last saw years ago has grown into a sensual woman with a smile he can’t get out of his mind.
Emilia Campbell has a lot on her plate, taking care of her sick grandmother. Still, she faces everything with a positive attitude. When the childhood friend she hero-worshipped steps into her physical therapy clinic, she is over the moon. Max is every bit the troublemaker she remembers, only now he has a body to drool over and a smile to melt her panties. Not that she intends to do the former, or let the latter happen.
They are both determined not to cross the boundaries of friendship...at first. But as they spend more time together, they form an undeniable bond and their flirty banter spirals out of control.
Max knows Emilia is off-limits, but that only makes her all the more tempting. Besides, Max was never one to back away from a challenge.
When their chemistry becomes too much to resist and they inevitably give in to temptation, will they risk losing their friendship or will Max and Emilia find true love?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
Book 5 in the series: Your Tempting Love
Christopher Bennett is a persuasive man. With his magnetic charm and undeniable wit, he plays a key role in the international success of his family’s company.
Christopher adores his family, even if they can be too meddling sometimes... like when they attempt to set him up with Victoria, by recommending him to employ her decorating services. Christopher isn’t looking to settle down, but meeting Victoria turns his world upside down. Her laughter is contagious, and her beautiful lips and curves are too tempting.
Victoria Hensley is determined not to fall under Christopher’s spell, even though the man is hotter than sin, and his flirty banter makes her toes curl. But as her client, Christopher is off limits. After her parents’ death, Victoria is focusing on raising her much younger siblings, and she can’t afford any mistakes. . .
But Victoria and Christopher’s chemistry is not just the sparks-flying kind. . .It’s the downright explosive kind. Before she knows it, Christopher is training her brother Lucas for soccer tryouts and reading bedtime stories to her sister Chloe.
Victoria wants to resist him, but Christopher is determined, stubborn, and oh-so-persuasive.
When their attraction and connection both spiral out of control, will they be able to risk it all for a love that is far too tempting?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
Book 6 in the series: Your Alluring Love
Alice Bennett has been holding a torch for her older brother’s best friend, Nate, for more than a decade. He’s a hotshot TV producer who travels the world, never staying in San Francisco for too long. But now he’s in town and just as tempting as ever... with a bossy streak that makes her weak in the knees and a smile that melts her defenses.
As a successful restaurant owner, Alice is happy with her life. She loves her business and her family, yet after watching her siblings find their happy ever after, she can’t help feeling lonely sometimes—but that’s only for her to know.
Nate has always had a soft spot for Alice. Despite considering the Bennetts his family, he never could look at her as just his friend’s little sister. She’s a spitfire, and Nate just can’t stay away. He loves making her laugh... and blush.
Their attraction is irresistible, and between stolen kisses and wicked-hot nights, they form a deep bond that has them both yearning for more.
But when the chance of a lifetime comes knocking at his door, will Nate chase success even if it means losing Alice, or will he choose her?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
The strong and sexy Blake Bennett is downright irresistible. And Clara Abernathy is doing everything she can to resist his charm.
After spending her life in group homes, Clara yearns for the love and warmth of a true family. With the Bennetts treating her like their own, she can’t possibly fall for Blake. That would be crossing a line...
But when Clara needs a temporary place to live, and she accepts Blake’s offer to move next door to him, things escalate. Suddenly, she’s not only supposed to resist the man who’s hell-bent on having her, but the TV station she works for is determined to dig up some dirt on the Bennett family.
Blake knows family friends are off-limits, and Clara is more off-limits than anyone. But Clara’s sweetness and sass fill a hole in him he wasn’t even aware of. Soon, he finds himself gravitating toward her, willing to do anything to make her happy.
Blake enjoys bending the rules—much more than following them, but will bending this one be taking it too far?
AVAILABLE ON ALL RETAILERS. You can find the links HERE.
Book 8: Your One True Love
She’s the one who got away. This time, he refuses to let her slip through his fingers.
Daniel Bennett has no regrets, except one: letting go of the woman he loved years ago. He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he’s been pining for Caroline ever since. But his meddling family can read him like an open book. So when his sisters kick up their matchmaking shenanigans, Daniel decides to play right along. After all, he built his booming adventure business by making the most out of every opportunity. And he doesn’t intend to miss an opportunity to be near Caroline.
Caroline Dunne knows better than to fall for Daniel again. But his seductive charm melts her determination to keep her heart in check. Even with their lives going in separate directions, neither can ignore the magnetic pull between them.
But will they find the second chance they’ve both wanted all along?