My hands started trembling. I quickly hid them between my overstuffed thighs and began nibbling on my bottom lip. What if he’s right? What if I can’t do this on my own? What if my book flops or the publisher drops me…and I lose everything?
“Those don’t look like happy thoughts.” Donna set the steaming cup of coffee down in front of me, pulling me from my downward reflections. When I didn’t reply, she tugged a handful of creamers from her apron, placing them, and the small holder of sweeteners, down beside me. “I’ll be back to check on you in a bit, sug.” She didn’t seem upset as she moved on to her next table; though, looking back, I’d been less than polite.
Stupid! Why can’t I get myself together?
Greg’s words haunted me. “You’re fat and you’re lazy, Maxine. If you wanted to be poised and posh, then you would have gotten off your ass a long time ago.”
I shoved the menu aside, ignoring my growling belly.
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Chapter Two
AYDEN
My wolf roared inside me, as my senses lit up. Every part of me was hyperaware of her presence as she followed Heather to the table across the way. Her wide hips swayed in her tight, dark skinny jeans. The over-sized t-shirt draped over her ample figure couldn’t deter me from noticing her gorgeous curves; her breasts were full, pulling the tee tight across her chest. It hung loosely around her upper stomach and draped down over the swerve of her hips. My fists tightened and my cock stood at attention as I got a perfect view of her big round ass before she slid into the booth.
“Fuck,” Josh groaned.
I snapped towards him, a low, menacing growl escaping me.
He scowled, narrowing his eyes at me as he leaned into the table.
“She’s mine,” I snarled through gritted teeth.
“Nature says she’s mine.” His brows rose and fell, sharply, as he jutted his chin, an alpha’s demand of precedence.
My chest tightened, my wolf sneered and snapped at me, as I methodically considered him. His glare was unwavering; his jaw was set. I swallowed hard as I caught his hands forming fists on the table. My pulse kicked up as the realization set in. “No fucking way.” My heart jumped as I looked back at her.
She sat, completely oblivious to the war about to start across the restaurant over her.
Her dark hair was piled high in a loose, messy bun atop her head, giving me a perfect view of her profile. Her soft brown eyes gazed down at the menu, but she didn’t bother opening it, which showed me her mind wasn’t really there. Her nose was a short slope down to a button tip. It was her lips that made my groin tighten though. Her top lip was slightly fuller than her bottom lip, creating a sexy pout. What I wouldn’t give to have those luscious lips wrapped tightly around my throbbing cock.
Fuck! I turned on Josh, not bothering to hide my anger. “Mate?”
His expression tightened. He gave a curt nod of his head. “Yeah. You?”
“Shit!” I slammed my fist down on the table.
“Hey, it’s not the table’s fault,” Suzette half-teased.
I wasn’t in the mood. I didn’t have the patience right now. At this very moment, my wolf realized another wolf was stalking his mate. The law was: whoever claimed her first, owned her forever.
I flicked my hand in Suzette’s direction, dismissing her. I had more important things to focus on.
I ground my teeth, shoving down on my wolf. If I didn’t maintain control over him, then all hell would break loose.
“Please tell me you’re fucking joking.” Josh’s tone was hard, but his words were pleading.
“Afraid not, bro.” I pursed my lips, considering the situation. My entire body was stiff, on edge. If anyone so much as skimmed my flesh, the reigns would slip.
Josh’s brows dipped inwards. His muscles were rolling and flexing beneath his polo shirt. I heard his right leg bouncing beneath the table. “Wolves don’t share,” he stated.
“We did once before,” I bit out.
His eyes speared me. “Before we were alphas.”
Damn it. He was right. I didn’t know if I could share my mate long term, even with my best friend.
I sighed, scrubbing my hands through my black hair. Werewolves are territorial, but alphas…even more so. We don’t share, we don’t waver and we sure as hell don’t compromise.
We looked each other up and down. Fuck. This was twisted. Lifelong best friends, but we were sizing each other up.
“First one to kiss her?” A single brow slid upwards as he tossed the challenge on the table.
Did I really want to gamble with my future like this? Could I handle it if I lost? You were only given one mate.
My heart beat heavily in my chest as I looked back at her. She gazed down into her cup of coffee. No sooner did I hear her stomach rumble and she shoved the menu aside, looking to be on the verge of tears.
Out of the thousand fears weighing me down, one surfaced. Did she not have enough money? Not on my watch.
I met Josh’s gaze. We were both on the same page, the same worry sliding between us. Damn it. It was more than just a physical attraction. We already cared. Fate was already working its cruel magic.
“We’ll figure it out later.” Josh threw some money down on the table.
I immediately moved behind him. I’d be damned if he stepped in as her knight and shining armor. If nature was giving her to both of us, then it would be both of us helping her now.
My wolf echoed this sentiment; his roar seized my lungs.
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Chapter Three
MAX
“What’s your name, darlin’?”
I knew my eyes widened as I caught sight of the handsome man standing before me. He stood at least six feet tall, a breathtaking mountain of solid muscle. He had rugged good looks, keen green eyes, and a head full of brown hair. He licked his lips as his gaze traveled over me.
My heart bounced in my chest. My palms began to sweat as I stared dumbfounded at him. Was he really talking to me? No, of course not. I mean, he was talking to me, but not out of interest, I’m sure. It was what these Southerners called ‘polite interest.’ He was just making conversation.
“Excuse his rudeness.” His friend elbowed him aside before extending his hand towards me. “I’m Ayden and this inconsiderate crude is Josh.”
Whereas Josh’s looks were rough yet alluring, Ayden’s were smooth and super attractive. They shared similar frames, but Ayden’s hair was nearly jet-black, his eyes were deep pools of brown silk and his lips were a bit fuller. If I had to put my finger on it, he looked Native American.
I nervously scrubbed my palms across my jeans, my pulse pounding, before finally wrapping my hand around his. As soon as it wouldn’t be considered rude, I snatched my hand back and shoved it beneath my thigh.
“Guess we haven’t earned a name yet?” Ayden lifted a brow, his lips pulling into a tight smirk.
“You’re shit when it comes to first impressions. Guess that’s why you don’t have many friends.” Greg’s words continued to echo in my mind.
I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the fear invading my chest. I was already messing this up. I really was awful at introductions.
Ayden’s expression fell.
I chanced a glance in Josh’s direction. His features were taut; he was studying me hard.
My mouth went dry as my anxiety reached frightening heights. They were openly watching me, waiting with expectations that I already knew I would never meet. I really couldn’t do this. I hated the man himself, but apparently Greg was right.
I turned and grabbed my purse. I pulled the first bill I came across out and threw it on the table before launching out of the seat.
Ayden’s head whipped back, shock clear. “We’re sorry. We didn’t mean to scare you off.” His words were quick. His hands instinctively flew towards me, but I slipped past.
“Don’t run off, darlin’. We’ll leave. You stay.” Josh kept his distance, opting for words alone.
I paused, tucking my purse under my arm. I fisted my hands around the straps. God, I wanted to stay. I wanted to relax for a minute. I wanted a do-over. That’s what this whole move was about, yet I’d already loused it up, just as Greg had predicted.
“I…uh…” I shook my head, panic crushing me. Damn it. I really was a screw up. “Sorry,” I blurted before racing out the door. I didn’t stop until I was inside my car.
I pressed my forehead to the steering wheel. “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” I smacked my head, exhaling sharply.
That’s it. I would stock up on groceries today, only because it was a necessity, but then I was hiding out in my new apartment until I could…well, until I could handle myself as well as Gina Dulaney: the queen of Greg’s high society social circle.
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*****
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And now, please enjoy this sneak peek of the bestselling title, One Letter.
ONE LETTER
It started with one letter.
Kellie Patrick sent one letter into the Middle East, to any soldier. Sergeant Daniel Rodriguez was the one who received it.
Three years and eighty-six letters later, Daniel is ready to meet the woman who got him through his last three tours of duty.
Three years and eighty-six letters later, plus size Kellie is nervous to meet the man who wrote his way into her heart. Could a sexy as sin soldier really want forever with a curvy Southern gal like her though?
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One Letter
Preface.
I never knew that one letter could change a life, but it changed mine…
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Chapter One
May 7, 2010
Dear Soldier,
I’ve never written one of these before, but the volunteers assure me they make a difference. What do you say to an important stranger though, aside from the repetitive obvious? I would feel silly asking the standard set of questions.
How are you? – Probably not good considering you’re in a war zone.
How was your day? – Truth, probably not as good as mine, even though I got let go from my job today.
I think that’s what propelled me to finally write this letter. As bad a day as this has been, it’s not as bad as it could have been, and that’s because of someone like you, fighting to ensure I have the overabundance I do.
I’ve never been in your position, but I appreciate all you’ve sacrificed. I know it’s not easy, but you have a beautiful country waiting for you to return.
I’m not sure what part of this great country you’re from, but I’m enclosing a few photos of my home city, of Savannah, Georgia.
Keep your head up and your ass covered, soldier.
Love & Respect, Kellie Patrick
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Chapter Two
May 19, 2010
Dear Kellie,
Thanks for your letter and the photos. I’m from Detroit. Savannah looks like a beautiful place to live though.
I’m sorry that you lost your job, but it doesn’t sound like you’ve lost your hope, which is good.
Keep your head up.
Sgt. Daniel Rodriguez
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Chapter Three
June 4, 2010
Dear Sgt Daniel Rodriguez,
I was pleasantly surprised to receive a reply from you.
I’m happy to report that I’ve found another job already, with higher pay – bonus! I start next week. I think my dog, Rocco, is a bit sad about it though. My constant company spoiled him.
Given that I’ve had so much time lately, I’ve been baking up a storm. Ironically we’ve had a week of rain to compliment my sessions. I read somewhere that soldiers often miss comfort food, and my favorite has always been an extra moist chocolate chip brownie. I really hope you don’t have any food allergies or - God forbid – diabetes. If you do, feel free to curse me for filth for sending you such a large batch of them.
Stay safe, Sergeant.
Kellie
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*****
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*****
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Christin Lovell was born and raised in Charleston, SC, but now lives in the hottest place on earth: Orlando, FL. She has three beautiful children who keep her running non-stop, but would love to adopt a few more. When she’s not juggling life and kids, you'll find her huddled away somewhere writing her next book or happily reading someone else's. Like most authors she’s come across, she’s a coffee addict, owns far too many books than she can fit on her shelves, and she goes to work in her pajamas a lot.
CONNECT WITH HER HERE:
www.christinlovell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristinlovell
Twitter: https://twitter.com/christinlovell OR @christinlovell
Instagram: http://instagram.com/christinlovell
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*****
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Alpha Doms Box Set: 9 Delicious Stories + 10 Sexy Heroes = 19 Reasons to Indulge Page 34