by Mia Hoddell
Picking up the nearest object—which happens to be a pillow luckily for him—I throw it in his direction. “You know exactly why I’m anxious to go and don’t tell me you wouldn’t be the same if the roles were reversed.”
“Not going to happen, mate. And can you at least sit down? You’re driving me nuts with your pacing.”
I chuckle, but perch on the edge of the sofa. “It will, just you wait.”
He doesn’t think he’ll find someone worth giving everything up for, but I know better. Neve has made me soft, yet I don’t care what anyone says. I can’t imagine my life without her, and now she’s got a smile on her face everyday everything seems right … well, except for one thing.
“Neve?” I call, looking at my watch and noticing that seven minutes have flown by.
“I’m coming, I’m coming. Keep your hair on.” She appears in the doorway dressed in figure hugging jeans that make me never want to leave the house again so I can take them off her, and a loose jumper that’s hanging off one shoulder to expose her creamy skin. I spend a minute just drinking in the sight of her. Everything about her is perfect and she radiates a warm glow now she’s heading in the right direction with her life.
She hasn’t heard from her mum since seeing Dr. Lars, and when I first heard what had gone down I was worried she was only faking her reaction to appease me. However, Neve has taken everything in her stride. It really hasn’t bothered her like she’d said.
“Are we going, Blake?” She clears her throat and looks at me like she knows exactly what is racing through my mind. I hate that look; it’s had me on edge for weeks.
“Yep, yeah. Come on.” I jump up from the sofa and Neve’s already out the door. Typical woman, holds you up and then acts like it’s the other way around.
“Good luck, mate.”
“Thanks, Robbie.”
Neve
I don’t know why Blake’s making such a big deal out of this meal at his parents’, but I’m happy to go along with it. For one, I’ve missed Ally and Darren, but I also owe Blake big time after everything I put him through. Blake almost runs to my door to let me out of the car when we arrive, and his nervous demeanour is starting to rouse my suspicions.
“What’s going on? You’re awfully jumpy for just a family meal.”
“Nothing. Come on, we’re already late.” Grabbing my hand he rushes me to the door and doesn’t even bother knocking. Opening it he makes his way into the conservatory where everyone is waiting because of the nice weather, and we’re greeted by a group of warm smiles and hellos. Of course the attention brings a blush to my cheeks, but Blake’s hand remains firmly around mine to stop me from shying away.
Not satisfied with just a wave, though, Ally comes up to me, embracing me in a tight hug. “So glad you’re back sooner this time.”
I hug her back as best as I can with one arm, and as soon as she’s let me go, we’re being ushered into the dining room.
“So we hear you’ve become a sought after graphic designer, Neve,” Darren says from across the table, and fifteen heads turn to face me, pausing from eating their meal. I would be embarrassed, but I know he’s genuinely interested in what I have to say.
“I wouldn’t go that far, but I’m never short of work that’s for sure.” It’s true, since both publishers wanted to work with me I’ve been designing constantly for them and it’s also led to traffic on my site picking up. I’ve been turning down requests from independent authors for now, and I’m hoping to hire another designer shortly to stop that from happening.
“That’s brilliant. We knew you’d do it.” The pride in his voice touches my heart. I don’t need it, but it’s nice to come from someone other than Blake. As if sensing my thoughts, his hand is in mine instantly, squeezing gently. I still find it strange, even after all these years that he knows me better than myself.
“You okay?” he asks so only I can hear.
“I’m great, stop worrying.”
He looks like he doubts my words. His head is tilted to one side, his eyebrow raised and his mouth twisted in confusion.
“Seriously, I’m fine and we should probably join everyone else,” I say, noticing they’ve cleared the table as we were talking.
“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea, I have a surprise for you.”
I groan. “Blake, not another one. You know I don’t like them.”
“You’ll like this one, trust me.”
“You said that the last time and we ended up in a café,” I remind him.
“Yeah, but the news made you happy, didn’t it? Come on, Stripes, I haven’t led you wrong yet.”
He hasn’t, so getting out of my chair I allow him to lead me into the conservatory where everyone appears to be waiting for something. All eyes are on us as we walk into the room and I begin to feel a little self-conscious with the staring.
“Blake, what’s—” My words cut off when I turn to speak to him and don’t find him there. My head twists and turns, searching the room, and finally I notice him with a gasp. My hand flies to my mouth in shock as I take in the sight of Blake in front of me on one knee. In his hand is a black velvet box, and nestled inside is a ring that matches the necklace he bought me for Christmas.
“Stripes, the last year has been rough, but it’s also been one of the best in my life because you finally admitted to loving me. I’ve known you my whole life, and I know we’re only young, but I can’t imagine my life without you … I don’t want to imagine a single day without you. I love you with all of my heart, and I promise to be there for you no matter what. Neve Colvin, will you marry me?”
I can’t speak. There’s a ball of emotions lodged in my throat and my eyes are welling up in happiness. Finally I manage a squeak. “Yes!”
Before I can take in what’s going on, Blake’s off the floor and I’m in his arms. His lips are against mine, kissing me deep and passionately. I can feel him slipping the ring on to my finger and the tears break free. A bubble of laughter causes me to break away, and through blurry eyes I look down at the ruby on my finger.
Throwing my arms around his neck, I press my lips right next to his ear, not ready to let him go just yet. “I love you so much, I can’t imagine a day without you either.”
“Good because you’re stuck with me forever,” he chuckles, the sound turning my insides to jelly.
“Forever sounds good,” I murmur back, and when we turn to face the family, I’m overcome with emotions once more at the thought I will officially be one of them at some point. Blake’s given me more than anyone else could. He’s given me a home, love and support, but he’s also given me a family. Finally I’ve found a place where people accept me and it’s all down to him.
I fold myself back into his arms. “Thank you.”
Blake doesn’t need me to clarify what I mean, he just holds me even tighter. “You don’t need to thank me, Neve. They’ve always been your family and they always will, just like you’re always going to be mine.”
It’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. Pulling his lips back to mine, I kiss him with all of the love I feel while our family cheers and congratulates us in the background.
THE END
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
#1 Amazon bestselling author Mia Hoddell lives in the UK with her family and two cats. She spends most of her time writing or reading, loves anything romantic, and has an overactive imagination that keeps her up until the early hours of the morning.
Mia has written over ten titles including her Seasons of Change series, the Chequered Flag series, the Elemental Killers series, and her standalone novels False Finder and Not Enough.
Her favourite genres are contemporary romance or romantic suspense, and with an ever growing list of ideas she is trying to keep up with the speed at which her imagination generates them.
She also designs book covers and banners on her website M Designs.
For more information on new releases, giveaways, ARCs, exclusive content, and more sign up t
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A Note From The Author
Hello,
Thank you for taking a chance on my work, and I hope you’ve enjoyed Not Enough.
If you did enjoy the book, please consider leaving a review on your favourite retailer and Goodreads. Reviews are incredibly important in helping indie authors reach a wider audience.
I also love hearing from my readers. You can connect with me on all social media linked above or drop me an email via my blog.
Happy reading,
Mia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
A lot of people helped me in the creation of Not Enough. It’s been the most emotional book I’ve ever had to write, and also the hardest. Therefore I would like to thank those who put up with my constant mood swings and helped keep me—relatively—sane throughout the writing process.
First, and foremost, to my family. You guys are always there. I know I get crabby at certain stages of the process—especially editing and formatting—so thank you for putting up with me.
Secondly, to my betas. Kirsty, Lauren, Steph, and Maddie, you’re feedback and kind words encouraged me to continue with this book when I was doubting it. Thank you for helping me work out the kinks in the story so I could bring the best versions of Neve and Blake to life.
Thirdly, to my wonderful editor, Melissa Ringsted. I have learnt so much in the short period of time we’ve worked together. Thank you for making my manuscript shine.
To all of the bloggers who share and promote my books. I can’t put into words what your help means to me and how much I appreciate it. You guys are amazing, thank you.
And finally, to my readers. Thank you for taking a chance on my work, sticking with me, and supporting me. Without you I couldn’t live my dream and it means so much to me that you’re actually reading my books.
OTHER BOOKS
Standalone Reads
Not Enough
False Finder
Bet On Me (Coming Soon)
Series
Seasons of Change (standalone)
Summer Demons
Winter Angel
Autumn Ghosts
Spring Knight
Seasons of Change Box Set Exclusive Short Stories
Summer Revenge
Seasons of Love
Chequered Flag Series
Chameleon Soul (Coming Feb 2016)
Elemental Killers
Deadly to Love
Deadly to Promise
Deadly to Lie
Deadly to Leave
The Wanderer Trilogy
The Sheol
The Flawless
The Hunted
Anthologies
Men of Mayhem
All books are available in ebook and paperback from major online retailers.
COMING SOON …
Bet On Me
A new standalone releasing 2016
It’s all a game until they’re betting with their lives.
Alaya Matthews is in search of freedom. Tired of her mundane life, she packs everything she owns into two bags and heads for Europe. Her plan is simple: see the world and be adventurous, don’t get tied down, don’t settle for less than her heart’s desires, and never fall in love.
However, Alaya didn’t plan for Cole Ashford.
Drawn to her love of life, Cole wants to know how to live again. For seven years he’s been dead inside, and the numerous threats hanging over his head have finally caught up with him. All he wants is to be free, and Alaya knows how to achieve it.
What Cole doesn’t realise is accepting Alaya’s help will mean facing every part of his darkened past. Alaya is desperate to know what’s haunting him, and she’s so certain he’ll tell her she makes a bet Cole can’t refuse.
One is never enough though, and as they grow closer the more daring their wagers become. Neither of them will ever back down from a challenge, but when Cole’s secrets come to light the stakes may be too high even for Alaya. She’s already on the verge of losing her heart and gambling on Cole may cost Alaya her life.
Chameleon Soul (Chequered Flag #1)
The first book in a new interconnected standalone series releasing February 2016
After one fateful night, Raine Wilkins’ life has never been the same…
Two years into a relationship with Formula 1 driver Teo Coates, Raine walks out of his life without offering an explanation. To shield him from events she believes are best kept a secret, Raine breaks her own heart and the heart of the man she loves. And left with no choice, Teo is forced to abandon Raine to finish his race season.
However, Teo always wins, and losing Raine’s heart has only made him more determined to reclaim it.
Now a year later he’s back, and she’s his only goal. But Raine is no longer the same girl he left behind; she’s broken by the past and struggling to cope with each day. Inexorable memories have her nights plagued with fear, while her days are spent deliberately hiding away to avoid triggering full-blown panic attacks. Therefore, when Teo returns as England’s favourite driver, and demands answers, all of Raine’s careful planning is destroyed.
She is thrown into the one place she never wants to be—the spotlight.
Her newfound fame as Teo’s public girlfriend raises old dangers, and exposes her to a group who will stop at nothing to tear them apart. If Raine and Teo are to be together, they must confront their past. However, only Raine knows the truth behind what happened during that sinister night, and revealing her secrets may cause Teo to leave for good.
Men of Mayhem
A mafia anthology releasing Dec 1st 2015 with Limitless Publishing
Sometimes the line between good and bad simply depends which side you’re on…
Good guys can have unsavory secrets, while so-called criminals can live by a code of ethics rivaling that of any law enforcement agency. Bending the law for money, power, or revenge is one thing, but what if you’re bending it for your family—for love?
Who would choose to become involved with a man who walks on the dark side…
Some men will go to any lengths, legal or not, and make no apologies to protect their way of life and all they hold dear. But you don’t always choose who you love, and sometimes you just have to decide if you’re bold enough to risk it all and go along for the ride.
Thirteen masterful authors come together to present Men of Mayhem.
Compelling stories of loyalty and passion, love and lust, in which the moral and ethical lines are blurred, and call into question the notions of right and wrong.
What could be more exciting than taking a leap of faith…and landing in the arms of the last man you’d expect—but the only one who truly makes you feel alive?
What if your road to happiness leads to…
Men of Mayhem
Table of Contents
NOT ENOUGH
DEDICATION
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
EPILOGUE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
OTHER BOOKS
COMING SOON …