He hugged Missy. “Nice to see you again.”
“Thank you for inviting us,” Missy said.
“Of course.”
“What about Dad and Rodger and Aiden?” Neve asked, looking around. “Did they come too?”
Darcy answered, “Niall is corrupting Aiden by teaching him to play darts, and your father and Rodger are in the back room watching television.”
“Why in the back?” Rory asked.
“They wanted to watch a baseball game.” In an exaggerated whisper she added, “The Yankees.”
Rory clutched his chest dramatically and fell back against the bar. “Does Dad know?”
“He’s the one who set them up in the back. Out of sight.”
Neve ran to say her hellos, then joined her three mothers back at the bar. “So what are you ladies talking about?”
All at the same time they said, “You.”
Oy! To Kev, who stood behind the bar, she called out, “Vodka. Straight up. Bring the bottle.”
“Sure thing, little sister.”
“Hey. I’m older than you are.”
“But you’re so much smaller.” Yes. She was. And they teased her mercilessly every time she needed help to reach something.
“You know, if my big brother were here—”
“Your big brother is here.” Nate came to stand beside her. “What do you need?”
Neve jumped off her chair and into his arms. “You came.”
“Of course I came.” He hugged her tight.
“I didn’t think it possible, but I’ve actually missed you. A lot.”
He gave her a noogie. “I’ve missed you too, you pain in the ass.” He put her down, then looked around. “Now, where’s your boyfriend? I borrowed a pickup truck, and I’ve got your stripper pole, mats, and mirrors in the back. I need help to bring them in.”
“It’s not a stripper pole.” She glanced at her three mothers, who thankfully appeared otherwise occupied. “It’s an exercise pole.”
Nate spotted Rory on his own and walked off.
That was when Neve noticed Mary motioning for her. Over the past few weeks they’d become as close as sisters. “What’s up?”
“You have a stripper pole?” Mary’s eyes went wide.
“It’s an exercise pole,” Neve clarified.
“Would you teach me to use it?”
What? “Why?”
“I want to learn how to be more sexy, more like you.”
Neve laughed at the irony. “A few months ago, I wanted to be more like you.”
“Why on earth would you want to be like me? You’re fun. I’m boring. You’re beautiful. I’m plain. You have the best clothes. My mom still insists on shopping with me. You’re sexy. I’m…what’s the opposite of sexy?”
Neve smiled. “Why do you want to be more sexy?”
She glanced at the bar where Derry stood talking with Kev. “I want to make Derry want me.”
“He’s obviously smitten.”
“I want him to look at me like Rory looks at you.”
“And exactly how does Rory look at me?” For all the world to see.
“Like he wants to rip off your clothes and have sex with you on the bar.”
Neve tried not to smile. Been there, done that, in the dead of an overcast, moonless night with everyone asleep upstairs.
“Derry’s watching us,” Mary whispered.
Neve glanced over. Sure enough. And he looked worried. “Good.” She put her arm around Mary’s shoulders and steered her away from the bar. “First lesson: Always keep a man guessing. Always make him wonder what you’re up to. Second lesson: Sexy is more about how you feel and how you portray yourself than how you dress. And if you want to sexy it up a little for Derry, I’d be happy to help.”
Mary hugged her. “Thank you. I’m so glad you’ve come to live with us.”
Live with us. The entire McRoy extended family had accepted her as one of their own. Her past didn’t matter. What’d happened in the storeroom didn’t matter. All that mattered was the person she was today. Rory’s girlfriend. A waitress at the bar. A woman who could be counted on if any of them needed a favor.
The door to the bar opened and Neve turned to see Brooke and Shane walk in. “Oh my God,” Neve screamed. She ran to Brooke and threw her arms around her best friend. “You’re here! I’m soooo happy.”
“Me too,” Brooke said, squeezing her tight.
“Happy early birthday.” Shane held out his hand.
Neve ignored it and gave him a hug. “You look good.” Today he wore a prosthetic eye that looked remarkably similar to his real eye.
He smiled at Brooke. “She takes good care of me.”
“We take good care of each other.”
Rory came over to greet them, and Shane followed him to the bar.
“No cane,” Neve noted. A little limp, but hardly noticeable unless you looked for it. “How’s he doing?”
“So much better. The surgery to remove two pins really helped to lessen his pain. He’s done with structured physical therapy, and he recently started a job working at his old high school, in charge of security.”
“That’s great! The same one you’re working at?”
Brooke nodded. “We ride into work together and go home together. It’s perfect.” Brooke smiled. “And we start spring break tomorrow, so we’re here for the week!”
“The whole week?” Neve started to jump, not able to contain her excitement. Brooke joined in, and they both started squealing like obnoxious schoolgirls.
As soon as she finished the introductions and had the opportunity, Neve pulled Rory aside. “Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and kissed him. “I love you.” More than she ever imagined it was possible to love a man. On Monday she would research tattoo artists in the Boston area and schedule an appointment to finally complete her tattoo…by adding Rory’s name. He was the man for her, forever. There’d never be another—of that Neve had no doubt.
“I love you too, babe.”
Lunch consisted of Sean’s famous corned beef and cabbage, Rory’s favorite; a delicious Guinness stew; an assortment of salads; fresh bread; and a cheesy baked ziti for Aiden. “Everything is delicious,” she told Darcy and Sean. “Thank you.”
Everyone around the table also offered their thanks, then conversation resumed. Neve watched her friends and family talking, smiling, and laughing. All except for Nate, who spent an awful lot of time texting someone, with a concerned look on his face. Neve made a mental note to ask him when the meal ended what that was all about.
Rory stood up and raised his mug of beer. “An early toast to the birthday girl.”
Everyone raised their glasses.
He dipped his head, staring into her eyes, his so transparent she could always see his every emotion. Today, like most days, she saw love and caring. “You’ve brought joy back into my life,” he said. “And for that I can’t thank you enough. You make me laugh, you piss me off.” People laughed. “But one thing is for certain, I’m a happier man with you than without you.” He reached into his pocket and took out a black velvet ring box.
Neve’s body went stiff, her lungs seized.
He snapped open the top to reveal the beautiful teardrop diamond ring inside. Then right there, in front of the friends and family she loved the most, he went down on one knee.
Tears gathered in her eyes, her heart so full of love it actually ached.
“I can’t bear the thought of ever losing you again,” Rory said. “Marry me. Stay with me. Forever.”
Neve wasn’t sure she’d be able to talk. She sniffled. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Completely sure.”
God help him. “Then yes. I’ll marry you.”
Everyone cheered. Neve looked around to see all three of her moms and Brooke blotting their eyes.
Kev opened some bottles of champagne. Sean opened a bottle of ginger ale. Darcy and Brooke poured. Missy and Mom served.
&
nbsp; As she watched, Neve realized how lucky she was to be loved by all of these wonderful people. The past couldn’t be changed. No one knew for certain what the future would bring. All that mattered was today. And today was a damn great day.
This book is dedicated to everyone who has donated bone marrow to save a life and to those of you who are part of the marrow registry, willing to donate if you’re found to be a match. You are all very special people!
I urge you to find out more about becoming a bone marrow donor at: bethematch.org
Acknowledgments
Writing is a solitary occupation, yet it takes the help of others to turn a manuscript into an engaging story that readers will enjoy. So I’ve got lots of people to thank.
First, my fabulous beta readers, Nancy Bristol, Claudia Connor, and River Jaymes, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to read Neve and Rory’s story and for all the awesome suggestions!
To Ellen Carey-Connor, a very fun Facebook friend, thank you for helping me understand packies, wicked pissas, and all things Boston-related. Any mistakes are my own. I look forward to the day we can meet up in person!
To Aiusha Fonti of Duo Flame, a beautiful adagio dancer, who I love to watch on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram (I sound like a stalker but I’m not, I swear), thank you for providing the inspiration for Neve’s occupation (and the stripper pole in her bedroom!).
To my wonderful editor, Sue Grimshaw, thank you for always taking time out of your busy schedule to get back to me promptly, for always giving it to me straight, and for always pushing me to do my best. I hope we work on many more books together. And to everyone on my Loveswept team, thank you for correcting my grammar, creating beautiful covers, and promoting my book to the masses. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to helping me succeed.
To my readers, thank you for buying my books and for taking the time to review them. Knowing your likes and dislikes helps me to grow as a writer. It makes me push myself to improve with each new story. Special hugs to those of you who follow me on Facebook and Twitter. I look forward to chatting with you!
And last but certainly not least, thank you to my wonderful family, who put up with my long hours on the computer and support me in everything that I do. I love you!
BY WENDY S. MARCUS
Loving You Is Easy
All I Need Is You
PHOTO: LORI ADAMS
WENDY S. MARCUS is an award-winning author of contemporary romance. A nurse by trade, Wendy holds a master of science in health care administration, a degree that does her absolutely no good, as she now spends her days, nights, and weekends mucking around in her characters’ lives creating conflict, emotion, and, of course, a happily ever after. Wendy lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her dog, Buddy, and blogging/emailing/tweeting/Facebooking with her online friends. To learn more about Wendy and her books, find Wendy S. Marcus on Facebook and visit her at:
wendysmarcus.com
@WendySMarcus
The Editor’s Corner
Another month of new Loveswept romance books is here! I know you’ll adore this selection of stories chosen just for you….
USA Today bestselling author Claire Kent continues her emotionally charged story of longing, betrayal, and insatiable desire with Darker the Release, sequel to Sweet the Sin. Another Loveswept USA Today bestseller, Lauren Layne, introduces her new Oxford series with Irresistibly Yours. Wendy Marcus’s latest sexy yet sweet military romance, All I Need Is You, releases this month as well. Then there’s another Friends First story from USA Today bestseller Laura Drewry, How Forever Feels. USA Today bestseller Stacey Kennedy finishes up her successful BDSM Club Sin series with Mine, simultaneously introducing her next series of erotic play, Dungeon’s Key, and hot hero Micah.
We’re back on the ice with the first in the Aces Hockey series from Kelly Jamieson, Major Misconduct. Ladies, hold on to your hearts, the Caldwell Brothers are here—USA Today bestselling author MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron want you to meet Hendrix, the first book in a series about three alpha men who live up to their legendary names. Lastly, something a little different—bear-shifters, anyone? An alpha hero to the extreme, hot highlander Ronan is all that you could want in Bearing It All by Vonnie Davis, perfect for fans of Jennifer Ashley and Shelly Laurenston.
Fabulous variety with a book for everyone, yes? I hope you’ve found your book boyfriend in this month’s releases. However, if you haven’t, fear not, as November’s hot lineup is just around the corner. Until then…
Happy Romance!
Gina Wachtel
Associate Publisher
Read on for an excerpt from
The Heat of the Moment
by Katie Rose
Available from Loveswept
Prologue
“Gavin, you see those tweets about the game last night?” Arnie Lutz, outfielder for the Dodgers, approached the first baseman and held up his iPhone. “They caught that line drive you made in the ninth on video.”
“Screw that,” the catcher, Ron Sproules, said, throwing his glove onto the locker room bench. “I hear the chicks are starting a new fan club. Couple of us are the hottest guys in baseball!”
“No shit!” Arnie brought up his Twitter feed.
Gavin King came to stand behind Arnie as the outfielder scrolled through the tweets, pausing only when a female fan expressed her appreciation for his good looks, hot bat, or hard-muscled body.
“Hey, Gav, there is something about you!” He held up the phone so they could both look.
Gavin’s jaw dropped in shock as together they read the tweet:
Dodgers trade star hitter Gavin King to the New Jersey Sonics.
Arnie glanced at Gavin before immediately pocketing the phone. “That doesn’t mean anything,” he said quickly. “You know how it is on Twitter. Most of it’s BS.”
He departed abruptly. Puzzled, Gavin saw the catcher whisper something to the outfielder, and they both looked his way. Before he could question them, Troy Hutchinson, the general manager, walked into the clubhouse.
“Gavin.” He gestured to their first baseman. “Got a second? We need to talk in my office.”
Gavin followed the man, totally confused. Out of the corner of his eye he saw that Arnie was studying his shoes, and the other players seemed to avoid eye contact as if he had suddenly acquired a contagious disease.
He and the general manager walked down the hallway into the executive suite. The Dodgers were known as a first-class ball club, and it showed from the polished hardwood floors, the gleaming offices, the richly appointed rooms with mahogany desks and framed artwork. Among the pictures adorning the wall were some of the all-time great players, Al López, Arky Vaughan, Babe Herman…
Gavin’s photo was positioned right in the middle. Although he had just been brought up from the minors the year before, the management had made it clear they felt he was destined for greatness.
Troy lifted a coffeepot and turned toward him with raised brows. When Gavin shook his head, he poured himself a cup.
“The management team has decided to make some changes,” he said as if discussing the weather, not the rest of his life. “I know we originally discussed a no-trade clause with your agent last year, but things are different now. We brought up a few promising rookies, our outfielder has developed into a better hitter than we anticipated, and we believe we have several options for first base. We decided to send you to New Jersey, effective immediately.”
Stunned, Gavin stared at the coffee mug in disbelief before shifting his eyes back to the man before him. His ears were ringing, and he felt light-headed, as if he might pass out. His stomach churning, he realized what this meant.
He’d been traded.
When he could speak, he looked the general manager in the eye. “I don’t understand. Why?”
Troy put the cup down and came to sit on the edge of the desk, and then
indicated the upholstered leather chair before him. When Gavin sank into the luxurious butter-soft seat, Troy picked up a CD and tapped it against his fingers.
“We got the results back on your MRI.” His voice was lower, sympathetic but firm. “We don’t like it. Now I know,” he said when Gavin attempted to protest, “a lot of players tear a meniscus and recover completely. But it’s not a risk we are willing to take.”
“But the doctor said I’ll be fine—” This wasn’t just a bad dream. It was more like a nightmare.
“I’m sure you will be,” Troy said smoothly. “This is purely a business decision. You see, we can either invest in you, and take our chances, or we can put that money into half a dozen young prospects, figuring one of them will pan out. The organization feels that’s a better way to go.”
“But New Jersey, for God’s sake!” He got to his feet, anger beginning to replace confusion. He couldn’t help but glance once more at his picture on the wall, framed in California sunshine.
“We spoke to your agent a few minutes ago. Why don’t you give him a call, take your time to pack. We’ll miss you, Gavin, but it’s all part of the game. You know that.”
The first baseman rose from the chair and stormed out of the room. Technically, he had just been fired, dumped from a contending team to a second-rate ball club. Everything he’d hoped for, all of his dreams, now seemed to be circling the drain.
And he saw it first on Twitter.
Chapter 1
The chatter in the Sonics locker room intensified as the opening-day excitement seemed to cast a spell over the place. Familiar faces appeared at the door along with an influx of new ones, rookies hoping for a permanent role in the rotation and prospects acquired in recent trades. There was much good-natured jostling and ribbing as the baseball team settled in for the season.
“What was with that bonehead play last week against Detroit?” Jimmy Reilly said as he put away a stack of towels. “Good thing it was just spring training.”
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