by LuAnn McLane
PRAISE FOR LUANN MCLANE’S
CRICKET CREEK NOVELS
Moonlight Kiss
“A sweet love story set in the quaint Southern town of Cricket Creek. Reid makes for a sexy hero who could melt any heart.”
—Romantic Times
“Alluring love scenes begin with the simplicity of a kiss in this romantic southern charmer.”
—Publishers Weekly
“A very charming story, and I would be more than happy to read the entire series.”
—The Bookish Babe
“McLane nails the charm, quirks, nosiness, friendliness and sense of community you’d experience in a small Southern town as you walk the streets of Cricket Creek . . . engaging and sweet characters whose chemistry you feel right from the start.”
—That’s What I’m Talking About
Whisper’s Edge
“This latest foray to McLane’s rural enclave has all the flavor and charm of a small town where everyone knows everyone else and doesn’t mind butting in when the need arises. With a secondary romance between members of the slightly older generation, Whisper’s Edge offers a comforting read where love does “trump” insecurities, grief, and best-laid plans.”
—Library Journal
“Visiting Cricket Creek, Kentucky, feels like coming home once again.”
—Romantic Times
“A charming Southern romance that will keep you amused with its laugh-out-loud humor!”
—Harlequin Junkie
“Cute, funny, and full of romance.”
—Love to Read for Fun
“LuAnn McLane has a rich and unique voice that kept me laughing out loud as I read.”
—Romance Junkies
Pitch Perfect
“McLane packs secrets, sex, and sparks of gentle humor in an inviting picnic basket of Southern charm.”
—Ft.Myers & Southwest Florida
“A delightful . . . charming tale.”
—Romantic Times
“Entertaining [and] lighthearted.”
—Genre Go Round Reviews
Catch of a Lifetime
“I thoroughly enjoyed this amusing tale of baseball fanatics and a quiet little town that everyone falls in love with. The residents are all amusing and interesting . . . pure entertainment!”
—Fresh Fiction
“LuAnn McLane has created a delightful small-town romance that just captivates your heart and has you rooting for these charming characters. . . . I thoroughly enjoyed this romance, and I know that readers will want to spend more time with these handsome baseball players.”
—Night Owl Reviews
Playing for Keeps
“A fun tale.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Charming, romantic . . . this new series should be a real hit!”
—Fresh Fiction
“McLane’s trademark devilish dialogue is in fine form for this series.”
—Publishers Weekly
“No one does Southern love like LuAnn McLane!”
—The Romance Dish
ALSO BY LUANN MCLANE
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCES
“Mistletoe on Main Street” in Christmas on Main Street anthology
Moonlight Kiss: A Cricket Creek Novel
Whisper’s Edge: A Cricket Creek Novel
Pitch Perfect: A Cricket Creek Novel
Catch of a Lifetime: A Cricket Creek Novel
Playing for Keeps: A Cricket Creek Novel
He’s No Prince Charming
Redneck Cinderella
A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action
Trick My Truck but Don’t Mess with My Heart
Dancing Shoes and Honky-Tonk Blues
Dark Roots and Cowboy Boots
EROTIC ROMANCES
“Hot Whisper” in Wicked Wonderland anthology
Driven by Desire
Love, Lust, and Pixie Dust
Hot Summer Nights
Wild Ride
Taking Care of Business
Wildflower Wedding
A CRICKET CREEK NOVEL
LuAnn McLane
SIGNET ECLIPSE
Published by the Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) LLC, 375 Hudson Street,
New York, New York10014
USA | Canada | UK | Ireland | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa | China
penguin. com
A Penguin Random House Company
First published by Signet Eclipse, an imprint of New American Library,
a division of Penguin Group (USA) LLC
Copyright © LuAnn McLane, 2014
Penguin supports copyright. Copyright fuels creativity, encourages diverse voices, promotes free speech, and creates a vibrant culture. Thank you for buying an authorized edition of this book and for complying with copyright laws by not reproducing, scanning, or distributing any part of it in any form without permission. You are supporting writers and allowing Penguin to continue to publish books for every reader.
SIGNET ECLIPSE and logo are trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) LLC.
ISBN 978-1-101-63834-7
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Version_1
Contents
Praise
Also by LUANN MCLANE
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
1: Top Shelf
2: Sweet Fantasy
3: A Little Bit Stronger
4: Rise and Shine!
5: Bringing Sexy Back
6: Long As I Got My Suit and Tie
7: Sweet Memories
8: That’s Life
9: Catch Me If You Can
10: Water Under the Bridge
11: Busted
12: Running on Empty
13: Raise Your Glass
14: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
15: Stuck in This Moment
16: Hot and Spicy
17: Just One More Thing
18: What Matters Most
19: I Think I Love You
20: Beginning Again
21: A Leap of Faith
22: The Things We Do for Love
23: Mean Girls
24: Cheeseburger in Paradise
25: Facing the Music
26: Just Remember I Love You
27: The Eye of the Storm
28: Don’t Stop Believin’
29: Special Delivery
Epilogue: Holes in the Floor of Heaven
Excerpt from SWEET HARMONY
This book is for Stevie
“For Once in My Life”
Acknowledgments
I would like to take this opportunity to thank small-business owners for all of the hard work and the dedication it takes to keep the doors open. I find such joy in strolling down Main Street in a small town, eating at the local diner, trying pastries at the bakery, or shopping in a quaint boutique.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at New American Library. From the gorgeous covers to the detailed copyedits and everything in between, I couldn’t ask for a better team in my corner! I want to give a special thanks to my editor, Jesse Feldman. I enjoyed working with you, and I will miss you but wish you the best of luck. A heartfelt than
k-you goes to Danielle Perez for making the transition to a new editor seamless. I already love working with you, and I’m looking forward to future Cricket Creek adventures.
As always, thank you so much to my amazing agent, Jenny Bent. We have been working together for over ten years, and I have enjoyed the journey.
Thank you ever so much to my readers. Your support and encouragement mean the world to me and keep my fingers on the keyboard. My wish is to bring a smile to your faces and a happy ending to your hearts.
1
Top Shelf
“JUST WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING WHEN I PUT those up there?” Gabby frowned at the neatly stacked spools of ribbon stored up out of her reach. Tapping her cheek, she glanced around her flower shop for her step stool and grinned at the row of garden gnomes staring back at her. “Don’t look at me like that. I know I need to be more organized.” Gabby walked past potted plants and ducked beneath hanging ferns before pausing to straighten a display of dainty African violets. Sighing, she inhaled a deep breath of floral-scented air, then remembered that she’d taken her step stool upstairs to her apartment. “I need to start carrying the doggone thing around like a backpack,” she grumbled. At her five feet three, everything seemed just beyond her reach.
With her hands fisted on her hips, Gabby angled her head at the shelf. Her stomach took the opportunity to growl in protest of missing lunch, but she’d ordered a pepperoni pizza from the new pizza parlor a little while ago, so it should be delivered shortly. She hoped the pizza was good. Cricket Creek was known for some pretty wonderful restaurants but had been sorely lacking in great pizza. Although the dining area of the restaurant wasn’t officially open, River Row Pizza had started to offer pickup and delivery on a limited basis. But at this point even so-so pizza would do.
“Maybe I can get it.” Biting down on her bottom lip, Gabby stepped forward and reached for the elusive pink ribbon she needed to finish the Get Well Soon flower arrangement she’d been working on for the past half hour. When her middle finger touched the spool, she rose to her tiptoes and stretched forward as far as she could go. Wiggling her fingers, she inched the spool forward until it finally toppled over and bonked her on the head before hitting the floor. “Yes!” Feeling victorious over being vertically challenged, she bent down and picked up the elusive item. “What? Red?”
With a little growl Gabby slapped the red ribbon onto the table and then looked around for something to stand upon. Spotting a wooden crate, she pushed it over beneath the shelf. After putting one foot on the lid, she pressed downward, testing the strength. “Should hold me,” Gabby mumbled even though she knew from personal experience those three little words might come back to haunt her, but she decided if she worked fast she’d be okay.
Inhaling a deep breath, Gabby stepped onto the crate. She felt the wooden slats give just a little, so she quickly grabbed the prize, but as she turned to step down the bell dinged over the door, drawing her attention.
Oh my . . .
Gabby’s gaze passed over a pizza box and zoomed in on a snug-fitting red T-shirt hugging the contours of a very nice chest. Bulging biceps stretched sleeves that exposed a teasing glimpse of armband tribal tattoos. Her gaze traveled up to a strong jaw shaded by sexy stubble, full lips, a straight nose, and eyes the color of decadent dark chocolate. Nearly black hair fell across Pizza Guy’s forehead and brushed the top of his shoulders in a messy but sexy just-out-of-bed way. Hot damn.
“You ordered pizza?”
“Yes.” Wait . . . recognition sliced through her ogling. She knew him. “Reese . . . Reese Parker?”
“You guessed right, but I go by Marino now, Mom’s maiden name.” He grinned slightly and nodded while he walked closer and placed the cardboard box and a white bag onto the counter. “Hi, Gabby. My uncle said you own this place?”
“I . . . I do.” Gabby nodded, clutching the ribbon harder.
“Wow.” Reese glanced around and his grin widened. “I’m impressed.”
“Thank you. Cricket Creek has been growing by leaps and bounds lately. Things are finally looking up.”
“I noticed.”
Gabby could only manage a nod. Reese had been the hottest guy in high school, oozing edgy, bad-boy danger. Although Gabby and Reese had played together as children, she’d steered clear as a teenager but admired him from afar, a difficult task since they’d grown up in the same trailer park located on the outskirts of town.
“Well, good for you, Gabby.”
She cleared her throat, not really ready to explain how she’d come to own the shop. “I ran into your mom up in town a few weeks ago and she said the guy who was opening the pizza parlor was her brother, but she said you were staying in Brooklyn.”
“You asked about me?”
“Well . . . of course,” Gabby admitted, but felt a bit flustered. She tucked a lock of her short blond hair behind her ear. “So you’ve moved back?”
Reese nodded. “I had some unfinished business in Brooklyn, but yeah, I’m back.” When Reese walked closer her heart did a little tap dance in her chest. “You always did love flowers,” he commented with another look around.
Gabby’s heart skipped a beat. Really? Reese remembered that about her after all of these years? “Yes,” she answered softly, and his gaze came back to land on her face. “It all started with seedlings in milk cartons at school and I was hooked.”
He nodded. “Yeah, you helped bring green beans back to life or I would have gotten a big fat F.”
Gabby chuckled. “Oh, I remember that now. You overwatered, I think.”
“Hey, I’m really sorry about your mother.” Reese’s dark eyebrows edged closer together and with a tilt of his head he gave her a look of such sympathy that her breath caught.
“How did you know?” Gabby asked, and was a little surprised at his gentle demeanor. The last time she’d seen Reese he was a troubled teenager who was hell-bent on self-destruction.
“My mom told me. Musta been rough.” His voice held a hint of Brooklyn, not surprising since he’d been living there for the past eight years.
“Yeah.” Gabby swallowed hard. “I sure do miss her.”
Reese stepped even closer until he was near enough that she could have reached out and touched him. Because she remained on the box, he had to tilt his head up but just a little bit. “You doin’ okay?”
Gabby nodded. “She’s been gone over two years. Time heals. Now I can think of Mama and smile instead of cry,” she replied, but when she curved her lips to demonstrate, she felt the corners of her mouth tremble. “Most of the time, anyway.”
“I remember how much you and your mom loved to garden.” Reese shook his head. “I was always amazed how you took that little patch of earth and produced so many flowers and vegetables.”
“You remember all that?” Gabby asked, and then felt a blush warm her cheeks.
“I remember a lot about you.” Reese gave her a look she couldn’t quite read, but it made her pulse continue to race.
“Like what?” Gabby hadn’t meant to voice the question, but there it was, hanging between them. She had a habit of blurting things out that she should keep to herself.
“Like how you would sing off-key while pulling weeds.”
“I do not sing off-key!” But she had to grin. She still loved to sing or hum while she worked.
“And how you’d always had a streak of dirt on your cheek. Like now.”
“I do?” Horrified, she rubbed her cheeks.
“Gotcha.” He laughed but then tilted his head. “I’ll never forget how you stood up for me,” Reese continued but without laughing this time.
Her chin came up. “You were innocent.” Her simple statement carried some heat. The Riverbend Trailer Park kids were often blamed for things without any evidence and sometimes called river rats by a few people behind their backs.
“You s
ure about that?” he asked with a slight twist of his lips, but something flashed in his eyes that told another story.
“You might have been a troublemaker but not a vandal or thief. You didn’t steal anything from the concession stand.” Gabby shuddered at the memory of Reese being accused and then slammed to the ground by the big old mean sheriff, Bo Mason. She’d been watering plants in the high school greenhouse when she heard the commotion and ran out to see what was going on . . .
• • •
“Caught you red-handed, son!” Bo Mason shouted before pressing a knee to Reese’s back, so he couldn’t get up.
“Doing what?” Reese’s voice was muffled from having his face smashed against the concrete.
“Stealing from the concession stand.”
“I didn’t take anything! Let me up.”
“You’re a liar and a thief. You ain’t goin’ nowhere till I git the truth outta ya. Now, where did you stash the cash you stole from the drawer?”
“He didn’t do anything!” Gabby shouted as she jogged forward, seeing red when the big sheriff added some weight to his knee planted in the small of Reese’s back. “Get off him!”
“And just who are you, missy?”
“I’m Gabby Goodwin. President of the gardening club.” She was the only member, but he didn’t need to know that. “I was watering tomato plants in the greenhouse and I saw Reese picking up trash in the parking lot. He was nowhere near the concession stand.” Gabby pointed in the opposite direction.
“Picking up trash? Ha, Good Samaritan, are ya?” The sheriff looked down at Reese and let out another laugh before looking back at Gabby. “Ya gotta come up with something better to save your boyfriend here.”
“Reese had detention,” Gabby answered stiffly. “For disrupting class. I know because I was in the classroom when he got in trouble.” She tilted her head toward the Dumpster. “Reese just put his plastic bags in there if you want to look.”
The sheriff looked unhappy that he was being challenged. “If you didn’t take the money, then who did, son?”
“How do I know?” Reese answered, and was rewarded with a harsh tap to his head.