“What are talking about?” He closed the distance between them and pulled her into his arms. Erik hugged her tight before cupping her face with his hands and meeting her gaze. “I won. Didn’t you see?”
“You’re not disappointed?”
He laughed and shook his head. “No.” He scooped her up, spun them both in a circle, whooping and hollering in celebration.
When he set her back on her feet, Amy reached up and touched his cheek. “But—”
“They said I wouldn’t be in the top ten and I have a medal. I have a medal and a girl.” He brushed his thumb over her bottom lip and bent, bringing his face close to hers. “I do have a girl, yes?”
Amy nodded, but she placed two fingers over his mouth to stop him from kissing her. “I’m sorry—about before. I—”
Erik shook his head. “I forgive you. I’m in a very good mood.”
“Just let me say it.”
He grinned and clutched her upper arms. “Be fast. I want to kiss you.”
“I think I was looking for a reason. I was trying to find a reason to not like you.” Around them, the crowd celebrated with cheers and songs and noise makers.
“Why?”
“I like you too much. I—I like you way too much.” She had to yell to be heard over the excitement.
Erik laughed for a second before capturing her lips for a deep kiss. Amy melted into him. Her toes curled. She saw stars, a series of flashes behind her eyelids, and it took her a moment to realize that their picture was being taken. She pulled away to glance at the photographers in surprise, but Erik caught her chin, reclaiming her attention. “Come to Vermont with me.”
“What?” He was crazy, just caught up in the moment. He couldn’t be serious. Could he? Her heart leapt.
“We need a business manager.” He stopped. “No. That’s not right. I want you to be our manager, but I want you to be my girl more. Mostly—be my girl. A little bit—be the business girl.” He nodded. “Understand?”
She nodded.
“Yes?”
“How about maybe?”
“I’m going to get a yes.” He gave her one of his big lop-sided grins, one of the ones that brought out that charming dimple. “I can be very persuasive.”
“I know.” Amy giggled and pulled his mouth back to hers. Vermont winters were cold—seriously cold—but she figured Erik could keep her warm enough.
About the Authors
Ana Blaze
Ana lives just outside Washington DC with her very supportive husband and three rather demanding cats. She loves the ocean, Indian food, Ikea, and cooking. Ana admits to watching too much television and she swears that someday she’s going to learn how to play the guitar resting on the bookshelf in her office.
Melinda Dozier
After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband and college sweetheart, who brings mucho amor to her life. Melinda enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her three boys once they are grown. Melinda’s guilty pleasures include reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Candy Crush. You can find more information about Melinda and her books at www.melindadozier.com.
Aria Kane
Aria Kane is a recovering mechanical engineer and romance writer. As a military brat, she grew up all over the country, but now lives in sunny Florida with a 60 lb mutt who thinks he’s a Chihuahua. She’s also the author of ONCE UPON A DARKNESS and A TITAN FOR CHRISTMAS. You can learn more about her at www.ariakane.com.
Kara Leigh Miller
Having grown up as an only child in the small town of Mexico, New York, Kara was forced to find ways to entertain herself. Playing make believe with Barbie dolls and stuffed animals was her first real taste of storytelling before she became old enough to develop a love affair with the written word. But when Kara picked up her first erotic romance novel, she was instantly hooked. Now she’s a multi-published romance author who isn’t afraid to fling the bedroom door wide open and jump into bed with her characters. Kara loves to write contemporary romance, erotica, and young adult romance.
Kara currently resides in New Haven, New York with her husband, five kids, three cats, and two dogs. When she’s not writing, she spends time with her family and friends; dabbles in some freelance writing, and works as a Senior Editor. She loves to hear from her fans and promises to respond personally to all messages she receives.
Love and Other Games Page 26