Crave: The Gibson Boys, Book #3

by Locke, Adriana

  "Bitch," she mouths as she approaches the same man that approached me earlier. I want to warn her, but don’t. For one, I know it won’t do any good, and for two, I can’t take my eyes off Landry.

  People literally part for him to walk through. It's like he's Moses. They're more than willing to be led through the Red Sea, divided by his power and influence, and into the Promised Land.

  I’m off in space about what precisely that land might entail, when my shoulder is bumped, rustling me out of my Landry-induced haze.

  "Excuse me," I say. When I realize who I've just ignored, my cheeks heat in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," I stutter, handing Camilla Landry, one of the Landry sisters, a glass of champagne.

  She’s even more beautiful in person, a textbook example of poise and sophistication. In the media a lot for charity work with her mother, her face is easily identifiable with her high cheekbones and sparkling smile.

  "Don't worry about it," she breathes, waving me off. "I can't take my brothers anywhere without women getting all mesmerized. Especially that one," she laughs, nodding to the doorway Barrett just went through. "Although, between me and you, I don't get it."

  Her grin is infectious, and I can't help but return it.

  "I'm Camilla," she says, extending her long, well-manicured hand like I don’t already know.

  I balance the tray on one side and take her hand in mine. "I'm Alison. Alison Baker."

  "You helped clean up a sauce spill earlier. You put the lady that had the accident at ease when you took the blame and kept the attention off her. I wanted you to know I saw and respected that."

  "It really was no big deal.”

  "In this world, everything can be a big deal. Trust me. You probably just saved my brother a couple of votes."

  "Just doing my part," I laugh.

  She smiles again, her chic sky-blue dress matching her eyes and heels. "Well, on behalf of the mayor, thank you. He seems ... occupied, at the moment."

  I wink. "I have no idea what you’re talking about. I didn't see a thing."

  She nods, looking a touch relieved, and thanks me again before turning away and greeting the older lady from earlier, the one that spilled her dinner all over me. Camilla takes her hand and helps her into a chair.

  Her elegance is breathtaking and she has a charm about her, an easiness even though she’s clearly blue-blood, that I’ve never seen before. It’s exactly what the kitchen is buzzing about with Barrett—a charisma you can’t quite put your finger on.

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  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana created her own.

  She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, two dogs, two cats, and a bird. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.

  Besides cinnamon gummy bears, boxing, and random quotes, her next favorite thing is chatting with readers. She’d love to hear from you!

  www.adrianalocke.com

  Subscribe to her newsletter: http://bit.ly/LockeList

  Acknowledgments

  As always, first and foremost, thank you to the Creator for everything in my life. Even the difficult times are a blessing and I’m forever grateful.

  So much love to Mr. Locke and our four sons. Your support, love, and cheerleading fills my heart. You are the greatest part of my life.

  My mom is “that mom”. The one that hands out her daughter’s pens and Amazon link to everyone she meets. She’s also the best mom in the whole wide world. Thank you for being the role model every little girl should have.

  My mother-in-law makes the best butterscotch pie ever. (Hint, hint, Peggy.) And even though Rob has sketchy sports team preferences, he’s still pretty special. I love you both.

  My team is the best. Plain and simple. Kari March, Tiffany Remy, Kim Cermak, Jen Costa, Susan Rayner, Carleen Riffle, Michele Ficht, Candace Fleming— thank you doesn’t come close. Not only do you give so much to my books, but you give so much to me. You’re some of the best people I know and I adore you all. So very much.

  Mandi Beck is the ying to my yang. (Or is it the other way around?)

  Without the ten calls a day to S.L. Scott, I don’t think I’d make it. (But I could forgo all the stock image searches. Ha!)

  Becca Mysoor is everything. More than a developmental editor, more than a set of eyes on a book, she brings joy and light and honesty to every project. I love working with you, sweet friend.

  Jenny Sims took me on last minute and did an impeccable job editing this book. Girl, I’m so glad I found you. I’m even happier you can deal with my madness! Thank you for working with me. I’m honored.

  Ebbie Moresco keeps Books by Adriana Locke moving (literally!) and Kaitie Reister is the admin-in-chief of All Locked UP. You two do such an amazing job. I could never thank you enough.

  I would like to take a second to thank all the bloggers that work so tirelessly to bring book love to the world. I see you. I appreciate you. You are loved!

  Books by Adriana Locke is my Facebook group and also my happy place. Filled with the most amazing women (and a few men), it’s a concentration of laughs, support, and love. Thank you for being just as an important member of my team as anyone.

  And you, the person reading this—thank you. I appreciate your willingness to try Crave. I hope you enjoyed it.

  Xo, Adriana