by S. M. West
She laughs and the vibrations echo in my own chest. “I don’t care. We’ll figure it out.”
Her lips lightly press at the nape of my neck, sending a tingling shiver down my spine, and at the same time, Henry bounds into the room. His face is covered in white gooey sunscreen.
“I’m ready!” He comes to a screeching halt, and his smile falls with one look at me. “Daddy, you aren’t dressed.”
“Relax, Henry. It’ll take me only a minute to change.”
“You better go before he has a meltdown. I’ll meet you outside,” she whispers to me so he can’t hear and releases her comforting hold around my middle. “Let me rub that into your face, Lovebug.”
She crouches, motioning Henry to her, and begins to sweep her hand over his creamy white cheek. All the while, she murmurs silly, soothing words about his patience and how much fun we’re going to have on the beach.
He giggles, offering goofy suggestions of games we’ll play, and Daisy goes along with it, providing some of her own outlandish ideas. And I watch, my chest expanding and squeezing in an all too full but euphoric way.
Henry’s adored toy, Jellycat, lies on the tiled floor not too far from them, and Daisy’s photography gear crowds the front entrance. Our home is lived in although Daze might say it’s a little messy, but I love it.
This is all I’ve ever wanted. A place to call home, a family of my own.
EPILOGUE 2
ELI
On the hunt
This is insane. I’m a grown man for crying out loud, and I’ve had my fair share of dating and hookups. Heck, I’ve even had a couple of serious relationships, but here I am uploading my dating profile.
What? How did I get here? Desperately seeking someone interested in a long-term commitment. I’m a father and too old for casual flings and dead-end relationships.
Hitch is an exclusive dating app, currently in beta testing and only available to an elite group of individuals. Prominent public figures who could never post their profile on any of the many dating apps out there for fear of bringing out the crazies and stalkers.
I foolishly agreed to participate in the beta test because the more conventional way of meeting people was proving to be a nightmare. Hitch is different in many ways, and unlike the swipe, where you’re relegated to the dumpster with the flick of a finger, the person on the hunt can like or comment on a profile to show interest.
Then it’s up to me to decide if I want to start a conversation. And instead of sweating over what to write for your measly profile, the app prompts you to answer things like “I may not be…but I’m…”, or “At a party, I’m the one…”, or “The secret to a lasting relationship is…”
I stare at the casual shot of me in a T-shirt, shorts, and running shoes. Consciously, I’d picked an image that in no way related to my career, past or present, even though eventually they’ll figure out who I am.
In reality, I feel like a loser. My profile should read “Retired rock star and rising actor, in a critically acclaimed drama television series, unable to find a woman to spend his life with.”
Sure, I don’t have a problem getting dates, it’s finding a woman who isn’t after me for my fame that’s the problem. Or more importantly, finding a woman who likes kids and will be a great mother to Crystal, my daughter.
But no, more times than not, the women I’ve dated have no interest in being a mother to someone else’s kid. And the only thing they want to focus on is how my stardom can serve them.
Ping.
My phone vibrates and my stomach clenches. I’ve got my first like.
If you need help:
Canada: Ending Violence Canada
UK: National Domestic Abuse Helpline
US: National Domestic Violence
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Thank you for reading Smash! To read Eli’s story, Rush is coming soon!
Rush – noun: a surging of emotion
My life is falling apart.
Fired from my job.
Blacklisted across NYC.
At odds with my mother.
The only thing good I have to hold onto is the memory of my steamy one-night stand.
Only I had no idea who Eli was…
ONE CLICK RUSH!
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If you loved Smash and the Trojan series, you’ll love the emotionally charged the Love Lock Duet, start reading Love Block!
And if you’re looking for something fun and sexy with a billionaire and pretend relationships, you’ll fall in love with Real Liars!
And if you’re looking for edge of your seat action to go with the romance, dive into the Scarred Hearts series with Prophet!
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Other books by S.M. West
Trojan Series
All can be read as standalones
Clutch
Reverb
Smash
Rush
Scarred Hearts Series
All can be read as standalones
Prophet
Kit
Nomad - coming early 2022
Standalones
Made to Love
Real Liars
The Love Lock Duet
Love Block
Love Lock
New York Knights Series
Reckless Night
Fallen Night
Captive Night
Relentless Night
Broken Night
About the Author
S.M. West writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and whatever her heart desires. She’s a self-professed junkie of wine, chocolate and travel and can always be found planning her next adventure!
www.smwestauthor.com
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