From Your Heart
Page 27
She stared at him for so long, he began to wonder if he’d really spoken aloud.
“Uh . . . I have a boyfriend.”
“Oh.” The disappointment hit him hard. Again, he had to question why Moira wouldn’t tell him. This was the kind of pertinent information you gave a guy before he made a fool of himself.
“Your order is all paid for.” She nudged the box forward so he’d take the hint.
He scrambled for what to say to ease the tension. “Maybe you’d like to go out and do some sightseeing. As friends. You’re new to Chicago, and I could show you around.”
“Maybe.” Her eyes shifted away. It seemed no matter what he said, he made her nervous.
“Are staying with the O’Learys again?”
“Yes.”
“I’m right across the street. Stop by any time.”
She nodded and he took the cake from the counter. Not quite the answer he was looking for, but at least she hadn’t totally shot him down. She didn’t seem completely uninterested.
But boyfriend?
Were they doing a long-distance thing? Tommy wondered about her relationship. This was her second trip to Chicago in under a year.
Maybe there wasn’t a boyfriend and she was trying to be nice.
Shit. He hated when that happened.
He set the cake on the passenger seat and looked back through the front window of the bakery. Deirdre stood behind the counter, staring at his car. It was dark enough out that he didn’t think she could still see him, but he smiled anyway.
Boyfriend or not, she was interested.
SHANNYN SCHROEDER
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shannyn Schroeder is a former high school and middle school English teacher. She holds a BA in English and MAs in Special Education and Gifted Education. After having her third child, she decided to stay at home. She’s since worked as an editor for a couple of e-publishers and currently works as an editor for an education company that publishes online current events assignments. She juggles writing around the kids’ schedules.
In her spare time, Shannyn loves to bake and watches far too much TV, especially cop shows. She started her first book on a dare from her husband and has never looked back. She came to reading romance later than many, but lives for the happy ending, and writes contemporary romance because she enjoys the adventure of new love.
Readers can visit Shannyn online at www.shannynschroeder.com and follow her on Twitter @SSchroeder_.
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HOT & NERDY
With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun in the sun. But some of their hottest life lessons are yet to come . . .
HER BEST SHOT
Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe. But she’s finally ready to let loose over spring break—until her car breaks down, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. Layla knows enough about angles to learn the game, but when he offers her a place to stay, she wants him to appreciate her curves . . .
HER PERFECT GAME
Charlie Castle is an expert archer and a fierce warrior—in her favorite video game, anyway. Now she’s entering a “hackfest” over spring break, where she also hopes to meet the sweet gamer who’s been flirting with her online. Instead, she runs into Jonah, the hot guy who walked away years ago. Charlie can’t fight the desire that comes rushing back, and the feeling is more mutual than she suspects . . .
HER WINNING FORMULA
Chemistry major Felicity Stone knows everything about how chemicals interact, but when it comes to social interaction, she needs schooling. Abandoned by her friends, Felicity is faced with spending spring break alone—unless she accepts a gorgeous stranger’s invitation to pose as his girlfriend at a family wedding. Not one to turn down a research opportunity, Felicity never expected such breathtaking results—ones that could last a lifetime . . .
HOT & NERDY 2
Adam, Hunter, and Free have a lot in common, like geeky passions and not exactly great track records when it comes to dating. But a New Year’s Eve bash will bring everything they’ve ever wanted—and so much more . . .
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HIS NEW JAM
There’s something unusual about the sarcastic percussionist Hunter Reed hired for his band. For one thing, she’s impervious to his advances. But when Hunter sees how passionate Sydney is behind the drums, he orchestrates a plan to find out if she kisses like she plays. What he doesn’t anticipate is falling so hard . . .
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MORE THAN THIS
The O’Learys
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A GOOD TIME
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Indy Adams values her freedom above all else. She works hard to support herself, moonlighting as a waitress while she fights for her first big sale in the Chicago real estate market. The last thing she needs is to be tied down, so she doesn’t think twice about declining her philandering boyfriend’s marriage proposal. Besides, she just landed a new client, a wealthy lothario—exactly the kind of guy who would understand her no-strings approach . . .
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SOMETHING TO PROVE
The O’Learys
Elizabeth Brannigan is determined to show her father she’s capable of running the family business. Saving his struggling Chicago bar seems like the perfect project. But she’ll need a little help dealing with the rough crowd. Who better to assist her than the handsome co-owner of a thriving Irish pub? Of course, with so much work to do, there are bound to be a few late nights . . .
Colin O’Leary’s father passed away before he could prove to him that he wasn’t a screw-up. Now he wants to show his brother he’s responsible enough to own a bar of his own—and Elizabeth may be able to help him. But when their professional aspirations clash, tempers—and passions—flare. Are they mature enough to mix business with pleasure—or will they have to choose between the two?
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HOLD ME CLOSE
The O’Learys
Maggie O’Leary is finally coming home to Chicago. After more than a year in Ireland, she’s ready to make a plan for her future. But first, she’ll have to confront the tragedy that scarred her so deeply. Asking for a job in the family bar is the first step, and it’s one her family isn’t entirely happy about. At least Shane Callahan, her best friend in the world, is behind her a hundred percent. He’s also a hundred percent more lovable than she remembered . . .
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