Passionate Kisses 2 Boxed Set: Love in Bloom

by Magda Alexander

  “Are you enjoying your showing?” he asked.

  She grinned. “Delilah just bought a series of my paintings for her gallery.”

  “She did? I didn’t know she had a gallery. That’s great! Congratulations!”

  She beamed up at him, and he wished he could always see her that happy. He would do his best to make it happen.

  “So what’s with the birdsong?” she asked.

  He raised a hand to stop the music. He turned back to her. “I’m wooing you.”

  Her brows scrunched in confusion.

  Steph giggled nearby. “Woo.”

  “Shh,” Daze said, pulling Steph a short distance away.

  He raised a hand for attention. “Everyone, I want to thank you for coming to the first of what I’m sure will be many Amber Lewis art showings. I’ve just been told we’ve had a sale!”

  Everyone applauded.

  He raised a hand. “I’ll be keeping some of the paintings on display at the home I hope we will soon buy together as husband and wife.”

  Amber’s hand clutched his arm. “Bare-”

  “Just let me say this.” He turned to her. “Amber, I’ve been in love with you since the day we met.”

  The crowd awwed in chorus.

  She shook her head. “I was with Rick then,” she said quietly.

  “I know. I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”

  He pulled her closer and spoke quietly just for her. “I’m sorry I misled you about the paintings. I won’t ever mislead you again.”

  She blinked rapidly. “Oh, Bare. I could never stay mad at you. You’re just too damn loveable.”

  He grinned. “I am?”

  She smiled, and it was like all the birds broke into song at once. “You are.”

  “Did you hear that?” he asked the crowd. “She loves me!”

  Everyone applauded.

  “I found the perfect house for us,” he said. “It’s in Clover Park. It has these huge windows with lots of light, room for an art studio, lots of wall space to hang your paintings. I can’t wait for you to see it.”

  “I can’t wait to see it too. Wait, did you buy it?”

  “No. I won’t do anything behind your back. I learn from my mistakes.” He grabbed her hands. “I can’t even tell you how much…” His voice broke and came out in a low growl “I’ve missed you these past weeks.”

  She threw herself in his arms. “I missed you too. So, so much.”

  He held her tight, so relieved she’d forgiven him, so happy she was here for her gallery party.

  Kate came over and wrapped her arms around both of them. “You’re welcome.”

  Amber pulled away and laughed. “Thank you, Kate, for your valiant efforts to get me here.”

  He turned. “Yes, thank you, Kate. Now, if you could just back up a bit. I have a gift for Amber.”

  Kate stepped back, smiling like crazy. Amber looked a little nervous. He hoped she’d like it. What was he thinking? Of course she would. It was her favorite thing.

  He signaled a waiter in the back who stopped in front of Amber with a large wheel of cheese wrapped with a red ribbon.

  She stared at it. “You’re giving me cheese?”

  He bounced on the balls of his feet. “Yes.”

  She took the offered cheese wheel and staggered under its weight. He reached out to help her balance the load. Everyone was watching and whispering.

  “Bare,” she said, looking at him across the giant wheel of cheese, “why are you giving me cheese?”

  He grinned. “Because I know you like cheese.”

  She stared at it. “I do like cheddar. Okay. Thank you.”

  He bit back a laugh. “Eat it soon, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Why don’t we start right now?”

  “Um, okay.”

  He inclined his head to a nearby table. “C’mon.”

  She followed him to a table, where he set the wheel of cheese down. “Can you guess what happens when you eat your way to the bottom?”

  “I get a stomachache?”

  He laughed. “No,” he said slowly. He got down on one knee and held the cheese up to her.

  She looked at him uncertainly. Then she started to lean down like she was going to take a bite. He flipped the wheel over so she could see the treasure he’d buried there.

  “Amber, will you marry me?”

  She reached into the small space he’d carved out in the cheese wheel and pulled out her diamond engagement ring.

  “My life is never going to be humdrum with you, is it?” she asked.

  He grinned. “No, it isn’t.”

  “What’s your answer?” Ian hollered.

  “Yes!” Amber slid the ring on her finger. Everyone cheered.

  He set the wheel on the table, grabbed her, dipped her, and kissed her. They heard a few catcalls, and he brought her back upright. She threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. He never, ever wanted to let her go. His body went on full alert, urging him to have her again. Soon.

  She leaned up on tiptoe and growled in his ear, “Bare, here, now.”

  He went stock-still, his only response a tightening of his hands on her waist. Then he moved into action. “Amber left a painting in my car. Be right back everyone.”

  They ran, laughing, to a coatroom way in the back of the gallery, with no coats and no lock on the door, and came together for the first time as future husband and wife.

  Epilogue

  Amber slow danced with Bare at their wedding reception, wearing her pink wedding dress that perfectly matched the pink streaks in her hair. She was now Amber Lewis-Furnukle. Kate was determined to snag her own Furnukle and had been throwing herself at Bare’s brother Daniel, a straitlaced military guy, all night. Ian was beside himself, frequently interrupting Kate and Daniel to break up their slow dances. Daniel seemed to find the whole thing amusing.

  They married in October because fall was her favorite season. It also gave her time in her art studio in their new home to prepare her wedding gift for him. They’d bought that colonial house in Clover Park with Kevin’s help, of all people, for a steal. Kevin had tried to decline a commission, but Bare paid him anyway, no hard feelings. That was how big Bare’s heart was. She’d painted a big heart and hung it in their home as her own love poem to him to show what she loved best about him.

  But his favorite-as he told her by thanking her profusely with regular gifts of new paintbrushes, paints, and canvases-was the collection of six birds she painted as a wedding gift. She’d taken pictures of rare finds he was excited about on some of their morning birding excursions and recreated them on canvas. It was his wheel of cheese.

  Bare spun her around the dance floor as the song changed to a fast beat and the pink tulle of her wedding gown floated around her. She caught glimpses of their families, friends, the cast from the show that brought them together, and even her mother. Bare had insisted she be invited. He convinced Amber that she didn’t have to be best friends with her mother, but it was still important to acknowledge her as family. She’d dragged her feet, but in the end, decided he was right. Her decision was made easier by the fact that she got along so well with Bare’s mom, a sweet, affectionate woman, who frequently invited Amber to lunch and shopping. She felt like she’d gained a new mom in the marriage.

  Amber hadn’t expected her mother to show at the wedding after the way they’d left things, but she had. She was trying. Amber knew she would never feel close to her mother, but what they had was enough. Amber was at peace with it, finally able to let go of all the anger she’d held onto for so long.

  Her eye caught on Steph’s date, who was doing The Running Man while Steph slowly backed away. Dave Olsen was a middle school math teacher Steph had met at a teacher’s conference last August. Amber wanted to tell her, Hang in there. You never know when a guy will go from geek to total stud, but then Bare spun her around again and, as if he sensed the direction of her thoughts, slid his hands around her waist and pull
ed her close.

  “Amber,” he growled, and just that one word had her throbbing. It was the fierce, growly voice, which could mean different things depending on the situation, but always meant love. “I love you.”

  She met his warm brown eyes and beamed. “I love you too.”

  He pulled her close again and spoke directly in her ear. “Amber,” he growled.

  This time his voice held a different note. One that indicated he wanted something from her. She tried to pull away, but he had her tight.

  She felt herself flush. “Please don’t say it.”

  “Here,” he demanded.

  “No, there’s too many people. It’s too embarrassing.”

  “Come on,” he coaxed. “Please. For your husband.”

  He’d begged her for this ever since they’d planned their wedding. She gave in with a sigh. He knew the moment he won because he released her, stepped back, and smiled.

  And then she did an Irish jig for him.

  “I love you, wench!” he hollered before joining in.

  The crowd separated to clap and cheer them on. She kicked up her heels, surprising him with the move. He threw back his head and laughed. Then he did the same, kicking up his heels, and took the lead. She stayed at his side, keeping up, thanks to the lessons Jasmine had given her a few weeks ago. Ian joined in, then Kate in an awkward robot fashion, then Zac, spry on his feet. Until everyone was on the dance floor, clapping and dancing along.

  Why had she ever thought they were so different?

  They were just two hearts at play by day. Two bodies entwined by night. And morning and afternoon.

  Two souls mated for life.

  THE END

  Thanks for reading Stud Unleashed: Barry. I hope you enjoyed it! The next books in The Clover Park STUDS Series, Stud Unleashed: Dave and Stud Unleashed: Will, are out now!

  Stud Unleashed: Dave

  Mathlete vs. rock star…?

  Stephanie Moore’s boyfriend, the adorably geeky math teacher, Dave Olsen, has husband material written all over him. One teensy problem-she’s still technically married. When she demands a divorce from the rock star husband she hasn’t seen in five years, he shows up on her doorstep wanting a second chance.

  Dave is so in love with Steph, he’s already researching diamond rings. If only he didn’t have to compete with the famous Griffin Huntley. Griffin is going all out to win Steph back, and Dave plans to fight for his woman. A mathlete vs. a rock star? Statistically speaking-oh, the hell with it. Game on!

  Get your copy of Stud Unleashed: Dave now! http://amzn.to/1tjM0x3

  Get your copy of Stud Unleashed: Will too! http://amzn.to/1ycsUxh

  About the Author

  Kylie Gilmore was lucky enough to discover romance novels at a young age as they were strewn all over the house (thanks, Mom!). She writes quirky, tender romance with a solid dose of humor. Her Clover Park series features the O’Hare brothers, three guys you’d definitely have a drink with and maybe a little more. The Clover Park STUDS Series unleashes three adorable studs into the world-Barry, Dave, and Will. Look out, ladies!

  Kylie lives in New York with her family, two cats, and a nutso dog. When she’s not writing, wrangling kids, or dutifully taking notes at writing conferences, you can find her flexing her muscles all the way to the high cabinet for her secret chocolate stash.

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  Contact Kylie at kylie@kyliegilmore.com

  Setting Sail

  By

  Allie Boniface

  Dedication

  For my Passionate Kisses writing sisters, without whom this story would never have existed (deadlines and peer pressure are a marvelous motivator!) Special thanks to all those who read this story in its early stages, including fabulous authors Liz Matis, Janet Lane Walters, and Rebecca J. Clark. Thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart!

  Prologue

  Five Years Ago

  Jace squinted at the neon letters at the end of the block. Dolly’s Diner beckoned them with its smell of greasy home-fries and coffee strong enough to walk on its own two legs. Good thing, too, because he was starving. It seemed like about a hundred years since he’d received his diploma earlier that afternoon and joined his buddies for a barbecue on the beach.

  Beside him, Bryce stumbled as they crossed from the beach to the wide, empty avenue running parallel to the ocean. In the distance, a few wisps of bonfire smoke snaked up toward the sky. He belched loudly. “You all see Loni Hammond tonight? Damn.”

  Toby steadied his friend as they passed the condos that lined The Esplanade. “Yeah, we saw her. Saw her turn you down.”

  “Screw you. Coulda had her if I wanted to.” Bryce slung one arm around each of his buddies.

  “Sure you could’ve.” Jace grinned.

  “Jus’ told her I couldn’t desert you two. Not on graduation night, anyway.” Bryce led the way down the sidewalk toward Dolly’s, his voice drifting off as he looked up at the blinking red and blue sign. “How many times you think we’ve come here in the last four years? A hundred?”

  Toby pulled open the door. “Something like that.” Bright light spilled onto the dark sidewalk, and a rush of air conditioning bit their cheeks. June in Florida promised hot and humid and never let anyone down. “C’mon. I need coffee.”

  Despite the late hour, a handful of people sat at the counter, eating everything from eggs to apple pie to open-face steak sandwiches. A couple of guys who looked like truck drivers sat in a booth by the antiquated jukebox, their hands wrapped around coffee mugs. More wrinkled-faced men hunched over plates at the counter. A trio of overly made-up twenty-somethings giggled drunkenly around a table near the window. Pretty typical night at Dolly’s Diner. Jace, Toby, and Bryce fell into three vinyl-covered chairs near the narrow hallway which led to the restrooms.

  The table was wiped clean, no napkins or silverware, and just two plastic menus wedged between the salt and pepper shakers. Geraldo stood behind the grill, spatula in hand, eyes on a yellow and white mess of frying eggs. Gino piled plates into a bin and backed his way into the kitchen. Dolly DeVane herself stood behind the counter, filling the coffee pot.

  “Well, hello there. Didn’t think I’d see y’all tonight,” she said as she walked over.

  Toby rested his arms on the table. “Why not? We come here every Friday.”

  She crooked a brow. “It’s your high school graduation.”

  Bryce wrapped an arm around the middle-aged woman’s waist. “Aw, Dolly. You’d miss us if we didn’t stop by.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “So you having the usual?”

  They all nodded.

  “Three coffees and three steak sandwiches coming up.” She tucked her pencil behind her ear.

  “Thanks, Dolly.” Jace shoved back his chair and headed for the men’s room. “Be right back,” he told the guys.

  He walked down the dim hallway, eyeing the black and white photos which lined it. Dolly’s had been a fixture in the neighborhood since the early 1930s.

  Hollywood stars, politicians, even a few members of foreign royalty had eaten there over the years. Pretty cool. He reached the men’s room and pushed on the door, but it only moved a few inches. The bulb at that end of the hall had burned out, so he couldn’t see much. He knocked, then tried again. This time the door shoved back, and a body full of curves and smelling like the ocean emerged. Long hair fell over her shoulders as she wheeled a mop bucket ahead of her.

  “Sorry,” she said. “Didn’t think there’d be anyone back here.”

  Jace’s cheeks went hot, and he stuck his hands in his back pockets. “Hey, Pearl.”

  She steered the bucket toward the exit door. “Hey, yourself.”

  “It’s Jace. McClintock.”

  Dolly’s sixteen-year-old niece looked over her shoulder. “I know who it is.” S
he smiled, then ducked her chin.

  Two years behind them in school, Pearl DeVane had the reputation of being one of the smartest girls at Venice High. In Jace’s opinion, she was also one of the hottest. She wasn’t stacked, and she never wore revealing clothes or heavy makeup. She rarely partied. In fact, most of the time he’d seen her outside of school, she was at the diner, mopping floors or helping Dolly cook or sometimes sitting with her nose in a book if it was slow. But she had brains, bright blue eyes, caramel-colored hair and a smile that lit up the room. If he’d ever had the balls, he would’ve asked her out.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked. She leaned against the wall beside him, and her perfume came to him again, a combination of sea water and flowers. “Didn’t you guys graduate tonight?”

  “Mmhmm.” He couldn’t stop looking at her mouth, at her silhouette in the shadows. She wore dark shorts and a plain collared shirt with the diner logo over one breast, but it probably wouldn’t have mattered what she had on. Without warning, he turned rock-hard, and he hoped she wouldn’t glance down and see the way his shorts tented.

  She smiled, and a tiny gap appeared between her two front teeth. Had he ever noticed it? Had he ever stood this close to her before? They’d had one class together the year before, some kind of science. She’d sat in the front, and he’d spent most of the year wanting to scratch the itch in the middle of her shoulder blades whenever her fingers wandered back to reach for it.

  “Shouldn’t you be celebrating?” she added.

  But Jace didn’t have the kind of family who celebrated high school graduations. He barely had family at all. “We had our own party, me an’ Toby an’ Bryce, down on the beach.”

  She cocked her head. “Sounds like fun.”

  He didn’t answer. Instead, he reached for her, slipping an arm around her waist before he knew what it was doing. He pulled her into him, snug against his chest. Before she could say anything else, his other hand went to the back of her head. He tugged her hair the tiniest bit, enough that her chin lifted and her breath caught. That close, even in the shadows, he could see her eyes darken with pleasure.