Mischief and Mayhem

by L. E. Rico

  “Scott, are you sure?” I ask when we come up for air. “I mean, think about it—I’m the divorced, single mother of a devil child who lives at home with her crazy sisters. My ex-husband—your brother—lives around the corner, and I’ve just started working the night shift again after being a housewife for years. I’ve never been with a man other than my ex, and I’m terrified that I’m going to get it wrong a second time.” This little speech started out as a bit of a tease but has, in an instant, become a very important statement about the reality of our situation going forward. “That’s a lot of baggage,” I continue as he watches me intensely. “A lot of insane, over-the-top chaos. Oh, who am I kidding? We’re talking total bedlam here. Maybe you should give this a bit more thought.”

  Scott lays his large hands heavily on my shoulders and affixes his gaze on mine.

  “Bring it on, baby. Bedlam, mayhem, chaos…anarchy, pandemonium…bat crap crazy. I’m in, Jameson. I’m here, I’m staying. I’m. All. In.”

  Adele confirms that he’ll make me happy and he’ll make my dreams come true. And I decide I’m going to take her word for it. And his, too, of course.

  “All right then,” I say and shrug with faux nonchalance. “Suit yourself. Just so long as you know what you’re getting into…”

  “Oh, trust me,” he says, naughty smile making another appearance. “I know exactly what it is that I’m getting into. In fact, if you wouldn’t mind joining me upstairs, I’ll show you exactly what you’re getting into.”

  I want to laugh. I want to quip back at him. I want to tell him I love him, too. But I can’t—because his lips are on mine, and his hands are in my hair. Our eyes are closed, and I can feel his heartbeat against my chest. Every breath I take is filled with him. And I could swear that the very air around us is crackling with our electricity.

  Somehow, I know this time I will get it right.

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  Acknowledgments

  As with the first of the Whiskey Sisters books, Blame it on the Bet, I’d like to send out a word of thanks to the great people of Minnesota. The warm welcome I received when I moved there from the east coast is what sustained me on many a cold, lonely night. And I still dream about the cheese curds and tiny chocolate chip cookies at the state fair.

  Go Princess Kay of the Milky Way!!

  There are so many people to be grateful for and not nearly enough space to list them, but here’s a small sampling of them…

  For my amazing family including my husband Tom, my grandparents, Mike and Crucita, and my sister, Vanessa and her family—Frankie II, Frankie III, and Ursula. Also (in no particular order) Janet and Kwaku, Karen and Michael, Kim and David, Bonnie and David, Laura, Michelle, Jessica, Cheryl, Jeremiah, Nathan, Josh, Hannah, Angel and Noah.

  For the family I wasn’t born into, but was lucky enough to marry into—Cathy, Ralph, Pat, Bob, Robert, Meredith, Danielle, Mike, Steven, Mason, Tricia, Bill, Gabrielle, Addison, Veronica, and Jeff.

  For Ernie and Stacey, who just keep pushing me forward while they tell me to be more patient.

  For my dear friends, Rita, Jannet, Patti, Victoria, Richard, Pat, Karen, and Joan.

  I’m especially grateful for my new friends and mentors, the Long Island Romance Writers, especially Jeannie, Jen, Patty, Nika, Liz, and Meara. Thank you for bringing me into the “tribe” and for your incredibly generous support.

  My thanks to my agent, Moe Ferrara.

  To those who watch over me from beyond this world: Marie, Gregory, Carol, and Mario. Your words are whispers in my ear, your guidance a gentle push in the right direction.

  My greatest and most humble gratitude to my Heavenly Father who gives me the inspiration to create, the courage to pursue and the faith to believe.

  About the Author

  L. E. Rico was going to be principal French horn of the New York Philharmonic. That was her plan, anyway. The New York Philharmonic had no idea of her intentions, and that’s probably a good thing, since she wasn’t an especially good French horn player! Lauren was, however, an exceptionally good classical music radio host. She has made a career of demystifying classical music for her audiences by taking it off a dusty old pedestal and putting it into a modern context. Lauren has recently discovered a passion for writing, which she’s managed to combine with her love and knowledge of the classical music world. She also writes new adult under Lauren E. Rico.

  Discover the Whiskey Sisters series…

  Blame it On the Bet

  Also by L. E. Rico, writing as Lauren E. Rico

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