Passionate Kisses

by Various

  The woman had a point.

  Belinda was trying. Avery wasn’t going to be able to forgive and forget easily, that much was true, but she had this opportunity. She could lay it all out on the line, every single feeling she had felt about it. She didn’t have to stay the entire time.

  But she needed this chance.

  Avery squinted as the bright sunlight bothered her eyes. After a few days of hospital lights and not much outside contact, it was blinding. At the end of the walkway was her truck. Lucas stood right by the passenger door, smiling as they approached.

  “Ready to go home?” he asked, holding his hand out to her. With his other hand, he reached for her purse and bag, setting it on the floorboard. He helped Avery to her feet, keeping his arm around her waist.

  “I am.” Avery turned back to wave at the nurse. “Thank you so much. For everything.” The woman nodded and smiled.

  “You take care now. Remember what I said.” She winked and took the wheelchair, heading back inside.

  “What did she say?” Lucas aided Avery into the truck.

  “She suggested I get to know Belinda. On my terms, or hers. That it’s an opportunity for me to learn what I need to know. She’s also adopted and would have given anything for this chance.” Lucas closed the door when she was settled, and hopped into the driver’s seat. It would be a few days before she could drive again, considering her pain medications had a drowsy effect.

  Lucas looked so good behind the wheel of her truck. “She’s right. But of course, it’s up to you.”

  “Are you still angry at her?”

  Lucas gripped the wheel, releasing a sigh before turning to Avery. “Honestly? Yes. But please, don’t let that affect your feelings. It’s going to take a long time for me to forgive her. This is also the first time I have ever seen her show any feelings though, so maybe she really is trying. Time will tell. I don’t like being used, and that’s what she did with me.”

  A car honked behind them, prompting Lucas to focus on the road, starting the journey back to the house. A hush fell between them.

  Lucas reached for her hand. “The one thing I’m glad she did was send me here. I hated it at first, but I would have missed the chance to meet you. I can’t imagine my life without you now, Avery. We’ve had a bumpy road, but I love that you’re a part of me.”

  “Oh, Lucas.”

  How she loved this man. He was right, they still had a long road ahead of them, but Avery was more than willing to work through it all to keep him by her side. She had a long road ahead of her in general, dealing with Belinda and her feelings toward the woman, and so much more.

  She had to start somewhere.

  “You would really come get me if I needed you to?” she finally asked, breaking the silence.

  He squeezed her hand. “Of course I would. I wish I could be there with you, but this is your time. I have my own feelings to sort out. I’m going to miss you like crazy.”

  “At least you can sleep in a regular bed now.”

  “I’d rather be next to you.” Lucas’s voice went husky. “I’ve gotten used to you near me. I like it. More than like it.”

  Avery did too.

  “You’re really going to stay here while I’m gone?” She knew she was asking so many questions, but they wouldn’t stop coming in her mind.

  Lucas pulled the truck off the road into a parking lot and turned to her. He put the truck in park and reached for her. His thumb caressed her cheek. “I know I haven’t given you much to go by, but Avery, the secrets are over. The running is over. With you is where I want to be. I know we can’t fix it all at once, but we’ll take it a day at a time. I just ... I want a chance at love. A chance with you.” The intensity in his eyes deepened as he looked into hers. Avery swallowed.

  There had been a lot of taking risks lately, but she knew a relationship with Lucas was one she was willing to take.

  And another one of those risks would be to go with Belinda. It was just for a few weeks. They would have privacy.

  “Thank you, Lucas.” Avery leaned over and kissed him.

  “For?”

  “Where to start? For listening to me. For staying by my side in the hospital. For ... everything.”

  “You don’t have to thank me, sweetheart. But you’re welcome. Are you ready to go home now?”

  “More than ready.” Avery smiled, releasing Lucas so that he could drive once again.

  It was time to begin a new chapter in her life.

  Epilogue

  Six Weeks Later

  Harmony’s Echo, Texas

  “The song, the reception, the wedding- it all turned out so beautiful!” Laura smiled. She was the happiest bride on earth. Avery agreed. Today had been perfect, despite the craziness of the past few weeks. Tonight was perfect for an outside wedding. The courtyard of the inn had been set up to hold all the guests, with tables scattered around, covered in white lacy tablecloths. Multicolored strands of lights filled the trees and bushes. A makeshift dance floor had been set up, and at the edge was where the band played.

  The police confirmed the body belonged to Nick Tate. Spending a few weeks with Belinda had turned out better than Avery imagined. They’d talked about everything! And Belinda had been true to her word. She flew Mom out after they’d come back from visiting Rodney’s grave and his family. That had been awkward, but bittersweet at the same time. Avery felt refreshed and ready to move onto the next chapter of her life. She’d been plagued with nightmares for three weeks, but the last two nights she’d slept better than she had in a very long time.

  The only thing that brought her down since being back was that she hadn’t seen Lucas. She’d thought about him a lot. Belinda told her stories about Lucas that helped Avery understand him and his complications.

  When Avery came home, Lucas was gone. She’d asked Dad about it, but all he knew was that Lucas had to take care of some personal matters.

  Avery had no idea if she’d ever see him again, despite what he’d proclaimed in the hospital.

  That tore her up inside. She was ready to understand, to let go of the past, and form a new trust. Avery wanted Lucas in her life. She had more reason than ever to want to see him. Avery discovered only five days ago that she was pregnant. She’d been with Belinda and Mom at the time, and not wanting to keep secrets, Avery told them. Both of her moms cried and hugged her. Both were ecstatic about being grandmothers.

  But how would Lucas react?

  She had his number. Avery needed to try, to tell him to come back so they could talk.

  Right now, Avery needed to cheer up. This was her best friend’s wedding, for crying out loud! No more sad thoughts. No more downers. She’d worry about Lucas later.

  Right now, the band had taken a break. Random music played from the speakers.

  But when the music stopped, Avery looked up, puzzled. The band all gathered up on stage again.

  Wait a minute ... there wasn’t an extra song she didn’t know about, was there? “What are they doing?” Avery asked, looking at Laura.

  “I think there’s a special song someone requested.” Laura giggled.

  “Well, who’s singing it?”

  Jameson got to the mic. “I know you all are wondering what’s going on, and though this is Laura’s wedding day, she and her great new husband have granted permission for this special performance. This is a song dedicated to my friend, Avery Callimer.”

  With a sinking heart, Avery watched. Did Jameson have any ideas of trying to get back together? What was he up to? “Laura..” Avery stopped in her tracks when Lucas rushed on stage, looking so damn sharp and sexy in a tux, his face smooth and his hair brushed back. His eyes sparkled as he met Avery’s gaze. Then his entire face lit up.

  “Lucas!” she breathed. He was here!

  The music started up, a slow, tender ballad. Avery couldn’t move. She sat, frozen as she watched him. He opened his mouth to sing, and surprisingly, had a nice, low, deep singing voice. He kept his eyes on Avery th
e entire time, singing directly to her. The crowd oohed and aahed. Avery would bet most of them knew this was going to happen.

  I walked around in life,

  With no real place to go,

  Never knew until you,

  There were feelings I could show,

  I’ve made my share of mistakes,

  Left a trail of empty hearts,

  You were just another pretty face,

  Until I felt the sparks,

  I’m not a perfect person,

  You know how much that’s true,

  With the strength of your love,

  I want to be a better man for you,

  I can never make up for my past,

  So many lies I can never undo,

  Couldn’t believe I was falling fast,

  I wanted those restless nights to be through,

  I see those questions in your eyes,

  You don’t know how much I’ve missed you,

  It may take another thousand tries,

  I want to be a better man for you,

  If you’ll just take my hand right now,

  I know what I have to do,

  I’ll be a better man for you,

  I’ve never felt love like I do,

  I’ll be a better man for you,

  I knew from the start,

  There was something about you,

  Believe me, this is from the heart,

  That I want to be a better man for you.

  When the song finished, Avery had tears running down her cheeks.

  “I love you, Avery Callimer. Thank you for bringing light back into my life.” Lucas put the microphone back up on its stand and bolted off stage. Everyone clapped and cheered. Whistles rang out. Avery got to her feet and met Lucas midway. He opened his arms and Avery fell into them, clinging so tight. “That was amazing! And beautiful! And- Oh, Lucas, I thought when I came back and you were gone, that I’d never see you again!”

  “Oh, honey. I meant what I said. You’re the one for me. I’m sorry I couldn’t get back before you did. I wanted to.” Lucas stroked her hair and kissed her temple as he looked into her eyes. “I love you so much,” he whispered.

  “I love you too, Lucas Bennett.” Avery kissed him. She felt bad for stealing the show at Laura’s wedding, but no one seemed to mind anymore. In fact, music began to play and couples were out on the dance floor again, including Laura and Ray.

  “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Avery.” Lucas took her hand in his, moving to the mid tempo music. “I want to help you make your dreams come true. I want to be the man that wakes up beside you every day, the father to our children, the man you dedicate songs to when you’re a famous singer. I will always be honest, faithful and open with you. Will you marry me Avery, and make me the happiest man on earth?”

  Avery gaped at him. He held out a ring box and opened it, showing Avery the most stunning ring she’d ever seen.

  “Umm, second happiest.” Laura stood nearby, her hands on her hips and a smile on her face. “I plan to make my husband the happiest man on earth.”

  Avery and Lucas laughed. “Fine, you have that honor. As long as I get to keep this girl.” Lucas squeezed Avery and kissed her again.

  “Avery, if you don’t say yes to this man right now, I’m going to have to reevaluate our friendship,” Laura teased.

  Avery giggled. “Well, because I can’t lose my friendship with Laura, my answer is yes.” Lucas slid the ring on her finger, feigning a wounded look.

  “Oh come on, didn’t my attempts at singing in front of a crowd win you over at all? Thanks for your ultimatum, Laura, but I could have won her over on my own.” Lucas held up Avery’s hand and kissed the finger which now had his ring.

  “Oh, who am I kidding? I would have said yes before, Lucas.” Avery kissed his cheek, looking at the ring. So perfect. Amazing.

  “Avery, I’m not the perfect man, which you know,” Lucas said seriously. “But I’ll do my best to make sure you’re taken care of. One thing I know is that you will always be loved.”

  “I don’t need perfect, Lucas.” The next song turned to a slow one. Perfect timing. Avery rested her head on Lucas’s chest as they danced. “I just need you. And ... you mentioned a father to our kids? Umm, how early did you want to start on that family?” Avery smiled up at him, hoping this would go over well.

  His brows raised and he held her closer. “Are you telling me something, Avery?”

  She nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “I’m pregnant. I found out a few days ago.”

  “Oh, Avery.” Lucas hugged her, his eyes blazing with happiness. “You are amazing. I can’t believe I’m going to be a future husband and a future father, and learned about it on the same day!”

  “You’re happy about it? You’re not angry?”

  “Why would I be angry at the woman who has given me everything I’ve ever wanted? Love? And a family? I couldn’t be happier!”

  “I’m so glad to hear that. I was afraid you wouldn’t want any of this.”

  Lucas tipped her chin up. “I want everything with you, Avery Callimer, soon to be Avery Bennett. Things aren’t always going to be wine and roses. I know relationships take work. We started ours without a lot of trust, but I intend to be everything I can for you. I know you want to have your music career, and while I’m so over the traveling all the time, I want you to have your dream. I don’t want to lose you, and if that means I have to learn to make a sacrifice, then I’ll work on it. You and your happiness are far more important.”

  Oh, how she loved the sound of that. Avery Bennett.

  “I don’t want you to give up what you want, Luc-”

  Like always, he shut her up with a kiss. Now that was something they’d have to talk about. When the kiss ended, Avery giggled. “You always do that.”

  He shrugged, then smiled. “What can I say? I love your lips. But seriously, I know it’s going to take some adjusting for both of us, but we’ll find a way to make it all work. Isn’t that what love is? I thought about that a lot, when I realized how I felt about you. When you went home after our fight and I couldn’t get a hold of you, then finding out that monster Nick Tate had you ... I knew then. I wasn’t going to let my feelings get in the way of what I really wanted, and that’s you. You’re the best thing for me, Avery Callimer. In return, I want to be the best for you. I think any life with you, whether we’re traveling or in one place, is going to be amazing. I just- I need you in my world.”

  He was so hopeful. Avery knew then and there that they would be okay.

  “We’ve gotten this far,” Avery said softly, touching his face. “We’ll find a way. We’ll always find a way.”

  “I’m so glad you feel that way. I do have one request for you though, Avery.” Lucas cupped her cheeks, holding her face close to his.

  Her heart thumped faster and louder in her chest. “What’s that?”

  Lucas pulled something else out of his pocket. A crumpled piece of paper. “I’ve never had a song written about me. I request that you finish this one and sing it at our wedding.” A smile played at his lips. Avery took the paper from him and unfolded it, reading the words.

  The lyrics she’d started writing at the beach stared back up at her. He’d found this and kept it? It meant that much to him?

  “Please?”

  Avery tipped her head back and laughed as Lucas twirled her around the dance floor. She held onto that paper and to her future husband like they were her lifeline.

  “Anything for you, Lucas. And I’ll write plenty more as we live our lives together. I love you so much!” For the rest of the night, Avery couldn’t keep her eyes off the man that meant so much to her, and couldn’t wait for the day she would become Avery ‘Baby Stetson’ Bennett.

  Baby Stetson is only the beginning for this band! Check out Jameson's story in The Melody In My Head, available now, and Randy's story in The Key To My Heart, coming July 2014!

  About The Author

  Nikki Lynn Barrett
lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. She loves to hear from readers. You can reach her through email at nikkilynnbarrett@yahoo.com

  visit her website at

  www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com

  connect with her on Facebook at

  www.facebook.com/NikkiLynnBarrettauthor

  She also has a Facebook chat group:

  www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookNook/

  and a street team

  www.facebook.com/groups/NikkisBookStormers/

  Awakening

  by

  Sydney Holmes

  CHAPTER ONE

  Jack London’s is crowded and we all squeeze into a table near the back. We’re far from the bar, but close to the bathroom, so I guess it works out.

  Carrie, Joanne, Willow, and I are here with Sophia to celebrate her 24th birthday. We all met at Stanford; Joanne, Sophia, and I were starry-eyed freshmen and Carrie and Willow were sophomore roommates giving us the lowdown on college life. Even back then, Sophia was a cute, whip smart, blonde with an athletic body. Not much has changed over the years.

  "Okay, girlfriend. What's next? Wine, more champagne, mixed drinks? What's your pleasure, birthday girl?" Carrie stands to make her way back to the bar. Even for Carrie, tall, dark haired babe that she is, it will take a while to get more drinks.

  "Um—How about some food? I gotta drive home soon. I need to sober up a bit," Sophia yells her response across the table.