By the time I left the cluttered dressing room behind, the rest of the cast had already left.
Except one.
Eli leaned against the back wall in that sexy adorable way of his. His hair was damp on the ends where he must have stuck it under a faucet to wash up. He was dressed in a silky black shirt, open at the neck, black dress pants and shoes. My stomach did a little flip.
“Hi!” He kicked away from the wall the moment he saw me. Appreciation lit his face. “You look amazing!”
“Thanks,” I joined him and wrapped my arms around his neck. “You look pretty fantastic yourself.”
“Yeah?” Eli lowered his head touching his nose with mine.
“Oh yeah?” I leaned up and kissed his soft lips. He slid his arms around my waist and pulled my body against his. We fit together so perfectly. He tilted his head and our kiss deepened waking up all my nerve endings.
When we parted I gazed into his eyes. “I love you so much!”
“I know.” He grinned.
“You are such a shit.” I lightly slapped his chest.
“Yes, and you still love me.” He rested his forehead against mine. “And I love you.”
Warm, happy joy filled me. “There’s one thing I need to say.”
“Oh, you getting serious on me when all I want to do is make out?”
“Only for a second.” I took a moment to collect my thoughts. “I want to apologize for letting you down.”
“Whoa! Oh no you don’t. You have nothing to apologize for. I was a jerk too.”
“No, please listen. Freshman year I walked away from you because I got scared. You were my best friend in the world. When things changed, I freaked out and ran away. I did that with cheer, and I did it this week with the show. I want you to know that I will never run away from you again, even when I’m scared. Thanks to you and my mom and dad, I’ve figured it out and I know what I want.”
“And what’s that?”
“Well, you for one thing.” I leaned against his firm body and peeked up from under my eyelashes.
He wrapped his arms around me again. I snuggled in. He bent to kiss me.
“Save it for the back seat, you two!” Tyson came through the doorway looking smooth as James Bond.
“Sorry man.” Eli stood straighter and loosened his hold on me. I stepped away, allowing air to cool our heated bodies.
“Shouldn’t you be schmoozing with all the New York big wigs at the party?” I asked. “You can’t let them get away.”
“Samantha is holding them hostage with the dress she’s barely wearing.” He joined us. “Everyone’s asking for the stars of the show, and I promised to bring you. Listen, I know we still have more shows this weekend, but I wanted to take the time before all the craziness of the party and the rest of the weekend to make sure you two know how proud I am of you.”
Eli gave my waist a squeeze.
“This show wouldn’t have gone off so well with anyone other than the two of you. In fact, when the school kicked Jessica out of the show, it’s the best thing that could have happened. She wasn’t right.”
I wanted to point out all the headaches I gave him, but decided not to spoil the moment.
“This is my dream, my baby, and it happened tonight with the two of you leading the charge. I know how hard you both worked. I never asked you guys to devote your lives to this show, but you did, and I am eternally grateful. Thank you.”
I couldn’t believe our director, looking all Hollywood in his dark suit, was thanking us, when all I wanted to do was thank him for giving me this phenomenal life-changing opportunity.
“If either of you ever need anything, and I mean anything, from college reference letters to a place to crash in New York, promise you’ll call. In fact, come out this summer. I know you have my number, since you called me at three a.m.” He eyed Eli. “I will never look at a grape Power Aid again and not think of you two fools.”
“Me either,” I groaned recalling the experience.
“I’m serious about the call. Eli, I know you have your eyes set on Broadway. When the time comes, call me. I'll help set you up with some auditions.”
“Thanks. I will.” Eli shook his hand.
“Thank you,” I said. “For everything. You’ll never know how much working with you has meant. Thank you for giving me this chance and sticking with me when I went psycho.” It started to get a little too touchy feely, like somebody might cry. “And I’d love to see New York!”
“Great! I’ll talk to both your parents about it. Now let’s get you to the party. Everyone’s waiting.”
“We’ll be right behind you,” Eli said, and Tyson returned to the party.
* * *
Eli and I stood outside the open doors to the swanky reception. The rest of the cast and crew partied inside along with parents, friends and orchestra members. A ton of people I didn’t recognize held fancy drinks; by the way they dressed, I’m pretty sure they were the people from New York.
Give it up to Tyson, he knew how to throw a party. I spotted Mom and Dad with Breezy. “Look at my mom in a slinky black dress! And my dad is in a suit! I didn’t know he owned one!”
“It looks like he shaved.” Eli said.
“Who are those people? And what did they do with my parents?”
Eli’s parents talked to some men in suits; his dad was probably trying to land a business deal. I spied a beaming Miss Ginny who looked the same as always visiting with Samantha who wore a gorgeous gold dress held up by teeny little straps. Tyson held a martini and laughed with a large group. He fit well in any situation.
Eli curled his finger around mine. “Part of me doesn’t want to go in.”
“We should go for a little while,” I suggested.
He took my hand and cradled it in his. “Yeah, that would be okay.”
“What do you want to do afterward?”
A devilish smile covered his face. His strong arm pulled me into a close embrace. “Take a drive over to Messerschmidt Road.”
“Can you get your mom’s car with the big backseat?” I gave him a sly smile.
“Any time. You say the word.”
I arched an eyebrow and said, “You jump, I jump.”
The End.
About the Author
Angie Tyler never planned on writing books, she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in a rural setting with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head she began to write them down and the rest is history.
She loves dipping french fries in chocolate shakes, all natural disaster movies and Broadway Musicals. When not writing, Angie is concocting ways to make more dreams come true, whether it be tickets to a Broadway show or convincing her family they should rent an RV and travel the country.
Angie is a proud double finalist of the 2011 National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em, as well as a finalist for the Golden Quill Awards.
Look for Angie’s next book in 2012. Another Young Adult romance about Adam Jamieson, the younger brother in Rock and a Hard Place.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go out to my fabulous critique partners, Linda Schmalz, Deb Barkelar and Rachel Michaels, your eye to detail is a godsend. My terrific Beta readers were Kate Grout, Kristi Tyler, Margo Zimmerman and Donna Van Keuren. The beautiful cover is by the talented and very patient Mary Kay Adams-Edgette.
For all the research assistance I thank: Sheila Noone of Varsity Brands, Inc. for her assistance with cheerleading terminology; dance team member, Allison Martin, for her terrific input on hip-hop; David Kuelz and Donna Van Kueren for their great theatre and Kathleen Chesley Williams, a gifted dancer, teacher and choreographer for her generous time and knowledge of everything dance.
A special thank you goes to Virginia Davis, the fabulous woman who taught me how to tap so very long ago and has inspired thousands of young dancers at the Virginia Davis School of Dance.
Of course, I must thank my family, Ed, Kristi and Kevin, who listen to my crazy ideas and always nod and smile, even though deep down they think I’m nuts. They’re right, but it’s nice they know how to fake it. And my brother Pat who was always amazed I could write a story. Sorry I didn’t get to yours in time.
And finally, to that boy in high school who took me to Messerschmidt Road on a cold winter night. I never guessed it would end up in a book!
~ ~ ~
More books by Angie Stanton
Rock and a Hard Place
Available as an e-book everywhere and print book at Amazon.
What others are saying about Rock and a Hard Place.
Wow! Rock and a Hard Place took me places I didn’t expect to go. I thought I had this book all figured out from the description, but it was so much more.
~ Reading, Eating & Dreaming
This book was so good! I started reading it, expecting the typical pop star and normal teen romance, but that’s not what I got. I would recommend this 1000%! GREAT, GREAT, GREAT read!
~ lowshie
This book was an absolute joy to read. I laughed and loved with Libby and Peter, but even more, I cried as if it were actually happening to me.
~fasnfuurious
I can’t seem to get this one out of my head. I laughed, I cried, I got pissed, I cried some more.
~ rookiegolf
Let me warn you, you will smile, you will laugh, and you will cry at this Libby and Peter journey. I strongly recommend this book regardless of your age.
~ My name is Jane
Love 'em or Leave 'em
Available in hardcover through Amazon.
What others are saying about Love ‘em or Leave ‘em.
I loved every minute of this book…a delightful look into what happens when a woman is mistakenly cast on a matchmaking reality show…entertainingly fun read.
~Linda M. Schmalz
For all the fans of reality shows like “The Bachelor” you’re going to especially love this book!
~ Meg Valentine
I loved this book. It was like watching the Bachelor or Bachelorette! It was a good short romance!
~ Annie ~ Goodreads
Look for Angie Stanton on Facebook
Blog: http://angiestanton.wordpress.com
Angie loves to hear from readers at [email protected]
Excerpt from Rock and a Hard Place
Peter and Libby sat atop the giant rock engulfed in the misty cool beauty of the glen. Peter reached over and held her hand. They relaxed, content in each other’s company. Peter ran his thumb over her fingers. Suddenly he paused and turned her hand over.
“What’s this?” He asked, innocently enough.
“Nothing.” She snatched her hand away, embarrassed.
“No, give it back.” He reached out and pulled her hand back into his two and examined the violent bumps. “What are all these marks?”
Her face heated at his question. “It’s nothing.” She tried to brush it off, but dread crept in.
“It’s not nothing, it looks like cuts.” He held tight to her hand as he examined it. “You’re not a cutter are you?” He looked her straight in the eye.
“No! Now let go.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn’t release her. Libby’s happiness spiraled down, the joy of the day gone. Too often the kids at school snickered ‘cutter’ to her back, just loud enough that she’d hear.
“Well, what happened?”
She understood why he asked. She might ask the same thing. Peter’s expression was honest concern, nothing more.
“They’re scars. From a car accident.” She bit her lip, not wanting to reveal another word.
“Oh God, that’s terrible.” He continued to study her permanently marred fingers and palm. “It must have been a really bad accident.”
“Yeah, it was,” she whispered as the image of the crumpled car and glow of ambulance lights flashed in her mind.
He peeked up at her past the heavy chunk of hair that covered his eyes. “You know, they look like little starbursts.”
“Whatever you say,” she replied, not seeing it.
“Give me the other one,” he commanded, as if her feelings weren’t involved. For some reason she obeyed and extended her other hand. He examined both palms, lightly trailing his thumb and fingers over the surface of her skin. Shivers ran up her arms.
“No, they’re not starbursts.” He continued to touch each mark. “They’re angel kisses. It’s like angels kissed your hands all over.” His eyes rose to meet hers. They were filled with kindness and compassion. Something she had felt little of the past year.
Only Peter could turn the violent scars from a devastating accident into something beautiful. He was the sweetest person she’d ever met. Without another word, he lifted first one hand and then the other and kissed each little mark on her tender, scarred hands.
Libby’s mouth opened in wonder. Peter bent over her damaged hands. His soft lips pressed to them. His warm breath tickled her skin as his lips gently moved. Goosebumps danced up her arms and her stomach flipped. Never in her life had she felt this way. His tender kisses were heaven. She never wanted this moment to end. For once she thanked God for the ugly scars.
Peter looked up, her hands cradled in his, as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do. His eyes, a deep pool of liquid brown, melted into hers. Libby’s breath slowed. Today her world was perfect. This beautiful boy held her captive. His expression confirmed he felt the same. They leaned their heads closer, just inches apart.
Something moved out of the corner of her eye.
“Ouch! Crap.”
They looked up just in time to see Peter’s brother Adam slip down the side of the boulder, and drop his fancy camera in the process.
“What the?” Peter exclaimed. They jumped away from each other as if guilty of some terrible act. Adam, crouched at the bottom of the large boulder checking his camera for damage.
“Adam, what the hell are you doing?” Peter yelled, their moment shattered.
“Looking for you, nimrod. Dad’s really pissed. You were supposed to be back an hour ago.”
“Shit,” Peter said under his breath.
Adam resumed his picture taking, focusing on Libby and Peter.
“Stop it.” Peter reached for the camera. “Don’t make me break that thing.”
“Hey, I’ve got some great stuff here, this new lens is amazing. I’ve heard the paparazzi use this type too. I got it all, Peter, including your nose hairs. You should really trim them.” Adam ducked out of Peter’s reach before he could get smacked.
“Libby, please excuse my “little” brother. As you can see he is mentally challenged.”
“Hi.” Libby said, mortified to be discovered at such a vulnerable time.
Adam flashed her a huge grin.
“Adam here is going to hightail it back to the bus and tell them I’m on my way. That way I won’t have to break his fingers. Right?” Peter stood and glared at his brother.
“Dad would be pretty ticked if you did that. Plus, who’d play lead for you, so you don’t go off key all the time.”
“Libby, can you find me a rock? I need to throw it at Adam?”
“Geez, you really know how to spoil a party,” Adam complained.
Peter faked a throw.
“I’m going, I’m going.” Adam turned and hurried down the trail, occasionally jumping from one large rock to another, his camera held tightly.
Peter turned to her.
“I’m so sorry. My family is the worst. They drive me nuts.”
“It’s okay, I don’t mind.” Libby smiled. She would give anything to have a family again. Especially one like his.
“We better get going. My dad hates to be kept waiting.”
They rushed back, covering the ground in a fraction of the time it took to get there. Peter took her hand often to help her over large boulders that blocked the path.
When they arri
ved at the break in the woods, the engine of the grand tour bus rumbled impatiently. Adam leaned against a tree, futzing with buttons on his camera.
“This was great,” Libby said. She hated to see it end. The day was glorious.
“Hey, we head back down to Chicago on Saturday. I can’t promise anything, but I bet I can talk my mom into a stop here. Any chance you could meet me? Can I call you?”
First excitement, then panic, hit. Visions of Aunt Marge answering the phone filled her mind. “No, you can’t call. I’m sorry.” She softened. “But I can be here. I’ll wait for you.”
“No phone either, huh?” He winked. “It’ll probably be around lunchtime, I’m sorry I can’t give you an exact time.” He spoke fast, looking to the bus every few seconds. “I’ll meet you at that flat rock outcropping where I found you today.”
“I’ll be there.” She would wait all day if need be. Anything for another chance to see Peter. His gaze gave her such hope.
“I’ve gotta run. Bye.”
“Bye.”
Peter jogged easily across the field toward the bus, Adam at his side.
“Sorry to interrupt back there. Looks like you were about to get some.”
Peter shoved him away. “Shut it.”
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